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- Review count4
- Helpfulness votes59
- First reviewNovember 21, 2012
- Last reviewDecember 21, 2014
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating1.8
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentOctober 29, 2013
- Last review commentOctober 29, 2013
- Featured review comments0
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HbgCP's Reviews
LG G3 Cell Phone for AT&T: Stay connected at a whole new level with the advanced LG G3 smartphone. Designed for more than just calling and texting, this cell phone is built with 4G LTE speed and a fast processor so you can stream online content, navigate the Web and use your favorite apps with no trouble. Not only that, but a 5.5" display comes equipped with a 13MP camera and Quad HD, which supports 4x the resolution of standard high definition.
Customer Rating
1
Very Poor Reception In Fringe Areas
on December 21, 2014
Posted by: HbgCP
from Pennsylvania
It really doesn't matter how nice the screen looks or how sleek the design of the device actually is if it doesn't perform well as a phone.
I have compared this phone to my AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 4. In areas where the signal is weak, the Samsung Note 4 can connect to LTE and is usually pegged on GSM for phone calls. The LG G3 in the same exact area will have absolutely no network connection. I have swapped the SIM card from my Note 4 into the G3 and the results are abysmal. The G3 is just a very poor performer when it comes to signal reception.
I have gone into the engineering screens to look at signal data on both devices. I also use an app called "LTE Discovery" which can eliminate the need to use dialer codes to access the engineering screens.
It completely amazes me that the Note 4 can do such a good job at signal reception while the G3 does such an abysmal job.
You'll probably never know that the G3 is so bad if you live close to a tower, but all you have to do is take the G3 into a low signal area and the device will say "No Network Connection". The Note 4 can place calls and use LTE data in the very same area. The Note 4 actually loads web pages quite well when the LTE signal level is down to -118 dBm, while the G3 in the same location loses all network connectivity and will not even be able to place a phone call. I have also noticed that the Note 4 reports a better signal by as much as 5 to 6 dBm in the same place as the G3. Possibly the antenna in the G3 is poorly designed or the radio is not sensitive enough.
I thought that possibly I may have a defective G3, but after searching Google with the phrase "AT&T LG G3 Poor Reception", I was able to find many other individuals who were experiencing the same exact issue. In fact on the Android Central Forum, one poster said he worked for AT&T in the Chicago area and that half of all the G3's sold were returned for reasons of poor reception in fringe areas. There were also posters in the UK experiencing the same issues. So it appears widespread.
I will be returning the G3. The G3 is an inferior product and not worth the money.
I'm not sure if this issue could be fixed with an update to the baseband or not. If it is indeed a poorly designed antenna, nothing is going to help.
I must add, I have a Sprint version of the G3 and it appears to work better than the AT&T variant. I have read complaints from owners of the AT&T and Verizon versions. I personally can attest to the poor reception of the AT&T version. Some G3 owners have said that they returned the AT&T version of the G3 and bought a T-Mobile G3 which works very well on AT&T without the signal reception issues.
One final note in favor of the G3: The earpiece volume is much louder and warmer sounding than the Note 4. In my opinion, the Note 4 earpiece volume does not go loud enough to compensate for noisy environments where the G3 is more than adequate. The Note 4 has an extra volume adjustment, but it cannot be permanently latched on and is very cumbersome to switch on for every single phone call. Samsung could definitely learn something from LG in the sound quality
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+8points
17of 26voted this as helpful.
The Amped Wireless High Power 700mW Dual Band AC Wi-Fi Access Point adds long range, Wi-Fi access for existing wired networks or networks with older wireless technology. The APA20 is equipped with a total of ten amplifiers; two 2.4GHz amplifiers, four 5.0GHz amplifiers, and four low noise amplifiers. It also has three high gain antennas to provide extreme range, gigabit Wi-Fi coverage. The APA20 features double amplification with advanced 2-stage 5GHz amplifiers that ensure the longest range and the most coverage. This Access Point features an advanced internal processor, gigabit networking ports for blazing fast wired connections, a USB port for sharing files, and simultaneous dual band Wi-Fi access. Powered by 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology, the APA20 provides gigabit Wi-Fi speeds (AC1200: three times faster than 802.11n) with enough bandwidth to deliver multiple HD streams simultaneously to all of your Wi-Fi devices for next generation Wi-Fi access throughout your entire home, backyard, or office. Simple Plug and Play set up, makes setup as simple as connecting the Access Point to your router's network port. No software or additional steps needed.
Customer Rating
1
Great coverage but drops WiFi connections daily.
on January 19, 2014
Posted by: HbgCP
from Pennsylvania
I use it in...:Small home
This is a very expensive access point at close to $200. One would expect top of the line performance for this price. The APA20 does not deliver.
I have flashed the firmware to the latest version downloaded from AmpedWireless.com several times. It made no difference whatsoever. You have to reboot this device on a daily basis in order to regain WiFi connections. In addition after flashing the firmware, I factory reset the unit to make sure all was clear before attempting to set up the unit again.
I have 4 devices using the APA20: 1) Samsung Galaxy Note 3, 2) LG G2, 3) iPad, 4) Sony Vaio Laptop. Every single device looses the connection with the APA20 on a daily basis. These same devices do stay connected with no issues to my TrendNet Access point. I bought the APA20 to replace the TrendNet in order to gain a greater coverage area. Looks like that was a bad idea. Stick with what works.
I used the 5 GHz band and monitored the device with a PC program called inSSIDer. With inSSIDer, you can see all devices in your neighborhood and make sure that yours is not on the same channel as neighboring devices. I had a unique 5 GHz channel so interference was not to blame. The APA20 just randomly drops connections. In fact there were no other 5 GHz channels in use in my area. Everyone else was using 2.4 GHz.
I went for help on the Amped Wireless Community Forums. I joined the forum and posted questions 3 times concerning my issues. Each time I posted, I received a message that the post had to be approved my a moderator. Well, they never were approved and posted to the forum. I got zero response. I suspect this is because there were so many other users complaining of the same issues, that Amped Wireless did not want to look bad by adding yet another complaint of dropped connections to the list. One would think that they would at least get back with a response, but they didn't.
The APA20 had the potential to be a great access point, but the firmware is not ready for prime time. Amped Wireless is letting the consumer be the beta tester for a product that was not ready for market. It's nice that they let us purchase these expensive units that don't reliably work, then possibly fix issues as time goes on at our time and expense.
I spent hours fiddling with this thing to try and get it to keep a reliable connection. I have wasted way to much time. It's going back as defective.
What's great about it: Coverage area, Styling, Footprint.
What's not so great: Unreliable, Have to reboot frequently
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Ease of Use
4
Performance
1
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+26points
26of 26voted this as helpful.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SMN900VZKE Cell Phone for Verizon Wireless: The 5.7" screen and powerful processor make the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 an ideal device for work or play. It's sleek, portable and loaded with innovative features, and the S Pen allows you to write notes, stay organized and interact with your device. The 13.0MP camera captures shots with incredible detail and sharpness.Verizon Edge option available. Learn more ›
Customer Rating
2
Nice features, but poor low RF signal reception
on October 27, 2013
Posted by: HbgCP
from Pennsylvania
Age:45-54
Phone size:Large
I just purchased the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 from a local Verizon store. I am very disappointed with this phone. I paid full price to keep my unlimited data alive. I am finding that the RF reception is abysmal. In buildings where I used to get -89 dbm with my Motorola Droid Bionic, I get -118 dbm with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Even outdoors, with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, I don't get that great of a 4G LTE signal. The phone will usually then switch to 1 to 2 bars of 3G and stay there until I am back in a really strong 4G area. I'm thinking either the antenna is of poor quality or the radio is not very sensitive - or both. I may have to return this phone and try the LG G2. This GN3 cannot even begin to compete with my old Motorola Droid Bionic when it comes to holding on to a less than perfect signal. In strong signal areas there is no problem, but when the signal isn't the best, the GN3 does a poor job of holding the 4G LTE signal. My Motorola Droid Bionic used to do an outstanding job in the same exact places this GN3 fails. The screen is brilliant, and you couldn't ask for a more feature packed phone. The sound quality is good and volume level is great, but above all the GN3 has to be able to connect to a signal to be a great phone. In the near future, Verizon is going to Voice over LTE (VoLTE). This means that our phone conversations will now be carried on the 4G LTE band. That really scares me with my GN3, since it can't maintain a 4G LTE signal unless I'm really in a strong signal area
What's great about it: Screen, Sunlight Visibility, Features
What's not so great: Signal Reception
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Picture Quality
5
Battery Life
5
Sound Quality
4
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-5points
10of 25voted this as helpful.
Enjoy high-quality audio for music, movies and more with this Onkyo TX-NR818 945W 7.2-channel A/V home theater receiver that features Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Pro Logic IIz, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS Neo:X surround sound decoders for a lush soundscape.Smart AudioGet a world of instant entertainment with this smart audio product. Connect to the Internet and stream music services. Learn more about smart products. Pandora 945W 7.2-Ch. A/V Home Theater Receiver
Posted by: HbgCP
from Pennsylvania
I ordered the Onkyo TX-NR818 from Best Buy. In two days it was at my store in Harrisburg ready for me to pick up.
Before I did anything, I updated the firmware to the latest version, then set the receiver up. I noticed that there was a constant static through the subwoofer. I changed out the subwoofer with another subwoofer from another system I have. The same thing (continual static through the subwoofer). I called Onkyo and after troubleshooting, they suggested that i exchange the receiver for another from the place of purchase. Onkyo said it was a hardware failure.
I brought the TX-NR818 back to Best Buy and without any hassle whatsoever they refunded me the purchase price and ordered me another unit. The new TX-NR818 was at my store in Harrisburg once again within two days.
The second unit has performed perfectly. The sound from the Onkyo TX-NR818 is very warm and natural sounding. The inclusion of Audyssey XT32 really tightens up the LFE and bass.
This receiver is built like a tank. It weighs about 14 pounds more than the Denon AVR3313ci which I also own. There are massive heat sinks up front complimented by two thermostatically controlled cooling fans.
At one time Onkyo made super high quality products. But now their quality appears to be slipping. I'm not just saying this because my first 818 was a lemon, I was looking on the Onkyo USA forums. Many customers have complaints about reliability and defective units. Luckily I bought my unit from Best Buy so there was no hassle at all to get a replacement for the first bad one.
Speaking of Onkyo USA forums: The forums are run and moderated by Onkyo. They are a great place for information exchange among other owners. I don't know of any other receiver manufacturer that has such a place for customers to go and share ideas and help each other solve problems.
Only one gripe as far as features go - I wish that the TX-NR818 would allow you to custom tailor the sound settings for each input independently of one another. I am still very much into vinyl. My phono needs a little increase in subwoofer level, but then it is too much for movies on other sources such as Blu-ray and Cable. You can only globally set the levels under the speaker settings. The Denon AVR-3313ci, allows you to at least have different level settings for the different sound fields, such as "stereo", "matrix", "Dolby", "all channel stereo" etc. This way you can tie the sound field to your particular input.
All in all, I really like the TX-NR818 after using it now for over a month. I just hope that long term reliability will not be an issue. After all this receiver sells for $1200!
What's great about it: Audyssey XT32
What's not so great: Onkyo quality control starting to slip
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Denon - IN-Command 875W 7.2-Ch. 3D Pass Through A/V Home Theater Receiver
Sound Quality
5
Ease of Use
5
Features
4
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+4points
6of 8voted this as helpful.
HbgCP's Review Comments
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 SMN900VZKE Cell Phone for Verizon Wireless: The 5.7" screen and powerful processor make the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 an ideal device for work or play. It's sleek, portable and loaded with innovative features, and the S Pen allows you to write notes, stay organized and interact with your device. The 13.0MP camera captures shots with incredible detail and sharpness.Verizon Edge option available. Learn more ›
Overall2 out of 5
2 out of 5Nice features, but poor low RF signal reception
By HbgCP
from Pennsylvania
I just purchased the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 from a local Verizon store. I am very disappointed with this phone. I paid full price to keep my unlimited data alive. I am finding that the RF reception is abysmal. In buildings where I used to get -89 dbm with my Motorola Droid Bionic, I get -118 dbm with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Even outdoors, with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, I don't get that great of a 4G LTE signal. The phone will usually then switch to 1 to 2 bars of 3G and stay there until I am back in a really strong 4G area. I'm thinking either the antenna is of poor quality or the radio is not very sensitive - or both. I may have to return this phone and try the LG G2. This GN3 cannot even begin to compete with my old Motorola Droid Bionic when it comes to holding on to a less than perfect signal. In strong signal areas there is no problem, but when the signal isn't the best, the GN3 does a poor job of holding the 4G LTE signal. My Motorola Droid Bionic used to do an outstanding job in the same exact places this GN3 fails. The screen is brilliant, and you couldn't ask for a more feature packed phone. The sound quality is good and volume level is great, but above all the GN3 has to be able to connect to a signal to be a great phone. In the near future, Verizon is going to Voice over LTE (VoLTE). This means that our phone conversations will now be carried on the 4G LTE band. That really scares me with my GN3, since it can't maintain a 4G LTE signal unless I'm really in a strong signal area
HbgCP
Pennsylvania
October 29, 2013
Every service provider will have fringe areas in their network where radio propagation is not the best. Other people next to me with other brands of phones with the same service provider, have no issues at all maintaining a 4G LTE connection in this area while my note 3 struggles to receive 1X. Sometimes I even get no service. My own Droid Bionic maintains 4G LTE in the exact same spot. Google "Samsung Galaxy Note 3 signal". There are many people complaining of thus issue on various Android forums.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
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