CriticalEye's stats
- Review count119
- Helpfulness votes489
- First reviewOctober 20, 2014
- Last reviewApril 28, 2024
- 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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Samsung's 34" ViewFinity S50GC offers a wider workspace featuring a 21:9 ratio and lifelike detail with Ultra-WQHD resolution. AMD FreeSync™ and 100Hz refresh rate allow an ultra-smooth user experience. Avoid eyestrain with TUV-certified Intelligent Eye Care that automatically adjusts brightness. With HDR10 that displays over 1 billion colors compared to 16.7 million for typical SDR technology, dark colors are darker and the brightest are even brighter.
Customer Rating
5
Crisp View with Minimalist Form
on June 11, 2023
Posted by: CriticalEye
Over the last several years, we’ve purchased several Samsung products, including their TVs, soundbars, smartphones, smartwatches, & air purifiers. Overall, we’ve enjoyed good value from Samsung & a consistent record of performance, functionality, durability & dependability across multiple devices.
I use a multi-monitor setup for my work computer. As one who likes a clean & lean, minimalist look, my arrangement has been more cumbersome than I’d like. Even w/my cable management system, the multiple power cords & HDMI cords from multiple monitors created a cluttered look that annoyed me. So, I was super-excited to replace my old monitors w/this sleek new 34” ultra-widescreen monitor. When hardware design aligns w/required functionality AND desired aesthetics, it makes all the difference! After setting up the new monitor, I walked out of & back into my office to get a fresh look at my new minimalist widescreen perched atop my riseable standing electric desk. I just smiled & whispered, “Wow!” The Ultra-WQHD resolution (3,440 x 1,440), 100Hz refresh rate for less latency & blur & 21:9 aspect ratio all contribute to stunning images & video. And the extra-thin bezel is so refined that it almost appears bezel-less. This accentuates the minimalist look I’ve always wanted & now finally have.
After just a few days, I’ve already noticed less eye fatigue. The Intelligent Eye Care system’s ambient light sensor detects the changing light levels in my home office, day & night, & auto-adjusts the brightness. And although I try not to do computer work w/in an hour of bedtime, sometimes I’m forced to work late into the night to meet deadlines. Thankfully, the Eye Saver Mode minimizes excessive blue light which has already begun to help prevent some of the circadian rhythm disruption that I was experiencing from my previous monitors. And given that I sometimes spend up to 12 hrs./day doing computer work, I’m pleased that this monitor includes Flicker Free technology to help further manage screen brightness. My older monitors used technology that turned the backlight on & off rapidly, which, even though I couldn’t detect it, was creating eyestrain. My old monitors were equipped w/lower std. 60Hz refresh rates & bulky ½” bezels.
Contrasting my old SDR (Std. Dynamic Range) monitors displaying around 16M colors vs. this new HDR10 (High Dynamic Range) technology displaying 1B+ colors--the difference even to the untrained naked eye is immediately noticeable. Yes, there are darker darks & brighter brights & all that, but it wasn’t until I streamed a movie in HD this weekend that I was awakened to the real difference. I was stunned by the crystal clear clarity of the actors’ headshots--down to even the pores in their faces in the close-up shots. With this level of detail in color, brightness, & shading, there’s really no place to hide for actors today.
Finally, as for my work, the Picture-by-Picture/Picture-in-Picture functions flawlessly, allowing me to leave email open on one side & documents or another App open on the other side.
Overall, I’m giving this 5 stars. It’s a beautiful monitor at a good value.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Achieve outstanding performance and expandability with the new Dell XPS 8960 Desktop. Built with powerful processors, memory and graphics, this desktop acheives maximum performance to support your tasks.
Posted by: CriticalEye
I’ve been using a Dell All-In-One (AIO) as my primary Home-Office PC for several years now. It’s been a good performer, but I’ve missed some of the options that come standard with a traditional tower desktop, including the option to change monitors. I also like to be able to just turn off my monitor rather than putting the PC into one of the sleep-mode options, as Microsoft has never quite mastered sleep mode for AIOs in my opinion. Many times I’ve had to walk away from my AIO while in the middle of a project with several Apps or documents open, only to return & experience a problem reawakening my AIO. This conflict has even resulted in the loss of data on a couple of occasions. Again, I prefer the certainty of simply turning off a standalone monitor while leaving the desktop fully awake.
I also feel that I get better heat dissipation & overall thermal management with my new traditional tower vs. my AIO. Due to the compact nature of an AIO, the parts are often smaller, & I often heard the little fan inside working overtime to cool down the components. I now have a greater sense of security w/a larger fan & standard-size components in this standalone XPS 8960 tower, especially when gaming or performing video editing.
I do miss the convenient touchscreen of my AIO, especially when I’m interacting with others & showing or teaching them a series of steps required to perform a certain task. But there are still more advantages to this new traditional desktop PC than drawbacks.
Although I try to future-proof my PCs as best I can w/in budget limits & component availability, there are still times I want to upgrade an internal component (perhaps w/more RAM or a better graphics card, etc.) before the machine’s overall useful life ends. In general, PC towers are just easier to customize, easier to upgrade, & easier to service & repair.
This XPS 8960 has all the hardware features I need to move with speed & optimize my productivity. With the 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor & 16GB memory, I can have several Apps open at the same time with no noticeable lag. It also has 2 additional Memory slots if needed which is another advantage vs. my old sealed AIO.
With the 512GB SSD & 2TB HDD, I have more than enough space to store large music & video files rather than relying on cloud storage or external storage devices. And this model has ports galore: 9 total USB-A & C (4 front/5 rear). Finally, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card is impressive, especially if you’re into gaming. NVIDIA’s Ray Tracing technology makes a noticeable difference in lighting & shadows, providing graphic images that appear photorealistic.
My only disappointment was that this XPS 8960 comes with a very basic wired mouse & keyboard (which I quickly upgraded w/better input devices). Otherwise, this is a future-proofed workhorse PC that I expect will perform well over time.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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MX Keys S Logitech Wireless Keyboard — a low-profile full-size keyboard that offers a fluid, precise typing experience and customizable, time-saving Smart Actions that automate your most repetitive tasks with a single keystroke. The backlit keyboard features smart backlighting that lights up when your hands approach it and automatically adjusts to suit the time of day.
Customer Rating
5
Another Winner from Logitech
on May 19, 2023
Posted by: CriticalEye
Between work & home I’ve had over a dozen different keyboards from different manufacturers, but I always come back to Logitech. The MX Keys S is by far the best yet. 2nd place goes to the prior version, MX Keys that I used for a few years. I have only good things to say about this MX Keys S:
-Weight: Logitech added just the right amount of weight so that the board doesn’t slide around on slick surfaces.
-Backlighting: My office overhead lighting is a little dim, so the backlighting is an absolute must. The ‘Smart Illumination’ activates as soon as your hands approach the keyboard. Then additional censors adjust the brightness according to ambient room light. This feature alone sets it apart from every other board I’ve used.
-Quiet keys: No loud, cheap, & plasticky clickety-clacking. This MX Keys S is virtually silent.
-Key Shapes: The keys are slightly rounded and concave. It’s noticeably more comfortable than any keyboard I’ve ever tried, & it gives a sure feel.
-USB-C Charging: No more eating batteries! Logitech claims 10 days of power from one charge (with backlighting on). My prior MX Keys board averaged 12 days, so I expect the same or better with this new S version.
-Backlighting: My office overhead lighting is a little dim, so the backlighting is an absolute must. The ‘Smart Illumination’ activates as soon as your hands approach the keyboard. Then additional censors adjust the brightness according to ambient room light. This feature alone sets it apart from every other board I’ve used.
-Quiet keys: No loud, cheap, & plasticky clickety-clacking. This MX Keys S is virtually silent.
-Key Shapes: The keys are slightly rounded and concave. It’s noticeably more comfortable than any keyboard I’ve ever tried, & it gives a sure feel.
-USB-C Charging: No more eating batteries! Logitech claims 10 days of power from one charge (with backlighting on). My prior MX Keys board averaged 12 days, so I expect the same or better with this new S version.
Overall: This MX Keys S gets 5 stars! It’s by far the best keyboard I’ve ever tried. Logitech keeps thinking creatively & upping their game.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Like a Comfy Couch! The Vernazza Soft Fabric design is based on Arozzi’s top rated Vernazza chair, but has been covered with a soft yet durable fabric used on quality furniture! The breathable material is exceptionally pleasing to sit in, while at the same time keeping you cool for long term use! The wheel base has been upgraded to an aesthetically pleasing aluminum metal with a matte black finish, and the updated gas lift added some additional height to the seat ideal, expanding its comfort range and making it an ideal choice for taller body types as well!
Customer Rating
4
Great for gaming, not so much for office
on January 15, 2023
Posted by: CriticalEye
I’ve enjoyed this new chair for about a week now, using it for the office & gaming/lounging. My conclusion is, it’s best for gaming & relaxing, but not for the office. It’s quite comfortable when I’m in a relaxed situation where I can tilt back & utilize the high backrest and its comfy lumbar & neck cushions. However, when I’m sitting completely upright at a desk so that I can type & use my mouse for long periods of time, it’s not that comfortable.
Features I liked most about the chair:
- Assembly: Instructions are clear & simple. Everything is in the box … even down to the white gloves (nice touch) to be used during assembly. No additional tools are needed. The bolts & washers are already in place on the chair, so there’s no need to worry about where to insert them or if there’s any missing hardware from an assembly kit baggie.
- Color: The dark grey fabric looks sharp with the matte black arm rests & wheel base. The silver logo & stitching give it a stylish finish. The chair fits well with my home office décor as well as my more casual gaming/TV room.
- Adjustable Backrest: This may be its best feature. I can kick back for a 5-min. power nap to recharge after lunch or I can lean back just a little and put my feet up while gaming or watching a movie.
- The Seat: It’s roomy & firm although I would prefer a tad more cushion. The form raises up on the sides which gives you a snug feeling.
- Additional Features: The Vernazza has all the options you’d want in a premium chair, including easy-adjustable arm rests, adjustable height with a smooth gas lift, a rocking function (with lock), an adjustable lumbar pillow & a removable cervical pillow.
- Color: The dark grey fabric looks sharp with the matte black arm rests & wheel base. The silver logo & stitching give it a stylish finish. The chair fits well with my home office décor as well as my more casual gaming/TV room.
- Adjustable Backrest: This may be its best feature. I can kick back for a 5-min. power nap to recharge after lunch or I can lean back just a little and put my feet up while gaming or watching a movie.
- The Seat: It’s roomy & firm although I would prefer a tad more cushion. The form raises up on the sides which gives you a snug feeling.
- Additional Features: The Vernazza has all the options you’d want in a premium chair, including easy-adjustable arm rests, adjustable height with a smooth gas lift, a rocking function (with lock), an adjustable lumbar pillow & a removable cervical pillow.
Features I didn’t care for:
- The plastic covers at the base of the backrest & on the seat don’t lock in place very well. They’re secured with flexible plastic bolts that easily bend & lose their ability to stay secure.
- The arm rests are smooth & flat but a little too firm.
- If you have long hair & wear it up in a clip or ponytail, the high backrest may not be comfortable for you. My wife noticed that immediately when she used it for the day.
- The arm rests are smooth & flat but a little too firm.
- If you have long hair & wear it up in a clip or ponytail, the high backrest may not be comfortable for you. My wife noticed that immediately when she used it for the day.
Overall, this is a comfortable chair that includes all the functionality & options you’d need for a long session. It’s my new favorite gaming/movie chair, but I’ll stick with my older task chair for my office work.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get a healthier, brighter smile with the Philips Sonicare 9000 Special Edition. This toothbrush features a pressure sensor, 4 brushing modes, 3 intensities and smart brush head mode pairing technology. The Philips Sonicare 9000 Special Edition will look beautiful in your bathroom, with elegant charging glass and premium finishings. Track your brushing within the Sonicare App to ensure you're reaching your oral health care goals.
Customer Rating
5
Can’t Go Wrong with Sonicare
on November 12, 2022
Posted by: CriticalEye
Our family has been using Sonicare rechargeable toothbrushes for many years with excellent results and this 9000 Special Edition is no exception. It doesn’t disappoint. We made the switch from manual toothbrushes to Sonicare starting with the Elite 750 model about 18 years ago. The first visit to my dental hygienist after making the switch confirmed that my overall oral health had improved significantly. My dentist has since repeatedly told me to keep up the good work with my teeth & gums. The rest of my family followed my lead & made the switch to Sonicare soon after. I’ve had no cavities since & not even a hint of gingivitis, much less any periodontal disease. My hygienist has very little work to do during my semi-annual cleanings.
HIGHLIGHTS:
-Artful Design: This is the most aesthetically attractive Sonicare toothbrush yet. The beautiful blue handle & minimalist charging base look fantastic sitting atop my bathroom vanity.
-Practicality: The sleek, smooth, lightweight handle is ergonomic & maneuverable so it’s not tiring to hold/use.
-Travel: There’s a handy travel charging case included.
-Options: There are 3 levels of brushing intensity w/an easy-access on-handle button to change levels at will. There are also 4 different brush modes: Clean, White+, Gum Health, & Deep Clean+. Based on the smart brush head you use, the optimal mode & intensity will be selected automatically by the BrushSync technology. Again, you can still manually change modes by pressing the mode/intensity button.
-The SmarTimer & BrushPacer keep your brushing sessions on track by providing audible tone alerts when it’s time to move on to the next quadrant of your mouth.
-The Power Button on this 9000 Special Ed. Is easier to depress than the on/off button on my wife’s 9900 Prestige, which is flush w/the handle & can be a little difficult to engage.
-The Philips Sonicare App has some helpful features. It gives real-time feedback while brushing, including all aspects of your technique. The built-in Pressure Sensor tells you whether you’re applying too much pressure. You’ll also learn whether you’re “scrubbing” & whether you’re brushing long enough for optimal results. It also keeps your full brushing history, gives addl. tips, & alerts you when it’s time to change out the brush head.
-Interchangeable Brush Heads: The unit comes w/the C3 Premium Plaque Control brush head which removes up to 10x more plaque vs. a manual toothbrush, but still accommodates other comparable brush heads. For instance, my wife prefers the C2 Optimal Plaque Control heads.
-Low-Tech Option: If you want to go low-tech, no problem. Just plug it in, charge it up, press the start button, select the intensity level, & skip downloading the App.
-Cleaning Effectiveness: This high-tech power tool utilizes an advanced sonic technology w/a sweeping motion that creates gentle microbubbles that reach deep between teeth for a more thorough cleaning than you can accomplish w/your manual toothbrush.
-Teeth Whitening: If you use this device as designed, it whitens your teeth without damaging the enamel. My teeth are whiter than they were before I began using Sonicare power toothbrushes.
-Artful Design: This is the most aesthetically attractive Sonicare toothbrush yet. The beautiful blue handle & minimalist charging base look fantastic sitting atop my bathroom vanity.
-Practicality: The sleek, smooth, lightweight handle is ergonomic & maneuverable so it’s not tiring to hold/use.
-Travel: There’s a handy travel charging case included.
-Options: There are 3 levels of brushing intensity w/an easy-access on-handle button to change levels at will. There are also 4 different brush modes: Clean, White+, Gum Health, & Deep Clean+. Based on the smart brush head you use, the optimal mode & intensity will be selected automatically by the BrushSync technology. Again, you can still manually change modes by pressing the mode/intensity button.
-The SmarTimer & BrushPacer keep your brushing sessions on track by providing audible tone alerts when it’s time to move on to the next quadrant of your mouth.
-The Power Button on this 9000 Special Ed. Is easier to depress than the on/off button on my wife’s 9900 Prestige, which is flush w/the handle & can be a little difficult to engage.
-The Philips Sonicare App has some helpful features. It gives real-time feedback while brushing, including all aspects of your technique. The built-in Pressure Sensor tells you whether you’re applying too much pressure. You’ll also learn whether you’re “scrubbing” & whether you’re brushing long enough for optimal results. It also keeps your full brushing history, gives addl. tips, & alerts you when it’s time to change out the brush head.
-Interchangeable Brush Heads: The unit comes w/the C3 Premium Plaque Control brush head which removes up to 10x more plaque vs. a manual toothbrush, but still accommodates other comparable brush heads. For instance, my wife prefers the C2 Optimal Plaque Control heads.
-Low-Tech Option: If you want to go low-tech, no problem. Just plug it in, charge it up, press the start button, select the intensity level, & skip downloading the App.
-Cleaning Effectiveness: This high-tech power tool utilizes an advanced sonic technology w/a sweeping motion that creates gentle microbubbles that reach deep between teeth for a more thorough cleaning than you can accomplish w/your manual toothbrush.
-Teeth Whitening: If you use this device as designed, it whitens your teeth without damaging the enamel. My teeth are whiter than they were before I began using Sonicare power toothbrushes.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4, Noise Cancelling Earbuds, True Wireless Earbuds with ACAA 3.0, Dual Dynamic Drivers, Hi-Res Audio, Heart Rate Sensor, CloudComfort Eartips, Spatial Audio, 28H Playtime
Customer Rating
5
Rich Sound, Strong Bass
on October 18, 2022
Posted by: CriticalEye
I’d been enjoying my Soundcore Air 2 Pro earbuds for almost 2 years. But after a nice brisk walk along the seawall a few weeks ago, I leaned over to look down at a pelican & felt my left earbud begin to fall out. Before I could catch it, I watched it drop into the bay, never to be seen again. Enter my new Soundcore Liberty 4’s!
The 3 best features of the Soundcore Liberty 4’s (vs. my previous Soundcore Air 2 Pros) are the improved sound quality, adequate active noise-cancelling & strong bass.
Although the out-of-the-box sound quality is good (especially for this price-point), the Soundcore App is the key to optimization & maximum enjoyment. The App’s adjustable/customizable equalizer w/presets allows me to dial up the heavier bass (Bass Booster) that I want for some of my motivating music playlists. While these buds don’t produce the kind of staccato clarity & definition or punchy bass found in some well-known higher end buds, this iteration of Soundcore easily provides better, brighter, crisper highs & stronger bass than my old Air 2 Pros. I would even say that, to my surprise, in some aspects, these buds produce a sound quality that gives another more expensive competing brand of wireless buds I own a run for their money. The App includes an array of preset sound profiles, or you can create your own. I like the ability to quickly change modes. For example, after listening to something upbeat in “Rock” mode w/thumping base, I can make a fast switch to “Podcast” mode for a talk/lecture that gives me clear & detailed treble. The EQ presets make an appreciable difference in my overall listening experience & enjoyment.
The noise cancelling is also adjustable. You can select from several pre-set options or use the HearID App feature which maps your personal hearing sensitivities across a spectrum of frequencies during a short hearing test to produce your unique hearing profile. While it’s obviously not as accurate & detailed as an audiologist’s audiogram in a soundproof booth, you can certainly utilize it to help broadly compensate for hearing losses & improve your overall listening experience for music & podcasts.
Another plus: so far, the battery life has been good. I’m getting more than 8 hours of play in normal mode.
There are really no negatives to speak of with these buds. The ergonomic shape of the buds & the super-soft silicone ear tips are comfy enough. While I like that the stem (or stick) design makes it easy to adjust the controls, they don’t feel quite as secure as my other pair of fully in-ear “stemless” buds. So, I don’t think I’ll be using these for sports or workouts … or walks along the seawall.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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With Shark FlexStyle, you can easily transform between a powerful, fast, hair dryer, and an ultra-versatile multi-styler with no-heat-damage. One twist is all it takes to flex from one to the other. Attach different stylers and unlock the ability to curl, volumize, smooth, and dry—the choice is yours. Lightweight & powerful, FlexStyle is the answer to fast, easy styling.
Customer Rating
4
Innovative & Time Saving
on October 8, 2022
Posted by: CriticalEye
I have very long, thick hair, so a thorough, full-style blowout takes 30-40 mins. when I do it right. It’s hard work holding a blow dryer in one hand & a brush in the other while trying to part & separate sections to dry for such a prolonged period. This is why I often just default to using a diffuser & go curly. I’ve tried so many hair dryers, curling irons & other styling gadgets over the years, many of which have proven ineffective, that I didn’t have high expectations going into my testing of this new system. But I was pleasantly surprised w/the great results!
There are several features that I really like about this Shark drying system:
1. The functional design of the dryer: the hinge system makes it easy to turn the device from dryer mode to styler w/one easy twist. And the styler locking mechanism makes it simple to switch from a brush to the curlers.
2. The Oval & Paddle brushes provide enough tension to produce a smooth finish.
3. The ability to simultaneously dry & brush is a huge timesaver that I cut my drying time in half! But it takes practice, especially when you’ve been holding a dryer in one hand & a brush in the other for so many years.
4. The Auto-Wrap Curlers really work! 5 Stars for this innovation! They’re another timesaver and they produce the large bouncy curls that I want. Again, proficiency w/this tool takes some repetition, but I don’t think I’ll be breaking out the old curling iron anymore now that I have this very efficient mutl-styler.
1. The functional design of the dryer: the hinge system makes it easy to turn the device from dryer mode to styler w/one easy twist. And the styler locking mechanism makes it simple to switch from a brush to the curlers.
2. The Oval & Paddle brushes provide enough tension to produce a smooth finish.
3. The ability to simultaneously dry & brush is a huge timesaver that I cut my drying time in half! But it takes practice, especially when you’ve been holding a dryer in one hand & a brush in the other for so many years.
4. The Auto-Wrap Curlers really work! 5 Stars for this innovation! They’re another timesaver and they produce the large bouncy curls that I want. Again, proficiency w/this tool takes some repetition, but I don’t think I’ll be breaking out the old curling iron anymore now that I have this very efficient mutl-styler.
The only 2 negatives for me:
1. The high-pitched sound of the high-rev motor is annoying. While my previous high-end hairdryer was also pretty loud, it had a lower-pitched roar. I understand that there are tradeoffs with a strong power tool, but the next iteration needs to be quieter and/or lower-pitched.
2. Both the Oval & Paddle brushes shed bristles w/each use. I’m finding about a dozen tines on the floor after each drying which are a pain to vacuum after every session. I’m concerned about the durability of these attachments. Are all the tines going to detach over time? None of my other brushes shed like this.
1. The high-pitched sound of the high-rev motor is annoying. While my previous high-end hairdryer was also pretty loud, it had a lower-pitched roar. I understand that there are tradeoffs with a strong power tool, but the next iteration needs to be quieter and/or lower-pitched.
2. Both the Oval & Paddle brushes shed bristles w/each use. I’m finding about a dozen tines on the floor after each drying which are a pain to vacuum after every session. I’m concerned about the durability of these attachments. Are all the tines going to detach over time? None of my other brushes shed like this.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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 Pro¹. It’s our most advanced outdoor watch yet, featuring a 2x stronger⁵ 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 navigation⁹. Push your body further with accurate sensors that help keep a closer eye on your heart rate³, and BIA² measurements that help you track your physique. Get the rest you need to stay energized on your journeys with Advanced Sleep Coaching¹. 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, kayaking⁴ 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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Set your imagination free on the most powerful Surface Laptop, designed to light up the best of Windows 11. Boundary-pushing design lets you flex your creative muscle on the sleek 14.4“⁴ touchscreen, making seamless transitions from laptop to entertainment-ready stage to portable creative canvas, complete with built-in storage and charging for Surface Slim Pen 2* under the keyboard. Enjoy smooth gameplay, and draw, sketch and take notes like you would on paper on the bright, vibrant 120Hz display. Run intensive applications and get things done anywhere with all-day battery life, and get inspired with graphics power that exceeds your expectations. Elevate your entertainment with Quad Omnisonic speakers, featuring large bass and immersive Dolby Atmos. Stay in the flow, be inspired and get closer to what you love.
Does the Surface Laptop Studio have USB ports? If so, how many and of what type?
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e delivers the fastest speeds, 500-sheet paper capacity, and up to 2x faster scan speeds. It includes the optional HP+ Smart Printing System that keeps itself up to date, secure, and ready to print from virtually anywhere at any time. Optional HP+ system requires an HP account, internet connection, and use of only Original HP Ink for the life of the printer.
Can it print wireless from a Samsung Galaxy Book S
As long as your device can download the HP Smart App, you should be fine. The App will let you know if the device is incompatible. I tried it on an old Samsung Note 3 and it let me know the device was too old.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
3 years ago
by
CriticalEye
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9025e delivers the fastest speeds, 500-sheet paper capacity, and up to 2x faster scan speeds. It includes the optional HP+ Smart Printing System that keeps itself up to date, secure, and ready to print from virtually anywhere at any time. Optional HP+ system requires an HP account, internet connection, and use of only Original HP Ink for the life of the printer.
Does software include security software
The unit doesn't come with software. You just download the HP Smart App.
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
3 years ago
by
CriticalEye
Protection for every home and family. Capture the details in full 1080p HD video for a clearer picture, day or night. Spend less time recharging with 6 months of battery life*. Connects directly to Wi-Fi without the clutter of extra gear. The Arlo Essential is wire-free and weather-resistant to deliver fast, easy installation and flexibility to get the perfect camera view. With the integrated spotlight, see important features like faces and licenses plates in full color, at night with color night vision. Ward off unwanted guests by triggering the siren or integrated spotlight automictically or manually from the Arlo App. Receive smarter alerts for people, vehicles and packages and take quicker action like sound the siren, call a friend or dial emergency services with the included trial of Arlo Secure**. Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit*** and Samsung SmartThings.
How long is the power cord? Or is that a extra
There is no power cord. I comes with a short charging cord.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
CriticalEye
Protection for every home and family. Capture the details in full 1080p HD video for a clearer picture, day or night. Spend less time recharging with 6 months of battery life*. Connects directly to Wi-Fi without the clutter of extra gear. The Arlo Essential is wire-free and weather-resistant to deliver fast, easy installation and flexibility to get the perfect camera view. With the integrated spotlight, see important features like faces and licenses plates in full color, at night with color night vision. Ward off unwanted guests by triggering the siren or integrated spotlight automictically or manually from the Arlo App. Receive smarter alerts for people, vehicles and packages and take quicker action like sound the siren, call a friend or dial emergency services with the included trial of Arlo Secure**. Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit*** and Samsung SmartThings.
Can you add an Arlo Pro 3 camera to an Arlo essential camera set up?
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.
I live in an apartment with the loudest bunch of people above me,Do you think it might mask a dog's bark?Or loud thuds? Thanks!
I have loud screaming children & mowers nearby on a regular basis. These definitely help mask those sounds enough to sleep & study through.
Not sure what you can do about the loud thuds though as that's something you usually feel as well as hear.
Hope that helps :-)
Not sure what you can do about the loud thuds though as that's something you usually feel as well as hear.
Hope that helps :-)
3 years, 6 months ago
by
CriticalEye
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.
Can they play the music on your phone
They don't play music that's stored in your device. You can select sounds & study-type music from a library available within the free App.
Hope that helps :-)
Hope that helps :-)
3 years, 6 months ago
by
CriticalEye
MX Master 3 is instant precision and infinite potential. Designed for designers and engineered for coders, it’s our most advanced Master Series mouse yet. App-specific button customizations speed up your workflow in the apps you use most and the electromagnetic MagSpeed wheel enables fast noiseless scrolling. Your hand rests perfectly on the sculpted form and allows you to work comfortably for hours across multiple computers and operating systems in one fluid workflow. Ready for video calls - predefined settings for Microsoft Teams and Zoom let you instantly mute and Start/Stop your video call. With MX Master 3, you can truly master what you make.
Bluetooth is turned off on our work computers. Will this operate as a wired mouse with the USB cable attached or is it strictly for charging
The cable is just for charging, but the USB receiver will allow connection in lieu of Bluetooth
4 years, 6 months ago
by
CriticalEye
Introducing MX Keys, an advanced wireless illuminated keyboard crafted for efficiency, stability, and precision. Perfect Stroke keys are shaped for your fingertips and increased key stability reduces noise while optimizing responsiveness. Tactile reference for hand positioning makes it easy to stay oriented and in your flow. The backlit keys light up the moment your hands approach, and automatically adjust to suit changing lighting conditions. With MX Keys you can truly master what you make.
What is the length of the keyboard
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.
How will these work against Smoke Detectors etc in case of emergencies?
The sound volume is customizable, so you could test them against any noise you want to be aware of. However, even with the volume up, I've had no trouble hearing loud sounds. Hope that helps.
5 years, 9 months ago
by
CriticalEye