TheTruQ
Top 1000 Contributor
TheTruQ's Stats
- Review Count142
- Helpfulness Votes304
- First ReviewNovember 8, 2011
- Last ReviewMay 21, 2024
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.6
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count1
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First Review CommentAugust 27, 2015
- Last Review CommentAugust 27, 2015
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count14
- Helpfulness Votes18
- First AnswerMay 1, 2014
- Last AnswerNovember 5, 2021
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers2
Platinum™ - Dual USB-C-to-8-Port Hub for Select Apple MacBook Laptops - Space Gray
Connect multiple peripherals, and increase functionally of a MacBook with side-by-side USB Type-C ports with the Platinum USB Type-C multi-port hub. The hub is made exclusively for MacBook, and transforms two USB Type-C ports into eight ports. Premium space gray design compliments your MacBook.
Useful and efficient
Customer Rating
5.0
Laptops are the new desktops. When using my MacBook Pro, I don’t think of it as just a lightweight gap device. I expect it to give me not only the power, but flexibility of any desktop computer. With everyone taking the minimalist approach to design and use, a good hub or dock is very important for connectivity and productivity.
The Platinum dual USB-C hub is a welcome accessory for MacBook Pro users, offering expansion and flexibility in a pleasing package. The device comes in a box that resembles an iPhone accessory. I would say it is mid-level grade, just below what I consider premium. Remove the device, and that changes quickly. The hub is light, but has a very premium feel to it, partnering well with the MacBook Pro aesthetically. The cord length stands out as well. It is short and very sturdy/stiff. I immediately see this as a tabletop or desk top hub for the MacBook. In a lap, this thing would hang in an irritating way. Not sure if that would be a problem for some users, but I’m cool with it. Why purchase a MacBook, or any of the newer laptops that preach lightweight, wire-free productivity, and want desktop connectivity while in a portable setting? To that I say, buy a gaming laptop. This device serves as a hub/dock, and I recommend users see it that way.
The hub is simple to use, and installation was as simple as plugging it in. It actually took longer to get it out of the box than to put it in use. It fits beautifully in the MacBook Pro, and offers dual Thunderbolt, 2 USB 3 ports, SD and micro SD card readers, an ethernet port, and an HDMI port. You can literally sit down at your desk, plug this up and be in desktop mode. Very simple and efficient. From a performance standpoint, the hub performs flawlessly, and I noticed no difference in peripheral performance when connected.
This is really a no brainer. The Platinum Dual USB-C hub is an excellent accessory for any MacBook Pro owner. It’s lightweight with a premium industrial design and offers fantastic performance in a very simple to connect package. I highly recommend it for those that “dock” their MacBook’s at their desk. Very efficient!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Chefman - TurboFry 3.6 Qt. Analog Air Fryer, Dual Dial Control - Black
Achieve the deep-fried flavor you love, without all the oil and added calories. The Chefman TurboFry™ Air Fryer allows you to bake, fry and roast like a pro. This airfryer requires little to no oil, so there’s less of that fried oil smell lingering in the house and less fat that you’re consuming. It’s large 3.5-liter capacity and flat basket gives you the ability to cook enough for a hungry crowd all at once. Skip the microwave! Reheat soggy leftovers in the air fryer to return them to their original texture. Make better-for-you fries that are just as crispy and tasty, roast chicken thighs, or heat up leftovers for a quick and easy meal. The temperature control with 60-minute timer automatically shuts off once food is done, so you never have to worry about burning or drying out your food. Its space saving basket is removable and dishwasher safe for easy clean-up, so you’ll have more time to dream up your next air-fried meal!
An easy choice if you'd like to start air frying
Customer Rating
5.0
The first thing I must admit is that I’m not new to air frying. I have had an air fryer for about a year now, and I’m not one that needs to be sold on its usefulness. Heck, it’s actually the reason I wanted another one – it gives me the flexibility to cook more using that approach. The Chefman Air Fryer is the choice for this addition.
Chefman’s entry into the air fryer foray is actually a good one. Once unboxed, you will encounter a very sturdy device which gives you a little confidence of its durability and dependability. I have seen air fryers with basket inserts and some without. The Chefman has a basket insert, but you can cook or heat with or without the basket. Setup is as simple as it gets – light washup, plug it up, and cook. There is a timer dial for timed cooking.
How does it perform? Admirably! The basket allows you to prepare foods that have runoff while establishing crispiness, and the size of the cooking chamber is very accommodating. Chefman appears to have done a very good job at designing the cooking chamber. It produces crispiness very consistently and cooks/warms food very evenly. The only thing you won’t like about this thing is the fact you may need more room for more food. Clean up is a breeze, and aesthetically it is pretty pleasing to the eye if left on the countertop.
Anyone looking to join the air fryer revolution, or interested in a second fryer for sides, warming, etc., will not go wrong with the Chefman. I certainly gets the job done, especially for an entry level product!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Jaybird - Vista True Wireless In-Ear Headphones - Black
Pair your workout with these black Jaybird Vista wireless headphones. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 6 hours of listening time, while the waterproof, sweatproof design helps prevent fluid damage. These Jaybird Vista wireless headphones have ear hooks and three pairs of soft interchangeable eartips for a secure fit and added comfort during extended periods of use.
You can stop looking
Customer Rating
5.0
Listening to music on the go has really changed over the years, especially when exercising or while performing some activity. At first there was wireless, with the clip-on set wired together. Now, “true wireless” is all the rage. I’ve had a couple of true wireless sets that didn’t quite cut it. Now, here come the Jaybird Vista sport headphones.
The Vista headphones come in nice packaging. It’s not on the premium level that some manufacturers produce, but it’s sturdy and gives you a sense of worth on some level. Packaging is important to me because it gives me a sense for how the company feels about their own product. Does it have worth? What initial impression are they making? It’s very easy to open – something others could learn from. Inside, you will find a carrying case, which houses the earbuds, a charging cable, silicon covers, and a small instruction manual. This is only the second Jaybird product I have owned, and I will tell you that this unboxing made me feel a lot better about their product. Handling the case and earbuds initially gave me a clear feel for the quality of the product. There is a feeling of worth there, and it’s a welcome touch.
Well, I charged the case (buds inside) and glanced over the quick start guide. To pair, you basically just open the case while in your Bluetooth settings. Of course, this did not work on the first try – could have been user execution error. Not a big deal, as there is a button inside of the case for syncing, and that did it. Once synced, I downloaded the Jaybird app. The app contains an instruction manual along with helpful tips and tools to aid in even wearing the buds correctly. The best part of the app, in my opinion, is the presets. The presets offer various EQ settings to match the style of music you’re listening to – along with your listening preferences, of course. You can also save custom EQ settings to your preset list. Another cool app feature is the button assignment. Jaybird allows users to assign preferred functionality to the buttons located on the buds – the entire face of the bud serves as a button. Cool stuff.
Do they sound good? Perform well? Yes, and yes. Jaybird really surprised me. Quality sound and very consistent performance. The earbuds fit securely, but comfortably in my ear. I actually feel other manufacturers could learn a thing or two about fit from Jaybird. I would have absolutely no fear of losing a Vista bud during a run, bike ride, or workout – they are snug. I am also surprised at how well they executed single bud operation. Very useful for phone conversations or meeting/audio content listening while busy.
I don’t know what else I can say about these things. This is the proverbial no brainer. The best true wireless sport headphone, period! You really can’t go wrong here.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Samsung - 3.1.2-Channel 330W Soundbar with 8" Wireless Subwoofer - Slate Black + Carbon Silver
Upgrade any home media setup with this Samsung Harman Kardon Q70R soundbar. Seven speakers, a wireless active subwoofer and surround sound compatibility combine to bring professional-quality sound to your living room. Connect this Samsung Harman Kardon Q70R soundbar to your favorite audio source with support for Spotify, Alexa, Bluetooth, HDMI and many other connection options.
Undeniable performance
Customer Rating
5.0
As someone who has a 7.2 system in my family room, sound while watching any program is very important to me. I recently added the added the Samsung Soundbar Q70R to my bedroom to raise the bar (no pun intended) on our viewing experience.
The packaging for the Q70R is pretty standard fare – raised L shape to accommodate the accompanying subwoofer. Upon pulling it out of the box, two things immediately got my attention. First, the shape of the soundbar was different than others. The ends are tapered a bit and not cubed, with speaker grate on the top as well as the front. The second is the size of the subwoofer. It has a slim footprint but is a little taller than others I have seen. It would seem this thing is designed to handle larger rooms if necessary. My bedroom is pretty big, but the Q70R seems to be up to the challenge of the den or family room experience as well. The remote is very simple with few buttons. Initially, I wondered if it would be functional enough. Using it tells you it is.
Installation and setup are standard, but at this point in the game, there is one thing more I am expecting from the soundbar industry: more than a single HDMI input. There is a workaround with build in ARC (you can essentially connect everything directly to the TV and allow it to pass audio back to the soundbar), but for simple setup with direct audio, we need at least a couple of HDMI inputs. That would mean the unit would have to manage an HDMI board and switch at that point, but come on… it’s 2019! I should at least be able to connect a streaming device and a disc player to high-end soundbar. The Q70R has a neat little digital display on the right side of the bar that reveals current state, mode changes, etc. It’s small, but scrolls to reveal longer text. It is also big enough for visibility at a respectable distance.
Well, how does this thing perform? The Q70R is a 3.12 channel surround system. It has distinct channels for left, right, and center, while offering Dolby Atmos as well (hence the speaker grate on top of the bar). I felt the sound was more than admirable, if not at times surprising. Audio movement across channels was distinct and clear. The subwoofer performed well too. Samsung has done a good job with the sound blend and it should be noted. I actually feel the Q70R has big sound and should be considered in a family room setting, but too large of a room could cause you to lose some of the sound experience.
Overall, I like this soundbar. It’s easy to setup, has build in ARC, and produces consistent, clear sound with effects. I don’t think anyone looking for a quality soundbar would be disappointed.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Acer - Nitro 5 15.6" Gaming Laptop - Intel Core i5 - 8GB Memory - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 - 256GB Solid State Drive - Black
Acer Nitro 5 Laptop: Lose yourself in the absorbing multimedia experience delivered by this Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop. The Intel Core i5 processor ensures a lag-free performance, and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card delivers immersive visuals on the 15.6-inch Full HD display. This Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop has 8GB of RAM for seamless multitasking.
Casual & entry-level gaming masterpiece
Customer Rating
4.0
The biggest problem with gaming laptops, is that the people that look for them and evaluate them are just that… gamers. Most of them hardcore PC gamers that play the most taxing and graphically intense masterpieces, while they expect top notch performance no matter the machine they play the game on. Well, the term “gaming laptop” needs to also include the light gamer, that plays a host of Wild Tangent games, or SIMS, or MMORPGs that are less about graphics and more about content. You don’t need a beast of machine to be a PC gamer. My wife is a PC gamer, and the only 3D game she really plays is SIMS. Acer has obviously updated a previous version of this 15.6 inch laptop, and although I haven’t used the former, I like what I have experienced in the latter.
The new Nitro 5 comes in the standard laptop packaging – slim and tight. Upon opening the box and handling it for the first time, you notice the sleek, gaming-inspired look that just screams, “play me”. I can appreciate the aggressive, techno-look of gaming laptops, and Acer doesn’t disappoint. It is definitely thicker than the thin versions of notebooks we see today, but still sports a somewhat sleek look. The red and black color scheme give you that old-school terminator feel, and when handling it, the high-grade plastic has a bit of premium feel to it without being luxurious – if that makes sense. All the standard ports are there (USB 3, USB C, Gig Ethernet, HDMI, 3.5mm) and the ventilation seems more than adequate. Power it up and you are greeted by a lit keyboard/control area that can only be described as a love it or hate it feature. Some will love it because it lends to the gaming feel. Others will look at the red hue lighting and feel that It’s dated, like an old 80s movie terminal. I think it looks cool. The color choice (red) may turn some off, in my opinion.
Of course, Windows 10 is the operating system for the Nitro 5, and I’m happy with that. If you are a Windows hater, look elsewhere – and install your VM for the best game play experience. Of course, you must navigate the Windows setup, but most should be accustomed to that at this point. If you have games where you purchased physical copies (DVDs), you will be disappointed to know that the Nitro 5 doesn’t have a disc reader. Most games now are distributed digitally, and most game publishers offer a means to retrieve a licensed copy via authenticated request. Just be aware, all old game lovers. The screen on this thing is good, but not great. It’s only 1080p, but it is crisp and clear. The Nitro 5 has a quad-core processor, but it’s rated, or segmented, as mobile. Where most gaming laptop manufacturers seem to put desktop grade processors in a laptop form-factor, Acer has stuck a juiced up mobile processor in the Nitro 5. I must say, it performs admirably. Standard computing (everyday application usage, web surfing, etc) is very snappy, of course, and the Nitro 5 is quite app to video and audio decoding and encoding – another use for rigs of this caliber. As for games, the Nitro 5 is not for the PC gaming geek. It can handle some of your standard fare titles using high quality settings – Fortnite, PUBG, Overwatch, SIMS, etc. Quality FPS titles are another story. Games in the CoD realm are best played on lower settings, but they are playable. For me, the Nitro 5 is a true entry-level gaming system, and it will play the simple and lower level 3-D games without a hitch – that should be the target audience. All others need to pay for what they need, period. Battery life is about where most gaming laptops land – about 3 hours with heavy game play. If you can squeeze more than that out of a full charge, more power to you – and share your secrets.
The Nitro 5 isn’t the most powerful gaming laptop out there, and isn’t even the most powerful entry-level one. It is a tremendous budget or entry-level gaming rig that shouldn’t be overlooked. The mobile processor performs surprisingly well with a decent dedicated graphics card. The hard drive space is good enough for the new to PC gaming user, or those that are more casual, non FPS gamers. Anyone looking for the inexpensive gaming beast, need not apply.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Aluratek - Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter and Receiver for TVs - Black
Stream audio from your TV wirelessly with this Bluetooth audio transmitter and receiver. You can stream to one Bluetooth headset or two headsets and/or Airpods simultaneously. Enjoy the freedom to walk around while listening to theTV up to 100 feet away. Receiver function allows you to bluetooth enable an audio device and stream to that device from a bluetooth phone, tablet, PC. Features include digital and analog audio inputs for compatibility with a variety of TVs and other devices, dual headphone / speaker connectivity, and Qualcomm aptX Low Latency technology for high-fidelity audio with no lip-sync delay.
What are you waiting for?
Customer Rating
5.0
I don’t know many cases in this day and time that pushing audio wirelessly would be considered a bad thing. In fact, we almost expect our devices to have this functionality built in, allowing seamless streaming of audio to various devices. There are cases where this functionality doesn’t exist, and that’s where Aluratek’s Universal Bluetooth Audio Receiver and Transmitter comes in.
Having used an older model of this device in the past, I felt both comfortable and happy about this device before even opening it. The package is very unassuming and should be categorized as plain. Handling the device reveals decent build quality, giving a feeling of a sturdy device. It doesn’t have that premium feel, but it isn’t cheap either. Aluratek includes just about everything you need to get the device up and running. There are connectivity cables (3.5mm, RCA, and optical cables) and a USB cable for power and charging. Device setup is a simple, and I found it easy to connect Bluetooth devices – I do have experience in this area.
This device performs phenomenally as a Bluetooth transmitter, putting out stereo sound to a maximum of 2 devices simultaneously. The signal is very strong with a decent level of penetration and distance. The stream quality is excellent. I experienced no sound loss or interference issues. One of the few issues I have is the inability to stream surround sound. You can connect an optical cable to the Aluratek, but it only transmits stereo. The device also works as a receiver, so you can use it to push sound to devices that don’t have wireless connectivity – older stereo units, powered speaker additions, etc. Whether receiving or transmitting, the Aluratek performs admirably, and with a built in battery, it lends to flexibility in specific use cases. Actually, the battery makes this device more travel friendly, in my opinion. I find such devices are wonderful in situations like watching TV in bed to keep from disturbing a partner, or isolating a specific sound when others are engaged in something completely different.
Overall, I have to call this a can’t miss product. It’s one of those things that I feel nearly everyone should have available at their disposal. Some may use such a device more than others, but the ability to push any audio source to a Bluetooth stream in any direction is much more than a nice to have!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy hot meals and snacks with this 1.2-cu. ft. Panasonic 1200W microwave. The 11 power levels provide optimal heating for various dishes and include a keep warm function, maintaining cooked food at an ideal serving temperature. This Panasonic 1200W microwave has a coffee/milk preset for quick preparation of hot beverages.
Excellent counter-top microwave
Customer Rating
5.0
Microwaves have become a staple of nearly all kitchens. Most homes even have spaces or openings designed into the cabinetry to account for them in a space-saving way. There are cases where a counter-top microwave is needed. This Panasonic counter-top microwave is a perfect solution for such cases. For us, it served as the perfect small office compliment, preventing trips to the kitchen when warming snacks.
Pulling the Panasonic microwave from the box, the first impression is plain-Jane. It doesn’t look fancy in any way but would easily blend in most kitchens. After a quick glance at the buttons, I immediately took a look at the size of the heating chamber – checking the size. Panasonic did a good job in this regard. The chamber is much larger than most counter-top microwaves. It can easily hold a large plate or dish.
There isn’t much fan fare with regards to a microwave, unless it has some extraordinary features. This microwave’s functionality falls under the pretty standard fare. All the normal functionality is there: timed cooking, power levels, time add, etc. There are a couple of interesting options included as well: a coffee/milk warming option, and a 3-level popcorn button. The predefined modes work very well, producing the desired heat level and results consistently. Whether reheating, popping popcorn, defrosting… It gets the job done, consistently. Powered by 1200 watts, it has a decided advantage over most of its competitors, which usually are between 800 and 1000 watts by comparison. The higher wattage leads to more consistent and thorough heating and cooking. This microwave isn’t quiet, but I don’t think it’s the loudest I have ever encountered either.
Overall, this Panasonic microwave is a good buy. It is feature adequate, larger than the average counter-top microwave, and very consistent. It’s not the quietest microwave, but it isn’t extremely loud. The size and warming/cooking consistency make this a can’t miss.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
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Dyson - V7 Fluffy Hardwood Cord-Free Stick Vacuum - Iron/Blue
Clean wood floors thoroughly with this Dyson V7 Fluffy cordless vacuum. The fluffy cleanerhead has extra-soft bristles that prevent scratches, and the Dyson V7 Fluffy gives you up to 30 minutes of runtime (varies based on attachment/power mode). Includes bonus mini motorized tool for extra cleaning power on hard-to-reach areas. Cord-free, hassle-free, powerful suction.
Quiet, Effective, Improved
Customer Rating
5.0
What most people want in a vacuum is good brush and suction power. After all, the goal is to remove dirt, dust, and debris from your floors and carpet. After that, we look at convenience, weight, and reliability. Well, Dyson makes an attempt at giving us all those things in the V7 Fluffy. It’s a stick vacuum that’s backed by the Dyson name and technology.
The V7 comes impeccably packaged – very secure, tight, and solid. You feel as if the product could have fallen from the truck and it would be fine. Inside, you of course find the vacuum cleaner itself, a charging cable, and numerous accessories – standard fare for most vacuum cleaners today. This is not the first Dyson wand for my household, so I think it’s notable to recognize some welcome differences in the design. The first being the charging cable. I like the newer design better, where the cable plugs directly into the vac. My older one has to be connected to a charging hanger. That was irritating if you didn’t want to hang it on the wall. Next, I really like the single button release for the cannister. No more taking the cannister apart with multiple steps. Those both were welcome changes I immediately noticed during assembly. Something else that stands out about the Fluffy is… well, that the roller/brush is “fluffy”. This thing has the softest and most full brush I have ever seen on a vacuum cleaner. My initial thoughts were that it was made specifically for hardwood floors – yep, it is that soft.
Once assembled and charged, I took the Fluffy for a spin. Of course, my intrigue surrounding the brush roller led me straight to the carpet… and it performed well. The V7 Fluffy has good suction and a very capable roller, but that wasn’t the first thing I noticed. The thing that got my immediate attention was how quiet it is compared to my previous Dyson. I actually turned it off to make sure everything was setup properly. Somehow, the Fluffy is quieter, but has ample suction to do the job. Of course, it is lightweight, maneuverable, and easy to use. The new release for the cannister makes emptying and maintenance much easier and effective. On floors, the V7 Fluffy is like silk. I actually feel as if it was made for hardwood, as the fluffy brush roller just glides across floors with the greatest of ease. The attachments are very useful, allowing conversion to a hand vac in a matter of seconds, but I am a little disappointed we haven’t seen a flexible hose attachment added to this lineup. Dyson is really limiting application by not adding a flex hose. There are still spaces that prohibit a 2.5 foot long device from accessing. We need a flex attachment in the box. That being said, it is truly an all purpose vacuum in every sense. You can just about get everything done with it.
The biggest question I have asked and been asked about Dyson centers around its cost. Is it worth it? I think so at this level. You can clean house with this thing, and it is effective and reliable. When it comes to wand vacs, I feel you still should keep a full-sized vacuum on hand for occasional thorough cleaning, but that could just be me. The V7 Fluffy gets the job done, in my opinion, and I think most would be happy with it in their home.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Stream from up to 50 feet away with this Aluratek BT5 transmitter. The rechargeable design saves you from having to replace the battery for added convenience. This Aluratek BT5 transmitter features Bluetooth compatibility, so connecting to PCs, TVs, MP3 players and a variety of other devices is quick and simple.
No doubt you can use this
Customer Rating
5.0
I’m not sure I know anyone that listens to music, podcasts, etc., and/or watches TV shows, movies, or any type of video media that hasn’t pushed audio to wireless sources or had the desire to. At this point, it’s becoming second nature to listen to audio wirelessly. Heck, many of the newer phones are being designed without headphone jacks. It’s for this reason alone that the Aluratek Bluetooth Audio transmitter is a very useful, if not game changing device. It allows you to push sound from any audio output device to a Bluetooth transmitted signal.
The Bluetooth Audio transmitter comes in a very unassuming package. It doesn’t look special, and it’s not very appealing. Don’t let that fool you. This is one of the more useful devices for audio listening. Inside you will find connectivity cables for audio as well as recharging. The fact that this device is battery powered is a welcome plus, because it gives you much more flexibility with regards to placement and portability on the go.
The Aluratek BT5 is easy to pair and performs just as expected. You can stream audio from your preferred source and enjoy it on the Bluetooth compatible device of your choice. I use it primarily to listen to my headphones in bed while watching TV – keeps from waking up my wife. This is also great if you would like to add Bluetooth surround speakers to an existing non-Bluetooth capable sound system. The battery works very well, lasting an entire day on a full charge, and range is more than adequate. Of course, signal strength and range are affected when using through walls, but that’s to be expected with Bluetooth equipment.
Overall, I more than recommend this device. I don’t think you have to be an audio enthusiast to find a use case for the Aluratek BT5. Even if you wanted to use it just to add wireless to old equipment, it is a worthwhile purchase. I highly recommend it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Skybell - Trim Plus Smart Wi-Fi Video Doorbell - Wired - Brushed Aluminum
See who's at the door on your smartphone with this SkyBell Trim Plus home-security doorbell. It sends HD video and two-way audio and can detect and record a visitor's presence via live monitoring and a motion sensor. This rugged SkyBell Trim Plus home-security doorbell has full-color night vision and withstands inclement weather.
Good, but missing that one thing...
Customer Rating
4.0
It’s hard to argue the convenience of having an entry door cam, especially the front door. Whether for receiving packages, knowing when unsuspecting visitors stop by, or just to take a quick look every now and then, a front door camera delivers the goods. After being someone who has teetered on the idea of having a doorbell camera, the Skybell Trim Plus turned out to be a good place to start.
Pick up the Trim Plus box and you will notice it is packaged well. The contents of the box are very well protected with a soft contoured foam. Packaging can make or break a first impression, and Skybell didn’t disappoint. Another note upon opening the box is the inclusion of tools which could be key to successful installation. Kudos to Skybell for including a screwdriver and masonry drill bit. All you need (possibly) is a drill, and you’re ready to install. The first thing I noticed about the device itself is that it’s not very discreet. There is a power light built into the body, and the doorbell button is lit with “SKYBELL” on it – definitely doesn’t look like your standard doorbell. The Trim Plus is well made and seems pretty sturdy. I felt pretty secure about stability once mounted.
Directions for install are pretty straight forward. Download the app and follow the instructional prompts. You basically connect to the Trim Plus, then connect it to your wireless router. The only problem I encountered during installation was a buzzing sound from my doorbell chime. There appears to be a power issue with chimes that are a bit older, so keep that in mind. The app is pretty straight forward. It will notify you when the bell is rung, and you can use it to view live a live camera feed. Skybell also gives you free cloud recording. When the bell is rung, the Trim Plus records around 30 seconds or so of footage. I found the Trim Plus to be fairly responsive in notifying me of a visitor when I was away from my home. Of course, when in the house and on the same network, the notification is nearly instantaneous, but Skybell has done a decent job on notifications over mobile. There is a delay, but it’s reasonable – you can more than likely catch the person at the door. Video quality was pretty decent. I found the framerate to leave a little to be desired, but it is clear and handles variations of light fairly well. The camera has color night vision, which I was very skeptical of. It turns out it is decent, but I think I would love the option to switch to standard night vision if desired. With all these wonderful features, the Trim Plus falls just short due to one irritating omission – and it is a shame if no other doorbell cam has it. All doorbell locations are not created equally. The location of my button is significantly out of the direct line of site of the door. There should be a way to adjust the camera to account for this. A couple of small fine tuning screws on a cogged swivel would do the trick. The lack of this feature hurts the overall usefulness of the product in my opinion. The consumer has to account for this by altering the existing mount or building a custom mount. Sure, the camera has nearly 180 degrees of visibility, but as with most people, I want my doorway filling most of that picture, more specifically the center of it.
With all that being said, the Skybell Trim Plus is a good buy. It definitely gets the job done, and serves as a viable solution for those seeking a doorbell cam. It has Nest and ITTTF integration, and the app is very responsive and easy to use. Just remember, pay attention to mounting locations.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Sony - WF 1000X True Wireless In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
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.
Can the left earbud be used without the right earbud?
Yes, and actually, the left earbud is the default for phone calls.
6 years, 5 months ago
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TheTruQ
Hoover - REACT Whole Home Cordless Stick Vacuum - Gray
Clean fur, dust and dander quickly with this Hoover REACT cordless pet vacuum. Integrated sensors automatically adjust the level of suction and the brush roll speed to handle different floor types. This Hoover REACT cordless pet vacuum uses a long-lasting lithium battery, so you can clean the whole room without a recharge.
What is purpose/function of App?
The app connects to the vacuum via Bluetooth. It provides information about the vacuum - mode and battery level. It also allows you to change the mode. It also provides support information (references) for the vacuum. You can also register the vacuum using the app.
6 years, 10 months ago
by
Posted by:
TheTruQ
Hoover - Power Path Pro Advanced Cleaner - Gray
Power Path Pro Advanced Carpet Cleaner: This versatile floor cleaner scrubs, washes and rinses your carpet for a deeper clean than a standard vacuum cleaner can provide. It also includes a Heated Cleaning mode to apply heat to tough stains, and a squeegee tool for use on hard surfaces.
Can you empty the dirty water using one arm?
I do think it's possible to remove the tank with one arm, but I wouldn't recommend it when it is full. The biggest thing is the fact it doesn't have a handle (maybe like some of the Bissel cleaners). The good thing is that it has a lid, and there are handle-like grooves on the side for you to hold on to.
9 years, 10 months ago
by
Posted by:
TheTruQ
from
Birmingham, AL
NETGEAR - Push2TV Wireless Display Adapter
View visuals from your Intel® WiDi- or Miracast-capable laptop, tablet or mobile phone on your HDTV at up to 1080p resolution using this NETGEAR Push2TV adapter. Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi provides a reliable, high-speed wireless connection.
How do I get my 1080p resolution even after the firmwere update?
I took some figuring out how to install the firmwere update and then I could finally veiw the stream from amazon prime but the picture is not in 1080p?
It's possible your device doesn't stream in 1080p. All Maracas devices don't output to full HD (1080p).
My suggestion would be to refer to the device specifications.
My suggestion would be to refer to the device specifications.
10 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
TheTruQ
from
Birmingham, AL