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- Review count101
- Helpfulness votes129
- First reviewNovember 9, 2012
- Last reviewMarch 12, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
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- Answer count35
- Helpfulness votes37
- First answerJune 2, 2014
- Last answerOctober 15, 2021
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- Best answers6
Give your room a relaxing feel with this Philips Hue ambience lamp. It connects with most wireless devices, providing you control from anywhere, and you can program the lamp in advance. This Philips Hue ambience lamp can mimic sunlight or cool day light, letting you pick what fits the mood.
Posted by: iconoclast
from Houston, TX
I needed a light for my office and wanted an LED table lamp. If this is your first Philips smart light, you need a Philips Hue Bridge starter kit (sold separately). You also need to download the Philips Hue app to your smartphone or tablet, as this is how you control the lamp.
Start the Hue app. First, set up your home, then select the room in your home where you want to place the light, and the app should find your lamp. If the app cannot find your lamp, simply enter the serial number on the LED bulb. Then you are set to go.
You can put the light on a timer; change its hue to one of three preset color/brightness settings (nightlight, dim, bright), or change the light color and brightness to match your mood or the lighting in a photo. Pretty neat!
Pros: Easy to set up and assemble. Various light "temperatures" possible, from very cool to very wary. Wide range of brightness possible.
Cons: There is no "on-off" switch on the lamp itself; you must use the smartphone app or plug/unplug the light to turn it on or off. You must purchase the Hue Bridge WiFi starter kit separately.
My Best Buy number: 0022332318
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Polished and professional. That’s the impression you’ll make when you use Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. With a one-year subscription, you get the latest Acrobat software that always stays up to date plus Adobe Document Cloud services to prepare and share your company’s business documents. Get the complete solution for working with PDF documents at your desk, and use Document Cloud services to accomplish more when you’re on the go.
Customer Rating
4
The standard for PDF software
on December 8, 2017
Posted by: iconoclast
from Houston, TX
I have used Adobe Acrobat since version 3.0, a couple of decades ago. With each version, Adobe adds more features to keep the software relevant. Adobe Acrobat Pro is no exception.
Many people have Acrobat Reader, a free, downloadable program. Acrobat Pro allows you to do more than read files. You can create and edit PDF (Portable Document Format) documents that just about anyone, using any type of computer or mobile device, can read. You can set how the document views, e.g., continuous scrolling, one page at a time, or multiple pages. You can add document properties that make it easier for search engines to find. You can send documents for secure electronic signature.
Acrobat pro has lots of features. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Ability to scan documents and make text searchable.
- Ability to edit text, including point size, typeface and color
- Ability to create forms.
- Ability to move or delete items and add images.
- Ability to optimize a PDF for fast web loading.
- Ability to rotate and crop document pages--handy if you scan documents to PDF and they don't come out letter or legal-sized.
- Cloud subscription gives you free updates for a year, so you have the latest version.
- Acrobat Pro comes bundled with Creative Cloud "All Apps" in both standard and student subscriptions.
- Ability to scan documents and make text searchable.
- Ability to edit text, including point size, typeface and color
- Ability to create forms.
- Ability to move or delete items and add images.
- Ability to optimize a PDF for fast web loading.
- Ability to rotate and crop document pages--handy if you scan documents to PDF and they don't come out letter or legal-sized.
- Cloud subscription gives you free updates for a year, so you have the latest version.
- Acrobat Pro comes bundled with Creative Cloud "All Apps" in both standard and student subscriptions.
Here are a few areas that could be improved:
- Currently subscription (Cloud) only. This may cost the typical user much more than the legacy, single license version. However, students can get a price break.
- Editing --needs the ability to see the location (coordinates) of different items, maybe with rulers?
- Editing--needs the ability to resize an image or other object using inches/cm and/or %.
- Currently subscription (Cloud) only. This may cost the typical user much more than the legacy, single license version. However, students can get a price break.
- Editing --needs the ability to see the location (coordinates) of different items, maybe with rulers?
- Editing--needs the ability to resize an image or other object using inches/cm and/or %.
All told, Adobe Acrobat Pro is the standard for PDF creation and editing software.
My Best Buy number: 0022332318
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Prepare delicious recipes with this Blendtec Designer 650s Blender. The Blendtec Designer Series uses all the power and performance that made Blendtec the choice of blending professionals, and combined it with a modern design with functionality taking Blendtec to a new level in performance blending. The Blendtec Designer Series is the all-in-one appliance that replaces many standard kitchen appliances with one fast easy-to-use machine. It will make smoothies, fresh whole juice, ice cream, margaritas, soups, sauces, bread dough, dressings, salsas, flours and more! Blending professionals have relied on Blendtec machines in the best coffee shops, juice bars, gyms, and restaurants around the world for producing the best, most consistent results in taste and texture. You can now enjoy the same results in your home.
Customer Rating
5
Elegant and sleek workhorse blender
on December 4, 2017
Posted by: iconoclast
from Houston, TX
The Blendtec Designer Series 8-speed blender is well-designed and functional. It actually has almost unlimited speeds; the 8 speeds refer to preprogrammed "recipes." The blender chopped roasted almonds effortlessly, and made salad dressing without the mess associated with hand blenders or wire whisks.
The stainless steel base is sleek and has rubber feet to keep it steady while blending. The controls are on a lighted, capacitive touch panel on the top of the base. You can select a program (e.g., batters) and let the program run. An LED timer displays how long the blender has been running; if needed, you can stop it manually with the touch of a finger. Otherwise, slide your finger along the panel to select a speed, or choose the pulse control.
The Blendtec has a very thick and sturdy power cord, which I like--too many of my powerful appliances have short and/or thin cords. The cord has a velcro tie to keep it neat when the blender is stored.
The Blendtec motor is quieter than a competitive blender I tried. And you can store the blender on the countertop with its pitcher in place, and it fits below the kitchen cabinets.
The unit comes with an 8-year warranty, almost unheard of with small kitchen appliances. If you are in the market for a high-end blender, then you should consider this model.
My Best Buy number: 0022332318
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy clear audio without distraction while wearing these Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless earbuds. They have a sweat-resistant coating and lightweight design that's comfortable to wear and stays in place as you exercise or lounge. These Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless earbuds come with interchangeable tips in different sizes, providing a secure, noise-blocking fit.
Customer Rating
4
Comfortable Bluetooth headphones sound great
on November 15, 2017
Posted by: iconoclast
from Houston, TX
The Plantronics Backbeat FIT 305 Wireless In-Ear Headphones are comfortable and come with a selection of three different-sized earpieces. They are easy to pair with your smartphone or tablet and work both as stereo headphones and a phone mic. They charge quickly using the provided charging cord with any USB charger port. You can charge them on your computer or using your phone or tablet wall or auto charger.
These Plantronics headphones have a full and deep sound, and, while not classified as sound-canceling headphones, their in-ear silicone design blocks out a lot of background noise.
The headphones are attractive and are tethered together by a cord that you can clip to your shirt, allowing you to walk or run without fear of losing the headphones. They are rugged and sweatproof, while remaining lightweight and attractive. My only concern is that the tether line conducts sound when you move, making what sounds like wind noise when you do not have music playing.
My Best Buy number: 0022332318
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Make smoothies, sauces or purees with this 1500W Ninja blender. It has 10 preset programs to ensure ingredients are properly blended, and 10 manual mode speeds give you complete control when blending tough ingredients. This Ninja blender holds up to 72 ounces.
Customer Rating
5
Industrial Strength Consumer Blender
on October 23, 2017
Posted by: iconoclast
from Houston, TX
The Ninja Chef is a real workhorse, an "industrial strength" unit made for consumer/home use. I tried the The Ninja Chef with hot, cooked salsa, and it blended my food in seconds. I also made my favorite lemon vinaigrette salad dressing; this requires a blender to emulsify the ingredients, something a hand whisk or stick blender cannot do well. The Ninja Chef was up to the task.
You can set the blender speed manually, or use the IQ function to sense the viscosity of the food in the blender. The sturdy plastic pitcher has clear markings for hot and cold foods. The Ninja Chef comes with a long plastic pusher to help get foods closer to the blades--this is much safer than using a spoon or spatula that the blades can damage, or vice-versa.
Pros:
72-oz pitcher is large, compared to other blenders.
The pitcher locks into the base, protecting the motor and blades.
Latches lock the pitcher lid.
Strong motor.
Easy to rinse and clean.
Suction cups hold the base in position.
72-oz pitcher is large, compared to other blenders.
The pitcher locks into the base, protecting the motor and blades.
Latches lock the pitcher lid.
Strong motor.
Easy to rinse and clean.
Suction cups hold the base in position.
Cons:
Tall base makes it too tall to store on some countertops--it does not fit under some cabinets with the pitcher in place.
Tall base makes it too tall to store on some countertops--it does not fit under some cabinets with the pitcher in place.
My Best Buy number: 0022332318
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Create blended beverages and sauces quickly with this Philips ProMix hand blender. The one-button variable speed control and durable titanium-coated blades ensure smooth, thorough mixing, while the ergonomically designed grip keeps your hand comfortable during use. This 300W Philips ProMix hand blender has a single-button attachment-release function to make switching out accessories simple.
Posted by: iconoclast
from Houston, TX
I had a large container of cut-up pineapple chunks left over. I put about half of them into the cup and blended them down in no time. Then I added crushed ice and made a delicious pineapple smoothie. A couple of days later, I made a quick sauce from over-ripe strawberries. I added a little lemon liqueur and a dash of honey to the strawberries and brought them to a boil. The Philips hand blender make quick work of smoothing out the sauce, which was delicious over vanilla ice cream. I look forward to using the blender to make hummus, pesto, aioli (garlic mayonnnaise), salad dressing and black bean soup in the future.
The Philips ProMix blender is ergonomic, powerful and sturdy, and is easy to clean. Just push the large button near the top of the blending blade attachment to remove. The three-sided blending cup is also ergonomic and has a pouring lip for no-spill cooking.
My Best Buy number: 0022332318
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Whether you’re biking with your family, lounging by the beach, or hanging with friends — music makes the moment even better. That’s why the SoundLink Micro portable Bluetooth speaker was engineered to keep pace with your life and deliver unmatched sound for its size. This outdoor speaker is small but powerful. Thanks to proprietary Bose technology, the SoundLink Micro wireless speaker delivers huge sound and bass, even outdoors. Plus, it has a rugged exterior that resists drops, dents, and scratches, while the soft-touch finish makes it easy to hold in your hand. Attach this portable speaker to your backpack or cooler for on-the-go-tunes thanks to the included tear-resistant silicone straps. And it’s waterproof and dustproof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting accidentally wet or dirty. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery in the Bose SoundLink Micro portable waterproof speaker lets you enjoy up to 6 hours of music that’s deep, rich, and full of life so you can keep the dance party going. Got your hands full? The built-in microphone allows you to take phone calls through the speakerphone and access your phone’s Siri or Google Assistant. Get the most out of your wireless outdoor speaker with the Bose Connect app. Use the app to pair your smartphone or tablet and personalize your settings, unlock product features, keep your software up to date, and more.
Customer Rating
5
Powerful portable speaker packs a punch
on September 28, 2017
Posted by: iconoclast
from Houston, TX
The Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker is a waterproof, take-anywhere Bluetooth speaker. For music buffs, this speaker provides clear bass and treble sounds. For sports enthusiasts, attach the silicone strap to your bicycle handlebars or backpack. For gamers, enjoy hands-free quality sound without a time lag. For backyard entertaining, put the speaker in any convenient location and set up a playlist on your phone or tablet. No wires, no worries!
Charge from your laptop computer or any charger with a USB port. Pair with an iOS or Android phone or tablet and take advantage of streaming music or your own music collection. Use this Bose speaker to turn your smartphone into a powerful speakerphone.
Pros:
Small, waterproof
Great sound
Small, waterproof
Great sound
Cons:
A little heavier than competitive speakers
Comes only with a micro USB cable, no charger.
A little heavier than competitive speakers
Comes only with a micro USB cable, no charger.
My Best Buy number: 0022332318
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Complete your cleaning routine with this Shark IONFLEX vacuum. Its 2x ION power pack system includes two LiIon batteries to provide backup power and longer run time, and it bends to reach floors under low-lying furniture thanks to its MultiFLEX technology. Convert this Shark IONFLEX vacuum into a handheld vac to clean ceilings and small corners.
Posted by: iconoclast
from Houston, TX
The Shark IonFlex Duoclean is everything you need in a vacuum cleaner--without the cord. It is modular, which makes it easy to use as a standard floor vacuum or a nifty hand vac. Just release the vacuum from the long shaft, and add one of the attachments.
The lithium ion battery charges quickly, and provides enough time to vacuum a fairly large house. When the battery gets weak, the vacuum stops. Just pop in the spare, charged battery.
I tried the Shark Ion in its upright vacuum mode on hardwood floors, tile floors and rugs, and it was up to the task. I tried it in the car as a hand vac, and it also performed well.
Pros:
Intuitive controls
Cordless
Lightweight
Quiet
Powerful
Easy to empty dust bin
Intuitive controls
Cordless
Lightweight
Quiet
Powerful
Easy to empty dust bin
Cons:
High pitch operating noise
Hand gets tired, even with ergonomic grip
High pitch operating noise
Hand gets tired, even with ergonomic grip
My Best Buy number: 0022332318
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Take control of your oral health with this Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart toothbrush. The microchip-containing brush head sends brushing data directly to your phone to ensure that each tooth in your mouth is getting proper care. This Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart toothbrush even tells you when to change heads to keep your brush performing its best.
Customer Rating
5
Smart toothbrush for better dental health
on September 8, 2017
Posted by: iconoclast
from Houston, TX
The Philips Sonicare smart toothbrush is well-designed and loaded with features. Right out of the package, you notice the design of the charging stand--a metal base with an attractive, heavy glass. Just set the toothbrush in the glass to charge its Lithium ion batteries. The next thing you notice is three different-colored brush heads. Each one is designed for different purposes, e.g., gum health, deep cleaning or whitening.
This Sonicare toothbrush is easy to use, with or without the smartphone app. Put a brush head onto the handle and select the desired cleaning mode. Add a dab of toothpaste and start brushing. The toothbrush gives you feedback if you apply too much pressure.
To get the greatest benefit, use the free smartphone app. Download it from the Apple or Android stores. It is very easy to set up. Create a Philips account or login with Facebook or Google Plus. Once signed in, the app asks you to confirm you toothbrush model. It automatically senses which brush head you have installed, and asks you about your dental health goals. The app shows you where to start brushing, and for how lon. It tracks your progress.
Pros: intuitive to use, with or without the smartphone app. Selection of brush heads. Discountbrush replacement program available. Great design.
Cons: a bit messier than electric toothbrushes with rotating heads. Replace brushes for Sonicare are more costly than rotating brush heads for competotor's toothbrushes. Pricey.
My Best Buy number: 002233231
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Clean your carpets efficiently with this iRobot Roomba vacuum. It lets you set a schedule for automated vacuuming, and the sensors help it navigate under furniture and around objects on the floor for a more thorough cleaning job. This iRobot Roomba vacuum has internal brushes, agitators and suction to handle debris and pet hair.
Posted by: iconoclast
from Houston, TX
The iRobot Roomba 690 is nicely packaged and easy to set up out of the box. It does a good job of removing debris from my tile, hardwood floors and area rugs.
The iRobot Roomba 690 seems sturdier and more powerful than the Bissell vacuum robot I used in the past. The amount of dog hair and debris in the waste bin is solid evidence!
You can use the Roomba out of the box, just by pressing the Clean button. When the room is clean, or when the battery charge gets low, the iRobot returns to its charging station. You can always press the Home button to sent the vacuum to its charging station.
To get the most out of this machine, you should connect it to your Bluetooth device like a smartphone or tablet. The software currently does not work with the higher speed, 5 GB networks, so you have to connect to an alternate network if you have both in your home.
The iRobot learns the layout of your home, and it is effective in sensing different shapes in your baseboard molding... it inches along and adjusts, rather than zipping off at a 45-degree angle for large obstructions. If you want to clean only a specific room, then close the doors and/or use the provided barrier device to keep the Roomba in that room.
If you have lots of things on the floor, including power cords, be careful! Remove obstacles if possible or watch that the Roomba does not catch a power cord and pull your lamp or computer down from the table.
Pros: sturdy, programmable, relatively quiet, nearly maintenance-free, different cleaning patterns, works on many different carpet, rug and hard flooring types.
Cons: not yet compatible with 5GB wireless networks (this software issue could be upgraded in the future), takes a long time to do what a manual vacuum could do in a few minutes.
With Bluetooth capabilities and a smartphone/tablet app, this truly is the next generation of home automation. I would recommend this to a friend or family member.
My Best Buy number: 0022332318
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Introducing MX Keys Mini for Mac, a smaller, smarter, and mightier minimalist wireless keyboard with a layout for Mac made for creators. The minimalist form factor provides improved ergonomics by aligning your shoulders and allowing you to place your mouse closer to your keyboard for less arm reaching, more comfort, and better body posture. Perfect Stroke keys are shaped for your fingertips with optimal key stability and tactile responsiveness to keep you oriented and in your flow. The backlit keys light up the moment your hands approach, and automatically adjust to suit changing lighting conditions. Smart Dictation, Mic Mute/Unmute and Emoji keys streamline your workflow even further.
Any chance this one works with the iPad mini 6?
I paired it with an iPad Air 3, so it should pair with newer iPads and iPad minis, too.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
iconoclast
Introducing MX Keys Mini for Mac, a smaller, smarter, and mightier minimalist wireless keyboard with a layout for Mac made for creators. The minimalist form factor provides improved ergonomics by aligning your shoulders and allowing you to place your mouse closer to your keyboard for less arm reaching, more comfort, and better body posture. Perfect Stroke keys are shaped for your fingertips with optimal key stability and tactile responsiveness to keep you oriented and in your flow. The backlit keys light up the moment your hands approach, and automatically adjust to suit changing lighting conditions. Smart Dictation, Mic Mute/Unmute and Emoji keys streamline your workflow even further.
Is this keyboard compatible with iPad 7th generation?
It pairs with my iPad Air 3, so it should pair with a newer iPad, too.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
iconoclast
eufy Security Wi-Fi Video Doorbell kit is a 1080p video doorbell with advanced WDR and 4:3 aspect ratio. This doorbell has a up to 120 day battery life off of just a single charge. Setup is easy, and your data is stored locally on the Wi-Fi doorbell chime inside your home, using advanced encryption.
Is there a monthly fee
eufy does not charge a monthly subscription fee. They do offer help and support free of charge.
2 years, 11 months ago
by
iconoclast
eufy Security Wi-Fi Video Doorbell kit is a 1080p video doorbell with advanced WDR and 4:3 aspect ratio. This doorbell has a up to 120 day battery life off of just a single charge. Setup is easy, and your data is stored locally on the Wi-Fi doorbell chime inside your home, using advanced encryption.
Do these eufy cam's have a limited duration for recording the event, like another brand that only records 12 seconds unless you pay for a subscription? Also, does eufy impose a minimum off-time between recording events, like 5 min minimum between events?
You can choose 30-second or 60-second recordings. I do not know what the “off time” is, though you can make changes in the app. There is no subscription fee for eufy.
2 years, 11 months ago
by
iconoclast
The Shark Vertex combines incredible suction power with the convenience of a lightweight cordless stick. Featuring DuoClean PowerFins technology with two brushrolls, you get deep cleaning to pick up more in every pass* and a MultiFLEX wand for flexible reach and compact storage (*vs. original DuoClean).
Is there a light on this model vacuum?
The Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins vacuum has led lights on the front.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
iconoclast
The Shark Vertex combines incredible suction power with the convenience of a lightweight cordless stick. Featuring DuoClean PowerFins technology with two brushrolls, you get deep cleaning to pick up more in every pass* and a MultiFLEX wand for flexible reach and compact storage (*vs. original DuoClean).
It would really be nice to have a link to the manual. Only comes with one battery? What is the model of a spare battery and how much is it? No info on Shark site or anywhere. Strange for $350.
This model comes with a single, rechargeable battery that lasts up to 60 minutes (the original DuoClean had two batteries that lasted up to 30 minutes each. This model requires only the power adapter, meaning that you can charge the battery while inserted into the vacuum or removed from the vacuum. The battery is Model XSBT750, and is rated to last for two years. I do not know the cost of a spare battery.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
iconoclast
The Shark Vertex combines incredible suction power with the convenience of a lightweight cordless stick. Featuring DuoClean PowerFins technology with two brushrolls, you get deep cleaning to pick up more in every pass* and a MultiFLEX wand for flexible reach and compact storage (*vs. original DuoClean).
How is this charged? If it has rechargeable batteries , can you use the older model of the cordless’s batteries?
The Vertex DuoClean comes with one rechargeable battery, which is different from the batteries on the original DuoClean model. The Vertex comes with a power adapter that you plug directly into the battery. Therefore, you can charge the battery while inserted into the vacuum, or removed from the vacuum.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
iconoclast
The Shark Vertex combines incredible suction power with the convenience of a lightweight cordless stick. Featuring DuoClean PowerFins technology with two brushrolls, you get deep cleaning to pick up more in every pass* and a MultiFLEX wand for flexible reach and compact storage (*vs. original DuoClean).
What is the decibel level of this vacuum? Is it noisy or quiet?
I don’t know the decibel level, but this vacuum is relatively quiet.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
iconoclast
The Shark Vertex combines incredible suction power with the convenience of a lightweight cordless stick. Featuring DuoClean PowerFins technology with two brushrolls, you get deep cleaning to pick up more in every pass* and a MultiFLEX wand for flexible reach and compact storage (*vs. original DuoClean).
I wish this had two batteries like the previous unit that I own and use currently. Is there a bundle option with a second battery somewhere?
This updated model has only one battery because the battery can last for up to 60 minutes. I have the original DuoClean model with two batteries; the two batteries each last less than 30 minutes. Maybe that’s why there is only one battery; I do not know if there is a two-battery bundle available.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
iconoclast
The Shark Vertex combines incredible suction power with the convenience of a lightweight cordless stick. Featuring DuoClean PowerFins technology with two brushrolls, you get deep cleaning to pick up more in every pass* and a MultiFLEX wand for flexible reach and compact storage (*vs. original DuoClean).
Will it stand upright with no help?
If you try to stand this vacuum with the power head and battery, it is top-heavy. You can fold it and leave it upright without tipping over, or you can lean the power head on a counter or table if you need to leave it for a few minutes. I fold mine for storage, so it does not tip over.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
iconoclast