Joined on 07/04/10
Darius Reviews
Pros: Do you play online games or make conference calls online? The MXL USB Microphone has been the best microphone I've used for both. The clarity of the mic is unparalleled no matter which way one faces it. With a 180 degree range, people on the communication program Ventrilo was shocked when I told them I wasn't even facing the mic while talking (also tested on google and teamspeak). There are some options under the playback devices (recording section) to customize your microphone (which will need to be done as well for best results). For me, due to it being a few feet away, it required me to lower the level to under 10. Believe me; this MXL is very VERY sensitive to sound if it isn’t setup right and probably will never need to be placed even anywhere near level 50 unless you want to have everyone in your building to be heard on your microphone.
Cons: One doesn’t need to be super computer savvy to use this device but will require at least in the beginning trial and error. I tested each decibel level with a few people on Ventrilo when I first got it to find the best range for me. Fans, computer motors and other device noises will be picked up on this device if the 180 degree range (and sometimes then some) is present. This will factor in where your MXL can be placed as well as how much background noise one can have in the background. I've had many complaints at times on ventrilo when gaming that they heard my fan or music in the background so I had to lower it to quiet and roast a bit... Also if you leave in your microphone into your computer while turning it on and off it doesn’t always pick it back up at least on my Windows 7 Ultimate OS version. The easy fix is though unplugging it and plugging it back in and it works flawless after.
Overall Review: The packaging includes a two sided user "manual" pamphlet which is useful, 6' USB extension cable which is very handy is the placement of this device, headphone/speaker jack which I never used yet actually, but seems useful for traveling purpose, and a leather zipper case which to me was surprisingly made well since most cases I find that come with products such as these are terrible. The construction of this MXL Mic is very well made and doesn’t seem as if it would break for awhile. There’s a red light within the product though that doesn’t seem necessary, but shouldn’t bother anyone either if placed over 3 feet away due to the angle. This microphone is quite a bit of money not on sale, but it seems as if this mic will be the last one I’ll need. If it breaks I will most likely buy this one again. See you next time on Dariusreviews!
Darius Reviews
Pros: It’s panda time! That’s right, today on Darius Reviews we are looking at the Accessory Power GOgroove Panda Pal Portable Speakers. For a relatively small set of speakers, this Panda has one of the strongest sound outputs! This device can be turned almost all the way up and not have distortion unless listening to things such as heavy metal or rock. Even without max volume output, this device can fill a master bedroom or classroom easily (depending how you face the speakers of course). Children love the panda look design and this device, measuring at 3.7" x 3.7" x 2.75", is easily portable. You may also power this device with a USB (recommended but the cable included is quite short) or three AAA batteries (which is not recommended by me – more on that soon). If you’re not one for having messy cords lying around, the cord wraps once around the panda which attaches on its back.
Cons: With all these positive things, there are a few negatives which will outright kill this device for some people in due time. I for one like to wait at least six months (more so a year) to test endurance with devices such as these for reviews. I’ve owned 3 of these speakers and, within six months of normal use, this device works horribly with batteries. Two of these devices which used Energizer and Duracell batteries had major battery leaks during the time of use. The Duracell battery leakage (the second Panda) damaged a couple other things as well due to the leakage not being contained inside the device. Depending how loud the device is, how much use this device is getting, and perhaps what type of music is playing- it seems to use too much energy out of the batteries. This problem might be linked with the device only using three batteries rather than 4. If you use the USB cable, you will not come across this problem of course but that limits you to needing a computer with you.
Overall Review: The base is impressive for the device size, but by no means would compete at all to higher end audio companies. Audiophiles might not like this device much, but the sound quality is better than most generic speakers up to monitor size. Even though I enjoyed these speakers when they worked, I personally wouldn’t buy this again since it isn’t built to last too long possibly by how it is built. I would personally have a WARNING label on this device. I do not recommend having children use this device IF batteries are used as per health reasons. I used an iPod 4G, a desktop HP Win7, and a Sony laptop Win:Vista while testing these Pandas. Lastly “Accessory Power will donate 5% of net profits from sales of the Panda Pal Speaker through March 31!” However, this has been stated since last year so that promotion might be up due to it not specifying a year. See you next time on Dariusreviews!
Darius Reviews
Pros: Ever been surprised with a power outage in the night? The P3 International 2-1 Emergency Light will clear out your worries of not being prepared and light up the way! This 4 ½ X 1 ¾ X 1 ¾ device runs with 2 LED lights, 1 on each end. There are three different modes for this device: AUTO- the main feature which turns the device on as a nightlight during the night and when the power supply turns off (using a sensor to detect darkness), OFF- Turns the device completely off, & ON- Which enables the flashlight. The time actually lasts more than 8 hours most times as timed within two power outages, as well as trials. Longest time clocked at 11.5 hours – though the last 3-4 hours is when the light starts getting dull until completely turning off (starting at full charge). There is an option to fold into the machine the prongs while holding it as a flashlight or for storage.
Cons: Ever hate those cords or devices which take up more than one spot in your wall or power strip? Unfortunately the Emergency light will take up either both of your wall outlets, or up to three outlets on your traditional 6 outlet power surge strip due to its size. If your power is out for longer than 11 hours, you will either need more already charged emergency lights as backups or be left in the dark after the first couple of days (depending if you turned the device off when sleeping) since it doesn’t take batteries. There isn’t a feature to not have the nightlight mode on while having the device activated, ready for blackouts. This might limit placements within bedrooms if you aren’t one to want to sleep with any lights on. The LED lights are strong so I don’t advise shining it into one’s eyes because it may cause permanent damage. It’s also one of those not young kid-friendly devices because of this!
Overall Review: Auto mode: Depending how your outlet is installed, normally you will have your device facing the way the picture shows, or if your outlet is upside down the light will face down. Both ways within a regular sized bathroom will allow for a low, but enough lit bathroom in the night (perhaps without the need of turning on your regular bathroom lights). Flashlight mode: The light power is bright – to give an idea you can shine this light within a 1.5’ range directly into sunlight and you are still able to notice the light. The light at a foot gives you a really bright 7” diameter circle and extends without losing too much brightness overall the further you pull the device back. I have four of these devices spread out within the house. I have used two for testing within a 6 month time frame. Eight months of normal use now and they still work. See you next time on Dariusreviews!
Darius Reviews
Pros: Ever looking for a small bag to take with you to hold your belongings in without carrying a backpack, briefcase, or other large bag with you? The SnugPak is the best small sized bag I know of~ There are times I just carry the bag just by the strap on top and other times I wear it as a fanny pack. The two side pockets is just enough room to hold a wallet, phone, lotion, sanitizer, iPod, keys or other items of similar size. Removing the two snaps will allow you access to the main compartment with a netting separator that fits (a travel size book or electronic dictionary/device), my bulky sunglasses case and (a head phones or a 16.9 fl/oz Poland Spring bottle). The front compartment has a pen slip "pocket" on both sides of it. Opening the front zipper you will find another compartment which is broken down by a divider which can hold a Nintendo 3DSi sized object perfectly or other electronic device. (More of this compartment covered in other thoughts below)
Cons: It's good to note right now one major issue this bag has that almost every other larger bag that I own have... There is NO padding - or at very least abysmal padding. Most electronics I place in this bag (as well as my sunglasses are in a case of its own so I have padding and protection where it needs. However, if you need something out of your bag, it'll take a bit of time to get it out if you have a zipper bag in a zipper bag. The bag in a sense becomes the 1 hold organizer rather than a bag of its own. The Snugpak would have been perfect if the company added padding for the two side and front pockets. A suggestion would be to pad the front pocket with something yourself if keeping electronics in there but the padding will limit the space which the bag offers as well. Also, the two top straps only purpose seems to be for the carry strap option. Always removing the snaps to get into your main and front compartments seem to be more of a hassle than anything...
Overall Review: To continue with the front pocket as per Pros section, the divider has two additional pockets that would fit....uhh... 4 (credit) cards which would stick out in each? I don't know why anyone would do that though. Perhaps coupons, band-aids, or small objects which the ladder could be concealed if you place a key in there can be viable options for these very small pockets. The Zippers seemed very well made compared to many other bags. Zippers are on the large size but glide smoothly. There is little loops on the front and side pockets which have no purpose at all, at least I couldn't come up with any except sticking more pens in there. More than likely it's a rough decoration. Overall the Snugpak has many compartment options for being a small bag. The bag is as small as a purse, but like purses for woman can hold all your valuables without making those without purses stuck with 5-10+ pounds of all our goodies stuck in all of our pockets. See you next time on Dariusreviews!
Darius Reviews
Welcome to DW! I normally don't review sellers, but felt obligated to in this case. I debated on how to rate this seller and came up with a fair system. --1. Shipping - The items I ordered stated to arrive within 3-5 business days. I received mine in 8 business days.. On the other hand I did actually receive the item so 3Eggs --2. Packaging - The items were placed in those envelop things. There were no damages to the items nor the packaging so.. 5Eggs --3. Availability - I called their number four times today around the clock and twice it rang 5+ times and went to message, 2x times it rang 3x and they auto put me on answer machine instead of picking up. The answer machine number is linked to a different number that isn't what they give on Newegg. 2Eggs 4. Customer Service - N/A since I didn't get to talk to anyone. Overall they aren't the best company to deal with, but they do have items gamers love. They also do an event for people to win a $100 gift card 4 positive reviewing them...