banjo's stats
- Review count142
- Helpfulness votes661
- First reviewFebruary 8, 2015
- Last reviewAugust 20, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes1
- First review commentDecember 21, 2016
- Last review commentDecember 21, 2016
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count16
- Helpfulness votes118
- First answerJuly 7, 2016
- Last answerFebruary 3, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers6
Listen to your favorite music on the go with this Memorex armband radio. The digital AM/FM radio offers access to multiple stations, while an LCD screen ensures easy navigation across different frequencies. This Memorex armband radio has a built-in bass boost system for versatile audio options and a digital clock to keep track of time.
Customer Rating
5
Leave the expensive phone at home…
on April 26, 2020
Posted by: banjo
from macon, ga
This is a great way to leave the expensive phone at home and get out for some fresh air and a little walk around the block without risking your “everything to me” phone and to be honest getting away from the ping and rings and digital distractions for a while.
Very simple to find your favorite stations for the pre-sets, and enjoy your 80’s rock or NPR broadcasts. It’s a little bit of an adjustment to go “retro” and hear the commercials and cheesy DJs if you are used to a pure podcast or Sirius “pay to listen” radio channels, but it’s FREE to listen and if the worst happens and you lose this device when out and about or leave it at the playground, you aren’t out the cost of your irreplaceable phone and what the heck stuff happens.
Quality of the music is about what you would expect from a radio receiver – AM is AM and will crackle from time to time depending on your station – but absolutely you can tell when a storm is approaching when the lighting CRACKS the signal. FM stations are good with stereo signal and earbuds, and the Memorex will pick up just as well as any other FM radio I have around the house or in the car. The “Bass Boost” is alright and maybe helps out when exercising or doing something in a noisy environment – but for more quiet listening is to me a bit excessive. Others may want the extra thump and it’s there if you want to use it all the time.
Battery life is great, and haven’t really had to worry about running out of juice for a couple of weeks so far. You can leave it running and use as an alarm clock if the need arises, so battery life will vary if you leave it on all the time, of course. Would have been nice to have a rechargeable battery built in, but AAA rechargables are not too expensive and if you want to go eco-friendly that is an option.
The armband is a little thick and may feel like it is getting in the way if you are doing vigorous exercise like pumping iron, but still better to me than risking an expensive phone that could be damaged or “walk away” when out in the world.
Very simple to find your favorite stations for the pre-sets, and enjoy your 80’s rock or NPR broadcasts. It’s a little bit of an adjustment to go “retro” and hear the commercials and cheesy DJs if you are used to a pure podcast or Sirius “pay to listen” radio channels, but it’s FREE to listen and if the worst happens and you lose this device when out and about or leave it at the playground, you aren’t out the cost of your irreplaceable phone and what the heck stuff happens.
Quality of the music is about what you would expect from a radio receiver – AM is AM and will crackle from time to time depending on your station – but absolutely you can tell when a storm is approaching when the lighting CRACKS the signal. FM stations are good with stereo signal and earbuds, and the Memorex will pick up just as well as any other FM radio I have around the house or in the car. The “Bass Boost” is alright and maybe helps out when exercising or doing something in a noisy environment – but for more quiet listening is to me a bit excessive. Others may want the extra thump and it’s there if you want to use it all the time.
Battery life is great, and haven’t really had to worry about running out of juice for a couple of weeks so far. You can leave it running and use as an alarm clock if the need arises, so battery life will vary if you leave it on all the time, of course. Would have been nice to have a rechargeable battery built in, but AAA rechargables are not too expensive and if you want to go eco-friendly that is an option.
The armband is a little thick and may feel like it is getting in the way if you are doing vigorous exercise like pumping iron, but still better to me than risking an expensive phone that could be damaged or “walk away” when out in the world.
Overall this is an inexpensive way to have some music with you and most likely a familiar way to go for the more mature generations as we were around when “The Walkman” and it’s descendants arrived on the market and I bet if you think about it you probably have one of those old “portables” in a box in a closet somewhere from the good old days.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Stream your favorite tunes from media servers, PCs and smart devices with this Yamaha sound bar. The built-in Alexa voice control lets you decide how your favorite content should play, and the preset modes provide different surround sound effects for your listening pleasure. Featuring clear voice technology, this Yamaha sound bar ensures clear dialog so you can keep up with critical scenes or plot twists.
Customer Rating
4
Good sound spread and easy to add a sub-woofer...
on April 14, 2020
Posted by: banjo
from macon, ga
This soundbar replaced a more compact system with modest sub-woofer from another manufacturer. This Yamaha YAS-109 looked pretty much the same as the YAS-209 other than lacking a separate free-standing sub-woofer. With a sub-woofer already sitting around, the 109 seemed like the better choice. For those willing to switch between different sound settings for music, movies, ‘regular’ TV, sporting events on TV – all these settings are available through the included remote, and also through a phone app. With all the choices available, I recommend switching through the different settings available to find the best settings to match the room acoustics and the particular use for the soundbar. There are several settings that can be pretty much “set it and forget it” that will provide good sound for whatever is being played, but there IS a difference between the settings and if you are planning on using the sound bar for a particular purpose for a period of time, it is worth selecting the best setting for that particular purpose. Some may consider this too much to do if they use the soundbar for different purposes during the day, and they may want to find the best sound for general use and leave the system at that setting for everything.
The display for settings consists of a series of tiny lights on a dark plastic panel (on the soundbar) and the one thing I would like to see changed is an easier to read display. It is difficult to tell what is going on with the system if you rely on the indicator lights, as the lights are nice and bright but what they are showing is hard to tell. The best solution is to get comfortable with the remote and/or the phone app to control the system, and not to rely on reading the indicator panel on the sound bar. This is not really a big deal, as after setting up the sound bar and tucking it away behind the TV, the display panel is out of sight anyway. It was during the initial setup and testing that I found the indicator panel to be hard to decipher. This isn’t something that would be much of a problem once the system is set up and installed, so no big deal.
The sound is excellent, and a definite improvement over the more compact system it replaced (that actually lists for a higher price). In all fairness, if you are used to any type of sub-woofer, even a small unit, then you may miss the extra range that the sub-woofer provides. With that said, I added a modest 10” sub-woofer to this system with an inexpensive crossover mixer and the result was as good as the more costly YAS-209. So if you already have a decent sub-woofer, then the YAS-109 should work well as the main bar and you can simply plug in your sub-woofer for the extended range. If you do NOT have an existing sub-woofer, I really recommend the YAS-209 if you can swing it so you don’t feel the need later on to add on a sub-woofer for the full sound experience.
The built-in Alexa works just fine if you like having that available, and will respond to request to play different music from streaming services and change settings on the sound bar. Personally that was OK to play around with but not something I will be using very often. Alexa DOES work, and can be set up in the same way as most Alexa devices. If you have a "Smart Home" with loads of IOT devices, then this may fit in nicely with your voice-controlled system.
Overall, the sound quality is what you would expect from Yamaha, and there are distinct differences between the various settings – which shows that they really do make a difference for the sound purpose and quality, and are not just “different” in name but not much different in output.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Intensify your gaming experience with this cream CORSAIR PRO wireless gaming headset. Plush memory foam ear pads deliver cushioned comfort, while the high-performance 50mm neodymium audio drivers offer rich full-range audio. This CORSAIR PRO wireless gaming headset has a Discord-certified unidirectional detachable microphone for clear communication in the din of battle.
Customer Rating
5
Good price point for a very serviceable headset…
on January 26, 2020
Posted by: banjo
from macon, ga
With so many headsets to choose from and new models appearing daily, the HS70 is a good choice at the mid-range price that meets basic needs and provides a good sound experience. The model I am reviewing is the “Cream” color but is also available in Carbon and the features and functions are the same. This headset was used on a gaming PC, so don’t have any report on use with PS4 or other gaming consoles.
The main things I want in a wireless headset are the quality of the sound and microphone, comfort for long sessions, good battery life, and a smooth and consistent wireless connection. This headset meets those needs, and actually is pretty impressive for this price point. For good, basic performance, comfort and wireless function – this is a good choice.
Comfort - There is good thick padding on the headphones that provide a nice seal, although taking a break from time to time will help as the seal is snug and your ears might tend to heat up since the padding is covered with “faux” leather. The headband is also well padded and very comfortable.
Sound quality is impressive for this price point. Good range for the sound, bass comes in very well and all sound/frequency levels can be easily adjusted as needed. Take the time to download and configure the Corsair iCue software to get the full 7.1 surround sound for games and media that support 7.1. Once you have installed the software it connects automatically and is ready for set up to select pre-sets or change the settings. There are very good pre-sets, and you can also customize the sound with plenty of frequency sliders if you like to suit your individual needs. The microphone will detach for “earphone only” listening but keep track of the microphone module as it can get away from you when removed. The microphone does tend to pick up outside noise, so don’t plan to use this headset if you operate in a noisy environment. For gaming at home and with a few friends, this will work without a problem, but an environment with lots of outside noise will come through on the mic and can be distracting. Note that the microphone will only plug in to the left side of the headset, so if you need to have the mic on the right side for whatever reason this will not be possible. Volume control wheel and mute button are close together on the headset, and as with any new device it takes some getting used to when you want to adjust the mic or change/mute the volume – a little practice is needed to change one without bumping into the other controls.
Battery Life - Corsair advertises 16 hours of use on a charge, and this seems to be accurate – good long-term use from a charge. Unfortunately there is no way to determine the remaining charge, as there is not an indicator on the headset (lights or verbal cue) and the iCue software does not show charge level, either. The solution is to be on the safe side and charge up the headset after use to be sure you are fully charged and ready to go on the next use. Charging is with the older style Micro USB, but not a problem and most of us have plenty of cables around.
Wireless connection uses the included USB receiver, and connects quickly. The connection seems consistent with no drops or lags. It is easy to get spoiled with wireless connection once you get used to it, and this headset keeps a smooth connection even after leaving the room from time to time (you know what I mean) and coming back to rejoin a game.
Overall, this is a good mid-range headphone that provides good comfort, long battery life, and excellent 7.1 sound that can be customized as needed.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
G513 is a high performance RGB mechanical gaming keyboard that features advanced technologies in a modern and sleek design. G513 includes full spectrum ~16.8M color RGB per key lighting with LIGHTSYNC technology, choice of mechanical switches, and a memory foam palmrest to deliver utmost comfort. G513 is the perfect blend of performance, advanced technologies and features, and unparalleled build quality and comfort.
Customer Rating
5
Sturdy brick for customized and aggressive gaming…
on January 26, 2020
Posted by: banjo
from macon, ga
Gaming keyboards continue to get very customized and tailored to a gamer’s individual preferences. The G513 Brown keys give a tactile ‘bump’ for feedback without the loud click of the blue keys or the totally smooth linear red keys. Again, this is an individual preference and fortunately the G513 has a choice of blue, red, brown, or Romer-G keys to suit the user’s needs. If you are new to the different types of mechanical keys, particularly for intensive gaming, it is a good idea to put your fingers on some display models to see what noise and tactile feedback levels are most pleasing to you. The investment in a good mechanical keyboard is well worth it, but be sure you get the keys that you can live with for a long time. The noise level of the keys can also be an important factor – for example I personally like the clicky blue keys, but they tend to be distracting or bothersome to significant others in the house, so a quieter key is needed to keep the peace. With your personal key preferences decided, the rest of the G513 features seems to be the same for the overall model.
The board itself is compact in design and built like a brick! Logitech advertises the board as having a top panel of aircraft-grade aluminum, and in practical terms this means a keyboard that is amazingly heavy and no question this is an extremely durable build that can stand up to some heavy and long-term use. There are 2 USB cables (1 for keyboard and 1 for USB pass-through) which are heavy-duty with a woven fabric cover, and plenty of length to reach a case on the floor. Very convenient to have the pass-through for USB on the keyboard, although it does not support USB 3.0 – this is a little disappointing but not a deal breaker as you can use a 2.0 port on your case for the pass-through plug and leave a USB 3.0 port open. You can also choose to use the keyboard cable without the second pass-through if you have limited USB ports on your case. The USB 2.0 pass-through does just fine for headsets, mice, phone charging, and other peripherals – so this does not limit the capabilities of your accessories other than slower file transfer speed. The foam palm-rest is very comfortable and free-standing so it can be used or not (or moved out of the way) as needed. This is actually very handy, having used other keyboards in the past with snap-in or permanent palm rests can get in the way from time to time. Other nice touches are the footpads and textured bottom of both the keyboard and the palm-rest, as they sit tight and don’t tend to drift around during gameplay.
Logitech included a set of gaming keycaps that are quickly installed using the included puller, and can give a little bit of a competitive edge when the gameplay gets intense. A matter of personal preference, but if you like the contrasting shape of the primary gaming keys, you are good to go.
Logitech’s RGB lighting setup provides a very nice appearance, with the light passing up through the keys with minimum “spillover” underneath the keys – which to me is a better presentation and does not make the keyboard over-illuminated. An RGB keyboard is supposed to be bright and appealing but having so much light bleeding out from under the keys that you can’t see the keys themselves is too distracting for me – fortunately the Logitech RGB system doesn’t have this issue. The Logitech software (download from Logitech site) provides any degree of customization you would like, and custom lighting can be set up for each individual game. You can get lost for a while just taking time to set up lighting schemes, but the end result is highly customized keyboard lighting that makes the gaming experience that much more enjoyable. For non-gaming time on the computer, there are a variety of lighting pre-sets that can be quickly tweaked or customized. Logitech continues to update the lighting/gaming software for RGB keyboards, and the previous Logitech Gaming Software will upgrade to the “G Hub” software for the newer model G513. There are varying opinions on the G-Hub software, but it does provide customization for the G513 and Logitech is know to provide updates and improvements to software on a regular basis. As with any software, if you are used to one keyboard customization tool, then a different or updated system will take a little getting used to – which is to be expected.
Depending on what you are already used to on a keyboard, you might notice some controls that are not on the G513. Most noticeable is the lack separate media controls keys, which requires a quick learning curve to get the FN keys sorted out – these can also be customized to meet your individual preference. Personally I am used to separate media controls, which I miss when using this keyboard, but if you are comfortable with using FN keys for your media, then you should be just fine.
Overall, this is a very rugged keyboard with excellent lighting display and plenty of customization available to provide optimum setup for individual games. It’s hard to go wrong with Logitech keyboards, and this is a safe bet. Be sure to get a “hands on” with the different types of keys before making your final decision – as you will be using the keyboard for a long time!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Make yard work easier with this Hoover ONEPWR Cordless High-Performance Blower. A heavy-duty turbo fan blasts away leaves with up to 270 cfm of airflow, and an integrated scraper easily removes stuck-on debris. This Hoover ONEPWR Cordless High-Performance Blower includes a charger and a battery and is ready to run right out of the box.
Customer Rating
5
Handy for touch-ups when leaves are falling...
on December 23, 2019
Posted by: banjo
from macon, ga
This handy cordless blower makes it much easier to keep the driveway, deck, and walkways clean – especially now with leaves dropping down as soon as you have put the blower back in the toolbox. A heavy or wet accumulation of leaves and pine straw is better handled by a corded blower, but this cordless blower makes quick work of a light layer of newly fallen leaves and pine straw. An unexpected bonus is having the cordless blower for use on the roof, as it helps make keeping the roof blown off so much easier and safer.
Best features are (of course) cordless, so no messing with the long and limiting extension cord – helps get all the front curb blown off without having to change outlets on an extension cord; light weight and easy to handle; variable speed trigger to help the battery last a little longer but provide maximum velocity when needed. All these together make it much easier and much much much more convenient to grab the blower and do a quick touch-up to keep everything clean. Battery will last a good 30 minutes of use - with the variable speed helping with the run time - plenty of time to blow everything off and dust off the cars, too. Also should mention the noise level is much less than the corded blower, and not so much of a disturbance to the neighbors and their pets.
Overall, I wouldn’t say that this totally replaces a corded blower – those are sometimes needed if the leaves and pine straw build up for a few weeks, but the Hoover cordless makes it so quick and easy to keep surfaces blown off that the corded blower may not see much use in the future.
Best features are (of course) cordless, so no messing with the long and limiting extension cord – helps get all the front curb blown off without having to change outlets on an extension cord; light weight and easy to handle; variable speed trigger to help the battery last a little longer but provide maximum velocity when needed. All these together make it much easier and much much much more convenient to grab the blower and do a quick touch-up to keep everything clean. Battery will last a good 30 minutes of use - with the variable speed helping with the run time - plenty of time to blow everything off and dust off the cars, too. Also should mention the noise level is much less than the corded blower, and not so much of a disturbance to the neighbors and their pets.
Overall, I wouldn’t say that this totally replaces a corded blower – those are sometimes needed if the leaves and pine straw build up for a few weeks, but the Hoover cordless makes it so quick and easy to keep surfaces blown off that the corded blower may not see much use in the future.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Keep your computers, phones, and tablets in peak performance with this AVG software. AVG TuneUp will help you free up precious disk space, remove unnecessary junk files, and get your devices running smoother and faster than before.
Customer Rating
3
One-Stop Shop – if you need it...
on November 26, 2019
Posted by: banjo
from macon, ga
I reviewed the AVG Internet Security software about a month ago, and was pretty hard on AVG for using their Internet Security software to promote the purchase of the TuneUp package. Well, I now have tried the TuneUp package and although it is a pretty reasonable price for a 5-device license, it still leaves a little to be desired. More on that shortly.
The TuneUp package basically makes it pretty easy to clean up your computer (or android) without having to fish around for different functions that are already built in to the operating systems. In other words, just about everything that TuneUp does can be done with what you already have, but TuneUp puts it all together in one place and handles the tasks more efficiently. A word of advice, if you have a brand new computer, you won’t get much benefit – as TuneUp is made to clean up the bits and pieces that reside on an older machine after longer periods of use. Items such as abandoned links, downloaded installation files, browser caches, and duplicate file clutter are identified and can be deleted. Personally, I advise against the TuneUp (or any other) “registry cleaner” as messing with the registry willy nilly can boink your system pretty quickly – and the registry entries that are no longer needed don’t take up much room or slow down your computer as some would have you believe. In other words, I totally ignore the recommendations to “clean” the umpy bazillion registry items that are flagged as “not needed” in favor of the peace of mind that comes with leaving the registry alone under any and all circumstances.
Anyway, about half of the functions of TuneUp are either not really needed (such as disk maintenance/scanning on a solid state drive) or cleaning the registry. Clicking a few buttons on TuneUp to scan for broken links (they really don’t slow down the system) helps a little, and deleting garbage and ancient installation files helps a little, and CAREFULLY deleting duplicate files helps a little. All in all, if you have a decent sized hard drive and don’t load your system up with a bunch of crappy shareware that you use once and then forget, TuneUp does a little for you, but doesn’t make a huge difference.
The best function I could find in the package was analysis of programs that were running in the background and using up memory. I was surprised at how many little things were percolating in my system, but it is rather tedious to go through and decide which of them can be “put to sleep” by TuneUp and which of them were needed. Again, if you have a system with 8 gig of ram, there is not a great deal to be gained by putting background services to sleep as they mostly sit and bubble without taking up much memory.
AVG got me soured with their Internet Security program that kept insisting that I needed to get their TuneUp program- and after trying out the TuneUp I still don’t have a happy attitude towards the whole AVG marketing program. I guess I am a good example of how hard it is to get a customer on your side once you have ticked them off or left them feeling like their expectations have been unfulfilled. As far as TuneUp goes, it is something nice to run to see where your system is at, and to clean things up a little bit to get a little faster (a little faster) boot time and free up some hard drive space or memory if you have pushed your system to the edge of storage capacity or need to free up some RAM. Personally, I would rather spend the money to add another hard drive or put in another stick of RAM. Maybe on a laptop with limited expansion capability – I could see it being worth the time to run TuneUp.
On a final note, having run the TuneUp and picking through the options to clean up my system a little bit, I have to mention that the software is only good for one year. Sorry I’m old school and prefer the “buy it and it’s yours forever” model and don’t look forward to the flurry of emails and popups that will come next year to remind me again and again and again that my subscription is fixing to run out and I am in danger of my computer exploding if I don’t ante up for another year’s subscription with “special offers” and such and such.
Sorry for the negative attitude. AVG is well known and makes good products as far as that goes, I just don’t really need the help when you get down to it, and don’t care for being subjected to their marketing strategy. My computers run just fine, and when they start bogging down it works much better just to re-install the operating system and have a fresh start. Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke, and if it does break – then fix it right.
Peace
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Train like a pro with this 44mm Fossil Carlyle HR smartwatch. Bluetooth functionality enables syncing with your smartphone, while the internal storage lets you work out with your favorite tunes. This swimproof Fossil Carlyle HR smartwatch features GPS to track your activity outdoors, and the heart monitor keeps tabs on your cardiac rate.
Customer Rating
5
A VERY nice watch with excellent build quality…
on November 25, 2019
Posted by: banjo
from macon, ga
WearOS has finally arrived! What a difference a few years can make.
Do yourself a favor, be sure your watch has all the updates before starting to install apps. Do yourself another favor, install and set up ONE app at a time to avoid buggy apps and conflicts. Not a complaint, just some advice to save you from having to go back and start all over if you cram a bunch of apps on the phone before checking them out. Patience with updating and installing apps will keep you smiling and give you something to do. I am comfortable with setting up apps and watches, and “knowing what I want on my watch” led me to doing too much at once and having to purge the system and start over with setting up the watch. Take your time and update first. Nuff said.
This watch is replacing a Tizen-based watch I have had for about 3 years. Of course it is going to be a little different and have a learning curve, as with most smart watches – but once all the updates are installed (plan to spend a few hours going through this process) and desired apps installed, I can say that the Wear OS system is as good, if not better, than the Tizen system. Getting used to the button (or swipe) system as opposed to the rotating crown (or swipe) system is a learning curve, but that is a result of what I am used to doing and not a complaint about the Fossil watch. In daily use, I actually resort to the screen swipe more than rotating bezels or pushing buttons except for the button push to clear the screen and go back to the watch face – which works the same way on both my old phone and the new Fossil. No problems, either one just takes some practice and getting-used-to time on the wrist.
The appearance and style of this watch are very nice – definitely masculine size and the watch itself is about the same weight as others I have used or tried on. I thought this would be a little heavy for the ladies, but several female friends have tried it on and most don’t seem to mind the size and weight. One said she actually liked the size as the screen was easier to read than her A**le and the watch felt more durable. Your mileage may vary and I would suggest trying one on from the display cabinet if you are concerned about have a smart watch that is “too big” for your comfort. Personally, I am used to the size and weight from my previous watch and find that the Fossil is a step up in style and appearance.
The Wear OS has come a long way since earlier days when I first had a look at it before getting my first smart watch, and being able to directly access Google Play without having to go to a separate site for apps is definitely a time-saver. Do yourself a favor and read the app reviews and install/setup one app at a time, as some of the available apps are a little buggy and don’t work as well as they could. This is advice that I give having learned the “hard way” by loading up several apps that look interesting and then having to go back and do a factory reset to clean the slate – one or two of the apps were messing up the whole system and if you don’t set them up and try them out one at a time you might end up spending more time than you would like troubleshooting some buggy apps.
Although this is not a designed “fitness” watch, there are most of the monitors such as heart rate and GPS that are needed for keeping track of daily activity, walking, jogging, and light workouts. I would suggest that you don’t want to use this watch in the weight room when you are hanging and banging, mostly to preserve the stylish appearance and avoid scratches. If you are dead set on using this for regular fitness tracking, then a flexible steel mesh or silicone band may be more suited than the metal link band that comes with it. A recent update to WearOS also has added sleep tracking through the Google Fit app, but personally I have a lighter and more “sleep comfortable” watch that I wear at night while my daytime watch is charging.
On a personal note, the band that comes with the watch is very nice, but I may replace it with a Milanese Loop band with magnetic clasp, which I absolutely love on my old Tizen. Probably a case of preferring what I am used to, but I love those magnetic clasps as they are so easy to make a quick adjustment if my wrists puff up a little or get a little “touchy” during the day.
The display is a definite improvement over my older Tizen watch and is easy to read in all but direct sunlight. Colors are bright and crisp, which allows for some really nice choices for watch faces – again available from Google Play directly without having to install a series of separate apps on your phone and watch to get a new watch face that catches your eye.
The availability of Google Assistant is also a nice feature, as the B*xby function on my older watch got used (and crashed) a few times before I had to give up on voice prompts through my watch. This Fossil is actually functional with Google Assistant, and allows me to send texts, make and receive calls, and get a quick weather report while driving without having to get a ticket for violating the “hands free” law in my state. I am used to a built-in speaker for alarm tones and notifications, and have been OK with the quality of voices when making phone calls (good, not great) on the older Tizen watch. The Fossil is a definite improvement in speaker quality for voice messages and phone calls, but I would not get too excited about being able to play music on your watch, as none that I have tried are much good for more than carrying a tune in general or listening to a podcast in a pinch.
Battery life seems sufficient to get me through the day, with the recommendation that “always on” is not running to pull the battery down. The wrist-action activation is nicely responsive when you raise your hand to check the time, about the same as what I am used to with my Tizen watch, so whoever is using “always on” and complaining about the battery life would have the same problem no matter what watch they are using. Battery life for daily use (other than the first days of massive fiddling around to get the phone set up) is sufficient to go through a 6AM to 5PM day with not problems, and plenty of battery to spare for evening hours. I charge my watch overnight, since I have a lighter fitness watch for evening and sleeping, so don’t anticipate any issues with getting a good full day out of the Fossil. If I need the watch to take me into the wee hours of the evening, a quick 30 minute connection to the charger takes care of going through an 18 hour day with plenty of reserve. Again, there are those that will be constantly fiddling with their watch and making phone calls and texting and using the weather radar and playing a game or two, and that might be problematic for battery life. If you are a moderate user of the watch and make a few calls and send a few texts and check the weather from time to time, you should be just fine with the battery. Keep the brightness set to “automatic” or dim it down a little and that will make the difference if your battery time is on the edge of acceptable. Also want to mention there are several battery modes that can be pretty quickly changed to conserve battery power if you see that you are getting in a pinch. My older Tizen watch goes to “saver mode” from time to time on a long day or after heavy usage, but not very often and when you need it on the Fossil, it is there to use. Personally I have a watch face installed that displays both phone and watch battery charge, which makes it easy to keep track of battery drain to drop the watch to lower power consumption if it’s going to be a long day with no charger nearby.
Bluetooth and wireless setup are very smooth and no problems connecting to the phone, home wireless, open wireless (if needed), or Bluetooth headsets (if your phone is nearby why would you do this but thought I would mention that my headsets connect OK). Some folks recommend leaving the wireless off to conserve battery life, but I haven’t found this necessary with my daily usage pattern. Your mileage may vary and if you are concerned about battery life you can always turn off the wireless and location functions to save some juice when needed.
Pricing on the top-end Tizen and WearOS watches are about the same. I have used Tizen for several years and admittedly once you get it set up, it works pretty well except for the poor voice recognition. WearOS struggled along for several years but with the Fossil Gen5 seems to have closed the gap and offers the advantages of direct access to Google Play (admittedly with less choice of apps but gaining ground quickly) and excellent voice recognition. Both are about the same price, and both work about equally as well. The tipping point for me comes with having several “Google Voice” devices around the house, and the comfort and familiarity with interacting with the Google ecosystem. Having a watch that ties right in with both my phone and the smart home system is the clincher for me. Another way to put it would be that the few things that disappointed me about the Tizen system are well satisfied with the WearOS system. These are nice benefits for me personally, and other than that either the Tizen or the WearOS are competing against each other hard enough to provide similar functions for their smart watches. Again, if you are looking for a hard-core fitness watch, keep looking, but for daily fitness and health tracking, the Fossil will not disappoint, and the “missing” features of the Tizen (if you want them) are well met by the WearOS.
All in all, if you want to have a stylish watch that keeps good track of basic fitness functions, makes good use of the Google ecosystem, and allows you to keep your phone tucked away when you want to send a text message or make a call, this Fossil will satisfy.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Extend the display of your Android or Windows devices with this IOGEAR wireless mobile and PC to HDTV screen-sharing receiver. Compatibility with Miracast enables direct content streaming to HD displays. This IOGEAR wireless mobile and PC to HDTV screen-sharing receiver supports Full HD playback to provide an immersive audiovisual experience and connects to devices up to 50 feet away for convenience.
Customer Rating
4
Good solution to sharing at a good price point...
on November 25, 2019
Posted by: banjo
from macon, ga
This unit was intended for the specific purpose of allowing my students to stream research results, programming lessons. and presentations from their laptops and phones to a classroom wall-panel monitor. This application works fairly well, as students were able to download the app to their phones (android only) and then connect and cast their research and presentations to the wall panel for the entire class to easily see. There is an intermittent lag of a few seconds between the phones and the display, so the best use seems to be for “slow moving” presentations and web pages or other research results on a “screen by screen” basis. Students were excited to think that they might be able to share their gaming experiences during slack time, but the lag somewhat impedes following game play smoothly.
This device might be redundant for more modern TV panels that have “smart” capability or wireless connectivity built in, but when comparing the W10 Miracast performance to this device (a comparison that was part of the class ‘research’ involved in setting up and using this device) the built-in Miracast running through the school wireless network was less effective and had significantly more lag and screen tearing.
Overall, for the application described above, this device is a good solution especially considering the modest cost of equipment. As long as you are using laptops with Windows 10 (avoids having to download and install additional drivers) or an android phone 4.2 or higher, this is a very cost-effective way of sharing laptop and phone displays to a large audience.
This device might be redundant for more modern TV panels that have “smart” capability or wireless connectivity built in, but when comparing the W10 Miracast performance to this device (a comparison that was part of the class ‘research’ involved in setting up and using this device) the built-in Miracast running through the school wireless network was less effective and had significantly more lag and screen tearing.
Overall, for the application described above, this device is a good solution especially considering the modest cost of equipment. As long as you are using laptops with Windows 10 (avoids having to download and install additional drivers) or an android phone 4.2 or higher, this is a very cost-effective way of sharing laptop and phone displays to a large audience.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Own your space with Logitech Pebble M350 – a modern, slim, and silent portable mouse designed for your curated lifestyle. Make a statement with a slim mouse that can easily be scooped up and brought to the cafe or library. Silent clicking and scrolling means you can stay focused without disturbing those around you. And the Logitech Pebble stays powered for up to 18-months on a single AA battery so you don’t have to worry about losing power.
Customer Rating
5
Logitech keeps coming up with winners!
on November 2, 2019
Posted by: banjo
from macon, ga
With this new M355 model, Logitech now provides the best solution for all my mousing needs. All my desktops and work/gaming laptops have various Logitech mice, but the missing mouse has been a compact and portable mouse that travels well and will connect with Windows laptop and Pixelbook (Chromebook) using Bluetooth, without needing to take up a USB port with a receiver.
The best solution to this point has been a MS Arc, which has worked well but is problematic with the scrolling function, not having the control provided by a scrolling wheel. Other small/portable mice I have tried all had the ergonomic “hump” which matches a desktop mouse but takes away from a slim shape that fits in a carrying case pouch or pocket without the “bump” sticking out too much for my liking. All my needs are now met by the M355. It is smooth, trim, and compact, fitting nicely into the carrying pocket on my laptop/Chromebook cases.
Pairing with Bluetooth has worked without any problems on all my laptops, desktops, and Chromebook. If needed, the Logitech universal USB receiver is always available inside the case of the mouse. The small size takes a few minutes to get used to since I have a MX Master, Marathon Mouse, and MX Ergo for daily use with different computers (except the Chromebook) – and all these are “full hand” mice. Not a complaint, just an observation – and since the M355 is a “travel case” mouse, the smaller size is desirable.
The only function I noticed was missing is the ability to jump from desktop to desktop by shifting the scroll button to the left or right. This is something that can be set up on several different Logitech mice using the Logitech Options software. To this point, I can’t get the software to detect the M355, so this capability may be missing altogether, or perhaps will be provided in the future with a software update. Not a deal-breaker, but would be nice to have one-hand shift for desktop screens using the mouse.
Overall, particularly considering the low price of the M355, this is the best solution I have found for a compact and portable mouse that can be used with all my computers (including Chromebook).
The best solution to this point has been a MS Arc, which has worked well but is problematic with the scrolling function, not having the control provided by a scrolling wheel. Other small/portable mice I have tried all had the ergonomic “hump” which matches a desktop mouse but takes away from a slim shape that fits in a carrying case pouch or pocket without the “bump” sticking out too much for my liking. All my needs are now met by the M355. It is smooth, trim, and compact, fitting nicely into the carrying pocket on my laptop/Chromebook cases.
Pairing with Bluetooth has worked without any problems on all my laptops, desktops, and Chromebook. If needed, the Logitech universal USB receiver is always available inside the case of the mouse. The small size takes a few minutes to get used to since I have a MX Master, Marathon Mouse, and MX Ergo for daily use with different computers (except the Chromebook) – and all these are “full hand” mice. Not a complaint, just an observation – and since the M355 is a “travel case” mouse, the smaller size is desirable.
The only function I noticed was missing is the ability to jump from desktop to desktop by shifting the scroll button to the left or right. This is something that can be set up on several different Logitech mice using the Logitech Options software. To this point, I can’t get the software to detect the M355, so this capability may be missing altogether, or perhaps will be provided in the future with a software update. Not a deal-breaker, but would be nice to have one-hand shift for desktop screens using the mouse.
Overall, particularly considering the low price of the M355, this is the best solution I have found for a compact and portable mouse that can be used with all my computers (including Chromebook).
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Defend your PC against hackers and viruses with the AVG Internet Security software. Its artificial intelligence uses real-time analysis to block rootkits and spyware. Protect your private data, photos, and passwords against ransomware with this AVG Internet Security software.
Customer Rating
2
If you like a nagging hassle, here you go...
on October 23, 2019
Posted by: banjo
from macon, ga
I'm sure there are some very nice things about this software package, but I simply can't use it without having to babysit the scanning checks, closing the program when the "advanced threats" scan locks up, and then have to close out nag screens trying to sell me an upgrade after letting me know of "performance issues" and "security issues" and "privacy issues" that have been found. I'm sorry but when I use security software I expect it to work smoothly and fix the alleged problems it detects.
BABYSITTING: when starting a scan, there are 4 sections of the scan "browser threats" > "viruses & other malware" > "advanced issues" > "performance issues". Each one of these will run and then stop, waiting for a "next" button click to move on to the next section of the scan.
LOCKUPS: when the "advanced issues" scan starts, it will lock up the computer or freeze at about 50%-ish and I have to close out the program, re-open the program, and then see the results. Some may say "low specs" on my computer, but hey this is an I5 with 16gbRAM and solid state drive, Windows 10 Pro with all updates... sorry but if this software won't run smoothly without locking up on my computer I don't think I will be the only one having this issue...
NAG NAG NAG: well after babysitting the scans, restarting the program to get the results >> I am informed that I have oodles of "system junk" + "broken registry items" + "programs slowing down your PC" >> and drum roll please when I click the "Resolve All" button I get an advertisement to "Get AVG TuneUp to resolve your PC issues"... sheesh I have just fiddled with non-user-friendly software for the privilege of getting a nag screen to purchase more software.
IP ADDRESS VISIBLE: (nag screen spoiler alert) >> OK I am seeing that my IP address is visible and my online activity is not secret. Well just click the "Resolve" button and you get ANOTHER nag screen for the "AVG Secure VPN" - good grief! Hey no kidding I now have TWO NAG SCREENS going at once, both trying to sell me something.
BROWSER HIJACKING: Well my default browser just got changed to the AVG-protected browser, which is swell I am sure but all my stuff is on the browser I have been using without issues for some years >> didn't know I would need to change browsers as part of the deal >> no thanks and nobody asked for my permission anyway. Geez...
ANDROID PROTECTION - MEH: I am sincerely trying to give all this a chance to so I can fairly evaluate the software package, and it seems to me that the "included" android protection is something I can already get for free and as a matter of fact is essentially an "app" that came with my Sony phone that I found to be bothersome and uninstalled the first week I had the phone. Maybe I am mistaken but by this point I honestly don't care enough to fiddle with it any more.
BABYSITTING: when starting a scan, there are 4 sections of the scan "browser threats" > "viruses & other malware" > "advanced issues" > "performance issues". Each one of these will run and then stop, waiting for a "next" button click to move on to the next section of the scan.
LOCKUPS: when the "advanced issues" scan starts, it will lock up the computer or freeze at about 50%-ish and I have to close out the program, re-open the program, and then see the results. Some may say "low specs" on my computer, but hey this is an I5 with 16gbRAM and solid state drive, Windows 10 Pro with all updates... sorry but if this software won't run smoothly without locking up on my computer I don't think I will be the only one having this issue...
NAG NAG NAG: well after babysitting the scans, restarting the program to get the results >> I am informed that I have oodles of "system junk" + "broken registry items" + "programs slowing down your PC" >> and drum roll please when I click the "Resolve All" button I get an advertisement to "Get AVG TuneUp to resolve your PC issues"... sheesh I have just fiddled with non-user-friendly software for the privilege of getting a nag screen to purchase more software.
IP ADDRESS VISIBLE: (nag screen spoiler alert) >> OK I am seeing that my IP address is visible and my online activity is not secret. Well just click the "Resolve" button and you get ANOTHER nag screen for the "AVG Secure VPN" - good grief! Hey no kidding I now have TWO NAG SCREENS going at once, both trying to sell me something.
BROWSER HIJACKING: Well my default browser just got changed to the AVG-protected browser, which is swell I am sure but all my stuff is on the browser I have been using without issues for some years >> didn't know I would need to change browsers as part of the deal >> no thanks and nobody asked for my permission anyway. Geez...
ANDROID PROTECTION - MEH: I am sincerely trying to give all this a chance to so I can fairly evaluate the software package, and it seems to me that the "included" android protection is something I can already get for free and as a matter of fact is essentially an "app" that came with my Sony phone that I found to be bothersome and uninstalled the first week I had the phone. Maybe I am mistaken but by this point I honestly don't care enough to fiddle with it any more.
Sorry but this package just hits all the wrong buttons with me, even if it does a good job and helps keep my computer protected and so forth... Just my personality I guess but I don't care to use software that rubs me the wrong way in several different directions every time I use it. "Hey thanks for letting us scan your computer and here are a couple advertisements for something that our scan has shown that you should buy!" NO THANK YOU.
How it works: click/wait > click/wait > click/freeze > close/restart > click/NAG > click/NAG > click/goodbye.
Honestly I am used to a nag screen if I use "freeware" or similar, but not after shelling out money to buy the latest and greatest, only to find that I opened the door for for a marketing campaign.
Thanks, but no thanks.
How it works: click/wait > click/wait > click/freeze > close/restart > click/NAG > click/NAG > click/goodbye.
Honestly I am used to a nag screen if I use "freeware" or similar, but not after shelling out money to buy the latest and greatest, only to find that I opened the door for for a marketing campaign.
Thanks, but no thanks.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
banjo's Review Comments
Logitech Orion Spectrum RGB Keyboard: This keyboard's Romer-G mechanical switches respond quickly to your keystrokes to minimize lag time during fast-action game sequences. Plus, you can create a custom look with programmable intelligent RGB illumination.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Great for older geeks who don't need the "sizzle"
By banjo
from macon, ga
Actually the "top of the line" G910 gaming keyboard was marked down to a lower price when I got this, but too much "gamer" stuff on the G910 and not for an 'older professional' who wants to appear more mature than his 13-year-old gaming son. IMO the G910 wasn't selling as well as hoped, and the G810 is (to me) the superior model in design, appearance, and performance.
This G810 looks professional on the desk, has OUTSTANDING color display (note that the 'special' keys on the number keys are also illuminated -- missing on many of the other illuminated keyboards - aren't these ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) the ones you can never remember when typing in the dark?), no "bottom of the keys" light spillover that takes away from the illumination focus, superior engineering on the Romer-G switches (Check out the tour of the Romer-G factory in Japan on YouTube), and feels like a BRICK in the hand (a GOOD BRICK) with heavy-duty construction. The 3-way adjustable tilt and huge rubber feet on the bottom will keep this from sliding around on any desk, including glass-tops. The only thing that makes this look like a "gamer rig" is the FABULOUS and CRISP color displays... which are easy to see even with the lights on in the room > fully adjustable to get it just the way you want at home or at work. I may be an old-timer, but I don't mind showing off a little bit and this keyboard is an EYE-CATCHER when the lights start doing the 'wave' across the keyboard!
I read all the reviews and fiddled with the keyboards on display and there seem to be "Logitech Nay-Sayers" who can't bear the idea of using anything other than the older design "cherry" keys. I have gone from manual touch-typing > to I B M Selectric > to I B M 'clicky' keyboard (still one of my favorites) > to membranes > to whatever-cheapo-keyboard Dell includes in their educational computers > to a Saitek PK17U Cyborg > to this keyboard. This one is the best by FAR! Re: keys... you get a little 'click' so the sound and some tactile/touch reinforcement for keyboarding (typing) is there, but not too loud and for me just enough to let me know I hit the key. Yes it feels different from the cheapo Dell keyboard i just unplugged and replaced, but every keyboard is different and this one feels like driving a luxury car!
Speaking of my son, he is now looking over at my new keyboard and looking at his illuminated keyboard and I think I know what he will be asking for come Christmas. Fortunately, the box still had the promotion of free download and activation code for "The Division" so the kid has something to keep him busy until Santa Claus comes.
If you are an old crab like me, but like a little 'sizzle' when using your computer and want to treat yourself to a smooth-as-silk keyboard... this is the one I would recommend. Leave the "whoopee" keyboards to the kids.
PS - you can hit a quick button on the keyboard and turn off the light display if you want to turn off the light show for a while.
This G810 looks professional on the desk, has OUTSTANDING color display (note that the 'special' keys on the number keys are also illuminated -- missing on many of the other illuminated keyboards - aren't these ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) the ones you can never remember when typing in the dark?), no "bottom of the keys" light spillover that takes away from the illumination focus, superior engineering on the Romer-G switches (Check out the tour of the Romer-G factory in Japan on YouTube), and feels like a BRICK in the hand (a GOOD BRICK) with heavy-duty construction. The 3-way adjustable tilt and huge rubber feet on the bottom will keep this from sliding around on any desk, including glass-tops. The only thing that makes this look like a "gamer rig" is the FABULOUS and CRISP color displays... which are easy to see even with the lights on in the room > fully adjustable to get it just the way you want at home or at work. I may be an old-timer, but I don't mind showing off a little bit and this keyboard is an EYE-CATCHER when the lights start doing the 'wave' across the keyboard!
I read all the reviews and fiddled with the keyboards on display and there seem to be "Logitech Nay-Sayers" who can't bear the idea of using anything other than the older design "cherry" keys. I have gone from manual touch-typing > to I B M Selectric > to I B M 'clicky' keyboard (still one of my favorites) > to membranes > to whatever-cheapo-keyboard Dell includes in their educational computers > to a Saitek PK17U Cyborg > to this keyboard. This one is the best by FAR! Re: keys... you get a little 'click' so the sound and some tactile/touch reinforcement for keyboarding (typing) is there, but not too loud and for me just enough to let me know I hit the key. Yes it feels different from the cheapo Dell keyboard i just unplugged and replaced, but every keyboard is different and this one feels like driving a luxury car!
Speaking of my son, he is now looking over at my new keyboard and looking at his illuminated keyboard and I think I know what he will be asking for come Christmas. Fortunately, the box still had the promotion of free download and activation code for "The Division" so the kid has something to keep him busy until Santa Claus comes.
If you are an old crab like me, but like a little 'sizzle' when using your computer and want to treat yourself to a smooth-as-silk keyboard... this is the one I would recommend. Leave the "whoopee" keyboards to the kids.
PS - you can hit a quick button on the keyboard and turn off the light display if you want to turn off the light show for a while.
banjo
macon, ga
Update @ Christmas 2016
December 21, 2016
Mentioned that my son was keeping an eye on my G810 from the get-go... first time I let him 'test drive' my G810 he says "ooooh, that feels nice" and decided he wanted to go to mechanical keyboard. He has a 'gamer' RBD keyboard (non-mechanical) with extra bells and whistles he has been using for a year or two, but instantly fell in love with the mechanical feel. Just gave him a "Week before Christmas" present of his own G810. He had his pick of the models available, and after tapping some keys and looking at the different models chose to get the G810. Just goes to show the "fancy schmancy" keyboards might look more-cooler-better but the proof is in the feel of the keys. It's a keyboard, after all.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
banjo's Questions
banjo has not submitted any questions.
Enjoy Full HD viewing with this 25-inch HP micro-edge display. It has one VGA and two HDMI inputs for versatile, high-definition connectivity, and its edge-to-edge panel lets you opt for a clean-looking multi-monitor setup. Play video games smoothly thanks to the AMD FreeSync technology of this thin HP micro-edge display.
There was no vga cable in the box. Should I go to best buy or hp?
Any 15-pin VGA cable will do. Find your best deal and have at it.
6 years, 2 months ago
by
banjo
Enjoy Full HD viewing with this 25-inch HP micro-edge display. It has one VGA and two HDMI inputs for versatile, high-definition connectivity, and its edge-to-edge panel lets you opt for a clean-looking multi-monitor setup. Play video games smoothly thanks to the AMD FreeSync technology of this thin HP micro-edge display.
What vesa mount adapter do I need to mount this display?
Acer 15 Chromebook: Enjoy up to 12 hours of battery life with this 15.6-inch Acer Chromebook. Its Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM load webpages quickly and provide lag-free streaming, and the 16GB of internal storage holds documents and photos. This Acer Chromebook has an HDMI port for connecting to a larger display.
Does this device allow you to create file folders that I can be accessed while on a website? I need to transfer pics from my notepad and then upload them by accessing the folder from my companies website.
Set it up with a Google Drive for cloud storage and sharing of files.
6 years, 4 months ago
by
banjo
Acer 15 Chromebook: Enjoy up to 12 hours of battery life with this 15.6-inch Acer Chromebook. Its Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM load webpages quickly and provide lag-free streaming, and the 16GB of internal storage holds documents and photos. This Acer Chromebook has an HDMI port for connecting to a larger display.
My screen is upside down, how do I fix?
Oh my goodness! You must have been shipped the Australian model that is used south of the equator! LOL but seriously folks simply hit ctrl+shift+refresh. The refresh key is the one with the spinning arrow. It'll rotate the screen 90 degrees. Do that again since 90+90=180 degrees which is half-way round the circle. Peace out...
6 years, 4 months ago
by
banjo
Logitech Orion Spectrum RGB Keyboard: This keyboard's Romer-G mechanical switches respond quickly to your keystrokes to minimize lag time during fast-action game sequences. Plus, you can create a custom look with programmable intelligent RGB illumination.
Does this game as of 7/15/16 still come w/ a free The Division key?
I just picked one up 8/21/16 and it had the "Offer" logo on the box and a cupon inside.... should be good to go as long as your box has the "Offer" logo on it....
8 years, 2 months ago
by
banjo
With a Super AMOLED capacitive touch screen and built-in Wi-Fi, this Samsung Galaxy S III I747 BLUE cell phone makes it easy to navigate Web content while you're on the go. The 8.0MP camera lets you snap photos to share with friends and relatives.This device is not warrantied through the manufacturer. This device has a limited 1 year warranty provided by CCR Warranty. To obtain technical or warranty assistance, please contact CCR Warranty at 866-579-8436.
s dis fon new or refurbished n does it take simple mobile Sim card
mine arrived late June and it looked brand new in original packaging with "bumper strips" on the case. i would say "brand new" for the one i got.
8 years, 3 months ago
by
banjo