stirfry
stirfry's Stats
- Review Count37
- Helpfulness Votes101
- First ReviewOctober 27, 2019
- Last ReviewNovember 5, 2024
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.5
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First Review CommentNone
- Last Review CommentNone
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count2
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First AnswerDecember 21, 2019
- Last AnswerOctober 21, 2021
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers0
Own the moment, online and offline, with an open ring design that’s comfortable for all-day wear. With convenient smart features, it’s easier than ever to access and enjoy your entertainment.
Not a Great Design and Mediocre Performance
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: stirfry
on November 5, 2024
The Sony LinkBuds are by far not my favorite earbuds, and for several reasons. Those include a glitchy app, incredibly poor fitment, some poorly executed features and mediocre-at-best sound. I highly do not recommend them.
I have been switching back and forth between several wireless earbud sets for a few years, as I am an avid cyclist and spend a lot of time outdoors doing yard work, running, and walking. I value good fitment highly, as the last thing I want to be concerned about are the earbuds falling out of my ears--because on a bike--it means almost certain loss of the earbud. I also like good sound quality, but I understand that something you give up with a small footprint is superior sound. Lastly, I appreciate an app that allows for a good level of customization of the earbud features.
I will give Sony credit that these earbuds have a great compact case, a long-lasting battery, and a lot of nice features for customization. For example, they allow for pairing of two devices at a time (but more than two remembered connections), voice control, head gesturing, several equalizer settings, and a pause-to-chat feature.
The bi-pairing is something I have on other earbuds, and the functionality on those is far superior to the Sony. For example, if I have my other earbuds paired to my phone and computer at the same time, if I am working on my computer and the phone rings, the earbuds switch to the phone--and then when the call ends, it goes back to the computer. It is seamless. Not with the Sony. I tried the head gesture (that was a disaster--it attempts to sense nodding yes or no), but after a lot of issues with that, I have to physically pick up my phone to make the switch and then physically switch back to the computer. Not convenient. The pause-to-chat feature was even more annoyong. Clearing my throat or anything louder than a whisper would pause my music--even on the less sensitive setting. And if you're one to talk to yourself or hum / sing a line of a song while exercising, it immediately pauses the music. Nice idea, but not for me, so I turned that off, too. The equalizer had several choices, but even the bass boost setting produced a treble heavy sound and really no oomph. I not a booming bass type of person, but I do like my music with some discernable bass. So for music, the sound was mediocre at best--but for voice podcasts, the treble / bass balance was very nice.
The tapping feature for pausing, advancing tracks, etc. does not work consistently. I've tried faster tapping, slower tapping, harding tapping, softer tapping, and every permutation of that and nothing works consistently. Very annoying.
By far the biggest complaint I have about these earbuds is the fitment. For proper fitment, you insert the earbuds into the ear and then twist them to lock them in. These do not lock into my ears at all--I can pull them right out with minimal force. Just raking the leaves (using a leaf blower and bending over to pick up twigs every now and again), one or both of the earbuds fell out of my ears NINE TIMES in the course of about two hours. There is absolutely no way I would ever wear these cycling or running--I would lose one or both of them in a matter of minutes. With just walking, they stay in fine, but they do loosen up and I have to constantly adjust them. I have never experienced with with any other earbuds meant for an active lifestyle.
The app was working well unitl the latest update. Now, I can't access the bluetooth connection settings in the app. It is greyed out. So even though the earbuds are connected to my phone, the app says they are not connected to anything. And that means I also can't switch sources.
In summary, these are earbuds I might wear sitting in front of the computer and nothing else. The bi-pairing is not well executed, a lot of the touted features do not work well, the sound is not impressive, the fitment is the worst I have ever experienced (for an active lifestyle), and now the app is also glitchy. Highly not recommended.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Introducing the ultimate solution for effortlessly preserving and revitalizing your cherished memories. Say hello to our cutting-edge photo scanner and PictureStudio photo editing software, designed to breathe new life into your old, faded photos with just a single touch. Gone are the days of sifting through endless photo albums in search of that one special moment. With our seamless search feature, navigating through your digitized photo collection has never been easier. Simply enter a keyword or filter by tag, and watch as your memories come to life before your eyes. Whether it's restoring colors to faded photographs, organizing your entire photo collection in one convenient location, or effortlessly sharing and backing up your memories, AMBIR has you covered.
Very Capable and Flexible Photo Scanner
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: stirfry
on October 7, 2024
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
If you have a lot of print photos and want them digitized and organized, the Ambir Photo Scanner and PictureStudio software bundle is a great place to start.
I'm going to talk about the scanner itself first and then discuss the bundled software.
The scanner is a little less than half the size of a typical home inkjet printer. the feed tray accepts and scans photos of all sizes up to 8.5 inches wide, even though the markings on the tray make you think it may be limited to 4X6 and 5X7. The unit is powered by a reasonably long micro-USB to USB-C cable, though it comes with a USB-C to USB-A adapter. The scanner features resolution up to 600 DPI and an automatic single-photo feeder (both of these are in the software's settings menu). There is no ejection tray, so when a photo is finished being scanned, it is just spit out of the bottom of the unit.
Scanning 4X6 photos takes only a few seconds, and the unit is very quiet while scanning. In this review, you'll see with the attached images that I scanned many types of photos--from Polaroids to photos from the early 1970s. Note that the scanner does not scan film or slides--a different Ambir scanner is required for those media.
Setting up the scanner was hit and miss. I downloaded the software from the PictureStudio website, but my AntiVirus software pegged it as potentially harmful. After disabling the AntiVirus temporarily, the installation continued. When running the PictureStudio software for the first time, it requires that the scanner is plugged in. However, the software would not recognize the scanner. That was odd, since the device showed up in my Device Manager without errors and other photo editing software could access and use the scanner. I contacted Ambir's support team and they were in touch within 24 hours. With a short phone call, they reflashed the scanner through a remote session and then everything worked as it should with the PictureStudio software. Note that to activate the license for the PictureStudio software, the scanner is required to be plugged in, but after that, it is not needed. There is no need to take up desk space with the scanner if you are only using the software for photo editing and not using the scanner.
The quality of the scans is fantastic. The unit automatically identifies the size and crops / straightens the photo if it is fed in crooked, and (for older or torn photos), there is an included transfer sheet to protect them. For pictures that have borders (Polaroids, etc.), the border is maintained. In the images I have attached to this review, you will see the actual printed photo and the result of the scan side-by-side. You will also see the touched up photos printed on photo paper using the PictureStudio software, also side-by-side. I was impressed at the color enhancement of the photos in digital form--what a difference from the printed originals!
The software for photo editing is pretty easy to use. It has a good number of filters and enhancers that are intuitive. Some are automatic, some are manual. For the "very red" photo, the auto enhancers and colorizers did not work very well, so I did the modifications manually (specifically exposure and saturation), which resulted in a much better end product. In the attached images, you can see the difference between the AI-enhanced result and my manual result. It seems to me the AI-enhanced result focused too much on restoring "peachiness" to faces rather than balancing the color correction / addition for the entire photo.
The software also has a pretty easy method to organize photos into albums and to tag people / items / pets in the photos. I would recommend downloading the 30-page reference guide from their website, as it is simple to follow and get a basic idea of the main features of the software and how to use it, including constructing slide shows and collages. The software also allows you to import existing digital images (from your device or some cloud services), enhance them, and then save them in the album structure you desire. It also accommodates sharing with email and some cloud services. Files are by default saved in your Pictures directory (Windows).
I do like that the software saves both the original scan and the final product in the file system. I show that in one of the attached images. However, the software does not allow me to rename the file in the software unless I do a purposeful export.
Overall, I was impressed with the scanner and software suite. The scanner is reasonably fast and flexible, and produces initial digital images that are quite an improvement over the original prints. The software is intuitive to use and has all the basic and intermediate features expected in a photo editing package for those of us looking to preserve old photos.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Discover the power for your hobbies and so much more in Galaxy Book4 360. This 2-in-1 laptop features a brilliant full HD AMOLED display and effortlessly connects to your other Galaxy devices so they work together in perfect harmony. The latest Intel Core processor and a long lasting battery give you the power to go from spreadsheets to checking email to binging the latest hit show. Go ahead and get comfy as you easily fold back the 360 degree hinge to take notes or fine tune those photos from your last dinner party with the compatible S-Pen. In either mode, you get the premium experience of the full HD AMOLED display on a spacious 15.6" screen. Need more room to explore? Easily pair your Galaxy Book4 360 with your Tab S9 using Second Screen and effortlessly move items across both devices. You can also sync files and continue your smartphone conversations from the comfort of your keyboard using Link to Windows. A powerful 360 degree design to help you explore all your interests that’s Galaxy Book4 360.
Good Laptop; A Step Down From Pro; Some Issues
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: stirfry
on August 21, 2024
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
The Samsung GalaxyBook4 360 2-in-1 laptop has many wonderful features that make it a good choice for many consumers. However, it is a compromise from the Pro version and there are some concerns with the build quality.
I'll start with what this laptop has done right.
1. It is lightweight and slim. Coming in at just over three pounds and with a compact power supply, this laptop is very portable. It easily fits in my backpack, and when I'm on my bike commuting, it does not put a lot of extra strain on my back or take up a lot of real estate in my bag.
2. The keyboard and trackpad function very well. This laptop has a nearly full-size keyboard, which includes a number pad. The keystrokes are shallow, but have good feel and the spacing between keys is comfortable. The trackpad is large and amply responsive. The left- and right- mouse buttons are easy to find and activate consistently. The keyboard is also backlit.
3. The screen is bright and crisp. The AMOLED display is an asset to this laptop. It is not the 3K display that is on the Pro version, but the brightness is ample enough to use outside (although there is screen glare outdoors) and the display is crisp at multiple resolution settings.
4. The SSD read / write speed is phenomenal. Using CrystalMark as my benchmarking tool, I was able to achieve read/write speeds about 30% higher than similar laptops. This is mainly because of the high-end NVMe storage.
5. The overall responsiveness is good. The Intel Core 7 Series 1 CPU with the 16GB of RAM provides nice performance for most everyday office use. Executing Geekbench, I received similar results to an Intel 5 Ultra CPU in a competitor's laptop (1745 single core, 7180 multi-core). Scrolling was smooth, and there was no apparent lag with any of my everyday work tasks.
6. The 2-in-1 Feature is convenient. I've used 2-in-1 systems for several years, and one of the biggest advantages is on an airplane. When all the laptop users are forced to power down and put thier systems away during take-off and landing, a 2-in-1 looks like an iPad or tablet when folded in half. The airline attendants have never once asked me to put mine away or power it down. There are also small magnets that help secure the 2-in-1 in it's fully folded position--a nice add.
7. Wi-Fi responsiveness and range are great. I always had a fast and reliable connection, regardless of where I was in the house or on the backyard deck.
8. A good number of ports. USB-A (thank you), USB-C / Thunderbolt, plus an HDMI-out negate the dire need for a docking station. Although do note that when using the charger that one USB-C port is used, and both USB-C ports are on the same side of the laptop.
Now, the not so good:
1. Intel Core instead of Intel Ultra. The Intel Core processor differs significantly from the Intel Ultra processors. First, the integrated graphics (Iris for the Core and ARC for the Ultra). There is a significant performance difference between the two. During a video encoding from MKV to MP4, this laptop achieved an average of 60 frames per second (for a 70-minute total encode time) versus nearly 100 FPS for a competitor's Intel Ultra processor (for a 40-minute total encode time). In addition, the Geekbench GPU score was 30% higher with the Ultra versus the Core. While neither system is great for modern gaming, this laptop will be more limited--but will play older games or games with less demand for GPU processing just fine. I would have rather had the stepdown from the Pro be from an Utra 7 to an Ultra 5 instead of an Ultra 7 to a Core 7. Second is the inclusion of an NPU. An NPU does a good job of balancing the work between the CPU and the GPU to preserve battery life and help the laptop run cooler. When running the Task Manager, there is no evidence of an NPU. (Yet I find it curious that the keyboard has the Windows CoPilot key).
2. Build quality could be better. Don't get me wrong, the laptop looks and feels great. However, the bottom panel (near where the fan vents are) flexes in and out when I pick up the laptop from the bottom after the laptop has been on for only a few minutes. In addition, when opening the laptop from one of the corners instead of the center, there is considerable screen flex.
3. There is significant bloatware. I was astounded at the number of redundant Samsung "apps" that were pre-loaded on the laptop. In addition, there were both US and Mexico versions of Microsoft 365. McAfee was also pre-installed. Instead of uninstalling all the bloat, I just wiped the entire system clean and installed Windows 11 Home from scratch with a bootable USB and a USB Wi-Fi dongle to get Windows Update started. There were no issues with Windows Update identifying all the laptop's components, and I was up and running again with a non-bloated system in under 30 minutes. If any of the Samsung apps are needed in the future, they are all at Samsung.com or even in the Microsoft Store.
4. The speakers are quite lacking. While the speakers have good volume levels and support Dolby, the bass response is quite poor. Even using an equalizer, I could never get the speakers to sound as rich or as full as I like.
5. Battery life was good, but not amazing. I was able to get about 6 hours of battery life with normal load on the sytem (Office, Minitab, Chrome wih multiple tabs, 60% screen brightness). The advertised battery life was signficantly higher, but their loading was probably not as high. The battery does charge quickly, bringing it from less than 20% to 100% in about two hours.
In conclusion, laptops are very personal choices. What is good for me might not be good for you, and vice versa. This laptop does a lot of things well, but other things not so well--it depends on what you're looking for.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Keep multiple devices charged with this Best Buy essentials BE-MW220CA1W24B Dual-Port Charging Kit for iPhone, Samsung Smartphones, Tablets and More (2 Pack). Up to 20W charge your smartphone, tablet, laptop and more and an included USB-C cable means everything is ready to go right out of the box. This handy 2-pack gives you an extra wall charger and cable for immediate use or to keep on hand for the future. Backed by Best Buy, this 2-pack dual-port charging kit will keep devices charged for when you need them.
Compact, Convenient, Stays Cool
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: stirfry
on August 4, 2024
This 2-pack of wall chargers has been excellent so far. Believe it or not, there are still a lot of hotels where there are no USB plugs to charge devices (or you may be concerned about data skimming from the ones in hotels or airports). In addition, a lot of times I travel with my bike, so I have my bike computer, fitness watch, and bike lights that I like to charge overnight. And there NEVER seem to be enough plugs.
Each device in this 2-pack can charge up to two devices at the same time--one through USB-C and one through USB-A. I have used each individually and both simultaneously multiple times for my iPhone, Android tablet and cycling gear. The devices have worked flawlessly. I think the best thing is that they don't get hot to the touch, even after charging for an extended period. A lot of my other chargers get really hot. I won't be using those anymore.
The USB-A will charge up to 2.4 Amps and the USB-C will charge up to 3.0 Amps. Remember that even if your device requires charging at a lower amperage, it will only draw what it requires, so there is no worry about damaging your deivce. This makes these chargers very universal. The two USB-C to USB-C cables included in the box are also of a sufficient length, 5 feet.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
The SharkPOWERDETECT upright vacuum has the most powerful suction and the most advanced cleaning technology to deliver the best overall cleaning of any vacuum*. It features Shark’s most advanced cleaning technologies in the new DuoClean Detect nozzle which includes a network of proprietary Intelli-Sense sensors that automatically sense and react to hidden dirt by boosting suction and brushroll speed when you need it most across floor type, corners, edges, and it even detects direction for powerful suction in forward and reverse to grip-& capture- dirt, debris & hair. Large piles, fine dust, and & pet hair are no match for DuoClean Detect. For above-floor cleaning, you can Lift Away the detachable pod and take your cleaning to stairs, furniture, windowsills, and more. In addition, when you lift away the pod, you transform your vacuum into a stick, for easy motorized cleaning under furniture. Shark’s Odor Neutralizer Technology guards against bad odors inside your vacuum to help freshen your home. Plus, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with HEPA filtration seals and traps 99.99%** of dust, dander, and allergens inside of the vacuum, and out of the air you breathe. *Based on a geomean of combined tests -IEC62885-2 Sec 5.3 FWD, IEC62885-2 Sec 5.3 REV, IEC62885-2 Sec 5.5 FWD, IEC62885 Sec 5.5 REV vs. upright market. **Based on ASTM F1977, down to .3 microns. Allergens refers to non-living matters.
Packed With Features; Great Suction
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: stirfry
on August 2, 2024
Shark has really made a name for itself for making really good vacuums. This one is no exception--it is a great vacuum with phenomenal suction, packed with features.
We have several different floor surfaces in our house--plush carpet, hardwood, berber, tile and vinyl plank. The PowerDetect feature adjusted to all of these surfaces very well (and quickly), allowing the vacuum to nicely clean each surface. In fact, it pulled up quite a bit of dirt and dust that our previous vacuum missed. The only complaint about the power is that the lowest power setting is still too strong, in that it will not vacuum scatter rugs without sucking the rug into the unit.
The power cord is plenty long and the unit was very simple to assemble--no tools required!
I think one of the nicest features of the vacuum is the LED light on the base and the handle. The lights really increase visibility for where you are cleaning, especially when you are using the hose tools.
Using the odor neutralizer, even on the high setting, it doesn't give off a super stong scent--but the scent it does give off is very fresh smelling and pleasing--so much better than the "electrical" smell you get from most vacuums.
The vacuum can be used on stairs, but it is a bit bulky and can be difficutl to use without it tipping over. The canister is large and easy to empty. The crevice tool works great. The vacuum came with two other pet attachments, but since we don't have pets, I can't attest to how well they work.
My wife loves the purple color of the unit and the hot pink accent around the handle. Sometimes, it's the small things, I guess.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Share this review:
The first XPS CoPilot+ PC has powerful on-device AI that delivers cutting-edge responsiveness and unmatched speed for navigating demanding creative and multitasking workloads with efficiency.
Impressively Fast; Some Limitations
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: stirfry
on August 1, 2024
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
The Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset has finally entered the PC CPU market. While Intel and AMD have dominated for decades, Qualcomm mostly limited its product to mobile devices, like tablets and phones. But the new Snapdragon X Elite comes to the PC market as a disrupter, and being based on ARM architecture instead of x86, Qualcomm gave some pretty impressive previews about speed and battery life blowing away anything from Intel and AMD. Several manufacturers onboarded Qualcomm, and Dell started with the XPS series (Extreme Performance System). Think of XPS as the luxury cars of computers, where new technology is usually introduced. Does the Snapdragon live up to the hype? Read on.
Just as a by-the-way, this Dell XPS also comes with two other unique (but controversial) features. The first is capacitive function keys (including delete and ESC) and an invisible touchpad. I won't get to those in detail, except to say they functioned well and that I really didn't find them difficult to use.
I really want to talk about the performance of this laptop. I want to start with one word--WOW. I always run Geekbench to test the speed of the CPU and GPU, and then CrystalMark to test the speed of the SSD. Compared to an Intel Ultra 5 and an Intel Core 7 on other newer laptops, the Qualcomm blew both of them away in both the single-core and mutli-core tests--by over 60%. For the GPU, the Core 7's integrated Iris graphics are no match for either the Ultra's integrated ARC or the Snapdragon's integrated Adreno. The Adreno and ARC were comparable in the Geekbench test, outperforming the Iris by 30%. In the read/write test, the PCIe drive matched some of the fastest speeds I have ever seen. Well, numbers are one thing, but how does this laptop perform with actual use?
As I was installing all my software, I was looking for two things--compatibility and speed. Most Windows software is designed around the x86 architecture--not ARM architecture. In the background, this laptop runs much of the x86 software in an emulator--unbeknownst to the user--it all happens in the background. There is always a performance loss in an emulator, but I certainly did not notice it on the software I was using. However, I did run into some compatibility issues; ARM is not a panacea. But the speed in which the software loaded and then subsequently executed was impressively and noticiably faster than my other newer laptops based on the x86 archtiecture.
Most of my software installed and ran completely without issue--Office, Minitab, Avast, Handbrake, IMGBurn, MoneyDance, PaintShop Pro, MathCAD, Hallmark, etc. But I did have compatibility issues with Minitool (I replaced it with Disk Genius), Adobe Acrobat Reader (I replaced it with the built-in PDF reader in Chrome / Edge), Malwarebytee (no replacement), and Canon / Brother TWAIN scanner drivers (use the built-in Windows drivers instead, but you lose some control panel functions unless you use 3rd party software like NAPS2 for scanning). For example, I could not use my printer's screen to scan a document to this laptop--I had to use the third party software instead (it worked fine, it's just learning to do it a different way now). I really think if the ARM movement gains steam that more of these compatibility issues will disappear over time. The incompatible software I mentioned either refused to install at all or would not run.
I played some legacy games on the XPS 13, including MAME32 (old arcade game simulator) and Rails (an Empire Builder board game simulator). They both ran without issue. I did not try any other more intense gaming, but I can tell you from what I've read in computer magazines that gaming on an ARM-based machine often results in decreased frame rates, stuttering, and or flat-out no runs--especially for modern and GPU intense games. However, I cannot attest to that.
The screen is gorgeous and bright, and operating the lid does not result in any panel flexing. The laptop is very well built and feels super premium. Overall, the weight comes in (with the nice compact charger) at just over 3 pounds--making it really portable. There are some users that don't like that there is no spacing between the keys. I did not find that bothersome at all. The keyboard had good action, though the keystrokes are shallow. The camera has very nice resolution, but there is no camera cover or blocker.
Battery life on ARM-based CPUs is supposed to be unbelievably superior. This is not only because of the NPU delegating tasks, but also to the cleaner and less power-hungry ARM architecture. I did not experience superior battery life. Under normal use, I did notice that the fan ran much less and at lower speeds, and that the battery drained about 20% in about 2-3 hours. This was slightly better than what I get on a similar x86 laptop. However, when I pushed the system with a Handbrake video encoding task (which was at an impressive 75+ FPS), that took the battery down from 80% to 20% in a matter of 40 minutes and the fan was constantly running at a very high speed. So just like any other laptop, GPU intense tasks suck down the battery just as fast on this ARM machine as the x86 machines.
Another thing I was a bit disappointed with was the number of ports on the laptop--just two USB-C ports. They are fast data transfer ports, but if you are using the charger, then you only have one port free. A small hub is a necessity if you want to use a USB-A device, a smart card, or even connect the laptop to a monitor.
The last thing I want to talk about is the CoPilot features of this system. CoPilot has a long way to go, but it is early in development and can do some showy tasks presently. For example, in Paint, I used co-creator to generate a much better artistic rendering of a "road heading towards the sunset in the mountains" than I could ever draw. I also was able to use CoPilot in general to create a nice graphic of an intense chess match. There are some pretty basic camera effects available, as well. CoPilot can integrate with Microsoft Office to scan and gather information from your documents, but that requires a subscription service. However, as with many AI inquiries (like ChatGPT), asking questions of CoPilot often led to wrong or incomplete information. I also asked CoPilot to search my music library and play a certain song. It offered to open the Media Player for me, but would not play the song. Like I mentioned, CoPilot is early in development--it will continue to evolve.
So what's the final verdict? This is one impressive laptop for speed and portability. The ARM architecture does present some challenges, but not for software that most people are using. As long as GPU loading is not intense, the battery life is much longer than the typical work day. The laptop is really portable, and to be honest, carrying around a small hub to be able to use other devices is really not that much of a hassle. I must admit that this ARM-architecture laptop surprised me in many positive ways.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Meet Pixel 8a, engineered by Google. Take amazing photos with the Pixel Camera. And do more, even faster with Google AI. All at a great price.
I Liked Pixel 6a, and I Like Pixel 8a!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: stirfry
on May 20, 2024
Three members of my immediate family have the Google Pixel 6a phone, but my son cracked his screen, so since the 6a was no longer offered and the 8a was a new release, we replaced his 6a with the 8a. What a fine choice.
We have loved the Google Pixel phones since we bought our first ones several years ago. They are feature packed for a great value. The 8a continues that tradition. The phone comes unlocked, but we activated it with Verizon and then also paired it to all our Ford vehicles. There were no issues with activation or connecting to SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 in the Fords.
I was also happy that cases are already available for the 8a--but was slightly disappointed that the case from the 6a would not fit the 8a.
Upgrading from the previous Pixel phone was a snap. All the settings, apps, photos, music, etc. were transferred wirelessly just by setting the two phones next to each other. The entire process took under 30 minutes. I did have to re-login to all the apps, so having a password list handy (or having a password manager) is ideal.
The phone has the same feel as the Pixel 6a. It has a good form factor that optimizes screen size and weight. The screen is crsip and bright, even in sunlight. I was really impressed with the speed of the Pixel 8a for common apps and videos. I read that it actually has the same processor as the 8 and 8 Pro, which is a real benefit. The camera has stunning quality and the included picture editing is quite intuitive and nothing short of stellar. Voice clarity is outstanding, with ample volume and tone.
Initial battery life is very promising. WIth normal daily use (app usage, phone calls, texts, some photos, video watching, etc.) the battery lasts all day and still has a good amount of power left. Charging is fast, but I do wish they would include a wall plug instead of just a USB-C cable. Surely not needed by everyone, but needed by us. Speaking of charging, the 8a now has wireless charging, and wireless Android Auto is also supported. These are big plusses in my book because many newer vehicles offer the wireless charging and wireless Android Auto connectivity.
There are some other advanced features on this phone I have not had the ample opportunity to try out yet to fairly review, but I look forward to--like the Pixel Call Assist (for spam call detection) and the built-in Gemini AI (for obtaining quick information or voice typing).
In conclusion, Google has done it once again with the Pixel 8a. This phone is very friendly and useful as an everyday phone. It lives up to the Pixel name by loading great features into a nice package at a great price.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Wherever you need to go, our remarkably sleek Zenbook 14 OLED is there with you — the ultimate ultraportable laptop that takes sophistication to a whole new level. Discover new heights for speed and efficiency with the top-tier Intel Core Ultra 5 processor—taking you seamlessly from day to night on its all-day 75Wh battery. Immerse your senses on a gorgeous 14" ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreen and powerful new Super-linear speakers tuned by Harman Kardon.
Absolutely Super In So Many Ways
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: stirfry
on March 31, 2024
Overall, I am very impressed with the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED laptop. Between the gorgeous display, the leightweight design, peppy speed, and long battery life, this is a winning package.
Asus has the reputation of packaging together elements of a computer system that customers want at a great value. This system features Intel's 14th generation Ultra 5 processor with 8GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD. There is one USB-A port and two thunderbolt ports, plus an HDMI out and headphone jack. The Ultra processor is Intel's higher end offering, and the big difference between the 13th gen and 14th gen is not with regards to speed, but rather, for power management. These new processors, in short, use AI to determine which processors and cores tackle each task. For example, there is no need to use one of the non-efficiency cores for a low-priority or low computational task. Since the lowest power choice is used, this creates more efficient use of power and the battery life increases. And boy does it! I've used this laptop for over 8 hours with e-mail, web browsing, and other menial tasks and there was still plenty of battery left. With continual video transcoding, I got nearly 6 hours, which is amazing.
The display is nothing short of beautiful with really nice color saturation, and the speakers are crisp with good volume and range. It also has excellent brightness, with a screen that is not overly "glossy."
Video transcoding achieved about 45 fps, which is no imporovement over the 13th generation Intel chips with the integrated graphics, as expected. Note that moving up to the Ultra 7 with 16GB RAM brings Intel's ARC integrated graphics, which is a step up from the Iris graphics.
The keyboard has nice feel and it backlit, and the camera has great resolution and color. I also like the MyASUS app, as it keeps track of necessary updates and provides nice data on the performance of the laptop.
I am an avid moutain biker and find myself carrying a computer on my two wheels quite a bit. Therefore, I appreciate that (including the power supply), the weight of the complete system is about 3 pounds 5 ounces. The 14 inch size fits in my backpack easily and without bulk.
I highly recommend this laptop for a lot of reasons!
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Ideal for clearing snow from sidewalks, driveways, and patios, this Greenworks 80V single-stage snow blower is the tool to have when the snow hits. This single-stage snow blower is powered by an 80-volt max Li-ion battery that provides easy and convenient cordless operation. With the 180° rotating chute, you can throw snow up to 20’ in the desired direction. For snow removal at night, this blower features dual LEDs to increase visibility, and its 7" rear wheels make it easy to maneuver for clearing any time of day. When it comes to helping a neighbor clear their driveway or just stowing it for the warmer months, its easy-fold system allows it to easily be stored or transported. Get equipped this winter with the Greenworks Pro 80-Volt snow blower and spend less time shoveling snow and more time enjoying a warm fire. Heavy, wet leaves and other stubborn debris are no match for the Greenworks 80V battery powered handheld leaf blower. The jet fan design provides up to 730 CFM of constant airflow for blasting through heavy, wet leaves and tough debris with ease; and a variable speed trigger delivers on-demand power and up to 170 MPH of high-velocity air speeds. It’s one of the most powerful battery-powered handheld blowers in the industry, with Greenworks exclusive Intelligent Power that combines TRUBRUSHLESS motor technology, lithium-ion battery power, and ultra-fast control systems for power output equivalent to a 26cc gas-powered motor. Includes (2) 4.0 Ah batteries and a rapid charger. Battery is compatible with 75+ Greenworks 80V products. Life. Powered. By Greenworks.
Fantastic Leaf Blower; Snowblower Review to Follow
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: stirfry
on November 14, 2023
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
I have been using gas-powered leaf blowers for nearly 20 years, and about 10 years ago, I picked up a very nice unit that I have used exclusively for both large and small jobs. Small jobs include cleaning up grass clippings after mowing and leaf blowing at my primary residence (just over 1/3 acre). The large job is blowing leaves at my heavily wooded northern Michigan property (about 1 acre). Admittedly, I have been leery of battery powered leaf blowers because of their limited power and run time, but with the Greenworks Pro combo kit having an 80V system and coming with (2) 4.0 Amp-hour batteries, I figured I would give it a try. I’ve got to say, I’m super impressed.
For those not familiar with battery-powered lawn equipment, the voltage gives you the power, but the amp-hours of the battery dictate the run time. For example, an 80V tool will provide more power than a 40V tool, and a 4.0 Amp-hour battery will run twice as long (under the same power) as a 2.0 Amp-hour battery. So when considering a battery powered tool for your household, consider both the power and the runtime you need.
I had the leaf blower assembled in three minutes flat, and I run the leaf blower with the nozzle attachment 100% of the time. The unit is nicely balanced in the hand with the battery installed, and naturally takes a slightly down-pointed stance, which is great for blowing leaves and grass clippings. The trigger is also in a natural place for the index finger. The leaf blower provides variable power, based on the trigger input. For most jobs, I have the trigger maxed out 100% of the time, unless I’m blowing leaves off mulch, in which case I use a lower power. The innovative feature of a “cruise control” allows you to lock in the position of the trigger, which is really handy—what a great idea. There is also a “turbo” button. It does up the power of the leaf blower, but I found that I can get the same boost by holding the unit closer to the ground or just changing the angle I’m holding the unit. The “turbo” feature does drain the battery quite a bit more rapidly, so if you use it, use it sparingly.
For my smaller jobs, the Greenworks Pro leaf blower did a great job. I’m able to clean up the entire yard—front and back—on one battery. Without “turbo,” I get about 24 minutes of run-time. With sporadic use of the “turbo,” my runtime dropped to about 18 minutes. I was really impressed with how well the leaf blower performed, and it’s now my go-to for these jobs, while the gas-powered leaf blower sits idle.
Where I put the Greenworks leaf blower to the test was at my northern Michigan property. I’ve attached a video and some pictures, and about half-way through the video, you’ll see how much power this leaf blower has—moving large volumes of leaves easily and quickly. It undoubtedly has equivalent power to my gas-powered leaf blower. Cleaning the entire yard with my gas-powered leaf blower generally takes me about 90 minutes. It was the same for the Greenworks leaf blower—but, the two batteries lasted just under an hour—so I had to take a break waiting for the recharge. To expedite that, I placed the first battery on the charger while I used the second one. The batteries take about an hour to fully charge from empty, so the first battery was mostly charged by the time I was finished with the second battery. But I waited for it to finish so I could get the second battery on the charger and get the full run time from the first one. The charger does have a loud fan, but I was pleased with the short charging time. For this big job, the Greenworks leaf blower did an absolutely outstanding job.
Some other small notes are that the leaf blower is a little lighter and a bit quieter than my gas-powered leaf blower. I was not as tired after completing the job, and I could listen to news podcasts through my earbuds without issue while working.
At this time, all I can comment on regarding the snowblower is the assembly process. I had the snowblower assembled in about 15 minutes. The unit is much lighter and more maneuverable than my gas-powered snow blower. I will have to wait for Mother Nature to dump some snow before writing the full review of the snow blower. I really hoped to be just as impressed with the snow blower as I was the leaf blower. So look back later in the winter season for an amended review.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Move beyond the desktop. Don’t just sit there—move. HP Envy Move 23.8-inch All-in-One PC is movable and rechargeable. So you can take your business, recipes and workouts from the desktop to the countertop to the tabletop and back again. Plus, with a big screen and an Intel processor, you’ll be transported too.
A Clever Concept, But Execution Needs Work
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: stirfry
on October 3, 2023
The HP Envy Move Portable is a clever concept. Its intent is to deliver the performance of a desktop AIO with the portability of a laptop. Unfortunately, I didn't think it did either very well.
As far as specifications, the 13th Generation Intel i5 processor is quite capable, but in this system, it is paired with only 8GB of RAM. The 512GB SSD is adequately sized, and the QHD display is large, bright and crisp. I even took the HP Envy Move outside on an early Autumn sunny day, and the display was quite good, even at 3/4 brightness. Sound from the B&O speakers (underneath the display) is very good and has ample loudness. The right side of the unit features an HDMI in port (along with an input selection buton, so the display can also be used as an external monitor), a barrel power port, the power button, and brightness adjust toggle. The left side of the unit houses a USB-A port (charging + data), a USB-C port (charging and data), and a volume adjust toggle. The system also has a nice integrated camera with a privacy slide, which is located at the top center of the unit.
The HP Envy Move has an integrated handle with a magnetic catch on the back of the screen. This keeps the handle nicely secured when not in trasport. The handle does have good feel and it is not flimsy. The feet on the bottom rotate out of the way when the unit is lifted up and settle confidently in place when the unit is set down. Equipped with a bluetooth keyboard and integrated trackpad, there is a pocket on the backside of the unit for storage during transport. Execution of the portability is quite efficiently done.
I used the system for about a week, mainly for audio and video digitization--taking old records, VHS and cassette tapes and converting them to MP4 and MP3. The portability of the system allowed me to take it to analog devices (turntable, cassette player, VHS player) instead of the other way around, which was quite convenient. I was able to get about 6 hours of run time off the battery. The system overall performed well, but admittedly what I was using it for was not overly taxing.
Unpackaging the HP Envy Move was nothing short of a disaster. The protective wrap around the unit did not come off easily at all and I wound up shredding the whole thing. It was very aggravating.
There are a lot of shortcomings to this unit that make it hard for me to recommend to others. As I mentioned before, the 8GB of RAM is a bit stingy. I don't know if I can open the system and upgrade the RAM or if it is soldered in--that is something I will need to investigate more. But if the system is supposed to be the best of both a desktop AIO and a laptop, 8GB of RAM really limits the productivity of multiple applications running simultaneously. In addition, there is a severe lack of ports. There is no HDMI out and only one USB-C and one USB-A port. Again, for a desktop AIO, this is woefully short and for portability--the same. In my opinion, a big miss here. Most AIOs have ports on the back of the unit. On the HP Envy Move, there are none. The included keyboard / trackpad combo is very awkward because the trackpad is located to the right of the keyboard. It is large, but unnaturally placed, especially if you are used to a laptop setup, where the trackpad is beneath the keyboard. Even after a week of use, it is still quite a clumsy setup for me. And what abut left-handers? I would have preferred a keyboard without a trackpad and a slim mouse intead. They still would package just fine in the integrated pocket. The last shortcoming I found was the lack of a carrying bag. When toting around the HP Envy Move, the screen is either going to bounce against my side or it is going to be exposed to whatever I brush against. The screen is easily going to get scratched or damaged during transport.
Overall, the HP Envy Move has some really neat features. Having a full portable system with a large screen will appeal to many consumers. However, the lack of ports, limited RAM, and a clunky keyboard / trackpad combo prevents this otherwise cool concept from being considered well executed.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
Share this review:
stirfry's Questions
stirfry has not submitted any questions.
stirfry's Answers
BISSELL - Perfect Sweep Turbo Cordless Rechargeable Sweeper - Gray
The BISSELL® Perfect Sweep TURBO® Cordless Hard Floor and Carpet Sweeper is a quick and easy option when it comes to picking up daily dirt and unexpected messes between routine vacuum cleaning. Did the dog leave a trail of hair on the rug, or maybe the cat spilled her dry food in the kitchen? No matter the dry mess, the Perfect Sweep TURBO® can handle it. It’s small and lightweight, making it a good compliment to your regular cordless stick vacuum, plus the powerful battery provides up to 60 minutes of cordless cleaning. Did we mention it works on area rugs, carpet and hard floors? That means it doubles as a carpet vac and a hard floor vac. Plus, when you’re done cleaning, dumping the debris in the trash is quick and easy with the easy-to-empty dirt bin.
Can this vacuum dust under the bed . How high is it?
Definitely. Detach the canister and the vacuum will go almost completely flat.
3 years ago
by
Posted by:
stirfry
Dell - Inspiron 24" Touch-Screen All-In-One - Intel Core i7 - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD
Unleash your creativity with this all-in-one Dell Inspiron desktop computer. The 23.8-inch Full HD capacitive display delivers detailed visuals and offers smooth touch operation, while the 512GB SSD minimizes load times, letting you jump into work sessions quickly. This Dell Inspiron desktop computer has a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM for running multiple programs simultaneously.
is there a plugin for speakers?
Yes, or you can use the Bluettooth as a connection.
4 years, 10 months ago
by
Posted by:
stirfry