bzm3j81's stats
- Review count143
- Helpfulness votes618
- First reviewJanuary 16, 2012
- Last reviewMay 20, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.1
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentOctober 25, 2016
- Last review commentOctober 25, 2016
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count29
- Helpfulness votes53
- First answerFebruary 21, 2014
- Last answerNovember 24, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers7
Add this SanDisk portable SSD to your mobile office setup, and enjoy high-speed data transfers. Resistant to water and dust, this device protects your data during travel, and the compact size fits neatly in a briefcase or camera bag. Featuring 500GB of storage, this SanDisk portable SSD is ideal for storing high-resolution pictures and video, providing a convenient way to bring work along.
Customer Rating
5
Very Nearly Perfect Portable Storage
on July 10, 2018
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
I've tried this device on several computers at home and at work and was surprised to find out that it doesn't recognize on a Dell Precision M4800 system. It doesn't even show up in Device Manager. The Dell Precision M4800 just happens to be my primary laptop at work, so this really limited my use of this drive. I tried this on another M4800 and confirmed it doesn't work. I looked for drivers and couldn't find any on SanDisk's site.
These drives are pre-formatted as exFAT. I probably would not have noticed but my main computer at home runs Fedora Linux and while it recognized, I couldn't mount the drive until I loaded the exfat-fuse package. Within seconds of loading the package, the drive recognized and mounted with no problem.
The drive sits in a rubberized housing with a large loop to clip via a carabiner. On the bottom of the case is a USB C connector. Included with the drive is a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. The cable itself is notched to mate nicely with the included adapter.
Speed-wise, this SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD blows away all my previous USB sticks. CrystalDiskMark rates the sequential read and write operations at over 440 MB/sec.
If not for the incompatiblity with my M4800, I would likely throw all my previous USB sticks in a drawer in favor of this SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Replenish the battery life of an Apple or Android device with this 10W Belkin wireless charger. It provides fast charging speeds to save time in your busy day, and it minimizes electromagnetic noise to ensure full device functionality. This white Belkin wireless charger is compatible with phones that have plastic cases up to 3mm thick.
Customer Rating
5
Fast wireless charger, works with my case
on June 19, 2018
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
My last wireless charger was on a Palm Pre2. It was really cool technology before they had the Qi wireless charging standard.
While I've had a couple phones that were wireless charging capable, I wasn't sure which pad to buy. I like the concept of a wireless charger because I don't have to lift the flap of my OtterBox case to plug in a charger, nor am I wearing out the USB-C connection on my phone.
My latest phone is a Galaxy S8. I was debating on whether to get a Samsung charger or this Belkin and this Belkin seemed like a better decision to me.
There are two places where I would ding this Charging Pad. The first is that the charger is a barrel connector. I would like it to be a USB C so I could charge non-Qi compatible phones. But since this charging pad is compatible with Android and iPhone devices, it makes sense that Belkin couldn't choose one standard over another. The second place is that this pad doesn't allow you to lay your phone on an incline for better visibility.
It's a flat disc. Which can prove to be very convenient as it doesn't take much room in my computer bag.
Charging with this pad is fast. It charges at practically the same speed as a direct USB C connection. I have an OtterBox case on my phone and I witnessed no speed of charging change between having the case or not. Placement of the phone on the charger is pretty easy. Drop the phone roughly in the middle of the charger, a white LED confirms correct placement and then my phone confirms the wireless charging is active. I like that the white LED is small and not very bright. The Samsung wireless charger has a bright blue LED that tends to light up my bedroom.
One thing I do miss from my Palm Pre2 wireless charging days is that absence of locator magnets to help position my phone for optimal charging. It just takes a little getting used to center your phone on the pad. I also like the non-slip ring on the top to help keep your phone in place.
Overall a solid product from a trusted brand name.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Wacom Intuos wireless pen tablet has been designed for those who are getting started drawing, painting or photo editing with their Mac, PC, Chromebook or select Android smartphones/tablets. Enjoy the convenience of wireless creating with built in Bluetooth - or connect the graphics tablet directly to your computer with the included USB cable. Whether it’s the pressure-sensitive pen, the stylish design, the included software or online tutorials, Wacom Intuos is all you need to get creative digitally. Wacom Intuos can also be used to easily write, edit or convey ideas to in education or remote work settings. This product works with devices capable of running the latest version of Chrome OS and has been certified to meet Google's compatibility standards. Google is not responsible for the operation of this product or its compliance with safety requirements. Chromebook, Android, and the Works With Chromebook badge are trademarks of Google LLC.
Customer Rating
5
Great beginner Wacom tablet
on June 15, 2018
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
As a Photoshop beginner, I wanted a more natural way to manipulate my edits. I was surprised that Wacom tablets were reasonably affordable.
When I got the device, I plugged it into my desktop running Linux just to charge up the tablet. I didn't mean to use it, but it immediately worked and I was able to manipulate my screen using the pen+tablet as I would using my mouse. So I fired up GIMP and was able to comfortably start up a drawing.
I was immediately surprised by the feel of the drawing on this pen+tablet. I thought with the affordable price tag, it was going to feel like a stylus on glass. It actually feels like pencil on paper. Very nearly like pencil on a sketch pad.
I then wanted to connect it to my Windows 10 tablet via Bluetooth and was disappointed in the process. I connected first via the included USB cable, while Windows would identify the product, I couldn't use it to manipulate anything on screen. I then connected via Bluetooth and it did the same thing. So I ran out to Wacom's website and pulled down the driver and after a reboot, things worked fine. I was expecting at least a basic driver to be included in Windows.
As for the product itself. For being a "small" tablet, it's actually decently sized. I found that the mapping of the dimensions are spot on. So the left of the tablet corresponds to the left hand of my screen and the same thing with the right, top and bottom. So I don't have to "lift and shift" every so often like I would do with a mouse.
The micro-USB port is on the left hand side at the top of the tablet. It's mildly annoying to a left-handed person like me, but having Bluetooth connectivity makes up for this most of the time. You cannot use the tablet by itself like if it were a large trackpad. I'm left wondering how the technology works since there is no battery in the stylus. But I'm OK with leaving the magic behind the curtain for now.
The pen is fairly ergonomic, lightweight and well balanced. 3 extra nibs are included when you unscrew the back. There is even a nib removal tool. What is missing though is an "eraser" that is found on the back of the professional stylus and on the Microsoft Surface stylus.
Overall, it's a great beginner Wacom device and I can't wait to use it more.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+13points
13of 13voted this as helpful.
Tell Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to turn on the lights with this 3-way control TP Link smart light switch kit. It has Wi-Fi connectivity and includes two switches to control a single unit in a stairway or other location. This TP Link smart light switch kit works with the Kasa app for remote control.
Customer Rating
4
5 wire installation with neutral required!
on June 2, 2018
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
I initially wanted to rate this product with 2 stars. The are no wiring requirements in the product description and the product web page misleads you to think that you can install anywhere there is a 3-way switch when it says "No need to understand complex 3-way switch wiring or master vs. auxiliary switch configurations." and "...makes it easy to replace 3-way switches...". In reality, the product requirements should inclue a 5 wire installation with neutral.
I wanted to find instructions prior to opening the box, but there were none to be found. There are no significant instructions in the box, instead the Kasa app leads you through the instructions. While the Kasa app does a decent job, it failed to address my configuration. In my configuration, I have 4 wires (which I input into the Kasa app and it misled me further). Ground (bare copper), Common (black), and two travelers (white and red). One one side of my hallway, there are no other wires. In the end, I found out I could not set up this smart switch on that side of the hallway.
On the other side of the hallway, I have the original 3-way switch in the same receptacle with a normal 2 way switch that controls a separate set of lights. I'm lucky that I have that because I was able to splice into the neutral (white) bundle that was in there.
Once I cleared the wiring hurdle, setup in the Kasa app was pretty easy. Just know that the Kasa app expects both HS210 smart switches to be connected to the same light fixture. Since I only connected it on one side, I just clicked "Next/OK" buttons through the rest of the setup and everything works. Having a plain (non-smart) 3 way switch at the other end of the hallway is fine, no function loss. In fact, I find very little reason to dedicate 2 smart switches on the same light fixture.
Knowing that the two Smart Switches in the HS210 kit are functionally identical and being able to separate them onto different fixtures is what redeems the major wiring requirement gaffe.
I further tested this by installing the second HS210 switch in another location where I have 3-way switches for my stairway. Everything works. My Kasa app now has two switches that control different fixtures. Response time for both fixtures in the Kasa app is immediate.
Setup on both Google Home and Alexa was quite easy. Response time for both fixtures to voice commands on either platform is immediate.
Another shortcoming on this is that the flanges that allow you to secure the switch to the electrical box and to the switch plate are rather thick. So using a normal Decora switch plate tends to sit away from the drywall. I think you're probably fine if you only have the switch installed in single gang configuration as TP-Link includes two single gang switch plates that seem to account for the thick flanges. But since I was installing them in a double gang configuration, the switch plate sits about a millimeter away from the wall.
The switch looks like a rocker switch that is always in the 'on' position. On and off functions are both toggled on the bottom half of the switch. I would prefer the whole button to be popped up and the ability to press anywhere to toggle the on/off function, but I'll get over it. There is a faint light circle within the switch to help locate it in the dark. I wish there were a way to disable that, but again, I'll get over it.
Would I buy this again? Surprisingly, yes. It comes down to getting two discrete switches for the price of one. I've got a couple more 3-way switch locations and now that I understand the true wiring requirements of the HS210 kit, the ability to separate the two smart switches in this kit, comparing competitor requirements and their price points, I would not hesitate to run HS210 kits where needed. It is a great value.
My Best Buy number: 0571230660
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+8points
8of 8voted this as helpful.
Experience panoramic gaming audio with this Samsung sound bar system. The hole array technology and Dolby 5.1 surround sound beam sound precisely to listeners for an immersive sound field effect, and the 130W wireless subwoofer creates powerful game bass. This Samsung sound bar system has 4K video pass-through for simpler HDMI TV connection.
Customer Rating
5
Great Soundbar; Let it 'warm up'
on April 20, 2018
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
Observation: This is my second Samsung soundbar and I've noticed that I don't get full sound until about 3 days of casual use. For instance, both soundbars don't provide full bass until the soundbar 'warms up'.
My previous soundbar was the HW-MS650, which was giant compared to this HW-N650. I had the old HW-MS650 and my TV on a TV stand and if it were any taller, it would impede my view of my TV. If the old HW-MS650 were any deeper, I couldn't fit both devices on the TV stand.
Thankfully, the HW-N650 is much smaller. It is however longer than the HW-MS650 by a couple inches. The discrete, wireless subwoofer is a welcome addition to the system and since it is wireless, it can be placed anywhere in the room I want. Note: the new HW-N650 does not have the power adapter built in like its predecessor, it has a laptop-like power supply brick. It isn't a huge deal, but it does change my cable organization plans.
Connection to my TV was easy with the included TOSLINK cable. One small detail that I noticed was that the included TOSLINK cable had tethered protective caps whereas the previously included TOSLINK cable just had tiny protective caps. That previous protective cap design probably frustrated some users trying unsuccessfully to plug in their TOSLINK cable with the cap still on.
Once setup, the difference in sound is noticeably better than my previous soundbar. That is to say, the sound is head and shoulders above what is offered by my TV Speakers. After 3 days of casual TV usage, the bass has filled out and I'm getting a fuller surround sound experience than before. I really enjoy a greater focus on dialogue than the over-emphasis on background music that I now realize dominated my previous listening experience. Movies and TV shows are more enjoyable because I'm not fiddling with the volume controls.
The same applies to console gaming. This HW-N650 is built with console gamers in mind. With greater focus on dialogue, I'm picking up details much easier. Hidden under the top speaker grille, I can see a white band running nearly the length of the speaker bar. This seems to be a tweeter that provides additional dimensionality to the soundscape. I think this provides greater accuracy for things that cross my TV. But I think the implementation could be better if there were something to reflect the sound towards the listener. As it sits, some of the sound bounces off the TV that is above and behind the speaker bar.
I really enjoy this speaker bar over its predecessor. I urge anyone that purchases it to give it a few days of casual usage for it to 'warm up'.
My Best Buy number: 0571230660
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+11points
16of 21voted this as helpful.
Ask Alexa to turn on the lights and music with this ecobee Switch+ smart switch. Its built-in speaker lets you access Amazon Alexa with voice commands, and it automatically turns off a light bulb at sunrise or when no one’s in the room. Control this ecobee Switch+ smart switch remotely from your iOS or Android device.
Customer Rating
4
Just a few more features and it would be perfect
on April 14, 2018
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
Before you buy, you need to make sure that use of this switch is for a light that is solely controlled by one switch (no 3 way switch) and you need to have a neutral wire. You also need to be comfortable with household electrical work or call an electrician.
Wiring of the ecobee Switch+ was straightforward. Once you confirm you have the correct wiring in your walls, follow proper electrical and safety codes to install the Switch+. You can immediately check your work (after restoring power to the switch) by clicking the button to confirm your light turns on.
I have amassed several smart home products but this was my first jaunt into the ecobee ecosystem. One of my pet peeves is having to install yet another app on my phone to control a new product. Disappointingly, this product proved no different. Initial setup of this product was frustrating. I attempted to setup the Switch+ with the ecobee app at least 6 times where the app crashed twice, couldn't connect to my wireless, or wouldn't see the Switch+ device. I became very familiar with the sequence to factory reset the Switch+. At one point the app froze while trying to determine my address. I closed the app and re-opened and finally was able to control the switch with my phone.
Luckily, setting up with Amazon Alexa was simpler. Unfortunately, it doesn't have all the features of the Echo Dot. Two features that are missing are the ability to change the trigger word and bluetooth connectivity. With my Echo Dot, I had to change the trigger word because 'Alexa' was being triggered because my daughter's name is somewhat close to 'Alexa'. At the time, we also found out that my youngest couldn't trigger 'Alexa', so we changed the trigger word to 'Computer'.
My wife and I have fun with the 'Computer' trigger word since we are sci-fi fans. When I ordered my Switch+ I had a strong desire to set it up so that I could say "Computer...Light On". Alas, I cannot do this out of the box. The option to change the trigger word doesn't appear in the Alexa for this device. To get closer to my desire, I set my Echo dot in the same room and can trigger with "Computer...Kitchen Light On".
While the speaker on the switch+ is great for interacting with Alexa, I would like to connect it to a bluetooth speaker for music. This option is also absent from the Alexa app.
The Switch+ does have 3 other features that I find nice and well thought out. The first is a motion detect for turning on the light. The second is use of the lack of motion to turn off the light. The third is the built-in night light. Due to the placement of the switch+ in my home, I only use the lack of motion to turn off the light feature. I would probably use the night light feature in my upstairs hallway if this switch made sense there.
I have also connected the switch function to my Google Home Mini and to Samsung SmartThings and it all works well.
The switch itself works well. There is a slight delay in response, but perfectly functional. The switch looks nice.
While I was disappointed with the ecobee setup process, I could overlook it if the Switch+ had the same functionality of the Echo Dot. If ecobee could get that figured out, I would easily swap out several single pole switches throughout my house to this.
My house is set up with several 3 way switches. If the next version of the Switch+ could support 3 way switch function, I would be very tempted to overlook the shortcomings and change most of my switches.
My Best Buy number: 0571230660
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Improve your dental care routine with this Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean electric toothbrush. It has three modes for a customized brushing experience and a pressure sensor to protect your gums from over-brushing. This Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean electric toothbrush has a built-in timer to encourage you to meet the recommended brushing time.
Customer Rating
5
Great upgrade from Oral B
on March 21, 2018
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
I have used Oral B toothbrushes for several years prior to getting this Sonicare 6100 Protective Care toothbrush. In my opinion, the Oral B small round toothbrush heads perform better when you focus on each tooth. Even then, I had a couple spots that didn't feel as clean as they should have been, even after switching to a brand new brush head. But I had no problems from my dentist.
I've read reviews of earlier Sonicare models where people have been quite disgusted when they finally clean their brush head. The Sonicare new brush heads are much easier to clean and much easier to keep clean. So I am thankful for that design change.
To me, the Sonicare 'diamond' shaped brush head allows me to brush my teeth more like a manual toothbrush. That's supported by Sonicare's definition of a quadrant. Oral B's quandrant system is: bottom right, bottom left, top right, top left. Which is fine for such a small brush head. Sonicare's is: bottom inside, bottom outside, top inside, top outside. When I'm brushing my teeth with a manual toothbrush, It's done more like Sonicare's definition.
In terms of cleaning power, I think the Sonicare 6100 has my Oral B model beat quite soundly. Admittedly, I have a cheaper Oral B model. I think its rated rotational count is somewhere below 8,000 oscillations per minute. The Sonicare 6100 has a whopping 31,000 pulses per minute. It takes a little getting used to the frequency change, but even after the first brushing session, the trouble spots I mentioned earlier were gone.
Other features include: 2 minute timer (which turns off the brush, instead of Oral B's momentary stutter pulse), quad pacer where the brushing action pauses for a second to help you brush each quadrant of your mouth. 3 intensity settings, and 3 brushing modes (clean, white, gum care).
The handle of the Sonicare is pretty sleek. It has a very fine matted texture. There is no other texture nor contours to help you grip the handle. Which is unfortunate because it is used in a wet environment so slipping is of concern. I also like that the indicator lights are very small. My Oral B indicator lights are large and pulse while recharging and it is quite annoying when I can see the pulsing light reflecting from my bathroom area.
I am disappointed that the cost of the brush heads increases as I switch to the Sonicare line.
To be honest, I could not tell the difference between the 3 brushing modes. I was expecting a different intensity between clean and gum care modes. After reading the instruction booklet, it seems these modes are paired best with different brush heads. To clarify, by pairing, I refer to the BrushSync feature where certain brush heads have an RFID chip added where the handle will pair and flip to the optimal mode for the attached brush head. I couldn't test that out with the single brush head that was included. I'm not sure I want to flip between different brush heads during my brushing sessions. I find the Brushsync feature rather gimmicky and it's not something I would seek out in my next electric toothbrush.
I also found that the Sonicare gets a little messier while brushing. If I happen to hit a pocket of saliva, the Sonicare will spray it more so than the manual or Oral B brushes. Some of this could be resolved by changing some brushing habits.
I'm really glad to have made the change to the Sonicare line. I hope that it continues to perform well for several years.
My Best Buy number: 0571230660
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Listen for up to eight hours with these comfortable sports-fit Sony wireless headphones. A quick tap on NFC-compatible devices performs Bluetooth setup, and the convenient earpiece-based button and microphone enable hands-free calling. These Sony wireless headphones have open-type drivers, so you can enjoy your music while remaining aware of the surroundings.
Customer Rating
2
These will be my backup headset
on March 12, 2018
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
First let me say that the WI-SP500 offers great sound. Frequency response is great, the sound is clear and volume gets decently loud.
I must have correctly shaped ears because the pre-installed tips fit very well for my ears. The tips are very pliable and they settled themselves into the right position in 30 seconds. The earbuds feel secure in my ears and I don't have any feeling like they will fall out. The earbuds are comfortable enough for several hours of use.
The WI-SP500 does not feature noise cancellation, which is good for when I need to hear my surroundings.
The WI-SP500 lacks time remaining announcement. My cheap Plantronics M25 announces hours remaining upon power up, and my premium Bose headphones announce charge remaining in percentages upon power up. These do not announce anything, which is disappointing.
Controls are rather awkward. Power on/off and call answer are done through the button that is on the bottom end of the long pill shape of these earbuds. Because of this, I have to use my thumb and forefinger to "pinch" the long pill shape to turn it on/off or to accept a call. The pressure needed to activate this button seems excessive.
Other Bluetooth headsets use the outside face as the button. This makes it easy and quick to find the button and use it with one finger. On this Sony headset, you have to expend more time and effort to answer calls.
Controls are only on the right hand earbud, which is unfortunate because I'm left handed and I seem to be left ear dominant. When I only want to have one earbud in, it has to be the right handed one which is not my preference. Because there is only a wire connecting the earbuds, all the weight is at the earbuds. This means that if I'm wearing one earbud, the other earbud pulls the slack which causes me to pull the wire occasionally when I turn my head.
The charging port is under a cap on the top side of the right hand earbud (opposite of the on/off and call answer button). The cap is tethered to the earbud so you don't lose it. In my opinion, this tether should be about a millimeter longer so the cap can stay out of the way of the charging port.
Included with the box is a storage loop which holds the two earbuds together. I think this was poorly thought out. When not in use, you can have it clipped to the wire which can get in the way or get knocked off. Or you can leave it attached to the left earbud. If you leave it on the right earbud, it gets in the way of the controls. More likely, I'll probably leave the storage loop at home (aka, I'll lose it).
I wanted these earbuds as a replacement for my old Plantronics M25 headset. But to me, these lack features that would make them a serious replacement. Therefore, these will be considered as my backup headset.
My Best Buy number: 0571230660
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
-3points
0of 3voted this as helpful.
Extend your next-gen AC Wi-Fi connection in hard-to-reach locations of your home such as the backyard, garage, or bedroom, so you can get blazing AC3000 Wi-Fi speeds to Smart TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, iPads, tablets, laptops, and smartphones. Powerful amplifiers and four high-performance external antennas deliver maximum power and range, allowing everyone in your family to enjoy 4K/HD movie streaming, simultaneous online gaming, social media, and more.The Max-Stream RE9000 tri-band range extender helps you get the most out of your home Wi-Fi by delivering faster speeds than dual-band range extenders. Dedicated backhaul technology maximizes Wi-Fi speeds by assigning a single, dedicated 5 GHz Wi-Fi band to your router. This frees up the remaining two bands to focus exclusively on your streaming media players, game consoles, and other connected devices, so you'll enjoy full-strength Wi-Fi without slowdown or degradation.
Customer Rating
4
Works Great for Intended Purpose
on March 6, 2018
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
The Linksys RE9000 is a pretty solid range extender. I've seen plug in units that may or may not have up to 2 antennae and one Ethernet port. The RE9000 looks more like a WiFi router. It has 4 antennae and 4 Ethernet ports.
Setup involved powering on the device, connecting my WiFi enabled device (Android phone) to the Range Extender's WiFi network and then opening a browser to extender.linksys.com, entering a default password and working through the Setup Wizard.
There are two ways this Range Extender can be setup. As a wireless extender or as a Wired Access Point. As a wireless extender, one great feature is that anything that is plugged into the RE9000's Ethernet ports are now connected to your network via WiFi. As a wired Access Point, it can assume one of your your existing WiFi Network's SSID and lets your wireless devices get passed between the range extender or your wifi router seamlessly, especially if you have the RE9000 paired with a Linksys Max-Stream WiFi Router.
I have this Linksys RE9000 paired up with a Linksys EA9500 Router, which is a beast of a thing. The Linksys EA9500 covers my house pretty well by itself. So I didn't necessarily need the Linksys RE9000 to extend my wifi signal. My particular use of the RE9000 is for my wireless Arlo Pro cameras. Unfortunately, I cannot just extend the wireless signal just for the Arlo Pro wireless network. I have to move the Arlo Pro base station to balance the signal between my cameras. I have one Arlo Pro camera that sits next to the garage door watching the driveway on the far end of the house. That one camera has weak WiFi connectivity which tends to wipe out the battery quicker than the other cameras.
The RE9000 in wireless range extender mode allowed me to move the Arlo Base Station to a location that all Arlo Pro cameras have decent signal. I can then fine tune the location with the Range Extender's "Spot Finder" to make sure the Range Extender is not too close/far from my Wifi Router.
Diving deeper into the configuration of this Range Extender, I became a little more disappointed. By default, only one SSID is handled by the Range Extender. More SSIDs can be created by turning off Band Steering, but it isn't truly extending your existing SSIDs. My Linksys EA9500 allows me to work with 4 SSIDs. I would have really liked to extend all 4 SSIDs, but the real way to do this is to set up something like Ubiquiti Access Points that support multiple SSIDs. In Wireless Range Extender Mode, it creates a unique SSID by adding "_Ext" to your supplied SSID.
The RE9000 Range Extender works great if your WiFi router just isn't covering your house. It also worked to solve my wireless camera situation. Beyond that, I think you're better served by enterprise grade wireless access points.
My Best Buy number: 0571230660
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Acer 15 Chromebook: Enjoy up to 12 hours of battery life with this 15.6-inch Acer Chromebook. Its Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM load webpages quickly and provide lag-free streaming, and the 16GB of internal storage holds documents and photos. This Acer Chromebook has an HDMI port for connecting to a larger display.
Customer Rating
5
Superb machine for the price
on February 5, 2018
Posted by: bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
After receiving this Chromebook, I was really impressed by the cosmetics. The back of the monitor has a brushed aluminum appearance. The bottom panel has a nice carbon fiber like texture which is great for grip. This generates a feel that belies its very affordable price tag.
The Chromebooks I'm used to seeing are typically 11" or 13". This Acer Chromebook boasts a 15" screen. It's a nice, comfortable display but it is a little washed out. The resolution was slightly disappointing. The self-proclaimed best resolution is 1366 x 768, however, you can bump it up to 1536 x 864. Instead of a numeric keypad, the space is divided between 2 speakers on either side of the keyboard. The speakers give sufficient sound, albeit a little light in the bass.
After the initial charge, I've run this Acer Chromebook about 6 hours across a weekend and it is just now dipping below 50% battery life, so as far as I can tell, the 12 hour battery life claim holds true.
The Dual Core Celeron is plenty powerful. It allows the rendering of busy websites with ease.
I was a little disappointed of the apps available in the Chrome Web Store, however, the OS update that showed up the first morning brought the Google Play Store allowing many Android Apps to run directly on the Chromebook.
I was also able to test adding an external monitor via HDMI and it worked flawlessly. And adding an external mouse via USB also worked well.
My kids use Chromebooks at school. While they have access to a Windows machine at home, its tedious to sign into Windows only to sign into Chrome Browser (school account has strict user management protocols) to get to their Google Classroom resources. Signing into the Chromebook has a much better user experience for my kids. My plan is to give this to my kids so that they have an easier experience moving from one device to another. This Chromebook easily outclasses the ones available at their school.
Here is where I would nit-pick this Chromebook:
-As I've mentioned above, the screen is a bit washed out. Please don't expect a super sharp Apple Retina display, especially at this price point.
-Resolution not FullHD.
-No numeric keypad.
-Brightness of the screen defaults to 60% after reboots. Luckily, there are function keys to change the brightness quickly.
-As I've mentioned above, the screen is a bit washed out. Please don't expect a super sharp Apple Retina display, especially at this price point.
-Resolution not FullHD.
-No numeric keypad.
-Brightness of the screen defaults to 60% after reboots. Luckily, there are function keys to change the brightness quickly.
I had the additional benefit of connecting this Chromebook to my workplace's Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. This Chromebook works great as a Thin Client providing me access to my virtual Windows 10 desktop. However, the Android Horizon View client (from Google Play Store) receives a better hand-off than the Chrome App version. My co-workers were impressed by this Chromebook and I can tell they're thinking of getting this one for themselves.
My Best Buy number: 0571230660
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
bzm3j81's Review Comments
Add high-end performance to your everyday life with the Google Pixel XL. A quad-core processor, a 5.5-inch LED screen and 32GB of memory ensure this phone is able to handle daily life, and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protects the screen. Easy cloud storage ensures you never run out of space on the Google Pixel XL.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Amazing Phone
By bzm3j81
from Detroit, MI
First and foremost, this phone is amazing. Performance and quality exceed my expectations from Google.
Pro’s:
- Build Quality
- Phone Performance
- Google Assist
- Unlimited photo storage
- Battery life
- Camera!
- Build Quality
- Phone Performance
- Google Assist
- Unlimited photo storage
- Battery life
- Camera!
Con’s:
- Cost
- Lack of some “flagship” features (i.e. IP67 rating, wireless charging, removable storage)
- Cost
- Lack of some “flagship” features (i.e. IP67 rating, wireless charging, removable storage)
Build quality: This phone is solid in your hand from the moment you pick it up. The aluminum body feels solid and the phone has enough weight behind it to sit comfortably in your hand. I was concerned about the glass portion of the back panel, as I cringed every time I put the phone down on a solid surface, but it has endured very well so far and beyond adding a little flair it helps to quickly identify the top from bottom of the phone as I bring it out of my pocket. The front screen is probably the best screen I have ever used on a smart phone, colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and I would put it up against any screen that Apple or Samsung produce. It would really be nice if this was IP 67 rated for water resistance and dust resistance.
Performance: The new Qualcomm 821 processor doesn’t seem leaps and bounds above the older 820 model, but there are times where it is noticeable. Transitions are smooth, scrolling is faster and more responsive, and the phone overall just seems more fluid. The finger print reader is very quick. The camera does load faster than my old phone, but isn’t instant.
Software: The new launcher is very smooth. Took a little bit of time to get used to the “pull up” for the app drawer, but it seems much more natural than the old app drawer button. The Google assistant is nice, but seems to be a slightly more powerful Google now… I expect this will get better over time, but right now seems to be a little basic. Verizon did a great job with the phone’s “bloatware”. I haven’t “noticed” the applications and it seems that they can be uninstalled if I want to. (good job guys). Everything seems to work really well, and the 3D touch is really nice for the applications it works with right now (mostly google apps) but as with most of the software, it will just get better with time.
Camera: This is hands down the best camera I have ever used on a phone. I was worried about the lack of OIS (optical image stabilization) but after seeing how well the EIS performs, it really isn’t a concern anymore. Photos look amazing, the stabilization is awesome, and the HDR+ mode is so fast, I do not even know it’s on. Combined with the unlimited Google photos storage, I really don’t mind the 32GB storage size. Low light photos are amazing and the autofocus is fast. Colors look amazing. I really can’t say enough about this thing. I do wish it had OIS to cover those situations where EIS struggles (lose some details in low light with HDR+ and shaky hands) but I do not think it’s needed overall.
Battery: bottom line, rock solid. I run my phones hard, and normally have to charge them in the car to and from work. (sometimes even at work). But no issues with this Pixel XL. The Qualcomm 821 processor combined with the OLED screen seem to have really helped battery life out. I am looking at 18 hours of life today alone and that’s with about 7 hours of screen time on.)
If you are in the market for a phone, and you have the money, this phone will not disappoint.
bzm3j81
Detroit, MI
Yes 3D Touch!
October 25, 2016
@RTB1980, to answer your question, yes 3D Touch. So when I press and hold a Google application, it displays a context menu specific to that application. It may not be based on pressure sensitivity, but timing. The same action on a non-Google app will 'zoom-out' so that you can drag and drop the app like in previous generations of Android.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
bzm3j81's Questions
bzm3j81 has not submitted any questions.
PowerCore III 10K is a slim and powerful portable 10000mAh battery. With two USB-A port PowerIQ outputs for high-speed dual device charging and one USB-C PD input for incredibly fast recharging. This is all you need as your charging companion.
The indicator light appears to be flashing while charging. Is this normal? Also, where can I find a manual for this online?
Make sure that you're plugged into the correct port. I was able to trigger the flashing if I plugged my phone into the USB-C port (middle port). That port is only for charging the power bank (input) and not for charging your mobile device. The two USB-A ports are used for charging your devices (output).
2 years, 5 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Capture stunning imagery with the legendary Hasselblad camera and enjoy a smooth flight with omnidirectional obstacle sensing. Every improvement on Mavic 3 sets a higher standard for aerial photography. Fly with Mavic 3 and discover imaging above everything.
What VR/FPV goggles can be used with this new Mavic 3?
The Mavic 3 will not be compatible with the DJI FPV goggles at launch. DJI hints that it may be supported in the future with possible firmware updates.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Coffeehouse Versatility meets Pod Convenience with the Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System. Included 12-cup, double-walled thermal carafe is perfect for both hot and over-ice beverages, with an ergonomic handle and spout allow for easy control of pouring. Tackle grounds and pods with 9 grounds brew sizes from small cup to full carafe, and 4 pod brew sizes from 6 to 12 ounces. Brews a coffee pod faster than a leading Keurig coffee maker upon startup. With Thermal Flavor Extraction DUO technology, perfect flavor for grounds and pods is delivered with even saturation and precise temperature control for ultra-flavorful coffee. Separate from the coffee system is a dedicated hot water line. Using a separate line eliminates flavor contamination and delivers clean water. 2 temperature settings, hot and boil, allow you to make tea, hot cocoa, instant soups, and oatmeal. Brew a super-rich coffee concentrate that you can use to create delicious lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, and other coffeehouse-style drinks. Use the built-in, fold-away frother to transform hot or cold milk/milk-alternatives into silky-smooth froth in seconds. Top your Specialty brew with frothed milk for a coffeehouse-style drink. The frother is also removable for easy cleaning. Choose from one of four different brew styles; classic or rich for a traditional hot cup of coffee, over ice for an iced coffee that's never diluted, or specialty to make a cappuccino or latte. Clean function, dishwasher-safe parts, removable Ninja pod adaptor and frother allow you to easily deep clean your unit.
Must I use the pods for single cup?
It has a more traditional brew basket for a filter and coffee grounds that allows you to brew from 8 to 55 oz.
2 years, 6 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Who’s in the garden? Are the kids doing their homework yet? Nest Cam is wire-free, so it goes almost anywhere, outside or in. It knows the difference between people, animals, and vehicles, so you can get the alerts that are important to you. Listen and speak through the camera right from the Google Home app. Check in anytime with 24/7 live view.* If you miss a notification, you can always go back and see what happened with 3 hours of free event video history.* And it’s easy to install yourself – no outlet or wires required. Nest Camera Battery requires the Google Home app and a Google Account – it’s not compatible with the Nest app or the home.nest.com site. *** Stand and cable sold separately
Hi! Is it mandatory to have the camera be connected to a home wifi? I read that it is battery operated. With just battery, can I still get alerts on my google home app while I’m in an international country? Thanks for your answer.
Your usage scenario requires it to be connected to some kind of local WiFi, whether that's a home WiFi or a hotspot that remains in the vicinity of the camera. The camera itself cannot send the video nor alerts via cellular data.
2 years, 8 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Who’s in the garden? Are the kids doing their homework yet? Nest Cam is wire-free, so it goes almost anywhere, outside or in. It knows the difference between people, animals, and vehicles, so you can get the alerts that are important to you. Listen and speak through the camera right from the Google Home app. Check in anytime with 24/7 live view.* If you miss a notification, you can always go back and see what happened with 3 hours of free event video history.* And it’s easy to install yourself – no outlet or wires required. Nest Camera Battery requires the Google Home app and a Google Account – it’s not compatible with the Nest app or the home.nest.com site. *** Stand and cable sold separately
Do the video feeds show up on home.nest.com for the new cameras?
Not it does not. While it is branded as a Nest Cam, it only connects through the Google Home App.
2 years, 8 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Who’s in the garden? Are the kids doing their homework yet? Nest Cam is wire-free, so it goes almost anywhere, outside or in. It knows the difference between people, animals, and vehicles, so you can get the alerts that are important to you. Listen and speak through the camera right from the Google Home app. Check in anytime with 24/7 live view.* If you miss a notification, you can always go back and see what happened with 3 hours of free event video history.* And it’s easy to install yourself – no outlet or wires required. Nest Camera Battery requires the Google Home app and a Google Account – it’s not compatible with the Nest app or the home.nest.com site. *** Stand and cable sold separately
Can I install this camera outside, not under a cover?
I have it installed outside, it is rated IP54 for weather resistance.
2 years, 8 months ago
by
bzm3j81
Everything you love in a Galaxy PC, and more. Galaxy Book Flex2 ⍺ sits at the top of its class with high-quality features to match. Equipped with our latest technology, innovative design, vivid display and a high-speed processor that'll dazzle your senses while exceeding all expectations. Its super vivid QLED screen features millions of colors realized at 100% color volume, adapting to your environment so you have an easy viewing experience no matter the lighting. Choose your view with the ultra-slim 2-in-1 design that transforms from laptop to tablet. Add the latest 11th Gen Intel Core i5 / i7 processor, and your work, play and entertainment continue from morning to night. Enjoy added built-in features like Second Screen capability and enhanced connectivity to anything within the Galaxy ecosystem, from buds to tablets and so much more. Plus, a super-fast charging battery¹ that lasts 17 hours on a single charge makes it easy to accomplish everything you need to do and everything you want to do wherever, and whenever you want.
Does this have thunderbolt 4 that I could use with an egpu or is it only usb c?
Immerse yourself in every detail with the Samsung A700 high resolution 4K UHD monitor. With HDR10 technology, colors will look vivid and lifelike while the TUV-certified eye comfort care will reduce eye fatigue and keep you productive. The minimalistic, virtually borderless design, clean cable management and slim, sleek stand gives you an optimized clutter-free workstation.
Does this tv support screen mirroring
This isn't a Smart TV, it's a monitor. Therefore there isn't any casting options available. If physically connected to your computer, you can change your display settings to duplicate your display across your monitors.
3 years ago
by
bzm3j81
Soundcore Life Tune XR are active noise cancelling headphones with Hi-Res Certified sound. The Multi-Mode noise cancellation technology detects and cancels out exterior noise. Use for calls with the dual microphones and have long, 60 hour listening sessions due to the long battery life and comfortable earcups.
Why does the Product Name say “Earbuds” when the Images show “Over the Ear” headphones and the Specs mention “Over the Ear”? Which one is correct “Earbuds” or “Over the Ear”? thx
These are Over the Ear headphones.
Anker does have an ear buds variant of this line.
Anker does have an ear buds variant of this line.
3 years, 1 month ago
by
bzm3j81
Soundcore Life Tune XR are active noise cancelling headphones with Hi-Res Certified sound. The Multi-Mode noise cancellation technology detects and cancels out exterior noise. Use for calls with the dual microphones and have long, 60 hour listening sessions due to the long battery life and comfortable earcups.