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Trobadour
 
 
 
Trobadour's stats
 
  • Review count
    273
  • Helpfulness votes
    1,575
  • First review
    January 27, 2012
  • Last review
    June 3, 2024
  • Featured reviews
    0
  • Average rating
    4.5
 
  • Review comment count
    2
  • Helpfulness votes
    1
  • First review comment
    November 3, 2015
  • Last review comment
    September 21, 2016
  • Featured review comments
    0
 
Questions
  • Question count
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  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First question
    None
  • Last question
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  • Featured questions
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  • Answer count
    42
  • Helpfulness votes
    137
  • First answer
    May 24, 2015
  • Last answer
    June 26, 2021
  • Featured answers
    0
  • Best answers
    12
 
 
Trobadour's Reviews
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The styling of the Espresso Defined professional-quality espresso machine will make it the centerpiece of any kitchen. With 19 bars of pressure, this unit produces intense flavor and a rick, velvety smooth cream. Presents and menu options let users adjust flavor strength and brew temperature, to customize each cup. Easy start to finish, with used capsules ejected right into an internal waste bin. Compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules, this is Cuisinart at its best!
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Express Espressos
on December 31, 2020
Posted by: Trobadour
from Nashville, TN
--- SETUP ---
The setup of the Cuisinart espresso machine was quick. The unit comes pre-assembled and ready to use after removing some tape that holds things together to prevent removable parts from falling out.
--- FEATURES ---
The key features of this espresso machine are a removable 24oz water reservoir, 19 bars of pressure, a digital display, one-touch controls, a removable cup/drip tray for taller cups, and a capsule compartment that holds up to 12 ejected capsules.
--- PERFORMANCE ---
After turning on the machine and pre-heating the water, I had an espresso in my cup within 30 seconds. Now, if you don’t know about espressos, it’s all about what you expect out of your drink. The basic espresso is a 1-oz shot or double shot (doppio), which Cuisinart Espresso Machine will do for you quickly. You can smell the aroma of your beverage as it is being prepared. The pods ejected into the waste receptacle with ease and no mess. Over the course of several days, I would make at least an espresso a day trying two different flavors, and the flavors were always consistent. The way I prepare mine is called a caffe latte, which is a shot of espresso with steamed milk and foam. Keep in mind that this isn’t your traditional full-size cup of coffee machine, it specializes in espressos.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
The product meets my expectations. I really enjoyed the simplicity of this machine out of the box. If you want to create your own unique settings, you can change the temperature, the amount of water, and choose between a single or a double shot with the push of a button. The box isn’t clear as to what pods you should buy (Nespresso Original Line) and I think that a sample of at least one or two pods would have gone a long way. As it stands, there are no included pod samples, but you can find them at Best Buy, so pick some up with the machine.
--- VALUE ---
The price for the Cuisinart Espresso Machine is worth it if you plan on using this daily. A pack of 10 pods runs you about 8-9 dollars, so keep that in mind.
--- APPROVAL ---
I highly recommend this product for people who want to get into making their own espressos in the simplest way possible.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
Anker Soundcore Rave Neo Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Lights, BassUp Technology, Sync 100+ Speakers, 18H Playtime
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Powerful, Portable, Playful
on December 12, 2020
Posted by: Trobadour
from Nashville, TN
--- SETUP ---
The setup for the Soundcore speaker is fast. Out of the box, it is charged enough to last you a party. It can be charged with a USB-C cable, which is included. Pairing is quick and simple, like pairing other bluetooth devices. You can also use an auxiliary device or a USB with songs in it.
--- FEATURES ---
The key features of this speakers includeL IPX7 rating (fully waterproof for 30 minutes), a handle for portability, an IQ USB port (for charging other devices like iPhones at their fastest speeds), and an auxiliary port when wireless isn’t an option. There is an option called PartyCast which allows you to connect up to 100 speakers wirelessly (though I couldn’t test it for lack of a second speaker). It also has a companion app with nifty features that enhance the speaker’s user experience.
--- PERFORMANCE ---
The performance of the speaker itself is phenomenal. I planned on listening to a couple of songs the first night I received it and I ended up spending about 2 hours just running through different songs such as English Rock, Spanish Rock, Salsas, Bachatas, Pop, and even some acoustic music. They all sounded great, regardless of genre, with no loss of fidelity in speaker vs. lows and highs each variety of music offered. I also enjoyed it later while listening to some podcasts and cooking. I can see this bringing life to an otherwise dull barbecue party.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
The product exceeded my expectations. I downloaded the companion app called Soundcore. It is not needed to use your speaker with bluetooth and even though I fully expected to dismiss it, I found some reasons to keep using the app. For instance, my friends and I love playing board games from time to time. Within the app, you can play games that are associated with colors and the colors are represented visually in the speaker. The included games are truth or dare, spin the bottle, and a trivia game. The trivia game does provide you with a question that the selected player has to answer and gives you 5 seconds. The spin the bottle and the truth or dare game don’t include any options, so the game master has to come up with questions for the group. However, I can see myself using this as a random selector feature for other board games or games that my group comes up with on the fly. It is only accessible while connected to the speaker, so it is a nice addition that I think few speaker companies would come up with. Other features of the app include DJ Lights, which allow you to control the lights of the speaker by tapping your fingers on the app. It is a nice novelty, but it quickly overstays its welcome and you probably won’t be using it much. A big reason why is that there is a clear delay from when you press the button on the app to when it registers on the speaker. A function of the DJ app is to add beats to existing music, but it was hard to time it and just wasn’t fun. However, the speaker itself is worth it and the app is worth the download too for the included games. I do hope they support it with more games in the future. One feature I wasn’t able to test is the party cast, which allows you to connect up to 100 speakers wirelessly, allowing for a more full sound experience.
--- VALUE ---
The price for the Soundcore Speaker in terms of value is worth it, considering other speakers go for twice the price and sound just a loud.
--- APPROVAL ---
I highly recommend this product for people who like enjoying music outdoors. This will make a greatly appreciated gift for college students and a nice addition to people who barbeque or own pools.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
Get up and streaming in minutes with professional-level content using just Roland’s GO:LIVECAST Streaming Studio and your mobile device. You’ll easily create high-quality content using the two-camera functionality, interview-ready camera switching, screen-in-screen capability, graphic presets, sound effects triggers, audio mixing, and more – all without needing a computer or other A/V gear. With multiple connector inputs, you can use this with your whole studio including external microphones - or use the built-in mic for quality sound. This powerful recording and streaming tool will help you create engaging live web shows rivaling the most advanced creators on social media. The GO:LIVECAST is a content creator’s dream with the absolute simplicity of selecting your favorite streaming platform, like Facebook or YouTube, and pressing the “ON AIR” button to go live!
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
A Travel Studio for the Less Tech Savvy
on November 29, 2020
Posted by: Trobadour
from Nashville, TN
--- SETUP ---
The setup of Roland Live Streaming Studio initially takes about 30 minutes while you study what goes connected where. After your first setup, you will be able to connect everything in about 10 minutes or less. In order for this to work, you need to download the streaming app called GO:LIVECAST. You will also need to provide your own USB charger or you can use this with a traveling battery USB charger. None of my USB mics worked, so I used the embedded mic. I connected a micless pair of headphones (to test the internal mic), and I tested this product using an iPhone 12 Max Pro with iOS 14.2.1.
--- FEATURES ---
The key feature of this streaming studio is that you can make your live stream unique by adding video/photo transitions, music loops, sound effects, and text on screen all from just your phone, without the need of a computer. The studio also features an embedded microphone, mic monitoring, and a dedicated mute button.
--- PERFORMANCE ---
The performance of the studio was great. There are preset buttons that you can modify with the included video loops, music, sound effects and text. The text is editable so you can display what you want your viewers to read. From within the app itself, you can turn on both your outward facing camera and your selfie camera. This is great when you want to have a picture in picture mode that shows you and whatever it is you want your audience to see. You can also connect a second satellite camera, which requires that all devices being used be on the same Wi-Fi network. This will allow you to have a separate camera away from your mobile device to be able to aim it in a different direction other than straight ahead of where you are sitting. Using the satellite connection, you can also stream a satellite secondary mobile device, which you can use to stream a video game or whatever you are doing on that device.
The mic monitoring works marvelously and so does the mute button. For picture in picture, it was great to show my audience what I wanted them to see (in this case, the Live Streaming Studio), while I talked about it. Changing from transition to transition or adding text on the screen was simple, but you are limited to the six buttons. You can always remove things you may not use, like the sound effects or music and add another video loop, transition, or text overlay, but since the buttons are pre-labeled with no way to modify them, you need to remember which button it is you relabeled.
I was able to successfully stream to Facebook and Twitch from my phone, but I could not get YouTube to work even though through the app, I was able to log into YouTube.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
The product has many wonderful features. However, if I am to be honest, some improvements could be made in how you plug things into the studio. For example, I own over 5 USB cameras and 4 USB microphones. Since they are all USB devices without a WiFi signal, I can’t use them. I have to rely on devices that would have access to WiFi like my iPad and my iPhone. What this means is that some ports go unused or my recording won’t be as high quality as what I can do from home.
To be fair, this is meant to allow you to record away from home, but for a good quality stream, you need to buy devices that include a WiFi option to connect to and have access to WiFi wherever it is that you want to record. You are able to plug in headphones that include a microphone, so that’s one option that can work if you don’t want to use the embedded microphone on the studio itself. Additionally, you can plug in instruments or microphones that require a male to female or TS male to XLR male cables. You can also connect an alternative direct audio source, like a separate MP3/4 player with an auxiliary cable.
I love the fact that I can make my own intro/exit video loops on my computer and add them to the app via my phone’s library. What I can’t do is add extra sound effects. I am limited to those in the app. There is a workaround, which is to create a sound effect and add it to your music library, but it seems like the process could have been simplified.
--- VALUE ---
There is definitely a value for some people in this device, I may just not be one of them, as most streams that I do are so much easier to set up with my USB mics/cameras, OBS, and a relatively cheap laptop.
--- APPROVAL ---
I highly recommend this product for musicians/podcasters/live-camera talk show hosts who may not be as tech savvy and want to be able to stream their work. If you are already used to doing a live-stream with your laptop, this may not be for you.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+1point
3of 5voted this as helpful.
 
Cutting edge protection, picture perfect. Zoom in to see and record video in 4K with HDR for a clearer, undistorted picture, day or night. Spend less time recharging with 6 months of battery life.¹ With free local storage, remotely access your locally stored videos from the included Arlo SmartHub². The Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Camera is wire-free and weather-resistant to deliver fast, easy installation and flexibility to get the perfect camera view, year-round. With the integrated spotlight, see important features like faces and licenses plates in full color, at night with color night vision. Get the big picture with the 180° diagonal view. Receive smarter alerts for quicker action. Receive notifications for people, vehicles and packages and take quicker action like sound the siren, call a friend or dial emergency services with the included 3-month trial of Arlo Secure.³ Ward off unwanted guests by triggering the siren or integrated spotlight automatically or manually from the Arlo App. Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and Samsung SmartThings.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Well Worth Upgrade
on November 22, 2020
Posted by: Trobadour
from Nashville, TN
--- SETUP ---
The setup of the Arlo Ultra 2 Spotlight Cameras took about 30 minutes. You will require a Phillips Screwdriver and possibly a drill to mount the camera. Charging of the camera is recommended, but you can only charge one camera at a time with the included cable. The batteries do come with about 70% charge, so you can begin setting one up while you fully charge the other. The free app allows you to test the signal strength of where you are installing the camera. This is helpful to determine if your setup will be a good location or need a relocation.
--- FEATURES ---
The key features of these cameras are that they are wireless, record in 4K video, charge faster, have an integrated spotlight, have a 180 degree viewing angle, have premium 2-way audio, have dual band wifi, and provide a 6 month battery life per charge. The included tower has a smart siren that can be activated in case of unwanted entry.
--- PERFORMANCE ---
The performance of these cameras was phenomenal. My previous camera setup was the Arlo Po 2. This is a big step forward in terms of the clarity of the recordings and live-stream viewing. The apartments that I live in have a lot of traffic, which is one thing that reduces battery life. Through the easy to use app, I set up custom activity zones that prevent the camera from sending a ping to my phone for unwanted motion. The 180 degree viewing angle is impressive. I could be almost at the side of the camera and it still picked up what I was doing. Downloading video footage to my phone is simple and you can open the app to take screenshots or manually record footage while away from home.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
The product exceeds my expectations. I am very satisfied with the quality of the cameras and how much they’ve improved. The spotlight activates when people walk in the custom activity zone and you can choose if you want it to shine with a constant, flash, or pulsating beam. You can also adjust the intensity, and at level 1, it is pretty bright. This unit includes a 3 month pre-paid trial for the monthly subscription which allows you to track packages and get an alert as well as other premium features such as advanced object detection (animals, packages, cars), 30 day video recordings in cloud, 4k resolutions, and intelligent alerts. You can also install a microcard into the tower hub to have local recordings. The only thing that I am dissatisfied with is that the shape and magnet that the new cameras use are different. This means that if you previously installed older Arlo mounts, like my Arlo Pro 2s, you have to remove them and install the new mounts. The mounts that come in the box are of two different kinds. One is magnetic and one requires you to screw the camera in. It’s not a big issue, especially if you’re not upgrading, but something for previous Arlo owners to know.
--- VALUE ---
The price for the Arlo Ultra Spotlight Cameras in terms of value is worth the peace of mind, especially as the holiday season approaches. I kept my older 2017 models in use until these new 2020 models arrived, so I know they will last long enough until the next upgrade. The monthly plans start at 4.99 (look at the included picture) and are not necessary, but include a trial for you to try out for 3 months.
--- APPROVAL ---
I highly recommend this product for people who want full control of their house monitoring system with a mostly hassle free installation (no wires).
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
The AU-Flex ANC is the first of Ausounds' High-Fidelity earphone. Delivering the performance of a wired in-ear, the soundstage of a thousand-dollar over-ear, and designed with sustained metals and lightweight aluminium, the AU-Flex is a herald of mobile hi-res future. Engineeered with a unique Hybrid Planar Magnetic driver that delivers a wide and accurate soundstage only found in planar technology.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
My New Way To Hear Entertainment
on November 8, 2020
Posted by: Trobadour
from Rio Grande Valley (RGV)
--- SETUP ---
After turning on the headphones for the first time, you’ll hear a beep. It automatically goes to pairing mode where your bluetooth enabled device can find it. All you have to do is click on AU Flex and you’ll be connected in seconds.
--- FEATURES ---
The key features of these earphones are their sleek look, simple button interface, magnetic earpiece to prevent loss, and the ANC (active noise canceling) feature. It also has an IPX5 rating, which indicates that they can withstand jet water pressure from any angle.
--- PERFORMANCE ---
The performance of these headphones are up there with the best of the best. If you’ve never experienced ANC headphones, you are in for a treat. What active noise canceling headphones do is drown out the noise around you so that you can focus on what you’re listening or watching. ANC works even if you just have the headphones on without playing any content. I was wearing them on my way to the gym and forgot to turn them off. My vehicle transferred the bluetooth audio of my podcast to my car stereo and I could tell the ANC was working because my car stereo sounded like the noise was far away and muffled. As soon as I turned the ANC off, I could hear my stereo normal again. You want this feature to work this well in the gym, where lot’s of grunts, chatter, and pounding of weights is happening at once interrupting your workout. You want to avoid using ANC when walking in places that require you to pay attention to your surroundings, such as by the sidewalk near vehicles or trails with cyclists.
The sound of the headphones had some very nice lows for bass and nice highs for the trebles. I listened to podcasts, audio books, and music, all of which sounded pleasant and in full force as I expected it to sound. The noise cancelation feature allowed me to focus even more on my content with minimal distractions. I was able to forget that I was working out while watching a movie on Netflix because of how focused I was.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
Upon opening the box, I was impressed with how everything screamed quality with just the boxing materials. The box has a magnetic flap and under the headphones, you find small, well organized boxes that house the cables, instructions, and extra ear gummies. This set the bar high for the expectations of the earphones.
AU Flex Noise Canceling Earphones exceeds my expectations. These are now part of my workout routine and have a nice battery life of 15 hours, which is more than enough for a week’s worth of use before having to recharge.
--- VALUE ---
The price for the earphones is justified if you plan on using them for a long while. The ANC feature alone is worth it, but the fact that these sound amazing, are light, have an IPX5 rating and have multiple buttons that aren’t confusing to use make it a big plus.
--- APPROVAL ---
I highly recommend this product for people who are audiophiles and enjoy working out without distractions.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Keep your devices powered on the go with the Belkin BOOSTCHARGE 24W Dual USB-A Port Car Charger. It boasts two 12W USB A Ports, both of which support simultaneous fast charging for all devices that charge using a USB-A cable. This 24 watt car charger is capable of charging up to two devices 1.5x faster than a standard 5 watt charger, with each port offering up to 12 watts of power. The BOOSTCHARGE 24w Dual Port Car Charger features an LED light, indicating whether or not your charger is connected to a power source. Optimized to charge all USB-A compatible devices faster than a standard 5w Charger. Compatible with Apple iPhone 14, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone XR, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8, HTC U12+, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10, Google Pixel 3 XL, Google Pixel 3, iPad Pro (12.9") 2nd Gen, iPad Pro (10.5"), Huawei Mate 20, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Huawei P30/P30 Pro, Sony Xperia XZ2
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Simplicity That Works
on November 7, 2020
Posted by: Trobadour
from Nashville, TN
--- SETUP ---
The setup of this Dual USB charger is minimal. Out of the box, you can just plug it into your car charger.
--- FEATURES ---
This Belkin charger features 24 watts of power providing 12W to two devices simultaneously. It delivers power faster than the traditional 5W chargers. In the box you'll find a USB-C cable that is about 3 feet in length.
--- PERFORMANCE ---
Having two ports makes it an ideal choice for drivers that require multiple charging devices. Though my vehicle already has a USB port, when I plug items into it and turn my car off, that USB port continues to provide energy to devices causing my car battery to drain. That is not a problem when using this car charger. Using the car charger, I was able to have my dash cam running while charging a second device. I used the included USB-C cable to charge my new pair of headphones while I drove to the gym and in ten minutes, I had enough juice to keep me going for a 45 minute workout. I also used the charger to charge my phone while using a GPS app and the battery level on my phone didn’t diminish.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
The product meets my expectations. It’s a simple device that works as expected. It’s always nice to have the extra USB-C cable in the vehicle for those times you forget your own.
--- VALUE ---
The price for the charger in terms of value is very convenient considering the # of times you’ll be using it, which is probably daily.
--- APPROVAL ---
I highly recommend this product for people Uber/Shared car service drivers, families with dual devices that require charging, or people who must charge tablets on the go.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
 
The Samsung Jet™ 90 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum features a lightweight and maneuverable design plus a telescopic pipe for comfortable cleaning. The removable battery is easily swapped for a spare and has a cleaning time up to 60 minutes; the Dual Charging Station provides charging for two* batteries at once. Compatible with the Samsung Clean Station™ for automatic emptying of the hygienic dust bin. *Extra battery sold separately.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Good for Quick Jobs
on November 7, 2020
Posted by: Trobadour
from Nashville TN
--- SETUP ---
The setup for the Samsung Jet 90 vacuum took about 30 minutes. You will need to use a screwdriver for the charging stand (required) and a drill to secure the stand to a wall (strongly recommended). The rest of the vacuum can be put together with the detailed instruction manual.
--- FEATURES ---
The key feature of this vacuum is that it is cordless yet powerful. It also uses a reusable filter and is lightweight enough for more users. It includes a variety of tools to use the vacuum on keyboards, curtains, bed sheets, carpet and hard floors. The vacuum itself has a stick that can be lowered or raised to suit the height of the user. The charging base includes a space for you to charge a second battery (not included).
--- PERFORMANCE ---
The performance of the vacuum varies depending on the attachment that you use. The bedding rubber attachment works great until it gets stuck with the bedding. The one for carpet works just ok, but I didn’t feel like it had a strong enough suction to pick up everything even on the high setting.. The attachment meant for hardwood has a thick sponge-looking roller. I found that using that attachment, I was able to get the best results on both the carpet and the hard floors. There are three choices of how powerful you want the suction to be: low, medium (default), and high. For hard floors, I just use the default. For carpets, I switch to medium. The issue I had with carpets is that it would pick up loose objects like paper or tufts of pet hair but struggles with things that may be clinging to the carpet, like lint from socks or sweaters.
If you’ve never used a cordless vacuum, the first thing you’ll notice is that the vacuum doesn’t go forward on its own. You will have to apply manual pressure and push the vacuum forward as opposed to corded ones that you feel you’re just nudging it in the direction you want. Additionally, this cordless vacuum will not stand on it's own. It has rubber nudges at the top end of the vacuum so that you can lean it against walls without it tipping over.
The receptacle that houses the dirt is decent-sized, and using it for everyday cleaning, I didn’t have to worry about dumping the contents until about a week and a half in.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
The product meets my expectations for hard floors and for quick jobs on carpets. After using it for about 20 minutes, the battery pack showed it had decreased a third of the way. The fact that I can just leave it charging in the stand and ready for the next use makes it easy to pick up for things that require quick but minimum-level effort of attention. As the week went by, I noticed myself just grabbing it and vacuuming dry cat food spilled by the cats, frequently stepping on areas that are carpeted, and even a couch that cats lot to rest on. Though not as powerful as my corded vacuum, the convenience of it for quick jobs really makes me want to grab it and take care of the job right then and there because I don’t have to deal with a cord.
--- VALUE ---
The price for the Vacuum is justified considering the number of times you’ll catch yourself just grabbing it to do a quick clean because it doesn’t feel like a chore.
--- APPROVAL ---
I highly recommend this product for people who have a small to medium household and want to do daily maintenance to their carpeted or hard floors without it feeling like a burden.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
 
Features massive 50+ hour playtime, 3 custom EQ sound settings to choose from, over-ear Cloud Foam cushions, and pillow-soft headband with Faux Leather for ultimate comfort. The smooth-sliding metal adjustments and feather-light build give you the long-lasting, all-day comfort you require.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Light, Stylish, Affordable
on October 26, 2020
Posted by: Trobadour
from Nashville, TN
--- SETUP ---
The setup for the JLAB Studio Pro wireless headphones is quick. They are fully charged out of the box so all you have to do is turn it on and pair it with your mobile device or computer.
--- FEATURES ---
The key feature of these headphones are that they are wireless, light, portable, and last up to 50 hours of playtime. It has 3 custom EQ sound settings to choose from and the cushions cover the ears. They can be charged with a USB C cable, which is included.
--- PERFORMANCE ---
I found the performance of these headphones to be a little weaker than most other headphones I own, but overall still enjoyable to use. Of the three EQ settings, I enjoy the bass boost option, but the other two are balanced and JLAB signature. I paired these with my iPhone and was able to use Siri by holding the ON button. When I received calls, I was heard very clearly and when my phone received calls or texts, I could hear the rings in the headphones without being too loud compared to what I was listening to at the moment.
I tested these headphones with songs from Limp Bizkit, Korn, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat. I also tested them with an audio book, podcasts, and phone video games. Finally, I paired them with my gaming PC and tested them with games like Control and Mortal Shell.
As far as songs go, bass boost is the way to go, and the songs sound fuller and more enjoyable. For audiobooks and podcasts, I like a balanced approach. I wouldn’t buy these to play phone games, as there is a delay in the audio with what’s happening on screen. For computer games, I enjoyed the games best on the JLAB signature mode and got really immersed in the games for hours.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
The product meets my expectations. Overall, I found the headphones very enjoyable when wearing them for upwards of 5 hours a day with glasses. They are by far my most light headphones and look stylish without a break-the-bank price. It would have been nice if they came with a storage pouch, but for the price, I find that ok.
--- VALUE ---
The price for the headphones make them a great introduction to wireless headphones overall and will make a fabulous extra-nice stocking gift this coming holiday season.
--- APPROVAL ---
I highly recommend this product for people who are just entering the wireless headphone space and will be throwing these inside a backpack or gym back constantly without worrying too much about they getting damaged.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
5of 10voted this as helpful.
 
Brush smart, get rewarded. The quip Smart Electric Toothbrush Starter Kit earns you amazing rewards (like free brush heads, products, gift cards, and more) as you track and coach better oral health habits with the free quip app. It has a Bluetooth® Smart Motor, premium All-Color design, and the same timed sonic vibrations as our original ADA-Accepted brush. quip's simple and sustainable brush also includes a premium handle you keep for life, a replaceable soft-bristle brush head (tongue scraper on back), a replaceable AAA battery, and a multi-use travel cover that doubles as a stand and mirror mount. Connect one or more Bluetooth® Smart Brushes to the quip app (iOS & Android), then automatically track your brushing routine offline: duration, coverage, strokes and intensity. To help improve your oral health habits, tap the app for tailored tips, coaching, and more. You can also earn rewards you'll love just for brushing two minutes, twice a day. Unlike some electric brushes that are big and bulky, quip is slim and lightweight with a long-lasting 3-month battery (no wires or bulky charger). Simply click the "q" button to power a gentle, effective clean with all the guiding features dentists recommend: sensitive sonic vibrations, 2-minute timer, 30 second pulses. The sleek, travel-ready design easily packs into any pocket, purse, or bag for on the go. Plus, it's water-resistant and shower-safe. Like most quip oral care products, the quip Smart Electric Toothbrush is American Dental Association-Accepted, and shown to help remove plaque, and help prevent and reduce gingivitis. On a refill plan, quip automatically delivers a fresh Brush Head Refill every 3 months for $5 with free shipping and a lifetime warranty. Subscribe to get your first refill free, and see why quip has over 20,000 5-star reviews. Better oral health, made simple, affordable, and enjoyable.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Real Life XP When Brushing Teeth!
on October 26, 2020
Posted by: Trobadour
from Nashville, TN
--- SETUP ---
The setup of the Quip toothbrush requires no assembly. Just take it out of the tube, press a button and you are ready to begin brushing. You can install the quip holder by sticking it against a wall with the already installed sticky tape, but that is optional.
--- FEATURES ---
The key feature of this toothbrush is that it has bluetooth capability that keeps track of your brushes and strokes through a free app installed on your phone. It has a removable brush head and battery. There is also an optional monthly subscription model to replace the brush head and battery.
--- PERFORMANCE ---
The toothbrush itself isn’t that different from another electric toothbrush. The bristles are of the soft kind and as per the instruction manual, they don’t offer medium or hard brush options. What differentiates this from the currently available toothbrushes are that after every 30 seconds, the brush will pulse to let you know it’s time to focus your brushing on another part of your teeth. If you divide your teeth into quadrants, then each section gets 30 seconds until you move on to the next. It was awkward the first time, but you quickly adjust. The brush handle is easy to clean and the storage holder is just the right size for the brush where if you clean off all the water, there’s little chance of water entering into it.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
The product meets my expectations and it works as expected. As of this review, the app is still in beta and could benefit from user-set reminders for when to brush or connect to the iPhone health app. The subscription plan is 5 dollars every three month and includes a brush head and a battery. I went to the website to see what the price would be for the head without the subscription model. To find the one-time-purchase option, you have to click on the subscription plan first. Once there, you can select a combo brush/battery as part of the minimum 5 dollar three-monthly subscription plan. When you change that to a one-time-purchase, you find out the price for the battery and brush is 5 dollars, but you have to pay 10 dollars for shipping. Essentially, you are paying 15 dollars for a one-time-purchase. There’s currently no option to buy the brush alone.
The app is a hit or miss, but like I mentioned earlier, it is in beta still. I started brushing with Quip on a Wednesday evening and used it twice a day after that. From Wednesday to Monday, it only detected that I brushed twice a day once and for two days it didn’t record data. The idea behind the app is that you can earn points for good habits and exchange the points for discounts on your subscription, discounts on other quip products, and even a 5 dollar gift card. This method gamifies toothbrushing with real world rewards, but the app has to be working flawlessly to not be discouraged when your good habits don’t get recorded.
--- VALUE ---
The price for the toothbrush is higher than a standard toothbrush but it is offset by a code that gives you your first free brush head and battery. At 5 dollars a month for essentially a new toothbrush and battery, it pays off in the long run.
--- APPROVAL ---
I highly recommend this product for people who are meticulous about their approach to oral hygiene. If you love looking at statistics in everything you do, it’s like earning XP for brushing daily and eventually, get rewarded for something you have to do regardless.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
The A20 Wireless headset Gen 2 is designed to give you gaming audio freedom on several levels. Its 2.4 GHz signal provides an extended wireless range and the microphone delivers clear and accurate communication with easy mute functionality. The USB transmitter allows for easy cross-platform connectivity.
 
  • Top 50 contributor
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Sound OK, Get Dolby Atmos
on October 18, 2020
Posted by: Trobadour
from Nashville, TN
--- SETUP ---
The setup for the Astros A20 was quick. In the package you can see a USB-C cable, the headsets, and 1 USB dongle transmitter. The transmitter goes plugged into your Xbox or PC and after a quick automatic installation of the software, the transmitter recognizes the headset.
--- FEATURES ---
The key feature of these Astros is that they are forward compatible with the Xbox Series X/S and, if you purchase a separate dongle, you can use them with a PS5 as well. This Xbox specific headset works with the current gen Xbox One/S.
--- PERFORMANCE ---
The performance for the stereo headsets was ok compared to others that I’ve used. I tested this headset with DOOM Eternal on Xbox One X and Hades on PC. For games like Hades, I had a great time listening to the voices of the characters with crisp, clear sounds. That game isn’t too intensive when it comes to audio, so it was perfect for that type of game. For DOOM Eternal, a game with lots of heavy bass music and crunchy sounds, I found it lacking in the audio department. However, Xbox has a one-time payment audio feature called Dolby Atmos that turns stereo headsets like this one into a surround sound experience. With that feature on, it was a great improvement.
This review doesn’t take in consideration the Dolby Atmos add on, but it’s worth mentioning in case you want to get more out of the headset.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
The product has its limitations. However, being a multi console owner, these headsets might redeem themselves once I can get my hands on a PS5 and Xbox Series X as the convenience of not having to switch headsets or transmitters could potentially outweigh the downfalls. Otherwise, the headset itself is light on the head and I found it comfortable for a person who wears glasses.
--- VALUE ---
The price for the Astros A20s in terms of value is ok for an introductory headset but having to buy only one for two consoles is definitely going to save you money.
--- APPROVAL ---
I highly recommend this product for people who are new to the gaming headset space and want an easy entry. Additionally, I recommend these headsets for future multi-console / PC owners.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
 
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Trobadour's Review Comments
 
This portable scanner features up to 600 x 600 dpi high resolution for capturing images and text with optimum detail and clarity and supports microSD and microSDHC memory cards for simple transfer of documents.
 
Overall5 out of 55 out of 5
Great scanner; easy to use.
By RMCP
i am excited about putting this scanner to use in my classroom. It is user-friendly and straightforward.
Customer Avatar
Trobadour
Rio Grande Valley (RGV)
Question on scanner
November 3, 2015
Can it scan double-sided on its own?
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
Destiny – The Collection contains every release from the award-winning first-person shooter franchise to date. It’s a great way for Guardians to embark on journeys they may have missed, as well as a perfect starting point for new players who want to join the Destiny community. It includes: Destiny, Expansion I: The Dark Below, Expansion II: House of Wolves, The Taken King, and the newest adventure, Rise of Iron. It also includes a character boost to send you immediately into the battle.
 
Overall5 out of 55 out of 5
Worth EVERY. SINGLE. PENNY.
By Cody
Destiny is the only console game that has held its replay-ability over the last two year AND STILL going strong. Destiny is the flagship games for consoles. It is by far, a MUST HAVE for ANY console player. I'm fixing to buy this as a gift and a few more for starting friends. The game is honestly the best game to come home to every night.
There is so much to do in Destiny, it'll seem overwhelming at first. The economy is booming, so many quests, loot, strikes, raids, bosses, prisons, etc. Bungie is an amazing developing company that is community focused and dedicated to amaze the players. The YouTube and Twitch community is outstanding and never ceases to amaze me. Recently, the Destiny community raised over $500k to St. Judes hospital. The game is thriving like never before. Make memories, make friends, have fun.
Customer Avatar
Trobadour
Rio Grande Valley (RGV)
Question about Taken King and Rise of Iron
September 21, 2016
Does the Taken King and Rise of Iron expansion come in the disc for installation or are there downloadable codes for you to download the content?
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
 
Trobadour's Questions
 
Trobadour has not submitted any questions.
 
Trobadour's Answers
1 2 3 4 5 >>
 
True wireless noise cancelling Beats Studio Bud are made for music. Designed with a custom acoustic platform, Beats Studio Bud are engineered to deliver powerful, balanced sound in a compact, in-ear form factor. The result — immersive sound that pulls the emotion of music from the studio to your ears to keep you inspired. These earbuds feature two listening modes, Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode, to give you total control of your sound. Each earbud has up to 8 hours of listening time¹ with two additional charges provided by its pocket-sized charging case to give you up to 24 hours of combined playback.² Beats Studio Bud also offer simple one-touch pairing for Apple³ and Android⁴ devices.
 

Can noise cancelling be turned off if you want to hear ambient sounds?

ANC, or noise canceling, can be turned on or off by a long press of the button.
3 years ago
by
Trobadour
 
True wireless noise cancelling Beats Studio Bud are made for music. Designed with a custom acoustic platform, Beats Studio Bud are engineered to deliver powerful, balanced sound in a compact, in-ear form factor. The result — immersive sound that pulls the emotion of music from the studio to your ears to keep you inspired. These earbuds feature two listening modes, Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode, to give you total control of your sound. Each earbud has up to 8 hours of listening time¹ with two additional charges provided by its pocket-sized charging case to give you up to 24 hours of combined playback.² Beats Studio Bud also offer simple one-touch pairing for Apple³ and Android⁴ devices.
 

Can they be used to have phone conversations too?

Yes they can, and the sound is clear both ways.
3 years ago
by
Trobadour
 
Record audio or chat with friends by using this Samson lavalier USB digital wireless system. The USB stick receiver is compatible with Macs, PCs and other machines for versatility. This Samson lavalier USB digital wireless system provides clear audio up to 100 feet away, making it ideal for live broadcasts and other mobile activities.CONSUMER ALERTMost users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operating this microphone system without a license is subject to certain restrictions: the system may not cause harmful interference; it must operate at a low power level (not in excess of 50 milliwatts); and it has no protection from interference received from any other device. Purchasers should also be aware that the FCC is currently evaluating use of wireless microphone systems, and these rules are subject to change. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC) or visit the FCC's wireless microphone website at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones
 

Would this system work with online platforms? For example, I am a teacher and have to teach students in person while having students online on Google meet. If I bought this, would my online students be able to hear me and would I be able to hear them?

Hi there. I am a teacher as well. This would allow your students to hear you but you wouldn't be able to hear them. For that scenario, I used the Anker Power conference instead. I had to teach in-person students and virtual students at the same time. The Anker allowed me to speak freely into it's embedded mic and I could hear students from the speaker as well.
3 years ago
by
Trobadour
 
Record audio or chat with friends by using this Samson lavalier USB digital wireless system. The USB stick receiver is compatible with Macs, PCs and other machines for versatility. This Samson lavalier USB digital wireless system provides clear audio up to 100 feet away, making it ideal for live broadcasts and other mobile activities.CONSUMER ALERTMost users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operating this microphone system without a license is subject to certain restrictions: the system may not cause harmful interference; it must operate at a low power level (not in excess of 50 milliwatts); and it has no protection from interference received from any other device. Purchasers should also be aware that the FCC is currently evaluating use of wireless microphone systems, and these rules are subject to change. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC) or visit the FCC's wireless microphone website at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones
 

I understand that this wouldn’t automatically amplify someone’s voice, but if it is connected to a computer, can the audio be heard through speakers when connected through audio software?

Yes. Using the USB 3.0 receiver and the included extension cable, I was able to use it with Streamlabs OBS and add filters. This allows me to use the mic when streaming content, in Zoom, or even project the voice through speakers that the computer might be paired with.
3 years ago
by
Trobadour
 
Immerse yourself in every detail with the Samsung A700 high resolution 4K UHD monitor. With HDR10 technology, colors will look vivid and lifelike while the TUV-certified eye comfort care will reduce eye fatigue and keep you productive. The minimalistic, virtually borderless design, clean cable management and slim, sleek stand gives you an optimized clutter-free workstation.
 

Does this tv support screen mirroring

Yes, it does. I use it to extent the display, but you can easily mirror this in the display options of a windows 10 or a Mac.
3 years, 1 month ago
by
Trobadour
 
Rethink eyewear with the Razer Anzu—cutting-edge audio glasses that protect your eyes and immerse your ears. With built-in speakers hidden in its frame, taking in the sights and sounds now has a whole new meaning. Available in two types of frames and two sizes.
 

Can we add Prescription lenses on this! If yes how do we do it ?

You can. Razer includes a discount card for you to take the frames and have prescription lenses installed.
3 years, 2 months ago
by
Trobadour
 
Norton 360 for Gamers provides advanced multi-layered protection for up to 3 PCs to help protect against cyberthreats like malware, DDoS attacks, doxxing, SWATing, and PC webcam takeovers. PC notifications are optimized so you’re only alerted if you’re under attack, at risk or you aren’t using a feature your entitled to.
 

Does this version comes with parental controls?

Yes it does. You must install Norton in the device you want to control.
3 years, 3 months ago
by
Trobadour
 
Meet the unrivaled, everyday noise canceling headphone for people who want to keep it simple. Hesh ANC is engineered with just the right amount of added features to make your life a little easier without a lot of additional technology that you might not need.
 

Does the headphone have a mic built into the headset where you can make phone calls?

Yes, the mic is built-in and you can't see it. You sound great and you will hear things even better than before.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
Trobadour
 
Meet the unrivaled, everyday noise canceling headphone for people who want to keep it simple. Hesh ANC is engineered with just the right amount of added features to make your life a little easier without a lot of additional technology that you might not need.
 

Do these headphones have a mute button and how long is the battery life if using for office calls?

No mute button, but 22 hour battery life. Great for listening to calls without hearing surrounding noise.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
Trobadour
 
The Samsung Jet™ 90 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum features a lightweight and maneuverable design plus a telescopic pipe for comfortable cleaning. The removable battery is easily swapped for a spare and has a cleaning time up to 60 minutes; the Dual Charging Station provides charging for two* batteries at once. Compatible with the Samsung Clean Station™ for automatic emptying of the hygienic dust bin. *Extra battery sold separately.
 

Does this come with the spinning sweeper for mopping the floor? On the samsung website it states the sweeper only comes with VS90, but I don't see that as one of the listed items included. If it doesn't come with it, what is the use of "wet" function?

It doesn't come with the sweeper for floors. I was disappointed when I didn't find one. You have to purchase that separately.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
Trobadour