insomniak1's stats
- Review count157
- Helpfulness votes525
- First reviewJuly 29, 2015
- Last reviewMay 31, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
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- Answer count42
- Helpfulness votes50
- First answerAugust 9, 2016
- Last answerJanuary 7, 2022
- Featured answers0
- Best answers3
Enjoy major networks without paying a monthly fee with this Mohu Arc Pro indoor HDTV antenna. An integrated signal indicator helps you to find the optimal signal location, while the LED lights let you adjust antenna placement in real time for a more stable connection. This Mohu Arc Pro indoor HDTV antenna uses FirstStage amplifier technology which results in less distortion and stunning picture quality.
Customer Rating
4
I did not know I had these many channels!
on May 7, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I really do not watch over-the-air programming due to my cheap antenna's reception. Typically, the image simply breaks up on most channels, or there are very few that are picked up. That issue has been pretty much been fixed with the exception of a couple of channels (more on that in a few). Installation is straight-forward. Connect the antenna to the RF input and, in my case, connect it to the amplifier and then to the TV. The amplifier has to be plugged to a power source. Unfortunately, no wall charger was included; only the USB cord. This is a huge misstep as you have to find or buy one. It is not expensive, which makes me wonder as to why it is not included (reduce cost?). Also, the USB, which is attached to the amp is rather short. That can be a big issue if the wall plate is not close by and then you are stuck with the antenna at that place. The good news is that the complete setup did pick up a lot of channels. In fact, I now have more than 3 times the amount I had before! Most come in rather clean and I did not have to place the antenna away from my TV or take it by the window (which I had to do with my old one). I still have issues with a couple of lower-frequency channels but these are notorious for being difficult. In the end, the Mohu Arc Pro works very well, and for the price, it is very much well worth it. I will recommend it. Just remember to get a USB wall charger if you get the amped version!
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Hear lifelike sound details in your Xbox One games with this Turtle Beach Elite gaming combo. The Elite Pro 2 headset has 50mm custom-tuned Nanoclear drivers for an immersive experience and Aerofit ear cushions for ergonomic comfort. Customize your headset’s sonic performance via the SuperAmp controller of this Turtle Beach Elite gaming combo.
Customer Rating
4
Great Wired Headset Option!
on March 29, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
So, now that I’ve spent a considerable amount of time with the Elite Pro2, I can now share some impressions. I have a lot of experience with headsets of all kinds, so hopefully, this will help people in considering (or not) these cans. First, I must say that the packaging was very nice albeit a bit over the top. It did add to the feeling of getting a premium product. The headphones themselves are very well constructed. They are made of plastic mostly, soft faux leather and a metal headband. The ear cushions are made of soft memory foam. The covers can be taken off and replaced. They feel good on the hands and on the head. They look like a gamer’s headset for sure. These come with the Elite SuperAmp (with LED lights), which I will talk about a bit later and mini USB and analog cables.
As far as comfort, I tried them on for more than 5 hours in one play session, and a few quick sessions with several breaks, where I took them on/off constantly. They feel very comfortable -even while wearing glasses (I did not have the need to adjust the cups). The cushions can get a bit hot, but not to the point where your pouring sweat from your sides. The headband feels light yet sturdy. These stay on and did not fall off easily -even while quickly looking up and down. The cords did bother me a bit, but I think this comes from bias from wearing wireless headsets most of the time nowadays. Speaking of the cables, it can get a bit strange to have the amp right in the middle as I pulled on it a couple of times. Because the cables are so long, this issue only came up when I played while standing (which I do quite often).
As far as comfort, I tried them on for more than 5 hours in one play session, and a few quick sessions with several breaks, where I took them on/off constantly. They feel very comfortable -even while wearing glasses (I did not have the need to adjust the cups). The cushions can get a bit hot, but not to the point where your pouring sweat from your sides. The headband feels light yet sturdy. These stay on and did not fall off easily -even while quickly looking up and down. The cords did bother me a bit, but I think this comes from bias from wearing wireless headsets most of the time nowadays. Speaking of the cables, it can get a bit strange to have the amp right in the middle as I pulled on it a couple of times. Because the cables are so long, this issue only came up when I played while standing (which I do quite often).
Now, let’s get to the most important aspect (in my opinion, of course), sound quality. I listen to them in several setups. I also downloaded the companion app from TB. By themselves on my phone, they sounded pretty good. Nothing to rave about as I usually use high-grade headsets with high-quality music, and these cannot compare. The bass sounds a bit fake and recessed, the middle can get a bit muddy and the highs are a bit too bright -even when messing around with the software. These are clearly not for that. Then, I tried them on my Switch and the experience was much better. This indicates that gaming may be where it’s at. Then, I tried them on the XBOX, using the chat communicator on the controller. Again, it was a decent experience. The mic worked well, and people heard me just fine. Next, I finally set them up as they were intended: with the amp, TB Audio Hub phone app, and Windows Sonic sound on the XBOX activated. This is when I kind of scratched my head a bit. The sound came in very tiny and distant. The surround sound was way off with some sounds fading completely away. Even when I cranked the volume on the amp as high as it would go, it did not impress me. The bass was flat and had no punch. I went to the forums and saw that a new firmware was released. I updated the headset (this is done through a PC setup). This helped quite a bit; mostly on the surround sound which now came in through the proper channels and directions. The bass was improved a bit as well. It was a bit punchier at the signature setting. I did not care much for the bass boost as it seems to overpower other sounds. However, the bass boost is great for movie watching. I still had to turn the volume all the way up for full immersion, which in a 50mm headset paired with a “SuperAmp” is not a good thing. The mic worked as intended. People heard me clearly, so I supposed the TruSpeak and Dynamic Chat Boost worked as intended. I did ask my teammates and they felt that there was no difference from using the regular communicator or the Elite Pro 2.
Overall, I think these headsets are very well constructed, very comfortable, and they deliver decent sound in the right setup. The SuperAmp on the other hand, was a bit underwhelming and thought it didn’t really bring anything new or revolutionary to the table -or even necessary. Again, I am used to wireless headsets but in sound quality, these are much better -if you don’t mind the long cables. In the end, the Elite Pro 2 still is a good purchase despite the price tag and the concerns. I just hope that they last longer than other TB cans I’ve used. I will certainly recommend checking these out.
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Get the tools to achieve victory with this 17.3-inch Dell Alienware gaming laptop. Featuring an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card with Max-Q design, this laptop smoothly handles visually intensive titles at high settings. This Dell Alienware gaming laptop delivers vivid colors and makes games look sharp and detailed with its 17.3-inch Full HD display.
Customer Rating
4
The new HOT Alienware m17 is here!
on March 20, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
The Alienware m17 is a great PC that has some very impressive features. Unfortunately, it also has some very disappointing points.
AESTHETICS
-Very thin (18mm).
-Slick-looking while folded and slim profile. It feels nice to hold.
-Dark silver top with black matte accents can look like a gamer’s laptop, yet serious enough to take to a business meeting.
-The small, traditional alien logo is not extravagant.
-The screen bezel is thicker than many similar builds, but not distracting.
-RGB keyboard and Alienware logo but they are not fully addressable.
• BUILD QUALITY
-Not as heavy as previous models (6.7lbs) which makes it easier to carry around.
-Hinges are strong -top stays up and/or closed.
-The dashboard features a matte finish that can attract some smudges easily.
-Screen’s bezel is glossy black which could be easily scratched.
-The keyboard and dashboard (chassis) do not bend easily under pressure.
-Keyboard has good travel feel, despite being only 1.4mm. Great for typing but does not give enough tactile feedback when gaming. Also, it takes a bit to get used to the layout -especially the smallish enter, home, end and delete keys.
-The touchpad feels nice and, having windows precision drivers, is very responsive. However, I wouldn’t play most games without an actual mouse. Also, it shows fingerprints very clearly.
-Sound is decent and loud, being that these are laptop speakers, I would rather use a headset or desktop speakers.
-The battery is as expected, only lasts for 2-3 hours doing productive work on battery boost mode. Less than 1 hour playing games on medium-low.
-The laptop features a good, large 1080p display which is bright enough at 300 nits with a good color range. However, it is only 60hz, which is one of the biggest letdowns because of the laptop’s specs. It also does not feature g-sync.
-PC can get extremely hot. At idle, it hovered around the mid 40°C’s. During normal use, it went up to lower 50°C’s and during benchmarks (3DMarks) it got up to a whopping 98-101°C! Surprisingly, the PC did not throttle until the late 90°C’s. This is all at ambient 20°C room temps. I started to worry about the table’s surface! Luckily, the wrist area was not affected by these temps.
o The fans can get very loud -especially while gaming. I settled on “cool” settings. Although this is usually an issue that all laptops share.
-Features several 3.1 USB ports, display ports, and Ethernet connectivity. Sadly, no flash card slots.
• PERFORMANCE
-Boot-ups and applications are quite fast with the SSD and has decent space for games and general storage.
-Alien Command Center software provides many options for dealing with apps, games, settings (including overclocking) and monitoring.
-I conducted several synthetic benchmarks and I am pleased to have very good results come back. On 3Dmark and Unigine, most tests came back well above average (for a laptop). I had great framerates on max settings on new games such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Battlefield 5, Anthem, and Resident Evil 2 (new). I also played multiplayer as well with no issues. I also tested the ray-tracing and DLSS features of the RTX 2070 GPU and it was decent (although I prefer not using them). Unfortunately, this was all disappointing since the display is only 60Hz… and it is better to play with v-synch to avoid tearing and flickering.
• FINAL VERDICT
-In the end, I am enjoying this laptop very much, especially for work. The specs, weight, build and looks are very attractive. However, all the shortcomings - extreme temperatures, key travel and placement, and the ludicrous 60Hz panel, combined with such a high price, can make it a tough sell, especially if you are specifically looking for a portable gaming rig.
AESTHETICS
-Very thin (18mm).
-Slick-looking while folded and slim profile. It feels nice to hold.
-Dark silver top with black matte accents can look like a gamer’s laptop, yet serious enough to take to a business meeting.
-The small, traditional alien logo is not extravagant.
-The screen bezel is thicker than many similar builds, but not distracting.
-RGB keyboard and Alienware logo but they are not fully addressable.
• BUILD QUALITY
-Not as heavy as previous models (6.7lbs) which makes it easier to carry around.
-Hinges are strong -top stays up and/or closed.
-The dashboard features a matte finish that can attract some smudges easily.
-Screen’s bezel is glossy black which could be easily scratched.
-The keyboard and dashboard (chassis) do not bend easily under pressure.
-Keyboard has good travel feel, despite being only 1.4mm. Great for typing but does not give enough tactile feedback when gaming. Also, it takes a bit to get used to the layout -especially the smallish enter, home, end and delete keys.
-The touchpad feels nice and, having windows precision drivers, is very responsive. However, I wouldn’t play most games without an actual mouse. Also, it shows fingerprints very clearly.
-Sound is decent and loud, being that these are laptop speakers, I would rather use a headset or desktop speakers.
-The battery is as expected, only lasts for 2-3 hours doing productive work on battery boost mode. Less than 1 hour playing games on medium-low.
-The laptop features a good, large 1080p display which is bright enough at 300 nits with a good color range. However, it is only 60hz, which is one of the biggest letdowns because of the laptop’s specs. It also does not feature g-sync.
-PC can get extremely hot. At idle, it hovered around the mid 40°C’s. During normal use, it went up to lower 50°C’s and during benchmarks (3DMarks) it got up to a whopping 98-101°C! Surprisingly, the PC did not throttle until the late 90°C’s. This is all at ambient 20°C room temps. I started to worry about the table’s surface! Luckily, the wrist area was not affected by these temps.
o The fans can get very loud -especially while gaming. I settled on “cool” settings. Although this is usually an issue that all laptops share.
-Features several 3.1 USB ports, display ports, and Ethernet connectivity. Sadly, no flash card slots.
• PERFORMANCE
-Boot-ups and applications are quite fast with the SSD and has decent space for games and general storage.
-Alien Command Center software provides many options for dealing with apps, games, settings (including overclocking) and monitoring.
-I conducted several synthetic benchmarks and I am pleased to have very good results come back. On 3Dmark and Unigine, most tests came back well above average (for a laptop). I had great framerates on max settings on new games such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Battlefield 5, Anthem, and Resident Evil 2 (new). I also played multiplayer as well with no issues. I also tested the ray-tracing and DLSS features of the RTX 2070 GPU and it was decent (although I prefer not using them). Unfortunately, this was all disappointing since the display is only 60Hz… and it is better to play with v-synch to avoid tearing and flickering.
• FINAL VERDICT
-In the end, I am enjoying this laptop very much, especially for work. The specs, weight, build and looks are very attractive. However, all the shortcomings - extreme temperatures, key travel and placement, and the ludicrous 60Hz panel, combined with such a high price, can make it a tough sell, especially if you are specifically looking for a portable gaming rig.
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The V-MODA BassFit Wireless sport headphones have the juice to power you through the most demanding work outs. With over 11 hours of playback time, these lightweight, wireless headphones deliver heart‑pumping bass and unparalleled clarity in a featherweight, sweat-proof package. The patent-pending TriFit design gives you the choice of 3 different fits, using sport fins, ear hooks or a combination of both to create the perfect fit for you and your active routine.
Customer Rating
5
Took a little getting used to but…
on January 25, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
To add context, I own and have tried several wireless headphones. These V-MOMAS seem to have some features that I am certainly interested so I wanted to give them a try. So, these sets come in a very nice box (as V-MODA usually do) displaying the headsets. There are several fitting sizes (4), 3 pairs of ear fins and 1 pair of memory metal ear hooks. It also comes with a micro-USB cable (no charger) and a very nice carrying mesh pouch (thank you V-MOVA!). Putting them on can be a little bit frustrating at first. Finding which gummy fitting works best is always a chore, but I found the size that worked best for me. These headsets are not heavy (17g). The ear hooks are stiff and must be put in in a certain way or they can poke your head or back of the ears. I tried them on this way first and I definitely was aware of them for a while. It was not painful but a bit annoying. After a while, it became fine and putting them on or taking them off became much easier. Next, I tried the fins by themselves. They were much more comfortable. However, they were not as secure while working out. Then I tried the “trifit” design and to my surprise, it actually worked really well! The buds were secure and, once you get used to them, became virtually unnoticeable. By the way, the cable is not too obtrusive, and you can always use the cable manager that’s included. These are supposed to be sweat and weather resistant, but I didn’t get a chance to try that. Now for the most important fact (at least to me): sound quality. Being that these are Bluetooth, I was not expecting great things, even if the technology has come a long way. These have a nice balance between the high, mid and low frequencies with a bit of emphasis on the bass. I found they are rather enjoyable. While listening to podcasts and movies, voices came in nice and clear. During classical music, I can hear (although not as clear and detailed as high-end sets) all instruments and for pop music, the sound was rich and full. In the end, once I got used to putting them on and the way they feel, they became my daily drivers. I certainly enjoy them while doing gymnastic-like movement-based workouts. I highly recommend them -even at their current price.
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Whip up a smoothies, dips or side dishes with this Ninja blender. The FreshVac pump reduces oxygen to preserve flavor and nutrients, and the 20-oz. cup or 72-oz. pitcher makes it easy to create single or multiple servings. This powerful Ninja blender has crushing blades that power through ice cubes effortlessly.
Customer Rating
5
Making smoothies interesting!
on November 28, 2018
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I have a traditional blender which has not motivated me in making smoothies for the most part. I love technology, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to see if using the Ninja - FreshVac Smart Screen Blender DUO would actually help me reach my health goals easier by making it “techy”.
It comes with two 20oz cups with sip lids, one 62oz pitcher, a vacuum FreshVac (powered by included batteries) and a recipe book. The base is very cool-looking. I like the black finish base and the black accents on the pitcher. It does feel like it’s good quality. I would have liked to see glass containers instead of plastic ones, though. The base lights up nicely showing the options on the smooth screen. The “buttons” are touch-sensitive, so that gives it a sci-fi feel to it.
Setting it up is rather easy and intuitive. The first thing I wanted to do, ironically, was to make a not-so-healthy smoothie with strawberries, bananas, coconut milk, and vanilla ice cream. I used the 20oz cup. I decided to do one serving without using the FreshVac and then do another with it to see if there was really any difference. Placing the cup in the base is easy and locks well. I selected "smoothie" and it begins an automatic process with a timer countdown. Next, I used the FreshVac on the next container. It is pretty cool, albeit a bit cumbersome, since you are adding extra steps. You simply turn over the 20oz container, open the lid and place the FreshVac on it. Press the power button on top and it will suck all the air out and a green light will tell you when it’s ready. Press the release button and voila. Place it on the blender and hit “smoothie”.
From this test, I can certainly say that the difference is very noticeable. The “oxygenated” smoothie was a bit thicker, foamy, and lighter in color. The FreshVac one was more settled and darker. Any differences in taste were a bit more difficult to detect. I think the FreshVac smoothie felt more satisfying to drink as it went down. I can certainly feel the “air” or foam more with the non-FreshVac one. So, I guess it’s more about the look and feel rather than taste.
Another feature of the FreshVac is that it is supposed to make the blends last longer in the fridge since there is less oxygen in the mix. I must admit that no shake made it past a point where I can say that this is true (although it does make sense). It is also supposed to “trap” in more nutrients.
All in all, I think this is a great tool for the kitchen. I will admit that it is a bit on the pricey side and the FreshVac may seem a little gimmicky (since the taste wasn’t all that enhanced) and adds extra work (some might actually like this), but in the end, it all depends on how much you will be using it. I would recommend it to health enthusiasts and shake/smoothie lovers everywhere.
It comes with two 20oz cups with sip lids, one 62oz pitcher, a vacuum FreshVac (powered by included batteries) and a recipe book. The base is very cool-looking. I like the black finish base and the black accents on the pitcher. It does feel like it’s good quality. I would have liked to see glass containers instead of plastic ones, though. The base lights up nicely showing the options on the smooth screen. The “buttons” are touch-sensitive, so that gives it a sci-fi feel to it.
Setting it up is rather easy and intuitive. The first thing I wanted to do, ironically, was to make a not-so-healthy smoothie with strawberries, bananas, coconut milk, and vanilla ice cream. I used the 20oz cup. I decided to do one serving without using the FreshVac and then do another with it to see if there was really any difference. Placing the cup in the base is easy and locks well. I selected "smoothie" and it begins an automatic process with a timer countdown. Next, I used the FreshVac on the next container. It is pretty cool, albeit a bit cumbersome, since you are adding extra steps. You simply turn over the 20oz container, open the lid and place the FreshVac on it. Press the power button on top and it will suck all the air out and a green light will tell you when it’s ready. Press the release button and voila. Place it on the blender and hit “smoothie”.
From this test, I can certainly say that the difference is very noticeable. The “oxygenated” smoothie was a bit thicker, foamy, and lighter in color. The FreshVac one was more settled and darker. Any differences in taste were a bit more difficult to detect. I think the FreshVac smoothie felt more satisfying to drink as it went down. I can certainly feel the “air” or foam more with the non-FreshVac one. So, I guess it’s more about the look and feel rather than taste.
Another feature of the FreshVac is that it is supposed to make the blends last longer in the fridge since there is less oxygen in the mix. I must admit that no shake made it past a point where I can say that this is true (although it does make sense). It is also supposed to “trap” in more nutrients.
All in all, I think this is a great tool for the kitchen. I will admit that it is a bit on the pricey side and the FreshVac may seem a little gimmicky (since the taste wasn’t all that enhanced) and adds extra work (some might actually like this), but in the end, it all depends on how much you will be using it. I would recommend it to health enthusiasts and shake/smoothie lovers everywhere.
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Grow your collection of 4K games on this WD External USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive for PS4. The gaming drive's large capacity provides enough room for all your favorite PS4 games, DLC and patches. An included USB 3.0 cable allows you to connect directly to a PlayStation 4/4 Pro console. The sleek, portable design of the drive lets you share your games with friends.
Customer Rating
5
Exactly what my PS4 gaming needed!
on November 20, 2018
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I download a lot of games. A lot. Problem is, I also take forever to finish these games. Not only that, but I like to play multiplayer games and those demand massive amounts of space. So, I keep having to make space for new games and having to go through the agonizing act of deciding which ones have to go. Well, the WD 2TB gaming hard drive has resolved this issue quite nicely. Adding the extra space involves reformatting the hard drive and a bit of tinkering with the PS4 settings and transferring games but in the end, it is quite easy and worth it. Now, I install all my games on the portable HDD and I do not have to worry (as much) about shuffling around games which I may take too long to finish (if ever). I really recommend it, especially if you play multiplayer and like to try every game out there.
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The Bose Smart Speaker 500 delivers wall-to-wall stereo sound from a single wireless smart speaker. Built-in voice control from Amazon Alexa puts songs, playlists, and more at the tip of your tongue. And you have the freedom to control the music your way - with your voice, with a tap on the top controls, or with the Bose app.
Customer Rating
4
Great sound, but needs work.
on November 9, 2018
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Well, this has been a rather difficult review for me. I was looking to see if the Bose® - Home Speaker 500 Wireless with Built-In Amazon Alexa Voice Control would replace my (first gen) Alexa smart speaker. While there are many good points, there are also some features that missed the mark in my opinion, but I will get into that in a bit. First things first: I appreciated that the speaker was packaged in a rather minimalistic fashion. Perhaps it is because only the speaker, papers and power cord come in the box and nothing else. The speaker is rather pleasing to the eye and feels like a luxury item. It is heavy coming in over 4.5 lbs. Although setting up requires downloading an app on your smartphone, this was a simple task. From this Bose Music App, you can set up the Wi-Fi, activate Alexa as well as other music/sound platforms. You can also use this speaker with the usual Bluetooth connectivity and even through an auxiliary input.
I tried Bluetooth first. It was easy to pair. I will talk about the sound quality in a bit. Then I tried the AUX with my PC and it worked just as expected.
Then, I tried the main feature: Alexa. The speaker does pick up my voice from over 15 ft. and I do not have to repeat myself too much. The “smart” Alexa capabilities were there such as weather, traffic, trivia, alarms, etc. However, one thing that really disappointed me was that Alexa does not play any other sound platform except Amazon Prime Music by command, as with the original, which limits this feature tremendously. In order to access Spotify, iHeart, Pandora and other sound platforms, I had to go to the app. Even more disappointing was that, in order to listen to my podcasts and even audiobooks through Audible (an Amazon platform!), I had to listen via Bluetooth or AUX; defeating the voice commands capability completely.
The LCD screen, while being neat, is small with a low resolution and blurry making it useless at a few feet. The speaker has hepatic buttons on top that let you control volume, microphone, tracks, Bluetooth and custom presets (that can only be set through the app).
Now let’s talk about sound. This speaker is many times better than the original speaker I had. While it will not satisfy some audiophiles out there, the sound is rather rich and clear. Now, instead of having a 360° speaker system, BOSE went with a stereo system (left/right speakers) which gives a nice separation from left to right channels and gives the sound much more depth. The volume can get rather high quickly, although going over 60% the sound became a bit distorted at times, with certain music. I ended up enjoying it immensely at about 20%. The sound alone may be the reason why someone would choose this product. However, I do have to say that I have a Bluetooth speaker box from another company that sounds much better in comparison and that is half the price with a Dot hooked up to it.
So, taking in consideration its value and at this range, it makes it very difficult for me to truly reconcile between the price tag, the great sound and what feels like features and software that are a “work in progress”. At this point, the BOSE 500 might as well be a very expensive Bluetooth speaker with some Alexa capabilities -not exactly a “smart” device. All I am saying is that there may be options out there that give the same or better sound quality through Bluetooth (or with a Dot). I really do hope that the features get updated and expanded in the future (Airplay may be coming soon) to make this a truly compelling “smart” device. I'd still recommend it if you love Bose's quality, have Amazon Prime Music and do not mind using your phone for other options/features (3.5 stars).
I tried Bluetooth first. It was easy to pair. I will talk about the sound quality in a bit. Then I tried the AUX with my PC and it worked just as expected.
Then, I tried the main feature: Alexa. The speaker does pick up my voice from over 15 ft. and I do not have to repeat myself too much. The “smart” Alexa capabilities were there such as weather, traffic, trivia, alarms, etc. However, one thing that really disappointed me was that Alexa does not play any other sound platform except Amazon Prime Music by command, as with the original, which limits this feature tremendously. In order to access Spotify, iHeart, Pandora and other sound platforms, I had to go to the app. Even more disappointing was that, in order to listen to my podcasts and even audiobooks through Audible (an Amazon platform!), I had to listen via Bluetooth or AUX; defeating the voice commands capability completely.
The LCD screen, while being neat, is small with a low resolution and blurry making it useless at a few feet. The speaker has hepatic buttons on top that let you control volume, microphone, tracks, Bluetooth and custom presets (that can only be set through the app).
Now let’s talk about sound. This speaker is many times better than the original speaker I had. While it will not satisfy some audiophiles out there, the sound is rather rich and clear. Now, instead of having a 360° speaker system, BOSE went with a stereo system (left/right speakers) which gives a nice separation from left to right channels and gives the sound much more depth. The volume can get rather high quickly, although going over 60% the sound became a bit distorted at times, with certain music. I ended up enjoying it immensely at about 20%. The sound alone may be the reason why someone would choose this product. However, I do have to say that I have a Bluetooth speaker box from another company that sounds much better in comparison and that is half the price with a Dot hooked up to it.
So, taking in consideration its value and at this range, it makes it very difficult for me to truly reconcile between the price tag, the great sound and what feels like features and software that are a “work in progress”. At this point, the BOSE 500 might as well be a very expensive Bluetooth speaker with some Alexa capabilities -not exactly a “smart” device. All I am saying is that there may be options out there that give the same or better sound quality through Bluetooth (or with a Dot). I really do hope that the features get updated and expanded in the future (Airplay may be coming soon) to make this a truly compelling “smart” device. I'd still recommend it if you love Bose's quality, have Amazon Prime Music and do not mind using your phone for other options/features (3.5 stars).
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The Shark Rocket Self-Cleaning Brushroll Corded Stick VacuumShark has created a self-cleaning brushroll that delivers nonstop hair removal. Add that to an ultra-lightweight vacuum with floor-to-ceiling versatility and an XL dust cup, and you�ve got the Shark Rocket Self-Cleaning Brushroll Corded Stick Vacuum.
Customer Rating
5
Sad to say goodbye to the good ol' broom...
on October 30, 2018
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
To be frank, I have only used a dust buster and broom in my home until now. So, my opinion comes from someone that really has not had much experience in using vacuums (the dust buster does not really count, in my opinion). Upon opening the box, my first impression is that there were many parts to be put together. I generally dislike figuring things out and having to follow long or complicated instructions. However, to my surprise, it turns out that I did not even need the instructions. The parts were easy to identify and made sense when finding out what went into what. All parts fit nicely and cleanly, with a satisfying click or tightness. Well, I began using the long tube and slim head first to get to some places and crevices that have always been a problem for me. The vacuum itself is not heavy at all so carrying and maneuvering around on one hand, was not an issue. The suction is rather strong and consistent. Next, I tried the pet-brush tool on an old couch that my chihuahua uses a lot and I had pretty good results. I only struggled a bit on deep corners, but the vacuum took care of all visible hair (my pup is white, and the couch is dark brown). Then, I used the long neck tool and cleaned under the TV stand, couches and dressers. While one may still have to duck and sometimes get on all fours, cleaning was so much easier than using the good ol’ broom. That’s a big plus. Using it in the traditional vacuum mode, it works very well. It picks up everything and sure beats kicking dust around. It has pretty good mobility and worked well on my area rugs. Lastly, I even used the pet-brush to clean the top-side of the ceiling fans and my desktop PC’s fans! Cleaning and emptying the dust reservoir and system is very simple and does not really create any mess. Overall, although I will miss the movement of a regular broom and dustpan, it looks like they will be replaced by the SHARK - Rocket Zero-M ZS352 Bagless Pet Handheld/Stick Vacuum. This is definitely an easy recommendation for me.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience the future of audio with this Samsung Atmos sound bar. The 13 speakers, 5.1.2-channel surround sound and Dolby Atmos technology provide a next-generation audio experience that you have to hear to believe. The included remote and compatibility with Amazon Alexa offer multiple options for controlling this Samsung Atmos sound bar.
Customer Rating
4
An awesome experience! -at a price. 4.5 Stars!
on October 15, 2018
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Having had a bit of experience with soundbars -I have one for every TV and even one for my PC, this is my first experience with one featuring Dolby ATMOS and DTX:X sound. Upon opening the rather large box it came in, I realized this thing is huge! It measures 48.27" x 3.27" x 5.35". It is also very heavy coming in at a whopping 20lbs! The build is typical of most Samsung devices; it radiates high quality. It features a dark metal grill chassis that is nice to the touch. It comes with a wireless subwoofer that is also large. It measures 8.01" x 15.75" x 16.36" and it weighs over 21 lbs. I was a bit worried about how it would sit in front of my TV, which is a meager 50” class. Well, I was not wrong. It certainly stands out quite a bit and goes beyond the width dimensions of my TV, but thankfully not beyond my stand. Visually, it bugged me at first. I could not sit or lay on the floor (which I do a lot) and watch TV because the soundbar would obstruct the view a little bit. Also, it makes me think that I probably need a bigger TV (which I do not). This soundbar comes with mounting gear but since I rent, I cannot mount anything on the walls except frames.
Setting it up was a breeze. I easily connected it to my XBOX ONE X and my PS4PRO going through the ARC connection to my 4KHDR TV. They all work well except my PS4PRO, which I haven’t figured out how to make the HDR be recognized, which is a bummer. The remote is nice and it makes it easy to navigate between settings. Once I got past this I decided to concentrate on the most important aspect: Sound.
I first tried using my smart TV’s feed, which is connected through the optical digital connection. The sound was outstanding! It came in very clear and loud; too loud in fact. I had it at 10% and it was way more than needed. Every sound was very distinctive, and the sound separation was easily noticeable (left-right-center). I played with several settings but ended up on SMART. Some soundbars drown vocals but not this one. The subwoofer, which I placed on the other side of the room, underneath a bench, gave a booming, powerful fulfilling bass that was not overwhelming and pristine.
Next, I paired it with my Samsung NOTE 8 and played music. I thoroughly enjoyed the outcome. All frequencies -low, high and mids, were clear and did not drown or blurred each other. Every beat was punchy no matter the genre. Vocals and classical music were exceptional.
Then I decided to test the selling point: ATMOS. I set up my XBOX ONE X for ATMOS output and the bar recognized it right away. To test it, I played a couple of titles from Netflix that feature ATMOS (unfortunately not many are available). At first play, I was immediately enthralled. The sound was AMAZING. Sound really seemed to come alive and excitingly from all sides. However, during extended listening and paying attention, I did notice that the ATMOS directional sound from the top was missing or barely noticeable. I raised the levels for the front up-firing speakers and it still was a bit hard to recognize. My living room is rather small and seemed like the perfect environment for directional-sound reproductions, so I was a bit underwhelmed. So I put in Ready Player One in 4KHDR which is one of the most recommended films for experiencing ATMOS. This time around, the over-head sound was much more noticeable -not as much as Samsung claims, but noticeable none the less. You almost feel like you are in the theater. I also played Gears of War 4, which features ATMOS and the direction of the sound was very well done. There were a couple of moments when the sound did make me turn around. My take is that ATMOS is highly dependent on the source material -some are better coded than others which can be hit-or-miss.
One more thing, I bought the Samsung wireless rear speakers SWA-9000S which I did not factor in this review. I simply recommend them if you want a more complete experience -however, you must be willing to fork up another $100. In the end, I am very happy with the overall sound. Seems that Samsung made a great decision in pairing up with Harman/Kardon. Although the bar may be too big and ATMOS may not yet be ready technologically, this soundbar does provide a very unique experience -at a price. Not perfect so I'd give it a sure 4.5 if I could.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Revolutionize your cooking with this Sharp Superheated steam countertop oven. Combining the power of super-heated steam and traditional radiant heating, it crisps and browns the outside of your food while leaving the inside moist and cooked to perfection. This 1750W design requires no preheating or defrosting either. This Sharp Superheated steam countertop oven includes a broiler pan and crisper tray for easy convenience.
Customer Rating
4
Very versatile and easy to use!
on October 8, 2018
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
So, it’s been a while since I received the Sharp SuperSteam Toaster/Pizza Oven and I’ve had a chance to use in several ways. At first glance, I must say that this oven is very good looking. It features a stainless-steel body with chrome accents. It does not have a lot of buttons or dials -just a selector knob, a digital clock/timer display and a tab for the water reservoir (more of that later) and of course a door handle. It goes well with my stainless-steel stove, dishwasher, and fridge. This finish is a fingerprint magnet though and must be cleaned often. It is big (19.7x18.9x9.3) and it takes a big portion of the counter (where the old toaster used to be). Also, it is heavy (almost 25lbs.). It comes with a broil and a grill pan. The oven can accommodate a 12” pizza so it does have some room when it comes to width. However, its height may be on the short side, and that can affect some recipes (baking a loaf of bread?). This oven is super easy to use per the included instructions. While it is versatile, it does not have too many options, which I appreciate. All you need to do is add water to the reservoir before using it, select the tray that’s needed, select the option (bake/reheat, broil/grill, pizza, toast and warm), time (if needed) and temperature (again, if needed). No need to warm up -it’s instant! All options are easily selectable by using the dial knob, select button, and start button. But how does it actually perform? Well, to be honest, I had mostly good results along with some mixed ones as well (no bad ones). Following their included recipe book, I started with the easiest of things: quesadillas. The time calls for 8 minutes, however, I had to readjust the time as the cheese did melt immediately, leaving the tortilla too soft (I like them a bit crispy). This is when I noticed a pretty big issue. To check the food (the window is small, by the way), one must take the entire tray out. That’s right; one cannot take the tray halfway without holding it with one oven mitten and this can make it awkward (and potentially unsafe) to handle. I had to transfer the pan to the stove, flip the quesadillas and return it to the oven. In the end, they came out well -although it did take much longer than anticipated. Next, I tried the toast feature. Dealing with regular toast, it did a decent job (although my toaster does a bit of a better job). However, when I tried baking biscuits, the result was amazing. The outside part was crunchy and the inside very moist and soft. Then, I tried some chicken with veggies. I also loved the results as the meat was not dry and the veggies came out nicely broiled and moist. Again, one thing to consider is that you must get used to the timing as it differs greatly from what’s recommended in the cooking book. You must check on it constantly. The last thing I been using it for is reheating my food. It is just as good as a microwave (albeit not as fast) without the electronic radiation (if that’s your concern). It warms things up evenly. I did reheat regular white rice with some sprinkled water and it did a very decent job, almost making it seem as if the rice was recently cooked. Another thing to remember is to clean the drip pan that is located on the bottom after every use. And never, ever forget to add water to the reservoir before use -every time! Cleaning it is a breeze. In the end, this is a very versatile oven. It does well what it is designed to do with some getting used to. Although I’m very concerned about the issue with handling the pans when checking the food, I hope that the next generation will fix this with a way to rest the pan and allowing for both hands to be used. Overall, I would still recommend it -especially if you are looking for an alternative to microwaving and having a dedicated toaster as well as its ease of use.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Soundcore Life Tune XR are active noise cancelling headphones with Hi-Res Certified sound. The Multi-Mode noise cancellation technology detects and cancels out exterior noise. Use for calls with the dual microphones and have long, 60 hour listening sessions due to the long battery life and comfortable earcups.
Hi - How is the sound quality conducting phone calls? Do the headphones work well with Landline phones? thx
I found them reasonable. They may not be the best, but I never had a call drop or become garbled. I will say that they do pick some ambient sound outdoors. Hope that helps!
3 years, 1 month ago
by
insomniak1
Indy ANC is the pinnacle of our Indy true wireless family. In other words, they’re loaded with the latest technology. With everything from touch controls to premium Active Noise Canceling to Personal Sound tuning to wireless charging, these are the perfect choice for those of you who like to have it all.
Are these noise canceling? Doesn’t specify that in the description.
Yes. ANC = Active Noise Cancellation. It works rather well for me!
3 years, 4 months ago
by
insomniak1
Indy ANC is the pinnacle of our Indy true wireless family. In other words, they’re loaded with the latest technology. With everything from touch controls to premium Active Noise Canceling to Personal Sound tuning to wireless charging, these are the perfect choice for those of you who like to have it all.
are these only for phones can they be used for TV's
Yes, if your TV has Bluetooth capabilities like mine, sure!
3 years, 4 months ago
by
insomniak1
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Can you switch out of S mode on Surface Laptop Go?
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Does the screen detach
No. This is a true laptop with a clam form factor.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
insomniak1
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
Does this computer have USB ports
Yes. It has 1 USB-C and 1 legacy USB-A. Hope that helps!
3 years, 7 months ago
by
insomniak1
The ROCCAT® Elo 7.1 Air Wireless Surround Sound PC Gaming Headset with 24hr Battery Life and AIMO RGB Lighting boasts ROCCAT’s Stellar Wireless technology for data transmission as reliable as wired and a battery life that lasts the typical gamer over a week thanks to a 24-hour rechargeable battery. Gone are the days of compromising when going wireless, as the Elo 7.1 Air marks a new dawn for cable-free gameplay with its impressive feature set. Its 7.1 surround sound is powered by precision-tuned 50mm Neodymium drivers and features Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing® technology - proven to improve your gameplay by 40%. Superior memory foam and a self-adjusting metal headband give you a unique, weightless fit that’s full of style thanks to RGB AIMO lighting. The removable TruSpeak™ mic completes the package of a high-end wireless gaming headset. ROCCAT takes unique advantage of exclusive technologies as a proud member of the Turtle Beach® family including Superhuman Hearing®, ProSpecs™ Glasses Friendly Design and a TruSpeak™ microphone.
Ps4 compatible??
I actually tried them on my PS4 Pro and they actually worked! HOWEVER, the volume is set way too low and cannot be changed...
3 years, 7 months ago
by
insomniak1
The ROCCAT® Elo 7.1 Air Wireless Surround Sound PC Gaming Headset with 24hr Battery Life and AIMO RGB Lighting boasts ROCCAT’s Stellar Wireless technology for data transmission as reliable as wired and a battery life that lasts the typical gamer over a week thanks to a 24-hour rechargeable battery. Gone are the days of compromising when going wireless, as the Elo 7.1 Air marks a new dawn for cable-free gameplay with its impressive feature set. Its 7.1 surround sound is powered by precision-tuned 50mm Neodymium drivers and features Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing® technology - proven to improve your gameplay by 40%. Superior memory foam and a self-adjusting metal headband give you a unique, weightless fit that’s full of style thanks to RGB AIMO lighting. The removable TruSpeak™ mic completes the package of a high-end wireless gaming headset. ROCCAT takes unique advantage of exclusive technologies as a proud member of the Turtle Beach® family including Superhuman Hearing®, ProSpecs™ Glasses Friendly Design and a TruSpeak™ microphone.
Will this work with the Xbox one x?
Great question! I went to check myself, and sadly, they do not work at all... The Xbox One X won't pick them up at all. It would've been cool if they did!
3 years, 7 months ago
by
insomniak1
Bring your A-game anytime, anywhere. Introducing a universal mobile gaming controller that fits most smartphone devices, designed to bring console-level control to your on-the-go gaming. With this controller by your side, wherever you go, victory will follow.
Does it fit note 10 plus?
Enjoy crisp, powerful sound while gaming with these JLab Play wireless earbuds. The rechargeable lithium-polymer battery delivers more than 11 hours of use on a single charge, and an in-line gaming microphone captures your voice clearly for smooth communication with teammates. These JLab Play wireless earbuds have a magnetic design to prevent falling off your neck while not in use.
can you use these with the ps4?
Oh yes, you can. You have to use the included audio cable, which would go into the PS4’s controller 3.5mm input. Hope this helps!
3 years, 10 months ago
by
insomniak1