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    June 27, 2012
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    August 27, 2015
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    January 9, 2014
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BillFromKC's Reviews
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Own your space with Logitech Pebble M350 – a modern, slim, and silent portable mouse designed for your curated lifestyle. Make a statement with a slim mouse that can easily be scooped up and brought to the cafe or library. Silent clicking and scrolling means you can stay focused without disturbing those around you. And the Logitech Pebble stays powered for up to 18-months on a single AA battery so you don’t have to worry about losing power.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Terrific and ergonomic multi-device mouse
on October 31, 2019
Posted by: BillFromKC
from KCMO
Disclaimer - I received this product in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.
The Logitech M355 Pebble Wireless Optical Mouse is a good bargain for the price. You get a flag, ergonomic design that's still comfortable to hold, both Bluetooth and USB dongle connection options, and a wide range of compatibility to different computers.
Unboxing and setup:
Opening the package was a straightforward affair, with a blister pack designed to be easily opened by anyone (my 7 year old is the one who opened the package this time, and he had no issues). Everything you need to use the mouse is under a magnetically-attached cover on top of the unit; pull the paper tab from the battery to power it on and either plug the USB dongle in (if you don't have Bluetooth 4.0 or later) or pair over Bluetooth and you're ready to go. It easily paired with my Windows 10 and Mac computers, an Android tablet, an Android Smart TV, and a ChromeBook.
Usage:
It's a typical Logitech mouse, but it's so quiet. Quieter than my other mice, quieter than clicking the touchpad on my Apple TV 4k's Siri remote, quieter than clicking the trackpad on my Sony's touch remote. My kid didn't realize the mouse was clicking when he took it out of the package, at least until he sat it down and could feel the feedback of the click. My wife used it while working this morning and told me it took some getting used to it being quiet.
I had also ultimately set it up where it's paired with her personal laptop via Bluetooth 4.0 and her work laptop via it's dongle in a USB port. Switching between the two devices is super easy - you press the pairing button to switch up how the mouse connects. A green light means it's using the dongle and a blue light means it's using Bluetooth. Please note that Bluetooth pairing requires Bluetooth 4.0 or later in your computer or device you're pairing with.
If there's a drawback to the mouse, I'd say its a lack of a touch scrolling/clicking surface. But at this price point, I wouldn't expect it either.
All in all, this is another great mouse from Logitech.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
The reliable Brother HL-L3210CW compact digital color printer is a great choice for the busy home or small office. Quick print speeds of up to 19 pages per minute¹ plus manual feed slot accommodates varied printing needs and can handle a variety of paper types and sizes including card stock, envelopes and more. Connect with versatile options including built-in wireless or USB interfaces and print wirelessly from mobile devices. The 250-sheet capacity adjustable paper tray helps improve efficiency with fewer refills and handles letter or legal sized paper. Brother Genuine high-yield replacement toner cartridges help lower printing costs. Comes with a 1-year limited warranty and free online, call or live chat support for the life of your product. Prints up to 19 ppm¹ in black and up to 19 ppm¹ in color.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Easy to set up, easy to use, but quite large
on September 30, 2019
Posted by: BillFromKC
from KCMO
(Disclaimer - I received this printer in exchange for my fair and honest review.)
The Brother HL-L3210CW Color Wireless Printer is a terrific value for both small offices that need an inexpensive, fast option for color printing and for home users and college students with the space and the need for printing multi-page documents quickly, quietly, and inexpensively.
My first impression is this printer is larger than I expected, though not without good reason. Since this printer uses an evolution on laser printing technology, it uses toner cartridges instead of ink cartridges or tanks. Toner cartridges are large, but you get a far higher number of prints from a toner cartridge than you do an inkjet cartridge, and you don't have to worry about print nozzle failure like you do with tanked inkjet printers. The available high capacity toner cartridges will print 3000 black and white or 2300 color pages each; the toner cartridges that come with the printer will cover around 1000 pages each.
Physical setup is easy enough with the HL-L3210CW. The toner cartridges come in the printer and will require you to remove protective pieces of plastic. There are also protective sheets inside of the printer that keep everything in alignment for shipping that you'll need to gently remove before powering the unit on for the first time.
Software setup is even easier. For the easiest setup, you will need a USB cable and a Mac or Windows PC. Macs running El Capitan (OS X 10.11.6, Sierra (macOS 10.12) and later versions are supported, as are PCs running Windows 7, 8.x, and 10. While you can use the included installation software that comes on the CD in the box, you're better off to download the latest version of the software from Brother's website (which is easy to find). You'll want to connect the printer to your computer via USB, which will allow you to easily configure the wireless network connectivity. Once this is done, the print driver is installed on your computer and you're ready to go.
If you don't have a Mac or Windows PC, you'll have to enter your wireless network information through the single-line display and control panel on the laptop. While this does take a bit longer, it's not difficult to do; just a longer process than it should be.
AirPrint is a nice touch. No configuration necessary to print from iOS devices (and most Macs, too).
One thing sorely lacking from this printer is an Ethernet port. With the fact that this printer didn't include a USB cable and its usage of the full-sized USB-B port instead of a Micro USB or USB-C connector means you'd need an expensive USB cable for this printer that you would use once or twice during the course of ownership. This would also allow for Android and iOS apps to do the initial wireless configuration of this printer.
So how's the printing quality? Overall, it's pretty terrific. Nothing beats toner for black and white text. Solid colors and line art look great as well. Colors are bold and bright. However, photographs and gradients tend to have some visible cross-hatching, though the colors are realistic. I averaged about 18-ish pages per minute, though the initial warm-up before the first page can take upward of 45 seconds depending on the content. Prints are consistent between Windows, Mac, and iOS devices.
So can I recommend the HL-L3210CW? Yes. It's a quality printer, supplies aren't expensive once you consider the number of pages they can print when compared to a ink jet, it's quiet, and fast. If you have space and you need to print a lot of things in color, this is a great option.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
0of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Be aware of danger with this Onelink smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. Wi-Fi connectivity makes sure all the alarms go off no matter where the problem is, and notifications are sent to your smartphone via the compatible app when there's trouble. Manage repairs and emergencies quickly using the precision voice alerts and dual protection included in this Onelink smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Easy way to a connected fire and CO alert system
on August 22, 2019
Posted by: BillFromKC
from KCMO
Disclaimers:
1) I was given this product in return for my fair and honest review.
2) I already own first-generation OneLink smoke/CO detectors and OneLink Environment Monitors, so it's a product line I'm familiar with.
The First Alert Onelink Smart Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm is one of the best ways to keep your home and your family safe. It's easy to setup, the alert is very loud, and it's connectivity features are among the best on the market. Both the OneLink app and Apple's HomeKit smart home system make it easy to monitor the system. The siren alarm is very loud, the spoken alarm is easy to hear. Compared to the first-gen model, it's a nice upgrade.
Setup:
I configured this with my iPhone. It uses HomeKit, which makes setup simple. You activate the alarm by attaching the base and waiting for it in initialize. Once this is completed, the OneLink app will ask you to scan a code on either a card that came in the box or on the alarm itself. it takes about 2 minutes for the setup to complete.
Note that if you need to reset the unit for any reason, you press the test button 5 times and remove the device from the app, then start over.
You mount the unit either high on a wall or on the ceiling. A mounting plate is included that makes installation easy.
Usage:
You can use this unit like a traditional smoke alarm, using the button to initialize tests and silence false alarms. When multiple units are installed, a test on one unit will run the test on all units. However, you didn't buy this smoke alarm to use it like a traditional smoke alarm, you bought it so when you have to test or silence it, you could do so from your phone or tablet. For short people, this is very useful as you don't have to find a chair, stool, or broom to perform the testing or silence the unit.
The battery version of this smoke alarm lacks a night light that the wired version has.
This generation also has a feature the first generation lacks - easily replaceable battery. While it's in the form of a proprietary pack and not standard-sized batteries, it's a step in the right direction.
Criticisms:
Since these are photoelectric alarms instead of the traditional ionizing alarms, you do have to clean it more often; this is true with all photoelectric smoke alarms, however.
The spoken alerts could be louder.
When the alerts go off, the light ring glowing white would be a nice touch. The ring is lit by red, green, and blue LEDs.
Conclusion:
This model of Onelink Smart Smoke + Carbon Monoxide Alarm is an improvement over the outgoing model. Definitely worth the price if you want a connected smoke alarm system that's easy to configure and use.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Achieve the deep-fried flavor you love, without all the oil and added calories. The Chefman TurboFry™ Touch Air Fryer allows you to bake, fry and roast like a pro. This airfryer requires little to no oil, so there’s less of that fried oil smell lingering in the house and less fat that you’re consuming. Its large 3.5-liter capacity and flat basket gives you the ability to cook enough for a hungry crowd all at once. Skip the microwave! Reheat soggy leftovers in the air fryer to return them to their original texture. Make better-for-you fries that are just as crispy and tasty, roast chicken thighs, or heat up leftovers for a quick and easy meal. The temperature control with 60-minute timer automatically shuts off once food is done, so you never have to worry about burning or drying out your food. Its space saving basket is removable and dishwasher safe for easy clean-up, so you’ll have more time to dream up your next air-fried meal!
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Convenient, but needs a little more heating power
on August 10, 2019
Posted by: BillFromKC
from KCMO
Disclaimer - I received this product free in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
The Chefman 3.7 quart air fryer, model RJ38-V3-35T, is a good little cooking appliance for those that either live on their own and want a quick way to make a healthy meal for themselves and for those looking to improve portion control and cook healthier on the foods and sides they love. The basket is easy to clean, it cooks quickly - though not as quickly as more powerful models, and it's compact size for it's capacity means it can live on your countertop without taking over your kitchen.
First impressions:
It's well-packaged, with less foam than my older - and larger - air fryer came with. initial setup was a snap. The matte finish of the housing is pleasant to look at and easier to keep clean than shiny plastic surfaces on other appliances. Touch controls are clear and easy to read, but a lack of built in "recipe" models like other brands have is a drawback. Dishwasher safe basket and tray fit easily in my top shelf while it's lowered, but people with non-adjustable dishwashers may have issues. My only worry is an all-plastic interior, where most air fryers have a metal plate their baskets sit while inserted.
Usage:
The Chefman is quieter than other air fryers I've used (both my own and those that friends have) since pressing time and temp buttons doesn't make it beep. The temperature setting is only in 25℉ increments, where my other unit is in 5℉ increments. The start/stop button is while while you're setting the unit and turns red when powered on. You cannot add time or adjust the cook temperature while it's powered on, unlike other air fryers.
Performance:
The two foods I cooked in the Chefman are two go-to foods in any house with kids - chicken fingers and tater tots. I was able to fit 7 chicken fingers into the machine and they needed 9 minutes to cook at 360℉, which seems reasonable enough. The tater tots needed 15 minutes at 400℉ to achieve a browned exterior. My other air fryer can complete the same tasks in 8 minutes and 12 minutes, respectively. Part of it might be a function of power; where the Chefman is only 1200 watts, the other one is 1700 watts.
Other things I noticed:
The Chefman lacks a cool down mode that most other air fryers have when their cook cycle completes. It did come with a cookbook separate of the instruction manual, which some air fryers lack. The manual also has a chart to give you guidance on how long some foods should cook in the air fryer, including beef, shellfish, and bacon.
There are a few shortcomings that should be corrected in the next version. If it had a 1400 watt heating element, as an example, I think cooking times for some foods would be cut down by a matter of minutes. Also, if temperatures could be adjusted in 5 degree intervals and controls would work during cook cycles, that would be terrific.
All in all, this isn't a bad little air fryer.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Watch over areas remotely with this Defender 2K Wireless IP security camera. The IP67-certified metal housing offers protection against inclement weather conditions, while the integrated app lets you watch footage live from a smartphone. This Defender 2K Wireless IP security camera uses 128-bit encryption to help secure the video feed.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Nice camera but lacking consumer functionality
on June 28, 2019
Posted by: BillFromKC
from KCMO
I received this product in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion.
TL:DR - The Defender Wireless 2k security camera looks every bit of the role that it's meant to play. It looks as if it belongs on the side of your building, not a shelf in the living room. The 18 IR LEDs surrounding the camera allow it to take great, detailed images at night. The WiFi connectivity is unreal, and it uses industry-standard SMA connectivity if you need a better antenna - or even better yet, ethernet if you want the absolute best network connection. Motion detection is terrific. The app that controls this camera is rather dated, however (the layout for the iPhone version of the app looks to be designed for a 5, 5s, or SE and not a 6/6s/7/8/Plus or X series device) and lacks watch and TV apps for the camera. SD card recording is a plus and the camera comes with a 16GB card already installed, with stated support up to 128GB.
Setup: Defender recommends that you configure the camera while connected to an ethernet cable, as a more robust connection guarantees the camera will complete setup. I configured on WiFi, which most people buying this camera will do, and didn't have any problems with configuration. The only annoyance is the app makes noise while performing wireless configuration.
Installation: Defender recommends that you configure the camera before you install it. Once configured, installation is easy. I set mine up on an outside wall where I'd be able to monitor anything happening by my garage. I passed the combo network/power cable through the wall and plugged it into a power outlet. Easy enough. I spent about 15 minutes getting the camera leveled out. Once set up, everything worked flawlessly. The camera connected to the mesh point furthest away from it in my home, and still maintained excellent signal. Because the antenna uses the industry-standard SMA connector, you can always change out the antenna for a larger and/or/directional one for signal improcements.
Usage - while opening the camera and using it was fine, the app leaves a lot to be desired. Accessing content on the SD card seemed a little weak unless it was puled out and viewed on a computer/. Dating the folders as recording content wold go a long way. Note that this camera lacks functionality with Google Assistant and Alexa integration.. A TV app would be great for the major Smart TV platforms (Apple, Samsung, LG, Roku, Android, and Fire). Recording works well, motion detect is top-notch, and a SD card helps make things better about sunlight.
My recommendation? Yes for businesses and those that want no frill cam. For homeowners, however? Maybe if you don't have another camera system and don't want smart integration, then go ahead and go with this set.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Control your small appliances from a smartphone by plugging it into this Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi smart plug. Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant enables seamless voice control. This Samsung SmartThings Wi-Fi smart plug lets you trigger lights to automatically turn on and off, and it extends the range of your devices when plugged into a wall outlet.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Easily the best Wi-Fi plug for the money
on June 24, 2019
Posted by: BillFromKC
from KCMO
Disclaimer - I received this product for my fair and unbiased review.
The Samsung smart things Wi-Fi plug is a terrific product in its category. It does everything you want a smart plug to do. You could set a timed routines, you can connect it to Alexa and Google to turn it on and off with your voice, the SmartThings app is easy to use, it is small and unobtrusive, and it is doubles as a very accurate wattmeter (on par with my kill-a-watt). The only negative I have is the power indicator light can be a little on the bright side depending on where you place the plug.
Other than that, the many, many brands Samsung is competing against in the space should really watch their backs. Samsung has hit the sweet spot when it comes to price, features, and performance. I can’t recommend this plug enough.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Know what's going on when you're away from home. The Full HD camera delivers a clear, detailed view, allowing you to monitor your home 24 hours a day from the convenience of your smartphone, tablet, Samsung TV or fridge. The SmartThings camera intuitively distinguishes between a person and an object, alerting you immediately if necessary while minimizing false triggers.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Only needs local storage to be a great camera
on June 24, 2019
Posted by: BillFromKC
from KCMO
Disclaimer - I received this product in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion.
Samsung smart things camera as many things - a high-quality security camera with terrific day and night vision, good looking, flexible in terms of installation options, and packed with features that you would spend far more to get on a wireless security camera.
Image quality is off the charts. While it may only be a 1080P camera, it features HDR video. This allows for more details in both bright and dim settings. It also asked for richer color quality. Audio recording it is also good. Two-way conversations are clear.
Mounting is either done by setting the camera on a shelf inconspicuously, or using the included screws to mount it to a wall. The standard of hours for flexible placement of the camera head. Keep in mind, this is an indoor only camera.
The fatal flaw for me, and for many people, it’s the lack of vocal recording. Most security cameras in this price range feature either internal storage or an internal SD card slot. While Samsung does offer cloud storage for video, keep in mind that the video Will eat into your data With certain Internet providers. Also, to receive more than 24 hours of rolling storage, a monthly fee will apply.
Do I recommend this camera? For those who don’t have to worry about their ISP’s data cap, sure. For those who are good with the idea of paying a monthly fee to store more than 24 hours of video, sure. But if you want to camera with local storage, this is not the option for you.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Light up any room with the SmartThings smart bulb that's easy to control from your smartphone or tablet. Turn on the living room lamps as you're heading home, dim the lights from movie night, or schedule them to turn off before bed. It's a smarter way to light your house while saving money on energy costs.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A nice, inexpensive smart bulb...
on June 20, 2019
Posted by: BillFromKC
from KCMO
Disclaimer - I received this product in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Samsung's SmartThings light bulb is both versatile and inexpensive. I tested it with a Samsung SmartThings Hub and Google Home, but it should work with nearly any ZigBee compatible hub or base station. It hits all the marks you'd need in a smart light bulb - high-quality light, dimmable, and controllable from Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung BIxby. I tested it with Google Home and it seamlessly integrated with other brands of smart lights I have (WiFi, Bluetooth, and Z-wave/ZigBee).
The thing that gets me with this bulb is the price - it's actually less expensive than most other brands of connected light bulbs, which is a great thing considering that Samsung is one of the more major players in the electronics game and could have charged more for this bulb.
If you already have a compatible ZigBee bridge, I can highly recommend these light bulbs. If you're looking at doing smart lighting for your home, I'd recommend doing research into what sort of system would work best for you (ZigBee/Z-wave, WiFi, or Bluetooth). If you can get past the initial cost of a compatible hub (or multiple hubs in a larger home), Samsung SmartThings light bulbs are a good choice to start your system with.
The only drawback with this light bulb is you'll need a compatible controller hub to make it work. That means something like a Samsung SmartThings Hub or a Wink Hub that allows you to connect this light bulb to the internet.
All in all, I'd recommend the SmartThings light bulb for anyone who wants to go with a ZigBee smart lighting system.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Meet Bose Frames. Bluetooth sunglasses with a soundtrack. The first audio sunglasses with built-in Bose speakers for an immersive audio experience unlike any other. A revolutionary personal audio experience hidden inside two classic designs, each enriched with premium accents and materials. Play music, take calls, and enjoy the sun with UVA/UVB protection. Bose Frames Alto feature a classic angular lenses, available in small and large size.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
A few drawbacks but otherwise terrific.
on May 19, 2019
Posted by: BillFromKC
from KCMO
(I received this product in exchange for my fair and unbiased opinion.)
The Bose Frames Alto are an interesting product to say the least. They’re a high-quality, comfortable pair of sunglasses, and they’re also an open-ear replacement for headphones that let you listen to your music in relatively high fidelity while still being able to hear the world around you.
First come the first impressions. While I’ve bought sunglasses that have come packaged better than these, I’ve also spent far more than what these retail for on those sunglasses. The Alto style is very familiar to those of us who like high-end sunglasses, just slightly thicker. The lenses are a high-quality polycarbonate, but lack polarization (for the retail cost, this is a huge detriment in my book). In the box they come with is also a magnetic-shut case, a magnetic (and proprietary) charge cable, and a packet with instructions, warnings, and warranty information.
Set up is easy. They paired to my iPhone. The BoseConnect app found the headphones quickly and suggested a number of apps that take advantage of what I think the possible (but currently underexploited) killer feature of these glasses are - Bose AR. While BoseConnect lacks a few features that other Bose products have, such as tone control, it’s still nice it gives you an instruction manual on the go.
For what they are, audio quality is excellent. Don’t expect boomy bass or the absolute crispest highs you’ve heard from headphones or other personal audio devices, but expect an otherwise full, rich sound from these. Vocals are clear and classical music sounds surprisingly great.
Usage couldn’t be easier. The magnetic charge cable only goes on one way, so it’s not as nifty as Apple’s MagSafe tech but it’s still more convenient than a USB-C, Lightning, and especially a Micro USB charge port. Just don’t lose that cable, as it’s proprietary. The headphones also have a single button for nearly all functionality; press once to power on, play/pause, or answer/hang up calls, press twice for the next song, and press three times for the previous song. Want to turn them off? Set them down upside down.
Now some thoughts on Bose AR:
This is the killer app for these glasses. The BoseRadar app gives a good idea what it’s capable of - an audio experience that’s very much like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or Barco Aura3D. You look around and audio seemlessly follows your head movements, and audio sounds as if it comes from all directions. Where this could be amazing is with integration to Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, or other map and navigation apps; audio cues to help you find where you need to go.
As for the negatives, I have a few. First, battery life could be better; there’s room for a larger battery in these frames (I averaged 3 hours between charges). Second, the lack of polarized lenses; especially for the MSRP, polarized lenses should be standard. Finally, and this is a gripe for myself, these could be slightly larger, but that’s a personal thing as I have a giant head.
All in all, I have to say that Bose’ take on the headphone sunglasses is probably the best take on the category to date. Other companies have made attempts with this sort of product, but they were always ugly; these are the classiest take on the category by far.
So do I recommend Bose Frames Alto? If you’re good with the few shortfalls, then yes I do. Add polarized lenses and increase the size of the battery for 6-7 hours of life and you have a perfect product for this category. And for those with smaller heads or who don’t like the style of the Alto, check out the Bose Frames Rondo.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Unlock new potential for your wireless headphones with this Airfly headphone accessory. It plugs into any conventional headphone jack to enhance your listening experience and can pair with in-flight entertainment systems for added convenience. This Airfly headphone accessory has an eight-hour battery life and recharges through USB, so it's easy to take anywhere.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Just needs two things to be perfect.
on May 9, 2019
Posted by: BillFromKC
from KCMO
(I received this product in return for my fair and unbiased review.)
TL;DR - The Twelve South Airfly Bluetooth audio transmitter is better suited for transmitting audio from your TV, stereo, computer, or other device that either lacks Bluetooth connectivity or has poor Bluetooth connectivity for audio. Audio is crisp and clear - especially with AptX-enabled headphones, earbuds, and speakers - and lacks perceivable auidio lag as compared to many smartphones. While audio quality with lossless formats (CD audio, DVD audio, SuperCD, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS HD) isn't as clear as with a wired connection, the audio quality with lossy formats (MP3, AAC, and streaming music formats) is indistinguishable between a direct connection to your device and a Bluetooth connection using the Airfly. The lack of audio lag makes this a good option for connecting to your TV so you don't bother others while watching at higher volumes or playing games. The only negatives are you manually need to turn the device on and off when you want to use it and finish using it and I feel like Twelve South is missing out on a bigger niche market to go after than just the crowd wanting to add Bluetooth to portable audio devices lacking Bluetooth.
Packaging, pack-in goodies, and initial feel:
The device is packaged nicely and comes with a 3" micro USB cable. 3" headphone jack to headphone jack cable, and a velour cinch sack to carry the device with you. The unit isn't very heavy at all and its size matches up nicely with small MP3 players (Apple iPod Nano, Sandisk Sansa, Microsoft Zune, and the various other small players available over the years. Note that while the cinch sack will fit a small (iPod Mini, iPod Nano, Sandisk Sanza) or micro (iPod Shuffle) MP3 player, it won't fit a standard-sized player (iPod Classic, Zune).
Performance:
Pairing headphones and speakers is easy - just press and hold the power button until it starts flashing at you, then put your device you want to listen to audio on into pairing mode. I paired mine with both a pair of JBL Everest 310s and a Bose Soundwear personal speaker. Worked great with both devices.
I attached the Airfly to my iPhone 6s and played several games where audio sync can make a difference on how you play. It worked great at everything I threw at it, just like if it were played through headphones either connected via the headphone port or Bluetooth.
I followed this up with attaching it to a Digiland Android tablet. It performend like it should, no audio lag in games.
My next test was with a Windows 10 computer. In the various games I play, I had no issues with auidio lag caused by the Airfly. Even playing Guitar Hero in the Dolphin Emulator was a treat, as the game worked perfectly and sounded perfect.
Finally, I attached it to the headphone dongle for my Nintendo GameBoy SP. The longtime dream for GameBoy owners who want wireless headphones is achieved with this device. Again, flawless performance.
No matter the audio source, it all sounded great. While lossless wasn't as good as a wired pair of headphones would be, you still get AptX-quality audio.
Now for my gripes:
First, this works better as a way to attach headphones to your TV set, computer, or home audio system. It's not as convenient to carry around with a MP3 player or other portable audio device, though it's small size does help.
Second, what would be neat is if this thing could be plugged into a TV's USB port and set to power up and power down autiomatically with a device like a TV or computer. Instead, you have to manually power it up and down when you want to use it, and I could n't get it to charge and operate at the same time.
Otherwise, I like the Airfly. Twelve South got almost everything right in my book.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+18points
18of 18voted this as helpful.
 
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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.
 
Overall1 out of 51 out of 5
No 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
Customer Avatar
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.
+6points
6of 6voted this comment as helpful.
 
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 51 out of 5
Big 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.
Customer Avatar
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.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
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 54 out of 5
tv 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
Customer Avatar
BillFromKC
KCMO
850b doesn't have HDR support
January 14, 2016
but the 850c (this TV) does.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
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.
 
Overall3 out of 53 out of 5
Hard 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.
Customer Avatar
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 51 out of 5
Terrible
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.
Customer Avatar
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.
 
Overall1 out of 51 out of 5
Bootleg 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.
Customer Avatar
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
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 55 out of 5
This 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!
Customer Avatar
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 55 out of 5
Blazing 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.
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).
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!
Customer Avatar
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.)
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
BillFromKC's Questions
 
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BillFromKC's Answers
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Make a smart solution to upgrade your home security to IndoorCam Mini. Never second-guess what you see in clear 2K resolution, and give yourself control with pan and tilt functions to monitor your home’s most vital areas. IndoorCam Mini features On-Device AI Human Detection, a technology that identifies humans in the frame and only sends you the notifications that matter. After returning home, you can turn on Home Privacy Mode, which turns off the camera and rotates it to your preferred privacy angle. Best of all, there’s no monthly fee after your purchase.
 

Can this new Indoor Cam Mini connect to the Eufy HomeBase? I would like for the IndoorDam store data on the base for easy access and control.

It stores data on the camera itself and not on a Homebase module. However, you still access the video like you would with Homebase-connected cameras - via the app.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
BillFromKC
 
Make a smart solution to upgrade your home security to IndoorCam Mini. Never second-guess what you see in clear 2K resolution, and give yourself control with pan and tilt functions to monitor your home’s most vital areas. IndoorCam Mini features On-Device AI Human Detection, a technology that identifies humans in the frame and only sends you the notifications that matter. After returning home, you can turn on Home Privacy Mode, which turns off the camera and rotates it to your preferred privacy angle. Best of all, there’s no monthly fee after your purchase.
 

Does this camera require WiFi to operate?

It can record internally to a micro SD card, but you would need WiFi to access your footage and receive motion alerts.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
BillFromKC
 
Meet the Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 6.5qt. Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer with SmartLid. The pressure cooker that steams and crisps. SmartLid slider unlocks pressure cooking, air frying, and Steamcrisping - all under one SmartLid. SteamCrisp Technology steams and crisps at the same time for faster, juicier, crispier results*. 14 one-touch programs unlock even more versatility. (*Vs. Ninja Foodi OL501 in dry mode only)
 

Does this model have hands free pressure release when pressure cooking timer is done, or do you have to manually release steam after pressure cooking?

It's a manual release.
2 years, 7 months ago
by
BillFromKC
 
The Core Innovations ANT800BAR Indoor TV Antenna Bar allows you to access HDTV channels up to 80 miles away, free of charge. The signal indicator displays reception strength for peak viewing potential, and the omni-directional bar design provides connectivity in all directions. Enjoy content in up to 4K full HD where supported.
 

We have a steel roof, will this antenna work for us?

As long as the signal path isn't being blocked by the roof, this should work. However, you're better off to look into an outdoor antenna system.
2 years, 8 months ago
by
BillFromKC
 
The Core Innovations ANT800BAR Indoor TV Antenna Bar allows you to access HDTV channels up to 80 miles away, free of charge. The signal indicator displays reception strength for peak viewing potential, and the omni-directional bar design provides connectivity in all directions. Enjoy content in up to 4K full HD where supported.
 

Is this antenna ATSC 3.0 capable?

All antennas that work with ATSC 1.0 work with ATSC 3.0. In fact, all TV antennas that work on the standard UHF range (which means nearly every antenna, ever) work with ATSC 3.0 receivers and TV sets.
2 years, 8 months ago
by
BillFromKC
 
The WD_Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in capacities 2TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD_Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.
 

Will this work on a Xbox s and save my downloads

Yes, absolutely.
2 years, 11 months ago
by
BillFromKC
 
The WD_Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in capacities 2TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD_Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.
 

Can this work for Mac PC

It can. You may need to format it for PC usage first, however.
2 years, 11 months ago
by
BillFromKC
 
The WD_Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in capacities 2TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD_Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.
 

Can this be used with IPad Pro 10.5 inch

It can if you used a Camera Connection Kit and a Powered USB 3.x Hub. The lightning port by itself doesn't output enough power to run this drive.

For newer iPad Pros with USB-C connectors, you could just use a USB-C to USB 3.0 Micro B cable.

Either way, you'd need to format this drive using a computer first to a supported format (I believe that would be either ExFAT, HFS+, or APFS).
2 years, 11 months ago
by
BillFromKC
 
The WD_Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in capacities 2TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD_Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.
 

Does this need a 3.0 slot to work correctly on an xbox series x? Will it work in a usb hub on the xbox series x with only 2.0 slots available?

It can work with a USB 2.0 hub, but it will run at approximately 1/3 the speed you'd get with a USB 3.x connection (40 megabyte per second transfers on USB 2.0 versus 120 megabyte per second transfers over USB 3.x).
2 years, 11 months ago
by
BillFromKC
 
The WD_Black P10 Game Drive gives your console or PC the performance-enhancing tools it needs to keep your competitive edge. It's a top-tier external HDD in capacities 2TB, built specifically for gamers looking to expand the potential of their console or PC by saving their game library in an on-the-go form factor. Now, with WD_Black P10 Game Drive, you can drive your game the way you choose.
 

Will it work with a Xbox 360 E console?

It should, but you'd be better off with a less expensive external drive as the Xbox 360 series of devices do not have USB 3.0 connections and even the slowest of external drives currently available can saturate a USB 2.0 connection.
2 years, 11 months ago
by
BillFromKC