Share BenisJ's profile
 
Facebook Twitter
 
 
BenisJ
 
 
 
BenisJ's stats
 
  • Review count
    118
  • Helpfulness votes
    470
  • First review
    December 7, 2014
  • Last review
    April 28, 2024
  • Featured reviews
    0
  • Average rating
    4.2
 
Reviews comments
  • Review comment count
    0
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First review comment
    None
  • Last review comment
    None
  • Featured review comments
    0
 
Questions
  • Question count
    0
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First question
    None
  • Last question
    None
  • Featured questions
    0
 
  • Answer count
    18
  • Helpfulness votes
    55
  • First answer
    January 30, 2017
  • Last answer
    August 30, 2021
  • Featured answers
    0
  • Best answers
    2
 
 
BenisJ's Reviews
<< 1 ... 5 6 7 8 9 ... 12 >>
 
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.)
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
$5/mo unlocks the features you need/want
on November 21, 2018
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
Are you willing to spend $5/mo to have a video doorbell that does all the things you want it to do? If you answered "Yes" then this is the doorbell for you. [If you answered "No" then keep searching...]
I'd give an A+ to design and installation. The design is fairly slim given all the components that go into making a device like this. It is also stylish and looks at home, well...mounted to your home. It is about twice the size of my old, standard button doorbell but still managed to fit on the trim of my door frame. Installation was a breeze as all you need to do is unscrew and pry off your old 2-wire doorbell, attach a mounting plate (and optional "angle mount" if on siding), attach the two wires, slip the camera piece onto the mount, and put in a proprietary screw (comes with a screwdriver that fits the screw head) to keep people from stealing your camera. As for the wifi setup, download the app, sign up for an account (or use an existing SimpliSafe account, I suppose), then follow the app instructions. One of the cooler features was using your phone to generate a QR code that you hold in front of the doorbell to make all the wifi and account connectivity happen.
And the quality is good. Not the best but above average image quality. The camera angle is nice and wide (I think 160°) and can help you see packages on the ground or people standing off to the side of your doorway.
Here's what I don't like...and what I am pretty sure I DID NOT MISS when looking at the product's webpage before selecting...
There is no live notification, snap-shotting, etc. unless you pay $5/mo for those features. I had previously used a camera-only solution for monitoring our front door that offered 24-hour video retention and instant app notification for free (with a paid option of 30 day recording). I assumed that the SimpliSafe Pro-Smart Wifi Video Doorbell would include some form of basic app screen notification and either screen captures or 24 hr video storage out of the box. All the app does is (screen 1) offer setup/activation options, (screen 2) buttons to launch live viewing of your camera or add more cameras, and (screen 3) timestamped text log of doorbell activities (i.e. no activity, "someone rang your doorbell", and "camera recording"). Given the video doorbell has features like motion sensing, high resolution, night vision, and the ability to talk through the doorbell to someone at the door, you would think at a bare minimum "someone rang your doorbell" could record a picture at the time the button was pushed or take a 3-5 snapshots when motion is detected--all for free. Equally frustrating is that the phone records events but doesn't alert you with a pop-up. You must check the app manually if not paying for the monthly service. I understand there is money to be made through an app after the initial sale, but essentially, without buying into the $5/plan or having an existing SimpliSafe whole home security system/plan, this fancy wifi doorbell won't make life any easier. There really is no "value add" without the $5 features.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
 
Create custom lighting schemes with this Sengled Smart LED Starter kit. More than 16 million hues provide endless choices for every occasion, and a range of whites lets you mimic daylight or brighten your space. Compatible with most personal assistant programs, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, this Sengled light bulb integrates seamlessly with your smart lighting setup.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great bulbs, less than great app
on November 20, 2018
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
If I were reviewing just the bulb, I'd give 5 stars. However, the app interface could be improved and include additional troubleshooting tips (beyond call the support line). Additionally, the initial cost feels high compared to non-smart bulbs.
***Bulbs***
Pros - Any color of the rainbow and all the colors in-between; presets for various whites [Edison, warm, neutral, cool, daylight]; dimmable from 0%-100% of 60W (800 lumens); 22-yr lifetime (debatable) with 2-yr warranty; bright and vibrant.
Cons - Cost--unless they really do last 22 yrs then I suppose they are a bargain; not rated as waterproof (however, I have used them in enclosed, outdoor fixtures safely).
***Hub***
Pros - Compact; comes with instructions; works with all Sengled lights; can control up to 64 bulbs on a single hub.
Cons - Power supply is USB on one end, proprietary on the other end; requires wired network connectivity for initial setup (can be wireless following initial setup).
***App***
Pros - Works with Alexa/Google Home/IFTTT; has built-in scanner to scan QR codes of each individual bulb; simple on/off controls for a single bulb or a group of bulbs; options to rename bulbs and place them in rooms or "locations"; ability to select any color on the color wheel as well as any amount of brightness; ability to control settings of individual bulbs or bulbs as a group; ability to program on/off timers as a group or individually.
Cons - The app can be confusing unless you really name and group "devices" (bulbs) well; app can control multiple hubs but doesn't show which hub a bulb is aligned to (if using more than one hub); a bit limited in help options; it just is not inherently simple but you will eventually get used to navigating it.
***OVERALL***
I have a set of white Sengled bulbs and now a set of color. I have carefully named all my bulbs and assigned them locations (e.g. Living Room, Outdoors, Family Room, etc.). I have color bulbs outside the house (for seasonal effects) as well as white bulbs on our front light pole, back deck light, and a living room lamp. I have timers set to activate the living room lamp weekdays at 6a at 25% warm brightness so that I don't trip coming downstairs. The living room lamp turns off automatically at 7a. The front pole and back deck lights come on around 5:30p and stay on until 7a at 50% daylight for security reasons. The outdoor porch/garage lights not on a schedule but are programmed 100% cool for now...soon to be green/red for the holidays. I envision setting them orange/purple around Halloween, green around St. Patrick's day, etc. The color settings are remember when we turn the lights on/off from the switch.
Setup wasn't "hard" but at the same time it seemed to take more effort than it should to get things and running. Scanning the barcode of each bulb to initiate pairing is nice, but when pairing fails there isn't much "help" offered by the app. I have paired Sengled with my Google Home Hub so that I can say "Hey Google turn on the Front Pole light" if I want. That feature works great! I can also annoy my wife by turning lights on/off at home while I am at the office. It is nice to be able to turn on lights in a dark house before you come in or if you are going to be away for a while.
Cost and the "un-intuitiveness" of the app are my main reasons for dropping a star. Overall, however, I do like these lights and the opportunities the Sengled app provides. If you don't mind the cost I think you will be very happy with the Sengled smart bulb system.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Experience smooth performance and flexibility with this 13.3-inch HP Spectre x360 convertible laptop. Featuring a 13.3-inch Full HD touch display and HP Digital Pen, this flexible laptop lets you write, draw and navigate the interface with precise touch controls. This HP Spectre x360 convertible laptop easily handles a variety of software with the power of an Intel Core i7 processor and 8GB of RAM.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great performance, solidly built
on November 13, 2018
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
The HP Spectre x360 13-ap0013dx is a solidly built, every day performer.
Body:
The body of the 13" Spectre x360 is very solid. The copper accent trim is a stylish touch. I am not certain what the primary material is for the chassis, but it feels solid unlike a plastic, entry-level laptop. Although lightweight at only 2.91 lbs (1.32 kg), it actually felt a bit heavy in the hand for such a small laptop. Nonetheless, it is very easy to transport. The hinges are solid and well tuned to hold the screen at any angle. There is slight display wobble and shifting when you pick it up open, but there is no fear of the screen flopping completely open or closed. At full 360° (tablet mode) it feels a bit thick but still comfortable to use as a touchpad or to write on with the included stylus. I could hear the fan when it was working to cool the laptop but the noise level is average when compared to other laptop fans. The keyboard has big, illuminated letters and is comfortable to use. The mousepad is also very responsive and comfortable to use.
Specifications:
With only 8GB of memory (RAM) but an i7 processor (CPU), this laptop is in a strange place somewhere between entry level and professional level. 8GB RAM isn't enough in my book to think of a 2018 model laptop as "pro" or "elite" but then again, it has a 4-core Intel i7 processor rather than the more standard i5 cpu. The 256GB SSD hard drive is fairly standard in capacity, but very fast. The integrated Intel® UHD Graphics 620 are more than adequate for the average Netflix watcher but would be lacking for the hardcore gamer or video editor. The infrared camera is a nice touch that allows the user to take advantage of Windows 10 facial recognition technology to unlock the computer. The 1080 HD screen (rather than 4K screen) keeps it out of the elite class, but then again, the screen is made of Corning Gorilla glass. There is a headphone/microphone jack but there is no ethernet port, only support for wifi & bluetooth. There is 1 USB "traditional" port and 2 USB-C/Thunderbolt ports and 1 MicroSD port. That is it for ports. If you need to power the laptop, use the other USB-C/Thunderbolt port for a monitor, and connect a printer via traditional USB you will be maxed out. There are no serial ports, no HDMI ports, no DV ports, etc. If you need more port connectivity you will have to add a USB-C/Thunderbolt external port replicator.
Performance:
You can read what you want about benchmarks on the HP website or via other reviews. In the real world, this machine boots fast, authenticates quickly, runs simultaneous apps like Word/Excel/Outlook (not included), multiple browser tabs, and streaming music very well. The touchscreen is responsive and the stylus works and is comfortable in your hand. (I don't do anything that really needs a stylus so I cannot comment to whether or not it is any better than any other pen.) Unlike a Microsoft Surface and some other laptops, unfortunately, the HP Spectre x360 doesn't have an on-board slot or magnet to store the stylus with the laptop. [Note: The HP Spectre x360 does come with "sleeve" style case that has a notch for the stylus.] Battery life is rated at an astonishing 22 hours of mixed use. I have not pushed the laptop beyond "normal business use" of about 8 hours--which is easily supported. Charging feels a bit slower than other laptops, however, there are no stats to support that claim. The power cord is in two parts: the approx. 3' power cord and the approx. 6' power brick with braided USB-C connector for a total of 9' of cord length from wall to laptop. The B&O speakers perform better than your average laptop speakers with ample volume. [Note: Out of the box, my laptop audio failed and required some tweaking in the Windows 10 settings to function.]
Summary:
The HP Spectre x360 13-ap0013dx is a well built, solid and stylish machine with adequate specs. It is more than your typical entry-level laptop but not quite an elite machine either. It likely won't meet the demands of a gamer, a videographer, an architect, or anyone else with high memory or gpu needs but it will definitely meet the needs of your average road warrior, student, or home user. The stylus (pen) is nice if you need it but easy to lose. The laptop has the latest technology and connectors which could be a problem for a user with older devices to connect. Rated battery life is impressive. Overall it is a very nice machine and is a safe bet if you don't have specific technology demands.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy interactive streaming with this Google Nest Hub. With the built-in Google Assistant, you can view your calendar, receive alerts and reminders, and control devices from the single dashboard, and voice control lets you access other smart features. This Google Nest Hub lets you listen to music from Spotify and Pandora and view YouTube content. "
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
At home anywhere in the house
on November 7, 2018
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
Really, really like the Google Home Hub. If you are all-in with Google with Google and have tried the Assistant app, this is a must have device to keep around the house.
I am still learning all you can do with Google Home, which begs the question: Which is more important? The app or the device? I had used the Google Assistant app on my mobile phone, and I have a Google capable wifi speaker. I thought the two together were a satisfying way to get ask for and get information but, to be honest, I don't always have (or want) my mobile phone on me...and a lot of time Google needs to provide a visual to best assist me. Consequently combining a very responsive, sleek and attractive-in-any-room-of-the-house 7" screen and ample speaker just makes sense.
Most of the "pros" of this device come from what the software/assistant/home app can do. From a device standpoint, as mentioned previously, it looks good. The sound quality is OK and the volume gets loud for the size of the speaker. The "standby" mode (for me, I display a clock) automatically adjust to the lighting of the room--dimming at night so as not to glow an obnoxious blue. Even if you choose not to "Hey Google" a command, you can just touch the screen and get the weather, get your appointments, and see news catered to you. And if it creeps you out that Google is listening to you, there is a "microphone off" manual switch on the back.
"Cons" are few but start with the proprietary power plug. Not sure why this isn't just a USB-C plug. Another con is the lack of a web cam. Not that the device needs it, but down the road I would love to be able to launch a Messenger or Duo or other video call--not just an audio call. A built-in battery so we can take it away from the wall on occasion would be nice but I suppose at the same time the only reason I would want it to be portable is if I want to use it for audio outside on the deck.
After installing the device, which is insanely easy, I have linked in 3 rooms of speakers (all connected via Chromecast), our Sengled lights, our Honeywell smart thermostat, our Google Music ("Hey Google, play my cookout mix on the stereo") account, our YouTube Premium account, our Google Photos, our Insignia smart speaker, and our Roku. I anticipate adding a video doorbell to our Google Home Hub soon. One app I am currently disappointed the device doesn't support (and maybe it will soon) is YouTubeTV. If it could either launch YouTubeTV on the 7" screen or at worst, put it up on my television, I would be thrilled. [No built-in Netflix, Hulu, etc. either.] I feel confident Google will add support for more connected devices and integrated apps in the future as connected, smart devices grow in popularity.
Finally, it is easy to use. If you can talk, you use the Google Home Hub. I am not sure if it has a keyboard. Actually I don't think it does, but you don't need it. The only frustrating part of operation is trying to remember all the commands you can use with it! We did have an issue with a loss of connection in the first week of ownership. Our device had switched to one of the initial setup screens, rather than a "wifi network not found" message, which was odd. After checking the wifi and rebooting the router, a quick unplug/replug of the Google Home Hub got it back online and communicating with my home without the need to reconfigure anything.
Google nearly nailed it with this device. If you are thinking about diving into the world of "smart home" devices, or if you have a bunch of disconnected Google smart devices already in your home, this is a must have to pull it all together. And at a list price of $150, you cannot go wrong with the Google Home Hub.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Go beyond the coffeehouse with the Ninja Hot and Cold Brew System. This brewing system gives you the ability to brew hot, flavorful cups of coffee and tea or over-ice beverages, all powered by Advanced Thermal Flavor Extraction Technology with Auto-iQ. Enjoy Coffee and Tea Choose between smooth, naturally sweet Cold Brew coffee or tea and vivid, authentic flavored iced coffee or tea that's never diluted.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Only one complaint...
on October 15, 2018
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
This is a really nice coffee maker. Although not normally a cold coffee person, nor a tea drinker, I like having the option especially if guests are over. As for hot coffee brewing, our machine will stay at FULL POT, NORMAL BREW 90% of the time but for those one-off situations where we just need a thermos or someone is gone from the house and we just need a half pot, the Ninja helps make the perfect "small batch" with just the turn of a knob. Given I despise the K-cup concept (crappy taste, exorbitant waste), it is nice to be able to make just a cup or thermos without having to cave to the K-cup faction.
It took a second or two to figure out the machine but in the end, it really is as simple as your basic "Mr. Coffee" when it comes to standard operation. You fill an easily removable side reservoir with water (nicely marked for cup, thermos, big thermos, half pot, full pot, max, etc.), you measure coffee into a reusable basket/filter using the "on-board coffee scoop," you press go and wait about 6 minutes. Boom! (Hot) Coffee!!!
The features are easy to adjust with a knob to select the serving size (cup, thermos, full pot, etc.) and the drink type (normal, rich, over ice, cold or specialty). There is a "tea leaf" button to switch to tea brewing and a separate set of baskets for brewing tea. A quick check of the website indicates there are reasonably priced replacement parts should something break. Because this unit comes with a thermal carafe, there is no heating element (warming plate) to have to worry about shutting off...or to accidentally spill coffee onto and burn. Coffee stays plenty hot for quite a while (my wife pours her cup nearly 2 hours after I brew and says it is still hot). Speaking of the pour, the carafe is well designed and DOES NOT DRIBBLE! Although not dishwasher safe, it is stainless steel and is easy to rinse out before next use. And if you want a deep clean, there is an automatic setting to clean the machine that takes about 60 minutes. Lastly, there is a "delay brewing" setting that is essentially your programmable timer. It is not a "delay brewing by X hours" but rather a true "delay brewing until 6:45a" timer.
One feature we played with immediately was the milk frother. Our previous coffee maker was a coffee/cappuccino/espresso maker that had a steamer on the side. This frother is not a steamer, but that is fine. Just throw some milk in the microwave for 45 seconds then let the frother whip it up for you. Less chance of getting splashed by hot steam and easier clean-up as the whole frother disconnects with a simple quarter turn for washing.
And so far, the coffee has tasted GREAT!
As for the one complaint (or rather "feature enhancement"): The carafe does not have a window to see how much coffee is left in the pot. Nor is there any fancy setting for the pot to calculate remaining coffee in the pot (i.e. by weight of carafe...or laser beams...or other cool technology). If that is an issue for you, get the model with the glass pot. It would be nice if Ninja had a window or similar means to check the remaining quantity in the carafe without unscrewing the top to peek inside.
Technically I have one other "improvement" idea: The drink size selector uses generic icons for a small cup, a big cup, a travel mug, etc. While I couldn't tell you how many ounces my travel mug holds, I know it is "maybe a bit more than a can of soda." What I don't know by looking at the coffee maker is how many ounces they assume will fit in my travel mug. My initial fear was that I would overflow my travel mug and have a mess on my hands. Why couldn't they just put the .oz inside the serving size selector icons? (For the record, a full pot is 50 oz., XL travel mug is 18 oz., normal travel mug is 14 oz., XL cup is 11.5 oz. and normal single serve cup is 9.5 oz. This information is available in the user manual.)
Everything about the Ninja Hot/Cold with Thermal Carafe is spectacular so far. The coffee is great, the brewing choices are abundant, and the machine itself seems to be high quality. You don't need to spend a ton of time with the owners manual to figure out how to use it but at the same time, you'll want to read up on it to know what options are available to you. We are very happy with this product and would recommend it to anyone looking for a higher-end, multi-purpose, multi-option coffee/tea maker.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
 
Experience the future of audio with this Samsung Atmos sound bar. The 13 speakers, 5.1.2-channel surround sound and Dolby Atmos technology provide a next-generation audio experience that you have to hear to believe. The included remote and compatibility with Amazon Alexa offer multiple options for controlling this Samsung Atmos sound bar.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Ample volume, quality sound
on October 8, 2018
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
There are plenty of reasons to buy this soundbar, most of which boil down to the quality components, features and clarity of this system. Aside from the specs you can view on the BestBuy page as well as praise elsewhere for the quality of sound and volume, it is worth noting some of the following pros/cons I had upon unboxing, installing and using...
Weight and Size: The soundbar itself is surprisingly large and very heavy. If you did not look at it first in the store or stop to think about how long 48" of width is compared to your diagonally measured TV, you might question your choice if you are doing a wall mount under a TV less than 60" (diagonal). It looks kind of funny mounted under my Samsung 46" 5-yr old TV and does not fit well on my 56" credenza with the TV on its stand. The included wall mount brackets are made of a sturdy steel to support the bar, but seemed to have a bit of give once I had them properly mounted in drywall. I am confident, however, they will not come out of the wall. Once hung, however, there seemed to be a very slight, barely noticeable downward tilt.
Setup: Setup seemed like a no-brainer when unboxing. 1 optical, 2 HDMI in, and 1 HDMI ARC in. My setup frustrations? The ON/OFF button will not illuminate and the "input dislpay" is on the front, right of the soundbar. So, if you flipped it on its side or upside down to connect stuff, you won't see it power on or know the input connected by default--plus, that input screen will go dark after a couple seconds. Additionally, I had to TURN THE BUILT-IN SPEAKERS OFF ON MY OLDER MODEL SAMSUNG in order to hear the soundbar. Nonetheless, all of this is noted in the manual should you choose to read it first. The sub autoconnected so I did not have to use the sub ID PAIRING feature (a button located on the soundbar and subwoofer to make the two see each other). And then, amazingly, I couldn't figure out how to work the remote control. (Hint: The volume and subwoofer buttons are not PUSH buttons...)
Remote Control: The remote is very basic and controls overall volume, subwoofer volume, inputs and settings. It should be noted that the volume and subwoofer buttons do not depress, they are "rockers" to push the volume up/down. (Again, reading the manual first would have saved me some frustration.) The remote will help you select inputs, pick sound modes, control overall and subwoofer volume and set settings such as bass, treble, rear volume, etc.
Initial Sound and Tweaks: Out of the box settings were flat, which is to be expected. After tweaking bass, treble, balance, etc. I am still struggling to find a right balance between regular TV shows vs. movies/streaming content. TV shows often lack depth of sound and just come across as loud. That is not Samsung/Harmon Kardon's fault. That is just how it is. Movies streaming series, however, sound very rich.
Sound Mode: The remote has an option to cycle between 3 sound modes: Standard, Surround and Smart. It is suggested by the manual you leave it in SMART mode. Standard essentially feels a bit more center, 2-channel focused. Surround feels like simulated surround. Smart feels wider ("auto optimizer"). They all sound great, but they also sound a bit front-heavy. Perhaps with the optional rear speakers this would not be the case.
App, Alexa, Bluetooth and Wifi Mode: After initially struggling to connect my Bluetooth phone to the speaker without the aide of the user manual, I must say I am very impressed with the overall sound of music through the soundbar. It rivals my component stereo system. I cannot get wifi-mode to connect the soundbar to my Samsung TV but that may be an age/compatibility issue. The app is technically a "Samsung Smart Things" app designed to control more than just your soundbar. The main benefit to the app is the advanced EQ setting. I did not pair an Alexa but the manual had detailed instructions as well as a robust list of verbal commands to use with Alexa and the Samsung/Harmon-Kardon HW-N850/ZA soundbar. I do wish it was Google Home smart.
Value: I have never owned a $1000 soundbar system, but I have owned $1000+ home stereo systems. The whole reason I selected the Samsung Atmos Soundbar was to get the Atmos experience without having to fire up the component system. The Samsung soundbar is quick to sense the TV operation with minimal lag between TV image and soundbar audio (about 2 second delay). While there are cheaper options for soundbars, quality, features, and volume are the main reasons to purchase the HW-N850/ZA model if your budget can afford it. Not owning the rear speakers may end up being a regret but because I do not have a true "home theater room" I chose to forego the rear speaker option.
In the end, you are spending more for quality and may need to review the owners manual to help you with setup and configuration before you get the system balanced to your liking, but you will be happy whether watching the evening news, streaming Netflix, watching an Atmos-formatted movie, or playing tunes from your bluetooth device. If not for some frustrations with the setup, calibration and a heavy front-end sound when watching standard TV shows, I would give it a 5-star review for audio clarity, volume, and "Atmosomeness."
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
6of 8voted this as helpful.
 
Adjust this Dell 27-inch monitor for optimal viewing by using its on-screen display adjustments. Its flicker-free screen and ComfortView feature ensure eye comfort, and its wide viewing angle makes working in a sitting or standing position simple. This Dell 27-inch monitor has a sleek borderless design and is ENERGY STAR compliant for efficiency.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Good quality, average features
on September 17, 2018
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
Out of the box there is very little you need to worry about. Aside from cables, there are just 3 parts to assemble: Screen, monitor base, monitor post. The post assembles to the base without tools (thumb screw) and the screen slips onto a latch. The power is in two parts. The cord to the wall is NEMA 5-15-P male (3-prong USA) with an IEC 320 C13/C14 female ("computer" plug). The power supply is external (i.e. a "power brick") with a DC male connector.
Once powered on and connected to an HDMI source, the onscreen menu asked only one question: Preferred language. It seamlessly connected to my only source: HDMI from a laptop.
Initial impressions: Monitor is thin, screen is bright, big and has very little waste as the bezel is nearly nonexistent. Image fills all but approximately 1/4" of the screen. Black is dark enough on the default setting. Cycling through the preset color/brightness values, COMFORT seems a bit too yellow, MOVIE is the whitest--almost with a blueish tint, GAME appears the brightest, WARM is a nice "half-bright" with a slightly red hue, and COOL is essentially "half-bright" with a slightly blue hue...in my opinion. Also worth note is that the monitor menu commands will appear regardless of the menu button pushed. Menu options are exactly what you would expect from a monitor (presets, reset, brightness up/down, sharpness up/down, color settings, input options, etc.). Power button was hard to find at first (bottom right).
My previous monitor was matte and had no reflection. At times it would feel dull compared to a cell phone screen but at the same time, my matte monitor had zero glare. This monitor has a screen that somewhere between my old matte monitor and my cell phone. Not too reflective but coming from matte monitor I am struggling to see past the slight reflections in my office. Viewing angles are good (about 160° in my opinion).
As for drawbacks: No VESA mount (I guess Dell only wants you to use one monitor at a time and only on a stand). Additionally, you cannot rotate the monitor on its stand--landscape mode only. The base is a bit big. You have about 3.5" of clearance and about 6" of depth on the base.
Other things worth pointing out about this particular model are:
-- Audio input via HDMI but no built-in speakers. (There is an 1/8th inch audio out to connect to speakers if you wish but according to the owner's manual, headphones are not supported through that jack. I can neither confirm nor deny whether the audio out works for headphones, but it did push audio to external desktop PC speakers.)
-- No VESA mount (as noted previously).
-- No VGA, DVI inputs. Only HDMI inputs.
-- 1080 support. Not 4K.
-- One HDMI cable included. Approx. 5' in length. Male-Male.
Final thoughts: If you are looking for a basic, decent quality 27" monitor with HDMI inputs and no sound, the Dell S2719NX is worth considering especially if you can get it on sale. If you need more input options, 4K/HDR, audio, or VESA mount capabilities, however, you should look elsewhere. Lack of VESA mount, possible lack of headphone support, and lack of speakers for the price are the main reasons for 3-stars.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
Take in the scenery with this Parrot ANAFI drone. The robust, compact design lets you carry it wherever the trail takes you, and the drone unfolds easily when it's time for flight. The camera captures beautiful 4K images and video, and this Parrot ANAFI drone keeps your footage smooth with its three-axis image stabilization.Fly Responsibly:Before takeoff, update all software and firmware, and read the instructions thoroughly.See the FAA website for registration requirements and information about flying a drone safely: https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/. Additional state or local requirements may apply. Check your local jurisdiction. The following websites may help you make informed decisions about flying your drone: www.knowbeforeyoufly.org and www.modelaircraft.org.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great camera, easy controls
on September 1, 2018
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
This is my first drone. I am also horrible at playing video games on an XBox so I was intimidated the moment I looked at the controller with all its buttons and joysticks. Fortunately, it is fairly intuitive. One side moves up and down and the other forward and back--and one of them turns the drone left and right. Index fingers can control the tilt of the camera and the zoom. It is easy to get confused at first, but it feels natural and after a few mistakes the brain is quickly trained.
There are two speeds (slow and fast) for piloting. Slow is a bit too slow but in the settings it appears you can modify "slow" to be a bit quicker. Fast is where you want to be once you have good piloting control.
The Parrot software interface for your phone is a bit busy. Essentially the bottom of the FreeFlight 6 is your "modes" (pilot modes, camera modes). The top is flight data (height, distance from you, battery life, etc.). Unfortunately "Follow Me" and "Flight Plans" are add-ons you need to buy.
The best feature on this drone (aside from the ease of flight/camera controls) is the camera. Great snapshot/video quality. Unfortunately you are not recording directly to your cell phone. Your images are stored on an SD card on the bird that need to be downloaded via USB cable to your laptop (or other device). I would have liked to "live stream" the drone but I am not sure that is possible. If it is, there isn't a simple "live stream to Facebook"-type button.
Which brings me to the lack of documentation about this drone. While very easy to get started with it, there isn't much paper documentation to help you figure out what all you can do with it. You'll need to rely on the Parrot website to understand the features...and forums to learn how to do "cool things" with it.
Negatives include NO COLLISION/OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE. I got a little too comfortable too soon and decided to play with the "touch and fly" feature where essentially you touch a spot on your cell phone and the drone will fly there. I did not realize my mailbox was on that flight path...nor did I elevate the drone higher than the initial 3'' takeoff height. I had the drone on FAST mode and autopiloted the drone right into my mailbox at full speed. Fortunately I did not crack any propellers (Parrot does give you spares) nor did I do any damage to the arms or camera.
Given it is extremely light, it does kind of struggle in the slightest breeze ("drift") to stay steady. It isn't too noticeable in the video recording, but you can hear the drone struggling to stay steady.
I have had issues connecting the phone to the drone. It always seems like I need to "try twice" but once connected, it seems to stay connected.
Battery life pretty much is the 20-25 minutes advertised on the website. Personally that feels like too little battery but from what I understand that is pretty much standard. Recharge times are not fast, so if you really want to use this drone you will want to buy some backup power supplies (which click in and out of the bird fairly easily). Speaking of battery life, the need a better warning on your Flight App. The "drone battery life" icon is to the right of the "controller battery life" icon and quite honestly, needs to be more visible and should blink a giant warning on your screen when <15%. I was trying to fly the drone over my roof to land it on my deck in the back yard when my battery died (unexpectedly to me because I did not know where the indicator was at the time). It landed gently on my roof, but I had to get a ladder to retrieve it! :-(
All in all a good starter drone from a control and features standpoint, but it is lacking some features like collision avoidance and GIANT BATTERY WARNING that would help the beginner like me. A good drone but you should do some online research to see if it has all the features you may need/want in a drone--or if you have to buy them as "add-on" components.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Bring the sounds of the movies to your home with these Sony Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers. The compact size fits neatly on top of your existing tower speakers for an easy way to upgrade your sound system. Mica-reinforced cellular cones reduce distortion, while the MDF cabinets absorb vibrations for better playback. These Sony Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers offer surround sound capabilities for an immersive listening experience.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Cool tech for enhanced sound
on July 12, 2018
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
25+ years ago I bought my first "5.1" surround sound receiver. The technology was awesome but wiring up rear speakers was such an ugly pain. No matter how neatly I tucked wires around the room (open floor plan, basement and ceiling runs were not an option) I despised my setup--eventually bailing on surround enhancements completely.
Flash forward 25 yrs to give "Atmos-enabled" speakers a try with my new Atmos capable receiver (Sony STR-DN1080) and I am thrilled have "surround sound" effects back in my life.
To be clear, these are wired speakers. They sit nicely atop my ~42" tall JBL front speakers so no more need to run wires to the back of the room for surround effects. Obviously you still could but as mentioned previously, I like all my audio devices "up front."
Once I had the speakers properly configured in the receiver (I did have a surprisingly difficult time getting the Sony receiver to identify my setup properly using the calibration tool and ended up configuring everything manually) I essentially ran two different speaker tests based on my tv/movie listening preferences: 2-channel and "all channels" (for me, I prefer 3.0.2: left/right front towers, center, and the left/right Sony Atmos upward pointing speakers). First I noticed increased vocal clarity from 2-channel to all channels. The Sony SSCSE speakers (coupled with the magic of Dolby) clarified vocals in movies significantly. Second, I immediately noticed what I would call 365° effects. Was it as perfect as having rears in the mix for a 5.x.2 setup? No, but it was still good enough (and loud enough) to capture effects I would hear in a theater. If you run a 5.x.2 or 7.x.2 you are definitely going to fill your room with sound--especially from above and the sides. I did plug my rears back in for one final test but again, I don't have a good way to deal with the wires. Including the rears makes a difference but I could be content to live without them and just rely on the SSCSE speakers for effects.
Additionally, I ran some music through these speakers. Again, I am primarily a fan of "loud and from the front" for my music experience. I was concerned that leaving the Sony SSCSE speakers on for musical enjoyment would wreck the acoustical balance and/or blow the SSCSE speakers. I was pleasantly surprised that neither happened. Again, these little guys can handle the power and given the amount of bass my JBL speakers put out, the SSCSE added some nice mid-range enhancements.
Lastly, I was impressed by the weight of these speakers. Honestly, I expected them to be lighter...which in the world of audio is usually a bad thing. Traditionally more weight means better sound. These have nice sound and power.
Would I recommend? Yes, but not necessarily to just a movie audiophile. I think they are great for someone who wants to "get into Dolby effects" without breaking the bank and without having to commit to a 9-speaker setup right off the bat. Whether a 3.x.2, 5.x.2 or 7.x.2 setup, these speakers are a great, cost effective way to add fullness and effects to your movie/tv experience.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
+10points
12of 14voted this as helpful.
 
Add lighting control to your smart home platform with this Sengled bulb three-pack plus hub. The hub controls up to 64 smart bulbs, turning them on or off and dimming them in response to app or voice assistant commands and programs. This Sengled bulb three-pack plus hub includes classic A19-style bulbs for compatibility with most home fixtures.
 
  • Top 500 contributor
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great price, decent brightness
on June 22, 2018
Posted by: BenisJ
from South Bend, IN
This is our first step into "smart light bulbs." I decided we didn't need bulbs that change hue, and I didn't want to spend a ton on the "smartness" functionality. The Sengled 3-pack w/ hub seemed like a great place to start.
Having only owned these bulbs for a week, I cannot talk to their longevity but so far they seem just fine. It felt like they weren't quite as bright as some of our other LEDs but nonetheless, they were bright enough when set to "full power." [It seems like there is little consistency across all brands of LED when it comes to lumens. I might be overcritical on my assumption of brightness with the Sengled bulb.]
Owning only 3 Sengled bulbs, I cannot talk to the claim that you can hook up to 64 bulbs to a hub, but the setup process was fairly simple. I did find it odd that I had to use a network cable to configure a wifi device...and I found the instructions with the packaging to be a bit "brief" but nonetheless, it was essentially a 5 step process that took only a few minutes to configure. Once I had my hub online I removed it from the router and placed it elsewhere in the house. Everything still worked! [Hub distance to farthest bulb is about 2 rooms away on the same floor, drywall construction.] I do wish the hub had USB power input instead of a proprietary pin adapter. The proprietary power source is the main reason I took away a rating star.
One mistake I made was putting a Sengled smart bulb in a frequently used side-table lamp. Our family is not quite used to voice commands or cell phones to activate lights. This particular side table lamp is best controlled by hand, not phone/Alexa/Google. We will be moving that bulb to a lesser used lamp eventually. Where I see value in the smart bulb is with secondary lights that you may want to control automatically for mood or security lighting either by voice or by schedule. For example, we have a back patio light that we want to have on at about 50% brightness most nights. A smart bulb on a schedule is perfect for that. When watching a movie we have a lamp opposite the TV that can provide "mood lighting" at 25% brightness so it is convenient to say "Hey Google, turn on the movie lamp at 25% brightness." A feature that these bulbs do not have, that I wish they did, was some form of "motion sensor." For example, it would be nice if there was a way for the app/bulb to detect me pulling into the garage at night and automatically turning on the kitchen light. [Not sure if that technology exists with any smart bulb/app, though. Maybe through a tool like IFTTT?]
As for the "Hey Google" or "Alexa" commands, we are Google people and I found it fairly easy to set up the device as part of the Google Home app so that we could use Google Assistant to control the lights.
The built-in app is not exactly "feature rich" but has the tools you need to group lights in rooms, power individual or groups lights on/off, set dimming levels and schedule multiple on/off times. I was able to turn lights on/off from work which was cool (for me at least, maybe not for my wife who was wondering what was going on). The app has an easy to understand interface and will dim icons when lights are off, illuminate icons when lights are on--which helps you quickly identify on the phone what lights are turned on in the house.
Overall, I am happy I chose to get smart home my toes wet with Sengled. They offer the right set of features for the right price in a simple to use starter pack. Add-on bulbs appear to be fairly inexpensive and are available through numerous online outlets. I hope they continue to add features without requiring us to replace or upgrade hubs...but if they do make us change the hub down the road, I hope they may the power plug USB compatible.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+24points
24of 24voted this as helpful.
 
<< 1 ... 5 6 7 8 9 ... 12 >>
 
BenisJ's Review Comments
 
BenisJ has not submitted comments on any reviews.
 
BenisJ's Questions
 
BenisJ has not submitted any questions.
 
BenisJ's Answers
1 2 >>
 
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, 7 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, 7 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, 6 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, 9 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