MurphyR's stats
- Review count164
- Helpfulness votes141
- First reviewSeptember 16, 2013
- Last reviewApril 19, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
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- Answer count11
- Helpfulness votes9
- First answerJune 26, 2015
- Last answerDecember 18, 2020
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- Best answers1
From quick tweaks and trims to total transformations, Adobe Sensei AI* and automated options make editing easy, and you can learn tricks and techniques as you go with 88 step-by-step Guided Edits. Present your best pics and videos in beautiful templates for Photo Reels, video Highlight Reels, collages, slideshows, motion graphics, Quote Graphics, and animated social posts. Effortlessly organize everything. And do more on the go using web and mobile companion apps (English-only beta).
Customer Rating
4
A lot of power for not much money
on November 13, 2023
Posted by: MurphyR
I appreciate that they are making advances in the software year on year. That being said, is what they've added worth upgrading? I think that highly depends on your use-case. In my personal set-up, I typically use Elements for video editing to create simple videos for YouTube. This isn't really an upgrade over the past several years that would generally be worth it for me.
However, what they have added could be quite powerful if you're looking to put together some stylized, high-quality videos. You can color match different sections of video, so think like the Matrix movies where everything was green-tinted in the Matrix and blue in the real world. Here, you can more easily do that. Similarly with audio, you can add all manner of effects that I've generally only seen on guitar pedals, but you can also reduce hum and white noise in your audio to better focus on the speech in the clip in case your microphone wasn't quite up to snuff.
If you want a compilation video of a recent vacation, this is also supposed to help by using AI to generate a nice summary video of all of your video and photos, but I haven't done any travel to get materials for testing such functionality.
Overall, if you're just putting together simple videos, this may be more power than you need. If you're getting interested in video editing, or have large sets of videos to create summary footage of, this may be a great way to go.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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ASUS ExpertCenter D5 TEC features powerful, dependable and expandable performance, created especially for the unique needs of small business. Its ultracompact, flexible and sleek small form factor allows business users to enjoy flexible and neat workspace. Also, with help of our simplified small-business support services, you can enjoy reduced downtime and lower total cost of ownership.
Customer Rating
5
A great start for a customizable desktop!
on November 13, 2023
Posted by: MurphyR
I think this makes a great platform for customizing your PC and having the power you need for gaming or video editing. Just in the base set-up, the specs are very similar to laptops that I've had in the past with similarly spec'ed processors and 8GB of RAM. What you don't see in comparing such specs is the inherent difference between laptop and desktop components. While this has similar specs to my old laptop that cost about $1k more, this is a far more capable machine. My laptop would struggle with video editing to the point that the audio would end up being offset by several seconds once the final product rendered. Here, rendering is quick and there has never been an issue. I've also installed a couple of games (most notably, Magic Arena which is surprisingly/oddly demanding for a card game...). This tower is able to run it without issue.
If you want a platform for upgrading, I believe this can go up to 64GB of RAM, so you can set it up to take whatever you want to throw at it. You want a media PC? You can add a Bluray drive. Want to power 6 monitors? You've got two plugs in the back, but toss in a video card and go nuts. :)
I would recommend this to a friend!
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A sleek design in stylish colors³ that sets you apart from the crowd. It’s ultra-portable at under 2.5 pounds with a vibrant 12.4" touchscreen for work or play, wherever you are.
Customer Rating
5
Great little portable computer!
on November 8, 2023
Posted by: MurphyR
I'm using this Surface Laptop as a replacement for an HP Spectre that I've had for the past 4 years. I was very happy with the HP Spectre, though the age was starting to show. If you haven't upgraded your laptop in a while, PLEASE READ!
The HP was $1,800 when new, and had basically identical specs to this Surface, which is about $800 new. BUT - while the specs read almost identically, there have been advances! The HP worked well enough, but as I upgraded other aspects of my set-up, it fell behind. It was fine with a docking station connected to two or even three monitors, but once one was stepped up to a 4k monitor the connection became unstable. It would lose the connection, all of the windows would distort, move, and resize, the audio would cut out, etc. It would process video editing, but very slowly.
The Surface Go 3 has virtually identical specs, but hasn't lost connection to the docking station at all (only once when initially setting up)! It runs games at 4k on the main monitor while still having windows open on other screens without any issues. I also regularly host trivia games where I don't always have access to enough plugs for my laptop, and I can say that while you may not get the 15 hours of battery life they claim (likely due to different system settings/activities), I get a good 12 hours with the screen at medium brightness while doing document work and connected to the internet.
The only odd thing about this laptop is the screen dimensions. This is narrower than a standard wide-screen display, but also not the old-school 4:3 dimensions. This may result in games being oddly proportioned, or having black strips across the top and bottom of the screen. Otherwise, I'd say this is an excellent little computer.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Engineered for performance and style, the LG Sound Bar SE6 delivers powerful sound in a compact design. Delivers big and impressive bass with 4 passive radiators, so there is no need for a subwoofer. Transform your room with a Dolby Atmos¹ and DTS:X² sound bar made with premium fabric and 12% recycled material³.
Customer Rating
4
Great sound improvement over mid-level flatscreens
on November 3, 2023
Posted by: MurphyR
I think the utility of this sound bar will highly depend on the TV that you are connecting to. In my personal use, I've used it with a Hisense U8 series from 2022 (one of their best), and I don't hear a dramatic difference in the sound quality. Apparently flat-screen TVs have improved their speakers dramatically in the past few years. That being said, there is a definite improvement in the depth of the sound. It's difficult to describe, but you can hear a greater differentiation between the bass and treble frequencies. It is possible this difference comes from the ability to have AI determine the best sound-quality for the room it is in. There is a more resonant bass than from the TV, but not dramatically so.
If you are in a smaller space, such as a 1-bedroom as I am, then the fact that this works as a Bluetooth speaker is excellent. I don't have to worry about having another device on the counter for cooking or while entertaining. Just switch over to Bluetooth and you are good to go.
The only minor issue that I've noticed is that if you are watching the TV with audio over HDMI, then switch through the inputs on the soundbar, when you get back to HDMI for the TV it will appear to be working by all indications on the TV but no sound comes out. The only solution I found for this was turning the TV off and on again. Apparently we are still not past the time of "have you tried restarting it..."
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Discover next-level home security with the eufy Video Doorbell E340. Enjoy door-to-floor full color views with dual 2K HD cameras and with the industry-first dual-light system, it activates upon detecting motion eliminating blind spots, day and night. It provides 8GB of local storage (about 60 days worth of recordings) with advanced encryption to keep your data secure. Say goodbye to monthly cloud storage fees and save an estimated $47.88 per year! Stay connected with the eufy App or an optional door chime that alerts you when visitors arrive and can expand storage up to 128GB with a microSD card (not included). Installation is a breeze as the hybrid-powered doorbell works with existing doorbell wiring or can run on battery power for up to 6 months on a single charge. Plus, it is IP65 weatherproof rating, so it keeps working come rain, snow or shine.
Customer Rating
4
Works nicely, but slightly inconsistent
on October 27, 2023
Posted by: MurphyR
After using this doorbell for several weeks, I've found that it generally works very well, but can be a little inconsistent with recognizing packages or notifying you of a person walking to your door.
HUMAN DETECTED - I live in an apartment complex in a third-floor walk-up. It's the top floor, so I don't typically have many people walking by. However, the viewing angles are wide enough that I get notified if any other person on my floor leaves their apartment. I had no idea my neighbors walked their dogs so much! I ended up needing to turn off the notifications of humans being seen just so I'm not randomly pinged 10x daily.
PACKAGE DETECTED - This will detect if a package has been left, and it is generally good at it, but I've noticed that if a package is a very plain white envelope, it will not pick up the delivery being left. Otherwise, functionality is great.
BATTERY - I do not have a hard-wire for power, so I was concerned about how long a battery would last in a video device, that is definitely not something to be concerned about. After about three weeks, there does not appear to be a significant drain on the battery (it still reads as full power).
DOORBELL - There is a few seconds of delay between the button being pushed and receiving the notification. Otherwise, works perfectly.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Whether you’re calling loved ones, texting friends or ordering takeout food online, your phone is vital to your lifestyle. It’s important to keep it charged and ready to go at a moment’s notice. The Insignia NS-MC5CC7W24 7' USB-C to USB-C Charge-and-Sync Cable with Braided Jacket is more than up to the task. It’ll not only help charge your smartphone or tablet, but also let you transfer files and sync your device with a quick data transfer speed of up to 480 Mbps. Its 7 ft. length gives you flexible placement options so you can place your phone wherever you need to. A white color keeps the cable looking stylish while a braided jacket adds protection and durability. Trust this USB-C cable to help keep you ready for the challenges of everyday life.
Customer Rating
4
Nice, versatile cable. No audio from computer.
on October 16, 2023
Posted by: MurphyR
It is difficult to know what a cable is capable of these days, now that everything is moving to USB-C. Some only do power, some do data as well, and may have differing capacities for data on top of that.
POWER: I'd say this cable does power well, and data moderately. Charging a phone goes quickly, and it can charge a computer as well (if a little more slowly than a purpose-built charger).
DATA: I transferred about 3 GB of data from my phone to my computer in about 30 seconds. I don't know how to rank this with the stated speeds on the package, but I assume the limit is most likely on the phone, rather than this cable. I also tested this cable to connect my computer to my docking station, and it did work. The computer connected to the dock, and powered my monitors (one at 4k, one at 1080p). The odd factor is that it would not carry sound to the speakers connected to the dock. The computer did not even recognize that there was an audio connection through the dock. So, in a pinch (or if you don't care about audio), you can use this to connect your laptop to a dock.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Never miss a feeding with the WiFi-enabled, automatic pet feeder for cats and dogs. Give your cat or dog the right amount of food on time, every time, with the Feeder-Robot, the automatic pet feeder that allows you to set portion-controlled meal schedules from the app or the unit.
Customer Rating
5
Great, versatile feeder with piece of mind!
on October 16, 2023
Posted by: MurphyR
This is a great, versatile feeder system for whenever you are away from home! The set-up is fairly easy, just by pairing the feeder to your phone via blue-tooth to connect to your network. Once set up, you can control the feeding with various modes liked timed feeding, or gravity sensing, depending on your animals. If you have a pet that eats when hungry, but not to excess, then the gravity mode will work nicely as it refills the tray based on how much food is left. If you have a dog that will eat until it gets sick, then a timed mode will be better so that it can only get access to a certain amount of food in any given day.
I've heard some complaints about the noise of it, which can be surprising at times, but perhaps I'm a bit inured to it as I have an older fridge which tends to be louder anyway (maybe I'm more accustomed to the random noises from the kitchen).
It is also nice to know that there is a battery back-up for 24 hours in case the power goes out. Thankfully, I've never had power go out for more than a few minutes in my home, but if you live in a place that tends to lose power with big storms, this is a good option to have some piece of mind when traveling for a weekend or so (hopefully your power wouldn't be out much longer than 24 hours...).
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Feel your music more. With the Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, you get breakthrough spatial audio for more natural-sounding music, no matter the source. These wireless earbuds use immersive sound to bring the music from inside your head – right in front of you. And for the noises you don’t want to hear, the QC Ultra Earbuds offer world-class noise cancelation. The CustomTune technology analyzes your ear’s shape and adapts the sound and noise cancelling to it. The innovation doesn’t just stop at the premium sound, the design of these in-ear headphones is a one-of-a-kind experience too. You get nine combinations of eartip and stability band sizes to choose from. And up to six hours of play time (up to 4 hours with Immersive Audio)* keeps your favorite music playing as long as you want. The included case holds up to three additional charges. Connect to your devices with advanced Bluetooth 5.3 and keep track of what you have paired in the Bose Music app. It also walks you through setup, lets you customize a shortcut, and access Adjustable EQ settings.
Customer Rating
3
Great for likely a small portion of users.
on September 30, 2023
Posted by: MurphyR
Overall, these are fine, but I'm not overly impressed...
The Good: The audio quality is phenomenal. I've never used in-ear headphones with such good sound. The noise-cancelling is also very good. The spatial audio capability also adds a depth to the sound quality which is really nice. Battery life is as advertised.
The Not-so-good: I have tended to have a problem with in-ear headphones staying in my ears. This is even more-so with these headphones. If I'm not moving at all (such as sitting at my desk), they'll stay in place for about 45 minutes or so before they start to spontaneously fall out of my ears. If I'm moving around, even just walking, this is cut down to about 10 minutes. While the sound quality and noise-cancelling is great, it's only great if they stay firmly in place. Any shift in position makes this drop off very quickly. It is nice that there are touch controls on the headphones, but with how easily they fall out, I end up pausing or skipping tracks every time I need to push an earpiece back into place.
Price Comparison: If you don't have any issues with ear-buds falling out, these are as good as you're going to find. If you do have issues, you can do far better elsewhere. I've found the light-weight LG Tone Free to be good for exercise with very serviceable noise-cancelling. If you're looking for in-home use, you'll do better with high-end over-ear headphones at a similar price. If you're looking for this form factor, I actually had better results with Sony's 700 series of ear-buds because they are lighter and stay in place better for my ears.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Block out the world with the WF-C700N noise canceling truly wireless earbuds. Indulge in exceptional sound quality for a superior audio experience. Crafted for all-day comfort with lightweight materials and an ergonomic design.
Customer Rating
5
Great audio and noise-cancelling while they are in
on September 7, 2023
Posted by: MurphyR
The audio on these little ear buds is exactly what you would expect from Sony. I've had a pair of the 1000 series over-ear headphones since the first generation, and they are the best headphones I've ever had. The audio quality of these is right up there, but both the quality and the noise-cancelling are highly dependent on how well they fit and stay in your ear canal. I've never had much luck with this style of headphones staying in, and these are no different for me. They are great when I first put them in, and stay in well as long as I don't move around too much or eat anything.
The battery life is as good as advertised. I've used these throughout a workday without any issue, and they recharge in the case over night. The controls leave a little to be desired, but are sufficient. You can answer calls, play and pause, or bring up the assistant on your phone, but that's about it. You can turn on/off the noise cancelling as well, though I've never seen much use in this functionality. If you're talking to someone, it's generally better/more respectful to just take them out of your ears...
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Elite for a reason. The XR PRO was designed for the inner-city commutes. Foldable in one step, take it on the bus, the train or in a taxi if you need to make a bit longer of a commute. Weighing less than 32lbs means carrying is no issue when stairs or other obstructions get in the way.
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic little scooter at the price!
on August 9, 2023
Posted by: MurphyR
I've had a Hover-1 scooter for a couple of years which I've enjoyed, and given the opportunity to test out this one, I thought I'd see how the GoTrax compares. Overall, I'm very pleasantly surprised! There are only a couple of minor issues when comparing the two, but I feel that the GoTrax is definitely the better option.
Scooters are all of a virtually identical form factor at this point, so minor changes are where you'll really see the differences. Size, weight, speed, controls, all are virtually identical.
Battery: The Hover-1 line has the battery connect to the neck of the scooter, while the GoTrax has it built in to the floor of the scooter. The GoTrax has a lower center of gravity because of this, and provides a more stable ride. The Hover-1 has a detachable battery so you can take just the battery inside to charge, but really, who is doing that and just leaving the scooter outside? Range is about the same on both.
Tires: The Hover-1 wins in this category. The GoTrax uses a connection to fill the tires which is different from the standard tire pump, so an adapter is needed (which is provided, but might be easy to lose). The Hover-1 comes with a pump, while the GoTrax does not.
Speed: Both are about the same, but I feel the GoTrax has an easier time reaching max speed (about 18mph on flat ground).
Folding: This may seem a minor change, but the GoTrax is far superior in folding for storage. The Hover-1 keeps the front wheel on the ground, which makes it easier to roll around inside while folded, but actually makes it far more difficult to fold as the neck stays connected to the front wheel which then can easily pivot and lose balance until the handle-bar is locked to the back fender. The GoTrax has the neck/front tire in one piece, so the front tire lifts off the ground, and the flat bottom goes to the ground which holds the neck straight and the scooter rests without tipping.
Price: The Hover-1 was $600, and the GoTrax is $400. All things considered, the GoTrax is by far the winner.
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, 4 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.
6 years, 11 months 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, 6 months ago
by
MurphyR
Washington, DC