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OldNAchy
OldNAchy's stats
- Review count20
- Helpfulness votes357
- First reviewJanuary 14, 2011
- Last reviewDecember 4, 2016
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.4
- Review comment count23
- Helpfulness votes39
- First review commentOctober 28, 2012
- Last review commentFebruary 2, 2017
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count13
- Helpfulness votes10
- First answerJanuary 24, 2010
- Last answerFebruary 2, 2017
- Featured answers0
- Best answers3
Keep your speaker cables out of sight with this cord cover kit.
Customer Rating
3
Hides and manages speaker and other cables well
on November 4, 2012
Posted by: OldNAchy
from Fairfax, VA
Bought the CMK50 package to:
-- hide cabling from my wall mounted TV
-- manage and hide speaker cables across my mantle and down to the floor.
-- hide cabling from my wall mounted TV
-- manage and hide speaker cables across my mantle and down to the floor.
The lengths work just barely for the TV cables -- power extension cable, HDMI cable, and Digital Optical cable; very tight fit.
The lengths work fine for my speaker cables -- front high right, front right, center, and front left. The only caveat with these is that because of the snap over cover design, I had to cut lengths for the mantle to get the center speaker and left front speaker wires into the "system."
The major downside to this product is that the two sided tape on the lengths actually work too well. If you have to remove a length that has been taped to a wall, it will pull paint and possibly wall board surface off the wall with it requiring a plaster patch and paint job! This is why I rated this down to average. I would recommend this product with the above reservations.
What's great about it: Easy to use, does what it is supposed to do
What's not so great: Two sided tape will rip up wall if you have to remove a length
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
4
Performance
3
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Keep your lamp cord or extension cord out of sight with this cord cover kit.
Customer Rating
1
Beware If You Have to Remove This From the Wall
on November 4, 2012
Posted by: OldNAchy
from Fairfax, VA
I used this product to manage speaker wire across my mantle and down to the floor by my receiver. When I expanded my home theatre system to 7.1 with front high, I decided to use higher quality speaker wire (larger is size) which required moving from the CMK10 to the CMK50 cable management strips. When I pulled the CMK10 lengths off the wall, a lot of the drywall came with them, thus requiring me to patch and paint before securing the CMK50 lengths. Possibly running a box cutter or razor blade knife down the back of a taped down length will mitigate the wall damage, but regardless if you remove a taped down length, be prepared to plaster patch and paint. Very disappointing. My recommendation is to start with the bigger size -- CMK50 -- (or another product) so that if you expand your cabling you can use the existing lengths.
What's great about it: Does hide cables
What's not so great: Rips up the wall when you remove it
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Quality
3
Performance
1
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Learn more about Magnolia Premium Installation With dual cast basket and planar low-frequency radiators and nonresonant monocoque cabinets, this center-channel speaker delivers cinema quality sound in a small package. Magnetic shielding ensures protection from video interference when the speaker is placed near a TV.
Customer Rating
5
Improvement Was Obvious
on November 2, 2012
Posted by: OldNAchy
from Fairfax, VA
Bought this speaker to upgrade the center channel, a Polk Audio 6752, in my home theater setup. Althought the physical footprint is small (a requirement for me), the improvement in center channel quality was dramatic! Dialogue was crisp, natural, and clear. Major improvements also were obvious in music and gaming sounds. Note that the Polk Audio speaker is a quality speaker (I will use it on a smaller bedroom system), but the ProCenter 1000 is much better, fills a large room, and is well worth its reasonable price.
What's great about it: Great sound, clear dialogue
What's not so great: Nothing
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
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Only @ Best BuyTurn 1 HDMI source into 2 with this Rocketfish™ RF-G1182 splitter that delivers 1080p content, 3D capability, and 5.1/7.1 surround sound to most HDMI components. The included AC adapter ensures reliable power.
Customer Rating
4
Does Exactly What It is Supposed to Do
on October 31, 2012
Posted by: OldNAchy
from Fairfax, VA
I have an LG 55LM7600 3D Smart TV mounted over my fireplace for main viewing and a 24" 1080P Toshiba set for gaming. HDMI input from my Cable #COX# Whole House DVR, XBOX360, and 3D Bluray player are routed thru my home theater receiver -- Denon 3D AVR1913 -- to its HDMI out port. In the past, I used an 8 ft HDMI cable to switch ouput between a larger TV to my 24" Toshiba by physically switching the cable from one TV to the other. With the new LG set installed on the wall this was not possible. Cable switching would have to occur at the HDMI output of the receiver, an option I did not like.
This HDMI splitter was purchased to solve that problem. The install was simple. The HDMI out from the receiver is routed to the HDMI in of the splitter with a short HDMI cable. HDMI out 1 is to my LG TV via the installed 12 ft HDMI cable. HDMI out 2 is to my Toshiba 24" TV via the 8 ft HDMI cable. Everything works fine, although as other reviewers noted, there is a slight delay in the picture displaying on each TV. Things that I noticed in use of the splitter:
It obviously has to be powered on. I did not like the idea of it being on when not in use -- I solved this problem by plugging in the splitter to an available power outlet on my cable box and setting the outlet to provide power only when the box was on.
The splitter can be used:
-- with only one HDMI out hooked up and outputting to a TV.
-- with both outputs hooked up, but only one hooked up and outputting to a TV.
-- With both outputs hooked up and outputting to TV's.
-- with a 3D source going to one TV, with the other TV off, or the other TV not supporting the signal.
-- with both outputs hooked up, but only one hooked up and outputting to a TV.
-- With both outputs hooked up and outputting to TV's.
-- with a 3D source going to one TV, with the other TV off, or the other TV not supporting the signal.
I have used the splitter with my Cable DVR, XBOX, and 3D Bluray player #2D and 3D# with no problems at all. Still need to test the Bluray player with a regular DVD, but do not expect a problem. Note that the Bluray player is outputting in HDCP format, all outputs are going thru my receiver and I have had absolutely no problems.
The only reason I have rated this as a 4 vs. a 5, is that the cost is high IMO. More reasonable at Amazon, but still a little high.
I decided to buy at BB only because I had a gift card and some RZ certificates to bring down the price.
What's great about it: Easy Setup, Works as Advertised
What's not so great: Cost
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Performance
5
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+21points
22of 23voted this as helpful.
2-piece screw-on design for reliable crimpless termination. Monster tip, spade and pin configuration. 24K gold contacts for maximum signal transfer and corrosion resistance. 2-pair pack.
Customer Rating
5
Great way to connect speakers to receiver!
on October 3, 2012
Posted by: OldNAchy
from Fairfax, VA
These banana connectors -- plugs -- are very easy to set up and use. Just strip about a half inch of insulation from the speaker wire, thread thru the bottom half of the plug, "splay" the wire back over into 2 or 3 positions and screw in tightly the upper half. Set up done! Wire is secure in the plug. Easy to plug in and remove. These are a great buy as long as they remain on sale. Once they go back to $26, start looking for another brand, preferably one that sets up the same way.
What's great about it: very easy to set up and use
What's not so great: Nothing
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Performance
5
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+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
Only @ Best BuyGive your speaker wires a secure connection with these speaker wire banana plugs.
Customer Rating
4
Makes speaker connections easier
on October 3, 2012
Posted by: OldNAchy
from Fairfax, VA
These plugs do the job and aren't too difficult to use. Just be aware you will need a flat head screw driver with a very small head to loosen and tighten the two little set screws in each one. Just insert the stripped speaker wire and tighten the set screws (back first, front second# then adjust the color coded sleeve. Note that the sleeve moves back and forth a bit when plugging in to the receive. I recommend using a needle nosed plier to remove the plug.
I purchased these plugs because BB did not have enough of the Monster plugs in stock for what I needed #2 systems). If the Monster plugs are available and still on sale, get those, otherwise these will do just fine.
What's great about it: Not too difficult to set up
What's not so great: Plastic cover moves
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Monster - Quick Lock Gold Banana Connector (2-Pair Pack)
(301)Quality
4
Performance
4
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Enjoy high-quality surround sound audio connections with this cable that features precision-made connectors for a secure fit to your devices' jacks.
Customer Rating
4
Extra length gives more options
on January 10, 2012
Posted by: OldNAchy
from Washington D.C.
Bought this for digital audio for my Turtle Beach DX11 headset. The cable works fine. Produces good audio and extra length allows me to set up a ways back from my XBOX 360 and TV. Have noticed no interference with the audio, so shielding is ok.
What's great about it: Extra length provides flexibility in use.
What's not so great: Nothing so far.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Durability
5
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-3points
1of 5voted this as helpful.
Learn more about Halo: Reach. (Flash demo) The planet Reach is the last line of defense against the encroaching Covenant's ultimate goal of destroying Earth. Sacrifice and courage are the traits that make you and your Spartan brothers part of an elite group of soldiers known as Noble Team. In this tragic and heroic story that sets the stage for the Halo saga, you are faced with impossible odds to save countless lives and defend Reach from annihilation. If your mission fails, then humanity faces an inevitable demise.Halo: Reach places you in the role of a member of the elite Noble Team engaging in battle against the Covenant. You must defend Reach against the invading forces to protect humanity from devastation. Your weapons, armor and deadly skills are as unique as each of the Spartan soldiers' personalities. Prepare for this epic storyline alone or team up with up to three friends and launch a co-op assault against the incredibly cunning AI which adds a level of complexity to each encounter and battle. The multiplayer action that Halo fans have come to expect delivers once again by setting a new standard of competitive online gameplay, customization, matchmaking and community integration. Experience the adventure and excitement like never before in this incredible installment of the ground-breaking Halo saga.
Posted by: OldNAchy
from Washington D.C.
Totally Addicted to this game!! Superb graphics, video, and audio. Great campaign and multiplayer experience. Many options for play with theatre capability for capturing and posting game play. Forging capability for creating maps and game types.
What's great about it: Graphics, video, audio, campaign, multiplayer, and more
What's not so great: Nothing
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+21points
25of 29voted this as helpful.
When you're deeply immersed in a game, you can happily play for hours. With the PowerPak NiMH battery pack, you can ensure your Xbox 360 controller has as much energy as you do for long-lasting gaming sessions. This rechargeable battery is designed for powerful performance and long life. By providing up to 25 hours of play per charge, the PowerPak helps you stay focused on your game without worry about the power status of your wireless controller. You can even check the battery's power level by accessing the battery gauge via the Xbox Dashboard so you know how much juice you have left before a recharge is in order.
Posted by: OldNAchy
from Washington D.C.
This battery charges quickly and charge holds for quite awhile. Fit is a little snug, but not too large to break the controller! Decent price for an additional battery, especially since you can only get a microsoft battery with the docking station or play and charge kit.
What's great about it: Quick charge and stays charged for quite awhile
What's not so great: Nothing so far
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Ease of Use
4
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+3points
4of 5voted this as helpful.
Stay in control of the data on your original Xbox 360 hard drive with this data migration cable. This 28.5" cable lets you connect your Xbox 360 hard drive with another Xbox 360 or Xbox 360 S hard drive and easily transfer saved data and games to keep the gameplay going even as your equipment changes. Attach your Xbox 360 hard drive to a friend's, or simply migrate your data to your new console. The cable can be used multiple times for convenient data transfer.
Posted by: OldNAchy
from Washington D.C.
Bought this to copy info from my old XBOX 360 Elite hard drive to my new XBOX 360 Slim hard drive. Very easy to do. Plug hard drive connector into old hard drive and usb connector into usb port on new xbox, and go to memory section in system settings and select copy from transfer cable to hard drive.
Only issue is that I had to pay $20 for the transfer cable to use basically once. I think a usb to usb connection for the copy function would have been just as good if it were available.
Recommend this to someone with same requirement simply because it is the only way to do it.
What's great about it: Simple to set up and use.
What's not so great: $20 when a usb to usb connection should have been avail.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Durability
5
Ease of Use
5
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+5points
6of 7voted this as helpful.
Enhance your home theater system with this Pioneer SP-C22 center-channel speaker that features dual 4" polypropylene woofers and a 1" soft dome tweeter to deliver a wide range of sounds. The curved cabinet design minimizes vibration.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Good center spkr to compliment my 5.1 surround
By aas88keyz
from Mesa, AZ
Good size speaker with good strong and clear sound. Fits nicely on the shelf under my flat screen. I prefer quality and balance when it comes to sound. Though I like visual effects in movies what makes it for me is how the sound in the movies brings it together. I like the sound effects from movies but I always find myself turning the volume up during quiet dialogue and then all the sudden I am blown out of my chair with all the dynamics of music and explosions and try frantically to turn the volume back down so I don't disturb the neighbors. I got this center speaker to give me more of a balance between all the sound elements hoping that it would bring in more of the dialogue. I haven't found that balance yet but keep trying. I am sure it is not the speakers fault but it was the reason I bought it in the first place. Again, by itself it can be a very loud and crystal clear but hasn't found it's place in my own home theater system.
OldNAchy
Fairfax, VA
Boost center output?
October 28, 2012
To get better dialogue did you boost your center speaker output? The idea there is that by boosting the center channel you can lower overall volume. I used automatic calibration on my home theatre receiver, but found I had to boost the center channel manually to get good dialogue. I am using a different speaker, but concept is the same.
0points
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Learn moreabout Magnolia PremiumInstallation Add a new dimension to your music, games and movies with this subwoofer that features an 8" injection-molded woofer cone with Ribbed Elliptical surround for powerful sound with low distortion.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Good basic sub
By Vacant654152
from Buffalo, NY
I love the sub in my home theater system. I wish it turned on when I am listening to music though. I'm not sure if that is a function of my speaker or the receiver (I have a pioneer elite receiver).
OldNAchy
Fairfax, VA
Music may not have a sub signal
October 20, 2013
I don't know what source you are using for music -- FM radio, CD player, etc? but it is possible the source signal is simple stereo. In that case you need some sort of Dolby processing to generate a 2.1 minimum signal to drive the subwoofer. Your receiver should have a decoding option for each of the input sources. I would check into that.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Learn moreabout Magnolia PremiumInstallation This Sony XBR55X850A HDTV features 4K Ultra HD resolution for stunning realism. To build a complete 3D home theater system, we recommend you purchase a 3D Blu-ray player, high-speed HDMI cable and an A/V receiver that is compatible with 3D products.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Great TV. I think I was expecting more.
By KidZinke
from Salt Lake City, UT
I'm wondering if we didn't hook up the TV properly as I think I was expecting more. The picture is great but I feel like the in store tv picture was better. I love the options and extra features this tv comes with but i don't notice too much of a difference from our older TV which was a third of the price.
OldNAchy
Fairfax, VA
Tvs Are Set Up to Look Great in Store
April 12, 2014
Most store floor model tvs are calibrated to look great in the bright lights of the store. Those settings, which are generally the initial factory settings will not look all that great in a typical home viewing area. You didn't mention trying to adjust the picture settings to your home environment. I would start with the various preset settings (I assume Sony has those), pick one that is the closest to your preferred picture and make slight tweaks to those settings to get it just right. I have the LG 55LA9650 and believe me, recalibrating mine made all the difference in the world!! Still a problem? then some internet research on calibration may help. I found calibration settings for another, similar model at: http://www.tweaktv.com/tweak-my-tv/calibration-guide/sony-xbr55hx929-2.html. Hope this helps.
-1point
2of 5voted this comment as helpful.
LG 65LA9650 4K Ultra HD TV: Bring movie night home. This expansive screen delivers Ultra HD entertainment with 4x the resolution of Full HD. Plus, theater-like 3D and a wide array of Web features make it a versatile entertainment hub.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Not worth it just yet.
By Nobe
I seen the 4K picture in store and it looked awesome. But when I got the TV home and seen the screen in regular 1080 resolution I regretted it immediately. My friend bought the Samsung 65" 1080P 240hz the same day for $2500 cheaper and his picture and features are a lot better in my mind. I actually think my TV I replaced with this (samsung 58" plasma) had a better picture also. Disappointed!
OldNAchy
Fairfax, VA
Calibrate It!!
April 18, 2014
As already noted initial settings for TVs are for store display so of course they look great in the store. When you set up a TV for home viewing picture settings must be reset for home use and the settings will vary depending on your viewing distance, how bright the viewing area is, etc. This TV should have its own calibration wizard - Picture Wizard II which really helps with calibration. Go thru the wizard to get the picture close to what you want and then tweak the settings to get it to exactly what you want. Or try the calibration disk suggested by Wishkid.
The TV does upscale from 1080 to 4k by the way. I have the 55LA9560 and after using the Picture Wizard II to calibrate it and a little further tweaking I was blown away by the picture!! I can definitely tell the difference between 1080 and 1080 upscaled to 4K!. Do a little homework and a little work and you will get the picture you want.
+1point
2of 3voted this comment as helpful.
Epson WorkForce WF-3540 All-In-One Printer: You can create borderless photos and print, copy, scan and fax documents and images in the comfort of your home with this all-in-one printer. To get started, just connect your computer using the built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet LAN or print directly from your mobile device with Epson Connect or Apple® AirPrint.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Not compatible with office 13!
By AmishTech
from Semirural Ohio
After install I initially printed quickbooks documents. All was well. A few days later I couldn't even open word or excel. The error box said something about "Microsoft office had a problem. We will let you know if a solution becomes available." Of course I blamed Microsoft.. After I failed to solve the problem I hired a local IT company specializing in business and school networks. They remoted in and spent over 2 hours trying to uninstall, reinstall office even in safe mode. Finally he tracked down the freeware with from Epson. I contacted Epson about the costs (his bill, plus my time wasted turning the computer off and on while he tried in and out of safe mode trying to open office). Epson has not even bothered to apologize.
Now that I eliminated the EPSON freeware it works fine. If you buy it DON"T INSTALL ANYTHING BUT THE DRIVER. It worked with older computers on my network, but not the newest workstation.
Now that I eliminated the EPSON freeware it works fine. If you buy it DON"T INSTALL ANYTHING BUT THE DRIVER. It worked with older computers on my network, but not the newest workstation.
OldNAchy
Fairfax, VA
Appreciate the Office comment
April 23, 2014
I appreciate your pointing out the incompatibility with Office 13. To be more specific, when running the install, there is a check box for installing ABBYY Fine Reader. This is the software causing the problem. Simply uncheck that box and proceed with the install. If the install has already been done, then simply uninstall ABBYY Fine Reader and everything should be ok.
Also the driver/software updater application needs to be updated to an 8.1 compatible version if you have a Windows 8.1 platform. Right click the printer icon, select Software Update Settings and proceed from there.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Epson WorkForce WF-3540 All-In-One Printer: You can create borderless photos and print, copy, scan and fax documents and images in the comfort of your home with this all-in-one printer. To get started, just connect your computer using the built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet LAN or print directly from your mobile device with Epson Connect or Apple® AirPrint.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5NIGHTMARE!
By MBMEsq
from NY
The fax does NOT work with a phone/answering machine connected. The fax comes on mid-conversation, even when you are not receiving a fax. I called Epson, they are useless & do not help. They told me to call my phone provider. I did & they were VERY helpful (unlike Epson), but could not figure out the problem b/c it's in the settings of Epson's printer/fax. I give up! I always had HP printers & NEVER had a problem. Goodbye Epson, you're going back!
OldNAchy
Fairfax, VA
Try This
April 23, 2014
Did you try turning off auto answer in the fax settings?
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Epson WorkForce WF-3540 All-In-One Printer: You can create borderless photos and print, copy, scan and fax documents and images in the comfort of your home with this all-in-one printer. To get started, just connect your computer using the built-in Wi-Fi or Ethernet LAN or print directly from your mobile device with Epson Connect or Apple® AirPrint.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Not compatible with office 13!
By AmishTech
from Semirural Ohio
After install I initially printed quickbooks documents. All was well. A few days later I couldn't even open word or excel. The error box said something about "Microsoft office had a problem. We will let you know if a solution becomes available." Of course I blamed Microsoft.. After I failed to solve the problem I hired a local IT company specializing in business and school networks. They remoted in and spent over 2 hours trying to uninstall, reinstall office even in safe mode. Finally he tracked down the freeware with from Epson. I contacted Epson about the costs (his bill, plus my time wasted turning the computer off and on while he tried in and out of safe mode trying to open office). Epson has not even bothered to apologize.
Now that I eliminated the EPSON freeware it works fine. If you buy it DON"T INSTALL ANYTHING BUT THE DRIVER. It worked with older computers on my network, but not the newest workstation.
Now that I eliminated the EPSON freeware it works fine. If you buy it DON"T INSTALL ANYTHING BUT THE DRIVER. It worked with older computers on my network, but not the newest workstation.
OldNAchy
Fairfax, VA
Thanks for Pointing that out.
April 23, 2014
Thank you for pointing out the incompatibility with Office 13. To provide further detail on this, the program ABBYY Fine Reader is the offender. When doing the printer install, simply uncheck the box for this software and proceed. Everything should install fine and Office 13 is not affected.
As a further note, if one is installing this on a 8.1 platform, the Epson software updater is not compatible. To overcome this, right click the printer icon, select Software Update Settings and proceed from there to get the latest, compatible version.
I am holding off writing a review until I have more experience with the printer but would like to point out that it is on sale at Office Depot thru 4/26 for $139.99 and BB will match this price.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Lenovo Y70 - 80DU004HUS Laptop: This laptop is equipped with a large HD display and NVIDIA graphics to enhance your gaming experience. The 10-point multitouch technology allows you to navigate with ease.Learn more about the New Windows ›
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
By OldNAchy
from Fairfax, VA
I purchased this laptop because I needed more horsepower and graphics capability to do video editing in addition to the normal web surfing and microsoft office stuff.
The Good:
-- This definitely has the horsepower and the 8gb ssd provides for fast start up. Downloads, windows updates, and app installs seemed to run fast as well.
-- Definitely full HD screen.
-- The black keyboard with white letters and red backlight make it fairly easy to see the keys even in low light. The keyboard feel is very nice.
-- Lenovo actually provided some useful tools along with the typical bloatware, e.g. its Settings and Update applications.
The Bad:
-- The battery is not modular, even though the product description lists it as a separate item. This means that if/when it fails, the laptop will have to be serviced vs. just buying a new battery. Not a customer oriented decision there.
-- Similarly, the power adapter has a proprietary "tip", not a universal single pin. Replacement will have to be thru Lenovo.
-- It's One Key recovery copies the entire hard drive vs. just creating a bootable recovery partition. If I had known this beforehand I would have created the backup before moving all my files and videos over to the laptop.
-- One can turn disable (and enable) the touchpad with a function key (F6), but has to do this every time the laptop boots up. For someone like me that uses a USB mouse, this can be a pain.
The Ugly:
-- After I purchased and installed Malaware Bytes Premium (I highly recommend) I did a malware scan and a PUP (potentially unwanted program) was uncovered. It was a module within Lenovo's Browser Detector called cltmngsvc -- or Client Management Service. I suspect it would probably gather and send information to Lenovo. This PUP has been quarantined and the Browser Detector app has been disabled. Really Lenovo?
-- Lenovo provided a RealTek application called RTFTracker and specified it as a start up application. This caused my desktop to go bonkers then shut down requiring me to sign back on several times before things stabilized. Once I disabled it from Start Up via Task Manager, everything was fine.
Neither Here nor There:
-- The dark cover of the laptop highlights finger prints and hand smudges. Not a big deal for me, but I have actually seen reviews where that fact really irritated some people.
The Good:
-- This definitely has the horsepower and the 8gb ssd provides for fast start up. Downloads, windows updates, and app installs seemed to run fast as well.
-- Definitely full HD screen.
-- The black keyboard with white letters and red backlight make it fairly easy to see the keys even in low light. The keyboard feel is very nice.
-- Lenovo actually provided some useful tools along with the typical bloatware, e.g. its Settings and Update applications.
The Bad:
-- The battery is not modular, even though the product description lists it as a separate item. This means that if/when it fails, the laptop will have to be serviced vs. just buying a new battery. Not a customer oriented decision there.
-- Similarly, the power adapter has a proprietary "tip", not a universal single pin. Replacement will have to be thru Lenovo.
-- It's One Key recovery copies the entire hard drive vs. just creating a bootable recovery partition. If I had known this beforehand I would have created the backup before moving all my files and videos over to the laptop.
-- One can turn disable (and enable) the touchpad with a function key (F6), but has to do this every time the laptop boots up. For someone like me that uses a USB mouse, this can be a pain.
The Ugly:
-- After I purchased and installed Malaware Bytes Premium (I highly recommend) I did a malware scan and a PUP (potentially unwanted program) was uncovered. It was a module within Lenovo's Browser Detector called cltmngsvc -- or Client Management Service. I suspect it would probably gather and send information to Lenovo. This PUP has been quarantined and the Browser Detector app has been disabled. Really Lenovo?
-- Lenovo provided a RealTek application called RTFTracker and specified it as a start up application. This caused my desktop to go bonkers then shut down requiring me to sign back on several times before things stabilized. Once I disabled it from Start Up via Task Manager, everything was fine.
Neither Here nor There:
-- The dark cover of the laptop highlights finger prints and hand smudges. Not a big deal for me, but I have actually seen reviews where that fact really irritated some people.
Bottom Line:
I still recommend this for anyone who needs a lot of processing and graphics power. Other than the negative items listed above, which are correctable -- at least the software -- this laptop is more than meeting my requirements.
I still recommend this for anyone who needs a lot of processing and graphics power. Other than the negative items listed above, which are correctable -- at least the software -- this laptop is more than meeting my requirements.
OldNAchy
Fairfax, VA
An Update to My Original Review
February 26, 2015
Since BB doesn't let one edit their reviews, I am using comments to update my review now. What I found after using this laptop for some time is that the laptop description is misleading. The laptop actually defaults to the Intel 4600HD integrated graphics processor found on the motherboard. Although NVIDIA drivers and software are loaded, one must take positive action to use them. When I tried pointing an application to the NVIDIA processor either the application slowed down dramatically or stopped working altogether. What a disappointment that was.
Over time, boot up and shutdown time increased substantially as well even though I substantially pared down the startup applications (mostly bloat ware); slow shutdown indicates that Windows (8.1) is doing major housekeeping which makes me wonder if there is something going on that I cannot see or track.
I got so upset with this and other issues that I figured it was a waste of my money and purchased a customized HP laptop with more functionality than the Lenovo for about $250 less.
I was going to let it go, but stumbled on a major issue with Lenovo laptops today concerning preloaded malware that I felt compelled to comment here. Check out the following link for details:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2886278/how-to-remove-the-dangerous-superfish-adware-presintalled-on-lenovo-pcs.html
After doing a full reset and testing I found that mine does not contain superfish but the fact I had to check it out really irritated me.
Bottom line -- buyer beware. Note that this laptop is not even on the Best Buy trade in list. That should tell you something.
Bottom line -- buyer beware. Note that this laptop is not even on the Best Buy trade in list. That should tell you something.
2 stars and a do not recommend from me.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
Logitech Wireless Wave Combo MK550. A mouse-and-keyboard combo that gives you a comfort curve without a learning curve. The keyboard’s Wave design with Constant Curve layout guides hands into just the right position and conforms naturally to your fingers, helping you type with ease and confidence in a familiar layout. The laser mouse is a joy to hold and use.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Great combo for the price
By JB819
from Johnson City, TN
I have arthritis in both hands and have had difficulty with standard keyboards. I have been able to use this keyboard with fewer problems than normal. Also, the wireless mouse that came with this combo has performed flawlessly.
OldNAchy
Fairfax, VA
Why the one star?
March 13, 2015
Why the one star if this product is that good for you?
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Store up to 5TB of media on this Seagate Backup Plus STDT5000100 external hard drive, which features Protect, Save and Share features that enable simple integration with social networking sites and provide comprehensive data management.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Easy to install
By Neskew
We had no problem hooking it up, we were using in within a minute if taking it out of the box.
OldNAchy
Fairfax, VA
Why the low rating?
October 18, 2015
Why was this given a low rating of 1 when it appears you are very happy with the drive?
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
OldNAchy's Questions
OldNAchy has not submitted any questions.
Anything other than Windows 8?
I tried Windows 8, learning curve too steep. Can I get a good laptop that still has Windows 7?
Yes. Go on BestBuy.com and search using the keywords:
WIndows 7 laptop. There is a pretty good selection out there.
For example:
Toshiba - Ultrabook 14.4" Laptop - 6GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive + 32GB Solid State Drive - Midnight Silver Aluminum .
WIndows 7 laptop. There is a pretty good selection out there.
For example:
Toshiba - Ultrabook 14.4" Laptop - 6GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive + 32GB Solid State Drive - Midnight Silver Aluminum .
11 years, 4 months ago
by
OldNAchy
Fairfax, VA
Xbox 360 Accessories
Xbox 360 Accessories
which xbox should i buy
To get most out your experience, I suggest the XBOX 360 Elite model. The Arcade model although cheaper, is somewhat limited in functionality and buying accessories to get the same functionalities as the Elite would actually cost more than just buying the Elite. Suggest you talk to in store Geek Squad or associate to determine what else needs to be bought to accomodate your gaming needs (network adapter, cables, XBOX Live subscription, rechargeable batteries, etc.) Good Luck and happy gaming.
14 years, 7 months ago
by
OldNAchy
Washington D.C.
What is windows 7 preinstalled?
I would like to buy a laptop but I don't understand what it means by windows 7 preinstalled. Is it a starter or a basic?
This really depends on the laptop. Lower end laptops may have Windows 7 starter installed. Medium to upper end laptops generally have Windows 7 Premium installed. The laptop specifications should detail which version is installed. Hint: go with a laptop with Premium installed. More bang for the buck and better processing power.
14 years, 8 months ago
by
OldNAchy
Washington D.C.