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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Shokz OpenRun Pro: The Best Bone-Conduction Bluetooth Headphones

If you enjoy listening to music, radio, podcasts or audiobooks, watching TV, movies, YouTube, etc., Bluetooth headphones are a must-have — especially if you don't live (or work) alone. If you want to be able to hear ambient noises, such as a phone call, someone speaking to you or an approaching car as you're crossing the street, you'll want to choose open-ear headphones, rather than on-ear or in-ear styles, such as earbuds. And if you care about sound quality and comfort, I highly recommend investing in a good pair of lightweight bone-conduction Bluetooth headphones.

Shokz, which changed its name from Aftershokz in 2021, is the leading brand of bone-conduction Bluetooth heaphones, for good reason. I have owned several pairs over the years and the company's products just keep getting better.

I recently purchased the new, top-of-the-line (as of this writing) Shokz OpenRun Pro premium bone conduction Bluetooth headphones, which were launched in January 2022 and are significantly superior to my older models. In this product review, I'll share what I love most about my new Shokz OpenRun Pro on-ear headphones and why I think they are worth their premium price tag. I will also recommend some less expensive models of Shokz bone conduction headphones that are also well worth considering, depending on your needs and your budget.

Main image: Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

Bone Conduction Headphones

I first learned about bone conduction headphone technology in 2015 from my husband, who researched and purchased his first pair of Shokz (then called Aftershokz) bone-conduction headphones after his primary care doctor advised him to stop wearing earbuds, over-ear or on-ear headphones because of his ear eczema. When his new 'phones arrived, he invited me to try them and I became a fan almost immediately (it did take a couple of minutes to get used to the mild vibration against my outer cheekbones the first time I put them on).

Unlike traditional wired and wireless types, Bluetooth headphones with bone conduction technology bypass the eardrum entirely! Instead of sending vibrations through the air to your eardrum, bone-conduction headphones use transducers to transmit those vibrations through your cranial bones (mainly cheekbones and jawbone) directly to your inner ear, causing the cochlea to send signals to the brain, which processes those vibrations into the sound coming through the headphones.

Interesting fact: Since bone conduction technology bypasses the eardrum, it is also used in certain types of hearing impairment tests and hearing aids.

Advantages of Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

We continue to move inexorably from wired to wireless technology. We have become accustomed to the freedom and convenience of no longer being tethered to our devices or having limited mobility while using them because they need to be plugged in. This is especially true when it comes to headphones. Most wireless headphones and the devices we use them with, such as laptops, tablets and smartphones, have built-in Bluetooth technology. So, for example, when I'm out taking a walk, I can listen to an audiobook through my wireless Bluetooth headphones while the iPhone I'm playing it on is safely zipped inside my purse, backpack or belt bag.

Types of wireless Bluetooth headphones include:

Earbuds that fit inside your ears.
In-ear monitors (IEMs). These are often the choice of serious audiophiles, professional musicians, band members and sound engineers.
Over-ear headphones with cushioned ear cups that enclose your ears completely to isolate whatever you are listening to from ambient noise. Again, if you are a serious audiophile, professional musician or sound engineer, or if you are a frequent traveler, these definitely have their uses.
On-ear headphones, where the cushioning rests against your ears, rather than enclosing them, so there is less sound isolation (i.e., you can hear some ambient sounds and others may be able to hear what you are listening to, i.e., sound leakage).
Open-ear headphones, which have a slim, wrap-around headband that goes behind the head and above the ears, with the ends resting on your cheekbones just in front of the ears. Most open-ear headphones, including the Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones, use bone conduction technology.

Here are some of the key benefits of open-ear Bluetooth headphones:

Comfort. Open-ear headphones tend to be significantly more lightweight than other types that have bands. In addition, some people (including me) find earbuds and IEMs painful. In my case, I can't get earbuds to stay in my ears, and I have tried many different types including those designed specifically for people with hard-to-fit ears!
Safety. Open-ear headphones allow you to hear what's going on around you while you're listening to music, audiobooks, podcasts, videos or TV, taking phone calls, etc. So, if you're out for a run in the park and a cyclist is bearing down on you from behind, you won't be caught off-guard. Similarly, if you're vacuuming and an important call comes in, you can not only hear the phone ring but also pick it up and talk with the caller without having to pull out your cell phone or walk over to a land line.
Hygiene. When you cover your ears with earbuds, over-ear or on-ear headphones, you're creating an enclosed, warm, moist environment that bacteria thrive in. Earbuds and IEMs are especially non-hygienic, since you are repeatedly inserting them inside your ear, where they become covered with bacteria that can continue to grow after they have been removed. Ick!

In addition, some people (including my husband and me) have ear eczema, which makes the skin in and on our ears dry, flaky and itchy. Wearing headphones that cover our ears, and especially earbuds or IEMs that fit inside them, exacerbates this condition, whereas open-ear bone conduction Bluetooth headphones allow the skin in and on our ears to "breathe."
Unobtrusive appearance. The band on most open-ear Bluetooth headphones is narrow and can be worn under your hair, if desired (unless it's extremely short), so that the only visible part is the small ends containing the transducers, which sit just in front of your ears.

Photo of man wearing Shokz OpenRun Pro Bluetooth bone conduction headphones

The Shokz OpenRun Pro wrap-around band is extremely thin, lightweight and comfortable.

It can easily be hidden underneath your hair, if you wish, so that only the small transducers are visible in front of the ears.

Why I Highly Recommend Shokz OpenRun Pro Premium Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

In addition to the pros of open-ear, bone-conduction Bluetooth headphones I've already covered, here are some features and benefits specific to the Shokz OpenRun Pro model I own:

Simple power & volume control buttons
on the right side (above magnetic charging port

Shokz's newest, most advanced bone conduction technology. Bass tends to be an issue with open-ear headphones, but the new OpenRun Pro 'phones feature Shokz TurboPitch 9th Generation Bone Conduction Technology with CoreCushion bass enhancers inside the transducers for full, rich sound.
Multi-point pairing lets you pair with two devices at the same time. I have my Shokz bone-conduction Bluetooth headphones paired with my laptop and my iPhone by default, so I don't have to disconnect and re-pair my Shokz each time I switch from one electronics device to the other multiple times a day.
Simple, intuitive controls. The buttons have been enlarged, which makes it much easier to avoid pressing the wrong button.

On the right side, there is a large Power/Volume+ button and Volume- button. Press and hold the Power/Volume+ button for two seconds to power up the headphones, then press and hold it for three seconds to turn them off.
The multifunction button on the
left side is context-aware.
On the left side, there is a single, large, context-sensitive multifunction button. Phone calls: Click it once to answer or end a call. Music: Click once to play/pause, double-click while the music is playing to skip to the next song, or triple-click while the music is playing to go to the previous song.

Up to 10-hour of music and phone calls on a full charge. Note: With any Bluetooth or other wireless headphones, your actual battery life will depend on the type of audio you're listening to, the volume, the ambient temperature and the output of the USB port used to charge your headphones.
Full charge time: 1 hour. That's pretty fast for 10 hours of use!
5-minute quick charge = 1.5 hours of use. Since these are so lightweight and comfortable, I sometimes forget I'm wearing them and don't remember to turn them off when I'm through listening to my music, audiobook, etc. So, being able to quick-charge them for 5 minutes and immediately use them for another 1.5 hours is an awesome feature!

close-up of magnetic induction charging cable and headphone jack

Magnetic induction charging =
no fumbling to align the
charging cable with the charging port!

Magnetic induction charging cable. The magnetic charging pad on the Shokz OpenRun Pro charging cable firmly snaps into place automatically as soon as it gets near the magnetic charging pad next to the power and volume buttons. Fast and effortless! The location of the charging pad on the headphones has also been moved to make it more easily accessible.

Audio battery level notifications. There's no need to guess how much charge you have left, because each time you power on your headphones, a voice will say "Battery High," "Battery Medium," "Battery Low" or "Charge Me." How cool is that?
LED charging/charged indicator glows red when charging, then turns blue when fully charged.
20% smaller than previous models. My new Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are not only more unobtrusive than the older models I have owned, they are also much more lightweight and fit my small-ish head much better, while stil fitting my husband's much larger head equally comfortably.
IP55 certified water-resistant. Wear your Shokz OpenRun Pros during a sweaty workout or outdoors in the freezing rain, snow, or blistering heat—they can take it! Just remember that they're water-resistant, not waterproof, so take them off if it starts to pour.
Moisture detection alerts. Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones will beep to let you know if it detects water, perspiration or other moisture on the charging pads, so you can stop charging and allow the area to dry completely before charging.
Dual noise-canceling built-in microphone. Perfect for making or taking phone calls or participating in Zoom meetings without annoying electronic feedback.
33 ft. wireless range lets my phone be in one room while I listen to music or audiobooks playing on it in another room.
Lightweight nylon fitted zippered hard shell storage and travel case makes it harder for me to lose my new headphones, charging cable, sports headband, warranty card or user guide and protects my investment when I throw them into my purse or suitcase.
Optional elasticized headband (included). I have never used mine, but I gather it is to make sure your headphones can't come off while you are running or doing other forms of strenuous exercise.
New color option: blue! While I wouldn't sacrifice quality for appearance when choosing an electronics product, I admit I was delighted to see that these superb Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are available in a pretty aqua blue as well as in black.
2-year warranty. The manufacturer's warranty covers product defects. If you order your Shokz headphones on Amazon you can also purchase an ASURION 2- or 3-Year Portable Electronic Accident Protection Plan with Tech Support for a small additional fee, if you wish.

Photo of aqua blue Shokz OpenRun Pro Bluetooth headphones in black nylon zippered case.

My aqua blue Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones in their
black nylon fitted case (with a loop for the charging cable

The only real "con" is the premium price tag. As of this writing, Shokz OpenRun Pro premium bone conduction open-ear headphones retail for $175.95, much more than I would normally consider spending on this type of product. However, for all the reasons I've listed, including the unmatched comfort, great sound quality, magnetic induction charging and quick charge feature, I consider them a worthwhile investment.

They are marketed as sports headphones, but I consider them top-of-the-line, open-ear Bluetooth bone conduction headphones for all-around use.

Other Shokz Bone-Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones Worth Considering

Shokz open-ear Bluetooth headphones are consistently top-rated by expert technology product review sites such as TechRadar, which named Shokz OpenRun Pro their top pick of The Best Bone Conduction Headphones of 2022. Given their steep price tag, however, there are other, less expensive Shokz models as well as some specialty models that also merit consideration.

Shokz OpenRun have the 8th (vs. 9th) generation of the company's bone conduction technology (with PremiumPitch 2.0 vs. Shokz TurboPitch) and have an 8-hour battery life (vs. 10-hour), a 1.5 hour charge time (vs. 1 hour), a 10-minute quick-charge time for 1.5 hours of usage (vs. 5-minute quick-charge time for 1.5 hours of usage), compared to the Shokz OpenRun Pro. However, they also are IP67-certified waterproof (vs. IP55-certified water-resistant), priced $50 lower than the OpenRun Pro model ($129.95) at the time of publication, and are available in a choice of four colors: Black, bright blue, grey or red.

Shokz OpenRun Mini headphones are the same model but with a smaller band to fit smaller heads. They only come in black.

Shokz OpenMove have the 7th generation of the company's bone conduction technology with PremiumPitch 2.0, a 6-hour battery life and are IP55-certified water-resistant. They have a partial titanium frame (vs. a full wrap-around titanium frame), use a USB-C charging cable (vs. magnetic induction charging), and don't have a quick-charge feature. On the other hand, they retail for only $79.95 as of this writing, $100 less than the OpenRun Pro model. They come in a choice of blue, grey, pink or white.

Shokz Bone-Conduction Bluetooth Headphones Make a Great Gift

Most people I know own at least one and, for the most part, multiple Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as laptops, mobile phones, tablets, TVs, smart watches and fitness trackers. From college students to seniors, there's a Shokz bone-conduction open-ear Bluetooth headphones model to suit their needs and your budget.

Shokz OpenRun Pro: The Best Bone-Conduction Bluetooth Headphones by Margaret Schindel

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Which Personal Product Review Still Gets 5 Stars After a Year?

After giving it some thought, I picked my favorite personally used and reviewed product over the past year.

While pondering and pedaling, I realized my favorite purchase (actually, it was a gift) out of all the reviews I've written and recommended is ... drumroll ..... "The Cubii."

This Personally Reviewed Product Still Rates 5 Stars After Nearly One Year of Use

I'd give The Cubii ten stars if I could. My mother purchased it last year for me as an early birthday gift, and it's been sitting under my desk since then.

I use it every day. In fact, I'm using it right now as I'm typing this article.

What's So Great About This Product?

Here's the list, based on my personal experience:

It's top quality
It's not cheap feeling or cheap looking
It's completely quiet! It doesn't make a sound! No squeaks whatsoever!
It fits nicely under my desk
It's always there, so the possibility of exercise is always there
It has a grip mat, so it doesn't slide around
As soon as I sit at my desk, I can pedal
When stressed or frustrated, I pedal faster
If you're desk-bound for the entire day, you can pedal all-day
Stop and start pedaling whenever you want
It's addictive in a good way!
Your glutes and thighs get a workout
I feel less guilty sitting for an extended period when I'm pedaling!
It helps me to think of new ideas when I'm creatively stuck
It feels good to pedal
You can adjust the tension, track calories burned, etc
It's not too big
It hides nicely under my desk, making it unassuming

You can read more about the Cubii from my original review featured here.

Which Personally Reviewed Products Over the Past Couple of Years Rank 2 and 3 as a Fave?

2. Something for the yard or garden - I still love this one.

3. Something for the bedroom - Yep,this does the job.

Summary

If you've seen the commercials for the Cubii and wondered whether it does what it says, I say, wonder-no-more; it's a solid, useful product. After one year, it still gets 5 stars from me.

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Sunday, March 13, 2022

Two Tops Bought - One Kept One Returned

Two New Shirts - One Stayed, One Went

I've always been reluctant to order clothes from Amazon.

The main reason for not ordering clothes from Amazon was thinking I'd have to go through the return process for clothes that didn't fit and figure out sizes.

In the last couple of months, I decided to take a gamble and order a few Tops from Amazon.

Why I Decided to Try Ordering Clothes from Amazon:

Returning items is much easier than I suspected. Simply follow the instructions to print the label and mail it back or UPS it. It's a painless process.
Returns I've made have been successfully credited to my account every time.
After reading numerous reviews on each item's size recommendations, I decided to take the chance, follow their advice, and place an order based on what I thought might fit.

I Kept This Top Recently Ordered from Amazon; However, I Ordered the Wrong Size - It's Big!

I really did order the wrong size! I ordered a 2X; what was I thinking?

Despite having read that I should order "true to size," I was under the impression that it would be a small fit. It's not a small fit! I even shrunk the thing, and it's still big.

Having extra room to be comfy is what I wanted, but sheesh, a 2X is way too big. I have a fairly small waist, and this top comes down like a sack.

Why Did I Keep This Top if It's Too Big?

It's a good top when in the mood for a super baggy look
It's nice and long to cover my behind
Sometimes I use it as a pajama top
I like the two pockets
I like the big cowl neck with the decorative buttons

I'm 5 feet 6.5 inches tall and of average weight. Next time, I'll order a large when it says "true-to-size." I'm sure a medium would fit, but I like a little room with shirts like this.

Here's a close-up view. It's a pretty color, and the material is very light.

I purchased it from Amazon.ca here; however, I'm not sure if Amazon.com has it listed right now.

I Returned This Other Top:

Why Did I Return The Top?

I ordered the wrong size again, and it was way too big! I ordered an X-Large - "Big mistake, huge"
It hung on me like a rag
When you have a larger bust, material that falls straight down from the bust can make you look pregnant
There was so much material I could have hidden a giant purse underneath
I decided not to keep it because it seemed that no matter the size, I'd look pregnant in it because of how it falls from the bust

I Ordered a Different Top Today, it Arrives Tomorrow

I'll let you know how it looks and if I finally ordered the right size and style! If you want to take a sneak peek at the latest order, it's here on Amazon Canada. **Update

**UPDATE: The above order arrived - tried it on, and nope. Returned it. Printed the label and mailed it back today. The top is low quality and shapeless compared to the Amazon description.

Here's another purchase I recently made from Amazon; it's a shirt extender you wear with leggings. Check it out.

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Saturday, March 12, 2022

The Best High Security Micro-Cut Shredder for Documents, Media & More

To protect yourself against identity theft and identity fraud, including tax identity theft and medical identity theft, the FTC recommends shredding your financial records, Social Security and Medicare cards, and any other documents that have personal information before you throw them out.

In December, I replaced the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet High-Security Micro-Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder with Pullout Basket in our home offfice with an Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper/ CD and Credit Card/ 60 Minutes Continuous Run Time Shredder.

In this product review, I'll share my tips for choosing the best high-security micro-cut shredder for personal and home office use and why my husband and I consider our new Aurora AU1210MA P-4 security level shredder superior to the Amazon Basics unit it replaced, despite their very similar features, specifications and price tags.

Photo of Aurora AU1210MA shredder - Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft With This High Security Micro-Cut Shredder

Why You Need a High Security Multi-Media Micro-Cut Shredder

Identity theft is a huge, very serious and growing problem in the US. In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission received 1.4 million reports of identity theft from consumers, according to newly published data from the FTC Consumer Sentinel Network.

Unfortunately, our personal information seems to plastered everywhere these days. So, to protect your privacy and security as well as your identity, in addition to storing materials with identifiable personal information safely until you no longer need them, you should destroy or mutilate them beyond recognition before you discard them in your trash or recycling bins.

In addition to financial documents you no longer need to keep, such as old bank statements and canceled checks—either printed on paper or stored digitally on CDs—you should also be shredding junk mail, duplicate or expired credit cards, photo IDs, travel itineraries, boarding passes, shipping labels and sticky notes with access codes, account numbers, passwords, etc.

Thieves will stop at nothing to get their hands on your personal information and can easily cobble together bits and pieces of your identity simply by going through your trash or recycling and then searching online to fill in any missing pieces they need. Once they do, they can wreak havoc with your finances and your life!

They can use your stolen identity not only to charge purchases to your credit cards but also to open new credit card accounts in your name, with purchases billed to you, and even obtain a driver’s license in your name with their photo. Depending on how much information they can acquire and how sophisticated they are at this cruel game, these identity thieves can also steal your tax refunds, social security checks and other benefits.

Worse yet, proving that you (rather than the perpetrator of the identity theft) are who you claim to be and recovering/reestablishing your personal identity is a nightmare that can take years, especially if you are in a profession such as medicine or finance that makes your stolen identity especially valuable.

Buying a reliable, high security micro-cut document shredder is the best and cheapest insurance you can invest in to protect your privacy, financial security and identity and give you peace of mind.

Shopping Tips for Choosing a Personal or Home Office Document Shredder

If you don't yet own a shredder, or if yours has a P1, P2 or P3 security level rating, I strongly recommend that you make buying or upgrading to a high-security, micro-cut shredder for your personal or home office use a high priority.

There are many document and credit card shredder models and brands, and trying to compare them can be confusing and time-consuming. To make it easier, here are the key features to look to help you choose the best shredder for your personal or professional needs.

Micro-Cut

The first step in choosing the best shredder for your needs is to decide whether you want a strip-cut, cross-cut or micro-cut type. Your choice of cut type depends on different speed, security and cost trade-offs and priorities.

As their name suggests, strip-cut shredders cut paper and other materials into long, thin strips. Although they are the fastest and, usually, the least expensive of these three types, they also provide the least security, since the long strips are fairly easy for a thief to piece back together to view your personal information.

Cross-cut shredders cut paper and other materials into thinner, shorter strips that require more time and effort for a thief to reassemble. They also are somewhat slower and tend to be more expensive than strip-cut units.

Micro-cut shredders cut paper and other materials into tiny diamond- or confetti-shaped bits that make recovery of shredded paper documents and other media nearly impossible to reassemble manually. They also are quite a bit slower and usually cost more than strip-cut and cross-cut models. However, those tradeoffs in speed and price are far outweighed by the much higher level of protection that micro-cut shredders provide.against identity theft and other types of impersonation fraud.

DIN P-4 Security Level / Protection Class 2

Many document shredder manufacturers and retailers include the DIN 66399 security level (P-1 through P-7) in the product information for most or all of the models they offer. These security levels are part of the DIN 66399 standard for secure destruction of physical confidential material stored on paper, film or digital storage devices, which was developed by the Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) or (English translation) German Institute for Standardization.

DIN P-1 security level shredders are suitable for destroying physical materials containing general information that is not personal or confidential, such as junk mail. Security levels P-2 through P-7 are standards suitable for destroying physical materials with increasingly sensitive information, with level P-6 and P-7 shredders reserved for destroying highly confidential, classified and top-secret information, such as national security and military documents.

The seven security levels fall under three categories called protection classes, with protection classes 1-3 indicating low, high and very high levels of security, respectively. Protection class 2 represents a high level of security and includes DIN P-3, P-4 and P-5 security levels. Some security levels fall under two protection classes: a shredder with a P-3 security level could fall into either protection class 1 or protection class, and a P-4 or P-5 shredder may fall under protection classes 2 or 3.

Different shredder models that share the same DIN "P" security level don't necessarily provide the same level of protection, and product information for shredders designed for home and home office use rarely includes the model's protection class. So, if you need to destroy documents with confidential or sensitive information on a regular basis, you may want to contact the manufacturers, if necessary, to find out the DIN protection class (and security level, if it's not on the product page) for each model you are seriously considering.

A shredder with a protection class 2, P-4 security level rating is an excellent choice for most personal or home office use, providing a good balance of identity theft protection, speed and price.

Note: If you are an accountant, tax preparer or someone who handles other confidential or sensitive information (such as HIPAA-protected health information) and work in a home office, you may want or need to consider a shredder with a P-5 security level shredder.

A Higher Sheet Capacity Than Your Anticipated Needs

Sheet capacity means how many sheets of paper can be fed through the shredder in a single pass. Consider the volume and thickness of the documents and data storage media you need to shred on a regular basis. Here again, you will need to weigh the convenience and efficiency of a model with a higher sheet capacity against its higher cost.

That said, based on both my product research and personal experience, micro-cut shredders rarely live up to their manufacturer's sheet capacity claims in the less-than-optimal conditions of real-life, day-to-day use, so I recommend choosing a model with a higher sheet capacity than you think you will need.

Also, sheet capacities are dependent on a variety of factors including Paper Type and Weight. Most offices typically use 20 Lb Bond Letter size sheets. Consider a higher volume shredder if you need to shred glossy or heavier paper.

Ability to Shred Credit Cards, Paper With Staples/Small Paper Clips, and CDs/DVDs Used for Data Storage (If You Use Them)

Many years ago, simply cutting up expired or unwanted credit cards with scissors before throwing them in the trash was common practice. Now that credit cards have built-in magnetic strips that store valuable data digitally, scissors no longer "cut it" as a way to protect yourself against identity theft and other types of impersonation fraud.

I highly recommend choosing a model that can shred plastic credit cards, as well as papers held together with metal staples or small paper clips, without jamming. If you use CDs or DVDs to store or back up personal or professional data, look for one designed to destroy those optical storage media as well.

Close-up photo showing where to insert plastic credit cards, CDs and DVDs into the Aurora AU1210MA high security micro-cut shredder

This clearly-marked section of the Aurora AU1210MA high security micro-cut shredder's feed slot shows where to insert plastic credit cards, CDs or DVDs.

Always Follow the Manufacturer's Guidelines and Restrictions on Shredding Materials

For example, most models should not be used to shred window envelopes or insulated envelopes, large paper clips, bound materials, such as checkbooks or magazines, transparency film, laminated documents, cardboard, or materials with adhesives, such as self-stick labels.

Never Use a Shredder to Destroy a Metal Credit Card!

Increasingly, financial institutions are issuing premium credit cards being made from titanium and other metals. Metal credit cards are considered status symbols and frequently have high credit limits, so they are especially sought after by people who commit identity theft.

Unfortunately, even document shredders designed to work as credit card shredders cannot process these sturdy metal cards. If you try to feed a metal credit card into your document shredder, you are much more likely to destroy your equipment than your card!

Instead, check out Experian's excellent post on "How to Destroy a Metal Credit Card."

Lightweight Bin With a Window and Wheels or Casters

Paper is heavy, so it's a good idea to choose a shredder with a lightweight bin or wastebasket that allows you to easily monitor the volume of shredded paper and other materials and empty it when it is no more than three-quarters full.

If you allow your bin to fill up to the top, some of the shreds can be pulled back up into the shredder and cause it to jam. In addition, the fuller the bin, the heavier and more difficult it will be to maneuver, lift and upend when you empty it and the greater the volume of escaped shredded paper "confetti" you will likely have to sweep up afterward.

Also look for models with a bin that slides in and out easily and has wheels or casters, which also will make it easier to move to another location and back, if necessary, when you need to empty it.

5- To 10-Gallon Bin Capacity (For Personal or Home Office Use)

Unless you do a lot of shredding, a bin with a 5-gallon capacity should be fine. It's also likely to be able to fit under a work table or desk for storage when you are not working. If you typically need to destroy a larger volume of information, a bin with a 10-gallon capacity may be more suitable for your home office.

Acceptable Throughput Speed

Manufacturers often do not include the throughput speed in the product information, and feeding more sheets into the shredder per pass can slow down the speed considerably. Reading product reviews from customers who have owned multiple document shredder models can be helpful when comparing the throughput speeds of models with similar features and specifications.

Longer Continuous Run Time / Shorter Cool-Down Time

If you typically need to destroy only a handful of documents, junk mail, etc., at a time and can feed them all through your machine in just a few minutes, then comparing the continuous run times and cool-down times of different models isn't that important. However, if frequently need to destroy a large volume of paper documents, plastic credit cards or data stored on CDs or DVDs, look for models with a longer continuous run time and a shorter cool-down time, so you can shred materials for longer stretches without having to stop for an overheated motor and wait for it to cool down before you can resume.

Note: When looking at any model's continuous run time, keep in mind that the continuous run time claimed by the manufacturer is probably based on feeding single pages of 20-lb. or lighter weight (i.e., thinner) paper without staples or paper clips. When you shred thicker or harder material (such as cardboard, plastic credit cards, CDs or DVDs), the continuous run time will likely be considerably shorter than what is stated in the product description or specifications.

Reliable Performance Over Time

A shredder that works great for a year and then has a significant malfunction can cost much more in the long run than one with a higher price tag that continues to perform well and reliably for many years. When comparing different paper shredder models, take the time to read product reviews, especially the negative or critical reviews, to get a feel for how often the products customers received turned out to be short-lived "lemons."

Highly Recommended: The Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper, CD and Credit Card Shredder

Before I replaced it with an Aurora AU1210MA, my husband and I were using an Amazon Basics 12-Sheet High-Security Micro-Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder with Pullout Basket in our home office. We may have gotten a lemon, but our 12-sheet unit routinely jammed if we fed it more than four sheets of paper at a time. The one we received also was fairly loud. Other than those two issues, it performed pretty well for a year or so. Unfortunately, despite our light usage, additional problems developed over time. The biggest issue was that both the power/function switch and the auto on/off sensors that detect the presence or absence of paper malfunctioned, causing the motor to remain on continuously. This meant the only way to turn the unit off was to plug it in whenever we wanted to shred something and then unplug it again until the next time we needed it, which was inconvenient and annoying. When I read some of the more recent product reviews while shopping for a replacement, I discovered that quite a few other customers who purchased this Amazon Basics micro-cut shredder also experienced sensor malfunction issues after a relatively short time.

Close-up photo of the Aurora AU1210MA shredder's 4-mode switch

The 4-mode switch on our Aurora high security micro-cut shredder

The Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper, CD and Credit Card Shredder has comparable features and specification to those of its Amazon Basics counterpart:

Both are P-4 security level micro-cut shredders that their respective manufacturers claim can shred 12 sheets of 20-pound-thickness paper in a single pass into confetti-like particles measuring just 5/32" x 15/32" (4 mm x 11.9 mm) and destroy plastic credit cards, CDs and DVDs, staples and small paper clips.
Both have switches with 4 modes: Auto, Off, Reverse, and Forward (for unclogging or removing jams).
They have very similar dimensions and weights.

However, our Aurota AU1210MA has delivered superior performance during the three months we have owned it so far.

Although we haven't yet tried to feed 12 sheets at a time, our Aurora AU1210MA has successfully shredded stacks of 10 sheets without jamming, compared to the 4-sheet maximum we could feed through our Amazon Basics unit in one pass.
Our Aurora is also noticeably quieter than its Amazon Basics predecessor, which we definitely appreciate.
The Aurora AU1210MA's 5-gallon capacity bin is much easier to remove and put back than our Amazon Basics' slightly larger, 5.7-gallon capacity bin.
The Aurora shredder claims a 60-minute continuous run time, compared to the 10-minute continuous run time for its Amazon Basics counterpart.

Time will tell whether it continues to perform reliably for the next several years.

Photo of the author's Aurora AU1210MA high security micro-cut shredder

We have put our Aurora AU1210MA P-4 security level micro-cut document shredder through its paces for three months so far. It has delivered reliable performance and is much quieter than its predecessor.

Key Features and Benefits

Here are some of the reasons I recommend the Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper, CD and Credit Card Shredder for personal and home office use (and prefer it to the Amazon Basics 12-Sheet High-Security Micro-Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder with Pullout Basket):

P-4 security level micro-cuts documents and other media into 5/32" x 15/32" (4 mm x 11.9 mm) pieces, rendering confidential personal information or business data printed at its original size nearly impossible to recover in a readable form.
Can shred 12 sheets of 20-lb. paper in a single pass.
Can destroy CDs, DVDs, plastic credit cards, staples and small paper clips.
Long, 60-minute continuous run time (6x longer than the comparable Amazon Basics model).
6 feet per minute shred speed (slower when feeding multiple sheets per pass).
Quiet operation.
Lightweight yet sturdy 5-gallon capacity bin with wheeled casters is easy to move and maneuver.
Large viewing window.
Bright LED status indicators: Bin Full, Door Open, Overload, Overheat, Power On

LED status indicators on the Aurora AU1210MA

These LED status indicators on our Aurora AU1210MA micro-cut shredder are brightly lit and clearly visible when they're on.

Protect Your Loved Ones With the Gift of a High Security Micro-Cut Shredder

A high-security micro-cut document shredder may not be the most obvious choice for gift giving, but it can be a thoughtful and valuable present, especially for young adults, seniors, and people who work from home or run a home-based business.

Giving a friend or loved one an Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper, CD and Credit Card Shredder can help you protect the recipient against identity theft and other types of impersonation fraud. It can also mean giving the gift of greater peace of mind.

The Best High Security Micro-Cut Shredder For Documents, Media & More by Margaret Schindel

Sunday, March 6, 2022

Five Stars For This Cozy Warm Micromink Sherpa Blanket

I've ordered two of these blankets for my friend over the past three years.

Her very loved kitty-kat claimed the first blanket I sent. Apparently, her sweet furbaby loved the softness and warmth of the blanket.

Unfortunately, my friend's loved pet reached the end of her life not too long ago. Since her kitty loved the blanket so much, my friend buried her with it. Awe, so hard.

As most of us know, the passing of a loved pet isn't easy to get over, and my friend is no exception. She's still grieving.

To help her a little, I decided to send her this exact blanket again so she could wrap herself up and remember her missed furbaby.

Features of the Mircomink Sherpa Throw Blanket

Available in 34 different colors or patterns
Comes in many sizes; Throw, King, Queen, and Twin
It's durable, is 100% Polyester
It's reversible - Fur white on one side, soft Mircomink on the other
It's wrinkle-resistant, so it always looks nice, even after washing
Yes, you can wash it in the laundry machine
Use it as a lovely bedspread!

The Best Gift When You Don't Know What to Buy

Blankets are one of my favorite go-to gifts. A throw blanket can be used just about anywhere. Here are some ideas:

As a throw for the family room
A warm bedspread for the cottage
A throw for an outdoor sporting event
Keep one in the car for added warmth when traveling
In your home office for those long cold nights of endless work
Over a chair for quick access to a throw
To add warmth, color, and texture to a basement recreation room
In baby's room on the rocking chair for those nights, baby needs extra soothing
For the back patio swing and outdoor furniture

My friend has attested that she loves this blanket, so I confidently recommend it.

I've purchased this purple (plum) sherpa blanket twice, available on Amazon here.

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Sunday, February 27, 2022

Affordable Good Quality Bed Sheets

Affordable Sheets that Feel Good

If you're looking for an affordable set of good-quality bed sheets, be sure to give these a second look.

Deep Pocket Sheets in Multiple Colors

These bedsheets fit our very thick mattress with two foam toppers. So if you have a standard oversized mattress minus the toppers, these should fit your bed without a hitch. The sales page indicates that these sheets accommodate mattresses up to 16 inches in depth.

Brushed Microfiber Material

The material is soft and comfortable, however, for me, they are not the highest quality compared to other sheets I've purchased, but for the price, they're perfect, they'll certainly do.

Multiple Colors to Choose From

What I like the most about this particular brand of bedsheets is the wide selection of colors. You get nineteen various choices. We went with navy blue, and it's lovely. I have to say the purple drew me in, but unfortunately, it wasn't a match for the room.

Available in Seven Sizes

These sheets come in the standard choices; King, Queen, Twin XL, Twin, Split King, Full, and California King. Of course, the deep-pocket option is available on every one of these size choices.

What I Liked Most About These Sheets

That's easy, the price. In Canada, bedsheets can sometimes be expensive. Typically, in Canada, sheets tend to range on average from $75 to $200, depending upon the quality. Recently a family member of mine purchased a set of king-size sheets for $165; however, theirs were an upgrade from the ones I bought from Amazon.

I kept my eyes open on Amazon for good-quality sheets on sale. There are better quality sheets; however, for the price, these are great.

After washing them, they went on the bed wrinkle-free.

These bedsheets are comfortable, especially considering the price.

What I Liked Least About These Sheets

They're not a top-quality set of sheets. However, the softness and price help to overlook that fact. As a backup sheet set, they're ideal.

Here They Are on Amazon:

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Friday, February 25, 2022

Protective Apparel for Motorcyclist

I have wanted to write this review on protective apparel for motorcycle riders for a long time. I have hesitated because I am not an expert on motorcycle gear, but I am an expert on loving a motorcyclist. Therefore, I have a vested interest in buying and wearing the best apparel when riding a motorcycle.

The day my husband brought home his first "married life" motorcycle, I threatened divorce. Not because of the money, but because of the dangers associated with motorcycling.

Of course, I recognize how much fun it is to ride a motorcycle, to feel the freedom associated with the wind blowing through your hair (if you have any!) I know it feels like you are blowing the cobwebs from your mind and experiencing nature. I sincerely want everyone to be allowed to enjoy life and adventurous activities, but I would like for them to do so as safely as possible.

Whether you are riding a motorcycle in busy city traffic or bouncing a cycle on off-road trails, there is the danger of injury. I have seen firsthand what those injuries look like on the way to emergency care facilities.

Therefore, my best advice, and what I can live with for my own motorcyclist, is to wear protective apparel. This apparel provides a double layer of protection for my husband. His skin, bones, and brain are better protected in the case of an accident, plus he is protected from my verbal assault each time he tries to sneak out alone with his girlfriend (of course, I mean his motorcycle).

Protective Motorcycle Apparel
Both Driver & Passenger Need the Same Level of Protective Apparel

These recommendations are based on my own personal experience as well as my husband's shared experience. He has tried a greater variety of items and I had the benefit of his expertise when making my own motorcycle apparel selections.

#1: Helmet - From birth as a motorcyclist, we all know a great helmet is imperative for protection, as well as the law in many places. There are a lot of considerations and options when selecting a helmet. To start with, you may prefer an open face helmet to a full face helmet. Plus, size matters! I highly recommend visiting a local cycle shop and trying on several helmets, even if you plan to seek out the best deal online. In doing so, I found I could not tolerate a full face helmet myself. I personally chose the Shoei J-Cruise Helmet. It is lightweight to wear and I love the retractable inner sun visor (goodbye sunglasses). The top ventilation allows air on my scalp which keeps me from sweating.

Shoei Neotec II Helmet (X-Large) (Wine)Check Price Shoei J-Cruise II Helmet (Medium) (Blue Metallic)Check Price

KLIM Induction Touring Motorcycle Jacket Men's Medium Hi-Vis - Monument GrayCheck Price#2: Armor Plated Jacket - Many motorcyclists don't consider how vulnerable their backs, elbows and shoulders are to severe injury if they happen to lay down a bike. In fact, those injuries could take you out of the motorcycling world for a long time, if not forever. You need your back, shoulder & elbow strength for driving a motorcycle. Therefore, we wear and recommend motorcycle jackets with removable armor, which allows you to wash the jacket.

I would also note that I recommend a jacket with high visibility strips or contrast on the back so automobile drivers are more likely to see you.

Other reasons I selected my Tour Master Pivot Motorcycle Jacket shown below, I love the ventilation, the wrist velcro that allows me to tighten around my gloves, and the removable quilted liner that makes it all-weather wear.

My husband has several motorcycle jackets (all with armor), but his favorite motorcycle jacket is the lightweight KLIM Induction Touring Jacket shown below because it is cool enough to wear in the summer.

In summer, all jackets get too warm off the cycle, but some, like the recommended KLIM, are comfortable when riding.

TourMaster Women's Pivot Textile Touring Motorcycle JacketCheck Price TourMaster Women's Pivot Textile Touring Motorcycle Jacket (Back)Check Price

#3: Pants - Pants with protective armor in the knees and abrasion resistant fabric to protect legs is truly imperative. I see a lot of riders wearing jeans, but they are no match for asphalt or gravel. Missing that trip to the ER over asphalt burns or ripped skin with embedded gravel will make this purchase well worthwhile.

I chose the Tour Master pants for myself mostly because I wanted the pants that would zip to the jacket giving my center body complete protection. However, there are several reasons why they make a great choice including the removable liner, adjustable velcro waist, and zipper pockets.

My husband also prefers his Tour Master Caliber 2.0 motorcycle pants.

Tourmaster Venture Air 2.0 Women's Textile Motorcycle PantCheck Price Tourmaster Men's Caliber 2.0 Motorcycle PantCheck Price

#4: Protective Motorcycle Boots - When I see a rider wearing sandals, all I can say is "seriously!". Please value your feet and ankles enough to cover them with protective boots made for motorcyclists. You use your feet constantly. Give them the needed support and protection they deserve.

I chose the Oxford Valkyrie leather boot with a bit of a heel. As you can see, they have a more feminine appeal with their attractive stitching, but they do provide the needed protection with a reinforced shank and ankle. Plus, they are waterproof!

The Firstgear Kilimanjaro boots are made of durable leather and have comfortable, waterproof, & breathable lining. Plus, lots of protective reinforcement in the shin, ankle, toe and heel. That makes them a great choice for safety and function.

Oxford - Women's Valkyrie Waterproof Leather BootsCheck Price Firstgear Kilimanjaro Waterproof Boots (11) (Black)Check Price

KLIM Inversion Pro GlovesCheck Price#5: Gloves - Please, please, please, protect your hands! Bicycle gloves are not motorcycle gloves.

Even as a passenger, I wear my motorcycle gloves. I chose the Cortech Heckler Gloves. They provide excellent protection & warmth while being attractive.

Let's face it, your hands or head will most likely take the first contact with the ground in an accident.

My husband prefers the Klim Inversion Pro Motorcycle Gloves. They have goatskin leather palms, high tech padding on the back of hand and fingers, and wind-stopper liner to keep your hands from getting cold.

The items shown in this article are our motorcycle protective gear choices. I hope this helps you select your own riding apparel. Have fun, but above all else, stay safe!