pillboy's stats
- Review count74
- Helpfulness votes907
- First reviewJune 1, 2014
- Last reviewApril 20, 2024
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- Average rating4.5
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- Answer count12
- Helpfulness votes63
- First answerFebruary 28, 2015
- Last answerNovember 21, 2021
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Prepare a wide variety of foods with this nonstick DeLonghi Livenza digital grill. It includes grill and griddle plates that can be switched out depending on the type of food being cooked. This 14.5-inch DeLonghi Livenza digital grill has a hinged top so you can make delicious panini, and it pairs with a digital cookbook app.
Customer Rating
4
This May End Up Replacing Our Gas Weber
on June 15, 2017
Posted by: pillboy
from Eden Prairie, MN
Since this is a kitchen appliance for the most part, and not really in my domain, the following review is by my wife, Mrs pillboy:
I find it enjoyable to use this versatile appliance. We may never need or want to use our gas grill again. We’ve made boneless chicken breasts, hamburgers, pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, pancakes, hash browns and eggs this past week.
La mia pizza era eccellente! Our favorite was homemade pizza. We prefer a crispy bottom crust and achieved just that, in the very first attempt! This appliance is not ideal for making eggs, however it can be done if you "herd" the eggs with a spatula - the eggs want to flow towards the grease tray at the back of the grill until they solidify.
This grill would be great for entertaining small gatherings or perhaps daily use for larger families. It fits nicely on our smooth-top range, under the exhaust fan. We found this location ideal, especially when cooking meat. In the future we may use it on the porch both for space and venting.
I recommend the brief De'Longhi videos found under “From the Manufacturer” for informative overviews of several aspects of the appliance. I wish I had watched them prior to using the grill.
Pros:
No assembly required
Contemporary styling
Sturdy construction
Informative display
Simple to use
Easy to clean
Even surface temperature
On screen timer (its use is optional)
Multi-functional - Closed Grill, Broiler Mode or Open Grill
Ability to adjust plates to different temperatures and change temperatures during cooking if desired
Underside temperature of the appliance is not hot (countertops are unaffected)
No assembly required
Contemporary styling
Sturdy construction
Informative display
Simple to use
Easy to clean
Even surface temperature
On screen timer (its use is optional)
Multi-functional - Closed Grill, Broiler Mode or Open Grill
Ability to adjust plates to different temperatures and change temperatures during cooking if desired
Underside temperature of the appliance is not hot (countertops are unaffected)
Cons:
Waffle plates are not included - they may be purchased separately
Price seems a bit high
Eggs want to travel to the grease tray
Waffle plates are not included - they may be purchased separately
Price seems a bit high
Eggs want to travel to the grease tray
Other Observations:
Cord length of 32 inches may require an extension cord in some settings
Heats to 450° F in 4 1/2 minutes
The variable temperature control dials include the following Fahrenheit temperatures: 140°, 175° 215°, 250°, 270°, 285°, 300°, 320°, 340°, 355°, 375°, 400°, 410°, 430°, 450°
The sear function increases the temperature to 464° F for one minute and cannot be used again within a 30 minute period, even if the appliance is turned off then on again
Default setting is Fahrenheit - Celsius setting is also included if desired
Cord length of 32 inches may require an extension cord in some settings
Heats to 450° F in 4 1/2 minutes
The variable temperature control dials include the following Fahrenheit temperatures: 140°, 175° 215°, 250°, 270°, 285°, 300°, 320°, 340°, 355°, 375°, 400°, 410°, 430°, 450°
The sear function increases the temperature to 464° F for one minute and cannot be used again within a 30 minute period, even if the appliance is turned off then on again
Default setting is Fahrenheit - Celsius setting is also included if desired
My Best Buy number: 2129807232
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get high-fidelity audio with these wireless Audio-Technica headphones. Mic and volume switches are built into the earcup for convenient control, and its NFC functionality enables touch pairing to connect with your favorite Bluetooth wireless devices. Memory foam earpads on these over-ear Audio-Technica headphones offer sound isolation and a comfortable fit.
Customer Rating
5
Great Value for Price Point
on May 29, 2017
Posted by: pillboy
from Eden Prairie, MN
These headphones were provided in exchange for my review. I was really looking forward to receiving these as I have a few pair of over-the-ear headphones and a couple of Bluetooth sets that are in-ear, so these would be a first for me.
The packaging makes a nice first impression showing that you did not buy a $29 item in a clear blister-pack. The build quality is what I would expect for the price point, not metal, wood and leather, but the painted plastic and padded vinyl parts along with excellent fit and finish make a very respectable showing. While these are billed as “over-the-ear” on Audio-Technica’s website, they do not enclose the complete adult human ear. The ear cushion will rest on your ear lobe, but I did not find the fit uncomfortable.
The User Manual that comes in the box is fairly thick, but the content is in ten languages, so in reality it is only 16 pages for English. Usually I don’t even look in the manual for something like a pair of headphones, but I will admit I needed to do so to figure out the “Jog” switch’s functions. The storage/carry pouch is a vinyl-covered, cloth-like material that will protect from scratches and will easily fit in a pocket when using the headphones, but will not provide crush protection like a hard case would. The provided charging cable is a USB to Micro USB cable which is appreciated more than a proprietary connection. There is no AC charging block provided though.
Since wireless capability is the main selling point of the SR6BT, my testing consisted of listening to music on my iPhone 6, MacBook Pro, and a television with a third-party Bluetooth adapter attached to it. I also connected it to my 2-channel home stereo with the supplied audio/smartphone cable. When using the audio cable, the headphones sound exactly the same with their power tuned off or turned on, which is not the case with my active noise cancelling headphones made by a company with four letters in their name (their sound quality degrades tremendously when used with the power turned off).
Upon my initial use, I was a little underwhelmed with the sound quality of these headphones. You have to realize that everyone’s impression of “great sound” is different and also we differ in our ability to hear different frequencies in the audio spectrum. Using the equalizer function of iTunes on the Mac and an equalizer app on my phone, I was able to dial in a frequency curve to my liking and I am much more impressed with their sound. Killer, boomy bass…no, but I think with a little tweaking they are capable of providing a fairly accurate representation of what the audio engineer on the recording was trying for. The integrated amplifier in my home stereo has only a single bass and single treble control. With the limited control provided, I was not able to make as dramatic an improvement as I could with the graphic equalizer on the other devices. Voice quality while watching television was good with dialog easy to understand.
I was able to move all throughout the house (three levels, about 2400 sq. ft., through multiple walls) with no loss of signal and able to control the playback with the Jog switch.
When I compare the SR6BT to my other headphones (a couple of them are more than double the price), they hold their own for sound quality, and when you throw in the wireless feature, they are definitely worth the price of admission. I would recommend these at full MSRP if your sound source has an equalizer option, and I feel comfortable saying you will not be disappointed.
My Best Buy number: 2129807232
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer: Achieve your perfect style with this versatile blow dryer's 2 speeds, 3 heat settings and 3 included nozzles. Nanoe technology adds volume and infuses moisture for dry hair that won't dry out.
Posted by: pillboy
from Eden Prairie, MN
First I would like to disclose that I received the Panasonic EH-NA65-K hand-held hair dryer with nanoe™ technology in exchange for my review.
Being a man with average length hair, I am not the target audience for this particular product, but I have used a hair dryer on days I am leaving the house, for forty-plus years. I think that qualifies me to make a few observations based on past experiences.
I have noticed in more than one place that this dryer is referred to as black/pink. The trim color looks red to me under “warm," incandescent light bulbs, but does have a slight pinkish hue in daylight from the window. The main body color is a matte black finish that gives the product an expensive look. While it does not have a cord reel, the long cord is nice to have especially if you are using the dryer someplace other than at a bathroom vanity. The dryer I was using before the Panasonic was delivered has a retractable cord and I do not especially care for it as I found the cord a little on the short side and I never retracted it anyway (it was a hand-me-down from my wife). The switches on the Panasonic for fan speed and air temperature while not Lexus-like in feel, do appear to be a little nicer than other hair dryers I have experienced. The three included accessories easily, but securely, snap on and off of the dryer’s nozzle. Overall, the product makes a good first impression, as it should considering the MSRP price point.
The first thing I noticed about the Panasonic when I used it was that it is noticeably quieter than the dryer I was previously using. Since a hair dryer spends its working life about a foot from your head, I decided to round up all of the dryers I could find (current one, one from a suitcase, and one I took to work to remove stickers) and compare them with the Panasonic using a sound meter app on my phone. I will refer to them as A, B and C. Dryer A has two fan speeds, and it produced 80 and 91 decibels respectively at about 12 inches from my phone. Dryer B has three fan speeds that produce 76, 85, and 87 decibels. Dryer C has two fan speeds and produced 76 and 89 decibels. The Panasonic has two fan speeds and produced 72 and 81 decibels. In my opinion, a very noticeable, and welcomed difference in noise output.
I then checked the heat produced at the nozzle using a hand-held, laser-aimed, infrared thermometer. I checked a few different spots at the nozzle exit and aimed from the side so that I wasn’t aiming directly at the heating coils. I also did not take measurements of the “cool” setting as that is just the fan blowing air without the heating elements running. All of these hair dryers claim 1875 watts of heating “power," so I kind of expected similar temperatures on their “high” heat settings. Dryer A has two heat settings and produces temperatures of 117 and 148 degrees Fahrenheit with the fan running on the low setting. Dryer B cannot adjust heat and fan settings separately and since it has three fan speeds, it has three heat settings also, producing 108, 125, and 157 degrees Fahrenheit. Dryer C (again separate speed and heat adjustability) produces 126 and 144 degrees, both while using low speed on the fan. The Panasonic EH-NA65-K with separately controlled fan speed and heat settings (in my opinion, the only correct way to make a hair dryer), produces 110 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit on the low fan speed.
The last thing I could measure objectively was the weight of the hair dryers. This can make a difference for some people when they have to wave this thing around their head for 10 minutes or more if they have long, thick hair. Dryer A which happens to be an ionic dryer and the one with the retractable cord, weighs 1 pound 3 ounces. Dryers B and C which are bare-bones and inexpensive, weigh 13 ounces and 12 ounces respectively. The Panasonic which at first glance looks somewhat big and bulky, also weighs 1 pound 3 ounces. All weights were taken on an electronic, digital food scale with the cord supported so that it didn’t influence the measurement. I have also attached a picture of the four dryers to illustrate their relative dimensions.
Would I recommend this hair dryer based on performance…absolutely. At this price…definitely not for everyone.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Create a party vibe with this Sony XB Bluetooth speaker. Its flashing multicolored line light simulates the club scene, and it lets you manage playback easily via the SongPal app. This water-resistant Sony XB Bluetooth speaker has a 24-hour battery life for all-day listening, and its built-in USB port lets you charge a mobile device.
Customer Rating
4
Good Value at this Price Point
on March 29, 2017
Posted by: pillboy
from Eden Prairie, MN
This is the third Bluetooth speaker we have in the house which enables me to make a direct comparison to two competitors from different manufacturers. However the other two have price points higher than this Sony XB30 with a $149.99 MSRP (one is $50 higher and the other is $100 higher).
The Sony comes in multiple colors and the outside of the case has a rubberized finish with metal grilles front and rear (the back one is for a passive radiator). The unit has a nice substantial feel to it and that combined with the feel of the controls gives the sensation of a quality made piece. The front grille is surrounded by a “light bar” that has a number of different preprogrammed colors and patterns along with a couple of white strobes, none of which appear to keep time or rhythm to the music being played. The “light show” variations cannot be accessed directly from the speaker’s built-in controls, you have to make changes from the SongPal app (which is free), but you can toggle the current light selection on or off using a button on the speaker. The jacks for power, audio in, and USB connection (to charge your phone from the speaker) are on the back of the speaker under a cover that has a water resistant gasket as the speaker is IPX5 rated for water resistance. Note that if the cover is open for a connection its water resistance is compromised.
The Extra Bass function provides a nice bass boost that once you become accustomed to it, leaves the speaker sounding kind of “tinny” or “thin” when it is turned off. I did find the speaker to be lacking in treble both when playing files from iTunes via my iPhone 6 and when connected with a cable to an iPod Classic playing Apple Lossless files. The SongPal app has a rudimentary three-band graphic equalizer enabling you to adjust bass, midrange and treble from flat to +10 or -10 with three sliders. The bass and mid had a noticeable effect on the content I listened to, but the treble control had virtually no effect that I could tell.
Two features I was not able to try out were the “Wireless Party Chain” since I have only one Sony speaker and the LDAC audio technology which is a higher quality Bluetooth connection which appears to be a proprietary Sony technology available on their ZX2 High-Resolution Audio Walkman and Xperia smartphones.
I realize I am probably not in the target audience for this particular product due to my age, but I am a little confused by the combination of the “multicolored line light and flashing strobe” that would have probably appealed to the 12-year-old me along with the LDAC technology that comes in a $1200 hi-res music player that the 60-year-old me could afford but has difficulty rationalizing. I would expect someone with a high-resolution, audiophile-quality music player to be shopping wireless speakers at a much higher price point than this.
The XB30 has a built-in microphone which enables you to have phone conversations using the device as a speaker/mic. Sound quality was far superior to the iPhone’s speaker phone function for both ends of the conversation (to be expected given the size difference of the speakers between the two devices). This feature helps the XB30 earn a place on your work desk.
I think the XB-30 represents a good value for its price point given the additional technology and features it possesses when compared to the two other Bluetooth speakers I am familiar with, however the lack of treble response is a little disappointing, at least to me. Sound quality can be a rather subjective matter, and to be fair I was not able to judge its sound with it being driven by a LDAC capable device. There are many other players at this price level, so I suggest comparing at a retailer where you can listen to multiple speaker choices before making a decision.
My Best Buy number: 2129807232
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Philips Sonicare AdaptiveClean Brush Heads (2-Pack): Get a deep, gentle clean with help from these brush heads, which feature a flexible design that conforms to the grooves of your teeth and gums for enhanced plaque removal. When the blue bristles fade to white, it's time for a replacement.
Customer Rating
5
Deep Cleans Like They Claim
on November 24, 2016
Posted by: pillboy
from Eden Prairie, MN
This is the first Philips Sonicare toothbrush I have owned and it came with a Sonicare AdaptiveClean brush head, so I really have nothing to compare it to other than the brushes for my old electric toothbrush (from a competitor) or a wide variety of manual brushes I have used over the years.
It appears that this brush offering from Philips comes in one head size only, their “standard size” which is comparable in size to someone else’s “Dual Clean” brush for those of you contemplating a change in manufacturer. The softness of the bristles are again very similar to the competitor and most people should find the AdaptiveClean gentle on mouth tissues. I was able to come from another electric toothbrush to the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected which operates at 31,000 strokes per minute (many more than what I was used to), use it on the “High” intensity setting and 3-minute long “Deep Clean” mode, and have no issues whatsoever with it being too aggressive and causing discomfort or gum bleeding.
Since changing over to the Sonicare system, I have noticed that there is noticeably less food debris to be removed by flossing after brushing than there was before when I used the competitor’s system. So far, durability of the brush head appears to be adequate, but time will tell as I get deeper into the three-month usage period. Many of my past toothbrushes have had the color-changing bristles to indicate time for replacement, but for years I have changed toothbrushes when the seasons change on the calendar as there is always this reminder built in to virtually every calendar one might look at.
I look forward to hearing what my dental hygienist has to say when I go in for my next appointment after using the Sonicare for six months. Anyone that may be thinking about jumping ship to Philips from a competitor should go ahead and try it - I think you will be as pleasantly surprised as I am.
My Best Buy number: 2129807232
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Improve your brushing technique with this Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum toothbrush. Personalized coaching in the app provides tips on how to adjust your brushing for better results. This Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum toothbrush has three modes, three intensities and two heads, so you can customize it to your teeth and gums' needs.
Customer Rating
4
Great Toothbrush, but App is Less Impressive
on November 22, 2016
Posted by: pillboy
from Eden Prairie, MN
First I want to say that I have used an electric toothbrush (by a competitor) for more than 15 years now, so I was looking forward to being able to try a Philips Sonicare product (FlexCare Platinum Connected in this case). A toothbrush with Bluetooth connectivity is something that I normally would not buy for myself, but it was offered by the Tech Insider Network. Overall, I found the experience with the toothbrush much more rewarding than my experience with the phone app. Considering all of the “water hazards” that exist in a bathroom, taking my cell phone in there makes me more than a little apprehensive. For me to use the app I have to turn on Bluetooth (I usually have it off) and change my phone’s auto-lock from my customary short setting. Along with the questions to answer after bushing and then changing my phone’s settings back, my toothbrushing experience has almost doubled in the time it takes from beginning to end. I have found that by watching the phone screen for prompts during usage, my focus is taken away from the actual act of brushing and I feel I might be doing a slightly less effective job. I suspect that extended use would alleviate this as the procedure becomes more practiced and ingrained. The whole training experience for proper technique that the app is designed to assist could be helpful to children and young people that need some coaching, but I think most adults with good oral hygiene habits already established will find little to be gained from the experience that the app provides. When I first start my brushing session, my normal routine is to turn on the electric toothbrush and distribute the toothpaste to all of the different areas in my mouth before concentrating on brushing the tooth surfaces themselves. This means I am about 5 to 10 seconds deep into the time period allotted to the first of six timed zones and that zone gets short changed when the timer goes off and you move to the next zone. Maybe a future version of the app will allow for some user customization to better fit an individual’s wants and needs.
Now as for the toothbrush itself, my feelings are at the opposite end of the spectrum. The unit has a very high quality feel to it (as well it should at this price point), and the controls provided offer a good degree of adjustability for time periods and aggressiveness (intensity) Just make sure you keep your lips tight around the brush while it is running as it will sling foam everywhere - I did not have to be quite as careful with my old brush as it does not vibrate with the same frequency and intensity as this one does. At first I was a little concerned that the brush handle did not have any soft, grippy rubber on it to facilitate keeping your grip on it once it gets wet, but the “pebble” finish on it works better than I expected it to. The tactile “feel” of the buttons impart a high quality sensation to the unit. I end up getting my toothbrush handles completely wet with foam and water (when I rinse it off at the end of brushing), so I am wondering how the Sonicare will hold up over time since the buttons are not underneath a flexible waterproof membrane, but are rather individual buttons with gaps between them and the surrounding faceplate. The travel charger that my toothbrush came with is perfect for my use as it takes up little counter space. I have never been concerned about germs, so I have never felt the need for a sanitizer unit like some versions come with. The travel case is a nice addition for those who want to take their electric toothbrush with them - I personally just take a manual toothbrush to save on weight and volume when packing for a trip. I have been using the Sonicare for about a week, and I think that I might feel a slight improvement in the smoothness of my tooth surfaces and they seem to look a little whiter too. My plan is to continue with the Sonicare to my next dental checkup and see if my hygienist notices any differences. I have used only the AdaptiveClean brush head at this point, but I find that it works well for me and I find it to be a nice balance of being effective at cleaning without being overly harsh to gum tissue.
I always thought my previous electric toothbrush as being more than adequate for my needs, but after getting accustomed to the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected, I suspect I will be buying another Sonicare product for my wife to use as she raved about it from the first time she tried it (we use separate bathrooms and have always had two electric handles). All-in-all, the toothbrush is a very impressive product, but I can’t seem to find the same enthusiasm for the Bluetooth connectivity and the app to help guide a user in proper brushing technique. I am sure some people will find it helpful for themselves or another family member that is still learning the finer points of good oral hygiene.
My Best Buy number: 2129807232
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy a compact tablet that fits neatly in your pocket with this Acer Iconia One 8-inch tablet. It includes a quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM that deliver powerful processing to play all your games and apps, and the 16GB of flash memory ensure this Acer Iconia One 8-inch tablet and store your files.
Customer Rating
5
Surprisingly capable little tablet.
on May 25, 2016
Posted by: pillboy
from Eden Prairie, MN
I want to preface this review by stating that this tablet is the first Android based device I have ever used (I have not even played with a friend’s Android smartphone). That being said, I am impressed with this little Acer product. And even more so when I look at the price point it sells at. Since I am still learning the ins and outs of the Android operating system, I feel unqualified to comment on that aspect of using the Iconia One 8. I don’t use any of our household’s computing devices for my job so I would not classify myself as a “power user”, but I am more than just a casual web-surfer.
The quality of materials is not impressive (plastic back cover and case-colored plastic buttons) if you are used to holding Apple products without a case, but put a case on all devices and this ceases to be a factor. The display is clear, sharp, and colorful even when compared to a Retina display. I did find that the display will not dim enough for me when I used the Kindle app in a dark room - I had to switch from a white background to black to lessen eye strain.
The functionality of the touchscreen is excellent as everything moves as smoothly as you would expect it to on a device costing hundreds of dollars more - I found it to actually work better than my iPhone 6. Personally I would appreciate a wider bezel on the sides (when using it in portrait mode) to make it easier to handle the device without accidentally touching the screen and having something happen onscreen. I have already ordered an inexpensive cover hoping that will make handling the Iconia a little easier. For me, using this device is usually a two-handed operation as it is uncomfortable for me to grip it from side to side in one hand for any length of time.
I am a little hard of hearing and this makes the built-in speaker absolutely worthless for anything, even as a simple timer or alarm. It is just not very loud, even in a quiet room. Audio output from the speaker is not even close to my iPhone 6 speaker. Connecting to a Bluetooth speaker was as easy as any other device I have ever used and the sound quality and volume were both good when used in this fashion. Sound quality using earbuds is good, but the device gives a loudness warning when you turn it up past about 3/4 volume and at that point I don’t think the volume being produced is dangerous even to people with good hearing. The volume my old iPod Nano puts out is way more than this Iconia. I think Acer is a little overly optimistic about the audio amplifier of this device. If audio is important to you I would make sure and demo this device before buying to make sure it fulfills your needs.
The USB to mini USB cable is short at 32 inches, but it is sufficiently long if the device is left on the kitchen counter to charge or if your desk is right next to a wall outlet. The short length will make it virtually impossible to try and use the tablet while it is plugged in. The nice thing is that it does not use a proprietary connector like some devices do, so it is pretty inexpensive to get a longer cord to suit your needs. Battery life was very good in my opinion, but that obviously hinges on what you are using the device for and how many hours a day you use it.
In closing, I have to say that with the limited life expectancy of electronic devices (technology always marches on), I will probably not buy another iPad, but rather get a new Android tablet every year or two thus staying up-to-date with hardware capability and still end up spending less in the long run. If you are looking for an inexpensive tablet for your kids, this is it. No one will cry over the money if it gets broken or lost. Would I recommend the Acer Iconia One 8 to a friend…most definitely.
My Best Buy number: 2129807232
I would recommend this to a friend!
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BISSELL SmartClean Robot Vacuum: Easily rid your floors of dirt and debris with this vacuum that uses Opticlean optical sensors and a Triple-Action Cleaning System to tackle your floors. Invisible Wall technology lets you target specific areas.
Customer Rating
3
Interesting Concept, But Still No Rosie
on November 30, 2015
Posted by: pillboy
from Eden Prairie, MN
Once I opened the box, the Bissell SmartClean was easy to assemble (you only have to insert the lithium ion battery pack and snap on the edge cleaning brushes). Everything is included in the box except for four AA batteries for the “Invisible Wall” device that will prevent the SmartClean (SC) from exiting an area or entering an area.
There is a charging dock where the SC “lives” when not working. The instructions show that the charging dock be placed (usually along a wall) so that there is unobstructed space 40 inches to one side of it, 12 inches to the other side of it, and 79 inches to the front of it (and it needs to be within about four feet of an electrical outlet for the charger’s “wall wart”). Our house is mostly small rooms and there is something sitting along the walls virtually everywhere, so these placement restrictions on the charging dock might be an issue for some other people too.
The SC is circular and measures 13 inches across and is low enough to tuck under kitchen cabinets to clean in the “toe kick” area. The main level of our house consists of three rooms of frieze carpet, while the kitchen, half-bath and a hallway/entryway are sheet vinyl, and there are a few thick throw rugs on the vinyl. The transitions from carpet to vinyl are the old style metal strips which means the SC has to “climb” up from the hard surface onto the carpet or up onto the throw rugs. I was surprised at just how easily the SC managed these transitions (including the rugs) as I thought they were going to be problem areas and cause it to hang up on them or avoid them altogether. However, navigating these transitions becomes harder for the SC as the battery gets depleted.
Based on my observations, I would probably set up an every day cleaning schedule as the SC does not vacuum in the same type of thorough and defined pattern that a human would do with a conventional vacuum cleaner. The noise produced while cleaning is such that most people could have this run during the night on another level of the house and would not be disturbed by it. My wife and I live alone and do not have pets, so I cannot comment on how well the SC handles pet hair.
The debris that is collected goes into a small plastic “dust bin” located under the main cover on top of the SC. You open the hinged top of the dust bin and empty the collected material and use a small brush (like an old toothbrush) to clean the filter that is enclosed in the dust bin. It is a rather simple procedure.
Having observed about a half dozen cleaning session so far, I think it would be best to confine the SC to a moderately sized area as there were a couple instances where the battery started to run low while it was some distance away from the charging dock and it did not make it back to the dock on its own even though it ran for over another 20 minutes after the “Lo” battery indicator lit up. Confined to our carpet, the SC will run for about 40 minutes before showing the low battery signal, and I would expect the SC would have a longer run time on hard surface flooring since there is less resistance to impede the device as compared to carpeting.
I’m also not sure what the long term effect will be on the appearance of our nicely finished cherry wood furniture from the SC’s front “bumper”. The bumping and banging on the oak doors and baseboard do not really concern me, but it can get a little annoying at times. I’m not quite sure of how the SC detects obstructions in its path as sometimes it stops before making contact with an object and other times it will run into an object repeatedly as it tries to find its way around it.
Is it a replacement for a conventional vacuum? I could see how it might provide relief of this mundane task for some people, but for large families with children and pets, you would still want to use a conventional vacuum for “deep down” cleaning on a regular basis while the SmartClean helps to keep things under control on a daily basis. This is our first experience with a robotic vacuum so I have nothing to directly compare this Bissell to, but our conventional upright still earns its keep.
My Best Buy number: 2129807232
What's great about it: It does what its designers set out to accomplish.
What's not so great: Needs more power for navigating about, suction power, and cleaning session time.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Quality
3
Features
4
Performance
2
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Bose® QuietComfort® 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones: Enjoy crisp, powerful sound — and quiet that lets you hear your music better — with these Bose® QuietComfort® 25 around-the-ear headphones, which monitor the noise around you and cancel it out, helping you focus on what matters.
Customer Rating
5
Even non-frequent flyers can find a use for these.
on September 18, 2015
Posted by: pillboy
from Minnesota
Verified Purchase:Yes
Most people buy active noise canceling headphones for airplane travel. I decided to try these for mowing the lawn and personally, I think they work great (my wife is not as impressed as I am - she has excellent hearing but has used them for the same purpose). I'm 58 and have enough hearing loss that I use hearing aids for most day-to-day activities, but I do not wear them for listening to music or during yard work. I have worn hearing protection during noisy activities since the mid 1980s, and for the past few years used a commonly seen yellow and black noise protection headset with a built-in AM/FM radio. The sound quality of this device is so poor that I would sometimes just use other hearing protection without a radio. When I started looking for something better (sound quality wise), Bose kept coming to the top of the list. Even though most audiophile web sites pan Bose products, the general consensus was that Bose did make the best active noise canceling headphones. These headphones do a remarkable job with the volume of noise that a walk-behind, gas-engined lawnmower makes, but they do not cancel out all of the noise. It is reduced enough however that it enables me to listen to music or radio broadcasts from my iPhone without having the volume turned up really high. Using these has made the mundane task of mowing a much more pleasurable experience. For in-home listening of music when I don't need noise canceling, I use my Bowers & Wilkins P7 or my Audeze EL-8. The only thing that could be better is if they were wireless, but I suspect since I have now bought a pair, Bose will introduce a Bluetooth version soon. I highly recommend this product. You will not be disappointed.
My Best Buy number: 2129807232
My Best Buy number: 2129807232
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Samsung UN40H6350AFXZA LED HDTV: Featuring built-in Wi-Fi, this Samsung HDTV allows you to wirelessly stream movies and TV shows and surf the Web. The 1080p screen and a Clear Motion Rate 240 let you enjoy fast-moving movies, games and sports with minimal blur.
Customer Rating
5
Our First Smart TV
on February 28, 2015
Posted by: pillboy
from Minnesota
Verified Purchase:Yes
Our previous TVs were purchased before the advent of the "smart TV" and I was at first skeptical on how well this functionality would actually work. We are using the TV with CenturyLink broadband and an Apple AirPort Extreme and couldn't be happier with the performance of the TV for access to Internet based content. Television programming is via DirecTV and again the TV performs flawlessly. The supplied Samsung remote is backlit which is greatly appreciated and should be expected on all televisions in this day and age. This model was settled upon after much Internet research and I have to agree with all of the glowing reviews it has received when it comes to picture quality. Sound quality leaves a little to be desired like most flat screen televisions that lack forward firing speakers. I'm not sure why manufacturers neglect this aspect of the TV experience as I doubt most users of a TV this size (40 inch) or smaller end up using it with a sound bar or other sound system (we use ours with Bluetooth headsets while on the treadmill). The one thing that was slightly problematic with the installation was that the HDMI connections are parallel to the TV set and are somewhat close to the edge of TV. If your HDMI cables are not flexible it puts stress on the HDMI jack as you bend the cable to curve back toward the center of the television to keep the cable from being visible from the front. I understand why it is designed this way (as opposed to perpendicular jacks) so that the TV can be mounted close to a wall, but it would be preferable if the jacks were closer to the center of the television. I used 90 degree male/female HDMI adapters to better manage cable placement during my installation.
My Best Buy number: 2129807232
My Best Buy number: 2129807232
I would recommend this to a friend!
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2of 2voted this as helpful.
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The A6G series. Proving that good things come in big packages too. Take your pick from 75”, 70”, 65”, 60”, 55”, 50” and 43” screens. For 4K UHD picture quality, in the perfect size for your space. With Android TV, you can discover 700,000+ movies and shows in one place. Ask Google to control your TV with your voice. And cast your photos, videos, and music from devices to your TV easily with Chromecast built-in™. Add to that Dolby Vision HDR and Auto Low Latency Game Mode. Or as we call it, a great looking TV.
Does this tv have a camera built in?
There is no mention of a built-in camera in the use manual.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
pillboy
The A6G series. Proving that good things come in big packages too. Take your pick from 75”, 70”, 65”, 60”, 55”, 50” and 43” screens. For 4K UHD picture quality, in the perfect size for your space. With Android TV, you can discover 700,000+ movies and shows in one place. Ask Google to control your TV with your voice. And cast your photos, videos, and music from devices to your TV easily with Chromecast built-in™. Add to that Dolby Vision HDR and Auto Low Latency Game Mode. Or as we call it, a great looking TV.
It has been answered that this model only has 1 stand position. Why do the first 2 pictures show different stand positions? The front facing shows outer, the back facing shows inner.
There are two positions for the legs. I just attached mine a few days ago.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
pillboy
The A6G series. Proving that good things come in big packages too. Take your pick from 75”, 70”, 65”, 60”, 55”, 50” and 43” screens. For 4K UHD picture quality, in the perfect size for your space. With Android TV, you can discover 700,000+ movies and shows in one place. Ask Google to control your TV with your voice. And cast your photos, videos, and music from devices to your TV easily with Chromecast built-in™. Add to that Dolby Vision HDR and Auto Low Latency Game Mode. Or as we call it, a great looking TV.
does it have a headphone jack for head phones or speakers?
It has a 3.5mm headphone jack on the back of the set.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
pillboy
Better sound begins with better silence. That’s why Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are engineered with the world-class noise cancelling and high-fidelity audio. Microphones inside and outside the earphones sense noise and react instantaneously to cancel the signal. Get rid of disruptions so you can turn up the music on your wireless earbuds and amplify whatever you’re most passionate about — from hiking or circuit training to coding or baking. And when you need to be more aware of your surroundings, minimize noise cancelling with a quick double tap, so you can walk down a busy street or listen for your boarding announcement. StayHear Max tips provide extra comfort and stability for an even better experience. Rule the Quiet with Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and get an exhilarating experience that’s tough to find in any other Bluetooth earbuds. The Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds are available in Triple Black, Soapstone and limited-edition Sandstone or Stone Blue.
does the charge case support qi wireless charging?
Better sound begins with better silence. That’s why Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are engineered with the world-class noise cancelling and high-fidelity audio. Microphones inside and outside the earphones sense noise and react instantaneously to cancel the signal. Get rid of disruptions so you can turn up the music on your wireless earbuds and amplify whatever you’re most passionate about — from hiking or circuit training to coding or baking. And when you need to be more aware of your surroundings, minimize noise cancelling with a quick double tap, so you can walk down a busy street or listen for your boarding announcement. StayHear Max tips provide extra comfort and stability for an even better experience. Rule the Quiet with Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and get an exhilarating experience that’s tough to find in any other Bluetooth earbuds. The Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds are available in Triple Black, Soapstone and limited-edition Sandstone or Stone Blue.
Can you go go back on a track, or only skip forward, also can you controls volume headset?
There is only skip forward capability, not back, and there is no volume control on the earbuds either.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
pillboy
Better sound begins with better silence. That’s why Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are engineered with the world-class noise cancelling and high-fidelity audio. Microphones inside and outside the earphones sense noise and react instantaneously to cancel the signal. Get rid of disruptions so you can turn up the music on your wireless earbuds and amplify whatever you’re most passionate about — from hiking or circuit training to coding or baking. And when you need to be more aware of your surroundings, minimize noise cancelling with a quick double tap, so you can walk down a busy street or listen for your boarding announcement. StayHear Max tips provide extra comfort and stability for an even better experience. Rule the Quiet with Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and get an exhilarating experience that’s tough to find in any other Bluetooth earbuds. The Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds are available in Triple Black, Soapstone and limited-edition Sandstone or Stone Blue.
Will I be able to use only the left ear plug by itself when on a phone call? Or is it only the right ear plug is used when on a phone call?
No. The microphone is in the right earbud. You will hear audio in both earbuds on a phone call, but you cannot use just the left bud for a call.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
pillboy
Better sound begins with better silence. That’s why Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are engineered with the world-class noise cancelling and high-fidelity audio. Microphones inside and outside the earphones sense noise and react instantaneously to cancel the signal. Get rid of disruptions so you can turn up the music on your wireless earbuds and amplify whatever you’re most passionate about — from hiking or circuit training to coding or baking. And when you need to be more aware of your surroundings, minimize noise cancelling with a quick double tap, so you can walk down a busy street or listen for your boarding announcement. StayHear Max tips provide extra comfort and stability for an even better experience. Rule the Quiet with Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and get an exhilarating experience that’s tough to find in any other Bluetooth earbuds. The Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds are available in Triple Black, Soapstone and limited-edition Sandstone or Stone Blue.
What is the decibel level of these ear plugs
I could not find this specification in the full manual or in the Bose Music app.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
pillboy
Sony's intelligent noise-cancelling headphones with premium sound elevate your listening experience with the ability to personalize and control everything you hear. Get up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging capabilities, enjoy an enhanced Smart Listening feature set, and carry conversations hands-free with speak-to-chat.
One of my biggest pet peeves with headphones I have had is that I cannot charge them while I am using them. Can these be charged while in use so I don't have to interrupt what I'm listening to?
Considering that the included charging cord is only 8 inches long, I suspect you cannot use them while listening to them. I went and got a longer cord and my suspicions were correct, they will not turn on when plugged into a charger. Ten minutes on a charger gives you five hours of listening time, so I don't think it is too much of an issue for most people.
3 years, 8 months ago
by
pillboy
Add music to your day with these Sony wireless headphones. Their noise cancelling technology uses artificial intelligence to adapt to your environment and reduce background sounds for enjoyable listening. The Quick Charging battery on these over-ear Sony wireless headphones provides up to 35 hours of playback for convenience.
Is the Sony better than the Bose quiet ll When it come s to noised
I have a pair of Bose QuietComfort 25, which is the older, wired version and I found the Sony to be about equivalent to the Bose for their active noise canceling ability. I am very impressed with both manufacturer's product and I think you would be happy with either one.
6 years, 1 month ago
by
pillboy
Bose® QuietComfort® 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones: Enjoy crisp, powerful sound — and quiet that lets you hear your music better — with these Bose® QuietComfort® 25 around-the-ear headphones, which monitor the noise around you and cancel it out, helping you focus on what matters.
Need noise canceling for office work.
Will these work for dictation on a standard office computer (Dell) with Windows and other programs? I will work on transcription of voices (no music involved in my job).
I listen to talk radio with these headphones and they work fine for the spoken word. The computer is outputting the audio through a sound card, so the specific programs you are using on the computer are irrelevant when it comes to this. Even when not listening to anything, they will cut ambient noise once you turn them on (the noise cancellation circuitry is powered by one AAA battery that is in one of the ear cups). When doing this you can even unplug the cord from the headset and it will still work. Some people will sense a slight "pressure" in the headphones as they are producing sound waves to cancel out the outside noise. I have felt this, but it is not nearly as annoying as dealing with the outside noise.
8 years, 8 months ago
by
pillboy
Minnesota