bzm3j81's stats
- Review count145
- Helpfulness votes620
- First reviewJanuary 16, 2012
- Last reviewJune 4, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.1
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentOctober 25, 2016
- Last review commentOctober 25, 2016
- Featured review comments0
Questions
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- First questionNone
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- Featured questions0
- Answer count29
- Helpfulness votes53
- First answerFebruary 21, 2014
- Last answerNovember 24, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers7
Stay focused and get more done with Logitech MK295 Silent Wireless Combo — a keyboard and mouse combo designed to eliminate excess noise for you and those around you. Welcome a new, virtually noise-free keyboard and mouse experience. The combo uses new SilentTouch technology to remove over 90% of disruptive sounds while also keeping the familiar typing and clicking feel. No more drop-outs and lag thanks to a strong, reliable 2.4 GHz wireless connection with up to 33 feet range. Free up your desk with a USB receiver—so tiny, it can stay in your computer. The spill-proof design, durable keys, and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height add an extra layer of utility and comfort.
Customer Rating
1
Poor example of Logitech brand
on September 16, 2020
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
Let me first just say that I'm a huge fan of Logitech Devices. I own Logitech gaming controllers, gaming headsets, and several keyboards and mice. My go to mouse is the M510, to which I own 6 around the house and at work, and I have at least five MK235 mouse and keyboard sets set up at my house to teach coding to a small group of kids.
I'm afraid Logitech missed the mark on this MK295 set. True to the primary advertised feature, the keyboard is silent. The mouse clicks are also silent. I also like that the keyboard is full sized, but streamlined to not take up much real estate on my desk. In contrast to the MK235 keyboard, the MK295 keyboard has a power switch and a Caps lock light. But that seems to be where the positive qualities end.
Laying the keyboard on my desk, it seems like the keys are angled away from the user. While there are flip out legs marked with 8 degrees, that angle is more than I'm looking for. After examining the keyboard further, the bottom row (CTRL, Windows Key, ALT, Spacebar, etc.) keys are convex and sit just a little higher than the rest of the keyboard.
Typing on the keyboard takes more effort. The amount of travel of each key seems to be more than I'm currently used to. While the keystrokes are silent, they provide more of a rubbery membrane feel and don't have a comfortable bounce. I also feel that I have to push the keys harder than I'm used to. The membrane seems to be a little more resistive to movement. The media keys at top of the keyboard are even harder to push.
The keys of the keyboard are retro style. These days, I prefer the island style or even low-profile/laptop style. I feel like those styles make it easier to keep clean. I did notice that the MK295 keyboard seems to have 9 drain holes at the bottom. Presumably, if you were to spill a drink on this keyboard, it would be fairly easy to drain and dry to get back to work.
Fit and finish of the keyboard was slightly disappointing too. Just above my F10, F11 and F12 keys, there seems to be a bulge. I tried to push it in, hoping it was just a clip that wasn't engaged. I can push it in to where I hear a click, but as soon as I release, I hear it release with an unclick. There is also a "silent touch" logo on the space bar that I don't care to see.
The mouse is travel sized but contoured well. Left and right mouse clicks are very quiet. The wheel click is louder, but what really surprised me is that the scroll wheel noise seems to reverberate in the body of the mouse. The resulting noise seems to be amplified and sounds a little like the mouse wheel is scraping against plastic.
If a quiet keyboard and mouse experience is your only criteria, the MK295 might be the set for you. As for me, my wireless dream team currently pairs the MK235 keyboard with a M510 mouse or M190 Mouse if I don't need the extra functions.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Calls. Conferences. ON-the-GO. Air never looked so epic. Offering the ultimate true-wireless experience for any professional or audiophile, JLab Epic Air ANC offers customized sound and active noise canceling plus industry-leading 48+ hours playtime. Transition from music to calls, work to home effortlessly with features like wear-detect, movie mode, wireless charging and more.
Customer Rating
2
Seems to lack maturity
on September 16, 2020
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
I got these JLab Epic Air ANC True Wireless earbuds because I wanted true wireless earbuds with dual connect.
These JLab Epic Air come in a box with several ear tips to get a customized fit. The pre-installed medium tips were actually too large for my ears because they kept popping out. I tried all the ear tips and settled on the smallest. All the tips are sound isolating. This is a little off-putting for some people, myself included. I would enjoy these more if they came with normal foam tips.
The charging case reminds me of a ring box. It's not flat but domed because the earbuds have a diagonal extension to direct audio into your ear canal. As a result, the case is probably 25% larger in each dimension than I would like it to be. The case has a leather-like flap on the front, top and back. I like this premium touch. To charge the case, you can use the pull out reversible USB connector or you can drop the case on your Qi compatible wireless charging pad.
These Jlab Epic Air earbuds are packed with sensors. The Logo on each earbud itself is a touch sensor, depending on which earbud is being touched, it could control volume, activate your digital assistant, change the ANC mode, toggle between EQ modes, control music, answer/hang-up phone calls and change the listening modes. In addition, they seem to have gyroscopic sensors so if you take out an earbud to talk to someone, it pauses your music. However, when connected to a PC, the touch sensors have an unusual amount of delay and sometimes do not seem to respond.
I'm very appreciative of the fact that these are dual connect earbuds. I've had earbuds in the past where the right earbud was the dominant earbud. So if I wanted just one earbud in, it couldn't be the left one. With these, JLab Epic Air either left or right or both can be used. Just be aware that the touch controls do not change just because you're using one earbud. So since the left earbud controls volume down, you need to use your phone to do volume up.
Initial Bluetooth connection was easy. Subsequent connections are automatic and there are no buttons to fumble to turn them on/off. However, I'm disappointed that they are not multi-point compatible. To connect to my PC, I have to disconnect them from my phone's Bluetooth and re-connect them to my PC. Not an easy automatic process.
I was rather frustrated searching for the JLab Air ANC App on my Android phone. It doesn't appear in a simple search in the Google Play store. Instead, I had to find a link to the app on their website which still took me to Google Play store where I could install it.
The app provides the ability to fine tune the EQ, ANC and the Be Aware functions. It also allows the ability to customize the touch controls. And an earbud firmware update was waiting for me in the app.
Because of the sound isolating ear tips, I have to jam the tips into my ears so that they stay in place. Once installed, it feels like I'm underwater. The first moment I hear audio through the earbuds, it sounds a little muffled but clears right up and music sounds just fine. Being able to fine-tune the EQ to my tastes helped improve my audio enjoyment. When not enjoying audio, the Be Aware mode has a lot of white noise, presumably to mimic some of the noise that is present in the room. With ANC on, that noise cuts out immediately, but comes back at a much lower volume in a second or two. With ANC off, the white noise is gone. Once I start listening to music though, that white noise is gone in all the modes.
With Be Aware mode on, it seems to amplify ambient noises rather excessively. To be honest, I could not discern too much difference between ANC on or off above the sound isolation. There might some noise cancellation difference, but it's not as pronounced as compared to a set of Bose QC35.
Phone calls are clear the through the earbuds. But because of the sound isolating tips, I find myself speaking louder than I need to because I can't hear my own voice as clearly. By using just one of the earbuds on a phone call, that eliminates that problem. The other party tends to hear some reverberation, so if you are talking quickly, the words tend to get jumbled up. I suspect this is a microphone sync issue so I'm hopeful that there is a firmware update that improves this performance.
I really wanted to like these JLab Epic Air ANC True Wireless earbuds. But they need to make the app searchable in the Google Play Store, improve the ANC and improve the microphone performance in phone calls to cut out reverb. With these in mind, it seems like these earbuds just lack a little maturity.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Logitech M190 is a large-size wireless mouse with a comfortable contoured design that follows the natural curve of medium to large hands. You’ll work wirelessly and move freely – from up to 10 meters away – with virtually no delays or dropouts. You’ll get great quality with up to 18-month battery life, precision tracking, and line-by-line scrolling at an affordable price.
Customer Rating
4
Decent, Affordable, Durable Mouse
on September 10, 2020
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
I learned a long time ago that I cannot trust cheap generic mice. Some of the generic ones would jump across my screen and drop my selection wherever they chose. Since then, any mice purchased have been Logitech.
I also prefer full size mice. Since I work in IT, I'm using a mouse many hours a day and night. My hand would cramp up using a travel mouse all those hours. For the past several years, I've purchased no less than 6 Logitech M510 for home and office use because they are full size.
I'm now starting to teach coding on a lab I've set up at my house and have been looking for an affordable full size name brand mouse for each system and the Logitech M190 fits the bill.
The M190 is a full sized mouse with a matte finish throughout. It has all plastic surfaces with textures molded in, even the wheel is textured plastic. The M510, on the other hand, has rubber grips on the side that have worn down over the years.
Some things to note. The M190 is rather light. The spec sheet claims 3.17 oz including battery while the M510 clocks in more than an ounce heavier at 4.55 oz including batteries. There are only 2 buttons and the mouse wheel. There are no additional buttons that can be re-programmed like the M510. Nor does the M190 have the tilt-wheel function.
After working the M190 on my main desktop for a couple days, it's very comfortable and did not take long for me to adjust to it. The scooped contour of the left and right mouse buttons make it easy for my fingers to find the right placement. The textured grips on the sides makes it easy to grab and move. The wireless signal seems to be rock solid. I'm not noticing any lag in performance.
My only complaints are the light weight and the lack of tilt wheel. The weight makes it feel a little cheap, but in my hand, there is no flex that indicates cheap construction. In fact, the M190 feels rather durable. The lack of tilt wheel is not a deal breaker as many times I'm on a virtual machine and the drivers to support the tilt wheel are not always installed.
Overall, the M190 is a decent and affordable mouse. I may be picking up a few to replace the wired mice that came with my lab systems.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Designed for sports. Engineered for sound. Bose Frames Tempo will take your audio game to the next level. With Bose Open Ear Audio, you get loud, deep, lifelike sound thanks to wafer-thin speakers hidden in the temples. It’s a jaw-dropping experience that leaves you free to engage with the world around you, all while discreetly listening to music. Performance doesn’t end with audio. Bose Frames Tempo is also designed for maximum comfort and durability with a lightweight nylon frame, sweat-and weather-resistance and durable, soft, silicone nose pads. Tempo gives you sound you expect from Bose with everything you need from sport sunglasses.
Customer Rating
1
Terrible fit for my face
on September 5, 2020
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
I ordered the Bose Frames Tempo hoping for a stylish way to wear a Bluetooth headset. On paper, I could listen to my music and take phone calls without having an earbud in my ear or headphones covering my ears. I also figured I could sometimes listen to some music but still have a conversation if needed.
I am supremely disappointed in the fit. I've never had any sunglasses with such a bad fit. When trying to put them on for the first time, they naturally want to stop about 1.5 inches from my face. To get them to the right position, I have to wedge my face into the frames. Once in the right position, they pinch my head just behind my cheekbones and below my temples. I cannot tolerate them more than a few minutes. After taking them off, I can still feel the pressure for several minutes. I strongly suspect that if I wear them for more than 30 minutes, I will get a headache.
By this point, I reexamined the box to make sure I didn't order the wrong size and found out that there seems to only be one size called "Global Fit".
Laying my normal sunglasses on top of the Bose Tempo Frames, I can easily see about 1/4" of size difference on each side. It's all in the electronics packaging. If Bose pushed the electronics more towards the outside of the frame, these would likely fit better.
Out of curiosity, I did a quick measurement and I'm measuring about 13.5 centimeters across where I think these Frames are squeezing my head. From Wikipedia, that aligns to the 5th percentile of the population. Increasing it to 14.5 centimeters would at least align to 50th percentile. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_head; Bitragion breadth) Of course, my big fat melon needs that extra centimeter.
I've also noticed that the arms are longer than my normal sunglasses. The portion of the arms that go over my ears are very flexible, but that means they don't maintain a set curve to hold onto my head. Therefore, when my wife tries these frames on, they do not hold and tend to fall when she's looking down.
With the fitment aside, let's get into the function, connectivity, acoustics and controls.
As far as the sunglasses go, I like the partially frameless style. I've chosen this style most of my life. I was surprised to learn the lenses seem to be polarized. According to the safety manual, they block 99% UVA and UVB light energy and are rated as UV 400 cut.
The Frames come inside a semi rigid case and a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging and a total of 3 different nose pads. The medium nose pads come pre-installed with a larger and smaller nose pad set available in a plastic bag. Also included in the cardboard box is a micro-fiber wipe cloth, quick instruction manual and a ridiculously thick safety manual (5 pages repeated for many languages).
The Frames came with 50% charge and plugging them in for additional charge was easy, but also turns the frames off. They cannot be used while charging. Charge from 50% to 100% happened quicker than I thought. I suspect 1 hour will get you a full charge. Based on my usage, I expect a full charge will deliver about 8 hours of usage.
Since I have a set of Bose QC35 and a Bose Soundlink Micro paired with my phone, I automatically wanted to use the Bose Connect app to control my new Frames Tempo. They do not connect at all with the Bose Connect app. Instead, I had to use the Bose Music app. Having different apps for the same family of products is a pet peeve of mine. Bluetooth connectivity to my phone was very quick. Once added to the Bose Music app, you can choose to name the Frames from a list of names or create your own. There are also two power-off settings that can be changed. If the Frames are upside down for 2 seconds, they automatically turn off and if the Frames detect no motion for 10 minutes, they automatically turn off.
Incidentally, I turned off the 2 second upside down feature and wore the frames upside down and was pleased to find out that they fit without the pinching mentioned above.
Included in the Bose Music app is a more detailed user manual, "how to wear" guide and other information. However, aside from volume, I could not find any additional controls (nor equalizer) for sound levels. This was a bit of a letdown.
Without the Bose Music app, the Frames function just like any Bluetooth headset. Playing music is nice and easy. The app seems to provide a little more information about the Frames like the battery charge percentage and control of the power off settings.
The acoustics are nice. They provide a broader range of bass than I expected. Sound comes from the rear of the electronics pack with a speaker port for each side that is aimed towards your ears. I was expecting sound on par with my ear buds, but was pleasantly surprised with the extra bass range. Now, please realize, there is no way you will get bone rattling bass out of an electronics pack the size of your thumb. Even the engineers at Bose that created the Acoustic Wave tubing cannot generate that amount of bass within a cubic inch of space.
Volume range is more than adequate. At about 30% volume, it is enough to drown out my surroundings and getting to the top end of my audio comfort zone. At that same level, someone else from 6 feet away can hear what you're listening to at a volume of a whisper. There can be no expectation of privacy.
Taking phone calls on the Frames is nice too. It's easy to hear and be heard. But again, there can be no expectation of privacy since there is no sound isolation.
As for my desire to listen to music and still carry a conversation if needed. It's impractical. Because the Frames speaker port is pointed straight to my ears, I couldn't hear my friends and would have to pause my music or turn down the volume.
I am quite pleased by the controls. There is a small multi-function button on the right hand side of the Frames that control on/off and Bluetooth pairing of the Frames. While listening to music, play and pause are controlled by a single click. Double-click skips to the next track and a triple-click skips back. While on a phone call, a single click answers the call and a single click ends the phone call. Volume control is especially nice. Volume is controlled by swiping the outermost facet of the right side. Swiping forward increases volume and swiping backward reduces volume.
Unfortunately, because of the fitment of these Frames, they are unusable to me. If they fit better, I would totally use them for my daily walks. Audio is great, controls are intuitive, I like the style, they just need to be able to adjust the sizing.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The PRO X Wireless LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset. Engineered for the extreme performance you expect from PRO X—now with 2.4 GHz LIGHTSPEED wireless. Advanced Blue VO!CE, next-gen 7.1 surround sound, and PRO-G 50 mm drivers for clear sound imaging and professional sound and voice comms. PRO X Wireless delivers crystal-clear game sound and voice chat. Comfortable memory foam, plus durable steel and aluminum construction let you play to win.
Customer Rating
5
Wireless freedom and upgrade from G432
on August 12, 2020
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
I recently bought a Logitech G432 Wired 7.1 Gaming headset to replace a Jabra headset that broke at the band. Unfortunately the G432 headset proved to be a disappointment in a few regards. Hoping to reverse the disappointment, I decided to give the G Pro X Wireless Headset a try.
Comfort and Design:
-I'm pleased that the G Pro X Wireless has lighter tension than the G432. The G432 just felt like they were squeezing my head too much.
-The G Pro X Wireless faux leather cushions are more plush than the G432. It also comes with a pair of fabric cushions.
-The faux leather and stitching make the G Pro X Wireless feel like a more premium product.
-I have an above-average sized head and when fully extended, the G Pro X just large enough for a good fit. I noticed the G432 can extend a little further.
-The G Pro X cups are held to the band with metal forks with up to 1" in clearance. Unfortunately, on more than one occasion, I've picked up the headphones incorrectly to get my fingers pinched between the fork and the cups.
-The G Pro X cups are designed to swivel vertically, but not horizontally. Horizontal swiveling is nice on the G432 to aid in comfort, but it also caused the headphones to slip off my head occasionally.
-Controls are very convenient with a sliding on/off switch coupled with a on/off status tone, self-locking push button switch for mute and a volume wheel.
-The volume wheel on the G Pro X is interesting because it is not limited. Most simple volume wheels are tied to a variable resistor. The G Pro X's volume wheel is simply a control wheel that tells Windows to increase/decrease the master volume for the system.
-The microphone is removable, which I appreciated.
-Power is supplied via a USB-C port. Charging seemed a little slow, but after running several hours, I'm only down to 83%
-Connection to the computer is made via a USB dongle. This means that the headphones are not connecting via BlueTooth but a proprietary wireless signal. This results in a very low latency connection.
-I'm pleased that the G Pro X Wireless has lighter tension than the G432. The G432 just felt like they were squeezing my head too much.
-The G Pro X Wireless faux leather cushions are more plush than the G432. It also comes with a pair of fabric cushions.
-The faux leather and stitching make the G Pro X Wireless feel like a more premium product.
-I have an above-average sized head and when fully extended, the G Pro X just large enough for a good fit. I noticed the G432 can extend a little further.
-The G Pro X cups are held to the band with metal forks with up to 1" in clearance. Unfortunately, on more than one occasion, I've picked up the headphones incorrectly to get my fingers pinched between the fork and the cups.
-The G Pro X cups are designed to swivel vertically, but not horizontally. Horizontal swiveling is nice on the G432 to aid in comfort, but it also caused the headphones to slip off my head occasionally.
-Controls are very convenient with a sliding on/off switch coupled with a on/off status tone, self-locking push button switch for mute and a volume wheel.
-The volume wheel on the G Pro X is interesting because it is not limited. Most simple volume wheels are tied to a variable resistor. The G Pro X's volume wheel is simply a control wheel that tells Windows to increase/decrease the master volume for the system.
-The microphone is removable, which I appreciated.
-Power is supplied via a USB-C port. Charging seemed a little slow, but after running several hours, I'm only down to 83%
-Connection to the computer is made via a USB dongle. This means that the headphones are not connecting via BlueTooth but a proprietary wireless signal. This results in a very low latency connection.
Sound Quality:
-Sound quality is very decent, sound is clear, but the headset seems to struggle with directionality. I actually think the G432 outperforms the G Pro X Wireless when it comes to directionality.
-The microphone is adequate for most uses. However, enabling BlueVoice feature really improves the microphone's ability. Without BlueVoice, it seemed like I was a little distant from the microphone pickup. With BlueVoice, it sounded like I was right up close to the microphone.
-Sound performance in games has been very good.
-Sound quality is very decent, sound is clear, but the headset seems to struggle with directionality. I actually think the G432 outperforms the G Pro X Wireless when it comes to directionality.
-The microphone is adequate for most uses. However, enabling BlueVoice feature really improves the microphone's ability. Without BlueVoice, it seemed like I was a little distant from the microphone pickup. With BlueVoice, it sounded like I was right up close to the microphone.
-Sound performance in games has been very good.
Logitech G Hub software:
In order to maximize the usefulness of this headset, you are dependent on the Logitech G Hub software. It transforms the headset from simple stereo to 7.1 and offers many levels of adjustment. However, I've struggled in the past with the G Hub software with my G432 headset and while it's been improved by the time I got the G Pro X Wireless headset, it is still a bit buggy. Unfortunately, it's also the only place I can get a status of the battery charge.
In order to maximize the usefulness of this headset, you are dependent on the Logitech G Hub software. It transforms the headset from simple stereo to 7.1 and offers many levels of adjustment. However, I've struggled in the past with the G Hub software with my G432 headset and while it's been improved by the time I got the G Pro X Wireless headset, it is still a bit buggy. Unfortunately, it's also the only place I can get a status of the battery charge.
Wireless Range:
As I mentioned before, wireless is achieved via a specific USB dongle. This limits the usage of these headphones to PC gaming. The range is just shy of BlueTooth range. It's still plenty of range for my 8x8 office, I can get to within arm's reach of my front door (direct line of sight) or to my kitchen (through two walls) without signal dropping out.
As I mentioned before, wireless is achieved via a specific USB dongle. This limits the usage of these headphones to PC gaming. The range is just shy of BlueTooth range. It's still plenty of range for my 8x8 office, I can get to within arm's reach of my front door (direct line of sight) or to my kitchen (through two walls) without signal dropping out.
As far as wireless headsets go, I enjoy the G Pro X Wireless headset a lot more than my G432. It offers greater comfort better controls with just a minor sacrifice in sound directionality. It has become my daily use headset.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Stream audio and video with this black Belkin USB-C to HDMI adapter and charger. The USB-C port connector delivers up to 60W for ultra-fast device charging, while the plug-and-play design offers hassle-free use. This Belkin USB-C to HDMI adapter and charger supports 4K resolution at 60Hz for transmitting clear, detailed visuals.
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
As laptops push to get thinner, many manufacturers are dropping HDMI ports. I have a couple systems without HDMI but I still need to present on a projector or connect to an external monitor. This adapter works great!
In addition to being able to adapt a USB-C port to display over HDMI, the adapter also has a USB-C port to allow me to continue to charge my laptop!
Unfortunately, the USB-C port is only for power. It's labeled as such on the bottom of the adapter. I tried connecting a USB-C External SSD and an adapted USB-A flash drive and neither were recognized by my OS.
I'd love to see a USB-A port on this adapter too, but then we're starting to move towards a mini-docking station.
This will be handy to keep in my laptop bag.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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
This is what a segment leader looks like
on July 8, 2020
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
Overall, the Surface Book 3 with its 10th Gen i7 quad core, 32 GB of RAM and 512 GB of NVMe storage is a solid combination. It performs as expected for burst power. My normal work flow in Photoshop is handled without waiting at all. Even in AutoCAD, there is no waiting for most of the things that I do.
Where we run into a little bit of waiting is for large renders. This is understandable for this form factor. The CPU is rated for 15 watts which is great for mobile devices, whereas a desktop CPU is rated around 125 watts. However, once the CPU is pegged for several seconds, everything heats up and while the fan helps, the system cannot handle the sustained processing power, and so the processor gets throttled until the system can balance the heat and processing power.
While the thermal management may disappoint some, realize that it was only triggered when I purposefully threw heavy jobs at it. Everything else performs as I would expect. Normal everyday operations are instantaneous. Normal workflows in Photoshop and AutoCAD are very fast. While the fans were running, the system isn't quite silent, it's just a little louder than a whisper.
Now that we've discussed performance, let's get to the rest of the review.
Out of the handful of configurations, I chose the 13.5" variant with the 10th Gen i7, 32 GB of RAM, 512 GB of NVMe storage paired with a GeForce GTX 1650 with Max-Q Design.
This is my second detachable keyboard laptop. My first is a HP Spectre x2 that must be getting on to 3 years old now. While it's been a fine system, with the attached keyboard, you really need to be at a desk. Much like the Surface Pro, those systems are top heavy and don't sit on a lap without a careful balancing act.
The Surface Book 3 on the other hand will sit in a lap quite comfortably. The body is squared off which contrasts with its modern competitors that choose to curve out edges to make their bodies look thinner.
To detach the tablet portion, you can press and hold the detach key on the keyboard until the indicator light turns on. Then gently pull on the screen while holding down the keyboard. If you're in Windows, there is a system tray icon that replaces the keyboard key.
The tablet portion houses the screen, CPU, Integrated GPU (Intel Iris), Memory, Storage and about 1/3 of the battery of the system. This is enough to get a 2-3 hours of use. It also has both front facing and rear facing cameras, headphone jack, power button, and volume controls. The Surface keyboard interface on the bottom doubles as the charging port. While it is magnetic, the magnet isn't as strong and I accidentally pulled the charging cord off the tablet a couple times.
The keyboard portion holds the larger battery and the discrete GPU as well as the IO ports. 2 USB-A, 1 USB-C (without Thunderbolt), a full SD card reader (Thank you Microsoft!) and charging port with the stronger magnet. The keyboard is very comfortable to type on and the trackpad is very nice.
At first, I believed the screen could only be attached like a normal laptop. But I realized that the screen can be attached backwards and folded down so that the screen faces up, away from the keyboard which gives you the ability to interact with the screen while having access to the IO ports, extra battery life and the discrete GPU. While the spine hinge is fairly strong, I wouldn't rely on it to draw with any angle other than fully closed.
While I didn't have my Surface Pen yet, I was pleased to learn that my HP stylus worked wonderfully without any setup required. The input from the pen lags a little bit. But this is common. Microsoft's Pen Input driver differentiates palm pressure from the pen which leads to a little bit of a lag. Drawing on the glossy screen feels different. While it works in a pinch, you lose some of the tactile feedback that you find when a pencil rubs against paper. I also really want these OEMs to treat the glass with an oleophobic coating like phone screens that keeps away fingerprints.
While I didn't play around with the cameras, I like that the Surface Book 3's front facing camera utilizes infrared to make it compatible with Windows Hello.
The resolution for this system is 3000x2000. A 3:2 ratio is nice to squeeze a little more vertical information, but it gets a little awkward when connecting to external displays or when running a remote desktop to a 1080 native system. The contrast is nicely sharp, but it is not very bright.
As far as I'm concerned, the Surface Book 3 leads the segment for 2-in-1 systems for digital creators. It possesses impressive performance with its 10th Gen i7 paired with the extravagance of 32 GB of memory that I feel keeps the processor from starving for work. Then you add in a decent discrete GPU that's able to help crank out video renderings. But if you just want to do quick sketches, with less than half of the bulk, you can detach the screen and take it with you. Many competing systems just offer a 360 hinge, which keeps all the bulk when you just want to sketch. Or with the HP Spectre x2, they don't have any room for a discrete GPU and can't offer the extra memory. And while Apple computers are Photoshop powerhouses, none of them offer the ability to perform direct sketches without an iPad + Apple Pencil on the side or something like a Wacom tablet. But even with the segment leadership, you do need to be aware of the struggle to balance thermal management and sustained processing power.
Disclosure: I have accepted this product based on my participation in the Best Buy Tech Insider Network Program. Reviewers in this invitation-only program are provided products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased reviews.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Remove stains and pet odors with this Hoover Paws & Claws premixed carpet cleaner. The powerful formula contains enzymatic cleaning ingredients that quickly break down stains and continue working until odors are completely eliminated. This Hoover Paws & Claws premixed carpet cleaner works on curtains and car upholstery and leaves behind a pleasant cotton breeze scent.
Customer Rating
5
Does a fine job against set-in stains
on June 20, 2020
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
This got delivered just in time. My cat decided to hack up his food on my carpet sometime in the middle of the night. He never does it on the hard floor, but that's another matter.
So we grabbed a paper towel and scraped up what we could and ran our Hoover Smartwash Carpet Cleaner with the Paws and Claws solution over it without using the spot treat wand. The stain initially looked like it was gone. So we let the carpet dry and a light stain emerged. We were surprised. The Smartwash Carpet Cleaner has battled all of our tough stains and really cleaned them quite well. It didn't eliminate them all, but it's done better than other machines I've had.
The next day, this Oxy Spot Chase Wand Refill solution came. I immediately loaded up 4 fluid oz into the spot treat wand and went about spraying the stained area. I knew I had to give this solution time to work its magic. So while I was waiting, I went around to two other stains I had and started spot treating them as well.
I gave this Oxy Spot Chaser Wand Refill solution about an hour of time to work and ran my Hoover Smartwash Carpet Cleaner over each spot several times in different directions. I couldn't see the spot immediately after, but after the carpet dried, I could barely see where the stain was.
Does the Oxy Spot Chaser solution work? Yes. For my tough stains that have been around for years, it definitely worked. In my estimation, it removed 95% of the stain. I can still see where the stain was, but just barely. A typical guest in my house would not see the stain.
I definitely recommend keeping some of this Oxy Spot Chaser Solution around. I initially had some doubts whether it would do any better than the Paws and Claws solution in my Smartwash Carpet Cleaner, but it proved me wrong and I'm happy it did.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Eliminate dust from your living spaces with this 350W LG CordZero Kompressor stick vacuum. The Power Punch nozzle uses vibrating movements to effectively clean dirt from floors, while the included combination tool and crevice nozzle clean upholstery, cars and ceilings. This LG CordZero Kompressor stick vacuum comes with two quick-release batteries that offer up to 2 hours of cordless operation, and the Wi-Fi receiver enables remote monitoring.
Customer Rating
4
Great battery system, great suction power.
on May 28, 2020
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
I got the LG CordZero Stick Vacuum with Kompressor to help me keep my carpeted stairs clean. While we customarily take our shoes off at the door, I've got a cat that sheds like crazy and three kids that track stuff all over the house. I have a corded upright vacuum, but it's a bit of a chore to lug it around, plug it in, locate the right accessories, battle with the hose, then haul the vacuum up half the stairs and teeter the vacuum in one hand while swiping the accessory across the stair in another. Sometimes I could leave the vacuum at the top of the stairs, but I had to be careful not to pull too hard otherwise the vacuum would chase me down the stairs.
I really like the LG CordZero Stick Vacuum. Having two replaceable batteries eases my mind over a built in battery like a Dyson. According to the manufacturer, each battery is rated for about 60 minutes of run time without any power accessories. I got over 40 minutes of use on the lowest suction setting while using the Power Carpet Nozzle tool. Those 40 minutes were spread over several uses from my stairs and many carpeted rooms in my house. Note that the power accessories draw power directly from the battery to either spin the brush roll or vibrate the power punch panel.
Even at the lowest suction setting, it was pulling hair, dust and debris very easily and effectively from my plush carpets. I was very pleased with the noise level at this setting. It was fairly mild and much quieter than say a hair dryer. Switching to the next higher mode (Power Mode) is just a quick button tap away. Then the Turbo mode is activated by holding the same button for 3 seconds.
After learning I could run for 40 minutes on the lowest setting, I ran the vacuum with a fully charged battery with the Power Carpet Nozzle accessory flat out in Power Mode and it ran for over 30 minutes. With another fully charged battery the Turbo mode only lasted about 7 and a half minutes. But it would be highly unusual for someone to run the vacuum this way. For one thing, you would need to stop to empty the canister every so often. For me, I turned off the vacuum while transitioning to other rooms. I vacuumed almost my whole house with one battery charge.
There are 3 indicator lights at the top of the handle to indicate battery charge. As the battery charge gets depleted, the first two lights will turn off. The third light will eventually flash to indicate a charge is needed. What surprised me is that the vacuum just shuts off when there is insufficient charge left. It doesn't chime, nor does it slow down as a final warning.
Another thing I noticed is that with the power accessory attached, it powers the accessory for a moment before supplying suction when the system is turned on.
The extension wand has a two way button to extend the wand an additional 6 inches with stops available every couple inches. It made a dramatic improvement in comfort.
While the Power Carpet Nozzle glides over hard floors, it takes some effort and sometimes requires my second hand on the extension wand to move the Power Carpet Tool head across my very plush carpet. I think it is because the wheels are so small that they sink into my carpet before they can be effective.
The Kompressor feature is new for this model of Stick Vacuum. This feature allows you to squish down the accumulated dust, hair and other bits to pack more stuff into the canister between canister cleanings. This is accomplished by pressing down a spring loaded lever that controls a ring that sweeps down around the mesh filter. This is very handy as most of my canister contents is dust and hair that can be easily compacted.
The included stand is OK. It can hold and charge the second battery or charge the battery installed on the vacuum. It will always charge the vacuum mounted battery first and then charge the battery on the stand. The two non-power accessories (crevice and combination tools) can be stored on the stand. I was disappointed to learn there is no storage for the Power Carpet Nozzle nor the Power Punch Nozzle. I was also disappointed to learn that the non-power tools have to be stored in a specific place. Included in the package is a Cleaning Brush, after looking at things closer, the Cleaning brush can be only stored in the front tool storage, this necessitates that the Combination Tool to be stored in front since the Combination Tool can slide over the Cleaning Brush and that leaves the Crevice tool to be stored in the back. The tools are released from storage with the release button. But that also means that the tool needs to be rotated so that the release button is accessible by my fingers. While I could keep the vacuum base and extension wand assembled on the stand, I prefer not to have either of the Power Heads installed at the end of extension wand because it would require the heads to tilt and put some additional stress on the vacuum docking guides. Please note that even if you decide to leave the charging stand on the floor, LG does not want you to leave the extension wand and either of the Power heads installed as it causes too much weight and can damage the docking guides.
Is it too much to ask that a stand have tool storage for all the tools included with the vacuum?
I kinda chuckled that this Stick Vacuum has WiFi connectivity. My first smart LG device is a Washer. So I already had the LG ThinQ app on my phone. After following the directions to connect this Stick Vacuum to my phone. I could get push notifications of Charging Complete messages. The app is also good to keep a running tally of number of uses per month and accumulated time in each of the 3 power modes. I've noticed that the statistics don't come in until you power on with the next cycle. I also was sad to learn that I cannot drill down into the statistics. You are only given the accumulated values for the month. I couldn't, for instance, check to see how much time I spent in each of the 3 power modes on my fourth usage cycle or even for the current day. The app also seems to provides basic maintenance reminders similar to my washer.
In the end, I'm glad I got this LG CordZero Stick Vacuum. It is going to work well for me on the stairs, but it will also work great for my hard floors and quick sweeps on my carpet between deeper cleanings with my corded upright vacuum.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Clean and deodorize your rugs, carpets and upholstery with this 64-oz. Hoover Paws and Claws carpet cleaning formula. Stainguard technology and enzymatic ingredients eliminate pet messes, odors and dirt, while the cotton breeze scent leaves your home smelling fresh all day. This Hoover Paws and Claws carpet cleaning formula has an optimized formulation that's safe to use with your deep cleaning machines.
Customer Rating
5
Powerful Clean when paired with Hoover Smartwash
on April 14, 2020
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
I have a cat and 3 kids that combined to put stains in my carpet. I thought the carpet in one of my rooms was a goner. I've used a few different carpet cleaners in the past and they only seemed to dull some of the stains. I am super impressed by the work that was done by my new Hoover SmartWash Pet Complete Automatic Carpet Cleaner and its use of this Paws and Claws Cleaning solution.
Most of the stains have vanished! There are a few that have barely clung to the carpet, but I'm ever hopeful they may come out in future cleaning cycles.
One of the stains is on the stair landing from our previous cat. I tried one of those rental carpet cleaners last year and it didn't look like it pulled much up. I tried a generic cleaning solution with the Hoover SmartWash Carpet Cleaner, I was surprised when I could see colored liquid getting sucked up by the carpet cleaner. It still left a good part of the stain behind. So I came back with the Paws and Claws solution and went over the area a few more passes and to my surprise, the enzymes in the Paws and Claws solution continued to pull up almost orange colored liquid for the next several passes.
I haven't tested it specifically, but I'm hoping that the stain guard additive will keep my carpets looking clean!
I also like that the scent of the solution is fairly neutral. It doesn't reek of strong cleaning chemicals, but rather a slight fresh perfume that dissipates quickly.
I really appreciate this Paws and Claws solution that came with my Hoover SmartWash Carpet Cleaner. It accomplished more than I was expecting. I was so impressed with it, I have another bottle ordered and on the way!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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bzm3j81's Review Comments
Add high-end performance to your everyday life with the Google Pixel XL. A quad-core processor, a 5.5-inch LED screen and 32GB of memory ensure this phone is able to handle daily life, and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protects the screen. Easy cloud storage ensures you never run out of space on the Google Pixel XL.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Amazing Phone
By bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
First and foremost, this phone is amazing. Performance and quality exceed my expectations from Google.
Pro’s:
- Build Quality
- Phone Performance
- Google Assist
- Unlimited photo storage
- Battery life
- Camera!
- Build Quality
- Phone Performance
- Google Assist
- Unlimited photo storage
- Battery life
- Camera!
Con’s:
- Cost
- Lack of some “flagship” features (i.e. IP67 rating, wireless charging, removable storage)
- Cost
- Lack of some “flagship” features (i.e. IP67 rating, wireless charging, removable storage)
Build quality: This phone is solid in your hand from the moment you pick it up. The aluminum body feels solid and the phone has enough weight behind it to sit comfortably in your hand. I was concerned about the glass portion of the back panel, as I cringed every time I put the phone down on a solid surface, but it has endured very well so far and beyond adding a little flair it helps to quickly identify the top from bottom of the phone as I bring it out of my pocket. The front screen is probably the best screen I have ever used on a smart phone, colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and I would put it up against any screen that Apple or Samsung produce. It would really be nice if this was IP 67 rated for water resistance and dust resistance.
Performance: The new Qualcomm 821 processor doesn’t seem leaps and bounds above the older 820 model, but there are times where it is noticeable. Transitions are smooth, scrolling is faster and more responsive, and the phone overall just seems more fluid. The finger print reader is very quick. The camera does load faster than my old phone, but isn’t instant.
Software: The new launcher is very smooth. Took a little bit of time to get used to the “pull up” for the app drawer, but it seems much more natural than the old app drawer button. The Google assistant is nice, but seems to be a slightly more powerful Google now… I expect this will get better over time, but right now seems to be a little basic. Verizon did a great job with the phone’s “bloatware”. I haven’t “noticed” the applications and it seems that they can be uninstalled if I want to. (good job guys). Everything seems to work really well, and the 3D touch is really nice for the applications it works with right now (mostly google apps) but as with most of the software, it will just get better with time.
Camera: This is hands down the best camera I have ever used on a phone. I was worried about the lack of OIS (optical image stabilization) but after seeing how well the EIS performs, it really isn’t a concern anymore. Photos look amazing, the stabilization is awesome, and the HDR+ mode is so fast, I do not even know it’s on. Combined with the unlimited Google photos storage, I really don’t mind the 32GB storage size. Low light photos are amazing and the autofocus is fast. Colors look amazing. I really can’t say enough about this thing. I do wish it had OIS to cover those situations where EIS struggles (lose some details in low light with HDR+ and shaky hands) but I do not think it’s needed overall.
Battery: bottom line, rock solid. I run my phones hard, and normally have to charge them in the car to and from work. (sometimes even at work). But no issues with this Pixel XL. The Qualcomm 821 processor combined with the OLED screen seem to have really helped battery life out. I am looking at 18 hours of life today alone and that’s with about 7 hours of screen time on.)
If you are in the market for a phone, and you have the money, this phone will not disappoint.
bzm3j81
Detroit, MI
Yes 3D Touch!
October 25, 2016
@RTB1980, to answer your question, yes 3D Touch. So when I press and hold a Google application, it displays a context menu specific to that application. It may not be based on pressure sensitivity, but timing. The same action on a non-Google app will 'zoom-out' so that you can drag and drop the app like in previous generations of Android.
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bzm3j81's Questions
bzm3j81 has not submitted any questions.
PowerCore III 10K is a slim and powerful portable 10000mAh battery. With two USB-A port PowerIQ outputs for high-speed dual device charging and one USB-C PD input for incredibly fast recharging. This is all you need as your charging companion.
The indicator light appears to be flashing while charging. Is this normal? Also, where can I find a manual for this online?
Make sure that you're plugged into the correct port. I was able to trigger the flashing if I plugged my phone into the USB-C port (middle port). That port is only for charging the power bank (input) and not for charging your mobile device. The two USB-A ports are used for charging your devices (output).
2 years, 7 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Capture stunning imagery with the legendary Hasselblad camera and enjoy a smooth flight with omnidirectional obstacle sensing. Every improvement on Mavic 3 sets a higher standard for aerial photography. Fly with Mavic 3 and discover imaging above everything.
What VR/FPV goggles can be used with this new Mavic 3?
The Mavic 3 will not be compatible with the DJI FPV goggles at launch. DJI hints that it may be supported in the future with possible firmware updates.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Coffeehouse Versatility meets Pod Convenience with the Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System. Included 12-cup, double-walled thermal carafe is perfect for both hot and over-ice beverages, with an ergonomic handle and spout allow for easy control of pouring. Tackle grounds and pods with 9 grounds brew sizes from small cup to full carafe, and 4 pod brew sizes from 6 to 12 ounces. Brews a coffee pod faster than a leading Keurig coffee maker upon startup. With Thermal Flavor Extraction DUO technology, perfect flavor for grounds and pods is delivered with even saturation and precise temperature control for ultra-flavorful coffee. Separate from the coffee system is a dedicated hot water line. Using a separate line eliminates flavor contamination and delivers clean water. 2 temperature settings, hot and boil, allow you to make tea, hot cocoa, instant soups, and oatmeal. Brew a super-rich coffee concentrate that you can use to create delicious lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and other coffeehouse-style drinks. Use the built-in, fold-away frother to transform hot or cold milk/milk-alternatives into silky-smooth froth in seconds. Top your Specialty brew with frothed milk for a coffeehouse-style drink. The frother is also removable for easy cleaning. Choose from one of four different brew styles; classic or rich for a traditional hot cup of coffee, over ice for an iced coffee that's never diluted, or specialty to make a cappuccino or latte. Clean function, dishwasher-safe parts, removable Ninja pod adaptor and frother allow you to easily deep clean your unit.
Must I use the pods for single cup?
It has a more traditional brew basket for a filter and coffee grounds that allows you to brew from 8 to 55 oz.
2 years, 8 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Who’s in the garden? Are the kids doing their homework yet? Nest Cam is wire-free, so it goes almost anywhere, outside or in. It knows the difference between people, animals, and vehicles, so you can get the alerts that are important to you. Listen and speak through the camera right from the Google Home app. Check in anytime with 24/7 live view.* If you miss a notification, you can always go back and see what happened with 3 hours of free event video history.* And it’s easy to install yourself – no outlet or wires required. Nest Camera Battery requires the Google Home app and a Google Account – it’s not compatible with the Nest app or the home.nest.com site. *** Stand and cable sold separately
Hi! Is it mandatory to have the camera be connected to a home wifi? I read that it is battery operated. With just battery, can I still get alerts on my google home app while I’m in an international country? Thanks for your answer.
Your usage scenario requires it to be connected to some kind of local WiFi, whether that's a home WiFi or a hotspot that remains in the vicinity of the camera. The camera itself cannot send the video nor alerts via cellular data.
2 years, 10 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Who’s in the garden? Are the kids doing their homework yet? Nest Cam is wire-free, so it goes almost anywhere, outside or in. It knows the difference between people, animals, and vehicles, so you can get the alerts that are important to you. Listen and speak through the camera right from the Google Home app. Check in anytime with 24/7 live view.* If you miss a notification, you can always go back and see what happened with 3 hours of free event video history.* And it’s easy to install yourself – no outlet or wires required. Nest Camera Battery requires the Google Home app and a Google Account – it’s not compatible with the Nest app or the home.nest.com site. *** Stand and cable sold separately
Do the video feeds show up on home.nest.com for the new cameras?
Not it does not. While it is branded as a Nest Cam, it only connects through the Google Home App.
2 years, 10 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Who’s in the garden? Are the kids doing their homework yet? Nest Cam is wire-free, so it goes almost anywhere, outside or in. It knows the difference between people, animals, and vehicles, so you can get the alerts that are important to you. Listen and speak through the camera right from the Google Home app. Check in anytime with 24/7 live view.* If you miss a notification, you can always go back and see what happened with 3 hours of free event video history.* And it’s easy to install yourself – no outlet or wires required. Nest Camera Battery requires the Google Home app and a Google Account – it’s not compatible with the Nest app or the home.nest.com site. *** Stand and cable sold separately
Can I install this camera outside, not under a cover?
I have it installed outside, it is rated IP54 for weather resistance.
2 years, 10 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Everything you love in a Galaxy PC, and more. Galaxy Book Flex2 ⍺ sits at the top of its class with high-quality features to match. Equipped with our latest technology, innovative design, vivid display and a high-speed processor that'll dazzle your senses while exceeding all expectations. Its super vivid QLED screen features millions of colors realized at 100% color volume, adapting to your environment so you have an easy viewing experience no matter the lighting. Choose your view with the ultra-slim 2-in-1 design that transforms from laptop to tablet. Add the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i5 / i7 processor, and your work, play and entertainment continue from morning to night. Enjoy added built-in features like Second Screen capability and enhanced connectivity to anything within the Galaxy ecosystem, from buds to tablets and so much more. Plus, a super-fast charging battery¹ that lasts 17 hours on a single charge makes it easy to accomplish everything you need to do and everything you want to do wherever, and whenever you want.
Does this have thunderbolt 4 that I could use with an egpu or is it only usb c?
Immerse yourself in every detail with the Samsung A700 high resolution 4K UHD monitor. With HDR10 technology, colors will look vivid and lifelike while the TUV-certified eye comfort care will reduce eye fatigue and keep you productive. The minimalistic, virtually borderless design, clean cable management and slim, sleek stand gives you an optimized clutter-free workstation.
Does this tv support screen mirroring
This isn't a Smart TV, it's a monitor. Therefore there isn't any casting options available. If physically connected to your computer, you can change your display settings to duplicate your display across your monitors.
3 years, 1 month ago
by
bzm3j81
Soundcore Life Tune XR are active noise cancelling headphones with Hi-Res Certified sound. The Multi-Mode noise cancellation technology detects and cancels out exterior noise. Use for calls with the dual microphones and have long, 60 hour listening sessions due to the long battery life and comfortable earcups.
Why does the Product Name say “Earbuds” when the Images show “Over the Ear” headphones and the Specs mention “Over the Ear”? Which one is correct “Earbuds” or “Over the Ear”? thx
These are Over the Ear headphones.
Anker does have an ear buds variant of this line.
Anker does have an ear buds variant of this line.
3 years, 2 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Soundcore Life Tune XR are active noise cancelling headphones with Hi-Res Certified sound. The Multi-Mode noise cancellation technology detects and cancels out exterior noise. Use for calls with the dual microphones and have long, 60 hour listening sessions due to the long battery life and comfortable earcups.