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- Review count8
- Helpfulness votes5
- First reviewNovember 6, 2016
- Last reviewNovember 6, 2016
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- Average rating4
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platypusb's Reviews
The Smart Battery Case for iPhone 7 gives you extra battery life with the look and protection of an Apple-designed case. Combined with the Smart Battery Case, iPhone 7 provides up to 22 hours of battery life for browsing the web, up to 24 hours of watching HD video, and 26 hours of talk time.¹ The Smart Battery Case also works intelligently with your iPhone to charge simultaneously when you’re plugged in, so both case and iPhone will have more than enough battery life to get you through the day, and then some. The soft elastomer hinge and one-piece design make it easy to put the case on and take it off. You can even connect it to any Lightning accessory, such as the Lightning Dock. And iOS 10 allows you to see the battery status of your iPhone 7, your Smart Battery Case, and even your Apple Watch, all in one place. Available in black and white.
Posted by: platypusb
Two complaints - first, this adds a lot of weight and distributes it in a way that makes it feel awkward with the phone in it.
second, it doesn't allow you to actually deactivate it - it just starts charging your phone when it's plugged in, and keeps it at 100% until the case's charge dies. Seems silly - I can't activate it only when my phone is dying to save the extra heat generated by charging it inside a case? So, overall not the greatest case - had 3 Mophie charge cases for each of mine and wife's iPhone 5's (and an extra in the car), which had a switch to activate. Anyway, based on what's on the market and what it costs (I paid 80-120 for each Mophie case 3-4 years ago), an unfortunately decent option.
second, it doesn't allow you to actually deactivate it - it just starts charging your phone when it's plugged in, and keeps it at 100% until the case's charge dies. Seems silly - I can't activate it only when my phone is dying to save the extra heat generated by charging it inside a case? So, overall not the greatest case - had 3 Mophie charge cases for each of mine and wife's iPhone 5's (and an extra in the car), which had a switch to activate. Anyway, based on what's on the market and what it costs (I paid 80-120 for each Mophie case 3-4 years ago), an unfortunately decent option.
My Best Buy number: 3484740295
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Compact yet powerful, the Olympus PEN-F is a new take on an old name. Reminiscent of the old PEN film cameras, this stylish version has a huge 20-megapixel sensor that ensures extraordinary detail. Use the 50-megapixel high-resolution mode to create incredible scenes, or use the Olympus PEN-F's video mode to shoot high-quality 1080p movies.
Posted by: platypusb
This is an awesome camera. I ended up buying from B&H because they built a better bundle (better discounts on lenses) and it was tax free (I don't live in NY state) and in-stock. Best Buy didn't keep this in stock at any stores near me, despite my waiting all summer for it, and couldn't price match the bundle from B&H. Sob story aside, buy this no matter what, even if you can't get it from Best Buy (and love shopping at Best Buy).
Prepare for an instant and expensive obsession with lenses and teleconverters. Also I got a great case for this (since it's rather compact and feels a bit smaller than my big clumsy hand can comfortably grip when it's weighted with a bigger lens) - I recommend doing the same. I like my Gariz case but there appear to be a few other options around with equal grip.
Prepare for an instant and expensive obsession with lenses and teleconverters. Also I got a great case for this (since it's rather compact and feels a bit smaller than my big clumsy hand can comfortably grip when it's weighted with a bigger lens) - I recommend doing the same. I like my Gariz case but there appear to be a few other options around with equal grip.
My Best Buy number: 3484740295
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Reduce allergens and pollutants in your home with this Dyson Pure Cool air purifier. The intelligent design automatically responds to conditions in the air, and the Dyson Link app lets you control the purifier with your smart phone. Replaceable filters keep this Dyson Pure Cool air purifier running smoothly, and the integrated fan delivers cool air when you need it.
Posted by: platypusb
Wanted a Dyson Air Multiplier (fancy word for fan) for awhile. This had an air purifier, which my allergy and former-asthma suffering self could use (and justify to the wife), so I bought it as soon as I was able to get 10% off at Best Buy. Started off great, then I got the app, then I learned about my air quality, and how it improves if I open the window from time to time, leave the fan on, and vacuum often. Then it starts judging, reminding me that when air quality deteriorates that I need to vacuum.
Basically it made me cave and buy a robotic vacuum from Dyson. Because I'm lazy, but somehow the app made me care more about this one deficiency on my part.
Anyway, no question this is a top notch product. Just prepare for your new app based robotic assistants to disapprove of your lifestyle choices despite your noblest intentions. I tried throwing money at the problem. We'll see if that's enough.
Basically it made me cave and buy a robotic vacuum from Dyson. Because I'm lazy, but somehow the app made me care more about this one deficiency on my part.
Anyway, no question this is a top notch product. Just prepare for your new app based robotic assistants to disapprove of your lifestyle choices despite your noblest intentions. I tried throwing money at the problem. We'll see if that's enough.
My Best Buy number: 3484740295
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Add a dock for your Apple Watch with this Apple Watch dock. The minimalist design ensures it matches a variety of decor, yet it ensures that your Apple watch remains fully charged for use throughout the day. A silicone weighted base on this Apple Watch dock ensures it remains upright for maximum stability.
Posted by: platypusb
This is pretty decent, with flexible orientation - easy to setup. It's really chunky/weighty, like a paperweight. Good, I suppose if you have a windy office. I just needed a 2nd dock (to leave watch charging while I shower). My only reservation is that if it fell (if someone unintentionally tugged or stepped on the cable and pulled it off of a surface), it's probably heavy enough to crack or significantly scratch up your watch. Although watch is pretty tough, but that's 5 stars for Apple not these fellows ...
My Best Buy number: 3484740295
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep your Apple Watch charged and accessible with this mophie 45306BBR charging dock, which features aluminum construction and an elevated, angled design for stability and visibility. Attach your charging cable (not included) for simple connection.
Posted by: platypusb
No longer use Mophie battery packs for my phone, but am aware brand makes reasonably solid products. This is a really solid dock if you're looking for clean/minimalist (like TwelveSouth type) design. Not bulky, yet still stable. BYOC, as usual with Apple Watch docks. Looks sharp on the nightstand, no complaints.
My Best Buy number: 3484740295
I would recommend this to a friend!
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iPhone 7 features an all-new 12MP camera with an ƒ/1.8 aperture for great low-light photos and 4K video. Optical image stabilization. A 4.7-inch Retina HD display with wide color and 3D Touch. An A10 Fusion chip for up to 2x faster performance than iPhone 6. Touch ID. Faster LTE. The longest battery life in an iPhone. Immersive stereo sound, splash and water resistant, and iOS 10.
Customer Rating
5
Nice Replacement for Outdated iPhone 5
on November 6, 2016
Posted by: platypusb
I actually paid about $50 less for this phone from Best Buy than I did for an unlocked iPhone 5 128gb in Dec 2012 at the Apple Store (both with Apple Care). I had At&t unlock the phone the same week, so it is the same for purposes of travel or porting to another GSM enabled network.
That said, I've missed a lot of functionality from touch ID in the 5s, the better screens of the 6 and 6s, haptic feedback, upgraded cameras, Apple Pay, etc. That said, my old phone did the job and is still kicking, but increasingly slow for day-to-day tasks and with less battery life (possibly due to working harder).
This phone lasts longer and does everything better than my last phone. I'm not some weirdo who plugs in my headphones to my phone - about half of my headphones have been incompatible with the default cases I've used on my phones by virtue of the size of the cable connector - making wireless use in the car, while working out, at work, etc, a necessity of the past to which I've adapted. The fact that this phone was able to abandon it and become splash-proof in the process is awesome. Good phone, no regrets.
That said, I've missed a lot of functionality from touch ID in the 5s, the better screens of the 6 and 6s, haptic feedback, upgraded cameras, Apple Pay, etc. That said, my old phone did the job and is still kicking, but increasingly slow for day-to-day tasks and with less battery life (possibly due to working harder).
This phone lasts longer and does everything better than my last phone. I'm not some weirdo who plugs in my headphones to my phone - about half of my headphones have been incompatible with the default cases I've used on my phones by virtue of the size of the cable connector - making wireless use in the car, while working out, at work, etc, a necessity of the past to which I've adapted. The fact that this phone was able to abandon it and become splash-proof in the process is awesome. Good phone, no regrets.
My Best Buy number: 3484740295
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Listen like never before with QuietControl 30 wireless headphones. Breakthrough technology lets you set your own level of noise cancellation, so you can control how much of the world you want to let in - or how quiet you want your surroundings to be. Volume-optimized EQ gives you balanced audio performance at any volume, while a noise-rejecting dual-microphone system provides clear calls, even in windy or noisy environments. Connect easily to your devices with Bluetooth and NFC pairing. QuietControl 30 wireless headphones feature a lightweight neckband design that conforms to your body for all-day comfort and wearability. A lithium-ion battery gives you up to 10 hours of wireless listening per charge. And the Bose Connect app helps you manage your paired devices and gives you enhanced control. Available in Black.
Customer Rating
3
Best headphone of 2013
on November 6, 2016
Posted by: platypusb
It should be mentioned that this neckband style of headphone was popularized 3 years ago as they were bluetooth headsets offered for android users (from LG, in particular). However, Apple is attempting to bring a fully wireless option to market now - Bragi, Kanoa, Samsung, Earin have already done so, some over a calendar year ago. Some of those have noise cancelling and activity tracking functionality built in. Bragi's device tracks HR, in addition to being waterproof up to 5m for swimming. All of these options and functions delivered without a neckband. As a true testament to the size of the device, the headphone case for the Bose QC30 is roughly the same in size/volume as you'd get for an over-ear Bose option. Truly, self defeating engineering at its loftiest and most blissfully ignorant.
So, Bose has basically proved that they're about 3 years behind in product release from their competitors. If this were 3 years ago, I might give this 4 or even 5 stars (as I'd be comparing them to inferior products on the market at the time). 3 stars are pretty generous as well, but I'm giving it that for my dad's use case - an older, retiree jetsetter who is happy to abandon any single wire in his quest to tune out airport/airplane noise, wears collared shirts which conceal about 20-40% of the visible darkness, and lost the QC20s I gave him last year by leaving them on an airplane. These he appears less prone to losing because they will be stored around his neck until he gets to his hotel room. The cables suspending the headphones look like those of an older archivist protecting your bifocals from a nasty tumble.
Sound quality is acceptable as compared to QC20, ability to adjust noise cancelling is a neat but arguably unnecessary feature. This is all a great concept, and would have been best-in-show for CES 2012. For my purposes, completely unnecessary to add to my travel, work (Sennheiser Momentum 2), workout (Bragi Dash, Bose Soundsport wired), or home (Grado, B&W, Sennheiser, etc) arsenal of audio equipment - any of which were honestly up for grabs at this price point. Oh well, hopefully dad doesn't lose this pair!
In all honesty, depending on your use case, any of those brands listed above provide you better bang for your buck. Even Bose has more compelling options at this price point.
So, Bose has basically proved that they're about 3 years behind in product release from their competitors. If this were 3 years ago, I might give this 4 or even 5 stars (as I'd be comparing them to inferior products on the market at the time). 3 stars are pretty generous as well, but I'm giving it that for my dad's use case - an older, retiree jetsetter who is happy to abandon any single wire in his quest to tune out airport/airplane noise, wears collared shirts which conceal about 20-40% of the visible darkness, and lost the QC20s I gave him last year by leaving them on an airplane. These he appears less prone to losing because they will be stored around his neck until he gets to his hotel room. The cables suspending the headphones look like those of an older archivist protecting your bifocals from a nasty tumble.
Sound quality is acceptable as compared to QC20, ability to adjust noise cancelling is a neat but arguably unnecessary feature. This is all a great concept, and would have been best-in-show for CES 2012. For my purposes, completely unnecessary to add to my travel, work (Sennheiser Momentum 2), workout (Bragi Dash, Bose Soundsport wired), or home (Grado, B&W, Sennheiser, etc) arsenal of audio equipment - any of which were honestly up for grabs at this price point. Oh well, hopefully dad doesn't lose this pair!
In all honesty, depending on your use case, any of those brands listed above provide you better bang for your buck. Even Bose has more compelling options at this price point.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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With no wires in the way, Bose SoundSport Wireless Sports Earbuds keep you moving with powerful audio. Perfect for exercise and running with a sweat and weather resistant design and StayHear+ tips designed for comfort and stability. The Tile app makes your headphones easy to find if they ever go missing.
Posted by: platypusb
I should start by mentioning that I've owned other Bose headphones (QC20, QC25), as well as the wired soundsport - both the version with the microphone and iPhone controls (which my wife uses) and the version that are just headphones (which I use with an iPod for running). I've also been using Bragi Dash headphones for about a year, which are wireless earbuds without the cable joining them. Those are imperfect, but on the same scale I'd give them 4 stars to the 2 stars I give the Bose Soundsport Wireless.
This is tough to write. I wanted something with stronger signal and a better fit than my Bragi Dash headphones for long runs, which drop signal occasionally and with which I find myself fiddling more often (every 3-6 minutes) to nudge it back into my ear canal than I would like. As I never have that fit issue with any Bose headphones, I figured these would be no exception. And I was right, they stay in my ears.
This is about the only good thing I can say for these. They look beyond dorky, for a number of reasons, the least of which is the cord that connects them, which remind you of the cord that keeps a librarian's glasses suspended around her neck. You don't feel cool wearing them. If you run with it, the cable likes to bounce around your neck. There is a clip to prevent this ... but it basically just makes the collar of your shirt bounce as you run. Same issue front or back. Weak.
Alright, pretending you can overcome the cable that connects them, there's the actual headphone, which pokes out of your ear way farther than anything I can think of - they are about the size of the bolts on the neck of a Frankenstein costume, just the enough size that they're impossible to miss. Having owned and used over the past decade high end in-ear headphones by Etymotic, Shure, and Klipsch, three other models from Bose, not to mention the actual wireless ones by Bragi, these are physically larger and protrude farther than any others I've owned. It also contributes to unusually distributed weight far away from the grip of the stayhear tip, basically creating additional leverage (imagine holding a barbell with your arm fully extended rather than close to your body) that makes an awkward design feel heavier than it even is.
So, as much as I care about function over form, and will wear anything dorky if it is simply better, this just isn't better, from an audio fidelity standpoint (with 320kbs audio streaming or lossless flac audio over bt) than a $25 wired headphone. With a case, I was into these for $200. Unfortunate, but also unjustifiable. Hopefully Bose has some truly revolutionary products in development, as this generation is one to three years late to the party (depending on what feature you were looking/waiting for). If you're under 50, or care about audio quality, or care about Bose's future as a company, let them know this product is less than what you expect from them by not buying this item. Frankly, don't consider it. I have crowdfunded better headphones, and waited for less time to receive them.
This is tough to write. I wanted something with stronger signal and a better fit than my Bragi Dash headphones for long runs, which drop signal occasionally and with which I find myself fiddling more often (every 3-6 minutes) to nudge it back into my ear canal than I would like. As I never have that fit issue with any Bose headphones, I figured these would be no exception. And I was right, they stay in my ears.
This is about the only good thing I can say for these. They look beyond dorky, for a number of reasons, the least of which is the cord that connects them, which remind you of the cord that keeps a librarian's glasses suspended around her neck. You don't feel cool wearing them. If you run with it, the cable likes to bounce around your neck. There is a clip to prevent this ... but it basically just makes the collar of your shirt bounce as you run. Same issue front or back. Weak.
Alright, pretending you can overcome the cable that connects them, there's the actual headphone, which pokes out of your ear way farther than anything I can think of - they are about the size of the bolts on the neck of a Frankenstein costume, just the enough size that they're impossible to miss. Having owned and used over the past decade high end in-ear headphones by Etymotic, Shure, and Klipsch, three other models from Bose, not to mention the actual wireless ones by Bragi, these are physically larger and protrude farther than any others I've owned. It also contributes to unusually distributed weight far away from the grip of the stayhear tip, basically creating additional leverage (imagine holding a barbell with your arm fully extended rather than close to your body) that makes an awkward design feel heavier than it even is.
So, as much as I care about function over form, and will wear anything dorky if it is simply better, this just isn't better, from an audio fidelity standpoint (with 320kbs audio streaming or lossless flac audio over bt) than a $25 wired headphone. With a case, I was into these for $200. Unfortunate, but also unjustifiable. Hopefully Bose has some truly revolutionary products in development, as this generation is one to three years late to the party (depending on what feature you were looking/waiting for). If you're under 50, or care about audio quality, or care about Bose's future as a company, let them know this product is less than what you expect from them by not buying this item. Frankly, don't consider it. I have crowdfunded better headphones, and waited for less time to receive them.
My Best Buy number: 3484740295
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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