TheDuke's stats
- Review count143
- Helpfulness votes2,154
- First reviewMarch 19, 2015
- Last reviewApril 30, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.8
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- Helpfulness votes0
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Questions
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- Featured questions0
- Answer count3
- Helpfulness votes19
- First answerJune 7, 2019
- Last answerApril 30, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers2
JBL 104-BT compact reference monitors with Bluetooth draws from seven decades of JBL Professional engineering to deliver the true sound. They’re perfect for recording musicians, producers, PC gamers, podcasters and vloggers, as well as professional audio engineers seeking an accurate portable reference with Bluetooth streaming. The black 104-BT version is a sleek, elegant design with compact form factors, making stunning statements in any studio while conserving valuable work space. Creative professionals, music lovers and anyone who wants the flexibility to stream both wired and wireless sound into high-quality studio monitors can count on JBL 104-BT to provide an accurate, reliable sonic reference and a truly enjoyable listening experience.
Customer Rating
4
Exceptional Audio & Build Quality for Work & Play
on September 5, 2022
Posted by: TheDuke
I am honestly delighted with the audio and the build quality of these JBL Monitor Speakers. They are the perfect balance of power, clarity, and size. Though they are designed to sit at about an arms length away and pointed towards a single listener - they can easily fill a room with crisp and beautiful audio. Both Podcast and Musical recordings sound excellent - although a subwoofer will be a helpful addition for those using the speakers for media consumption.
They are not the best option for portability as each speaker weighs 4lbs and because they are not particularly small. They will nearly fill a backpack all by themselves.
After 20 minutes of inactivity, they enter a power saving sleep mode. At first I appreciated the feature as the power switch is out of reach on the back of the master (right speaker), but this means that I am often required to press a button or wiggle the knob to wake them back up.
I appreciate that they not only have all of the input options I could want (Bluetooth, Aux, RCA, TRS), but they allow all to be selected at the same time. Meaning that I can listen to audio from my phone as I work or play games. The feature is surprisingly handy and eliminates the need to switch inputs. Simply set it and forget it.
Audio remains crisp and precise even at higher volume, and the thick rubber base ensures that there is no rattle even when the speakers sit on a hard surface. The 60 watts of power (30 in each speaker) truly shines and I am exceptionally pleased with their performance.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Replace your corded vacuum with the new lightweight and cordless PWRHERO 11 Pet. The PWRHERO 11 Pet is a high-performance cordless vacuum featuring a 450W motor and up to 120W of suction power great for multi-surface, whole home, and pet hair cleaning so you can confidently replace a traditional corded upright. The PWRHERO 11 Pet is designed for 3 in 1 use - clean your hard floors, carpets and hard to reach areas with the hand vacuum attachment.
Customer Rating
3
Decent for Light Household Chores
on August 31, 2022
Posted by: TheDuke
Tineco (which is a sub brand of Ecovacs Robotics Inc.) is a fairly young company which was founded back in 1998. They certainly have a ways to go in order to create a name for themselves, but they seem to be on the right track as they offer a wide variety of vacuum options at reasonable prices. For me, it was the convenience of a lightweight and portable pet vacuum that had me sold. Between our two dogs and the cats we frequently foster - pet hair always seems to be collecting on our floors. Luckily for me, the PWRHERO 11 quickly and quietly sucks the pet hair from our hard floors. It is maneuverable and convenient, but it is far from perfect.
The vacuum is constructed entirely from plastic giving it a cheap feel and it appears as though nearly every possible corner has been cut to keep the company’s costs to a bare bones minimum. The rigid plastic feels as though it could crack if it falls over, or is dropped - which does happen with stick vacuums. Make no mistake, no part of this vacuum can be repaired. The manufacturer does offer a 2 year warranty, but I am not confident that it would cover a replacement if any of the plastic joints, clips, or components break.
I would recommend the Tineco to those who have hardwood or laminate floors. The vacuum is maneuverable, convenient, and has rubber over the wheels that ensure hard floors are not scratched. The only issue I have with vacuuming hard surfaces is that the brush sits low enough to the floor that it struggles to pick up larger debris. We have kids in our house which means it’s only a matter of time before we are trying to suck up fallen cheerios or stray goldfish crackers. On the high suction setting, the vacuum may suck up most chunky debris - but often it simply pushes them around until the power is turned off - at which point the cheerios fall back to the floor.
For quick jobs on hard surfaces, the PWRHERO 11 works rather well, but the suction is only able to give a surface clean on carpet. The small tank quickly fills with pet hair, but even after several passes over carpet - a surprising amount of dirt is left over for a full sized vacuum to suck up. I do not recommend purchasing this Tineco as your only vacuum - unless you live in a small apartment with no carpet. Think of this as a lightweight option to quickly suck up crumbs or dust bunnies.
CONS:
- Cheap Plastic Construction
- Dust Bin is quite small and fills quickly
- Dust Bin doesn’t easily detach - meaning that typically the stick portion of the vacuum must be removed before the dust bin can be easily emptied. Instead of carrying only the dust bin to the garbage, the entire base unit is held over the garbage and the bottom drops open.
- Struggles to pull dirt and hair from corners and where the flooring meets a wall
- Struggles to pick up larger debris: For example cheerios will only be sucked up on the highest suction setting - and even then they are often pushed around the floor only to fall out when the vacuum is turned off
- Power button trigger must be held down or locked
- Locking the power button requires two hands
- Adjusting the suction strength requires a 2nd hand
- Charging cable must be manually attached to the vacuum (even when it is placed into the docking station
- The limited power only cleans the surface of carpet
- Vacuum height does not adjust
- Smaller power brush does not have a quick release which would allow tangles to be removed from the brush tube.
- Replacement / spare batteries are not offered from Best Buy.
- There are two filters that often need replacement
- Cheap Plastic Construction
- Dust Bin is quite small and fills quickly
- Dust Bin doesn’t easily detach - meaning that typically the stick portion of the vacuum must be removed before the dust bin can be easily emptied. Instead of carrying only the dust bin to the garbage, the entire base unit is held over the garbage and the bottom drops open.
- Struggles to pull dirt and hair from corners and where the flooring meets a wall
- Struggles to pick up larger debris: For example cheerios will only be sucked up on the highest suction setting - and even then they are often pushed around the floor only to fall out when the vacuum is turned off
- Power button trigger must be held down or locked
- Locking the power button requires two hands
- Adjusting the suction strength requires a 2nd hand
- Charging cable must be manually attached to the vacuum (even when it is placed into the docking station
- The limited power only cleans the surface of carpet
- Vacuum height does not adjust
- Smaller power brush does not have a quick release which would allow tangles to be removed from the brush tube.
- Replacement / spare batteries are not offered from Best Buy.
- There are two filters that often need replacement
PROS:
+ The larger anti-tangle brush has a quick release that allows the user to easily remove tangled hair and debris from the roller brush.
+ The large anti-tangle brush has a light which is convenient and works well
+ Length of the battery life is appropriate for most household jobs
+ The Mount holds all of the included accessories and has a spot to store an extra battery
+ The vacuum is reasonably quiet
+ The unit is light weight which makes it portable and maneuverable
+ The larger anti-tangle brush has a quick release that allows the user to easily remove tangled hair and debris from the roller brush.
+ The large anti-tangle brush has a light which is convenient and works well
+ Length of the battery life is appropriate for most household jobs
+ The Mount holds all of the included accessories and has a spot to store an extra battery
+ The vacuum is reasonably quiet
+ The unit is light weight which makes it portable and maneuverable
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Sound Driven Performance. Faster - Higher – Stronger – Sennheiser’s new SPORT True Wireless drives your performance with our most premium sound, Adaptable Acoustics that lets you tailor the sound for the level of focus or awareness you prefer and an outstanding secure fit. Powered by Sennheiser’s dynamic TrueResponse transducer, the SPORT True Wireless energizes with optimal clarity and full bass. Its unique Adaptable Acoustics feature let you choose an open ear adapter style when you want to minimize body-borne noise and require more situational awareness or an insulating Closed ear adapter that blocks background noise for a focused audio experience. The SPORT True Wireless’s sleek ergonomic design offers brilliant comfort with a choice of fins and ear adapters to ensure a secure customized fit. Its IP54 rating means it can take on the elements, withstand splashes and easily handle sweat or rain. And with up to 27 hours battery life with on-the-go charging – it’s ready for anything you are.
Customer Rating
3
Bulky & Not Well Suited for Situational Awareness
on July 12, 2022
Posted by: TheDuke
The Sennheiser Sport True Wireless In-Ear Headphones produce crisp and balanced audio, but they are bulky, cumbersome, and lack feature options.
I personally do not like these earbuds. Not only are the earbuds bulky, but the case is so big that it looks like a camping cooler. They do have a balanced and punchy sound profile, but they simply do not fit well in my ears. Even with the smallest rubber tips and shortest rubber fins, they do not stay in place within my admittedly small ear canals. They do fit in my wife’s ears, but she agrees that they are not particularly comfortable. She also states that the call quality is average, yet passable.
My main disappointment comes from the Focus & Aware modes - which do not work well. Instead of using the microphones to play outside noise to increase situational awareness, the Sennheiser Sport comes with two sets of rubber tips. The Open set of tips allows more ambient noise to pass through into your ears while the Closed set of tips blocks more ambient noise. The app can cycle between “Focus” and “Aware” modes, but I cannot tell what is actually changing other than perhaps minor adjustments to the equalizer settings. If you want earbuds that will increase your situational awareness for running, working out, or for holding conversations without removing the earbuds - I do not recommend this set. I would instead look for earbuds that feature audio pass-through that can be triggered via the touch screen controls.
For a brief time I was incredibly impressed with the bass quality which is stronger than any of the other dozen or so earbuds I have tried. Interestingly, I discovered that the “bass” was the result of wearing the “Closed” rubber tips while the app was in “Aware” mode. Once I selected the matching “Focus” mode with the “Closed” rubber tips, the bass was reduced significantly. So, if you love strong bass, use the “Closed” tips with the “Aware” mode for an increased bass experience.
Ultimately these are decent Sport earbuds. If you have never experienced problems with the fit of earbuds, these will stay in place and sound great. They have superior battery life and the bulky case will not be as big of a deal when they are simply being tossed into a gym bag.
But, if you are a runner and you want to improve your situational awareness in a city environment, the audio pass-through simply does not work well enough. I would also not recommend these for use at work due to limited comfort.
But, if you are a runner and you want to improve your situational awareness in a city environment, the audio pass-through simply does not work well enough. I would also not recommend these for use at work due to limited comfort.
PROS:
+ Audio Quality
+ Battery Life
+ Charges using USB-C connection
+ Sweat & Splash Resistant
+ Touch Controls are easy to use and work well
+ Extensive Rubber Tip & Rubber Fin options
+ Smart Control App allows Equalizer and button customization
+ App’s “Sound Check” feature aids the user in finding ideal equalizer settings
CONS:
- Uncomfortable fit for those with smaller ear canals
- Can only be paired to a single source at a time
- No active noise cancellation
- “Aware Mode” requires changing the rubber tips and does not work well
- Bulky sized earbuds
- Bulky case
- Case does not have wireless charging capabilities
+ Audio Quality
+ Battery Life
+ Charges using USB-C connection
+ Sweat & Splash Resistant
+ Touch Controls are easy to use and work well
+ Extensive Rubber Tip & Rubber Fin options
+ Smart Control App allows Equalizer and button customization
+ App’s “Sound Check” feature aids the user in finding ideal equalizer settings
CONS:
- Uncomfortable fit for those with smaller ear canals
- Can only be paired to a single source at a time
- No active noise cancellation
- “Aware Mode” requires changing the rubber tips and does not work well
- Bulky sized earbuds
- Bulky case
- Case does not have wireless charging capabilities
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The lightest MMO/MOBA mouse on the market, the SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless gaming mouse weighs a mere 89g for comfort during long sessions. A 12-button side panel delivers easy access to abilities, while the TrueMove Air sensor provides accurate tracking. Equipped with AquaBarrier water protection and rock-solid Quantum 2.0 Wireless, and superb 180-hour battery life with fast charging.
Posted by: TheDuke
The Aerox 9 is the absolute macro champ! The amount of customization available is absolutely wild. Not only are all of the usual mouse buttons present and customizable, but there are 12 additional buttons on the left side all ready to do your bidding. Unfortunately, SteelSeries seems to have made almost no effort to make the 12 extra buttons easy to use. The button labeled 5 does have a raised bump similar to the “F” and “J” home keys on a keyboard - but distinguishing between 12 tiny keys (which are laid out in 3 rows of 4) is very difficult for the thumb. Learning where each button is takes an incredible amount of practice and I struggle to find the appropriate keys at a snail’s pace - and even more so during game-play.
…Perhaps instead of 12 buttons lined up in rows - a better option would have been a D-Pad layout with extra buttons in the diagonal space. This way the thumb could rest on the D-Pad and easily rock to press Up, Down, Left, Right, or Center. Then additional buttons could easily be found Up & Forward, Down & Forward, Up & Back, and Down & Back. This option would, however, only provide 9 additional buttons - But, nearly anything would be better than the current layout.
…Perhaps instead of 12 buttons lined up in rows - a better option would have been a D-Pad layout with extra buttons in the diagonal space. This way the thumb could rest on the D-Pad and easily rock to press Up, Down, Left, Right, or Center. Then additional buttons could easily be found Up & Forward, Down & Forward, Up & Back, and Down & Back. This option would, however, only provide 9 additional buttons - But, nearly anything would be better than the current layout.
The mouse is impressively light weight - especially considering the 12 extra buttons. The USB-C port is placed appropriately in the front and the super-mesh charging cable is wonderfully flexible. I do wish, however, that the sides of the mouse had texture or rubber grip - fortunately the ergonomic shape does aid in grip and maneuverability. The glide skates are smooth and appropriately functional, but the 2.4G USB-C Wireless Dongle does not store inside of the mouse - so if you take it on the go, make sure you don’t lose it. But, compatibility is not an issue as Bluetooth is also an option.
The customization is so good that the Aerox 9 is also an excellent option for productivity. Thankfully, several profiles can be saved so the mouse can be used for work and gaming. I appreciate all of the customization options, but if I were to guess - most users will probably not utilize all 12 side buttons as they are just too difficult to locate with the thumb. Also, be aware that the Aerox 9 is specifically designed for use in the right hand. If you use your mouse in your left hand, the Aerox 9 is not for you. Overall, I do feel that the rather high cost is justified by the build quality, the comfort, and - of course - the customization options.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Annihilate your competition with this ASUS ROG gaming desktop. The Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM deliver rapid performance during fast-paced action, while the 1TB HDD and a 512GB SSD provide plenty of storage for large files and downloads. This Bluetooth-enabled ASUS ROG gaming computer features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card for tear-free rendering of 4K games.
Customer Rating
4
Good performance, power, and value
on May 26, 2022
Posted by: TheDuke
I am extremely pleased with the value and performance of this Asus ROG PC. Thankfully I am finally able to play AAA titles without stripping game settings down to the absolute minimum. During the pandemic I have had significantly more time to game as everyone has been stuck at home. Unfortunately, my gaming laptop simply isn’t powerful enough to run games at their native settings. Upon launching games I would receive warning messages stating that my specs weren’t up to par and performance would struggle while causing the fan to run so frantically that teammates would complain about the obnoxious fan noise that could be heard over my headset mic. PC gaming can be prohibitively expensive, so I genuinely appreciate that ASUS has an affordable rig that provides enough power without breaking the bank.
For probably the first time I am playing with native settings and maintaining a solid 60 fps. Gaming at 4K brings down the frame rate, but I understand that the i7 and Ryzen RTX 3060 aren’t the absolute echelon of what is available. But, for the price I am absolutely pleased with the entire package. The cooling could be improved upon, but again - Asus has done a good job at providing strong performance for a reasonable price. I also appreciate that they have provided a case that is easy to open and allows space for upgrades. Gamers who don’t have the funds, or the knowledge / experience required to build a gaming rig can be confident that this Gaming PC is a solid starting point. It will provide the power needed to run games (such as Doom Eternal, Scavengers, and Xbox Games Pass Streaming Titles) while allowing the option of simple and easy upgrades. The plexiglass panel and the LED strip make the tower look cool. The WiFi antenna makes sure the network connection is strong anywhere in the house. There are plenty of ports on the front and back. There is a headphone hook built right onto the front of the tower. And while the keyboard and mouse leave a lot to be desired - they get the job done. Pull it out of the box and begin gaming in no time!
Thanks to Asus I no longer need to struggle with modifying performance settings. I can play to my heart's content on the PC and will simply take my games with me on the go once my Steam Deck finally arrives.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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ScanWatch is now available in a limited edition that combines iconic diver watch design with breakthrough health tech. Nested in a high-end watch, state-of-the-art technology has been carefully selected to create Withings most health-oriented watch to date. Developed with cardiologists, this clinically validated hybrid smartwatch can alert a user to a possible case of atrial fibrillation (Afib). ScanWatch also offers in-depth activity and sleep tracking, water resistance to 10 ATM (100m), and an exceptional battery life of up to 30 days before it needs to be charged.
Customer Rating
4
A Beautiful Balance of Function, Fashion, & Value
on May 17, 2022
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
Withings has done quite an impressive job at creating a functional fitness tracker that effortlessly simulates the classic look of an analog timepiece. Though the finishing on the aluminum case and bracelet are basic, the overall look is striking - putting nearly all other smart watches to shame. The applied indices and skeletonized hands pair beautifully with the sunburst dial earning the Scanwatch Horizon a place inside my watchbox next to more traditional (and pricey) watches.
Withings has a history in medical health monitoring and it shows. Tracking heart rate, blood oxygen levels, taking EKGs, or simply tracking workouts is made simple and is accurate. The digital display blends in nicely at the 12:00 position and while it is small, the screen is adequate for the intended purpose. The digital crown is not used to adjust the time, but instead doubles as a button and a scroll wheel. Thankfully the case is equipped with crown guards as the button protrudes outwards and would otherwise easily become snagged on sleeves, purses, and pockets.
While the watch appears to have chronograph functionality on the dial, the 6:00 complication is actually an analog representation of how many steps have been traveled. The watch is equipped with a timer and a stopwatch, but both are accessed using the crown and viewed on the digital display. Nearly all functions of the watch and fitness tracker are refreshingly easy to use. One downside, however, is that the bracelet has a cheap clasp with no micro adjust. This means that the fit is not always perfect causing the need to hold the watch in place while health measurements are being taken.
My biggest frustration with the watch is that it occasionally reminds me of upcoming alarms - which is an odd feature for a device meant to improve sleep quality. I don’t want to be woken up by my watch asking, “Do you want to turn off your alarm 30 minutes early?” NO! I want to sleep until my alarm is actually set to go off! Strangely this annoyance does not occur consistently and I have not figured out how to turn it off.
Overall, I continue to be highly impressed both by how well the watch works, and how beautiful it looks. Withings has reached an appropriate balance of function, fashion, and value. Not only does this Smartwatch look better than nearly all of the competition, but it is easy to use, it works well, the battery lasts 2 weeks (with real world use), and the 5 year warranty proves that it is designed to last.
The reason that I give the watch 4 out of 5 stars is because the lume is disappointing, the bezel is misaligned, the case does not have drilled lugs, the bracelet feels cheap, the clasp has no micro adjust settings, and I can't stand that the watch will wake me up 30 minutes before my morning alarm.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The wearable surround speaker system designed specifically for vivid, comfortable, and exciting gaming, with 4-channel, realistic surround sound, with 3 gaming sound modes to heighten every experience—developed jointly with the FINAL FANTASY XIV online sound team from SQUARE ENIX.
Customer Rating
3
Passable with a PC. Abysmal with a Console.
on March 2, 2022
Posted by: TheDuke
from Washington
Sadly, I have found the Panasonic SoundSlayer to be quite disappointing. Initially, I was excited to experience immersive sound without the need for headphones, or a more expensive surround sound set-up, but the audio quality of this wearable speaker is a let down. Surprisingly there is virtually no bass and also no vibration effect that would simulate bass. As the speakers typically hang around the neck, all audio comes from in front of the ears - which limits the surround sound effect. The immersion can be improved by balancing the device on the shoulders (with the rear speakers behind the ears and the front two forward of the ears), but this balancing act is less comfortable and not realistic for any significant amount of time.
Using the SoundSlayer with a game console is a flat out lousy experience. Not only are the two cables a nuisance, but the speakers do not get loud enough and chat volume is extremely difficult to hear. Sadly, there is not a separate option to control chat volume (only the option to mute the microphones). The USB cable (which is required to power the device) has plenty of length, but it does not have any breakaway feature that would prevent damage should someone trip on the cable. The power cable is not removable or replaceable - if the connection breaks, the whole device is destroyed.
Using the SoundSlayer with a computer is a better experience, but the audio quality still leaves a lot to be desired. In my opinion, even lower cost headsets sound more robust. I can appreciate the general comfort of having speakers around the neck - as opposed to headphones which often become uncomfortable after long gaming sessions, but the SoundSlayer is simply not as cool (or useful) as its name suggests. The whole experience is as generic as the packaging. Using with a PC is passable, but using with a console is abysmal. Unfortunately, I would not recommend the Soundwave.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Ease of Use
3
Quality
4
Value
2
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One of our most popular and most accessible ebikes, the 2021 Pace 350 Step-Through has set the bar high in the ebike world. Combining accessibility, comfort, and power with affordability, this ebike breaks the mold of what making quality ebikes available to everyone really means. A cushy seat and upright step-through frame provide the most relaxed and comfortable ride in its class. Add in 5 levels of pedal assist and a throttle function which removes the need to pedal and you have an ebike that gives the rider total freedom on how hard they exercise and how much help they receive from their ebike. When all this is backed up with up to 35 miles in range, a maximum speed of 20mph and an overall weight of just 46lbs you can see why people of all ages and abilities love this ebike!
Customer Rating
4
Great Value for Casual Riders
on February 12, 2022
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
Age:35-44
Gender:Male
The Pace 350 is a great entry level eBike that is a wonderful option for casual riders who want a fun bike with just enough power to ensure riding is simple, easy, and fun. Aventon has kept the cost down by striping off nearly all accessories. The bike does not come with a drink / water bottle holder, an accessory rack, fenders, or a headlight - and sadly there is no option to charge personal electronic devices from the 36V battery. I was also frustrated to find that there is no quick release skewer / bolt on the front tire (which means taking the tire off to change a flat, or to place it in a car is quite a chore).
Most of the components are high quality, but the speed controls feel cheap - especially the plastic throttle. But, the seat is heavily padded, the handlebars have a comfortable grip, the screen is easy to read, gears and breaks are easy to use, and the kickstand is large, springy, and stable. The lack of a top tube on the step through version is surprisingly convenient making the bike easier to mount for shorter riders. And, the bike is still easy to carry - though it does weigh in at a moderate 47 lbs.
The bike does come mostly assembled although it is important to keep in mind that you may need to take it to a bike shop to ensure the Pace 350 is correctly assembled and all components are working properly. Aventon has some good assembly tutorials on YouTube, but unless you have a good amount of experience with bikes - odds are good that you will need help fine tuning the breaks, derailleur, etc.
Definitely make sure that you take advantage of Best Buy’s pricing guarantee. The Pace 350 seems to cost the same from most online retailers, but it is refreshing to know that Best Buy guarantees the best price for 30 days from purchase and also allows customers to return online purchases at a physical Best Buy locations - which is MUCH cheaper and more convenient than mailing the bike back (if you can even manage to get it back into the box).
Overall, I happily recommend the bike to casual riders. The Pace 350 doesn’t have a lot of torque, but it has great pedal assist and makes riding so easy that returning to a manual bike feels like you’re trying to pedal uphill through deep mud. Most importantly, the Pace 350 has made my wife excited to ride with the family - which is all I can truly ask for. Just look at how much fun she is having in all of the pictures!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Design
4
Durability
5
Quality
4
Value
5
Ease of Use
4
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Sound great virtually anywhere with the ultra-portable Bose S1 Pro multi-position PA system. Designed for musicians, DJs and general PA use, the S1 Pro is the ultimate all-in-one PA, floor monitor, practice amplifier and primary music system. Multiple positions, supported by Auto EQ, ensure that you always sound your best. Plus, with the optional rechargeable lithium-ion battery (sold separately), you can perform anywhere for up to 11 hours. And with a 3-channel mixer, reverb, Bluetooth streaming and ToneMatch processing onboard, the S1 Pro is ready to be your go-to PA.
Customer Rating
5
Tiny, but Mighty! Versatile & Truly Useful.
on December 23, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, events are becoming smaller and more intimate which means that bulky equipment is often no longer necessary. Bose has always been known for producing high quality sound from small devices and the S1 Pro is no exception. Though it is quite small (13" H x 9.5" W x 11.2" D) it produces powerful audio that is crisp and vibrant (even at impressively high volume).
The speaker is easy to carry thanks to the built-in handle and at 15lbs it is easy to transport or take on the go. The S1 Pro is primarily plastic though the build quality still feels top notch. Unfortunately, there is no IPX rating for dust, water, or impact resistance making it best suited for the indoors (or dry conditions). The field of sound that is produced is slightly narrow, so it doesn’t impress quite as much in large open spaces. For any event larger than 50 people, you will want at least two speakers and for outdoor events - additional speakers are an absolute must. (...And, of course, two speakers are needed for true stereo sound.)
There are 3 audio input ports - although sadly an RCA input is not included. Instead, there are two ¼" / XLR inputs as well as an Aux Input (which is either Bluetooth or a 3.5mm jack). Each source has Reverb, Bass, and Treble controls as well as a light to show input level - making it easy to adjust on the fly without reaching for the wrong knob.
What I find most impressive about the S1 Pro is that Bose has taken time to perfect all of the small details. The speaker can be set up in 3 positions each with a specific purpose in mind, the knobs are rubberized, the handle makes it easy to carry, and even the logo can be rotated so that it is always right-side-up even when the speaker is on its side. The speaker is small enough to mount on a wall, or mounted on a speaker stand via the 35mm pole cup.
I believe that the Bose S1 Pro is especially well suited for home musicians, singers, and for professional vocal amplification / presentations. If the rechargeable battery is added (which costs an extra $99) the speaker becomes even more useful as it has superior sound for its small size. Bose has truly hit a home run by making the S1 Pro perfect for nearly any use. Plug in a mic and your guitar and jam, or use it to party! It's perfect either way!
Cons:
No IPX rating for dust, water, or impact resistance
No RCA input
No EQ customization either on the speaker or within the App
Bluetooth connection requires a mobile app
Rechargeable battery is sold separately
Battery compartment cannot be opened without a screwdriver
Does not include a cover (instead the S1 Pro Slip Cover is sold separately)
Narrow Sound Projection
No IPX rating for dust, water, or impact resistance
No RCA input
No EQ customization either on the speaker or within the App
Bluetooth connection requires a mobile app
Rechargeable battery is sold separately
Battery compartment cannot be opened without a screwdriver
Does not include a cover (instead the S1 Pro Slip Cover is sold separately)
Narrow Sound Projection
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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SC 400D - The ultimate solution to all of life's blindspots. Whether you're on the road or parked, a commercial driver or commuter, hauling cargo or chauffeuring kids - you're covered from all angles in all situations with a Cobra smart dash cam. With stunning, easily-sharable 4K UHD resolution, Alexa built-in, heads-up navigation, and life police alerts, there's no better way to protect the vehicles, drivers, passengers, and cargo you value most. See just how much peace of mind the award-winning Cobra SC 400D dash cam can provide.
Customer Rating
4
Everything Needed for Front & Rear Dash Recording
on December 3, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
Recently my family was rear ended by a young kid who fell asleep behind the wheel of his parents minivan. Thankfully he admitted fault and nobody was gravely injured, but as I spent weeks waiting for the insurance company to pay for repairs - I realized that it would be wise to install a dash cam in my wife’s SUV. Because we were rear ended, I wanted to make sure that video would be recorded of both the front and rear of her car. Thankfully, Cobra has done a nice job at providing everything that is required for simple and easy recording of both the front and back of the vehicle.
Upon opening the box, the main unit seemed rather large. I felt as though I was mounting a full sized point-and-shoot digital camera (which I suppose it is). But, after comparing the unit with the Nextbase 522GW dash cam that has been in my car for over a year - the size is actually comparable. ***See included pictures for a size comparison***
One negative is the mount which is difficult to position as it is only able to pivot up & down. Mounting Tape is used instead of a suction cup - which is a much more permanent fixture. It’s nice that the dash cam never falls down, but initial installation will never be perfect as you have to just press on the tape and hope for the best. The box does come with 1 extra piece of mounting tape for both the front and rear cameras, but the tape is not easy to remove. I would strongly suggest that they update the mount to one that can pivot left / right/ up / down on a ball joint.
The 3 inch screen is nice, but is not big enough to truly see both the rear camera & front camera simultaneously. The user interface is simple and easy to navigate - and every setting I want was quickly accessible. Thankfully, you are able to turn off the COBRA watermark and choose what information is displayed on the screen. My wife and I find the screen rather distracting at night time, so we appreciate that the screen can be programmed to dim after 60 seconds.
The cords that come included have plenty of length even for full sized trucks and SUVs. I was able to install the cords along the trim of our Nissan Armada without any additional tools. Thankfully, the power plug has a USB-A port so we are still able to plug in the charging cable for my wife’s phone.
The Drive Smarter Mobile App leaves A LOT to be desired, but as this dash cam is in my wife’s car, she has no desire to mess with any of the app functionality. Luckily we can just set it and forget it. Having Alexa in the car is surprisingly convenient, but in the short time I have used the dash cam - Alexa isn’t very reliable. I imagine that Alexa would be much more effective if the Mobile App is manually opened every time that we get into the car.
The main unit does a good job of recognizing a set of core vocal commands, but I don’t like the word choice required for some features. For example, instead of being able to say, “Take a picture”, the user is required to say “Take photo.” The command is simple enough, but when an emergency arises the word I will blurt out is “picture” not “photo”. And, unlike other units, you cannot simply tap on the screen to save a picture. You have to tap on the screen to wake up the unit, then select the photo button.
The 4k resolution is only 30 frames per second, but with such a high resolution you are able to grab crystal clear screenshots by simply pausing the video at any point. 4K Resolution is a much larger file size, so it is something to keep in mind as you select how long each video is before a new video begins. I also don’t believe that the rear camera is 4K - although the manufacturer’s website does not seem to specify the resolution.
Note: The package does not come with a camera that records the interior of the car. A 3rd camera can be purchased for this purpose, but I do not suggest recording the inside of your car. Apparently insurance companies are rather quick to add partial blame to any driver who appears to be distracted in ANY way. If you are using the radio, talking to the passenger, interacting with kids in the back seat, happen to be holding your phone, etc - the insurance company will attempt to put you at fault.
Overall, we are both satisfied with the cameras and the features that are offered. The mobile app may not be perfect, but it offers a great deal of safety features that many will find useful. And for those who want more simplicity, the camera records in a loop and saves video files separately for the front & rear camera. Files are clearly labeled and easy to access. I would happily recommend this Cobra dash cam to anyone who is comfortable with a permanent Dash Cam Installation. If you travel, or change cars often - you will want to choose an option with a suction cup mount.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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