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BenisJ
 
 
 
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  • Review count
    118
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    466
  • First review
    December 7, 2014
  • Last review
    April 28, 2024
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  • Answer count
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  • First answer
    January 30, 2017
  • Last answer
    August 30, 2021
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BenisJ's Reviews
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Sony's intelligent noise-cancelling headphones with premium sound elevate your listening experience with the ability to personalize and control everything you hear. Get up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging capabilities, enjoy an enhanced Smart Listening feature set, and carry conversations hands-free with speak-to-chat.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Insane comfort and noise cancelling
on August 17, 2020
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
COMFORT: Perfect 10
WEIGHT: Perfect 10
NOISE CANCEL: 10
AUDIO QUALITY: 8*
STYLE: 9
FEATURES: 10
BATTERY: 10
CONSTRUCTION: TBD
This is not my first pair of high-end Sony over-the-ear headphones. In fact, it is my 4th...and there is a reason for that. Two of the 4 previous pairs have cracked where the ear cup meets the headband. Once on my EXTRA-BASS headphones and again with my WH-1000XM3 (aka "last year's model") cans. The XM4 are similarly designed but they do feel a bit more sturdy at the joints. [The EXTRA-BASS headphones were definitely made with inferior plastic parts and had a different cup/headband design compared to the XM4 so that is not an apples-to-apples comparison.]
But...
As noted, comfort and weight are stellar with these headphones. I have worn them all day at the office connected to the laptop listening to music or videos AND connected to the office phone ready for phone calls (more on that later). As a bald guy who sweats, normally the top of my head where the band rubs will start to get a bit sore after 4-5 hours or the actual pressure on the ears will get annoying. I could probably go all 30 hours without complaining about the fit. They are very soft, very light, very comfortable. And, as a bonus, while your ears will sweat if you are wearing them while exercising or in the hot sun, I have found them to breathe better than previous Sony cans.
The headphones are feature-filled. I really like the "touch-pad" concept over physical buttons as well as the auto-pause feature when you take them off your head. Connecting to TWO bluetooths (blueteeth?) has been a nice bonus as well. As mentioned, I can pair these with my laptop for music/Zoom/YouTube enjoyment and still have my phone ring through without need to take the headphones off or switch headsets. When using them to Zoom or talk on the phone, people have not complained about my vocal quality so I would assume all is good there. I am a big Google Assistant user so having that functionality in the headset is also nice. The Sony app is robust with tons of customizable settings including some auto-sensing features to make setup and preferences easier. Plus the app has an equalizer, but...
...but I am having difficulty tuning the audio in to my liking compared to my other Sony headphones--specifically my non-noise cancelling XB700s. Don't get me wrong, the XM4 cans have some great sound out of the box but some of the tunes I listened to initially (Pearl Jam and other 80s/90s rock and punk rock) seemed to fall a bit flat out-of-the-box. Tweaking the EQ helped but I still don't think the mid- and hi-range sounds pop as crisply as I am used to. [*This could also be an issue with streaming service compression as my music provider just changed.] Depth (i.e. "bass") however is very controllable and strongly represented in these headphones. What I like about the bass is you can really pull out the strong, rumbling bass in today's alt or club mixes (i.e. Missio or twenty-one Pilots) but also grab tight bass from hip-hop or old school rap. I trust that any "muddiness" I sense (which could be psychological) with mid/hi tones will eventually be resolved with the proper tweaking of the EQ.
Noise cancelling in the XM4 is outstanding. I have no idea how all that voodoo magic works but Sony has figured it out. I am insanely impressed by what I *don't* hear. And after all, that is what you buy noise cancelling headphones for: To block out the ambient noise and really enjoy the richness of the audio pumped to your ear.
These headphones are strong contenders for "Best of the Year." If I treat them well and don't crack them, they should bring years of satisfying use.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
-4points
0of 4voted this as helpful.
 
Record and view impressive video with this powerful security system, providing 4K Ultra HD resolution with superior definition and detail. This system also features Smart Motion Detection, so you only receive notifications that are important to you. Smart Search technology allows you to quickly and easily filter motion events, saving time when reviewing footage. Listen and speak to visitors on your property thanks to the listen in audio and two way talk feature in each camera. As part of the Lorex Fusion™ collection, you can pair this security system with additional Lorex Products, such as Wi-Fi cameras, doorbells, sensors, and floodlights. With convenient voice control and smart home compatibility, 4K Ultra HD resolution, and Smart Motion Detection, this security system has everything you need to start protecting what's important to you.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
A Mix of Good and Not Good
on June 12, 2020
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
This is a hard system to review. I have had experience with a few other security systems including app-based, wireless indoor/outdoor home security cameras (that failed me because of the need to recharge cameras more frequently than I wanted) and wired office building non-Lorex systems similar in concept but on a 20-camera scale (that have failed me because the camera/software technology became outdated and abandoned by manufacturer) and "doorbell cams."
I grabbed the Lorex N841A82-8AB4-E first and foremost because I decided that I needed the following options for my home:
- (Smart) Motion detection/activation
- Activity notification to mobile device
- High quality resolution
- Night vision
- App, PC and "tv" based monitoring of video
- Audio recording and the ability to send audio out through the cameras
- Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
- "Relatively" easy installation
- Expandability and options for things like smart doorbell, alarms or motion lighting
- NO MONTHLY SERVICE FEES
HARDWARE (4 stars)
No complaints regarding the hardware specs. The unit comes with 4 cameras that are solid, made with metal components, 4 100ft long CAT5 cables with weatherproof, locking connectors on the camera end, and the NVR with one input port, 8 PoE (up to 300') camera ports, VGA/HDMI/USB inputs/outputs, and a wired mouse.
First, I wish the mouse was wireless. I keep the NVR (control center) in a cabinet in our family room entertainment center. I sit on the couch. It would be nice to control the system with a wireless mouse or even a "remote control" device or app option (like how a Roku app on your phone can control the TV screen). Second, the fan in the NVR is louder than it should be. It is more like a PC fan than a laptop fan as far as decibels. Fortunately I can close the cabinet door to make the fan noise inaudible but it would be distracting if I had the NVR out in the open. Third, while the cameras themselves are well constructed, I already stripped one of the arm adjustment screws and found adjusting angles when mounting the camera to be a geometrical challenge. Finally, while 100' of CAT5 with weatherproof connectors is nice, the cables came tightly bundled and coiled in a manner that made them difficult to work with. I left them out in the hot sun to try to make them less "coily and kinky."
4 stars for quality hardware with minor flaws such as fan noise, easily stripped screws, and mechanically challenging camera arm adjustment/tweaking.
SOFTWARE (3 stars)
I am impressed by the sheer amount of features in the Lorex software on the NVR. There are tons of things to control. If you have ever used a professional, business oriented security camera system, the Lorex software is similar as for as options and controls. That being said, it is not necessarily intuitive. There are still tons of features and settings I need to spend time figuring out. However, out of the box, plug it in, turn it on and IT WORKS. You don't need an engineering degree to make the system work. Plug things in, see your cameras, be happy.
The on-screen NVR menu is a bit archaic. Again, extremely feature-filled but things such as playback and zoom could be presented better on-screen. Categorization of features leaves a bit to be desired too (on the NVR and on the app) as I found myself asking "Where the heck did I find that setting?!?!?!"
The app on the phone is a bit cleaner and easier to understand but also a bit more limited than the NVR software. You get live view, recorded view, notification settings, set monitoring zones, alarm, talkback, etc. features on the phone but you cannot see/change the actually NVR controls and settings (i.e. change network settings) from the phone. The app also uses a ton of resources on my Moto X4 phone and has crashed a couple of times when trying to set activation zones and scan playback video. However, watching live video and switching between cameras on the app is solid.
Lastly, I want to view this system via a laptop and web app or directly via client software. I have yet to figure out how to do that and am mildly frustrated it has taken a fair amount of effort to get nowhere on this endeavor. I will definitely need to do more surfing to find out how/if.
BIGGEST APP COMPLAINT IS WITH PUSH NOTIFICATIONS. I wanted person and car push notifications ON. I had to turn OFF the vehicle detection because it was constantly notifying me of my parked cars out front. People notification is still turned on but if one person comes into camera view I receive 6-8 notifications over a 2-minute timespan. There needs to be an option to say "alert only once in a 5 minute period" or something similar. I have adjusted motion sensitivity and camera angles and still get far too many push notifications.
IMAGE QUALITY (3.5)
This is probably the main reason people buy a security camera: To see (clearly) what is happening on their property. In daylight, the camera quality is AMAZING. Truly amazing. Both on my 50" 4K tv and on my mobile phone. At night, the quality is "meh." I have yet to get "full color at night with the help of some external lighting" (that is a manufacturer's note that I missed pre-purchase) and the long-range IR night vision that "records crisp black and white footage up to 150' away" fell about 50'-75' short in my opinion, especially when compared to daylight distance. The images attached to this post highlight the difference. While I realize background lighting, reflection from objects like trees/grass, etc. all play a role in the effectiveness of night vision, I don't think there is anything negatively unique about my property and therefore am frustrated I don't have a better view of our cars parked about 60'-90' feet from a camera.
OVERALL I would say this is a solid surveillance system with lots of features and options. Overkill for the home use who just wants the front door and driveway monitored. Great for anyone with good install/tech skills who wants "full property" options and expandability. I personally like the features and options but also feel that some things come up short like night vision promises and "over notification" from the push messages. Perhaps with more tweaking will improve my opinion on the software.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
6of 10voted this as helpful.
 
Stay in the game with this JBL Quantum 800 over-ear wireless gaming headset. The memory foam padding ensures comfort during long duels, while the unidirectional microphone delivers clear communication to your teammates. This JBL Quantum 800 over-ear wireless gaming headset features accurate spatial audio positioning to give you an edge over your enemies.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Good for their niche
on June 1, 2020
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
Sound Quality and Fit: The sound quality was very good. The headphones were comfortable and canceled a significant amount of ambient noise.
Functionality: As mentioned, they do not wirelessly connect with XBoxOne or 360. You can connect to an XBoxOne via cable. To make effective audio changes to the headphones wired to XB1, however, you need to make onscreen adjustments. On a PC, or tablet, the JBL Quantum 800 shine as wireless gaming headphones. Connected via bluetooth to a tablet, and via the USB dongle to the PC these headphones performed very well. Voice quality was good--online friends heard me clearly and loudly. No echo effects or any other audio distortion.
One final functional note (and maybe I haven't figured it out yet) there isn't an obvious "pause" button on the headphones themselves to pause media (i.e. music or a video on a tablet). Additionally, if the headphones don't detect sound for a certain amount of time they appear to power off ( as a power save measure, I suppose). This is annoying if you take them off your ears for a minute or two to talk to someone in real life. You have to power them back on. On my devices, I would then have to manually reconnect the headphones if they had dropped into "power save mode" after a few minutes of silence.
Windows 10 automatically detected updates and software once the dongle was plugged into the USB port. Audio enhancements bring sounds to the forefront but the options were a bit overwhelming to a newb. Once properly tweaked, these headphones headphones bring a lot to the gaming experience. They did a good job of creating "spatial" sounds--where you could hear things coming from the left, the right, or behind you.
These headphones excel for the PC gamer who takes the time to customize and configure the settings, but they may fall short for the console gamer. Also, they are not necessarily the right pair of headphones for someone looking for a more all-around headset to use with devices that perform more general, non-gaming activities.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Molekule Air Mini air purifier is FDA-cleared for medical use to destroy viruses and bacteria. This 510(k) Class II medical device features a 360-degree air intake that replaces the air in a 250-square-foot room. The device uses a patented PECO-Filter, which is coated with a proprietary catalyst and breaks down viruses & bacteria at a molecular level. It also traps 95% of particles 0.3-1 micron in size like mold & pollen allergens.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Quiet and functional
on May 12, 2020
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
This is my first go around with an air purifier. In part because I don't know the extent to which I buy into the air purification process. Nonetheless, we have a damp basement with a previous history of mold/mildew in close proximity to a sewing room. While I believe the situation to be under control, it doesn't change the fact that it is a basement, we have a sump pump, basements usually have an odor or general unpleasantness about the air, etc. and my wife spends 50% of her day down there and expresses concern about funk, dust and the moisture where the pipes exit the house to the septic field.
The Molekule Mini seemed like the perfect solution to address her concerns in her enclosed 11x13 room.
The device itself stands about a foot high and is about 8-9" in diameter. It has decent weight (around 7 lbs) and isn't easily knocked over. It is "stylish" in that it doesn't stick out but at the same time, it is fairly large and awkward looking on an end table, in my opinion. Molekule recommends you run it on an elevated surface for best results. Fortunately, we are putting this in a room where it won't be seen by anyone other than us.
The product claims to be ideal for up to 250 square feet. Given our room is in the 130 range, it is the ideal capacity for our filtering/purification needs.
Speaking of purification... All I can do is trust the science/math/claims behind the research and efficiency of the product. We do not smoke, we did not have an identifiable odor (i.e. cat box, sewage, etc.) to address--more of a "general air quality" concern that, on paper, this device should assist with. My wife claims that constant running at the lowest (audibly unnoticeable) setting has made the room fresher. I noticed I don't smell the lingering air freshener scents that had "baked into the room" over the years. As noted in the packaging, there is an operational odor during the first 24-48 hours that dissipates to nothing.
There are 5 fan settings. As mentioned, the lowest is inaudible. Setting 2 is barely noticeable and easily covered by the sound of her sewing machine or music. I think the fan in her laptop is louder than the fan in the Molekule at setting 2. Setting 3, 4, and 5 ramp up the speed/noise factor but never to a level that is unpleasant. I suspect that at 5 I would want to place it as far away from me as possible, but I think I would still be able to hear a television OK at a reasonable volume.
Operation is easy. Unpacking was a breeze. Simply untwist the canister cover, remove the filter from its plastic bag (or insert a new filter), twist the cover back in and push the single operation button atop the device to turn it on--then press again to increase the fan to the level you want. Maintenance will be easy but as of now I have no basis to speak to how often the filter will need to be replaced (6 months per manufacturer). The base stores the cord and is designed for you to release only as much cord as you need to reach the wall. Overall cord length? I am guessing around 4.5 feet. There are no visible, constantly glowing components that would interrupt sleep or otherwise illuminate a darkened room.
My only concerns moving forward with this device will be filter life, filter cost and operational costs. Molekule seems to have "done the science and research" and consequently that may be why this air purifier tips the more costly end of the scale when compared to other Google searches for air purifiers. I also question why, at its MSRP, it isn't wifi/app compatible. Consequently, I would prefer to rate this product as a 4.5 but those are preferences rather than flaws. Nonetheless, the Molekule Mini is quiet, unobtrusive, and meets our needs and concerns in an enclosed, basement room. It gives us the peace of mind that we have taken substantial steps to ensuring air quality in a room that may pose health concerns.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
The Victorinox Small Connex Frequent is made by the same company that has made Swiss Army Knives since 1897. So, you can be that it covers all the bases -- functionality, versatility, quality, and ergonomics. This upright spinner bag’s exterior offers a modern, streamlined look and is made with strong Makrolon polycarbonate. The spacious internal compartment allows optimized packing and is expandable to increase the capacity. There are x-shaped compression straps and zippered divider walls and pockets to help organize. When you close the bag and send it off, it can stay secure: a recessed Travel Sentry Approved combination lock allows TSA officers to access your bag. Its dimensions are 9.1 x 13.8 x 21.7 inches. And, when empty, it weighs 6.7 pounds.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Rugged build, ample space
on February 19, 2020
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
It was time for me to step up my luggage game. After years of frustration with 2-wheel, softside, "cheap" luggage that had peeling plastic and fraying fabric insides, I opted to give a "real" carry-on a try.
First, there is no substitute for 4 sets of wheels (technically 8 wheels, double-wheels in each corner). It stands more sturdily than a 2-wheel, it moves more freely, it rolls quietly...it is all around more pleasant to use. My only concern (and time will tell) is whether or not the wheels will hold up on concrete and slush or get snapped off if checked or caught on anything.
Second, I like that the inside has a "divider" that is not mesh. My previous luggage had mesh dividers which did little to separate anything dirty or possibly wet from my "clean side." The material used inside this bag will likely do a much better job of keeping dirt/moisture (and maybe odor?) restricted. See the pictures for a detail of the fabric.
Third, this suitcase has nice features including its attractive, yet plain design, telescopic handle with multiple heights, USB charger cable (and the "multi-tool"), quality zippers/stitching/fabric, TSA approved customizable combo lock, and apparent solid construction.
The extra 1.6" expansion is nice for when you have that short trip that might require packing an extra sweatshirt for iffy weather or want to bring home a souvenir or two.
Undoubtedly this carry-on can handle the abuse of travel yet keep your belongings safe and secure. It is very easy to walk with, carry, and pack...and won't fall over on its own like a top-heavy, 2-wheel softside. Victorinox had the needs of both the frequent and infrequent traveler in mind when they designed this suitcase.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Make yard work easier with this Hoover ONEPWR Cordless High-Performance Blower. A heavy-duty turbo fan blasts away leaves with up to 270 cfm of airflow, and an integrated scraper easily removes stuck-on debris. This Hoover ONEPWR Cordless High-Performance Blower includes a charger and a battery and is ready to run right out of the box.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Good Power & Light, Not a gas/elect replacement
on December 17, 2019
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
Very pleased with how lightweight and powerful this blower is. However, I am disappointed it doesn't have an AC power option because I am only able to get 20 minutes of use out of each charge when pulling the trigger for full power...and charging takes over 3 hours.
That being said, this blower does NOT replace your gas or electric blower. It cannot handle wet or heavy leaves in the grass. Nor does it have the charge to "leaf blow" an entire yard. Nonetheless, it earns a spot in the garage for those lightduty, quick tasks where smelling like exhaust or dragging out the extension cords seems like a pain.
As mentioned in product literature, this tool has a battery capable of running other Hoover products. Not sure how the battery use compares in other ONEPWR cordless devices but 20 minutes of "practical use time" (14 minutes of runtime per the literature) should be enough to blow off the deck, blow out the garage, blow the grass clippings off the driveway and sidewalk, blast (dry) leaves out of the basement window wells or the corners of landscaping, and possibly even jump on the roof to blow out the gutters. (Disclosure, by the time I remember to try to use this to blast out my gutters, they were frozen for the winter. I am not sure how effective this blower will be with wet, compact gutter debris however this blower is lightweight enough to feel confident carrying it up a ladder.)
It was not very effective at blowing dry leaves across my lawn but again, due to the limited runtime (and 3.5 recharge time), I no longer hope to use this blower to handle leaves in the lawn. [This is where it would be nice to have optional "corded" functionality.] It also struggled to get packed leaves out of shrubbery for me, but to be fair, it had rained the night before I tried to use it to clear leaves from the landscaping. My new "leaf" goal for this blower is to be able to blow leaves out of corners, landscaping, fencing, etc. then mow over them.
The blower itself is well balanced and is not a strain on the arms or back. It is relatively quiet compared to a gas blower. At "full trigger" I could tell when the blower battery was reaching the end of its charge because the performance/motor sound dipped just a little a bit but performance remained fairly consistent until the battery was dead. No "slow dying"--it just stops. I think the literature calls this "fade-free" power. Of course, you can check the remaining battery charge by pressing a battery indicator light.
I recommend this product because it is just plain easy to use. Easy assembly, lightweight, and great for quick lightduty jobs. As long as you don't go into it thinking this replaces a gas/electric blower, you'll find it a great tool. If you plan to use it frequently, buy another battery.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Train like a pro with this 44mm Fossil Carlyle HR smartwatch. Bluetooth functionality enables syncing with your smartphone, while the internal storage lets you work out with your favorite tunes. This swimproof Fossil Carlyle HR smartwatch features GPS to track your activity outdoors, and the heart monitor keeps tabs on your cardiac rate.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Solid Smartwatch
on November 25, 2019
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
Good:
- Stylish and classy
- Nice, large display
- Google OS
- Easy setup (took about 10 minutes)
- Better than a day's worth of battery (results may vary--but this was after minimal customization)
- Supports Google Pay
- Wifi, NFC, GPS, heart rate
- Support for many apps
- Good, fast processor, responsive, 8GB storage
- Built-in speaker and vibration option
Bad:
- I struggled for over an hour getting the pins out to size the watch--plan on taking it to a watch shop for adjusting
- A bit heavy
- Text is a bit small (had to go into settings and pick LARGE over normal)
- After a week, I am still struggling to remember which way to swipe for various features and find myself "lost" when touching the screen
- Special charger so you will have to remember to travel with it
How I intend to use it:
This is my first smartwatch and, since I am all-in on Google/Android, this watch made the most sense to me. I wanted a watch that was stylish and had multiple "face" options. I really like the look of this watch and the fact that I can select different face types for the watch. Growing up a member of the Swatch generation, I like that I can select from many different looks for this watch. Unfortunately, I have found the metal band to be a bit uncomfortable and will be looking to replace it down the road.
First and foremost, however, I wanted alerts--specifically text alerts and emails--to hit my wrist. I use 3 different Google accounts (and two personal phone numbers) all the time and needed a device that would handle multiple accounts without issue. I have had no issues receiving text/email and have been able to reliably use "suggested responses" or voice-to-text responses through the smartwatch. I also get Facebook post alerts (I need to figure out how to disable that) and Facebook Messenger "texting" to the watch.
Second, I intend to use the watch to monitor (and incentivize) basic health functions like tracking exercise, heart rate, etc. I like the Google Fit app and have jumped on the "steps per day" bandwagon.
Third, I like Google Pay. The watch may replace my phone for NFC payments at gas stations and the grocery store.
And finally, I intend to use the watch (rather than my phone) as my primary source for interacting with the Google Assistant.
I still have more to explore with this watch but it has delivered all the functionality and features I want. I don't think you can go wrong with this smartwatch.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Meet the 2nd generation Nest Mini, the smart speaker you control with your voice. Just say "Hey Google" to play songs from Spotify, YouTube Music, and more.* Music sounds bigger and richer. Ask your Google Assistant about the weather, news, or almost anything. Hear your personalized schedule, current weather conditions, and reminders.** Set timers and alarms. And control your compatible smart devices.***
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Almost Perfect
on November 7, 2019
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
I am slowly Googlifying my home. I have a first gen Google Home Hub (or Nest or Nest Hub? Not sure what they call it anymore--but the one with a screen and no camera) that I love. We keep it in the kitchen and use it for all sorts of daily updates and to do smart home functions like "Watch FX on the Big TV" and "Turn off the living room lamp" and "Is it going to snow in Chicago tomorrow?" and "Shuffle my Pearl Jam mix on the stereo."
Because I have grown accustomed to voice commands, it can be frustrating when I am on the second level of our house without a smart device. This is where the Google Nest Mini Gen 2 comes into play for us. We put one the bedroom for convenience and music. (I know...Google is always listening but I was comfortable with it given the device does not have a camera.) Now I have the luxury of asking all the "what is the forecast tomorrow, play music in the bedroom, give me news headlines, turn on the living room lamp" commands upstairs without the glow of a screen or the invasion of a camera lens.
The Good:
- The mini is almost the perfect size and price
- It is very responsive; quick with info
- It is touch sensitive for functions like volume
- Audio quality is decent and full-bodied for its size and sounds much better when projected forward (when on a wall) versus upward (on a table)
- Volume levels are solid allowing this device to pump out quite a bit of sound
- Setup was insanely easy--possibly because I already had a hub and assistant configured. For setup, all I had to do was plug it in, wait for a prompt, and "name" the device through my phone app.
- There is a physical switch to disable the microphone
- You can use it to place a Duo call
- Fully integrated with other Nest/Google Assistant enabled devices in the house so you can send commands anywhere
The Not So Good and/or Wishlist:
- Why not a USB charger/plug, Google? Again, another proprietary plug which means if I lose it or it shorts out, I can't simply swap cables and power sources.
- Once you've heard the sound on a wall (vs. table) you'll have to run to the store to buy a screw and drywall anchor because it really does sound better wall mounted.
- Only "dots" on the fabric display. I wish there was a way for them to show an optional analog clock/temperature display through the fabric so it could replace the clock in the bedroom. Obviously you can used voice commands "Hey Googs, what time is it?" or "Hey Googs, set an alarm for 7a" but there are times when talking to the device (like the middle of the night and you want to know what time it is but your spouse is sound asleep) isn't practical for time/alarm setting functions.
Overall:
Great little device at a very good MSRP. This is a wonderful way to get yourself (or a family member) started with Google Assistant. It is a perfect complement to your home if you already use the Google Assistant or have an existing Google Nest device. Personally, I look forward to learning how to use my mini better for phone/app calls. The only drawback for me is the plug not being USB-C but that doesn't make this device any less spectacular. Now to buy one for the garage and the basement...
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy the powerful, crisp sound of these Sennheiser MOMENTUM wireless over-the-ear headphones. The sheep leather headband and ear pads conform to the shape of your head, adding comfort for all-day use, and Bluetooth connectivity lets you stream music from various devices easily. These Sennheiser MOMENTUM wireless over-the-ear headphones have active noise cancellation that lets you block or listen in on external sounds.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Quality ANC Headphones
on October 25, 2019
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
Most of my Sennheiser product knowledge is predicated on my experiences with their professional broadcast audio equipment. Knowing they are a leader in that field, I was eager to try their commercial noise cancelling headphones. The MOMENTUM 3 lived up to my expectations...for the most part.
Features
- These headphones have some nifty tech features including auto on/off by simply "folding" (or unfolding) the headphones together. They also have a "smart pause" feature that will auto pause/play based on a magical sensor somewhere that determines whether or not the headphones are over your ears.
- Sennheiser chose to stay with tactile buttons to control volume, skipping, ANC, etc. rather than the "touch sensors" that many other high end, designer headphone manufacturers are moving to. Personally, I prefer the touchpad concept over buttons. Nonetheless, the buttons are simple to locate/manipulate and the commands (volume, skip, hang up, etc.) are easy to remember.
- One of the cooler features, in my opinion, is the TILE integration so you can find these headphones if you misplaced them.
- Voice assistance is offered and worked just fine with Google Assistant, however, when I paired them with my laptop and streamed Google Music, Cortana was the default assistant and could not complete vocal commands like "play next."
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- The ANC in these is very good. Not many of us have the option to truly test all the high end brand ANC headphones but I have used 4 other ANC headphones (including one set of in-ear buds) and while everyone argues between Bose and Sony for the "best ANC" these headphones offer better than average noise cancellation.
- ANC options include an easy toggle switch for ANC OFF, ANC ON, and a toggle between "amplified ambient noise" and noise cancelling--essentially auto-pausing your music and letting you hear everything around you crystal clear and loudly without the need to actually take the headphones off.
- With some ANC headphones, toggling noise cancellation on/off will impact audio quality. Not an issue with Sennheiser. I noticed very little if any change in audio quality between ANC on and ANC off.
- On the day my headphones arrived there were Bobcats outside of my ground floor office working on a landscaping project that involved dumping/raking rocks outside my window for about 30 minutes. With ANC on and music at an average level, I hardly knew the landscapers were there. I also never heard the office phone ring :-)
Design
- Discreet, easy to use/remember tactile button controls on the right muff. USB-C connectivity/charging plus a mini cord for wired connectivity. The headphones come with a USB-C to USB-A adapter for charging if you don't have a USB-C charger.
- The look of the headphones is "old school" with a durable metal bad mounted to the outside of each can. This "retro" look makes the headphones look a bit larger than normal on my bald head.
- The cans have a very deep, soft, leather cushion. The band over the head is well cushioned and comfortable as well.
- It is worth noting that the quality materials/construction adds some weight compared to "all plastic" headphones of the same size. They fit me very well and I have not had issues with the headphones slipping or my ears getting too warm.
Audio Quality
Here's where it call comes together...
- The audio quality is very good with these headphones. My only complaint is that, compared to other comparable brands at this price point, the audio sounds "distant" rather than "front facing." As a result, I think Sennheiser inadvertently created a "muddy, behind you" sensation when listening to music. Audio is full and rich, but not super tight and crisp. Again, the auditory quality is very good and balanced (you get the bass, you get the midrange, you get the treble) but when comparing them side-by-side to other headphones, I found the sound sensation to feel like the sound was behind me rather than in front of me.
- When used for calls and video conferencing, my audience sounded great, however, they said that I was a bit hollow (as if I were in a public restroom).
- My test music included modern rock, modern alt, 90s hip hop, 80s rap, grunge and metal. With the default EQ, no one style sounded better than the other yet I found myself wanting to tweak the settings for each style. Fortunately there is an app for that...unfortunately that app is a bit lacking.
App
- The app is average at best. It has an EQ feature that is less than spectacular. I cannot manually set the EQ where I want it--where I set it for ALL my audio devices (home stereo, car, soundbars, etc.)--because they use a "curve slider" rather than just letting us adjust the low, mid, high manually. Again, while the overall audio quality of these is good, a better EQ could make these headphones sound GREAT.
- The app also let's you control ANC settings that include MAX, ANTI-WIND and ANTI-PRESSURE (eliminates that "pressure in the ear" or "underwater" feeling some get with ANC). The app will also let you turn on "transparent hearing" which essential means whether or not you want to hear street noise while listening to music.
Other
This is the first pair of bluetooth headphones I have owned that "multi-paired" to devices. I use these in the office and paired them with my laptop to stream music. I also paired them with my mobile phone. Occasionally the headphones would cut out which I thought was a quality issue. It turns out, they were cutting out whenever I touched my phone. At first I thought this was cool--the headphones were smart enough to know which device to switch to automatically. However, it became a nuisance because of how frequently I touch my phone to read a text or acknowledge a message. Nonetheless, I am not sure if this is an intended "feature" or just "smart technology" but this knowledge may be useful for some.
Overall
Overall I would recommend these headphones because the design quality and tech features. The audio quality and ANC is very good. If you are a sound tweaker, however, you may find these headphones to be a bit limited as you struggle to dial them in to your preference.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+23points
23of 23voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy powerful bass in a minimalistic design using this Sonance cabinet subwoofer. The crossover control offers a clear transition of bass frequencies when connected to your main speakers for smoother bass response, while a ground lift switch eliminates most ground noises to minimize distortion. This Sonance cabinet subwoofer features a textured finish and black cloth grille for added durability.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Adds depth of sound
on October 1, 2019
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
This is my first standalone sub. I have had subs that came with soundbars but never bought one to add to my home stereo system prior to now. I was always satisfied with the bass (and balance) of my high-end floor speakers, especially when listening to music. Where this subwoofer shined, however, was bringing depth to movie/tv watching.
I have it paired with 30yr old JBL dual passive 8" floor speakers, Sony Atmos speakers, and a JBL center channel all driven by a Sony 165W x7 channel receiver--creating essentially a 3.1.2 system.
The sub is completely enclosed and had a fair amount of weight. Features include volume, crossover and phase knobs plus RCA line level inputs (cable not included) and a ground lift switch to eliminate hum. It also has a glowing blue "on" indicator light on the rear panel which, unfortunately, cannot be disabled. The sub has 4 rubber feet lifting the device approximately 1" off the ground.
Upon hooking up the sub to my Sony STRDN1080 I heard nothing. It turns out I had to adjust my receiver speaker setup to include the subwoofer when listening in 2-channel mode (thus creating 2.1). I cranked some Twenty-One Pilots (Heathens), DJ Magic Mike (Feel the Bass), and Pearl Jam (Blood) as my my standard test tracks. The sub was defaulted at about 33% volume out of the box (150Hz crossover, 90° phase) and didn't add much even to the Magic Mike track...so I did what we all would do--cranked up the subwoofer. I got pretty close to distortion at full volume but also would never intentionally run my system like this. (The bass coming out of the floor speakers along with the Sonance was officially annoying at that point.) I settled at 50% volume and the bass thumped. I was surprised, however, how quickly the volume dropped off as I moved back in the room to my couch approx 10' from the face of the sub. Switching to rock music I could hear the bass guitar and bass drum more clearly, more clearly replicating the effect you get at a live concert.
Watching TV dramas, the Sonance really brought out the audio. I was satisfied before watching TV...now I am "more satisfied." However, I am getting a bit annoyed by sitcoms or news shows that drop sound effects that include deep bass randomly as I find it distracting. I may have to do some more tweaking and may end up manually adjusting the volume on the sub more often than I want to as I switch between listening sources (tv sitcoms, news, dramas, movies, music, etc.) but overall this subwoofer brought an element of depth to everything I listen to.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
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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
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.

it does not rotate.
2 years, 11 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.
 

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.
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