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  • Review count
    22
  • Helpfulness votes
    109
  • First review
    September 21, 2016
  • Last review
    November 14, 2023
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    4
 
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  • Answer count
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    September 21, 2016
  • Last answer
    September 21, 2016
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joshspfld's Reviews
1 2 3 >>
 
Unlock your car’s smart potential with the latest Nextbase iQ 1K Smart Dash Cam that’s always on duty. Predict threats and protect your car from anywhere using Live View, powered by 4G connectivity. See what your car sees and get custom alerts wherever you are. Park with confidence using Smart Sense Parking, as your iQ constantly scans the surrounding area of your vehicle, detecting potential intruders or vehicles backing up too close, allowing you to intervene using voice or an alarm.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
I really wanted to like this, not quite ready
on November 14, 2023
Posted by: joshspfld
I really wanted to like this device. It has a ton of promise. A dash cam with built in 4G/LTE coverage and smart features. However, after trying it for a few weeks, I am just disappointed with it. I do believe that pending future updates to firmware and the app, it could be a really great product.
Install
Installing this was easier than I thought it might be. It can plug into your car's OBD port, so you don't have to run wires (though it comes with them too). Once it's connected, you can easily tuck the wires into the trim on the car's A-pillar to have a clean look. Mounting it feels like a very permanent decision--so be sure where you want it.
Setup
I downloaded the app and had some troubles right away. The QR code on the device used for setup is very small. My iPhone 15 camera couldn't focus on it at a size that allowed it to register. I ended up taking a picture with another device, then enlarging it to allow the phone to scan it. It'd be great to have an alternative authentication code.
The App experience
The app itself feels like it tries to hard to be simple. This device doesn't really teach you how to use it. I don't like excessive in-app, first-use tutorials, but it'd be helpful to walk users through how to make the most of their investment.
The app also lacks a good search. For example, there is no way to filter down to view videos on a specific date or time range. Instead, you have to scroll through all the videos it captures. Adding a search would make this MUCH more practical and usable.
I also get lots of notifications from the app, many of which are incorrect. For instance, if I come to a prolonged stop--like at a train, it will think the car is parked. It will then register movements as a parking event and push a notification. It would be better to realize when the car is off and then set the parking events.
There are more performance related issues that are just annoying. It will randomly start flashing a red recording indicator while driving. This is a red flashing light on your forward facing windshield. In many states, this is against the law. The dash cam is thinking that the device is parked, in which case it makes sense, but it should never operate while the vehicle is in motion.
Subscription required
Though you can use this without a subscription, I don't see any usefulness without it. The app continuously pushes you toward it. So I signed up. When I did, it allowed me to access more features, but they all felt like they weren't ready for primetime.
My hope is that this all gets better. With some firmware, settings customization, and a better app experience, this COULD be a great product. But for now--as of November 2023, it's not ready.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
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Enjoy your cookout with the fully connected Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker. With Ninja ProConnect, monitor and control the cooking of 2 different proteins, get real-time notifications to your phone, and even access recipes and cooking charts, all from the palm of your hand. Master Grill, BBQ Smoke, and Air Fry with 100% authentic smoky flavor you can taste.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Convection meets grilling and smoking
on October 26, 2023
Posted by: joshspfld
This grill is a game changer. It has all the functions of an air-fryer, grill, and smoker.
As an air-fryer, it does a great job and has a nice basket you can fit a lot of food in--nearly 3 times larger than my indoor unit.
When grilling, the thermometers are revolutionary to the cooking process. Simply set the temp (or select the protein and doneness), and it does the rest--you can even add wood pellets to get a smoked flavor. I had my doubts about this because of poor experiences with other grills, but Ninja gets it right. I tossed a couple of 1-inch t-bone steaks on it and set it to medium rare. In a matter of minutes, they were perfect! The Woodfire PrConnect uses convection, like an air fryer, to get an even cook with no flair ups. It even had me pull them just a bit early to allow them to rest to the perfect finish.The next night, we cooked chicken and had the same flawless experience.
There's a lot to love about this:
I really like this device, it does an amazing job as a grill.
The cooking surface is decent sized for a family of 4.
Cleaning it is easy, so far.
The temp probes are accurate and easy to use.
Adding pellets for smoking is simple.
The app makes it a breeze to manage your cook.
It's FAST, like really fast.
Now, here's why I didn't give it 5 stars.
Form factor: It's a little small to be be a party grill. It's a table top unit, so it doesn't really fit into my outdoor set up. Ninja sells stands for them, which is probably a worthwhile investment.
The cord is short: It's only a few feet long. You need a heavy duty extension cable to run this anywhere that you don't have an outlet immediately next to a table.
Smoke pellet clean-up: After using pellets, it still had smoking pellets in the smokebox. I had to wait for them to burn out to clean the hopper. It'd be nice to have a way to do this and dispose of the pellets without waiting.
App: I had some trouble adjusting the temp on the second probe once I started a cook cycle.
Overall, I think this is the perfect device for a small space or someone who wants to grilled flavor without having a propane or charcoal grill. I could see this being a great grill to take to the campground or tailgate, when a full grill might be too cumbersome.
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
0points
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Explore the art of espresso made right, effortlessly, with the refined features of La Specialista Arte from De'Longhi. Created for the hands-on home barista, this compact and stylishly designed machine empowers you to craft custom espresso drinks with ease and precision. From start to finish, unlock all the aromatic flavors of the beans for results that perfectly match your palette. Full control is at your fingertips with exclusive features like a conical burr grinder boasting 8 precise settings developed to expertly grind all bean varieties in a single or double dose. Use the complete barista kit, including a tamper, dosing funnel, and more, to prepare your fresh grounds in either a single or double dose in the single wall filter basket. Next, 3 active infusion water temperature levels adapt to your beans and roasting level for optimal flavor extraction. Finally, My LatteArt wand’s powerful steam produces the perfectly silky milk microfoam ideal for latte art creations. Save time with three beverage presets—espresso, Americano and hot water—for those on-the-go mornings. With La Specialista Arte, an authentic, hand-crafted coffee experience is within your reach. Indulge in the creativity of coffee-making as you get the best out of every bean and enjoy experimenting with foam art as a home barista.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
shines as an espresso machine
on October 12, 2022
Posted by: joshspfld
As an espresso machine this is nearly perfect. You add your beans to the hopper, set the grind and dose, then press OK. The EC9155MB then dispenses perfectly prepared grounds. They include a cuff for the portafilter, tamper, and a tamping mat--all to give you the perfect setup to pull a shot of espresso. Set your temp and desired beverage and you're ready to go. I was very impressed by the speed of this machine. It delivers a perfect espresso in a fraction of the time that other machines take. The quick start guide really shows you what settings to use and how to troubleshoot your extraction to pull near perfect espresso shots at home. From everything I can tell, this machine makes it easy and delivers consistent, high-quality espresso at home.
So, why did I not give it 5 stars? I felt like the desire for perfection stopped just a little short of where it could be. Yes, you get accurate dosing, temp, grind and delivery of espresso, but so many drinks are milk-based and while the EC9155MB does a great job at steaming milk, it doesn't have the same commitment to excellence that it does with espresso. The frother is fast and effective, but the unit comes with a small milk pitcher and no thermometer. The instructions say, "once the milk jug is too hot to touch, turn off." It'd be better to have a milk thermometer included and to instruct users to turn off steam at 50 degrees Celsius. It seems like a machine that was this dedicated to precision would nail this throughout the entire process. It's a quick fix, get a small thermometer and it's perfect.
Clean up on this machine is so simple. The pucks of espresso fall right out of the portafilter, I do suggest cleaning the underside of the brewing unit with each usage. The steam wand cleans up very easy and you can quickly purge it to make sure it's 100% clean each time. I love it and find myself using it rather than going to the coffee shop.
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX wireless multiplatform gaming headset delivers an incredible battery life, premium comfort, and sensational audio & chat quality for PlayStation, Nintendo Switch & PC. An upgraded battery delivers a whopping 40+ hours of playtime, and when you do eventually need to recharge, you can get right back in the game with 8 hours of battery life on just 15 minutes of charge using the included USB-C cable. Play across platforms with the flip of a switch thanks to the versatile USB Transmitter, letting you play on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch or PC with optimized audio controls. A consistent, low-latency connection on PS5 & PS4 consoles, Nintendo Switch & PC is made possible by our proprietary lag-free 2.4GHz wireless technology, giving you a gameplay advantage over the competition. Enjoy Bluetooth connectivity to simultaneously listen to music or take mobile calls, without any disruptions to gaming, and easily customize your audio and program the remappable dial and button on the headset using the Turtle Beach Audio Hub app. Experience exceptional comfort that keeps you cool with Aerofit cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions with adjustable ProSpecs glasses-friendly technology. A metal-reinforced headband is built to last through triumphant wins and crushing defeats and is adjustable for a snug fit on any head size. Refined internal acoustics house Turtle Beach patented 50mm Nanoclear speakers for ultra-realistic sound imaging and are optimized for Sony 3D Audio on PS5. Call out your team’s next move with authority or chat clearly with friends thanks to a larger, high-sensitivity gen 2 flip-to-mute mic delivering improved chat clarity and seamlessly integrates into the headset when muted. Plus, with Variable Mic Monitoring you can hear and adjust the volume level of your voice in the headset so you can avoid shouting. And the Stealth™ 700 Gen 2 MAX is equipped with easy access controls to adjust mic monitoring, cycle through audio presets, and activate Superhuman Hearing sound setting, for a definitive audio advantage. Finally, when using with PC, the MODE button will sync with your multimedia to allow to play and pause music, skip tracks, and adjust master volume directly from your PC or keyboard.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Very nice headset for PS5
on September 19, 2022
Posted by: joshspfld
Connected the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen2 to the PS5 in a matter of seconds. There's a USB dongle that plugs right into the PS5 and the headset pairs when you power it on.
I'd previously used a variety of wired headsets but this was my first bluetooth headset on PS5. The pairing is effortless, but not instant. I did have some occasional cracking noises that seemed to go away after a few seconds. Once it's connected, the audio is crisp and clear.
The superhuman hearing mode was helpful on shooters like Call of Duty.
Be sure to turn on 3D audio by going to settings>Sound and selecting 3D Audio for headphones on the PS5 to take full advantage of what this delivers. It's mind-blowingly good and gives a huge gaming advantage for supported games.
The mic has a flip to mute feature that makes it very simple to turn the mic on and off. As a parent, I love that because it shows me at a glance if someone is using the mic.
The headset is comfortable and breathes nicely, even for extended periods of gaming.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
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Wyze Lock is a staple in our smart home wizardry. This is a smart lock that that does what you expect, and really all that you need from a smart lock. Wyze Lock is Wi-Fi capable, so you can control it remotely from your phone to let the dog walker in, or make sure it gets locked after you left on your vacation in such a rush. That’s not all this bad boy can do. Wyze Lock comes equipped with App and knows when you arrive home and automatically unlocks as you approach the door. Once inside, Wyze Lock’s built-in gyroscope detects when the door is closed and automatically locks behind you. It’s got all that and more. Like we said, all the tech you need, now at a price you can afford.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
A smart lock that makes sense!
on June 16, 2022
Posted by: joshspfld
Smart locks are a smart home tech that I resisted for years. There are lots of options now on the market but the Wyze is a fantastic choice and one I can recommend easily to anyone looking for a smart lock.
Here's what I love about it.
1. Install was easy. This device works with your existing deadbolt. You replace the interior thumbturn on your lock with this device. Remove a couple of screws, install the mounting plate, then attach the Wyze lock. If you have trouble, the app will show you details on how to do everything. The magnetic cover on the Wyze lock makes it easy to change batteries if you need to. Total install time was less than 5 minutes, then I downloaded the app and finished the set up.
2. The app. The app was very easy to use. The set up process makes sense and the controls are intuitive. You can configure guest access for everyone in your family to access the lock from their smartphone. You can also set up a variety of alerts and settings--which are helpful and not overwhelming. For instance, I turned off the setting to auto lock the lock when the door closes (which is enabled by default). Making this change was in a place in the app that made sense...which is high praise considering how complicated some smart locks can be.
The app also allows you to see a history of when the door was locked and unlocked (and by who if done with the app or the pin pad).
3. Add-ons. We also have a numeric touch pad to allow access without a phone. This is a fantastic add on and almost a must have to this product.
4. Keep your exterior aesthetic. This only replaces the inside of deadbolt, so it doesn't look like you have anything installed from outside.
So why did I give it four stars instead of five? A couple little things.
1. Color. This is a personal thing, but the Wyze lock only comes in silver. It'd be great to have changeable faceplates/thumbturns or a choice of color when purchasing.
2. This is only the deadbolt control. If you're like me, you have a handset lock on your door as well. This means that you could potentially be locked out if the handset gets locked. For years our habit has been to lock the handset as we leave (because we don't have to use a key to lock it). Old habits die hard, so we may inadvertently lock ourselves out if we don't also have a key to it.
All said, it's still worth buying this. It's easy to set up, easy to use, and does a great job.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Wyze Lock Keypad makes Wyze Lock even better. Get Wyze Lock Keypad to unlock your door with a code. Wyze Lock Keypad allows you to share time-based codes with guests that only work on specific days and over specific times. It works great in the dark with a crisp LED and locks your Wyze Lock at a single touch of a button.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Fantastic add on to the Wyze Lock
on June 16, 2022
Posted by: joshspfld
If you're getting a smart lock (and you should) and you go with Wyze (also a great choice), then you should get this too.
This discrete keypad gives you control of your smart lock without the need for a phone. It's a great way to give access for a house-sitter, neighbor, house-guest, or relative.
There are a few things I really love about this product.
1. Discrete mounting. There's not much more obnoxious than an ugly smart lock on the exterior of your house. This addresses that by being mountable pretty much anywhere. I mounted it between a storm door and an exterior door, right on the frame of the door. Looking at my front porch, there is no visible evidence that you could get in with a code. Set up only took a couple of minutes.
2. The code system makes sense. You can create guest codes with one of four different modes: Always, Recurring, Temporary, or one-time. Recurring allows you to set specific days of the week and times. Temp allows you to create codes that only work in a specific date and time range. All this is set up through the Wyze app and is easy to use and manage.
3. The app reporting. The app shows who unlocked with a code and when. You can configure push notifications as well so you'll know when a door was opened.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
The Hypervolt Bluetooth delivers a symphony of power, performance, and variability to provide relief and support for any activity and daily maintenance. Featuring Bluetooth enablement, use the Hyperice app to guide your Hypervolt through Routines designed for specific muscle groups and body parts. The quietest percussion massage device you can find.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Good Percussion Massager
on August 18, 2020
Posted by: joshspfld
from Chatham, IL
The hypervolt percussion massager is a good option if you're looking for a handheld massager. These devices are made for getting deep into the muscle and releasing tension. I've gotten the chance to use this device for several days and it's fantastic at loosening stiff muscles. The Bluetooth feature links it to their app which can track your fitness through activity and your use of the massager. It charges quickly and runs quietly. I've found that the higher speed settings feel better and less intense than the lower speed (the unit has 3-speed settings and multiple attachments).
The massager also comes with a case for the attachments which is a handy add on.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Protect and boost the functionality of your 7th, 8th, and 9th Gen iPad with this graphite Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case. The precision trackpad allows for easy navigation, while the well-spaced backlit keys ensure effortless typing, even in dark environments. This Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case has a smooth texture for easy handling, and the adjustable kickstand provides comfortable viewing angles.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
keyboard + protection for your ipad
on June 25, 2020
Posted by: joshspfld
from Chatham, IL
When I got a 7th gen iPad, I often wondered about how it would feel to use a keyboard with it. The Logitech keyboard case is a great option for this if you want to have a case and keyboard that protects your device and enhances the functionality of the iPad.
The Good:
The tactile response of the keys is nice. iPad OS has lots of features built for keyboards and this can do them all. The outer shell is a denim-like material. The case adds a layer of protection to the iPad that the Apple version doesn't really provide.
The Bad:
It's big. The iPad alone weighs 17oz. With this case, it weighs 39.5oz!
Overall:
If you want a keyboard for your iPad, this is a solid option--probably your best option if you're the type of person who likes or needs a sturdy case for your device.
For me, it's a great option if I am choosing to do a lot of typing on the iPad. but it feels a bit much for everyday use or using the device to watch video content.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Control your small appliances from a smartphone by plugging it into this Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi smart plug. Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant enables seamless voice control. This Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi smart plug lets you trigger lights to automatically turn on and off, and it extends the range of your devices when plugged into a wall outlet.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Good smart plug
on July 7, 2019
Posted by: joshspfld
from Chatham, IL
Smart plugs aren't super fancy. This one is solid. I didn't give it 5 stars simply because you MUST use the smart things hub to make it work.
If you're already a smart things user, it's a great option.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Know what's going on when you're away from home. The Full HD camera delivers a clear, detailed view, allowing you to monitor your home 24 hours a day from the convenience of your smartphone, tablet, Samsung TV or fridge. The SmartThings camera intuitively distinguishes between a person and an object, alerting you immediately if necessary while minimizing false triggers.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Good entry level camera
on June 28, 2019
Posted by: joshspfld
from Chatham, IL
It’s a little unfair to compare this product to some of the other higher cost offerings that are out there—such as Nest or Arlo.
This camera retails for much less.
Here’s what I love, like and loathe about it.
Love: the image. It’s super wide angle and great quality.
Like: setup was easy (I’ve gotten to do it several times.)
Loathe: it disconnects quite a bit. When it does, I have to add it back to the smartthings hub again (oh yeah, you need a hub too). I’ve wondered if it’s a hub connection issue since my hub was wirelessly connected to my LAN. I’ve changed it since then and will keep an eye on it to see how it does.
I also noticed the camera gets hot sometimes.
As far as recording, Samsung gives you some limited free cloud storage, however it only records when you arm the system to away mode. In that sense, it’s not going to record unless you keep it armed. I have it in my garage and had trouble getting it to record as expected.
If you plan to use it to live view remotely, it does a decent job—when it’s connected.
Mobile Submission: True
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
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joshspfld's Answers
 
Showcase ideas with this Epson VS240 projector, which displays presentations in 800 x 600 resolution and offers 3000 lumens of white and color brightness for enhanced visibility and vibrancy. USB Plug 'n Play instant setup lets you get started quickly.Not sure what size projector or screen you need? Learn more.
 

If i bought this projector, would i be able to position it toward a wall and see the image on my wall? Second question, can this projector project PS4 gameplay like can i hook my ps4 to it and play video games? Thanks for feedback.

Yes, but keep in mind the wall color will effect the image color that you see. This unit is very bright, so ideally you'd want to shine onto a flat finish white or light grey wall. PS4 won't be a problem. It won't be full HD, but will scale and still look nice for the price.

If you're really into your gaming, you're going to want a high end projector in the $1000+ price point. Something that can handle higher resolutions (at least 1080p)--this one will be showing 480 (I can't remember if it's progressive scan or not). So your PS4 will be capable of giving more than this can handle, but the processor in it will scale it down to give you a nice enough image to use and feel like your $300 was a good investment to start off with.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
joshspfld
 
Showcase ideas with this Epson VS240 projector, which displays presentations in 800 x 600 resolution and offers 3000 lumens of white and color brightness for enhanced visibility and vibrancy. USB Plug 'n Play instant setup lets you get started quickly.Not sure what size projector or screen you need? Learn more.
 

Is this the kind of projectors that you can hook up outside and watch a movie from a laptop?

Yes! If you can go with an HDMI connection in particular, it will look great.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
joshspfld