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    June 21, 2013
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    October 27, 2024
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  • Answer count
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    December 10, 2014
  • Last answer
    November 4, 2021
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emiliosic's Reviews
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Dyson's latest purifiers combine intelligent sensing with an advanced filtration system. Three phases of purification sit within a fully sealed filtration and airflow system. So what goes inside, stays inside. A solid-state formaldehyde sensor and a unique catalytic filter detect and continuously destroy formaldehyde¹, an activated carbon filter removes gases and odors and a HEPA filter captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns in size. Then powerful Air Multiplier technology purifies, heats the whole room and cools you.²
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
The smartest purifier, but mechanics needs work
on May 12, 2021
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
Dyson fans and air purifiers have a distinctive look with a 'bladeless' diffuser with a fan hidden in the body. It's as much practical as it is a statement.
Besides the distinctive looks, I'm impressed on how much it does and how well the design is in respect to the logic in its functions:
- At the same time it purifies the air, it can also work as a heater, by setting the desired target temperature via it's remote control (and only via the remote control).
- Extensive air quality monitor, including amount of small particles (allergens, etc), larger particles like pollen, Formaldehyde (from decaying plastics), VOCs (Like sprays) and NO2 (Anything that generates smoke).
- Accurate temperature and humidity sensors.
- It can oscillate or rotate it via the remote or phone app, with several angles to choose from.
- It can blow air either from the front or the rear sides, and can be changed from the remote or app.
- It can also tilt up and down (manually).
- Extensive controls via phone app.
I was eager to use this in our older, but extensively remodeled home for its Formaldehyde sensor, and I'm glad it did not detect anything noticeable (Have occasionally severe allergies so our central heat has MERV13 filters, so it likely already picks up most allergens).
However, while using a spray in another room to clear a glass table, it immediately picked up the fumes from it and spun into a faster speed.
There is a small circular screen on the center (Slightly larger than a watch) which is very easy to read and provides air quality charts and everything else. It also has a light sensor so the screen dims depending on the lighting, and also has a night mode that turns it off while the purified goes into its quietest mode.
The phone app is excellent. It provides very nice graphics of the various sensors with great detail. Also it can control everything on the purifier except the heat, which is unfortunate (because of an US regulation -- See image on the review).
While the purifier works stand-alone, using the phone app requires registering with a Dyson account. Pairing the unit with the account is very simple, via Bluetooth getting the phone near it.
It also integrates well with Amazon Alexa, which can voice control several functions and most of the controls (Except heat) are available via Amazon Echo screens or the Alexa app as well.
Other integrations leave a lot to be desired: For Google Home it only allows on or off. SmartThings is not supported. For Apple, HomeKit is also not available but it does support Siri shortcuts.
Local home automations integrations are not officially supported but within hours of setting up the purifier, found that it actually works with MQTT, and there is good information online.
The filters are very easy to replace. They come in two halves that go around the base of the unit, so two semi-circle HEPA filters with integrated carbon filters and two catalyst meshes (that are removable but not consumable). I found it very easy to remove the filters. Note that the HEPA and carbon filters are in one single piece.
The biggest drawbacks, and important is that the internal fan is very small, and so while it jets the air out, it doesn't produce as much of a breeze as a fan. Other air filters seem to move much more air.
It can also get very noisy: It's usually very quiet, but sometimes, even at one of the lowest speeds, it makes a high pitch rattle that I can hear from another room.
Also, a minor peeve: The power plug is 3 inches long, and because of the heater, the power cable is very thick and stiff, so the power cable cannot be hidden behind furniture if plugging it directly onto the wall (which it should).
This unit was made in Malaysia.
Overall, It's a great machine, but I expected it would be quieter, with better airflow at this price.
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31of 33voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy astonishing sound with this breakthrough portable speaker. Stream music and more over WiFi at home and listen on the go with Bluetooth. Get up to 10 hours of battery life. Easily control the sound with the Sonos app, your voice, and Apple AirPlay 2. Create a whole-home sound system with multiple Sonos speakers.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Best portable speaker
on April 23, 2021
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
We already have a Sonos soundbar, so I'm already familiar with the Sonos S2 system.
First, this speaker is smaller than what I expected. It's easy to hold with one hand.
It does everything other Sonos speakers do in terms of controls, it has an all-day battery (about 10 hours), and also works like a Bluetooth speaker when outside the house.
Sound quality: Excellent; having used many speakers and headphones over the past few years, this speaker truly punches above it's size. A single speaker can fill a regular-sized room at a comfortable level. The tonal quality is comparable to other Sonos speakers: When in sync, the sound, accounting for output volume, is comparable in quality to larger speakers. It does not have the tinny metallic sound that plague other portable speakers. It's sound is warm with a good amount of bass that's not overpowering.
Charging: USB-C or wireless (Qi) charging. It comes with an USB-C to USB-A cable, and works fine with the cables we already have. Qi charging works fine placing the speaker vertically on the charger's base. Sonos has a dedicated charger shaped like a triangle matching the speaker with magnets, but it does not come with the speaker. That's extra.
Audio sources: Bluetooth, like any other portable speaker, and Wi-Fi, as part of the Sonos S2 system, which works directly with Apple's Airplay, the Sonos controller, which is practically universally compatible with every single music service, including all the major sources and everyone else I can think of, and local network sources (via Sonos controller on a computer).
Voice assistants: Choice of Amazon Alexa or Google. It can be changed from the phone at any time, and the mic can also be muted. Alexa can play any source including from Apple Music, when linked.
Controls: Besides controlling it from a phone or PC, has simple built-in controls: Mic mute, volume up/down and play. Pressing play twice skips, pressing it three times goes back to the previous sound.
On the side there is a power button. Here's where it becomes a bit more complicated: Press it once, and turns on or goes into sleep mode. Hold it a bit longer and goes into bluetooth pairing mode. Keep on holding it and turns off.
The 'sleep' mode is a bit tricky, and it draws about 10% of the battery overnight if not turned off. The difference is that it can be woken up from the Sonos app, so the WiFi is not completely off, but in low-power mode. This doesn't seem to be configurable, at least not yet.
Trueplay: It uses the microphones to adjust sound settings based on the room or area where it is located. It works even when the voice assistant is muted. For example, moving it inside a shelf, it adjusts how it sounds.
Handoff: Sonos had this feature from the app for some time and it works great, but now with this speaker, it works seamlessly by holding the play button while next to another Sonos S2 speaker. It works without skipping a bit transferring whatever it's playing to the other speaker. I was impressed how well it works.
Hold the play button again and both speakers are now playing.
Move away and Hold play again and it transfers back to this speaker.
Waterproof: IP67 rating means it plays even while under water.
Bluetooth works well with my iPhone. Pairs with no problem. However it's limited to playing music, and the mic on the speaker does not work for phone calls, so it cannot be used as a table speakerphone. Also it does not seems support stereo pairing via Bluetooth.
Overall: This is excellent. Great sound at a tiny footprint. It's not just a portable speaker, it's a full member of the Sonos system that is portable and also works as a Bluetooth speaker.
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19of 25voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy espressos, lattes and cappuccinos, just the way you like, with the KitchenAid® Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Automatic Milk Frother Attachment. This is the first residential espresso machine that features dual, smart temperature sensors, that maintain the perfect brewing temperature shot after shot. The fast-heating thermocoil technology heats water up to the ideal brewing temperature in less 45 seconds. And, the low pressure pre-infusion and 15-bar Italian pump work together to make a deliciously rich, thick crema.The included Automatic Milk Frother Attachment, attaches to the KitchenAid® Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine and prepares milk for delicious lattes and cappuccinos. Programmable dosing and a variable micro-foam adjuster allow you to adjust the milk amount and texture to match your taste and preference.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Consistent espresso with lots of crema
on April 15, 2021
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
Espressos that taste as good as the neighborhood coffee shops.
For comparing the results on this machine, I'd like to use either Illy or Lavazza coffees.
For reference, I'm using Lavazza's 'Crema e Gusto' classico.
Two shots produce a smooth but strong coffee with plenty of crema.
As advertised, this machine claims to have a more precise temperature control, and indeed the coffee has a smooth taste without the bitterness that's produced when the water is too hot.
The crema is a byproduct of the oils in the coffee. The machine first moist the basket, lets it simmer and then applies pressure.
Because the beans are already ground, used the double-wall portafilter, resulting in an excellent cup.
For frothed milk, can either use the steam wand or the fully automatic milk frother, which has adjustable froth levels.
The machine itself is nicely built, and looks in the right place near a KitchenAid mixer.
The espresso basket has a hefty feel to it, and inside has coffee guides to control the drip.
It comes with four portafilters: One and two shot traditional filters and a set of double-walled portafilters which add pressure and are recommended for pre-ground coffee.
The press also has a nice weight to it with a flat polished base and a textured handle.
For milk, as mentioned earlier, comes with a fully automatic frother, the traditional steam wand, and it also comes with a stainless steel jar I use when frothing milk manually. It's all removable and simple to wash.
The milk container can be removed and stored separately in the fridge, or can connect the milk hose directly into a milk container, which I prefer by putting a small amount of milk in a glass to make cleaning easier.
I was impressed how quickly is warms up within a few seconds. Out older machines needed several minutes. This turns on right away.
The controls are a few buttons that are very easy to understand: One button for mode: Espresso, steam or hot water. Then the shots button (Also amount of milk before it stops): 1 or 2. A cleaning button and the start/pause.
Water tank is on the back, removable and holds a good amount of liquid.
It's also programmable by holding different combination of buttons as per the manual. The amount of coffee and water can be set for each 1 or 2 position. Water temperature and water hardness also have three settings each.
The dedicated clean button starts the descaling cycle (which requires a descaling solution). Normal clean the frothing wand by running it without milk. Daily cleaning is fairly simple as the wand and frother are removable.
The frother can be fully disassembled and all the parts in contact with milk are washable.
However keep in mind that the water tray doesn't hold as much water. It does come with a handy water level to know when it's getting full. I find that very practical.
It's an easy to use machine, quick to warm up, solidly built, simple to clean, and most important, espressos come out great. More crema than other machines I used years ago.
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The world of electric scooters is proud to welcome the Hover-1 Blackhawk eScooter. This powerful scooter is a comprehensive mobility solution that features a beautiful display, removeable battery and LED display. With speeds of up to 18mph and a range of almost 30 miles, this scooter will keep you going all day long. The built-in kickstand makes it easy to hop off your scooter and hop back on without skipping a beat. Not to mention, this scooter comes fully loaded with large 10” tires to give you a smooth and comfortable ride on nearly any surface.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Fun and fast full-size kick scooter
on March 15, 2021
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
This is a very capable scooter with some interesting features:
- 10" air-inflated wheels
- The 40-Cell Li-Ion battery is removable and held on the stem.
- Brushless motor is on the front-wheel, rated 350 Watts.
- Disc brakes on the rear wheel, and can also brake kicking the rear wheel.
- Aluminum construction. Weights about 33 Lb.
The scooter comes ready to use, only requiring to screw the handlebars by hand and attach the brake handle with a simple hex wrench (included).
It has a simple display showing the speed an charge remaining. The only controls are the electronic accelerator and the brake. On the accelerator there is a power button and a mode control, which is a speed limiter: Training: 6 mph, kids: 10 mph and full speed up to 16 mph.
It comes with its own charger which is a proprietary switching power supply with a barrel connector.
Holding the speed button also turns the lights on or off: One headlight and rear lights on the rear wheel cover, which also blinks when braking.
There is no phone app on this scooter. Just turn on and go. No phone tracking, nothing else to set up. It's very simple to use.
Our teen kids picked it up right away. Learning to use takes a couple of minutes.
To start it, turn it on, kick on the base (So it knows you're actively using it), roll it about 2 mph and start accelerating (this so it doesn't take off by mistakenly pressing the accelerator).
It had a good amount of torque, and goes up to 16 mph. It does struggle with hills, but it worked on its own on relatively steep roads around the neighborhood.
It's fairly simple to fold: One clip protects a lever on the bottom of the mast. It then clips to the rear wheel. To unfold it, press the rear wheel, lift the mast and the lever at the hinge. There is a clip so it doesn't unlock with vibration.
The driving range for this would be about 25 miles (ideally) on a single charge. I was not able to test it completely, as my range anxiety made me charge it when the charge indicator shown a bit over half capacity, and I must've driven well over 10 miles.
IPX4 rated which means it can resist splashes (poodles, etc.).
It carrier an UL safety label for US/CA, which is reassuring.
This is a branded version of the Kixin X8 Scooter.
Caveats:
The warranty on this is only 3 months, which is disappointing for an expensive model.
Since this is a full-size scooter with a larger battery pack, it's somewhat heavy and kind of bulky to carry, but there is no secure way to lock this on the street. Not much we can do but having a way to lock it with a chain would've been useful.
Overall, I think the speed and power are adequate. More power is always nice but this works surprisingly well.
I like that the battery is removable and on the front stem instead of the bottom, which makes it much more protected, particularly over poodles of water. The battery can be charged in or outside the scooter.
The disc brake is smooth. Quick stops that are not sudden.
While it doesn't have a suspension, the air tires make up for it, keeping it relatively light.
It's a lot of fun. My kids like it, and even got compliments from neighbors on the fun factor.
Don't be discouraged by the lack of app connectivity. To me it's a plus. It works without a fuss. Turn it on and it goes.
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Unleash your creativity with this all-in-one Dell Inspiron desktop computer. The 23.8-inch Full HD display delivers detailed visuals and offers smooth touch operation, while the 512GB SSD minimizes load times, letting you jump into work sessions quickly. This Dell Inspiron desktop computer has an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM for running multiple programs simultaneously. Built in webcam, microphone, and speakers to win at conference calls.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Fast and simple
on March 2, 2021
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
This model comes with a current 11th generation Intel Core i7, Intel graphics, 24-in 'Borderless' touchscreen, and can also be used as a TV or monitor, nice integrated speakers, 512GB SSD, 16 GB RAM.
I think this is a great value for a daily general-use computer, with one of the fastest mobile CPUs.
Looks: The computer is white on the front and painted silver on the back, with a metal A-Frame base that allows tilting the computer. Below the screen there is an integrated piece that is the sound bar, covered in a nice-looking gray mesh fabric.
It also comes with a matching wireless white keyboard and white wireless mouse.
The 'white' is closer to a very light cream. It is not the old beige. The white parts on the front are polished and looks nice in my opinion.
The stand is nice and allows resting the keyboard below the computer when not in use.
There are no visible buttons on the front, and the power light comes from behind the speaker mesh fabric.
The web camera pops-up by pressing the top of the screen, and also has IR functions to use with Windows Hello by logging in automatically with face recognition (Windows Hello).
(The face recognition is optional, and it's stored on the PC only. One can also log in via a PIN or a password). It's nice that the camera can be stowed away for privacy.
Screen: The screen has a matte finish (not glass) that's vibrant and does not reflect glare like glass screens do, so I prefer this type of screen personally for longer daily use. It's touch-screen (but doesn't seem to support pens). Keep in mind that this is a desktop computer so the touchscreen won't get much use. Resolution is 1920x1080
Speed: This should be fast for most tasks, including several web browser tabs. The 11th-gen (current) i7 CPU is plenty fast and I didn't feel it particularly needed more speed. The memory Is 16 GB of the type '2666 DDR4 SODIMM', which is very adequate for most uses.
The 512Gb SSD is an 'M2 PCIx4', which is also user-replaceable. However it has a slightly odd form factor: M.2 2242.
Keyboard: The standard keyboard and mouse are wireless and require an USB adapter that has to be attached to one of the ports on the PC. It's not Bluetooth. The keyboard is a full-size, with good travel. The mouse is basic but does the job just fine. The keyboard uses two AAA batteries while the mouse uses one AA battery. They're not rechargeable but should be able to use rechargeable batteries. In my previous experience with Dell keyboards and mouse, they should last a long time.
Camera: The resolution is up toy 1080p, 30fps, with IR for Windows Hello. Note that most built-in cameras are 720p. This is better, although it depends what you use to take full advantage of. The microphone remains on though and it's used for Microsoft Cortana (Windows voice assistant).
Network: There is an ethernet (wired) connector on the back, and the PC supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. (Bluetooth 5 devices have better range and batteries on Bluetooth 5 headphones should last longer).
We have a brand new Mesh WiFi 6 at home with Gigabit internet and while the computer connects at 'gigabit' WiFi (1024 mbps), although in real-life internet use, measured around 400 Mbps using Speedtest, which is comparable to what I can measure on an iPhone.
Buttons and ports: The power button is on the bottom of the case (on the sound bar section), and there is a small button next to it that allows to use the computer as a monitor with the HDMI input on the back.
All the ports are on the back. There are no connectors on the side.
The power is through a brick similar to a laptop, with a small DC barrel connector on the computer side.
Ports include: 1 security lock, DC power, HDMI Out (1.4), HDMI In (To use as a monitor or TV), one single USB-C, Gigabit Ethernet, 1 USB 2.0 port (To use with the keyboard/mouse adapter), 3 USB 3.1 ports (5 Gbps), headphone jack and SD card reader.
Serviceability: There are no screws to open the back, but the back cover can be easily pry away, with full access to the motherboard.
Inside there is an empty bracket to add a standard 3.5" hard drive. It has two memory slots and a single SSD slot. The WiFi/Bluetooth card is also on an M2 slot. Something that disappointed me here is that the SSD slot is half-size, and only supports the M.2 2242 form factor (42mm length). This is important because the standard form factor is M.2 2280 (80 mm length), and the M.2 2242 for this PC is half the size, thus severely limiting the choices for a replacement.
Things to consider: I wish it had a thunderbolt or USB4 port to be able to connect external video cards. There is only one USB-C port, which neither supports powering on the PC or video output.
The A-Frame legs are nice, but there is no way to remove them and use a VESA adapter. This is something that older Inspiron AIOs supported. Also no ports on the side or front, so connecting anything to it requires reaching the rear ports. It might look nice and de-cluttered but not practical.
Dell has been making Inspiron PCs for a long time and this model is a great value with most of what one would want in this type of all-in-one computer.
I'd be happy to recommend this for anyone looking for an all-in-one desktop for daily use and light gaming.
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Quality is available on your countertops, thanks to an array of GE food processor options, crafted to suit your family's lifestyle. All GE Appliances food processors come with an extra large chopping jar that holds up to 12 cups of food and allows you to prepare enough for the whole family. The ergonomic handle will help you hold, carry, and pour from the jar easily without worrying about losing your grip, while the available Large Feed Tube can accommodate whole or large ingredients, eliminating the need for pre-cutting or additional prepping. Plus you'll enjoy the peace of mind that comes from buying from a brand you trust.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Large and easy to use
on January 23, 2021
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
This is one of the new line of small appliances introduced since GE Appliances became part or Haier.
It has a rather large bowl compared to other food processors we used before.
The bowl is sealed, with only a small attachments port on the center. It does not have the large column in the center like many other food processors, making it easier to clean and no spills.
The base is even wider than the bowl. The bowl has a lip on its base that covers where it meets the base, to cover potential spills.
Instead of rubber feet, it has four small suction cups, so the base that although is large but lightweight, stays firmly put in place.
There is a single knob with pulse mode to the left and two speeds to the right. That's it. Doesn't get simpler than this.
It comes with a chopping blade, which is very sharp, and two slicing disks.
The slicing disks are all metal, with a slicing blade on one side, and flipping it has two sections of shredding cutouts. One disk is for thin slices/shredding and the other for medium. The disks are about 1 inch or so shorter than the bowl.
The motor, although light, is rated for 550W, which is plenty.
It seems well built with a pleasing stainless steel cladding on the base.
Also I like that the piece that pushes the food through the slicer/shredder has two parts inside one another; so for example, leaving the wider part in as a cover it can be feed a carrot through the smaller opening slicing it straight.
It's easy to clean and very simple to use. We're happy with this appliance.
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Philips Norelco Shaver 7500, Rechargeable Wet & Dry Electric Shaver with SenseIQ Technology, Quick Clean Pod, Travel Case and Pop-up Trimmer, S7783/84
 
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5 out of 5
5
Good features on a great shaver
on December 24, 2020
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
I've used several Philips shavers and this improves all around.
This particular model is made in Netherlands (Philips home country), which is where usually the newer models are made.
The shaving heads are very flexible so they're much better than other shavers at following the contour of the face, and the surface around the shaving heads has a coating and pattern that makes it easier to glide. Those would be the most important features. It does a great job around the neck and cleans everything between nose and top lip. Those are the trouble spots on other shavers I used.
The engine is relatively quiet and did not pinch nor pull hair even with a one-week beard, which cleaned in about 3 minutes. Daily shaves take about 90 seconds.
The top shaving head can come off and Philips sells several accessories with their 'SmartClick' system (including different models of beard trimmers).
This model also comes with a built-in trimmer, which does not require removing the shaving heads. It's on the back of the shaver like in their older models.
The battery run time is rated to about 60 minutes, and I had over 80% charge after a week.
It charges in about 1 hour using the proprietary plug in most Philips products. While Philips uses this same plug on every battery-shaver I owned (Because I started shaving when one had to actually plug the shaver to a wall plug), it's perhaps a good time to move to an USB-C connector, or support wireless charging, so to avoid traveling with unnecessary plugs.
Compared to older Philips shavers, the handle on this one is longer and thinner. So it's a lot longer and doesn't fit as easily in a cabinet shelf as their older models.
This version also comes with a self-cleaning base that is more compact, and requires a new type of cleaning cartridge that lasts from 1 to 3 months depending on use. The cleaning formula has no alcohol and also keeps the blades lubricated. The cleaning base doesn't need any power, as the shaver itself produces the foam, and takes about 1 minute to run it's cycle. I find that is better if I then open the shaver and let it air dry, otherwise it's still slightly moist the next day.
Indicators along the body of the shaver include 3 bars for charge level, cleaning remined, and circular motion reminders (Which are hard to see while actually shaving).
And for the feature I didn't know I needed, this shaver has Bluetooth, which connects to a phone app that reports battery level, run-time charts and amount of time shaving in circular motions, or when applying too much pressure (There are sensors on the shaver for that). Thankfully, the phone is not required, and when paired, it doesn't need to be near the shaver. The app also has some other shaving tips. The thing I did not like about this is that the shaver advertises it's Bluetooth name all the time, unless the shaver is in travel lock mode (holding the power button 3 seconds), which I find wholly unnecessary and also drains a small amount of power, so now I would really need to remember to keep it locked when traveling.
It also comes with a semi-rigid traveling pouch that holds the shaver (but not the power adapter), but unlike every other Philips shaver I used, this has no plastic cover for the shaving head. I find this very weird. Had to go over the manual to confirm it was not missing, and the same model without the cleaning base does have a cover. Not sure why they would do this on a premium shaver.
Besides this small annoyance and the ill-featured 'always on' Bluetooth, it's a great shaver. Clean shaves every time, no hair pricking. Glides very well and the spring-loaded shaving heads work very well at following facial angles and works better than other shavers in the chin and neck areas. Did I say this is made in Netherlands?
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Power up your Qi-compatible phone with this SanDisk Ixpand wireless charger sync adaptor. The wireless charging capability and high-efficiency power plug offer convenient, fast recharges, while the overcharge protection and adaptive charging ensure safe use. Featuring 128GB of storage capacity, this SanDisk Ixpand wireless charger sync adaptor provides ample space to accommodate automatically backed-up data.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Practical Convenience
on December 13, 2020
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
This is really two devices in one.
The obvious is that it's a wireless charger and also it's a wireless storage for your phone.
Unlike most other wireless chargers, this is a large pad that covers all the back of the phone. Because it's so large, and slightly curved, the phone sits on it without too much fuss in getting the right alignment.
It's rated for 10W so it charges the phone relatively fast.
The wall plug is relatively small and flat, which is nice, but uses a barrel plug to the pad instead of an USB connector, so that's the only charger that would work with this pad.
The second aspect is that it's a wireless drive that's used for backups. It's set up via the Ixpand charger app (from the Apple or Google App stores). The bottom of the charger has a QR code with the link to the right app.
The drive is a 128 Gb memory. It's paired initially using Bluetooth to the phone and then once the app finds the charger, it sets up WiFi (2.4 Ghz only) with the charger.
It allows to back up all photos or a group of them, and contacts.
It doesn't back up anything else on the iPhone (No app settings, etc).
It would allow one to forego a cloud backup plan for photos, and use the free tier instead for everything else, keeping photos (and contacts) backed up locally and privately.
It allows syncing multiple phones, only limited by the internal 128 Gb storage, which is not expandable.
Although it's a wireless drive, I could not connect to it from a desktop computer over WiFi, although it has an USB connector which makes it accessible as an USB drive.
It gives a choice to encrypt the backups, but in order to do so requires to create an account so it can be used to recover the data if the password is lost, and also warns that encrypted backups take twice as much.
The app also asks for location settings to it tries to back up on the background only when the charger is nearby. It also mentions they do not store the data, and it's only used to initiate backups.
The app is well designed and simple to use.
Also, so things won't overheat, it will alternate between charge and backup, won't do both at once.
Overall it works very well for backup while using it for a few days so far. The key to this device is convenience.
It might not be for everybody as encryption requires an account and it's optional, or that the drive is not available to a laptop wirelessly and it’s not expandable. However for something that has to be simple and does what it needs to do as simply as possible, this works well.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Jabra Elite 85t true wireless earbuds have been engineered for a calls and music experience like never before, with fully adjustable Jabra advanced Active Noise Cancellation™, 12mm speakers for big sound, up to 25 hours of battery (ANC on), and 6-mic technology with wind protection for amazing calls. And because it’s Jabra tech, it’s all crammed into a really tiny body. Because ANC doesn’t only stand for Active Noise Cancellation… Jabra Elite 85t: Accept No Compromise.
 
  • Top 50 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Excellent, all I could ask for
on November 13, 2020
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
I’ve been using the older 65t model which is excellent as my go-to earbuds and I’m pleased with all the improvements on the 85t.
The new feature on these 85t is ANC (Noise cancellation).
One thing that was outstanding on the older 65t is how well they fit for me (And this is personal). Most other earbuds I used are either not a good fit (even going through all the different cap sizes) or become uncomfortable after a while. I find the fitting on the 85t slightly more loose but still firm, and go deeper into the ear canal than others, making them stay without having to use an ear loop.
These earbuds are small overall, not protruding too much from the ear.
Music: Sound is very rich and detailed. It uses 12mm drivers which are on the larger side for earbuds (better). They’re by default equalized flat but after adjusting through the Jabra Sound+ app, got the bass and highs as I like it. Overall very pleasing, detailed sound.
Phone calls: As expected from Jabra, a company that has been making professional headsets longer than anyone else, it’s excellent. I’ve used it over the past few days on countless video calls and it’s been great. Each earbud has two mics. The outer mic is used to compensate background noise. The earbuds work either when using both pieces, or using only the right earbud, which is the main one.
Side tone for phone calls is configurable from within the app, and it controls the amount of feedback played back through the earphones, or no feedback at all. This makes the calls feel more natural, as I can hear what I’m talking about like when not wearing headphones.
Controls: Each earbud has one large button. From the factory, the right button controls play/pause with 1 click, assistant (Siri/Google) with two clicks, the left button controls the ANC/HearThrough modes and track (next, prev/restart) with two or three clicks. Holding the buttons controls the volume.
The earbuds sense the approx. distance from each other so if they’re too far apart (ie removing one piece) will pause the music, or can be programmed to mute.
ANC and HearThrough are adjustable with five levels each. While I was only able to use ANC briefly, it does mute about any sound, and at the same time I really like the HearThrough mode while going about so I can hear what’s around me without compromising the sound of the music.
The first time I used the earphones they go through a calibration where It measures the audible spectrum for each ear and adjusts accordingly. Very nice, I don’t recall any other headphone doing this. This can be re-run at any time from the Jabra app. It’s called ‘MySound’ on the app.
Case and battery. The case is fairly compact, like a square-is pill box with a matte finish that does not attract many fingerprints. The charging port is USB and it also supports Qi wireless charging, by placing the case on the Qi charging pad, so one less cable to carry.
The earbuds can play up to 7 hours of music (without ANC on) and 30+ hours total with the case, so the case can fully charge the earbuds about four more times. ANC on all the time reduces it to 5.5 h / 25 h (rated).
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, with codecs SBC and AAC. AAC is optimized for Apple devices, and SBC provides high bandwidth.
It can connect to two devices simultaneously, and remember parings for eight devices.
This means I’m actually using the headphones simultaneously on my phone and laptop. It won’t merge the sound from both devices, but if I start a video on the computer it pauses the music on the phone, without having to switch devices or do anything on the earbuds.
The earbuds are also IPX4 rated, meaning they can withstand getting splashed with water.
Overall, I’m very pleased with this. My new go-to earbuds!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+8points
8of 8voted this as helpful.
 
Linksys Velop WiFi 6 Whole Home Mesh System MX12600 is a router that delivers next-level streaming and gaming to more than 120 devices on your network. It offers a reliable connection for everyone to stream, game, and video chat without interruption. Intelligent Mesh™ Technology offers whole home coverage that’s easily expandable by adding additional nodes. With easy set up, advanced security and parental controls, MX12600 is an essential upgrade to any home.
 
  • Top 50 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Major improvement
on November 9, 2020
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
We live in a 3-Level house, and now working and studying from home, we can be at four different video meetings at the same time. We also took advantage of a promotional price to upgrade our FIOS to 'Gigabit' Speeds (which translates to 900+ Mbps both upstream and downstream).
This setup replaces or 1st generation Velop mesh network, which served us well, but it was showing some limitations with Gigabit ethernet.
The initial installation is best done from a mobile phone or tablet (Not desktop), using the Linksys app. This is because the app uses Bluetooth Smart to discover the nodes. The initial install went well. I chose to install one node at a time: Disconnected all the older routers, connected the new node to the connection from out internet provider (Note that we never had a Fios router, we ordered the service with a direct connection from the ONT).
Within a minute or so, the Linksys app discovered the node and was able to enter the initial config like network name and password. Then it found a firmware upgrade and went on fairly quickly. After that, added the two additional nodes, one at a time. It went surprisingly smooth and was up and running in about 30 minutes. Used the same Wi-Fi name and password and all the devices in the house rejoined.
The Linksys app got better over the years and it's the same for any newer Linksys router. Once it's running it shows a list of all the devices connected, showing their name and some other OS information where available. It does a somewhat decent job of discovering what is connected. It also shows which node is talking to, the Wi-Fi band and signal strength.
For mode advanced information, I end using the web management. Changed DNS servers, IP address range, reservations and some NAT mappings. It went well but keep in mind it might restart the main node for seemingly minor changes.
Parental controls are very basic, like blocking devices temporarily or per schedule, and blocking individual sites.
The nodes can also be used in bridged mode (with a separate router, bridge mode just provides Wi-Fi, not other network services), like when using the router given by the internet provider.
Wi-Fi is where these shine. Each node has 3 radios: 2x 5 Ghz and 1x 2.4 Ghz. When in mesh mode, the nodes negotiate which radio to use to talk to each other and use the other radios to serve Wi-Fi clients, so in theory the auxiliary nodes provide the same speeds as the main node.
Because we already had some ethernet cables in the house, we connected the nodes via ethernet (with a simple switch in between).
What Linksys calls 'Intelligent Mesh' is that the nodes negotiate with each client steering to the node with better reception. My iPhone 11 seems to be able to hop from one node to another without missing a beat.
Also noticed on Smart TVs that are able to receive MPEG2 signals via Wi-Fi without interruptions. With our older AC Wi-Fi it was a hit or miss. So far it's been flawless with the new nodes.
Maximum individual speed: I could not reach over 500 Mbps using OKLA Speedtest on iPhone 11s, while measuring speed from a laptop connected to Ethernet, was able to go over 800 Mbps., even when standing with the phone right next to the node.
Hardware: These nodes are really big. They're massive compared to the original VELOPs: 4 in x 4 in x 9 1/2 inches. Each node has 3 LAN Gigabit ports and 1 WAN gigabit port, also each node has 1 USB 3 port (5 Gb/s) that support network shares (which I did not try), connecting a hard drive. They're discoverable as SMB shares.
Note that Linksys also has a different Wi-Fi 6 VELOP model AX5300. The differences are:
- Faster radios
- Better CPU
- One extra LAN port
Overall I'm very satisfied with these. They're very simple to install and have been reliable (1+ week using them constantly). Not once had disconnects so far, which is something I could not say about the older models.
What I don't like is that I could not get closer to gigabit speeds on a single device, and the network services as a router are limited, with parental controls being very basic. Other than that, these are a VAST improvement from previous Mesh networks and anything that is not Wi-Fi 6.
However keep in mind that only some new phones and laptops support Wi-Fi 6. Anything slightly older will likewise run at normal AC speeds. However these routers should provide a much more stable connection regardless.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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4of 8voted this as helpful.
 
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Enjoy astonishing sound with this breakthrough portable speaker. Stream music and more over WiFi at home and listen on the go with Bluetooth. Get up to 10 hours of battery life. Easily control the sound with the Sonos app, your voice, and Apple AirPlay 2. Create a whole-home sound system with multiple Sonos speakers.
 

Will Alexa work outdoors when using Bluetooth? Or only on Wi-Fi? Will Siri work to control the Roam? Thanks!

Alexa or Google Assistant functions, and any other Sonos-specific features only work with WiFi, not with Bluetooth
3 years, 6 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Enjoy astonishing sound with this breakthrough portable speaker. Stream music and more over WiFi at home and listen on the go with Bluetooth. Get up to 10 hours of battery life. Easily control the sound with the Sonos app, your voice, and Apple AirPlay 2. Create a whole-home sound system with multiple Sonos speakers.
 

Will a USB-C to AUX adapter work as workaround for no AUX connection? Or is USB for charging only?

USB-C is for charging
3 years, 6 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Enjoy astonishing sound with this breakthrough portable speaker. Stream music and more over WiFi at home and listen on the go with Bluetooth. Get up to 10 hours of battery life. Easily control the sound with the Sonos app, your voice, and Apple AirPlay 2. Create a whole-home sound system with multiple Sonos speakers.
 

What is the connection range? 10v 20? 30 feet? Thank you!

It’s Bluetooth 5 and WiFi.
BT 5,0 can reach 800 ft ideal outdoor conditions. Farther with WiFi.
Usually two rooms away indoors in a radio noisy area.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
The world of electric scooters is proud to welcome the Hover-1 Blackhawk eScooter. This powerful scooter is a comprehensive mobility solution that features a beautiful display, removeable battery and LED display. With speeds of up to 18mph and a range of almost 30 miles, this scooter will keep you going all day long. The built-in kickstand makes it easy to hop off your scooter and hop back on without skipping a beat. Not to mention, this scooter comes fully loaded with large 10” tires to give you a smooth and comfortable ride on nearly any surface.
 

How long to charge? How long does it stay charged?

It can take up to 6 or 7 hours if completely empty.
When I purchased it, the battery was almost full, so that must've been a few months.
It could go up to 25 miles per charge on a good day on flat areas.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
The world of electric scooters is proud to welcome the Hover-1 Blackhawk eScooter. This powerful scooter is a comprehensive mobility solution that features a beautiful display, removeable battery and LED display. With speeds of up to 18mph and a range of almost 30 miles, this scooter will keep you going all day long. The built-in kickstand makes it easy to hop off your scooter and hop back on without skipping a beat. Not to mention, this scooter comes fully loaded with large 10” tires to give you a smooth and comfortable ride on nearly any surface.
 

The Pro- build in Bluetooth ?

There is no Bluetooth, no app. It does not need a phone to use it, nor to track you.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Quality is available on your countertops, thanks to an array of GE food processor options, crafted to suit your family's lifestyle. All GE Appliances food processors come with an extra large chopping jar that holds up to 12 cups of food and allows you to prepare enough for the whole family. The ergonomic handle will help you hold, carry, and pour from the jar easily without worrying about losing your grip, while the available Large Feed Tube can accommodate whole or large ingredients, eliminating the need for pre-cutting or additional prepping. Plus you'll enjoy the peace of mind that comes from buying from a brand you trust.
 

where is it made

It is made in China
3 years, 9 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Quality is available on your countertops, thanks to an array of GE food processor options, crafted to suit your family's lifestyle. All GE Appliances food processors come with an extra large chopping jar that holds up to 12 cups of food and allows you to prepare enough for the whole family. The ergonomic handle will help you hold, carry, and pour from the jar easily without worrying about losing your grip, while the available Large Feed Tube can accommodate whole or large ingredients, eliminating the need for pre-cutting or additional prepping. Plus you'll enjoy the peace of mind that comes from buying from a brand you trust.
 

Can you grate cheese with this product?

Didn't try it yet for cheese since we only grate small portions at a time. It does have a thin shredding disk that should work with aged cheeses, depending on how thin you need it to be
3 years, 9 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Quality is available on your countertops, thanks to an array of GE food processor options, crafted to suit your family's lifestyle. All GE Appliances food processors come with an extra large chopping jar that holds up to 12 cups of food and allows you to prepare enough for the whole family. The ergonomic handle will help you hold, carry, and pour from the jar easily without worrying about losing your grip, while the available Large Feed Tube can accommodate whole or large ingredients, eliminating the need for pre-cutting or additional prepping. Plus you'll enjoy the peace of mind that comes from buying from a brand you trust.
 

Are there assembly instructions or a video?

It comes pre-assembled. There is nothing to do, just wash the bowl and accessories and use it.
3 years, 9 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Linksys Velop WiFi 6 Whole Home Mesh System MX12600 is a router that delivers next-level streaming and gaming to more than 120 devices on your network. It offers a reliable connection for everyone to stream, game, and video chat without interruption. Intelligent Mesh™ Technology offers whole home coverage that’s easily expandable by adding additional nodes. With easy set up, advanced security and parental controls, MX12600 is an essential upgrade to any home.
 

Does the Velop AX4200 work with CenturyLink fiber gigabit internet? I'm currently using the Eero Pro wifi system and I'm forced to use it in bridge mode because my CenturyLink modem only supports PPPoE.

It does support bridge mode and PPPoE. I only tried bridge mode though
User submitted photo
3 years, 11 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Linksys Velop WiFi 6 Whole Home Mesh System MX12600 is a router that delivers next-level streaming and gaming to more than 120 devices on your network. It offers a reliable connection for everyone to stream, game, and video chat without interruption. Intelligent Mesh™ Technology offers whole home coverage that’s easily expandable by adding additional nodes. With easy set up, advanced security and parental controls, MX12600 is an essential upgrade to any home.
 

I have 3 existing Velop AC2200 nodes used to create a mesh network. Is this compatible with an existing AC2200 Velop system or would I need to rebuild from scratch or purchase another AC2200 node?

It does work with existing AC Velop. I suggest you make the AX4200 the primary node. I was in a similar sitiuation and chose to rebuild the Wi-Fi network using the same name and password, and remove the AC nodes since these are faster and with better range
3 years, 11 months ago
by
emiliosic