nkpstudios's stats
- Review count232
- Helpfulness votes1,011
- First reviewJanuary 9, 2015
- Last reviewJuly 7, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count49
- Helpfulness votes63
- First answerSeptember 12, 2016
- Last answerAugust 6, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers4
Capture up to 1440p video with this Nextbase 522GW dash camera. Alexa enables hands-free control through voice commands, and Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi technologies sync with compatible smartphones for quick access to important footage. This Nextbase 522GW dash camera has ports for connecting compatible camera modules for easy expansion.
Customer Rating
3
Very Promising v2. Great cam, App not at all.
on July 23, 2019
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
Top features
Alexa built-in, Emergency SOS and Bluetooth 4.2, not seen before in any other Dash Cam
1440p HD resolution at 30 fps, Inbuilt Polarising Filter, 3” HD IPS touch screen, 140° viewing angle, 10Hz GPS Module, Bluetooth 4.2 , Wi-Fi via MyNextbase Connect and PC/Mac software – MyNextbase Play
1440p HD resolution at 30 fps, Inbuilt Polarising Filter, 3” HD IPS touch screen, 140° viewing angle, 10Hz GPS Module, Bluetooth 4.2 , Wi-Fi via MyNextbase Connect and PC/Mac software – MyNextbase Play
The good…
The camera is built solid. It doesn't feel like other dashcams out there with its heft. The display is a gorgeous IPS screen with a 140 degree viewing angle. The mounting options are extremely sturdy and I love the ability to swap the sticky tape mount with the suction cup mount. The GPS module is integrated into the mount and help together by an strong magnet. GPS is great and coordinates are accurate although I don't see any way to see where you were in Google maps without their software. The footage does not carry metadata so it seems it is a proprietary file container that stores the data in the video itself. I love the touch screen interface and I rarely use any physical buttons.
Picture quality is above average and the polarizing filter really sets this apart from the others. You can eliminate windshield glare or chose to darken the sky, whichever you device, footage looks incredible in daylight. You can get the details needed by cropping in. Vibration is a huge problem with this camera. It causes what would be otherwise great footage to be shaky footage with hard to read details. 1080p and 1440 are great during the day. Low light footage is extremely noisy and pixelated. I love the built-in polarizing filter because it helps cut glare from windshields. You will need to buy memory card since it isn't included. The 522GW supports UHS3 cards up to 128GB. Video quality is comparable to maybe a 2010 flagship phone. You won't be shooting any films with this thing for sure! I Love Alexa integration! This is a first as far as I am aware. The connection is through your phone so if you aren't connected to your car speakers, audio responses will come from your phone. I can now retire my Garmin Speak from the equation. The app can integrate audio through Bluetooth in your vehicle so your vehicle will essentially be upgraded to stream your favorite music app.
Picture quality is above average and the polarizing filter really sets this apart from the others. You can eliminate windshield glare or chose to darken the sky, whichever you device, footage looks incredible in daylight. You can get the details needed by cropping in. Vibration is a huge problem with this camera. It causes what would be otherwise great footage to be shaky footage with hard to read details. 1080p and 1440 are great during the day. Low light footage is extremely noisy and pixelated. I love the built-in polarizing filter because it helps cut glare from windshields. You will need to buy memory card since it isn't included. The 522GW supports UHS3 cards up to 128GB. Video quality is comparable to maybe a 2010 flagship phone. You won't be shooting any films with this thing for sure! I Love Alexa integration! This is a first as far as I am aware. The connection is through your phone so if you aren't connected to your car speakers, audio responses will come from your phone. I can now retire my Garmin Speak from the equation. The app can integrate audio through Bluetooth in your vehicle so your vehicle will essentially be upgraded to stream your favorite music app.
Now the not so good…
The Nextbase app is slow and clunky at best on both Android and iOS. It often disconnects and is pretty much useless. I wish there was a desktop software to read the telematics and show on a map where you were. I have experienced many "internal error" messages without explanation to attempt to troubleshoot. Restarting the app, restarting the camera, and reconnecting seems to fix it I guess? This is so bad that you can only pair one device to the camera. So if you have multiple drivers only one person can be linked to it to take advantage of the Alexa compatibility.
MyNextbase Player is the computer program that allows you access to the metadata regarding GPS and speed. Unfortunately, you are not able to extract metadata.
MyNextbase Player is the computer program that allows you access to the metadata regarding GPS and speed. Unfortunately, you are not able to extract metadata.
Live view works in the app with a slight lag and in order to watch a clip you actually have to download it which doesn't make sense when you are connected to a Wi-Fi. Overall the app is useless and more of a beta there must be some other way that you can extract GPS information. SOS keeps going off even after I set it to off. I really want to like this thing but this app is completely a mess. I think I will do things the old-fashioned way and take the SD card out and read the footage from my computer.
Random reboots happening. I don't know if it is the heat but it is about 100 here. No volume controls on the camera during playback. Needs a way to see videos as a list to get to where you want to be sooner. Currently you have to tap through everything in chronological order. There should be a way to sort for sure. What's with this? No way to magnify either to see details on the screen.
What we have here is a top contender and innovator in the dash cam industry and I look forward to seeing this develop. It is a top 3 camera for me but there are others out there with better features and footage.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
Organize needed peripherals with this Belkin Thunderbolt 3 DOCK MINI. The two HDMI ports support 4K monitors, while the two USB ports let you link a mouse, keyboard and other devices. Connect to a router for high-speed Internet using the Ethernet port. This Belkin Thunderbolt 3 DOCK MINI works with Windows and Mac devices for increased compatibility, and the thin aluminum body is both durable and portable.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent build and performance!
on July 17, 2019
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
There isn't much to say about this one. It either works or it doesn't. I plugged it into my Yoga 920, plugged in two 4k monitors, and a wireless key/mouse combo receiver and voila! I now have a desktop PC experience with a small portable dock. It is constructed with a brushed aluminum body and high gloss plastic that will no doubt be scratched after a few uses. Everything is really snappy with file transfers and USB 3.0 speeds worked as advertised. If you are in the market for a thunderbolt 3 dock, you should start looking here first!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Bose Home Speaker 300 Wireless Smart Speaker delivers room-rocking bass and 360-degree sound in a space-saving size. With the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built in, enjoy millions of songs, playlists and more with just your voice. And you have the freedom to control the music your way - using your voice, with a tap on the top controls, or the Bose Music app.
Customer Rating
5
The Little BIG Bose that can
on July 5, 2019
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
Build
This is basically a Bose Home speaker 500 with smaller speakers and no screen and no remote. It comes well packed in the same box the 500 does. Everything else is almost identical. I love the smooth satin black finish and squeezed round design that fits into my modern décor at home. It looks very elegant and Bose-like design language. With touch controls and lacking waterproofing, it looks like a bloated Soundlink Color II speaker with double the power, soundstage, and quality.
This is basically a Bose Home speaker 500 with smaller speakers and no screen and no remote. It comes well packed in the same box the 500 does. Everything else is almost identical. I love the smooth satin black finish and squeezed round design that fits into my modern décor at home. It looks very elegant and Bose-like design language. With touch controls and lacking waterproofing, it looks like a bloated Soundlink Color II speaker with double the power, soundstage, and quality.
Sound
Audio is crystal clear and you can hear everything from deep bass to your highs with some roll off. The typical Bose sound profile where the lows overpower the highs is still here. The soundstage sounds HUGE for this little unit and it is POWERFUL. The bass, mids, and highs are very clear until you get to about 80% volume where things start muddling together and getting distorted. The 360 degree sound fills the room and if you have it up near a wall it sounds larger.
Audio is crystal clear and you can hear everything from deep bass to your highs with some roll off. The typical Bose sound profile where the lows overpower the highs is still here. The soundstage sounds HUGE for this little unit and it is POWERFUL. The bass, mids, and highs are very clear until you get to about 80% volume where things start muddling together and getting distorted. The 360 degree sound fills the room and if you have it up near a wall it sounds larger.
I setup my sound using the EQ where I settled on BASS 40 TREBLE 80 to balance it to my liking. You can control quite a bit from the app like what you want to listen to, selecting/set a preset, and much more. I love the size and soundstage of this little thing. Did I say that already?!
Setup and Ease of Use
Setup is easy and quick. Linking all your accounts and services is easy and this works perfectly with either Google or Amazon digital assistants. I like how the buttons are laid out and everything is touch. I do struggle trying to find all the buttons. There is no way to feel where you are and you most likely you'll be using mostly voice commands after you reach peak frustration.
Setup is easy and quick. Linking all your accounts and services is easy and this works perfectly with either Google or Amazon digital assistants. I like how the buttons are laid out and everything is touch. I do struggle trying to find all the buttons. There is no way to feel where you are and you most likely you'll be using mostly voice commands after you reach peak frustration.
Recommendations
+NFC to setup would be amazing.
+Button backlighting to aid finding functions in the dark or lowlight.
+Some sort of splashproof rating would be great. This would be perfect for a kitchen if they did some minimal waterproofing.
+NFC to setup would be amazing.
+Button backlighting to aid finding functions in the dark or lowlight.
+Some sort of splashproof rating would be great. This would be perfect for a kitchen if they did some minimal waterproofing.
The Verdict
If you're a Bose lover or not in audiophile this is more than enough for you. It is HUGE sound from a little package that integrates Google and Alexa. If you are looking at high-end smart speakers you want to look here first.
If you're a Bose lover or not in audiophile this is more than enough for you. It is HUGE sound from a little package that integrates Google and Alexa. If you are looking at high-end smart speakers you want to look here first.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Experience legendary performance and sound of ASTRO Audio V2, with the convenience and freedom that comes without wires. The A50 Wireless + Base Station for PS5 /PS4 / PC delivers top-of-the-line acoustics, ergonomics, comfort and durability that gamers demand. The all-new Base Station provides clear, low-latency voice communication, while making headset pairing and charging simple. The ASTRO Command Center software allows gamers and streamers to tune every input and output parameter of the A50 precisely for their specific setup. Experience absolute audio immersion with the A50 Wireless + Base Station.
Customer Rating
5
Best in class for wireless
on June 29, 2019
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
First Impressions and Unboxing
You get the typical awesome presentation from Astro here. Nice tightly packed box with mostly all shiny finishes protected with plastic. You get to hear that amazing sound of peeling plastic a few times HAHA. I can only say this is a well-designed, feature packed, high quality elite level headset. Sound is amazing, especially for wireless, and the soundstage is HUGE. The price is a bit steep to ask someone to buy a MOD KIT in my opinion. I believe it should have been included to provide better value. I truly love the subdued colorway of black and gray and the high gloss with matte black finishes make this look elegant and aggressive. The overall experience provided by the A50's will never make you second guess your purchase though. Astro has been the standard for gaming headsets for good reason, and this headset builds on the already solid foundation. It won't make you wonder if it will break and due to it's lightweight design, it is designed with long gaming sessions in mind. I am not a fan of the software and I do NOT like that you can only make changes by plugging into a PC and using Astro Command Center. The software needs a lot of work and if you are on a 4k monitor, you will never see full screen.
You get the typical awesome presentation from Astro here. Nice tightly packed box with mostly all shiny finishes protected with plastic. You get to hear that amazing sound of peeling plastic a few times HAHA. I can only say this is a well-designed, feature packed, high quality elite level headset. Sound is amazing, especially for wireless, and the soundstage is HUGE. The price is a bit steep to ask someone to buy a MOD KIT in my opinion. I believe it should have been included to provide better value. I truly love the subdued colorway of black and gray and the high gloss with matte black finishes make this look elegant and aggressive. The overall experience provided by the A50's will never make you second guess your purchase though. Astro has been the standard for gaming headsets for good reason, and this headset builds on the already solid foundation. It won't make you wonder if it will break and due to it's lightweight design, it is designed with long gaming sessions in mind. I am not a fan of the software and I do NOT like that you can only make changes by plugging into a PC and using Astro Command Center. The software needs a lot of work and if you are on a 4k monitor, you will never see full screen.
Build and Aesthetic
Build is solid. The base station is made of top shelf made and high gloss plastic. The headband is flexible and I don't worry about it breaking so it can take a beating. My only complaint is the cheap plastic used for the volume wheel. The volume wheel is loose and makes tapping/rattling sounds when you touch it or move your head quickly horizontally. Open back sounding design allows noise in from your surroundings. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your tastes but supposedly will get better with the mod kit's leather cups. I really love how these look and I can see this look fitting multitudes of people.
Build is solid. The base station is made of top shelf made and high gloss plastic. The headband is flexible and I don't worry about it breaking so it can take a beating. My only complaint is the cheap plastic used for the volume wheel. The volume wheel is loose and makes tapping/rattling sounds when you touch it or move your head quickly horizontally. Open back sounding design allows noise in from your surroundings. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your tastes but supposedly will get better with the mod kit's leather cups. I really love how these look and I can see this look fitting multitudes of people.
Fit and Function
Fit is impeccable. There is no clamping pressure to cause wear fatigue. The microfiber material is very breathable but I worry if it will last. My stubble seems to be shredding the earcups and I haven't had them for a week. These get hot to me after around 3-4 hours of play so I wish there were another option for ear cups in the box. I will NOT be dropping $40 on something that should have been provided.
Fit is impeccable. There is no clamping pressure to cause wear fatigue. The microfiber material is very breathable but I worry if it will last. My stubble seems to be shredding the earcups and I haven't had them for a week. These get hot to me after around 3-4 hours of play so I wish there were another option for ear cups in the box. I will NOT be dropping $40 on something that should have been provided.
Audio and Mic Quality
Loud and powerful sound! Crystal clear audio we've all come to expect from Astro. Astro Audio V2.0 may be onto something here. These literally make you feel like you are in a nice room with surround sound. The mic quality is above average with lots of sibilants. This needs a pop filter to increase the audio quality. It is sounds like it is all mids and the high and low ends roll off significantly. Even after EQing and removing the noise gates it still sounds like a headset.
Loud and powerful sound! Crystal clear audio we've all come to expect from Astro. Astro Audio V2.0 may be onto something here. These literally make you feel like you are in a nice room with surround sound. The mic quality is above average with lots of sibilants. This needs a pop filter to increase the audio quality. It is sounds like it is all mids and the high and low ends roll off significantly. Even after EQing and removing the noise gates it still sounds like a headset.
Range and Battery Life
Range is AMAZING! For my test, the base was placed in my basement with my workstation PC and PS4. I went from the basement to the 3rd/top level and didn't have ANY drop in sound quality or stability of the connection. I am simply amazed by this! My home is filled with over 40 smart devices and I have a mesh network on each level to provide plenty of radio interference. I have another pair of 2.4GHz wireless headphones from a German maker that has connectivity issues outside of 10ft in a higher price point. The performance on these are impressive.
Range is AMAZING! For my test, the base was placed in my basement with my workstation PC and PS4. I went from the basement to the 3rd/top level and didn't have ANY drop in sound quality or stability of the connection. I am simply amazed by this! My home is filled with over 40 smart devices and I have a mesh network on each level to provide plenty of radio interference. I have another pair of 2.4GHz wireless headphones from a German maker that has connectivity issues outside of 10ft in a higher price point. The performance on these are impressive.
Battery life is rated for 15hrs. I can say I have close to that in my days if testing. I put them to charge when I finish gaming si this isn't really a problem for me.
Favorite Things
Magnetic charging dock with easy channels to line it up to charge.
Range is the best I've tested.
Auto Mute when you put up the mic! That is one of the best so you don't have to press a separate button.
Magnetic charging dock with easy channels to line it up to charge.
Range is the best I've tested.
Auto Mute when you put up the mic! That is one of the best so you don't have to press a separate button.
Recommendations
MOD KIT - Astro really missed out on an opportunity to just demolish the competition by including a leather option and the included microfiber ear cups. This would scream to the buyer "We're the best period! When you drop your hard earned cash, we have all your options covered". Your "MOD KIT" could be more than just a leather upgrade for $40 if you'd offer colors and customization options via 3D printing. Just a thought… for this price, you really shouldn't have to drop another $40 for leather when you are the standard for gaming headsets. There are $100 headsets that close this standard.
MOD KIT - Astro really missed out on an opportunity to just demolish the competition by including a leather option and the included microfiber ear cups. This would scream to the buyer "We're the best period! When you drop your hard earned cash, we have all your options covered". Your "MOD KIT" could be more than just a leather upgrade for $40 if you'd offer colors and customization options via 3D printing. Just a thought… for this price, you really shouldn't have to drop another $40 for leather when you are the standard for gaming headsets. There are $100 headsets that close this standard.
PS4 app - It would be nice is a headset maker would take time to develop IN SYSTEM apps for the gaming platform. This will be yet another stop on the road to complete domination of your competition. Sorry, but I'm from the mindset of "Who wants to compete? I'm here to dominate and leave no doubt who's the best!"
Mic upgrades should be sold and also custom 3D printing of ear caps to make this the ultimate product for customization. If you make a nice mix, you can get a nice segment of the market of streamers who don't want to buy a professional audio setup with mic.
The Verdict
Pretty simple here... for wireless headphones, these are my choice. Astro Gaming had been the standard for a while.
Pretty simple here... for wireless headphones, these are my choice. Astro Gaming had been the standard for a while.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
Clean messes and dust at the office with this Hoover ONEPWR wet and dry cordless vacuum. The capable motor delivers up to 45 cfm for faster cleaning, and the rechargeable 2 Ah battery facilitates cordless use. This Hoover ONEPWR wet and dry cordless vacuum includes a 3-gal. dirt tank to trap captured debris.
Customer Rating
4
Home Improvement MUST HAVE
on June 26, 2019
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
This vacuum works very well and offers freedom from a wall outlet. I loved using it to clean up my mess from electrical work that creates drywall repairs. It cleans up wood chips and sawdust from my work bench and works well as a wet vac albeit a small one. It works for me in the laundry room to suck up water that leaked from my machine. You get 2 tools to use for clean up: crevice tool and mini floor tool. I find it works EXCELLENT on hard concrete surfaces like my basement and doesn't struggle too much with clogs. This vacuum can work for some, but if you have a slightly larger cleanup to do in various areas you will need to upgrade the battery (which isn't cheap). I only see the 3.0 battery for sale and nothing more. This is a nice vacuum, but this will still have stiff competition from a corded Wet/Dry Vac for the price. Battery life needs to improve significantly as a 7 min vacuum job isn't going to cut it. Overall, if you do your own repairs at home or you are a contractor who does small projects, this is for you!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Avoid speeding tickets with this Uniden R7 radar detector. The large OLED display includes arrows that identify the direction of incoming threats and change color on a scale of green to red to indicate the signal's strength. This Uniden R7 radar tracks up to four signals simultaneously for greater awareness as you drive. The RDA-HDWKT, hardwire kit is available as an additional sale.
Customer Rating
5
Only Gets Better From Here!
on June 11, 2019
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
First things, first…
Know your local laws regarding radar detectors! If you get caught with one of these and you are in a place where it is illegal, they will confiscate it and ticket you. In short, VA and DC are the only states where radar detectors are completely illegal. If you are a commercial vehicle, it is always illegal. Know your laws as I would hate to have someone lose such a great device to a police officer. This doesn't tell you where police are… it tells you where police who are running radar are so you can be aware. This does not give you a license to drive like an idiot either. Combine this with Waze and you will be the ultimate road warrior.
Know your local laws regarding radar detectors! If you get caught with one of these and you are in a place where it is illegal, they will confiscate it and ticket you. In short, VA and DC are the only states where radar detectors are completely illegal. If you are a commercial vehicle, it is always illegal. Know your laws as I would hate to have someone lose such a great device to a police officer. This doesn't tell you where police are… it tells you where police who are running radar are so you can be aware. This does not give you a license to drive like an idiot either. Combine this with Waze and you will be the ultimate road warrior.
I own the Uniden R3 and many other radars out there in this same price range over the years, but we are here to talk about the R7. The legendary "R3 with arrows". I loved a LOT of things about the R3 and adding arrows to it is all I ever wanted. A larger screen with dual antennas and a future with auto GPS lockouts make this worth the upgrade FOR ME. Since Uniden is great with firmware updates and database refreshes, I expect this detector to only get better with time!
My favorite improvements:
-Arrows
-Screen
-BSM Filtering
-Ambient Light Sensor
-Future Auto GPS Lockout Update
-Power Cord Relocated to Right Side and Micro USB
-Suction Cup Mount
-Arrows
-Screen
-BSM Filtering
-Ambient Light Sensor
-Future Auto GPS Lockout Update
-Power Cord Relocated to Right Side and Micro USB
-Suction Cup Mount
This detector is built on the Uniden R3 platform, which is already a top performer in the space. Uniden was listening to us when we asked for upgrades under the hood and we got faster signal processing, better visuals, and dual antennas. I find BSM is better than the R3 and it runs quieter to me running them both side by side. I find the R7 to be a bit more rangy and first to alert vs the R3 in my testing. The redesign and relocation of the physical buttons will take me some getting used to but nothing I can't adjust to.
Build quality is good but isn't that great. If you drop this thing you are probably screwed. It creaks and squeaks when you press on joints and the body itself is super susceptible to scratching and scuffing. This maybe why they included a neoprene sleeve along with the hard case. The front faceplate seems unfinished as it moves too easily when pressure is applied. Size is definitely on the larger side and more comparable to the V1. If you are looking for a discrete detector, this one isn't for you. The power cord has been moved to the right side now so you don't have to worry about it when mounted near a visor. The speaker seems lower than the R3 but it does sound better.
The mount has been improved significantly. No more wobbling and bouncing while driving and the angles have been increased. Feels really solid and more secure. There is only play when you try to wiggle left and right which isn't a real problem. I am reaching here for something to nit-pick on the mount. It is almost too good to be true for something so big.
Arrows are helpful but not necessary for most. The R3 is more than adequate for most. There are two camps… "if it beeps just slow down" and the "where is it coming from" teams. If you are looking at this… this was something you have always been waiting for… an R3 with arrows. It is a nice to have so you can be more aware of the road and surroundings.
The screen isn't better than the R3 to me (brightness-wise). It can be difficult to see for some people and the colors are not accurate, just like the R3. I do love the size of the display which makes it easier to gather intel. R1 and R3 power cords are interchangeable and compatible with the R7. All function is there to mute/mark. BSM filtering seems to be slightly improved on Hondas/Acuras. 24.199 and 24.200 can be blocked in the options. Auto GPS lockouts will be added upon patent expiration via a software update. This will make the detector smarter around town and quiet known false alerts using GPS automatically. Basically teaching your radar to ignore things just by driving around town.
My recommendations:
-Create an app
-Add Bluetooth to update wirelessly
-Add Remote Screen for this price point
-Create an app
-Add Bluetooth to update wirelessly
-Add Remote Screen for this price point
.: The Verdict :.
Why would I buy? A larger screen with dual antennas and a future with auto GPS lockouts make this worth the upgrade FOR ME. Since Uniden is great with firmware updates and database refreshes so I expect this detector to only get better with time! This isn't for everyone at this price point. This is for someone who wants the best!
Why would I buy? A larger screen with dual antennas and a future with auto GPS lockouts make this worth the upgrade FOR ME. Since Uniden is great with firmware updates and database refreshes so I expect this detector to only get better with time! This isn't for everyone at this price point. This is for someone who wants the best!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+40points
55of 70voted this as helpful.
Enjoy a simple, no hassle solution for superior oral health. Without switching products, you can choose to brush, water floss, or brush and water floss by pressing a button. With brushing and flossing modes, achieving white, fresh teeth is simple, while the 10 settings make it easy to achieve the desired amount of pressure. This Waterpik Sonic Fusion flossing toothbrush can be recharged quickly for added convenience and has a sleek appearance.
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
I really wanted to like this but I just don't think it is good enough to replace my sonic toothbrush or my original Waterpik Flosser. It doesn't do either task well in my opinion.
The cleaning is just ok. I don't think it does a really good job as a sonic toothbrush and it definitely doesn't do a good job as a flosser. The tip is flexible so it bends and gets blocked by bristles and I find the "sonic" toothbrush rather weak. When you look at the "brush action" and compare it to others in the space, these bristles do not really move. It gives more of a "vibration" sensation. I can't seem to find the details of strokes per minute but it can't be high.
I love the design but it just doesn't work for me. The build quality is excellent and I like how they tried to combine two things into one. For me, I will just be using my original Waterpik and my current toothbrush.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+12points
12of 12voted this as helpful.
Transfer large files and output Ultra HD video with this Belkin Thunderbolt 3 cable. The maximum transfer speed of 40Gbps rapidly transmits data, while 100W of power delivery let you charge most compatible laptops. This 2.62-foot Belkin Thunderbolt 3 cable offers plug-and-play functionality for simple use, and the ability to daisy-chain up to six devices provides easy workspace customization.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent build and performance!
on June 9, 2019
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
There isn't much to this here but to say this cord works! I have seen some of the fastest speeds my laptop has ever had for my memory card transfer. It charges things and also can be used with a monitor if it is supported. Finally ONE CORD to be used for anything I need.
It is a thick high quality cord with solid connectors but my only grip is that is it like 82cm in total length. That is a little more than 32inches. This is great for data transfer and docking stations mostly in my opinion. A must buy for all future devices as we make a shift to USB C.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Simplify device management with this Logitech Harmony Express smart universal remote control. Amazon Alexa is built in, letting you issue voice commands to access entertainment, ask questions and a host of other features. This Logitech Harmony Express smart universal remote control lets you change TV channels, open apps on tablets and tackle numerous other tasks.
Customer Rating
3
CordCutters dream... Start Harmony Help for others
on May 15, 2019
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
I want to preface this review by saying this remote has a lot of potential! Logitech is onto something here with Alexa integration and I really can't wait to see the Harmony Express v2.0. You must be patient with this if you are buying it right now as there are always things that get improved with software and firmware updates. If you are an early adopter of tech, you know this is to be expected while bugs are discovered and improvements are made. I will tell you my decision later…
Here are some good things I liked in the time I used it. It has a quality speaker that is clear and loud that doubles as a remote finder that gets pretty loud. Since Alexa is built into the remote, you don't need to rely on TV speakers and it's always close by. Setup is easy but could be faster if they created some sort of Harmony cloud syncing so you can import previous devices.
By using this remote, you will have almost full access to Alexa from your remote if you don't own a Fire TV already. It makes a TV smart and adds voice operation if you have a TV pre 2018. This device futureproofs your setup. The Express App is excellent for learning how to use this device. It is key to learning voice commands and unlocking a full understanding of the product. There is limited "remote" functionality with simple input buttons should you be already using your phone. The Harmony Express phone app doesn't do much if you want to use your phone as a D-Pad to navigate. You can however press an input icon and it will switch everything to it for you all from your phone.
Some of my disappointments were the sharp edges that need to be refined so it is more comfortable to hold. Its shape is a bit odd and the layout of the buttons/D-pad require weird shifting in the hand to transition between them. Actual accuracy of the commands were not that great working with app based content.
Specifically when using the FireTV devices, voice commands do not work well for app involved voice commands. For something with Alexa integration I would expect better reliability when partnering with Amazon. I found myself troubleshooting more than using the remote the more I tried using it. Often you will get the remote to default to the TV remote rather than the cable box for instance. It could be the Harmony Express skill is not well developed too. To fix this I selected use Smart TV to launch apps. It integrates well with Samsung TV I have tested. I cannot ignore the connectivity issues, it says devices have become unpaired and the hub and remote lost connection.
I have found it is not smart enough to switch between devices intuitively. It will default to the TV controls from FireTV, in my experience after being idle a few minutes. The fix for this is saying "Start Harmony Help" and going through the questions like in other Harmony remotes to confirm things are on and correct. This is all done by voice which is cool. It often lags at times too. You will get a few spams of a button which is frustrating. This will happen in a home with much wireless interference like mine.
Verdict
I really want to love this remote but it just isn't advanced enough for my setup. That doesn't mean it isn't good, it means it doesn't work for me. Most cord cutters and cable ditchers who stream will be fine with this. If you use multi-color buttons to work with your DVR, Satellite TV, or even basic SmartTV functions, you will not want to put away your TV remote. Verbiage is not intuitive and there isn't much "AI" involved in figuring out what you meant between "go to" and "turn on" for example. If you memorize voice commands this will work for most of your needs. If you say one word different you will be stuck.
I really want to love this remote but it just isn't advanced enough for my setup. That doesn't mean it isn't good, it means it doesn't work for me. Most cord cutters and cable ditchers who stream will be fine with this. If you use multi-color buttons to work with your DVR, Satellite TV, or even basic SmartTV functions, you will not want to put away your TV remote. Verbiage is not intuitive and there isn't much "AI" involved in figuring out what you meant between "go to" and "turn on" for example. If you memorize voice commands this will work for most of your needs. If you say one word different you will be stuck.
Mobile Submission: True
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Only at Best Buy Listen in comfort with these Jabra Elite 85h wireless headphones. Integrated SmartSound audio technology adapts automatically to your surroundings, while a powerful battery offers up to 36 hours of playtime. These Jabra Elite 85h wireless headphones feature eight separate mics for excellent call quality and are rain-resistant for safe use in all weather conditions.
Customer Rating
4
Traveling Professional's Dream… ALMOST
on May 3, 2019
Posted by: nkpstudios
from Frederick, MD
Build and Design 5/5
Features and Function 4/5
Audio Quality 3/5
Call Quality 5/5
Features and Function 4/5
Audio Quality 3/5
Call Quality 5/5
After a week with these as the daily driver having used them at work, traveling/commuting, and around the house, I decided I have seen enough to form a helpful opinion. Will they remain my daily driver, is the question. My background is in sales and I also am a small business owner. It is from those angles I will review these but all will find something in this review useful. I like to think of myself as a tech nerd and sound enthusiast who enjoys innovation as an early adopter.
The more I use these, I have to say these are made with business professionals in mind. For Jabra's first entry into the ANC wireless headphone market, we as customers are going to be in for a treat. Jabra is pushing innovation in the ANC market with these and I only see them getting better. We will benefit in the long run with AI implemented here. The call quality alone makes these a business professional's dream if you find yourself switching between phone calls to conference calls to media consumption or media creation on the go. These support simultaneous dual connections allowing you to seamlessly move between two devices. This makes these a serious contender as daily driver for business. You get ANC, excellent call quality and voice isolation with an above average sound all in one feature packed pair of headphones by a company known to tow the line in bluetooth call innovation. I believe Jabra is onto something with AI and if they can get this nailed, it will be a game changer. I want to love these, but the biggest thing holding me back is the "just above average" sound these produce. They aren't very loud and the soundstage needs a lot of work.
=Favorite Features=
Call Quality is the number one reason you would buy these. If you are a professional who travels and isn't an audiophile these can be for you. This is definitely for those who don't want to lug a separate device to make and take calls. With simultaneous connections, you can connect to your phone and a laptop/tablet to consume media. These are great for web conferences as well and voice isolation is superb. Background noises fade away with the algorithm and its 8 microphone array.
Call Quality is the number one reason you would buy these. If you are a professional who travels and isn't an audiophile these can be for you. This is definitely for those who don't want to lug a separate device to make and take calls. With simultaneous connections, you can connect to your phone and a laptop/tablet to consume media. These are great for web conferences as well and voice isolation is superb. Background noises fade away with the algorithm and its 8 microphone array.
Hear Through with Jabra is THE BEST implementation of listening to your surroundings done in any headphones PERIOD. I really believe it has to do with the microphones being under the cloth of the ear cup. This design choice seems to provide acoustic qualities that just sound like professional microphones. Wind noise is almost none existent since the cloth acts like a "deadcat" for the mic. It sounds like I don't have on any headphones and it doesn't sound like it is over processed. The only gripe I have is the noticeable hiss when you don't have any music playing and they are in ambient mode. I have tried many headphones and this even beats the Sony 1000XM3's Ambient Sound option.
Smart Sound is an exciting feature in development. Living your life while your headphones analyze your surroundings is going to be a game changer. Currently I find it switching profiles too often caused by changes in the environment without changing your location physically. ANC and hear through profiles switch via AI when voices become prominent in a room and then stop. These switches became annoying since I left the voice prompt on to know when it changed. The AI needs to be tuned, but for now it is easier to press the button to switch modes myself. It is early technology and I know Jabra will be updating things to make this better. No other headphones have attempted this feature so kudos to Jabra!
Water resistance should be standard by now, but slowly the industry is implementing it. Jabra has done well here. I have not and will not be testing the resistance, but using these at the gym is a go! Sweatproof… CHECK! These are also windproof due to the microphone design and fabric over them. You are protected against the elements with these in short durations.
My Thoughts for Improvement
-Headband needs to be redesigned. It is difficult to size these with one hand on each ear. You also cannot tell whether each ear cup in equal on both sides. There are no lines, clicks, or numbers to reference. This could be resolved on their next rendition, so let's remember it's their first release to market.
-These headphones are not for audiophiles but rather the avg listener who hasn't experienced audio from other headphones in this price range. These lack power and have a weak soundstage which is disappointing. I found the EQ in the app not really effective making it more of a gimmick than a feature. It feels like the EQ only tweaks audio by only reducing instead an frequencies and not boosting them. To an untrained ear, these will sound great if you never owned a pair of headphones in this price range before. For the price you do actually get innovation and call quality. Maybe they will upgrade the speakers in a later release to get more range and clarity. Maybe these can be fixed via a firmware update, who knows.
-Ear cups cause me to sweat and stick to my face. Cloth isn't the greatest material for cleaning but it is nice. I wish the ear cups were interchangeable with a breathable material or a redesigned cup so they aren't so hot and get sweaty.
-Hiss is audible in hear through mode.
-Headband needs to be redesigned. It is difficult to size these with one hand on each ear. You also cannot tell whether each ear cup in equal on both sides. There are no lines, clicks, or numbers to reference. This could be resolved on their next rendition, so let's remember it's their first release to market.
-These headphones are not for audiophiles but rather the avg listener who hasn't experienced audio from other headphones in this price range. These lack power and have a weak soundstage which is disappointing. I found the EQ in the app not really effective making it more of a gimmick than a feature. It feels like the EQ only tweaks audio by only reducing instead an frequencies and not boosting them. To an untrained ear, these will sound great if you never owned a pair of headphones in this price range before. For the price you do actually get innovation and call quality. Maybe they will upgrade the speakers in a later release to get more range and clarity. Maybe these can be fixed via a firmware update, who knows.
-Ear cups cause me to sweat and stick to my face. Cloth isn't the greatest material for cleaning but it is nice. I wish the ear cups were interchangeable with a breathable material or a redesigned cup so they aren't so hot and get sweaty.
-Hiss is audible in hear through mode.
Things to know:
Cannot be used passively - you need to have a charge in them to use them passively. I haven't seen this in any other ANC headphones which is disappointing.
AI is buggy - it is good to see AI implemented in a pair of headphones. It still needs work as it changes for no reason without changes in the environment or sounds.
USB C - this should be standard in 2019 but you'd be surprised how many still use micro and mini USB to charge. They do work while you charge them so that is a plus. I am not aware of any other headphones you can charge and use.
Quick Charge - 15mins nets you 5 hours. Enough said.
Bluetooth 5.0 - Enough said.
No aptX, LDAC, AAC, or hi-fi codecs supported. HSP v1.2 , HFP v1.7, A2DP v1.3, AVRCP v1.6, PBAP v1.1, SPP v1.2 support only with no plans to add HiFi codecs.
NOT BIG HEAD APPROVED!
Auto-On/Auto Pause - just by putting the headphones on powers them on. There are sensors that detect the presence of an ear in the cup.
Battery life KING. With ANC on you get 36hrs. Without ANC 41hrs. After a week of heavy use, I still have 60%. I do not doubt Jabra's battery claims. Industry average is around 25hrs so there you have it.
Build quality and design are excellent. No questions about this. Dedicated Voice Assistant button is a plus as well. The case provided is probably the best to date.
No Audio Delay/Lag on Android devices, but a slight delay on Apple devices I have tested.
Wear fatigue is real for some. Big heads will feel it. Ear cups handle big ears just fine.
Dual simultaneous connections occasionally cut in and out. Not often but it happens when you are streaming sound from one device and your other device gets a notification. It gets confused as to what should be heard and audio skips. This is to be expected.
Smart AI bugs are present. I guess the algorithms are still being tweaked but it will switch between the "public" and "private" moments with nothing in the surroundings changing. I will just be sitting on the couch and all of a sudden a voice will tell you what "moment" you are switching to. I ended up turning it off since the controls are pretty simple to find.
Lack of interchangeable ear cups. If these get ripped or damaged… tough. You will need to buy a new pair or look stupid. As of now I cannot find replacements. These remind me of those nasty toilet seats that were "foam" and when they tore, nasty stuff got in… same thing here. These will reek of sweat once the earcup membrane is compromised.
Cannot be used passively - you need to have a charge in them to use them passively. I haven't seen this in any other ANC headphones which is disappointing.
AI is buggy - it is good to see AI implemented in a pair of headphones. It still needs work as it changes for no reason without changes in the environment or sounds.
USB C - this should be standard in 2019 but you'd be surprised how many still use micro and mini USB to charge. They do work while you charge them so that is a plus. I am not aware of any other headphones you can charge and use.
Quick Charge - 15mins nets you 5 hours. Enough said.
Bluetooth 5.0 - Enough said.
No aptX, LDAC, AAC, or hi-fi codecs supported. HSP v1.2 , HFP v1.7, A2DP v1.3, AVRCP v1.6, PBAP v1.1, SPP v1.2 support only with no plans to add HiFi codecs.
NOT BIG HEAD APPROVED!
Auto-On/Auto Pause - just by putting the headphones on powers them on. There are sensors that detect the presence of an ear in the cup.
Battery life KING. With ANC on you get 36hrs. Without ANC 41hrs. After a week of heavy use, I still have 60%. I do not doubt Jabra's battery claims. Industry average is around 25hrs so there you have it.
Build quality and design are excellent. No questions about this. Dedicated Voice Assistant button is a plus as well. The case provided is probably the best to date.
No Audio Delay/Lag on Android devices, but a slight delay on Apple devices I have tested.
Wear fatigue is real for some. Big heads will feel it. Ear cups handle big ears just fine.
Dual simultaneous connections occasionally cut in and out. Not often but it happens when you are streaming sound from one device and your other device gets a notification. It gets confused as to what should be heard and audio skips. This is to be expected.
Smart AI bugs are present. I guess the algorithms are still being tweaked but it will switch between the "public" and "private" moments with nothing in the surroundings changing. I will just be sitting on the couch and all of a sudden a voice will tell you what "moment" you are switching to. I ended up turning it off since the controls are pretty simple to find.
Lack of interchangeable ear cups. If these get ripped or damaged… tough. You will need to buy a new pair or look stupid. As of now I cannot find replacements. These remind me of those nasty toilet seats that were "foam" and when they tore, nasty stuff got in… same thing here. These will reek of sweat once the earcup membrane is compromised.
In short, if you are thinking about getting them… go ahead. If you can catch these on sale HECK YEAH buy them. If you are an audiophile… pay $50 more and get one of the top two competitors in the market.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+18points
22of 26voted this as helpful.
nkpstudios's Review Comments
nkpstudios has not submitted comments on any reviews.
nkpstudios's Questions
nkpstudios has not submitted any questions.
This Pioneer BDR-XD05S external drive allows you to archive up to 128GB of data on BD-R QL media and up to 100GB of data on BD-R TL media, plus supports DVD and CD formats, so you can burn your favorite movies and music to discs.
I GOT IT TO PLAY Blue Ray. what exactly do i need to do.i have a lenovo lavieZ.
Plug it in and use your favorite media player. You can use VLC Player or whatever other player you'd like.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
nkpstudios
This Pioneer BDR-XD05S external drive allows you to archive up to 128GB of data on BD-R QL media and up to 100GB of data on BD-R TL media, plus supports DVD and CD formats, so you can burn your favorite movies and music to discs.
will this drive work on usb 2.0?
does this drive, only work with a usb 3.0 pc input?
It will work with both. USB 3.0 is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports. I believe the only difference will be the drive performance. Read/Write speeds may be effected since there is a difference between USB 2.0/3.0 bus speeds..
8 years, 7 months ago
by
nkpstudios
This Pioneer BDR-XD05S external drive allows you to archive up to 128GB of data on BD-R QL media and up to 100GB of data on BD-R TL media, plus supports DVD and CD formats, so you can burn your favorite movies and music to discs.
is it compatible with Microsoft 10
This Pioneer BDR-XD05S external drive allows you to archive up to 128GB of data on BD-R QL media and up to 100GB of data on BD-R TL media, plus supports DVD and CD formats, so you can burn your favorite movies and music to discs.
Will this work with my 2015 iMac?
This Pioneer BDR-XD05S external drive allows you to archive up to 128GB of data on BD-R QL media and up to 100GB of data on BD-R TL media, plus supports DVD and CD formats, so you can burn your favorite movies and music to discs.
Does this work with Windows 10 Windows Media Player
Yes it is recognized just like any other CD Drive within Media Player.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Orbi Whole Home WiFi System delivers up to 3.0Gbps high-performance WiFi. Sleek, modern design with high-gain internal antennas for up to 5,000 square feet of coverage. FastLane3 Technology creates a dedicated Tri-Band WiFi for seamless 4K streaming and gaming everywhere in your home. Keep a single WiFi name for uninterrupted connections as you move from room-to-room. Circle Smart Parental Controls runs on Orbi Routers for a smart way for families to manage content and time online, on any connected device. Provide internet access to guests without sharing your personal network password. Orbi is ready right out of the box and compatible with your ISP. Just use the Orbi app to get started with better WiFi, everywhere in minutes.
I want to know if this will work with Dish Sattelite and a wireless internet card
Yes. If it is connected to your wireless network now then it will work with the Orbi
8 years, 9 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Orbi Whole Home WiFi System delivers up to 3.0Gbps high-performance WiFi. Sleek, modern design with high-gain internal antennas for up to 5,000 square feet of coverage. FastLane3 Technology creates a dedicated Tri-Band WiFi for seamless 4K streaming and gaming everywhere in your home. Keep a single WiFi name for uninterrupted connections as you move from room-to-room. Circle Smart Parental Controls runs on Orbi Routers for a smart way for families to manage content and time online, on any connected device. Provide internet access to guests without sharing your personal network password. Orbi is ready right out of the box and compatible with your ISP. Just use the Orbi app to get started with better WiFi, everywhere in minutes.
What type of features does the app have? Can you control devices in the way that EERO and Luma are marketing? I've had Netgear routers for years. But need a mesh system . Currently, the UI for these routers are very limited.
The app needs a refresh but it is the Netgear Genie app. You can do a search online for the interface.
8 years, 9 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Orbi Whole Home WiFi System delivers up to 3.0Gbps high-performance WiFi. Sleek, modern design with high-gain internal antennas for up to 5,000 square feet of coverage. FastLane3 Technology creates a dedicated Tri-Band WiFi for seamless 4K streaming and gaming everywhere in your home. Keep a single WiFi name for uninterrupted connections as you move from room-to-room. Circle Smart Parental Controls runs on Orbi Routers for a smart way for families to manage content and time online, on any connected device. Provide internet access to guests without sharing your personal network password. Orbi is ready right out of the box and compatible with your ISP. Just use the Orbi app to get started with better WiFi, everywhere in minutes.
What is the user interface / app like? Does it have the ability to control the setup and individual device control like the EERO and LUMA have? I currently have a R8000 and it won't cover the home and the interface does not provide much control over wor
I can't speak on EERO or LUMA as I have never used them. If you are a R8000 user then you know the interface is fairly simple and nothing flashy. You will be used to the interface. The Orbi logo replaces the Netgear Genie Logo. The mobile app is Netgear Genie so you probably know how to use that as well. I would say Netgear needs to do an app refresh, but it is functional. I have used almost all of the Nighthawk line and I can honestly say the Orbi system is the BEST Netgear product offering coverage/performance utilizing a mesh network. If you need better coverage then get an Orbi system as it will provide double the coverage and seamless WiFi roaming without sacrificing performance. These are the 2 major reasons to upgrade over your R8000. Performance is similar for both.
8 years, 9 months ago
by
nkpstudios
Power your Apple devices with this Belkin charge dock. It comes with a Lightning connector that charges iPhones and an integrated magnetic charger that provides Apple watches with more juice when needed. The single built-in cable of this Belkin charge dock lets you charge both devices simultaneously, saving you the inconvenience of using multiple cords.
Want to know if watch same as phone text or voice ??
I am unsure of your question because of the wording, but I will try to answer what I think you mean. If you are asking can you type a text on the Watch like on a phone, currently the answer is no. When watchOS3 is released it will do that but currently you can only select preloaded text responses or use voice to text. One good thing is the watch is smart enough to offer responses to questions as preloaded texts as well. For example if someone texts you:
What time do you want to meet? 3pm or 4pm?
The watch will have those two times as replies in addition to the preloaded/saved texts from your iPhone.
I hope this helps. With the WatchOS3 release looming it will be a great watch. Right now, it is a bit slow and clunky and you can tell it is Apple's first attempt at a smart watch.
What time do you want to meet? 3pm or 4pm?
The watch will have those two times as replies in addition to the preloaded/saved texts from your iPhone.
I hope this helps. With the WatchOS3 release looming it will be a great watch. Right now, it is a bit slow and clunky and you can tell it is Apple's first attempt at a smart watch.
8 years, 10 months ago
by
nkpstudios