BobinVA's stats
- Review count126
- Helpfulness votes435
- First reviewDecember 19, 2014
- Last reviewMarch 25, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4
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- Answer count28
- Helpfulness votes23
- First answerAugust 12, 2016
- Last answerJanuary 22, 2022
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Serious protection. Subtle styling. Built sustainably. WĀKE for Apple iPad (7th generation, 8th generation, and 9th generation) is a sea-change in case construction, using mostly ocean-based recycled plastic without sacrificing performance. Molded with a mellow wave pattern, the look is contemporary to the core. And after purchase, you get to donate a dollar to one of LifeProof’s water-conscious nonprofit partners — for free.
Customer Rating
2
Protects without adding bulk, but too tight
on November 28, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
Before I get started, I want to say that I already had an Otterbox case for my iPad and have been very pleased. I got the opportunity to pick up a Lifeproof case in exchange for an honest review, so I agreed to do it.
I am a fan of the iPad partly because it is so thin and light. Its thinness makes it easy to carry around, so I’m not crazy about cases that add a lot of bulk and weight. I’ve been using an Otterbox case that adds minimal thickness and provides good drop protection, but is also easy to remove for when I want to go with a “naked” iPad to be as thin as possible.
The Lifeproof Wake case is made from recycled fishing gear and ocean-based recycled plastics, so you can feel good about how it’s made. Registering the case gives you the opportunity to choose a water-conscious partner of Lifeproof’s to whom you can donate a dollar, which is given by Lifeproof. From an environmental consciousness perspective, this is really good.
The case provides a good amount of drop protection for 7th, 8th and 9th generation iPads (1.2 meters). It is a very snug fit, which means it’s not coming off if you drop your iPad. This is good, but it’s also where I really found myself not wanting to use this case. It’s so tight of a fit that it’s quite difficult to remove. That’s partly because of the fit, but largely because this plastic is very rigid, especially around the edges. It really doesn’t give at all, so when I was trying to remove it, I was actually concerned that I might bend my iPad and ruin it. In contrast, my Otterbox case comes right off with a little effort, and is much more flexible. Since I don’t like to leave the case on all the time, this is a deal-breaker for me.
Once the case is on, the buttons line up perfectly and work well from inside the case. The wave pattern on the back is nice without being obnoxious, and the cutouts for camera, microphone and lightning port are perfectly placed. If you’re looking for a nice-looking, minimal case to protect your iPad, this is a good candidate if you don’t plan to take it off. Like ever. Otherwise, I can’t recommend this case.
A case only needs to do a couple things: fit well, and protect the iPad. The Lifeproof case does this, but the inability to remove it without hurting either the case, the iPad or your fingers makes it a no-go for me, especially at this price. If you don’t plan to take this off until it’s time for a new iPad, then I think you’ll like this one.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Grill & Griddle is the grill & griddle that sears, sizzles, and air fry crisps. With the 500F independently powered grill grate, you get direct, edge-to-edge high heat for steakhouse grilling, griddle searing, and more.
Customer Rating
4
Good upgrade to the Foodi Grill
on November 27, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
The Ninja Foodi XL Pro Grill & Griddle is the upgrade to the Ninja Foodi grill that we’ve been using for the last couple of years. We’ve come to rely on our Foodi grill, but the new version introduces a few key upgrades that make it even better.
Like the previous model, the unit consists of a large cabinet with heating elements that heat up the non-stick grill surface. The grill plate itself lifts out for cleaning, but I had found cleaning to be my least favorite part of owning the grill. The “ribs” on the grill plate made it difficult to get completely clean. The XL pro exchanges the old grill plate for a new one that is a simple rectangle with straight-line ribs that are much easier to clean. This makes a huge difference!
The shape of the XL Pro is also different. As I just mentioned, it’s a rectangle instead of the previous square. The overall size of the cooking surface is considerably larger, allowing you to cook more food at one time. For this model, the grill actually has its own separate heating element beneath the grill surface, which means that the heat is constant and evenly distributed. At first, I was concerned that making the grill into a plug-in heating element would mean that I had to be careful not to get it wet underneath, but that’s not the case. The grill plate is actually dishwasher safe, so there are no concerns about getting it wet.
Gone is the large pan that previously held the grill plate. One advantage of the old pan was that it caught and held any grease that ran off the food. The new grill plate features double grease receptacles at the front of the plate where the grease is caught. This is a nice design that is still easy to clean.
A new addition to this model is the BBQ griddle. This is made of the same metal with non-stick coating that comprises the grill plate. To use it, just put it right on top of the grill and now you have a flat surface for preparing foods like pancakes and strips of bacon. These types of foods couldn’t really be cooked on the previous Foodi grill, they’re easy to do on the XL Pro.
The new size and shape of the XL Pro also means that the air crisp basket has a different shape. It’s wider than before, and also more shallow. In theory, that should mean that fries don’t need to be shaken as much during cooking, but I didn’t find that to be the case. The XL Pro is equally capable at air crisping as its predecessor. A nice side benefit of the new design is that the grill, griddle and crisper basket may all be stored inside the unit when not in use. That’s new to this model, as the old one could not accommodate both the grill plate and basket at the same time. This is good, since the XL Pro is considerably larger than the previous model. You’ll need more space to store this one.
Grilling is straightforward. Just press the grill button, choose your heat level (low-max), and set the time. The unit preheats, then beeps and shows “add food” when it’s ready to cook. Then, just open it up and lay the food on the grill plate. Halfway through the grilling cycle, the unit will even prompt you to turn the food over. I was impressed with how well it performed, and there was no smoke at all. It did equally well with chicken, salmon and burgers, and the large size is actually good when you’re trying to cook food for the whole family. If you want to peek at the food during cooking, you can open the lid and the timer will pause--this is a thoughtful feature.
The controls are basically the same as before, but a dial replaces multiple buttons from the old version. The overall look of the control panel is a bit cleaner, but functionally it’s the same.
The Foodi is a versatile appliance that does a great job without heating up the whole kitchen or filling it with smoke. It handles a variety of cooking tasks well, so it gets a lot of use at our house. I was surprised that it can also bake, although I haven’t tried that yet. The cookbook that comes with the XL Pro says that you can use an 11x7 pan, but my Pyrex pans of that size don’t fit. Perhaps I need to find some smaller pans so that I can take advantage of baking.
If you already have a Foodi grill, you’ll need to evaluate whether these changes are enough to justify the upgrade. The extra space, new griddle and easier cleaning are great, but performance is the same, so keep that in mind. Ninja makes some great products, and the added versatility of the XL Pro allows it to do so many things that you may just find yourself using it for almost everything. I highly recommend the Foodi XL Pro.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Adobe - Photoshop Elements 2022 - Windows [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6475/6475048_sd.jpg)
Bring out your creativity to share your life stories. Adobe Sensei AI technology* and automated options do the heavy lifting so you can instantly turn photos into art, warp photos to fit any shape, and more. Add moving overlays or 3D camera motion to take your photos to a whole new level, and save them as MP4s for easy sharing on social. Grow your skills with 60 Guided Edits that step you through how to create perfect pet pics; extend, remove, or replace photo backgrounds; and more. Effortlessly organize your photos, and craft personalized creations like dynamic photo and video slideshows with all-new styles and inspirational quote graphics. Transform your favorite photos into gallery-quality wall art, beautiful prints, and unique keepsakes with the built-in prints and gifts service. †And enjoy an updated look that makes the software even easier to use and navigate. *Adobe Sensei is the technology that powers intelligent features across all Adobe products to dramatically improve the design and delivery of digital experiences, using artificial intelligence and machine learning in a common framework.†FUJIFILM Prints & Gifts service is available in the U.S. only.
Customer Rating
4
The best Photoshop Elements update in a while
on November 10, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
I love taking pictures, and I enjoy the results that come from making just the right edits in a photo editing tool like Photoshop Elements, but I have never gotten proficient enough to enjoy the process. Every few years I upgrade my copy of Photoshop Elements, hoping that Adobe will have automated something that was previously beyond my ability to do. To be honest, most of the versions that I’ve purchased didn’t really make things that much easier, but the 2022 version may have changed my mind.
I appreciate the power that Photoshop Elements offers, but unless you have the time to put in to learn how to do all that stuff, that power will be just out of reach. The latest version of PSE offers a number of new features that give sophisticated results without the effort. The core features are pretty well known by now, so I’ll focus this review on a few of the more notable additions for 2022.
Changing a photo to make it look a work of art is something that has until now been reserved for the full-blown Photoshop package. I’m upgrading from the 2018 version, and that one included a guided edit to make photos look like watercolors, but the 2022 version allows you to mimic a large number of artistic styles with one click. It’s fun to experiment until you find just the right look, and it couldn’t be easier.
One thing I’ve always wanted to be able to do was to accurately select the subject in a photo so that I can modify the area around the subject. In previous versions, I always found this to be frustrating. Using selection tools such as the lasso could get me close, but I could never quite get what I wanted. In this version, Adobe has introduced a new automatic selection tool that makes this almost foolproof. I say “almost” because sometimes the subject is too complex for the tool, but fortunately it’s not hard to modify the edges of the auto-selected area to get it right. This is probably my favorite new feature and makes the upgrade worth it. I hope to learn how to use the layers feature, and this will help to make that possible.
Photos are the specialty of PSE, but you can also create “slides” with movable backgrounds or moving overlays. PSE provides a number of choices such as falling snowflakes that can appear to be falling around the subject. The choices are limited, but if you find one that you like, it creates a very nice effect that can be saved as an mp4 video file that can be played on your computer or other device.
Warping photos is another new feature that is a lot of fun. Any photo can be made to fit into a shape contained within another photo. The example that Adobe uses is a woman with large round glasses into which a photo of a city street has been inserted, or “warped”. It’s a neat effect that can create new mashups from your imagination. The best part is that it’s not difficult, but your friends will think you’re a wizard.
The last thing I tried was the ability to extend the background of a photo. I had a photo in portrait orientation of my son and his girlfriend, taken in our backyard. I wished it was wider, so I tried this new feature. With just a few clicks, I was able to make the photo wider by having PSE duplicate the yard in the background. What’s interesting is that you can choose elements of the photo to protect, and thus ensure that those are not distorted when the photo is “stretched”. It’s a neat way to use a photo in a larger frame without having to resort to the traditional approach of using a mat to fill in the frame. It sometimes takes a bit of tweaking to make everything look right, but it’s a great way to make a photo fit into a larger space.
All the tools that have been added to PSE over the years are still here. You still get a fantastic organizer for all your photos, and now the tagging capabilities are even smarter, making finding a particular photo easier than ever. In the editor, you’ll still find the quick, guided and expert editing modes, this time with more options than ever before. There are a few PSE competitors out there trying to beat PSE on the strength of their easy tools, and this is where PSE has improved over the last few iterations. On top of the tremendous set of power tools that you get with PSE, it really gives you the complete package. Competitive pricing puts all that power into your hands for what you would pay for a lesser competitor.
As more and more software packages move toward a subscription model, PSE is still a perpetual license. This means that you don’t have to pay again until you’re ready to upgrade. I love this, because I don’t have the need to edit my photos often enough to make a subscription worth it for me. For me, the subscription model is a deal-breaker, so I appreciate that I can just upgrade to the new version when there are features that I want. I’ve been keeping up with PSE by upgrading every few years, and that works for me. If you’re in that same category, pay attention for sales on PSE, which happen pretty often. Since I don’t have the last 2 versions, I can’t speak to whether there’s enough in here to upgrade from one of those, but I’m very happy with where Adobe has taken PSE for this iteration.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Canon imageFORMULA R10 portable document scanner is simple to set up and easy to use, anywhere. Easily convert paper documents to searchable digital files, using the built-in software, to get and stay organized.
Customer Rating
4
Great value for great functionality
on November 5, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
Scanning documents is not something that I need very often, but when I do, I want it to be easy and as trouble-free as possible. My first foray into scanning at home was on the various “all in one” printers I’ve owned over the years. These can handle printing, copying and scanning, and do a very good job. They’re great for scanning photographs, or for the occasional one-off document where you don’t mind lifting the cover to lay the document on the glass. I still think this is the best way to go when quality is what matters most, but they’re not very convenient when you have a lot of pages to scan, and manually flipping pages to scan both sides is just a pain.
Buying a dedicated scanner seemed like overkill, so when small, portable scanners began to appear, I was intrigued. I picked up an ultra portable model, and that’s great for when I need to carry a scanner with me in my computer bag, but again it fell short whenever I had to scan lengthy documents. Feeding the pages one by one would take forever for a long document.
Enter the Canon R10. This is an update of an earlier model, but it’s my first experience with a Canon scanner that wasn’t part of a printer. I didn’t have super high hopes, but I did hope it would be better than a single-sheet scanner.
Out of the box, the R10 looks nice and feels solid. It’s a glossy white plastic and is very compact. It is powered by the USB port on your computer, so there’s not a separate power brick, which is a good thing, especially if you’re taking the scanner on the road with you.
Setup is simple, and the first thing I noticed was that I didn’t have to install any software or drivers. I love this! The software is in a protected memory area in the scanner itself, so it’s always ready to go no matter which computer it’s plugged into. As much as I love this, I do recognize that I’ll be out of luck if there is ever a Windows update that obsoletes the scanner software. For now, though, it’s great.
To turn on the scanner, simply open and unfold the cover. Doing this creates a document holder that is complete with paper guides—very nice! Here’s where I did find one glitch, but it’s a fairly minor one. Canon says that the software “launcher” should automatically open when you power on the scanner. I have two computers, one with a USB-A port and one that only has USB-C ports. On the one without a USB-A port, I had to use a powered hub. The scanner powered up, but the software did not start. Canon recommends connecting directly via USB-A, but that wasn’t an option for me, so I decided to go hunting for the software. Fortunately it wasn’t difficult to find the folder. It shows up as an external drive in Windows, so I just started the software myself. On my second computer, I thought things might go more smoothly since I have a USB-A port on that one, and Canon indicated that the launcher should work when connected directly. On that one, I could plug into the USB-A port directly, but the software launcher didn’t start automatically there, either. Canon seems to be relying on Windows to identify a removable drive and utilize the auto-play settings. Since I have auto-play turned off, this didn’t work for me. It would have been nice for Canon to explain this, but it wasn’t hard to figure out.
The software itself is a little basic, but does a good job of managing your scans and allowing control over a wide range of settings. You can essentially define profiles for often-scanned file types, and this is nice, although not immediately obvious. You can make choices for color or black & white, dot pitch density, and a host of other options. Nice touches include the ability to correct a skewed document and straighten it out, as well as duplex scanning. I must say I was pretty impressed with the duplex option. The scanner simply scans both sides of the document at once. This was a breath of fresh air to someone used to manual duplex options that are slow and clunky. Once you’ve previewed the scan, click finish to save it in your designated folder with the name you gave it.
Loading and scanning a document is pretty easy and worked well for the different documents that I’ve tried so far. Another thing I love is that it can handle up to a 20-page document automatically! For me, this brings office-level scanning to the home office, and is worth the price of admission. I haven’t tried to do anything too complex, but it easily handled a multi-page duplex document with color. You can save the final scan to several different file formats, including pdf. Scanning speed is very respectable at lower resolutions, but slows down the higher you go. There is a dedicated card scanning slot, and this is great for scanning hard plastic cards such as drivers licenses, and it automatically scans the front and back. You can also use this for business cards, but it will jam if the card is too flimsy. Just something to keep in mind.
Overall, I am thrilled with the R10 scanner. It has handled everything I’ve thrown at it, and it will replace my previous portable scanner. I’m a big fan of the scanner apps that you can use on your phone, but for scanning a multi-page duplex document, this scanner beats that option hands down. For the occasional one page document your phone will work just fine, but if you scan a lot of documents, this is a great option that won’t break the bank nor will it take up a lot of space. You can’t connect it to your phone or tablet, so you’ll need a computer to use it, and it doesn’t save to SD cards. It would be great if it could do that and allow you to scan without any sort of computer, but that isn’t supported by the R10. That’s not surprising at this price point, so I don’t mind. Although it may lack a few bells and whistles found on competing scanners, the R10 comes at a better price, smaller size and lighter weight than many of those competitors. I think it’s a winner!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Connecting virtually with friends and co-workers gets a major upgrade with the monitor’s built-in camera, noise-cancelling microphones and dual 5W speakers. You’ll enjoy amazing video clarity and crystal-clear sound. Versatile USB-C connectivity delivers video, audio and data, and charges your laptop. Plus, with just one cord, you'll have a clutter-free desk space. A super clear 5MP IR pop-up camera features facial recognition through Windows Hello for convenient, instant sign-on to Windows. The best part? The camera stays hidden until you're ready for video chatting or selfies. A height-adjustable stand and a monitor that tilts, swivels and pivots so you look your best and feel your best for all-day conferencing.
Customer Rating
4
Great all-around work from home package
on October 26, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
Like many others, I’ve been working from home since the start of last year’s pandemic. As time has gone on, I’ve been improving my work from home setup. Some of the items that I’ve added in the last 18 months include external speakers, an external web cam, and a USB speaker phone device. While all of these have worked very well, my desktop just keeps getting more and more cluttered by USB cables.
The Dell S2422HZ monitor aims to provide a solution to this problem, bundling a pair of 5W speakers, microphone and webcam with a high-quality monitor. In addition, it connects to the computer via USB-C cable that also provides power, which means that you can also put away the charging cable for your computer, clearing up even more space. This is one of the best features of this monitor, as it cleans up the working space around it to be used for things other than cable storage.
First things first, it’s a monitor, so how does it look? This is a full HD monitor, so it tops out at 1920 x 1080. Given everything else this monitor does for the price, and the fact that it’s a 24-inch monitor, that’s not unexpected, but I would have preferred at least 2K resolution. Nonetheless, it is a very nice-looking monitor, with a very crisp presentation. The color saturation is also good, and when placed side by side with my other 24-inch FHD monitor, the Dell is slightly sharper with richer colors. The 75 Hz refresh rate makes movements a bit smoother as well. I’m pleased with the way it looks.
The built-in web cam is good, but not great. It’s a 5 megapixel camera, and it produces decent images, but it’s just a little grainy. I think Dell could have done better here, especially given that this is one of the selling points for this monitor at a time when everyone is relying on their web cam. It’s better than a lot of 720p cams I’ve seen, so I’m really not complaining. One nice thing is that it also includes an IR camera so that it can work with the facial recognition feature of Windows Hello. Unfortunately, I could never get this to work with my Surface Book 3. Windows attempted to set it up, but it never could complete the setup, so I wasn’t able to fully test this feature. Updating the driver from Dell’s website didn’t help with this either. The camera is recessed into the housing of the monitor, so there’s no way for it to see you until you push it to pop it up. It can be on inside the housing, but viewers will only see blackness. It does have a nice wide field of view, which makes it easy to fit into the frame.
The microphone seems to work very well. At no time did anyone in my meetings have any trouble hearing me, so I think Dell has done a good job here. The dual speakers are also very good. You won’t be blasting anyone out of the room, but they get plenty loud, much better than the typical speakers built into most laptops. It’s great to get such high-quality sound without having to sacrifice any desktop space to get it.
The monitor comes with a full selection of ports on the back:
• 1 HDMI Port
• 1 Displayport
• 1 USB-C Port
• Audio Jack
• 2 SS USB-A ports (one of these is hidden sneakily in the left speaker grill)
• 1 HDMI Port
• 1 Displayport
• 1 USB-C Port
• Audio Jack
• 2 SS USB-A ports (one of these is hidden sneakily in the left speaker grill)
My only complaint here is that Dell chose to make all the ports be such that you have to plug into them by pushing the connector up into the port instead of horizontally into the back. This is good if you’re putting this monitor in a tight space, but it does make it harder to just plug right into the port, since it’s not visible when looking down on the back of the monitor.
The monitor comes with an excellent stand. This thing is a beast! It’s not just a cheap plastic base and stand. The base is plastic over metal, and the vertical piece snaps nicely into the back of the monitor and screws into the base without tools. The stand can easily be disconnected if you’d prefer to mount it on the wall or use a VESA monitor arm. This is nicely done and is well thought-out. Speaking of the stand, it supports variable height adjustments and swivels, even allowing you to turn it completely to portrait mode if you want to review a long document. This is a nice surprise and makes the monitor even more versatile!
Dell has really produced a full-featured device for the work from home crowd. It provides all the functionality you need to work from home in a single-cable setup, providing a clutter-free workspace. Boasting a great-looking video panel, noise-cancelling microphones, powerful speakers, and pop-up webcam, this monitor has it all in an attractive, small bezel package. At first I wasn’t sure I would like it, but I love what it’s done for my working space!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Change how you work from home with the personalized audio of the SRS-NB10 Wireless Neckband Speaker. Simply place the speaker on your shoulders for sound that is optimized for your ears alone.
Customer Rating
4
A better way to do conference calls
on September 23, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
I’m always on the lookout for the next big thing in wearable audio tech. I’ve tried all kinds of wireless earbuds and headphones, including bone conduction. Each of them have their own pros and cons, and each has situations in which it shines. When I saw the Sony neckband speaker, I was intrigued, thinking this could be another option for listening to music or podcasts without having anything in my ears or on my head. It does work in those situations, but that’s not how Sony is positioning it, and that’s very important.
The NB10 is an odd-looking device that goes around your neck and sits next to your collarbone. Speakers on each side are angled toward your ears, with a passive radiator for providing lower notes, and this is pointed down into your shoulder. Sony claims that the speakers can allow the wearer to hear the audio without disturbing those around you. This is rather funny, as that could only be true if you keep the volume so low that you can barely hear it. The fact is that these are speakers pumping sound into the air, and anyone sharing that air is going to be able to hear it. Nonetheless, this does not decrease the utility and value of the NB10. The sound put out by the speakers is clear and balanced. It lacks a little on the bass side, but overall sounds quite pleasant. The unit is lightweight and so comfortable that you’ll forget you’re wearing it. In fact, I did forget I was wearing it when I had it on for a couple of hours! If you get tired of earbuds that hurt if you wear them too long, or don’t want headphones squeezing your head, the NB10 provides another option, as long as you don’t need the sound to be completely private.
Sony markets the NB10 for those working at home. When I first started using the NB10, I was focusing on whether it could a be good replacement for a normal pair of earbuds, but when I actually started treating them as an alternate way to participate in conference calls, that’s when I really started to appreciate their value. First off, having the speakers on my shoulders made a surprising difference in how much more clearly I was able to hear what was being said. I didn’t need to lean closer to my laptop’s speakers, trying to make out what a distant colleague was saying. This was a big improvement all by itself.
The NB10 brings an even bigger advantage that I didn’t think about before. During conference calls, it makes sense that you’d want to stay in your seat for a video call, but there’s no need to stay seated for a voice-only conference call. If you walk away while using your laptop’s speakers, you may have to come running back when someone asks you a question. The NB10 allows you to stand up and walk around while on a call, which is also better for your body. Sony helpfully included a dedicated mute button on the unit so that you can easily unmute to reply to your meeting, while being across the room from your computer, and there’s even a repeating tone to remind you that you’re on mute, saving you from the classic “sorry, I was on mute”. Volume controls are easy to identify by touch, so all the controls you need for your call are right at your fingertips. With the NB10, you can be doing dishes at the sink while hearing every word of your meeting and still be able to respond quickly and easily. This is the true strength of the NB10.
Battery life is rated at 20 hours, and my experience so far seems to be in line with that. The unit recharges with a USB-C cable, and 10 minutes of charging will give you an hour’s usage in a pinch. It was nice that the unit came fully charged, allowing me to jump right in to using it. Pairing with my phone was easy, and I was also able to pair it with my laptop and switch back and forth easily. It would have been better if I didn’t have to re-select the NB10 on each device before using it, but it’s better than having to pair it again.
So, where does the NB10 fit amongst so many other wireless audio options? It’s not going to be an alternative to wireless earbuds, since it doesn’t provide a truly private experience. It’s great that you can hear your audio while still being aware of your surroundings, but bone conduction headphones do that as well, while still keeping your listening choices private. The true competitor to the NB10 would be the speakerphone devices that have begun to be available. I think those are great too, but the ability to be free to move around is just too big an advantage to ignore. The slight price difference between the NB10 and dedicated speakerphone devices is easy to justify for the additional flexibility and versatility it provides. The NB10 offers a great at-home speakerphone for work, but it’s also a capable performer that can be used to play background music all day long without ever becoming uncomfortable. Now that I’ve used it a little while, I’m convinced it’s a great addition to the field of wireless audio devices.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Elevate your entertainment experience with these dark gray Jabra Elite 3 true wireless earbuds. The waterproof design withstands light splashes, while the secure fit offers lasting comfort for all-day use. These Jabra Elite 3 true wireless earbuds charge fast to save time and feature Bluetooth technology to promote hands-free use.
Customer Rating
4
Excellent earbuds that won't break the bank
on September 8, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
Jabra makes my favorite earbuds so far, the Elite 85T, and while I love them, I also recognize that a price tag north of $200 doesn’t exactly put them in the budget category. Jabra has addressed this with the new Elite 3 earbuds. These don’t offer active noise cancellation and have less customization available in the app, but they are a very solid offering, and for some people, may be all they need.
Speaking of noise cancellation, Jabra markets their “passive” noise cancellation, which is just what you get when you stick something in your ears. Getting a good seal does block out a good deal of noise, but there’s no comparison to ANC, so if that’s what you need, these won’t do the trick. I compared these to my 85Ts while mowing the yard, and there’s just no substitute for ANC. Surprisingly, I was able to hear my podcast over the engine of the mower, so it actually does a pretty good job, but it wasn’t nearly as enjoyable as having ANC. At this price point, that’s not really a criticism, as the Elite 3 earbuds are good in so many ways.
Setting up the Elite 3 is easy, just like most wireless earbuds these days. Since I already have the 85Ts, I just needed to update my Jabra Sound+ app to recognize the new Elite 3 earbuds. I had hoped that most of my settings would just carry over to the new buds, but that is not the case. Obviously, ANC settings do not apply, but I really wanted to use my custom EQ settings. Unfortunately, we’ll just have to make do with a few presets. The good news is that the Elite 3 earbuds sound very good.
Jabra introduced an oval ear gel shape with the 85T and I really liked it. The Elite 3 goes back to a more traditional round shape, but that’s partly because there is no active noise cancellation, so you have to rely on passive noise reduction, which is achieved by a good seal in the ear canal. These buds are quite comfortable, and I was able to use the tips right out of the box. These are quite a bit smaller than previous offerings (probably because they don’t have ANC), and that means they don’t stick out of your ears as much. This is a good thing, and helps to keep them in place. I never felt like they were ever in any danger of falling out. They’re smaller and lighter than most others, and that is a very welcome change. Jabra continues to go with physical buttons, and these are better than ever. They’re easier to push than those on the 85T, and I like them much better than touch controls, which just end up being frustrating and annoying.
The Jabra Elite 3 focuses on no-frills sound, and they’ve done a great job with that. In my experience, true wireless earbuds less than $80 tend to have a muddy sound signature. Not bad, just not clean. The Jabra Elite 3 has as very clean and clear sound that is a little bright, which I personally prefer. Together with their bass boost preset, this provides a very good-sounding set of earbuds.
Just like in previous models, Jabra included their “hear through feature, which uses microphones to let you hear the sounds around you. I like Jabra’s implementation of this technology, as it provides you with awareness of your surroundings without being annoying. I’m disappointed that more options aren’t available in the app, but maybe those will be added later. Currently, you can set the behavior of the buttons, turn on/off the “hear through” feature, and choose an EQ preset.
Calls sound surprisingly good, even at this low of a price point. In a direct comparison with my 85Ts, I couldn’t discern a difference. With an IP55 moisture rating (up from the IPX4 rating of the 85T), you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain when you’re out for a walk. Together with the lower price, I felt less concerned about running into inclement weather.
Perhaps it’s a cost-cutting measure, but the Elite 3 does not include the AAC codec that is used by Apple. Unlike the 85T, which has AAC, these feature AptX, which should make them sound even better on an Android phone. Even without AAC, these sounded really good with my iPhone, but I wish they had support for AAC.
If you’re looking for a solid pair of earbuds that won’t break the bank but still deliver excellent performance, do yourself a favor and check these out. In some of my other reviews, I’ve lauded JLab for the myriad of features they pack into their low-cost buds. That is true, but for pure sound quality, the Jabra Elite 3 can’t be beat at this price.
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Linksys Atlas Pro 6 with Velop Intelligent Mesh is a dual-band router that delivers next-level streaming and gaming to more than 30 devices per node. Access to 160 MHz unleashes the true power of Wi-Fi 6 technology—these are the least congested channels available on the 5GHz band and offer incredibly fast connectivity. Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) provides access to more channels, reducing interference from neighboring networks. Velop Intelligent Mesh technology offers whole home coverage that’s easily expandable by adding additional nodes. With easy setup, advanced security and parental controls, Linksys Atlas Pro 6 is an essential upgrade to any home.
Customer Rating
4
Very powerful mesh router
on August 26, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
I’ve been a big fan of Linksys’ Velop mesh internet routers, and I’ve been using one of the earlier versions since it came out 3 years ago. Since then, Wi-Fi 6 has come on the scene, and since I have a newer laptop featuring Wi-Fi 6, I decided it was time for an upgrade.
The Atlas Pro 3 pack includes 3 white mini tower style nodes. This is in contrast with my previous setup, which had a main node and 2 plug-in “wall wart” range extenders. What you’re essentially getting here are 3 routers, each one of which is capable of functioning as the main node that is connected to the modem. Each node features its own 1 GHz processor and a little less than a GB of RAM. Linksys utilizes a new 160 MHz band to allow the nodes to communicate with each other at top speed.
The Atlas Pro 3 pack includes 3 white mini tower style nodes. This is in contrast with my previous setup, which had a main node and 2 plug-in “wall wart” range extenders. What you’re essentially getting here are 3 routers, each one of which is capable of functioning as the main node that is connected to the modem. Each node features its own 1 GHz processor and a little less than a GB of RAM. Linksys utilizes a new 160 MHz band to allow the nodes to communicate with each other at top speed.
The Atlas Pro is not cheap, retailing for $599, but it’s half the price of the Atlas Max. I’m not sure what the Max offers over the Pro, but even $600 for a router is something you’ll want to think about. My earlier comment about the 3 pack being 3 routers might help you justify the price. A good router can easily run $200, and you’re getting 3 of them that communicate with each other to provide incredibly fast Wi-Fi. I realize that’s not exactly the best argument, but if it works for you, you’re welcome.
Inside the box you get the nodes, power supplies for each node, and an ethernet cable to connect to your modem. A “quick start” card tells you to get the Linksys app, and that’s it. Since I already have the app for controlling my existing setup, this didn’t bother me, but I was a little surprised at such scant documentation to welcome me to the Velop family. I was hoping to get some direction on what to do as an existing customer, but that was nonexistent. So, I decided to treat it as if I was coming in for the first time, and I unplugged my existing setup and started from scratch.
Step one of the setup process is to connect to your modem and the internet. Here’s where I got a little frustrated. Multiple attempts to connect to the internet failed, and even restarting the modem didn’t help. I gave up and decided to call support, but was put on hold because of high call volumes. While I waited, the Velop was finally able to find the internet and setup asked me to sign into my account (or create one if I didn’t have one). I entered my account credentials and was told that my account had been locked and I needed to reset my password. This was annoying, but at least it got the process moving again. From this point on, things went pretty smoothly, and I was able to successfully add each node in succession.
All of my devices were able to connect successfully, and every looks good so far. One thing I noticed immediately was that the strength of my signal is improved throughout the house. My old setup did a fine job, but its signal did not reach as far as the Atlas Pro does. Now I’m getting strong signals at the farthest point from the router (which isn’t that far), and the speed is excellent. My laptop is fairly new and supports Wi-Fi 6, so I logged on to Steam to download a game. I chose a game that required a 5.8 GB download. My previous setup would do this in 10-15 minutes (I don’t have the fastest internet package), but with the Atlas Pro I was able to download everything in a little more than 5 minutes! This is truly a case of the router allowing me to get what I’m paying for.
In today’s internet-centric world with so many devices relying on an internet connection, it’s not unusual to have some that need not a wireless connection, but a wired one. I use a VOIP phone setup, and I also have security cameras that connect to a unit that needs an ethernet connection to the modem. Because of that, I’ve been using a standalone ethernet switch to give me enough connections. The new Atlas Pro comes with 4 ethernet connections on each node! One of these is for the connection to the modem, but that still left me with an additional 3 connections, so I was able to put my switch in the drawer for now. This is a nice touch! Even the satellite nodes have these ethernet ports, but without a direct modem connection, that’s only for convenience, not additional speed.
Streaming video and downloading huge files both feel more solid than on the old system. My security cameras no longer struggle to get a strong signal. If reliability turns out to be solid, then this system is a winner. With all 3 nodes installed, the system is rated for over 90 concurrent devices. While I’m nowhere near that and won’t likely ever be, it’s nice to know that device conflicts won’t bring my Wi-Fi to its knees. With the ability to cover 8100 square feet, this system is more than I need, but it’s worth it to me to know that I have power to spare. My older Velop system was still holding its own against more recent models after 3 years, and I think that shows what a good product the Velop line really is. The new Atlas Pro seems to be picking up where the older model left off. I’m very pleased with this system so far and feeling good about being able to take advantage of the internet speed that I’m paying for. If you’re considering this mesh router, I would also suggest you take a look at the less expensive version that Linksys offers for $499. It’s top-rated speed is less, and it doesn’t reach as far, but if your home isn’t big enough to need the reach of the Atlas Pro, you may be able to get an equally competent system and save some money as well.
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The Shark Steam & Scrub scrubbing and sanitizing* steam mop gently scrubs and sanitizes* all at once. The combination of steam and rotating pads delivers up to 2x better stuck-on stain removal vs. traditional steam mops** on sealed hard floors. This deeper cleaning removes dust, residue, grease, and bacteria while providing chemical-free sanitization*.
Customer Rating
4
Simple and easy way to mop and sanitize floors
on August 5, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
I’ve long been a fan of steam mops to allow me to quickly clean my floors without having to get out a bucket, fill it with water and cleaner, and wring out the mop every few minutes. I previously had a Shark steam mop that I loved, but it didn’t last too long, so I was glad to see the newer version from Shark.
The main difference here is the scrubbing feature. Two “soft scrub” circular pads attach easily to the mop and spin to help dislodge and pick up dirt from the floor. The mop features 3 levels of cleaning: light, normal and deep. Normal and deep modes increase both the amount of steam used as well as the speed of the spinning pads. Shark promotes the Steam & Scrub as a mop that will be hard on dirt but easy on your floor. After using the mop on my floors, I agree that it’s not going to damage hardwood or other sealed hard surfaces. It gently lifts dirt with the pads, while the steam loosens the dirt up and kills germs on the surface of the floor.
Filling the unit is easy, and the clear tank allows you to see how much water you’re putting in. That’s all you need to get started—no cleaners or chemicals are necessary, as you’re cleaning and sanitizing with the power of steam. Press the mode button to turn the unit on at the light setting, then press again if you want one of the other modes. You need to hold the base of the unit lightly with your foot while pulling back on the handle to start the rotation of the pads. Now you just move it back and forth over your floor, then return the handle to the upright position to stop the pads when you’re done.
The Steam & Scrub Mop is an uncomplicated unit that makes it easy to keep your floors clean. Given my previous experience with older model Shark mops, I do have some concern about longevity, but hopefully that is a thing of the past. Shark includes two sets of scrubbing pads, which is nice because it allows you to have a clean set while the other set is in the wash.
I wanted a simple, easy to use mop for doing a quick cleaning, and the Steam & Scrub Mop from Shark fits the bill. I think it seems pretty well built, but only time will tell if it’s built for the long haul. If it can continue as well as it started, I’ll be a happy mopper!
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eufy Security Floodlight Cam 2 Pro provides 360° pan and tilt camera coverage in 2K HD resolution. It boasts smart lighting, real time communication via 2-way audio, all with zero monthly fees. You don't even need a eufy Security HomeBase. This eufy Security Floodlight Cam 2 Pro is compatible with most smart devices and can be easily controlled through the eufy Security App. The floodlight can be installed either on the wall or on the ceiling. (Existing outdoor wiring and weatherproof junction box required.)
Customer Rating
4
Light your way and see everything
on July 29, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
The eufy Floodlight Cam Pro brings new capabilities to the floodlight security camera segment. I already have 3 other eufy cameras in use, so I was excited to add a Floodlight Cam to the mix as well. I’m replacing a Swann floodlight camera that provided great light, but spotty coverage in the app. My hope is that the eufy Floodlight Cam will provide better performance for me.
Let’s start with installation. Anker (maker of the eufy brand) clearly put a lot of thought into the process, and it shows. Included in the box is a small USB cable. The purpose for this cable is to temporarily provide power while you’re still in the house so that you can get the Wifi setup taken care of before you’re up on the ladder. That’s important, because this is no small unit (more on that in a bit). This step is nice, because you can get all the connection issues worked out while sitting comfortably at your kitchen table.
Once connected, you’re ready for the app. As I mentioned, I already have an existing eufy system, so it’s important to be able to easily add more devices. I wasn’t disappointed, as Anker includes a QR code to scan that adds your new camera to your existing network. Again, another thoughtful inclusion that makes the process easy. Once you’re set up in the app, you’re ready to head outside.
This is no small, lightweight unit. Because it features a 360 degree camera, it requires a much bulkier housing to accommodate the hardware. This has a big impact on where you can mount it, so you’ll want to pay attention to this part. My location is on the side wall of my house, about 20 feet off the ground. The eufy Floodlight Cam can be mounted vertically (like I did), or on the underside of the eaves of your roof.
Anker thoughtfully included a strap with an integrated hook to help with installation. It turns out that this is a crucial inclusion, and without it, it would be incredibly difficult to install the floodlight. That’s because you would have to hold the floodlight in one hand while doing everything else (wiring, tightening screws, etc) with the other hand. Given the bulk and weight of the unit, this is pretty tough. The installation video makes it look simple, and it is, but as with many things your mileage may vary. In my case, the mounting bracket covered the small hole through which the wires protrude and through which I needed to push the wires back behind. That meant that the strap and hook couldn’t really help me because I had to leave the bracket off until just before I was ready to finalize the installation. To get around this, I had to drop a rope down from an attic window above to hold the unit while I took care of the wires. Hopefully your situation will be easier, but a smaller, lighter weight unit would have made things much easier.
Once installed, you can start exploring all the options. The app provides tons of option. Here are some of the things you can control:
• Brightness and color temperature of the floodlights
• Resolution of the recorded video
• AI tracking of motion subjects
• Ability to have lights turn on at dusk and off at dawn
• Full pan and tilt control of the camera (nice when you want to see what’s going on outside)
• Motion-detection settings (human only, activity zones, range, sensitivity, etc)
• Brightness and color temperature of the floodlights
• Resolution of the recorded video
• AI tracking of motion subjects
• Ability to have lights turn on at dusk and off at dawn
• Full pan and tilt control of the camera (nice when you want to see what’s going on outside)
• Motion-detection settings (human only, activity zones, range, sensitivity, etc)
The app is very well-done and provides a lot of control. My biggest challenge has been finding the right settings for motion detection. Sometimes it will pick up a car going into a neighbor’s driveway, and other times it doesn’t pick up movement directly in front of the unit. This happens whether I use human-only or all-motion settings, and even if I set a limited activity zone. I will need to continue to tweak these settings, but so far it’s been difficult to get it working in way that doesn’t fill my card with false positives nor does it miss true motion. Recently, my eufy camera on my front porch seems to be missing motion right in front of it as well. Hopefully this isn’t a bad omen.
eufy touts the ability to record 2K video. In my experience so far, the videos are a little choppy, so going back to HD video helps with this. That may be a problem for some, but I don’t really have a need for high resolution clips, and full HD clips take up less space anyway.
Having the ability to move the camera to see everything is really nice, and the myriad of settings provides a level of control not available with other systems. At only $50 more than comparable floodlight cams, you get significantly more and better features. Now that I’ve been using it for a while, I’m torn about my opinion of it. I love the 360 degree camera, and the performance of the lighting itself is very good, with the flexibility to position the light panels in the way that works best for your situation. My struggles with the motion detection will hopefully be resolved as I continue to try different combinations of settings. The good thing there is that the app provides the flexibility to do so, and the eufy app is a strong reason to buy in to their ecosystem. Another reason is that my video clips are not stored in the cloud, and there are no monthly fees. That alone is reason enough to go with eufy as opposed to their competitors. So, while I might have chosen a 3.5 star rating if possible, I will round up to 4 stars for this review. Maybe as I continue to use it I’ll gain confidence in its abilities.
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Logitech Wireless Mouse M185. A simple, reliable mouse with plug-and-play wireless. You get the reliability of a cord with wireless convenience and freedom—fast data transmission and virtually no delays or dropouts. You’ll enjoy the high quality and reliability that have made Logitech the global leader for mice—plus a three-year limited hardware warranty. The tiny nano receiver works right away without software and is small enough to leave in your USB port so you won’t lose it. And on top of that, this comfy, contoured mouse treats your hand right.
Will this mouse work with a Lenovo Think Pad?
It should work, either using the Logi Bolt receiver that is included, or via Bluetooth.
2 years, 3 months ago
by
BobinVA
Free your travel with the LG TONE Free FP9. Connect to in-flight entertainment systems even without Bluetooth capabilities. Get peace of mind with a UVnano charging case that kills 99% of bacteria on the speaker mesh¹ and medical grade ear gels.² Plus, get better clarity for calls on the go.
How do I connect using the wire? I tried it on my computer using the manufacturer provided connection and it did not work. What do I do?
Make sure you move the switch on the charging case that enables wired mode to work. You may not have noticed that switch. Good luck!
2 years, 3 months ago
by
BobinVA
Serious protection. Subtle styling. Built sustainably. WĀKE for Apple iPad (7th generation, 8th generation, and 9th generation) is a sea-change in case construction, using mostly ocean-based recycled plastic without sacrificing performance. Molded with a mellow wave pattern, the look is contemporary to the core. And after purchase, you get to donate a dollar to one of LifeProof’s water-conscious nonprofit partners — for free.
Does the screen protector come with the case?
Bring out your creativity to share your life stories. Adobe Sensei AI technology* and automated options do the heavy lifting so you can instantly turn photos into art, warp photos to fit any shape, and more. Add moving overlays or 3D camera motion to take your photos to a whole new level, and save them as MP4s for easy sharing on social. Grow your skills with 60 Guided Edits that step you through how to create perfect pet pics; extend, remove, or replace photo backgrounds; and more. Effortlessly organize your photos, and craft personalized creations like dynamic photo and video slideshows with all-new styles and inspirational quote graphics. Transform your favorite photos into gallery-quality wall art, beautiful prints, and unique keepsakes with the built-in prints and gifts service. †And enjoy an updated look that makes the software even easier to use and navigate. *Adobe Sensei is the technology that powers intelligent features across all Adobe products to dramatically improve the design and delivery of digital experiences, using artificial intelligence and machine learning in a common framework.†FUJIFILM Prints & Gifts service is available in the U.S. only.
Gee - I don't want to pay monthly. So is it a lifetime license where you never have to pay again?
Yes, this is a perpetual license. Unless you can get enough value out of a subscription, it's not worth it. Since I don't edit photos enough to pay for a subscription, this is perfect for me.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
BobinVA
eufy Security Floodlight Cam 2 Pro provides 360° pan and tilt camera coverage in 2K HD resolution. It boasts smart lighting, real time communication via 2-way audio, all with zero monthly fees. You don't even need a eufy Security HomeBase. This eufy Security Floodlight Cam 2 Pro is compatible with most smart devices and can be easily controlled through the eufy Security App. The floodlight can be installed either on the wall or on the ceiling. (Existing outdoor wiring and weatherproof junction box required.)
Can you turn on the light with an external switch?
No, the light switch needs to stay on at all times so that the unit has power, but you can manually control the light through the app.
2 years, 9 months ago
by
BobinVA
Inspired by athletes, designed for everyone. The AfterShokz OpenMove Open-Ear Lifestyle Headphones in Slate grey were created with versatility in mind. OpenMove by AfterShokz brings you bone conduction technology with a lightweight, titanium fit taht ensures all-day wear.
I’m cyclist and occasionally get caught in rain, can it survive?
Yes they can survive a downpour, just don't submerge them.
3 years, 3 months ago
by
BobinVA
Wirelessly display content from a phone, tablet, or laptop onto a bigger screen with the ScreenCast Wireless Display Adapter. With its support of multiple wireless display standards (Miracast, AirPlay, and Chromecast), this wireless display adapter is compatible with devices and TVs you already own, including Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Android operating systems. Perfect for home, travel, office, and more. The ScreenCast works with a wide variety of apps. Just connect and share!
Can this be used to stream Netflix/Amazon from MacBook Pro to Samsun smart tv?
Yes, it should work with any device that can join the wifi network created by the device. Keep in mind that not all video content is supported for screen casting.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
BobinVA
Meet the Logitech Pebble i345. It takes your iPad to higher places with a level of precision and control you can’t get with a tablet alone. Use it to click, scroll, and control your workflow like never before. It’s small, portable, and comfortable—so you can keep exploring, wherever you go.
I would just like to ask if I can use this mouse for an ipad air with an ios of 12.4?
It's just a bluetooth mouse, so I believe it will work on any device that supports bluetooth connectivity.
3 years, 11 months ago
by
BobinVA
GE Appliances is dedicated to providing the right solutions for rooms of any size. Our window air conditioners are designed to offer exceptional comfort while remaining quiet, and our latest connected technology makes these products versatile and easy to use.This 8,000 BTU smart window air conditioner cools medium rooms up to 350 square feet. Energy efficient cooling with 3 cooling and 3 fan speeds provide flexible and optimal home comfort. Integration with the SmartHQ app allows you to monitor, schedule, and control your connected air conditioner from anywhere, or use the electronic controls with included remote to easily to adjust and manage your settings. This AC installs easily in a double hung window with included EZ Mount window kit and fixed chassis. Additional features like eco mode, power interruption restart, 24-hour on/off timer, and removable filter offer ease of use and maintenance.
Does this ait conditioner work with alexa?
Obtain high-quality color prints with this Canon PIXMA wireless inkjet all-in-one printer. The 4.3-inch LCD touch-screen panel simplifies operation, while dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity and voice-activated printing provide enhanced efficiency and support a smooth workflow. This Canon PIXMA wireless inkjet all-in-one printer utilizes a six-ink system with a photo blue ink tank for brilliant results.Prints up to 15 ISO ipm* in black, up to 10 ipm* in color