nickcal's stats
- Review count352
- Helpfulness votes1,330
- First reviewApril 12, 2014
- Last reviewJuly 18, 2026
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
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 count4
- Helpfulness votes0
- First answerMay 23, 2016
- Last answerSeptember 7, 2020
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
The XPS 15 laptop is the perfect balance of power and portability with an unrivaled immersive visual and sound experience. Whether you are streaming, editing photos or creating your next masterpiece, the XPS 15 has the power to move your ideas into reality.
Customer Rating
5
A high-class laptop for work
on June 22, 2023
Posted by: nickcal
I spend a lot of time on a macOS computer. That said, I do switch back and forth between operating systems — especially for work. So, it’s really advantageous for me to have a solid Windows laptop handy. This Dell laptop was incredibly surprising to me. It was easy to set up and a pleasure to use. It has plenty of power for standard tasks and the only thing that I feel it wouldn’t work well with is heavy photo or video editing.
Set-up
If you have been through one Windows laptop setup, you have been through them all. I got it out, tapped the power button and walked through the setup screens. I had to enter my Windows account information during this process and connect it to my WiFi. Once I got through the initial setup, I visited the Windows Update Center (located in System Settings) and walked through all of the updates that were needed. There were quite a few and it took about an hour to get through them all.
Display
I found the display to be adequate for my needs. It has a clear resolution — even if it’s not 4K. Text was clean and easy to read and videos looked great. Since it’s a 15-inch screen, it’s suitable for any type of productivity task and is even good for entertainment purposes.
Physical Appearance
This is one area where I felt that the Dell really shined. The laptop looks amazing. It’s got a very sleek outer case and when you open it up, there is a carbon fiber covering that really looks classy. There is a nice contrast between the light silver outside and the darked interior. If I were buying a laptop on looks alone, this one would be at the top of the list.
Keyboard
The keyboard feels like a standard laptop keyboard. The keys are easy to press and I really enjoyed typing on the soft rebounding keyboard. The keys are well spaced and I didn’t feel that my typing style was hindered in any way.
Speakers
The speakers are quite loud on the laptop. I tested them out with a number of audio tracks and found that they held their own. Some laptops really need a good external set of speakers, but the built-in ones on this laptop are pretty great.
Speed/Performance
I ran a couple of performance tests on the Dell — Geekbench and Novabench — to see how it would measure up. The overall Novabench score was 3360 which looks to be in line with other computers with a similar processor. The Geekbench score was 2551 Single Core / 12808 Multi-Core. This also seemed to be an average score among machines using the same/similar processor.
I never had any issues with the laptop’s performance. I thought it did a great job with most tasks and aside from the bloatware that was pre-installed on it, the laptop is a great option for most users.
Final Thoughts
While the price tag might spook some potential users away from this laptop, you really get a lot for the value. First of all, the laptop has 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports. Those aren’t cheap. Second, it does come with an external hub for connecting to HDMI or USB-A peripherals/devices. Finally, it has one of the newest processors available and it can tear through a large variety of tasks. It’s a great computer that can provide a lot of value to any type of user.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Introducing CZ Smart YouQ, the smarter smartwatch. Citizen CZ Smart Casual 41mm smartwatch is designed to help you be the best version of yourself throughout the day, every day. Inspired by the rich design of Citizen~s iconic sport technical timepieces, CZ Smart marries cutting-edge science and technology with the style and quality you expect from Citizen. CZ Smart YouQ leverages AI Models built with IBM Watson Studio and research pioneered by NASA Ames Research Center to power features within the proprietary YouQ application. CZ Smart YouQ helps you anticipate patterns of fatigue and alertness and offers highly personalized insights and suggested actions to help you improve alertness and promote the building of better habits, readying you to meet whatever the day may bring. Compatible with both iPhone and Android, CZ Smart YouQ features Wear OS by Google. The versatile, customizable menu of dials, designed exclusively for CZ Smart, gives you all the information you need at your fingertips. With a range of interchangeable 22mm bands available for all CZ Smart watches in bracelet, mesh, leather, and silicone, you can dress your CZ Smart watch for any occasion and make the most out of every moment. The Smarter Smartwatch: CZ Smart features the new proprietary wellness app YouQ built using research pioneered by NASA~s Ames Research Center and AI Models built with IBM Watson Studio. YouQ helps wearers maximize their daily potential by learning the wearer~s unique Chronotype and rhythms. YouQ computes HR, SP02, fitness activity, sleep data, and alert scores to offer the wearer a personalized 24-hour forecast of alertness. Aggregating data over time will enable CZ Smart YouQ to cater to wearers personally allowing them to understand their body~s natural rhythms. Meet your self-care advisor: CZ Smart YouQ provides the wearer a daily, brief, and gamified Alert Monitor, designed based on NASA~s PVT+ (Psychomotor Vigilance Task Test), a test used by astronauts to measure alertness. Only CZ Smart YouQ uses Alert Monitor scores and sleep data to identify the wearer~s distinct Chronotype (are you a morning go-getter, steady achiever, high-energy hustler?). CZ Smart YouQ helps you stay on track with an Hourly Power Score, an indicator of your cognitive and physical energy at a particular moment and offers Power Fixes to mitigate the effects of fatigue and improve alertness so the user can optimize themselves for what~s ahead. You may have a napuccino or liquid energy in your future. Preloaded and ready-to-go: Citizen Connected works with phones running on the latest version of Android (excluding Go Edition and phones without Google Play Store) or iOS. Applications available via the Play Store include CZ Smart YouQ App, Google Fit, Strava, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Alexa. CZ Smart features 24+ hour battery life (varies based on usage) and achieves a full charge in just 40-minutes. Connections include Bluetooth (connect your headphones), Wi-Fi, GPS (head out for a run or hike and leave your phone behind), and NFC (make contactless payments). Sensors include Gyroscope, altimeter, barometer, accelerometer, heart rate sensor, SP02, ambient light sensor, so that you can track activity goals, heart rate monitor, cardio fitness tracking, steps, sleep, and more. Personalization, notifications, and more: The uniquely designed CZ Smart dials give hundreds of options to fully customize your watch face and receive the information you find most important. Stay focused all day while getting notifications on your watch for incoming calls, texts, emails and calendar notifications. The built-in speaker enables you to conveniently answer a call from your smartwatch. With Amazon Alexa built-in, CZ Smart makes it easy to tackle your daily tasks and organization. CZ Smart next generation: Citizen Connected works with phones running on the latest version of Android (excluding Go Edition and phones without Google Play Store) or iOS, 24+ hour battery life, Qualcomm 4100+ chipset, offering the user a seamless connection and quick response and screen changes.
Customer Rating
3
Looks great, not quite smart enough
on June 12, 2023
Posted by: nickcal
The watch comes in a nicely branded box with an image of the product on the front and “CZ Smart” printed on the bottom. When you open the box, you find the watch, its charging cable, and the documentation for it directly under a protective piece of foam. The user manual is multilingual and it directs the user to charge the watch before using it and to download the appropriate app for setup. A power adapter is not included with the cable and watch.
This particular watch can be worn by men or women. It’s 41mm in size and looks a little large on smaller wrists, but its fits comfortable. The band is a standard flexible metal band that consumers would find on wrist watches with a similar style. The links can be removed if the band is too loose, but no tool is included with the watch for these adjustments. This was a little bit of a disappointment to me because other bands i’ve gotten like this usually come with a simple adjustment tool. I really do like the look of this watch. It has a classic style and can be worn with casual or formal attire. It’s not super flashy, but definitely makes someone take notice of it.
The setup is fairly straightforward - especially if you have setup a watch before. After you download the app specific to your phone brand (iOS or Google) you follow the on-screen instructions. The user has to scan a QR code that appears on the screen of the watch with your phone. This action pairs the two devices together. Then you will be asked to add a pin number. If it’s required, a software update will occur. I had to restart the watch a couple of times after it was completed before the watch was working smoothly.
In addition to these set up steps, you will also be asked to create a Citizen account, which is free but does ask for some personal information. The app could have a better experience and the on-watch interface is a little confusing to navigate through. There are lots of bugs in the app and one of the pieces of data that I want to track the most - sleep - takes a long time to update.
As far as general functionality goes, I ran into some common issues that others have reports. The watch would freeze and sometimes the settings were saved between the watch and my phone’s app. The battery life is not as good as I was hoping for and there is a lack of customization. I could overlook those two issues, but the connectivity between the watch and the app is really inconsistent. The watch also provides limited data in comparison to other smartwatches and it doesn’t seem to record data accurately. I compared walking and bike riding distances that were recorded by the watch and the phone and they didn’t match.
One other big con I have with this watch is that it is not water resistant. In this day and age, I expect any daily-wear watch to have some water resistance, but this one clearly states that it doesn’t have any within the specs.
Overall, the watch looks great but could function better. In a world where there are some amazing smartwatches that work flawlessly with their respective devices, this one falls a little flat in terms of being ‘smart.’
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
GE Profile provides modern design and the latest features in home appliances. The 11-in-1 GE Profile Smart Oven with No Preheat is a countertop toaster oven designed for today's smart home. Features like Air Fry, Zero Preheat Technology and Built-in WiFi allow you to do more, through remote monitoring and technology that takes the guess work out of cooking. This is Smarter Innovation you~ve been looking for. This is GE Profile.
Posted by: nickcal
I absolutely love kitchen gadgets that combine multiple devices into one. This smart oven claims to be an 11-in-1 device, but in reality the ‘11’ is just preset functions. I love that no preheat is needed and that setup is minimal (you only have to plug it in and download the app). I have other GE Profile items and while the app is nice, it doesn’t really provide a whole lot of added functionality to the device itself. It does let you receive notifications when food is done and includes some recipes, which is nice.
The oven is quite large and you do need to have the counter space for it. Our kitchen unfortunately lacks space and the oven doesn’t completely replace any of our other devices completely so we are at a loss of where to store it. It does work well as a secondary oven and would be great for an apartment.
The oven is fast and it sort of reminds me of a cross between a toaster oven and an air fryer. The oven works great and even though it doesn’t actually contain 11 different devices in 1 body, the presets are very helpful.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
ASUS Vivobook Laptop. Enjoy everyday activities with this ASUS notebook PC. The Intel Core i3 processor and 12GB of RAM let you run programs smoothly.
Customer Rating
4
Not a bad value for what you get
on May 21, 2023
Posted by: nickcal
Before I dig too far into this review, I want to state that I use macOS computers more than I use Windows OS computers. I have experience with both and I do find use for both operating systems but I do use macOS systems more frequently. One of the first things I noticed about the laptop is that until all of its updates were complete, it didn’t function properly. What I mean by that is that I attempted to click on the Windows menu icon and it didn’t open until I finished updates.
Set up of the computer was pretty standard. I got it out of the box, plugged it into power and hit the power button. At that point, I had a number of Windows 11 screens to walk through. You do have to have a Windows account and connection to the Internet in order to complete the startup process. If you don’t have one, you can complete the setup process for an account during the initial starting phase. Once you get through the initial setup, you will want to complete Windows Updates. There are quite a few to get through.
Display
The display has an HD resolution of 1366 x 768 which is a wide screen resolution for HD. I watched a few videos on YouTube on this laptop and feel that for an HD screen, it’s providing an average viewing experience. The images are clear, but not as clear as my iPad Pro which has a resolution of 2732 x 2048 or 2K. So, given the opportunity, I would choose to watch videos on my iPad instead of this laptop.
Physical Appearance
The laptop has a basic look to it. When I first took it out of its box, I thought it almost felt like a toy because the outside of it has a plastic feel to it. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around, but doesn’t feel like a pro-level laptop.
Keyboard
The keyboard has an average feel to it for a laptop. I didn’t really have any issues with the spacing of the keys or the responsiveness of them but my average typing speed and accuracy did seem to suffer when I took a typing test. I usually average around 73 WPM and using this laptop’s keyboard, it was 62 WPM.
Speakers
The speakers are pretty loud but they aren’t really anything to write home about. With the 4k videos I watched, the sound was hollow and way too bright in my opinion. I think they will work well functionally with daily tasks such as system sounds or video conferences but in general I would recommend using headphones or external speakers.
Speed/Performance
This laptop runs on an 11th generation Intel Core i3 processor (Intel I3-1115G4). The primary functions of this type of processor include basic computing tasks such as word processing, Internet browsing, emailing, and streaming videos. It’s not really designed to handle gaming, but it can handle less-intensive games. The processor has been around since 2010 with the 11th Gen being in production since 2020. It’s part of the Tiger Lake architecture and there have been two newer generations of the processor released since this one.
I ended up using two different benchmarking tests - Geekbench and Novabench. With Novabench, the Vivobook got an overall score of 909, which seems to be on the higher average score among overall scores from 2023 for that processor. With the Geekbench test, there were 12 other 11th Gen i3 Processors in the Benchmark chart. The Vivobook was number 11 on that list.
Final Thoughts
This is an average laptop for basic users in my opinion. It ran smoothly for me and completed the tasks I requested of it with little issues. As far as value for the device, I would say it’s a decent value. I did a search for similar laptops with close to the same specs and this laptop was the least expensive model from this retailer (excluding clearance prices). In general, I would probably not recommend this laptop because machines with better specs can be found for around the same price. That said, it’s not a bad laptop.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
JVC Marshmallow true wireless inner ear headphones with memory foam ear tips for a custom secure fit. Includes Low Latency mode for gaming and watching videos. Bluetooth version 5.3 ensures a stable wireless connection and enjoy up to 26 hours of total use with included rechargeable charging case that includes USB-C charging. Three sound modes and independent Left/Right single-ear use. Auto-pairing and auto on/off. Touch controls for music or phone calls. Sweat and splash-proof IPX4 rated, ideal for sports and fitness. Integrated microphone with voice assistant compatibility.
Posted by: nickcal
The Marshmallow True Wireless headphones come packaged with several sets of ear caps (3 silicone, 2 memory foam), a USB-C charging cable and a charging case. To get started with them, you simply pull the tabs off of the earbuds, place them in the charging case to activate them, and remove them to pair them to your device. Because these are rated as ‘low latency’ they are supposed to be good for gaming. I tested them by listening to several tracks of music on my iPhone 14 Pro.
Comfort: The headphones are comfortable. They are very lightweight so you barely notice them. I did feel as though they stuck out from my ears quite a bit, but they never felt insecure to me. I ended up using the small silicone ear tips. I did try the small memory foam tips, but they seemed to just push the earbuds out of my ears. I’m not sure if I would be comfortable wearing these earbuds for long periods of time, but they weren’t uncomfortable for the hour or so that I wore them for testing.
Sound Quality: I found the sound quality to only be average. There is no active noise cancelling but the earbuds do a good job with basic sound isolation. I wasn’t able to hear much around me when music was playing at full volume. That said, if a music track was quiet, I could hear ambient noises creep through. I was able to hear music clearly, but the low-end was lacking. I have a playlist designed around different types of music and everything just fell flat to me.
Ease of Use: The headphones are very easy to use. They have basic touch controls embedded into the earbuds themselves with each individual earbud controlling different functions. As I mentioned there is no ANC or other special features that are built into the earbuds so you really just get play/pause, advance, volume up and down as the controls.
Value: Since True Wireless earbuds can cost three times more than these Marshmallow headphones do I would say these are a good value. They are simple, basic wireless earbuds with an average sound quality.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Give in to your free-spirited side and turn every moment into a sensory frenzy. Introducing Devialet Mania, the first portable smart speaker from the acoustic engineering company behind Devialet Phantom. A mobile evolution of Devialet~s groundbreaking innovations, Devialet Mania ushers in a liberated approach to sound: more spontaneous, more adaptable, more obsession-inducing than ever. Cutting-edge Devialet technologies elicit expansive 360~ stereo sound, augmenting every space and interaction and leaving an emotional imprint that lingers. Devialet Mania, metamorphic sound.
Customer Rating
5
High-quality, powerful speaker
on May 1, 2023
Posted by: nickcal
The Devialet Mania Portable Bluetooth Speaker is an incredible device that puts the power of a home entertainment setup into a sleek, compact package. This speaker combines cutting-edge technology with beautiful design to deliver an immersive listening experience on the go. From its unique shape to its supreme sound quality, this speaker is perfect for any music lover seeking a truly superior audio experience. With its long battery life and easy portability, you can enjoy your favorite tunes anywhere you go.
Ease of Use: The speaker is easy to use but there are some features that I feel are missing. The controls on the speaker are basic but an advance button is missing. It would be nice if that were included. Getting it connected to your WiFi network or Bluetooth device is completed within a few steps. I love that a companion app is included so that you can monitor the battery level and other features of the speaker. One of the features that I noticed, but it’s not actually called out is the wireless charging area on the bottom of the speaker. Devialet designed the speaker with an option to connect it to a charging station (charging puck) so that it can sit charging in its storage place and it’s ready to go when you want to move it.
Sound Quality: I have been very impressed with the sound quality the Mania speaker offers. It’s a great well-rounded, robust sound. The bass is deep and if the volume is turned up enough, my desk will shake. I love that the app provides the option for setting up EQ levels. I left it on the default setting while I tested the speaker. No matter what I listened to, I was pretty floored at the quality of the sound the speaker produced. I also connected to it to watch a movie and was able to hear all the little subtleties of the soundtrack.
Value: On the surface it might be hard to really see the value of this speaker, but it is built with tremendous technology at its base. There are 4 microphones as well as 4 full-range drivers, and 2 subwoofers. The speaker also offers a 30-20,000Hz range. When thinking in terms of price vs value, I would say the Mania speaker offers a lot of value. Is it worth the cost when other high-quality speakers — such as the Apple HomePod — offer a similar listening experience at about half the cost.
If you want a super high-quality speaker, this is a great option.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Explore the 27" inch S39C FHD Curved Monitor with a 1000R Curvature and advanced eye comfort technology. Its minimalist design features a borderless display, fabric-textured backside and slim metal stand. Game Mode, a 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support make playtime as smooth as work time.
Posted by: nickcal
For me, an external monitor is an essential piece of equipment for work. I live on my computer throughout the day for work and since I work from home full time, a high-quality monitor is required. This 27-inch monitor from Samsung does have a lot going for it spec-wise but I found a few design elements that I thought could be done better.
DESIGN
The shape of the monitor is lovely. I really love the slim bezel and the curve of the screen. I also really love the back panel of the monitor that covers the I/O ports. It helps clean up the cable mess that normally comes with monitors and provides a smooth profile for the product. The big issue I have with the physical design of the monitor is its stand. The monitor has a short stand (less than 6 inches) that has a fixed height. Normally a fixed-height stand doesn’t bother me because most monitors — even curved ones — are VESA mount compatible. That means I can simple swap the provided stand out for a monitor arm or a wall mount. But that isn’t possible with the factory backing of this monitor. On the plus side, the monitor is very lightweight (approx. 11 pounds with stand) so it is easy to move around when needed.
EASE OF USE
Setup and use of the monitor is pretty self-explanatory. There is a good explanation of the menu system in the user manual and the controls on the monitor are easily accessible. Plugging items in and out of the monitor can be problematic unless it is done during installation because the back panel would need to be removed.
PICTURE QUALITY
The picture quality of the S39C is above average, but it does only top out at 1920 x 1080 (full HD) resolution and not 4K. The other spec I want to point out with the picture quality is the refresh rate. It’s only 75Hz, which is typically good for standard tasks and HD video watching, but not great for gaming. It is, however, a good step up from a monitor that only has a 30Hz refresh rate.
VALUE
I think this monitor is a good value and fits into the ‘budget monitor’ category.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
3of 6voted this as helpful.
The Philips Norelco Shaver 7600 glides smoothly over your skin, while cutting each hair close - even on 3-day beards. Equipped with SenseIQ technology, the shaver senses, adapts and guides on the correct motion, for better skin protection.
Customer Rating
5
A solid, affordable shaving solution
on February 10, 2023
Posted by: nickcal
I struggle with staying clean-shaven because my facial hair grows in quite quickly. I like the convenience of an electric shaver, but sometimes they just aren’t powerful enough to handle my facial hair. I’ve used Philips Norelco Wet/Dry shavers in the past and been mostly happy with them. So, I was looking forward to trying the 7000 series shaver out.
It comes in a clearly labeled box and ships with a user manual, charging cable, and a blade cover/guard. It connects with a smartphone app via Bluetooth and can be cleaned easily under the water. Before I used it the first time, I let it charge for a couple of hours. It came with a partial charge out of the box but I wanted it to be at full charge before I used it.
Even with a full charge, the shaver seemed to be low-powered when I turned it on. I started shaving with it and it seemed to work just fine for me. If my hair is too long, it is a little harder to use, but the shaver does a good job overall. I love that it has the pop-out precision trimmer because it’s really helpful for sideburns and around my neckline.
Thanks to the 360º flexible heads, I haven’t experienced any razor burn or major skin irritations like I usually have with shavers. The battery life seems to be solid. The specs claim a 60-minute run time, but I haven’t had to use it continuously for that amount of time. The app is a nice feature even though I haven’t utilized it that much.
The Philips Norelco 7000 series shaver is a cost-effective, high-quality option for a clean face. It is a great choice for those who need a powerful shaver to keep up with their fast-growing facial hair. While it may not offer all the features of more expensive shavers, the Philips Norelco 7000 series shaver is an excellent value for those looking for a reliable, high-performing shaver.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Jabra Enhance Plus wireless earbuds have been engineered for advanced medical-grade hearing enhancement for your conversations, music, and calls. (iPhone only, not Android compatible) As part of GN ~ the only company in the world with consumer, professional, and medical-grade sound all under one roof ~ we have a team of expert engineers crafting the world~s leading hearing aids. Now, we~re leveraging that wealth of knowledge to launch our first ever medical-grade hearing enhancement and earbud hybrid. At 40% smaller than our current smallest earbuds*, with four built-in microphones and powerful speakers, these buds are for mild to moderate hearing loss, and specifically engineered to enhance the way you hear everything ~ from in-person conversations to calls, music, and media. They~re a ground-breaking achievement in miniaturization, 150 years in the making. Now you can focus on what you want to listen to, without just turning up the volume.
Customer Rating
4
Good as starter hearing aid for mild hearing loss
on November 12, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
I’ve had to deal with hearing impairment for most of my adult life. My audiologist has classified my hearing loss as ‘profound’ with almost all of my high-end hearing range completely gone. In the last decade, I’ve explored the use of several different types of hearing aids including those that are ‘one size fits most’ all the way up to the super advanced ones that adjust to your surroundings — just like the human ear does.
My current set of hearing aids are actually manufactured by ReSound, which is a sister company of Jabra as they are both GN companies. I’ve heard that Jabra and ReSound engineers often collaborate to ensure that the products they are developing will help people hear sound the best of their ability.
Set-up
Even though these look more like earbuds than a traditional hearing aid device, it’s important to realize that a thorough set-up is going to benefit you in the long run. There are more steps than just powering them on and pairing them to your phone.
There is a startup guide inside the box that instructs the user to download the Jabra Enhance app before opening the earbuds. These earbuds are only compatible with iPhone at this time. The startup guide directs you to use the app to pair the earbuds, but I found it easier to do it directly through the Hearing Devices menu in the Accessibility settings.
After the earbuds are paired, you’ll return to the Enhance app and continue with the set-up. This will take you through a series of tests that help you personalize the hearing aids to your ears. Don’t skip this step. This is similar to having a set of prescription hearing aids programmed by an audiologist at a doctor’s office. While the hearing aids might still help you, you will get the best result if you go through the personalization set-up.
I was really happy that this type of set-up option was available with these hearing aids. To me, this is one of the things that distinguishes hearing aids from hearing enhancement devices.
Another very important step in the set-up process is making sure you have the proper fit. There are three sets of ear gels to choose from and you want to make sure that there is a secure fit or sound you don’t want will seep into your ears, which will affect your overall listening experience. This is true of any earbuds, but when you are trying to enhance what hearing ability you have, you don’t want anything to interrupt that process.
The Listening Modes
There are three listening modes users have access to with these hearing aids — Adaptive, Focus, and Surround modes. These same modes are included in the development of my ReSound hearing aids. So, I was very familiar with them. Adaptive mode is the most useful in my opinion, if you are moving through different environments on a regular basis. Focus can be very useful if you need to center in on one particular sound — for example, if you are having a one-on-one conversation with someone. All the modes are useful and they work well.
Daily Use
As a user of traditional hearing aids, I want to preface that I believe these hearing aids are good for situational use and not so much as an all-day hearing aid. As earbuds, the Enhance Plus are comfortable, but as all-day hearing aids, they are a little bulky. Their battery life of 10 hours is good (20+ with the charging case), but the point of traditional hearing aids is to wear them from the time you get up until you go to bed so that you can re-train your brain how to process sounds. With a 10-hour battery life, you will have to charge them at some point during the day thus negating the all-day benefits of a hearing aid.
That said, I do see a place for these hearing enhancement devices. They are more advanced than simple amplification devices but not as advanced as some modern hearing aids. You do have the added bonus of being able to use these hearing aids as you would standard Bluetooth earbuds and while some advanced hearing aids systems provide the music listening and call answering features, those are typically limited to the super expensive devices. So, being able to have the 3-in-1 features for $800 is kind of a treat.
I’ve always had great luck with Jabra headphones. In fact, until the most recent Apple AirPods Pro were launched, Jabra earbuds were my go-to listening devices. They provide an incredible listening experience for music and other media. Call quality is always very good.
Overall, the sound quality was very good and the only real issue I had was with the occlusion effect — where you can hear every sound you are personally making (i.e. heartbeat, swallowing, etc.). This is a sensation that is common with earbuds because its usually caused by ear tips pressed into your ear canal. Unfortunately, with earbuds that double as a hearing aid, that can be really distracting and overwhelming.
Conclusion
The Jabra Enhance Plus OTC Hearing Aids are a good option for someone who knows they need some help with hearing better, but aren’t ready for traditional hearing aids. It’s a little like having your optometrist tell you that you should probably upgrade your glasses to be bifocals but offers the suggestion of getting drugstore reading glasses in the interim. These earbuds will help you on a situational basis, but I wouldn’t use them as a replacement for my traditional hearing aids unless I was in a bind. That said, if you are using them as a ‘starter’ hearing aid, I think they are a great choice for that use.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+29points
39of 49voted this as helpful.
The EOS R10 is perfect for content creators looking to take their creativity to the next level. Featuring a high-speed shooting 15 FPS mechanical shutter^,~ a 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, and lightning-fast auto-focus, all in a sleek, lightweight design.
Customer Rating
5
A robust camera for content creators
on October 26, 2022
Posted by: nickcal
I'm an experienced photographer and over the years, I've taken great care in upgrading my equipment to ensure I had the best possible product for the jobs I was doing. My fiancé loves taking pictures, but is intimidated by more complex camera systems -- like my Canon EOS R5. She admitted to me that she would love to have a mirrorless camera, but didn't want to plunge into the pro-level cameras. This is exactly who the Canon EOS R10 is made for. It's perfect for people who have experience with DSLR cameras and want to move to a mirrorless set-up and it's ideal for content creators.
This camera is much more budget-friendly than some of the other mirrorless cameras in Canon's product lineup and it's very easy to use. Within a few minutes of unboxing the camera, my fiancé was outside taking photos of birds and plants around our house. The biggest takeaway I have about the R10 is that it is an 'entry-level' camera with advanced technology built into it. For example, the R10 has the Dual Pixel CMOS AF II focusing system integrated and it does a fabulous job in practice. On the flip side, it doesn't have as many focus points as the pro-level Canon mirrorless cameras do.
The R10 is very lightweight but solidly built. It seems to be durable and since it has a more compact body than some other Canon cameras, it's very portable. The controls are all located on the right-hand side of the camera (for the most part) and a user can easily reach the buttons, dials, and joystick with their right thumb without removing their hand from the grip. The flip-out touchscreen is another piece of advanced technology that you typically don't get with entry-level equipment, but it's a very welcome addition to this camera. It makes the photo-taking experience much richer.
The kit lens that comes with the R10 is a nice starter lens that will work for most users but is worth an upgrade depending on your use. The camera also features a maximum mechanical burst rate of 15 FPS, which is great for capturing sports and wildlife.
The R10 is a robust starter camera but there are some staunch differences between it and the pro-level mirrorless cameras from Canon. For example, the R10 --
does not have weather sealing
only shoots video at 4K @ 24FPS un-cropped/4K @ 60FPS cropped
cannot shoot C-log
does not have a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack
only has a single memory card slot vs a dual-card slot
has a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000
Even though the R10 is missing some of the pro-level features from Canon, it's still a worthwhile mirrorless camera for content creators. It takes crisp photos and it's very easy to use.
only shoots video at 4K @ 24FPS un-cropped/4K @ 60FPS cropped
cannot shoot C-log
does not have a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack
only has a single memory card slot vs a dual-card slot
has a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000
Even though the R10 is missing some of the pro-level features from Canon, it's still a worthwhile mirrorless camera for content creators. It takes crisp photos and it's very easy to use.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
nickcal's Review Comments
nickcal has not submitted comments on any reviews.
nickcal's Questions
nickcal has not submitted any questions.
nickcal's Answers
Life~s extraordinary moments deserve to be captured with smooth video. DJI OM 4 is a magnetic gimbal designed to complement your smartphone, allowing you to start recording right away. Ultra-compact, easy to use, and bursting with intelligent features, OM 4 is the ultimate solution for capturing and sharing your world.
Does the magnetic sticker phone attachment interfere with wireless phone charging?
Ensure meals are cooked evenly with this Breville the Combi Wave 3-in-1e microwave. The grill, convection oven and microwave functions provide a variety of cooking options, while the Element IQ technology precisely delivers the right cooking temperature for optimal results. This Breville the Combi Wave 3-in-1 microwave features a Power Smoothing inverter for automatic adjustment of power to enable even heat distribution.
Is this an air fryer, microwave and convection oven
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
Will Google Home work with ECOBEE Thermostat?
No. Unfortunately, Google has limited functionality to only the Nest thermostat. At this time, I don't see them opening up support for third parties as they are probably trying to push it with their own hardware, but that could always change.
9 years, 8 months ago
by
nickcal
Enjoy a compact tablet that fits neatly in your pocket with this Acer Iconia One 8-inch tablet. It includes a quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM that deliver powerful processing to play all your games and apps, and the 16GB of flash memory ensure this Acer Iconia One 8-inch tablet and store your files.
can i download skype
Depends on the Google Play store. If Microsoft has a version of Skype for Android then yes.
10 years, 2 months ago
by
nickcal