explore42's stats
- Review count140
- Helpfulness votes557
- First reviewFebruary 26, 2016
- Last reviewApril 22, 2024
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- Average rating4.3
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- Answer count24
- Helpfulness votes236
- First answerFebruary 26, 2016
- Last answerDecember 23, 2021
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Get your first feel of racing thrills with this Thrustmaster T128 Racing Wheel for PlayStation 4/5 and PC. Optimized Force Feedback system with a lightweight wheel rim renders fun, intuitive racing sensations in different types of vehicle-oriented games. Precise T-MP magnetic paddle shifters gives you clear activation feel. Gear up for your next racing adventure with this T128 Racing Wheel!
Posted by: explore42
The Thrustmaster T128 provides a novice level sim racing experience that is way better than using a controller but the pedals and plastic wheel keep this from being a really nice racing platform. Most of my PC racing games recognized the T128 as a racing wheel but only the newer game versions listed it as a Thrustmaster Advanced Mode Racing wheel. Overall the T128 and its forced feedback provides a simulated race experience that will thrill most novice or casual racers.
Pros:
- Hybrid Drive forced feedback was quiet and relatively consistent across games
- 13 configurable buttons
- Thrustmaster drivers and control software recognized by most games
- Magnetic paddle shifters and pedals
- Hybrid Drive forced feedback was quiet and relatively consistent across games
- 13 configurable buttons
- Thrustmaster drivers and control software recognized by most games
- Magnetic paddle shifters and pedals
Cons:
- The wheel is small at 10 inches and it is all plastic
- The pedal base is too easy to move and tilt over during use
- The pedals are too small and very close together
- No mounting options for the wheel assembly besides the table clamp
- The wheel is small at 10 inches and it is all plastic
- The pedal base is too easy to move and tilt over during use
- The pedals are too small and very close together
- No mounting options for the wheel assembly besides the table clamp
Game Play: Prior to playing any games I downloaded the T128 drivers and control panel software from the Thrustmaster support website. With the software installed I then tested all the wheel and pedal functions and buttons. All the games recognized the wheel as either a generic wheel or a version of a Thrustmaster wheel. With the wheel recognized I then went into each game’s controller/wheel configuration page and made changes to recommendations I have found on the web or Youtube. Note that these settings have a profound effect on how the wheel responds and reacts so to get the most out of this wheel you need to change the configuration to meet your needs. Below is quick rundown of what each game recognized the wheel as and if the wheel’s LED display worked in the game.
Assetto Corsa – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but the LED wheel display does not work.
Assetto Corsa Competizione – wheel fully recognized as a Thrustmaster Advanced Mode and LED works.
Dirt Rally – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
Dirt Rally 2 – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
F1 2018 – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
F1 2022 – wheel fully recognized as a Thrustmaster Advanced Mode and LED works.
Forza 4 – wheel recognized as a generic wheel so you need to configure the wheel and pedal functions with the Custom wheel settings, LED does not work.
Forza 5 – wheel recognized as a Thrustmaster T248 and LED works.
Asphalt 9:Legends – wheel is recognized as a generic wheel but LED display does not work.
Assetto Corsa Competizione – wheel fully recognized as a Thrustmaster Advanced Mode and LED works.
Dirt Rally – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
Dirt Rally 2 – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
F1 2018 – wheel is recognized as a Thrustmaster but LED display does not work.
F1 2022 – wheel fully recognized as a Thrustmaster Advanced Mode and LED works.
Forza 4 – wheel recognized as a generic wheel so you need to configure the wheel and pedal functions with the Custom wheel settings, LED does not work.
Forza 5 – wheel recognized as a Thrustmaster T248 and LED works.
Asphalt 9:Legends – wheel is recognized as a generic wheel but LED display does not work.
Thrustmaster has a list on its support website that list the games that support the wheel’s LED display. Bottom line is that the games were somewhat consistent in recognizing the Thrustmaster drivers and minimal setup was required to get the wheel fully operational. Once the games were configured I was able to really enjoy the forced feedback and the driving experience that this wheel provides. In the F1 and Assetto Corsa games you can feel the wheel respond in tight corners at high speed and you can feel the vibration of the road surface as you go faster. In the Dirt Rally racing you can feel the difference when going from a dirt track to gravel in the wheel vibration and also how it responds to drifting. In Forza Horizon 5 the Hot Wheels track takes on a whole new feeling when you are trying to steer through high banks and loop to loops. For the casual player or someone who wants to get into racing games at an affordable price point this platform is definitely one to consider.
Issues with Mounting the Wheel and Pedals
The race wheel comes with a typical table top clamp but sadly Thrustmaster has shortened the legs of the clamp with this version versus some of its older models. Because of this the mounting clamp has to be able to grip the table top close to the edge of the table. If there is any type of support or molding offset from the edge you may have issues mounting the wheel. Also Thrustmaster did not include any mounting hardware built into the wheel’s base for securing it to racing stand. I use a racing stand and it has predrilled holes for Thrustmaster wheels but without mounts in the base of wheel I had to create my own mounting. The pedal platform is very problematic due to the short pedals and its size. It is impossible to keep it from sliding or tipping over if you use it on carpet. On a hardwood floor or any solid floor the pedal platform is grippier but definitely not perfect. The pedals are too small and way too close together. Anyone who has big feet or has wide shoes will have problems with these pedals especially if you like to use both feet on the pedals. Thrustmaster did include two mounting holes in the pedal platform if you have a racing stand and some hardware for mounting it.
The race wheel comes with a typical table top clamp but sadly Thrustmaster has shortened the legs of the clamp with this version versus some of its older models. Because of this the mounting clamp has to be able to grip the table top close to the edge of the table. If there is any type of support or molding offset from the edge you may have issues mounting the wheel. Also Thrustmaster did not include any mounting hardware built into the wheel’s base for securing it to racing stand. I use a racing stand and it has predrilled holes for Thrustmaster wheels but without mounts in the base of wheel I had to create my own mounting. The pedal platform is very problematic due to the short pedals and its size. It is impossible to keep it from sliding or tipping over if you use it on carpet. On a hardwood floor or any solid floor the pedal platform is grippier but definitely not perfect. The pedals are too small and way too close together. Anyone who has big feet or has wide shoes will have problems with these pedals especially if you like to use both feet on the pedals. Thrustmaster did include two mounting holes in the pedal platform if you have a racing stand and some hardware for mounting it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Holmes Big Breeze 16” Oscillating Manual Table Fan #12214 makes cooling larger spaces a breeze. This table fan features 6 powerful blades that move airflow up to 25% faster than traditional table fans. It includes 3 speeds, low, medium, and high, to find your ideal cooling level and an easy dial control to operate. This powerful desk or table fan features a motorized 80° wide angle oscillation that delivers cooling airflow for larger living areas. To direct airflow where you need it most, the fan head is adjustable up to 40°. With an output of 2,200 cubic ft/min and high-speed velocity up to 20.5 ft/sec, this fan is ideal for use in living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, gyms and home offices. Includes a sturdy base, modern black finish, and 3-year limited warranty.
Customer Rating
3
Nice Fan but Problematic Assembly
on April 29, 2023
Posted by: explore42
This Big Breeze fan does in fact provide a nice breeze with its six fan blades but getting it assembled can be a challenge due to the large use of plastic parts. Overall the fan moves a lot of air and is reasonably quiet. The three speeds along with the tilt and oscillation make this a very usable fan. The downside of this fan is that it has a lot of plastic parts that need to be fitted together to complete the assembly. I was able to get mine assembled and I do like the fan but there were definitely some head scratching and frustrating moments getting it assembled. If you good at assembling things and don’t mind the plastic then this is a decent fan to get. If however you aren’t good at assembling things I would not recommend this fan.
The base, fan blades and the front and rear fan blade guards are all made of plastic. The fan comes in several parts; the motor assembly, the base, the blade assembly and the front and rear blade guards. The base and blade assembly were simple enough to attach to the motor assembly. The frustration starts when you try to get the front and rear blade guards to snap together. They are both large circular pieces of plastic and mine weren’t quite the same roundness so I had to push and pull as I tried to get the plastic tabs to interlock with each other. I found the best way to assemble this was to start at one end and interlock one tab at a time as I conformed the plastic pieces into alignment. Like all plastic parts just as you get a tab inserted another one comes undone. Once I got all the tabs inserted the guards felt reasonably solid but knowing these tabs are the only thing keeping the front guard in place is a little concerning.
The base, fan blades and the front and rear fan blade guards are all made of plastic. The fan comes in several parts; the motor assembly, the base, the blade assembly and the front and rear blade guards. The base and blade assembly were simple enough to attach to the motor assembly. The frustration starts when you try to get the front and rear blade guards to snap together. They are both large circular pieces of plastic and mine weren’t quite the same roundness so I had to push and pull as I tried to get the plastic tabs to interlock with each other. I found the best way to assemble this was to start at one end and interlock one tab at a time as I conformed the plastic pieces into alignment. Like all plastic parts just as you get a tab inserted another one comes undone. Once I got all the tabs inserted the guards felt reasonably solid but knowing these tabs are the only thing keeping the front guard in place is a little concerning.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Featuring next-gen acoustics and new levels of connectivity, Era 100 transforms any room with the finely tuned stereo sound and rich bass your music deserves. Easily play all your audio content using WiFi, Bluetooth, and 3.5 mm line in. Enjoy hands-free control with your voice.
Posted by: explore42
If you are familiar with Sonos Speakers you will feel very comfortable with the Era 100. It is simple to set up, the Sonos app is feature rich and the sound quality is an improvement over the Sonos One. Some of the controls have changed and there are some new features but the overall sound quality and design is typical Sonos. These are great to use as stand alone speakers or you can use them in stereo or match them with a Sonos sound bar. We have ours sitting on the kitchen counter and it provides a lot of music without taking up a lot of space.
The sound quality is better than the previous Sonos One speaker because it now has a larger Mid-range/Woofer and two angled tweeters. After setting up the speaker using the Sonos app I ran the TruePlay tuning which adjust the speaker dynamics to better match the room acoustics. This gives the music a much fuller sound with a wider sound stage. The one dislike I found is that on some of the music the bass seemed to be muffled when set on the default bass mid-level setting. After some checking I realized that the Loudness setting was enabled by default in the Sonos app. Once I turned the Loudness feature off I was able to adjust the equalizer to provide the bass sound quality I expected out of this speaker. Because the speaker is small it will never reproduce a booming bass response but its as good as it gets for speakers in this size range.
The volume, play/pause, forward and reverse are touch sensitive buttons on the top of the speaker which is very convenient if you aren’t using a voice assistant. There is also a voice assistant touch button that allows you to turn the assistant on or off. On the back side of the speaker there is a Bluetooth pairing button along with a microphone on/off switch. The microphone on/off switch is great for anyone who wants to make sure the microphone is physically turned off. There is also a USB-C port on the back that can only be used for providing an in-line jack for audio and/or an ethernet connector by purchasing and connecting an optional dongle cable. Setting up the speaker is simple using the Sonos app. In the Sonos App you can set up the speaker’s wi-fi access, setup and choose the voice assistant, choose your streaming music source and configure the equalizer settings. You have the choice of Alexa or Sonos’ assistant – note Google’s assistant and Siri are not available. I have used both Alexa and Sonos voice control and both access my Amazon music without issue. I have also used Air Play and Bluetooth as well to stream music off various devices in my house. So far I am yet to find something that does not easily interface with this speaker.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Introducing the Snaptain P30, a compact yet powerful drone that's perfect for enthusiasts of all levels. With its built-in GPS and impressive 4K UHD camera, this drone is designed to comply with regulations at a mere 249g. Whether you're embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures or capturing the vibrant essence of urban life, the P30 is your versatile companion, ready to conquer any challenge. Get ready to capture stunning photos and videos from every angle with the Snaptain P30.
Customer Rating
4
Fun Flying Hobby Level Drone
on March 26, 2023
Posted by: explore42
The Vantop P30 is more than a beginner drone due to its capabilities but it is not quite up to spec with the higher priced full featured drones. Overall I think this is a good entry to mid-range drone meant for someone who is looking to have some fun flying a drone for a hobby without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- GPS positioning and intuitive controls make this easy to fly and control.
- The P-30 is very responsive and quick to respond to movement commands
- Good selection of Smart Flight Functions built in that work reasonably well such as RTH return to home, Rocket and Helix fly, GPS follow and Gesture controls
- Photos, Panoramic photos and video can all be stored on the drone with an optional micro-SD card
- Solid Build quality and so far its taken a few bumps without failing
- Remote display provides the drone status and control information in an easy to read format
- GPS positioning and intuitive controls make this easy to fly and control.
- The P-30 is very responsive and quick to respond to movement commands
- Good selection of Smart Flight Functions built in that work reasonably well such as RTH return to home, Rocket and Helix fly, GPS follow and Gesture controls
- Photos, Panoramic photos and video can all be stored on the drone with an optional micro-SD card
- Solid Build quality and so far its taken a few bumps without failing
- Remote display provides the drone status and control information in an easy to read format
Cons:
- The included battery only last about 20 minutes and takes about 3 hours to recharge
- The 4k camera captures ok photos but they can be grainy even in a low wind conditions
- At 4k resolution the video is 20 frames per second which is very choppy. The P30 does 2.7 k resolution at 30 frames per second which is a better option.
- No built in image stabilization so both pictures and video can look grainy and show image blurs/movement
- The phone mounts into a locked position in the remote so if you want to hold the remote horizontally the phone gets full sun and that can create some glare issues.
- There is no Obstacle Avoidance capabilities built into the drone so you have to be careful
- The included battery only last about 20 minutes and takes about 3 hours to recharge
- The 4k camera captures ok photos but they can be grainy even in a low wind conditions
- At 4k resolution the video is 20 frames per second which is very choppy. The P30 does 2.7 k resolution at 30 frames per second which is a better option.
- No built in image stabilization so both pictures and video can look grainy and show image blurs/movement
- The phone mounts into a locked position in the remote so if you want to hold the remote horizontally the phone gets full sun and that can create some glare issues.
- There is no Obstacle Avoidance capabilities built into the drone so you have to be careful
Getting this drone into the air is very simple. Charge up the batteries; install an optional micro SD card; pair the drone, remote and cell phone; do a quick vertical and horizontal calibration and you are ready to fly. The controls are laid out nicely on the remote and the remote display provides the important flight information in an easy to read format. The remote has a camera and video button along with a Return to Home button, Speed/Mode button and Emergency Stop buttons. The camera controls for zoom and lens angle are turn wheels and easy to access on the front side of the remote. Flying the P30 is fun and the gps and ground sensors make it fairly easy to take off, fly around, hover and land without crashing. In testing out this drone I took it out in some windy conditions and it did a decent job holding its own in the wind although I would not recommend flying it in windy conditions.
Where this drone falls down is in its battery life, image stability and video frames per second. I can consistently get about 20 minutes per charge on the battery but it takes at least 3 hours to fully recharge it. Today many of the drones have a battery life of 30 minutes or more and come with multiple batteries vs the single battery that is included with the P30. When you start considering the cost of adding additional batteries you start entering into the next tier of drones which makes this drone less appealing. The remote uses a rechargeable battery and so far I can get about 80 minutes or four flight sessions between recharges which is nice. Without image stabilizing gimbles or software the video and photo images can be problematic especially if there is any wind. The drone does have a 4k resolution camera but at 20 frames per second the video is very choppy and not that great. You can run the camera at 2.7k at 30 frames per second – common setting I use on my Action cameras but I still find the image to be grainy. If you are buying the drone specifically for video/photo quality this may not be the best choice.
Where this drone falls down is in its battery life, image stability and video frames per second. I can consistently get about 20 minutes per charge on the battery but it takes at least 3 hours to fully recharge it. Today many of the drones have a battery life of 30 minutes or more and come with multiple batteries vs the single battery that is included with the P30. When you start considering the cost of adding additional batteries you start entering into the next tier of drones which makes this drone less appealing. The remote uses a rechargeable battery and so far I can get about 80 minutes or four flight sessions between recharges which is nice. Without image stabilizing gimbles or software the video and photo images can be problematic especially if there is any wind. The drone does have a 4k resolution camera but at 20 frames per second the video is very choppy and not that great. You can run the camera at 2.7k at 30 frames per second – common setting I use on my Action cameras but I still find the image to be grainy. If you are buying the drone specifically for video/photo quality this may not be the best choice.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 is the all-in-one trimmer for maximum versatility. Craft your own personal look with this durable trimmer, which includes 18 quality tools for styling your face, hair, head and body, including below-the-belt grooming. The Multigroom 5000 also features the extra-wide hair trimmer for easy body grooming across large areas, as well as the adjustable 3-7mm comb for a personalized look. The stainless steel self-sharpening blades remain sharp as day one for long lasting performance, no blade oil required. The long lasting lithium ion battery provides up to 2.8 hours of runtime for long life and maximum power. Plus the no-slip rubber grip improves comfort and control. USB-A charging cable included (wall power adapter not included)
Posted by: explore42
You don’t have to be a hairy beast to realize what a complete groomer this set is! With all the attachments and stainless steel blade variations there is something here for everyone to use. There is a small blade, a mid-size blade with 5 guides/guards and a large blade with six guides/guards. The guide/guard combinations give you 11 different cutting lengths. They also include a dedicated nose/ear hair trimmer along with a cleaning brush and storage bag to complete the set. The installation and removal of the blades and the guides/guards can be tricky at first because they snap into place but once you get used to popping them on and off it isn’t an issue. The razor has a battery indicator with a rechargeable battery that should last nearly three hours. You charge the battery using any USB-A power source but the side of the cable that plugs into the razor is proprietary so you have to use the provided cable. Compared to my other trimmers this one is much quieter and doesn’t vibrate in my hand as much when cutting. I like using the various guides/guards because it allows me to keep the hair at a predetermined length when I cut it. The nose/ear hair trimmer is much bigger than the ones I have used in the past so I am still getting used to it. With all the blades and guides/guards it has taken a little bit of time to figure out which combination I will use most often. Luckily they include a bag to store all the parts that aren’t used often so they don’t get lost.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Dolby Atmos creates realistic 3D sound by projecting it from all around you, including from above, while DTS Virtual: X expands your listening experience without having to add extra speakers. Enjoy a cinematic audio experience, with 3 channels, 1 subwoofer and 2 up-firing channels combined to put you at the center of the action.
Customer Rating
3
Inconsistent eARC connectivity
on January 11, 2023
Posted by: explore42
I really wanted to like this soundbar because it looks good, has some nice features such as digital display on the front and it has a fairly decent mid and high range audio quality but the inconsistent connectivity with my TV ruined the experience. I connected the soundbar using the HDMI cable provided and the eARC ports on both my TV and the soundbar. After setting the TV up to use the eARC output and setting the soundbar to D.IN (Digital Input) the soundbar worked great and indicated that it was in eARC mode. However, if the TV was turned off and then back on or if I changed inputs on the TV the soundbar would change its settings from D.IN eARC to HDMI. Since the audio input was on the eARC HDMI port and not the HDMI port we would lose audio. To get the audio back I had to use the remote to reset the soundbar back to the D.IN source setting to get it to work. Expecting my kids and wife to be able to figure this out every time they turned on the TV or switched the input to the DVD or game player was too much to ask. None of my other soundbars had this issue so I thought maybe it was just a software issue so I downloaded the latest firmware from the Samsung website onto a USB drive and went through the upgrade process but the soundbar would not update because it already had the latest software. I also did a hard reset on the soundbar but that did not affect this issue either. I could have used the digital audio cable or Bluetooth but that defeated the purpose of having the eARC capabilities. Because of this issue I am reluctant to recommend this soundbar. Note that my TV is not a Samsung but it is a high end OLED tv and it has worked without issue with at least 3 other brand soundbars I have used in the past.
Overall the sound quality was an improvement over the TV speakers and the included sub did add some bass although it struggled with providing deep bass. Samsung does provide separate controls for the treble and bass and has a few presets to help tune the sound quality to your liking. The surround and virtual DTS settings enhanced the soundstage especially when playing action movies. The Subwoofer paired with the soundbar without issue and it never failed to connect. The subwoofer is small but for its size it provides a decent amount of bass to compliment the soundbar. The included wall mount brackets and mounting guide worked well and the soundbar was easy to mount and dismount due to its design. The controls were easy to access on the top of the soundbar and the remote is simple and intuitive. The display on the front of the soundbar makes it easy to see what you are adjusting when you use the remote or control buttons. On the downside the soundbar does not include a personal assistant nor does it have any type of tool for adapting the audio to your room.
Overall the sound quality was an improvement over the TV speakers and the included sub did add some bass although it struggled with providing deep bass. Samsung does provide separate controls for the treble and bass and has a few presets to help tune the sound quality to your liking. The surround and virtual DTS settings enhanced the soundstage especially when playing action movies. The Subwoofer paired with the soundbar without issue and it never failed to connect. The subwoofer is small but for its size it provides a decent amount of bass to compliment the soundbar. The included wall mount brackets and mounting guide worked well and the soundbar was easy to mount and dismount due to its design. The controls were easy to access on the top of the soundbar and the remote is simple and intuitive. The display on the front of the soundbar makes it easy to see what you are adjusting when you use the remote or control buttons. On the downside the soundbar does not include a personal assistant nor does it have any type of tool for adapting the audio to your room.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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![Bitdefender - Premium Security (10-Device) (1-Year Subscription) - Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6519/6519144_sd.jpg)
Detect and block web attacks, ransomware and other cyber threats with this digital edition of BitDefender Premium Security software. A 1-year subscription with VPN support for up to 10 devices helps secure network traffic. Compatibility with most Windows, Mac and Android operating systems makes this BitDefender Premium Security software ideal for multi-device protection.
Customer Rating
4
Good Protection and VPN but lacks ID monitoring
on December 16, 2022
Posted by: explore42
This Premium version includes Bitdefender’s Total Protection for 10 devices and adds unlimited VPN and a password manager but it lacks the identity protection and monitoring that is being included by several competitor's “premium” software. If you don’t need identity protection and monitoring then this version is one worth considering. If you already have a VPN provider you may find it more economical to get Bitdefender’s Total Security versus this Premium version which includes unlimited VPN. I have relied on Bitdefender’s protection for years now and I think its one of the best security software solutions available, the question is if the unlimited VPN access and the password manager is worth the extra cost.
I have tried many internet security programs over the years and I have found that Bitdefender offers great protection with the least impact to my pcs. Their software never slows down my gaming or impacts my work environment. What I like most is that the Bitdefender dashboard is very intuitive and easy to navigate. With a quick glance I can see if I am safe and access many of the various features that Bitdefender includes with the software such as VPN status, one click optimization, file shredder and password protection. The notifications keep you up to date on any suspicious activities and lets you get a good feel for how well your network and pc are secured. The software protects against viruses, spam and advanced threats. It offers full firewall protection and ransomware remediation. It also includes a nice password manager if you already aren’t using one. The VPN control is on the main dashboard and when you click it a second webpage opens that indicates the VPN status as well as a list of virtual locations. There are 53 international virtual locations and 15 US virtual locations that you can select from. While this is a good amount of virtual locations its far less than some dedicated VPN providers include with their subscriptions. I chose several different locations and was able to verify that the various websites I visited thought I was originating from my virtual location.
I have tried many internet security programs over the years and I have found that Bitdefender offers great protection with the least impact to my pcs. Their software never slows down my gaming or impacts my work environment. What I like most is that the Bitdefender dashboard is very intuitive and easy to navigate. With a quick glance I can see if I am safe and access many of the various features that Bitdefender includes with the software such as VPN status, one click optimization, file shredder and password protection. The notifications keep you up to date on any suspicious activities and lets you get a good feel for how well your network and pc are secured. The software protects against viruses, spam and advanced threats. It offers full firewall protection and ransomware remediation. It also includes a nice password manager if you already aren’t using one. The VPN control is on the main dashboard and when you click it a second webpage opens that indicates the VPN status as well as a list of virtual locations. There are 53 international virtual locations and 15 US virtual locations that you can select from. While this is a good amount of virtual locations its far less than some dedicated VPN providers include with their subscriptions. I chose several different locations and was able to verify that the various websites I visited thought I was originating from my virtual location.
The one thing this does not have is any type of identity protection beyond standard browser protection. More security programs are including dark web scans and monitoring for unauthorized use of your email and other important personal information to proactively report a data breach. This feature is generally included in most premium software packages along with unlimited VPN but its missing from this version.
When I went to install the digital version of this software I reached out to Bitdefender via a chat to verify that I could have this new subscription without affecting my old one. Bitdefender was quick with a response that said I could have multiple subscriptions under the same account. What I didn’t realize however was that I needed to fully uninstall my old Bitdefender software prior to installing the new software. If you don’t do this Bitdefender just reinstalls the same software you had previously. After uninstalling the old software I was able to install the new software without any issues.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![McAfee - McAfee+ Premium (Unlimited Devices) Individual Antivirus and Internet Security Software (1-Year Subscription) - Android, Apple iOS, Chrome, Mac OS, Windows [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6517/6517333_sd.jpg)
McAfee+ Premium for unlimited devices delivers next-level protection — with McAfee+ Premium see who is selling your data and get guidance on how to remove it and scan and get help to remove old, unused accounts. Plus, all the McAfee Total Protection features like award-winning antivirus, VPN, identity monitoring, and a password manager.
Customer Rating
5
Comprehensive Virus and Identity Protection
on November 6, 2022
Posted by: explore42
When I first installed this software I wasn’t impressed because the dashboard seemed to be very simplistic. However, once I opened the My Protection tab I realized how powerful and configurable this program and all its features really are. The unlimited devices really eliminates the concerns of which devices to protect so you can use the same protection on your devices. Most importantly I have had the software installed on both my Gaming Laptop and Gaming Desktop and so far I haven’t noticed any impact on either one. I installed the software via the Apple store on my Ipad and although it lacks the antivirus controls it does a good job protecting you when you web browse. This version does not include parental controls, you need the family version to get that. Overall I am very happy with McAfee and its capabilities and I think it’s a great choice for protecting your devices and identity.
This software on a windows device gives you control over the Antivirus scans and scheduling. The Firewall is configurable and provides all the control I need. Based upon these two items and McAfee’s history I am very confident that my files and PC are safe. Also included in the software is Secure VPN with no limit which is nice. My last software wanted to charge extra for an unlimited VPN access. The Security History gives you detailed information on network connections that were blocked and this really gives you good insight to your pc and netork’s security.
Where this software goes beyond any other antivirus software I have used is showing where my Identity has been breached. I entered in several of my current and past email addresses and got a long list of when the addresses were breached, the web site where they were breached and the possible information that was exposed. What’s really cool is that the software will even text you if it finds a new breach so that you can hopefully change passwords etc before its too late.
Where this software goes beyond any other antivirus software I have used is showing where my Identity has been breached. I entered in several of my current and past email addresses and got a long list of when the addresses were breached, the web site where they were breached and the possible information that was exposed. What’s really cool is that the software will even text you if it finds a new breach so that you can hopefully change passwords etc before its too late.
There are two features in the software that I didn’t find very helpful but others may. The first one is the Security score which I didn’t find very helpful. It is more of an indication of what features you have enabled vs how safe you actually are. Secondly the software includes a Personal Data Cleanup page which compiles a list of all the sites where your name, address, phone number etc are listed for access either free of for a charge. I had my info listed on 225 sites most if not all were those pay to locate someone sites. Because you have to log into each site individually and ask to be removed it becomes too much a hassle to clean up. Secondly they tell you that you should do this regularly because the sites update their databases constantly so what they delete today could get added back tomorrow.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Space Q45 noise canceling headphones balance refined design and ergonomic, comfort-enhancing details, with incredible immersive audio performance. Hi-resolution audio takes center stage - these are performance tested to block up to 98% of unwanted noise - but a huge 50 hour playtime makes the Space Q45 a perfect pair of headphones.
Customer Rating
4
Good Choice for Everyday Use
on October 18, 2022
Posted by: explore42
Overall these headphones are a good choice for every day use such as commuting or using around the house or office. The ANC is functional, the sound quality is good when tuned using the app and the fit is reasonably comfortable. I like these headphones because they provide a respectable performance at a reasonable price.
Features: The headphones do a good job with noise cancellation however you definitely pick up a white noise like hiss when the ANC is on. When I am working I like to have music playing at a low volume and that background hiss can be noticeable depending on the music. This also seemed to be more noticeable when listening to podcast or audio books as well. I found this to be fairly common with headphones in the mid-tier ANC range. At higher volume levels the background hiss fades into the music and isn’t as noticeable. The controls on the headphones are easy and fairly intuitive because they are actual switches vs touch sensors. The headphones lack Auto Pause which pauses the play when they are removed from the ears. The audio quality is good and definitely is enhanced with the use of Soundcore’s mobile app. In the app you can only reconfigure the ANC button sequence, you cannot customize the other buttons. I was able to get Siri to respond using the button for digital assistant but the results were hit or miss when I had music playing. Some times I would get a typed response on my phone without getting an audio response through the headphones. When using the headphones for phone calls the microphone pick up was good and with the wind noise reduction in the app turned on it seemed to help when using them outdoors. The battery life is projected at 50 hours which is plenty long enough for commuting and long flights.
Features: The headphones do a good job with noise cancellation however you definitely pick up a white noise like hiss when the ANC is on. When I am working I like to have music playing at a low volume and that background hiss can be noticeable depending on the music. This also seemed to be more noticeable when listening to podcast or audio books as well. I found this to be fairly common with headphones in the mid-tier ANC range. At higher volume levels the background hiss fades into the music and isn’t as noticeable. The controls on the headphones are easy and fairly intuitive because they are actual switches vs touch sensors. The headphones lack Auto Pause which pauses the play when they are removed from the ears. The audio quality is good and definitely is enhanced with the use of Soundcore’s mobile app. In the app you can only reconfigure the ANC button sequence, you cannot customize the other buttons. I was able to get Siri to respond using the button for digital assistant but the results were hit or miss when I had music playing. Some times I would get a typed response on my phone without getting an audio response through the headphones. When using the headphones for phone calls the microphone pick up was good and with the wind noise reduction in the app turned on it seemed to help when using them outdoors. The battery life is projected at 50 hours which is plenty long enough for commuting and long flights.
Fit: These headphones overall are comfortable with large ear openings. The ear cups are soft and thick enough to seal out transient room noise without pinching your head. Because of this the headphones are bulkier and slightly heavier than other headphones I own. The odd thing is that these headphones have minimal foam cushioning on the upper head piece so I am more aware of the support arm on top than I like. The overall build quality of the headphones feel and look solid. The ear cups rotate so they can easy be stored in the convenient carrying case that comes with the headphones.
App: I have used Soundcore’s app for several years on several products and have always found it to be a major enhancement. In the app you can customize the noise cancellation, choose from 12 preconfigured equalizers or configure a custom equalizer to meet your listening needs.
App: I have used Soundcore’s app for several years on several products and have always found it to be a major enhancement. In the app you can customize the noise cancellation, choose from 12 preconfigured equalizers or configure a custom equalizer to meet your listening needs.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Shark Air Purifier MAX 3-in-1 uses Pure Air MicroForce to deliver fast, powerful, and quiet purification with added purified heat and purified fan modes. Clean Sense IQ senses air quality & auto-adjusts to improve and report results in real time. A HEPA filter captures 99.98% of airborne particles like allergens*, dust, and dander (based on IEST-RP-CC007.3, 0.1-0.2 microns). Cleans up to 1000 square feet. *“Allergens” refers to non-living matter.
Customer Rating
4
Clean Air but no Scheduling or Mobile App
on October 7, 2022
Posted by: explore42
I like the Shark Air Purifier because its reasonably quiet, has good air flow, has an enormous HEPA filter and has a heater and fan option but its missing two key things for me. Its missing the ability to schedule task and it doesn’t allow you to access the unit remotely except by using the included line of sight remote control – there is no mobile app for this unit. While these aren’t show stoppers they do limit some of the functionality of this Air Purifier. Other Air Purifiers that I own allow me to set up a schedule so that the unit runs at a higher fan speed while we are out of the room or automatically turns off the display at night. The second issue is the total reliance on the remote control. If it’s CR2025 coin size lithium battery dies or the remote gets misplaced you cannot access the controls. Shark recommends this unit for 1000 sq ft room but they don’t provide any data on its AHAM verified Clean Air Delivery Rate for smoke, pollen and dust. Neither do they tell you how long it would take for the unit to circulate the air for a 1000 sq ft room. Most other large top tier air purifiers provide this information so that you can validate the actual air purification.
This Shark does have some interesting features. It can rotate on the base to more evenly distribute the clean air and there is a louver control for the front vent that lets you direct the airflow up or down. There is a large display on the front that tells you the quality of your air as well as the temperature when you are using the heater. The heater works quite well and you can definitely feel the heat when it is on. In the Purified Fan mode the unit produces a nice breeze out the front vent where as the Purified Air mode provides air through the front and back vents thus less breezy. Both settings as well as the heat mode purify the air when operational. Although you cannot set up a schedule you can set a timer for it to run from 1 to 12 hours or you can set it on auto which uses Shark’s Clean Sense IQ to monitor the air and adjust the fan speed. Once the air quality is good the unit then drops into an eco mode which lowers the fan speed. The remote control is a round hockey puck style remote which sits on top of the unit and is held in place magnetically. The remote allows you to power it on/off, select the fan speed, adjust the display brightness, set the temperature for the heat mode, turn on/off the rotation and to select the automatic mode. The remote works fine as long as its pointed at the air purifier and the magnetic base keeps it secure when not in use. Shark recommends placing the unit 3 feet from the wall and furniture which can be problematic if you want to keep it less conspicuous.
This Shark does have some interesting features. It can rotate on the base to more evenly distribute the clean air and there is a louver control for the front vent that lets you direct the airflow up or down. There is a large display on the front that tells you the quality of your air as well as the temperature when you are using the heater. The heater works quite well and you can definitely feel the heat when it is on. In the Purified Fan mode the unit produces a nice breeze out the front vent where as the Purified Air mode provides air through the front and back vents thus less breezy. Both settings as well as the heat mode purify the air when operational. Although you cannot set up a schedule you can set a timer for it to run from 1 to 12 hours or you can set it on auto which uses Shark’s Clean Sense IQ to monitor the air and adjust the fan speed. Once the air quality is good the unit then drops into an eco mode which lowers the fan speed. The remote control is a round hockey puck style remote which sits on top of the unit and is held in place magnetically. The remote allows you to power it on/off, select the fan speed, adjust the display brightness, set the temperature for the heat mode, turn on/off the rotation and to select the automatic mode. The remote works fine as long as its pointed at the air purifier and the magnetic base keeps it secure when not in use. Shark recommends placing the unit 3 feet from the wall and furniture which can be problematic if you want to keep it less conspicuous.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Upgrade from the last generation with the new ROG Strix G10CE, a Windows 11 gaming desktop that delivers exhilarating gaming experiences powered by an 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-11700F processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 graphics.
What size is the power supply?
500 watt Gold Plus. The photo isnt the best but if you look to right you can see the Power Supply and its Gold Plus 500 label.
2 years, 4 months ago
by
explore42
Upgrade from the last generation with the new ROG Strix G10CE, a Windows 11 gaming desktop that delivers exhilarating gaming experiences powered by an 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-11700F processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 graphics.
Is it only one stick of 16gb ram or two sticks of 8gb ram?
Only a Single Module. To use dual channel you will need to get a matching 16gb module or replace the existing module with a new matching pair of ddr4 ram modules. If you look at the photo you can see that its only a single 16 gb module.
2 years, 4 months ago
by
explore42
Soundcore by Anker Mini 3 Pro is a perfect pocket portable bluetooth speaker! Get 360° of ear-dazzling audio squeezed into something smaller than a coffee cup. With a 15-hour battery life on a single charge and IPX7 waterproof, who says beach and pool parties can't get as wild as you want? It's your sound, your rules, so connect the Mini 3 to the Soundcore app to turn it on, off, adjust the volume, change the sound profile, and much more. A USB-C charging port is included for fast-charging with the latest technologies and Bluetooth 5.0 can keep your audio experience crystal clear with a strong connection.
I have the SoundCore Mini 1 and the one thing that I don't like about it is that when in bluetooth mode it turns off automatically after about 10 minutes if no audio is being streamed to it. Has this annoying power-saving feature been fixed with SC Mini 3
In the Soundcore App you can set this timer to up to 60 minutes.
2 years, 11 months ago
by
explore42
Print your memorable photos with this Canon SELPHY Square QX10 compact photo printer. The compact, lightweight design offers easy portability, while the dye-sublimation technology delivers quality quick-drying 2.7 x 2.7-inch prints that last for a long time. This Canon SELPHY Square QX10 compact photo printer has a built-in battery for cordless hassle-free printing.
Do I have to continuously refill the ink cassette or buy new ones like a regular printer?
Yes but with this printer the supplies are sold by Canon as a single item. I've been buying the Canon XS-20L which comes with 20 photo pages and a cassette that will print 20 photos.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
explore42
Follow a natural sleep routine with this Philips SmartSleep sleep and wake-up light. Its sunset and sunrise simulations prepare your body to sleep and rise on time, and its RelaxBreathe feature calms you into peaceful slumber. This Philips SmartSleep sleep and wake-up light plays your music, an FM station or built-in nature sounds for a gentle wake-up routine.
Can you turn the display brightness off? I am very light sensitive and even dim lights can make it difficult for me to fall asleep.
Nugget Ice. Pellet ice. Drive-in ice. Whatever you call it, you know it's "the good ice." Now that chewable ice is available from the convenience of your countertop with the Opal 2.0 Ice Maker. It is capable of producing up to 38 lbs. of ice in 24 hours and stores up to 3 lbs. of ice at one time. The Opal 2.0 Ice Maker has WiFi connection capability and comes with the side tank attachment for 3x more ice production.
I've read numerous disastrous feedback for this unit on Amazon and I'm a bit worried about the number of defective units being sold. Has anyone owned this for more than a year without incident? Has anyone used the Geek Squad extended warranty for repairs?
There are a couple of versions of the Opal out there. I just picked up the Opal 2.0 which is an improved version and seems to work quite well. One way you can differentiate the units is the 2.0 version has touch button sensors on the front for the power, light and cleaning cycle. If you are really concerned you can get the extended warranty through Best buy. Although I have not used the extended warranty on this unit I have used it on my Samsung refrigerator's ice maker and found the service to be quite good.
3 years, 9 months ago
by
explore42
Designed to make printing easier for the whole family, the HP ENVY 6055 all-in-one printer lets everyone print, scan, and copy everyday documents, schoolwork, borderless photos and more. This wireless picture printer can order ink for you and deliver it to your door with up to 50% savings on ink using the HP Instant Ink delivery service, so you can print high-quality documents and photos when you need them (subscription required). Set up, and connect the all-in-one printer to your family's mobile devices in a few easy steps for remote scanning and sharing using the HP Smart app. And keep connected, and reduce interruptions with self-healing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Prints up to 10 ISO ppm* in black and up to 7 ppm* in color.
fax capable
Good Question, it does not have fax capabilities built into the printer. You can send a fax if you use HP's cloud services but the printer cannot receive a fax. If faxing is a requirement I would suggest looking at a Desk Jet or Office Jet series all in one.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
explore42
Designed to make printing easier for the whole family, the HP ENVY 6055 all-in-one printer lets everyone print, scan, and copy everyday documents, schoolwork, borderless photos and more. This wireless picture printer can order ink for you and deliver it to your door with up to 50% savings on ink using the HP Instant Ink delivery service, so you can print high-quality documents and photos when you need them (subscription required). Set up, and connect the all-in-one printer to your family's mobile devices in a few easy steps for remote scanning and sharing using the HP Smart app. And keep connected, and reduce interruptions with self-healing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Prints up to 10 ISO ppm* in black and up to 7 ppm* in color.
Can use either iPad or iPhone to print from. I do ya have a computer and use both off those a lot. But sometimes I would Have a sibling print for me and I’d like to do it on my own
I use this with my ipad and it works fine. Download the HP Smart app from the Apple store and this app allows you to control the printer. I have HP Smart running on my android phones, my ipads and my windows laptops and they all access the printer wirelessly.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
explore42
Designed to make printing easier for the whole family, the HP ENVY 6055 all-in-one printer lets everyone print, scan, and copy everyday documents, schoolwork, borderless photos and more. This wireless picture printer can order ink for you and deliver it to your door with up to 50% savings on ink using the HP Instant Ink delivery service, so you can print high-quality documents and photos when you need them (subscription required). Set up, and connect the all-in-one printer to your family's mobile devices in a few easy steps for remote scanning and sharing using the HP Smart app. And keep connected, and reduce interruptions with self-healing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Prints up to 10 ISO ppm* in black and up to 7 ppm* in color.
does the printer do double siding printing?
The HP Envy 6055 can do double sided printing. It will print the front side of the paper and before the page fully exists the printer it pulls the sheet back into the printer to do the back side. In other words its a 2 step process but it does occur automatically without you doing anything special.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
explore42
Designed to make printing easier for the whole family, the HP ENVY 6055 all-in-one printer lets everyone print, scan, and copy everyday documents, schoolwork, borderless photos and more. This wireless picture printer can order ink for you and deliver it to your door with up to 50% savings on ink using the HP Instant Ink delivery service, so you can print high-quality documents and photos when you need them (subscription required). Set up, and connect the all-in-one printer to your family's mobile devices in a few easy steps for remote scanning and sharing using the HP Smart app. And keep connected, and reduce interruptions with self-healing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Prints up to 10 ISO ppm* in black and up to 7 ppm* in color.
Is the printer also a copy machine? Can I place a 12 page document in the feeder and it will make a copy?
The HP Envy 6055 does not have a document loader so it cannot automatically copy a group of documents. It will copy documents but you have to load each one onto the glass manually. If you want this model with the document loader you should be looking at the HP Envy Pro 6455 or one of the HP Office Jets or Desk Jets.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
explore42