callmeageeth's stats
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- First reviewJune 23, 2014
- Last reviewJune 23, 2025
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- First answerJune 23, 2014
- Last answerDecember 15, 2021
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Winning in business means working smarter. This HP Color LaserJet Pro M479fdw printer is designed to let you focus your time where it's most effective - growing your business and staying ahead of the competition.Prints up to 27 ISO ppm*, up to 27 ISO ppm* in color
Customer Rating
4
Easy to use and versatile for high volume use
on July 18, 2019
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
In terms of general all around performance, you can’t do much better. This HP Laserjet Pro does everything really well, with the exception of scanning (could be better) and photo printing (which it’s not built to do). It’s ease of use, after initial setup, is another feather in its cap. The only real downside (and it’s a function of what it is) is it’s footprint and weight. That’s not a con, but something to keep in mind depending on your space. The other downside, again, common to all color laser printers, is the cost of the toner.
IN THE BOX
After getting the printer out of the box (which is a chore given how heavy it is) you will find a power cable, USB cable and ethernet cable. Nothing special. The color toner is already installed, so in terms of physically putting things together, there’s not much to do. You just need to find a space in your office/home that’s big enough to handle it.
After getting the printer out of the box (which is a chore given how heavy it is) you will find a power cable, USB cable and ethernet cable. Nothing special. The color toner is already installed, so in terms of physically putting things together, there’s not much to do. You just need to find a space in your office/home that’s big enough to handle it.
SETUP
For whatever reason, I struggle with getting printers to work the first time. Especially wireless ones. A lot of my struggles relates to getting the right drivers. Windows will find the printer but it just won’t work. Luckily, the touchscreen on the printer itself is helpful. It directs you to the website where you can download the printer’s software on your computer. For me, I am using this printer connected to my desktop via USB cable. So I plugged the cable into my computer and printer, and after the HP software was downloaded, my printer was registered and the proper drivers downloaded. I can’t speak to the Wi-Fi set up, meaning, set up via Wi-Fi only (although I did easily connect the printer to my Wi-Fi, made easy via the touchscreen). More on printing via Wi-Fi in a moment.
For whatever reason, I struggle with getting printers to work the first time. Especially wireless ones. A lot of my struggles relates to getting the right drivers. Windows will find the printer but it just won’t work. Luckily, the touchscreen on the printer itself is helpful. It directs you to the website where you can download the printer’s software on your computer. For me, I am using this printer connected to my desktop via USB cable. So I plugged the cable into my computer and printer, and after the HP software was downloaded, my printer was registered and the proper drivers downloaded. I can’t speak to the Wi-Fi set up, meaning, set up via Wi-Fi only (although I did easily connect the printer to my Wi-Fi, made easy via the touchscreen). More on printing via Wi-Fi in a moment.
All in all, I thought the set up via USB cable was easy and straightforward so points to HP in helping this printer-setup challenged guy.
EASE OF USE
Now the first time I used it, I was printing a Word document. The printer was listed in the menu, but it wouldn’t connect and print. Luckily, after a few tries it just worked. From there, it’s been like magic. Whether I’m printing from my Android phone (NOTE: you have to download HP print services from Play Store) or from a Wi-Fi computer (again, after downloading the HP print services program) I can print anything from anywhere. I’ve printed double-sided without issues. Changing color to B/W is easy in the menus itself. The touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use. Truly, this is one of the few professional printers/scanners/fax machines that is really easy to operate. Having it do what you want is no problem.
Now the first time I used it, I was printing a Word document. The printer was listed in the menu, but it wouldn’t connect and print. Luckily, after a few tries it just worked. From there, it’s been like magic. Whether I’m printing from my Android phone (NOTE: you have to download HP print services from Play Store) or from a Wi-Fi computer (again, after downloading the HP print services program) I can print anything from anywhere. I’ve printed double-sided without issues. Changing color to B/W is easy in the menus itself. The touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use. Truly, this is one of the few professional printers/scanners/fax machines that is really easy to operate. Having it do what you want is no problem.
After downloading the HP software mentioned above, I was able to find the printer on my laptop while connected to my wireless network (again, after connecting the printer to Wi-Fi network). The printer appeared as if it was plugged directly in to my computer and I never had any issues printing while on the same Wi-Fi network.
When scanning, you have the option to email the scan to someone or you can save it to your computer. I typically scan documents to myself, so saving them to the computer saves me the time of having to find the document in my inbox. When you’re done scanning the documents folder pops up and the PDF you just scanned is already there.
QUALITY
As a laserjet color printer, I expect great results. I was not disappointed. The quality of both B/W and color text is above-average in my humble opinion. The speed of printing is pretty good too. I don’t recall the actual PPM numbers, but that doesn’t matter. This will print B/W, color, and double-sided fast enough for any use. Even if it’s a large document. Printing color pictures on the other hand, wasn’t anything special. It was good, don’t get me wrong, but I wasn’t too impressed. But I didn’t get this to print pictures so that’s okay to me.
As a laserjet color printer, I expect great results. I was not disappointed. The quality of both B/W and color text is above-average in my humble opinion. The speed of printing is pretty good too. I don’t recall the actual PPM numbers, but that doesn’t matter. This will print B/W, color, and double-sided fast enough for any use. Even if it’s a large document. Printing color pictures on the other hand, wasn’t anything special. It was good, don’t get me wrong, but I wasn’t too impressed. But I didn’t get this to print pictures so that’s okay to me.
Scanning, however, I was left wanting more. Before I get into quality, I do want to say that the auto feeder for scanning works well even on folded pages (as in, they scan straight and don’t get too skewed one way or the other) and my guess, can handle about 50 pages although I haven’t tested it. In other words, it can handle most things you need to scan in one fell swoop. Quality however, was a different story. I was underwhelmed with the scan quality both on the scanning bed and the feeder. The text and pictures were left jagged and the colors muted. It’s not so bad for me to say that you shouldn’t get it, but if scan quality is a top priority I might second guess it. For me, I mostly scan to save digital copies of hard files for filing purposes and for that, the scan quality is fine.
CONS
While I’ve mentioned a few already, the cons can be described as: 1) size and footprint and weight (again, it’s not surprising, it’s just something to keep in mind); 2) scan quality (below average, if you must have great scans, look elsewhere); 3) noise (this baby is loud when it’s working and warming up, louder than other multi function use printers I’ve used in the past). I would also add having to download HP software on your phone and laptops to print wirelessly. It’s not really that big of a deal, but the printer itself doesn’t tell you that it’s necessary (neither do the instruction manuals, which could really use some help in the readability department). I didn’t know to do this until I did some Google searching. Again, it’s not a deal breaker, but having clear instructions is important to me and HP fails in regards to showing the user how to take advantage of ALL of the functions and abilities of this very capable printer. But once you figure it out and how to use the features, it works great. Lastly, the cost of toner. Toner is ALWAYS expensive regardless of the printer, but when you add in color, the cost increases exponentially. It’s probably $200 to replace these. I haven’t gone through all of the toner yet, but it will sting my wallet when that time comes. But again, it comes with the territory. I only mention that for the people who might not have known about laser toner costs.
While I’ve mentioned a few already, the cons can be described as: 1) size and footprint and weight (again, it’s not surprising, it’s just something to keep in mind); 2) scan quality (below average, if you must have great scans, look elsewhere); 3) noise (this baby is loud when it’s working and warming up, louder than other multi function use printers I’ve used in the past). I would also add having to download HP software on your phone and laptops to print wirelessly. It’s not really that big of a deal, but the printer itself doesn’t tell you that it’s necessary (neither do the instruction manuals, which could really use some help in the readability department). I didn’t know to do this until I did some Google searching. Again, it’s not a deal breaker, but having clear instructions is important to me and HP fails in regards to showing the user how to take advantage of ALL of the functions and abilities of this very capable printer. But once you figure it out and how to use the features, it works great. Lastly, the cost of toner. Toner is ALWAYS expensive regardless of the printer, but when you add in color, the cost increases exponentially. It’s probably $200 to replace these. I haven’t gone through all of the toner yet, but it will sting my wallet when that time comes. But again, it comes with the territory. I only mention that for the people who might not have known about laser toner costs.
CONCLUSION
While it’s too much printer for the average home, if you do a lot of printing and/or have a small business, this printer is a terrific option. It prints in high quality at fast speeds (except photos) and the scanning and fax functions are adequate enough for most purposes. Best of all it’s simple to use after it’s all set up (which might require some Google searching). All in all, I’m very happy with the printer.
While it’s too much printer for the average home, if you do a lot of printing and/or have a small business, this printer is a terrific option. It prints in high quality at fast speeds (except photos) and the scanning and fax functions are adequate enough for most purposes. Best of all it’s simple to use after it’s all set up (which might require some Google searching). All in all, I’m very happy with the printer.
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Record your experiences on the road with this Nextbase dash cam. A wide-angle lens captures every detail, ensuring you are covered at all times, and the 2.5-inch LCD screen allows for comfortable viewing when reviewing videos. This Nextbase dash cam connects with smart devices via Wi-Fi and and Bluetooth 4.2, letting you review video footage on your device.
Customer Rating
5
Great build and image quality
on July 15, 2019
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
I am a big proponent of dash cams. While it’s one of those devices you hope to never use or
need, they do offer peace of mind. And sometimes catch cool footage. All dash cams suffer
from the same minor annoyances and inconveniences, which is namely, installation and hiding
the cables. Also, most aren’t very intuitive and require a bit of trial and error to get right. But
what really matters is the video quality and a wide angle of view, which I can say are areas
where the NextBase excels.
need, they do offer peace of mind. And sometimes catch cool footage. All dash cams suffer
from the same minor annoyances and inconveniences, which is namely, installation and hiding
the cables. Also, most aren’t very intuitive and require a bit of trial and error to get right. But
what really matters is the video quality and a wide angle of view, which I can say are areas
where the NextBase excels.
IN THE BOX
The dash cam comes with the camera; long power cable (plugs into cigarette lighter); suction
cup mount and a “sticky” mount. I don’t favor the “sticky” adhesives for the windshield because I
found when it gets hot out, the adhesive heats up and the camera falls. But rather than make you buy a suction cup mount, NextBase graciously gives it to you. There is no SD card, so you
will have to purchase it. There’s also a plastic tool to help you hide the cable (more on that
below). I must admit that the NextBase is well built. It feels like a solid camera. Not only that but it’s
really slick. It’s like a thinner but wider GoPro. The screen is sharp.
The dash cam comes with the camera; long power cable (plugs into cigarette lighter); suction
cup mount and a “sticky” mount. I don’t favor the “sticky” adhesives for the windshield because I
found when it gets hot out, the adhesive heats up and the camera falls. But rather than make you buy a suction cup mount, NextBase graciously gives it to you. There is no SD card, so you
will have to purchase it. There’s also a plastic tool to help you hide the cable (more on that
below). I must admit that the NextBase is well built. It feels like a solid camera. Not only that but it’s
really slick. It’s like a thinner but wider GoPro. The screen is sharp.
INSTALLATION
Note that you are supposed to charge the camera using a mini-USB cable (included in the box)
for 2 hours before first use. I plugged it in and set the time and date and let it charge before
installing it.
Note that you are supposed to charge the camera using a mini-USB cable (included in the box)
for 2 hours before first use. I plugged it in and set the time and date and let it charge before
installing it.
It’s pretty self explanatory if you think about it, all you need to do is plug the power cable into
your car and then plug it into the mounting bracket, to which your camera attaches to
magnetically. The tricky part is hiding the cable. It is recommended that you place the camera on your windshield to the right of your rearview mirror, that way it’s not in front of the driver and
it’s close enough in the middle to capture the entirety of what’s going on in front of your car.
Once the installation base is mounted where I wanted it, I then plugged in the USB cable to it,
and ran it along the top of my windshield (underneath the fabric ceiling) and then ran it in
between the rubber seal and the plastic interior, down the side of the door, underneath the glove
box and then plugged it into the power outlet. Using the tool makes hiding the cables pretty
easy. It didn’t take me longer than a few minutes and I got a professional look (other than a
cable plugged into my charging port all the time, but I don’t mind that). The only oddity is that there is a removal door in the front of the camera (attached by magnets)
that you take off to magnetically attach the camera to the base. Now this is awesome, because
if you need to remove the camera to review the footage or make it easier to take the SD card
out, it’s as simple as removing the camera from the base rather than taking the suction cup off
the windshield, etc. BUT, that magnetic door I mentioned, comes completely off. What are you supposed to do with it? Granted, it doesn’t matter much, I bet your camera will be attached the
mount 99% of the time, but I wonder why it’s there?
your car and then plug it into the mounting bracket, to which your camera attaches to
magnetically. The tricky part is hiding the cable. It is recommended that you place the camera on your windshield to the right of your rearview mirror, that way it’s not in front of the driver and
it’s close enough in the middle to capture the entirety of what’s going on in front of your car.
Once the installation base is mounted where I wanted it, I then plugged in the USB cable to it,
and ran it along the top of my windshield (underneath the fabric ceiling) and then ran it in
between the rubber seal and the plastic interior, down the side of the door, underneath the glove
box and then plugged it into the power outlet. Using the tool makes hiding the cables pretty
easy. It didn’t take me longer than a few minutes and I got a professional look (other than a
cable plugged into my charging port all the time, but I don’t mind that). The only oddity is that there is a removal door in the front of the camera (attached by magnets)
that you take off to magnetically attach the camera to the base. Now this is awesome, because
if you need to remove the camera to review the footage or make it easier to take the SD card
out, it’s as simple as removing the camera from the base rather than taking the suction cup off
the windshield, etc. BUT, that magnetic door I mentioned, comes completely off. What are you supposed to do with it? Granted, it doesn’t matter much, I bet your camera will be attached the
mount 99% of the time, but I wonder why it’s there?
SETUP/NAVIGATION
After charging it and before attaching it to the installation base in my windshield, I recommend taking a look at the settings. My only real knock on this camera is a lack of knowledge re the
various settings. Some you can you figure out (parking mode, which turns the camera on if it
detects the car getting hit) but others are confusing. I turned off audio recording because I don’t
want my conversations/music/singing in the car to be recorded. I also changed the recording
time to 3 minutes increments. It makes it difficult to find what video you are looking for after the
fact, you might have to search through dozens of MP4 files, but when you think about it, it
makes sense to record in short bursts. Easier to share and manage. I also turned the screensaver on so the screen doesn’t light up my car all the time. The interface, while could use some explanation, is pretty intuitive. And having a touch screen rather than physical buttons makes it easy to figure out/change the settings. Like I said, some of the settings aren’t very intuitive in and of themselves (or what each setting does) but it’s easy to
change them and navigate the menus. I know I’ve mentioned it a couple of times, but the truth is
most people will be just fine with default settings (save, turning off audio recording).
After charging it and before attaching it to the installation base in my windshield, I recommend taking a look at the settings. My only real knock on this camera is a lack of knowledge re the
various settings. Some you can you figure out (parking mode, which turns the camera on if it
detects the car getting hit) but others are confusing. I turned off audio recording because I don’t
want my conversations/music/singing in the car to be recorded. I also changed the recording
time to 3 minutes increments. It makes it difficult to find what video you are looking for after the
fact, you might have to search through dozens of MP4 files, but when you think about it, it
makes sense to record in short bursts. Easier to share and manage. I also turned the screensaver on so the screen doesn’t light up my car all the time. The interface, while could use some explanation, is pretty intuitive. And having a touch screen rather than physical buttons makes it easy to figure out/change the settings. Like I said, some of the settings aren’t very intuitive in and of themselves (or what each setting does) but it’s easy to
change them and navigate the menus. I know I’ve mentioned it a couple of times, but the truth is
most people will be just fine with default settings (save, turning off audio recording).
Another great feature that I haven’t had the opportunity to use yet because nothing exciting has happened during my drives since I’ve had it, is that you can hit a button below the screen to
“mark” an important scene. So say you get in a wreck, hit the red button and it highlights (if you
will) that file so you can quickly retrieve it in its own file folder, rather than navigate through
dozens of video files.
“mark” an important scene. So say you get in a wreck, hit the red button and it highlights (if you
will) that file so you can quickly retrieve it in its own file folder, rather than navigate through
dozens of video files.
FOOTAGE QUALITY
I can’t say enough about the footage quality which is truly what matters. At its highest setting it’s recording at 1080p and 60 FPS. It’s buttery smooth. And it has a wide angle to capture the
scene in front of your car without looking too much like a “fishbowl.” There’s not much else to say other than to say that the footage quality is awesome and that’s what matters most in a
dash cam.
I can’t say enough about the footage quality which is truly what matters. At its highest setting it’s recording at 1080p and 60 FPS. It’s buttery smooth. And it has a wide angle to capture the
scene in front of your car without looking too much like a “fishbowl.” There’s not much else to say other than to say that the footage quality is awesome and that’s what matters most in a
dash cam.
BATTERY LIFE
One last thing, say you get in a wreck and your power dies in your car, the camera has a battery in it that runs from what I can tell 30 minutes or so. I haven’t tested it, but only know from
messing with the settings on the initial install (after charging the battery). While I haven’t been in
the situation yet, I believe it’s an important feature for a dash cam, to be capturing video after an
incident with no power.
One last thing, say you get in a wreck and your power dies in your car, the camera has a battery in it that runs from what I can tell 30 minutes or so. I haven’t tested it, but only know from
messing with the settings on the initial install (after charging the battery). While I haven’t been in
the situation yet, I believe it’s an important feature for a dash cam, to be capturing video after an
incident with no power.
CONCLUSION
I used a Rexing dash cam and while it took great footage (which is what really matters) it was
rather bulky and had an awkward user interface. Plus I had problems with it sticking to the
windshield when it got hot outside. I found the NextBase cam to be a better alternative. While I can't speak for all dash cams, this NextBase camera seems to have it all. Great video footage, it looks great (meaning it’s not an eyesore on my windshield), and useful features. If you are in the market for a dash cam, I would put this one high on your list.
I used a Rexing dash cam and while it took great footage (which is what really matters) it was
rather bulky and had an awkward user interface. Plus I had problems with it sticking to the
windshield when it got hot outside. I found the NextBase cam to be a better alternative. While I can't speak for all dash cams, this NextBase camera seems to have it all. Great video footage, it looks great (meaning it’s not an eyesore on my windshield), and useful features. If you are in the market for a dash cam, I would put this one high on your list.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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It is time to get out and get moving, and you need some inspiration for your workout. JBuds Air Sport has you covered! Workout for the week and more with 44+ hours of battery life, IP66 sweat resistance for the hardest workouts, and Be Aware audio to keep you safe outside. You control your workouts in real-time; while we provide the motivation to effortlessly listen to your playlist.
Customer Rating
4
Great Sound and Fit
on July 3, 2019
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
I have to admit that I was a bit hesitant to try another JLab pair of sports headphones. I had the JLab Epic Air and I came away unimpressed at their durability. Mine clonked out and simply stopped working, I'm guessing due to sweat damage. But I think JLab fixed those issues and I am very much satisfied with the performance of the Air Sport. Their only limitations are those inherent with truly wireless headphones, but their advantage is the superior fit, which in my mind, makes all the difference in the world.
I think whenever you are purchasing headphones that it's important to know how you're going to be using them. Are you buying over the ears for comfort? Noise cancelling? For workouts and/or running? Something small to fit in your pocket that's versatile?
I personally have several different pairs of headphones for different situations. My two main activities where I use headphones, however, would be traveling (where I have my go to Sony noise cancelling headphones that never fail me) and "sport" headphones for working out. I've struggled to find a good pair of sports headphones. Sometimes the battery life just isn't there and requires me to remember to charge them all too frequently, or the fit isn't great and they come out of my ears during runs, or they have connection issues.
What originally drew me to the JLab Epic Air was the "hook" design. Much like Powerbeats, the Epic Air was one of only a few sport headphones that had hooks to help aid in keeping them on your ears during workouts. Personally, I find the plug in your ear design to fail me during workouts when I sweat a lot. But as I alluded to earlier, my JLab Epic Air's basically died. And I found the touch sensitive buttons on each ear piece to be so sensitive that my sweat could trigger them. So I had a great pair of fitting headphones that simply wouldn't work.
I can honestly say, however, that JLab fixed those problems with the Air Sport and has delivered what I will deem as close to the perfect workout headphones.
SETUP
Setup is easy peezy, after charging the case with the ear buds in it of course, using the attached USB cable, you simply pull the ear buds out and tap the ear pieces for 3 seconds and go into pairing mode on your phone. It took me no longer than 10 seconds to accomplish.
Setup is easy peezy, after charging the case with the ear buds in it of course, using the attached USB cable, you simply pull the ear buds out and tap the ear pieces for 3 seconds and go into pairing mode on your phone. It took me no longer than 10 seconds to accomplish.
FIT
To me, this is far and away the most important aspect of any workout headphone. While truly wireless ear buds might work in a non-workout setting (as in they don't fall out) things change when you're sweating and bouncing around. There is simply nothing worse than adjusting your earbuds in the middle of a run or worse than that, having them fall out.
To me, this is far and away the most important aspect of any workout headphone. While truly wireless ear buds might work in a non-workout setting (as in they don't fall out) things change when you're sweating and bouncing around. There is simply nothing worse than adjusting your earbuds in the middle of a run or worse than that, having them fall out.
Included in the box are small, medium, large and "air foam" ear bud tips. I highly recommend you take the time to figure out which size works best for you., For me, I got the tightest seal (which equals best bass response) with the large ear bud tips. I suspect once you find the right size, you won't have to worry about changing them out.
The hooks of the design are simply the bees knees. Truly they are a game changer for those like me who struggle with in-ear headphones. I NEVER worry about these falling out. It's true that you might not get as tight of a seal in your ear canal as other headphones (and thus, less bass response) the security of knowing they won't fall out vastly outweighs the minimal bass gains.
SOUND QUALITY
I must admit that I'm no audiophile and frankly, for sport headphones sound quality isn't the most important feature of a paid of headphones. But I think I can say that even those that might have higher standards in their workout headphones will be more than satisfied with the sound quality. I found a good mix of clear sound with nice range and decent bass that's not too overwhelming. But again, that's not the main selling points of these headphones.
I must admit that I'm no audiophile and frankly, for sport headphones sound quality isn't the most important feature of a paid of headphones. But I think I can say that even those that might have higher standards in their workout headphones will be more than satisfied with the sound quality. I found a good mix of clear sound with nice range and decent bass that's not too overwhelming. But again, that's not the main selling points of these headphones.
FEATURES/CONTROL
In terms of features, there's not too much, and that's not a bad thing. The main highlight is the case itself. It obviously recharges the headphones and will give you 30 hours of run time before the case needs to be charged (I found the headphones themselves to run for about 4 hours before needing to be recharged, which is more than enough for the average runner/weightlifter, etc.). But one of the best features is the built in USB cable on the bottom of the case. No more worrying about carrying a cable. This is a huge benefit that you won't really appreciate until you're traveling and your battery dies.
In terms of features, there's not too much, and that's not a bad thing. The main highlight is the case itself. It obviously recharges the headphones and will give you 30 hours of run time before the case needs to be charged (I found the headphones themselves to run for about 4 hours before needing to be recharged, which is more than enough for the average runner/weightlifter, etc.). But one of the best features is the built in USB cable on the bottom of the case. No more worrying about carrying a cable. This is a huge benefit that you won't really appreciate until you're traveling and your battery dies.
These headphones can take calls obviously, I did it one time (I normally reject calls when working out) and I had no issues with the person hearing me or me hearing them.
In terms of controls, I think these headphones LIKE ALL truly wireless headphones are limited. With small ear buds there's simply no space for all the buttons you might want, so you are tasked with memorizing which ear bud to tap and how many taps it takes to control your volume, change songs, activate assistant, etc. Frankly I almost always navigate my playlist on my phone so this isn't really an issue for me, but if you're someone who puts your phone in a sleeve or a fanny pack while running and change song/volume from the ear buds themselves, just know that you'll have to memorize the patterns (which isn't too tough) and the buttons are touch sensitive. I find ALL touch sensitive buttons on headphones to be finicky at least at times.
DURABILITY
As I've said a number of times, my previous experience with JLab sport headphones didn't end well. But I believe they've improved their game and have delivered a better pair of headphones. Ones that won't short circuit if they get too wet. I've worn these in a rain storm and I generally sweat a lot and I've had no issues with charging, skipping, etc. I really can't say what they've done differently, but the whole package from the headphones to the case just seems better built (even though it's lighter in weight).
As I've said a number of times, my previous experience with JLab sport headphones didn't end well. But I believe they've improved their game and have delivered a better pair of headphones. Ones that won't short circuit if they get too wet. I've worn these in a rain storm and I generally sweat a lot and I've had no issues with charging, skipping, etc. I really can't say what they've done differently, but the whole package from the headphones to the case just seems better built (even though it's lighter in weight).
CONCLUSION
If you are in the market for sport headphones, you have to look at these. I simply cannot emphasize how important the hook design is for workout headphones. You really don't have to worry about them falling off in the most intense of workouts. And the sound quality and battery life (especially through the case) are at the top end at least in terms of sport headphones. I would even go so far to say that these would be a great option for daily driver headphones that would work in all situations.
If you are in the market for sport headphones, you have to look at these. I simply cannot emphasize how important the hook design is for workout headphones. You really don't have to worry about them falling off in the most intense of workouts. And the sound quality and battery life (especially through the case) are at the top end at least in terms of sport headphones. I would even go so far to say that these would be a great option for daily driver headphones that would work in all situations.
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Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 2 rocks a surprisingly big sound anywhere. Heading outside? Hit Outdoor Boost for louder crisper audio autodoors.
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic Traveling Speaker
on June 21, 2019
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
I've been impressed with Logitech's recent Bluetooth speakers. They are durable, powerful and long lasting. All required for outdoor use.
DESIGN
I actually love the design of this speaker. It's like a fat soda can, or a can in a large koozie. It's short and relatively compact. I don't want to say it's small enough simply to throw in any bag (like a purse), but it's very much portable and will fit in most spaces. I love the elastic hook that allows you to hook it to a backpack while walking about or taking things to the beach. I found the hook to be extremely durable, I don't worry about it breaking and the speaker falling.
I actually love the design of this speaker. It's like a fat soda can, or a can in a large koozie. It's short and relatively compact. I don't want to say it's small enough simply to throw in any bag (like a purse), but it's very much portable and will fit in most spaces. I love the elastic hook that allows you to hook it to a backpack while walking about or taking things to the beach. I found the hook to be extremely durable, I don't worry about it breaking and the speaker falling.
The fabric outside isn't a new thing, I've seen Sony do it, but I'm a fan. It's a touch of class, it's soft to hold and best of all, it's durable and water resistant. I haven't scraped it up against a piece of wood or concrete to truly test the durability, but it stands up very well to normal wear and tear.
SOUND QUALITY
I'm no audio aficionado, but to me, most name brand Bluetooth speakers all sound pretty good. Now, some might be louder than others, some might have connectivity issues others don't, but just in terms of quality of sound, I have a hard time distinguishing between top brands, which is why features matter to me. Now, even saying all that, I want to say that I found this to be a great sounding speaker and the outdoor boost is real, it's amazing how loud it gets. And best part, 360 degree sound, so you can put it in front of your friends circled around a camp fire and everyone hears the same thing. I found the sound to be terrific against a broad range of music and podcasts. Really, no complaints there.
I'm no audio aficionado, but to me, most name brand Bluetooth speakers all sound pretty good. Now, some might be louder than others, some might have connectivity issues others don't, but just in terms of quality of sound, I have a hard time distinguishing between top brands, which is why features matter to me. Now, even saying all that, I want to say that I found this to be a great sounding speaker and the outdoor boost is real, it's amazing how loud it gets. And best part, 360 degree sound, so you can put it in front of your friends circled around a camp fire and everyone hears the same thing. I found the sound to be terrific against a broad range of music and podcasts. Really, no complaints there.
FEATURES
As I said, for a majority of people, most Bluetooth speakers are going to sound the same (in terms of quality). So what distinguishes speakers from others, are their features. When choosing the right speaker for you, a lot depends on what you want. Do you want party lights? Ability to pair two speakers? Fill a giant room with sound? Waterproof?
As I said, for a majority of people, most Bluetooth speakers are going to sound the same (in terms of quality). So what distinguishes speakers from others, are their features. When choosing the right speaker for you, a lot depends on what you want. Do you want party lights? Ability to pair two speakers? Fill a giant room with sound? Waterproof?
This speaker has long battery life. It's rated for 13 hours with outdoor boost off, and while I've never listened 13 hours straight, I have turned it on and off and used it over the course of a few days and have been amazed that it's still going on a single charge.
Waterproof and floating. What makes a Bluetooth speaker stand head and shoulders above the rest, IMHO, is waterproofing and the ability to float. I don't need my speakers to float, but it opens up the possibilities. You might not take a speaker floating with you in the pool or lake every weekend, but it's awesome when you can do it. It's just nice to know the speaker won't get ruined. While you can float and play music at the same time don't expect high quality sound, it's muted a bit. It's more or less waterproof in the event it falls in the water.
Micro-USB charging - the one thing I can't wait for all companies to adopt and that's USB-C charging. My phone is USB-C and I hate having to make sure I have a micro-USB while charging. But honestly, that's a first world problem.
EASE OF USE
The buttons, other than volume on the front, aren't labeled, but there's only three. I didn't read the manual, although I should have, but a few minutes of playing around with it and you should be able to figure out as the button structure is similar to a lot of other speakers. There's a power button, a Bluetooth pairing button and outdoor mode button. The button in the middle is your pause/play, hit twice to go forward, three times to go back on your play list. When the outdoor mode can be activated on a button on the bottom (in the shape of a tree). Bottom line is that the user interface and Bluetooth setup is simple and should be familiar to most people.
The buttons, other than volume on the front, aren't labeled, but there's only three. I didn't read the manual, although I should have, but a few minutes of playing around with it and you should be able to figure out as the button structure is similar to a lot of other speakers. There's a power button, a Bluetooth pairing button and outdoor mode button. The button in the middle is your pause/play, hit twice to go forward, three times to go back on your play list. When the outdoor mode can be activated on a button on the bottom (in the shape of a tree). Bottom line is that the user interface and Bluetooth setup is simple and should be familiar to most people.
CONCLUSION
I can say that this Wonderboom 2 is one of the best all around speaker I've used. It doesn't have the party lights, but taking into account, sound, loudness, portability, waterproof-ness, battery life, it is a versatile speaker that should be on anyone's list, especially those that enjoy music while outdoors.
I can say that this Wonderboom 2 is one of the best all around speaker I've used. It doesn't have the party lights, but taking into account, sound, loudness, portability, waterproof-ness, battery life, it is a versatile speaker that should be on anyone's list, especially those that enjoy music while outdoors.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Acer Laptop: Run graphic-intensive games with this Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop. The 15.6-inch FHD display shows an immersive picture with sharp visuals. CoolBoost technology lowers CPU and GPU temperatures for long-lasting sessions. This Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop features a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card for a vivid picture, and the high-quality speakers deliver clear dialog and deep bass.
Customer Rating
5
Affordable Gaming Laptop for the Masses
on June 18, 2019
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
First, a little about me, I'm a lifelong gamer but have mostly gamed on consoles. I'm also a tech enthusiast but gaming on a PC just never caught on with me, can't explain why. I've always known that you can get better performance on a gaming PC but I just always preferred the stability of popping a disc into a console and it just working without having to worry about settings, drivers, compatibility, and services to buy games.
But nowadays, it's hard to get away from gaming PCs. They seem to be more prevalent and more main stream (I'm in no way suggesting PC gaming hasn't been popular). So my take in this Acer gaming laptop comes from someone with limited PC "tinkering" experience and someone who is aware of the various graphics cards, CPUs, RAM, etc, but simply never invested the time and energy into creating my own gaming PC. What's important to me, is that it just works and works well. And this PC succeeds on all fronts.
DESIGN
Gaming PCs nowadays can get wild and innovative. While I always appreciate the ingenuity, I prefer my PCs to look a bit more "normal" as I use mine for a wide variety of purposes. The Acer Nitro 5 in my opinion nails the design of gaming PC without going over the top. It has an understated red and black design with tasteful vent openings in the back. While there might be thinner gaming PCs out there (I'm thinking Razer) this one doesn't strike me as chunky. Yes, it's thicker than your average laptop, but I'm impressed at how thin it is given the hardware inside. I wish the bezels around the entire display were smaller, but that's not too big of a deal.
Gaming PCs nowadays can get wild and innovative. While I always appreciate the ingenuity, I prefer my PCs to look a bit more "normal" as I use mine for a wide variety of purposes. The Acer Nitro 5 in my opinion nails the design of gaming PC without going over the top. It has an understated red and black design with tasteful vent openings in the back. While there might be thinner gaming PCs out there (I'm thinking Razer) this one doesn't strike me as chunky. Yes, it's thicker than your average laptop, but I'm impressed at how thin it is given the hardware inside. I wish the bezels around the entire display were smaller, but that's not too big of a deal.
The only complaint I have about the design is a small one, but it's the location of the power cable. As I'll get to in a moment, this baby needs to be plugged in if you plan on gaming. The power plug is in the middle of the right side of the laptop and can get in the way depending on where the power outlet is in relation to which way the computer is facing. Not a big deal, but it's something I immediately noticed.
In today's day and age of less and less ports on a computer, the Acer Nitro has plenty of them, including an Ethernet port. I have yet to use it, but for someone reason, I like having the option. There's 2 USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0, a USB-C port, HDMI port and headphone jack. Honestly, that's all I could and would ask for.
FEATURES
This computer has a 128 GB M.2 hard drive for fast loading and 1 TB HDD. I personally don't like having two separate drives but I understand the cost considerations on behalf of the manufacturer.
This computer has a 128 GB M.2 hard drive for fast loading and 1 TB HDD. I personally don't like having two separate drives but I understand the cost considerations on behalf of the manufacturer.
The screen is rated for 144 Hz (trust me, once you use a monitor with high refresh rate you'll never want to go back) but I simply could not figure out how to "activate" it. Not sure if it's supposed to come on automatically or what, but I've had no issues playing at the standard 60 Hz. I found the screen bright and crisp. It's Full HD, no QHD here, but at 15 inches, it's more than fine.
It comes preloaded with Acer's "Nitrosense" software which I find cool. While I'm not one to deep dive into the settings of a computer to get the most out of it (again, I'm a guy that prefers plug and play) I do appreciate the ability within this program to activate higher performance settings with the click of a button and see the gauges of how your computer's running. But honestly, if this wasn't included I wouldn't have minded. It's still nice though.
GAMING PERFORMANCE
if you're reading this, this is what you probably want to know, how does this Acer Nitro perform for gaming. I can say that it's pretty remarkable. I played Far Cry 5 and was simply blown away by the performance. Again, I didn't change any settings. Once I updated the Geforce driver settings, that program automatically sets the optimal settings for each game and it does a fantastic job. This is what I need for PC gaming: a program that automatically adjusts the setting to get the best balance of performance and graphically fidelity without me messing with it. I have yet to experience any slowdowns in Far Cry 5 and the graphics are crisp and sharp. Even though my PS4 is plugged into a big 4K TV, it's tough going back after playing on the Acer Nitro. I've played Assassins Creed, Far Cry 5 and even the original Splinter Cell (all through Steam/Ubisoft store) and it's been an amazing experience.
if you're reading this, this is what you probably want to know, how does this Acer Nitro perform for gaming. I can say that it's pretty remarkable. I played Far Cry 5 and was simply blown away by the performance. Again, I didn't change any settings. Once I updated the Geforce driver settings, that program automatically sets the optimal settings for each game and it does a fantastic job. This is what I need for PC gaming: a program that automatically adjusts the setting to get the best balance of performance and graphically fidelity without me messing with it. I have yet to experience any slowdowns in Far Cry 5 and the graphics are crisp and sharp. Even though my PS4 is plugged into a big 4K TV, it's tough going back after playing on the Acer Nitro. I've played Assassins Creed, Far Cry 5 and even the original Splinter Cell (all through Steam/Ubisoft store) and it's been an amazing experience.
GENERAL USE
One of the best parts of this laptop is that it can act as your daily driver. I've done some video editing (1080p video) on Adobe Premiere Elements with no issues. It can certainly handle almost all programs you could throw at it. And like I said, it's no so audacious and over the top in gaming design that it feels weird taking into an office meeting. While I wouldn't get the Acer Nitro if all you're going to do is use it for general computing, it's nice to know that it's like a swiss army knife and can handle virtually any task you throw at it.
One of the best parts of this laptop is that it can act as your daily driver. I've done some video editing (1080p video) on Adobe Premiere Elements with no issues. It can certainly handle almost all programs you could throw at it. And like I said, it's no so audacious and over the top in gaming design that it feels weird taking into an office meeting. While I wouldn't get the Acer Nitro if all you're going to do is use it for general computing, it's nice to know that it's like a swiss army knife and can handle virtually any task you throw at it.
BATTERY LIFE
I'd be remiss not to point out the one thing holding this computer (and ANY gaming laptop for that matter) from being nearly perfect. That's battery life. This should be no surprise, but even using this on battery power for general computing tasks I could only get 2.5 hours out of it. Which pales in comparison to my old 15 inch Acer Aspire R which would get 8 plus hours. It was a big adjustment for me. On the one hand, high end PC gaming on the go is awesome, but know that you'll need to be tethered to power, even if you plan on simply web browsing, watching movies, typing a Word document on the go. I would not say, not to buy this laptop because of the battery life, it's just something to be aware of for this (or any gaming laptop) if this is your first foray into laptop PC gaming.
I'd be remiss not to point out the one thing holding this computer (and ANY gaming laptop for that matter) from being nearly perfect. That's battery life. This should be no surprise, but even using this on battery power for general computing tasks I could only get 2.5 hours out of it. Which pales in comparison to my old 15 inch Acer Aspire R which would get 8 plus hours. It was a big adjustment for me. On the one hand, high end PC gaming on the go is awesome, but know that you'll need to be tethered to power, even if you plan on simply web browsing, watching movies, typing a Word document on the go. I would not say, not to buy this laptop because of the battery life, it's just something to be aware of for this (or any gaming laptop) if this is your first foray into laptop PC gaming.
CONCLUSION
All-in-all I've been extremely impressed with the Acer Nitro. The ability to take a laptop anywhere (with a power outlet) and play high end PC games is a literal game changer. The Acer Nitro was smartly designed with a subtle gaming design that isn't over the top that can act as a daily driver so long as you remain cognizant of the inherent battery life limitations present on all laptop PC gaming machines. And for those similar to me that are worried about having to adjust settings to get the best out of your PC, know that the included Geforce Experience program from Nvidia coupled with Acer's Nitrosense goes a long way to taking the guess work (for the uneducated) out getting the graphical and performance settings right.
All-in-all I've been extremely impressed with the Acer Nitro. The ability to take a laptop anywhere (with a power outlet) and play high end PC games is a literal game changer. The Acer Nitro was smartly designed with a subtle gaming design that isn't over the top that can act as a daily driver so long as you remain cognizant of the inherent battery life limitations present on all laptop PC gaming machines. And for those similar to me that are worried about having to adjust settings to get the best out of your PC, know that the included Geforce Experience program from Nvidia coupled with Acer's Nitrosense goes a long way to taking the guess work (for the uneducated) out getting the graphical and performance settings right.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy hours of high-quality sound with these JVC Lightweight Wired On-Ear Headphones with 1-Button Remote and Microphone. The sleek, lightweight black headphones are a comfortable choice for long listening sessions, and they feature a two-way foldable design for easy portability when you're on the go. Ideal for virtual meetings and classes, the headphones are equipped with a 1.2 meter (3.9') cable with 1-button remote and microphone so you can easily manage calls and control music playback from your smart device. A 30 mm neodymium driver unit delivers high-quality sound reproduction, while a dynamic bass port provides powerful, deep bass. Whether you're using them for school, meetings or jamming to your favorite tunes, these HASR185A on-ear headphones have you covered.
Customer Rating
4
Good sound, but aging tech
on June 15, 2019
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
Regardless of how you feel about the headphone jack, there's no denying the fact that it is going away. Sure, most laptops still have ones but even tablets are moving away from it. So despite the great price for these JVC headphones, they still have limited use in today's world. But I'm assuming most people reading this review know if they have a 3.5 mm jack and thus, a use for these headphones.
I got them for my kids to use on their Fire tablets and for that, they're perfect. My phone doesn't have a headphone jack and I've never used (or even taken the 3.5 mm adapter out of the box). I did use them for gaming on my computer to give them a whirl and I was pleasantly surprised with the sound quality and comfort. There's no noise isolation so the bass is a bit hollow and outside noise takes away from the audio quality, but truly, for what they are, they're great. They are comfortable to wear, they fold up for travel, and sound pretty good. My one big concern is my children taking care of them, as they seem a bit "cheap" and I only mention that as to build quality. But only time will tell.
Bottom line is that, assuming your device has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and you aren't a person looking for the absolute best sound, these headphones will do great, especially for kids. And I'm certain that for most people they are more than adequate.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Simplify security at your home or business with this Yale Assure satin nickel touchscreen smart lock. The touchscreen design makes interacting easy, and the option for automatic unlocking when you approach with your phone adds convenience. This Yale Assure satin nickel touchscreen smart lock employs Wi-Fi connectivity for adjusting settings remotely.
Customer Rating
3
Beautiful Lock; Difficulties with Wi-Fi
on June 4, 2019
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
This lock is the tale of two halves. The physical installation was super easy and the instructions easy to follow. But the setup on the app to connect the August Connect just didn't work for me. I've tried all of the suggestions in the app but no dice. I now have a beautiful touch screen lock that I can't operate outside of my home.
INSTALLATION OF THE HARDWARE
If you've installed a deadbolt before, this process is familiar. If you haven't don't worry, it's really simple. The hardest part if you've never done it before is to take off your existing lock. And I can't comment on drilling the correct size holes on a new door, I've never done that. I simply took off my old "dumb" lock and put this one in.
If you've installed a deadbolt before, this process is familiar. If you haven't don't worry, it's really simple. The hardest part if you've never done it before is to take off your existing lock. And I can't comment on drilling the correct size holes on a new door, I've never done that. I simply took off my old "dumb" lock and put this one in.
You simply remove the old deadbolt from the inside and remove the strike plate on the door. Once you get it off you simply follow the written instructions (although I highly recommend watching the video tutorial on your phone). It literally took me 15 minutes for the physical install. Granted, the holes were the correct size and everything fit perfectly (as in I did have to modify my door in anyway to get it to fit).
After I installed it in the door, I didn't have any issues using the app to find it. There was a firmware update, and then the app walks you through setting up the touchscreen and a master code. Then you are instructed to lock the deadbolt (while open) and closed so that the door sense sensor gets an idea of where the door is (in relation to the lock itself) so it can tell your phone whether it's locked or if your door has been left ajar.
INSTALLATION ON THE APP
At this point, everything was going smoothly for me until I tried installing the August Connect, which connects the lock to the Wi-Fi. I'm assuming, although can't confirm, that the lock can communicate with your phone directly (I'm thinking Bluetooth) if you are in range. So when I'm in my house, my phone tells me if the door is unlocked and allows me to unlock it from my phone. The August Connect is a small white device that plugs into an outlet near your door. I had a plug 9 feet away (I measured it) and August recommends an outlet be within 10 feet. On the app, you add the connect (then push the only button on the device) my phone finds it, then connects it to Wi-Fi. From there your phone does a signal analyzer to see if the August Connect is communicating with the lock itself.
At this point, everything was going smoothly for me until I tried installing the August Connect, which connects the lock to the Wi-Fi. I'm assuming, although can't confirm, that the lock can communicate with your phone directly (I'm thinking Bluetooth) if you are in range. So when I'm in my house, my phone tells me if the door is unlocked and allows me to unlock it from my phone. The August Connect is a small white device that plugs into an outlet near your door. I had a plug 9 feet away (I measured it) and August recommends an outlet be within 10 feet. On the app, you add the connect (then push the only button on the device) my phone finds it, then connects it to Wi-Fi. From there your phone does a signal analyzer to see if the August Connect is communicating with the lock itself.
For me, despite numerous attempts and resets, I simply couldn't get the August Connect to communicate with the lock. So now I have this beautiful lock (I'm happy with having touchpad access) without all of the features and connectivity of a true smart lock.
FEATURES
If you've read this far, you'll know that I'm unable to access all of the lock's features. Inside my house, everything seems to work fine (assuming I'm close enough to the door). If someone comes in or leaves while I'm home, I'm notified. But that doesn't happen when I'm not. The lock will open without me touching it after setting up auto-lock (but it takes a minute) and I like how it auto locks when you're leaving the house, although you can simply touch the touchpad to lock it when you're leaving. It's nice to have that little piece of mind. But again, without being able to connect to the lock via August Connect, I can't check my phone to see that it did in fact lock when I left, I just have to trust that it did.
If you've read this far, you'll know that I'm unable to access all of the lock's features. Inside my house, everything seems to work fine (assuming I'm close enough to the door). If someone comes in or leaves while I'm home, I'm notified. But that doesn't happen when I'm not. The lock will open without me touching it after setting up auto-lock (but it takes a minute) and I like how it auto locks when you're leaving the house, although you can simply touch the touchpad to lock it when you're leaving. It's nice to have that little piece of mind. But again, without being able to connect to the lock via August Connect, I can't check my phone to see that it did in fact lock when I left, I just have to trust that it did.
The other BIG issue this cause me is my inability to link my August account with Google Home. I have tons of smart devices that I typically manage through Google Home (with 16 different apps for smart home devices, it's nice using one, Google Home, to manage them). I would liked, and assumed that it could, to tell Google Home to lock my house at night which would turn the lights, close the garage and lock the doors. First world problems I know, but it seems silly to have a smart lock that I can't incorporate into the rest of my smart home.
CONCLUSION
I'm still holding out hope that with August's help I can get my situation resolved. It's a beautiful lock and the touch pad works great, so it's not like it's completely useless, but I've lost a lot of functionality. And in terms of installation, it really was a breeze to install it in the door. I can't praise August enough for the easy to follow instructions. Right now I cannot recommend it (I'd recommend the touch pad lock on its own) given my difficulties incorporating it in my smart home. Again, I'm hopeful that I will be able to correct the issues and if so, I'd likely give it 5 stars based on its feature set and ease of installation.
I'm still holding out hope that with August's help I can get my situation resolved. It's a beautiful lock and the touch pad works great, so it's not like it's completely useless, but I've lost a lot of functionality. And in terms of installation, it really was a breeze to install it in the door. I can't praise August enough for the easy to follow instructions. Right now I cannot recommend it (I'd recommend the touch pad lock on its own) given my difficulties incorporating it in my smart home. Again, I'm hopeful that I will be able to correct the issues and if so, I'd likely give it 5 stars based on its feature set and ease of installation.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Secure an iPhone X/XS with this OtterBox Otter + Pop Symmetry case. The polycarbonate and synthetic rubber construction provides impact protection, and the integrated PopSockets PopGrip accessory keeps fingers in place during one-handed phone use. There’s no need to remove this OtterBox Otter + Pop Symmetry case as it’s compatible with wireless charging.
Customer Rating
5
Slim and sleek protection, with Pop socket
on May 30, 2019
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
I like using pop sockets, but I always hated having something stick out awkwardly on my phone that prevented it from laying flat on its back. IT also took away wireless charging functionality. And since I keep my phone in a case, I figured I'd give the new Otterbox +pop socket case a try given it's promise to incorporate a pop socket, flush case body and still keep wireless charging functionality.
I have to say, this case hit the trifecta. The case itself is light and not too bulky (at least not by traditional Otterbox standards). It's obviously a little thicker in the back than most, but honestly, it's amazing they were able to incorporate a pop socket and keep it as thin as they did. Also, wireless charging, it still works. I've grown accustomed to wireless charging my phone (and have place charging pads throughout my house) so if this case didn't allow pass through charging it would absolutely be a deal breaker.
Pop sockets are great because they allow you to get a better grip when holding your phone, especially bigger phones. The biggest gripe I have with them is that they make your phone too bulky and awkward when you aren't using it or when your phone is in your pocket. This case offers the triple whammy of Otterbox protection, pop socket use, and wireless charging.
Honestly, one of the best cases I've ever used and seen.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Use your phone while it charges with this Belkin 10W wireless charging stand. The Qi-certified design ensures compatibility with most devices, while an optimized stand holds phones at an angle in portrait or landscape position for maximum visibility. This Belkin 10W wireless charging stand features an LED indicator for monitoring charge status at a glance.
Customer Rating
4
A little pricey, but works well
on May 20, 2019
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
Wireless charging is one of those features that is by no means necessary, but is great to have because of its convenience. No more do you have to reach down behind your nightstand because your charging cable fell off, or do you have to go look and see where your charging cable is. With wireless charging, you can simply purchase one (or a few) and place them around your house/work so that you can simply drop your phone on it when you need to charge.
The biggest issue I have with wireless charging, is the price and the various terminology to describe their charging capabilities. The latter is not isolated to charging pads alone. For a little Qi pad stuck in some plastic, charging pads can be a bit overpriced. Luckily, they do tend to go on sale frequently.
Belkin is a quality brand, so I always feel confident buying their products. This Belkin charger feels a little cheap (especially for the price) but it's easy to use and charges (certain phones) fast. And you can use it in landscape mode or portrait mode. I'm personally not sure of the benefits of having landscape mode, I guess if you were watching a movie (maybe for a screen saver or clock on your night stand?), so for me it's unnecessary but I always like options.
While the plastic feels cheap, it's built well in the sense that it's really sturdy and your phone won't slide out of place. The Qi pad is large enough so that most any phone will charge (since some phones vary the placement of the Qi charging connections, sometimes placement, especially on a flat charging puck can be a little finnicky).
My only real qualm, and it is NOT Belkin's fault, is that my Pixel 3 XL doesn't fast charge on this stand. Google only unlocks its fast charging in the Pixel Stand which is a shame. But my wife has an iPhone XS and her phone charges very rapidly with this charger. Maybe not as fast as a lightning cable plugged directly in, but she certainly hasn't complained about the charge time.
All in all, this is a great product, but it's a bit pricey given the cheap build (and I don't mean cheap in a bad way, I only mean it when taking into account it's high MSRP). But if you can get this stand on sale, I think it's a no brainer purchase.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Simplify device management with this Logitech Harmony Express smart universal remote control. Amazon Alexa is built in, letting you issue voice commands to access entertainment, ask questions and a host of other features. This Logitech Harmony Express smart universal remote control lets you change TV channels, open apps on tablets and tackle numerous other tasks.
Customer Rating
4
Easy to set up for what it is, somewhat redundant
on May 14, 2019
Posted by: callmeageeth
from Louisville, KY
I am a big fan of Logitech remotes and have been for years. I have a lot of components in my home theater and the ease of pushing a button so everything turns on at once (including turning off lights) and switching different tasks (Blu-Ray to PS4) is awesome. But like most technology, it's great when it works but frustrating when it doesn't. The Logitech Express is no different.
SET UP
I have to say that setting up any universal remote takes a little work in the initial set up department. As far as ease of use, Logitech does a great job of walking you through the process. Depending on your set up, you have to know the model number and make of your devices and what input each device is plugged into. This can be a little tricky to determine. Most people don't know the model number of the TV, most just know the screen size and brand name. But knowing that information is crucial for ANY universal remote setup. So if you're reading this far, you're probably prepared to get that info (I generally look at my digital receipts or in some instances, a A/V receiver might have the model number on the front).
I have to say that setting up any universal remote takes a little work in the initial set up department. As far as ease of use, Logitech does a great job of walking you through the process. Depending on your set up, you have to know the model number and make of your devices and what input each device is plugged into. This can be a little tricky to determine. Most people don't know the model number of the TV, most just know the screen size and brand name. But knowing that information is crucial for ANY universal remote setup. So if you're reading this far, you're probably prepared to get that info (I generally look at my digital receipts or in some instances, a A/V receiver might have the model number on the front).
To get started you have to download yet another app. If you have another Logitech Home, at home, you have to get a different app. Once everything is setup, you won't use the app unless you need to alter some settings. So luckily, it's not something you'll need to access frequently.
Once you download the app, it walks you through everything step-by-step. Again, as far as universal remote set up goes, this is about as easy as it comes. You plug in the hub "puck" and your phone connects to it and then your remote connects to it after a few button presses. From there, you simply add the devices you want to control (this is where you need model number and make) and then you drag and drop and icon of the entertainment device (i.e. receiver, PS4, Xbox One, Fire TV) to the input of the device. Depending on how many devices you have and whether or not you use a soundbar or A/V receiver, will determine how complex this seems. For example, I use an A/V receiver, I tell the app I do, and then I tell it what input the A/V receiver plugs into to my TV and from there I tell the app what entertainment devices are plugged into what input on the receiver. This requires a little trial and error, my A/V receiver isn't in a convenient place to locate the inputs in the back, so I have to turn everything on and then turn the input knob to figure it out. If I had to do this a lot, it would be a pain, but for one time set up, no big deal.
Once you have the inputs set up, you're pretty much good to go. The app then walks you through the basics of the remote, like holding the Alexa button while you talk, and how to turn the TV off (hold mute button, there's no power toggle). Then you turn everything off and give it a whirl.
I should add that part of the setup process does require you to grab the remotes for certain devices. The Fire TV for example, you have to pair the Logitech Express hub to it via Bluetooth, which requires the packaged Fire TV to navigate to the settings. Same goes for PS4 (I use it to watch Blu-Rays, but NOTE, you cannot turn your PS4 on with the Express, which is a huge disappointment on that front).
CONTROLLER
The controller is sleek and feels solid. the microphone is on the top and the speaker is on the back. It gives you audible commands and assistance (with the same Alexa voice) that is helpful when a voice command you give it doesn't register or you say something incorrectly (helpful as in, not getting a response and nothing happening and you sitting there not knowing what's not working).
The controller is sleek and feels solid. the microphone is on the top and the speaker is on the back. It gives you audible commands and assistance (with the same Alexa voice) that is helpful when a voice command you give it doesn't register or you say something incorrectly (helpful as in, not getting a response and nothing happening and you sitting there not knowing what's not working).
There are plenty of buttons on the remote, but not too many. The Directional pad is a circle that surrounds the Alexa button, my only complaint about the D-pad is that it's tough to "feel" with your thumb where the Alexa button is vs. the D-pad. I wish the circular D-pad was raised a little bit. The other buttons are smartly placed and labeled and all you really need. Pause, play, fst fwd, rewind, mute and volume, home and menu. It has a rechargeable battery which is nice, but I don't know how long it lasts. And it's charged via micro-USB but I REALLY wish companies would move to USB-C, but I digress. Other than the tactile feel of the directional pad, my biggest complaint of the remote is lack of backlighting. It makes it tough to see in a dark room. This may not be an issue for everybody, but it is slightly annoying. I assume there's no backlight to help with battery life.
EASE OF USE
Once everything is set up, I would definitely spend some time testing it. I was lucky and assigned all of the ports correctly so everything turned on as it should, but it is easy to make a mistake and it's worth the time to fix it right then and there while you're in the mood.
Once everything is set up, I would definitely spend some time testing it. I was lucky and assigned all of the ports correctly so everything turned on as it should, but it is easy to make a mistake and it's worth the time to fix it right then and there while you're in the mood.
If everything is set up, it works great. You hold the Alexa button and say "Turn on Netflix." (I MUST NOTE, I use a Fire TV 4K, so I don't know how this would work with say, Apple TV. I assume most people that look at this product are Amazon Fire Stick users.) You are then taken to the Netflix screen and can browse from there. I can hit Alexa button again and say turn on PS4, and while it can't turn the PS4 on, it does change all of the inputs for me which is still nice.
It really is a nice remote to have when everything is set up and very easy to navigate. I will use voice commands to turn everything on and off, but other than that, I generally navigate the screen with the D-pad which is okay by me. There's no lag and response time is great.
I do want to add that the voice controls are limited. I tried asking Alexa to start an episode of Eastbound and Down, but I kept getting an error message that the remote couldn't do it. I could tell it to go to Netflix or Amazon Video and it did that, but what would really make this remote pop (and truly justify it's price) is to ask for specific shows across a variety of apps that you have access to. That's the time saver. Getting me to the Netflix app so I can then manually navigate it doesn't save me much time and is in some ways, useless (Netflix is always on my recently used apps and towards the top of the Fire TV menu).
WHO'S THIS FOR?
All of that being said, it's kind of tough to say who this product is intended for. Most people looking at the Express already have a Fire TV. And if you have a newer one, Alexa is built into that remote AND it has power and volume controls for your TV. If you fall into that camp, I'd say this remote is simply replacing features you already have. But say you have a more complicated setup, like an A/V/ receiver, Blu-Ray player, gaming device and Fire TV, the Express can be a life saver.
All of that being said, it's kind of tough to say who this product is intended for. Most people looking at the Express already have a Fire TV. And if you have a newer one, Alexa is built into that remote AND it has power and volume controls for your TV. If you fall into that camp, I'd say this remote is simply replacing features you already have. But say you have a more complicated setup, like an A/V/ receiver, Blu-Ray player, gaming device and Fire TV, the Express can be a life saver.
At the same time, the Express is more limited than say the Logitech Home Hub. The Logitech Home Hub does the same thing as the Express but more. You can link the Home Hub to your Alexa OR Google Home and use a smart speaker to control your TV without talking into a remote. And say you lost your remote, you can use your phone as the controller. But the Home Hub is a bit more complicated to set up (IMHO). As a user of both, I do prefer the Home Hub (cheaper and can be more useful if you put the work in and have the right equipment), both operate in similar matters. But with the Express, you definitely have to have the remote with you to use it (I have kids that love remotes, so finding it when I need it doesn't always happen).
CONCLUSION
All in all, this is a great remote. It's a bit pricey, but the cost is justified if you have a complicated A/V set up AND use an Amazon Fire. If you could use voice control to get any show, I would give it 5 stars. I'm not sure if additional voice controls will be available down the road, but I'm optimistic. To me, using the voice control as-is to turn on the TV or off, or change inputs isn't a game changer (I could do that with my Harmony Hub with my voice or my Companion remote with a touch of a button). And the Alexa feature is baked into your newer Fire TV remotes, but again, if you have a complicated A/V/ set up, the ease of using one quality remote is worth the price and initial set up
All in all, this is a great remote. It's a bit pricey, but the cost is justified if you have a complicated A/V set up AND use an Amazon Fire. If you could use voice control to get any show, I would give it 5 stars. I'm not sure if additional voice controls will be available down the road, but I'm optimistic. To me, using the voice control as-is to turn on the TV or off, or change inputs isn't a game changer (I could do that with my Harmony Hub with my voice or my Companion remote with a touch of a button). And the Alexa feature is baked into your newer Fire TV remotes, but again, if you have a complicated A/V/ set up, the ease of using one quality remote is worth the price and initial set up
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The Lucyd Starman titanium frames weigh just over an ounce, and with their enhanced flexibility will fit most users out of the box. These patent-pending Bluetooth frames offer a unique mix of durable titanium, designer styling, optional vision correction, and smart features. All Lucyd frames include a 7-day moneyback guarantee and 1-year warranty against any defects in frame or lenses.
What are the glasses capable of?
That's a seemingly broad question, but they connect to any Bluetooth source device and can play music through the speakers embedded in the arms of the glasses. The sound is good based on the open speaker design, so the sound will bleed a little bit. But overall, I like them.
3 years, 6 months ago
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callmeageeth
Feel safe and protected with eufySecurity Solo Smart Lock D20. Securely open your front door with built-in Wi-Fi to only let trusted friends and family enter your home when you allow it. And when you are outside your front door, connect with Bluetooth via the eufy Security app, so you don’t need to fumble for your keys. Solo Smart Lock is tough, too, with stainless steel construction that earned it a BMHA certification. Plus, the IPX3 weatherproof rating ensures it can endure wild temperature swings and heavy rain. Give yourself peace of mind with Solo Smart Lock, and you’ll always feel your home is secure.
Does it come with the lever handle? If not, how can one order the handle shown?
No, it does not come with a lever. You're stuck with what you have, or going to a home improvement store to get one.
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callmeageeth
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How do you change the battery?
Underneath the monitor itself, where it attaches to the wristband, there's a cover you can pop open to replace the AAA batteries.
3 years, 9 months ago
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callmeageeth
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Do you have to pedal this bike to make it work?
You have to pedal it to get it going, once you turn the pedal maybe twice, the motor kicks in and it will either assist your pedaling or you can use the throttle
3 years, 9 months ago
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callmeageeth
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What if I purchase this bike now and and later is cheaper on Black Friday. Do I get the different?
Depending on your membership status, you can get a refund of the difference so long as you're in the return period.
3 years, 9 months ago
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callmeageeth
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Can I play Roblox and Minecraft?
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callmeageeth
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callmeageeth
Pixel Buds A-Series bring you rich, high-quality sound for a lot less than you’d expect. Their beamforming mics help make calls crystal clear.*** The flush-to-ear design is stylish, and the stabilizer arc keeps them in place so you can wear them even during the sweatiest workout.**
Does Google pixel buds pair with iPhones?
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callmeageeth
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Can I use my Goggles with the DJI mavic air 2s?
I haven't tested it, because I don't own the goggles, but there's a setting to change the camera to FPV. And according to dronedj.com, it is compatible.
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callmeageeth
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Will Air 2s work with note 20 ultra?
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callmeageeth