BADog's stats
- Review count130
- Helpfulness votes2,311
- First reviewJuly 8, 2015
- Last reviewMay 6, 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 count20
- Helpfulness votes15
- First answerAugust 12, 2017
- Last answerMarch 23, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers4
Meet Talk, JLab’s desktop-style high performer USB microphone with 3 studio-quality condensers and a high quality 96kHz/24BIT resolution for professional recordings. With the 4 prominent directional pattern modes, this microphone is great to record any style of sound such as individual or business calls, voiceovers, podcasting, music recording, game streaming or ASMR. Talk gives you powerful sound quality you need with all the controls you want: volume control, gain control, a quick-mute button and a 3.5mm AUX input for real-time listening with zero latency.
Customer Rating
5
Exceptional mic option from JLAB
on July 13, 2020
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
If you're looking for a high-quality microphone for your streaming podcasts or other recording needs, the JLAB Talk Microphone may work great for you. The package includes the JLAB Talk mic, tripod, 6.5-foot USB-to-USB-C braided connector cable, and a quick start guide. The mic comes with a lengthy 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
This is the first "real" mic I have used in years. I previously had one that simply plugged into the "3.5mm mic jack". It was as basic as a mic could possibly be only having an on/off switch. Mics have really advanced over the years and now are being used more and more as people create YouTube videos and other types of podcasts. In the brief time that I have used this mic, I have thoroughly enjoyed using. There isn't much to this product, but here are a few take-a-ways:
PROS:
-----------
* Very sensitive mic, can pick up the smallest of sounds when the gain is turned up to max
* Very clear and high-def-like at 96khz sample rate (this is around good FM radio quality)
* The provided USB-C cable is plenty long at 6.5' AND it's braided which makes for a good look and easy to keep untangled.
* Easy to switch between mic functions on the big dial
* Each individual function works as expected as regards to input location around the mic (front, front/back, sides (Stereo), or 360-degrees (omni-directional).
* The short legs are made with very durable metal and blue rubber feet to keep it still. It provides a good clean look and feels stable.
* Headphones jack is conveniently located on the bottom of the mic and allows for listening what the mic hears.
* One other huge plus not even mentioned in any of the documentation is that this mic will also work with certain phones and tablets (non-PCs or Macbooks). I used a USB-to-USB-C adapter and plugged this mic up to a Samsung Note xx, a Samsung Fold, a Samsung Z Flip, and a Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and each provided a much better recording than the phone mic. I also did this with an old iPad MINI using a USB-C-to-lightning audio/video adapter (official apple product) and it also worked great. I'm unsure of other devices; however these did in fact work perfectly. Once plugged into the device, the circle around the function knob lit up to indicate power and then recorded great after that.
-----------
* Very sensitive mic, can pick up the smallest of sounds when the gain is turned up to max
* Very clear and high-def-like at 96khz sample rate (this is around good FM radio quality)
* The provided USB-C cable is plenty long at 6.5' AND it's braided which makes for a good look and easy to keep untangled.
* Easy to switch between mic functions on the big dial
* Each individual function works as expected as regards to input location around the mic (front, front/back, sides (Stereo), or 360-degrees (omni-directional).
* The short legs are made with very durable metal and blue rubber feet to keep it still. It provides a good clean look and feels stable.
* Headphones jack is conveniently located on the bottom of the mic and allows for listening what the mic hears.
* One other huge plus not even mentioned in any of the documentation is that this mic will also work with certain phones and tablets (non-PCs or Macbooks). I used a USB-to-USB-C adapter and plugged this mic up to a Samsung Note xx, a Samsung Fold, a Samsung Z Flip, and a Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and each provided a much better recording than the phone mic. I also did this with an old iPad MINI using a USB-C-to-lightning audio/video adapter (official apple product) and it also worked great. I'm unsure of other devices; however these did in fact work perfectly. Once plugged into the device, the circle around the function knob lit up to indicate power and then recorded great after that.
CONS:
-----------
* With this mic being so sensitive to literally every single sound, having to press the big dial to mute the mic actually causes a slight "click" sound when trying to mute in the first place. Typically you won't mute a mic like this via the device, but by a sound board or PC touch screen. So yes, it can be muted via the device, but you'll hear the fumbling of pressing that button if you're not careful.
* I like the fact that there is a volume and gain option, but I don't like the fact that they are both on one knob. Pressing the small button will change the color of the circle thus showing the level of each one but at one at a time. I would much rather have 2 separate knobs showing each's level so one does not have to switch between the two so much. IMO, it would make those 2 levels easier to read and adjust on the fly if they were separate. In addition, if the mic is live and you need to swap between the 2, the click sound is heard when broadcasting or recording.
-----------
* With this mic being so sensitive to literally every single sound, having to press the big dial to mute the mic actually causes a slight "click" sound when trying to mute in the first place. Typically you won't mute a mic like this via the device, but by a sound board or PC touch screen. So yes, it can be muted via the device, but you'll hear the fumbling of pressing that button if you're not careful.
* I like the fact that there is a volume and gain option, but I don't like the fact that they are both on one knob. Pressing the small button will change the color of the circle thus showing the level of each one but at one at a time. I would much rather have 2 separate knobs showing each's level so one does not have to switch between the two so much. IMO, it would make those 2 levels easier to read and adjust on the fly if they were separate. In addition, if the mic is live and you need to swap between the 2, the click sound is heard when broadcasting or recording.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* The USB-C plug is gold-plated for high-quality audio, and is at a 90-degree angle for better cable management when connected to the mic. The other end of the USB cable can use a USB-C adapter if needed to plug into a USB-C outlet on another device.
* As with most mics, you may need to use a pop filter to avoid accidental air sounds on the mic especially if you want to make your recordings as professional as possible.
-----------------------------------
* The USB-C plug is gold-plated for high-quality audio, and is at a 90-degree angle for better cable management when connected to the mic. The other end of the USB cable can use a USB-C adapter if needed to plug into a USB-C outlet on another device.
* As with most mics, you may need to use a pop filter to avoid accidental air sounds on the mic especially if you want to make your recordings as professional as possible.
CONCLUSION:
===================
For most people, this microphone should suit most basic recording needs. The only reason you may want to upgrade to the Talk PRO is if you will be recording an instrument or something that needs insane clarity. Going from 96khz to 192khz sample rate is a big jump and you can definitely tell the difference when music and instruments are concerned. This is the only difference between those 2 mics. If your quality doesn't have to be insanely perfect, this Talk mic is likely all you'll need. It's plug-n-play... easy to use. But I do wish the vol/gain controls were separate but still easy to use. Great work, JLAB.
===================
For most people, this microphone should suit most basic recording needs. The only reason you may want to upgrade to the Talk PRO is if you will be recording an instrument or something that needs insane clarity. Going from 96khz to 192khz sample rate is a big jump and you can definitely tell the difference when music and instruments are concerned. This is the only difference between those 2 mics. If your quality doesn't have to be insanely perfect, this Talk mic is likely all you'll need. It's plug-n-play... easy to use. But I do wish the vol/gain controls were separate but still easy to use. Great work, JLAB.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+10points
12of 14voted this as helpful.
Performance meets versatility. From intensive video and graphics files to high-octane gaming, the most powerful Surface laptop yet combines speed, graphics, and long battery life with the versatility of a laptop, tablet, and portable studio. Tackle your biggest demands with quadcore powered 10th Gen Intel Core processors, blazing NVIDIA graphics, and high-resolution PixelSense Display designed for Surface Pen* and touch.
Customer Rating
5
Great laptop with serious performance ability
on July 9, 2020
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
DISCLAIMER: As a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Network, I was given this item in order to use, test, and give my honest and unbiased review which you will find below.
The Microsoft Surface Book 3 has come out with a few configurations in both the 13.5" and 15" models. This review will be for the Surface Book 3 15", 512GB SSD, 32GB RAM, with Intel Core i7-1065G7 10th gen chip. The package comes with the Surface Book 3, power supply + connecting cord and minimal paperwork. The Book 3 comes with a 1-year limited hardware warranty.
PROS:
-----------
* Incredibly sturdy and solid feel. Great look with sleek, matte finish, and chrome windows logo on top
* All SSD "hard drive" in addition to 10th-gen i7 chip operates faster than traditional hard drives and has quick boot-up.
* Both facing and rear cameras are very clear. When using Skype or Zoom, there is little-to-no distortion or fuzziness.
* The facial recognition capabilities of the Book 3 is better than all other PCs I have had that used this function. To unlock, if you're in the vicinity, it unlocks quickly and easily.
* Vents are conveniently located on the top of the unit in front of the screen (past the keyboard numbers) and are generally out of sight from the user as it's embedded in the crease. The unit can sit in your lap without having to worry with heat not having a way to be released from the bottom like many laptops. Vents are also included on the outer shell of the screen for when in separated mode. This is an incredibly great feature for vent placement. As always, less heat is better.
* Screen can be removed and used as a tablet; however, understand that the screen does not just pop off. You must engage the "screen removal" icon in the taskbar area or you may damage the unit. Once disconnected, the screen can be rotated in any direction and auto-rotate will occur. Keyboard functions are available as well. Finger gestures are simple and worked without flaw.
* Magnetic power cord attachment! You can attach the power cord with the cord facing towards or away from you due to the engineering of the cord itself. It pops right in the slot either way for the benefit of the user and cord management. See pictures I included.
-----------
* Incredibly sturdy and solid feel. Great look with sleek, matte finish, and chrome windows logo on top
* All SSD "hard drive" in addition to 10th-gen i7 chip operates faster than traditional hard drives and has quick boot-up.
* Both facing and rear cameras are very clear. When using Skype or Zoom, there is little-to-no distortion or fuzziness.
* The facial recognition capabilities of the Book 3 is better than all other PCs I have had that used this function. To unlock, if you're in the vicinity, it unlocks quickly and easily.
* Vents are conveniently located on the top of the unit in front of the screen (past the keyboard numbers) and are generally out of sight from the user as it's embedded in the crease. The unit can sit in your lap without having to worry with heat not having a way to be released from the bottom like many laptops. Vents are also included on the outer shell of the screen for when in separated mode. This is an incredibly great feature for vent placement. As always, less heat is better.
* Screen can be removed and used as a tablet; however, understand that the screen does not just pop off. You must engage the "screen removal" icon in the taskbar area or you may damage the unit. Once disconnected, the screen can be rotated in any direction and auto-rotate will occur. Keyboard functions are available as well. Finger gestures are simple and worked without flaw.
* Magnetic power cord attachment! You can attach the power cord with the cord facing towards or away from you due to the engineering of the cord itself. It pops right in the slot either way for the benefit of the user and cord management. See pictures I included.
CONS:
-----------
* Location of wired headphones jack. It is located on the side of the top-right part of the screen. If the Book 3 is open, then you have a wire hanging from the top-right corner which is awkward. Perhaps the bottom corner would be better so if disconnected from the hinge, you can still use the wired headphones easily.
* The provided power cables do not have an attached velcro strap for cable management or for when packing up to travel. It would be nice to have a strap for keeping cables intact when putting in computer bag.
-----------
* Location of wired headphones jack. It is located on the side of the top-right part of the screen. If the Book 3 is open, then you have a wire hanging from the top-right corner which is awkward. Perhaps the bottom corner would be better so if disconnected from the hinge, you can still use the wired headphones easily.
* The provided power cables do not have an attached velcro strap for cable management or for when packing up to travel. It would be nice to have a strap for keeping cables intact when putting in computer bag.
PERFORMANCE:
-------------------
I have mostly used photo and video-editing software on this laptop. I use an older version of Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020, but moreso CyberLink PowerDirector 15 (PD15) for video editing youtube and baseball videos. I have traditionally used a high-end gaming laptop for video editing as desktop components are usually more robust than laptops. That gaming desktop has 24GB RAM and runs Win10x64 w/AMD Ryzen 5 1400 Quad-Core processor at 3.20GHz.
-------------------
I have mostly used photo and video-editing software on this laptop. I use an older version of Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020, but moreso CyberLink PowerDirector 15 (PD15) for video editing youtube and baseball videos. I have traditionally used a high-end gaming laptop for video editing as desktop components are usually more robust than laptops. That gaming desktop has 24GB RAM and runs Win10x64 w/AMD Ryzen 5 1400 Quad-Core processor at 3.20GHz.
I put this laptop to the test and wanted to see which PC would complete a 1m11sec video production from MT2S to MPEG-4 1920x1080/30p (11Mbps) which included the original multi-trimmed video, transitions, layover graphics, and audio layover. The rendering took 2m25s for the desktop while the Book 3 took 2m31s. There was not much fan activity (if any) at the conveniently-located vents. Very little heat was created from the unit which was good. When using PD15 constantly, it kept up during transition creation and audio editing. There was no lag, and the Book 3 did not seem overworked as the fan rarely kicked in. When using Photoshop and PS Elements, the Book 3 didn't flinch. All functions worked quickly and without flaw - just as well as my gaming desktop.
Having said that, I also did a little gaming using the Steam platform. I played Grid 2. It was an installed platform/program, not streaming. It did not lag in any way while I had BT ear buds cranking the audio to my ears. The Book 3 never faltered. Now unlike the video editing, when gaming, the fans did in fact did hit high speed, and took about a full 1-2 minutes to return to normal levels after I shut down the Steam gaming platform.
In running Ookla Speed test app and nothing else running, I have a 1Gbs fiber line (1G up and down), and it pulled 590Mbs down and 550Mbs up using 802.11ac connection type on 5GHz channel. All "eco" settings were disabled for the wifi adapter to get maximum performance. These values are as good as any laptop or desktop available as far as wifi is concerned. This laptop does not feature an ethernet port, so wired access was not tested.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* Ports include 2 x USB-A (version 3.1 Gen 2), 1 x USB-C® (version 3.1 Gen 2 with USB Power Delivery 3.0), 3.5mm headphone jack, Full-size SDXC card reader. If you need an ethernet port, you'll have to get a USB-C--to--Ethernet adapter.
* I still like to use a mouse instead of the touchpad. The touchpad has the option to be turned off if a mouse is connected. This is a must-have so when typing, so when your thumbs accidentally touch the pad, the cursor does not move.
* The Book 3 comes with 2 internal batteries... I'm assuming one in each piece so the screen can work as a standalone.
* When closed, there is a magnetic "pull" as the screen touches the keyboard bottom area... then it more or less snaps shut with magnets.
* Power and volume buttons are on the top left of the screen section. This is done in the event the screen is separated, you can still control the power and volume easily if the keyboard is not attached.
-----------------------------------
* Ports include 2 x USB-A (version 3.1 Gen 2), 1 x USB-C® (version 3.1 Gen 2 with USB Power Delivery 3.0), 3.5mm headphone jack, Full-size SDXC card reader. If you need an ethernet port, you'll have to get a USB-C--to--Ethernet adapter.
* I still like to use a mouse instead of the touchpad. The touchpad has the option to be turned off if a mouse is connected. This is a must-have so when typing, so when your thumbs accidentally touch the pad, the cursor does not move.
* The Book 3 comes with 2 internal batteries... I'm assuming one in each piece so the screen can work as a standalone.
* When closed, there is a magnetic "pull" as the screen touches the keyboard bottom area... then it more or less snaps shut with magnets.
* Power and volume buttons are on the top left of the screen section. This is done in the event the screen is separated, you can still control the power and volume easily if the keyboard is not attached.
CONCLUSION:
===================
I don't know that there is a better Windows 10 laptop out there than the new Surface Book 3. Performance-wise, I haven't seen another laptop that can touch it. I had a "gaming laptop" from another manufacturer in the past, and as soon as nearly any program was opened, the fan on that unit would go full blast and struggle to keep up. This unit did not do that until it was pushed to the limit with a more involved gaming environment. But for audio/video/photo editing, this Book 3 didn't blink. I highly recommend this Book3 for performance-based apps and if you like having that detachable tablet feature. It is by far my favorite laptop I own. I was unable to test other advertised peripherals (ie. pen) as they were not included.
===================
I don't know that there is a better Windows 10 laptop out there than the new Surface Book 3. Performance-wise, I haven't seen another laptop that can touch it. I had a "gaming laptop" from another manufacturer in the past, and as soon as nearly any program was opened, the fan on that unit would go full blast and struggle to keep up. This unit did not do that until it was pushed to the limit with a more involved gaming environment. But for audio/video/photo editing, this Book 3 didn't blink. I highly recommend this Book3 for performance-based apps and if you like having that detachable tablet feature. It is by far my favorite laptop I own. I was unable to test other advertised peripherals (ie. pen) as they were not included.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+9points
12of 15voted this as helpful.
Enjoy your favorite podcasts and music on the go with these Skullcandy Indy Evo true wireless earbuds. The sweat-resistant and water-resistant design is ideal for workouts, while the Tile technology lets you track and find them when lost. These Skullcandy Indy Evo true wireless earbuds offer up to 30 hours of battery life for continuous entertainment.
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
Skull Candy has come out with "version 2.0" of their Indy "Evo" True Wireless In-Ear Headphones/earbuds. They have made some improvements from the previous model in this latest version. In the box you get the earbuds, charging case, USB-to-USB-C charging cable, 2 more pairs of rubber earbud parts of different sizes, 1 extra set of rubber earbud "place setters(?)", and paperwork/instructions. They come with a 2-year warranty.
DISCLAIMER: I paired up these earbuds with both a Samsung Fold and a Samsung S20 Ultra for testing purposes
DISCLAIMER: I paired up these earbuds with both a Samsung Fold and a Samsung S20 Ultra for testing purposes
PROS:
-----------
* Biggest plus is using USB-C for charging the case! No more micro-USB. That is huge. Faster charging and easier plug-in.
* They have a very low-profile look and don't stick out of your ear very far (no Frankenstein look)
* Fit easily into the charging case and easily removable as well with the small rubber handle ends
* Paired easily with the Samsung phones I used.
* The touch controls were easy to use with voice prompts in each ear
* You can use them independently of each other (1 in-ear with other in charging case).
-----------
* Biggest plus is using USB-C for charging the case! No more micro-USB. That is huge. Faster charging and easier plug-in.
* They have a very low-profile look and don't stick out of your ear very far (no Frankenstein look)
* Fit easily into the charging case and easily removable as well with the small rubber handle ends
* Paired easily with the Samsung phones I used.
* The touch controls were easy to use with voice prompts in each ear
* You can use them independently of each other (1 in-ear with other in charging case).
CONS:
-----------
* The case's top is magnetized to the bottom when it closes; however, when it closes with the earbuds in the case, it doesn't have that magnetic "snap" it has when the earbuds are not in the case. I don't know if it was planned this way, but it doesn't feel as "shut" as it could be because some of the rubber of the earbuds is just high enough inside the case that the top just closes but doesn't "snap" like it should. It tends to open easier because it's not *completely* closed.
* For me, I had to use the bigger rubber pieces in order to keep these buds from falling out of my ear. They took some getting used to as they hurt my ears about 30 minutes after wearing. I took them out for about an hour, tried again, and they didn't bother me as much. I'm used to using earbuds with a "wing" on the back that secure them in a different way.
* Call quality was not very good. I called someone on these buds and they told me that I sounded like I was in a tunnel and the sound was very hollow and not extremely clear. They are an improvement over the previous model but this area still needs some work.
* I did not see much use of the Skull Candy app as you had to start from scratch each time and tap "Let's Go". Options were limited too.
* The Tile app can be used to find your earbuds if you lose them, but the app wants to run in the background all the time thus wearing out your battery quicker. When I did try the locate feature, GPS was good; however the audible sound that came out of them was not very loud... If they get lost outside, you might not find them because of the low volume they emit, even though at a high pitch/frequency.
* I listened while paired up on a Samsung Fold and the volume level, even at its highest, was extremely weak and had little-to-no bass. I listened while paired up to my Samsung S20 Ultra, and volume levels were quite better; however still lacked in high quality audio with good bass. For cheaper non-flagship earbuds, the sound I got is about what I expected. So if these earbuds are very weak, try on a different device and see if that changes anything for you.
* At moderate levels of volume (75%), I only got about 4 hours 30 minutes of playing time, well short of the 6 hours advertised.
-----------
* The case's top is magnetized to the bottom when it closes; however, when it closes with the earbuds in the case, it doesn't have that magnetic "snap" it has when the earbuds are not in the case. I don't know if it was planned this way, but it doesn't feel as "shut" as it could be because some of the rubber of the earbuds is just high enough inside the case that the top just closes but doesn't "snap" like it should. It tends to open easier because it's not *completely* closed.
* For me, I had to use the bigger rubber pieces in order to keep these buds from falling out of my ear. They took some getting used to as they hurt my ears about 30 minutes after wearing. I took them out for about an hour, tried again, and they didn't bother me as much. I'm used to using earbuds with a "wing" on the back that secure them in a different way.
* Call quality was not very good. I called someone on these buds and they told me that I sounded like I was in a tunnel and the sound was very hollow and not extremely clear. They are an improvement over the previous model but this area still needs some work.
* I did not see much use of the Skull Candy app as you had to start from scratch each time and tap "Let's Go". Options were limited too.
* The Tile app can be used to find your earbuds if you lose them, but the app wants to run in the background all the time thus wearing out your battery quicker. When I did try the locate feature, GPS was good; however the audible sound that came out of them was not very loud... If they get lost outside, you might not find them because of the low volume they emit, even though at a high pitch/frequency.
* I listened while paired up on a Samsung Fold and the volume level, even at its highest, was extremely weak and had little-to-no bass. I listened while paired up to my Samsung S20 Ultra, and volume levels were quite better; however still lacked in high quality audio with good bass. For cheaper non-flagship earbuds, the sound I got is about what I expected. So if these earbuds are very weak, try on a different device and see if that changes anything for you.
* At moderate levels of volume (75%), I only got about 4 hours 30 minutes of playing time, well short of the 6 hours advertised.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* You have to be careful when touching your ear area since the end caps are touch-sensitive and can affect volume levels or pause/play depending on how you touch them.
* The charging case is made of plastic and is light to carry around with you. It feels a little cheap but still solid in it's build.
* The provided charging cord is 10-inches long and is not capable of wireless/induction charging
* The earbuds are considered to be "ready" when you open the charging case and see solid RED lights on each ear bud. For a more universal "ready" color, perhaps they should be green instead since red typically signifies charging or "not ready".
-----------------------------------
* You have to be careful when touching your ear area since the end caps are touch-sensitive and can affect volume levels or pause/play depending on how you touch them.
* The charging case is made of plastic and is light to carry around with you. It feels a little cheap but still solid in it's build.
* The provided charging cord is 10-inches long and is not capable of wireless/induction charging
* The earbuds are considered to be "ready" when you open the charging case and see solid RED lights on each ear bud. For a more universal "ready" color, perhaps they should be green instead since red typically signifies charging or "not ready".
CONCLUSION:
===================
These ear buds should work for people that don't require high-end audio performance. If you're simply watching news, radio, or talking on the phone, they will provide a true wireless solution. They did not provide a ton of bass in my opinion and clarity was lacking overall. For the average joe, these should suffice though and are a bargain for what they offer.
===================
These ear buds should work for people that don't require high-end audio performance. If you're simply watching news, radio, or talking on the phone, they will provide a true wireless solution. They did not provide a ton of bass in my opinion and clarity was lacking overall. For the average joe, these should suffice though and are a bargain for what they offer.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+12points
18of 24voted this as helpful.
Maintain cleanliness with this LG CordZero A9 ultimate cordless stick vacuum. Three modes, wall-mount, self-standing and compact, deliver convenient portability and ease of storage while requiring no drilling or installation. Two swappable portable batteries let you clean with this LG CordZero A9 ultimate cordless stick vacuum while simultaneously charging a backup power source for uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
LG redesigned their CordZero vacuum line for 2020 now with the motor being near the user's hand rather than along the lower end of the vacuum body like their previous CordZero line. The "Ultimate" option also includes a couple extra parts the regular "Charge" model does not. The box includes the vacuum cleaner body, extension wand, charging station (top of stand or wall-mount) + stand/base, charging adapter, Two 2000mAh rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, mounting hardware, power floor nozzle, power carpet nozzle, power punch nozzle (upholstery), detachable nozzle storage piece, crevice attachment, 2-in-1 brush/crevice attachment, a spare pre-filter, owner's manual/paperwork, and a suction-cupped maintenance and quick guide to hang nearby if needed. The vacuum comes with a 1-10 year warranty depending on the parts.
PROS:
-----------
* The fact that you have 2 batteries is one of the biggest reasons to get this package. There is no reason to have a non-ejectable "built-in" battery so that you're unable to complete a job. And you get not 1 but 2 batteries which doubles your cleaning time.
* There is NO index finger trigger button to power on/off. This is awesome. I do NOT want to keep a button depressed for 15-20 minutes while I vacuum. Instead, go to my next point...
* Simple operation with only 3 buttons. Power ON/OFF, standard mode, power/turbo mode combo (5 sec hold for turbo). When you select a mode, it stays in that mode until you change the mode or turn off the unit. Some OTHER brands will leave a higher power mode on for only a specific allotted amount of time, then you must hit the button again to engage it again to remain at that speed for another finite amount of time.
* Extremely easy to vacuum hardwoods/tile. The roller on the backside of the unit is rubber. As you rotate your wrist and move forward/backward, the vacuum moves with good precision and doesn't slide easily from side-to-side.
* Good stand design. It can hold 4 of the 5 attachments at one time. The only oddball out is the upholstery tool which can go in a nearby drawer. The power cord attaches to top/back of the stand with the cord running in a small crevice to conceal it from view. If mounted, the base and stand is not used thus eliminating a hanging spot for 1 floor tool (either the carpet or the hard floor nozzle).
* 3 simple lights designate the power remaining while vacuuming. Light sequence is 3 solid lights, 2 solid lights, 1 solid light, 1 blinking light, then the unit cuts off.
* All nozzles/attachments CLICK into place to secure a nice fit without coming off.
* The telescoping "extension" wand is really great for changing lengths of the unit when needed. (ie. Floor = full length. Doing stairs = shorter length). You can also remove the wand completely and attach any of the 5 heads to the base if you need to vacuum up close (ie. car seats, furniture, etc).
-----------
* The fact that you have 2 batteries is one of the biggest reasons to get this package. There is no reason to have a non-ejectable "built-in" battery so that you're unable to complete a job. And you get not 1 but 2 batteries which doubles your cleaning time.
* There is NO index finger trigger button to power on/off. This is awesome. I do NOT want to keep a button depressed for 15-20 minutes while I vacuum. Instead, go to my next point...
* Simple operation with only 3 buttons. Power ON/OFF, standard mode, power/turbo mode combo (5 sec hold for turbo). When you select a mode, it stays in that mode until you change the mode or turn off the unit. Some OTHER brands will leave a higher power mode on for only a specific allotted amount of time, then you must hit the button again to engage it again to remain at that speed for another finite amount of time.
* Extremely easy to vacuum hardwoods/tile. The roller on the backside of the unit is rubber. As you rotate your wrist and move forward/backward, the vacuum moves with good precision and doesn't slide easily from side-to-side.
* Good stand design. It can hold 4 of the 5 attachments at one time. The only oddball out is the upholstery tool which can go in a nearby drawer. The power cord attaches to top/back of the stand with the cord running in a small crevice to conceal it from view. If mounted, the base and stand is not used thus eliminating a hanging spot for 1 floor tool (either the carpet or the hard floor nozzle).
* 3 simple lights designate the power remaining while vacuuming. Light sequence is 3 solid lights, 2 solid lights, 1 solid light, 1 blinking light, then the unit cuts off.
* All nozzles/attachments CLICK into place to secure a nice fit without coming off.
* The telescoping "extension" wand is really great for changing lengths of the unit when needed. (ie. Floor = full length. Doing stairs = shorter length). You can also remove the wand completely and attach any of the 5 heads to the base if you need to vacuum up close (ie. car seats, furniture, etc).
CONS:
-----------
* Not the cheapest of cordless vacuum cleaners (possibly due to the extra battery included)
* If vacuuming thicker carpet, you will need a use a bit more muscle as the rollers on the bottom of the unit are not big, thus making it feel like you're simply pushing/pulling the unit without rollers. Some big corded vacuums might be easier to push/pull on carpet even.
* Though I did not time this, the owners manual states one battery takes 3.5 hours to recharge fully. And even though both batteries can be engaged in the charging stand at the same time (1 in the stand, the other in the vacuum cleaner), only 1 can charge at a time. And the one in the vacuum charges first, then the extra battery will charge after that even though the white charging light on the bonus battery slot still blinks. It's a bit weird but the instructions explain it. It would be good if there was a quick charge possibility, but given you get 2 batteries, I'll take the trade-off.
* The rear slot in which one of the crevice tools is attached to the charging station can be a little more difficult to reach than the front attachment area just due to placement. Definitely not a deal-killer, but keep the most used of the 2 crevice tools in the front if using the "stand" option (not mounted to a wall).
* Low suction speed "standard mode" feels a little less suctiony than another high-dollar vacuum brand. I compared it to that brand with no nozzles attached and the other brand did have a bit more suction on its lowest speed. I feel that the user may need to use "power" mode to get the cleaning ability you really want. With 2 batteries and good runtime, most jobs should be ok with that.
* Though emptying is simple, the button to release the dust collector was more tight than I would expect. This may be due to the tightness of the bottom lid with rubber gasket so that dust doesn't come out. Again, not a deal-killer.
* When putting the unit onto the charging stand, it doesn't just slide into a groove - you must put it somewhat in the groove and just guide itself down until it clicks. This is really nit-picky but it just didn't attach itself into the charging position like for instance the same way the attachments slide (with no wiggle room) onto the unit and click into place. It just feels a little rickety in a small way when placing it on the charging area.
-----------
* Not the cheapest of cordless vacuum cleaners (possibly due to the extra battery included)
* If vacuuming thicker carpet, you will need a use a bit more muscle as the rollers on the bottom of the unit are not big, thus making it feel like you're simply pushing/pulling the unit without rollers. Some big corded vacuums might be easier to push/pull on carpet even.
* Though I did not time this, the owners manual states one battery takes 3.5 hours to recharge fully. And even though both batteries can be engaged in the charging stand at the same time (1 in the stand, the other in the vacuum cleaner), only 1 can charge at a time. And the one in the vacuum charges first, then the extra battery will charge after that even though the white charging light on the bonus battery slot still blinks. It's a bit weird but the instructions explain it. It would be good if there was a quick charge possibility, but given you get 2 batteries, I'll take the trade-off.
* The rear slot in which one of the crevice tools is attached to the charging station can be a little more difficult to reach than the front attachment area just due to placement. Definitely not a deal-killer, but keep the most used of the 2 crevice tools in the front if using the "stand" option (not mounted to a wall).
* Low suction speed "standard mode" feels a little less suctiony than another high-dollar vacuum brand. I compared it to that brand with no nozzles attached and the other brand did have a bit more suction on its lowest speed. I feel that the user may need to use "power" mode to get the cleaning ability you really want. With 2 batteries and good runtime, most jobs should be ok with that.
* Though emptying is simple, the button to release the dust collector was more tight than I would expect. This may be due to the tightness of the bottom lid with rubber gasket so that dust doesn't come out. Again, not a deal-killer.
* When putting the unit onto the charging stand, it doesn't just slide into a groove - you must put it somewhat in the groove and just guide itself down until it clicks. This is really nit-picky but it just didn't attach itself into the charging position like for instance the same way the attachments slide (with no wiggle room) onto the unit and click into place. It just feels a little rickety in a small way when placing it on the charging area.
OBSERVED TIMES:
---------------------
THESE TIMES are with unit simply running but not being used on floor/surface (1 battery pack):
LOW "STANDARD" POWER, CARPET ATTACHMENT - 34 min 30 sec (LG claims 30m)
MEDIUM "POWER" POWER, CARPET ATTACHMENT - 13 min 32 sec (LG claims 9m)
HIGH "TURBO" POWER, CARPET ATTACHMENT - 6 min 30 sec (LG claims 6m)
---------------------
THESE TIMES are with unit simply running but not being used on floor/surface (1 battery pack):
LOW "STANDARD" POWER, CARPET ATTACHMENT - 34 min 30 sec (LG claims 30m)
MEDIUM "POWER" POWER, CARPET ATTACHMENT - 13 min 32 sec (LG claims 9m)
HIGH "TURBO" POWER, CARPET ATTACHMENT - 6 min 30 sec (LG claims 6m)
ACTUAL USE (1 battery pack):
MEDIUM "POWER" POWER, CARPET (7m) then HARDWOOD(5:30) attachment - 12 min 33 sec
Sorry, I did not time any other use.
MEDIUM "POWER" POWER, CARPET (7m) then HARDWOOD(5:30) attachment - 12 min 33 sec
Sorry, I did not time any other use.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* Times overall are on par or slightly better than advertised times in the manual. Keep in mind that as time goes on, the batteries will naturally lose their longevity and they may eventually need to be replaced. No battery lasts forever.
* The 2 smaller attachments click into place on the charging station and can rotate 270 degrees left, front, right (with the button facing those directions).
* After using in power and turbo mode for an entire duration of battery life, the batteries did not get too hot to the touch nor did it feel like the unit was overheated. If there is a blockage in the tube though, it may start to overheat and/or simply power off so the blockage can be removed.
* All filters are washable so they can be used over and over. Just make sure they are completely dry before inserting back into the machine. At some point, they may have to be replaced though if used a ton.
-----------------------------------
* Times overall are on par or slightly better than advertised times in the manual. Keep in mind that as time goes on, the batteries will naturally lose their longevity and they may eventually need to be replaced. No battery lasts forever.
* The 2 smaller attachments click into place on the charging station and can rotate 270 degrees left, front, right (with the button facing those directions).
* After using in power and turbo mode for an entire duration of battery life, the batteries did not get too hot to the touch nor did it feel like the unit was overheated. If there is a blockage in the tube though, it may start to overheat and/or simply power off so the blockage can be removed.
* All filters are washable so they can be used over and over. Just make sure they are completely dry before inserting back into the machine. At some point, they may have to be replaced though if used a ton.
CONCLUSION:
===================
I have tried 3 different cordless vacuum systems including this one. This unit is definite my favorite. The best selling point is getting 2 batteries though at the price point it's selling at, that may be why the price is so high. The other vacuums were a bit cheaper but came with only 1 battery or a single built-in battery that couldn't be swapped out (only charged inside the unit). The other great feature is the number of attachments/nozzles (5) and the ability to house 4 of them easily if the stand is used (see pictures). The base is extremely solid so it won't fall over, and the colors are nice (gray/silver) and can pretty much fit in anywhere. The overall design is well thought out and should be very comparable or better than its competitors. A little more suction would be nice in standard mode, but overall a great product. Great job, LG!
===================
I have tried 3 different cordless vacuum systems including this one. This unit is definite my favorite. The best selling point is getting 2 batteries though at the price point it's selling at, that may be why the price is so high. The other vacuums were a bit cheaper but came with only 1 battery or a single built-in battery that couldn't be swapped out (only charged inside the unit). The other great feature is the number of attachments/nozzles (5) and the ability to house 4 of them easily if the stand is used (see pictures). The base is extremely solid so it won't fall over, and the colors are nice (gray/silver) and can pretty much fit in anywhere. The overall design is well thought out and should be very comparable or better than its competitors. A little more suction would be nice in standard mode, but overall a great product. Great job, LG!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+16points
17of 18voted this as helpful.
Keep your patios and entryways looking great with this Hoover ONEPWR cordless hard-surface sweeper kit. The lightweight construction makes cleaning tasks easier, while the long-lasting battery lets you get through extensive jobs before having to recharge. This Hoover ONEPWR cordless hard-surface sweeper kit blows up to 85 mph to get solid results fast.
Customer Rating
5
Great Tool for Quick Blowing of Patios/Porches
on December 21, 2019
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
Hoover has an available smaller-sized blower that is great for simple tasks and without the hassle of cords. It's the ONEPWR Cordless Hard Surface Sweeper. This is no broom. It's a mini blower. It comes with the unit itself, a ONEPWR Lithium ION battery pack, battery pack charger w/AC adapter, extension attachment, end attachment, and paperwork.
PROS:
-----------
* Like some other brands out there, Hoover has created an entire line of tools that operate off of one size battery attachment. This can be convenient; however, multiple batteries may need to be purchased as they wear out over time. This is a better option than having the battery built-in to the unit. No cords!
* Very portable and lightweight. It can be propped up in a very small space with the charger being stored anywhere. It weighs only 4.8 lbs so it shouldn't be a strain even to smaller/shorter people out there that can't use heavy equipment.
* While using, it has a comfortable grip. The end of the handle bends down which helps with it not being pushed back off your hand while in use.
* Charge time for a completely empty battery is not bad. I was unable to monitor to the minute it completed, but did notice it took less than 1h 20m to recharge fully.
* There is a battery charge indicator on the battery itself which can be checked on or off the unit. Between 1 and 4 dots indicate charge remaining.
* There are 2 attachments - the end attachment and the long piece. You will use the end piece regardless; however, you can attach it to the long piece OR the base unit itself in the event the longer extension is not needed (ie. blowing off steps while going up the staircase, the short version may work better).
* The ON/OFF switch stays on and off easily and can't be easily reversed as the sliding switch takes some force and clicks into place well.
-----------
* Like some other brands out there, Hoover has created an entire line of tools that operate off of one size battery attachment. This can be convenient; however, multiple batteries may need to be purchased as they wear out over time. This is a better option than having the battery built-in to the unit. No cords!
* Very portable and lightweight. It can be propped up in a very small space with the charger being stored anywhere. It weighs only 4.8 lbs so it shouldn't be a strain even to smaller/shorter people out there that can't use heavy equipment.
* While using, it has a comfortable grip. The end of the handle bends down which helps with it not being pushed back off your hand while in use.
* Charge time for a completely empty battery is not bad. I was unable to monitor to the minute it completed, but did notice it took less than 1h 20m to recharge fully.
* There is a battery charge indicator on the battery itself which can be checked on or off the unit. Between 1 and 4 dots indicate charge remaining.
* There are 2 attachments - the end attachment and the long piece. You will use the end piece regardless; however, you can attach it to the long piece OR the base unit itself in the event the longer extension is not needed (ie. blowing off steps while going up the staircase, the short version may work better).
* The ON/OFF switch stays on and off easily and can't be easily reversed as the sliding switch takes some force and clicks into place well.
CONS:
-----------
* For those that like for these tools to be hung, this tool is absent of that option. The only way for it to be hung would be for 2 "arms" shoot out about a foot from the wall spaced about 8" apart, you might be able to hand upside down (motor on top) since the end of the unit flares out.
* The unit only has 1 speed blower. Having a speed 1/2 as strong for lighter-duty work might be useful and extend the use time.
-----------
* For those that like for these tools to be hung, this tool is absent of that option. The only way for it to be hung would be for 2 "arms" shoot out about a foot from the wall spaced about 8" apart, you might be able to hand upside down (motor on top) since the end of the unit flares out.
* The unit only has 1 speed blower. Having a speed 1/2 as strong for lighter-duty work might be useful and extend the use time.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* This package comes with a 2.0Ah Li-ION battery but a longer-lasting 3.0Ah can be purchased (and recommended).
* Hoover claims a 16-minute run-time with the 2.0Ah battery; however, I was only able to get MAX 14:45 out of mine and that was with the unit not moving. Times ranged from 14:30 to 14:40 mostly. Moving the unit will cause some side-to-side force on the rotating parts, so I would expect even further of a loss of time of use when using for a real job. This will usually be enough time for small jobs; however, if more time is needed, that extra battery will come in handy.
* Keep in mind that this unit is NOT for serious yard work or for blowing leaves in the yard which it still can do to an extent. This unit is better used for maybe garage floors, patios, tennis courts, basketball courts - anything that has light debris on it that needs to be removed. And you need to be able to finish the job in 14 minutes if you only have 1 battery.
* The charger has an AC cord length of 6 feet. It is not USB.
-----------------------------------
* This package comes with a 2.0Ah Li-ION battery but a longer-lasting 3.0Ah can be purchased (and recommended).
* Hoover claims a 16-minute run-time with the 2.0Ah battery; however, I was only able to get MAX 14:45 out of mine and that was with the unit not moving. Times ranged from 14:30 to 14:40 mostly. Moving the unit will cause some side-to-side force on the rotating parts, so I would expect even further of a loss of time of use when using for a real job. This will usually be enough time for small jobs; however, if more time is needed, that extra battery will come in handy.
* Keep in mind that this unit is NOT for serious yard work or for blowing leaves in the yard which it still can do to an extent. This unit is better used for maybe garage floors, patios, tennis courts, basketball courts - anything that has light debris on it that needs to be removed. And you need to be able to finish the job in 14 minutes if you only have 1 battery.
* The charger has an AC cord length of 6 feet. It is not USB.
CONCLUSION:
===================
Overall, a nice product for the use that it's intended for - simple jobs that don't require a ton of air force or time. Since the product can be placed in an upright position, it can go just about anywhere out of the way. It's really great for the Fall when leaves can sometimes be annoyances on front porches or rear patios and using a broom is a hassle especially when trying to get behind grills, furniture, table legs, etc. Then if you have other Hoover cordless ONEPWR products, you may also rotate the battery(s) between products which is a convenience. My only gripe would be to give customers an original 3Ah longer-lasting battery instead of the 2Ah battery... and just have one battery for everything, giving everyone the quality of longevity from the start.
===================
Overall, a nice product for the use that it's intended for - simple jobs that don't require a ton of air force or time. Since the product can be placed in an upright position, it can go just about anywhere out of the way. It's really great for the Fall when leaves can sometimes be annoyances on front porches or rear patios and using a broom is a hassle especially when trying to get behind grills, furniture, table legs, etc. Then if you have other Hoover cordless ONEPWR products, you may also rotate the battery(s) between products which is a convenience. My only gripe would be to give customers an original 3Ah longer-lasting battery instead of the 2Ah battery... and just have one battery for everything, giving everyone the quality of longevity from the start.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+9points
9of 9voted this as helpful.
Make your photos look amazing with Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020. The Adobe Sensei AI technology powers automated options to get a starting point for creative exploration, and the Guided Edits feature allows removing unwanted objects to achieve the result you want. Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 lets you easily edit photos, make clips, and create memes to share on your favorite social websites.
Customer Rating
5
Elements 2020 is a huge hit!
on October 25, 2019
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
Adobe has released a new revision of Elements - the 2020 version. I used a download link in order to get the product. It came with a PRODUCT KEY so I could have a registered and fully active version.
DISCLAIMER: I have never used Photoshop Elements before; however, I have used Adobe Photoshop extensively over the last decade along with Adobe Premiere and other video editing software. I have included some examples of some simple creations to this review.
PROS:
-----------
* Setup was easy; however, you will want a fast internet connection as the download is slightly over 3.5GB.
* I thought it was really cool how the program would automatically make some picture creations of pictures I was already working with. Not only did it show me more capabilities of the program, but you are able to open the .PSD file it creates and see the edits/masks within the .PSD editor on the right side of the screen in case you want to learn how to use those edits on other photos. I would call it indirect training within the program. I think it's a nice perk.
* It has the ability to show your original photo and edited photo side-by-side so you can see how the new version looks compared to the original.
* When using the CROP function, you can maintain the original photo length ratios or change to 16:9, or even basic predetermined photo sizes.
* Facial blemishes can be a thing of the past should it be needed. I was able to do this in regular Photoshop, but with Elements, it was easier.
* A nice feature is the "B&W Color Pop" function where you can pick which color you want to see while everything else is black and white. You can pick from red/yellow/blue/green or your own custom color. It is nice functionality with more editing within this feature.
* Double-exposure function works well with creating some interesting superimposed pictures on top of others. This feature may take a bit more imagination but I did one for my son's homecoming group/dates and it turned out great. Those may require a bit more planning to get the right double-exposure you're looking for.
* You have the ability to export the photo directly to Social Networks Twitter or Flickr after making edits. Facebook and Instagram would be good additions to have on there but they are currently not there.
* You have the ability to export any final creation to Fujifilm for Adobe Photoshop Elements and have specialized products made (ie: Paper/canvass Prints, coffee mugs, phone cases, metal/mounted prints, etc). This is a great feature if you want a more personalized gift to give someone.
-----------
* Setup was easy; however, you will want a fast internet connection as the download is slightly over 3.5GB.
* I thought it was really cool how the program would automatically make some picture creations of pictures I was already working with. Not only did it show me more capabilities of the program, but you are able to open the .PSD file it creates and see the edits/masks within the .PSD editor on the right side of the screen in case you want to learn how to use those edits on other photos. I would call it indirect training within the program. I think it's a nice perk.
* It has the ability to show your original photo and edited photo side-by-side so you can see how the new version looks compared to the original.
* When using the CROP function, you can maintain the original photo length ratios or change to 16:9, or even basic predetermined photo sizes.
* Facial blemishes can be a thing of the past should it be needed. I was able to do this in regular Photoshop, but with Elements, it was easier.
* A nice feature is the "B&W Color Pop" function where you can pick which color you want to see while everything else is black and white. You can pick from red/yellow/blue/green or your own custom color. It is nice functionality with more editing within this feature.
* Double-exposure function works well with creating some interesting superimposed pictures on top of others. This feature may take a bit more imagination but I did one for my son's homecoming group/dates and it turned out great. Those may require a bit more planning to get the right double-exposure you're looking for.
* You have the ability to export the photo directly to Social Networks Twitter or Flickr after making edits. Facebook and Instagram would be good additions to have on there but they are currently not there.
* You have the ability to export any final creation to Fujifilm for Adobe Photoshop Elements and have specialized products made (ie: Paper/canvass Prints, coffee mugs, phone cases, metal/mounted prints, etc). This is a great feature if you want a more personalized gift to give someone.
CONS:
-----------
* I found it a bit odd to have more than one interface with Elements 2020. A HOME screen pops up first, then I finally figured out that you need to open either the Organizer or the Photo Editor to do more. This feature is probably "normal" but new to me and is taking some getting used to. Normally, I know what I want to edit and just open the picture directly into Photoshop.
* In PREFERENCES, under Email, I was unable to configure the email client I already have installed on my PC - Mozilla Thunderbird. The only option was Microsoft Outlook.
-----------
* I found it a bit odd to have more than one interface with Elements 2020. A HOME screen pops up first, then I finally figured out that you need to open either the Organizer or the Photo Editor to do more. This feature is probably "normal" but new to me and is taking some getting used to. Normally, I know what I want to edit and just open the picture directly into Photoshop.
* In PREFERENCES, under Email, I was unable to configure the email client I already have installed on my PC - Mozilla Thunderbird. The only option was Microsoft Outlook.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* When using the function to remove something in the picture you don't want, I found that if that image is touching part of the picture that you want to keep, this function doesn't work well since there is a bit of "what is behind this person" algorithm-ing going on. Sometimes, I would try and remove another person off to the side of the main subject, but that other person is behind the target slightly, so the merging of colors didn't work well for the new background to be created.
-----------------------------------
* When using the function to remove something in the picture you don't want, I found that if that image is touching part of the picture that you want to keep, this function doesn't work well since there is a bit of "what is behind this person" algorithm-ing going on. Sometimes, I would try and remove another person off to the side of the main subject, but that other person is behind the target slightly, so the merging of colors didn't work well for the new background to be created.
CONCLUSION:
===================
To me, this program is really more about special effects than real photo editing though it does have that capability to a lesser extent vs regular Photoshop. I found the ability to fix facial skin a huge plus as we have a teenager. Random days of a breakout can happen and this can help make the picture better. I am still working through some of the editing functions, but overall I have found it an easy transition to make picture changes for the better using the 2020 Elements package. I can see where this would be good for creating a scrapbook or involved picture storybook for presentation purposes or for personal product creations (mugs, phone cases, etc.). I'm sold. I like it quite a bit.
===================
To me, this program is really more about special effects than real photo editing though it does have that capability to a lesser extent vs regular Photoshop. I found the ability to fix facial skin a huge plus as we have a teenager. Random days of a breakout can happen and this can help make the picture better. I am still working through some of the editing functions, but overall I have found it an easy transition to make picture changes for the better using the 2020 Elements package. I can see where this would be good for creating a scrapbook or involved picture storybook for presentation purposes or for personal product creations (mugs, phone cases, etc.). I'm sold. I like it quite a bit.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
The MR9000 Max Stream™ AC3000 is a mega-performance Tri-Band router that's perfect for homes who want to maximize their entertainment experience. With up to 3 Gbps of superior speed and coverage up to 3000 sq. ft., you'll always have ultrafast Wi-Fi 5 throughout your home, and it supports up to 25 devices. Tri-Band and MU-MIMO technology also make it ideal for simultaneous streaming of HD movies, online gaming and more along with less dead zones, pixelated videos, and lag. The MR9000 is also mesh enabled, making it easy to expand your Wi-Fi. So, instead of investing in a new router, you can add coverage by simply adding Linksys Velop™ Mesh Wi-Fi 5 nodes for seamless Wi-Fi everywhere. Plus, with future proofing Intelligent Mesh™ technology that adapts to your Wi-Fi needs, you'll always be on the fastest path to the Internet. This router is also easy to set up with the Linksys app and keeps your family safe with features such as Parental Controls, making it easy to manage content and screen time.
Customer Rating
5
Linksys Continues to Up the Ante
on October 13, 2019
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
Linksys has introduced their next iteration of their "Max Stream" router, an upgrade from the previously successful MR8300. The package comes with the Linksys MR9000 Max-Stream router, AC power adapter, CAT5 jumper cable, and Quick Start guide.
DISCLAIMER: I already have the Linksys VELOP Tri-band 3-tower system. I replaced the main VELOP tower with this Max-Stream router, then factory-reset the VELOP towers, and started from scratch to add all 4 total nodes. I made this Max-Stream router the main wired router on my AT&T U-Verse Fiber network.
PROS:
-----------
* Nice sleek, black chassis. If looks matter to you, it looks cool.
* Using the Linksys app, setup was a breeze. Adding additional nodes process was easy but did take a few minutes per node. I started with the Max-Stream router and continued with the additional 3 VELOP nodes with no issues.
* This is an upgrade from the previous MR8300 Max-Stream - the main difference between the 2 are the improved throughput overall. The 8300 was able to handle combined speeds of up to 2.2Gbps. This NEW MR9000 has a combined speed of 3.0Gpbs throughput.
* The tri-band concept combines one 2.4 GHz frequency band and two 5 GHz frequency bands. This helps with DL/UL throughput at higher speeds. The 2.4 GHz is still there for distance purposes since a 2.4GHz wave will penetrate through barriers better than 5 GHz.
* Very good range compared to most other extender-type systems - though at long distances, the 2.4GHz will be used and speeds will suffer a bit. This is normal.
* If using with VELOP nodes, a new SSID can be created which can cover your whole house. This saves the user time and keeps devices from pinging from one SSID to another in those gray areas.
* It can be mounted if necessary.
* The big rubber feet on the bottom keep it in place nicely.
* WPS feature included, which is pretty standard.
* There are multi-colored lights on each of the 4 ports on the back to indicate connection/speed.
* A feature in the app does try and find the best channels to use for each of the 2.4/5.0 GHz channels based on current interference patterns around the area. Many times, homes in the same area (or apartments/condos) use a default or common channel... too many of those in close proximity to each other can create interference and hinder speed. The Linksys app will try and hunt a "less-hindered" channel that will optimize your internet speed.
-----------
* Nice sleek, black chassis. If looks matter to you, it looks cool.
* Using the Linksys app, setup was a breeze. Adding additional nodes process was easy but did take a few minutes per node. I started with the Max-Stream router and continued with the additional 3 VELOP nodes with no issues.
* This is an upgrade from the previous MR8300 Max-Stream - the main difference between the 2 are the improved throughput overall. The 8300 was able to handle combined speeds of up to 2.2Gbps. This NEW MR9000 has a combined speed of 3.0Gpbs throughput.
* The tri-band concept combines one 2.4 GHz frequency band and two 5 GHz frequency bands. This helps with DL/UL throughput at higher speeds. The 2.4 GHz is still there for distance purposes since a 2.4GHz wave will penetrate through barriers better than 5 GHz.
* Very good range compared to most other extender-type systems - though at long distances, the 2.4GHz will be used and speeds will suffer a bit. This is normal.
* If using with VELOP nodes, a new SSID can be created which can cover your whole house. This saves the user time and keeps devices from pinging from one SSID to another in those gray areas.
* It can be mounted if necessary.
* The big rubber feet on the bottom keep it in place nicely.
* WPS feature included, which is pretty standard.
* There are multi-colored lights on each of the 4 ports on the back to indicate connection/speed.
* A feature in the app does try and find the best channels to use for each of the 2.4/5.0 GHz channels based on current interference patterns around the area. Many times, homes in the same area (or apartments/condos) use a default or common channel... too many of those in close proximity to each other can create interference and hinder speed. The Linksys app will try and hunt a "less-hindered" channel that will optimize your internet speed.
CONS:
-----------
* Under Parent Controls (in the Linksys app), the user is unable to block all "inappropriate" websites based on website metadata. Instead, you have to enter specific website addresses one-by-one. This may still do the trick ultimately, but entering each individual website could be a bit tedious.
* I don't see a web GUI interface available. The only way to talk to your network is via Android/AppStore apps.
-----------
* Under Parent Controls (in the Linksys app), the user is unable to block all "inappropriate" websites based on website metadata. Instead, you have to enter specific website addresses one-by-one. This may still do the trick ultimately, but entering each individual website could be a bit tedious.
* I don't see a web GUI interface available. The only way to talk to your network is via Android/AppStore apps.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* AC plug uses a basic-sized sideways "brick" that may take up plug space next to itself on the power strip.
* It would be really great to have a very simple way to plug in an external HDD or high-capacity thumb drive in the 3.0 port in the back of this unit which would create a network storage point. Currently, the only thing I can see it do is charge a device (likely at 1A). It does charge, but I'm unable to see any other use for it right now. Perhaps a firmware update will change that in the future.
* There is an ON/OFF switch on the back so the unit doesn't have to be unplugged to power on and off. Sometimes getting a cord unplugged and plugged back in could be difficult to reach if placed/mounted in certain areas. See picture of rear ports included with this review.
-----------------------------------
* AC plug uses a basic-sized sideways "brick" that may take up plug space next to itself on the power strip.
* It would be really great to have a very simple way to plug in an external HDD or high-capacity thumb drive in the 3.0 port in the back of this unit which would create a network storage point. Currently, the only thing I can see it do is charge a device (likely at 1A). It does charge, but I'm unable to see any other use for it right now. Perhaps a firmware update will change that in the future.
* There is an ON/OFF switch on the back so the unit doesn't have to be unplugged to power on and off. Sometimes getting a cord unplugged and plugged back in could be difficult to reach if placed/mounted in certain areas. See picture of rear ports included with this review.
CONCLUSION:
===================
Performance and adaptability to the current VELOP system are great reasons to get this broadband router with the MESH feature and 3Gb/s total throughput. As discussed, that's an upgrade of 800Mb/s over the previous model, the MP8300. I don't see any other reason to upgrade other than to get the better throughput. If you don't need the faster rate, you can stick with the previous model; however, future-proof your home network and get the upgrade if needed. The simple interface also makes this system worth getting - it's identical to the VELOP system/process which was easy to deal with. Overall, it's a nice product and a good addition to the VELOP family. The 3Gb/s allowable speed is great too as we continue to enter deeper into the digital age. Nice work... but throw in a few more hardware and software features to really make the product wow us more.
===================
Performance and adaptability to the current VELOP system are great reasons to get this broadband router with the MESH feature and 3Gb/s total throughput. As discussed, that's an upgrade of 800Mb/s over the previous model, the MP8300. I don't see any other reason to upgrade other than to get the better throughput. If you don't need the faster rate, you can stick with the previous model; however, future-proof your home network and get the upgrade if needed. The simple interface also makes this system worth getting - it's identical to the VELOP system/process which was easy to deal with. Overall, it's a nice product and a good addition to the VELOP family. The 3Gb/s allowable speed is great too as we continue to enter deeper into the digital age. Nice work... but throw in a few more hardware and software features to really make the product wow us more.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+23points
27of 31voted this as helpful.
Take music to outdoor parties and other events with this ION Sport wireless speaker. Bluetooth connectivity allows music from streaming devices to be broadcast, and the water-resistant design provides durability and protection from the elements. This ION Sport wireless speaker has a USB charging port for conveniently recharging phones and devices.
Customer Rating
4
Good speaker but needs some refinement
on September 24, 2019
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
ION Sport Tailgate Speaker
ION has released another "tailgate" speaker for 2019, the "Sport Tailgate". This one appears to replace last year's "Tailgater Sport", so don't get confused over the naming convention. This year's ION Sport is the medium sized unit of 3 new tailgate speakers, and packs an intermediate punch. The package comes with the Speaker, 7.5-ft corded mic, 2-ft male-male auxiliary 3.5mm cable, 5.5-ft power cable, and user guide. The speaker weighs approximately 14 lbs. The manufacturer warranty is 90 days.
PROS:
-----------
* The best feature is its ruggedness and durability. It's very well built, construction-wise.
* Lots of great features including radio, bluetooth (BT), AUX 3.5mm input, microphone, built-in handle, and long-lasting battery. ION claims "several days of use" for the battery life; however, posting the number of hours available would be better.
* Allows for charging another device via USB port (5V @1Amp). Slow charging, but better than nothing.
* Durable built-in handle on the back/top side (see picture of back of unit). When carrying, the unit will tilt a bit which could be a little awkward at times if carried for longer distances due to weight.
* The front of the unit has a metal mesh cover to protect the speaker drivers. If dented, it will really stand out as damaged so be careful with the front.
* Buttons are easy to press and well-built. Display is informative enough for this product (battery level, power on, radio station). Mic/Master volume dials are solid and responsive.
* When BT-connected, the play/pause and rew/ff buttons are useful for maneuvering between tracks.
* All external ports are snugly covered to keep water out.
* Can utilize NFC to connect new BT devices. This function worked very well. I used a Samsung Galaxy Fold for BT connectivity.
-----------
* The best feature is its ruggedness and durability. It's very well built, construction-wise.
* Lots of great features including radio, bluetooth (BT), AUX 3.5mm input, microphone, built-in handle, and long-lasting battery. ION claims "several days of use" for the battery life; however, posting the number of hours available would be better.
* Allows for charging another device via USB port (5V @1Amp). Slow charging, but better than nothing.
* Durable built-in handle on the back/top side (see picture of back of unit). When carrying, the unit will tilt a bit which could be a little awkward at times if carried for longer distances due to weight.
* The front of the unit has a metal mesh cover to protect the speaker drivers. If dented, it will really stand out as damaged so be careful with the front.
* Buttons are easy to press and well-built. Display is informative enough for this product (battery level, power on, radio station). Mic/Master volume dials are solid and responsive.
* When BT-connected, the play/pause and rew/ff buttons are useful for maneuvering between tracks.
* All external ports are snugly covered to keep water out.
* Can utilize NFC to connect new BT devices. This function worked very well. I used a Samsung Galaxy Fold for BT connectivity.
CONS:
-----------
* The built-in radio antenna may be to small, poor design, or the hardware used may be 2nd-class. It does ok, but static is a problem at times especially when other devices/radios in the same location sound better.
* This is a 2-way speaker system (woofer/mid-range tweeter). That's fine; however, the quality of sound coming out of this unit is average but not distorted either. Compared to smaller BT units by other well-known manufacturers, this speaker does not sound nearly as good. But for most of those other speakers, you are also paying for the technology inside those units (which creates the better sound) along with the brand. For this product, the price point matches the sound quality. With this unit, you get a sub-par radio, decent mic, and very good ruggedness. It will take a lot to hurt this tailgate speaker.
* The unit has a "bass boost" button, but it didn't really give the boost you would expect. It's a mild increase in the higher lows and mid-bands, so it causes a little distortion in the voices in songs when played at high volume levels. When playing at high volumes, to me, it sounds better with the bass boost OFF as the sound is balanced more.
-----------
* The built-in radio antenna may be to small, poor design, or the hardware used may be 2nd-class. It does ok, but static is a problem at times especially when other devices/radios in the same location sound better.
* This is a 2-way speaker system (woofer/mid-range tweeter). That's fine; however, the quality of sound coming out of this unit is average but not distorted either. Compared to smaller BT units by other well-known manufacturers, this speaker does not sound nearly as good. But for most of those other speakers, you are also paying for the technology inside those units (which creates the better sound) along with the brand. For this product, the price point matches the sound quality. With this unit, you get a sub-par radio, decent mic, and very good ruggedness. It will take a lot to hurt this tailgate speaker.
* The unit has a "bass boost" button, but it didn't really give the boost you would expect. It's a mild increase in the higher lows and mid-bands, so it causes a little distortion in the voices in songs when played at high volume levels. When playing at high volumes, to me, it sounds better with the bass boost OFF as the sound is balanced more.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* The mic is a good add; however, if your voice is going to project louder, the user may have to cup his/her hand around the mic and put the mic close to their mouth to really elevate the voice volume. This will depend on the surrounding noise and if there is music playing on the unit as well.
* Strangely enough, there is no "single" function for this unit. I have never seen this before. The user can have every function turned on at once - Bluetooth, Mic, Radio, and AUX connection - and have them all going at the same time. Yes, 4 different audio sources playing at once. For the BT and AUX connections, those volume levels can be controlled separately but still go through the "master" volume on the ION. Same with the Mic - it can be adjusted but still ON for any function.
* The back has a screwed-on compartment. I assume this is where the rechargeable battery can be taken out and replaced by another ION battery if necessary. If so, this is a good feature to have if the battery completely dies and can't be recharged. Most other portable BT speakers have the battery embedded in the unit and can't be replaced. I did not open to verify as sometimes this can void the warranty.
-----------------------------------
* The mic is a good add; however, if your voice is going to project louder, the user may have to cup his/her hand around the mic and put the mic close to their mouth to really elevate the voice volume. This will depend on the surrounding noise and if there is music playing on the unit as well.
* Strangely enough, there is no "single" function for this unit. I have never seen this before. The user can have every function turned on at once - Bluetooth, Mic, Radio, and AUX connection - and have them all going at the same time. Yes, 4 different audio sources playing at once. For the BT and AUX connections, those volume levels can be controlled separately but still go through the "master" volume on the ION. Same with the Mic - it can be adjusted but still ON for any function.
* The back has a screwed-on compartment. I assume this is where the rechargeable battery can be taken out and replaced by another ION battery if necessary. If so, this is a good feature to have if the battery completely dies and can't be recharged. Most other portable BT speakers have the battery embedded in the unit and can't be replaced. I did not open to verify as sometimes this can void the warranty.
CONCLUSION:
===================
Overall, this is a good tailgate speaker as its name clearly states. To me, it is more for hooking up to a TV for AUX audio to boost sound of a sports telecast rather than listening to music in high quality. If I'm looking for something that has great clarity, bass, mid-range/highs, I would probably go with another speaker/system altogether. This speaker would be used more for a "don't care" environment - somewhere where you just want some music or background noise (outside). I definitely would go with other options indoors due to audio quality. Seeing as this is a "tailgate" type of speaker, it should serve its purpose as such. Audio still needs to be better though, and the radio reception needs improvement. This speaker just needs a little more refinement to be a 5-star product.
===================
Overall, this is a good tailgate speaker as its name clearly states. To me, it is more for hooking up to a TV for AUX audio to boost sound of a sports telecast rather than listening to music in high quality. If I'm looking for something that has great clarity, bass, mid-range/highs, I would probably go with another speaker/system altogether. This speaker would be used more for a "don't care" environment - somewhere where you just want some music or background noise (outside). I definitely would go with other options indoors due to audio quality. Seeing as this is a "tailgate" type of speaker, it should serve its purpose as such. Audio still needs to be better though, and the radio reception needs improvement. This speaker just needs a little more refinement to be a 5-star product.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+23points
28of 33voted this as helpful.
Drive safely with this Cobra super HD dash cam. Its 1296p recording resolution captures high-quality video footage in any lighting condition, while the extreme temperature protection is tested to withstand sudden fluctuations. This Cobra super HD dash cam provides iRadar route tracking and live police alerts when connected to the iRadar app, so you never miss a thing.
Customer Rating
3
Nice cam, but has shortcomings
on August 24, 2019
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
Cobra HD Drive Dash Cam
The Cobra HD Drive Dash Cam with iRadar is Cobra's new dash cam line for 2019... an upgrade from their previous dash cams without iRadar (which does not supply user with GPS data). The package includes the dash cam, 32GB microSD card, adhesive windshield mount, 12V vehicle power adapter, 10' microUSB cable, 1.5' microUSB cable, and quick setup. The dash cam comes with a one-year warranty on parts/labor.
PROS:
-----------
* Casing is small, light, and easy to mount. The ball/joint keeps the angle you want easily.
* Easy to remove camera while mount remains in place. Camera slides off rubber/plastic arm on mount so you can place in glove box or out of sight.
* GPS is available which shows speed and location on digital map using the downloadable Drive HD Dash Cam Player. G-force is also shown using this program with 1 being the lowest level and 3 being the highest (most impact to the vehicle that would trigger a locked video). See more on GPS limitations in the "Cons" section.
* Due to the lens curvature and wide angle (160-degrees), the video does look a bit round which is to be expected for that angle, but at 1296p/30fps, the clarity is pretty good.
* There is not a touch screen but the 4 buttons on the bottom of the unit are well-placed with a menu that's easy to select items for. Most of this is only done once anyway during setup.
* Like most cameras it has loop recording and is built to beat the heat. The camera does have a sensor which will detect different G-force levels and make those videos un-eraseable until they need to be erased by the user. You can also create an emergency "locked" video by hitting the blue button on the top of the unit. This video can only be erased manually by the user as well. The button is easy to press and in a good location on the backside of the camera.
-----------
* Casing is small, light, and easy to mount. The ball/joint keeps the angle you want easily.
* Easy to remove camera while mount remains in place. Camera slides off rubber/plastic arm on mount so you can place in glove box or out of sight.
* GPS is available which shows speed and location on digital map using the downloadable Drive HD Dash Cam Player. G-force is also shown using this program with 1 being the lowest level and 3 being the highest (most impact to the vehicle that would trigger a locked video). See more on GPS limitations in the "Cons" section.
* Due to the lens curvature and wide angle (160-degrees), the video does look a bit round which is to be expected for that angle, but at 1296p/30fps, the clarity is pretty good.
* There is not a touch screen but the 4 buttons on the bottom of the unit are well-placed with a menu that's easy to select items for. Most of this is only done once anyway during setup.
* Like most cameras it has loop recording and is built to beat the heat. The camera does have a sensor which will detect different G-force levels and make those videos un-eraseable until they need to be erased by the user. You can also create an emergency "locked" video by hitting the blue button on the top of the unit. This video can only be erased manually by the user as well. The button is easy to press and in a good location on the backside of the camera.
CONS:
-----------
* There is no battery backup built-in for short-term parked recording. One must hardwire to another aftermarket module (wired to car's power source) to continue recording for specified time after vehicle is turned off unless a USB power pack is used (see 1st item in "Other Observations" section).
* GPS is available; HOWEVER, it is only available if the camera is bluetoothed to your phone AND your iRadar app is running. NOTE: The unit DOES have a GPS 3.5mm jack on the side; however, on Cobra's website, it does not state that the GPS module by Cobra is compatible with this dash cam. So what GPS unit IS compatible if there is a plug for one? Also, if that same GPS module DOES work with this dash cam, it has its own suction cup mount that must be used. This is a seriously flawed design. The GPS unit should be able to be simply mounted (magnetically connected) to the dash cam.
* My biggest gripe, even if GPS is used via iRadar app? The speed is NOT shown on the actual video when GPS is active. This is a huge flaw that hopefully a software update will address. The GPS info is embedded digitally in the .MOV file but can only be seen using the Cobra program (Drive HD Dash Cam Player) installed on your PC. Latitude/Longitude IS shown on the screen, but for most users, that will not likely be very useful. Seeing the mph on the video itself may be needed for insurance cases or other incidents.
* Many cars have only 1 DC outlet in their car in the same convenient location. It would be nice if the DC outlet provided 2 USB outputs instead of 1 so the dash cam and one other item could be plugged in at a time. With this setup, only 1 USB device can use the cigarette lighter DC module.
* iRadar app must be turned off completely or it will continuously run in the background, and run down your phone battery. So the user has to turn it on before driving and turn it off after driving. That's not a very user-friendly process.
* iRadar app IMO is useless other than gathering GPS data for the camera. There are already more popular GPS/cop-tracking/traffic apps out there (Google Maps, Waze, etc) with more users which better your chances of getting real-time data when you need it. iRadar doesn't even give speed limits to side streets nor does it give traffic patterns to those side streets - only major roads or interstates. I'm not seeing a true benefit of this app other than GPS availability for the dash cam.
-----------
* There is no battery backup built-in for short-term parked recording. One must hardwire to another aftermarket module (wired to car's power source) to continue recording for specified time after vehicle is turned off unless a USB power pack is used (see 1st item in "Other Observations" section).
* GPS is available; HOWEVER, it is only available if the camera is bluetoothed to your phone AND your iRadar app is running. NOTE: The unit DOES have a GPS 3.5mm jack on the side; however, on Cobra's website, it does not state that the GPS module by Cobra is compatible with this dash cam. So what GPS unit IS compatible if there is a plug for one? Also, if that same GPS module DOES work with this dash cam, it has its own suction cup mount that must be used. This is a seriously flawed design. The GPS unit should be able to be simply mounted (magnetically connected) to the dash cam.
* My biggest gripe, even if GPS is used via iRadar app? The speed is NOT shown on the actual video when GPS is active. This is a huge flaw that hopefully a software update will address. The GPS info is embedded digitally in the .MOV file but can only be seen using the Cobra program (Drive HD Dash Cam Player) installed on your PC. Latitude/Longitude IS shown on the screen, but for most users, that will not likely be very useful. Seeing the mph on the video itself may be needed for insurance cases or other incidents.
* Many cars have only 1 DC outlet in their car in the same convenient location. It would be nice if the DC outlet provided 2 USB outputs instead of 1 so the dash cam and one other item could be plugged in at a time. With this setup, only 1 USB device can use the cigarette lighter DC module.
* iRadar app must be turned off completely or it will continuously run in the background, and run down your phone battery. So the user has to turn it on before driving and turn it off after driving. That's not a very user-friendly process.
* iRadar app IMO is useless other than gathering GPS data for the camera. There are already more popular GPS/cop-tracking/traffic apps out there (Google Maps, Waze, etc) with more users which better your chances of getting real-time data when you need it. iRadar doesn't even give speed limits to side streets nor does it give traffic patterns to those side streets - only major roads or interstates. I'm not seeing a true benefit of this app other than GPS availability for the dash cam.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* An option to maintain power after the car is shut off: Put a charged USB battery pack in-line to the DC power source that is triggered "ON". When the car is running, the battery will charge. When the car is off, the battery will keep the camera on until all power is depleted. In this instance, the battery may need to be removed if it cannot be charged thoroughly while driving. Eventually, the car being parked will drain it enough and die over time. This is probably not ideal or even worth doing, but still an option.
* The Drive HD Dash Cam Player program (PC) is set up nicely and even has limited editing options - mainly cut function or remove audio/video. There are no available transitions between video clips and the interface can be a little tedious at times. Multiple projects can be open at a time via tabs at the top of the window (nice feature). Only GPS data can be seen using this program. Lat/Long is shown on-screen, but proves to be pretty useless.
* The DC (cigarette lighter) module has a USB port which can be used for other items if the dash cam is not being used.
* The site lists this product with an 8GB microSD card, but I got a 32GB microSD card in my box.
-----------------------------------
* An option to maintain power after the car is shut off: Put a charged USB battery pack in-line to the DC power source that is triggered "ON". When the car is running, the battery will charge. When the car is off, the battery will keep the camera on until all power is depleted. In this instance, the battery may need to be removed if it cannot be charged thoroughly while driving. Eventually, the car being parked will drain it enough and die over time. This is probably not ideal or even worth doing, but still an option.
* The Drive HD Dash Cam Player program (PC) is set up nicely and even has limited editing options - mainly cut function or remove audio/video. There are no available transitions between video clips and the interface can be a little tedious at times. Multiple projects can be open at a time via tabs at the top of the window (nice feature). Only GPS data can be seen using this program. Lat/Long is shown on-screen, but proves to be pretty useless.
* The DC (cigarette lighter) module has a USB port which can be used for other items if the dash cam is not being used.
* The site lists this product with an 8GB microSD card, but I got a 32GB microSD card in my box.
CONCLUSION:
===================
The biggest issue with this dash cam is the fact that the speed is not shown on the video. I'm hopeful that that feature will change. Cobra also needs to make clear what GPS unit can hook up to this dash cam. The input is there but no GPS accessory stating compatibility with this dash cam exists on their website. This forces the user to turn on iRadar each and every time they drive if they want GPS data. You can leave the app running in the background; however, your battery won't last all day doing this. If you decide to get this dash cam for your kid, keeping mind that they will have to turn on the iRadar app every time they use the car - if you want GPS data, that is. I'm assuming a GPS unit is not available though. If Cobra HD Dash Cam Player is used to make composite videos of multiple clips, the final video product isn't too bad. With a few tweaks, this dash cam could really be something special. Unfortunately, it comes up a bit short with convenience and video overlay items (mph specifically).
===================
The biggest issue with this dash cam is the fact that the speed is not shown on the video. I'm hopeful that that feature will change. Cobra also needs to make clear what GPS unit can hook up to this dash cam. The input is there but no GPS accessory stating compatibility with this dash cam exists on their website. This forces the user to turn on iRadar each and every time they drive if they want GPS data. You can leave the app running in the background; however, your battery won't last all day doing this. If you decide to get this dash cam for your kid, keeping mind that they will have to turn on the iRadar app every time they use the car - if you want GPS data, that is. I'm assuming a GPS unit is not available though. If Cobra HD Dash Cam Player is used to make composite videos of multiple clips, the final video product isn't too bad. With a few tweaks, this dash cam could really be something special. Unfortunately, it comes up a bit short with convenience and video overlay items (mph specifically).
PICTURES ATTACHED:
1. Contents of the box
2. all 4 sides
3. front/back
4. the sticky mount
5. HD Dash Cam Player with GPS info (screenshot if iRadar is used)
6. HD Dash Cam Player WITHOUT GPS info (if iRadar is not turned on during drive)
1. Contents of the box
2. all 4 sides
3. front/back
4. the sticky mount
5. HD Dash Cam Player with GPS info (screenshot if iRadar is used)
6. HD Dash Cam Player WITHOUT GPS info (if iRadar is not turned on during drive)
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
+42points
42of 42voted this as helpful.
Experience legendary performance and sound of ASTRO Audio V2, with the convenience and freedom that comes without wires. The A50 Wireless + Base Station for PS5 /PS4 / PC delivers top-of-the-line acoustics, ergonomics, comfort and durability that gamers demand. The all-new Base Station provides clear, low-latency voice communication, while making headset pairing and charging simple. The ASTRO Command Center software allows gamers and streamers to tune every input and output parameter of the A50 precisely for their specific setup. Experience absolute audio immersion with the A50 Wireless + Base Station.
Posted by: BADog
from Hoover, AL
If you're looking for wireless gaming headphones that last, sound great, and have great features, Logitech has improved upon its previous iteration and come out with the A50's with base station. The package includes the headphones, base station, optical (fiber) cable, USB-to-microUSB cable and instructions. The headphones come with a 1-year parts warranty
DISCLAIMER: I used this product with a PS4.
PROS:
-----------
* Complete comfort.
* Replaceable ear cups with magnetic contacts are a great feature. There's an option to buy leatherette ear cups; however, this may keep in the heat that is created from long-duration gaming. You may want to stick with the ear cups in the box.
* Immersive sound. The sound is as good or better than what I've heard on other gaming headphones. Playing Fortnite, you can hear sounds from every direction.
* Quick ability to mute the mic - simply rotate the mic in the UP position. Quick and easy which gamers love.
* Connection of headset to the base was simple, but you need to read the instructions to get through easily.
* Easy charging using magnetic metal contacts.
* Easy to see charging status on base
* Auto-Standby power mode - if you put them down for a few minutes, they will power off automatically to save your battery.
* The headphones won't "overcharge" if you leave them on the base. This smart-charging technology is a great way to extend battery life.
-----------
* Complete comfort.
* Replaceable ear cups with magnetic contacts are a great feature. There's an option to buy leatherette ear cups; however, this may keep in the heat that is created from long-duration gaming. You may want to stick with the ear cups in the box.
* Immersive sound. The sound is as good or better than what I've heard on other gaming headphones. Playing Fortnite, you can hear sounds from every direction.
* Quick ability to mute the mic - simply rotate the mic in the UP position. Quick and easy which gamers love.
* Connection of headset to the base was simple, but you need to read the instructions to get through easily.
* Easy charging using magnetic metal contacts.
* Easy to see charging status on base
* Auto-Standby power mode - if you put them down for a few minutes, they will power off automatically to save your battery.
* The headphones won't "overcharge" if you leave them on the base. This smart-charging technology is a great way to extend battery life.
CONS:
-----------
* Though comfortable, they can get warm after a period of time.
* No wall charger, and forced to charge connected to PS4 or PC. The PS4 has to be in standby mode in order to charge while you are not playing. If you want to shut down the PS4 or PC completely, you have no way to charge the headphones. The user would have to unplug the USB cable from the PS4/PC then plug into a wall charger for this to happen which might also be annoying.
* The USB cable provided in the package is a bit short (3-ft) so the base can't be put further away from the PS4 itself unless you provide a longer cable (and longer optical cable).
-----------
* Though comfortable, they can get warm after a period of time.
* No wall charger, and forced to charge connected to PS4 or PC. The PS4 has to be in standby mode in order to charge while you are not playing. If you want to shut down the PS4 or PC completely, you have no way to charge the headphones. The user would have to unplug the USB cable from the PS4/PC then plug into a wall charger for this to happen which might also be annoying.
* The USB cable provided in the package is a bit short (3-ft) so the base can't be put further away from the PS4 itself unless you provide a longer cable (and longer optical cable).
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
-----------------------------------
* You should read through all of the instructions before attempting to connect and use. There are many features that you just don't know how to use until you read.
* For audio to work, you must use a USB cable and optical cable (provided). With just the optical cable, you can hear but mic won't work. The USB cable will allow mic functions and of course, charging capabilities.
-----------------------------------
* You should read through all of the instructions before attempting to connect and use. There are many features that you just don't know how to use until you read.
* For audio to work, you must use a USB cable and optical cable (provided). With just the optical cable, you can hear but mic won't work. The USB cable will allow mic functions and of course, charging capabilities.
CONCLUSION:
===================
Setup is easy if you read the instructions but a little cumbersome due to many steps. Once you get connected, the base/headphones work like a champ flawlessly. The battery lasts all day and charges overnight to full capacity for the next day's games. Headphone controls are easy to find and use. 3 things help define a set of gaming headphones - battery life (great), sound (great), and ease of use for controls (great). Logitech really nailed it on each of these points. If you can hit this price point, they are well worth the money. Great job Logitech!
===================
Setup is easy if you read the instructions but a little cumbersome due to many steps. Once you get connected, the base/headphones work like a champ flawlessly. The battery lasts all day and charges overnight to full capacity for the next day's games. Headphone controls are easy to find and use. 3 things help define a set of gaming headphones - battery life (great), sound (great), and ease of use for controls (great). Logitech really nailed it on each of these points. If you can hit this price point, they are well worth the money. Great job Logitech!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
15of 30voted this as helpful.
BADog's Review Comments
BADog has not submitted comments on any reviews.
BADog's Questions
BADog has not submitted any questions.
Immerse yourself in the future of gaming with Soundslayer Gaming Speaker, featuring the Dolby Atmos soundbar. SoundSlayer with Dolby Atmos puts you in the middle of the action by placing crystalline sound all around you with three-dimensional precision even overhead and behind you bringing you all the way into the story and fostering a deeper connection to your gaming, video and audio experience. Compatible with 4k Pass Through, the SoundSlayer Gaming Speaker lets you enjoy high-definition 4K content with no loss in image quality, as video source passes through the system to your PC or TV. This compact, yet powerful speaker brings gaming into the future for unprecedented level of intensity, tension, and connection.
how does it sound with music on a computer?
Sound is good for gaming mainly. If you have bass sounds in a game, they sound very good. But if you're looking for bass sounds in music using this speaker, you'll probably want to go with a speaker system with a dedicated sub.
3 years, 1 month ago
by
BADog
Keep your patios and entryways looking great with this Hoover ONEPWR cordless hard-surface sweeper kit. The lightweight construction makes cleaning tasks easier, while the long-lasting battery lets you get through extensive jobs before having to recharge. This Hoover ONEPWR cordless hard-surface sweeper kit blows up to 85 mph to get solid results fast.
How long does this run after a charge?
I got around 14 minutes on a full charge. Hoover claims 16 minutes but I was unable to get that multiple times. If you get the 3Ah battery, time will be more, but I'm not sure how much more since that battery was not included in the box.
4 years, 4 months ago
by
BADog
Drive safely with this Cobra super HD dash cam. Its 1296p recording resolution captures high-quality video footage in any lighting condition, while the extreme temperature protection is tested to withstand sudden fluctuations. This Cobra super HD dash cam provides iRadar route tracking and live police alerts when connected to the iRadar app, so you never miss a thing.
How long does the cobra dash cam hold the footage does it erase it over how can you look back a week to see the footage
it keeps the footage until it starts looping and writes over it. That is, unless the file is protected by manually hitting the blue button on the back of the unit OR if a video is triggered due to GPS event (car is hit). It will also depend on how big of a microSD card you use and how much time is used driving. Many factors.
4 years, 8 months ago
by
BADog
Drive safely with this Cobra super HD dash cam. Its 1296p recording resolution captures high-quality video footage in any lighting condition, while the extreme temperature protection is tested to withstand sudden fluctuations. This Cobra super HD dash cam provides iRadar route tracking and live police alerts when connected to the iRadar app, so you never miss a thing.
What is iRadar? How does it work
iRadar is just an app you put on your phone that works with this Cobra dashcam. Without the iRadar app running on your smartphone and bluetoothed to your unit, you won't get GPS data. So you have to turn on the app each time you drive if you want GPS data embedded on your videos. And even then, your MPH won't be on the video itself - it's only seen with the HD Dash Cam program you download from the Cobra website. I have a couple of screenshots on my review with GPS data and without GPS data.
4 years, 8 months ago
by
BADog
Drive safely with this Cobra super HD dash cam. Its 1296p recording resolution captures high-quality video footage in any lighting condition, while the extreme temperature protection is tested to withstand sudden fluctuations. This Cobra super HD dash cam provides iRadar route tracking and live police alerts when connected to the iRadar app, so you never miss a thing.
What hard wire kit can be used?
Enjoy a theater-like experience in the comfort of your home with this 370W Samsung soundbar system. Wi-Fi functionality offers hands-free voice control with select devices for an easy intuitive user experience, while dual HDMI ports connect multimedia equipment. This Samsung soundbar system includes a wireless subwoofer that adds rich bass for immersive audio.
Will the new hw q80r shut off like the hw n850 after 5 min of paused movie.
Q80 should do everything the N850 did. Based on specs and my experience with the two, the changes from last year to this year are a name change and a couple of cosmetic changes (dark gray to black chasis, smaller Harmon Kardon label on top of bar, circular fabric over the subwoofer driver instead of cloth covering the entire side). Oh, and they now offer 1 more wifi audio service in addition to Tune-in. They offer Deezer too. Still no Pandora or Spotify via the Smartthings app unfortunately.
4 years, 11 months ago
by
BADog
Toshiba 4K UHD Fire TV Edition is a new generation of smart TVs featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa. With true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality and access to all the movies and TV shows you love, Toshiba Fire TV Edition delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you'd expect from a remote—plus, easily launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more, using just your voice.
Does it have bluetooth capability?
Yes, but only to Fire TV remotes, Fire TV game controllers, keyboards, and mice (based on the pairing menu options). I posted something about that in my review of the product if you want to take a look.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
BADog
ASUS Laptop: Experience powerful gaming performance in a slim, compact package with this 15.6-inch ASUS laptop. Its 16GB of DDR4 RAM and Intel Core i7 processor let you multitask between programs, and its GTX 1060 graphics card smoothly renders 3D scenes. This ASUS laptop has a 1TB HDD, 8GB SSHD and 128GB SSD for versatile storage options and fast boot times.
Hi, is this product releases on April 29 for both online store and physical store? If so, can I buy it in physical stores of any state? Thx
You can if they have it of course. Just call them up and give them the SKU and they can easily check inventory.
6 years ago
by
BADog
ASUS Laptop: Experience powerful gaming performance in a slim, compact package with this 15.6-inch ASUS laptop. Its 16GB of DDR4 RAM and Intel Core i7 processor let you multitask between programs, and its GTX 1060 graphics card smoothly renders 3D scenes. This ASUS laptop has a 1TB HDD, 8GB SSHD and 128GB SSD for versatile storage options and fast boot times.
Will the lid hinge rest/scratch upon the surface when opening it?
It just opens/closes with no latch mechanism. It rests flat against the base but I don't see how it would scratch it.
6 years ago
by
BADog
Cut The Cord with AirTV Player. Stream movies, TV, music and other content using a wide range of apps, including Netflix, SlingTV, Google Play and many more from the Google Play Store all with AirTV Player. AirTV’s streaming platform integrates local over-the-air (OTA) programming with your streaming services. The AirTV Adapter and an OTA antenna provide local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX, without a monthly cable bill.
Will this device act as a DVR? If not is there other devices that offer DVR option?
It will have DVR capabilities VERY SOON for OTA content... see my review for details
6 years, 2 months ago
by
BADog