BillFromKC's stats
- Review count196
- Helpfulness votes763
- First reviewJune 27, 2012
- Last reviewJune 23, 2024
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- Average rating4.5
- Review comment count8
- Helpfulness votes10
- First review commentAugust 27, 2015
- Last review commentFebruary 19, 2017
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- Answer count68
- Helpfulness votes38
- First answerJanuary 9, 2014
- Last answerNovember 5, 2021
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- Best answers9
Upgrade your current gaming rig with this iBUYPOWER Desktop. It’s 8GB of RAM and Intel i3-12100 processor lets you run multiple programs at once, and its Intel Arc A380 graphics card renders fast-paced action smoothly without screen tearing. This iBUYPOWER desktop also has a 500GB NVME solid state drive for a faster start up and data acesss.
Customer Rating
5
Solid low-end gaming machine
on October 26, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
TL;DR - if you're looking for a low-end gaming rig with midrange power, the iBuyPower SlateHAKO MR fits the bill nicely. If you're looking for something you can upgrade down the line, the SlateHAKO uses commodity parts, unlike some major pre-built manufacturers, so you'll be able to drop in other motherboards and power supplies instead of needing to toss the whole system and start over when its upgrade time. If all you want to do is run Roblox or Minecraft, this system is actually complete overkill after a RAM upgrade. For some harder-to-run titles, you may hit settings you wouldn’t expect when you consider what that parts would cost individually.
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And now onto the rest of the review...
The iBuyPower SlateHAKO MR is an interesting beast to say the least. Out of the box, it does surprisingly well with some demanding gaming benchmarks when you consider the hardware - with Core i3 12100 4c/8t, 8GB single-channel RAM, and Intel Arc A380 6GB graphics. However, the real question is the cost for the performance you get and the included hardware. So let's get started...
Unboxing and first impressions:
First, the box this comes in is very large, and this is a good thing. When you get the box open, you'll notice that the computer itself is packed well with dense foam all around the corners. There isn't an internal foam fill inside the case, but with how light the video card is, it doesn't need one. You'll also find a box with the included keyboard, mouse, two SATA cables. and power cable.
The included peripherials are a mixed bag. I do like the mouse as it's weighted nicely and has a long, braided cord. The mouse also has a button that controls both the DPI mode and the RGB lighting; as nice as it would be, there is no software for controlling this. For as well-constructed as it is, however, you do have to be careful as a drop can break the mouse buttons. The keyboard, on the other hand, isn't very good at all. It's a mechanical-looking membrane unit with RGB lighting that you have no obvious control over, either with settings buttons or with software. The light pattern is a very fast rainbow flash that annoyed me after 15 minutes.
The build quality of the computer itself is a work of art, for the most part. I implore you to open the metal side panel on the rear side of the motherboard, as it is a masterclass of how to cable manage a non-modular power supply and all the RGB inside of the case. While off-brand, the claimed stats of that gold-rated power supply are terrific - 600 watts total power and all of it can come off the 12 volt rail, a very handy feature if you want to upgrade to a more power-hungry video card down the line. The real disappointment in here is a low-end aftermarket heat sink that makes all the noise when the computer is under load; for what this system costs, it should have at least came with a 120mm tower cooler.
The case is honestly one of the best I've poked around in, and I've built at least 100 computers for friends and family. For upgraders, there is room for two 360mm radiators (one on top, one in front). For those who want lots of storage, there are plenty of spaces for SATA SSDs and 3.5 inch drives. This case comes with four of iBuyPower's aRGB fans installed - 3 in front, 1 in the rear. The lighting for these fans is hidden inside of the motor hubs of the fans. As they are aRGB, the colors are completely adjustable.
The first thing that disappointed me, even before even powering the system, on was the single stick of memory installed. This was detrimental to performance; many games and benchmarks gained 4-10% in performance from upgrading this alone.
The motherboard is a Gigabyte B660-DS3H AC DDR4. This means you can use the less expensive and more commonly available DDR4 memory. It also has tons of room for expansion, with 2 M.2 NVMe SSD slots, front and rear USB 3.2 type A ports, a rear-mounted USB-C port, and intenal headers for more USB ports and a serial port. It also comes with 5 (mechanically) PCIe x16 slots, 3 of which support x1 speeds, 1 of which supports x4 speeds, and the 5th one supporting x16 speeds and already used by the graphics card. The only negative here is the on-board WiFi only supports 802.11ac (WiFi5) at speeds up to 433 mbps (which translates to around 220 mbps throughput).
Storage is nothing to write home about - it does use a Western Digital Blue 570 series PCIe 3.0 devices with read speeds around 3500 megabytes per second and write speeds I never saw break 2800 megabytes per second. While this is faster than many of the SSDs you'd get in major-brand prebuilts, a PCIe 4.0 device would have nearly doubled this performance.
The graphics card is the main attraction to this computer and why I got one - more as a curiousity, really. The Intel Arc A380 is not without some flaws, but I was honestly surprised on how well it works - many modern games ran at 1080p with medium settings and no ray-tracing without dropping below 60 fps, and even a few games surprised me with how well they ran at higher resolutions (Street Fighter V with low textures and high quality shadows ran 4k60, and Mortal Kombat 11 ran with low/medium settings at 4k/60.) Older titles also ran very well on this card; there wasn't a single Source engine game I couldn't run at 4k/60 with high settings, and the Half-Life 2: Lost Coast stress test had 68 fps at 4k with all the settings maxed out. I also ran the Superposition benchmark and got 22 fps before and 23.5 fps after upgrading from the stock RAM to dual-channel RAM at 4k. (This version of the Arc A380 card was manufactured by ASRock.)
Now here comes the value proposition for this system. You CAN build a very similar system with identical - or nearly identical in the case of the case and PSU - components for around $100 less. You do have to take into account the extra mile iBuyPower went with this in terms of assembly - with the exception of how they did the CPU cooler power cable, the cable management is amazing. It takes time to do presentation inside a computer case like this, I know - I've built several systems for friends over the years and what they thought would take half an hour would end up taking about 2 hours. You'll definitely be wanting to buy a second 8GB stick of DDR4-3200 memory and you may want to spring for a PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive for more - and faster - performance.
The one other thing to consider here is "What is my upgrade path?" While I think DDR4-based Intel systems are just fine for the majority of users, especially when you consider the current cost of DDR5 RAM modules versus DDR4 RAM modules (as of this review, DDR4 was about 40% less expensive than DDR5 for the same amount of memory), DDR5 is the future. Either way, you'll be buying a stick of memory to go with this computer so you can run in dual-channel memory mode for the performance benefits that come with it.
Also, this is a system that you'll want to upgrade the storage on as 500GB isn't enough space for keeping larger titles downloaded, especially as games get larger. Considering there are two M.2 slots and space for 2 SATA SSDs and two 3.5 inch hard drives, you have plenty of upgrade options and iBuyPower included SATA cables and a NVMe screw for those upgrades.
All in all, I can recommend the iBuyPower SlakeHAKO MR for those getting into gaming and are willing to upgrade later on and for those who don't want to mess with building their own computer.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4, Noise Cancelling Earbuds, True Wireless Earbuds with ACAA 3.0, Dual Dynamic Drivers, Hi-Res Audio, Heart Rate Sensor, CloudComfort Eartips, Spatial Audio, 28H Playtime
Customer Rating
5
Best earbuds for the money.
on October 17, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
You might think to yourself "Why would I get a pair of earbuds from a company known for their cables and battery packs?" I'm here to tell you that the Soundcore Liberty 4 earbuds are easily the best noise-cancelling earbuds you can get for the money, period. Solid build quality and terrific battery life are both here, as is great (for Bluetooth) sound quality. The noise cancelling is good - they worked well enough to silence fan noises at work and nearly silenced a set of refrigeration compressors. Setup is also super simple - the earbuds paired with my iPhone with no issues.
The other great part of these earbuds is the app you use to control them. It's easy to switch not only between noise cancelling modes, but to pair other devices so you can be connected to two things at one time (my second device was an Android TV box that supports Bluetooth headphones). Going from watching something on Netflix to taking a phone call and back was seamless.
My only complaint? The packaging, while otherwise great, isn't completely intuitive as to where the box opens.
All in all, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 are terrific.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Denon DHT-S517 premium soundbar takes your home entertainment up a notch with its left and right channel tweeters and midrange drivers, a dedicated center-channel driver, and two up-firing speakers, while the powerful wireless subwoofer delivers enhanced bass for your music, movies, and TV shows. Experience crystal clear dialogue and enveloping sound with Denon’s dialogue enhancer that lets you turn up the dialogue without having to adjust overall volume. Features a pure mode that eliminates surround processing and removes any adjusted characteristics associated with Movie, Music, or Night modes. Additionally, the DHT-S517 allows unlimited wireless music streaming at your fingertips via Bluetooth. Connect your Bluetooth-enabled smart device and directly stream your music to the soundbar. Enjoy a single-wire connection to your TV with included HDMI input and output with Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) (Non-HDMI ARC TVs can connect via the digital optical input). All cables are included for a simplified setup.
Customer Rating
5
Solid soundbar for small to medium rooms.
on October 15, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
Solid performance and easy setup, hallmarks of Denon equipment. You're given a few connection options beyond HDMI eARC/ARC audio - optical audio and analog 3.5mm inputs for older TVs and equipment, and Bluetooth connectivity for listening to music through your phone. Unlike some other soundbars, The Denon DHT-S517 treats each port as an individual input. You'll also not lose your HDMI port to this soundbar as it does passthrough.
Setup was simple. Place the soundbar, connect power and HDMI to your eARC or ARC HDMI port (Sony, TCL, and Hisense all use the 4th input port for this), place your subwoofer where you want it, power everything on. The subwoofer was already paired for me which made life easy.
Once everything is physically set up, use the remote included to set your input mode, sound mode, and dialog enhancer. On some TV sets, you may also need to go into your settings to configure your HDMI port to support ARC or eARC properly, along with the power and remote functions over HDMI (also called HDMI CEC). After it's set up, you'll only need to touch your Denon remote to change input modes should you want to listen to music through your phone.
So how's the sound quality? Considering the soundbar's size, it's pretty good. The subwoofer definitely helps with the low end. The Dolby Atmos decoding was there in a smaller room but seemed to be swallowed up by my living room as I moved away from the soundbar, due to the room size; the sweet spot for Atmos seemed like 5 to 9 feet from the soundbar. Playback through Bluetooth from your phone may not sound as good as your earbuds do, as this soundbar doesn't support AAC or "lossless" headphone CODECs, which is a little disappointing but expected. For small to medium rooms, it's a good choice.
Overall, I was pleased with the setup and overall quality of the Denon DHT-S517 soundbar. The analog and optical inputs were pleasant surprises, leaving connectivity for Dolby audio from older gaming systems and analog input for a DAC for my phone.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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With the Ninja Foodi Power Mixer System, you can tackle all your essential food prep tasks in no time. Its 750-peak-watt power-dense motor lets you power through tough ingredients, evenly mix cookie dough, and blend drinks or soups. Simply connect the PowerBase with one of two attachments to transform it into whatever you need it to be. Mix, whisk, and blend—all in one.
Customer Rating
5
Nice immersion blender with bonus mixer mode
on October 15, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
This works great as both a mixer and an immersion blender. I felt like the motor had no problem whipping up a batch of meringue cookies and making whipped cream, with the mixer having 5 speeds and the immersion blender having two (thanks to a turbo button). Changing out tools is super simple and the immersion attachment is completely dishwasher safe. It also comes with a jar for use with the immersion blender attachment and the mixer attachment has both a pair of beaters and a whisk.
Everything is packaged well. Setup is super-easy and very intuitive, with release buttons on the tools for switching things out. Usage of the unit in either mode is intuitive as well; the immersion blender mode just has a power button and a "turbo" button for high speed until you release it; the mixer mode has 5 speeds, including a "turbo" button that takes you straight to high speed until you release it.
The other part about this kit is its overall power; a half cup of heavy cream became fresh whipped cream in maybe 2 minutes, and it whipped merengue faster than my older hand mixer does by about a minute and a half.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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MGC Switchplate Wireless Controller for Switch and Windows PC. Featuring a compact design and 2 swappable magnetic faceplates in white and black, the Switchplate perfectly enhances the aesthetic and play of the Switch OLED, Switch and Switch Lite consoles. In addition to clean style, the Switchplate is packed with all the features you expect from a premium wireless controller:
Customer Rating
5
Pretty solid and easily customizable controller
on October 15, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
TL;DR - The Switchplate controller is solid, with compatibility to the Nintendo Switch. It functions exactly how you would expect, and compared to similar (and more expensive controllers) for the Switch, it's everything you would want. For fighting games, FPS games, sports games, and puzzle games, it works well. However, the key feature of this controller - the switchable magnetic faceplates - also feel like the most fragile part about it.
Unboxing and setup:
It comes packed well with a plastic piece holding the controller, the second faceplate boxed up, a decent-length USB-A to USB-C charge cable, and instructions. Pairing to the Switch was simple and quick. Swapping the faceplates does take some effort, but I promise that you won't break it even though it feels like you will.
Usage:
The only part I like better about other controllers is a little more motion in the shoulder trigger buttons, but that's not a big deal with Switch as the trigger buttons aren't analog anyway. There is a nice addition over other Switch controllers I've used in the underpad trigger buttons. The sticks were both responsive and the buttons felt solid overall. Wireless range was also fairly impressive - I was still connected with no interference at a little over 45 feet away from my console.
Negatives:
Like I said, the key feature of the Switchplate - the magnetically-attached faceplates - felt a little more fragile than I was hoping for. The magnets are very strong, which does add to this problem.
Closing:
I hope the ecosystem around this controller grows. The Switchplate has a lot of possibility for its future.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Vulcan II Max Optical-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard combines durability, performance, and functionality into a dazzling RGB filled design. The exclusive TITAN II Optical switches have a smooth, hyper-fast actuation and incredible durability with a 100 million click life cycle. Feel confident in your keystrokes with 24 multi-function smart keys featuring a unique dedicated LED to indicate when secondary functions are active. Enter game mode to access Easy-Shift [+] button duplicator technology and unlock a second programmable function layer. The detachable, translucent silicone palm rest sets the stage for ROCCAT’s AIMO RGB lighting displays right out of the box and can sync with other compatible AIMO products.
Customer Rating
5
Solid keyboard for the price.
on September 30, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
TL;DR - a very solid mechanical keyboard for both gaming and productivity. The Titan II switches are very solid performers and not too loud, too. The lighting is completely adjustable in Roccat Swarm. The only real negative is the keyboard cable isn't detachable like with previous Vulkan series keyboards, and it requires TWO USB ports as this keyboard can draw a lot of power. Otherwise, I'm extremely happy with it.
Unboxing, setup, and first impressions:
This is packaged nicely with the keyboard and palm rest wrapped separately. You'll need to slide the tabs for the palm rest into the bottom of the keyboard, which was a pretty simple task for me.
When connecting to your computer, you'll need to plug in both USB-A connectors; the keyboard didn't want to respond for me, EVEN IN BIOS, when only one connector was plugged in. For those with very few USB ports, this may be a drawback (I'm looking at you, laptop users).
The Swarm software is a quick download; visit Roccat's support page and you'll find the link almost immediately. For those of you already using Swarm, you may need to update the software before the keyboard is detected.
Usage:
Response is nearly immediate. The feel is terrific, especially when you're using the silicon palmrest. The keys themselves are not too loud, which is a refreshing change from most mechanical keyboards. Unlike some mechanical keyboards, the space bar is very stable on this one.
The Roccat software does take some "getting used to" when it comes to customization, but once you get the hang of it, you can set up your keyboard to look however you'd like it to. The lighting supports 24-bit color for a total of about 16.8 million colors. You'll likely want to turn the brightness down as soon as you install the Swarm software.
There are also dedicated media keys, a volume knob that doubles as a mute switch, and a function key that allows certain keys to perform different functions, such as switching lighting and game profiles, enabling screen recording, mic mute, and chat functionality, and even performing macros.
Like stated earlier, the only drawback for me with this keyboard is the lack of a detachable cable. It's easier for me to run a cable from the computer to the keyboard. The cable is long enough for most setups, however. For some, the two USB ports required for use may be a problem, especially with laptops and older desktops that have fewer USB ports available.
Final thoughts:
All in all, the Roccat Vulcan II is an evolution over their prior models, with a couple of nice things added to make it a better overall experience.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Samsung Jet 60 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum features a lightweight and maneuverable design plus a removable battery for extended cleaning time up to 40 minutes. The mini motorized tool is perfect for cleaning up pet dander and allergens. Compatible with the Samsung Clean Station.
Posted by: BillFromKC
TL;DR - The Samsung Jet 60 Pet cordless vacuum is a solid, lightweight choice for quick cleanups around the house. The battery life is decent, setup is easy, and cleaning it out is simple. If you have a larger home and want to use this as your primary vacuum, consider purchasing additional batteries for it.
Unboxing and setup:
Everything is well-organized inside the box. The packaging material is all cardboard, so it's easily recyclable. Everything is wrapped in a plastic bag that can be recycled with your grocery bags, and only the main unit and both included power heads have peels on the clear plastic parts.
Everything assembles easily. The hardest part is finding a place for the charge base so it's out of the way but still connected to power; you'll want a drill for pilot holes when you put the screws into your wall for the charge base.
Usage:
It's a vacuum cleaner, but battery powered. There are buttons for power and speed on the main part of the unit - low speed is quiet and good for removing dust from shelves, ceiling fans, and cobwebs; medium is a balance of power, sound, and battery life; and high is powerful but loud and drains the battery fast. It has a similar weight to a battery-powered impact wrench or yard blower with a high-capacity battery installed.
The battery charge takes a bit to complete, but there are blue indicator LEDs to show you where the battery level is. The charge base can charge the battery in the vacuum or on its own.
You should clean this machine after every use. remove the dust bin assembly, tap the lint collected out of the screen assembly (it's the silver part), and it's ready for next time.
Final thoughts - The Samsung Jet 60 Pet is the first battery vacuum I've used that, for the price, feels like an excellent machine. It cleans as well as the more expensive brands and is a solid value.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Don’t let your phone battery die as you go throughout your day. The Insignia NS-MW320C1W22 20W USB-C Compact Wall Charger for iPhone has a high, 20-watt output to quickly charge your iPhone, tablet, smartwatch and more. Its compact and durable body with a foldable plug easily fits into a purse or pocket, ready for when you need it. A simple white design pairs well with your other accessories. Keep your iPhone working as hard as you do with this fast, easy-to-carry charger.
Posted by: BillFromKC
This is a solid 20-watt fast charger. It is compatible with every device that can be charged via USB you own, as long as you have the correct cable. With capable devices, you can charge at up to 20 watts; on top of iPhones and iPads, Android devices that support the USB-PD standard can charge at up to 20 watts as well.
My iPhone 11 and my wife's iPhone 12 both charge at the 20-watt rating. My son's iPad charges at 12 watts. Using an USB-C to USB micro-B cable, you can also power Roku, Fire, and Android TV devices at up to 11 watts.
The biggest positive with this charger is it doesn't have a power indicator light, which means it doesn't double as a nightlight. The USB-C port feels very solid, and the folding prongs both easily fold out and don't feel flimsy.
The only thing I would have liked to see with the charger is an included USB-C to Lightning cable, but most people buying this adapter will already have their USB-C to Lighting cable that came with their iPhone.
All in all, a solid charger.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Unexpected. Unseen. Unreal. The Delta 15 AMD Advantage Edition uses the latest AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor and Radeon RX 6700M graphics. Coming in at 4.19lbs light and 0.75in thin, the Delta 15 supports SmartShift, Smart Access Memory and Wi-Fi 6E for powerful performance inside a premium chassis. Break through and set off a new standard in gaming with the Delta 15.
Customer Rating
4
Solid gaming machine with small flaws.
on September 17, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
TL;DR - The MSI Delta 15 is a solid gaming laptop with a few issues. While performance is terrific and the included 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD perform well, upgrading the laptop for more RAM and storage will prove difficult in the future. The other minor issue I have is my spacebar tends to double-space on its own for anything outside of gaming. The Ryzen 5800H processor and Radeon RX6700 graphics are more than powerful enough for anything you throw at them - gaming, video editing, graphics work, and even 3D design.
Unboxing and first impressions:
Its packaged well, with a couple of things to peel and the power supply wires in bags. Included literature is sparce, which is a good thing in this day and age.
The Delta 15 build quality is pretty good overall - solid aluminum body with a dark grey matte finish and a matte screen. The keyboard felt okay, the trackpad felt good.
The initial powering on went pretty quickly - just the registration screen and a few updates that went quickly.
Usage:
For its intended purpose, it's solid. Every game I threw at it, from CyberPunk to Battlefield to Halo, all ran at 1080p and over 60 fps. Add a solid mouse and you have a portable battlestation. The screen's 1080p native resolution is fine for the 15.6 inch screen size, and its HDR image quality is terrific.
As a video editing machine, the Ryzen 5800H powers through everything with ease. Adobe Premiere and AfterEffects ran smoothly, as did DiVinci Resolve.
For some 3D modeling, I did run both AutoCAD and Maya and found them to be much more responsive than I expected from a laptop. Cinebench gave me results of 1450 for a single core and 12790 for the multicore test.
For web surfing, productivity, and just general computing, I'm torn on the Delta 15 - the performance is amazing, but the keyboard ruins it for me with its automatic double-spacing.
Finally, while the laptop is upgradable, its memory and M.2 slots require that the entire motherboard come out for what should be a single memory or storage upgrade. For most people, this isn't a big deal because they'll likely just want a new laptop when they want to upgrade.
Final thoughts:
The MSI Delta 15 is a solid choice for gamers. The keyboard could use improvement, as could the upgradeability for the RAM and storage. The screen is great, the build quality is great, the trackpad is great. It's a pretty solid buy overall.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Power through your hardest or easiest workout with the GO Air Sport, the perfect everyday sport earbud. With 32+ hours of total playtime, a secure and comfortable sport fit, and 3 custom sound settings, the GO Air Sport are mighty (and fun). Auto connect to your device and add some color to your workout.
Customer Rating
4
Solid buds for the price.
on August 5, 2022
Posted by: BillFromKC
These are a solid pair of earbuds when you’re looking for something for working out or working outside. The included tips fit well, the ear clips hold the earbuds to your ear comfortably, and the sound is good if you’re not looking for something entirely too bass-heavy, though the lack of AptX and AAC decoding is noticeable with quieter music and live recordings. Using for phone calls is particularly good, and the charging case with botH USB-A connection and Qi wireless for charging is a great added bonus.
The only real drawbacks to these earbuds are a lack of “Find My”-like capability that competing earbuds do have. While these are inexpensive enough where I could easily afford to replace them, it’ll annoy me if I were to lose one side and find it months later.
The other real win here is the color matching. jLab did a great job of matching plastics and silicone where it’s all one solid color instead of two or more different colors across different materials. The packaging is also a win, as there is very little of it.
All in all, if you need an affordable pair of buds for the gym or running outside, these are it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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BillFromKC's Review Comments
Westinghouse HDTV: Enjoy your favorite movies, shows, games and sporting events in realistic 1080p resolution on this Westinghouse HDTV's LED panel. Ensure fast-moving scenes remain clear with a 60Hz refresh rate that minimizes blurring and ghosting.
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5No HD tuner
By Westingtonhouse
I can not imagine that tv in today time do not have digiter tuner. I bought 6 now I have to return them since i use cable straight from wall for tv from COX
BillFromKC
KCMO
This TV has an ATSC tuner.
August 27, 2015
There's no guarantee that ATSC tuners will work with ClearQAM cable channels, and even so, the greater majority of cable providers now scramble all cable channels. Including OTA channels. Because the FCC changed the rules and they're allowed to do this now.
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Sony XBR55X850C LED 4K Ultra HD TV: Experience your favorite movies, TV shows and video clips in a new way with incredible 4K upscaling. Advanced features from Android TV and Playstation Now allow you to browse sites, stream games and perform voice searches.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Big Time 3-D problems
By Mike
I am writing to review the “XBR-55X850C”. HOWEVER, I have read multiple web pages that state this problem is happening with all Sony 3-D televisions, in the United States AND Europe, and that customers are not receiving ANY customer service, or any help from Sony whatsoever.
I have called 3 times and have been hung up on each time.
So, if you are looking for a great 3-D experience and excellent SONY customer service, LOOK ELSEWHERE. Sony rolled out an update for this television at the end of November of 2015. After the update, when viewing 3-D content, the display mode function of the current screen is continuously showing the current screen mode of the television. ALL THE TIME. Coming in and out up to 7 times a minute.
So, while watching a 3-D movie, every 5 to 60 seconds, the words “Wide Mode Full” flashes on the screen in the lower left hand corner. It NEVER stops. Sony is aware of this problem, unfortunately, Sony customer service is rude & unhelpful with this issue. They claim that “Sony is aware of this and is working on an update”. When I asked when the update would be released, Sony representatives claim they do not know when this update will be available.
Every Sony representative has hung up on me after not being able to satisfactorily answer the simplest of questions.
Anyone looking for a great 3-D experience, look elsewhere. Sony does not care about this problem. After all, they already have our money.
If you think this is the same old Sony with great products, high standards, and great customer service, THINK AGAIN! This is not your father’s Sony. This is the new, corporate Sony that just wants your money.
Everyone out there looking for a good 3-D T.V. should stick with Samsung. I wish I did. I thought I was “upgrading” from Samsung to Sony.
BillFromKC
KCMO
Customer service people are never told when...
January 2, 2016
...things get fixed after they get broken. I have this TV as well, and customer service people have no idea when Android Marshmallow will hit this TV set, let alone any of the other 2015 Sony TVs. Considering the Google Nexus Player got borked by the update though, that's probably a good thing the update hasn't hit yet.
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Sony XBR55X850C LED 4K Ultra HD TV: Experience your favorite movies, TV shows and video clips in a new way with incredible 4K upscaling. Advanced features from Android TV and Playstation Now allow you to browse sites, stream games and perform voice searches.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5tv is great support is non-existent
By ohno
I have been trying to get some confirmation on the hdr xtended dynamic range on the 850b but support on phone sent me unrelated information and online say it is but no documentation to confirm
BillFromKC
KCMO
850b doesn't have HDR support
January 14, 2016
but the 850c (this TV) does.
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BISSELL SmartClean Robot Vacuum: Easily rid your floors of dirt and debris with this vacuum that uses Opticlean optical sensors and a Triple-Action Cleaning System to tackle your floors. Invisible Wall technology lets you target specific areas.
Overall
3 out of 5
3 out of 5Hard To Program
By FortFun2
from Illinois
Found it is difficult, not intuitive, to program. Others have said if you loose power all your programming is lost, but we haven't lost power yet so can't confirm. I just wanted it to run when I left the house without a set program and contacting Bissell just led to more confusion. But, once I got it working I was impressed with the amount of pet hair it removed.
BillFromKC
KCMO
I can attest to this.
September 16, 2016
Sometimes, I have to plug mine directly into the charger to get it to charge because the battery is overly drained. Because of this, I don't even bother programming it anymore.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
The new MacBook Pro is faster and more powerful than before, yet remarkably thinner and lighter.¹ It has the brightest, most colorful display ever on a Mac notebook. And it features up to 10 hours of battery life.² It’s a notebook built for the work you do every day. Ready to go anywhere a great idea takes you.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Terrible
By Joel
I purchased this one month ago and it has a faulty display. Best Buy takes no responsibility and will not exchange it for a good one. I have left voicemails for a district manager to call me and no one has called. I will never shop at Best Buy again.
BillFromKC
KCMO
Yep, take it to Apple.
January 13, 2017
If Best Buy is doing you wrong, just take it to your nearest Apple location and they'll set you up with a fix or a new one.
+4points
4of 4voted this comment as helpful.
![The Secret Life of Pets [DVD] [2016]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/5431/5431203_sa.jpg)
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Bootleg Copy of Secret Life of Pets
By Disappointed
About 15 minutes into the movie the volume became muted and a message came on the TV that this was a bootleg movie. An unauthorized copy. Be very careful purchasing DVD's or Blu Ray movies from Best Buy. They just may leave you and your grand children very disappointed as it did our family.
BillFromKC
KCMO
This could very well be your DVD or Blu-Ray player
January 20, 2017
causing your issues. The Film Industry (MPAA and associated groups) are known for their draconian DRM systems, first with DVD and now with Blu-Ray and 4k Blu-Ray.
if your Blu-Ray player isn't connected to the internet, connect it to the internet and update its firmware. That should fix all your issues.
0points
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Make your home an internet haven with this versatile Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system. Three identical tri-band dual-stream AC2200 routers, each equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, deliver lightning-fast internet. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0/LE, this Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system is simple to set up and pairs easily with computers, tablets and smart devices.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5This is the future of WiFi
By neio11
I threw (recycled) away my wifi extenders plus I am now able connect a device with an ethernet cable without having to run cables through the walls because each node has 2 ethernet ports. So for instance, I have one node connected to my modem and an ethernet switch. My 2nd node in another room is connected to an NVR for my security cameras. The speed through the nodes is surprisingly fast. The NVR is capturing HD videos from 3 cameras and it seems to capture fine. The 3rd node is in my living room area. The whole house is covered! Please put a password on your wifi otherwise you'll be supplying FREE wifi for your neighbors. I can have full internet access from 3-4 houses away from my house. I thought installation would be a pain considering you have to setup each node. Well, I shouldn't say "have to" because you don't have to use all 3 nodes. You can use only 1 or 2 and give the 3rd to me. haha. No but setup is a breeze! The only thing is that you have to use a smart device such as a tablet or phone, to do the setup. Velop currently doesn't support PC-based setup but I hope Linksys changes that especially for us "techies"!!! It works with Alexa. You can ask #Alexa what the wifi password is... so they say. I haven't had much success with it yet. It looks clean and neat. It doesn't all those antennas sticking out of it which makes it aesthetically pleasing.
I'm loving so far!
BillFromKC
KCMO
The setup process basically forces you to put a...
February 19, 2017
...password on your WiFi network. In fact, it's one of three things it asks when you set up the parent node, the other two being "Do you connect directly to the internet or through a modem/router device provided by your ISP?" and what to call your wireless network.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Make your home an internet haven with this versatile Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system. Three identical tri-band dual-stream AC2200 routers, each equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, deliver lightning-fast internet. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0/LE, this Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system is simple to set up and pairs easily with computers, tablets and smart devices.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Blazing Speed, Best In Class Performance!
By gadgetguy11
The Linksys - Velop Tri-Band Whole Home Wi-Fi System (3-pack) is packaged in a beautiful & functional box with magnetic closure - it exudes quality! Each Node is protected individually. Just looking at the box, you expect a premium, esoteric product... & Linksys delivers that & more in spades! The shapely Nodes are beautiful & blend with any decorating style.
Simple set-up via the Linksys iOS or Android App. Within minutes, you are ready to go online.
As shown in attached photo, I have 90 wireless devices utilized over 5,000 sq feet / 3 floors: this is a challenging application for high speed Wi-Fi that includes: connected major appliances; BAS ceiling fans & Haiku Wi-Fi connected lights; Wi-Fi Thermostats; Netatmo Wi-Fi Weather Station; 65 Hue Lights; Connected exterior door locks; Wink Wi-Fi connected devices; connected iDevices, Nest & Arlo cameras; iPads; iPhones & computers. Finally, Streaming from 4) Apple TV's; Nixplay Wi-Fi Photo Frames.
And now the Results:
Velop delivers the fastest Wi-Fi speed I have ever experienced and does so consistently! The attached screen capture shows 349 Mbps Download / 23 Mbps Upload. These are WIRELESS speeds!! I pay for 300 Mbps Download / 30 Mbps Upload & our internet service provider generally delivers 300 - 360 Download & 22 - 32 Upload.
Velop is the only Wi-Fi System I have found to date that actually delivers this sustainable speed and does not randomly disconnect the many devices.
High power Wi-Fi requires a high current source. Each of the 3) square white power supplies produce 12 Volt, 2 Amp output! 24VA (Volt Amps) is the highest output of any router I have tested. Better yet, the cable that plugs into each Velop is perfectly angled at the plug so the wire routs neatly through the cable management feature at the base. Brilliant design!
PRO's:
1- Fastest Wi-Fi Speed
2- Easy approximate 10 minute Set-up per hub
3- Velop Nodes are very attractive & blend with any architecture
4- Robust infrastructure yields dependable performance
5- 24/7 Support
6- 3-Year Warranty
7- Easy to use App with great diagnostics
8- Wire Management at the base is excellent & offers a wire free appearance.
9- Three Velop Nodes establish fast Wi-Fi speed across the house on any floor.
10- Expandable: Add an additional Node any time you prefer.
1- Fastest Wi-Fi Speed
2- Easy approximate 10 minute Set-up per hub
3- Velop Nodes are very attractive & blend with any architecture
4- Robust infrastructure yields dependable performance
5- 24/7 Support
6- 3-Year Warranty
7- Easy to use App with great diagnostics
8- Wire Management at the base is excellent & offers a wire free appearance.
9- Three Velop Nodes establish fast Wi-Fi speed across the house on any floor.
10- Expandable: Add an additional Node any time you prefer.
CON's:
1- IP Address range cannot be changed from: 192.***. My 2) existing Apple Time Capsule / Routers had IP addresses of 10.***, but they can be set to different ranges. A different IP Address range requires individually resetting a few devices that previously connected to the other range. For example, each Nixplay connected frame had to manually "Forget" the old Wi-Fi name of the previous SSID, then set up the same name with Velop, even though the Wi-Fi name and password are the same. On 13) Apple Airport Express devices, I had to power down each device to reset it from 10.*** to 192.***
2- IPv6 is not supported as of product release. This is surprising, as my three year old Apple Time Capsule / Router supported IPv6.
3- The first unit set up in under 10 minutes; however the remaining two hubs froze at the same exact place midway every time during set-up. After 6 failed attempts, I held each Node horizontally and kept my hand around it. Surprisingly, this procedure resulted in a virtually immediate set-up! Then I set each Node vertically & it continued to work great.
4- Only one Node can connect to the internet via ethernet. The other Nodes connect to the first Node via wireless mesh connection. I would prefer the option of connecting each Node to a wired ethernet connection. Linksys Technical Support indicated this may be added later as a software update. This would prove beneficial because the Nodes must be located fairly close together (my tests showed less than 40 feet apart at most).
1- IP Address range cannot be changed from: 192.***. My 2) existing Apple Time Capsule / Routers had IP addresses of 10.***, but they can be set to different ranges. A different IP Address range requires individually resetting a few devices that previously connected to the other range. For example, each Nixplay connected frame had to manually "Forget" the old Wi-Fi name of the previous SSID, then set up the same name with Velop, even though the Wi-Fi name and password are the same. On 13) Apple Airport Express devices, I had to power down each device to reset it from 10.*** to 192.***
2- IPv6 is not supported as of product release. This is surprising, as my three year old Apple Time Capsule / Router supported IPv6.
3- The first unit set up in under 10 minutes; however the remaining two hubs froze at the same exact place midway every time during set-up. After 6 failed attempts, I held each Node horizontally and kept my hand around it. Surprisingly, this procedure resulted in a virtually immediate set-up! Then I set each Node vertically & it continued to work great.
4- Only one Node can connect to the internet via ethernet. The other Nodes connect to the first Node via wireless mesh connection. I would prefer the option of connecting each Node to a wired ethernet connection. Linksys Technical Support indicated this may be added later as a software update. This would prove beneficial because the Nodes must be located fairly close together (my tests showed less than 40 feet apart at most).
CONCLUSION: My search for the "Ideal" Whole Home Wi-Fi System that consistently delivers 300 Mbps over 5,000 square feet with 90 devices ends here!! I am THRILLED with Velop & give it my highest recommendation!! It has proven to be the BEST ROUTER available for 2017!
BillFromKC
KCMO
Mine gave me IPv6 OOB
February 19, 2017
and even so, there was a firmware update it applied immediate after setup. I agree that the IP address range thing is annoying though, especially when you're moving from an existing network with static IP devices (NAS, printers, etc.)
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BillFromKC's Questions
BillFromKC has not submitted any questions.
Make your home an internet haven with this versatile Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system. Three identical tri-band dual-stream AC2200 routers, each equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, deliver lightning-fast internet. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0/LE, this Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system is simple to set up and pairs easily with computers, tablets and smart devices.
Will it work with Hughesnet?
If Hughesnet outputs via ethernet from it's modem, then yes. You'll want to disable the Hughesnet modem's WiFi connection first, and if the Hughesnet modem has things like a file server or print server integrated into it, those features will no longer work.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
BillFromKC
Make your home an internet haven with this versatile Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system. Three identical tri-band dual-stream AC2200 routers, each equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, deliver lightning-fast internet. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0/LE, this Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system is simple to set up and pairs easily with computers, tablets and smart devices.
Can I use them in Jamaica
As long as the Velop system works with channels available Jamaica and you can download and use the Linksys WiFi app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, sure. Jamaica uses the FCC plan with 2.4 and 5 GHz devices if I remember correctly.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
BillFromKC
Catch up with friends and enjoy powerful connectivity with the Moto Z Play Droid. A variety of modules ensures this 5.5-inch smartphone can be adapted to suit your exact needs, whether you want a more powerful camera or simply longer battery life. Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow means the Moto Z Play Droid is fast and can handle the latest apps.
Does this phone exist????? Was told store had them, went to store they don't!! I tried to buy online and it says "In-Store" Pickup, but then says its not available at any within 250 miles???
Catch up with friends and enjoy powerful connectivity with the Moto Z Play Droid. A variety of modules ensures this 5.5-inch smartphone can be adapted to suit your exact needs, whether you want a more powerful camera or simply longer battery life. Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow means the Moto Z Play Droid is fast and can handle the latest apps.
Is there going to be a jbl booster included
No. The JBL speaker mod is sold separately, as are other moto mods and headphones.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
BillFromKC
BISSELL SmartClean Robot Vacuum: Easily rid your floors of dirt and debris with this vacuum that uses Opticlean optical sensors and a Triple-Action Cleaning System to tackle your floors. Invisible Wall technology lets you target specific areas.
What is the height so I can see if it will go under my couches? Thank you Shirley
It's probably 3 and a half inches high - a little bit taller than a roll of Charmin is wide.
I wouldn't necessarily plan on sending it under couches though - it got confused under my platform bed once and shut down, and was a pleasure to fish out of there.
I wouldn't necessarily plan on sending it under couches though - it got confused under my platform bed once and shut down, and was a pleasure to fish out of there.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
BillFromKC
Sony XBR55X850C LED 4K Ultra HD TV: Experience your favorite movies, TV shows and video clips in a new way with incredible 4K upscaling. Advanced features from Android TV and Playstation Now allow you to browse sites, stream games and perform voice searches.
Can I locate this TV on a screen porch away from the sun and rain but exposed to humidity and flimited reezing?
It's not really recommended to leave this TV - or any TV not built for outside conditions - outside. Extreme humidity and freezing temps can damage the unit.
8 years, 5 months ago
by
BillFromKC
KCMO
Amazon Fire TV Stick connects to your TV's HDMI port. Just grab and go to enjoy Netflix, Prime Instant Video, Hulu Plus, YouTube.com, music, and much more.
Can I plug the Amazon Fire Stick into the DVR from DirectTV. ?
I can't access the HDMI on my tv because of its location. The DVR from DirectTv has an HDMI port. Can I plug the Fire Stick into that and have it work? Thanks.
If it's an HDMI input, then yes. However, you're better off to attach the Fire Stick directly to your TV using the HDMI extender cable or to your AVR if you're using a home theater setup.
8 years, 5 months ago
by
BillFromKC
KCMO
Alpine Car Stereo Receiver: Accept hands-free calls and stream music in your vehicle by connecting this car stereo receiver to your cell phone or MP3 player via Bluetooth. You can even play your CD collection.Geek Squad® installation is strongly recommended for this product. Please visit your local Best Buy store for details.
Will this work in a 2000 Toyota Camry?
Sports, action, shooters, you name it. The familiar layout of this gamepad brings console-style control to your PC games. Bring the gaming console experience to your PC with this game controller that features broad game support for wide-ranging use and a floating D-pad for simple operation. The 6' cord allows you to sit back and relax while playing your favorite games.
Does it work with windows 10?
Yes. Some games will require the DirectInput mode, where other games will require XInput (aka XBox 360 mode).
8 years, 10 months ago
by
BillFromKC
KCMO
This ARRIS cable modem features Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for fast downstream and upstream data speeds. Six multicolor LEDs indicate the operational status and a color-coded rear panel ensures simple installation.
compatability
Will this modem work with century link?
If CenturyLink is using DSL technology, No. Contact their technical support for more information.
8 years, 11 months ago
by
BillFromKC
KCMO