Westinghouse LED HDTV: Enjoy your favorite movies, shows and more in realistic high-definition with this Westinghouse HDTV, which delivers visuals in 1080p resolution. Access files stored on USB devices through the USB port.
Cons: The complaints here about poor sound quality are right. The TV does have an equalizer to adjust the sound, but the quality is poor at best and irritating otherwise. (As others noted, the surround sound option doesn't help, and may be worse.) However I have seen the same complaint about several other 24" TVs--the small speakers just can't do a very good job.
Aside from that, the plastic base needs to be attached with screws -- something of a pain. I have several computer monitors and the base always just snaps on.
Pros: I got this as a bedroom TV and for that purpose it works fine. I like that in a pinch I can also use it as backup computer monitor. As others have noted, the sound problem can be remedied by plugging in external speakers. I had an unused pair of computer speakers -- that get their power from the USB port -- that are not great but that provide better sound than the TV itself. The result is acceptable.
The picture is fine. The 1080p HD resolution was especially useful for my purposes since the TV cable in my bedroom only provides SD signals. Using the TV's zoom feature, I can fill the screen with a decent picture. The 720p resolution of most other 24" TVs, which mostly cost more, wouldn't have worked as well.
All together, for less than $100, this TV was a good value for my needs. I would recommend it to someone who has similar, modest needs.
With a 4.3" touch screen, this Motorola Moto E 0436NAECOM cell phone makes it easy to browse features and capture photos and videos using the 5.0MP camera. The water-repellent splash guard and Corning Gorilla Glass display provide a durable design.
This was my first smartphone, though my wife has a Samsung I've used. I had a limited budget and was waiting for a new Android phone -- with US warranty and known brand -- in this price range.
Motorola made some compromises to get price down, but the phone is very functional. Screen is very readable. Gorilla glass. Touch is responsive. It came with latest version of Android. Decent amount of memory.
Main cost-saver was only one camera. And that is mediocre. 5.0 MP has barely acceptable resolution. No flash.
But for communicating, Web browsing, email, running apps, the phone is eminently useful The screen is big enough to be easy to read, use. But the phone is still reasonably compact and portable.
Battery life seems adequate for all-day use, assuming you turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. when you aren't using them.
Accessories are abundantly available too. I had no problem finding multiple sources of protective cases, screen protective film, wallets, etc.
Motorola is being acquired by Lenovo, a big company with -- so far as I know-- a good reputation. So I don't anticipate any problem getting service if needed.
Note that the back cover is tricky to remove at first. But I found a video online that showed how to do it. It still takes more effort to take off than it should. But once SIM and SD cards are installed, there's not much need to remove the cover again. In a pinch, your AT&T or T-Mobile store will do it for you. This phone takes microSIM, so I had to go to the store to replace my SIM card anyway.
I have no experience with using the phone outside the US. But a dual-SIM model is available.
While you cannot replace the battery yourself (makes no sense), Motorola has some arrangement to make it easy to ship the phone to them and get it back. It also may be possible to get the battery replaced through your carrier (e.g., AT&T) local service center. (This may only apply to phones purchased through the carrier; check with them.)
My Best Buy number: 2924677146
What's great about it: Very useful Android phone, latest Android version, very reasonable price
What's not so great: Only one, mediocre camera. FM radio requires headphones. Battery not replaceable. Back cover is tricky to remove.
Enjoy delicious toasted bread or bagels with this Hamilton Beach SmartToast 24444 4-slice wide-slot toaster that features a shade selector for personalized results. The SureGuard shock-resistant concealed heating elements help ensure safe use.
Customer Rating
4
Finally, a toaster that works
on February 17, 2013
Posted by: marketsq
from Northern Virginia
Our Proctor Silex basic toaster died recently after several years of good service. I'd bought that because many reviewers found that it toasted evenly and consistently, unlike many more expensive and complicated models.
In my quest for a replacement, I tried several products of various brands. I found, like many reviewers, that most were deficient one way or another: cords too short; revolting stink from factory residue when heating; uneven toasting; too-small slots; metal sides that became painfully hot; and some just plain broken right out of the box.
Most new toasters seem to have rather short cords (perhaps a safety regulation), but this one is at least tolerable.
Good features: Cool-to-touch plastic body, bagel button, defrost button. Also, wires inside are covered with a shield to make them shock resistance -- useful in homes with kids.
Best thing: It actually works as promised. Toast may be uneven, especially on thinner slices, or when toasting only one slice. But that seems common on current toasters, especially with bagel feature. At least in this case, the product manual admits that that can happen, which I appreciated. The solution, simple enough, is to toast on a lighter setting, remove and rotate slice, and toast some more.
I can't comment on durability, since we've had it about one month. But Hamilton Beach is made by same co. that makes Proctor Silex (also Sunbeam I think) so I am hopeful it may last as long as our old toaster.
We have a black and chrome, deco style Sunbeam coffee maker, and this toaster matches it well. I do wish that the 'Cancel' button had a light to show when the toaster is on, like on our old toaster, but that's a minor complaint. It's sad that there are so many poorly made appliances on the market today, but I am very pleased with this product.
What's great about it: Looks good; works reliably
What's not so great: Toast not always even (but this seems common)
Enjoy delicious toasted bread or bagels with this Hamilton Beach SmartToast 24444 4-slice wide-slot toaster that features a shade selector for personalized results. The SureGuard shock-resistant concealed heating elements help ensure safe use.
Overall4 out of 5
Finally, a toaster that works
BymarketsqfromNorthern Virginia
Our Proctor Silex basic toaster died recently after several years of good service. I'd bought that because many reviewers found that it toasted evenly and consistently, unlike many more expensive and complicated models.
In my quest for a replacement, I tried several products of various brands. I found, like many reviewers, that most were deficient one way or another: cords too short; revolting stink from factory residue when heating; uneven toasting; too-small slots; metal sides that became painfully hot; and some just plain broken right out of the box.
Most new toasters seem to have rather short cords (perhaps a safety regulation), but this one is at least tolerable.
Good features: Cool-to-touch plastic body, bagel button, defrost button. Also, wires inside are covered with a shield to make them shock resistance -- useful in homes with kids.
Best thing: It actually works as promised. Toast may be uneven, especially on thinner slices, or when toasting only one slice. But that seems common on current toasters, especially with bagel feature. At least in this case, the product manual admits that that can happen, which I appreciated. The solution, simple enough, is to toast on a lighter setting, remove and rotate slice, and toast some more.
I can't comment on durability, since we've had it about one month. But Hamilton Beach is made by same co. that makes Proctor Silex (also Sunbeam I think) so I am hopeful it may last as long as our old toaster.
We have a black and chrome, deco style Sunbeam coffee maker, and this toaster matches it well. I do wish that the 'Cancel' button had a light to show when the toaster is on, like on our old toaster, but that's a minor complaint. It's sad that there are so many poorly made appliances on the market today, but I am very pleased with this product.
marketsq
Northern Virginia
Crumb trays
February 25, 2013
Sorry, I left that out. The crumb trays pull out in the back, They slide in and out very easily, more so than any other toaster I've tried. Another positive feature.