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- Review count180
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- First reviewJuly 19, 2013
- Last reviewApril 9, 2024
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- Average rating4.8
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Enjoy an immersive, big screen home theater experience with the Home Cinema 2350 Smart Streaming Projector. Featuring Epson’s innovative 4K PRO-UHD®1 technology and phenomenal HDR102 brilliance—the Home Cinema 2350 delivers a truly epic 4K experience.. True 3-chip 3LCD technology offers outstanding brightness and color accuracy without disturbing the overall contrast, ensuring deep blacks and remarkably vivid colors. And with Android TV®3 included, the Home Cinema 2350 Smart Streaming Projector also makes it easy to stream your favorite Twitch and YouTube™ channels—or watch the latest movies and TV shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max™ and more4. Allowing for multiple audio options, the Home Cinema 2350 features an integrated 10 W bass-reflex speaker, plus Bluetooth® wireless audio device support5 for connecting soundbars or headphones. And, with a sleek, compact design and vertical lens shift, you can place the projector nearly anywhere—including tables and bookshelves—for flexible setup and easy viewing.
Customer Rating
4
Nice 4K Output. Causal Gaming is Great. Messaging?
on October 25, 2022
Posted by: skylog
To start, I think, overall, this is a quality projector. It does quite a few things well, is a great size, and I really like the video quality it outputs, which frankly is the most important thing to me. That said, I am a little confused about the messaging Epson is using here.
As for the build and styling, it is about what you would expect. White. A lot of plastic. Standard. Normal. A projector. Everything seems put together well, it feels solid, and it is a great, compact size. It is easy to move around and should be fine doing so over time. There are some adjustable feet to help with levels, and the common adjustment options (zoom, focus, lens shift, keystone). There are two HDMI ports for connectivity (one is taken out of the box with an Android TV dongle. more on that later). All in all, a mostly typical projector setup.
I am more or less in the Google ecosystem, so I was pretty familiar with the Android software and apps that come with the projector. It runs fairly well, albeit with a little lag every now and then, and you can use that interface to get most if not all of the streaming options you will be looking for. I did find it a little…”odd” that all of this is accomplished by an Android TV dongle placed in a covered HDMI port. Not sure how that affects performance via a chip in the system, if at all, but it is just a strange choice. You can remove it and run the projector, but again, strange. You can also use other free HDMI port to use a streaming stick of your own, but I did not do that so I am not sure how that may work.
Once up and running, everything looked pretty good. I was really impressed with how movies and TV content looked. I was using a flat, blank white wall, but the image was pretty crispy, clear, and vibrant. The colors not only popped but were also more accurate than I expected. It did shine more in darker and dimmer settings, but it did pretty well in brighter conditions as well. A dip for sure, but depending on what you are looking for, there shouldn’t really be any complaints.
Well, for movie/TV viewing at least. When it comes to games, it is a bit of a mixed bag. I think it really depends on what type of gaming you are really looking to be doing. Any casual gaming is fine, and it really excels, it is just when you are looking to push things a bit, even when within the suggested limits of the projector, that things start get a little muddled. As I said, it kills the casual gaming experience, and it even does very well with 4K, but I struggled with any HDR or high frame rate action (even 60). That said, I didn’t really have any issues with latency or lag while playing, but that could be in part to my game choice. I don’t know, it just seems a projector being advertised as “gaming” should be better here.
The sound is, again, about what you would expect from a projector. The speakers get fairly loud, and sound “good,” but they are mono, and they do fight with the inevitable fan exhaust (and heat) that is just part of using a projector. For casual use, they should be adequate, but if you really enjoy movies or are looking for an immersive experience in any way, I think a dedicated sound option would be the way to go.
I don’t know, in the end I am torn here. I do like the projector, and I think it really has some nice 4K output (crisp, detailed, bright, vibrant), and I like the form factor, but I am really conflicted about the value. For home cinema, it is great (although that dongle thing is still odd to me), and for casual gaming it is more of the same. It is when some more real “gaming” tasks are thrown at it that it seems to lag behind a bit. That is what it is, but I think Epson has muddled the messaging with this projector. I can still recommend it for what it is, but know your use case before committing, and maybe wait for the price to drop more in line with the value provided.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Push any adventure beyond the edge with Osmo Action 3. It features a quick-release design for easy horizontal and vertical mounting, and full-color touchscreens on the front and rear for effortless control of parameters and playback. With additional breakthroughs in cold resistance, battery life, and waterproof capability, there's never been a better time to take action.
Customer Rating
4
Good Camera, Full Kit, Great Value, but...
on October 25, 2022
Posted by: skylog
I don’t have a ton of experience with action cams, but so far, I like what DJI has done here. Mostly. There is quite a bit I like…and some that I do not.
Right out of the box, the camera (everything in the kit really) seems built well and has a rather nice design. Everything is black, clean, and simple. More or less the look I am looking for in just about everything.
Once up and running, I found the menus and software intuitive and easy to use. I didn’t really have any problems figuring out what I was doing. It was also nice to see that I could have some control from both the front and back screens (they are both quite responsive). Not really something I had thought about, but a great add
.
When it comes to what this camera is all about, I was mostly pleased. I thought the 4K video output looked good, was color accurate, and I was really impressed with the field of view. I found the stabilization solid as well, but I am sure this depends a bit on what you are doing with the camera. That said, I am struggling a bit with focus issues. It is not as noticeable to me in the video itself but can be seen in stills. I went down a rabbit hole searching, and after a firmware update the problem is “better.” Sort of. Everything is sharper, but I am not certain the issue is truly fixed. This could be me partly over-obsessing over the camera output, but it is something to note. Regardless, I am hopeful that DJI will address this is some capacity via an update, and perhaps this is not an issue for some. As for the sound, well, I do think it is pretty good. Probably more than good enough in most situations. I just wish they included a 3.5” port. Yes, there is USB-C that can be used, but it just complicates things. Would be great to be able to just plug and play other mics.
Once up and running, I found the menus and software intuitive and easy to use. I didn’t really have any problems figuring out what I was doing. It was also nice to see that I could have some control from both the front and back screens (they are both quite responsive). Not really something I had thought about, but a great add
.
When it comes to what this camera is all about, I was mostly pleased. I thought the 4K video output looked good, was color accurate, and I was really impressed with the field of view. I found the stabilization solid as well, but I am sure this depends a bit on what you are doing with the camera. That said, I am struggling a bit with focus issues. It is not as noticeable to me in the video itself but can be seen in stills. I went down a rabbit hole searching, and after a firmware update the problem is “better.” Sort of. Everything is sharper, but I am not certain the issue is truly fixed. This could be me partly over-obsessing over the camera output, but it is something to note. Regardless, I am hopeful that DJI will address this is some capacity via an update, and perhaps this is not an issue for some. As for the sound, well, I do think it is pretty good. Probably more than good enough in most situations. I just wish they included a 3.5” port. Yes, there is USB-C that can be used, but it just complicates things. Would be great to be able to just plug and play other mics.
Battery life has been very good. Perhaps a bit lower than stated by DJI, but I am sure that was a number given with a lot of settings tweaked and/or lower than most would operate. Still, no complaints at all here. I think it is a strength of this product. Not only does the battery perform well, but they give you 3 batteries in this kit, and a fantastic case to house them in. Not only does it store the 3 batteries, and show the charged status, but you can use the case to charge all 3 at the same time as well. Further, it is extremely compact (like everything in the kit) and easily stowable.
Frankly, the included accessories are a major part of great value of this entire kit. Between the battery situation, the frame, the magnetic mounts, base, and the extension rod/selfie stick, you really get the entire package. I really like how easy the magnetic mounts are to use and I can’t believe how much I have enjoyed using the selfie stick for, well, not really traditional selfies. I am impressed how well the software can get rid of the stick. Software voodoo. It makes it easy to really get some cool footage. That said, I am still learning how to get the most out of it.
So, as I said, there is a lot I like here, but…it is not perfect. There is the focus issue (take my opinion for what it is worth here), the lack of a 3.5” port, and it does run a bit hot. So far, temperatures haven’t been an issue, and I do like that they seemed to take care of cold weather use (and water), but it seems heat is an issue in this space. Something I will have to keep an eye on when warm weather returns where I am. Lastly, as an Android user, I feel I have to mention that the DJI app for this cam is not on the Play Store, and quite honestly, not the best software. It is not really a “major” concern for me, but given the world today, it is something to, again, think about. Could the app disappear? What effect would that have on the camera? Unknowns.
All of that said, in the end I like this camera and the kit. As is. Full stop. It is a good, compact camera with some nice features and comes with a ridiculously nice kit of accessories that are more or less a laundry list of day one purchases you no longer have to make. A good camera and a great value, but, as always, check your use case.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The 2nd-gen wired Nest Doorbell is always on, so you can know what’s happening at your front door around the clock.₁ Get built-in intelligent alerts about people, packages, and animals, and 3 hours of event video history. Add up to 10 days of continuous recording with Nest Aware Plus.₂ And manage your doorbell easily using the Google Home app.
Customer Rating
5
Nice Design. Great Hardware. Fantastic Software.
on October 19, 2022
Posted by: skylog
I have been thinking about a “smart” doorbell for some time, and while I probably waited too long, it seems the tech has gotten even better.
Beyond all the smarts, which I will comment on in a bit, I just really like the design here. I mean, it is a doorbell, but I just don’t really like the looks of most of the competition in the space. They are fine, I guess, but this has a more simple, clean, compact, and modern look to it. Kind of the like the rest of the products Google is putting out these days. Perfect for me. Further, it blends in better with the doorframe and looks more like it is part of the house than some random add on. It seems well-built and I imagine it should stand up for quite some time.
Installation was one of the things holding me back from making the move sooner, and, honestly, after getting this in, I feel a little foolish for putting it off. I am sure each situation will be different, but it went a lot better than I was expecting. I would say it was about 25 minutes, but a lot of that was me going slow and making sure. Also, I more or less had a “plug and play” set-up that did not require a lot of work from me. They provided everything I needed (and some) with the kit (and a window decal lol). Again, take it with a grain of salt, and look into your own situation, but I think most should be ok doing it on your own. If you opt for a professional install, it should be a breeze for that individual.
Once up, I was very impressed. Admittedly, when I saw the resolution specs, I was a little hesitant. Frankly, while Google excels in imagery, they have been a “little” behind in video, and I did not know what to expect. Well, I don’t have a lot of other experience here, but I think the picture looked great for what it is. Images are crisp and there is a nice tall and wide view. Day or night. I am sure there is some computational video work going on somewhere. Whatever it is, it looks great, and I am happy.
I think where the doorbell really shines in on the software side. As I am already in the Google ecosystem, using the Home App is second nature to me, and I found everything familiar and easy to set-up, customize and use. That said, it is all pretty intuitive, and most should be able to pick it all up quickly. Everything here is done pretty well. It is definitely worth the time investment to go to the settings to get everything dialed in to how you really want the doorbell to work. Set up activity zones. Set up your notification settings. They give you a ton of control to get whatever level of notification/alert you want to deal with. I found all of the communications arrived quickly and in a timely manner, which having no experience in this space prior, was another thing I was a bit worried about. It is a non-issue.
Hand in hand with how well the software works is what you actually get. I would say, out of the box, you get just about everything you are looking for. To their credit, a bit, Google does a pretty good job here. It would be great to have all of the premium features (familiar face detection, 30 or 60 days of video event history, etc…) added in, but I get it. They are there if you want or need them. If not, they are not truly needed, and the device excels as is out of the box.
In the end, this is exactly what I was looking for. I am quite happy with it. The video looks good, detection works well, the notification/alert system is timely (and highly customizable), and the software is fantastic. Regardless of setup, I think it is a great choice, but if you are already invested into the Google Home ecosystem it’s really hard for me to recommend another choice. It integrates so well with other devices in the chain, it really makes for a nice cohesive setup.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience fully immersive sound in a sleek, compact package with the Bose Smart Soundbar 600. Featuring Dolby Atmos, proprietary TrueSpace technology, and two upward-facing transducers, this TV speaker has the power to make you feel everything you play – whether you’re binging a new series, streaming this summer’s blockbuster, rocking out to your favorite artist, or playing a video game. For full immersion all the time, Bose TrueSpace technology intelligently analyzes signals other than Dolby Atmos, like stereo or 5.1, and upmixes them to create a multi-channel sound experience. The acoustic architecture of this Dolby Atmos soundbar squeezes five transducers – including two that fire upward – into a compact frame that fits perfectly under any television. With the Bose Smart TV Soundbar 600, you can stream content any way you want thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Chromecast compatibility. This Bluetooth soundbar also has Bose Voice4Video technology and Amazon Alexa built in, so you can control your soundbar, TV and cable or satellite box with just your voice. Get a captivating sound experience that goes beyond simply watching with the Bose Smart Wireless Soundbar 600.
Customer Rating
5
Great Sound. Atmos. Compact. Path to Upgrade...
on October 12, 2022
Posted by: skylog
This soundbar is a really nice piece of audio hardware. Simply, it looks good, sounds good, and has a nice set of features. In short, I really like it.
Everything is packaged well, and they give you everything you need to get set up. Beyond the soundbar itself, you get a HDMI cable, Optical cable, power cord, remote (with battery), and a little quick start guide. Nice to see everything included.
I really like what they did design-wise with the soundbar. It is very solidly built, and “feels good in the hand,” but, what I really appreciate the most is the rather compact size. In the past, I had elaborate A/V setups, amps, pre-amps, speakers everywhere, and wires, so many wires. It was just too much. I am not sure if it was dealing with all of that over the years, how much of the equipment has gotten smaller, or whatever, but I have really come to value the simplicity and space saving of things like this soundbar. I placed it right under my TV and it fit perfectly and looked good. Now, I get that most of this equipment it plain and black, but, frankly, that is exactly my style. Plain. Black. Simple. Clean. Perfect for me. Clean lines, rounded corners, nice grills, and subtle/minimal branding. Perfect.
Set-up was a very simple process. Connect a few cables, get the app installed, run a few updates, and that was it. Up and running in a few minutes. No issues for me. I expect most will have the same experience, but I suppose it will depend on your setup.
My main use for this speaker is for my TV, more specifically, for movies. Frankly, I was kind of floored how great everything sounded given I was using this as an “all-in-one” solution. I expected a certain level of performance, given my prior experience with some Bose equipment, but I did not expect how good of an overall job this unit would do. I went through a few of my favorite parts of my favorite movies, and there were parts that seemed to have different feel. Sound was clean and crisp, with solid bass (less than with a dedicated sub, sure, but good), and what I really loved was that dialogue was clear and present. That has always been an issue in my prior setups. Also, I was rather impressed with the surround aspects, which I assume was the Atmos at play. This was my first time playing with this tech, and I am definitely impressed. All in all, I could not be happier here.
I am also a music junkie, but, really, that is not what I am really looking to use this for. I do most of my music listening on the go with buds, or, when at home with a pair of cans. That said, I did send some music to the soundbar, and again I came away impressed. The bass is there, not quite thumping, but there, mids are clean, and the highs are crisp, but not distorted. It can absolutely fill a room. It may not replace a dedicated stereo but is nice to have this as an option.
Getting music to the bar was extremely easy through the app. Connectivity is fantastic. Wi-Fi. Bluetooth. Air Play. Spotify. Chromecast. All the major players are there. As a whole, the app is quite well done. Simple to use and intuitive. A good UX. You can connect to the speaker, control most of the basic functions, dig into customizations, and just about use it in place of the remote control…which I kind of preferred. The remote is ok, but kind of small, and I do not love the buttons. That said, both options work, and I don’t really see it as an issue. Of course, there is Alexa integration (it can also work with Google Assistant in some setups) if voice control is your thing. Honestly, in this case, it is not mine, but it does work. Options are good.
In the end, I really like this soundbar. I think it looks great, is well-built, gives you options, and, most importantly, sounds very good. I also really appreciate the “modular” approach Bose has taken with this line. This, as it is, is a great stand-alone product, but not only can you step up or down in terms of quality in the line, but you can also “add” a woofer or satellites down the road if you want to add to your setup. Add in that Bose is a respected name in the industry, and they seem to actively support their products, that piece of mind is nice to have.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Chances are you’ll run out of energy long before this powerful LG CordZero vacuum does. Kompressor technology compresses dirt and dust so you can keep cleaning instead of stopping to empty the dust bin. Two rechargeable, detachable batteries deliver up to 120 minutes of uninterrupted cleaning performance. The one-touch control makes cleaning a breeze, and a portable charging stand lets you store and charge anywhere, anytime. Even maintenance is easy, with removable, washable filters and cyclone system and ThinQ App Wi-Fi enabled monitoring.
Customer Rating
5
Great performance/design. Versatile. Great to use.
on September 7, 2022
Posted by: skylog
To sum it up, I really like this vacuum. There was definitely some thought put into the design, it works very well, it is versatile, and using it seems less of a chore than other vacuums I have used in the past.
Unboxing and setup are what you would expect, nothing out of the ordinary. Simple, quick, and straightforward. I needed to get the batteries charged up, but I was otherwise ready to go in no time. I did also spend some time installing the suggested App. You can see battery levels, some other usage data that frankly, I am not sure I am interested in, and some diagnostic stuff that may prove useful. I will have to see over time. Probably worth the install.
As for the vacuum itself, it has the same quality I have seen in other LG products I have used. Everything is solidly built and put together well. That said, I was kind of pleasantly surprised with how lightweight it was in hand. A big change from the “ancient” standard corded vacuum I have been using. It is very strange for me. I also really like the “controls.” Easy power on and off, levels, and power mode. Simple. Convenient. Comfortable (no trigger thankfully).
You get a rather nice stand/mount that I am still trying to determine how I want to set up. Once I decide on a location, I will probably go with the wall option. I really like this part of the whole package. It more or less mostly holds everything. Vacuum, batteries (yes, you get two), and attachments/tools. It is a pretty clean setup, charges the batteries, and it is great to have it all just “there.” One of my favorite parts of this package.
In use, I have found the vacuum very effective. Now, my space is rather small, but it is mix of hard flooring and carpet. It handles everything, easily. It has enough power for me in just the normal mode, which really helps with the battery, but the turbo mode works scary good. Now, it is pretty loud, but if only needed in short bursts, it is a non-issue. Perhaps if you need to use it a lot, it is something to think about. One thing I have really also liked is being able to quickly just detach and have a hand vacuum. This is something I have lacked, and it has been very useful. All in all, I have zero complaints about how it, well, just vacuums. It has been great for me. It works, it is easy to maneuver around, and can be used in several different ways.
I will also add, that while I am somewhat new to stick and honestly, nice vacuums, I also didn’t really have an issue with the size of the “bin.” It is quite a bit smaller than I am used to, but you can actually compress the contents down, giving you more room. Again, my space is small, so this wasn’t really an issue for me, but it is a nice feature, and really just kind of cool. Regardless, emptying the bin is an easy and clean process.
Given my space, this is, again, not a big deal for me in terms of getting my vacuuming jobs done, but I have to commend LG on providing two batteries with this vacuum (and the great charging solution). Per the stated ratings, admittedly in perfect conditions, you should get about an hour per battery. So, things like using some attachments will drain a little faster and using Turbo mode will drain a lot faster…but being able to use one battery and then just swap in the other is just a fantastic add. Those with large spaces and/or big jobs should be covered. I just wish more companies and sectors thought like this.
Ultimately, I really like this vacuum. It does all I need it to, and it does it well. It has an excellent storage solution, and “range” is not a concern. It’s built well, and I think it should last over time, which I think is important with something like a vacuum, but perhaps most importantly, it is just easy to use, and it simply makes my vacuuming experience better.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Play your way with G735 Wireless Gaming Headset from The Aurora Collection from Logitech G. Logitech Gaming Headset intentionally designed to maximize comfort for all players inclusive of smaller headsizes. Play, stream, or listen comfortably all-day, this computer headset features an adjustable headband, breathable materials, and cushy, rotatable cups. This headset is even designed with glasses and small earrings in mind, so no more pinched ears. Long-lasting, this gaming wireless headset allows you to take your gaming to go (and bring the fun with you) with up to 16+ hrs of wireless playtime (at 50% volume with lighting on, 56 hrs at 50% volume with lighting off) and multi-platform connectivity.
Customer Rating
4
Extreme comfort. Great sound. Look not for me.
on September 1, 2022
Posted by: skylog
To put it briefly, this is an extremely comfortable headset, that sounds great, and comes with a nice set of features.
I know this could be a person-to-person case, but I kind of can’t get over how comfortable this headset is for me. Nice weight, cups are a great size, everything is soft, clamping is not too strong, and everything moves freely and in the right way. Given how long I typically wear my headsets, this is absolutely one of the most important things for me. Zero complaints here. At all.
Sound, as you would imagine, is also right there. To be honest, while I thought they delivered pretty good sound, with some heavy bass and nice mids, I really wasn’t blown away my first few times messing with them. After spending some time getting into EQ and customizations, and dialing things in more to my tastes, however, I really liked what I was hearing. Spend the time, it is worth it.
In what seems like a trend in headsets, these give you the ability to connect to two sources at the same time. I “really” have not gotten into this yet, but I think I will come to appreciate this added versatility as time goes on.
As for design, I already mentioned how much I enjoyed the comfort and sound, but there are still few things I need to mention. I like the build. Solid, lightweight, and “feels good in the hand.” The mic works very well, and it is detachable which I absolutely love. It is a bit stiff, and I would probably like a bit more flex, but all in all, I like it. Quite a bit. The controls are about what you would expect, are placed well, and just work. No issues.
Now, I have to mention the styling. It is what it is. I know this is going to be a personal thing, and I guess many would say they look “good,” but I just do not like it. I am more of a matte black, plain, boring guy. Further, I really do not really go wild RGB. The implementation here is done well, I suppose, and is fairly clean, but it is just not the look I am looking for. Again, it’s personal thing, but I really have to wonder how the white would hold up/look over time.
Lastly, battery life has been about as advertised, which is nice to see. As is USB-C, even without fast charging. There is a severe penalty for using the RGB (and volume level matters), so keep that in mind. Not really an issue for me lol.
Ultimately, this is a quality headset. While I just don’t really like the styling, it does just about everything right, and I think anyone who does like the look would be happy with it for their system.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Homedics 16" drift sandscape elevates your space and mind, leaving you free to daydream, focus, and create. The metal sphere takes your eyes on a soothing journey through hundreds of ever changing patterns and colors. Customize your ambience with mesmerizing LED mood-lights that you can control from the app. The shifting sands allow you to drift whenever and wherever, to increase relaxation, inspire creativity, boost your mood, and enhance focus. Start to drift in 4 easy steps. After a quick and easy assembly, power up your sandscape by plugging it into an outlet near a desk or side table. Download the app and follow the simple setup instructions, then turn on your sandscape to drift and invite calm in.
Customer Rating
5
Simple, Soothing, Mindfulness.
on August 23, 2022
Posted by: skylog
Simply, I love this thing. It does exactly what it is meant to. It does it well. Full stop.
The setup process is very easy, you will have zero issues. The “build” of everything seems solid and well-built. There is a glass top which is probably a good idea for most, but I really liked it more without it. Just something to note. Further, everything is easy to control via the app (there are some minimal manual controls as well), be it patterns, lighting, lists, schedules, etc…again, I don’t think it will be a problem for anyone.
As someone who has (slightly) ventured into the world of meditation and mindfulness over the past few years, this had immediate appeal to me. There is no doubt in my mind that this table helps with relaxation and helps encourage and promote mindfulness and mediation. Beyond that though, on a more basic level, it is just “fun” to watch and experience. On perhaps the most basic level, it is just a “cool” piece to have in your home. There are many ways to take value from this device.
Now, as to what value this has really comes down to the individual. I do really think everyone would benefit from having this sand table. It just works as a calming center. That said, some may not be willing to simply take the time. For some its value may just be home décor, and while I think that is a miss, it does also fill that role.
In the end, I love this device. It gives me exactly what I am looking for from it. Calm. Peace. Whatever you want to call it. Beyond that though, it is just fun, AND it looks good in my place as well. If it can lead to a friend or acquaintance also exploring mindfulness, then that is just a nice bonus.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Build a better home network with this NETGEAR Nighthawk tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router. The five Ethernet ports provide Gigabit-speed wired connections, and the powerful antennae support up to eight Wi-Fi streams at once. This NETGEAR Nighthawk tri-band Wi-Fi 6E router has a 6GHz band that delivers wireless speeds of up to 7.8 Gbps. Includes a 1-year NETGEAR Armor all-in-one internet security subscription.
Customer Rating
5
Fast. Stable. Good coverage. Future proofing.
on August 23, 2022
Posted by: skylog
To sum it all up in one sentence, this router is easy to use, fast, stable, has nice coverage, comes with a functional app, and should have you covered going forward for some time.
The design is about what you would expect. Muted black, simple-ish and not TOO large. It does look a bit like a giant wing (hence the Nighthawk name), but this is sort of the norm these days. It is solidly built and has good connectivity with 6 ethernet (LAN) ports and a single USB-C port, which is a nice add. I also appreciate the number of wired ports, which sometimes are lacking. Set-up is very easy. Connect it to your modem, download the App, reboot, and follow the steps. That’s it. I had zero issues. The App gives you a nice amount of functionality, and I like the UX and design. You can see and control nearly every aspect of your network. You can still also use a web interface. Netgear does offer some additional security and parental control services here, but they are for an added fee (you do get a trial), and frankly, I was not interested. They may appeal to some, so it is something to note.
Performance is great. Devices connect without issue, stay connected, and do so all over my space. My space is not that large, but this thing is rated for over 2,500 sq ft, so it should meet many people’s needs. Of course, building construction, floors, location ...etc… are always something to think about. That said, all of my devices are solid, and I have been getting great speeds. I recently made the move to 400 Mbps internet and while my wired connections still outpace them, the W-Fi speeds I am seeing with this router have been outstanding. Not only that, but I also seemingly cannot even dent the connections. I typically have over 40? devices connected, and while they are not usually all active at the same time, I can cruise along with concurrent streams (4K in there as well), games, updates and other uses and everything rips and is rock solid. I really have no complaints. Frankly, a lot of the tech in this router outpaces what I currently am running. I see that as only a good thing. At some point, my devices will catch up, and the number of them will only increase with time, so I really like having a nice bit of room to grow into here. That is not always easy to find.
Ultimately, I really like this router. It does everything I need it to, and it does it well. Easy to set-up. Nice app. Fast speeds. Stable connectivity. Blanket coverage. Future proofing. A real nice mix of features that I think most would find work for them.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Sharpen your senses and prepare for your match. Our INZONE H9 headset immerses you in the zone with 360 Spatial Sound for Gaming and noise cancelling for supercharged hearing and super sharp reflexes. Take performance beyond your best, detecting enemies before they see you.
Customer Rating
5
A WH-1000XM vibe, but for gaming. Great Headset.
on August 12, 2022
Posted by: skylog
I am impressed with this headset. It has a nice set of features, looks good, has a great build, and performs well. Further, it has the add of ANC and it just sounds good.
It is extremely comfortable and easy to wear, generally, and for an extended duration. It sits well on my head, and while it feels secure, it isn’t too tight. Not too much pressure. All good for glasses as well. The padding on the headband and cups is thick, soft, and comfortable. Cup rotation and headband adjustments are easy and smooth. No issues here, I think most would feel the same.
Everything is solid and nicely put together, and they feel good in the hand. A nice weight that won’t get heavy on your head after some time. There are some LED light rings on the sides of the cans that shine either blue or white depending on your connection. The mic has a nice swivel, and some flex to it, which I really like, but it is not removable. I get it, but it is a bit of a bummer for me. The controls are more or less standard and what you would expect. On the left side there is an ANC/Ambient mode button, a USB-C charging port, and a volume rocker. On the other there is a power button, bluetooth button, and an independent chat voice volume button. I think these are all done mostly well, but maybe the volume button could be “out” a little more to make it easier to access.
Connectivity is great, with both bluetooth and 2.4 Ghz options. I have had rock solid performance, and minimal delay. I can roam around about 15-20 feet and not have any trouble with interference or cracking sound. I’ve just had zero issues here.
As for the styling, I do like it, and I “see” what they are going for here. Mostly plain, white, and black, clean looking, with some subtle LED use. I do have to say I would probably really love to see these in all black, but again, on some level they are going for a PlayStation match. I should note they are a bit “big looking.” Nothing crazy, but they are not some sleek, tiny cans. I think this is good, as I think fit should not be an issue for those with small ears or those with big ears. Both comfort and seal should be great across the board.
It hasn’t seemed to be a thing in gaming headsets, but I like the add of ANC, especially given Sony’s prowess here. I think it is done well. It may not get everything, but rather most of those steady consistent sounds around you. This is my first headset with it, but I like it. In some ways, you get a bit more immersed. On the flipside, Ambient mode is also done well, and works as expected.
The mic is…solid. Frankly, it isn’t the best (TY HS 80), but it is good. It will work for you, and no one will complain. At this price, I would have liked to see better, but it is on par with most, and it is not a major issue for me. Just something to note.
The mic is…solid. Frankly, it isn’t the best (TY HS 80), but it is good. It will work for you, and no one will complain. At this price, I would have liked to see better, but it is on par with most, and it is not a major issue for me. Just something to note.
As for sound, well, it is very good. I should clarify all of my experience is with my PC, so keep that in mind with all of my thoughts. I think these cans sound great out of the box, but the software you can pair with them is fantastic on the computer side. There are quite a few customization options that you should definitely explore to dial the headset in to your tastes. However, as I said earlier, they just sound good. Full stop. Everything is detailed, clean, with minimal distortion, not tinny, not muddled. Good.
Ultimately, I really like this headset, and I think it would be an easy purchase for most gamers. Very, very, comfortable, it sounds great, has nice features, and has a look I think many would appreciate. I feel like Sony put a lot of the good they have going on with their lifestyle WH-1000XM line into this. My only pause would be if you “need” the “best” mic, which this does not have.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet Google Pixel Buds Pro, the wireless earbuds with premium, immersive sound that adapts to you. Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal blocks outside sounds, so your music shines.
Customer Rating
5
Great Buds. Excellent Pixel Integration. I like.
on August 10, 2022
Posted by: skylog
I don’t even want to think about how many earbuds I have tried over the years, but as an Android user it has been a bit of hit and miss. I haven’t really found a pair to stick, although I have liked what Sony has done. I also used Google’s first PixelBuds offering, but, after a fit that did not really work for me, and not the best experience, they went back. I was intrigued by their more budget offering, the A Series, but just wasn’t compelled enough to make the move. After that somewhat drawn-out background story, I can simply say that I think these are fantastic, and I really like them.
The unboxing is typical of most Google products these days. Cardboard, paper, little to no plastic, and about as minimal as you can get. That said, everything is done well, and looks good. I appreciate the effort. No need for more. Other than the buds and case themselves, you get the typical 3 sizes of ear tips (in a rather unique case), some paperwork, and well, that is about it. No power brick, which frankly, I again like, and also no charging cable. Fine by me, but I suppose others may wish it were included. I have cables, too many, I do not need more. Just something to note.
As for the build, I really like it. They are “similar” to other PixelBuds (and most earbuds in general), but the shape is a bit more unique, and, thankfully, for me, there is no “wing/fin” in this version. As usual, fit is going to be a personal thing, but these are more comfortable for me and on par if not better than most if not all earbuds I have used. I haven’t found my ears bugging me even after a couple of hours of “mostly” continuous use. Further, they stayed in place. Again, this may depend on your ears. I think most people would find the fit would work for them, given the shape, tip size options, and fit, but you are just going to have to see. It is a roll of the dice. They are quite light, but they do seem solidly built. I think they will hold up over time. There is some water resistance IPX4 (on the case as well IPX@), which is a nice add, but I would lean more towards being careful with these near any water. Lastly, while they look like many in the space, I really like the way they look. The black is plain and muted, and I like that they sit mostly flush with my ears. They don’t stick out. They don’t have stems. Perfect for me.
When it comes to the case, it is more of the same. It is a bit of an egg shape (and color), but it is solid, feels good in the hand, and has a great “clicky” feel and sound (if you are into that). It is fairly small, in line with most other brands, and it easily pocketable. Here, again, I think it will hold up over time. The buds are easy to get in and out. There is a charging indicator light on the front, and a pairing button on the back. All in all, no complaints here, and I can’t really ask for more.
Connecting the buds for me was an absolute breeze. Now, I am using a Pixel 6 Pro, so I think the experience was somewhat catered to that, but my understanding is it should be very similar on just about any Android phone. For iPhone I do think you are simply required to hit the pairing button on the back of the case. Anyway, all that was required for me was to open the case with the buds inside. There was a little setup process that you are walked through, and after a brief period (and a probable firmware update), you are good to go. Very easy. Once connected, I have not suffered any connection issues. I have not run through every scenario I may see quite yet, but they have been solid. Hands down better than the original PixelBuds.
Sound on these is quite good. It is hard to compare across so many brands/models/price points, but these are definitely great for their place in the market, and about a tick or two below some of the more expensive known best sound performers. I would say it is a bit more of a neutral/balanced sound, but at the same time they do deliver solid mids and highs. The bass is good, and clean, but not thumping. Through the software, there is a generic “Volume EQ” that I think does improve the sound. Unfortunately, a more robust EQ as well as Bass Boost are missing in the software for the Pro version at the moment. I think the sound is good as is, but it is a little unfortunate these settings are missing at launch. Google is promising a full 5-band full Equalizer during “Fall 2022” that will make bass boost irrelevant and let you dial in your settings more to your liking. Like I said, a bit of a miss not having this at launch, but it should be a nice add going forward. Further, they are also promising spatial audio during that same timeline. Again, a nice add.
One of the main things that differentiates these Pro PixelBuds from previous iterations is the inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation. It performs rather well. It truly does block out the outside world. Again, I can’t say it is best in class, as I have to say Sony has that claim on lock, but they stack well against almost all others. I think a proper fit does wonders here, so make sure to test the ear tips and go through the “seal test” they offer. As for the Transparency Mode, it seems to also work well, but, frankly, I am not sure how much use I will get out of this. We shall see as I go forward.
Briefly, I have had no issues using these on calls. It is not something I do a lot, especially in this way, but everything sounded good on my end, and people on the other end said I came through clear, and even somewhat better than in the past.
Now, this may be a hit of a hit or miss depending on your phone, but I think in some ways the best part of these buds is how they work with my phone. Again, I am on a Pixel, and I cannot speak to how this all works on another Android phone or iPhone, but the integration is fantastic. This is in conjunction with the absolutely outstanding touch controls on the buds themselves (which should work as well no matter the phone/platform). I have not often used a lot of touch controls, because I have found them finnicky, often not registering, or mistaking a movement, but that is in no way the case here. The controls themselves are somewhat standard, volume, track, etc… but you can also map Google Assistant to one bud, and toggle ANC on the other. Further, the taps, swipes, and holds seemingly all register correctly, and it seems they have a little “leeway” when you do an action. That is, if you are slightly “off” and hit your ear briefly before swiping forward, they sort of get it and still do the correct action. Beyond the physical controls, you can also choose to go hands-free with Google Assistant, using a key word for activation. You can have notifications read. You can use Google Translate. In a lot of ways, I think you get a lot of the advantages one has from being all in with the Apple ecosystem, but with Android and Google. It is a not a bad thing.
One last thing along those lines is the “Multipoint” connectivity. It allows you to switch audio between devices rather seamlessly. There is a bit to getting it setup among devices the first time (essentially the same setup as other earbuds that offer it), but once I had it up it worked better than I originally thought it would. All in all, I like it.
Lastly, battery life has been outstanding. So far it seems the rated times (for buds and case) hold up, although it will really vary based on how you use them. Do keep in mind that the rated times for ANC are lower than when not in use. Charing (in the case) is via USB-C (and wireless, but it is slow), which is great, and it does include fast charge. 5 minutes in the case gives you 1 hour with ANC. 15 minutes gives you 3 hours with ANC.
I didn’t mean to sit down and write a book here, but, ultimately, I really do like these buds. They are my favorite to date. I think for what you get, they are a great buy and value, although they probably? will go on sale every now and again. I think if you are in the Android/Google ecosystem, and even more so a Pixel user, you will be happy with these earbuds. They sound good, look good, and you definitely get a lot of utility and a frictionless user experience. That said, I even think people in the Apple ecosystem would like these buds, given fit, sound, etc…but there are some tradeoffs. You would lose some Apple ease of use benefits, and at the same time you would lose some of the Android ease of use benefits. Just something to keep in mind..
I would recommend this to a friend!
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