ferrari's stats
- Review count153
- Helpfulness votes427
- First reviewOctober 18, 2012
- Last reviewJune 23, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
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- Answer count13
- Helpfulness votes16
- First answerAugust 26, 2016
- Last answerSeptember 13, 2020
- Featured answers0
- Best answers2
Fuse physical and digital worlds with this Merge cube. It's a toy hologram that you can hold in the palm of your hand, and it works with free apps downloaded onto your iOS or Android smart device at the Merge Miniverse site. This Merge cube lets you play your favorite games with virtual reality goggles.
Customer Rating
5
Entertainment value at its best
on October 5, 2017
Posted by: ferrari
from New Jersey, USA
I received this as part of combo pack along with the Merge VR goggles. While there are many descriptions & reviews online of the goggles & how they function with the cube; i think the best part of the cube is that it can be used standalone with your phone loaded with an app.
When you use the goggles, it's a one person experience - someone uses the goggles while others are watching wondering what he/she's seeing causing them to bob about weirdly. But with the cube, the whole group can experience it together. It also can be used as a teaching experience, as in 3D body.
Pair this up with one of your old phones laying in the desk drawer, load the app, and you've got one of the best entertainment values around. Just don't leave it on the coffee table when you're done, the dog might think you bought him a brand new foam toy!
When you use the goggles, it's a one person experience - someone uses the goggles while others are watching wondering what he/she's seeing causing them to bob about weirdly. But with the cube, the whole group can experience it together. It also can be used as a teaching experience, as in 3D body.
Pair this up with one of your old phones laying in the desk drawer, load the app, and you've got one of the best entertainment values around. Just don't leave it on the coffee table when you're done, the dog might think you bought him a brand new foam toy!
My Best Buy number: 0210751105
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Be transported into another world with the Merge VR Goggles. Compatible with Android and iOS devices, Merge VR Goggles provide an immersive virtual reality experience powered by your smartphone.Explore virtual worlds with these Merge VR goggles. The input system lets you perform simultaneous action, such as running and jumping, and the soft foam construction keep you comfortable. These Merge VR goggles take you to new worlds via hundreds of apps with VR START, and they’re compatible with newer Android and iPhone devices for versatility.
Customer Rating
4
A good choice for the price point
on September 29, 2017
Posted by: ferrari
from New Jersey, USA
My first experience with VR was when my brother in law brought over one of the cardboard based units that was going in the range of $10-$20. Still, it was fairly impressive as it was being passed around the table. Yes, the focus was not exactly precise, the phone was held in with a glorified rubber band, but it was fun watching everyone tilt left & right as they rode the roller coaster.
Time has passed, and the tech has gotten a little better. Yeah, this is no Oculus Rift, but it's about a tenth of the price. Considering the cost, it's pretty good. The build quality is sturdy, as is the focus mechanism. It also helps that the phone isn't being held in by cardboard. And the comfort level is a league above those cheap units.
Mind you, this is still a toy. The repeat play value is up to you. After you experience it a couple of times, the wow factor diminishes. But at a party or family gathering, it's sure to generate some oohs and ahhs - or keep the kids occupied for a bit. I might suggest if you have an old phone around after you've upgraded to the latest, load an sd card with some apps and use that.
One thing that's a must, if you're getting this, be sure to add on the merge cube for another $15. For a small investment, it will double the entertainment value.
Time has passed, and the tech has gotten a little better. Yeah, this is no Oculus Rift, but it's about a tenth of the price. Considering the cost, it's pretty good. The build quality is sturdy, as is the focus mechanism. It also helps that the phone isn't being held in by cardboard. And the comfort level is a league above those cheap units.
Mind you, this is still a toy. The repeat play value is up to you. After you experience it a couple of times, the wow factor diminishes. But at a party or family gathering, it's sure to generate some oohs and ahhs - or keep the kids occupied for a bit. I might suggest if you have an old phone around after you've upgraded to the latest, load an sd card with some apps and use that.
One thing that's a must, if you're getting this, be sure to add on the merge cube for another $15. For a small investment, it will double the entertainment value.
My Best Buy number: 0210751105
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep your home spotlessly clean with this Bissell multi-reach cordless vacuum. Its four specialized cleaning attachments include a crevice tool for difficult nooks and crannies, a multi-surface brush roll for floors, and both a dusting brush and upholstery tool for furniture and other areas. This Bissell multi-reach cordless vacuum has built-in LED lights for illuminating hidden dirt.
Customer Rating
5
An excellent choice in the stick vac category
on September 22, 2017
Posted by: ferrari
from New Jersey, USA
As far as stick type vacuums go, this is a pretty good unit. If you've tried stick vacuums in the past, as i have, they were little more than toys. No suction, no versatility, the Ni-Cad batteries would give you 10 minutes run at the most, and lose power all through the cycle. Best suited to pick up corn flakes you spilled at breakfast time. That all started to change with the arrival of the Dysons, arguably the leader in this category. Now, this category is starting to approach the utility of a standard vac - almost.
The Bissell follows the usual stick format; power unit & dirt bin at the top of the handle, brush & roller at the bottom. With 2 longhair dogs, my biggest concern is pet hair, which is usually not on the menu for stick units. While i expected it to do a decent job on the hardfloor, i was pleasantly suprised at how well it performed on an area rug. The collector bin is obviously not going to hold a lot of hair, but it's up to the task if you just want to give a small area a quick fixup. The rotating brushes give the rug a good lift & tug; when you're done, the brush will pop out for easier cleaning. My full size Bissell dedicated pet hair collector has specially shaped brushes that tangle less easily, but as i said, while the stick is not meant for that, it will do the job in a pinch.
An ongoing concern with vacuums is noise level. I'm sorry to say there's no help here. It might be a bit less than a full size, but it's a different kind of noise; having a high speed motor, the pitch of the noise is higher as opposed to more bassy growl that you'd get from a canister type vac. The good news here is that noise = power, and the Bissell provides probably quite a bit more suction than what you'd expect from a stick. The power is generated from that high rpm motor and the 22 volt battery that powers it. The Li-ion battery provides about 20 minute run times, and the power doesn't fade much as the battery runs down.
While this is going to live it's life mostly in the kitchen area, the feature i appreciate most is the ability to take it apart and use the crevice & upholstery tools. I can take it out to the car, and it has more than enough run time to do the rugs, seats, & trunk. It's also nicely balanced & lightweight enough so that i can use it in standard mode with the crevice tool or dust brush to reach up for those spider & dust webs that collect in the ceiling corners.
I always hated emptying those dust bin collectors, but this one works about as well as a device of this type can. The LED lights on the brush head are more than decoration, they're bright enough to be of some help when reaching under a couch or table. And while doing that, it'll lay down almost horizontally flat, so you can get good reach.
Overall, i found this to be a hard working & versatile unit.
The Bissell follows the usual stick format; power unit & dirt bin at the top of the handle, brush & roller at the bottom. With 2 longhair dogs, my biggest concern is pet hair, which is usually not on the menu for stick units. While i expected it to do a decent job on the hardfloor, i was pleasantly suprised at how well it performed on an area rug. The collector bin is obviously not going to hold a lot of hair, but it's up to the task if you just want to give a small area a quick fixup. The rotating brushes give the rug a good lift & tug; when you're done, the brush will pop out for easier cleaning. My full size Bissell dedicated pet hair collector has specially shaped brushes that tangle less easily, but as i said, while the stick is not meant for that, it will do the job in a pinch.
An ongoing concern with vacuums is noise level. I'm sorry to say there's no help here. It might be a bit less than a full size, but it's a different kind of noise; having a high speed motor, the pitch of the noise is higher as opposed to more bassy growl that you'd get from a canister type vac. The good news here is that noise = power, and the Bissell provides probably quite a bit more suction than what you'd expect from a stick. The power is generated from that high rpm motor and the 22 volt battery that powers it. The Li-ion battery provides about 20 minute run times, and the power doesn't fade much as the battery runs down.
While this is going to live it's life mostly in the kitchen area, the feature i appreciate most is the ability to take it apart and use the crevice & upholstery tools. I can take it out to the car, and it has more than enough run time to do the rugs, seats, & trunk. It's also nicely balanced & lightweight enough so that i can use it in standard mode with the crevice tool or dust brush to reach up for those spider & dust webs that collect in the ceiling corners.
I always hated emptying those dust bin collectors, but this one works about as well as a device of this type can. The LED lights on the brush head are more than decoration, they're bright enough to be of some help when reaching under a couch or table. And while doing that, it'll lay down almost horizontally flat, so you can get good reach.
Overall, i found this to be a hard working & versatile unit.
My Best Buy number: 0210751105
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Take precise, intuitive control of digital projects with this wireless Logitech Craft advanced keyboard. Its creative input dial lets you make accurate object size adjustments, zoom images quickly and perform other shortcut functions with design tools in multimedia and office applications. The backlit keys of this Logitech Craft advanced keyboard automatically adjust their brightness to your environment.
Customer Rating
5
High end keyboard that doubles as desk art
on September 22, 2017
Posted by: ferrari
from New Jersey, USA
Stunned - that was my first reaction at unboxing this piece. Actually, before even opening the box. Just feeling the heft of it you start to wonder if they packed it with weights inside. Then you see why - solid aluminum block superbly finished. Craft is certainly the right name. Then you look at the beautifully sculpted keys indented for your fingertips. From end to end, it's a first class finish. I was looking for a fashion designer's name engraved on it.
But it is a keyboard, and needs to function as one. And for the price, needs to be a pretty good one. It's not an ergonomic keyboard per se, doesn't have a palm rest, but Logitech's claim is it's "designed for comfort." And if you have no need for the keyboard base to extend below the space bar, the keyboard itself does have an excellent tactile feel. If i had a minor complaint, it would be that i would prefer a bit more depth to the keystroke, something similar to my Logitech K800.
Along with the sheer beauty of it, the star of this keyboard is the "Creative Input Dial." It's enabled through their "Options" software, and allows you to assign or program various functions specific to the program you're working with, i.e. scrolling through an Excel worksheet, or Spotify list; or basic functions such as volume or screen brightness.
But who the dial will benefit most are those who use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Premiere. Being able to control hue, saturation, brightness, or to jog through video with the twist of a dial is a godsend. It's extremely precise and much better suited to the task than a touchpad or mouse. And then there's the feel of the knob. It's much more akin to rotating a volume or tuner dial on your high end stereo as opposed to anything that's normally connected to a desktop PC.
Yes, it's expensive. But the way i see it, the appeal will be to 2 classes of people. For a professional artist, this will easily become an essential tool of the trade; and i don't believe they'll ever regret the purchase.
As for the second class, this is an impressive piece of functional art that will outclass the keyboard on any other CEO's desk. This is the keyboard that says you've arrived!
But it is a keyboard, and needs to function as one. And for the price, needs to be a pretty good one. It's not an ergonomic keyboard per se, doesn't have a palm rest, but Logitech's claim is it's "designed for comfort." And if you have no need for the keyboard base to extend below the space bar, the keyboard itself does have an excellent tactile feel. If i had a minor complaint, it would be that i would prefer a bit more depth to the keystroke, something similar to my Logitech K800.
Along with the sheer beauty of it, the star of this keyboard is the "Creative Input Dial." It's enabled through their "Options" software, and allows you to assign or program various functions specific to the program you're working with, i.e. scrolling through an Excel worksheet, or Spotify list; or basic functions such as volume or screen brightness.
But who the dial will benefit most are those who use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Premiere. Being able to control hue, saturation, brightness, or to jog through video with the twist of a dial is a godsend. It's extremely precise and much better suited to the task than a touchpad or mouse. And then there's the feel of the knob. It's much more akin to rotating a volume or tuner dial on your high end stereo as opposed to anything that's normally connected to a desktop PC.
Yes, it's expensive. But the way i see it, the appeal will be to 2 classes of people. For a professional artist, this will easily become an essential tool of the trade; and i don't believe they'll ever regret the purchase.
As for the second class, this is an impressive piece of functional art that will outclass the keyboard on any other CEO's desk. This is the keyboard that says you've arrived!
My Best Buy number: 0210751105
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker in Matte Black combines sleek design and more intuitive features to help you brew your perfect cup every single time. It features four brew sizes, so you can brew 6, 8, 10, or up to 12 oz. of your favorite coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or iced beverage with the touch of a button. And for those who like a stronger cup of coffee, the Keurig K-Select brewer is the perfect choice. The Strong Brew feature kicks up your coffee’s strength and intensity, so you can enjoy a bolder brew. Choose from hundreds of delicious varieties of K-Cup pods, or brew your own ground coffee with the My-K-Cup Universal Reusable Coffee Filter (sold separately). With the K-Select brewer, you can brew 5 cups between refills of the large 52 oz. water reservoir.
Customer Rating
4
Keurig with a twist
on September 6, 2017
Posted by: ferrari
from New Jersey, USA
By now, most of us coffee drinkers are pretty familiar with the Keurig machines, if you don't own one, you've used it at the office, car dealership while you wait for service, etc. And there's not much different with this one. It's on the lower end of the Keurig line, lacking the LCD screen and polished look of the higher end models.
There is one significant difference to Keurigs of the past, and that's the addition of a "strong" button. Up till now, those who prefer a stronger brew would be forced to select a smaller cup size; or else use multiple pods to create their preferred brew. The machine achieves this by lengthening the brew time, allowing the water to soak in the grinds for a longer time.
This is called "extraction", and you can Google the term to read a wealth of information. It can get very complex, and has to due with volume, water temperature, and time. To summarize though, from what I've learned, this can lead to over-extraction, lending a burnt or bitter taste to the brew.
If you've been shopping and have seen the Ninja line of machines, they have a similar function which they call "rich brew." Who came up with the idea of this button first, I don't know, but it gives you options.
The other feature on this unit that's different from the past is "Smart Start." Those of you that have a Keurig know that after you turn the unit on, you first wait for the water to heat; then you can select cup size and brew. Now that's been rolled into a single function, you can turn the machine on, insert your pd, select brew, and walk away. Bit of a time saver on those hectic mornings.
Overall, it's been a good performer, personally, I would prefer a higher end machine, and miss the LCD, but if you're not looking to spend the $$, the K80 is a solid choice.
There is one significant difference to Keurigs of the past, and that's the addition of a "strong" button. Up till now, those who prefer a stronger brew would be forced to select a smaller cup size; or else use multiple pods to create their preferred brew. The machine achieves this by lengthening the brew time, allowing the water to soak in the grinds for a longer time.
This is called "extraction", and you can Google the term to read a wealth of information. It can get very complex, and has to due with volume, water temperature, and time. To summarize though, from what I've learned, this can lead to over-extraction, lending a burnt or bitter taste to the brew.
If you've been shopping and have seen the Ninja line of machines, they have a similar function which they call "rich brew." Who came up with the idea of this button first, I don't know, but it gives you options.
The other feature on this unit that's different from the past is "Smart Start." Those of you that have a Keurig know that after you turn the unit on, you first wait for the water to heat; then you can select cup size and brew. Now that's been rolled into a single function, you can turn the machine on, insert your pd, select brew, and walk away. Bit of a time saver on those hectic mornings.
Overall, it's been a good performer, personally, I would prefer a higher end machine, and miss the LCD, but if you're not looking to spend the $$, the K80 is a solid choice.
My Best Buy number: 0210751105
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Increase home office productivity with this HP ENVY all-in-one printer. It has a USB port and SD card slot for quick printing of colorful, borderless photos, and its dual-band Wi-Fi lets you print directly from your mobile device. The 2.7-inch touch screen of this HP ENVY all-in-one printer lets you configure options for printing, scanning, copying and faxing.
Customer Rating
2
A printer that comes with a payment plan
on August 13, 2017
Posted by: ferrari
from New Jersey, USA
I'll begin by saying that after spending a couple of days with this printer, I had no problem with it hardware wise at all. The setup went well, connected to my wifi, set up the downloadable smartphone app, hooked it up with various devices in the house. One of the first things i tried was the scan function, since I've had problems with that in prior HP printers. No issues here. Using photo paper, sent images from the smartphone to the printer, very good quality.
So what's the problem? The issue is, I hadn't gotten through the first day when I got a message "10 days ink left." How's it know that? Well, it counts pages. I guess the best way to describe it is that this is a locked printer. It forces you to buy in to the HP Ink Now program. You sign into the program, and it automatically sends you ink when they think you need it. There are two cartridges in the printer - a black and a muliticolor. They also offer various options - either send you the pertinent cartridge as it depletes, or monthly options for $5, $10, etc. depending on the amount of pages you normally use.
I have a problem with this. I have a big problem with this. Does it remind you of something? Maybe buying phone minutes? Gigs of data?
I searched Google and I don't see cartridges for this printer anywhere. You're forced into this online arrangement with HP.
We all know ink is expensive - i've seen people do the math, and it comes to thousands of dollars per quart. More expensive than any other liquid you can buy except for maybe some exotic pharmaceuticals. I like to bargain shop - printer ink doesn't go on sale often, but there are deals. Sometimes 10 or 20% off, if you're lucky, maybe a buy one get one deal. But with the arrangement that comes with this printer, you're locked into sole source. And i don't like sole source - anything.
Now some may see this as convenient - it takes care of itself, no trips to the store, etc. I see your point, but I just don't look at it that way.
Lastly, this printer comes in at $199 list price. Printers are normally discounted since once you buy it, they know you have to buy their ink. But since this printer comes with what is essentially a mortgage, they should actually be giving it away for free!
So what's the problem? The issue is, I hadn't gotten through the first day when I got a message "10 days ink left." How's it know that? Well, it counts pages. I guess the best way to describe it is that this is a locked printer. It forces you to buy in to the HP Ink Now program. You sign into the program, and it automatically sends you ink when they think you need it. There are two cartridges in the printer - a black and a muliticolor. They also offer various options - either send you the pertinent cartridge as it depletes, or monthly options for $5, $10, etc. depending on the amount of pages you normally use.
I have a problem with this. I have a big problem with this. Does it remind you of something? Maybe buying phone minutes? Gigs of data?
I searched Google and I don't see cartridges for this printer anywhere. You're forced into this online arrangement with HP.
We all know ink is expensive - i've seen people do the math, and it comes to thousands of dollars per quart. More expensive than any other liquid you can buy except for maybe some exotic pharmaceuticals. I like to bargain shop - printer ink doesn't go on sale often, but there are deals. Sometimes 10 or 20% off, if you're lucky, maybe a buy one get one deal. But with the arrangement that comes with this printer, you're locked into sole source. And i don't like sole source - anything.
Now some may see this as convenient - it takes care of itself, no trips to the store, etc. I see your point, but I just don't look at it that way.
Lastly, this printer comes in at $199 list price. Printers are normally discounted since once you buy it, they know you have to buy their ink. But since this printer comes with what is essentially a mortgage, they should actually be giving it away for free!
My Best Buy number: 0210751105
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Navigate your games with this Logitech wireless mouse. Its optical sensor maximizes accuracy for a smoother gaming experience, and its 1 ms report rate reduces lag, so you don't fall behind in competition mode. This Logitech wireless mouse has a charging system that lets you power it wirelessly, so it doesn't interrupt your playing time.
Customer Rating
5
Logitech owns the mouse world - hands down
on August 6, 2017
Posted by: ferrari
from New Jersey, USA
For anyone that's ever bought a desktop computer, there's an good probability that one of your first acts was to trash the mouse that came with it. And if you did, there's an excellent chance you went with a Logitech product. The G703 is their latest advancement in the specialty line of gaming devices.
First off is the look - yes, there are other led enhanced color changing mice, so I can't say the G703 has an edge here. Yes, it's very cool looking but doesn't have a range of options available with other manufacturers.
As far as ergonomics, that's a very subjective choice. I don't think I need to remind everyone that if you're going to spend this kind of money for a mouse, it needs to feel good to you. Personally, I'd prefer it to have a bit less height in the middle, as I like my palm to be more naturally rested as opposed to a claw type grip.
What I do like is the weighting option. Different games call for varying types of motion, if the screen area that gets the bulk of the action is basically centered in a small area, I find that heavier works best for me. Again, this is subjective and subject to your gaming style.
Accuracy & precision is without question the best I've ever experienced. Combined with the on-the-fly software settings, there's more DPI available than you'll ever need. I used this wireless and found no issues in connectivity or battery life, but if you get involved in an overnight marathon, you can switch to wired/charging in a flash.
I could go on with superlatives about the G703, but for me the choice comes down to one thing. I can spend $$ on more than a few products out there, but how long is it going to last? I honestly can't remember ever trashing a Logitech product. I've handed them down, given them away, but never had a mechanical failure. I have a 25 year old trackball on my work pc that has to have gone through untold millions of clicks and still working like new. For me, the reliability if the brand is without question, if I'm going to spend premium bucks for their product, it's nice to know it'll be with me for awhile.
First off is the look - yes, there are other led enhanced color changing mice, so I can't say the G703 has an edge here. Yes, it's very cool looking but doesn't have a range of options available with other manufacturers.
As far as ergonomics, that's a very subjective choice. I don't think I need to remind everyone that if you're going to spend this kind of money for a mouse, it needs to feel good to you. Personally, I'd prefer it to have a bit less height in the middle, as I like my palm to be more naturally rested as opposed to a claw type grip.
What I do like is the weighting option. Different games call for varying types of motion, if the screen area that gets the bulk of the action is basically centered in a small area, I find that heavier works best for me. Again, this is subjective and subject to your gaming style.
Accuracy & precision is without question the best I've ever experienced. Combined with the on-the-fly software settings, there's more DPI available than you'll ever need. I used this wireless and found no issues in connectivity or battery life, but if you get involved in an overnight marathon, you can switch to wired/charging in a flash.
I could go on with superlatives about the G703, but for me the choice comes down to one thing. I can spend $$ on more than a few products out there, but how long is it going to last? I honestly can't remember ever trashing a Logitech product. I've handed them down, given them away, but never had a mechanical failure. I have a 25 year old trackball on my work pc that has to have gone through untold millions of clicks and still working like new. For me, the reliability if the brand is without question, if I'm going to spend premium bucks for their product, it's nice to know it'll be with me for awhile.
My Best Buy number: 0210751105
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Clean your carpets efficiently with this iRobot Roomba vacuum. It lets you set a schedule for automated vacuuming, and the sensors help it navigate under furniture and around objects on the floor for a more thorough cleaning job. This iRobot Roomba vacuum has internal brushes, agitators and suction to handle debris and pet hair.
Customer Rating
5
A product thats improved over time
on July 23, 2017
Posted by: ferrari
from New Jersey, USA
I had to look it up to verify, but I was surprised to see it's actually been 15 years since the first Roomba hit the market. We had one of those first Roombas, actually bought it as a Christmas present for my elderly live alone dad, as he was not big on vacuuming. The thrill didn't last long. It would get stuck, get clogged, fall down stairs, and when it did work, it didn't do much more than pick up visible crumbs on the floor. The $300 toy was relegated to the storage closet. Since then, I've pretty much ignored these devices thinking there wouldn't be much improvement in subsequent models.
So now, 15 years later, you can buy one of the newer models at about the same price, considering inflation, I guess it's about 30% or so cheaper, and it's quite a different machine. I was pleasantly surprised at the improvements they've integrated. First thing i noticed is the power. I imagine that battery improvements over the years have made a lot of this possible, but it's much better at picking up embedded pet hair. It's not going to replace your canister or upright for deep cleanings, but it certainly reduces the need to use it as frequently.
It's also able to swallow objects that the earlier models would choke on. Actually had to empty it when it went for an excursion under the bed!
As far as cleaning the unit itself, that's much improved as well. It disassembles easily and logically, and comes with its own cleaning tool. Spare parts (brushes, filters, wheels, etc.) are readily available. Speaking of the wheels, that's another way the newer models are improved - there's enough clearance built in that transitioning from hardwood to rugs is handled easily - and it refuses to fall down stairs!
The inclusion of an invisible gate is a nice feature. While it's mentioned to gate off a room or area you don't want it wandering into, I found it best used to avoid the tangle of wires underneath the computer desk. Or, if you're not a great wire bundler as i am not, you might choose to direct it away from under your tv/stereo equipment.
While i'm not a big on wifi appliances (the thermostat is probably the most useful to me), it is useful to get a message that your Roomba is clogged because you forgot to empty it last time! I don't think i'll be using it because i just jetted off to Paris and want my condo vacuumed, but if that's your lifestyle, the feature is there.
If i had to knock the Roomba, living in a bilevel, it would have been nice to have two charging stations, and at $59, the price of an additional charger is a bit high.
But all in all, i think they've done a good job at improving this product over the years to the point where i wouldn't have any qualms about recommending it to a friend/relative.
So now, 15 years later, you can buy one of the newer models at about the same price, considering inflation, I guess it's about 30% or so cheaper, and it's quite a different machine. I was pleasantly surprised at the improvements they've integrated. First thing i noticed is the power. I imagine that battery improvements over the years have made a lot of this possible, but it's much better at picking up embedded pet hair. It's not going to replace your canister or upright for deep cleanings, but it certainly reduces the need to use it as frequently.
It's also able to swallow objects that the earlier models would choke on. Actually had to empty it when it went for an excursion under the bed!
As far as cleaning the unit itself, that's much improved as well. It disassembles easily and logically, and comes with its own cleaning tool. Spare parts (brushes, filters, wheels, etc.) are readily available. Speaking of the wheels, that's another way the newer models are improved - there's enough clearance built in that transitioning from hardwood to rugs is handled easily - and it refuses to fall down stairs!
The inclusion of an invisible gate is a nice feature. While it's mentioned to gate off a room or area you don't want it wandering into, I found it best used to avoid the tangle of wires underneath the computer desk. Or, if you're not a great wire bundler as i am not, you might choose to direct it away from under your tv/stereo equipment.
While i'm not a big on wifi appliances (the thermostat is probably the most useful to me), it is useful to get a message that your Roomba is clogged because you forgot to empty it last time! I don't think i'll be using it because i just jetted off to Paris and want my condo vacuumed, but if that's your lifestyle, the feature is there.
If i had to knock the Roomba, living in a bilevel, it would have been nice to have two charging stations, and at $59, the price of an additional charger is a bit high.
But all in all, i think they've done a good job at improving this product over the years to the point where i wouldn't have any qualms about recommending it to a friend/relative.
My Best Buy number: 0210751105
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+28points
28of 28voted this as helpful.
Enjoy your morning java with this Ninja coffee brewer. Its specialized extraction technology maximizes the flavor of your hot or iced brew, and its Auto-iQ One-Touch Intelligence feature lets you choose the size of your drinking vessel so it delivers the exact amount of water. This Ninja coffee brewer has a removable reservoir for easy refilling.
Customer Rating
5
This company is onto something
on July 18, 2017
Posted by: ferrari
from New Jersey, USA
As a coffee aficionado, I've owned 2 super automatic machines in the past dozen years - one for $600, the other $750. While these look very impressive on your counter, and offer an array of features, one has to ask oneself "am i really using all these options?" I just want a good cup of coffee that's not weak; not burnt.
Get a Keurig you say? I don't quite understand how these machines have endeared themselves to the public. Pay $10 for what amounts to a few ounces of coffee for the sake of convenience? Not me? And if you're the least bit environmentally conscious, what about the waste of all the packaging?
I think the Ninja people have recognized a market niche and have gone in headfirst. This machine, the CF021 is on the lower end of their product line, but still has some very nice features. It has the timer for those into that (as a usual 1 cupper, i prefer to wait for the brew as opposed to those mornings i want to sleep in a little longer only to have a lukewarm cup waiting for me.)
You get the choice of size - one cup, half carafe, full carafe. You get the choice of brew - classic (mild), or rich (bold) . And I love the inclusion of the over ice setting - no more weak iced coffee at home.
So what am i giving up over my expensive super automatic machine? Suppose i want a latte? Well, I could go for a higher end Ninja with a built in frother, but really, I have one of those battery powered frothers you can buy for $10 or $15, and they do a fine job. Also much neater than playing with the steam coming out of a full service machine.
I will say being a diehard, i do miss the grinding function of a fully automatic, but after i thought about it, as long as you buy ground coffee fresh, it'll taste great. I had just gotten in the habit of ordering 5 lbs of beans at a time, and storing them in the freezer. Now i have more freezer space!
The one time i really don't miss the super automatic is when we have a family gathering. At dessert time, I felt like a Starbucks barista grinding out single cups on order while everyone enjoyed their pies & cakes. I was never impressed with carafe style coffee makers, but this one does very well.
I did some research on the Ninja, and came across a technical review of how it extracts the various brews. These guys used refractometers to measure total dissolved solids, extraction percentage, etc. Serious coffee guys!
For the bottom end of the Ninja lineup, this machine produces a good cup of coffee at a good price. I think i'll be taking a look at some of their higher end machines; right now i have my eye on one that does specialty brews (read espresso.) Then i'll be able to pass down this one to a needy relative that's going broke buying k-cups!
Get a Keurig you say? I don't quite understand how these machines have endeared themselves to the public. Pay $10 for what amounts to a few ounces of coffee for the sake of convenience? Not me? And if you're the least bit environmentally conscious, what about the waste of all the packaging?
I think the Ninja people have recognized a market niche and have gone in headfirst. This machine, the CF021 is on the lower end of their product line, but still has some very nice features. It has the timer for those into that (as a usual 1 cupper, i prefer to wait for the brew as opposed to those mornings i want to sleep in a little longer only to have a lukewarm cup waiting for me.)
You get the choice of size - one cup, half carafe, full carafe. You get the choice of brew - classic (mild), or rich (bold) . And I love the inclusion of the over ice setting - no more weak iced coffee at home.
So what am i giving up over my expensive super automatic machine? Suppose i want a latte? Well, I could go for a higher end Ninja with a built in frother, but really, I have one of those battery powered frothers you can buy for $10 or $15, and they do a fine job. Also much neater than playing with the steam coming out of a full service machine.
I will say being a diehard, i do miss the grinding function of a fully automatic, but after i thought about it, as long as you buy ground coffee fresh, it'll taste great. I had just gotten in the habit of ordering 5 lbs of beans at a time, and storing them in the freezer. Now i have more freezer space!
The one time i really don't miss the super automatic is when we have a family gathering. At dessert time, I felt like a Starbucks barista grinding out single cups on order while everyone enjoyed their pies & cakes. I was never impressed with carafe style coffee makers, but this one does very well.
I did some research on the Ninja, and came across a technical review of how it extracts the various brews. These guys used refractometers to measure total dissolved solids, extraction percentage, etc. Serious coffee guys!
For the bottom end of the Ninja lineup, this machine produces a good cup of coffee at a good price. I think i'll be taking a look at some of their higher end machines; right now i have my eye on one that does specialty brews (read espresso.) Then i'll be able to pass down this one to a needy relative that's going broke buying k-cups!
My Best Buy number: 0210751105
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
Immerse yourself in rich, vibrant sound with this 2.1-channel Sony sound bar. It has a two-way wireless subwoofer that delivers booming bass and an S-Force PRO front surround for a theater-like audio experience. This Sony sound bar uses Bluetooth connectivity to pair easily with home theater and other audio devices.
Customer Rating
5
Full featured unit for small to medium rooms
on June 4, 2017
Posted by: ferrari
from New Jersey, USA
I was quite impressed with the sound from this piece. Especially bearing in mind that being "slim", it's meant for tv's on a stand with low profiles, or those with space concerns for soundbar placement. It might be lost in a larger room, say over 400 sq. ft, but the power & spacious quality of the sound can make a bedroom or small den start to approach the quality of a home theater setup.
For it's size, it's surprisingly hefty. The Sony build quality is evident both in its finish and weight. Given the quality of the speakers in today's tv's, I've been through a bunch of soundbars, and the only one I have still in service is a 10 year old Sony that I use on a tv with only rca outputs. You pay a premium for Sony, but they have lasting power.
There are many reviews here that delve into sound specifics, but I'd like to focus on a couple of other things.
The first is, if you're buying a new tv, make sure it has ARC (audio return channel), as this soundbar does. With the newer high speed HDMI cables, this simplifies setup, allows the best quality sound, and most importantly, gets rid of the highly annoying lip sync issue that plagues so much of the audio equipment sold today.
The other thing is... well, let me tell you a short story first. I recently purchased a bluetooth transmitter to hook up to my vintage stereo system so I could listen to my vinyl records with bluetooth headphones. I hooked it up, and it worked great. Listened to the new 50th anniversary Sgt. Pepper's, when I finished, I noticed I had a text. It was from my neighbor (this is a private home, neighbor 50 feet and 3 walls away). The text said "Hey, if you're gonna take over my soundbar, at least play something good!" (He hates the Beatles!)
Point is, I hijacked his soundbar without trying. Later, speaking to him, he described his soundbar as "dumb" - technical term I guess.
To some, this might be an annoyance, to others, unnerving - Big Brother style.
To avoid this, the Sony has "Secure Link" to lock the soundbar to the subwoofer to avoid this kind of intrusion. This is something I was unaware of, but now am. How would you like to finish up a movie in bed one night, only to be awoken by your phone's alarm ring blaring through your soundbar. Then again, maybe some of us need that - lol.
Overall, I'm very happy with this unit, as I said, if you have a newer tv with ARC built in, this would be a good choice.
For it's size, it's surprisingly hefty. The Sony build quality is evident both in its finish and weight. Given the quality of the speakers in today's tv's, I've been through a bunch of soundbars, and the only one I have still in service is a 10 year old Sony that I use on a tv with only rca outputs. You pay a premium for Sony, but they have lasting power.
There are many reviews here that delve into sound specifics, but I'd like to focus on a couple of other things.
The first is, if you're buying a new tv, make sure it has ARC (audio return channel), as this soundbar does. With the newer high speed HDMI cables, this simplifies setup, allows the best quality sound, and most importantly, gets rid of the highly annoying lip sync issue that plagues so much of the audio equipment sold today.
The other thing is... well, let me tell you a short story first. I recently purchased a bluetooth transmitter to hook up to my vintage stereo system so I could listen to my vinyl records with bluetooth headphones. I hooked it up, and it worked great. Listened to the new 50th anniversary Sgt. Pepper's, when I finished, I noticed I had a text. It was from my neighbor (this is a private home, neighbor 50 feet and 3 walls away). The text said "Hey, if you're gonna take over my soundbar, at least play something good!" (He hates the Beatles!)
Point is, I hijacked his soundbar without trying. Later, speaking to him, he described his soundbar as "dumb" - technical term I guess.
To some, this might be an annoyance, to others, unnerving - Big Brother style.
To avoid this, the Sony has "Secure Link" to lock the soundbar to the subwoofer to avoid this kind of intrusion. This is something I was unaware of, but now am. How would you like to finish up a movie in bed one night, only to be awoken by your phone's alarm ring blaring through your soundbar. Then again, maybe some of us need that - lol.
Overall, I'm very happy with this unit, as I said, if you have a newer tv with ARC built in, this would be a good choice.
My Best Buy number: 0210751105
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+6points
11of 16voted this as helpful.
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Sleep better. Cover unwanted noise with soothing sounds. Bose noise-masking sleepbuds™ are uniquely designed for sleep. They don’t stream music or have acoustic noise cancellation. Instead, these tiny, wireless earbuds use pre-loaded, soothing sounds to cover up unwanted noises, so you can get to sleep — and stay asleep. Plus, unlike traditional earplugs, they’re super comfortable and made to stay in place all night long, even if you sleep on your side. 1. Choose your sound, 2. Set an alarm, 3. Fall asleep without unwanted noise.
Can you listen to music or not? One answer says only the sounds from the app and another answer says yes you can listen to music. I want to listen to music from Youtube? Can I do this?
No - there is no input from anything other than the Bose App it comes with. Maybe on a future update, for now all you get is the built in soundscapes.
7 years ago
by
ferrari
Sleep better. Cover unwanted noise with soothing sounds. Bose noise-masking sleepbuds™ are uniquely designed for sleep. They don’t stream music or have acoustic noise cancellation. Instead, these tiny, wireless earbuds use pre-loaded, soothing sounds to cover up unwanted noises, so you can get to sleep — and stay asleep. Plus, unlike traditional earplugs, they’re super comfortable and made to stay in place all night long, even if you sleep on your side. 1. Choose your sound, 2. Set an alarm, 3. Fall asleep without unwanted noise.
Can you use these at work to drown out a loud talkative coworker?
No - these don't have noise cancellation built in - I could clearly hear a tv on medium volume while i wore these. Get true noise cancelling headphones instead.
7 years ago
by
ferrari
Nothing puts a vacuum to the test quite like a home with pets. That's why the BISSELL® Pet Hair Eraser® was developed from the ground up by pet parents for pet parents. Whether it's shedding season for your dog or your cat tracks kitty litter all over the house, this revolutionary vacuum is designed to make cleaning up after pets and the people who love them a breeze—from beginning to end. Say goodbye to hair wrap with its Tangle-Free Brush Roll, remove embedded hair everywhere with specialized pet tools, help capture allergens and eliminate odors with the SmartSeal™ Allergen System, and when you're finished cleaning, enjoy a hands-free tank empty with our patented Cyclonic Spooling System™.BR>
How load is it? I've used an Oreck XL upright and a Eureka Mighty Mite and would hope it's no louder as those. I prefer bagged vacuums but want to try the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser because of its claims of not getting hair tangled on the roller.
I don't own the units you mentioned, I have a Miele canister, and it's no louder than that. I was surprised at it, as it does have great suction, and would have thought it should've been louder for the power it has. So far happy with the unit.
8 years, 10 months ago
by
ferrari