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    December 11, 2009
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  • Answer count
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    April 24, 2020
  • Last answer
    December 18, 2021
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TheOffice1234's Reviews
<< 1 2 3 4 5 ... 16 >>
 
A headset for unified communication, designed for a better work experience. OpenComm UC is designed to enhance your productivity and efficiency at the office or when working from home. It is PC compatible and works well with major communication platforms such as Zoom, Teams, Skype and more. Designed to deliver superior communication, clarity, and situational awareness, OpenComm UC is a must-have for your office.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
FANTASTIC SOUNDING HEADPHONES EVEN FOR MUSIC
on February 5, 2023
Posted by: TheOffice1234
SHOKZ - OPENCOMM UC WIRELESS BONE CONDUCTION HEADPHONES - BLACK
MODEL:C102-AA-BK-USSKU:6512797
FANTASTIC SOUNDING HEADPHONES EVEN FOR MUSIC
I was really surprised at how good these headphones sound overall. They sound better than most headphones I’ve tested in the past 3 years (about 15 sets). I was expecting average sounding conference headphones with a focus on the noise canceling microphone, instead of a full range audio headset. Is it perfect, no, but it is surprisingly good overall.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Comfortable
- Open Ear
- Very good audio sound
- Very good microphone quality
- Color Touch Screen Controls
- Physical buttons to press for volume and call functions
- Bluetooth Connectivity
CONS
- Ugg, another proprietary charging cable – yuck. Just use USB-C PEOPLE
SETUP
In my case I needed this for my PC and conference calls, so I just used the Bluetooth from my PC to pair with the SHOKZ OPENCOMM UC. It is nice to know I have the dongle if needed. My home office is only 12x10 so I don’t need a ton of distance.
I gave the headset a quick charge before using it for the first time. It says a 5 minute quick charge can give you up to 2 hours of use.
OPERATING
The operation is easy link any other headset. I like that the main button for call functions is large and easy to find / use.
It is nice that I can be listening to music with good quality, then take a call without changing devices. What I mean it that the music quality is perfectly fine compared to other more conference call focused sets, so I don’t have to choose one over the other.
MIC QUALITY
The microphone quality is outstanding. No complaints from the listeners on the other side of the call.
SUMMARY
I think the SHOKZ - OPENCOMM UC headphones are perfect for open office / open workspaces, shared workspaces, anywhere you want some privacy to listen to what you want, but still be able to take calls without worrying about a lot of background nose.
I recommend them.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Take your audio setup to the next level with the B450. Bass tones come alive and create a more well rounded sound with the included subwoofer¹. And if you want to crank it up even more, Bass Boost amplifies the deeper tones at the touch of a button. Whether you’re playing games or kicking back with your favorite show, Adaptive Sound Lite enhances and optimizes your entertainment. Plus, you can seamlessly pair mobile devices with Bluetooth® TV Connection². ¹Applicable on Q series, B models and S8 series. ²Please check whether your TV is Bluetooth® compatible.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
OK BUDGET SOUNDBAR + SUBWOOFER – NO HDMI / 3.5MM
on January 14, 2023
Posted by: TheOffice1234
SAMSUNG - HW-B450/ZA 2.1CH SOUNDBAR WITH DOLBY AUDIO/ DTS 2.0 CHANNEL - BLACK
MODEL: HW-B450/ZA
OK BUDGET SOUNDBAR + SUBWOOFER – NO HDMI / 3.5MM
The B450 is an OK entry level soundbar with external wireless subwoofer. It is best suited for legacy (older) or budget TV’s for achieving superior sound compared to internal TV speakers.
The B450 does a good job of outperforming the TV speakers, that part is a no brainer. In reality, the only practical way to attach it to your TV is via the included Optical TOS cable. Typically connecting a soundbar to a TV via Bluetooth produces unacceptable lag.
In my case I wanted to connect the B450 to a modern TV/Monitor (also a Samsung), but I was shocked that the B450 did not include an HDMI input. The TV does not have Digital Optical output, so my only option to connect was Bluetooth, which had too much lag and distortion.
I usually don’t complain about missing features or capabilities, since you can read the specs before you buy something. In 2023 it never dawned on me to double check to see if a “modern” soundbar had an HDMI input. Every soundbar I have used or tested over the last several years has had an HDMI input.
PROS
- Nice Remote
- Wireless Subwoofer
- Included Optical Cable
- Lighted Display Readout
- Buttons on the bar (when you can’t find the remote)
CONS
- Only OK sound Quality
- No HDMI audio Input limits connectivity
- Subwoofer is big for the limited sound it delivers
SETUP
The setup was very easy, plug it in turn it on. It was already pre-paired, which I did not realized at first, because there was almost no sound coming from the subwoofer. On the remote there is a button called “woofer”, carefully move it up or down to slightly increase the volume on the subwoofer. I say carefully, because at first when I pressed it, it only showed “0” on the soundbar display. The difference between pushing the button straight down and toggling it forward or backwards is very slight.
PERFORMANCE
TV – GOOD
Just connecting it to a TV via the optical cable give you an instant boost in audio quality. If your primary intent is louder, fuller sound from your TV shows and movies, then B450 does a respectable enough job in this role, at this price point. I was not blown away in terms of audio quality, but that is pretty subjective and your taste may be different. You should expect, and the B450 delivers, at least 1 step up from built in TV speakers. If you felt your TV sound was a grade “D” in sound, then you would probably find the B450 giving you a grade “C” experience, and so on. Don’t expect to jump to a grade of “B” without spending at least $2X and “A” without spending $4X.
MUSIC – BLUES, ROCK, POP - FAIR
Connecting over Bluetooth, streaming from my phone was underwhelming. Most of my audio library is MP3 encoded at very high-quality settings. Vocals POP music was really bad. The sweet spot for these speakers seems to be just above midrange. While I could hear the vocals pretty clearly, they were weak, and the rest was distorted. BLUES started out really good (in the instrumentals – guitar), and I had really high hopes, but as the songs progressed there was massive bass and high-end treble distortion. CLASSIC ROCK sounded the best where loudness was more important than quality.
With any selection, anything over 30% volume was unlistenable (to me) due to distortion.
OVERALL
I think the B450 is best suited for a small room, relatively quiet listening on an older TV.
SUMMARY
Audio is highly subjective and greatly influenced by the listener, the source material, and the environment. If you are in the market for an entry level soundbar with detached subwoofer, the B450 is worth a listen. I am super picky about audio devices. They don’t have to be the most expensive. I have plenty of affordable audio devices. They do have to perform well across the full audio spectrum and a variety of sources. For me, and my taste the B450 does not meet these requirements. Many of my Bluetooth speakers easily outperform the B450. Especially the lack of an HDMI input immediately limits where I can even consider using the soundbar.
My rating might seem high, for many of my concerns, but again if you just want a good basic soundbar for your TV this B450 is well suited for this use.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
 
Designed for home offices and small businesses, the Canon MAXIFY GX4020 delivers high-quality, low-cost printing, and outstanding wireless connectivity in a compact size. Get serious print productivity with a high page yield of up to 6,000 Black / 14,000 Color pages per full ink bottle set and a low cost per print of less than 2 cents per page1. The MAXIFY GX4020 comes with a full set of ink and a 3-year or 80,000 pages2 limited warranty so you can print with confidence. The MAXIFY GX4020 is easy to set up and maintain and offers great media versatility to print on a variety of media types and sizes, including business cards, envelopes, banners and more. Produce crisp, colorful documents quickly and cost-effectively with fast print speeds and a high quality 4-color pigment-based ink system. Keep printing with a large combined plain paper capacity of up to 350 sheets. Easily connect and print through high-speed USB, Ethernet, or wirelessly3 from computers or mobile devices. This model is backed by Canon's Service and Support network.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
GREAT PRINTS / SCANS / COPIES – OK SPEED
on December 30, 2022
Posted by: TheOffice1234
CANON - MAXIFY MEGATANK GX4020 WIRELESS ALL-IN-ONE INKJET PRINTER WITH FAX – WHITE
Model:5779C002SKU:6528709
GREAT PRINTS / SCANS / COPIES – OK SPEED
The GX4020 produce great image results when printing / copying / scanning. It is not the fastest (but fast enough), especially in High Quality Mode, but the prints are really outstanding. CANON has made great improvements over past generations in setup, and on-screen touch screen operations.
The only thing missing from the GX4020 is automatic duplex scanning. Though it does have manual duplex scanning. Additionally, the scanner is limited to 600 dpi optical, but in general that is more than enough without creating massive files.
PROS
- Compact Footprint
- Fantastic Print Quality (bright and crisp)
- Long Life INK Tanks
- Scanner supports books / magazine scanning
- Good Paper Handling for card stock / etc
- Much improved Setup over previous models
- Color Touch Screen Controls
CONS
- Scanning app is a little fussy in order to get full page high resolution scans
SETUP / UNBOXING
Setting up the GX4020 was surprisingly easy (compared to prior generations). Take off all the orange tape, plug it in, turn it on, and follow the on screen instructions. It does take about 30 minutes overall, just due to the process of filling ink, and priming ink, and loading software on the PC. A few minor nits on the setup process. It looks like on the setup animation you only fill the yellow ink before going to next step, but you need to fill them all. On the test / alignment page it only prints Blue / Black which made me think something was wrong with the other colors. But I need not have worried, all the colors worked fine. Priming the ink tubes uses about 25% of the color ink (which is normal). Previous Canon tanks gave you enough extra ink to top off the tanks after priming. That is not the case with GX4020. Again, not a show stopper, just something to be aware of if you are used to older Canon tank printers.
OPERATING
PRINTING
The prints were very good quality and the colors were vibrant. A huge improvement over prior Canon Tanks. I would put the photo quality up against the best that the leading competitor has to offer. As mentioned, it was not the fastest printing, but certainly acceptable.
COPYING
In my test Photo Copy, the copy was almost indistinguishable from the original.
SCANNING
The scanning app is a little odd, by default it breaks the pages into multiple images based on whatever formula it uses. You have to change the size from “auto” to “letter” if you want to capture the full page, intact. Otherwise, it basically auto crops into separate images. Once I changed the default behavior it worked as expected.
FAXING
I fax about 3 times per year. In my test fax it worked as expected. It is not a feature I use often, but when you need it, you need it now.
SUMMARY
Overall the GX4020 does everything it is supposed to do, and the quality is fantastic. The GX4020 was easy to setup and use. The touchscreen is intuitive and makes it easy to use. It is not cheap. In fact one could claim it is expensive. At this price point I would have expected automatic duplex scanning and a higher resolution scan / print. However, because of the tank ink, you probably will save on ink in the long run. My prior Canon tank printer was still on the first bottles of ink after 18 months. (we print a few pages every day).
The GX4020 is the best quality tank printer I have tested to date.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
A compact, foldable design weighing under 249 g makes DJI Mini 3 a great companion on any outing. Capture in 4K HDR, and with an extended battery life of up to 40 minutes, you can capture your surroundings in stunning detail without worrying about low battery.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
EASY / GREAT IMAGES / VALUE – DJI MINI 3 DRONE
on December 15, 2022
Posted by: TheOffice1234
PRODUCT REVIEWED
DJI - MINI 3 FLY MORE COMBO DRONE AND REMOTE CONTROL WITH BUILT-IN SCREEN – GRAY
MODEL:CP.MA.00000613.02 SKU:6524514
EASY / GREAT IMAGES / VALUE – DJI MINI 3 DRONE QUADCOPTER (NOT PRO)
The DJI MINI 3 (NOT PRO) takes great images. I’m totally blown away. It is easy to launch and use. The RC version (included in this bundle) of the remote control with the built-in screen, makes it ready to use with minimal fussing.
Let’s get the elephant out of the room. This is very nice, albeit stripped-down version of the DJI MINI 3 PRO. Or, if you prefer, a slightly upgraded version of the MINI 2, While it shares the same general form factor as the MINI 3 PRO, almost every feature has been slightly diminished in the DJI MINI 3 vs the MINI 3 PRO (for example 4K30 vs 4K60 on the PRO, but still 4K). I make it a point not to review what something is “not”, so from here I’ll only talk about the MINI 3, how it performs, and answer do the stated features work as advertised.? [HINT: YES, they do]
I recommend the DJI MINI 3 for very good image quality, build quality, and value-based pricing. It is easy to use / fly.
OVERALL
I’m not sure if I would call this a beginner drone, or more of a defeatured Prosumer drone constrained in order to hit a certain price point. This is probably on of the best drones available at this price point. If this is your absolute maximum budget, then I would recommend this for you. It is great and you won’t be disappointed. However, if you can dig a little deeper or skip the accessory bundle, then maybe take a closer look at the PRO version and see if the additional capabilities are worth it to you to upgrade.
PROS
- Small and Lightweight, easily folds to “packet size”
- Fast Performance, and Responsiveness
- Good Battery Life ~ 30 minutes per battery
- Well-known brand with lots of 3rd party accessories like lens filters
- Great Remote with Built in Screen (the RC version of the bundle)
- Included Extra Batteries and Accessories (with the “Go Fly” bundle)
- Good 4K movies
- Good 12MP still images
- Good Automated Shooting Modes (“Quick Shot”)
- Compatible with new 2023 FAA regulations to broadcast registration #
- Rotating Gimble for full definition (4K) Portrait or Landscape Movies and Photos
CONS
- No Waterproof or certified Water Resistant Ratings
- Remote Control Screen is still a little reflective in strong light (you might want a 3rd party hood)
- Phone App is a little confusing to use in conjunction with the remote control
SETUP / UNBOXING
The Quick Start guide is nothing special and maybe even points you in the wrong direction by focusing on the phone instead of the RC.
For this bundle (with the included RC), after you charge everything, turn on the remote (Short, then long press), connect it to your WiFi, and then follow the tutorial. Then power on your aircraft (short, then long press), then press connect on your RC and follow the prompts.
Once everything is connected and synchronized, then it will likely prompt you to update your firmware, which takes about 15 minutes over decent WiFi.
The included “Go Fly” kit gets you 2 (two) extra batteries (3 total) and a nice soft carrying case. The spare propeller blades took me about 10 minutes to find, they are inside the top lid pouch of the soft case.
The included charging cables (no actual charger power brick) are very short (guessing under a foot – I did not measure) making it a challenge to locate the devices (drone and controller) close to the charger. It took about an hour to top off the included battery and RC before I could continue the setup process.
If you are new to drone / quadcopter operations, please check out FAA and other requirements, though you technically don’t have to register the drone with the FAA (when using the smaller batteries), you should at least take some free online training to learn the REAL LAWS that govern your airspace. I was surprised to learn how close restricted airspace may be due to a tiny mostly unused airport that might be nearby. Just because you are operating the drone in an open field does not mean that the airspace above that field is unrestricted. Again, just because it is small, does not mean you don’t have to follow the laws that govern flight.
OPERATING
This is my first “non-toy” drone. Overall, I had no problem using the drone, but I really did need a second person as the spotter. Per FAA regulations, it is required that you (or a spotter) have eyes on the physical drone (unaided line of sight) at all times. This is really critical for me as there are lots of trees and other obstacles around where I would like to operate the drone. Once you get much above 100 ft it is hard to see the drone at all, it is that small.
The DJI MINI 3 DRONE is really quiet when in the air. Unlike some older drones you can hear “a mile away”, the MINI 3, is not easily heard more than 100 feet away.
Once the DJI MINI 3 locked onto Satellites, I programmed the Return to Home Features (RTH), so that if I lost control, I could easily recall the Drone. The first time I lost sight of the drone, I pressed the RTH button and it worked perfectly. The next time I pressed the RTH button I got an error that it could not be activated. I assume it was user error, maybe I did not let it properly calibrate or something. Fortunately, when I put it in landing mode, I was able to find it as it got closer to me.
First, I practiced take off and landings in an empty parking lot. Next, I was able to take the DJI MINI 3 out for some test flights around an empty beach. Finally, after a good 30 minutes of practice (and battery changes) I decided to do some flyovers of the lake itself.
When I analyzed the movies and photos later at home, I was very impressed with the overall image quality. Of course, it is not a high end SLR camera, but if you have in mind a typical modern cell phone camera, that will put you in the right frame of mind for expected image quality.
It took an inordinate amount of fussing to get the images to transfer to my phone. It took about 20 times for me to sync the phone and the drone. Even then, I had to download images one at a time, as quick transfer only wanted to talk to the RC. Again, I assume user error and learning curve on the app.
The Battery Life was good. I was not taking any chances, so I changed batteries at about the 20 minute mark, just to be safe. They still had about 40% charge.
I really like the built-in QuickShots routines for quick movie shots (like circle me, etc)
The wind resistance is one of the more important features of the DJI MINI 3, and really helps to keep the drone in place for stable operation and shooting.
OVERALL:
The DJI MINI 3 worked very well, and I had no issues that were not related to my own learning curve. I like just about everything about it. I am seriously considering taking it to Italy with me next spring (instead of my big camera) once I figure out if there are any issues with regulations.
Especially, because DJI MINI 3 does not have built in Avoidance Technology, I choose to get the DJI optional 2 year insurance plan that provides replacements at a reduced cost. I think now that I have the drone bug in my blood, I’ll also keep an eye open for future versions that include Avoidance Technology.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+9points
9of 9voted this as helpful.
 
You've got enough on your plate, let Yale get the door. Fitting into any lifestyle, this lock offers increased convenience and security giving you one less thing to worry about during your day. With multiple ways to unlock, the ability to share and track entry codes, and advanced Auto-Lock with DoorSense, the Yale Assure Lock 2 protects your home and family. Add a Yale Smart Module to control your lock from your smartphone or voice assistant when you’re away from home.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
EASY AND WELL MADE BLUETOOTH DOOR LOCK
on November 5, 2022
Posted by: TheOffice1234
MODEL REVIEWED
YALE - ASSURE LOCK 2, KEY-FREE PUSHBUTTON LOCK WITH BLUETOOTH - SATIN NICKEL
MODEL:YRD430-BLE-619
HEADLINE:
EASY AND WELL MADE BLUETOOTH DOOR LOCK
OVERVIEW
The ASSURE LOCK 2 is a basic (in a good way) Bluetooth Door Lock with keypad and wireless entry. Having installed more complicated “everything” locks it was nice to get a kit that was focused on the lock first and bells and whistles second. The Yale lock is first and foremost a great lock. It is very heavy duty with extra long screws for added deadbolt security. I like that it takes easy to replace AA batteries, which can be replaced in seconds, instead of charging brick that takes 6 hours to charge. It was easy to install, just like replacing any deadbolt lock.
PROs
• Well built
• Everything is included you might need for hardware
• Focus on Lock First
• Expandable for more advanced options is you want
CONs
• Square pad is a little industrial looking, but fine.
INSTALLATION
Really, there was nothing to the installation, it was really easy. There is even a handy guide and ruler, that has you check various measurements in your door before you start. In my case I was replacing and existing lock, so it was all good to go.
APP SETUP
The Bluetooth setup was really easy. I also did not want to install the “smart sensor” that tells the app if the door is open or closed. After the app was set up, it found the lock and updated the firmware which only took a few minutes. Then I went to my user profile and changed the pin code to what I wanted for my lock, saved and was all set.
In my case, I’ll probably only use the app for changing the code or creating a guest account. I could have it auto unlock the door when I get close, but I’ll just use a code as half the time if I’m working in the garage, I put my phone down somewhere else.
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
If you just want a good dependable lock without all the bells and whistles, then I highly recommend the YALE - ASSURE LOCK 2. If you want the advanced features like WIFI for Google or Alexa, you can optionally upgrade with an optional smart module when you are ready.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
Introducing the 3-in-1 Video Smart Lock S330 - a feature-packed solution for unparalleled home protection. Experience crystal clear visibility with 2K clarity and a 160° wide field of view for easy monitoring of your doorstep. Featuring Self-Learning AI, it constantly improves fingerprint recognition accuracy ensuring fast and precise door access every time. With Person, Pet, and Vehicle Detection, only receive relevant alerts that matter to you. Dual motion sensors help reduce false alerts by 95% and can accurately detect movement up to 19 ft (6 m) away, identifying objects with 99% accuracy. Effortless control and management with the eufy Security App. Get instant notifications* when kids come home, see and communicate with visitors using 2-way audio, and unlock the door remotely – it's convenient and security when you're away. Videos and data stay protected with local storage - all with no monthly fees.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
FANTASTIC SMART LOCK, DOORBELL, DOORCAM, NO SUB
on November 5, 2022
Posted by: TheOffice1234
MODEL REVIEWED
EUFY SECURITY - S330 VIDEO SMART LOCK
MODEL:E8530JY1
HEADLINE:
FANTASTIC SMART LOCK, DOORBELL, DOORCAM, NO SUBSCRIPTION
OVERVIEW
The S330 was easy to install, physically. Like almost all Smart Devices, setting up the app is less than easy, but eventually worked after several attempts and changes. (see tips). Once everything was set up, it works fantastically.
PROs
• Well built
• Everything is included you might need for hardware
• No Subscription required to use the lock or store video locally to included SD card
• Stylish (enough) for most people and homes
• Integration with Google and Alexa (“Alexa Unlock Back Door”)
• Included “Bridge” acts as a hub for your other smart devices from EUFY
CONs
• Network is 2.4Hz Only
• Setting up the app paring it. Etc takes time and patience and a few reboots
• Camera lens is “too wide’ so the door frame takes up a large portion of the image
INSTALLATION
TIP1: Plug in the battery to charge before you do anything else, at it takes 6 hour to charge and it does not tell you this until about the last step.
Physical installation is no more difficult than replacing an existing deadbolt lock. The hardware seems above average locking hardware. The directions somehow make it look harder than it was. Both myself and my wife thought it wanted us to drill holes in our metal doors, but it was just a bad illustration.
APP SETUP
TIP2: On your phone, turn off cellular data and make sure your phone is only connected to you 2.4Ghz WIFI network as that is all that the S330 support. Even after a few attempts this was not completing the initial pairing process. The bridge would state “Network Successful’ but then the app never went to the next step until after I rebooted everything.
TIP3: The paper manual says to plug in the Bridge before loading the app, but this is a mistake. You need to scan the QR code on the bottom of the Bridge which you can’t easily do if it is already plugged in.
Also, the app did not tell me which QR code to scan so I wasted 20 minutes trying to scan the QR code on the lock in the battery compartment, and getting various error messages. Eventually I figured it out.
Next you get to wait about 5 minutes for a firmware update. Which at first failed until I rebooted my phone and tried again.
Once you get the Bridge setup, then you have to “add the lock” to the bridge. In this case instead of scanning the QR code on the lock, it puts a code on your phone that you have to show the video camera. OK, cleaver, but it took several minutes and lots of moving back and forth to get the camera to read the code on the phone.
Next you get to wait 20 minutes for another firmware update.
Finally, you can enter pin codes and finger prints, and configure various other settings (motion alerts and so on)
TIP 4: It is really hard to open the battery compartment and I did not want to leave pry marks from using a tool, so I put a little bit of electrical tape sticking out to give me some leverage to lift off the completely smooth cover.
USING THE APP AND LOCK
The S330 finger print reader works great, every time.
TIP 5: To use a pin, you have to “wake up the lock” first by pressing the check mark button. Then enter your PIN, then press the checkmark button. If this was explained anywhere I missed it and spent a fair amount of time trying to get the pin code to work.
It took a few tries to get the S330 integrated with Alexa, but I’m glad I did now I can say thinks like “Alexa unlock garage door”. I don’t have a Fire device, so I can’t see the video on my TV for example but in theory I could.
SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION
Overall, once configured the EUFY SECURITY - S330 VIDEO SMART LOCK is a fantastic and solid well built device. It gives me the ability to know if I left the door unlocked and to relock it with my app or voice. The main reason I select the device is to allow my disabled son an easier way to open the door without getting frustrated with a physical key. I am especially happy that no subscription is required for most functions.
I fully recommend the EUFY SECURITY - S330 VIDEO SMART LOCK
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
2of 3voted this as helpful.
 
Neato D9's 200 minute runtime, covering 1,600 square feet on a single charge, makes it ideal for medium to larger-sized homes. You can't use circles to clean a square corner. That's why Neato's D-shape allows for a 70% larger brush than those found in round robots along with an industry-leading 0.70 liter dirt bin that holds more dirt between cleanings. Neato's D9 offers corner-to-corner and edge-to-edge cleaning in a short amount of time and its unique Helix multi-surface brush is now 50% quieter on hard surfaces. Neato's D9 also offers 40% greater dirt pickup than D3 & D5. The powerful performance combined with an easy-to-clean Ultra-Performance filter traps up to 99.5% of allergens and dust. Equipped with energy-saving Eco Mode for general vacuuming to high-performance Turbo Mode, Neato gets the job done. The Neato D9 uses LaserSmart powered by LIDAR, the same technology used in self-driving vehicles, to map and navigate your home with precision, leaving your carpets with those satisfying straight vacuum lines in no time. Because it uses lasers, not cameras, to navigate your home it works just as well in low light conditions like under furniture and never records images of you and your belongings. It also doesn't have microphones on board and features state-of-the-art encryption both on the robot and in the cloud. With regular software updates sent automatically, you can feel confident you're getting the latest features as soon as they're released. Get cleaning in minutes with Neato’s hassle-free setup using the MyNeato app. Create Zones to target trouble spots more often—like crumbs under the dining table. Create No-Go Zones to avoid spaces such as a pet dish or child’s play area. Clean where you want, when you want—on demand or scheduled in advance. Available in a premium, brushed black finish that fits in with any décor. Let Neato D9 take care of the dirty work. You've got better things to do. The Ultimate Cleaning Machine.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
BUGGY APP / SETUP, BUT NICE ROBOT VAC ONCE WORKING
on October 26, 2022
Posted by: TheOffice1234
MODEL REVIEWED
NEATO ROBOTICS - D9 INTELLIGENT WI-FI CONNECTED ROBOT VACUUM - BLACK
MODEL:945-0356
HEADLINE:
BUGGY APP / SETUP, BUT NICE ROBOT VAC ONCE WORKING
OVERVIEW
The NEATO ROBOTICS - D9 does a great job on our kitchen hardwood floor. I look forward to see how it performs over time. It seems well made, and other than setup issues I can recommend it.
PROs
• Well built
• Well packaged
• Above Average Cleaning
• Good Value
• Long Battery Life
CONs
• Poor Setup Process
• No Instructions or guide as to what is really happening with the vac
SETUP
The initial setup was a nightmare. I eventually got the unit so locked up, it had to be replaced. To complete the initial setup, I needed to find an old Android Phone, as there is a bug with the current version of Android. Even with an older phone (Android 11 vs 13), the setup was not working until after several attempts. Eventually, the App paired with the D9 and it automatically started a firmware update. Throughout the update process, the APP kept disconnecting the network. After about 20 minutes it said the firmware update failed and to “contact support”. Then the D9 rebooted by itself and apparently the firmware had worked after all and it was good to go. Once the D9 was setup, I could go back to my “real” phone and the app worked as expected.
DIRECTIONS?
There is a nice quick start guide, that tells you how to unpack and setup the D9. Then there is something called a manual, but it is just lawyer warnings. So, back to the APP, there really is nothing to do but press “PLAY” so then the D9 jumps into life and starts cleaning. Since this is my first robot vac, I assumed there would be a mapping step, or somehow I needed to create no-go zones. After pressing “PLAY” the D9 just rambles around without any apparent logic. It would have been nice if the APP gave me some information, such as “discovering layout” or “creating map” or anything. As near as I can tell everything is fully automatic, so there is nothing more that you need to do other than press “PLAY”. It ran about 90 minutes before I had to shut it down to eat dinner. At that point, it had mapped out about 80% of the floor, and completed a “B” job cleaning where it traveled. I don’t know if I had let it run a few more hours it would make a more complete map or do an “A” job at cleaning. I don’t know if it will tell me when it needs to be emptied or even how to empty it. Hopefully, the app will tell me what to do at the right time. As I said, without directions, I don’t know if it is just the initial mapping that takes so long or if it will be a few hours every time it runs. I’m not sure if I can move the D9 to different rooms, or will that somehow mess up the map?
USAGE
So far, I like the D9. Our floors were pretty dirty / dusty with fall dirt and leaves being tracked in (as well a new puppy). They were noticeably cleaner after the initial run. The D9 did a great job of maneuvering into hard-to-reach places, under counters and tables. It only got “very” stuck one time, and it eventually worked its way lose after shutting down the vacuum and rocking itself back and forth. The noise level was OK in eco mode, better than most other traditional vacuums. It was very sensitive when it bumped into things (which is good). It also really went out of its way to hug the wall when it found a wall to get as close as possible. I noticed when it returned to the base, it avoided areas where it had previously bumped into a dog toy. Hopefully, it will eventually remap those areas as OK to clean. I was worried it was going to drive off the stairs, but it sensed when it got to the stair and reversed itself before it fell down.
SUMMARY
As our first Robot Vac, I like the D9 and can recommend it for its value and performance. You just need to be patient with the setup process.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Increase your productivity with fast print speeds, automatic two-sided printing, easy mobile printing, and reliable Wi-Fi connections. Includes 1 full year subscription for Instant Ink delivery service with HP+ activation.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
OK ALL-AROUND PRINTER – DRAB COLORS NOT CONSISTENT
on October 20, 2022
Posted by: TheOffice1234
MODEL REVIEWED
HP - OFFICEJET PRO 8034E WIRELESS ALL-IN-ONE INKJET PRINTER WITH 12 MONTHS OF INSTANT INK INCLUDED WITH HP+ - WHITE
MODEL:OFFICEJET PRO 8034E
HEADLINE:
OK ALL-AROUND PRINTER – DRAB COLORS NOT CONSISTENT
OVERVIEW
The HP OFFICE JET PRO 8034E is an OK all-around printer and does a little bit of everything, printing, scanning, etc. Unfortunately, I found the color prints drab, and even when printing something simple like a blue colored logo the shade of blue was different on each of my 3 test pages. This was using the included starter ink and only on page 5 of my prints, so there should be plenty of ink still.
I like that the unit is overall very compact and does not take up too much room in my tiny home office.
When I did a “Photo” copy the results were pretty bad. Granted this was not on photo paper or anything like that, but still other printers from HP I tested did just fine on photos with plain paper.
I know HP makes better (more accurate) color printers, but maybe you have to spend a little more if that is important to you.
For my needs, I just wanted a basic color printer that supports 2-sided printing and prints in color to make it easier for me to review contracts that have been “red lined”. In that respect, this printer will work just fine.
INITIAL SETUP
The initial setup is improving over even last year’s model. I used the PC / Windows to do the set up and it worked just fine. The only snag I had is during the setup process it only offered 6 months of free ink, but as long as I ignored that and completed the process, in the end it showed 12 months of free ink. I think somewhere along the way in the setup process there is a “hard coded” 6 month ink commercial.
SUMMARY
I can’t really recommend this printer from HP if you want quality (professional looking) and consistent colors. If you just sometimes want to use color text in your documents it should be fine. Even on best quality, the text is a little fuzzy overall.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
 
Explore the art of espresso made right, effortlessly, with the refined features of La Specialista Arte from De'Longhi. Created for the hands-on home barista, this compact and stylishly designed machine empowers you to craft custom espresso drinks with ease and precision. From start to finish, unlock all the aromatic flavors of the beans for results that perfectly match your palette. Full control is at your fingertips with exclusive features like a conical burr grinder boasting 8 precise settings developed to expertly grind all bean varieties in a single or double dose. Use the complete barista kit, including a tamper, dosing funnel, and more, to prepare your fresh grounds in either a single or double dose in the single wall filter basket. Next, 3 active infusion water temperature levels adapt to your beans and roasting level for optimal flavor extraction. Finally, My LatteArt wand’s powerful steam produces the perfectly silky milk microfoam ideal for latte art creations. Save time with three beverage presets—espresso, Americano and hot water—for those on-the-go mornings. With La Specialista Arte, an authentic, hand-crafted coffee experience is within your reach. Indulge in the creativity of coffee-making as you get the best out of every bean and enjoy experimenting with foam art as a home barista.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
ANOTHER WINNER FROM DE’LONGHI – GET CLOSER
on October 9, 2022
Posted by: TheOffice1234
MODEL REVIEWED
DE'LONGHI - LA SPECIALISTA ARTE EC9155MB ESPRESSO MACHINE - STAINLESS STEEL/BLACK
MODEL:EC9155MB
HEADLINE:
ANOTHER WINNER FROM DE’LONGHI – GET CLOSER TO YOUR ESPRESSO EXPERIENCE
OVERVIEW
We are blessed to have owned several De’Longhi espresso machines over the past few years. Each machine builds on the success of the prior models.
The LA SPECIALISTA ARTE has improved on prior year models in several important areas.
- It takes up less room on the counter (both height and width).
- The controls are better labeled with numbered dials.
- The manual is easier to read and understand.
- The grinder mechanism is improved, it is quieter and passes grounds directly into the portafilter.
- It is easier to customize the volume of liquid used in each drink
The LA SPECIALISTA ARTE brings you closer to the espresso making experience over fully automatic machines, by giving you control over several critical features, including, grind, dose, tamp pressure, and temperature. If you are adventurous, you can also go into advanced menu mode and change water volumes.
The steamer wand is super hot and super high pressure and it took several tries to get a nice foam. Compared to prior models, this was the hardest to learn.
INITIAL SETUP
The initial setup is straight forward. Give everything a rinse, then run a cycle of water only on each of the settings (Espresso, Americano, Water Only, Steam).
The longest part of any new espresso machine is “Dialing in” all the settings to produce the perfect espresso. This involves changing the grind settings and dose settings to match your bean and taste. For each new machine (or bean type) we usually go through about 1-2 pounds of beans over several hours until we are satisfied we have the best settings. A standard rule of thumb is that it should take about 27 seconds to pull a double shot from the first drip to the last drip. If you are too far away from this number, you can just toss the drink and start over. Once you get close, then you can start to do minor adjustments to your taste. The quick start guide gives you a starting point.
TIP: Read your bean package, for example even though you have espresso beans that does not mean you have “dark roast”. Our package of beans is black, which made us think we had dark roast, but upon reading the fine print we really had a medium roast. Once we started with the recommended medium settings, we got to the perfect cup much more quickly.
TIP: It is tempting to change many settings for each test, but we found it best to keep a log of each test, and change one variable at a time.
Now the fun part, each time you select a new flavor of bean you may have to do this all over again.
Once we find the perfect formula for that bean, we write it down and keep it with the machine. We tend to keep the same bean brand / type for about 3 months at a time.
SUMMARY
The LA SPECIALISTA ARTE produces a great cup of espresso or Americano coffee. Once dialed in, you get a consistent brew every time. We find the steamer harder to use than with prior models, but we will get there after some practice. The only issue is that the steamer is more powerful than prior models. The LA SPECIALISTA ARTE takes up less room on the shelf, which makes it nice to get back some counter space.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Basic bootup speeds won’t cut it — not at work, on the go, or in the game. But the Crucial P3 SSD is anything but basic. With NVMe performance that’s more than 6x faster than SATA2 and storage capacities up to 4TB3, the P3 leaves older storage technology in the dust. Get faster bootups, downloads and file transfers, and store all your files, photos, videos, apps, and games with room to spare with the quality and dependability you expect from Crucial.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
FAST HIGH CAPACITY 2TB NVME GEN 3 DRIVE – GOOD VAL
on September 6, 2022
Posted by: TheOffice1234
MODEL REVIEWED
CRUCIAL - P3 2TB INTERNAL SSD PCIE GEN 3.0 NVME
MODEL:CT2000P3SSD8
HEADLINE:
FAST HIGH CAPACITY 2TB NVME GEN 3 DRIVE – GOOD VALUE
OVERVIEW
The CRUCIAL - P3 2TB INTERNAL SSD PCIE GEN 3.0 NVME exceeded my expectations for performance and value. It is faster than any GEN 3 drive I’ve tested to date (out of about 10 drives). As I already have a GEN 4 boot drive, I wanted a larger drive as my primary gaming drive for storing today’s larger games. I’ve used CRUCIAL RAM for a long time, but this is the first CRUCIAL drive I’ve tried. So far I’m very impressed.
SETUP
The set up was very easy, on my Win 10 PC, I just needed to install the drive in the appropriate slot then run windows partition manager to activate the drive and create a partition and format the drive.
TESTING
In my PC I was able to get results of 3160 MB/s Read and 3019 MB/s Write speeds.
SUMMARY
I fully recommend the CRUCIAL - P3 2TB INTERNAL SSD PCIE GEN 3.0 NVME for anyone looking for increased storage, but that does not require GEN 4 speeds.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
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Give your movies, TV shows and games the great sound they deserve. This ultra-slim SR-B20 sound bar fits discreetly in front of your TV or on a shelf or can be rotated for a low-profile wall mount. Setup is a breeze with a simple connection to your TV while Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream from your mobile devices.
 

What is the subwoofer for? What do subwoofers do?

without getting too technical it provides the low volume rumble for audio. (deep bass). the bar has built in small subwoofers, but you can also add a separate detached subwoofer for even more bass and rumbles.
3 years, 4 months ago
by
TheOffice1234
 
Give your movies, TV shows and games the great sound they deserve. This ultra-slim SR-B20 sound bar fits discreetly in front of your TV or on a shelf or can be rotated for a low-profile wall mount. Setup is a breeze with a simple connection to your TV while Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream from your mobile devices.
 

Is this sound bar Alexa compatible?

You can connect alexa to it via bluetooth but by itself it is not alexa enabled
3 years, 4 months ago
by
TheOffice1234
 
Give your movies, TV shows and games the great sound they deserve. This ultra-slim SR-B20 sound bar fits discreetly in front of your TV or on a shelf or can be rotated for a low-profile wall mount. Setup is a breeze with a simple connection to your TV while Bluetooth lets you wirelessly stream from your mobile devices.
 

Can this be mounted to a Samsung TV?

If you mean physically mounted, you would need some sort of generic mounting kit. Generally they are about $30 from various sources
3 years, 4 months ago
by
TheOffice1234
 
The PureTV Pro 60 is the only antenna with an actual signal meter integrated into the antenna to provide the best possible customer experience when installing. The PureTV Pro 60 has a dual-band, optimized antenna element that captures signals up to 60 miles away, while the antenna’s Clear Circuit Technology boosts the available signal, cuts dropout, and clears pixelation. The integrated, Bluetooth technology signal meter makes you the pro at installation. The PureTV Pro 60 uses a built-in tuner to get real-time signal data. Pair with the Winegard Connected app for no-fuss antenna positioning. Available for iOS and Android phones, the free, user-friendly Winegard Connected app quickly pairs with the PureTV Pro 60. Using both visual and audio indicators, you’ll get real-time feedback on the optimal antenna position for the best signal possible. The app shows a summary of available channels, and you can even fine-tune individual channels for maximum reception. Once you’re done, run a channel scan on TV, and start watching FREE TV.
 

my tv doesnt have a coax connector plug so what would i use?

Triple check that it does not have one. I've never heard of a TV without one. However, if that is the case then you need a real TV Tuner Box to interface with your TV. There are lots to chose from just google TV Tuner Box. TIVO OTA on the high end, AMAZON Fire TV ReCast on the medium end, and several others that just Tune, no additional functions for $30 or so.
3 years, 4 months ago
by
TheOffice1234
 
The PureTV Pro 60 is the only antenna with an actual signal meter integrated into the antenna to provide the best possible customer experience when installing. The PureTV Pro 60 has a dual-band, optimized antenna element that captures signals up to 60 miles away, while the antenna’s Clear Circuit Technology boosts the available signal, cuts dropout, and clears pixelation. The integrated, Bluetooth technology signal meter makes you the pro at installation. The PureTV Pro 60 uses a built-in tuner to get real-time signal data. Pair with the Winegard Connected app for no-fuss antenna positioning. Available for iOS and Android phones, the free, user-friendly Winegard Connected app quickly pairs with the PureTV Pro 60. Using both visual and audio indicators, you’ll get real-time feedback on the optimal antenna position for the best signal possible. The app shows a summary of available channels, and you can even fine-tune individual channels for maximum reception. Once you’re done, run a channel scan on TV, and start watching FREE TV.
 

What kind of range have this antenna?

In theory the 60 in the model number means 60 miles, I generally cut that in half for any stated antenna rage. I assume that means if you are in a desert with no obstructions you might get 60 miles.
3 years, 4 months ago
by
TheOffice1234
 
The PureTV Pro 60 is the only antenna with an actual signal meter integrated into the antenna to provide the best possible customer experience when installing. The PureTV Pro 60 has a dual-band, optimized antenna element that captures signals up to 60 miles away, while the antenna’s Clear Circuit Technology boosts the available signal, cuts dropout, and clears pixelation. The integrated, Bluetooth technology signal meter makes you the pro at installation. The PureTV Pro 60 uses a built-in tuner to get real-time signal data. Pair with the Winegard Connected app for no-fuss antenna positioning. Available for iOS and Android phones, the free, user-friendly Winegard Connected app quickly pairs with the PureTV Pro 60. Using both visual and audio indicators, you’ll get real-time feedback on the optimal antenna position for the best signal possible. The app shows a summary of available channels, and you can even fine-tune individual channels for maximum reception. Once you’re done, run a channel scan on TV, and start watching FREE TV.
 

Why does the app that is integral to the proper functioning of this antenna have a 1.6 rating in the App Store?

I assume because this one app covers many devices, reading the reviews on the app store most seem to be focused on WIFI devices that have nothing to do with the Antenna device. I used it, it is only OK, but in all reality you will use it one time to find your best location then never use it again.
3 years, 4 months ago
by
TheOffice1234
 
The PureTV Pro 60 is the only antenna with an actual signal meter integrated into the antenna to provide the best possible customer experience when installing. The PureTV Pro 60 has a dual-band, optimized antenna element that captures signals up to 60 miles away, while the antenna’s Clear Circuit Technology boosts the available signal, cuts dropout, and clears pixelation. The integrated, Bluetooth technology signal meter makes you the pro at installation. The PureTV Pro 60 uses a built-in tuner to get real-time signal data. Pair with the Winegard Connected app for no-fuss antenna positioning. Available for iOS and Android phones, the free, user-friendly Winegard Connected app quickly pairs with the PureTV Pro 60. Using both visual and audio indicators, you’ll get real-time feedback on the optimal antenna position for the best signal possible. The app shows a summary of available channels, and you can even fine-tune individual channels for maximum reception. Once you’re done, run a channel scan on TV, and start watching FREE TV.
 

What is the usb connector for?

This is a "powered" antenna, so you need the USB cable and included power supply to provide amplification to the antenna to improve signal strength.
3 years, 4 months ago
by
TheOffice1234
 
The PureTV Pro 60 is the only antenna with an actual signal meter integrated into the antenna to provide the best possible customer experience when installing. The PureTV Pro 60 has a dual-band, optimized antenna element that captures signals up to 60 miles away, while the antenna’s Clear Circuit Technology boosts the available signal, cuts dropout, and clears pixelation. The integrated, Bluetooth technology signal meter makes you the pro at installation. The PureTV Pro 60 uses a built-in tuner to get real-time signal data. Pair with the Winegard Connected app for no-fuss antenna positioning. Available for iOS and Android phones, the free, user-friendly Winegard Connected app quickly pairs with the PureTV Pro 60. Using both visual and audio indicators, you’ll get real-time feedback on the optimal antenna position for the best signal possible. The app shows a summary of available channels, and you can even fine-tune individual channels for maximum reception. Once you’re done, run a channel scan on TV, and start watching FREE TV.
 

Will having a metal roof on my house reduce the effectiveness of this antenna?

Maybe, but since this is more of a wall / window mount antenna, probably not as much impact as long as you have a window facing your stations.
3 years, 4 months ago
by
TheOffice1234
 
The PureTV Pro 60 is the only antenna with an actual signal meter integrated into the antenna to provide the best possible customer experience when installing. The PureTV Pro 60 has a dual-band, optimized antenna element that captures signals up to 60 miles away, while the antenna’s Clear Circuit Technology boosts the available signal, cuts dropout, and clears pixelation. The integrated, Bluetooth technology signal meter makes you the pro at installation. The PureTV Pro 60 uses a built-in tuner to get real-time signal data. Pair with the Winegard Connected app for no-fuss antenna positioning. Available for iOS and Android phones, the free, user-friendly Winegard Connected app quickly pairs with the PureTV Pro 60. Using both visual and audio indicators, you’ll get real-time feedback on the optimal antenna position for the best signal possible. The app shows a summary of available channels, and you can even fine-tune individual channels for maximum reception. Once you’re done, run a channel scan on TV, and start watching FREE TV.
 

does it connect with local networks, abc, cbs, nbc etc? How many channels or what stations maybe seen in the Frisco, TX area?

Google Antennaweb and enter your information for estimates of what channels you can receive. Just know that there many factors that go into good reception. The Antenna is just one of many factors such as do you have a window that faces your stations.
3 years, 4 months ago
by
TheOffice1234
 
The PureTV Pro 60 is the only antenna with an actual signal meter integrated into the antenna to provide the best possible customer experience when installing. The PureTV Pro 60 has a dual-band, optimized antenna element that captures signals up to 60 miles away, while the antenna’s Clear Circuit Technology boosts the available signal, cuts dropout, and clears pixelation. The integrated, Bluetooth technology signal meter makes you the pro at installation. The PureTV Pro 60 uses a built-in tuner to get real-time signal data. Pair with the Winegard Connected app for no-fuss antenna positioning. Available for iOS and Android phones, the free, user-friendly Winegard Connected app quickly pairs with the PureTV Pro 60. Using both visual and audio indicators, you’ll get real-time feedback on the optimal antenna position for the best signal possible. The app shows a summary of available channels, and you can even fine-tune individual channels for maximum reception. Once you’re done, run a channel scan on TV, and start watching FREE TV.
 

My TV is mounted on one wall. If the antenna gets optimal reception on another wall, is there enough cable to run from antenna to TV. How much cable is allowed? How have buyers dressed the cable to be unseen?

It comes with a good long cable, about 15-20 feet. It is very thin. I think anything you to try to hide it would make it look worse.
3 years, 4 months ago
by
TheOffice1234