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Showing posts from October, 2013

Battroborg 3-in-1 Battle Arena Disappointing

  This toy appears to be the updated version of the old battle bots.    If you have seen the Toy Story movie, you will recall them.    This seems like a good idea however the execution is very weak.   The descriptions say there is an instruction sheet, there were NO instruction sheets nor were the visuals on the box much help.   It was easy to figure out where the eight batteries were to be installed.   The robots need to be charged by connecting them to the remote which holds the batteries.   They claim a 20 minute quick charge for 20 minutes of play.    They did charge in 20 minutes.   Play is a different matter.   I am guessing there is a color code that tells you something based on the changing color led that is on each robot.    Since there were no instructions I have no idea what the led color changes mean.   The one robot stopped working and had to be turned off and then back on to get it to work again.   I don’t know if that is what happens when it takes too many h

GreenWorks G-MAX 40V 16-inch DigiPro Brushless Chainsaw

Not being a chain saw aficionado, I will probably offend those of you who use a chain saw daily.    I use a chain saw infrequently.   Normally no more often than twice a year unless we have had stormy weather and if it is really stormy and I lose six trees simultaneously (3 years ago) then I call my tree guy.    I do not use a chain saw on a ladder. If I can’t have two feet on the ground I don’t use it.   Now that I have established my credentials, I like this little saw.    It is very well made.   It is replacing an equally small electric chain saw.    I don’t intend to fell forests with it, but when the occasional tree does come down, this appears that it will be able to handle it.   With that said, I am not planning on cutting down one of my trees to merely test it.    It came with very good instructions, a charger and a battery.    I called the 800 number to verify that there truly is a human being answering the phone and fielding questions.

Tech Armor Samsung Galaxy S4 Screen Protectors

  Tech Armor Samsung Galaxy S4 SIV Premium High Definition (HD) Clear Screen Protectors with Lifetime Replacement Warranty [3-Pack] - Retail Packaging This looks like it will do the trick for screen protection.   After reading the reviews on Gorilla Glass 3, I am pretty sure the screen protector isn’t needed but for $6.95, it’s cheap insurance.   The adhesive was less adhering that I expected.   I thoroughly cleaned the screen as per the instructions but one corner really is resisting its natural role of sticking to the job.    Still it is a 3 pack for $6.95 so it still is a good value and if the corner refuses to stay down, I have two spares.    From the vendor:  High Definition Transparency Film that ensures maximum resolution for your Galaxy S4 TruTouch Sensitivity for a natural feel that provides flawless touch screen accuracy Protects your Samsung AMOLED Display from unwanted scratches Repels dust and will reduce signs of daily wear Made from

Vantec NexStar TX 2.5-Inch SATA to USB 2.0 External Hard Drive Enclosure

  This enclosure worked as advertised.   It was easy to install the drive and the instructions were very simple.   I think the documentation could be a little more extensive.   I had to go to the web site support section to find out why there was a USB Y cable.   The Y cable is needed if you find your hard drive is not performing properly on a single USB connection.    The Y cable has one thick and one thin leg.   The thick leg is your traditional data/power USB cable.   The thin leg is for additional power only.    You only need to use it if you find your drive is not behaving properly.    That is a bit more subjective than I prefer but since my drive behaved perfectly, I won’t be worrying about it.   The price of this was $9.99 at Amazon.   The quality is fine and it does just what I expected.   From the vendor: ·   Aluminum Casing Cools Down Your Hard Drive ·   Easily Add Storage to Any System with USB ·   Hot-Swappable:  Plug & Pl

Broan 355BR 1200 CFM Roof Mount Powered Attic Ventilator, Brown PVC Dome

This was purchased as a direct replacement of the same model fan installed at least 10 years ago.   The previous model gave very good service and as mentioned did so for at least 10 years.    The Broan tech I spoke to suggested buying the entire fan assembly as opposed to just buying the replacement fan as the entire assembly would be cheaper than just the replacement part.    I did so.   I removed the motor, thermostat switch and fan from the assembly.   I then installed it in the old ventilator.   It fit perfectly and works well.   My only complaint was the ground screw in the thermostat switch was not sized correctly or the hole wasn’t punched large enough.    Using a socket wrench I was actually deforming the metal encasement of the thermostat switch trying to drive the grounding screw.   I drilled out the hole a bit to try and it still did not want to drive and I was unwilling to drill the hole any larger.   I replaced the screw with another sheet metal screw and it

MicroTouch ONE Razor Review

Déjà Vu, This is the type of razor I started shaving with 50 years ago.   The razor’s literature cautions you on the blades, how sharp they are and how important it is to safely dispose of the blades.   In fact at that time it was common to have a slot in the wall mounted medicine cabinet that opened on the dead space between walls.   When your blade became dull, you slipped the blade into the slot and it dropped between the walls.   Considering 18” centers on the studs and back then 2”x4” studs actually measured 2”x4”, you had a space 18” wide by 4”deep and approximately 60” high.    Think about how many razor blades would fit in that space.   If I still lived there, I could easily keep adding razor blades into the wall.    Enough history. Day 1 It took a few minutes to get back into the short stroke type of shaving.   With the multi-bladed razor you slowly pull down in long even strokes with the thought that the multiple blades then catch the hairs multip

Fulcrum 30100-308 MiniGo Motion Sensor LED Light

Light at top, motion sensor at bottom. This is actually cleverer than I expected.   It does detect motion and it does turn off in 20 seconds if the motion stops.   I can see it would be ideal for travel and strange rooms.   Set it on the night stand pointing away from the bed and if you needed to get it up you would have light.    It also would be good for the elderly or others who might need to take a pill at night, you would have no need to fumble to turn on a light, a simple motion would provide enough light to see what you are doing.   It comes with multiple methods of mounting provide you want to do a semi-permanent mount.    This is an excellent travel accessory.   My only complaint is the ridiculously difficult to open packaging.   The plastic, sealed, clamshell packaging cries out for replacement with a consumer friendly package.   · Includes both motion activated auto on/off or manual operation for tasks and emergencies ·   Three ways to use/mount:

Educational Insights Nancy B's Science Club MoonScope and Sky Gazers Activity Journal

This is a nice little telescope.   The price at Amazon is $46.00.   The quality of the piece is a bit iffy.   It does everything it claims to do but if you have rambunctious kids, I suspect it will not last very long.   The instructions for assembly were adequate.    The need for two AAA batteries could be larger on the outside packaging.   However since the batteries are not necessary for use of the telescope but just to operate the red LED light, that is not a critical oversight.   The LED is for use in keeping your Sky Gazer’s journal.   The activity journal is quite good.   It gives decent instructions and provides activities to be used with the MoonScope.   It will provide a positive learning experience.   The two eyepieces provide a surprising amount of magnification.   This feels like an inexpensive toy but provides a more sophisticated magnification than you would expect.   If it felt a little more durable it would be five star worthy but it is s