CriticalEye's stats
- Review count120
- Helpfulness votes491
- First reviewOctober 20, 2014
- Last reviewMay 15, 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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Put floor cleaning on autopilot with this SharkNinja Shark IQ robot vacuum. Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant simplifies control from a distance, while the IQ Nav functionality provides digital home mapping to clean specific rooms as needed right now. This SharkNinja Shark IQ robot vacuum recharges itself to resume cleaning from where it left off.
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
We have new, very dark faux wood floors, so I thought it would be the perfect environment to try out my first robot vacuum. Out of the box, it’s a very easy setup. The instructions are clear. And downloading the Shark App is a must.
The Good:
- Easy setup: Be sure to allow several hours for the initial required charging time before 1st use
- Mapping ability: It needs several runs (4-5 in my case) to fully map the area before you judge its capabilities
- Coverage: Once it was fully mapped, it made a successful pass over 90% of the area that needed vacuuming
- Easy setup: Be sure to allow several hours for the initial required charging time before 1st use
- Mapping ability: It needs several runs (4-5 in my case) to fully map the area before you judge its capabilities
- Coverage: Once it was fully mapped, it made a successful pass over 90% of the area that needed vacuuming
The Bad:
- The Shark App gets ONE STAR! After downloading, it immediately crashed. Then it crashed during every use, whether at startup or in the middle of a cycle. It also frequently logged me out, requiring me to re-enter my full login/password each time. There appears to be no option to stay logged into the app or for login credentials to be remembered. This is highly annoying!
- LOW SUCTION POWER! Many times I observed the brushes sweeping away debris, rather than sweeping debris into the vac to be sucked up into the storage chamber. Also, the airflow from beneath the unit often blows light debris away from the vac. I found debris was often scattered to the baseboards.
- No cleaning tools included. The instructions explain how to use a brush for cleaning, but no brush was provided.
- If there is a need to stop in the middle of cleaning, the Go-To-Dock option in the App rarely works. I observed the robot circling around for 10 minutes, banging into walls/objects, aimlessly retracing its path. I finally had to pick it up & place it in the dock.
- The Shark App gets ONE STAR! After downloading, it immediately crashed. Then it crashed during every use, whether at startup or in the middle of a cycle. It also frequently logged me out, requiring me to re-enter my full login/password each time. There appears to be no option to stay logged into the app or for login credentials to be remembered. This is highly annoying!
- LOW SUCTION POWER! Many times I observed the brushes sweeping away debris, rather than sweeping debris into the vac to be sucked up into the storage chamber. Also, the airflow from beneath the unit often blows light debris away from the vac. I found debris was often scattered to the baseboards.
- No cleaning tools included. The instructions explain how to use a brush for cleaning, but no brush was provided.
- If there is a need to stop in the middle of cleaning, the Go-To-Dock option in the App rarely works. I observed the robot circling around for 10 minutes, banging into walls/objects, aimlessly retracing its path. I finally had to pick it up & place it in the dock.
Overall:
I would not trust it to vacuum carpet after it demonstrated mediocre results on smooth, level flooring.
For hardwood floors, it gets 3 stars for average sweeping power. It’s better than nothing, but this unit cannot replace vacuuming by hand with a full-powered unit.
I would not trust it to vacuum carpet after it demonstrated mediocre results on smooth, level flooring.
For hardwood floors, it gets 3 stars for average sweeping power. It’s better than nothing, but this unit cannot replace vacuuming by hand with a full-powered unit.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Record your experiences on the road with this Nextbase dash cam. A wide-angle lens captures every detail, ensuring you are covered at all times, and the 2.5-inch LCD screen allows for comfortable viewing when reviewing videos. This Nextbase dash cam connects with smart devices via Wi-Fi and and Bluetooth 4.2, letting you review video footage on your device.
Customer Rating
4
Good Multi-Featured Dashcam; App Needs Improvement
on July 28, 2019
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Franklin, TN USA
Instruction Manual: I’d recommend you download the more detailed & comprehensive online instruction manual to supplement the startup guide included in the box.
Mounting: 2 options: You can use either the removable suction cup to fasten the cam to the windshield or the double-sided sticky-tape mount. I opted for the windshield suction cup & placed the cam near my rearview mirror. The suction cup is strong & holds the cam steady. The convenient integrated Click-&-Go magnetic connector allows me to remove/reattach the cam w/o removing the mount.
Power: comes from the included 12V power cable which extends from the mount to my cigarette lighter receptacle. I don’t like unsightly cords that can interfere w/my field of view; so, I plan to buy the $29 hardwire accessory kit to hardwire the cam into my SUV.
Connectivity: I downloaded the Android app to my Samsung Galaxy S9+ & was able to connect to the cam via both Bluetooth & Wi-Fi. The app is slow & buggy w/some definite connectivity issues that need improvement.
Charging: Prior to 1st use, I charged the dashcam for a couple hours by connecting the cam to my PC via the included USB cable.
Software: While connected to my PC via the included USB cable, I download the required firmware update from Nextbase’s website. This ensured a smoother setup process when I configured my basic settings, including: auto power, microSD card formatting, high (1080p HD default) or low resolution (720p) recording format, audio on/off, screen dimming, loop recording length, speed, location, date, time zone, alerts, parking mode, G sensor, GPS, & other features.
Display: While you can always use your smartphone app, the 2.5” LED touchscreen on the back of the dashcam also gives you an easy-to-navigate scrollable menu & allows you to view your video footage & change your settings w/o having to connect to another device.
Video: I was able to view, manage, & edit my videos via both my PC & smartphone. Video quality at 1080p full HD & 60fps is quite good.
Audio: Remember that, unless you toggle off the audio recording feature, all sound inside your cabin, including handsfree speakerphone calls, conversations w/passengers, & any ‘commentary’ about fellow drivers on the road are all recorded & accessible for playback w/the recorded video.
GPS: With the cam’s GPS, I was able to see relevant data displayed w/the cam footage on playback including GPS coordinates, map, compass heading, route taken, direction traveled, speed, date/time, etc. In the event of an accident or some other incident, the data could prove critical in documenting the facts. It’s a 2-edged sword in that the evidence could be used to help prove your innocence or your guilt.
Recording: The cam begins recording automatically when the vehicle’s ignition is turned on. For manual recording simply press the red button on the screen to start & press it again to stop. Video records in 1, 2, or 3-min. increments, making it easy to scroll thru saved clips for later viewing. The cam also has a protect button that allows you to manually preserve an important clip so that it’s not overwritten by the loop recording system. You can also capture a still photo while the cam is recording video by tapping the touchscreen on the back of the dashcam.
Memory Card: I used a 32GB U3 microSD Card for the loop recording system. However, I’d recommend opting for a larger memory card (128GB) so that recorded video isn’t overwritten as frequently. Some may find it annoying that Nextbase doesn’t include even a limited capacity memory card in the pkg. It can feel a bit like opening a hi-tech present on Christmas morning only to discover a “batteries not included” sticker on the box.
Park Mode: The cam has an internal battery which Nextbase says will last for over 1 week while your vehicle is off & parked. The cam’s internal G sensor becomes more sensitive in park mode & will automatically power on & record for 3 mins. if it detects movement & then shut down again. This feature might prove useful in the event your parked vehicle is impacted in a hit-&-run accident, vandalized, or broken into by thieves, assuming they don’t steal the cam itself.
Wide-Angle View: The cam has a 140º field of view which is wide enough to capture all traffic lanes of my freeway commute & even the shoulders when I’m not on interstate hwy. Nighttime video quality is good on streets w/good lighting, but it doesn’t act like a “night vision” cam on dark, unlit roads.
Emergency SOS: Alerts 1st responders to your location if you're involved in an accident.
When viewed on my PC, the Nextbase viewer software (MyNextbase Player app) demonstrates the richness of the Nextbase dashcam’s feature set by providing a comprehensive display of captured metadata. All the data is displayed beneath the file footage during video playback. The experience is not unlike a video game display w/a speedometer, compass heading, GPS coordinates, Google Maps, G-sensor reading, etc. And you can share these files at the click of a button w/your insurance provider or upload them to your social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, & YouTube, etc.). You can zoom in/out, stake screenshots, edit, & share your files by using the MyNextbase Connect app, which uses a fast, secure Wi-Fi connection w/a new, improved chipset. The app is available for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
In conclusion, this is an impressive dashcam w/a good feature set. Once the buggy app & connectivity issues are fixed, this will become a 5-star product.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy movies and other streaming content with this Sony 4K Blu-ray disc player. Built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity allow for media to be streamed in high quality, while a super quick start mode minimizes fuss during use. This Sony 4K Blu-ray disc player has two HDMI outputs for simultaneous use with multiple screens.
Customer Rating
4
Blu-Ray Player w/HDR10/Dolby Vision Maximizes 4KTV
on June 17, 2019
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Pensacola, FL, USA
User Hardware::
Acquired as replacement for my Sony BDP-7200 Smart 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player (w/UHD 4K Upscaling). For use w/:
-Sony 4K TV
-Sony HTZ9F 3.1 Ch Hi-Res Sound Bar w/Wireless Subwoofer
-Sony WH-1000XM2 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones.
Acquired as replacement for my Sony BDP-7200 Smart 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player (w/UHD 4K Upscaling). For use w/:
-Sony 4K TV
-Sony HTZ9F 3.1 Ch Hi-Res Sound Bar w/Wireless Subwoofer
-Sony WH-1000XM2 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones.
Why Buy?:
If you’re streaming 4K content, your picture/sound quality can be degraded by compression. To fully experience 4K cinema technology, a 4K ultra HD Blu-ray player & disc will expand your AV horizons & maximize your enjoyment.
Note: If your 4K TV doesn’t support Dolby Vision, then you won’t be able to enjoy the primary upgrade of this player.
If you’re streaming 4K content, your picture/sound quality can be degraded by compression. To fully experience 4K cinema technology, a 4K ultra HD Blu-ray player & disc will expand your AV horizons & maximize your enjoyment.
Note: If your 4K TV doesn’t support Dolby Vision, then you won’t be able to enjoy the primary upgrade of this player.
Physical Form:
-Case: New Mark 2 model comes in black plastic rectangular box & looks just like Sony’s original Mark 1 player.
-Dimensions: 17”W x 2”H x 10”D.
-Design: Heavy 8lb ‘frame & beam’ chassis provides more stable platform for spinning 4K disc drive, while anti-micro-vibration tech helps prevent jitter & ensures better AV playback quality. Heat Sink & Disk Drive keep discs & chassis cool for extended viewing hrs. (incl. binge watching & serial movie viewing among different family members).
Front of Case:
-Controls: Power & Eject buttons located on front right side
-Display: None, other than tiny green LED power light
-USB: Play content from USB (or disc or network media server). Flip down rectangular plastic flap to expose port.
Back of Case:
-Ports: Power cable, network (LAN)/Ethernet port, 2 HDMI outputs (#1 for AV; #2 covered for audio-only), & coax digital audio out, but NO digital optical out. 2 HDMI outputs for flexibility, incl. separate audio & video output via dedicated HDMI for user’s unique home theater setup. Can send audio to TV via HDMI & to wireless speaker via BT.
-Case: New Mark 2 model comes in black plastic rectangular box & looks just like Sony’s original Mark 1 player.
-Dimensions: 17”W x 2”H x 10”D.
-Design: Heavy 8lb ‘frame & beam’ chassis provides more stable platform for spinning 4K disc drive, while anti-micro-vibration tech helps prevent jitter & ensures better AV playback quality. Heat Sink & Disk Drive keep discs & chassis cool for extended viewing hrs. (incl. binge watching & serial movie viewing among different family members).
Front of Case:
-Controls: Power & Eject buttons located on front right side
-Display: None, other than tiny green LED power light
-USB: Play content from USB (or disc or network media server). Flip down rectangular plastic flap to expose port.
Back of Case:
-Ports: Power cable, network (LAN)/Ethernet port, 2 HDMI outputs (#1 for AV; #2 covered for audio-only), & coax digital audio out, but NO digital optical out. 2 HDMI outputs for flexibility, incl. separate audio & video output via dedicated HDMI for user’s unique home theater setup. Can send audio to TV via HDMI & to wireless speaker via BT.
Package Contents:
-Blu-ray Player
-Two 4K UHD (Ultra-Hi-Def) Blu-ray movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse & Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
-Instruction Manual
-Remote Control w/2 AA Batteries
-Blu-ray Player
-Two 4K UHD (Ultra-Hi-Def) Blu-ray movies: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse & Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
-Instruction Manual
-Remote Control w/2 AA Batteries
Features:
-Dolby Vision: New this yr. & the primary feature difference between new Mark 2 & original Mark 1 (800) model
-HDR10 (Hi-Dynamic Range): For extreme viewing detail/clarity/brightness
-Disc/File Formats: Plays almost any disc & almost any video, audio, & photo file format
-4K Upscaling: Stunning picture up to 60p; DSEE HX upscaling of compressed files for low bit rate audio
-4K HDR: Offers up to 12-bit color & 24p True Cinema to maintain original frame rate of film. Set display for 60p (enhanced) HDMI input & connect w/HDMI 2.0a cable to ensure 4K HDR support. Enjoy up to 3840x2160 resolution.
-Hi-Res Audio: Hear more detail w/hi-res audio surround sound formats of Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS:X, DTS-HD, & hi-end codecs like those on SA (Super Audio) CDs. Supports master quality 24-bit audio formats, from AAC & WAV, to DSD 11.2 MHz, etc.
-Bluetooth: Connect to wireless headphones or speaker. Sony’s LDAC hi-res audio transmits 3x more data vs. std. BT.
-Control content w/intuitive memory & interface.
-Dolby Vision: New this yr. & the primary feature difference between new Mark 2 & original Mark 1 (800) model
-HDR10 (Hi-Dynamic Range): For extreme viewing detail/clarity/brightness
-Disc/File Formats: Plays almost any disc & almost any video, audio, & photo file format
-4K Upscaling: Stunning picture up to 60p; DSEE HX upscaling of compressed files for low bit rate audio
-4K HDR: Offers up to 12-bit color & 24p True Cinema to maintain original frame rate of film. Set display for 60p (enhanced) HDMI input & connect w/HDMI 2.0a cable to ensure 4K HDR support. Enjoy up to 3840x2160 resolution.
-Hi-Res Audio: Hear more detail w/hi-res audio surround sound formats of Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS:X, DTS-HD, & hi-end codecs like those on SA (Super Audio) CDs. Supports master quality 24-bit audio formats, from AAC & WAV, to DSD 11.2 MHz, etc.
-Bluetooth: Connect to wireless headphones or speaker. Sony’s LDAC hi-res audio transmits 3x more data vs. std. BT.
-Control content w/intuitive memory & interface.
Basics:
-Turn On.
-Plug in HDMI cable.
-Follow onscreen instruction guide to connect to internet.
-Choose either wired ethernet connection or your Wi-Fi network. Supports dual band MIMO tech for a strong signal.
-Run new network software update (takes a few mins. to complete).
-Go to Home screen.
-Choose streaming apps: Netflix, Amazon Prime, or YouTube.
-For Dolby Vision (DV): Go to Screen Settings/DV Output & toggle on.
-Turn On.
-Plug in HDMI cable.
-Follow onscreen instruction guide to connect to internet.
-Choose either wired ethernet connection or your Wi-Fi network. Supports dual band MIMO tech for a strong signal.
-Run new network software update (takes a few mins. to complete).
-Go to Home screen.
-Choose streaming apps: Netflix, Amazon Prime, or YouTube.
-For Dolby Vision (DV): Go to Screen Settings/DV Output & toggle on.
Settings:
-Sony Bravia Mode: Turn off if not using a Sony Bravia TV
-HDR Output: Set to Auto to allow HDR content to your display. HDR10 signal contains up to 100x brightness of SDR.
-Dolby Vision (DV): Turn on for DV content & off for 3D content. DV & 3D can’t be on at once. If you turn on DV, then 3D functionality is lost & vice-versa.
-Output Resolution: Set to Auto for highest applicable resolution
-24p Output: Set to Auto so player adjusts to disc.
-4K Upscaling: Set to Auto & player will enhance lower resolution discs to UHD quality.
-Display Type: Choose between TV & projector.
-Sony Bravia Mode: Turn off if not using a Sony Bravia TV
-HDR Output: Set to Auto to allow HDR content to your display. HDR10 signal contains up to 100x brightness of SDR.
-Dolby Vision (DV): Turn on for DV content & off for 3D content. DV & 3D can’t be on at once. If you turn on DV, then 3D functionality is lost & vice-versa.
-Output Resolution: Set to Auto for highest applicable resolution
-24p Output: Set to Auto so player adjusts to disc.
-4K Upscaling: Set to Auto & player will enhance lower resolution discs to UHD quality.
-Display Type: Choose between TV & projector.
Pros:
-Instant On: Press the remote’s power button & the TV/Blu-ray player are turned on instantly. The player takes you right into main menu w/o annoying delay/bootup sequence. App response is quick: if you press remote’s Netflix button, it boots directly into Netflix, a big timesaver.
-Disc Loading: Quieter & quicker vs. previous models
-GUI (Graphical User Interface): The new simpler streamlined menu & better overall organization of onscreen info (incl. updated icons/color palette) were sorely needed & long overdue improvements to past clutter/clunky software.
-DV (Dolby Vision): Significantly improves UHD picture quality w/better contrast & brighter hotspots, making images more vivid, lifelike, & immersive; comparable to big screen theatre. Black scenes are inky, darker scenes have greater definition/detail w/o fuzziness, & brightly lit scenes have more pop/color without banding/artifacts.
-3D: Picture quality is amazing: no screen tearing, artifacts, slowness, delays, freezing, or color saturation.
-4K Upscaling: When viewing std. HD (std. Blu-ray, std. Netflix, etc.), upscaling does a super job. Crisp images make every movie we've watched look better than ever before.
-Dolby Atmos: Treats sounds as separate objects, releasing them from typical channels to move freely around & above for immersive surround sound. The exceptional audio quality shines w/crisp playback during Jumanji soundtrack, incl. stronger thumps from Sony subwoofer & cleaner sound across frequency spectrum of Sony speaker system.
-DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) HX: Upscales frequency/dynamic range of MP3s, AACs (Advanced Audio Coding), & other compressed music files (incl. CDs) to near hi-res sound quality to emulate original recording.
-Instant On: Press the remote’s power button & the TV/Blu-ray player are turned on instantly. The player takes you right into main menu w/o annoying delay/bootup sequence. App response is quick: if you press remote’s Netflix button, it boots directly into Netflix, a big timesaver.
-Disc Loading: Quieter & quicker vs. previous models
-GUI (Graphical User Interface): The new simpler streamlined menu & better overall organization of onscreen info (incl. updated icons/color palette) were sorely needed & long overdue improvements to past clutter/clunky software.
-DV (Dolby Vision): Significantly improves UHD picture quality w/better contrast & brighter hotspots, making images more vivid, lifelike, & immersive; comparable to big screen theatre. Black scenes are inky, darker scenes have greater definition/detail w/o fuzziness, & brightly lit scenes have more pop/color without banding/artifacts.
-3D: Picture quality is amazing: no screen tearing, artifacts, slowness, delays, freezing, or color saturation.
-4K Upscaling: When viewing std. HD (std. Blu-ray, std. Netflix, etc.), upscaling does a super job. Crisp images make every movie we've watched look better than ever before.
-Dolby Atmos: Treats sounds as separate objects, releasing them from typical channels to move freely around & above for immersive surround sound. The exceptional audio quality shines w/crisp playback during Jumanji soundtrack, incl. stronger thumps from Sony subwoofer & cleaner sound across frequency spectrum of Sony speaker system.
-DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) HX: Upscales frequency/dynamic range of MP3s, AACs (Advanced Audio Coding), & other compressed music files (incl. CDs) to near hi-res sound quality to emulate original recording.
Cons:
-Auto-Detection: No Dolby Vision (DV) or HDR10 auto-detection, which is annoying/cumbersome. Because player can’t auto-switch between DV & HDR10, based on content source, user must manually enter main menu to turn DV on for DV 4K disc & turn off after finishing disc.
-Limited Streaming Apps: Not practical as main all-in-1 media player w/only 3 streaming apps (Netflix, Prime, YouTube) vs. prior Sony disc players. And no option to add streaming apps like Hulu, Vudu, Pandora, etc.
-Storage: If any of your AV library is stored in the cloud, you’ll be unable to access your online content w/this player.
-Dolby Atmos: Player lacks Atmos on Netflix, Amazon Prime, & YouTube vs. other players. Apps need to be updated.
-HDR10+: Doesn’t support Samsung competitor’s HDR10+.
-No Optical Port
-Remote: Needs backlighting, especially when user is in dark home theater mode & player has no LED display.
-Freezing: This player is prone to lockups/freezing, same as my previous Sony BDP-7200 Smart 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player (w/UHD 4K Upscaling). When this occurs, the player can’t be turned off even via the power button. You’re forced to completely unplug & wait before plugging back in. This annoying, time-wasting delay has plagued multiple Sony Blu-ray players for yrs. & has still not be fixed.
-Auto-Detection: No Dolby Vision (DV) or HDR10 auto-detection, which is annoying/cumbersome. Because player can’t auto-switch between DV & HDR10, based on content source, user must manually enter main menu to turn DV on for DV 4K disc & turn off after finishing disc.
-Limited Streaming Apps: Not practical as main all-in-1 media player w/only 3 streaming apps (Netflix, Prime, YouTube) vs. prior Sony disc players. And no option to add streaming apps like Hulu, Vudu, Pandora, etc.
-Storage: If any of your AV library is stored in the cloud, you’ll be unable to access your online content w/this player.
-Dolby Atmos: Player lacks Atmos on Netflix, Amazon Prime, & YouTube vs. other players. Apps need to be updated.
-HDR10+: Doesn’t support Samsung competitor’s HDR10+.
-No Optical Port
-Remote: Needs backlighting, especially when user is in dark home theater mode & player has no LED display.
-Freezing: This player is prone to lockups/freezing, same as my previous Sony BDP-7200 Smart 3D Wi-Fi Blu-ray Player (w/UHD 4K Upscaling). When this occurs, the player can’t be turned off even via the power button. You’re forced to completely unplug & wait before plugging back in. This annoying, time-wasting delay has plagued multiple Sony Blu-ray players for yrs. & has still not be fixed.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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8of 12voted this as helpful.
Observe proper speed limits while driving with this Escort iXc radar detector. The GPS-enabled AutoLearn technology and improved IVT Filter prevent the reoccurrence of false alerts for precise tracking and reduction of unwanted distractions. This Escort iXc radar detector is compatible with Wi-Fi-connected cars for automatic firmware and software updates.
Customer Rating
4
Multi-Feature Hi-Filter Crowd-Sourced Radar Detect
on May 12, 2019
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Pensacola, FL, USA
The Escort iXc Long-Range Radar/Laser Detector (RD) from Cedar Electronics (CE) is the latest addition to Escort’s c-Series line of connected driver alert/detection systems. The iXc, which replaced the iX, is designed to provide drivers w/an early warning system for speed radars, speed cams, speed traps, & red-light cams, etc. The new iXc adds Wi-Fi, allowing it to pair directly to ‘connected’ cars (vehicles w/resident Wi-Fi). It can also auto-connect to the Escort Live app w/o having to connect your smartphone to the iXc. Or you can control the iXc via your Android or iOS smartphone. As a last option, you can even adjust various settings directly via the buttons atop the iXc itself, although this is difficult & inconvenient given the tight clearances when the iXc is fastened to the windshield mount. The iXc shines when it’s used w/a ‘connected’ (Wi-Fi-ready) vehicle. If connecting solely by Bluetooth, not so much.
Over the yrs. I’ve owned a # of RDs, incl. my 1st—a boxy Whistler, then an Escort, a Uniden, a Passport, a Valentine 1, & now the new Escort iXc ‘Smart’ RD. I finally decided to upgrade to the iXc after the Val 1 I’d used for many yrs. was ‘crying wolf’ w/too many false alarms, even after a pricey upgrade that didn’t seem to eliminate enough of the falsing.
Out of the Box: The Escort iXc is fully compatible w/CE’s new Escort M1 Dash Cam (DC). The iXc is housed in an attractive new matte black case w/a small subsection of matte silver on top. Setup was straightforward as I followed the incl. quick-start guide. Although the iXc can be purchased/operated independently of the companion M1 DC, I acquired both units to be mounted/used in tandem. Thus, my review of the iXc’s initial setup & performance will be from the perspective of a joint iXc/M1 user. (See my standalone review of the Escort M1 under ‘Dash Cams’.)
Both devices attach to the same mounting arm on the Escort EZ Mag Mount w/Sticky Cup. The mounting pkg. incl. a mounting bracket, extended screw, & special grippy washer & rubber washer to ensure the thumb screws provide a snug, vibration-absorbing fit. If this twin-mount apparatus is properly installed, there’s surprisingly little quiver. In summary, the Escort’s mounting hardware is clean & compact, stable & tight, & impressively designed & engineered, esp. for such a quick-attach/release windshield mount. To power the unit, the M1 is connected to the iXc via a pigtail power cord w/an RJ-11 modular phone plug. Next, the iXc’s SmartCord is connected to the M1, also via an RJ-11 plug, & plugged into the vehicle’s 12V DC (direct current) power outlet below. This connection powers both units w/the M1 acting as a pass-thru for the iXc. Conveniently, the 2A (amp) USB port on the back of the SmartCord’s cigarette lighter plug can be used to charge your smartphone or other devices. On the back of the SmartCord is also a mute button, a green power-on indicator light, & a red alert warning light. The SmartCord provides the look of a plain straight cord above-dash w/an extendable (if needed) coiled cord below.
Mounting/Wiring Tips: For optimal video capture, mount the M1 in the center of the windshield directly below the rearview mirror mount. The iXc hangs on the same mounting arm to the left of the M1, yet the M1 doesn't obstruct or interfere w/the iXc’s radar/laser sensors. If you prefer a cleaner look, then you might buy/install Escort’s Direct Wire SmartCord accessory. This affordable little hardwire kit eliminates the unsightly/distracting power cord running from near your rearview mirror to your center console. Why advertise your RD to law enforcement?
Pros:
Environments: Provides early alerts for both city & hwy. driving.
Connectivity: Bluetooth & ‘Connected’ Car (Wi-Fi) Mobile Hotspot Compatible.
Multi-Color OLED Display: shows all relevant radar bands & laser; select user-preferred colors for hi-res data/graphics.
Escort Live: ‘Smart’ detector’s mobile app connects to community of drivers generating 8M+ crowd-sourced alerts/mo. You’re notified as others report police radar, traffic issues, etc. You can report same for other drivers. New Android update released 5/2019.
Auto-Learn: Offers intelligent 360° protection w/patented anti-falsing filters w/improved range/accuracy; keys on/auto-stores in database exact frequencies/locations as it learns/remembers speed indicator cams, preventing false alerts & ensuring quieter commutes. Also eliminates/ignores false alarms from proximity sensors on nearby cars from collision avoidance systems (CAS) & advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), incl. backup cams, blind spot monitoring (BSM)/lane departure systems (LDS) & adaptive cruise control (ACC) auto-speed reductions when slower vehicle ahead (Older-gen RDs will false alert to newer nearby vehicles that perform all these hi-tech radar-producing tasks.)
Defender Database: provides 1,000's of pre-loaded crowd-sourced hotspots w/GPS-stored locations of speed cams/traps, red-light cams, fixed photo enforcement cams, aircraft enforcement zones, & even newer MultaRadar cams, etc., w/ability to mark/add your own hotspots via GPS. Firmware/software is easily updatable at home or wirelessly.
Voice Alerts: Based on your speed/location, unique voice (& buzzer) alerts let you watch the road w/o distraction.
Speed Alert: Head-up display of vehicle speed, band, & signal strength to ensure you’re fully informed during an alert.
Over-Speed Warning: Uses GPS to display posted speed limit, calculate/display your speed, & warn you if you're over (by mph threshold you select).
New M4+ Platform: Adds 3-4 dBs in sensitivity over previous M4 platform for a potential 70% increase in alerting range.
Improved Chipset: More processing power delivers quicker GPS sat connections w/more accurate geo-positioning.
Segmenting: Quicker alerting to instant-on Ka radar & K-band w/segmenting/rejection for quieter operation.
Sensitivity: Improved laser sensitivity; exceptional sensitivity to police radar bands. App allows you to select which radar/laser bands you want to pick up. (Advise researching bands used by LEOs in your travel area. Use ‘Auto’ if unsure.)
Intelligent Speed Sensitivity Scanning: Band ID; becomes less sensitive at slower speeds/more sensitive at higher speeds; strength-of-signal scale bar; faster tones mean stronger/closer signal; voice warnings of band received.
Instant-On: Improved sensitivity/quickness in detecting instant-on police radar.
Environments: Provides early alerts for both city & hwy. driving.
Connectivity: Bluetooth & ‘Connected’ Car (Wi-Fi) Mobile Hotspot Compatible.
Multi-Color OLED Display: shows all relevant radar bands & laser; select user-preferred colors for hi-res data/graphics.
Escort Live: ‘Smart’ detector’s mobile app connects to community of drivers generating 8M+ crowd-sourced alerts/mo. You’re notified as others report police radar, traffic issues, etc. You can report same for other drivers. New Android update released 5/2019.
Auto-Learn: Offers intelligent 360° protection w/patented anti-falsing filters w/improved range/accuracy; keys on/auto-stores in database exact frequencies/locations as it learns/remembers speed indicator cams, preventing false alerts & ensuring quieter commutes. Also eliminates/ignores false alarms from proximity sensors on nearby cars from collision avoidance systems (CAS) & advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), incl. backup cams, blind spot monitoring (BSM)/lane departure systems (LDS) & adaptive cruise control (ACC) auto-speed reductions when slower vehicle ahead (Older-gen RDs will false alert to newer nearby vehicles that perform all these hi-tech radar-producing tasks.)
Defender Database: provides 1,000's of pre-loaded crowd-sourced hotspots w/GPS-stored locations of speed cams/traps, red-light cams, fixed photo enforcement cams, aircraft enforcement zones, & even newer MultaRadar cams, etc., w/ability to mark/add your own hotspots via GPS. Firmware/software is easily updatable at home or wirelessly.
Voice Alerts: Based on your speed/location, unique voice (& buzzer) alerts let you watch the road w/o distraction.
Speed Alert: Head-up display of vehicle speed, band, & signal strength to ensure you’re fully informed during an alert.
Over-Speed Warning: Uses GPS to display posted speed limit, calculate/display your speed, & warn you if you're over (by mph threshold you select).
New M4+ Platform: Adds 3-4 dBs in sensitivity over previous M4 platform for a potential 70% increase in alerting range.
Improved Chipset: More processing power delivers quicker GPS sat connections w/more accurate geo-positioning.
Segmenting: Quicker alerting to instant-on Ka radar & K-band w/segmenting/rejection for quieter operation.
Sensitivity: Improved laser sensitivity; exceptional sensitivity to police radar bands. App allows you to select which radar/laser bands you want to pick up. (Advise researching bands used by LEOs in your travel area. Use ‘Auto’ if unsure.)
Intelligent Speed Sensitivity Scanning: Band ID; becomes less sensitive at slower speeds/more sensitive at higher speeds; strength-of-signal scale bar; faster tones mean stronger/closer signal; voice warnings of band received.
Instant-On: Improved sensitivity/quickness in detecting instant-on police radar.
Room for Improvements:
Quick-Start Guide: Included, but instructions on settings must be found at Escort’s website under Support/User Manual.
Connectivity: No trouble BT-pairing my phone to other devices, but repeated problems obtaining/maintaining stable pairing w/iXc; forced to power cycle multiple times.
OLED Display: Can be difficult to read in daylight/bright light.
Directional Arrows: Doesn’t include valuable directional arrows to indicate from where alerts originate (ahead, behind, left, right) the way that my Valentine 1 & flagship premium-priced Escort 360c do.
Control Buttons: Difficult to access atop iXc due to close tolerances w/windshield mount; easier to control via app.
K-band Filtering: May miss newer MultaRadar Compact Distance (MRCD)/MRCT cams that use modulating frequencies for speed/distance measuring, making them hard to detect (already used in TX, VA, IL, NY, DC, & Canada & expanding).
Integration: CE must level up/further develop their device/app to fully integrate w/Android Auto/Apple Car Play. My 2018 SUV didn’t come equipped w/Wi-Fi. Escort customers want to control their apps/devices from their vehicle displays w/o inconvenience of shifting between nav app on vehicle screen & Escort Live on phone.
Quick-Start Guide: Included, but instructions on settings must be found at Escort’s website under Support/User Manual.
Connectivity: No trouble BT-pairing my phone to other devices, but repeated problems obtaining/maintaining stable pairing w/iXc; forced to power cycle multiple times.
OLED Display: Can be difficult to read in daylight/bright light.
Directional Arrows: Doesn’t include valuable directional arrows to indicate from where alerts originate (ahead, behind, left, right) the way that my Valentine 1 & flagship premium-priced Escort 360c do.
Control Buttons: Difficult to access atop iXc due to close tolerances w/windshield mount; easier to control via app.
K-band Filtering: May miss newer MultaRadar Compact Distance (MRCD)/MRCT cams that use modulating frequencies for speed/distance measuring, making them hard to detect (already used in TX, VA, IL, NY, DC, & Canada & expanding).
Integration: CE must level up/further develop their device/app to fully integrate w/Android Auto/Apple Car Play. My 2018 SUV didn’t come equipped w/Wi-Fi. Escort customers want to control their apps/devices from their vehicle displays w/o inconvenience of shifting between nav app on vehicle screen & Escort Live on phone.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Protect yourself in the event of an accident with this ESCORT dash cam. The built-in collision detection system stores important footage in the event of a crash, and Wi-Fi connectivity lets you instantly share data with your insurance company. This ESCORT dash cam uses super-capacitor technology to keep recording, even in extreme temperatures.
Customer Rating
4
Good 1st Effort for Escort's New Mini-Dashcam
on May 9, 2019
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Pensacola, FL, USA
Out of the Box: The Escort M1 Dash Cam (DC) is a small, compact, lightweight, & unobtrusive minicam which is app-controlled & compatible w/most of Cedar Electronics’ newer Escort & Beltronics radar detectors (RD). The M1 is housed in an attractive rectangular matte black plastic case. Dimensions are: ~1¼ H x 1¼ W x 2¾ D, & it weighs <3oz. Setup was straightforward as I followed both the incl. quick-start guide & the BILT app tutorial install video. Although the M1 can be purchased/operated independently of a companion RD, I acquired the M1 for use in tandem w/my new Escort iXc RD. Thus, my review of the M1’s initial setup & performance will be from the perspective of a joint M1/iXc user.
The M1 & iXc both attach to the same mounting arm on the Escort EZ Mag Mount w/Sticky Cup. The mounting pkg. incl. a mounting bracket, extended screw, & special grippy washer & rubber washer to ensure the thumb screws provide a snug, vibration-absorbing fit to prevent jittery video capture. If this twin-mount apparatus is properly installed, there’s surprisingly little quiver in video playback. In summary, the Escort’s mounting hardware is clean & compact, stable & tight, & impressively designed & engineered, esp. for such an easily removable windshield mount. To power the unit, the M1 is connected to the iXc via a pigtail power cord w/an RJ-11 modular phone plug. Next, the iXc’s SmartCord is connected to the M1, also via an RJ-11 plug, & plugged into the vehicle’s 12V DC (direct current) power outlet below. This connection powers both units w/the M1 acting as a pass-thru for the iXc. Conveniently, the 2A (amp) USB port on the back of the SmartCord’s cigarette lighter plug can be used to charge your smartphone or other devices. On the back of the SmartCord is also a mute button, a green power-on indicator light, & a red alert warning light. The SmartCord provides the look of a clean straight cord above-dash w/an extendable (if needed) coiled cord below.
Mounting/Wiring Tips: For optimal video capture, mount the M1 in the center of the windshield directly below the rearview mirror mount. The iXc hangs on the same mounting arm to the left of the M1, but the M1 doesn't obstruct/interfere w/the iXc’s sensors. If you prefer a cleaner look, then you might buy/install Escort’s Direct Wire SmartCord accessory. This affordable little hardwire kit eliminates the unsightly/distracting power cord running from your rearview mirror to your center console. Why advertise your RD to law enforcement?
Why Buy It?: The M1 may serve as an additional ins. policy in the event you’re involved in an incident/accident. It may help prove your innocence & protect you from false witnesses/accusations. It may provide critical video documentation as to how an incident occurred & help to establish who was at fault. When you capture decisive video evidence to support your version of events, then it’s no longer just your word against theirs. It may also remind you to drive ‘smart’ & defensively, because everything you say & do behind the wheel is being recorded. (The integrated microphone feature of the M1 can be toggled off/on via the M1 mobile app.)
Recording/Saving Videos: When you start your vehicle, the camera turns on automatically & begins recording. The M1’s LED status indicator illuminates as a steady red light for 3sec, & then changes to a slowly blinking green light during recording. A short single beep tone is also emitted from the speaker atop the M1.
The camera records in 1080p full HD (1920 x 1080 resolution) to capture hi-def footage at a frame rate of 30fps (frames per second). Hopefully, Escort’s next DC incl. a 4k option (24 or 30fps) or at least 1080p at 60fps to ensure sharper video images. While the M1 still gives good clear video w/an acceptable level of compression, you’ll typically find that vehicle license plates directly ahead of you & even nearby cross street signs aren’t clearly readable unless you’re exceptionally close to them. But if you download the video to your smartphone, you can always pause it & zoom in for a closer look, although that doesn’t guarantee the characters will be readable. (You can drop down to 720p at 60fps if you’re willing to sacrifice resolution for smoother video playback. Higher resolutions give sharper images but take up more card memory.) The M1 includes WDR (wide dynamic range) technology; so, its sensor auto-corrects for luminance (bright/dark areas) to help eliminate over/under exposure. The M1 also incl. enhanced night vision; so, the quality of nighttime images is decent, although at time, they can be a little grainy, pixelated, & not as sharp as daytime vids. Escort says the M1 is compatible w/microSD (Secure Digital) cards up to only 32GB; so, I upgraded from the incl. 16GB card to a 32GB card. (But my brother-in-law has used both a 128GB card & a 256GB card w/o issue in his unit.) Escort recommends that you format the new memory card & reformat the card periodically for optimal performance. (Open the M1 app & select “Format SD Memory Card” under Camera Settings.) The card stores video/audio in loop-cycle recordings of 1-, 2-, or 3-min. file loops. Escort recommends a 1min file loop setting, because a smaller file size is generally more manageable when transferring video clips to another device. ‘Loop’ recording simply means ‘continuous’; i.e., the M1 overwrites previous recordings, deleting the oldest files once the data storage capacity of the memory card is full. There are 2 ways to prevent overwriting recorded videos. The M1 has a built-in collision detection system (CDS) w/a 3-axis accelerometer, or G-sensor, that measures sudden accelerations, stops, & impacts. When the measured jolt meets the required threshold, the video footage around that incident is auto-protected. To ensure this video isn’t lost, adjacent video clips are also locked if the impact happens w/in 30sec of the beginning/end of a file. There are 3 settings for the G-sensor: ‘1’ is the most sensitive & ‘3’ is the least sensitive. If you drive where there are potholes or rough roads, you might set the sensor at ‘3’. Otherwise, the sensor can be too easily triggered to fill the memory card w/protected files that are little more than bumps in the road. You can also manually preserve video footage by pressing the combo power/emergency record button on the back of the M1. This puts the M1 into ‘emergency’ record mode & prevents the video clip from being overwritten.
Viewing/Downloading Videos: Escort’s M1 mobile app allows you to control the M1’s functionality, incl. resolution & settings. The app syncs to the dashcam via Wi-Fi & allows you to review, edit, & download all video files stored on your memory card via your phone. You can then download whichever vids you want & even share them w/others, incl. your ins. co.! (Viewing vids via Wi-Fi is typically choppier than viewing them after downloading them to your device.) You can also transfer M1 vids to other devices via USB or microSD adapter.
Wide-Angle Viewing: The M1 lens has a 160º viewing angle w/minimal edge-to-edge distortion, allowing it to capture not just your traffic lane but multiple lanes & the left & right shoulders of the road. This broad view of traffic flow can prove beneficial on multi-lane freeways in major metro areas, especially at major interchanges where lane cutting & accidents commonly occur. This can better capture how chain-reaction accidents start & help ID who’s at fault.
Reliability/Durability: The M1 includes super-capacitor technology to ensure recording in extreme temps, even when your vehicle sits in a pkg. lot for hrs. in the hot summer sun & the cabin temp hits 140º F.
Room for Improvements:
-Connectivity: I downloaded the Escort Live app that controls the iXc to my Galaxy S9+ & created an acct. w/username & PW. Then, I downloaded the Escort M1 app. (Both Escort apps are available for Android/iOS.) Although I’d never previously had any trouble pairing my phone w/other devices via Bluetooth, I had repeated problems pairing/maintaining a stable pairing w/the iXc. I also had trouble getting the M1 to even turn on. In addition to receiving incessant, double beep tones, the M1’s LED failed to display the pulsing green light that confirms the M1 has been turned on & is recording video. Instead, the LED displayed a solid red light, indicating an error. (A flashing red light indicates the M1 is recording w/Wi-Fi off, & a flashing red/green light indicates an ‘emergency’ recording has been activated. And there’s a manual Wi-Fi on/off button located atop the M1 for recording w/o Wi-Fi, which conserves your phone’s battery.) Escort’s web support page indicated that the inability to activate the M1 is a known problem for certain vehicles. So, as advised, I uninstalled the M1, connected it to my laptop via the unit’s USB port & incl. Micro-USB-to-USB-Type-A-cable, & downloaded Escort’s M1 firmware update. After reinstalling the M1, the firmware update resolved the issue. After the update, my phone recognized & securely paired w/both the M1’s Wi-Fi SSID (Solid Set IDentifier) broadcast signal & the iXc’s Bluetooth signal. The M1 also began recording at vehicle startup.
-Connectivity: I downloaded the Escort Live app that controls the iXc to my Galaxy S9+ & created an acct. w/username & PW. Then, I downloaded the Escort M1 app. (Both Escort apps are available for Android/iOS.) Although I’d never previously had any trouble pairing my phone w/other devices via Bluetooth, I had repeated problems pairing/maintaining a stable pairing w/the iXc. I also had trouble getting the M1 to even turn on. In addition to receiving incessant, double beep tones, the M1’s LED failed to display the pulsing green light that confirms the M1 has been turned on & is recording video. Instead, the LED displayed a solid red light, indicating an error. (A flashing red light indicates the M1 is recording w/Wi-Fi off, & a flashing red/green light indicates an ‘emergency’ recording has been activated. And there’s a manual Wi-Fi on/off button located atop the M1 for recording w/o Wi-Fi, which conserves your phone’s battery.) Escort’s web support page indicated that the inability to activate the M1 is a known problem for certain vehicles. So, as advised, I uninstalled the M1, connected it to my laptop via the unit’s USB port & incl. Micro-USB-to-USB-Type-A-cable, & downloaded Escort’s M1 firmware update. After reinstalling the M1, the firmware update resolved the issue. After the update, my phone recognized & securely paired w/both the M1’s Wi-Fi SSID (Solid Set IDentifier) broadcast signal & the iXc’s Bluetooth signal. The M1 also began recording at vehicle startup.
-Integration: Cedar Electronics (CE) should integrate the M1 app into its more comprehensive Escort Live app so that users can control both RDs & the DC from just 1 app. The iXc & M1 should also ‘talk’ to each other, share telemetry such as GPS, G-force, & speed data, & display this data on M1 video vs. the current barebones display of phone-synced date/time stamps & Escort watermark. CE must level up & further develop their devices/apps to fully integrate w/Android Auto/Apple Car Play so that users can view/control their apps/devices from their vehicle displays w/o the distraction of shifting back to their phones, the use of which while driving is becoming increasingly restricted throughout the US.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy quality signal reception with this Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro antenna. A 65-mile range ensures reception of a wide variety of channels, while the integrated TV signal indicator LEDs simplify placement for optimal signal strength. This Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro antenna comes with a 16-foot detachable high-performance coaxial cable for connectivity and features a plug-and-play design for quick installation.
Customer Rating
5
Best Cord Cutting Antenna Yet!
on April 3, 2019
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Pensacola, FL, USA
After happily cutting the cord several years ago, we’ve tried a half-dozen different antenna options, and this is the best so far. Prior to this Leaf, we had the most success with the Mohu Beam, but still had frustration with lost signals & intermittent pixilation. We also spent way too much time moving & adjusting previous antennas when they suddenly lost the signal. Previously, we were never able to lock onto more than 24 OTA channels &, half the time, one of the major alphabet channels wouldn’t come in. With this Leaf Supreme Pro, although the signal indicator never shows more than 1 light (out of 4) we’re able to get 37 channels, including the ‘big 4’ OTA networks, & each one is clear with rare pixilation! Mohu is definitely improving their performance!
The Good:
- Fast & easy setup – takes less than 15 minutes and most of that time is spent moving the antenna around to find the best signal
- No tools required – coaxial cable, Velcro & even multi-colored push pins are included
- Paper-thin design
- Ease of placement – The multi-directional design doesn’t require placement in a window. It can even be hidden behind a picture if the signal is strong enough
- Amplifier is included
- Indoor use – no need to climb into attack or onto roof
- Portable – perfect for renters. Nothing to leave behind.
- Fast & easy setup – takes less than 15 minutes and most of that time is spent moving the antenna around to find the best signal
- No tools required – coaxial cable, Velcro & even multi-colored push pins are included
- Paper-thin design
- Ease of placement – The multi-directional design doesn’t require placement in a window. It can even be hidden behind a picture if the signal is strong enough
- Amplifier is included
- Indoor use – no need to climb into attack or onto roof
- Portable – perfect for renters. Nothing to leave behind.
The Bad:
- The plastic antenna arrives pre-curved & is impossible to flatten out. If it were sold in a fitted flat box, it would be much easier to manage & set up
- The plastic antenna arrives pre-curved & is impossible to flatten out. If it were sold in a fitted flat box, it would be much easier to manage & set up
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Remove hair without wax or razors using the Lumilisse by Conair hair removal device. Rapid pulses of intense light help prevent hair regrowth, delivering permanent results with consistent use. The FDA-cleared device uses sensors to safely activate. Choose between continuous mode for large areas or manual mode to target specific trouble spots. The Lumilisse by Conair hair removal device includes two attachments to ensure perfectly smooth results all over.
Customer Rating
4
Still Need to Shave, but…
on April 3, 2019
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Pensacola, FL, USA
I had dreams of saving hours of my life by eliminating leg shaving altogether. It may happen with continued use, but after 6 treatments/sessions, here are my results. In order to have a true side-by-side comparison, I treated only one side of my body. I would estimate leg hair has been reduced by 30% & bikini area 10%.
For starters, the instructions are well laid out & easy to follow (especially if you’ve never experienced IPL treatment before as I had not). I felt no pain, just an occasional quick, minor tingle. I also had no adverse skin reactions of any kind. After the first full leg treatment, it felt similar to being out in the sun for 30 minutes, but nothing negative. I also haven’t noticed any difference in skin texture.
The treatments are not time consuming and you get more efficient with each session. As soon as it’s plugged in & turned on, it’s ready to go. No warmup time required. Just select the intensity level & have at it. I do find it challenging to make sure not to go over the same area more than once. Also, it’s highly recommended not to treat if you’re getting sun exposure. Winter turned out to be the best time to get started in my case.
Overall, if you have especially hairy areas that bother you (like forearms that are exposed most of the time), this will definitely reduce the amount of hair & change the appearance for the better. In this case, I would recommend with 4 stars. If you’re looking to eliminate shaving altogether, you’ll be disappointed, & I would not recommend. The package clearly states: “over 75% less hair”; so, there’s no promise of fully eliminating hair. Also, they say the best results will occur after several months of use. I will continue to treat monthly as recommended. With no adverse effects & a huge cost savings vs. professional treatment, I’m going with 4 stars with the expectation that, if I’m at 30% success now, results will continue to improve with further treatments.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+13points
13of 13voted this as helpful.
Treat fatigued muscles to fast therapy with this Vyper 2 fitness roller. Three vibration speeds let you find a mode that addresses your soreness level or warms your muscles up for a workout, and the alternating grooved and smooth exterior increases the massaging action. Rechargeable batteries in this Vyper 2 fitness roller provide two hours of use between charges.
Customer Rating
5
Foam Roller on Steroids
on December 30, 2018
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Pensacola, FL, USA
I tested this after a good leg workout so I could really compare it to the standard foam rollers I’ve used for years. I’ve never enjoyed foam rolling with sore muscles. It’s just too painful. I also wasn’t expecting much difference with a vibrating roller. It sounded a bit gimmicky. Wow, was I pleasantly surprised! In my experience, when rolling sore hamstrings, glutes & calves, the initial pain you feel when you put your weight on a standard roller is pretty excruciating, & the pain doesn’t lessen much even after a session of slow rolling. However, when I tried the Vyper roller, my experience was radically different. The initial pain lasted just a few seconds, but then I was able to quickly put more weight on the sore muscles & cover more area in a shorter timeframe than when using a standard roller. The biggest surprise was just after rolling. It felt more like I’d had a manual deep tissue massage. I could immediately stretch & move without pain. I’ve never felt that great after standard foam rolling. I would definitely recommend this as a replacement for the standard foam roller. What a great invention! Wish I’d had this years ago.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
4of 5voted this as helpful.
Upgrade your home office with this Dell Inspiron desktop. Its Intel Core i7 processor and 12GB of RAM let you multitask seamlessly, and the 1TB hard drive offers plenty of storage for photos and games. This Dell Inspiron desktop has a 27-inch FHD wide-angle touch screen display for watching your favorite videos.
Customer Rating
4
Good for Home/Work, not Entertainment
on December 22, 2018
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Pensacola, FL, USA
Out-of-the-box initial setup was fast & intuitive. The pedestal stand does not require any tools, and basic instructions are included. You do need to have or sign up for a Microsoft account in order to fully utilize the system. It comes loaded with Windows 10 Home which comes with tons of personalizing options. The automatic Dell updates seem to be glitchy so far. Just after setup, it ran a few updates with no problems. Then it froze twice during installation of a critical BIOS update.
Design - The modern, sleek black & gunmetal gray look goes well in office or home setting. The monitor’s thin bezel on sides & top give it a minimalist feel. The speakers are hidden across the front/bottom. A nice touch, the camera is recessed, pop-up style, so it stays hidden until needed.
Display - I have to compare this to my current 2-year old AIO from another mainline mfr. The screen on this Dell is not glossy, but has more of a flat finish. This is great for reducing glare, but in comparing images & video with my other AIO, the colors were a bit muted and less crisp. The touch screen is fantastic. I much prefer a large screen to a laptop, and this is lightweight enough to be moved around when needed.
Speakers - Very tinny sounding when listening to music, but voice is clear & strong. Again, comparing to my other AIO (that has built-in Bang & Olufsen speakers), I actually cringed while watching my favorite music videos. I will definitely hook up some external speakers.
Keyboard & Mouse - Both are wireless & battery powered. The small USB receiver is uniquely hidden inside the mouse. The keyboard is standard and pretty quiet, but the mouse is very basic, uncomfortable & feels super cheap.
Display - I have to compare this to my current 2-year old AIO from another mainline mfr. The screen on this Dell is not glossy, but has more of a flat finish. This is great for reducing glare, but in comparing images & video with my other AIO, the colors were a bit muted and less crisp. The touch screen is fantastic. I much prefer a large screen to a laptop, and this is lightweight enough to be moved around when needed.
Speakers - Very tinny sounding when listening to music, but voice is clear & strong. Again, comparing to my other AIO (that has built-in Bang & Olufsen speakers), I actually cringed while watching my favorite music videos. I will definitely hook up some external speakers.
Keyboard & Mouse - Both are wireless & battery powered. The small USB receiver is uniquely hidden inside the mouse. The keyboard is standard and pretty quiet, but the mouse is very basic, uncomfortable & feels super cheap.
Although I wouldn’t recommend this system for a heavy gamer or for entertainment without upgrading the speakers; overall, this is a good choice for a student or for home/office use.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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BISSELL™ air400 Air Purifier is clean air made easy. We know life happens. Between the kids and pets, there are odors, allergens, dust, and other things we can’t always see in our air that need to be cleaned. That’s where the air400 shines. This machine is designed to perform from the inside, out. It captures airborne particles and odors with three stages of filtration and has an automated CirQulate® System that automatically increases fan speed as your indoor air quality decreases. The CirQulate System also uses particle sensor technology to monitor your indoor air and communicate your home’s real-time air quality through three distinct colors and a numerical reading. With a large fan and a digital, 20,000-hour DC motor, the air400 is tested to the AHAM standard to have a Smoke CADR of 279 for rooms up to 432 sq. ft., making it great for bedrooms, living areas, basements, and dining rooms. Taking care of the air you and your family breathe really is as easy as setting it and forgetting it with the air400 air purifier. And when you purchase this air purifier, you help save pets! BISSELL® proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation® and its mission to help save homeless pets. When you buy a BISSELL product, you help save pets, too. We’re proud to design products that help make pet messes, odors and pet homelessness disappear.
Customer Rating
4
Noticeable Air Improvement with Quiet Motor
on November 23, 2018
Posted by: CriticalEye
from Pensacola, FL, USA
I’ve had this running in a 260 sq. ft. room for about one week on Auto mode. It has a nice low fan sound, similar to a quiet white-noise machine. Ideal for a bedroom. Even after several hours of heavy cooking in our nearby kitchen, I haven’t heard the fan speed increase to Mid or High. However, I have seen the digital air quality display temporarily increase from the usual 002-005 reading to a high of 030.
I was hoping it would eliminate the heavy dust accumulation in the room. Normally, I can dust in the morning and by evening see that a light film has already developed. It did reduce the dust a bit, but not as much as I was anticipating. I did notice a significant reduction in cooking odors with the unit vs. without it. This made me a believer. Nothing worse than trying to sleep in a room that smells like cooked cauliflower.
I do like the automatic light control. When the room lights are dimmed, both the white lights on the control panel and the air quality display will turn off. Although the color wheel dims, I do wish there was an option to turn it off completely at night. It’s still too bright if you’re trying to black out a bedroom. I have to tape a dark piece of cloth over it at bedtime.
Overall, this is a good investment for a healthier home. We’ve discovered we’ll need at least one more unit.
Mobile Submission: False
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, 6 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, 10 months ago
by
CriticalEye