Share Grouticus's profile
 
Facebook Twitter
 
 
Grouticus
 
 
 
Grouticus's stats
 
  • Review count
    148
  • Helpfulness votes
    409
  • First review
    April 22, 2016
  • Last review
    May 7, 2024
  • Featured reviews
    0
  • Average rating
    4.7
 
Reviews comments
  • Review comment count
    0
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First review comment
    None
  • Last review comment
    None
  • Featured review comments
    0
 
Questions
  • Question count
    0
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First question
    None
  • Last question
    None
  • Featured questions
    0
 
  • Answer count
    12
  • Helpfulness votes
    30
  • First answer
    January 25, 2017
  • Last answer
    November 14, 2021
  • Featured answers
    0
  • Best answers
    2
 
 
Grouticus's Reviews
<< 1 ... 7 8 9 10 11 ... 15 >>
 
Molekule Air Mini air purifier is FDA-cleared for medical use to destroy viruses and bacteria. This 510(k) Class II medical device features a 360-degree air intake that replaces the air in a 250-square-foot room. The device uses a patented PECO-Filter, which is coated with a proprietary catalyst and breaks down viruses & bacteria at a molecular level. It also traps 95% of particles 0.3-1 micron in size like mold & pollen allergens.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
High tech air filtration at a high price
on May 5, 2020
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
Given the current circumstances we are in with the pandemic, what better reason to be in the market for a device that not only will clear the air of pollutants, allergens, smoke, dust, etc., but also claim to also filter and destroy airborne viruses; mind you these claims are backed by test and study documentation provided on their website. Molekule developed and uses their patented Photo Electrochemical Oxidation (PECO) technology which, according to the studies provided, breaks down and destroys pollutants using this nanotechnology that most filter cannot. We have air purification devices throughout our house, which also doubles as an in-home daycare, to not only clear the air of smells but also provide a cleaner environment so the Molekule Mini was a welcome addition to the purifiers we were using before. A few things I really like about the Molekule is not only is it discreet and have a contemporary look to it, it’s also very quiet and easily portable between rooms using the strap on the side. It’s small enough to set on a counter or on the floor without being a distraction to your room décor and the Mini version claims to be suitable for spaces up to 250 square feet, such as a small bedroom or living space. It was very easy to set up and connect to the smart phone app where you can monitor your air quality or control the device. Unfortunately, it does not link to smart speakers, yet, but I would bet that will be an option in the future. After set up, I could tell within a day that our air smelled cleaner and have noticed in the first few days of use that my allergies have not been as bad in the morning when I wake up. Besides the lack of smart speaker controls, my only other gripe with the Molekule brand is the price point which I feel would be hard to justify for folks on a small or fixed income as there are many other air purifiers on the market for much less, although I’m sure they don’t filter as well nor have this much technology and documentation backing them. However, can you put a price on clean air or trying to prevent allergies or viruses floating around in your living area? Molekule definitely set the bar for small home use clean air devices so hopefully other companies will catch up soon so there’s more competition out there for this tech.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
Portable treatment packed with power. Theragun quality, anytime, anywhere. Theragun Mini is your pocket-sized partner, giving you Theragun quality deep muscle massage treatment with unparalleled portability. Compact but powerful, Theragun Mini is the most agile massage device that goes wherever you do.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Discreet and powerful
on May 5, 2020
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
Having used a larger version of a percussion massage gun over the past couple years, I was excited to see what Theragun had developed and offered with the new Mini version. I’ll start off by saying my family and I use the percussion massage gun for muscle pain from working out and back aches which I have personally suffered for years and I have found it is one of the most therapeutic and pain relieving devices I have ever used; even my Physical Therapist uses them now on their clients for similar issues. I have always hoped someone would develop one that was more travel friendly and discreet and I’m sure I’m not the only one that felt this way. The Theragun Mini was exactly what I was hoping for in a compact percussion massage device that not only provides the same level of treatment but you also put in a purse, backpack, suitcase, etc. and it doesn’t take up as much room or nearly as heavy as the larger models. The other benefit to the new Mini is that it is also much quieter than the previous versions; think slightly louder than an electric toothbrush at the highest speed. Also, even though it is smaller, it still fits just right in your hand as there is a small lip on the long edge that helps it stay in place when using it. The Mini comes with a travel case and charger and just the standard ball attachment, which is what I’ve always used for my issues, but I believe you can swap out heads if you have them because it does come off. The battery is sufficient enough to last multiple sessions and claims to last up to 150 minutes until you have to charge it again. I would definitely recommend this to anyone in the market for a percussion massage device not only for the therapeutic benefits it offers but at this price point you can’t go wrong.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy great audio from anywhere in the room with this KEF Q750 floorstanding speaker. The Uni-Q driver array focuses sound so that it appears to come from a single source, while the low-frequency drivers ensure clean bass. This white KEF Q750 floorstanding speaker has Uni-Q midrange cone technology to enhance the purity of your music or soundtrack.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Beautiful craftsmanship with crisp sound
on January 27, 2020
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
Being an audiophile, I was really looking forward to KEF’s new release of their Q series speakers and upgrading my current sound. The previous floor standing speakers we had in our movie room had dual 10” drivers with large horn tweeters so I had some doubt the KEFs would stand up against that amount of deep bass and power. I have owned KEFs before many years ago. One of the things that has always set them aside is the location of the tweeter being in the middle of the driver which produces multiple frequencies coming from the same location. Out of the box, the KEFs look absolutely stunning and high end with the European Walnut wood finish along with the exposed speakers down the entire cabinet; no, these do NOT come with speaker grills or covers which was a concern of mine because of small children in the house. After setting them up in place of my pre existing speakers using banana plugs, I decided to first try them out with several music genres. I turned off my other speakers and selected stereo sound to isolate the KEFs. I sat directly in the middle of room about ten feet away from the speakers and initially thought my center channel was still on; that was not the case after checking. I found it amazing that I was not able to pinpoint where the sound was coming from with my eyes closed and thought my other speakers in the room were still on. I then decided to switch to action movies with lots of special effect sounds and switched back to Dolby EX 5.1 surround sound. I immediately could tell the difference from my previous high end speakers as the sound was much more crisp while still providing plenty of low end with the 6 ½” drivers. Although not as much low end bass was being provided compared to four 10” drivers, pairing the KEFs with a subwoofer was plenty of sound for our movie room with 120” 4k projector. I ultimately purchased the separate speaker grills to attempt to protect my investment however do prefer the speakers being exposed because of how amazing they look. These are by far the best sounding speakers I have owned and would recommend these to any other audiophiles out there looking for amazing sound paired with beautiful aesthetics at a reasonable price.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+10points
10of 10voted this as helpful.
 
Keep your rooms spotless with this LG CordZero cordless stick vacuum. Dual quick-release rechargeable batteries let you charge a backup while cleaning, and the portable charging stand offers three modes for ease of use. Length adjustment sets this LG CordZero cordless stick vacuum to the perfect size for all your home cleaning tasks.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Powerful and surprisingly quiet
on December 30, 2019
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
We recently decided on the LG CordZero Cordless Stick vacuum after having two other high end and high price cordless stick vacuums from another manufacturer over the past 3-4 years. The main reason for the recent change was because the battery in our last stick vacuum wasn’t lasting as long after pretty heavy use. Out of the box, the assembly was very easy and I didn’t even have to pull out the instructions to figure out what needed to be put together. The storage bracket and option for a stand are easy to set up and also fit in small spaces; I fit mine between the washing machine and sink (see picture). Our favorite feature of the LG vacuum is the fact that there are two interchangeable batteries included with this that you can change out immediately after one dies which really comes in handy for heavier use. LG claims these two batteries will run for 80 minutes and I assume that’s at the slowest speed. A few other features that are a selling point and step up from our previous manufacturer’s vacuums I have used is the lack of a trigger button and instead uses a regular power on/off switch along with a plus/minus button conveniently located where your thumb sits to easily increase or decrease the suction. Also, if you hold the plus button for three seconds it turns on a turbo mode for increased strength. I have used the vacuum on hard floors, short and long carpet, area rugs, runners, floor mats and my car and didn’t have any issues using the vacuum or any of its accessories. I tried on many occasions to get the vacuum and spinning brush to freeze up on the carpets like my last two stick vacuums would do often and it did not stop nearly as often. The other thing I noticed compared to the other stick vacuums I own is the LG is very quiet in comparison however still feels like it has similar suction power. Cleaning the bin and maintaining the vacuum is very simple as well as shown in the FAQ card provided and in my pictures. You can also feel the durability of the vacuum, how well made it is and the sleek look of it. To top that all off, it comes with a 10 year warranty. Overall, I have been very pleased with the LG CordZero Stick vacuum, even more than the competitors vacuums I have used at the same price point, given what’s included with the LG, the overall ease of use, comfort and features.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
The Linksys Velop MX10 whole-home Wi-Fi 6 system gives you more speed, coverage, and capacity than it ever has before. Wi-Fi 6 combined with Velop's Intelligent Mesh™ technology delivers true Gigabit Wi-Fi speeds, up to 5.3 Gbps, to every corner of your home, even the backyard and outdoor smart home devices. Wi-Fi 6 also sends and receives multiple streams of data simultaneously and reduces latency, providing up to 4x more capacity compared to Wi-Fi 5 technology. So, it can handle the demands of up to 50 devices and more, from laptops and gaming consoles to smart home devices and 4K TVs, all competing for the same bandwidth. You'll also always have a more efficient Wi-Fi experience with OFDMA that enables more data to and from your devices in a more streamlined manner. And, with BSS technology, congestion is also minimized eliminating interference from nearby wireless networks to deliver a strong, clear Wi-Fi signal to your home, so you won't have to worry about your neighbor's Wi-Fi interfering with yours again. You'll even have 7x more battery life with Target Wake Time that reduces network interference, allowing your devices to remain in sleep mode longer. The MX10 whole-home Wi-Fi 6 system is a part of Velop's modular system, so if you need more coverage, just add more nodes. Plus, setup is fast with the Linksys app, so you can enjoy the next evolution of Wi-Fi in minutes.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Mesh WiFi has never been better
on November 8, 2019
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
I have used the original Linksys Velop Tri-band three node mesh WiFi system for almost three years and it still runs and provides a fantastic wifi connection to upwards of 40 devices throughout my two story, 5 br,, 3500 sq ft house. However, now that there are more devices available and have over doubled the devices in the past three years, I could tell that system was being strained when multiple devices were streaming simultaneously. Hence, it was time to look for an upgrade. Enter the new and improved Linksys Velop MX10 AX5300 two pack Tri-band Mesh Wifi System able to provide great Wifi coverage using the latest WiFi 6 technology for up to 6000 sq ft, over 50 devices, up to 5.3 Gbps speeds with 12 stream connectivity; all around a substantial upgrade to their original mesh system with only two nodes while also providing four hard line Ethernet out options in comparison to the one or two you get with the original nodes. You'll immediately notice the size and weight difference in this system in comparison to the previous models (see pictures) as the MX10 nodes are about twice the size and weigh substantially more which is interesting because technology usually gets smaller. I imagine the size increase is due to the amount of tech built into the new nodes. If you are setting these up without replacing an existing system, you shouldn't run into any hurdles during the process as it's pretty streamlined and easily explained using the downloadable Linksys smart phone/tablet app. You're able to change the name and password of the Wifi system during setup as well as any device priorities you want to set and where to position your node in your home or business. After set up, you're able to enable parental controls on specific devices, guest access, do speed tests and add external storage through the USB ports on the nodes which is also new to these devices. If you are upgrading your system from the older Velop system, like myself, and aren't too tech saavy, you may run into some issues with adding additional child nodes to the system if you are going that route. However, have no fear, the Linksys technical support team is only a phone call or live chat away to handle your concerns as they have a team dedicated to the Velop systems that can remotely access your system, with your approval of course, and walk you step-by-step through the set up process and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. I have used the tech support on a couple of occasions in the past due to modem replacements and internet resets done by my provider and they have always been very responsive and helpful; probably some of the best tech support I have had over the years. All that being said, I am a strong supporter of mesh WiFi systems because of the stability they provide throughout any homes or businesses streaming to multiple devices. I would recommend this system to those who have a lot of devices and smart home technology since we all know more is coming in the future and your WiFi system and modem are the foundation to have reliable connectivity.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
-1point
3of 7voted this as helpful.
 
Smart. Portable. Powerful. The Bose portable smart speaker is a wireless home speaker, a portable Bluetooth speaker, and a voice-controlled speaker, all in one. And no matter what you listen to or where, you'll hear it all in 360 degrees of astonishing Bose sound.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great sound and portability in a smart speaker
on October 27, 2019
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
Bose continues to design and pump out speakers with great sound with the Bose Portable Home Speaker with Amazon Alexa and Google voice assistants built in. The design is similar to their recent years’ portable models with the vase shaped, non-directional circular sound design with upward facing microphones around the top bezel for the voice assistants to capture you no matter what side of the speaker you’re on. This is a great design for indoor and outdoor use since you don’t have to aim it in just one direction and I’m surprised more portable speakers don’t go this route. I also think it’s great that they opted for both Amazon and Google voice assistant options so you don’t have to choose between what your preference is and you can switch without having to shop for another speaker. And if you don’t prefer the voice assistant options, you can always use the bluetooth feature to connect your smart device however there is no auxiliary input for those “old school” wired devices. It uses a USB-C cable to charge the device or you can opt for the charging cradle, not included. I prefer the voice assistant to listen through my synced music app or stream internet radio. It can also be used as a speaker phone when connected to your smartphone. It was fairly simple to set up and link your preferred voice assistant through the smart device application which you can use to also adjust the bass and treble, check battery life, control the volume, set/use preset stations and more. You can set the speaker to remain on, in standby mode for voice assistant use or turn off which all affect battery life accordingly. The sound is impressive, as you would expect from Bose, and I found myself not needing to turn it up more than half way even when using in a large area outside. The small handle on top is convenient for toting around from place to place, the speaker is small and light enough to not be a burden and the sound is big enough to fill a few rooms or outdoor area. All that being said, I would recommend this Bose speaker to anyone in the market for a portable smart speaker.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
 
Take panoramic footage with this GoPro MAX digital camera. The 16.6MP sensor captures detailed footage and 360-degree views, and the six built-in microphones record immersive audio. This GoPro MAX digital camera has a touch display that lets you switch between standard and 360-degree video modes and choose from multiple digital lenses to customize your footage.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Mind blowing 360 degree 5.6k action camera
on October 25, 2019
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
Having used three GoPro products in the past, they have really stepped up to set the bar for action cameras once again with the GoPro Max. This is the first GoPro I have used with the 360 capability. Included in the package is the camera, soft carrying case, two protective lens covers, a USB-C charging cable, GoPro stickers and instruction/warranty manuals. The design of the GoPro Max is definitely different than the standard GoPro models as it is taller and thinner with a digital camera on each side, a smaller touch screen to take up less space on the device, the collapsable mounting bracket on the bottom, battery and SD card slot on one side, power button on the other side and capture button on the top. The device still feels as durable as the other models however is encapsulated with a softer material, I assume to protect it from damage, drops, etc.. I’m really glad they were able to make the device waterproof, up to 16 feet according to the manual, so you won’t have to come out of pocket for any additional cases for underwater filming. Now to my favorite parts and why people are in the market for action cameras, the clarity and functionality. I haven’t been this impressed with a camera and its functionality since they upgraded the motion stability on the GoPro 7. Not only did they obviously keep that technology with this camera, they upgraded it to Max Hypersmooth and added the horizon stability function to where you can turn the camera at 45 degree angles and the camera will remain level with the horizon. It was easy to set up the camera using the GoPro smartphone application and you can even live view and control the camera functions in the app. You can view and download your media through the app or opt for GoPro’s Plus service which gives you unlimited cloud storage, damaged camera replacement coverage and 50% mounts and accessories. Other upgrades from the previous version are the 5.6K, 30 fps, 360 degree mode, which you can toggle between on the touch screen, and the video looks almost like being live in any given situation, especially when you’re in Virtual Reality. Some other features the camera does are slow-motion, 1080p live streaming, time lapse video, GPS, Max SuperView offering the widest angle views on any of their cameras including 270 degree panoramic shots, 360 degree audio, etc.. Honestly, I can’t think of any other options you would ever want on an action camera... besides maybe optical zoom which really wouldn’t make sense on an action camera, would it? Oh, and I forgot to mention probably one of the most impressive aspects, if not the most impressive, the crystal clear video you can record using either 1080p at 60 fps or up to 5.6k at 30 fps… absolutely mind blowing in my opinion, especially in a VR device. If this is what the future holds for next gen action cameras, I’m all in. Bottom line is look no further for anything better in the portable, lightweight, durable action camera market as GoPro continues to set the bar… by far. I have no doubt anyone will be any less impressed than I am with what this camera can do and the incredible videos you can get out of it.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+4points
7of 10voted this as helpful.
 
Keep an eye on your home or business day and night with Arlo Pro 3. With no wires, you can install Pro 3 in minutes and view video directly from your phone. Spot unique details with color night vision, and see more in dark areas with the integrated spotlight. The advanced lens provides superior image quality, a wider field of view, and allows you to auto track and zoom on moving objects with clarity. Receive notifications when your camera spots people, vehicles, animals, or packages, and view live video or recorded clips directly from your phone, with 3 months of included Arlo Smart.* Hear and speak to visitors clearly with two-way audio.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Loaded with upgrades and changes
on October 6, 2019
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
This is now my third round with the Arlo Pro security cameras. I have owned and used the Arlo Pro, Pro 2 and now the Pro 3 cameras over the past two years and was excited to see what they had in store for their latest model. I would also like to add that I have two other security systems installed in my home by other manufacturers and I prefer the Arlo cameras over all of them because of the well made design, features and full, easy, user experience. Fortunately, you can use the previously model cameras with the new Arlo Pro 3 hub therefore I paired three of my other cameras to the new hub along with the two Pro 3 cameras included in this kit. The only extra steps I came across during the upgrade was that I had to re-sync the old cameras with the new hub and remove the old cameras in the app to re-add them.
The cameras themselves are well built, like the previous models, however they look and function a bit different. To insert the battery in the Pro 3 cameras, you simply push a button on the bottom of the camera near the charging port and the camera will slide out of the housing. I can see this as being beneficial to outdoor installs as it should protect the hardware from the environment elements, including the rain, since there isn’t a gasket around the housing that could eventually wear out over time. The LED light is a great addition to the Pro series however will deplete the battery more depending on the usage. I have both of the new cameras installed in our children’s rooms so I had to turn the LED function off so it didn’t go on every time it sensed motion; the night vision works great for indoor use without having to use the LED light too. I coupled the previous models with the Arlo security lights on my outdoor cameras so it’s nice to see they added this to the cameras instead of having to buy additional peripherals. The clarity of the cameras is better than previous models with up to 2K streaming and the zoom has increased from 8X to 12X. I have also noticed the responsiveness and delay is better using the new Arlo Pro 3 hub and cameras.
To some of the upgrades from the previous models are as follows:
The charging cables are no longer micro USB; they are using a new magnetic style charger.
The magnetic wall mounts are new, sort of concave and no longer dome shaped. This two camera kit comes with one magnetic mount and one screw on mount.
The rechargeable batteries are different along with how they are inserted into the cameras.
The look and shape of the cameras are different.
LED lights are built into the cameras to use as motion sensor spotlights or lighten up a monitored area.
The camera clarity has increased up to 2K HDR, has better 12X zoom and 160 degree viewing angle.
The advanced AI can tell the difference between people, animals and vehicles to send specific push notifications to your smartphone (although you have to pay for the Arlo Smart Plan to use this function).
This kit comes with a three month trial of the Arlo Smart plan.
What does all this mean to current Arlo camera owners who want to upgrade? Potentially more money out of your pocket to upgrade to the latest technology. Fortunately your old cameras will still work with the new system, they just won’t be compatible with current magnetic mounts and batteries so those are the only expenses you may need however they are necessary since you’ll have everything you need in this set. As you can see, there are many and substantial upgrades compared to previous models so the Pro 3 upgrade is definitely worth considering.
For folks that are just starting to shop wireless security cameras, I really feel Arlo is one of the best and affordable systems on the market and they set the bar for this market. They are both great for homes and businesses alike and would recommend them to anyone in the market.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
 
Get smart about lighting with this two-pack of Wemo smart light switches. The Wemo app offers remote operation via smartphones and makes it easy to set lighting on schedules or timers. Compatible with popular virtual assistants, these Wemo smart light switches offer convenient hands-free operation without a smart hub.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great option for smart homes
on September 13, 2019
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
These WeMo light switches are great additions for smart homes. They are very easy to set up and use for anyone who has a little knowledge of how to wire and connect them via your smart device. They are compatible for both single and triple pole switches. I used the dual pack to add options for automatic lighting for my outdoor patio areas by using the smart phone application features to set rules for when they turn on and off when it gets dark. It's also a great feature if you have smart speakers in your house to operate them however it would have been nice if the voice activation was integrated into the switches themselves. You just need to link your free Wemo account to your smart speaker's skills. Although these switches are not the models with the touch panel dimmer, they still serve a good purpose for lights that you may not need dimming for and at this price point are a great option. The Wemo application is very simple to use and has other great features such as vacation modes to where you can set the lights they are connected to to randomly turn on/off.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Start your day off with a steaming hot cup of energy using this Delonghi La Specialista dual-heating espresso machine. The sensor grinding technology helps ensure the coffee dose is just the right amount. This Delonghi La Specialista dual-heating espresso machine features active temperature control to keep the water consistently hot.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Perfect espresso with easy clean up
on September 12, 2019
Posted by: Grouticus
from Roseville, CA, USA
The De'Longhi La Specialista Espresso Machine may look intimidating at first glance however don't let all those bells and whistles fool you. I'll start off by saying I've never had an espresso machine of this caliber before but have used them in the past. Because of the amount of work and clean up they typically take, I have been without one for several years until I came across this work of art. That being said, I am, by no means, a barista. However, after reading the directions and watching a few short videos prior to deciding on this machine, I did a few trial runs and I was very pleased with the results not only of the quality of the espresso shots but of how simple the machine is to use... now I consider myself a Barista in the making. Regarding the the machine itself, it is quite large so I would also ensure you have the proper counter space for it. Once it's in place, it really is a beautiful and well made machine that should impress anyone with a coffee addiction, like myself, or who appreciates and acknowledges kitchen appliances as a part of your decor.
After figuring out what all the buttons and knobs do, I will do my best to explain in a few easy steps how simple it is to make espresso shots that make for a good drink. Assuming your machine is clean, filled with water and espresso beans, you will select what size shot you want, single or double. Once you insert the size cup you want into the detached handle and select how much ground espresso you want packed in there using the far left knob, you simply insert the handle below where the beans are ground and it will automatically start grinding the beans into the handle without any push of a button. Once the beans are ground and in the handle, you just pull down on the handle on the left side a few times to pack the ground beans into the handle. Pull the handle out and insert it in the brew side of the machine, ensure the correct setting for what brew you want (Espresso, Americano, or Coffee), ensure the x2 button is pressed and lit up if you have a double shot in, ensure you have a cup or shot below the brewer and press the okay button. Voila, you have a perfectly brewed espresso shot. If you want to steam your milk, that is very simple as well and it heats up to perfect temperature in less than a minute with just the right amount of foam. I typically do iced lattes so I'm not using the steam feature that often after doing the trial runs and saving my wife a trip to the pricey coffee shops.
Arguably the best feature of this machine is the clean up, or lack thereof. With the past two machines I used at home, that, for me, was the biggest drawback. The way this machine was designed was clearly to avoid that as the ground beans are packed before the handle is moved over for brewing so there's no fear of upsetting the cup while packing.
One thing you may hesitate on prior to considering this machine is the price point. However, I have seen espresso machines in this league at much higher prices and I think this is just the right price point for average every day use at home. If you drink coffee often, I could see you making the money back within a year or so especially if there are more than one of you in the household. Therefore, I would highly recommend this machine to anyone in the market. The best advice I have is to watch the videos on how simple it is to use and decide for yourself before pulling the trigger.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
 
<< 1 ... 7 8 9 10 11 ... 15 >>
 
Grouticus's Review Comments
 
Grouticus has not submitted comments on any reviews.
 
Grouticus's Questions
 
Grouticus has not submitted any questions.
 
Grouticus's Answers
1 2 >>
 
Capture stunning imagery with the legendary Hasselblad camera and enjoy a smooth flight with omnidirectional obstacle sensing. Every improvement on Mavic 3 sets a higher standard for aerial photography. Fly with Mavic 3 and discover imaging above everything.
 

WHAT CARD READER DOES THIS TAKE?

You can install a high speed micro SD in the drone right above the battery to increase the onboard storage capacity.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
Grouticus
 
The expandable Swann 8 channel 1080p Enforcer™ series is armed with the latest in Home Security, such as Police-Style flashing lights, Night2Day™ color night vision, TrueDetect™ Heat & Motion Detection, Google & Alexa compatibility, Cloud back up, and much more.
 

Does this system record audio or just video?

It records audio and video and you can use the smart phone app to talk through the cameras. We use them in our kids' rooms and for our outdoor security system
3 years, 6 months ago
by
Grouticus
 
The expandable Swann 8 channel 1080p Enforcer™ series is armed with the latest in Home Security, such as Police-Style flashing lights, Night2Day™ color night vision, TrueDetect™ Heat & Motion Detection, Google & Alexa compatibility, Cloud back up, and much more.
 

Does this system record audio or just video?

It records audio and video and you can use the smart phone app to talk through the cameras.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
Grouticus
 
The Samsung Jet™ 75 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum features a lightweight and maneuverable design and a removable battery that can be easily swapped* for extended cleaning time up to 60 minutes. Compatible with Samsung Clean Station™ for mess-free, automatic emptying of the hygienic dust bin. *Second battery sold separately.
 

Is the unit able to stand upright on its own?

No, it cannot
3 years, 6 months ago
by
Grouticus
 
Take panoramic footage with this GoPro MAX digital camera. The 16.6MP sensor captures detailed footage and 360-degree views, and the six built-in microphones record immersive audio. This GoPro MAX digital camera has a touch display that lets you switch between standard and 360-degree video modes and choose from multiple digital lenses to customize your footage.
 

Can the camera be controlled remotely?

Yes, by your smart phone through the GoPro app or with one of GoPro's optional devices
4 years, 6 months ago
by
Grouticus
 
Keep an eye on your home or business day and night with Arlo Pro 3. With no wires, you can install Pro 3 in minutes and view video directly from your phone. Spot unique details with color night vision, and see more in dark areas with the integrated spotlight. The advanced lens provides superior image quality, a wider field of view, and allows you to auto track and zoom on moving objects with clarity. Receive notifications when your camera spots people, vehicles, animals, or packages, and view live video or recorded clips directly from your phone, with 3 months of included Arlo Smart.* Hear and speak to visitors clearly with two-way audio.
 

Does this come with free 7days of recording? Or is it like the 4k model where you have to pay for cloud after one year?

This two camera Arlo Pro 3 kit comes with three free months of the new Arlo Smart Plan which does 30 days of 2K cloud recording. However, you can also simply plug a USB drive in the hub to record locally. I would check the Arlo website for more details on the new plans they offer.
4 years, 7 months ago
by
Grouticus
 
When spills happen, the Braava jet m6 robot is always on call—ready to head to the spot and take them on. Just say to Google Assistant or Alexa, “Have Braava mop in front of the kitchen counter”, and it heads out and gets to work. Always learning your home and your cleaning habits, it can offer customized schedules that work around your life—even suggesting extra cleanings during pollen season. Using Precision Jet Spray, it loosens dirt and sticky messes without spraying furniture, rugs, or walls—all without any effort from you, making your mopping tasks a thing of the past. *(Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com or its affiliates. Google is a trademark of Google LLC)
 

How do you keep it from going on your carpets from a tile floor?

It should sense that it's no longer on a hard floor and go in reverse. I would suggest picking up any rugs before you set it to clean so it cleans under the rugs.
4 years, 11 months ago
by
Grouticus
 
Step into virtual reality with this Oculus Rift S PC-powered headset. The advanced optics produce a sharp display with bright, vivid colors, and Oculus Insight tracking removes the need for external sensors to convert movements into virtual reality. This Oculus Rift S PC-powered headset has a fit wheel that secures the headset with a quick twist.
 

I am setting up the oculus, but I can’t move the software into the other drive, and the thing it shows me to switch it does not work. Please help me.

This worked for me:

https://support.oculus.com/1142129705828091/

When you install the Oculus app on your PC computer, it'll install on the C: drive. If you want to install the app on a different system drive, make sure the new system drive has at least 4GB of free disk space and is formatted to use the NTFS file system.

To install the Oculus app on a different system drive:

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command
Enter the following path: [drive]:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=[new system drive]
- Replace [drive] with the letter of the drive where Oculus was downloaded to
- Replace [new system drive] with the letter of the new drive you'd like to install Oculus to

Ex: C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive=D or C:\Downloads\OculusSetup /drive:D
Click OK
The Oculus app will then open and attempt to install the app on the new drive you've chosen.
4 years, 11 months ago
by
Grouticus
 
Call across the room to hear your favorite song with Echo Spot. This voice-activated device is compatible with Alexa and lets you check the weather, watch video clips and even answer your connected phone. The small footprint of Echo Spot slides in easily without taking up space and works with all connected devices and speakers.
 

Can this work wirelessly??

No, it needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
5 years, 6 months ago
by
Grouticus
 
Keep your head in the game with this Logitech G Pro headset. Its leatherette ear pads isolate surrounding noises to keep you focused, and its featherlight construction minimizes pressure for longer wear. This Logitech G Pro headset's microphone has a wide frequency response and low signal-to-noise ratio for improved communication with teammates and opponents.
 

Do I have to get a splitter for this or no?

No, they come with an auxiliary splitter if you have a separate mic auxiliary out on your rig.
5 years, 9 months ago
by
Grouticus