codeblue's stats
- Review count181
- Helpfulness votes233
- First reviewMarch 3, 2015
- Last reviewNovember 28, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
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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
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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!
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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!
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Vacuum and mop your floors for a deep clean with this DEEBOT floor cleaning robot. The obstacle detection technology prevents damage to your furniture, and the automatic charging feature returns the cleaner to the charging station when the battery gets low. This DEEBOT floor cleaning robot has a large dustbin for clearing big messes.
Customer Rating
3
functional vacuum with some big flaws
on October 26, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
For a while now, we've been wanting a robo-vacuum. In the past, Roomba was your only, albeit costly, option, but thankfully nowadays there are numerous clones that supposedly do a good job.
Enter the Deebot.
Aesthetics: Looks like every other robo-vacuum. Squat cylinder with pull-up dustbin. Muted gray with black accents. Looks sleek.
Controls: Easy enough, use the power button on the Deebot itself or use the remote to program the vacuum.
Functionality: Now this is where the Deebot falls short. The suction strength on the Deebot is more than adequate to handle standard carpet. However, the navigational capabilities of the Deebot are pretty dismal - and really frustrating to watch. For better or worse, as there's been some controversy about Roomba's [not so] secretly saving their maps of your house, and iRobot now selling their stockpiles of home blueprints, the Deebot doesn't use smart navigation. Instead, it uses a series of crisscrosses to theoretically cover the entire space. In reality, however, this means if there's any obstacle at all, or god forbid, an obstacle course of toys left out on the floor, through random pingponging, the Deebot can end up missing large portions of the floor because it'll keep trying to either 1) circle around the perceived obstacle or 2) turn around and then proceed on its "Z" path around the rest of the room. Not only does the random Z lead to missing portions of the room, it also means Deebot can end up repetitively vacuuming the same patch of floor/carpet because it keeps bouncing at the perfect angle off a section of wall+toy+couch leg.
So in summary, when it reaches where it needs to go, Deebot will vacuum pretty darn well. The problem is it can often get lost in the path. Heck, just to test it, I hit the "home" button to signal for Deebot to return to its charging base, and from my living room to the kitchen, Deebot kept zigzagging underneath the kitchen table and spent literally 20 min navigating the 3 ft over to the charging base.
SO, if you don't have a lot of toys lying around that might confuse the Deebot, then the cost-savings is probably going to be worth it over a much more expensive Samsung or Roomba. However, if you're, like us, hoping to use the Deebot to clean your house in the aftermath of a curious toddler leaving his stuff everywhere, then having to tidy up the toys every single time you want to use the Deebot is going to be more frustrating than anything.
YMMV.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Stay productive wherever you go with this Acer Chromebook computer. Its quad-core Intel Pentium processor and 4GB of RAM run programs and apps efficiently, and its 32GB of storage holds personal documents and photographs. This Acer Chromebook computer has a 15.6-inch Full HD touch screen for clear viewing of videos and movies.
Customer Rating
4
A chromebook for students
on October 16, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
This laptop is not a MacBook, nor a Microsoft Surface, nor a desktop replacement. For those unfamiliar, chromebooks are special laptops that only run Google apps Ike gmail, google docs, google drive, you get the picture. The hard drive is purposefully small as it’s designed to harness cloud-based storage. For that reason, this would be a excellent device for students who simply need a device to take notes or watch YouTube. All your preferences and settings automatically load up once you sign into your google account, making it a fairly seamless transition.
However, there are some sacrifices that come with the territory of using a watered down OS. The processor isn’t strong, the screen isn’t FHD, and this isn’t really meant to be running CAD.
So for anyone looking for a nice-looking machine for light use, this is fine. If you’re looking to play intense games or run photoshop, chromebooks aren’t for you.
So in conclusion, I’d only recommend this machine for people not requiring more from their laptop than you’d be doing in your phone during a T-ride or something like that.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Create blended beverages and sauces quickly with this Philips ProMix hand blender. The one-button variable speed control and durable titanium-coated blades ensure smooth, thorough mixing, while the ergonomically designed grip keeps your hand comfortable during use. This 300W Philips ProMix hand blender has a single-button attachment-release function to make switching out accessories simple.
Customer Rating
5
Simple yet functional
on October 16, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
To start, this is a niche device. Not everyone needs a hand blender, and if so, this appliance will do nothing for you. But, for the people trying to make their own baby food or soup or etc etc, this will be a game changer.
My wife was using a food processor which was significantly more expensive in order to prepare mush for our little one. The biggest drawback with the full-size food processor was the cleanup after even making a small batch.
Enter the Phillips Promix. It seems almost stupidly simple - one slider bar to indicate the strength of the blend, and you press buttons to either increase or decrease the strength. It comes with a bin that you blend in, and the bin perfectly contains the food so there’s absolutely no spill. Rinse out the bin easily, and the hand mixer comes apart for easy rinsing as well.
TL;DR: for those who need a hand mixer, this is a perfect value for the price and it gets the job done exceptionally well. Extremely well-thought out design.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy a cleaner house with this versatile Shark Flex vacuum cleaner. It converts easily to a handheld device to clean curtains and shelves, and it includes attachments to remove pet hair and reach under appliances. This Shark Flex vacuum cleaner weighs less than 10 lbs., so it's easy to maneuver.
Customer Rating
5
Perfect for smaller spaces
on September 21, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
We might seem like Shark fanatics, heck we’ve got a full size vacuum and a garment steamer from them. This latest addition to our Shark lineup at home is a boon for my wife. It folds up to store, and when folded it’s got a remarkably small footprint which is perfect for our townhome. Second, despite its small size, it has enough suction power to clean up after our toddler’s messes. Thoughtful attachments like a flat extension to slide underneath couch/appliances is amazing, and the bearings allow for a really tight turn. The only con, which isn’t really a con if you’re picking this vacuum for the right purpose, is that all of the weight is centered on the handle by design. Therefore if you’re using it for an extended session or carrying it up and down multiple flights, I can see it getting heavy quickly.
But for a quick job in a small-medium space, I can’t see any better option with such a well-thought out and useful feature set.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Throw away your extra remotes in favor of the Logitech Harmony 665 remote control. This functional remote works with a range of devices, from basic cable to Apple TV, and can combine up to 10 remotes in one versatile unit. This Logitech Harmony 665 remote control offers one-button setup for easy incorporation with your entertainment system.
Customer Rating
4
Great value for the price
on September 16, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
from Fishers, IN
Logitech, aka Logi, has been making universal remotes for years now. The Harmony 665 is their mid-tier model. It has a mini-screen with context-sensitive buttons that are actually really intuitive to use. The remote was able to unify my TV, soundbar, and PS4 into one button press. How? Logi's remote has a favorite use mode, where you can set the remote to automatically turn on your intended devices and to the desired settings, all with one button. When I hit the user-defined button, my tv turns on to the HDMI channel for my PS4, the soundbar turns on, and my PS4 turn on. Not that individually hitting power on 3 remotes was terribly time consuming or detracting, but still, once you get used to it, it's hard to go back.
The Logi app was simple to set up, very user friendly, and frankly was quite self-explanatory. No hiccups with any of my home devices at all.
All in all, the 665 is a great value for the asking price, and frankly, unless you just have a bazillion devices or a very high end entertainment stand, is more than you need for most homes. I'd say it's the Honda Accord of their remote control line-up. Not the fanciest, not the prettiest, but it makes life easier and is reliable.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Play your favorite video games with this PlayStation 4 DualShock controller. The microUSB port lets you keep it charged and ready to use, and the trigger buttons and controls deliver immediate response on even the most challenging games. This PlayStation 4 DualShock controller has an internal speaker for realistic close-up sound.
Customer Rating
5
minor noticeable differences
on February 23, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
Verified Purchase:Yes
If you have fully functioning original DualShock 4 controllers, then there's really not a strong enough reason to go out of your way to upgrade. If you're like me and had your controllers die after their warranty expired, then it makes perfect sense to go with the ver.2. The only 2 differences I've noticed are 1 cosmetic and 1 functional change. The light bar got integrated into the touchpad which I honestly haven't used in a long time, but the more significant functional change with the ver.2 is that you can now use your controller with the USB cord plugged in. The ergonomics of the controller feel identical as far as I can tell.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Make sure to protect your new gaming accessory. A Geek Squad Product Replacement Plan enhances and extends your manufacturer warranty and gives you peace of mind if your product isn't working properly.If your gaming accessory fails for an issue that we cover but your manufacturer doesn't, we'll replace your product (if one is available) or reimburse you.
Customer Rating
4
useful
on February 23, 2017
Posted by: codeblue
Verified Purchase:Yes
Hopefully the 2nd generation Dualshock 4 controllers will fare better, but my original Dualshock 4 that came with my PS4 ended up having the stuttering issue basically within days after the warranty expired. After contacting Sony, the cost to ship and repair the controller was so close to the price of a brand new controller that I just chalked it up to a loss. With this purchase, if the controller starts having issues, the cost of the Geek Squad replacement plan warranty will more than pay itself off. Hopefully I won't need to utilize it, but then again, that's how insurance works.
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
My Best Buy number: 2019113313
I would recommend this to a friend!
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