Wraith's stats
- Review count219
- Helpfulness votes2,070
- First reviewAugust 18, 2014
- Last reviewJune 27, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentSeptember 25, 2016
- Last review commentSeptember 25, 2016
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count27
- Helpfulness votes28
- First answerAugust 18, 2014
- Last answerDecember 13, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers3
Meet Spotlight. A game-changing presentation remote. Spotlight allows you to simply navigate slides and interact with on-screen content from up to 100 feet away. The customizable timer sends vibration alerts directly to hand – and the advanced pointer system allows you to highlight and magnify areas of focus in pixel-perfect detail.
Customer Rating
5
The Presentation Remote I've Been Waiting For!
on March 10, 2017
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
Seriously, you might think that the title of this review is overkill, but as someone who gives presentations to students and educators several times a week, I can tell you that it is not.
I've been giving presentations with PowerPoint and such since I was a wee Cadet in the Air Force and I remember the days of not having the choice of staying next to the computer to flip slides or having to have a colleague flip them for you in an awkward exchange of nods or exclamations of 'next slide!'. Heck, sometimes I think it was easier doing presentations with ACTUAL SLIDES in a carousel and a 'remote' with a really long cord (actually did several of those too - Air Force tech in the 90's wasn't always up to snuff especially overseas). Recent remotes have done a decent job of flipping back and forth and giving you a pointer, and I've been pretty happy with it, though I always have to go back to the computer to click a link or alt-tab to another program. NO MORE!
First off, let me just say that this is one sexy remote. I got the gunmetal gray version and it is nice, nondescript, sleek, and feels good in the hand. Button layout is perfect and it is easy to tell which of the three buttons you are on without looking down. Charging is super simple, you pull out the USB fob that you plug into your computer and then you can use the USB-C cable that comes with the device to plug it in to any USB charger or your computer. Charging is simple and fast. You get three hours of operation from one minute of charging. I did a full charge out of the box and it took less than an hour though I'm sure it had some charge already on it.
Ok, let's get down to set-up and use. Set-up is easy. Download the software from Logitech and install. The configuration of the device is very intuitive and gives you some really good options for what you want the forward-back buttons to do in their 'alternative' press and hold mode. You have everything from fast forwarding through your slides, to bringing up a blank screen, to controlling the volume, to doing a custom button press. I opted to not set up an alternate press for the main button out of fear of accidentally setting it off (not an expected fault of the remote but of mine). For the back button I set up a programed button press of Alt-Tab so that I can switch programs, and that combined with the on-screen pointer that works through magic to move on the screen, I can switch programs and start all kinds of additional programs that I can't embed in my PowerPoint. For the 'pointer', you have all kinds of options from darkening the screen with a window of light that you want people to focus on, to magnification, or just a plain Circle which I consider to be the basic-laser pointer alternative. I really like the Highlight feature. It does a much better job of focusing viewers on what you want than any pointer could ever do. You get two options though and so I have Highlight as my main option with a double click just bringing up the Circle. Either way you also have option of enabling a cursor which allows clicking on on-screen items and such. You also get an option on how big you want the circles to be, which is nice.
The way it works for highlighting is that once you press the button it brings up the highlight in the center and then seems to use a gyroscopic function to move it around from there. The great thing is that you don't have to point the remote at the screen, you can keep you hand down if you want and just move your wrist there and the cursor still moves. It's magic!
Some other options that are also embedded in the remote is a vibration warning when you are down to 5 minutes left in your established presentation time (which you set through the menu), as well as a notification when time is up. You can turn this feature off through the advanced settings. Some other advanced settings for the Spotlight remote allow you to control pointer speed, alert intensity, battery alert, and the ability to change from the USB receiver to Bluetooth if you so desire. I'm sticking with the USB receiver since it seems to have incredible range and is easy.
I don't know what more I can say about the Logitech Spotlight. This does everything I could want when I'm out there giving presentations and is going to make my life A LOT easier and I think it will make my presentations better. Yes, it may be a it on the pricey side but I have already dropped a ton of money on fancy laser pointers that don't give me a quarter of the functionality of this thing. I know my boss is going to be insanely jealous of this thing and I'm going to have to guard it with my life! If you give presentations on a routine basis, the Spotlight will be an awesome addition to your presentation toolset.
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy nonstop music while charging your iPhone with this Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar adapter. It keeps your iPhone 7 or 7 Plus fully functional while plugged in, and it's compatible with Apple MFi-certified cables and headphones. The 12W power pass-through of this Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge RockStar adapter provides optimal charging speed for compatible devices.
Customer Rating
5
Works Exactly As Intended, One Omission Though...
on January 12, 2017
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
Bought this when I was expecting to use regular headphones with my iPhone 7 since there are often times that I am at my desk and have my phone charging and listen to music. Now that I received my EarPods, that is no longer such an issue. It still is for my wife though so she will be using this from now on.
It does exactly what it says it would and that is allow you to charge your phone while also listening to music through the Lightning port on your iPhone. The one thing it WILL NOT let you do is plug it into a computer to sync while listening to the music. It will charge but the phone will not show up in iTunes if you have it plugged in through the Rockstar. Belkin does not make the claim that it would do so and it is not really a big deal, but while playing around with it I noticed that it did not come up in iTunes and therefore I could not do a computer sync. Not a big deal, unplug the Rockstar for two minutes, do the sync and plug it back in.
All-in-all Belkin made an easy to use solution to a problem many people will have with the new iPhones. If you too have this problem, go out a get the Rockstar.
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Arlo Pro takes the worrying out of life with the 100% Wire-Free indoor/outdoor home monitoring system. Arlo Pro includes rechargeable batteries, motion and sound-activated alerts, 2-way audio, a 100+ decibel siren, and 7 days of free cloud HD video recordings. Arlo covers every angle to help keep you safe and protected.
Customer Rating
5
Phenomenal System, WAY Easier Than Expected!
on January 10, 2017
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
I have been going back and forth on getting a camera system for the home, not so much because I live in a bad neighborhood (I don't) but more for peace of mind when traveling and for when the wife is home alone. This has been going on for about two years and I have looked at every system and read countless reviews of many of the systems out there. Finally decided to pull the trigger when I get the chance to get the Arlo Pro 2-camera system.
I am extremely tech savvy and routinely put together the computer systems and electronics for all of my friends and family but I was still expecting to have a bit of a time with this camera system mostly because it was the one device that I have never had to set up. Frankly this was one of the easiest devices I have ever had the pleasure to do. The only thing that was easier was perhaps my Netgear Orbi system which leads me to believe that the team at Netgear (which makes the Arlo as well) is doing a phenomenal job of trying to make technology as easy and seamless to use as possible. Heck, I would even bet my father, who is a notorious technophobe, could put this together and I'm sure he would have little problems. He would probably still call me though just to check. ; ^ )
Some of the things that made me really like the Arlo Pro system over the regular system were the two-way audio system and the rechargeable battery. The two-way audio was important so that my wife could communicate with someone at the front door if she were alone and wanted to either scare them off or see what a visitor needed. The rechargeable battery was important because I really did not want to string power to these and I didn't want to be burning through AA batteries like a fiend. I picked up two extra battery blocks for the camera so that they could be pre-charged and ready to swap when the camera runs out of steam. I'm thinking of picking up the two battery charger when it becomes available later in the month.
Some features I really appreciate since installing the system are the App functionality and the USB drive local storage option. Remember when setting up a network system you had to typically be hardwired into the base station and do all the configuration through a web portal? Well now you can do everything with an app on your phone without ever having to plug a cable into anything other than your modem! Now Netgear isn't the only company that is doing this, I have used the Linksys app as well for others and it is also good but the Netgear apps for both the Orbi and Arlo are phenomenal. I am able to sync, set up, calibrate, configure, schedule and monitor everything through my iPhone with absolute ease. The part that took the longest was actually installing the camera mounts, and that wasn't even that hard. The USB local drive storage is great because I can store a ton more video than comes with the free 7-day plan (though really that would have been just fine as well). It is a little extra peace of mind that I really appreciated.
I have only had two issues with setting up the Arlo system and it is a function of how my home is built/set-up and not the fault of the camera. Despite spending so much time thinking about getting a camera system, I did not put much thought into where and how I would install them! Quite a few factors went against me once I went to put this system in place. First off, I have a stucco home with very little wood available in which to mount the brackets. A neighbor installed a camera system to his outside walls and did a real number on the stucco so I was really hesitant to want to drill into mine. The other problem was that even if I did want to drill into the outside wall I do not have a really good surface with a great view of the front door that would detect motion well. The best place I could figure would be looking at someone from behind as they approached the door and that would not help much because it was going to be a pretty high view and my entry way is a relatively tight space. Also with my home being a Spanish revival, the walls are pretty stinking thick and even with the base station in a nice open location, the signal strength wasn't as high as I would have hoped. In the end though, I moved the base station closer to the front door which helped with the signal strength and I put one of the cameras indoors so I only had to worry about mounting one of them into the stucco. I did have to go out and purchase the upgraded external mount that the camera screws on to so that was an extra purchase as well. I didn't HAVE to since someone could steal the camera off of this mount as well but I wasn't going to make it as easy as just plucking off of the magnetic mount! Which by the way, you should not worry about being strong enough to hold up the camera, that magnet is a beast!
All-in-all I am incredibly pleased with the Arlo system and can't think of a single home application where this system would not be perfect and heck even if you wanted it for work, I would just think that you would need to upgrade to the 24/7 recording package, the camera system is great even for a small business.
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Shark Genius Steam Pocket Mop System is our most advanced floor cleaning system ever. Featuring both a Steam Mop and a Spray Pocket mop, the Genius system is the right solution for all your cleaning needs. Harness the power of steam to sanitize 99.9% of household bacteria*. (Sanitization studies were conducted under controlled test conditions. Household conditions and results may vary.)
Customer Rating
4
Some Great Features, Some Not-So-Great
on December 21, 2016
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
Just to put this on the table from the get-go, I'm a neat freak. Very few things give me more pleasure than perfect vacuum lines in a carpet, and spotless tile floors. I am always on the lookout for way to make my job easier or to get things cleaner. I had very high hopes for the Shark Genius and while it is a top notch steam mop, it will not be replacing my Bissell PowerFresh steam mop.
Both mops pump steam through a reusable cloth cover and hopefully picks up all the junk the vacuum and swiffer didn't (yes I use all three on my tile floors, a nun could eat off of them). After doing some A-B testing which is actually pretty easy when you have tile floors. I did one half of my kitchen with the Shark, the other half with the Bissell. The results were that while both cleaned, the Bissell left less dirt behind and the Shark did not make things really any easier for me. I'll do a breakdown of the pros and cons below:
Pros:
- Easy to use. Light and swivels easily around the floors.
- Don't have to touch the cleaning cloth. I really didn't care about this but it would be important to many people.
- Wide/double sided mop head keeps you from having to replace it during a mopping session, it can take care of a whole floor of tile.
- Comes with an included spray mop handle that lets you turn the mop into more of an old school mop, just with a replaceable cover. I didn't use this mop because I kind of got a steam mop for a reason, and that was to not just use a regular mop again!
- I did like the directed steam blast to get off hard to clean dirt (which I don't really have since I clean things up as they go but I also don't have kids).
- Easy to use. Light and swivels easily around the floors.
- Don't have to touch the cleaning cloth. I really didn't care about this but it would be important to many people.
- Wide/double sided mop head keeps you from having to replace it during a mopping session, it can take care of a whole floor of tile.
- Comes with an included spray mop handle that lets you turn the mop into more of an old school mop, just with a replaceable cover. I didn't use this mop because I kind of got a steam mop for a reason, and that was to not just use a regular mop again!
- I did like the directed steam blast to get off hard to clean dirt (which I don't really have since I clean things up as they go but I also don't have kids).
Cons:
- While mop head is large, you actually do not get the full area of effect when cleaning. The dirt was obvious in a semicircle around the pivot point where I was able to keep the mop head in constant contact with the floor. This also may be an issue of the mop sides not being wet enough (more on this in a minute).
- Only one level of steam. The instructions say that this mop has 'intelligent' steam levels, but only if 'intelligent' means not enough in some other language. My Bissell has three setting to let me choose how much steam I want. To be fair, there is a higher level of Shark Genius mop that supposedly lets you select your steam level as well, but this one is not it.
- Not enough steam actually seems to be hitting the floor. The steam nozzle seems to just fill the mop head with steam not all of it is directed down at the floor. Now this kind of has to be the case to allow both sides of the mop to be used but I need to use both sides because the first side didn't quite do the job. My Bissell has all the jets pointing at the floor and while I often have to change the mop covers, that is because the steam is so intense that it gets a ton of dirt up off the floor in the first go through.
- While mop head is large, you actually do not get the full area of effect when cleaning. The dirt was obvious in a semicircle around the pivot point where I was able to keep the mop head in constant contact with the floor. This also may be an issue of the mop sides not being wet enough (more on this in a minute).
- Only one level of steam. The instructions say that this mop has 'intelligent' steam levels, but only if 'intelligent' means not enough in some other language. My Bissell has three setting to let me choose how much steam I want. To be fair, there is a higher level of Shark Genius mop that supposedly lets you select your steam level as well, but this one is not it.
- Not enough steam actually seems to be hitting the floor. The steam nozzle seems to just fill the mop head with steam not all of it is directed down at the floor. Now this kind of has to be the case to allow both sides of the mop to be used but I need to use both sides because the first side didn't quite do the job. My Bissell has all the jets pointing at the floor and while I often have to change the mop covers, that is because the steam is so intense that it gets a ton of dirt up off the floor in the first go through.
If I were to receive this as a gift and did not have my Bissell, I would be pretty happy with it but having a great steam mop already and with the Shark not really beating it on any measure, I think I would always prefer my Bissell. The Shark is good, the Bissell is great (oh, and a lot cheaper as well).
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Create gorgeous hairstyles quickly with this high-velocity Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. The rapid air flow and a temperature gauge that monitors the heat level 20 times per second ensure efficient drying without overheating tresses. The motor of this Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is in the handle for better balance and reduced arm fatigue during use.
Customer Rating
5
Pricey but Soooooo COOL!
on November 30, 2016
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
Ok, first off, got this for the wife due to the fact that I don't have enough hair to bother using a hair dryer on. Most of this review is from her point of view, though I'm guessing that she matches the primary demographic for this device anyway.
I am truly amazed at the work Dyson does on appliances. Do the alternates that have been around forever work almost as good, sure but Dyson always seems to up that game in style, usability, and function. I haven't been let down by any of the multitude of products I have from them that are all still running just as well as the day I purchased them. That being said, I was a tad skeptical on how much you could really do to a hair dryer, I must say though that Dyson being Dyson has done it again and made a stellar product.
For its primary duty as a hair dryer it is awesome and does the job just as well as my wife previous dryer. Doesn't seem to do it faster or slower and her hair doesn't look any different. What it does do better is give a heck of a lot better control over her hair drying and best of all for me, it does so in a much quieter fashion. Now on those rare days when I get to sleep in past her, I can actually sleep and not be woken up by a screaming hair dryer! If for no other reason, it was worth it for me. That and the fact that I'm sure that this dryer will last forever which is great because my wife has gone through three dryers in the last two years. Eventually this thing is going to pay for itself.
My wife had only one quibble with the Supersonic and it has to do with one of Dyson's main selling points for this thing. The balance that she is used to when drying her hair is completely thrown off by having the guts moved to the handle instead of in the head of the device. Now I'm sure she is going to get used to it the same way she initially got used to using a hair dryer in the first place but for right now she says her arms are sore from working different muscles. So maybe this isn't a bad thing, perhaps Dyson should also list as one of the benefits of the Supersonic that it is also a workout device!
Bottom line: Can you get something that does exactly what this does for a whole lot less money? Yes of course but that can be said of any Dyson product and hasn't stopped them from winning legions of fans (including me). To me, this was worth the price because I see my wife using this for the rest of her life. Considering I have spent over $100 in the last two years on other dryers I figure even if it only lasts a decade, I will have still saved money! Also, if you are a tech geek like me and are trying to pull your luddite wife into the 21st century, there probably isn't a better way to do it than the Dyson Supersonic!
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep unwanted hair to a minimum with this Philips grooming tool. The waterproof design lets you use it in the shower, and eight attachments make this trimmer perfect for grooming different sections of the face. This Philips grooming tool has a turbo setting to increase cutting speed, and it charges in just one hour to reduce wait time.
Customer Rating
5
Outstanding Shaver For A Lot Of Different Needs
on November 15, 2016
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
I've gotten to the age where all the places I don't want have not have hair, and where I want it, it's gone. With that being said, this Philips/Norelco Multigroom razor is just what I needed to at least make myself a bit more presentable. If it would only help me regrow hair on top of my head, it would be perfect!
I'm not going to go through all the attachments, because they all do exactly what they say they will do. My only complaint with them is that I wish there were either additional pieces or the ability to adjust the pieces. What I will talk about is the shaver itself, which is really the important part. The 7400 has a great feel in the hand, is easy to hold, and easy to maneuver wherever you need it to go as long as you are limber enough. The battery life is top notch, I easily got more than 60 minutes of run time out of it which all it is rated for. If it takes you more than an hour to 'manscape', you have other problems and you are asking too much of this shaver!
I have not tried the shaver in the shower, mostly because I live in California and we have a drought so I'm not going to hang out in the shower any longer than I have to. I have rinsed the shaver off in the sink which makes clean up quick and hassle-free.
Bottom-line, if you are looking for a great all around device for getting rid of all kinds of hair, this is the shaver for you. If your body hair runs a little more towards the neolithic/caveman sort you may want two for when the first runs out of batteries!
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enhance footage and create professional-looking video montages with Adobe Premiere Elements 15. Access the software’s de-haze feature on your traditional computer or touchscreen device to reduce mist and fog for a bright, clear result. Features like enhanced search, which help you sort and label videos appropriately, make Adobe Premiere Elements 15 an essential for any budding videographer.
Customer Rating
3
Better options out there for photos
on November 11, 2016
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
As a stand-alone photo program, photographers can do better than Photoshop Elements, namely Lightroom. Though if you are familiar with Photoshop but don't want to pay the exorbitant price of Photoshop (or need the full suite of tools in the full version), this could work well for you, though I still think that Lightroom is a better option for all photographers.
If you already have Premier Elements and just need a good photo editor that seamlessly integrates with that video editor, that would be another place where I could see this program being valuable.
Final word on this though would be that if you are even slightly serious about your photography, you owe it to yourself to try out Lightroom first. It was intended for and built by photographers and uses all the same lingo as photographers use so you are always talking the same language and it is a language you should stay in since it will help you do a better job creating, managing, and editing your photography.
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Take photo editing to the next level with Photoshop and Premiere Elements 15. Install Photoshop Elements on your tablet to take advantage of touchscreen editing features, or create photo and video collages easily with Premiere Elements. Save money and enjoy professional results when you use Photoshop and Premiere Elements 15 to batch-edit photographs and footage after your next special event.
Customer Rating
4
Great programs for novice photo/videographers
on November 11, 2016
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
I needed something better than the stock photo and video apps out there for Windows 10 (which is my work computer) and since I use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop on my Mac, I thought I would give Adobe Elements a try since I don't need the power of full Photoshop or Lightroom and Windows 10 does not have a movie maker program baked in any longer (you can get Movie Maker as part of the old Essentials suite but Microsoft ends support of that on Jan 10 2017).
My summary says that these are great programs for the novice. That is not a slam on the product or novice photographers/videographers. What it is is highlighting the fact that if you consider yourself any higher than a novice, you should probably get Adobe's higher level programs. The Quick and Guided options for each program is probably exactly what many novices will need, and the quick version is exactly what I needed for my work computer. The Expert level may be good for the prosumer level but to me it doesn't have quite the ease of use that I'm used to with Lightroom or iMovie on my Mac (though Premier Elements and iMovie are equal level programs, I just have more familiarity with iMovie so it is easier).
If you need some great low to mid-level photo/video editing software for a great price and with great support, you really can't go wrong with this suite of programs.
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Add high-end performance to your everyday life with the Google Pixel XL. A quad-core processor, a 5.5-inch LED screen and 32GB of memory ensure this phone is able to handle daily life, and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protects the screen. Easy cloud storage ensures you never run out of space on the Google Pixel XL.
Customer Rating
4
Very Good Android Phone, But Not An iPhone Killer
on October 21, 2016
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
OK, I ran this phone through its paces over the last 24 hours doing everything I would normally do with my iPhone, and while I'm impressed with it as an Android phone it is not better than the iPhone 6 that it replaced and certainly not better than the 6S or the new iPhone 7.
I'm going to walk that statement back for one thing. Speed. This phone is incredibly fast. Apps open in a blink of an eye and close down just as fast. I was quite impressed with that feature.
Google is touting this a a great photo device but after doing some pixel-peeping (see what I did there) and some A-B comparisons of shots taken with the Pixel and the iPhone 6, the iPhones still produce a nicer shot. The color in the iPhone shots is brighter and they just have more pop! That being said I have not played with any of the shots in a photo editor because I wanted to see what they would be like right off the sensor. Speaking of editors though, I will say that the editing tools that Google baked right into their Photo app are really very good and I could have probably made the photos looks as good as the iPhone ones but again, the iPhone shots were really pretty good as they were.
In the pictures below you can see the phone and all of its accessories as they were right when I opened the box. On the left you have the guidebooks and the phone in its wrapping. On the rights was a disconcerting array of cables and adaptors. On the top right you have the charging brick which only accepts a USB-C plug (ugh, now I need Lightning, micro-USB, and USB-C cables? Seriously?!). Below that is the USB-C to USB-C cable for use with the aforementioned brick. In the area to the left under where the phone was is a USB to USB-C cable to plug your phone into a normal brick, charging station, or computer. Above that in the little cubby above is a USB to USB-C adaptor primarily to be used to transfer data from an iPhone to the Pixel. I appreciate that Google is trying to take market share from Apple and to make it a bit easier to get your data from one device to another (heck Apple has been doing that for years with their computers to great effect), but it did not work out as nice as I would have liked. After connecting the two devices together, I had to log in to a website on the iPhone's browser and select the info to transfer. In the interest of time I just did the basics and did not try to move my huge photo or music libraries but stuck with the basic data to make the phone usable. While much of that data come over without a problem, some data came over weird and jumbled. The data that did come over easily is all of my Gmail and other Google app data which I kind of expected since Google does a nice job within their own ecosystem.
I do have to say another couple of things that I like about the Pixel. The screen is big, beautiful, and bright and may even edge out the iPhone though I would have to put them at the same brightness settings a such to make a true comparison. Also, I like the fingerprint sensor on the back of the phone and how it immediately opens up the phone without a press. Just being able to rest my index finger where it would normally land anyway and having the phone pop on is nice and definitely helps this phone feel a bit more 'snappy' in its usage.
OK, almost done with this review but I can't end without saying something about the battery and the call quality... wait, this is a phone and I'm actually going to have to talk to someone on it? The battery life is very good and gave me a full days worth of pretty heavy usage though I did not do any streaming of video or music since I never really do that anyway. Mostly, it was heavy internet surfing, photo use, and calling. Speaking of calling, I don't know what it is but the calls didn't sound as clear as they do on my iPhone. I'm using the Pixel in all the same places that I used my iPhone and even swapped the SIM card back into my iPhone to check and the Pixel sounded a bit hollow and distant. Not sure what that is about. I could still hear the other person but they sounded like they were talking into their phone from a distance unlike when I talked to them with my iPhone.
So, final word. If you are deep in the Android ecosystem, then this is a great phone for you. It is fast and will do everything that you are used to doing very well. If you are in the Apple ecosystem, get an iPhone 7 or heck, even a 6S if you want to save some money. This is not the iPhone killer Google wanted but it is a solid phone and it will do a very good job for you no matter your OS allegiance.
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep your home dust-free with this Bissell AirRAM cordless vacuum. Its high-performance F.U.E.L. cell provides up to 30 minutes of run time, while the advanced compression technology lets it store as much dirt as typical bagless vacuums. This Bissell AirRAM cordless vacuum has a low profile for easy maneuvering around furniture.
Customer Rating
5
This Thing SUCKS (In a Good Way)!
on October 21, 2016
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
I am a self-confessed neat freak. I own multiple floor cleaning devices (two Dysons, a steam mop, lightweight vacuums) and while this is by no means a replacement for my Dysons (it's not even trying to play in that league), it is going to replace my other lightweight vacuums that I use for my tile floors.
Most of the 1st floor of my house is tile with grout and so it can be challenging to get it clean with the dust and tracked in dirt. My primary vacuum for those floors (wow, that sounds really bad when I see it typed out) is my Electrolux Ergorapido which has done a fine job. It is light, easily maneuverable, and cleans pretty well. This new Bissell AirRam blows it out of the water. The vacuum sits a lot lower to the ground and actually creates more suction and does a fabulous job of getting dirt out of even the grout lines, which the Electrolux could only manage now and then.
Even though the Bissell cleaning unit is bigger than the Electrolux, it still fits under the cabinets and all my furniture to easily clean in those hard to reach places. The light on this thing is also fantastic and really helps you to find the dirt to suck it up.
I also like that the Bissell is also a Transformer. Gone are the days of Transformers as cool cars and vehicles, now they are vacuums. The handle on this does a nice collapse that helps it store away easily in a closet. I think AirRam Prime would be a good name for this one. Wow, I really am a nerd.
Finally, I also like the battery system for the AirRam. The battery pops out of the side and recharges with a nice and small plug (no need to have a big charging base station like the Electrolux) and it has a great LED indicator on top to let you know how much charge is available.
Bissell has really created a winner here. If you are looking for a great vacuum for cleaning up everyday dirt and debris, this should be at the top of your list. I already called my friend who quite possibly is a bigger neat freak than me and told her about this. I think I heard a bit of a school-girl squeal out of her at the thought of a new vacuum.
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Wraith's Review Comments
Make driving routines more enjoyable with this OverDryve car system. Its voice assistant capabilities let you read and send text messages by command and also play music in your car without taking your hands off the wheel. The built-in dash cam of this OverDryve car system lets you record trips and capture every moment on the road.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5No-Brainer If You Want A Great All-In-One System
By Wraith
I wondered about creating a GPS system nowadays with so many people having their smartphones with their own GPS functionality or with most cars coming with some kind of infotainment system, but after using the OverDryve 7 for the last two weeks, I think it is a great system and is a no-brainer for anyone looking to add GPS functionality to their car.
First off, my favorite thing about this device is the mounting bracket. I kid you not. One of the things I always hated about car GPS systems was having to lock it in place and reconnect the power and such. In the process of doing that I would invariably mess with my carefully set up positioning and would have to do it all over again. The Overdryve has an awesome bracket that you keep set up in your car and plugged in to everything and the Overdryve unit itself links via magnets and the connections are made through little contacts on the back. Easy-peasy. On top of that, the basestation also has an additional GPS antenna to improve location accuracy. Now I have rarely had problems with previous GPS devices and but the additional antenna could probably help when you are in the 'canyons' of the city, though I haven't gone downtown to try it yet.
The GPS system is great. While my car has one built in, it acts a bit too much like my mother and won't let me input anything if I am not at a complete stop. My wife can't even do it from the passenger seat because if we are moving at all it completely locks out the GPS controls. I understand why, but it would be nice for some kind of override. With the Overdryve, we don't have to worry about that. She just plucks the device from the mount, types in the destination and clicks it back into place. The guidance voice is kind of grating but so is my wife yelling directions at me from her phone!
I played around with the handsfree and entertainment applications and they are fine, but my car handles that pretty seamlessly, so I don't think I will be using that function of the Overdryve. The voice commands are much more responsive than those for my car system so I will give it that. The other thing I don't have to worry about is the backup camera or tire pressure monitor, because my car already has that, but if your car doesn't, this is a really cool feature. While each of those systems is an add-on, they are both only about $150 each and I guarantee I paid more for that functionality from the auto maker.
As for the Overdryve also being an Android tablet, and can be used off the mount like any other tablet, it is true that it can do so, but it is a little bulky for that and it is an Android tablet with all that entails. Sorry, I have an iPad and I can't really see myself ever using this as just a regular tablet, but perhaps if you forgot yours and you have a fussy kid in the back and want to send it to the back seat to quiet them down, this could be a lifesaver.
Now for my few quibbles with the device. I had a little trouble syncing it to my phone for the first few tries but after I did a phone restart I didn't have a problem and it had maintained the sync no problem, so it could have been my phone and not the Overdryve. My only other problem is the name. Seriously, Overdryve?! I realize that Overdrive was probably taken but I kind of feel like some hipster should be on TV telling me how 'swaggy' this thing is. Every time I have had to type Overdryve into this review, I have had to roll my eyes and they are getting tired.
In summary, if you want a great functioning GPS system, and that is all, this is a phenomenal GPS and it costs about the same as other 7-inch GPS systems. If you need the functionality of an infotainment system, and want the ability to add safety features like a back-up camera and tire pressure monitoring, this is a no-brainer because you get all of that for the price of a basic 7" GPS. On top of all that, you get a fully functional Android tablet! I really can't see why anyone would buy any other standalone car GPS system now that this is out. Even if you don't need the other functions, they are nice to have and Rand McNally has created the best GPS device I have ever used, for the same price as other systems. Seriously, this is the unit to get.
Wraith
Rochester Hills, MI
Dash Cam!
September 25, 2016
I totally forgot about the dash cam function of this. Yet another feature that makes this a no-brainer. I have not had much experience with dash cams but this one works well. Now let's just hope I don't end up on one of those dash cam compilation videos on YouTube!
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Wraith's Questions
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Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
Will these head phones need to be connected tot he phone to use the noise cancelling function or can they operate as noise cancelling headphones whithout having to be connected to anything?
They DO NOT need to be connected to a phone for the noise cancelling feature to work. You can just have them on to give yourself some peace and quiet.
7 years, 8 months ago
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Wraith
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
Really wanna buy these headphones, but does the ANC from these (Sony) create an undesirable pressure to the eardrums? Tried the Bose, they hurt my ears after a while...
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7 years, 8 months ago
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Wraith
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Hello does the Supetsonic blow dryer sold at Best Buy come with the leather case?
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8 years, 7 months ago
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Wraith
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I have a 1400 sq ft home and an RV parked on the side. My current Router plus an add on won't do it for the RV. Will this cover the home and the RV?
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8 years, 9 months ago
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Wraith
Only at Best BuyTote entertainment options with you via this HP Spectre x360 laptop. The 13.3-inch touch screen lets you navigate tablet-style for casual app gaming, and a flip-and-fold design lets you set this computer on a table to enjoy streamed entertainment while multitasking. This HP Spectre x360 laptop weighs just over 3 lbs. for easy portability.
Finally! so glad i seen this before i bought!!! when can i get it? i've asked everywhere.
I have seen it in every Best Buy store I have been in to over that last two weeks (four in total), so check your Best Buy, it is probably there.
9 years ago
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Wraith
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I ordered this laptop from a friend to buy it for me. I live in Europe (Macedonia) so we have 220v electricity + other kind of power plugs. Will it damage the laptop if i use it constantly with an adapter to change the socket to fit our plugs ?
You should not have any problems doing this. The power supply clearly states that it can handle all the way up to 240v and convert it to what the computer needs. All you should have to do is get the plug adaptor.
9 years ago
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Wraith
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Which headphone amplifiers would you suggest for the HD650 and would a headphone amplifer help add a deeper bass to the sound??
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10 years, 10 months ago
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Wraith
Rochester Hills, MI