CriticalEye's stats
- Review count124
- Helpfulness votes497
- First reviewOctober 20, 2014
- Last reviewOctober 19, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count22
- Helpfulness votes12
- First answerMarch 11, 2018
- Last answerOctober 21, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers1
Bose Sleepbuds II deliver relaxing sounds that help you fall asleep, and use Bose noise-masking technology so you stay asleep. Tiny, wireless Sleepbuds II are designed for comfort with sleep technology clinically proven to help you fall asleep faster. Sleepbuds II play content only from the Bose Sleep app, which gives you full control of the Sound Library and helps you personalize features. Discover tranquil tones and soothing sounds from nature. Or, use Bose noise-masking sounds to cover unwanted nighttime noise. Download your favorite sounds directly to Sleepbuds II, control volume, and set a personal wake-up alarm. Sleepbuds II feature proprietary eartips made of soft silicone for a comfortable, secure fit. Sleep on your back or side, or rollover during the night, they’ll stay put. Get up to ten hours of battery life from a single charge, enough for a full night’s sleep — and three additional charges from the portable case.
Customer Rating
5
Cut the Noise & Sleep (or Study) Like a Pro
on October 17, 2020
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
I’ve been using the original version of Bose Sleepbuds for a couple of years & have found them to be comfortable, durable & helpful. The Sleepbuds II are even better!
Setup: As usual, Bose makes setup super easy. The start-up guide leads you to download the Bose Sleep App & walks you through every simple step. It’s very quick, does not require setting up an account or Login (which is great!) & pairs with the App/device almost immediately.
App: The App comes loaded with a library of several categories of sounds to choose from (Noise Masking, Naturescapes, Tranquilities). There are also additional sounds that can be downloaded (at no charge). The App has been greatly improved over time & is fully customizable. You can set alarms & add a sleep timer. You can also use the Sleepbuds if your phone is off or in another room.
Comfort: As a side-sleeper who uses a firm memory-foam pillow, I was initially concerned about comfort. In the past, I found traditional foam ear plugs to be very uncomfortable. However, these Sleepbuds lay flat in the ear (not like most audio earbuds that protrude), & the material that touches your ear feels very soft & silky. I’ve never experienced discomfort or irritation even after a full night’s sleep.
Convenience: I used to lug around a white-noise machine when traveling. The Sleepbuds come in a very compact, secure case saving me valuable space & weight. I also use them for work & study. It’s so much easier to just pop them in when I need to concentrate, rather than searching for a YouTube “study music” video to drown out the noise.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+4points
7of 10voted this as helpful.
Now the Roomba i3+ EVO robot vacuum is smarter than ever, learning and mapping your home room-by-room so it can clean the room you want, when you want—with 10x the Power-Lifting Suction* and Premium 3-Stage Cleaning System. Powered by iRobot OS, it stays one step ahead of everyday messes, by learning your life and suggesting cleaning schedules—to clean when you’re out enjoying life. On-demand cleaning is only a command away, with Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility** that let you direct your robot to messes right when they happen. With Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, Roomba will return itself to the base when the bin is full, automatically empty and resume cleaning, so you don’t have to think about emptying the bin for months at a time. (*Compared to the Roomba® 600 series cleaning system)
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
This really is a game changer! I’ve had a slightly lower quality robot vacuum for about a year. It lacked suction power, & I absolutely dreaded having to empty the bin and wipe out the dust & debris after each run. This i3+ with the self-emptying bin is a dream. I can create a cleaning schedule & forget about it. I wasn’t able to do that with my old robot vac since it had to be manually emptied between each run.
Out of the box, setup was a snap. Nothing to attach or screw on. Just unwrap & plug it in. Mine was almost fully charged, so it only took a few minutes to get to 100%. If you don’t have time to download the App, you can just press the “Clean” button to send it on its way.
I was impressed with the suction power. I have dark hardwood floors, so it’s very easy to see debris. My floors were spotless after one pass and, so far, it’s able to run for about 1 hr. before returning to the charger to empty the bin.
While the bin is emptying, it makes a very loud roaring noise. Not quite as loud as a space shuttle launch, but close. Best to keep small children & pets away during that short process. Frankly, I don’t care how loud it is if it relieves me of having to empty the bin.
The iRobot Home App needs work. I initially had no trouble downloading the App, creating an account & connecting to the vac. Then the App began crashing. After a dozen attempts, uninstalling & reinstalling on 3 different devices, I had success. It’s working fine now & is very handy. You can do things like: start the vac remotely, create a schedule, view the history (which includes a map of the cleaned area) & set favorites.
I’m still going to give it 5 stars because the vac itself is so fantastic that it outweighs the minor issue with the App. I’m sure the developer can work out the kinks on the App over time.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Feel relief aid anywhere, anytime with Compex® Ayre™ compression boots. Designed for therapists, coaches, elite and recreational athletes on-the-go, Ayre is a therapeutic product using intermittent pneumatic compression. When exercising, the body builds up lactic acid as a biproduct of muscle contraction. Ayre compression boots work to break up these small molecules and send stimulus to your nervous system. These compression boots are designed to help improve blood flow and circulation in the legs by mobilizing lactic acid, access fluids, and other toxins. Compex Ayre uses a dynamic pulsing compression up the limbs in waves for the duration of its use, which helps promote quick healing. Sit back, power up the boots, and enjoy your recovery for up to 60 minutes anywhere on a single charge.
Customer Rating
4
Definitely Improves Recovery
on September 14, 2020
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
Requires no setup. Out of the box, it came charged & ready to go. It comes with a Quick Start Guide, but I would recommend downloading the manual from the Compex website in order to understand the settings options.
Ease of use: Super easy & fast! Just slip them on like a normal boot, zip up the calf area, fasten the 3 velcro straps around the thigh area and press the start button. The default setting will begin inflating the foot area, followed by the lower calf chamber, then upper calf, then thigh area. It feels just like a blood pressure cuff. It will hold at the fully inflated point for 10 sec, then deflate for 1 min. and re-start the cycle. The Control Unit makes a quiet beeping noise between cycles & a low motorized sound while inflating.
The controls are very simple. There are 2 options for inflating the chambers: one-by-one or all at once. You can also change the pressure of each chamber & it will remember your last setting. This is a great feature that allows you to target a problem area.
I’ve been using it after long runs & after leg-day workouts. I have one calf that’s giving me trouble, so I’ve increased the pressure in that chamber to isolate the problem area. I’ve been using it for 30-min. intervals post-workout and definitely feel a difference in recovery time. It’s most noticeable the next day when I would normally be more fatigued & sore. Besides the physical improvement, I use that time to mentally relax as well. If it included a massage feature, I’d give it 5 stars.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+3points
6of 9voted this as helpful.
The Back-UPS battery backup offers guaranteed power and surge protection for wireless networks, computers, gaming consoles and other electronics in your home or business. Models supply battery backup during outages and unsafe voltage fluctuations, as well as provide protection from damaging surges and spikes. They're available in 'tower' or 'floor' styles, and together with a variety of standard features, they are the perfect choice to protect your data and keep you connected.
Customer Rating
4
Can’t go wrong with APC
on August 24, 2020
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
I’ve used Back-UPS for many years & am partial to APC. They always shine in quality & dependability. This 650VA 7-outlet unit doesn’t disappoint. It’s an economical choice with enough outlets to protect all the basics for home or office. I’m able to plug in my PC, monitor, printer, scanner, speakers & calculator.
We have new on-going construction nearby & lose power every other week or so. Having a battery backup has become an absolute necessity. I happened to be nearby when we lost power the last time. I heard the APC unit start beeping & it gave me plenty time to save my open work, close all my programs & shut down properly. Nightmare averted! I’m sure this will also extend the life of my equipment with all the power surges we experience.
The only negative: Due to large plugs on a couple of cords, I lose the ability to utilize all 7 outlets. The outlet spacing is stretched on one end, but not enough to accommodate more than one large plug. You’ll want to take in inventory of your cords & plugs when deciding which unit to select.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Keep surfaces dirt-free and dust-free with this Hoover ONEPWR DustChaser hand vacuum. The handheld design offers easy carrying between rooms, while the rechargeable LiIon battery allows for cord-free, continuous use. This Hoover ONEPWR DustChaser hand vacuum has a rinsable filter for easy maintenance and includes an upholstery tool and two-in-one dusting and crevice kit for furniture and hard-to-reach areas.
Customer Rating
5
Say Hello to My Little Friend!
on July 31, 2020
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
I absolutely dread having to drag out my upright vacuum for small jobs. It’s such a hassle to roll it out of the closet, unwrap the long cord, detach the hose & pull out the extender handle for a 2 minute task, then have to put it all back again. Oh how I wish I’d had this little tool years ago.
This Hand Vac is lightweight, yet powerful. It has a nice extender, with an easy-flip brush on the end (perfect for baseboards). It’s long enough to reach into ceiling corners, and the best part is … it’s cordless! We have a serious spider problem in the summer and now I can get rid of the pesky critters in a snap. This is a tool that everyone could use, so it’s going to be one of my go-to gifts for weddings, birthdays & Christmas.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Meet Talk PRO, JLab’s ultimate professional level USB microphone featuring the highest quality 192kHz/24BIT resolution in the game. Offering 3 studio quality condensers and 4 directional pattern modes, this microphone has the capability to professionally tackle any recording project: music, podcasts, game streams, voiceover, and ASMR. With top-notch volume and gain controls and a quick-mute button, the Talk PRO offers a hassle-free experience with clear sound for any occasion.
Customer Rating
5
Sound like Pro on an Average Budget
on July 16, 2020
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
Love this microphone! Now that work-from-home is the norm, video chats & virtual meetings are a regular occurrence. This microphone made me instantly sound like a professional with my work team & everyone noticed immediately. I also have to make How-to videos and the voice clarity is excellent for recording audio-only files. I tested with music and was impressed with the full sound on playback. There are 4 Directional options, a sturdy tri-pod and an extra-long cord. Set-up is a snap, just plug into a USB port & go (literally less than 5 minutes).
This really sparks the creative juices! It may be overkill for the average Zoom call, but if you do any podcasting or other semi-professional recording, I would highly recommend the Talk PRO. JLab has an excellent, short How To video that runs through the basics of working with a stand-alone mic: https://www.jlabaudio.com/products/talk-pro-usb-microphone
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Simplify personal grooming with this Panasonic ARC 5 electric shaver. The ultra-fast motor and five-blade system make short work of facial hair by providing up to 70,000 cross-cuts per minute,. This Panasonic ARC 5 electric shaver has a built-in pop-up trimmer that makes it easy to sculpt mustaches, beards and sideburns.
Customer Rating
2
Not a close shave, even after many passes
on June 28, 2020
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
My beard may be a bit different than the avg. guy’s beard. I’m not a hairy guy, & I don’t have a thick, coarse, stubbly beard. If I don’t shave during the work week, I won't end up with a stylish 5 o’clock shadow until Friday afternoon--a look that a lot of other guys can achieve in just 1 day. But even with my soft, thin facial hair, this electric razor doesn’t offer the close shave I’d hoped for. In fact, the number of passes I’m forced to make over my face & neck to obtain a clean, whiskerless mug is both annoying & time-consuming. So, despite my slow-growing beard, if I don’t shave at least 2-to-3 times/week w/this electric razor, then I’m forced to revert to a disposable razor for a clean shave.
In addition, I found that the shaver’s large head makes it a bit unwieldy & difficult to obtain a close shave in the area just beneath my nose. Whether shaving wet or dry & regardless of technique (going against the grain, stretching the skin, toggling the shaver head between the “free” & “lock” positions, utilizing the pop-up trimmer, etc.), I also found it difficult to get a clean shave under my jaw line, below my sideburns. I experienced similar difficulty in shaving the tiny hairs in the lower neck/throat area on either side of my Adam’s apple.
Although some may prefer to utilize the razor’s wet shave capability, I don’t like to shave in the shower. Although I did try the wet shave option, it didn’t cut any better than the dry shave. So, after 2 tries at wet shaving, I went back to traditional dry shaving. As for the suggested shaving cream option, I don’t use shaving cream with an electric razor. For me, the whole pt. of an electric razor is convenience & time savings vs. dealing w/the hassles of a manual razor (running hot water, applying/removing shaving cream/gel, & cauterizing bloody nicks, etc.). Simply put: an electric shaver should provide a QUICK, safe, close shave without all the mess & fuss.
Although a 2-yr. mfr.’s limited warranty sounds impressive vs. the industry std., a quick check revealed that the common recommended replacement parts (new blades & foils) aren’t inexpensive. So, I doubt I’ll be able to justify the expense of regular maintenance w/this razor (apart from routine cleaning). Instead, I’ll probably elect to put those funds towards the cost of a new shaver. Furthermore, the lithium ion battery life is just 3 yrs., & it isn’t intended to be replaced by the consumer. In some ways, this shaver could almost be considered an expensive disposable razor. On a minor note, the black travel case/pouch feels like cheap vinyl without any real padding or cushioning to fully protect the hardware & sensitive electronics.
Overall, I'm a bit underwhelmed & disappointed, as I expected greater performance—namely, a closer, quicker shave—from a premium electric shaver at this price point.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
With the Coravin Model Five Wine Preservation System, choose the wines you desire, without compromise. Model Five is the Coravin standard, featuring a classic design and innovative SmartClamps™, making it sturdy and easy to go on/off from bottle to bottle. Simply insert, tip, and pour as much wine as you desire—then save the rest of the bottle for weeks, months, or even years! Includes 3 Coravin Pure Capsules and 1 Coravin Screw Cap.
Customer Rating
4
Great Wine Preservation Tool
on May 22, 2020
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
If you consistently open & finish an entire bottle of wine in one sitting, this is not the product for you. However, if you have occasions where you’d like to pour a small amount: wine tasting, cooking, no one to share with, you just want a ½-glass to complement a meal or dish, then this is a problem solver. The Corvin Model 5 will allow you to pour from a bottle without removing the cork & without oxidizing the contents. What an amazing invention! This Model 5 system works with standard corks and has an adapter for screw cap bottles.
Pros
Ease of use: As soon as you open the box, Coravin clearly directs you to scan the QR code to their site. There you’ll find very helpful, short ‘How-to’ videos. Even though the package contains a thorough User Manual, I highly recommend checking out the videos, especially if this product is a new concept to you. Once you’ve tried a pour, it’s very easy to use & clean.
Ease of use: As soon as you open the box, Coravin clearly directs you to scan the QR code to their site. There you’ll find very helpful, short ‘How-to’ videos. Even though the package contains a thorough User Manual, I highly recommend checking out the videos, especially if this product is a new concept to you. Once you’ve tried a pour, it’s very easy to use & clean.
Cons
You need patience when pouring. Even after confirming the system is “clear”, it still pours slowly.
You need patience when pouring. Even after confirming the system is “clear”, it still pours slowly.
The instructions advise you to lay the bottle on its side after use. I had an incident where wine leaked from the horizontally-stored bottle after 2 punctures into the same cork hole. It was a natural cork, not synthetic, but it may have been dry. (A punctured dry cork often doesn’t fully reseal.) I haven’t found a way to tell if a cork is dry without pulling it out, so I’m storing bottles upright from now on.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Portable treatment packed with power. Theragun quality, anytime, anywhere. Theragun Mini is your pocket-sized partner, giving you Theragun quality deep muscle massage treatment with unparalleled portability. Compact but powerful, Theragun Mini is the most agile massage device that goes wherever you do.
Customer Rating
5
Small Gun Packs A Big Punch
on May 12, 2020
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
This is my first experience with a percussive therapy device. I’ve always believed manual massage was the best treatment, but this little massager has opened my eyes to a different remedy. I found it especially helpful with tendinitis (mine is forearm). Manual manipulation helps at times, but it’s difficult to massage your own forearm. I used the Mini for just a few minutes and had relief for the rest of the day. That alone is worth every penny!!
The Mini has a very smooth feel. It’s light weight enough to hold & move around for an extended time without fatiguing your hand. It’s also surprisingly quiet for such a powerful device. I can comfortably use it on my traps right next to my ears & it’s not too loud.
There is a Therabody App that has some helpful tips. You’ll have to create an Account to use the App however.
Overall, I’m very impressed with this little massager. It’s very powerful, quiet & small enough to carry around in a gym bag or purse.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Correct bad sleeping habits with this Philips SmartSleep Better Sleep program. The system includes a set of exercises designed to address specific obstacles that hinder your ability to sleep. With the help of a behavior-changing app and a personal journal, this Philips SmartSleep Better Sleep program helps you make lifestyle changes that lead to peaceful rest without medications.
Customer Rating
4
Great if you’re serious about sleep improvement
on November 24, 2019
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
I’ve already spent many hours researching sleep & ways to improve it, so I wasn’t expecting too much from the program. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. While the program is designed to create better habits over the long run, my sleep is already improving. I’ll have to stay committed (like any workout program) if I expect to see big results. I’m also using the Philips SmartSleep Light Therapy Lamp. The lamp pairs well with this program.
Once you download the Sleeprate App, it will guide you through an initial questionnaire. Then, over the next 7 days, it collects data about your sleep (based on your input) & provides an initial assessment. The more information you provide, the better the results.
- It has the ability to record sound (very helpful, especially if you snore!)
- It can collect data if you use a heart rate tracking device
- It also has an alarm option
- It has the ability to record sound (very helpful, especially if you snore!)
- It can collect data if you use a heart rate tracking device
- It also has an alarm option
Once you receive your initial Assessment Report, it will start you on a journey of weekly challenges. Each challenge comes with written information & short videos that explain the whys & benefits to the challenge. The App also has many other helpful short videos that cover the gamut, from the basics to the science of sleep. One of the greatest benefits of the program is the encouragement you’ll receive to create & maintain good habits that will improve your sleep. When you know you’ll be tracking your habits each day, it has a motivating effect on your behavior.
I would recommend starting the program when you know you'll be able to commit to tracking your sleep on a consistent basis. It only takes a minute at bedtime & a couple of minutes when you wake, but consistency is the key. I would definitely recommend this program for anyone who is not 100% satisfied with their sleep.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
CriticalEye's Review Comments
CriticalEye has not submitted comments on any reviews.
CriticalEye's Questions
CriticalEye has not submitted any questions.
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.
How long does it take before your ears get sweaty in these? I looked at the store and it looks like the cushions are made of fake leather...
I've used them for an hour or so at a time, but surprisingly never feel sweaty. They're the most comfortable headphones I have, but the suction gets a bit too strong after about 15 min. You have to give them a quick lift from your ears to relieve the pressure. Understandable though & worth it for the excellent noise canceling. Hope that helps.
6 years, 8 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.
How many people have these Sony 1000X MK2 and have had problems with the cracking on the band? I really want them but I'm not sure if they are gonna break easily!
I've had a pair for about 5 months. Haven't had any issues with cracking. They're just a beautiful as the day I received them. I do take pretty good care of them, but I have had others in the past break down over time. Hope that helps.
6 years, 8 months ago
by
CriticalEye