callmeageeth's stats
- Review count349
- Helpfulness votes1,297
- First reviewJune 23, 2014
- Last reviewAugust 18, 2024
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- Average rating4.4
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- Answer count28
- Helpfulness votes52
- First answerJune 23, 2014
- Last answerDecember 15, 2021
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The SoundLink Flex wireless Bluetooth speaker is engineered to deliver clear, deep sound that’s powerful enough to fill a room and loud enough for outdoor adventures. Whether hanging from a backpack or lying flat by the pool, the speaker’s PositionIQ technology optimizes the sound for natural audio. The SoundLink Flex portable speaker has a sophisticated, inviting aesthetic and industrial design that blends durability, portability, and utility. With its silicone body, powder-coated steel grille, and reliable utility loop, this wireless speaker goes where you go and plays like you play. Listen to music while hiking, camping, or paddle boarding. Its highly durable materials allow it to withstand the elements and accidental mishaps, from drops to shocks. Its utility loop can attach to a clip or carabiner, so you can hang your speaker almost anywhere. And the Bluetooth outdoor speaker has been rigorously tested to meet an IP67 rating, which means it’s waterproof and dustproof. So, don’t worry if it accidentally falls into water or gets caught in the rain. SoundLink Flex also has a long-lasting battery life, offering up to 12 hours of unplugged play time per charge. For even more immersive sound, pair your SoundLink Flex with another Bose Bluetooth speaker, or connect it to a Bose smart speaker to extend your listening experience from inside the home to outside. Available in Black, White Smoke, Cypress Green, Stone Blue, and Carmine Red.
Customer Rating
5
Small, but large sound
on October 14, 2021
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
This is a competitively priced, high quality speaker in a crowded market. This speaker is durable, and way louder than it should be for its size (without sacrificing clarity). Bose could have rested on its laurels and slapped a Bose label to any speaker and turn a profit, but it’s clear that’s not the case.
IN THE BOX
The box in some respects seems smaller than the speaker. Other than the speaker you get a USB-C cable for charging (thank you Bose for moving to USB-C).
The box in some respects seems smaller than the speaker. Other than the speaker you get a USB-C cable for charging (thank you Bose for moving to USB-C).
SETUP
I typically charge my new products straight out of the box, but this speaker had about 30% battery life out of the box. Either way, setup is as simple as connecting any Bluetooth device to your phone. You simply hold the power button for a moment, then push the Bluetooth button to go into pairing mode. Then follow your phone’s steps and you’re connected.
I typically charge my new products straight out of the box, but this speaker had about 30% battery life out of the box. Either way, setup is as simple as connecting any Bluetooth device to your phone. You simply hold the power button for a moment, then push the Bluetooth button to go into pairing mode. Then follow your phone’s steps and you’re connected.
Now you could stop there, or you can go the extra mile and download the Bose Connect app. I didn’t, because I like to limit unnecessary apps on my phone. I’ve used Bose Connect app before for my QC35 headphones (which is how you update the firmware). It gives you a little extra functionality which I’ll discuss in a moment.
DESIGN
I’m actually mixed on the design. I have the black model and it looks pretty darn basic. But some people might find that appealing (simplicity). And I was also a little torn on the “rubber” coating. It actually feels good to hold, but it just captures weird smudges on it (as you can see in my pictures). This probably will be of little consequence to most people and shouldn’t really affect your decision to buy it. But then, when I learned a little bit more about the coating, I came to appreciate the design, not for the looks but for protecting the speaker itself. This is labeled a durable speaker mind you. The back is a silicon, while the grille is metal and powder coated. Then you realize it’s dirt, water and dust resistant. So yes, you can use it on the beach or at the pool. Heck, it even floats (so they say, I’m reluctant to test that on purpose other than my bathtub which I haven’t done). So, when taking into account the design, there’s more to the Flex than looks. It’s meant to be taken on adventures. I also need to mention that it’s light, around 1 pound.
I’m actually mixed on the design. I have the black model and it looks pretty darn basic. But some people might find that appealing (simplicity). And I was also a little torn on the “rubber” coating. It actually feels good to hold, but it just captures weird smudges on it (as you can see in my pictures). This probably will be of little consequence to most people and shouldn’t really affect your decision to buy it. But then, when I learned a little bit more about the coating, I came to appreciate the design, not for the looks but for protecting the speaker itself. This is labeled a durable speaker mind you. The back is a silicon, while the grille is metal and powder coated. Then you realize it’s dirt, water and dust resistant. So yes, you can use it on the beach or at the pool. Heck, it even floats (so they say, I’m reluctant to test that on purpose other than my bathtub which I haven’t done). So, when taking into account the design, there’s more to the Flex than looks. It’s meant to be taken on adventures. I also need to mention that it’s light, around 1 pound.
SOUND PERFORMANCE
I’m no audiophile, but I can certainly tell the difference between “puny” or “tiny” sounding speakers, and the “clarity” “range” and “bass” in others. This Bose speaker is remarkable for how loud it gets based on its size. It’s truly deceiving. And the bass, man it packs a wallop. All while producing crisp highs and midtones. From listening to podcasts, to rap music to country, I thought it all sounded wonderful. It won’t drown out a large room of people, but if you are outside or in a room with a few people hanging out and listening to music it will do the trick.
I’m no audiophile, but I can certainly tell the difference between “puny” or “tiny” sounding speakers, and the “clarity” “range” and “bass” in others. This Bose speaker is remarkable for how loud it gets based on its size. It’s truly deceiving. And the bass, man it packs a wallop. All while producing crisp highs and midtones. From listening to podcasts, to rap music to country, I thought it all sounded wonderful. It won’t drown out a large room of people, but if you are outside or in a room with a few people hanging out and listening to music it will do the trick.
One of the cooler features is that Bose has some technology in that adapts the sound depending on its orientation. What do I mean? Well, the speaker can be placed on its back (speaker grille pointing up), on its bottom (like a traditional speaker, pointing the grille in a certain direction) or you can hang it by the utility hook and it will be vertical. So the speaker adapts depending on its orientation to deliver the best sound depending on its position. This sound “optimization” if you will seems to work great because you don’t notice it. Meaning, depending on the orientation you get the same sound performance.
MISCELLANEOUS
The one area where this speaker falls a little short in my opinion, is battery life. It’s rated at 12 hours for medium volume. This I’m sure is plenty for one time use. But I often use my speaker here and there and don’t always charge it in between. I have a Sony Bluetooth speaker that delivers 24 hours of battery life. But that speaker is larger and much heavier, so the trade off is well worth it. Bottomline is that battery life shouldn’t be an issue for most, but some speakers deliver longer battery life.
The one area where this speaker falls a little short in my opinion, is battery life. It’s rated at 12 hours for medium volume. This I’m sure is plenty for one time use. But I often use my speaker here and there and don’t always charge it in between. I have a Sony Bluetooth speaker that delivers 24 hours of battery life. But that speaker is larger and much heavier, so the trade off is well worth it. Bottomline is that battery life shouldn’t be an issue for most, but some speakers deliver longer battery life.
It has some other features, like connecting to other Bose Flex speakers to mirror the sound, or create a stereo (L and R speaker) effect. I haven’t tried this out because I only have one Flex, and I don’t see the point in buying two just to do that. But I guess if one of your friends has one, it could be useful. I don’t want to say that’s a gimmick, but it’s not a big selling point for me. This is meant to be a speaker you throw in your bag to go on a camping trip (or something along those lines).
It can also connect to Bose soundbars, but I’m not quite sure why you’d want to. Satellite speakers I guess? Last, you can control your phone’s audio assistant and take phone calls. I don’t generally take any calls over Bluetooth speakers (preferring headphones for that) but I’m certain some people will like that feature. I haven’t tried it out to determine the quality of calls, but I’d imagine it’s solid.
CONCLUSION
For all the features or things this little speaker can do, it’s just icing on the cake. You don’t need them to justify the purchase. At $149, this is (not cheap by any means) reasonably priced speaker that delivers amazing sound quality, especially given its size. Its durability and IPX ratings means that it should handle the daily throws, drops, bumps that are a part of everyday life and keep on chugging.
For all the features or things this little speaker can do, it’s just icing on the cake. You don’t need them to justify the purchase. At $149, this is (not cheap by any means) reasonably priced speaker that delivers amazing sound quality, especially given its size. Its durability and IPX ratings means that it should handle the daily throws, drops, bumps that are a part of everyday life and keep on chugging.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+15points
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Introducing MX Keys Mini, a smaller, smarter, and mightier minimalist wireless keyboard made for creators. The minimalist form factor provides improved ergonomics by aligning your shoulders and allowing you to place your mouse closer to your keyboard for less arm reaching, more comfort, and better body posture. Perfect Stroke keys are shaped for your fingertips with optimal key stability and tactile responsiveness to keep you oriented and in your flow. The backlit keys light up the moment your hands approach, and automatically adjust to suit changing lighting conditions. Smart Dictation, Mic Mute/Unmute and Emoji keys streamline your workflow even further.
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic Mini Keyboard
on October 4, 2021
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
This is a nice little keyboard that delivers a pleasurable typing experience. I’m not quite convinced on it being a “creator’s keyboard” (I’m a legal professional), but it delivers. It’s pricey for a keyboard, but if you type for any amount of time during the day and you care about that experience, this one is worth a look. Especially if you have limited desktop space or like to take a keyboard with you for travel (I do on work trips).
IN THE BOX
Pretty straightforward, the keyboard and a USB cable. Know that for the first time in a long time, if ever, Logitech doesn’t include a USB dongle to plug into your computer. Some people might be disappointed, but I love the idea. Virtually every computer nowadays has Bluietooth, why take up a USB slot with a dongle?
Pretty straightforward, the keyboard and a USB cable. Know that for the first time in a long time, if ever, Logitech doesn’t include a USB dongle to plug into your computer. Some people might be disappointed, but I love the idea. Virtually every computer nowadays has Bluietooth, why take up a USB slot with a dongle?
SETUP
I recommend plugging in the keyboard before even using it (if you’re able to). My keyboard was shipped with less than 25% so it died pretty quickly after I began using it. Much like Bluetooth headphones, or speakers, setting up the Mini MX keyboard is a similar process. You simply open up the Bluetooth settings in your computer and search for a new device. Then you turn on your keyboard (there’s a switch on the top, can’t miss it), then you hold down the F1, F2 or F3 button to put it in pairing mode. You can repeat this process with up to three different devices. When you want to switch you simply tap which of those buttons that corresponds with the device you’re using.
I recommend plugging in the keyboard before even using it (if you’re able to). My keyboard was shipped with less than 25% so it died pretty quickly after I began using it. Much like Bluetooth headphones, or speakers, setting up the Mini MX keyboard is a similar process. You simply open up the Bluetooth settings in your computer and search for a new device. Then you turn on your keyboard (there’s a switch on the top, can’t miss it), then you hold down the F1, F2 or F3 button to put it in pairing mode. You can repeat this process with up to three different devices. When you want to switch you simply tap which of those buttons that corresponds with the device you’re using.
DESIGN AND TYPING EXPERIENCE
I’ve been fond of the MX lines of keyboard and mice for a long time. I own several MX mice and I own the first MX keyboard. I really like the overall design and build quality of the devices. As for the Mini, the design is fantastic. It’s extremely svelte and sturdy. The battery resides in the top which also serves as a stand so the keys are angled slightly towards you. I have to say, I don’t normally use mini keyboards that don’t have number pads, so it feels at first, a little awkward to type on, but I assure you, the keyboard layout is the equivalent of a normal keyboard (sans numberpad). Obviously, if you need a number pad, this keyboard isn’t for you.
I’ve been fond of the MX lines of keyboard and mice for a long time. I own several MX mice and I own the first MX keyboard. I really like the overall design and build quality of the devices. As for the Mini, the design is fantastic. It’s extremely svelte and sturdy. The battery resides in the top which also serves as a stand so the keys are angled slightly towards you. I have to say, I don’t normally use mini keyboards that don’t have number pads, so it feels at first, a little awkward to type on, but I assure you, the keyboard layout is the equivalent of a normal keyboard (sans numberpad). Obviously, if you need a number pad, this keyboard isn’t for you.
I’ve somewhat of a typing enthusiast. I am a legal professional and I’m typing everyday and I enjoy “clicky” sounding mechanical keyboards. The MX Mini isn’t a traditional mechanical keyboard, the keys are more shallow and more quiet, but it delivers a satisfying experience. I also like the size. While this hasn’t replaced my desktop keyboard, because I use the number pad a lot, it does travel with me because I much prefer a keyboard to ANY laptop keyboard. And I like the small size and footprint. It’s pretty easy to travel with.
My only complaint with the design is the inclusion of Mac and Windows shortcuts. It’s obvious why the keyboard has both, but as a strictly Windows user, it’s odd seeing symbols I’m not used to. But that’s an extremely minor gripe, we’re talking about 4 keys.
FEATURES
So this is billed as a keyboard for creative types. I don’t really understand that marketing. Sure, it has a button to bring up emojis (which I’ve tried just to test but don’t use in my everyday work). But unlike the original MX keyboard which has a cool dial (which could do a number of things, scroll through tabs in a browser, adjust volume etc.) there’s nothing in my mind that separates the MX mini from any other mini keyboard (in terms of “creative” features). There’s a dedicated emoji button, transcribing button (more on that below), mic mute (convenient for video conference calls), play/pause and volume buttons. These aren’t found in all keyboards, but to me there’s nothing creative about them, they’re just standard keyboard shortcuts that are really convenient to have. My favorite might actually by the microphone button. Using a Windows computer, I hit that button and it activates the microphone built into my laptop. I can then transcribe like you might with Google or Siri on your phone. It’s convenient and it works pretty well, but I’m more of a typing person than dictation person, but I can see that being beneficial to some. The emoji button brings up emojis (at least in Google Docs) that allows you to pick one to insert. I guess this is cool, but I don’t typically put emojis in anything but text messages.
So this is billed as a keyboard for creative types. I don’t really understand that marketing. Sure, it has a button to bring up emojis (which I’ve tried just to test but don’t use in my everyday work). But unlike the original MX keyboard which has a cool dial (which could do a number of things, scroll through tabs in a browser, adjust volume etc.) there’s nothing in my mind that separates the MX mini from any other mini keyboard (in terms of “creative” features). There’s a dedicated emoji button, transcribing button (more on that below), mic mute (convenient for video conference calls), play/pause and volume buttons. These aren’t found in all keyboards, but to me there’s nothing creative about them, they’re just standard keyboard shortcuts that are really convenient to have. My favorite might actually by the microphone button. Using a Windows computer, I hit that button and it activates the microphone built into my laptop. I can then transcribe like you might with Google or Siri on your phone. It’s convenient and it works pretty well, but I’m more of a typing person than dictation person, but I can see that being beneficial to some. The emoji button brings up emojis (at least in Google Docs) that allows you to pick one to insert. I guess this is cool, but I don’t typically put emojis in anything but text messages.
BATTERY LIFE
One thing I’ve never had any complaints about from Logitech mice and cordless keyboards is battery life. And this Mini MX is no exception. It claims to have 10 day battery life with the backlight on, and several week battery life with the backlight off. I haven’t tested this claim, but I certainly trust Logitech based on previous experiences. I actually turn the backlight on and off depending on the setting. I tend to keep it off because my office is well lit, but in a dark hotel I turn it on. You can turn it on and off by holding the brightness level buttons (obviously holding the dimmer button until it’s off and vice versa). A nice battery saving feature is that the backlight will turn off if it doesn’t detect input after so many seconds and turns back on when you start typing again. The backlight is nice, it illuminates all of the keys, through the keys themselves (versus just seeing the light underneath each key).
One thing I’ve never had any complaints about from Logitech mice and cordless keyboards is battery life. And this Mini MX is no exception. It claims to have 10 day battery life with the backlight on, and several week battery life with the backlight off. I haven’t tested this claim, but I certainly trust Logitech based on previous experiences. I actually turn the backlight on and off depending on the setting. I tend to keep it off because my office is well lit, but in a dark hotel I turn it on. You can turn it on and off by holding the brightness level buttons (obviously holding the dimmer button until it’s off and vice versa). A nice battery saving feature is that the backlight will turn off if it doesn’t detect input after so many seconds and turns back on when you start typing again. The backlight is nice, it illuminates all of the keys, through the keys themselves (versus just seeing the light underneath each key).
MISCELLANEOUS
My only real complaint is the small size of the arrow keys. In a full sized keyboard the arrows are offset away from the enter key so they’re plenty big. Here, the keys are half size and underneath the shift button. It’s just an unfortunate necessity for any mini keyboard. Not necessarily a design choice made only by Logitech.
My only real complaint is the small size of the arrow keys. In a full sized keyboard the arrows are offset away from the enter key so they’re plenty big. Here, the keys are half size and underneath the shift button. It’s just an unfortunate necessity for any mini keyboard. Not necessarily a design choice made only by Logitech.
I just wanted to also mention the types of devices this keyboard works with. Obviously anything Bluetooth. I connected it to my Galaxy FoldZ3 and it worked well. It also easily paired to my GOogle Slate Chromebook (and obviously my WIndows laptop). I haven’t tested it with any Apple products, but I have zero doubts that it will work great with those devices as well.
CONCLUSION
Logitech has done it again, building a high quality keyboard worth your money. Especially for those that care about the looks of their devices and a premium keyboard typing experience. The battery life is phenomenal, it can connect to 3 devices at once and it’s extremely responsive (connecting within fractions of a second when turning it on). While it’s advertised towards creatives, let’s be honest, it’s a fantastic keyboard for everyone.
Logitech has done it again, building a high quality keyboard worth your money. Especially for those that care about the looks of their devices and a premium keyboard typing experience. The battery life is phenomenal, it can connect to 3 devices at once and it’s extremely responsive (connecting within fractions of a second when turning it on). While it’s advertised towards creatives, let’s be honest, it’s a fantastic keyboard for everyone.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+10points
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PowerWave Select+ Magnetic Pad is a sleek wireless magnetic charging pad made for iPhone 12 and 13. This wireless charging solution is especially made for MagSafe-compatible iPhone devices to provide highly efficient charging. The built-in magnets keep your iPhone centered on the magnetic wireless charging pad for faster and more consistent charging, making this an extremely convinient charging solution.
Customer Rating
4
Fast charging, and well built
on October 1, 2021
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
I'm a new iPhone owner, just got an iPhone 13 Pro. I've always wirelessly charged my phones, and originally planned on continuing to use my old wireless charging pad for the new iPhone. But it got annoying trying to get it centered just right. Luckily for me, the Magsafe magnets. I never saw them as a gimmick, but it wasn't exactly what sold me on iPhones. But I've come to love it, especially with this Magsafe charger.
In the box is obviously the charging pad and a 5 foot cable. The end of the cable is USB-C which I love (I'm waiting for everything to move to USB-C, even iPhones). But at the same time, I have a bunch of charging bricks that only use the old USB standard. It doesn't come with a brick in the box. So keep that in mind when making this purchase. I used an old Google Pixel charging brick that has USB-C on it, and it's worked great.
I'm not sure of the exact wireless charging specs of the new iPhone, but I can say that with this charger, it charges pretty fast. I keep this by my bedside though, so I typically only charge it over night. So I can't say how long it will take to get from low battery to full.
My only minor complaint is the strength of the magnet. Admittedly, I have a case on my iPhone, but it is supposedly Magsafe compatible (Spigen case). The magnet snaps in easlly, but it also comes off pretty easily. It might just be by design of course, as the idea comes from the old Macbooks where if you trip on the cable it yanks the cable out of the computer and not drag your laptop to the ground.
The top of it is made out of a premium fabric, which I prefer over just plastic (although it really doesn't matter). Since I use it on my bed stand, I wish it had a weighted bottom to keep it in the same spot, otherwise if can fall to the ground just like a normal cable does. I realize it isn't a stand or otherwise meant to be stationary (likely more for taking with you). But that's the convenience of having wireless charging pads, you stick them in a stationary place (like office, bedside, kitchen, etc.) where you can charge up when you need it. This is especially true since the phone comes with a cable, which I generally keep in my travel bag.
In sum, it's a solid wireless charger. But it's a little superfluous since it doesn't come with a charging brick, and isn't really meant to be stationary by design. But it's certainly nice to have as second, or third, etc. charging cable for your phone to have.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Easily track you and your children’s (pediatric use) well-being with the ability to store up to 60 measurements for up to 2 users. A universal cuff is wearable on any wrist large or small. The Beurer BC57 synchronizes with your smartphone via Bluetooth® technology so you can see your readings over time and share with your doctor. It also identifies arrythmia and alerts you of any detections.
Customer Rating
5
Convenient and Accurate
on September 14, 2021
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
IN THE BOX
You get the blood pressure monitor, a case, two AAA batteries and some user manuals. I appreciate the addition of a case, but I wish it was a tad bigger to keep the instruction manuals inside of it. While I may not ever use them, I don’t see myself using it ALL the time, so I would like to have the instructions in a handy place where I’d expect them; in the box.
You get the blood pressure monitor, a case, two AAA batteries and some user manuals. I appreciate the addition of a case, but I wish it was a tad bigger to keep the instruction manuals inside of it. While I may not ever use them, I don’t see myself using it ALL the time, so I would like to have the instructions in a handy place where I’d expect them; in the box.
SETTING UP AND USE
It’s pretty simple, you put the batteries in the case, which is between the wristband and the monitor. From there, you strap it to your wrist, making it tight, with the screen on the inside of your wrist (with your palm up) and a one inch gap in your wrist from your palm. Luckily, there’s an imprint of the placement of the device on the strap which is convenient.
It’s pretty simple, you put the batteries in the case, which is between the wristband and the monitor. From there, you strap it to your wrist, making it tight, with the screen on the inside of your wrist (with your palm up) and a one inch gap in your wrist from your palm. Luckily, there’s an imprint of the placement of the device on the strap which is convenient.
From there, you just simply hit the power button. (oh and make sure that your calm, not flexing, and bending your elbow so that your wrist is about the level of your heart). It will squeeze your wrist and about a minute later you’ll have your blood pressure and pulse. The screen is plenty large so your vitals are easy to read.
ACCURACY
I didn’t use another blood pressure device to measure it’s accuracy, but I have a general idea of my blood pressure and what it normally is, and the readings fell in line with my expectations.
I didn’t use another blood pressure device to measure it’s accuracy, but I have a general idea of my blood pressure and what it normally is, and the readings fell in line with my expectations.
FEATURES
It’s not exactly full of features, it’s a simple device that does one thing and does it well. But it does save readings for two users. There is an app that allows you to manually transfer data so that you can see your vitals over time. I can see this being beneficial for someone that regularly checks their blood pressure (maybe they’re required to monitor it by their physician). But for someone like me, who likes the ability to check my vitals periodically, I don’t see much of a benefit of manually transferring the data to my phone and keeping an additional app on my phone. The app is okay, nothing special. So I don’t expect anything fancy.
It’s not exactly full of features, it’s a simple device that does one thing and does it well. But it does save readings for two users. There is an app that allows you to manually transfer data so that you can see your vitals over time. I can see this being beneficial for someone that regularly checks their blood pressure (maybe they’re required to monitor it by their physician). But for someone like me, who likes the ability to check my vitals periodically, I don’t see much of a benefit of manually transferring the data to my phone and keeping an additional app on my phone. The app is okay, nothing special. So I don’t expect anything fancy.
CONCLUSION
There’s not much to say. This is a small and seemingly accurate blood pressure monitor. It’s convenient in that it stores in a little case and doesn’t take up much space (whether for travelling or for storage on your shelf). It’s convenient and easy to use and read. If you need a blood pressure monitor, this is one to get or at least look at.
There’s not much to say. This is a small and seemingly accurate blood pressure monitor. It’s convenient in that it stores in a little case and doesn’t take up much space (whether for travelling or for storage on your shelf). It’s convenient and easy to use and read. If you need a blood pressure monitor, this is one to get or at least look at.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Your SWFT journey starts here. Wherever you’re headed, FLEET will get you there with style, safety, and a fresh design that’ll turn heads as you turn corners. Move ahead of the pack with a SWFT e-bike with a detachable, rechargeable battery. Multiple modes allow you to use pedal-assist or your throttle to propel you forward. With a 19.8 mph max speed, you can travel up to 37.2 miles on a single charge of your battery alone. A built-in monitor display indicates your battery output and speed. Let the journey begin.
Customer Rating
5
An absolute joy to use
on September 14, 2021
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
Ebikes might be my new favorite thing. While they take some of the exercise out of biking, they put a lot more fun in it. Cruising around at 20 MPH like you’re on a moped is exhilarating. My only real complaint relates to the installation (very little instructions were provided) and adjustments. For those that know their way around bikes, adjusting brakes, etc. this isn’t an issue, but it was a little frustrating for someone like me. But once I had everything put together, it has been nothing but pure joy.
IN THE BOX
It comes in a giant box weighing some 88 pounds. You obviously get the bike, the battery, charger, and tools for putting it together. The bike is in pieces, so know that you will need to put it all together. Everything is wrapped up nice, it’s a pain to take all the wrapping, straps, etc. off, but that’s the cost of doing business and making sure your new ebike is pristine when you get it.
It comes in a giant box weighing some 88 pounds. You obviously get the bike, the battery, charger, and tools for putting it together. The bike is in pieces, so know that you will need to put it all together. Everything is wrapped up nice, it’s a pain to take all the wrapping, straps, etc. off, but that’s the cost of doing business and making sure your new ebike is pristine when you get it.
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Like I said, my main complaint was putting the bike together. The instruction manual is pretty bare bones. For example, it just says something like “tighten the brakes” without really giving you any pictures or detailed info on how to do it.
Like I said, my main complaint was putting the bike together. The instruction manual is pretty bare bones. For example, it just says something like “tighten the brakes” without really giving you any pictures or detailed info on how to do it.
The frame has the rear tire installed and good to go. It’s the front tire you have to put on. You will have to detach the front brake to get it on. Again, for someone unfamiliar with the putting of bikes together, this took a few minutes to figure out. I will also point out that virtually everything needs to be tightened, from the handlebars, to the seat, to the pedals. Not a huge deal, but it takes a little time and determination. Especially if you don’t have a way to hang it up in the air (like you would see at a bike shop). And while they do provide some rudimentary tools, I HIGHLY recommend using your own sets of allen wrenches, sockets and a screwdriver. It makes things go much quicker. I also recommend tightening everything, going for a short ride and then checking all of your connections. The final piece of installation was pumping the air.
BATTERY
You will need to charge the battery before taking off for the first time. The battery itself is a monster of a battery (think car battery, but obviously not that large or heavy). You have to flip open a small flap to access the charging port, and then you can charge it for about 6 hours. The instructions say not to leave it charged in after it's fully charged. So be mindful of that when you’re putting your bike away for the winter. Don’t want to end up with a weakened battery.
You will need to charge the battery before taking off for the first time. The battery itself is a monster of a battery (think car battery, but obviously not that large or heavy). You have to flip open a small flap to access the charging port, and then you can charge it for about 6 hours. The instructions say not to leave it charged in after it's fully charged. So be mindful of that when you’re putting your bike away for the winter. Don’t want to end up with a weakened battery.
There’s a button on the battery that you can push to see the charging/battery level status. You’ll also notice a flip switch (to turn it on) and a key lock.
Once the battery is charged, it’s pretty easy to slide it in on the post in the bike. Then I suggest locking it. I assume the purpose of the lock (which was smart) is to both prevent someone from taking the battery while it’s locked up (say outside a store or park) and to prevent it from coming loose. It gives you one more key to worry about having, but luckily it comes with 2 so you can always keep one safe at home in case you lose one.
RIDING EXPERIENCE
After everything is assembled, it’s time to ride. I’ll go ahead and note that the seat on the Fleet bike is super comfy. This is a bike meant for cruising and having a good time, not racing. But don’t get me wrong, it goes plenty fast. To turn it on, you simply hit the switch on the battery. On the left handlebar there is a small digital controller with 3 buttons and a large-ish LCD screen. Once the battery is on, you hold the power button on that controller for a few seconds. Then it lights up. It will display the level of pedal assist (one through three) and the MPH and battery level. It defaults one level of pedal assist, the other two buttons on the controller are up and down arrows that obviously toggle the pedal assist levels. On the right handle bar you’ll find the throttle. It’s just like any moped or motorcycle where you turn it to go forward. Other than that, the handlebar looks like a classic cruiser bike.
After everything is assembled, it’s time to ride. I’ll go ahead and note that the seat on the Fleet bike is super comfy. This is a bike meant for cruising and having a good time, not racing. But don’t get me wrong, it goes plenty fast. To turn it on, you simply hit the switch on the battery. On the left handlebar there is a small digital controller with 3 buttons and a large-ish LCD screen. Once the battery is on, you hold the power button on that controller for a few seconds. Then it lights up. It will display the level of pedal assist (one through three) and the MPH and battery level. It defaults one level of pedal assist, the other two buttons on the controller are up and down arrows that obviously toggle the pedal assist levels. On the right handle bar you’ll find the throttle. It’s just like any moped or motorcycle where you turn it to go forward. Other than that, the handlebar looks like a classic cruiser bike.
The way the pedal assist works, you have to pedal about approximately 2 rotations before it kicks in. So, say you’re at the bottom of a hill, before you get any assistance you have to get started with the pedaling itself. At the bottom of a hill, with a single gear bike, it can be a bit tough. You also can’t just use the throttle from a standstill; the same principle applies, you have to be moving before you can engage the motor. This is almost certainly for safety reasons. You can imagine if you’re at a standstill, your front tire is off center or turned to the side, you don’t want to engage the motor.
But once you get going, the assist kicks in. You can hear the motor engage and you can feel the assist. It makes pedaling much much easier. But the real fun is when you turn the throttle. You don’t have to hit any buttons on the controller, you simply turn the throttle once you’re moving. And it takes off. You can hit 20 MPH in no time. I’ll add that even with pedal assist level 3 on, I couldn’t hit 20 MPH. I only hit top speed when I was using the throttle alone.
Like I said, it’s exhilarating. It’s just fun going that fast on a bike. Not to mention it’s relatively silent, no loud combustible engine. Obviously you have to be careful, as most of us don’t typically ride a bike quite that fast.
I haven’t driven the bike the full 30 miles on battery that it claims it can do, but I did ride it for about an hour for about 4 days straight alternating old school pedaling, pedal assist and full throttle and the battery had one bar left. Luckily, I always know that if the battery did or does happen to run out on a ride, I can still use my trusty legs to pedal me back home.
The only other thing I’ll add is that this bike has a light on the front. I haven’t ridden it at night to see if it automatically turns on, but I can’t for the life of me figure out how to turn it on. Also, I can say that it can tow a bike trailer for kids. I took my two kids for a ride and was able to hit 20 MPH even pulling them. I don’t recommend going that fast on a busy road, but it was fun to hit that speed and it was nice knowing it can pull kids too.
CONCLUSION
I can’t say enough, ebikes are a blast. You won’t get near the exercise as a traditional bike, but they are a blast. The SWFT Fleet bike is a reasonably priced ebike that’s loads of fun. It’s only real downside is that it is a bit heavy, and installation can be slightly frustrating. But those are just minor inconveniences.
I can’t say enough, ebikes are a blast. You won’t get near the exercise as a traditional bike, but they are a blast. The SWFT Fleet bike is a reasonably priced ebike that’s loads of fun. It’s only real downside is that it is a bit heavy, and installation can be slightly frustrating. But those are just minor inconveniences.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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GeoBook 120 is a 12.5-inch Windows 10 laptop complete with a 1-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal. Powered by an Intel Celeron Dual Core Processor and 4GB RAM, this lightweight laptop makes easy work of essential tasks, browsing and more. 64GB eMMC storage is built in and can be expanded with the addition of a MicroSD card (up to 64GB). GeoBook 120 also features a 2MP webcam, dual microphones and integrated speakers, plus reliable AC Wi-FI.
Customer Rating
4
Great kids Chromebook Alternative
on September 11, 2021
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
This is a budget laptop through and through but is perfect for a young child for both school work and some very light gaming. It’s essentially a Chromebook, but with windows. Please note that I am commenting on the laptop both from the perspective of a parent buying this for their child and from my son’s perspective.
IN THE BOX
You get the laptop along with a charger. The purchase also includes a year subscription of Office 365 which you can sign up for after setup.
You get the laptop along with a charger. The purchase also includes a year subscription of Office 365 which you can sign up for after setup.
DESIGN
I actually like the look and feel of this laptop a lot. It’s really slim has a cool light blue hue to it (which is different from the black and silver laptops you see everyday) and it has a nice “rubber” feeling coating to the outside that makes it easy to grip.
I actually like the look and feel of this laptop a lot. It’s really slim has a cool light blue hue to it (which is different from the black and silver laptops you see everyday) and it has a nice “rubber” feeling coating to the outside that makes it easy to grip.
It has a decent size trackpad, and the typical keyboard you’d expect in a small laptop. It has the up and down arrow keys jammed together which I don’t love, but is almost a necessity given the small footprint.
The only thing I wish it really had was backlit keyboard. I get it, it’s a super cheap laptop, but the light blue color with white lettering is more difficult than normal to see without good lighting. And the brightness of the screen doesn’t help much.
In terms of ports, it has 2 USB-A 3.0 (blue) ports which is nice, a USB-C, also nice, headphone jack and microSD slot. I like that it includes HDMI out, but it’s HDMI-mini. I don’t have one of those hanging around, so that’s a bit of a bummer, but I get why a full sized HDMI wouldn’t have worked. It’s too big. And it obviously has a proprietary charging port which is a tiny circle. My other main complaint would be for USB-C charging. I charge most of my electronics with one, and when my kid loses his charger (inevitably) it would have been nice to charge it via USB-C.
SETUP
It’s like any Windows laptop. No “kid” skin to speak of, it’s a full fledged Windows laptop through and through. I will say that I had issues setting up my son’s account, which I set up as a part of my family account so I can lock certain apps and websites when he signs in. But this was undoubtedly user error, nothing to blame the laptop for.
It’s like any Windows laptop. No “kid” skin to speak of, it’s a full fledged Windows laptop through and through. I will say that I had issues setting up my son’s account, which I set up as a part of my family account so I can lock certain apps and websites when he signs in. But this was undoubtedly user error, nothing to blame the laptop for.
I will add that I use an Alienware as my desktop, and it comes full of bloatware (some helpful, others I never use). I was happy to see the Geobook comes with no bloatware. Which is a good thing given its limited storage space and computational power.
USE AND PERFORMANCE
In the world of QHD, 4K, and even 8K, a lot of people might balk at this laptop’s screen resolution. I’m here to say that it’s just fine. I’m not just saying that because a young kid might not care or know any better, but even using it myself, the 1366X768 resolution is just fine for everyday tasks and school work (and light gaming). My only complaint about the screen was that it came with a dead pixel. It is only noticeable when the screen is on and completely black, but in day-to-day use, I don’t see it at all.
In the world of QHD, 4K, and even 8K, a lot of people might balk at this laptop’s screen resolution. I’m here to say that it’s just fine. I’m not just saying that because a young kid might not care or know any better, but even using it myself, the 1366X768 resolution is just fine for everyday tasks and school work (and light gaming). My only complaint about the screen was that it came with a dead pixel. It is only noticeable when the screen is on and completely black, but in day-to-day use, I don’t see it at all.
The 64 GB hard drive however, is a bit more difficult to swallow. Windows 10 itself takes up a bulk of that space. Putting movies, videos, pictures, maybe some games, will eat up the hard drive space quickly. My kid doesn’t edit videos, photos or play large games (think Call of Duty) so the lack of storage isn’t a big concern (at least for now). I like that it is expandable via microSD. I’m comfortable upgrading HDDs in a laptop and wouldn’t have minded the ability to do so here, but for my kid who doesn’t know what bleeding edge tech looks like, the relatively slower speeds of a microSD card compared to high end SSD isn’t an issue.
It also only has 4 GB of RAM, which when you think about it, isn’t a lot since most newer phones have at least that much. But when your kid is browsing the web, watching YouTube videos, doing Google Classwork or even playing Minecraft or Roblox, there is virtually no performance hiccups. I haven’t opened a bunch of tabs or opened programs to really stress it, but I can tell you that day-to-day use (and having heard no complaints from my son about slowdowns, etc., the 4 GB of RAM is more than adequate for this laptop.
I mentioned gaming. My son plays Roblox and it runs just fine on this laptop. So does Minecraft. I don’t let my kids play high end games (like GTA or Call of Duty) so I don’t see a reason to install it and test its capabilities, but I’m certain for AAA games it won’t run them very well. But again, for what this laptop is, that’s perfectly ok.
BATTERY LIFE
I have to mention the battery life. It’s great. It has close to 15 hours of battery life. I’m certain its’ the Intel Celeron processor combined with the low resolution screen that helps it last that long. For kids who aren’t accustomed to charging their electronics regularly, this can be extremely helpful.
I have to mention the battery life. It’s great. It has close to 15 hours of battery life. I’m certain its’ the Intel Celeron processor combined with the low resolution screen that helps it last that long. For kids who aren’t accustomed to charging their electronics regularly, this can be extremely helpful.
CONCLUSION
This is a terrific laptop for what it is. A budget laptop for kids. It seems durable (although we haven’t really dropped it, etc., so I can’t say how it would hold up to kids handling it long term). It has everything they need and it’s Windows. Obviously Google Classroom will work through Chrome, which, if your kid does NTI from home is a plus. While I like Chromebooks, I do prefer Windows and having a budget Chromebook-ish Windows laptop for my kids is better (in my opinion).
This is a terrific laptop for what it is. A budget laptop for kids. It seems durable (although we haven’t really dropped it, etc., so I can’t say how it would hold up to kids handling it long term). It has everything they need and it’s Windows. Obviously Google Classroom will work through Chrome, which, if your kid does NTI from home is a plus. While I like Chromebooks, I do prefer Windows and having a budget Chromebook-ish Windows laptop for my kids is better (in my opinion).
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Capture professional-grade pictures and videos with this Digipower RGB multimode LED light. A rechargeable battery offers up to 14 hours of use, while 24 brightness settings let you adjust the light to capture perfect shots. This Digipower RGB multimode LED light supports vertical and horizontal mounting for a customized setup.
Customer Rating
5
High Quality and Versatile
on August 12, 2021
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
I was expecting this light to be cheap and made of plastic. But I was completely wrong. The light itself is the size of a large phone (albeit, heavier), made of metal and extremely well built. It’s versatile in that it produces a broad range of lighting colors (vs. just a white light), brightness, and it can even charge your phone. Not to mention that it’s dead simple to use. If you are in the market for a light for video/photography (DSLR or phone) you should definitely consider this light.
IN THE BOX
You get the light itself, and a USB charging cable, as well as (I guess I’ll call it) an adapter that screws into the light so that you can mount it to the hot shoe in your DSLR.
You get the light itself, and a USB charging cable, as well as (I guess I’ll call it) an adapter that screws into the light so that you can mount it to the hot shoe in your DSLR.
EASE OF USE
It came charged up, (at least for me), but I plugged it in anyway. It took about 30 minutes to be completely charged. Turning it on is simple, there’s a hard switch on the top of it. When it’s on, the screen on the back is luminated which gives you a battery indicator, tells you how long it will last until the battery dies, and then it tells you the hue and brightness.
It came charged up, (at least for me), but I plugged it in anyway. It took about 30 minutes to be completely charged. Turning it on is simple, there’s a hard switch on the top of it. When it’s on, the screen on the back is luminated which gives you a battery indicator, tells you how long it will last until the battery dies, and then it tells you the hue and brightness.
I have to admit, the hue is presented in degrees, and as a camera novice, it didn’t mean much to me at first. But when you use the buttons on the right side of the light to adjust the hue, it changes the colors (as well as the percentage). For me, it ended up being trial and error. The light ranges from red, to yellow to green and more. I simply adjusted the settings to achieve the color that I felt best for what I was doing. And then obviously you can adjust the brightness, which is a plus and minus button immediately below the hue settings.
I make a lot of stop action movies at home with my kids (we are very much amateurs) and the light really came in handy. It’s portable, so you don’t have to keep it plugged in, and the different lights helped us create different vibes in our movies which we couldn’t do before. We’ve used it outside at night, and it worked great. It’s extremely bright.
MISC
The product description life says it can last 14 hours, but after I charged it up, it said it would last 2.5 hours. So I'm not sure what that's about. While I didn’t run the battery down in a straight 2.5 hours, I was able to charge it up, then use it at different times over the course of a week without issue. I don't know if the 14 hours rating is for the lowest brightness settings or what. I didn’t use it as an external battery pack, but I always appreciate flexibility in devices (I generally wouldn’t carry this light without a phone charger). And some people might use this light to record with videos on their phone, where this feature would be more handy.
The product description life says it can last 14 hours, but after I charged it up, it said it would last 2.5 hours. So I'm not sure what that's about. While I didn’t run the battery down in a straight 2.5 hours, I was able to charge it up, then use it at different times over the course of a week without issue. I don't know if the 14 hours rating is for the lowest brightness settings or what. I didn’t use it as an external battery pack, but I always appreciate flexibility in devices (I generally wouldn’t carry this light without a phone charger). And some people might use this light to record with videos on their phone, where this feature would be more handy.
You can adjust the light so it is horizontal or vertical. Meaning the adapter that attaches to your DSLR (or equivalent) can attach to the long spine or the shorter ends. I’m not sure why this matters, but I’m sure for some that know way more than me it might.
CONCLUSION
All in all, this is a well-built device with a lot of different color and brightness options that makes it extremely versatile.
All in all, this is a well-built device with a lot of different color and brightness options that makes it extremely versatile.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The future of gaming has arrived with the WD_BLACK™ SN850 NVMe™ SSD. Long load times are obsolete with PCIe® Gen4 technology, reaching up to 7,000MB/s read speed and up to 4,100MB/s write speed. Spend more time playing and less time deleting, storing your latest and favorite games with 500GB capacity (not intended for NAS or server environments). This WD_Black internal SSD has a compact form factor and a PCIe Gen4 interface for compatibility with select PCs or laptops.
Customer Rating
5
Terrific performance, worthy upgrade
on August 3, 2021
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
I feel like it’s pretty common knowledge at this point, but upgrading the hard drive in your computer is one of the easiest ways to improve performance. When moving from spinning HDDs to 2.5 inch SSDs you would see a marked improvement. Now, when moving from a 2.5 inch SSD to M.2 PCIe 4, there’s an even greater performance boost. If you can swing it (both financially and in terms of the computer you have), putting this Western Digital drive in your computer can offer tangible and noticeable improvements in your computer (especially for PC gaming). The load times for games and even processing video editing is an improvement over my “slower” (and smaller) M.2.
INSTALLATION
While I imagine most people who are shopping for this drive have replaced their hard drives before, I do want to at least mention the process for those that are new to PC upgrades and are looking to improve their computer’s performance.
While I imagine most people who are shopping for this drive have replaced their hard drives before, I do want to at least mention the process for those that are new to PC upgrades and are looking to improve their computer’s performance.
First, you need to check compatibility. Unfortunately, that’s very much dependent on your computer. Let’s assume this WD drive is compatible with your computer. Next, will you be replacing your existing hard drive or using it as a secondary drive? Assuming your PC has two M.2 slots (mine does) I would make this WD drive your main drive (the one with Windows on it) and use your existing one as a secondary drive.
If you have an open M.2 bay, the transfer process is relatively straightforward. But if you don’t, you’ll need some kind of USB device to plug your new WD drive into your computer’s USB port.
Either option you choose, you will need to download Western Digital’s Acronis software. It will allow you to mirror your bootable drive. Once it’s mirrored, all you do is put it in the computer and remove the old one.
PERFORMANCE
You can find more details about benchmarks and other data points about this drive’s performance on other sites. Based on real world performance, all I can say is that you won’t be disappointed. Whether it’s just booting up or loading a game the speeds are truly remarkable. I loaded Halo Master Chief Collection on my Acer Nitro 5 (which to be honest, was no slouch to begin with) and it loaded and I was off playing in no time.
You can find more details about benchmarks and other data points about this drive’s performance on other sites. Based on real world performance, all I can say is that you won’t be disappointed. Whether it’s just booting up or loading a game the speeds are truly remarkable. I loaded Halo Master Chief Collection on my Acer Nitro 5 (which to be honest, was no slouch to begin with) and it loaded and I was off playing in no time.
I edit family videos for fun, and I am able to render 4K movies in significantly less time than before. I can’t necessarily quantify it, but it’s noticeable, which is what matters to me.
Honestly on day-to-day tasks such as drafting Word documents, creating spreadsheets, video calls, surfing the web, I can see the difference in performance. It’s not night and day (from my older M.2) but it’s appreciable. And I’m certain if you were coming from a spinning hard drive or SSD 2.5 inch, it would be night and day (although I’m skeptical if your computer has a spinning HDD if it’s motherboard could support the faster speeds).
MISCELLANEOUS
One thing I wanted to mention is the WD Black dashboard program. I was unaware of it until I happened to stumble upon it. It wasn’t something that caught my attention in the packaging (assuming it says anything about it). But the WD Black Dashboard is a handy tool to check out the performance and health of your drive. It also monitors the temperature (which can be a big deal, as this drive can supposedly get pretty hot). It’s also where you can update the firmware (I didn’t know there was such a thing for HDDs, but when I first opened the program it said I needed to update the firmware in my brand new drive). It’s also where you can toggle the “gaming mode” on. This supposedly increases performance for gaming loads. It’s not a program you’ll be opening frequently, but it’s nice to periodically check on the status of your drive, namely the firmware, temperature and its health.
One thing I wanted to mention is the WD Black dashboard program. I was unaware of it until I happened to stumble upon it. It wasn’t something that caught my attention in the packaging (assuming it says anything about it). But the WD Black Dashboard is a handy tool to check out the performance and health of your drive. It also monitors the temperature (which can be a big deal, as this drive can supposedly get pretty hot). It’s also where you can update the firmware (I didn’t know there was such a thing for HDDs, but when I first opened the program it said I needed to update the firmware in my brand new drive). It’s also where you can toggle the “gaming mode” on. This supposedly increases performance for gaming loads. It’s not a program you’ll be opening frequently, but it’s nice to periodically check on the status of your drive, namely the firmware, temperature and its health.
PS5. As a PS5 owner, I have to mention that this drive is listed as being compatible for the PS5 (as an internal HDD). WITH THE CAVEAT that this model doesn’t have a heat sink. Sony tells you that you should only install a M.2 compatible drive into your PS5 with a heat sink, but you can buy an aftermarket heatsink for like 10 bucks and attach it. Just know that it is cleared to work with your PS5.
CONCLUSION
As a big fan of new tech, and someone who is pretty knowledgeable about PCs (even there are many more people out there with more expertise than I), the biggest endorsement I can give this drive is that it just works and the performance boost is noticeable. If you game, or any type of video editing or photo editing, things that demand a fast read-write speeds, you will benefit from the new generation of M.2 drives.
As a big fan of new tech, and someone who is pretty knowledgeable about PCs (even there are many more people out there with more expertise than I), the biggest endorsement I can give this drive is that it just works and the performance boost is noticeable. If you game, or any type of video editing or photo editing, things that demand a fast read-write speeds, you will benefit from the new generation of M.2 drives.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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eufy Security Smart Wi-Fi 2k Video Doorbell with Chime is a battery powered (or wired- you choose) video doorbell that is the perfect protection for your home. With no monthly fee, enjoy 2K resolution so that you can see who is at your door, clearly. Talk to them via the 2-way mic, and be alerted when a human is at the door instead of the neighborhood dog. IP65 Weatherproof Ensures the Video Doorbell camera continues to operate in extreme temperatures from minus 4°F to 122° F (minus 20°C to 50°C). Installation is easy. No need to mess around with complicated wiring, self-installation in minutes. Wireless Video Doorbell camera will also work with old chimes.
Customer Rating
5
Terrific Value
on July 27, 2021
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
Who says good security cameras have to be expensive? The market is flooded with home security cameras/lights, etc. Most are either really pricey (Arlo) or require a subscription service (Simplisafe). For most people, I’d like to think there is a middle area where you don’t necessarily want a monitoring service, but don’t want to pay out of the ear for security cameras. In comes Eufy. Eufy is an Anker brand, who is mostly known for its charging cables and adapters (which are great). So it’s a company you can trust. With all that being said, I found the Eufy camera to be pretty impressive and worthy of your attention.
IN THE BOX
You get the doorbell camera, Wi-Fi chime that plugs into an outlet, wires (in case your house already has wiring), charging cable (micro-USB), two mounting brackets (one can put the doorbell at a 15 degree angle), some security stickers and mounting hardware. You also get a microSD card which is already installed in the chime itself.
You get the doorbell camera, Wi-Fi chime that plugs into an outlet, wires (in case your house already has wiring), charging cable (micro-USB), two mounting brackets (one can put the doorbell at a 15 degree angle), some security stickers and mounting hardware. You also get a microSD card which is already installed in the chime itself.
SETUP
I judge security systems, or really any home networking or smart home device, by their ease of setup and integration into your existing system. If this is your first smart home device, then you’re golden. And even if you have a house full of Alexa or Google Speakers, you’ll be just ok, as the doorbell integrates well with both (I use Google Home).
I judge security systems, or really any home networking or smart home device, by their ease of setup and integration into your existing system. If this is your first smart home device, then you’re golden. And even if you have a house full of Alexa or Google Speakers, you’ll be just ok, as the doorbell integrates well with both (I use Google Home).
The instructions are well thought out, both in print and the app. It took me all of 10 minutes to be up and running. The only snag was naming the chime, that failed. I eventually “cancelled” the setup process and kept the device’s name.
So the first step is downloading the app, and signing in. Then you can follow the prompts. You plug in and connect your chime. It gives you recommendations on where to place it in your house. It’s relatively small but does stick out from the wall a couple of inches. After that’s connected (which only requires you to take a picture of the QR code), you then connect the doorbell. Then the app walks you through mounting, asking you a few questions about your front porch and suggesting where to place it for maximum motion detection. You get a nice sticker that you can use to attach to your wall and lets you easily figure out where to drill your holes for the mount.
Now your setup could be a little more involved if you use wiring, which my house didn’t have, so I used the battery. Using the battery did require me to charge the doorbell first. I very much appreciate the built in rechargeable battery vs. wasting double A batteries. Charging really doesn’t take long.
But once you connect the two devices to your app, attach the mount to the wall, the doorbell just snaps in. It’s really secure and the only way to take it off the wall is to use a small metal pin (one is included in the box). Of course someone could steal it, but if your device is charged you’ll catch them in the act. I don’t think there’s much to worry about there.
REAL WORLD USE
So in addition to ease of setup and use, it also matters how well it works. I think the Eufy doorbell works great. Great footage and the motion detection is accurate. If someone walks within about 15 feet of your doorbell, it will detect motion and an alert will be sent to your phone. It’s default setting is to record 60 seconds of the event (although it can be adjusted). You can watch it live at any time.
So in addition to ease of setup and use, it also matters how well it works. I think the Eufy doorbell works great. Great footage and the motion detection is accurate. If someone walks within about 15 feet of your doorbell, it will detect motion and an alert will be sent to your phone. It’s default setting is to record 60 seconds of the event (although it can be adjusted). You can watch it live at any time.
It will also sent an alert to your phone when someone rings the doorbell (as well as the chime ringing) so you know someone is at the door. You might ask, why would I need that if it detects motion? But if your phone isn’t nearby to alert you to the motion or ring, you can hear it inside the house.
The Eufy is billed as 2K, but it doesn’t really stream 2K to your phone. Sure, the image is really sharp (more than you really need) but the 2K footage comes into play when you look at it on the computer from the microSD card. And your computer monitor might not be 2K, but the high resolution will allow you to zoom in without losing much detail.
MISCELLANEOUS
The Eufy doorbell has a lot of settings within the app to customize how it works based on your needs. For example, you can turn the volume of both the doorbell and the chime up or down. You can snooze the doorbell’s motion detector if you’re kids are playing in the front yard. You can set it not to detect motion if you’re home and only alert you when the doorbell rings. The app is relatively intuitive, there’s a lot of choices within the menus but they make sense, so it’s easy to navigate. You can set it up within Google Home (through the Google Home app), you can even send video to any smart home devices with screens. So it’s really flexible.
The Eufy doorbell has a lot of settings within the app to customize how it works based on your needs. For example, you can turn the volume of both the doorbell and the chime up or down. You can snooze the doorbell’s motion detector if you’re kids are playing in the front yard. You can set it not to detect motion if you’re home and only alert you when the doorbell rings. The app is relatively intuitive, there’s a lot of choices within the menus but they make sense, so it’s easy to navigate. You can set it up within Google Home (through the Google Home app), you can even send video to any smart home devices with screens. So it’s really flexible.
The only minor downside, is the saving of the footage. You are stuck with the microSD card capacity, which is both a good and bad thing. It’s good because you don’t have to pay any service fees to store it in the cloud. It’s bad because your history is what it is. Generally, if you have reason to check the video you would pop out your card shortly after the event and it will be there. But you won’t be able, to go back in your entire history because the event might have been written over because the card ran out of space. In my opinion, having the option to have the footage secured in your house, in the chime, it’s much better than worrying about the cloud.
Battery life is rated for 6 months, but that depends on the settings. So if you want to maximize security and record 60 seconds of an event when it detects motion, and say it’s detecting motion on a busy street, your battery life might be shorter. But again, this is customizable; there are options within the app to optimize battery life. It’s easy to recharge, but I do worry about the small pin that you use to take it off the mount. It’s easy to lose. Especially when you only have to worry about using it every few months. You could probably find a needle or something else that might do the trick (think the small pin that releases sim cards in phones), but I can see that being a hassle if you misplace it.
CONCLUSION
Eufy has built a reasonably priced doorbell camera that works remarkably well. Not to mention it’s extremely customizable to fit your needs.
Eufy has built a reasonably priced doorbell camera that works remarkably well. Not to mention it’s extremely customizable to fit your needs.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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A gaming uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a battery backup for your PC and console. APC Back-UPS™ Pro Gaming keeps you protected, connected, and in the game.
Customer Rating
4
Expensive for limited use, but works very well
on July 24, 2021
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
Battery backup aps
I don't want to say that this is a must-have, but it's a good thing to have battery backup if you suffer somewhat frequent power surges like I do. This is billed as a device that will allow you to keep gaming even if the power goes out, but for me if the power is out for an extended period of time I have bigger issues than simply staying online and playing video games.
However, as I said my house seems to suffer frequent power surges which can harm my consoles specifically my PS5. And as you probably know, when the power goes out when your PS5 or PS4 is on and you have extended storage there's always a risk that it will be damaged and it has to rebuild itself after powering back on. So for me, I think this APS gaming battery backup system is a nice addition to have so I don't have to necessarily worry about corrupt data on my hard drives. It works great, but it does have some shortcomings.
For anyone that's not familiar with APS battery backup systems, which are commonly used for computers and servers, they are essentially a fancy surge protector with a built-in battery. They usually have only a select number of outlets available to run off the battery. From my perspective, they aren't really designed to run computers for long periods of time but to give you the opportunity to safely shut down your computer if the power does in fact go out.
IN THE BOX
The first thing you'll notice that this box is extremely heavy. Contained inside is a gigantic device that really looks like a game console. It's extremely heavy and has a power cord built into it. You'll also find a USB data cable that I haven't quite figured out what to do with.
The first thing you'll notice that this box is extremely heavy. Contained inside is a gigantic device that really looks like a game console. It's extremely heavy and has a power cord built into it. You'll also find a USB data cable that I haven't quite figured out what to do with.
SET UP
Getting up and running is pretty simple. Just like any surge protector. You plug in the device into the wall and you plug all of your equipment into the back of the unit. Although I will add that before you use it you do have to plug in one of the power cables to the battery. You have to slide off the side of the device, which is easy to do, then you simply slide the red cable into the battery pack and put the case back together.
Getting up and running is pretty simple. Just like any surge protector. You plug in the device into the wall and you plug all of your equipment into the back of the unit. Although I will add that before you use it you do have to plug in one of the power cables to the battery. You have to slide off the side of the device, which is easy to do, then you simply slide the red cable into the battery pack and put the case back together.
As I said previously, not all of the outlets on the back of the device will be powered by battery in the event The power goes out, those outlets simply act as a surge protector. But I was pleasantly surprised to see how many outlets that can be powered by the battery. There are 10 total outlets which is more than most common search protectors and six of them are connected to the battery while four are simply standard surge protected outlets.
As you could imagine, anything you want to be running on battery power should the power go out should be plugged in one of the six outlets. This device is designed to plug in your router, TV, and game console so that you can stay connected and continue playing games if the power goes out.
SHORTCOMINGS
While my power has yet to go out since I've owned it, and I haven't tested the length of the battery time when the power's out, it's rated for x hours. But again if your power is going to be out for a while you might have other issues than just gaming like your refrigerator. So to me that's not really a big selling point, but I could see it being one for others.
While my power has yet to go out since I've owned it, and I haven't tested the length of the battery time when the power's out, it's rated for x hours. But again if your power is going to be out for a while you might have other issues than just gaming like your refrigerator. So to me that's not really a big selling point, but I could see it being one for others.
The main shortcomings of this device are pretty obvious when you simply look at it. It's pretty darn big, imagine an Xbox 360 but even bigger and a lot heavier. So you have to find space in your setup for this device to sit. And it can only be positioned vertically, not horizontally. So space in your entertainment setup could be one issue. For me, that wasn't much of an issue as I had plenty of cabinets based to hide it but what I did have issues with and this is common with virtually all surge protectors, is the fact that all of the outlets are really close together. If all home entertainment devices had standard three-prong plugs it would not be an issue, but as we all know some devices have large power bricks. For example I use Phillips lighting around my TV and that has a large adapter that takes up two spaces. I also have my router, which also has an extremely wide power adapter. So plugging in those two devices essentially take up four outlets in and of themselves. Of course you can always get small outlet extenders which luckily I have a few, but it's something that you might have to deal with.
DESIGN
I just want to highlight some of the thoughtful design aspects of this device which may not sway anybody who's considering buying it, but I think it does speak to the level of detail that was put into its design. Number one, it has some pretty cool lights and a LCD screen telling you about its status. You can hit a button to cycle the colors of the lights which is cool, and give it a futuristic look. I also really appreciate the lighting on the back of the device where the outlets are. There's a light on the back that illuminates just enough, the location of the plugs so you can see when you're plugging things in should, like me, you place The device in a cabinet or other dark space. This isn't a huge deal as you will probably only plug things in once and be done, but it's a nice little touch. You can cycle through on the display and see the voltage, watts, how much is left in the battery, which is nice but I have to admit that I don't always know what that means. I know what wattage and volts are generally speaking, but It doesn't mean anything to me in the context of having my devices plugged into it.
I just want to highlight some of the thoughtful design aspects of this device which may not sway anybody who's considering buying it, but I think it does speak to the level of detail that was put into its design. Number one, it has some pretty cool lights and a LCD screen telling you about its status. You can hit a button to cycle the colors of the lights which is cool, and give it a futuristic look. I also really appreciate the lighting on the back of the device where the outlets are. There's a light on the back that illuminates just enough, the location of the plugs so you can see when you're plugging things in should, like me, you place The device in a cabinet or other dark space. This isn't a huge deal as you will probably only plug things in once and be done, but it's a nice little touch. You can cycle through on the display and see the voltage, watts, how much is left in the battery, which is nice but I have to admit that I don't always know what that means. I know what wattage and volts are generally speaking, but It doesn't mean anything to me in the context of having my devices plugged into it.
CONCLUSION
If you're someone with frequent power surges where your power might go out for just a few brief moments, or if you're someone who is concerned about your electronics being damaged by power surges, or if you are a person that just wants to be prepared for all circumstances and be able to game when the power goes out, this is something that's definitely worth considering. But for the average person who isn't concerned about those types of issues, it's a pretty pricey surge protector. Not to mention that you will at some point have to replace the battery, and while I don't know how expensive that is, I imagine it's not cheap.
If you're someone with frequent power surges where your power might go out for just a few brief moments, or if you're someone who is concerned about your electronics being damaged by power surges, or if you are a person that just wants to be prepared for all circumstances and be able to game when the power goes out, this is something that's definitely worth considering. But for the average person who isn't concerned about those types of issues, it's a pretty pricey surge protector. Not to mention that you will at some point have to replace the battery, and while I don't know how expensive that is, I imagine it's not cheap.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Take aerial shots with this GoPro Karma drone. Its Karma Stabilizer lets the included HERO5 Black action camera capture shake-free videos, while the Karma Grip provides reliable stabilization for handheld and mounted filming. The game-style controller with an integrated touch display makes Karma easy and fun to fly.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.
Just curious what the flight time experience has been like. Says 20 minutes with no payload; however, is the camera considered "payload"? Is it 20 minutes WITH the camera? Also, how close to 20 minutes is the "actual" flight time?
Given that the camera is required to fly I wouldn't think that the camera is considered payload. I've never tried to fly with any payload mostly because I haven't needed to and it doesn't seem equipped to hold anything (you would have to use some ingenuity to attach something to it). I can speak as to how long it flies without any payload but obviously with the camera. And in my use, it's been between 18-19 minutes of flight time. The very first time I flew it, it landed itself due to low battery around the 18 minutes mark, even though on the handheld controller, the screen said there was 2 minutes of flight time left. I haven't flown it enough while taking video/stills to determine how much that drains the battery. Hope that helps.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Sony PlayStation VR Launch Bundle:Immerse yourself in a virtual-reality gaming world with this Sony PlayStation VR bundle. Experience body-responsive gaming with the two PlayStation Move motion controllers. The built-in camera lets you take clear photos, and the stereo headphones provide rich sound. Challenge your gaming ability with the VR Worlds game included with this Sony PlayStation VR bundle.
Is the camera of this bundle the latest one? The ps4 camera? Or the ps3 camera?
Yes, the bundle comes with the newest model camera. The packaging and promotions for the PSVR actually show the older model (which as I understand, will still work). This camera is completely different than the PS3 version.
7 years, 10 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Bring the power of Google directly to your fingertips with the Google Pixel. A large 32GB of storage keep data secure, while unlimited cloud storage transfers data as needed, and it's completely automatic. The large 5-inch screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 to ensure the Google Pixel remains scratch-free.
It is an unlocked phone, so I assume it is compatible with SIM card from other countries - is that correct?
I can't confirrm that it will work sims from other countries (depends on bandwidths) but I can absolutely confirm that putting a T-Mobile sim into this phone will work. Sorry couldn't give you a better answer!
7 years, 11 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Charge 2 GoPro lithium-ion batteries simultaneously with this GoPro AHBBP-301 charger that reliably draws power from select USB chargers, USB-enabled computers or GoPro wall or vehicle chargers (not included), so you can keep your camera ready for use.
Does this have the cable to connect charger to computer? Is there a cord that connects camera directly to computer or wall charger for charging? I think we lost ours.
It comes with a mini-USB cable which you can plug into your computer (I wouldn't recommend because of slow charging) and a wall charger. The same mini-USB cable plugs directly into the camera itself
8 years, 1 month ago
by
callmeageeth
Turtle Beach Ear Force PX22 Amplified Universal Gaming Headset: Enjoy more freedom and use your universal headset with more than one gaming console. Customize your audio and let it automatically boost online chatting so you hear every sound during your gaming session.
Does it work with party system on Xbox one
It is my understanding that this headset is not compatible with the Xbox one
8 years, 6 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Play games, watch movies and more with this HP Pavilion 23cw 23" LED monitor, which features 1920 x 1080 resolution and IPS technology for clear visuals from a wide variety of vantage points. Enhance+ uses noise reduction to improve image quality.
Can i use apple tv on this monitor
As long as your monitor has an HDMI port you can.*
NOTE: that is the simplest answer, you can, theoretically, buy a couple different adapters to make it work.
NOTE: that is the simplest answer, you can, theoretically, buy a couple different adapters to make it work.
8 years, 10 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Louisville, KY
Expand the storage of your compatible device with this SanDisk Ultra PLUS microSDXC memory card that features a 128GB capacity to hold your photos and videos and a Class 10 rating to ensure speedy data transfer. The rugged design resists damage.
compatibility
I have a Dell Venue 8 Pro.Would this work with it for storage?also is it compatible with android devices?...thank you
Double check your specific Android device. Most newer devices accept it, I believe this card was intended for Android devices, but again, I know some devices only accept up to 64 GB card
9 years, 11 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Louisville, KY
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Tablet: The new Surface Pro 3 is in a category of its own. With a stunning 12" display in a sleek magnesium frame, Surface Pro 3 has all the power and performance of a laptop in an incredibly lightweight, versatile form. It may just be the ultimate device.
How do you read a full size sd card?
You would have to get some sort of USB adapter for a full size SD card. It only accepts MicroSD
10 years, 3 months ago
by
callmeageeth
Louisville, KY