Rhostam
Top 1000 Contributor
 
 
Rhostam's Stats
 
  • Review Count
    104
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    414
  • First Review
    February 27, 2014
  • Last Review
    May 29, 2024
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    0
  • Average Rating
    4.4
 
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  • Answer Count
    17
  • Helpfulness Votes
    24
  • First Answer
    February 27, 2014
  • Last Answer
    November 2, 2020
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    1
 
 
Rhostam's Reviews
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Whether your mess is wet or dry, the Roomba Combo i5+ robot vacuum and mop can double up on cleaning tasks with one machine. From spilled crackers to every day shoe prints—this robot can handle it. Set it to vacuum only or vacuum & mop your hard floors by swapping in the Roomba Combo Bin.
 
Performant, powerful, multi-purpose compact robot
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Rhostam
on November 3, 2023
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iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum & Mop - Woven Neutral
Summary: Performant, powerful, multi-purpose compact robot vacuum.
Pros:
* Performant. I have another Roomba and I love it. But this one easily outperforms it in a direct comparison.
* Powerful. This unit feels substantial, and you can feel the power behind the motors/wheels and the performance is clearly visible.
* Vacuum and Mop. Multi-functional robot offers you the flexibility to clean different flooring types.
* Self-emptying. The self-emptying base form factor is different than the jX models. It features a lower wider profile and offers a small chamber to store spare consumables.
* App. The app, once paired, is perfect for controlling the unit. Though, I have the Alexa skill configured and use it to initiate manual cleanings. Otherwise, the app schedule runs 5 days a week. The mapping capabilities are amazing, and the feedback feature allows me to help the robots learn about obstructions, new obstructions, temporary ones, etc. The robot and consumable status are also very helpful.
* Looks. The woven top panel, the materials of the base station, and overall design are pretty sexy for a robot vacuum. Definitely a differentiator as an appliance.
Cons:
* Mop. The mop bin unfortunately, is pretty small. I feel like it isn't practical enough for me to have on the main floor. I will likely leave it on the floor of my home featuring the carpeted surface.
* App. I did have trouble pairing the Roomba at first. I'm not sure why, but the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi config just wouldn't work properly the first time. Second time it worked just fine.
Use:
As I mentioned, I have another Roomba. Though it worked well, it wasn't great at picking up my Corgi's hair. In fact, it would weave yarn with his hair and leave them on the floor everywhere. This unit doesn't do that - it appears to clean the carpeted floors really well and vacuums it all up. I don't even have to enable the "continue cleaning regardless of sensor status." Previously, I had to enable the option because five minutes of run time and the vacuum would think it's bin was full. But it wasn't close. The other vacuum still works well, but it has now been reassigned to another floor.
I won't be using the mop bin, because it simply cannot clean the entire main space hardwood floors without several refills. The main floor is open concept and that is why it is so large.
I know the price point for Roombas can seem a bit higher than competing solutions. But I have nothing but praise for Roomba's latest offerings. If you're on the fence and need a multi-function unit to clean an average sized room, then this unit is for you.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
 
 DJI - Avata Pro-View Combo Drone with Motion Controller (Goggles 2 and RC Motion 2) - Gray
DJI - Avata Pro-View Combo Drone with Motion Controller (Goggles 2 and RC Motion 2) - Gray
When you combine Avata with the goggles and motion controller, flight becomes accessible to all. Experience the thrill of total immersion with unrivaled safety and control. Embrace your spontaneity and capture the world around you. Some of us were Born to Fly.
 
Full featured amazingly nimble compact drone.
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Rhostam
on October 13, 2023
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DJI - Avata Pro-View Combo Drone with Motion Controller (Goggles 2 and RC Motion 2) - Gray
Summary: Full featured and amazingly nimble and compact drone.
Pros:
* Compact design. This full featured drone packs quite a bit into its compact frame.
* Quality. The frame, the googles, the controller - everything *feels* great.
* Design. The unit's design is top notch. The drone is svelte. The googles are sleek. The controller could look a little less generic, but it isn't so bad.
* Camera. The drone captures footage up to 4K. There are as many settings to control the camera as you would a DSLR it seems. Certainly, more than a mere phone camera. It will take a while for me to learn about all of the camera capabilities.
* USB-C. USB-C ^almost everywhere. This means no lugging around proprietary chargers. The batteries and components are straight forward to charge.
* Safety. There are safeguards for various potential issues. Powering up. Power levels. Distance. Landing. Even flight in restricted zones.
* Storage. The drone comes with 20GB of storage and a micro-SD slot. That means you can take your time purchasing memory while you learn how to fly the unit.
* Software. The software via the iOS app is pretty solid. The screens are thoughtfully lain out and the tutorials and documentation are surprisingly good.
* Controls. The handheld + google directional controls are AMAZING. It's like wearing an Oculus and flying around in-game, except this is real-life drone flight. If you've used an Oculus/ Quest, the handheld controller isn't too different, and the learning curve won't be as steep as steep. I prefer this controller type over the traditional RC type controllers.
* Spare Parts/ Accessories. The unit comes with a spare blade, some prescription lenses enclosures for use with the googles, and all of the necessary cables.
* Gimbal. The drone camera gimble is so delicate and responsive. This allows for very clear and very steady views from the unit. The shield/cover is a nice fit and protects the camera just fine.
Cons:
* Drone Ports. The port on the drone used to access the data USB-C and micro-SD slot is not in a great spot. It is a bit stressful trying to maneuver the port cover out of the way enough to insert a data USB-C cable. This is necessary because this model does not support wireless sync between the drone/googles and your phone. This wasn't too clear to me initially until a tutorial mentioned it is a model specific feature. If you leave the cover ajar or open, it will interfere with the blades, and you might panic. Be careful.
* Google Ports. The power port on the googles is a proprietary port. There is no on-board battery for the googles. So, you must carry the battery on you via a power tether cord. The cord has a USB-C connection on one end and a proprietary connector on the other. It seems this is a missed opportunity because there is already a USB-C port on the googles for the phone/pairing connection. Surely, they could have reused that somehow.
* Drone Battery. The drone battery fits snuggly and that's great. But dislodging it via the claps on each side can be unsettling given the effort required to remove it. It could be easier. I'm afraid I'm going to drop the drone or mishandle it sometimes.
* Pairing and Sync. The pairing process is pretty straight forward. However, either it has lost sync a few times in the middle of use. It's a bit disconcerting because I don't want it to crash for no reason. It basically complains that home was lost, and it could not determine location (of the operator/goggles). I have to connect the googles to my phone to resolve this issue.
* Calibration. I cannot calibrate the googles. You're supposed to leave the unit flat on a surface during the process, but it just never calibrates. As a result, I feel that the crashes I've experienced are a result of motion drift. The unit is responsive, sure, but sometimes I notice it turning on its own whether I am rotation my wrist or not.
The above two issues it seems that sometimes you have to update all hardware repeatedly from your computer. I'm going to try that next and then contact support if the issues persist. Given the generally positive experience and the quality of the tutorials and documentation I'm sure this is just a user error.
Use:
We've taken the drone out for a spin in our home, sure, but also on our fourth-floor deck, and in nearby parks. The operation in the home was the most telling. I was able to zoom around and complete to a complete halt in an instant! It scared my household members, but this unit is definitely a responsive and powerful little beast.
We have a detention center near enough for the drone to warn that there is a restricted flight zone in the area. We haven't and won't test the auto return home feature. LOL.
I should note that a few of my initial flight tests, though smooth, did result in crashes. Mainly against walls and into a closet. The drone's blades were well protected and there was no damage.
The camera quality is stunning. I have a 1080p drone and while that captures some amazing footage, you can't beat 4K. But this comes at a cost - battery and storage. Only minutes of 4K at the maximum frame rate can gobble up storage and drain your battery. Its best to know what you need to shoot, fly drone to location, and then adjust settings when you're ready to shoot.
If you have a somebody in your life (yourself included) that has been curious about getting a drone. This should be a serious contender. I have owned other (larger) drones that have the more traditional RC controller (coupled with phone as a HUD) and it is great, but the control methods and natural use of this unit is so much better and familiar. Imagine just turning your head around to dictate direction of the drone. Imagine seeing precisely what the drone sees. Then imagine a handheld controller that you only use to accelerate or decelerate, take-off, land, hover, or shift position laterally. That is what this does!
We can't wait to take it up into the mountains while hiking to explore the wilderness from above and maybe catch some wildlife up close!
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
Ambush at the peak-point, overlooking the enemy and about to march strongly, Bravo 15 is ready to ignite the gaming world. Combining the latest AMD Ryzen 7535HS processor and Nvidia RTX4050 graphics together, Bravo 15 satisfies the gamer's imagination in gaming. With the MSI exclusive thermal solution - Cooler Boost 5, empower the full performance of CPU and GPU. Also the 144Hz gaming display provides sharp and smooth visuals so gamers never miss a beat. Take advantage of Bravo 15 and soar like thunderbird in the game battlefield!.
 
A worthy budget-conscious gaming laptop.
Customer Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Posted by: Rhostam
on September 3, 2023
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MSI - Bravo 15 15.6" 144hz Gaming Laptop FHD - Ryzen 5-7535HS with 16GB RAM - GeForce RTX 4050 with 6G GDDR6 - 512GB NVMe SSD - Black
Summary: A worthy budget-conscious gaming laptop.
Pros:
* Lightweight. This unit is pretty light for what is packed inside.
* Formfactor. The footprint is a very modest one with a keyboard that features a full, albeit compact keypad.
* CPU and GPU. The pairing of the Ryzen 7535HS and RTX 4050 makes for a good one with adequate performance where it counts.
* Function Keys. Thoughtful use of Fn keys offer quick access to common settings: keyboard brightness, screen brightness, Webcam ON/OFF, MSI Control Center, microphone, and volume.
* Keyboard. I have owned several gaming laptops from large 18" to 14" from various brands. Usually more compact keyboards can take some adjustment. This unit seems to balance the right size/layout by sacrificing full sized number keypad. The result is that I was able to immediately start typing using the keyboard with very little adjustment period.
Cons:
* Make/Quality. I realize this model falls on the budget friendly side of gaming laptops, but the feel of this unit reminds me that it isn't a premium model. The unit even sounds hollow/empty when you tap anywhere on the keyboard, or chassis in general.
* LCD Panel/Lid Hinge. The display moves too easily. Tilting the unit back just to see the bottom of the unit will cause the display to move. It has way too much give and I worry this unit will have trouble keeping orientation over time. Ever get up to move from one room to another, or from your desk to a meeting room? Ever leave your laptop in its open position while doing so? Well, you're like to see the lid flop all over the place if you do.
* The limited port options are fine for this price-point. The full ethernet port is nice. I do with the ports were on back, though. A mouse on the right hand or left hand of the unit will be positioned a bit further away than I'd like due to the ports. I could use a wireless dongle, but I don't like using them for games.
* Power cord. Another proprietary connection. With USB-C PD chargers being what they are these days, I feel like they could have included a USB-C charger as well as a PD port next to the power port.
* Thought not marketed as having the capability, I was disappointed the keyboard is not the Chroma-key sort. It's a static blue. Sadly, the color of the important AWSD keys is a bit annoying as I want to be able to read them. They way these are made, it's like they're faded. Same goes with the power button. It is transparent, backlit, and even has a strange single colored LED in its upper right-hand corner. I wish the power button were more distinct and separated from the main keyboard.
* Storage. The 16GB of RAM I think is fair for this price point. The 512 GB SSD, on the other hand, I do not. I feel like we should be able to get a minimum 1 TB SSD, or a better performing SSD. This unit takes longer to startup from cold than similar units and it's a bit irksome. I've included benchmarks for the disk at peak and real-world performance profiles.
Use:
I've only had this unit a week. My younger brother and I have split time on it while testing a few games. The CPU/GPU combo makes it possible to play some favorite games at high to highest settings and with a decent frame rate.
For instance, Destiny 2 on highest settings was yielding about 110 FPS in average movement/maps. The FPS drops when there is a lot going on like an event, or in a crucible, or dungeons. We never play at full maximum settings, so it's easy enough for us to tweak if we need to.
I've included a few benchmarks for people to easily compare with models they may view as their ideal. I did not apply any special settings, attempt overclocking, etc. so these results are out-of-box.
I think this is a good deal and would recommend it to someone on a budget. I worry about the hinge/LCD and have deducted a star due to that concern.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
 
Elevate your video editing experience with the Crucial X10 Pro SSD: the portable drive that packs a palm-sized punch. With sequential read and write speeds up to 2,100/2,000MB/s and 2TB of space, your X10 Pro can connect directly to your laptop or workstation via a convenient USB-C cable. Blaze through your multi-cam timeline and even edit, trim, and render directly from the drive. The Crucial X10 Pro works with Windows, Mac, Android devices, and more. Featuring Micron TLC NAND plus water and dust resistance (IP55), the Crucial X10 Pro is the perfect partner in the studio or in the field, giving you the raw performance, lasting durability, and generous capacity you need.
 
Spacious, performant, portable, and svelte.
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Rhostam
on August 21, 2023
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Crucial - X10 Pro 1TB USB-C External SSD - Black
Summary: Spacious, performant, portable, and svelte.
Pros:
* Spacious. This 2 TB external SSD provides ample storage to take with you on the go. It exceeds the size of most manufacturer default configuration SSD internal storage.
* Performant. External SSDs can be tricky because you won't get the performance of internally drives such as NVME SSD. But USB-C 3.2 can get us closer than we've ever been.
* Portable. The portability, and general durability, of this unit is unparalleled for its class: IP55 water/dust proof, 7.5 feet drop-proof, extreme temperature and shock/vibe proof.
* Svelte. The form factor for this drive is unlike anything I've ever seen. It looks sweet. The indicator light is tucked into the key-ring loop. Unless you know what it is, you wouldn't know what it is.
* Brand. Crucial is a household name for SSD in our home. It's a trusted brand and this unit doesn't disappoint.
Special Note:
* Even my latest laptop doesn't feature the newest USB-C 3.2 g2 2x2 standard (Alienware m17 R5). So achieving the maximum performance from this unit will have to wait a tad. In the meantime, I'm a bit future-proofed.
Use:
I use this drive to store some relatively static large documents. But the primary use case is the moving of large video files from devices such as my GoPros, or DSLR cameras and my computing devices such as my desktops and laptops. Though I typically transfer from this device for manipulation and final storage, this allows me to view and edit, transform, and process files directly stored on the device. It's hard not to think of this device as a USB Thumb drive along with the slow poke nature of that type of storage. It is portable, sure, but it is an external hard disk and the capacity and USB-C mean that we have speeds and capacities that blow the old stuff away without lugging around a large device.
Though I use cloud storage for long term archives, these units make storing precious and critical data and keeping it safe/on-hand really easy. Definitely worth the price tag.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
Enhance your audio with the CORSAIR HS80 MAX multiplatform gaming headset. Enjoy true audio immersion via high-fidelity 2.4GHz wireless, and activate Dolby Atmos on PC to place yourself in the middle of the game with detailed, three-dimensional sound cues. The HS80 MAX includes Bluetooth support to connect to a myriad of devices. A high-performing omni-directional microphone boasts exceptional dynamic range, so you can have a clear, commanding presence on the battlefield. Listen up to 65 hours on a single charge in cushioned comfort thanks to plush memory foam ear pads and a stress-free floating headband. Sonarworks SoundID Technology personalizes your headset’s sound to match your unique hearing profile, so you can forge your own legacy with the HS80 MAX.
 
Comfortable fit, epic sound quality, and wireless!
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Rhostam
on August 16, 2023
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CORSAIR HS80 MAX WIRELESS
Summary: Comfortable fit, epic sound quality, and wireless!
Pros:
* Epic sound quality. This unit has great sound and a nice deep base. I can listen to dance music or play games and truly enjoy the sound.
* Svelte design. The design looks pretty sweet. They aren't overengineered. The plastic enclosures and fittings all look metallic, and the weight fools you into thinking it might be.
* Just enough LEDs. A power LED, a microphone status LED, and a product LED - that's all you need. The power LED is subtle and located on the back of the unit near the controls. The Corsair logo is lit which is a nice touch and is just bright enough to almost mistake it for a sticker/plastic during the day.
* Comfortable. I generally don't like headsets. I own a few. But I don't like wearing them. This unit is comfortable, and the adjustable head strap helps you tweak how the unit rests on your head. The ear padding is just great and fits my ears just fine.
* Controls. There are three controls: power, volume, and a Bluetooth pairing button.
* USB-C. Thank you. One less charger and cable to worry about. This unit uses USB-C to charge - which is great!
* Simply and sexy microphone boom. The boom turns the mic on or off. When it is on, there is a band along the bottom that lights white. When it is off, it is red.
Cons:
* I can't think of any cons. But I will say that I notice my ears get awfully warm. This happens with all headsets. Though, I have used ones with passive cooling. That would have been a nice touch for this unit.
Use:
I use this for gaming when I want to be quiet in the home, and I use it a lot for meetings. I have the standard mic and speaker setup, but a headset makes the meeting quainter, and it cancels out noise in the background so I can hear the participants.
I definitely recommend this headset.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
 
Elite for a reason. The XR PRO was designed for the inner-city commutes. Foldable in one step, take it on the bus, the train or in a taxi if you need to make a bit longer of a commute. Weighing less than 32lbs means carrying is no issue when stairs or other obstructions get in the way.
 
Industrial scooter with commuter chops.
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: Rhostam
on August 7, 2023
  • Top 1000 Contributor
GoTrax - Xr PRO Commuting Electric Scooter
Summary:
Industrial scooter with commuter chops.
Pros:
* Industrial look offers a pronounced get-to-work aesthetic.
* Control. The accelerator works super well and offers better control than other brands that offer increments of speed.
* Breaks. The brakes are equally responsive and provide the stopping power you need; but be careful at high speeds!
* Head and tail lamps. The lamps look inadequate while looking at it head on and close by. But at distance, they are easily visible and provide the safety of visibility.
* Battery. Though I've only owned this unit for a few days, it provides power and the range I need for a mild commute 2 miles away.
* Enclosure/frame. The entire unit feels substantial and well built. While I don't want to test damaging the unit, I bet it can take a beating.
* No frills. We have another scooter that we use for recreation. It didn't feel safe for long distances, and it felt like it was designed for children even if it wasn't marketed as such. Maybe it was the flashing gimmicky LEDs everywhere, or the wimpy frame. --This GoTrax XR has a very sleek and professional look.--
Cons:
* Weight. Given the substantial nature of the product in terms of batter and build quality, it is hard to imagine the unit weighing much less. However, if you're going to have to lug this on/off a bus or train, or carry it around on your back, this might be something to consider.
* Charging port. I'm sure there is a good reason, I hope, but I dislike proprietary charging bricks and connections. Why not USB-C? Why not make a mag-safe like connection, while at it? Or, at a very minimum, have the charging port on the handle-bar frame where it is easy to access. Having to stoop down to plug in the charger is a bit annoying if you have tight space in your garage. I will note that this does appear to be a standard for scooters, so its just a wish-list improvement that I think would bring lots of value.
Use:
We've only owned this unit a few days. And most of the days, the weather has not been conducive to a scooter commute. However, being only two miles away this unit zooms me quickly to work when the sun is out. I really like the acceleration. It is fast and powerful and responds nicely to the handle-twisting. This is different from our other acceleration controls of other units that work like ceiling fans - press one for speed X, press twice for speed 2X, etc. Overall, while this isn't meant for recreation, I expect that this will also be nice to take out for a spin with the doggies in tow.
I expect a single charge to get me by for a week, probably two (which cancels out the second con listed above).
If the size and weight aren't a concern for you, this unit is something I'd definitely recommend.
+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
 
Block out the world with the WF-C700N noise canceling truly wireless earbuds. Indulge in exceptional sound quality for a superior audio experience. Crafted for all-day comfort with lightweight materials and an ergonomic design.
 
Budget friendly and balanced features.
Customer Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Posted by: Rhostam
on August 4, 2023
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Sony - WF-C700N Truly Wireless Noise Canceling In-Ear Headphones - Black
Summary:
High quality sound in a budget friendly, light, convenient, and comfortable package.
Pros:
* Price-point. The price is spot on for the features of these earbuds. I think these offer great value.
* High-quality sound. Surprisingly crisp sound AND effective noise cancellation.
* Form factor is thoughtfully designed. No protruding plastics. No weird imbalanced weight.
* Right sized charging case. While not wirelessly charged, the case is the right size and charges the earbuds quickly. I haven't owned them long enough to see how many charging cycles it can sustain without itself being charged.
* Comfortable. Due to the size, these fit perfectly in the ears and don't tire out the canals (if that makes sense).
* The controls are responsive, but you cannot fall asleep with them because the buttons might be depressed (depending on how you sleep).
Cons:
* Can't answer calls via Siri voice commands or use Siri at all.
* Need two apps to configure the earbuds. One for the earbud advanced configuration, and another for the Live 360 Audio sound configuration.
Use:
I've had these a few days and I can say that I love them. The sound and comfort easily beat the leading competing fruit brand.
I have had a few pairs of earbuds over the years. After replacing the fruit branded ones twice due to constant malfunction, I decided it was time to replace them with another brand. Sony has been a consistent brand for audio in our home (we own some portable speakers of theirs) and thought we'd try their earbuds out.
I'd recommend these headphones because of their price point. If you need more advanced features or richer bass, you might consider other units.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
 
The Dyson Outsize delivers Dyson suction power in a larger format. It's engineered with the suction power, run time, size, and tools to deep clean larger spaces. It has a 25% wider cleaner head and a 150% larger bin compared to the Dyson V11. The Dyson Outsize covers more floor with each pass and allows for more cleaning between bin emptying. The de-tangling Digital Motorbar XL cleaner head deep cleans carpets and hard floors and adapts suction power to your floor type. Its versatile cordless format transforms into a handheld vacuum with one click so you can clean up high, down low, and everywhere in between with three cleaning modes for the right power where you need it. Comes with a 2-year warranty and lifetime Dyson support.
 
Amazing cordless vacuum with tons of power and hug
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Rhostam
on June 11, 2023
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Dyson Outsize Cordless Vacuum
Summary:
Amazing cordless vacuum with tons of power and a huge collection bin.
Pros:
* Accessories are on point for cordless vacuums. The unit comes with four attachments: a wide-width rotary floor attachment, a narrow-width floor attachment, a long and narrow nozzle, and a wide nozzle with a retractable brush sleeve. It also comes with an attractive wall mount that conceals the mounting screws and the cord. Makes charging and storage of the unit a breeze.
* Quality construction. The accessories and the body of the unit feel well-made and sturdy, typical of Dyson products (I own a ball vacuum).
* Power. Now this is Dyson's technological advantage: the power and suction of this unit are top-notch. You can hear the unit spin up before it starts pulling debris in like a jet engine. I wish I could share a video because you can hear the power (and feel it once it is on it almost latches onto the floor).
* The unit looks good and would be at home displayed in a closet or in an open space.
* Did I mention the attractive and highly functional wall mount?
Cons:
* The base is heavy. It works well and when used as an upright vacuum, it isn't as noticeable. But handheld vacuuming stairs, or something, and you're going to notice. That power doesn't come from nothing and so this isn't a problem.
* Price point. For Dyson, this is a reasonable price point and you're going to get your money's worth. However, if you need something for lighter jobs - you might want to consider something else.
Use:
We have an array of vacuums for different uses. We live in Colorado and leave the windows open when we can. We also have two dogs: a miniature schnauzer, and a corgi. The corgi drops a lot of hair. It can be overwhelming even with regular grooming. We have multiple surfaces in the home, too. Carpet, "luxury" vinyl, and tile. We needed a workhorse that can handle anything we throw at it. The Dyson's are a favorite because of their sheer power.
In the pictures I have shared, I show two of the collection bin. We run our roombots every day for the two main floors we occupy. One has all vinyl, and the other has carpet, and tile. Every day they run. When the Dyson Outsize arrived, I assembled it, charged it, and gave it a pass on our third floor which has the carpet and tile. The daily vacuuming job had already run for the day and the Dyson still managed to pick up so much, it was as surprising as it was disgusting! LOL. I suppose that is why we got this unit. It is for our weekend cleaning when the humans do the deeper cleans and for that we need a stronger vacuum. It's clear we made the right choice.
If you have high-traffic carpeted areas, pets, outdoors, and in need of a primary/exclusive vacuum with power and capacity AND mobility, this is the unit to buy. You won't regret it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
2out of 3found this review helpful.
 
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.
 
Great mid-level and budget-friendly gaming PC.
Customer Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Posted by: Rhostam
on June 11, 2023
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Dell - XPS 8960 Desktop - 13th Gen Intel Core i7 - 16GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 - 512GB SSD
Summary: Great mid-level and budget-friendly gaming PC.
Pros:
* The price point is good and think is fair for the specs.
* Form factor is typical and on the compact side for this range PC.
* Reasonable expansion. Since this chassis is a bit more compact, there aren't as many expansion bays. Personally, I have not found a reason to use the expansion bays in decades. As I store most of my stuff on local SANs and in the cloud. But you have that option if you need to add another disk or NVMe drive. Likewise, you can replace the graphic adaptors later as the machine ages.
* Speaking of storage. With only a 512GB SSD that also homes the OS, you'll likely want to add an NVMe SSD stick if you want to play games - 512GB is nothing with the size of games these days. We're fond of the Samsung EVO Plus and WD Black NVMe SSDs, which are typically used to upgrade our systems.
* There are plenty of ports for most use cases. I did run out of USB ports on the back of the unit. But, I need more, I can use the ones in the front.
* The ventilation seems good - I am able to noticeably feel the airflow through the chassis sides/front/rear.
* Great support tools and website experience. The site can be a little noisy, but running diagnostics, checking warranty status, and engaging support is much easier than you might expect.
Cons:
* The unit is noisy. I don't mean the spin-up of booting cold. Minor web browsing will make the fans spin up noticeably never mind playing any kind of game. This can happen while I am participating in Zoom meetings and its awfully annoying.
* More noise complaints. The spindled disk in this unit also clicks a lot. I sometimes relive the trauma of my past when those clicks were a sign a spindled disk was about to die! LOL. Not a big deal, just annoying.
* I am not sure, but I think this unit has difficulties outputting two 4K displays via DP. I see a lot of display switching coming out of sleep. Since I work from home and work in the tech field, I often leave my computer on when I do, I will often find a BlueScreen waiting for me in the morning. I am convinced it is a setting or driver that is causing the issue and will be engaging support. Diagnostics both quick and full do not report any issues.
Use:
I use this as my personal desktop. I had stopped gaming on my old desktop because it was starting to fail after a few years. This unit allows me to get back to gaming on my desktop. I also use this unit to connect to my work machines via Remote Desktop (w g/gateway configured). Before the RDG, I was using Fortinet. This machine, of course, works fine as an RDP client. Finally, I use this unit to browse, use Microsoft Office, as well as take care of bills and business. It works well in all of these cases.
Since there are already many reviews sharing benchmarks and images, I'll be sparing on mine. As you can see, it sits nicely on my desk and doesn't take up a lot of space. In games like Doom Eternal on 4K and MAX, I can get 60-100+ FPS rates depending on where and what is going on. In World of Warcraft, at 4K and max settings (10) frame rate is poor at < 30 and sometimes as low as 18 FPS. You can feel the jitter/tear. Dragon riding can't be done without getting dizzy. At mid settings (3) with max particle, and a few other tweaks, it jumps to 60+ FPS and is more tolerable. I don't need to see everything in the distance, but it is a bit disappointing given what I was running before (1680). Still given the benchmarks and the class card, I think these are all acceptable for the price point.
This unit makes for a great home PC and an okay gaming PC.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Make it epic. The XV800 wireless party speaker has amazing omnidirectional sound, ambient lights, an IPX4 rating for water resistance, up to 25 hours of battery life, and an X-Balanced speaker that delivers distortion-free lows. It’s a powerful all-in-one package.
 
Quality build with stunning Sony sound.
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: Rhostam
on June 8, 2023
  • Top 1000 Contributor
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XV800 X-Series Bluetooth® Party Speaker
Summary: Quality build with stunning sound.
Pros:
* Build quality is impeccable. The unit has a solid frame that makes toting it around easier (for its weight).
* Sleek looking. This unit could sit out in a corner or somewhere visible when not in use and it would look great. While in use, this unit lights up and looks great.
* Capacitive touch controls work flawlessly. No membranes or mechanical buttons mean one less thing to wear.
* Controls are center placed and all important functions are easily available.
* Connectivity options are great for this unit. They and their controls are nestled behind the unit and protected by a well-fitted rubber hatch.
* SOUND QUALITY is simply stunning. This unit delivers crisp notes and resoundingly deep bass in true Sony form.
* Mobility is great. It isn't easy to bump this unit and shift position. You need to properly angle the unit for the wheels to kick in. The big battery means you can get hours and hours (a day) of use without having to move it around to recharge.
* Power Distribution. This unit offers a USB port (5V/1.5A) to charge a portable device.
* Optical-in allows a TV to be connected. The audio quality rivals my home theatre system for presence. It can't compete directly, though, as my HT is Dolby Atmos and the form factor of the XV800 means that it isn't the best fit for my living room (all of my A/V equipment and cables are wall mounted, routed through, or concealed behind the TV wall).
* This unit is water resistant, so it can handle a light splash - great if a rain storm moves in out of now where. Just don't leave it out or throw it into a pool.
Cons:
* Not really a con, but it could be for some: this unit is heavier than you might expect! To support run times like this unit and charging capabilities, it needs a battery. Those are heavy.
* Table/phone slat for karaoke could be wider. I have a 10" iPad Pro that I don't use much and it would have been perfect for this use, but it doesn't easily fit in the slat without angling. It should just run the entire unit width to accommodate any width tablet AND make the slat easier to clean should debris get inside.
* I do wish I didn't have to use the Sony Music app to stream music. You can use the speaker in Bluetooth mode just fine. But I hoped for functionality similar to competing products where I can connect directly to the speaker from apps such as Spotify (not via Bluetooth).
* A USB-C charging port would have been a great addition as it is the standard of the future.
* Though the built-in lighting is cool, its more of a gimmick. It could use more lights and/or brighter ones if this was intended to be a main feature (I don't think it is and don't really care about it). But if you have those color-changing seat cubes, this is a great addition to a party.
Use:
We've used the unit to jam out when we want whole house music. While we do have a few "connected speakers" from rivals scattered throughout the house, their audio is still somewhat localized. This speaker manages to fill the whole (4-story) home. We can't wait to try out the karaoke but need to order some microphones. I'm pretty sure a neighbor will complain when we bring up to the sky deck and entertain - it has such power, we're still taken aback by it.
MY FAMILY LOVES IT. If you are mobile and entertain a lot, this unit is a great buy and I absolutely recommend it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Can they be used with out a phone connected? Do they have any storage for audio and the ability to play the audio back?

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