Product Review: Ring Indoor Cam (1st Gen)

 

This is a set of two indoor Ring Cameras. I got them mainly to be able to keep an eye on and communicate with, a disabled parent, aimed at the staircases so I can be alerted of motion on the stairs and monitor for falls. They are very easy to set up (basically you download the ring app, select the option to add a new device, scan the QR code on the back of the camera, and follow the instructions). If you are familiar with setting up devices like Amazon Echo, smart speakers, or the like, you can easily set these up. The App has a free tier and a paid monthly subscription tier. The big difference between the paid tier and the free version is that movement activity will not be recorded on the free tier, so you cannot see what happened earlier. You can only get a live view.

Once you set them up, you can customize zones in the camera's view to detect motion, and you can turn the motion detection schedule on and off, for example, if you only want to detect motion from a camera overnight, or when you are out of the house, at work, or something like that, you can. That will keep you from getting notifications when you do not need them. You can also snooze notifications for a period of time. You can also, under the privacy settings, set up zones in the camera's field of view that will not be recorded. So, yes are some privacy options, although it does not appear that you can totally turn off the camera for a duration without unplugging it. You can also set the motion detection to alert only when a person is moving, so it does not chime every time a pet moves around (during the free trial and then if you pay for the subscription after that).

The video is very good. Even at night with all the lights off, you can see very well. Much better than old grainy security cameras where everything looks like pixelated blobs. The only con is that they do lose connection to the wireless signal from time to time. Sometimes it is very easy to get them reconnected just using the app, and sometimes you have to unplug the cameras and plug them back in to get them to reconnect. Overall, however, I am very happy with the purchase and definitely recommend these.

Product Review: Roku Premiere | HD/4K/HDR Streaming Media Player

 

I have a few different Roku devices (two ultras, and one Express). The Roku Express crashed when trying to open apps like Netflix and Hulu, but worked with other apps. After trying to restart and factory reset it (and trying to replace the express with my old Firestick which got caught in a boot loop that I could not get it out of), I decided to replace it with the Premiere. So far, it is able to open all of the Apps without a problem and the stream quality is very good. The setup is very easy. You just go to the Roku website and enter the code on the screen. Then it will download the apps that you select, or if you already have a Roku account, whatever apps have already been downloaded on the other devices.

Overall, the interface and remote for the Roku to be much better and more user friendly than the FireStick/FireTV interface and remote. The only downside I have discovered with the Roku interface (aside from the issue of the Roku express crashing) is that you are forced to have all of the same apps on each device that are logged in under that account. So, if you have multiple TVs in your house, some of which only certain people watch, and each has a Roku device that is logged in under the same account, everyone has to have the same apps on their home screen. The apps on each device's home screens can be rearranged, however, and those are sticky to the particular device. So, while each TV is stuck with the same apps, regardless of whether the person who watches that TV watches them all or not, each person can have their home screen arranged how they prefer, with the apps they watch toward the top of the list. And, Roku will randomly put new Apps on the home screen, whether you want them or not. That is the biggest pain and drawback. But, other than that, Roku has a very nice interface and is easy to use.

Product Review: WORX WX082L 4V ZipSnip Cordless Electric Scissors

 

This is definitely good for cutting thin things like wrapping paper, mesh (like screen material), etc. Basically, it can cut through anything that is relatively thin. It is not good for cutting stuff like thicker, cardboard, or anything much thicker than a couple of sheets of paper. But, for what it can cut, especially for long straight cuts that may be needed, it is much faster and easier than using scissors.

Product Review: TP-Link N300 WiFi Extender(RE105)

 

My townhouse is split-level and has dead zones on the upper level (my router is in my office in the basement). I bought two of them, and they definitely boost the signal on the upper levels and eliminate or reduce the dead zones. This is very easy to set up. You just plug it in near your router, push the WPS button on the router and the WPS button on the extender, then wait for the blinking light on the extender to turn solid. Then you can unplug the extender and move it to where you want the signal boost. Now I am getting the same Wi-Fi signal strength on the upper floors of my townhouse as I can in the basement. Given that these are relatively inexpensive, I definitely recommend this if you have a house that has Wi-Fi dead zones.

Product Review: HDMI Switch 4K HDMI Splitter-Techole Aluminum Bi-Directional HDMI Switcher 2 Input 1 Output

 

I mounted my TV on the wall, and the mount covers one of the HDMI ports, making it impossible to access. So, I bought this so I could have both my Firestick and my blu-ray player connected to the TV without having to unplug a cable every time. A couple of things should be noted about this. First, it is a switch, not a splitter. So it does not allow for multiple displays on a single screen. It just allows you to switch between two devices by pushing the button on top of the unit. Second, it does not have its own power supply. It gets power by having something like a FireStick or Roku plugged into it (which is likely preferrable to most people). So, with those provisos, it works very well for what it is intended, and I definitely recommend it.

Product Review: Echo Dot (3rd Gen)

 

I have a second-generation echo dot, as well as a second-generation "regular" echo unit. My mom moved into my house due to health issues, and I wanted another dot so we could use the "drop-in" intercom feature in the basement where my office space is, should the need arise. Because of the prime-day two-for-one deal, I was able to get an extra dot for no cost. 

It seems like the sound quality in the newer generation of Echo Dots is much better than in the older versions. It is still not as good as the regular Echo or a Sonos speaker, but not as tinny as the sound in the second-generation dots. And, the set-up was a LOT easier. You still have to use the Alexa app to set it up, but it is much more of a "plug-and-play" process, with far fewer hoops (at least using the iPhone version of the Alexa app) to jump through to get it working. Basically, once it is plugged in, the Alexa app will recognize it, ask what WiFi connection it should use and that it is.

Product Review: Jabra Evolve 75 UC Wireless Headset

 

I have to participate in many calls and web meetings in my job. Working from home made it harder to do so just trying to use computer audio and my cell phone. This works very well as a solution. The headset has excellent noise reduction, it seems like people can hear me well on the other end. It has 14 hours of battery life on a full charge, which, depending on how often you are on the phone, can last several days.. The only issue I have found is that if you are on a web meeting on your computer, then later, after the meeting is over, want to use this with your phone, you will need to turn it off and back on so it can re-pair with your phone. Aside from that, this works great, and although a bit pricey, is worth it.

Product Review: IUKUS PC Microphone with Mic Stand

 

I use this for audio/video conferencing on my home computer when I work at home. The people on the other end seem to be able to hear me well and I have not had any issues with feedback or had anyone comment about my audio cutting in and out. It is really handy that it comes with a small tripod and can sit on a desk, and has a long enough cord that you can easily move it out of the way when not using it, and move it closer when you are. It is a great deal when using it in that context. I do not use it for gaming, so I am not sure how well it does or does not work for doing that.

Product Review: PHILIPS Computer Monitors 328E9QJAB 32" Curved Frameless Monitor

 

I have a job that routinely requires me to have multiple documents and applications open at one time (e.g., Word, Acrobat, Outlook, and a web browser at the very least), and because of the Covid-19 pandemic, my office instituted a mandatory work-from-home policy. Therefore, I got a couple of these to connect to my laptop via a docking station. They are relatively easy to set up. The only thing I found a bit tricky is that the power button is on the back of the monitor, just on the other side of the Phillips logo in the middle of the bottom of the monitor.

If you connect via an HDMI cable the picture is very crisp, and you can easily display multiple documents/applications at one time. I just have the monitors at eye level and do not have any problem seeing any portion of the screens. I am not sure how it would be affected if the monitor is moved above or below eye level. It does have a speaker that emits okay sound, and you can connect an external speaker via a jack in the back of the monitor to get better sound out of it. Overall, If you are looking for a relatively large, widescreen monitor that is inexpensive, I definitely recommend this one.

Product Review: Amazon Basics USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Dual Monitor Docking Station

 

This is pretty much a plug-and-play device, with the caveat that you need to install the drivers before you connect it to your computer. I am not sure what happens if you do not, but the instructions make clear to do that first, and if you do, it is very easy to get up and running.

My office instituted a work-from-home policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I needed to connect multiple monitors to my laptop in order to efficiently work from home. This has one HDMI port, one port that allows you to connect a monitor with a VGA connection, and then has several USB ports so you can connect a flash drive, an external hard drive, or whatever other USB devices you would like. It also allows you to connect speakers and a microphone if you so desire. The only thing I would have liked it to have is two HDMI ports so you can connect two monitors via HDMI. Aside from that, I am very satisfied with it.

Product Review: Apple Watch Series 4

 

I bought mine refurbished from Amazon. Despite being refurbished it looks brand new and may have well have been factory-sealed. If you have an iPhone, it is extremely easy to set up. You just pair it with your phone and it connects to your account and basically sets everything up automatically. You have the option of having it download a bunch of apps at one time, or you can pick and choose apps to download after the watch is set up. I have used it mostly for workout and sleep tracking, but there are a lot of other apps specifically for the watch available. I have not come across any issues with it having been refurbished, and getting it that way is much more cost-efficient than getting it brand new. 

After a couple of years, the face plate popped off. It actually still worked, and I could use a rubber band to keep the plate in place, but I did not want to do that long-term, and I was leery of using superglue on it.  Because it was out of warranty, Apple wanted $600 for the honor of sending it in to get fixed. So, needless to say, it was a lot more cost-effective to purchase a new one. I do not think the face plate popped off because it was refurbished. I just think that is a thing that happened with the older model. So far, I have had no issues with my new watch.

Product Review: Roku Express

 

This is an inexpensive option for cord-cutters (kind of an oxymoron since it still has cords) i.e., those who are looking to ditch cable or satellite TV. It is basically a box that attaches to your TV via an HDMI cable, and then allows you to download various apps, some free, some paid (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Sling TV, YouTube TV, etc.) through which you can watch TV or movies.

The setup is easy. You just plug the Roku box into one of the HDMI ports on your TV, then connect it via a USB cable to a power source, which can be either through a USB port in the TV or connect the USB end of the cable into a power adapter that plugs into a regular wall outlet. Then you just follow the on-screen prompts to set it up, which will include connecting to your home's wireless network, telling it what you like to watch so it can suggest apps to download, and either setting up or logging into your Roku account (if you have an account set up). So, as long as you are not completely technophobic, you can get it set up in a few minutes.

There is absolutely no activation fee to set up the box. You have the option to set up Roku premium content (like HBO, Showtime, etc.) but you do not have to activate any of those. There are a bunch of free apps, including the Roku channel which have TV shows and movies, and usually play commercials throughout the shows, but those are generally past seasons of shows. If you want to watch current shows you either have to pay for a service like Sling TV or the like or get an HD antenna to connect to your TV to watch shows over-the-air.

Overall, this is a very good deal. Just to note, it will not play content in native 4k, so if you have a 4k TV you may want to upgrade to one of the more expensive boxes that will allow you to get the best resolution. But, if you have a regular HD TV that outputs 1080p, this is a great option. And, the remote is about 1000 times better and easier to use than the Amazon Fire remotes. So, if you are deciding between a Roku and one of the Amazon Fire devices, that may be something you want to consider. Roku does have an Amazon Prime app, so you can play all the Prime video content if you are a Prime member.

Product Review: Tile Mate 4 Pack

 

This is a good source to keep track of things like keys, wallets, purses, etc., as long as they are in close proximity. I am sure everyone has done the "mad scramble" to find their keys or wallet while trying to leave for work, or just head somewhere that he or she has to get to within a certain amount of time. These will totally eliminate that. If you are used to setting up internet-connected devices, these are very simple to set up. They connect via Bluetooth to your phone via the Tile app. You name each tile, and from then on, you can find that particular tile (if it is in range of your phone) by choosing "find wallet" in the app, and it will play a tone from the tile that gets louder the longer it takes you to find it. Conversely, if you have a tile at hand but cannot find your phone, you can click the button on the tile and it will ring your phone. If a tile is out of range of the phone it will show on a map the last location it was before the phone lost connection so you can see if you left it at work, a restaurant, etc. Those are all the free features, and Tile does have a fee-based membership that adds features like notifying you via a phone alert if you leave the tile at home or work (basically if you move out of range of a tile), allowing you to send a notice to other tile users that something is lost, and notify you if someone finds it. Etc.

Overall, I love these. If you are going to put one in a wallet I would suggest getting a pack that includes the "slim" tiles, because the regular ones are fairly thick. That said, I was able to move some things around in my slim wallet and put a regular tile in one of the credit card slots and it works fine. I definitely recommend these, as long as you do not want something that will give you a precise location (that will get you within feet of what you are looking for) in the app.

Product Review: VicTsing Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo

 

I bought this was looking for a better wireless keyboard-mouse combination, mainly because my old wireless mouse was a total pain to use. This is much better than my old one, but not perfect, and not as good as the more expensive Logitech models. The only thing that the keyboard is missing that would be nice to have is a hotkey for the calculator. Aside from that, it has a nice feel (but the keys could be softer), and the mouse is responsive and does not have issues with scrolling that my old one did. I am not sure that it would be all that good for a gaming keyboard, but if you mainly your computer to surf the internet and use Word or Excel or something like that, this is a decent to good, inexpensive option. But, if you really prefer softer touch keyboard keys, this will not be a good option for you.

Product Review: Magic Hue WiFi Light Bulb, Soft White, Smart Sunrise Wake Up Light Bulb, 60 Watts Equivalent

 

This is a smart LED light bulb that I mainly got for the sunrise feature because while having a smart plug is great, it can be jarring having a light turn on full blast at 5 a.m. in a dark room. In the app, you basically tell it what percentage you want the light to start at, where you want it to end, and what time frame. So you can have it go from 0% to 100% over the course of 10 min, a half hour, or whatever interval you would like. You can also set it to turn on and off at different times or control it through the app. As with a smart plug, you leave the lamp "on" and the bulb turns itself on and off.

The setup was fairly straightforward and is much like connecting an echo unit to your Wi-Fi. There are a few steps involved, including downloading an app, but nothing that is overly complicated. I will update this review in the future should the need arise, but so far, I am very satisfied, and definitely recommend it.

Product Review: Apple Pencil (1st Generation)

 

I have this along with an iPad Pro. Aside from the fact that you have to charge it, unlike passive styluses, it is perfect. Even so, the charging is quick and can be done by plugging it into the lightning port on the iPad itself, or you can connect it to a charger through an adapter that comes with the pencil. It also comes with an extra tip. It is fairly easy to set up, although the instructions are printed in tiny print that is hard to read. Basically, you just make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPad, plug the pencil into the lightning port, and tell it to pair when the dialog box pops up.

If you are a student taking notes for class on an iPad or iPad Pro, it is indispensable. There is little to no lag/latency (at least not that is noticeable like there was on the first generation pen tablets), it is easy to control, and if you get one of the screen protectors that mimic the feel of paper (I use the Sapper paper-like screen protector) you can barely tell any difference from writing on paper. It does take a little getting used to because it does not feel exactly like a pen-and-paper writing experience, but once you get the feel of it, it is very close.

Product Review: Apple iPad Pro 12.9" (2017 Model)

 

I got this to basically use two apps, Notability and Dropbox. I recently finished an electrical engineering degree and have my class notes in a bunch of different notebooks and three-ring binders. I use Notability to transfer my paper notes to an electronic format and back them up to Dropbox. I also use Dropbox for work so I can access any work files on the iPad when I am on the bus going to and from work.

The setup is extremely easy, especially if you already have an iPhone. You can just connect to it via your phone and it will automatically connect to your Wi-Fi, have your Apple ID settings (you still have to enter your ID and password, but can skip most of the setup screens) entered, and know any other apps you have downloaded.

For what I use the iPad for 64 GB is plenty big, but obviously, the more expensive models can get you a lot more. I got the 12.9" model expressly for taking notes since you can mimic an 8.5 x 11" piece of paper. For anyone who is just going to use it for school or work, it is a perfect size. If you plan on using it as a more traditional tablet (surfing the internet, reading e-books, etc.) you may want to get one of the smaller models since this is larger and heavier and gets to be kind of a pain to hold and maneuver.

Product Review: Amazon Basics 6 foot HDMI Cable

 

I bought this to hook up a UHD blu-ray to an LG 4K TV. It is a great, inexpensive cable (especially when compared to the cost of ones in box stores) that provides great sound and picture. I have not had issues with either the cable or the picture from the 4k player to the TV since using this to play several 4k discs over the past couple of years. 6 feet is the perfect length for the setup I have, and I think will be fine for most people. I definitely recommend it for those looking for a high-speed HDMI cable.

MPOW H5 Bluetooth Headphones

 

I am not an audiophile by any means, so I am not sure how these would stand up to higher-end headphones. But, for an inexpensive pair of Bluetooth headphones, I am very satisfied with them. I used to work in a cubicle jungle where I could sometimes put headphones on. Using the active noise cancellation I heard very little background noise or people talking around me. 

The sound for both music and talk radio is very good, and they feel very comfortable on my head. They are not adjustable however so if you have a larger head then they would be very uncomfortable or may not fit at all. For a pair of inexpensive Bluetooth headphones, this is a good option.

Product Review: Roku Premiere - HD and 4K UHD Streaming Media Player

 

I took the plunge and cut the cord from Satellite TV back in 2017. I got a couple of these for free from AT&T/DirecTV NOW's promotion where you could get a free Roku for prepaying for 2 months of DirecTV Now. It comes preloaded with a few apps mainly the ones that have the remote buttons as shortcuts (on mine it was Amazon, Netflix, DirecTV Now, and Pandora). Then you can download whatever other apps you want like such as Hulu, Sling, or channel-specific apps like Comedy Central, CW, etc. Some of the apps are free, and some require you to sign in with your TV provider information.

Roku has a pretty nice free app that rotates older movies and TV shows every couple of months. The only cons I have come across which knock it down a star for me is that at this point there is no internet browser app to allow you to open web pages, it does lose internet connection from time to time, and randomly becomes unresponsive requiring you to unplug it and plug it back in. Occasionally it will just reset itself. That can be a pain in the ass, but I would say, for the most part, it stays connected to the internet fairly well. It is usually not a big deal to get it connected back to the internet or working again if it freezes, but it is kind of a pain when it happens. Overall though I am satisfied with it, and would recommend it to anyone thinking of getting rid of cable or satellite.