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MrPHD
MrPHD's stats
- Review count110
- Helpfulness votes155
- First reviewMarch 8, 2012
- Last reviewApril 7, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.4
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- Answer count32
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- First answerMarch 27, 2014
- Last answerOctober 27, 2021
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- Best answers4
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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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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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
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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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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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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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With a 250GB capacity, this Samsung 850 EVO MZ-75E250B internal Serial ATA hard drive provides plenty of space for your digital media. TurboWrite technology delivers rapid read and write speeds for efficient performance.
Customer Rating
5
Samsung SSD - affordable computer refresh
on November 28, 2017
Posted by: MrPHD
from Pasadena
Verified Purchase:Yes
Replacing your hard drive with this SSD is like getting a new computer. Highly recommend!
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
My Best Buy number: 3306464118
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Set your imagination free on the most powerful Surface Laptop, designed to light up the best of Windows 11. Boundary-pushing design lets you flex your creative muscle on the sleek 14.4“⁴ touchscreen, making seamless transitions from laptop to entertainment-ready stage to portable creative canvas, complete with built-in storage and charging for Surface Slim Pen 2* under the keyboard. Enjoy smooth gameplay, and draw, sketch and take notes like you would on paper on the bright, vibrant 120Hz display. Run intensive applications and get things done anywhere with all-day battery life, and get inspired with graphics power that exceeds your expectations. Elevate your entertainment with Quad Omnisonic speakers, featuring large bass and immersive Dolby Atmos. Stay in the flow, be inspired and get closer to what you love.
Is the keyboard included
The Studio is 1 device that doesn't not separate like the Surface Pro. So you'll always have the keyboard, and when you put it in tablet mode, the screen sits on top of the keyboard.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
MrPHD
Set your imagination free on the most powerful Surface Laptop, designed to light up the best of Windows 11. Boundary-pushing design lets you flex your creative muscle on the sleek 14.4“⁴ touchscreen, making seamless transitions from laptop to entertainment-ready stage to portable creative canvas, complete with built-in storage and charging for Surface Slim Pen 2* under the keyboard. Enjoy smooth gameplay, and draw, sketch and take notes like you would on paper on the bright, vibrant 120Hz display. Run intensive applications and get things done anywhere with all-day battery life, and get inspired with graphics power that exceeds your expectations. Elevate your entertainment with Quad Omnisonic speakers, featuring large bass and immersive Dolby Atmos. Stay in the flow, be inspired and get closer to what you love.
What is the GPU TDP? Also, is this the 3050 or the 3050ti? On the Microsoft website, they list it as a 3050ti.
3050ti, most laptops will be ti versions.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
MrPHD
Set your imagination free on the most powerful Surface Laptop, designed to light up the best of Windows 11. Boundary-pushing design lets you flex your creative muscle on the sleek 14.4“⁴ touchscreen, making seamless transitions from laptop to entertainment-ready stage to portable creative canvas, complete with built-in storage and charging for Surface Slim Pen 2* under the keyboard. Enjoy smooth gameplay, and draw, sketch and take notes like you would on paper on the bright, vibrant 120Hz display. Run intensive applications and get things done anywhere with all-day battery life, and get inspired with graphics power that exceeds your expectations. Elevate your entertainment with Quad Omnisonic speakers, featuring large bass and immersive Dolby Atmos. Stay in the flow, be inspired and get closer to what you love.
Pretend money wasn’t an option. I’m not buying for gaming. But plan to use a lot. Would you recommend surface laptop Studio 16gb i7 512 or surface pro 8 same specs? Thanks
I don't think those 2 really compare - it really depends on your usage. If money is not an issue and *weight* is not an issue, Studio hands down. If weight *is* an issue, then SP8 because you can then use in tablet mode without the extra weight of Studio's base.
I myself wouldn't get a Surface Pro anymore though, just because you eventually have to replace that keyboard, and I don't mind the weight - so Surface Studio all the way.
I myself wouldn't get a Surface Pro anymore though, just because you eventually have to replace that keyboard, and I don't mind the weight - so Surface Studio all the way.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
MrPHD
Offering gamers a massive update featuring upgraded performance, comfort and styling, the Turtle Beach® Stealth™ 700 Gen 2 is the successor to the best-selling premium wireless gaming headset designed for PS5™, PS4™ & PS4™ Pro. The Stealth™ 700 Gen 2 wireless gaming headset features a host of updates including upgraded performance, comfort and styling. An updated flip-to-mute mic enhances chat clarity and seamlessly conceals into the housing when muted. New Aerofit™ cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions and a re-designed metal-reinforced headband provides long-lasting durability and comfort. Refined internal acoustics house our 50mm Nanoclear™ speakers for ultra-realistic sound imaging and are optimized to unleash the power of Sony 3D Audio on PS5™. Plus, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 is equipped with Superhuman Hearing® sound setting, proven to give gamers a competitive advantage so you can live 20% longer and win more. Battery life has also been upgraded significantly in the Stealth™ 700 Gen 2, featuring a 20-hour life, at a much lower price than the competition. Enjoy Bluetooth® connectivity to simultaneously listen to music or take mobile calls, without any disruptions to gaming, and easily customize your audio and program the remappable dial and button on the headset using the Turtle Beach Audio Hub app. And of course, connectivity is made easy utilizing a new wireless mini-USB Transmitter that wirelessly connects your PlayStation® to the headset.
Will this headset also work with PC and Mac? I'm looking for a do it all headset. (PS4/PS5, PC, Mac, IOS)
Yes, via Bluetooth.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
MrPHD
Offering gamers a massive update featuring upgraded performance, comfort and styling, the Turtle Beach® Stealth™ 700 Gen 2 is the successor to the best-selling premium wireless gaming headset designed for PS5™, PS4™ & PS4™ Pro. The Stealth™ 700 Gen 2 wireless gaming headset features a host of updates including upgraded performance, comfort and styling. An updated flip-to-mute mic enhances chat clarity and seamlessly conceals into the housing when muted. New Aerofit™ cooling gel-infused memory foam ear cushions and a re-designed metal-reinforced headband provides long-lasting durability and comfort. Refined internal acoustics house our 50mm Nanoclear™ speakers for ultra-realistic sound imaging and are optimized to unleash the power of Sony 3D Audio on PS5™. Plus, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 is equipped with Superhuman Hearing® sound setting, proven to give gamers a competitive advantage so you can live 20% longer and win more. Battery life has also been upgraded significantly in the Stealth™ 700 Gen 2, featuring a 20-hour life, at a much lower price than the competition. Enjoy Bluetooth® connectivity to simultaneously listen to music or take mobile calls, without any disruptions to gaming, and easily customize your audio and program the remappable dial and button on the headset using the Turtle Beach Audio Hub app. And of course, connectivity is made easy utilizing a new wireless mini-USB Transmitter that wirelessly connects your PlayStation® to the headset.
Will this version and the Xbox version work with a PC? Will it be via Bluetooth or USB? Will mic monitoring work while connected to PC and iPad through Bluetooth? Been looking for a wireless headset with mic monitoring that works on PC, Switch, and iPad!
It’s fully Bluetooth capable without the dongle - the dongle is only for PS4. I have it pairs with ipad/pc as well, for both audio / voice.
3 years, 7 months ago
by
MrPHD
Get a new take on security, with the latest indoor 1080p FHD Wi-Fi security camera. Small and lightweight in design, this camera gives users the flexibility of multiple placement options along with a simple set-up and installation process. See more and know more with an ultra-wide 135° diagonal field of view and night vision capabilities. Pan and tilt to cover larger areas so you don’t miss out on the most important details. Be aware when you’re not there with person detection technology, which will notify you when a person is detected.
Is this camera good for streaming/ use with Zoom? It says "Security" camera but I do not want a security camera. I want a camera that can work with Zoom and stream live with remote control app over wifi.
No, that will not work.
3 years, 8 months ago
by
MrPHD
Protect and boost the functionality of your 7th, 8th, and 9th Gen iPad with this graphite Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case. The precision trackpad allows for easy navigation, while the well-spaced backlit keys ensure effortless typing, even in dark environments. This Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case has a smooth texture for easy handling, and the adjustable kickstand provides comfortable viewing angles.
How do I sync the Logitech track Keyboard to the iPad?
You don’t, it attaches to the Ipad with the magnetic connector.
3 years, 10 months ago
by
MrPHD
Immerse yourself in music with these SkullCandy Indy True wireless in-ear earbuds. The state-of-the-art acoustic components offer incredible sound quality, and the noise-isolating ear tips offer comfortable all-day use. With up to 16 hours of battery life, these SkullCandy Indy True wireless in-ear earbuds pack enough power for several commutes or gym sessions.
Are they water resistance?
My left earbud fell off my ear while washing dishes, and it took a little water dip, and still continued working and still works.
4 years, 9 months ago
by
MrPHD
Immerse yourself in music with these SkullCandy Indy True wireless in-ear earbuds. The state-of-the-art acoustic components offer incredible sound quality, and the noise-isolating ear tips offer comfortable all-day use. With up to 16 hours of battery life, these SkullCandy Indy True wireless in-ear earbuds pack enough power for several commutes or gym sessions.
Does an iPhone display a separate battery % for each earbud and a third one for the case?
No, you will only see the charge amount of which ever you have on. So if it's one earbud, that one. 2 earbuds? The combo of them. The case has it's own indicator.
4 years, 9 months ago
by
MrPHD
Work or play on the go with this Dell G5 15 notebook. The 15.6-inch FHD display delivers a clear crisp picture, while the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti graphics card supports most modern games. This Dell G5 15 notebook has a 256GB SSD and 1TB hard drive for ample storage and quick file access, and the Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM offer quick multitasking.
Hi, I bought this laptop. I don't know how to activate windows 10 included. Thanks
Hi, I also noticed Windows 10 was not activated - if you haven't already - press the windows key and search for "Activation" and it will bring up "Activation Settings."
In there, you can then activate the computer and it only takes a few seconds. Make sure you're connected to the internet.
In there, you can then activate the computer and it only takes a few seconds. Make sure you're connected to the internet.
4 years, 9 months ago
by
MrPHD