cjviscito's stats
- Review count200
- Helpfulness votes660
- First reviewNovember 1, 2012
- Last reviewSeptember 2, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
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- Answer count23
- Helpfulness votes23
- First answerFebruary 8, 2010
- Last answerMay 27, 2021
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Achieve impressive sound from this JBL Link voice-activated speaker. Bluetooth technology ensures solid connectivity to your smartphone to play your favorite music, and the built-in Google Assistant provides hands-free operation on a variety of tasks. This JBL Link voice-activated speaker works with both iOS and Android devices for optimal convenience.
Customer Rating
4
JBL + Google Assistant FTW
on December 10, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Little Elm, TX, USA
The market for smart speakers that control home automation or do other tricks is growing and becoming more saturated. While the Home is a competent device, I never warmed to it from a sound perspective. I loved the power of Google Assistant, but in the Home, it was hampered by a speaker setup that wasn't as good as competitors.
Enter the JBL LINK 300... this bad boy is designed more like the new Home Max. It supports Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity, but don't go thinking you can Aux in - the LINK 300 only supports Wifi for streaming / Assistant requests and Bluetooth for streaming / casting.
Compared to the Home, Echo, etc - this thing is a beast. It's big. There's other smaller speakers in the LINK family that I'm sure offer battery life - but the LINK 300 requires a plug in all the time, just like a Home or Echo.
I've found the responsiveness of the voice recognition to be very good. I've been at the other end of the room and simply saying, "OK Google" and this thing hears me.
Set up is handled just like other Google smart devices, using the Google Home App. It was pretty easy to add it to my existing Google device setup.
If you're an avid user of Google's products, then the JBL LINK 300 is a great speaker. If you're an iPhone user, be prepared to be using the Bluetooth functionality a lot. Compared to the other Google products, the reason I like the LINK 300 better is that it's JBL - a company that has been in the business of making speakers for years.
The reason for the 4-star rating is the lack of Aux input, battery option and the overall clunky setup of adding smart home devices to my Google setup - I know this is more of a ding on Google, but since JBL is partnering with Google, they take the hit too.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Prepare delicious recipes with this Blendtec Designer 650s Blender. The Blendtec Designer Series uses all the power and performance that made Blendtec the choice of blending professionals, and combined it with a modern design with functionality taking Blendtec to a new level in performance blending. The Blendtec Designer Series is the all-in-one appliance that replaces many standard kitchen appliances with one fast easy-to-use machine. It will make smoothies, fresh whole juice, ice cream, margaritas, soups, sauces, bread dough, dressings, salsas, flours and more! Blending professionals have relied on Blendtec machines in the best coffee shops, juice bars, gyms, and restaurants around the world for producing the best, most consistent results in taste and texture. You can now enjoy the same results in your home.
Customer Rating
4
Expensive - but powerful
on December 5, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Little Elm, TX, USA
I rely very heavily on my wife's opinion when it comes to what small kitchen appliances we have in our house. When she said she wanted a new Blendtec Blender, she did caution me about sticker shock. Thankfully I was prepared to see the $450 price point for this particular beast.
The design of the blender is simple, elegant and minimalistic. There's no console or blending station set up, just a base and the blender cup. One flaw in the design is how to clean it - the cup states it's dishwasher safe in the top rack, but I don't know of a dishwasher that has a top rack tall enough to accomodate this. Our Bosch dishwasher certainly doesn't.
My wife informed me about how Blendtecs are basically the powerhouses of the blender world and she was right. This thing took everything we threw at it!
Ice - it blended that fine. Cake batter - did that too. Smoothies - no problem!
That being said, this thing is $450 - that's an insane leap from the other blender that we were replacing. I'm happy to learn that Blendtec are rated as very reliable and have a reputation for lasting for a very long time. Since we wore out our old blender, I'm hoping that the cost-per-use on this will help me feel better over time.
The pictures we posted were of before we started blending, because my wife informed me that Blendtecs are strong enough to shred electronics. Sorry, wasn't going to let my new iPhone X near that thing while it's on!
This thing is loud too - but then again, what blender isn't? If you're a serious baker, cooker, etc - then you might want to look at the Blendtec. It's a beast. If you’re not into serious cooking though, you’d have to weigh the idea of paying nearly as much for a blender as you do for an iPad. If you’re a budget conscious shopper, then this isn’t the blender for you.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Polished and professional. That’s the impression you’ll make when you use Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. With a one-year subscription, you get the latest Acrobat software that always stays up to date plus Adobe Document Cloud services to prepare and share your company’s business documents. Get the complete solution for working with PDF documents at your desk, and use Document Cloud services to accomplish more when you’re on the go.
Customer Rating
4
Acrobat on the Go - At a Cost
on December 3, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Little Elm, TX, USA
I love the Adobe Acrobat products. I've used them for years to create training content, interactive forms, etc. I was a little hesitant to try out Acrobat DC though. In fact, the only reason I rated it 4 stars was due to Adobe's new subscription pricing model they've adopted with their apps. I guess I'm a dinosaur, but I like the idea of buying the software once - versus the idea of leasing it in order to have the most recent version.
But here's the thing - Acrobat Pro 2017 costs you $450 to buy outright. At it's best, Acrobat DC costs you $180 a year. That means that you have 2 and a half years before DC starts costing you more than buying a standalone license. But by then, we'll be on Acrobat 2020 or something. Keep in mind that Acrobat 2017 is intact DC but purchased for a one-time fee versus a subscription. This can be a bit misleading since Adobe’s site compares it to Acrobat Pro XI.
Here’s the current cancellation policy per Adobe’s site:
Cancellation policies for Pay Up Front memberships:
Subscriptions such as (Export PDF and PDF pack) are Pay Up Front (PUF) memberships and their cancellation policy is as follows:
• If customers want to cancel within the first 14 days, we cancel the subscription and provide a full refund.
• If customers want to cancel after the first 14 days, no refund is applicable. Cancellation stops the auto-renewal and customers can use the subscription until the next bill date
Cancellation of Month-to-Month plans:
• As per the new policy for Month-to-Month subscriptions, the customer is eligible for a refund within 14 Days of purchase.
• Once a plan is cancelled, customers continue to have access to the service through the month they have paid for, and will no longer be charged for additional time periods.Customers will not be refunded for the month in which they cancel.
• The updated cancellation policy only applies customers who sign up for month-to-month plans after December 15, 2016.The policy does not apply to customers who have annual contracts for Creative Cloud (either prepaid or with monthly payments).
Cancel a subscription purchased through the Apple iTunes App Store
Subscriptions that you purchase via Adobe Reader for iOS are paid through Apple's iTunes App Store. If you have questions about your subscription, contact Apple.
Return a subscription or membership purchased from a reseller
If you purchased your membership or subscription from any seller other than Adobe, contact the seller for assistance.
Subscriptions such as (Export PDF and PDF pack) are Pay Up Front (PUF) memberships and their cancellation policy is as follows:
• If customers want to cancel within the first 14 days, we cancel the subscription and provide a full refund.
• If customers want to cancel after the first 14 days, no refund is applicable. Cancellation stops the auto-renewal and customers can use the subscription until the next bill date
Cancellation of Month-to-Month plans:
• As per the new policy for Month-to-Month subscriptions, the customer is eligible for a refund within 14 Days of purchase.
• Once a plan is cancelled, customers continue to have access to the service through the month they have paid for, and will no longer be charged for additional time periods.Customers will not be refunded for the month in which they cancel.
• The updated cancellation policy only applies customers who sign up for month-to-month plans after December 15, 2016.The policy does not apply to customers who have annual contracts for Creative Cloud (either prepaid or with monthly payments).
Cancel a subscription purchased through the Apple iTunes App Store
Subscriptions that you purchase via Adobe Reader for iOS are paid through Apple's iTunes App Store. If you have questions about your subscription, contact Apple.
Return a subscription or membership purchased from a reseller
If you purchased your membership or subscription from any seller other than Adobe, contact the seller for assistance.
My gripes about pricing aside, I have to say that I love the features that DC provides! In my office, we've started to make the transition from laptops to iPads and other tablets. Acrobat DC has the handy bonus of working on my Mac and my iPad with virtually the same functionality.
DC also differentiates itself from previous versions by allowing integration with cloud services, such as OneDrive - which we use at work. This is nice because it allows for faster working with documents stored in the cloud versus having them on my desktop or other local folder.
I’ve got Acrobat running on my iPad and my iPhone and it’s very cool to use some of the newer features, like tracking of PDFs and e-Signing of documents. We are in the process of moving from our reliance on paper signatures to soft copies and Acrobat DC is a key component of that strategy.
DC also works as a comfortable companion to other Creative Cloud Apps - such as InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. You can take items you create in InDesign and effortlessly move them into PDF versions. As a Mac user, I also appreciate the added support for Office 2016. It’s nice to have access to quickly PDF a document from Word’s ribbon instead of going through the ‘Save As’ route.
If you are a small business owner who deals with documents on the go, then Acrobat DC is a must-have for you. If you can pay for it outright, then the Pro 2017 version might be a better choice, but keep in mind that DC will cost you less unless you use the software for more than 2 and a half years. Do some break even comparisons in your shopping before clicking buy now.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Go from hundreds of mystery folders to a visual view of your photos automatically sorted by date, subject, people, and places. See your best photos auto-curated based on quality, faces, subjects, and more. Make your photos look amazing with automated photo editing options, and create and share printed artwork, new dynamic slideshows, photo collages, and gifts for friends and family.
Customer Rating
5
Worth the Upgrade
on November 19, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Little Elm, TX, USA
I loved the features in Photoshop Elements 15 - it was a nice step between full-on Photoshop which is overkill for home use and Photos in macOS. But Adobe was still shipping Elements 15 even last year, so it was about time that we got an update. The update is well worth it for all the cool features they added in Elements 2018.
One thing that I appreciate about using Adobe products is that the general look and feel of the interface is consistent. If you know how to use one Adobe product, you can usually pick up a new one without too much of a learning curve. They really nailed that part of a user experience.
I was happy to see that Elements 2018 had a familiar interface to Elements 15. They really added some cool image adjustment features in the Guided mode. You can add an overlay effect, watercolor effect and double exposure to adjust the images. We found a really cool picture of my daughters that we used the watercolor effect on. They've also added the ability to replace a background in the Guided mode in Elements 2018 as well.
One of the oddest features that we actually tried to use and got a lot of laughs out of was the Closed Eye Fix. This wasn't something that was part of Elements 15. Needless to say, it's real only use is for fixing images taken in the same place and light where someone closed their eyes. We tried some random ones and the results were at turns freaky and comical.
If you haven't taken the plunge into the Elements line, you really should check out Elements 18. I liked Elements 15 and I was really happy with the upgrade in 2018.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Arlo Pro 2 keeps an eye on your home while you're away, in brilliant 1080p HD quality. Put the 100% wire-free, weather-resistant camera anywhere, indoors or out. Then, power it with the included rechargeable battery or plugged it in (when indoors) to access activity zones and 24/7 Continuous Video Recording upgrades. Use 2-way audio or remotely sound a 100+ device siren while catching every moment with night vision and advanced motion detection. You'll even get motion and sound-activated alerts and 7 days of free cloud video recordings. Arlo Pro 2 works with Amazon Alexa to make your smart home security even more simple and effective.
Customer Rating
5
Arlo Pro - Upgraded
on November 13, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Little Elm, TX, USA
We're very satisfied Arlo Pro Gen 1 users. The 2 camera setup covers the majority of our single story house from front door to rear. The Arlo Pro G1 is a great camera, so when I read that G2 could also be used with the same setup and had some upgrades I thought this was the perfect way to upgrade our Arlo setup.
For starters, the cameras are about the same size of the Arlo Pro G1's. This setup also includes the base station. I couldn't tell any difference between the G1 and G2 base stations, but I was able to tell the difference between the cameras. For those that don't know, one of the biggest selling points for Arlo Pro's is that they're wireless - you can mount them wherever you need them to be.
The Arlo Pro G2 supports a full 1080p recording option which is an upgrade from the 720p in G1. Granted, it's not like I'm streaming video of my cats while I'm gone looking for the best HD quality, but in the vent of break-in or accident, clarity matters. The Pro G2's 1080p definition is evident from the video streams, but don't expect big screen HD quality.
The Also Pro G2 has several upgrades, aside from the recording resolution, from the G1 that make it really handy. First, the Arlo Pro G2 supports continuous recording if you plug the camera in to power instead of running on battery. This is especially helpful if you want to have one camera always on. Second, the Arlo Pro G2 supports activity zones while plugged in while the G1 doesn't.
Some of the cool features that the G2 shares with the G1 are:
* 7-day cloud recording history free
* Wireless camera option
* 130 degree field of vision
* Night vision mode
* Motion / Audio alerts
* Base station audio alarm option
* Alexa compatible (No Apple HomeKit support)
* 7-day cloud recording history free
* Wireless camera option
* 130 degree field of vision
* Night vision mode
* Motion / Audio alerts
* Base station audio alarm option
* Alexa compatible (No Apple HomeKit support)
If you're thinking about a great option for home security video that provides the flexibility to be wire-free or wired, 1080p HD recording and the ability to integrate with Arlo Pro G1 setup, then the Arlo Pro G2 is something that should be on your shopping list!
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy clear audio without distraction while wearing these Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless earbuds. They have a sweat-resistant coating and lightweight design that's comfortable to wear and stays in place as you exercise or lounge. These Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless earbuds come with interchangeable tips in different sizes, providing a secure, noise-blocking fit.
Customer Rating
5
The Running Buds I’ve been Missing
on November 12, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Little Elm, TX, USA
As someone who likes to go running and walking for exercise, I’m always on the lookout for earbuds that don’t move around and also have a full range sound.
A lot of exercising earbuds deliver great treble, OK mid and no bass. They also seem to find a way to jostle out of my ears as I exercise.
The Plantronics Backbeat Fits are an awesome find. The nylon cord that connects them resists sweat and also have a handy clip that keeps it securely connected to the collar of my shirt.
I was able to listen to music that had a better quality of sound and even kick over to a conference call during the middle of a run. The Backbeats are also nice because they’re not stupidly expensive like some other workout headphones.
There’s a reason we use Plantronics devices at work for all our headsets and I think the Backbeat 305 is another notch in the win column.
No matter if you’re an avid runner or someone who just wants a nice pair of earbuds for music / work, the Plantronics Backbeat 305’s are something you should seriously consider.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Clean fur, dust and dander quickly with this Hoover REACT cordless pet vacuum. Integrated sensors automatically adjust the level of suction and the brush roll speed to handle different floor types. This Hoover REACT cordless pet vacuum uses a long-lasting lithium battery, so you can clean the whole room without a recharge.
Customer Rating
4
Loud, Powerful Stick Vacuum
on November 12, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Little Elm, TX, USA
Since we have several animals in the house, I’m always on the look out for a tool to clean the house and get all their hair off the couches, chairs and floors.
Hoover is a trusted name in the vacuum space, my parents have had Hoovers for years and continue to sing their praises. I was curious to try out the Hoover React since I really don’t like corded vacuums. My biggest issue with standard vacuums is they’re corded.
I was a bit overloaded by all the additional tools that the React came with. Once I got it all set up, I was ready to test it out! I’ve used a cordless stick vacuum before, but I was really surprised by how loud the Hoover was. It was just as loud as my regular upright vacuum.
The React has a feature called Floor Sense. When on a flat surface like tile, the beater brush bar doesn’t spin. When I went from the tile to the carpet, I could hear and feel the beater brush bar kick of. This is nice because I can basically turn it on and go without worrying about switching modes or changing heads.
Another nice feature of the React is the ability to double click the trigger. This turns on the vacuum without the requirement to hold the trigger down. Combined with Floor Sense, this makes the React a set-it-and-forget-it cleaning option.
My biggest issue with the React is the size of the charging base. It’s not discreet, it’s about the same size as a Bose Soundstation Dock. In a house where storage space for items like this is at a premium, the React’s dock basically is so big that it has to sit out.
Additionally, something the React is missing compared to others is the ability to adjust the power of the suction. There are other vacuums that are not as expensive that allow you to adjust how much power the vacuum uses. I was disappointed to find out the React has one speed: on.
All in all, the Hoover React is an awesome vacuum. There are a few compromises that you’ll have to contend with, such as the large battery dock and single speed. If you have a house full of pets and mixed flooring materials, the React might be the vacuum you’re looking for.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Vacuum and mop your floors for a deep clean with this DEEBOT floor cleaning robot. The obstacle detection technology prevents damage to your furniture, and the automatic charging feature returns the cleaner to the charging station when the battery gets low. This DEEBOT floor cleaning robot has a large dustbin for clearing big messes.
Customer Rating
4
Budget Robot Cleaner with Promise
on October 26, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Little Elm, TX, USA
The DeeBot M81 Pro shows some promise, with a wide array of robot vacuums to choose from, there's bound to be trade offs somewhere.
From a plus side, the M81 has a dual brush setup, making it easier to clean the floor and capture dirt and debris easier than a single brush option. It also comes with a remote to enable executing the different cleaning modes and WiFi setup.
The real values for me in the M81 were in the ability to make it a robot mopper using the included mop attachment and the location of the dust bin. Where most robot vacuums have their dust bins located at the rear and sometimes prompt the user to turn the unit over, the M81's dust bin is located conveniently on the top of the unit for easy empty.
The M81 also comes with a companion app that you need to install if you want to create an account and link the Alexa skill to use with Alexa. I’ve found this interaction to be somewhat clunky. I’ve tried renaming my robot several times and even though the skill is linked, Alexa still can’t find the M81 to start cleaning.
That’s where the trade offs come in, from a purely robot vacuum stance, this thing works fine with some additional perks. If you’re replacing or purchasing your first robot vacuum, then the M81 is a great contender for homes without Alexa.
For those like me who have come to rely on smart home automated and executed tasks, it’s a detractor when a marquee feature doesn’t work as advertised.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Shark ION Robot is designed with a Tri-Brush System, combining side brushes, channel brushes, and a multi-surface brushroll to handle debris on all surfaces, corners, and edges. Use the SharkClean app or voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant to start cleaning from anywhere Shark ION Robot.
Customer Rating
5
Robot Cleaning Minion!
on October 24, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Little Elm, TX, USA
My other name brand robot vacuum died less than 2 years into owning it, yet conveniently outside of the manufacturer warranty. A quick search online revealed that the model I had was prone to defects rendering them junk. I've had good luck with Shark vacuums in the past and thought I'd give this guy a try.
First off - you get bonus points if you offer Alexa integration. This thing has a skill to enable you to control the Shark 750 with Alexa. Simply say, "Alexa, tell Shark to start cleaning" and the little guy fires right up and starts cleaning away. I tested it out today asking Shark to start cleaning as I walked out of the door for work. When I got home tonight, the floor was clean and the Shark was charging on it's base station. A quick check of the dust bin confirmed that it had been running today.
Second, the remote App for controlling the Shark isn't a true-remote control. You can issue commands, like "Clean, Charge, etc". The cool part of the App is using it to set a schedule. This enables me to literally set it and forget it. The Shark will fire off and start cleaning based on a set schedule which is great.
From a cleaning perspective, the 750 offers a twin brush design, compared to my old name brand one that was a single brush design. Compared to my old one, this thing is whisper quiet. DOn't get me wrong, you can certainly tell it's running, but it's not as loud as the one it replaced.
The 750 also comes with a tape that you can put down to establish cleaning boundaries. This is helpful if you have areas that are too often cluttered with cords, small toys, etc that you want the Shark 750 to avoid. While it's not as elegant as the radio node that my older one had, the fact that it works out weighs the minor site of a tape on the floor.
I'm very happy we picked this up - it's another quality product from Shark, just like I've come to expect!
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Provide ample battery power for your Apple Watch with this Belkin MIXIT DuraTek charge cable. Its inner fiber liner adds strength and durability, and the 4-foot length offers plenty of leeway between the wall and your nightstand. This Belkin MIXIT DuraTek charge cable has protective insulation to shield the wires from damage as it bends and flexes.
Customer Rating
5
Tough Cable
on October 22, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Little Elm, TX, USA
Belkin has added another premium Apple Watch accessory with the Duratek Cable. Unlike the regular Apple Watch cable, the Duratek Cable is protected by Kevlar and is very flexible. I'm not sure if I would've thought of bulletproof vest material for an Apple Watch cable, but it's nice.
I like to go camping, and I love taking my Apple Watch with me to track my steps when I go hiking. It's nice that I can leave the regular cables at home and have a strong, sturdy one I can take on the road with me. I put it through the ringer on a recent camping trip and my buddy used the regular Watch cable.
His cable ended up frayed and part came off at the puck connection, but the Duratek cable came through like a champ. Not sure if that's a testament to the cable's strength or that I just take better care of my stuff. If you do a lot of outdoor stuff, then the Duratek Cable is a great addition - the price is a bit steep, but Belkin has a habit of putting out quality products. I'd rather spend a bit more for a tougher cable that will last than keep buying regular ones that don't last.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Experience immersive entertainment options with this Sony 4K Blu-ray player. Its Ultra HD resolution provides exceptionally detailed screen images with increased brightness and more realistic color, and its support of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X provides cinema-quality sound. This Sony 4K Blu-ray player supports high-resolution audio formats for more accurate music reproduction.
Can this Sony Player connect to a soundbar receiver with blue tooth?
According to the specs, yes, you should be able to pair a unit with a Bluetooth soundbar - but to be fair, I didn't try it.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
cjviscito
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
What other device is need to turn lights off in your home?
You need a smart switch. Home natively supports Philips Hue - but if you have a WeMo switch like I do, you need to rely on the IFTTT app and write some if-then guidelines.
7 years, 10 months ago
by
cjviscito
Which HDMI cable is the best? Audio Quest,Monster Cable,RocketFish
There's really no difference right now between HDMI cables. With Monster, you're paying for the brand and really nothing else when it comes to HDMI cables.
Best Buy has some cables that are online only and are a great value. No noticable difference between the value cable and a 3' Monster cable that I had.
Best Buy has some cables that are online only and are a great value. No noticable difference between the value cable and a 3' Monster cable that I had.
14 years, 7 months ago
by
cjviscito
Dallas, TX