BobinVA's stats
- Review count126
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- First reviewDecember 19, 2014
- Last reviewMarch 25, 2024
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- Average rating4
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- Answer count28
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- First answerAugust 12, 2016
- Last answerJanuary 22, 2022
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Featuring SurroundSense and ANC, Vista 2 allows athletes to amplify ambient sounds for safety or stay focused with Active Noise Cancellation. Along with Jaybird signature fit, function, and Earthproof durability, Vista 2 creates the ultimate true wireless audio experience.
Customer Rating
4
Great sound in rugged package
on June 28, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
Jaybird has updated their successful Vista true wireless earbuds, this time adding active noise cancellation and going all in on making them tough enough to stand up to any workout. As a fan of their X4 earbuds, I have been anxious to get my hands on the Vistas for some time, and I finally did.
One of the things that I typically do not like about earbuds designed for sports is the mechanism used to keep them in your ears. An over-ear hook does do the job, but the earbud itself inevitably feels like it will not stay far enough into your ear canal. The “fins” or rubber hooks that many manufacturers use for the inside of the ear itself are often difficult to position properly, and constantly feel like they are falling out. That is why I was incredibly surprised at the way this is handled by the Vista 2. I did not have the previous model, so if this is old news, forgive me. The ear gels for the Vista 2 are integrated with a fin on top, and this is the first such fin design that I think really works. The Vista 2 earbuds are easy to insert into the ear, and the fin can simply be rotated into place. It is easy to get the right fit and you’re on your way!
The Vista 2s come with 3 sets of ear gels. Size 2 is already installed from the factory. For a while, I thought these were the right ones for me since I generally use medium gels with most other manufacturers. However, I noticed that they sealed up my ear canal too well, so I wanted to try the smaller size. Jaybird offers two other sizes, one smaller and one larger than what is already installed. Interestingly, the smaller size does not include the fins. I do not necessarily mind going without the fins, and they still stayed in my ears no matter what, but I think it would have been good to have the choice. I did experience one unfortunate incident when I changed out the gels. The instructions show that you are supposed to grip right behind the fin and pull it off. When I did that, I tore the ear gel, so I was pretty disappointed by that. Hopefully, I can be satisfied with the smaller size gels, as the only way to replace my torn gel is to buy all 3 sizes again for $20.
Sorry for spending so much time on the gels, but fit is extremely important. I’m happy to report that the Vista 2 earbuds are very comfortable, with or without the fins. If they’re not comfortable, you won’t wear them, it’s that simple. These are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods with no issue.
The next important characteristic is sound quality. In my opinion, Jaybird’s sound quality is excellent, and the Vista 2 continues that tradition. The Jaybird app allows you to set a custom EQ and save it to the buds. This is important because, while you can use the buds without the app, having the ability to shape the sound no matter what you are listening to is a great feature. The sound produced by the 6mm drivers is full and rich, with crisp highs and solid lows that are not at all muddy. I found it very easy to get just the sound signature I was looking for. These are among the best I’ve heard.
Connectivity is where a lot of earbuds stumble. Jaybird connects to each bud separately, providing a stronger connection and allowing for either bud to be used by itself. I did experience a few stutters, but nothing serious and not very often. Even when it happened, it would resolve itself quickly and didn’t continue.
Beyond basic listening, the Jaybird Vista 2s offer a number of great features. New to this model is active noise cancellation, as well as SurroundSense that lets you hear what is going on around you, for those times when shutting out the world isn’t safe. Both ANC and SurroundSense relay on microphones to make the magic happen. The ANC is quite good, but if there is any kind of breeze or wind, you are going to hear that to the detriment of all else. When using SurroundSense, the microphones amplify the wind even more. The buds are covered in a mesh that is supposed to cut down on wind noise. If so, I would hate to imagine the sound of the wind without those. Another review completely panned the Vista 2 because of this, but I do not think it is a deal-breaker. It is, however, disappointing to encounter this at the upper end of the price scale for this category. When you are in a windy environment, it is best to just turn off ANC altogether.
Each earbud features a physical button, as well as the ability to tap for certain functions. It is a great implementation and allows for a wide range of functions that you can invoke, either with a button or a tap. The buttons on mine were a little harder to press than I would have liked, and this resulted in my pressing them further into my ear than I wanted. As with most earbuds that include touch-sensitive controls, the tap functionality on the Vista 2s was a little temperamental.
Other features include the ability to stop your music when a bud is removed. This comes in handy when the person you are passing wants to chat. The Vista 2s are IPX rated 68, which is the highest you can get, so you don’t have to worry about sweat or even getting caught in a downpour. If you like to take your tunes while you get some rugged exercise, these buds will be able to keep up with you. One thing Jaybird thought of that is rare is that the case itself is also IPX rated so it can take a splash as well. This matters because the case is small enough to go with you in your pocket. That is becoming all too rare these days, but it means you might actually bring these along with you. Plus, the case can be charged by either USB-C or wirelessly, so Jaybird’s got you covered no matter what.
I am very impressed with the new Vista 2s, but I must say I’m disappointed in call quality. While my voice sounded just fine to the person on the other end, sound on my end wasn’t so good. It is hard to explain, but the sound quality of the call was kind of warbly and varied up and down. It was quite unpleasant, so I would have to say if calls are a big part of what you’re looking for, you may want to look elsewhere. I am hoping that a firmware update will correct this at some point.
The Vista 2 is a great addition to the true wireless earbud space. If great sound, comfortable fit and rugged toughness are what you are looking for, then look no further. If you are someone who will use these for phone calls a lot, you should try to use these in person and compare to some others before deciding. I love these, but I must take off a star for the call quality. If a future update fixes this, they will be 5 stars in my book.
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The AVerMedia AS311 is an easy-to-use conference speakerphone that transmits clear, easily audible sound for working from home. Its AI-powered technology allows for uninterrupted calls by reducing common background noise so no one will hear any dogs barking, babies crying, construction and traffic noise, and other distracting sound. Set up with simple USB plug and play.
Customer Rating
4
Didn't even know I needed this!
on June 25, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
For many of us, working from home has become the new normal, and conference calls via Zoom or Teams have replaced calls over a traditional phone or cell phone. Having a good speaker has suddenly become important, since listening to a long call over the tinny speakers in your laptop is not something you want to do every day.
I’ve been using a small Bluetooth speaker with my laptop, and it has worked pretty well, but when I saw the AverMedia speakerphone, I decided to give it a try. I was satisfied with my setup, which also included using the microphone in my webcam, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to try out the AverMedia speakerphone. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise!
The unit is well-built and features a thoughtfully angled design in a small-footprint box. Included is a USB-A to USB-C cable, and it should be plenty long for most setups. Nothing else is needed, and it doesn’t even require the installation of a driver. It is truly plug and play, and that is much appreciated. The top of the unit is dominated by the speaker grill, and next to it are 5 touch-sensitive buttons: volume +/-, mute, a hot key, and a button to turn AI noise cancellation on or off. The buttons are very responsive and work flawlessly, and the AI button lights up when in use. The one oddity is the hot-key button, which only works in Windows. The documentation calls it the “browser hot-key”, which means that touching it brings up another instance of your default browser. I’m not sure why this key was included, since I can’t think of a time when I’ve ever been on a call and needed a quick way to bring up another browser window. It would have been better if the key could have been user-assigned, but who knows, maybe this will come in handy.
The speaker itself sounds excellent. Sound is full and clear, and I had no issues with any kind of buzzing or sibilance that you might find in a lesser-quality speaker. While I was very impressed with the performance of the speaker, this is also the one area where I was less pleased: volume. For the most part, the speaker was loud enough to overcome most room noise, but even at 100% it’s not a terribly loud speaker. I’m not sure if this is a function of the power supplied by the USB port, but I do wish it were possible to turn it up louder.
One unexpected benefit was the mute button. I’m on many conference calls, but especially if it’s not a video call, I may not have the meeting window in the foreground. That means that inevitably someone will ask me a question and I’ll be fumbling around trying to unmute. With a dedicated mute button on the unit, I was easily able to mute and unmute without ever having to locate the meeting window. That certainly cuts down on the number of times I had to say “sorry, I was on mute”.
People on the other end of my calls had no trouble hearing me, even when there was some background noise on my end. I didn’t have enough noise to really be able to put the AI noise cancellation feature to work, but it seems to do its job.
The AverMedia speakerphone does its job and does it well. This is another one of those devices that I didn’t know I needed until I had it. It has already become a core part of my telecommuting toolkit!
Mobile Submission: False
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Why can’t laptops be more like phones? They can when you turn your work-life balance completely around with Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360. It’s a premium PC that quickly converts to a top-of-the-line tablet and is Intel® Evo™ platform certified. Precisely draw out plans and write down notes with our S Pen and Samsung Notes — both redesigned for the best experience possible. Then instantly flip to having fun, and get lost in your favorite movie and more, all with 120% color volume on an advanced AMOLED screen and the surround-sound technology of Dolby Atmos audio. Top it out with the power of the latest Intel® 11th Gen Core™ processor, up to 16GB of RAM and an entire TB of storage — all running on the fast and familiar Windows 11 OS — and you get all the space and speed you need. Plus, with Wi-Fi that’s up to 3x faster, you’ll discover a new era of mobile computing. It’s not a laptop. It’s a Galaxy Book.
Customer Rating
4
Unbelievably thin and light for a 15.6” laptop
on June 4, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
As a longtime user of 15.6” laptops, I had tired of the size and weight of them when traveling or even just carrying them around throughout the day. As a result, I made the decision a while back to switch to a 13” laptop, and I’ve been pretty happy with that decision. But when I saw that Samsung was coming out with the Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360, I decided to give the larger size another look. Wow am I glad I did!
Here’s the TL;DR if you’re short on time:
Here’s the TL;DR if you’re short on time:
Pros
• Thinner and lighter than any other 15.6” laptop
• Great battery life
• Beautiful AMOLED screen
• Good typing experience, with tactile feedback from the keyboard
• Excellent trackpad
• Fast performance and solid specs
• Good for moderate gaming, not just casual games
• Thinner and lighter than any other 15.6” laptop
• Great battery life
• Beautiful AMOLED screen
• Good typing experience, with tactile feedback from the keyboard
• Excellent trackpad
• Fast performance and solid specs
• Good for moderate gaming, not just casual games
Cons:
• While the screen is beautiful, it should have a higher resolution
• Speakers are anemic, and fire downward.
• No USB-A port, but with a laptop this thin, where would you put it?
• Web cam is terrible. In 2021, Samsung can do better than this
• While the screen is beautiful, it should have a higher resolution
• Speakers are anemic, and fire downward.
• No USB-A port, but with a laptop this thin, where would you put it?
• Web cam is terrible. In 2021, Samsung can do better than this
Compared to my 5-year-old HP Envy, the Pro 360 doesn’t even seem like it’s in the same category. At .47” thick and only a little more than 3 pounds, it makes the HP look massive. I get it that HP now has thin and light models of their own, but for me the valid comparison was to the one I have. The build quality of the Samsung is excellent. There is a slight level of flex near the heat vents in the back and in the middle of the keyboard, but in my opinion, it’s nothing excessive and shouldn’t be considered a negative. Similarly, there is a little bit of screen wobble, but with a screen this thin, that’s no surprise. Other reviewers make too big of a deal over this. As with other things I’ll mention below, there are some things that come with the territory of getting such a thin laptop. Did I mention that this thing is really thin?
After getting over how thin it is, the next thing I noticed was the gorgeous AMOLED screen that Samsung used on this laptop. I’ve never had an OLED screen in a laptop, so I was struck by the rich, deep blacks and vivid colors. It really is beautiful, but I agree with other reviewers that I wish it had a higher resolution. I don’t really want or need a 4K screen, and I wouldn’t want to give up battery life to get that, but it would make this laptop perfect if it had better resolution. Full HD is really a minimum these days, and while I do wish for more, this is still a very nice screen that is pleasant to view.
Starting up the Pro 360 is amazingly fast. I was skeptical of Intel’s Evo certification, but this is the real deal. Samsung opted for a fingerprint sensor instead of an IR camera for Windows Hello, and I think that may actually be preferrable. Waiting for Windows Hello to recognize me on other machines is pretty quick, but the fingerprint sensor is nearly instantaneous. From the time I open the lid it is only a few seconds before I’m ready to go—that is truly a game-changer!
Samsung promotes battery life of up to 20 hours. In my experience so far, battery life is exceptionally good, but 20 hours seems like just a marketing boast. I will keep monitoring my battery life, since a fair amount of my usage so far has been lots of download and setup, and that may perhaps use more power. That said, I’m getting something more like 8-10 hours on a charge, which is still very good and good enough to leave the charger behind when going to a working session away from my desk.
The keyboard and trackpad are absolutely critical to a good laptop experience, so I was nervous to see how the keyboard on the Pro 360 would fare. Key travel is 1mm, and some reviewers have criticized that. I also have a Google Pixelbook, which only has .8mm of key travel, and the Pro 360 feels vastly better than the Pixelbook, which got rave reviews for its typing experience. Samsung used scissor switches here, and the tactile feedback makes for quite a good typing experience. It’s not mushy at all, and it takes just a short time to get used to it. It’s also got 3 levels of backlighting, and it’s very well done. The trackpad is large and responsive, with satisfying clicks for both right and left clicks.
The Galaxy Book Pro 360 is a 2-in-1, which means the screen folds all the way around to allow you to use it as a tablet. I am a fan of my Surface Book 3, and the detachable tablet portion is king of the hill if you really want a tablet. Unfortunately, Microsoft hampered that experience by putting no ports on the tablet itself and giving it minimal battery life when in tablet mode. I’m not a fan of having to hold a tablet with my hand against the keyboard, but Samsung has given us a really good tablet experience with the Pro 360. The included S pen is bigger now, making it more comfortable to use. Microsoft makes you buy the Surface Pen separately. The inking experience is excellent, and it’s super easy to go from tablet to laptop and back again. Some have complained about not having a place to store the S pen, but I think that’s a good tradeoff for having a pen that actually feels like a pen. It does attach magnetically to the lid, so that’s nice, but you’ll probably want another solution for carrying it around.
So, how well does the Pro 360 perform? From the fast bootup, I was pleasantly surprised at how snappy everything is. I never felt like I had to wait for anything. The inclusion of WiFi 6 is a welcome addition, and the speed increase for downloads was noticeable. Although this may be coincidental, downloading and installing games from Steam was incredibly smooth and fast on the Pro 360, but stunted and slow on several other machines. As I said, this may just be coincidental, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
I’m not a gamer, but I do enjoy the occasional game of Civilization 6, Age of Wonders III, or Europa Universalis 4. These are not the graphically intensive games like Call of Duty, but they aren’t casual web games either, so they require a decent machine. The Pro 360 handled all of these with ease, but I haven’t yet played through to the end game to see how it’ll hold up. At this point, I’m very impressed and pleased with its performance. As to audio performance, the speakers are on the bottom of the deck and fire downward, so they sound better when placed on a table. It would have been better if they had been able to put them on the sides of the screens, but that would have been at the expense of the super thin bezels. One thing that made a huge difference was to open the Dolby Access app that is included and turn on Dolby Atmos. This makes the speakers sound 100% better, but even with Dolby turned on, they’re not capable of producing much sound at all. Unfortunately, the sound put out by this laptop is anemic, even on headphones, and even with Dolby turned on. If a great audio experience is a must for you, you won’t find it here.
I’m not a gamer, but I do enjoy the occasional game of Civilization 6, Age of Wonders III, or Europa Universalis 4. These are not the graphically intensive games like Call of Duty, but they aren’t casual web games either, so they require a decent machine. The Pro 360 handled all of these with ease, but I haven’t yet played through to the end game to see how it’ll hold up. At this point, I’m very impressed and pleased with its performance. As to audio performance, the speakers are on the bottom of the deck and fire downward, so they sound better when placed on a table. It would have been better if they had been able to put them on the sides of the screens, but that would have been at the expense of the super thin bezels. One thing that made a huge difference was to open the Dolby Access app that is included and turn on Dolby Atmos. This makes the speakers sound 100% better, but even with Dolby turned on, they’re not capable of producing much sound at all. Unfortunately, the sound put out by this laptop is anemic, even on headphones, and even with Dolby turned on. If a great audio experience is a must for you, you won’t find it here.
Samsung includes a bunch of custom apps for everything from live wallpapers, note taking, video editing, to enhanced computer search. I’m still working through what these apps offer, but there are a number of apps that I think I’m going to find useful. Samsung is targeting strong integration with Samsung phones, much like Apple does with its ecosystem. I don’t have a Samsung phone, so I’m not able to use that functionality, but I do think the features Samsung added do make the overall Windows 10 experience on this machine much better. Even though I’m not in Samsung’s target audience, I don’t feel like I’m missing out, since there’s something here for everyone.
The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 exceeded my expectations in many ways. I didn’t think I would like it as much as I did, and I didn’t expect it to perform as well as it did. Small touches like intelligent fan management and the ability to change the screen intensity according to task make this laptop enjoyable to use. This machine seems targeted to regular productivity users who occasionally have the need to perform some moderately demanding work. The Pro 360 is ready to handle that with ease. High-end power users may find it lacking in one area or another, but for me and the kind of work I do, it is ideal. At $1,000 less than a Surface Book, you really have to need that dedicated GPU and extra memory to make it worth it. For the rest of us, this may be a smart choice.
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Circadian Optics is a maker of bright light therapy lamps that mimic daylight. Our designer lamps allow you to get the light you need, right at your desk. Lumos is our slimmest lamp, measuring just 2 1/4" wide. Eminently adjustable, 3 hinges and a rotating light panel give this lamp excellent flexibility, allowing you to angle the light panel in a multitude of ways.
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, I began paying more attention to the impact of things such as sunlight on my health. When my son was younger, we spent a lot of money to try to determine why he had such trouble getting quality sleep on a regular basis. The verdict? His body’s rhythm was off, and the doctor said there wasn’t much that could be done about it.
Fast-forward to today, and I learned about Circadian Optic’s line of therapy lamps. I decided to pick one up and see if it could have a positive impact on me. There are several models to choose from, but I decided to go with the Lumos model, which is the most adjustable and portable model they make.
The Lumos is indeed compact. It’s thin and long, and can easily be taken with you when you travel. I like that I don’t have to dedicate a table to it, I just put it where I want it. One end of it articulates to form an L-shape that allows it to stand up on your table. It comes with an additional base piece that makes it a little more stable. Due to how tall it is, it’s easy to knock over, but it’s not unstable.
The part housing the LEDs can be moved into an almost infinite variety of positions. It can be straight up and down, or twisted fully around so that it’s shining up at you. It can also be set into more of a horizontal position, with pretty much any angle you like. It really is easy to make it fit into any setup. The only button on the device is a 3-way touch sensitive button on the front. Just tap it to cycle from off through any of the 3 available brightness settings. Whichever one you pick, don’t stare into it—it’s very bright!
The build quality of this thing is very good. It’s all plastic, but solidly built, and I expect to be using it for years to come. Prior models offered a battery option, but the current model is AC-only. That’s okay, since batteries produce less light output as they die, and lumens are the key here. I looked at reviews of previous models and found a number of people complaining about the unit getting too hot, even to the point of failure, so I was a little nervous about that. I’ve been using mine for about two weeks now, and I’m happy to report that this seems to be a glitch that has been fixed. I typically use mine for about 30 minutes at a time, and it only gets warm, not hot.
Now to the question that everyone wants to have answered: does it work? I find that a hard question to answer. While I did feel that using the lamp in the morning helped me to wake up more quickly, I’m not sure about its impact on my circadian rhythms. I don’t really suffer from sleep disorders, but I was hoping the lamp might help me to stay awake better in the middle of the day when I typically hit a slump. I do wonder if it’s big enough to provide a benefit, but I don’t have anything to compare it against.
So, while I may not be able to say it has helped to regulate my wake/sleep cycles, I am pleased with the lamp. One unintended benefit is that I use it on video calls to illuminate me against the windows that are behind me. The lamp does a great job of that without getting in my way. I plan to continue using it regularly, and who knows? Maybe I’ll be able to get out of my mid-afternoon doldrums.
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I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Brydge 10.2 MAX+ for iPad (9th, 8th & 7th Gen) combines the functionality of a traditional Brydge keyboard with the protection of OtterBox. Featuring the largest precision trackpad for iPad, the 10.2 MAX+ native multi-touch gestures allow you to get the most of iPadOS, transforming your iPad into the perfect laptop replacement.
Customer Rating
4
Finally a keyboard case with a trackpad!
on May 4, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
I’ve had a number of iPads over the years, and have experimented with a number of different solutions for keyboards. In my opinion, a keyboard is required to truly get the maximum productivity out of an iPad, but all keyboards are not equal.
I haven’t been a big fan of keyboard cases because I value the slimness of the iPad. My previous keyboard cases were big, bulky, and too difficult to remove if I wanted to use the iPad as a tablet again. While the Brydge 10.2 Max+ does add a fair amount of bulk, it is not excessive, and brings with it the advantage of additional protection for the iPad. What I really like about the approach Brydge takes is that they support the ability to remove the iPad when you need it to be a tablet. That’s nothing new for Brydge, but what is different this time is that they’ve partnered with Otterbox. The part of the case that goes on the iPad itself is an Otterbox case that claims to provide drop protection of up to 4 feet. It’s a nice case that feels solid and doesn’t add too much bulk. It does not, however, provide any protection for the screen when separated from the keyboard. It’s too bad they couldn’t have designed some way to attach an Apple Smart Cover in that scenario.
The Otterbox cover also includes a loop for keeping your Apple Pencil with the iPad. This is a nice touch, but it’s not as secure as I’d like, and there is the risk that the Pencil could fall out. It’s actually quite good, however, and I’m glad they added it. The case includes magnets hidden within that allow it to connect to the newly redesigned hinges. I really like this new design because there are no clips gripping the iPad on the screen that ruin the overall look. The magnets are very strong and allow the case and keyboard to function essentially like a clamshell laptop. To remove the iPad, hold down the keyboard with one hand and lift the iPad away with the other. This does take some force, but that’s a good thing, because it shows that the iPad is being held securely.
Using the keyboard is as simple as pairing via Bluetooth. This was a simple process that is facilitated with a dedicated Bluetooth button next to the power button. Once connected, you have a keyboard with very nice tactile feedback which allows touch typing. As you would expect, the smaller size takes a bit to get used to, but once you do, you’ll be typing normally in no time. Typing feels great and isn’t that far off from a full-sized laptop keyboard. Brydge really did a good job with this one.
What’s really great is having a real trackpad for the first time. The trackpad is a good size and is very responsive. I usually prefer tapping to click, and that is supported here as well. Unfortunately, the trackpad is so responsive I usually end up inadvertently clicking where I didn’t intend while I’m typing, so I quickly had to turn that off, at least while doing a lot of typing. I’m hoping that this is something that will get better as I use it more. Perhaps it’s something that I have to train myself to use, but it’s not something I’ve had to do with laptop trackpads.
A really nice surprise, especially at this price point, is that the keyboard is backlit. It has three lighting levels, and is a really nice feature to have when you need it. I also appreciated being able to turn it off, as I find backlighting to be an annoyance when there’s plenty of light in the room and I can see the keys.
The 10.2 Max+ is made of plastic, but it still feels very solid. I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t aluminum like so many of their previous versions, but perhaps aluminum with a trackpad would have been too expensive or too heavy. In any case, the Otterbox case provides a level of protection that their earlier models did not offer, so I think that’s a worthy trade-off.
While there are lots of pros to like about the 10.2 Max+, there are a couple of things in the con category that I need to mention. First, Brydge’s user manual is a joke. It does not include a diagram of the dedicated iOS keys, as they did with other keyboards, nor does it give any instruction on setting up the trackpad in the settings. The manual says you can learn about customizing the trackpad by going to the URL they printed in the manual, but that URL takes you to the same manual you’re looking at, with no additional information! For those like me who have never had a trackpad for my iPad, I was not sure where to find options for customization. I downloaded the Brydge Connect app, but that was only for firmware updates, not configuration settings. Eventually, it dawned on me to check in the general settings, and I was very happy to find trackpad settings there for things like tap to click, and scrolling behavior, but at first this seemed like a miss. A sentence or two in the manual could have made that a better experience.
I previously mentioned the over-sensitivity of the trackpad while typing, but that may or may not be something that should be changed. As I mentioned, that may be a result of the way I hold my thumbs while typing, so I’ll see what I need to do about that. The other issue I experienced seems to have been corrected by a firmware update. The first few times I used the keyboard, it would just stop communicating with the iPad, but still showed as being connected in the settings. Turning it off and back on took care of this. After the latest firmware update, I have not experienced this again, so kudos to Brydge for getting this fixed so quickly.
Battery life is rated at 6 months, so obviously I haven’t been able to verify that yet. The unit comes with a USB-C charging cable.
I am very happy with my Brydge 10.2 Max+ keyboard case. It’s versatile, well-built, and a joy to use. It brings a new level of productivity to my iPad, meaning that I will sometimes just take it instead of my laptop. I’ve been a fan of the Logitech Keys to Go, and I still am, but a membrane keyboard will never be able to compete with real keys for a good typing experience. I think they both have their place, but the Max+ is a superior overall experience.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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How much content can you hold with your fingertips? With the Crucial X6 Portable SSD, the answer is: A lot! Whether you’re downloading videos for off-line travel, organizing family photos, collaborating with classmates, or heading off on a great adventure, the Crucial X6 features up to 1TB of portable storage capacity and is ready to go wherever you do.
Customer Rating
4
Fast storage at a good price
on May 3, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
The move to SSD storage becoming more prevalent in the computer market has had a bit of a downside: it has taken us back to smaller storage capacities being the norm again. In the last few years, 1 TB hard drives were common in decent machines, but capable machines sold now are typically outfitted with 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB at the upper end. The result is that getting a new machine these days may mean settling for less storage for the same money. Until recently, one solution to that problem was to add an external hard drive, but access speeds for physical hard drives aren’t really up to snuff compared to solid state drives.
I recently upgraded my laptop to one with lots more memory and the latest Intel processor, but only half as much storage space as my 5 year-old laptop. I was using an external hard drive for less important file storage, but the arrival of the Crucial X6 1 TB external SSD gave me the opportunity to add storage space that was fast enough to serve as direct online storage, not just a space for files such as photos. So, the question I wanted to answer was this: is the Crucial X6 fast enough to be a reasonable extension of my laptop’s internal storage?
To answer that, I decided to install a number of games on the X6. Games were one thing that I decided to install much fewer of on my new machine, since I don’t play them enough to make it worth giving up the storage space. As a comparison, I also installed the same games on an SD card to see how it would stack up against the X6.
Installing and running games on the X6 worked flawlessly, but the experience wasn’t noticeably different on the SD card. So, I decided to test the read/write speeds directly, again comparing to the SD card. Crucial claims a read speed of around 559 MB/s and a write speed of around 510 MB/s. This is where I was surprised to find out how much better the X6 performed over my SD card. To help me quantify this, I used the freeware tool named “Flash Bench”. At the largest file size, my average read speed was 499 MB/s and my average write speed was 378 MB/s. At the 4K file size, read/write averages were 42/37. These were not quite up to the advertised speeds, but that’s to be expected on different machines. What really surprised me was the fact that my SD card, which I thought would compare favorably because it is also flash memory, was more than 5 times slower than the Crucial X6 and even a bit slower than my external physical hard drive! Maybe I need to look into the SD, but that’s for another day.
Installing and running games on the X6 worked flawlessly, but the experience wasn’t noticeably different on the SD card. So, I decided to test the read/write speeds directly, again comparing to the SD card. Crucial claims a read speed of around 559 MB/s and a write speed of around 510 MB/s. This is where I was surprised to find out how much better the X6 performed over my SD card. To help me quantify this, I used the freeware tool named “Flash Bench”. At the largest file size, my average read speed was 499 MB/s and my average write speed was 378 MB/s. At the 4K file size, read/write averages were 42/37. These were not quite up to the advertised speeds, but that’s to be expected on different machines. What really surprised me was the fact that my SD card, which I thought would compare favorably because it is also flash memory, was more than 5 times slower than the Crucial X6 and even a bit slower than my external physical hard drive! Maybe I need to look into the SD, but that’s for another day.
Next, I copied large quantities of files back and forth from the X6, to directly get a feel for it’s reading and writing speed. What I found was that for really huge files, the X6 crushes it, transferring multi-gigabyte files in no time. What isn’t always intuitive is what those lower speed benchmarks for smaller files mean. When I transferred massive folders containing thousands and thousands of small and tiny files, the read/write speeds of all media types converged to around the same numbers. In that scenario, there was no real performance difference between the X6, a typical SD card, or my 1 TB external hard drive. Keep that in mind if you’re copying tons of tiny files and wondering why it takes so long. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with your new drive, it’s just the nature of the beast.
In the end, I’ve concluded that the X6 is a great performer for a great price. It is small and light, which makes it easy to take with you everywhere. It’s rated for drops of more than 6 feet without damage, but I can’t bring myself to do that on purpose. My only complaint is that I wish the included USB-C cable were a little longer. A short cable makes sense, but it’s also a stiff cable, which makes it difficult to put it in a place that stays out of my way. This is a minor quibble, but it would have been nice to have a little more choice as to where to put the drive while it’s in use.
I think the X6 is a great value, and I’m glad we’re finally starting to get some options on large capacity drives at a reasonable price. Crucial has a lot of experience making computer memory, so it makes sense that they’re leading the way here as well. If you need some more storage space for your computer or game system, you can’t go wrong with the X6.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Whether you’re streaming your favorite show, watching movies, or listening to your favorite music – do it all from one device. Take movie night to the next level and with full HD, built-in wifi and fast, high-definition streaming. Get started in seconds with an included HDMI cable for seamless setup.
Customer Rating
4
A solid blu-ray player is now an even better value
on April 11, 2021
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
The Sony BDP-BX370 Blu-ray disc player offers a great mix of features and performance at a good price. As the owner of 2 other Sony blu-ray players, I already knew I could expect a solid addition to my stable of players.
Setting up the BX370 was a simple matter. The package includes a remote (with batteries), power supply and HDMI cable. After making a few choices during the setup program, it’s time to get to business. Blu-rays load quickly, and the picture and sound quality are excellent.
Sony has included a super-quick start mode in this model. Enabling it allows the player to start up in a second. I was skeptical that it would work as promised, but it actually did! Loading discs was also fast, much better than most players I’ve used. The only thing that I thought was a bit slow was the speed with which the apps load. While not terrible, there is a noticeable lag while waiting for apps to load. This is certainly not a deal-breaker for me.
Speaking of apps, the player comes with a fairly representative set of apps already pre-loaded. Services such as Netflix, prime video, tubi, vudu, Spotify and more are available. Having apps available on the same screen where you play blu-rays is convenient, but you probably won’t get by using the BX370 as a replacement for a dedicated device such as a Roku or Fire TV or Apple TV. That’s because the selection of additional apps isn’t very good (it doesn’t even include previously Sony-owned Crackle), and is mostly populated with streaming services you’ve never heard of. For me, I am mainly interested in a blu-ray player, so this doesn’t bother me. Having access to the apps and being able to update the firmware over my wifi are nice additions that really round out the package. Other features include DLNA, screen mirroring, and playing media from a USB device. I did not try these features, but it’s nice to know they’re there when I need them.
Sony has gotten much more competitive with the price of the BX370, while still delivering a quality build that feels just as good as my other, much more expensive Sony blu-ray players. For me, the choice was easy, because of Sony’s reliability. They don’t necessarily offer the most complete package of features, but what they do offer is solid, and it works. I’ve tried other brands, and saved some money up front, but those others inevitably stopped working, while all of my Sony players are still going strong. I’m glad to have chosen Sony once again, and with an even better price, the choice is clear.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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.
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.
• 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 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!
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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.
Customer Rating
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!
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![H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2020 [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6440/6440239_sd.jpg)
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.
Customer Rating
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.
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!
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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?
![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.
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