BobinVA's stats
- Review count129
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- First reviewDecember 19, 2014
- Last reviewJune 13, 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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Enhance your viewing experience when watching TV with this Sony mini sound bar. The front-facing speakers deliver clear top-range and midrange tones so you can hear voices more clearly, while the built-in subwoofer adds resounding bass for a full-bodied sound. This Sony mini soundbar supports USB and Bluetooth connectivity for music playback.
Customer Rating
4
Great sound bar for small spaces!
on March 28, 2020
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
Review of Sony HT-S200F Sound Bar
There are many options available in the sound bar market, but I decided to give this new one from Sony a try. Why? Well, for my main movie setup I have a dedicated sound system with surround speakers and a separate subwoofer. For my living room I have a larger sound bar that sits under the TV and which I like very well. But then there’s this extra TV I have, an old one that’s been relegated to another room (I know, I’m blessed). That TV is smaller and older, but it’s useful when all the kids are home visiting. I never thought the built-in sound for that TV was all that bad, but I was shocked when I hooked up this small Sony sound bar and got really good sound from a small space!
The Sony sound bar is really quite small: about 23” wide, 2.5” tall, and 3.75” deep. This allows it to fit right in front of my TV without taking up too much space, exactly what I needed. Sony has been very thoughtful on this one. Realizing that many people will use it in just this way, they’ve also provided an IR repeater that takes the signal from your remote and sends it out the back of the sound bar to your TV! That’s impressive.
Setup is easy. Since my TV is older, it does not have the ARC type of HDMI input, which would allow the same remote to control both the TV and sound bar (bring your own HDMI cable). So, instead I used the included optical audio cable. Some others have commented on problems with the ARC functionality, but I can’t comment on that. In my case, hooking it up was as simple as plugging in the power and connecting the audio cable from the TV to the sound bar.
Once connected, turn down the TV’s sound and start using the sound bar. One of the most striking differences is the presence of bass. When my daughter in law was visiting recently, she said “hey, that show opening has bass!”. That’s the beauty of a sound bar. Sony has packed in a downward-firing bass speaker that does a surprisingly good job. Even for such a small sound bar, it has good separation and the mid and upper tones are just fine. No, it won’t satisfy an audiophile, but you’re not paying audiophile prices either.
Sony includes several different sound modes: cinema, music, voice, standard, night and auto. I was excited to learn of these options, but to be honest, I didn’t notice a marked difference between them. Perhaps I didn’t use them with the right source material, so I will continue to try them and maybe I’ll update this later, but I couldn’t really hear a lot of difference. Overall, I think the sound bar produces great sound, and that’s why we buy them, right? The main thing that a sound bar provides is a fuller, richer sound than the TV is able to produce on its own, which allows you to hear the sound without turning it up too loud. This Sony sound bar does that very well, and I’m happy with it.
It also supports playing the audio from a connected bluetooth device, and this works very well and is easy to use. This is great for when you just want to play some music in the house but your phone’s speaker isn’t up to the job. The sound bar also supports playing music from a USB drive. I didn’t try this, but I like the idea of being able to do that, and the remote includes control buttons for play, pause, and skipping tracks. This is great, since it allows you to control your music without unlocking your phone, and these controls also work when listening from the USB device.
I think Sony has a winner here. It’s a great price for a small, good-sounding sound bar. It’s small size and shape make it a good option for smaller spaces. You can even mount it on the wall if you want, and Sony has included a template to help you do that. I don’t know what the competition is doing at this price point, but I definitely recommend this Sony sound bar. I also have a small battery-operated Sony bluetooth speaker, and I love what Sony is doing with their small speakers. They produce great sound, but don’t take up a lot of space.
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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
Customer Rating
4
Great value on a do-it-all printer
on February 19, 2020
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
My old HP 7520 inkjet printer is still working just fine, so I didn’t really think I needed or wanted a new printer. I’d heard good things about Canon’s line of printers, so I ultimately decided it was time to take the plunge and upgrade my home printer. Like the HP, Canon’s printer is an all-in-one, meaning that it can print, scan, copy and print photos. It does not, however, include the ability to fax, which could limit someone who needs that function for their home or business. For me, it’s a non-issue.
I found setup to be a breeze. Other reviewers have complained about a convoluted setup process for earlier models, but I thought this setup was very straightforward and simple. Included in the box is a CD with the setup software and drivers, but I found it just as easy to download the software from Canon’s web site and go from there. The quick setup guide gives you the URL to use for this, so I didn’t have to waste any time looking for it.
Setup was super simple, and it even connected to my home’s wifi with no problem. It’s important that both your computer and the printer are joined to the same SSID on your router. If not, they won’t be able to find each other. This was perhaps the best part for me, since wireless printing on my old printer was a hit or miss affair. Wireless printing on the Canon 8320 worked flawlessly, and print quality was excellent.
The Canon 8320 comes with 6 separate ink tanks. While this is touted as a big advantage (and it is), this is pretty common on most decent printers, so it’s not really a game-changer. Like the HP, this Canon printer recognizes whether you’re using genuine OEM ink. I haven’t yet tried to use third-party ink, but we’ll see if that is a problem when I do. Loading the ink is simple, and you just have to wait for the printer to get itself ready to go.
I already mentioned wireless printing, but I should also mention that, when you send a document to the printer, it automatically extends a print tray to hold the pages. This is a nice touch and prevents you from getting to the printer only to find your pages all over the floor. The printer automatically handles 2-sided printing, and it handled that very well.
Next, I tried the scanning function. Like most scanners, you just lay the page face down on the glass and close the lid. The nice color touch screen has three big buttons: copy, scan and print, so it’s pretty tough to get it wrong. Here’s where I found something I really liked: the wireless connection between computer and printer is two-way, meaning that you can scan directly back to your computer wirelessly! This is integrated into the Canon software that is installed during setup, and worked flawlessly for me. You can also scan to the built-in SD card, but if you’re using the computer, this is the way to go. Reviews for earlier versions of this model have complained about poor scan quality, but I think that’s because Canon, in trying to make it simple, hides the scan settings in the default setup. This is where their UI on the touch screen could be a little clearer. When I figured out how to get to the scanning settings, I was able to bump up the quality and get a much better scan. The default is only 300 pixels, which is not going to be good enough for most applications.
Copying is similar to scanning, and you need to access the settings to get the best quality copies. Cranking out a copy is quick and easy, and I was satisfied with the quality. It’s not comparable to the quality that you get from a laser printer, but it’s quite good, and is all I need.
Canon also has a smartphone app that you can download to control the printer from your phone. If you’re like me, you already have too many apps on your phone, so I chose to skip this for now. The good thing is that the printer supports Apple Air Print and Google Print out of the box, so I was able to print directly from my phone without any additional software. My understanding is that the app has many more features, so I’ll probably end up checking it out at some point.
Speaking of printing from the phone, I decided to print a photo from my phone to see how well this printer could handle photo printing. I loaded a piece of photo paper into the separate feeder at the back of the printer and sent a photo from my phone. It printed easily and the quality was quite good. I didn’t fiddle with settings for photo printing, so I’m sure it’s possible to get high-quality photos from this printer. I don’t print a lot of photos, so I think this will be just fine for my needs.
As for the printer itself, it’s well built, but not great. It’s not a high-priced printer, so I think Canon has done a good job and given us a quality product for the price. The touch screen on the front panel can be angled up to give you a better view when standing in front of the printer. My only concern here is that it’s not clear how best to put the panel back down into its default vertical position. I was able to push it back into place, but is this the best way to do it?
I’m looking forward to seeing whether this printer can supplant HP printers as my printers of choice, but so far it’s looking pretty good. For $100, this is a quality printer that looks good and doesn’t take up too much space on your desktop. If you’re in the market for a new printer, give this one a look.
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Type more naturally with ERGO K860 – an advanced ergonomic keyboard that promotes a more relaxed typing posture – reducing wrist bending and offering wrist support. A curved keyframe helps reduce wrist strain, while a pillowed wrist rest keeps your forearms elevated to help prevent excessive bending. This Logitech ERGO keyboard features Perfect Stroke keys for quiet performance and responsiveness, and the 2-year battery life offers long-lasting use.
Customer Rating
4
The most comfortable way to type
on January 19, 2020
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
I have a lot of Logitech keyboards. In fact, this is my third in about a year. Each one fills a slightly different niche for me, and the Ergo K860 is no exception. The one thing that was missing in all the other keyboards was the ergonomic split key setup that is the main feature of the K860. I’ve been using the Microsoft natural keyboard since it first came out, and I’ve always loved it, but I haven’t been willing to pay the price to get their wireless version (the Sculpt). The Logitech K860 comes at a more reasonable price, so I decided to give it a shot.
The first thing I noticed was the inclusion of a large wrist rest. At first I considered this a negative and was disappointed that it wasn’t removable. However, as soon as I started using it, it became apparent that the wrist rest is an integral part of the ergonomics of this keyboard. The keyboard itself is raised in the middle, putting the keys at just the right angle for typing. The wrist rest is very comfortable and holds the wrists up at a comfortable level and prevents the hands from being cocked up uncomfortably when the wrists are resting on the desktop. Now that I’ve used it, the wrist rest is wonderful! It’s made of several layers of foam and covered in a fabric that is easy to clean.
Connecting the keyboard was easy. I use both bluetooth connections as well as the Logitech unifying receiver, and both connections were a breeze. It was simple to add this keyboard to the USB receiver that I was already using, and I also connected it via bluetooth, without any issues. Like most Logitech keyboards of late, this one supports 3 different devices, and allows switching between them with just the push of a button. I love this feature and use it extensively on all my keyboards. These days, that’s a requirement, given the multitude of devices that most of us have, from computers to cell phones to tablets.
I’ve seen people online complaining about not being able to get used to this key layout. Since I’ve been using a split key layout for years, this was no problem for me, but I do recognize the secret to getting used to it: don’t look at your fingers while typing. This keyboard is best for touch typists. I remember being thrown off when I looked at my fingers while I was learning, but this is no longer a problem at all. Typing on an ergonomic keyboard like this one is so much more comfortable than using a traditional “straight” keyboard layout.
As for the keys themselves, there isn’t a lot of key travel, but it’s just enough to allow for comfortable, fast typing. I’m a big fan of the MX Keys keyboard, but this one is just a bit “clickier” than that one, and that makes for faster, more accurate typing, so I think this one is an improvement in that area. It is an all-plastic construction, so it doesn’t have the solid, quality feel that the MX Keys has, but it is very well built, and I think it will last as long as I need it. It features the key layout of a full keyboard, including the 10-key number pad. One way that the MS Sculpt keyboard may have the edge is that its 10-key number pad is separate, but I don’t think that’s a big deal.
For pure comfort, I don't think the K860 can be beat. After typing the entire review up to this point using the K860, I switched to the MX Keys, and I can tell you that, while I love the MX Keys for other reasons, the overall typing experience is just more comfortable on the K860. If you have the desk space to devote to the size of the K860, you’ll be glad you did. This keyboard is a joy to use, and for extended typing sessions, I think fatigue will not be an issue.
One thing to be aware of is that this is not a backlit keyboard. For my normal working environment, I don’t consider this a big deal, but some might. The backlight on the MX Keys is the best I’ve seen, and senses your hand to turn on automatically. The K860 does not have a backlight, but that is probably one of the reasons why it can last for 2 years on a pair of regular AAA batteries. That’s the other thing that some may not like--it doesn’t have rechargeable batteries. I consider that a positive, in that I won’t have to get rid of it while it’s still useful just because I can’t find a proprietary battery.
With all the keyboards I now own, I can take my pick of which to use, but I think the K860 will be my keyboard of choice. With all the options at my fingertips, I don’t think I can go wrong!
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Own your space with Logitech Pebble M350 – a modern, slim, and silent portable mouse designed for your curated lifestyle. Make a statement with a slim mouse that can easily be scooped up and brought to the cafe or library. Silent clicking and scrolling means you can stay focused without disturbing those around you. And the Logitech Pebble stays powered for up to 18-months on a single AA battery so you don’t have to worry about losing power.
Customer Rating
4
Perfect for a travel or second mouse
on November 24, 2019
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
I’ve had many different mice over the years, and quite a few from Logitech. I’m currently using their MX Master 3 as my everyday mouse, and I’m very happy with it. It feels great and has just the right mix of features. The only problem it has is that it’s a little large to carry it with me to a coffee shop when working with a small laptop or tablet. Because of that, I’ve long wished I had a thinner wireless mouse that I could take with me at those times. That’s where the Pebble comes in.
The Pebble has a low profile, so it’s easy to slip it into a backpack, or even the pocket of a jacket or pants to take it with you. It can connect to your device using bluetooth, or if you prefer, it’ll connect via a traditional wireless dongle. Bluetooth is more convenient, but you do have to ignore the slight wait when you allow bluetooth to “go to sleep” and have to wait for it to resume. Either way, the Pebble is ready to go.
Logitech claims that the Pebble provides good haptic feedback (you feel the clicks), but it’s 90% quieter than other mice when you click it. I don’t have a way to measure the sound, but anecdotally, I’d say that Logitech is correct. The Pebble has satisfying click and scroll feelings, but is very, very quiet. I was very impressed with how quiet this mouse is without being annoyingly loud when you’re in a quiet setting. The only thing it really lacks is forward/back buttons, but those might be difficult to incorporate in such a small body.
I am very satisfied with the Pebble as my travel mouse, and it’s already been my companion in the laptop sleeve. That’s something my MX Master 3 couldn’t do. The Pebble is a reasonable price for a mouse for occasional use, so I’m happy with it. It’s cheap enough that going without any mouse isn’t much of an option anymore. I haven’t had it long enough to know whether their claimed battery life is accurate, but based on other Logitech products, I fully expect the battery life to be plenty long. This is a good addition to my stable of input devices.
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eufy eufyCam 2, 2-Camera Surveillance System: See everything that happens around your home in 1080p HD with this eufy eufyCam 2 kit. Quick and easy to set up, two wireless cameras and a home base provide all that you need to get started, while smart integration ensures you can easily connect to other smart devices. This eufy eufyCam 2 kit provides 365 days of use from a single charge for continuous observation.
Customer Rating
4
Great way to add security cameras to your house
on November 14, 2019
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
There are a lot of choices if you’re interested in putting up security cameras in or around your home. With so many options available, there were two features of the Eufy Cam 2 system that stood out for me: a completely wireless setup, and no requirement to pay for a monthly storage or monitoring fee.
Anker is really coming on strong lately with their products, quickly becoming a solid alternative in several categories. The Eufy Cam 2 system is nicely packaged, showing thoughtfulness and giving off an air of quality. The build quality of the cameras is top-notch, and the base station is not bad looking. The idea of the system is that you set up a wireless network just for the cameras, using the base station to tie them together. You do need an open ethernet port that the base station will use to communicate over the internet, as well as to receive firmware updates to the cameras. All recorded video is stored on an SD card in the base station, giving you full control. Using an app on your phone, you simply find the locations that have a strong signal and put the cameras there. For extended range, you can use your own wifi network, but I did like the idea of having the cameras on their own “network”. Even when the app said I didn’t have a strong signal, the cameras still worked very well. Your mileage may vary.
Included in the package are indoor and outdoor mounts. The indoor mounts look like rubber door stoppers, until you touch them and realize that they’re made of steel. That’s one of the things that I think is pretty cool about these cameras: they have strong magnets on the back that mate with the half-spheres of the indoor mounts, making for a very elegant and easy to use mounting solution. The outdoor mount screws into the back of the camera for a slightly more secure mount that might be stronger in high winds. Either way, it’s a simple matter to screw the mount into the mounting location. Once that’s done, just attach the camera and you’re good to go!
The system does a good job of detecting motion and recording video. The default video length is 20 seconds, which is good enough for most things, but can be increased if desired, at the cost of additional storage. You can limit motion detection to only humans, which greatly reduces false alarms, and I really appreciate that. The cameras feature audio and video, which allows you to converse with people via the app. I found the microphones to be merely adequate, but not great.
The Eufy app allows you to control the cameras and view video right on your phone. Setup is incredibly easy, and the system notifies you when human motion is detected. At least it’s supposed to do that. I found the notifications to be spotty--sometimes they worked, sometimes they didn’t. I think that’s a pretty serious deficiency, since you’re probably using the cameras to help you keep watch on your property. If you’re not notified, can you really consider it a security system? That alone is worth a star, in my opinion. Hopefully, the app can be improved in future versions.
I’m very impressed with the overall performance and ease of setup of the system. If you’re looking for a system that doesn’t require you to depend on a remote server to store your video, this is the one. Anker really pushes this as a feature, and I agree, but I do wonder whether my videos are streamed through their servers anyway. Sure, they’re not the main storage point, but I think this dilutes the message a bit. Perhaps I’m misunderstanding how it all works, but that is a small question in my mind. Not having to run wires of any kind was a big plus, and hopefully the battery life on the cameras will live up to the marketing claims. This is a great way to get a high-quality system at a good price, without annoying fees and privacy concerns. If nothing else, now I can check in to see if my long-awaited package has been delivered yet.
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The TRX FIT Suspension Trainer is the ultimate travel-ready, total-body home workout method for all levels and goals. Ultra-portable, it’s perfect for training indoors, outdoors, or on the go. Plus, get the full gym experience with exclusive access to the TRX Training Club℠ fitness app.
Customer Rating
3
An ingenious way to exercise
on November 6, 2019
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
I enjoy staying fit and working out, but as I’ve gotten older, it can be a challenge finding time to keep up with my fitness goals. I’ve always been a pretty traditional guy when it comes to working out, preferring free weights over most everything else, but this just isn’t practical for me anymore. I’m a fan of the old Soloflex, but even that requires a dedicated space in a room where you can go for a workout. Given all that, I was curious to know whether the TRX Fit system could provide a good alternative workout.
The first thing you notice when you open the box is that it all fits into a pretty small bag that’s inside the box. It’s obvious that this thing is meant to go with you, so if you do a lot of traveling, you’ll appreciate being able to stick to your fitness regimen no matter where you go.
The system is basically just two straps, each with foam handles and foot straps at the bottom of each strap, connected at a single point where it connects to an anchor. You can anchor it to the ceiling (assuming you have an unfinished ceiling available) or to any door that will close and latch. It uses a pretty ingenious system to anchor to the door, and I found this to be plenty strong for my 190 pounds.
The system is basically just two straps, each with foam handles and foot straps at the bottom of each strap, connected at a single point where it connects to an anchor. You can anchor it to the ceiling (assuming you have an unfinished ceiling available) or to any door that will close and latch. It uses a pretty ingenious system to anchor to the door, and I found this to be plenty strong for my 190 pounds.
Once anchored to the door, you simply adjust the strap length and you’re ready to go! You can do a number of different exercises aimed at core strength, flexibility, or upper body. The biggest thing you’ll notice about this system is that it relies heavily on your balance. That makes each exercise much harder as you have to balance yourself in addition to whatever the exercise itself is calling on you to do.
To be honest, I found some of the exercises to be a little forced in the way they made you move. Bicep and pectoral exercises (curls and bench press) were perhaps the most awkward and didn’t feel close to those same exercises on other equipment. Trying to work your pectoral muscles is pretty awkward when anchored to a door. I suspect that this exercise especially could benefit from being anchored to the ceiling overhead.
TRX offers a few free videos to get you started, and these are indeed helpful. It’s good to see someone else setting up and using the system. You can, in fact, get a pretty good workout, and you’ll definitely work up a sweat. Perhaps I’ll change my mind as I use it more, but I couldn’t help but wonder if this way of working out is truly better than more traditional approaches. The good thing is that it goes wherever you go and sets up in minutes.
If you decide to buy one of these, make sure you also pick up a foam exercise mat. You’ll definitely need it for exercises when your elbow is on the floor. I liked the TRX Fit System, but if you’re already a disciplined individual, you might be able to find other ways to perform these exercises. For an overall fitness improvement tool, this one is lightweight and very easy to use. Since it comes at a decent price, it might be worth checking it out.
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MX Master 3 is instant precision and infinite potential. Designed for designers and engineered for coders, it’s our most advanced Master Series mouse yet. App-specific button customizations speed up your workflow in the apps you use most and the electromagnetic MagSpeed wheel enables fast noiseless scrolling. Your hand rests perfectly on the sculpted form and allows you to work comfortably for hours across multiple computers and operating systems in one fluid workflow. Ready for video calls - predefined settings for Microsoft Teams and Zoom let you instantly mute and Start/Stop your video call. With MX Master 3, you can truly master what you make.
Customer Rating
5
Tweaking a good mouse to make it even better
on October 23, 2019
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
The new MX Master 3 mouse is the latest entry in the MX Master series of mice. I’ve been using the original MX Master for the last few years, so I was excited to see what the new one brings to the table.
The shape and feel of the mouse is nearly identical to its predecessor. I actually think the materials used and subtle copper and black colors of the original are superior to the new all-black look of the MX3, but that has no bearing on the function of the mouse.
Logitech has brought some small improvements to this version of the mouse: the scroll wheel is magnetic now, which makes it operate more smoothly than before. The wheel can either be free-spinning or line-by-line, and there’s a button that allows easy switching between the two. They’ve retained the feature that allows you to use line-by-line mode and then automatically switch to free-spinning when you spin the wheel quickly to move almost instantly to the bottom of the page. Due to the use of a magnetic wheel, the scroll wheel is smoother than ever and silent in free-spinning mode.
There’s also another wheel, right next to your thumb. This wheel is for side-to-side scrolling. I found this wheel to be not as smooth as I wanted, but the new version remedies that very well. The new version is smooth and responsive. Just under this wheel are the forward and back buttons, which have been repositioned from the original version. This was one of the things I really disliked about the original, as the positioning of these buttons was not convenient at all, making them difficult to use, and thus I rarely used them. The latest version makes them easy to find by feel, and they’re now something you’ll use all the time. I’ve used many mice over the years, and I love the forward and back buttons, so I’m thrilled that they’re usable again.
Logitech makes a big deal over its Flow software, which allows you to move the cursor from one computer to another and even copy/paste from one to the other, but I don’t have multiple computers on which to try out this feature. It does seem like a great idea, but I couldn’t test it.
As before, the ability to use this mouse with multiple devices is wonderful. I use it with my PC and Logitech unifying receiver, while I connect to my Chromebooks using bluetooth. Switching among them is easy with just the touch of a button on the underside of the mouse. This is one of those features that just works flawlessly, and you’ll wonder why you used separate mice for separate devices as long as you did.
Logitech includes its venerable LogiOptions software, which allows you to configure all of your Logitech peripherals in one place. Interestingly, the new mouse did not work with the old version of the software, but I had to figure that out on my own. I had to uninstall the old software, then install the new version, and I was then able to configure my mouse. To be honest, I’m pretty happy with the default behavior of the buttons, but I do appreciate knowing that I have the ability to configure it however I want, if I want.
If you’re using the original MX Master, I’m not sure there’s enough here to spend the full price again. The MX3 brings subtle improvements to a number of things, making a great mouse even better. If you’re in the market for a new mouse, however, you’d be doing yourself a favor by getting the MX Master 3. It’s a great all-around mouse that is comfortable to use and gets the job done without drawing attention to itself, which is what you want a mouse to be.
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Introducing MX Keys, an advanced wireless illuminated keyboard crafted for efficiency, stability, and precision. Perfect Stroke keys are shaped for your fingertips and increased key stability reduces noise while optimizing responsiveness. Tactile reference for hand positioning makes it easy to stay oriented and in your flow. The backlit keys light up the moment your hands approach, and automatically adjust to suit changing lighting conditions. With MX Keys you can truly master what you make.
Customer Rating
5
My new favorite bluetooth keyboard
on October 22, 2019
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
Many computer users don’t think about their keyboard and just use whatever comes with their desktop or laptop machine. In reality, however, the keyboard (and to a lesser extent, the mouse) is the most important interface you’ll have with your computer. Because of that, I’m always on the lookout for a better keyboard.
Before there were wireless keyboards, I was a big fan of Microsoft’s Natural keyboard, and still use that today at work. At home, however, I got interested in wireless keyboards that would eliminate the hassle of wires. My first was also a Microsoft product, their first bluetooth keyboard. It was my favorite keyboard, and had great key travel, making fast typing effortless. The problem was that it was stuck on an older version of bluetooth while technology moved on.
Logitech makes a lot of great keyboards, so I started with the K480, a small, heavy multi-device keyboard with a slot to hold a tablet. It’s not a bad keyboard, but the keys never felt right, and sometimes felt a little “sticky”, making fast typing difficult. Since that wasn’t the answer, my next Logitech product was the K780. This was a vast improvement over K480, and included a numeric keypad, which I loved. The K780 has round keys, which is a little different, but not really a problem. The best part is that the key travel was better, so the typing experience was vastly improved. I probably would have been happy to stay with the K780, but then I saw the new MX Keys.
I had seen the Logitech Craft keyboard, and in my mind that was best keyboard on the market. However, there’s no way I’d pay $200 for a keyboard, so I figured the K780 was as good as it would get for me. The MX Keys keyboard is basically the Craft keyboard without the dial, so I was excited to try it out. What I found is that it’s even better than the K780, and has a typing experience that’s just as good as my old MS keyboard.
The MX has a backlit keyboard, which is the first time I’ve seen this on any wireless keyboards. This is one of those features that you don’t think you need, until you do. The backlight is “smart”, meaning that it’s off until it senses your hands are near the keyboard. Then it lights up and adjusts its brightness to match the ambient light in the room. What a great feature!
The MX Keys is truly a full-sized keyboard, which means that there are dedicated keys for cursor movement and things like insert, home, delete, etc. I love this! I didn’t realize how much I missed dedicated keys until I had to keep guessing as to whether the numlock was on or not. Minor quibble, but nice to not have to worry about that.
The MX Keys is also a multi-function keyboard, like the K780. The main difference is that the K780 has a “groove” that can hold your tablet at the right angle, while the MX keys does not have that. To be honest, I miss that groove, but the MX does look better without it.
Speaking of looks, the MX Keys is a very nice-looking keyboard. The back is aluminum, and there’s a weighted bar across the top which adds weight and heft to the keyboard, and that keeps it planted wherever you put it on your table or desk. This keyboard is not going to slide around. I like the weight of the keyboard, but I suppose that might be a negative if you’re planning to carry it around in your backpack.
This is my new favorite keyboard! Assuming that there aren’t any updates in technology that change that, I plan to use this one for many years to come.
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Whisk or beat ingredients with ease during meal prep by using this 270W Oster five-speed hand mixer. The HeatSoft technology delivers a gentle burst of heat to soften cold items quickly, while turbo boost adds more power to your selected speed setting. This Oster five-speed hand mixer features full-size beaters for faster mixing results.
Customer Rating
4
Softens butter while you mix!
on October 16, 2019
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
The Oster hand mixer with HeatSoft technology fills a gap that we’ve all faced at one time or another: the need to soften or melt butter for a recipe, but not remembering that fact until the butter is in the middle of the baking mix. The Oster hand mixer addresses that by including the ability to blow heated air into the mixing bowl, softening things like butter without the mess that sometimes happens when using a microwave for that purpose. This is actually a pretty ingenious idea--if you’re having trouble thinking of how it works, think of a hair dryer that can also whip up mashed potatoes.
Perhaps my favorite part of this mixer is the magnetically attached splatter shield, or nozzle as Oster calls it. This is the plastic piece on the front of the mixer that also includes the holes where the beaters are inserted. It’s common for this area to get splattered, and it can be a pain to clean up. Not with this mixer! The nozzle pops right off for easy cleanup and access to the plastic casing behind it. This is another example of smart thinking that improves the tool in a way that you probably wouldn’t think of.
As for the mixing functions, this mixer performs as you would expect. A nice touch is the turbo button, which allows for a quick burst of speed without having to change the overall speed setting. This is good for those times when you just need to break up a large lump, but don’t want to mix everything faster for very long.
This is a great mixer at a good price point. My only gripe is that it doesn’t include dough hooks for this price. Oster does offer a higher level package which includes a storage container, dough hooks and a whisk for double the price at $100, but that seems excessive for what you get.
Compared to other mixers in this same price range, I think the Oster is a better value, offering thoughtful features not found elsewhere, with a sturdy build that I hope will last for many years to come.
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Big machine suction power* but with cord-free versatility. The Cyclone V10 Animal Pro bagless cordless pet stick vacuum has a 40% bigger bin than the previous V8 Absolute model and up to 40 minutes of fade-free power with the soft roller cleaner head (in Suction mode 1). The new torque drive cleaner head removes more dust from carpets. The soft roller cleaner head removes fine dust and large debris from hard floors. The Cyclone V10 Animal Pro cord-free vacuum quickly transforms to a handheld vacuum for quick cleanups, spot cleaning, and cleaning difficult places.* Suction tested to ASTM F558 at the flexible inlet.
Customer Rating
4
Great replacement for an old canister vac
on September 11, 2019
Posted by: BobinVA
from Forest
I’ve been using my current canister vacuum cleaner for decades and it still runs, so why did I get the new Dyson Animal? Well, if you’ve used a canister, you know that it can get old very quickly dragging the canister around behind you. It does have advantages over an upright--mainly that it does make the beater brush head more compact and easier to push around. Nonetheless, I was excited to try a new, more modern vacuum--one that was light and easy to use, had all the accessories I wanted, and was cordless. The Dyson Animal checks all of those boxes.
We have a husky and a long-haired cat in our house, so there are always “fur tumbleweeds” present on our hardwood floors, and sometimes it’s hard to tell which one is shedding: our couch or our dog. When I heard about the extra power to handle animal fur, I wanted to give the Dyson a try. I wasn’t disappointed.
The Dyson sports a very modern-looking design, and it’s one of those “stick” vacuum cleaners. That makes it thin and light and easy to carry around. The model I got has a torque drive beater head for carpet, a soft, fluffy rotating head for hardwood, and several attachments, such as brushes, a crevice tool, and very small beater brush head for use in cars.
The motor sounds like a futuristic jet engine, but it has lots of great suction power and turns on/off very quickly. I was impressed with how well it did on our carpets and picked up lots of dog hair. The clear dust bin features a sliding switch that automatically opens the lid when you hold it over a trash receptacle, allowing you to empty it without touching it. At least that’s the idea. Most of the time that works, but when you’re picking up lots of pet hair, especially Husky hair, it gets spun around inside the bin by the cyclone action and is then hard to get out without pulling it out yourself. That defeats the whole purpose, but it’s not the end of the world. That is one of those times when you realize why a vacuum bag is actually better, although it does cost you in decreased suction.
Being able to quickly detach the motor and clean up high with one of the attachments is great! It’s so easy to go from floor to ceiling, and the light weight of the main unit makes it no problem at all to clean all sorts of areas throughout the house. You just have to remember to keep the attachments nearby.
The hanging bracket is great and has spots to store 2 attachments. Dyson has cleverly designed the bracket to accommodate the power supply, turning the bracket into a hanging charger. It’s great to be able to keep the vacuum easily accessible in a nearby closet.
The Dyson Animal proved to up for any task I threw at it. It easily cleaned all of the types of floors in my home, as well as cleaning up cat hair from the futon using the small beater brush attachment that also works well on stairs and car upholstery. I think this will be a capable replacement for my trusty canister vac, assuming that the rechargeable battery is up to the task. My only gripe is with the need to manually dig out the mess of pet hairs that quickly accumulate in the dust bin. Apart from that, this is a fantastic tool!
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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, 4 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, 5 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, 7 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, 10 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, 5 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, 8 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.
4 years, 1 month 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