nickcal's stats
- Review count328
- Helpfulness votes1,316
- First reviewFebruary 22, 2014
- Last reviewAugust 20, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
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- Answer count4
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- First answerMay 23, 2016
- Last answerSeptember 7, 2020
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Ensure maximum comfort from this Logitech mouse. The precise ergonomic design ensures you stay comfortable throughout the day even if you're a power user, and the additional side button lets you create a custom setup. Smooth gliding is assured from this Logitech mouse thanks to the low-resistance base that slips over any surface.
Customer Rating
5
Long battery life and great feeling mouse
on July 2, 2017
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
For quite some time, I’ve been using an Apple Trackpad instead of a mouse for my navigation needs. I love being able to use the gestures and I don’t like it when I have to move away from something that isn’t intended for use with an Apple computer. This option may have changed slightly when I started working with this incredible mouse from Logi.
The MX Master wireless mouse v2 is an incredible device. First of all, this mouse is rechargeable. That has been my #1 issue with wireless mouses for many years — they all require batteries to be changed out. This one does not. It’s 100% rechargeable via Micro USB (cable included). In addition to it being rechargeable, a full charge will last approximately two months with regular use of the mouse. Now, since I’ve not had the mouse for two months, I can’t really speak to that battery life, but I do know that it’s not died since I’ve started using it.
The MX Master feels great in your hands. It’s a full-size mobile mouse and since I’ve only used trackpads for the past few years, I wasn’t sure how I would like it, but I can say that it’s been a welcome change. The buttons are all located in an easy to reach place and I found out quickly that I wouldn’t lose my gestures completely since there is sort of a touch pad built into the thumb rest.
The utility app provides more options for customization, but you don’t necessarily need it to enjoy using the MX Master. It connected via Bluetooth and you have the option of completely using Bluetooth or by using the tiny USB dongle that is included. Either option gets you a quick connection. I didn’t have any issues with my 2016 MacBook Pro connecting to the mouse with Bluetooth. The nice thing about the receiver is that it sits completely flush with the USB port it’s residing in.
I think the MX Master is a good investment no matter how you decide to use it.
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Improve your audio experience with this Samsung three-channel soundbar. This unit, which has a built-in subwoofer, channels high-resolution full-spectrum sound and eliminates the need for an extra bass speaker. Use 4K pass-through to connect your Blu-ray player or other UHD device to the Samsung three-channel soundbar for stunning multi-channel audio and a clear picture.
Customer Rating
5
Provides crisp clear sound
on July 2, 2017
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
A few years back, I invested in a premium home surround system for my living room television set-up. It’s a 5.1 stereo surround sound system that is run through a Denon audio/video receiver. Part of the reason I did this was to ensure I was able to hear what was happening on my favorite shows and movies. You see, I am hearing impaired and sometimes it’s very difficult for me to make out what’s going on through dialogue. That said, I was a little apprehensive about switching from my trusty surround sound to the Samsung SoundBar Sound+. So, here are some details about my experience.
SOUND QUALITY - Because I know this is what most people want to know about a speaker set, I thought I would cover this first. Being that I am hearing impaired, crisp, clear sound is something I can be really hard for me to find. The SoundBar actually beats my Klipsch surround system in clarity. It didn’t sound like any sounds were muddled or meshed together. It was just clear even sounds. Even with complicated sound tracks like from Transformers, the sound mix was spot on. I could hear the dialogue very well. The only thing I was really missing was the ‘boom’ from my subwoofer. So, if you were looking at the two systems side-by-side, I would say that some depth is missing simply because all the sound is coming at you from the front instead of all around the room.
VOLUME - This is always a part of the sound puzzle that I have some trouble with. I can’t seem to find a happy medium between where I can hear the shows and what is too loud for others in the room. The SoundBar does a pretty good job with volume, but it varies between the different modes. What I mean by this is the first test we did was to connect to the SoundBar via Bluetooth. We cranked up the volume and were completely blown away by the volume level. Then we connected to our TV through the Digital Optical cable and after we turned up our TV show to 100% on the SoundBar, we still couldn’t hear it very well. It just wasn’t as a loud as the Bluetooth mode.
CONNECTIVITY - My opinion of the connection options is a little fuzzy. As I mentioned above, I was able to connect to my phone using Bluetooth and I didn’t have any issues with it. I love that that is an option with the SoundBar because it makes it easy to share music with family and friends that might be visiting. The other options include HDMI and Digital Optical. I wasn’t able to try the HDMI connection because of how my system was hooked up. But, I did try the Digital Optical connection and while it worked, I just wasn’t happy with the volume difference as I noted above.
INTEGRATION WITH EXISTING SYSTEMS - During my testing I decided to try and integrate the SoundBar with my existing surround sound system. While this sounds like a good idea, it didn’t quite work for me. This could have been because of how I tried it, but there was a timing issues that caused a bit of an echo between the SoundBar and the rest of the surround sound system. If I completely ripped apart the system, I may have been able to make it work better, but as far as a quick integration, don’t expect it to work without some re-engineering of your existing system.
All in all, the SoundBar is a win in my book. It’s particularly great if you don’t have an existing system because then it’s an instant amplification of the TV’s audio, which could always use a boost.
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Made from a custom high-performance fluoroelastomer with compression-molded perforations for breathability, the Nike Sport Band is durable and strong, yet surprisingly soft. The smooth, dense material drapes elegantly across your wrist and feels comfortable next to your skin. An innovative pin-and-tuck closure ensures a clean fit.
Customer Rating
5
Now my favorite watch band
on June 19, 2017
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
Verified Purchase:Yes
I started out with the leather loop and moved to just about every watch band Apple makes. I have used numerous other bands from third party designers but never really found one besides the ones made by Apple that I liked.
The Nike sport band gives me the extra breathing room my wrist needs while feeling wonderfully solid on my wrist.
The cost is a bit much but when it comes to comfort and long lasting use these bands can't be beaten.
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep your floors spotless with this Samsung POWERbot Slim robot vacuum. Its sensors and mapping system automatically adapt to the pattern of floors in the home and effectively avoid obstacles. This Alexa-compatible Samsung POWERbot Slim robot vacuum provides maximum cleaning coverage including edges and corners thanks to its sophisticated edge-cleaning technology.
Customer Rating
5
Powerful efficient cleaning machine
on June 13, 2017
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
I have wanted a robotic vacuum for many years now -- ever since Roomba released their first vac. I just love the idea of having an automated system clean your house while you do something else. The problem I've had with this type of device is the cost. Some of them cost more than a professional-grade computer. So, I was thrilled when this one from Samsung became available. Not only is it a much more affordable price, but it's 'smart' and very easy to use.
Getting started with the vacuum is pretty easy. It comes pre-assembled with the exception of putting the batteries in the remote and unwrapping the power cables for the charging dock. I do advice any future users to read through the manual before getting started. It makes the process much easier. Can you 'feel' your way through it? Yes, but you will probably spend more time doing that then it takes to read through the instructions. That said, I wish the vacuum came with a quick start guide. It has a full manual that includes a lot of background and warning information that is good for reference, but not really necessary when you are trying to just get it started.
The first step in the process is to set-up the charging dock. This is simple as it just requires plugging the dock into power. There is an instruction that states it must be "turned on at all times." This step can be confusing because on my model (the 7040) there is no power button. The manual is meant for more than just my model so I wonder if maybe that instruction was meant for other models. It's a good idea to install the dock on a level surface so that the vacuum can latch onto it easily. After you get the dock plugged in and powered on, you should add the batteries (included) to the remote and then place the vacuum on the dock. When you first unbox it, there may be some charge to it, but I would recommend letting it get a full charge before you try to use it. This could take up to 3 hours, but it's well-worth the wait.
There is a manual power switch on the bottom of the vacuum that much be turned on in order to use or charge the vacuum. It's an 'emergency' switch that I'm guessing is a kill switch in case the vacuum gets out of hand when it's cleaning. This switch is hidden behind a semi-transparent covering. If you refer to the diagram in the manual, it does show you just where to look for it. Once the vacuum is done charging the word "FULL" will appear in the display on the unit.
Now, you can use the Powerbot without connecting it to your smartphone, but that's really part of its charm. This is really the only place where I encountered a major problem with the vacuum. It wouldn't show up as a network for me to connect to it. After about 10-15 minutes of attempts to connect to our home WiFi, I was finally able to have a signal to the vacuum. We have a mesh network in our home so it has a strong signal everywhere it moves throughout the house.
Along these lines, I need to mention how incredibly bad the app for the vacuum is. While I was setting it up, it crashed on me more than 4 times and it really set me back on the set up process. One time I was nearly done and it crashed forcing me to start at the beginning again. I've heard that many other people have had the same issues. If the app gets its bugs worked out it might be really nice to use, but until it does, it's unusable. Please remember the vacuum is wonderfully built and works great. It's the app that needs a bunch of work. If the vacuum didn't have a manual remote it would not be useable.
There are some vacuums that you have to 'train' before getting started, but the Powerbot has a great edge-sensing feature that causes it to autocorrect anytime it finds a border. This is pretty cool because it means you can say, "Go," and it cleans without needing direction. The only downside to this is that the vac can get caught places or it misses areas because it hits a piece of furniture and thinks it's a wall. We ran into this a few times, but for the most part, the Powerbot does a great job making it through the entire house. It's powerful enough on the standard setting that we haven't even had to use the 'turbo' setting yet. It picks up plenty of dirt, dust, pet dander, and hair during its trip throughout the house.
Cleaning out the collection bin is very easy as is clearing the rotating brush. I empty the bin after every trip through the house and clear the brush every 3-4 days. I have been very happy with the vacuum's performance and even though we still use a standard vacuum a couple times a week (we are more accurate than the Powerbot) but I love being able to have this little guy run through the house every night to pick up the day's dirt. I can definitely recommend this for anyone in the market for a robotic vacuum.
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Relax and listen with these Master & Dynamic wireless over-ear headphones. The 45mm neodymium drivers blast sound straight into your ears for up to 16 hours, yet they remain comfortable thanks to the padded ear cups. Connect these Master & Dynamic wireless over-ear headphones to your compatible smartphone or laptop via Bluetooth 4.1 to enjoy easy streaming.
Customer Rating
5
Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with Warm, Rich Sound
on May 26, 2017
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
Recently I had a small collection of headphones. Being that I'm hard of hearing, I have always been on the lookout for a great set of sound cans. My problem is once I find a good pair I quickly learn my style of music doesn't play as well as I would like though them. I listen to all sorts of different types of music from grunge, classical, rock, hip-hop, and music scores. Being that it's such a wide variety, my headphone collection seems to keep growing. I have a pair for this and that but nothing that really takes the cake for all purposes.
Master & Dynamic has been making sound devices since 2014 and they have carefully crafted some of my favorite headphones over the years. The one problem with them is that they never really put out an over-ear headphone that was wireless that I would enjoy wearing until now. The MW60 has changed that as they have some of the best, crisp sound that I've heard and they work for all music genres.
I despise wired headphones as I can't seem to keep the wire out of everything I'm doing. Needless to say, I was very excited at the opportunity to check out the MW60s.
At first glance, I was very impressed with the quality of the build. When you pull them from the box, you know that you are holding sophistication at its best.
Being over-ear headphones, they cut out a lot of noise from the area you're in but they are by no means designed for noise canceling headphones. That's not a complaint. I just wanted anyone looking at these to know that while they isolate pretty well, they don't cancel out noise. You can still get some ambient noise bleed through, but it's not a distracting amount.
Noise canceling aside, the MW60's will be my everyday headphones and have found a permanent place on my desk. With the long battery life and the superior comfort they provide, these are behind amazing for all day use. These are definitely my premium headphones that I'm proud to display when not using them.
The only complaint I do have is the Canvas Headphone Pouch that comes with the MW60s. I feel that such a premium set of headphones deserves a premium case to match it. While it's very well made, I think that the canvas pouch doesn't fit the luxury of the MW60s. I would have preferred that a hard case is provided or made available as an add-on for these headphones. I had a hard time storing the headphones in the pouch without feeling as though I might damage the leather. Because I love these headphones so much I plan on picking up a hardshell case.
The MW60 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones are a beautiful example of what wireless headphones should be. They are sophistication in form and function. You won't find better headphones in the same class as the MW60s.
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Take your tunes anywhere with this LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker. This floating waterproof device is submersible in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes, and it deflects damage from snow, ice and dirt. Pair this LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker with up to eight Bluetooth devices, and use the included dry box for storing keys and cards.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect for summer activities
on May 22, 2017
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
With summer fast approaching, it’s natural to start thinking of items that are needed throughout the season. Most people consider things like beach towels and swimsuits, while I look at what electronics I need. I can rarely be found without some method of listening to my music and during the summer, you really need something that is going to be durable and withstand even the harshest environments. I have worked with waterproof speakers before, but never one like the Lifeproof Aquaphonics AQ10 speaker.
The AQ10 speaker is not only waterproof, but it’s also submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. It’s sealed from dirt, dust, snow, and rain plus it pairs with up to 8 devices. The speaker also acts as a speakerphone with the aid of its built-in microphone. Because it’s built and designed by Lifeproof, the AQ10 is tough. It can withstand falls up to 1.2 meters and it’s buoyant. This is perhaps one of my favorite features of the AQ10. It’s nice to know that you can keep the speaker with you no matter where you go.
There are two more features that I want to touch on – the battery life and the dry box. These two options are stand-out features in my opinion. The battery provides 13 hours of non-stop music entertainment. While I haven’t really tested this out yet, I’ve been very impressed with the continuous power I have noted. In addition to the exceptional battery life, the AQ10 gives you two standard USB ports to be able to charge your phone or tablet from. One is on the side where you plug the speaker into power and the other is located in the dry box. These ports are 5V/0.5A so they aren’t fast-charging at all, but they will provide you power in an emergency.
The dry box is a special feature that I’ve not seen on a Bluetooth speaker before. It’s located on the bottom of the speaker and is completely sealed off from all the elements. You unlock it with a switch and are presented with a silicone lined box where you can store cards, keys or other small items. As I mentioned above, there is also a USB port enclosed inside along with an Aux port. One thing that’s important to note – the dry box on the AQ10 measures 2” x 4.75” and it’s only one-quarter inch deep. This isn’t large enough for my phone, but if you have a smaller form phone, you could easily store it inside the box. The larger AQ11 speaker also has a dry box, but I’m not sure how much larger it is.
So how does it sound? It’s honestly got a really nice, rich, deep sound. As far as bass goes, it’s not like a subwoofer is hooked up to it, but it doesn’t sound hollow either. The volume control is directly connected to the phone (it’s not independent of the phone’s volume), but it amplifies it nicely. For example, let’s say I have the phone set to volume level 3. I would say that same volume level on the speaker is about 30% louder than the phone itself. I love that the speaker has advanced controls on it and that they aren’t difficult to press. Some waterproof speakers have ‘sticky’ controls that I’m not a fan of.
All in all, this is a really nice option for an outdoor speaker. It’s large enough to produce a powerful sound, but it’s easy enough to handle that you can take it with you anywhere.
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
I would recommend this to a friend!
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We set out to create a performance-class controller to meet the needs of today's competitive gamers. Designed in collaboration with pro-level players, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller unlocks your full potential and adapts to your unique style of play. Experience game-changing accuracy, faster speed, and a tailored feel unlike anything before.
Customer Rating
3
Seems way to expensive for what it is
on May 12, 2017
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
Verified Purchase:Yes
When I say it seems too expensive for what it is please understand I do use this every day when playing my Xbox One. The problem is like any controller its buttons will break down over your time gaming and even though I'm able to program the paddles to do different things for a better gaming experience, I feel that the price is just too high for this controller.
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Place this Pop! Toddler Groot figurine on your desk for added whimsy. This tiny version of the formidable alien matches the character from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, but it has the classic large head and big eyes associated with Funko toys. Display this Pop! Toddler Groot figurine in or out of the window box packaging.
Customer Rating
5
Before the movie dropped I got Groot
on May 12, 2017
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
Verified Purchase:Yes
So first off the movie is awesome, second when I saw this little baby Groot I knew if I didn't get it for my wife I would be in for it. I was able to pick this little guy up before the movie came out and I knew after the movie dropped it would be hard to find any. My wife loves it and even took this one to work to display on her desk. Baby Groot funo looks happy and is always a fun gift.
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Score one for Gryffindor with this Funko Pop! Quidditch Harry collectible figure. This distinctive vinyl toy stands 3.75 inches, and the lightning scar, red Quidditch uniform and glasses make him easy to identify. This Funko Pop! Quidditch Harry collectible figure comes with its own broom and golden snitch for story-accurate play and display.
Customer Rating
5
Was looking too make my wife smile
on May 12, 2017
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
Verified Purchase:Yes
My wife loves funko figurines and is a big Harry Potter fan so I knew this was a must buy. It made her day when she got it. If you are a pop fig fan and a Harry Potter can then you will be happy with it.
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Deliver your favorite playlist anywhere in your home with the Amazon Echo Dot voice-controlled device. Control most electric devices through voice activation, or schedule a ride with Uber and order a pizza. The Amazon Echo Dot voice-controlled device turns any home into a smart home with the Alexa app on a smartphone or tablet.
Customer Rating
5
Wonderful option to control smart lights
on May 8, 2017
Posted by: nickcal
from Evansville, IN
Verified Purchase:Yes
My main goal behind getting this was to have voice control over my smart lighting. I can say I now have two and have them controlling my lights by my voice.
I just ordered something off Amazon using the Dot and it went worked great. If you are looking for Alexa and don't need the louder speaker the Dot is for you. Also, you can connect it to a Bluetooth speaker so you can still get some pretty good sound out of it when playing music via Amazon Music.
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
My Best Buy number: 2677435109
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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.
8 years, 10 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.
9 years, 3 months ago
by
nickcal