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    December 5, 2014
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    December 5, 2014
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abl001's Reviews
<< 1 2 3 4 5 ... 12 >>
 
Keep your kids safe online with this Circle Home Plus monitoring setup. The included device uses your router to manage every device on your network, and Circle App makes it simple to limit screen time, filter content, and check browsing histories. This Circle Home Plus monitoring setup is easy to set up and lets you create custom settings for each family member.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great Parental Control Option
on May 14, 2019
Posted by: abl001
from Memphis, TN
The Circle Home Plus is basically an added hardware feature to the companies already operational software (app) which is available for iOS and android phones. This wasn't immediately clear, but do a little web search and you'll see.
The Circle Home Plus comes in a remarkably small package and connects to your home network via Ethernet or wifi. The setup can be a little tricky, but once connected it's pretty straight forward from there. Once connected, you'll use the Circle app to see all of the connections to your home network and can establish rules (bedtime, usage limits, rewards, locations, content filters, etc). With the exception of content filters browsing/usage history/stats, these are all premium features which are included for the first 12 months without the need to provide a payment method (nice for a change)!
Now, most modern routers/modems have many of the controls that the Circle Home Plus provides. You can set available times, restrict content access, and limit total usage. However, having tried many of these features on various routers/modems, they aren't nearly as user friendly as the Circle Home Plus. Additionally, in today's modern age, there are constantly new devices coming and going in your home network. The Circle Home app notifies you when a new device connects so that you can apply the appropriate restrictions. It also allows you to pause access or suspend access across all devices without having to dig into the admin settings of your router which most users won't know how to do from their phone.
The real key to extending the reach of the Circle Home system (if that is your goal) is to install the Circle app onto the phones of anyone you plan on monitoring. It sets up a VPN that runs in the background and allows you to monitor and control access to the internet even when not connected to the home wifi. To me, this is where the Circle Home shines even though it isn't really part of the Circle Home Plus kit, it is available right now by simply downloading the app and subscribing. The benefit of having the Circle Home Plus kit is that you are essentially buying a year up front AND getting the added functionality of the Home Plus kit for free.
In conclusion, I'd highly recommend this for anyone who is looking for an easy and responsive way to monitor internet usage, limit/monitor content, and provide just a little more oversight and control to anyone in the household
Pros:
*Ease of control
*Internet usage/history (very big brotherish so use responsibly)
*Ability to provide rewards, pause, and do network wide timeouts
Cons:
*Setup could've been easier
*Would've been nice to know about the standalone app service before acquiring this even though I think it is a bargain and worth buying
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy major networks without paying a monthly fee with this Mohu Arc Pro indoor HDTV antenna. An integrated signal indicator helps you to find the optimal signal location, while the LED lights let you adjust antenna placement in real time for a more stable connection. This Mohu Arc Pro indoor HDTV antenna uses FirstStage amplifier technology which results in less distortion and stunning picture quality.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Simple and Stylish Indoor Antenna
on May 14, 2019
Posted by: abl001
from Memphis, TN
The Moho Arc Pro is an attractive indoor antenna that doesn't take up much space and could easily blend into your shelf, entertainment center, or even be mounted up high on a wall without looking like an eye sore.
The Arc Pro comes in basic packaging--nothing fancy. Upon opening, the antenna is there and has an attached coax cable that you can plug directly into your TV. This is what I did since I usually skip the instructions just to see how easy a product is to setup without following step-by-step instructions. Without following the instructions, it's as simple as attaching the coax cable to your TV and then running the channel search process via your TV. I assume this is where some may struggle, but I did not. After the automated channel scan, I was able to get 26 channels. I tried to compare this to the Moho website to see what their estimates say I should be able to receive. Unfortunately, their website doesn't even list the Arc Pro! I can't even find one with the same stats so that is concerning and I have no benchmark to determine if I'm getting the expected results. As expected, raising the antenna higher provided better results. Even though it claims that "no pointing needed," I found that some pointing did improve individual channel results but it wasn't drastic.
Before writing this review, I decided to give it one more try to see if there was something I missed. I took the included setup guide and discovered it was very generic and not meant for this specific model. As I was reading through, I noticed it mentioned antenna amplification. I went back to the box and noticed I had overlooked an amplifier which I connected via a USB port on the back of my TV. The setup guide mentions requesting a wall plug if you need one, but that would've been nice if included considering I'm sure the cost is negligible. I connected the amplifier and did receive two additional channels (for a total of 28), one of which I was actually interested in receiving. In comparing the Arc Pro to the Curve 30, I should be able to receive 33. Again, no idea about the benchmark for this model so they could do better there.
In conclusion, the Arc Pro was a very simple to setup and very cheaply priced ($29.99) solution to cut the cable or provide content for a TV you don't want to pay the monthly fee for with your cable company. It'll be perfect for my guest room where I have visitors a few times a year staying over. I do feel like the setup guide could've been more specific to this model AND, more importantly, Mohu should have this model listed on their website.
Pros:
*Ease of setup
*Cost
*Design
Cons:
-Setup guide
-Lack of information available from the manufacturer
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Play music anywhere with this Sony EXTRA BASS portable Bluetooth speaker. The Party Booster feature makes a variety of sounds depending on where the speaker is touched, and the volume increases or decreases depending on the strength of force used when tapping. This Sony EXTRA BASS portable Bluetooth speaker has multicolor flashing lights that sync to the beat of the music for added style.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Excellent Bluetooth Speaker
on May 1, 2019
Posted by: abl001
from Memphis, TN
Sony's 'new' SRS-XB32 is really just a cosmetically redesigned (minimally) SRS-XB31 that was released in 2018. That being said, that speaker was fantastic and so is the XB32. The only difference is instead of being completely covered in a unique speaker mesh like the XB31, the XB32 is covered mostly in a rubberized plastic covering which has a nice feel with the exception of the speaker front which is covered in a unique speaker mesh. Additionally, the XB32 light bars join on each side while the XB31 didn't meet until essentially the back side of the speaker. Which is better will be highly subjective to each user. I tend to prefer the XB31 since that unique mesh covering has been with me to the beach, to the pool, camping, in countless hotel rooms, and stuffed in so many bags without so much as a scuff or snag. I fear the XB32 could be more susceptible to scuffing/scratching.
As with any speaker, you all want to know about the sound. Sony has really done an excellent job with the XB32. I cannot tell any difference between it and the XB31, but both are very high quality. Mids and highs I would rate it ever so slightly below the Bose Soundlink Mini, but above in base--especially in that punchy base. Bass is good for a speaker of this size, but obviously a bigger speaker will likely provide a bigger bass.
The party chain feature is actually impressive which allows you connect to compatible Sony speakers so you can create a synchronized set of speakers whether. Once paired, lights and sounds were synchronized and really expanded your listening experience. The party booster feature lacks any meaningful use to me. Tap (or beat) the speaker to produce a varying drum/beat sound. Again, not sure why you'd want this?
The light bar is an area where I really feel like this speaker shines. If you want to set the mood or just add a little more ambiance, these lights will do it. They accurately change to the beats of the music and know when more subtle changes are appropriate and when more visually sharp changes are needed. If you don't want the lights, you can easily switch them off via the Sony Music Center app. I wish they had a way to control the lights on the speaker itself. BUT, I've found I really don't adjust the lighting effects that often.
Battery life on the XB32 is an amazing 24 hours which is just mind boggling given the sound of this speaker. Obviously, lights and other features will reduce this time. I can tell you, I've never run the battery down in a single session. It has lasted me 4-5 days at the beach with 4-6 hours of use each day. When you need to recharge, just use the included micro USB cable and charge again. The XB32 also provides a USB charging port should your cell phone need a quick boost while out at the pool/beach. I haven't needed to use this, but it is nice to know it is available.
In all, this is an excellent speaker that I find is an INCREDIBLE bargain at $149.99. Great lighting that will memorize you. Sounds that will pump you up. Expandability that will keep your party flowing inside and out.
Pros:
-Sound
-Lighting
-Design
-Battery life
Cons:
-Lack of lighting controls directly on speaker
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
Keep your head in the game with this Turtle Beach Elite Pro 2 audio system. The SuperAmp audio controller is compatible with the PlayStation 4 Pro and standard, and the headset can be used alone with any 3.5mm jack. This Turtle Beach Elite Pro 2 audio system brings comfort and audio quality together for long nights of action.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Amazing Sound w/ Unfortunate Web of Wires
on March 31, 2019
Posted by: abl001
from Memphis, TN
Upon receipt, you'll notice that the TB Elite Pro 2 headphones are packaged in an average looking box. However, that's just the outer sleeve. Under that sleeve is a very premium feeling box that matches the price for this headset. Why is the packaging important you might ask? As someone who has moved across the country several times, I want the items I'm spending big bucks on (particularly my tech items) to come with boxes that will last so that I can use them to repack and transport the items. I learned the hard way that you don't want to throw all of your tech items, controllers, power cables, and adapters in one box thinking that you'll be able to easily put them all back together once you've arrived at your destination.
Once out of the box, setup is fairly easy but can be more complicated depending on your specific setup and whether or not you choose to use the included (VERY appreciated) optical cable. By using the optical cable, you gain Bluetooth functionality from your phone. While this does allow you to control some audio settings, customize the EQ, and stream audio, I didn't find it critical to my gaming experience. Once you've connected the SuperAmp (more on this later) to the PS4, you then run another wire to the headset. You also have the option of running the standard 3.5mm connection directly to your PS4 controller, but this does result in a noticeable loss of audio quality. However, the quality is still impressive given the high quality of the headset itself. Unfortunately, most of the audio controls are via the SuperAmp which is super inconvenient. I'm not sure why this decision was made or why the super amp couldn't just be some dongle on the back of the console. I'm sure this was a cost saving measure to avoid having to fit batteries and bluetooth directly into the headset, but man does it take away from the excellent sound performance of this headset. Having wires strung across the living room floor just isn't what I want to look at or clean up after I'm done gaming.
As far as the sound quality goes (when connected to the SuperAmp), it is amazing. The surround sound really does put you into an immersive game play environment. You will absolutely hear things that you've never heard before in your games giving you an advantage over your rivals. Bass is deep and punchy without drowning out important gaming sounds.
I was also really impressed with the comfort of this headset. The thick padding didn't leave my ears feeling like they'd been crushed for hours like some headsets do. I don't normally have any issue with sweat, but I could tell a noticeably more comfortable difference with this headset.
In conclusion, The TB Elite Pro 2 is certainly a premium headset that delivers excellent sound and comfort sure to make any gamer happy. Unfortunately, it delivers it in a way that is so strange given the desire for wireless functionality. It has some Bluetooth features, but only if you route them through the SuperAmp which is a tangle of wires waiting to happen. If you're using this with a PC and desk, it won't likely be much of an issue. However, if you're using this with a TV from a console on the other side of the room, then it isn't pleasant to look at and is even harder to store neatly. Thankfully, you can still use the headset by connecting directly to your PS4 controller, but you lose a lot of the functionality that you are paying for. All in all, I'll be keeping these as they are much better than the current headset I'm using in both comfort and sound (even when used without the SuperAmp). I doubt I'll be using the SuperAmp as it's just too much clutter for my living room unless I'm going to do some serious gaming days at a time. I'm giving these my recommendation since most people who purchase these know that they are wired and should be OK with that. However, I'd really like to see a truly wireless headset developed even if it cost another $100.
Pros:
-Sound
-Comfort (Fit & heat)
-Build
Cons:
-Lack of controls on the headset
-Wires + Wires + Wires
-SuperAmp is like a cheaper way to incorporate Bluetooth. It's clunky.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy whole-home Wi-Fi, premium audio and voice-activated operation with this Lyra Voice all-in-one router. Tri-band, AC2200-class Wi-Fi ensures a reliable network connection, while the built-in network security protects your privacy and data. The Bluetooth speaker lets you stream audio from your mobile device, bringing rich sound throughout the room. This Lyra Voice all-in-one router features Amazon Alexa, so you can control all the features with just the sound of your voice.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
All-In-One Surprise
on March 20, 2019
Posted by: abl001
from Memphis, TN
I was skeptical that the Asus Lyra Voice could truly do all that is advertised (router, wi-fi mesh extender/repeater, blue-tooth speaker, AND Alexa personal assistant). It was truly a surprise that Asus pulled this off. Not only did they pull it off, but they pulled it off and managed to make the whole thing look good while doing it!
The Asus Lyra Voice comes packaged in a rather flimsy sleeve that covers the actual box. Once you take the sleeve off, the packaging is above average. Included are the router/speaker combo, power cord, ethernet cable, and a pretty basic owner's manual/instructions.
Out of the box, the build feels quite nice with most of the unit wrapped in a black/grey speaker mesh in a sort of heathered color pattern. I feel like this gives the speaker a nice distinct look rather than solid black. What isn't covered in the mesh is very nicely molded plastic with a high quality feel. Nothing about the unit feels cheap. Additionally, there aren't a bunch of flashing lights that make you feel like you could pilot a 747. There is a very nice vertical LED light that reacts like your typical Alexa lights do.
Setup can be done several ways. Via the Asus router app, Asus Lyra app, or the routers web interface. I used the Asus router app and was up in approximately 5 minutes using the Asus as my primary router plugged directly into my cable modem. Coverage was better than my current Xfinity provided modem/router combo (no shocker there). Since this unit can also serve as a extender/repeater, I also tested using my Xfinity router as the primary and the Asus Lyra as the repeater. The app guides you through the process, but it is more complicated than if you are just using this as your primary router. I didn't experience any issues connecting or staying connected and was able to stream UHD, surf the web, and still have full usability on my phone so I'd say it's definitely doing it's job.
The bluetooth speaker is definitely a nice addition, although it isn't the best sound that I've had in bluetooth speakers. Granted, those standalone speakers easily cost around $100 more than this combo unit. The sound it puts out is also just as good if not better than some of the $100-200 range speakers out on the market today. Is it a Beats, Bose, or high end Sony? No. But it's still getting my vote simply because it is built into a freaking router AND includes Alexa which can connect to your Amazon account and reorder cat food on command!
In all, I think this is a really neat product. Who ever thought about combining a router, wifi-extender, Alexa, and bluetooth speaker!? AND, whoever thought that it would be done well enough to to actually succeed? Not me. But Asus has done it.
Pros:
*Price (for essentially 4 distinct products)
*Ease of setup
*Built-in wifi protections that update automatically
*Build and design.
Cons:
*No real cons. It doesn't knock each aspect out of the park, but it does each one well enough to be extremely useful as a all-in-one combo product which means it gets the five star rating from me--especially at the price point of around $210.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
The MR8300 Max Stream™ AC2200 is a high-performance Tri-Band router. Perfect for households that thrive on entertainment, it delivers up to 2.2 Gbps of superior speed throughout your entire home. The Tri-Band and MU-MIMO technology make it ideal for simultaneous streaming of HD movies, online gaming, video calling and supporting all of your smart home devices. MR8300 also grows as your needs do. With its built-in mesh Wi-Fi, instead of investing in a new router, you can expand coverage by simply adding Linksys Velop™ Mesh Wi-Fi nodes for seamless Wi-Fi everywhere.The MR8300 serves as the master router and must connect directly to your modem to create your network. Sets up in minutes with the Linksys app.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Combo Traditional Router + Velop Mesh = AMAZING
on February 18, 2019
Posted by: abl001
from Memphis, TN
Linksys routers are pretty solid performers in my opinion. As of late, they have also been making strides in their whole home mesh systems which are traditionally made up of nodes. With the MR8300, Linksys has combined both capabilities into one router. Not only do you get the superior performance and range of a traditional router base over a node, but you also get the ability to add Velop mesh nodes as needed in one pretty seamless system.
Setup was about as easy as it gets and is done via the required Linksys companion app. I have to give Linksys a lot of credit in this area as some companion apps are pretty worthless. That is not the case with the Linksys MR8300. It is about as close to plug and play as you get with a router. Once setup is complete (took me about 5 minutes or less), you can begin exploring all the functionality of the app and router. This includes parental controls, device prioritization, guess access, and time restrictions just to name a few. Now these are becoming pretty standard, but are also very important. One feature I did particularly appreciate was the ability to rename devices to names that are more meaningful than MAC addresses and obscure default device names. This is particularly helpful when you have a home full of devices.
Build quality with the Linksys MR8300 is exactly what I've come to expect from Linksys. Very high quality. Packaging is superior to most. When you remove the MR8300 from it's box, you feel like you have something substantial in your hands and not a cheap piece of plastic equipment.
Performance wise, the MR8300 provides excellent coverage over my home. The included Velop mesh node was as easy to setup as the initial router and provided further extended coverage into most of my back yard which is where I like to spend a lot of time in the warmer months. Speed tests at all locations showed an approximately 20% increase over previous tests at those locations that had coverage before.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Linksys MR8300 for anyone looking to replace their old home router with the reliability and functionality of a traditional router while allowing for the ability to expand your network as you need by simply adding the number of nodes that you need.
Pros:
*Speed
*Quality
*Functionality of companion app
*Price (Especially given your ability to expand if needed)
Cons:
*None
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Enhance your home audio with this Class D Sonos amplifier. Its 125W of power per channel lets you enjoy high-resolution sound from your bookshelf speakers, TV and other passive components, and Wi-Fi connectivity supports multiroom setups and wireless streaming via AirPlay and the Sonos app.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Unbelievable Sound
on January 6, 2019
Posted by: abl001
from Memphis, TN
The Sonos 250W 2.1-Ch Amplifier is an exellent addition to your home theater setup.
First, the build and packaging quality is very nice. Sonos packaged the amp in a small black box which holds the compact amp. The amp itself feels very high quality and can blend in on a shelf or be added to your audio rack.
Setup of the Sonos amp was very simple. I simply connected my TV via the HMDI input on the back, then connected two of my existing Sony shelf speakers via the included banana connectors. Instantly, I could tell a difference man what a difference that was. Now I just need a sub to add to the setup to get in on the bass action. The Sonos also comes with two RCA inputs for your turntables or other sources that you might have. If you'd rather stream from your phone, the Sonos App seamlessly handles that from almost all music streaming services. The clarity that this amp can make is remarkable and really transformed the listening experience.
In conclusion, I would very much recommend the Sonos Amp to anyone who is looking to boost the performance of their existing set of speakers. I can't speak for the "Sonos ecosystem," but I'm sure if you're looking at buying this Amp you are familiar with it and all the benefits it has.
Pros:
-Build quality
-Design
-Size
-Sound quality
-Features
Cons:
-Price (not needed for everyone)
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Create digital copies of important documents with this Epson WorkForce scanner. Its versatile document-handling capability accommodates standard paper, ID cards and receipts, and the included Nuance OCR software converts output into editable files or searchable PDFs for efficient archiving. This Epson WorkForce scanner’s small, lightweight design offers portability, and the USB interface provides easy connectivity.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Ultra Portable but Not Ultra Functional
on December 29, 2018
Posted by: abl001
from Memphis, TN
The Epson WorkForce ES-50 is an excellent option for an ultra portable scanner option. The small size (can easily fit into a laptop bag or be carried around separately since it weighs just over 1/2 lb.
Out of the box, the Epson ES-50 feels more durable and sturdy that other scanners I've owned. I also like that it is black since white can tend to get dirty over time--especially being handled as much as this scanner would. One thing I would've seriously appreciated is an auto document feeder or sheet holder. The ES-50 is a single sheet fed scanner so you'll be required to manually insert each page.
Performance wise, the ES-50 performs well for a very compact and portable scanner. However, I would've appreciated duplex scanning capabilities and some kind of automatic document feeder--even if it could be purchased as an accessory. The scanner scans a full page at about 1 page per 5-6 seconds which is pretty slow for a scanner, but it is very small and portable so it's expected that some performance would be sacrificed. Scanning quality is good and on par with other sheet fed scanners with a 600 DPI optical w/ software enhancement up to 1,200 DPI. The ES-50 comes with Epson SmartScan software which helps you make the most of your scanner. Especially important, is the ability to scan separate pages (remember, no ADF) and combine them into one document.
One of the best features of the Epson ES-50 is that it doesn't require a separate power source. Simply connect the ES-50 via the included USB and your computer provides all the power necessary. This will drain your laptop faster than usual, but shouldn't be an issue unless you have a particularly large scan job. In that case, you will probably want to have your laptop plugged in.
In conclusion, I think the Epson ES-50 is a good portable scanner, but it does lack some very helpful features that I wish it included like an ADF or duplex capabilities. While you may not need duplex capability each scan, you will likely need to scan more than one page almost every scan and an ADF would be very useful. For those reasons, I can't give the ES-50 more than 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Pros:
*Ultra compact design
*Good scan quality
*Powered by USB via computer
*Price
Cons:
*No duplex scanning
*No Automatic Document Feeder
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
2of 3voted this as helpful.
 
Exercise to a soundtrack with these Jaybird Tarah Pro wireless sport headphones. Featuring a comfortable secure-fitting design and reliable waterproofing, these headphones stay in place during vigorous activity and stand up to sweat and bad weather. These Jaybird Tarah Pro wireless sport headphones last through the longest workouts with up to 14 hours of battery life per charge.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great Headphones for an Active Lifestyle
on December 26, 2018
Posted by: abl001
from Memphis, TN
The Jaybird Tarah Pro wireless headphones were a pleasant surprise as far as performance and sound quality go. Wireless headphones--especially those meant designed more for sport/active use--are typically focused more on design than sound quality. While these aren't going to give you the same quality as an over the ear premium set of headphones will, they will give you excellent high quality sound in all the ranges.
DESIGN - The Jaybird Tarah Pros are nicely designed and will stay with you during your workout, run, or hike down the trail. They come with three silicone tip and ear wing design. One small criticism is that the tips and ear wings are connected so you can't match a larger tip with a smaller wing. I was able to find a good fit with the tip but not so much with the wing. Thankfully, the tip was secure enough to keep it in place with a little help from the wing so I didn't necessarily need a perfect fit from the wing. As most users of earbuds will know, the sound quality depends A LOT on the fit of the earbud so it's important to find one that can seal off your entire ear canal. The wired connector can be worn tight or a little looser over or under the ear so that does provide some versatility. When you're done, they come with a small carrying pouch which is helpful to keep everything together--including the charging cradle. The charging cradle is unique to this model so it's important that you keep up with the cradle or you'll be shelling out for a new one from Jaybird. That is a disappointing feature since I really like being able to charge my electronics using interchangeable cables.
PERFORMANCE/SOUNDS - This set of headphones provides a nice surprise in both battery time (14 hours!) which is plenty to get you through many workouts or activities. I know I like to use my headphones at work and these will definitely get you through a couple of solid days in the office. What's even better is that they automatically shut off after about 15 minutes of non-use. So it's actually perfect for the office. If you get caught on a phone call or called into a meeting, your headphones will shut off to save the battery until you are able to use them again.
As far as sound quality go, these are very impressive for a mid-range (price) sport headphone. The app Jaybird designed is actually quite functional and allows you to adjust the EQ to your liking as well as save different sound profiles. The sound is full and enveloping (as long as you have a good tight fit in the ear) and will help get you in the mood for a workout or stay focused while working on that project in the office.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend the Jaybird Tarah Pro's to anyone looking for a high quality set of headphones to use during the workout or really any other occasion. They'd be a great set of compact, yet quality and long lasting travel headphones as well. The 14 hours of battery life ensure that you can go the distance on the trail, treadmill, or in the air.
Pros:
-Design
-Sound quality
-Battery life
-Price
Cons:
-Charging cradle
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Play to your full potential with this HP OMEN Obelisk desktop. Fluid gaming is ensured with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 series graphics and an Intel Core i7 processor, running on Windows 10 Home. Make a statement with customizable RGB lighting and a transparent side panel, and perform easy toolless upgrades in adherence to micro-ATX standards with this HP OMEN Obelisk desktop.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A Beast of a Gaming System
on December 19, 2018
Posted by: abl001
from Memphis, TN
The Omen by HP gaming desktop really is a powerful system out of the box at a pretty good price considering the nvidia RTX 2080 GPU inside that is on the laser cutting edge of GPU design.
Out of the box, the Omen has a very nice fit and finish. The tower casing is black and angular. I typically find the gaming systems a little too flashy for my taste. The Omen is actually well balanced. I find the angular design quite nice with an illuminated logo on the front and a transparent side panel to show off all the high end equipment on the inside. The interior lighting and the front logo can be customized to your liking (separately) with an array of colors and animations via the Omen Command Center pre-installed software. As I mentioned, I find most gaming systems a little much. Sometimes that includes size as most gaming desktops are full towers. The Omen is a mid-tower which means a couple of things... It takes up less space and to me is more pleasing to the eye, but also means it is more compact and thus has less available space on the inside. More on that later.
Once unpacked, you just plug in the power cord, attach all of your peripherals and push the power button. Make sure that your display is turned on or you'll get a loud beeping alert from the GPU indicating it cannot detect a display. I don't personally have a problem with this since I rarely turn off my display. The 256 GB SSD boot drive ensures a blazing fast startup although I feel like this drive could've been bigger. Even then, 256 is more than likely sufficient for most of us especially given the 2 TB HDD.
Since this is a gaming PC, why not try some games? I recently purchased Battlefield V and boy what a pleasure! I haven't really been into hardcore gaming for over a decade, but I can tell you this setup and this game have reignited my fire. I wanted to try Battlefield V because it takes advantage of the capabilities of the GPU which includes Raytracing. If you don't know what it is, go watch some YouTube videos that demo it. In a nutshell, Raytracing allows for super accurate lighting, reflections, and shadows during game play. You really don't realize how fake something looks until you play a game with Raytracing and then experience it without it. Seriously, it's an immersive experience. Even then, you can max out all the graphics settings and The Omen handles it with ease--although the fans do rev up when even moderate graphics usage but that is to be expected.
Since this is a mid-tower and not a full tower, options to expand are somewhat limited, but not non-existent and also not unexpected. That being said, I really think this PC will keep you satisfied and fulfill all your gaming needs for years to come. It's also super easy to swap out a hard drive or add some RAM. It ships with a single stick of 16 GB RAM with an additional slot should you decide that you need it. There are no free PCI slots and one SATA-3 connector, but again. Easy enough to swap out something if you need to upgrade at a later date.
In conclusion, I am really impressed with the Omen by HP--especially the nvidia RTX 2080 GPU. It really is something special. I also really enjoy being able to customize the interior and logo lighting (including disabling) as it adds a cool vibe to my office. Is this system the mother of all gaming PCs with unlimited expansion possibilities? No. But it is a top contender as far as capabilities go and a very reasonable price. Anyone who has been into gaming knows these systems can cost you a fortune so I think this one is a bargain. The included keyboard and mouse are about as basic as basic gets, but I'm sure they expect that most serious gamers will already have that on hand. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a very serious gaming desktop, doesn't need or want a full tower, and who wants to be able to show up their friends with their smaller, but more capable PC.
Pros:
*Size
*Exterior design & lighting
*GPU
*Price
Cons:
*Limited expandability
*Could've benefited from a larger fan/better ventilation
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
-3points
1of 5voted this as helpful.
 
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Can you give air more than one set of earbuds to the same device?

No.
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Is file storage cloud based?

No. The storage will be locale with this version. Adobe does offer cloud based storage for some of their other products.
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abl001
 
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is this good for window 10?

Yes, this will work on Windows 10 or Mac OS. You select which one you need.
5 years, 5 months ago
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abl001
 
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does this come with an installation disc?

No. You will get a code which allows you to download the software from Adobe.
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abl001
 
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Does this printer have fax capabilities?

No. This is just a printer, not a multi-function.
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Can you skip songs using the volume buttons on the speaker?

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Do you have to have the contract to use it and to get notifications on your cellphone?

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How are these for running on a treadmill, I have a problem keeping Apple earbuds and other wireless earphones in my right ear when I run. Will these stay in for someone with small ears?

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Two questions: 1) Since this sound bar does not have a center speaker, how is dialogue clarity? 2) Can the subwoofer just be used occasionally; that is can it be turned off and on?

1) Dialogue clarity is excellent! 2) The sub can be turned down via the remote control so that it is virtually inactive. You can also adjust the sound EQ to turn the bass up or down to your preference. I found the LG SJ8 to really perform well in not overpowering the bass like some subs can do.
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so this is a speaker that you wear around your neck? Does the sound work with and without the ear buds?

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abl001