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MrPHD
MrPHD's stats
- Review count111
- Helpfulness votes155
- First reviewMarch 8, 2012
- Last reviewMay 10, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.4
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- Helpfulness votes0
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- Answer count32
- Helpfulness votes32
- First answerMarch 27, 2014
- Last answerOctober 27, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers4
Listen to your favorite music or enjoy streaming video with this set of Insignia computer speakers. An integrated headphone jack lets you enjoy stereo sound without disturbing others, and the universal design works with desktops and laptops. With simple power and volume controls, these Insignia computer speakers offer effortless operation.
Customer Rating
5
USB powered
on August 16, 2018
Posted by: MrPHD
from Los Angeles, CA
Verified Purchase:Yes
These little guys are actually loud, and I also appreciate that you do not require a heavy annoying power brick. Sure you'll lose a USB port to power it, but losing a USB is better than losing a plug, or having wire an extra power plug on your desk.
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+6points
9of 12voted this as helpful.
Get ready to be amazed with this HP business laptop. It starts with an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM and handles almost any task you throw at it, and a DVD writer makes it easy to produce backups. An NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics card lets you use extra screens with this HP business laptop.
Customer Rating
5
Touch Screens should be standard
on August 16, 2018
Posted by: MrPHD
from Los Angeles, CA
Verified Purchase:Yes
16GB RAM, 1TB hard drive, 17.3" Touch screen? All the specs for a great computer. Touch screens make working on computers much easier. Very sturdy and so far great performance.
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Expand computer storage capacity with this Samsung EVO hard drive. Its solid-state architecture ensures fast startup times, and the 500GB provides plenty of space for photos, documents and music. This Samsung EVO hard drive has a read speed of up to 550MB/sec. and 520MB/sec. write for fast access to files and rapid data transfers. Speeds are consistent, even under heavy workloads and multi-tasking allowing for a faster file transfer. Benefit from faster, more fluid communication with your host system. The Samsung 860 EVO is specially designed to enhance performance of mainstream PCs and laptops.
Customer Rating
5
PS3/PS4/Computer boost
on August 16, 2018
Posted by: MrPHD
from Los Angeles, CA
Verified Purchase:Yes
SSD's are much much faster than any regular hard drive. They will boost your PS3, your PS4, even your older computer. It's pretty much like having a new system when you replace your HD with an SSD. 500GB is a great size for just about any system.
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep your iPhone 7 or iPhone 8 in good condition with this LifeProof Fre case. Its screen cover is barely noticeable for discreet protection against scratches, while its slim body prevents impact damage without adding bulk. This LifeProof Fre case is highly resistant to moisture, so you can use it in the rain or snow.
Customer Rating
5
LifeProof is a must
on August 16, 2018
Posted by: MrPHD
from Los Angeles, CA
Verified Purchase:Yes
LifeProof cases *are* the best cases to provide complete protection for Iphones. I've purchased them since having Iphone4s, and my phones have never been outside of a LifeProof case and are always in perfect condition.
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Explore, create or just enjoy favorite shows with this HP Pavilion all-in-one computer. The 23.8-inch 1920 x 1080 edge-to-edge touch display provides crystal-clear HD resolution, while the AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics card delivers a smooth multimedia experience. This HP Pavilion all-in-one computer lets you switch between tasks seamlessly thanks to 8GB of SDRAM , and the 1TB SATA hard drive provides ample storage for photos, movies and games.
Posted by: MrPHD
from Los Angeles, CA
There’s a bit to say about this AIO, let’s start with some of the positives.
1) Webcam privacy switch. There is a little plastic slider that blocks and unblocks the webcam. No more worrying about putting tape to cover it in case your webcam gets hacked, it’s simply built into the computer. All manufacturers should do this!
2) Two HDMI’s. There is an HDMI IN, which is great for small rooms/dorms so you can plug a video game system / receiver. Then there is an HDMI OUT in case you want to connect a 2nd monitor onto it.
3) MIRACAST!! If you happen to have a Samsung TV (no more than 3 years old), you likely have the option to screen mirror. With the AIO, you can wirelessly duplicate your screen (or expand your screen) to any TV that does screen mirroring or by using the Microsoft Display Adapter. Just built into the system, and I immediately wirelessly connected it to my TV to try out some of Windows built in games.
4) Bang & Olufsen built-in speakers. B&O are good quality speakers, and this one is also good, for a built in speaker system. Could be louder, but when you Miracast it to your TV, the sound comes out of that audio system anyways.
5) Semi-portable! Since it is just the monitor and power brick, you can easily pick up the computer and set it aside. Try doing that with a regular desktop, it’s not going to be so simple!
Now for the downsides:
1) Shipped with Windows 10 build 1703, which is behind and requires about an hour of applying updates. I recommend you do that immediately!
1) Shipped with Windows 10 build 1703, which is behind and requires about an hour of applying updates. I recommend you do that immediately!
2) 1 TB hard drive with around 860GB useable. This is *plenty* of space, but I’m all about the SSD’s and will soon swap out the drive for a 500GB SSD. Really, an AIO should be sold standard with an SSD to improve performance and keep the weight down.
3) USB ports, you lose one for the wireless keyboard and mouse. This is also one of those things that should be built into the system!
4) The power button is the worst. It’s slightly hard to find (lower left hand corner) and it is not visible, you just kind of have to feel for it. You also have to wait a few seconds to find out if you actually pressed the button, because the way it is built it you *think* you’ve pressed it but you haven’t pressed it hard enough! Luckily, there are plastic little stickers (that were bent upon shipment) that will show you where the power button is, but it was really a poor design. It should be on top, or on the side, any spot that is visible!
As for the computer itself, after updating Windows to the current 1803 build with all the updates, the touchscreen works pretty well (unlike another HP AIO touchscreen’s I’ve purchased in the past) and works as a great desktop replacement anywhere.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
4of 5voted this as helpful.
Get more out of your home theater setup with this Sonos Beam compact smart soundbar. A 5-speaker with five amplifier setup delivers rich, big sound to your room, while the single-cable connection allows for fast, easy setup. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control, this Sonos Beam compact smart soundbar lets you control the volume and power with the just sound of your voice.
Posted by: MrPHD
from Los Angeles, CA
I had a Samsung soundbar that I purchased along with my Samsung TV, I thought it was pretty good, and have been happy with it for years. One of the issues I had was that it wasn’t so easy to connect anything via Bluetooth to it. It has the capability, but not so user friendly, and forget about having guests connect to it.
Then the Sonos Beam came along! I could not believe how amazing music streamed from my phone(Airplay) and Blu-Ray (PS4) movies sound on it. It was so good that I'm actually slightly upset I’ve been listening to everything wrong the past few years.
For reference, my Samsung soundbar tops out at volume 30, which is pretty loud. On the Sonos Beam, the equivalent is about 50, and the Sonos goes way past 75, which is ridiculously loud and I have no need to go louder for the room it is in.
The setup was a little trickier than it needed to be, partially because in redoing the setup, my TV’s ARC was somehow disabled after being plugged into the Sonos. Of course, I had no idea it became a TV problem, so trying to factory reset the Sonos proved to be a bit of a challenge, and ultimately unnecessary. This most likely was specific to my setup, but I did find it odd that after working fine on the Sonos Beam, and fine again back on my Samsung soundbar (for sound comparison), that plugging in the HDMI ARC back into the Sonos somehow froze the ARC (requiring a TV factory reset). I only bring this up in case, like me, you’ve set everything else up correctly but there is still no sound.
Speaking of HDMI ARC, your TV will require one to use this. Most new TV's do, but some older TV's do not. However, if your TV has an optical out, you can use the included optical to HDMI converter included with the Sonos Beam.
My Sonos Beam sits on the entertainment center now (as opposed to my mounted original soundbar), and I’m good with it there, especially since I now have easy access to the buttons on top (whereas my original was blocked by the TV).
Connecting to the Sonos Beam is simple: you just need to be on the same network and download the Sonos app. Multiple people can connect to it and adjust the volume, even with the ability to stop whatever song is playing, and play their own songs from their phones.
Speaking of the Sonos App – I will say that it needs to improve. You can play your playlists through the app, but then you cannot control the volume if you have your phone locked and just want to raise/lower volume. I’ve also found that the Sonos App also randomly decides to move onto the next song, even if the playing song has not finished! It’s almost as if there is a time limit per song, but this seems to only happen after a few hours of music stream - it is not immediate. I’ve gone around this by simply using AirPlay to connect and using my Iphone’s native player (or Pandora). This also solves the issue of not having to unlock your phone to adjust the volume within the Sonos App.
Calibration: you can calibrate the Sonos by using the app and waving it up and down the room, which it a little tedious and it will warn you if you are moving too fast or not going high or low enough. You look rather silly doing it – if someone walked in on you while performing the calibration – they would say you look like a priest blessing the living room. The calibration is well worth it, everything sounds great after it.
As for as Alexa goes, I did not set it up, as I was really just looking for a better soundbar, which the Sonos Beam is. Alexa is also the biggest downside (for me) – as the device is always powered on so it can listen to everything you say, waiting for you to say “Alexa.” I’ve found myself unplugging the power cord when I leave or go to sleep.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Maximize your broadcast viewing enjoyment with this flat-panel ANTOP outdoor HDTV antenna. It captures UHF and VHF signals within its powerful 65-mile reception range, and its durable exterior resists moisture and UV damage. Install this ANTOP outdoor HDTV antenna on a wall or pole via its mounting bracket, or place it indoors with the included stand.
Posted by: MrPHD
from Los Angeles, CA
I’ve had a pretty good multi-directional indoor powered antenna I picked up at RadioShack(remember those?) over a decade ago, after trying out many indoor antennas. It worked so well I purchased a couple more to give out as gifts as I have family members who, like me, watch Over-The-Air TV. My main issue with it was the size and the different buttons used to change the internal direction of the antenna, as well as bunny ears to adjust for certain channels. It worked well until I moved locations, and then I found myself constantly adjusting it to clear up the signal when switching between certain local channels in Los Angeles. Once again, I started looking for more indoor antennas. Several flat indoor antennas did not work well in my area, so back to my 10 year old antenna.
Enter the Antop indoor/outdoor antenna, which after having for a few weeks, I am finally able to retire my powered antenna. Not only does the Antop not require any power to function(always a bonus freeing up a plug and using less electricity), it picked up far more channels than my previous one could (over 185 vs 100), and I did not even have to angle it to do so (depending on your location, you should probably angle it). According to the enclosed material, the Antop filters out 3G/4G wireless noise, which could also explain why it works so well being in the same spot as my previous one, less interference!
I had originally planned to hang it outside, but now that I have all this space freed up by my previous antenna, the Antop simply sits on top of my entertainment center, almost blending in with my white wall. I will eventually hang it outside if I need more space, but it works so well indoors, there isn’t a urgent need to do so. I should also point out, this antenna is rather large, and even has its own stand. I don’t mind the size, but I would imagine most people would not want something this large inside their home.
The Antop comes with a long enough coax cable to attach outside as well brackets to mount on a pole. If you’re a cord-cutter and like to watch local / national broadcast channels in clear HD, and Antop Antenna is well worth getting and mounting outside.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+15points
15of 15voted this as helpful.
Boost computer performance with this Samsung EVO series solid-state drive. Its maximum read and write speeds of 550MB/s and 520MB/s let you speed through data transfers, and the 250GB of storage space leaves room for plenty of files. This Samsung EVO series solid-state drive is compatible with a number of SATA configurations for flexible use.
Customer Rating
5
Best Upgrade for your older computer
on June 6, 2018
Posted by: MrPHD
from Pasadena
Verified Purchase:Yes
Samsung SSD EVO's are really great, and using them to replace old SATA drives (not IDE) really give your computer a new life. Instead of buying a new computer, start with a Samsung SSD.
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Safeguard your computers and more with this CyberPower LE850G 850VA battery back-up system, which features surge protection to quickly divert power spikes. Line Interactive topology regulates fluctuations without switching to battery power.
Posted by: MrPHD
from Pasadena
Verified Purchase:Yes
Great price for the amount of outlets and the size.
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0of 0voted this as helpful.
NETGEAR AC1200 Mesh WiFi Range Extender boosts your existing WiFi by increasing your range and speed. It compatible with any standard WiFi router to deliver AC1200 dual band WiFi with up to 1200 Mbps. Includes Mesh features Smart Roaming and one WiFi name. Easily connect all your smart home devices to one network, no new WiFi names and passwords needed. Move from room-to-room while streaming video on your mobile device without any interruptions. A Gigabit Ethernet port provides WiFi connectivity to a wired device like Blu-ray players, game consoles, smart TVs or streaming players over your existing WiFi network. Just plug it into any outlet and experience the difference.
Customer Rating
5
Eliminate Wi-fi dead spots
on November 28, 2017
Posted by: MrPHD
from Pasadena
Verified Purchase:Yes
Great range extender, easy to install, easy to use.
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Secure yourself, a loved one or valuables with this smart, versatile Samsung SmartThings tracker. Its geo-fencing feature triggers smart home automations or alerts you when a pet or person who has it leaves or enters your designated zone. Double-press the button of this IP68-rated Samsung SmartThings tracker to notify authorized persons of your current location.
So I am in need of a gps tracker for my husband who has dementia. I want something user friendly for the technically challenged. Something I can put on his key chain that would notify me if he leaves the home,
This should work for you, the initial "setup" is the most difficult in which you have to setup the "Home" zone, and it will alert you (via the app) that the device has left the zone. You will want to charge the device every few days.
5 years ago
by
MrPHD
Secure yourself, a loved one or valuables with this smart, versatile Samsung SmartThings tracker. Its geo-fencing feature triggers smart home automations or alerts you when a pet or person who has it leaves or enters your designated zone. Double-press the button of this IP68-rated Samsung SmartThings tracker to notify authorized persons of your current location.
Is there a monthly service fee?
1 year of LTE service included, after the first 12 months service price is $5 a month or $50 per year.
5 years ago
by
MrPHD
Secure yourself, a loved one or valuables with this smart, versatile Samsung SmartThings tracker. Its geo-fencing feature triggers smart home automations or alerts you when a pet or person who has it leaves or enters your designated zone. Double-press the button of this IP68-rated Samsung SmartThings tracker to notify authorized persons of your current location.
What’s the range
No real "range" - it's GPS based.
5 years ago
by
MrPHD
Secure yourself, a loved one or valuables with this smart, versatile Samsung SmartThings tracker. Its geo-fencing feature triggers smart home automations or alerts you when a pet or person who has it leaves or enters your designated zone. Double-press the button of this IP68-rated Samsung SmartThings tracker to notify authorized persons of your current location.
Two quick questions. Is the lanyard long enough to fit around a man's neck? He won't remember to put it on but if I could put it around his neck he won't leave without it. Is it water proof. Can he shower in it?
The included lanyard is NOT long enough to fit around a neck of any size person or animal. You would want to just buy a separate lanyard that would be big enough.
The device is listed with an IP68 rating, and this is what that means according to Samsung: "Devices backed by an international standard rating of IP68 are deemed fit enough to withstand dust, dirt and sand, and are resistant to submersion up to a maximum depth of 1.5m underwater for up to thirty minutes."
That tells me it should be okay to use it in the shower.
The device is listed with an IP68 rating, and this is what that means according to Samsung: "Devices backed by an international standard rating of IP68 are deemed fit enough to withstand dust, dirt and sand, and are resistant to submersion up to a maximum depth of 1.5m underwater for up to thirty minutes."
That tells me it should be okay to use it in the shower.
5 years ago
by
MrPHD
Listen to your favorite music or enjoy streaming video with this set of Insignia computer speakers. An integrated headphone jack lets you enjoy stereo sound without disturbing others, and the universal design works with desktops and laptops. With simple power and volume controls, these Insignia computer speakers offer effortless operation.
Listen to your favorite music or enjoy streaming video with this set of Insignia computer speakers. An integrated headphone jack lets you enjoy stereo sound without disturbing others, and the universal design works with desktops and laptops. With simple power and volume controls, these Insignia computer speakers offer effortless operation.
Does this include a cord to connect the speakers to a monitor? Like an audio jack?
Yes, it comes with audio jack to connect to computer. If your monitor has built in speakers and an audio jack, you can connect them to it.
5 years, 9 months ago
by
MrPHD
Listen to your favorite music or enjoy streaming video with this set of Insignia computer speakers. An integrated headphone jack lets you enjoy stereo sound without disturbing others, and the universal design works with desktops and laptops. With simple power and volume controls, these Insignia computer speakers offer effortless operation.
Get more out of your home theater setup with this Sonos Beam compact smart soundbar. A 5-speaker with five amplifier setup delivers rich, big sound to your room, while the single-cable connection allows for fast, easy setup. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control, this Sonos Beam compact smart soundbar lets you control the volume and power with the just sound of your voice.
Will this device pair well with the vizio m50-e1? Not sure if my tv has the necessary ports for this device.
Yes, that particular TV has an HDMI ARC point - use that.
5 years, 9 months ago
by
MrPHD
Get more out of your home theater setup with this Sonos Beam compact smart soundbar. A 5-speaker with five amplifier setup delivers rich, big sound to your room, while the single-cable connection allows for fast, easy setup. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control, this Sonos Beam compact smart soundbar lets you control the volume and power with the just sound of your voice.
I have the Samsung ONE CONNECT box. Optical to electrical converter per say. What port of the SAMSUNG ONE Connect do i hook up to the Sonos Beam? What are the available ports of the Sonos Beam?
You can only connect to the beam with an HDMI cable. It does come with an optical to HDMI converter for older TV's/receivers.
5 years, 9 months ago
by
MrPHD
Get more out of your home theater setup with this Sonos Beam compact smart soundbar. A 5-speaker with five amplifier setup delivers rich, big sound to your room, while the single-cable connection allows for fast, easy setup. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control, this Sonos Beam compact smart soundbar lets you control the volume and power with the just sound of your voice.
I have a 2008 Samsung without a Arc hdmi. What is the best way to use the beam for both streaming amazon music and tv audio without any receiver/amp.
The Sonos Beam comes with an optical to HDMI converter. Assuming your TV does have optical, you can simply use that. Music streaming you connect via your phone (Android/Iphone) using the amp, and it sounds great.
5 years, 9 months ago
by
MrPHD