CriticalEye's stats
- Review count131
- Helpfulness votes504
- First reviewOctober 20, 2014
- Last reviewNovember 7, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.1
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- Answer count22
- Helpfulness votes12
- First answerMarch 11, 2018
- Last answerOctober 21, 2021
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Jabra Connect 5t true wireless earbuds are optimized for use in any environment - working from home, at office, or on the go. These earbuds have 6-mic call technology for clear virtual meetings or mobile phone calls, Hybrid ANC for better focus, and are comfortable for all day use. Bluetooth Multipoint lets you stay connected to two devices, like a laptop and a smartphone, at the same time. And if you~re an Android or Windows user, Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair will have you connected in seconds, so you can breeze through your work day. Use your voice to talk to your preferred voice assistant and get all the help you need while you work. Call colleagues, schedule reminders, or get directions, without taking your hands off the keyboard. It~s a bit like having your own PA, except you don~t have to pay them and they can~t bring you a coffee. Well, not yet anyway. We~ve also gone all out to bring you a truly back-to-back-call-worthy battery, with up to 7 hours in the buds, and up to a total of 28 hours with the Qi-certified wireless charging case (included in packaging). Our fast charge feature gives you an hour of power in ten minutes, and you can stretch your battery out even further by using one bud while the other charges. The Bluetooth wireless headphones are also IP55 rated and come with a 2 year warranty against water and dust. Register for warranty and customize Connect 5t via the Jabra Sound+ app.
Customer Rating
5
Clear Calls/Great Mic
on September 30, 2022
Posted by: CriticalEye
I’ve been a big fan of Jabra dating back to the days when I used their headsets with boom microphones. They’ve kept up well with technology, continuing to provide innovative products.
I’ve been using some older corded earbuds (with the mic embedded on the cord) for all my virtual meetings. The mic is average, but sometimes people can’t hear me clearly, so I have to hold it up to my mouth which is annoying & distracting. These Jabra Connect 5t’s have made all the difference! The compact in-ear design is sleek & the microphone provides very clear speech so my hands can be free to type or write during calls/meetings. I was so happy to try them out on my first call. I tested them comparing the phone mic to the earbuds, and everyone agreed that you couldn’t tell the difference & that the Jabras were crystal clear.
I have a pair of Jabra Elite 4’s which are slightly smaller, but designed for active use. These Connect 5t’s are larger & not quite as snug, so I wouldn’t use them for anything active like running. Although the 5t’s are best for calls, the App includes an equalizer, so I can enjoy some music while I tune out the world (using the Active Noise Cancelling) & get some deep work in.
Big plus, Jabra included a wireless charging pad. Nice touch!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Take on your ultimate adventure with Galaxy Watch5 Pro~. It~s our most advanced outdoor watch yet, featuring a 2x stronger~ Sapphire Crystal Glass display. Power through intense activities, even with GPS on, with a long-lasting battery. Stay on the right trail even in unfamiliar terrain thanks to voice or vibration guided turn-by-turn navigation~. Push your body further with accurate sensors that help keep a closer eye on your heart rate~, and BIA~ measurements that help you track your physique. Get the rest you need to stay energized on your journeys with Advanced Sleep Coaching~. Look sharp on every expedition with bands and watch faces that you can match to any outfit. Plus, pair your watch with the rest of your Galaxy for a connected network of devices that work together to help go stronger and harder than ever before. Whether you~re hiking, kayaking~ or camping, get ready to take it to the extreme with Galaxy Watch5 Pro.
Customer Rating
4
So Much More Than a Smart Sport Watch
on September 6, 2022
Posted by: CriticalEye
In the spring, we upgraded our Samsung Galaxy S9+ smartphones to Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultras. So, when the new Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro LTE was released, I was pretty pumped to pair the new watch w/my new smartphone, especially after having passed on the Watch4 in the spring. But before I get into the many great features of the new ‘Pro’ watch, I must mention my initial disappointment upon opening the box. When the watch arrived, the box contained 3 simple components: the watch itself, a charging cable, & a Quick Start guide. The charging cable is a USB-C-to-magnetic “puck” fast charger. To my surprise, what’s NOT in the box is a wall charger (aka ‘brick’) that accepts the new USB-C cable. Of course, the backs of our personal & home office PC towers & AIOs (All-In-One’s) have USB-Type A (aka Std.-A), USB 2.0, USB 3.1 Gen 1, HDMI, & RJ-45 ports, etc., rather than USB-C ports. And our Samsung phone charging cables are USB-A-to-USB-C. Samsung did provide wall chargers w/USB-C connectors w/our new Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphones. Why not w/the Watch5 Pro LTE? Thus, following the Quick Start guide instructions to fully charge the Watch5 Pro before setup wasn’t possible. Unfortunately, my local store had no wall chargers w/USB-C ports in stock. So, I was forced to order a Samsung wall charger which took a full week to arrive. After all the anticipation/excitement leading up to the release of the long-awaited Watch5 Pro, waiting another week for the wall charger was a bit like being a kid on Christmas morn & opening the toy you’ve been waiting for since summer, only to discover that the batteries weren’t included in the pkg. & there weren’t any spare batteries in the house. For a watch at this price pt., this was disappointing & frustrating. Samsung should be including their small, inexpensive 25W USB-C wall charger in the box. Putting aside the annoying omission of the brick needed to charge the watch out of the box, I’ve a lot of good things to say about the Watch5 Pro. It’s almost everything I’d hoped for & more.
On background, as a longtime runner, I’ve owned several high-end sports smartwatches, dating back to the mid-2000s. But until now, I’ve never owned a watch that packs in so much tech, utility, function, & fun as this smartwatch. There’s an awful lot to like about this ‘Pro’ model.
One suggestion: Unless you’ve used previous iterations of Samsung smartwatches, it might prove beneficial to do what I did: watch a few tutorial videos on the Watch5 w/your new Pro in hand as you follow along. The vids helped me become familiar w/the basic functions/features of the watch more quickly. Given that my experience w/sports watches has been w/competing brands, many of which operate quite differently from Samsung’s new Pro model, the videos flattened my learning curve. I started w/the functioning of the 2 touch-sensitive buttons on the side of the bezel, then became familiar w/the various watch faces, & later learned how GPX files work in relation to my trail running routes. Once you become comfortable w/the basics, you’re off to the races.
Form Factor: Aesthetically, I usually prefer rectangular or square-shaped design features vs. round shapes. In general, round electronic devices can often tend to require smaller font sizes to prevent truncating critical data. But thankfully this round watch has an ample 1.4” display, enabling me to view a lot of data in a single glance. This is important to me because, if I’m competing w/others (or just myself) on a run or bike ride & sweating profusely on a fast or technical course, I have only a couple seconds to glance at my vital stats. One notable design change: the Watch5 doesn’t have a rotating bezel like the Watch4 Classic does. Although some previous Samsung Watch users might not like it, I’m happy w/the finger swipe around the outer edge of the display. I always prefer the most ‘solid state’-like design possible. The fewer moving parts, the better. It’s also worth noting that the rugged but lightweight titanium case (46g) is beefed up for outdoor durability w/a raised rim around the watch face to protect the large 45mm AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diodes) display. This is no ordinary screen. It offers 450x450 pixel resolution w/a ‘2x tougher than before’ sapphire crystal display. And while the display is bright/clear, the auto-adjusting brightness is helpful for my sometimes dry, sensitive eyes. The Pro also comes w/an IP68 (Ingress Protection) rating for dust/sand & liquid/water-resistant protection. IP68 specs indicate water resistance for up to 30 mins. at a 1.5m depth. While I can’t recommend what others do w/their Pro watch, from what I’ve read, I’d feel comfortable wearing this watch while swimming laps in the pool or during the swimming leg of a triathlon, though I’d want to give it a quick post-swim rinse to remove the saltwater at the transition to the bike. As for the all-important watchband, I’ve grown to like the 20mm-wide silicone strap w/its unique ‘D-buckle’ & magnetic clasp. After adjusting it a few times, I was able to dial in a snug/stable, but not too-tight fit. The sport band has a minimalist, high-tech look & feel, & makes post-workout cleaning simple for good hygiene. Make no mistake; w/the large display size, beefed up bezel & bigger battery, the 45mm Pro is a big, thick, bulky watch. But after using large sports watches for the last 2 decades, I’m accustomed to wearing a substantial watch on my wrist. That’s part of the tradeoff if you want a sports watch packed w/the technology to do all that this smartwatch does.
Battery: I’m thrilled that the Pro comes w/a larger 590mAh Li-ion battery w/the capability to hold more juice & last a lot longer between charges vs. previous models, though the 80 hrs. listed in the specs is for light users. In my 1st cycle, I activated the ‘always-on’ display at full brightness using a busy watch face & turned on BT & Wi-Fi connectivity along w/multiple notifications. I also tracked my sleep over the weekend & tried a few GPS features while going for a run & a bike ride. Although it’s rare, I sometimes bolt from the house or office w/o remembering to grab my smartphone. So, I’m looking forward to activating the LTE so that I can experience the convenience of sending/receiving texts/calls on my smartwatch w/o my phone. Because I wanted to learn my watch, I dialed my weekend trail run back to a trail walk so that I could use Google Maps, experience the turn-by-turn navigation & hear & feel the voice & vibrating alerts—all at a more relaxed pace. I also played w/the Route Workout, & Track Back GPS functions. Track Back would’ve been very helpful to me in getting back to my launch pt. when I got turned around & downright lost while on a trail run in the woods last spring. I also played w/the watch a lot during the video tutorials that I mentioned earlier. So, after the 1st cycle, my battery life was just 52 hrs. (2 days), but it’s too early to know the battery life that the Pro will avg. over time. If you want to dramatically conserve/extend battery life, you can revert to ‘Watch Only’ battery mode by shutting down everything but the display. Albeit w/limited functionality, this can buy many days of runtime between charges. My recharge time (from 0-to-100%) took about 1½ hrs.
OS/Apps: Samsung’s One UI Watch 4.5 overlays Google’s Android’s Wear 3.5 Smartwatch OS. The calls I’ve made & received have been crystal clear thanks to the quality mic & speaker on either side of the bezel. I’m also easily able to accept/reject calls based on my notifications. And I’m accessing my texts/Gmail & the built-in Voice Asst. via Google Asst. Although I haven’t yet tried all these, I’m looking forward to the convenience of having the weather, my calendar & compass, the time & timer, my alarms & reminders, & any apps I want to download direct from Google Play—all at the ready right on my wrist. I’m now controlling my using just my smartwatch & earbuds, w/o a phone. What a joy to be untethered while listening to my favorite tunes!
Samsung Health (& Fitness) Monitor: This includes a host of helpful utilities: BMI (Body Mass Index)/BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) for measuring overall body composition & calculating skeletal muscle, body fat & water %; ECG (electrocardiography for heart rhythms); Pulse/Ox [BPM (Beats Per Minute) Heart Rate & SpO2 (Blood Oxygen Saturation levels)]; & an Advanced Sleep Coach to monitor/record sleep data/make specific recommendations to help improve your sleep quality. Sleep data includes details on sleep cycles, how long you slept/were awake, the amt. of deep sleep & REM sleep you experienced, & the amt. of snoring or sleep apnea you may be suffering, etc. All your workouts can be tracked & measured from steps to walks, hikes, runs, & bike rides, using GPX files. These GPS Exchange Format files can in turn describe waypoints, tracks, & routes, etc. There’s even a ‘hard fall’ detector that allows you to send an ‘SOS’ call/msg. to your emergency contact(s). There’s also an onboard infrared temp sensor which, although it isn’t yet functioning, is scheduled to come online soon per Samsung.
Bottom Line: Besides all the health monitoring benefits, I’ve estimated that this Watch5 Pro will provide me w/numerous timesaving efficiencies, enhanced productivity, & smarter systems. I can envision how this watch will allow me to become better organized & to exercise more control over my time. Rather than wasting time/effort/motion constantly pulling my phone out of my pocket for everything, w/practice, I’ll soon be able to just glance at my wristwatch, swipe, & handle 90% of my comms, reminders, & transactions. If I save even 10 mins./day, that’s 1 hr./wk., which is 2 days/yr. And I can use an extra couple days/year!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get ultra-fast speeds and powerful productivity with the multifunction LaserJet Pro 4101fdwe with HP+ included at no additional cost. Get laser quality black & white printing for all your business documents. Includes HP+ smart office features so you can set up and manage printers in multiple locations with a single dashboard. Never run out of toner with an optional subscription for Instant Ink for lasers.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent choice for Home or Small Office
on August 27, 2022
Posted by: CriticalEye
When it comes to printers, we’ve been almost exclusively an HP shop (work & home) for almost 3 decades. So, we were at a loss when we finally had to toss our beloved HP 5P LaserJet black & white printer, which we purchased way back in late 1995. After 25+ years of almost daily use & 2 major cross-country moves, that workhorse of a printer still cranked out flawless copies. The problem was that we could no longer find HP toner cartridges for it. And when, as a last resort, we reluctantly caved & tried a couple of online sites for compatible refills, we didn’t get good results & had to return them for refunds.
Enter this new HP LaserJet Pro MFP 4101fdwe. It’s a perfect replacement as well as a major upgrade. Just like our old tank, it cranks out clean, high-quality print jobs. But unlike our old dinosaur, it’s faster, lighter, & more nimble; it offers us dramatically greater utility & productivity as a multi-function AiO (All-in-One printer/scanner/copier/fax); & it’s wireless, allowing us to place the machine in a much more convenient spot in our home office now that it’s untethered. Although I’ll probably never get used to the feeling of the increasingly lightweight, plasticky, flimsy trays & housing of HP’s newer units (we have 2 other newer HP AiO printers), I’ve found that HP’s internal components have proven to be reliable & long-lasting, which is what matters most.
Setup: Using HP Smart made the wireless setup smooth & easy. The toner cartridge came pre-installed; so, after unpacking the unit & removing the security tape, total setup time was just under 15 mins.
Print Quality: I’m delighted w/the professional-grade print quality. I found no smudges, blurring, stray lines, or fading. I get just good, clean, crisp 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution.
Print Speed: This machine wakes up very fast & can crank out about 40 pages/min.
Function: This unit can print, scan, copy, & fax. It has auto 2-sided printing & a drop-down tray for easy envelope & odd-size print jobs.
Size: This unit has a relatively small footprint (~13’H x ~17”W x ~16”D) & sits easily atop a sturdy 2-drawer file cabinet.
Connectivity: Cloud-connected so we can print from anywhere inside or outside the office. Resident ‘Intelligent Wi-Fi’ helps to ensure we stay connected &, of course, there’s also USB 2.0 & Ethernet.
HP Smart App: The ability for multiple users (up to 10) to print from any device is a big convenience that allows us to maximize our productivity/efficiency. The Smart App displays the printer settings from a single, convenient dashboard; so, we can easily print from our phones, tablets, laptops & desktops.
Print Quality: I’m delighted w/the professional-grade print quality. I found no smudges, blurring, stray lines, or fading. I get just good, clean, crisp 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution.
Print Speed: This machine wakes up very fast & can crank out about 40 pages/min.
Function: This unit can print, scan, copy, & fax. It has auto 2-sided printing & a drop-down tray for easy envelope & odd-size print jobs.
Size: This unit has a relatively small footprint (~13’H x ~17”W x ~16”D) & sits easily atop a sturdy 2-drawer file cabinet.
Connectivity: Cloud-connected so we can print from anywhere inside or outside the office. Resident ‘Intelligent Wi-Fi’ helps to ensure we stay connected &, of course, there’s also USB 2.0 & Ethernet.
HP Smart App: The ability for multiple users (up to 10) to print from any device is a big convenience that allows us to maximize our productivity/efficiency. The Smart App displays the printer settings from a single, convenient dashboard; so, we can easily print from our phones, tablets, laptops & desktops.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Frigidaire 12,000 BTU 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner keeps your home cool and comfortable when and where you need it. Enjoy more cooling flexibility with two different fan speeds plus dehumidifying Dry Mode to keep your room cool and comfortable while also removing excess moisture from the air. Plus, cool your room anywhere, anytime from your smart device with the Frigidaire app.
Posted by: CriticalEye
Our central A/C died last month on the very first day of our summer heat wave in the Deep South, & every single HVAC company in our area was booked solid for the next 2 days. By 2pm it was 94 degrees outside & 91 degrees in my upstairs office. I was MISERABLE! How I wish we’d had this unit already. Even after the A/C was repaired, we noticed it was unable to keep up every afternoon & into the evening. We would set the thermostat at 75 in the morning to give the A/C a running start each day, but by early afternoon the indoor temp would begin creeping upwards to 77-78-79.
Enter the Frigidaire 3-in-1 Portable Room A/C unit which is now providing relief during the dogdays of August. This unit is easy to set up & can be used for a temporary fix or a long-term solution. Since our HOA forbids window units, and it’s too soon to upgrade the inadequate contractor-grade HVAC system that the builder installed when the house was new, this portable upright unit (on rollers) is the perfect solution for our supplemental cooling needs on hot summer afternoons. It’s about the size of a large upright living room air purifier or a large 58L kitchen trash can. The only thing you can see from the street is the small opening for the heat exhaust. When fall arrives, we can easily pull the hose from the window & roll it into a closet until next season.
We currently have it set up in an open area that covers the dining room, family room & kitchen (approx. 500 sq. ft.). When we turn on the unit in the afternoon, we usually keep it at the default room temperature setting of 72 degrees with the fan on “high.” The effect is pronounced and quick with a temperature drop of 3 degrees in about 30 minutes. The unit has a pleasant fan noise, not shrill like some appliances. No “warm up” time is required; so, as soon as the unit turns on, it beings blowing cold air instantaneously. Once the inside temp reaches 72, we turn the fan down to a nice quiet “white noise” level that’s on par with the soft indoor airflow sound of our central A/C system. We’re using it on the “Cool” setting which doesn’t cause any drainage, but it can be switched to the “Dry” mode which will pull the moisture from the air. In Dry mode, you’ll need to attach the drain hose (included) & add a drip pan.
This unit also comes with a remote (batteries included). The remote shows your current settings & allows you to change modes, temp settings, & fan speeds as well as set the timer.
The only negative is the flimsy heat exhaust hose which too easily disconnects from the plastic window connector if you bump it in the least. That needs a redesign to something sturdier/more substantial.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Sound Driven Performance. Faster - Higher ~ Stronger ~ Sennheiser~s new SPORT True Wireless drives your performance with our most premium sound, Adaptable Acoustics that lets you tailor the sound for the level of focus or awareness you prefer and an outstanding secure fit. Powered by Sennheiser~s dynamic TrueResponse transducer, the SPORT True Wireless energizes with optimal clarity and full bass. Its unique Adaptable Acoustics feature let you choose an open ear adapter style when you want to minimize body-borne noise and require more situational awareness or an insulating Closed ear adapter that blocks background noise for a focused audio experience. The SPORT True Wireless~s sleek ergonomic design offers brilliant comfort with a choice of fins and ear adapters to ensure a secure customized fit. Its IP54 rating means it can take on the elements, withstand splashes and easily handle sweat or rain. And with up to 27 hours battery life with on-the-go charging ~ it~s ready for anything you are.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect Fit & Great Sound
on June 30, 2022
Posted by: CriticalEye
These are my new favorite sport buds. I’ve had several pairs of sport earbuds/headphones over the years & these are the best fitting & most secure, but they also sound great. I’ve had some that sounded a little richer, but would come loose during exercise. And I‘ve had some that stayed in place, but sounded tinny. These Sennheiser in-ear buds hit the sweet spot & combine the best of both.
Out of the box, they took about 45 minutes to fully charge. Pairing was fast & easy with my Android phone. The Sennheiser App is a must, especially if you want to customize your sound. Here are the highlights:
- Secure fit. The out-of-the-box eartips were the perfect size, but 5 additional sizes are included if those are not a good fit. The small fins on the outside of the buds, give them that extra secure feeling. I never have to adjust them or push them back in like my others that don’t have fins. Additional fins of different sizes are included in the box.
- The sound is rich & full. With the equalizer in the App, I can crank up the bass which sounds almost as good as my non-sport headphones. The App has a one-button preset just for podcasts. I use the feature a lot. It’s nice to be able to switch back & forth from my music preset to podcast preset with one tap. The App also includes a one-tap option to switch from “Aware” (able to hear sounds around you) to “Focus” (similar to noise-cancelling).
- The sound is rich & full. With the equalizer in the App, I can crank up the bass which sounds almost as good as my non-sport headphones. The App has a one-button preset just for podcasts. I use the feature a lot. It’s nice to be able to switch back & forth from my music preset to podcast preset with one tap. The App also includes a one-tap option to switch from “Aware” (able to hear sounds around you) to “Focus” (similar to noise-cancelling).
Overall, I would definitely recommend these earbuds for sports or general use. They’re very secure & offer great sound whether listening to music or podcasts.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Ideal for espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, cortados, and flat whites, the new Ember Cup, 6 oz, offers a premium coffee experience that does more than keep your coffee hot. Our smart mug allows you to set your preferred drinking temperature, so you can enjoy your expertly crafted hot drink ~just the way you like it~ from the first sip to the last drop. Ember Cup~s built-in battery maintains your precise drinking temperature for up to 1.5 hours or all day with the included charging coaster.
Posted by: CriticalEye
Oh, how I’ve waited for a product like this! I love coffee & espresso, but the moment it’s poured into my mug or cup, it begins to cool down. Within a short time, it loses its optimum flavor & peak enjoyment. I’ve been using those cheapo mug warming plates for years, & although they work pretty well, they limit my mobility. I kept a warmer at the house & one at the office. But my mug had to stay on the warmer at all times. If I took my mug with me to another room, my coffee was soon lukewarm. And I can’t count the number of times that I left the house or the office only to then wonder whether I’d remembered to turn off my warming plate. For fear of burning the place down, I had to race back to double-check it. Thanks to the Ember Cup, those days are over! YAY!
This 6 oz. cup is the perfect size for an Expresso, Latte or Cappuccino. You can use it without the Ember App, but it’s much more fun with the App. Once you create an Account (all you need is name, email & password) & pair the App with the cup, you can personalize the LED color that displays on the cup. This is helpful if you own more than one cup (set to different temp settings for coffee vs. tea, etc.) &/or multiple users in your household. The default temp setting on my cup was 135 degrees, which is perfect for me. But the App includes a slider to adjust the temp to your liking. There are also some presets for different coffees & teas, a tea timer & some drink recipes.
The Good Stuff:
- The cup heats up very quickly & notifies you when it’s reached the desired temp.
- The outside of the cup is cool to the touch.
- On a full charge, battery life is about 90 mins.
- The App includes instructions & an explanation for the different colored LED lights.
- The mug maintains a consistent temp.
- The cup heats up very quickly & notifies you when it’s reached the desired temp.
- The outside of the cup is cool to the touch.
- On a full charge, battery life is about 90 mins.
- The App includes instructions & an explanation for the different colored LED lights.
- The mug maintains a consistent temp.
There’s really no downside to this cup. You do have to hand-wash it, as it’s not dishwasher safe, but that’s understandable given the inherent technology. And it does take a long time to charge (2-3 hrs.) if the battery is fully depleted. Otherwise, this is a great invention that makes modern living more enjoyable. Now, I need to buy the Ember Mug for my regular coffee.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Design meets function with the BESPOKE Cube Air Purification System by Samsung. This visually appealing, virtually silent Air Purification System traps large dust particles, helps remove unpleasant odors, and captures ultrafine dust, providing clean air for your home.
Customer Rating
5
Attractive, Effective, Quiet Workhorse
on June 13, 2022
Posted by: CriticalEye
This is our 3rd household air purifier, & this unit is the most technologically advanced of the 3. Our other 2 purifiers were larger rectangular boxes that were somewhat unattractive & obtrusive. With the bulkier units, we found ourselves trying to strategically place them out of the way, which became both a challenge & a compromise, given that they’re not at optimal function when placed against a wall or next to other fixtures or furniture. For maximum effectiveness, air purifiers like unobstructed airflow. In contrast, this attractive Cube has a sleek, compact design w/a modest footprint (just 14” x17” x15”) that blends nicely w/our furniture. Aesthetically, we’re comfortable placing it in the open where it fits w/our décor & can circulate best.
We live in the Southeast in middle-Tennessee. Although it’s a beautiful area, it’s also known for pollen, dust mites, mold, ragweed, heavy concentrations of deciduous trees, a long growing season, & notorious seasonal allergies. In fact, our city is ranked by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) as an “Allergy Capital”. Accordingly, most of our local board-certified allergists & otolaryngologists (aka ENTs) recommend their allergy suffering patients consider buying certified household air purifiers/cleaners. So, we jumped at the chance to try this new Samsung high-tech air purifier in May, which was the perfect primetime window to test its effectiveness against our challenging environment.
To cut right to the chase, after just one week of leaving this air purifier on auto/smart mode, we definitely feel a difference! Normally, as the weather warms in May, the house begins to smell a little musty by the time we come home from work. But after just a couple of days w/the Bespoke Cube, we both agreed that the downstairs area of the house had a cleaner, fresher, less stuffy smell when we walked in at the end of the day. We’ve also noticed that we’ve been sneezing less since we installed this unit earlier this month. Do we have expensive, sophisticated test equipment to scientifically validate what we believe is noticeably improved air quality? No. Is it possible that our perception that we’re breathing easier during this spring’s allergy season is due in part to a placebo effect & not directly attributable to this air purifier? I suppose it’s possible, but not likely. This unit includes a micro air sensor that accurately detects particles down to ultrafine dust as small as 0.3 microns. The gas sensor detects household odors including ammonia, acetic acid, benzene, & toluene. Its activated carbon HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter removes up to 99.7% of indoor airborne particulate matter circulating in our home.
We cook w/natural gas & have a natural gas fireplace in the living room. Our open floor plan provides for a large open space w/the living room & dining room areas adjacent to the kitchen. We can now measure how cooking affects our air quality--via Samsung’s SmartThings App--before, during & after meals. This unit’s AI purification monitors the pollution level & constantly adjusts to optimize purification. When this smart unit detects heavy concentrations of contaminants in room air, the fan speed adjusts accordingly & the front panel extends outward to allow for increased airflow & purification. The unit is Wi-Fi enabled & includes Alexa & Google Asst. voice recognition. The app alerts you when it’s time to buy replacement filters. Although we don’t have pets, our siblings’ families do, & we’re recommending this unit to them. There’s a Pet Mode to remove pet hair & odors so that their families can all breathe cleaner air, & so can we, when we visit them! And for those w/smokers, this unit is also designed to filter tobacco smoke. One nice surprise: the SmartThings App came preloaded on our Samsung S22 Ultra smartphones. Of course, the Cube itself has a digital air quality display on the front panel if your phone’s not handy.
Overall, this is a quiet, attractive, high-quality air purifier that we can confidently recommend for a 350 sq. ft. space. It’s not inexpensive, but then, quality never is. Samsung’s Bespoke Cube provides a good return on your investment. In fact, we plan on buying another unit for our master bedroom so that we’ll sleep better.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Build a healthier lifestyle, right from your wrist. Starting a new health and wellness journey is easier when you have a great partner. Your Halo View (and your Halo membership) will be there with you every step of the way. Access features like: Activity tracking - Check your heart rate, steps, Activity score, and on-demand blood oxygen levels. Sleep time and assessment - Check the quantity and quality of your sleep. On-the-go control - Receive text messages, start live workouts, and get move reminders on your wrist. Long-lasting connection -Halo View has up to 7-days battery life that fully charges in 2 hours and is swim proof up to 50 meters. The band comes in 2 sizes, Small/Medium (5.1"-7.7") and Medium/Large (6.3"-8.9").
Customer Rating
4
Top Notch Affordable Fitness Tracker
on March 3, 2022
Posted by: CriticalEye
I’ve been searching for a new fitness tracker since losing my old Fitbit. It was a decent tracker, but I lost it because of its clip-on design. So, I wanted a more secure wristband style that looked nice enough to wear to work as well as play. The Halo View fit the bill. It looks sleek & minimalist, and it’s lightweight enough that I really don’t notice that I’m wearing it most of the time.
Here’s what I like about it:
- Set up was easy: After downloading the App, it paired quickly & walked me through every step in just a few minutes.
- Very affordable: It’s a great motivator, costs less than a gym membership and, coupled with the App, it’s a great buy.
- Comfort & Size: I have a medium-sized wrist, so it fits perfectly. But it has such a minimal form factor, that it would be fine for someone with a smaller wrist. The band is smooth & comfortable. I can easily wipe it down or wash the band.
- The HR monitor is just ok. It reads a bit high at times, but I’m not expecting the level of accuracy you would get with a tighter band or chest strap.
- It feels durable although it looks sleek & elegant.
- The large screen has easy-to-read data.
- Simple swipe up/down & left/right navigation
- The App has a surprising amount of features & probably more than I’ll ever use. Just to mention a few, it has a comprehensive activity tracker, workout videos, a body fat scan, a sleep tracker & even a voice tone analysis.
- Set up was easy: After downloading the App, it paired quickly & walked me through every step in just a few minutes.
- Very affordable: It’s a great motivator, costs less than a gym membership and, coupled with the App, it’s a great buy.
- Comfort & Size: I have a medium-sized wrist, so it fits perfectly. But it has such a minimal form factor, that it would be fine for someone with a smaller wrist. The band is smooth & comfortable. I can easily wipe it down or wash the band.
- The HR monitor is just ok. It reads a bit high at times, but I’m not expecting the level of accuracy you would get with a tighter band or chest strap.
- It feels durable although it looks sleek & elegant.
- The large screen has easy-to-read data.
- Simple swipe up/down & left/right navigation
- The App has a surprising amount of features & probably more than I’ll ever use. Just to mention a few, it has a comprehensive activity tracker, workout videos, a body fat scan, a sleep tracker & even a voice tone analysis.
Improvement Wish List:
- I’m not a fan of the clunky charging clip. It’s awkward & takes some finagling to put it in the right charging position. A USB-C port would be better.
- I’m not a fan of the clunky charging clip. It’s awkward & takes some finagling to put it in the right charging position. A USB-C port would be better.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Jabra Elite 4 Active is designed to stay comfortably in place. And that~s not all: with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), adjustable equalizer, and HearThrough technology, plus instant access to Spotify Tap playback, Elite 4 Active are engineered to bring a real boost to your workout. Made with a secure active fit, and IP57-rated water and sweat proof protection, these buds are engineered for all kinds of workouts. And with a 2-year warranty when you register them in the Jabra Sound+ app, you~ll never have to worry about your workout buddies letting you down. ANC blocks intrusive sounds at the touch of a button, so you can stay immersed in your music. From ignoring the sound system at the gym, to filtering out ambient urban noise, you get in ~ and stay in ~ the zone. You can even customize how your music sounds. Whether you want to boost the bass or turn up the treble, just download the Jabra Sound+ app and tune the equalizer to your preference. You can also activate Spotify Tap playback for instant, seamless connection to the music you need to power you through.
Customer Rating
4
Great Sound, Great Fit
on January 26, 2022
Posted by: CriticalEye
How Often Used:Daily
Really happy with these little earbuds. Out of the box, they took about 45 minutes to fully charge. Pairing was fast & easy. The App is a must, especially if you want to customize your sound. Here are the highlights:
- Sleek, minimalist charging case
- Fast pairing with solid connectivity
- Includes USB-C charging cable (unfortunately, no wall charger)
- Very tight fit, but not uncomfortable. You do have to twist them, in-ear, to the perfect angle to experience full bass. So far, they stay snug whether walking or jogging. They’re also sweat-proof, so I don’t have to baby them.
- 2 additional pairs of earpieces are included (large & small) if the original pair isn’t a good fit.
- Audio quality is very good. The App has a customizable equalizer that makes all the difference. The Active Noise Cancelling is excellent. With most earbuds, I can still hear quite a bit of ambient noise. But with these, I can barely hear someone talking to me in a normal tone just a couple of feet away. The sound quality for phone calls is comparable to a sound studio. But the mic is just average and seems to pick up too much surrounding noise. So, I can’t be very active if I want to be courteous to the person on the other end.
- Fast pairing with solid connectivity
- Includes USB-C charging cable (unfortunately, no wall charger)
- Very tight fit, but not uncomfortable. You do have to twist them, in-ear, to the perfect angle to experience full bass. So far, they stay snug whether walking or jogging. They’re also sweat-proof, so I don’t have to baby them.
- 2 additional pairs of earpieces are included (large & small) if the original pair isn’t a good fit.
- Audio quality is very good. The App has a customizable equalizer that makes all the difference. The Active Noise Cancelling is excellent. With most earbuds, I can still hear quite a bit of ambient noise. But with these, I can barely hear someone talking to me in a normal tone just a couple of feet away. The sound quality for phone calls is comparable to a sound studio. But the mic is just average and seems to pick up too much surrounding noise. So, I can’t be very active if I want to be courteous to the person on the other end.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
4
Comfort
4
Ease of Use
4
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Calming Heat Massaging Neck Wrap soothing heat & relaxing vibrations and weighted clay bead filling for targeted relief.
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
Why did it not occur to me to get one of these a long time ago?! I stand & sit at a desk most of my work day, so neck issues have plagued me for many years. This Heat Massaging Neck Wrap couldn’t have come at a better time. Even if I didn’t need it for muscle relief, it’s awesome as a soothing heat source for winter time. Although the massage feature is nice, I don’t find that it does that much for me. The ability to switch between different heat settings is very helpful. I’ve tried hot pads in the past that had only one setting. And when they got too warm, I had to them shut off, turn them back on, & constantly fiddle with them to get the right temperature. But with this unit, I can just tap the heat button to dial it back a tad without shutting it off completely. It fits perfectly around the back of my neck, but I like to sling it over my traps for a little extra relief. It’s very easy to slip on, so I’m using it first thing when I get to work each morning. A cup of hot coffee, a warm neck wrap, & I’m ready to roll!
No negatives on this wrap, only positives:
- Heats up quickly: I can feel the warmth within 60 seconds of powering on
- Very soft fabric: Feels great on my skin
- Long 9ft cord
- Velcro strap for easy placement
- USB plug with AC adapter
- 3 Heat settings
- 3 Massage settings
- Very affordable: Perfect price range for gift giving
- Simple/easy to use controls
- 2 Hour auto-off feature
- Heats up quickly: I can feel the warmth within 60 seconds of powering on
- Very soft fabric: Feels great on my skin
- Long 9ft cord
- Velcro strap for easy placement
- USB plug with AC adapter
- 3 Heat settings
- 3 Massage settings
- Very affordable: Perfect price range for gift giving
- Simple/easy to use controls
- 2 Hour auto-off feature
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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CriticalEye's Review Comments
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Sleep better. Cover unwanted noise with soothing sounds. Bose noise-masking sleepbuds~ are uniquely designed for sleep. They don~t stream music or have acoustic noise cancellation. Instead, these tiny, wireless earbuds use pre-loaded, soothing sounds to cover up unwanted noises, so you can get to sleep ~ and stay asleep. Plus, unlike traditional earplugs, they~re super comfortable and made to stay in place all night long, even if you sleep on your side. 1. Choose your sound, 2. Set an alarm, 3. Fall asleep without unwanted noise.
I can’t use the Bose -noise-masking-sleepbuds-white to Make phone call.
These are not engineered for phone calls or listening to music on your phone. They're strictly for masking exterior sound. Hope that helps.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
CriticalEye
Sleep better. Cover unwanted noise with soothing sounds. Bose noise-masking sleepbuds~ are uniquely designed for sleep. They don~t stream music or have acoustic noise cancellation. Instead, these tiny, wireless earbuds use pre-loaded, soothing sounds to cover up unwanted noises, so you can get to sleep ~ and stay asleep. Plus, unlike traditional earplugs, they~re super comfortable and made to stay in place all night long, even if you sleep on your side. 1. Choose your sound, 2. Set an alarm, 3. Fall asleep without unwanted noise.
Can you use these at work to drown out a loud talkative coworker?
Well, depending on how close & how loud they talk, you may not be able to completely drown them out. These will definitely help though. I've tried them in the airport & they made a huge difference. Good luck with the annoying co-worker!
7 years, 4 months ago
by
CriticalEye
Keep your devices powered with this powerful Samsung vehicle charger. It fits any standard vehicle power outlet, and the Fast Charge technology takes your battery from empty to 50 percent in roughly 30 minutes. This compact Samsung vehicle charger has a dual port that lets you power up to two devices at once.
does the Fast Charging work for the Samsung Galaxy s9? I'm having a hard time finding a car charger that lists compatibility with this model specifically.
Both the S9 and the S9+ have USB-C charging ports, so the USB-C charging cable will be compatible.
7 years, 5 months ago
by
CriticalEye
Pursue every dream or outdoor adventure with the all-over coverage of this OtterBox Pursuit case for Samsung Galaxy S9+. Slim but rugged, this road-worthy case has a rigid inner liner to defend against a drop, while the transparent membrane over the speaker keeps dust and debris and enhances audio enjoyment. With a recessed back to enhance grip and provide a bit of style, this OtterBox Pursuit case is up for outdoor adventures or the urban streets.
Is there a belt clip on a solid back available?
No belt clips available on the Pursuit. However, the Defender does include a belt clip.
7 years, 5 months ago
by
CriticalEye
Acer 15.6" Chromebook: Stay connected while you're on the go with this Chromebook, which features fast Wireless-AC Internet connectivity and integrated Cloud support. The wide-angle Full HD display delivers bright, clear graphics, perfect for streaming your favorite TV show or chatting with friends through the HDR webcam.
I need to be able to type documents also to place ads. Will there be a Word program?
It comes with a free 1 month trial for Office 365 (Microsoft Word)
7 years, 6 months ago
by
CriticalEye
Only at Best Buy Keep an eye on what matters most with this wireless SimpliSafe security system. It provides full-time professional monitoring of your home's surroundings, and it detects intruders with advanced sensors to keep your family safe. This SimpliSafe security system continues working for 24 hours when the power fails for added protection.
Does is come with yard signs and window stickers
Yes, a yard sign, stakes & a couple of window stickers are included in The Shield package.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
CriticalEye
Only at Best Buy Keep an eye on what matters most with this wireless SimpliSafe security system. It provides full-time professional monitoring of your home's surroundings, and it detects intruders with advanced sensors to keep your family safe. This SimpliSafe security system continues working for 24 hours when the power fails for added protection.
The photo shows the Keyfob, but the description does not list the Keyfob as included. Does this kit include it or not?
Yes, one key fob is included with The Shield package.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
CriticalEye
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
Are they comfortable with glasses? Also does anyone have the dimensions, like the size of the earcups and height.
I wear glasses & most over-the-ear headphones hurt after a short while. These do not. A feature in the downloadable App will actually make an adjustment if you're wearing glasses. Dimensions inside the cups are about 1 1/4" x 2 1/4", but the material is very flexible & comfortable. Hope that helps.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
CriticalEye
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
Are the sony wh-1000xm2 good for watching movies and video games?
Definitely yes. Sound quality is very good with or without NC on.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
CriticalEye
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
Are SONY WH1000XM2 compatible with Sony XBR900E
I wasn't able to get mine to pair with the TV. However, this Sony TV has had bluetooth pairing issues in general. You can always go wired if you have a cord extender.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
CriticalEye