TechFan's stats
- Review count255
- Helpfulness votes422
- First reviewMarch 14, 2014
- Last reviewSeptember 23, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
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- Answer count9
- Helpfulness votes35
- First answerMarch 14, 2014
- Last answerSeptember 8, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers2
Experience great gaming with this OMEN Obelisk desktop computer. Its NVIDIA GeForce graphics and Intel Core i7 processor are suitable for virtual reality games, and the 1TB hard drive and 256GB solid-state drive provide extensive storage and fast boot times. This OMEN Obelisk desktop computer's case opens without tools for easy expansion.
Customer Rating
4
Best desktop I've had in years
on December 13, 2018
Posted by: TechFan
from Ohio
I've had this for about two weeks and finally got around to installing, updating, deleting all of the files and items for this PC and I have to say, that SSD and 16gb of memory make a huge difference in the speed and performance of this thing. I didn't time how long it takes to boot up, but its noticeably faster than my previous HP Omen desktop without the SSD drive.
The fact that I get the boot speed of an SSD and the additional storage of the 1TB drive is perfect for me. This rig is stylish with it's see through side panel and selectable color display of the tower gives it a mean, modern look.
It has a sizeable footprint and takes up some decent space, but with everything you get in this thing, it's worth the lost real estate under my desk. It has multiple inputs include HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, USB-C, USB-A, etc. It's extremely quiet and if it weren't for the flashing light on the front, I wouldn't even know it was on.
I do have a couple of negatives about this PC, which is why I gave it four and not five stars. One, for a computer at this price point, I would have liked to see a wireless keyboard and mouse. The keyboard is quite uncomfortable to type on for extended periods of time as the buttons seem really close for a full-sized keyboard.
Second, there is no optical drive. That may not be so important to some people but for me I used it frequently to create hard back ups of files and data. While the cloud is nice, I prefer to have several backup methods including the cloud, backup hard drive and a physical DVD. As I said, that might not be that big of a deal to some, but I would like to see one. There is room for expansion, so I may pickup to install or see if my portable Philips DVD-Writer will work with it. Other than those two things, this thing is fantastic.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Secure yourself, a loved one or valuables with this smart, versatile Samsung SmartThings tracker. Its geo-fencing feature triggers smart home automations or alerts you when a pet or person who has it leaves or enters your designated zone. Double-press the button of this IP68-rated Samsung SmartThings tracker to notify authorized persons of your current location.
Customer Rating
4
Nice product, needs bigger battery
on December 10, 2018
Posted by: TechFan
from Ohio
I've had this tracker for a little over a week now and it is actually a really good product. The app is intuitive and it includes one year of service after which its reasonably priced at $5/month. For a device that has LTE cellular service built in, this is a pretty good deal.
The biggest complaint I have with this tracker is the battery life. The first day I got it, I charged it up to 100%, activated it and it lasted for about five days. The second time I charged it to 100% and it lasted about three days even though I travelled to the same locations. I understand that battery life varies for many different reasons, but I would rather have a larger device with better battery life. As is, it fits well in a purse, backpack or even a pants pocket.
I tried using the geofence settings to turn it off when the tracker is in the same location for a period of time, but it didn't update when the tracker moved. I had to press the button three times to reactivate the tracking. If this feature worked as advertised, I'm sure I would get better battery life out of this device. The app does a great job of notifying me when it has left the two areas I set up in the app.
There isn't a lot of support on Samsung's website as to how to adjust the settings, but there is some information within the app itself. I also like that I can use my Ecobee3 thermostat, Honeywell Thermostat and Wemo devices within the app. This is a nice and unexpected feature.
All in all, I would recommend this device.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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HP Spectre x360 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Embrace your creativity with this 15.6-inch HP Spectre x360 convertible laptop. Featuring a 15.6-inch 4K touch display and an HP digital pen, this laptop lets you write, make notes and express yourself with precise touch controls. This HP Spectre x360 convertible laptop provides a fast, responsive user experience with an Intel Core i7 processor.
Customer Rating
5
Awesome laptop in design and function
on November 20, 2018
Posted by: TechFan
from Ohio
HP has been a leader in laptop and desktop computing when it comes to windows based devices and although my preference is for Apple devices, I really like this laptop.
They finally realized that consumers don’t want all of that bloatware when they buy a device so they’ve learned to keep that at a minimum. I also like the voice setup option that you can do with Cortana. I was surprised how accurately it got my responses right off the bat.
The laptop itself is a beautiful black and gold and although fingerprints shine like crazy on this thing, it’s still very professional and high end looking.
I don’t care much for the power button being on the back left side of the laptop but that is not that big of a deal overall. I also would have preferred a USB-C power cord but maybe that wasn’t an option given the specs on this rig.
I’m a big fan of SSD drives and honestly can’t see myself ever going back to a standard HDD. It has plenty of inputs/outputs for usb, HDMI and a card reader. It also has the option of using Windows Hello or the built in fingerprint reader to log on. Interestingly enough, there is a switch on the right side that turns the camera on and off to keep prying eyes off while you use it.
It is a tad bit on the heavy side but after all it is a full sized laptop with a number pad so the weight is somewhat justified. It did come with a pen that uses a AAA battery but I’m not really a fan of it. It works well enough but I wouldn’t use a laptop this big as a tablet and since there really isn’t anywhere to store it on the laptop, I just leave it on my desk.
Overall, this is a great laptop and has some really nice specs on it as well. Not the most portable given it’s weight but definitely a worthwhile laptop.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Follow your family's bedtime schedule with this 2-pack of C by GE LED light bulbs. The lighting transition between bright and calm helps improve your sleep routine. Set scenes via the mobile app to optimize these C by GE LED light bulbs for reading and movie nights. The A19 bulb connects directly to Google Home devices via Bluetooth with no additional hub or bridge required to provide quick and easy setup. Use a C by GE Smart Plug or C-Reach Smart Bridge to enable voice control with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit.
Customer Rating
2
I’m not a fan of these.
on November 20, 2018
Posted by: TechFan
from Ohio
In the day and age where everything can be controlled via WiFi through Alexa, Google or HomeKit, these bulbs run through the app and on Bluetooth. Granted, they can be used with voice assistants but I prefer using HomeKit.
These were kind of difficult to setup, which could be because of my phone and possibly the amount of Bluetooth devices I have paired with my phones, but I much prefer a WiFi setup.
These are still pretty entry level and although the premise is good, i’ll stick with some of the other brands available that offer me the flexibility that I like for my smart home setup.
Mobile Submission: True
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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The Shark WANDVAC Cord-Free Handheld Vacuum combines lightweight portability with the incredible suction power of a high-speed brushless motor. Weighing just 1.4 lbs., this lightweight handheld vacuum boasts a tapered nozzle for easy debris pickup and two accessories for tackling pet hair, upholstery, and tight spaces. Between cleanings, return your vacuum to the charging dock for fast recharging. Fast cleaning, always ready when you need it. The Shark WANDVAC: Extraordinary power for the everyday mess.
Customer Rating
5
More powerful than I thought..
on November 20, 2018
Posted by: TechFan
from Ohio
This is a pretty powerful handheld vac for its size. It’s perfect for cleaning out your vehicles, drawers or the corners of your steps.
I charged it up fully overnight and used it while cleaning up around the house. I used it for a decent amount of time and it didn’t die on me.
The only complaint I have is there is no indicator that I found that showed me how much battery life is remaining. Fortunately, it’s so portable, you can carry the whole set room to room and just plug it in while you’re not using it. This is a great little vac, with some good power to it. Definitely give it a try.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Create custom lighting schemes with this Sengled Smart LED Starter kit. More than 16 million hues provide endless choices for every occasion, and a range of whites lets you mimic daylight or brighten your space. Compatible with most personal assistant programs, including Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, this Sengled light bulb integrates seamlessly with your smart lighting setup.
Customer Rating
2
Ok, but needs some work
on November 14, 2018
Posted by: TechFan
from Ohio
I've had this set for about two days now and although I like it, it needs some work.
After opening the package and separating the contents, I began setting up the system. I connected the hub to my Orbi router and followed the remaining directions to complete the setup. So far so good. I downloaded the app, which eventually needed to be updated later in the setup process. The problem began when I went to setup the bulbs for each room.
I didn't realize there were two different types of bulbs in the package. Two of the bulbs can be set to different colors and brightness levels. The third bulb doesn't appear to have that option. Its basically, off and on, no colors. Ok, that's not that big of a deal to me, so I continued with the setup process. I labelled each bulb individually so that I could easily identify which is which. I did this after having problems with programming two of the bulbs in the same room. I have two bulbs installed in matching lamps in my formal living room. I programmed both of them to come on at the same time and with the same color and brightness. Voila, it worked!!
I didn't want to leave the hub connected to my Orbi router and since the hub worked wirelessly, I followed the directions for removing the lan connection and letting it connect wirelessly. After rebooting the hub, I tested everything and it still worked. Perfect!
Then the real problems began with the lights not coming on at the scheduled time on day two, the hub disconnecting and connecting although the router is less than five feet from the hub and having a strong wireless connection. I spent at least an hour troubleshooting the problem only to still not have a resolution. I will say when this was connected via LAN connection to my router, I didn't have any problems. When connecting wirelessly to the 2.4ghz channel, nothing has worked properly since. I really don't want more wires and cables plugged into my Orbi satellite, which is located in my bedroom, but that may be the best option to get this thing working properly.
There are other options on the market that are much easier to setup and use than this one, but I think it could be great if the connection issues are worked out. For now, I wouldn't recommend this.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Feel confident in your smile with this Philips Sonicare DiamondClean electric toothbrush. The precision brush head and five brushing modes promote gum health and get rid of plaque and stubborn stains. This Philips Sonicare DiamondClean electric toothbrush features smart timers to help you brush for the optimal length of time.
Posted by: TechFan
from Ohio
I've used other Sonicare toothbrushes before but this one seems to be the most powerful. Charging the toothbrush is as simple as placing it in the included glass that is also useable. If you prefer not to use the glass, there is also a plastic piece that can be inserted on top of the charger, to hold your toothbrush and charge.
I like the black finish, sleek and long neck and multiple brushing options. After using this toothbrush for the last couple of days, my teeth felt tingly and clean. I like that a travel case is included with the set so now I can take this with me on business trips.
This is definitely the best toothbrush that I've used, but at this price point, it should be. If you don't mind dropping a couple hundred dollars on a toothbrush, this is definitely the one to get.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The reliable Brother HL-L3270CDW compact digital color printer is a great choice for the busy home or small office looking for laser printer performance. Quick print speeds of up to 25 pages per minute² plus manual feed slot accommodate varied printing needs and can handle a variety of paper types and sizes, including card stock, envelopes and more. Connect with versatile options, including built-in wireless, Ethernet or USB interfaces, and print wirelessly from mobile devices³. The 250-sheet capacity adjustable paper tray helps improve efficiency with fewer refills and handles letter- or legal-size paper. Automatic two-sided printing helps save on paper costs. Save time by creating custom shortcuts on the 2.7" color touch screen, which also enables you to print directly from popular cloud apps, including Dropbox, Google Drive, Evernote, OneNote and more⁴. Brother Genuine high-yield replacement toner cartridges help lower printing costs. Comes with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call or live chat support for the life of your product.
Customer Rating
2
Fast printing, wifi printing needs improved
on November 5, 2018
Posted by: TechFan
from Ohio
I have several Brother products including a WF-7520 All in One printer that I use as my primary printer/fax. I was anxious to get this printer because all though my other printer is fast for an inkjet, nothing compares to the speed of a laser and for it to have color as well, I couldn't wait.
The printer is very well packaged and included some starter toner cartridges that are good for an estimated 1,000 pages. Which is good because each cartridge runs about $80 each, so that is about $320 if you have to replace them all. In reality, that isn't that bad given the quantity of pages you can print with a cartridge before replacing it.
Setup was a bit tedious with this unit. I had to remove each cartridge, then remove the plastic strip from each one and then the paper underneath the area the cartridges were installed. After re-installing the cartridges, I powered on the unit, followed the general setup instructions and then attempted to connect the printer to my wifi. The little LCD screen made it difficult to enter my wifi password and I started to get a bit frustrated with it. The downloaded directions said that I can use a USB cable connected to my laptop and setup the wifi connection. That didn't work for me either. Finally, I was able to correctly enter the password, despite my big hands.
I did a few test prints and the printer responded quickly and the prints were fast. I also downloaded the iPrint & Scan app from the app store and was able to print from my mobile devices with no problem.
The reason I gave this three stars is because when the printer goes into sleep mode after being inactive for a while, I wasn't able to print anything without going to the printer and pressing the power button to "wake" the device. This is pretty disappointing and is kind of a big deal to me. It would be fine if when I went and powered on then the documents I printed would begin printing, but that wasn't the case. I also wish there was an email address assigned to the printer so if I wanted to print something while I'm away from home, I can simply email the document and it would print. I have several other printers and I honestly thought this was a standard feature for a wifi enabled printer.
If Brother fixed these two issues, it would have five stars hands down from me, but until then, three is the best I can give for this printer.
If you want a fast color laser printer and don't care about printing while away from home and it doesn't bother you turn on the printer prior to each print, then this printer might work for you. If the items I just mentioned are important, then I would look elsewhere.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Power through workouts with these Jaybird Tarah wireless sport headphones. The sweat-proof construction is ideal for use during intense workout sessions, and the soft, flexible ear gels provide a comfortable fit. These headphones deliver up to eight hours of play time on a single charge, so you can use them throughout your workday. With push-button operation and hands-free calling capabilities, these Jaybird Tarah wireless sport headphones keep you connected wherever your workouts take you.
Customer Rating
2
Comfort is great, the sound...not so much
on October 30, 2018
Posted by: TechFan
from Ohio
I’ve had these for about a day or so and have been using them to work out and when I’m just running around. The good, they are extremely comfortable. I mean right out of the box, the fit in my ears and have a snug fit.
They came about 55% charged, which will probably vary depending on how long they’ve sat before they shipped. The neck strap was long enough to fit around my head and allowed a good range of motion and still didn’t fall out.
The bad, the sound quality is not that great. They sound very “tinny” and forget about any bass response at all. These are treble filled earbuds. I played around with the settings after downloading the app and although they sounded better, they were still less than ideal for my music preferences. The app has a lot of presets that you can save for use as your sound equalizer, but even with that, I was disappointed. This is my second pair of JayBird earphones and honestly, the X2’s are a much better pair. Granted the price points are different, but I would honestly rather pay more for a quality pair of earbuds than to have something with far less sound quality.
The other negative about these earbuds for me is the charging cable. To charge these you have to sit them in a seat on the cable and plug the cable up to a USB port. For me it’s just one more thing to carry and potentially lose. Once you lose the cable, you can’t charge these anymore. I think this is a poor way to charge any set of headphones. I would rather have just gotten a micro usb cable and called it a day.
Overall, I’m not terribly impressed with these headphones and would not recommend them.
Mobile Submission: True
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Control your Ultra HD and HDR viewing experience with this 55-inch Hisense ULED smart TV. It comes with Google Assistant built in, so you can search programs by voice, and its Android TV operating system provides access to various streaming apps. This Hisense ULED smart TV has a true 120Hz native panel with a motion rate of 240Hz for smooth display of fast-action scenes.
Customer Rating
5
I usually go with Samsung, but not anymore..
on October 22, 2018
Posted by: TechFan
from Ohio
I picked this up about five days ago and replaced an 8 year old 720P LCD TV. Hisense is not a brand that I would typically pick up when looking for a 4K TV, but I've been pleasantly surprised with its performance and features.
First, I'm using DirecTV for my cable service and although I have a HD box, this one isn't 4K compatible. The picture however is still crystal clear. I have another 60" TV connected to a 4K box and although there are some subtle differences (darks are better, overall color is more crisp) I'm very happy with the picture quality using the HD box.
The other thing that really surprised me is the sound. I am using an HDMI cable for both audio and video and if I turn the volume up beyond 6 or 7, it gets to be pretty loud. There are two small speakers on the rear of the TV that produce some great sound.
This also has Google Assistant and Android TV. This is actually a great feature that I found myself really appreciating. I can press the button and ask about weather, sports scores or what channel a football game is on and I can tune to it. I can ask to search for YouTube videos or movies on Netflix. I wasn't really sure what the benefit would be of having Google built-in to my TV, but it is pretty cool.
You will definitely need to play with the video settings to get the picture just right for the room you are in depending upon the amount of light you have coming in, but that was pretty easy with the presets.
The TV is a bit heavier than I thought it would be and I think my existing wall mount will have to be replaced because even after tightening it to the fullest, the TV gradually begins to lean back because it's bottom heavy. Not that big of a deal, since I can use the mount in another room, but just something to be mindful of.
If you are in the market for a new TV, I would encourage you to give this one a try. Not the most popular brand on the market, but it is very well designed TV, with great audio with Harmon Kardon speakers and an overall excellent picture. I would definitely recommend this TV.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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TechFan's Answers
MEET INNER SOUND: Sound is music we love, noise we wish to avoid, and voices we do not want to miss.Introducing Devialet Gemini True Wireless earbuds: giving you the best of sound, in all its dimensions. Transforming 15 years of acoustics R&D and engineering into a portable design you can enjoy on the move.
Can you use one Earbud at a time while one is charging?
Protect and boost the functionality of your 7th, 8th, and 9th Gen iPad with this graphite Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case. The precision trackpad allows for easy navigation, while the well-spaced backlit keys ensure effortless typing, even in dark environments. This Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case has a smooth texture for easy handling, and the adjustable kickstand provides comfortable viewing angles.
Does this need to be charged, or is it like the apple one which is just magnetic without a charger?
It is similar to the Apple case in that it uses the Smart Connector. No other chargers or cables are needed
4 years, 3 months ago
by
TechFan
Protect and boost the functionality of your 7th, 8th, and 9th Gen iPad with this graphite Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case. The precision trackpad allows for easy navigation, while the well-spaced backlit keys ensure effortless typing, even in dark environments. This Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case has a smooth texture for easy handling, and the adjustable kickstand provides comfortable viewing angles.
Is this compatible with the iPad 4? 9.7 inch?
Protect and boost the functionality of your 7th, 8th, and 9th Gen iPad with this graphite Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case. The precision trackpad allows for easy navigation, while the well-spaced backlit keys ensure effortless typing, even in dark environments. This Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case has a smooth texture for easy handling, and the adjustable kickstand provides comfortable viewing angles.
Does this need to be charged, or is it like the apple one which is just magnetic without a charger?
This case uses Apple's proprietary Smart Connector thus eliminating the need for another charger or cable. One of the best features of this case in my opinion.
4 years, 3 months ago
by
TechFan
Only @ Best BuyListen to music with this sweat- and dust-resistant wireless Jabra Elite headset. It connects via USB, mini-jack or Bluetooth, and a powerful microphone lets you use voice commands with your mobile device. This Jabra Elite headset reduces background noise and has a built-in motion sensor that lets you track fitness efforts.
Do these stay in your ear better while sweating? The original 65t kept falling out when I was running
Ive run about 6 miles using these and I never had any issues with them falling out. Best earphones I've used for running.
6 years, 3 months ago
by
TechFan
Brighten your day and night with this Philips Being Hue ceiling light. The dimming function lets you set an ambience for different moods, and it works with the Philips Hue dimmer switch and mobile app for versatile control. The ZigBee technology of this 32W Philips Being Hue ceiling lamp provides smooth, efficient interoperability with multiple Hue lighting units.
how bright is this?
The brightness is adjustable. It can give off light equivalent to a standard 60 watt bulb (default) but with the app, you can make the light brighter. If I remember correctly, its about 2400 lumens. For example, a 60 watt bulb is about 750-850 lumens.
6 years, 9 months ago
by
TechFan
Completely customize your Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat to match your lifestyle and decor. The ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat lets you choose the temperature, schedule, display color and the devices you use to control it all.
will this work with iPhone?
Completely customize your Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat to match your lifestyle and decor. The ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat lets you choose the temperature, schedule, display color and the devices you use to control it all.
What are installation instructions & wiring requirements?
You will need to have a "C" wire in order to use this. If you do not have one, there are additional instructions on how to wire it and it includes the wire you can use to jump it in your thermostat. If you have minor DIY skills, you should have no problem with the installation.
6 years, 10 months ago
by
TechFan
Compatible with Apple iPhone SE, 5s and 5, this LifeProof nüüd 2105-01 case features screenless technology that allows interaction with your phone's touch screen and withstands drops from heights of up to 6.6' for rugged protection.
When I call someone they cannot hear me on the other end how do I fix this
I had that problem too initially, but I took the phone out and re-installed the phone into the case paying careful attention to making sure that the volume/vibrate button was installed correctly in the slot. Once i did that, the mic must have lined up the way it was supposed to and I havent had any problems since. Hope that helps.
10 years, 6 months ago
by
TechFan
Ohio