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    December 19, 2014
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    August 12, 2016
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    January 22, 2022
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BobinVA's Reviews
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SoundLink Revolve+ II, the best-performing portable Bluetooth speaker from Bose, is engineered to spread deep, jaw-dropping sound in every direction. Place it in the center of the room to give everyone the same experience. Or set it near a wall and sound will radiate and reflect around the room, immersing you in that same feeling you felt at your favorite show. The tapered cylindrical shape with a flexible handle makes this wireless speaker easy to grab and go, while a durable aluminum body provides worry-free protection. And it’s water and dust resistant so you can keep the party going, even if it starts to rain. The rechargeable, lithium-ion battery plays up to 17 hours — for full-day listening. Voice prompts talk you through Bluetooth pairing, and there’s a built-in speakerphone for calls. Use the Bose Connect app to pair two SoundLink speakers for Stereo or Party Mode. The app also helps you manage your devices, unlock features, and access future updates. Available in Triple Black or Luxe Silver.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great sound all around
on March 24, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
I’m a big fan of Bluetooth speakers. They allow us to bring room-filling sound with us wherever we go, unencumbered by wires or the need for an electrical outlet. I’m also a big fan of Bose products, and they’ve been filling my life with music for over 30 years now. I’ve been using one of the small portable Bluetooth speakers for a while now (unfortunately, not a Bose), but I wanted something with bigger sound, which is why I got the Revolve+.
This is the second iteration of the Revolve+, but I do not have the first, so I can’t compare. My understanding is that the water resistance is improved, and they’ve added an option to purchase a charging dock (this is not included in the box). I like the idea of being able to have this speaker by the pool and not have to worry about it getting splashed, so improving water and dust resistance is a good thing.
Pros:
• Does a good job of reproducing tones across the spectrum, with clean, clear highs, solid mid-range, and full, rich bass. While not a lot bigger than my other Bluetooth speaker, the Revolve+ II puts out much fuller sound, with bass that isn’t muddy or unclear. That’s maybe the best feature of the Revolve+: it hits the sweet spot between too much and too little bass. The sound remains good throughout the full range of loudness, and doesn’t distort even at maximum volume.
• Nice rubber on the top and bottom, providing drop protection and making it easy to hold, even when wet.
• Easy to pair with Bluetooth devices, but still includes a 3.5 mm input jack. Nice touch!
• Bose thoughtfully included a screw-mount for attaching the Revolve+ II to a tripod. This could be handy at a party.
• Built-in handle is sturdy and comfortable. This is meant to be taken with you!
• Sounds great in all directions, not just the spot directly in front of the speaker. Putting it close to a wall enhances the sound even more.
• Great battery life.
• Call quality using the built-in microphone is better than expected.
Cons:
• The Bose Connect app. I’m not sure this is really a con, but it’s not a plus, so I’ll list it here. The app is used for delivering firmware updates (VERY slowly) and managing connections and setting up party mode, but not much beyond that. In addition, Bose is following the path of many other manufacturers by requiring separate apps depending upon whether you have a Bluetooth speaker, headphones, or other equipment. I currently have Bose headphones, Bose Frames, and now the portable speaker. Why can’t I control all aspects of these devices in a single app? It's a minor point, but one I thought I’d mention.
• No ability to change and save EQ settings.
• Could be a little louder.
• A little expensive. It’s a wonderful speaker, but it would be even better at a good sale price.
• Still using micro USB to charge. Why are they still doing this? The Bose NC700 headphones use USB-C, as should this speaker. Not a deal-breaker, but disappointing nonetheless.
The Bose Revolve+ II portable Bluetooth speaker sounds better than any other that I’ve owned. The quality is top-notch, without any visible seams in the aluminum casing. It looks and sounds great! Well built, rugged and water/dust resistant, this speaker is designed to go where you go. I’m very happy to have this one.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Maximum connectivity. Compact Design. The Dell DA310 7-in-1 USB C adapter. Featuring the widest variety of port options including HDMI, DP, VGA, Ethernet, USB-C and two USB-A, this Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter - DA310 offers seamless video, network and data connectivity, in a neat, compact design. Offers up to 4K resolution at 60Hz via DP or HDMI port and enjoy a crisp and clear view without compromising on performance. Its two USB-A and USB-C downstream ports also offer fast data transfer rates, at up to SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps3 when connecting to other supported peripherals. The only USB-C adapter with in-built cable management and a round, coaxial cable that offers a reliable connection with enhanced signal integrity. Conveniently sized to fit into a briefcase, purse or backpack for on-the-go adaptability and function.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Well-built adapter with all the options
on March 15, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
The Dell DA310 mobile adapter is an update to the Dell DA300. I did not previously own the DA300, but I compared the new one to the previous one to understand the differences. The DA310 a compact port replicator shaped like a hockey puck. It includes ports for USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, VGA, Display Port(DP), and Ethernet. It improves on the DA300 by adding an additional USB-A port and now features power pass-through. You may not need power pass-through, but if your machine only has a single USB-C port that is used for both peripherals and charging, you won’t be able to use any dongle that doesn’t also allow you to charge your machine when it’s low on power. The DA310 adds that capability, so now you don’t need to choose between charging and having extra ports.
The main reason for an adapter like this is to allow you to carry one small package instead of a bunch of dongles and adapters. As laptops become thinner and get rid of ports, an adapter like the DA310 is very handy. At first I thought it was a bit pricey, but then I considered the dongles I’ve purchased over the years: USB-C to USB-A, USB-C to VGA, USB-C to HDMI, USB-C to Ethernet. Each of these can cost from $15 to $30, and I can’t use them at the same time on the same machine. In that light, the DA310 is a good value and allows me to have all of these adapters available without having to remember to carry them all with me separately.
I tested the DA310 on a Windows machine, as well as a Google Pixelbook, using 2 different high definition external monitors. External monitors were no problem, but I should mention that the DA310 isn’t meant to allow you to run multiple external monitors. You may only use one of the video ports at a time, so keep that in mind. The DA310 handled every peripheral with ease, and allowed me to charge my Pixelbook while using it. It features an innovative wind-up mechanism to keep the USB-C connector neatly out of the way when not in use. The connector is hard-wired, which means you won’t be able to leave it behind, but it’s shorter than I would have preferred. With my laptop on a stand, I had to rest the DA310 on a box so that it would be within reach of the laptop. This is not a big deal, but I would have appreciated a little more length. I also think it might have been a good thing for the connecting cable to be replaceable. I’m not sure if they could have achieved the winding action that way, but it would be nice to know that if the connector itself went bad, it could be easily replaced.
The DA310 could potentially be used as a hub if you typically leave your peripherals in place and would like to be able to plug them all in with a single connection. This would certainly provide a compact way to do that. I decide to try that, so I also plugged in my Logitech Unifying Receiver, which is used by my Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, into one of the USB-A ports on the DA310. This worked like a charm, until I restarted the machine. I doubt this will be a problem for most people, but my Windows laptop for work uses McAfee security, which requires a DOS-based login before handing off to Windows. The USB-C port is not active during the DOS bootup, while USB-A stays active, so my peripherals didn’t work until Windows came up. I’m sure this is a quirk of the computer, and not the DA310, but I just wanted to mention it, in case it matters to you.
The last thing to consider is the shape of the DA310. As previously mentioned, and as I’m sure you’ve seen in the pictures, the DA310 is circular. If all of the ports are in use, you’ll have cables sticking out in all directions. If that’s an issue for you, you may want to consider something in a different shape. Competing products are priced similarly, but you’ll want to compare their features to the DA310 first. I found the DA310 to be very well-built, and does a great job doing what it’s supposed to do. If you’re in the market for something like this, I think you’ll be happy with it—I recommend it!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
This H&R Block Deluxe + State Tax software offers everything homeowners and investors need to easily complete federal taxes. It includes a free online chat with a tax professional, step-by-step guidance on hundreds of credits and deductions, in-person representation in the unlikely event of an audit, and reporting assistance on income from investments, home sales and more.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great tax software at a great price
on February 1, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
Before I get started, I should say that I’ve been using H & R Block’s tax software for several years now. A few years back, I did try out Turbo Tax, and while there were some things I liked about the Turbo Tax experience, I didn’t think the differences were worth the extra cost of the software, so I’ve stuck with H & R Block. So, while this isn’t my first time using the software, it is my first time reviewing it.

H & R Block takes a kind of “interview” approach to guiding the process. It asks you questions and then, based on your answers, guides you to the appropriate follow-up questions. Since I’m a return user, I was able to import all of my personal information (name, address, SSN, etc.) from a prior year. My employer does not use one of the approved W-2 providers, so I’m not able to use the automated import process. After inputting my W-2 information, I found out that the software now offers the option to take a picture of your W-2 and bring in the information that way, but I was already past that, so I didn’t try it.

Using the software is straightforward, and the program guides you through the sections that apply to you. At one point, it started asking me questions that I was sure were headed in the wrong direction, but then it told me that section didn’t apply to me. What it was doing was determining whether I was eligible for an additional deduction, but until it concluded I wasn’t, it didn’t tell me what it was doing. It’s a minor point, but I would have preferred to be given a little more “this is what we’re doing…” kind of guidance. Nonetheless, this is vastly preferable to trying to figure out the tax forms directly to determine what applies to you and what doesn’t.

There were a few times when I felt like a little more direction and guidance would have been helpful, but some spots did not contain any help or explanatory material. I was looking for an explanation of what a certain term meant, but it was not included in the program. Ultimately, I found what I needed using internet searches, so it wasn’t a big deal, but I think it should have been included.

Even though the program is structured like an interview, you are free at any time to go directly to a section or even to the form itself. This makes it very easy to jump around and check your previous answers again, without having to go through the entire interview again. You can also use this feature to explore the impact of different options, such as married vs. single. As you proceed through your return, your current refund or amount owed is clearly visible, and changes dynamically while you go from section to section. This is especially useful if you have extra income that was not previously taxed, as you can see the impact on your tax bill of an additional amount of income. It’s a real-time running tally of your bottom line.

Completing your state return once you’ve done the federal couldn’t be easier. All required information is brought over, and you answer a few additional state-specific questions, and that’s it! E-filing your federal return is included in the price, but not for the state return. I’m sure that has to do with different costs in each state, but it’s still a bummer to either pay the additional amount, or file it some other way. For the federal return, you get 5 free e-filings. This is great, because I use a couple of those to help my kids with their taxes.

I think that H & R Block represents the best overall value in tax preparation software. They cover all the bases, although sometimes with a little less depth than I’d like, but the combination of good price, federal e-filing and state returns makes for a great value. Sales are common, so keep an eye out for those to save even more. H & R Block has taken care of my taxes for many years, and I see no reason why I won’t keep coming back.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
The JAXJOX Dumbbell is a digital dumbbell set offering two adjustable dumbbells ranging from 8-50 pounds each. Select your weight with a touch of a button.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Well built, but app is terrible
on January 21, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
Years ago I bought a set of iron weights along with a pair of star-lock dumbbell handles. I thought it would be great to do dumbbell exercises with a variety of weights. Changing out the weights turned out to be annoying, and the star-locks would loosen while I used the dumbbells, making the plates clang together. Eventually my usage of them diminished to zero.
Fast-forward to today, and the JaxJox Dumbbell Connect. This is a set of dumbbells with plastic-coated plates that can be adjusted at the push of a button. Each dumbbell sits in its own plastic tray, keeping the weights nice and neat. The tray contains a rechargeable battery and a small LCD display showing how much weight is on each dumbbell. There are also 2 buttons, which you use to increase or decrease the amount of weight on each dumbbell.
The set is well-constructed, with a knurled steel handle that connects to the weight plates. With no extra plates attached, the handles weigh 8 pounds, and you can increase the weight in 6 pound increments. Changing weights couldn’t be easier: just place the handle back in the base and select the amount you want with the buttons. Within a few seconds, each dumbbell will beep to tell you that the change is complete. The increments roll over, so that if you press too many times, just keep pressing and you’ll go back around from the beginning. This is actually a nice touch.
Using the weights feels very natural. They attach to the handle securely, and don’t clang while in use. Some reviews have stated that it’s too difficult to place the handles back in the base properly so that the weights are straight up and down. It’s true that this does happen on occasion, meaning that the weights won’t adjust properly, but it’s easy enough just to be careful to ensure that this doesn’t happen. One thing I really like about this set is the clean look it has. I’ve seen other dumbbells similar to this that only look good at their highest weight setting. Anything less and it looks like you’re picking up some sort of black fishbone. The JaxJox Dumbbell Connect looks symmetrical and balanced at any weight setting. You can see this in my pictures. You can also see how neat and compact these are in their bases. Anyone who has tried to keep a set of iron plates stacked neatly knows how difficult this can be. The Dumbbell Connect packs 15 dumbbells into the space of 2, and that is a major advantage.
The mechanism for changing the weights is motorized, so the connection between the handle and the base is critical for its operation. While it’s too early to tell, this has the potential to be the Achilles Heel for the set. Should the connection fail, or if the battery won’t take a charge, I won’t be able to change the amount of weight on the handle, and it’ll be a giant paper weight. Hopefully these will last a very long time, but it is something to consider as you compare to other alternatives. Speaking of batteries, the batteries in the base can be charged using the included USB-C charging cable. Unfortunately, JaxJox did not include a charger for the cable to plug into, so you’ll have to supply your own.
While the handles and weights themselves are very well-built, I can’t say the same for the app. The app promises exercise tracking, goal-setting and on-demand classes, but it delivers very little. You are required to set up an account to get started, which some may find off-putting. I was excited to try out the on-demand classes, but I was disappointed to find that none of them were available without first signing up for a premium membership at $12.99 per month. I expected to at least find a few classes that I could try before paying even more money. There’s also a “programs” section in the app, but there are no programs available for the dumbbells. I checked out what’s available for the kettlebell, and did find what looked to be a pretty good set of workouts put together into a program, but when I tried to preview it, the app locked up. When this app locks up, it REALLY locks up, so much so that my phone is inoperable. In fact, no other app that I’ve ever used has been able to lock up my phone so tightly. Once this happens, you can do nothing but wait for it to clear up enough so that you can kill the app. The app will also lock up if a request to load a class fails. On the positive side, the app does include access to some “skills” videos that show some ways to use the dumbbells for various exercises. Other sections, such as “For You” and “Fitness IQ” are nothing but more ads for going premium.
Beyond the video training aspect of the app, I was excited at the prospect of having it keep track of my workouts and progress toward my goals. Unfortunately, the app failed completely at doing that. It registered wildly inaccurate counts for sets and reps, and couldn’t figure out which day of the week on which to place them. I did a set of 8 reps and the app told me I had done 3 sets of 2, 2 and 3 reps each. Trying to use this for tracking toward a goal is just an exercise in frustration. Given that the app features a lot video content (if you pay for it), I thought it would be better to use on the bigger screen of an iPad. Alas, it’s not really a universal app that scales properly for an iPad. Instead, it stays in the phone aspect ratio and cannot be rotated. Overall, the app is a complete waste of time and ruins an otherwise stellar package that is more reasonably priced than its competition. Thankfully, the app is not required to use and enjoy the JaxJox Dumbbell Connect. I’m hoping they’ll be able to work out the kinks in this app in the future. If I thought the app was absolutely critical, I'd give this review 3.5 stars.
I really like the Dumbbell Connect, and hope that it will provide many years of service. I’ve seen other reviewers report inoperable sets, so I’m going to keep an eye on this issue. I haven’t experienced anything like that so far. I’m enjoying this set very much, as long as I don’t try to use the app. I recommend it!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Inspired by athletes, designed for everyone. Shokz OpenMove Bone Conduction Lifestyle/Sport Headphones were made to move you. For the past 10 years, Shokz has been dedicated to providing safety and situational awareness through bone conduction technology. Unlike traditional in-ear headphones, OpenMove features the signature Shokz open-ear design to keep you tuned in to your music and your moments. The lightweight, titanium fit makes it easy to move through your day with versatility.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Best headphones for running!
on January 15, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
In my continuing quest to find the perfect wireless headphones, I’ve come to understand the pros and cons of many different styles. They each have their pros and cons, and to date I haven’t found one style that checks absolutely every box. So, where do these Aftershokz Openmove headphones fit in?
The Openmove is the latest offering by Aftershokz, and for me they’re my third set of bone conduction headphones, following the Aftershokz Titanium and Air. If you haven’t tried bone conduction headphones, it’s important to understand how they differ from other styles. Unlike earbuds, on-ear headphones or over-ear headphones, bone conduction headphones do not work by projecting sound into the ear canal. Instead, the vibrations produced by the sound are transmitted into the cheekbones and ultimately the bones inside your ear. This creates some possibilities that aren’t possible with other styles.
The primary use case for bone conduction headphones is in sports such as running or biking. The reason for that is that they do not cover or block the ear canals, letting you be aware of your surroundings while still being able to hear your music or podcast. Earbuds fill the ear canal, blocking a significant amount of sound, even if you’re using a type of “hear through” technology. This is what makes them less than ideal for times when you need to be able to hear the sound of an approaching car. I wouldn’t ride a bike while wearing earbuds, but bone conduction headphones are a good option for safety-conscious riders.
The other reason the Openmove headphones work so well while running or cycling is that they are very comfortable. I’ve had the Aftershokz Air for more than a year, and I can wear them for hours without really even noticing them. The Openmove is just a bit lighter than the Air, and the profile of the headband is almost identical to that of the Air. What’s interesting is the curvature of the part that goes around your ear. I’m not sure why they did it, but it is a “flatter” curve than the one used on the Air. Does that matter? I think the answer depends upon the shape of your ears. For me, I didn’t notice much of a difference, but there were times when I had to shift the headphones a bit to relieve pressure created by them rubbing up against my ear. I don’t think I’ve ever had that happen with the Air. Even so, the Openmove was very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. We’ll see what happens as time goes on.
Although the Openmove is priced at the entry level, it offers the newer transducer technology first seen in the high-end Aeropex model. This means that the shape of the part that rests on your cheekbones is different than what it is on the Air or the Titanium before that. Along with updated technology inside, this reduces the amount of “buzz” that you’ll feel on your cheek when the volume is turned up. This is a classic downside of bone conduction, but it is largely reduced on the Openmove. While I didn’t really notice much difference in sound quality between the Air and Openmove, I would give the edge to the Openmove. The Openmove introduces a new EQ setting that emphasizes the spoken word, and I do think that provides a slight sound quality improvement when listening to podcasts. Voices sound brighter and clearer using this setting.
Aftershokz always includes a set of ear plugs if you want to use the bone conduction headphones but want to block out any ambient noise. I suppose this would be a good thing for listening to music at home, but I’m not sure anyone buys bone conduction headphones because of the sound quality. Sound quality is impressive, but it still doesn’t rival what you’ll get from a high-end set of earbuds, and definitely not from a good pair of over the ear headphones. Nevertheless, the reasons for buying bone conduction headphones are not the same reasons for buying other styles, and think those reasons are actually more important than sound quality. The Openmove is also great for listening to music at low volume in an office environment (remember that?) when you want to be able to hear someone who approaches your desk. These also work well as hands-free headsets for your phone, and even in the car. Since they don’t cover your ears, they may not violate the regulations in your state (you should check for yourself).
The Openmove offers a great new option at a significant savings over the flagship Aeropex. There are relatively few compromises in exchange for a great price, but if you’re concerned about the change of shape impacting the comfort for you, the Air can be had for only $20 more, or even for the same price as the Openmove in some places. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with either model.
Some random thoughts:
• The earpieces are equipped with magnets, which will cause them to snap together around your neck if you have a small neck. Whether this is a positive thing will be left up to you. My neck is not small enough for that, so I did not encounter this. You may find a use case for the magnets, but I’m not sure what it is.
• The Openmove feature a more streamlined design than earlier models, and this means that the single button featured on all the Aftershokz models is smaller and hides within the design scheme of the earpieces. I didn’t find this to be a problem, and the button worked as well as the older design.
• The Openmove charges via USB-C, which is a welcome upgrade.
• The package includes the headphones (fully charged), the charging cable, instructions, and a drawstring bag to keep them in.
• IP55 water resistance means they’ll do just fine on a sweaty run, but don’t submerge them.
• Battery life is rated at 8 hours, and although I didn’t actually track that, my experience indicates that to be pretty accurate.
• Multipoint pairing is supported.
If you fit into any of the categories I’ve mentioned, you’ll love the Openmove headphones. If you don’t but you just can’t stand having something in your ears, then these may be the answer for you. Although I can’t test this myself, I am intrigued by the idea that people with hearing issues may be able to benefit from bone conduction technology. Obviously, that would depend on what sort of hearing problem you have, but it would be worth looking into.
I’m sold on bone conduction headphones because of the special needs they meet, and how well they meet them. I don’t think there’s a better option for running available today. The Openmove makes getting a quality set of bone conduction headphones more affordable than ever.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
The PureTV Pro 60 is the only antenna with an actual signal meter integrated into the antenna to provide the best possible customer experience when installing. The PureTV Pro 60 has a dual-band, optimized antenna element that captures signals up to 60 miles away, while the antenna’s Clear Circuit Technology boosts the available signal, cuts dropout, and clears pixelation. The integrated, Bluetooth technology signal meter makes you the pro at installation. The PureTV Pro 60 uses a built-in tuner to get real-time signal data. Pair with the Winegard Connected app for no-fuss antenna positioning. Available for iOS and Android phones, the free, user-friendly Winegard Connected app quickly pairs with the PureTV Pro 60. Using both visual and audio indicators, you’ll get real-time feedback on the optimal antenna position for the best signal possible. The app shows a summary of available channels, and you can even fine-tune individual channels for maximum reception. Once you’re done, run a channel scan on TV, and start watching FREE TV.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Strong antenna, weak app
on December 16, 2020
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
I’ve been using indoor HDTV antennae for years now, but I’m always on the lookout for an antenna that raises the performance bar. The Winegard PureTV Pro 60 antenna adds a new spin by including an integrated tuner that aids in finding the optimal placement for the best reception.
Finding the best placement involves the use of a Bluetooth app that pairs with the antenna. As you move the antenna from place to place, the app shows how many channels it’s picking up, and whether they’re str ong, medium strength or weak. This does provide a little more certainty, and it’s much faster than moving and checking channels repeatedly.
With respect to performance, I do think the Winegard PureTV Pro 60 outperforms the antennae that I’ve used over the years. I currently own and use 3 antennae of the same type, and the Winegard consistently provided a better signal across the whole spectrum of channels available in my area. I was able to pick up 32 channels over the air, and I was happy that they were strong and clear, even as weather changes that would affect my other antennae didn’t affect the Winegard. Best of all, I had no need to move the antenna just to view a different channel.
The Winegard PureTV Pro 60 includes a generous length of cable, and the second tuner/signal booster can be powered by a USB port on the TV or with the included wall power adapter. Thoughtfully, the manufacturer also included a couple 3M Command Strips for attaching the antenna to its perch. For its main purpose of pulling in TV signals, the Winegard does a fine job, and isn’t so large as to be obnoxious wherever you place it, such as in a nearby window.
While I loved the idea of using an app to streamline the placement of the antenna, the whole app experience left a lot to be desired. First, using the app requires you to set up an account with Winegard. These days, I have way too many accounts with passwords, and setting up another just so I can position my antenna seems like overkill. In addition, the app does not dependably work, and repeatedly locked up while I was trying to use it. When it did work, I liked the ability to see a list of available channels. Supposedly, I could have fine tuned the channels, but I gave up trying to get the app to work. This was a great idea in theory, but in practice it wasn’t all that great and the information I had to hand over wasn’t worth it.
As an antenna, the Winegard is a worthy competitor to the leading company, Mohu. In fact, I plan to replace my current Mohu model and continue using the Winegard. The sub-par app experience results in the loss of a star. Technically, you wouldn’t have to even use the app, if you’re willing to go back to the old-fashioned, time-consuming way of finding the right position. I was fortunate that the app worked during initial setup, so at least I got the benefit of that functionality. The Winegard is a little more expensive than its competitors. The app alone is not worth the extra cost, but it does perform better than others, and in the end, that’s what really counts. Hopefully it’ll continue performing this well when the leaves are back on the trees.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
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Keep your devices powered on the go with the Belkin BOOSTCHARGE 24W Dual USB-A Port Car Charger. It boasts two 12W USB A Ports, both of which support simultaneous fast charging for all devices that charge using a USB-A cable. This 24 watt car charger is capable of charging up to two devices 1.5x faster than a standard 5 watt charger, with each port offering up to 12 watts of power. The BOOSTCHARGE 24w Dual Port Car Charger features an LED light, indicating whether or not your charger is connected to a power source. Optimized to charge all USB-A compatible devices faster than a standard 5w Charger. Compatible with Apple iPhone 14, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone XR, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8, HTC U12+, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10, Google Pixel 3 XL, Google Pixel 3, iPad Pro (12.9") 2nd Gen, iPad Pro (10.5"), Huawei Mate 20, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Huawei P30/P30 Pro, Sony Xperia XZ2
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Higher power means faster charging
on November 12, 2020
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
My 2019 truck has a built-in USB-A port, but unfortunately it's of the lower-power variety. How can this be true in 2019/20? Because of that, I picked up this Belkin charger.
The Belkin charger features two USB-A ports, both of which deliver 12W of power to charge devices. Belkin also makes a charger with USB-C ports, but I have both Android and Apple devices, so sticking with USB-A provides more versatility for me. The downside is that this charger does not provide as much power as the USB-C version, but you'll need to weigh this against your needs.
My devices charge faster using this charger than the built-in one, and the ability to charge 2 devices at the same time is very convenient. I appreciate that Belkin also included a USB-A to USB-C cable, as that allows me to leave it in the truck , where I'm now always ready when my wife rides with me and brings her Android phone, which uses USB-C.
This charger is well-built and feels like it's higher quality that those cheap freebies you can find anywhere. If you're looking for more power in a charger, but need to stay with USB-A, this is the one you're looking for!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Jabra Elite 85t true wireless earbuds have been engineered for a calls and music experience like never before, with fully adjustable Jabra advanced Active Noise Cancellation™, 12mm speakers for big sound, up to 25 hours of battery (ANC on), and 6-mic technology with wind protection for amazing calls. And because it’s Jabra tech, it’s all crammed into a really tiny body. Because ANC doesn’t only stand for Active Noise Cancellation… Jabra Elite 85t: Accept No Compromise.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Finally, comfort and sound quality together!
on November 12, 2020
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
If you’ve seen any of my other reviews for wireless earbuds, you may wonder why I have so many. It’s because I have a problem—I love these things and I’ve been in search of the perfect set of true wireless earbuds. Getting so many different types has allowed me to really figure out what I like and what I don’t. I’ve always thought of Jabra’s offerings as being at or near the top of the charts, so when I heard they were coming out with new earbuds, I jumped at the chance to get a pair.
I’ve never had a pair of Jabra’s earbuds before, so I didn’t get to experience the 75Ts. The newer version, the 85T, improves on the previous model by adding active noise cancellation (ANC). At the same time, Jabra has complicated matters by releasing a firmware update for the 75T that adds ANC to that model as well. The difference is that the 85T has a dedicated chip to handle the ANC duties, as well as some extra microphones to make it more effective.
Everybody has certain criteria that they use to evaluate wireless earbuds. We’re all evaluating the same features, but we may have them in different order. For me, the top 4 things I look for are fit/comfort, sound quality, connection stability and functionality. Battery life follows right behind these, but my typical use is generally satisfied by the battery life offered by most all major brands, so I didn’t include battery life in my top 4. Let’s get into some details.
Fit:
I didn’t realize how important fit and comfort would be for me, but I think it’s become such a big deal because true wireless earbuds have to pack so much circuitry into a small space, and not every company does a good job with that. It’s important that the earbuds be balanced and not sticking way out of my ears. Several manufacturers add “wings” or “fins” that go into the outer part of your ear, helping to keep them from falling out. I hate those things, and I have yet to find any of those designs that are comfortable to wear for extended periods without needing constant adjusting. Thankfully, the Jabra 85Ts do not need any sort of fin to make them fit. They’re small and light, and I couldn’t believe how easy they were to insert into my ear.
Jabra tried something different with the 85T. Instead of using the typical circular-shaped ear tips, they went with an oval shape to provide a semi-open design. With ANC turned off, you can definitely hear more of the sounds around you than if they were completely sealed inside the ear canal. This will perhaps be one of those things that you either love or hate. To be honest, I didn’t know about this when I ordered mine, so I wasn’t sure how I would like it when they finally arrived, but I was pleasantly surprised at just how comfortable they were. My ears didn’t feel like they were stuffed with something, and that allowed me to wear them for hours with no discomfort at all! It’s true that a good seal does help with the bass, but I feel like this is a worthy trade-off. The Jabra 85Ts are so light and slip in the ear so easily, I often had to check to make sure they were still in place. I never once found them to have come loose, nor did they fall out even if I deliberately shook my head. I think I’ve been trained by other brands to have to adjust them constantly, but that is definitely not a problem with these. I am thrilled by the comfort level of these buds.
Sound quality:
Sound quality is pretty subjective, so your mileage may vary, but in my opinion, the Jabra 85Ts have very good sound quality. Until I got these, I thought the Sony WF-SP800N earbuds were my favorites in terms of good sound quality. In a direct comparison, the Sonys were a bit louder, and maybe a bit brighter, but the Jabras feature a much fuller, richer sound. The SP800Ns have more bass and crisper highs, but I think the overall sound of the Jabras is preferable, with the overall sound stage feeling a bit more open to me. The Jabra app is very good at providing options for adjusting the sound. You can choose a preset EQ option or tailor it yourself using a 5-band graphic equalizer. The settings are saved to the buds and carry over, no matter which app you use for listening.
The active noise cancellation is pretty impressive. Jabra has also included a “hear through” mode that turns off ANC for times when you need to hear what’s going on around you. Hear through uses the microphones to let you hear the sounds around you. This isn’t unique to Jabra, but what is unique is that the Jabras allow you to switch back and forth between hear through and ANC with a single press of a button. Others force you to cycle through various levels of noise cancellation, but Jabra’s approach is much more convenient for when you just need to check in on your surroundings and then want to get back to your music.
The more I listened to these, the better I thought they sounded. Together with a comfortable fit, that made them a winner in my book!
Connection stability:
This is another one of those things that I didn’t think would be so important, but you quickly realize how important it is when you’re constantly interrupted by a drop in the signal between your buds and the phone. Even if it’s just a second, it’s very disconcerting and annoying. While I’ve only had the Jabras for a few days, I’m happy to report that I haven’t had the connection drop even once yet. Walking around my house never posed a problem either. Jabra is still using the master/slave architecture for these buds, and I find that to be a little less robust than having each bud connect independently, but so far I haven’t had any problems whatsoever. Some reviewers have complained about being forced to use the right bud if they only want to use one, but I have no need to use only one, so that was not an issue for me. The 85Ts connect to my phone in the time it takes to pick up one earbud and put it in my ear, so speed is not a problem.
Functionality:
I was a little leery when I found out that Jabra still uses a physical button on these earbuds. I’ve had other brands where the button was so hard to press that I ended up shoving the earbud too deeply into my ear every time I used the button. Thankfully, that is not the case for the 85Ts. In fact, Jabra’s implementation of the buttons works so well that I’ve come to like it better than touch-sensitive controls. The physical button is easy to depress and works every time—I don’t have to find the “sweet spot” in order for it to work. The buttons are completely customizable, so you can tailor their features to your liking, and Jabra includes a wide range of functions that the buttons can do, including answering/rejecting calls, volume up/down, track skipping and play/pause.
Using the 85Ts for phone calls works very well. I got no complaints about my voice, and being able to use both earbuds for calls meant that I could hear the person on the other end very well. Long conference calls is where the comfort really comes into play.
These earbuds also feature the ability to stop the music when you remove one from your ear. This is a nice feature and works well, with one caveat. Removing the right earbud will cause the left to emanate a loud “pop” in your ear. It’s not a big deal, but it’s annoying, and hopefully something that can be corrected in a future firmware update.
The case is a great size, small enough to fit in your pocket, but big enough to include a reasonably sized battery. It can be charged with the included USB-C cable, or wirelessly using a Qi charger, if you prefer. It’s nice to have the flexibility to charge either way.
The Jabra Sound+ app is very nice and well designed. You can go through a hearing test to tweak the sound to your individual hearing. I did this, but I’m not sure how to tell whether it made a difference. As I mentioned before, you can save EQ settings, as well as controlling how much or how little ANC you want to use. The app even includes some white noise, such as ocean waves, for when you just want to shut the world out. I thought this was a very nice touch.
I’ve used a lot of different earbuds, and there are a lot of good ones out there, but these Jabra 85Ts have now moved to the top of my list. Their combination of good sound quality and excellent comfort make them my new go-to earbuds. I do think they’re too expensive, but hopefully discounts will become common soon. Because of the big price difference over the 75T, the 85T is not quite as good of a value, but it may be worth it because of the better ANC and comfort.
I’m sure I’ll still be tempted by other brands and models, but now they have a new king of the hill with which to compete!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
 
The Samsung Jet™ 70 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum features a lightweight and maneuverable design plus a removable battery that can be easily swapped* for a spare extended cleaning time up to 40 minutes. Compatible with Samsung Clean Station™ for mess-free, automatic emptying of the hygienic dust bin.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Solid performance at a reasonable price
on November 6, 2020
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
The market for “stick” vacuums is growing, and Samsung has several entries that are quite good. I got the Jet 70 Pet Stick, which is their most reasonably priced model. I’ve been using a Dyson for the last year, so when I needed an additional vacuum, I decided to give the Samsung a try. It’s significantly cheaper than the Dyson, but I wanted to see if there were too many tradeoffs to make it worth it.
The first thing I noticed was that the Samsung uses an electronic on/off switch rather than a trigger. The Dyson uses a trigger, but it doesn’t lock, so you have to keep it depressed the entire time you’re using it. That made the switch on the Samsung seem like a breath of fresh air. It also has an easy-to-use power adjustment switch that can be used on the fly, which is another plus.
Battery life is rated at 40 minutes on the lowest power setting, while the Dyson is rated at 60 minutes. In real-life usage, you won’t get anywhere near that using higher power settings. On the highest suction power, I didn’t get 10 minutes, but the medium power level provided about 15 minutes or maybe a little more. If there’s one area that could be improved, it’s battery life. You’re not going to use this for a continuous whole-house vacuuming session, but doing a few rooms at a time or a quick pick-up is no problem. One feature of the Jet 70 that I really appreciate is the removable battery. Samsung provides a wall-mounted charger that can hang the vacuum while charging, but the battery can also be placed in the charger by itself, if you’d prefer not to dedicate wall space to the charger.

The dust bin on the Jet 70 is small, but adequate for most rooms. Emptying it involves removing the bin, then removing the filter and “cyclone” center. While this is admittedly more of a hassle than the Dyson, it’s not too bad, and does make it easier to access all the parts. It’s not exactly “touch free”, but you really don’t come in contact with the dirt.
The Jet 70 is very well constructed and feels solid. The motorized brush head is also easy to disassemble, which makes it easy to clean up if you get fibers wrapped around it. There’s an additional smaller head for things like stairs and cleaning your car. Interestingly, it does not have brushes, but rather a protruding rubber strip. This works well enough, but I think brushes work better. It comes with the usual compliment of accessories, and the crevice tool features a unique telescoping feature to help you really get into those hard to reach spots. In a head to head comparison with the Dyson, both vacuums fared equally at picking up lines of salt on a hardwood floor.
So, is the Jet 70 a winner? I think it is, given the lower price. The Dyson may have been slightly more powerful, but I’m not sure it’s worth hundreds more. The real question I have is longevity, but only time will tell (see what I did there?). My Dyson is still going strong almost 18 months in, and I hope that the Samsung Jet 70 will do just as well. If you’re looking for a well-built mid-range stick vacuum, take a look at the Jet 70.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+7points
12of 17voted this as helpful.
 
Make the most of your tablet with the ZAGG Pro Stylus. Take notes, sketch, mark-up documents, swipe through pages, and just do more. With a eight-hour battery life, palm-rejection technology, and compatibility with apps that support Apple Pencil, you’re ready for anything. Compatible with Apple iPad Pro 12.9" 6th Generation (2022) 5th Generation (2021), 4th Generation (2020), 3rd Generation (2018); iPad Pro 11" 4th Generation (2022), 3rd Generation (2021), 2nd Generation (2020), 1st Generation (2018); iPad Air 10.9" 5th Generation (2022), 4th Generation (2020); iPad 10.2" 9th Generation (2021), 8th Generation (2020), 7th Generation (2019); iPad 9.7" 6th Generation (2018); and iPad mini 6th Generation (2021), 5th Generation (2019).
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Better than the Apple Pencil
on October 8, 2020
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
As a user of the Apple Pencil for the last couple years, I’ve been very happy with it. With only a few things I didn’t like, I was curious as to whether the new Zagg Pro Stylus could meet and even exceed the value and performance of the Apple Pencil. At $70, it’s a $30 savings over the Apple Pencil, so it starts with an advantage right out of the gate.
One of the things that annoys me about the Pencil is that it is perfectly round, which makes it easier to roll off the table. Yes, I know that Apple made it unbalanced so that it shouldn’t just roll away, but that doesn’t really work in practice. The Zagg Pro Stylus has one flat side, which makes it easier to stay put. In addition, it’s magnetized, so it’ll stick to the iPad, or even better to the smart cover. It’s a pretty strong magnetic connection, but I’m not sure I’d trust it while carrying the iPad around. It is, however a great option to have while using it in your home or office, much better than just lying around separately from the iPad.
The Zagg Pro has a single button, which is the power button. I wondered why they included such a thing, but I’ve come to believe that this is a good idea. After a period of inactivity, the stylus will go to sleep, preserving battery power. And speaking of power, it charges via USB-C using a port that is cleverly hidden under the cap. No more awkwardly charging while sticking out of the lightning port or using the easy to lose male-to-female adapter to use with your charging cable. The cap does not come off, so you don’t have to worry about losing it, nor do you need to buy any third-party solutions to keep it connected to the stylus. This is definitely an improvement over the Apple Pencil. The last improvement with the cap is that there is a soft capacitive tip on the cap that can be used to scroll pages or for any other touch gesture that you might do with a finger. This is one of those little things that isn’t a big deal, but it’s a nice touch.
How about performance? I did not find any scenario in which the Zagg Pro did not perform just as well as the Apple Pencil. It has great palm rejection, and recognizes tilt and pressure. I’m not an artist, but I did try it in a drawing program, and it worked flawlessly. Pairing isn’t necessary, it just works right out of the box—it couldn’t be easier! Especially since the Apple Pencil 2 doesn’t work with the iPad (only the Air and Pro), those who still use Apple’s entry-level iPads will be happy to have another option. At a 30% savings, there’s really no reason to consider anything else.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
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MX Master 3 is instant precision and infinite potential. Designed for designers and engineered for coders, it’s our most advanced Master Series mouse yet. App-specific button customizations speed up your workflow in the apps you use most and the electromagnetic MagSpeed wheel enables fast noiseless scrolling. Your hand rests perfectly on the sculpted form and allows you to work comfortably for hours across multiple computers and operating systems in one fluid workflow. Ready for video calls - predefined settings for Microsoft Teams and Zoom let you instantly mute and Start/Stop your video call. With MX Master 3, you can truly master what you make.
 

Bluetooth is turned off on our work computers. Will this operate as a wired mouse with the USB cable attached or is it strictly for charging

Yes, it will operate as a wired mouse that way, but that is really defeating its purpose. Can you use the unified receiver instead? I'm doing that instead of bluetooth, and it works very well.
4 years, 7 months ago
by
BobinVA
 
Multitask comfortably using this HP Pavilion 32-inch monitor. The QHD resolution provides immersive visuals for gaming and a spacious work space. Enjoy consistent clarity and color from multiple positions thanks to the 178-degree viewing angle. This HP Pavilion 32-inch monitor features an anti-glare panel for better visibility in bright conditions, while the Low Blue Light mode reduces eyestrain.
 

Wall mountable - yes How can this be wall mounted? Please suggest a wall mount for this monitor.

The monitor comes with a bracket that you can attach to the back of the monitor. This will allow you to attach it to a mount. I'd suggest a full-motion wall mount that has the square center bracket, as this will match up with the bracket on the monitor itself. I don't think the monitor conforms to the VESA standard for mounting brackets, but I'm not sure. I'm not mounting my monitor, so these are just some thoughts after having just setting mine up. Good luck!
4 years, 11 months ago
by
BobinVA
 
Protect your home or business with this Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera. The Full HD resolution lets you review captured footage in stunning detail, while the floodlight ensures that subjects are illuminated. This Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera includes a siren and two-way audio for scaring off trespassers and potential intruders.
 

How good is the motion detection really? I have purchased several cams and the motion detection is awful. Thanks

I've found it to be quite good. Sometimes it seems to pick up the motion of swaying tree branches. I'm still trying to figure out the optimal sensitivity setting.
5 years ago
by
BobinVA
 
Protect your home or business with this Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera. The Full HD resolution lets you review captured footage in stunning detail, while the floodlight ensures that subjects are illuminated. This Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera includes a siren and two-way audio for scaring off trespassers and potential intruders.
 

How long are the recorded clips? Do the clips start before motion is detected?

I think the clips are about 30 seconds. They do seem to start before motion is detected, which results in complete clips of the action.
5 years ago
by
BobinVA
 
Protect your home or business with this Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera. The Full HD resolution lets you review captured footage in stunning detail, while the floodlight ensures that subjects are illuminated. This Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera includes a siren and two-way audio for scaring off trespassers and potential intruders.
 

Can the floodlight be wired and howlong do the battery last

I'm not sure if there are other models, but mine is wired only. There is no option for it to be battery powered. Given how bright the lights are, and how often they're likely to be tripped, I would think that batteries would go dead pretty often. If you have the choice, hard wire it.
5 years ago
by
BobinVA
 
Meet Bose Frames. Bluetooth sunglasses with a soundtrack. The first audio sunglasses with built-in Bose speakers for an immersive audio experience unlike any other. A revolutionary personal audio experience hidden inside two classic designs, each enriched with premium accents and materials. Play music, take calls, and enjoy the sun with UVA/UVB protection. Bose Frames Alto feature a classic angular lenses, available in small and large size.
 

How long does the battery last?

About 4 hours
5 years ago
by
BobinVA
 
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 a wireless transmitter, not a wireless receiver. The headphone jack in the AirFly is for the source of the sound, and it then sends it out to headphones that are able to receive the signal.
5 years, 1 month ago
by
BobinVA
 
Study or work hard on this HP Envy convertible laptop, which features a large 15-inch screen. The laptop opens up easily to create a tablet for note-taking, while an AMD Ryzen processor supports Windows 10 Home and other applications effortlessly. The reliable128GB solid-state hard drive on this HP Envy convertible laptop stores lots of files and programs.Learn more.
 

Can this device connect to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi?

Yes, it can, with no problem.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
BobinVA
 
Run programs on this 12.3-inch HP Chromebook convertible laptop. Its detachable touch-screen display lets you enjoy brilliant 2K content, and you can write and draw on it with the included Active Pen. This HP Chromebook convertible laptop has 32GB of storage, and its Intel Core m3 processor and 4GB of RAM provide smooth performance.
 

Does this computer have a camera in which I can use Skype?

It has both front and rear-facing cameras. However, I don't think there's a version of Skype that will work with Chrome OS. If this is a deal breaker for you, you should research that to find out.
5 years, 11 months ago
by
BobinVA
 
Run programs on this 12.3-inch HP Chromebook convertible laptop. Its detachable touch-screen display lets you enjoy brilliant 2K content, and you can write and draw on it with the included Active Pen. This HP Chromebook convertible laptop has 32GB of storage, and its Intel Core m3 processor and 4GB of RAM provide smooth performance.
 

Any info on this show stopper for me? (86) Access to the Google Play Store and related apps will be provided as part of a regular OS update. This feature might not be available at time of purchase;..

It's got access to Play store out of the box.
5 years, 11 months ago
by
BobinVA