cjviscito's stats
- Review count209
- Helpfulness votes663
- First reviewNovember 1, 2012
- Last reviewJuly 9, 2025
- 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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Improve your audio experience with this Samsung three-channel soundbar. This unit, which has a built-in subwoofer, channels high-resolution full-spectrum sound and eliminates the need for an extra bass speaker. Use 4K pass-through to connect your Blu-ray player or other UHD device to the Samsung three-channel soundbar for stunning multi-channel audio and a clear picture.
Customer Rating
4
Great Soundbar Upgrade
on July 2, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Dallas, TX
I was looking to upgrade our old receiver setup that we've had since 2011. When we moved into our house, I could only connect the front three speakers and the Sub due to the room layout. I've always been curious to the performance of sound bars, but never jumped since I assumed they'd sound just OK at best.
This is an impressive component in my opinion. I was worried that I wouldn't have enough connections considering how manufacturers are scaling back on the inputs in their equipment. Thankfully, I had an HDMI splitter, so I was able to connect everything that I had previously passing through the old receiver.
The setup was pretty painless, but one stickler for me now that everything is going WiFi, that means I have to download another app to my phone to finish the setup. I love the convenience of WiFi and streaming music directly through the sound bar, but it still irks me when I have to download an app.
I added the HW-M650 to my existing setup, removed old receiver and re-ran the activity set up and I was off to the races. The soundbar itself produced comparable sound to my HTiB that also had a passive Sub. I cranked the bass on the soundbar all the way to the max and it sounded decent for our TV room. Samsung makes an optional WiFi bridge to connect a wireless Sub and other speakers to this unit - I might have to look into that because I do miss the "boom" of a woofer.
Make no mistake, like any sound bar I've encountered, this doesn't replace a true 5.1 or 7.1 setup. But it does a good job. From a connection stance, it includes a Digital Audio input, HDMI-In, Aux-in and HDMI-Out. That's on top of WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. Since the sound bar is connected to my Smart TV, I really haven't put the Bluetooth through it's paces beyond when I played with it during the setup.
Pros:
-------
* No wires running to satellite speakers
* Bluetooth / WiFi provide extra connectivity
* Multiple digital inputs, (HDMI, Digital Optical Audio)
* Various sound modes (Surround, Movie, Sports, etc)
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* No wires running to satellite speakers
* Bluetooth / WiFi provide extra connectivity
* Multiple digital inputs, (HDMI, Digital Optical Audio)
* Various sound modes (Surround, Movie, Sports, etc)
Cons
-------
* Bass needs to be cranked up to max
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* Bass needs to be cranked up to max
FYI
-----
* Soundbar is much larger than others, so measure your space
* You'll need to plunk down extra cash for the WiFi bridge to add extra speakers / Sub
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* Soundbar is much larger than others, so measure your space
* You'll need to plunk down extra cash for the WiFi bridge to add extra speakers / Sub
Bottom Line
----------------
If you're in the market for a simple, easy sound solution for a medium size TV room and also want to connect via Bluetooth and WiFi, then this is the sound bar for you. If you're picky about your setup, then I'd suggest looking into a traditional 5.1 or 7.1 setup. I'm glad I got this thing, wife's glad too - so we're happy with it!
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If you're in the market for a simple, easy sound solution for a medium size TV room and also want to connect via Bluetooth and WiFi, then this is the sound bar for you. If you're picky about your setup, then I'd suggest looking into a traditional 5.1 or 7.1 setup. I'm glad I got this thing, wife's glad too - so we're happy with it!
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
This is more than just a speaker - it's a journey. Starting from the very basic elements of sound and speakers, your children will build a deeper understanding as they move toward assembling their Speaker Cube. At every step, exploration is encouraged and curiosity is rewarded.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent Project & Speaker
on June 24, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Dallas, TX
First off - Bose advertises this speaker for kids 8 or older - I ended up doing most of the building for my kid, although we both had fun doing it! Also, you need to have an iOS device to actually get the setup instructions. The companion app walks you through the steps of building the speaker as well as customizing the color options of the 4 LEDs. If you're not an iOS user - you will need access to one to view the set up instructions and customization options.
The BoseBuild speaker is a project-based device that actually teaches kids the nuances of how speakers make sound and how to alter the settings of sounds using magnets, copper, and electricity. You start by understanding how sound is created and then move onto building the speaker itself.
You start by building a speaker out of paper, magnets, copper and electricity - by this time, my daughter had lost interest, but thankfully, Bose includes interactive bits during the set up. She got a kick out of ramping up the power to make the copper coil jump off the magnet and going between sine and square waves.
You build a paper version of a speaker first before actually getting into the speaker that's in the box - building the paper speaker took longer because of all the cutting and folding. Once that's out of the way, you can progress to building the cube speaker itself. The BoseBuild speaker can be paired with up to 8 devices and also includes an aux audio input. If you want to be fancy, the power button on the back also controls the different lighting effects and a slider makes the colors dance slower or faster. That's right - the LED colors will dance in beat with the music you're playing, my daughter was very happy to see that.
The speaker itself puts out a decent range of sound, once I turned on the Bose auto-balancing option. Now my daughter is enjoying her music in her room with the lights off watching the light show the cube is putting on. All I know is that I sure didn't have a Bose speaker product in my room when I was her age - but she's happy, I'm happy and she's now really interested in computers, speakers and what makes things tick. Not a bad way to spend a rainy Saturday.
If you're looking for a cool project to do with your kids, the BoseBuild speaker is a pretty cool option. At $150, that's pretty expensive, but you're also getting genuine Bose quality too - in fact, the speaker sounds just as nice as the audio from the Bose wireless headset I use. There's certainly other ways to spend $150, but you get to work on a cool project with your kid, expose them to science and then get a great speaker afterwards.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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1of 2voted this as helpful.
Showcase video adventures in Full HD with this 24.5-inch HP Omen gaming display. Its 144Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time let you play fast-action games seamlessly, and it has HDMI, DisplayPort and USB 3.0 ports for versatile connectivity. This HP Omen gaming display has a built-in headphone hook for easy organization.
Customer Rating
4
Great Budget Gaming Upgrade
on June 24, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Dallas, TX
I have an HP Omen desktop that I use for Steam gaming and a Mac mini for my daily driver desktop at home. The monitor I had before was an older Asus 21.5 monitor - nothing wrong with it, but noticed image quality issues when trying to play games like Doom 4 or Lords of Shadow 2. I know my Asus monitor wasn't built for gaming, so I didn't mind. I had my eye on the HP Omen 32" monitor - but when I measured my desk space, it would've eaten up almost all of my desk. So I was pretty happy to see that HP had a smaller 25" option available at a better entry price point.
I was also excited to see that the monitor supported dual HDMI and a DisplayPort connection - now I could connect both my Mac mini and work laptop to HDMI and use the DisplayPort for my Omen desktop to take advantage of the 144Hz refresh rate. If you're like me, and your wife is always telling you to turn down the sound because you'll wake the kiddos - you'll be happy to know there's an aux audio output jack on the side of the monitor for easy access to connect your headphones.
Setting up the monitor was a piece of cake - my only gripe is you have the nice big screen that connects to the base with a single connection in the middle of the back - and it's a vertical connection, so the monitor easily rocks from side to side if nudged. I don't make a habit of hitting my monitor, so it wasn't really an issue, but my older Asus had a more secure connection between the monitor and the base. The monitor also comes with a cable management bracket for the back to keep the cord clutter to a minimum - not ground breaking or anything, but certainly a nice addition.
Once I had it up and running, I noticed I had to do some slight tweaking to the color, contrast, etc to get it just right for the lighting and layout around my desk. The Omen desktop popped and colors looked so much more vibrant and the higher refresh rate meant I could mow down demons without worrying about image ghosting or frame rate issues. The Mac mini on the other hand was noticeably more challenging to get right. I was expecting some slight tweaking between the two, but it almost seems that Windows 10 seems to adjust to the monitor better than OS X - and I didn't even use the software that HP includes. You might want to install it if you want to customize your monitor further. I'm the type that will install additional software as a last resort.
The monitor also supports auto-wake based on input. If I start tapping on my Mac keyboard, OS X pops up on the screen - and vice versa with Windows 10. If you're in the market for a decent monitor to handle some gaming without breaking the bank and you don't want a behemoth screen, then you should check this out. I've been really happy with it so far, that I'm contemplating getting another one to set up a dual screen situation for gaming.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+17points
19of 21voted this as helpful.
Listen to music safely with these JLab JBuddies folding headphones, which have an integrated 85db volume leveler to safeguard sensitive ears. Equipped with soft cushions which stay comfortable for extended periods, these earphones and make a great addition to your kid’s travel kit. Use these versatile JLab JBuddies folding headphones with a range of devices.
Customer Rating
4
Kiddo likes them
on June 6, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Dallas, TX
My 6 year old likes to listen to music on her iPad now. One of the things we were looking for in headphones was the ability to let her enjoy her music without accidentally damaging her hearing by turning the volume up too loud.
We compared the JLABs to another kid-friendly headset.
What I liked most about the JLABs is that the quality of sound they produced was excellent while not going too loud. Most kid headphones we’ve tested have almost no bass and sound almost “tinny”. The JLABs brought a healthy spectrum of sound that was noticeably different to the point that my 6-year old said the JLABs were now her favorite since the music sounded “gooder”.
Another thing the JLABs have going for them is they fold up, like a pair of Beats headphones, so they’re easier to carry around in her backpack without taking up too much space.
JLABs also uses an app, which we admittedly didn’t use, so I can’t speak to what features that might entail. If you’re in the market for some kid-friendly speakers at a decent price that also produce decent sound, then pick up a pair of JLABs.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Meet your large household’s high-bandwidth requirements with this tri-band Linksys Max-Stream Wi-Fi router. It performs at up to 4 Gbps for high-speed Internet access, and its MU-MIMO technology lets everyone at home enjoy smooth, simultaneous gaming and media streaming on multiple devices. This Linksys Max-Stream Wi-Fi router has six adjustable external antennas for maximum area coverage
Customer Rating
4
EA9500's Mini-Me
on June 1, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Dallas, TX
I was impressed with the features and performance of Linksys' EA9500, so when I saw they released the EA9500's little brother in the EA9300, I thought I'd give it a try. I'll be comparing the two routers together and pointing out the pros/cons between the two.
For starters, the EA9300 is a bit smaller than the 9500 - but it's still a big router. The 9300 sports 5 gigabit ethernet ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports and 6 adjustable antennas. The 9500 sports 10 gigabit ports and 9 antennas. So it's a little smaller, but it's still about the same size as a dinner plate in terms of diameter. Where ever you put this router, make sure you have plenty of space.
From a setup stance, the Linksys mobile app is a bit messed up. I found that setting it up using my laptop was a much more straightforward process. I was a bit bummed to that there was a firmware update for a new router right out of the box. So I had to download the update and apply it first before I could actually finish setting up the router. Once I finished the setup on my laptop, I was up and running using the Linksys app. The app is nice because, using a Linksys account, you can monitor and control all functions of your router even if you're at work or anywhere - you don't have to be on the wifi network.
So who's this router for? If you're someone who has a lot of wireless devices, streams video and has a larger house with more rooms, this router is perfect for you. Linksys bills this as one of their routers that's perfect for streaming 4K content - but that's only if you have internet coming into your house at a bandwidth that supports 4K streaming from a 4K source. I don't, but I love that no matter where I am in my house, I can walk all over and there's no dead spots.
With a 2.4GHz and dual-band 5GHz bands, MU-MIMO AC, and BeamForming - with a router like this, you won't have a need for a wireless extender or repeater.
The biggest con in the 9300 versus the 9500 is the 9500 has 10 gigabit ethernet ports. I prefer having my A/V and gaming equipment to have hardline connections to reduce lag and buffering. So with the 9500, I can have my 4KTV, UHD Player, Apple TV, PS4, PS3, X-Box One S, Arlo Camera Base and AirPort Extreme (For wireless TimeMachine support) all connected and leave the wifi for laptops, iPads, iPhones and other devices that are geared more towards wifi. With the 9300, I don't have enough ports to have everything physically connected - but you'll have to decide if that's worth the extra $100 between the 9300 and 9500.
If you're in the market for a new router and you have multiple wireless devices, stream content from Hulu, Netlix, HBO, iTunes, etc, then you owe it to yourself to check out the 9300. It carries a hefty price tag at $300, but with it's specs, it's also a significant upgrade from any wireless network setup most internet providers will give you.
Pros:
* 5 gigabit ports
* Tri-band (1-2.4GHz and 2-5GHz)
* Mobile App support
* 5 gigabit ports
* Tri-band (1-2.4GHz and 2-5GHz)
* Mobile App support
Cons:
* Setup with app is cumbersome
* Fewer ports than the 9500
* Setup with app is cumbersome
* Fewer ports than the 9500
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
Take your tunes anywhere with this LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker. This floating waterproof device is submersible in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes, and it deflects damage from snow, ice and dirt. Pair this LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker with up to eight Bluetooth devices, and use the included dry box for storing keys and cards.
Customer Rating
5
Awesome Pool Speaker
on May 15, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Dallas, TX
The Aquaphonics speaker by LifeProof is a fantastic option for anyone who wants some decent audio quality at the pool, lake, bathroom or anywhere else there might be water.
Starting off, the speaker itself weighs less than two pounds. it's roughly the same weight as my Amazon Echo Tap. Until now, the Tap has been my primary bluetooth speaker, so I'll be comparing it to the Aquaphonics for this review. LifeProof says that the A10 speaker is designed for mid-range groups and can last up to 13 hours at moderate levels. I've used it outside several times while the kids were playing by the pool and while grilling. So far, it still shows that it's nearly fully charged.
The input ports on the side of the device consist of the standard power socket to charge the speaker, an Auxiliary line-in option for connected players as well as a USB-A standard socket. Unlike my Tap, the A10 can also be used to power the device that's playing to it. The waterproof dry box is a nice feature, but I haven't really used it. The size says for keys or portable players, but it's certainly too small for my iPhone 7 Plus. The dry box also features an Auxiliary line-in port as well as a USB-A port for charging whatever player you have connected.
If you opt for the A10, bear in mind that the largest device you'll be able to fit will likely be an iPhone 5 or something thereabouts. Any of the newer devices are too big. If you want something bigger, then you should check out the A11. It's bulkier, louder and more expensive. When I compared the audio quality to my Amazon Tap, I couldn't really notice a difference. Sure the Tap is cheaper and also has access to Prime Music, but it's not waterproof. I always had mild heart attacks when we'd have the speaker outside in case someone got water on it.
The A10 that I have is also priced at $200, which is about what most name-brand bluetooth speakers go for. This one has the added benefit of being waterproof as well. If you're in the market for a speaker that you want to take on the boat, to the lake, or out by the pool without a concern, then you owe it to yourself to check out the Aquaphonics A10. Overall, it's safe to say that I'll be using this speaker outside and leave my non-waterproof Amazon Tap inside the house.
Pros:
-------
* Waterproof up to 3 feet
* Drop proof up to 4 feet
* Bluetooth speaker and microphone option
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* Waterproof up to 3 feet
* Drop proof up to 4 feet
* Bluetooth speaker and microphone option
Cons:
--------
* Waterproof dry box is a bit small (iPhone 5, no bigger)
--------
* Waterproof dry box is a bit small (iPhone 5, no bigger)
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
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.
Customer Rating
5
Blu-Ray Beast Mode
on May 7, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Dallas, TX
With 4K Blu-Ray players starting to enter the realm of affordability, I was eagerly watching CES to see what Sony would bring to the table. Recently, the X-Box One S has been touted as the best multipurpose 4K UHD player since you could play not only movies but X-Box games. While I do have a One S and have used it for UHD playback, a few things bothered me: Lack of advanced video options and no upscaling of 1080p Blu-Rays to 4K.
Then Sony released the UBP-x800. It was love at first spec review. This thing is a beast of a machine and boasts the typical Sony advanced video options that have been part of Blu-Ray players and PS3 / PS4 for years. Additionally, it also upscales existing Blu-ray Discs to near UHD quality. Since Disney, and Marvel, for some reason aren't on the 4K UHD train yet, this has been the best way to watch all my Marvel movies and Star Wars movies as well.
But that's just the beginning - the construction of the deck is weighty and sturdy. Whereas most DVD / Blu-Ray players have been going more flat-boxy in their design, the UBP-x800 is designed with an eye for not only detail, but the fact that this has some horsepower under the hood.
The back of the unit features a wired ethernet port as well as a dedicated HDMI-out for audio only for higher-end systems. I used the single, combined HDMI video/audio out for my system and it worked like a charm.
For comparison, I loaded up a Blu-Ray of Avengers: Age of Ultron and a 4K-UHD Star Trek: Beyond. First off, I could certainly tell that Avengers was an upscaled image versus the Star Trek image. That being said, the quality was flawless in both cases. I had to update my TV settings moving from an X-Box to the x800, but I’d expect as much.
If you’ve been on the fence about moving to a 4K UHD player, then the Sony also includes 3D compatibility, so you’re covered on all fronts of physical media. The x800 also includes cloud TV / movie service integration from Netflix, Hulu and several others. We currently don’t have an internet connection strong enough to stream 4K content from Netflix or Hulu, so I can’t really comment there.
Pros:
* Made by Sony - parent company of Blu-Ray
* Dual-HDMI out options for higher end systems
* 4K UHD, 3D and Blu-Ray Upscaling support
* Made by Sony - parent company of Blu-Ray
* Dual-HDMI out options for higher end systems
* 4K UHD, 3D and Blu-Ray Upscaling support
Cons:
* Nothing that I could think of in terms of a physical player
* Nothing that I could think of in terms of a physical player
Overall:
If you’re in the market for a great 4K UHD player, then you owe it to yourself to check out the x800. It provides solid performance without breaking the bank in terms of cost. Also, mine came with an offer of 2 free 4K movies from Sony with purchase, so there was an additional $50 savings there too.
If you’re in the market for a great 4K UHD player, then you owe it to yourself to check out the x800. It provides solid performance without breaking the bank in terms of cost. Also, mine came with an offer of 2 free 4K movies from Sony with purchase, so there was an additional $50 savings there too.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+17points
21of 25voted this as helpful.
HP OMEN by HP Desktop: Power your productivity with this HP computer. The Intel Core i5 processor ensures applications launch and run as expected for frustration-free performance, and the 8GB of RAM supports business and personal multitasking. This HP computer includes a 1TB hard drive, letting you store hundreds of documents, pictures and application files.
Customer Rating
5
Not just for Gaming
on April 15, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Dallas, TX
The HP Omen 870-224 desktop celebrates my return to the world of PC gaming. For many years, I've stuck to consoles and used my Mac desktop for other pursuits. I got a taste for Windows 10 using my work laptop and really liked the capabilities, so when I was looking for a powerhouse desktop, I looked at the HP Omen 870-224 model.
For starters, this thing is a beast when it comes to specs at the price point it's at. For $800 you get the following specs:
* Intel Core i5 3 GHz Kaby Lake Quad Core
* 8GB DDR4 RAM
* 1TB 7200 RPM hard drive
* 3GB GeForce GTX 1060
* Intel Core i5 3 GHz Kaby Lake Quad Core
* 8GB DDR4 RAM
* 1TB 7200 RPM hard drive
* 3GB GeForce GTX 1060
The motherboard and case also come with a variety of ports to connect all your devices. The case itself is an attractive brushed aluminum and the built-in HP Omen app lets you customize the lighting on the front of the case. Right now, I've got it set based on CPU temp to keep an eye on how it responds to gaming and video encoding.
That brings me to the other reason why I wanted a powerful desktop. I also create videos for communication, training and web delivery for my work and need something a bit stronger than the basic laptop they gave me. I've used Premier Pro CC and Handbrake on this thing and it encodes movies at least 2-3x faster.
As you can see from the screenshot, the first game I put on here to test it out was Doom 4. I got Doom 4 when it came out on the PS4 and it always made my PS4 sound like it was about to lift off from all the fan noise. I started playing Doom 4 on this - and even maxed out the video specs to "High" or "Ultimate" and all the while, this thing stayed super quiet and the light on the front stayed a solid green, which meant the air flow cooling was keeping the system working fine. No stuttering or lag to worry about here!
I've also kinked it up to my Microsoft account to get the developer previews to test those out - even running a beta version of Windows, this thing still hums along rock-solid.
My only real gripe with the desktop was actually the keyboard and mouse it came with. This machine is touted as a gaming PC, yet HP chose to package it with a basic USB mouse and keyboard. So if you're really serious about gaming, get yourself a good keyboard with backlights and a better mouse. If you want convenience over functionality, then go with any of the MS wireless keyboard and mouse combos. The basic set this desktop comes with is the same as you'd see at an entry level price point.
All-in-all, this desktop is a solid performer that gives my iMac a run for it's money in terms of form, function and experience. If you're a solid Windows fan that wants to game and be able to do other more intensive projects, this is the desktop for you!
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+20points
22of 24voted this as helpful.
Work, play and communicate with this Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 featuring a 2.15 GHz + 1.6 GHz quad core processor. This versatile tablet has an ultra-clear Super AMOLED display, so you can watch HD movies on the go. Capture and share your world with the 13MP camera in this Samsung Galaxy Tab S3’s, which features an integrated flash for great results in low light.
Customer Rating
5
Great Tablet from an Apple Fan
on March 17, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Dallas, TX
First off, I’m an admitted Apple fan – but not one of the zealots who doesn’t give Android or Google credit where credit is due. With that in mind, I was very interested to hear about Samsung’s new iPad Pro challenger, the Tab S3. It looks to be about the same size and specs of the smaller iPad Pro and I figured that I should learn as much about Android as I could.
For starters, the overall design reminds me of a giant iPhone 4 – the back of the unit is a glossy black glass which looks really slick, but also attracts fingerprints like a magnet. Since the design of the Tab 3 makes it very slim, I found myself at time babying it more than I would my iPad. The weigh of the iPad made it feel sturdier. The Tab S3 felt much safer in the Samsung keyboard case – which is what I’m using to type this review up now.
Another cool point for the Tab was the inclusion of the S-Pen. With the Apple Pencil, you need to have an iPad Pro, sorry iPad Air owners, and it has a battery that needs to be recharged. The Samsun S-Pen made the leap from their phones to the tablet and it’s a welcome inclusion with requires no batteries! I found myself enjoying taking notes in my own handwriting versus typing, correcting and retyping.
Compared to the Apple keyboard case and the Microsoft Surface one, this is about the same class as the Apple one and even uses the same connector. I really think that the Surface has the best tablet-to-keyboard configuration out there today. The keyboard doesn’t require a charge to use, which is nice. The keys are reasonably spaced out and typing I comfortable. Just note, the keyboard is an extra accessory that’ll set you back another $130.
One of the pain points with Android is a minor, but glaring issue to anyone who’s more familiar with Apple’s ecosystem. There’s the Google apps that are baked into the OS but then there’s Samsung’s apps that do pretty much the same thing installed right along side. With iOS, it’s more like a single sign-on process. When setting this up, I felt the signing into Samsung and Google to be redundant and annoyance.
I found the Tab S3 to be snappy and very responsive. The screen is bright and beautiful boasting HDR support. The audio quality in watching movies was superb for a tablet, but it makes sense since Samsung is advertising the audio performance and balancing as a marquee feature. The ability to add additional storage is nice since the Tab S3 only comes in a 32GB option. Not a deal breaker, but when you start adding movies and pictures and apps, you can lose that space very quickly.
Something else to consider is that if, like me, you have a mixed OS environment, you may fin yourself in the position of having to pay for the same apps. Meaning, you can’t really transfer purchases from iOS to Android or vice versa.
If you’re in the market for a slick Android tablet then the Tab S3 is the one for you. I’ve been using it for a few days now and can honestly say that I continue to use it, even after the novelty of it being new wears off. If you’re heavily embedded into the Apple ecosystem, then I’d say invest in the smaller iPad Pro – or wait until the newer ones are released this year.
If you're looking to replace an laptop with a tablet, then I'd say to give the Galaxy Tab S3 serious consideration.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+43points
51of 59voted this as helpful.
Deep clean your carpets with this practical Dyson Ball Multi Floor vacuum, which comes with a self-adjusting cleaner head for great results on a range of floors. With a generous 30-foot cord length, this unit easily travels through large rooms and up stairs. The Dyson Ball Multi Floor vacuum’s HEPA filtration system makes it ideal for commercial or residential use.
Customer Rating
5
Nice Upgrade from DC-07 Animal
on March 14, 2017
Posted by: cjviscito
from Dallas, TX
I've been a loyal Dyson user since my first DC-07 Animal that I got back in 2005. I dropped $500 on a vacuum and thought it was crazy, but after seeing how much more it picked up compared to our old Kenmore vacuum, I was hooked.
Our DC-07 is a beast that has served us well over it's 12 years, but with the chance to upgrade to a v2 Ball, we jumped at the chance! I'm glad we did too!
Dyson's claim to fame is that the vacuums don't lose suction - and just like the DC-07, I was surprised by how strong the v2 was. I ran a path in our bedroom, which has thick carpet, with the DC-07 and then ran the v2 Ball over the same stretch. Not only did the v2 pick up more debris that the DC-07 left (see screenshot) but it actually took some muscle to maneuver it on the carpet because of how strong the pull of the vacuum was!
Like any vacuum, there's some assembly required, but nothing tedious and no tools required.
The first thing I noticed was how much smaller in size the vacuum and canister were in the v2 compared to the DC-07. While this may deter some users who don't want to stop more often, I was still able to vacuum the house on a single tank.
The v2 also comes with washable filters and a duster, crevice and furniture attachment. Which was nice, since those were really all we used on the DC-07 also.
One thing to be aware of - since the v2 Ball puts all the torque at the connection point, it can be harder to maneuver on thicker carpets than a traditional design like the DC-07. The trade off is how much more debris the v2 collects combined with the fact that the default head also doubles as a low-clearance head. Previously, if we wanted to get under the edges of the furniture, we had to use a different head altogether.
Dyson products aren't cheap - the v2 was $400, but one piece of advice my mom gave me was not to go cheap on a vacuum. I've been a happy Dyson customer for over 12 years and I expect, with the performance of the v2 Ball, I'll be a happy customer for another 12!
Pros
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Extremely easy to maneuver on solid floors (tile, hardwood, etc)
Lighter weight due to newer build than DC-07
Powerful suction from a low-clearance head
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Extremely easy to maneuver on solid floors (tile, hardwood, etc)
Lighter weight due to newer build than DC-07
Powerful suction from a low-clearance head
Cons
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Ball design can make maneuvering on thick carpet more of a chore
Dyson still doesn't use a retractable cord design for power cord
Older attachments don't fit - not surprised after 12 years of design innovation
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Ball design can make maneuvering on thick carpet more of a chore
Dyson still doesn't use a retractable cord design for power cord
Older attachments don't fit - not surprised after 12 years of design innovation
Overall
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If you're looking for a solid vacuum that is easy to lift, store and use - save your bananas and pony up for a Dyson. The only difference between the v2 Ball and v2 Animal are the attachments you get in the box. We went for the basic figuring we could always get more attachments later if needed.
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If you're looking for a solid vacuum that is easy to lift, store and use - save your bananas and pony up for a Dyson. The only difference between the v2 Ball and v2 Animal are the attachments you get in the box. We went for the basic figuring we could always get more attachments later if needed.
My Best Buy number: 0960017711
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Say Hello to Cleaner, Fresher Indoor Air—24/7.Monitor and clean your air 24/7 with the Filtrete™ 310 Sq. Ft. Smart Air Purifier for Large Rooms from the most trusted HVAC filter brand in America*. These easy-to-use connected devices automatically improve the quality of the air you breathe, taking action when air quality issues arise at home. The devices also integrate seamlessly with the Filtrete™ Smart App, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and other smart home products.With so much bad stuff in our indoor air, why not choose an air purifier and filter to help keep your home’s air cleaner and fresher?Included with each Filtrete™ Smart Air Purifier is a True HEPA filter, which captures 99.97% of airborne particles**, such as allergens, dust, lint, mold spores, bacteria, viruses and pet dander. Plus, every filter is electrostatically engineered to pull in and trap microscopic airborne particles. Many of those particles are 1000x smaller than you can see.Give yourself some peace of mind with a sleek Filtrete™ Smart Air Purifier that automatically monitors, reacts and purifies air in large rooms.
Can you use the air purifier with the windows both open and closed?
I’ve had mine running and have opened the windows in my home office a few times during the day - I think it’ll depend more on the air quality outside. I wouldn’t try to have my windows open during an Ozone Action day here in Texas to see how this thing fairs - but during temperate days, it’s been fine.
4 years, 1 month ago
by
cjviscito
Shark AI Robot VACMOP combines powerful vacuum suction and hard floor wet mopping for a complete clean, all in one robot. Features include: Shark suction power, Sonic Mopping that delivers 100 scrubs per minute for stuck-on stains, and AI Laser Navigation for precision cleaning.
"We would like to let you know that this Robot also works to vacuum carpets." This is the response that I got when I asked "Does it work on carpet?" Sounds to me that it doesn't work on carpet but they want you to buy it anyway.
The beater bar on this doesn't look like it's meant to get into the fibers of the carpet. I don't have it vacuum mine, I have it only for the hard floors.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
cjviscito
Illuminate and view 2K video with the powerful Arlo Wireless Floodlight Camera. The multi-functional wire-free floodlight camera cuts through darkness with brilliant LEDs, and an integrated high-resolution 2K camera allows you to clearly view live video or recorded clips directly from your phone, with an included trial of Arlo Secure. The sleek design seamlessly integrates a robust security solution into your space. See more with a wide 160-degree field of view. Hear and speak to visitors clearly, with two-way audio. Customize lighting configurations to enhance security. Trigger your built-in siren remotely or automatically to ward off unwanted visitors and protect your home or business. A free 30-day trial of an Arlo Secure Plan is included for premium features like 60-Day Video History, Person & Vehicle Recognition, Package & Animal Detection, Custom Detection, Fire Detection, 24/7 Emergency Response, and more.
I'm trying to confirm if this connects directly to WiFi and no Arlo hub or base station is needed to use the camera??
I paired mine with my existing Arlo hub - but it does appear to indicate you can use it without one.
4 years, 8 months ago
by
cjviscito
Illuminate and view 2K video with the powerful Arlo Wireless Floodlight Camera. The multi-functional wire-free floodlight camera cuts through darkness with brilliant LEDs, and an integrated high-resolution 2K camera allows you to clearly view live video or recorded clips directly from your phone, with an included trial of Arlo Secure. The sleek design seamlessly integrates a robust security solution into your space. See more with a wide 160-degree field of view. Hear and speak to visitors clearly, with two-way audio. Customize lighting configurations to enhance security. Trigger your built-in siren remotely or automatically to ward off unwanted visitors and protect your home or business. A free 30-day trial of an Arlo Secure Plan is included for premium features like 60-Day Video History, Person & Vehicle Recognition, Package & Animal Detection, Custom Detection, Fire Detection, 24/7 Emergency Response, and more.
Does this camera record?
Yes - it's basically the same as the regular Arlo cameras with the added benefit of floodlights.
4 years, 8 months ago
by
cjviscito
Upgrade your daily cooking with this Instant Pot Duo Nova pressure cooker. The 8-quart capacity holds enough food for up to eight people, while the 14 one-touch smart programs simplify meal preparation. This Instant Pot Duo Nova pressure cooker includes a steam rack, soup spoon and measuring cup for convenience.
Does this instant pot have WiFi capabilities ?
Not that I'm aware of - InstantPot's website doesn't mention any WiFi capabilities and I've never seen a new cooker show up on my home WiFi map. :)
4 years, 8 months ago
by
cjviscito
Stream audio while charging your smartphone or tablet with this black Belkin CONNECT USB-C audio and charge adapter. The two ports both support charging and listening for effortless connection. This Belkin CONNECT USB-C audio and charge adapter delivers up to 60W of pass-through power and supports fast charging for compatible devices.
I need to know : it works like sígnale splitter ?
No - it won't split a signal to 2 USB-C devices. One USB-C port is for charging only and the other is for audio output. The device has picture indicators on it identifying which port is for charging (lightning bolt) and for audio (headphones).
5 years ago
by
cjviscito
Expand connectivity on your Apple MacBook Pro or Air with this gray HyperDrive DUO seven-in-two USB Type-C hub. Two USB Type-C ports support Power Delivery for charging mobile devices rapidly, while the HDMI output lets you connect a UHD display. This HyperDrive DUO seven-in-two USB Type-C hub has USB Type-A ports and microSD and SD card slots for fast data transfer.
Will the adapter fit comfortably if the computer is in a protective hard case/skin?
It will - but I found it to feel a bit shaky. I was worried that I'd break the USB-C ports on the hub off inside the MacBook.
5 years ago
by
cjviscito
Meet the Logitech Pebble i345. It takes your iPad to higher places with a level of precision and control you can’t get with a tablet alone. Use it to click, scroll, and control your workflow like never before. It’s small, portable, and comfortable—so you can keep exploring, wherever you go.
Do I NEED to enable assistive touch?
I don’t believe so - I’ve been using mine fine without Assistive Touch turned on.
5 years, 1 month ago
by
cjviscito
Acer Laptop: Run graphic-intensive games with this Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop. The 15.6-inch FHD display shows an immersive picture with sharp visuals. CoolBoost technology lowers CPU and GPU temperatures for long-lasting sessions. This Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop features a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card for a vivid picture, and the high-quality speakers deliver clear dialog and deep bass.
Is there a thunderbolt 3 port on the side?
Unlock new potential for your wireless headphones with this Airfly headphone accessory. It plugs into any conventional headphone jack to enhance your listening experience and can pair with in-flight entertainment systems for added convenience. This Airfly headphone accessory has an eight-hour battery life and recharges through USB, so it's easy to take anywhere.
IS THIS EASY TO PAIR? IS IT NECESSARY TO PAIR EACH TIME THE TV AND HEADPHONES ARE TURNED ON, OR ONCE THE PAIR HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED CAN YOU FORGET ABOUT THE TRANSMITTER HANGING ON THE BACK OF THE TV? AND WHAT KIND OF RANGE DOES IT TRANSMIT?
I've never had an issue with mine losing / forgetting connection. I can't speak to range since I've only used it within a few feet at most, but I've had no issues.
6 years, 2 months ago
by
cjviscito