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Vespasian
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- Review count69
- Helpfulness votes182
- First reviewOctober 18, 2014
- Last reviewApril 2, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.4
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- Answer count7
- Helpfulness votes16
- First answerFebruary 15, 2015
- Last answerSeptember 24, 2021
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The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV Upright Vacuum features a lighter and easier-to-detach Lift-Away pod for go-anywhere cleaning. Anti-Allergen Complete Seal locks in 99.99% of dust and allergens, keeping them out of the air that you breathe (based on ASTM F1977 of particles .3 microns or larger). Also equipped with an easy-empty dustup and Swivel Steering to easily maneuver around obstacles.
Posted by: Vespasian
from Philadelphia, PA
The Lift-Away feature is excellent, but unless you really need the extended range and reach that the detachable canister, the streamlined feature set on this vacuum may push you to look elsewhere. Suction is strong and consistent, whether the vac is operated in its normal, upright mode or with canister detached. It's reasonably well-engineered, too, with a rotary pivot that makes angling the head around tight corners really painless. The collecting canister is (thankfully) large, and easy to empty and clean. The vac is also reasonably quiet, provided you don't make the mistake of leaving the "carpet" power setting active over hardwood floors. The real draw, of course, is the Lift-Away feature, which enables you to basically detach the canister and nozzle and treat yourself to a handheld mobile vac. It's a nice feature, especially if you need to vacuum a cobweb from a high corner. If you have high ceilings, or the standard toollset on an average canister vacuum isn't up to snuff, you might want to look into this item.
That said, there are some disappointments, especially with the comparatively high sticker price. The toolset that comes with the vac is spartan, if we're being nice. Each attachment is rigid plastic, and no attachments come with suction-powered rotary brushes. The attachments are a bit on the short side, as well. More disappointing is the fact that there are only two power of floor settings. Suction seemed to be more than adequaate for both, but the vac is missing the more granular height adjustments you might need if you have carpets of differing depths. The head is a bit on the small side, but the pivot mechanism that enables easy movement and rotation kind of compensates for this. One area of concern relates to the vacuum's big draw - the hose doesn't seem easily removable fro mthe the detachable canister, so cleaning (which is an inevitability for any vacuum) may prove to be an issue down the line. Most vacs have fully detachable hoses, expecting that they'll become occluded at some part over their lifetime. This model has a handle attached to the top end of the hose, which will make a messy snaking of your blocked vacuum hose even more challenging than a normal job is.
If you really need reach and coverage, and aren't too insistent on more fine-tuned speed settings or use-specific attachments, this vacuum is for you. Suction is great, the LIft-AWay featuer is really impressive and useful, and the vaccum is well-built and thoughtfully engineered. If what you need is more customizability, you might need to look elsewhere.
That said, there are some disappointments, especially with the comparatively high sticker price. The toolset that comes with the vac is spartan, if we're being nice. Each attachment is rigid plastic, and no attachments come with suction-powered rotary brushes. The attachments are a bit on the short side, as well. More disappointing is the fact that there are only two power of floor settings. Suction seemed to be more than adequaate for both, but the vac is missing the more granular height adjustments you might need if you have carpets of differing depths. The head is a bit on the small side, but the pivot mechanism that enables easy movement and rotation kind of compensates for this. One area of concern relates to the vacuum's big draw - the hose doesn't seem easily removable fro mthe the detachable canister, so cleaning (which is an inevitability for any vacuum) may prove to be an issue down the line. Most vacs have fully detachable hoses, expecting that they'll become occluded at some part over their lifetime. This model has a handle attached to the top end of the hose, which will make a messy snaking of your blocked vacuum hose even more challenging than a normal job is.
If you really need reach and coverage, and aren't too insistent on more fine-tuned speed settings or use-specific attachments, this vacuum is for you. Suction is great, the LIft-AWay featuer is really impressive and useful, and the vaccum is well-built and thoughtfully engineered. If what you need is more customizability, you might need to look elsewhere.
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The Motorola MG8702 Gigabit Cable Modem with built-in AC3200 4X4 Router supports Gigabit Ethernet speed with advanced WiFi performance. Approved for Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Charter Spectrum services, this cable modem is also backwards compatible with 32x8 DOCSIS 3.0.
Posted by: Vespasian
from Philadelphia, PA
This is a tricky product to review, because the value you'll get from it depends entirely on your specific needs. If you're an Xfinity (Comcast) subscriber, intend to remain one, and want a simple, easy-to-set-up device that has provides pretty admirable speeds over a reasonable range, then this is the modem/router combo for you.
Speed is the high point with this device. I was consistently drawing down the max mbps on my Internet plan (I'm now contemplating upgrading to the gigabit option) with no hiccups or drops. Upload speeds were impressive as well. This combo unit has pretty much made my old AC router obsolete based on the speeds I'm getting.
Where things get a little bumpy is with the coverage. I have a three-floor town home, so I'm not exactly stretching reasonable expectations when it comes to signal strength. The MG8702 is very good, but it's not top-tier. The broadcast area is actually slightly shorter than the old router I was using. Three floors away from the modem/router, and you'll start to see drops in signal strength. Of course, if you live in an apartment or condo, this won't matter to you (and the coverage will be more than adequate), and home owners could always augment this unit with a repeater or signal booster. The only drawback to doing that, though, is that you're walking into "mesh system" price ranges anyway, so people living in larger homes may want to investigate one of those as an alternative. If you're in the right-sized place, though, coverage won't be an issue.
One other thing to note - like many newer products, this device is user-friendly to a fault. Setup is completed through an app (of course!), which, like all such phone app-based solutions, is really limited in setup and customization options. This can be fixed after first setup, though, and users who want minimal setup might actually prefer this solution.
In short, get this if and only if:
You use Xfinity/Comcast
You need speed more than coverage area
You want a product that will keep you current for at least several years
You don't live in a mansion
Speed is the high point with this device. I was consistently drawing down the max mbps on my Internet plan (I'm now contemplating upgrading to the gigabit option) with no hiccups or drops. Upload speeds were impressive as well. This combo unit has pretty much made my old AC router obsolete based on the speeds I'm getting.
Where things get a little bumpy is with the coverage. I have a three-floor town home, so I'm not exactly stretching reasonable expectations when it comes to signal strength. The MG8702 is very good, but it's not top-tier. The broadcast area is actually slightly shorter than the old router I was using. Three floors away from the modem/router, and you'll start to see drops in signal strength. Of course, if you live in an apartment or condo, this won't matter to you (and the coverage will be more than adequate), and home owners could always augment this unit with a repeater or signal booster. The only drawback to doing that, though, is that you're walking into "mesh system" price ranges anyway, so people living in larger homes may want to investigate one of those as an alternative. If you're in the right-sized place, though, coverage won't be an issue.
One other thing to note - like many newer products, this device is user-friendly to a fault. Setup is completed through an app (of course!), which, like all such phone app-based solutions, is really limited in setup and customization options. This can be fixed after first setup, though, and users who want minimal setup might actually prefer this solution.
In short, get this if and only if:
You use Xfinity/Comcast
You need speed more than coverage area
You want a product that will keep you current for at least several years
You don't live in a mansion
Mobile Submission: True
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Secure and store important files safely in this Western Digital My Passport SSD. The fast data transfer rates of up to 1,050MB/s lets you move large amounts of content swiftly, while the 256-bit AES hardware encryption offers secure password protection. This Western Digital My Passport SSD features a maximum capacity of 1TB to store pictures, videos and documents, and the drop-resistant construction absorbs a maximum of 6.5-foot drops for durability.
Posted by: Vespasian
from Philadelphia, PA
Yes, this is more expensive than standard expansion drives, but the speed completely justified the asking price, especially if you're shuttling video clips between devices when stitching together a project. The NVMe tech is blazing fast. I'm used to "set and forget" copying for large files, meaning I anticipate the job will take some time to complete. This diminutive little drive kept exceeding my expectations, and could process anything I threw at it in 1/2 to 1/4 the time. If you work in digital video or content preparation, this is an excellent backup solution that can let you move tons of material from your source device in no time flat. It's also sturdy and much more pocket-friendly than standard expansion drives. Highly recommended for content creators who are on the go.
Mobile Submission: True
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Make the most of your tablet with the ZAGG Pro Stylus. Take notes, sketch, mark-up documents, swipe through pages, and just do more. With a eight-hour battery life, palm-rejection technology, and compatibility with apps that support Apple Pencil, you’re ready for anything. Compatible with Apple iPad Pro 12.9" 6th Generation (2022) 5th Generation (2021), 4th Generation (2020), 3rd Generation (2018); iPad Pro 11" 4th Generation (2022), 3rd Generation (2021), 2nd Generation (2020), 1st Generation (2018); iPad Air 10.9" 5th Generation (2022), 4th Generation (2020); iPad 10.2" 9th Generation (2021), 8th Generation (2020), 7th Generation (2019); iPad 9.7" 6th Generation (2018); and iPad mini 6th Generation (2021), 5th Generation (2019).
Posted by: Vespasian
from Philadelphia, PA
I'm developing a newfound appreciation for devices that simply work as intended without some kind of convoluted setup. Out of the box, the Zagg stylus works brilliantly. It has decent heft and length (about the size of an sharpened No.2 pencil), so wielding it with precision is trivially easy. The hard rubber or silicone tip has just the right amount of "give", meaning the screen will effortlessly register your presses strokes without having to apply excess force. The fixed nubs on the end of cheaper models usually take a considerable degree of pressure to register touch input, to the point where I've looked like I was trying to stab my iPad. The Zagg stylus, though, registers my strokes just like a pen would. The stylus can accommodate some really granular, fine settings, too, so you don't need to be worried about being limited to thick, messy lines when trying to write. There's also clearly some well-intentioned software tinkering designed to rectify wayward strokes, but I will say if you write lowercase sigma like I do, the stylus (or the iPad) will stubbornly keep attempting to fix your "mistake" by making the symbol a lowercase "o"! In most cases, though, especially with handwriting, the smoothing feature comes in handy. The stylus is magnetic, too, so you can just park it on your iPad if you need to quickly type out something with both hands.
I teach statistics, and have tried to use the Whiteboard feature on Zoom and my iPad with varying degrees of success. Statistical formulae can get quite complicated, and it helps to write them out by hand if you're trying to study how all the parts for together and what each variable should represent. Most styli I've used haven't been up to the task. Lines are too thick to be useful, the tips don't accurately record input, or a too-short length makes your hand keep hitting the screen. The Zagg stylus has fixed all those problems. A student confirmed this for me yesterday. He couldn't read what I would write formerly, but didn't want to say anything because he was afraid I had an injured hand! He was amazed that in a few days, as he put it, I "learned to write". Kids. Anyway, strongly recommended for anyone who must write by hand while using an iPad. Worth the price.
I teach statistics, and have tried to use the Whiteboard feature on Zoom and my iPad with varying degrees of success. Statistical formulae can get quite complicated, and it helps to write them out by hand if you're trying to study how all the parts for together and what each variable should represent. Most styli I've used haven't been up to the task. Lines are too thick to be useful, the tips don't accurately record input, or a too-short length makes your hand keep hitting the screen. The Zagg stylus has fixed all those problems. A student confirmed this for me yesterday. He couldn't read what I would write formerly, but didn't want to say anything because he was afraid I had an injured hand! He was amazed that in a few days, as he put it, I "learned to write". Kids. Anyway, strongly recommended for anyone who must write by hand while using an iPad. Worth the price.
Mobile Submission: True
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Bring your A-game anytime, anywhere. Introducing a universal mobile gaming controller that fits most smartphone devices, designed to bring console-level control to your on-the-go gaming. With this controller by your side, wherever you go, victory will follow.
Posted by: Vespasian
from Philadelphia, PA
As long as you have a phone running at least Android 8 and a USB-C port positioned on the bottom center of the device, this is an excellent option for retro gamers using Android. The device just works out of the box. I'm using it with an Essential PH-1, and without even exploring the Kishi app, I'm having the best controller experience with classic game emulators I've had yet. The device is well-built, the D-pad and joysticks are responsive, and the buttons are sturdy and have a reasonable degree of resistance. This isn't a chintzy Bluetooth controller with rigid shoulder buttons that don't travel well or only activate when they're in the right mood.
Setting up the device, once you unlock the latches, is trivially easy. The controller plugs directly into the USB-C port and bypasses the Bluetooth pairing step that's never been unfailingly reliable for me. It just works. The controller telescopes to accommodate the length of your particular phone; reference measurements are available from Razer. You have to make sure your device fits, but most should.
When the controller is attached, the whole setup is no bigger than a Switch. This is strongly recommended for anyone who plays higher-end games on mobile. I'm primarily a retro gamer, and attaching this to even a properly specced budget phone running Retroarch will give you an experience better than 90% of the retro-themed handhelds proliferating on popular online shopping sites.
The cost might seem high, but the better handheld Bluetooth Android controllers aren't much cheaper, and the convenience factor is worth the extra cash.
Strongly recommended.
Setting up the device, once you unlock the latches, is trivially easy. The controller plugs directly into the USB-C port and bypasses the Bluetooth pairing step that's never been unfailingly reliable for me. It just works. The controller telescopes to accommodate the length of your particular phone; reference measurements are available from Razer. You have to make sure your device fits, but most should.
When the controller is attached, the whole setup is no bigger than a Switch. This is strongly recommended for anyone who plays higher-end games on mobile. I'm primarily a retro gamer, and attaching this to even a properly specced budget phone running Retroarch will give you an experience better than 90% of the retro-themed handhelds proliferating on popular online shopping sites.
The cost might seem high, but the better handheld Bluetooth Android controllers aren't much cheaper, and the convenience factor is worth the extra cash.
Strongly recommended.
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Enjoy delicious, bold-tasting coffee made simple with the new Mr. Coffee 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker with Strong Brew Selector. Brew your coffee as bold as you like it with the Strong Brew Selector—you can choose to brew a bolder cup of coffee if that's what you'd like, with the touch of a button. The coffee maker also features intuitive Brew Later programming that makes it easy to schedule brewing ahead of time, so you can wake up to the smell of freshly made coffee. This updated design also includes a Grab-a-Cup Auto Pause, so you can pour a cup of coffee before brewing is finished. Plus, the 4-Hour Auto-Shutoff feature automatically turns off the coffee maker so you don't have to. Plus, this coffee maker comes with a dishwasher-safe, reusable coffee filter, so you can save money and create less waste. Just sit back, sip, and enjoy great coffee just the way you like it.
Customer Rating
4
Very good basic coffee maker, with one snag
on September 17, 2020
Posted by: Vespasian
from Philadelphia, PA
The best way to think of this coffee maker is as an enhanced version of every drip coffee maker you've ever used. That's a good thing. The programmable options work and are so intuitive, that even your technophobic elderly relatives can use this with no problems. Fill, insert basket, and turn on. You can set a timer to brew what you've prepared overnight; my cats only let me pull this off once, but the feature worked well. The timer is easier to set than even my alarm clock.
There's a "strong brew" option, which works... but produces something that's not quite as good as simply using more grounds in the basket on the normal setting, or using a darker roast. It's not terrible, but with a dizzying array of roast varieties available in your average supermarket, it's kind of unnecessary.
The appearance of the coffee maker is nice, too. Just enough "stainless steel" to be attractive, but not to stick out if most of your kitchen appliances are black.
This model seems to shut off automatically. It has a four-hour operation window, so it won't shut off prematurely. You shouldn't drink coffee that's been sitting for more than four hours, anyway.
The snag with this coffee maker is the heating plate. A few flecks have started to come off after only a few days' operation. I know from experience with the brand that these drip coffee makers last at least several years, even with signs of wear and tear, but I'm still somewhat surprised by how rapidly the heating plate is showing signs of use.
This coffee maker is definitely worth the asking price, though.
There's a "strong brew" option, which works... but produces something that's not quite as good as simply using more grounds in the basket on the normal setting, or using a darker roast. It's not terrible, but with a dizzying array of roast varieties available in your average supermarket, it's kind of unnecessary.
The appearance of the coffee maker is nice, too. Just enough "stainless steel" to be attractive, but not to stick out if most of your kitchen appliances are black.
This model seems to shut off automatically. It has a four-hour operation window, so it won't shut off prematurely. You shouldn't drink coffee that's been sitting for more than four hours, anyway.
The snag with this coffee maker is the heating plate. A few flecks have started to come off after only a few days' operation. I know from experience with the brand that these drip coffee makers last at least several years, even with signs of wear and tear, but I'm still somewhat surprised by how rapidly the heating plate is showing signs of use.
This coffee maker is definitely worth the asking price, though.
Mobile Submission: True
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The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is a cordless handheld vacuum designed for powerful suction. It comes with a motorized self-cleaning Pet Power Brush that eliminates hair wrap, a lithium-ion battery, CleanTouch dirt ejector, and more, at only 2.8 lbs.
Posted by: Vespasian
from Philadelphia, PA
This little vac prioritizes convenience over power, but as a complement to a standard household vac it's pretty great. I now have four cats, and I have to vacuum almost daily. Lugging the main house vacuum up and down floors to get the little fuzz piles and bits of litter that find their way into impossibly small nooks and crannies is a real pain, and this cordless hand vac is great for getting light messes left behind by my hairy housemates. The Shark doesn't have the same suction power that a corded handheld vacuum would, but the fact that you can just maneuver this where needed without worrying about cord reach makes up for it. The vacuum is able to get litter particles, bits of paper, and hair with no difficulty. The collection cup doesn't hold much, but emptying it is extremely easy. The cup's hinge is attached to the device body, so you have to hold it carefully over the trash can, but after a first attempt it's pretty clear how you have to hold the vacuum to empty it.
There are attachments for more narrow work, but nothing like the nozzle attachment that's standard on larger vacs. Given the expected lighter duty of this vac, you won't find yourself longing for a bigger assortment of cleaning tools.
Battery life is decent on this device. Charging time is on the high side, but if you remember to "set and forget" after using you won't run out of power before your tour of the house is complete.
Perhaps the primary advantage of this unit is it's incredibly light weight. Other handheld vacuums I've used are appreciably heavier and larger, which means manipulating them sometimes feels like only marginally less work than using an upright vacuum. The Shark, however, can be carried around with ease. You can go right to the litter trail that fell off kitty's paws on the stairs and then go right to the hair pile from the cat fight in the corner of the bedroom with minimal effort. You'll have to run the unit over messes a little more than you would have to with other handheld vacs (because of the slightly disappointing suction power), but you'll still save time over other methods for cleaning.
In short, if you need a cordless handheld vac to help you clean up the daily minor messes your pets leave behind, then this vacuum might be for you. Just bear in mind that you'll need something stronger for the heavy duty work as well.
There are attachments for more narrow work, but nothing like the nozzle attachment that's standard on larger vacs. Given the expected lighter duty of this vac, you won't find yourself longing for a bigger assortment of cleaning tools.
Battery life is decent on this device. Charging time is on the high side, but if you remember to "set and forget" after using you won't run out of power before your tour of the house is complete.
Perhaps the primary advantage of this unit is it's incredibly light weight. Other handheld vacuums I've used are appreciably heavier and larger, which means manipulating them sometimes feels like only marginally less work than using an upright vacuum. The Shark, however, can be carried around with ease. You can go right to the litter trail that fell off kitty's paws on the stairs and then go right to the hair pile from the cat fight in the corner of the bedroom with minimal effort. You'll have to run the unit over messes a little more than you would have to with other handheld vacs (because of the slightly disappointing suction power), but you'll still save time over other methods for cleaning.
In short, if you need a cordless handheld vac to help you clean up the daily minor messes your pets leave behind, then this vacuum might be for you. Just bear in mind that you'll need something stronger for the heavy duty work as well.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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With the HP DeskJet 2755 All-in-One Inkjet Printer, get all the essentials you need in one affordable, easy-to-use device. Breeze through projects with simple printing at home and scan and copy versatility. With HP Instant Ink, this wireless printer automatically orders ink and delivers it straight to your door with up to 50% savings on ink (subscription required). Get faster, more reliable connections using the color printer's dual-band Wi-Fi with self-reset. Set up the all-in-one printer in a few easy steps and get high-quality scanning and sharing to Dropbox, Google Drive, email, or the cloud from your smartphone using the HP Smart app.
Posted by: Vespasian
from Philadelphia, PA
This is an excellent entry-level printer aimed at a very specific set of users. Functionally, this model handles printing and scanning as well as other models do in the same price range. Inserting and replacing ink cartridges is a snap, and the unit is compact enough to fit on top of a low bookshelf (or, in my case, on a storage tower).
Where people might get frustrated with this model is in the focus on the HP Smart App. Users can't even complete setup without downloading and installing it. If you're used to printing from mobile devices like cell phones, you're already familiar with having to navigate software menus to send documents to wireless printers. Android users in particular usually have to go through (at a minimum) the HP e-services plug-in in order to successfully send a document for printing. The HP Smart App is essentially an attempt to provide a common method for interacting with a printer across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows 10, and Mac OSX. If you're just as likely to print from your phone as your computer, then this app might be a good solution for you. The app is clean and well-designed, even though it does nag users to enroll in HP's auto-refill Instant Ink program. Within it, users can see their printing queue, their ink levels, and the status of their recent printing requests. Users absolutely have to use the app to check information that would be typically available on the printer display, since the display on this model has been downsized in keeping with the focus on the HP Smart App.
As far as connectivity issues go, one thing prospective buyers should bear in mind is that the printer will go into sleep mode when not in use and will not be discoverable over a network until woken up again. This is actually true of most HP printers, but not clearly communicated in the set up process or the app itself. The frustration some people are having with the seeming tech failures of the printer is consequently understandable, but something that could be fixed in a future app update that will simply send a "wake your printer up" message when users try and print while the device is sleeping.
There are some benefits, though, if uses are willing to accept the app as a printing helper (which is what it is intended as). If you think of the app as a common, platform-agnostic solution that will enable printing from your phone, tablet, or computer, then you might even find the experience more convenient. If you'd rather work with a more familiar "set and forget" wireless printer, then you might be interested in a different model.
In summary, this model is well worth the price for its feature set and build quality, but buyers should take note that desktop printing might require some more steps than you're used to. If you print primarily from mobile devices, the streamlining of the print menus in the Smart App may make this a great experience for you.
Where people might get frustrated with this model is in the focus on the HP Smart App. Users can't even complete setup without downloading and installing it. If you're used to printing from mobile devices like cell phones, you're already familiar with having to navigate software menus to send documents to wireless printers. Android users in particular usually have to go through (at a minimum) the HP e-services plug-in in order to successfully send a document for printing. The HP Smart App is essentially an attempt to provide a common method for interacting with a printer across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows 10, and Mac OSX. If you're just as likely to print from your phone as your computer, then this app might be a good solution for you. The app is clean and well-designed, even though it does nag users to enroll in HP's auto-refill Instant Ink program. Within it, users can see their printing queue, their ink levels, and the status of their recent printing requests. Users absolutely have to use the app to check information that would be typically available on the printer display, since the display on this model has been downsized in keeping with the focus on the HP Smart App.
As far as connectivity issues go, one thing prospective buyers should bear in mind is that the printer will go into sleep mode when not in use and will not be discoverable over a network until woken up again. This is actually true of most HP printers, but not clearly communicated in the set up process or the app itself. The frustration some people are having with the seeming tech failures of the printer is consequently understandable, but something that could be fixed in a future app update that will simply send a "wake your printer up" message when users try and print while the device is sleeping.
There are some benefits, though, if uses are willing to accept the app as a printing helper (which is what it is intended as). If you think of the app as a common, platform-agnostic solution that will enable printing from your phone, tablet, or computer, then you might even find the experience more convenient. If you'd rather work with a more familiar "set and forget" wireless printer, then you might be interested in a different model.
In summary, this model is well worth the price for its feature set and build quality, but buyers should take note that desktop printing might require some more steps than you're used to. If you print primarily from mobile devices, the streamlining of the print menus in the Smart App may make this a great experience for you.
Mobile Submission: False
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Samsung Galaxy Book Flex a Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Stay productive at work with this Samsung Galaxy Book Flex laptop. The Intel UHD integrated graphics render vivid visuals on the 13.3-inch Full HD touch screen, while the 512GB SSD ensures speedy file storage and access. This Samsung Galaxy Book Flex laptop has an Intel Core i7 processor and 12GB of RAM for running multiple programs at once.
Posted by: Vespasian
from Philadelphia, PA
This is, quite simply, the Windows laptop to get. The screen is gorgeous, the internals rival those of ultrabooks that are hundreds of dollars more, and the battery life is insanely good. And by "insanely good," I mean I haven't been able to fully deplete it yet, even after running it for the better part of a day and a half. I finally gave up and plugged it in, because I wanted to use it again later and didn't want to wait around to complete my battery endurance test.
The laptop is well-designed, with a satisfyingly durable metal chassis and a strong, but pliable, hinge for the folding lid. You can completely confident the hinge will last no matter how many different configurations you fold and bend the laptop into. The two-in-one design is a real nice feature for content creators and students, as tablet mode automatically executes and reading applications become eminently easier to work with. Photo touch-ups are excellent in this mode, too, though this variant requires a separate purchase of a stylus to truly unlock all the Samsung tablet-mode smart features. The touchscreen is responsive and precise, and doesn't have that murky appearance that comes from poorly-applied oleophobic treatments that other manufacturers use. Unlike other touchscreen laptops, the display on this model is clear and crisp, and basically indistinguishable from a standard display.
And what a display it is. The QLED screen is stunning; you'll notice a difference even as you're walking through the WIndows 10 setup steps after first boot. Colors are bright and punchy, and there's a healthy vibrancy seen in colors on the red and orange end of the spectrum. Many people seem to legitimately prefer the colder, bluer displays of LCD screens, claiming that these produce more natural color, but I absolutely love the saturated colors. One of the first things I did with this machine was start editing photos and watching videos just to see how differently they looked on this display compared to my older work laptop. I was taken aback. I'm now seeing subtle gradations between blues and teals and entire hues of gold and amber in movies I've seen hundreds of times before but either never noticed, or simply couldn't detect on an inferior display. The display is "only" 1080p, but that is absolutely no complaint here; it looks far better than the vast majority of mid-range Quad HD televisions I've seen.
Performance-wise, this laptop is a beast. The Core i7 and 12GB RAM combination equip the computer to handle anything the vast majority of users can throw at it. I work with music production software, which is notoriously resource-intensive, and this little machine handles every simultaneous audio channel and plug-in with ease. If you write and record music and simply prefer the Windows software ecosystem (because there's always some special, obscure little program that does something really cool in the Windows ecosystem), this is your next laptop. There's two regular USB ports and an additional USB-C port for audio interfaces or microphones. Video creators could also quite easily add an external capture card to this computer and be completely confident it could handle recording with no lag, stutter, or loss.
Internal storage is an ample 512GB, and there's a microSD slot for easily file transfer. The keyboard is well-built and backlit, and the keys have a decent amount of travel. The fingerprint sensor is actually better than expected, too; I have virtually no fingerprints left, and it can still detect mine, which is more than any cellphone I've ever used can do.
The battery seriously has to be used to be believed. Windows laptops have notoriously short battery life, so to use a Windows 10 computer that lasts for 18 hours or more is mind-blowing. I expected the advertised claims of battery life to be marketing hyperbole; nope, they're completely accurate. This will be one of the longest-lasting laptops you've ever used, and without question the longest-lasting Windows laptop. I have no idea what dark magic enables a full Windows 10 build running on top of i7 to last this long, but I love it.
There are only a couple of things to find fault with on this computer. First, the audio is very good ,but not excellent. Second, there's no Ethernet port, which I know is by no means necessary, but still something I'm used to seeing on a Windows machine. Third, and most importantly, the heat or exhaust vents aren't placed in the best of locations. The largest one faces the rear, but when the laptop lid is open, it partially blocks the vent. The second vent is on the underside, which of course is blocked most of the time the laptop is on a table or in your lap. I don't know if heat buildup or poor heat dispersal will be a problem down the road for this model, but given how carefully everything else is engineered, I'm inclined to think the designers took this into consideration.
Some users might complain that the laptop is heavy when used in tablet mode, but "heavy" here means,like, a couple of pounds, and is nothing to ward most users away.
In all, I highly, highly recommend this if you're in the market for a reasonably priced but powerful Windows laptop. Much better than competing models at similar prices.
The laptop is well-designed, with a satisfyingly durable metal chassis and a strong, but pliable, hinge for the folding lid. You can completely confident the hinge will last no matter how many different configurations you fold and bend the laptop into. The two-in-one design is a real nice feature for content creators and students, as tablet mode automatically executes and reading applications become eminently easier to work with. Photo touch-ups are excellent in this mode, too, though this variant requires a separate purchase of a stylus to truly unlock all the Samsung tablet-mode smart features. The touchscreen is responsive and precise, and doesn't have that murky appearance that comes from poorly-applied oleophobic treatments that other manufacturers use. Unlike other touchscreen laptops, the display on this model is clear and crisp, and basically indistinguishable from a standard display.
And what a display it is. The QLED screen is stunning; you'll notice a difference even as you're walking through the WIndows 10 setup steps after first boot. Colors are bright and punchy, and there's a healthy vibrancy seen in colors on the red and orange end of the spectrum. Many people seem to legitimately prefer the colder, bluer displays of LCD screens, claiming that these produce more natural color, but I absolutely love the saturated colors. One of the first things I did with this machine was start editing photos and watching videos just to see how differently they looked on this display compared to my older work laptop. I was taken aback. I'm now seeing subtle gradations between blues and teals and entire hues of gold and amber in movies I've seen hundreds of times before but either never noticed, or simply couldn't detect on an inferior display. The display is "only" 1080p, but that is absolutely no complaint here; it looks far better than the vast majority of mid-range Quad HD televisions I've seen.
Performance-wise, this laptop is a beast. The Core i7 and 12GB RAM combination equip the computer to handle anything the vast majority of users can throw at it. I work with music production software, which is notoriously resource-intensive, and this little machine handles every simultaneous audio channel and plug-in with ease. If you write and record music and simply prefer the Windows software ecosystem (because there's always some special, obscure little program that does something really cool in the Windows ecosystem), this is your next laptop. There's two regular USB ports and an additional USB-C port for audio interfaces or microphones. Video creators could also quite easily add an external capture card to this computer and be completely confident it could handle recording with no lag, stutter, or loss.
Internal storage is an ample 512GB, and there's a microSD slot for easily file transfer. The keyboard is well-built and backlit, and the keys have a decent amount of travel. The fingerprint sensor is actually better than expected, too; I have virtually no fingerprints left, and it can still detect mine, which is more than any cellphone I've ever used can do.
The battery seriously has to be used to be believed. Windows laptops have notoriously short battery life, so to use a Windows 10 computer that lasts for 18 hours or more is mind-blowing. I expected the advertised claims of battery life to be marketing hyperbole; nope, they're completely accurate. This will be one of the longest-lasting laptops you've ever used, and without question the longest-lasting Windows laptop. I have no idea what dark magic enables a full Windows 10 build running on top of i7 to last this long, but I love it.
There are only a couple of things to find fault with on this computer. First, the audio is very good ,but not excellent. Second, there's no Ethernet port, which I know is by no means necessary, but still something I'm used to seeing on a Windows machine. Third, and most importantly, the heat or exhaust vents aren't placed in the best of locations. The largest one faces the rear, but when the laptop lid is open, it partially blocks the vent. The second vent is on the underside, which of course is blocked most of the time the laptop is on a table or in your lap. I don't know if heat buildup or poor heat dispersal will be a problem down the road for this model, but given how carefully everything else is engineered, I'm inclined to think the designers took this into consideration.
Some users might complain that the laptop is heavy when used in tablet mode, but "heavy" here means,like, a couple of pounds, and is nothing to ward most users away.
In all, I highly, highly recommend this if you're in the market for a reasonably priced but powerful Windows laptop. Much better than competing models at similar prices.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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9of 9voted this as helpful.
Warm and cook food with this 18-inch vinyl black Galanz retro countertop microwave oven. The power-level knob and five-item one-touch menu offer easy operation, while the defrost programs provide hassle-free reheating. This 0.7 cu. ft. Galanz retro countertop microwave oven has a classic design that brings a nostalgic flair to your kitchen, and the turntable enables even cooking.
Posted by: Vespasian
from Philadelphia, PA
The visual style and design of this microwave is fantastic. The button sets and rotary dial add nice accents to what looks like something pulled straight out of the mid-1960s. The pull bar for opening the microwave door is a nice touch as well; push-button release latches invariably stick over time, and users won't have that problem with this model. This little unit is excellent for an apartment or small kitchen, or for those really gunning for a retro aesthetic, but people with large families should note that the wattage is only 700 and this unit will not be able to cook items as quickly as a slightly larger 1100 or 1300 watt model.
I expected a compact microwave's reduced cooking power, but even compared to rival small microwaves it seems as though you need to factor in an additional ten or twenty seconds to expected cook time in order to get the same level of heating. The microwave isn't underpowered, but does seem to need an extra push in cooking time to match other model of similar wattage. Nothing that would make you want to return it, but prospective buyers should be aware.
The feature set is also somewhat more limited on this model. Since a rotary dial replaces the standard touchpad, there are no options for things like "popcorn" or "potato". The rotary dial allows enough precision in cook time settings, but it does beep every time you cycle through a ten-second interval. There are defrost and preset start time options, and you can adjust the power level for delicate cooking jobs, but given the somewhat constrained performance you probably shouldn't reduce it all if you can avoid it.
The device is a nice size and actually takes up less space than other compact microwaves.
If what you need is something that's visually impressive, and can accept the limitations that come with a compact microwave, you'll like this device. If you're a serious cook, you'll miss the more robust features on other models, but why would you be using a 700 watt microwave in the first place?
I expected a compact microwave's reduced cooking power, but even compared to rival small microwaves it seems as though you need to factor in an additional ten or twenty seconds to expected cook time in order to get the same level of heating. The microwave isn't underpowered, but does seem to need an extra push in cooking time to match other model of similar wattage. Nothing that would make you want to return it, but prospective buyers should be aware.
The feature set is also somewhat more limited on this model. Since a rotary dial replaces the standard touchpad, there are no options for things like "popcorn" or "potato". The rotary dial allows enough precision in cook time settings, but it does beep every time you cycle through a ten-second interval. There are defrost and preset start time options, and you can adjust the power level for delicate cooking jobs, but given the somewhat constrained performance you probably shouldn't reduce it all if you can avoid it.
The device is a nice size and actually takes up less space than other compact microwaves.
If what you need is something that's visually impressive, and can accept the limitations that come with a compact microwave, you'll like this device. If you're a serious cook, you'll miss the more robust features on other models, but why would you be using a 700 watt microwave in the first place?
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Vespasian's Answers
AirPop is the world’s first “air wearables” company. Since 2015, we’ve been leveraging anthropomorphic & material science with the latest technology to build ultra-high-performance products that provide an unrivaled breathing experience for millions of users around the world. Comprised of an award-winning team of experts in performance apparel, ergonomics, air filtration, material science, and advanced manufacturing. The foundation of our entire range of masks is class-leading filtration that works 2 ways. Every breath inward through AirPop masks is 97% filtered of particles and droplets and importantly today, every breath outward is filtered just the same. Your Air – Your choice. Designed for everyday use, with a super-light construction that ensures the mask’s shape doesn’t collapse. It maintains an air cushion between your mouth, nose and lips for comfortable breathing. KN95 certified.
How many layers are there? What materials are used in each layer?
There seem to be at least three layers, and the material is primarily nylon and polyester. Great if you have a medium to small nose, not so much otherwise.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
Vespasian
AirPop is the world’s first “air wearables” company. Since 2015, we’ve been leveraging anthropomorphic & material science with the latest technology to build ultra-high-performance products that provide an unrivaled breathing experience for millions of users around the world. Comprised of an award-winning team of experts in performance apparel, ergonomics, air filtration, material science, and advanced manufacturing. The foundation of our entire range of masks is class-leading filtration that works 2 ways. Every breath inward through AirPop masks is 97% filtered of particles and droplets and importantly today, every breath outward is filtered just the same. Your Air – Your choice. Designed for everyday use, with a super-light construction that ensures the mask’s shape doesn’t collapse. It maintains an air cushion between your mouth, nose and lips for comfortable breathing. KN95 certified.
Does this filter out covid? Otherwise it's useless!
I encountered continual air leakage from the upper part of the mask, which would indicate that the mask is not filtering out Covid at all. The material is good quality and would provide better protection than standard face masks if this weren't a problem.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
Vespasian
Your filter options used to include "depth with stand". Is this still an option?
I have a tight mantle space where depth and overall height are the two main factors in my choice, but your filter options no longer include these? Am I looking in the wrong place or did you decide to remove these options?
The stand adds about 1-1/2 to 2" to the rear of the TV, so you can use that as an approximate guide.
2 years, 8 months ago
by
Vespasian
This 55-inch screen uses quantum dot technology in 4K Ultra HD for vibrant, true-to-life images. Dolby Vision HDR contrasts bright highlights with dark shadows, so you can catch subtle details. Plus, DTS Virtual-X speaker technology delivers life-like sound from your TV. Access live over-the-air channels and streaming—and control it all with your voice. Ask Alexa to launch apps, search for titles and more. The Insignia NS-55F501NA22 55" Class F50 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV is ready for an unforgettable night of entertainment.
Can Alexa along with any and all microphones be disabled? Is the only microphone on the remote or is there one built into the TV? I don't want my TV/Amazon listening to me.
You have to hold a button down on your remote in order to activate Alexa, so yes, you can effectively disable it by never using the feature. The "listening" seems to be done on the remote's end, so the TV won't pick up any audio from you if you're not trying to use Alexa.
2 years, 8 months ago
by
Vespasian
The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is a cordless handheld vacuum designed for powerful suction. It comes with a motorized self-cleaning Pet Power Brush that eliminates hair wrap, a lithium-ion battery, CleanTouch dirt ejector, and more, at only 2.8 lbs.
How long is the battery duration?
Not that long if used constantly, but when used in bursts or short sessions it's good. I don't have an exact number.
3 years, 8 months ago
by
Vespasian
Exercise to a soundtrack with these Jaybird Tarah Pro wireless sport headphones. Featuring a comfortable secure-fitting design and reliable waterproofing, these headphones stay in place during vigorous activity and stand up to sweat and bad weather. These Jaybird Tarah Pro wireless sport headphones last through the longest workouts with up to 14 hours of battery life per charge.
I have the x3 and the cord sticks to some of my clothes. Is this the same or does the new cord material work better?
I had no trouble with the cord for the Tarah Pro sticking. The braiding could perhaps attach to any clothing that has small, protruding fibers, like a sweater, but not on a sweatshirt or T-shirt.
5 years, 4 months ago
by
Vespasian
NETGEAR Universal Wi-Fi Range Extender: Broaden your network connection with a range extender that gives you extra Wi-Fi coverage in your home. Smart LED indicators will direct you to the optimal location to plug the extender into the wall, so you can easily enjoy improved range and speed on your mobile and wired devices. Save on data usage by connecting your smartphone or tablet to your home network.
What is the difference between this Netgear Universal Wi-Fi range extender and the Netgear AC750 Wi-Fi extender?
What is the difference between this Netgear Universal Wi-Fi range extender and the Netgear AC750 Wi-Fi extender?
The Netgear Universal WiFi Range Extender broadcasts the a/b/g/n WiFi standards, while the Netgear AC750 broadcasts the newer ac standard. Most WiFi-ready equipment uses the N standard (or something older), so unless you own a device that's capable of receiving ac wifi signals (and you have a fast enough internet connection that'll let you see the speed difference), you're better off with the Universal (i. e. non-ac) extender. Ac-capable routers still run in the +$100 dollar range, so unless you already own one, it's best to hold off on ac extenders.
9 years, 2 months ago
by
Vespasian
Philadelphia, PA