Wraith's stats
- Review count186
- Helpfulness votes1,925
- First reviewAugust 18, 2014
- Last reviewMay 14, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentSeptember 25, 2016
- Last review commentSeptember 25, 2016
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count27
- Helpfulness votes26
- First answerAugust 18, 2014
- Last answerDecember 13, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers3
Your household is busy streaming media, working online, and playing games every day. This Linksys Wi-Fi Router will expand your network coverage, send signals directly to your devices, and deliver a lag-free connection, even when you’re all online at the same time.
Customer Rating
5
BEAST of a Router!
on May 23, 2016
Posted by: Wraith
Last year I switched my cable provider and my previously very good wi-fi coverage in my home was knee-capped by my new (and supposedly awesome) Verizon FiOS modem/router. I have no idea what my house is made of but for some reason, the brand new Verizon 'Blade' can't seem to push a signal through it even though my Time-Warner 'ugly old box' could push my signal to my next-door neighbors. Getting tired of this I bought a range extender which made things better (or at least usable), but I've grown tired of that set up as well. Enter the new Linksys EA9500.
For those with short attention spans and want me to just get to the point, it is this... this thing is a BEAST (and it kind of looks like one too). Not only have I destroyed any wi-fi dead spots in my home, I've done so for pretty much 100' radius around my home! If you want awesome wi-fi coverage in your home, look no further because this is it.
There are two things that you should know when purchasing this router:
1. Be prepared for people to comment on its looks. I've heard everything from 'Is that a spaceship?' to 'Holy heck (not the word they used) what IS that thing?'. I will admit that it is a rather intimidating piece of hardware but all those beautiful antennas that make it look so scary are also what make this thing so awesome. The fact that you can play with the configuration of the antennas to maximize coverage will have you tweaking your setup for the first few days but really, it was a beast with them all just sticking straight up.
2. Use the smartphone app when setting this thing up. I tried to set this up using just my computer and I banged my head into my desk for about half an hour before giving up and trying the app. Really Linksys should make this the preferred set-up. For some reason when I was first setting up the device it was wanting to do a firmware update check (good) but for some reason every time I clicked on the link on the set-up page on my desktop, I would go back to the initial set-up screen and it would tell me I need to do a firmware update (bad). Once I loaded the app on my iPhone, I was done setting this thing up in less than five minutes. Seriously, just use the app.
1. Be prepared for people to comment on its looks. I've heard everything from 'Is that a spaceship?' to 'Holy heck (not the word they used) what IS that thing?'. I will admit that it is a rather intimidating piece of hardware but all those beautiful antennas that make it look so scary are also what make this thing so awesome. The fact that you can play with the configuration of the antennas to maximize coverage will have you tweaking your setup for the first few days but really, it was a beast with them all just sticking straight up.
2. Use the smartphone app when setting this thing up. I tried to set this up using just my computer and I banged my head into my desk for about half an hour before giving up and trying the app. Really Linksys should make this the preferred set-up. For some reason when I was first setting up the device it was wanting to do a firmware update check (good) but for some reason every time I clicked on the link on the set-up page on my desktop, I would go back to the initial set-up screen and it would tell me I need to do a firmware update (bad). Once I loaded the app on my iPhone, I was done setting this thing up in less than five minutes. Seriously, just use the app.
I could go on gushing about this router but soon it would get unseemly and people would begin to wonder if I were truly in love with this thing. I'll be honest, I don't care. The antennas are sexy. Go out and get your own sexy beast of a router!
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy a compact tablet that fits neatly in your pocket with this Acer Iconia One 8-inch tablet. It includes a quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM that deliver powerful processing to play all your games and apps, and the 16GB of flash memory ensure this Acer Iconia One 8-inch tablet and store your files.
Customer Rating
4
Great Tablet For Work
on May 21, 2016
Posted by: Wraith
I had an iPad Mini originally for work but I always felt that I wasn't getting enough bang for the buck. I just wasn't using it enough to justify the price of the Mini.
The Acer Iconia One though is a perfect blend of power and price. It has everything that I need for use at work (for taking notes in meetings, email, quick look ups of info, and for pulling up documents to show others). While not pocketable (unless you have very big pockets), I really like that I can hold it completely in my hand (and I have just normal size hands) and type very steadily on the device. It tucks away in my briefcase easily and has a very good sized screen for what I need.
While I have a lot of Apple gear/programs and work on Windows systems at work, I find that the Android system has enough programs in its stable to cover me with very little workarounds. The Acer does come with a little too much bloatware (cruddy programs that you will never use) but it is pretty easy to disable them and get them off your screen. Hey, at least you CAN get rid of them, unlike Apple's baked-in programs on the iPads!
All-in-all, I'm very pleased with this tablet and see myself using it for a long time. Good choice!
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Prevent dead zones around your home with the help of this Linksys Wi-Fi range extender. It works with all types of Wi-Fi routers, and it uses multi-user MIMO for speed and efficiency. This Linksys Wi-Fi range extender can be used to create a different access point or to extend the field of the router’s connection.
Customer Rating
5
A BEAST of a Router!
on May 18, 2016
Posted by: Wraith
I recently moved into a new house and I don't know what my walls are made of but my modem/router from Verizon just was not cutting it in the wireless department any longer. I had even received the newest Verizon 'Blade' modem/router and it could not seem to push a signal to the other side of my house, let alone upstairs. I purchased an extender and this seemed to make everything at least 'usable'.
So now I set up the Linksys Max-Stream and all those issues went away. I'm not sure I should even stand next to this thing because it has to be blasting out wi-fi like no-ones business. I was able to unplug the extender and still get great signal throughout the house. Heck, my wife noticed that her iPhone held on to the signal for quite a ways when we were driving out of our neighborhood!
That being said there are a few things of which you should be aware:
1. Expect people to comment about your router. I've heard everything from 'What the heck is that!?' to 'Is that a spaceship?'. It is a very large device and has eight blade antennas so it does look intimidating (but I'm sure that is why it is such a beast at pushing out wi-fi).
2. Use the phone/tablet app for setting up the router. I banged my head on the desk a few times before trying this and it gave me quite the headache! When first setting up the device it said that it needed a firmware update and for me to click on a link to update it. This only threw me back to the main control page and caused it to tell me again that it needed a firmware update before it could connect. Wasn't sure if it was a wireless thing or not so I even did a hardwire via a LAN cable and still no luck. I downloaded the app and within a minute of creating a Linksys account I had the router up and running at full steam. Really, Lynksys should really just make this the default installation method. Anyone who is setting up a beast of a machine like this is probably going to have a smartphone/tablet or easy access to one.
1. Expect people to comment about your router. I've heard everything from 'What the heck is that!?' to 'Is that a spaceship?'. It is a very large device and has eight blade antennas so it does look intimidating (but I'm sure that is why it is such a beast at pushing out wi-fi).
2. Use the phone/tablet app for setting up the router. I banged my head on the desk a few times before trying this and it gave me quite the headache! When first setting up the device it said that it needed a firmware update and for me to click on a link to update it. This only threw me back to the main control page and caused it to tell me again that it needed a firmware update before it could connect. Wasn't sure if it was a wireless thing or not so I even did a hardwire via a LAN cable and still no luck. I downloaded the app and within a minute of creating a Linksys account I had the router up and running at full steam. Really, Lynksys should really just make this the default installation method. Anyone who is setting up a beast of a machine like this is probably going to have a smartphone/tablet or easy access to one.
I am thoroughly impressed with this thing. I had hoped for it to just make my relatively weak but usable system a bit better but it made my wi-fi better than before when I was happy with my signal. Now I'm really happy!
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This Fujifilm 16432853/16385995 zoom lens features image stabilization for taking sharp handheld shots without a tripod. The inner focus mechanism delivers rapid autofocus speeds and silent operation.
Customer Rating
5
A perfect travel lens for the XT-1 (or any Fuji)
on August 18, 2014
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
I had been making due with the 18-55 kit lens that came with my Fuji XT-1 simply because it is easily one of the best kit lenses out there, but was always wishing for a few more mm at the far end of the range. My previous walk-around lens was the Canon 24-105L and this new weather sealed 18-135 beats that L-series lens on everything except on the fixed aperture.
This lens balances nicely on my XT-1 (though that may be because I have the add on grip for it but it would do well even without it), is weather sealed, and takes great photos. The quality of the shots are just as good as my Canon L series lens, all in a package that sturdy, small, and relatively light.
I can't wait for my next excursion to really put this lens through its paces, but so far it has been a winner.
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
What's great about it: Versatility
What's not so great: Price
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Durability
5
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With a 63.4° angle of view, this Fujifilm XF 16405575 lens enables you to capture a wide area using your Fujifilm X-Trans-sensor-equipped digital camera. Seven rounded diaphragm blades help you achieve smooth bokeh for creative shooting.
Customer Rating
5
Razor sharp and built like a tank!
on August 18, 2014
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
The Fujinon XF 23mm is simply a fine piece of photographic glass. I switched to the XT-1 because I couldn't travel with all of my Canon gear and L lenses any more; it was all too heavy and obtrusive. While the Canon L lenses are top notch, I actually have to give the edge to the XF series in general and the XF 23mm in particular. It is sharp, can give you great bokeh and built extremely well but not too bulky. My only two gripes are that it is a pretty pricy lens (not as bad as a comparable L lens, but it's up there) and it's not weather sealed. Other than this, you can't ask for a better street photo lens.
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
What's great about it: Beautiful photos.
What's not so great: Wish it were weather sealed.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Durability
5
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Learn more about Magnolia Premium Installation These Sennheiser HD650 stereo headphones provide balanced and transparent sound for audio with minimal distortion. The headphones feature an over-the-ear design with an innovative elliptical shape adapted to the shape of ears.
Customer Rating
5
A Phenomenal Set of Cans!
on August 18, 2014
Posted by: Wraith
from Rochester Hills, MI
How Often Used:3-5 times a week
These headphones are simply some of the best headphones you can buy and are a great value. You could pay a lot more for a 10% bump in performance and you could pay a lot less for a huge drop in performance. I consider these to be at the sweet spot for price/performance.
A lot of reviews have said that the HD650s are 'dark' but if they are properly powered with a good external amp, they sound absolutely beautiful. Beware though, they are open headphones and will leak sound, so these are not a walk around town headphone. These are best used with a nice rig at home and to sit back and just become one with the music.
The cable it a tad bulky and stiff but there are a lot of after-market cables that you can buy that tweak the sound a little and boost the ergonomics a lot.
Love these headphones!
My Best Buy number: 0215184540
What's great about it: Awesome sound!
What's not so great: Bulky cable.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
Comfort
5
Durability
5
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Wraith's Review Comments
Make driving routines more enjoyable with this OverDryve car system. Its voice assistant capabilities let you read and send text messages by command and also play music in your car without taking your hands off the wheel. The built-in dash cam of this OverDryve car system lets you record trips and capture every moment on the road.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5No-Brainer If You Want A Great All-In-One System
By Wraith
I wondered about creating a GPS system nowadays with so many people having their smartphones with their own GPS functionality or with most cars coming with some kind of infotainment system, but after using the OverDryve 7 for the last two weeks, I think it is a great system and is a no-brainer for anyone looking to add GPS functionality to their car.
First off, my favorite thing about this device is the mounting bracket. I kid you not. One of the things I always hated about car GPS systems was having to lock it in place and reconnect the power and such. In the process of doing that I would invariably mess with my carefully set up positioning and would have to do it all over again. The Overdryve has an awesome bracket that you keep set up in your car and plugged in to everything and the Overdryve unit itself links via magnets and the connections are made through little contacts on the back. Easy-peasy. On top of that, the basestation also has an additional GPS antenna to improve location accuracy. Now I have rarely had problems with previous GPS devices and but the additional antenna could probably help when you are in the 'canyons' of the city, though I haven't gone downtown to try it yet.
The GPS system is great. While my car has one built in, it acts a bit too much like my mother and won't let me input anything if I am not at a complete stop. My wife can't even do it from the passenger seat because if we are moving at all it completely locks out the GPS controls. I understand why, but it would be nice for some kind of override. With the Overdryve, we don't have to worry about that. She just plucks the device from the mount, types in the destination and clicks it back into place. The guidance voice is kind of grating but so is my wife yelling directions at me from her phone!
I played around with the handsfree and entertainment applications and they are fine, but my car handles that pretty seamlessly, so I don't think I will be using that function of the Overdryve. The voice commands are much more responsive than those for my car system so I will give it that. The other thing I don't have to worry about is the backup camera or tire pressure monitor, because my car already has that, but if your car doesn't, this is a really cool feature. While each of those systems is an add-on, they are both only about $150 each and I guarantee I paid more for that functionality from the auto maker.
As for the Overdryve also being an Android tablet, and can be used off the mount like any other tablet, it is true that it can do so, but it is a little bulky for that and it is an Android tablet with all that entails. Sorry, I have an iPad and I can't really see myself ever using this as just a regular tablet, but perhaps if you forgot yours and you have a fussy kid in the back and want to send it to the back seat to quiet them down, this could be a lifesaver.
Now for my few quibbles with the device. I had a little trouble syncing it to my phone for the first few tries but after I did a phone restart I didn't have a problem and it had maintained the sync no problem, so it could have been my phone and not the Overdryve. My only other problem is the name. Seriously, Overdryve?! I realize that Overdrive was probably taken but I kind of feel like some hipster should be on TV telling me how 'swaggy' this thing is. Every time I have had to type Overdryve into this review, I have had to roll my eyes and they are getting tired.
In summary, if you want a great functioning GPS system, and that is all, this is a phenomenal GPS and it costs about the same as other 7-inch GPS systems. If you need the functionality of an infotainment system, and want the ability to add safety features like a back-up camera and tire pressure monitoring, this is a no-brainer because you get all of that for the price of a basic 7" GPS. On top of all that, you get a fully functional Android tablet! I really can't see why anyone would buy any other standalone car GPS system now that this is out. Even if you don't need the other functions, they are nice to have and Rand McNally has created the best GPS device I have ever used, for the same price as other systems. Seriously, this is the unit to get.
Wraith
Rochester Hills, MI
Dash Cam!
September 25, 2016
I totally forgot about the dash cam function of this. Yet another feature that makes this a no-brainer. I have not had much experience with dash cams but this one works well. Now let's just hope I don't end up on one of those dash cam compilation videos on YouTube!
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Wraith's Questions
Wraith has not submitted any questions.
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.
Will these head phones need to be connected tot he phone to use the noise cancelling function or can they operate as noise cancelling headphones whithout having to be connected to anything?
They DO NOT need to be connected to a phone for the noise cancelling feature to work. You can just have them on to give yourself some peace and quiet.
6 years, 6 months ago
by
Wraith
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.
Really wanna buy these headphones, but does the ANC from these (Sony) create an undesirable pressure to the eardrums? Tried the Bose, they hurt my ears after a while...
NO! I'm with you on that. I have always wanted a pair of NC headphones but couldn't stand that pressure after more than 30 minutes. I have listened to these for almost six hours straight and no pressure. It is fabulous!
6 years, 6 months ago
by
Wraith
Create gorgeous hairstyles quickly with this high-velocity Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. The rapid air flow and a temperature gauge that monitors the heat level 20 times per second ensure efficient drying without overheating tresses. The motor of this Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is in the handle for better balance and reduced arm fatigue during use.
Hello does the Supetsonic blow dryer sold at Best Buy come with the leather case?
No, that is only for the dryers bought directly from Dyson. I know, stinks. I'm attaching a photo of what is in the box.
7 years, 5 months ago
by
Wraith
Orbi Whole Home WiFi System delivers up to 3.0Gbps high-performance WiFi. Sleek, modern design with high-gain internal antennas for up to 5,000 square feet of coverage. FastLane3 Technology creates a dedicated Tri-Band WiFi for seamless 4K streaming and gaming everywhere in your home. Keep a single WiFi name for uninterrupted connections as you move from room-to-room. Circle Smart Parental Controls runs on Orbi Routers for a smart way for families to manage content and time online, on any connected device. Provide internet access to guests without sharing your personal network password. Orbi is ready right out of the box and compatible with your ISP. Just use the Orbi app to get started with better WiFi, everywhere in minutes.
I have a 1400 sq ft home and an RV parked on the side. My current Router plus an add on won't do it for the RV. Will this cover the home and the RV?
I have a 3200 sq ft home that has walls like a fort and I can get a great signal from all throughout the house and my entire yard (which is admittedly not in proportion with the house). If you put the main base station in your home and the satellite system in the RV, the system will tell you if you have a good signal (which you should), and then you will be bathed in glorious wi-fi.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
Wraith
Only at Best BuyTote entertainment options with you via this HP Spectre x360 laptop. The 13.3-inch touch screen lets you navigate tablet-style for casual app gaming, and a flip-and-fold design lets you set this computer on a table to enjoy streamed entertainment while multitasking. This HP Spectre x360 laptop weighs just over 3 lbs. for easy portability.
Finally! so glad i seen this before i bought!!! when can i get it? i've asked everywhere.
I have seen it in every Best Buy store I have been in to over that last two weeks (four in total), so check your Best Buy, it is probably there.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
Wraith
Only at Best BuyChoose this HP Spectre 13 notebook for its crisp 1080p display and 13.3-inch screen. It comes with a sixth-generation Intel processor and 8GB of onboard RAM for efficient multitasking, and its solid state drive ensure that programs load quickly. The slim design on this HP Spectre 13 notebook provide enhanced versatility.
I ordered this laptop from a friend to buy it for me. I live in Europe (Macedonia) so we have 220v electricity + other kind of power plugs. Will it damage the laptop if i use it constantly with an adapter to change the socket to fit our plugs ?
You should not have any problems doing this. The power supply clearly states that it can handle all the way up to 240v and convert it to what the computer needs. All you should have to do is get the plug adaptor.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
Wraith
Learn more about Magnolia Premium Installation These Sennheiser HD650 stereo headphones provide balanced and transparent sound for audio with minimal distortion. The headphones feature an over-the-ear design with an innovative elliptical shape adapted to the shape of ears.
Which headphone amplifiers would you suggest for the HD650 and would a headphone amplifer help add a deeper bass to the sound??
I use mine with a Schiit Magni (and Modi for the DAC), and I have no problems with the bass. If the music is supposed to have bass, you will get it. It won't be thumping bass but there is only a small segment of the music spectrum that really needs that emphasized. Cheap headphones bump up the bass to cover up how bad they are.
9 years, 8 months ago
by
Wraith
Rochester Hills, MI