Best Buy is a scalper now, a water resistant mechanical keyboard, Vizio TV review, and more

October 13, 2021

If someone buys a highly sought-after hard-to-find item for the sole purpose of reselling it for a jacked-up price, you call them a scalper. But what if you cut out the middle-man in that process? That’s the question, and we posit that even if a company does it, the term scalper still applies.

So yes, we’re calling Best Buy’s latest “trick” a variation of scalping. Do you want a PS5 or an Xbox Series X? Are you sick of waiting in lines only to end up empty-handed? Best Buy says it can guarantee you a next-gen console… if you pay a hefty fee. Oh sure, it dresses up that fee with “additional benefits,” but it’s clear the only real beneficiary is Best Buy. Hit up the top story for all the gross details.

Other Highlights:

• Cam took a look at the new Vizio M Series Quantum (2022) tv, and boy does it look good. Literally and figuratively.
• Apple announced its next event where it will, well, announce stuff. We have some bets on what that “stuff” will be.
• Take a look at this gorgeous mechanical keyboard that’s also water-resistant.
• Netgear’s latest Wi-Fi 6E router is EXPENSIVE. But it might solve all your smart home problems.
• …and more! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

-Josh

Earlier this year, Best Buy debuted a new paid membership program similar to Amazon Prime with exclusive perks, including unlimited Geek Squad support, free delivery, and a 60-day return window. Unfortunately, it looks like they want to use it to become a PS5 and Xbox Series X scalper, as the company is hiding product inventory behind that paid membership. Read More »

If you’re in the market for a new TV, you probably know that the Vizio M Series has long been one of the best lineups for the money. If you’re looking for a big TV that won’t break the bank, the 70-inch M Series Quantum (model # M70Q7-J03) is probably the best TV for the buck if you don’t care about reflection handling or need the newest gaming features. Read More »

During CES 2020, we found ourselves drawn to the Withings ScanWatch, a stylish wearable with SpO2 sensors and advanced algorithms. And after what seems like a lifetime (I can’t remember January 2020 at all), the ScanWatch is finally coming to the U.S. with FDA approval for its unique health monitoring features. Read More »

Netgear Orbi’s networking equipment is well-known for its speed and reliability, but the company is taking things to a whole new level with its first Wi-Fi 6E mesh router system. The new Orbi Quad-band Mesh Wi-Fi 6E features support for 10 Gigabit internet, plus a dedicated network to keep your smart home gadgets isolated from other devices’ traffic. Read More »

The excellent and affordable SteelSeries Apex 3 mechanical keyboard now comes in a TenKeyLess form-factor. Available for just $45 at Amazon, the Apex 3 TKL features IP32 water and dust resistance, customizable RGB backlighting, and a genuinely impressive design. Read More »

Don’t get me wrong—a slice of toasted wheat bread is great and all, but so are bagels. And Texas Toast. And waffles. The average toaster isn’t exactly accomodating to these, though, but this extra-wide slot toaster is! It features four slots that can handle anything you want to slice, and it even has a Toast Boost feature that makes it easier to grab your item without burning your fingers. The crumb discard tray makes it easy to catch and discard crumbs without them getting all over your counter. The toaster also has an auto-shutoff feature for safety, and a built-in cord wrap to keep the cord tucked away during storage.

Get it at Amazon →

Google is getting ready to release Android 12 to the masses, and buried in the release alongside an upcoming Google Play Services update, the folks at XDA Developers found digital car key support for Android. Back in May, Google announced that it would join Apple in letting folks unlock cars with an Android phone, and now it looks like the release is right around the corner. Read More »

Your Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control now doubles as a HomePod. That’s right, a new update adds Siri to your SmartThermostat, allowing you to kick Alexa to the curb and use “Hey Siri” commands to adjust the temperature, schedule reminders, play music, and more. Read More »

Didn’t we just have an Apple event? Apple is now sending out invites for its October 18th “Unleashed” stream, where we expect the company to announce its M1X MacBook Pro, AirPods Gen 3, and several other groundbreaking new products. Read More »

Need to build a new desktop PC? Amazon is slashing prices on PC components during today’s Epic Daily Deals sale. Now’s your chance to save big on 10th gen Intel Core processors, gaming motherboards, Cooler Master cases, ARGB CPU coolers, and every other component you need to build a killer computer. Read More »

With its mix of recent releases, blockbuster franchises, and classic movies, HBO Max has a wide selection of films for any occasion, and that includes Halloween. Here are the best Halloween movies to watch on HBO Max. Read More »

If someone you know is looking to upgrade their life in a tech-forward way, then now may be the best time to get them one of the best smart home gifts around and simplify their life. Read More »