Razer

Razer Blade Stealth

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In case you didn’t know, I L-O-V-E Razer.  They make wonderful, efficient gaming gear among other products.  I have pretty much everything Chroma.  Is it necessary?  No, but it’s aesthetically pleasing; plus, there are millions of color options.  Who doesn’t love customization?  When the Razer Blade Stealth was unveiled at CES, it won a “Best of CES; Best PC” award.  They then made history, as Razer won their sixth consecutive “Best of CES” award.  I am so proud to know the people behind the brand.  

Image courtesy of razerzone.com
Image courtesy of razerzone.com
The Stealth currently on sale, which varies in price (i.e. $1,599.99 reduced to $1,449.99 for 512GB, UHD).  Side note:  If you have the student discount, save it.  The current sale price is a better option.  You also get FL Studio 12 included with your purchase.  I was fortunate enough to get one, and all I can say is, “WOW!”  The picture clarity is amazing– minute details I never knew were there are visible.  It weighs in at 2.75 pounds compared to the MacBook Air, which weighs 2.38 pounds.  Currently there is no hardshell case for it, but some companies offer skins.  The one brand with the highest reviews is dbrand.  They have some fun customization options, and can be re-adjusted.  I wish it had come with a sleeve or something to protect it, even though most laptops/ultrabooks do not.     
This ultrabook is incredible!  The touchscreen is very receptive.  I need to get a screen protector; don’t know about you, but fingerprints on the screen drives me nuts.  The backlighting on the keys can be adjusted, and there are millions of combinations to make it your own.  You can customize profiles to fit your wants.  I have a profile for WoW, which only lights up keys used for MMORPGs (there are various gaming settings).  I also have one for daily use, which is spectrum cycling, that cycles through all different colors.  There is also a breathing option, where the colors pulsate.  Options that I haven’t listed are noted here.  My desktop setup has the colors sync together (keyboard, mouse, headphones, mousepad). 
The downside to the Stealth is that it does heat up quite fast.  If you have it on your lap, it might burn your legs.  I always use a stand (it came with a fan), so it’s not an issue for me.  I highly recommend getting one if you decide to purchase this.  I also read that the battery life is not the greatest (unplugged), but I generally always have my laptops plugged in.  Fingerprints definitely show on the outer parts of the ultrabook, which isn’t pretty, but that’s why they have skins.  Should you decide to purchase the Stealth (especially if you’re a gamer), I recommend getting the 512GB, since space is limited already, and the last thing you want is a computer without space.  The first thing I installed was WoW, and it actually plays even without the Razer Core.  In case you were wondering, I did not purchase the Core simply because of the price.  As much as I love Razer, it seems as though they are starting to price themselves out.      
Pros:
  • Visual quality/clarity
  • Gaming capabilities
  • Chroma (not necessary, but it’s beautiful!)
  • Speaker quality/clarity
  • Small power brick (fabric-covered cord)
  • Lightweight
  • Travel-friendly 
  • HDMI port
  • 2 USB ports
Cons:
  • Can overheat fast
  • Battery life is low
  • Generally does not play high-end games without the Core
I’m sure there are more cons, but overall this has been one of my favorite products.  I have only had it for a couple of days, so after more use I will update this post.
Do you have the Stealth or a Razer system?  What are your thoughts?

Gift-Giving Guide, Part 4: Technology, Gadgets, & Travel

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There are tons of gadgets available so it’s hard to pick just a few.  What is on your holiday list?

1.  ESPRO Insulated Coffee & Tea Press, $49.95

Image courtesy of brookstone.com

Know anyone who can’t live without their tea or coffee?  I must admit that I am one of those people.  I also don’t mind saying that I kind of want to buy this for myself.  Who wouldn’t love the perfect cup of their favorite fresh-pressed tea or coffee?  Whether it’s made ahead of time to enjoy on the way to the office or made so it’s ready to enjoy at the office, the tea/coffee will be amazing and stay hot for up to 6 hours.  Comes in black, stainless steel, and white.

2.  Perfect Bake:  App-Controlled Smart Baking, $69.99 (currently on sale, $49.99)

Image courtesy of brookstone.com

At CES 2015, we watched the demo for this “smart baking” set.  I think it’s a wonderful gift for those who are just starting to bake, as it does far more than weigh your ingredients.  You hook up the scale to your device, and it will auto-adjust the amount of ingredients necessary for whatever it will be put in the oven.  Need the recipe for half a dozen cookies instead of a dozen?  What if you need more?  That’s no problem either. 

3.  GoalZero Flip 10 Charger, $25.80

Image courtesy of amazon.com

I listed this in my post about gadget travel essentials, which you can read here, if you like.  This portable charger has saved me countless times.  I always take it, whether I am headed to the store or traveling here and there.  You can bring the power stick to a full charge on your computer.  Attach the USB cable, and charge away.  The link provided happens to be for the green charger, but they do offer other colors.

4.  ZUCA Pro Artist Case, $305.00 ($275.00 on amazon.com)

Image courtesy of zuca.com

If you are feeling extra generous this year, you can splurge on a ZUCA.  I LOVE mine, and have had it for ages.  It has been all over the world, and rolled through just about everything– rocks, snow, ice, gravel, etc.  The frame still looks new, and it still acts as a seat.  You can read more about my use of ZUCA here.  This makes the perfect gift for anyone who travels and is looking for a lightweight, durable carry-on.  The ZUCA Pro Artist Case also comes with convenient inserts for storage and organization.  

5.  Razer Kraken 7.1 Chroma, $99.99

Image courtesy of razerstore.com
Image courtesy of razerstore.com

The Chroma products from Razer are fun and functional.  I love that the Chroma line can be synced to change so all devices have the same colored light.  If you’d like, you can click here to read about what I have.  They can also change or be set on a static color.  The sound is amazing, and the noise-cancellation is comparable to Bose.  Each headset also comes with an enhanced digital microphone.  When it retracts into the earpiece the microphone will turn off.   

6.  R2D2 Kitchen Timer, $19.99

Image courtesy of bedbathandbeyond.com

No Star Wars fan’s kitchen would be complete without this adorable R2D2 kitchen timer.  He is the perfect addition to any counter top, and will ring when the time is up.

7.  iHealth Edge Activity + Sleep Tracker, $69.99

Image courtesy of ihealthlabs.com

iHealth is a wonderful company.  They have everything from glucometers to advanced scales, blood pressure cuffs, and more.  The products can all be linked to the app, so all stats are within reach.  The Edge is comfortable to wear, and there is no need to worry about burns or other issues.  It is not waterproof, though, so no swimming or showering with it.  All-in-all the Edge is a fantastic gift for those who are health/fitness savvy.

Tech Tuesday: Razer Chroma

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Over time, I have used Turtle Beach, Corsair, and other gaming-specific brands, until I found Razer….then, I fell in love.

Currently, I have the Naga mouse, and my friend has the mouse and headset.  While at CES (a HUGE shout-out to Ryan who helped us out, and Hilmar for all the information), we were introduced to the Chroma line.  The BlackWidow Chroma and BlackWidow Chroma Stealth (Stealth available on their site, only) are two of the most beautiful keyboards I’ve seen.  They are very durable, and the vibrant backlight options allow you to pick from over 16 million customizable color options!  There are 5 additional macro keys and, of course, a gaming mode option.  It is so easy to fit the keyboard to your needs.

Image courtesy of razerzone.com
Image courtesy of razerzone.com
Image courtesy of razerzone.com

The Naga Epic Chroma mouse works just as well as the Naga, but it’s not as aesthetically pleasing.  It also doesn’t have a wireless option nor a magnetic dock.  There is also the Death Adder Chroma, but it doesn’t have the 12-key.  I would compare the Kraken Chroma headset (7.1 surround sound) to the Bose noise-cancelling headphones.  I have used both, and must say that I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Chroma blocks external noise.  Whether you are watching a concert or playing your favorite game, the headset immerses you in the experience; it feels like you’re (literally) there!  Like the rest of the Chroma line, you can choose from over 16 million customizable color options regarding the backlight.  Another plus is how comfortable it is to wear.  I noticed with others that the top of my head would get sore after a little more than an hour of gaming.  There is no discomfort at all with the Kraken Chroma, and I sometimes forget to take a break; the time just flies by!  The ear cups fold in for easy portability, and the mic is a high-quality.  It also can be pushed in when you’re not using it, which means no bulky mic.  

Since CES, we have both purchased the complete Chroma set (I’m waiting just for my keyboard to arrive!).  Everything works seamlessly together, and I love the fact that the colors on the keyboard, mouse, and headset change simultaneously.  Does the backlight affect how the products work?  No.    But it does make gaming experiences that much more enjoyable.  I also love that the keyboard can be set so that specific keys are lit during gameplay, and the rest are not.  It’s all about quality, and Razer makes some of the best gaming products out there.  Right now, they have some great promotions.  You can even purchase a tee, and 100% of the profits will go to the Save the Children Organization.  The Razer team is incredible, too, and their customer service is top-notch. 

CES: Day 1 Recap

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We got in to Las Vegas just before 1 p.m. on Monday. Checked in to the hotel, and despite the Internet going in & out, it’s been nice. Woke up early today (Tuesday), after a restless night due to body aches, and covered South Hall 1 & 3. Most of the vendors in the South Halls carry mobile accessories, such as this plastic iPhone 6 case:

Image courtesy of H. Nelson
Image courtesy of H. Nelson

 

 Remember those oil-in-water toys when we were kids? Well, you can now relive your youth. . . or at least that part of it. This color can be changed to virtually hue, and the little hearts can be changed to cars, dolphins, or whatever your little heart desires! Yes, they are wholesale, and no, they do not sell just one at a time. I did a quick search, though, and the cases can be purchased for virtually all phones here. There are also glitter-in-water cases, such as the kind foundhere. The image on the right shows how much will be added to the depth of the phone; not bad, eh?  The plastic is strong, but I haven’t been able to test my sample yet. . . I’m not sure how well they hold up nor do I know what it takes to crack them. If you have tested this style out, please let me know what you think!

Image courtesy of Amazon.com
Since my photographer and I are both gamers, we stopped at Turtle Beachto see what was coming out. Their booth had giant headphones, and we couldn’t resist taking a picture with them.   Below is a photo of one of the displays, featuring Turtle Beach and the Xbox One.

Image courtesy of H. Nelson

 While he is a Turtle Beach fan, I fully support Razer. They have wonderful gaming products that are easily customized to fit your needs. We met Ryan who introduced us to the Chroma line, and I can’t wait to complete the set. I upgraded my Naga mouse to the Chroma, and hopefully soon, I will have the headset and keyboard to go with it. If you are in the market for a new mouse and aren’t sure which is best for your needs, you can utilize the MouseSelector tool at the bottom of the page. The Chroma headset, in terms of noise-canceling, is comparable to those that Bose produces (and at a fraction of the cost). All three Chroma products can be synced to display the same color or color patterns. What is life without a little color?! To make things even better, the Razer team is fantastic! They know their product lines, and are passionate about providing well-made, aesthetically pleasing products that will last. Power to the gamers!

Razer logo.  Image courtesy of H. Nelson
Image courtesy of RazerZone.com

Chroma keyboard image courtesy of H. Nelson
Image courtesy of RazerZone.com

  

Image courtesy of RazerZone.com

As we moved through the hall, we came upon Brookstone.  They carry some really innovative products, like the Perfect Bake. I remember seeing this back when I was Christmas shopping, and thought, “What a useless product! How lazy can you possibly be?” until it was demoed. The Perfect Bake is a way, for even the most novice baker, to prepare amazing baked goods, flawlessly. I don’t believe there is a person on this planet who could mess up any recipe that is included. The product comes with three differently sized measuring bowls (but you can always use your own), a scale, and an app. The scale connects to your phone via the headphone jack, and automatically alters the recipe to suit your needs. Have a recipe for 24 cookies, but you only need 12?  No problem! The app will automatically adjust each item in the recipe to suit your needs. Whether you need 1 or 100, they’ve got you covered. As you fill the bowl, the line on each individual ingredient will rise until you have just enough. Did you accidentally put too much flour in the bowl? That’s not a problem either, as the app will adjust the amount for each item as it does for different quantities.

Image courtesy of Brookstone.com
Now, we move on to vlogging and video chat. Move over cameras and video chat; iTOi is here!  We got to test it out, and I absolutely love it! This portable, iPad-friendly machine works as a video recorder and prompter for those who want to vlog but hate having to look into a camera. The product works with your iPad to create a meaningful dialogue between you and your viewers. No more looking off into a camera, and no more editing from a camera. You can adjust the prompter speed and edit directly from your iPad. Don’t like what you see? Scroll back, change the text speed (if you use that feature), and start over. This product serves more than just the vlogging community. If you are like me, and prefer to have a script ready, you can create a flawless presentation for any event. The unavoidable disconnect between individuals in a virtual meeting does a 180, turning it into a personal experience, because you are looking directly at the person, not at a camera. When I FaceTime my friends in Australia, I am always looking at the camera when I am talking to them, and they do the same. It looks like we are not communicating with each other, and there is no way to see what is going on when you’re not looking. You can also use iTOi to chronicle life’s adventures, which will allow your future kin to see what went on in a day in the life of you. Create a video resume that is professional and personal, with iToi. You can purchase the iTOi from Brookstone, here.
 

Image courtesy of seeitoi.com