Jaron's stats
- Review count149
- Helpfulness votes293
- First reviewSeptember 30, 2010
- Last reviewMay 15, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.6
- Review comment count2
- Helpfulness votes1
- First review commentOctober 13, 2015
- Last review commentNovember 1, 2016
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count11
- Helpfulness votes2
- First answerDecember 16, 2010
- Last answerSeptember 7, 2018
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Protect your iPhone's data with this 64GB iXpand charger and backup base. It charges your iPhone quickly with 15W of power, and it backs up photos and videos as it charges to ensure precious memories are always safe. This iXpand charger and backup base also backs up your stored contacts, so you can restore them when needed.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent and Easy Backup Alternative
on October 6, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pros
-Easy to setup and use
-Expandable storage
-Works with multiple phones/users
-Good way to keep track of your cable
-Easy to setup and use
-Expandable storage
-Works with multiple phones/users
-Good way to keep track of your cable
Cons
-iPhone only
-Lightning connector only / no 30-pin support
-Doesn't come with its own Lightning cable
-iPhone only
-Lightning connector only / no 30-pin support
-Doesn't come with its own Lightning cable
Overall
For those that don't want to pay for extra iCloud space and don't use their computers to sync their phone ( or don't want to use Apple's computer software ) the iXpand base is a simple solution to back up your photos, videos, and contacts. It uses an app on your iPhone or iPad to automatically copy the relevant data and files to its internal storage while you charge it. While it sounds like marketing speak, it really is that easy. Connect your phone for the first time and it will prompt you to get the SanDisk app from the store. Download it, agree to give the app access to your photos and videos and it will take care of the rest.
For those that don't want to pay for extra iCloud space and don't use their computers to sync their phone ( or don't want to use Apple's computer software ) the iXpand base is a simple solution to back up your photos, videos, and contacts. It uses an app on your iPhone or iPad to automatically copy the relevant data and files to its internal storage while you charge it. While it sounds like marketing speak, it really is that easy. Connect your phone for the first time and it will prompt you to get the SanDisk app from the store. Download it, agree to give the app access to your photos and videos and it will take care of the rest.
While $70 - $100 may seem a lot for a charging base, remember that price includes the storage media. And since the base uses a regular SD card, you can replace and upgrade it however you want. You can also pull the card to load your pictures onto your PC or any other card reading device. The base also works with multiple devices and users with each device getting its own root folder on the SD card.
The base only works with iOS devices. No Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, or other devices are supported. Also, it only works with Lightning-based iOS devices. If you have older iPhones and iPads using the 30-pin cable, no luck for you. Sadly the base doesn't come with its own Lightning cable, but you can securely and neatly wrap your own cable around the base keeping it neat and tidy. It's a nice way to give yourself a charging base on your nightstand without having to fish your cable from behind the bed each night.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Sanitize your home with this slim BISSELL PowerFresh steam mop. Its on-demand trigger dispenses a burst of controlled steam as the mophead and microfiber cloths remove dirt and germs from floors. This BISSELL PowerFresh steam mop has an extension wand and onboard tool kit, so you can deep clean your whole house.
Customer Rating
5
Robust and comprehensive steam cleaning system
on September 26, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pros
-Comes with lots of attachments
-On-deck storage carries common attachments on the mop
-Wall mount to hold mop and attachment storage bag
-Fast heat up
-Two steam output levels
-Can be used as mop, cleaning wand, or close up
-Comes with lots of attachments
-On-deck storage carries common attachments on the mop
-Wall mount to hold mop and attachment storage bag
-Fast heat up
-Two steam output levels
-Can be used as mop, cleaning wand, or close up
Cons
-Mop height isn't adjustable
-Head swivel can be a little stiff
-No attachment hoses
-Mop height isn't adjustable
-Head swivel can be a little stiff
-No attachment hoses
Overall
The box comes with two detachable and washable cleaning pads ( one scrubby, one soft ) for various floor types and cleaning needs. You can also remove the floor pad and use the mop as a cleaning wand for walls and surfaces overhead.
The box comes with two detachable and washable cleaning pads ( one scrubby, one soft ) for various floor types and cleaning needs. You can also remove the floor pad and use the mop as a cleaning wand for walls and surfaces overhead.
Other attachments include a small foot and pad useful for countertops and tight spaces, various brushes for grout and other surfaces, flat surface scraper, and steam jet tip. All of these can be used either on the extension wand or off the base hand unit itself. Four basic attachments can be clipped to the base unit handle to carry with you throughout the house. The rest can be stored in an included bag. Both the bag and mop can hand from the wall mount when not in use. Other attachments are available from Bissell, including a window squeegee, stiffer and softer cleaning brushes, and a clothing / upholstery cleaner.
Actual cleaning performance is excellent. The mop heats up in about 30 seconds and can be set to high and low steam output. You can pause the steam flow while keeping the element hot as well. One tank is enough to mop a large kitchen and bathroom floor without needing to be refilled.
The downsides on this mop are very minor. The handle height isn't adjustable so very short or very tall people may not have the most comfortable time using it on floors. The head does swivel about, but it's sometimes stiff to flip around. And while you can detach the mop and wand for in-close hand cleaning, it might be nice to have a flexible hose for attachments to reach everywhere.
All in all, this is a very complete steam mop system that will cover the needs of most people without being extraordinarily expensive.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Create an intelligent home network with this all in one Samsung mesh WiFi Router and Smart Home Hub. Not only does it deliver an optimized Wi-Fi signal to every corner of your home, it also works as a SmartThings Hub, connecting compatible cameras, lights, voice assistants, and more to create your smart home. Now you can manage your Wi-Fi and all your smart devices from the palm of your hand with this Samsung Mesh WiFi Router and Smart Home Hub.
Customer Rating
2
Unable to Setup
on August 4, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pros
-Small and neat
-4x4 antenna
-Small and neat
-4x4 antenna
Cons
-Small coverage area ( only 1500 sq-ft )
-Only one switch port on back
-No USB ports for device sharing
-No manual configuration or web access, must use app
-App only iOS and Android, but not compatible with all devices
-Small coverage area ( only 1500 sq-ft )
-Only one switch port on back
-No USB ports for device sharing
-No manual configuration or web access, must use app
-App only iOS and Android, but not compatible with all devices
Overall
I tired multiple times and was never able to complete setup. This wouldn't be a problem if the router had a normal web access page that would allow you to configure the router manually. Instead, all setup and configuration must be done over the mobile application. The problem is the application isn't compatible with all devices. It's Android and iOS only, but even then it's not compatible with my Android 7.0 LG tablet for some reason. The router doesn't exactly have a list of which current Android devices it supports and which it doesn't. I tried using my wife's iPhone 6 instead, but the setup never completed. It could detect the router, but could never connect to it.
I tired multiple times and was never able to complete setup. This wouldn't be a problem if the router had a normal web access page that would allow you to configure the router manually. Instead, all setup and configuration must be done over the mobile application. The problem is the application isn't compatible with all devices. It's Android and iOS only, but even then it's not compatible with my Android 7.0 LG tablet for some reason. The router doesn't exactly have a list of which current Android devices it supports and which it doesn't. I tried using my wife's iPhone 6 instead, but the setup never completed. It could detect the router, but could never connect to it.
For those devoted to Samsung devices and "smart home" connectivity, I imagine it could be a fine device. For most everyone else, it's far too expensive and has far too few features to be competitive. With only a single switched port on the back, you can only hard wire one device to the router, unless you want to spend more money and buy a switch. No USB ports means you can't share a printer or external drive with the rest of your network devices.
There are far better units available with more features for less money that don't require you to register an account with a third party if all you want is a high performing wireless router.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Immerse yourself in music or movies with this LG TONE Studio wearable speaker. It has four drivers to let you experience three-dimensional surround sound and feel low-frequency vibrations from the bass through your body. This LG TONE Studio wearable speaker is Bluetooth compatible for easy connection to your smart devices.
Customer Rating
3
Thick necks, beware
on July 23, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pros
-Great battery life
-Good sound ( ear buds )
-Aux-in jack
-Micro USB charging
-Great battery life
-Good sound ( ear buds )
-Aux-in jack
-Micro USB charging
Cons
-Expensive
-Pinches thick necks
-External speakers underwhelming
-DTS is meaningless
-Some controls hard to reach
-Expensive
-Pinches thick necks
-External speakers underwhelming
-DTS is meaningless
-Some controls hard to reach
Overall
The LG Tone series has been around forever, or at least it seems that way. The idea is great: Bluetooth headphones that are conveniently carried around on your neck and can retracted when not in use. Add some hands-free capabilities for cell phones and it's a great all around product. It seemed half the employees at my past job had one version or another. But are LG trying to be too clever now?
The LG Tone series has been around forever, or at least it seems that way. The idea is great: Bluetooth headphones that are conveniently carried around on your neck and can retracted when not in use. Add some hands-free capabilities for cell phones and it's a great all around product. It seemed half the employees at my past job had one version or another. But are LG trying to be too clever now?
The big feature on the TONE Studio is of course the external speaker array. Not only that but it promises DTS surround sound. Now some headphones can simulate surround sound with only two speakers fairly well. Doing it with two tiny speakers below your ears is nigh impossible. The so-called subwoofer rumble speakers on the underside of the band don't do much either. Though they're supposed to add power and punch to the audio, they're fairly weak and you can't even tell they're there if you wear more than one layer. Not only that, but the main speakers are slightly behind your ears, making everything sound as if coming from the back. Perhaps my thick neck pushed them back farther than average, but it just didn't work for me.
Speaking of thick necks, the band isn't as flexible as past TONE versions. If you're a larger person, it pinches in on the sides. It's not exactly painful, but after a few hours you will notice the pinch and it's not comfortable. The controls on the inner band ( play/pause on the right, voice command/call answer on the left ) also become less convenient to use as well as you have to pull the band away from your neck to access them.
Finally, the DTS support is useless. The speakers themselves, both external and earbuds, are simply not up to the quality that you could hear the difference between high quality DTS and regular stereo sound. Also, you can't get DTS quality audio over Bluetooth signals anyway. It's really just marketing and nothing meaningful in this device.
The good things about the TONE studio are the battery life and convenient micro USB charging so you don't need a special wall charger to lose. The charging port also covered by a hinged flap, not a piece of rubber than can break off by bending it out of the way hundreds of times. The audio quality using the regular earbuds is quite good and you do get three equalizer settings as well. On the phone, most people can't tell you're using a Bluetooth headset, whether using the earbuds or external speakers. The auxiliary 3.5mm input is also a nice feature to use older media players and handheld gaming consoles that don't support Bluetooth audio.
In the end, the price simply doesn't justify the result. You're paying over $200 for an external speaker gimmick. If you want to listen to music without headphones, a normal Bluetooth speaker gets you much better sound quality. If you want to listen with earbuds or headphones, you can get them far better and cheaper.
This only appeals to the small number of people that need external speakers but move around a lot and can't carry a normal Bluetooth brick speaker with them. It may be a nice option for deaf people that can't use normal headphones or earbuds due to hearing aids. For everyone else, a regular TONE for half as much would be the better purchase.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Ensure maximum comfort from this Logitech mouse. The precise ergonomic design ensures you stay comfortable throughout the day even if you're a power user, and the additional side button lets you create a custom setup. Smooth gliding is assured from this Logitech mouse thanks to the low-resistance base that slips over any surface.
Customer Rating
3
Still No Suitable MX Revolution Replacement
on July 5, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Still No Suitable MX Revolution Replacement
Pros
-Flow multi-computer functionality
-Tracks on most surfaces
-Bluetooth and USB connectivity
-Click to free spin scroll wheel
-Buttons configurable for individual applications
-Flow multi-computer functionality
-Tracks on most surfaces
-Bluetooth and USB connectivity
-Click to free spin scroll wheel
-Buttons configurable for individual applications
Cons
-Thumb buttons are too far back and uncomfortable
-No side-scroll on main wheel
-Not all buttons are fully configurable
-Thumb wheel is smooth scroll only and has no click button
-Documentation sorely lacking
-Connecting mouse to multiple computers is not intuitive
-Bluetooth connection seems laggy
-Thumb buttons are too far back and uncomfortable
-No side-scroll on main wheel
-Not all buttons are fully configurable
-Thumb wheel is smooth scroll only and has no click button
-Documentation sorely lacking
-Connecting mouse to multiple computers is not intuitive
-Bluetooth connection seems laggy
Overall
I've used Logitech's older MX Revolution for over ten years. It's my gold standard as far as productivity mice go. Battery life is excellent, it's comfortable for hours on end, and the amount of customizable buttons are fantastic. I've been hoping to find an adequate update and replacement for it, but Logitech seems more interested in shooting themselves in the foot on their MX line. The Performance MX used the same body mold but ditched the thumb wheel and half the thumb controls. Now the MX Master brings back the thumb wheel but in a very different body shape. Sadly neither of these mice stack up to the original.
I've used Logitech's older MX Revolution for over ten years. It's my gold standard as far as productivity mice go. Battery life is excellent, it's comfortable for hours on end, and the amount of customizable buttons are fantastic. I've been hoping to find an adequate update and replacement for it, but Logitech seems more interested in shooting themselves in the foot on their MX line. The Performance MX used the same body mold but ditched the thumb wheel and half the thumb controls. Now the MX Master brings back the thumb wheel but in a very different body shape. Sadly neither of these mice stack up to the original.
The Master isn't uncomfortable to use, but it changes your regular grip a lot. Instead of comfortably and naturally resting your hand on the mouse, the higher and steeper rear slope arches your hand back so your wrist rests on the desk. The thumb controls are poorly placed, especially for those with larger than average hands. The Front and Back buttons are so far back they're under my thumb joint, not the pad. Considering most people use the Back button more than all other thumb controls combined, I can't help but wonder what Logitech was thinking with this arrangement. The Forward button is stacked above the Back button in a wedge formation and is half the size, making it trickier to use than necessary. One more button is on the floor of the thumb rest.
The main scroll wheel is the same Logitech has used for years. It's well-weighted and can shift from click-to-click to free spin mode if you spin it fast enough. In a long document or web page it's great to flick it and let it spin to quickly get to the top or bottom of the page. Unfortunately it does not tilt for horizontal scrolling.
The thumb wheel, the signature feature of the older Revolution, is back, but is now a fully revolving wheel instead of a forward/back tilting toggle. Unfortunately it's in free spin only without any clicking stops. This is great if you want a redundant scroll wheel for documents and web pages. Those of us using it for more specific tasks, like cycling through web browser tabs and Excel worksheets, miss the click stops. Unlike the Revolution, you can't click the scroll wheel as an extra button.
The configuration software is fairly good in that you can program the buttons to different tasks and keystrokes, even having application specific customization. Unfortunately not all the buttons can be customized in every way ( i.e. the thumb wheel can't be used for keystrokes or keyboard shortcuts ).
The big feature with the MX Master is the new Flow functionality that lets you use a single mouse and Logitech keyboard with up to three computers on the same network. It makes the separate computers function more like multiple monitors on a single computer and actually works pretty well. Setting it up isn't easy as the documentation is all but non-existent. The first computer was practically automatic, but the second and third took a lot of experimentation. To connect the mouse over Bluetooth, I first had to connect it over the USB receiver then go through the pairing operation. Repeat three times for three different computers. If you don't want to use flow, you can still switch the mouse between them using a toggle button on the underside. Initial connection to the computer still isn't quick though. The Flow software seems to have high overhead. I often saw lag and jumpy mouse behavior, especially over Bluetooth.
The mouse itself is no more impressive than any number of competing models, most costing less. The Flow features are the main attraction here, and Logitech's own studies show only about 10% of people simultaneously work across two computers anyway. If they'd simply remake the Revolution with a new sensor to work on glass, they'd have an instant hit on their hands. Instead they seem more interested in reinventing the scroll wheel.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Kick your listening experience up to a whole new level with wireless JLab Audio Epic Bluetooth earbuds. The 10-hour battery life lets you enjoy your music all day, and crystal clear radical sound creates a smooth, precise and memorable listening experience. Get the most out of your music, phone calls and audio books with JLab Audio Epic Bluetooth earbuds.
Customer Rating
4
Excellent Sound and Fit, Controls Could Be Better
on June 28, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pros
-Superb sound
-apt-X
-Very adjustable fit
-Great noise isolation
-Waterproof
-Good battery life for small size
-Micro USB charging
-Lightweight and comfortable
-Carrying case
-Superb sound
-apt-X
-Very adjustable fit
-Great noise isolation
-Waterproof
-Good battery life for small size
-Micro USB charging
-Lightweight and comfortable
-Carrying case
Cons
-Controls aren't intuitive
-Noise isolation means losing ambient awareness
-Recharging flap cover looks flimsy
-Controls aren't intuitive
-Noise isolation means losing ambient awareness
-Recharging flap cover looks flimsy
Overall
I usually prefer on-ear headsets to earbuds, but these are pretty fantastic. The eight included tip pairs offer a wide range of fitment options ears of just about any shape. You can even use mismatching tips if your ears aren't quite even. The over-the-ear hooks are stiff but can be bent to contour to your ear. The main housing still sits just inside the inner ear folds, so people with very small ears might have minor fitment issues.
I usually prefer on-ear headsets to earbuds, but these are pretty fantastic. The eight included tip pairs offer a wide range of fitment options ears of just about any shape. You can even use mismatching tips if your ears aren't quite even. The over-the-ear hooks are stiff but can be bent to contour to your ear. The main housing still sits just inside the inner ear folds, so people with very small ears might have minor fitment issues.
Sound quality is excellent. Trebles and mids are crisp and clear. Bass comes in strong if you get a good seal in your ear. Volume range is very respectable, though would be better if it could go a little lower ( not much of an issue if you lower volume on both phone and the earbuds ). It also gives great noise isolation to shutout background noise. The downside of this is that you lose some awareness of your surroundings, like hearing cars behind you if you're running along the street.
The Epic2 only has two real shortcomings: the inline control pod and the flap that covers the charging port. In order to charge the buds, the flap needs to be bent back on itself. This concerns me of how long it goes until the bending wears the rubber out and it tears off. The inline controls offer a lot of functionality, but divvying it up over only three buttons means a somewhat complicated system. Volume up, down, and play/pause are simple single clicks on the right button. Next and previous track are holding the volume buttons for a few seconds. The central button gets overloaded a lot. Powering on requires a 3 second hold. Off is a 5 second hold. Activating phone voice commands is a 2 second hold. Activating paring mode is a 10 second hold. It would've been easier to remember, and faster to actuate, if it had been single and double clicking the buttons.
I'd give it 4.5 stars if the rating here would let me. These are some great sounding earbuds for a good price. They're very adjustable for anyone's ears and waterproof enough to handle sweat and rain ( not the pool ) so you can get pristine music for your workouts. The controls work well once you learn them. Though the package only says Android and iOS for the voice commands, it works with Windows Phone as well. All in all, a very good option for Bluetooth earbuds.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Toss this waterproof LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker in the pool and watch it float. The crisp audio doesn't stop for snow, dirt or ice, and this Bluetooth-enabled speaker can withstand a drop from 1.2m. The battery of this LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker keeps going for 15 hours, and it charges your phone while it's playing.
Customer Rating
3
Huge Speaker, Muffled Sound
on June 24, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pros
-Waterproof
-Floats
-Strong bass
-Bluetooth and 3.5 aux-in
-Big, backlit, tactile buttons
-Watertight compartment underneath
-USB charging for other devices
-Speakerphone
-Massive battery
-Waterproof
-Floats
-Strong bass
-Bluetooth and 3.5 aux-in
-Big, backlit, tactile buttons
-Watertight compartment underneath
-USB charging for other devices
-Speakerphone
-Massive battery
Cons
-Huge size
-Treble and mids lacking
-Storage compartment still slightly small
-Weak USB power output
-Charges via proprietary wall wart, not micro-USB
-Huge size
-Treble and mids lacking
-Storage compartment still slightly small
-Weak USB power output
-Charges via proprietary wall wart, not micro-USB
Overall
The easiest way to see the AQ11 is as a super-sized AQ10. They share the same shape and design features, meaning they share a lot of the same good and bad things. The AQ11 has a tough, waterproof case that floats. It has useful handles at the corners for carrying. It has the same, backlit control buttons for play/pause, volume, next and previous track, and input source. The buttons are large and well textured, making it easy to control by touch alone. The AQ11 also has auxiliary inputs and can charge other USB devices. And like the AQ10, the AQ11 has a watertight compartment underneath. The two even share the same charger.
The easiest way to see the AQ11 is as a super-sized AQ10. They share the same shape and design features, meaning they share a lot of the same good and bad things. The AQ11 has a tough, waterproof case that floats. It has useful handles at the corners for carrying. It has the same, backlit control buttons for play/pause, volume, next and previous track, and input source. The buttons are large and well textured, making it easy to control by touch alone. The AQ11 also has auxiliary inputs and can charge other USB devices. And like the AQ10, the AQ11 has a watertight compartment underneath. The two even share the same charger.
However, it also shares a lot of the downsides of the AQ10. The charger is proprietary, not a micro USB or anything else you likely already have and can share between devices. The USB charging output is also weak at only 2.5W so some phones and tablets won't be able to charge off it. The sound quality is also mediocre, likely due to the waterproofing.
However, being nearly twice as big, the AQ11 has a few things unique to itself. The AQ10 was small enough to be clipped to a backpack, something you wouldn't want to do with the AQ11. Being larger, the AQ11 has much bigger drivers, giving it a stronger bass presence than the smaller AQ10. Unfortunately this change also drowns out the highs and mids, leading to an overall less crisp sound than the AQ10. Had the AQ11 used its size to house one of the larger drivers in the middle of the grill and used the two smaller ones from the AQ10 on the sides, the sound profile would be quite good.
The larger casing also facilitates a larger watertight storage compartment on the underside. However it still feels a little too small to be useful yet. While at least this time you can fit a phone, it still lacks enough space to be really functional. While the AQ11 is at least big enough to hold a modern phone, it's not big enough to hold that phone and have it plugged in to either the charging USB jack or the 3.5mm aux jack ( though you can do so with some older, smaller phones or media players ). A short audio cable with angled connectors on both sides could conceivably work, and it's disappointing Lifeproof didn't include one in the box. At least the aux jack is not right on the edge of the compartment so you can use normal sized plugs in it instead of slimline only like the AQ10 ). Also a plus is a small central divot in the watertight compartment that affords some extra storage room for keys or other small, thicker items.
Overall, I find the AQ11 a worse buy than the AQ10 due to its higher price. The sound quality is just disappointing from a speaker over $200. Unless you absolutely need the larger storage compartment and louder volume, the AQ10 seems the better value. It's more portable, cheaper, and doesn't have worse sound. For the price of the AQ11, you can get a Bose Revolve. The Revolve is only water resistant, not outright waterproof of course, but it's has much clearer audio, is more portable, and can still handle some water splashing.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Improve your audio experience with this Samsung three-channel soundbar. This unit, which has a built-in subwoofer, channels high-resolution full-spectrum sound and eliminates the need for an extra bass speaker. Use 4K pass-through to connect your Blu-ray player or other UHD device to the Samsung three-channel soundbar for stunning multi-channel audio and a clear picture.
Customer Rating
3
Good sound, but is it worth it?
on June 22, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pros
-Clear sound
-Multiple sound modes
-Lots of inputs and connectivity
-Good volume with fine adjustaments
-Comes with wall mount hardware
-Clear sound
-Multiple sound modes
-Lots of inputs and connectivity
-Good volume with fine adjustaments
-Comes with wall mount hardware
Cons
-Expensive
-Doesn't function as a receiver
-Bass still somewhat lacking
-Disappointing surround effect
-Audio quality not very adjustable
-Remote programming didn't work ( for me )
-Expensive
-Doesn't function as a receiver
-Bass still somewhat lacking
-Disappointing surround effect
-Audio quality not very adjustable
-Remote programming didn't work ( for me )
Overall
the sound quality of the speaker is quite good. Very clear and crisp and the different sound modes help tune it to your tastes and the media you're watching. The bar itself has lots of connectivity options including HDMI in and out, fiber optic, Bluetooth, and even Wi-Fi for expanding it with rear surround speakers. As a bonus, the bar comes with wall mounting hardware for those getting a soundbar specifically because they don't have a stand or shelves for bigger satellite speakers.I especially like the volume control as the volume increments are small and you can fine tune it to the exact level you want.
the sound quality of the speaker is quite good. Very clear and crisp and the different sound modes help tune it to your tastes and the media you're watching. The bar itself has lots of connectivity options including HDMI in and out, fiber optic, Bluetooth, and even Wi-Fi for expanding it with rear surround speakers. As a bonus, the bar comes with wall mounting hardware for those getting a soundbar specifically because they don't have a stand or shelves for bigger satellite speakers.I especially like the volume control as the volume increments are small and you can fine tune it to the exact level you want.
The downside is you don't get the same fine tuning capabilities in adjusting the sound tone and curve. You don't get an equalizer or anything like that. The sound modes are static. Apart from basic treble and bass levels ( which awkwardly aren't even in the same menu ) all you get are audio sync delay controls. This is okay for most folks, but not for people who want to fine tune their sound system.
The bar is also supposed to allow third party TV remotes to control its volume so you don't have to fiddle with another remote. However it didn't give me that option ( even when following the instruction booklet ). If you already have a programmable/universal remote, this won't be a problem for you. The virtualized surround sound is also fairly disappointing
The biggest problem here is the lack of a dedicated sub-woofer. The soundbar claims to have one built-in, and overall bass level is okay, but size really matters in bass drivers and lacking a separate sub means you don't quite get that punch.
Soundbars are great for people who want better audio than integrated TV speakers, but don't have the money or space for larger satellites and surround setups. Expensive, premium soundbars however don't make a lot of sense, or are at best a niche product. You can get very good soundbars, even with separate subs, for $250 or less. Spending twice as much here isn't getting you double the sound quality or twice the functionality.
If the soundbar had two or three HDMI inputs instead of only one, then it could act as a receiver by letting you hook your satellite/cable box, game console, and Blu-ray player all to your TV. However as is, you either need to juggle inputs on both it and your TV every time you switch devices, or it needs to be hooked to a receiver. And if you've already got a receiver, why spend $450 on a soundbar alone? For that money you can get a center speaker, two floor speakers, and a sub-woofer to al power off your receiver, and which will give you better and stronger sound than this bar can do.
In total, the value simply isn't there. It's a quality product, no doubt about that, and the sound is quite good for what it is. But you can get the same sound or less money with cheaper sound bars, and much better sound for the same money if you get dedicated speakers.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Keep your floors spotless with this Samsung POWERbot Slim robot vacuum. Its sensors and mapping system automatically adapt to the pattern of floors in the home and effectively avoid obstacles. This Alexa-compatible Samsung POWERbot Slim robot vacuum provides maximum cleaning coverage including edges and corners thanks to its sophisticated edge-cleaning technology.
Customer Rating
4
Convenient daily cleaning at the cost of utility
on June 14, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pros
-Quiet for a vacuum
-Decent suction and cleaning
-Fairly robust pathfinding
-Spot cleaning function
-Mobile app gives good control
-Easy to empty
-Quiet for a vacuum
-Decent suction and cleaning
-Fairly robust pathfinding
-Spot cleaning function
-Mobile app gives good control
-Easy to empty
Cons
-Expensive
-Slow total clean time
Pathfinding can get stumped by irregular furniture.
-Doesn't clean as well as stand vacuum
-Box doesn't come with area boundary tags
-2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only ( for those that only have 5 GHz bands in their homes )
-Expensive
-Slow total clean time
Pathfinding can get stumped by irregular furniture.
-Doesn't clean as well as stand vacuum
-Box doesn't come with area boundary tags
-2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only ( for those that only have 5 GHz bands in their homes )
Overall
The obvious answer first is no, this won't replace a regular upright vacuum. This can only clean floors, not stairs, not furniture, and not the dust from shelves and ceiling fans. What it will do is keep a few rooms in your home clean of regular dust and dirt buildup. You can assign whatever schedule for it that works for you through the mobile application ( Android and iOS only ). Those that are concerned about their home network security, using the mobile app does require you to create a Samsung Smart Home account and to link the POWERbot to your wireless network ( 2.4 GHz only it seems ). The app also gives you useful info such at current status, battery life, and any maintenance warnings.
The obvious answer first is no, this won't replace a regular upright vacuum. This can only clean floors, not stairs, not furniture, and not the dust from shelves and ceiling fans. What it will do is keep a few rooms in your home clean of regular dust and dirt buildup. You can assign whatever schedule for it that works for you through the mobile application ( Android and iOS only ). Those that are concerned about their home network security, using the mobile app does require you to create a Samsung Smart Home account and to link the POWERbot to your wireless network ( 2.4 GHz only it seems ). The app also gives you useful info such at current status, battery life, and any maintenance warnings.
The built-in sensors and pathfinding algorithms are fairly good and the POWERbot doesn't get stuck very often. It uses a camera to track its motion by watching the ceiling to keep from getting lost and to find its way back to the charging station. Some irregular furniture may throw it for a loop if they have lots of contact points with the ground, but it eventually makes its way free. Regular tables and chairs aren't a problem.
However it's not always the most efficient in terms of movement. It's not uncommon for the pathfinding to take multiple passes over one area only before finally making one pass over a missed spot. It's also not the most exact when navigating around table legs or small niche corners, leaving a couple small swaths uncleaned. The bigger problem with it going over the same spots multiple times is wasted battery. This means it runs out of power before the whole room is clean and must return to the charge station before being able to complete it. This means the battery will have to be replaced more often than it would need to be otherwise during the life of the vacuum.
I wish it had a feature that I could program in the dimensions of the actual room it was in to give it a rough outline of where to clean and where not to bother. You do get a remote that you can use to manually direct it, but when the whole point of a product is that it's autonomous, it's not a great workaround. The manual also mentions boundary tags that allow you to mark off areas ( so the vacuum doesn't fall down stairs or drive into a fireplace ) but they're not included in the box.
The docking/charging station is somewhat problematic. It asks to be placed on a hard, flat, level surface with at least 18 inches open area on each side. For most homes, that's likely in the kitchen where the vacuum would be underfoot most the time. The power cord also has a brick which can't be hidden in the dock, so it must sit along the baseboard creating another small obstacle for the POWERbot to clean around. You can put the dock on carpet, but as most carpet dips at the edge of the wall due to it being tucked down on the tackstrip, you'll receive repeated notices in the mobile app that the dock needs to be leveled out.
In the end, robot vacuums trade utility for convenience. It can't clean everything and it's not strong enough to clean out big messes, stamped in dirt, or caked on food. It does have a spot clean feature to handle light spill areas without trying to vacuum the whole room. But it general it can keep your carpet and hard surfaces clean from the day to day accumulation of dirt and dust pretty well, and quietly ( about as noisy as a dishwasher, far quieter than a regular standup vac ). I can run mine while my son naps upstairs without it waking him up. It's up to you if that convenience is worth the $400 price tag. It's a luxury item, no doubt about it, but at least one that offers a measurable service.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
I would recommend this to a friend!
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ALLY is a Whole Home Wi-Fi System that delivers smart, safe, secure Wi-Fi controlled from your phone. The ALLY mobile app is equipped with advanced parental controls, including an online activity log, and alerts that can be sent when someone attempts to access a blocked site. ALLY also comes with built-in AVG security to protect your network devices from malware and harmful websites
Customer Rating
5
Great for Network Neophytes and Power Users
on May 26, 2017
Posted by: Jaron
from Utah
Pros
-Full-featured for network customization
-Doesn't require mobile app or 3rd-party account to set up
-Allows parental controls by user, device, and time
-Integrated anti-virus
-Good Coverage
-Good Speed
-Full-featured for network customization
-Doesn't require mobile app or 3rd-party account to set up
-Allows parental controls by user, device, and time
-Integrated anti-virus
-Good Coverage
-Good Speed
Cons
-No dedicated backhaul channel cuts extender's bandwidth
-Mobile app setup doesn't support wireless passwords over 15 characters
-Mobile app required for some advanced features ( users and anti-virus )
-Base unit only has 3 switched ports
-Extender has only one port
-No dedicated backhaul channel cuts extender's bandwidth
-Mobile app setup doesn't support wireless passwords over 15 characters
-Mobile app required for some advanced features ( users and anti-virus )
-Base unit only has 3 switched ports
-Extender has only one port
Overall
Among the slew of whole-home, out-of-the-box network solutions available today, the ALLY is the most balanced I've seen in terms of newbie friendly setup and advanced controls for the network experts. The ALLY is pretty much idiot-proof to setup. The router has a network cable already plugged into the uplink port in the box, with the cable labeled "Plug into modem." Both power adapters also have large labels stating whether they go to the router or extender and the extender is programmed out of the box to automatically connect with the router.
Among the slew of whole-home, out-of-the-box network solutions available today, the ALLY is the most balanced I've seen in terms of newbie friendly setup and advanced controls for the network experts. The ALLY is pretty much idiot-proof to setup. The router has a network cable already plugged into the uplink port in the box, with the cable labeled "Plug into modem." Both power adapters also have large labels stating whether they go to the router or extender and the extender is programmed out of the box to automatically connect with the router.
Using the mobile app ( iOS and Android only ) takes you through the whole process to setup and configure the router. However, you can't use a password longer than 15 characters for the wireless networks when doing so. And unlike other systems, the mobile app doesn't hide advanced settings from you. Those that aren't available from the app itself can be reached over the regular web page access ( the app has a link to open the web page ).
For the networking experts, you can still set the system up manually by plugging a PC into the router and going from there. You can still access a setup wizard, or go full manual mode. Unlike the app setup, the web access supports passwords longer than 15 characters. However, you will need the mobile app for a few settings ( namely adding additional users and enabling the AVG anti-virus ).
The ALLY does lack a few things competitors offer. The base router only has three wired ports instead of the four you get with many other routers. The extender only has one wired port. If you've got network enabled home theater components like a smart TX, game console, or satellite box, you won't be able to wire them all to the extender without an additional switch. The ALLY also doesn't have a dedicated backhaul communication channel, meaning maximum wireless bandwidth through the extender is half what it is through the main router.
Overall, this is a great system. The ALLY doesn't limit its user base by only working in basic or advanced modes. It offers great parental controls limiting websites and network access to individual users, devices, and/or times in the day. Coverage is fantastic for even fairly large, multi-level homes. The lack of dedicated backhaul is practically unnoticeable in regular use as the remaining bandwidth is still greater than most people's ISP.
My Best Buy number: 0952623333
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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.
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5This 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.
Jaron
Utah
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.
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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 5
3 out of 5Great 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.
This is a great mouse held back by sub-par software.
Jaron
Utah
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
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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.
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 ).
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.
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 ).
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
(123)
Rocketfish™ - 50' Cat-6 Network Cable - Multi
(84)13 years, 5 months ago
by
Jaron