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    8
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    101
  • First review
    January 13, 2011
  • Last review
    May 17, 2016
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    4.5
 
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Sf49er's Reviews
 
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.
 
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  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great bang for the buck!
on May 17, 2016
Posted by: Sf49er
I've been very pleasantly surprised by this tablet so far. Is it the best tablet out there? Certainly not, but I've been quite surprised by how much quality you do get at this price point. This is a great tablet to grab for those looking for a 10inch screen at a budget price point.
Screen display is quite nice. It's not the highest of resolutions but it does have very good vibrancy of colors to it. While not the sharpest display because of the resolution, I did feel it was a really good looking, appealing display. I found pictures to pop quite nice on it. I tried some videos on it via Netflix and they displayed at a very acceptable level too, nothing looked washed out, I didn't notice any obvious artifacting or distortions.
I would say the weakest point would be the sound, it does come thru tiny but it's not the first tablet to have tiny sound and it's not going to be the last either. If watching movies, it is loud enuf to hear in a quiet room but you will want headphones or a Bluetooth speaker in a louder environment. As with any of the negatives I came across with this tablet, I felt the concession was understandable given the fact that it's a 10 inch tablet at such a low price point.
The tablet itself feels great in the hands, not heavy at all but the build quality does suffer some. It will flex if you try to flex it, that in turn will distort that screen. It's frankly an action I can't understand why someone would be doing in the course of normal operation but it is a consideration when thinking about use for kids. It's not going to be tremendously durable.
From a processor standpoint, it felt more then serviceable. Menu navigation, general swiping all happened without much noticeable lag at all. Browsing felt perfectly normal, I didn't encounter noticeable keyboard lag. The processor felt perfectly capable as a productivity/browsing/media consumption device. Snapping between apps didn't feel slow. In general I was concerned with the 1gb of ram but in general use, I didn't feel I hit a bottleneck where performance was being impacted. As a grain of salt sort of thing, I didn't try to load up the device with a ton of widgets either. In my experience with budget android devices, widgets will always slow down a device to some degree. You won't be able to play high end games on it. I tried riptide 2 and it played at a decent enuf level but in trying modern combat 5, it became unplayable at times. It will game, but only to a certain extent.
Connectivity wise everything is there as well, headphone jack, I did connect an external keyboard and game controller to it just fine via Bluetooth. With the memory card slot, 32gb of internal memory wasn't much of a limitation. Was able to throw in a 64gb card just fine. I tried the miracast function and it was flawless as well, lag was there but I've never used a miracast device that didn't lag some. This device casted the display to the tv just fine with minimal lag. I didn't feel any crippled wifi performance either. I do have excellent wifi coverage so it was hard to test wifi as I'm covered thru the house. I guess from a media consumption standpoint, the wifi on the tablet was good enuf to get Netflix to hd mode within 10-20 seconds or so and didn't hit buffering issues once it was going.
It does come with some Acer branded software and while I didn't try to delete it, I did see options to deactivate it. In general, it was file viewers, some cloud support, a gestures app for screen shots, another app to split screen multitask. It does come with a system resource monitor app as well and while I didn't try to tweak it, on its default settings, I did get low system memory notifications. That said, performance never felt impacted and when I'd go check the resources, it was hovering about 50-60% usage.
From a battery standpoint, I was also surprised in a good way with it. It didn't drain much in idle mode overnight which is always a plus. I imagine going widget and background notification crazy would have affected this though. On full brightness, I didn't notice an outrageous drain as well streaming video like Netflix. I don't know what it's rated for but I did feel like battery was definite positive. It didn't feel like something that would be dead in a few hours. In average use, you would definitely get a day on it. As for cameras, it has them. About all I can say on tablet cameras. You're just not going to get good cameras on tablets.
As you can tell, I was a big fan of the device. I didn't think you could get this much bang for your buck. That genuinely surprised me. Was it a premium experience on par with a iPad Pro? Of course not but budget tablets definitely have a market in most households and to get one with a screen this size at that price point, I.m.o. it definitely deserved the 5 stars I gave it. I felt the tablet wows you more then it makes you feel' like you are on a budget tablet and I consider that a high complement. I would have never have figured that price point after putting it thru the paces. Outside of high end gaming or extreme photo/video editing, anyone in my opinion could find value from this device.
My Best Buy number: 0301422969
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Samsung 7000 Series 8.1-Channel Curved Soundbar with 7" Wireless Active Subwoofer: Complement your 55" or 65" 2015 Samsung Curved 4K Ultra HD TV with thunderous bass and room-enveloping virtual surround sound. Music also sounds spectacular over 8-channel soundbar and subwoofer, and with Wi-Fi connectivity, they can be a stellar addition to your synchronized multiroom audio experience.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Decent Solution, a few quirks
on May 17, 2016
Posted by: Sf49er
from scottsdale, az
Paired this with a curved Samsung set, so from the start, visually/aesthetically it feels at home as it slides into place just fine. From a sound standpoint, it's a 3-4 out 5 star device. It most definitely improves on the audio from the tv but it does lack some of the punch you would hope for from something at this price point. It doesn't feel encompassing, you aren't going to get a surround sound experience that you're have with distinct speaker setup. You're not getting 7.1 channels of true sound. What you get is a sound bar with easy enuf physical setup that'll improve the audio of the tv speakers and will give you decent punch with the subwoofer, don't expect IMAX audio. One quirk I have had, even post software update, it doesn't always remember the sound setting I want it to stick to, I.e, movie mode instead of standard.
From a setup standpoint, the device was easy enuf to physically install. For me, a single hdmi to the tv, subwoofer was preprogrammed for the sound bar already. Software wise, getting it to wirelessly connect took some trial and error. You have to use an app to do it and I didn't think it was very straight forward. You do want to get it connected, there are some software updates for it. The app has by in large been a hot mess. It tries to integrate music services much like a sonos does but with each app update, some of the services get fixed, others get broken. It's a very poorly rated app if you look it up.
A lot of negatives here, I know, but I like to point those out so people can judge. By in large, as a sound bar, I'm glad with the choice I made. It's integration into my Samsung tv was what I wanted as I was leaving a audio receiver setup for the simplicity of this route. The audio is pretty good but it's not that encompassing nature I had hoped for. Sound bars can only sound so good compared to distinct speaker setup with a audio receiver but in that trade off for simplicity, I'm okay sacrificing higher end sound.
My Best Buy number: 0301422969
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Samsung UBD-K8500 4K Ultra HD Smart Blu-ray Player: This HDR-compatible, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player offers 4x the resolution of a standard Blu-ray player. The built-in UHD upscaling technology enhances the picture quality from standard Blu-ray discs and DVDs, and built-in Wi-Fi allows you to stream 4K movies and shows from your favorite services.Learn more about 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray ›
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Speedy, great 4K access
on May 17, 2016
Posted by: Sf49er
from scottsdale, az
This is a great 'do it all' conduit to 4K content for those with 4K setups that lack smart apps. My personal tv had smart app access so personally I prefer that route over using the player but if I didn't, I would definitely go this route for 4K access. You get the 4K content providers like Netflix, YouTube and Amazon and then of course get uhd disc capabilities.
I've pleasantly surprised at the speed of the interface, especially when loading uhd discs. I was replacing an older generation blu ray player and that older device absolutely chugged thru disc load ups. This feels quite fast. Your mileage on the quality of the pic is obviously going to vary depending on if your set is HDR capable. There is a small difference in vibrancy from blu Ray to 4K but adding the bells and whistles of a HDR setup really gives you a picture that pops. Also keep in mind, the overwhelming amount of uhd discs out there were movies that were not even recorded in 4K so just about all of us are watching up scaled movies anyway.
My Best Buy number: 0301422969
I would recommend this to a friend!
+12points
22of 32voted this as helpful.
 
August HomeKit Bluetooth Deadbolt Retrofit Smart Lock: Transform your smartphone into a key for your door using this smart lock, which works with the downloadable August app. Create time-sensitive virtual keys for your most trusted guests, and track usage from wherever you are.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Rock Solid device
on May 17, 2016
Posted by: Sf49er
from scottsdale, az
I bought three of these and all of them are working just great. Install is a breeze, it takes longer to update the firmware(10 minutes) then it does to actually do the physical install. If you have a door that takes some force normally to lock, I.e., you have to bang the door with a forearm to push the lock into place, then you may need to do some adjusting with your normal lock install so that the August lock will be able to lock it as well. But this isn't a failure of the lock, the regular lock wasn't installed right to begin with.
I've also got this synced to my Logitech harmony remote which is also working like a charm. As for HomeKit, it failed once on me in 2-3 weeks of use so that's pretty positive in my opinion. Otherwise, it's been great just saying Siri commands to lock/unlock individual locks or the whole group of them. I'm glad I waited for that HomeKit version. I've also synced it to my nest thermostats and cameras. Within the August app, I'll get a small video clip of who came thru whatever door. I also have the app setup to send me notifications when any door is accessed which I personally like. I was able to appropriately adjust what features other users got from the locks as well, something that was key to me.
As for words of advice, just do some pre-research thru the August website to make sure the lock is compatible. Also, don't over tighten the mounting plate August gives you, you'll have a tough time mounting the device onto the plate and it may affect the ease of the device being able to spin that lock. From a HomeKit standpoint, you want to setup other users in house on their own August account and share access that way. From there, you can within your iOS settings, share the HomeKit capabilities. It's the only way to do HomeKit for multiple users as HomeKit is device based so again, you want to share that HomeKit capacity, not register each user for HomeKit thru the August app.
My Best Buy number: 0301422969
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
4of 6voted this as helpful.
 
August Smart Keypad: With this smart keypad, you can be sure that regular visitors can enter your home with ease. Use the August app on your Apple® iOS or Android smartphone to program unique keyless entry codes and monitor frequent visitors.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
No Complaints, delivers what it advertises
on May 17, 2016
Posted by: Sf49er
from scottsdale, az
Added one of these to one of my HomeKit locks, so far working like a charm. Haven't had anything out of the ordinary to crop up, setup and install was quick and a breeze.
As for features, it's been great assigning a different code to each family member, app does a great job helping you set that up and keep track of whose opened/locked the door with it. Temp codes work like a dream as well.
One of my favorite features is using the one button lock when leaving to walk the dog. It has delivered everything it advertised.
My Best Buy number: 0301422969
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Operate the smart lock in your home remotely with help from this adapter, which wirelessly pairs your Bluetooth-enabled August smart lock (sold separately) to you Wi-Fi network. Download the August app to remotely control the lock and monitor usage from your smartphone or tablet.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
3 out of 5
3
Great 'WHEN' it works...
on May 17, 2016
Posted by: Sf49er
from scottsdale, az
I added three of these to 3 HomeKit versions of the lock. Also grabbed a pin pad for one of the doors. All the other devices have been working great but these August Connects can be wildly inconsistent. I have two of them that are plugged no more then 5-7 feet away yet will alternate losing connectivity at least once a day. I do doubt it's my wifi network as nothing else exhibits inconsistent behavior on the network.
Setup was also troublesome as for each of the three connect's, setup didn't connect properly initially and required a hard reset of the system to get going.
As far as when, it's working, I.e., when it's connected, it's worked everytime as advertised. There is in fact a delay to initiate a wifi lock/unlock but wasn't to a 'deal breaker' level for me personally, especially when considering what it is having to do(wifi to Bluetooth crossover).
If you can keep it connected, it's a great device to have to complement the lock. For me, that's been a big 'if'. My recommendation, try it for a week, but save that receipt.
My Best Buy number: 0301422969
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
7of 10voted this as helpful.
 
Beats Powerbeats2 : These workout headphones are crafted to keep up with your active routine. The no-slip design of the call answer button ensures phone calls won't be missed, and music can be easily cycled through.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Beats finally starting to care about substance!
on July 1, 2014
Posted by: Sf49er
from scottsdale, az
How Often Used:3-5 times a week
I think by now most logical people know that Beats has typically been a style over substance at a premium price company. Their last few devices starting with the Pill XL to the Studio Wireless to the Solo 2 and now the Powerbeats2 have significantly changed that approach with a much better emphasis on substance now. I have these 4 devices and could not be more pleased with them, I am glad to add the powerbeats2 to the collection.
At 200$ they are on the highest end of the sports Bluetooth spectrum but you do in fact get quite a rich and balanced sound for it with about as secure and light fit as I've seen in the category. I have frequently tried whatever this category offers up and have aggressively tried to replace my jaybird bluebud x's for which I personally struggle with to get a secure fit that stays once I get moving around at the gym. Sets like these are very fit dependent to operate well and fits are very subjective to each individual. For me, I didn't get the noise isolation of the bluebuds but then I didn't have to fiddle constantly to maintain the fit while at the gym like I do with the bluebuds as well. The Powerbeats2 sounded louder, fuller, more balanced while the bluebuds had much more emphasis at the lower frequencies. Both sound great though and have no other equal in this category. The audio differences while not negligible, are not day and night either. I thought more than the others, the powerbeats2 had a decent sound even when not securely fitted, sealed unlike my experience with the blueant pump hd.
I miss the complete seal, noise isolation I could get with the bluebud x's fitted with comply tips, but then the more balanced, fuller sound of the powerbeat2 while having a fit I am not constantly fiddling with have these as my Bluetooth exercise set to beat....Everyone will have different experiences with these sets as it's all about the fit. I have had better fits but I've never had a fit to where I don't have to fiddle with it again and again and I've never had a fit to where even if not completely sealed, the set still sounds very decent. The Powerbeats2 addressed these issues for me and after working with the bendable earhooks a bit, my seal has gotten much better as well. In time I will explore if I can get comply tips for these(the bluebud x ones are too big) and I believe it'll then become my perfect set.
My Best Buy number: 301422969
What's great about it: Sound quality, maintaining proper fit...
What's not so great: noise isolation
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5 out of 5
5
Comfort
5 out of 5
5
Durability
5 out of 5
5
+50points
64of 78voted this as helpful.
 
Learn moreabout Magnolia PremiumInstallation   These noise-isolating earbud headphones feature a magnetic FluxTube for natural audio reproduction. The Duraflex protective cable jacket provides maximum tangle resistance and durability.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
solid bang for my buck
on January 13, 2011
Posted by: Sf49er
from scottsdale, az
Type of Listener:Avid listener
Most Important to Purchase:Sound quality
How Often Used:3-5 times a week
was looking for a good backup earbuds that i could exercise with but not give up too much audio quality, i needed a beat-em-up pair of earbuds.
the shure 530's which i own give the best audio quality i have ever heard but the price of them preclude them from risking use during excercise and the fitting procedure wouldn't allow them to stay on for more then 10 seconds anyway.
i also own the sennheiser cx 680's which after my research into them, had concluded they would be the best audio quality i could get for pure sports performance. They stayed in just fine under some harsh conditions but the audio hit was still a little more then i wanted to give up. whenever i reached for them or happened to have them on me in non sports environments, it was just no fun to listen thru them.
I realized i was going to have to compromise on sports fit a bit and while these turbine pearl's don't quite have that fantastic fit of the cx 680's, it's ability to give such a quality sound while having the sports option with the clip on over the ear attachments made it a win-win for me. if i have the patience at the time and have access to my shure 530's, i'de be a fool not to use them. but now if I dont have access to them or want something i can pop in a bit quicker I no longer feel i am conceding as much as I used to on the audio quality front.
I've kind of found my audio nirvana, I've found a pair that I am not sacraficing as much as you'de think from not wearing the 530's and yet I have something I can easily alter for a quick bike ride. Best yet, If I stop on a bike ride and decide to pop out the tunes a bit as I relax, I have a great pair of earphones to listen to.
All this said, be prepared to spend a good evening deciding on which of the quite extensive selection of earbud attachments provided is your ideal fit. I went back and forth for a bit and settled on one but I feel it was time well spent. They sound fantastic now.
Flaws : the controltalk module is a tad bit too close to the ear for my comfort to reach up to when trying to adjust volume or skipping tracks. Also, the wires are a little on the short side if wanting to set your mp3 player on a treadmill interface(i.e., if you don't have it attached to yourself when exercising, the wire is probably going to be too short). I guess finally, not really a fan of the right angle connector. The last one is more of a silly beef i have with that setup.
What's great about it: very close to high end sound for a much more reasonable price, a multitude of fitting options
What's not so great: control talk module too close to the ear, wire feels shorter
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
4of 8voted this as helpful.
 
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