msumulong's stats
- Review count174
- Helpfulness votes336
- First reviewApril 15, 2010
- Last reviewMay 13, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
- Review comment count14
- Helpfulness votes7
- First review commentJanuary 25, 2016
- Last review commentJune 8, 2017
- Featured review comments0
Questions
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- First questionNone
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- Answer count49
- Helpfulness votes71
- First answerApril 7, 2010
- Last answerDecember 15, 2021
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- Best answers6
Enjoy music in an exciting way with this portable Sony Bluetooth speaker. The wireless feature offers hands-free usage and the EXTRA BASS gives sound a boost due to the passive radiator, which enhances low-end tones. This Sony Bluetooth speaker is waterproof and dustproof, allowing you to take it to the pool or the beach.
Customer Rating
3
Ok speaker but consider other options
on April 11, 2019
Posted by: msumulong
from Glendora, CA
The Sony XB12 is the successor to the hugely popular XB10. That said, should you give it a go or stick to the older XB10?
Both speakers have essentially the same design which are half-sized can speakers with two relatively minor design changes. First would be the control panel. The XB12 has pronounced controls for power, volume, pause and add speaker unlike the XB10 which is a plus for me. Second, the XB12 now has a strap instead of a loop with a ring wherein the ring can be used as a directional stand. For some, this may be something to consider.
Performance wise, both have a battery life of 16 hours. As of this writing, I have still have not tested this but I already used the XB12 for 8 hours and so far so good. And unlike bigger Sony speakers, volume seems not to be lessened after a few hours to save on battery life. One thing to note is that as per the manual, charging the unit is at 4 ½ hours. Also, the XB12 has an IPX67 rating whereas the XB10 has an IPX5 rating which is a definite plus.
Pairing of the speaker was a breeze and my test unit was ready to go. Upon initial playback, I wasn’t really impressed with the sound especially the bass though I expect speakers of this size don’t really have much bass at all. However, things changed after I continuously ran the speaker the whole day and audio from this unit became much better. (Note that most if not all speakers require a burn-in period. This is no exception.) The mids and highs were clear and there is a noticeable improvement in bass. I’ve tried various music genres ranging from jazz, new age, classic & soft rock, 80 synthpop, reggae and hiphop. All save for hip hop gave good response. (But really you need more powerful bass for hip hop.) New age, jazz and soft rock on the other hand showed the clarity that this speaker can handle.
Like most Sony speakers, the XB12 is a straightforward Bluetooth speaker using version 4.2. There are no apps included and this may also be a dealbreaker for some. But what may seem dealbreaker for me is the lack of NFC in the XB12. The XB10 has NFC. And though some may argue that few use NFC at all, it is an indication that Sony scrimped on this one.
While there is still much to like in the XB12, the XB10 is still a more feasible option given the fact that its price is going down due to the entry of the XB12. And if you add a few dollars more, you can get two XB10s and pair them together giving you a much wider range of sound making the XB10 truly the better option IMHO.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+21points
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Keep rooms clean with this Shark APEX DuoClean with Zero-M corded stick vacuum. Featuring a powerful motor and innovative DuoClean dual brushrolls, this vacuum easily removes dust, dirt and debris from floors and carpets. This Shark APEX DuoClean with Zero-M corded stick vacuum has a slim profile to get underneath furniture.
Customer Rating
5
Awesome modular vacuum cleaner
on April 9, 2019
Posted by: msumulong
from Glendora, CA
The Shark Apex Corded Stick Vac is one of the newer models released by Shark. First it composed of three primary parts namely the motorized vacuum, a motorized floor nozzle and a wand to connect the three. Once all three are connected, the vacuum is lightweight in design and easy to carry. The vacuum is made of plastic but build quality is robust.
Operating the vacuum is pretty much straight forward, there is a switch in the vacuum module that has for level for rugs and flooring and another for carpets. When I tested the vacuum, I was pleasantly surprised that the spinning brush and power of the vacuum are quite strong. Another surprise is that the floor nozzle pivots similarly to the other vacuum with a ball. But the main advantage of the Shark Apex is that without the ball, it is much easier to vacuum spaces under without lifting anything.
To add to that the floor nozzle also has “headlights” making it easier for you to see underneath your furniture. This is also a nice addition to the vacuum. Also, the floor nozzle has “Zero-M” features which I guess means zero maintenance which indicates the brush needs no or little maintenance at all. The brush differs from regular vacuum brushes because it has some blades in the rollerbrush. I haven’t tested it brushroller much but from my initial use, it has almost no dirt in the brush as compared to other rollerbrushes. This is a plus but I still have to let time really be the judge here.
The vacuum can be uninstalled easy and you can attach any of the accessories bundled with it. Three are included which are: a crevice tool; a pet-multi tool and a precision duster. Other accessories are also available from Shark. Like the floor nozzle, the main vacuum module has a light helping you to see better if you use the accessories. And since the wand is also detachable, the vacuum can reach more. But though the vacuum module is touted as a handheld one, for me it is rather large so that using it to clean the interior of a car is impractical. Another downside of this is that the vacuum is top heavy so for some people, using the vacuum may result into a little arm strain.
I cannot have more words for this vacuum except that though it may look lightweight, it can do the job of seemingly bigger vacuums. And since it is modular, storage for this vacuum is much easier too.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Accompany your workouts with streaming tunes from these JBL Endurance PEAK Bluetooth headphones. PowerHook technology switches them on when worn, and the TwistLock and FlexSoft features ensure a lightweight, ergonomic fit for comfortable, all-day use. Manage music playback effortlessly on these wireless JBL Endurance PEAK Bluetooth headphones via touch-enabled controls.
Customer Rating
4
This is a robust pair of earpods
on April 2, 2019
Posted by: msumulong
from Glendora, CA
The JBL Endurance Peak is similar in design as the Endurance Sprint and Jump save for the wires making the Peak model a truly wireless headphone set. It is available in three primary colors – black, blue and red.
The box contents of the of the Endurance Peak includes the head/earphones with “Locktwists”, three sets of earplugs in the usual small, medium and large sizes, a charging case that may seem to be a small jewel box or cufflink case, a usb cord and several multilingual brochures/manuals.
As for the build quality the headphones/earbuds have a solid build which is expected from any IPX7 rated product and is claimed by JBL to be waterproof under one meter for thirty minutes. JBL does not claim that it can work underwater but if you underwent a heavy workout, you can still rinse these if needed. The included charging case also has a good build quality.
Unlike most wireless earpods, the Endurance Peak has hooks which makes wearing them more secure which is ideal for heavy workouts or doing exercise outdoors. Its propriety “Locktwists” make sure that you have a comfortable fit when wearing them. As per my experience, these earpods have a good fit.
One thing I also liked about the design of the Endurance Peak is that there are no physical buttons and that it has touch controls making them look sleek. I must admit that learning them has a little learning curve. But that’s just me.
Once you’ve taken them out of the case and “unfasten” the magnetic earhooks, the earpods go into pairing mode if it’s the first time you are using them or pairs automatically to your phone. And if you take the earpods and “fasten” the earpods, they go into sleep mode. The manual indicates that after three hours, you have to replace them back into the case.
The earpods have a rated 4 hour performance and the charging case allows you to have an additional 24 hours of charging. This makes a total 28 hours of playing time. And if you are in a hurry, a 10 minute charge can give your earpods one hour of play time.
As for sound quality, the mids and highs are good and bass pretty decent. Some reviewers would claim that bass is somewhat lacking which I myself have experienced. But that is easily remedied by actually twisting the “Twistlock” of the earpods. And do note that other earphones that have hooks can barely give a good fit on the ear therefore having less bass or having a good fit on the ear but not having the hook cling well on your ear.
The downside that I see in these earpods is the calls are in mono. Though JBL claims that you can use only one, I cannot understand why both earpods won’t work when having calls. Also, call quality is so-so as other headests provide better call quality. Personally, this is minor for me as these earpods are primarily for music. But others may find this an important factor. Due to this, I am removing one star for this erstwhile perfect earpods. Nonetheless, I am still recommending these as these are still robust earpods especially for athletes and those wanting a bang for their buck.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Built for your next victory, your latest achievement and much more is the Turtle Beach® Recon 70 gaming headset for Nintendo Switch™ Featuring Turtle Beach’s latest lightweight and comfortable headset design for hours of play, with high-quality 40mm speakers and over-ear premium synthetic leather cushions that let you hear every crisp high and thundering low while blocking noise. Turtle Beach’s renowned high-sensitivity mic to ensure you are heard clearly on Switch games that support in-game chat capability and easily flips up to mute. Finally, the versatile 3.5mm connection makes it perfect for swapping between Nintendo Switch, PlayStation® and Xbox controllers, as well as PC and compatible mobile devices.
Customer Rating
4
This is decent entry level gaming headset
on March 31, 2019
Posted by: msumulong
from Glendora, CA
The Turtle Beach Recon 70 is an entry level gaming headset and has versions for xbox, PS4, Switch/PC platforms. This review will focus on the Switch/PC version.
First, the Recon 70 comes in a variety of colors wherein the Switch version has a black and red version and a midnight red version which maroon like. (The xbox version has green and presumably the PS4 version has the blue color.
Overall, the headset is made of plastic which is expected for this model. Yet build quality is very decent and unlike the rickety plastic feeling of other headsets in class. The faux leather cushions are nicely made and the headset is quite comfortable to wear even for extended periods of time.
The headset jack is the single jack type which is commonly found in phones which makes it compatible for laptops and of course the Nintendo Switch. The downside here this the length of the cable is only roughly one meter long.
And now for the audio quality. It seems it’s kind of a mixed bag for me. When I tested the headset on the Switch running Fortnite, spatial sound was decent but somehow there was some noticeable distortion in the audio output. At first I thought it was the headset not really being good. But since it had the single jack, I decided to try it on an Eluktronics gaming laptop and clarity was greater and there was no distortion whatsoever when I tried Fortnite. But of course that’s a laptop setup for gaming. I then tried the headset on a 10.1” Insignia tablet and audio from Youtube was pretty much ok. Tweaking audio settings on both computers also helped. And still no distortion. So I suspect it may be the Switch is causing the distortion. And I am not aware of any equalizer setting for the Switch.
The foldable mic is cool which is similar to other models and is better than the ones found in other models. It also has a volume control too.
Overall, this is a good headset for a gamer who wants a no frills headset. And lastly, in the looks department it looks any other stereo over-the-ear headset which is fine by me since I prefer that compared futuristic designed headsets for dedicated gamers. That said this gaming headset is still a recommended buy. Not the best but definitely still far worse.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Enjoy your favorite music with these white Skullcandy Venue over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. The 40mm drivers provide premium acoustics, and the headphones have a run-time of up to 24 hours on a single charge. These Skullcandy Venue over-ear noise-cancelling headphones have a mini USB charging cable and provide up to five hours of listening time after 10 minutes of charging.
Customer Rating
5
Superb ANC headphones in its class
on December 10, 2018
Posted by: msumulong
from Glendora, CA
The Skullcandy Venue headphones has been around for three months and there are already reviews in YouTube and other tech sites. That said, I would like to give my take on initial reviews as they seem contrary to what I have observed in my own headset. First is that there are complaints that the headband of the Venue is creaky. Fortunately, mine doesn’t creak when I unflex it. So perhaps, Skullcandy has remedied this flaw in later batches. Likewise, there are also complaints that there is a hiss when ANC is on. My unit does not have a hiss but still does have that void feeling whenever you wear ANC headphones. (I have an older wired Sony pair and it does hiss.) Also, there are complaints that there is a degradation of music when ANC is on. There is no discernable degradation in my unit. That said, I would continue with my review of this model.
Overall, the build quality of this headset is pretty decent but I wouldn’t say premium. For its price range one would expect it to be at this level. As for functionality, ANC quality is up to the level of the Bose CQ series and the Sony XM series. This is quite impressive for a first trey in the ANC spectrum by Skullcandy. When playing music the mids are fair and the highs are a little bit on the upper side. My opinion of the bass level is not as high as some reviewers would point out. But if your preference is for hip-hop and other bass heavy music, then you may find the bass levels to be wanting. If you are into classical music or into bebop jazz, the ANC is a boon to one’s ears. I have played Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and the ANC definitely helped a lot as there are a lot of quiet moments in this classical piece. Unfortunately, the crispness is not par with higher priced headphones. But I’d still say it’s still good.
As for the battery life at 24 hours, this is very much impressive as I’ve been using this for several hours a day and battery life is still strong. I haven’t tested the headphones on wired mode which is rated at 40 hours. But 24 hours is already great for me. It is already a great idea that Skullcandy decided to use male-to-male jacks for wired input and not proprietary ones as these are easily replaceable.
Another great feature of the Venue is the built-in Tile feature. Only Skullcandy and Bose have this feature and it can come in handy. I have tried the Tile app and the integration of Tile features is seamless. Having Tiles on my car keys and wallet, I am already keeping this feature on even though I don’t expect it use this feature much given the size of the headphones. But who knows?
Another great feature of the Venue is the built-in Tile feature. Only Skullcandy and Bose have this feature and it can come in handy. I have tried the Tile app and the integration of Tile features is seamless. Having Tiles on my car keys and wallet, I am already keeping this feature on even though I don’t expect it use this feature much given the size of the headphones. But who knows?
Bluetooth range is great but I have a couple of times experienced the headphones not connecting with my iPhone XR but I suspect it may have been user error.
Overall, this is a great pair of ANC headphones. And though it is below the Bose QC and Sony XM series, this is one of the better ANC headphones out there given that this sells for roughly half the price and also being the first ANC headphones by Skullcandy.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+5points
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Grow your collection of 4K games on this WD External USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive for PS4. The gaming drive's large capacity provides enough room for all your favorite PS4 games, DLC and patches. An included USB 3.0 cable allows you to connect directly to a PlayStation 4/4 Pro console. The sleek, portable design of the drive lets you share your games with friends.
Posted by: msumulong
from Glendora, CA
This is a fairly small package barely thicker than a phone but wider. One thing to note that it can run up to 35 mbps when transferring files from my (slow) Celeron computer with a 7200 rpm hard drive. Likewise it is compatible with the PS 4 but compatibility with the X Box remains to be seen. At two tb this disk drive is fairly sufficient to store 50 video games or lots of photos though there is a much bigger model at 4 tb. Suffice to say 2tb is more than enough for me. And from what I’ve gathered the hdd is non-standard meaning you can’t take it apart and use it on your computer. There’s not much anymore to describe this nice package except that it does the job well and works as advertised. And given the reputation of Western Digital, this hdd is highly recommended for other users as well and is not limited to gamers.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
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Who says you need a big box for big bass? The Bose Bass Module 500 will take your music, movies, and more to the next level. Its rich, thunderous bass in a compact, 10-inch cube makes it easy to hide and even easier to hear. Wireless connectivity allows you to place the Bose Bass Module 500 nearly anywhere. Leave it next to the TV or put it under your entertainment center - the choice is yours.
Customer Rating
5
Great partner for the Bose 500 Soundbar
on November 8, 2018
Posted by: msumulong
from Glendora, CA
The Bose 500 Sub-woofer is the companion sub-woofer for the Bose 500 Soundbar. Setup is quite straightforward. Just plug the device and put it in a corner and use the Bose Music app to add it to the Bose 500 Soundbar. Also this works for the Bose 700 and Bose Soundtouch 300 theough both soundbars have their matching sub-woofers. But that’s the beauty of it. It’s a mix and match between these soundbars.
That said this sub-woofer has mixed review with some claiming that it lacks punch. While Bose does not really release specs and is lower than the Bose 700 sub or the AM300 sub, this relatively small sub-woofer can still pack a punch. You just have to do the setup in the Bose Music App.
Do note the Bose 500 is the entry level of the two Alexa enabled soundbars, its performance though having the signature Bose sound may not appeal to everyone. For those wanting a louder sound then the 700 series or the 300 series or maybe even the Acoustimass line maybe better for you. But for those having a smaller space, the Bose 500 sub can adequately supplement the Bose 500 soundbar with room filling and thumping sound. For those with a Bose 500, this is a highly recommended addition.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
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The stylish Bose Soundbar 500 speaker is meant to be heard, not seen. Its thin profile fits discreetly under the TV screen, while its powerful acoustics fill the room with sound. And with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built in, all your favorite music is just an ask away, or use it as a central hub to control your existing smart home devices.
Customer Rating
5
Great perfoming soundbar!
on November 8, 2018
Posted by: msumulong
from Glendora, CA
With the advent of smart speakers entering the soundbar space, Bose recently released two smart enabled (Alexa) based soundbars namely the Bose 500 and Bose 700 series. This review focuses on the Bose 500 soundbar which is the lower end of the two soundbars.
Given that this is smaller than the 700 series soundbar, it is geared for smaller spaces as it measures 31 inches in length which is perfect for 40-inchTVs in my opinion but obviously any TV can do.
Given that this is smaller than the 700 series soundbar, it is geared for smaller spaces as it measures 31 inches in length which is perfect for 40-inchTVs in my opinion but obviously any TV can do.
And though Bose does not really release specs on speakers, I can say that this is a very much capable speaker of creating room-filling sound without sound being distorted at higher volume. (But if you still want louder then the 700 is the soundbar for you.) It has that classic Bose signature sound that it’s either you like it or hate it. But if you hate it, you wouldn’t read the reviews here.
And given that it has that classic signature sound from Bose, one may ask who would one choose it over the Bose Solo 5 which is a top selling product from Bose but sells fro half the price. It’s mainly because of both wireless connectivity and expandability which the Bose Solo 5 does not have.
And given that it has that classic signature sound from Bose, one may ask who would one choose it over the Bose Solo 5 which is a top selling product from Bose but sells fro half the price. It’s mainly because of both wireless connectivity and expandability which the Bose Solo 5 does not have.
I like the fact that Bose made this soundbar (as well as the Bose 700 and Bose Soundtouch 300) have wireless expandability. The Bose 500 and include the 700 and 300 as well are modular in design in which a sub-woofer and surround speakers can be added. And though each soundbar has its own matching sub-woofer, they can be mix-matched depending on your preference for the sub-woofer. The rear speakers work in all three soundbars. That said, Bose has ensured that you can have a basic setup or on with more bass or a complete 5.1 system. It’s all up to the user. And that’s a good thing. I only wish Bose could have release a whole package at a discounted price though.
What differentiates the Bose 500 (and 700) from the Soundtouch 300 is the addition of Alexa thereby putting Bose back in the game. From today’s trend, sound from speakers is not the only the factor in purchasing one but also other features such as wireless connectivity. This has already started to become a norm for soundbars. And as far as Alexa is concerned, it performs as expected in the Bose 500 I have though there was one instance that I have to activate Alexa again to make it function.
As far as this soundbar is concerned, this performs as expected and is highly recommended. And for those wanting a fuller sound the Bose 500 sub-woofer is highly recommended and might as well include the rear surround speakers as well for a full home theater experience.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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Get peace and quiet anywhere with these Plantronics BackBeat GO 410 wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. The compact, lightweight design provides a comfortable, discreet listening experience and filters out noise in any environment. These Plantronics BackBeat GO 410 wireless noise-cancelling headphones feature advanced 10mm drivers and powerful rechargeable batteries for up to 10 hours of high-fidelity audio per charge.
Customer Rating
5
Overall good ANC headphones
on November 6, 2018
Posted by: msumulong
from Glendora, CA
I have had this headset for about a week and here are my thoughts on this unit. First the material of the neckband is a combination of plastic and some sort of silicone material. Also it is much smaller compared to other models’ neckbands and is rather soft. This is a plus for this model. The earpieces are conical in shape and obviously differs from the spherical earpieces of other models. It is made from silicone and provides a comfy fit. Like most headsets, it comes in three pairs – small, medium and large.
Operating the unit may be a bit of a challenge as documentation is very scarce. And as of this writing, here is barely written support in the Plantronics’ website. Fortunately the companion app has directions for this and other models.
And now for the main gist of this model. The audio output is pretty good even without noise cancelling turned on though it is turned on by default. Likewise the buds provide a good seal in your ear partially isolating noises. Turning the unit on is done the usual way wherein you press the center button once. And to pair it to a phone, pressing the center button for 3-4 seconds.
There is not much to control using the buttons in the unit but downloading the app and pairing it with the headset provides more control options such as enhancing bass. With the app, noise cancelling can be turned on and off can deliver extra bass.
Battery life is neither low nor good which is rated at eight hours with ANC on. But I find odd that if ANC is turned off, battery life is at only ten hours. But overall this is a very decent pair of ANC headsets. And I would recommend it to other users out there.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Send voice-activated commands via the built-in Google Assistant of this Sony Bluetooth portable speaker. Its EXTRA BASS and LIVE SOUND modes deliver powerful audio, and the multicolored lights and flashing strobe create a party ambiance. This Sony Bluetooth portable speaker resists splashes and dust for durable outdoor use, and the 16-hour battery life provides extended listening time.
Customer Rating
5
Feature packed party speaker
on October 19, 2018
Posted by: msumulong
from Glendora, CA
This speaker in essence is a party speaker as its design convention radically departs from Sony speakers. Looking at the screen itself would reveal the drivers resembling a face. Some would like it some would not. And instead of a cube it is sort of roundish the size of a football or soccer ball will a handle at the back. So again, some people will not like the aesthetics of this speaker but this suits me just fine.
That being said let’s now get into its performance. First of all the speaker seems to be in mono rather than stereo which is again a departure of Sony speakers this size. Quality of audio output is rather typical of the Sony sound signature, which is rather conservative. Unfortunately, the unit like most Bluetooth speakers do not have bass and treble control. But to compensate for that Sony has added a Live mode which enhances audio output.
Audio output, though I cannot find any information in the manual and based on my estimate, would be around 40 watts, which is room filling and can provide a dancing mood. In support of this the speaker actually has mood lights to enhance you’re your listening experience.
But the real differentiators for this model include the following. First the battery is rated (and tested by me) to last 18 hours as compare to the average 10 hours for tor this class of speakers. Second it has splash proof features which you’d normally find only in smaller speakers. And to top it all, it has Google Assistant. You wouldn’t find or at least hardly find a Google enabled smart speaker that has these feature sets. Hence, this model is a feature packed speaker which can deliver the goods. And I would not hesitate to recommend this speaker to others.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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-1point
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Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ70KA Bridge Camera: Enjoy flexible shooting options and simple controls when you use this bridge camera, which features a 16.1-megapixel high-sensitivity sensor to capture crisp images in up to 4608 x 3456 resolution, which you can add special effects to using creative panorama modes and creative controls. Auto and creative retouch help improve quick snapshots.Memory card sold separately.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Good, but photo download problem
By rangerdon
This is a fine camera in many ways, but after losing some photos and a conversation with Panasonic, I learned that you must use the included panasonic software to download photos. (I use Picasa.) That makes the camera less than 5 star, since iPhoto would have the same problem - so if you buy this, and it is a fine piece of equipment, use their photofun software to downloard
msumulong
Azusa, CA
Downloads fine
January 25, 2016
I have downloaded pictures using the photo app in Windows 10 with no problem.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Smooth design and a powerful Snapdragon quad-core processor are yours with this T-Mobile LG K7. Android Lollipop 5.1 ensures seamless operation and keeps you on top of your game, while the large 5-inch screen delivers flawless visuals and excellent responses. A 2,045 mAh battery gives this T-Mobile LG K7 long-lasting power to keep it going throughout the day.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Good phone for a 10 year old
By Maria
I purchased this phone for my 10 year old. I works pretty well, but my only complaint is that is doesn't have a slot for an SD card
msumulong
Glendora, CA
Its does have an sd card slot
July 22, 2016
The (micro) sd slot card is beneath the sim card slot.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
Connect with friends on this unlocked Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone. Its generous 16GB capacity stores more photos and music, and its quad-core CPU ensures speedy performance. The card slot supports a microSD, and the 8-megapixel camera has autofocus for sharper images. The loudspeaker on this Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone plays your favorite tunes.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Slow processor
By DeeV
Good phone but internet is nad real slow but other than that very good
msumulong
Glendora, CA
Internet not exactly slow and processor not bad
November 24, 2016
The wifi performance is good. However I found it odd that when I used fast.com to measure speed, the phone registered 20 mbps which by itself pretty good if you're using a phone. But since I ran it simultaneously with my pc, my pc had a 70 mbps. Also the processor is not bad. It is not the latest and is commonly found in low end or rather entry level android phones. If you want a better phone you might want to consider the POP 4S which is similar but has an octa-core processor at 1.8 GHz, 2GB RAM 13 mp camera with a fingerprint sensor at $170. This sells for $150. So the $20 dollar difference is worth it. But the Black Friday deal sells at $50. So I got this phone. :)
+2points
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
Connect with friends on this unlocked Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone. Its generous 16GB capacity stores more photos and music, and its quad-core CPU ensures speedy performance. The card slot supports a microSD, and the 8-megapixel camera has autofocus for sharper images. The loudspeaker on this Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone plays your favorite tunes.
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5Crash
By MarkTwain
I wanted to like this phone. The specs were just fine. The screen was just fine. The only complaint I had was that the phone reboots frequently. Fresh off a factory reset, it would constantly reboot before I could even set it up. As a software engineer, I am disappointed that software like this can even be released. This is not the way to showcase a brand and the reason for many returns on otherwise perfectly fine hardware.
msumulong
Glendora, CA
Letting it rest seems to do the trick.
December 11, 2016
A lot of Alcatel models are like this including my Pop 4+. It seems that if you have a boot loop, let the phone rest for a few minutes then restart. do this even if you have wiped data. But this shouldn't happen at all especially for a new phone.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Connect with friends on this unlocked Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone. Its generous 16GB capacity stores more photos and music, and its quad-core CPU ensures speedy performance. The card slot supports a microSD, and the 8-megapixel camera has autofocus for sharper images. The loudspeaker on this Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone plays your favorite tunes.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Unlocked dual sim android phone
By ASCX
Alcatel uses older underpowered cpu which slows performance compared to currently available android marshmallow phones. Alcatel does support adoptive SD card storage unlike LG and Samsung. Dual sim is a plus. Needs better processor to be competitive.
msumulong
Glendora, CA
POP 4S has a faster processor
December 11, 2016
as mentioned in the title, if you need a faster phone get the 4S. It has a 1.8Ghz processer and 2GB RAM. There are three POP 4 phones - POP 4/POP 4 Plus/POP 4S wherein the 4 Plus is the mid-tier POP 4 phone. But for $49.99 during Black Friday, why not?
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Connect with friends on this unlocked Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone. Its generous 16GB capacity stores more photos and music, and its quad-core CPU ensures speedy performance. The card slot supports a microSD, and the 8-megapixel camera has autofocus for sharper images. The loudspeaker on this Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone plays your favorite tunes.
Overall
2 out of 5
2 out of 5When it CAN be used its good, But it cant be used.
By Reona945
The phone keeps restarting even though the battery has more than enough charge. I've tried a hard reset and that hasnt helped. A factory reset stopped the cycle and i managed to use the phone for like 20 minutes and the phone restarted. When we ordered the phone, we also ordered a case from a third party. At first we thought the case was pressing the power button because it was a tight fit but it didnt seem right. There was also an incident i had in the past with the one touch evolve that was exactly the same. I would like to hear back and now if this can be fix :) Have a nice Day!
msumulong
Glendora, CA
No updates available
December 19, 2016
AS mentioned no updates available yet.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Connect with friends on this unlocked Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone. Its generous 16GB capacity stores more photos and music, and its quad-core CPU ensures speedy performance. The card slot supports a microSD, and the 8-megapixel camera has autofocus for sharper images. The loudspeaker on this Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone plays your favorite tunes.
Overall2 out of 5
2 out of 5Reboot loop
By Proz
After having the phone for less than 1 month, I took it on vacation where I didn't have service. On the way my phone started to restart randomly. When I arrived at my destination the phone started into a reboot loop. If I caught it booting up quick enough occasionally I could navigate for a couple minutes. Even after I was able to get wifi connected and any other setting I thought could affect it such as gps location disabled the phone continued into the reboot loop. After researching on many blogs and andriod q and a sites I couldn't find a helpful answer to remedy the issue. I reluctantly did a factory reset but the loop continued. Finally, after returning back home I attempted to use the phone and it returned to "normal". I am very dissatisfied and I am generally very easy to please. I will be looking for another device to replace this asap.
msumulong
Glendora, CA
seems to be the gps
December 20, 2016
I also did the factory reset to ease the symptoms. But it seems to be the gps module as then random reboots often occur when I am in my car and mobile. Also when I use Yelp and try to get directions, the phone restarts. No problem when I'm home though.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Connect with friends on this unlocked Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone. Its generous 16GB capacity stores more photos and music, and its quad-core CPU ensures speedy performance. The card slot supports a microSD, and the 8-megapixel camera has autofocus for sharper images. The loudspeaker on this Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone plays your favorite tunes.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Alcatel - Pop 4 Plus 4g
By xkenox
Unlocked Alcatel - Pop 4 Plus 4g Lte With 16gb Memory Cell Phone - Metal Silver Hairbrush.
The phone could not get data connections with T-Mobile.
The phone could not get data connections with T-Mobile.
msumulong
Glendora, CA
works with t-mobile
January 4, 2017
I have a T-Mobile account and 4G. works. Make sure you select T-Mobile in the APN settings.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Connect with friends on this unlocked Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone. Its generous 16GB capacity stores more photos and music, and its quad-core CPU ensures speedy performance. The card slot supports a microSD, and the 8-megapixel camera has autofocus for sharper images. The loudspeaker on this Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone plays your favorite tunes.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Great Laptop at Great Price
By BBUser808
from Hawaii
Got this on Black Friday. Considering the price, awesome laptop, used for about a month, no complaints what so ever.
msumulong
Glendora, CA
This is for a cell phone
January 8, 2017
This review section is for a cell phone and not a laptop.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Connect with friends on this unlocked Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone. Its generous 16GB capacity stores more photos and music, and its quad-core CPU ensures speedy performance. The card slot supports a microSD, and the 8-megapixel camera has autofocus for sharper images. The loudspeaker on this Alcatel Pop 4 smartphone plays your favorite tunes.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Good quality, but issue with 4G
By Praveen
I purchased this phone on black Friday because bestbuy was selling at $50, the phone had 2-yrs warranty, and Alcatel is one of the few good brands. I was excited about this purchase thinking that I paid only $50, but my excitement did vanish in a couple of days when I found that the phone restarts itself. After keeping an eye on the phone for a few days, I found that it restarts only when I drive or I am in a remote area. I googled about the issue and luckily found the reason behind restart. I am using T-mobile connection and had turned 4G LTE on. The 4G LTE service of T-mobile is not available in all areas of ABQ and therefore whenever I drove in areas where T-mobile signal was weak, phone used to restart. My phone never restarted in my school or in my house as T-mobile signal is excellent in these places. To fix the issue, I changed the network settings in my phone and set 3G as the default data service and after that it never restarted.
So, if any of you are facing restart issue, just stop using 4G LTE and use 3G. This solution worked for me. Hopefully it might work for you,too.
My finding is - this phone supports 4G only if the strength of the signal is excellent, otherwise, it restarts itself. But I don't know why doesn't it ,like other brands, work in case of bad signal. My friend has samsung phone and she never had the restart issue though we go to all the places together in the same car.
All other features of this phone are like samsung phone - my the most favorite brand. I haven't observed any other issue and the phone works like charm. Speed, sound quality (the default music player doesn't have equalizer, so you might try VLC music player), picture+video quality, and call quality are just superb. Finally I started loving this phone.
So, if any of you are facing restart issue, just stop using 4G LTE and use 3G. This solution worked for me. Hopefully it might work for you,too.
My finding is - this phone supports 4G only if the strength of the signal is excellent, otherwise, it restarts itself. But I don't know why doesn't it ,like other brands, work in case of bad signal. My friend has samsung phone and she never had the restart issue though we go to all the places together in the same car.
All other features of this phone are like samsung phone - my the most favorite brand. I haven't observed any other issue and the phone works like charm. Speed, sound quality (the default music player doesn't have equalizer, so you might try VLC music player), picture+video quality, and call quality are just superb. Finally I started loving this phone.
msumulong
Glendora, CA
Alcatel is aware of this issue
March 13, 2017
I called tech support and was informed that there is an issue with this phone. Alcatel promptly replaced my phone with newer firmware and presumably hardware and the problems of random reboots have gone.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
msumulong's Questions
msumulong has not submitted any questions.
Power your 2nd Gen Ring video doorbell continuously with this Wasserstein premium solar charger. The high-quality solar cells offer reliable, efficient and stable charging performance, while the micro USB cable connector eliminates the need for hardwiring and delivers a mess-free setup. This weatherproof Wasserstein premium solar charger is durable and withstands volatile outdoor conditions.
Will this work on a north-facing covered porch?
As long as there is enough light not necessarily direct sunlight , shiuld still work. Though some solar devices tend to oberheat when under direct sunight like batteries, I cannot ascertain if this is the case. Mine uses only indirect sunlight.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
msumulong
Create engaging video content with this RODE mobile filmmaking vlogger kit. An included tripod helps stabilize your device for improved picture quality, while the on-camera microLED and diffuser provide gentle illumination for capturing life-like images. This RODE mobile filmmaking vlogger kit features a SmartGrip holder to keep your smartphone in place, and the USB-C-enabled VideoMic Me-C microphone captures clear directional audio.
Can you use this with Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra? Within a minute of filming goes distorted and voices sound robotic when talking. Tried on Galaxy 10 same thing. Got replacement same thing. Does this everytime. 1 minute within filming with phone distortion
There is a firmware update to fix current issues,
2 years, 10 months ago
by
msumulong
Unleash the power of the Samsung 980 PRO PCIe 4.0 NVMe Gen4 SSD for next-level computing. 980 PRO delivers 2x the data transfer rate of PCIe 3.0, while maintaining compatibility with PCIe 3.0.¹ ¹The NVM Express® design mark is a registered trademark of NVM Express, Inc.* Results are based on a comparison with Samsung PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSDs and SATA SSDs. PS5 compatible with heatsink as recommended by Sony; heatsink sold separately.
Has anyone noticed it being hot? Not quite sure if it would be ok for my laptop.
It becomes very hot. As per my initial use it use somewhere between 60-70C but I've read someone measure it as high as 81C. I purchased a 1mm copper heatsink with thermal tape and attached it to this SSD. As per my measurement temperatures range from 34C to 46C. I've read somewhere 50C is still considered normal or acceptable. Note not purchase the 3mm heatsinks (the ones with fins) as they are designed for desktops. The 1mm copper heatsink fits perfectly on ,y HP Pavilion gaming laptop replacing the meatl bracket (with thermal paste) holding the old SSD.
2 years, 11 months ago
by
msumulong
Jam out to your tunes with these black JLab GO Air true wireless earbuds. Three sets of gel buds offer a comfortable and secure fit for all-day use, while the rechargeable 43 mAh lithium-polymer battery on each earbud offers up to 5 hours of use when fully charged. These JLab GO Air true wireless earbuds have a 30-foot Bluetooth connectivity range, letting you wander away from connected devices freely.
Do these earbuds have a location finder
VP83 LensHopper Camera-Mount Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Does this work with iPhone?
No. This condenser mic is designed for DSLRs and camcorders.
3 years ago
by
msumulong
Say Hello to Cleaner, Fresher Indoor Air—24/7.Monitor and clean your air 24/7 with the Filtrete™ 310 Sq. Ft. Smart Air Purifier for Large Rooms from the most trusted HVAC filter brand in America*. These easy-to-use connected devices automatically improve the quality of the air you breathe, taking action when air quality issues arise at home. The devices also integrate seamlessly with the Filtrete™ Smart App, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and other smart home products.With so much bad stuff in our indoor air, why not choose an air purifier and filter to help keep your home’s air cleaner and fresher?Included with each Filtrete™ Smart Air Purifier is a True HEPA filter, which captures 99.97% of airborne particles**, such as allergens, dust, lint, mold spores, bacteria, viruses and pet dander. Plus, every filter is electrostatically engineered to pull in and trap microscopic airborne particles. Many of those particles are 1000x smaller than you can see.Give yourself some peace of mind with a sleek Filtrete™ Smart Air Purifier that automatically monitors, reacts and purifies air in large rooms.
How much do replacement filters cost?
$19.99 in BestBuy
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/premium-f1-true-hepa-filter-for-filtrete-smart-air-purifier-for-large-rooms-white/6450276.p?skuId=6450276
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/premium-f1-true-hepa-filter-for-filtrete-smart-air-purifier-for-large-rooms-white/6450276.p?skuId=6450276
3 years ago
by
msumulong
Life Dot 2 XR is optimized for noise cancelling— changing its settings depending on your surroundings. On top of this it delivers thumping beats, clear calls, and a 35-hour playtime. Using the Soundcore app, you can customize your touch controls and sound profile to perfectly fit the way you listen.
What is the difference between this earbud and Anker Soundcore life a2 NC? Does this earbud have a transparent mode?
The A2 has six microphones whereas the Dot 2 XR and Dot 2 NC have four. Otherwise, they all seem to be the same including transparency mode.
3 years ago
by
msumulong
Meet the second-gen Nest Hub from Google,* the center of your helpful home. Stay entertained in the kitchen with shows, videos, and music. In the living room, control your compatible lights, TVs, and other smart devices with a tap or your voice. And in the bedroom, Nest Hub can help you wake up easier with a Sunrise Alarm.
What are the improvements over the first generation hub?
Soli motion sensing technology was added. You can have basic controls of the hub by just swiping over the screen. But generally Soli is used to track your sleep instead of cameras. Other than that, faster processing and slightly better sound quality were added too.
3 years, 1 month ago
by
msumulong
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?
It has four mics. And I've tried making calls and call quality is good.
3 years, 3 months ago
by
msumulong
Now you can enjoy the same quality and craftsmanship you've come to love in your large GE Appliances right on your counters, thanks to our reliable electric kettles. All GE Appliances kettles feature double-wall construction which keeps the exterior of the kettle cool to the touch while retaining heat inside. Never worry about holding a hot kettle or running out of hot water for your favorite tea, coffee or soup again. Thanks to the timeless stainless steel finish on all our kettles, they will tastefully complement any kitchen or office decor with the reliability you've come to expect from a brand you trust.