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  • Review count
    140
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    August 11, 2014
  • Last review
    April 17, 2024
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  • Answer count
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  • First answer
    May 12, 2016
  • Last answer
    January 21, 2022
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    4
 
 
cinsteadofak's Reviews
<< 1 ... 7 8 9 10 11 ... 14 >>
 
Smart. Portable. Powerful. The Bose portable smart speaker is a wireless home speaker, a portable Bluetooth speaker, and a voice-controlled speaker, all in one. And no matter what you listen to or where, you'll hear it all in 360 degrees of astonishing Bose sound.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great portable sound with Alexa and Google Assista
on October 6, 2019
Posted by: cinsteadofak
from Carmel
Bose has done a wonderful job of staying on top of the changing trends in technology. I already have the Revolve and am happy with the sound, but I did feel as though there were some misses, with the charging port not being USB type-C, that there was no equalizer to customize my sound needs, and a few others.

The Bose portable home speaker addressed most of my wants by adding Google Assistant and Alexa, upgrading the charging port to USB type-C, allowing streaming connections via Wi-Fi, and adding audio settings.
Important note: You need to follow the directions for setting up this device instead of connecting via Bluetooth. You will also need to download an app called Bose Music - not Bose Connect.
Setup was easy to follow: connect a power cable to the speaker, download the Bose Music app, hold play/pause and (–) for 5 seconds until an amber light appears, and follow the rest of the directions on the app.
I was very impressed with the sound. For a small speaker, it really was loud but still clear and not distorted. I liked how the speaker was arranged to make sure there was 360 sound. I also liked how you could adjust the bass and treble, but was a little disappointed that there was no equalizer. I was also disappointed to find you could not connect the Revolve to this speaker.
Pros
Can use either Alexa or Google Assistant
USB type-C
Guests can play their music through this speaker via Wi-Fi
360 sound
Weather resistant (I have not tried this out, nor do I plan on it)
Cons
Cannot connect Bose Connect speakers together (as of this writing)
Bass and Treble available, but no equalizer

Overall, I would highly recommend this speaker to anyone who needs a small portable speaker with great sound, Alexa and Google Assistant functionality, Wi-Fi streaming, and weather resistance.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Hold your iPhone XR confidently with this Speck Presidio Pro case. It has antimicrobial treatment to prevent bacteria from accumulating, and its slim two-layer design doesn't interfere with wireless charging. This blue and black Speck Presidio Pro case prevents device damage from 10-foot-high drops thanks to its IMPACTIUM shock barrier.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Stylish protective case but a little hard to grip
on August 21, 2019
Posted by: cinsteadofak
from Carmel
I have used the Speck Presidio Pro case for my iPhone XR for a week; serendipitously, I had been using the Otterbox Commuter case for a week before I received the Speck, so I was able to compare both.
The Speck case is sleek and attractive, and I was able to put it to the test pretty quickly when it accidentally fell onto the sidewalk. It did get a small scuffmark on the corner of the case, and my phone has a tiny scratch where it was not covered by the case. Overall, I felt that the Speck case did its job. It’s also quite a bit slimmer than the Otterbox case, making it easier to slip into a back pocket.
However, because of the Otterbox’s more rugged design (keeping in mind this is the slimmer Commuter case, not the bulky Defender), it just feels hardier than the Speck case. It’s easier to grip and hold in my hand, possibly because the Speck case does not have any rubberized bumpers on the sides of the case; it only has them on the corners. Unlike the Otterbox, the Speck also does not feature a cover tab for the charging port.
Pros:
- Slim design
- Adequately protects phone from drops
Cons:
- More slippery to hold
- No charging port cover
Overall, this case does a fine job protecting the iPhone XR and has a slim, aesthetically pleasing design to boot. Personally I prefer a case that’s a little bit more rugged, but I believe this Speck case will satisfy most XR users.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Maximize internet speeds with this ARRIS SURFboard wireless cable modem. Four Gb Ethernet ports offer rapid wired connections, and advanced wireless technology delivers fast long-range 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi connections. This ARRIS SURFboard wireless cable modem offers easy plug-and-play installation and lets you manage networks with voice commands via Amazon Alexa.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Forward thinking modem/router ready for the future
on August 6, 2019
Posted by: cinsteadofak
from Carmel
I currently own a SURFboard SB6121 and have noticed a few hiccups during heavy data traffic, such as a movie picture that starts out blurry and continually refreshes until it’s crisp. I was glad to find a such a huge improvement on the number of downstream and upstream channels and download speeds with this new model SBG8300.
Installing this modem/router was pretty easy. I had to call my cable company to add the modem to their system, but that only took a few minutes. I then began following the directions, but realized my laptop does not have a LAN port, so I completed the setup using Wi-Fi. The only issue I ran into was that I have a firewall, and I could not figure out how to use it with a modem/router combo. I went into the device settings using the IP address and changed it to Bridge Mode so that I could keep my firewall. I could not figure out how to use the built-in Wi-Fi, so I am using my old router.
Pros
Easy to setup or replace an old cable modem
Great upload/download speeds
Cons
Cannot use a firewall without using Bridge Mode and separate router
No Wi-Fi pairing button (do not really need)
I would recommend this SURFboard/router for anyone who wants the latest and fastest technology and does not have a firewall. If you use a firewall, I would consider getting a standalone modem and a router.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Capture video while driving with this Nextbase 422GW dash camera. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity automatically sync footage to your phone for easier editing and sharing, and the 2.5-inch IPS touch screen offers intuitive control with upgraded resolution. This Nextbase 422GW dash camera with Alexa built-in uses a G-sensor and SOS response service, safeguarding your footage upon impact while alerting emergency services for safety and a prompt response.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great Dash Cam in a Compact Size
on July 10, 2019
Posted by: cinsteadofak
from Carmel
One advantage of a dash cam is having an objective witness in case of an accident or unjust speeding ticket. There are a couple of great dash cams out there, but Nextbase stands out from the crowd with its technology and ratings.
Setup of the 422GW was easy; just make sure you charge the camera for at least 2 hours before using it. I would recommend that you purchase a U3 micro SD card to ensure the best possible overall performance.
While driving at dawn, I noticed a slight glare from the windshield, but it wasn’t intrusive. I have read that the 522GW model comes with a UV filter, but I don’t believe this is necessary based on my experience.
Picture quality during the daytime was perfectly clear, but once the sun went down, I noticed the image did become a little bit grainy.
I did not test the parking features, so I cannot say how they perform.
Pros
Great picture and recordings
Two options for windshield mount (suction cup or 3M VHB mount)
Alexa enabled
Easily accessible button on bottom of screen to protect a video from being overwritten
Cons
Uses Mini USB instead of USB Type-C or Micro-B
Doesn’t display a percentage for remaining battery life
If you are looking for a compact dash cam which will log your speed and direction, this is a great choice. The 522GW, in my opinion, is worth the extra money if you want UV filters and a larger touch screen.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
You—and your home—deserve the best. With 40X the Power-Lifting Suction*, our most powerful cleaning system, and advanced technologies, the s9+ cleans thoroughly—even into corners and along edges. It empties itself into the Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal that holds months of debris. Its learning never stops, as it offers up personalized cleaning recommendations that work around your life, pollen seasons, and peak pet-shedding times—so that it’s always one step ahead of the mess.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Awesome Robot Vacuum
on May 28, 2019
Posted by: cinsteadofak
from Carmel
Pros
Multiple cleaning settings
Straight line cleaning vs random patterns
Automated bin emptying
Cons
Cost
No way to set up areas to avoid
Loud on highest setting
This is the second robotic vacuum I’ve used. The other vacuum has its limitations but is a convenient, helpful device, so I was curious to see how the iRobot compared. One feature I particularly like is that it cleans in straight lines up and down the floor, rather than my other vacuum which moves in random crisscross patterns and seems to miss some areas this way. I also like that you can tailor the settings, such as battery use, cleaning power, and number of passes through the room. Of course the most exciting feature, compared to my other robot vacuum, is that it will empty the dust bin on its own. Setup was quick and easy; I was able to link it to my Google Home. The app is also user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
One of the most prohibitive features of this vacuum is the price. Corded, manual vacuums are much cheaper, and there are other robot vacuums selling at half the cost of this iRobot. I question whether these additional bells and whistles are really worth the extra cost. Another unfortunate feature of the vacuum was that it repeatedly got stuck underneath a piece of furniture, and I couldn’t figure out how to ban that area to prevent it happening again. Finally, at its highest, most detailed clean setting, it is pretty loud – my dog was scared of it, and my six-year-old wanted to send it back. This was solved by decreasing the cleaning power, but I think it’s important to note that if you want a very good clean, it’ll be loud.
In sum, I would recommend this vacuum if you can afford it, but the price will be prohibitive for many. It definitely has some of the coolest technology right now, but I’m uncertain if that technology is worth it.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
-2points
2of 6voted this as helpful.
 
See who's at the door on your smartphone with this SkyBell Trim Plus home-security doorbell. It sends HD video and two-way audio and can detect and record a visitor's presence via live monitoring and a motion sensor. This rugged SkyBell Trim Plus home-security doorbell has full-color night vision and withstands inclement weather.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Top video doorbell
on May 23, 2019
Posted by: cinsteadofak
from Carmel
This doorbell was very easy to install - just download the app and follow the instructions. The only issue I worry about is that the doorbell is held to a plastic base with a small screw on the bottom. It would not take very much pressure to break this plastic piece, which would result in the doorbell falling to the ground.
I am amazed by what you get with no subscription. Initially I thought that I wouldn’t be able to download videos without paying, but I discovered that I could quickly download videos by looking at the activity, swiping left on the image/video, and pressing the download icon. In addition, the LED on the top of the doorbell can be changed to any color you like, which is a nice touch if you wanted to help people identify your door at night.
Although I really like this doorbell, it does have some room for improvement. First, I noticed that there is a 2-second delay for recording. The problem with this is that if someone is trying to stay out of the path of the sensor, they could quickly cover the camera and prevent themselves from being recorded. Secondly, the error message “Stream could not be established” pops up frequently when I first open the app. I hope this is either because of my older model phone (1st gen Pixel) or that Skybell will fix this with an update. Lastly, I like how you can see color, even at night, but I noticed that a light color door trim (mine is a light beige) that is within the view of the camera limits its vision (see photo). I ordered a plastic wedge to solve that issue.
Pros
Can view/download recorded activity without a subscription
Can use either a mechanical or analog doorbell
Great picture with wide angle lens
No false alerts (so far)
Cons
Frequent error message while loading app
Night vision limited if light colored door trim is in view
2 second delay before video starts to record
I would definitely recommend this video doorbell. It has a great viewing angle and a clear image. What won me over the most, however, was the fact that I do not have to have a subscription to download videos (as long as you download them within 7 days).
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Cordless cleaning made easier. The Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cord-free Vacuum intelligently optimizes suction and run time to deep clean everywhere. Real-time reporting on the LCD screen gives you total control of your clean.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great Cordless Vacuum With Battery Limitations
on March 19, 2019
Posted by: cinsteadofak
from Carmel
This is my third cordless vacuum, so I was curious to see how it compared with the others I’ve owned. In addition, the Dyson name comes with high expectations. Overall, I felt that this vacuum’s performance met those expectations, but there are some significant drawbacks that prevent it from outshining my other cordless vacuums.
The suction power is top-notch, as you would expect for Dyson, similar to many corded vacuums. It’s lightweight, but not flimsy. It came with multiple attachments that were likewise solidly constructed. These attachments add a lot of functionality to the cleaning system. The color, lighted display illustrates the three power settings and is aesthetically pleasing. I also liked the canister-emptying method – it’s a continuous, point-and-shoot motion that allows you to completely empty the canister without getting your hands dirty.
The most egregious feature of this system is the internal battery life. For quick, simple jobs around the house such as cleaning vents, a set of stairs, or once-over dusting, this vacuum can do the job. However, the battery will not last for a complete, thorough house cleaning – it might be limited to 3 carpeted rooms in one charge. You cannot swap out the battery to charge; you must hang it up and allow it to charge 4+ hours before it can be used again. Thus, you have to hope you’ve remembered to hang it to charge before each use, since you won’t have a backup. This limits the flexibility of the vacuum and puts somewhat of a drain (pun intended) on going cordless.
Overall, when comparing this vacuum to the others I own, I might reach for this model if I want a deeper clean of a limited area. When I take into account price, however, I would probably choose a Shark cordless vacuum with two batteries even if it didn’t clean quite as well, simply for the convenience factor. There are definitely trade-offs between battery life and suction power when looking at cordless versus corded vacuums: you have to decide which features you value more.
Pros
Three suction powers
Suctions power comparable to corded vacuums
Multiple cleaning attachments
Lightweight
Easy canister emptying
Cons
Internal battery
Short run time
Does not stand on own
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
Exercise to a soundtrack with these Jaybird Tarah Pro wireless sport headphones. Featuring a comfortable secure-fitting design and reliable waterproofing, these headphones stay in place during vigorous activity and stand up to sweat and bad weather. These Jaybird Tarah Pro wireless sport headphones last through the longest workouts with up to 14 hours of battery life per charge.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great for Phone Calls and Good for Workouts
on December 25, 2018
Posted by: cinsteadofak
from Carmel, IN
I have owned many different pairs of workout Bluetooth headphones and each had features I liked and disliked about them. I have also owned quite a few Jaybird products and was excited to try these out.
Setup
Jaybird makes setup easy. Just turn on the headphones, select Jaybird Tarah Pro from your phone’s Bluetooth menu and you are ready to start using them. Downloading the Jaybird app allows you to tweak the sound to your preference, and it is easy to navigate.
Use
The first thing I noticed on the Jaybird Tarah Pro is the braided cord. This cord makes it very unlikely to ever become tangled in your gym bag and prevents the cord from sticking to your neck during a workout. The only downside of having a braided cord is that I was able to hear more cord rustling while running with a jacket on. I also found the sliding cinch and rotating earbuds wonderful for quickly changing the cable in front for phone conversations and in the back for workouts.
One of the negative things about these headphones was that the power button would have to be pressed for a few seconds in order to get them to turn on. Normally this would not be a problem, but these also require a certain amount of pressure too, which made it aggravating.
I was unimpressed with the lack of bass, so I tried to adjust the earbuds and even modified the sound in the app, but could not obtain the low range I was looking for. As for the highs and mids, they were full and clear.
With the volume control/mic located in the front of the neck, my phone call recipient stated my voice was at a good volume and clear. However, when I had the cord cinched on the back of my neck, my voice was muffled and quiet.
Pros
Braded cord does not stick to sweaty skin during workout
Non-tangle cord
Passive sound isolation
Sits close to flush in the ear
Rotating earbud
Cons
Power button issue (see review for details)
Not as much bass as competitors
Overall I would recommend the Tarah Pro for anyone who wants a single pair of headphones that they can use for both phone calls/meetings and workouts.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
+5points
7of 9voted this as helpful.
 
For families and small businesses who want classic Office apps and email installed on one Windows 10 PC or Mac for use at home or work. Classic 2019 versions of Office apps including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Plus, OneNote for Windows 10.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Gold Standard for School or Business
on October 30, 2018
Posted by: cinsteadofak
from Carmel, IN
It has been over ten years since I have updated my Microsoft Office suite, so I was long overdue. Microsoft Word has always been my go-to document writing software, but the add-ons from documents created by new versions were having issues loading.
So far, I have only used Word, but I have flipped though presentations using PowerPoint. I like how Microsoft has kept many old features to make the program familiar, but has enhanced the user experience by adding features such as Draw. I also liked how Designs and Layout are easy to access via tabs.
If you want to own and not rent a copy of Microsoft Office, then this is the way to go. The upside to purchasing is that you don’t have to upgrade each year. The downside is that it’s more expensive and may not get the security patches as quickly as Office 365. In addition, 365 can be installed on multiple computers, versus just one computer of Microsoft Office. Either way, you will get a great program with a lot of support.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Film underwater scenes in 4K with this 12-megapixel GoPro HERO7 action camera. Its HyperSmooth stabilization feature lets you capture shake-free videos, and it withstands submersion up to 33 feet without a waterproof case. Stream captured videos from this rugged GoPro HERO7 action camera on Facebook Live via the companion app.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Hypersmooth says it all
on October 4, 2018
Posted by: cinsteadofak
from Carmel, IN
I have never owned an action camera before, and since I knew about GoPro’s great reputation for making hardy cameras with many features, I was excited to try this out. However, as a disclaimer, I had to rely on reviews of past products and competitors to see how the GoPro Hero 7 Black measured up.
Video/picture quality
After trying out this device and comparing it to other products, I was very impressed with the video stabilization system, Hypersmooth. I was also impressed by the overall great picture quality this camera had.
Microphone quality/touch display
The tiny camera picked up my voice very well. It sounded natural and clear. I also liked how the touch display and menus rotated depending on the camera’s orientation and how responsive the small screen was.
I did not test live streaming since I don’t really use Facebook.
Battery life
I did not time exactly how quickly the battery drained, but after the short time I spent adjusting settings and menus, formatting the SD card, and making brief videos, I noticed the battery life was already at 40%. The camera was also already warm on top.
Pros
Water resistant (33ft)
Hypersmooth (great stabilization)
Great microphone for size of camera
Small and lightweight
Live streaming to Facebook
Cons
Battery life
Still requires phone nearby to live stream
I would, without a doubt, recommend this GoPro as a rugged video stabilizing camera to capture action shots. After reading reviews on the GoPro 6, I would say there have been some major improvements with respect to stabilization and the microphone, but I wish the battery life was better.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
2of 3voted this as helpful.
 
<< 1 ... 7 8 9 10 11 ... 14 >>
 
cinsteadofak's Review Comments
 
cinsteadofak has not submitted comments on any reviews.
 
cinsteadofak's Questions
 
cinsteadofak has not submitted any questions.
 
cinsteadofak's Answers
<< 1 2 3
 
Completely customize your Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat to match your lifestyle and decor. The ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat lets you choose the temperature, schedule, display color and the devices you use to control it all.
 

Can you control this by an app on your phone?

You can control this thermostat by using the touch screen, app, the website, or Alexa/Google Home. This unit is awesome.
6 years, 7 months ago
by
cinsteadofak
 
The Shark ION Robot is designed with a Tri-Brush System, combining side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brushroll to handle debris on all surfaces, corners, and edges. Use the SharkClean app or voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant to start cleaning from anywhere Shark ION Robot.
 

We have thick pads under our area rugs, will the ION-Robot be able to get over the height of the area rugs? We have several of them throughout the house. We bought a RUMBA and it was not able to get over them.

It really depends on the height it must climb. I have rugs over a half inch thick and mine made it over with no problem.
6 years, 8 months ago
by
cinsteadofak
 
Complete your cleaning routine with this Shark IONFLEX vacuum. Its 2x ION power pack system includes two LiIon batteries to provide backup power and longer run time, and it bends to reach floors under low-lying furniture thanks to its MultiFLEX technology. Convert this Shark IONFLEX vacuum into a handheld vac to clean ceilings and small corners.
 

How do you clean the roller?

Remove the soft roller from the vacuum using the pull tab and clean only with plain water. Allow to dry for at least 24 hours before reinstalling.
6 years, 9 months ago
by
cinsteadofak
 
Improve your audio experience with this Samsung three-channel soundbar. This unit, which has a built-in subwoofer, channels high-resolution full-spectrum sound and eliminates the need for an extra bass speaker. Use 4K pass-through to connect your Blu-ray player or other UHD device to the Samsung three-channel soundbar for stunning multi-channel audio and a clear picture.
 

Regardless of the fact that it has one built in, will this wirelessly pair with a Samsung wireless subwoofer?

You can add wireless speakers and a sub-woofer using the Samsung Multiroom app to create a surround sound experience. I cannot say if the Samsung wireless sub-woofer you currently own is compatible, but I would be surprised if is not.
7 years ago
by
cinsteadofak
 
Bring the power of Google directly to your fingertips with the Google Pixel. A large 32GB of storage keep data secure, while unlimited cloud storage transfers data as needed, and it's completely automatic. The large 5-inch screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 to ensure the Google Pixel remains scratch-free.
 

Why advertise it as only available for VERIZON if it is unlocked and can be used on other networks? Sounds like poor advertising by Best Buy, buyers will just go directly to google since they don't make it confusing. Just my thoughts.

Google decided to allow Verizon to lock some of their phones on their network. Best Buy is currently only allowed to sell phones locked on Verizon networks. If you want to be able to purchase an unlocked phone to use on any other network, then you must purchase directly from Google. Maybe Google will allow Best Buy to sell unlocked phones later, but I don't know.
7 years, 8 months ago
by
cinsteadofak
 
Bring the power of Google directly to your fingertips with the Google Pixel. A large 32GB of storage keep data secure, while unlimited cloud storage transfers data as needed, and it's completely automatic. The large 5-inch screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 to ensure the Google Pixel remains scratch-free.
 

so i wanna get the pixel but with out getting a verizon contract how would i do so?

If you want to buy it unlocked, you will have to purchase directly from google or maybe BestBuy has that option too. If you want to buy it without a contract, you can do that through BestBuy or any vendor. Even Verizon's website allows you to purchase the phone without a contract.
7 years, 8 months ago
by
cinsteadofak
 
Only at Best BuyEasily charge and sync your compatible Apple® iPhone®, iPad® or iPod® with this 3' Modal MD-LA5SCP Lightning cable that features flashing blue lights that indicate the charge status.
 

Does this work with an iphone 6s?

My wife has the iPhone 6s and it charges her phone without a problem.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
cinsteadofak
 
Only at Best BuyEasily charge and sync your compatible Apple® iPhone®, iPad® or iPod® with this 3' Modal MD-LA5SCP Lightning cable that features flashing blue lights that indicate the charge status.
 

Does it charge as fast as the apple lightning cable?

I have not noticed a difference when charging my wife's iPhone with the OEM lightning cable vs the cable which came with this charger.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
cinsteadofak