LouRevue's stats
- Review count329
- Helpfulness votes833
- First reviewMay 20, 2011
- Last reviewDecember 29, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes1
- First review commentJanuary 17, 2017
- Last review commentJanuary 17, 2017
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count2
- Helpfulness votes5
- First answerDecember 10, 2017
- Last answerJune 12, 2018
- Featured answers0
- Best answers1
Drive safely with this Escort Max 3 driver alert system. AutoLearn technology and an IVT filter reduce false alerts to avoid distractions, while the large multicolor OLED display provides an optimal viewing angle. This Escort Max 3 driver alert system features Bluetooth connectivity to let you share and receive useful information via the app.
Customer Rating
5
Pretty good for newbie owner
on October 14, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
I’ve been looking to upgrade my radar detector however there’s so many choices out there. The normal Cobra/Uniden/Escort names are really the only ones I’m familiar with. That said, what’s most important is that the radar detectors work and work well. This one seems to work pretty well and haven’t had any issues.
Included in the box is the radar detector, suction cup mount, cigarette charger and a carrying case as well as the instruction manual. Pretty simple, compact setup that’s easy to carry and transport.
Included in the box is the radar detector, suction cup mount, cigarette charger and a carrying case as well as the instruction manual. Pretty simple, compact setup that’s easy to carry and transport.
The suction up mount is pretty good and provides a solid mount. It’s fall now so I really won’t know how well the mount holds up until summer rolls around. For now though, it’s pretty solid so that’s a good thing. The unit connects to the mount via a magnetic mount which provides just the right amount of support for the radar detector. It’s a solid enough mount where it’ll hang tight while you’re using it but not too strong where it’s impossible to remove the unit from the mount. You can easily connect the unit to the mount and easily take it off as well. I’m certain it’ll hold on if you hit a big bump/pothole so there’s peace of mind there.
The unit itself takes some time getting used to in terms of buttons, functionality, etc. I had a Cobra one before so I got used to that setup. A good look through of the manual is in order for me. I use this radar detector in my F150 so the cigarette power cable is just the right length for my truck. I believe there is a hardwire kit available so I’ll probably get that. I have a dash cam too that’s hardwired so it’ll give my truck a nice, cleaner look.
There is also a companion app to use with this radar detector. It requires a subscription to use however I haven’t gotten to it yet. With this radar, dash cam and another heads up display in my truck, my dash is starting to get a bit cluttered so adding another screen to look at might be a bit distracting.
As far as performance, I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary with this. It works as intended and alerts me to known street speed traps. I have yet to go out on the highway with this but I’m certain it’ll work there as well. The unit comes defaulted to Auto mode and I’ve seen other reviews stating you should change that to get better functionality from the radar detector. I noticed that when on Auto, it seems a bit sketchy in terms of alerts and such. There’s still a bit of a learning curve for me with this thing but, overall, seems to function/operate similarly to most other well known radar detector brands.
Hoping this thing works superbly so I won’t get any speeding tickets.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
3of 3voted 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 with the flip-to-mute microphone you can easily choose if you want to be heard or not. Additionally, the headset~s long lasting comfort and battery life allow you to game through those marathon sessions.
Customer Rating
4
Pretty solid, all around headset
on October 14, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
I have the Astro A40s which is a really good headset. As good as they are, I really don't like wired headsets all that much so these A20's are the wireless, middle brother to the A40's.
Sound is spot on as is the chat volume. The chat/volume slider is pretty similar to any other headset so just takes a sec to fine tune that piece. The controls for the headset are on the right ear which, odd as it sounds, takes a little while getting used to. Pretty much all the wireless headsets I've had, the controls were always on the left side so I'm used to that. Controls are pretty simple however the buttons click with nice responsive feedback. The headset charges via USB-C and the headset comes with a short charging cable.
The fit of the headset is a bit off for me. The earcups, called me old fashioned, I prefer them to be leather or pleather. The microfiber fabric on these headsets is comfortable however it itches my ears if I play for a long time. The headband is a bit of an issue for me and those folks with big heads. Even with the earcups extended all the way, the headset feels tight on me. I wear a 7 3/8 fitted hat and this headset isn't tailored for those with large noggins. That said, it's a tight but comfortable feel. However, for long periods of time, it starts to get a bit itchy/uncomfortable for me.
Overall, it's a quality headset. Sound is good, fit is good and battery life seems to be pretty good or on par with any other wireless headset.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Make the most of your tablet with the ZAGG Pro Stylus. Take notes, sketch, mark-up documents, swipe through pages, and just do more. With a eight-hour battery life, palm-rejection technology, and compatibility with apps that support Apple Pencil, you~re ready for anything. Compatible with Apple iPad Pro 12.9" 6th Generation (2022) 5th Generation (2021), 4th Generation (2020), 3rd Generation (2018); iPad Pro 11" 4th Generation (2022), 3rd Generation (2021), 2nd Generation (2020), 1st Generation (2018); iPad Air 10.9" 5th Generation (2022), 4th Generation (2020); iPad 10.2" 9th Generation (2021), 8th Generation (2020), 7th Generation (2019); iPad 9.7" 6th Generation (2018); and iPad mini 6th Generation (2021), 5th Generation (2019).
Customer Rating
4
Low cost alternative to Apple Pencil
on October 7, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
For those of you looking to get an Apple pencil for your iPad but are turned off by the extraordinary price tag, this would be a great comparable, low cost option.
I recently purchased a 12.9 iPad Pro and also got the Gen 2 Apple pencil with it. It was an impulse purchase but if you’re spending over $1k on an tablet, what’s a hundred or so more right? The Apple Pencil works great as it should and battery life is great. Obviously, the biggest turn off for the Apple Pencil is the price tag. Spending $150 or so on a pen seems ridiculous. But, for those who are in graphic design or other creative professions, the pen is almost a must have.
As with any 3rd party accessory, I’m always leery that it’ll be a limited version of the OEM product. The same held true for this Zagg pen so I was expecting a lower brand knock off of the Apple Pencil. Much to my surprise, it works very well and seems to have the same functionality of the Apple Pencil.
As far as size/weight, this pen is almost identical to the Apple Pencil. Length wise, they’re the same however the Zagg pen feels a smidge lighter. The Apple Pencil feels a bit more solid while the Zagg pen seems empty(er) inside. Big drawback for me, like with the Apple Pencil, is that the Zagg pen is really smooth so it’s hard to maintain a good grip for me. Also, the squishy, stylish end of the pen isn’t something I really use. I much prefer the pencil tip for my applications.
One of the things that concerned me about the pen was that it should work for most applications. Fair to say that, this being a 3rd party accessory, one could expect that it wouldn’t function exactly like the Apple Pencil. For the apps that I use, this pen works perfectly fine with them. I’m not a heavy user of things like Photoshop or Adobe however I use some popular apps like PenUltimate, Notability and Evernote. I also use Sketchbook quite a bit too. In all of these apps, I don’t notice any limited functionality. Touches are registered just like the Apple Pencil does. You can easily write/draw with the pen and it doesn’t register your palm if it’s touching the screen. The only difference that I noticed is that this pen won’t detect/register pencil strokes at an extreme angle. The Apple Pencil will however the Zagg pen is very choppy when used at extreme angles. Not a huge thing but just something I noticed.
The back half of the pen slides up to reveal the USB-C charging port. Included in the box is a USB-C charging cable (about a foot long) and an extra pencil tip.
The back half of the pen slides up to reveal the USB-C charging port. Included in the box is a USB-C charging cable (about a foot long) and an extra pencil tip.
The one nagging thing I have with this pen is that you can’t tell if it’s on. When you turn the pen on/off, a ring of light shows up to let you know the pen is powered on/off however you can’t tell IF it’s been turned off or on. I would’ve preferred the light stay on or pulse to let you know the pen is on. Not a big issue but just something that would’ve been nice.
That said, if you want a pen for your iPad but don’t want to pay retail price on the Apple Pencil, this is a great alternative. It’s cheaper than the Apple Pencil and, from what I’ve seen, works just like the Apple Pencil.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+26points
31of 36voted this as helpful.
Feel the music with the JET BASS BOOSTER and High-efficiency Tweeters inside the all-in-one MHC-V13 Home Audio System. Make the party yours with a speaker light, Karaoke function, and more. New functions like Party Playlist and Karaoke Ranking via Sony~s Fiestable app turn the party into a full-on interactive experience for everyone in attendance.
Customer Rating
3
Unusual combination for a speaker system
on October 3, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
If you’re the partying type, this speaker might be for you. If you’re not, probably best to look for something else.
This is an unusual speaker system in that it’s a normal music playing system in addition to karaoke machine and guitar speaker. I haven’t seen something like this so it’s definitely unique. Probably so unique that it might not be for everyone.
This is an unusual speaker system in that it’s a normal music playing system in addition to karaoke machine and guitar speaker. I haven’t seen something like this so it’s definitely unique. Probably so unique that it might not be for everyone.
As a music speaker, this works just fine. You’re able to play CD’s as well as sync your Bluetooth device to the speaker. There is also a USB port and Digital Optic port on the back of the unit as well. When pairing your Bluetooth device, the sound is drastically diminished. I paired my iPhone XS MAX to the speaker and the sound was really weak. I had to crank up the volume almost to the max in order to get some decent sound out of the speaker. When playing a CD however, the sound is quite nice. The highs come through well and there’s just enough bass to make it sound good.
I ‘m not a big karaoke fan so I wasn’t able to try this feature out. There is a mic input on the speaker as well as controls for the mic. I also don’t have a guitar so I wasn’t able to try this feature out as well. These two features, I’m guessing, a lot of people won’t be able to take advantage of.
The size of the unit is pretty compact. The speaker is about 2 feet tall and about a foot wide so the footprint is quite small. The included remote is quite helpful.
If you’re host parties quite a bit or like to play guitar, this would be something of interest for you. However, if you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker, Sony has other products that would suit you much better like the XB or SRS lineup. This speaker seems like it’s trying to squeeze several different features in an all-in-one Bluetooth speaker. For me, it’s not something I can take full advantage of however it works well if you need/want a Bluetooth speaker.
https://youtu.be/DrK50eoCIoo
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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-1point
1of 3voted this as helpful.
Now the Roomba i3+ EVO robot vacuum is smarter than ever, learning and mapping your home room-by-room so it can clean the room you want, when you want~with 10x the Power-Lifting Suction* and Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System. Powered by iRobot OS, it stays one step ahead of everyday messes, by learning your life and suggesting cleaning schedules~to clean when you~re out enjoying life. On-demand cleaning is only a command away, with Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility** that let you direct your robot to messes right when they happen. With Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, Roomba will return itself to the base when the bin is full, automatically empty and resume cleaning, so you don~t have to think about emptying the bin for months at a time. (*Compared to the Roomba~ 600 series cleaning system)
Customer Rating
5
Cool robot vac. Needs AR capability though
on September 18, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
My initial run with this vacuum has been pretty good. I previously owned a Shark robot vacuum which was okay but had room for improvement. The biggest upgrade for me here is that this iRobot vac has it’s own trash bin and empties itself.
Much like any other robot vacuum, this iRobot one is pretty standard in design and operation. One big thing I did notice between my two robot vacs is the noise. The Shark was pretty loud. It had three power settings you could toggle between and the most powerful one was obviously the loudest. This iRobot one is pretty quiet which is nice. I have hardwood floors so the noise from these robot vacs is amplified quite a bit. When cleaning my carpeted bedroom floors, much much quieter.
When you first use these robot vacs, they need to meander around your place in order to get the lay of the land, so to speak. This one does something so simple yet so effective; it goes in parallel lines. The first time I used my Shark, it went everywhere, round and round, bashing into furniture, etc. The iRobot will logically run in parallel lines and the sensors onboard know when there is a large object in its way. Basically, it learns much faster and logically compared to the Shark. After each run you can view the map it came up with to confirm accuracy,
The biggest issue for me is the trash bin. It’s great in that the vacuum empties itself but the biggest issue for me is it is LOUD when it empties the dust bin. The trash bin uses bags very similar to the old school vacuum bags so that’s where all the dirt goes and does need to be replaced. When the vacuum empties itself, it sounds like a jet turbine engine. I think it sounds louder than a normal, full sized vacuum cleaner. It’s loud and it revs much like a normal engine. Basically it spins up and spins down when the trash is being emptied. Kind of surprising how something that small can be so loud.
This vacuum has its own companion app as well being Alexa/Google Voice compatible. So far things have been pretty good and this vacuum performs as expected. Aside from the jet engine sound from the trash bin, this seems to be a great home automation device to have.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+29points
42of 55voted this as helpful.
Master it, anywhere with MX Anywhere 3 ~a compact performance mouse designed for mobile work ~from the home office, to the cafe, to the airport lounge.The electromagnetic MagSpeed scroll wheel is faster, quieter, and more precise. A low-profile design is contoured for the shape of your hand ~with silicone side grips ensure that it~s always soft to the touch.MX Anywhere 3 is built to withstand the bumps and drops of mobile work. And a track-anywhere sensor means you can work on virtually any surface.App-specific button customizations speed up your workflow in the apps you use most.
Customer Rating
5
Another great mouse from Logitech
on September 18, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
The Logitech Anywhere mouse is probably the best all-around mouse on the market. I have 3 of these and use them all the time for my personal and work laptops. In terms of fit/feel/performance, I haven’t yet found a mouse that worked so perfectly in all aspects.
In terms of comparison, there’s not a whole lot of changes between the MX2 and MX3. Size/shape/weight are pretty much the same between both models. The only major difference I can see, size wise, is the footprint, or bottom, of the mouse. The MX3 is a bit shorter than its predecessor however it still feels the same in your hand.
In terms of comparison, there’s not a whole lot of changes between the MX2 and MX3. Size/shape/weight are pretty much the same between both models. The only major difference I can see, size wise, is the footprint, or bottom, of the mouse. The MX3 is a bit shorter than its predecessor however it still feels the same in your hand.
The scroll wheel on the MX3 is all metal whereas the scroll wheel on the MX2 was metal with a center plastic ring. I like the metal look/feel on the MX3 so it’s a nice little upgrade from the previous model. Scrolling also feels a bit crisper and more precise on the MX3 I noticed.
The middle button on the mouse changed from a square to oval shaped one. I find this a bit easier to press the button, both in a good and bad sense. When scrolling, your finger will naturally scroll down the mouse and sometimes I hit the button on accident sometimes.
Another improvement on the MX3 was the side grips. The MX2 had a fractal look to it which felt more aesthetic than functional. The ridged rubber on the MX3 feels better and actually works as a grip (as it should).
The middle button on the mouse changed from a square to oval shaped one. I find this a bit easier to press the button, both in a good and bad sense. When scrolling, your finger will naturally scroll down the mouse and sometimes I hit the button on accident sometimes.
Another improvement on the MX3 was the side grips. The MX2 had a fractal look to it which felt more aesthetic than functional. The ridged rubber on the MX3 feels better and actually works as a grip (as it should).
I don’t really need to comment on performance as this mouse, just as with the MX2, will work on any surface and work accurately. I’ve used the mouse on a granite countertop, work desk, glass and hardwood floor. It just plain works so, thankfully, no change in this department.
Battery life is almost negligible. I just recently charged my MX2 after using it for about 3 months (off and on). Manufacturer description states this battery should last a little over 2 months and I have no reason to doubt that.
One minor thing I wished this mouse had was a compartment to store the USB dongle. It’s kind of irritating to carry both around in my bag as I usually lose the dongle and need to search for it for a good 5 minutes or so everytime. Not a huge deal breaker or anything but other mice I have that do have dedicated compartments for the USB dongle just makes transporting them easier.
So, overall, if you already have an older gen mouse like I do, I don’t think the MX3 offers any huge, must-have improvements. The MX3 does work across multiple PC’s so if that’s a feature you need, this would suit you well. I don’t personally utilize this feature at all and don’t even know if the MX2 is capable of this. However, if you have an older clunker of a mouse that’s in need of an update, the MX3 is definitely a good pickup for you.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
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Refreshed and ready to take its rightful spot atop a new generation of consoles, the Turtle Beach~ Stealth~ 600 Gen 2 is the successor to the best-selling wireless gaming headset for PS5~, PS4~ & PS4~ Pro. The Stealth~ 600 Gen 2 wireless gaming headset is enhanced with a host of upgrades, including a larger high-sensitivity flip-to-mute mic that delivers improved chat clarity and now seamlessly integrates into the headset when muted. The headband and hinge design have been reinforced for added long-term durability, and soft, glasses-friendly ear cushions provide plush comfort while refined 50mm speakers produce high-quality, immersive sound and are optimized to unleash the power of Sony 3D Audio on PS5~. A user-friendly audio preset button on the headset allows for easy access to customize audio, and gamers can still count on Turtle Beach~s Superhuman Hearing~ for an audio advantage on the battlefield. Finally, connectivity is made easy with the included, mini-USB Transmitter that wirelessly connects from your PlayStation~ console to headset.
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
Overall this headset is pretty good however the chat sound could be better
I previously used the Sony Gold headset since it was a wireless headset. It had good sound and chat quality was pretty good. I recently upgraded to the Astro A40’s which are wired but a vastly superior headset. These Turtlebeach’s are on the lower end of headsets I’ve used.
The headset is really lightweight which is nice. It’s probably the lightest ones I’ve used and even after a 5 hour Destiny 2 grind, they felt really comfortable. For those with big heads like me, this headset felt a bit tight at the top. I wear a 7 3/8 fitted hat so anyone with a big head, this is something you’ll need to be aware of. While labeled a PS4 headset, these are plug-and-play on PC as well. Setup was super quick on PC so there is that. This headset charges via USB-C so they’re quick to charge and could be wired to your PS4/PC if you wanted to. All the controls are on the left side of the headset along with the boom mic. Pretty easy to get used to them as there is only a sound volume, chat volume dials, Mode/Preset selector and power button.
The sound quality was pretty nice and robust. Crank up the volume and explosions and gun fire sound pretty beefy and has just enough bass in them. On full blast, the sound isn’t too loud however it provides just enough immersion in the game for a good experience. The chat quality was very good. Chatting with my teammates, they stated my voice came through loud and clear which was great. The main issue I had with the chat is the feedback you hear through your headset. There was a bit of hissing coming through the headset. The louder you raise the chat volume, the more hissing you get. With other headsets, you can hear your own voice crystal clear without any lag or anything. With this headset, your voice sounds like it’s coming from a tin can. It’s somewhat distracting since all the other sounds come through clear. Your own voice sounds like the mic is on the other side of the room. It’s sounds very distant and faint but still kind of distracting. Aside from this, the headset is really nice. Sound is pretty clear and the fit is mostly good for this headset.
Battery wise, this headset has a pretty good charge time. I played 4-5 hours for 4 days and didn’t need to recharge. Having a USB-C connection, this charges up pretty quickly as well.
Battery wise, this headset has a pretty good charge time. I played 4-5 hours for 4 days and didn’t need to recharge. Having a USB-C connection, this charges up pretty quickly as well.
Overall, this is a pretty good headset. The chat feedback/hissing is an issue for me. Had this not been an issue, this would be a really great headset for the price. The lightweight headset and easy connection make it a really nice travel or backup headset. If you’re a casual player, this should be a nice headset for you. For serious gamers, I think you’d prefer one of the higher end headsets over this one. This would be a great pickup if you can get it on sale or on Black Friday or something.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+26points
26of 26voted this as helpful.
Enjoy all the fried foods you love, with little to no oil at all! The Chefman 8 Quart Turbo Fry Air Fryer with Square Stainless-Steel design allows you to fry like a pro right in your kitchen. With this air fryer, delicious and healthy eating is finally possible, with no mess from fried oil and less fat in your meals. The XL, family-sized capacity and nonstick basket give you the ability to cook enough for a crowd without taking up too much room on your countertop. Skip the microwave, reheat leftovers to perfection in your Chefman air fryer to bring back that crunchy, fried flavor days later. Make better-for-you fries that are just as crispy and tasty, roast chicken thighs, or heat up leftovers for a quick and easy meal. Use the helpful presets to serve fries, chicken, meat, or fish at the push of a button. The adjustable temperature control with 60-minute timer automatically shuts off once food is done, so you never have to worry about burning or drying out your food. Control both time and temperature with the simple touch screen and create evenly cooked meals with help from the LED shake reminder. The fryer's space saving basket is removable and dishwasher safe for easy clean-up, so can spend more time eating than cooking! 1700 Watts/120 Volts - RJ38-SQSS-8T NEW
Customer Rating
4
Good size and easy to use
on September 3, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
I previously had an air fryer before but it died unfortunately. I think these air fryers are a must have in any kitchen. So long as you get a large sized one, these air fryers can cook up lots of goodies without a lot of effort.
This unit is a generous size which is a bonus. This can handle a good amount of fries or fish sticks or whatever it is you want. The touchscreen controls is pretty nice as well. My previous unit was pretty basic with dials and buttons. This one looks a bit futuristic and the stainless steel really looks nice.
So far, cooking up a batch of tater tots came out well. Main issue with these, for me, is trying to determine cooking times for various food products. Over time, I'll figure it out but, for now, really stoked about having my curly fries whenever I want :)
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
Life~s extraordinary moments deserve to be captured with smooth video. DJI OM 4 is a magnetic gimbal designed to complement your smartphone, allowing you to start recording right away. Ultra-compact, easy to use, and bursting with intelligent features, OM 4 is the ultimate solution for capturing and sharing your world.
Customer Rating
5
Pretty cool accessory for shooting videos
on September 2, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
I’ve never had a one of these however it’s always been on my “to buy” list. While I don’t shoot a whole lot of videos, when I do it always seems that having one of these would be super advantageous.
This grip attaches to your phone either by a clamp or a stick-on metal ring/magnet you put on the back of your phone. For reference, I have an iPhone XS Max in an Otterbox Pursuit case. The metal ring attachment is going to be the easiest way to attach to the grip. The clamp just barely fits on my phone/case. The clamp is rubberized so it shouldn’t scratch your phone without a case. When using my Otterbox Symmetry case, the clamp fits on perfectly. Both the mounts snap into the grip with a pleasing click so you know it’s on there quite sturdily. You’ll also want to download the companion app for this grip as it syncs up perfectly with the grip.
Once everything is synced and setup, using the grip is fairly simple/straightforward. The buttons are pretty self-explanatory as well as the ports on the grip. The included tripod screws into the base of the grip and is pretty useful, I think. Using just the grip, it might take awhile to get used to how the grip works as well as how you can best use it when filming. Using the trigger button, zoom slide and the on-screen controls takes a bit getting used to. Over time I’ll figure everything out but I’m still learning how best to use this.
The unit is fairly lightweight and packs for travel quite easily. The grip charges via USB-C so charging is fairly quick. Can’t comment on battery life however the manufacturer states 15hr runtime with only a couple hours for full charge. The grip is Bluetooth LE so power consumption is fairly low.
The unit is fairly lightweight and packs for travel quite easily. The grip charges via USB-C so charging is fairly quick. Can’t comment on battery life however the manufacturer states 15hr runtime with only a couple hours for full charge. The grip is Bluetooth LE so power consumption is fairly low.
Overall, I love this thing. I’m no filmmaker however using this grip kinda makes me feel like one. It’s easy to operate and pretty intuitive. The biggest thing for me at this point is just getting accustomed to how it works and how to easily/quickly change settings while recording. This will come over time so no issue here. Pretty cool device and am really looking forward to learning how to use this like a pro.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Brew coffee at your leisure with this Breville Vertuo Next Classic espresso machine. Centrifusion technology with spin rates of up to 7000 rpm ensure thorough coffee extraction, and the included 12 Vertuo coffee capsules introduce you to a variety of coffee flavors. This Breville Vertuo Next Classic espresso machine is Bluetooth-enabled for easy updates, installation and synchronizing with the Nespresso mobile app.
Customer Rating
5
Above and beyond a Keurig
on August 27, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
Like most people, I had a Keurig to fulfill my coffee needs. As with any Keurig, they work great and will brew you up a cup real quick. Unfortunately, like some Keurig machines, they’re not too reliable. My Keurig died and I wanted something a little better to satisfy my coffee needs. I’ve been quite interested in the Nespresso machines as I’ve heard they brew up a better coffee than other machines. Having used mine for a bit, I can say this is definitely true and I’m quite pleased thus far.
Aesthetically, the Nespresso just looks cool compared to a Keurig. It has a narrow footprint and a pleasing, sleek design. My Keurig was quite large so it took up a fair amount of real estate on my counter top. Minor gripe about the Nespresso is that this model has the water tank in the back of the machine. If you have a cluttered counter top, this might prove an issue when it comes time to refill the tank.
Aesthetically, the Nespresso just looks cool compared to a Keurig. It has a narrow footprint and a pleasing, sleek design. My Keurig was quite large so it took up a fair amount of real estate on my counter top. Minor gripe about the Nespresso is that this model has the water tank in the back of the machine. If you have a cluttered counter top, this might prove an issue when it comes time to refill the tank.
The first thing about this machine is that you need to flush it prior to your first use. The Keurig was nicer in this respect where you can simply plug it in and fill up the tank. The Nespresso needs a bit more labor to get that first cup of coffee. This model only having one button, you’ll need to review the manual to figure out how to do everything from a setup perspective. Once you get the machine setup, then it’s a simple operation of placing the pod in, locking the machine and pushing the button. Compared to a Keurig, I think this Nespresso is a bit more involved to operate. My Keurig had a touchscreen to easily navigate and operate the machine, whereas the Nespresso just has one button. After you get accustomed to operating the machine, it’s not an issue. One somewhat major issue I had was updating the firmware on the machine. You need to download the companion Nespresso app, pair it with your phone and then update that way. It’s a bit odd having to pair your phone with a coffee machine but that’s the time we live in at the moment. A somewhat neat feature is that once you’re done brewing your coffee, once you open the lid, the pods are kicked back into an internal tray. After a few brews, you can empty out the bin.
The coffee from the Nespresso is vastly superior to a Keurig. Keurig’s are great in that it can brew up a cup of coffee quickly and you have an entire universe of brands/flavors to choose from. However, it just tastes like regular old coffee. Granted, the Nespresso brews up espresso however, coffee to coffee, the Nespresso wins in taste. Included with the machine was a sampler pack of pods with quite a few tasty flavors. I prefer flavored brews so the Nespresso has much flavorful brews compared to the Keurig. Overall, what you ultimately want is a great tasting cup of coffee and the Nespresso fills that requirement far better than a Keurig. The Nespresso brews up a creamy, rich tasting cup of coffee.
Main issue with the Nespresso are the pods themselves. You can get K-Cups pretty cheap these days. For a 50/60/80 pack, you’re looking around $30-$40; even for some of the “premium” brands. The Nespresso pods are much more expensive. K-Cups, per pod, are low as 30-40 cents. The Nespresso pods I like are roughly $1-$1.50 per pod. Availability is also an issue as they’re not readily available in my area. There are Nespresso stores near me however I have to drive an hour just to get to them. Also, none of my local retailers carry Nespresso pods or the pods I like. I’m forced to purchase pods either through the Nespresso website or other online retailers. That said, the cost increase in pods is fine with me since the coffee is far greater than your average coffee. Getting them is still kind of a pain though. And in terms of variety, there’s not a whole lot of brands that have Nespresso pods. Virtually every coffee brand has K-Cups however Nespresso pods are pretty much whatever Nespresso makes. Hopefully these Nespresso machines will catch up to the level of variety the K-Cups have.
Main issue with the Nespresso are the pods themselves. You can get K-Cups pretty cheap these days. For a 50/60/80 pack, you’re looking around $30-$40; even for some of the “premium” brands. The Nespresso pods are much more expensive. K-Cups, per pod, are low as 30-40 cents. The Nespresso pods I like are roughly $1-$1.50 per pod. Availability is also an issue as they’re not readily available in my area. There are Nespresso stores near me however I have to drive an hour just to get to them. Also, none of my local retailers carry Nespresso pods or the pods I like. I’m forced to purchase pods either through the Nespresso website or other online retailers. That said, the cost increase in pods is fine with me since the coffee is far greater than your average coffee. Getting them is still kind of a pain though. And in terms of variety, there’s not a whole lot of brands that have Nespresso pods. Virtually every coffee brand has K-Cups however Nespresso pods are pretty much whatever Nespresso makes. Hopefully these Nespresso machines will catch up to the level of variety the K-Cups have.
For me, this is a great machine. I love the taste of the espresso and the unit seems pretty solid so I’m hoping it’ll last for a while. The machine is simple to operate (once it’s setup) and brews a cup about as fast as a Keurig would. If you want something a little more from you morning cup of brew, you should check this machine out.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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LouRevue's Review Comments
Only at Best Buy Acer Aspire R 15 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Combine performance and versatility with this Acer Aspire laptop. It has a huge 1TB hard drive to meet your storage needs, and the Intel Core i5 processor makes light work of multitasking. This Acer Aspire laptop has a 15.6-inch display for a great viewing experience, and the 360-degree hinged screen provide flexibility for work and play.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Excellent laptop for everyday use
By LouRevue
from Washington, DC
Having had the chance to use this laptop, I must say it’s quite an impressive model for almostn any use. With an abundance of features housed in a sleek, stylish body, it’s a solid laptop for anyone in the market for a new/replacement laptop.
Using a 7th gen i5 dual core processor, the laptop functions on par with just about any laptop in its price range. With 8GB of RAM (12GB max) and a 1TB hard drive, it offers plenty of speed and room for all your files and enough power/speed to perform almost any task.
As far as the aesthetics go, this is an impressive looking laptop with clean lines, brushed aluminum cover and beveled edges. It’s a very nice looking laptop no doubt and the design, overall, is quite appealing. It comes with a full size keyboard as well as backlit keys which is a nice touch. Only gripe with the keyboard are the arrow buttons as the Up/Down buttons are smaller due to keyboard layout. The power button is on the right side of the laptop which is a bit unique as well as a dedicated volume button. There are 2 USB 3.0 ports as well as 1 USB 2.0 port, HDMI, SD Card and USB-C port. There is no CD drive for anyone wondering. The laptop (closed) is only about ¾ inch tall however it’s a bit wider than most due to the full size keyboard.
Power/performance. Using a dual-core processor I was under the impression this would be relatively slow and have choppy performance when opening multiple programs. Being this is the latest gen processor from Intel, this is not the case. Opening 2-3 programs at once was done with relative ease and switching between them was pretty flawless. The 8GB RAM comes in quite handy here and even with a 5400 RPM HDD, this laptop was able to perform tasks with very good speed. Battery life is pretty good. Using it “normally” and leaving it on for about 5-6 hours, there was about 50% battery left. Also, one very noteworthy benefit to this laptop, it doesn’t get that hot when left on for long periods of time which is VERY nice.
The display is probably the most impressive feature on here. A full 1080p display is quite vibrant and displays bright and dark colors extremely well. Those wanting to watch Netflix/Hulu will have no issues with the display. In addition to visuals, the sound from this laptop is equally impressive. For watching movies or just playing music, the speakers on this laptop deliver quite nicely without too much reverberation or distorted sound.
One of my initial thoughts of this being a 2-in-1 was that the tablet was an afterthought/gimmick. Having used previous 2-in-1 laptops, I was expecting the tablet functionality to be quite lackluster. Again, this was not the case. In this unit, you have, both, a well built laptop as well as tablet on-the-go device. Once in tablet mode, the screen orients itself to that of a normal tablet using Windows Tiles. Touch sensitivity is surprisingly smooth and using paint programs worked well without any lag or drops in sensitivity. Using the tablet form works really well when you want to sit back and watch videos or movies. Very nice.
A couple concerns with this laptop were;
The hard drive. While it’s a large 1TB drive, I would’ve expected something, at least, in the 7200 RPM range. Being fast enough for normal business related tasks, anyone wanting to use this laptop for video editing or other processor intensive jobs might find it to be a bit slow. This can easily be remedied by replacing the HD for a faster spindle drive or a SSD. However it would’ve been nice to have a tad faster hard drive here.
The keyboard, for me, took a bit getting used to since I have previously used standard laptop keyboards without the number pad. This is a personal preference so nothing against the design. Just noting that those of you used to that type of laptop keyboard, there will be a bit of learning curve involved however I think the addition of the number pad is great thing and should be standard on all laptops.
While the brushed aluminum case is aesthetically appealing, I’m a little concerned about it getting scratched/dinged from normal use or if when you’re changing it to be used as a tablet. This is the case with some laptops that use this metal casing so just something to be aware of.
The keyboard, for me, took a bit getting used to since I have previously used standard laptop keyboards without the number pad. This is a personal preference so nothing against the design. Just noting that those of you used to that type of laptop keyboard, there will be a bit of learning curve involved however I think the addition of the number pad is great thing and should be standard on all laptops.
While the brushed aluminum case is aesthetically appealing, I’m a little concerned about it getting scratched/dinged from normal use or if when you’re changing it to be used as a tablet. This is the case with some laptops that use this metal casing so just something to be aware of.
Overall, this is an impressive laptop, reasonably priced with enough up-to-date technology that will last you for several years to come. Being that it’s a 2-in-1, it’s an added bonus which allows you to use this device in ways you should be able to do and with relative ease.There is some bloatware included (this should be no surprise) so make sure to uninstall/delete the stuff you don’t need. Aside from a somewhat slow hard drive, the other features on this laptop more than make up for it. Very nice buy for a new work laptop or student.
LouRevue
Washington, DC
Bloatware?
January 17, 2017
It took a bit of time to setup my laptop as well. Have you tried uninstalling the bloatware on this laptop? I did and I don't have any issues with boot speed or anything else on my laptop.
+1point
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LouRevue's Questions
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LouRevue's Answers
Only @ Best BuyListen to music with this sweat- and dust-resistant wireless Jabra Elite headset. It connects via USB, mini-jack or Bluetooth, and a powerful microphone lets you use voice commands with your mobile device. This Jabra Elite headset reduces background noise and has a built-in motion sensor that lets you track fitness efforts.
Can an owner of the original non active 65t comment on the fit and stability difference with the active version? Curious if that and the extra IP rating is worth a look, or negligible.
I own both the active and regular 65T's and I don't see any noticeable difference between them. Aside from the IP rating, there's really not much difference. Both fit exactly the same and fit pretty snugly in the ear.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
LouRevue
Brighten your day and night with this Philips Being Hue ceiling light. The dimming function lets you set an ambience for different moods, and it works with the Philips Hue dimmer switch and mobile app for versatile control. The ZigBee technology of this 32W Philips Being Hue ceiling lamp provides smooth, efficient interoperability with multiple Hue lighting units.
Can this light be controlled by a existing wired wall switch? I plan to replace the light that is already there with this one, but I would prefer to use the wired switch.
Yes you can...that's what I did. One thing to note is that the light won't come on immediately like your current light fixture does. There's a second or two delay after you flip the switch. I'm planning on replacing the switch with a dimmer switch so maybe that will correct the delay.
8 years ago
by
LouRevue