TheDuke's stats
- Review count144
- Helpfulness votes2,159
- First reviewMarch 19, 2015
- Last reviewMay 24, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.8
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
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- Answer count3
- Helpfulness votes19
- First answerJune 7, 2019
- Last answerApril 30, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers2
The Soundcore by Anker Select Pro Portable Bluetooth Speaker has powerful stereo sound and BassUp technology to fill any room with high-quality sound, even in the great outdoors. It features built-in LEDs that blink in time to the beat, creating a fun light show. This portable speaker can play up to 16 hours from one single charge and has an IPX7 waterproof rating, making it even great for poolside listening.
Customer Rating
4
Bluetooth on a Boat or by the Pool
on June 7, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
The Soundcore Select Pro is a convenient little Bluetooth boombox. Thanks to the rubberized handle and the waterproof rating - it can truly go anywhere. Anker brags that the speaker floats, but be aware that it does so with the speakers facing down into the water - so, It cannot be heard AT ALL while floating. It’s best to keep it out of the water, but it’s nice to know the speaker will not be lost if it falls into the pool, or gets knocked off of a boat.
The audio quality is good and the volume is sufficient for using outdoors (at a moderate range). The audio sounds slightly hollow and airy, but by adjusting the equalizer (within the app) quality can be improved. The bass boost is impressive indoors, but is understandably lost a bit when outside in a more open and expansive environment.
While the speaker is convenient, I feel as though Anker missed the mark on a lot of finer points. For example, the controls are confusing and without reading the instructions, nobody would know how to change tracks. Some of the buttons are illuminated, but not the buttons that are used most often (play/pause, volume up/down, track change). There is no NFC pairing, no auxiliary input, no radio function, and no internal memory or memory card slot.
For the most basic Bluetooth audio functionality, the speaker is quite good. But without a phone nearby, the speaker becomes useless. The speaker can be linked together in a chain of 100 speakers, but they cannot be paired or grouped in a way to play stereo sound (meaning that you cannot have one speaker play right audio while the other plays left).
If you want to take your Bluetooth speaker near water, this is the speaker for you. But, if you don’t care about taking the speaker on the go, this speaker doesn’t really stand out from the myriad of other Bluetooth speakers available.
CONS:
- No auxiliary input
- No NFC (Near Field Communication Pairing)
- No radio function
- No internal memory
- No memory card slot
- No battery indicator
- Confusing Controls
- Not all buttons are illuminated
- Paired speakers do not function in stereo (all speakers play identical sound)
- Floats with speakers facing down into the water (which means music cannot be heard at all)
- No auxiliary input
- No NFC (Near Field Communication Pairing)
- No radio function
- No internal memory
- No memory card slot
- No battery indicator
- Confusing Controls
- Not all buttons are illuminated
- Paired speakers do not function in stereo (all speakers play identical sound)
- Floats with speakers facing down into the water (which means music cannot be heard at all)
PROS:
+ Sufficient Volume for outdoor listening
+ Good audio quality
+ Decent Bass (especially for the compact size of the speaker)
+ Waterproof
+ Floats
+ Equalizer available within App
+ Cool LED light effects
+ Light weight
+ Great battery life
+ Internal battery charges via USB-C Input
+ Can charge other devices via USB-A output
+ Link up to 100 speakers together
+ Rubber feet keep the speaker in place and ensure it doesn’t scratch any surface it may be sitting on
+ Mobile App is not required for use
+ Sufficient Volume for outdoor listening
+ Good audio quality
+ Decent Bass (especially for the compact size of the speaker)
+ Waterproof
+ Floats
+ Equalizer available within App
+ Cool LED light effects
+ Light weight
+ Great battery life
+ Internal battery charges via USB-C Input
+ Can charge other devices via USB-A output
+ Link up to 100 speakers together
+ Rubber feet keep the speaker in place and ensure it doesn’t scratch any surface it may be sitting on
+ Mobile App is not required for use
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The ROCCAT® Kone Pro Lightweight Optical Ergonomic Performance Gaming Mouse with RGB Lighting is the result of over 14 years of devoted craftmanship and is the most advanced gaming mouse we’ve ever created. After meticulous global research into hand sizes and grip styles, the result is one shape to fit any hand. It’s the iconic Kone shape, perfected. Providing supreme comfort without compromising on performance, the feeling of using the Kone Pro is unrivalled. It seamlessly fuses with your hand, virtually disappearing, keeping you focused and immersed. The Kone Pro utilizes our Titan Switch Optical. With a satisfying and responsive tactile click, it’s reliable, fast and durable. No double-click issues and no learning curve. Thanks to advancements in our extreme lightweight engineering, the Kone Pro weighs in at just 66g. The ROCCAT Bionic Shell keeps the weight down and provides a comfortable and consistent surface, whilst keeping dust and dirt out. It transitions into a beautiful translucent finish on the main buttons, allowing vivid AIMO 16.8 million color lighting to shine through, creating the signature look. The Kone Pro features our state-of-the-art 19K DPI Owl-Eye Sensor which delivers world-leading responsiveness and precision. It also features the ROCCAT® PhantomFlex™ cable, creating a near-wireless experience with a cable that virtually disappears – no friction, no distractions. Everything rests on our best-in-class pure PTFE heat-treated skates. They offer sublime glide right out of the box, with a spare pair thrown in for good measure.
Customer Rating
4
Light & Responsive, with the best cable EVER!
on May 27, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
This mouse is truly lightweight, buttery smooth, incredibly responsive, and includes the most amazing cable I have ever experienced! Seriously, the PhantomFlex cable honestly stole the show. Save your money and skip spending extra on a wireless mouse. The cable is so light and flexible that I forget it is there. And a wired connection is always better (no lag & saves on batteries).
I don't believe that the shape or the ergonomics are anything to write home about. The product description brags that the design is the result of "14 years of devoted craftsmanship", but this goes unnoticed as the mouse feels to be a very standard design. The design is proven and works well, but it doesn't feel as though it is forged by a master craftsman.
The mouse has a plethora of setting options and can be customized without any software, but honestly - this is a complete nightmare of holding multiple buttons then comparing LED colors to the features listed in the incredibly brief manual. There is absolutely no way that I will ever be able to remember how to change any specific setting. I completely recommend downloading the free software to set up the profile options.
Over all this is a good, light weight mouse that I would recommend to the average user. But, if you are truly concerned about ergonomics, you may want to try a different style as there may be a layout / position that you find more comfortable.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The New Definition of High Definition: This FHD monitor feels as good as it looks, packing IPS technology for 178 degrees ultra-wide viewing angles, 99% sRGB color gamut for color accuracy, and AMD FreeSync to keep your eyes up to speed with your imagination.
Customer Rating
4
Great for Work, But Not the best for Gaming
on May 27, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic my son has not been able to attend Kindergarten in person. Instead, his school provided him with a Chromebook and, for nearly an entire year, he has been participating in Remote Learning. We are lucky to be in a school district that was able to provide him with a computer, but the screen is so small that it is incredibly difficult to help him with his school work while standing over his shoulder. Plus, such a small screen does a poor job at displaying each of his classmate’s video feeds. When his very first eye test showed that he needed glasses, we decided he needed a larger monitor.
This HP Monitor has been quite a refreshing upgrade. The 27 inch size is perfect. Not only does he have more real estate for his school work, but he can now actually see each of his classmates in greater detail. The monitor is incredibly lightweight, easy to set up, has clips on the back to organize the cables, and it easily tilts forwards/backwards - although unfortunately, there are no height adjustment options. I also appreciate that the front of the monitor has an small icon that shows where the power button is. (All of our other monitors seem to hide the menu buttons which can lead to frustration.)
The screen appears to have almost no bezel at all - although when the monitor is turned on, there is about ¼” around the edge that does not display an image. Also curious is that the Blue Light Filter is always on. We do like that the filter should be better on our son’s eyes, but I would imagine that many users would like the ability to turn off the feature so that images can be more vivid for content such as games, or movies. Apparently almost all new monitors have a blue light filter option somewhere in their menus (usually “night” or “low light” settings). Even with the blue light filter always on, the screen's color appears accurate (although I have intentionally avoided comparing it to another monitor as blue light filters tend to make images appear slightly more yellow).
Because the blue light filter cannot be turned off, because the resolution is only 1920 x 1080, and because the refresh rate maxes out at 70 fps - I would not suggest this monitor for PC gaming….even though it does include AMD FreeSync (which is a technology that reduces misalignment between the screen's refresh rate and the frame rate of the source content being received by the Monitor.) HP claims that the color produced is accurate, but with the blue light filter this simply cannot be the case. Also, gaming now is commonly 4K at 120 fps which is beyond this monitor’s capabilities.
For anyone now working from home, this monitor is a fantastic option. It is large enough that it should be able to be used as a single large monitor. But, be aware that if it is used in a dual monitor set-up, the image may look different if paired with a different monitor model (as again, the blue light filter cannot be turned off).
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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From Work to Workout. Comfortable, sweat-proof earbuds that work from the office to the gym. Set features secure-fit earbuds and powerful audio that gets you moving. The Set in-ear sport headphones let you manage calls and audio with the in-line remote and microphone and come with the enhanced bass that Skullcandy products are known for.
Customer Rating
4
FINALLY! Earbuds that fit!
on April 30, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
My wife was absolutely convinced that she could no longer plug headphones into her Samsung Note 20 now that the 3.5 mm input has been removed. Until she literally watched me insert the plug of these headphones into her USB-C port, she just did not get it. But, now she’s extremely grateful to have wired earbuds that she can store in her bag - ready to go at a moment's notice.
Skullcandy has done a great job not just making Earbuds that work with USB-C devices, but in actually taking time to design earbuds that fit securely, sound good, and remain affordable. I have small ear canals and most earbuds simply will not stay put. I can be sitting motionless at my desk and all of the sudden my earbuds will pop out - which is wildly annoying. Until this set, I have been forced to use sport style earbuds with crazy rubber fins or bone conduction headphones which seriously lack audio performance/quality. I am so thrilled with the fit of these that I may have raided my wife’s purse (like a bored kid in church searching for candy. ...Eh, Certs will do.)
The snug fit does a great job at passive noise cancelation. ...So good that they need to be removed in order to have a conversation - even when the volume is at lower levels. The audio quality is fairly average for earbuds, but they do produce reasonable sound for all types of music as well as podcasts. Surprisingly, the bass is rather light - which is normal due to the small size of earbuds, but rare for Skullcandy (which tends to have a bass heavy profile). They are comfortable and light with the corded mic/remote (on the left side) not causing any issues with comfort or fit.
My only major complaint is that the remote is not able to start the current track over, or move to the previous track. They are designed to move back to the previous track with 3 clicks, but I have never been able to make this function work. One click pauses/plays, two clicks moves to the next track, and no matter how fast or slow I press - 3 clicks moves to the next track and then pauses. If I want to move to the previous track I have to use my phone’s voice assistant.
The only other negative is that they do not come with any attachment to ensure they stay in place during workouts. If they would have simply included a rubber fin, these could be used more reliably during running, biking, or lifting weights. I typically use bluetooth earbuds for those activities, but these truly could have been the only earbuds I needed if only Skullcandy had included the rubber fins (as they do with other models).
Overall I am extremely happy with these earbuds - mostly because they simply fit so well in my ears. I do recommend them to anyone wanting a standard set of wired earbuds that handle most basic functions/tasks with ease.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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15of 17voted this as helpful.
The Philips Norelco Ultimate Premium Precision Beard Trimmer BT9810/40 is a premium beard, hair, and stubble trimmer. Including: Full steel blades and head, sleek and durable steel design; 100% waterproof; 120 minutes of Lithium Ion run time, 30 quick adjustable lengths zoom wheel in 0.2mm increments (0.4mm to 10mm range) and 1 sturdy reinforced guard attachment to get your precise, even, desired length. This trimmer also cuts hair.
Customer Rating
3
Decent, But not truly the Ultimate Trimmer
on April 21, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
With their new Ultimate Beard and Hair Trimmer (BT9810), Norelco has beefed up the price and also the physical bulk. The turn-dial length adjuster is a creative way to eliminate the need for a handful of clipper guards (which are typically required to adjust the closeness of the shave). The trimmer has excellent battery life and plenty of power to cut stubble, beards, and full length hair, but it struggles to cut close to the skin making it a poor choice for shaping the edge of beards, goatees, moustaches, or for barber shop style fades. Without the one included guard, the maximum length vs the minimum length is hardly noticeable. See the attached pictures for a comparison of the longest stubble vs. the shortest stubble.
The battery life is fantastic, it is water resistant, and it fits perfectly in the attached travel case, but I don’t believe it is a good value for the money. The BT8910 is bulky, strangely shaped, awkward to hold, gets messy by attracting hair clippings on the rubber and in the many crevasses , and it is twice the price of the Norelco Multigroom 7000 (MG7790) (seen in the comparison photos). Also, the ultimate beard & hair trimmer doesn’t include a nose / ear hair trimmer and the blade is much more difficult to replace.
If you don’t already have a beard trimmer, the BT9810 will get the job done and will leave most people satisfied. But at twice the price of other comparable trimmers from the same company, I simply do not believe that it lives up to its name as the “Ultimate Beard & Hair Trimmer). Instead, I recommend tracking down the Multigroom 7000 because it is half the price and comes with a travel case, shaving screen, multiple clipper guards, cleaning brush, Nose / Ear hair trimmer, different sized blades for precise shaping / edging, and has an amazing battery life.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Fly through the sky in ways that seem impossible. We never lost our passion for flying, and with DJI FPV, those passions have turned imagination into reality. With this immersive and intuitive aerial platform, get ready to go into the beyond. Sleek and aerodynamic, the DJI FPV aircraft delivers powerful propulsion, battery life, and wind resistance, making this system as capable as it is visually stunning.
Customer Rating
4
Phenominally Fun to Fly and Easy to Crash
on March 18, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
Flying the DJI FPV drone is so incredibly immersive that every pilot will greatly enjoy the experience. DJI has done a truly impressive job at simplifying FPV flight in a way that makes it accessible to hobbyists of any skill level. But, while there are features and flight modes for everyone, those who are already involved in the Hobby will likely have little interest. Until now, those who wanted to experience the thrill of FPV had to build their drone from scratch; soldering components, tuning every aspect of the software, and often going so far as 3-D printing their own parts. In an effort to make FPV available to and usable by the masses, DJI has taken away most tuning options and added so many safety features that experienced FPV pilots will likely feel weighed down and stifled. While Acro mode does provide nearly limitless freedom of control, the motors are slightly underpowered for the weight of the large battery - making the drone less nimble than those built by hand from the ground up.
While it may feel limiting to FPV racers, Safety features are incredibly important in a drone that can fly so fast and so high - and DJI has improved safety in many innovative ways.
- The radio controller has an emergency brake that quickly stops the drone (in any mode) and causes it to level off and hover in place.
- In Normal Mode, the drone has obstacle avoidance which slows the speed when the front sensors detect an object approaching too closely
- The battery is safely encased in a thick housing and is much more stable than current FPV lipo (lithium polymer) batteries that can literally catch fire, or explode at nearly any time.
- And, unlike current FPV drones that can actually drop out of the sky when they lose radio connection, the DJI FPV will hover in place and either land, or return to home using GPS. If the drone does land when the range is exceeded, the goggles are equipped with features to help you track the drone - either by showing footage of the last seen location, or guiding you with an augmented reality navpoint.
- The radio controller has an emergency brake that quickly stops the drone (in any mode) and causes it to level off and hover in place.
- In Normal Mode, the drone has obstacle avoidance which slows the speed when the front sensors detect an object approaching too closely
- The battery is safely encased in a thick housing and is much more stable than current FPV lipo (lithium polymer) batteries that can literally catch fire, or explode at nearly any time.
- And, unlike current FPV drones that can actually drop out of the sky when they lose radio connection, the DJI FPV will hover in place and either land, or return to home using GPS. If the drone does land when the range is exceeded, the goggles are equipped with features to help you track the drone - either by showing footage of the last seen location, or guiding you with an augmented reality navpoint.
Racing and acrobatics aren’t the only uses for drones. There is also aerial photography & videography. The DJI FPV has only one camera (which simultaneously records and sends a live digital feed back to the goggles), but thankfully the camera is quite good and is able to film in 4K at 50 or 60 frames per second. Unfortunately, the lowest latency requires recording in 1080p and there is currently no option to take raw uncompressed photos. The camera is also limited by the single access gimbal - which means that the image noticeably tilts to the side as the drone turns. Smooth cinematic shots are possible, but require a different approach and additional practice.
The DJI FPV drone is tremendously fun to fly and I appreciate that it makes FPV flight accessible to those who don’t have the knowledge, or the time to build a drone from scratch. The drawback is that it is quite expensive and is very easy to break. Flying in Acro mode is incredibly difficult and high speed crashes are inevitable. With the drone being so new, many parts and components are not yet sold by DJI. When repairs are needed, the drone has to be sent back to DJI with no clear indication of how much repairs will cost. DJI does offer a damage protection plan, but enrollment is expensive and each repair is charged a $200 deductible (regardless of how much repairs actually cost).
Before purchasing (or building) any FPV Drone, I would STRONGLY recommend spending several hours in a drone simulator. Both the DJI FPV Goggles and Radio Controller can be hooked up to a PC and used with drone simulators such as Liftoff (which is available on Steam). DJI has a flight simulator app, but it is not yet available on Android. Flying in a simulator may sound unnecessary, but a single minute is all it takes to realize how difficult it is to fly a drone. Save yourself from expensive mistakes and start smart by learning in a simulator before putting the drone at risk.
Those who already fly FPV drones will appreciate the superior battery life and extended transmission range, but will feel limited by the weight, lack of part availability, and cumbersome safety limitations. Those who fly drones for photography will enjoy how immersive the FPV experience is, but will feel held back by the single axis gimbal and the limited camera settings. Regardless, every pilot will have a tremendous amount of fun flying this drone, but I have a feeling that it will inspire many to purchase a different drones with a more specialized focus - either racing, or photography.
The DJI FPV drone is the most fun you can have with your 3rd COVID stimulus check! Give it a shot! Just start slowly and avoid crashes until replacement parts are available. (And don't forget that you are required to register the drone with the FAA)
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Unleash your creativity with this all-in-one Dell Inspiron desktop computer. The 23.8-inch Full HD capacitive display delivers detailed visuals and offers smooth touch operation, while the 256GB SSD minimizes load times, letting you jump into work sessions quickly. This Dell Inspiron desktop computer has an 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM for running multiple programs simultaneously. Built in HD webcam, microphone, and speakers to win at conference calls.
Customer Rating
4
A Convenient & Capable Entry Level PC
on March 16, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
I was extremely hesitant to select a PC that only has an Intel Core i3. Honestly, I didn’t know computers were still being made with the i3. But, after comparing the i3 (entry level), i5 (mainstream), and i7 (high-end) - I decided that this All-In-One PC would meet our family’s current needs.
The 24 inch screen is actually fairly small when compared to all of the large screens we are used to, but for an entry level PC - it is actually just about right. The compact form factor means that the computer is incredibly lightweight, easy to move, and can be placed in many locations around our house. Thanks to COVID-19, our six year old has been attending school virtually from an incredibly small Chromebook. The screen is so tiny that helping him with school work is pretty difficult. With this All-In-One, we can set up the computer wherever he would like to do his work and we can actually see the screen - which means we can help without squinting over his shoulder. The touchscreen is handy because we don’t need to take control of the mouse to help with navigation. We just reach up and tap the screen.
The solid state drive is an absolute game changer! The computer starts up super quickly!...Which is helpful for all the many times our son is running late to class and needs everything up and running ASAP. The wireless mouse & keyboard reduce cord clutter and they are pretty durable. Within 5 minutes of getting the computer out of the box our son managed to spill water on the keyboard - which thankfully caused no problems. The keys on the keyboard are pretty spongy, but it works well enough. We do wish that the keyboard had a track pad on it (so that there was only once peripheral to keep track of - but that is something that can be added in the future).
We love that the camera hides away (literally) inside the top of the screen. When we want to be sure that the camera is not streaming video, we can simply press it down and it locks in place where it cannot see the room. I worry slightly that the spring mechanism may eventually break, but so far so good. We also appreciate that there is an HDMI input. If the computer ever goes kaput, we will still be able to use the screen as a monitor. We already plug in our Nintendo Classic Mini and play games on the screen. And, the built in soundbar sounds great. Bass is not impressive at all, but for such a small size - the volume and audio clarity is pretty impressive.
Overall the performance of the computer is completely suitable for basic programs. Google Docs runs well, all of our Son’s school programs run smoothly, and it is powerful enough to play simple games like Roblox (which our son appreciates tremendously). The performance doesn’t seem to be slowed down too much by the pre-installed bloatware, but there does seem to always be a pop-up from Dell, or Virus Protection software asking for upgrades or permissions. My one major gripe is that all of the inputs (USB, HDMI, Memory Card Slot, and 3.5 mm Headphone jack) are all placed on the rear of the unit. This makes them super difficult to reach, even when the screen is tilted back. There should be at least one USB and headphone jack on the side of the unit.
For the price, the ease of use, the speed of start up, and the convenience - I do believe that this is a good entry level PC.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
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Philips One by Sonicare is an ultra-portable electric toothbrush that keeps your smile bright. Always be ready to touch up your smile, no matter where the day takes you. Designed with you in mind, Philips One is a big step up from manual brushing.
Customer Rating
3
Just Another Electric Toothbrush
on March 6, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
There are a lot of good things to say about the One Toothbrush from Sonicare, but I can’t help but feel as though it was only created as a cash grab so that Phillips could participate in the trend of monthly subscription products. Personally I don’t care for subscription services because I feel like they increase the cost of a product, they create waste (by sending out a package every few months when all of the items could have easily been sold in one box), and they are designed to generate extra sales when the customer either forgets about the subscription, or simply fails to quit timely. They are like gym memberships. The customer continues to pay long after they stop using the product.
That being said, the toothbrush does work well. I appreciate the small size, the month long battery life, the modern USB-C charging port, the countdown timer, the double pulse after each 30 seconds, and I absolutely LOVE that the timer pauses when you turn the brush off mid cycle - so that you can spit and then resume brushing (without flinging toothpaste all over your clothes and the bathroom mirror). I also like that the handle has two small feet which prevents the brush from rolling and ensures the head is raised off of any surface that the brush may be set upon. Most importantly though, it leaves teeth feeling smooth and clean.
There are, however, a few downsides to the brush. While the package comes with a short charging cable, it does not come with a wall adapter. In order to charge the brush, you will need to use a charging brick you already own.
The back of the head is smooth - instead of having a ribbed texture to help clean the cheeks and tongue.
The bottom of the brush is rounded - so it cannot stand up on end. (Luckily, it is about the size of a standard manual toothbrush - so it can be set into a regular cup style toothbrush holder. See the attached pictures for examples.)
The brush feels under powered at times. Occasionally it feels as though the power level fluctuates, which is something I haven't noticed with any of the other electric toothbrushes I have tested (Burst, Quip, Boka, Sonicare, etc).
The travel case feels cheap and is unnecessarily large. I wouldn’t be surprised if the flap style lid eventually breaks off (after being folded open and closed repeatedly). It would have been nice if the carry case could affix to the bathroom mirror (like Quip brushes do), but instead it must lie flat. The case is also a rubbery texture that seems to attract fuzz and toothpaste residue.
The back of the head is smooth - instead of having a ribbed texture to help clean the cheeks and tongue.
The bottom of the brush is rounded - so it cannot stand up on end. (Luckily, it is about the size of a standard manual toothbrush - so it can be set into a regular cup style toothbrush holder. See the attached pictures for examples.)
The brush feels under powered at times. Occasionally it feels as though the power level fluctuates, which is something I haven't noticed with any of the other electric toothbrushes I have tested (Burst, Quip, Boka, Sonicare, etc).
The travel case feels cheap and is unnecessarily large. I wouldn’t be surprised if the flap style lid eventually breaks off (after being folded open and closed repeatedly). It would have been nice if the carry case could affix to the bathroom mirror (like Quip brushes do), but instead it must lie flat. The case is also a rubbery texture that seems to attract fuzz and toothpaste residue.
Because the Phillips One brush is so new, I have not been able to find any generic brush heads available - but, because Sonicare brushes are so popular - I anticipate someone will eventually sell generic brush heads online (which will eliminate the need of the Brush head Subscription). Thankfully Phillips is currently selling replacement heads without the subscription, but it is frustrating that each replacement head costs more than a full size manual toothbrush. A replacement head is less waste than a manual toothbrush, but still costs more.
The One Brush is a decent, reasonably priced electric toothbrush, but it does little to stand out from all of the many other brushes that are nearly identical. I can't imagine too many people actually regretting the purchase, but personally - I would choose the Quip Electric Toothbrush instead (and would buy generic replacement heads instead of signing up for their subscription service).
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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At GE Appliances, we're bringing craftsmanship to your countertops, with reliable and durable drip coffee makers. Equipped with either a sleek glass or insulated thermal carafe, our coffee makers have convenient functions such as Delayed Start and Timer, to make the brewing process simple and user-friendly. And all GE Appliances drip coffee makers are finished with tasteful and durable stainless steel, making them the perfect accent for any kitchen or office – all from a brand you trust.
Customer Rating
2
Great Looks with Poor Design
on February 8, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
About a year ago, my wife began drinking coffee daily. She found a coffee maker that has all of the features she likes, but she doesn’t like that it doesn’t match our stainless steel appliances. Our current machine is stainless steel on the front, but black plastic on the sides and top - making it look (and feel) rather cheap. We were excited to try out this beautiful GE model, but we very quickly learned that this coffee maker is all looks.
The water reservoir cannot be removed for cleaning and the opening is small and difficult to pour water into. The screen is easy to read, but it quickly times out - making the clock virtually useless. The carafe is insulated and is dishwasher safe, but it has a large lip which makes it nearly impossible to pour all of the coffee out of. The coffee actually pours from the center of the Carafe’s lid - through a plastic lid that is also difficult to clean. The brewing process is quiet, but there is no sound or visual indication that the coffee is done brewing. There is no way to pause the brewing process. The 15 inch height is too tall for the lid to be opened while resting under a cupboard. And, unlike our cheaper coffee maker, this version does not have a function to show how long it has been since the coffee has been brewed. The list of annoyances is simply too long to make this coffee pot worth while.
The only reason to choose this coffee maker is for the superior look of the stainless steel. The carafe doesn’t keep coffee hot for as long as expected, it is difficult to clean, and it is therefore overpriced for the poor design. My wife refuses to use it and has returned to our older and cheaper machine. Instead of using an insulated carafe to keep her coffee warm, my wife now uses an insulated mug that works much better. Unfortunately this machine gets a pass until GE can improve the design / function.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
Inspired by athletes, designed for everyone. Shokz OpenMove Bone Conduction Lifestyle/Sport Headphones were made to move you. For the past 10 years, Shokz has been dedicated to providing safety and situational awareness through bone conduction technology. Unlike traditional in-ear headphones, OpenMove features the signature Shokz open-ear design to keep you tuned in to your music and your moments. The lightweight, titanium fit makes it easy to move through your day with versatility.
Customer Rating
4
Gimmicky Bone Conduction, But Still Worth While
on January 24, 2021
Posted by: TheDuke
from Seattle, WA
I enjoy the fit and the comfort of these headphones, but I’m not convinced that their “7th generation bone conduction technology” is any good at all. In fact, after using several pairs of similar headphones, I’m more and more convinced that “bone conduction” is mostly a marketing term that was made up in order to sell a different style of headphones.
The sound quality is nowhere near as good as earbuds, or over the ear headphones. Audio sounds flat and there is nearly no bass at all. The 3 built in equalizer options (Vocal Booster Mode, Earplug Mode, and Standard Mode) are not particularly helpful. But, despite bone conduction being a bit of a gimmick, the innovative off-ear fit does make them worthwhile for situations when the user wants to remain aware of ambient / surrounding noise.
The sound quality is nowhere near as good as earbuds, or over the ear headphones. Audio sounds flat and there is nearly no bass at all. The 3 built in equalizer options (Vocal Booster Mode, Earplug Mode, and Standard Mode) are not particularly helpful. But, despite bone conduction being a bit of a gimmick, the innovative off-ear fit does make them worthwhile for situations when the user wants to remain aware of ambient / surrounding noise.
Instead of sounding best when pressing on the bones of the upper jaw, the audio quality (and volume) most improves as you move the ear pieces closer to the ear canal (even without physical contact). When the volume is low, audio cannot be heard by those around you, but when the volume reaches 75%, noise is noticeable to those not wearing the headset. And, at 85% the vibrations create an uncomfortable tingling sensation.
The 6 hour battery life is sufficient and the USB-C charging port is a drastic improvement over Micro USB. The comfort and fit is where the AfterShokz shine. They hover over the back of the neck, but manage to stay in place through running, jumping, and even lying down during workouts. They can also be worn comfortably with glasses and hats.
...Perhaps one of the best features is their ability to connect with two devices simultaneously. While working from home (Due to COVID-19 restrictions) I have been able to have them connected to my laptop and also to my phone - while the off ear design still allows me to hear when my Family needs to communicate with me. (No more having to pull out my earbuds every time I think somebody needs to ask me a question.)
...Perhaps one of the best features is their ability to connect with two devices simultaneously. While working from home (Due to COVID-19 restrictions) I have been able to have them connected to my laptop and also to my phone - while the off ear design still allows me to hear when my Family needs to communicate with me. (No more having to pull out my earbuds every time I think somebody needs to ask me a question.)
The location of the volume controls would be more convenient if they were on top of the right earpiece, but pressing the multi-use / track change button is much more comfortable that wireless Bluetooth earbuds (which have you press an earbud deep into your ear in order to change tracks or answer calls).
If audio quality is your primary focus, do not purchase these headphones.
If you love bass, these headphones are not for you.
If you like your music loud, these headphones will be a huge disappointment.
But, if you are primarily looking for convenient headphones with a comfortable fit that allow for situational awareness, these headphones will meet your needs.
If you love bass, these headphones are not for you.
If you like your music loud, these headphones will be a huge disappointment.
But, if you are primarily looking for convenient headphones with a comfortable fit that allow for situational awareness, these headphones will meet your needs.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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41of 55voted this as helpful.
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TheDuke's Answers
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