xKing's stats
- Review count133
- Helpfulness votes889
- First reviewApril 23, 2014
- Last reviewNovember 22, 2023
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
- Review comment count4
- Helpfulness votes10
- First review commentAugust 25, 2016
- Last review commentMay 24, 2017
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count20
- Helpfulness votes15
- First answerApril 25, 2014
- Last answerSeptember 25, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
Detect allergens and toxins in the air with this uHoo smart indoor air monitor. The uHoo mobile app lets you view nine air quality sensors remotely, providing personalized tips on cleaning the air around your home. This uHoo smart indoor air monitor also features advanced integration capabilities with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT for smooth pairing with air purifiers, dehumidifiers, lights, etc.
Customer Rating
5
Shows what can't be seen
on September 11, 2020
Posted by: xKing
from Frisco, TX
It's an interesting little device, not much to it on the outside - just a white cylinder with holes on top and the bottom and a USB power cable. On the inside however it holds an impressive sensor array - temperature, humidity, air pressure, Carbon Dioxide, VOC, Particulate Matter (2.5), Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide and Ozone! It's an impressive combination! If you are to look at the commercial HVAC products - CO2 sensor alone would cost 2/3 of this device.
What does it do? Normally in my case - it just reports all green (in the middle of a Texas summer), however on a rainy or cool day - it clearly shows CO2 levels creeping up.. I did not think of it before I've got a way to actually monitor it. Now I can just turn on a ceiling fan if I see CO2 levels creep up in my master bedroom or open a window to air out the room.
It's a very good investment for anyone who thinks of looking at the indoor air quality for whatever reason. Getting headaches? Asthma? Allergies? Start with the air you breathe, it's possible that solution to your problem has nothing to do with medications!
Few negative points:
- there is no way to get information of this device locally, like, let's say - MQTT server. Sure there is Google and Alexa integrations and IFTTT, but I do prefer local access.
- No Apple Home Kit integration...
- there is no way to get information of this device locally, like, let's say - MQTT server. Sure there is Google and Alexa integrations and IFTTT, but I do prefer local access.
- No Apple Home Kit integration...
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
The Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 8-qt. 2-Basket Air Fryer with DualZone Technology. The first air fryer with 2 independent baskets that let you cook 2 foods at once, not back-to-back like a traditional single-basket air fryer. With 6-in-1 versatility, you can Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat or Dehydrate in each 4-qt zone for quick family meals. XL 8-qt capacity lets you cook mains and sides at the time, and now with Smart Finish Technology you can sync the settings from each zone so both foods cook accurately and finish together.
Customer Rating
5
Best fries I ever had!
on September 7, 2020
Posted by: xKing
from Frisco, TX
This is an amazing device for anyone who like French fries! Such a beautiful result every time and no mess!
Construction is pretty simple - 2 baskets, 2 heating elements and 2 fans above the heaters - but the result is just right! Crispy golden fries with a nice crunch to the outside, warm and soft in the inside.
I was never able to achieve such amazing result with a regular dip fryer! This machine can not only air fry, it has multiple other functions such as Broil, Roast, re-heat, Dehydrate and bake.
Operation is simple - just pick the mode for each basket (it's fine if you want to use just one) - set temperature and time, press Start. Don't forget to pull the basket out and shake the food every 5-7 minutes so it's crispy from all sides :) If 2 baskets set for a different program - machine can delay the other one so they complete cooking at the same time, making it easy to prepare 2 different dishes.
I was never able to achieve such amazing result with a regular dip fryer! This machine can not only air fry, it has multiple other functions such as Broil, Roast, re-heat, Dehydrate and bake.
Operation is simple - just pick the mode for each basket (it's fine if you want to use just one) - set temperature and time, press Start. Don't forget to pull the basket out and shake the food every 5-7 minutes so it's crispy from all sides :) If 2 baskets set for a different program - machine can delay the other one so they complete cooking at the same time, making it easy to prepare 2 different dishes.
Couple minor drawbacks:
- Compare to a dip fryer - air fryer takes significantly longer. I rarely cook anything longer than 5 minutes in a dip fryer, however 40 minutes in air fryer is totally possible.
- Device is sort of underpowered when 2 baskets are used together. Cooking time goes up... Device comes with a standard 15A 120V plug so I assume it's just a power limitation... Maybe Ninja will consider selling a 20A upgrade kit? Or maybe even 240V kit?
- Compare to a dip fryer - air fryer takes significantly longer. I rarely cook anything longer than 5 minutes in a dip fryer, however 40 minutes in air fryer is totally possible.
- Device is sort of underpowered when 2 baskets are used together. Cooking time goes up... Device comes with a standard 15A 120V plug so I assume it's just a power limitation... Maybe Ninja will consider selling a 20A upgrade kit? Or maybe even 240V kit?
Positive things:
- No oil. no mess. It's much easier to setup and clean up vs a dip fryer. Much healthier food as well!
- Easy to take with you to a neighbor's party - no oil, means no long cooling time. This machine is cool in about 20 minutes.
- Machine is not too big, comparable to a dip fryer.
- Easy to operate, safer option, especially if you have little kids. No oil burns.
- No oil. no mess. It's much easier to setup and clean up vs a dip fryer. Much healthier food as well!
- Easy to take with you to a neighbor's party - no oil, means no long cooling time. This machine is cool in about 20 minutes.
- Machine is not too big, comparable to a dip fryer.
- Easy to operate, safer option, especially if you have little kids. No oil burns.
Overall - if you like fries - it's a must have!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+8points
19of 30voted this as helpful.
Meet G733, a gaming headset designed to suit your style. Embrace total wireless with 2.4 GHZ LIGHTSPEED wireless, featuring up to 33 ft of range and up to 29 hours of battery life. Customize how you look and sound in G HUB with dual-zone, front-facing LIGHTSYNC RGB and Blue VO!CE real-time voice filters. G733 features advanced audio technologies, including 40 mm PRO-G audio drivers, internal acoustic chambers, and DTS Headphone:X 2.0. Play your way with four colorways to choose from and play with comfort with a comfortable, reversible headband, dual-layer memory foam earcups, and a lightweight headset that weighs just 9.8 oz.
Customer Rating
5
Surround sound - tactical advantage!
on August 31, 2020
Posted by: xKing
from Frisco, TX
These are very good headphones designed specifically with gamers in mind. Lightweight (just 10oz) and extremely comfortable - these are perfect for a long game nights. Inner headband is adjustable to maximize comfort and fit head of any size. Ear cups position can be adjusted as well. Ear cushions are easily removable and replaceable.
Controls are super simple - volume dial, mute and power buttons. RGB lights up front are designed to bring individual look to your "game face".
Sound quality is fantastic! My little gamer was able to perfectly hear people sneaking up from behind in "War zone" - that is not possible with just the laptop speakers.
Battery life is sufficient for a whole day play and even when battery is low - headphones can be plugged in with a 6' USB-C cable and continue to work while charing.
Couple points to improve:
- microphone boom can only be installed on the left side (it can be removed if not in use, but can't be plugged into the right side).
- USB transmitter that goes into computer is kinda big and sticks out if you play on a laptop... it's USB-A only.
- headphones are designed to be used for gaming only, there is no Bluetooth connectivity or a 3.5mm jack for music.
- microphone boom can only be installed on the left side (it can be removed if not in use, but can't be plugged into the right side).
- USB transmitter that goes into computer is kinda big and sticks out if you play on a laptop... it's USB-A only.
- headphones are designed to be used for gaming only, there is no Bluetooth connectivity or a 3.5mm jack for music.
Overall - it's a great choice for a dedicated gaming headset.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
HP OMEN Gaming Laptop: A thin and light premium gaming experience in an elevated design so you can play everyday. With an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics and cooled by OmenTempest Cooling, it makes you think how it all fits into such a tiny little package."
Posted by: xKing
from Frisco, TX
top designed specifically for gamers. RGB backlit keyboard (4 separate lighting zones) with emphasis on arrow keys for the right hand, 1080p 144fps display powered by GTX 1660Ti, 16 Gb RAM and impressive super fast 1Tb SSD - everything is optimized for the best possible portable gaming experience. Laptop has 2 fans which it does use quite a bit under the heavy load (machine can become a little loud) which help it avoid thermal throttling.
Laptop is equipped with variety of ports - USB-C, 3 of the USB 3 type A ports (one with ability to charge devices while laptop is in the sleep mode), SD card slot, headphone/mic combo port, HDMI 2.0a output, MiniDP and of course a gigabit Ethernet port (in addition to 802.11ax WiFi + Bluetooth 5.0 card).
Laptop is equipped with variety of ports - USB-C, 3 of the USB 3 type A ports (one with ability to charge devices while laptop is in the sleep mode), SD card slot, headphone/mic combo port, HDMI 2.0a output, MiniDP and of course a gigabit Ethernet port (in addition to 802.11ax WiFi + Bluetooth 5.0 card).
I do fly simulators and this machine provides real smooth experience, no lagging, everything loads very fast (Even Windows boots in like 2-3 seconds!).
Upgradeability - laptop is super easy to open, no special screws, just #1 Phillips, back cover is easily removable for cleaning and upgrades. There are 2 RAM slots (2x8Gb PC4-3200 modules come pre-installed), 2 m.2 slots (see picture - 2 copper heatsinks, left one is occupied by NVMe SSD, right one is free). AMI BIOS is pretty basic though and does not provide any "overclocking" capabilities.
Power supply pumps out an impressive (for a laptop) 200W, battery life really depends on what you using the machine for and how loaded is it.
Overall - it's a great, very well performing laptop, I would recommend it to any gamer who needs portability.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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-39points
23of 85voted this as helpful.
Designed to make printing easier for the whole family, the HP ENVY 6055 all-in-one printer lets everyone print, scan, and copy everyday documents, schoolwork, borderless photos and more. This wireless picture printer can order ink for you and deliver it to your door with up to 50% savings on ink using the HP Instant Ink delivery service, so you can print high-quality documents and photos when you need them (subscription required). Set up, and connect the all-in-one printer to your family's mobile devices in a few easy steps for remote scanning and sharing using the HP Smart app. And keep connected, and reduce interruptions with self-healing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Prints up to 10 ISO ppm* in black and up to 7 ppm* in color.
Customer Rating
5
Great for the home office!
on July 6, 2020
Posted by: xKing
from Frisco, TX
This is a feature rich, compact, fast printer. Print quality is awesome, sharp lines, vivid colors, especially on the special photo paper.
Printer supports a wide variety of connections - HP ePrint, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, BLE, Internet Printing Protocol, TCP/9100. Whatever you printing source is - this device got you covered. If you are working from home and your VPN software causes you troubles - you can always use Printer's internal WiFi "Direct Print" to connect and print without disconnecting from your work VPN.
Printer supports a wide variety of connections - HP ePrint, AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, BLE, Internet Printing Protocol, TCP/9100. Whatever you printing source is - this device got you covered. If you are working from home and your VPN software causes you troubles - you can always use Printer's internal WiFi "Direct Print" to connect and print without disconnecting from your work VPN.
Setup is super easy, just power printer on and then use HP ePrint app on your phone, follow directions. Printer will print out a special calibration sheet that it will ask you to scan in order to adjust the printing heads perfectly. That's it! All home computers will recognize the printer automatically.
Note that there is no hardwired ethernet port so WiFi connection is mandatory.
This printer supports HP instant ink which is an interesting subscription based ink delivery model (this is totally optional, you don't have to sign up for it if you don't feel it would be beneficial). You just print what you need (and keep loading paper :) HP will automatically send you ink cartridges, you will always have a fresh set standing by. You pay for amount of pages you print monthly, starting from $2.99 per month (or about $36 annually) for 50 pages per month with up to a 100 pages rollover! No commitments - you can cancel any time. For me this is a perfect option as I don't have to remember to buy cartridges anymore.
There are, of course, more advanced settings available - just use your web browser and navigate to printer's IP address - you will be greeted with a nice web interface and a lot more advanced options such as SNMP, different Wireless settings, etc.
I would definitely recommend it for a small/home office if color print is desirable and you don't need anything bigger than letter.
Note on scanner - it's just a flatbed, there is no autofeed for the scanner.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+18points
35of 52voted this as helpful.
Get the results you want every time with the wireless meat thermometer. Choose your preferred doneness, adjust cooking settings, and track your cooking remotely with your smartphone or tablet using the free Yummly app. The preset programs for meat, fish, and poultry eliminate the guesswork, while the timers and alerts let you be confident in your cooking even when you're multitasking.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect doneness every time!
on June 27, 2020
Posted by: xKing
from Frisco, TX
We love grilling a good steak on a charcoal grill but sometimes it's a challenge to hit the right doneness every time due to outside temperature, wind or even coals size. Well, not anymore! This thermometer is a great addition to our tool kit!
Thermometer is super easy to use and has simple instructions in the app. Make sure to familiarize yourself with an app before your first session as thermometer may need a software update.
There are total of 3 pieces - thermometer probe, dock and a probe removal tool (tool sits at the bottom of a dock). Dock is the only piece you put batteries in, probe will charge it's internal battery when docked so do that before the 1st grilling session. Full probe charge is achieved in about 30 minutes.
There are total of 3 pieces - thermometer probe, dock and a probe removal tool (tool sits at the bottom of a dock). Dock is the only piece you put batteries in, probe will charge it's internal battery when docked so do that before the 1st grilling session. Full probe charge is achieved in about 30 minutes.
To start cooking - open up Yumly app on your phone and take the probe out of a dock, follow in-app instructions to select the kind of meat you cooking and desired doneness, insert the probe into steak and put it on a grill! Few caveats - probe is about 1/4" thick and 3" long so one of your steaks will have a quarter inch hole thru it... Dock is the piece that will be talking to your phone and a probe itself so make sure to have dock sitting outside by your grill. I've found that I get the best signal if I put dock on one of the grill handles. Dock has magnets at the bottom so you can attach it to anything magnetic (and not hot).
Probe will report current meat temperature in pretty much real time as soon as you stay within about 50' from the dock. There is a "let me know when to turn the food over" feature, but I did not like it a lot as it told me to turn the food over way after it needed to be. I typically grill 5 minutes on each side over direct heat and then about 2-3 minutes on each side on indirect.
When you steak is almost ready (130F in my case, target was set to 135F) - you will get a notification on your phone to remove steaks from the grill and leave to rest. Steak will come up to the proper temperature while resting as heat will travel from the outside to the inside of a steak. And.. viola - perfectly cooked piece of meat, enjoy!
When you steak is almost ready (130F in my case, target was set to 135F) - you will get a notification on your phone to remove steaks from the grill and leave to rest. Steak will come up to the proper temperature while resting as heat will travel from the outside to the inside of a steak. And.. viola - perfectly cooked piece of meat, enjoy!
Cleanup was pretty easy - wipe probe with a paper towel and carefully hand wash the metal part with dish soap, plastic part is not submersible.
So besides the laggy "turn the food over" feature and limited Bluetooth connectivity (I really wish that dock would be WiFi, even if that means AC power is needed for the dock) - it's a great helper. Amazing results!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
Protect your 12.9-inch iPad Pro against damage with this graphite Logitech Slim Folio Pro keyboard case. The backlit keys have three adjustable levels of brightness for seamless typing in dark environments, while the magnetic latch ensures secure closure, shielding against daily bumps and knocks. This Logitech Slim Folio Pro keyboard case has a lightweight design for comfortable handling.
Customer Rating
4
Heavy duty... And convenient!
on May 25, 2020
Posted by: xKing
from Frisco, TX
Wow, this is a heavy case! My kitchen scale shows 715g (25.22oz), iPad Pro (12.9" Gen 4) is just 636g (22.43oz), so the case is heavier than iPad Pro itself! Combined together case and iPad weigh more than 2020 Mac Book Air! This is a great case to get if you need a really heavy duty protection for your iPad, apple pencil can be stored within the case flap as well. Removing iPad from the case takes a little bit of time as it's not held by the magnets, but by a rubberized edge of the case.
Keyboard has it's own battery, it's backlit and connects to iPad over bluetooth (so in theory you don't have to put iPad in the case for keyboard to work).
Keyboard has it's own battery, it's backlit and connects to iPad over bluetooth (so in theory you don't have to put iPad in the case for keyboard to work).
Would I recommend getting this case?
If you want a very good protection (back and front) for your iPad and don't mind it to be a little heavy - definitely yes!
If you do a lot off typing/taking notes on your iPad - sure! Keyboard is backlit and very nicely made.
If you want a very good protection (back and front) for your iPad and don't mind it to be a little heavy - definitely yes!
If you do a lot off typing/taking notes on your iPad - sure! Keyboard is backlit and very nicely made.
If you would like to be able to remove iPad from the keyboard case quickly - no, don't get this case - iPad is not magnetically attached, it takes some time to remove it.
Do you even need a keyboard for an iPad? This totally depends on what you are doing. It's super nice to have a real keyboard for text editing, notes taking or using your iPad as a terminal to connect to a Unix server over SSH. Software keyboard is not taking precious screen space.
Own battery could be a positive and a negative at the same time.. It's definitely a positive thing if you want to maximize your iPad battery life - keyboard backlight won't be sucking energy from the iPad itself. However - it's another battery you need to remember to keep charged (even though Logitech promises 3 months battery life). This case does NOT take advantage of iPad accessory port so you can't use a single USB-C to charge both - keyboard and iPad.
I would definitely rate this case 5 star if it will use iPad accessory connection for USB-C pass thru.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Type more naturally with ERGO K860 – an advanced ergonomic keyboard that promotes a more relaxed typing posture – reducing wrist bending and offering wrist support. A curved keyframe helps reduce wrist strain, while a pillowed wrist rest keeps your forearms elevated to help prevent excessive bending. This Logitech ERGO keyboard features Perfect Stroke keys for quiet performance and responsiveness, and the 2-year battery life offers long-lasting use.
Posted by: xKing
from Frisco, TX
My wrists would typically hurt after a long work day at my computer, so I decided to give this keyboard a shot as it does look more ergonomic. Large wrist support cushion at the bottom is designed to support your writs at a more natural angle, not parallel to the desk.
Does this help with the pain? Yes! After just a couple days behind this keyboard I've noticed an improvement! It was sure difficult to get used to a curved shape, I had to re-adjust my typing habits a little, for example I was used to hitting B with my right thumb vs the left one. There is definitely a learning curve to get used to it. I was missing the keys at the beginning and typing real slow, but just after a couple hours I've got it.
Other than a curved shape - there is not a lot of features. Keyboard is battery powered (2xAAA batteries at the bottom) so it does not have a backlight. No "wheel" like on a Logitech Craft. Keyboard supports re-mapping of the function keys using Logitech Options software.
Who would I recommend this keyboard to? Someone who writes a lot - definitely! Someone who needs more functionality and uses mouse most of the time (graphic design) - No. Look at Logitech Craft instead.
What would I improve? Support of up to 3 different computers via Bluetooth or Unifying receiver is nice, but no backlight and AAA battery power is definitely a step back.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
5of 7voted this as helpful.
Enjoy up to 25 hours of nonstop audio playback with these Bowers & Wilkins PX5 on-ear headphones. The custom 35.6mm drivers offer more natural sound reproduction, while adaptive noise cancelling automatically adjusts to your environment for the best possible listening experience. These compact Bowers & Wilkins PX5 on-ear headphones feature carbon fiber composite arms to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Customer Rating
4
Cool looks, sweet sound
on November 1, 2019
Posted by: xKing
from Frisco, TX
This is a very impressive looking pair of headphones! From the construction of a headband to arms that hold ear cups, to the ear cups itself - they look thought thru, nothing sticks out. Ear cushions are super soft and foamy,
inner side of a headband made of the same soft leather material, outer side of the band is soft fabric. These are on-ear headphones. Make sure to try these on before you buy them especially if your head is on the larger side as clamping force may cause some level of discomfort over time.
inner side of a headband made of the same soft leather material, outer side of the band is soft fabric. These are on-ear headphones. Make sure to try these on before you buy them especially if your head is on the larger side as clamping force may cause some level of discomfort over time.
Button controls are typical for the wireless headphones - 3 multi-function keys and a combination power/pairing slider on the right side and a noise cancelling control button on the left. USB-C port for charging and a 3.5mm wired input connectors are on the right.
One feature that I do like a lot is automatic pause when headphones are removed or at least one ear cup is pulled away - that is super handy as you don't have to hit a pause in case you need to talk to someone. Playback resumes automatically once ear cup is back.
One feature that I do like a lot is automatic pause when headphones are removed or at least one ear cup is pulled away - that is super handy as you don't have to hit a pause in case you need to talk to someone. Playback resumes automatically once ear cup is back.
Sound - in my opinion B&W could do better. I understand that noise cancelling headphones will affect sound a little bit when noise cancelling is used, however in this case - sound becomes worse when noise cancelling is turned off! I've noticed that bass virtually disappears on noise cancelling levels other than High. Mid range and highs are very decent on any noise cancelling settings.
Noise cancelling itself works as expected, there are 4 settings: High, Low, Auto and Off. Headphones will turn it on "High" after you power them on every time no matter what the setting was before last power off.
Noise cancelling itself works as expected, there are 4 settings: High, Low, Auto and Off. Headphones will turn it on "High" after you power them on every time no matter what the setting was before last power off.
Bluetooth connection - B&W PX5 support Qualcomm aptX HD codec which means virtually no loss in sound quality due to the Bluetooth, 2 simultaneous bluetooth connections are supported.
Mobile app - is pretty basic but functional, you can choose Noise Cancelling Level, "Wear sensor" sensitivity setting, turn Voice Prompts on and off, set standby timer. I was not able to tell the exact battery percentage from looking at the app.
Very nice soft carrying case is included in the box, charging and audio cables have a designated pocket in a case.
Overall - it's a very decent choice if you don't mind on-ear design. Noise cancelling performance is great and 25 hour battery life is enough for a long flight, however sound quality could be improved (it's not bad, it's just not what I expected from B&W). I hope it's just the matter of the software update.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Philips Pasta and Noodle Maker Plus - HR2375/06
Posted by: xKing
from Frisco, TX
There are two kinds of pasta - extruded and laminated. Laminated pasta is the most common kind people make at home as it does not require any special tools - just roll the dough and cut it, or use "pasta machine" that rolls the dough for you. It's typically much more difficult to make extruded pasta at home. Extruded pasta is made by forcing the dough thru the cutting die that shapes the pasta, it's the only way to make hollow pasta as well. Extruded pasta has rough edges and sauce does stick better to it.
This pasta maker is a great device to start making extruded pasta at home! Everything you need is in the box and machine comes pre-assembled, just make sure to wash it before the 1st use, add flour, add liquid (water or water plus egg) and machine will do everything else for you. It's extremely easy to operate even for kids! No hand mixing of ingredients!
It does take the machine about 3 minutes to make the dough and then about 3 minutes to extrude (force the dough thru the cutting die) and you are ready to cook the freshly made pasta. You can use any flour and substitute water with any vegetable juice you would like so there are a lot of options.
Spaghetti, Penne, Angel hair and "pasta sheets" shaping dies are included with the machine and more dies are available to purchase separately. Cleaning is easy and it's oddly satisfying to use the included cleaning tool to poke the dry dough out of the dies.
This pasta maker is a great device to start making extruded pasta at home! Everything you need is in the box and machine comes pre-assembled, just make sure to wash it before the 1st use, add flour, add liquid (water or water plus egg) and machine will do everything else for you. It's extremely easy to operate even for kids! No hand mixing of ingredients!
It does take the machine about 3 minutes to make the dough and then about 3 minutes to extrude (force the dough thru the cutting die) and you are ready to cook the freshly made pasta. You can use any flour and substitute water with any vegetable juice you would like so there are a lot of options.
Spaghetti, Penne, Angel hair and "pasta sheets" shaping dies are included with the machine and more dies are available to purchase separately. Cleaning is easy and it's oddly satisfying to use the included cleaning tool to poke the dry dough out of the dies.
Overall - it's a great appliance for any family who enjoys pasta at home, makes it super easy to make it! Recipe book is included.
Few things I did not like that much:
1. My biggest problem is with the "pasta sheets" cutting die which is supposed to make flat sheets of pasta usable for lasagna, ravioli, etc. Mine came with the cutting disk off center so it has a wider gap between the cutting disk and a die itself up top - this makes pasta come out quicker on the top side, therefore my pasta sheets do not come out flat. It's very difficult to use those for anything. I've contacted Phillips and they sent me a replacement cutting die right away, unfortunately it has the same problem...
2. Spaghetti come out in a bunch so it's kinda difficult to separate them if I want to dry them on a pasta drying rack first. Not impossible, but regular pasta cutter makes this job a lot easier. You have to dry your pasta if you want to cook it al-dente (fresh pasta can't be cooked al-dente obviously).
3. Dough gets stuck on the paddles sometimes and does not want to go into extruder. I have to pause the extrusion process a few times and help the dough to the front of the machine or machine will just be done with a bunch of dough sill sitting inside (running the extrusion program once again does not help).
4. Machine wastes about 36 gramm (1.3 Oz) of dough that just gets stuck in the extruder. Not much, just so you know. Minimum pasta portion you can make per cycle is about 300 gramm which is enough for 3 servings, maximum is about 600 gramm per cycle.
2. Spaghetti come out in a bunch so it's kinda difficult to separate them if I want to dry them on a pasta drying rack first. Not impossible, but regular pasta cutter makes this job a lot easier. You have to dry your pasta if you want to cook it al-dente (fresh pasta can't be cooked al-dente obviously).
3. Dough gets stuck on the paddles sometimes and does not want to go into extruder. I have to pause the extrusion process a few times and help the dough to the front of the machine or machine will just be done with a bunch of dough sill sitting inside (running the extrusion program once again does not help).
4. Machine wastes about 36 gramm (1.3 Oz) of dough that just gets stuck in the extruder. Not much, just so you know. Minimum pasta portion you can make per cycle is about 300 gramm which is enough for 3 servings, maximum is about 600 gramm per cycle.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+7points
9of 11voted this as helpful.
xKing's Review Comments
Connect favorite peripherals to this Acer Aspire laptop. Four USB ports let you connect accessories, transfer files or charge a cellphone while you work, and HDMI outputs make dual-screen functionality possible. Access nearby wireless networks with this Acer Aspire laptop and stream videos or upload your own images captured with the built-in HD webcam.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Great travel companion
By xKing
from Frisco, TX
This laptop would be a great travel companion. Screen can be folded all the way to the back making this laptop a big tablet, Windows recognizes it as a "tablet mode" and adjusts the interface so that's easy to use that way. Tablet mode is a great idea if your space is limited such as a car or an airplane. That is if you don't mind wiping your fingerprints off the screen later.
Overall construction is very nice and solid, aluminum top cover and plastic bottom make it easy to hold and it does not get real hot to the touch while working. Bottom is fairly easy to take off (philips screwdriver and plastic prying tools needed) allowing access to the single memory slot and a hard drive (watch for hard drive - it will fall off when bottom cover is off). Laptop has a good selection of ports (including HDMI, 2x USB 3 and a USB-C!) making it easy to connect to the accessories you need. Hardware volume control paddle is located on the right side of the laptop almost next to the power switch - I actually send laptop to sleep couple of times while trying to adjust the speaker volume, so be careful.
Screen resolution is a full 1920x1080 HD but the space under the screen (where the Acer logo is) feels unused - I wish Acer did extend the screen to the bottom a bit more. From the beginning - my laptop had a very noticeable green tint to the screen which I had to correct using the Windows color calibration tool - no issues after that.
Keyboard and the touchpad are functional and easy to use, keyboard is backlit (either on or off, no brightness adjustment).
Battery - I was able to use laptop for 4 full hours watching videos, surfing web and working on the documents before battery fully drained, it took it 3 hours to charge back to 100%. Included 45W power adapter is surprisingly small and easy to pack, supports any voltage from 100 to 240 so overseas travel is not a problem!
Performance - I did not notice any delays while working with the big office documents, 8 Gb RAM (upgradeable to 12Gb) and i5 CPU have more than enough for any office tasks, however I would recommend upgrading to SSD if you require a lot of disk activity.
Overall - great laptop for those who work on the go and need a good selection of ports at the workplace, strong performer!
xKing
Frisco, TX
Reply to the previous comment
August 25, 2016
It's really comes down to your personal preference. HP you've mentioned has a smaller 13.3" screen, but a solid state drive will perform better. Acer has a bigger screen but a slower mechanical hard drive.
0points
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Connect favorite peripherals to this Acer Aspire laptop. Four USB ports let you connect accessories, transfer files or charge a cellphone while you work, and HDMI outputs make dual-screen functionality possible. Access nearby wireless networks with this Acer Aspire laptop and stream videos or upload your own images captured with the built-in HD webcam.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Great travel companion
By xKing
from Frisco, TX
This laptop would be a great travel companion. Screen can be folded all the way to the back making this laptop a big tablet, Windows recognizes it as a "tablet mode" and adjusts the interface so that's easy to use that way. Tablet mode is a great idea if your space is limited such as a car or an airplane. That is if you don't mind wiping your fingerprints off the screen later.
Overall construction is very nice and solid, aluminum top cover and plastic bottom make it easy to hold and it does not get real hot to the touch while working. Bottom is fairly easy to take off (philips screwdriver and plastic prying tools needed) allowing access to the single memory slot and a hard drive (watch for hard drive - it will fall off when bottom cover is off). Laptop has a good selection of ports (including HDMI, 2x USB 3 and a USB-C!) making it easy to connect to the accessories you need. Hardware volume control paddle is located on the right side of the laptop almost next to the power switch - I actually send laptop to sleep couple of times while trying to adjust the speaker volume, so be careful.
Screen resolution is a full 1920x1080 HD but the space under the screen (where the Acer logo is) feels unused - I wish Acer did extend the screen to the bottom a bit more. From the beginning - my laptop had a very noticeable green tint to the screen which I had to correct using the Windows color calibration tool - no issues after that.
Keyboard and the touchpad are functional and easy to use, keyboard is backlit (either on or off, no brightness adjustment).
Battery - I was able to use laptop for 4 full hours watching videos, surfing web and working on the documents before battery fully drained, it took it 3 hours to charge back to 100%. Included 45W power adapter is surprisingly small and easy to pack, supports any voltage from 100 to 240 so overseas travel is not a problem!
Performance - I did not notice any delays while working with the big office documents, 8 Gb RAM (upgradeable to 12Gb) and i5 CPU have more than enough for any office tasks, however I would recommend upgrading to SSD if you require a lot of disk activity.
Overall - great laptop for those who work on the go and need a good selection of ports at the workplace, strong performer!
xKing
Frisco, TX
Reply to SSD question
August 27, 2016
Physically - any 2.5" SSD drive will fit. It really depends on your budget and how much storage would you like to have. I personally use Crucial drives.
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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.
Overall
3 out of 5
3 out of 5Finally an Android tabled designed for your car!
By xKing
from Frisco, TX
This tablet would be a real good option for those who want just an Android tablet in the car, it mounts hassle free with the included mount. I used the "bean bag" as a base and suction cup attached to the bean bag.
Tablet has a magnetic attachment at the back that takes care of the electrical connections as well so all you need to do is to place the tablet on the mount and that's it! No wires to plug in!
Physically it's a very well made device with rubberized back which makes it secure in hand, screen is bright and I had no problem looking at it with my polarized sunglasses on.
It has micro USB port for charging / data transfer, micro SD card slot, mini HDMI port and a 3.5mm sound output jack.
Mount has a full size USB port, 3.5mm sound output jack that you can connect to your car's AUX input and a power port, that connects to the standard 12V DC or 24V DC cigarrete lighter outlet. Optionally - you can screw in an included FM transmitter antenna to the mount, so it will output sound to your car's FM receiver.
It has micro USB port for charging / data transfer, micro SD card slot, mini HDMI port and a 3.5mm sound output jack.
Mount has a full size USB port, 3.5mm sound output jack that you can connect to your car's AUX input and a power port, that connects to the standard 12V DC or 24V DC cigarrete lighter outlet. Optionally - you can screw in an included FM transmitter antenna to the mount, so it will output sound to your car's FM receiver.
Hardware volume control, power switch and a home button are on top of the tablet, buttons are easy to operate while the car is moving.
Unfortunately this tablet does not have a built in modem so if you would like to connect it to the Internet while on the road - you will need to have some kind of WiFi in your car. This kinda defeats the main product slogan of making any car a connected one, you will still need to provide your own connection. I've used a mobile WiFi hotspot for my test.
Included apps:
Navigation - I liked that one, it comes with the lifetime Map update, directions are clear and easy to follow, speed limit is displayed for major roads and you could optionally setup a notification for when you are over the speed limit for X number of MPH. No school zone alerts though.
Online functions include gas prices (by GasBuddy), traffic and weather - all of these require tablet to have an active internet connection. Weather could be useful when planning your route while pulling a trailer for example, so you could avoid windy roads. Mount does have a very good GPS receiver built in so when tablet is on the dash - you will be getting a strong GPS coverage, however if you take the tablet off the dash - it will turn into "Waiting for GPS signal" mode without a clear sky view.
Navigation - I liked that one, it comes with the lifetime Map update, directions are clear and easy to follow, speed limit is displayed for major roads and you could optionally setup a notification for when you are over the speed limit for X number of MPH. No school zone alerts though.
Online functions include gas prices (by GasBuddy), traffic and weather - all of these require tablet to have an active internet connection. Weather could be useful when planning your route while pulling a trailer for example, so you could avoid windy roads. Mount does have a very good GPS receiver built in so when tablet is on the dash - you will be getting a strong GPS coverage, however if you take the tablet off the dash - it will turn into "Waiting for GPS signal" mode without a clear sky view.
Dash Camera - well, it requires you to mount your tablet so it's back camera is acting like a dash cam but that means you have to position tablet vertically, aim camera on the road and make sure nothing is in front of it. I've tried using it and while picture quality is good - frame rate is not, it's more like 15 FPS which makes passing cars look blurry. You would also need to start the Dash Cam recording every time you start your car since it would automatically stop recording every time you turn your car off (and tablet looses the external power). During my tests I've found that included mount is pretty shaky and it makes a camera recording pretty shaky too. There is an option to record sound, but no way to put current date/time, speed, GPS coordinates on the record.
Collision waring - unfortunately it was showing "calibration" and was never able to do anything, I suspect it may be due to the position of the front facing camera in my car. In addition to that - you can't launch the collision warning app AND a dash cam app at the same time - they would complain that camera device is used by the other application.
Backup Camera - it requires you to purchase an optional backup camera kit from Rand McNally, I did not have the kit for this test.
Tire Pressure and Temperature monitoring - again - that's an optional accessory (4 sensors and a receiver module) that is sold separately.
I see this one being very useful for the trailers, so you always know your trailer tires are ok.
I see this one being very useful for the trailers, so you always know your trailer tires are ok.
Car Diagnostics - that is really a DashCommand app that is available for the purchase and requires an optional OBD II reader accessory which is sold separately.
Other pre installed apps include Rand McNally app store, Road Atlas and trip planner.
Besides pre-installed apps - tablet comes with the choice of 3 external app stores you can install: Amazon App Store, APKPure and Aptiode. Google Play Store is not available by default but you can put it on manually. After that - you are free to download anything you like, about 18Gb of onboard memory is available.
Besides pre-installed apps - tablet comes with the choice of 3 external app stores you can install: Amazon App Store, APKPure and Aptiode. Google Play Store is not available by default but you can put it on manually. After that - you are free to download anything you like, about 18Gb of onboard memory is available.
Overall - it's a great hardware with a lot of options, hassle free mount and connection to the car, but included software needs some work.
xKing
Frisco, TX
Google Play
October 5, 2016
Well, it did install, but you are correct - Google Services App is crashing. I suspect it needs a little bit more that that, probably a GAPPS package, just need to find a way to load it. I will post here if I will be successful.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
Hear music in rich clarity with this Sony home theater AV receiver. Powerful surround sound makes movies come alive on your home theater system, and nine speaker channels flex their output to match your physical layout. This Sony home theater AV receiver works with a wide variety of audio formats, such as Google Home, Chromecast and Spotify. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Great for beginners, easy and plenty of features!
By xKing
from Frisco, TX
This is a great receiver if you just getting into the home theater, plenty of features, 6 HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI inputs, 7 on-board amplifiers make it a great choice!
Setup is extremely easy and detailed wiring instructions are available in the manual as well as on-screen guide, you could get it all setup in less than 30 minutes.
Setup is extremely easy and detailed wiring instructions are available in the manual as well as on-screen guide, you could get it all setup in less than 30 minutes.
There are the biggest advantages:
1) Great streaming capabilities - receiver supports Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast Audio (it could be also controlled with Google Assistant) and Spotify (premium Spotify subscription is required). AirPlay support includes synchronous playback in multiple rooms.
2) Receiver supports all existing High Definition Audio formats - DSD, DTS-MA, Dolby ATMOS, DTS:X
3) Very easy automatic speaker setup and configuration.
4) 2 zones are supported, this receiver can power total of 7 speakers at the same time, so if you enable zone 2 - your 7.1 or 5.1.2 speaker configuration would become 5.1
5) great networking options - Ethernet or WiFi connections supported
6) Bluetooth could work in transmitter mode! This means that you can stream music from your receiver to the bluetooth speaker or headphones!
1) Great streaming capabilities - receiver supports Apple AirPlay, Google Chromecast Audio (it could be also controlled with Google Assistant) and Spotify (premium Spotify subscription is required). AirPlay support includes synchronous playback in multiple rooms.
2) Receiver supports all existing High Definition Audio formats - DSD, DTS-MA, Dolby ATMOS, DTS:X
3) Very easy automatic speaker setup and configuration.
4) 2 zones are supported, this receiver can power total of 7 speakers at the same time, so if you enable zone 2 - your 7.1 or 5.1.2 speaker configuration would become 5.1
5) great networking options - Ethernet or WiFi connections supported
6) Bluetooth could work in transmitter mode! This means that you can stream music from your receiver to the bluetooth speaker or headphones!
Few negative points:
1) First and the biggest one - this receiver is not as powerful as many would like. First thing I do when I consider a new receiver - I flip it around and look at the power supply rating, this receiver states 240W. Let's assume 30W of power is needed for receiver itself and pre-amp, which leaves just 30W of power available per channel if all channels are driven. That is not enough if you have big tower speakers, however if you only using bookshelf speakers in the small room - it could work for you. User manual does not list power rating for 8Ohm speakers, only figure you see is for 6Ohm 2 channels driven at 0.09% THD and receiver would supply 100W per channel. But where are the figures for 8Ohm? This is not unique to Sony, most of the receiver manufacturers tend to over inflate power ratings. Ideally I would like to see power with 0.09% THD all channels driven into 8Ohm.
2) 4Ohm speakers won't work with this model
3) If you have a turntable - you will need to use it's own phono pre-amp or external phono pre-amp, this receiver does NOT have an internal PHONO pre-amp.
4) Manual EQ settings are almost non-existent - you get 2 sliders: Bass and Treble, no actual frequency bands. No EQ settings for the subwoofer channel at all.
5) Receiver is a little sluggish to react to it's own remote, there is a noticeable delay between button press and reaction.
6) No pre-amp outputs for the main channels, only for zone 2 and subwoofer
7) Included remote is fairly simple and central arrow keys seem to rattle.
1) First and the biggest one - this receiver is not as powerful as many would like. First thing I do when I consider a new receiver - I flip it around and look at the power supply rating, this receiver states 240W. Let's assume 30W of power is needed for receiver itself and pre-amp, which leaves just 30W of power available per channel if all channels are driven. That is not enough if you have big tower speakers, however if you only using bookshelf speakers in the small room - it could work for you. User manual does not list power rating for 8Ohm speakers, only figure you see is for 6Ohm 2 channels driven at 0.09% THD and receiver would supply 100W per channel. But where are the figures for 8Ohm? This is not unique to Sony, most of the receiver manufacturers tend to over inflate power ratings. Ideally I would like to see power with 0.09% THD all channels driven into 8Ohm.
2) 4Ohm speakers won't work with this model
3) If you have a turntable - you will need to use it's own phono pre-amp or external phono pre-amp, this receiver does NOT have an internal PHONO pre-amp.
4) Manual EQ settings are almost non-existent - you get 2 sliders: Bass and Treble, no actual frequency bands. No EQ settings for the subwoofer channel at all.
5) Receiver is a little sluggish to react to it's own remote, there is a noticeable delay between button press and reaction.
6) No pre-amp outputs for the main channels, only for zone 2 and subwoofer
7) Included remote is fairly simple and central arrow keys seem to rattle.
Overall: this Receiver would work great if you use it with small bookshelf speakers and you like things to get setup automatically for you. However advanced users may want to look at the different model.
xKing
Frisco, TX
May 24, 2017
Sorry about the confusion, what I meant to say - the receiver is great if you just getting into Home Theater, but it lacks advanced features. Talking about my friends - I would recommend them a different model because I would be able to help them further with the system configuration, therefore advanced model would work better.
+1point
9of 17voted this comment as helpful.
xKing's Questions
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Capture quality vlogs with this black GoPro HERO10 camera. The removable rechargeable 1720 mAh battery offers long shooting periods, while the rugged, waterproof design allows flexible use on different terrains. This GoPro HERO10 camera features a 1.4-inch screen for framing shots seamlessly, and the 23MP sensor captures 5.3K videos effortlessly.
Can you charge the camera while driving ? I would like to record 8 hours when doing a road trip
if you vehicle has 12V power available - of course! just need a USB port.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
xKing
Keep your floors clean with this ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO robot vacuum. Area mode and multi-floor mapping give you complete control over cleaning areas, and built-in sensors detect flooring types to ensure efficient performance on hard floors and carpets. This ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO robot vacuum automatically returns to its charging dock for effortless operation.
I have two floors, Can I buy a second charging station for bringing it upstairs so I don't have to also bring the charging station up and down? will it work with two different charging stations?
it has an ability to select different maps (for different levels) so I would say yes!
3 years ago
by
xKing
Keep your floors clean with this ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO robot vacuum. Area mode and multi-floor mapping give you complete control over cleaning areas, and built-in sensors detect flooring types to ensure efficient performance on hard floors and carpets. This ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO robot vacuum automatically returns to its charging dock for effortless operation.
Could you tell me is it work with 220 volts. thanks
no, it has a regular 120V motor in the emptying station that won't take 220V
3 years ago
by
xKing
6A/30WT Duplex Tamper-Resistant Outlets with USB C Dual Wall Chargers- White
Does it include the Screwless Wall Plate shown in the pic? Thank you.
No wall plate is included, you'll need to purchase it separately.
3 years, 1 month ago
by
xKing
Fly through the sky in ways that seem impossible. We never lost our passion for flying, and with DJI FPV, those passions have turned imagination into reality. With this immersive and intuitive aerial platform, get ready to go into the beyond. Sleek and aerodynamic, the DJI FPV aircraft delivers powerful propulsion, battery life, and wind resistance, making this system as capable as it is visually stunning.
Does this fly more combo come with more than 1 battery?
Fly more add-on comes with 2 batteries and 3 battery charging adapter (sequential charge only)
3 years, 1 month ago
by
xKing
Fly through the sky in ways that seem impossible. We never lost our passion for flying, and with DJI FPV, those passions have turned imagination into reality. With this immersive and intuitive aerial platform, get ready to go into the beyond. Sleek and aerodynamic, the DJI FPV aircraft delivers powerful propulsion, battery life, and wind resistance, making this system as capable as it is visually stunning.
Does the DJI FPV have the DJI AirSense feature, which allows it to receive signals from manned aircraft and react proactively?
The only purifying fan to clean a whole room properly*. We design our purifying fans to go beyond test chamber conditions and focus on real home conditions – this is more than just having an efficient filter.*Dyson engineers and research concluded that to clean an entire room properly, you need to sense pollution events automatically; capture ultrafine pollutants; and project cleaner air around the room using Air Multiplier technology. Only the Dyson purifying fan is designed and tested to do all of this.**Dyson technology helps create a cleaner, healthier home - Our vacuums and purifiers are scientifically proven to capture particles as small as allergens and bacteria.
How often do you need to replace filters
Machine has indicators of filter life, mine still show 100% (separate indicator for fiberglass and carbon filters). I guess it really depends how often it runs and how much contaminants it removed.
6 years ago
by
xKing
Ask Alexa to turn on the lights and music with this ecobee Switch+ smart switch. Its built-in speaker lets you access Amazon Alexa with voice commands, and it automatically turns off a light bulb at sunrise or when no one’s in the room. Control this ecobee Switch+ smart switch remotely from your iOS or Android device.
Do you need to have certain ights in your home for this switch to be compatible? For example, Phillips Hue LED lights or will it work with a regular floodlight or GE incandescent bulb? Lastly- How many lights can one switch control?
This switch can control up to 600W incandescent or 150W LED/CFG of regular lights wired to the switch directly. You can also use Alexa integrated in this switch to control any number of other smart lights that are Alexa compatible (Hue, LiFX, etc)
6 years ago
by
xKing
Nest Protect reliably detects and alerts you to the presence of smoke or carbon monoxide in your home. The alarm speaks to you in a calm, clear, human voice, telling you the location of the danger. It also provides smartphone alerts and battery status updates to help protect your home. This hardwired version is suitable for homes with existing hardwired smoke or CO detectors.
Will it connect to a Samsung Smart Hub, plus possibly the Samsung ADT Security system? I had the orginal Lowes IRIS Security System, but now considering getting a Samsung Smart Hub since it does work with my RING Video Doorbell.
If samsung hub works with nest cameras - yes, Nest Hello would show up as a regular Nest Camera.
6 years, 1 month ago
by
xKing
Nest Doorbell (Wired) lets you know who’s there, so you never miss a thing. It replaces your existing wired doorbell and delivers HD video and bright, crisp images, even at night. It’s designed to show you everything at your doorstep — people head to toe or packages on the ground. And with 24/7 streaming, you can check in anytime. Or go back and look at a 3-hour snapshot history to see what happened.*