explore42's stats
- Review count141
- Helpfulness votes560
- First reviewFebruary 26, 2016
- Last reviewMay 7, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
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- Answer count24
- Helpfulness votes236
- First answerFebruary 26, 2016
- Last answerDecember 23, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers8
Master your flow with the MX Keys S Combo Wireless Mouse and Keyboard — the ultimate combo that combines the power of the fluid, fast precision typing of MX Keys S Wireless Keyboard with the precise, fast scrolling experience of MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse.
Posted by: explore42
The MX Keys Combo really makes me feel more efficient and effective when I am doing every day work and hobby task on my computers. I spend a lot of time working in office applications and being able to have specific mouse/keyboard functions available per application makes life so much easier. Being able to configure specific mouse buttons that change per application makes working on spreadsheets and presentations and documents much smoother. The ability to work across a work laptop and a home computer at the same time using a single keyboard and mouse makes working from home much less complicated.
Mouse: The mouse is the true superstar of this combo. It is slightly larger than I prefer but the thumb rest and textured finish make it easy to grip and use. The mouse has the standard buttons but it also includes a button on the thumb rest as well as a second horizontal scroll wheel. You can adjust the speed of the horizontal wheel as well as select between smooth or click scrolling on the main wheel. When configured with the Options + software you can optimize the mouse functionality to the specific apps you use as well as set the mouse DPI up to 8000. Logitech has preconfigured mouse settings for most apps but you can easily change them to meet your specific needs. The mouse buttons are quiet and have a solid engagement when pressed. The gesture button on the thumb rest is smaller and not as easily located but still manageable. This button allows you to press and gesture to select a configurable function.
Keyboard: The keyboard is a low-profile full-size keyboard with silent membrane keys. The keys have a slight cupping which makes finding the home keys and typing relatively easy. Because the keyboard is so flat and thin and does not have any slant adjustment it can take some time to get used to. The included foam palm rest definitely helps overcome the lower positioning issues. I was using a standard MX mechanical keyboard prior to this so it has taken some time to adjust. The keyboard uses Logitech’s smart illumination which means it lights up when it senses your hand. I found this feature to be somewhat inconsistent and you cannot turn the lighting on permanently. Luckily via the Options + software you can adjust the length of time the keys are illuminated. This cuts down on the keyboard battery life but it also keeps the keys from blinking on and off every time I stop to think for a moment. The maximum time you can set to stay illuminated is 30 minutes but if you go that long you need to watch the battery indicator of the keyboard closely. The keyboard has a fairly standard key layout including brightness and media controls. You can use the Options + software to configure the Function buttons. Because it has membrane keys it is very quiet which really helps if you like to type during video conferences.
Both the keyboard and the mouse can pair with up to three computers using the Logi Bolt dongle or Bluetooth. The keyboard has three dedicated buttons for switching and the mouse has one button on the bottom. I found that pairing the keyboard and the mouse was straight forward and once paired they didn’t suffer any connectivity issues. Both device’s batteries are charged by using the provided USB-A to USB-C cable. Note that both devices only communicate wirelessly – the USB ports are only for powering/charging the devices. The keyboard battery should last about 10 days using the default lighting and the mouse should last 70 days between charges.
Keyboard: The keyboard is a low-profile full-size keyboard with silent membrane keys. The keys have a slight cupping which makes finding the home keys and typing relatively easy. Because the keyboard is so flat and thin and does not have any slant adjustment it can take some time to get used to. The included foam palm rest definitely helps overcome the lower positioning issues. I was using a standard MX mechanical keyboard prior to this so it has taken some time to adjust. The keyboard uses Logitech’s smart illumination which means it lights up when it senses your hand. I found this feature to be somewhat inconsistent and you cannot turn the lighting on permanently. Luckily via the Options + software you can adjust the length of time the keys are illuminated. This cuts down on the keyboard battery life but it also keeps the keys from blinking on and off every time I stop to think for a moment. The maximum time you can set to stay illuminated is 30 minutes but if you go that long you need to watch the battery indicator of the keyboard closely. The keyboard has a fairly standard key layout including brightness and media controls. You can use the Options + software to configure the Function buttons. Because it has membrane keys it is very quiet which really helps if you like to type during video conferences.
Both the keyboard and the mouse can pair with up to three computers using the Logi Bolt dongle or Bluetooth. The keyboard has three dedicated buttons for switching and the mouse has one button on the bottom. I found that pairing the keyboard and the mouse was straight forward and once paired they didn’t suffer any connectivity issues. Both device’s batteries are charged by using the provided USB-A to USB-C cable. Note that both devices only communicate wirelessly – the USB ports are only for powering/charging the devices. The keyboard battery should last about 10 days using the default lighting and the mouse should last 70 days between charges.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get your first feel of racing thrills with this Thrustmaster T128 Racing Wheel for PlayStation 4/5 and PC. Optimized Force Feedback system with a lightweight wheel rim renders fun, intuitive racing sensations in different types of vehicle-oriented games. Precise T-MP magnetic paddle shifters gives you clear activation feel. Gear up for your next racing adventure with this T128 Racing Wheel!
Posted by: explore42
The Thrustmaster T128 provides a novice level sim racing experience that is way better than using a controller but the pedals and plastic wheel keep this from being a really nice racing platform. Most of my PC racing games recognized the T128 as a racing wheel but only the newer game versions listed it as a Thrustmaster Advanced Mode Racing wheel. Overall the T128 and its forced feedback provides a simulated race experience that will thrill most novice or casual racers.
Pros:
- Hybrid Drive forced feedback was quiet and relatively consistent across games
- 13 configurable buttons
- Thrustmaster drivers and control software recognized by most games
- Magnetic paddle shifters and pedals
- Hybrid Drive forced feedback was quiet and relatively consistent across games
- 13 configurable buttons
- Thrustmaster drivers and control software recognized by most games
- Magnetic paddle shifters and pedals
Cons:
- The wheel is small at 10 inches and it is all plastic
- The pedal base is too easy to move and tilt over during use
- The pedals are too small and very close together
- No mounting options for the wheel assembly besides the table clamp
- The wheel is small at 10 inches and it is all plastic
- The pedal base is too easy to move and tilt over during use
- The pedals are too small and very close together
- No mounting options for the wheel assembly besides the table clamp
Game Play: Prior to playing any games I downloaded the T128 drivers and control panel software from the Thrustmaster support website. With the software installed I then tested all the wheel and pedal functions and buttons. All the games recognized the wheel as either a generic wheel or a version of a Thrustmaster wheel. With the wheel recognized I then went into each game’s controller/wheel configuration page and made changes to recommendations I have found on the web or Youtube. Note that these settings have a profound effect on how the wheel responds and reacts so to get the most out of this wheel you need to change the configuration to meet your needs. Below is quick rundown of what each game recognized the wheel as and if the wheel’s LED display worked in the game.
Assetto Corsa – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but the LED wheel display does not work.
Assetto Corsa Competizione – wheel fully recognized as a Thrustmaster Advanced Mode and LED works.
Dirt Rally – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
Dirt Rally 2 – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
F1 2018 – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
F1 2022 – wheel fully recognized as a Thrustmaster Advanced Mode and LED works.
Forza 4 – wheel recognized as a generic wheel so you need to configure the wheel and pedal functions with the Custom wheel settings, LED does not work.
Forza 5 – wheel recognized as a Thrustmaster T248 and LED works.
Asphalt 9:Legends – wheel is recognized as a generic wheel but LED display does not work.
Assetto Corsa Competizione – wheel fully recognized as a Thrustmaster Advanced Mode and LED works.
Dirt Rally – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
Dirt Rally 2 – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
F1 2018 – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
F1 2022 – wheel fully recognized as a Thrustmaster Advanced Mode and LED works.
Forza 4 – wheel recognized as a generic wheel so you need to configure the wheel and pedal functions with the Custom wheel settings, LED does not work.
Forza 5 – wheel recognized as a Thrustmaster T248 and LED works.
Asphalt 9:Legends – wheel is recognized as a generic wheel but LED display does not work.
Thrustmaster has a list on its support website that list the games that support the wheel’s LED display. Bottom line is that the games were somewhat consistent in recognizing the Thrustmaster drivers and minimal setup was required to get the wheel fully operational. Once the games were configured I was able to really enjoy the forced feedback and the driving experience that this wheel provides. In the F1 and Assetto Corsa games you can feel the wheel respond in tight corners at high speed and you can feel the vibration of the road surface as you go faster. In the Dirt Rally racing you can feel the difference when going from a dirt track to gravel in the wheel vibration and also how it responds to drifting. In Forza Horizon 5 the Hot Wheels track takes on a whole new feeling when you are trying to steer through high banks and loop to loops. For the casual player or someone who wants to get into racing games at an affordable price point this platform is definitely one to consider.
Issues with Mounting the Wheel and Pedals
The race wheel comes with a typical table top clamp but sadly Thrustmaster has shortened the legs of the clamp with this version versus some of its older models. Because of this the mounting clamp has to be able to grip the table top close to the edge of the table. If there is any type of support or molding offset from the edge you may have issues mounting the wheel. Also Thrustmaster did not include any mounting hardware built into the wheel’s base for securing it to racing stand. I use a racing stand and it has predrilled holes for Thrustmaster wheels but without mounts in the base of wheel I had to create my own mounting. The pedal platform is very problematic due to the short pedals and its size. It is impossible to keep it from sliding or tipping over if you use it on carpet. On a hardwood floor or any solid floor the pedal platform is grippier but definitely not perfect. The pedals are too small and way too close together. Anyone who has big feet or has wide shoes will have problems with these pedals especially if you like to use both feet on the pedals. Thrustmaster did include two mounting holes in the pedal platform if you have a racing stand and some hardware for mounting it.
The race wheel comes with a typical table top clamp but sadly Thrustmaster has shortened the legs of the clamp with this version versus some of its older models. Because of this the mounting clamp has to be able to grip the table top close to the edge of the table. If there is any type of support or molding offset from the edge you may have issues mounting the wheel. Also Thrustmaster did not include any mounting hardware built into the wheel’s base for securing it to racing stand. I use a racing stand and it has predrilled holes for Thrustmaster wheels but without mounts in the base of wheel I had to create my own mounting. The pedal platform is very problematic due to the short pedals and its size. It is impossible to keep it from sliding or tipping over if you use it on carpet. On a hardwood floor or any solid floor the pedal platform is grippier but definitely not perfect. The pedals are too small and way too close together. Anyone who has big feet or has wide shoes will have problems with these pedals especially if you like to use both feet on the pedals. Thrustmaster did include two mounting holes in the pedal platform if you have a racing stand and some hardware for mounting it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Holmes Big Breeze 16” Oscillating Manual Table Fan #12214 makes cooling larger spaces a breeze. This table fan features 6 powerful blades that move airflow up to 25% faster than traditional table fans. It includes 3 speeds, low, medium, and high, to find your ideal cooling level and an easy dial control to operate. This powerful desk or table fan features a motorized 80° wide angle oscillation that delivers cooling airflow for larger living areas. To direct airflow where you need it most, the fan head is adjustable up to 40°. With an output of 2,200 cubic ft/min and high-speed velocity up to 20.5 ft/sec, this fan is ideal for use in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, gyms and home offices. Includes a sturdy base, modern black finish, and 3-year limited warranty.
Customer Rating
3
Nice Fan but Problematic Assembly
on April 29, 2023
Posted by: explore42
This Big Breeze fan does in fact provide a nice breeze with its six fan blades but getting it assembled can be a challenge due to the large use of plastic parts. Overall the fan moves a lot of air and is reasonably quiet. The three speeds along with the tilt and oscillation make this a very usable fan. The downside of this fan is that it has a lot of plastic parts that need to be fitted together to complete the assembly. I was able to get mine assembled and I do like the fan but there were definitely some head scratching and frustrating moments getting it assembled. If you good at assembling things and don’t mind the plastic then this is a decent fan to get. If however you aren’t good at assembling things I would not recommend this fan.
The base, fan blades and the front and rear fan blade guards are all made of plastic. The fan comes in several parts; the motor assembly, the base, the blade assembly and the front and rear blade guards. The base and blade assembly were simple enough to attach to the motor assembly. The frustration starts when you try to get the front and rear blade guards to snap together. They are both large circular pieces of plastic and mine weren’t quite the same roundness so I had to push and pull as I tried to get the plastic tabs to interlock with each other. I found the best way to assemble this was to start at one end and interlock one tab at a time as I conformed the plastic pieces into alignment. Like all plastic parts just as you get a tab inserted another one comes undone. Once I got all the tabs inserted the guards felt reasonably solid but knowing these tabs are the only thing keeping the front guard in place is a little concerning.
The base, fan blades and the front and rear fan blade guards are all made of plastic. The fan comes in several parts; the motor assembly, the base, the blade assembly and the front and rear blade guards. The base and blade assembly were simple enough to attach to the motor assembly. The frustration starts when you try to get the front and rear blade guards to snap together. They are both large circular pieces of plastic and mine weren’t quite the same roundness so I had to push and pull as I tried to get the plastic tabs to interlock with each other. I found the best way to assemble this was to start at one end and interlock one tab at a time as I conformed the plastic pieces into alignment. Like all plastic parts just as you get a tab inserted another one comes undone. Once I got all the tabs inserted the guards felt reasonably solid but knowing these tabs are the only thing keeping the front guard in place is a little concerning.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Featuring next-gen acoustics and new levels of connectivity, Era 100 transforms any room with the finely tuned stereo sound and rich bass your music deserves. Easily play all your audio content using WiFi, Bluetooth, and 3.5 mm line in. Enjoy hands-free control with your voice.
Posted by: explore42
If you are familiar with Sonos Speakers you will feel very comfortable with the Era 100. It is simple to set up, the Sonos app is feature rich and the sound quality is an improvement over the Sonos One. Some of the controls have changed and there are some new features but the overall sound quality and design is typical Sonos. These are great to use as stand alone speakers or you can use them in stereo or match them with a Sonos sound bar. We have ours sitting on the kitchen counter and it provides a lot of music without taking up a lot of space.
The sound quality is better than the previous Sonos One speaker because it now has a larger Mid-range/Woofer and two angled tweeters. After setting up the speaker using the Sonos app I ran the TruePlay tuning which adjust the speaker dynamics to better match the room acoustics. This gives the music a much fuller sound with a wider sound stage. The one dislike I found is that on some of the music the bass seemed to be muffled when set on the default bass mid-level setting. After some checking I realized that the Loudness setting was enabled by default in the Sonos app. Once I turned the Loudness feature off I was able to adjust the equalizer to provide the bass sound quality I expected out of this speaker. Because the speaker is small it will never reproduce a booming bass response but its as good as it gets for speakers in this size range.
The volume, play/pause, forward and reverse are touch sensitive buttons on the top of the speaker which is very convenient if you aren’t using a voice assistant. There is also a voice assistant touch button that allows you to turn the assistant on or off. On the back side of the speaker there is a Bluetooth pairing button along with a microphone on/off switch. The microphone on/off switch is great for anyone who wants to make sure the microphone is physically turned off. There is also a USB-C port on the back that can only be used for providing an in-line jack for audio and/or an ethernet connector by purchasing and connecting an optional dongle cable. Setting up the speaker is simple using the Sonos app. In the Sonos App you can set up the speaker’s wi-fi access, setup and choose the voice assistant, choose your streaming music source and configure the equalizer settings. You have the choice of Alexa or Sonos’ assistant – note Google’s assistant and Siri are not available. I have used both Alexa and Sonos voice control and both access my Amazon music without issue. I have also used Air Play and Bluetooth as well to stream music off various devices in my house. So far I am yet to find something that does not easily interface with this speaker.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Introducing the Snaptain P30, a compact yet powerful drone that's perfect for enthusiasts of all levels. With its built-in GPS and impressive 4K UHD camera, this drone is designed to comply with regulations at a mere 249g. Whether you're embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures or capturing the vibrant essence of urban life, the P30 is your versatile companion, ready to conquer any challenge. Get ready to capture stunning photos and videos from every angle with the Snaptain P30.
Customer Rating
4
Fun Flying Hobby Level Drone
on March 26, 2023
Posted by: explore42
The Vantop P30 is more than a beginner drone due to its capabilities but it is not quite up to spec with the higher priced full featured drones. Overall I think this is a good entry to mid-range drone meant for someone who is looking to have some fun flying a drone for a hobby without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- GPS positioning and intuitive controls make this easy to fly and control.
- The P-30 is very responsive and quick to respond to movement commands
- Good selection of Smart Flight Functions built in that work reasonably well such as RTH return to home, Rocket and Helix fly, GPS follow and Gesture controls
- Photos, Panoramic photos and video can all be stored on the drone with an optional micro-SD card
- Solid Build quality and so far its taken a few bumps without failing
- Remote display provides the drone status and control information in an easy to read format
- GPS positioning and intuitive controls make this easy to fly and control.
- The P-30 is very responsive and quick to respond to movement commands
- Good selection of Smart Flight Functions built in that work reasonably well such as RTH return to home, Rocket and Helix fly, GPS follow and Gesture controls
- Photos, Panoramic photos and video can all be stored on the drone with an optional micro-SD card
- Solid Build quality and so far its taken a few bumps without failing
- Remote display provides the drone status and control information in an easy to read format
Cons:
- The included battery only last about 20 minutes and takes about 3 hours to recharge
- The 4k camera captures ok photos but they can be grainy even in a low wind conditions
- At 4k resolution the video is 20 frames per second which is very choppy. The P30 does 2.7 k resolution at 30 frames per second which is a better option.
- No built in image stabilization so both pictures and video can look grainy and show image blurs/movement
- The phone mounts into a locked position in the remote so if you want to hold the remote horizontally the phone gets full sun and that can create some glare issues.
- There is no Obstacle Avoidance capabilities built into the drone so you have to be careful
- The included battery only last about 20 minutes and takes about 3 hours to recharge
- The 4k camera captures ok photos but they can be grainy even in a low wind conditions
- At 4k resolution the video is 20 frames per second which is very choppy. The P30 does 2.7 k resolution at 30 frames per second which is a better option.
- No built in image stabilization so both pictures and video can look grainy and show image blurs/movement
- The phone mounts into a locked position in the remote so if you want to hold the remote horizontally the phone gets full sun and that can create some glare issues.
- There is no Obstacle Avoidance capabilities built into the drone so you have to be careful
Getting this drone into the air is very simple. Charge up the batteries; install an optional micro SD card; pair the drone, remote and cell phone; do a quick vertical and horizontal calibration and you are ready to fly. The controls are laid out nicely on the remote and the remote display provides the important flight information in an easy to read format. The remote has a camera and video button along with a Return to Home button, Speed/Mode button and Emergency Stop buttons. The camera controls for zoom and lens angle are turn wheels and easy to access on the front side of the remote. Flying the P30 is fun and the gps and ground sensors make it fairly easy to take off, fly around, hover and land without crashing. In testing out this drone I took it out in some windy conditions and it did a decent job holding its own in the wind although I would not recommend flying it in windy conditions.
Where this drone falls down is in its battery life, image stability and video frames per second. I can consistently get about 20 minutes per charge on the battery but it takes at least 3 hours to fully recharge it. Today many of the drones have a battery life of 30 minutes or more and come with multiple batteries vs the single battery that is included with the P30. When you start considering the cost of adding additional batteries you start entering into the next tier of drones which makes this drone less appealing. The remote uses a rechargeable battery and so far I can get about 80 minutes or four flight sessions between recharges which is nice. Without image stabilizing gimbles or software the video and photo images can be problematic especially if there is any wind. The drone does have a 4k resolution camera but at 20 frames per second the video is very choppy and not that great. You can run the camera at 2.7k at 30 frames per second – common setting I use on my Action cameras but I still find the image to be grainy. If you are buying the drone specifically for video/photo quality this may not be the best choice.
Where this drone falls down is in its battery life, image stability and video frames per second. I can consistently get about 20 minutes per charge on the battery but it takes at least 3 hours to fully recharge it. Today many of the drones have a battery life of 30 minutes or more and come with multiple batteries vs the single battery that is included with the P30. When you start considering the cost of adding additional batteries you start entering into the next tier of drones which makes this drone less appealing. The remote uses a rechargeable battery and so far I can get about 80 minutes or four flight sessions between recharges which is nice. Without image stabilizing gimbles or software the video and photo images can be problematic especially if there is any wind. The drone does have a 4k resolution camera but at 20 frames per second the video is very choppy and not that great. You can run the camera at 2.7k at 30 frames per second – common setting I use on my Action cameras but I still find the image to be grainy. If you are buying the drone specifically for video/photo quality this may not be the best choice.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 is the all-in-one trimmer for maximum versatility. Craft your own personal look with this durable trimmer, which includes 18 quality tools for styling your face, hair, head and body, including below-the-belt grooming. The Multigroom 5000 also features the extra-wide hair trimmer for easy body grooming across large areas, as well as the adjustable 3-7mm comb for a personalized look. The stainless steel self-sharpening blades remain sharp as day one for long lasting performance, no blade oil required. The long lasting lithium ion battery provides up to 2.8 hours of runtime for long life and maximum power. Plus the no-slip rubber grip improves comfort and control. USB-A charging cable included (wall power adapter not included)
Posted by: explore42
You don’t have to be a hairy beast to realize what a complete groomer this set is! With all the attachments and stainless steel blade variations there is something here for everyone to use. There is a small blade, a mid-size blade with 5 guides/guards and a large blade with six guides/guards. The guide/guard combinations give you 11 different cutting lengths. They also include a dedicated nose/ear hair trimmer along with a cleaning brush and storage bag to complete the set. The installation and removal of the blades and the guides/guards can be tricky at first because they snap into place but once you get used to popping them on and off it isn’t an issue. The razor has a battery indicator with a rechargeable battery that should last nearly three hours. You charge the battery using any USB-A power source but the side of the cable that plugs into the razor is proprietary so you have to use the provided cable. Compared to my other trimmers this one is much quieter and doesn’t vibrate in my hand as much when cutting. I like using the various guides/guards because it allows me to keep the hair at a predetermined length when I cut it. The nose/ear hair trimmer is much bigger than the ones I have used in the past so I am still getting used to it. With all the blades and guides/guards it has taken a little bit of time to figure out which combination I will use most often. Luckily they include a bag to store all the parts that aren’t used often so they don’t get lost.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Dolby Atmos creates realistic 3D sound by projecting it from all around you, including from above, while DTS Virtual: X expands your listening experience without having to add extra speakers. Enjoy a cinematic audio experience, with 3 channels, 1 subwoofer and 2 up-firing channels combined to put you at the center of the action.
Customer Rating
3
Inconsistent eARC connectivity
on January 11, 2023
Posted by: explore42
I really wanted to like this soundbar because it looks good, has some nice features such as digital display on the front and it has a fairly decent mid and high range audio quality but the inconsistent connectivity with my TV ruined the experience. I connected the soundbar using the HDMI cable provided and the eARC ports on both my TV and the soundbar. After setting the TV up to use the eARC output and setting the soundbar to D.IN (Digital Input) the soundbar worked great and indicated that it was in eARC mode. However, if the TV was turned off and then back on or if I changed inputs on the TV the soundbar would change its settings from D.IN eARC to HDMI. Since the audio input was on the eARC HDMI port and not the HDMI port we would lose audio. To get the audio back I had to use the remote to reset the soundbar back to the D.IN source setting to get it to work. Expecting my kids and wife to be able to figure this out every time they turned on the TV or switched the input to the DVD or game player was too much to ask. None of my other soundbars had this issue so I thought maybe it was just a software issue so I downloaded the latest firmware from the Samsung website onto a USB drive and went through the upgrade process but the soundbar would not update because it already had the latest software. I also did a hard reset on the soundbar but that did not affect this issue either. I could have used the digital audio cable or Bluetooth but that defeated the purpose of having the eARC capabilities. Because of this issue I am reluctant to recommend this soundbar. Note that my TV is not a Samsung but it is a high end OLED tv and it has worked without issue with at least 3 other brand soundbars I have used in the past.
Overall the sound quality was an improvement over the TV speakers and the included sub did add some bass although it struggled with providing deep bass. Samsung does provide separate controls for the treble and bass and has a few presets to help tune the sound quality to your liking. The surround and virtual DTS settings enhanced the soundstage especially when playing action movies. The Subwoofer paired with the soundbar without issue and it never failed to connect. The subwoofer is small but for its size it provides a decent amount of bass to compliment the soundbar. The included wall mount brackets and mounting guide worked well and the soundbar was easy to mount and dismount due to its design. The controls were easy to access on the top of the soundbar and the remote is simple and intuitive. The display on the front of the soundbar makes it easy to see what you are adjusting when you use the remote or control buttons. On the downside the soundbar does not include a personal assistant nor does it have any type of tool for adapting the audio to your room.
Overall the sound quality was an improvement over the TV speakers and the included sub did add some bass although it struggled with providing deep bass. Samsung does provide separate controls for the treble and bass and has a few presets to help tune the sound quality to your liking. The surround and virtual DTS settings enhanced the soundstage especially when playing action movies. The Subwoofer paired with the soundbar without issue and it never failed to connect. The subwoofer is small but for its size it provides a decent amount of bass to compliment the soundbar. The included wall mount brackets and mounting guide worked well and the soundbar was easy to mount and dismount due to its design. The controls were easy to access on the top of the soundbar and the remote is simple and intuitive. The display on the front of the soundbar makes it easy to see what you are adjusting when you use the remote or control buttons. On the downside the soundbar does not include a personal assistant nor does it have any type of tool for adapting the audio to your room.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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![Bitdefender - Premium Security (10-Device) (1-Year Subscription) - Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6519/6519144_sd.jpg)
Detect and block web attacks, ransomware and other cyber threats with this digital edition of BitDefender Premium Security software. A 1-year subscription with VPN support for up to 10 devices helps secure network traffic. Compatibility with most Windows, Mac and Android operating systems makes this BitDefender Premium Security software ideal for multi-device protection.
Customer Rating
4
Good Protection and VPN but lacks ID monitoring
on December 16, 2022
Posted by: explore42
This Premium version includes Bitdefender’s Total Protection for 10 devices and adds unlimited VPN and a password manager but it lacks the identity protection and monitoring that is being included by several competitor's “premium” software. If you don’t need identity protection and monitoring then this version is one worth considering. If you already have a VPN provider you may find it more economical to get Bitdefender’s Total Security versus this Premium version which includes unlimited VPN. I have relied on Bitdefender’s protection for years now and I think its one of the best security software solutions available, the question is if the unlimited VPN access and the password manager is worth the extra cost.
I have tried many internet security programs over the years and I have found that Bitdefender offers great protection with the least impact to my pcs. Their software never slows down my gaming or impacts my work environment. What I like most is that the Bitdefender dashboard is very intuitive and easy to navigate. With a quick glance I can see if I am safe and access many of the various features that Bitdefender includes with the software such as VPN status, one click optimization, file shredder and password protection. The notifications keep you up to date on any suspicious activities and lets you get a good feel for how well your network and pc are secured. The software protects against viruses, spam and advanced threats. It offers full firewall protection and ransomware remediation. It also includes a nice password manager if you already aren’t using one. The VPN control is on the main dashboard and when you click it a second webpage opens that indicates the VPN status as well as a list of virtual locations. There are 53 international virtual locations and 15 US virtual locations that you can select from. While this is a good amount of virtual locations its far less than some dedicated VPN providers include with their subscriptions. I chose several different locations and was able to verify that the various websites I visited thought I was originating from my virtual location.
I have tried many internet security programs over the years and I have found that Bitdefender offers great protection with the least impact to my pcs. Their software never slows down my gaming or impacts my work environment. What I like most is that the Bitdefender dashboard is very intuitive and easy to navigate. With a quick glance I can see if I am safe and access many of the various features that Bitdefender includes with the software such as VPN status, one click optimization, file shredder and password protection. The notifications keep you up to date on any suspicious activities and lets you get a good feel for how well your network and pc are secured. The software protects against viruses, spam and advanced threats. It offers full firewall protection and ransomware remediation. It also includes a nice password manager if you already aren’t using one. The VPN control is on the main dashboard and when you click it a second webpage opens that indicates the VPN status as well as a list of virtual locations. There are 53 international virtual locations and 15 US virtual locations that you can select from. While this is a good amount of virtual locations its far less than some dedicated VPN providers include with their subscriptions. I chose several different locations and was able to verify that the various websites I visited thought I was originating from my virtual location.
The one thing this does not have is any type of identity protection beyond standard browser protection. More security programs are including dark web scans and monitoring for unauthorized use of your email and other important personal information to proactively report a data breach. This feature is generally included in most premium software packages along with unlimited VPN but its missing from this version.
When I went to install the digital version of this software I reached out to Bitdefender via a chat to verify that I could have this new subscription without affecting my old one. Bitdefender was quick with a response that said I could have multiple subscriptions under the same account. What I didn’t realize however was that I needed to fully uninstall my old Bitdefender software prior to installing the new software. If you don’t do this Bitdefender just reinstalls the same software you had previously. After uninstalling the old software I was able to install the new software without any issues.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![McAfee - McAfee+ Premium (Unlimited Devices) Individual Antivirus and Internet Security Software (1-Year Subscription) - Android, Apple iOS, Chrome, Mac OS, Windows [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6517/6517333_sd.jpg)
McAfee+ Premium for unlimited devices delivers next-level protection — with McAfee+ Premium see who is selling your data and get guidance on how to remove it and scan and get help to remove old, unused accounts. Plus, all the McAfee Total Protection features like award-winning antivirus, VPN, identity monitoring, and a password manager.
Customer Rating
5
Comprehensive Virus and Identity Protection
on November 6, 2022
Posted by: explore42
When I first installed this software I wasn’t impressed because the dashboard seemed to be very simplistic. However, once I opened the My Protection tab I realized how powerful and configurable this program and all its features really are. The unlimited devices really eliminates the concerns of which devices to protect so you can use the same protection on your devices. Most importantly I have had the software installed on both my Gaming Laptop and Gaming Desktop and so far I haven’t noticed any impact on either one. I installed the software via the Apple store on my Ipad and although it lacks the antivirus controls it does a good job protecting you when you web browse. This version does not include parental controls, you need the family version to get that. Overall I am very happy with McAfee and its capabilities and I think it’s a great choice for protecting your devices and identity.
This software on a windows device gives you control over the Antivirus scans and scheduling. The Firewall is configurable and provides all the control I need. Based upon these two items and McAfee’s history I am very confident that my files and PC are safe. Also included in the software is Secure VPN with no limit which is nice. My last software wanted to charge extra for an unlimited VPN access. The Security History gives you detailed information on network connections that were blocked and this really gives you good insight to your pc and netork’s security.
Where this software goes beyond any other antivirus software I have used is showing where my Identity has been breached. I entered in several of my current and past email addresses and got a long list of when the addresses were breached, the web site where they were breached and the possible information that was exposed. What’s really cool is that the software will even text you if it finds a new breach so that you can hopefully change passwords etc before its too late.
Where this software goes beyond any other antivirus software I have used is showing where my Identity has been breached. I entered in several of my current and past email addresses and got a long list of when the addresses were breached, the web site where they were breached and the possible information that was exposed. What’s really cool is that the software will even text you if it finds a new breach so that you can hopefully change passwords etc before its too late.
There are two features in the software that I didn’t find very helpful but others may. The first one is the Security score which I didn’t find very helpful. It is more of an indication of what features you have enabled vs how safe you actually are. Secondly the software includes a Personal Data Cleanup page which compiles a list of all the sites where your name, address, phone number etc are listed for access either free of for a charge. I had my info listed on 225 sites most if not all were those pay to locate someone sites. Because you have to log into each site individually and ask to be removed it becomes too much a hassle to clean up. Secondly they tell you that you should do this regularly because the sites update their databases constantly so what they delete today could get added back tomorrow.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Space Q45 noise canceling headphones balance refined design and ergonomic, comfort-enhancing details, with incredible immersive audio performance. Hi-resolution audio takes center stage - these are performance tested to block up to 98% of unwanted noise - but a huge 50 hour playtime makes the Space Q45 a perfect pair of headphones.
Customer Rating
4
Good Choice for Everyday Use
on October 18, 2022
Posted by: explore42
Overall these headphones are a good choice for every day use such as commuting or using around the house or office. The ANC is functional, the sound quality is good when tuned using the app and the fit is reasonably comfortable. I like these headphones because they provide a respectable performance at a reasonable price.
Features: The headphones do a good job with noise cancellation however you definitely pick up a white noise like hiss when the ANC is on. When I am working I like to have music playing at a low volume and that background hiss can be noticeable depending on the music. This also seemed to be more noticeable when listening to podcast or audio books as well. I found this to be fairly common with headphones in the mid-tier ANC range. At higher volume levels the background hiss fades into the music and isn’t as noticeable. The controls on the headphones are easy and fairly intuitive because they are actual switches vs touch sensors. The headphones lack Auto Pause which pauses the play when they are removed from the ears. The audio quality is good and definitely is enhanced with the use of Soundcore’s mobile app. In the app you can only reconfigure the ANC button sequence, you cannot customize the other buttons. I was able to get Siri to respond using the button for digital assistant but the results were hit or miss when I had music playing. Some times I would get a typed response on my phone without getting an audio response through the headphones. When using the headphones for phone calls the microphone pick up was good and with the wind noise reduction in the app turned on it seemed to help when using them outdoors. The battery life is projected at 50 hours which is plenty long enough for commuting and long flights.
Features: The headphones do a good job with noise cancellation however you definitely pick up a white noise like hiss when the ANC is on. When I am working I like to have music playing at a low volume and that background hiss can be noticeable depending on the music. This also seemed to be more noticeable when listening to podcast or audio books as well. I found this to be fairly common with headphones in the mid-tier ANC range. At higher volume levels the background hiss fades into the music and isn’t as noticeable. The controls on the headphones are easy and fairly intuitive because they are actual switches vs touch sensors. The headphones lack Auto Pause which pauses the play when they are removed from the ears. The audio quality is good and definitely is enhanced with the use of Soundcore’s mobile app. In the app you can only reconfigure the ANC button sequence, you cannot customize the other buttons. I was able to get Siri to respond using the button for digital assistant but the results were hit or miss when I had music playing. Some times I would get a typed response on my phone without getting an audio response through the headphones. When using the headphones for phone calls the microphone pick up was good and with the wind noise reduction in the app turned on it seemed to help when using them outdoors. The battery life is projected at 50 hours which is plenty long enough for commuting and long flights.
Fit: These headphones overall are comfortable with large ear openings. The ear cups are soft and thick enough to seal out transient room noise without pinching your head. Because of this the headphones are bulkier and slightly heavier than other headphones I own. The odd thing is that these headphones have minimal foam cushioning on the upper head piece so I am more aware of the support arm on top than I like. The overall build quality of the headphones feel and look solid. The ear cups rotate so they can easy be stored in the convenient carrying case that comes with the headphones.
App: I have used Soundcore’s app for several years on several products and have always found it to be a major enhancement. In the app you can customize the noise cancellation, choose from 12 preconfigured equalizers or configure a custom equalizer to meet your listening needs.
App: I have used Soundcore’s app for several years on several products and have always found it to be a major enhancement. In the app you can customize the noise cancellation, choose from 12 preconfigured equalizers or configure a custom equalizer to meet your listening needs.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Designed to make printing easier for the whole family, the HP ENVY 6055 all-in-one printer lets everyone print, scan, and copy everyday documents, schoolwork, borderless photos and more. This wireless picture printer can order ink for you and deliver it to your door with up to 50% savings on ink using the HP Instant Ink delivery service, so you can print high-quality documents and photos when you need them (subscription required). Set up, and connect the all-in-one printer to your family's mobile devices in a few easy steps for remote scanning and sharing using the HP Smart app. And keep connected, and reduce interruptions with self-healing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Prints up to 10 ISO ppm* in black and up to 7 ppm* in color.
is this self healing?
I assume you are asking about wireless self healing. According to the specs it is self healing. I have this on my 2.4 wireless network and so far its been rock solid.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
explore42
Designed to make printing easier for the whole family, the HP ENVY 6055 all-in-one printer lets everyone print, scan, and copy everyday documents, schoolwork, borderless photos and more. This wireless picture printer can order ink for you and deliver it to your door with up to 50% savings on ink using the HP Instant Ink delivery service, so you can print high-quality documents and photos when you need them (subscription required). Set up, and connect the all-in-one printer to your family's mobile devices in a few easy steps for remote scanning and sharing using the HP Smart app. And keep connected, and reduce interruptions with self-healing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Prints up to 10 ISO ppm* in black and up to 7 ppm* in color.
Is this printer good for home use from a computer and my iPhone?
As long as you are printing about 100 to 200 pages per month this printer should work for you. The HP Smart software works on my Ipad so it should work on your iphone. Download the app from the Apple store and check it out. I have the software on my ipad and my windows laptop and can print without any issues. There are also buttons on the printer if you would prefer to use them vs the software app. This printer can scan, print and copy but it cannot receive faxes. You can send a fax using HP's cloud services but it cannot receive a fax. Also if you do a lot of color printing realize that the colors are in a single cartridge with this printer so if one color is used up you have to replace the entire color cartridge.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
explore42
Enhance your mobile play experience with these Emerge gaming triggers. They can be added to smartphones to provide more satisfying left and right buttons, and the tactile switches are great for use with first-person shooters. These Emerge gaming triggers have suction cups to hold them securely in place during use.
Will they work on an iPad mini???
As long as you can download the HP Sprocket software from the Apple store and you can turn on the Bluetooth connectivity on your IPAD the printer should work fine.
4 years, 3 months ago
by
explore42
Turn moments from your phone into effortless photo creations. Designed to use with Bluetooth and the HP Sprocket app, plus the included power bank, you can easily transform photos from your camera roll or social media into sharable memories.Creates a 4" x 6" photo-quality print in as little as 61 seconds*
Does this version print 2x3 sticky back photos too, or just the 4x6 size?
Experience hands-free phone usage with this LG TONE Flex wireless stereo headset. The integrated Meridian Technology, 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC and multilayer metal construction deliver fine-detailed audio with high resolution, while retractable earbuds and a flexible neckband offer comfort. This LG TONE Flex wireless stereo headset is Bluetooth enabled for effortless syncing with your smartphone.
Are these sweat resistant?
They are not water or sweat proof. I would not recommend using them in any type of workout activity.
4 years, 4 months ago
by
explore42
Game on the go with this Dell Inspiron laptop. An NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti runs most titles, while the two tuned speakers and 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare narrow-border display deliver an immersive experience. This Bluetooth-compatible Dell Inspiron laptop has a 9th-gen Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, handling multitasking without issue, and the 512GB NVMe SSD offers exceptional data access speeds.
Can I add Ram to it?
It comes with 8gb in two slots. According to Dell's specs you can upgrade to 32gb.
4 years, 5 months ago
by
explore42
Game on the go with this Dell Inspiron laptop. An NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti runs most titles, while the two tuned speakers and 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare narrow-border display deliver an immersive experience. This Bluetooth-compatible Dell Inspiron laptop has a 9th-gen Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, handling multitasking without issue, and the 512GB NVMe SSD offers exceptional data access speeds.
How much ram is there?
It comes with 8gb in two slots. These can be upgraded up to 32gb per Dell's specs.
4 years, 5 months ago
by
explore42
Game on the go with this Dell Inspiron laptop. An NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti runs most titles, while the two tuned speakers and 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare narrow-border display deliver an immersive experience. This Bluetooth-compatible Dell Inspiron laptop has a 9th-gen Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, handling multitasking without issue, and the 512GB NVMe SSD offers exceptional data access speeds.
Is this a 144hz screen?
Game on the go with this Dell Inspiron laptop. An NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti runs most titles, while the two tuned speakers and 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare narrow-border display deliver an immersive experience. This Bluetooth-compatible Dell Inspiron laptop has a 9th-gen Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, handling multitasking without issue, and the 512GB NVMe SSD offers exceptional data access speeds.
There is another slot for solid or hard drive?
Say goodbye to cords and cables with these Skullcandy Sesh true wireless headphones. Bluetooth technology seamlessly connects to your smartphone, tablet or PC, letting you stream music or take phone calls with the built-in microphone. These water-resistant Skullcandy Sesh true wireless headphones come with a charging case, providing up to an extra 7 hours of listening time.
What is the maximum distance that the blue tooth works before it disconnects from your phone??
The documentation for the Skullcandy Sesh says 30 feet but that varies with the device you are connected to and the environment you are in. I found that I could easily go to over 30 ft when connected to my IPAD but my at that same distance I would get drop outs when connected to my Samsung phone. The things to consider are the environment - thickness of walls and floors as well as other electronics that may be supplying interference.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
explore42