BenisJ's stats
- Review count118
- Helpfulness votes465
- First reviewDecember 7, 2014
- Last reviewApril 28, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
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- Answer count18
- Helpfulness votes55
- First answerJanuary 30, 2017
- Last answerAugust 30, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers2
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Ultraportable Gaming Laptop. Enjoy everyday gaming with this ROG notebook PC. The AMD Ryzen 9 processor and 16GB of RAM let you run graphics-heavy games smoothly, while the potent NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics produce high-quality visuals on the fast 14-inch 144hz FHD display. This ASUS notebook PC has 1TD SSD that shortens load times and offers ample storage.
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
Cons:
- No built-in webcam
- No ethernet port
- Ports are awkwardly positioned due to the ventilation design; ports are left/right edge only and toward the front
- 2 USB-A type ports; right side only
- HDMI is in the front half of the left side rather than toward the back corner or even along the back edge
- Proprietery power source located in the middle of left side instead of a corner; accepts USB-C power so why not just give us a USB-C power supply?
- Screen props the laptop up for ventilation when tilted beyond 90° but also prevents Asus designers from putting any connectors along the back edge
- Laptop does run hot while gaming (but stabilizes); warmth can be felt across the keyboard
- No built-in webcam
- No ethernet port
- Ports are awkwardly positioned due to the ventilation design; ports are left/right edge only and toward the front
- 2 USB-A type ports; right side only
- HDMI is in the front half of the left side rather than toward the back corner or even along the back edge
- Proprietery power source located in the middle of left side instead of a corner; accepts USB-C power so why not just give us a USB-C power supply?
- Screen props the laptop up for ventilation when tilted beyond 90° but also prevents Asus designers from putting any connectors along the back edge
- Laptop does run hot while gaming (but stabilizes); warmth can be felt across the keyboard
Pros:
- Relatively quiet fans given how hard they work to cool the laptop during gaming; F5 key allows for quick changing of the fan level: Silent v. Performance; runs silent when "just a normal computer"
- Illuminated keyboard; Animated LED lid
- 1TB SSD
- 2 USB-C SS10 ports (left USB-C includes DisplayPort/charging)
- Power button is also biometric (fingerprint) sign-on
- Quick buttons for volume up/down, mic on/off, and "Armoury Crate" app
- Armoury Crate app is a great single point of reference for all the configuration options and statistics you need for your gaming (or daily) PC experience
- Pre-sets for different gaming environments/types
- When not gaming, this computer is SILENT and cool
- Better than average, upward and downward firing internal speakers; 3.5mm audio jack
- Wireless display allows you to connect to a widi enabled TV or device (i.e. "chromecast" or Roku); widi results were impressive but only tested with streaming TV/YouTube
- Wifi 6
- Super crisp display with minimal glare
- Decent weight/comfort/sturdiness
- Relatively quiet fans given how hard they work to cool the laptop during gaming; F5 key allows for quick changing of the fan level: Silent v. Performance; runs silent when "just a normal computer"
- Illuminated keyboard; Animated LED lid
- 1TB SSD
- 2 USB-C SS10 ports (left USB-C includes DisplayPort/charging)
- Power button is also biometric (fingerprint) sign-on
- Quick buttons for volume up/down, mic on/off, and "Armoury Crate" app
- Armoury Crate app is a great single point of reference for all the configuration options and statistics you need for your gaming (or daily) PC experience
- Pre-sets for different gaming environments/types
- When not gaming, this computer is SILENT and cool
- Better than average, upward and downward firing internal speakers; 3.5mm audio jack
- Wireless display allows you to connect to a widi enabled TV or device (i.e. "chromecast" or Roku); widi results were impressive but only tested with streaming TV/YouTube
- Wifi 6
- Super crisp display with minimal glare
- Decent weight/comfort/sturdiness
The performance on this laptop is spectacular. {Devil May Cry 5 was played to test the laptop for this review.} All my other laptops have been Intel. This is my first AMD cpu in well over 15 years. The Ryzen 9 cpu delivers. 16GB (8GB soldered + 8GB DDR4 slot) of RAM is adequate for now. The Asus website claims this model can be upgraded to "max 24GB." Only allowing +16GB DDR4 chip seems odd. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ If you are worried about the RAM upgrade option, you may want to seek out clarification.
Graphics are very clean, crisp and colorful. No glitching/artifacts, no freezing, no lag. The feature filled Armoury Crate app lets you see and customize your machine's performance. I don't tweak, so Armoury Crate's presets are a nice option as I can quickly flip between display modes for different performance or viewing environments.
Although it does run hot (but levels out) while gaming, the fans are much quieter than my previous gaming laptop (MSI, 4 yrs old). The fans stay silent when you are just "using it as a normal computer."
If only this laptop had a webcam and a USB-C universal power supply, it would be the perfect 5-star student/office/gaming device at a very reasonable price point. However, since BB won't allow half stars, I'll go ahead and round up this 4.5-star review due to the ROG Zephyrus outstanding performance.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Motorola MG8702 Gigabit Cable Modem with built-in AC3200 4X4 Router supports Gigabit Ethernet speed with advanced WiFi performance. Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum services, this cable modem is also backwards compatible with 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0.
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
My old modem started to flake out on me so it was time to replace it.
The Motorola AC3200 had all the features I need: fast (DOCSIS 3.1), 4 ethernet ports, Xfinity ready, and an app for management.
NOTE: It is in your best interest to pre-download the Minim App and the Xfinity app (if you are an Xfinity customer)
I simply plugged my modem in, punch a code (located on a sticker under your modem) into the app, and waited about 5 minutes for it to do its thing. On first try, my modem never connected to the internet but that was my fault because (1) I didn't follow instructions and (2) I forgot that Xfinity requires you to register your modem with them--through the xfinity app. Once I grabbed the Xfinity app and rebooted the modem everything worked magically after about 10 minutes of Motorola/Xfinity talking to each other. As long as you have the apps ready to go on your phone or tablet you should be fine.
I do not use the wifi on this router. Instead I use a Google mesh wifi. I was VERY PLEASED to see the mesh network automatically come back online about 2 minutes after the modem registered online with Xfinity. Nonetheless, I intend to use the built-in wifi network as a backup in the event the Google Home wifi goes down. Motorola was smart enough to put stickers on the bottom of the modem with all the info you need to connect to the built-in 2.4 or 5ghz signal.
Our speed tests have improved significantly across all devices and our connection reliability improved dramatically, but again, I suspect something was wonky with my old DOCSIS 3.0 modem.
This modem is compliant with ISP plans up to 500mbps. 32x8 means you have 32 downstream channels (think "lanes of a highway") and 8 upstream channels which is critical in households with numerous wifi connected devices.
While the price point for a DOCSIS 3.1 modem might seem daunting, you will recover that cost given you are no longer renting from your ISP--and you don't need a separate wifi router as the antennas are baked into the modem. This modem does NOT support a landline phone connection, however, so if you use a phone service through your ISP this isn't the modem for you.
The Minim app is very friendly and has lots of useful tools and can be monitored when you are away from the network. The app will give you connected device info, it will help identify threats, has filtering options (security, ad privacy, adult content), speed testing, "today's top data use" reports, pause/unpause connectivity, "time spent" reports letting you know what sites have been visited and how often/long, change reports & history, etc.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The 606 S2 Anniversary Edition combines outstanding power and clarity in a compact form for when space is at a premium, but you need big sound. Continuum mid-bass drive units provide clarity for singers and driving bass lines while Decoupled Double Dome Tweeters create an enveloping sense of space. Featuring upgraded crossovers for even more transparency and a unique trim-ring to celebrate this milestone, the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is the most sophisticated, affordable bookshelf speaker Bowers & Wilkins has ever made. The 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is the largest bookshelf speaker in the 600 Series Anniversary Edition range of products. Over the last 25 years, the 600 Series has been our most affordable performance range of loudspeakers, and we’re celebrating our love of sound with acoustic improvements to the crossover network for overall greater levels of clarity and smoother high frequencies so you can enjoy a compelling listening experience across the range of products.
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
I paired my 600 series bookshelf speakers with the center channel 600 series anniversary edition and a 10" sub and have a configuration that is balanced for enjoying both music, television and movies.
My setup includes a Sony STR-DN1080 receiver, B&W 600 Anniversary center and bookshelf, Sonance 10" sub and Sony Atmos speakers in a 16x20 fairly open floorplan. I often listen to compressed, streaming sources via Chromecast or bluetooth, but still throw a CD in the DVD player when I want to listen to some of my favorite albums or live concerts. We stream via YouTubeTV, Hulu, Netflix and Amazon. Why clarify all of this? Because there is ZERO way to ensure "sound" from this many different audio sources can be tuned to a consistent, equal level. But, with the upgrade to B&W speakers I *don't* need to constant tweak the volume, the EQ, the bass or worse--the surround balance--as I switch between platforms.
Music (mostly grunge, classic rock, modern alt, old skool rap, and hip hop for me) regardless of source is tight on high and mid tones with vocals crisp and clear. My subwoofer picks up the slack that bookshelf speakers may to miss, however, B&W's 6.5" woofers both punch rock and roll and meet the balanced requirements of classical music, jazz and other genre that focus on vocals and instruments--with bass as "complementary" to the listening experience. But enough trying to sound snobby about the music experience, let's about the TV/movie experience...
With the B&W center channel engaged, the movie experience is gorgeous. Prior to owning these speakers (and upgrading my receiver) I struggled from movie to movie--or even tv show to tv show--to find volume and clarity balance between sources or channels. It was frustrating. After connecting my B&W speakers I spent one day tweaking my setup. I have not touched it since. Again, when vocals need to pop, they do. Crisp and clear. When action needs to roar it does--without simply being "loud." What about every day TV watching from sports to sitcoms to dramas? Just turn on your TV and enjoy. If you have the B&W 600 center channel just let the magic of "audio science" work because these speakers know how to react.
And did I mention they complement any room nicely? The black finish looks great anywhere. Pull the magnetic grills off and you see a beautiful slivery woofer.
I'll leave it to you to research the specs. Thanks to the internet, that part is easy. It is always a bit harder to figure out if your investment will leave you happy. If you are comfortable with this price point, you cannot go wrong with these speakers--but do yourself a HUGE favor and add the center channel and a subwoofer if you will use these while watching TV.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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The HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition delivers clear dialog and power in a compact form for Home Theater. Continuum mid-bass drive units provide make it easy to hear actors and robust bass lines for action films while Decoupled Double Dome Tweeters create an enveloping sense of space and clarity. Featuring upgraded crossovers for even more transparency and a unique trim-ring to celebrate this milestone, the HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition is the most sophisticated, affordable center channel Bowers & Wilkins has ever made. The HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition is the matching center channel for the 600 Series Anniversary Edition range of products. Over the last 25 years, the 600 Series has been our most affordable performance range of loudspeakers, and we’re celebrating our love of sound with acoustic improvements to the crossover network for overall greater levels of clarity and smoother high frequencies so you can enjoy a compelling listening experience across the range of products.
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
I am an audiophile. I love music, I appreciate sound, I enjoy all the nuances. Yet, for some stupid reason I spent the last 20 yrs of my life with a sub-par center channel speaker. When I finally had the opportunity to upgrade, I chose the Bowers & Wilkins 600 Series (Anniversary Ed.) center speaker and was stunned at how badly my old center channel underperformed.
Rather than bore you with the specs you have already read about or add tons of pictures of my home theater setup, I feel it is more important to talk about how this center channel integrates into the listening experience.
I run a Sony STR-DN1080 to power my music and television experiences. Not quite willing to part with my nearly 30yr old JBL G500 tower speakers, I added the B&W 600 center to my Sony Atmos, JBL front/rear, and Sonance Sub setup. The first thing I noticed while watching TV was how much better the B&W center channel brought forward center channel sound. Dialog is tight and crisp, I don't have to crank the center to "11" (as I did with previous center speaker) to prevent it from being overpowered by the front speakers and sub. [Note: I did decide to plug the center speaker "bass" port with the included foam inserts only because I don't need more bass given my passive 8" speakers in the towers AND my sub.] While watching movies, again, this center speaker handles dialog well in action movies where effects can drown out dialog and dramas where dialog can be intentionally low for "mood."
While listening to music, the jury is out as to how/if I will include the center channel in my experience. I liked how balanced everything was when allowing my STR-DN1080 to manage all speakers, but I think I still prefer good old-fashioned 2-channel audio especially when listening to 80s/90s era hip-hop or modern alternative (i.e. Twenty-One Pilots, Missio) but including the B&W center speaker helped make vocals in classic rock and grunge pop. Therefore, it should be noted that the B&W 600 enhances the rock and roll music listening experience in a well configured receiver/amplifier. [Also note: I own the B&W 600 anniversary bookshelf speakers and am strongly leaning toward configuring my system to use the B&W bookshelf + B&W center + Sony Atmos + Sonance Sub as the default for my TV experience given the audio is so tight and balanced...then relying on my towers for music--if only because I cannot emotionally part with my old speakers! Nonetheless, the B&W bookshelves with the center and a sub recreate a music experience equally as fresh and rich.] I know my picture shows me streaming music that is heavily compressed, but trust me, playing uncompressed music through these speakers is even more beautiful!
As for everything else, B&W paid attention to details. Their speakers are beautiful. They include little rubber feet should you want to use them to hold the speaker in place on a shelf or entertainment center. The grills are held on with magnets. The two-tone black and silver finish with the grill off is very eye catching. The speaker is a bit big and like all good speakers, it is a bit heavy. If you are going to rely on a shelf or a stand, double-check your weight and size capacities.
I had been a JBL, Infinity and Klipsch speaker person my whole life. I was skeptical B&W could match the performance and quality of those brands but I must admit, B&W deserves to hang out at the top with the big boys. If you have an ear for sound, you won't go wrong with the Bowers & Wilkins 600 (Anniversary) Series center channel speaker. Read the specs, look at the pictures, and know that B&W owners sing their praises for good reason.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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With powerful 40mm drivers and exceptional acoustics, Hesh Evo features audio quality that has been refined over four generations of constant improvement. The clear, rich sound rivals the most expensive headphones out there — at a price that’s surprisingly affordable.
Customer Rating
4
Comfortable, Good Battery Life
on January 20, 2021
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
These are comfortable, well fitting, simple headphones. They are not designed for an audiophile, but rather for someone who wants an easy out-of-the box, quality headphone experience. They are not noise canceling, however, they do block out surrounding sound well (i.e. "noise isolating") if you have volume set at a normal level.
The battery life is VERY GOOD. Skullcandy deserves 5 stars for the battery alone.
Additionally, the compact fairly well and come with a nice cloth travel bag that can hold the included aux cable and charger cable (cable only). They do not require any special setup to pair with your bluetooth--no extra app needed.
The sound quality is very balanced and "mid-range" (in both a musical sense as well as in price) focused. Bass and treble "complement" music with these headphones. These headphones are NOT designed to pound bass in your ear or wow you with insanely crisp high notes. That being said, if you are looking for something with more bells and whistles and EQ options, you might want to dig deeper into user reviews or step up to a more expensive headset.
Lastly, the only drawback I experienced with these headphones was heat. I have struggled to find over-the-ear cans that won't get warm and sweaty on my ears. These are no exception. Wearing them for about 45 minutes in the kitchen doing average chores my ears eventually got warm to the point where I took them off to let my ears "breathe" a bit. Nonetheless, I think just sitting on the couch or at the desk in the office these headphones would be fine.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Shark AI Robot VACMOP combines powerful vacuum suction and hard floor wet mopping for a complete clean, all in one robot. Features include: Shark suction power, Sonic Mopping that delivers 100 scrubs per minute for stuck-on stains, and AI Laser Navigation for precision cleaning.
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
I was excited to grab a Shark robot with a wet-mop feature because we were very happy with our previous Shark robot (ION 720 w/o wifi app feature) and our traditional Shark DuoClean traditional bagless upright.
Unfortunately, the Shark AI VacMop Pro RV2001WD is not living up to our high expectations set by their other products.
First and foremost, the robot is SIGNIFICANTLY louder than our Shark ION 720. I was willing to watch TV in the other room while the ION randomly wandered the kitchen, dining room and hallway. I cannot listen to the TV while the VacMop is running. The device is too loud, too distracting. In fact, the first time I turned it on I assumed I forgot to take a piece of shipping tape off the robot or thought I assembled it wrong (assembly is very easy--a 5 yr old could do it) because it was so loud.
Secondly, we never got the VacMop...or rather the APP...to finish processing our room map. 5 days later and I am still waiting for the map to process. I find the map processing to be rather important because unlike the ION, this device doesn't come with magnetic strips to confine or define cleaning spaces.
Third, I have run the device 5 times. 3 times the AI wasn't smart enough to avoid a door stop (the kind that is like a spring screwed into baseboard). That wouldn't be a problem except my door stops are at the exact same height as the ON/OFF switch for the VacMop--resulting in the door stop tripping the on/off switch as the robot spun out of harm's way! Three of five attempts to clean my floors thwarted by a doorstop that turned clicked the robot switch to off!
The one time we did get a successful dry vacuum of the room (I literally had to put up barriers to define the room space) it was 100 times smarter with its patterns than the Shark ION 720. No more random wandering--it found the perimeter of the room then moved back and forth in straight lines very efficiently.
The object sensors seem improved in the VacMop compared to the ION 720 but at times almost seem TOO sensitive as the VacMop had a tendency to come upon corners only to spin and "think" a few times before moving on. One time it got frustrated and just stopped...again, near a door stop in a corner (but this time it the door stop did not hit the on/off switch). I hit the DOCK button to send it back to the charger and it only made it halfway down the hall before giving up again. Because I have had only one successful cleaning in 5 attempts, and no stored maps, I am not sure if the inability to find the charger is a fluke or not.
Finally, aside from the noise and on/off switch location design flaw (a flaw from my point of view), it would appear that Shark had improved on the beater bar and brushes as well as the sensitivity of their object detection.
Unfortunately, the underperforming app, the noise, and the inconsistent ability to run a full room clean with this AI robot vacuum in my home has me not recommending the Shark VacMop Pro RV2001WD. I was hoping for a set-it and forget-it, smarter app-based experience to wet clean my kitchen and dining room every other day. I am not getting the results I hoped for.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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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.
Customer Rating
4
Up and running in seconds
on October 23, 2020
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
- VERY GOOD MICROPHONE QUALITY EVEN IF WHEN WALKING AROUND IN THE OFFICE. SEVERAL COMMENTS FROM COWORKERS ABOUT THE CLARITY OF MY VOICE EVEN WHEN I WAS NOT DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA (I tend to pace around the office on calls)
- VERY GOOD LOW-LIGHT IMAGE QUALITY COMPARED TO BUILT-IN LAPTOP 720p CAMERA. ONE PARTICIPANT COULD READ THE WHEAT THINS BOX BEHIND ME (5' beyond the camera)
Review: Plug it in. Wait about 15 seconds. Done. That just about sums it up. I have no cons with this camera. I did not need 1080, I did not need pan/tilt/zoom, I wanted ease and quality.
The 7' USB type-A cable gives you the option to move the camera around your workspace a bit in the event you want it higher, closer, father away, etc.
Flexible "grip" to hook onto your screen or to set on a flat surface. It can even be screwed onto a standard tripod.
60° field of view is good enough to capture you and a friend if you want two people in a "close-up" frame at a time.
If you need a decent webcam with focus on visual and microphone clarity, there is no need to look beyond the Logitech C505.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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27" Full-HD curved gaming monitor with bold new design. Featuring 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT for smooth, immersive gameplay.
Customer Rating
4
Good HD Gaming Monitor
on September 21, 2020
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
The Dell 27" curved S2721HGF is a good, curved, large HD gaming monitor that won't break the bank. The high refresh rates are critical to smooth gaming.
Compared to my Dell 27" flat monitor, the curve didn't make a huge difference in the overall gaming experience. To use the monitor for "regular computer activities (email, Word, etc.)," however, I found the curve to be a bit distracting. I initially thought that the colors felt a bit washed out when using the display for normal computer activities, but once gaming the color depth seemed fine.
I don't notice a quality difference between HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity to my gaming PC (GeForce RTX 2070 Super). But, from what I understand of the technology, HDMI/DisplayPort tech differences matter more with 4K...and this is not a 4K display. Nonetheless, the biggest thing that I really like about this monitor is the fact that it has 2 HDMI ports and a DisplayPort (and an aux OUTPUT ONLY port--the port is there for you to send an HDMI/DP audio signal through the monitor and out to external speakers if you wish, there are no internal speakers on this display). I can keep up to 3 devices (PC, Switch, XboxOne) connected to the monitor at all times without constantly swapping devices in and out. The display can also be tilted and elevated/lowered on its desktop stand.
Overall a pretty good monitor for the price with multiple connectivity options for the gamer who isn't looking for the multiple screen, 4K experience but still wants to get clean, fast graphics on a large display without spending a ton of money.
Note: There was an issue with the monitor always displaying the Hz in the upper left, which would be fine if it only lasted a couple seconds, but I played games for a few hours on my Switch using this thing and it never went away on its own. I was able to solve it by doing a Factory Reset on the monitor, but that wasn't exactly hard, just a bit annoying, and the monitor was completely fine for me after that.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Cookware is the cookware that won't stick, chip, or flake. With a max manufacturing temperature of 30,000°F, our cookware won't rapidly lose nonstick like traditional pans made at 900°F can.
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
Very satisfied so far with my Ninja Foodi Neverstick cookware. I have had some higher end, no stick cookware in the past that has broken down over time--either peeling after a scratch with a metal utensil or high heat damage from foods like bacon or wear and tear in the dishwasher. Although it is too early to tell how the "neverstick" claim will hold up to repeat dishwasher washing, it is deemed dishwasher safe which was critical to my decision.
The pots and pans are very well constructed and have a nice balance and weight to them. They heat evenly and do not burn food. Handles do not overheat (unless in direct range of oven venting or in contact with a nearby burner on a gas stove). They are stylish and easy to clean by hand if you want. The collection comes with a stock pot, two regular pots (1.5 and 2.5 quarts), a small frying pan, a large frying pan, and large sauté/skillet pan. (There are only 4 lids. The small frying pan does not have a lid. You can share the sauté lid with the larger frying pan if you like.)
I accidentally left the gas burner on for a half an hour while eating and burned sauce in the smaller pot on only my second use. Fortunately it came clean with no problem what so ever. I used the frying pan in the oven to make German (puff) pancakes and it held up to the heat just fine. We have boiled water and unlike other pots, the water ring washed away without effort.
Most importantly, this cookware heats evenly and delivers on the claim of "no stick" when it comes to cleaning up. Although I wish the smaller frying pan came with a lid, I have no complaints. I highly recommend this cookware set and have become a huge fan of the Ninja Foodi line of quality products.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Detect allergens and toxins in the air with this uHoo smart indoor air monitor. The uHoo mobile app lets you view nine air quality sensors remotely, providing personalized tips on cleaning the air around your home. This uHoo smart indoor air monitor also features advanced integration capabilities with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT for smooth pairing with air purifiers, dehumidifiers, lights, etc.
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
We purchased the uHoo Smart Indoor Air Quality Monitor due to concerns related to air quality in our house. Issues with moisture/drainage in our neighborhood and the discovery of furnace problems that could have caused CO issues (our stand alone CO detector never indicated a problem) led us in search of more in-depth, ongoing readings of our home air quality, especially in our basement workspace. The uHoo provides us with that detail and piece of mind.
Setup was easy. Download the app, sign up for an account. Then power on the uHoo (power supply and cables included) and follow the app to connect discovered uHoo devices to your wifi (2.4Ghz only, I believe). The only part of this process that could be confusing to some is that in order to connect your uHoo to your home network, you briefly have to disconnect your phone/tablet from the home network and connect directly to the "factory wifi network" emitted by the uHoo. If you follow the (well written and illustrated) instructions and know how to use your phone, you will be fine. It would appear, however, that moving the device to a new wifi network will involve essentially a factory reset to the device itself. That could make it difficult to use if you want to travel with it.
Once functioning, you will see statistics for your room. We have tested in two different parts of the house and saw numbers change (slightly) so we can safely assume it is working. (No CO, thank goodness.) As a side note, the device does not make any noise and any indicator lights that appeared during setup go dark after a few seconds so you don't have to worry about the uHoo blinking or glowing 24/7.
The app readings are very clear and color coded to alert you to "danger zones" (green for ok, yellow for "not ideal" and red for "danger"). There are bar charts showing trends over time.
The "virus index" is a composite reading that gives you both readings and tips to help "clean your air." The other 9 sensors (temp, humidity, air pressure, CO2, TVOC, pollution, CO, NO2 and ozone) are scientific readings.
It is important to know that this device does not purify air. Nonetheless, it gives you good readings about the quality of the air in your home. I wish there was a "mold" or "allergens" component but at least we can get humidity under control and have a backup tool for reading CO levels, should they ever be a problem. CO2 is always high in our house (perhaps because of extended summer a/c use) but other than that, we were "relieved" to see that our air quality in multiple rooms has been good on the whole.
This is a good device for anyone with medical/breathing issues, an "alarmist," or anyone who has the need or desire to keep tabs on room air quality via a remote app. I could see applications for this in areas such as a wine cellar, home brewing room, basement or attic office, garage, or other confined space where air quality/temp could pose a risk to an individual or product. Because I do not have any smart HVAC applications to tie the uHoo to, I did not try IFTTT or Google Assistant. Nonetheless, I can see how this device could be used (with IFTTT) to do things like automatically turn on a smart ventilation fan or turn on/off a smart (de)humidifier to further help maintain good air quality.
This is a good device for anyone with medical/breathing issues, an "alarmist," or anyone who has the need or desire to keep tabs on room air quality via a remote app. I could see applications for this in areas such as a wine cellar, home brewing room, basement or attic office, garage, or other confined space where air quality/temp could pose a risk to an individual or product. Because I do not have any smart HVAC applications to tie the uHoo to, I did not try IFTTT or Google Assistant. Nonetheless, I can see how this device could be used (with IFTTT) to do things like automatically turn on a smart ventilation fan or turn on/off a smart (de)humidifier to further help maintain good air quality.
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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