VADarkstar's stats
- Review count221
- Helpfulness votes832
- First reviewAugust 22, 2014
- Last reviewApril 16, 2024
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- Average rating4
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Designed by Charli & Dixie D'Amelio, turn your bedroom into a creator's studio. This medium feel memory foam mattress has everything you need to sketch, plot, create and record - with a supportive base layer and a motion isolation layer to make sure NO ONE disturbs your dreams. Plus, a unique pattern co-designed by Charli & Dixie. So get creative. Why? Just for fun-ZZZ's of course!!
Customer Rating
5
I'm Welcoming A Great Night's Sleep Again
on February 12, 2022
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
If you have been shopping for a new bed, then surely you are aware that the variation in prices for a mattress is insane. Various bed-in-a-box companies have now flourished and have driven prices down (with a few exceptions), and now many larger bed companies are bringing in competing products for market dominance.
I think that it is difficult to evaluate a bed in a way that transfers reliably from one person to another. So I don't think I can fully recommend or hate this mattress in some universally understood way. Instead: here are some of my thoughts.
(1) Innerspring and foam mattresses feel fundamentally different when you lie down - I think that both are desirable and I have no preference for one over the other. The mechanisms for support are radically different and the support you receive will vary. I think that foam mattresses feel more attached and contoured to my body than innerspring mattress - and I find that foam mattresses feel slightly more firm than their corresponding innerspring buddies.
(2) I think that "memory foam" is a catch phrase and doesn't have a recognizable meaning now - this is a foam mattress that gives me uniform support without remembering (?) a form or outline of my body over any time - and surely that is a good thing. This is a mattress that provides uniform support and has been made to withstand years of nightly pressure. This isn't a mattress that reacts like some pillows or shoes with memory foam support - even if the internal foam is of a similar manufacture.
(3) Any new quality mattress that you buy will revolutionize your sleep if you are are currently sleeping on an old and unsupportive mattress. This mattress changed my sleep quality in an instant because my old bed was VERY old - I should have upgraded years ago.
& (4) What this Simmons mattress is offering is the the convenience and comfort of the many expandable bed-in-a-box options you have at a very low price. Some terribly reviewed foam (and innerspring) mattresses can run you $3000-$5000. Most foam mattresses are going to be sporting about the same technology, though, and this one is gunning to undercut the market price.
In short: I'm sure there are better foam bed-in-a-box mattresses out there, but this one is very fine and very inexpensive. I also think that foam mattresses feel firmer than their innerspring counterparts but there are people out there who would disagree - but keep that in mind if you are considering a move to a foam mattress from an old innerspring mattress.
Pleasant dreams.
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Discover complexion perfection * UFO™ mini is the perfect at-home beauty device that will transform your complexion in two minutes or less. Supporting the majority of UFO™ functions, UFO™ mini features LED Light Therapy, heating & T-Sonic™ pulsations, and helps infuse mask essence into the deeper skin layers, for flawless complexion that lasts. Enjoy morning, night, or whenever you feel your skin needs some expert TLC. It may be mini but you'll get the max out of your skincare.
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
To use the UFO Mini, you must pair the device with an app and use proprietary "masks" that you order from the company. The company describes the functions of the device using terms that are misleadingly complicated: (1) "Thermotherapy" means that the device warms up during use, (2) "T-sonic pulsations" means that the device vibrates (more like a buzz), & (3) "LED light therapy" means that a LED light on the device changes colors in association with the guided instructions from the app.
A buzzy little facial tool should not require an app to use - that is the first annoying aspect of this device. But the little proprietary facial pads make the UFO Mini most annoying. To use this device you remove an individually wrapped little cloth-y disk from its foil wrapping and attach it by way of a clasping ring onto the device. The cloth is flimsy and soaked in their facial solution. You select the type of facial treatment in the app and the app tells the UFO to begin its cycle and the app then guides you through the brief facial. All the device actually does is warm up slightly and buzz - it never really achieves a level of either true warmth or relaxing massage. The facial fluids that soak the disk are viscous and the thin fabric of the disk does not hold enough to fully cover the face. I also found that the flimsy disk caught on my whiskers (one day of growth) and subsequently frayed the fabric and pulled it from the holding mechanism.
In short - this is an annoyingly poor mechanism for applying (proprietary) emollients and other treatments to your face (using an app).
Absolute trash.
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The Shure MV7X is a professional-quality XLR dynamic microphone, ideal for close mic applications that require vocal intelligibility with a balanced tone. Voice Isolation Technology ensures the microphone is laser-focused on your voice and does not capture any unwanted background noise to give you perfect recordings in imperfect rooms. The attractive and durable all-metal design features an adjustable yoke that can be mounted onto a variety of microphone stands forflexible placement options.
Customer Rating
5
A Strong Choice For Recording Speech
on December 27, 2021
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
This is an all-metal microphone that feels sturdy and well-constructed. It comes with a 5/8" threaded supporting yoke to attach it to a microphone stand (or other support) - included in the box is a 5/8" to 3/8" adapter. Output is only through XLR.
Vocal isolation is excellent - background noises are very effectively excluded. Their marketing claim to capture "perfect recordings in imperfect rooms" holds up pretty well.
This microphone captures speech beautifully with a rich, warm tone that sounds natural - men's and women's voices are crisp and clear without sounding too bright (there is no tinny/canned sound that plagues many microphones situated in small rooms).
This would not be a great choice for recording music (the microphone is optimized for capturing speech) - though it does an admirable job in close proximity to more intimate instruments like an acoustic guitar. The same brightness that can be so undesirable in recorded speech, and which is noticeably excluded with this microphone, is desirable but noticeably absent in recorded music with this microphone.
My only criticism is easy and inexpensive to remedy - I found that the included foam wind screen does a terrible job at removing unwelcome attention to plosives (especially t's and p's) and sibilants (especially s's). It was occasionally jarring to hear my voice sound so natural while also sounding like I was hissing my s's and spitting my t's and p's. You'll definitely want to invest in a pop filter.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Echo Frames are smart audio glasses that give you hands-free access to Alexa. They are designed to help you save time so you can focus on what matters most. Use them to listen to audio entertainment, control your smart home, stay productive and organized, and communicate hands-free.
Customer Rating
1
Not Sure Who Benefits From These Glasses
on December 7, 2021
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
These frames operate exactly as described - they are hands-free (-ish) Alexa headwear. Amazon is producing them in a small variety of styles - polarized sunglasses are available but standard frames will need prescription lenses added at your expense (or you would just be using them with clear plastic lenses?).
They are being promoted for on-the-go audio entertainment but the sound quality is so inferior to even the cheapest wireless earbuds that advertising this as a feature seems like a joke. Plus, the sound production here can't overcome even moderate noise in your environment.
Whatever device you pair these with to access Alexa will already allow you to control your available smart home devices and my phone can already hear me from my pocket.
And as for hands-free communication, almost every bluetooth device in 15+ years probably has a significant edge on these frames (both in ease of use and in sound quality).
Battery life is advertised as being about one day so you would need to charge your glasses every night.
Who, exactly, would benefit from these pricey frames?
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Built on the Victrola Eastwood, the Eastwood Signature Hybrid Turntable includes upgraded features and enhanced sound. The suspended 2-way internal stereo speaker system and Audio Technica AT-3600LA cartridge provide a dynamic Hi-Fi listening experience. Wireless connectivity allows you to stream music to the built-in, custom tuned speakers from a Bluetooth enabled device. You can also stream your favorite albums to an external Bluetooth speaker through our exclusive Vinyl Stream TM technology. The Eastwood Signature comes with a premium silicone slip mat to dampen vibration for clear sound, making it a perfect fit for any vinyl lover.
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
The sound from this lightweight turntable is tinny and thin - bluetooth input to the internal amplifier is similarly unimpressive. The device allows you to output sound from the turntable through line-out cables or through bluetooth. Audio through my amplifier by way of line-out cables is, understandably, much better but is limited by the cartridge (the cartridge does not seem to reproduce sounds faithfully throughout the full audio spectrum - it seems to overemphasize higher frequency sounds). Audio through my amplifier by way of bluetooth was actually pretty solid but was marred by unbearable transmission whine.
Design-wise, the first thing I noticed was that it is not possible to place a 12" album on the spindle from above without the top edge of the record being blocked by the clear dust cover (see photo). How is is possible that any device goes to market with a flaw that obvious?
This is definitely NOT the turntable you should be buying if you intend to play records through an external amplifier. This might be an option if you're looking for a junker to play old records on in a shop for background music - I couldn't possibly recommend this unit for any other purpose.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Keep the air in your home moisturized all day long with Pure Enrichment's MistAire XL Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier for Large Rooms. This powerful and aesthetically pleasing humidifier is packed with smart features that make it the perfect solution for improving the air quality in the dry areas of your home or office.
Customer Rating
5
Fine Humidifier For Small/Medium Rooms
on November 22, 2021
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
Ultrasonic humidifiers add moisture to dry environments by aerosolizing water and allowing it to escape into the exterior space - an alternative to other options that rely on heated water to produce steam.
The one gallon tank supplies enough water to produce a fine stream of mist for a couple days at lower settings, but it won't last 24 hours at the highest setting.
Comes with two distribution nozzles - one which projects in a single direction and one which projects through two identical ports in opposite directions. I believe that the only difference is in the direction of distribution and not the quantity of distribution (I don't think the bi-directional nozzle doubles the distribution of aerosolized water).
Other products allow the user to infuse the output with fragrances or oils - this unit is not designed for fragrance distribution and any additives will damage it.
The unit allows for the clear-ish water tank to be illuminated in soft primary colors - giving it the a peaceful nightlight vibe that might be very appealing.
Operation is advertised as "whisper-quiet" but it is probably better described as "silent."
Automatic shutoff when the tank is empty.
I wasn't a fan of the asymmetrical water reservoir - I found that it made the tank more difficult to support one-handedly when I filled it from the bathtub spigot (filling it in the sink takes forever). A minor gripe, but worth mentioning.
Otherwise, this works nicely and would be a great addition in a bedroom this winter if your heat is very dehydrating - something to keep your skin from splitting away from your hands.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The original Hypervolt with some serious upgrades. The Hypervolt 2 helps you move the way you want to, when you want to with an updated design so you’re ready to tackle whatever comes next.
Customer Rating
5
Practical Percussive Sorcery
on November 8, 2021
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
Weighing-in at under two pounds, the Hyperice Hypervolt 2 unboxes looking like some futuristic sawed-off hair dryer. It charges with the included 18V charger (including three additional adapters for international plug configurations!) and lasts way beyond an hour per charge (the packaging boasts a three hour battery life which is probably unattainable but is unimportant).
The massager feels well made but surprisingly light. A single switch controls all functions: on, off, and three levels of massage. And once the massager is on, it feels in the hand like little more than a coarse vibration. But once the massaging head contacts the body, it feels like a rapid-fire pile driver has been engaged. The device never taxes the hand that holds it but can deliver incredibly soothing percussive blasts to sore muscles. The disconnect between the weightless vibrating in your hand and the pounding massage it delivers elevates the performance here to virtual sorcery.
And external to any auditory stimulation you might experience from your vibrating body, this massager is whisper-quiet.
Be aware that the sawed-off hair dryer design and your own ranges of motion can limit the scope and application of this device (could you reach the middle of your back with a hair dryer at a 90° angle to your body?). But its performance and ease of use make this an amazing product.
Includes five head attachments for different applications (and includes a pouch to help people like me with issues of misplacement).
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Smart security that is designed for every home. Set up in minutes, and receive notifications from the app whenever a visitor presses your Video Doorbell or motion is detected. You can also choose to wire it to sound your existing home chime. Blink Video Doorbell lets you answer your door no matter where you are. Receive customizable alerts right from the Blink Home Monitor app, and experience helpful features like HD day and night video and two-way audio. Best part – Blink’s long-battery life technology provides peace of mind for up to two years.
Customer Rating
5
Easy Setup - Very Configurable
on November 4, 2021
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
The Blink Video Doorbell is a doorbell with HD video capabilities (day and night) and two-way audio. And the Sync Module is the hub required to expand surveillance to other security products from Amazon.
Setup by way of the Blink Home Monitor app is very simple. The doorbell sends alerts whenever motion is detected and when people actually press the button to ring the doorbell - the only two configurations I needed to change (so far) were the sensitivity of the motion detection and the volume of the alert for the doorbell on my phone. Navigation within the app is intuitive and I like the design and configuration options in the app.
The doorbell can operate without the Sync Module 2, but you will need to purchase a subscription plan to save photos or videos. The Sync Module 2 has a USB port where you can use your own thumb drive to save photos and videos locally without having to purchase a subscription. And the Sync Module allows you to expand your surveillance options to include additional Amazon devices.
The doorbell runs on batteries that they assure us can last up to two years. I have mine mounted independently - which means that the doorbell itself (outside) chimes (outside) and sends a similar chime to my phone. If you want to mount this doorbell as a replacement of an existing doorbell in your home, you simply connect your existing wires to this device and it will operate your internal chimes like a pushbutton switch.
Daylight photo and video are excellent - nighttime photo and video are very good. I'm impressed with the motion detection capabilities and I like that I can turn on the camera remotely from my phone to look out from my front door.
Make sure you have the tools and the know-how to be able to mount this in whatever material you have outside your door. It took me WAY longer to drill through the brick in front of my house than it took to setup the doorbell and hub and get it configured.
This gives me added peace of mind without needing to pay for a subscription. Highly recommended.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet the Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 8qt. XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid. The pressure cooker that steams and crisps. SmartLid slider unlocks pressure cooking, air frying, and Steamcrisping - all under one SmartLid. SteamCrisp Technology steams and crisps at the same time for faster, juicier, crispier results*. 14 one-touch programs unlock even more versatility. (*Vs. Ninja Foodi OL601 in dry mode only)
Customer Rating
5
Heavy On Features, But HEAVY!
on October 26, 2021
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
Ninja's SmartLid here is what makes this a unique multi-cooker in a vast sea of competitors. Ninja (and the omnipresent Instant Pot) had released devices with similar features in the past that required using different tops for different features - basically they used one top for pressure cooking and a separate top for (basically) air-frying. This new device is an all-in-one multi-cooker with a "SmartLid" that takes care of all the complicated functions.
The base of the unit functions as a heating device with fairly strict temperature controls - so you can do many of the things you might do on a stove like saute or sear or steam - and you can cook food low and slow like a traditional slow-cooker - but the precision of the temperature control allows you to do odd tasks like making yogurt or cooking sous vide or proofing bread or dehydrating food. But even though I'm using the huge XL version, there isn't a huge amount of room for yogurt jars or bread or dehydrated food (and if you're interested in sous vide, you're going to want a dedicated device) - these are fascinating applications that are available, but probably won't be your ultimate selling point. It is a fine slow cooker, though.
The exciting options here are the pressure cooking, the air frying and what they call steam frying (the ability to combine steam with circulated hot air from above that can crisp things).
As a pressure cooker, this is outstanding (as expected). Comes to pressure quickly, operates almost silently, and the pressure can be released quickly.
The air fryer option option also works very well - with excellent convection and an insert with handles that allow you to easily shake the food to redistribute it for even cooking.
The steam-and-crisp function is the one that will take getting used to (for me). This primary goal, as I see it, is to allow you to prepare one-pot meals by layering three distinct food groups in three levels - one to be cooked in liquid (typically a grain), one to be cooked in steam (typically a vegetable), and one up top to be steamed and air-broiled (crisped) from above (typically a meat).
Navigation of all functions is clear and intuitive from a brightly lit and well designed front panel. And Ninja includes a well written short recipe guide to get you started (with an exhaustive cross-reference for cooking types and times for every imaginable food type).
I will never use every function on this multi-cooker, but what I have seen so far leaves me with no doubts that it can follow through on all of its promises.
But I would caution potential buyers to consider two important potential drawbacks. (1) It is not just heavy, it is VERY heavy - way heavier than simpler devices like slow cookers or less-complicated multi-cookers. & (2) The multi-use top is permanently attached to the base and cannot be removed for cleaning* (there is a gasket that can be removed for cleaning and the guidebook recommends doing a literal steam-cleaning after some preparations).
*The heating element and convection fan in the lid (see photo) need a source of power so the lid is permanently attached to the base - so there is no way to safely spray-down the lid interior or remove it for any careful cleaning. You just need to be careful not to pile-in food so high that it might touch or heavily spatter the heating element.
Devices that are heavy on features like this one can be incredible labor-saving devices that produce outstanding meals but if you aren't going to use the complex features, then you really should consider simpler (and cheaper) options.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Ninja Nutri-Blender is the perfect tool for making healthy recipes in the kitchen. Pro Extractor Blades Assembly fully breaks down ingredients, unlocking the full potential of your fruits and veggies. The Ninja Nutri-Blender also crushes ice for smoothies, shakes, and frozen drinks. Blend directly in a 20 oz. Ninja To-Go Cup, then pop on a Spout Lid and take your favorite drinks on the go.
Customer Rating
5
Powerful & Slim Smoothie Machine
on October 26, 2021
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
This is a nice single-purpose blender for smoothies that is simple to operate and slim enough to fit in any available counter space. It comes with a powerful motorized base and a single blending mechanism - along with three hard plastic smoothie "cups" (each one holds about two fluid cups of liquid), two spout lids, and a single storage lid. There are no buttons or dials or frills, the motor engages when you depress the cup with the blending mechanism on the base.
The motor is strong and attacks frozen fruits and ice with no problem. It's nice that they included three identical containers, but strange that they included two drink lids and one storage lid (three drink lids and three storage lids or one drink lid and two storage lids would have made more sense). But it's nice to have more than one container at my disposal that needs to be washed immediately before using it for a new drink.
The base is solid and slim and should fit just about anywhere.
The mechanism that engages from the motorized base is made of hard plastic but the teeth on the mechanism are rubberized to reduce impact. But the teeth on the blending mechanism (that fits in the smoothie chambers) is just hard plastic and is probably the single weak point for this device (see photo).
A solid device which can surely replace the need for a blender for any smaller tasks.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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