Book Reviews and Money Saving Tips

Put this on your spring shopping list.    I hooked this up today and ran it through its paces.  I tried the different spray patterns.  It is still just shy of weird when the hose is filling or when you drain it due to the snake like way the hose moves as pressure is either applied or removed.  The beauty of the hose is the lack of space needed for storage. I used this to replace a 50' "kinkless, HA no hardly" hose that needed to be curled up in a 32 gallon trash can.   This hose fits neatly in a small bucket and takes not effort to coil it.   Don't know if it will hold up but at the moment, I love it. From the vendor: ·         All-Around Yard Use: An expanding hose that fits standard spigots, sprinklers, and irrigation accessories and is perfect for around the yard wherever you need it ·         10x Longer Lasting: Made with double-layer, high-performance...

This is the first wireless charger I have gotten that looks like it was designed with both effectiveness and style.   It will fit in on any desk.   Gray flannel is just so traditional, I love it.   It does charge fast.  It is the first wireless charger I have gotten that includes the power plug which is also a nice touch.  Overall I am impressed.    If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

This is a very nice suitcase.  It is lighter than the ones I have in the same size.  The spinner wheels are smooth and roll easily.  The TSA lock on it is a good touch.  There are ample inside pockets and a very large outside pocket.  There is a handle on both the top and bottom of the suitcase.  That should not be a surprise but it was a pleasant one as I was complaining recently about the lack of a handle on the bottom on my existing suitcases.  This is a good purchase. If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Doitby USB C To Displayport Adapter DisplayPort To HDMI Adapter Type C To HDMI Adapter MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, iMac, Surface Book, Pixelbook, Galaxy Book,ect (4K 60Hz,Thunderbolt 3 Compatible) This is a handy gadget.  I plugged the HDMI end into the Display Adapter connection and then plugged the USB-C connection into my phone.   See the photo, it worked great.  This is a handy gadget to have in your cpu tool box. From the Vendor: ·         [Plug and Play Device] This type c to displayport adapter is design as a hassle-free extension that connect instantly to USB C devices with DisplayPort/HDMI enabled Displays for increased productivity and easy usage without any need to pre-install drivers. ·         [Allow Screen Mirroring] Display your laptop and smartphone screens on your TV or monitor with no lagging and enjoy your favorite TV shows or display your presentation with people aroun...

This is a great toy.  It encompasses use of hands and thoughts to build and has an interactive aspect not found in ordinary building toys.   I'm beginning to think the same voice is used across a spectrum of toy brands.  I'm sure kids find it fine but as an adult I think I would find the voice grating.  I like the learning aspect and the combining of electronics with  hand and motor skills.   If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Wireless Keyboard Mouse, Jelly Comb Aluminium Alloy 2.4GHz Compact Rechargeable Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo for Windows, Laptop, Notebook, PC, Desktop, Computer This keyboard and mouse combo connected quickly and easily.  It works fine with Windows 10.  The keyboard was surprisingly receptive as it looked like there was very shallow play on key depth and I like the feel of a “mechanical” keyboard but it was more than acceptable.  It is a good size and if you don’t need the numeric keypad it should work well for most applications.  It is perfect for settings that are space challenged.  It comes with a soft touch cover that is not mentioned, you could use it only as a cover or type right on it. RELIABLE 2.4GHz WIRELESS CONNECTION: Using advanced 2.4GHz wireless technology, the wireless keyboard mouse will get connected to your computer as soon as you plug the USB receiver into the USB port. SLEEK ALUMINUM ALLOY DESIGN: The keyboard is fully...

This looked like a really cool toy.  A tank like vehicle that you can run from your phone and fight battles with light.   The set comes with two tanks, minimal instructions and two USB charging cables.  You control the tanks with your smartphone. The "manual" has a QR code that supposedly sent you to download the application to your smartphone.  The QR code went into infinity circle mode and never loaded.  Then I went to the PlayStore and downloaded the software there.   In the installation the software asks for permission to make phone calls, wants to know your location and wants permission to access data, photos etc on your phone.  I denied all permissions and the software would not load.   From my perspective this is simply a cheap shot at data mining.   There is no reason that the application needs to do all those things to play with a toy.   The company charges a fair amount for the toy and then double...

PinSpace Electric RC Monster Truck Full-Time 4-Wheel Drive System, 1/16 Scale Off Road Truck 4 Shock Absorbers, Digital Controller, LED Lighting Ages 8 Years & Up This is a realistic replica of a monster truck complete with working headlights.   It isn't super quick but it clears obstacles that a car I recently reviewed, could not get over.  I can see this plowing through a Lego village with glee.   It controls easily and should not be difficult for a kid to learn.  I did not like that the battery compartment in the truck body is held by a screw.   There is a latch and I think they should  have made it a more secure latch as without the screw in place, the latch won't stay closed.  That is going to be annoying to have to find a screw driver each time the battery needs charged.  The remote also has a screw but those batteries will last a lot longer.   From the vendor: The perfect blend of powerful truck ...

These are both cute and practical.  I cranked up the volume and I could not get these to go too loud.  I manipulated the volume control on both the headset and the computers and was never able to get them too loud.  Many kids listen to their games at a volume level that is not recommended.  This set allows the parent to rest comfortably knowing the kid can’t get it crazy  high.   In addition to safety these are really cute. ·         Kids headphones made with soft fleece material, fits 23.2" Inch(59cm), comfortable for children ·         Cute cartoon design. It can be used as the sleep mask, block out noise and light. Great for sleep, sport, climbing, outdoor activities ·         Especial magic Velcro as closing seal, easy to wear or take off. Adjustable headband protect hearing and comfortable while listening, prevent headphones from...

This is almost too cute.   The puppy moves and hops and barks albeit in a robotic manner but nevertheless it is endearing.   This is going to be a hit for the holidays.   The controls are a bit cumbersome but not impossible.  The charging cable is in the box and would be very easy to lose on Christmas morning as it is not highlighted in any way.  I would recommend getting the dog out and removing all of the tethers as the kind of thing that makes kids crazy on Christmas morning, the wait to get the toy out of the box.   Saying there is an instruction “book” is generous.  It is a piece of paper.  I saw no instructions on how to charge.   It is somewhat obvious with the USB C cable to use but some not of charging would have made sense.  Overall my reaction to the toy was very positive. Perhaps the best part of this puppy is no tinkle on the carpet.   From the vendor: ·    ...

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Coolqiya Canvas Tote Handbag Laptop Shoulder Bag Business Work School for Women This is one of those uni-age bags. It will be well received by students who want to tote their laptop to those who are just looking for a big, well-constructed bag.  It is a nice looking bag with lots of pockets.  It received accolades from my bride so that says it all for me. From the Vendor: Material: Canvas Fabric, PU leather. ·         This tote bag is casual, also strong enough to carry your laptop. With foam padding for bump and shock absorption to be shockproof and protect your laptop. ·         The handbag bag has nice laptop dividers right in the center of the bag, and oversized, you can hold 15.6 inch laptop inside and put in your folders, purse on the other side. ·         It may be annoying to carry multiple bags but you don't need to anymore if you have this bag. ...

  Graphic from IVN (Independent Voter News) Just Do It!

Hyperlite HB-HH-150W-58 Led High Bay Shopping Light Fixture UL/DLC Certification 5' Cable with 110V Plug US Hanging Hook CRI>80Ra 20,250Lm 120° Wide Beam Angle 5000K, 150W-20, White This is a terrific light.    It is crazy bright and lights up my two car garage beautifully. It comes with a hook and a safety cable.    I like the safety cable as the light is heavier than I expected.    I hope to hit a stud with the ceiling hook but with a large molly bolt and the safety chain on another molly bolt It should be fine.     I have to rewire a ceiling light to a socket to plug this into the ceiling but I tested it from the wall and it is really bright.    Another plus is since it is LED it should last a really long time. From the Vendor: ∮ Premier LED Lighting – Backed by 20,250 lumens, our high bay led lighting features a 120° beam angle that covers more space with higher CRI and produces clearer, more color-frien...

  Stand Wireless Charger, AIRGINE QI Certified Fast Wireless Charger Charging Pad Stand, Compatible for iPhone X, iPhone 8/8 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+, S8/S8+, Note 9, Note8 (No AC Adapter) This is a confusing review to write as I like the product and it is working just fine.   However the documentation tells you when you power it up you get a red light. I got no red light, I got a blue light. It tells you that a green light will flash when you put your phone on the charger.  I got no green light. It says when the phone is charged the green light goes steady, again I have only a blue light.  My phone seems to like it.  I have a waterproof case on the phone and it charges with no issues through the case.   With my previous QI charger I had to have the phone precisely aligned for it to charge.  This charger seems to work well with out being overly precise.  So my experience is good but the documentation seems to have little t...

Scary stuff on Halloween seems appropriate.  I recently got an extortion email.  Some miscreant had gotten one of my old passwords most likely through one of the highly publicized data breaches that have occurred over the last year.  Said idiot threaten to pillage my finances, crash my computer, sully my reputation by spoofing my presence on porn sites and trashing my social media.   To prevent this catastrophe all I needed to do was send money through bit coins to the address in the email.  They even instructed on how to get bit coins and threatened even dire consequences if I called the cops.   They said they were overseas so local cops couldn’t touch them.  (Although they could be sitting at the local Starbucks.) I googled extortion emails and the third hit was nearly word for word the email I received.   My first thought was who buys into this crap.   Then I pondered the sheer volume of emails that go out daily ...

Universal Power Travel Adapter,RXSQUL International Power Adapter Smart 2.4A 4 USB, European Adapter Converter,Plugs Adapters Europe, Canada, UK, US, AU, Asia-Blue I took a very similar item to the UK last month that failed out of the box.  The failure was the inability to retract the plugs after they were extended.  I tested this one by extending the plugs and retracting them multiple times.  Each time it allowed you to retract one plug and extend another.  That was the feature I was counting on, one adapter for multiple uses.  It also has 4 USB charging ports on it, a great feature.   A couple of bucks more than the $12.99 unit and well worth it.  If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

This is kind of cool, pun intended.  It blows out a steady stream of air and is very quiet.  A hand bellows is cumbersome and subject to vagrancies due to the manipulation by erratic hand movements.  This provides a steady stream with a flame retardant nozzle.  Another function that occurred to me was a golf bag cooling tool, blow a stream of air at your face.    from the vendor:   ·         Rugged plastic construction; no-roll triangular shape and non-slip grip ·         Impeller style fan & vent; provides optimum air flow for fire starting needs ·         Flame retardant nozzle ·         Powered by AA Alkaline batteries (not included); battery Run time: up to 180/1 min. Bursts ·         1-Year warranty If reviewing a product, it may have been...

This is a handy gadget.  I tested it on my desktop and it worked fine. My phone would not see it.  It is a worthwhile thing to keep in your drawer for those circumstances where you would otherwise be stymied.   My biggest complaint is the “manual” is printed in a font that is beyond the ability of my bifocals.   I wish vendors would charge a penny or two more and proved a readable startup manual.  If reviewing a product, it may have been received free of charge. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Sliced bread comes to mind as in the best thing since sliced bread.   I ordered this after replacing my desktop computer which resides in my desk. It is dark in there and if I put a light behind me, that’s where the light is behind me, not in front of me where I am plugging and pulling cables.   I held a small flashlight in my teeth for awhile and as much as that sounds fun, it isn’t.   This is so light and the light goes where you are looking without holding or adjusting.   The light is very bright but can be dimmed down.  I’m not sure what, if anything, I will do with the red light, the blinking red light and the green light.  Perhaps a Halloween costume or riding a bike I don’t own after dark would be a use.   This is a tool that every happy home DYI person should own.  ·         Pivoting head directs beam where you want hands-free light, while VisionGuard minimizes impa...

Shark ION Robot Vacuum R85 with Wi-Fi, Smart Sensor Navigation 2.0, Powerful Suction and XL Dust Bin, and Self-Cleaning Brushroll (RV850), Ash Gray This is pretty nifty.   It performs as advertised.  It was able to go from my workroom floor over the threshold and up on the rug with no issues.  I put it in a tight area and it was able to work out how to get out.  The dust bin appears to be 50% larger than the one on my iRobot model.  The brushes should make it great with pet hair. (Should since we have no pets now, I can’t swear to that.) My wife will not talk to it so I did not use the Alexa aspect or the cell phone aspect.  Just push the button marked CLEAN and off it goes.  The boundary strip will keep it from tumbling down the stairs.  Overall it works well for general every day clean up and from what I could see should be invaluable if you have pets.   From the Vendor: ·       ...