MurphyR's stats
- Review count164
- Helpfulness votes141
- First reviewSeptember 16, 2013
- Last reviewApril 19, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
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- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
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Questions
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- Answer count11
- Helpfulness votes9
- First answerJune 26, 2015
- Last answerDecember 18, 2020
- Featured answers0
- Best answers1
Kick your listening experience up to a whole new level with wireless JLab Audio Epic Bluetooth earbuds. The 10-hour battery life lets you enjoy your music all day, and crystal clear radical sound creates a smooth, precise and memorable listening experience. Get the most out of your music, phone calls and audio books with JLab Audio Epic Bluetooth earbuds.
Customer Rating
1
Sound would be good if they stayed in
on June 30, 2017
Posted by: MurphyR
from Arlington, VA
The sound coming out of these headphones is good, as long as you can actually get them to stay in your ears.
The positive: the sound coming out of these is very good. I don't think it is quite "Bose" good, but it is very respectable. Also, the controls are simple and easy to use.
The bad: these are the most uncomfortable headphones I've ever tried. They are nominally for exercise, but if I move my head at all, they pop right out of my ears. They don't fall off of my head due to hooking over the ear, but they certainly don't stay in. There is a wide variety of tips for your ears, but trying these did nothing for me.
My Best Buy number: 0568826463
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Toss this waterproof LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker in the pool and watch it float. The crisp audio doesn't stop for snow, dirt or ice, and this Bluetooth-enabled speaker can withstand a drop from 1.2m. The battery of this LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker keeps going for 15 hours, and it charges your phone while it's playing.
Customer Rating
5
Great for activities with a chance of damage
on June 25, 2017
Posted by: MurphyR
from Arlington, VA
Overall, I'd say this is a great portable speaker. You can see from the product description that it is built to be durable for outdoor use. They definitely put some thought into what that means.
Intended Use: I plan for this speaker to be a gift, but wanted to make sure that it would be good enough for it's intended purpose on my end. My father loves sailing, and built a '32 Ford with as much accuracy as possible. For the car, this means that it doesn't have a radio. Well, with a top decibel rating of 100, this should be great for driving around with the windows open. For the boat, this is supposed to be waterproof to some extent, but their design allows for precautions that other speakers do not. The frame of the speaker has gaps at each corner to make handles, but these gaps are also a perfect size for running a rope through to make sure that it'll stay on-board no matter what angle the boat is at. The waterproofing will be more than enough for any spray, and the secret container can protect any valuables (phone, wallet, keys) that you really don't want to have sliding around while sailing.
Is the sound quality like a Bose speaker? Not quite. But, would I take a Bose speaker out on the water? Not a chance.
My Best Buy number: 0568826463
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Concoct a variety of coffee-based beverages with this combination DeLonghi coffee maker and espresso machine. Its cappuccino system easily prepares perfectly frothed coffee, and its 24-hour programmable timer lets you make up to 10 cups of brew on your schedule. This DeLonghi coffee maker and espresso machine also makes lattes and hot chocolate.
Customer Rating
5
Slight learning curve, but a very nice machine
on June 10, 2017
Posted by: MurphyR
from Arlington, VA
Other than this machine, I also have a Keurig 2.0, so I 'll make some comparisons with that.
I tend to like a lighter blend for a more mild coffee, which I tend to get from the Keurig. However, making more than a single cup with the Keurig can be more difficult.
The DeLonghi brewer, for regular coffee, brews at a higher temperature which makes for a bolder/stronger cup of coffee. After just a little adjustment, I've gotten used to it, and find it more convenient to make a pot in the morning rather than a cup at a time which is better when I'm running out to work.
Making espresso with the DeLonghi took a little learning on my part, as I've never had an espresso maker before. Additionally, while it is a single unit, the espresso and coffee functions like two separate machines, with separate on/off switches and everything. It only takes a little time with the instructions, and you'll have the hang of it.
All in all, this is a nice machine that is rather easy to use, once you have the hang of it.
My Best Buy number: 0568826463
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy clear sound produced by 40mm high performance drivers with these Master & Dynamic headphones. The ear pads are made with memory foam and lambskin to keep you comfortable during long listening sessions, and their foldable structure makes them easily portable. These Master & Dynamic headphones are made from anodized metal for durability.
Customer Rating
2
Small, heavy, sub-optimal
on May 19, 2017
Posted by: MurphyR
from Arlington, VA
Sizing: If you are interested in some high-end headphones, I highly recommend you find somewhere to try these on before buying. My head is slightly larger than average, but they can barely fit over my head and on my ears. Due to this sizing issue, they become uncomfortable to wear rather quickly.
Appearance: These definitely look like high-end headphones. The leather and metal make a very premium appearance. These are also the only headphones that I've opened the box for and the smell was like new shoes.
Sound: I have these, as well as Sony MX1000 noise-canceling headphones, and Bose over-ear wired headphones from about 10 years ago. The M&D headphones have more mid/low-end than the Sony when you aren't using the noise-canceling. However, the sound quality isn't as good as even the lower-end Bose which they don't bother making any more ($150 or so at the time).
Side-note: These come with two cables to use, and you can plug one in to each side of the headphones. I imagine this is good for mixing, though rather unnecessary for normal use. Also, the cables are fabric wrapped, which gives them a premium look and feel, but also makes for a low rumbling through the headphones whenever you move even slightly since the fabric doesn't glide over clothing.
All in all, these look nice, but there are far better headphones to be had for the price.
My Best Buy number: 0568826463
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Replace the keyboard of your Microsoft Surface Pro 7, 6, 5 or 4 with this silver Brydge keyboard. It conveniently lets you open the screen at your preferred viewing angle without a kickstand, and its backlit keys increase visibility in low light working environments. This Brydge keyboard is lightweight, so it doesn't add extra bulk to your device.
Customer Rating
4
Good product with a misleading name
on May 19, 2017
Posted by: MurphyR
from Arlington, VA
This is a very nice keyboard for your Surface computer (or others, as I'll get to shortly). The feel of the keys is like an upgraded laptop keyboard. The keys are responsive, and there is no flex to the keyboard. It certainly makes the standard keyboard cover feel flimsy by comparison.
This stability comes at a cost. To have a more solid feeling keyboard, it is rather heavy. Using this keyboard basically doubles the weight of the Surface, so you aren't likely to want to use this for travel.
The review is titled that this product has a misleading name. It is designed to be used with the Surface Pro 3 or 4 in that it is sized appropriately and is made of the same material. However, this is just a bluetooth keyboard and touchpad. There is no dedicated connection for the Surface pins like with the keyboard cover. If your device has bluetooth, you can use this keyboard. If you just have a small desk and don't want to take up real estate with a full-sized keyboard and mouse, this is an option.
The only downside to this keyboard is that the rubber nubs to stop the tablet screen from hitting metal are rather stiff and rough. My girlfriend is the primary user, and has complained that they rub on her hands/wrists.
My Best Buy number: 0568826463
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Add stability to your home network with the Amped Wireless HELIOS-EX Wi-Fi Extender. With DirectLink technology, it avoids signal loss by adding another 5GHz Wi-Fi channel to the standard setup, which it then uses strictly for receiving signal from the source. This Amped Wireless HELIOS-EX Wi-Fi Extender covers an area of up to 12,000 sq. ft. and includes four Gigabit network ports.
Customer Rating
5
Great for extending without taxing the connection
on May 4, 2017
Posted by: MurphyR
from Arlington, VA
I haven't had much of an issue with my WiFi range unless I'm sitting on my porch. With this extender, there are no issues at all.
Set-up of the extender only takes a couple of minutes. All you do is connect the antennae, plug it in, and use any device to connect to the extender's WiFi (yes, any device, even a smartphone). The set-up is a simple to use website. You point it to your home network, then let it take a few minutes to establish a connection. You can then set up whatever names and passwords you want for both the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz ranges.
With it connected, I tested several devices on both the extended network, and my usual home network. In all cases, there was no difference in my download/upload speeds. The dedicated 5GHz connection to the home network lets you connect without any change at all to the usual connection speeds.
There are also usual router features which you don't usually find on these extenders. If you want to set up a network-attached storage device, it has a USB 3.0 port. If you want to hard-wire into the extender, you can do that with up to 5 computers/devices. If you don't like the excess light of all the LEDs, you can even turn them off.
All in all, this is a really nice WiFi extender with a lot more functionality than usual. I'm not the most technically proficient person, but it makes me wonder if you can set up a local network of computers without a general internet connection... All in all, if you need to extend the range of your network, you won't go wrong with this extender.
My Best Buy number: 0568826463
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep floors clean effortlessly with this Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner. Its powerful cleaner head removes ground-in dirt from carpets. The built-in HEPA filter in this Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner removes allergens from your living environment, and the vacuum transforms to a hand-held for spot cleaning.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect for a small home!
on March 25, 2017
Posted by: MurphyR
from Arlington, VA
I live in an apartment of about 750 sq ft, and use this as my primary vacuum. It is perfect for it! I can let it charge in a closet so it is out of the way, and I don't have to worry about uncovering outlets from behind furniture to get to the entire place.
The listed specs for the battery charging and use time appear to be accurate. The max power setting is good for about 7-10 minutes, which is all I need for my small place. The fact that it is cordless also means that I can vacuum out my car without issue, despite being parked in a parking garage without any outlets. I haven't had occasion to test the extended use setting.
As for the suction power, I am using this to replace a Roomba (pet edition as well), and am very pleased that I can go over the same space as the Roomba just did, and get more dust and such out of the carpet.
The attachments are also very nice, and everything clicks into place very easily. This vacuum really does seem to be well designed. Hopefully it'll last!
My Best Buy number: 0568826463
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Work, play and communicate with this Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 featuring a 2.15 GHz + 1.6 GHz quad core processor. This versatile tablet has an ultra-clear Super AMOLED display, so you can watch HD movies on the go. Capture and share your world with the 13MP camera in this Samsung Galaxy Tab S3’s, which features an integrated flash for great results in low light.
Customer Rating
4
Nice device, but I'm not sure who it is for...
on March 18, 2017
Posted by: MurphyR
from Arlington, VA
While the S3 is designed, and feels, like a really premium tablet, I've been using it for about a week, and I can't help but feel like it is more of a laptop than a tablet (if you have the keyboard).
The tablet itself looks and feels very nice. Having glass on the back feels great, though it is definitely a finger-print magnet. Despite the size of the screen, the tablet is light enough to hold for a while single-handed for reading.
I have to specify for reading, because the tablet is too large to comfortably use single-handed. The 2:1 aspect ratio of the screen makes the tablet wide enough that it feels unbalanced if you try to hold it and tap with a thumb.
The screen is also very nice on the S3. The colors are vibrant, and it is capable of being very bright. This is also not without trade-offs. When looking at images that involve text, it is possible for the text to appear distorted as the image is over-saturated with color. This also applies to games. I tried installing Clash of Clans, and found that everything blurred together due to the unusual vibrancy of the colors.
The keyboard assessory is the most functional that I've ever used. I was always a fan of the netbook form factor (slightly smaller than a regular keyboard), and this feels very similar. The keys feel very nice, and are very responsive. Adjusting to the slightly smaller keys is a minor adjustment, and relatively easily accomplished. I only find myself hitting incorrect keys when reaching for the number row, as they are slightly more compressed than usual. I imagine I'll adjust to this as well.
The keyboard also has additional functionality that most do not. You can use hot-key combinations to replicate hitting the home key, back key, recents, or launch a browser or email app, amongst others. If you're accustomed to such short cuts on computers, you'll take nicely to these.
The final point I'd make in favor of the keyboard is that it doesn't need to be charged. It connects easily to the tablet and doesn't require remembering to charge it separately.
The only negatives that I can think of with the keyboard lie in this connection to the tablet. It doesn't lock in any fashion, so using it on your actual lap allows for too much shifting, and doesn't feel solid. This becomes apparent every time the tablet shifts off of the connector, as it prompts the tablet to turn off the screen and lock. When using on a desk or table-top, it is solid and comfortable.
The reason that I feel this is closer to being a tablet than a laptop is largely because of feeling awkward with single-hand use. When laying on the floor, I found it much easier to have it rest on the floor than to keep holding it up. When in a chair, it is much more comfortable resting on your lap than holding it up.
Not specific to this tablet, I also feel it necessary to mention the changes to Samsung's TouchWiz software. For me, the S3 is an upgrade from the Pro 8.4 that I've been using for years. On the Pro 8.4, the OS/Launcher felt a bit laggy and sluggish. This was entirely on the TouchWiz launcher, as changing that entirely solved the lag issues. On the S3, it is much closer to stock Android, with only minor changes to icon appearance and a couple of widgets you wouldn't usually have. I still prefer a different launcher, but if you like the TouchWiz, it is much smoother now without sacrificing any functionality.
They also added in some nice features, like a built-in blue-light filter function to prevent eyestrain at night. This is a nice added feature, as apps to affect this functionality tend to be memory hogs.
TLDR: Great tablet, but a little large to use one-handed for extended periods. You're better off being able to brace it on the floor/lap/table rather than holding all the time. The keyboard is the best that I've used in a dedicated assessory. It largely needs to be on a table, as any shaking of the tablet causes it to separate from the keyboard, turning off and locking the screen.
All in all, great tablet with a vibrant screen, though more akin to a laptop than a tablet.
My Best Buy number: 0568826463
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Take control of dynamic visual aids with this Logitech Spotlight presentation remote. Its intuitive three-button interface is ideal for pointing and navigating, and it provides versatile programmable functions via the Logitech Presentation app. This Logitech Spotlight presentation remote has a wireless range up to 100 ft. with Bluetooth Smart connectivity and USB receiver compatibility.
Customer Rating
4
A handy little clicker, but expensive.
on March 17, 2017
Posted by: MurphyR
from Arlington, VA
This is a nice little device, but with a couple of points holding it back.
Do you need this, or will a wireless mouse work just as well? If you only need to advance the slides, the mouse will suffice. If you need to go forward and back, this has nice utility.
The pointer functionality is novel, but I didn't have much use for it. Perhaps someone with much more complicated slideshows would find more use for it.
There are two points which I feel combine to take off a star. First, the price. Second, holding it.
The price for pointers like this is high. I know they're targeted to the business community who might be reimbursed for buying something like this, but it is a barrier to the average person.
Second, holding it. It feels great in the hand, hit doesn't have a wrist-band, nor a place to loop on a wrist-band. It is a bit slick, so be careful with your gesturing while using this, lest it go flying.
My Best Buy number: 0568826463
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Whip up healthy drinks with the Nutri Ninja BlendMax blender. Its Total Crushing blade technology and 1600W of power grind vegetables and frozen fruits, letting you create luscious smoothies, purees and fresh juices. The Nutri Ninja BlendMax blender comes with two interchangeable pitchers, letting you mix up to 88 oz. of ingredients or extract nutritious vitamins.
Customer Rating
5
Great and easy blender for smoothies
on January 5, 2017
Posted by: MurphyR
from Arlington, VA
This is a nice blender. I'm guessing if you're looking at this blender, you're likely deciding between this and a Bullet. I have both with 1600 watts of power, and there are some notable differences.
The primary weakness of the Bullet is the reliance on rubber gaskets. If the Bullet is even slightly over-filled, the pressure forces the gasket out of place to be eaten up in the blades. If this happens, it can be nearly impossible to find a replacement anywhere online. Even the manufacturer doesn't sell replacements. The Ninja avoids this issue in their design, making it far more reliable. The Ninja is also easier to use. Just put the container on the base, hit the button for "smoothie" and it's ready in about 1 minute. No need to stand there and pulse it yourself.
If the other settings are as easy as smoothies, it will be an amazing machine, but I haven't tested everything as yet.
The one place the Bullet is better is in making soups. The Bullet can also heat the contents to make a hot soup right out of the blender. This is not an option for the Ninja.
All in all, this is a really nice blender thus far, and I look forward to testing it further.
My Best Buy number: 0568826463
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Ensure a high-quality digital audio connection with this Insignia 6-foot digital audio optical cable. The precision-polished cable design maximizes signal quality for optimal sound transmission. This Insignia 6-foot digital audio optical cable boasts a low-profile construction, which is ideal for use in small spaces to connect easily with nearby devices.
Do all necessary cables come with purchase or what cable do you need to connect to tv?
This comes with a USB cable to power the amplifier, and sends the TV signal with a coax cable. Any TV should still have a coax input on it.
3 years, 4 months ago
by
MurphyR
Bose Sleepbuds II deliver relaxing sounds that help you fall asleep, and use Bose noise-masking technology so you stay asleep. Tiny, wireless Sleepbuds II are designed for comfort with sleep technology clinically proven to help you fall asleep faster. Sleepbuds II play content only from the Bose Sleep app, which gives you full control of the Sound Library and helps you personalize features. Discover tranquil tones and soothing sounds from nature. Or, use Bose noise-masking sounds to cover unwanted nighttime noise. Download your favorite sounds directly to Sleepbuds II, control volume, and set a personal wake-up alarm. Sleepbuds II feature proprietary eartips made of soft silicone for a comfortable, secure fit. Sleep on your back or side, or rollover during the night, they’ll stay put. Get up to ten hours of battery life from a single charge, enough for a full night’s sleep — and three additional charges from the portable case.
Can they play the music on your phone
No, they only work with the Bose app.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
MurphyR
Bose Sleepbuds II deliver relaxing sounds that help you fall asleep, and use Bose noise-masking technology so you stay asleep. Tiny, wireless Sleepbuds II are designed for comfort with sleep technology clinically proven to help you fall asleep faster. Sleepbuds II play content only from the Bose Sleep app, which gives you full control of the Sound Library and helps you personalize features. Discover tranquil tones and soothing sounds from nature. Or, use Bose noise-masking sounds to cover unwanted nighttime noise. Download your favorite sounds directly to Sleepbuds II, control volume, and set a personal wake-up alarm. Sleepbuds II feature proprietary eartips made of soft silicone for a comfortable, secure fit. Sleep on your back or side, or rollover during the night, they’ll stay put. Get up to ten hours of battery life from a single charge, enough for a full night’s sleep — and three additional charges from the portable case.
Can sleep buds 2 connect blue tooth to different apps on my phone?
Feel the beat with this LG PK3 portable Bluetooth speaker. It provides dynamic sound and rich bass thanks to its Meridian Audio technology, so you can bring the party with you. The IPX-7 water resistance lets you go anywhere, rain or shine. This LG PK3 portable Bluetooth speaker keeps the music going for up to 12 hours per charge.
I want to use this as a speaker on my TV. Will it work for this purpose if I leave it plugged into a wall outlet for power all the time?
This speaker pairs wtih BlueTooth, or has a standard size line in (1/8 inch, just like any headphone jack). So, if your TV has BlueTooth or a headphone-out jack, it can connect to a TV.
5 years, 7 months ago
by
MurphyR
Only @ Best BuyListen to music with this sweat- and dust-resistant wireless Jabra Elite headset. It connects via USB, mini-jack or Bluetooth, and a powerful microphone lets you use voice commands with your mobile device. This Jabra Elite headset reduces background noise and has a built-in motion sensor that lets you track fitness efforts.
Does each earbud have controls? Can both sides be used independently of each other, or can only one side be used independently, or must they always be used as a pair?
Each side has different controls (volume on left, play/pause on right).
You can connect the right side alone. This may be possible with the left, but I haven't tested it.
You can connect the right side alone. This may be possible with the left, but I haven't tested it.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
MurphyR
Prepare delicious recipes with this Blendtec Designer 650s Blender. The Blendtec Designer Series uses all the power and performance that made Blendtec the choice of blending professionals, and combined it with a modern design with functionality taking Blendtec to a new level in performance blending. The Blendtec Designer Series is the all-in-one appliance that replaces many standard kitchen appliances with one fast easy-to-use machine. It will make smoothies, fresh whole juice, ice cream, margaritas, soups, sauces, bread dough, dressings, salsas, flours and more! Blending professionals have relied on Blendtec machines in the best coffee shops, juice bars, gyms, and restaurants around the world for producing the best, most consistent results in taste and texture. You can now enjoy the same results in your home.
What is the difference between the designer series and the classic blender? Can they be used commercially? Which is more rugged?
I only have the designer, but my understanding is that the designer series is supposed to be quieter than the regular. There may also be some stylistic differences.
6 years, 5 months ago
by
MurphyR
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
What walkman are compatible with these headphones?
If the walkman has bluetooth, you should be able to connect. You can also use a wired connection and still turn on the headphones for noise-cancelling.
6 years, 6 months ago
by
MurphyR
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
Do these have the same cracking head band problem that the Sony HDR1000x had?
I have both headphones, and both have the same metal headband. I don't see how it would crack, but if it's a problem you experienced with the prior version, I don't see it being any different here.
6 years, 6 months ago
by
MurphyR
Add stability to your home network with the Amped Wireless HELIOS-EX Wi-Fi Extender. With DirectLink technology, it avoids signal loss by adding another 5GHz Wi-Fi channel to the standard setup, which it then uses strictly for receiving signal from the source. This Amped Wireless HELIOS-EX Wi-Fi Extender covers an area of up to 12,000 sq. ft. and includes four Gigabit network ports.
Can it use the same SSID as my TWC modem?
Yes, in the set-up for the extender, you can tell it to clone the settings from the home network, which, according to the instructions, will copy the SSID.
7 years ago
by
MurphyR
Logitech Wireless Mouse M325. A better mix of precision and comfort-with designed-for-Web scrolling. Designed for how you use the Web, our newest micro-precise scrolling makes everything you love to do online easier. Its feel-good, contoured shape and textured grips help keep your hand happy-even after long hours. And with up to 18 months of battery life, it virtually eliminates the hassle of changing batteries.*
green light is blinking, curser moves staticly
It sounds like it is having a hard time maintaining the connection to the receiver. Try having the receiver plugged in as close to the mouse as possible (I have a USB hub built in to my keyboard, which works perfectly). When I plug the receiver in to the back of the computer (less than 3 feet away), the connection becomes choppy and the pointer will skip around on the screen quite a bit.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
MurphyR
Washington, DC