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- Review count115
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- First reviewJune 16, 2014
- Last reviewDecember 4, 2023
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- Average rating4.4
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Game like a pro with this ROG STRIX Advantage Edition. Double up on AMD firepower with Ryzen 9-5900HX CPU and Radeon RX6800M GPU featuring exclusive AMD SmartShift and Smart Access Memory technology that dynamically boosts performance for any task. Enjoy eSports speed on 300hz FHD simply with FreeSync premium enabling ultrasmooth gameplay.
Posted by: bd43274
from Glendale, AZ
the good:
- CPU - The processor feels snappy and very capable of CPU intensive tasks. It actually scored higher than my Intel desktop I9 for single core (1468 vs. 1278) but did fall behind in multi-core (7361 vs. 8695). Still a very respectable benchmark score.
- CPU - The processor feels snappy and very capable of CPU intensive tasks. It actually scored higher than my Intel desktop I9 for single core (1468 vs. 1278) but did fall behind in multi-core (7361 vs. 8695). Still a very respectable benchmark score.
- GPU - The GPU didn't score quite as well as the CPU did, with a Geekbench5 Compute score of 93339, but still very solid. In my testing this puts it somewhere in the Intel Mobile 2070 range. Not bad by any stretch, but I did see some FPS drops on Epic/Max settings for some games, especially with ray tracing enabled. Turn it off and it's a different ball game. Epic settings on my FHD panel were almost always 120+ FPS.
- screen - Depending on your use case, you can choose either the FHD or QHD IPS panel for this laptop. Mine was the FHD, and while it may not be as pixel dense as QHD (which of course results in crisper images and text), FHD + gaming at this size looks fantastic. And of course is less stressful on the GPU, resulting in higher FPS.
- thermals - Temperatures seem to be handled much better in this iteration, with improved airflow (via the newly designed vapor chamber) and keyboard temperature sensing. Overall, in normal tasks I didn't hear the fans at all, but during gaming they certainly do kick in. Nothing overly obtrusive, but certainly not quiet either.
- design / RGB - While it is definitely a gaming laptop, it's not overly flashy in my opinion. In typical Asus fashion, the RGB looks great and is very customizable to individual tastes. The laptop itself isn't overly thin or light (about 5.5 lbs) but it's not too heavy to carry around as a daily driver in my opinion.
- build quality - Mostly plastic case, with some aluminum from what I understand. The build quality feels sturdy and high quality, and the keyboard surface has very little give. The keyboard itself is individually backlit and feels quite nice to type on.
- speakers - I wouldn't personally use them for gaming, but they don't sound bad at all. Better than typical laptop speakers in my opinion.
- replaceable memory/RAM - With some machines opting for soldered on memory chips, it's nice to see fully removable ram here. However, it is a bit slow for the CPU, so you may want to consider upgrading it.
the bad:
- No front facing camera or finger print.
- No front facing camera or finger print.
misc:
- trackpad - The trackpad for me is pretty good. I'm judging it against Macbooks (Apple makes the best trackpads imo) and it does fall a little short, but not enough for most people to notice. And certainly not on a gaming laptop where it will likely see little use.
- giant power brick - Some may care and others won't, but the power brick is massive.
- fingerprint magnet - I love the flat black case, but it does attract fingerprints. Not anywhere close to a deal breaker for me.
benchmarks:
- Geekbench5 CPU - 1468/7361
- 3DMark (Time Spy) - 9255
- Geekbench5 CPU - 1468/7361
- 3DMark (Time Spy) - 9255
Estimated FPS (from 3DMark):
Fortnite (Ultra) - 130+ FPS
Battlefield V (Ultra) - 110+ FPS
GTA V (Ultra) - 85+ FPS
Apex Legends (Ultra) - 140+ FPS
Fortnite (Ultra) - 130+ FPS
Battlefield V (Ultra) - 110+ FPS
GTA V (Ultra) - 85+ FPS
Apex Legends (Ultra) - 140+ FPS
overall:
Overall I feel that this is a fantastic offering from Asus / AMD. My one complaint is really the lack of "modern" security offerings (facial recognition or finger print scanning). Everything else solid and well performing. 4 stars.
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SmoothSkin Bare Plus is ultrafast, simple to use and effective in achieving permanent hair reduction, with visible results in as little as four weeks. A full body treatment takes just 10 minutes, and integrated safety sensors to ensure SmoothSkin Bare Plus never activates unless it's safe for your skin. 98% of women who tried SmoothSkin Bare Plus would recommend to their friends. SmoothSkin are the original pioneers and the world's #1 best-selling IPL hair removal brand. FDA cleared for safe and effective, permanent hair removal on your body and face. With over 30 years' IPL expertise and almost 4,000 clinical treatments performed, SmoothSkin promises to deliver real results.
Posted by: bd43274
from Glendale, AZ
the good:
- easy setup
- no skin irritation
- relatively quick treatment
- no skin irritation
- relatively quick treatment
the bad:
- extensive list of contraindications
- inconsistent results
- inconsistent results
Definitely review the contraindications for SmoothSkin Bare+ IPL device before purchasing to see if it is right for you and your skin. I was surprised at the number of contraindications listed in the manual, such as: blonde/red/gray hair color, dark skin tones, history of skin cancer, eczema, pregnancy, and tattoos on the skin to be treated, among others. If you like to tan, wax, or epilate, just be aware the manual recommends specific wait times before using their IPL after those regimens. The manual said not to expose the treated skin to direct sunlight for 7 days after using IPL. The other important part was the need to shave the area prior to doing IPL. I have a history of eczema, live in a sunny climate, have blonde hairs on my thighs, and have been epilating for years due to the irritation shaving caused my skin. Needless to say, I was not sure if this was the product for me.
The SmoothSkin Bare+ is very easy to set up. It has an easy to see indicator light letting me know it detects a valid skin tone and that I am holding it at a correct angle. The pulsed light is very bright. I felt the warmth described in the manual, but no pain. Once I got the hang of it, the treatment took a little longer than shaving, but definitely quicker than epilating. I used the IPL on both lower legs, but only on one underarm and upper thigh to compare hair growth.
I followed the directions for shaving my legs/armpits prior to using the IPL each week. I saw reduction in hair growth to my underarm within the first 2 weeks of use and continued to see less hair over 6 weeks of use. Unfortunately, my legs did not see the same results. The hair growth on my legs continues as usual. Two days after using the IPL I feel the need to shave again because of the hair growth. The manual does suggest 12 weeks of treatments to see results, so I will continue for another 6 weeks, and hope to see some reduction in hair growth on my legs.
I am happy to report, I have had no skin irritation from the IPL treatment, which I was worried about due to my eczema and razor burn history. I am pleasantly surprised by the results on my underarms, but unhappy with the lack of progress on my legs. Because of this and the narrow restrictions for effective use, it's tough wholeheartedly recommend.
The SmoothSkin Bare+ is very easy to set up. It has an easy to see indicator light letting me know it detects a valid skin tone and that I am holding it at a correct angle. The pulsed light is very bright. I felt the warmth described in the manual, but no pain. Once I got the hang of it, the treatment took a little longer than shaving, but definitely quicker than epilating. I used the IPL on both lower legs, but only on one underarm and upper thigh to compare hair growth.
I followed the directions for shaving my legs/armpits prior to using the IPL each week. I saw reduction in hair growth to my underarm within the first 2 weeks of use and continued to see less hair over 6 weeks of use. Unfortunately, my legs did not see the same results. The hair growth on my legs continues as usual. Two days after using the IPL I feel the need to shave again because of the hair growth. The manual does suggest 12 weeks of treatments to see results, so I will continue for another 6 weeks, and hope to see some reduction in hair growth on my legs.
I am happy to report, I have had no skin irritation from the IPL treatment, which I was worried about due to my eczema and razor burn history. I am pleasantly surprised by the results on my underarms, but unhappy with the lack of progress on my legs. Because of this and the narrow restrictions for effective use, it's tough wholeheartedly recommend.
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No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The new Denon Home 350 plays all your music wirelessly with the great sound you expect from Denon. Enjoy your music in any room of your house, and group other products with HEOS Built-in such as AV receivers, Hi-Fi systems, sound bars and speakers to fill your whole home with music. With a dynamic tweeter and powerful mid-bass driver, enjoy accurate, room-filling sound, without sacrificing the space needed for a full Hi-Fi system. Play music from your favorite online streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, Pandora, TIDAL and more, or play music stored on your phone or network via Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 or Bluetooth.
Posted by: bd43274
from Glendale, AZ
the good:
- sound, sound, and more sound - Wow! I've never heard anything this small pump out this much quality sound. Great for near-field listening but also pretty easily fills up a medium sized space with what feels like tons of headroom.
- design and footprint - Call me old fashioned, but I like the simplistic design. A small and clean rectangle shape with a relatively small footprint. Nothing fancy (on the outside, that is).
- easy setup and connectivity - I found the setup via the HEOS app very straight forward. Assuming you have decent wi-fi (or use the included ethernet port) signal is rock solid. Once I paired it with my iPad, the rest of my Apple devices now see it and play over the 350 just by selecting the audio out from the device. Very cool!
- sound quality over a broad codec spectrum - This to me is a big one in the "pro" column - this guy is clearly designed to make the most of whatever your source is. Play compressed music (Pandora) through the 350 and it sounds really good. Give it lossy AAC or MP3 files (Spotify or Apple Music) and holy cow does it come to life. Play some lossless files (FLAC or ALAC) and oh man, audiophile territory! Sound is punchy and accurate, clear from top to bottom. I wouldn't say it's entirely neutral but it isn't overly bright either. Everything just sounds *right*, if that makes sense.
the bad:
- No *real* complaints with this speaker. My only super minor nit-pick is that the sticker on the face uses a tacky adhesive that doesn't come off cleanly. It's more of a nusance than anything, just means that you'll need to clean the area on the top before it's clean and ready to roll. It works fine otherwise.
misc:
- None to speak of. I'd have loved to test out the HEOS technology but that will have to wait for my next Denon speaker. From what I understand, the multi-room playback functionality is fantastic and I can't wait to try it out.
overall:
- Overall I have zero complaints with the 350. It's a little on the pricey side, but to me it very much feels worth it, especially if you're already (or plan to) dive into the HEOS platform. Excellent and copious amounts of sound in a small package.
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Customer Rating
5
very effective and high volume filtration
on February 21, 2021
Posted by: bd43274
from Glendale, AZ
the good:
- filtration - It’s an air filter, so it’s probably important that it does some filtering of the air right? It does just that, and it does it very well. Since I started using this filter I’ve noticed that my allergies (pet dander, dust, etc.) have all calmed down quite a bit. What’s more is that you know those scents you can go “nose blind” to, for example, when you have pets? Just kind of the way your home can smell a bit like you have pets living there, but since you live there too you don’t really notice it unless you leave for the day and then come back to be able to smell it? This filter has *really* helped with that in our house. I put the unit in a central location and just let it do its thing. The auto configuration senses when the air isn’t as clean as it should be and kicks into higher gear. This auto sensing of air quality works on other odors as well, from the cooking in the kitchen to smoke from the grill on the porch that wandered in when the back door was open. One tip - if you cook bacon you may want to turn this unit off if you want the house to smell like bacon for the rest of the day!
- relatively small footprint - For as much air as it seems to filter, it has a very small footprint, about the size of a medium trash can.
- automatic operation - No need to turn the filter up and down. It monitors (and records) the air quality and changes its operation based on this.
- air filtration volume - As I mentioned earlier, I’ve placed mine in a central location in my house. It does quite well at filtering all of the open living space.
- app connectivity and data (air quality) - App connectivity via wifi (after bluetooth connection setup). App is simple and well designed, and shows current and historical data for both indoor air quality and reported outdoor quality as well.
- 4 smaller reusable “large particulate” filters, one giant “micro” filter. Ingenious filter design, with 4 smaller screen type filters which will remove large particulate (think fuzz, hair, etc.) and allow the micro filter to do its job.
- design/color - Looks kind of like a space age trash can to me. Sleek and minimalistic design.
the bad:
- none really
misc:
- Quiet is a bit of a misnomer here. If your air quality is good then yes, it’s barely audible. When it kicks into higher gears it is mostly definitely audible. Although it’s not intrusive or obnoxious sounding, you certainly know its there. Though to be fair, a large amount of air moving through a smaller space is going to create sound. There is simply no way around this.
- Quiet is a bit of a misnomer here. If your air quality is good then yes, it’s barely audible. When it kicks into higher gears it is mostly definitely audible. Although it’s not intrusive or obnoxious sounding, you certainly know its there. Though to be fair, a large amount of air moving through a smaller space is going to create sound. There is simply no way around this.
overall:
I’ll end the review here with an “incident” that proves the level of filtration and odor removal this Aair provides. At the risk of “TMI”, I’ll just say that one of my dogs had an accident (the solid kind) on the floor inside, in a room on the other side of the filter from where I was sitting. As I moved toward that room I did finally smell it, but what’s really interesting here is that I DID NOT smell it on the other side of the filter! I.e. when the filter was between me and the “accident” I had no idea it was there. If that doesn’t illustrate the effectiveness of this filter then I’m not sure what will :-)
*Highly* recommended, even at this price point. Easy 5 stars for me.
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Treat yourself to the ultimate bathroom upgrade with the Slim Three Bidet Seat. Designed for an easy DIY install, this premium model offers superior cleaning results at an affordable price. Features: Three-in-one bidet system, stainless steel nozzle, adjustable water pressure, wireless remote, warm air dryer, adjustable nozzle position, intelligent seat sensor, slow closing seat & lid, heated seat, warm water, night light, posterior wash, feminine wash, massage spray, turbo spray, power saving mode. Available for Round or Elongated toilets. Bio Bidet by Bemis - Water Does It Better
Posted by: bd43274
from Glendale, AZ
First off, reviewing a bidet is bound to contain a little TMI (too much information, for the uninitiated). For anyone who’s never used a bidet before, I will admit, the sensation is a little, how can I put it mildly, *shocking* to say the least. However, if you can hang in there, after a few uses I found that it was difficult to go back to anything else.
the good:
- clean! - It cleans like no TP (toilet paper) can. I personally hadn’t tried a bidet until this one, and I honestly say that I won’t go back to just TP unless I don’t have access to this. There’s simply no comparison.
- intuitive - Using the remote is easy and intuitive. I liked mine so much that I used the included double sided sticky tape to mount the remote to the wall beside the toilet.
- feature rich - For the price, I find the feature set to be outstanding. You can save multiple users “presets” (though the manual does not make it clear exactly how this is accomplished) and you can change temperatures and pressures on the fly. Some of the highlights are:
* regular and “turbo” water pressure setting
* water temp
* fan temp
* seat warming
* massage (pulsing pressure)
* child setting (my 5 and 7 year olds actively use this one)
* nozzle cleaning function
* energy saving mode
* blue night light (no more blinding yourself if you have to use the restroom in the middle of the night!)
* regular and “turbo” water pressure setting
* water temp
* fan temp
* seat warming
* massage (pulsing pressure)
* child setting (my 5 and 7 year olds actively use this one)
* nozzle cleaning function
* energy saving mode
* blue night light (no more blinding yourself if you have to use the restroom in the middle of the night!)
- comfortable - The seat is super comfortable to sit on, and also includes a seat warmer for no more cold bottoms.
- easy installation and connection - Installation is well covered in the manual, and is easy and intuitive. All the necessary parts are included.
- removes reliance on TP - If you think back to the beginning of this Covid pandemic, you’ll remember that there was a run on TP that left isles empty for quite some time. I personally like the idea of no longer being affected by that particular shortage, as well as knowing that ultimately the upfront cost of this bidet will be paid back and then some in how much I save on TP.
the bad:
- The only negative in my opinion is the lack of instructions regarding the user preference setting and configuration.
misc:
- requires a power outlet near the toilet - For some this may be an issue. I personally ran an extension cord into the toilet stall in my restroom and have been using it that way until I can get a power outlet in there. Yes, it’s good enough for me to actually do that!
- relatively large/tall - It’s obviously a bit larger and taller than a normal toilet set, most of that size coming from the back area of the seat. If you’re a larger person this potentially could preclude you from using it and there simply wouldn’t be enough space left for you to sit.
overall:
I can honestly say that this bidet has converted me over from toilet paper alone. I’ve always wanted to try one, but simply never took the plunge. Once you get over the initial shock to the system of getting water sprayed “up there”, you quickly realize that it’s the closest thing to shower clean that you can get without the shower. In normal daily use it’s fantastic, but have you ever had one of those days when you’re stomach just wasn’t right, and you had to take countless trips to the restroom because of a stomach flu or some bad sushi? At the risk of TMI, this guy makes takes a bit of the discomfort out of that scenario. Your bottom doesn’t get sore from wiping all day, and the amount of TP you save adds up quick Bio Bidet definitely has a new fan in me! Just add some instructions to the remote for setting up the user presets and it’ll be an easy 5 stars. Highly recommended!
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Indulge in the world of espresso from the freshly ground beans to the perfectly frothed milk with just a touch of a button, in the comfort of your home. Explore, and customize to your preference, 18 of your favorite coffee shop specialties like latte, cappuccino, espresso, iced coffee and flat white. A patented, professional brewing unit delivers the perfect espresso with precision and ease, while the Latte Crema system automatically froths milk to the ideal density and texture. Beautiful, compact and meticulous design, along with De’Longi’s technical expertise will transforms your kitchen into a smart, specialty café. Elevate your espresso experience at home with Dinamica by De’Longhi.
Posted by: bd43274
from Glendale, AZ
the good:
- automatic genuine espresso and cappuccino! - I mean, wow, how cool? No K-cup, pod, froth packet magic here. Actual fresh ground espresso and frothed milk. Outstanding! I can’t imagine the engineering going on inside this little metal box.
- super fast from start up to finished drink - One of the coolest things about this little guy is not only how fast it makes a fresh cap, but also the fact that I can do other things while it’s being made. Time save for both me and my wife in the morning.
- intuitive design, easy to take apart and clean - The physical design (aside from one minor nit-pick below) is really well thought out. The milk container is easy to take off and store in the fridge (don’t forget to clean it every so often!) and the drip tray has a little “bobber” type of notification to let you know it needs empty. The coffee grounds are actually stored in a large internal area until they need to be dumped, which is an on-screen notification.
- programmable versions of drinks - One thing I really like is that you can keep the “standard” version of a drink and also have your own version as well. Want more milk? more robust coffee? Set it in My Menu and leave the other version untouched.
- small footprint - Significantly smaller than almost any other espresso machine I’ve used, with the exception of another DeLonghi, the super narrow Dedica.
- retractable / movable milk and espresso dispenser tips - a nice touch to prevent splashing or aid in aiming.
- good capacity hopper / burr grinder - It’s easy to forget that this machine actually grinds the coffee as needed for every drink. I’m able to fit enough in for just less than 2 weeks of drinks, between my wife and me.
the bad:
- price - It is a bit on the pricey side, but then good espresso machines generally are. I do feel like you get what you pay for here, but only time will tell in terms of longevity of internal components.
- not intuitive to set up - One negative I had when setting up My Menu (personal versions of drinks) was that you can’t simply set times for things in the menu. You actually have to fully make the drink each time and save in-situ. What this means is, every time I want to tune the timing something (other than grind size), I have to make an entirely new drink to do so.
- double/single shot - Another issue I have with this machine (and if someone knows the answer to this please feel free to let me know in the comments) is that I can’t tell how much actual coffee is being used per drink. For example, I tend to like stronger drinks, so I prefer a double shot in pretty much everything. Now, while you do have an “aroma” setting (basically 1 to 5 beans, sort of like a strength dial) I am unable to quantify whether that actually means more or less coffee.
misc:
I wouldn’t really call these negatives, more like nit-picking. At this price point I’d consider these features “missing”:
- The ability to set the grind size in menu would be nice. From what I can tell, the burr quality is high, but there is a manual wheel on the back inside the coffee hopper to change the grind size.
- Completely nit-picking even more here, but a random complaint from my wife - she can’t fit travel mugs under the spout. Basically she has to make her morning latte in a shorter cup and then transfer it to the travel mug. Not important in the grand scheme of things, but just something to consider.
- Even more nit-pickier than the last note - the milk froth dial is not connected in any way to the menu system. If you want a cappuccino you have to choose your drink and then set the froth dial to a higher froth level. Otherwise you’ll get a coffee with just hot milk…and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve done exactly that.
overall:
Overall, this is a fantastic little machine. Tiny footprint, fresh, automatic espresso drinks which are super fast and flavorful. I’d love to give it a 5 star review, and in a lot of ways it is. Unfortunately a few things missed the mark for me. I’d give it a 4.5 if possible, but in this case I’ll have to go with a 4 star - still very much recommended, even with some minor faults.
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Stay safe on the road with this Cobra Electronics Road Scout radar detector and dash cam. Long-range radar and laser detection lets you know about upcoming laser guns, speed traps and red light cameras. This Cobra Electronics Road Scout radar detector and dash cam has a built-in Full HD camera that captures detailed footage at any time of day or night.
Posted by: bd43274
from Glendale, AZ
the good:
- camera/radar detector combo - Personally this is something I wasn’t even aware existed until relatively recently - the ability to have both in one device. I love the compactness of having both functions in such a small device. In my use thus far (daily driving plus a relatively long weekend drive to the Grand Canyon) I noticed that I didn’t have many false positives. Almost every time it went off I was able to spot the source not long afterwards. To me that speaks to the quality of the radar detection tech; it really only alerts you when there’s something to be alerted to. The camera quality is also pretty good for what it is and how small this unit is overall. Plenty of resolution and field width to capture quite a bit of what’s going on in front of you.
- mobile app control - I’ve put the app control in both the negative and positive sections of this review, mostly because, well, it is both good and bad. It is a welcome feature to be able to connect and control via mobile app, instead of cycling through buttons and functions on the device itself. However…(see below).
- sleek design, adjustable color theme - The unit itself looks a bit like really small binoculars - again, pretty small when you consider it’s capabilities. Other radar detectors may be a bit smaller, but this is by no means intrusive on the window. Other cameras I’ve seen or used personally have been significantly bulkier.
- mount (magnet and suction cup stability) - The windshield mount is excellent. Strong and stable, the suction cup stays put where you mount it. The unit itself has this ingenious little magnet connector that kind of tilts in and keeps it secure.
- onboard readout and customization - Even though there are limited colors, I really like the ability to customize the “theme” color. The readout itself is intuitive, pretty much what you’d expect from a high end radar detector.
- included 16GB memory card for video recording, ready to go out of the box.
- included carrying case
the bad:
- bluetooth/wifi connectivity issues - In my testing, I had issues with my initial setup either with direct bluetooth connection or from the unit itself to wifi. If this tech actually worked it’d be very welcome, but it’s sketchy at best. The directions could probably use a once over as well.
- mobile app control - As I mentioned earlier, I have this entry in both good and bad. It’s here mostly because A. there are 2 individual apps used to control each function (one for radar and one for camera), and B. neither app works all that well or is very intuitive in my opinion. Not so bad that you can’t use it, just a bit tedious to figure out.
overall:
Overall this is a solid and very capable device. I would definitely recommend it for anyone wanting both features in one unit, but the mobile app support does fall a little bit short. 4 stars.
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The Shark Vertex Powered Lift-Away is an ultra-powerful Shark upright, featuring DuoClean PowerFins. While the soft front roller pulls in particles, PowerFins deliver nonstop contact to pick up more in every pass (vs. original DuoClean). Plus, Powered Lift-Away lets you detach the pod to go under furniture with the motorized nozzle, or clean above the floor with a push of a button.
Posted by: bd43274
from Glendale, AZ
the good
- suction power - Wow - I've had a handful of other vacuums in my time but this relatively small guy (for a full size) has got some serious power. I have small children, dogs and cockatiels which daily produce their own mountain of mess, and this vacuum tackles it all with ease. Go over an area once and you're good to go, unlike some others I've used where I kind of re-vacuum the same area 2-3 times to get everything (bird seed, dog hair, Cheerios, you name it). It's a massive time saver in that regard.
- non-tangling brush - If you've ever had to detangle the roller brush after vacuuming, you will be very happy to know that this essentially gets rid of that. I've not had one issue with that. Literally plug it in, vacuum, empty the bin (if it's full) and you're good to go.
- light weight, maneuverability - For a full sized vacuum with the amount of power it has, it is quite nimble and easy to maneuver in tight areas. No strain at all when vacuuming larger areas.
- ability to pick up larger pieces - As I mentioned before, my house can turn into a bit of disaster area if we don't maintain it. This Shark helps us immensely...large pieces of food/crumbs or debris get picked up with one pass, where the other stick vacuums (even the super powerful ones that rhyme with "Tyson") take multiple passes.
- bright headlights - A nice touch for getting those areas where there's not much visibility.
- feels substantial, well built - From the relatively minimal assembly to regular use, it feels well made. Only time will tell if it will last, but at this price point you feel like you're getting something solid. Construction materials feel sturdy and connections snap into place with a satisfying click.
- can convert to a wand - Depending on your use case, this can be quite convenient. My daughter spilled some birdseed on the couch a few days ago, and this made clean up go much faster than I initially thought it would. Being able to grab the small roller head and quickly attach it to the handle tubing makes quick work of small spaces.
the bad
- kind of portable but not - I say this because it's not exactly like you have a stick vacuum but you do have some of the features of them. You can disconnect the smaller handle or the extended wand portion, which makes it super convenient as I mentioned above, but then you are still attached to the canister and power cord. You carry the canister in one hand and the wand in the other, which works...kind of. Some people won't mind it, some may. I half expected it to be sort of like a shop vac, where you can kind of drag it around while you're vacuuming with the tube portion, but if you try that with this vacuum it will fall right over. Overall, not a substantial negative, I just had to reset expectations.
misc
- corded - Some may be put off by the electric cord, but it's a necessary trade off for this much sheer suction power in my opinion.
overall
Overall, it's a fairly easy 5 stars for me. Incredibly powerful, nimble, and versatile, and the price isn't over the top like others I've seen. Definitely recommended.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Barista-quality performance with a new intuitive interface that provides all the information you need to create café quality coffee at home. The built-in grinder delivers the right amount of ground coffee on demand, for full flavor. With a 3 second heat up time and precise espresso extraction, you go from bean to cup, faster than ever before.
Customer Rating
5
a bit expensive but for some will be well worth it
on September 10, 2020
Posted by: bd43274
from Glendale, AZ
Let me start by first saying that I actually own both of the individual components that this one unit is taking the place of - both a Breville espresso machine and a separate Breville grinder. I have been quite happy with the 2 of those, so the idea of having both in the same machine made me a bit skeptical. As this is really 2 machines in one, I'll separate out the review into 2 portions as well.
espresso maker
the good:
the good:
- Of course, the most import thing here is does it pull a consistently good shot. In my experience with it so far, it does this very well. Good rich flavor with a nice crema.
- Speed - Compared to my previous Breville espresso machine, this guy gets up (or down) to temp very quickly, whether it be espresso, hot water, or steam. Significantly faster than what I'm used to. Moving around on the machine, from grind to espresso to steaming milk feels really snappy.
- Ease of use and configuration - Intuitive once you get used to it, the LCD screen gives you easy access to configuration options for both espresso and grinder.
- Stylish design - brushed stainless steel (and some plastic with the same finish).
- Small footprint - All in one in a small space and does it quite well.
- Included accessories - Single and double shot filter sizes, stainless steel milk pitcher, portafilter that feels substantial and well made. Also includes single and double wall filters baskets, which is a nice touch. If you're not familiar, single walled baskets give you more control but also a smaller margin of error when pouring your shot. Double walls help keep the pressure consistent, which makes it easier to pull a good shot but also gives you less find control over it.
- Large capacity water tank
the bad:
- Really none. Price could be viewed as a potential negative.
grinder
the good:
the good:
- Appears to be the same internal components as the $200 Breville grinder I have, which i love. Conical burr, which is the "good stuff" for grinders.
- Good control over the grind size and timing, and visibility through the LCD screen.
- Fast and consistent grind size.
the bad:
- not a ton of capacity for beans. I'm sure this had to be balanced between capacity and appliance height, but a bit more room for bean storage in the hopper would've been nice.
- A bit on the loud side, but overall not horrible.
overall:
Overall I am very happy with this little machine. (I say "little" but it's only little when you consider the full size of the 2 machines it's replacing. It is no way "small".) It consistently makes a really nice shot of espresso and does everything I need it to do much quicker than I'm used to. It's priced a bit on the high side, but in my experience with these espresso machines you really do get what you pay for. Easy 5 stars for me, highly recommended.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Nugget Ice. Pellet ice. Drive-in ice. Whatever you call it, you know it's "the good ice." Now that chewable ice is available from the convenience of your countertop with the Opal 2.0 Ice Maker. It is capable of producing up to 38 lbs. of ice in 24 hours and stores up to 3 lbs. of ice at one time. The Opal 2.0 Ice Maker has WiFi connection capability and comes with the side tank attachment for 3x more ice production.
Posted by: bd43274
from Glendale, AZ
the good:
* nugget ice! - The ice is the perfect size and texture for chewing. It is exactly what you get at fast food places like Sonic or Chick Fil-a.
* Did i mention nugget ice? - If you're looking at this machine specifically for nugget ice, then you probably know what you're looking for. This ice is exactly what you're thinking it is!
* makes ice quickly - One cube at a time, it drops ice fairly quickly into the bucket.
* high capacity ice/water - It has a large reservoir for water, but if you're going through ice quickly you can go through the water relatively fast as well. The large reservoir is nice to have. A way to connect it to a water source would've nice to have, but the reservoir is large enough so that you aren't constantly filling it up with water.
* attractive design - More stylish in terms of small kitchen appliances than most of the others I've seen.
* wifi/app control - One of the best features (other than of course the nugget ice itself) is the ability to control via a mobile app. I personally set mine to a schedule during the week - off during night time hours and have it switch on when I wake up in the morning. Of course you can also turn it on/off and control the light in the ice compartment via the app as well.
* Did i mention nugget ice? - If you're looking at this machine specifically for nugget ice, then you probably know what you're looking for. This ice is exactly what you're thinking it is!
* makes ice quickly - One cube at a time, it drops ice fairly quickly into the bucket.
* high capacity ice/water - It has a large reservoir for water, but if you're going through ice quickly you can go through the water relatively fast as well. The large reservoir is nice to have. A way to connect it to a water source would've nice to have, but the reservoir is large enough so that you aren't constantly filling it up with water.
* attractive design - More stylish in terms of small kitchen appliances than most of the others I've seen.
* wifi/app control - One of the best features (other than of course the nugget ice itself) is the ability to control via a mobile app. I personally set mine to a schedule during the week - off during night time hours and have it switch on when I wake up in the morning. Of course you can also turn it on/off and control the light in the ice compartment via the app as well.
the bad:
* a bit noisy - It's not distractingly noisy, but at this price point I would expect much quieter operation.
* large - The footprint is relatively small but the appliance itself is rather large. It takes up a lot of vertical space.
* wifi/app setup not well documented - None of the app setup is documented in the manual or online. I eventually figured out how to connect to it via a tip from another review. There seem to be at least 3 apps that look like they *could* work, but only one does. Also, you don't connect to this machine via bluetooth; you have to enable wifi on the machine and then connect to it like a hot spot.
* price - It is definitely on the expensive side.
* large - The footprint is relatively small but the appliance itself is rather large. It takes up a lot of vertical space.
* wifi/app setup not well documented - None of the app setup is documented in the manual or online. I eventually figured out how to connect to it via a tip from another review. There seem to be at least 3 apps that look like they *could* work, but only one does. Also, you don't connect to this machine via bluetooth; you have to enable wifi on the machine and then connect to it like a hot spot.
* price - It is definitely on the expensive side.
misc:
For anyone looking to connect their ice machine to the mobile app:
* Download the SmartHQ app.
* Push and hold the Power and Light buttons on the appliance until the wifi logo lights up.
* Connect to the appliance wifi. Credentials are on the back of the appliance on a label at the top right.
* Once you connect to the appliance wifi, you then connect it to your home wifi by entering those credentials in the app.
* You can then actually add your machine in app at this point.
* Download the SmartHQ app.
* Push and hold the Power and Light buttons on the appliance until the wifi logo lights up.
* Connect to the appliance wifi. Credentials are on the back of the appliance on a label at the top right.
* Once you connect to the appliance wifi, you then connect it to your home wifi by entering those credentials in the app.
* You can then actually add your machine in app at this point.
overall:
In my opinion this is a very good ice machine and the ice is of course fantastic. There are a few minor issues which prevent a 5 star review for me personally, but that in no way detracts from what appears to be a quality machine. It certainly appears to be durable and well made, but of course only time will tell if that's the case. Highly recommended, 4 stars.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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