My Product Reviews and Thoughts: May 2019

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

EACHINE E511 WiFi FPV Live Video Quadcopter

A typical toy grade drone that is a clone of the Mavic Air. It is a nice drone and flies well.

The battery gives you about 15 minutes of flight time with the camera running and takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge it with the included balance charging cable unless you have a good balance charger.

The camera is a nice 1080p 120-degree wide camera, but because it is a fixed camera that can be slightly adjusted by hand, there is a some jello in the video when saved to your device as there is no SD card slot on this and connects to your device using WIFI.

It does have some nice bright LED lights on the front on both sides of the camera, which makes it looks like a bug’s face when looking at it.

This drone, like most, come with all the basic toy grade features, with altitude hold (not GPS or optical flow), flips, 3-speed modes, trajectory flight, 3D VR mode, one key return, headless mode, and one key takes off/land.

What I love is the foldability and portability of this drone. This is a big drone at about 14 x 14 inches with the prop guards on, legs folded down and arms unfolded, but will fold down to about 4.25 x 7.25 inches and that makes it small enough to throw in just about anything. Maybe even your pocket?

This is also a little heavier drone than most with that 1200 mAh 2S battery and 1020 motors that come with it. That pushes it to just around 270 grams or 9.50 ounces

Overall, this is a very nice flier with pretty good yaw and pitch in the highest speed mode and good enough in the lower modes. This does have a range of about 650 feet before the WIFI drops and you do have to turn the drone off and back on before you can reconnect, so keep it close and in range.

DISCLAIMER: This was offered at a discounted rate in exchange for an honest review. I rely on reviews from the community when making purchases, so I believe in giving honest and unbiased reviews to help others. I am not obligated to leave positive feedback and receive no compensation for doing so. I am not associated with the seller in any way.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Drones-Camera-Adults%EF%BC%8CEACHINE-Quadcopter-Foldable/dp/B07PCPKMKC/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=drone+with+camera+1080p&qid=1558059214&s=gateway&sr=8-7

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

ToyerBee Bubble Machine- Automatic Bubble Maker with Bubble Solution

This is a nice little bubble maker from Toyerbee. It’s very easy to set up and use and created a ton of bubbles. It is better for older kids if they are using it themselves but my 10-month-old grandson loves it just the same watching the bubbles and trying to catch some of them.

This is an all plastic machine pretty much and can get broken pretty easy if dropped or slammed on something hard, so you do need to take care when using or storing this.

It does require 4 AA batteries that are not included, so make sure to get those if giving as a gift. It’s no fun to get something and not be able to play with it right away.

Overall, this works great and is giving lots of fun so far for us.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Found on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MQ4GWZP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

Brinonac Mini Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Had one similar to this and gave it to my son when his stopped working during golf. These are perfect for golf being waterproof, small and portable, but loud enough to hear from the golf cart.

Love that it has different options to use it with Bluetooth, TF card and FM radio, I can listen to pretty much anything I want but the most important feature it the dust and waterproof as you never know what the weather will be on the golf course and can’t afford to ruin my expensive speakers that aren’t waterproof. Doesn’t make sense why the more expensive ones aren’t waterproof as well?

The sound on this is more than loud enough and actually has some pretty good bass. I won’t say I play this turned all the way turn up, but when I do, there isn’t any cracking or distortion and sounds just as good as when on lower volumes.

I am more than happy with this speaker and it works perfectly for what I need it to. Keep this in my golf bag and charge it off a power bank or the golf cart (yes, they have USB ports now) when needed. Great little speaker.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Brinonac-Portable-Bluetooth-Speakers-Waterproof/dp/B07MDBXGM1/ref=sr_1_112?keywords=portable+waterproof+bluetooth+shower+speaker&qid=1557457107&s=gateway&sr=8-112

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

HOKEKI USB Desk Fan with Night Breathing Night Light

Love this fan by HOKEKI. I travel and must have a fan to sleep in a quiet hotel room and taking my other fan always took up a lot of luggage space and this new fan folds down to a third of the size of the old one, saving a lot of space.

Love that it has a rechargeable 18650 lithium battery that can run for 16 hours before needing to be recharged or you can plug it into any USB port (power bank, PC, outlet) and it will charge and run at the same time. Some hotels, you just can’t get to the outlets by the bed and not needing one is a a big bonus for me.

This fan can be adjusted both up and down as well as side to side, so you can reach and point this in any direction you need or wish.

I normally put my fans on the highest setting and this one is no different if I have it plugged in but to save the battery when needed I lower the speed and having the other three speeds is nice because it is always good to have options if needed.

I don’t have small children so the child lock doesn’t do anything for me, but would be nice for someone that does. The night light is nice when I can’t find the light switch around my hotel bed or to have on when I turn the other lights off heading to bed depending on where the switches are located in the room.

Overall, I love this little fan that puts out a good breeze and is still pretty quiet and easy to clean and recharge when needed.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/HOKEKI-Breathing-Circulator-Rotation-Portable/dp/B07QGF8CNT/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=hokeki+USB+Desk+Fan&qid=1557415657&s=pc&sr=1-3-catcorr-spons&psc=1

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

EXCOUP Electric Car Cooler and Warmer with Removable Strap

I have a little red cooler that is about the same size I use for traveling in my car but using ice or ice packs is just a pain and doesn’t last on its own. I have been wanting an electric cooler for a while now and now I have it.

This not only cools to 41 degrees but will heat to 140 degrees as well. The best of both worlds. Yes, ok, my drinks aren’t going to be ice cold with just this, but not going to get warm either or with ice/ice packs could be ice cold and last longer using this.

Couldn’t be easier, set the switch to cool or heat and plug it in your 12v power port (cigarette lighter) and its up and running and cooling or heating you stuff.

It will hold six 16 oz bottles or 8/9 12 oz cans or any combination and also has two cup holders on the top front of it if needed as well. Also comes with a carrying strap if you want to take it with you from your vehicle and use it. I like to sit on it if I need to.

The fan opening is in the front along with the power port and cool/heat switch and needs to be left open to allow it to vent when running, so don’t cover it up or it could overheat.

Does just what I needed it for and will come in handy on my 11 hr ride to Fripp Island coming up or while sitting at the pool or beach while I am there. I do wish it had a regular wall plug with it as well but I have a power converter that I can use with it so I can plug it into a wall outlet when inside or at the pool if needed.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/EXCOUP-Electric-Removable-Thermoelectric-Portable/dp/B07PMHQ2BT/ref=sr_1_12_sspa?keywords=electric+cooler&qid=1557106965&s=gateway&sr=8-12-spons&psc=1

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

Dolamee D5 Smart TV Box

I have a Firestick and it is getting really slow and not working half the time, so I got this Android TV box by Dolamee and it is double my Firestick in Ram, Rom, and speed. Yes, it is a little bigger, but comes with a wireless keyboard and a remote that make using it so much easier as well.

This has so many ports and ways of using it, it’s wonderful. It has a TF slot, 2 USB, 1 HDMI, 1 AV and 1 ethernet ports on it. Supports 3D and 4k @ 60fps on the display as well. Has 7.1.2 Android on it with 100 MB ethernet or up to AC on WIFI but does not work with a 5GHz WIFI and can only use 2.4 GHz.

If you have a Firestick or Android device, then you pretty much know how to use this and should upgrade now. If you don’t know how to operate this, it's pretty easy and there is a ton of how-to videos on Youtube that will walk you thru everything.

Now that I have this, I am starting to love watching some shows again since it’s not slow or lagging and just works right out of the box.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Android-Dolamee-Quad-Core-Bluetooth-Included/dp/B07MD423BC/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=dolamee+tv+box&qid=1557106233&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

Monday, May 6, 2019

Eyoyo 15" Inch Monitor 1024x768 HDMI Monitor

The story, new cable boxes don’t work with my old undercabinet TV since an HDMI port is required now. Looked at newer undercabinet TV’s to replace it and they just aren’t made very good anymore, so I went with this 15” monitor from Eyoyo for less than a new TV and I can use it for so much more as well.

This monitor has options with its multiple input ports that come on it with BNC, VGA, AV, HDMI, and USB ports as well as a 3.5mm earphone jack if you don’t want to listen to the built-in speakers. I can hook about anything and everything to this one monitor. I bought it to watch TV in the kitchen while I cook, but now I am thinking I can also plug my W5 Pro mini PC into it and have a full Windows 10 Pro PC in the kitchen as well.

This HDMI monitor at 1024x768 resolution really does have a great picture watching TV or using the PC on it. I also have no problem with the viewing angle when moving around the kitchen as well with its 175-degree viewing angle. This may be a little biased as I am comparing this to an undercabinet The TV made 20 years ago with an ok picture.

It does come with both the VGA and BNC cables already and a wall mounting bracket if you want to mount it. It also has the DC power plug that is needed to power it. This plug is a little on the short side but works as is.

Overall, a great 15-inch monitor that just works and does what it was made for.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Eyoyo-Inch-Monitor-1024x768-Built/dp/B07P5M9SWM/ref=sr_1_12_sspa?keywords=15+inch+monitor&qid=1556501169&s=gateway&sr=8-12-spons&psc=1

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

Weya Wireless Security Camera System 1080P Wireless

Right up front, this doesn’t have a hard drive included. You don’t need one if you are not wanting to record and save video and only want to live monitor your video. If you want to record and save your video, you need to buy a hard drive and install it in the NVR before using this. It’s really not that hard and anyone should be able to do it. This wireless camera system supports a 500GB to 6TB SATA 3.5’’ hard drive. I have the 2 TB drive from the other NVR I can use, so no problem there. You can set it up to record over the old video if it fills up so it will keep recording when full.

I have multiple cameras I have gotten over the months, but they are all different models and manufactures and they work but I need different apps to see them and my NVR comes and goes with a couple of them. I decided to get an all-new system with all the same cameras and an NVR that was made for them.

This a security system from Weya is wonderful. Everything is plug-n-play, easy to install, setup and just works well together. No More dropped video or cameras dropping off the system and me having to reboot them to get them back on.

These are all wireless and only require a power plug to turn them on and get them running and no more wires having to be run back to the NVR. Plug these in and the NVR just finds them. Download and install the Danale app, open it and it just finds the cameras as well. Much easier than finding IP addresses and manually setting things up like my last system.

The 2MP 1080p video is crystal clear, sharp and with no lag. The night vision is some of the best I have seen and reaches out 100 feet, more than enough for what I need.

The motion detection is almost too sensitive as I get alerts for the smallest things. Good, but can get a bit much at times. The app is also easy to use and view your cameras live or view the recording that was saved from the motion if you set it up.

The NVR software and menus are also intuitive, easy to set up, use and navigate thru. The back has multiple ports to allow choices on how to hook a monitor up to it, a port for a wired mouse (included) and a port for an ethernet cord (included).

You don’t have to connect the NVR to your router and the internet if you don’t need remote monitoring. If you just want to see the video on a monitor, no internet is required.

Overall, I really like this system and wish I would have done this sooner. The bad part of town is creeping in on my house and my garage has already been broken into twice already, thus the reason for these cameras. I needed something that works, is easy and reliable and this is it so far.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Security-Camera-Cameras-Outdoor/dp/B07N3ZXZCT/ref=sr_1_98_sspa?keywords=security+camera+system+wireless&qid=1556156381&s=gateway&sr=8-98-spons&psc=1

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

SMARTRO Wireless Indoor Outdoor Thermometer

I have one like this one in my kitchen, so we know how the temperature is outside before we go outside, and I thought to have one in the bedroom would be good so we know how to dress before we even get out of the bedroom and this one from Smartro is made for a bedroom with the dual alarm clock it has built in it.

The 5.9” touch screen monitor is easy to see and read and with all the colors, is very pleasing to look at as well. This one has way more features than my old one. Even the outside transmitter has an LED screen on it that make sit very easy to tell the status of and how it’s working. The screen is even backlight and easy to see and read in the dark as well.

Both the weather station and transmitter can be mounted to a wall if needed. This can also run off either battery or plugged in, so it can be used any place you need it. The backlight does go off after 10 minutes when running on batteries or is always on when plugged in.

A great weather station that can be used as a daily desk/wall clock or an alarm clock as well. The temperatures indoor and out seem accurate compared to my other weather station and my thermostat on my HVAC system. Just a great buy overall.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/SMARTRO-Wireless-Thermometer-Hygrometer-Temperature/dp/B07PFGTXXK?fbclid=IwAR3ROyPIbEj_J-ri_O9QoIY2iX_dDo1kX7lUEdQfdxGD4I4_VmKsbP3wIxE

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Deenkee 1000 Watt Nutrient Blender by Antehome

I have something like this already but smaller and it really is only good for mixing soft stuff or powders to a liquid like a protein shake and I wanted something more than I could use to make ice drinks, vegetable or fruit drinks with and I think I found it.

This blender from Antehome does just that and I think more once I start trying some of the recipes that come with it. This does come with two cups (23.7oz & 20oz), a drink/pour lid, 1 cross blade with six blades, two rubber seals in case one gets damaged, and the blender. The cups, lids, and blender all seem to be very well made and hopefully last a long time. These cups are pretty thick plastic and unless you throw these on the ground, I think will take a beating before they crack or break. These are all dishwasher safe, but I always hand wash stuff like this, especially the blades, since I like to keep them sharp and well taken care of.

Like I read in other reviews, this doesn’t have your typical on/off switch on the side of it and will turn on when plugged into the wall if you have the cup in place and pushed down. Come on people, that is the on/off switch. To use this, you plug the blender in, place your cup on top and push down and that turns the blades on and makes it run. Let go of the cup and it raises will turn it off. You can also pulse your ingredients in the cup by doing this as well. Helps when you are blending large items or hard items like ice.

You can push this down and hold it down and it will continue to run, but don’t run too long and overheat the motor. These types of devices have smaller motors that are not made for that but with a 1000w motor on this, has blended everything I wanted so far in under 10 seconds. Summer is here and frozen strawberry daiquiris are on the menu for the wife.

I don’t have any cons on this blender, but do wish it came with at least one smaller cup I could use for little things or that each cup had its own lid and blade so I don’t have to wash and clean between things if needed. Lucky for me, my cups from my other blender has that and fit this one.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MR3NDLP/ref=twister_B07MFT2PSG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

NIANPU Survival Knife with Fire Starter

For some reason, I got into knives this year and have bought a few others but this one from NIANPU seems to be one of the better ones I have bought.

Maybe it’s that this one is a full tang fixed blade and not a foldable one? Could be that this blade is a little longer at 4 inches and a little thicker (3.5 mm) and heavier? Maybe because this one is bigger overall at 9 inches? Maybe it’s the unique look of the blade or the serrated blade on top?

They all are 440C stainless steel, are very sharp and come with some kind of a sheath or carrying case.

I also love that this has a built-in fire starter in the handle that can be pulled out and struck against the blade to make sparks and that the handle fits perfectly in my hand.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/NIANPU-Survival-Hunting-Emergency-Skinning/dp/B07Q6PTYX1/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=9+inch+survival+knife+with+fire+starter&qid=1556417487&s=gateway&sr=8-8

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

BONAI AA Rechargeable Batteries 2800mAh 1.2V Ni-MH Low Self Discharge 8 Pack - UL Certificate

I have so many electronics, I have to use rechargeable batteries or I would go broke. These AA batteries by BONAI are great for the price and what you get. I always go big, so the 2800 mAh is a no brainer. They take a little longer to charge but last much longer when used or just sitting around waiting to be used.

These are rated with a 1200 recharging time (if you slow charge them at a low rating). Fast charging any NIMH battery will reduce the number of charges it will take. It will take about 11 years to use all the charges if you charged them every day. So, don’t worry about that part.

These NIMH batteries are made for high drain battery electronics and these work well in all my items. These last just as long if not longer than some of my more expensive batteries.

I did discharge them in my Miboxer intelligent charger first and then recharged them at 150-300mAh and they did end up reading fully charged at 2150-2350 mAh. Close enough for me and about normal these types of batteries.

I like these batteries as they work just as well as more expensive ones out there for a cheaper price.

My Rating: 4 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PP5P554/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

SNODE Mini Indoor Exercise Bike ME800 (2019)

I used to exercise 3 times a week, then allergies and asthma kicked in out of nowhere and I couldn’t do it anymore. Over the past few years the pounds started to pack on and muscle shrink, so I have to do something.

Found this mini indoor exercise bike from Snode and it is just what I need to help me get started back to a healthier lifestyle. It is small and compact and easy to fold up and carry with me if needed.

Works well at home or in the office as I am watching TV or working on my computer. I can still sit and do some exercising with both my arms and legs without running out of breath too bad. The adjustable knob on it also helps as I can set the resistance I want so it just enough, but not too much.

I also, like the LED screen on it, that with a push of a button will show you your exercise time, revolution count, RPM’s, calories burned not only to help track what you are doing, but to set goals and see if you can beat them each time you get on it. I like to go just a little further each day than yesterday.

I may not be able to walk or run on my treadmill any more like I used to, but I can do more than just sit here doing nothing and watching TV to help burn off some of these calories I take in every day.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/SNODE-Exercise-Portable-Exerciser-Electronic/dp/B07MZQ3WVS/ref=sr_1_87?keywords=peddler+exerciser&qid=1555982837&s=gateway&sr=8-87

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com

JDPET Washable Dogs Pee Pads+Free Grooming Gloves

I have found that these washable pee pads have so many uses other than just for my pets. Yea, they work great for a dog cage, under a litter pan or food bowls but think of all the other stuff these could be used for.

At almost 3 feet by 4 feet, these are big and can cover a lot of space. You can use these to cover and protect just about anything from not just pet urine but from there slobber or other liquids that may get on something and ruin it. A couch or seat, car seat, dog/cat bed, used as a moving pad, around a utility sink and so many others.

These have an anti-slip bottom to help keep them in place that works well and they are machine washable when they need to be cleaned and reused.

As a bonus, they threw in a grooming glove that has a silicone pad on the front with tips to be used to pet or groom your pet. It’s actually pretty nice to use. I can now pet the cats and groom and kind of brush them at the same time.

My Rating: 5 Stars

Found on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/JDPET-Washable-Grooming-Absorption-Leak-Proof/dp/B07M5Y3549/ref=sr_1_98_sspa?keywords=washable+pee+pads+for+dogs&qid=1556508403&s=gateway&sr=8-98-spons&psc=1

Music Credits: https:/www.bensound.com