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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For those looking for the best in the latest television technologies, the U8H should be a top contender. The most exciting 2022 upgrade is Mini-LED. With Mini-LEDs that are 50x smaller than traditional LED lights, local dimming and contrast control reproduce incredible black and white levels within the same scene like never before in the series. The U8H is now compatible with the Wifi 6e router protocol. Streaming from the wide selection of Google TV apps is now easier and smoother when connected to a dedicated router channel that won’t be competing with other connected devices on the same router. For gamers, the U8H now comes equipped with Dolby Vision Gaming and FreeSync Premium Pro for enhanced gaming picture contrast and even smoother, tear-free motion. And lastly, the U8H now comes with a 2-year warranty and is available in a 75” screen size. 2021 was a huge year for the Hisense U8H series and with so many upgrades, 2022 looks to be just as promising..
Customer Rating
5
Beautiful picture, great sound with full bass
on September 15, 2022
Posted by: MurphyR
I have a Hisense 4k TV from 2017 that I'm comparing this new U8 model to, and need to say that it is superior in basically every way.
Picture: The picture is amazingly clearer on the new U8. All colors are crisp and vibrant, with darker blacks.
Audio: The audio is also better on the U8. You get more bass and a more resonant sound from the U8. I'm inclined to say that you don't need a sound-bar, but of course that is a matter of personal preference.
Audio: The audio is also better on the U8. You get more bass and a more resonant sound from the U8. I'm inclined to say that you don't need a sound-bar, but of course that is a matter of personal preference.
Software: The Hisense developed software on the prior Smart TVs was always fairly clunky. On the new U8, using Google's software is much smoother. It is very reminiscent of using a Fire Stick, and also allows for voice prompts just like with an Android phone, so if you regularly use such Google services, this makes it even more present. Also, rather than having just random photos showing up as a screen saver, you get quick-search options for different topics like the weather, which is nice. This TV also starts up almost immediately, taking only about 1-2 seconds, while the older TV takes up to 10 seconds or so. The menus and settings are also very easy to navigate, with everything in very intuitive places.
Using as a Monitor: This is one way that this TV does not do terribly well. I set this up on my desk to try having a large monitor with a tremendous amount of screen space. Unfortunately, there is distortion in the text when you have it shown at 100% size. It is better at 125%, but really needs to be at 150% for it to show up clearly (I cannot imagine looking at even somewhat-distorted text for 8 hours a day...). From this perspective, you are probably better getting a smaller 4k monitor in order to have the text come through more sharply. I have a 34" 4k monitor which seems to be a very good size for this.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Save and transfer your personal files with this SanDisk SDCZ96-128G-A46 Ultra Eco USB flash drive. The keyring loop and compact design enhance portability, while the 128GB storage capacity provides ample space for large multimedia files. This SanDisk Ultra Eco USB flash drive features a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface, delivering data rates of up to 100MB/sec.
Customer Rating
5
Quick transfer speed, and environmentally friendly
on September 12, 2022
Posted by: MurphyR
This is a great little flash drive. With the speeds of USB 3.2, it is going to transfer all of the files very quickly, even if you're filling the entire 128 GB (this is slightly overstated, as always for any flash drive).
It is also great that this is made with recycled plastic. There really isn't any reason that everything needs to be new, so the use of more environmentally friendly materials is great. Particularly for something as small as a flash drive. It's not like they're having to source a huge amount as this is about as small and light-weight of a device as you can purchase. Is this worth paying a little more for? Probably. Companies respond when people vote with their wallets, so paying a little more for an environmentally-friendly product is worth it. Hopefully it will shift more products in such a direction, as we've seen recently with more cruelty-free, minimal packaging, and other such socially conscious adjustments to consumer products.
Nice flash drive, quick transfer speed, and environmentally friendly. :)
I would recommend this to a friend!
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JVC HAEC25TB fitness true wireless headphones with lightweight hook for a secure and comfortable fit. Up to 30 hours of total use with included rechargeable carrying case. Independent Left/Right single ear use. Auto pairing and auto on/off. Touch controls for music or phone calls. Sweat and splash-proof IPX5 rated, idela for sports and fitness. Integrated microphone with voice assistant compatibility. Bluetooth version 5.1 and USB-C charging.
Customer Rating
2
Good sound, bad controls, fit, and call quality
on August 23, 2022
Posted by: MurphyR
These are very inexpensive. Keep that in mind...
The Good - The sound quality is nice on these when they're fitted well into your ear. You can get a great sound for your money. I need to really dig to find anything else positive to say... When placed in the case, the right headphone is on the right side, and the left is on the left, so that's something. I've seen others where they are reversed, which just seems wrong.
The Not so Good - The hooks are mostly for show. They float above your ear, so don't expect it to do much for support other than stopping an earbud from falling to the ground if it pops out (and it probably will). The touch-controls don't work very well. A single tap on either will play/pause/answer a call. Other than that, there are no instructions, so here are the controls - double-tap left = volume down, triple-tap left (usually doesn't register) = volume up; double-tap right = skip forward; triple-tap right = skip forward... there is no skip backward... If you use these for making calls, expect the person on the other end to complain that you sound like you're in a tunnel.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The Homedics 21" drift sandscape elevates your space and mind, leaving you free to daydream, focus, and create. The metal sphere takes your eyes on a soothing journey through hundreds of ever changing patterns and colors. Customize your ambience with mesmerizing LED mood-lights that you can control from the app. The shifting sands allow you to drift whenever and wherever, to increase relaxation, inspire creativity, boost your mood, and enhance focus. Start to drift in 4 easy steps. After a quick and easy assembly, power up your sandscape by plugging it into an outlet near a desk or side table. Download the app and follow the simple setup instructions, then turn on your sandscape to drift and invite calm in.
Customer Rating
4
Nice and relaxing to watch, can be a nice table
on August 23, 2022
Posted by: MurphyR
After using this for a while, I'm finding that I really enjoy it! I wasn't expecting much given that meditation is difficult and having something like this could be a distraction more than anything to help focus, but overall it's nice.
Set-up: The physical set-up of this is very easy. It comes with two baggies of sand that you pour into the bowl and spread around a bit with the included scraper. Then, just drop the ball in the center, and turn it on.
Software: The app to set up the table is a bit odd. FIRST THING: update the firmware. There is nothing in the app that tells you to update the firmware, but if you try to do anything else first, the app will just keep crashing. Once the update is done, you can download "playlists" of different patterns for it to run through. These are all pretty nice and geometric. There are a few that look like pictures of flowers and such, but I prefer the abstract images. You can also select what colors you want to see (single or cycling through), whether you want it to pulse, and how bright the light is.
Placement: Depending on the use that you want, you can put this on a short stool as an end-table, or it may have to go onto another table, which is a bit awkward. Currently, I have mine on a small stand beneath another table with a glass table-top, which is an effect that I really like.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Power through your hardest or easiest workout with the GO Air Sport, the perfect everyday sport earbud. With 32+ hours of total playtime, a secure and comfortable sport fit, and 3 custom sound settings, the GO Air Sport are mighty (and fun). Auto connect to your device and add some color to your workout.
Customer Rating
4
Great for exercise, but probably not all day
on August 13, 2022
Posted by: MurphyR
These headphones are nice and stylish for exercising, but I'm not sure that I would use them otherwise. If you're going for a run or any other exercise with much bouncing involved, you know that in-ear headphones can have a tendency to pop out if they don't fit absolutely perfectly. To account for this, I've always been a fan of the over-ear hook. These will stay in place, and even if they don't, they're not falling off and getting lost.
Good: It's nice that you can use one at a time if you want to just use it as a bluetooth earpiece for making phone calls. That's not something you typically see in headphones around this price point. The battery also seems to be good, lasting about 5-6 hours or so, then recharging in the case several times before that runs low. The style is also nice, with a cool, retro athletic color.
Not so good: There is very little bass that comes through these headphones. It is something that your ears will adjust to after a little while, but not completely, in my experience. You'll always feel that it is lacking a bit. Along these lines, there are a few different EQ settings built in to the headphones, and I don't notice much of a difference between these settings.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Everything you need is right in your screen. Watch, work and chat - all without connecting a separate PC - with Smart Monitor. Your favorite content, productivity and video call apps are built-in for a simpler and more stylish desk setup that’s a joy to use every time.
Customer Rating
4
Nice monitor, but a very narrow use-case
on August 5, 2022
Posted by: MurphyR
Overall, this is a really nice monitor with smart features. It's debatable whether it is worth the price, however.
At $330, this is not an inexpensive monitor, and you are definitely paying more for having smart features. This can stream any of the major streaming services on it's own. That is nice, but ultimately not really needed if you are connecting to a computer, because the connected computer could do that. It is also not really known what kind of software updates will be available, as Samsung likes to put out updates for only a brief time after a product is released, so whether or not these services will continue to work is open for debate. Also, you are supposed to be able to mirror your phone or other mobile device to this screen. Try as I might, I was not able to get this to work in any way.
This is also more expensive than a TV. Just some quick googling reveals smart TVs up to 4x the size for the same price, so you're definitely paying more than you would for a TV.
The use-case that I see for this is fairly narrow. Being a smart monitor, you can connect to it wirelessly from your computer. My normal computer set-up is a laptop to a hub, which connects to two monitors. I cannot expand beyond this set-up without buying a much more expensive hub. However, you can connect to this monitor as a wireless display, which allows you to expand your screen real estate well beyond what you might be able to get otherwise.
TLDR - Great device if you really need a smart monitor or a wireless display. If you are just looking for a monitor or a second TV, you will find a better deal either way just buying a monitor or a TV.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Willen BT Portable Speaker
Customer Rating
5
Great little speaker for at home or on vacation
on July 14, 2022
Posted by: MurphyR
This is an excellently put together little speaker! Just from a build-perspective, I've dropped it from a height of about 5 feet, and it shows absolutely no marks and works perfectly. It is also nice to have an elastic strap on the back to allow you to hang the speaker or strap it to a backpack.
SOUND: The sound quality is fantastic, as you'd expect from Marshall. This is a very small speaker, but it produces a great volume without any distortion in the sound. The only point that it misses, which is very nit-picky, is that the bass drops off a bit as you reach higher volumes. This does keep the audio clear, but changes the EQ overall. Still, at 50-75% volume, there is great bass for such a small speaker.
SET-UP: Bluetooth set-up is very easy. Different phones may behave differently, but mine immediately brought up a screen asking if I wanted to connect this speaker before I even went into bluetooth settings. It prompts you to download an app which makes connecting multiple speakers easier, and has EQ, but you definitely don't need it for using the speaker. As I don't have multiple of this speaker, I was not able to test connecting multiple in the "stack" set-up.
BATTERY: They advertise 15+ hours on the box, and in my experience it is definitely on the "+" side. I mostly listen to podcasts, with some music on most days but typically at a max of about 50% volume. I got about 25 or more hours of playtime this way, so the battery is excellent. It also takes about 3 hours to fully charge from being completely run down. Another nit-picky complaint is that there is no warning when the battery is low, it just powers off without warning.
TLDR: Great battery life, really good sound with only a little bass drop-off at high volume.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Discover the power of X! The new Philips Sonicare Power Flosser creates an X-shaped stream of water that reaches deep between teeth for a gentle, thorough clean. This X-shaped water stream, known as Quad-Stream technology, covers more surface area for a faster, deeper clean versus manual floss. Because of Quad-Steam technology, Philips Sonicare Power Flosser enables you to improve your gum health by 50% in just 1 minute per day!
Customer Rating
5
Sonicare vs. Waterpik - lower power, just as clean
on July 6, 2022
Posted by: MurphyR
I've used a Sonicare toothbrush for about 20 years now. I've had the same 1st generation brush, so I know they can reach a high standard. I've also been using a Waterpik flosser (a counter-top model, not a travel model) for about a year and a half, so I have experience with flossers.
The Sonicare flosser does have some variability in the power of the spray, but it tops out at about what would be a 5 out of 10 on the Waterpik. I've been accustomed to using the Waterpik on about a 9. Despite this difference in pressure, my teeth feel just as clean with the Sonicare as they do with the Waterpik. You get the same kind of "dentist clean" feeling with both.
I also like that the Sonicare is easier to travel with than the counter-top Waterpik. I did have a smaller Waterpik before, and liked it, but the power of the spray was highly dependent on how much of a charge you had, and it required a special charger. With the Sonicare, I've been using it for about 8 or 9 days and haven't had to recharge it yet. Even if I were traveling and ran out of charge, it will charge with the same plug as my cell-phone, so there's nothing extra to bring or keep track of.
If you've used a Sonicare toothbrush before, you know it pauses briefly after a certain amount of time to let you know to move to a different part of the mouth. This does that every 15 seconds.
The only way that the Sonicare falls behind the more powerful Waterpik is if you have a gap in your teeth which tends to capture larger pieces of food, or get stuck more strongly, you may need the higher power to get the food unstuck.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Introducing MX Mechanical - a full-size keyboard with extraordinary feel, precision, and performance. Low-profile mechanical typing delivers satisfying feedback in your choice of key switches – Tactile Quiet, Clicky, or Linear. MX Mechanical is crafted for ergonomic comfort, with smart illumination and easy-switch – allowing you to connect up to 3 devices and stay in your flow for hours.
Customer Rating
2
Nice package, but harder to type than a laptop
on June 21, 2022
Posted by: MurphyR
Overall, I'd say that this keyboard, at least with the tactile quiet keys, is worse than you'll experience with your average laptop keyboard. There are some nice features, so lets go over everything...
THE GOOD: This is easy to clean, has a nice modern style, can connect to three different devices which you can switch between, and has some nice functionality for media through the function keys - including controlling system settings like screen brightness and other audio and track controls.
THE BAD: The worst part of this keyboard is actually the switches they've selected. The quiet tactile keys should be like Cherry Brown switches. They are not. These are much more difficult to type on than Cherry Brown switches. They feel nicer than a laptop keyboard, but they also offer more resistance while typing which actually makes the typing harder than it would be on the laptop alone.
Another point is that, unless I'm missing something, there are no options to adjust. The paperwork that came with this keyboard says that you can change the back-light light-up options and the functionality of the function keys. I've connected the keyboard to the required software, but no options come up.
OVERALL: This is a nice package, and I can only hope that the other switch options are better, because I don't think this is very usable as it is.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Samsung T7 Shield 2TB, Portable SSD, up to 1050 MB/S, USB 3.2 Gen2, Rugged, IP65 Water & Dust resistance for Photographers, Content Creators, and Gaming, External Solid State Drive, Black.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent small drive for long-term storage
on June 2, 2022
Posted by: MurphyR
This is a solid drive to use. I have recently been prepping to record music in a studio, and they recommended having a pair of T7 drives to store the master recordings, so these seem to be the gold standard for the recording industry. I cannot comment on the “shield” aspect of this drive, as I haven’t thrown it against a wall or dropped it just to test it, but it is a comfort to know that the files should be safe for a long time.
Physically, it is a very nice touch that the exterior is rubberized, making it much more difficult to drop than the plain metal cases of the non-shield version of the T7. You also get a USB3 to type-C cable to connect to your computer or hub.
Transfer speeds seem to be good, though I'm not an expert on what to expect. I'm interested in using the drive for long-term storage, so the SSD should be better than a standard spinning HD which is more delicate and susceptible to magnetic interference and such.
Overall, this is a great little drive, giving about 2TB of storage in the size of a credit card, just about 1cm thick.
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