BenisJ's stats
- Review count118
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- First reviewDecember 7, 2014
- Last reviewApril 28, 2024
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- Average rating4.2
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- Answer count18
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- First answerJanuary 30, 2017
- Last answerAugust 30, 2021
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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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Tackle everything. Worry about nothing. This laptop is co-engineered with AMD to adapt to you – peak performance when you need it, not when you don't.
Posted by: BenisJ
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14 might not be a game-changer in the realm of laptops, but it does combine exceptional performance, portability, and a sleek design. It truly delivers as a quality, well-built professional's laptop.
The HP Dragonfly Pro 14 includes an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, which guarantees lightning-fast speeds and seamless multitasking and may be overkill for the average user but is a great find at this price point. With 16GB of RAM, it handles resource-intensive tasks, ensuring a lag-free experience even when running multiple applications simultaneously. This laptop is a powerhouse, capable of tackling demanding projects and resource-hungry software with ease and will handle some gaming, although it is not a true gaming machine.
The 14-inch Full HD display with touch functionality has vibrant colors, crisp details and smooth touch response. Equipped with an AMD Radeon 680M graphics card it is both good for working on projects or just watching your favorite shows. People are comparing this to the Macbook Pro for some reason. Apparently, the graphics aren't as "awesome as Mac" to be a Mac killer, but I think the graphics look fine,
Battery life is getting a mixed review on multiple sites. I have not had the battery drain others have talked about in standby/sleep mode. Others have also claimed some issues with charging the battery fully. Again, nothing out of the ordinary for me in this regard. I get more than a full day as a freelance user of the device which basically means, some time in the morning reading/sending emails, some time working on invoices and more emails, checking emails again later in the day, reading the news in the evening and maybe playing a basic game or two. I would trust whatever numbers HP claims for battery life. The power source included with this laptop is a nice, 96W USB-C charger.
Weighing in at a mere 3.5 pounds this laptop is heavy compared to similar models in its class. Not so heavy that it is a problem but compared to my Samsung Notebook 9 which is roughly the same size, I notice the weight difference. That being said, the HP Dragonfly has a very appealing paint job and feels to be built out of stronger materials than most laptops. It will still slip ffortlessly slips into your bag without weighing you down, and you'll look cool at the coffee shop using it! It feels VERY DURABLE in your hands but too heavy to be considered part of the "ultra" class of lightweight laptops.
Other random thoughts: Minimal bloatware, good webcam and, as far as laptops go, really good audio out of the B&O speakers. Not "concert quality" of course, but better than average for a laptop. Storage is designed for the online user who saves data/photos/music to the cloud rather than the hard drive. Microsoft Hello option for authentication.
As for some oddities...
There is an extra row (vertically) of keys on the far right of the keyboard that are programmed for HP's "$11/mo" support plan. Initially this is distracting as the keyboard had to be "squished" a bit to make space for these pre-programmed keys that I will never use. I wish they were apps and not keys. I want the space back. The first year of support is covered by HP, though.
There is no headphone jack.
There are no USB-A (old) jacks, only USB-C. If you need USB-A ports, make sure you plan ahead for a dongle to give you the USB ports you need.
In conclusion, good value, powerful laptop, solid construction with some annoyances. If the USB ports, battery concerns (raised by others), no headphone jack, and extra weight don't bother you, this is a solid buy and should last you several years.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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WHCH720N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic "Budget" Over-Ear NC Headphones
on April 24, 2023
Posted by: BenisJ
I love testing and reviewing headphones. I have previously owned and reviewed 5 different over-the-ear noise cancelling headphones including B&O BEOPLAY, Sennheiser HD1, Sony WH-1000XM4, Sony 1000-XM2...plus Sony in-ear WF-1000XM3, Sony SP600N and non-noise canceling Sony XB-950B1, Sony WH-L600, and Sony WH-XB700. Some of these headphones retailed for upwards of $500. Until now, however, it was hard to get my hands on a pair of "budget conscious" over-ear noise canceling headphones I was willing to recommend.
As a broadcast audio technician, I set a high standard for sound when using headphones and listen to sound and music a bit differently than the average user. Consequently, I am very picky when I review any brand/model of headphones or speakers. Clarity, loudness, bass, battery life, etc. are all important but I tend to listen for what is NOT heard in cheaper headphones.
The Sony WH-CH720N, first and foremost, has better than average noise canceling and average to above average sound quality out of the box. The headphones are significantly lighter than my more expensive Sony WH-1000XM4 but also lack some of the features of the WH-1000XM4 such as "touch pad" controls, instead utilizing the less expensive and more common "button" controls for volume, skipping, etc. on the right ear cup. These headphones feel a bit more plastic than the more expensive models, but that is a fair trade-off if it brings the price down by more than half.
NOISE CANCELING
Working at home, listening to music with Noise Canceling turned on, I cannot hear conversations in the other room, nor the television, nor my tapping on the keyboard. Turn the NC OFF and my music becomes "background noise" to everything happening around me.
Working at home, listening to music with Noise Canceling turned on, I cannot hear conversations in the other room, nor the television, nor my tapping on the keyboard. Turn the NC OFF and my music becomes "background noise" to everything happening around me.
COMFORT AND BUILD
These headphones weigh about 2.5oz less than the Sony WH-1000XM4 (more expensive) headphones which makes them lightweight and comfortable. The cups completely surround my ears. Although mostly plastic, the headband is reinforced (likely aluminum) while the cups and pivot points are plastic.
These headphones weigh about 2.5oz less than the Sony WH-1000XM4 (more expensive) headphones which makes them lightweight and comfortable. The cups completely surround my ears. Although mostly plastic, the headband is reinforced (likely aluminum) while the cups and pivot points are plastic.
BATTERY AND COMPONENTS
These headphones are rated at 35 hours of wireless listening with a 10-minute quick charge that will get you an hour of wireless play. You will need to provide the charger as the headphones do NOT come with a charger. Nor is there a bag or case for storing the headphones, something higher-end, more expensive models have included in the past. There is a USB-A to USB-C cable plus an AUX cable should you choose to use the headphones via an AUX port.
These headphones are rated at 35 hours of wireless listening with a 10-minute quick charge that will get you an hour of wireless play. You will need to provide the charger as the headphones do NOT come with a charger. Nor is there a bag or case for storing the headphones, something higher-end, more expensive models have included in the past. There is a USB-A to USB-C cable plus an AUX cable should you choose to use the headphones via an AUX port.
APP
The Sony app will allow you to EQ the headphones and tweak environment/NC settings.
The Sony app will allow you to EQ the headphones and tweak environment/NC settings.
SOUND AND MUSIC QUALITY
Out of the box the EQ is flat and the sound reflects it. Using the Sony app you can quickly select a pre-configured EQ or tweak your own EQ. I listen to ALT, ALT ROCK, ROCK, CLASSIC ROCK, METAL and HIP HOP primarily. I usually test with Pearl Jam, Twenty-One Pilots, Jimi and 50 Cent with my EQ in a "V" or "U" pattern heavier on bass and treble, and clear bass (activated in the app) set at 4. All 4 genres sound great with deep, punching bass in the alt-rock/hip-hop and tight vocals/guitars with my grunge and classic rock selections. My $400 headphones are just a bit more robust and crisp with vocals but at half the cost, the sound quality of these headphones, once tweaked, is a 9 out of 10. When used for calls, clarity of voice and audio is above average.
Out of the box the EQ is flat and the sound reflects it. Using the Sony app you can quickly select a pre-configured EQ or tweak your own EQ. I listen to ALT, ALT ROCK, ROCK, CLASSIC ROCK, METAL and HIP HOP primarily. I usually test with Pearl Jam, Twenty-One Pilots, Jimi and 50 Cent with my EQ in a "V" or "U" pattern heavier on bass and treble, and clear bass (activated in the app) set at 4. All 4 genres sound great with deep, punching bass in the alt-rock/hip-hop and tight vocals/guitars with my grunge and classic rock selections. My $400 headphones are just a bit more robust and crisp with vocals but at half the cost, the sound quality of these headphones, once tweaked, is a 9 out of 10. When used for calls, clarity of voice and audio is above average.
I highly recommend the Sony - WHCH720N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones. The only concern I would have is the "plastic" factor for anyone who is rough on headphones--constantly taking them off/on, putting them in a purse or backpack, etc.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Precision head-to-toe trimming and grooming are easy with the Ultimate Trim Precision 18-Piece All-in-One Metal Groomer by ConairMan. Four interchangeable magnetic attachments click onto the professional-grade metal handle with a secure hold that lets you go from hair and body cuts to beard, mustache, nose, and ear trims. The Japanese stainless steel blades and foil shaver stay sharp, giving you clean lines and an ultra-close finish. The lithium-ion battery provides up to 4 hours of runtime, so you can do full-body maintenance with cordless ease in or out of the shower. Between uses, mount the handle on the rapid charging station for a fast 3-hour charge that lasts for up to 4 hours of use or give it a 20-minute quick charge for 40 minutes of powerful cordless use. Alongside the handle, the attachment heads mount securely on the charging/storage station with a nonslip magnetic hold that keeps them neatly organized. Get a custom cut with the face and body guide combs that include a 6-position stubble comb, 2-position eyebrow comb, 2 body combs, 3 hair combs, and 4 beard combs. Adjust them to the perfect position for precision cuts. Look your very best with the kit that comes complete with all the tools you need for quick and easy cuts and trims. ConairMan. Respect the Ritual.
Posted by: BenisJ
Bald with a beard, I've gone through a fair amount of trimmers and shavers. I was excited about the Conair Man Ultimate Trim Precision GMTL6000 18-piece, all-in-one, lithium-ion, metal groomer with magnetically attached heads. Most of my previous trimmers were nearly all plastic and, until recently, had batteries that would fail to charge for more than a use or two after a couple years. After using the Conair Man trimmer once, however, I am no longer excited...
The Good:
- The motor itself is high quality, metallic and rather heavy.
- I appreciate that it is charged via a USB type A to micro cable. That makes it a bit more "travel friendly"--you don't need to carry around a proprietary power supply. The manufacturer claims 4hrs of use on a single charge but also says it will take 3hrs to achieve a full charge.
- The nose/ear trimmer is actually the best I have ever used.
- I suppose the device would be good for "artistic" cutting of facial or head hair because it is easy to control.
- The "charger/accessory tray" is nice and sturdy...but also incomplete (see below).
- I appreciate that it is charged via a USB type A to micro cable. That makes it a bit more "travel friendly"--you don't need to carry around a proprietary power supply. The manufacturer claims 4hrs of use on a single charge but also says it will take 3hrs to achieve a full charge.
- The nose/ear trimmer is actually the best I have ever used.
- I suppose the device would be good for "artistic" cutting of facial or head hair because it is easy to control.
- The "charger/accessory tray" is nice and sturdy...but also incomplete (see below).
The Bad:
- I had to stop using it to trim my beard because stubble guide was pulling hair with each pass. I tried some of the other "comb" heads and had the same, negative experience.
- Speaking of the stubble adjustment heads, there are 11 "snap on" trimmer combs/guides with no storage option included in the package. At a bare minimum, a simple drawstring bag would have been nice to keep these 11 attachments together since they do not integrate with the charger/accessory tray.
- The actual trimmer heads (beard, body, foil and nose/ear) are magnetically connected but the casing is painted plastic.
- 3hrs to charge for 4hrs of use?
- Speaking of the stubble adjustment heads, there are 11 "snap on" trimmer combs/guides with no storage option included in the package. At a bare minimum, a simple drawstring bag would have been nice to keep these 11 attachments together since they do not integrate with the charger/accessory tray.
- The actual trimmer heads (beard, body, foil and nose/ear) are magnetically connected but the casing is painted plastic.
- 3hrs to charge for 4hrs of use?
The Cut:
- As mentioned, I had to stop using it the very first time because of the amount of snagging and pulling on my beard. I keep my beard at a "4 or 5" on my old adjustable trimmer. That probably means my beard is between 1/8"-1/4" at any given time. My old adjustable trimmer NEVER snagged or had a problem getting through 1/4" long hair. This trimmer cut the hairs just fine but the plastic stubble guides (regardless of size selected) painfully snagged hairs with each pass! It was unusable for me as a stubble trimmer.
- Without a guide, the trimmer can cut facial hair to what is approximately 48hr stubble for me. Follow-up with the foil head and I get down to 1-day stubble. This is a subpar shave compared to my 3-circular head shaver I rely on daily for my bald head.
- For "fun" I allowed the body trimmer to be used on my fairly hairy (but thin hairs) back. I don't normally shave my back but figured I would for the sake of a product review. It removed hair from visibility but is far from smooth. I feel like I have a few days stubble on my back even though we just buzzed it as low as possible. Consequently, I feel itchy now wearing a cotton t-shirt.
- The ear/nose trimmer, as mentioned previously, though, is the best I have ever used.
- Without a guide, the trimmer can cut facial hair to what is approximately 48hr stubble for me. Follow-up with the foil head and I get down to 1-day stubble. This is a subpar shave compared to my 3-circular head shaver I rely on daily for my bald head.
- For "fun" I allowed the body trimmer to be used on my fairly hairy (but thin hairs) back. I don't normally shave my back but figured I would for the sake of a product review. It removed hair from visibility but is far from smooth. I feel like I have a few days stubble on my back even though we just buzzed it as low as possible. Consequently, I feel itchy now wearing a cotton t-shirt.
- The ear/nose trimmer, as mentioned previously, though, is the best I have ever used.
Bottom Line:
Conair missed the mark. "Metal" trimmer is misleading as the trimmer heads are plastic (obviously the trimmer blades are metal but the casing on the detachable heads is plastic). The magnetic connect feature is nice. "All-in-one" is also misleading given there are lots of loose parts and no bag to store them in. Integrate an adjustable height beard trimmer head instead of loose attachments and Conair would score a win with me. As a foil shaver, it did not get as close as my 3 flex-head (circular) shaver.
Perhaps most important of all, however, is that AS A BEARD TRIMMER THIS DEVICE CAUGHT MY BEARD HAIRS WITH EACH PASS. It was way too painful for the purpose I would rely on it most. I cannot continue to use this trimmer.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The Google Pixel Watch has a beautiful circular, domed design and new experience with Wear OS by Google.₁ Live healthier with sleep, heart rate, and activity tracking on Fitbit₂ and get things done on the go with Google Assistant, Maps, Wallet, Calendar, and Gmail.₃ Works with most phones running on Android 8.0 or newer.
Posted by: BenisJ
Many things I like, just a few things I dislike...
Let's start with the good. I actually like the band. The clasp is very easy to use, stays latched, and is easier to take off than the tried and true traditional watch band design of "normal watches." But you don't buy a Pixel Watch because of the band, so let's move on.
BATTERY LIFE
This is my 3rd smart watch. My first would not stay charged for a full day with the features I wanted turned ON. I could get about 13 hours with that watch (circa 2019). My second smart watch was actually more attractive than the Pixel Watch but it was inconsistent with its battery life--also only making it about 15 hours with the features and alerts I wanted (circa 2021). The Google Pixel Watch, in my first week of use, is getting a full day from 7a-bedtime (i.e. 11p) and often has about 30-40% to spare which is good because if you want it to monitor your sleep, Google suggests that you have 30% left on the watch when you turn the lights off. [BTW, activate "sleeping mode" from the settings before you have it monitor your sleep.]
This is my 3rd smart watch. My first would not stay charged for a full day with the features I wanted turned ON. I could get about 13 hours with that watch (circa 2019). My second smart watch was actually more attractive than the Pixel Watch but it was inconsistent with its battery life--also only making it about 15 hours with the features and alerts I wanted (circa 2021). The Google Pixel Watch, in my first week of use, is getting a full day from 7a-bedtime (i.e. 11p) and often has about 30-40% to spare which is good because if you want it to monitor your sleep, Google suggests that you have 30% left on the watch when you turn the lights off. [BTW, activate "sleeping mode" from the settings before you have it monitor your sleep.]
Unfortunately, if you wear it overnight you are going to need to find about an hour to get it fully charged before you wear it all day again. Per Google, charging takes about 30 minutes to 50%, about 55 minutes to 80%, and about 80 minutes to 100%.
BTW, the charger requires a USB-C input on your wall charger. A wall charger does not come with the watch. The charger "cradle" for the watch is magnetic and snaps to the watch well.
STYLE
As mentioned, I like the band. It is comfortable and easy to put on and take off. I am lukewarm on the watch face. The bezel is curved and blah. The single button ("crown") is simple and easy to manipulate. I kind of wish the watch had multiple "crowns" (?) that controlled different subsets of data. For example, one dedicated to messaging, another to settings, etc. Nonetheless, navigation is still fairly easy once you remember where everything is as you scroll up and down through menus.
As mentioned, I like the band. It is comfortable and easy to put on and take off. I am lukewarm on the watch face. The bezel is curved and blah. The single button ("crown") is simple and easy to manipulate. I kind of wish the watch had multiple "crowns" (?) that controlled different subsets of data. For example, one dedicated to messaging, another to settings, etc. Nonetheless, navigation is still fairly easy once you remember where everything is as you scroll up and down through menus.
The face is, in my opinion, a bit small for the average male wrist, but probably a bit big for a female so I suppose it is just right for unisex. Illumination seems perfect out of the box. I have my watch set to only show the face when I prompt (wrist shake, touch, or push of crown) rather than always on. This is key to getting good battery life.
Not sure if I will ever change the band on this watch but if I do, I probably won't remember how. Fortunately, the instruction book shows you and it isn't as difficult as it first seems. It is just different.
SCREEN SIZE
The screen size is tough to manage when it comes to entering the "unlock" code or typing a message. My "zig zag" unlock pattern often fails on first try. Texting with the on-watch keyboard is nearly impossible with my 50yr old hands and callused fingertips. Fortunately, you can pick auto responses or dictate your response to the watch as you would to a phone. Unlike a phone, you cannot pinch the screen to enlarge or reduce but fortunately the default font size, contrast and brightness is, at least for me, easily readable.
The screen size is tough to manage when it comes to entering the "unlock" code or typing a message. My "zig zag" unlock pattern often fails on first try. Texting with the on-watch keyboard is nearly impossible with my 50yr old hands and callused fingertips. Fortunately, you can pick auto responses or dictate your response to the watch as you would to a phone. Unlike a phone, you cannot pinch the screen to enlarge or reduce but fortunately the default font size, contrast and brightness is, at least for me, easily readable.
APPS
I prefer Google Fit over Fitbit and I am not sure how/if the two products are somehow becoming one, but Google wants you to use Fitbit on this watch, for sure. Tracking my heartrate, sleep, steps, activities, goals, etc. are all very nice but I am using this watch for more "professional" purposes: Messaging, Email, Reminders, Calendars, Calls...well, not so much for calls as will be explained shortly. There are a seemingly infinite number of app options. To discuss any of them in great detail is ridiculous. Let's just say the apps are equally as good on the watch as they would be on the phone--just much smaller in appearance. Google Assistant works well and vibrations to the watch for alerts (texts, calls, updates, etc.) are strong. Paying from your watch with Google Pay is nice as well.
I prefer Google Fit over Fitbit and I am not sure how/if the two products are somehow becoming one, but Google wants you to use Fitbit on this watch, for sure. Tracking my heartrate, sleep, steps, activities, goals, etc. are all very nice but I am using this watch for more "professional" purposes: Messaging, Email, Reminders, Calendars, Calls...well, not so much for calls as will be explained shortly. There are a seemingly infinite number of app options. To discuss any of them in great detail is ridiculous. Let's just say the apps are equally as good on the watch as they would be on the phone--just much smaller in appearance. Google Assistant works well and vibrations to the watch for alerts (texts, calls, updates, etc.) are strong. Paying from your watch with Google Pay is nice as well.
SETUP
To set up the watch you need to pair it with your phone and download the "Watch" app which is apparently different than the "Wear OS" app used for my other smart Android watches. I am not sure why this is? Regardless, no issues with setup other than it takes a few minutes and there are some mandatory system and app updates which shouldn't catch you off guard in this day and age.
To set up the watch you need to pair it with your phone and download the "Watch" app which is apparently different than the "Wear OS" app used for my other smart Android watches. I am not sure why this is? Regardless, no issues with setup other than it takes a few minutes and there are some mandatory system and app updates which shouldn't catch you off guard in this day and age.
Now the "not so good..."
As mentioned, I am not currently using this watch for calls. When I initially paired the watch with my phone for setup, the phone was already paired with my earbuds...which I rely on for phone calls all day. Somehow that seems to have confused my devices for phone calls. While the watch was paired, the phone would ring but my earbuds would not pick up the audio or voice. My watch showed the phone call was active, but the phone was handling the communications. For the life of me, I could not force my earbuds to take priority on calls. The first day I was constantly apologizing to people who either could not hear me or who I would accidentally hang up on while trying to switch from phone to bluetooth earbuds. I am probably just doing something "wrong," but I am very tech savvy and this problem never occurred until after I started wearing the watch. I can't afford to have tech challenges answering phone calls.
The other not so good is really just a tech limitation. I want a watch that will last at least 48hrs with messaging features and a "dimmed watch face" always on. That kind of battery tech for a smartwatch just does not exist. Nonetheless, this watch gets better life than my other two.
In the end, this is a good smart watch, easy to set up, and has decent battery life assuming you keep things fairly simple.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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You've got enough on your plate, let Yale get the door. Fitting into any lifestyle, this lock offers increased convenience and security giving you one less thing to worry about during your day. With multiple ways to unlock, the ability to share and track entry codes, and advanced Auto-Lock with DoorSense, the Yale Assure Lock 2 protects your home and family. Add a Yale Smart Module to control your lock from your smartphone or voice assistant when you’re away from home.
Customer Rating
5
Good, easy lock from dependable brand
on October 21, 2022
Posted by: BenisJ
No issues with this lock. I admittedly did NOT look at the instructions for installation because I was replacing a standard deadbolt lock in a standard door. Everything lined up just fine for me. It took maybe 20 minutes to get my old lock off and the new lock on. For the record, the install instructions are very well written and come with templates to help you align holes and measure your door thickness.
The instructions are a little more critical to figuring out how to operate the lock. There's an app, and you have to sign up/sign in. You have to stay near the lock during the "sensory" setup stuff (i.e. door open/closed, lock on/off readings) as it uses bluetooth to connect. First go-around and I had an error with open/closed detection. Restarted the process within the app from step one and was successful on second try.
My bolt alignment was fine every time I manually locked it. About 5-10% of the time I would get an error locking when testing. Turns out a slight adjustment to the door hinges pulled my door in better alignment. Locking the door with my device or code now works perfectly each time.
I may buy the wifi card for this lock should we ever need/want to be able to change/add codes from anywhere but for now the lock is only used by family so bluetooth connectivity is adequate.
Overall, very satisfied with simple instruction, nice looking, easy to use. I like that it is key free and that it has tactile buttons.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy versatile projection for remote work, home entertainment and beyond with the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 Smart Streaming Portable Projector. Designed to bring more ease and convenience to your workday, the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 delivers a Full HD 1080p picture up to 300"—that’s four times larger than a 75" flat panel—for collaborative online meetings and detailed presentations. Perfect for engaging at-home learning, immersive movie watching and more, this 3,000-lumen projector1 offers Best-in-Class Color Brightness2 to deliver crisp, colorful images in virtually any lighting environment—even during the daytime. Sleek and compact, this portable projector can be easily carried in bags and backpacks for easy viewing virtually anywhere. It features a powerful, high-quality speaker system for a truly amazing viewing experience. And, with Android TV®3 included, you can tune into all your favorite streaming channels, including Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max™, YouTube™ and more4.
Customer Rating
5
The right projector for a wireless lifestyle
on October 12, 2022
Posted by: BenisJ
I finally have a projector that does EVERYTHING I want it to! Technology changes fast: VGA, HDMI, USB-A...USB-C, Aux audio, Bluetooth, wi-fi, Chromecast, Apple stuff... Like me, you probably struggle to make your old projector work with your wireless, streaming lifestyle.
Epson solved all that with the EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02. With "built-in" (technically an add-on component included in the box that appears concealed once installed) streaming and bluetooth connectivity, this Android TV-based projector does it all.
Here's what I was looking for in my projector--and consequently what I can now do with this setup:
* Single device with no visible cables (except power)
* HDMI and USB-A as wired options
* Chromecast
* Standard, friendly streaming portal (Android TV)
* Single remote control (Unfortunately, this device has two remotes--an Epson remote that handles power on/off of the device settings like tilt, brightness/sharpness, zoom, flip/backlit, etc. and the Android TV remote that handles all your streaming services)
* Speech enabled remote
* Single platform/portal for the following apps: YouTubeTV, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, BeachBody, YouTube Music, YouTube
* Quality, loud internal speaker
* Bluetooth connectivity to a high-end soundbar and subwoofer
* Bright and colorful
* Quiet (a relative term, but this one is quieter than my old projector but still has fan noise)
* Control attached or built-in speakers with a single remote
* HDMI and USB-A as wired options
* Chromecast
* Standard, friendly streaming portal (Android TV)
* Single remote control (Unfortunately, this device has two remotes--an Epson remote that handles power on/off of the device settings like tilt, brightness/sharpness, zoom, flip/backlit, etc. and the Android TV remote that handles all your streaming services)
* Speech enabled remote
* Single platform/portal for the following apps: YouTubeTV, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, BeachBody, YouTube Music, YouTube
* Quality, loud internal speaker
* Bluetooth connectivity to a high-end soundbar and subwoofer
* Bright and colorful
* Quiet (a relative term, but this one is quieter than my old projector but still has fan noise)
* Control attached or built-in speakers with a single remote
There is literally no need for me to do anything other than turn it on, open my streaming app from Android TV, and enjoy life!
My room of choice for this device is surrounded by windows. Pulling the blinds, I still get a fair amount of light which means my colors appear a bit washed out during daylight viewing, but it is no worse than any other projector in a bright room. At night, the projector produces great color and brightness and decent darks.
Pairing with my Harmon/Samsung soundbar proved easy after I went online to find where the bluetooth audio pairing settings are. It turns out they are in the Android TV settings, not the projector settings. Although the built-in speaker is among the best I have heard in a projector, after pairing, I have the ability to watch movies/TV in surround sound.
Aside from the earlier mentioned inconvenience of separate device and operating system (Android TV) remotes, I only have one other complaint: When using the included Epson/Android TV streaming "stick" you fill both the HDMI and USB ports. Should you want to keep the stick connected and add a DVD player or show photos from a thumb drive, for example, you cannot. You would have to remove the snap-on cover and physically unplug the streaming stick to regain access to the HDMI and USB ports. It would have been nice for Epson to include a second HDMI and/or USB port as well as an audio loop out for those who have to send sound to a wired source--although you can use HDMI ARC features to loop music back to a stereo system.
Whether your need is business or personal, if your world is wireless and streaming, this is the perfect projector for you. Even if your world isn't wireless, you can still make this projector work for you with just one HDMI and USB port. Take your old projector and list it on Ebay. This is the only projector you will need moving forward. Highly recommend.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Power through your hardest or easiest workout with the GO Air Sport, the perfect everyday sport earbud. With 32+ hours of total playtime, a secure and comfortable sport fit, and 3 custom sound settings, the GO Air Sport are mighty (and fun). Auto connect to your device and add some color to your workout.
Customer Rating
4
Good fit, average sound quality
on August 10, 2022
Posted by: BenisJ
I have had one repetitive problem with "wireless sport earbuds"--THEY NEVER STAY IN MY EAR. My sport of choice is cycling which requires a fair amount of head movement to look over my shoulder for cars or other bikes. As a result, I have dropped several in-ear sport buds the moment my ears get sweaty and I pivot my head. Consequently, I was looking for a bud with a design exactly like the JLab Go Air Sport that has an over (and around) the ear hook.
The hook itself is a flexible, rubbery plastic material that does not have a "molding wire" in it. (Note: Some wired in-ear buds I have tried have a thin wire in the hook part that you can bend for a tighter fit to the back of the ear.) I was a bit concerned, at first, that without the ability to bend the hook to my ear it the bud would get too loose and let in too much ambient sound. It turns out the hook is extra long and comfortably wraps around my entire ear for a snug fit that does not come loose even when the sweat is dripping and I am looking around for traffic. From that standpoint, these buds deserve 5-stars!!!
Unfortunately, there are some issues that force me to remove a star from the rating...
First, the case (which charges the buds and has a built-in 2" USB type-A connector--bring your own power source) does not have a way to store the extra "tips." The buds conveniently come with a pair of large, medium, and small tips but there is no way to keep the extra tips in the charging case so inevitably, you will misplace the extra tips. Probably not a big deal, but also a marketing/design flaw in my mind.
Secondly, the case stores the buds in "reverse" of how you use them. The left ear stores in the right side of the case, and the right ear stores in the left side of the case. Again, not a deal breaker but it is just weird to get used to. Taking away a quarter star for this.
Third, while I do appreciate "touch sensitive" controls on the buds themselves that let you answer a call, turn volume up/down, skip music, etc., I have, on numerous occasions, inadvertently skipped a song, muted a call, and screwed up the volume while simply trying to resituate the buds more comfortably in my ear midway through a workout. I am not sure how one could have it both ways, but it would be nice if there was a pause before the touch controls kick in so that you could push on the earbud without actually activating a control. Minus a quarter star.
Fourth, and this is kind of a big deal for me as I sometimes need to answer a call while these earbuds are in, the quality is average at best for listening to music (EQ-ing the music helps a bit) and apparently very hollow (echo) and metallic during phone conversations per the person on the other end of the call. There are too many variables to know whether the buds are causing this sensation or a poor phone connection or something else, but I know I do NOT have people complaining when I use other bluetooth headphones for phone conversations. Minus at least half a star for this.
Because my goal with these buds is primarily to listen to music/podcasts while sweating during a workout, and because I have tried and failed with numerous other in-ear sport buds, I am going to go ahead and RECOMMEND them simply because they don't fall out when my ears get sweaty while riding my bike on a mix of city and rural roads at 20 mph. The audio and vocal quality could be better but these fit, they stay in my ear, and they stay charged for a very long time (rated at 32hrs I believe)...which is exactly what I needed without spending an arm and a leg.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Norton 360 Standard gives you comprehensive malware protection for 1 PC or Mac or Android or iOS device, including 10GB of secure PC cloud backup and Secure VPN for your 1 device. Also included are additional features such as Password Manager and SafeCam that alerts you and blocks unauthorized access to your PC’s webcam, and Dark Web Monitoring, where we monitor and notify you if we find your personal information on the dark web. Norton Utilities Ultimate provides you with tools to help clean and reinvigorate your PC to keep it running like new. Automatically help increase your PC’s processing power, memory, and hard drive when you launch high-demand apps, for a smoother gaming, editing, and streaming experience.
Posted by: BenisJ
I have stayed away from Norton for many years but needed a new VPN and decided to try Norton 360 standard.
Many of the installed tools offered by Norton 360 standard I run as different, stand-alone programs (i.e. a different antivirus, a different malware, a different registry cleaner, etc.) but was pleased to see that the Norton tools are both effective and accurate and require less upkeep (i.e. updating) than my old tools. Consequently, if you can get product on sale, even better as the included tools are worth the subscription.
The other service that helps make this product worth considering is the dark web monitoring. Assuming you don't know how to monitor the dark web yourself, the Norton product will let you know both if your data as likely involved in a retail breach (i.e. Target) or if your email address, password, etc. was found on any lists on the dark web. Again, I had another tool I would run *manually* from time to time to search for myself on the dark web, but Norton lets me search multiple emails (5, I believe) which covers my multiple, critical email accounts. Additionally, you can input other info such as your credit card, bank, postal address, DoB, etc. and it can search for even more of your stuff on the dark web. While I am nervous about punching all that data into Norton's website, if you have reason to fear your data has been compromised, the Norton tool makes confirming your suspicion really easy!
There is also a password manager and cloud backup storage--both tools EVERYONE should be taking advantage of either through Norton or another service. Nonetheless, Norton makes it all very easy to set-up and maintain. The password manager runs as an app on a mobile device or as an extension on a desktop browser. Once the extension is running Norton will offer to store passwords for you or suggest strong passwords or point out your weak passwords. You can also store notes, addresses and credit cards safely in the password manager vault. Like any password manager, you set a STRONG ***MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER*** password to gain access to your stored data or to successfully run the extension.
All-in-all, from someone who grew to hate Norton 15 years ago, I am happy I gave them another try. This 360 standard bundle is worth it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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At GE Appliances, we bring good things to life by designing and building the world's best appliances. Our goal is to help people improve their lives at home by providing quality appliances that were made for real life. Whether it's enjoying the tradition of making meals from scratch or tackling a mountain of muddy jeans and soccer jerseys, products from GE Appliances are crafted to support any and every task in the home. Now that quality you've come to love is available right on your countertop, thanks to GE Appliances stand mixers. The GE Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is a timeless kitchen essential, perfect for everyday baking needs. With an Easy Lift tilt-head, 5.3 qt. capacity, and a powerful 350-watt motor, this mixer can tackle your toughest tasks, big and small.
Customer Rating
4
Satisfied but a bit noisy
on April 23, 2022
Posted by: BenisJ
Overall I am satisfied with the mixer. It delivers as promised but is a bit noisier than I had hoped. Initially I was a bit concerned that I might blow the motor as I cycled through speeds while making bread dough. Even making chocolate chip cookie dough the motor was still fairly loud (not like a blender, but I was hoping for more like "purring kitty" on the lowest setting) regardless of dough thickness.
The design is very traditional and the operation is very simple. I like that the mixer comes with 4 accessories: a whisk, an aluminum (?) beater, an aluminum (?) dough hook and a splatter cover. The beater and hook are NOT dishwasher safe but the whisk and the deep mixing bowl are. I don't think I would trust the cover in the dishwasher--but perhaps it could ride on the top rack. I do not like that I cannot easily slip a scraping spatula in while the beater is running (too narrow and deep of a bowl) but having never owned a stand-up mixer this might be the case with all designs.
It is every easy to operate with a single, 7-speed knob and the "lift" lever to tilt the mixer up (so you can add ingredients or scrape the bowl). I did notice that the bowl has a slight "dimple" in the bottom where liquid ingredients (like egg) pool up even after your ingredients are mixed. For example, about a half a tablespoon of raw egg was still on the bottom of the bowl when I was done with my cookie dough--egg that did not get incorporated into the mixture.
Overall I am satisfied with my first stand mixer and would recommend the product.
Durability
4
Quality
4
Ease of Use
5
Value
4
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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, 8 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, 8 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.
7 years 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.
7 years 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.
7 years ago
by
BenisJ