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  • Review count
    148
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    587
  • First review
    January 16, 2016
  • Last review
    April 19, 2024
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  • Average rating
    4.1
 
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  • Answer count
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  • Helpfulness votes
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  • First answer
    July 22, 2016
  • Last answer
    May 17, 2021
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ricks's Reviews
<< 1 ... 8 9 10 11 12 ... 15 >>
 
Write and design with confidence with this Google Pixelbook pen. The responsive instrument can be used with Google Pixelbook or Google Assistant to make taking notes or creating art more efficient. The realistic feel of this Google Pixelbook pen helps you write and draw naturally so you can focus on your designs.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Can Live Without It for Office Use
on August 27, 2019
Posted by: ricks
from SF Bay Area
I have the Pixel Pen for use with the Pixel Slate (not the Pixelbook). Unless you’re a digital artist, the pen is difficult to justify. At $99, it’s expensive and most non-drawing apps do not take advantage of the pen’s features like pressure sensitivity or tilt. Plus, when writing with the pen, there’s no quick and easy way to backspace to make corrections. For office app users, you’re better off spending money on the excellent Google keyboard/cover whose built-in touchpad will gain you far more productivity.
If you’re a digital artist, then this would be worth it if your apps take advantage of the pen’s features. There was no noticeable lag when I tried sketching (chicken-scratching is more accurate of my ability) in Infinite Painter. The feel of the pen is smooth, but being thicker than a pencil, easy to hold. There is some weight to keep it from rolling away if you simply put it down, but it can roll away if you drop it and it lands with momentum. Unfortunately, there's no place on the Slate to attach the pen when not in use. Also, it uses a AAAA battery which means it will last longer than a rechargeable stylus, but you'll need to keep an extra battery around if you use it a lot.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Stay entertained on the go with this 12.3-inch Google Pixel Slate tablet. Featuring an Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, this powerful tablet delivers smooth, responsive performance and resource-efficient multitasking. This Google Pixel Slate tablet offers a detailed, immersive entertainment experience with a 12.3-inch 3000 x 2000 resolution Molecular Display.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
OK for using with Chrome, not for Android
on August 10, 2019
Posted by: ricks
from SF Bay Area
If you're a frequent user of Chrome browser and Google services like Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Duo, etc... then the Pixel Slate could be an alternative to a full fledged computer or hefty Chromebook, especially with the recent drop in price. If you do a lot of inputting, though, then best to get the optional keyboard, in which case the Pixel Slate with keyboard lands in the same price range as higher end Chromebooks like the Google Pixelbook.
PROs
• Excellent screen resolution, though less saturated color than other tablets
• Great sound from the small speakers
• Battery lasts a full working day
• You won’t miss a computer when working in Chrome browser, especially with Google services like Gmail, Photos, etc...
• Has two USB-C ports so you can use external storage
CONs
• Heavier than I expected for a tablet. Would get tiring if you had to hold it a long time. Plus it runs warm when watching videos.
• Sections of the screen flicker at times. I noticed this especially on infinite scroll pages like Quora and when watching live TV stream from my cable company. On YouTube and Netflix there was no flickering.
• Touch input did not work on every web site. When I was in iCloud.com using the Notes app, only the touchpad on the optional keyboard was recognized, but I could not get the tablet to recognize touch. I don't know if there are other websites that would have the same issue, though all of the Google services worked fine.
• The biggest con is when using Android apps. Maybe it depends on the developer, but Android apps don’t seem to take advantage of the larger screen. And in the case of my password manager, 1Password, it didn’t recognize the fingerprint sensor on the Slate and asked me to enter my password to open it. Nor did it autofill my passwords when using Chrome.
With the reduced price of the Pixel Slate, I would recommend it if you work primarily in Chrome and especially in Google services, and if you get the optional keyboard. If you do, you will love the experience.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Enhance your tablet's productivity with this Google Pixel Slate keyboard. Ideal for getting work done, this keyboard instantly connects to your tablet and makes it easy to type on the full-size keys and an extra-large trackpad. This Google Pixel Slate keyboard makes it easy to switch between laptop and tablet modes and has a dedicated Google Assistant button for easy access to helpful functions.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Practically a Must-Have for Pixel Slate
on August 10, 2019
Posted by: ricks
from SF Bay Area
The Google Keyboard for Pixel Slate is practically a must-have, especially if you do a lot of inputting. More than the Pixel Slate itself, it’s the keyboard that makes the experience of using the tablet rich. The keys are quiet and have just the proper feel and spacing. An integrated touchpad is so natural that you’ll often forget that the Pixel Slate screen is touch sensitive, too. The back cover adjusts the screen to almost any angle with a smooth motion. Note, the cover uses strong magnets. I accidentally put my phone on top of my closed cover and was surprised how much force was needed to pick up the phone.
Google includes a key that launches Google Assistant. Press it and you can speak to the tablet like you would any Google speaker. To save space, there is no Caps Lock. If you type a lot in all caps, you might want to stop shouting in your communications. Or you can reprogram the Ctrl key to serve as Caps Lock.
The keyboard has a backlight. But, in what seems like a documentation oversight, the backlight adjustment does not show up in the Settings panel of the Pixel Slate. To adjust the backlight, use the Alt key with the screen brightness buttons on the keyboard. By the way, the icons on the brightness buttons look very similar to the icon used by Settings.
Attaching the Pixel Slate to the keyboard is via a built-in snap connector. The tablet automatically recognizes the keyboard and orients itself to landscape. The keyboard adds weight to the Pixel Slate, which is already heavier than I expected for a tablet. The combo is still portable, but a little less so together.
The only real downside to the keyboard is that the combined purchase price of the tablet and keyboard rivals high-end Chromebooks. And if you’re typing enough that a keyboard makes sense, you’ll have to decide which form factor works better for you: table + keyboard or Chromebook.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Capture up to 1440p video with this Nextbase 522GW dash camera. Alexa enables hands-free control through voice commands, and Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi technologies sync with compatible smartphones for quick access to important footage. This Nextbase 522GW dash camera has ports for connecting compatible camera modules for easy expansion.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Solid Performer With a Few Hiccups
on July 17, 2019
Posted by: ricks
from SF Bay Area
I rate the Nextbase 522GW just shy of 4 stars, but it's a solid performer of a dash cam in any case. Rather than listing all the specs which you can find in the product description, I'll describe here all the shortcomings that prevented me from giving it a 4 or 5 star rating.
• No SD card is included
• Resolution is 1440p (QHD) instead of 4K
• I could not get their app to work on my iPhone 6 Plus, though it it did work on my iPhone 7
• The shape and design would not allow me to mount it as close to the windshield as I'd like. Bringing it close would reduce dashboard glare, though the lens has a built-in polarizer to help reduce that.
• Two mounts are included – an adhesive mount and a suction cup mount. I first tried the suction cup mount and once on there, I simply could not disassemble it to to change mounts. I was hesitant to use too much force and damage the cam.
• When you initially set up the cam, you can select its time zone by picking your geographic region. But when you review the time zone setting subsequently, you get a UTC offset, as if everyone knows how many hours from UTC their time zone is.
• Night time videos lose a bit of sharpness. And like most dash cams, it's difficult to read license plates illuminated by your own car's headlights.
• You can download a video player for your computer to playback the cam's video files. Their player is well done and includes a map so you can see the route while you’re watching the videos. However, the app did crash on me when I loaded around 40 files.
• There's a typo in the Quick start guide which refers to an incorrect website (www.nextbase.com/getstarted522); should be www.nextbase.com/getstarted522gw
None of these are deal killers and they don't prevent me from recommending the dash cam. It has a long list of good features and has, in fact, already replaced my dash cam of another brand.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Clean messes and dust at the office with this Hoover ONEPWR wet and dry cordless vacuum. The capable motor delivers up to 45 cfm for faster cleaning, and the rechargeable 2 Ah battery facilitates cordless use. This Hoover ONEPWR wet and dry cordless vacuum includes a 3-gal. dirt tank to trap captured debris.
 
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Customer Rating
2 out of 5
2
Neither Here Nor There
on July 4, 2019
Posted by: ricks
from SF Bay Area
This 3 gallon capacity Hoover wet/dry vacuum seems to be a very niche product with limited appeal. It's too small to be used while standing up, which means it's not useful for larger swaths of floors. There are no wheels or rollers as it's meant to be carried. That also means if you’re vacuuming a lot of liquid, it can get heavy for some folks. Then again, if you’re using it for small spills, a paper towel is the simpler solution. On the other hand, it's too large to use as a car vac or for stairs (it's doable, but cumbersome).
One particular annoyance is that the attachments don't clip on to the hose. That means they slip off easily as you're vacuuming. On top of that, the dirt tank has a lip along the top where the vacuum attaches. So when trying to empty the tank, some dirt or liquid will always stay inside the tank until you wipe it clean and dry. A much better design would have been to have some kind of way to empty the tank from the bottom.
If you tend to make a lot of spot messes and you've already bought into the Hoover ONEPWR appliances and batteries, then this could be a nice add. ONEPWR batteries will work across the product line. But otherwise, I don't see much use for this.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Control your small appliances from a smartphone by plugging it into this Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi smart plug. Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant enables seamless voice control. This Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi smart plug lets you trigger lights to automatically turn on and off, and it extends the range of your devices when plugged into a wall outlet.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Decent Plug Hobbled by Its App
on June 22, 2019
Posted by: ricks
from SF Bay Area
I own a few smart plugs by another brand so decided to try this SmartThings plug to see if I was missing anything. Overall the plug itself is fine. However, its use is hobbled by the Samsung SmartThings app on iOS.
PROs
• Compact size that does not block access to other outlets (see photos)
• Monitors wattage consumption of whatever is plugged into it.
• Does not require a hub (which is a good thing since the SmartThings hub I used was not stable)
• On/Off indicator light on the plug is subtle; it does not shine like a beacon in the dark
CONs
• Horrible unintuitive SmartThings app by Samsung is needed to use it. You can’t even set a simple routine such as turning it off/on at specific times unless you set up two programs: one to turn it on and the another to turn it off.
• No setting to vary on/off time randomly so as to appear someone is home walking around the house
If you’ve bought into the SmartThings ecosystem already, then this plug makes sense as it can be programmed to work with other SmartThings devices. Otherwise, there are better options out there.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
 
Know what's going on when you're away from home. The Full HD camera delivers a clear, detailed view, allowing you to monitor your home 24 hours a day from the convenience of your smartphone, tablet, Samsung TV or fridge. The SmartThings camera intuitively distinguishes between a person and an object, alerting you immediately if necessary while minimizing false triggers.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Decent Mid-Level Camera Hobbled by App
on June 22, 2019
Posted by: ricks
from SF Bay Area
Overall this is not a bad camera but I’m reluctant to recommend it due to the undesirable SmartThings app needed to manage it. Plus, there are other cameras in this price range with a few more bells and whistles.
PROs
• Good wide 145 degree viewing angle (diagonal)
• Motion detection works well. Default is to monitor the whole screen but you can choose specific areas If you want. Useful to ignore motion, for example, of trees through a window, or pets running through the bottom of the view.
• 1080p resolution clear image
• Infrared for night vision up to 16.4 feet
• Does not require a hub
• Two-way speaker
• Works on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wi-fi networks
CONs
• Runs warm even when turned off.
• Horrible unintuitive SmartThings app by Samsung is needed to use it. You can’t even set a simple routine such as turning it off/on at specific times unless you set up two programs: one to turn it on and the another to turn it off. Easily knocks off 1 to 1.5 stars from the rating.
• No remote pan/tilt the camera. Somewhat negated by the wide view, though a zoom would have been nice.
Other
30 day trial for premium features, but free option allows you to take 10-second clips (versus 60-seconds on premium) that are available for 24 hours (versus 30 days). The free option also limits you to 4 cameras (versus 8 on premium) on the cloud account; all additional cameras are limited to live streaming.
If you’re already invested in the SmartThings ecosystem, then it’s worth considering.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Light up any room with the SmartThings smart bulb that's easy to control from your smartphone or tablet. Turn on the living room lamps as you're heading home, dim the lights from movie night, or schedule them to turn off before bed. It's a smarter way to light your house while saving money on energy costs.
 
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Customer Rating
2 out of 5
2
Limited Features & Needs a Hub
on June 22, 2019
Posted by: ricks
from SF Bay Area
This is a basic LED single hue (color) bulb that emits a 2700 Kelvin warm light. The light itself is pleasant, similar to an incandescent bulb. But the bulb requires a hub and can’t be controlled directly. Plus, the SmarterThings app that programs it is cumbersome, unintuitive and has a steep learning curve. Once you add a hub and figure out the app, the only controls on the bulb itself are turn on/off and a dimmer (setting on/off times are a feature of the app, not the bulb). If you already own a hub, then this could be worth considering. But if it’s your first foray into a smart device, it’s not worth having to buy a hub and dealing with the app.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Recover from a strenuous workout faster with this Hyperice Hypersphere Mini therapy ball. The unique shape and three-speed vibration setting help relieve soreness by directly targeting pain points after exercise, or when used to start your warm up. This Hyperice Hypersphere Mini therapy ball comes with rechargeable LiIon batteries giving you up to two hours of uninterrupted therapy.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
OK for a Surface Massage
on June 21, 2019
Posted by: ricks
from SF Bay Area
Having enjoyed the Hyperice Vyper 2.0 Roller, I was looking forward to using the Hyperice Mini Vibrating Massage Ball. One downside of that big roller is it doesn’t reach smaller muscles like shoulders. The good news is that the Mini Ball is indeed able to cover smaller muscles. The bad news is it doesn’t penetrate enough to give you that deep tissue massage that you crave. My advice is to get the Vyper 2.0 for larger muscles, and get a real hand massage for the rest.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy hours of high-quality sound with these JVC Lightweight Wired On-Ear Headphones with 1-Button Remote and Microphone. The sleek, lightweight black headphones are a comfortable choice for long listening sessions, and they feature a two-way foldable design for easy portability when you're on the go. Ideal for virtual meetings and classes, the headphones are equipped with a 1.2 meter (3.9') cable with 1-button remote and microphone so you can easily manage calls and control music playback from your smart device. A 30 mm neodymium driver unit delivers high-quality sound reproduction, while a dynamic bass port provides powerful, deep bass. Whether you're using them for school, meetings or jamming to your favorite tunes, these HASR185A on-ear headphones have you covered.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Just OK
on June 4, 2019
Posted by: ricks
from SF Bay Area
The JVC SR185 headphones are a basic set of wired headphones with microphone compatible with iOS, Android, and Blackberry devices. They are also preset to boost bass, if that's your thing. Overall, this is nothing fancy and a price to match. Sound quality is ok though heavy on the bass by design. The ear cups are a little stiff and may be uncomfortable if worn too long. Overall I give it 3.5 stars.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
<< 1 ... 8 9 10 11 12 ... 15 >>
 
ricks's Review Comments
 
ricks has not submitted comments on any reviews.
 
ricks's Questions
 
ricks has not submitted any questions.
 
ricks's Answers
 
B&W PI5 true wire-free headphones are attractive, well-built, and they deliver a refined sound quality. Featuring Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX technology these earphones ensure reliable connectivity whether you are streaming from your smartphone, tablet or PC. Allows connection of up to two devices at the same time, however, only one device can be used to play or make a call at a time. Download the Bowers & Wilkins free headphone app, available for Apple and Android for further control of the sound and noise cancellation, right on your phone. The PI5 headphones feature the latest innovations in adaptive noise cancellation along with 4 built-in microphones that pick up ambient noise and cancel it with an equal, but opposite, audio signal and enhance the call quality. There are three levels of Adaptive Noise Cancellation – High, Low and Auto, that can be controlled either by the multi-functional button on the left earbud or via the app. Similarly, the touch-sensitive button on the right earbud allows you to enable voice assistance. The buttons also allows you to control playback and phone call functions with single (play/pause, answer call), double (skip forward, end call), or triple presses (skip backward). Another stand-out feature of these headphones is the intuitive detection sensors that put the earphones on standby or reconnect them depending upon whether they are removed or put back on. The PI5s come with a sturdy and attractive charging case for charging the earbuds when not in use. The case is equipped with two 350mAh rechargeable batteries. Each earbud has a rechargeable battery which provides up to 4 hours of wireless playback. Including the charging case, the PI5 can provide up to 12 hours of continuous playback.
 

Is there an App to set the equalizer?

The app currently does not have an equalizer function. Not sure if they plan to add this functionality in the future, but would be nice.
3 years ago
by
ricks
 
Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine w/ LatteGo, Black
 

is that machine automatic?

Yes. You just put coffee beans in the hopper and it makes espressos and coffee.
4 years, 7 months ago
by
ricks
 
Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine w/ LatteGo, Black
 

Is this compatible with Google Home or Alexa...???

No, it is not an internet connected machine.
4 years, 7 months ago
by
ricks
 
Capture up to 1440p video with this Nextbase 522GW dash camera. Alexa enables hands-free control through voice commands, and Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi technologies sync with compatible smartphones for quick access to important footage. This Nextbase 522GW dash camera has ports for connecting compatible camera modules for easy expansion.
 

This specs states that it has GPS. Does it record GPS location and speed on the viewed camera footage? There is a GPS powered mount that is available for these types of cameras. Are these extra mounts needed to record GPS and speed on the footage?

GPS recorder is built into the cam so you don't need any mount other than what's included. Yes, the video footage will show you the speed and GPS location. Additionally, if you use the myNextbase player app on your PC or Mac, you can also see your route overlayed on a map side-by-side with the footage.
4 years, 10 months ago
by
ricks
 
Meet Bose Frames. Bluetooth sunglasses with a soundtrack. The first audio sunglasses with built-in Bose speakers for an immersive audio experience unlike any other. A revolutionary personal audio experience hidden inside two classic designs, each enriched with premium accents and materials. Play music, take calls, and enjoy the sun with UVA/UVB protection. Bose Frames Alto feature a classic angular lenses, available in small and large size.
 

Where’s the camera? A camera would make this product complete. While hiking a hands free everything would be awesome.

There is no camera on the glasses.
5 years ago
by
ricks
 
Listen to tunes in peace with these Sony headphones. Their noise-canceling processor blocks out background noise so you can fully enjoy your playlist, and the Smart Listening feature adjusts noise-canceling levels based on your activity. Quickly charge these Sony headphones in only 10 minutes to provide 30 hours of battery life. Industry Leading Noise Cancellation. *As of August 30, 2018. According to research by Sony Corporation measured using JEITA-compliant guidelines. In headband-style of wireless noise-canceling headphones market.
 

Is there latency when watching videos?

I did not notice any latency at all watching YouTube.
5 years, 8 months ago
by
ricks
 
Sleep better. Cover unwanted noise with soothing sounds. Bose noise-masking sleepbuds™ are uniquely designed for sleep. They don’t stream music or have acoustic noise cancellation. Instead, these tiny, wireless earbuds use pre-loaded, soothing sounds to cover up unwanted noises, so you can get to sleep — and stay asleep. Plus, unlike traditional earplugs, they’re super comfortable and made to stay in place all night long, even if you sleep on your side. 1. Choose your sound, 2. Set an alarm, 3. Fall asleep without unwanted noise.
 

How well do these work for silencing out loud snoring from your bed partner?

The volume of the sleepbuds can be turned up pretty high, so as to cover up the snoring. But then the question is can you sleep with loud sound playing in your ears? These are not earplugs – they do not reduce external sounds, they only mask them.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
ricks
 
Create incredible images every day, anywhere with Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan. Get the magic of Adobe Photoshop CC and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC, plus everything else you need to organize, enhance, and share your photos like a pro on your desktop and mobile devices.
 

With this program, can you make flyers, posters and layouts? crop your photos also?

The short answer is yes, you can do all of those things. Note that Lightroom and especially Photoshop are like "Swiss Army Knives." They are powerful editing tools designed for many different functions and activities. That means you won't find a simple setting for "make a flyer," and so on. But if you take the time to learn the software (which admittedly can take some time), it will more than deliver what you’re asking.
6 years, 3 months ago
by
ricks
 
QuietComfort® 35 wireless noise cancelling headphones are engineered with world-class noise cancellation that makes quiet sound quieter and music sound better. Free yourself from wires and connect easily to your devices with Bluetooth® and NFC pairing. And enjoy up to 20 hours of wireless listening per battery charge.
 

Where does the music heard on the headphones come from? Can you program the music directly into the headphones so it is a complete unit?

The headphones play sound from your phone, computer or whatever device you’ve paired it with. There is no onboard memory to hold music – it must be streamed.
7 years, 10 months ago
by
ricks