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Ruff
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- Review count23
- Helpfulness votes89
- First reviewDecember 19, 2015
- Last reviewMarch 30, 2018
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.1
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- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
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- Answer count9
- Helpfulness votes6
- First answerJuly 7, 2016
- Last answerJuly 7, 2016
- Featured answers0
- Best answers3
Get ready to rumble with this Dell laptop. A 15.6-inch full HD display makes it easy to see your programs, apps and files, and an Intel Core i5 processor powers through any task you have on the screen. A long-lasting 42Wh battery keeps your Dell laptop on for long periods so that you can complete the day's work.
Customer Rating
3
Capable laptop for every day use when you need it
on October 17, 2017
Posted by: Ruff
from Portland, ME
Let me start by saying that the practicality of a laptop computer has diminished greatly over the past few years, post tablet. The Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 attempts to bridge the gap between two categories that just never were meant to be merged. That being said, this machine is a capable laptop for every day use when a tablet just won’t cut it...but it won’t replace your tablet for casual browsing and app use.
The hardware itself is solid, the materials feel high quality, and the finish and details are well thought out. The body is a brushed metal (aluminum, most likely) with very little plastic exposed, giving it a high-end feel. The size of the laptop is a little overwhelming, making it less likely to be your go to device on the go as it would be quite cumbersome to lug around with you. This is why as a tablet, it just won’t do.
On the inside, the chiclet style keyboard is well spaced, and provides a great typing experience. Key travel is spot on. The screen on this thing is absolutely gorgeous. It’s large, bright, and has great color production and a very dense resolution. Movies, photos, and the like all look great on this screen. The size and quality of the screen ALMOST justify the size of the rest of the machine.
On the downside, the speakers on this model are almost unbearable. At half volume, the tones sound tinny and any higher sounds begins to crackle and distort. Anything less than half volume, good luck hearing! This will ultimately be the deal breaker for most who would expect to use this as an entertainment device. I unfortunately have yet to use a Bluetooth connected audio device to test whether or not the problem is truly a hardware issue, or if the drivers may be the cause.
Performance wise, the machine is very capable. Once loaded, apps are fairly responsive...but I will warn that with Windows 10, it seems to take a very long time for apps to even load (sometimes a minute or more). For basic use like web browsing, word processing, file viewing, and basic photo editing, this model will have no issues.
A nice addition to this setup is the facial recognition camera and Windows Hello, which automatically signs you into your account when you open the laptop. It is fairly snappy, and is able to recognize your face even in low lighting.
Overall, the Inspiron 2-in-1 gets the laptop experience right, but is a huge miss in the tablet arena. I oftentimes find myself forgetting entirely that the screen is even touch capable, and have yet to find a practical use for it even being included, given its size. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced Windows machine that will give the option to occasionally take it with you, this works. Just don’t expect it to fill the role of a handheld device. I’d consider it a desktop replacement before anything else.
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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4of 7voted this as helpful.
Get more work done on your 10.5-inch iPad Pro or iPad Air (2019) when you connect this Brydge Bluetooth keyboard. The backlit keys let you type easily in any lighting, and the battery lasts up to one year between charges for reliable performance. This Brydge Bluetooth keyboard snaps easily in place and closes over the tablet screen on a 180-degree hinge.
Customer Rating
5
Replicates the feel of a MacBook
on October 9, 2017
Posted by: Ruff
from Portland, ME
DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I will start this review by saying that I am typing it on the Brydge keyboard itself. Brydge has done an excellent job replicating the look, feel, and quality of the MacBook experience with this aluminum Bluetooth keyboard for the 10.5” iPad Pro.
The keyboard comes packaged neatly in a box with design cues from Apple, and opens easily along the side via a magnetic closure. Inside the box is the Brydge keyboard, Quick Start user manual, and charging cable (micro USB).
Upon removing the keyboard from the box, you can instantly feel the quality of the material. It has an excellent weight to it, and the aluminum is anodized and textured nearly identically to that of a MacBook.
For those who are used to the MacBook keyboard “chiclet” keys, your fingers will feel right at home typing on this keyboard. It feels spacious, and the travel of each key is excellent. I can type much faster on the Brydge keyboard than I can on other “smart” keyboards intended for the iPad Pro thanks to the feel.
Some nice features include a backlit keyboard for easy typing in the dark, a battery indicator, and a row of function keys that perform various functions within iOS with a push of a button. The backlighting is bright and even, and includes four settings: low, medium, high, and off. The battery indicator is a button that you can hold down and the power button will flash a different color to indicate how much battery life is left. The function keys include play/pause, forward/backward, volume toggles, screen brightness toggles, a lock button, a home button, and a dedicated Siri button for easy one-touch access. All function buttons work well with iOS.
The Bluetooth connectivity seems strong and reliable. I did have a bit of a difficult time getting the Brydge to pair when I initially took it out of the box...but after reading the Quick Start guide, I was able to get it connected in less than 30 seconds.
The keyboard itself has some really great power saving features. It will automatically shut off the backlight, turn on sleep mode after 20 minutes of inactivity, or turn the keyboard (and iPad screen) off altogether when it is closed laptop style. The keyboard power resumes when the “lid” is opened again.
I have only two critiques of this keyboard. The first would be that it lacks protection for the iPad itself, as you cannot use this hinge style device with any protective covers for the back side of the iPad. Secondly, it is a little bit imbalanced as far as weight goes, making it easier to drop the devices if holding them away from a flat surface. The keyboard has heft to it, but it is simply not as heavy as the iPad itself, which makes it slightly top-heavy. This is a non-issue however, as long as you are primarily using the device on a flat surface.
Overall, this is an excellently crafted piece of equipment that fits the vein of Apple products well. In fact, two of my friends were shocked when they found out that this was not an Apple product. It is definitely of that quality, and it makes the perfect companion to the iPad Pro for those of you who want to use your tablet as a laptop.
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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11of 11voted this as helpful.
Connect every device in your home with this D-Link Wi-Fi router, and experience super-fast data transfers without the lag. Ending system shortcomings that happen with overloads, this router features four antennas to cover every corner of your home. Two USB ports on this D-Link Wi-Fi router let you connect a printer or extra hard drive storage.
Customer Rating
5
Quick & easy setup for multi-streaming households
on September 27, 2017
Posted by: Ruff
from Portland, ME
The D-Link AC2600 router is a no brainer when it comes to upgrading and future proofing a wireless home network. It is simple and intuitive to setup (but also comes with great instructions for the not-so-tech-savvy). The box includes the router, AC (power) adapter, a sleek flat-ribbon Ethernet cable, and instruction manual. Following the simple steps in the instructions will have you replacing your old router in 5 minutes or less.
Once you’re set up, you can customize the router settings (i.e. network ID and password) through a browser on a connected device, or through the recommended QRS Mobile App. I did find the App to be the better option, as I was initially having trouble getting the router to accept the default credentials included out of the box via the connected device. The app allowed me to customize the router settings with no problems, and it even includes a feature that will notify you when a new firmware update is available.
Overall performance through heavy data usage on multiple devices was outstanding. I was able to stream Hulu 4K content on my Smart TV, Netflix on my smartphone, and DirecTV Now on my tablet simultaneously, while casually browsing on two other connected laptops with zero buffering, broken frames, or picture quality issues.
Additionally, I conducted speed tests with one connected device, and then again with two connected devices simultaneously. Interestingly, internet speeds during the simultaneous tests were about half that of the speeds when only one device was connected. So the more devices you connect, the slower your speeds will be. This is due to the MIMO technology, which allows the bandwidth to be shared concurrently—as evidenced by the fact that all simultaneous streaming was not affected by the degradation in speed. (Most data intensive tasks like steaming HD content require as little as 2 Mbps speeds—it’s the constant handing off between devices and the router that cause issues like frozen frames and buffering, which MIMO prevents).
My ONLY gripe about this specific model is the size. The flat and thin body makes it sleek, but the 4 antennas at each corner of the box itself makes it hard to find a place to accommodate the awkward shape easily. On the positive side, the customizable direction of the “beam” antennas can increase range when positioned appropriately. I saw an improvement of overall WiFi coverage by several “rooms” away in my case. Corners of rooms that were not covered by my older router were indicating full signal strength with this model.
All in all I would highly recommend investing in this piece of equipment to upgrade your home network. It’s an easy and quick fix that will future proof your home for the increasingly connected world that we live in.
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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2of 3voted this as helpful.
Protect your phone no matter where your life takes you with this LifeProof fre case for iPhone. Waterproof and dirt resistant, this durable case is tough enough to take on the trails or your surfing trip. This LifeProof fre case has a built-in screen protector that doesn't get in the way of your touchscreen.
Posted by: Ruff
Verified Purchase:Yes
This case is excellent for keeping your phone well protected from the elements and accidental drops. I purchased this case to take with me on my trip to the Philippines where I knew it would be subject to salt water, sand, rain, etc. I have the jet black version of the iPhone and it came back out of the case after almost two weeks of rigorous use like new.
The downside is that a case of this protection level is a little too bulky for every day use in my opinion. So back to the Apple case I go.
Would highly recommend for any tropical trips or beach getaways for the sand protection alone!
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0of 0voted this as helpful.
With these JBL EVEREST 100 V100BTBLK wireless earbud headphones, you can rock out while you work out without worrying about messy cables. Bluetooth 4.1 technology enables simple wireless pairing, and JBL Pro Audio Sound ensures rich audio performance.
Customer Rating
4
Good battery life, sound quality
on December 30, 2016
Posted by: Ruff
Verified Purchase:Yes
While these ear buds are excellent for producing immersive sound in a small package, they are not exactly what I was looking for.
Although they are wireless in the sense that they do not require a wired connnection to the audio source, the buds themselves are wired together to provide a power source and functional control to each. With newer wireless ear buds rolling out every week that are truly wireless, this set has become less appealing.
If you're looking for an inexpensive starter pair of wireless ear buds, that produce great audio and have a decent battery life, then by all means pick these up! But if you are looking for premium audio and a truly wireless experience, there are better options out there now and more on the way!
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
Mobile Submission: True
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Stream your favorite music right from your mobile device with these JBL EVEREST 700 V700BTGRY over-the-ear headphones, which feature Bluetooth 4.1 technology for simple pairing. JBL Pro Audio Sound with 40mm drivers delivers rich, immersive sound.
Customer Rating
5
Premium audio, excellent feel, bargain price
on December 30, 2016
Posted by: Ruff
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased the JBL Everest 700 headphones in Gray as my first wireless over-the-ear set on Black Friday, and I could not be happier!
Let me start by saying that I did not know anything about the JBL brand until I found these on the shelf at Best Buy. At first, I was skeptical because I had never heard much about the brand from actual consumers. Names like Beats and Bose were king when talking about audio gear, and headphones in particular. But JBL is simply the consumer headphone naming convention for Harman, a much more recognized and respected audio brand!
And boy do they live up to that name! Sounds produced are accurate, rich, deep, vibrant...never tinny. A full range is represented well in the highest of frequencies down to the lowest of bass. I would highly recommend heading into a Best Buy store and trying them out for yourself. Hearing is believing! The demo setup will even let you play music from your own device to be 100% sure the audio reproduction of what matters most to you is provided in this set.
Beyond the excellent sound quality, this pair of headphones is rated at an incredible 40 hours of wireless playback on a single charge. I listened to an average of 3 hours of music a day for 2.5 weeks and the battery never came close to being depleted (there is a battery status icon on screen when you pair with an iPhone or iPad). Recharging is fast and easy with the included micro-USB to USB cable.
Pairing is simple out of the box with the touch of a button after being powered on. The wireless connection seems to be strong and stable, as I have only once found myself have to reset the connection to eliminate crackling and static after I wandered a bit too far away from the audio source. Range is good. It seems to break out around 45 feet away, or about half that through two standard Sheetrock walks. In my three bedroom apartment, I have no problems keeping the connection while roaming with the source stationed in any one of the rooms.
Build quality is good. They definitely seem durable, but are made almost entirely of plastic (with the exception of the metal bands above the earpieces that say "Everest" and "700". This means they can be a bit squeaky when putting them on and taking them off. They have a nice weight to them, adjust sizes easily, and are foldable.
As far as comfort goes, they could not be better. The ear cups are wrapped in soft and pliable memory foam inside and out, and are covered with a buttery smooth (faux) leather. After wearing these non-stop on a seven hour flight, I was able to take them off without any signs of fatigue or stress to my ears, neck, or head.
If I had to criticize anything about these headphones, it would be the lack of a carrying case and the ability to find a third party case that fits. I have been forced to carry them naked, which is not the end of the world since they do seem very durable. It would have been a nice addition though. And finally, there is a button in between the volume rockers on the left earpiece that if activated will put it into sharing mode, which at this point in time seems to require you to turn the headphones on and off to dismiss...which can be a minor annoyance.
All in all, super happy with my purchase! I just wish I would have opted for the black. It's so much sexier!
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This Emmy-nominated dramatization of the 1994-95 Los Angeles murder trial that rocked the nation retells the story of how prosecutors Christopher Darden (Sterling K. Brown) and Marcia Clark (Sarah Paulson) sought justice for victims Nicole Brown-Simpson and Ron Goldman, against an all-star defense team of Johnnie Cochran (Courtney B. Vance), F. Lee Bailey (Nathan Lane), Robert Shapiro (John Travolta) and Robert Kardashian (David Schwimmer) seeking exoneration for accused perpetrator O.J. Simpson (Cuba Gooding, Jr.).
Customer Rating
5
Cheapest, easiest way to view this series
on December 9, 2016
Posted by: Ruff
Verified Purchase:Yes
Was bummed to find that FX did not allow streaming of this series after it ran its course on cable. Swung into Best Buy and got the season on DVD for under $15. Much more affordable than purchasing the digital version through other outlets.
All in all a great retelling of the infamous OJ Simpson trial. I was in grade school whenever this was happening, so it was fascinating to revisit the story as an adult. Highly recommend purchasing if you were alive when this went down!
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Find your lost items anywhere with this Tile by Life360-Tile by Life360 Slim tracking device. When you lose something out of Bluetooth range, every member of the Tile by Life360 community who is running the app is searching for it too. With this Tile by Life360-Tile by Life360 Slim tracking device, you can map your misplaced keys or receive notification that your lost wallet was found across town.
Customer Rating
4
Works well, ideally would be thinner
on November 19, 2016
Posted by: Ruff
Verified Purchase:Yes
If you have owned Tile, the Slim works in an identical manner and just as well. It is slightly thicker than two credit cards, and can be easily tucked away in most wallets. The speaker on Slim is (for obvious reasons) not as loud as it is on Tile and Mate...so if you do not position it properly in the wallet or purse you are going to track, it may be hard to hear the alert tone when looking for the item nearby.
Otherwise, it is a great tool to help keep track of small personal belongings and can be a real time saver when you misplaced that item and need to find it in a hurry.
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Pack a stereo experience in your backpack with this black Sony portable wireless speaker. This Bluetooth-enabled speaker provides up to 12 hours of battery life and features a water-resistant design for use outdoors. This Sony portable wireless speaker includes a stereo mini jack and comes with a Micro USB cable.
Customer Rating
5
Portable speaker packs a punch
on July 7, 2016
Posted by: Ruff
Verified Purchase:Yes
I made a trip to my local Best Buy store with the intent to purchase the new waterproof Braven speaker for $99. When I arrived, I gave all the wireless Bluetooth speakers a listen, compared prices, weighed the importance of waterproof against splash proof. Ultimately, I settled on the Sony SRS-XB2 for the sound quality, and a price I couldn't argue with. For $69 I got a compact, sleek housing that produced clear, rich sound with fantastic bass. This unit outperforms even most portable Bose models (I own one) in regards to sound production. I also decided that the waterproof rating of the Braven model was not something I absolutely had to have. Overall, I am so impressed with this model and have used it nearly every day in various settings. It even has the option to pair a second speaker to create true stereo sound, which most competing brands don't offer. The battery life is the only thing that leaves more to be desired. Even so, it offers a solid 6-8 hours of playback on one charge. And for the quality of the sound and the volume that it produces, I can live with that.
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+33points
39of 45voted this as helpful.
Because it's made from a custom high-performance fluoroelastomer, the Sport Band is durable and strong, yet surprisingly soft. The smooth, dense material drapes elegantly across your wrist and feels comfortable next to your skin. An innovative pin-and-tuck closure ensures a clean fit. Available in white, blue, green, pink, and black.Bands fit 140-210mm wrists.
Posted by: Ruff
Verified Purchase:Yes
This is my fourth Sport Band from Apple and by far my favorite color. It's fun and bright, and goes well with my more laid-back style for the summer. Because it's so bright and quirky it really goes well with anything, no worrying about having to match it to what you're wearing (although it's just a simple click, slide, and swap if you do).
I have made the mistake of buying less expensive bands from third parties in both silicone and other materials and they never and up lasting very long. I would say the Apple Sport Band is the only way to go if you want the least expensive, yet comfortable and high quality option available for the Apple Watch.
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
My Best Buy number: 2141492539
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Ruff's Answers
Pack a stereo experience in your backpack with this black Sony portable wireless speaker. This Bluetooth-enabled speaker provides up to 12 hours of battery life and features a water-resistant design for use outdoors. This Sony portable wireless speaker includes a stereo mini jack and comes with a Micro USB cable.
Would I be able to use this speaker on both an ipod nano 7th generation and ipod nano 4th generation without using the bluetooth option?
Yes, as long as you have a 3.5mm male-to-male auxiliary cable. There is an audio in port on the back of the device next to the microUSB charging port.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
Ruff
Pack a stereo experience in your backpack with this black Sony portable wireless speaker. This Bluetooth-enabled speaker provides up to 12 hours of battery life and features a water-resistant design for use outdoors. This Sony portable wireless speaker includes a stereo mini jack and comes with a Micro USB cable.
How long does it take to charge and can you use it plugged in charging?
In my experience, the speaker is fully charged in less than two hours from a completely depleted state. You can absolutely use it while charging.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
Ruff
Pack a stereo experience in your backpack with this black Sony portable wireless speaker. This Bluetooth-enabled speaker provides up to 12 hours of battery life and features a water-resistant design for use outdoors. This Sony portable wireless speaker includes a stereo mini jack and comes with a Micro USB cable.
Will it work with Samsung Galaxy 6 phone.
Yes. Any device that is Bluetooth capable will easily pair with this speaker.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
Ruff
Pack a stereo experience in your backpack with this black Sony portable wireless speaker. This Bluetooth-enabled speaker provides up to 12 hours of battery life and features a water-resistant design for use outdoors. This Sony portable wireless speaker includes a stereo mini jack and comes with a Micro USB cable.
Is this speaker the extra bass version?
Yes. It has the "Extra Bass" mode that can be toggled on or off depending on whether you want richer bass tones or to conserve battery life.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
Ruff
Pack a stereo experience in your backpack with this black Sony portable wireless speaker. This Bluetooth-enabled speaker provides up to 12 hours of battery life and features a water-resistant design for use outdoors. This Sony portable wireless speaker includes a stereo mini jack and comes with a Micro USB cable.
How does the sound of the Sony compare with the sound from the Bose Soundlink?
In my experience (having owned both), the SRS-XB2 produces much crisper, clearer tones, provides a more distinct bass, and produces a much louder sound without distorting audio.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
Ruff
Pack a stereo experience in your backpack with this black Sony portable wireless speaker. This Bluetooth-enabled speaker provides up to 12 hours of battery life and features a water-resistant design for use outdoors. This Sony portable wireless speaker includes a stereo mini jack and comes with a Micro USB cable.
What is the difference between this model (SRSXB2) and the SRSX2 model?
The SRS-XB2 is an updated model that includes "Extra Bass."
This is activated through a specific mode on the device that produces louder, more distinct bass notes. There is a button on the device that allows you to toggle the mode on and off (for battery conservation purposes).
This is activated through a specific mode on the device that produces louder, more distinct bass notes. There is a button on the device that allows you to toggle the mode on and off (for battery conservation purposes).
7 years, 9 months ago
by
Ruff
Pack a stereo experience in your backpack with this black Sony portable wireless speaker. This Bluetooth-enabled speaker provides up to 12 hours of battery life and features a water-resistant design for use outdoors. This Sony portable wireless speaker includes a stereo mini jack and comes with a Micro USB cable.
If my iPhone is linked via Bluetooth will speakers also ring loud when called & will music stop and allow speakerphone function ? Thanks
Yes. As long as your phone is not in silent mode, the speaker will ring just as your phone would during and incoming call. The speaker itself has a speakerphone function and includes a built in microphone. It can be activated with the speakerphone button on the device itself, or through Siri on an iPhone.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
Ruff
Pack a stereo experience in your backpack with this black Sony portable wireless speaker. This Bluetooth-enabled speaker provides up to 12 hours of battery life and features a water-resistant design for use outdoors. This Sony portable wireless speaker includes a stereo mini jack and comes with a Micro USB cable.
can you pair these speakers
Pairing to a Bluetooth audio source is simple with this model. There is a dedicated Bluetooth button on the device that allows you to put it into pairing mode. It also is capable of being paired with an additional speaker to create true stereo sound, which also has a dedicated button on the device to make this possible.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
Ruff
Pack a stereo experience in your backpack with this black Sony portable wireless speaker. This Bluetooth-enabled speaker provides up to 12 hours of battery life and features a water-resistant design for use outdoors. This Sony portable wireless speaker includes a stereo mini jack and comes with a Micro USB cable.
Can I charge my phone using the USB port?
No, you cannot charge your phone through this device. It only includes a microUSB port for charging the device itself (aka no power output).
7 years, 9 months ago
by
Ruff