Share codeblue's profile
codeblue
codeblue's stats
- Review count148
- Helpfulness votes220
- First reviewMarch 3, 2015
- Last reviewMay 20, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
Answers
- Answer count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First answerNone
- Last answerNone
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
Only at Best BuyEnter the RPG arena with this Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop. It has 1TB of storage, and its NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card loads dynamic in-game visuals and Full HD movies smoothly. The quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM let this Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop perform efficiently.
Customer Rating
4
decent gaming specs in a not-so-flashy casing
on April 28, 2018
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
TL;DR: decent spec gaming laptop that doesn't scream L33T gamer.
I'm a working adult now, and I can't carry an Alienware laptop to my workplace. I'd get lots of funny looks, to say the least. But that doesn't mean I've given up on games. I still really enjoy playing games, and now, I don't have the luxury of building a dedicated gaming rig. I've got a toddler that likes to rummage, and the LEDs on most gaming cases would paint a giant target for him to play with.
The Nitro, in my configuration of a 1TB hard drive and GTX1050 handled all of the games I currently play. Witcher 3, Overwatch, the framerates stayed pristine. However, I had to turn the settings usually to medium to keep the best balance between visuals and framerates. That being said, the best part is, it's a decent enough system that let's me play anything without having to worry about compatibility, and furthermore, it comes in a case that looks subdued enough to pass as a "grownup" laptop.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Brush your teeth with precision by using this Philips Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush. It has smart sensor technology and connects to a smartphone app that coaches you about coverage, ideal pressure and scrubbing. This Philips Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush comes with several brush heads that include microchips, which optimize performance for cleaner teeth.
Customer Rating
5
an upgrade to the original sonicare
on April 11, 2018
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
The overall aesthetic is greatly improved, with a matte coloring that feels smoother in the hand while not being slick, if that makes sense. Improvements over previous Sonicare models may not be immediately noticeable, but they become more obvious as you use the toothbrush. One of the touted features is an accompanying app that uses sensors in the toothbrush to let you know when you're correctly brushing. Honestly, I don't find the app much of a perk because I don't typically carry my phone into the bathroom.
However, there are a lot of nice touches in the accessories. The included clear charging base looks really nice, while keeping a reasonably small footprint. The travel case also looks nice, and comes with a usb connector that let's you charge your toothbrush base while in the case.
The different cleaning modes I can't tell if they feel different from previous models, or if it's more of the updated toothbrush heads. Subjectively, I feel like my teeth are "squeakier" clean after using this new model. Then, the smart sensor which automatically flashes a light at the base of the toothbrush while simultaneously decreasing the strength of the motor teaches you to not use more force than necessary brushing.
Overall, a very good looking toothbrush, especially with the gold accents, with nice accessories making this more travel-friendly.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
Amp up your workouts with these JLab Epic Sport wireless earbuds. Memory Wire ear hooks keep them securely in place during activity, and their six tip options and interchangeable Cush Fins let you make custom adjustments for an ideal fit. These JLab Epic Sport wireless earbuds have a 12-hour battery life for uninterrupted listening during long training sessions.
Customer Rating
5
Amazing earbuds - that also happen to be wireless
on April 8, 2018
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
Many wireless earbud reviews distinguish that they're good "for wireless earbuds." So far, sound quality for wireless technology over bluetooth or aptx just can't match good old fashioned cables. However, JLab has managed to create a pair of wireless buds that sound great period, and also are water/sweat resistant, durable, and easy on the eyes too.
To start, when you open the packaging, the earbuds and one of each ear piece is displayed in a clear container that looks absolutely beautiful. Does this affect the use of my buds? No, but it's nice when a company goes the extra mile to showcase their product.
The buds come with a triple flange, soft pieces, and then different sizes for each. A case and charging cable are also included. The case is big enough to hold all the extras, but not so big that it's going to be a brick in your pocket or workout bag.
One nice feature that might also become a negative, is the charging. While most wireless buds I've owned or currently own use usb in some form to charge, making it easy to just grab any open cable near my desk to charge, the JLab Epics use a wireless charger. The wireless charging means the connection is magnetic, so I don't have to worry about snapping a piece off if I'm charging it in my bag, but at the same time, if you lose the included charger, you can't just pick up another cable at home.
The buds are comfortable in my ears when I'm working out, which they should be, since the Epics are marketed by JLab to be for runners. One thing is the sound isolation works really well, which kind of scared me. Yes you should always be paying attention when you're out, but sometimes you need audio cues to know which direction to look out for.
Overall, great earbuds that do exactly what they were designed and marketed for. Highly recommend.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Store documents and photos digitally with this Brother wireless scanner. Its duplex setting copies both sides of the page in a single pass to save time, and its image optimizing feature improves the quality of the scan. The 2.8-inch touch screen on this Brother wireless scanner lets you configure its settings to your preferences.
Customer Rating
5
Efficient scanner with duplex
on January 17, 2018
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
Brother makes excellent business-class peripherals, and this scanner is another great example.
We love our wireless laserjet printer from Brother because it connects easily, even setting up wireless printing from my iPhone was a breeze.
Wireless connectivity was equally easy to set up on this scanner, and the footprint is surprisingly small for a duplex scanner.
Not everyone needs or will benefit from a high speed duplex scanner, but if you have to scan several documents that include pictures or graphics, this scanner will be a game changer.
Image quality is sufficient for work, and not having to flip the pages over and re-insert makes it easier to prevent scanning pages out of order or off by a page.
Image quality is sufficient for work, and not having to flip the pages over and re-insert makes it easier to prevent scanning pages out of order or off by a page.
Easy to use menu and touchscreen with intuitive workflow.
Highly recommend for those in need of a quick scanner with duplex functionality.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Get absolute precision with this Logitech wireless mechanical gaming keyboard. Place it anywhere you like thanks to the long-lasting battery and the efficient Bluetooth connection, and enjoy the feel of a mechanical connection that provides the perfect resistance. The full-size layout ensures this Logitech wireless mechanical gaming keyboard makes your games easy to control.
Customer Rating
5
Solid wireless mechanical keyboard
on January 3, 2018
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
Looking back through my reviews, you’ll be able to see I tend to like Logitech offerings.
The G613 is their first wireless mechanical gaming keyboard. One caveat is I don’t play much in the way of MMOs any more as growing older and having a family pretty much make long raids and instance grinding impossible. However, I still appreciate the satisfying click of genuine mechanical keyboards. Plus, they’re much more durable than the standard membrane keyboards.
That out of the way, let’s talk about the keyboard. The keyboard is big. Not in the swag-logo-branding sense, but literally, it’s bigger than most other mechanical gaming keyboards. The margins around the outer keys are wider, making the footprint a bit larger.
Wireless functionality worked flawlessly for me, with no noticeable lag even amongst all my other wireless controllers and consoles being on.
Keys are as expected from a mechanical switch, so nothing exciting here. Just solid dependability.
The one (potentially) major flaw is no backlit keyboard. Why Logitech would make such a misstep in a keyboard they’re marketing as a gaming keyboard is beyond my comprehension, but it’s probably the only big gripe I can find. There’s no usb socket on the keyboard, maybe to save space(?) but again, the whole footprint of the keyboard is pretty large so that seems strange too.
Overall, if you’re looking to declutter and/or have a mechanical keyboard that you can take around with you, this is a solid first entry from Logitech.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Automatically go from hundreds of mystery folders to a visual view in the photo and video Organizer. See your best photos thanks to auto-curation. Effortlessly extract candid photos from your raw footage. Make photos and videos look amazing with automated photo editing and video creation options. And create and share beautiful printed artwork, new dynamic slideshows, photo and video collages, animated GIFs*, and full-length movies. Being creative is even easier with the Elements bundle.
Customer Rating
5
Expedites workflow with powerful editing tools
on November 29, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
I'm not a professional photographer, in the sense that I use photography to put food on my plate. That being said, I do shoot gigs here and there. I use Lightroom as my go-to, which, after the initial learning curve, has been like second nature, I was a bit skeptical about Elements.
After having used the actual software, I must say, it's like Photoshop/Lightroom for the millennial generation. Vastly simplified workflow but still somehow providing more powerful editing tools than Lightroom. Stunning.
If you've never learned to use Photoshop proper or Lightroom before, really, with Elements (for photos) and Premiere (for video editing) you can pull in files from practically any source and begin editing without any hiccups.
Adobe was pushing their online suite for the better part of the last few years, but, being more traditional, I'd rather pay a one-time fee and know the software is mine, rather than having to basically pay rent every month and lose access if I choose not to subscribe for that month.
Highly recommend for both seasoned and for people dipping their toes into photography.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Enjoy clear audio without distraction while wearing these Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless earbuds. They have a sweat-resistant coating and lightweight design that's comfortable to wear and stays in place as you exercise or lounge. These Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless earbuds come with interchangeable tips in different sizes, providing a secure, noise-blocking fit.
Customer Rating
5
great sound quality in sporty buds
on November 20, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
Wireless ear buds are becoming more popular and more prevalent, I suspect due to the airpod effect. However, if you're an active type, then Apple's little white buds aren't quite so "magical" as they continuously fall out of your ear as you're running or doing jerks.
Tbh, I was pretty skeptical at first, but to cut to the chase, I was very pleasantly surprised not by the functionality and thoughtfulness of the design, but also by the clean sound quality of the buds.
The funny loops, when you select the proper sized adapter for your ears, actually do a proper job of "hooking" into your outer ear (antihelix, if you want to be anatomically specific), and once set in, became unnoticeable during activity.
The buds themselves provided surprisingly balanced sound without any obtrusive bass amplification (cough *beats* cough). Vocals came through and didn't sound tinny, and the sound isolation worked as advertised.
Now, do these sound as good as my Grados? No, if you want pure audiophilic sound quality, you'll need to invest in a proper set of cans, because due to acoustics, buds so far can't match the sound quality of the larger drivers you can get in over-the-ear cans.
That being said, these are marketed and aimed at more active types, and for that niche, I daresay the sound quality is more than sufficient when you're going for a run. The only downside I can see is, if you tend to go running in the city and zone out, these could be bad because of the effectiveness of the sound isolation.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Replace the keyboard of your Microsoft Surface Pro 7, 6, 5 or 4 with this silver Brydge keyboard. It conveniently lets you open the screen at your preferred viewing angle without a kickstand, and its backlit keys increase visibility in low light working environments. This Brydge keyboard is lightweight, so it doesn't add extra bulk to your device.
Customer Rating
4
turns your Surface Pro into a workable laptop
on November 15, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
The Surface Pro 2017 is an odd duck. It markets itself as a hybrid device that can replace your laptop, but then it doesn't include any of the accessories required to enable the "full" experience: i.e. the surface pen, surface keyboard. This isn't a review of the Surface Pro 2017, but that bit of context is necessary to adequately review any peripherals for it.
Enter the Brydge 12.3 keyboard. It adds a seamless look that's got the same sharp, industrial angles and corners to match the aesthetic of the Surface Pro, and effectively color matches as well. For review's sake, I opted for the platinum gray, and it matches my Surface Pro perfectly.
I also have the "official" keyboard, the Microsoft smart keyboard with alcantara fabric, so the v2. Having used both for work, I can say that the verdict isn't quite so clear cut. It really depends on what your intended uses are, much like for the Surface itself.
If you're needing a truer laptop feel, then the Brydge wins hands down. The keyboard is sturdy, the key travel is much closer to a full-size keyboard. The Microsoft keyboard, while it provides a [subjectively] better feel due to the smooth alcantara, the actual typing experience is inferior. The Microsoft keyboard flexes and can be hard to balance in your lap due to the angle and lack of support.
Now the flip side to the improved "laptop feel" that the Brydge provides is the tradeoff of weight and footprint. The Brydge is sturdier than the Microsoft smart keyboard, but adds a noticeable bulk and weight to the combined Surface+keyboard. In addition, unlike the smart keyboard, which can be folded back to use the Surface in tablet mode, the Brydge's solid hinges don't allow that kind of travel. To use the Surface in tablet mode with the Brydge, you have to remove the Surface entirely.
With the smart keyboard, I couldn't really notice when I had it attached vs off, but with the Brydge, it's impossible not to notice. That being said, it really does make the Surface Pro feel like a true laptop.
In summary: if you're looking to improve the laptop-ness of your Surface Pro, then the Brydge is far superior to the Microsoft smart keyoard. If you don't need 100% typing capability and can survive with "good enough" typing while maintaining the tablet side of the Surface, then go with the Microsoft smart keyboard.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Arlo Pro 2 keeps an eye on your home while you're away, in brilliant 1080p HD quality. Put the 100% wire-free, weather-resistant camera anywhere, indoors or out. Then, power it with the included rechargeable battery or plugged it in (when indoors) to access activity zones and 24/7 Continuous Video Recording upgrades. Use 2-way audio or remotely sound a 100+ device siren while catching every moment with night vision and advanced motion detection. You'll even get motion and sound-activated alerts and 7 days of free cloud video recordings. Arlo Pro 2 works with Amazon Alexa to make your smart home security even more simple and effective.
Customer Rating
5
Great home security cam / baby monitor
on November 10, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
The Arlo 2 checks off many boxes that we were looking for in a baby monitor.
Design: clean white, small, unobtrusive footprint. The body of the camera is sleek and aesthetically pleasing, if you like soft lines. The bases are magnetic and don't function off of a mechanical swivel, so while the camera itself can't pan/tilt via remote control, it's extremely easy to find a perfect angle and due to the base using magnets, you don't have to worry about slippage or having to tighten screws every once in a while.
Connectivity/setup: amazingly simple. Download the app to your phone, hit sync on the base then hit sync on the camera. Stupidly simple and worked on the first try.
Features: motion detection was extremely sensitive, as was the sound detection. The best part is that I can grant access to family members to use the camera, so the grandparents can peek into the playroom from across the country. Unlike the Nest, which requires an unreasonably pricy monthly or yearly subscription in order to have access to recordings, the Arlo gives you a "basic" option that still allows for limited recording. If you want to save videos forever, then you'll have to pony up for a higher tier.
For use as a baby monitor: our dedicated baby monitor got thrown out early because the flashing LEDs were so bright they'd wake our little one up when trying to focus during the night. The Arlo 2, maybe because it's designed as a home security camera, has very subtle LEDs that you can pick up on if you're looking for, otherwise they're not trying to floodlight the viewing area.
TL;DR: easy to set up, well thought out features, excellent execution. Whether for use as a home security camera or a baby monitor, for our needs, the Arlo 2 fit perfectly
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Better than ever, the new Surface Pro gives you a best-in-class laptop, plus the versatility of a studio and tablet. The stunning PixelSense™ Display supports Pen* and touch, while the refined design provides up to 13.5 hours of video playback — 50% more battery life than Surface Pro 4. A powerful Intel® Core™ processor runs full desktop software with ease, ensuring a smooth, productive workflow.
Customer Rating
5
excellent hybrid for work
on October 29, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
Verified Purchase:Yes
Before entering my review, I'll explain the context of why I purchased the Surface Pro. I needed something portable to read academic journals and mark PDFs, while still being able to handle typical office stuff like PowerPoint, Word. I did tons (literally hours) of research, agonizing for days over whether to go with a new 10.5 iPad Pro or the Surface. In the end, I had the opportunity to try both, and - spoiler alert - I ended up keeping the Surface Pro.
The build is superb, the industrial angles look sleek, and the screen is fantastic. The [rather expensive] catch is that to make the Surface Pro be all Microsoft envisions, you have to dump an extra $99 minimum to add the Pen, and then another $150 to get the keyboard, which, is not an insignificant investment.
I opted for the middle of the pack, the i5 with higher memory capacity rather than the i7 because I wanted the fanless (i.e. quieter) version, and I'm not disappointed.
The main negative with the iPad Pro from a work/productivity standpoint was the new changes with iOS 11, although significant, still fall far short of an actual desktop OS. Furthermore, even though it's not a knock against the actual iPad, the official Apple smart keyboard was dismal to type on. The chiclet keys were really aesthetically pleasing which is par for the course for Apple, but even though I wouldn't say I have particularly gargantuan hands, I found myself making way too many typos and looking down to physically locate keys.
The Microsoft keyboard, sold separately, types much better and the keys feel more akin to a regular desktop keyboard. The tradeoff is that the Microsoft keyboard flexes more than the Apple.
The Surface pen works great, and being able to hotkey my most used functions to the onboard eraser button makes my workflow more efficient.
If you don't particularly need a pen functionality, then I'd say skip the Surface Pro and just get an actual laptop, as there are tradeoffs as mentioned above. But, if you're specifically looking for a work-use device that handles pen utility, then take a good look at the Surface Pro. Most, if not all, of the major criticisms against the Surface 4 have been addressed with the Surface Pro 2017... except for the confusing nomenclature.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
codeblue's Review Comments
codeblue has not submitted comments on any reviews.
codeblue's Questions
codeblue has not submitted any questions.
codeblue's Answers
codeblue has not submitted any answers.