Nate34's stats
- Review count172
- Helpfulness votes946
- First reviewApril 13, 2013
- Last reviewSeptember 9, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
- Review comment count6
- Helpfulness votes3
- First review commentAugust 29, 2014
- Last review commentNovember 3, 2016
- Featured review comments0
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- Answer count9
- Helpfulness votes6
- First answerMay 29, 2010
- Last answerNovember 30, 2018
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Meet the totally mobile Pro. Always with you, instantly ready, and designed to light up the best of Windows 11. Keep up anywhere, at any angle, with a detachable Keyboard~ with built-in Slim Pen storage and charging~ ~ plus fast connectivity and all-day battery life, with optional Gigabit LTE.~
Customer Rating
4
Excellent tablet, learning curve with Windows 11
on October 20, 2021
Posted by: Nate34
from North Bay Area, Ca.
First impressions of my first surface was the build. Right off the bat I was impressed with how solid and heavy it was. But still fairly thin. Its been awhile since I had a tablet and wow have they come a long way.
In the box you of course get the tablet, power supply, a quick start guide and some more documents. As I mentioned the build is amazing. The kickstand is a great example of top notch engineering. Its very solid and just works like it should. Ive noticed that the new OLED Nintendo Switch seems to have used a similar design, mayne even taking inspiration from the Surface. I also like that it is sort of similar to my smart phone with the placement of the buttons. It makes it easier to get use to it. Overall the build really impressed me, so off to a good start.
Setup was very easy with Windows 11 and just using your existing account to get up and running. I must admit I dont like change very much when it comes to operating systems whether its a new version of Windows or Android. Mainly because I get so use to everything, get it all set up the way I like, then usually have to start over. Windows 11 has a lot of similar and some different as well that is going to take some getting use to. Im sure in time as I learn and with future updates things will get easier. But for now Im learning. What I have noticed is that it is still very snappy and can do a lot at one time. So there isnt any delays or serious issues I ran into. Overall the set up was easy and ease of use and getting things the way I like them is going to take some time.
Performance has been amazing. The 256gb SSD starts things up in a snap. And everything is fast and smooth. Im not a heavy user with tons of background processes and tabs running. But for what I use it for it worked perfect.
The display is great. Its very bright, crisp, and can easily be used outdoors. The Pixelsense 2880x1920 display is 60Hz. But I didnt notice any studdering or choppiness despite the lower Hz. The scrolling was nice and smooth, no issues there. Very happy with the display quality.
The battery life claims up to 15 hours of unplugged with battery life designed to last. And although it does beat my laptop by a mile it still isnt close to that 15 hours. Im sure that is under ideal conditions. I would say 5-6 hours is more realistic under normal use which is still plenty for me.
The sound surprised me as well. I wasnt expecting much but they sound pretty good. Can get plenty loud without distortion and has a nice clean overall sound. Which I prefer over boom!
The rest of what it has to offer such as the cameras are also great quality. Conference calls, or just video calls to family look good. And with the times we are in now this is even more important than ever to be able to see your family and friends while talking to them. The mic picked up voices very well also.
Overall I am really impressed with my first Surface tablet. And with the keyboard I also received which I will review separately it comes very close to replacing my current laptop. Excellent build, solid battery life, great performance and features from Windows 11, and top notch display with solid sound its a great package.
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The new CZ Smart smartwatch is designed for every moment. Inspired by the rich design of Citizen~s iconic sport technical timepieces, CZ Smart marries modern technologies with the style and quality you expect from Citizen. The sport edition features a color touchscreen dial and black anodized aluminum top ring, framed and finished with a gunmetal, ion-plated stainless steel case and bracelet. CZ Smart also features a 46mm three-piece case construction and a rugged bezel design. Powered with Wear OS by Google~, CZ Smart is compatible with both iPhone and Android~ phones to fit your lifestyle. Plus, the customizable menu of dials and technology that provides the information you need at your fingertips.
Customer Rating
5
My first Smartwatch and its great!!
on May 28, 2021
Posted by: Nate34
from North Bay Area, Ca.
For awhile Ive been thinking of getting a Smartwatch and since Ive been mainly a Samsung guy I thought if getting one from them. Well Im glad I finally decided to get one because it is awesome.
The watch itself is well protected in the box with foam to keep it safe. In the box itself you get of course the watch, bands, a charging cable, and guides. It does not come with a power adapter, but at this point most people have several laying around the house so I understand this cost cutting decision.
The first thing I noticed is the build. It is extremely well built and looks very high end. It fit great without and need to modify and is very comfortable. I went years without a watch so I thought it would bother me, but in no time I got used to it.
Set up was pretty straight forward. I like the magnetic charging cable. It makes it a lot more easy to connect to charge vs. a regular USB type plug in. Ran through the set up with updates, etc. and had no issues getting everything ready to go.
After set up you can choose up to 5 different “faces” as well as different colors/ themes. I didnt see any way to download more, maybe this can be added in an update. At first I was a bit overwhelmed with all this thing can do. Like I said its my first smartwatch so it took a bit to get use to it. But then I just decided to use it similarly to how I use my smart phone. Im pretty “simple” when it comes to my phone and although it has so many things it can do I only use it for calls, time, alarms, texts, internet, etc. So I took the same approach to the watch. I set it up and use it mainly for time, calls, etc. Im sure in “time” pun intended Ill use it for a lot more as I get on the upper end of the learning curve. But I would much rather have it capable of doing a lot more than I initially use it for vs. missing features. So as I go I will keep trying new things and learning more which is all part of the fun of a new piece of tech.
So overall I am very happy with my new and first smartwatch. The build and look is incredible. Fully customizable. The display is crisp and easy to read, it has plenty of volume for calls, etc. It has so many features I look forward to trying out, and despite it not being the first one made I am still amazed at just how much tech can be put into something so small. Love my Citizen!
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ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ provides you the value of an all-in-one cleaning robot that mops and vacuums simultaneously. Strong 2300Pa suction power extracts hard-to-reach dirt and dust from any floor, and the OZMO~ Mopping System leaves hard floors sparkling. N8+ uses advanced laser navigation and mapping to accurately map your home, creating efficient cleaning paths for thorough coverage with fewer missed spots. Your N8+ comes with an Auto-Empty Station to enjoy hands-free cleaning for a month at a time. DEEBOT N8+ is a dependable workhorse designed for busy households that need vigorous floor cleaning on a regular basis.
Customer Rating
5
Finally an automatic vacuum for multi-floor types!
on April 13, 2021
Posted by: Nate34
from North Bay Area, Ca.
In the past Ive had some experience with automatic vacuums, but it was limited to just carpet. Well our house has about half carpet, half hardwood floors. And this vacuum fits the bill for just that.
Initial set up and charge was fairly easy. In the box you get everything you need to get all set up and cleaning. The guide will get you going with easy to read set up instructions. Once set up and plugged in to charge you use the Ecovac Home app to use some of the more advanced features. Once set up its ready to go. Before the first run if you have pets (mainly dogs) which is what we have its best they are out. Although it can be fun to watch their reaction to this little guy they might damage it. We have a full blooded Corgi that would just love to tear this thing up.
Anyway the vacuum works great. It easily got the majority of dog hair and other debris up with no problem. And the mopping of our kitchen was done great as well. At first I wasnt sure how well it would work around our table and chairs. But it easily navigated around them and left the floor looking great. The vacuum has a large enough debris container for lots of cleanings, and returns to the station not only to charge, but to automatically empty the bin. It almost does everything on its own.
The app is easy to use and very convenient with control over boundaries and cleaning times. You can even set virtual boundaries to keep it away from certain areas. Perfect for controlling while at work or on vacation. Im looking forward to experimenting with the app more to see what else it can do.
Although the Ecovac does almost everything automatically if you want it to keep doing it it does require some maintenance. But following the guide with step by step instructions makes it fairly easy. They are pretty common sense basic cleaning and replacing pads, etc. Nothing too difficult.
I remember when I was a kid seeing TV shows that had automatic maids/ robots and thinking this was all crazy and would never happen. Well this little guy is as close to that as you can get for now. We are able to cross one of our weekly chores off the house hold list. This little guy keeps our hardwood kitchen/ dining room floors clean, and our living room and halls vacuumed for weeks. In no time we will have our version of a robotic maid/ butler, etc.
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The 606 S2 Anniversary Edition combines outstanding power and clarity in a compact form for when space is at a premium, but you need big sound. Continuum mid-bass drive units provide clarity for singers and driving bass lines while Decoupled Double Dome Tweeters create an enveloping sense of space. Featuring upgraded crossovers for even more transparency and a unique trim-ring to celebrate this milestone, the 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is the most sophisticated, affordable bookshelf speaker Bowers & Wilkins has ever made. The 606 S2 Anniversary Edition is the largest bookshelf speaker in the 600 Series Anniversary Edition range of products. Over the last 25 years, the 600 Series has been our most affordable performance range of loudspeakers, and we~re celebrating our love of sound with acoustic improvements to the crossover network for overall greater levels of clarity and smoother high frequencies so you can enjoy a compelling listening experience across the range of products.
Customer Rating
5
Movie Theaters? Who needs theaters?
on February 19, 2021
Posted by: Nate34
from North Bay Area, Ca.
In a single sentence, This is as good as it gets at home to the movie theater experience.
Starting off with the build quality. They are very solidly built and you can not only see it, but feel it with the heft of each of these. I have always liked the look of silver/ grey mixed with black electronics and these mix those together beautifully. Bowers didnt skimp at all here with the design of these and it shows.
Installation and set up was very easy and if you have set up speakers before you should have no problems with these. Once set up it was onto what Bowers is known for.. Amazing sound.
Just to clarify I also have the 2-way center speakers as well. Of course them combined is where you get the best sound. But even if you are only using the bookshelf speakers you are in for a treat. Ive never considered myself an audiophile but I do have an ear for what sounds good and what doesnt. When I was younger all my friends had me tune their car set ups, and give recommendations because they all loved how my cars sounded. And for me what sounds good is clear, accurate, tight sound. I went through a short phase of BOOOM sound. But that got old quick and from then on I have always preferred and set up my sound systems for clarity and not loudness. And these Bowers have that and so much more. You really cant put it into words, hearing is believing. And Bowers has made me a believer that not all speaker companies know what truly great sound is.
Overall I would say this is easily the best sounding system I have ever had. Combined with the center speakers you are as close as you can get to a movie theater experience. And with them all being closed this makes this even better. Stay home and binge watch the shows you have been putting off, or watch some of the movies that are now being released directly to streaming. Highly recommended!
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The HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition delivers clear dialog and power in a compact form for Home Theater. Continuum mid-bass drive units provide make it easy to hear actors and robust bass lines for action films while Decoupled Double Dome Tweeters create an enveloping sense of space and clarity. Featuring upgraded crossovers for even more transparency and a unique trim-ring to celebrate this milestone, the HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition is the most sophisticated, affordable center channel Bowers & Wilkins has ever made. The HTM6 S2 Anniversary Edition is the matching center channel for the 600 Series Anniversary Edition range of products. Over the last 25 years, the 600 Series has been our most affordable performance range of loudspeakers, and we~re celebrating our love of sound with acoustic improvements to the crossover network for overall greater levels of clarity and smoother high frequencies so you can enjoy a compelling listening experience across the range of products.
Customer Rating
5
Accuracy over loudness. Amazing sound
on February 19, 2021
Posted by: Nate34
from North Bay Area, Ca.
The TLDR review is: If you want the best sounding center speaker out there look no further.
The build of this center speaker is really amazing. They cut no corners here with it. And not just the design, but the heft lets you know its a solid build with an excellent mid bass speakers. I really love the silver and black combo and it fits right in with the bookshelf speakers that I also have.
Once everything was installed and ready to go you finally get to see (hear) why Bowers has the reputation for some of the best audio out there. As said before I am not an audiophile but I have a good ear for quality over quantity (volume). And although I did got through a phase where I was a kid where it was all about BASS!! Once I got over that I started to much more prefer great sound over just pure volume. And of course this is much more important with watching movies vs. music. And the Bowers speakers do not disappoint. Combined with the bookshelf speakers you are getting the best audio you can get vs. the theater. And since they are all currently closed that makes the Bowers speakers even more of an experience.
But dont get me wrong. There is still plenty of bass for those that still want that “feeling” of the sound along with the sound itself. The bass and overall sound is so crisp being able to hear all the quieter sounds other systems, or your built in TV speakers just cant convey. Along with movies and music I am also a gamer and WOW the games sounds are awesome.
To sum it all up if you are looking for some of the best audio out there I highly recommend the Bowers speakers. If you can get the bookshelf ones as well you in for even more of a treat. Stay safe at home and get close to the movie theater experience as you can.
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The all new XPS 13 featuring 11th Gen InteI Core mobile processors, it~s now possible to enjoy incredibly immersive entertainment on a remarkably thin and light laptop. The stunning 4-sided InfinityEdge display enables us to bring a 6.8% larger 16:10 display to the 13-inch, all in a 2% smaller size than before, delivering a 91.5% screen to body ratio. 100% of the enclosure is sculpted by a CNC (computer numerical control) machining process. A high precision, machine-milled aluminum chassis creates an elegant design with high build quality that~s stronger and stiffer than magnesium or plastic.
Customer Rating
5
Fast, light, compact, beautiful, and powerful!
on February 16, 2021
Posted by: Nate34
from North Bay Area, Ca.
The first thing I notice when looking at the laptop is just how awesome of piece of hardware it is. It is sleek, solid, and you can tell a lot of though went into its design. But of course more than that it is powerful and fast. I thought my last laptop was quick and responsive with its SSD, but this is on another level. Boots almost instantly. Set up was easy with Windows 10 and Cortana as usual.
The touch screen is responsive and looks amazing. The resolution is higher than my last one and you can tell. And despite the slightly smaller screen everything is easy to see. Pictures, video, webpages, etc. all look sharp.
Sound is great as well with the Waves Maxxaudio. I was pleasantly surprised at the sound quality from the build in speakers. Very crisp and clean sound. I would normally add a soundbar or other external speaker, but might not need to in this case. Sounds great.
The backlit keyboard has a perfect tactile feel and is very easy to type quickly on. I sometimes get cramps typing for longer periods of time, but this was no issue here.
Like I said it is SUPER fast. The Intel i7 and 8gb or Ram allows for opening as many browser tabs, and programs as you want with no lag or slowdowns at all. And the 512GB SSD loads Windows 10 at light speeds, and is the perfect amount of storage for a laptop for me.
One thing I appreciate is the lack of bloatware. With several other brands they overload you with apps and programs they want you to use. And I prefer to keep it as bare and minimal as possible. Thankfully it did not have all the bloat.
Overall this is the perfect compact laptop. Elegantly designed, powerful and fast, great touch-screen with beautiful graphics, crisp sound, low on the bloatware, with all the features I need from a laptop. Its easily the best looking, lightest, and fastest laptop Ive had. If you are looking for a well made, compact, all powerful laptop with an SSD with plenty of space this should definitely be on the top of your list.
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Protect provides 24/7 protection against viruses and bacteria.~ Designed for maximum performance, quiet, clean air delivery, energy efficiency, and smart features. AHAM verifide for a Clean Air Delivery Rate of 435 CFM smoke, 435 CFM pollen, and >400 CFM dust. Completely filters extra-large family rooms and open concept areas about every 12.5 minutes (approx. 4.8x an hour at 674 ft~) on high. HEPASilent Ultra~ technology filters 99.97% airborne particles, like viruses, bacteria,~ and dust, then kills 99%~ of the germs caught in the filter.~ GermShield~ technology proactively monitors and activates to kill germs and prevent growth on the filter.~ View particles, VOCs, and more from the premium LCD interface, and enjoy app features like Clean air ETA and SmartFilter tracking. 24/7 protection refers to the key function of GermShield~ technology, activated when the unit is in standby mode. Tested on Staphylococcus Albus & MS2 bacteriophage. Third-party tests of airborne viruses & bacteria (H1N1, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli) using GB/T18801-2015 standards. Deactivation of bacteria (Staphylococcus Albus) & virus (MS2 bacteriophage) Tested on natural flora (bacteria only - excluding viruses) on filter media under normal temperature & humidity conditions.
Customer Rating
5
Peace of mind against our bad air quality
on January 13, 2021
Posted by: Nate34
from North Bay Area, Ca.
First impression was how large the unit is. Its not a small scale purifier. Its heavy duty. In addition to already being more aware of viruses and other airborne particles we have a relative at home that had a recent surgery. So keeping the air clean is of the utmost importance at the time and this is the perfect thing for that. But not just for that. It does so much more.
In the box you get everything you need to get started and going. No need to purchases anything else. The build quality on the unit is amazing and almost looks like a high end PC or game console. Set up is very easy via the app. Just follow the apps instructions to get connected and get everything all set up. The app itself is easy to follow and use with all the info needed. Once set up it pretty much does the rest for you. The Germshield technology protects against viruses, germs, and other airborne bacteria. The Hepa filter also works great for our dogs. And there is a noticeable difference in the air quality just by the machine working to help keep our house clean from our pets. I love that it doesnt require a lot on the user end once it is set up. Although when it does require a filter change it is quite easy. And overall care, cleaning, and maintenance is easy as well.
Overall I am quite happy with the Blueair. It has a solid and future looking build, ease of set up and maintaining, and does all the work for you. Its great to know our air quality is as good as it gets and we live in an area with a fire season. So when that inevitably happens we will also be able to have a layer of protection against the terrible air quality that occurs every year during that time. So in other words the peace of mind is worth it alone.
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The Samsung Jet~ 90 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum features a lightweight and maneuverable design plus a telescopic pipe for comfortable cleaning. The removable battery is easily swapped for a spare and has a cleaning time up to 60 minutes; the Dual Charging Station provides charging for two* batteries at once. Compatible with the Samsung Clean Station~ for automatic emptying of the hygienic dust bin. *Extra battery sold separately.
Customer Rating
5
No More Cords!! Awesome vacuum for house and car!!
on November 9, 2020
Posted by: Nate34
from North Bay Area, Ca.
TLDR. If you want a cordless vacuum with the power and features of most corded ones. Here you go.
In the box you get the vacuum itself, battery, power cord, mini tool, charge station, flex tool, a combo tool, and a crevice tool to reach the harder areas, and more. Assembly isnt bad with how everything basically just clicks and snaps into place. If you have done something similar before you know the basic idea. But the manual is done very well so following that you should have no problem getting it together.
The vacuum itself is made extremely well with quality materials. I love the silver and black combo look of any device and this is no exception. Very high end build quality. I love how some of the commonly used accessories can be mounted to the vacuum for storage. This will no doubt cut back on losing parts which can happen and is very frustrating especially when its a piece you need and/ or use often. However there are some parts you have to keep track of. My solution is a cloth bag I have on the wall next to the vacuum. I store any parts that dont have spots on the vacuum to store in there. Overall Samsung really thought out the build and design of this vacuum well.
This vacuum itself is great. We have 3 dogs that arent exactly perfect with messes and things of the sort so its a chore keeping up with the house cleaning. We also have a smart pet carpet washer as well, but that requires vacuuming the floor before using it. I was using a cordless handheld with an extension before this but it only lasted about 8 minutes before running out. Well thats where the Samsung Jet 90 comes in. Extremely powerful with close to an hours worth of use. Until you have used a cordless and and not have to worry about tripping over cords, etc. than you dont know how much more convenient it really is. With the large capacity battery and longer run time I am easily able to vacuum our entire house on one charge, and get all the pet hair up as well for when I need to run our pet carpet washer vacuum. And it comes with all the accessories needed to get into the couch cushions, chairs, corners, under tables, etc. and even suck up webs in the ceiling corners as well as getting the blinds clean. It has everything you need to get your vacuum related cleaning done. Not to mention using it to clean out your car as well! It works perfect to clean all the nooks and crannies of your cars interior, the carpets, floor mats, dash, center console, etc.
I would highly recommend this vacuum. If you are tired of cords, or just want a solid vacuum with everything you need to get your house and car clean this is a great choice. Looks great, works even better, solid well thought out build, long battery life, and extreme power. You cant go wrong. Plus its a Samsung!
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Indulge in the world of espresso from the freshly ground beans to the perfectly frothed milk with just a touch of a button, in the comfort of your home. Explore, and customize to your preference, 18 of your favorite coffee shop specialties like latte, cappuccino, espresso, iced coffee and flat white. A patented, professional brewing unit delivers the perfect espresso with precision and ease, while the Latte Crema system automatically froths milk to the ideal density and texture. Beautiful, compact and meticulous design, along with De~Longi~s technical expertise will transforms your kitchen into a smart, specialty caf~. Elevate your espresso experience at home with Dinamica by De~Longhi.
Customer Rating
5
Saving money daily with less trips to Coffee shops
on October 12, 2020
Posted by: Nate34
from North Bay Area, Ca.
The quick and easy review is if you either enjoy great coffee, or visit a coffee shop daily, or like me I love coffee and visit one daily this will save you money in the long run, as well as convenience of being able to make your favorite drinks at home.
The machine itself is gorgeous. Nice silver finish with an easy to use and intuitive LCD display. Its made extremely well with some heft to it. The machine itself weighs about 23 lbs. The footprint is relatively small for what you are getting so it doesnt take up a huge spot on your counter, or whereever you decide to put it. In the box you of course get the silver De'Longhi Dinamica machine, cleaning brush, water spout, jug, manual, test for hardness, and 18 Espresso and coffee recipes.
Initial set up is fairly easy with easy to follow instructions. My coffee shop favorite summer drinks are iced macchiatos which I can now make my own, but now that it is starting to cool down I am looking forward to making my own and experimenting with all of the hot cappucinos, and hot versions of my macchiatos. Currently I am loving the latte macchiato. Using the machine is very easy. With just a push of a button you get delicious coffee right in your house without having to deal with coffee shops, them getting your drink wrong, etc. The coffee drinks are extremely delicious. I cannot tell the difference between the big name coffee shops and the equivalent De'Longhi coffee. Its hard to express taste through written words, so Ill just say the drinks are great! Another cool thing is having family or friends over and ask them what there favorite coffee is, then being able to come out with their drink made to serve in a few minutes. And even if they request something you cant make you can always come up with an alternative since there are so many choices of coffee.
One of the biggest advantage now has to do with Covid. As you all know almost all places of business require face coverings. I have no problem wearing a mask despite it being pretty uncomfortable. Well with being able to make your drinks at home this is just one less thing you have to worry about when it comes to keeping your family same. Im fairly young, but have 2 parents at home that are in the co-morbidity population. So Ive been very careful to keep myself from catching it then God forbid bringing it home. Now I can strike off one place I visit daily that has risks.
They have also put a lot of thought and engineering into maintenance and cleaning of the machine as well so that it is as least complicated as possible. Some of the cleaning is done by the machine itself, especially if it has sat for a couple days without use. There are several components that need to be cleaned regularly, but are not hard at all if you just follow the well written instructions. And its well worth the time and effort to keep the machine up and running.
So like I said in the title its pays off in the long run in more ways than one. Saving time not having to wait in line at a shop with a mask on. Saving money not having to pay for your drink everyday. And being able to impress friends and family at parties and get togethers is a lot of fun also. Great tasting made to serve specialty coffee drinks at home.
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Detect allergens and toxins in the air with this uHoo smart indoor air monitor. The uHoo mobile app lets you view nine air quality sensors remotely, providing personalized tips on cleaning the air around your home. This uHoo smart indoor air monitor also features advanced integration capabilities with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT for smooth pairing with air purifiers, dehumidifiers, lights, etc.
Customer Rating
5
Like a fire alarm, a device you are glad to have!
on September 2, 2020
Posted by: Nate34
from North Bay Area, Ca.
Recently and almost on schedule lately my area has been in the middle of terrible fires. I live in Northern Bay Area California and for the last few summers (this one being no exception) we have had multiple large scale fires. So much so that we currently have family here that had to evacuate their house. And despite the sky being shockingly beautiful around sunset with a red looking sun the air is terrible. So its great to have a device that not only lets us know what are air quality is, but gives recommendation on how to improve it, although opening a window in this situation isnt the best idea. The device itself has a very nice build quality and fits right in with most settings. Set up was fairly easy, but it does take awhile to calibrate.
Now there might be people that think this device somehow can detect Covid and that just isnt the case. But with Covid being everywhere now it does cause most of us to be home a lot more often than normal, even more so with us due to the fires. Were in a no win situation currently. Cant go out and do things due to the virus, and risk lung and respiratory issues from the air. So having a way to detect what the air quality is in our house where you will be spending 95% of your time at is nice.
Overall I would say this device is a piece of mind giver. Its one of those devices you hope you dont need like a fire alarm, but when you do have it it can be a life saver. Getting notifications of a change of, or an alert for some toxin, etc can literally save your life. So its definitely a worthwhile addition to the house. Hopefully these fires cease soon, but in the meantime its nice to know the air in the house is being monitored just in case it gets worse before it gets better.
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Nate34's Review Comments
Sharp LC-50LB261U LED HDTV: With a 120Hz refresh rate, this Sharp HDTV reduces visual judder, making images appear smooth and lifelike to the human eye. The MHL-enabled design supports 1080p video and 5.1-channel sound playback from your enabled phone or tablet, so you can bring your favorite media to the big screen.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Excellent TV!
By Faceman
from Saint Paul, MN
I bought this TV after comparing several TVs at my local Best Buy store, and was a little hesitant since there were no reviews of it online yet since it is brand new. But after comparing a few options, I decided on this one and am so glad I did. The picture quality is outstanding, and I would say it is on par with some others that are quite a bit more expensive. The sound quality seems good as well. It has three HDMI inputs as well as a USB input (in addition to the other standard inputs), which is nice since some in this price range had fewer inputs. It was really easy to set up, and I'm very happy that I purchased this TV. The only negative at all is if you need more details from the user guide, the included set up instructions refer you to go online to the Sharp website, but this TV is so new that the user guide is not yet online. That wasn't a major problem since set up was really easy and settings are very straight forward. I would definitely buy this TV again if I was looking for another and recommend it to anybody.
Nate34
North Bay Area, Ca.
August 29, 2014
Hello. Im still trying to get a new set after our huge earthquake in Napa, Ca. My nice 50" Samsung plasma bit the bullet. Ive been trying to find one that has a PC input since I use it to attach my laptop as well as others. And it seems like its so rare to see a pc input as well as more than 2 HDMI. And I see that this set has both.Still happy with it?
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Connect favorite peripherals to this Acer Aspire laptop. Four USB ports let you connect accessories, transfer files or charge a cellphone while you work, and HDMI outputs make dual-screen functionality possible. Access nearby wireless networks with this Acer Aspire laptop and stream videos or upload your own images captured with the built-in HD webcam.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Great Laptop
By techjunkie07
I purchased this laptop a few days ago and man do I love it. This computer has everything I was looking for in a laptop (expect for an SSD) however I felt I could live without it considering the price for this machine. I have never owned an Acer always HP, had it for 7 years and it was time for an upgrade. I do really like this laptop fast, beautiful design and enough ports not to mention the PRICE again you wont be disappointed.
Nate34
North Bay Area, Ca.
SSD
June 24, 2016
Can you upgrade to an SSD with it?
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Samsung - 55" Class - (54.6" Diag.) - LED - 2160p - Smart - 4K Ultra HD TV - with High Dynamic Range
Watch TV, movies or videos in stunning quality with this Samsung 4K UHD TV. The 55-inch screen shows every detail clearly, so you won't miss anything. The SmartHub software works with the built-in Wi-Fi to let you access many popular streaming services, ensuring that you always have something to watch on this Samsung 4K UHD TV.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Should be at the top of your TV shopping list!!
By Nate34
from North Bay Area, Ca.
When I started TV shopping I did a lot of research and at first bought the 55” KS8000. I liked that but when the KS9000 went on sale I exchanged it for that. One of the main reasons I went with the 9000 was the design (mainly the stand). On the 55” version of the 8000 the legs are about 44” apart. My stand that I have been using for years for several TV's is only 42” wide. So I had to use a large piece of wood on top of my stand just to be able to set up the 8000. This didnt really look all that great, and I didnt want to have to replace my stand with a wider one. And thankfully the 9000 has a more standard V shaped stand that fits and works great on my TV stand.
And the 9000 also has some improved specs and also looks better in my opinion. I didnt really like the glossy back of the 8000. Anyway I really love this TV. Ive had several Samsungs, and my last set was the JU7100. But decided it was time to upgrade. I dont really miss the lack of 3D because I think I literally only used it once on my 7100 to test it. And I do believe 3D is on its way to being extinct. Anyway the new thing now of course is HDR. And the KS9000 really takes advantage of that. It simply looks amazing. There are several Netflix shows that show what HDR is all about. And I also recently bought the new XBOX ONE S. Ive yet to buy an HDR Bluray, but I will soon. But as I mentioned there is plenty of HDR on Netflix and Amazon Video in the meantime.
One of the really cool new features this years Samsung TV's has its the new Tizen system. It is much more simple and streamlined this year. My favorite feature so far is how well the TV detects whatever device you are connecting and names it accordingly. I have a PS3, PS4, XBOX ONE, 360, and a PC laptop all connected to my TV. And it names them all without me having to do anything. The PS3 and PS4 are both automatically labeled as “Playstation”. And the XBOX One and 360 are both labeled by their full names each. I didnt have to type out names like I have before when customizing my input names. As you can tell I have a lot of things connected to my TV. And since it has 4 HDMI ports I use 2 HDMI 3 way splitters. They automatically switch to whatever source is powered on. So my system is set up like this:
HDMI 1 = Direct TV
HDMI 2 = PS3 and PS4
HDMI 3 = XBOX ONE S
HDMI 4 = PC, Wii U, and XBOX 360
HDMI 2 = PS3 and PS4
HDMI 3 = XBOX ONE S
HDMI 4 = PC, Wii U, and XBOX 360
The reason I am listing these all out is because I want to add how smart this TV is. It switches the settings, input name, and device type on HDMI 4 on its own depending on whichever one is powered on. And I have different settings for PC and the Wii U and 360. I use to have to manually switch the input type every time I went from one to the other. But when I power off a device it automatically switches all the settings and input types on its own.
Of course a review of a TV without talking about picture quality isnt complete so here we go. Simply put its amazing. The colors and picture are awesome. It also has very good motion handling, especially if you set Auto Motion plus to Auto. But this gives you the dreaded SOE (Soap Opera Effect). Which I really dont care for. So I use a custom setting for Auto Motion (Blur 3, Judder 3, and LED Clear Off). This gives it very good motion handling with very little SOE.
As you read above I am a gamer. And one of the main things I look for when TV shopping is the input lag (or lack thereof). And this is one of the best TV's released this year for low input lag. In Game mode the lag is only 20.5 ms. This is great, I dont notice any lag at all. I was also thinking of getting the Sony X930D but decided not to for a few reasons, one of those is that it has about 54ms of lag. This isnt terrible, but would be noticeable in my opinion.
The other main reason I went with the Samsung over the Sony is that I am still not sold on the Android Smart platform. I tested it on a 2015 Sony and it was just too buggy. I have read it is better this year, but in my opinion the new Tizen is much better.
Another thing I look for in TV's is a good USB media player for videos on hard drives. And Im happy to say that the Samsung recognizes and plays every single file type I have tested. It also has SRT subtitle support.
So overall I am very happy with this TV. It is by far the nicest set I have ever owned and I look forward to years of use with it. If you are looking for a new HDR 4K TV this should be on the top of your list. If you want a cheaper alternative go with the KS8000. Just be aware on the 55” version of the 44” wide legs. On the larger versions the 8000 has optional closer leg mounts, but for some reason Samsung did not do this on the 55” version. Anyway thanks for reading. If you have any questions or comments feel free. Ill try to answer and respond.
Nate34
North Bay Area, Ca.
Im the review writer, needed to add info.
September 23, 2016
The one issue I am having is that the source list and its icons go blank every couple days, sometimes more. This is a known issue and apparently Samsung is looking into it. As a work around you can hold down the power button on the remote to force it to reboot. This brings the source list back, but its still an issue. Its only the upper source list, the lower one doesnt go away. If you own the set you'll know what I mean by the upper one. Thankfully this is an issue that can be fixed via firmware update, but as of 1131 (9-23-16) it still happens. If it gets fixed Ill try to update my review.
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Experience Dolby 7.1 surround sound for up to 12 hours of gaming with this A50 wireless headset. Its adjustable size and soft cushions provided extended comfort. This A50 wireless headset has three EQ modes and a unidirectional microphone for crystal-clear communication with fellow gamers even during frantic game play scenarios.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5comfortable! comfortable!
By gamerdad
1. I like the packaging! very nice box!
2. very lightweight!
3. these are very comfortable on the ears
4. don't like that I have to buy a "mod" kit for $$300 headphones that's just shady the stock ear covers are great though...
5. magnetic base is good
6. no problems with setup
7. the optical cable and USB cable are way too short
8. originally bought the turtle beach 800 elite. but returned it bc it was rather inconvenience to wear when reclining and gaming... these a50 do not give me that problem
9. sound is a good for the simulated 7.1 setup.. I could pick out footsteps from different ears bass is good..
10... buy the protection plan... all I've read astro service can be not what you want it to be., I'd rather just deal with best buy return dept...
11. Happy with my purchase
2. very lightweight!
3. these are very comfortable on the ears
4. don't like that I have to buy a "mod" kit for $$300 headphones that's just shady the stock ear covers are great though...
5. magnetic base is good
6. no problems with setup
7. the optical cable and USB cable are way too short
8. originally bought the turtle beach 800 elite. but returned it bc it was rather inconvenience to wear when reclining and gaming... these a50 do not give me that problem
9. sound is a good for the simulated 7.1 setup.. I could pick out footsteps from different ears bass is good..
10... buy the protection plan... all I've read astro service can be not what you want it to be., I'd rather just deal with best buy return dept...
11. Happy with my purchase
Nate34
North Bay Area, Ca.
Battery question
November 3, 2016
I know these have better battery life than the previous gens but have you had them actually run out on you? I have 2 sets of Gen 2's now that I just swap out when one headset dies and then start charging it. I use my A50's for all my TV audio not just gaming so they run out after about 5 hours or so, so Im hoping that the Gen 3's will always have enough battery to get through the day as long as I set them back on the charger when not using them. Thanks
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Experience Dolby 7.1 surround sound for up to 12 hours of gaming with this A50 wireless headset. Its adjustable size and soft cushions provided extended comfort. This A50 wireless headset has three EQ modes and a unidirectional microphone for crystal-clear communication with fellow gamers even during frantic game play scenarios.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Great headset
By Anthony
I have owned A40s and currently own a pair of last gen A50s. The new A50s make a lot of great improvements over last gen. No chat cable is great and the docking station acts as an external sound card for the PC and does not require an optical cable for full 7.1 which is awesome. Audio quality seems to be better that the old A50s. I would occasionally get some low buzzing noise in the old model but the new ones are crisp and have no such issues so far. Battery life is significantly improved and the auto shut off is a welcome addition(the headset senses that it has been put down and shuts off after 15 seconds. Once it senses it have been moved it turns right back on. Usually the audio is already coming in by the time I put it on my head). Build quality is super solid. Expensive but they sound great and are a quality product. I am not wild about the color scheme but I can deal with it.
Nate34
North Bay Area, Ca.
Battery question
November 3, 2016
I know these have better battery life than the previous gens but have you had them actually run out on you? I have 2 sets of Gen 2's now that I just swap out when one headset dies and then start charging it. I use my A50's for all my TV audio not just gaming so they run out after about 5 hours or so, so Im hoping that the Gen 3's will always have enough battery to get through the day as long as I set them back on the charger when not using them. Thanks
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Experience Dolby 7.1 surround sound for up to 12 hours of gaming with this A50 wireless headset. Its adjustable size and soft cushions provided extended comfort. This A50 wireless headset has three EQ modes and a unidirectional microphone for crystal-clear communication with fellow gamers even during frantic game play scenarios. This A50 Wireless Gaming Headset is the best companion for your next-gen console. Broadcasting in interference-free wireless 5 GHz, you will experience low latency gameplay in Dolby Headphone Surround Sound. With the Astro Command Center software, the A50 allows you to tune every input and output parameter including mic level adjustments and creating your own EQ modes. The new precision boom microphone is voice chat optimized and features flip–up mute functionality.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5The Best Wireless Headset On the Market
By Craignoicecube
I love A50s I had a pair of the 2nd gens and they were awesome! Now that these come with a charge base and an accelerometer they're even more convenient! Being able to customize these now was a bonus!! Great job Astro!
Nate34
North Bay Area, Ca.
Battery question
November 3, 2016
I know these have better battery life than the previous gens but have you had them actually run out on you? I have 2 sets of Gen 2's now that I just swap out when one headset dies and then start charging it. I use my A50's for all my TV audio not just gaming so they run out after about 5 hours or so, so Im hoping that the Gen 3's will always have enough battery to get through the day as long as I set them back on the charger when not using them. Thanks
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Nate34's Questions
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Nate34's Answers
Experience the ultimate in FHD gaming graphics with this 24.5-inch HP 25X display. A smoother gaming experience with sharper, cleaner details is provided by a display that refreshes 144 times per second, while the micro-edge design provides ultra-wide, seamless viewing. The stand on this HP 25X display has a 100mm range of motion, making it easy to position for your comfort level.
Does it have built in speakers
No this does not. Youll need headphones or external speakers.
6 years, 9 months ago
by
Nate34
Get the full smartphone experience with this unlocked Huawei Honor 8. The quad-core processor can handle running multiple apps at once, and the touch screen responds to taps, drags, swipes and pinches for easy operation. This unlocked Huawei Honor 8 has a 12-megapixel back camera with integrated geo tagging, automatic face detection and a wide-angle landscape mode.
What does it mean NOT compatible with Verizon & Sprint? I cannot talk to someone that has Sprint or Verizon service?
This only means it is a GSM only phone so if you were on Sprint of Verizon your sim card would not work. You can call and message anyone on any carrier with it.
8 years, 8 months ago
by
Nate34
Make hands-free calls and listen to music with these Sony wireless in-ear sport headphones. The wireless design frees your range of motion, and the microphone makes conversations more convenient. Listen to music for over 8 hours on a single charge with these Sony wireless in-ear sport headphones, which are moisture-resistant for use during strenuous workouts.
Do these have a blinking light on them while in use?
Yes. There is a Blue LED that blinks while its in use. This is also used to determine battery and charge level.
8 years, 9 months ago
by
Nate34
How can i connect 2 televisions to same directv box wirelessly to show same picture?
What are my options to wirelessly connect 2 hd tvs to the same directv box to broadcast the same show?
You would need a splitter that takes one HDMI signal and splits it into 2.
9 years ago
by
Nate34
Samsung - 55" Class - (54.6" Diag.) - LED - 2160p - Smart - 4K Ultra HD TV - with High Dynamic Range
Watch TV, movies or videos in stunning quality with this Samsung 4K UHD TV. The 55-inch screen shows every detail clearly, so you won't miss anything. The SmartHub software works with the built-in Wi-Fi to let you access many popular streaming services, ensuring that you always have something to watch on this Samsung 4K UHD TV.
Is this a flat or curved screen? There's no mention of the curved screen in the product description, but the photos show it as curved.
Looking to replace comcast modem want to buy a compatible modem
I also had to replace my comcast modem and have tried 2 different brands since then. This first one I got was a Zoom, and then later bought a Motorola. Ive had less issues with the Motorola. But Im not sure if they carry that same model. Its been a couple years. Depends on what you want to pay. I see the Motorola SB6121 is only 69.99 right now and has excellent reviews.
10 years ago
by
Nate34
North Bay Area, Ca.
With a 5" Super AMOLED HD touch screen and an Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean operating system, this Samsung Galaxy S 4 M919 cell phone makes it easy to stay connected on the go. The 13.0MP rear-facing camera lets you capture vibrant photos and video clips.Requires a minimum $20/month Web access fee with all Classic voice plans.Early termination fees may apply. Learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S 4
what happens to the pictures and videos taken by phone
It depends on the phone, but they usually go into a folder on the internal memory sd card. Its called DCIM/ Camera.
12 years, 1 month ago
by
Nate34
North Bay Area, Ca.
Modem/Router
I am trying to stream Netflix to two different televisions.. Do I need to purchase a second Modem?
If so, will cox cable recognize a second modem? In other words, must I pay more and register a second Modem with them?
If so, will cox cable recognize a second modem? In other words, must I pay more and register a second Modem with them?
NO, you dont need 2 modems. All you need is 1 modem, and a wireless router. Then set up the wireless on the router, then any device that has internet can connect to the router by searching for wireless and entering your password.
12 years, 1 month ago
by
Nate34
North Bay Area, Ca.
PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
does ps3 support 3D movies
I read that the most recent firmware update added full 3D compatibility to the ps3.
15 years, 3 months ago
by
Nate34
Napa, Ca