RonH's stats
- Review count152
- Helpfulness votes415
- First reviewSeptember 9, 2012
- Last reviewJune 12, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
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- Answer count21
- Helpfulness votes31
- First answerDecember 5, 2016
- Last answerSeptember 27, 2021
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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
3
Don't buy it for the battery life
on February 25, 2021
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
This is my second XPS 13, the first was a 2017 two in one model with the standard HD display.
I thought being able to use the XPS as a tablet would be cool but it had an awkward feel to it and I think if I used tablet mode five times it was a lot so not having the two-in-one model isn't a game changer for me.
This year's model is a stunning frost white model with the 16:10 UHD touch screen, 16 GB Ram and a 512GB SSD and it comes packaged in a beautiful jewelry box looking case, supposedly to match the gem Dell wanted it to be. Inside the box you also get the power brick which comes with two plug options - a direct fit plug so you can plug the brick right into the wall as well as a longer cord if you need a bit more length. A nice touch. There is also the USB C to USB 3 dongle, all of which are white to match the frost white of the machine. The XPS comes with two USB C ports which support Thunderbolt 4, a MicroSD slot and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The build on the XPS is solid due to the aluminum body and Gorilla Glass 6 on the display. I did find it requires two hands to open though.
Start-up out of the box took just under 20 minutes, getting windows, Windows Hello face recognition (you can also use a fingerprint, the reader is built into the power button unlike my previous model which was a separate spot on the hand rest) and account info setup.
Like my first XPS (and other Dell laptops) it comes with a one year subscription to Mcafee antivirus, which I generally delete and just go with Microsoft’s defender product. You are also offered one free month of Microsoft Office if you like. Side note here, the browser version of Office is free for anyone who wants to use it.
The UHD display on the XPS is gorgeous! Text is smooth and crisp, graphics and photos are sharp and clean. I’ve never been a fan of touch screens on anything other than tablets, I just don't like seeing the finger prints on my screen so I generally don't use that feature. I did notice that with some colors and backlight brightness you get some backlight edge bleed. Another difference on this model is the webcam, which was moved from the bottom to the top of the screen, giving a better view and making the windows hello login easier.
For connectivity, the XPS comes with Wi-Fi 6 which is not currently wide-spread and I haven't upgraded my equipment to it yet. I had no trouble connecting to my network and easily reached my subscribed speed.
Bluetooth 5.1 connected to everything I attempted, speakers, keyboards, mice and headphone all connected without issue.
Dell says battery life while streaming with the UHD screen is rated at just over 8 hours. With the scaling set to 100% (300% is the Windows recommendation) and brightness set to about 60%, I was unfortunately only able to stream tv shows (using Wi-Fi) through the Edge browser for almost exactly five hours before the XPS shut down with only 10% battery life remaining. I expect using productivity apps like Photoshop or Premiere Pro you would get considerably less due to the processing power and cooling fans running required for these types of apps.
The backlit keyboard is responsive and has a solid feel. Using it at night with the backlights gives the appearance that the keys are sloped and messed with my mind a bit (the keys are not sloped). The trackpad is improved over my previous model and is much more responsive. Both the keyboard and trackpad are much improved over my 2017 XPS.
The built-in speakers had nice volume with sufficient sound that matched the equipment. I wouldn't consider them audiophile by any stretch but they get the job done.
Unlike my previous XPS, RAM is now soldered on and is not user upgradeable so purchase accordingly. Storage however, is upgradeable using M.2 2280 drives, however this is not the case with all the current XPS models.
I really wanted to like this laptop. The build quality, UHD display, overall chip performance and better trackpad and keyboard are much improved over my previous model. Wi-Fi 6 and Thunderbolt 4 are definitely forward thinking. If you need a premium compact Windows laptop now, the Dell XPS 13 9310 is not the worst you could do. The abysmal battery life in my opinion however, is a deal breaker. Five hours is barely enough to cover a cross-country flight.
With the technological advancements in the last six months, especially those from the red delicious folks in Cupertino, PC manufacturers have a lot of ground to make up.
Sadly, due to the battery life, I cannot recommend this model to a friend.
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No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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![H&R Block Tax Software Premium 2020 - Windows [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6440/6440231_sd.jpg)
This H&R Block Premium Tax software provides everything a homeowner, investor, rental property owner, or self-employed Schedule C filer needs to easily complete federal and state taxes. It includes a free online chat with a tax professional, step-by-step assistance on hundreds of credits and deductions, in-person representation in the unlikely event of an audit, and tax calculators to help determine the cost basis of a home sale, dividend, gift, and inheritance assets.
Customer Rating
3
Maybe not for first time filers
on January 28, 2021
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
I don't know anyone who enjoys doing taxes but it's something we all need to do.
A lot of reviews speak to having trouble getting the H&R Block software downloaded and installed. I did not experience this. The product downloaded and installed on the first try with no issues.
I am a multi-platform user and when using the competitor, both PC and Mac versions were always included in the box. H&R Block does have specific versions along with some dual platform versions. I shouldn't have to worry that I might purchase the wrong version. Keep it simple, include both with all offerings.
After installing and running the product, I didn’t find the interface as friendly as the competition, it was very pedestrian, designed more for accountants and number crunchers. No frills.
I’ve used the competitor's product for about 20 years and was able to ingest last year's files, even though they were not done with the block product.
I did like that I didn't have to enter my information. Block was able to locate and download one of my W2s and the others I was able to import the .pdf files, just having to double check the numbers. You can also snap a picture of your documents and import those as well. This was a plus.
The software does go through all the questions needed to ensure it gets all your financial information correctly. It does this by presenting you with lists of questions displayed all at once rather than asking one or two at a time. Simply check the items that pertain to you then enter the numbers from the corresponding documents. While this made the process faster, I did have to go through the questions multiple times to ensure I read and selected the appropriate boxes. Having them presented in a singular format gives you the opportunity to focus on the question, read the description and decide before moving to the next.
The Premium product (along with others) included the state product as well. Downloading and installing went just as easily as the main product. Filing state taxes was just as simple. The program entered the main information directly then asked specific state questions for additional info and deductions.
The software checks your information for accuracy and audit potential and guarantees if you find another software preparation that results in a larger refund H&R Block will refund your fees. They also offer free in-person audit support should you need it.
The license for the product allows you five free federal e-files. You have to pay for state e-files with all products (I print and mail these). Filing was just as easy as with the competitor. Enter your banking account information for up to three separate accounts to have your refund deposited to.
I found the H&R Block software easy to use and am comforted with their guarantee and audit protection, something the competitor charges extra for. I’ve given it three stars due to the numerous windows/mac versions rather than fewer options covering both platforms, it's drab interface and possibly confusing method of asking questions for your tax and financial information.
I would recommend this to a friend BUT only if they were already comfortable with filing their own taxes. I think this product might be a little confusing for a first time filer.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Feel the bass in your bones with Crusher Evo — the latest advancement in the famous Skullcandy Crusher line. Patented Adjustable Sensory Bass technology is an experience that you can’t get in any other headphones. And now, you can even customize the sound to your unique hearing through a quick audio test in the Skullcandy App. So you’ll hear the music exactly the way it was meant to be heard. Critical controls — call, track change, volume, and Crusher Bass — are conveniently located with easy-to-use tactile buttons. Tile finding technology lets you “ring” your headphones if they’re ever lost or misplaced, so you’ll never return home without them. Rapid Charge capability provides 4 hours of listening time on just 10 minutes of charge, and a full charge lets you feel the music for an amazing 40 hours. Crusher Evo is also travel-ready. It folds flat to fit perfectly into the included travel case.
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
I love listening to music with heavy bass and have several pairs of headphones that fill this requirement, including last year’s Crusher 360 Limited Edition which were one of my all time favorites. Until now!
Packaging
When you open the package you are greeted with a fur-lined canvas-like bag that contains the Evo’s. Unlike drawstring pouches, this has a hard plastic clip which rolls down like a coffee bean bag. Roll it twice then clasp the clip. When you open the inner flap you are presented with instructions on how to pair the headphones to your device and instructions on how to download the Skullcandy app. Both were trouble free. Also in the box is a USB C charging cable and an aux cable to use if your device doesn't have bluetooth.
When you open the package you are greeted with a fur-lined canvas-like bag that contains the Evo’s. Unlike drawstring pouches, this has a hard plastic clip which rolls down like a coffee bean bag. Roll it twice then clasp the clip. When you open the inner flap you are presented with instructions on how to pair the headphones to your device and instructions on how to download the Skullcandy app. Both were trouble free. Also in the box is a USB C charging cable and an aux cable to use if your device doesn't have bluetooth.
Build
Unlike the LE’s, the EVO’s are mostly plastic but maintain a solid feel. Also unlike the LE’s, the EVO’s ear cups swivel 90 degrees in each direction, making the fit a bit more comfortable from the LE’s limited movement.
Unlike the LE’s, the EVO’s are mostly plastic but maintain a solid feel. Also unlike the LE’s, the EVO’s ear cups swivel 90 degrees in each direction, making the fit a bit more comfortable from the LE’s limited movement.
Battery life
Crusher 360 EVO’s are rated for 40 hours of battery life and live true to this. I only have to charge them once a week or so with moderate usage. There is a 10 minute rapid charge that will give four hours of use and a full charge only takes an hour. Charging is via the included USB C cord.
Crusher 360 EVO’s are rated for 40 hours of battery life and live true to this. I only have to charge them once a week or so with moderate usage. There is a 10 minute rapid charge that will give four hours of use and a full charge only takes an hour. Charging is via the included USB C cord.
Sound
But how does it sound? OMG, this is the reason you buy headphones! Let me start with you HAVE to get the app! These headphones sound great with no sensory bass but when you move the slider up, WOW! Not only do you get brain shaking bass, you don't lose any warmth of the mids and highs. Unlike last year's Crusher LE’s, you actually hear the bass through the entire range rather than just being shaken by the vibrations, what I referred to as simulated or manufactured bass. Once you adjust for your personal hearing on the app, it sounds even better.
But how does it sound? OMG, this is the reason you buy headphones! Let me start with you HAVE to get the app! These headphones sound great with no sensory bass but when you move the slider up, WOW! Not only do you get brain shaking bass, you don't lose any warmth of the mids and highs. Unlike last year's Crusher LE’s, you actually hear the bass through the entire range rather than just being shaken by the vibrations, what I referred to as simulated or manufactured bass. Once you adjust for your personal hearing on the app, it sounds even better.
The EVO’s come with an aux cable so you can use them with older devices that might not have bluetooth, like my iPod classic, or when the battery is dead. You need to have the power on for the sensory bass but they sound excellent even without it. I read a few reviews that mentioned a slight hiss while using the aux cord but I didn’t experience it.
Phone calls sound crisp and clear. The called party was unable to tell I was using headphones.
Tile location finder
The Crusher EVO’s include Tile finding technology which worked as expected. You have to install the Tile app if you don't already have it, then activate the headphones. Once set up, click find in the app and the EVO’s chirp so you can find them. It works even when the headphones are powered off. I hope I never have to use it but it's nice to know it's there if I need it.
The Crusher EVO’s include Tile finding technology which worked as expected. You have to install the Tile app if you don't already have it, then activate the headphones. Once set up, click find in the app and the EVO’s chirp so you can find them. It works even when the headphones are powered off. I hope I never have to use it but it's nice to know it's there if I need it.
Conclusion
I thought last year’s crushers were great but the EVO’s blow them away. They are more comfortable to wear and sound better than I expected. If you love head banging bass you need to get these headphones.
I thought last year’s crushers were great but the EVO’s blow them away. They are more comfortable to wear and sound better than I expected. If you love head banging bass you need to get these headphones.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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BISSELL JetScrub Pet Lightweight Upright Carpet Cleaner was designed by pet owners with busy lives who are more than familiar with the messes pets leave behind. This less than 14-pound, lightweight machine is easy to grab when those inevitable stains strike, and its compact design also makes it perfect for cleaning rugs and smaller carpeted areas in condos and apartments. LED headlights illuminate hidden stains, and the CleanShot pretreater works with the included PET PRO OXY Urine Eliminator formula to tackle the toughest pet stains. The XL DirtLifter PowerBrush has more than twice the tufts of bristles than the competitive lightweight carpet cleaner to lift and remove embedded stains. You’ll be left with dry carpets in about 30 minutes* with JetScrub Pet’s Express Clean Mode, and the EZ Clean Up design makes maintaining the machine after use a breeze. And JetScrub Pet doesn't just clean up after pets, it helps save them, too! BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets. When you buy a BISSELL product, you help save pets, too. We’re proud to design products that help make pet messes, odors and pet homelessness disappear.
Customer Rating
4
Great if you have pets
on December 21, 2020
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
The Bissell Jet Scrub Pet is a reduced-size carpet extraction machine designed to clean small areas and pet messes, another cleaner in bissell’s pet floor care line.
Unboxing is straight forward, everything is well packed with cardboard filler pieces and plastic bags. Once removed, you have to insert the top handle into the main unit until it snaps. Also in the box is a drip/cleaning tray, a nozzle cleaning wand and a sample bottle of Pet Oxy cleaning solution.
Using the Jet Scrub is as simple as filling the solution bottle to the line with hot tap water, topping it off to the top line with cleaning solution, choosing your cleaning mode, either “Express Clean” or “Deep Clean”, pulling the trigger and cleaning your carpet. The difference in the modes is the amount of cleaning solution delivered when you pull the trigger. Bissel says using the Express mode, carpets will dry in about 30 minutes. I’ve found this to be pretty accurate. Using Deep Cleaning mode took an additional 15-30 minutes depending on the carpet. The smell of the included pet oxy solution is bold while you are cleaning and dissipates quickly and it did remove the urine odor from the carpet. I was satisfied with the results.
The Jet Scrub has an option to dispense additional fluid from a nozzle on the top of the unit for heavier stains. This shot out like a squirt gun rather than a spray, making it a bit difficult to cover the whole spot easily. The other thing I noticed was the delivery of cleaning solution takes place through a series of openings rather than fan-like sprays I’ve seen with other devices, relying more on the brush roll to distribute the solution deep into and across the carpet fibers rather than with the force of a higher pressure spray. Not knocking the cleaner, just an observation.
The rotating brush has stiff bristles and really gets deep into the carpet fibers, leaving nice visible rows on my carpet.
Cleaning the machine once you’ve finished is simple and straightforward. Use the drip/cleaning tray to clean the nozzle by setting the unit on the tray, turning it on and adding water to the tray in the place marked, the machine will suck up the clean water, cleaning out the nozzle. If you have a blockage, use the included wand to clear it out. The top brush cover snaps off and the brush roll snaps out to be placed in the tray for drying and storage. Dump and rinse the collection container and rinse out the solution container.
I really like the Jet Scrub for quick pickup of spills and pet messes, however, I was disappointed that the only solution markings are for a full tank. It would have been nice to have half fill lines as well. The other miss is the collection tank only holds about half a tank of cleaning solution before the safety shut-off engages so you have to empty it multiple times to go through a full tank.
To judge how much area this unit will clean, a 5x7 area rug took a full tank of cleaning solution and required emptying the collection tank twice using the deep clean mode and the 4-pass method described in the manual. This method is two passes, one up, one back while you are applying cleaning solution followed by two passes of just vacuum to extract the liquid.
The Bissell Jet Scrub Pet is a nice machine and worked great for what it was designed for. It's compact size makes it easy to use and store. While it could be used to clean whole house carpets, you will become frustrated emptying the collection bin and refilling the cleaning solution bottle. I gave it four stars due to the lack of partial tank markings and the squirtgun design of applying additional cleaning solution to heavy stains. Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
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Brush smart, get rewarded. The quip Smart Electric Toothbrush Starter Kit earns you amazing rewards (like free brush heads, products, gift cards, and more) as you track and coach better oral health habits with the free quip app. It has a Bluetooth® Smart Motor, premium All-Color design, and the same timed sonic vibrations as our original ADA-Accepted brush. quip's simple and sustainable brush also includes a premium handle you keep for life, a replaceable soft-bristle brush head (tongue scraper on back), a replaceable AAA battery, and a multi-use travel cover that doubles as a stand and mirror mount. Connect one or more Bluetooth® Smart Brushes to the quip app (iOS & Android), then automatically track your brushing routine offline: duration, coverage, strokes and intensity. To help improve your oral health habits, tap the app for tailored tips, coaching, and more. You can also earn rewards you'll love just for brushing two minutes, twice a day. Unlike some electric brushes that are big and bulky, quip is slim and lightweight with a long-lasting 3-month battery (no wires or bulky charger). Simply click the "q" button to power a gentle, effective clean with all the guiding features dentists recommend: sensitive sonic vibrations, 2-minute timer, 30 second pulses. The sleek, travel-ready design easily packs into any pocket, purse, or bag for on the go. Plus, it's water-resistant and shower-safe. Like most quip oral care products, the quip Smart Electric Toothbrush is American Dental Association-Accepted, and shown to help remove plaque, and help prevent and reduce gingivitis. On a refill plan, quip automatically delivers a fresh Brush Head Refill every 3 months for $5 with free shipping and a lifetime warranty. Subscribe to get your first refill free, and see why quip has over 20,000 5-star reviews. Better oral health, made simple, affordable, and enjoyable.
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
I love the concept of the Quip Smart Electric Toothbrush; the design, the solid metal handle, the portability for travel,not needing to have a charger and an app that tells you how you are brushing and shows you how you should be brushing. Pair this with the brush replacement program and you get a new brush head every three months, how could you go wrong?
Unfortunately what looks great in concept, falls short in execution.
I like the design and build of the Quip. The size is a little bigger than a standard manual toothbrush but the weight and feel work for me. I have big hands and the Quip fits. The dual-purpose cover has a sticky strip on it to stick to your mirror and it comes off and becomes the brush head cover for travel.
I’m torn on the app. To it's benefit, the Quip Smart Electric Toothbrush paired to the app quickly and easily, and you can pair multiple brushes to it. I can see it would be great for children, teaching them how to brush properly and making a game of brushing time. As an adult male (what guy doesn't love a contest earning points and having prizes) I see it as an amusement but it did give me an incentive to brush several more times a day than I previously did. I want to win prizes!
The brush head, like most sonic brushes, is on the small side for me, and I prefer a stiffer bristle compared to the soft head of the Quip. It is also flanked by rubber nubs, I assume to massage your gums. Sonic vibrations seem to vibrate the whole device rather than just the brush head; this leaves your mouth tingling but I didn’t find it much more effective in cleaning my teeth than a manual brush. Philips Sonicare is much stronger and more limited to the brush head, which is even smaller yet. The vibrations last for two minutes with pulses every 30 seconds alerting you to move to the next section of your mouth. The brush is operated by a replaceable AAA battery that should last 3 months and is included with a replacement brush head when you order it online, or subscribe to Quip’s autoship feature.
Overall, I like the design and portability but for this price, unless you really like the app, I feel there are better options available, including lesser expensive Quip models. Unfortunately, I would not recommend the Quip Smart Electric Toothbrush to a friend.
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No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Finally: ANC true wireless that is accessible to everyone. Building on it’s success as the #1 true wireless family in the US, JBuds Air ANC feature a powerful 24+ hours of ANC Bluetooth Playtime. Has 3 noise control modes and low latency movie mode.
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
I’ve had multiple earbuds from JLabs and none of them disappoint. The new JBuds Air ANC True Wireless Earbuds don’t either.
The ANC earbuds come with three sizes of silicone tips, one set of foam tips and a cush band to ensure a comfortable fit. I had a difficult time getting a comfortable fit with the silicone tips on this model and ended up using the blue foam tip. The earbuds are light and barely noticeable in your ears, and I didn’t have any concern of them falling out.
They paired easily and quickly to both my Android and iPhones. One of my favorite features is the ability to connect and use just one earbud, like the old bluetooth headsets of yore.
Battery life, JLabs reports that these earbuds have a 40+ hour battery life, albeit 10 hours at a time, with three additional charges from the battery case. I’m not sure I could find a time to wear earbuds for a 10 hour stretch but having the battery case means the earbuds are always at a full charge every time you put them in. like other earbuds in the JLab lineup the charging cable is attached to and clips into the case. I have never had a problem with this and it is double sided so there is no incorrect way to insert it into the USB plug.
Just like my other JLabs earbuds, the ANC model has three preset EQ modes, Balanced, Bass Boost and JLab Signature. My preference has always been the Signature mode but in the JBuds Air ANC True Wireless Earbuds I found the Balanced mode to have a brighter sound with decent bass, more so than in past models. Bass boost enhances the bass but in my opinion, it muddied the sound. One downside with these earbuds is that the EQ3 mode always resets back to JLabs Signature and needs to be switched to Balanced or Bass Boost if those are your favorite modes.
Noise cancelling. The earbuds have Active Noise Cancelling with three modes, On, Off and Be Aware. I found the noise cancelling to be quite good, blocking out all the noise of the traffic and on the train. The Be Aware mode worked well, allowing more sound through than on my Epic Air Elites.
One final mode on these earbuds is Movie Mode which is low latency to provide better sync on voices when watching movies. I didn’t notice a difference with this on or off.
Phone calls sounded good and the other party was able to hear me clearly.
I really like these earbuds and have recommended them to my friends. They are priced right, good quality and sound much more expensive than they are.
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Anker PowerConf Bluetooth Speakerphone is the perfect conference speaker companion for work-from-home meetings. It comes with six built-in microphones, real-time echo cancellation, de-reverberation, and ambient noise suppression. The PowerConf Bluetooth speakerphone gives you 24 hours of call time and can also charge your other devices at the same time. PowerConf is Zoom certified and is also compatible with Skype, Google Hangout, Facetime, WebEx, GotoMeeting, Chromebox, and more. For computers that use Windows 7, 8, 10, and macOS, just connect via Bluetooth or a USB-C cable without needing to install any drivers.
Customer Rating
5
Way better than the computer microphone & speakers
on October 4, 2020
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
After spending several days with the Anker PowerConference Bluetooth Speakerphone, I have to say I really like this device. Since beginning telework, I’ve been using a wired Jabra 410 rather than my computer and Android phone (with an adapter) speakers and microphone.
The PowerConference connects via bluetooth as well as wired if your computer does not support bluetooth. I connected the PowerConference to a PC, a Mac, Android and iPhone, I had no issues connecting to anything, wired and wireless. I especially like that you just have to press the bluetooth connect button to put it in pairing mode, no long holds like other bluetooth devices. Also, there are no PC drivers to install, both formats recognized the PowerConference immediately. When connected to any device, the Anker PowerConference Bluetooth Speakerphone does take over as the main speaker/microphone device.
I installed the Anker Soundcore app to the phones and as soon as it recognized the speaker it told me there was a firmware update, I believe this was to allow the speaker to be connected with a wire to a computer along with a bluetooth device at the same time. The update only took a couple of minutes and the PowerConference connected with both my phone and Mac like this. You can not connect to multiple devices with bluetooth however. There seemed to be a bit of a lag for phone sounds when it was connected this way, however, phone calls went through as soon as they connected.
I used Microsoft Teams and Zoom on both computers and the speaker worked as designed. The volume controls, mute and end call worked as expected. The mute was nice because it only muted the speaker and didn't show me as muted on Teams or Zoom.
Sitting around the dining room table, sound quality was better than I expected, the other parties could hear us clearly and background noise was minimal. This was the case regardless of how we connected to the speaker. Several comments on the sound quality. It was definitely better and louder than the speaker on either phone, but I would have liked the volume to be a bit louder at its highest setting; I would have also liked there to be a wider, more fluid range to the volume control, especially at the lower settings. When listening to music or video, the PowerConference does ok but the bass is severely lacking, just remember this is designed as a speaker phone, not a high fidelity bluetooth speaker. I also used the speaker in my car. The called party sounded excellent in the speaker and they could hear me but the PowerConference was not able to completely drown out the engine and highway noise. The called party said the sound wasn't painful and was more than acceptable to continue the call. Again, louder volume would have helped here as well.
The PowerConference says it has up to 24 hours of run time on a charge and it came with about an 80% charge. I’ve been using bluetooth for 3 days and there is still plenty of battery left for another day or so with my use. It did charge fully while connected to the pc’s with the USB C connection. The PowerConference does have a charging port that can power your phone as well. There is also an Aux Out connection to attach another speaker if desired.
I highly recommend the Anker PowerConference Bluetooth Speakerphone to anyone who doesn’t like to wear a headset or has a need for a professional speakerphone for their dining room table meetings. The portable convenience for this speaker, battery life and sound quality make this a must-have for any road warrior.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience entertainment like never before with SiriusXM’s exclusive 360L technology, combining satellite and streaming features together to transform your listening experience. SiriusXM's 360L technology allows for personalization and access to the most SiriusXM channels.
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
I have been a SiriusXM subscriber for over 20 years and have had about 10 different devices over the years. The Tour with 360L is the most recent in the line of Wi-Fi enabled radios, following the Lynx Wi-Fi and Stiletto models.
My disappointment with the Tour is the way it's features are marketed. More on that in a moment.
The Tour is a very capable Sirius Radio with a beautiful touch screen interface.
Installation is easy, especially if this is replacing an already installed Dock & Play model like the Onyx series. Just slide the old device out of the dock and slide the Tour in.
The display is the largest yet with a clear, easy to read display. The interface is responsive and mostly intuitive navigating between channels. I really like the Linear tuning, similar to Apple’s Cover Flow. Simply swipe left or right on the screen to move between channels. Channels are added to the favorite screen by touching the star once a channel is selected. You can also tune directly to your favorite channel number by tapping the number on the main display or the direct tune button in the linear mode. It really doesn't get any easier.
The other outstanding feature for the Tour is the addition of Bluetooth connectivity. You can skip the aux cable now and connect directly to any Bluetooth enabled head unit, headphones or speakers. Bluetooth also provides the now playing data so on my Kenwood stereo, the what's playing also displays on the stereo display. The Aux Out and FM transmitter is also available for those who need it.
My only real complaint with the Sirius Tour unit is the time it takes to boot up, one minute, 30 seconds. This seems to be an issue with all of the Wi-Fi enabled radios and perhaps there will be a firmware upgrade down the road that helps speed it up as has been done in the past.
Unlike older Sirius models, the Tour does not come with a vehicle remote, although the touch interface is easier to use if the unit is within reach. The optional home dock does come with a remote, two actually, one specifically for the Tour and one for older devices like the Onyx series.
The part I struggle with is the way the Tour is marketed with Wi-Fi connectivity and 360L streaming.
There are features on the Tour that require Wi-Fi, like the voice commands, On-Demand and Pandora integration. While all these features work as advertised and are nice to have, I just don't understand why, if you have to connect to a vehicle hotspot, like your phone, you wouldn't just use the IOS or Android app to accomplish the same task. Your phone is most likely already connected to your vehicle via Bluetooth, just use the Sirius and Pandora apps. My cellular plan includes unlimited data but has a limit on hotspot data so it could possibly cost me more to connect the Tour with my phone’s hotspot than just using the Sirius app.
You can also connect the Tour directly to your vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi service if it has it but I would make the assumption if your vehicle is new enough to have built-in Wi-Fi, the stereo already includes built-in Sirius as well.
My last thought on the Wi-Fi aspect is the Pandora integration. Sirius’s acquisition of Pandora has added a ton of content to associated Sirius channels and has definitely added value to Sirius subscribers. Integration has been in the phone app for some time and is nice if you want to hear a specific artist’s catalog but again, having the full app on your phone beats the limited access through the Tour or Sirius app.
With the home dock mentioned above, it's easy to carry the Tour between your vehicle and home or office, it just slides easily in and out of both, as do all of the Dock & Play devices. This sounds great in practice and I used to do it when I had the Stiletto many years ago, however, with many subscribers now also using home assistants like Google and Alexa, simply saying “Alexa: Play SiriusXM Hits One” is more convenient than having to schlep a radio from car to home/office, connecting the dock to your stereo or speakers just doesn’t make sense anymore.
There is one accessory that I do like and have gotten much use from and that is the optional boom box. I use this regularly when I’m camping and there is little to no cell signal. Being able to listen to satellite radio in the middle of nowhere is pretty awesome.
I gave the SiriusXM Tour 5 stars because it does everything it's supposed to do and I really do like the display, it's the best yet. I would like for Sirius to not have advertised all the features as working cohesively and having to use the caveat that says * this feature requires Wi-Fi. I would rather they focus on a more thorough Pandora integration, matching the app you probably already have on your phone. Also, I would like to have lyrics scroll on this great screen, similar to how Amazon does it on their Echo Show line of devices.
I really like the Sirius Tour, I just can't readily recommend it to a friend. Consider how you listen to your content then consider your options. Do your homework, and purchase what's best for you. The Sirius Tour may be exactly what you’re looking for, maybe it's not.
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Serve nutritious and easy home-cooked meals at a fraction of the time that conventional cooking requires. Enjoy all the same benefits you love about Express Crock—one-touch settings for quick pressure-cooked meals—now with a Crisping Lid that adds a delectable crisp to chicken, ribs, and more!
Customer Rating
5
Requires a lot of storage space
on September 19, 2020
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
The first thing you realize when you get the Crock-Pot 8-Qt. Express Crock Programmable Slow Cooker and Pressure Cooker is the size. This is not a product for the meek or anyone who has limited storage space. The positive aspect to this is the many uses this product allows. It's a pressure cooker, slow cooker, convection oven and air fryer.
This is my second pressure cooker and other than making rice or hard boiling eggs, I’m not that experienced with this cooking style yet. I tried some of the recipes in the included booklet. This was my only disappointment.
Using the Crock-Pot 8-Qt. Express Crock Programmable Slow Cooker and Pressure Cooker is fairly straightforward right out of the box and it worked as expected every time. It heats up and builds pressure fairly quickly. The pressure release was a little slower than expected though I assume this for safety reasons and to help prevent burns. The cooker comes with two wire racks, one has silicone feet on it and the other is a reversible, two-level rack. It was only after reading the instruction manual that I realized the smaller rack was not a cooking rack but the browning top cooling stand. I can tell you it works well as both.
I was able to prepare a whole chicken from start to finish in just over 45 minutes, including browning the outside. A five pound chicken fit in the pot with plenty of room to spare. I followed the recipe in the book for this dish and the chicken came out beautifully, however it was pretty much tasteless. This is not the fault of the cooker. Like all recipes, they need to be adapted to your cooking style. For the chicken, I will try a brine next time. The rubbed seasonings didn't have time to permeate the bird. Next I made the Macaroni and Cheese recipe. It was nice not having to rinse the pasta but next time i'll reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes as following the recipe, the noodles came out a bit softer than we like. The browning top worked great crisping the bread crumbs. I will also change the cheeses from the recipe to achieve a bolder taste.
One pot spaghetti and meat sauce worked well and so did a pork roast with kraut.
Using it as an air fryer worked well also. Frozen fries and chicken nuggets came out crispy and nice. My only complaint here is I wish the front shield of the crisping lid had a glass front to be able to see the products. You have to remove the lid to check on the doneness or simply rely on time. When using the crisping lid, the unit automatically chooses the proper setting, all you need to select is low or high temp and time. Low is set to 350 and high is 400 degrees.
Clean up is simple due to the teflon coated bowl.
Other than the size and finding a place to store the Crock-Pot 8-Qt. Express Crock Programmable Slow Cooker and Pressure Cooker, there isn't anything I don't like about it yet. I look forward to continued experimentation to add variety of meals and menus to my life.
Yes, I would recommend this to anyone who has the space to store it.
Yes, I would recommend this to anyone who has the space to store it.
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Dell 27" lifestyle-inspired 4K UHD monitor that supports HDR content playback for an amazing entertainment experience. Comes in a beautiful silver finish with a height adjustable stand and VESA compatibility.
Customer Rating
5
The New Desktop Standard?
on September 17, 2020
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
The Dell S2721QS and S2721Q are the same display 4K panels with different stands. The QS has a 6-way adjustable stand, up/down, left/right and tilt while the Q version is a single-height stand with swivel and tilt.
These are Dell’s entry-level 4K monitor options and unless you needed a professional monitor with exacting colors and whatever else the professional monitors have , I don't see any reason why the Dell S2721QS shouldnt be your go-to 4K monitor. The monitor is an LED edge-lit LCD panel that just looks great from any angle. I would have preferred an array backlight but I haven't noticed any halo effect around the edges on this one. The bezels are minimal and don't distract from the overall beauty of this monitor. The thin bezels do present one problem however, I have a video camera that sits on the top of the monitor and the clip that holds it up is wider than the bezel so it covers about a quarter inch of the display.
There are two HDMI ports and a Displayport connector along with a line-out plug for speakers. There are no USB ports on this monitor like there are on the U Series monitors. There is also no USB-C connectivity on this monitor either, for this you also have to go to the U Series.
The monitor has all the usual color and brightness adjustments in an easy to use menu so you can adjust the color to your individual liking. There are several pre-sets plus full custom control. If you don't like messing with the little buttons, download the Dell Display Manager from the Dell site and you can control many of the settings like color presets and brightness through the app. Dell also offers an optional display driver for this model however, while trying to download it, the file was flagged as a trojan virus so i've not been successful at installing it yet. Windows does recognize the monitor as plug and play so I don't see this as a major flaw.
I’ve connected the S2721QS to an iMac, Chromebox and Windows PC and it works beautifly with all 3. The colors are rich and vibrant, the brightness was set to 75 out of the box and I haven't needed to change it yet. While this is a 4K monitor, at full resolution, text is just a tad small for me so I have the Windows scaling at the recommended 150%.. At 100% scaling (full 4K resolution) you can do two full-size word documents or web browsers side by side and it is readable but for me just a bit uncomfortable. This monitor will be generally connected to a Windows PC and occasionally be used with my iMac as a second screen. One of the cool features of the Dell S2721QS is the Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture mode that splits the screen between two seperate inputs so you can use multiple computers or have a video input on one side and PC on the other.
There are two 3 watt down-firing speakers on the monitor which are loud enough to watch an occasional video or hear a new message in your inbox. Perfect for in my home office, loud enough to hear, not loud enough to disturb the rest of the family. You can control the volume with the under screen buttons or as I’ve done, just max it out and let the PC control it. There are no extra cables to connect for the sound, it's carried via the HTML or Displayport cables
Speaking of video, 4K video on this monitor is nothing less than stunning. The crisp in-your-face color and detail will blow your mind. The display has an anti-glare coating on it which keeps reflections down as well.
I’m not one to generally gush over a monitor but in my opinion, this monitor is just right. The right size for your desktop, the right resolution for stunning images and the right price for a 4K display of this size. Yes, I have absolutely recommended this monitor to all of my work-at-home friends!
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Full-size cleaning without the cord. Full-size Bin. Full-size cleaner head. Now with full-size bin and full-size cleaner head for full-size cleaning, without the cord. ¹ Tested at the cleaner head to ASTM F558, dust-loaded.² Runtime based on consecutive use of two battery packs. Actual runtime will vary based on power mode, floor type, and/or attachments used.³In Boost mode. All other modes achieve at least 99.97% filtration.
Does this vacuum work on both carpeting and wood floors?
Yes, it works equally as well on carpet as it does on wood or tile floors
4 years, 3 months ago
by
RonH
Vacuum and wash surfaces at the same time with this Hoover ONEPWR FloorMate JET hard floor cleaner kit. The cordless design lets you easily reach distant areas. This Hoover ONEPWR FloorMate JET hard floor cleaner kit is rechargeable for repeated use, and the SprayClean nozzle and trigger system provides solution as needed.
How long does the battery last?
You should expect the battery to last about 20 minutes on a full charge.
4 years, 11 months ago
by
RonH
Unlock new potential for your wireless headphones with this Airfly headphone accessory. It plugs into any conventional headphone jack to enhance your listening experience and can pair with in-flight entertainment systems for added convenience. This Airfly headphone accessory has an eight-hour battery life and recharges through USB, so it's easy to take anywhere.
Will this work with the Bose super sport wireless ear buds?
Unlock new potential for your wireless headphones with this Airfly headphone accessory. It plugs into any conventional headphone jack to enhance your listening experience and can pair with in-flight entertainment systems for added convenience. This Airfly headphone accessory has an eight-hour battery life and recharges through USB, so it's easy to take anywhere.
Does this charge air pods. Lost my charger
Unlock new potential for your wireless headphones with this Airfly headphone accessory. It plugs into any conventional headphone jack to enhance your listening experience and can pair with in-flight entertainment systems for added convenience. This Airfly headphone accessory has an eight-hour battery life and recharges through USB, so it's easy to take anywhere.
Can you plug wired headphones into this to make them wireless?
No, this is only to transmit a Bluetooth signal to Bluetooth enabled headphones and speakers
5 years, 1 month ago
by
RonH
Always know what’s happening at your door with the SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro. Its crystal-clear 1080p HD video and 162° field of view give you a clear shot of your property 24/7. Two-way audio lets you hear and speak to unwanted guests (and welcomed ones too) - even when you're not home. Have the SimpliSafe App? The Video Doorbell Pro will send instant alerts whenever someone approaches. And with Smart Person Detection, it can tell the difference between people, vehicles and animals. That means you only get the alerts that matter. Plus, when backed by 24/7 professional monitoring, you’ll have experts who are ready to request emergency dispatch when you need it most. This camera is designed for all weather extremes—so you're still protected in rain and snow. (Compatible with the SimpliSafe Gen 3 security system. Requires Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) and existing wired doorbell setup with mechanical chime and a transformer with 8-24 VAC, 30VA max. Not compatible with digital chimes.)
Can you use this without a doorbell transformer or chime box connected? I am wondering if Google mini or Echo can work as alternative for a chime/notification since Simplisafe now integrates with Google Assistant and Alexa.
No, this is a wired doorbell button and gets its power from the doorbell transformer.
5 years, 7 months ago
by
RonH
This VIZIO 24-inch LED smart TV offers radiant and crystal-clear detail, distributing edge-lit LEDs for picture clarity. Built-in Wi-Fi and VIA Plus connectivity let you stream content via the on-screen launcher for effortless navigation. Enjoy surround sound with two built-in speakers. Save money with this energy-efficient VIZIO D-Series 24-inch LED smart TV.
does it have built in speakers
Yes, this television has built in speakers and they sound pretty good for its size.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
RonH
This VIZIO 24-inch LED smart TV offers radiant and crystal-clear detail, distributing edge-lit LEDs for picture clarity. Built-in Wi-Fi and VIA Plus connectivity let you stream content via the on-screen launcher for effortless navigation. Enjoy surround sound with two built-in speakers. Save money with this energy-efficient VIZIO D-Series 24-inch LED smart TV.
Can this be used as a photo frame (digital picture frame) with slideshow feature? with continuous looping / repeating?
This set does have a USB input and will display pictures, music or video from a FAT32 formatted thumb drive.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
RonH
This VIZIO 24-inch LED smart TV offers radiant and crystal-clear detail, distributing edge-lit LEDs for picture clarity. Built-in Wi-Fi and VIA Plus connectivity let you stream content via the on-screen launcher for effortless navigation. Enjoy surround sound with two built-in speakers. Save money with this energy-efficient VIZIO D-Series 24-inch LED smart TV.
are the legs/stand adjustable
No, the legs are not able to be adjusted, however, this set does provide a VESA 100x100 connection so you can purchase a monitor arm/wall mount to connect it to.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
RonH
This VIZIO 24-inch LED smart TV offers radiant and crystal-clear detail, distributing edge-lit LEDs for picture clarity. Built-in Wi-Fi and VIA Plus connectivity let you stream content via the on-screen launcher for effortless navigation. Enjoy surround sound with two built-in speakers. Save money with this energy-efficient VIZIO D-Series 24-inch LED smart TV.
Can I use my phone as a Hotspot and watch Netflix on this tv
This television uses WiFi so if your phone will provide a strong enough signal to play Netflix, this unit should as well.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
RonH