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TheHodster
 
 
 
TheHodster's stats
 
  • Review count
    135
  • Helpfulness votes
    148
  • First review
    October 19, 2012
  • Last review
    March 24, 2024
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    0
  • Average rating
    4.8
 
  • Review comment count
    4
  • Helpfulness votes
    6
  • First review comment
    August 8, 2016
  • Last review comment
    September 21, 2016
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TheHodster's Reviews
1 2 3 4 5 ... 14 >>
 
Ring’s best battery-powered doorbell camera, loaded with cutting-edge features. Battery Doorbell Pro delivers Head-to-Toe HD+ Video, super-precise 3D Motion Detection with Bird's Eye View that shows you where visitors went on an overhead map of your property, and more.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Effective and Easy to Install/Use
on March 24, 2024
Posted by: TheHodster
The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro (doorbell) is a smart, wifi connected, rechargeable and removable battery operated doorbell that allows you to remotely monitor and talk to people on your property via either phone or desktop/laptop computer. The doorbell is easy to operate and is controlled by an app downloaded from the internet. The doorbell is very easy to set up. Simply charge the battery, setup an account on the Ring site, download the Ring app to setup the doorbell. The doorbell is recognized by the QR code on the device. The doorbell comes with a 30 day free Ring Protect Plan. This Plan lets you review, save, and share your video and photo history at any time. After 30 day trial, there is a monthly subscription cost, but the doorbell works fine without purchasing the plan.
In operation, the doorbell can detect motion in a user defined area. This can be a fairly large area and allows you to detect packages or movement that have been delivered even when you are not home or the doorbell button has not been depressed. Other features of the doorbell include Amazon Alexa smart home capability, a 150 degree field of view, and 1536p HD resolution with improved color night vision.
In summary, if you are looking for an easy to install and use video doorbell that offers (but does not require) both basic and advanced features through a monthly subscription plan (offered but not required for basic use), I highly recommend the Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
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Linksys Micro 6 Mesh is the most affordable multi-gig Wi-Fi system we've ever built, delivering premium performance . Enjoy blazing-fast speeds, seamless coverage, and future-proof for  multi-gig WiFi without compromising your budget.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Easy to Setup and Takes up Very Little Space
on March 19, 2024
Posted by: TheHodster
The Linksys Velop Micro 6 Mesh System is a new three pack mesh system consisting of a larger router and two small satellites. The router has a 2.5 GB internet port and several ethernet ports for other devices. The satellites do not have any ethernet ports and are designed strictly for wireless operation. The overall system is designed to cover 5000 square feet.
Setup of the system is about the easiest that I have seen. Simply plug the router in and connect it to your existing cable modem, etc. The router will be recognized and ready for operation in less than two minutes when the light on the router becomes solid white. Installation of the two satellites is even easier. Simply plug them in the desired location and they will quickly be recognized by the system. An app is also provided to control and fine tune the system.
In operation, the system provided a strong signal throughout my 2300 square foot house and extended to the front and back yards. I have about twenty devices on my internet including three HDTVs, several laptops and computers, and other devices. Performance on these devices was fast and without buffering even when multiple tvs and computers were being used.
In summary, I recommend the Linksys Velop Micro 6 Mesh System to anyone looking for a reasonably priced and reliable mesh system in a small, easy to setup package.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
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The new GIGABYTE G6 establishes a groundbreaking standard through its seamless integration of AI and premium-grade hardware. Featuring a 13th Gen Intel Core processor and AI-accelerated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPUs, this laptop sets the benchmark for unparalleled gaming prowess. Immerse yourself in unmatched efficiency and durability.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Good Value for 16 Inch Gaming Laptop
on February 28, 2024
Posted by: TheHodster
The Gigabyte G6 is a very fast 16 inch mid range gaming laptop with an Intel i7-13620HX cpu and a Nvidia RTX4060 GPU. The screen resolution is 1920x1200 at 165hz and is reasonably bright even in daylight conditions. The keyboard is backlit and includes a numeric keypad. The 54Whr battery lasts about 3 hours in normal use and about an hour or so in gaming situations. It comes with a 1TB SSD and a generous 32GB of ram expandable to 64GB. Ports include two, USB3.2 Gen2 (Type C), a USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type A), a USB -A 2.0, a HDMI 2.1, a MiniDisplayPort, and a very handy micro SD card reader. Also included are a 2 in 1 headset/Mic combo jack and separate Mic jack. NO thunderbolt 4 ports are included and none of the USB ports can be used for charging. Build quality is very good for the price although it does feel a little bit plasticky. For a 16 inch gaming laptop, it is relatively light.
I own a recent 18 inch Alienware laptop with an Intel i9 cpu and an AMD 7900M GPU. The G6, of course, is not as fast as the Alienware but still is very fast and easily handled my current AAA game titles at medium to high settings.
In summary, the Gigabyte G6 is a very fast, reasonably built gaming laptop that offers great performance for a reasonable price.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
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Alienware m18 Gaming Laptop - Play like a boss with a high-powered, 18-inch gaming laptop that features advanced Alienware Cryo-techcooling, 7000 Series AMD Ryzen 9 processors and AMD Radeon graphics.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Fast Desktop Replacement/Gaming Laptop
on December 16, 2023
Posted by: TheHodster
The Alienware m18 gaming laptop is a well built, high end gaming laptop featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 7945X cpu, an AMD Radeon RX 7900M gpu and a 480Hz, 18 inch FHD+ screen. It also has 32GB of memory, a 1TB SSD, and multiple ports mostly on the rear of the laptop.
The first thing that you will notice about the laptop is the size and weight. At over 8 lbs. and with a large brick power supple, this is definitely a desktop replacement and not a portable laptop. This is further emphasized by the battery life which I found to be very poor at 480Hz and around 3 hrs. for general use if you drop the screen refresh rate to 120Hz.
The overall build quality is excellent and the keyboard is one of the best that I have used. The screen, however, is only fair with maximum brightness of around 300 nits and an adequate contrast ratio. Sound is also only adequate and you will probably want to use headphones for better quality. The FHD+ resolution is also adequate but it would be nicer to have a higher resolution for an 18 inch screen. The refresh rate of 480Hz is excellent and useful in first person games because of the blazingly fast hardware.
As I mentioned, this laptop is fast. Before testing the laptop, I downloaded the latest Windows updates, updates from My Alienware, and the latest AMD drivers. I did this because some of the reviews on YouTube had mentioned blue screens and other potential driver related issues. After doing this, I did not experience any issues or conditions where the laptop was not operating properly. To give you an idea of the speed of the laptop, here are the results from several benchmarks. in Performance mode. These scores are better than my 2 year old desktop using a RTX3080.
Heaven 4.0 10,765 score, Average 427.4fps high settings
3Dmark 17,043 Timespy score
In summary, I recommend the Alienware m18 to anyone looking for a desktop replacement/gaming laptop that will primarily be in one location or infrequently moved from room to room. The 480Hz screen and the excellent hardware allow gaming at the highest level.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Designed with 299Wh capacity and charging up to 6 devices at once, the Anker SOLIX 522 is a best portable battery powered generator to power your 99% consumer electronics like cell phone, laptop, drones, fan, TV and etc when you are in on-the-go off grid adventures(camping, tailgating, RV road trip , gateway) or as an emergency home backup if the electricity goes out unexpectedly. As a portable power station, it weighs only 8.6 pounds, making it a breeze to carry around.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Reliable and Long Lasting
on November 18, 2023
Posted by: TheHodster
The Anker 522 is a small/medium power supply powered by LiFeP04 batteries. It is similar to many of the other approximately 300Wh power supplies that I have used such as the Bluetti and several generic Chinese power supplies. Each of the them can handle small dc loads such as a tablet and can also handle ac loads up to a continuos 300 watts. They differ somewhat in features such as input types, wireless phone charging, PD 100 ports, peak wattage, etc. However, the feature that sets the 522 apart from the others is the batteries. The Anker 522 uses special LiFeP04 batteries that offer up to 6 times the lifespan of most competitors and is capable of up to 10 years of recharging. Anker also offers a 5 year warranty on the overall product.
In actual use, the Anker 522 had no problems charging my tablet or phone several times. The AC port was capable of running relatively light loads. The Anker 522 also has a very useful light and allows solar charging (adapter not provided).
I highly recommend the Anker 522 if you are looking for a quality battery power supply. It is made by a trusted name in Anker and performs well for its intended purposes.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Receive gorgeous close-up photos of your birds whenever they visit! Bird Buddy is an AI-powered camera feeder that attracts local birds, capturing intimate photos and videos while they feed. The user-friendly companion app notifies you of new visitors with photo postcards, identifies the species, and offers fun facts about that species to enrich your understanding of your feathered friends. Plus, the detachable solar roof harnesses the power of the sun for longer photoshoots with your wildlife.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Unique and Candid Photos for Bird Lovers
on November 14, 2023
Posted by: TheHodster
I initially was very skeptical about this product. I am not a bird “lover” and I do not go out of my way to take pictures of birds. However, my wife convinced me to give the Birdbuddy Smart Bird Feeder a try.
The Birdbuddy is nicely packaged and comes with a smart bird feeder, a solar roof, a camera module, a universal mount, a metal hanger, a seed scoop, a usb charging cable, and associated screws for the universal mount.
At its heart, the Birdbuddy is essentially a bird feeder/home and a mechanism to take and therefore print closeup and candid pictures of birds that would be very difficult to achieve otherwise. The camera is capable of taking 5 megapixel photos with a field of view of 120 degrees and is capable of HD live stream video with audio. It can be controlled by WiFi and has a useful phone app. The included rechargeable 3800mah battery is normally charged by the solar roof but also can be recharged with the usb-c cable.
If you are a bird “enthusiast” or think that you might be interested in unusual and candid photos of birds that would be very difficult to achieve, I highly recommended the Birdbuddy.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
2of 3voted this as helpful.
 
The cube pro makes cleaning floors easier than ever. High-efficiency vacuuming and high-quality mopping keep floors spotless. Sophisticated laser-based object avoidance ensures the job gets done without hangups. And with a full Auto-Empty Station that self empties, washes and dries the mop, you can keep your hands free from cleaning. Handy, indeed.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Useful and Good Quality
on November 5, 2023
Posted by: TheHodster
The YEEDI Cube Vac/Mop is well-built and versatile robot vacuum cleaning system.
I have used several robot vacuum cleaners over the last few years. They range from the early robot vacuum cleaners that were not very smart and were of questionable value to the more modern ones that use more intelligent routing, can be controlled by an app, and include a disposal station. The YEEDI Cube Vac/Mop is the best that I have used and also performs mopping.
The YEEDI is easy to setup and use and clear setup instructions are provided. A quick start video is also included. Just socate and setup the Cube station, setup the robot, and download the YEEDI app. Charge the robot and you are ready to go.
In actual operation, the YEEDI is very quiet and efficiently vacuumed our hardwood floors and rugs and effectively mopped the tile and hardwood floors in our kitchen and other areas.
I highly recommend the YEEDI Cube Vac/Map to anyone looking for a quality robot vacuum cleaning system that both vacuums and mops.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Your computer doesn’t have to have an HDMI port to connect to an extra display. This USB-C to HDMI adapter converts a USB-C output to dual HDMI inputs, letting you connect your computer to two HDMI-enabled TVs, monitors or projectors. Resolutions up to 4K Ultra HD deliver outstanding presentations or movie showings with crystal clear video quality. The compact design makes it easy to carry, and an attached braided cable gives you flexible placement options. Make the connections you need with the Insignia NS-PA5C2HMS23 USB-C to Dual 4K HDMI Adapter.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Works as Described to Provide Additional Displays
on November 4, 2023
Posted by: TheHodster
The Insignia™ - USB-C to Dual 4K HDMI Adapter is a simple usb-c to HDMI adapter that allows you to connect up to two, 4K, 60Hz displays. This allows devices that do not have HDMI ports to output to a monitor or TV. The adapter works with various operating systems including Windows, MacOS, IPad OS, Chrome and Android OS. The adapter is plug and play and has a has a short braided cable that connects to the outpput device.
I tested the adapter with my Asus ROG Ally, my IPad Pro, and a recent model Asus ROG laptop. Display devices included a 4K Samsung TV, a 2K Lenovo monitor, and an HP 1080P monitor. In all cases, the devices displayed an appropriate clear image. The 4K Samsung TV image was particularly clear and colorful. The ROG Ally and IPad images were also excellent but I would recommend using a docking station with power since both of these devices only have one usb-c port and the battery would drain quickly without external power.
I would highly recommend the Insignia™ - USB-C to Dual 4K HDMI Adapter to anyone wanting to add external display capability to a device that does not have an HDMI port or to add extra output displays in general.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Prepare to be captivated. Whether you prefer dramatic thrillers or fantasy football, lose yourself in the viewing adventure with a contrast rich picture. Let your picture do the talking with the sleek and thin Laser Slim design. You’ll see pure blacks, bright whites and dramatic color, while the audio pulls you into the action thanks to Dolby Atmos built in and Object Tracking Sound Lite. The Samsung OLED experience doesn’t stop there shifting adventures is a breeze with access to the latest Smart TV apps and Samsung Gaming Hub.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Excellent in both SDR and 4K
on November 4, 2023
Posted by: TheHodster
The 77” Class S89C OLED 4K Smart TV is a beautiful and bright OLED TV which can be easily installed on its included stand or mounted on the wall. I am not new to OLED TVs owned both a 5 year old LG OLED and a one year old Samsung QD OLED. Both have beautiful pictures but the S89C is noticeably brighter and does a better job with HDR content. The previous Samsung also had an issue with screen burnin of the Samsung logo. This was probably due to the fact that it had been bought as an open box wall unit. However, I was not disappointed to find out that the S89C uses an LG panel.
I won't discuss the picture quality other than to say that it is oustanding both for SDR and 4K material. Samsung does an excellent job of upscaling video from streaming sources which is typically not 4K. Although Samsung does not support Dolby Vision, HDR looks great on the S89C.
The S89C utilizes the Tizen operating system which has apps for basically all major services. I found the system to be reasonably quick and with the included solar remote functioned well.
In summary, I highly recommend the S89C. It provides the beautiful picture that only an OLED can do an the convenience and reliability of a Samsung.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
 
FREMO TP300 Portable Power Station is a game-changer when it comes to on-the-go power solutions. With one USB-C PD 100W charging and recharging port and multiple outlet ports, it offers the convenience of portable power, ensuring your laptop and other devices remain charged and ready for use, whether you're traveling, camping, working remotely, or experiencing a power outage.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Compact and Portable
on November 4, 2023
Posted by: TheHodster
The Fremo TP300 is a 231 MWh compact and portable power station suitable for charging cell phones, tablets, small laptops via usb and low power AC devices such as lights, etc. requiring 300W or less. It has usb QC 3.0, PD 45, PD 100 (in/out) ports and one AC outlet, and a 12V DC 8A connection for charging devices. It can be charged itself with the included barrel connector or through the one usb PD 100 port. It also features a flashlight and a useful display panel. In many ways, it reminds me of my Bluetooth EB3A except that the Fremo is much smaller and more portable but the Bluetooth has additional features such as two AC connections, a wireless charging pad, faster charging, etc.
In actual operation, the Fremo was able to charge my ASUS ROG 16 laptop, my ASUS ROG Ally, my IPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S22 phone, and my Ipad as well as smaller AC loads such as lights. I should, however, mention that this was my 2nd. Fremo. The first one would not work properly and the vendor quickly replaced that unit with a new one.
I recommend the Fremo to anyone looking for a small and very portable power station. Just remember that the 231 MWh capacity and 300W AC limit with determine what loads you can apply and the length of time that the battery will last.
Sent from my iPad
I would recommend this to a friend!
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1 2 3 4 5 ... 14 >>
 
TheHodster's Review Comments
 
Dell Inspiron Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Connect to work or entertainment options with this Dell Inspiron touch screen laptop. The 13.3-inch display is backlit to reduce eye fatigue, and Intel HD graphics let you enjoy viewing videos or participating in casual online games. The Bluetooth 4.2 interface and built-in Wi-Fi on this Dell Inspiron touch screen laptop let you connect to networks and other devices.
 
Overall5 out of 55 out of 5
Great MacBook Pro Alternative
By linuxUnbiased1978
DON'T LET NEGATIVE REVIEWS DISCOURAGE YOU, Windows-based PCs are notable for not being as reliable as Macs out-of-the-box, so a simple exchange or Windows customization may be the solution if you feel that you have a faulty product.
Overall, this computer is very fast, with almost identical specs to a MacBook Pro that costs twice as much. The hardware is what really makes this machine stand out from ultrabooks and Macs that cost hundreds of dollars more; the trackpad and the keyboard are outstanding and on par with if not superior to those found on a Macbook. The construction is amazingly sturdy and makes this machine feel indestructible. The hinge for the 2-in-1 feature is also very good, and I feel confident that it can last for many years with the same sturdiness.
Windows 10 looks great and works surprisingly well on this laptop, but I have experienced random audio popping sounds as have other reviewers. Perhaps later driver updates will provide a solution, but such a minor qualm shouldn't deter you from purchasing this machine by any means.
My biggest issue is the battery life, which in real world use lasts anywhere from 4 to 7 hours, which is significantly lower than MacBook Air's dominant 10 to 13 hour battery life.
BOTTOM LINE, software and Windows 10 features are essentially identical to those found on most ultrabooks, and the internals are on par with more expensive models. This is the laptop for you if you need powerful internals and mighty construction, but can deal with lower battery life than other ultrabooks.
Customer Avatar
TheHodster
Leland, NC
Hits nail on head
August 8, 2016
Your review hits the nail on the head. A very high quality laptop that would feel premium if it were a little thinner. Only negative I've found is the battery which lasts about 6 hours for me when doing general surfing.
+2points
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
 
Experience the versatility of this 14-inch Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga laptop. It converts to a tablet when needed, letting you navigate the touch screen with the included stylus, and the Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM run multiple programs smoothly. This Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga laptop has a 256GB solid-state drive for storage space and fast data retrieval.Easily change between four modes - laptop, stand, tablet, and tent - while your system automatically switches system settings and locks the keyboard in place. The secret: ThinkPad Yoga 14's unique design, improved hinge, and touchscreen display allow the screen to flip around 360 degrees - and even lay it flat - which means you can select the mode you use based on what you choose to do.Starting at a mere 4.2 lbs and 0.8" thin, ThinkPad Yoga 14 is ultraportable - it's perfect for productivity on the go. And with hours of battery life, you can go all day without recharging.
 
Overall4 out of 54 out of 5
Fast but may have issues with win10 anniversary
By TheHodster from Leland, NC
This laptop is very fast and well built. Initially, I had some trouble installing win10 anniversary when it got stuck on boot screen. I am now running anniversary but the pen does not seem to work or be recognized. Keyboard very nice. Screen a little dull. Battery lasts me about 6 hours. All in all a very nice laptop if I can get the pen working.
Customer Avatar
TheHodster
Leland, NC
Benchmarks and Dell 13.3 2-1 i5
August 30, 2016
I ran a simple win10 benchmark PC Benchmark on the ThinkPad and the above Dell. Both are nice laptops with the Dell having a USB-c and Windows Hello support. The CPU and disk results are pretty which is to be expected. The Dell ram score is about double the ThinkPad and the ThinkPad gpu score is about triple the Dell. Overall, the ThinkPad "feels" quicker to me.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
Experience the versatility of this 14-inch Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga laptop. It converts to a tablet when needed, letting you navigate the touch screen with the included stylus, and the Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM run multiple programs smoothly. This Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga laptop has a 256GB solid-state drive for storage space and fast data retrieval.Easily change between four modes - laptop, stand, tablet, and tent - while your system automatically switches system settings and locks the keyboard in place. The secret: ThinkPad Yoga 14's unique design, improved hinge, and touchscreen display allow the screen to flip around 360 degrees - and even lay it flat - which means you can select the mode you use based on what you choose to do.Starting at a mere 4.2 lbs and 0.8" thin, ThinkPad Yoga 14 is ultraportable - it's perfect for productivity on the go. And with hours of battery life, you can go all day without recharging.
 
Overall4 out of 54 out of 5
Fast but may have issues with win10 anniversary
By TheHodster from Leland, NC
This laptop is very fast and well built. Initially, I had some trouble installing win10 anniversary when it got stuck on boot screen. I am now running anniversary but the pen does not seem to work or be recognized. Keyboard very nice. Screen a little dull. Battery lasts me about 6 hours. All in all a very nice laptop if I can get the pen working.
Customer Avatar
TheHodster
Leland, NC
Pen Charging
September 9, 2016
Does the ThinkPad 14 charge the pen when the ThinkPad is on battery? There are quite a few times when the pen is not recognized and I am trying to figure out why.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet: With a vivid 8" touch screen and access to Amazon Underground, this tablet makes it easy to watch movies, play games or catch up on your reading with personalized recommendations. Cloud storage offers simple access to your content from anywhere.
 
Overall5 out of 55 out of 5
Maybe Best Fire Yet for $89
By TheHodster from Leland, NC
Just picked up from BB a couple of hours ago. Screen in good and tablet seems faster than previous model possibly due to more memory. Battery so far seems very good.
Customer Avatar
TheHodster
Leland, NC
Battery
September 21, 2016
battery has now lasted over 12 hours with general surfing. Battery claims seem to be accurate.
+4points
4of 4voted this comment as helpful.
 
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