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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Jabra Elite 45h are engineered to be best-in-class on-ear wireless headphones. With 40mm speakers – the biggest this headphone category has to offer - they feature wireless sound quality that really packs a punch, with 2-microphone call technology for great calls. At up to 50 hours, these headphones boast the longest battery life of their category too, as well as the category’s fastest charge – up to 10 hours of battery in just 15 minutes of charging. You can manually adjust your sound using the customizable equalizer in the Jabra Sound+ App or let us do it for you; MySound tailors your audio to your individual hearing profile. Access Amazon Alexa, Siri® and Google Assistant™ on the go and stay comfortable all day thanks to a lightweight, compact and foldable design, with soft memory foam ear cushions that mold to your ears.
Customer Rating
5
Right Price, Great Sound!
on August 15, 2020
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
I’m generally not a fan of on-ear headphones but the Jabra Elite 45h is an exception.
Out of the box, these headphones look and feel like high quality headphones. They are plastic but the color combination and build quality make them appear much more expensive than they are. I love the padded ear cushions with the L and R dot patterns cut out. I was surprised by the weight of these headphones but they are not uncomfortable and fit nicely. The padded headband is a nice touch. The ear cups swivel up and down and side to side and the headphones had just enough spring to hold them comfortably but not cause pressure pain on my ears.
The 45h’s came with almost a full charge and only took about 15 minutes to top it off. Jabra says these will last up to 50 hours on a full charge and there is a speed charge where 15 minutes will charge enough for 10 hours. Ive been using them for several days and they are still reporting Charge High when you turn them on. I love the power switch! It slides/clicks to the middle “on” position and slides a step more to enter pairing mode. The solid slide/click to turn these off is much better than the press and hold procedure used on many other models.
Bluetooth 5.0 pairing was almost immediate on my iPhone and just as fast for several other phones and also on my computer.
Get the app! The first thing you need to do with the 45h’s is download the Sound+ app. It found the headphones immediately and allows for expanded configuration of the headphones. I really like the hearing test configuration. It plays tones and you tap the screen when you hear them. When it's finished it personalizes the sound based on your unique hearing patterns.
I enjoyed the sound coming from these headphones. Rich deep base and sparkling highs, which are both customizable with the equalizer sliders in the app. There are several presets and full custom control so you can personalize to your liking. The Jabra Elite 45h are some of the best sounding on-ear headphones i've heard, especially considering their excellent price point. The headphones can pair to two devices at the same time so setting your preference in the app, the settings held when they were used with the second device. If you have them paired to two phones, they will handle calls from either phone regardless which one used to play your content. There was no lag in the sound when watching videos.
Content controls are handled by the usual three-button combination, up, down and multi-purpose button in the middle. I love that button presses had a reaffirming sound in the headphones and the buttons worked fine. There is also an assistant/mute button on the front of the ear cup for Siri, google and microphone mute. The audible clicks can be turned off in the app.
The microphones in the 45h are sensitive enough to capture a conversation between two people in the same room and you can control how much feedback is played back to you through the headphones. Calls were clear and the called party didn't have any issues hearing me. Call sound is also configurable with the app.
The last thing i really like about the app is the Soundscape widget that has white noises and nature sounds that you can use to just relax or block outside sounds. The Jabra Elite 45h headphones do not have active noise cancelling but they do a nice job of passively blocking outside sounds.
If you are looking for a quality pair of budget headphones with great sound and amazing battery life, the Jabra Elite 45h is definitely worth your consideration.
I absolutely recommend these headphones to everyone. Why pay more?
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Samsung 870 QVO 2TB Internal 2.5” SATA III Solid State Drive for Laptops and Desktops Single Unit version
Customer Rating
5
Excellent budget SSD with TONS of space
on August 12, 2020
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
It’s said that when trying to increase the speed of your pc, the first and easiest thing to replace is the hard drive. And I agree.
The 870 QVO SATA SSD is Samsung's budget level SSD with storage capacities up to 8 terabytes. It is a SATA interface drive which is limited to 600 MB/second transfer rates, unlike NVMe drives which can reach speeds of 3500 MB/second. While these numbers look good on paper, there are lots of variables and real-life scenarios to take into consideration. A quick google search will show many review sites with all the big test results and comparisons. In my opinion, from a consumer standpoint, the only thing that matters is how much faster the drive makes your computing experience.
As with most SSD’s, the drive arrived with a multi-language manual that says to go to Samsung’s website for their drive magician and cloning software and some general installation pictures. You have to browse their site to find the software. Since I already had the drive and didn’t need to shop for one, I would have preferred a link that took me directly to the software page and download links.
If you are replacing an existing drive you will need either a 2nd drive bay, data transfer cable such as https://www.bestbuy.com/site/apricorn-data-transfer-cable-gray/3459621.p?skuId=3459621 or external drive dock.
Samsung’s cloning software worked well. Like most companies, it requires their brand drive to be present. Cloning my laptop hybrid drive to the new SSD took just over 20 minutes. Swapping the new SSD into my older Dell laptop was simple and only took about 10 minutes and the difference is amazing.
If you are not planning on cloning your existing drive and want to install a fresh version of your OS, know that this drive comes completely blank and will need to be partitioned and formatted prior to using. Trying this, a clean install of Windows 10 home from a USB 3.0 thumb drive took less than 10 minutes in my I7 laptop with 16 GB of ram.
My laptop now boots to Windows 10 home in about a minute compared to several minutes or more with the old hybrid drive. Programs launch almost immediately. I also have a similarly spec’d desktop PC that has an NVMe PCIe drive and in my use, the speeds and load times are too close to notice any significant difference.
The Samsung Magician software shows drive information, details and benchmarks. It is also used to diagnose any issues your new SSD may have as well as secure erase and drive encryption if that’s something you need.
My only negatives for this SSD are the warranty which is only three years vs the usual five years that most other manufactures offer and not having a direct link to the Samsung Magician and cloning software.
I highly recommend the new Samsung QVO SATA SSD to anyone who is looking to speed up their computer and is limited by a SATA interface.
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Gray, MX Keys for Mac features a Mac key layout and smart illumination.Perfect Stroke keys are shaped for your fingertips and increased key stability reduces noise while optimizing responsiveness. Tactile reference for hand positioning makes it easy to stay oriented and in your flow. The backlit keys light up the moment your hands approach and automatically adjust to suit changing lighting conditions.Type on multiple computers with Flow –and effortlessly transfer text, images, and files between computers –just copy on one and paste to the other.Requires Logitech Flow-enabled mouse and Options software, available for macOS and Windows.
Customer Rating
5
What Apple should provide!
on July 8, 2020
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
What can I say, I love this keyboard!
I have used Logitech wireless keyboards on my windows machines for years, but I’ve always loved the touch and feel of the Apple wireless keyboards. My only complaint was that unless I was using my MacBook Pro, none of Apple’s keyboards have backlighting. Enter the Logitech MX Keys for Mac!
When I opened the box, the keyboard was wrapped in tissue paper like a fine instrument or piece of porcelain, and it is much heavier than I expected it to be.
Setting it up via Bluetooth was no different than any other keyboard, activate the pairing mode by long pressing one of the three selection keys, let the Mac find it, type in the passcode and it was connected. Like my Logitech K850, the MX Keys for Mac can connect to three separate machines or devices, switching between them by pressing the corresponding selection button. Logitech also provides a unifying receiver for devices that don’t have Bluetooth, which is a bit surprising as every Mac for as long back as I can remember pairs keyboards via Bluetooth, so I can only think they added that for Windows PC’s that might not have Bluetooth. An added touch is you can use both the unifying receiver and Bluetooth at the same time. Each selection key will pair independently with either format. I use both a PC and a Mac in my office and this keyboard switches effortlessly between both.
Logitech also has the Logi Options program that allows you to change the options on the keyboard like specialty key assignments however, I was unable to get the Mac version to recognize the keyboard. While this keyboard is designed for Apple devices with the command and option buttons, it will also pair with a Windows PC, which I did with no trouble at all. The windows version recognized the keyboard right away.
Typing on the MX Keys for Mac has a very similar feel to the wireless Apple keyboard with short key throws and the same satisfying tap you get with the short throw keys. The satiny feel of the perfect stroke keys along with the curved indent make it a joy to type on, and unlike the older Apple wireless keyboards, this also has the built-in number pad which always wished my Apple keyboard had (the new wireless magic keyboards do have the number pad).
My favorite feature on this keyboard is the Smart Illumination backlit keys. It automatically lights when it senses your hand get close and lights the keyboard up. There are six brightness levels and off. Logitech says a charge on the MX Keys will last approximately 10 days using the back light or up to 5 months with the back light off.
Logitech also has a matching wireless mouse to complement the MX Keys for Mac but I prefer the Apple trackpad.
I highly recommend the MX Keys for Mac to everyone.
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All the Power You Expect, without the Cord. Go where ambition takes you with the Cordless Food Chopper from KitchenAid. Designed with a powerful rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery, the new cordless food chopper delivers optimal runtime and performance, so you can cook wherever*, whatever, and however you choose. Chop up to 40 onions on a full charge** *Indoor use only. **Based on onion size of 90 - 110 grams
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
As a hard-core KitchenAid lover, the Cordless 5 Cup Chopper is the first KitchenAid product that I’ve not been able to get excited about.
Out of the gate, it seems KitchenAid was only thinking about chopping onions with this machine. They rate the usage time by how many onions you can chop on a full charge. 40 if you were wondering. I guess this would be approximately 30 – 40 minutes of constant run time on a full charge.
This is listed as a 5-cup chopper which, when using solid or dry foods may be the case. The bowl will hold 4 cups of liquid before it spills over the center post but when you turn it on with this much liquid, a good portion shoots out the pour spout. 2 cups of liquid at best, any more and you have a mess to clean up. The chopper includes a blade and a whisking disk. Not sure why I would want to use the whisking disk and apparently, neither is KitchenAid, as other than listing it as included, there is no further mention of it in the instruction guide, and using it causes even more liquid to shoot out the spout.
I was able to chop onions just fine, using the pulse (your only option, there is no constant on) function to get them to a somewhat uniform size. I also tried a single tomato but it didn’t fare as well, until it was almost a puree, which would be great if you like your salsa more pureed than chunky, or if this is your intention for a tomato sauce. There is a drizzle hole in the top of the lid if you are making dressings or sauces like mayonnaise or vinaigrette, or dishes like a pesto. Also, there is a small delay when you press the button till the blade kicks in. Not a big deal once you get used to it.
The bowl and attachments are top-rack dishwasher safe. I was confused by the lid, which has a black ring that has a tab that you press to operate the chopper. I attempted to take it off to clean it to keep gunk from getting up under it when sink washing. It is clearly not intended to be taken off as there is no indication in the instructions on how to do it and I broke a small clear tab off the lid that I imagine was there to keep it locked on. This did not affect the operation of the chopper though.
This is a cordless device and the battery takes about two hours to a full charge. There is a three-color LED that shows the charging status, Green, Yellow and Red. Other than the freedom to use it anywhere (keep in mind the limited run time), or perhaps if your kitchen has limited electrical outlets, I feel the cordless option is more a gimmick than a useful feature. There is no corded option, you cannot use this while charging.
I will continue to use this for making small batches of pesto and chopping onions and peppers when making small batches of salsa, or grinding fresh bread crumbs, crackers or chips for breading items to be fried.
For the price, I don’t think I would recommend the KitchenAid cordless chopper to my family or friends.
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No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Keep facial hair under control with this Panasonic all-in-one cordless shaver. A rechargeable LiIon battery offers up to 50 minutes of use on a single charge, while smart shave sensor technology detects beard density to adjust power and deliver a uniform shave. This Panasonic all-in-one cordless shaver includes two snap-on comb attachments to neatly trim mustaches.
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
The first thing you notice when you use the Panasonic Arc3 shaver and trimmer is the sound of the motor. This is because Panasonic used something called a linear motor rather than a regular rotary motor you are probably familiar with. Intrigued, I did a little research and learned that the linear motor is more powerful and wont slow down as the battery level drops. Good choice.
I generally shave with a blade because I shave my head and face. There are times when I just want a quick face shave and don’t want to bother with the shave cream and blade so I use an electric shaver and a separate beard trimmer. I’ve used shavers from all the big brands and the first time I shaved with the Panasonic Arc3 I fell in love. This is the closest shave I’ve ever had with a shaver. The head just glides across your face, cutting everything in its path along the way. Unlike triple head rotary shavers I’ve used in the past, there was no need to constantly rub over and over the same spot to get a close shave. Not having shaved for a couple of days to see how the Arc3 would handle the longer growth, it chomped it away with out a struggle. I did hear the motor rev up a few times to handle the longer growth which helped make the shave effortless.
The Arc3 is a wet/dry foil shaver so I gave that a try as well. I lathered up with the same cream that I use with my blade and was equally as amazed at how this shaver handled it. For those with sensitive skin who need to shave wet, this shave works great and is almost as fast as a blade. Cleanup is just as easy. Pop off the shaving head and rinse the unit under running water and your done.
My most favorite feature with the Panasonic Arc3 shaver is the trimmer. Most all electric shavers have a pop-up trimmer these days but they always seem like an afterthought and in my opinion are pretty much useless. Not Panasonic. This shaver comes with two trimmer guards, each with three height selections. Snap on the guard and select the height and be amazed. This trimmer worked as well as my single trimmer and I didn’t have to change devices.
The battery is rated to last about a week on a single charge and I’ve not had to recharge it yet. Charging takes about an hour and there is a five-minute quick charge feature to get one shave in. The Arc3 does not have a corded option which means you can not use it while its charging. With the five-minute feature, this should not be an issue.
If I had to find a negative issue for this shave, it would be that it does not come with a travel pouch to hold the separate pieces. I guess that’s what the purple cloth bags when you buy whiskey are for :-)
I highly recommend the Panasonic Arc3 shaver.
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Powerful, quiet, and commercial-grade. The professional smart massage device is in a league of its own. The most powerful commercial-grade massage device with the features pros know and trust. Our top-of-the-line deep muscle treatment is more personalized than ever, thanks to our guided app experiences, which help to reduce muscle soreness, improve mobility, and increase relaxation. The Theragun PRO with continuous battery life, rotating arm, and an industry-leading 2-year warranty, is the most advanced recovery tool of choice for both professionals and everyday people.
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
One word to describe this massager – Wow!
I’ve used other big-name percussive massagers in the past and they are no match for the Theragun Pro. The pro model comes with two removeable batteries that each provide up to 150 minutes each, and with my use, this is accurate. You also get six attachments including a supersoft attachment for sensitive areas, just remember to take the plastic cover off it, not just the sticker that says please remove.
The first thing you notice when you open the included carrying case is the quality of the build. The unit is made of plastic and feels solid. I was surprised at the weight of it, which after using, wasn’t a problem.
After charging the batteries, I downloaded the Therabody app and paired it to the Theragun without issue. There was a firmware update to do which took about 20 minutes and took several attempts to complete.
After charging the batteries, I downloaded the Therabody app and paired it to the Theragun without issue. There was a firmware update to do which took about 20 minutes and took several attempts to complete.
Using the Theragun couldn’t be any easier. There is an OLED display that show which of the five speeds you’ve selected and a graph that shows the pressure you are applying to your muscles. There is a longer throw for the attachments on this model which allows you to get a nice deep muscle massage, more so than some of the lesser models with shorter movements. The triangular shape provides multiple ways to hold the unit and makes it easy to reach your whole body.
For people concerned about how loud the Theragun is, this model is very quiet. You can hear the quiet hum of the motor but the mechanics driving the massage head seem to be where the bulk of the sound comes from. It sounds like a hand-held mixer on its lowest setting. To me it just sounds like relief!
I have to say my favorite part of the Theragun Pro is the app. It contains routines for just about everything that ails you. The display shows you which attachment to use, pictures that show you where the muscles are and how to move the massager over them. the bottom of the display shows a timeline and if you are applying the correct pressure. Flip through the options, find what you need and press play. The Theragun turns on and when time is up it turns off. There are routines for everything from sleep, carpal tunnel and knots to activities like stairs, walking and running. Just plug and play, It doesn’t get any easier this.
My only gripes with the Theragun Pro are the battery charger and case. There is one light on it that illuminates when you put the battery in it and it never goes off. There is no way to know when the battery is charged other than putting it in the massager and checking the level on the display. The case is very well made and great to have but unless you remove the sponge padding, there isn’t enough room to house the attachments, which also come with their own separate vinyl bag.
Speaking of charging, there is an optional Theragun dock that will charge the unit wirelessly. I can see this being handy for someone who is using this in a professional setting.
Overall I am very impresses with the Theragun Pro and highly recommend it to anyone who needs relief of muscle pain and cramps or those who are looking for an easy way to loosen muscles prior to vigorous activities.
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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.
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
The Dyson V11 Outsize is a stick vacuum with all the power, capacity and capability of a full-size upright.
Build quality. It's a Dyson so the build quality is top-notch and well-constructed. It feels solid and all the attachments fit smoothly, connect with a solid click and are removed with a push button. This is a premium device and it shows. This model ships with two power heads, the full-size torque head and the smaller powered stair/upholstery head. There are numerous additional attachments like the crevice tool and dusting brushes. There is also a mounting bracket that holds and charges the attached battery and two attachment. There is also a small attachment holding clip that snaps on the tube.
Operation. After charging the two batteries for 4.5 hours, using the V11 was a breeze to operate. Once you have the proper attachments, just pull the trigger and sweep. There is no lock on position for the trigger, but I didn’t find this to interfere with use.
The LCD screen shows the three speed options, Ecco, Auto and Boost. The device was set to auto and this should be all you ever need to use. Each setting tells you the remaining operating time and, in my use, each was very accurate. The torque head always runs at the same speed, however, the suction motor changes with each choice; Ecco being the lightest and Boost being the strongest.
The time range with my fresh charged battery was 77 minutes on Ecco, 48 minutes on Auto and 9 minutes on Boost. When in Auto mode, the suction motor changes based on bare floor or carpet and during my use, it adjusted quickly between each surface every time.
The torque head has a slide on the front which raises or lowers two dampers, controlling the airflow into the head. This also controls how hard the head pulls to carpet. The brush roll is designed with two types of brushes, longer black brushes designed for bare floors and tile and shorter purple, stiffer brushes designed for the pile of a carpet. My only wish would be headlights on the Torque head.
I have hard wood floors with area rugs on the main level and carpeting on the second level along with four dogs to clean up after daily.
The V11 worked effortlessly on all surfaces and I liked that it really brushed up my carpet. My only complaint is on hard surfaces with large debris there was some snowplowing. I feel the soft roller head that shipped with the V10 versions would work better in these instances. These are available and I understand they work with the V11 as well.
The dust bin is as large as was on my first Dyson and has more than enough capacity to clean my entire house before emptying. I like the single button release and rubber scraper to empty the dust bin and filter grate.
The Dyson V11 weighs about 10 pounds and it can be a little difficult to push, especially on carpet; especially if the torque head gates are not in the correct position for the surface.
Two batteries ship with the V11 and are rated to give about 60 minutes of cleaning time each. This time will only be achieved on Ecco mode on bare floors. Using Auto mode, I had more than enough charge to clean my whole house leaving about 50% charge on the 2nd battery.
The portability allows the V11 work great on stairs but it's a bit unwieldy for use in smaller places like cars. There is an optional attachment hose that I would have liked to be included but it is inexpensive and very much needed for smaller spaces.
Overall, I can say the Dyson V11 Outsize will replace my 15-year-old original yellow Dyson and I’m thankful for it. This is a premium vacuum cleaner and the cost reflects it. If it lasts as long as my previous model, it's worth every penny. Other than initial cost, there really is nothing that I can complain about for this device.
Yes, I would and have recommend this to all my friends.
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Train like a pro with this 44mm Fossil Carlyle HR smartwatch. Bluetooth functionality enables syncing with your smartphone, while the internal storage lets you work out with your favorite tunes. This swimproof Fossil Carlyle HR smartwatch features GPS to track your activity outdoors, and the heart monitor keeps tabs on your cardiac rate.
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
The Fossil 5th generation smartwatch is a replacement for my 2014 Moto 360 model. I was excited to see the 44mm size and disappointed when I received the watch to find that there is a huge bezel around the display making my 40mm Moto face actually larger. The Fossil display is OLED vs the Moto’s LCD and it’s a lot crisper but it is smaller.
Pairing the watch to my Pixel 4 was effortless, already having the WearOS app installed, the phone recognized the Fossil as soon as I powered it on,
Unlike my Moto, the Fossil band was large enough to fit. I have large wrists and its difficult to find watches that fit without having to order extra links or new bands. The band on the Fossil is easily changeable without fighting with tweezers and the small band pins. There are sliders you simply squeeze together to remove the band.
The WearOS interface on the watch is zippy and responsive and apps loaded effortlessly, much faster than my Moto.
The Fossil is water and swim proof so you don’t have to worry about taking it off or getting it wet. Wear it continuously until the battery needs charged.
The WearOS interface on the watch is zippy and responsive and apps loaded effortlessly, much faster than my Moto.
The Fossil is water and swim proof so you don’t have to worry about taking it off or getting it wet. Wear it continuously until the battery needs charged.
There are four battery settings to allow you to extend the battery life from about a day to over 5 depending on the features you have on. Charging the watch is done by connecting the contact-based charger to the back of the watch. I would have preferred a wireless charging stand similar to the Moto. Charging the watch for an hour is said to give you up to an 80% charge with Rapid Charge and this was true for me.
The watch has its own GPS sensor so you can track activities like running and bike riding without having to have your phone connected.
There is a heart rate sensor to track your heart rate, along with a pedometer to track your steps. Both work well and integrate nicely with Google Fit.
One of my favorite features is Google Pay. The fossil has Google Pay so I don’t have to pull my phone out to make purchased where Google Pay is available.
Unlike my Moto 360, the Fossil has a speaker so you can hear alarms, alerts and make and receive phone calls. You can also get voice feedback from OK Google. The speaker is weak but will do in a pinch.
OK Google seemed to be a bit of a struggle for me, not providing audio feedback as expected and having a difficult time sending texts and making appointments.
There is 8GB of storage so you can store and play your favorite tunes directly from your watch when you are away from your phone.
Fossil provides quite a few watch face options, several of which are similar to existing Fossil watches.
Fossil provides quite a few watch face options, several of which are similar to existing Fossil watches.
I give the Fossil 5th generation smart watch four stars only because of the large bezel compared to the actual size of the watch and that it doesn’t have wireless charging. If these don’t matter to you, add the extra star for five. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to upgrade an older smart watch.
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Meet the 2nd generation Nest Mini, the smart speaker you control with your voice. Just say "Hey Google" to play songs from Spotify, YouTube Music, and more.* Music sounds bigger and richer. Ask your Google Assistant about the weather, news, or almost anything. Hear your personalized schedule, current weather conditions, and reminders.** Set timers and alarms. And control your compatible smart devices.***
Customer Rating
5
A step in the right direction
on November 2, 2019
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
The Google Nest Mini is the new version of the Google Home Mini. Placed side by side, you can not immediately tell the difference between them. When you turn them over however, the Nest Mini has a built in hook to hang on the wall versus having to purchase a separate holder for the original home mini. The other give away is the power plug, it is now a barrel plug rather than a mini-USB. Setup is the same and handled through the Google Home app.
The nest is supposed to have improved microphones to pick up your voice better. I had no problem asking Google from across the room and responses seemed to be a tad faster. The nest is supposed to have better sound as well. I created a speaker group with an original and the Nest and for what it's worth, you can tell the difference between the two. The Nest sounds a little bit richer and there is more bass, but don't expect full-bodied mind numbing sound from the device’s small speaker.
The new Nest also has a sensor that knows when your hand is near it and when playing music through the device, the volume buttons located on either side of the four lights on the top light up to show you where to touch to raise and lower the volume. Touching the top of the Nest also will pause the sound.
The Nest has an intercom feature that is supposed to work between linked devices but I was unsuccessful in getting this to happen, but I bet that's more user error than device issue.
It would be nice for it to have an integrated clock option like the Echo Dot to allow it to be better bedside device, otherwise you can set alarms and check the time simply by asking it.
The Google Nest Mini would be a perfect addition to your desk or office where listening to music or radio is done at a lower level.
I give the Nest Mini 5 stars because it does what it's supposed to do and the sound, while not earth shattering has improved over the previous model. If you are looking for full-bodied orchestral sound, the Mini is not the device to give it. For accessing your Google Assistant, listening to audio in smaller settings and making calls to others, the Google Nest Mini fits the bill just fine.
The google Nest Mini does everything I expected it to do and fits in perfectly with the rest of my Google based home and would recommend it to my friends.
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Google Pixel 4 XL is the phone made the Google Way, with a camera that takes a perfect shot every time and the new Google Assistant. It also provides Motion Sense™ technology. Google Pixel 4 XL is built around Google software you know and love that's always getting better.
Customer Rating
5
Everything a flagship phone should be, and more!
on November 2, 2019
Posted by: RonH
from Washington DC
I have been a google phone fan since before the Nexus so I was very excited to get their newest flagship, the Pixel 4 XL. I got even more excited when I got the iPhone 11 Pro Max as my work phone so this review will compare the two flagships.
In the box is the phone, charger, USB C cord and a USB C to USB B adapter which is needed to transfer data from your existing phone to the Pixel.
The device is beautiful, shiny black glass on the back and the OLED screen on the front. I recommend getting as case for it as the phone is slippery and slides easily on most surfaces. The Pixel feels lighter than the iPhone. It is a bit narrower which makes it easier to hold, especially if you have smaller hands.
Initial setup was simple and the Pixel walks you through it. Answer a few questions and select some options, then transfer your data from your old phone, which can be done from either another android or iPhone. Using a cable to transfer data requires using the included adapter. My existing phone, an Essential PH1 also USB C, but using the charging cord didn’t work for data transfer, I had to use another cord and the included adapter. The transfer went smoothly and most of my settings and data transferred fine. The phone did have to download all of my programs from the playstore again, which took several hours.
The face ID is fast and works well. It uses motion detection to begin the process as soon as your hand approaches the phone and I love that it goes right to the home screen, unlike my iPhone which requires an additional swipe after recognition. Like you may have read in other reviews and in the text at the bottom of the Face ID setup page, the phone DID unlock with my eyes closed so I’ll have to update that setting.
Size wise, the Pixel is as tall as and not quite as wide as the iPhone 11. Unlike the 11, the Pixel has a bezel on the top rather than the screen going all the way up, there is no camera bump since it's in the bezel, the actual screen size is about the same minus the camera bump. It took a minute to get used to the large bezel but i've grown to like it just as I have with previous bumps.
There is no longer the home and back buttons, these have been replaced with gestures which took a few days to get used to but after a few days I’m navigating like a champ. Adding to the navigation is Google's Motion Sense and allow you to just wave your hand over the phone to move forward and back, like changing music tracks. It worked as expected most of the time. You can see a little wave of color at the top of the screen moving in the direction of your hand so it would appear that the few times it didn't work may have been due to the app that was running rather than the hardware not sensing the motion. You can also use this feature to snooze and silence alarms rather than having to pick up the phone and fumble with finding the right buttons.
Speaking of cameras, there are two forward facing and one selfie and there are multiple modes, Camera, Portrait, Night Sight, Video, Panorama, Photo Sphere, Slow Motion, Time Lapse, Playground which lets you put emojis and other stickers in your pictures, and Lens which uses AI to recognize what's in the frame and find it on the internet for you. You can adjust the exposure and HDR on screen before you take the shot. The phone takes great pictures in every environment. I found the unedited color does not seem as saturated as my iPhone but the sharpness of your subject is a bit cleaner. Portrait mode does a great job of separating the subject from the background. Video offers 1080 at 30 or 60 fps and 4K 30 fps (enabled via settings menu). All looked good in normal light but seemed a little grainy in low light, but all very useable. One downside, Google has stopped unlimited storage of your photos unless you opt for a compressed version of them. You can till store full quality to your Google drive until you run out of storage. You can also purchase additional storage as needed.
Speaking of AI, the Pixel 4 offers live view in Google maps which overlays the directions which is really cool.
Hey Google works as expected and you can access it just by saying it or you can quickly squeeze the phone and it comes right up.
The OLED screen is crisp and clear and with 90hz refresh, scrolling is smooth as silk and phone apps are responsive and fast.
Since this is a phone, calls sound crisp and clear, volume is good both in the earpiece and via the speaker. Callers on the other end can hear you and you sound just as if you were on a wire-line phone.
One of the biggest complaints I’ve seen is the battery life. I will say my iPhone does last longer but I have been able to get through an entire day on a single charge. The phone charges quickly with the included charger and it also has wireless charging which I love. It’s charged without incident on several wireless charging pads I have and if you don't have one, I highly recommend getting one.
Long gone are the days when a phone only had numbers, a send and end buttons and you only got them from your wireless carrier at a heavily subsidized price. Now it seems you almost need to mortgage the house to afford these technological achievements. When you consider the technology and how well the OS interacts with the hardware, the Pixel 4 is definitely a winner in my book. While most people will make their phone buying choice based on their existing ecosystems, the Pixel 4 holds its own on every level and I highly recommend it to everyone!
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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