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Jaron
 
 
 
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  • Review count
    149
  • Helpfulness votes
    293
  • First review
    September 30, 2010
  • Last review
    May 15, 2024
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    3.6
 
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  • First review comment
    October 13, 2015
  • Last review comment
    November 1, 2016
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  • Answer count
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  • First answer
    December 16, 2010
  • Last answer
    September 7, 2018
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Jaron's Reviews
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Stay aware and immersed in your music with these Sony wireless in-ear headphones. Digital noise cancellation blocks out external chaos while the Ambient Sound Mode lets in the noises you need to hear. These Sony wireless in-ear headphones work with Google Assistant for hands-free research and commands at the gym or on the run.
 
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Customer Rating
2 out of 5
2
Laggy Audio and Connectivity Issues
on May 29, 2018
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pro
-Good carry case for protecting buds
-Case has battery for charging on the go
-Includes 4 bud sizes and two ear stem sizes
-Ambient mode
-IPX4 water resistant
Con
-Audio lag
-Control buttons unwieldy, pushing in on them effectively jams the buds into your ears
-No Volume control
-Lacks bass
-Active noise cancelling disappointing
-Right bud fades in and out
-Short battery
-Short BT range
-Mobile app offers EQ presets only, no EQ customization
Overall
For those that want all the details, bad and good, keep reading. For those looking for the TL/DR, here it is. The fully wireless design has two big drawbacks. Audio playback lags as much as half a second behind the playback device, and the right bud will drop audio if anything disrupts the two buds from talking to each other. If you plan to use these to watch any movies or videos, you'll be sorely disappointed, mostly by the audio sync. If you want them for just music and delayed playback isn't a big issue, read on.
Okay, some more detail on how the "truly wireless" design works. Your phone or device connects via BT to the left earbud. However, the two buds also communicate wirelessly together. So your phone sends the audio data to the left bud, the left bud then processes it and sends it to the right bud, then you hear the playback. That's why the audio lags. This also means that anything happening on your playback device is also lagging behind. Changing the volume and changing tracks also means you have to wait a second to hear the difference. Admittedly this is a minor thing, but I found it annoying. But since the buds have no volume control of their own, they rely completely on your device for volume. That means not only do you have to fish out your phone to change volume, but you're also stuck with your phone's limit of how loud and quiet you can listen.
The second problem inherent in the fully wireless design is that the connection between the earbuds can be disrupted easily, which causes audio glitches and skipping, particularly on the right earbud. This is easy to demonstrate by covering your hand over your ear. Cover your right ear, the right bud goes silent. Cover your left ear, interestingly it still receives audio from your phone, but can't talk to the right earbud and it again goes silent. Putting your head on some cushions, wearing a thick winter hat, pulling your hood up on your jacket, all of these can make the right earbud skip or just cutout.
Even doing nothing at all and just working at a desk the buds would skip enough ( both left and right ) that I found it annoying. Anything in the 2.4 GHz range can disrupt them, which is probably the most used frequency band right now. Some phones have an option to prioritize stable BT connection, which does cut the skipping a lot ( though doesn't fully eliminate it ) though it does come at the cost of slightly poorer audio quality.
Speaking of audio quality, you can get Sony's app on iOS and Android to customize the sound profile of the earbuds. Unfortunately you're limited to a handful of EQ presets and can't customize the EQ to your own liking. I found the sound quality pretty good, though bass felt a bit weak, even if using the EQ app to punch it up. The active noise canceling is also very week, no where near as good as Sony's full ANC headphones like the 700 and 1000 series.
As mentioned, there's no volume controls on the earbuds. Each bud has a single button that allows you to power them on while the left controls audio mode ( ANC on, ambient noise boost, or off ) and the right does play/pause, next/previous, and voice command. The buttons are tiny, though, and pushing them means pushing the buds farther into your ears, which isn't exactly pleasant. The fit, thankfully, is pretty good. The earbuds come with four sizes of tips and two lengths of ear stems to help hold them in ( or you can simply remove the stems altogether ).
You may not run into long-term comfort issues since the batteries only last a few hours. The earbuds do come with a nice hard case with its own battery that can recharge the earbuds. Putting the buds in the case automatically turns them off and starts the recharging cycle ( supposedly it can recharge the buds three times on its own battery ). Pulling them out automatically turns them on. The case itself is recharged over micro USB ( no proprietary plug, thank goodness ) and contains the NFC funtionality for tap pairing.
I really wanted to like the SP700N. The hard case is very protective and a great way to drop the earbuds in a pocket or bag without damaging them and having it recharge them is great. They're very lightweight and fairly comfortable and even IPX4 water/sweat resistant. And Sony is almost legendary in their noise canceling tech. Sadly the ANC is poor and the audio lagging and skip problems are far too annoying for me to ignore.
If you absolutely NEED fully wireless earbuds, I suppose you could make do with these. But if having a short cable run behind your head is not a deal breaker, Jaybird, JLab, and even Sony have a lot of other options that don't have the SP700N problems and also cost a lot less.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+3points
5of 7voted this as helpful.
 
Handle it all and get affordable prints. Set up, connect and print right from your mobile device, and produce high-quality photos and everyday documents. Print, scan, copy, and fax with ease.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Good Multi-Printer, No Extra Software Required
on May 18, 2018
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pro
-Basic multi-functions ( print, scan, ADF, fax, wireless )
-Touchscreen controls
-Good web interface / No software required
Con
-Small paper tray
-Typical HP bloatware still tries to install
Overall
One of the biggest complaints I've had with small/home office multi-function network printers over the past 10+ years is the software. A network printer is available to use from multiple computers, which is supposed to be more convenient. However, prior printers I've used all required their entire driver and software suite to be installed on each computer that used it. Installing some simple drivers alone, sure, the computer needs to know how to talk to the printer for basic tasks. However installing hundreds of MB on each computer along with all the background processes and pop-up reminders to buy ink to only print a few Word doc pages was rather annoying. Not only that, but trying to scan on the printer over a network connection was often incredibly slow and limited.
Changes and updates in most modern operating systems have included a lot more basic print features and drivers baked into the OS, thus drivers themselves are simpler and third-party drivers sometimes aren't even required. The 5255 also supports a robust web page interface giving you access to its fax and scan functions. To people not wanting more clutter and bloatware on their PC, this is a good thing. You can still install the whole HP software suite if you so desire.
The 5255 can also be completely setup and configured without even needing a connected computer. It has a small touchscreen that gives this printer a more robust interface. You can connect the printer to a wireless network, set basic printer preferences, and download updated firmware all from the touchscreen. It's not great ( entering wireless network passwords takes a while ) but it's also something you don't need to do often.
In all, there's not a lot of differences between most sub-$100 multi-function network printers. Print quality will be indistinguishable to most people, you'll get okay photograph printing when using the proper paper, and you'll usually get a fax and scanning functionality. The 5255 can be set up without requiring any software download or installation, or even direct computer access. The functionality is also readily available across the network without requiring every machine to have HP's massive software suite installed, which is a big plus. The paper tray is small, so if you do a lot of printing you'll need to refill it often. But other than that, this is a nice printer with some extra options not found on all competing models.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+8points
8of 8voted this as helpful.
 
Brush your teeth with precision by using this Philips Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush. It has smart sensor technology and connects to a smartphone app that coaches you about coverage, ideal pressure and scrubbing. This Philips Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush comes with several brush heads that include microchips, which optimize performance for cleaner teeth.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Expensive but Good Family Brush
on May 9, 2018
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pro
-Comes with 7 brush heads
-Includes travel case with built-in charger
-Five cleaning modes
-Long battery life
-Charging cup can hold extra brush heads
Con
-Expensive
Overall
While an expensive electric toothbrush, the Sonicare 9700 packs in a few things that make it a better value ( in some respects ) than the less-expensive models in the Sonicare line. Specifically, it includes seven brush heads and one tongue paddle while many of the sub $150 options include only a single head. If you figure $15 per head, that's roughly $100 worth of extra hardware. The 9700 also comes with a nice travel case ( with slots for two brush heads ). The case acts as a charger as well, which is a nice touch. If you want to get one toothbrush base for the whole family to share, the 9700 at least has the hardware to do so.
In terms of extra features, the 9700 adds two additional cleaning modes ( Clean+ and Whitening+ ) over the 6100. The charging station is also much improved. The inductive plate sits beneath a small cup that can also be used to hold the additional brush heads. You can also Philips' tooth brushing app on your phone if you want. Personally, I didn't find it terribly useful.
In all, yes, spending $250 - $300 on a toothbrush is a lot of money. However, the cleaning performance is still excellent and getting the extra brush heads, charging travel case, and more useful countertop charge station means it's not all fluff for the money.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Improve your dental care routine with this Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean electric toothbrush. It has three modes for a customized brushing experience and a pressure sensor to protect your gums from over-brushing. This Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean electric toothbrush has a built-in timer to encourage you to meet the recommended brushing time.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great teeth cleaning, skimps on extras
on April 2, 2018
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pro
-Excellent cleaning
-Long battery, over two weeks between charges
-Lots of different head options
-Multiple modes and intensities
Con
-Comes with only one head
-Heads are expensive, but that goes for all electric toothbrushes
-No travel case ( at least not my package )
-Charging base could be better
Overall
The Sonicare 6100 does an excellent job in cleaning your teeth. Really gets in the nooks between and almost makes you feel like you don't need to floss. The toothbrush has various modes for cleaning, whitening, and plaque removal. You can select modes manually, but the handle will also automatically switch depending on what kind of brush head you use. The handle also has an internal timer that buzzes every 30 seconds so you can make sure you brush long enough and spend an equal amount of time on each section of your teeth. The battery lasts for a long time between charges ( so far I've gone over two weeks without recharging yet ). Overall, the cleaning performance is quite good.
The downsides are more what you don't get in the box. My particular box didn't come with a travel case, though some models do. It also only comes with one brush head, which is disappointing. The charging base is very small, which might be nice for portability, but is not all that useful on the bathroom countertop. It would have been nice if it had slots to hold extra brush heads or something.
My Best Buy number: 952623333
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Listen for up to eight hours with these comfortable sports-fit Sony wireless headphones. A quick tap on NFC-compatible devices performs Bluetooth setup, and the convenient earpiece-based button and microphone enable hands-free calling. These Sony wireless headphones have open-type drivers, so you can enjoy your music while remaining aware of the surroundings.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
OK sound, sizing and comfort can be an issue
on March 13, 2018
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pro
-Good sound
-Good Battery life
-Interchangeable bud tips
-Can still hear ambient sounds
-Thick, tough connecting wire
-Water resistant
-Handy storage wrap
Con
-Only two bud tips: medium and small
-Small bud tips aren't very small
-Awkward controls
-Bad voice quality for phone calls
-No carry case
Overall
I like the idea of open driver earbuds because sometimes you need to still hear your surroundings while listening to music ( hearing cars and traffic while running, hearing the baby in the back room, etc ). In this way, the SP500 is pretty good. It still has pretty good sound and bass without requiring your entire ear canal to be filled. Not as good as more expensive models, but certainly adequate.
Construction appears pretty good. The connecting wire between the two buds is thicker and much stronger than many similar-styled earphones. Each earbud cannister feels solid and charging is done through a standard micro USB ( no proprietary connector, thankfully ). The battery life is quite good as well, though they do take longer to charge than other wireless earphones I've tried. The buds come with a nifty rubber clip that keeps them together and prevents the connector cable from tangling. It's a nice addition for people to carry them in a pocket, but a small carrying case would have been better.
The controls on the right bud are simple enough for power, play, and volume. Previous and next track are done by holding the appropriate volume control button for ~3s. A long beep signals when you've done this. It just feels clunky and slow if you want to skip past a few songs in a row. Dedicated prev/next buttons on the opposite canister, or double-clicking the volume buttons would have been better ( and without the beep ). Better still would be a control unit somewhere on the wire. Having to grab and squeeze the canister hanging off your ear risks unseating it.
For me, comfort was lacking. They only comes with two earbud tips, which are essentially large and medium sized. I had trouble getting the smallest one to fit correctly in my left ear. They became uncomfortable after an hour and downright painful after two. For 30 min gym sessions it would be no problem, but any extended use for me is not going to happen. Of course, your mileage may vary, depending on ear size and shape.
Overall I like the idea of the SP500, but they don't quite tick all the boxes for me. It's not a bad price for what you get, and if they fit your ears it's a decent deal.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
The Polk MagniFi MAX maximum-performance home theater sound bar and wireless subwoofer system provides bigger, more dynamic sound than traditional sound bars—and is optimized to make movies, TV, sports and music come alive. It features patented SDA surround technology for a wider, more immersive listening experience and Voice Adjust technology for crystal clear dialogue—and it’s equipped with Polk Smart Remote technology, so it works with your TV’s remote control right out of the box. Includes HDMI and optical cables for quick and easy setup. Includes Google Chromecast built-in and Bluetooth technologies let you stream all of your favorite music. Compatible with most major TV manufacturers.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Pricey, But Great Sound and Lots of Functionality
on January 19, 2018
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pro
-Comes with HDMI, fiber optic, and 3.5mm audio cables
-Three HDMI inputs, can act as A/V receiver
-Strong subwoofer
-True center channel makes it 3.1
-Automatic input switching
-Automatic remote control compatibility
-Low profile
-Can be extended to 5.1 system with wireless surround speakers
-4K / HDR pass through
-Chromecast streaming
Con
-Few equalizer and sound curve options
-Expensive
-Wall mounting template somewhat vague
-Soundbar display is confusing
Overall
I'm not usually a fan of premium soundbars. Bars in the $200 - $300 range generally produce good audio, if not great, are fairly affordable, and are still small enough to fit in small TV rooms. Things change around the $400 mark. Generally for that price, you can get a basic A/V receiver, speakers, and possibly a sub and get as good or even better sound than the premium soundbar. Not to mention having a regular receiver makes it easier to manage your various game consoles and home theater devices. At around $500, the MagniFi MAX runs that risk of being simply too expensive for not enough audio. However, it includes a few features that make it more desirable than most soundbars.
First, it has three HDMI inputs, all with 4K and HDR signal pass through. That means it can act as a basic A/V receiver. Second, it has a meaty subwoofer to fill out the sound curve. Too many "premium" sound bars claim they include a sub in the bar itself, but you can't cheat physics. Small 4" drivers can't replace the oomph you get from an 8" or larger sub. Third, it has a dedicated center channel. Instead of just 2.1, you're getting a 3.1 system for added clarity of a voice/center channel in movies.
The MagniFi also comes with all the cables you may need, including a hi-speed HDMI for 4K video, fiber optic, and a 3.5mm stereo cable. It may not seem like much but it means you don't have to hunt for a cable you may or may not already have to complete installation. Along with the HDMI, TOSLINK, and 3.5mm analog connections, the MagniFi also has Bluetooth and WiFi. To go with the WiFi, you can stream Chromecast compatible apps directly to the sound bar. The soundbar seems to automatically switch between most inputs ( at least between the wired ones ) so changing inputs on the remote isn't always necessary. This does play some havoc if you have an advanced programmable remote like a Logitech Harmony. And if you want to expand your sound down the road, Polk offers wireless surround speakers that easily pair with the Magnify to give you a 5.1 setup.
On the convenience side, the MagniFi is pre-programmed with common IR remote codes. This means it will work out of the box to respond to your existing TV remote to control volume and some basic commands. It can also be mounted to the wall like most soundbars and includes the necessary brackets to do so. In the box is also a handy printed template to help you measure the mounting distance. However the template makes it seem like you need to mount the brackets exactly where it specifies. In truth, the sound bar can be adjusted horizontally more than a few inches on the brackets, so as long as the brackets are level with each other, you don't need to worry much about their placement. This also gives you flexibility to make sure the brackets are bolted to wall studs instead of just hanging in the sheet rock because you thought it was an inch or two off.
The two big downsides of the MagniFi, apart from the steep price, are the limited equalizer controls and the confusing front display. The remote can adjust the subwoofer volume and the higher treble range, but that's it for customization. Otherwise you're limited to three sound curve presets ( movies, music, and talk TV and sports ). Even a three-band equalizer control would have been nice. It does include a night audio mode which helps keep the sound clear and strong while not overly loud, something I find helpful to not wake the kiddies at night.
Seeing the status of the input and sound mode requires a lot of memorization. Instead of a small numeric display that would tell you volume level and other information, you only get a series of LED dots in a line. As you adjust the volume, the dots will go up and down. The volume also adjusts in very small increments, which people will either love or hate. Each input is represented by a number of lights ( HDMI 1 is one light, TOSLINK in is six lights, etc ). While I suppose this doesn't distract from the TV itself, it's also far from informational.
Overall, I think this is a good product. The sound quality is strong and clear. It's not overly treble or bass heavy, but pleasantly neutral. The sub is wireless and can be placed nearly anywhere in the room. While $500 is certainly a lot of money, you're getting a great 3.1 soundbar, an A/V receiver, and a lot of wireless connectivity options that take it beyond typical home theater functionality. You might be able to duplicate the functionality and sound quality using independent receivers and speakers for $500, but the MagniFi crams all that into a small and convenient package.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+10points
13of 16voted this as helpful.
 
Get absolute precision with this Logitech wireless mechanical gaming keyboard. Place it anywhere you like thanks to the long-lasting battery and the efficient Bluetooth connection, and enjoy the feel of a mechanical connection that provides the perfect resistance. The full-size layout ensures this Logitech wireless mechanical gaming keyboard makes your games easy to control.
 
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Decent Keyboard, Way Too Expensive
on January 5, 2018
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pro
-Two wireless options (2.4 GHz dongle and Bluetooth)
-Heavy with good rubber feet (won't slide around)
-Nice mix of media control keys
-Programmable G keys
-Standby mode and adjustable poll rate to save battery
-Comes with batteries and USB extension
-USB dongle can be stored in battery compartment
Con
-Expensive
-Poor tactile feedback
-No backlighting
-No NumLock indicator (light or otherwise)
-Fixed palm rest
-No padding on palm rest
-Rest of the keys are non-programmable
-LGS software doesn't work over Bluetooth mode
-No RGB
-Keycaps use cheap stickers
-No dedicated calculator button (though you can program a G key to do it)
-Media controls on right side of keyboard (meaning on mouse-hand side)
-Standby mode requires time to turn back on
-Annoying key rebound "twang" sound
Overall
The TL/DR of this is that the G613 is a good keyboard, but at $150 it falls behind what competitors offer in that same price range.
Mechanical switch keyboards offer a level of durability and type-ability you can't get from cheap membrane keyboards. Wireless keyboards offer an increased level of freedom in portability and connectivity. A wireless mechanical keyboard then seems the holy grail of typing.
The G613 uses Logitech's in-house Romer switches as opposed to the more common Cherry MX or Kailh mechanical switches. They're rated for 70 million strokes ( up from the 50 – 60 million offered by Cherry ), though no one will ever come close to reaching that level of wear. In terms of feel, the Romers are like a cross between Cherry red and brown switches. Actuation is still around 45g, but they almost feel completely linear like reds. There's a small tactile bump, but nothing close to that of a Cherry brown. Without that bump, I found the keys almost too easy to press and had quite a few accidental keystrokes ( I'm not a great typist, so touch typists probably won't care ).
As someone who prefers Cherry brown switches, I don't like the feel of the board. Anyone wanting something like a clicky blue switch or the older buckling spring will be very dissatisfied with the Romer switch. Those preferring linear switches may find the small tactile addition pleasant, or may hate it since it's not perfectly linear. The board also has an annoying "twang" sound as the keys rebound, unfortunately.
The board is quite heavy ( hopefully indicating a sturdy metal deck plate ) and has large rubber feet. These two things should prevent it slipping around even under the most enthusiastic typists. Outside of the main keys, you get six programmable G keys on the left side ( more on these in a bit ) and a good selection of volume and media control buttons above the tenkey. I would prefer the media controls on the left side as that's the hand that's almost always on the keyboard ( my right hand is usually on the mouse ). There's also no dedicated calculator button over the tenkey ( something I've come to quite like on my cheaper MS keyboards ). You can program a G key to do this, but then the calculator button is on the opposite side as the tenkey.
The G613 has a wide palm rest, but there is not padding on it and it's not detachable. There's also no way to prop the board at an inverted angle, which many find to be a more comfortable typing position. The keycaps use cheap stickers instead of any sort of molding or engraving. Still, I've got plenty of cheap keyboards with stickered keycaps that I've never worn off.
The Logitech Gaming Software ( LGS ) gives you some configuration control over the keyboard, but it's fairly limited compared to other companies' software. Only the G keys can be remapped or programmed, which is a big letdown for a "gaming" keyboard. Also, the LGS doesn't work at all when the keyboard is used over Bluetooth.
The big selling point of the G613 is of course the wireless connectivity. And as far as wireless goes, having both a 2.4 GHz USB dongle and Bluetooth options are nice. It means the keyboard can work with your computer, phone, tablet, gaming consoles, and possibly even media streaming boxes ( would explain why the keyboard includes a phone stand ). Using the wireless and Bluetooth buttons at the top of the keyboard switches which protocol you want to use, which is nice for those few people who might need to switch back and forth between multiple devices or computers.
Logitech claims the 2.4 GHz option can has a response time of 1ms, or a polling frequency of 1000 times a second. This is typical fare on wired keyboards and mice, so having it over a wireless connection is nice. However faster polling will also drain the batteries faster, so the configuration software lets you choose between 1ms, 2ms, 4ms, and 8ms polling to conserve power ( Bluetooth mode only supports 8ms, or 125 Hz ). The keyboard also comes with a USB extension cable to make sure the dongle gets full reception ( behind a steel tower case isn't ideal placement for the best signal ).
However, there's a reason practically no one makes a wireless gaming keyboard: there's largely no need for it. Logitech's marketing for the G613 says things like "free yourself" and "no more limitations." However, the vast majority of keyboard/mouse gaming happens at computer desks where the keyboard doesn't move. So what's restrictive about a wired keyboard there? Unless you're in the tiny niche of gamers that use a gaming HTPC / Steam Box and use a lap desk on their couch for a keyboard, a wireless gaming keyboard isn't something a lot of people are clamoring for.
Due to the wireless connectivity, maximum battery life becomes paramount. That means removing most things that drain power. The G613 doesn't just lack RGB lighting, it doesn't have any sort of backlighting at all. It doesn’t even have a NumLock indicator light. Like most wireless keyboards, it goes to sleep if it's not used for a few moments, then takes a few moments to wake back up. However since wireless radios are more expensive than a simple wired connection, you end up paying more for a keyboard that doesn't do a whole lot extra.
If Logitech took out the so-called gaming specific stuff in the board ( 1ms response time, G keys, etc ), trimmed the size a little, and marketed this as a wireless mechanical switch productivity keyboard for around $100, it'd be a much better product. But if you don't care about a wireless keyboard ( which most gamers don't ) and are willing to spend $150, you can get a keyboard that has your mech switch of choice, backlighting ( often per-key RGB ), full key re-mapping and programmability, padded and detachable palm rest, and a NumLock indicator. Some will even have USB and audio pass through.
If you can find this on sale for under $100, it's a decent enough keyboard for productivity and general purpose. But as a programmable gaming keyboard, it lacks too many features and is simply too expensive at $150.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+2points
10of 18voted this as helpful.
 
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Excellent Noise Canceling, Lacks Versatility
on October 20, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pro
- Great sound quality
- Fantastic noise canceling
- Comfortable
- Slim profile
- Soft shell carrying case
- Includes mobile friendly 3.5mm cable
Con
- Expensive
- Bluetooth can't be used while charging
- No USB audio
- Can't be used as wired headset
- Touch controls sometimes wonky
- Defaults to noise canceling mode on power on
- Doesn't come with charging wart
- Companion mobile app not compatible with older phones
Overall
The TL/DR on the second gen Sony 1000 is this: if you're looking for some of the best noise canceling headphones to use just with your phone, the 1000XM2 fits the bill. However that doesn't tell the whole story.
The 1000XM2 has a lot of good things about it. It's a very comfortable design and wearing them for hours is not a problem. And unlike some competitors, they're sleek and understated for a low-key look.
Also great is the storage/carrying. It's a firm soft shell that's enough to hold the headphones and some cords while keeping them from getting beat up and scratched in your bag. The headphones also twist and fold, requiring less space to pack them. Included in the box are a 3' micro USB charging cable, 6' 3.5mm cable, and airplane audio adapter. All three can fit in the case with the headset. You don't get a charging adapter, however. This may be a small thing as you likely have others already.
Audio quality is good and very clean. Sony packs in high fidelity codecs like apt-X for those phones that support it. However the noise canceling is the standout feature. Last year's 1000s had the best noise canceling I've ever tried, making it impossible to even hear a conversation three feet away. This updated model doesn't seem quite as good as that, but it's still very good. Your mileage will of course vary ( some hairstyles prevent the cups from properly sealing around your ears ). The included mic is also very good for making phone calls.
The 1000XM2 keeps the same touch interface from the previous version. Instead of physical buttons, tapping and swiping on the right ear cup controls play/pause, answer/hang up, next/previous track, and volume up/down. It's easy enough to learn and helps maintain the low-key look of the headphones. Placing your entire palm on the ear cup will temporarily disable the noise canceling and amplify ambient sound if you need to quickly talk to someone.
However, the volume only changes one notch per swipe. Quickly changing the volume up or down requires you to repeatedly flick the headphones, like scrolling a long document on a touchscreen. The headphones also default to noise canceling active when you first turn them on. Switching it off requires toggling the sound mode three times. Yeah, first world problems, but I'd prefer it to default to off or just have the headphones return to the same mode they were in when last powered off.
If you have a recent model iOS or Android device, you can download a companion app that gives you extra options like changing the equalizer. However it doesn't work with older models ( works on my wife's iPhone 6, but not her older backup iPhone 4 ). You can still pair the headphones with any Bluetooth phone, you just don't get the extra controls.
The downside is that the 1000XM2 doesn't have a lot of features outside Bluetooth audio. The included 3.5mm cable is tapered so you can still plug it to your phone through a protective case, which is nice. However it's only a stereo 3-pole cable, not a 4-pole headset connector. In fact, the headphones don't support a 4-pole connector at all. This seems like a big omission since you can't use it as a wired headset for your phone, computer, or gaming console ( why would Sony not want this used with their PlayStation? ). It also doesn't support audio over USB so you can't use it plugged into your computer or PS4. Plugging in the USB also disables Bluetooth so you can't listen wirelessly while charging. The 3.5mm stereo port is still available while charging, but that's it.
If you want some great headphones for wirelessly listening to music off your phone, nothing else, and you're willing to pay top dollar, the 1000XM2 is a great headset. However if you want a headset to pull double duty and to be used with your phone, computer, and gaming console, you may be disappointed. The problem is there are other, cheaper options that do have those extended features, they just don't have the sound quality the Sony set has.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Create blended beverages and sauces quickly with this Philips ProMix hand blender. The one-button variable speed control and durable titanium-coated blades ensure smooth, thorough mixing, while the ergonomically designed grip keeps your hand comfortable during use. This 300W Philips ProMix hand blender has a single-button attachment-release function to make switching out accessories simple.
 
  • Top 1000 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
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Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Useful Blender, Expensive Attachments
on October 19, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pro
- Lots of different speeds
- Great for soft foods like making applesauce and soups
- Relatively quiet
Con
- Expensive
- Stickier foods get caught in the blade guard
- Somewhat short stem
- No storage case or container
- Electrical cord awkwardly placed
- Expensive attachments required for ice and harder foods
Overall
Immersion hand blenders aren't exactly a requirement in all kitchens, but every now and then they're the perfect, or only, tool for the job. Unfortunately for the ProMix, it's priced moderately higher than competing units. At just under $100, you get just the blender itself with no additional attachments. Competing models generally add at least a whisk and chopper attachment for that price ( the Philips model with those attachments runs about $150 ).
The grip is quite comfortable and the trigger up top controls the speed ( it has many subtle but noticeable steps as you depress it ). The electrical cord sometimes gets in the way as it comes off the back and runs over your hand. I wonder if it would have been better to have the cable in front, as you'll mostly be using the blender on the counter and the outlets will be in front of you, not behind or below. The ProMix is also much quieter than a normal stand blender or hand mixer. You can use it for an early morning shake or smoothie without waking the kids. The mixer length is a little shorter than offered elsewhere, though. While it's sufficient for most uses, those wanting to blend a tall stock pot of soup might find it too short.
The blender itself performs quite well. It's great for softer foods like applesauce and soups and results in a much finer texture than you could get in a normal stand blender ( and you don't have to scrape out a blender jar afterward either! ). Blending sticky or thicker foods does tend to get caught under the blade guard and needs to be cleaned out. As the blade is extremely sharp, this can be a dangerous and painful proposition. The manual warns about getting water down the inside of the shaft, so it's not dishwasher safe either. Finally, the standard blade attachment is not meant for ice, meats, frozen foods, or raw vegetables ( though most cooked veggies are fine ).
And that brings us back to the lack of attachments, as the blender in its full form is perfectly capable of handling those foods. Philips offers attachments for a whisk, regular hand mixer beaters, heavy duty blending blades for potatoes, and a dicer/chopper. The included recipe book even mentions using those attachments to make things like hummus and salsa. For $90, can't they even throw in a whisk attachment so people can whip cream or blend their daily protein shakes? Or perhaps an adapter to let them use their existing hand mixer beaters? Along with no attachments is a lack of any storage case for the blender.
In the end, spending more money on the ProMix gets you finer and easier speed control but less versatility. If it was $20 cheaper it might be a nice purchase with how study it's built, but with how often you can find sales and deals at a variety of retailers, spending $100 on a hand blender without a full kit isn't a great deal.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
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.
 
  • Top 1000 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Good Laptop, Bad 2-in-1
on October 12, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pro
-Good Specs
-Backlit keyboard
-Small display bezel
-USB type-C with DisplayPort support
-Three USB 3.0 ports
-Full size HDMI port
-Card Reader
Con
-Slow spindle hard drive
-Too big and heavy to effectively use as tablet
Overall
In whole, this isn't a bad little laptop. Far too often budget laptops will have the CPU or RAM crippled in order to bring it in under a particular price point. At about $900, I'm not sure this qualifies as a "budget" laptop, but the specs are fairly impressive. The Kaby Lake generation i5 is a quad core model with hyper threading, meaning eight logical cores. That used to be the sole domain of i7 CPUs, meaning paying extra. The 8GB of RAM also means adequate multi-tasking and lots of open web browser tabs without slowing down. While many laptops use lower resolutions to save money, this screen is quite good and has a full HD 1920x1080 native resolution with a small bezel to give a big viewable area.
The rest of the fit and finish is quite nice. The chassis feels very strong and stiff and it's not overly heavy for a laptop. Three USB 3.0 ports, one with extra power delivery, are around the edges. One type-C port with DisplayPort capabilities will support a desktop dock adapter. You can also just use the full size HDMI jack too. for those working or playing at night, the keyboard is also backlit, a nice addition.
The two downsides are fairly sizable. First, the hard drive is a slow 5400 RPM spindle drive. While that gives you lots of storage with 2TB capacity, for someone who has used solid-state drives for the last six years, it's almost painfully slow when the disk is under load. That includes system boot up and shut down and application installs, launches, and removal. A hybrid drive would've been a better addition to at least address system booting speeds. Switching to a whole SSD solves all the speed problems, but of course limits capacity, so pick your poison.
The other problem is this thing just doesn't work as a 2-in-1. The size is awkward and very few people want a 15" tablet. It's not comfortable to hold in one hand. A big part of that is due to the weight. Since it's not a convertible and the screen doesn't detach from the keyboard, you have to hold the weight of the whole thing when trying to use it as a tablet. Altogether, it just doesn't work very well. There's also no buttons or hotkeys along the screen edge to use in tablet mode. Instead you have to do everything on the touchscreen since the keyboard automatically gets disabled when you flip the keyboard past 270 degrees. It's just a clumsy affair.
So, whether I recommend this product or not depends on how you want to use it. If you want a solid laptop that has a touchscreen, but you don't plan to use it as a 2-in-1, yes, it's a good product at a decent price. If you're looking for a more performance oriented laptop, I'd recommend you get the SSD version of this model instead.
As a laptop alone or 2-in-1, it doesn't work very well. A non-touchscreen laptop with otherwise similar specs will be about $100 less, if not more. If you want a usable 2-in-1, a detachable screen model will be much more convenient and usable. Not holding the keyboard saves a lot of weight.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
5of 9voted this as helpful.
 
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Jaron's Review Comments
 
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic L6V-00001 Wireless Mouse: This ergonomic mouse is designed to fit the natural shape of your hand with a raised height and scooped thumb design. Blue Track technology allows you to use your mouse on various surface types with accuracy.
 
Overall1 out of 51 out of 5
This is NOT a BlueTooth Mouse
By JustAnotherGeekHere
It is very frustrating that Microsoft's design and marketing team has played a clever little trick in the design of the blue logo on this unit that invites one to infer that this product uses Bluetooth wireless technology when, in fact, it does not. Sadly, the lack of this feature is a deal breaker for me. But I will say that the unit feels nice in the hand, and had it been Bluetooth I would most likely have kept it and given it a much higher rating.
October 13, 2015
MS has used a light blue color in their logos since the company was founded. The term "Bluetooth" isn't mentioned anywhere in the product name or description. I've never inferred a product was Bluetooth enabled simply because of the colors on it Insinuating that MS intentionally tried to deceive people into thinking this is a Bluetooth mouse because of the blue Windows button is asinine.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
 
Razer Naga Hex V2Upgrade your gaming system with this Razer Naga Hex gaming mouse. With a tilt-click scroll wheel and a seven-button mechanical thumb wheel for a total of 14 programmable buttons, the design ensures you'll never misclick. Redesigned with comfort in mind, this Razer Naga Hex gaming mouse accommodates the most popular play styles.
 
Overall3 out of 53 out of 5
Great mouse help back by sub-par software
By Tekonus
This mouse has a great construction. Feels solid, buttons don't feel soft and have a solid click to them. Enough buttons without being too many. Unfortunately Razer's Synapse 2.0 software is pretty disappointing. It has a ton of features, but it has 2 major sticking points for me that are inexcusable. #1 is that you have to create a Razer account and login just to use a mouse driver! This just defies all logic to me, no matter how they try to spin it. #2 even after you login to their driver, I could find no way through the driver to map any buttons to "forward and back" without clunky workaround that make no sense. Many people like to use mouse buttons to go back and forward through webpages and other things on their computer. Every logitech mouse I've ever bought has had no problem with this. Why is this an issue? You can make settings for scrolling up and down but not generic windows keys for back and forward? Cheap generic mice do this!
This is a great mouse held back by sub-par software.
Re: Synapse
November 1, 2016
Yes, you need to create a Razer account to use the Synapse software. However, after the initial login, you can simply enter offline mode which means it doesn't have to log in and you don't have to be online. The online portion lets you save your mouse and keyboard profiles so if you transfer to a new computer, they will all transfer with you.
Yes, you can map Back and Forward function to the mouse. Synapse calls them Mouse Button 4 and 5, respectively. I don't find anything "clunky" about it on my Naga. Click on Mouse, click on "Side View" from the picture, click the button I want to program, choose Mouse Function > Mouse Button 4. It wasn't too hard.
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Jaron's Questions
 
Jaron has not submitted any questions.
 
Jaron's Answers
1 2 >>
 
Handle storage demands with this Western Digital SATA solid-state drive. Its 560MB/s read speed and 530MB/s write speed are suitable for intensive applications, and its 2.5-inch form factor fits most desktops and laptops. The solid-state drive has no moving parts, making the drive resistant to shock to protect your data. Includes the WD SSD Dashboard to keep track of the drive's status.
 

Can I use this for a Lenovo 720, or a Samsung pro 2 in 1

If the laptop uses a standard 2.5" drive bay, then yes you should be fine. Keep in mind swapping out a drive or opening a laptop case in any way usually voids your warranty.
5 years, 8 months ago
by
Jaron
 
Handle storage demands with this Western Digital SATA solid-state drive. Its 560MB/s read speed and 530MB/s write speed are suitable for intensive applications, and its 2.5-inch form factor fits most desktops and laptops. The solid-state drive has no moving parts, making the drive resistant to shock to protect your data. Includes the WD SSD Dashboard to keep track of the drive's status.
 

Why would you sell these ssd internals and no 6gb/s sata cables only 3gb/s sata cables

Best Buy doesn't often cater to the custom desktop building crowd, so while you may find individual components, it may be hard to find all the connectors and finishing parts to complete a build.

That said, this drive is a great upgrade for most laptops that don't need the cables.
5 years, 8 months ago
by
Jaron
 
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
 

Let’s say the battery dies and I connect with a wire. Will noise cancelling work? I know Bose QC35 will provide a sound but no noise cancelling on that case. What about Sony?

No because noise canceling requires power ( if you don't know, the noise canceling function uses the mic on the headset to listen to ambient noise then play an inverse canceling sound through the headphones. )

You will still get some passive noise canceling since the ear cups seal against your head and muffle outside noise ( but the QC35 do that as well ).
6 years, 7 months ago
by
Jaron
 
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
 

Can these headphones be pair with ps4 pro?

No, they can't because the PS4 doesn't support audio over Bluetooth ( stupid, I know ). They can plug into the PS4 controller for game audio, but they can't be used as a wired headset with mic since it doesn't support a 4-pole connector.
6 years, 7 months ago
by
Jaron
 
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
 

Does the cable come with a built in remote? This includes, volume, play pause and microphone.

No, it doesn't. It's a straight 3-pole 3.5mm cable. These can only be used as wired headphones, not a wired headset with mic since they don't support a 4-pole cable.
6 years, 7 months ago
by
Jaron
 
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
 

Is it possible to use Bluetooth to connect to an Sony ultra HD Blu - ray / DVD Player model UBP - X800 able to pair with the headsets.

User submitted photo
That will depend on the media player device. If the player supports the proper Bluetooth profile and codec, then there's no reason it won't work. Example, my PS4 can see the headphones as a Bluetooth device, but it won't connect to it since it doesn't support BT audio for some reason ( no idea why Sony wouldn't allow their own products to work toegether like this, but there you go ).
6 years, 7 months ago
by
Jaron
 
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
 

Does the quick attention mode turn on when you rest your head against the the side of the airplane or headrest ? If so, can this feature be turned off ?

No, that won't trigger the mode. It's like a capacitive touchscreen, it requires a conductive surface ( your skin ) in order to work. This works both ways, meaning you can't adjust the volume or use the controls while wearing gloves.
6 years, 7 months ago
by
Jaron
 
Make your home an internet haven with this versatile Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system. Three identical tri-band dual-stream AC2200 routers, each equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, deliver lightning-fast internet. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0/LE, this Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system is simple to set up and pairs easily with computers, tablets and smart devices.
 

I currently have the latest AT&T Pace modem / router. Can the AT&T modem be placed into a bridge mode enabling just the modem function? From research, this is a very complicated procedure. I would prefer to return the rental AT&T unit.

Sorry, I can't say about that particular modem. My experience with most modem/router units directly from the ISP is that they are restricted in what they can do. I usually recommend people not use rental ISP equipment at all and buy their own modem. Netgear makes a great basic modem for only $60 ( http://www.bestbuy.com/site/netgear-docsis-3-0-cable-modem-black/8860013.p?skuId=8860013 ). If you're paying $10/month to rent the AT&T modem, the Netgear will pay for itself in seven months ( but you probably already know this ).

I don't think you're using "bridge mode" correctly. That's most commonly used to run a virtual hardline to wired devices in another part of your house ( plug your Xbox/PlayStation and cable box into the bridge, then that connects wirelessly to your main router on a sort of dedicated link ). If you simply want to disable any wireless feature on it, I'm willing to bet you can. With Comcast modems that usually involves a call into customer service so they can do it remotely. But again, you're still paying the monthly rental fee. So getting your own modem is usually the better way to go.

I usually recommend you get a separate modem and wireless router rather than a combo unit. While this might be a bit more expensive up front, it can save costs in the future as you can replace one unit or the other if need arises ( if you want to upgrade your wireless performance, you can still use the modem; if you need a different modem for a new ISP, you can still use the router ).

If you need something in actual bridge mode, this is how you'd do it with the Velop. Get your own modem and at least a 2-node Velop pack. The first Velop node plugs right into the modem. Setup your other node next to the devices that need a wired connection ( most often this is a TV, cable box, Blu-ray player, or game console ). Connect the second Velop node to the wireless, then you can plug your other devices into its network ports. If you have more than two devices to plug in, you'll need a switch to get them all through the Velop ( something like this http://www.bestbuy.com/site/netgear-200-series-unmanaged-soho-5-port-10-100-1000-gigabit-switch-white/7902325.p?skuId=7902325 ).
7 years, 3 months ago
by
Jaron
 
Take your work and entertainment with you with this Acer Iconia One 10-inch tablet. The large screen is powered by 1GB of RAM and a quad-core 1.3 GHz processor for high efficiency, and 32GB of flash memory gives you plenty of file storage. The 5-megapixel rear camera lets you take photos using this Acer Iconia One 10-inch tablet anywhere.
 

Will MS powerpoint or Apple keynote be compatible for transferring my presentations on it?

You need an Android equivalent application to open those files, which may cost you money. MS made PowerPoint available on Android, can't say about the other.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
Jaron
 

Do you carry 1) VCR recorders? and 2) 30-foot cable to connect router to computer?

2) Yes, search for CAT-5, CAT-6, Ethernet, or network cables.
 
Products from my answer
Dynex™ - 50' Cat-5e Ethernet Cable - Gray
4.6 out of 5(123)
 
 
 
Rocketfish™ - 50' Cat-6 Network Cable - Multi
4.8 out of 5(84)
 
 
 
 
 
13 years, 5 months ago
by
Jaron