Bill Loguidice's Blog, page 100

July 16, 2016

First Look: New Matter MOD-t 3D Printer

Indiegogo success story New Matter has released several software updates to their MOD-t 3D printer since it was first launched approximately one year ago. As such, the company has improved upon an already solid foundation.


In the coming weeks I’ll be presenting an unboxing of the MOD-t, as well as releasing an interesting article featuring its output on TechRadar. In the mean-time, here is some key information about the printer:


The New Matter mod-T 3D printer has an elegant, desktop friendly design.

The New Matter mod-T 3D printer has an elegant, desktop friendly design.


Print Specifications

Process: Fused Filament Fabrication

Build Material: Non-proprietary PLA filament, 1.75mm diameter, 190–220°C

Over Temperature Protection: Non-resetable Thermal Fuse

Build Envelope: 150 x 100 x 125mm (6 x 4 x 5in)

Print Speed: Up to 80mm per second

Layer Resolution: Software selectable 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4mm

Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm


Dimensions and Weights (without spool)

Printer with Cover: 383 x 340 x 295mm

MOD-t Weight (printer only): 5.5 kg (12.5 lbs)


Software and Electrical

Software: The MOD-t is operated via a browser-based interface accessible through most modern and updated desktop and mobile browsers

Supported File Types: .STL and .OBJ

Setup: Mac OSX 10.7+, Windows7+ (required for setup only)

Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), USB 2.0

AC Power: 100-240VAC, 50/60HZ, 75W


For beginning users, the MOD-t leverages the New Matter Store, which has a library of highly-curated, ready-to-print 3D designs. For more experienced users, standard .STL and .OBJ file formats are supported.


Similarly, the MOD-t can use New Matter’s certified filaments, including a cool new “pearl” filament, as well as any standard 1.75mm third party PLA filaments.


The Web-based interface is available from both mobile and desktop browsers.

The Web-based interface is available from both mobile and desktop browsers.


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Published on July 16, 2016 17:55

Review: Forestfish Wireless IP Camera

The Forestfish Wireless Internet Protocol (IP) Camera has a wide variety of uses, from security monitoring to keeping tabs on children or pets. Two-way, real-time audio communication and 120 degree vertical and 355 degree horizontal pan and tilt controls provide considerable versatility, as do the options of connecting over wired or wireless Internet connections. As expected for a product of this type, there are other key features standard, including motion detection, night vision, and microSD card support (up to 64GB, FAT32 format; not included).


The box.

The box.


In the box is the IP camera itself, a wall mount with screws, a DC 5V 2A power adapter, LAN cable, and a user manual. The box and packaging are excellent, as is the build quality of the unit itself. Marring an otherwise excellent presentation, however, is the manual, which is poorly translated, with limited detail. You’ll probably be able to figure out most operational and other features on your own, but this is one area that really shouldn’t be such a challenge.


What's inside.

What’s inside.


For testing purposes, I decided I would use this camera over wifi and with the iOS app on my Apple iPhone 6 Plus. Wired network connections, computer Web browsers, and an Android app are also supported, as are features like email alerts and recording video to a microSD card. With little help from the documentation, experimentation will be your best friend here.


What you get.

What you get.


The first steps are to screw on the included antenna, plug in the AC adapter, and then plug the included network cable into the camera and then your router or other active wired network outlet. After powering on the camera it will run through a self test. Next step is to install the app, which in my case is “netcam” on the Apple App Store. Within the app, scan the QR code on the bottom of the camera. It should then see the camera, which should include a live feed and control over the camera’s actions. After that, you can set the camera up to use wifi from within the app. It does that with acoustic matching, but it’s critical that you first unplug the wired network cable. If you don’t, the acoustic pairing will fail.


Screenshot from the

Screenshot from the “netcam” app.


As you can see from the screenshot, video quality at its maximum resolution of 1280×720 is excellent, as it was for the low resolution video sample (this too can be set to 1280×720 if desired), even if I was shooting indoors behind a screened window.


 


This camera has a wealth of features, high quality output, and a low price. Despite the documentation challenges and high learning curve, the positives should outweigh the negatives for those users who don’t mind a little extra work.


Pluses:



Feature-packed
Low price
Wireless option
Two way communication

 


Minuses:



Poor documentation
Mediocre software
Must hardwire the connection before you can go wireless

 


Thanks to Forestfish for the review unit.


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Published on July 16, 2016 16:12

Review: SUNKONG Apple Watch Leather Band

Being the fourth third party 42mm Apple Watch band I reviewed to date, I really needed to be wowed. Fortunately, the SUNKONG Apple Watch Leather Band did just that.


The back of the package.

The back of the package.


The front of the package.

The front of the package.


Available in Brown, Black, Blue, Red, or White, the SUNKONG has a striking appearance. I chose the Blue, which as you can see in the photos has bold coloring on its leather material. As with other watch bands of this type that I’ve liked, the magnetic clasp is both convenient to put on and adjust, and strong enough to keep the positioning exactly where I want it, even during the most strenuous of activity.


The band.

The band.


One of the great features of the Apple Watch is how easy it is to slip new bands on and off.

One of the great features of the Apple Watch is how easy it is to slip new bands on and off.


Another angle.

Another angle.


I wear my Apple Watch Sport all of the time, except when I’m sleeping. So that also means it gets worn at the gym and during showers. After weeks of use, the band is no worse for the wear. The color still pops, there’s no fraying or breaking of the leather, and it remains just as comfortable as the day I got it. Thanks to that and its bold coloring, I’m giving the SUNKONG an Armchair Arcade Editor’s Choice award for 2016.


It's easy to get a perfect fit.

It’s easy to get a perfect fit.


Another angle.

Another angle.


Pluses:



Bold coloring
Leather
Magnetic clasp
Comfortable
Good price

 


Minuses:



Generic packaging

 


Armchair Arcade Editor's Choice Award 2016

Armchair Arcade Editor’s Choice Award 2016


Thanks to SUNKONG for the discounted review unit.


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Published on July 16, 2016 14:25

July 14, 2016

Nintendo announces the mini NES Classic Edition and here’s why it’s brilliant

Videogame hell has frozen over and something tons of Nintendo fans have been clamoring for for years has finally happened. Nintendo will be releasing a TV game version of their classic NES console called the NES Classic Edition on November 11. It will be a miniature version of the iconic boxy NES design that forgoes the cartridge port for 30 built-in (and truly legendary) first and third party titles. Instead of composite output it will support HDMI out, and instead of two original style controller ports it will have Wii compatible ports. One classic style controller is included, which presumably will also work on the Wii or Wii U.


NES Classic Edition and optional second gamepad

NES Classic Edition and optional second gamepad


I admit that while I always said this would be a way for Nintendo to make easy money, I didn’t expect them to actually go through with it because it would cannibalize sales on their Virtual Console digital store for their modern platforms. Unfortunately for Nintendo, the Wii U hasn’t sold and the 3DS is in its inevitable decline, so this holiday season was looking pretty bleak outside of external initiatives like Pokémon GO. With the NX not coming out until at least March 2017, this is the perfect product to help with the continued rehabilitation of the Nintendo name leading up to that new system’s release.


Outside of the so-called Nintendo faithful, who are passionate about Nintendo’s first party games, there hasn’t been a lot for other gamers with more diversified tastes to feel good about the brand in recent years. The NES Classic Edition is a brilliant nostalgia play that should sell millions this holiday season and create good vibes all around until Nintendo launches the NX. That’s wonderful momentum and something I’m not sure Nintendo could have gotten any other way.


While there are obviously a plethora of ways to play classic NES games, from emulation to excellent clone systems and everything in-between, there’s something special about a Nintendo-led product. I mean, just look at it! And for $60, and no doubt slightly less during holiday sales and specials, it goes near impulse buy territory.


Perhaps the best part about this upcoming release is that it points to TV game versions of the SNES and other Nintendo consoles, and perhaps even a dedicated portable version of the classic Game Boy, just with a modern screen that’s actually enjoyable to use. This to me is the Nintendo that everyone – not just the Nintendo faithful – can feel good about. The prospects for a successful NX launch increased dramatically in the past week.


Here’s the full game list:



Balloon Fight
BUBBLE BOBBLE
Castlevania
Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Jr.
DOUBLE DRAGON II: THE REVENGE
Dr. Mario
Excitebike
FINAL FANTASY®
Galaga
GHOSTS’N GOBLINS®
GRADIUS
Ice Climber
Kid Icarus
Kirby’s Adventure
Mario Bros.
MEGA MAN® 2
Metroid
NINJA GAIDEN
PAC-MAN
Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
StarTropics
SUPER C
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. 2
Super Mario Bros. 3
TECMO BOWL
The Legend of Zelda
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

 


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Published on July 14, 2016 06:48

July 9, 2016

Review: SplashETech miniQ Wifi and Capacitor Edition Dash Cam

The SplashETech miniQ Wifi and Capacitor Edition Dash Cam is a premium entry in the category. It provides multiple functions in an incredibly small form factor.


The box.

The box.


In the package you get the miniQ camera, mounting bracket, 32GB microSD (TF) card, microUSB cable, microUSB car charger, 3M VHB adhesive (x2), lens cleaner, electrostatic sticker (x2), and a manual. Set up is as simple as inserting the microSD card, mounting the camera, and powering it with the car charger. It will then automatically start recording when your car is started. Of course, there is a lot more to this than just that, plus you’ll want to at least make sure the date and time are set correctly.


What you get.

What you get.


The image sensor captures at full HD, with a 1920x1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. This is sufficient detail to see street signs and license plates. Night vision detail is also excellent. Video files are recorded in MOV format for excellent compatibility for viewing on just about any device and easy sharing to YouTube.


In wifi host mode, you can access the miniQ’s camera from your Apple- or Android-based smartphone via the FinalCam or Youmera apps. These apps allow you to view the live video feed, setup the camera’s features and functions, and also play back recorded videos.


Sample shot from the FinalCam app.

Sample shot from the FinalCam app.


You can control a lot of camera features from the app.

You can control a lot of camera features from the app.


Overall build quality is excellent, although the included car charger did tend to slide out of our 2015 Toyota Sienna’s charging port rather easily. I’m not sure if that’s the charging port itself or the design of the charger end, but it was definitely frustrating since the camera doesn’t work without power, providing only six seconds of standby time with its Super Capacitor Battery (more of a safety feature than for keeping a charge).


 


Optional accessories include a GPS add-on, hardwired power kit, video output cables, and alternative power cables. Some of those options help to unlock other camera capabilities. Firmware updates are available on the Website and are as simple as downloading the file and placing the BIN in the root of the microSD card.


Although pricey, the miniQ gets the job done. Although there are a lot of options for dash cams out there, the miniQ’s overall quality is a good reason to get it.


Pluses:



Tiny
High quality build
High quality audio-video
Wireless smartphone access
Upgradeable firmware

 


Minuses:



Small size equals small 1.5″ TFT LCD screen
Some of the cooler features like GPS require purchase of additional accessories
No battery backup
Recommended smartphone apps are mediocre

 


Thanks to GalaxiChoice for the review unit.


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Published on July 09, 2016 17:42

July 7, 2016

Press Release: Atari® and AtGames® Collaborate on Upcoming Atari Flashback® Classics Release for Console

Source: PRWeb


Companies Partner to Deliver Iconic Game Collections on Next-Generation Consoles for the First Time with Modern Gaming Capabilities Including Global Leaderboards, Online Multiplayer, and More

NEW YORK, NY AND LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) JUNE 29, 2016


Atari®, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, and AtGames® Digital Media Ltd., today announced their latest retro-gaming releases, Atari Flashback® Classics Volume 1 and Atari Flashback® Classics Volume 2. Each volume features 50 different classic Atari 2600 Video Computer System (VCS) and arcade games. The addictively fun bundle of games will launch on next-generation consoles in Holiday 2016.


For the first time on console, players can experience Atari’s greatest hits with the benefit of today’s technology, including full 1080p high-definition, global leaderboards, online multiplayer, and more. Featuring games like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Tempest®, Warlords®, and many more, each volume of Atari Flashback Classics combines the nostalgia of the Atari 2600 arcades with modern gaming capabilities.


“Each volume of Atari Flashback Classics offers convenient access to some of the most memorable titles in gaming history, introducing a new generation of gamers to many of the very best videogames ever created,” said Fred Chesnais, Chief Executive Officer, Atari. “It is our hope that the same excitement people experienced when these titles were first introduced to the home and in the arcade can be felt again, and that today’s gamers can discover what made these titles legendary.”


“Atari Flashback Classics is a wonderful expansion of our popular Atari Flashback hardware series, which has sold millions of classic game consoles worldwide,” says Dr. Ping-Kang Hsiung, CEO of AtGames. “We are delighted to once again partner with Atari to bring amazing classic gaming titles to the latest generation of consoles.”


Atari Flashback Classics Volume 1 features the following titles:


3-D Tic-Tac-Toe (2600), Air-Sea Battle (2600), Backgammon (2600), Basketball (2600), Black Widow (Arcade), Blackjack (2600), Bowling (2600), Canyon Bomber (2600), Centipede (2600), Centipede (Arcade), Circus Atari (2600), Combat (2600), Combat 2 (2600), Desert Falcon (2600), Dodge ‘Em (2600), Fatal Run (2600), Football (2600), Home Run (2600), Human Cannonball (2600), Liberator (Arcade), Lunar Lander (Arcade), Millipede (2600), Millipede (Arcade), Miniature Golf (2600), Pong (Arcade), Quadrun (2600), Radar Lock (2600), Realsports Boxing (2600), Realsports Football (2600), Realsports Soccer (2600), Realsports Volleyball (2600), Save Mary (2600), Slot Machine (2600), Slot Racers (2600), Space Duel (Arcade), Sprint Master (2600), Star Raiders (2600), Steeplechase (2600), Stunt Cycle (2600), Super Baseball (2600), Super Football (2600), Swordquest: Earthworld (2600), Swordquest: Fireworld (2600), Swordquest: Waterworld (2600), Tempest (2600), Tempest (Arcade), Video Olympics (2600), Warlords (2600), Warlords (Arcade), Yars’ Revenge (2600)


Atari Flashback Classics Volume 2 features the following titles:


A Game of Concentration (2600), Adventure (2600), Asteroids (2600), Asteroids (Arcade), Asteroids Deluxe (Arcade), Atari Video Cube (2600), Basic Math (2600), Brain Games (2600), Breakout (2600), Casino (2600), Championship Soccer (2600) ,Checkers (2600) ,Chess (2600) ,Code Breaker (2600) ,Crystal Castles (2600), Crystal Castles (Arcade), Demons to Diamonds (2600), Double Dunk (2600), Flag Capture (2600), Golf (2600), Gravitar (2600), Gravitar (Arcade), Hangman (2600), Haunted House (2600), Major Havoc (Arcade), Maze Craze (2600), Missile Command (2600), Missile Command (Arcade), Night Driver (2600), Off the Wall (2600), Outlaw (2600), Race (2600), Realsports Baseball (2600), Realsports Basketball (2600), Realsports Tennis (2600), Red Baron (Arcade), Return to Haunted House (2600), Secret Quest (2600), Sentinel (2600), Sky Diver (2600), Spacewar (2600), Sprint (Arcade), Star Ship (2600), Stellar Track (2600), Street Racer (2600), Sub Commander (2600), Super Breakout (2600), Super Breakout (Arcade), Surround (2600), Video Pinball (2600)


Developed by Code Mystics, each volume of Atari Flashback Classics will be available both digitally and at retail in Holiday 2016.


About Atari

Atari Interactive, Inc. (http://www.atari.com) is an interactive entertainment production company. As an iconic brand that transcends generations and audiences, the company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®, Test Drive®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®.


Atari has offices in New York and Paris.


© 2016 Atari Interactive, Inc. All rights reserved. Atari word mark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.


About AtGames

AtGames Digital Media, Ltd. (http://www.atgames.net) develops innovative interactive entertainment products for worldwide distribution. AtGames has offices in Los Angeles, Taipei, and Shenzhen.


About Code Mystics

Based in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Code Mystics (http://www.codemystics.com) is a prolific and versatile independent developer, comprised of industry veterans. With over 50 titles spanning both high-profile flagship brands and popular indie titles, Code Mystics’ proprietary technology delivers pixel-perfect solutions on all platforms from console and handheld to mobile and desktop and even custom hardware.


NOTE: The company names and product names are the registered trademark of each respective company.


Contact Author


JODIE LEE

AtGames Digital Media Inc.

+1 (310) 286-2222


TONY CHIEN

Atari

(212) 726-4280


(END PRESS RELEASE)

You can pre-order on Amazon: Volume 1 (PS4 / Xbox One) and Volume 2 (PS4 / Xbox One)


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Published on July 07, 2016 11:44

July 4, 2016

Review: Zhencheng 5 Wheeled RC Stunt Car

The Zhencheng 5 Wheeled RC Stunt Car is designed for the high-speed RC enthusiast in your life. Although ostensibly designed for stunts with special shock absorbing tires and a fifth upper wheel to handle wheelies, flips, and rolls, the Zhencheng is a blast to drive as a regular RC car that absolutely zips along, particularly when you start to master its ability to handle tight turns.


The box.

The box.


Another angle.

Another angle.


The back of the box.

The back of the box.


In the box you get the car itself, a 27 MHz remote control, a 9V battery for the remote control, a rechargeable lithium ion 6v 700mAh battery pack for the car, charger for the battery pack, and an instruction manual. Once the battery pack is fully charged, which takes approximately 2 – 3 hours, you’ll get over 15 minutes of continuous run-time.


Unpacking everything.

Unpacking everything.


What parents everywhere dread.

What parents everywhere dread.


Everything is free!

Everything is free!


The remote control has forward and reverse on the left side and left and right on the right side. When the RC car is in motion, two LED headlights light the way.


The underside of the car. Note the alignment dial.

The underside of the car. Note the alignment dial.


The car and remote share a similar light blue color. The racing flame accents are a nice touch, although I did find the “Power” and “Hot” labels on the car a tad cheesy. Overall, though, this is a really nice RC stunt car.


 


Pluses:



Fast
Durable
Maneuverable
Batteries included
Remote is responsive

 


Minuses:



A bit pricey
The remote controller itself is a bit clunky
Cheesy words on the outside of the car

 


Thanks to ZX Toy for the review unit.


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Published on July 04, 2016 14:50

June 29, 2016

News: XYZprinting da Vinci miniMaker 3D printer available for $229.99 pre-order

XYZprinting today announced that their upcoming da Vinci miniMaker 3D printer is now available for pre-order. Amazon presently has it listed for just $229.99 with free Prime Shipping. Expected release is October of this year.


Although this company’s da Vinci Jr. has been available for under $300 for quite some time now and will no doubt eventually see further price drops, the miniMaker offers the same type of feature-set with the important benefit of an auto-calibration system that adjusts the extruder and print bed for better prints. For those who’ve used other 3D printers, like the da Vinci Jr., which require manual calibration, you can understand why that’s such a big deal.


Besides less appealing aesthetics than the da Vinci Jr. – it’s more Fisher-Price than Apple – the miniMaker does also forgo its older sibling’s wireless connectivity. Otherwise, in the package you get a spool of XYZprinting’s proprietary PLA filament and access to their 3D library gallery, 3D modeling software, and a STEAM curriculum for students.


While requiring proprietary filament may seem like a deal-breaker, it’s common on many sub-$500 3D printers. Fortunately, the proprietary filament is competitively priced and does help ensure better prints and fewer overall issues, like extruder jams, that are sometimes caused by third party filaments, as well as ensuring that you’re using something non-toxic.


The filament is proprietary, but that's not necessarily a bad thing from a safety and usability standpoint.

The filament is proprietary, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing from a safety and usability standpoint.


Personally, I’m pre-ordering this unit as my family’s first foray into 3D printing. Even the best 3D printers can be a challenge to operate and maintain, so for our first 3D printing experience I want something relatively hassle-free. Once we’ve mastered this, then we’ll consider upgrading to a more sophisticated model as our needs or desires arise.


Interestingly, the miniMaker also appears to provide more versatility than Mattel’s upcoming Thingmaker 3D printer, as well as undercuts its price. We won’t know more about the Thingmaker, however, until Mattel releases some much-needed details.


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Published on June 29, 2016 07:41

June 26, 2016

Review: Easy Roller Dice Co. Gaming Dice, Four Different Varieties

There’s simply no denying that our favorite type of gaming is electronic. Whether it’s console, arcade, computer, handheld, or anything in-between, if it’s an electronically powered game that preferably goes beep, we love it. Of course, like much of Armchair Arcade‘s readership, there’s still a big place left in our hearts for traditional board games, and especially tabletop gaming, as well as even a little skill-based gambling.


The Easy Roller Dice Co., as the name suggests, specializes in all types of gaming dice and related accessories. Whether you’re a tabletop gamer, board gamer, or gambling aficionado, Easy Roller Dice Co. probably offers just what you need to take your play to the next level (they even sell a nifty double-sided, vinyl gaming mat). Today I’ll be reviewing four different sets of their standard 16MM size gaming dice, including a metal-based professional edition.


Orange and Grey Swirl Dice
The dice bag.

The dice bag.


Orange and Grey Swirl Dice

Orange and Grey Swirl Dice


This set features a dull orange base with grey swirls, creating an almost marble-like appearance. This assortment of seven (7) polyhedral dice has gold numbers with clarification dots for numbers six (6) and nine (9). The random dice bag I received, which is nicely padded and has a cinch-string enclosure, came with a yellow interior, which is silky.


Orange and Grey Swirl Dice

Orange and Grey Swirl Dice


Emerald Swirl Dice
Emerald Swirl Dice

Emerald Swirl Dice


This set features an emerald green color base with black swirls. This assortment of seven (7) polyhedral dice has gold numbers with clarification dots for numbers six (6) and nine (9). The random dice bag I received has a violet interior.


Emerald Swirl Dice

Emerald Swirl Dice


Blue Ice Dice
Blue Ice Dice

Blue Ice Dice


This set features a bold blue base with light swirls, creating an icy look. This assortment of seven (7) polyhedral dice has white numbers with clarification dots for numbers six (6) and nine (9). The random dice bag I received has a pink interior.


Blue Ice Dice

Blue Ice Dice


Since the above three sets are all the same save for the coloring, I’ll combine the pluses and minuses.


Pluses:



Inexpensive
The included dice bag is high quality

 


Minuses:



The gold numbering on the orange and grey swirl dice can be challenging to see under some lighting conditions
Interior dice bag coloring is shipped randomly

 


Serpent’s Blood Dice Set (Gun Metal Polyhedral Dice Series)
The display and carrying box.

The display and carrying box.


This set distinguishes itself from the other sets in a variety of ways. For one, the seven polyhedral dice are made of a polished nickel that’s reflectively plated for a high gloss and extreme durability. There’s a real weight to these dice, which provides substantial feel when tossed. The deep black base on these dice is set off by distinct green numbering with the expected clarification dots for numbers six (6) and nine (9).


Serpent's Blood Dice Set

Serpent’s Blood Dice Set


Instead of a dice bag, the Serpent’s Blood Dice Set comes in a leatherette-wrapped display and carrying box with pre-shaped depressions in the soft foam interior for each of the seven dice. It’s a nice change-of-pace from the norm for tabletop gaming dice. Although these dice command a premium price, we feel they’re worth it for the serious tabletop gamer. As such, we’re awarding the Serpent’s Blood Dice Set an Editor’s Choice award for 2016.


Serpent's Blood Dice Set

Serpent’s Blood Dice Set


Serpent's Blood Dice Set

Serpent’s Blood Dice Set


Pluses:



Metal
Glossy
High clarity
Well-balanced
Unique throw

 


Minuses:



Premium pricing

 


Armchair Arcade Editor's Choice Award 2016 for Easy Roller Dice Co. Serpent's Blood Dice Set, Tabletop Gaming Category

Armchair Arcade Editor’s Choice Award 2016 for Easy Roller Dice Co. Serpent’s Blood Dice Set, Tabletop Gaming Category


Thanks to Easy Roller Dice Co. for the review units.


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Published on June 26, 2016 21:35

June 25, 2016

Review: SROCKER V5C Wireless Silent Click Optical Mouse

I previously reviewed the SROCKER C10S (V2C (the V5C, which slots between the gaming-centric C10S and the more casual V2C.


The box.

The box.


The V5C (<$14) has a similar basic shape to the V2C, but is a bit more ergonomic and features two additional side buttons and a DPI button, which switches between four resolutions/cursor speeds: 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2400. The nice thing about that feature is that there’s no extra software to install, so changes happen internally within the mouse at the literal press of that button.


What you get in the box.

What you get in the box.


Mouse movement is quick and silky smooth, as are the two main buttons, which have a short throw, or distance between registering a press. This mouse is indeed fairly silent, although there is a more audible click with the two side buttons and scroll wheel. While I’m reviewing the white model, the V5C is also available in black.


The dongle and included battery are found behind the rear cover.

The dongle and included battery are found behind the rear cover.


In the box you get the mouse itself and a short quick start sheet. Behind the rear battery cover is the required USB nano dongle and AA battery. With the typical SROCKER power saving technology, you can expect months of use between battery changes. While testing took place on two different Windows 10 systems, since no special software is required, the USB dongle and mouse should also work on almost any other mouse-compatible platforms. The V5C is a good performer at a great price.


Pluses:



Low price
Smooth motion
Silent operation
In-mouse USB nano dongle storage
Comes with a battery

 


Minuses:



Left and right mouse buttons have subtle action, which may not be to everyone’s liking
Mouse is very light even with the battery, which may also not be to everyone’s liking

 


Thanks to SROCKER for the review unit.


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Published on June 25, 2016 08:23