BenisJ's stats
- Review count117
- Helpfulness votes465
- First reviewDecember 7, 2014
- Last reviewApril 16, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
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- Answer count18
- Helpfulness votes54
- First answerJanuary 30, 2017
- Last answerAugust 30, 2021
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Press ULT and feel the incredible power of sound and bass. ULT1 delivers deep low frequency, and ULT2 brings ultra-bass. Set the vibe with 360 Reality Audio, personalized EQs, and premium noise canceling sound-technologies for the ultimate audio experience. Find yourself at the center of your music wherever you are.
Posted by: BenisJ
As an audiophile, I love (may even be addicted to) noise canceling (NC) headphones whether over-the-ear or in-ear buds. This is my fourth pair of over-the-ear Sony NC headphones, having previously owned and reviewed the Sony WHCH720N, Sony WH-1000XM4, and Sony 1000XM2. With each release, Sony ups the game. My 1000XM2 headphones sounded amazing, but unfortunately did not hold up as well as I had hoped and cracked, thus leading to my 1000XM4 (purchased and reviewed in 2020) which I still wear on a regular basis. That alone should speak to the improvement in construction, comfort, battery life and quality of Sony's higher-end NC headphones.
My interest in the Sony WH-ULT900N was the "ULT" (I am assuming it stands for ULTimate bass) element. My music tastes are fairly wide ranging from 60s/70s hippie and classic rock, 80s hair bands/rap/pop, 90s grunge/alt/rock/pop/hip hop, 00s alt/rock/club/rap/hop/metal and modern alternative/rock. This means I run the gamut on bass. Obviously, the 60s-80s music is a bit lacking in bass. The 90s introduced more prominent bass lines in rock and hip hop and rap. Modern music has found a way to tighten and strengthen bass without being overwhelming...usually.
When I am in full-on "dad mode" (i.e. riding the lawn mower and shuffling nearly nearly 7 decades of music) I often have the desire to quickly change the bass EQ--especially when my shuffle jumps from REM's "Superman" to Billie Eilish's "bad guy." My WH-1000XM4 headphones actually handled the transition "okay" but the Sony WH-ULT900N "ULT button" gives me the freedom to quickly adjust the bass without having to touch my phone or tweak an EQ app with each new song that comes on. [See my testing list of songs below and the "sweet spot" for ULT. Hint: It is usually "1"--or moderate boost.]
COMFORT/FIT: As with any over-the-ear, noise canceling headphones, there is body and weight to the headphones, but it is on par with previous versions of Sony's higher-end NC headphones and the weight is not too much for all day wear. They do get a bit warm and sweaty if you are active. I would NOT wear these during a workout. Even just mowing the lawn the cups get a bit moist. A small sacrifice for the outstanding noise cancelation and sound quality, though.
BATTERY: My previous Sony headphones have all lived up to the battery charge/life promise delivered in the product specs. These headphones will hold a charge of 30hrs (NC on, 50hrs if NC is off), quick charge to 90 minutes with just 3 minutes on a modern charger or 5hrs of charge with just 10 minutes on your charger.
IN THE BOX: One of the BEST bonuses of buying Sony NC headphones is that they usually come with a case for storage. These headphones include a stylish, hard-shelled storage case to safely fold and store your headphones. Also included is a USB-A to USB-C charging cable but no charger. An AUX cable is included for wired connectivity.
BLUETOOTH: I find the "dual device connectivity" useful as I often work listening to music or video conferencing through the laptop with the need to have cell phone connected to the headphones. The headphones switch between devices for me on the fly when the phone rings.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: The app, which was the same used for previous Sony NC headphones, gives you multiple options like turning on/off the dual device ("Multi-Point Connectivity) bluetooth option, an EQ (see photo), noise cancelation customization, a music player, a list of connected devices, and control over settings like "power off after X minutes" or "pause music when headphones are taken off." It is also worth noting that while the headphones themselves have the ULT button, a power button and a NC on/off button, additional controls like volume, skip, pause, etc. are touch controlled by swiping your finger on the surface of the right muff. Again, same controls as previous models, but you will want to take a moment to review the touch control settings so you don't accidentally hang up on an important call.
OVERALL I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT for anyone who wants easy bass boosting with a manual button on a quality pair of noise canceling headphones. The battery life and charging are spectacular improvements. The audio quality is among the best and is fully customizable with the app. Noise cancelation is above average and equally as good (if not better) as any other NC headphones at this price point. Dual device bluetooth connectivity is a bonus. They can be worn without discomfort for hours as long as you don't mind a bit of ear warmth. Construction seems solid with a fair amount of sturdiness even though much of the material is plastic. I honestly cannot come up with anything I do not like about these headphones.
(Some of the) Music used to review:
Pearl Jam: Dark Matter (strong opening bass line) - ULT at "1"
Twenty One Pilots: Heathens - ULT at "1"
Notorious BIG: Hypnotize - ULT at "2"
Sub Urban: Cradles - ULT at "1"
Post Malone: Wow - ULT at "2"
Bon Jovi: You Give Love A Bad Name - ULT at "0" or "1"
Information Society: What's On Your Mind - ULT at "2"
Metallica: Nothing Else Matters - ULT at "1"
Fall Out Boy: Uma Thurman - ULT at "0"
Twenty One Pilots: Heathens - ULT at "1"
Notorious BIG: Hypnotize - ULT at "2"
Sub Urban: Cradles - ULT at "1"
Post Malone: Wow - ULT at "2"
Bon Jovi: You Give Love A Bad Name - ULT at "0" or "1"
Information Society: What's On Your Mind - ULT at "2"
Metallica: Nothing Else Matters - ULT at "1"
Fall Out Boy: Uma Thurman - ULT at "0"
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Logitech Zone 300 is the essential wireless Bluetooth headset with great audio quality for work and downtime. Move freely about your home or office and stay reliably connected with multipoint Bluetooth, up to 98 ft away. Meet with anyone on your preferred calling platform with this wireless headset with microphone. Dual noise-canceling mics on the extended mic boom suppress background sound and allow others to hear you clearly. Enhanced speakers mean you can also hear just as well.
Customer Rating
4
Great for all-day office use!
on April 8, 2024
Posted by: BenisJ
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- 16/20hrs of battery life (voice/audio)
- 5min quick charge = 1 hr talk time
- 2hr full charge
- USBC (C-to-C cable included in box)
- Fits my large head well
- Dual BT connectivity (i.e. connect to laptop and cell phone simultaneously so they are ready to answer the phone or a video call on the fly)
- Great quality for video/phone calls; average audio quality for music (for their size and purpose)
- Boom stick mute (flip mic boom up to mute your outbound audio automatically...regardless of whether or not your app reflects MUTE ON)
- Easy pairing
- Sidetone control
- Very lightweight
- 16/20hrs of battery life (voice/audio)
- 5min quick charge = 1 hr talk time
- 2hr full charge
- USBC (C-to-C cable included in box)
- Fits my large head well
- Dual BT connectivity (i.e. connect to laptop and cell phone simultaneously so they are ready to answer the phone or a video call on the fly)
- Great quality for video/phone calls; average audio quality for music (for their size and purpose)
- Boom stick mute (flip mic boom up to mute your outbound audio automatically...regardless of whether or not your app reflects MUTE ON)
- Easy pairing
- Sidetone control
Cons
- No "audio over USB" so you have to BT connect to use the headphones, but the flipside is you can charge them while using them
- Boom mic angle is basically 120° and not 360° thus the mic must be on the left
- I am going to break them shoving them in a backpack or drawer at some point; 99% plastic
- Might not work with all gaming systems like the PS5 (per website--I cannot test that)
- Minimal EQ effect from a musical audio standpoint
- Lots of ambient surround noise makes it to your own ears, even though it is canceled out for your audience
- I fumble to identify the control buttons with my thumb while wearing the headphones
- No "audio over USB" so you have to BT connect to use the headphones, but the flipside is you can charge them while using them
- Boom mic angle is basically 120° and not 360° thus the mic must be on the left
- I am going to break them shoving them in a backpack or drawer at some point; 99% plastic
- Might not work with all gaming systems like the PS5 (per website--I cannot test that)
- Minimal EQ effect from a musical audio standpoint
- Lots of ambient surround noise makes it to your own ears, even though it is canceled out for your audience
- I fumble to identify the control buttons with my thumb while wearing the headphones
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE that the noise canceling feature is in the MICROPHONE, not in the headphones themselves, therefore you will still hear all the noises around you while wearing the headphones. Your audience, however, should not be impacted (as much) by the noisiness of your environment.
Logi Tune App lets you do some EQ stuff but the impact is minimal for music. The pre-set EQ for volume boost and podcast are useful if your primary goal for this headset is vocal. The app also let's you control SIDETONE. Sidetone is the ability to hear your own voice through the headphones. If you prefer to hear more of your own voice in a conversation, you can push sidetone toward 100%. Less sidetone means you are essentially "turning down the volume of yourself to yourself."
Overall, good for the price. Comfortable for all day use. Decent charge time and battery life. A bit flimsy and likely high-risk of breaking if not careful. If you don't have a BT headset for gaming or the office, the Zone 300 is a great starting point. Would recommend if you are comfortable with "average" for incoming sound quality and "above average" for mic quality.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker with Rapid Cold Brew brews everything from a single-serve cup, to a travel mug, to a carafe—no pods required. Plus, enjoy Classic, Rich, and Over Ice coffee, as well as fresh cold brew, now on your countertop. With a keep warm function and 24-hour Delay Brew option, you can wake up to hot coffee every morning.
Customer Rating
5
Quick, delicious coffee with options
on March 14, 2024
Posted by: BenisJ
About 7 years ago I was sold on the Ninja/Shark branded small appliances, home environment and cooking line of products. The "Ninja Hot & Iced XL Coffee Maker with Rapid Cold Brew" is the latest appliance to find a permanent home on our countertop (complementing our Ninja Foodi air fryer, Ninja Foodie cookware, Ninja Blender(s) and the Shark vacuum/wet mop that cleans up the kitchen floor).
First and foremost, the Ninja line of products has yet to disappoint. Every product we have purchased (including our previous Ninja Coffee Maker - 2019) is still functioning as well as it did on day one. That being said, calcium build-up on our old Ninja likely resulted in a small but noticeable water leak if we pre-filled the coffee maker's water the night before. Consequently, we took advantage of the opportunity to replace our old Ninja with this hot/cold brew model.
I am not a cold brew person, but I did take a moment to give it a try. I made a half pot (which looked a bit more like a third of a pot when all was said and done) of "over ice" brew with the idea of pouring it over ice, caramel sweetener, and shot of coffee flavored adult beverage. :-) While I am still not a cold brew drinker, I could see myself occasionally making a late afternoon iced coffee in the future while enjoying a warm summer afternoon. More importantly though, the flavor of the "cold brew" was actually pretty true even after being poured over ice.
The cold brew took about 10 minutes, as best I can guess, to finish. Although not "cold" (i.e. not refrigerator cold) it was way colder than any coffee I'd normally drink which helped minimize ice melt. I suppose that is important to note for iced coffee aficionados.
As for the HOT coffee, this Ninja makes a darn good pot of coffee--and quickly! This model does not have the built-in frother our previous Ninja has, nor does it have an insulated pot like the old one. Consequently, we get a little more coffee per pot than our previous Ninja. [Note, the insulated pot apparently holds 10c vs. 12c with the glass pot.]
Capable of 8 different sizes of brew and 4 different styles (classic hot, rich hot, over ice and cold brewed), selection and operation are fairly simple:
- Measurements on the side of the removable water tank* are clearly labeled for the desired output amount.
- Integrated coffee filter basket (removeable if you prefer to use paper filters) and on-board measuring spoon make it easy to load the right amount of coffee without the need of disposable filters.
- A simple knob lets you choose the "amount and size" coffee you want--displayed in OUNCES which is VERY NICE given "small" means nothing to me but I do know my thermos holds 16 oz.
- Each style (hot rich, hot classic, cold brew, over ice) has its own button which also starts the coffee making process.
- Integrated coffee filter basket (removeable if you prefer to use paper filters) and on-board measuring spoon make it easy to load the right amount of coffee without the need of disposable filters.
- A simple knob lets you choose the "amount and size" coffee you want--displayed in OUNCES which is VERY NICE given "small" means nothing to me but I do know my thermos holds 16 oz.
- Each style (hot rich, hot classic, cold brew, over ice) has its own button which also starts the coffee making process.
*The removeable water tank also has a removeable lid/cover. Our previous Ninja had an attached, hinged lid. I prefer a hinged lid if only because I need to find a place to set a detached lid while filling the tank with filtered fridge water. Minor inconvenience, obviously.
Hot coffee comes out extremely hot. The warming tray automatically kicks on as the coffee is made and has its own "off" button should you wish to turn it off. A glowing light will remain lit to let you know when the warmer is hot to the touch. The entire unit will automatically power off if you forget.
The delay brew setting (up to 24 hours) is easy to use and very practical when you want to wake up to freshly made coffee. There is also a "clean" button that will let you run a solution (we use water + vinegar) through the coffee maker with virtually no effort on your end. I have yet to run the cleaning/descaling process on this coffee maker, but the previous Ninja took about 60 minutes to self-clean.
We don't have many negative things to say about this coffee maker aside from the tank lid design change (detachable instead of attached). The coffee maker is fairly tall and only has about 3" to spare under our cupboards. That can make pulling the water tank in and out a bit awkward if we don't move the coffee maker toward us first. And of course, comparing it to our previous model, we don't have an onboard frother but a battery operated frother can easily be bought for $10-$15.
Overall, this is another great Ninja-branded appliance. We would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this coffee maker to anyone who has simple hot AND cold coffee needs, or the desire to make small batch coffee w/o the waste of K-Cups. [Note: This coffee maker is NOT K-Cup compatible.] For more bells and whistles (i.e. espresso setting, built-in frother, tea, etc.) you will want to step up a model, but you won't go wrong with a Ninja.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet the ultra-powerful Shark FlexBreeze Fan with InstaCool misting attachment. Outdoor & indoor, cordless & corded, transforms from pedestal & tabletop with 70 ft range and 24-hour runtime. The InstaCool misting attachment easily connects to your hose and rapidly reduces temperatures to feel up to 10 degrees cooler. Incredibly quiet, even at high speed. Rain and UV resistance for outdoor use.
Customer Rating
5
Portable and Rechargeable
on February 20, 2024
Posted by: BenisJ
I have been thinking about installing misters around my deck for several years to combat hot summer afternoons, then I found this fan!
First, let me say that at the time of this review, I could use this fan to make artificial snow...so speaking to the effectiveness of the "cooling" sensation is tough when you are bundled up in a winter coat. Nonetheless, the mist is fairly fine and I have stood in front of similar style misting fans so I am pretty confident the "cooling mist" sensation will be fine on those hot, humid summer afternoons.
I honestly did not realize that the fan was "table top" in addition to "on the stand." I planned on using it on the stand all along outside, but the fact that you can pull the fan unit out of the stand and open up legs to put it on a table is pretty nice. While in the stand or on a table, you can plug it in if necessary. Plus, it will charge AND operate while plugged in.
With multiple speed settings (5), I can confidently say that the two lowest settings are *virtually* noiseless. Of course, as you ramp up to top speed, the noise increases but quieter than a $25 box fan on high.
There are multiple oscillation settings ranging from 45-90-180 degrees of motion. Like with the fan speed, the oscillation range is discreetly displayed on the front of the fan. Simply click through the oscillation button or the speed button to cycle through the settings. Up/Down tilting (up to 55 degrees) is manual.
The battery life is pretty good if you keep it on low, no oscillating. I believe it is rated at 27 hours of operation in this mode. With each speed increase, however, you decrease the battery life by about 50%. Add the oscillation and you lose another 30% on top of that. So, on "medium" with oscillation it would appear you will get about 5 hours of use. Per the manufacturer, 0-100% charged in 5 hours. There are "indicator" lights letting you know % of charge left, but because of the various speed options it cannot give you an accurate "time remaining." (See pictured for battery life breakdown.)
Although this is an outdoor rated fan, do not run it plugged in in the rain. Additionally, the owner's manual online suggests that it comes with a cover for the fan. That must be an optional component as on was not in my box.
There is a tiny remote that magnetically attaches to the back of the fan. Pretty nice feature! In addition to controlling fan speed and oscillation, if you have the fan in "stationary" mode, the remote has a button that lets you "angle" it about 15 degrees left or right in case you sit down and realize it isn't blowing on you the way you wanted. Very convenient feature. Very nice to be able to store it on the fan itself.
The fan is not too heavy (14 lbs) and has a nice handle up top.
The only "con" I have is that there isn't a way to operate in mist mode without attaching a garden hose. It would be nice if there was some sort of water reservoir/pump you could attach so that you don't have to drag the hose out the whole time you are using it outdoors with the mister.
Overall, super-satisfied.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Shark NeverChange Air Purifier is designed for 10x longer filter life, saving you $300 or more in filter replacement costs over 5 years*. It captures 99.98% of airborne particles like allergens*, dust, and dander (based on IEST-RP-CC007.3, 0.1-0.2 microns). It covers up to 650 sq. ft. for powerful, multi-room purification. Odor Neutralizer Technology guards against odors throughout your home, releasing a fresh scent into your air for 2x better odor reduction vs. filtration alone, Based on ASTM E544 vs. HP150 with filter and carbon only, after 30 minutes. *Allergen refers to non-living matter. *Vs. cost of replacing filters on a competitor unit over 5-year period in 300 square foot space.
Posted by: BenisJ
While it is difficult to review the "never change" claim of this air purifier, I have been a staunch supporter of Ninja/Shark products over the years for their quality and reliability.
First item of note is that this air purifier is VERY QUIET. We use it (650 sq ft model) primarily in a basement work environment where odors and dust can accumulate. The 5yr filter means we shouldn't need to worry about this air filter for quite some time. Our previous room air purifier was requesting new filters every 3 months at a rather steep cost.
The operation is very simple (please pay attention when unboxing as there are many parts that need to have plastic coatings/tap/bags removed from them): Turn it on, walk away. [Auto mode--or Clean Sense IQ--is set by default.]
The color-coded ring is a great way to quickly catch air quality with BLUE suggesting the air quality is great, YELLOW suggesting the air quality is fair and RED suggesting you have significant particulate matter in your air.
You can control the fan speed if you prefer and schedule an auto-off timer. Additionally, you can control the brightness of the air purifier's display screen, turn on a "child lock," and get various technical readouts of particulate matter detected in your room.
The "dust filter life" will let you know if you have to perform any maintenance to the removeable mesh screens that trap larger particulate matter that can be vacuumed off the mesh screens are washed with water.
The only feature I do not care for with this air purifier is the "odor neutralizer" (aka "Glade Plug-in") as I am sensitive to smell of chemical air fresheners. After one day of use, I opted to remove the odor neutralizer from the device.
To verify the device was actually doing something, we did spray a couple chemicals in the vicinity of the device and noticed a change in readings almost immediately.
Overall, I am very satisfied. I like that there is some maintenance I can perform myself (i.e. cleaning of screens when the device prompts), I love how quiet it is in auto mode. ECO mode is a great option to extend the life of the filter. I do NOT need to install an app to operate the device. I do NOT need to use the "odor neutralizer."
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Sharper Image Powerboost Deep Tissue Percussion Massager is the ultimate post-workout recovery tool. This advanced massage gun uses deep tissue percussion to target sore muscles and tight knots. Adjust the percussion's strength to any of the 7 built-in speed settings to cater to your body's needs. With 6 unique attachments, you can easily tailor your recovery process. The Powerboost is whisper quiet and features a user-friendly LED touch screen display for seamless operation. Enjoy up to 3 hours of uninterrupted use with a single charge and bring it with you for on-the-go recovery.
Customer Rating
5
Great First Massage Gun
on January 9, 2024
Posted by: BenisJ
The Sharper Image Powerboost Deep Tissue Massager is an impressive and relatively inexpensive massaging gun. Pros include a 3hr rated battery, a case that securely holds the various attachments and the gun, and a relatively quiet motor (depending on the speed level you choose). The only major "cons" would be "bouncing" (more on that later) against bone at low settings, weight, and the power/settings control.
While I have tried all the attachments, I really only need 3 or 4 of them. The "fork" is useful along the spine. The two different "ball" attachments are good along fleshy muscle (thighs, calves, triceps, etc.). The "flat" attachment I use a lot for the lower back and shoulder blades. There is an included pamphlet suggesting which attachments to use for various body parts and muscles.
Relief comes quickly, which is fortunate because the massage gun is a bit heavy (2 lbs, slightly unbalanced) and all that vibrating can be rough on the hands--especially if you are arthritic. I have not used another gun to know how the weight/vibration compares, but I am assuming most weigh about the same. I would venture to guess that cheaper guns are probably louder as this gun is pretty quiet especially on the lower settings. I definitly love the "numbing" relief that comes at level 6 or 7 (high) and the deeper relief that comes at a lower setting. It is worth noting that at lower settings (1-3) if you apply too much pressure especially in an area with bone (i.e. spine, hips) you can essentially knock the device out of rhythm and get more of a "painful jackhammer" effect of the head bouncing against bone. It is awkward and hurts, but you will quickly learn not to use too much pressure against your body while at a low setting. As for the speed settings themselves, they offer a good range from "slow to fast" but you must cycle through settings in one direction: low to high. So if you are at a 4 (medium) and would like to switch to a 2 (low), you must cycle up to 5, 6, 7, 1 before you get to setting 2. Longpress the power icon on the device's touch screen to turn it off, or the middle of the screen to increase speeds. There is an illuminated circle of bars to indicate remaining time/charge on the massager.
Overall, a great starter (and perhaps permanent) massage gun for a good price with good battery life, options, and low noise.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The 800 cfm – 12-amp Electric Turbine Blower is, quite simply, the most powerful electric blower in the marketplace. Other 800 cfm (Cubic Feet per Minute) blowers don’t put out wind power at 135 mph. Physics shouldn’t allow it, but our engineers found a workaround. And even though you’re going to want to blow at that speed all the time, you can use the variable speed control to dial it down. When you need even more power than the 800 cfm/135 mph can provide, there’s the Hyper-Stream nozzle that focuses all the airflow right where you need it. Believe it or not, all that power can be controlled with one hand. The whole unit is only 6.6 lbs., and that amazing Turbine tech creates a wind tunnel that is easy to point. The cord retainer keeps extension cords from pulling apart, even on snags. And you don’t need any tools to put it together. Time to go clear that lawn.
Posted by: BenisJ
The three little pigs would not survive in the brick house if the big bad wolf had this electric blower! 135MPH at full power is crazy. Consequently, I should mention that at full power, this leaf blower is actually a bit difficult to control. Worx should have added a second handle to help hold/guide the blower. The kickback is pretty strong at 100% power, but manageable at the middle setting--which still moves leaves with relative ease. The lowest setting is solid for "sweeping" patios, driveways, etc. and can move smaller, lighter patio furniture and decorations if you are not careful.
Another note of caution: Do not wear loose, baggy clothing as the fan can easily pull athletic shorts or other nylon material (like a windbreaker) toward the fan element. There is a cover preventing clothing from getting sucked all the way in, but multiple times I noticed part of my clothing "stuck" to the blower when it was on.
As for noise, yeah, it is loud but probably quieter than most gas-powered models. I wear noise canceling over-the-ear headphones (and listen to music) while operating the blower which dramatically cuts down on the noise I hear but my guess is the neighbors weren't super thrilled I was blowing leaves while they were having a cookout.
Overall, this blower is incredibly powerful and with the exception of a second handle to help control it at full blast, this thing is great! I would highly recommend it assuming you have the upper body strength to control it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience day-long comfort and productivity with this wireless ergonomic keyboard and mouse combo. Typing feels instantly familiar on Wave Keys’ wavy keyframe design. The cushioned keyboard palm rest lifts pressure and improves wrist support. The Signature M550 L Wireless Mouse features a contoured shape and rubber side grip to keep medium- to large-sized hands comfortable throughout the day.
Customer Rating
5
Quiet, quality keyboard and mouse combo
on September 21, 2023
Posted by: BenisJ
The Wave Keys MK670 Combo ergonomic keyboard and mouse was just what I was looking for. Coming off the gold standard of the early 00's (the wired Microsoft ergo keyboard) I had been looking for an equally reliable, comfortable and wireless keyboard WITHOUT the need for a USB receiver. What attracted me to this combo was that it offers both the option to connect via Bluetooth or the included USB-A 2.4GHz receiver. Given I only have one USB-A port on my laptop, connecting via Bluetooth is a big deal to me. And of course, should I ever need to switch to the included USB receiver (which stores nicely in the base of the mouse or keyboard, concealed in the battery compartment) I can.
I have had other Logitech branded products from desktop speakers to mice and webcams so I trusted the brand to deliver a level of quality better than any off-brand, online merchandise.
The mouse is a bit bigger than my previous (JLab) mouse. It is taking some getting used to. It is comfortable but big. Control is decent. [Note: I had a one day issue where the scroll roller was not moving content in Edge. Could have been an Edge/system issue. I rebooted and the problem continued, then was gone the next day.] There is a textured rubber grip on either side of the mouse. I have had mice with rubber grips on the side that breaks down over the years and starts to peel. Hopefully that will not happen to this mouse. The roller is smooth. You can download their app to control mouse settings such as swap left/right click, speed of pointer, roller, etc. The app also lets you set up "actions" similar to "If this then that" statements, however, I have no use for that feature.
While the mouse may be bigger, the keyboard is way smaller than my old Microsoft ergo. I am adjusting to the small footprint and the slight "offness" of my typing. While still a curved keyboard, letters mostly feel like they are in the same place, but because there isn't a gap down the middle like with my previous MS keyboard, I find myself fumbling a bit reaching for "secondary keys" like backspace, alt, or control. The keyboard does feel a bit cramped--which is something I am 100% sure I will get used to--but the trade-off of gaining square footage on my desk is worth it. The only useful function of the MS keyboard that I wish the Logi keyboard had is a quick, dedicated button to launch the calculator app at the number pad.
As for battery life, time will tell. Duracell AAA were included (2x) in the keyboard. A single Duracell AA was include in the mouse. Ideally, I would have preferred these devices be USB-C rechargeable but assuming I get a solid year or more of use with fresh batteries I will be happy. I think Logi estimates 2yrs on the mouse, 3 on the keyboard which seems optimistic.
Overall, very satisfied to have a BT keyboard/mouse combo that does not require a dongle occupying a USB port--but grateful there is the option to use a 2.4GHz USB receiver if needed.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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You've got enough on your plate, let Yale get the door with the Yale Assure Lock 2. With multiple ways to unlock, the ability to easily share and track entry codes and advanced Auto-Lock with DoorSense, this Wi-Fi smart lock gives you one less thing to worry about. With built-in Wi-Fi, you can easily check in on home, from wherever you are.
Customer Rating
5
Easy Install, Works Flawlessly
on September 13, 2023
Posted by: BenisJ
Yale did a great job designing an easy to install, easy to set up smart lock. This is our second Yale smart lock, but our first with wifi connectivity. Our front door is a standard, solid core door 1.75" thick. How did I know this? Because Yale was smart enough to include, in the instruction book, a "ruler" page to help you determine (1) how thick your door is, (2) where your deadbolt opening should be centered, (3) how wide your deadbolt hole is if pre-drilled, and (4) where to mark your door to drill a hole if necessary. Determining the thickness also helps you determine what set of screws/bolts you will use in the installation. In my case: BLACK.
For me, all I had to do was remove the old, standard deadbolt (2 minutes) and install the new hardware (<15 minutes).
The Yale app is required to Bluetooth to the lock once the 4xAA batteries are installed. The app not only sets up the lock for you (including the option to set a new unlock code under "guests") but it also includes quick video guides for each piece of the installation.
Using the optional magnetic "door sense" module, you'll know not only if the door is locked/unlocked but also if it is open or closed. I chose, for now, to flush mount the door sense module but may decide to hide it in the framework of the door after seeing how easy it is to do so after watching Yale's hidden/flush mount installation video.
Aside from the option to no longer carry keys and the ability to give someone a temporary code to access the house to water plants while on vacation, I love that my lock is integrated with Google Assistant/Home. "Hey Google, is the front door locked? Yes, the front door is locked." "Hey Google, unlock the front door..." and a request for the unlock code automatically appears on my phone.
Stylish, functional, easy, Google Home integrated...what more could you want???
I would recommend this to a friend!
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It’s your day —own it with Samsung Galaxy Watch6. From the gym to the office, our large display keeps you in the know with simple navigation and a super easy-to-read screen. Work out smarter with personalized heart rate zones, and get insights for better rest with Advanced Sleep Coaching. Stay connected by using Galaxy Watch6 to call, text, play music and get notifications on the go. Plus, wherever the day takes you, own your look with a variety of customizable Watch bands and faces. Unlock your day’s full potential with Galaxy Watch6.
Customer Rating
4
Stylish with good battery life
on August 23, 2023
Posted by: BenisJ
This is my 3rd different brand of smart watch. My biggest complaint to date was the inability to reliably get a full, busy day of use out of the battery. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm version) pulls its weight with at least 24 hours of runtime [rated at 30hr/40hr depending on "always on" feature--I do not have mine set to always on nor do I have wifi always on]. The battery fast charges to 8hr of charge in 8 minutes per the website. I have operated the watch mostly as a bluetooth paired device with my Android phone.
The watch itself is very stylish, more so than its primary competitors, in my opinion. The band is very comfortable and easy to clasp and fits my wrist well. The screen pretty much goes right up to the edge--minimal wasted space on bezel.
The screen is bright and bold and easy to read. Built-in GPS means you ditch the phone but still track your exercise when walking, hiking, cycling, etc.
Although booting of the watch seems a bit sluggish, setup was easy. Essentially download the Galaxy Wearable app, turn bluetooth on on the phone, wait for the watch to give a code that you confirm over on the phone, then finish the setup and configuration on the phone. It took about 7 minutes including some time to do an update and a watch restart.
The internal guts of the watch (processor, speed, storage, etc.) are all fine and fast and ample for what I need. Health, fitness and sleep are all great aspects of this watch, but here's where Samsung starts to lose me...
There are too many uninstallable Samsung preloads on the watch. I live and die by Google apps and accounts and had hoped this Android driven watch would not come with too much bloatware. Even if I used a Samsung phone, I probably would still prefer my Google apps over the Samsung equivalents for health, music, photos, etc. The fact that I cannot uninstall the Samsung branded apps is frustrating, plus they appear to be always active (cannot turn off background activity on the Samsung Health Monitor app, for example, however it appears to be using 0% of the battery at the moment). At best, I can move these apps to the bottom of my app list and install my preferred equivalent apps to the top of the list.
All in all, a very stylish, easy to use and read smart watch with better than average battery life but a little bloated with Samsung apps (health app being among the best) and tools that cannot be removed.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Nest Doorbell is the battery-powered video doorbell that works with any home. See what’s happening at your door from anywhere and get intelligent alerts about important activity, like when there’s a person, package, animal, or vehicle.* And because there are no wires, you can install it yourself. Nest Doorbell requires the Google Home app and a Google Account – it’s not compatible with the Nest app or the home.nest.com site.
Is it waterproof?
"Water resistant." Rain/Snow is not a problem, however, this would not be a suitable doorbell if you live in a pineapple under the sea.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
BenisJ
The Nest Doorbell is the battery-powered video doorbell that works with any home. See what’s happening at your door from anywhere and get intelligent alerts about important activity, like when there’s a person, package, animal, or vehicle.* And because there are no wires, you can install it yourself. Nest Doorbell requires the Google Home app and a Google Account – it’s not compatible with the Nest app or the home.nest.com site.
How long will it last on battery power alone?
Impossible to determine because of the features you set on the phone that control how often the camera/sensors are active, how many times the doorbell is triggered in a month, and temperature. The general consensus is about 2.5 to 3 months. However, once mounted, the "quick release" tool makes it easy to disconnect and charge the doorbell...and charging was fairly fast using my phone's charger.
This link may help you: https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/10901611?hl=en&ref_topic=9299926
This link may help you: https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/10901611?hl=en&ref_topic=9299926
2 years, 7 months ago
by
BenisJ
The new CZ Smart smartwatch is designed for every moment. Inspired by the rich design of Citizen’s iconic sport technical timepieces, CZ Smart marries modern technologies with the style and quality you expect from Citizen. The sport edition features a color touchscreen dial and black anodized aluminum top ring, framed and finished with a silver-tone stainless steel case and comfortable black silicone band. CZ Smart also features a 46mm three-piece case construction and a rugged red bezel design. Powered with Wear OS by Google™, CZ Smart is compatible with both iPhone® and Android™ phones to fit your lifestyle. Plus, the customizable menu of dials and technology that provides the information you need at your fingertips.
I noticed that there is a ring around the face of the Smartwatch and I was wondering if this rotates to select options? I ask because it seems to be welded in the pictures.
Step up from built-in laptop optics with a webcam that delivers crisp, smooth and colorful widescreen HD 720p video with a 60° diagonal field of view, fixed focus and auto light correction that adjusts to the illumination of any meeting space. The single, omnidirectional mic features noise-reduction technology and is engineered to support clear, natural conversation up to 3 meters away, even in busy environments like open workspaces and classrooms. Plus, the extra-long USB-A cable and universal clip let you position the webcam on your computer or mount up to 7 ft away.
Does this webcam fit curved monitors? Currently the curved monitor i have bought did not include a webcam. Are there any other webcams you'd suggest?
The "foldable hook" style of mount (I don't know how else to describe it so you might want to look at photos) seems wide enough to account for curved monitors yet still get enough grip that it won't fall off.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
BenisJ
Step up from built-in laptop optics with a webcam that delivers crisp, smooth and colorful widescreen HD 720p video with a 60° diagonal field of view, fixed focus and auto light correction that adjusts to the illumination of any meeting space. The single, omnidirectional mic features noise-reduction technology and is engineered to support clear, natural conversation up to 3 meters away, even in busy environments like open workspaces and classrooms. Plus, the extra-long USB-A cable and universal clip let you position the webcam on your computer or mount up to 7 ft away.
what is the difference of an HD webcam that is 1080p and the C505 at 720p. what is the main difference between the C505 HD & the C270 HD
720p is technically "lesser resolution" but it is still a high definition (HD) class of camera. 1080 offers better resolution if all other factors are equal (i.e. lens quality, lighting, recipient screen, streaming quality...and an app that can support 1080). My experience is that when in a standard video call, lighting/focus/microphone are more important than 720 v. 1080.
I have not compared the C505 and the C270 directly, however, the key feature with the C505 is the "long range omni-directional microphone." I can attest to clarity when more than 1-3 feet from the camera. I tend to pace in my office when on a video call. The microphone picked me up very well no matter were I stood--even if I was behind the webcam. You also get 2 extra feet of USB cable with the c505.
I have not compared the C505 and the C270 directly, however, the key feature with the C505 is the "long range omni-directional microphone." I can attest to clarity when more than 1-3 feet from the camera. I tend to pace in my office when on a video call. The microphone picked me up very well no matter were I stood--even if I was behind the webcam. You also get 2 extra feet of USB cable with the c505.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
BenisJ
Always know what’s happening at your door with the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro. Its crystal-clear 1080p HD video and 162° field of view give you a clear shot of your property 24/7. Two-way audio lets you hear and speak to unwanted guests (and welcomed ones too) - even when you're not home. Have the SimpliSafe App? The Video Doorbell Pro will send instant alerts whenever someone approaches. And with Smart Person Detection, it can tell the difference between people, vehicles and animals. That means you only get the alerts that matter. Plus, when backed by 24/7 professional monitoring, you’ll have experts who are ready to request emergency dispatch when you need it most. This camera is designed for all weather extremes—so you're still protected in rain and snow. (Compatible with the SimpliSafe Gen 3 security system. Requires Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) and existing wired doorbell setup with mechanical chime and a transformer with 8-24 VAC, 30VA max. Not compatible with digital chimes.)
Does this doorbell allow storage to the local network instead of a cloud server?
No. Or if it does, I have not discovered how to do it. And you pay $5/mo for their cloud storage.
5 years, 5 months ago
by
BenisJ
Only at Best BuyBring flexibility to work with the powerful and versatile Samsung Notebook 9 Pro. Easily switch between typing on the keyboard, writing with the intuitive S Pen, and navigating the brilliant touchscreen. And do it all at once with an ultra-fast Intel® Core™ i7 processor. The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro keeps up with all the ways you work.
I read online that there seems to be an issue with the webcam not being detected. Have any of you had any problems with the webcam not responding?
have not had that problem on the notebook 9 pro 13 (np940x3m)
6 years, 8 months ago
by
BenisJ
Get your floors sparkling clean with this Bissell Spinwave powered mop. It’s made for sealed hard surfaces, and it uses washable cleaning pads that can be customized according to the type of flooring and level of cleansing the job requires. This Bissell Spinwave powered mop swivels to let you access hard-to-reach places.
Does this mop have a water tank?
Fresh water/solution tank, yes. It does not have a dirty water or suction feature.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
BenisJ
Get your floors sparkling clean with this Bissell Spinwave powered mop. It’s made for sealed hard surfaces, and it uses washable cleaning pads that can be customized according to the type of flooring and level of cleansing the job requires. This Bissell Spinwave powered mop swivels to let you access hard-to-reach places.
Does it suck up the water?
No, just sprays fresh solution and the cloth pads absorb much like a rag or sponge.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
BenisJ
Get your floors sparkling clean with this Bissell Spinwave powered mop. It’s made for sealed hard surfaces, and it uses washable cleaning pads that can be customized according to the type of flooring and level of cleansing the job requires. This Bissell Spinwave powered mop swivels to let you access hard-to-reach places.
Does it come with a bristle pad, or scrub pad attachment?
It comes with a pair of terry pads and a pair of terry w/ a scrubbing strip pads. So additional scrub/bristle attachments.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
BenisJ