TheTruQ
Top 1000 Contributor
 
 
TheTruQ's Stats
 
  • Review Count
    140
  • Helpfulness Votes
    304
  • First Review
    November 8, 2011
  • Last Review
    May 8, 2024
  • Featured Reviews
    0
  • Average Rating
    4.6
 
Reviews Comments
  • Review Comment Count
    1
  • Helpfulness Votes
    0
  • First Review Comment
    August 27, 2015
  • Last Review Comment
    August 27, 2015
  • Featured Review Comments
    0
 
Questions
  • Question Count
    0
  • Helpfulness Votes
    0
  • First Question
    None
  • Last Question
    None
  • Featured Questions
    0
 
  • Answer Count
    14
  • Helpfulness Votes
    18
  • First Answer
    May 1, 2014
  • Last Answer
    November 5, 2021
  • Featured Answers
    0
  • Best Answers
    2
 
 
TheTruQ's Reviews
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Experience enhanced bass and powerful sound built into a compact package. Equipped with a versatile multi-way strap, it's perfect for on-the-go adventures. With long battery life and water, dust, rust, and shockproof design, enjoy endless hours of good music with your favorite people.
 
One of the best Bluetooth speaker experiences
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
on May 8, 2024
Say it with me, Sony ULT Power Sound. Yes, it’s that simple.
My normal routine when it comes to really assessing anything I purchase is to first look at it’s packaging. How much does the company care about the product it’s selling, and is it protected during transporting? This thing is packaged well and has adequate protection. Here’s the kicker though: it’s not like it needed great protection. Taking the ULT out of the box, the first thing I notice is how well it is built. It feels like high quality durability construction in a smooth, eye-pleasing package. Buttons are completely sealed but easy to press, and the lanyard makes it easy to carry or handle in some cases. I also found it helpful when I wanted to hang the speaker on something for mounting purposes. Overall the design is fantastic, simple, and serves its waterproof and dustproof claims well.
Where I really fell in love with this thing is in its simplicity. Turned it on, picked up my phone, and there it was asking me to connect. Um… Sure! That was it. I was listening to music in less than 30 seconds, and that includes me opening the app to choose something to listen to. That simplicity alone gives this thing an edge over other listening devices. Then, once the sound started coming out, I was very surprised by not only the quality, but the power. When I say power, it’s not just about volume level. Even at low volume, the sound from this speaker is rich and full – really delivers! Sony hit all the marks with this one, and it’s all good for the consumer.
This has been one of the easiest products to recommend for me. If you are looking for great sound in a durable package with a simplistic approach to use, look no further – this is it. It’s 6 stars for me.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
The convenient and easy-to-use Philips Lady Shaver Series 6000 is designed to be gentle and comfortable on the skin in different body areas*. 80% of our consumers confirm no razor burns and redness**. Achieve hair-free skin without compromising on skin comfort. The floating foil glides naturally over your curves and contours, maintaining close contact with your skin for an even shave. For an even more gentle and comfortable shave, use during your shower or bath routine with anti-slip grip for optimal Wet & Dry use.
 
Quick and useful
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
on May 8, 2024
When you regularly shave those special areas, I’ve found it’s good to have a good electric shaver for convenience sake. It’s Philips’ turn with the Lady Electric Shaver.
Unboxing the shaver was pretty standard. Once out of the box, the first thing I noticed is the shaver is very well built. It feels good in hand and is of quality construction. There are a few attachments in the box as well, and they are all quality made. The shaver itself is pretty simple in design, with only a couple of buttons on the device: the power button and a mechanical button to release the shaver head.
Using the shaver was easy and really surprising. I’ve used electric shavers in the past that were unpleasant due to occasionally snagging and irritating the skin. This shaver provided a pain free experience in both wet and dry use. The floating rotary head surrounded by two miniature blades works very well. I also like the included guard for those areas where you aren’t trying to get to bald or need gentle handling. The shaver is easy to clean as the head detaches allowing you to fully rinse it clean, and there is also a brush included for dry cleaning. The one area I would have liked an improvement is in battery performance. The shaver has about a 40 minute run time and takes overnight to charge (10 hours). It would be nice to have a quick charge for at least up to 80% battery life. I think most would be willing to pay a little extra for such a feature, but I understand the limitations at this price point.
Overall, I like the Philips Lady Electric Shaver and feel it is a great product. I don’t know if it is something an everyday shaver would use, but it is awesome for quick shaves between your razor days. Battery could be better, but is does get you through about 3 or 4 typical uses.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
Best for small offices and work from home, the Brother HL-L2480DW Wireless Compact Black & White (Monochrome) Multi-Function Laser Printer is the affordable 3-in-1 option for exceptionally efficient printing, copying, and scanning. This compact, multi-function wireless printer is an effective, time-saving addition to any home or small workspace. As quick as it is efficient, the HL-L2480DW consistently produces crisp, easy-to-read black & white prints at speeds up to 36 ISO pages per minute (1) (ppm). Automatic duplex printing saves time and reduces paper waste, while the 250-sheet capacity paper tray (2) decreases paper refill frequency. With an integrated 2.7” touchscreen, navigation is simple and straightforward, and the touchscreen allows you to print-from and scan-to popular cloud-based apps. (3) Flexible connection options include dual-band wireless, Ethernet, and USB 2.0 interfaces. Plus, advanced security features help protect your information and maintain secure connections while you're printing
 
Definitely in the "best printer" conversation
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
on February 1, 2024
Anytime someone is in the market for a printer, I feel it comes down to a few factors: print quality, ease of use, and speed/efficiency. Granted, some may look at cost, especially long-term expenses with regards to ink or toner, but most that are in the market for a printer understand the commitment necessary up front. The Brother HL-L2480DW gets high marks in these areas in my opinion and here’s why.
First, let’s talk about unboxing and physical setup. The packaging is standard fare and gives you confidence the printer has been protected during transport. When I got it out of the box, I was a little surprised by how large it was. If you are looking for a space-saver, this isn’t it. You will need at least a foot and a half counter or stand depth for this thing to sit on. The printer is very well built and didn’t give me the sense of weak or loose parts I had to be careful of when handling it. There is minimal assembly, and all documentation was concise and to the point.
I think ease of use begins with how easily a person can get from unboxing to up and running or using the product. I’ve got to say, this printer exceeded my expectations in this department. It doesn’t take much effort to start printing from different devices on this printer. The only thing that would slow you down from just instantly printing is you should update the firmware prior to using it. Other than that, you can scan a QR code to get you started printing from your mobile device, and you can easily connect to it with your PC. I do recommend downloading the status monitor if you consistently use a PC. It is a helpful tool that keeps your printer updated, monitors the status of your printer, and helps keep an eye on ink level.
As far as speed and efficiency are concerned, this printer really spits out the documents quickly. It handles 2-sided printing like a boss and prints rather quietly considering the speed at which it prints. You can really churn out the documents, if needed, and the speed at which you can do so is a welcome surprise. Being a laser printer, the cost of cartridges can be a concern, so efficiency is important. So far, the Brother HL-L2480DW has me feeling pretty good in this area. We have pushed out quite a few documents, and the cartridge is still nearly full – nothing like a little wallet joy.
How’s the print quality? It’s very good. Every detail of my documents was not only crisp and clear but served as accurate depictions of their design or capture. No smudging or streaking experienced during printing, even when handling the documents immediately after printing. Truly a fantastic job with print quality.
Should you buy one? Yeah, if you need a printer. It’s that simple. This printer is exceptional in the 3 areas I mentioned earlier: ease of use, speed/efficiency, and print quality. The only way this doesn’t get strong purchase consideration is if you need color.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
 
The Essential Outdoor Camera delivers smart home security with clear 1080p HD resolution. You’ll get alerts and be able to watch live video right from your phone. Use the Integrated Spotlight Ward to ward off intruders or trigger the Integrated Siren automatically or manually from the Arlo Secure App. Even in low light you’ll be able to identify details with Color Night Vision. Or try the noise-canceling audio to hear and speak clearly with visitors. Setup is quick and easy and only takes minutes by connecting directly to Wi-Fi. You can install it with full confidence thanks to its rechargeable battery and weather-resistant design. An Arlo Secure plan trial is included. After trial, a paid plan is required to keep premium features like 30-day video cloud storage, People, Package, Vehicle Detection, 24/7 Emergency Response, and more.
 
Camera vs App vs Service - it's tricky
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
on December 15, 2023
I have had an Arlo system for over 4 years now, and have experienced the good and the bad that comes with this system. The Arlo Essential is the latest update, and it is probably one of the better more recent camera releases.
Unboxing the camera is as easy as it gets – there is no heavy tape or covering. It is a quality box though with adequate internal protection, so there are less worries of possible damage when shipped. Comparing the Arlo Essential to their previous cameras, the first thing I notice is a considerably smaller overall footprint. It’s shape is different as well, with less depth. I like the design. It allows for a much more minimal profile once installed, sitting much closer to the wall. The next thing I noticed is the camera battery cannot be removed. It is an internal, fully integrated battery. It will be interesting to see how this holds up over the long haul. Installation is no different than any of the other cameras, but the camera mount is much more subtle and ergonomic than my previous cameras.
It was easy to connect the camera to the Arlo app, but that’s where my difficulties began. The Arlo app required an update to a completely new and refined interface. Ultimately, I think I will most likely like it, but it gave me quite a few problems migrating over. The migration was a bit wonky, but there were 2 primary issues that stood out and couldn’t be tagged as new release bugs: some older devices were tagged as unsupported (namely my lights) and the prompt for a different plan rather than fitting my existing plan was confusing. There are now 2 plan types from what I can tell, Arlo Secure and Arlo Safe, and that needs to be sorted through. From what I can see, Arlo is moving in the right direction. I just found it confusing to deal with so many changes just by adding a newer generation camera. There are other issues I had with the app, but I will get to that later.
Once installed and connected, the Arlo Essential has a very clear and detailed picture for an HD camera. It has 130 degree field of view, and seems to display a clear and consistent picture from end to end. I feel this is one of the strong suits of this camera – the consistency of the picture quality from edge to edge. This camera does an admirable job with motion detection, detecting and recognizing important objects and distinguishing such from just random motion. It still does something I’ve seen in nearly every Arlo camera: it mistakenly detects sun and shadow changes as motion. I don’t know if there is any way around that with where the trees are in my yard. Every detection with the Arlo Essential is of course recorded in the cloud and made available in the Arlo app. The new version of the app has a landing spot for such activities. It’s called the Feed. Well, for me, it needs work because it is very slow when you have a significant amount of activity. I constantly sit watching spinning wheels waiting for it to fill in the thumbnails and sometimes the list. If I pull up the my.arlo web interface, it works perfectly (I really like the web UI more), but the app sometimes seems to bottleneck. I also run into more buffering issues when viewing videos on the app – a problem I believe could be associated with it trying to fill in the data for the Feed. When running properly, it works. My only other issue with Arlo is how long it takes to receive a notification from a detection. This is something I have been talking about for quite some time. Netgear needs to work on shortening the time a notification is received – it is significantly slower than many competitors. I would rather get the notification at first trigger, then be notified of the “what” post your recognition algorithm. That way I don’t lose time when a real incident occurs requiring attention.
Should you buy an Arlo Essential HD camera? If you currently have an Arlo and need additional cameras, or want to replace older cameras, then the answer is a resounding yes. It is sleek, has good battery life, a good picture, a spotlight, and good night vision. For those looking to take the Arlo leap, I would look at a multi-camera bundle.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
Enjoy your cookout with the fully connected Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Grill & Smoker. With Ninja ProConnect, monitor and control the cooking of 2 different proteins, get real-time notifications to your phone, and even access recipes and cooking charts, all from the palm of your hand. Master Grill, BBQ Smoke, and Air Fry with 100% authentic smoky flavor you can taste.
 
So good it's like cheating!
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
on November 15, 2023
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I’m one of those guys that really likes outdoor grilling – both cooking and eating. Sadly, I my lifestyle doesn’t afford me the time or resources to be as dedicated as some. I have one gas grill that was used to grill all meats and veggies desired and cover my simulated smoking efforts through jerry-rigging and skill. Well, all that has changed now with this new Ninja Woodfire ProConnect Grill & Smoker – I’m a double outdoor grill/smoker+ guy now!
I’m really big on packaging. When I purchase anything of worth, and/or technology that I am depending on functional integrity, the packaging gives me confidence it has been safely transported. It also lets me know what the manufacturer thinks of their own product. The Woodfire ProConnect comes well packaged in a sturdy box with more than adequate foam and protection – very tight fit. Upon opening the box, the thing I loved most was that there is really no assembly required. Seriously, you could give the plate and innards a quick washup and be up and cooking in minutes. The next thing that stood out was that there were 2 bags of woodfire pellets – an all-purpose blend and a robust blend. That’s plenty to get anyone started with creating that off the grill flavor you are yearning for from an electric grill. Also in the box, you have everything needed to get started – drip pan, grill plate, rack, etc. You also have a thermometer spindle with 2 wired leads. This slides in under the control panel which has a place for you to plug them in for 2 separate temperature readings. Lift the grill hood and you will see a convection fan at the very top. The cooking surface is also a lot bigger than I thought. I can easily fit 2 slabs of ribs on the cooking surface – a welcome sight! Overall, it was an impressive showing out of the box. Now, how does it perform?
Well, my wife had these ribs, you see. She wanted me to do my usual – a 2-3 hour simulated smoke, followed by about an hour or so on the grill. Amazingly, the Woodfire ProConnect shows up right when I needed to cook these up. I prepared them as normal and got the grill ready for action. For smoking, you have to put the pellets in the smoke box located on the right side of the hood. If I have one design complaint or request, it’s about this smoke box. I would have loved it to be larger – more on that in a moment. Once everything was ready, I selected smoke on the mode selector, set my temperature to 225 and my timer to 3 hours. When started, the control panel indicates that it’s igniting the pellets. One thing I like about the smoker function is there is no need for preheating. After ignition and a start up period, the control panel displays the temperature and the remaining time. Not sure if this needs to be said, but definitely avoid using this indoors – it will probably set off a smoke detector. That’s not to say the grill hood isn’t sealed enough, it definitely is. The areas designed for ventilation really put out smoke because it is very effective at generating and circulating smoke. I must say, I was very reluctant to open the hood after the grill got going. I normally baste my ribs with a mopping sauce every 20-30 minutes or so, but I didn’t do so during the first hour or more during this process. I think the thought of convection and the control you have over the environment had me feeling like I should just let it do its thing. I felt that after about an hour or so, there wasn’t much smoke left. For this reason, I feel the smoke box could be bigger. I was reluctant to refill the box because I felt the igniter lit the pellets in the box at the start of the cooking cycle – I need to investigate that more. Other than that, after my smoke period, I crank the heat up a bit for the last 30-45 minutes, and voila! And that’s not an exaggeration. The Woodfire ProConnect is the real deal! My ribs were perfectly cooked. There was a definite smoky flavor as well – outstanding job, and for what it’s worth, clean up was a breeze.
I must say, this thing really isn’t hard to sell – yes, it’s that good. It’s easy to use, does an excellent job cooking your meal, is very well built, is feature-rich (double thermometer, 7-in-1, built-in WiFi with app integration), and is big enough for decent portions while having a small footprint. This is the proverbial no-brainer. One of the best cooking devices I’ve seen in quite some time.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
 
Yeti GX is a premium RGB gaming mic powered by LIGHTSYNC and designed specifically for game streamers. Combining a custom dynamic capsule with advanced software, this USB microphone rejects noise and key clicks, improves your sound and ensures consistent high-quality audio while you stream. Use LIGHTSYNC to control two separate RGB light zones on the mic and sync them with other G gear in G HUB, including mice and keyboards, for a fully immersive experience. Add fun vocal effects with Blue VO!CE software, and use Smart Audio Lock or set the gain manually with easy on-mic controls.
 
Definitely fits the bill!
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
on November 8, 2023
Most gamers prefer headsets when gaming online and needing to communicate – this is my normal method. Having a standalone mic seems to offer a much different experience, and I’ve found offers some flexibility. The Logitech – Yeti GX is a good option for a standalone setup.
When unboxing the Yeti GX the first thing you notice is the weight of the microphone – it’s substantial. The microphone itself is metal, along with the stand base, but the stand arm is plastic. It all feels very well built in-hand and the buttons/control wheel feel solid and durable. I really like the design. It is pleasing to the eye and looks like a solid blend of current and traditional design. I would say the Yeti GX has a very slick look and is small enough to throw in your laptop bag for those that game, vlog, and record audio on the go.
It's easy to get started. Just plug it in, and your PC instantly recognizes the microphone and begins using it for audio input. I’m running Windows 11, and I didn’t have any issues getting the Yeti GX up and running within about 30 seconds to a minute. After plugging this device in, you also are treated to a beautiful display of varying colors due to the LightSync integration. There is a dynamic, multicolor show going on as you use the Yeti GX. There are only 2 controls on the microphone: a volume wheel and a mute button. There is a light in the center of the volume wheel. When the microphone is live (unmuted), the color is green, and it is red when muted. This serves as an easy indicator if the microphone is active or not. In my use, I noticed the volume wheel is much less responsive than other microphones I have. It is also a free wheel approach, meaning it has no stop limits in either direction. This means you can’t physically determine the volume setting. You will need the help of the OS or software. You can depress the wheel to lock the setting in place – a welcome addition seeing the wheel is located on the side of the microphone and could be accidentally changed with a quick physical grab and placement adjustment.
Speaking of software, the Yeti GX can be precisely configured and tweaked using the Logitech G Hub. This software is used to control and configure the complete line of Logitech gaming accessories, and it is more than equipped to handle the settings of the Yeti GX. For me, besides the ability to tweak sound, the ability to see the exact microphone gain and to set the LightSync patterns and colors for the 2 zones is what has stood out. As mentioned earlier, the microphone has a very gradual gain setting when spinning the wheel. Initially, those in my party said I sounded as if I was in the distance, but that was quickly fixed with just a quick roll of the wheel. Also, the Yeti GX takes sound input from the top of the microphone rather than the side like many other microphones. Keep this in mind during use, or it will affect consistency of sound quality. The Yeti GX produced consistent, quality sound with clear voice tones and limited background noise (and yes there is noise cancellation/reduction). There is even a feature indicating possible distortion from excessive gain levels – flashing red light on the volume wheel. Gotta give Logitech credit. For what the Yeti GX is, it’s pretty loaded with features and quality build and software.
Well, I don’t know what would keep anyone from taking a long, hard look at purchasing a Yeti GX. It’s well-built, can be mounted on its stand or using a hanging stand. It has that cool factor with an ergonomic design and LightSync built in. It produces fantastic sound quality and has very strong software allowing you to take full control of your audio. I think this microphone should be near the top of your list if you are considering a microphone for gaming, streaming, or vlogging. It’s good!
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 7735HS processor and AMD Radeon RX 6550M 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!
 
Worthy to be considered in any comparison lineup
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
on October 17, 2023
Gaming laptops are very matter of fact in my opinion. We are looking for the power to game on our existing and/or new levels, and we expect a comfortable form factor with decent battery. Throw in the right connectivity options, a decent trackpad and keyboard, and we are set. The MSI Bravo checks all those boxes in my opinion and offers a solid option for most, if not all, in the market for a portable gaming rig.
Opening the box, the MSI Bravo series design is very well thought out with regards to a powerful gaming laptop. It has a gamer’s look and feel, feels very durable and sturdy, and has one of the best cooling-oriented designs I’ve seen in a laptop. Normally, gaming laptops have decent clearance on the bottom of the device, allowing it to breathe better when cooling fans kick in. The MSI Bravo is designed this way as well but has 2 distinctions from other laptops I’ve previously used. First, the ventilation on the bottom of the laptop is much more open and covers a larger area than I’ve seen on any other rig. I would say it may cover about a third of the base and add to that you can clearly see inside the machine – it can really breathe when the workload gets heavy. Second, the feet on the base offer around the same clearance you’d expect from most gaming laptops (about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch or so), but it also sits higher in the front as well, with feet that are only slightly lower than those in the rear of the base. This thing really sits well above the surface. The feet don’t allow for quite the forward tilted typing experience others do, but for a gaming rig, I’ll take the cooling any day.
Power the MSI up and of course you are greeted by Window 11. This will be familiar to most and provides an easy way to get your new laptop up and running just like your existing PCs. I was happy to see there wasn’t much on the Bravo in the form of bloatware. With the exception of Norton’s, I think everything else was pretty much acceptable. There are some great MSI applications that serve as excellent tools for monitoring and diagnosing your devices hardware. These are useful when you want to run games you believe will push your device to its limits. If you are MNK warrior, the trackpad may disappoint. It’s a bit smaller than I would have liked, but it’s not unusable. I will say the trackpad is very responsive and has very good feel – just wished it was a tad larger. The keys are sturdy and separated. They are a bit stiff, but I think that’s good for gaming. The difference is what takes a bit to get used to, but once you are there, it’s comfortable. Graphically, the MSI Bravo is a beast! It handles what you throw at it. I like the Tomb Raider series, Rogue Squadron, Rainbow Six Siege, Wolfenstein – handled them all without a hitch and with great framerate – mostly at around 60 with an occasional dip during heavy scenes/moments. The 1080p visuals didn’t disappoint on what I feel is a pretty good screen for a gaming laptop. I have to give this thing its props, it offers an enjoyable, portable gaming experience. About that word “portable”. The battery life actually surprised me. I was expecting maybe a little over and hour, an hour and fifteen minutes while gaming, but you can get about 2 hours out of this thing while gaming. Of course, you can get more just using it for everyday tasks, but it does well for battery driven gaming sessions.
This is a great device from MSI. I highly recommend it for mid-level to lower-level hardcore gamers. It has a smaller footprint than some other gaming laptops, has great ventilation, great performance, and decent battery life. I would put it in any comparison list when considering a gaming laptop.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
You’ll never run out of ice with the Insignia NS-IMN44BS4 Portable Nugget Ice Maker with Auto Shut-Off. This ice maker stores up to 3.5 lbs. to supply all the cold drinks at a large gathering. It creates small, chewable ice pellets in 12 minutes, letting you enjoy the restaurant-style ice you love right at home. An extra-large 2.3-quart water tank recycles melted ice, so you can refill it less often. A digital touch control panel makes this portable ice maker easy to operate, and the lighted bin makes it easy to see how much ice is ready to use. Match the ice maker to your kitchen décor with a black and stainless-steel design that will attract all your guests. Become the best party host with a portable ice maker that keeps up with the drinks and your guests’ expectations.
 
Ice lovers rejoice - great for get-togethers too
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
on October 3, 2023
Having a standalone icemaker is cool in itself, but one that is small, portable, and makes pebble ice? That checks a lot of boxes. Biggest question is does it live up to the presentation?
Unboxing the icemaker fairly straight forward, although I did so with care. With refrigeration involved, I didn’t want to cause damage by shaking it to much or placing it in the wrong position. The packaging is very tight, which is a plus for making me feel comfortable with shipping. Once out, there is no assembly required. Remove all the tape, plug it in, and you’re ready to get started – well, after you physically clean it and run a full load of water through the cleaning cycle, and discard the first load of ice produced. That will take some time. So, your passion for those tiny pebbles will have to remain subdued for quite a while.
Once you get through all the proverbial red tape though, this thing is a godsend to anyone who loves having soft, crunchy ice on hand. It lives up to it’s billing of producing ice fairly quickly, as you begin to see ice pellets dropping within about 15 minutes or so. It also surprisingly keeps the ice from melting for quite a while in the clear, but insulated tray. We’ve found this to be a great addition to our kitchen and patio for family get-togethers and events where we need more ice than the fridge can produce.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
Introducing the second-generation CZ Smart Hybrid, the smarter smartwatch with 18-day battery life. The Citizen CZ Smart Hybrid smartwatch with 44mm stainless-steel case with blue topring, red accents, and blue silicone strap marries the iconic design you expect from Citizen with innovative science and technology brought to you in the proprietary new wellness app, YouQ. CZ Smart YouQ leverages AI Models built with IBM Watson Studio and research from NASA to provide a 24-hour forecast ahead, helping you anticipate patterns of fatigue and alertness. YouQ then offers highly personalized insights and suggested actions to help you improve alertness and promote the building of better habits, readying you to meet whatever the day may bring. The CZ Smart PQ2 Hybrid watch is compatible with both iPhone and Android and runs on the Citizen Connected app. Utilize the Citizen Connected app to manage your notifications and customize your dials to stay on track with the convenience of information at a glance on your hybrid smartwatch display. Battery life varies based on usage.
 
A real watch that's very smart as well
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
on July 8, 2023
I was one of those guys who felt like a smart watch was a waste, useless even. The first time I wore one, my mind quickly changed – took about 2 days. Most of my experience has been wearing the standard touch screen watch. The Citizen CZ Smartwatch has been a different experience, albeit refreshing.
Unboxing this watch is unlike other smartwatches in the sense you feel like it is an actual watch rather than a screen driven device. It’s stylish, has a substantial feeling, and is very well built. First thing to note is this is an actual watch with smart functionality built in. There is an hour and minute hand used to display and keep time. This watch made a very good first impression – I really like it. I have also received compliments from people who have seen it on my wrist, more so when they saw me using it as a smartwatch.
Getting up and running with the Citizen CZ is pretty simple and was seamless. Just download the Citizen Connected app and follow the set up guide. This isn’t my first rodeo with the Citizen CZ line, so, of course, I did some comparing as I explored and set up the new watch. They are basically the same with the newer watch feeling a tad bit heavier. The bands are slightly different, but both are like sturdy silicone. When turned on, the screen on the newer model seems crisper and a tad bit brighter – I feel I can see it better in well lit and daylight conditions. Also, the night light seems to spread a bit more evenly over the screen of the more recent watch. Also, Citizen has really put in some work on the app since I got my first CZ, as well as the watch OS. There is a lot here for a watch with hands. You have alarms, stop watch, timer, weather, workout, wellness, music, ring my phone, etc. It’s a plethora of apps for any user, and more than fits the bill for the average person. These translate pretty well to the Citizen Connected app from a fitness, wellness, and sleep perspective. I found that the watch does an admirable job tracking most of my activities. It tracks steps (real steps or distance moved) and active hours. You can review your activity history in each category, and set goals in the app. One area I feel could be better is connectivity. I use Strava to track my cycling, walking, and running activities. It would be nice to have Strava integration. It does have Google Fit, but I’ve never used it. The data captured by my CZ Smartwatch seems to be pretty accurate, even my sleep data is decent. This isn’t just a heart rate monitor; it’s got chops, and I’m impressed.
Overall this watch is a good option for those looking for a smartwatch that behaves and looks more like a traditional watch. Notifications display pretty quickly, there are a lot of options and apps to satisfy a wide range of users, and the battery life is very impressive – I can get more than a week out of a single charge. This is a fabulous smartwatch if you aren’t looking for the standard touchscreen design.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get hands-on cleaning control and hands-off debris removal with the All-in-One Tower that keeps your LG stick vacuum clean, charged and ready to go—automatically. Two quick release batteries and Kompressor technology combine for uninterrupted cleaning power, with multiple tools for cleaning all kinds of surfaces, both high and low. Done for the day? Return the vac to the tower to recharge, store tools neatly out of sight and let Auto Empty clean out the dust bin for you. Your hands, floor and air stay clean and your CordZero vac is ready to go when you need it next.
 
A vacuum cleaning solution; not just an appliance
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: TheTruQ
on June 16, 2023
I like the direction the vacuum cleaner industry has headed recently. The move to lighter, bagless, and cordless has been welcome. The LG CordZero serves as a new entry into the fray, and it’s definitely a bit of a different spin on the concept.
First thing you will notice about the CordZero is the size and weight of the box. It seems bigger and heavier than you would expect for a cordless wand vac. Open the box and you immediately see why. There is a tower-like stand that holds the vacuum, all accessories, charging station for additional battery, and a cannister cleaning system. There is minimal assembly required to set up the CordZero. There is an easy to attach base plate and a wall mounting loop to stabilize the unit. Personally, I don’t think the wall tie is necessary if the unit is on a solid floor (hardwood or tile), but on carpet, it can be a tad wobbly. With the base plate and the overall weight of the charging station, it is solid and sturdy. LG includes 2 batteries for the CordZero. This allows for extended usage. There is a slot in the top for charging the second battery – a very nice addition. Another important point to make is the CordZero charging station is very elegant and stylish, has a modern look. This is important because it looks good enough to practically store the vacuum cleaner in plain sight. I really like that about the unit.
Pull out the vacuum itself and it fits the standard bill with one exception: it has an extendable/retractable wand. I loved that feature out of the box, even before using it. Everything else is straightforward and simple. The CordZero does have Wi-Fi, but using the LG app only gives current status of the vacuum. The other thing that stood out for me was the lever that cleans the filter ring. It’s used when emptying the dust bin. I have other cordless wand vacs, and I must say, if they had this one feature, it would be more than welcome. Another point of note is the battery is very easy to remove and replace. The ease of this operation is like almost like a hot-swap option.
How does it perform? Admirably, but with a catch. The CordZero has 2 dual-purpose buttons on the handle with their primary function being power control. At the lowest power setting, the vacuum lasts for about 45-50 minutes, give or take. This may stretch out an additional 5 minutes or more once the batteries have been conditioned, but only time will tell. Most vacuum sessions in a home probably don’t last beyond that, at least not for me. The problem is that the lowest power setting is only suitable for my hard floor vacuuming. The suction and power is not suitable for my carpet. All of my common areas are hard flooring with a couple of area rugs in place, so this works. Bedrooms are a different story, requiring me to use the mid-level power option (turbo is the highest output setting). This cuts the time of use in half, and there are moments you feel the turbo option is necessary, significantly cutting into your time of operation. Because of this, the design of the CordZero and the inclusion of a second battery are both crucial and very thoughtful of LG. The design and approach of the charging station gives the vacuum a home, hence always charging it and your second battery. Add to that the ability of the charging station to automatically empty your cannister after usage, and it almost forces the consumer to put the vacuum in the station after use. One thing about the auto empty feature: it’s a bit on the noisy side, but it doesn’t take long to finish.
Overall, the LG CordZero is a great vacuum cleaning system. It offers features that are welcome to those who appreciate organization and space saving, quick and easy cleanup after vacuuming, and extended use when necessary. For the easy, day-to-day cleaning jobs, this type of device is sufficient in most cases, but the one area I think most consumers look for a little more is in longer run time and/or more powerful suction on the lower settings. Don’t get me wrong, it gets the job done, but a consumer with a carpet filled home will burn through both batteries cleaning their house. With all that said, I still highly recommend the CordZero. Kudos to LG for a well thought out and useful product. It really checks a lot of boxes and solves some issues we as consumers have just accepted in the past.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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 Night Owl - 10 Channel Bluetooth Wi-Fi NVR with 4 Wi-Fi IP 4K HD 2-Way Audio Cameras and 1TB Hard Drive - White
Night Owl - 10 Channel Bluetooth Wi-Fi NVR with 4 Wi-Fi IP 4K HD 2-Way Audio Cameras and 1TB Hard Drive - White
Night Owl is excited to offer our U.S. designed and engineered 4K Wi-Fi Bluetooth Network Video Recorder with Wi-Fi IP 4K Spotlight Cameras and Pre-Installed Hard Drive. With secure app-based Bluetooth setup, there is no need to connect a TV or monitor for setup or viewing (optional). You can easily configure your system right from the app on your smartphone or tablet with the Bluetooth connection. While a TV or monitor is not required, with Google Assistant you can use simple voice commands to stream camera footage directly to your TV or monitor, all while remaining hands free. Each camera has 2-Way audio (talk and listen) as well as a built-in siren and preset voice alerts. From within the app, you can easily activate the built-in siren, startling intruders and sending them packing. Have a guest but can’t get to them? Use a preset voice alert to let them know! Smart detection technology including human detection, facial capture, and vehicle alerts reduce the risk of false alarms, keeping you safe and well protected. Facial capture lets you see who is on your property by snapping a photo and sending the image to your Smart Device. Motion-activated dual spotlights flood your yard with bright lights when human motion is detected, instantly warding off trespassers. Proudly designed and engineered in the USA, our security system uses a built-in wireless connection for uninterrupted viewing with no delays. Our app gives you control of your system and easy access to your recordings, regardless of where you are. Night Owl never charges fees for storage or access to your videos. All recordings are securely stored on a pre-installed hard drive for convenience. You can view and download the recordings as you need them. This system provides the latest technology to give you the ultimate security experience. NOTE: Your Wi-Fi recorder is compatible with our BWNIP2 (Wire Free), WNIP2 (Wi-Fi IP) and WNIP8 (Wi-Fi IP) Series devices and is not backward compatible with other Night Owl products.
 

Can I add more cameras

Yes. This is a 10-channel system. There are 6 additional channels allowing addition cameras to be added.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 HP - 27" IPS LED FHD FreeSync Monitor (2 x HDMI, VGA) - Silver and Black
HP - 27" IPS LED FHD FreeSync Monitor (2 x HDMI, VGA) - Silver and Black
The New Definition of High Definition: This FHD monitor feels as good as it looks, packing IPS technology for 178 degrees ultra-wide viewing angles, 99% sRGB color gamut for color accuracy, and AMD FreeSync to keep your eyes up to speed with your imagination.
 

how do you connect the monitor to the laptop

Depends on the laptop. My preference for my device is a USB-C to HDMI adapter. You can also use the same type of adapter with USB-A instead of C. An older laptop may have an HDMI port or VGA port. You can use these as well.
2 years, 11 months ago
by
Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 Microsoft - Surface Laptop 4 - 15” Touch-Screen – AMD Ryzen 7 Surface Edition – 8GB Memory - 512GB Solid State Drive - Matte Black
Microsoft - Surface Laptop 4 - 15” Touch-Screen – AMD Ryzen 7 Surface Edition – 8GB Memory - 512GB Solid State Drive - Matte Black
Stand out on HD video calls backed by Studio Mics. Capture ideas on the vibrant PixelSense touchscreen. Surround yourself with immersive, theater-like Dolby Atmos audio⁶. Do it all with a perfect balance of sleek, ultra-thin design, and more speed, now up to 70% faster – with significantly longer battery life than before¹. Two sizes. Two keyboard finishes. Plus, choice of 11th Gen Intel Core or exclusive AMD Ryzen Microsoft Surface Edition processors².
 

Is the ram upgradable?

No, you can not. The RAM comes in fixed sizes and is soldered in without additional bays.
3 years ago
by
Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 Microsoft - Surface Laptop 4 - 15” Touch-Screen – AMD Ryzen 7 Surface Edition – 8GB Memory - 512GB Solid State Drive - Matte Black
Microsoft - Surface Laptop 4 - 15” Touch-Screen – AMD Ryzen 7 Surface Edition – 8GB Memory - 512GB Solid State Drive - Matte Black
Stand out on HD video calls backed by Studio Mics. Capture ideas on the vibrant PixelSense touchscreen. Surround yourself with immersive, theater-like Dolby Atmos audio⁶. Do it all with a perfect balance of sleek, ultra-thin design, and more speed, now up to 70% faster – with significantly longer battery life than before¹. Two sizes. Two keyboard finishes. Plus, choice of 11th Gen Intel Core or exclusive AMD Ryzen Microsoft Surface Edition processors².
 

any usb ports?

One USB-A
One USB-C
3 years ago
by
Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
Get immersed in high-fidelity audio with this Sonance 8-inch in-ceiling speaker. A 1-inch silk dome tweeter delivers crisp high-end frequencies, while the 8-inch glass fiber cone woofer fills the air with deep, resounding bass. This Sonance 8-inch in-ceiling speaker is easy to install and includes a paintable grille that blends into surrounding decor.
 

Are these paintable?

Yes, they are paintable.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 Adobe - Photoshop Elements 2019 & Premiere Elements 2019
Adobe - Photoshop Elements 2019 & Premiere Elements 2019
Dive right in and do something amazing with your photos. Auto-generated photo and video slideshows and collages are created just for you and delivered upon launch. Get up and running quickly with the new home screen - see what's new since your last version, discover fun things to try, and get inspiring ideas, help, and tutorials. Effortlessly organize, edit, and create thanks to photo and video automation powered by Adobe Sensei AI technology. Try artistic techniques and effects with 73 step-by-step guided edits. Easily make movies in the redesigned Quick Edit mode. And share your favorite memories in everything from fun memes and animated GIFs to printed artwork and full-length movies.
 

Can I edit videos with it? Says I can edit video slideshows is that the same thing. Put one on old computer three years ago. With that one I could edit videos. Is that transferable?

Absolutely! Easily, I might add.
5 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 Dell - S2319NX 23" IPS LED FHD Monitor (HDMI, VGA) - Black/Silver
Dell - S2319NX 23" IPS LED FHD Monitor (HDMI, VGA) - Black/Silver
Optimize your viewing experience on this 23-inch Dell LCD monitor. Its Full HD IPS screen lets you see content from almost any angle. Easily connect a laptop or a PC to the VGA and HDMI ports on this Dell LCD monitor.
 

I tried hooking up my macbook pro (which only has a usb-c port) to the monitor via hdmi and a hdmi adapter. However, the monitor keeps telling me there is no hdmi signal from my device. How do I fix this? The adapter works on other monitors (also Dells).

Have you tried installing the latest driver from Dell? This is a tricky one if it works on other monitors.
5 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 Sony - WF-SP700N Sport True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbud Headphones - Black
Sony - WF-SP700N Sport True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbud Headphones - Black
Listen to your favorite playlists with these Sony wireless noise-cancelling headphones. They're equipped with the Google Assistant for instant help with a range of tasks, and their silicon support fittings keep the headphones in place while you're active. Use these Sony wireless noise-cancelling headphones' Ambient Sound Mode when you need to stay aware of your environment.
 

How do these compare to the Sony WF1000X--sound wise...and comfort wise?

More comfortable with comparable, if not better sound. The comfort and better seal contribute to a better listening experience, in my opinion.
5 years, 11 months ago
by
Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
Remove pet hair from carpets and hard floors with this BISSELL floor cleaning machine. Its motorized brush lifts and removes stubborn hair and dirt, and helps to clean hard-to-reach areas. This BISSELL floor cleaning machine dispenses detergent with the pull of a trigger for hassle-free shampooing of carpets and upholstery.
 

I’m trying to understand if this machine is a good replacement for cleaning carpets also! I love the idea of this product... I have a 21 year old cat that has oopsies!!! Thank you, Karen Akers

It really depends on the length of the carpet. This device is geared toward flooring and area rugs, but it does perform pretty well on low carpet. I wouldn't use in on anything that has any length beyond short.
5 years, 11 months ago
by
Posted by: 
TheTruQ
 
 Sony - WF 1000X True Wireless In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones - Black
Sony - WF 1000X True Wireless In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones - Black
Tune out the world and lose yourself in music with these Sony 1000X wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Equipped with SENSE ENGINE technology, these earbuds make it easy to adjust sound modes with a single touch, so you control what you hear. Compact and intuitive, these Sony 1000X wireless noise-cancelling headphones stay comfortable for hours.
 

I bought these to use on an airplane and with my Kindle. There is no work around to use on an Airplane??

Not sure I understand the issue... You should be able to achieve a Bluetooth connection even on the airplane.
6 years, 1 month ago
by
Posted by: 
TheTruQ