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    June 21, 2013
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  • Answer count
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    June 1, 2016
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    April 3, 2021
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Andy's Reviews
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Upgrade your current gaming rig with this iBUYPOWER Desktop. It’s 16GB of RAM and Intel i7-12700 processor lets you run multiple programs at once, and its Intel Arc A750 graphics card renders fast-paced action smoothly without screen tearing. This iBUYPOWER desktop also has a 1TB HDD + 500GB solid state drive for a faster start up and data acesss.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Nice machine with decent components.
on December 18, 2022
Posted by: Andy
Unboxing
The box is very big, even though the tower itself is pretty good size. There is a lot of padding, protecting the glass sides of the case. As soon as the box is opened, there is a large printed poster outlining generic startup and setup procedures. If you are a first-time owner, it will be helpful for getting things going.
As soon as the machine is out of the box, I checked all of the connectors and pulled the big pad out from around the video card. Shipping can be disastrous on a computer, especially with a big, heavy video card and this one held in place perfectly with the added padding. The only casualty was the power connector on the SATA hard drive. Luckily, iBuyPower uses typical components and there are plenty of connectors I was able to swap in the broken connector’s place.
The keyboard and mouse included are pretty decent for bundled items. Their lighting is configurable and can be adjusted while being used. I matched them to my case fans and turned the intensity way down so that they are more of an accent instead of the dominant feature in the room.
Startup
As with any modern computer, startup is dominated by the Windows setup process. Microsoft does a pretty good job of explaining everything on the very many screens you have to go through just to begin using your new computer.
The drivers for each machine are sometimes unique, and this machine was no different. After getting through the Windows setup, much of the work is already done and mainly updates are in order. Unfortunately, the latest Windows update messed up one of the drivers for the RGB light controller. Despite Windows refusing to load one of the drivers, it didn’t seem to impact the computer’s lighting at all.
Apps and gaming
Between the i7 CPU, the RAM and the new Intel Arc A750, the games I played on my Dell G15 also ran well on the highest settings. It handles things very well and I didn’t have any problems with tearing or artifacts of any kind. I am running a 2K monitor, so I wasn’t able to test at 4K resolutions. There are many benchmark results available online to see how this card compares to other, more familiar ones available. Overall, I think Intel has a good start as long as they stick with it and keep up with the frantic pace of GPU development and evolution. They have a habit of either going all in or dropping the ball, so time will tell how this endeavor goes.
Normal apps work very well with this setup, I can’t play games all the time! I installed a copy of Microsoft Office Professional 2021 and it runs without hiccups or any problems. Documents open quickly and websites flow well. I think just about any current setup can handle these tasks today, so this is completely expected.
Expansion
I was a little worried since there so little information on the case and motherboard available online. The case is really nicely arranged, allowing lots of room for cable management and drives are separated from other parts of the machine so the aesthetics are nice from the large glass side. The power supply is mounted on the bottom of the case, along with the 3.5” hard drives. On the back of the motherboard tray are four places to mount 2.5” drives, so there are a lot of places to add additional drives. The motherboard has one unused M.2 space, so there is room to add another fast drive instead of ditching the original one down the road.
The motherboard is fairly small, so there is not much room for adding cards. If you plan to add special cards or another video card, you should opt for a larger motherboard with more slots. There are four RAM slots with only two in use by the stock RAM in case you want to add more in the future.
Tech support
I contacted iBuyPower about a couple of questions I had and was impressed by their very quick response and competent service. I was very happy with Michael as he researched a couple of issues (mainly the driver issues with the latest Windows Update. I appreciate his competent and timely help with my questions.
Conclusion
Since iBuyPower uses standard parts, any component can be replaced or upgraded easily. They tend to be pretty sparse on documentation available on their website, so you have to search the original manufacturers websites to find specifics. I was unable to find out the actual suppliers until my machine arrived, not something I would probably be too comfortable with in most cases.
Overall, I am very happy with the machine, I miss having a DVD burner but I can plug my external unit in when I need it. It is nearly silent when running normally and isn’t very loud when under full load. I think the liquid cooling is part of that, as temps seem to be pretty controlled even under load. I will see how the cooler does over time, I just hope it is reliable as it is my first time using liquid, despite building hundreds of machines over the last 30 years. I am glad that they use standard parts as I am very comfortable messing with components and will be able to extend the life of the machine by upgrading individual parts over time.
iBuyPower runs sales often and some good deals can be found. Speak to a sales consultant to get more information on the particular machine you are buying to make sure you are comfortable in your purchase.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Next-level versatility comes in the perfect pair — Surface Slim Pen 2 stores securely and recharges in the premium keyboard, featuring a large glass touchpad and luxurious, Alcantara material covering. Ready to pair with Surface Pro 9, Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X.*
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A necessary addition to the Surface Pro
on November 25, 2022
Posted by: Andy
This keyboard and pen are almost a required addition to the Surface Pro! I am used to using a Chromebook as my ultraportable device, so if I had to use this as just a tablet, I would be very uncomfortable!
Screen Cover
The keyboard acts as a very good cover, snapping on and off very easily as needed. The ability to hide the pen when not needed is awesome as I was used to being able to keep my pen tucked into the case on the Chromebook, so was worried I would lose it if it didn't attach in some way. The material is very comfortable, I only hope it lasts since it is also very porous so I expect it will attract the oils and dirt from its environment. The magnets click in very well and give it a strong attachment to the tablet. The multiple magnets allow it to conceal the pen, giving the keyboard just enough angle to type comfortably.
Keyboard
The keys work very well - even sitting on my lap I can type easily. The keys themselves feel very responsive, much better than I anticipated given their very small height. I use the ten-keypad on my full size keyboard often for entering grades, so I miss it but there is just no place to put the keys on this compact keyboard.
The backlight is very handy when using it in lowlight environments, and I didn't even notice that feature for a while! It has several brightness settings and the labels on the keys light up as well, making it very nice.
The multipoint touch features are very useful and can be programmed if you need something other than the Windows default settings. I can see myself spending a bit more time here as I get more comfortable and find other uses for this feature.
Pen
The pen works very well with Microsoft Whiteboard, making this a perfect replacement for my actual board in my classroom and allows me to save notes and drawings for later. The buttons are very handy for launching programs or making selections without putting my hand back on the touchpad or screen.
Conclusion
The only thing I have been annoyed at is the size of the right and left- click areas of the touchpad, they seem to take up over half of the touchpad area, so I am constantly right-clicking on things with my thumb instead of selecting them! I'm going to have to work on getting it a little closer to the keys, which is not currently a natural feel for me.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the keyboard cover and pen as they make an almost necessary addition to the Surface Pro 9 I just got. Together, they make a very capable and portable machine for my classroom use.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Surface Pro 9 gives you the tablet flexibility you want and the laptop performance and battery life¹ you need to move through your day — all in one ultra-portable device. Now with powerful new processors, and choice of vibrant colors.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Very capable "tablet" computer.
on November 25, 2022
Posted by: Andy
I'm grudgingly moving back to the Windows platform but this looks like it will really help the transition!
I have been using a Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus for quite a few years. It has been a tireless tool in my classroom but is showing its age more and more. Unfortunately, the newer Galaxy Chromebook I picked up doesn't work with a precise pen (despite the claim otherwise in advertising and several support techs, only to have it elevated to someone who "corrected" my misunderstanding of their literature), so my diagrams and illustration in Chemistry and Physics are out the window.
Then along came the Surface Pro 9. I was a little hesitant in moving but got an incredible deal on it and decided to give it a try. I have used Windows since Windows 286 and every version since, so the setup and getting started was very simple. Once everything was updated, it was time to put it through its paces. I ran several programs I use often on my desktop and then tried the Whiteboard program looks like it will be a perfect replacement for Squid, with many of the same features I have come to rely on with the Chromebook. The pen and keyboard work seamlessly, giving me almost as convenient a setup as my trusty Chromebook Plus.
Battery life seems to be very good, but I am comparing to a very old device that I had to plug in almost constantly at this point, but I have been using it all day for several school days and it hold up well. I hate having a dead battery, so I do plug it in from time to time between classes and at lunch, just in case one of those unplanned parent-teacher conferences comes up!
There are just a couple of little complaints I have found, but neither would break the deal for me if I had known about them before picking this up. First, the "kickstand" is kind of a pain after all the years of just opening and folding the keyboard back on the Chromebook Plus. It takes just a bit more effort but It will take practice to open it with one hand like I can do with the Plus. I do like the ability to hide the pen, but the Plus clipped it inside the case.
Second, Microsoft doesn't bundle any decent apps for actually using the machine for productivity. Sure, there are tons of ads for Microsoft 365, but they only give you a week to use it before it locks you out of most features. At this price, I would expect at least a longer-term trial, if not a full year or more included. I have gotten used to Google Docs for school, so will probably just go to that exclusively on this machine and save the heavy lifting for my desktop.
Other than those little things, I am very happy with the new machine and look forward to using it for my classes. It is incredible to think of how far we have come from the chalkboards I started teaching on! I love the ability to save and share my notes with students who need extra help or are absent.
I have held out for quite a while, hoping to get every last drop of use out of my trusty old Chromebook, the Surface Pro 9 looks to be a worthy replacement. Now, I hope it will last as long!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Whether you want to resize and trim or add creative effects and overlays, making awe-inspiring movies is easier than ever. With Adobe Sensei*, click once to transform your videos with effects inspired by famous works of art. Showcase your memories with new photo and video slideshow templates, and create the mood you want with new audio tracks. Plus, go beyond your desktop with new web and mobile companion apps (English-onlybeta), and enjoy faster installation and performance plus Apple M1 chip support. Have fun with the easy moviemaker for Mac and Windows.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Familiar look and feel with even more features...
on November 25, 2022
Posted by: Andy
After using several previous versions, as well as the full version of Adobe Premier, I am still impressed with the features and consistency of the user interface. I actually started out using the full version and so was a bit hesitant to try the “Elements” version. That first version did everything I had done with the full version and each subsequent version I have installed still looks and feels just as easy to use.
Installation was a breeze, downloading quickly and installing with little effort. Startup continues to take a bit, but this version was installed on a newer computer with an SSD, so it does seem to be a bit quicker. The program still starts up to a menu screen where you are given the choice between several common uses before going to the main program.
I use the software for editing and compiling videos and don’t usually pay much attention to the “fancy” stuff they offer. I guess since I started using it when there wasn’t anything else, I have a habit of just clicking through to the editor. This version has many little effects and additions that I will have to spend more time getting into. I’ll have to see how the photo extraction feature works, as well as some of the other effect such as slo-mo and the transitions. Quite a few of the items on the opening screen take you to an offer for Photoshop Elements, so it was surprising to have “ads” that aren’t really ads in the program – I guess Adobe really hopes you will just buy the combo of both programs. I did once years ago, but found I didn’t use the photo editing nearly enough.
Once in the Workspace, it is the familiar and effective space it has been. I use the “Expert” mode almost exclusively, since I prefer to see the timing and be able to mix channels in the video and audio. It still renders my video projects well and has many options for the output quality and file size. I appreciate the ability to use the same project and output several files or burn to disk for the end use. It allows a great deal of flexibility while keeping my effort at a minimum.
For beginners, there is a nice tutorial on editing and producing videos to allow even a newbie to feel comfortable in no time. Maybe I should spend some time going through that and see if I’m missing anything!
Now, back to those video projects for the Family Christmas gifts…
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get your first feel of racing thrills with this Thrustmaster T128 Racing Wheel for Xbox and PC. Optimized Force Feedback system with a lightweight wheel rim renders fun, intuitive racing sensations in different types of vehicle-oriented games. Precise T-MP magnetic paddle shifters gives you clear activation feel. Gear up for your next racing adventure with this T128 Racing Wheel!
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
A pretty capable game accessory.
on October 27, 2022
Posted by: Andy
This is a great addition to our Xbox for the grandkids! They really had fun taking turns driving cars and trucks, but I think they enjoyed running over signs and trees more! We adults did take turns also and had a lot of fun using the wheel and pedals driving. We mainly used Forza Horizons to test but plan to use other games as we get more comfortable with the feel. Been using handheld controllers to long, so this takes a bit to get used to.
I also have a set from another brand that is a bit more substantial, so that explains the one start off! This set from Thrustmaster is a bit cheap feeling overall but is very capable. Our four year old twin grandsons really yanked on it and it handled their abuse very well. They loved driving (mainly in circles much of the time) but had to take turns with one steering and they other pushing the gas!
The buttons are ready to configure in the games and when it turns on, it centers itself so you are sure to have the wheel set correctly when you start. We didn't notice any problems with keeping it centered while we spent hours playing it the first day. Forza had quite a few preconfigured settings, we tried several but never spent the time to get all the buttons working. We had enough to do what we needed and had a good time playing with it. I'm looking forward to many more game days with my son in law and the boys.
If you are looking for a decent wheel and pedal set, without spending to much, this might be the ticket. It is study enough to handle some abuse but doesn't cost as much as other sets.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Urban Backpack with fully padded 17.3" laptop compartment. Internal iPad or tablet pocket. Quick access pocket. Front zip-down organizer section. Side accessory pockets. Padded carry handle. Padded backpack straps. Back slip pocket slides over luggage handle. Back zipper pocket.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great size laptop backpack with lots of storage.
on October 26, 2022
Posted by: Andy
I have had a Targus Spruce backpack for about 10 years and have used it every day to carry first a 17" Dell XPS and then a 15" Dell G5 and most recently a Samsung Chromebook. I have enjoyed the many pockets and other features but it is definitely showing its age!
I got this Solo Ambition Urban backpack and am very happy with it. It has at least as many pockets as the Spruce but has more interior pockets which helps me organize all the stuff I end up packing around for presentations and also my snacks. The back has a luggage loop that will really help when I travel, allowing me to let it sit on my luggage instead of needing to carry it. The straps are wide and well padded and are plenty long enough.
The laptop section has sufficient padding to protect your electronics as long as you are reasonably careful with them. I have dropped things from fairly low distances and also from shoulder height and have found that it depends more on the angle it hits the ground than the height! Though I haven't tested it yet, I trust this bag will provide a good deal of protection as the padding covers all sides of the compartment.
I am not the most excited by the bright orange colors, but they are at least mainly used on the inside and only highlight the outside. The zipper handles are large enough to be easy to grab but not so big that they are in the way. All of my pockets are organized and I am ready to use this for the next ten years!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker. Now you can enjoy the ultimate outdoor cooking experience with a powerful grill that does it all. Master Grill, BBQ Smoke, Air Fry, & so much more with 100% authentic woodfire flavor. Powered by electricity and flavored by real burning wood pellets, Ninja Woodfire Technology allows you to easily create rich, smoky flavor you can see and taste with just 1/2 cup of pellets. From backyards and balconies to RVs and beyond, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill makes it fast and easy to create flavorful meals no matter where you are.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Another amazing Ninja product!
on October 15, 2022
Posted by: Andy
This looks like it is going to be a great addition to our 5th wheel trailer!
We have a Traeger that we use at home for most BBQ stuff and wanted to have something for when we go camping. We also have a Ninja Air Fryer/pressure cooker and a countertop Ninja oven. These just end up being too many things to pack for a trip, so the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill is going to fill all those roles and does it in a single package that is so easy to clean and operate.
We cooked today using the smoker function and the food came out just like our big Traeger produces. The smoke flavor combined with the ability to use the air fryer function is going to change our camping trips completely! I have held onto an old Weber charcoal gril because it is the medium size and allows me to cook pretty easily but is limited in its use. This cooker should be able to let me finally retire that workhorse and settle on one appliance that is smaller and easier to use, set up and clean up.
Setup is simple... I just screwed the handles on with the included Allen wrench and it was ready to go. I wish the cord was just a bit longer, but I have an outlet right on the side of the trailer that will be perfect. The included air fryer basket makes cooking bulky things easy and the grill works great for larger things like burgers, steaks, corn on the cob and hot dogs.
I was a little surprised by the pellets. They lasted much longer than I expected, and I didn't even use a full scoop. I cooked the meat and when I went back to clean up after giving it time to cool off, I found that there was still some smoke coming from the pellet cup. i think I found glowing ashes for about an hour or so after I was done cooking.
Overall, I am very impressed, I look forward to using this for all sorts of meals on our trips. I will have to check on the pellets, I am not sure yet how easy it will be to find them. It does advise the user to only use Ninja pellets, so we will see how availability goes.
Ninja has made some amazing products over the last few years, we have found that we are using ours more and more and have had none die on us. They go through a lot of real-world testing, it seems, since the final products are always very effective at the tasks they advertise them for. I would have no problem recommending this to anyone. My son-in-law was asking questions about it as well as it would be great for their little family.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Swann Professional 6K NVR Security System has crime-fighting features other security systems dream about, with deterrence and prevention at its core. The patented SwannForce technology responds when the cameras sense heat and motion to trigger red and blue flashing lights, spotlights, sirens, mobile alerts and more. This professional wired surveillance system features 6K or 12MP Mega HD video which has 50% more pixels than 4K from a 6mm camera lens showing a 65° field of view. This helps capture details like never before, and this evidence can make a huge impact when dealing with criminal activity. Plus there’s color night vision, two-way talk, Face Recognition, Person & Vehicle Detection, free recording and more. With PoE (Power over Ethernet) connections; power, video and audio run through a single Ethernet cable per camera, making installation simple. You’ll enjoy maximum reliability without the concerns of Wi-Fi connection drop interruptions, wireless static or bandwidth limitations. The cameras are sturdy yet lightweight, and they’re built for use indoors and outdoors. They can be the right mix of an overt security presence and discretion where required. Face Recognition can be set up simply to identify familiar faces and send personalized alerts when they are detected. Be notified when your child arrives home from school, when your cleaner has left for the day, when your employee has opened your business. There’s also Person & Vehicle Detection, and more Smart Video Analytics for accurate alerts. Everything is viewable on the Swann Security mobile app! View live video, receive alerts, turn the lights and siren on and off, change motion and heat sensitivity and more. You can also ‘speak to see’ with Alexa and Hey Google. Record video to the large hard drive and save footage to your Dropbox in the cloud. That’s the Professional 6K NVR Security System – Swann’s most advanced surveillance and crime prevention system.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great camera system that can grow with your needs.
on May 27, 2022
Posted by: Andy
Setup:
Right out of the box, the system is very easy to work with. All the items are packed well and come in two smaller boxes inside the big box. The control unit is in one, complete with a network cable, power adapter and a simple mouse to control the menus.
As I removed each piece, I found that the items were intuitive to hook up and only looked at the actual instructions when I was ready to configure the detailed software parts. I spent a little while updating the firmware, checking the settings and testing the cameras. When I first booted it up, it took a little while to get the cameras online. It was little concerning at first, but each time I restarted the system, it took the same amount of time, so I guess it just takes a few seconds to communicate and get them running.
Use:
As with many camera systems, it is very easy to jump from one camera to the other using the mouse. Detected motion and other events show up on the right side of the screen, and can be clicked on easily to view in a larger window. The lights, siren and flashing red/blue warning work well and can be manually turned on when desired. I am still getting the cameras where I want them, so I have been working with various settings to see what works best for each location.
The included cables provide both data and power (POE) to each camera and must be routed so they are out of the way. I will be testing another Swan camera I have to see if it can be connected to the system. It is a bit older, so I will have to play with it.
The main controller is about the size of a very large novel and has eight POE ports on the back for adding four more Swan cameras of various kinds. Details in the configuration pages give you lots of information on the cameras and main system.
Mobile App:
I was able to add the entire system to my current Swan App and once connected, I am able to view each camera just as easily as my existing camera. Now there are five views available, representing each of my installed cameras.
Camera Quality:
Daytime footage looks very good, with the high resolution, zooming in still gives very good images for identifying details and recognizing faces from quite a long distance away. Night images are not as detailed as I was expecting, but the contrast even in very low light is very good. I am still able to see details in nearly dark light situations. The night-vision sensors work very well and just leave a read glow from the face of the cameras. Hitting the spotlight floods the area with light that can be adjusted in the settings from bright to VERY bright!
Overview:
I have had the chance to work with several camera systems lately from three different manufacturers. The interfaces and basic features are very similar and each has basically the same overall look and feel. The Swan system works very well for me since I have an existing Swan camera/floodlight, so I am very happy with the way this system has integrated so well into my current setup.
With the way things are going, this system will help us feel safer while home and more secure when away. It is a nice, complete system that has a big (2TB) drive for many hours of recording before needing to overwrite older footage. It has three USB ports (one used for the mouse) so expanding the storage should be fairly easy. The VGA and HDMI ports allow you to use an older monitor if you want it to be dedicated, or you can set it up on a newer screen that has a spare HDMI port so you don't need to have a dedicated monitor.
For many users, this system will really fill the needs without spending a huge amount on bigger systems. In the package, there is a card advertising professional installation for an additional fee. This should allow the system to appeal to an even broader customer base than just DIY fans.
I have a feeling that I will be spending a lot more time over the next few weeks figuring out all the settings available such as masking areas to ignore or include for various triggers. This system would be an easy one to recommend to anyone looking for a solid camera system that is expandable and comes with a robust mobile app that also works well.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The all-new Victrola Premiere T1 Turntable System is the perfect record player sound system for your home. Incorporating the T1 Turntable and M1 Bookshelf Monitors, the system’s design and user interface were created with meticulous attention to sound reproduction, design, and ease of use. The T1 Turntable System is sure to make lifelong music memories in your home. The Premiere T1 Turntable features a belt driven metal platter, wooden plinth, and aluminum tonearm with an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate knob to keep your favorite vinyl records in top condition. The T1 record player also includes Victrola’s first high-performance moving magnetic cartridge, creating detailed clarity from your record collection with a wider frequency response and specified downforce. The built-in preamp allows connectivity to any amplifier for a completely customizable audio system. The Victrola Premiere M1 Bookshelf Monitors are sonically designed to complement the Victrola Premiere T1 Turntable for a vinyl listening experience that will take your collection to new highs. As a stand-alone bookshelf speaker system, wirelessly stream your favorite tunes via Bluetooth® technology from your device. If you already have a turntable or any audio device you’d like to connect, the Victrola Premiere M1 monitor acoustic and aesthetic design will prove to elevate your overall listening experience. With beautiful design, proprietary technology, and high-end components, the Victrola Premiere T1 Turntable System delivers superior sound quality to create lifelong music memories in every home.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Excellent stand-alone record player system
on May 9, 2022
Posted by: Andy
from Northern CA
We haven't had a record player for quite a while, years ago the kids ruined the needle on our old one and I haven't found a replacement for it. When I got the chance to get this one, I was pretty impressed by the complete package. It has a nice set of speakers that can also connect to Bluetooth devices and automatically synced to my soundbar.
The speakers sound pretty good and the record player itself is very easy to operate. I had picked up a new record (all of our old ones are packed away) and it worked perfectly. It was nice to hear the old sounds from a record player. The anti-skate mechanism makes it simple to pick up the arm and position it over the desired track on the record. Then, just drop the little handle and it lowers onto the record where you chose.
Assembly was pretty straightforward, just follow the pictures and instructions on the large board that covers everything when you open the box. After taking all the soft covers off of everything, and emptying the accessory boxes, all the parts are well labeled and plug in quickly. In a few minutes, the system is up and running.
For a complete system, this seems to fit the bill pretty well. It has a good sound, can connect to other devices and looks nice sitting on the table.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Performance
5 out of 5
5
Ease of Use
5 out of 5
5
Features
5 out of 5
5
Quality
5 out of 5
5
Value
5 out of 5
5
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The HP LaserJet M140we has a compact size, designed for efficiency with fast printing and easy mobile solutions. Includes HP+, HP's smart printing system that comes with 6 free months of Instant Ink and 1 extra year of HP warranty.
 
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Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A great little machine!
on February 10, 2022
Posted by: Andy
from Far-North California
This little printer has worked very well, churning out pages and scanning things well. It is pretty quiet and doesn't have a very large footprint. It has been pretty decent on toner so far, although I haven't used it too long yet.
I don't like the idea of having to be stuck in a contract just to use my own printer (the InstantInk program is a monthly subscription, instead of an automatic reorder program) so I am a little hesitant to buy into that. I'll use it for the "free" six months, but will probably be dropping it after that.
I can't get over how small it is! It fits on the table near my laptop without stealing all the desk space. It churns out pages quickly once a small delay to warm up is over. I only wish it had a bit bigger screen so that more information can be displayed. They have moved to using the HPSmart app to handle all the information duties, which is fine for a full PC, but is a little different when using a Chromebook or phone.
Speaking of which, I have used a Chromebook, several phones and a few Windows laptops and desktops. All of them printed fine and did so without any problems. The output is decent, matching other lasers I have at home and work.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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BISSELL SpinWave wet and dry robotic vacuum provides two ways to clean in a single revolutionary robot. The two tank system actively mops or powerfully vacuums with smart, structured cleaning paths. Use it in dry vacuuming mode to collect pet hair, dirt and other debris on carpet, area rugs and hard floors. When used in wet mopping mode, the mop pads and BISSELL cleaning solution work together to scrub floors clean. And, with the Soft Surface Avoidance Sensor, there's no need to worry about the robot going up on area rugs or carpets when in wet mopping mode. Plus, this product doesn't just clean up after pets, it helps save them, too. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets. When you buy a BISSELL product, you help save pets, too. We're proud to design products that help make pet messes, odors and pet homelessness disappear.
 

Can you make a map for the robot in the app?

No, there is no mapping ability on the SpinWave. There is a schedule mode, but I am not sure of the reason since it seems to NEVER return to the base to recharge after it is used - probably because it has no mapping function! It still does a good job, it just seems to run until it is stuck or the battery runs out.
3 years, 1 month ago
by
Andy
 
BISSELL SpinWave wet and dry robotic vacuum provides two ways to clean in a single revolutionary robot. The two tank system actively mops or powerfully vacuums with smart, structured cleaning paths. Use it in dry vacuuming mode to collect pet hair, dirt and other debris on carpet, area rugs and hard floors. When used in wet mopping mode, the mop pads and BISSELL cleaning solution work together to scrub floors clean. And, with the Soft Surface Avoidance Sensor, there's no need to worry about the robot going up on area rugs or carpets when in wet mopping mode. Plus, this product doesn't just clean up after pets, it helps save them, too. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets. When you buy a BISSELL product, you help save pets, too. We're proud to design products that help make pet messes, odors and pet homelessness disappear.
 

I have tile and carpet throughout home. Will it mop tile then switch to vacuum carpet? Or do I have to tell it what to do? .

It has to be set up for the type of job you want it to do. The vacuum tray and the mop solution tray use the same bay on the robot. I was hoping it could be set up to do both also since the roller and fan are still part of the main body but it cannot.
3 years, 1 month ago
by
Andy
 
The entire Meta Portal family is video calling designed to bring people closer. Meta Portal TV brings smart video calling to the biggest screen in your home and turns your TV into a smart video calling screen that’s perfect for group calls. It’s easy to call friends and family on their smartphones and laptops with Messenger and WhatsApp, even if they don’t have a Meta Portal. A Smart Camera pans and zooms to get the whole room in shot and automatically adjusts to keep everyone in frame as they move and talk naturally. Smart Sound makes sure you can be heard by reducing background noise and enhancing the voice of whoever is speaking. Meta Portal’s simple privacy settings mean you can easily disable the camera and microphone, or block the camera lens with a cover. All Meta Portal WhatsApp calls are end-to-end encrypted and you can choose to call individual Messenger contacts using end-to-end encryption. Meta Portal TV needs a wireless internet connection and AC power. Meta Portal voice command availability varies. Screen images simulated. User experience may vary. Requires wireless internet connection and Facebook or WhatsApp account. WhatsApp is not available on tablets. Features, functionality, and content vary and may not be available on all Meta Portal models or in all areas and languages. Some features may require a Facebook account and downloading the Portal mobile app. Additional account registration, terms and fees may apply. Meta Portal TV requires an HDMI cable (not included). Meta Portal TV comes with a remote control.
 

Do u need o e on both ends? Meaning I have to have one and the person I call has to have one.

No, you can call anyone on your Facebook and Messenger list. The benefit to having it at both ends is that both ends of the call get to take advantage of all of the features. We haven't tried every one of them with a Portal at only one end, such as the watch together app, so I am not sure how many of the features work without a Portal.
4 years, 5 months ago
by
Andy
 
Protect your home or business with this Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera. The Full HD resolution lets you review captured footage in stunning detail, while the floodlight ensures that subjects are illuminated. This Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera includes a siren and two-way audio for scaring off trespassers and potential intruders.
 

Can the floodlight be wired and howlong do the battery last

This is a 120V system, it does not have batteries. It is designed to replace an existing vertical wall light, such as those found on the front parch or entry way of most houses.
4 years, 11 months ago
by
Andy
 
Protect your home or business with this Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera. The Full HD resolution lets you review captured footage in stunning detail, while the floodlight ensures that subjects are illuminated. This Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera includes a siren and two-way audio for scaring off trespassers and potential intruders.
 

How good is the motion detection really? I have purchased several cams and the motion detection is awful. Thanks

I have mine turned down since it is so sensitive. Even blowing leaves set it off at the medium-high setting. On medium, the cats still set it off, but I will continue to play with the settings and aim to see what a good balance is. My Arlo 2 was so delayed that the action was about done before they even started recording.
4 years, 11 months ago
by
Andy
 
Protect your home or business with this Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera. The Full HD resolution lets you review captured footage in stunning detail, while the floodlight ensures that subjects are illuminated. This Swann 1080p Wi-Fi floodlight security camera includes a siren and two-way audio for scaring off trespassers and potential intruders.
 

How long are the recorded clips? Do the clips start before motion is detected?

The clips start a few seconds BEFORE there is any motion, something my Arlo 2 system didn't do very well. The clips also last a few seconds after the last motion is seen, making them very useful for security footage. I was pleasantly surprised at this, even though this is exactly what a security camera should act like!
4 years, 11 months ago
by
Andy
 
Access online learning resources with this 11.6-inch Dell Chromebook laptop. It operates with Chrome OS for smooth management of Google accounts and built-in educational apps, and its LED three-color activity light provides visual indicators for student-teacher correspondence. This Dell Chromebook laptop has 32GB of eMMC storage and two USB 3.1 ports for connecting external devices.
 

Can I download Microsoft office

Chromebooks can run the online version of Microsoft Office without any trouble, but the on-again/off-again relationship between Microsoft and Google leaves us with difficulties when trying to "install" Office to Chromebooks. Different size screens have different installation abilities, on my 12" Samsung it is not allowed, while some smaller screens can.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
Andy
 
ASUS Laptop: Experience powerful gaming performance in a slim, compact package with this 15.6-inch ASUS laptop. Its 16GB of DDR4 RAM and Intel Core i7 processor let you multitask between programs, and its GTX 1060 graphics card smoothly renders 3D scenes. This ASUS laptop has a 1TB HDD, 8GB SSHD and 128GB SSD for versatile storage options and fast boot times.
 

How long does the battery last when not gaming and using the integrated graphics? Is the screen matted or glossy?

I have run it for several hours when just browsing the internet, but it will be lower if the GTX fires up for anything! The screen is a very nice matte finish. I keeps the glare down very well even in a brightly lit room.
6 years ago
by
Andy
 
ASUS Laptop: Experience powerful gaming performance in a slim, compact package with this 15.6-inch ASUS laptop. Its 16GB of DDR4 RAM and Intel Core i7 processor let you multitask between programs, and its GTX 1060 graphics card smoothly renders 3D scenes. This ASUS laptop has a 1TB HDD, 8GB SSHD and 128GB SSD for versatile storage options and fast boot times.
 

Hi, I just bought this computer from a Best Buy today. I knew that you had to charge the computer for the first use. But I didn't know the power cord didn't plug into an American power socket. What power adapter do I need?

There is a black cover over the normal AC prongs. Just pull on it and it will slide right off, allowing you to plug it into a normal American wall socket.
6 years ago
by
Andy
 
Only at Best BuyChoose this HP Spectre 13 notebook for its crisp 1080p display and 13.3-inch screen. It comes with a sixth-generation Intel processor and 8GB of onboard RAM for efficient multitasking, and its solid state drive ensure that programs load quickly. The slim design on this HP Spectre 13 notebook provide enhanced versatility.
 

this laptop does not have many reviews, why? and would you recommend this product if I like Netflix, traveling and take notes at school and some light gaming

It is fairly new, so reviews are still coming in I'm sure, but Netflix does run great, even casting it to a Chromecast works very well, no studdering or other problems. It is designed to be easy to travel, its size is perfect to throw in almost any size space - about .5" wider and about 1.5" longer than a sheet of paper. As long as your notes don't include using a stylus for drawings or diagrams, this would be great but with no touch capability, that could be a drawback. Remember to pick up a USB-C to HDMI/VGA adapter if you do presentations, while it does have three ports they are USB-C only. As far as gaming, I haven't done much with that yet but I would be surprised if it did too well on anything that requires much horsepower. The CPU would do fine until heat builds up, but the onboard graphics would be the limiting factor. Older games or those with low-end graphics would do fine, but that is definitely not what this machine was designed for!
7 years, 11 months ago
by
Andy