MnstrMike
Top 250 Contributor
 
 
MnstrMike's Stats
 
  • Review Count
    149
  • Helpfulness Votes
    871
  • First Review
    August 5, 2011
  • Last Review
    August 24, 2025
  • Featured Reviews
    0
  • Average Rating
    4.1
 
Reviews Comments
  • Review Comment Count
    3
  • Helpfulness Votes
    5
  • First Review Comment
    November 5, 2012
  • Last Review Comment
    June 18, 2017
  • Featured Review Comments
    0
 
Questions
  • Question Count
    0
  • Helpfulness Votes
    0
  • First Question
    None
  • Last Question
    None
  • Featured Questions
    0
 
  • Answer Count
    41
  • Helpfulness Votes
    48
  • First Answer
    November 22, 2010
  • Last Answer
    December 8, 2021
  • Featured Answers
    0
  • Best Answers
    5
 
 
MnstrMike's Reviews
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 JVC - True Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones - Black
JVC - True Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones - Black
JVC HAA30T true wireless headphones offer active noise canceling with a secure, lightweight, and comfortable fit. Up to 21 hours of total use with included rechargeable carrying case. Low latency for movies or gaming. Auto pairing and auto on/off. Independent single side use available with mic mute available. Touch controls for music or phone calls. Bass boost mode for enhanced sound (on/off). Sweat and splash-proof IPX4 rated. Integrated microphone with voice assistant compatibility. Bluetooth version 5.2 and USB-C charging.
 
Near Perfection For Me
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
on June 24, 2022
These are some really good earbuds. I was a little skeptical at first, but they have great audio quality for both music and calls. When I had the Ambient Sound turned on while on a phone call, the other end of the call said it sound fine, but like I was on speaker phone. Turning off the Ambient Sound feature made that go away.
The Mute Mic feature is great, I’m not used to having that and so it takes a second because it is easier to activate it than trying to change the volume.
The haptic touch feedback is quite good, a little over sensitive maybe, but I would take that versus under sensitive.
I can easily recommend these for the cost to value alone.
Battery life is rated at 22 hours with the case battery recharging, that would take me 2 weeks to need a recharge. I typically only use at 30-45 minute intervals. The charger case is small and can easily fit in a pocket and small enough to get lost in a backpack or bag. The magnets are super strong to hold the buds in, which for my stubby fingers make getting them out of the case a little difficult…again, I would prefer this over to weak of a magnet.
I did 30 minutes of yard work with these in and never worried about them falling out even with the mix of sweat. I used the default installed tips which are the medium size and while they did feel a little stiff and maybe too large, they ended working just fine. I haven’t tried the smaller ones yet.
I am still getting used the button taps, but that is mostly because I am slower than a trained monkey and my muscle memory is for a different set of buds.
Hope this review helps!
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 ASUS - Zenbook 14&quot; 2.8K OLED Laptop - Intel Evo Platform - 12th Gen Core i5 Processor - 8GB Memory - 256GB SSD - Ponder Blue
ASUS - Zenbook 14" 2.8K OLED Laptop - Intel Evo Platform - 12th Gen Core i5 Processor - 8GB Memory - 256GB SSD - Ponder Blue
The powerful and compact Zenbook 14" OLED is just 0.67~ slim and 3.06lbs light, with a breathtaking new design that~s timelessly elegant yet totally modern. Perfect visual experience from the 14~ 16:10 2.8K OLED HDR NanoEdge, up to 600-nit screen which is PANTONE Validated with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. The Intel EVO platform with 12th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 8 GB RAM and 256GB PCIe 4.0 SSD deliver superb performance, and there~s a long-lasting 75 Wh battery and latest Wifi-6 built-in. For extraordinary audio experience, there~s a Dolby Atmos sound system powered by a smart amplifier with Harman/Kardon certified. The new ASUS ErgoSense keyboard, and the efficient ASUS NumberPad 2.0. ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED is the new benchmark for portable perfection.
 
Dreamy Screen
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
from Knoxville, TN
on May 11, 2022
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If your buying this laptop its for the OLED in the name, at the price its a steal with the i5 EVO 12th Gen chipset. I will definitely be upgrading the storage, 256GB won’t last very long, and will throw another stick of RAM in as well, the 8GB On Board is soldered. I could use Crucials system scanner to determine what the max RAM limit is; not sure if this is a Windows 11 Edge vs Chrome issue or the ASUS is too new. I don’t want to talk too long about Win 11, getting used to it; this is the first laptop that came with Win 11 I have actually used, typically I upgrade the NVME out of the box and install Win 10 instead. We shall see which Win will win.
The screen is wonderful! The 2.8K resolution (2880 x1800) is set natively, but at a 200% scale, which makes the 14” feel really cramped. The 16:10 format gives it a more 4:3 feel and definitely a bit better for productivity and still gives the full screen experience without distortion or black bars on 16:9 content (of course a lot of movies are in 21:9). I’m running the scale at 150%, which is at the limit for me when running full resolution; 100% was extremely tiny. Of course, you can the change resolution and play with the scale to suit your needs.
Changing the resolution being OLED could help with battery life, as it does on a smartphone/tablet, I wanted to have my first week of use at its native to see how the processor handles it and doing my normal daily routines.
The 90Hz is definitely smooth and not a flicker or glitch when reading or scrolling.
The screen is definitely the premium here and it delivers as an OLED should, its great to just stare at or watch movies on (make sure to turn HDR on in the Windows settings).
The Harmon/Kardon speakers are quite rich, definitely no bass, but the treble and mid are really good and definitely sufficient for most tasks, they are quite loud too, so full volume won’t be necessary for private view use.
This is my third ASUS laptop as I’ve been upgrading my household, and I love the MY ASUS apps ability to change settings. I have found that not all laptops have as many setting changes available but the Zenbook 14 OLED has had the most. It is nice to know there are OLED specific features that can help protect from burn in. There is a pixel shift (on by default) and I have not noticed it at all with letters/words, etc. I’m running a clean desktop and auto taskbar hide to remove the potential for burn-in. As well as an ASUS feature that allows the window being used to remain at the set screen brightness and dims others not on top.
Its this latest bit, that I didn’t really think about when getting this laptop. Coming at this from a mobile standpoint, we use OLED smartphones and tablets for years and we don’t talk about burn in with those devices, so I wasn’t expecting a caution of use with the documentation when it comes to use, treating it more like a TV. I don’t know if this out of an extreme abundance of caution or not. I definitely wouldn’t leave the screen on all the time, but I don’t do that for any of my computer screens.
Lastly, the build quality of the computer is pretty good, the keyboard keys are great and weight and all are wonderful. The trackpad features are something I haven’t experienced before, and the calculator feature is quite nice. I would lke to setup a macro to shortcut the Calc App to make it a more seamless process.
So far the only negative I have found is the lower chassis is a little creaky. Sitting on your lap or even a table it creaks a little under pressure or when holding in one hand with the screen open. It’s not loud, but noticeable.
I can definitely recommend this laptop.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 GE - Stand Mixer - Granite Gray
GE - Stand Mixer - Granite Gray
At GE Appliances, we bring good things to life by designing and building the world's best appliances. Our goal is to help people improve their lives at home by providing quality appliances that were made for real life. Whether it's enjoying the tradition of making meals from scratch or tackling a mountain of muddy jeans and soccer jerseys, products from GE Appliances are crafted to support any and every task in the home. Now that quality you've come to love is available right on your countertop, thanks to GE Appliances stand mixers. The GE Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is a timeless kitchen essential, perfect for everyday baking needs. With an Easy Lift tilt-head, 5.3 qt. capacity, and a powerful 350-watt motor, this mixer can tackle your toughest tasks, big and small.
 
A New Champ In The Ring!
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
from Knoxville, TN
on April 21, 2022
Quality
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Value
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
It will be hard not to compare this to the reigning champion stand mixer “Classic”, but the GE Stand Mixer is definitely giving it a run for its money.
PROS:
-The size is perfect. Lots of room with the 5.3qt included bowl. No sloshing of ingredients out the side.
-Did not the use the included lid, but with more wet recipes it will definitely come in handy.
-Sound operation is normal and par with the “Classic”.
-Love the speed dial and improvement with more adjustable speeds.
-Build Quality is great and cleans up easily. Granite Gray is more of a brown gray and or a stainless steel with a patina.
-User Manual has very useful Pro Tips.
-A huge PLUS is the tilting head as the lever locks the head in both the down and up positions. When in down, the lever is spring loaded, so it can easily be done one-handed…a HUGE feature upgrade.
CONS:
-The only thing I wish for is a latch design for the bowl lock. It is the same as all other mixers as a twist lock, but it can still untwist when in use.
Highly recommend this mixer. The accessories for the mixing are the same as all others. At the time of writing I don’t see any accessories for the accessory port like the “Classic” has, and I am wondering if those may actually work with this mixer?
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
 
The Litra Glow premium streaming light is one of the fastest way to achieve professional-quality lighting for videos and streaming. Logitech~s TrueSoft technology delivers balanced, full-spectrum LED light with cinematic color accuracy for natural skin tones and a radiant look on camera. Eliminate harsh shadows with wide, soft light that flatters the subject using Litra Glow~s innovative frameless diffuser. Litra Glow has cleared even the strictest UL testing guidelines for all-day streaming. Easily place Litra Glow where you want it using the patent-pending three-way monitor mount with adjustable height, tilt and rotation. Fine-tune your on-camera look using adjustable brightness and color temperature settings~from warm candlelight to cool blue.
 
Let There Be Light!
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
from Knoxville, TN
on January 31, 2022
Seriously up your game when creating video content on the fly or an auxiliary light to help rid your shot of shadows!
This light is super versatile and convenient. When using on a computer the Logi G HUB software lets you control the light modes via the app and has a few preset lighting configurations. The built-in stand is quickly detachable and the light can be mounted on a tripod.
The light is super bright at max setting and can definitely help combat competing lighting. The electric draw is only 5V/1A @4.45watts, your phone USB port can power it (Android tested), a portable battery pack, even that Apple charger from the iPhone 4 days.
It is definitely a great tool to have in your arsenal.
The build quality is sturdy and there is a bit of cord management. It would have been great if the power cord could fit in the handle, but there is just enough room for maybe a third of the cable to fit. Judging by the quick setup guide, it is really just meant to shorten the slack when in use, not to fully store the cable.
Because this light can be controlled by software via computer, having multiple of these could easily help any setup in light control. There are also presets that will allow the light to be programmed when starting a specific app so that the light automatically goes to the preset for that intended use; this is the same for all of their gaming and content creation hardware.
Given the price, quality, and capabilities the Litra Glow is a super useful light.
Can easily recommend.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
 
 Lucid Hearing - Saf -T-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds for Hearing Protection, 40db Noise Reduction Earplugs with Volume Control - YELLOW
Lucid Hearing - Saf -T-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds for Hearing Protection, 40db Noise Reduction Earplugs with Volume Control - YELLOW
The Saf-T-Ear Bluetooth Awareness Earbuds are the perfect companion to anyone who works around loud equipment or needs to protect their hearing while also being able to listen to music and take phone calls. With up to 25db of noise reduction, you can enjoy your music while your work without compromising your hearing. Protect your hearing in any environment, while still listening to your favorite music and taking calls. Quickly, easily, and safely control how loud your music is through using the controls integrated into the convenient 20" neck wrap cord. Works on Android, iPhones, iPods smart speakers...any device that uses Bluetooth connectivity. Tons of uses around the home, at work or at play. Shield your ears from howling lawnmower motors and screeching power tools. Increase your enjoyment at concerts! You can enjoy the loudest rave or rock act around in safety and in complete control. At work, shield your ears from construction and heavy machinery noise.
 
Usage May Vary
Customer Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
from Knoxville, TN
on January 27, 2022
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User submitted photo
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Love the idea of the buds, but for me the execution is a little off.
Sound
Quality is good and the sound filtering is good, but there is some feedback with the sound filtering turned on. Changing the level just can decrease the feedback (lower = less noticeable) but it doesn't ever go away and decreasing the filter level lets in more sound
Dampening
I'm a little confused as to how much dampening the buds are able to do. The packaging says 40 decibel on the front and 25 decibel on the back. Same with BB webpage and manufacturer webpage overview.
Fit
Unfortunately for my ear canals, the foam tips are still too big even with the smallest ones included. The tips are not as “spongy” as a pair of traditional ear plugs, so they cannot compress as much. When compressed they expand quite rapidly, which means they cannot really conform to your ear canal and consequently for me, they begin to push themselves out of my ear.
I think the best change would be if they were more pliable like a traditional set of foam ear plugs.
Notes
The length of the setup us just a tad short to be able to put behind the neck, which would also put the controls out of reach.
Looped under the neck, it does kind of hang there, but there is a clip included to help keep them closer to the chest. However I couldn't get a good position to keep the controls nearby and also keep from pulling the buds out of my ear when turning my head. Again it didn't help that they don't fit me completely either.
Pro Tip- the Bluetooth button turns the buds on and off, HOWEVER, the Ambient pass through is controlled with a physical switch. This also has to be turned off or it will drain the battery. If Bluetooth is off the Ambient pass through is also off, but the switch doesn't recognize that it will drain the battery.
Out of the box the battery percentage was at 70. Used for 2 hours with mixed usage of calls, music, and Ambient On/Off and it still said 70% after 2 hours. Next day went to use and would not turn on. Noticed the switch was on, charged up via PC USB port and 2 hours later were fully charged.
Controls are easy to learn but the instructions didn't mention the Ambient switch still drawing power if left on when buds are powered off. Not a big deal...IF you don't forget.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
 
 Element Electronics - Element 27&quot; IPS LED 1080p Full HD Frameless Monitor - Black
Element Electronics - Element 27" IPS LED 1080p Full HD Frameless Monitor - Black
This Element 27" FHD 1080P LED Frameless Monitor provides simple connectivity to get straight to work. Whether you're adding to your current work from home set-up or purchasing a new monitor to stay in touch with loved ones, this full HD monitor will do the trick. This Element monitor offers a 1080P, full high-definition screen for a clear, vivid picture. Whether you're watching videos, video chatting, or playing basic games you'll find this full HD monitor provides a crisp viewing experience. Element's frameless monitor screens enable your monitor to blend in with your decor for a clean aesthetic. The thin bezel allows for a full-screen experience. Expand your view and get more done by adding a second or third monitor to your office set-up with easy HDMI and VGA connectivity. *No built-in speakers
 
Decent No Frills Monitor
Customer Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
from Knoxville, TN
on December 8, 2021
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I was just thinking…I need another monitor!
I wasn’t looking for anything special, just a basic, simple, decent display. I just want it to keep windows open for messaging apps, music, background video, etc. I have it set a little high to be anything you want to stare at for any length of time.
The base color settings needed to be adjusted for my preferences…a bit warm. It is all a bit darker. Its like it is in a Movie mode all the time with the contrast.
If you are looking for a no frills large monitor (or just need the VGA input still) the Element could meet your needs.
This isn’t going to win any rewards unless it is for value.
As you can see I did not use the included stand and I will say while it is adjustable, it is going to be micro adjustments…just enough to get a glare from an above light or at least limit it. The construction looks good, sort of wish it wasn’t a two piece to strength it a bit more. It does come with a rubber grommet to hide the screw that pulls the stand together. It also levels out the stand.
The monitor is light and so is the stand, so minor taps on the desktop will cause the monitor to wobble.
They designed the stand mounting point low on the monitor (VESA mounting points too) so that is good to give you the most space possible, but if you are needing some height to clear gear, etc on your desk, then you will want an third-party mount. VESA size is 100x100 and the screws are M4x10mm. I only had 15mm and they did not bottom out.
The power cord is comically short, barely 3ft, so better pickup and extension cord too or have a powerstip on your desk.
I did not use the included HDMI cable as I already one ready. If using this for a desktop and not a laptop, I don’t see any issues, but if using it with a laptop, the HDMI cable has the large barrel connector and as well as large housing around the male ends, so it could block other ports and/or become a nuisance during use.
Included is also a cable management clip and a bracket to hide the stock stand attachment (not sure why as the wall mount will hide that anyway).
Lastly, sound. This monitor does have speakers built-in and my laptop recognized them for the monitor, but I could not get any volume to emit from the speakers. The manual tells you how to access the volume control, however, following the steps, Brightness was all I could change. I did not see in the system menu for the monitor if this could be changed, so not sure if the monitor was not recognizing the input? Note VGA does not carry sound, only HDMI.
If you are looking for built-in speakers, then just know it may not work. However, a standalone set are always better. Honestly, I don’t even dock a star for this, it is not all that common to have them. I had an AOC with them too and the only time I could get them to work was when I hooked up a NES Classic, go figure.
PS sorry about the messy desk…I’m trying.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
 
True wireless noise cancelling Beats Fit Pro with comfortable, secure-fit wingtips are engineered for all-day activity. The flexible wingtip design conforms to your ear to comfortably lock in place so you can experience powerful, balanced sound during your work day or your workouts. With two distinct listening modes, you are in control of what you hear. Fully adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) uses real-time audio calibration to continuously pinpoint external sounds and optimize sound output, and when you need to be aware of your surroundings, easily switch to Transparency mode. Beats Fit Pro supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for immersive music, movies, and games.~ These earbuds are powered by the Apple H1 chip. The result ~ instant one-touch pairing~, Automatic Switching~, Audio Sharing~, and hands-free ~Hey Siri~~ for Apple devices. For Android users, easily connect via Class 1 Bluetooth right out of the box. With the Beats app for Android~~, you~ll get enhanced features like one-touch pairing, customized controls, battery levels, firmware updates, and a Fit Test to help you get the best sound and fit out of your earbuds. Each earbud has up to 6 hours of listening time~ with 18 additional hours~ provided by its matching, pocket-sized charging case to give you up to 24 hours of combined playback.
 
Great Sound, Missing Features
Customer Rating
4.0 out of 5
4.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
from Knoxville, TN
on November 9, 2021
My new favorite buds!! Using with my Galaxy Note20 5G
I have grown accustomed to the clip style for many years as they just provided the best fit and security. However the added wait for extended use was always noticeable. The Beats Fit Pro though with the fin design are awesome. They definitely are super secure in your ear and you can get the best fit with the different ear bud tips.
The sound is excellent for both music and phone calls. I have had no issues out of the box when it comes to quality of sound or use. The initial pair took a bit of time as there was a firmware update and that took quite a bit longer than I would have imagined at around 10 minutes. I’m not sure if my screen going to sleep slowed it down or not?
The buds are a little lacking on features though. The buttons are traditional not capacitative, however, they are the best ones I have ever used that have an ear bud style headphone; pressing the button does not jam the bud in your ear canal. It takes a very light press. At least with Android, the buttons only control the sound...or you can turn that feature off and there is no control. If you are wanting to access your digital assistant, better look elsewhere unless you have a voice command setup.
Turning ON/OFF Noice Cancelation, Transparency, or either off is only done though the app.
There is also a fitment test, but I didn’t quite understand what it was measuring. The fit of the stock tips was the best for me, but when doing the fitment test it fails stating I should try another tip or rotate the bud more in my ear. I thought they fit great and sound great, so I am going with my personal fitment feelings.
Definitely a great set of buds, lacking on the features, but they are definitely high quality on the audio and build.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
 
Make a smart solution to upgrade your home security to IndoorCam Mini. Never second-guess what you see in clear 2K resolution, and give yourself control with pan and tilt functions to monitor your home~s most vital areas. IndoorCam Mini features On-Device AI Human Detection, a technology that identifies humans in the frame and only sends you the notifications that matter. After returning home, you can turn on Home Privacy Mode, which turns off the camera and rotates it to your preferred privacy angle. Best of all, there~s no monthly fee after your purchase.
 
Mini Camera, Grande Features
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
from Knoxville, TN
on November 9, 2021
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Install took a couple of tries but finally got it going.
I didn’t realize that this is not compatible with the Homebase2 and so the camera cannot utilize the HomeBase2 storage or the easy arming when setting the security system (this is also the same for the Solo Series of cameras).
Storage options are Local via MicroSD on the camera or cloud. It comes with a 7-day trial of cloud so it will work out of the box, but I found it was a little slow.
If you already have a Eufy Camera then this will show up on the dashboard right next to it, but when you select the Security tab you will be presented with more than one camera to arm. In my case I have a HomeBase2 with 3 cameras, entry sensors, and motion detectors all linked. Then a SoloCam and now the IndoorCam Mini.
The more Eufy products I use, the more I wish they would utilize the Android Widgets. I get that it maybe a little less secure if you don’t run a system lock on your phone/device, but I would like that to be my option, but I haven’t found a security system yet that has this option.
The camera has all the same settings and then some compared to the EufyCam line I am already using adding in the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom.
Placement will definitely be key for your needs. I have found that it does not like the spot I have it placed in. It is a short wall with a staircase on one side and then a hallway on the other. When walking from one to the other, the camera is very slow to respond and track. The installation diagram recommends facing out of a corner, but I didn’t know that before selecting the device as my intended use location does not give me that option.
During setup it asks how high the camera will be placed and gives a recommendation of height if you will be wanting to watch animals via the camera. If so, that height is lower than for traditional purposes. I have mine set on a small end table at about 28” above the floor. For animals it recommends 25”-50” to track. During one of my times I was away, the dog jumped on the couch that camera is facing. It picked up that clearly. But then when the dog jumped down later at some point, it never tracked and recorded the motion. So not sure why it didn’t capture the movement of the dog leaving the couch.
Overall it is a pretty neat camera; placement is key. It does come with a mount to be installed on a wall or ceiling. However, you do have to provide power to it, so not sure how you would do that in the ceiling. It is very light, so if you wanted to install in some sort of ceiling tile, it would not be too much weight for it.
If you want it completely off while you are home, it has a Privacy button in the app that turns the camera to face the wall and kills the feed from the camera.
Adding in the MicroSD card is about the biggest gripe I have with the system. The location is below the lens and can only be accessed when the camera is off, however, you cannot rotate the lens very far; at least without the threat of breaking the camera. The instruction guide was not much help either. I put the camera in manual mode and position the camera looking up as far as it would go, then unplugged it and gently rotated the lens further to expose the MicoSD slot. When I plugged the camera back into the power source the card was recognized.
If you have a Network Attached Storage (NAS) you are supposed to be able to record to that location. I do not have that so cannot comment on the procedure. Both MicroSD and NAS can utilize continuous recording.
Overall, i can recommend this. If you are wanting a cheap baby monitor or pet cam, I think this is a really good setup.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+2points
3out of 4found this review helpful.
 
Smart security that is designed for every home. Set up in minutes, and receive notifications from the app whenever a visitor presses your Video Doorbell or motion is detected. You can also choose to wire it to sound your existing home chime. Blink Video Doorbell lets you answer your door no matter where you are. Receive customizable alerts right from the Blink Home Monitor app, and experience helpful features like HD day and night video and two-way audio. Best part ~ Blink~s long-battery life technology provides peace of mind for up to two years.
 
Good Enough Quality
Customer Rating
3.0 out of 5
3.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
from Knoxville, TN
on October 25, 2021
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FYI: 1) I do not use Alexa or other in-home Smarthome products, so I cannot comment on the usefulness of syncing with those devices. My review is purely from a Video Doorbell standpoint sending to my mobile device. 2) I do not have a pre existing wired doorbell and therefore used the wireless option.
The attractive price of the Blink Doorbell + Sync Module 2 is not without its praise. Understand this is not a high-end Wireless/Wired Video Doorbell, but it's also not some cheap holiday season tech either. Blink has been slowly building its reputation for their security cameras and this setup definitely opens up the possibility for easy expansion with “good-enough” quality for your needs.
Also, you need to know that some of the features are locked behind a pay-wall (ie. subscription). Out-of-the-box, you can hook this up, sans subscription and get a basic home surveillance setup with this Doorbell and Blink’s Outdoor/Indoor cameras. It is a compelling offer, with some limitations, but I cannot deny the cost-to-value is quite high considering the buy in. The biggest limitation is access to the stored clips, while feasible without a subscription, but definitely not a quick operation. However, the subscription plan is stupid cheap and should be a serious consideration depending on your needs.
As a video doorbell with basic features, it is fine, and will get the job done showing you who is at your door and what they want. Saving clips/images is where it gets down to the differences between the cloud subscription and the local storage via the Sync Module 2. I’m not going to hash that out Blink lays all that out in their FAQ’s.
So, be an informed consumer and see if works for you.
I do have some Pro Tips about the device installation I mention and some specs that are not so apparent, but overall I can recommend this setup and I myself am seriously considering expanding the setup.
-Setup: This is not apparent, but you need to setup the Sync Module 2 first with this setup. IF the Sync Module 2 will not connect to your network, most likely it is because your password has special characters !-@-$: etc. (READ THIS)The current firmware CANNOT use these characters and it will fail to connect. The newest firmware fixes this, but you cannot update the device until it is connected to a network. A few options you have at this point...1) Change your router password temporarily (who wants to update all their connected devices?) until it is updated 2) Create a Guest Network without those special characters in the password (my choice) or 3) Use your phone's Mobile Hotspot to set up. Once the firmware is updated, you can then change the Wi-Fi Network the Sync Module 2 uses and continue setup of the Video Doorbell.
-Local Storage is best formatted for exFAT for Windows and is a must for MacOS. 256GB is the max storage size (I would not use an external HDD. Possibly an SSD would be fine, but Flash Drive is in all the literature). 256GB is WAY more than enough for the max 10 devices the Sync Module 2 can handle, so for just a Doorbell, it would take forever to fill up. FAT32 will work, but I did notice that in the Blink App there was not a tab for it in the Clip View, Cloud was the only option. I reformatted to NTFS and when I reinserted the Flash Drive to the Sync Module 2 the Blink App asked to Format Drive...which it defaults to exFAT (no option given in the app). The Local tab in the Clip View was now present.
-Installation: Attaching the doorbell to the mount...sucks. The waterproofing membrane keeps the device from sliding so it requires some force to slide it into place. The “click” sound also does not offer much confidence in your achievement, so it can make you think it is not attached. However, when it is...it is. There is no stealing this thing without a hammer or similar tool required to dismount it from the mounting bracket.
-Documentation: it was a little underwhelming how little info there was in the box that was needed to get started. Even the Quick Start Guide was nothing of the sort, rather the “Use and Limitations”. There are some printed instructions on the inside packaging cover for App download instructions, then the rest of the setup process is via the App.
-Camera/Audio Quality: Specs say 1080P...maybe because that is what all the cool kids are doing these days? Sure doesn’t feel like it though. Downloaded quality the file is 1280x720 at 24 frames per second. Not bad quality, just not sure where the 1080P comes into play there. I did find that the camera is a bit picky on the lighting scene. Too much sun and it washes out too little sun and the face is too dark. Night Vision with a door light on, washes out the face too. Audio for the guest is great quality with no feedback. On my end, it wasn’t the best and the lag is pretty bad. Thankfully you don’t have to hold down the button for two-way audio, just don’t look at the vide when trying to have a conversation. I found this was the same no matter if I was on my network or I was away from home on LTE/5G Cellular. What is hard to get access to though is Camera Snapshots. I still cannot find where they go.
-Motion Detection: Having Zoning capabilities and even privacy settings are huge for such a value product. There are plenty of settings to dial in your camera for your location and get the alerts you care about.
-Subscription: In order to use a subscription plan, it is required to link to your Amazon account. You do not have to link to your Amazon for local storage only. You are given this option upon setup.
In no way is this setup perfect. It has some software glitches and some hoops to jump through. The Blink App is simple and easy to navigate, but at the end of the day it does work. I found the App Alerts to be very quick and the time to access the Live View was pretty quick, so no complaints there.
I keep going back to the value of this system and have to stress that while the image quality is not the same of higher end products (build quality is excellent) the buy in price and feature set it offers all while giving a local storage option cannot be overlooked.
I can easily recommend this product for your needs. My 3 Star rating is due to the not quite 1080P claim, hoops to setup out-of-the-box with the password requirements, and the lag in audio on user end, and why is it so hard to find the Photo Snapshots (videos are easy to find) and so included with this last gripe, instruction set could be better.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+15points
20out of 25found this review helpful.
 
 eufy Security - SoloCam L40 Outdoor Wireless 2K Spotlight Camera - Black/White
eufy Security - SoloCam L40 Outdoor Wireless 2K Spotlight Camera - Black/White
SoloCam L40 2K is a completely standalone security cam that you can access via your app. No need for a Homebase, or wires, as SoloCam is completely wire-free and battery-powered, so you don't have to mess with anything. Every eufy Security product is engineered to ensure your security data is kept private. Have peace of mind that you will have a secure record of everything that happens around your home. Adjust the brightness and color temperature of the spotlight in case you don~t want to wake the neighbors. Takes just minutes to install the mount using a drill and the included pack of screws. No wires or cords needed. Chat to anyone passing by~invited or not~and hear their response up to 8 meters away in real-time via SoloCam L40~s two-way audio. Connect SoloCam L40 to the Google Assistant or Alexa for complete hands-free control of your home security. Designed to protect your home as well as your wallet, SoloCam L40 is a one-time purchase that combines security with convenience. Only receive the alerts which matter. Customize the area in which detection takes place to suit your home.
 
Great When You Only Need 1.
Customer Rating
5.0 out of 5
5.0
Posted by: MnstrMike
from Knoxville, TN
on October 11, 2021
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If you already have a Eufy setup with the non-SoloCam series cameras or you use the entry sensors with the HomeBase2, then you will definitely want to read below.
The SoloCam L40 is really nice camera all around and is great option for someone just needing a camera in one location and a quick setup. It does take about 8 hours to charge the camera out of the box, so keep that in mind when planning your attack. You will also need a charger. 5V/2A is recommended. The cameras are now USB-C and still come with a charging cable.
Great when needing one location and not needing a full security application.
It works in tandem with the HomeBase 2, so if you already have other cameras or entry sensors, there are no issues. However, it is treated as a separate system in the app so arming and disarming are not a connected event, but require separate inputs to activate. Which also means the security key pad won't change the SoloCam arm/disarm setting.
The Eufy app has a section for automations for devices that triggers another device to activate. So if you have an entry sensor activate it can tell a camera to start recording. Or if you have one Camera triggered then you can have other camera start recording too. The SoloCam Series though has the storage built in the camera and is treated as its own base station in the app and therefore cannot accept any automation.
So the SoloCam is as the name implies, meant to be used solo. And that goes for adding other SoloCam’s in to your Eufy app. They will all be treated separately.
The camera on it’s own works pretty good. I did find that early evening to dusk is a hard time to detect for it. Low light and mid day, it doesn’t have any issues. There is a delay from when it detects to win it records, which is typical for most of these types of systems that do not have the ability to continuously record. The time of day is where this delay increases during the dusk hours.
I included some sample photos for size comparison to a Eufy Cam 2C.
The other photos are of the beginning of the recorded event to show when the camera picked up the motion and when the camera had footage of the event.
May camera is placed 7ft off the ground and my backyard gently slopes.
Camera Settings: Motion Detection Level 4/7; All Motion.
-Picture with “Gate” written. The distance from the deck steps to the Gate is about 50 feet, there is a fire pit between the steps and the gate and it is pretty close to half way. So the 26ft it should be able to read it struggles with or is slow to record. Not sure how to tell.
-Picture with Red Car in background and person wearing Blue Tshirt, the camera is about 20ft away. Person came out of side door of house and is about 8ft from the door.
-Comparison to that photo is the night shot. Same person, same door exit, but picked up at about 5ft out of the door. There is an over door the sconce light on too.
-Last one, I am mowing and about 70ft away from the camera.
The Eufy App is really easy to work with. There are a lot of settings to tweak for the camera and even more if you have the full security suite. One feature I Iike is the Activiy Zone where you can setup a zone to only trigger captures. I wish my other cameras were like the SoloCam L40’s activity zone grid, as it is way more customizable with its 6 point polygon system versus the 4 point rectangle only system.
Picture/Video quality is good. The grass makes it pretty grainy, but when used over a deck or driveway it is more clear.
Audio quality is pretty good for the speaker and the two-way talk is nice; Eufy would do better to make it in an on/off switch in the app, instead of it requiring you to hold it down to talk.
Security Light is 600 Lumens. On a porch or in a location that is tight or has a few walls to bounce light off this is fine. In my location it pretty much exists to let the person know the camera is on. It will illuminated a spot about 6 feet-8feet in front of it. The light itself looks like it is glowing, so it is a bti different than a spot light or security light on a house.
Mounting Bracket is nice and sturdy and is the same that is used for the Solar Charger (unfortunately the SoloCam Series is not rated to work with the Solar Charger as it has micro-usb instead of USB-c cable). The weight of the camera is quite substantial so that is my guess why they upgraded it. I prefer to the standard outdoor mounts as it gives nearly limitless positioning choices. The outdoor mount that comes with the other outdoor cameras do not have as a robust mounting positions and the magnetic mounts are actually for indoor use only.
My only complaint is out of the box, after the 8 hour charging and then starting the initial setup and mounting per the step-by-step instructions, once the camera is mounted and you are done, it then checks for a software update. To me that is a little silly to have it run that after it is mounted when the first step after charging is syncing to the app and setting up the wifi network it will run on. If there is an issue with the update, you are going to have take it back down or at least climb back up to reset the camera.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
 
MnstrMike's Questions
 
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MnstrMike's Answers
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Camcorder with webcam functionality

I need a reasonably priced camcorder that can also serve as a webcam. Which models have this feature?
It all depends on what you will use it for most. Any line-up of camcorders will do just fine for a webcam and on sale you can get a webcam for around $30.

For home videos, it all just depends what you are going to be doing, if you need a super zoom lens 30x or higher? Standard Def or HD? If you are only going to be putting them on a PC or do you want to watch directly on TV? There are still the tape versions available that you use the camcorder as a VCR. Or you can buy one that burns directly to mini-DVD's, holding 60 minutes of video. The last option records to SD cards and can hold anywhere from 2 hours to 16 hours, just depending on the size of card or built-in memory. Most of these camcorders only can record for about an hour to an hour and a half because of battery charge.

I know it's a lot of questions and doesn't really answer yours. Going off of "Reasonably priced and webcam" for specifications means anything less than $150 will work for your purposes.
 
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Samsung - Ultra Compact Camcorder with 2.7" LCD Monitor - Purple
 
 
 
Flip Video - UltraHD (3rd Generation) Camcorder - 2 Hour - Black/Silver
 
 
 
 
 
14 years, 9 months ago
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Posted by: 
MnstrMike
 from
Knoxville, TN