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VADarkstar
 
 
 
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  • Review count
    222
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    834
  • First review
    August 22, 2014
  • Last review
    May 12, 2024
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VADarkstar's Reviews
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The AU-Flex ANC is the first of Ausounds' High-Fidelity earphone. Delivering the performance of a wired in-ear, the soundstage of a thousand-dollar over-ear, and designed with sustained metals and lightweight aluminium, the AU-Flex is a herald of mobile hi-res future. Engineeered with a unique Hybrid Planar Magnetic driver that delivers a wide and accurate soundstage only found in planar technology.
 
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Customer Rating
2 out of 5
2
Disappointing Sound
on November 24, 2020
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
There is so much to like about this earphone. It is comfortable and light, operation is simple and intuitive, the earpieces are comfortable and unobtrusive, and the battery life seems nice.
The sound is clear with reasonable volume.
But it's the sound that ultimately made me dislike this "High Fidelity" earphone - though what I dislike is difficult to describe. There is no noticeable distortion and I don't think the equalization is somehow off. But recordings sound like they are missing some presence or intimacy.
When you go to hear music in a big concert hall with amplification, the sound system can be perfectly clear and might reproduce sound very faithfully - but in the processing of that sound, you can tell that you are hearing a processed version of the music. I have never heard anything like that in headphones before but that's how I would describe what I dislike about these headphones - perhaps it's an artifact of some of the specific electronic circuitry (?). My music sounds like it is strangely distant from me - I have never heard anything like that before and it is very disappointing.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
 
The Samsung Jet™ 70 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum features a lightweight and maneuverable design plus a removable battery that can be easily swapped* for a spare extended cleaning time up to 40 minutes. Compatible with Samsung Clean Station™ for mess-free, automatic emptying of the hygienic dust bin.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Samsung Is Coming For The Dyson
on November 10, 2020
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
The Samsung - Jet™ 70 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is their lower-tier entry into the cordless stick vacuum game (with their highest-tier entry being about twice the price) and it is clear that they looked to Dyson for some of their inspiration.
Battery, motor, and collection chamber are all located by the hand-grip - and a brushed-aluminum tube delivers the suction to the business end of the vacuum and it's powerful motorized beater-brush.
But this Samsung has some advantages over my, albeit older, Dyson cordless. The Samsung uses a rechargeable battery - just like almost every other cordless device in production - my Dyson requires a charging station that holds the entire battery and motor assembly. The most impressive improvements that Samsung has made over the Dyson is in the balance of where things fit around your hand - in the Samsung, all of the weight is either below the hand or under the hand so your hand isn't trying to lift as well as navigate.
Samsung is advertising that you might get as much as 40 minutes of vacuuming on a single charge but that is absurd - as the owner of a long-haired dog, I will never know if my vacuum has a lower power setting (according to Samsung: "Stated run time applies to the minimum power level with a non motorized tool attached"). I'm getting about ten minutes on a charge with everything maxed-out and I'm very pleased with that. Their better claim for me is that they predict that their batteries will still be working at 70% capacity after five years of use (even Consumer Reports has a blanket disclaimer about their reviews of older cordless models before Samsung because of widespread battery failure after several years).
As with all cordless stick vacuums, the collection chamber is very small and needs to be emptied a LOT - but I think that is a necessary trade-off for the balance and weight considerations (note - this Samsung is under six pounds!).
Comes with standard brush and crevice tools and with a powerful mini motorized beater-brush tool (really well designed).
My last comment about this is an important one and it revolves (pun intended) around the designation of this vacuum as a "pet" vacuum. For most vacuums, I think that the "pet" designation is just a marketing term/ploy. But the beater-brush on this Samsung has a very thin brush (again...turned by a powerful motor) - and that thin brush will pull hair into the chamber but does not spin a web of irretractable pet hair into the brushes. So after vacuuming several rooms of pet hair, I might need to pluck a few hairs out from the brush, but I don't need to use scissors and pliers to detangle the beater brush. So: excellent design on the extraction end here.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
5of 6voted this as helpful.
 
Say goodbye to clutter and hello to this multi-functional Toaster Oven Air fryer! Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes with ease and convenience using the Chefman Toast-Air Convection Oven + Air Fryer. No more heating up your kitchen with a full-size oven – get the same results as a traditional convection oven with the convenience of countertop cooking for faster and more evenly cooked food. This countertop convection oven is a useful tool in any busy kitchen with variable temperature controls and cooking functions to air fry, bake, broil, convection bake, toast, and warm, as well as a temperature range from 200-450° F to set at the desired temperature. 7 preset options make any kitchen task easy, while the interior cooking light allows you to easily monitor cooking process. The extra-large 20-liter interior can fit up to 6 slices of toast and most baking pans. With the highly efficient rapid air technology and high-speed convection system, you can get even, crispy fried texture using little to no oil. The rack positioning is designed for maximum space and even air flow – if using multiple racks, rotate them halfway through for best results. The air fryer function is perfect for cooking once-frozen leftover foods and making them taste fresh again. Feeling some toast? This counter oven features an option to select the desired level of toast, from light to dark. With a 60-minute countdown timer and ready signal bell, you always know when your food is ready; the unit automatically shuts off when the door is opened for added safety. Air fry basket, flat wire rack, broil pan, and crumb tray are easily removable and dishwasher safe for convenience and quick clean up; non-stick interior and stainless-steel exterior wipe down easily. With the cookbook included, it’s even easier to conquer any cooking need with this toaster-oven air fryer and enjoy the benefits!
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Solid Air Fryer / Toaster Oven Combo
on November 10, 2020
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
Although the (somewhat) egg-shaped single function air fryers are still very popular, they take up noticeable counter real estate for their single function. Multi-function ovens like this Chefman are rolling out now and they improve and expand the functions of the basic air fryer.
Like a traditional toaster oven, this has heating elements above for broiling, and heating elements below for baking - but it has controllable convection (fans) to circulate the hot air to assist in the evenness of cooking and to reduce cooking times. Settings are simple and intuitive - there is no digital display here, just four knobs.
The convection feature and more compact size allow the oven to heat-up very quickly and I found that the oven maintained temperatures extremely well.
It has a pull-out crumb tray, a baking/broiling pan, a removable wire rack, and (of course) an air-fry basket (which is just a wire basket that allows hot air to circulate vertically through the food instead of heating strictly above and below).
Comes with a recipe book that includes a few simple recipes that, unfortunately, do not really highlight each of the cooking settings available (broil, convection broil, toast, bake, convection bake, and air fry) - if you want to understand how to take full advantage of all the features here, you'll probably need to invest in a cookbook designed to be used with a combo oven like this one.
That one gripe aside, this is a great new convection toaster oven.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Bose Sleepbuds II deliver relaxing sounds that help you fall asleep, and use Bose noise-masking technology so you stay asleep. Tiny, wireless Sleepbuds II are designed for comfort with sleep technology clinically proven to help you fall asleep faster. Sleepbuds II play content only from the Bose Sleep app, which gives you full control of the Sound Library and helps you personalize features. Discover tranquil tones and soothing sounds from nature. Or, use Bose noise-masking sounds to cover unwanted nighttime noise. Download your favorite sounds directly to Sleepbuds II, control volume, and set a personal wake-up alarm. Sleepbuds II feature proprietary eartips made of soft silicone for a comfortable, secure fit. Sleep on your back or side, or rollover during the night, they’ll stay put. Get up to ten hours of battery life from a single charge, enough for a full night’s sleep — and three additional charges from the portable case.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Subtle But Noticeable Improvements
on October 24, 2020
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
A reminder that these are not earbuds - they do not play music from your mobile device.
These are incredibly comfortable ear inserts from Bose that can mask ambient noises and can provide soothing sounds from their library. They are designed to assist your sleep in distracting environments.
And when I say they are comfortable, I mean that you become unaware of them after about 15 seconds. Their physical design might have had subtle improvements, but their comfort was obviously at the forefront of their design from the beginning. These are designed so that you can sleep with them - you can do that without distraction and without any fear that they might fall out of your ear.
For me, the noise cancelling effect is the selling point, but the Bose application (yes, there is always an application) gives you access to a library of relaxing soundscapes - EXTREMELY clear and quiet sounds designed to soothe and pacify the user.
It is difficult to describe Bose's library of sounds because there is nothing I know of that I can compare the sounds to - quiet and crystal clear, engaging and immediately soothing, and looping but not immediately recognizable. Their library of sounds is developed to give you a peaceful sound environment where you can sleep soundly - these are SLEEPbuds.
As in their initial release, their charging container can charge the buds again when it has, itself, been fully charged.
This is a VERY niche product - designed for people who are plagued by sleep problems in noisy environments (and, I think more importantly, for people who are overwhelmed by airplane noise when travelling - though our current pestilence might make that less common right now). But Bose, once again, gets this crazy niche product exactly right.
Most people can't imagine why you might need earbuds that don't play your music for you - this is a very different beast and it is designed to address a specific need that you might not have considered - and it addresses that need exceptionally well.
This is not a device for everybody - but it is the perfect device for some people.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Revolutionize cooking with the Bella Pro Series 4.2-qt. Analog Air Fryer. The High Performance Circular Heat Technology and the powerful 1500-watt heating system delivers fast, crispy, and evenly cooked food every time. Time saving appliance with up to 50% faster preheat than a conventional oven. Large 3.6-lb. food capacity for your favorite foods, including; fried chicken, roasted salmon, French fries, kale chips, and homemade guilt free donuts. Adjustable temperature from 175°F to 400°F and integrated 60-minute auto shutoff timer with audible tone and indicator lights. The matte black finish adds style to any kitchen. Easy clean up with a dishwasher-safe, PFOA-free non-stick pan and crisping tray.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Well Priced Small Format "Air Fryer"
on October 18, 2020
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
A reminder that an "Air Fryer" is just some variation of a convection oven - it's a heating element with a fan - you can't fry with air so most of these devices rely on efficiently heating items that have been coated with a little bit of oil.
Since most US ovens aren't air-circulating ovens, these devices can work wonders.
All similar devices have something of a food containment drawer with enough surrounding space to allow for the circulation of hot air. The greatest effort that is recommended is that you periodically remove the drawer and shake the contents to promote overall evenness of heat throughout the cooking process.
Small air fryer appliances like this one are not really best at cooking things from scratch - this isn't a little oven. But for reheating frozen foods (french fries, onion rings, pre-cooked chicken wings, chicken strips, ...), these devices are unparalleled.
The 4.2 qt. capacity is meaningless (since you won't be filling this with water?). In action, it would be perfect for a dorm room (in non-pandemic times) or for reheating foods in a small apartment (it doesn't take up much space). Great for a couple who might depend on reheating foods frequently - great for anybody with a couple kids who depend on reheated frozen foods.
My attached picture: frozen onion rings.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
+55points
64of 73voted this as helpful.
 
The microwave that does it all, the Panasonic Home Chef 4-in-1 Multi-Oven has four separate functions—Convection Bake Oven, an Air Fryer, a FlashXpress Broiler and a 1000W Inverter Microwave—to help make every meal a masterpiece. Whether you are doing the most simple reheating or undertaking your next culinary adventure, HomeCHEF lets you savor warm, perfectly-cooked insides and crispy browned outsides. With 6 possible cooking options to choose from, including combination Convection + Microwave and Broil + Microwave, you’ll never run out of options for making fast, flavorful meals.With a roomy 1.2 Cu.Ft interior capacity, the HomeCHEF accommodates a 14.2” turntable—large enough to fit a 9”x13” baking dish or a whole chicken. Cook quickly and easily using the 1-Touch Genius Sensor Reheat, Turbo Defrost, 20 Automatic Cook Menu Presets. The stainless steel countertop combination oven can also be built-in using an optional trim kit – NN-TK81KCS, sold separately.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Incredible Evolution Of The Toaster Oven
on October 16, 2020
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
"Multi-Oven Microwave," as a description, doesn't do this device justice. It is the toaster oven equivalent of the InstaPot.
This is such a unique release...I'm not sure how to even begin reviewing it. But this is what I have to offer:

(1) This is a medium-sized microwave from Panasonic featuring their "iNVERTER precision cook technology" which I have tested in one of their larger microwave ovens. I am a huge fan of the technology with some strong opinions about their interfaces. Consumer Reports has not weighed-in on this model but has Panasonic microwaves at the tops of their lists.
(2) Into this incredible microwave oven, they have engineered the functions of many (much smaller) convection ovens - like ancient toaster ovens that have been turbo-charged with convection fans and smarter broiler functions.
(3) They provide a quick start cooking guide where their recipes seem to have been developed to help the reader understand all the available functions of this unique device.
(4) Their owner's manual is one of the best written and most comprehensive owner's manuals I have seen in YEARS.
I have a couple caveats for this Panasonic's "HomeChef":
- This is not a magic trick...it gives you MANY options to help you simplify food preparation but it can't make the best decisions for you.
- The owner's manual is very long and very detailed and has all the answers to your food preparation questions...but that means that you need to be willing to read and learn to tame this beast.
- I am not totally sold on their interface here - I think they maximized the simplification in a realm that needs to represent a complex array of functions. Gotta go back and refer to the owner's manual - the subtleties of operation here are not instinctive.
Complexities of operation aside (READ THE MANUAL!), this mid-sized device is nothing short of amazing. It lives up to every promise it makes. It is an incredible evolution of the old toaster oven concept, but it solves a host of other needs (and requires a bit more attention from the user now).
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Designed for the perfect puree. This KitchenAid® Variable Speed Corded Hand Blender features an 8" removable blending arm with 4-point stainless steel blade to blend everything from smoothies, to milk shakes, soups, sauces and so much more. It is easy to use with the variable speed trigger switch and includes a US patented removal pan guard to help protect your cookware. The 3-Cup BPA-Free Blending Jar with lid is great for individual blending jobs, and can be used to serve direct from or to store your blended creation for a later use.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Well Designed Hand Blender For The Home
on September 23, 2020
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
If you've never used a hand blender before, it might seem wholly unnecessary or like an extravagance - until you use it. I call them immersion blenders and they have become widely available now and recipes that use them abound. On the fancy end of the spectrum are homemade Hollandaise sauce or mayonnaise in literally a couple minutes. On the incredible utilitarian end is pureeing soups in the pot while they are cooking. Also great for milkshakes, smoothies, and baby food.
These devices operate like handheld reverse blenders - the blending mechanism (indistinguishable from one at the bottom of a standard blender) is used from above what you are blending - the angle and movement of the blending wand draws what you are blending through the device.
The actual blending wand twists off the motor for easy and safer cleaning (it cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher!). The corded motor is plenty strong for just about any non-commercial use.
A single button initiates the motor and controls the speed of the blender - it's simple, intuitive, and easy to understand and operate.
There are no recipes included - but there is an internet full of them.
It comes with a three-cup blending jar with lid - for smaller tasks , a somewhat narrow enclosure forces the fluid to cycle and blend very quickly. The plastic jar and lid are dishwasher-safe.
A curious inclusion here is a plastic device they call a pan guard - it snaps on the bottom of the blending mechanism to prevent the metal edge from scratching the bottom of you metal pans (see picture). A great little detail from KitchenAid.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+10points
11of 12voted this as helpful.
 
The Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with Strong Brew Selector lets you brew a bolder cup of coffee. The coffee maker also includes Brew Later and Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause features.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
No Surprises, One Disappointment
on September 23, 2020
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
Mr. Coffee has been producing similar devices since the early-to-mid-1970s. This model is a little more fancy but the operation is still basically the same so there are no surprises in the function of this coffee maker.
It has settings where you can program a delayed start time and where you can choose a stronger brewing cycle. It alerts you as to when you need to perform a cleaning cycle and it has a two-hour automatic shut-off. All settings and operations are intuitive.
One curious inclusion here is a water filtration "system." They describe it as a "carbon-based water filter" that "helps remove up to 97% of the chlorine from the water." It is a replaceable round filter that fits in a three-pronged filter holder which then sits on top of the filter basket - so you have to remove and replace the contraption every time you add or remove coffee grounds (see photo). Something else they want you to feel responsible for buying from them? Seems gimmicky AND poorly designed.
The single disappointment I have with this coffeemaker is that it came with neither trial coffee filters or, preferably, a permanent mesh filter - but they show one as a potential coffeemaker extra. Why would anybody sell a coffeemaker without any filters - surely a few paper filters wouldn't raise the production costs considerably.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
+1point
4of 7voted this as helpful.
 
Feel relief aid anywhere, anytime with Compex® Ayre™ compression boots. Designed for therapists, coaches, elite and recreational athletes on-the-go, Ayre is a therapeutic product using intermittent pneumatic compression. When exercising, the body builds up lactic acid as a biproduct of muscle contraction. Ayre compression boots work to break up these small molecules and send stimulus to your nervous system. These compression boots are designed to help improve blood flow and circulation in the legs by mobilizing lactic acid, access fluids, and other toxins. Compex Ayre uses a dynamic pulsing compression up the limbs in waves for the duration of its use, which helps promote quick healing. Sit back, power up the boots, and enjoy your recovery for up to 60 minutes anywhere on a single charge.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A Well Designed Device With Many Caveats
on September 18, 2020
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
I think I would categorize this device as medically-adjacent. Devices similar to these are used in hospitals when people are bedridden for any length of time - they produce intermittent pressure to the legs to promote good blood flow. It is an intermittent pressure device for the full leg - it is not a massager.
The full-leg design is very nice - there are separate devices for each leg, the feet slip in, the the calves are zippered-in, and the thighs are enclosed using Velcro straps. The image suggests that they might be worn standing up but these are not something you will be walking around in.
Each boot has four separate pneumatic (air-inflated) chambers that intermittently inflate and deflate to improve blood flow in the lower extremities (I'm not completely sold about the removal of lactic acid). Pressure can be easily varied from slight to pretty strong pressure (50-120mmHg).
Controls are easy to access and use (at the top of each boot) and are rechargeable (yes, there are two chargers and the boots can be used while they are charging). They come with a protective case.
So to be clear here, these compression boots have a very specific design and function - they stimulate the legs in a way that improves blood flow for various types of recovery. That's kinda the thing for Compex - they also make massagers and tens units.
But for their specific function, they function beautifully. For a somewhat unfamiliar device, the controls are surprisingly intuitive. And I think that using a full-leg device seems like it would be more therapeutic than using a calf-sleeve.
These should also be considered with the following caveats:
(1) For some crazy reason, the Right/Left markings on my boots are reversed - how on earth could something like that happen?
(2) The product life expectancy is one year (according to the manual that was online and not included).
(3) Likely because of some of the electronic components, these are not supposed to be used in an oxygen-rich environment.
(4) Even when both sides are turned on simultaneously, the timing of the compressions and decompressions can get out of synchronization over time - not too annoying, but I found it to be odd.
(5) There are only two modes of use - one where the compressions cascade from the feet up (over the four pneumatic chambers) - and one where all the chambers compress then decompress at once.
I'm not sure how they managed to suggest a one year life expectancy. The boots feel very well made and not likely to tear or rip with normal usage.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Malwarebytes Premium protects against malware, including viruses, ransomware, and spyware, without slowing you down. It removes any existing infections and proactively prevents future ones. It also defends against phishing scams, fake or malicious websites, infected ads, credit card skimmers and credential stealers. Expand your protection to your other devices (computers, smartphones, or tablets).
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Mighty, Fast
on September 15, 2020
Posted by: VADarkstar
from Portsmouth, VA
Malwarebytes Free has always been an element of my arsenal. I have gotten very lazy with it, though. I never open emails that I don't recognize at some level. I'm not downloading files like crazy anymore - haven't used my uTorrent to download anything in a couple years now. So I feel safe.
But I got a chance to review their premium edition (which is available for three devices). And this is an incredible installation for me (at least for PC - more on that later).
Download and installation are effortless - Malwarebytes has been on top of this for years now.
Once I agreed to let them scan my PC and to allow them to scan it regularly, I got a surprise - within seconds of committing, they identified a toxic file in my system whose source I could not reconcile. And the program identified it so quickly that it kinda startled me.
Sometimes, little accomplishments like this remind you of the value of well-developed applications.
Malwarebytes for Android is not the aerodynamic racehorse that Malwarebytes for Windows is. My initial phone scan on a VERY fast phone took almost four minutes (PC version took several seconds). But I'll give the Android version some space because I felt that the scan was actually looking for problematic software (I had none).
Free or paid or premium, this has been and continues to be incredible software. I'm a very careful and responsible computer user - and I am always thankful for the alerts I get from Malwarebytes that I didn't expect. For someone living closer to the internet's edge, I think that Malwarebytes would be indispensable,
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
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