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- Review count132
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- First reviewJuly 19, 2013
- Last reviewApril 11, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
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- First answerJanuary 10, 2015
- Last answerJanuary 10, 2015
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The Ninja Programmable XL 14-Cup Coffee Maker PRO is a sleek coffee maker that delivers on quality flavor and capacity. With Hotter Brewing Technology, you can enjoy Classic and Rich coffee strengths that are hot and never bitter. Keep your carafe of coffee hot for up to 4 hours with the variable warming plate. Also featured are a removable reservoir, delay brew function, and freshness timer.
Posted by: ChrisS
There are so many coffee makers that have all kinds of bells and whistles and can be purchased for all price ranges. I have bought some very expensive coffee makers thinking they would be better than the cheaper priced makers. After using this coffee maker for a week I feel like this one is the perfect mix of options and great brewing capability, and at a good price point.
The number one thing I look for in coffee is that it is hot. If you've ever used the single brew pod makers you know what I'm talking about. They are never hot enough for me. Also, I've tried the stay fresh stainless steel carafes but found that they seem to cool the coffee down when it enters the carafe. I think this machine makes hot coffee because not only does it heat the water well, but it doesn't lose much temperature because of the warming plate.
The second most important thing I look for in a coffee maker is the coffee flavor. Some machines just do not extract much flavor. This machine does. It has a shower-type water dispenser over the coffee beans so that all the grounds are used rather than the water just passing through the same beans. It also has a setting for rich coffee. I thought I liked my coffee pretty strong but using the recommended scoops (1 scoop for 2 cups) and the rich brew made the coffee much stronger than your local coffee shop, and way too strong for me. My sweet spot is to use about 1/2 to 2/3 of the recommended scoops and the regular brew. The coffee is still very flavorful and rich.
There are a few other cool designs on this maker. The detachable water reservoir is really handy. Also, the locking lid on the pot keeps it from lifting up when you pour the coffee into your cup. And the rounded shape where it pours out of keeps it from dribbling down the pot when you pour. Other perks: programmable timer, auto shut off, clock for how long it was made, beeping when brew finishes; reusable metal filter.
Overall, I am impressed with this coffee maker and would recommend it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Introducing Alienware Aurora R13 - our new gaming desktop with an evolved chassis, enhanced airflow and quieter acoustics. Enjoy the freedom of gaming, streaming and creating on a multi-threaded capacity desktop with the latest 12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and NVIDIA GeForce 30-series graphics.
Posted by: ChrisS
This is the fourth GeForce powered gaming machine we've had over the past 3 years and it is fantastic. I won't be giving you hardcore specs and specific details on the CPU and GPU performance but instead can give you an idea of what you can expect if you buy this PC. Chances are it will exceed your expectations.
First off, this is a true gaming machine and is very powerful. It is capable of playing games that other computers can't handle and at graphic levels that most PCs can't produce. The graphics processor is extremely powerful and fast. We play several 4K graphic intensive games and up until this point, have not been able to unlock the full level of graphics in the games. This gaming desktop autodetected the graphics settings to the highest level and the differences in playing the games is very noticeable. The backgrounds render seamlessly and provide nearly twice the detail we were used to. Even with slightly lower GeForce GPU in our other machines, we were not able to play at max settings and there was still noticeable lag in the racing and flight simulator games. This machine did not experience any lag on any of the several graphic intensive 4K games we played. We specifically maxed out all graphic settings and pushed the games as hard as possible with no performance issues whatsoever - very impressive!
Second, this machine is extremely quiet. I would credit this to the liquid cooling system and a very quiet fan. While this may not seem like a big deal, the other gaming desktops and laptops that use air cooling can get rather loud when using any graphic intensive programs. In fact, the fans in our other systems became so loud it was almost difficult to talk over them, and we would periodically take a break from gaming to let the system cool. Having a well cooled and very quiet machine is more important than I had originally thought, and this machine meets that goal.
Third, the machine is well designed. For those that like the RGB colors it has customizable colors that light up inside the clear sided case and in a cool pattern on the front of the machine. The startup button is a little alien which also fluctuates colors when sleeping. The case is sturdy and very sleek looking and is quite a bit larger than other computers. It is rounded at the top and bottom and has USB and USB-C outlets in both the front and back.
Fourth, the machine is upgradeable. There is lots of room to add additional memory, storage and components. The 1TB SSD hard drive is big and fast, but a large game can take up 20% of the space so there could be a need to add more storage if you play a lot of games or don't want to clear your old games from the drive. Out of the box the machine comes with a very low end mouse and keyboard, but that is standard as most gamers will want to pick out their own devices. We upgraded both the mouse and keyboard.
Finally, the software is hassle free and works as you'd hope. The Alienware software is easy to setup and use. Customizing the graphics and RGB is easy and you can quickly monitor and control your performance. After using buggy software from other gaming developers this was a nice surprise.
Overall, this machine has outstanding performance and passes all the tests that other machines failed. I would highly recommend it!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Bring the party with you and spread sound with the XE200 Wireless speaker. A line shaped diffuser and X-balanced speakers provide a wide sound stage, with powerful bass and richer sound. Pair with IP67 Waterproof, dustproof and shockproof design, this speaker is made for even the strongest elements.
Posted by: ChrisS
This speaker has almost everything I wanted in a Bluetooth speaker.
By almost everything I mean the Bluetooth connects seamlessly, the sound is very good quality, the design is very sleek, the battery life is long, and the technology in the speaker is outstanding. In addition, the size and weight are just right and the multi directional sound lets you fill the room evenly with sound for everyone (versus it being loud to the person in front of the speaker and quiet for everyone else). I also really like the USB-C charger, which aligns with so many other devices.
The two things that the speaker was missing was an auxiliary input and solid bass. We still use some older technology ipod type devices and it would be nice to be able to plug into the speaker directly. Regarding the bass, I realize this is the lower end speaker so it is not a disappointment but thought I would point it out in this review so that someone needing more bass can upgrade to the next level speaker (there are three levels of this speaker).
And finally, a bit more focus on the sound quality. The sound has plenty of volume (we rarely go above 50%) and the highs are crisp and clear. We listen to a lot of hip hop and while there is some bass, we wish it was a little stronger.
Overall, this is a great everyday speaker that is easy to carry around and use wherever you may be.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Optimized with technology that simplifies your life, Inspiron 2-in-1 laptops offer a range of easy-to-use features all packaged in a minimalist and modern design. See your beautiful world whenever you want with the new Inspiron 16 2-in-1. It features an FHD+ display and 16:10 aspect ratio packed into a slim 2-in-1 design. Your world is closer with powerful 12th Generation Intel Core Evo platform processors. It also has a 360 degree hinge that allows you to work in 4 different modes - laptop, tablet, tent and stand. And if that’s not all, your Inspiron features environmentally-conscious designs that complement not just your style but also your values.
Posted by: ChrisS
I chose this laptop for work and my initial concern was that it wouldn't be powerful enough to run large spreadsheets and stream big meetings. Fortunately, the laptop is more than capable so far and I am pleased with its performance.
Despite not having a separate graphics card or much memory, the laptop is able to handle all of my work related needs and feels light and fast.
Here are the pros and cons for me:
Pros:
- Feels fast and powerful
- 16:10 screen is bright and has a touchscreen
- Has built in webcam for work calls
- Is able to handle using Citrix system for work
- I like the USB-C (Thunderbolt 4.0) ports for charging
- Wifi 6 is fast
- I like the privacy screen for the webcam
- Feels fast and powerful
- 16:10 screen is bright and has a touchscreen
- Has built in webcam for work calls
- Is able to handle using Citrix system for work
- I like the USB-C (Thunderbolt 4.0) ports for charging
- Wifi 6 is fast
- I like the privacy screen for the webcam
Cons:
- Doesn't have a number pad for Excel
- The webcam does not have an adjustable zoom and my face appears reddish on the camera
- It is not capable of playing graphic intensive games
- Only one HDMI output and no Display Ports
- Doesn't have a number pad for Excel
- The webcam does not have an adjustable zoom and my face appears reddish on the camera
- It is not capable of playing graphic intensive games
- Only one HDMI output and no Display Ports
I like that the laptop is thin, simple, and adequate. The performance and convenience of the laptop has been great and I would recommend this for others looking for similar needs.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Introducing the ROCCAT Burst Pro Air Lightweight Optical Wireless RGB Gaming Mouse for Windows PC. The Burst Pro Air brings ROCCAT’s symmetrical lightweight shape with its rich feature set, comfort and performance, into wireless. Meticulously crafted from the ground up, its shape delivers maximum comfort. Featuring ROCCAT Stellar Wireless technology, gamers get exceptional signal strength for a virtually latency-free connection and up to 100 hours of battery life. Running low on battery? Connect the detachable Phantom Flex cable with USB-C rapid charging to get back in the game quickly with 5 hours of battery life with just a 10-minute charge.Designed and engineered by ROCCAT, the Titan Switch Optical delivers improved durability and faster click speed with unparalleled precision. The ROCCAT Owl-Eye 19,000 DPI optical sensor with 400 IPS tracking speed equips gamers with incredible tracking accuracy and responsiveness.The ROCCAT Burst Pro Air features four RGB lighting zones with signature AIMO intelligent lighting that shine through a water and dust resistant, translucent Bionic shell. The Burst Pro Air also features our coveted heat-treated pure PTFE glides, pre-tuned for an incredibly smooth glide right out of the box.
Posted by: ChrisS
At first glance this mouse appeared to have everything I wanted in a mouse including the cool RGB lights, both Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, and a decent battery life.
After a week of use I realized the Bluetooth is unusable and the battery life is not as advertised. First, the Bluetooth connection worked when I first installed the mouse and I was glad to have one less dongle plugged into my laptop. However, to get the lights to work you need to download and install the Roccat app and setup the mouse that way. Once this was done the Bluetooth stopped working. Well, it works for up and down but the left right barely moved. I tried reconnecting and reinstalling but couldn't fix it, so I had to plug the dongle in and use the wireless connection.
Second, the battery life is very inadequate for a wireless mouse. When advertised as 100 hours battery life they may have been assuming no lighting was used. I assumed this would be 100 hours of use but the battery goes dead after about 2 days whether or not you use it much. This is a bit frustrating so I now use it with the mouse plugged in, which means I have two USB ports taken up with the mouse, when I was hoping for none (granted I could plug the charger into another USB other than my laptop and save one).
Besides those big negatives, the mouse works well under wireless and looks and feels very cool. I like the lights and I like the charging wire because it is soft and pliable so it doesn't move stuff around on your desk when using it.
I'm guessing there will be a fix for the Bluetooth problem coming up, but still not sure I would recommend this mouse unless you plan to use it while plugged in.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Introducing Mode II, the first true wireless in-ear headphones from Marshall. Engineered to deliver a thunderous audio experience and 25 hours of portable playtime with the charging case, Mode II produces phenomenal sound with no wires attached. Custom-tuned dynamic drivers create a highly detailed and precise sound experience with growling bass, natural-sounding mids and crisp treble. Experience the complete sound with mind-blowing clarity as if you were right there in front of the stage. Built for all-day listening, Mode II in-ear headphones are ergonomically designed to fi t securely and comfortably. Customise your fit with adjustable ear tips so you can listen for hours without your ears getting tired. The touch-responsive earbuds allow you to easily control your music, answer calls and more. With its durable rubberised fi nish, portable charging case and IPX5 water-resistant earbuds, Mode II is the ultimate travel companion.
Posted by: ChrisS
from Madison, WI
How Often Used:Daily
These headphones have a little bit of everything. For starters, the sound is adequate, even good, but not great - about what I expected in headphones at this price and that have a 25 hour playback time.
The other attributes that make these really nice is the wireless charging, the USB-C connection, and the overall size of the case. The case is very small and can quite easily fit in your pocket.
Also, the setup was very easy. They were simple to pair and paired quickly. And the Marshall app found them immediately and setup there was also straightforward and error free, which is saying a lot because most headphone apps have trouble connecting (at least for me). I was using iOS.
Back to the sound. While pretty good sound the max volume was slightly lower than other headphones in the same price range. This matters to me because I like loud music and use them mainly outdoor when running, which means I always have them on max volume. While the volume isn't loud, I'm guessing it is more than enough for 95% of regular consumers.
Overall, I was pleased with the functionality and quality of these headphones and would recommend them.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
3
Comfort
5
Durability
5
Quality
5
Value
5
Ease of Use
5
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It takes serious water power to clear debris — meet one of the strongest cordless engines on the market: the BURST Water Flosser. With three settings and three 360-degree rotating tip options, you can massage your gums, precisely spray between teeth to dislodge bacteria, and give plaque the boot.
Posted by: ChrisS
from Madison, WI
I have used two other water flossers and this is the one I like the most for two reasons.
First, it is simple to use. It's as easy as filling it up with water (which takes 10 seconds), choosing the mode (by holding in the power button), and then hitting the button to start flossing. It's that easy.
The second reason I really like this is because of the size. First, it is great that it is a portable / wireless flosser because it takes up less room and can easily be stored and used in the shower or taken on vacation. And second, the reservoir size of this is smaller than some of the other brands, which is actually a benefit because it isn't so bulky but yet holds enough water to finish flossing in one tank.
Regarding the three modes (turbo, standard and pulse), the standard mode worked well for me. I typically floss my teeth daily with regular floss so I didn't expect any issues with this, but I have to admit that the pulse mode was a little intense for me and caused a small amount of bleeding. I would probably get used to it, but think I'll stick with the standard mode going forward.
Overall, I am pleased with the price and performance of this flosser and would recommend it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Performance
5
Durability
5
Value
5
Ease of Use
5
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This Element 27" frameless gaming monitor provides everything you need for premium gameplay or everyday tasks. This 1440P resolution monitor is equipped with FreeSync Technology for avoiding tearing and reducing stuttering. With easy set-up for multiple screens, you're able to expand your view and get more done. The 16:9 widescreen resolution partnered with a 1ms response time and 165hz refresh rate allows a vivid, realistic picture so you can be immersed in your gaming world. Built-in speakers and a sleek, frameless screen enable the monitor to blend with your decor for a clean aesthetic.
Posted by: ChrisS
from Madison, WI
My son and I have been using this monitor for the last week and are very pleased. I can't give specific tech specs to say why the monitor is so great but I can share some off the reasons why we really like it:
1. It has great quality graphics. The screen is clear, bright, keeps up with all the graphic intensive driving games, and is non reflective.
2. It is adjustable so you can tilt it to meet your eye level.
3. The changing LED colors on the back of the monitor combined with the LED lights from the gaming desktop are awesome!
4. The display port cable included with the monitor is nice and allows me to use the FreeSync technology, even with an Nvidia graphics card.
2. It is adjustable so you can tilt it to meet your eye level.
3. The changing LED colors on the back of the monitor combined with the LED lights from the gaming desktop are awesome!
4. The display port cable included with the monitor is nice and allows me to use the FreeSync technology, even with an Nvidia graphics card.
Overall, the monitor is all I had hoped for. Perhaps I would have gone with a slightly larger screen but that has nothing to do with the quality of this monitor. I would recommend it to any entry to mid level gamer!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Upgrade from the last generation with the new ROG Strix G10CE, a Windows 11 gaming desktop that delivers exhilarating gaming experiences powered by an 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-11700F processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 graphics.
Posted by: ChrisS
from Madison, WI
This gaming desktop meets my needs in both performance and design. Even though the components are not the highest end and the memory is a little light, this desktop effortlessly played the graphics intensive games that have slowed down comparably equipped laptops I've used in the past. My son and I play driving games such as Forza and this desktop showed no sign of lag or overheating after a few hours of solid play. Performance wise, it boots up quickly and has the power to tackle any game that I could throw at it. I paired it with a brand new high performance monitor and the graphics were as smooth as watching a movie - no lag whatsoever.
While I am impressed with the quality of the desktop, I should point out that the keyboard and mouse that came with it are as cheap as they come. There are no volume controls on the keyboard so hard to manage volume while playing full screen games. I was hoping for some lighting on the keyboard and mouse but guess I will have to upgrade to get that. There is LED lighting inside the box that slowly changes colors and can be seen in the front, side and back. Also, it comes with a transparent replacement for the side of the box in case you want to have the inside of the computer on display. I may swap it out with that depending on where I end up placing the desktop. It looks like you can swap out either side.
Overall, this machine feels sharp, crisp and fast. It can handle most anything you can throw at it right out of the box but for some hardcore gamers it could use more memory (only one slot is filled with the 16GB memory) and the rather small hard drives could fill up fast if you install a lot of games. I would recommend this to any entry level or mid level gamer.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Immerse yourself in the infinite possibilities of 4K streaming in award-winning Quantum Color with the all-new VIZIO M-Series 4K HDR Smart TV. M-Series can display over a billion colors to create a true-to-life picture with an incredible color spectrum. Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range (HDR) combined with a full array backlight delivers stunning picture quality, transporting you into the story through richer contrast, brighter highlights, and eye-popping color. The lightning-fast VIZIO IQ Active processor delivers enhanced picture processing and a faster entertainment browsing experience, while the V-Gaming Engine with Auto Game Mode, Variable Refresh Rate with AMD FreeSync, ultra-low input lag, and newly added gaming menu take console gaming to a whole new level. Enjoy the award-winning SmartCast platform loaded with the best selection of built-in apps, an all-new Voice Remote, Bluetooth headphone capability, and Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in. M-Series breaks new ground in Smart TV entertainment.
Posted by: ChrisS
from Madison, WI
This TV has everything I need. Namely, it has a great quality picture, an intuitive and comprehensive menu system, decent sound, and is easy to setup and control via the remote or the SmartCast app.
First off, picture quality is really only an issue if it is not good and after streaming several UHD videos, I confirmed that the picture quality was good.
Second, since I am watching without a cable box it is important that I can easily find, connect to, and stream content from a variety of apps. This TV has all available apps already listed, which is nice. However, if it doesn't have the app you want you cannot download it. The one app that I wanted but wasn't available was for my cable subscription. Unfortunately, without the app I will not be able to surf channels like a regular cable subscription, but I can use the cast function to watch on the TV, the caveat being that I need to use my phone or iPad to cast, and it takes extra time and effort. Besides missing the Spectrum app, all the other apps I use were available, plus more.
Lastly, the remote and menu system are very intuitive and easy to use. There is a voice feature so you don't have to spend a lot of time spelling out your searches. Also, the SmartCast app can be paired with the TV and you can use it as a remote to control the TV. I also have a Vizio soundbar hooked up to the TV so I can control both through the app.
Overall, the TV feels great. Good quality and easy to connect and watch. I would recommend it.
I've attached a few pictures I took during setup.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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ChrisS's Answers
Only at Best BuyThis Modal MD-PD6MF2BP folio case features a form-fitting design and a magnet that help keep your Apple iPad Air 2 protected and secure. PU material ensures durability to help promote lasting use.
case
does the iPad Air case fit the iPad air 2
Yes, This case fit our iPad Air 2.
9 years, 3 months ago
by
ChrisS
Madison, WI