insomniak1's stats
- Review count158
- Helpfulness votes526
- First reviewJuly 29, 2015
- Last reviewJune 16, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count42
- Helpfulness votes50
- First answerAugust 9, 2016
- Last answerJanuary 7, 2022
- Featured answers0
- Best answers3
Enjoy the crisp, powerful sound of these Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless earbuds while working out. The Always Aware eartips let you listen in on your surroundings, while the sweatproof and waterproof design helps prevent damage. These Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless earbuds have soft, flexible earloops for a secure, comfortable fit, and the on-ear controls let you answer calls and handle multimedia playback hands-free.
Customer Rating
4
Great for the great outdoors, but in the city...
on November 11, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
The PLT BackBeats 3150 are a very interesting true wireless headset focusing more on the athletic enthusiast who wants to be aware of their surroundings (more on that below). They come in a very sleek package, which includes the charger case, charging cable, a quick start guide, and documentation.
The case/charger is a bit bulkier than what I’m used to. Although easily portable in book bags and purses, it may be too big for most pants’ pockets. It is matte black and fingerprint resistant. It closes with a zipper, which I like because that prevents accidental openings. The case holds the headphones very tightly -so much that I almost have to pry them out, so there should be no worries about them falling out when opening it. The case uses micro-USB for charging, and in 2019 and considering the price, a USB-C should’ve been added, and this is a major disappointment. There is no wireless charging. There’s a button inside to check on battery and pairing, which is displayed by LED lights. Now, the battery life is amazing. The headphones last for about 7-8 hours, which is the highest I have tried so far, and the case provides an additional 16 hours for a total of about 24 hours.
The headphones do look very sportive in my opinion. The side buttons have a cool color-changing effect depending on the light and angle. They feature soft rubber behind-the-ear hooks. The buds have a silicone cover and are designed to rest on the ear canal and not jammed nor plugged in. The buds also have “wing” tips to keep them in place. They resist sweat and minor water splashes.
I found the 3150’s very comfortable. The hooks lay comfortably and securely around the ears and the ear wings keep them from bouncing around. Whether I was walking, running, climbing or tumbling, they never wavered and stayed in place. Since the buds are not plugged into the ear canal, there’s no pressure build-up or experience of “clogged” sound, which is one of my complaints about other earphones. These headphones do not block any ambient sound as they are meant to keep the wearer aware of the surroundings. In this, they hit the mark completely. However, the fact that they do not have any passive noise blocking may be a problem for anyone looking to escape from traffic, commuting or loud crowded places.
Now the most important factor for any headphones, in my opinion, of course, is the sound. I am happy to report that the 3150’s sound great. Even without sealing the ear canal, the bass is rich and punchy. The mid frequencies, such as vocals, can be heard clearly. The highs were loud but never fatiguing. These feature a nice soundstage due to the open design. Overall, the sound signature is pleasant for listening to all kinds of music, podcasts, and even movies. The mic is average in my opinion. It did pick up some ambient noise, but I still was able to carry on a conversation.
In the end, the 3150’s are great if you are looking for good, open sound while being aware of your surroundings. I found this feature perfect when I’m exercising at the park, walking the pooch, at work, or chilling at home. However, I would not recommend them for anyone who’s looking to block out the world, commuting (bus, train), heavy traffic, crowded areas, or any place where music is playing. Being designed specifically with athletes in mind, it’s ironic that I couldn’t use these at the gym where I climb and work out. Still, I found myself reaching for these more often than I thought over the other “sealed” headphones I own.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+6points
7of 8voted this as helpful.
Say goodbye to cords and cables with these Skullcandy Sesh true wireless headphones. Bluetooth technology seamlessly connects to your smartphone, tablet or PC, letting you stream music or take phone calls with the built-in microphone. These water-resistant Skullcandy Sesh true wireless headphones come with a charging case, providing up to an extra 7 hours of listening time.
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I’ve made the transition to full wireless headphones quite some time ago now. So, I’ll be comparing the Sesh with some premium brands that I own. I will keep in mind that these are only $60 MSRP, which are, in some cases, even 4 times less expensive than my other sets.
LOOKS: The Sesh have a very simple design. They feature the Skullcandy logo on them on a soft “gel-coated” matte surface. They are meant to be jammed straight into the ear and do not have any ear-wings or ear hooks. They have a small footprint in the ear. The case/charger is on the bigger side with sharp edges. It has battery LED indicators and a button that tells battery life and can also be used for pairing. It’s not really meant to be in your pockets but in a bag, purse or backpack. The Sesh comes with a micro USB cable for charging (really? no USB-C support?). They also do not come with a power pack or wireless charging, so you must supply your own power source. This might’ve been done to keep the price low, which makes sense.
COMFORT: Now, these are comfortable to an extent. It took about 3-4 hours for me to notice a bit of fatigue on my ears since the headsets do rest a bit on the lower ear canal. I took them off for a few minutes and I was ready again. I ran, jumped, flipped and floor tumbled, and these stayed on without having to adjust them. They did not shake when running, which is one of my biggest issues with some other brands.
FEATURES: The Sesh feature buttons -not touch controls, to play, pause, fast forward, etc. These maneuvers took a bit to get used to but not overly long. The buttons need to be firmly pressed and that can cause the headset to be pushed well into the ear canal, disrupting the listening experience, which can be annoying. The Sesh are rated ip5 which means that they are sweat and even splash resistant. These headphones feature Bluetooth 5.0, which means that they can be paired with virtually all devices. I tried them with my PC, phone and even my Switch (using a dongle) with success. These headphones can maintain a connection for a significant distance and even through a couple of walls around the house. They block most noise passively since the gummies cover the entire ear canal. This is helpful when commuting, at the gym, or at the office since it’s typically crowded, or the music can be loud. As with most gummy headphones, the bad part is that when no sound is playing you get that hollow noise effect which can get distracting, especially when drinking, eating or chewing gum. There is no sound-through feature so, in order to be aware of your surroundings or talk to someone, you must take one headphone out and pause the music. The battery lasted about 3.5 hours on medium volume and it takes about 1 hour to fully charge them via the case, which can provide about 2.5 charges. This should give them about 10-11 hours of life without plugging them to a wall. This is one of the biggest let-downs, especially if you use headsets for long periods at a time. Again, let’s keep it in mind that this are just $60.
SOUND: Although this is highly subjective, I am very pleased with their signature. They are certainly bass-heavy (as most Skullcandy headphones are). The bass is very punchy and powerful, leaning on overriding the other frequencies at times. I considered this as a benefit when it came to EDM, movies, podcasts and pop music listening. The mid frequencies seem somewhat recessed. However, the highs are where they are supposed to be. The soundstage was on the smaller side, but the stereo was noticeable. The best way I can describe the sound signature would be exciting – although certainly not for high fidelity music playback or editing.
CONCLUSION: Based on all these thoughts, I think I really do like them -from the design, to comfort, to the sound quality. You can see where some features might be missing to lower cost, such as having no USB-C connectivity, no wireless charging and a very low lasting battery life. They are certainly not perfect, but the value here is still undeniable. If you are looking to test going fully wireless, or price is a concern, I would highly recommend the Skullcandy Sesh’s. In fact, they might even be great as a second pair to have around!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+30points
33of 36voted this as helpful.
The ROCCAT Kain 200 AIMO Wireless RGB Gaming Mouse features a comfortable ergonomic shape and Titan Click technology for vastly improved click balance and precision. The accurate ROCCAT Owl-Eye optical sensor is adjustable up to 16,000dpi and lets you achieve perfect tracking. Its long-life battery is optimized to perform for up to 50 hours on a single full charge. The AIMO illumination eco-system provides RGB lighting and LED effects customizable in 16.8 million distinct colors.
Customer Rating
5
Can it replace my wired gaming mouse?
on October 24, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Typically, I reserve my gaming to high-response and accurate wired mice, especially when playing competitive first-person shooters (FPS) such as CS:GO. I need to make sure that the pointer is right where I want it when I want it and cannot afford hiccups or lag. I have had bad experiences before with wireless mice, so I reserve them for productivity purposes only.
Keeping that in mind, let’s look at the ROCCAT Kain 200 AIMO Wireless mouse. It is a very light mouse indeed coming in at 105g or 3.7oz. This is a bit strange to me because my mice, especially the wireless ones, are usually 3 times heavier. This is because I want my mouse to stay where I leave it when typing and moving the table. It also gives me a sense of security in my hands. The weightless feeling is emphasized even more because there is no cable to cause drag, which can be fixed by attaching the micro-USB cable instead, but that would defeat the purpose. Another concern for me would be to know how resistant it would be if I dropped it from the table into the hard floor (gasp!).
As far as shape and design, The KAIN 200 is on the small side and the body sleek and smooth. However, I felt fairly comfortable and ergonomic in my hand. My palm and fingers rested fully on top. The body does feel a bit slippery and this caused the mouse to drop a couple of times when I picked it up repeatedly, especially since I do not usually engage my thumb while grabbing mice. I tend to use a full extended grip, as opposed to a claw grip. The clicking felt satisfying and responsive regardless of the finger position. The mouse felt great when it came to gliding across and friction. It really did feel like I was just “waving” my hand around the mouse pad. The RGB is also very bright on this one. I had to tone it down with the ROCCAT Swarm App and made it match my RGB system preferences very nicely.
Let’s talk about performance. I am very pleased to say that this mouse performed excellently. From the flexible DPI, to the response time, to the unbroken wireless connection, it never did cause any issues whatsoever. Once I got used to it (and it did take some time), it felt very intuitive to just flick my wrist and have the pointer right where I needed it. I fired up CS:GO, adjusted the DPI, and did rather better than expected. Then, I played some MOBAs and MMOs, clicked furiously all over the place without any missing clicks and gliding across the maps was a breeze. It performed well on the productivity side also. Selecting, double-clicking, dragging/dropping, etc. worked as expected. The battery lasted all weekend long and I still have about 50% charge left, which by the way, is rechargeable via the included USB micro cable (it doubles up as a transmitter/extender). I was certainly not disappointed.
In the end, I was pleasantly surprised with the ROCCAT Kain 200 AIMO. After spending the whole weekend using this mouse, I tried going back to my favorite wired one and it felt rather heavy and clunky. Plus, I could not stop being so weirdly aware of the cord being dragged around. I would highly recommend it, especially if you are used to light mice and are looking for a high-end wireless alternative.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Enjoy crisp powerful sound while gaming with this Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero wireless PC gaming headset. The rechargeable battery offers up to 30 hours of use, and the remappable on-ear controls let you adjust settings as needed. This Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero wireless PC gaming headset has a sleek metal headband and interchangeable cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions that provide a comfortable, secure fit.
Customer Rating
5
A worthy replacement to wired gaming headsets.
on October 9, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I have a gaming PC hooked up to my 4K TV. My audio setup includes a wired headset that reaches all the way to the seating area. I have gotten quite used to dealing with the long wire as the headphones are top-notch in sound quality. With that to compare, I gave the Turtle Beach Elite Aero Wireless cans a try.
First, of all, they came in premium packaging. My first impression was that these were very well built and seem to be a quality product. They do look nice in black and are not pretentious at all. There are a couple of parts such as the hinges that only time will tell if they last or not (I put on/take off my headsets quite often during a gaming session). The earpads are large and are a combination of faux leather and soft fabric. They also came with simple instructions and warranty papers as well as cord attachments and a detachable microphone.
As far as comfort, the headband features a flexible metal top with a suspended fabric band that sits softly on the head. The earpads have a breathable fabric that prevents the ears from overheating. To test long-time comfort, I had to force myself to wear them while watching a movie. Although not very heavy, my head did become a bit fatigued after a couple of hours. In the end, I think they are comfortable enough and if fatigue shows up, simply take them off for 5 minutes and continue.
Setting them up is as easy as plugging in the wireless receiver. This headset features on-ear buttons to control power and the “superhuman” sound. There is also a rocker for volume and another for mic/game volume. They are easy to access, quick to get used to and work as intended. They can also be mapped to different features with an app from TB.
I did experience connection issues a few times even though the transmitter was in direct line of sight without any physical interference. The range is also a bit small since walking away for about 10ft caused connection loss. So that was a bit disappointing for a wireless headset.
Now, I consider the most important feature of any headset to be the sound. Out of the box, the Elite Aero features the classic Turtle Beach sound -a bit heavy on the bass, with the accent on the high frequency. This makes listening to action movies, videogames and pop/electronic music powerful and exciting. The bass, while being the strongest feature, is not overwhelming and is punchy. Activating the “Superhuman hearing” button basically brings out the mid frequencies and tones down the bass so that small sounds are picked up easier. This is great in some first-person shooters and non-action movies, but it varies in accuracy and might lessen the “excitement”. It did work great in WoW, especially in the forest.
The microphone works well and is clear enough in-game and during Skype and Discord calls. However, it is nothing to rave about.
Speaking of sound signatures, I downloaded and used the Turtle beach Control Studio. Basically, it is an app that allows for the full optimization of the Elite Atlas Aero. From the mapping of the buttons to the sound boost, to the sound “enhancements”, it does heighten the experience for sure. The most important feature for a gaming headset is the “3D Audio”. This has been done before, and this app, although not as dramatic, does this rather well.
In the end, I do like the Elite Atlas Aero enough to replace my wired headsets. The wireless feature feels liberating (albeit some connection hiccups here and there) and the sound, while not as good as high-grade cans, is enjoyable enough -especially if tuned with the Control Studio app.
At this price range, I would rate this headset a 4.5, however, as I see it, it is closer to a 5. I certainly recommend checking the TB Elite Atlas Aero.
First, of all, they came in premium packaging. My first impression was that these were very well built and seem to be a quality product. They do look nice in black and are not pretentious at all. There are a couple of parts such as the hinges that only time will tell if they last or not (I put on/take off my headsets quite often during a gaming session). The earpads are large and are a combination of faux leather and soft fabric. They also came with simple instructions and warranty papers as well as cord attachments and a detachable microphone.
As far as comfort, the headband features a flexible metal top with a suspended fabric band that sits softly on the head. The earpads have a breathable fabric that prevents the ears from overheating. To test long-time comfort, I had to force myself to wear them while watching a movie. Although not very heavy, my head did become a bit fatigued after a couple of hours. In the end, I think they are comfortable enough and if fatigue shows up, simply take them off for 5 minutes and continue.
Setting them up is as easy as plugging in the wireless receiver. This headset features on-ear buttons to control power and the “superhuman” sound. There is also a rocker for volume and another for mic/game volume. They are easy to access, quick to get used to and work as intended. They can also be mapped to different features with an app from TB.
I did experience connection issues a few times even though the transmitter was in direct line of sight without any physical interference. The range is also a bit small since walking away for about 10ft caused connection loss. So that was a bit disappointing for a wireless headset.
Now, I consider the most important feature of any headset to be the sound. Out of the box, the Elite Aero features the classic Turtle Beach sound -a bit heavy on the bass, with the accent on the high frequency. This makes listening to action movies, videogames and pop/electronic music powerful and exciting. The bass, while being the strongest feature, is not overwhelming and is punchy. Activating the “Superhuman hearing” button basically brings out the mid frequencies and tones down the bass so that small sounds are picked up easier. This is great in some first-person shooters and non-action movies, but it varies in accuracy and might lessen the “excitement”. It did work great in WoW, especially in the forest.
The microphone works well and is clear enough in-game and during Skype and Discord calls. However, it is nothing to rave about.
Speaking of sound signatures, I downloaded and used the Turtle beach Control Studio. Basically, it is an app that allows for the full optimization of the Elite Atlas Aero. From the mapping of the buttons to the sound boost, to the sound “enhancements”, it does heighten the experience for sure. The most important feature for a gaming headset is the “3D Audio”. This has been done before, and this app, although not as dramatic, does this rather well.
In the end, I do like the Elite Atlas Aero enough to replace my wired headsets. The wireless feature feels liberating (albeit some connection hiccups here and there) and the sound, while not as good as high-grade cans, is enjoyable enough -especially if tuned with the Control Studio app.
At this price range, I would rate this headset a 4.5, however, as I see it, it is closer to a 5. I certainly recommend checking the TB Elite Atlas Aero.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Connect a MacBook, Chromebook or laptop with a USB-C port to devices with a standard USB port with the Platinum USB-C to USB adapter. The adapter is fully plug and play, compact and supports fast 5 Gigabit transfer speeds. The premium housing ensures durability while providing a sophisticated appearance.
Customer Rating
5
Great portability, great performace.
on October 6, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
This is a beautiful USB-A to USB-C adapter. It is rather slick and feels well-constructed. It is extremely easy to use; simply plug it and use it. There are no drivers to install. I used it to charge and use my USB headphones through my laptop’s USB-C port. No problem there at all. The sound and voice quality was not affected. I also used it to connect my Android phone, which has a USB-C port only, to connect it to my desktop and move data back and forth. The speed depends on the device and not the adapter of course, however, it was more than acceptable. To test the speed, I used a portable SSD rated at 1050MB/s to transfer big video files and that worked wonderfully. The last test was installing and playing triple-A games directly from the SSD. I am happy to report that there were no extra loading times or hiccups.
If there was anything to criticize, it would be its biggest strength: the adapter is so small that it must be kept in a secure case or place or risk losing it. I almost forgot that I left in my pants’ pockets until I needed it. I would not leave it in the laptop’s port as it protrudes a bit too much and that could damage the port and/or adapter. I wish it would have come with a case with a chain, but that would also affect its price point and portability. This is definitely not a deal-breaker; it is just something to consider.
In the end, I would still recommend the Platinum USB-C to USB-A adapter, especially if you have a laptop that only has a USB-C input/output or have a fast portable SSD that could benefit from the adapter’s 5 Gbps speed. It is cool-looking, easy to use, and at this price, an almost no-brainer.
If there was anything to criticize, it would be its biggest strength: the adapter is so small that it must be kept in a secure case or place or risk losing it. I almost forgot that I left in my pants’ pockets until I needed it. I would not leave it in the laptop’s port as it protrudes a bit too much and that could damage the port and/or adapter. I wish it would have come with a case with a chain, but that would also affect its price point and portability. This is definitely not a deal-breaker; it is just something to consider.
In the end, I would still recommend the Platinum USB-C to USB-A adapter, especially if you have a laptop that only has a USB-C input/output or have a fast portable SSD that could benefit from the adapter’s 5 Gbps speed. It is cool-looking, easy to use, and at this price, an almost no-brainer.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Charge a MacBook, Chromebook or laptop with a USB-C port with the Platinum 95W 8’ USB-C 3-Port Wall Charger with 87W USB-C Power Delivery for MacBook, iPad, iPhone, Chromebook or USB-C Laptops. Equipped with fast-charging Power Delivery, the charger provides 95 total watts, comes with an 8-foot USB-C cable and has two standard USB ports to charge smartphones, tablets and more.
Customer Rating
4
Great 4.5 Star wall Charger!
on October 2, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Immediately upon opening the Platinum™ 95W USB-C Wall Charger I got Apple feels. The beautiful sleek-white finish of the device and simple design screams quality. The prongs are retractable, and they sit flush while not in use.
The charger is a bit on the large size and on the heavy side (11.7oz). Normally, this would not be an issue. However, because the charger plugs directly into an outlet, it protrudes quite a lot off the wall and creates a bit of over-hang pressure. This worries me a bit because for some reason my house has sideways inlets and when I plugged more than one cable it did come off a couple of times. This may be due to my wall plate, but it did happen, nonetheless. I just had to be a bit careful, that's all. Although it may undermine the compact factor, perhaps having a small cord come out of the charger to plug into the wall would help?
The charger features an LED indicator that tells when it is plugged and ready. This can be helpful but unfortunately, it stays on all the time, and it is rather bright when the lights are turned off for the night. Perhaps it is a little pet peeve of mine, but I had to keep the charger out of the bedroom. I would have liked to see an option to turn it off.
So why did I give it a good score (would’ve been an actual 4.5)? Because it exceeded my powering expectations, that’s why! I was able to successfully plug in my PC laptop with the included USB-C cable, my phone, and Bluetooth headset and power them all at the same time. While not a true power source since the laptop needs 130W for continuous power, the charger kept up with it, extending the use time by more than 30%. And that’s with all the other devices plugged in. I tried other devices such as wireless chargers, ANC headsets, Nintendo Switch, iPad, Android tablet, mini consoles, and portable gaming devices and all were charged or powered as expected. The charger did not overheat at all as other ones I have tried before and that gives me peace of mind that it will not cause any safety concerns.
In the end, I would still recommend this for general use and traveling. Yes, the LED light, size, and weight can be a sore point, but they were not a deal-breaker as I think the positives more than outweigh the negatives. Good job Platinum!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
The Shark Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum combines powerful suction and a self-cleaning brushroll with PowerFins to clean floors and carpets with no hair wrap. Lightweight design and a removable hand vacuum allow cleaning from floor to ceiling.
Customer Rating
4
Light, flexible and cool looking!
on September 23, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Coming from using a full-size vacuum as my primary cleaning device, and using a small hand handled dustbuster, I must say that the Shark - Rocket Cordless Vacuum really did come as a welcomed surprise.
At first glance, the vacuum looks like a futuristic weapon from some sci-fi show. It looks to me pretty friggin’ cool. I thought it seemed a bit bulky and heavy. However, after handling it that impression immediately changed. The magenta color is also very nice.
The vacuum features a battery indicator and plugging it is easy. I would have liked that a wall mount kit was included as I had to lay it on the side. This may not be an issue if you leave the floor attachments on the main unit, and leave it standing.
The removable accessories are intuitive to use as I did not even have to look at the instructions to know how to attach them and/or remove them. These accessories click in place with a satisfactory sound and feel very secure.
The first test was using the vacuum with the small attachment on “floor” setting, which can be selected from the on/off switch. It was powerful enough on the normal setting in picking up dust, dust balls, and small debris from most smooth surfaces. When I went to clean between the radiator rungs, I had to pull a trigger, which activates “boost mode”. This feels very cool, I must say. Thus, I was able to get in there and suck the webs and dust out of these hard-to-reach areas.
Then, I tried it on the couch where my Chihuahua pup hangs around and on his bed. I used the included brush and in the “carpet” setting. I usually have a lot of trouble getting the hair out because it’s small and gets deep into the fabric. Although not perfect, the vacuum performed better than expected. I simply used a tape roller to get the rest out.
Then, I put on the long vacuum nozzle and used it on an area rug that gets a lot of dog and human hair (I use it for calisthenics) and again, although not perfect, it did the job satisfactorily. I appreciated the LED lights when vacuuming under the furniture. The self-cleaning feature seemed to work as advertised.
Emptying the dirt canister was simple and clean. Just pull on the ejector and all the nasty stuff simply drops into the garbage can. I would still recommend keeping close to the can’s opening as dust can go all over the place, especially if there is a draft or ceiling fan on.
One big disappointment is that the power does not last long -especially if you engage the “boost” trigger often and/or use the carpet nozzle. I ended up cutting my cleaning session short a couple of times to charge the unit. On average, it lasted me about a half-hour based on my own way of using the unit. So, I’d say cleaning in emergencies or specific areas is the best application for this unit in my opinion.
Will this replace my full-fledge corded vacuum cleaner? No. I need the power and assurance that I can get my cleaning done uninterrupted. However, it is an excellent replacement for my hand-held small dust buster unit. It is super easy to use, flexible, weights little, and it is easy to handle -even on one hand. Oh, and did I mention that it worked great on my car’s interior (although I had to do it in two parts)?
In the end, I would highly recommend the Shark Rocket Cordless Vacuum for anyone that does not want a full-size cleaner, has a small(ish) apartment, own a pet, or is simply looking for a secondary, flexible, cordless vacuum device.
At first glance, the vacuum looks like a futuristic weapon from some sci-fi show. It looks to me pretty friggin’ cool. I thought it seemed a bit bulky and heavy. However, after handling it that impression immediately changed. The magenta color is also very nice.
The vacuum features a battery indicator and plugging it is easy. I would have liked that a wall mount kit was included as I had to lay it on the side. This may not be an issue if you leave the floor attachments on the main unit, and leave it standing.
The removable accessories are intuitive to use as I did not even have to look at the instructions to know how to attach them and/or remove them. These accessories click in place with a satisfactory sound and feel very secure.
The first test was using the vacuum with the small attachment on “floor” setting, which can be selected from the on/off switch. It was powerful enough on the normal setting in picking up dust, dust balls, and small debris from most smooth surfaces. When I went to clean between the radiator rungs, I had to pull a trigger, which activates “boost mode”. This feels very cool, I must say. Thus, I was able to get in there and suck the webs and dust out of these hard-to-reach areas.
Then, I tried it on the couch where my Chihuahua pup hangs around and on his bed. I used the included brush and in the “carpet” setting. I usually have a lot of trouble getting the hair out because it’s small and gets deep into the fabric. Although not perfect, the vacuum performed better than expected. I simply used a tape roller to get the rest out.
Then, I put on the long vacuum nozzle and used it on an area rug that gets a lot of dog and human hair (I use it for calisthenics) and again, although not perfect, it did the job satisfactorily. I appreciated the LED lights when vacuuming under the furniture. The self-cleaning feature seemed to work as advertised.
Emptying the dirt canister was simple and clean. Just pull on the ejector and all the nasty stuff simply drops into the garbage can. I would still recommend keeping close to the can’s opening as dust can go all over the place, especially if there is a draft or ceiling fan on.
One big disappointment is that the power does not last long -especially if you engage the “boost” trigger often and/or use the carpet nozzle. I ended up cutting my cleaning session short a couple of times to charge the unit. On average, it lasted me about a half-hour based on my own way of using the unit. So, I’d say cleaning in emergencies or specific areas is the best application for this unit in my opinion.
Will this replace my full-fledge corded vacuum cleaner? No. I need the power and assurance that I can get my cleaning done uninterrupted. However, it is an excellent replacement for my hand-held small dust buster unit. It is super easy to use, flexible, weights little, and it is easy to handle -even on one hand. Oh, and did I mention that it worked great on my car’s interior (although I had to do it in two parts)?
In the end, I would highly recommend the Shark Rocket Cordless Vacuum for anyone that does not want a full-size cleaner, has a small(ish) apartment, own a pet, or is simply looking for a secondary, flexible, cordless vacuum device.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Find the best fishing spots with this PowerDolphin Wizard water drone. The included PowerSeeker gives you data on water conditions, and the BaitBox function lets you drop bait to attract fish. This PowerDolphin Wizard water drone has a 4K UHD camera that captures stunning footage and quickly switches between above and underwater modes.
Customer Rating
4
Great fun when finally got it to work.
on August 1, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
I have some experience with aerial drones, so I was eager to try the PowerVision Powerdolphin.
The Powerdolphin came well packed and secure in the box. It comes with a battery, power adapter and cords, spare propellers, 2 nylon bags (one for the drone and one for the controller), and documents. On the first impression, it seems well built, bigger than I expected and a bit clunky (large and bulky), but manageable. It was relatively easy to assemble following the quick-start guide. It was easy to register and connect to the app. I do recommend checking the video tutorials on their YouTube channel to make things easier.
Once in the app, things became difficult and frustrating. It was unclear what settings need to be set to begin using it. I kept receiving an error message that would prevent me from being able to engage the propellers and took me a while to realize how to calibrate the GPS.
Ultimately, it was a disappointment when I first tried it as I was not able to get it to work properly and use the controls as well as the camera. Although the camera did connect, and the picture looked great…but I obviously did not get to see how it looked on the move that whole weekend.
The next weekend I used an android Samsun Galaxy Note 8 (I used iOS originally) and I was able to finally get it to work.
Upon chucking it into the water, it seemed well balanced. The first thing I tested, of course, was the camera on the water. It looked great on my phone. The angle can be controlled up and down but that’s pretty much it. The picture chopped a few times but other than that it remained pretty steady. The controls are sort of easy if you have any gaming experience (especially shooters). The controller feels a bit bulky and the sticks are a bit weird and pointy, but it is easy to get used to. The drone does have some power, so it takes a little while to get the feel of the speed. Turning is easy and responsive. I placed it on the water upside down to test the self-righting feature and it took a bit of trying, but it always worked. The sonar is something to play around and I really have no use for that. I never lost the connection after my initial issues. The return home feature worked well.
In the end, I think this is a fun piece of technology -especially if you are into drones. I do wish Powervision would have included a second battery to extend playtime. Based on the price, I think it is a good value, albeit a bit on the expensive side. I see this as more of a lifestyle/toy item if you can afford it. I still would recommend it even after the first let down.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Enjoy music while exercising with these JVC Gumy Sport in-ear headphones featuring a one-button remote and 3.3-ft. color cord. A built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls, and the nozzle-fit earpiece provides a secure fit during intense workouts. These JVC Gumy Sport in-ear headphones are sweat-proof, ideal for keeping up with an active lifestyle.
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Having plenty of experience with stylish and pricey headphones, it can be quite difficult to provide useful feedback without biases. However, I will try my best to avoid being a headphone “snob” and offer my honest opinion.
At first glance, these in-ear headphones seem a bit on the cheap side. The hard-plastic double cord, the thin cord to the set, the mic construction and the plastic material of the speaker housing would make you think if these are even worth the inexpensive price tag. So, I decided to ignore all these physical aspects and give them a go for a whole week in all my sound needs.
As far as comfort is concerned, I selected the smaller “nozzle-fit” as the defaults were a bit difficult to properly put in my ear. While these may not seal my ear canal perfectly, they actually feel nice and secure. I shook my head and they did not fall off. So, it is fair to say that the “sport” tag is accurate. I wish the cord was made of more flexible material since it retains its folded shape for quite some time, but that’s nitpicking.
As far as sound quality, these perform as expected considering the price. The sound signature is more on the thin and hollow side with little emphasis on powerful bass. That’s not to say that the music cannot be enjoyed -simply that expecting great bass and soundstage would be unfair. Because the “nozzle-fit” gummies shoot the sound directly into the ear, there is little need to have the sound volume at high levels.
So, build and sound are not the greatest. Why would I recommend them then? Interestingly, I have found myself reaching for these headphones way more often than the more expensive ones. It’s more a matter of practicality: I simply grab them, throw them in my pocket and walk away. I do not have to worry about them breaking or placing them carefully in a softbox or bag. What seems to be cheap material has withstood the test of my rough handling. Liking these headphones also has to do with my listening habits. Since I mostly listen to spoken word (podcasts, audiobooks) or watch video content on social media, the sound quality, or lack thereof, does not bother me that much. And, just in case I do listen to music, it is for short periods of time anyway.
In the end, I will still recommend having a pair of JVC Gumy Sports around as a backup; they sound well enough, are comfortable and stable (at least in my ears), and can take a beating.
In the end, I will still recommend having a pair of JVC Gumy Sports around as a backup; they sound well enough, are comfortable and stable (at least in my ears), and can take a beating.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Enjoy a theater-like experience in the comfort of your home with this 370W Samsung soundbar system. Wi-Fi functionality offers hands-free voice control with select devices for an easy intuitive user experience, while dual HDMI ports connect multimedia equipment. This Samsung soundbar system includes a wireless subwoofer that adds rich bass for immersive audio.
Customer Rating
5
A worthy entry into the soundbar world!
on June 13, 2019
Posted by: insomniak1
from Chicago, IL, USA
Having had a fairly good experience with the last version of the Samsung - Harman Kardon Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and DTX:X support (HW-N850), I was wondering what significant changes or updates there may be on the new (and hopefully improved) HW-Q80RZA. Well, the packaging is still HUGE! The actual soundbar still has the same design and dimensions and it still takes a lot of space on the TV stand. It is still well constructed and heavy. The wireless subwoofer, on the other hand, now has a slightly different design. The enclosure is a bit smaller although the speaker has remained 8” in size. Also, the speaker mesh now covers only the speaker as opposed to the entire side. The remote has remained the same.
Installation and set-up are easy. I have a 4K HDR TV with HDMI-ARC, an XBOX ONE X, and a PlayStation 4 Pro. These are all connected to the soundbar via HDMI-ARC. Also, I have a PC and a Nintendo Switch connected to the soundbar via digital optical. Plugging in the cords in the proper port is pretty much self-explanatory.
I was never able to fully make use of the HDR-thru capability on the HW-N850. The picture would lose colors, become distorted, and even blank out unexpectedly. This caused me to simply have it off on both consoles. Well, the HW-Q80R immediately recognized the HDR signal on both consoles and has not even blinked one bit! This alone is a great improvement from my last experience.
The soundbar is responsive both through the onboard buttons and the remote.
As far as sound performance, which is the main reason to have one of these in the first place, it still retains the same awesome quality, but I could detect a small difference in sound signature.
The sound seems more expansive as far as soundstage. The left and right channels differentiate clearly where the main sounds are coming from. The highs appear to be a more recessed this time, and because the system can get very loud, it can get a bit tricky to find the balance between loud and still hear voices clearly. Even when “Adaptive Sound” is selected this can be a bit of a balancing act. Of course, sound quality, directional coding, and clarity may depend heavily on the source material. Also, the bass seems to have been amplified more than the previous version. I had to lower the bass to -3 level in order to enjoy it (I rather have clarity than booming sound, since I am not much of a “basshead”).
Listening to music with this device is an incredible experience. The highs, lows, and mids all show up in amazing detail. Although I did lower the bass level, the music had weight. I mostly used the “simulated surround” as this gives the feeling of being at a concert. Alexa and Bixby are nice additions as well. Great job there.
As far as ATMOS is concerned, it is the one feature that makes or breaks the deal due to the hefty price. I had a bit of an issue detecting the ATMOS sounds with the last version. At the moment, only the XBOX and Netflix offer a limited amount of ATMOS content signal in my setup. Once I selected this on the console, the soundbar immediately recognized it. The HW-Q80R seems to have noticeably improved this feature. It is hard to describe how full, powerful and encompassing the sound is when listening to compatible content. Although one must still be in a certain place to clearly perceive overhead sound (this depends on the layout, furniture, shape of the room, and body position), it still creates a good auditory experience. Perhaps not quite as perfect as when using true ceiling speakers, but quite impressive, nonetheless. Playing 4K discs with ATMOS provides the best outcome so far. Sadly, I could not test the DTX:X as I do not have/own any content with that feature.
I also had an enjoyable time playing videogames. The sound comes from the right places, especially when playing first-person shooters. The explosions are felt, and the music complements the action.
One last thing to mention is that I already owned the SWA-9000S Wireless Rear Speakers which paired up easily. Keep in mind that I tested the soundbar without them for this review. However, adding these is highly recommended if you really want to enjoy the full cinematic experience.
Overall, I am again amazed by the great work Samsung/Harman Kardon have put into this system. While the improvements from the last version may not warrant an upgrade (perhaps the HDR-passthrough is an exception), it certainly is worth considering if you do not have a sound system, or have one without ATMOS. I certainly believe it is worth the price!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
insomniak1's Review Comments
insomniak1 has not submitted comments on any reviews.
insomniak1's Questions
insomniak1 has not submitted any questions.
The Apex 5 gaming keyboard has hybrid mechanical switches that combine the smoothness of a membrane switch with the added durability, performance, and satisfying tactile click of a blue mechanical switch. It also has per-key RGB customization, OLED Smart Display, aluminum alloy frame, premium magnetic wrist rest, and more.
How many programmable buttons keyboard has?
There are at least 6 dedicated programmable keys. However, the entire keyboard can be reconfigured through the Steelseries software.
4 years, 2 months ago
by
insomniak1
Enjoy a theater-like experience in the comfort of your home with this 370W Samsung soundbar system. Wi-Fi functionality offers hands-free voice control with select devices for an easy intuitive user experience, while dual HDMI ports connect multimedia equipment. This Samsung soundbar system includes a wireless subwoofer that adds rich bass for immersive audio.
Will the new hw q80r shut off like the hw n850 after 5 min of paused movie.
I have not personally seen this happened yet. At least not after 5 minutes. I will keep my eye (and ear) on that!
5 years ago
by
insomniak1
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.
Will the sound quality be affected if I place under tv on tilt\swivel wall mount instead of directly on wall or on flat surface?
The idea is that the sound is object-directional. Meaning that the speakers send the sound out so that it can bounce off the walls and ceiling and change the direction of the sound to reach your ears. So as long as you are not obstructing the sound path, you are OK to place the TV or bar however you please.
5 years, 8 months ago
by
insomniak1
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.
Has anyone tried heating/ warming up the milk? Can the mug/ glass fit in? How fast can it be? We usually heat the milk up within 60 seconds. You think this can replace your microwave?
Because of the reheating times I have experienced, I think it would take too long for a glass of milk to be properly heated. Plus, you have to use an oven-safe glass or cup and the height of the oven is pretty low.
5 years, 8 months ago
by
insomniak1
Experience lag-free, immersive audio with this wireless Plantronics gaming headset. It has support for lifelike Dolby Atmos sound, and the sound-isolating ear cups and noise-canceling microphone keep your focus on the game. This lightweight Plantronics gaming headset has a 24-hour battery life and convenient analog adjustments for custom game audio settings.
This wireless headphones, cam I use it on a laptop and do the laptop need to be bluetooth or is there a adapter that I can plug to my laptop to make it wireless? Can you please let me know. Thanks
These come with a dongle adapter that plugs in to a USB port on your laptop. I highly recommend these.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
insomniak1
Enjoy all your favorite gaming titles, along with a few new ones too, on this Nintendo 2DS Blue gaming system. Preloaded with Mario Kart 7, this fun portable console offers fun from the moment you remove it from the box. Internet capabilities on this Nintendo 2DS Blue gaming system let you connect with other gamers.
Does it come with a charger?
Enjoy crisp, powerful low-end audio with these Sony MDRXB50AP/B earbud headphones, which feature a bass duct design that provides optimal sound isolation. An integrated elecret condenser/omnidirectional microphone lets you chat hands-free.
Its work on sony z5 or not , and which one is better this kind or stereo one
Yes. They work with all android and iPhones. Although they only control pause/play/next song/last song. These are stereo.
6 years, 11 months ago
by
insomniak1
Battle friends and foes with the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro console. Its 1TB capacity lets you store plenty of games without an external hard drive, and the dual-shock controller improves your hands-on gaming experience. See enemies in clear, vibrant detail with the included HDMI cable of the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro console.
What colors are available?
Battle friends and foes with the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro console. Its 1TB capacity lets you store plenty of games without an external hard drive, and the dual-shock controller improves your hands-on gaming experience. See enemies in clear, vibrant detail with the included HDMI cable of the Sony PlayStation 4 Pro console.
Does anyone know if it will upconvert standard blu-rays to 4K? My Xbox S only plays standard blu-rays in their native format.
Sadly, nope. It baffles me that Sony, who actually owns 4K Blue-ray would not support it on their own console.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
insomniak1
Streamline space and productivity with this HP all-in-one printer. Compact and wireless, this printer minimizes clutter and easily connects to computers and mobile devices. This HP all-in-one printer helps you save on ink with efficient printing functions and delivers high-resolution printouts of text and graphics you'll be proud to display in business presentations.
Can you send from an android phone?
Yes. I Practically print from a Mac, a WIN10 PC, an android phone, an iPhone 6 and even a Kindle! As long as it is on the same Wi-Fi.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
insomniak1