dronedad's stats
- Review count188
- Helpfulness votes387
- First reviewJuly 11, 2014
- Last reviewMarch 12, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4
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- Answer count8
- Helpfulness votes27
- First answerNovember 16, 2016
- Last answerApril 29, 2021
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Linksys Atlas Pro 6 with Velop Intelligent Mesh is a dual-band router that delivers next-level streaming and gaming to more than 30 devices per node. Access to 160 MHz unleashes the true power of Wi-Fi 6 technology—these are the least congested channels available on the 5GHz band and offer incredibly fast connectivity. Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) provides access to more channels, reducing interference from neighboring networks. Velop Intelligent Mesh technology offers whole home coverage that’s easily expandable by adding additional nodes. With easy setup, advanced security and parental controls, Linksys Atlas Pro 6 is an essential upgrade to any home.
Customer Rating
4
Versatile WiFi 6 Mesh Setup
on August 28, 2021
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
Based on the construction of my home, I've been dabbling in mesh routing for a long time. This means I have a long history of shoehorning regular residential routers to work in my house to make sure I can get coverage. I was originally excited when the first models of Velop came out but was unable to take advantage of it or its competitors and still use the wiring I had pulled, or connect the few devices that needed a hardwire connection that were not going to get home-runs all the way back to my main router. As these systems have evolved and more and more mesh options have entered the market, the idea of wired backhaul has gotten more and more common. The Atlas 6 includes the option for both wired and wireless backhaul. That means it can communicate with the main hub that has a direct connection to the internet in multiple ways. This is the 3rd router I've set up with the Linksys app, and I have to say I love that part of it. That's also where this one fell down a little bit and resulted in my dinging it one star. The main hub I plugged in had a heck of a time connecting to the internet, which won't let you complete the setup. After multiple restarts and two calls with customer support, I was able to get the first one up and running. After that, the other two were a breeze with the app. Having 5 hard-wired ports on each node means I have plenty of ports to connect those nonwired devices. My next step is to configure a VLAN to keep my security and IOT /smart home devices from bogging down my network, but again the Linksys management panel will allow me to do that. I was a little surprised that this kit also didn't include any ethernet cables, but that's the most nitpicky thing I could come up with after the setup was successful. These nodes look like the other Velop devices and they are very attractive and blend in with your decor. I was initially apprehensive without being able to adjsut the antenna manually, but the internal array inside the Atlas must be robust. I would recommend this setup to anyone.
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The Instructor Video Call Pro Kit features a professional lavalier omni-directional microphone, a 112 LED light that works up to 16 hours of continuous use with a built-in 1500mAh Li-Poly battery, an adjustable tripod (6.5" to 8.5").
Customer Rating
4
Great setup for streaming & recording!
on August 7, 2021
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
This kit was the perfect setup for recording video for a class. When I first unboxed this I was a little skeptical that there seemed to be a lot of black plastic, but it seems to be holding up well. The light is nice and bright and had a decent-sized built-in battery. An included diffuser went on right away and helps to soften the cast light alongside the different color temperature and brightness settings, which were a surprising touch. The light could have been a ring light, but also a ring light would take up more space and be more cumbersome to store. The hot-shoe mount adapter also makes this kit more versatile if you want to pair it with a DSLR camera. The tabletop tripod's legs extend to push a phone up to almost 9-inches above a surface, and the spring mechanism holds a phone well, even if it does feel like any generic selfie stick phone holder. I liked that the tripod has an adjustable ball head, but I worry that will start to droop over time. It does pack down nice and compact. The microphone with a lavalier clip and Bluetooth remote round out this setup. It's amazing how much improvement these add ons bring to a video capture.
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The future of gaming has arrived with the WD_BLACK™ SN850 NVMe™ SSD. Long load times are obsolete with PCIe® Gen4 technology, reaching up to 7,000MB/s read speed and up to 4,100MB/s write speed. Spend more time playing and less time deleting, storing your latest and favorite games with 500GB capacity (not intended for NAS or server environments). This WD_Black internal SSD has a compact form factor and a PCIe Gen4 interface for compatibility with select PCs or laptops.
Customer Rating
4
Blazing fast M.2 Solid State Storage
on August 7, 2021
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
This drive replaced a much earlier M.2 drive as the primary boot/os in a smaller gaming laptop, for me. Boot times into windows were not significantly8 changed, but the read and write speeds were definitely increased. WD Black is definitely a hallmark for performance, and this drive is no exception. On unboxing there aren't many bells and whistles, just the drive itself. I DO wish that they included the heatsink for all installations, but I acknowledge that most are not going to use it. Reported compatibility is very wide, including PS5s. Acronis true image is not included in the box, but is downloadable from Western Digital, and does a good job of migrating an OS or cloning a drive if that's something you're doing alongside this install. This drive is fast and seems reliable so far, I would recommend!
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eufy Security Smart Wi-Fi 2k Video Doorbell with Chime is a battery powered (or wired- you choose) video doorbell that is the perfect protection for your home. With no monthly fee, enjoy 2K resolution so that you can see who is at your door, clearly. Talk to them via the 2-way mic, and be alerted when a human is at the door instead of the neighborhood dog. IP65 Weatherproof Ensures the Video Doorbell camera continues to operate in extreme temperatures from minus 4°F to 122° F (minus 20°C to 50°C). Installation is easy. No need to mess around with complicated wiring, self-installation in minutes. Wireless Video Doorbell camera will also work with old chimes.
Customer Rating
4
Excellent no subscription high res doorbell
on August 7, 2021
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
After shopping for and doing research on wired vs wired doorbells and sorting my own situation with some wires of unknown status; I find myself wondering why not all doorbells on the market are packaged this way. Eufy has produced a 2k camera, which is the gold standard for high-resolution doorbells at the moment, that can accommodate both wired for power and wireless. The doorbell itself is a little larger than other offerings but feels well made. There is almost no visible difference between this and Eufy's hardwired version, and the fit with the mounting frame is very snug. In fact, I almost got a screwdriver out to remove the doorbell from the frame after unboxing, before I realized they've included a tool that looks like a sim removal pin to separate the two.
Setup is easy, and out of the box you have the doorbell, the chime base, the mounting frame, and a wedge, as well as some hardware and a charging cable.
Battery life is reported at 6 months, which stacks up well against other battery-powered offerings. Charge time did take a full afternoon, ranking in at several hours.
Setup in the Eufy app is easy and the doorbell was found right away.
The angle on this camera could be a little bit wider, if things are set at the base of my door, I find myself wanting to see them and am unable to get all the way back towards the base of the wall near the doorbell cam. Alerts and motion capture in the app are very robust, without a subscription fee like Ring or Arlo. Video is captured on the included and installed sd card, and then accessible via alerts or live over your internet. The ability to record to the sd card means it also continues to work fi your internet is wobbly or off. Latency for notifications seems to be very low, which means they come in quickly to my phone. Overall I think this is a well-engineered product, and with eufy making camera-based security products for some time now, this one benefits from multiple versions and iterations of their apps.
I would recommend this setup to anyone looking for a wireless video doorbell, and it fits for wired users as well.
Setup is easy, and out of the box you have the doorbell, the chime base, the mounting frame, and a wedge, as well as some hardware and a charging cable.
Battery life is reported at 6 months, which stacks up well against other battery-powered offerings. Charge time did take a full afternoon, ranking in at several hours.
Setup in the Eufy app is easy and the doorbell was found right away.
The angle on this camera could be a little bit wider, if things are set at the base of my door, I find myself wanting to see them and am unable to get all the way back towards the base of the wall near the doorbell cam. Alerts and motion capture in the app are very robust, without a subscription fee like Ring or Arlo. Video is captured on the included and installed sd card, and then accessible via alerts or live over your internet. The ability to record to the sd card means it also continues to work fi your internet is wobbly or off. Latency for notifications seems to be very low, which means they come in quickly to my phone. Overall I think this is a well-engineered product, and with eufy making camera-based security products for some time now, this one benefits from multiple versions and iterations of their apps.
I would recommend this setup to anyone looking for a wireless video doorbell, and it fits for wired users as well.
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Premium quality brow tools for precision grooming at home or on the go. These mini tweezers are designed with a wider body for a firm and stable grip while the touch up tool removes unwanted hair between brows.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect Travel Grooming Kit
on July 15, 2021
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
This small stainless steel grooming kit is just what Bert and Ernie needed! (sorry in advance for the Sesame Street reference) Count me on that list as well. No longer do I need to steal my wife's tweezers when traveling, and then have to replace them when I get home because I've misplaced them. The two styles of tips are perfectly suited to different grooming needs, and the stamped steel tweezers are well made and feel solid. The touch-up tool - aka mini shaving razor isn't quite as well made, and the blade isn't replaceable, but if you're doing that kind of grooming with it... you probably need a different tool. The included pouch is a nice touch. I would love it even half a star more if it had little slots for each tool that kept them from rolling around in there, but it does the job and keeps them from mingling with your toothbrush in your bag.
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This is not a laptop. It’s so much more. Meet Combo Touch, the keyboard case with trackpad that enables new levels of versatility with iPad Pro. Navigate and work in apps like never before with a new click-anywhere trackpad — our largest ever* — that gives you more space and allows for Multi-Touch trackpad gestures. SMART CONNECTOR technology helps to deliver an incredibly responsive trackpad experience and also makes powering and pairing the keyboard instant. Type comfortably for hours with laptop-like backlit keys that automatically adjust to your environment. You can always see what you're typing thanks to 16 levels of brightness. Enjoy convenient access to volume controls and more with a full row of iPadOS shortcut keys. The iPad Pro meets its aesthetic match with a slim, sleek design — the thinnest keyboard case we've ever designed with a trackpad.* The elegant woven outer fabric feels as great as it looks and the case is molded to fit your iPad Pro, protecting the front, back, and corners from scrapes and bumps. Your iPad Pro is held securely in place so you can have peace of mind that it won’t slip out and focus on what matters most — getting things done. *Compared to Logitech keyboard cases with trackpad released in 2020.
Customer Rating
5
Durable and Attractive keyboard touchpad
on June 19, 2021
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
Continuing Logitech's line of quality iPad accessories that enable the "iPad as a primary device" idea, this keyboard touchpad combo case fits the bill nicely. Logitech's durable and attractive "faux canvas" does a nice job of feeling solid and sturdy, but looking professional and is easy to clean. Trackpads are always a very personal choice, and I like the design and feel of the included one here. Magnetic connectors allowing the separation of the keyboard and case so you can use them separately, and well thought out integrated case buttons, make the case alone a solid choice. Integrating the kick stand and recessing the Apple Pencil storage slot are more ways that Logitech shows this isn't their first rodeo and makes their accessories my first choice for my iPad.
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ASUS ROG Gaming Laptop. Enjoy everyday gaming with this ASUS notebook PC. The AMD Ryzen 9 processor and 16GB of RAM let you run graphics-heavy games smoothly, while the potent NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti V4G graphics produce high-quality visuals on the 13.4-inch WUXGA Touchscreen display. This ASUS notebook PC has 1TD SSD that shortens load times and offers ample storage.
Customer Rating
5
Killer gaming laptop in a TINY form factor
on June 19, 2021
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
This thing is shockingly powerful for its size and weight. I can't believe how much performance they packed into this laptop. I will say that if you are serious about gaming on the go, the 13.4-inch size is one you need to put your hands on before diving into. I do find myself reaching for an external mouse and keyboard when I'm not on mobile, which this machine can handle with no problems. Plenty of RAM (16gb) combined with the RTX3050 graphics card blaze through most of the games I've thrown at it. I'm loving the small finishing touches like the tiny grove under the backlit chiclet keys on the keyboard that allow the light to cast just slightly below the keys, or the super bright 120hz IPS touchscreen. the built-in trackpad almost has a clicky-key feel to it, which is positive feedback for clicks but also drives me to want to use a mouse in most situations. Charging over USC-C and including a dedicated HDMI port up the options for connectivity and docking with other devices. I have been unable to confirm the choice of materials for the lid and chassis, but if it's not some kind of anodized aluminum, it has a high-end metal feel, and hardness. Being a Republic of Gamers machine, the preloaded software was very slim, with not a lot of bloatware, and the Asus, Ryzen, and Nvidia tools are all installed for you to tweak settings to your liking. Overall I am loving the responsiveness and speed from the combination of the NVidia graphics and the 1TB SSD. This machine is VERY portable and lightweight. It outperforms the older 17-inch workstation laptop that it is replacing in my house. I recommend this for anyone who is serious about both gaming and portability
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eufy Security Wi-Fi Video Doorbell kit is a 1080p video doorbell with advanced WDR and 4:3 aspect ratio. This doorbell has a up to 120 day battery life off of just a single charge. Setup is easy, and your data is stored locally on the Wi-Fi doorbell chime inside your home, using advanced encryption.
Customer Rating
4
Excellent battery powered option w no subscription
on June 19, 2021
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
Let me first add a couple of caveats to this review - if you're in the market for a doorbell cam, you want to have some idea of what resolution you're looking for. 1080p had become the gold standard for our TVs, and the idea pervades everywhere, but you want to do some research to determine at that resolution what can I actually SEE on my doorbell cam. 1080p is great, it's a decent resolution but not the highest. Also for the purposes of this review, I won't be examining any of the recent security concerns with doorbell apps and camera access. That, dear review reader, will be up to you as a consideration of risk in your own use of a doorbell cam.
Whew okay, all that out of the way.
This doorbell camera keeps in line with Anker's lifestyle brand Eufy and its excellent products. It feels well constructed and made of sturdy materials. I have long put off bringing a doorbell camera into my system because of the uncertain wiring in my older home. Battery-powered doorbells to the rescue. The frame attaches securely to your installation location of choice and then the camera snaps into that. I do worry a little that someone could figure out it's a battery-powered one and snap it out of its frame, but there are no indicators showing it to not be permanently mounted. You do have to fully remove it to handle charging via the USB port on the back. The included chime base pairs with the doorbell, and you can utilize Amazon Alexa as expansion chimes. I have yet to figure out if I can also pair this with my google homes, which I would appreciate being able to do. The videos are stored on a MicroSD in the doorbell itself, and accessible via the app.
Overall this is a great basic wireless video doorbell. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. I would also encourage consumers to be informed, and decide on a camera resolution and the need for wired or wireless before shopping for a doorbell.
Whew okay, all that out of the way.
This doorbell camera keeps in line with Anker's lifestyle brand Eufy and its excellent products. It feels well constructed and made of sturdy materials. I have long put off bringing a doorbell camera into my system because of the uncertain wiring in my older home. Battery-powered doorbells to the rescue. The frame attaches securely to your installation location of choice and then the camera snaps into that. I do worry a little that someone could figure out it's a battery-powered one and snap it out of its frame, but there are no indicators showing it to not be permanently mounted. You do have to fully remove it to handle charging via the USB port on the back. The included chime base pairs with the doorbell, and you can utilize Amazon Alexa as expansion chimes. I have yet to figure out if I can also pair this with my google homes, which I would appreciate being able to do. The videos are stored on a MicroSD in the doorbell itself, and accessible via the app.
Overall this is a great basic wireless video doorbell. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. I would also encourage consumers to be informed, and decide on a camera resolution and the need for wired or wireless before shopping for a doorbell.
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The New Definition of High Definition: This FHD monitor feels as good as it looks, packing IPS technology for 178 degrees ultra-wide viewing angles, 99% sRGB color gamut for color accuracy, and AMD FreeSync to keep your eyes up to speed with your imagination.
Customer Rating
4
Super thin quality image basic monitor
on May 28, 2021
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
I'm really digging the bezel size on the new HP series of monitors. I picked this one up to go with a 27 of the same size, and they take up SO LITTLE room on my desk. The image quality is quite high for the price point, as well as brightness. There are some trade-offs to the size of this monitor that keeps me from giving it the full 5 stars. The nonstandard mounting/lack of a VESA mount is definitely one of them. There are 3rd party adapters that I have looked into for use on a monitor arm. Also the low number of inputs, with just 1 HDMI port I wouldn't say connectivity is high. It also doesn't support daisy-chaining due to its lack of a display port. This is normally high-end/enterprise monitor stuff, but I"m a fan of anything that helps me have fewer cables and clean up my desktop. The included stand is quite low profile, has some minor adjustments for ergonomics, and fits the monitor nicely. Touch controls top of the nice feel and finish of this display. Overall I like the build, the IPS panel is very bright and crisp. I would recommend this monitor to anyone needing desktop only, or not looking for a mountable solution.
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Impress your audience and own the room with the ultra bright EX5280 projector, offering 3,800 lumens of color and white brightness to deliver crisp, detailed presentations, spreadsheets and videos – even in well-lit spaces. From home offices to video conference rooms, this sleek, compact projector makes it easy to display captivating, big-screen images in nearly any location, using advanced 3-chip 3LCD technology and stunning XGA resolution. Perfect for creating dynamic, engaging presentations, the EX5280 allows for easy Zoom video conferencing, accepts 4K content and conveniently connects to streaming devices, such as Fire TV, Apple TV®, Roku, and Chromecast™, through the HDMI® port so you can easily share a variety of rich content, including movies, TV shows and more.
Customer Rating
4
Perfectly Spec'd Bright Business Projector
on May 13, 2021
Posted by: dronedad
from Minneapolis, MN, USA
This projector is priced and spec'd perfectly for what it's intended to do. Limited a little by it's 1/2 HD Resolution is clearly aimed at projecting slide decks and not for watching streams. The well made and dependable white shell that seems to be a hallmark of Epson projectors could be a little more portable, but it's not a deal breaker. The speaker is also geared towards playing the sound that goes with the video on your slides, or computer sounds, and NOT a home theatre, but it gets the job done. Nice and bright, large projection area, and adequate number of modern inputs (including a DisplayPort!) puts this projector in a sweet spot. Where this projector really shines (pun intended) is when they leverage their auto key correction technology, no more fumbling with menus or manual adjustments in mobile presentation setups, it will do it automatically. An included case is a nice touch also. Large, clean and bright picture in a nicely portable setup.
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dronedad's Answers
Featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor, powerful autonomous functions, and a compact body weighing less than 600 g, DJI Air 2S is the ultimate drone for aerial photographers on the move. Take this all-in-one aerial powerhouse along anywhere to experience and record your world in stunning detail.
While your taking video can you also take a picture at the same time?
You cannot trigger a still while actively taking video. You can grab frames from the 5.4k video after the fact, but you have to stop recording and switch modes to take stills/video.
3 years ago
by
dronedad
The Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagons elevate the concept of smart lighting into a creative journey of design. A combination of smart technology and sleek ultra-thin design, the modular LED light panels open limitless possibilities for you to explore, create, and play.
Can these be easily removed from the walls? Colleges request easy movable objects
The Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagons elevate the concept of smart lighting into a creative journey of design. A combination of smart technology and sleek ultra-thin design, the modular LED light panels open limitless possibilities for you to explore, create, and play.
Can these be easily removed from the walls? Colleges request easy movable objects
Yes. They use 3M command strips that are easily removeable.
3 years, 5 months ago
by
dronedad
iPod & MP3 Players
iPod & MP3 Players
iPod connector for 2005 Volvo XC90?
One of my collegues at work mentioned that he had Best Buy install an iPod adaptor to his 2004 Volvo XC90 (problematic for most of us owners as the radio user fiber optics, MOST system). I have a 2005 XC90, but the radios are the same. He had thought it ran him about $130 when he Best Buy did it a year or two ago. I have a local Best Buy that I can bring my car to and have this done as well, but I thought I would ask the question first of Best Buy online and understand what unit they offer for this connectivity and how it's installed. Please advise! I'd like to do this within a week... I miss having iPod connectivity!! Chris
The 2005 Volvo XC90 DOES NOT have an auxiliary input, nor can you add one without an accessory like the GROM MST. That's the only way to plug in an ipod or anything to an XC90
4 years, 9 months ago
by
dronedad
Accompany your workouts with streaming tunes from these JBL Endurance PEAK Bluetooth headphones. PowerHook technology switches them on when worn, and the TwistLock and FlexSoft features ensure a lightweight, ergonomic fit for comfortable, all-day use. Manage music playback effortlessly on these wireless JBL Endurance PEAK Bluetooth headphones via touch-enabled controls.
Can you listen to just one while leaving the other in the case?
Yes actually you can. I’ve only tried it with the right side. I’m. It sure if it’s interchangeable.
5 years ago
by
dronedad
Take to the air with this Bower Sky Capture series carbon fiber propeller set. Made of durable yet lightweight carbon fiber, these propellers are pre-balanced to improve performance and keep your drone stable so that you can capture smooth videos. Install this Bower Sky Capture series carbon fiber propeller set quickly and easily to enjoy a quieter drone in minutes.
So are these actually quick release or the screw on props also are they 100% carbon or are they a blend with other materials
Display work or school presentations on this Epson projector. It produces 3200 lumens of white and color brightness for vivid images, and its easy setup lets you customize specifications in minimum time. This Epson projector is equipped with an HDMI port, so you can connect it to your computer or HD device.
how is the picture with this projector with daylight in the room?
3200 lumens is pretty bright. Epson would recommend you not have direct daylight for optimal use... I can tell you this projector works VERY well with direct overhead lighting, and it keeps up with sunlight okay. It's definitely not like the older deal breaker projectors that required the blinds closed.
6 years, 7 months ago
by
dronedad
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
I want to use HUE lights with this. Can I buy a 2nd Google Home for my 2nd floor so both floors can access Home to turn off/on lights? If my phone (synced to Home) is out of the house, will voice activation still work for the lights?
Google home will let you group and name the lights for each room. I don't believe they are intended to be used overlapping though. In fact you might confuse it with more than one connected to the same google account. The Google Home works without your phone at home, since it connects directly to the HUE account as well as the internet and wifi directly.
7 years, 5 months ago
by
dronedad