This product works as advertised. Powered by 2 AA batteries, the product appeared well-made, sturdy, and worked easily. It is simply placed on top of a traditional round can, fitting the rim of the can into a groove, then hitting the large black button on top for approximately one second, whereupon the unit goes into operation. It cuts the lid off the can during a fixed 20 second cycle.
Product literature states that the product is not intended for use on rimless cans or cans with odd corners.
Major Claims:
The One Touch Can Opener is totally automatic! Just place on the can, press the button, and your can opens, hands free! – This was observed to be a true statement.
The instructions advise the user to allow the product to continue to operate on cans that don’t take 20 seconds to complete until it shuts itself off, or to simply hit the button again on larger cans that take more than 20 seconds to complete. A magnet holds the lid in place after cutting for convenient disposal. This feature worked exactly as described on our test can.
No evaluation was performed with respect to battery life.
The hands free aspect of the product was convenient to allow a user to do some other task while a can is being opened.
Depending in the amount of cooking someone does, it is anticipated that this is a product that could enjoy frequent use.
Monday, April 14, 2008
ASOTVI Review of The Stick Up Bulb
This product not only Works as Advertised, it far exceeded expectations. It was well made, sturdy, and came out of the box and was installed in a matter of seconds. All that is required to use it is to remove the main lighting unit from its base, open the battery compartment and insert 4 AA batteries, and reclose. The base can be mounted to any surface either with a peel-and-stick adhesive (included), or via two screws (plastic anchors included). A pull string turns it on and off. No wiring or outlet is required. It was that easy.
For our evaluation we placed the StickUp Bulb in a food pantry that did not have its own light. The brightness of the Krypton bulb of the StickUp bulb was more than adequate, on par with a typical 60W incandescent light bulb.
The design of the StickUp Bulb consists of a hard plastic “light bulb shaped” outer covering over an interior candlestick-type stem to support a bright Krypton bulb. This covering would also protect the interior bulb from damage in case of dropping, and itself wouldn’t shatter as a glass light bulb would. One replacement Krypton bulb was also included. Additional bulbs can be purchased for $5.99 for three bulbs, offered as “free” with a charge for shipping and handling.
The air gap between the outer light bulb shaped enclosure and the actual Krypton Bulb ensured that the outer enclosure never heated up and, indeed, stayed cool to the touch.
Literature with the product also offered the option of an external DC power adapter to use in lieu of batteries. No evaluation was made with respect to battery life in this product.
The only aspect of the product a user may wish to note is that it can only be turned on and off via its pull-string. It has no means to be activated by a remote switch or wall switch. However, this could be overcome by use of the optional DC power adapter, plugging it into a switched power outlet, or outlet equipped with a remote RF or IR switch (separate product).
Also, the product can easily be removed from its base and used as a portable light in case of power failure or any other temporary need.
Summary: If you have a closet, pantry, stairwell, or any other place that needs a light but doesn’t have one, this is a MUST HAVE product, reasonably used on a daily basis as a standard household item. For use in an RV or on a boat, where you don’t wish to use valuable main batteries and risk running them down and not be able to start an engine, this product would be indispensible.
For our evaluation we placed the StickUp Bulb in a food pantry that did not have its own light. The brightness of the Krypton bulb of the StickUp bulb was more than adequate, on par with a typical 60W incandescent light bulb.
The design of the StickUp Bulb consists of a hard plastic “light bulb shaped” outer covering over an interior candlestick-type stem to support a bright Krypton bulb. This covering would also protect the interior bulb from damage in case of dropping, and itself wouldn’t shatter as a glass light bulb would. One replacement Krypton bulb was also included. Additional bulbs can be purchased for $5.99 for three bulbs, offered as “free” with a charge for shipping and handling.
The air gap between the outer light bulb shaped enclosure and the actual Krypton Bulb ensured that the outer enclosure never heated up and, indeed, stayed cool to the touch.
Literature with the product also offered the option of an external DC power adapter to use in lieu of batteries. No evaluation was made with respect to battery life in this product.
The only aspect of the product a user may wish to note is that it can only be turned on and off via its pull-string. It has no means to be activated by a remote switch or wall switch. However, this could be overcome by use of the optional DC power adapter, plugging it into a switched power outlet, or outlet equipped with a remote RF or IR switch (separate product).
Also, the product can easily be removed from its base and used as a portable light in case of power failure or any other temporary need.
Summary: If you have a closet, pantry, stairwell, or any other place that needs a light but doesn’t have one, this is a MUST HAVE product, reasonably used on a daily basis as a standard household item. For use in an RV or on a boat, where you don’t wish to use valuable main batteries and risk running them down and not be able to start an engine, this product would be indispensible.
ASOTVI Review of The Vacu Seal
What is it? A food storage product.
Major Claims: Locks in Freshness – Everyday!
Vendor Commercial claims food lasts five times longer.
The Vacu-Seal is a combination of zip top storage bags equipped with an air valve, and a vacuum unit for removing all air from the bag after it is sealed. Since most freezer burn of food occurs due to air left inside a container, which allows moisture from the food to escape and turn to ice, this product prevents that process.
We made no time lapse evaluation to verify the claim of five times longer freshness, but in an airtight, vacuum-packed container, unless a leak was found, there is no reason to doubt this assertion would be true, as is the case with other typical vacuum-packed food products.
As can be observed from our review video, the product worked simply and easily. A nice feature of the product we observed is that it came with its six AA batteries included. The product literally came out of the package ready for use.
Please note, however, if you do need to purchase more bags additional bags cost $19.99 for 20 large and $19.99 for 26 medium. Regular zip top storage bags from your local store cost around $3.40 for 30 bags.
If you store meats and other foods in your freezer on a regular basis, this product is a Must Have!
Major Claims: Locks in Freshness – Everyday!
Vendor Commercial claims food lasts five times longer.
The Vacu-Seal is a combination of zip top storage bags equipped with an air valve, and a vacuum unit for removing all air from the bag after it is sealed. Since most freezer burn of food occurs due to air left inside a container, which allows moisture from the food to escape and turn to ice, this product prevents that process.
We made no time lapse evaluation to verify the claim of five times longer freshness, but in an airtight, vacuum-packed container, unless a leak was found, there is no reason to doubt this assertion would be true, as is the case with other typical vacuum-packed food products.
As can be observed from our review video, the product worked simply and easily. A nice feature of the product we observed is that it came with its six AA batteries included. The product literally came out of the package ready for use.
Please note, however, if you do need to purchase more bags additional bags cost $19.99 for 20 large and $19.99 for 26 medium. Regular zip top storage bags from your local store cost around $3.40 for 30 bags.
If you store meats and other foods in your freezer on a regular basis, this product is a Must Have!
ASOTVI Review of the Open It
What is it? A tool for opening packages of all types
Major Claims: It cuts, snips, slices, and unscrews – It does!
Fundamentally this product is a heavy pair of commercial-grade shears, especially adapted for opening all those clamshell and blister packages of products that defy escape. Sometimes even normal scissors have a hard time negotiating their way through some hard plastic packaging. We found this product cut through clamshell packaging quite easily, with its large handles affording an ample supply of leverage and power. If fact, its blades are offset such that the package itself doesn’t interfere with the handles during the cutting action.
Beyond opening those pesky plastic packages, this product is also a “Swiss Army Knife” of sorts, in that it also offers three other functions. The handles can be locked together to allow the blades to close and form a “plow” for cutting through paper-wrapped packages – think of it like a large letter opener. Next it has a small razor blade in the handle that serves as a handy box-cutter, for cutting tape, cellophane, and for slicing into CDs or DVDs. Lastly, it offers an onboard screwdriver, both flathead and Phillips head, for opening small compartments with tiny screws.
We found this product to be very strong and well made. If you purchase a lot of products that typically come in hard plastic clamshell wrap, then this product could very well be a “Must Have.” It absolutely works as advertised.
Major Claims: It cuts, snips, slices, and unscrews – It does!
Fundamentally this product is a heavy pair of commercial-grade shears, especially adapted for opening all those clamshell and blister packages of products that defy escape. Sometimes even normal scissors have a hard time negotiating their way through some hard plastic packaging. We found this product cut through clamshell packaging quite easily, with its large handles affording an ample supply of leverage and power. If fact, its blades are offset such that the package itself doesn’t interfere with the handles during the cutting action.
Beyond opening those pesky plastic packages, this product is also a “Swiss Army Knife” of sorts, in that it also offers three other functions. The handles can be locked together to allow the blades to close and form a “plow” for cutting through paper-wrapped packages – think of it like a large letter opener. Next it has a small razor blade in the handle that serves as a handy box-cutter, for cutting tape, cellophane, and for slicing into CDs or DVDs. Lastly, it offers an onboard screwdriver, both flathead and Phillips head, for opening small compartments with tiny screws.
We found this product to be very strong and well made. If you purchase a lot of products that typically come in hard plastic clamshell wrap, then this product could very well be a “Must Have.” It absolutely works as advertised.
ASOTVI Review of The Slanket
What is it? A large fleece blanket with sleeves.
The slanket is a simple concept of convenience – a warm, fleece blanket that enables the user to reach out of the cozy comfort it provides without having to pull the blanket away from the upper body and sacrifice any warmth. For common tasks such as grabbing the TV’s remote, taking a sip of a drink, petting a dog or cat, and staying warm and comfortable, this is a clever idea.
We observed the product to be well made of good materials, with fine double stitching. It is very generous in size, 95 inches by 58 inches, which is roughly eight feet long by five feet wide, sufficient to accommodate just about anyone. Its sleeves are roomy and comfortable, somewhat resembling the sleeves of a wizard’s robe, making them easy to reach out with little effort.
The product is available in many different colors, and if you shop around on the Internet for one, there are many discounts to be found.
If you are someone who enjoys curling up on the couch to watch TV or to read a good book on a cold night (especially when you don’t feel well), this is truly a MUST HAVE product.
Anecdotally speaking, from our evaluation, we discovered that when one particular miniature dachshund now sees it taken out, she heads straight for the couch ready to cuddle up and snuggle.
The slanket is a simple concept of convenience – a warm, fleece blanket that enables the user to reach out of the cozy comfort it provides without having to pull the blanket away from the upper body and sacrifice any warmth. For common tasks such as grabbing the TV’s remote, taking a sip of a drink, petting a dog or cat, and staying warm and comfortable, this is a clever idea.
We observed the product to be well made of good materials, with fine double stitching. It is very generous in size, 95 inches by 58 inches, which is roughly eight feet long by five feet wide, sufficient to accommodate just about anyone. Its sleeves are roomy and comfortable, somewhat resembling the sleeves of a wizard’s robe, making them easy to reach out with little effort.
The product is available in many different colors, and if you shop around on the Internet for one, there are many discounts to be found.
If you are someone who enjoys curling up on the couch to watch TV or to read a good book on a cold night (especially when you don’t feel well), this is truly a MUST HAVE product.
Anecdotally speaking, from our evaluation, we discovered that when one particular miniature dachshund now sees it taken out, she heads straight for the couch ready to cuddle up and snuggle.
ASOTVI Review of The Handy Switch
What is it? A radio controlled switch for a household power outlet.
Major Claims:
Major Claims:
- No tools, no wiring, no mess
- Wirelessly controls any light – even when it’s across the room
- Works up to 60 Feet
This product is such a simple and practical concept, you’d wonder why homes don’t come with them installed as a standard feature. If you have a room in your house where you wish there were a light switch that controls one of its power outlets, but doesn’t, this product is how you fix that quickly and easily, without having to call an electrician and no rewiring.
Essentially what you have is two components: 1) a small radio receiver that plugs into any ordinary household outlet, whereby an electrical product is then plugged into it, and 2) a radio transmitter switch that activates the receiver, allowing electricity to flow when ON or turning it OFF.
Installation was a breeze. The receiver simply plugs in. The transmitter switch gives you two options to mount its bracket, either a piece of two-sided adhesive tape, or two very small screws. If you’re not concerned about applying tape to drywall (i.e. removing it might damage the drywall) the tape is the easiest to install, with no tools required. If you opt for the two small screws, you will need a small Phillips head screwdriver. Then, should you ever remove the bracket, patching the two small holes would be a very minor touch up.
As to the claim of not needing any tools, this was interpreted to mean any tools with respect to wiring in anything associated with your house’s electrical system. It that context, you won’t need any tools. The whole installation process, even using the screws, was complete in a matter of minutes. You also have the option of not installing the switch at all and keeping it free, such as on a night stand or even in your car (if you use it to turn on a light in a garage or nearby room).
The vendor claims that the transmitter will work up to a distance of 60 feet. We tested that and found it to work just fine at 60 feet and even further. But bear in mind that transmission distances can be affected by the strength of the product’s battery. It can be anticipated that as the transmitter’s battery runs out, it won’t transmit as far. So when you flip the switch and nothing happens, after a long period of working just fine, that’s probably a good indication you need to change the battery.
No evaluation was made with respect to battery life; that would be a function of frequency of use. The product comes conveniently with a battery included (12V size 23A), already installed, and it is activated by removing a small paper tab that separates one of its contacts.
The instructions advise not to use the product for any electrical load over 300 watts, and it is intended for Indoor use only. So that is more than sufficient for most lamps and Christmas tree lights. However, you should check the wattage ratings of anything you might use this product for prior to use. If you plug an extension cord into it, you’ll need to ensure that the total wattage of everything connected to that cord doesn’t exceed 300 watts.
The product also features a small blue nightlight on the receiver when the product is in the OFF position. If you don’t particularly care for the nightlight—for example if it were used in a bedroom where you prefer complete darkness—there did not appear to be any means of deactivating it. We wouldn’t recommend trying to tamper with the product in any way to disable the nightlight, rather a simple small piece of opaque tape might address that issue just fine, or locate it on an outlet behind a dresser or something similar. On the other hand, if you enjoy a nightlight to navigate a room at night without having to turn other lights on and possibly disturb others, this product comes with one.
Summary: This product not only Works as Advertised, we find it to be a Must Have for any room where you need a wall-switched lamp or other electrical device, but the room wasn’t wired that way.
To see the video evaluation of this product, click this link: http://www.asotv.info/Categories/catElectronics/Handy_Switch.aspx
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