PhilGA's stats
- Review count130
- Helpfulness votes339
- First reviewJanuary 19, 2013
- Last reviewMay 21, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
Reviews comments
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- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
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Questions
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- Answer count24
- Helpfulness votes144
- First answerDecember 24, 2014
- Last answerApril 27, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers4
Record audio using your smartphone with this Samson Satellite USB/iOS broadcast microphone. Two 16mm condenser capsules capture clear, accurate audio, and the three pickup patterns let you record detailed audio in a variety of situations. This Samson Satellite USB/iOS broadcast microphone offers easy portability and includes USB and Lightning cables for connecting to a range of devices.
Customer Rating
5
A pro-sumer-level mic!
on January 22, 2020
Posted by: PhilGA
from Atlanta, GA
Whether you're doing podcasts, Facebook Lives, or anything else that requires a solid yet inexpensive microphone, the Samson Sattelite microphone should definitely be in your arsenal of production toys :)
Regardless of hookup -- via iOS device or PC, for example -- you'll get similar-sounding results from this mic: crystal-clear audio that sounds like it should be coming from a syndicated radio host.
There are three sound fields that can help the microphone hone in on regarding sound origination: cardioid for single-subject audio, figure-8 for one-subject interviews, or omni when you want full-surround audio, all three settings easily selected via a slider on the side of the mic. Plus, an extra mic jack to monitor how the audio sounds as you're getting set up or in the middle of recording.
Overall, this is a great mic that's worthy of being used in most semi-pro situations.
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Game on the go with this Dell Inspiron laptop. An NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti runs most titles, while the two tuned speakers and 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare narrow-border display deliver an immersive experience. This Bluetooth-compatible Dell Inspiron laptop has a 9th-gen Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM, handling multitasking without issue, and the 512GB NVMe SSD offers exceptional data access speeds.
Customer Rating
5
Performs as good as a desktop
on December 19, 2019
Posted by: PhilGA
from Atlanta, GA
In reviewing computers, in my view, it isn't often that a laptop has been put together "well enough" to be able to handle gaming, and this is definitely a contender in that regard.
The test unit shipped to me is a Dell G3590 15" display (with webcam) notebook, an Intel Core i5-9300H processor, 8GB RAM, 512GB solid-state drive, a nice 6GB Nvidia GeForce GTZ 1660 ti graphics card, 3 USB Type-C ports, and HDMI port, wired Ethernet port, and an SD card reader, with WIndows 10.
The baseline games were Grand Theft Auto 5 and Star Wars Battlefront II. As both of these games were played on same or better-equipped desktop machines, there wasn't a flaw in how the games ran, whether audio or video. It was noticeable that the CPU fans kicked into high gear with SWBII, but the same occurs with a desktop.
Also, with the latest 802.11ac wireless capabilities, arguably more importantly, being able to stream is never an issue.
With Intel Optane technology and a solid-state drive, booting up, shutting down, and application running is as fast as any other platform today.
I would recommend this machine as a true desktop replacement, and wouldn't it be a gaming-based system that could achieve that distinction?
Yes, it would :)
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Improve your confidence with the Upright GO posture trainer. The personalized program trains your body to notice when you're slouched, while the small, lightweight design makes it unnoticeable. This Upright GO posture trainer features an app on iOS and Android for real-time progress tracking and provides instant feedback once placed on your back.
Customer Rating
4
Good for posture awareness
on November 26, 2019
Posted by: PhilGA
from Atlanta, GA
The Upright Go Posture Trainer could be a very good device for those who are, simply put, really obsessive about maintaining good posture.
The device itself, about the size of half a business card, is made to stick on your upper back (using any one of the number of included adhesives) and operates essentially like a home security system's garage door sensor -- it tells to what degree you are bending your back. And for that determination, the device is pretty accurate, given that you can literally stick the device on either side of your spine, as they recommend, to the point that you can't reach any further up when reaching around with your arms.
The Upright Go Posture Trainer is rechargable and its firmware is updateable (which will likely occur when you receive it, based on the app reading the device from your smart phone). The app itself operates similarly to how popular fitness trackers operate -- you have the opportunity to train the device as to what level of activity you normally engage in so that it determines proper degree of back tilt, and then it begins the process of tracking how you move throughout the day.
As I mentioned off the top, this device is good for those who have a legitimate need to track their posture. I think if you're someone who has a seriously chronic issue with your back, this definitely will not replace formal physical therapy or a full-on back brace (certainly something needed for those who do have more advanced issues).
However, with pop-up reminders for personal tracking, the Upright Go Posture Trainer can go a long way to keeping you much more aware of how you're holding your core posture throughout the day.
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Up your game with this Corsair RGB wireless gaming keyboard. Six programmable macro keys let you easily rebind important functions or create powerful hotkeys to help you win in the heat of battle. SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS, Bluetooth or wired USB connectivity let you choose how to reduce lag and overcome your opponents with this Corsair RGB wireless gaming keyboard.
Customer Rating
5
A slightly less clicky but great keyboard!
on November 18, 2019
Posted by: PhilGA
from Atlanta, GA
We like clicky keyboards in our house because of the specific, tactical feel that "you know that what you press is actually going to happen."
The Corsair Gaming K57 keyboard is no exception.
As with most of Corsair's other products, this keyboard is solidly-built with plenty of color and functional customization that can be done with it. One of the biggest differences with this keyboard, however, is the fact that the keypresses tend to operate more like "chicklet" keys of old, so they're not strictly a clicky keyboard. It might be better said that they're a "quieter" clicky keyboard.
Either way, I love their keyboards, and aside from only one or two other manufacturers, Corsair is definitely the one to beat!
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Enjoy an immersive audio experience while gaming with this carbon CORSAIR VOID RGB ELITE wireless headset. The custom-tuned 50mm high-density neodymium drivers offer crisp, powerful sound, while the breathable microfiber mesh and soft memory foam earpads add comfort to all-day gaming. This CORSAIR VOID RGB ELITE wireless headset has an omnidirectional microphone for clear communication, and the on-ear controls help you adjust sound settings easily.
Customer Rating
5
Great set of headphones!
on November 18, 2019
Posted by: PhilGA
from Atlanta, GA
After having tried the Corsair Void Elite Headphones out, what impressed me more than anything about them is the extremely low latency between audio coming from a PC to these headphones.
If you are a gamer (or even not), you won't go wrong with this headset.
Corsair definitely did it again by creating a solid piece of equipment.
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Protect your Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max from drops of up to 10 feet with this clear tech21 case. The precision-engineered buttons let you operate the device seamlessly, and the ultra-thin profile reduces bulk and slips into a pocket easily. This tech21 case is made from clear plant-based materials, which show off the device's beauty while shielding it against damage.
Customer Rating
5
Could be better than AppleCare+ coverage :)
on November 5, 2019
Posted by: PhilGA
from Atlanta, GA
The Tech21 Pure Clear Case for an iPhone 11 Pro Max really could be a replacement for spending up to $299 for an AppleCare+-level of coverage.
After all, I don't know about you, but since I always have my phone with me (I've never lost an iPhone since I began purchasing the devices with the iPhone 3G), the biggest risk is with it falling or in some way getting bumped -- which has happened several times.
With this case, I get complete protection -- around the corners, on the back, and with extended edges, on the front -- for that which I'd have to pay for the most, physical damage.
So, to me, getting a case like the Tech21 Pure Clear Case (which also reveals my phone's color and leaves room for the incredible camera stack) is a no-brainer in comparison to the amount of money Apple wants for accidental drop coverage.
And it doesn't get in the way of using the phone!
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Watch over your home with this Defender Guard IP camera. Native 2K resolution lets you capture footage of potential intruders in sharp detail, and the 123-degree viewing angle delivers a wide view of your property. This Defender Guard IP camera has a weather-resistant chassis that stands up to rain and snow.
Customer Rating
5
Will be part of our camera collection!
on October 27, 2019
Posted by: PhilGA
from Atlanta, GA
Having been a consumer of Defender products in the past, I know that they are a staple of consumer/prosumer-level security systems.The 1440p WiFi Surveillance Camera will fit the bill for whether you're adding to an existing system or just starting out a piece-meal camera array.
Setup is a breeze, especially with the freely-downloadable iOS app (there should be an Android-compatible app for those devices). Pairing includes scanning a QR-code located on the camera into the app, and then entering the SSID (WiFi name) for the camera to then connect. Once that's done, it's simply an issue of placing the camera in the appropriate location, being mindful of how far from an AC outlet that the camera will be.
Connectivity for the camera was great, and we really appreciate the sound quality as well, as far as being able to pick up relevant noise from the area being surveilled. For us, since we already have a full-fledged video monitoring system set up at our residence (and since that system doesn't allow adding third-party cameras to it), we'll be using it as a separately-controlled camera.
As mentioned before, since the camera does require a wired power connection, and I believe the setup comes with approximately 40 feet of power cable, there should be enough slack to handle most applications. And in the event this is not possible, the camera does have a dual adapter to allow PoE (Power over Ethernet) connectivity for even longer runs (there may be a technical limit to such a run, but I'm not familiar); many common security systems run power to their cameras in this fashion.
The clear picture that 2k connectivity affords as well as the 2.5Ghz wireless connectivity (which does extend further than 5Ghz-band routers) is more than sufficient to handle the ~5Mbps throughput that the camera requires to transmit back to the app.
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Built for pros from the bottom up. A compact tenkeyless design frees up table space for low-sens mousing. Pro-grade Clicky switches give you an audible feedback bump. Programmable LIGHTSYNC RGB and onboard memory lets you customize and store a lighting pattern for tournaments. A detachable cable makes for easy transportation. Play to Win.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent gaming keyboard!
on October 27, 2019
Posted by: PhilGA
from Atlanta, GA
Logitech definitely joins a long list of keyboard manufacturers who are making "click" keyboards for (mainly) gamers, but also the rest of us who really enjoy the tactile touch of these keyboards.
The Logitech G Pro Mechanical keyboard doesn't disappoint. Aside from the fact that the keyboard can be programmed in terms of how it lights up (pretty much a mainstay in this "genre" of keyboarding), it also transfers touch to the OS without latency, making game-playing a breeze, allowing you to really one-up the competition (who might not be in possession of keyboard greatness!).
Beyond gaming, as mentioned, this style of keyboard is also great for everyday computing needs, especially if you're into "click" keyboards as much as my family and I are. With its solid construction and the ability to light up, the Logitech G Pro Mechanical keyboard will hold up to gaming and professional tasks without issue -- though you might have to get a white-noise maker if you're in a quiet professional environment!
This is a definite keyboard to consider :)
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Canon PIXMA MegaTank G5020 Wireless Printer: Eliminate the need for ink cartridges with this Canon MegaTank wireless printer. The integrated tank system holds up to 6,000 black and 7,700 color prints, while the 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution delivers detailed images. This Canon MegaTank wireless printer has print speeds of up to 13 ipm in black and 6.8 ipm in color for high-volume printing tasks.Prints up to 13 ISO ipm* in black, up to 6.8 ISO ipm* in color
Customer Rating
5
Production-quality printing
on October 21, 2019
Posted by: PhilGA
from Atlanta, GA
If you have a small business, getting a great printer that's easy to set up is definitely important.
Enter the Canon PIXMA MegaTank G5020.
Printing out page after page with this solid machine won't be an issue. Per the specs, this printer is definitely fast with the same quality of output of a laser printer (paper-dependent; if you want to print pictures, you'll need to use the right stock).
Regarding toner, in this printer's case, you will be using bottles of ink. In spite of the fact that you do have to be careful to not get the liquid anywhere, Canon has devised a straightforward process whereby you have to turn the ink bottle upside down and have it fully inserted into the top of the specific inkwell before the ink is actually dispensed. I'm still seeing how long the ink will last in this configuration versus a cartridge config.
As far as setup is concerned, I found it a bit odd that Canon included a CD for setup -- there aren't many PCs or MacBook Pros that include CD readers anymore. Instead, I stepped through the very simple LCD menu located on the printer's front panel to get the printer connected to WiFi, check for firmware updates, and print a test page/align the printer head. No sweat on that part.
All in all, the Canon G5020 is a nice printer. It definitely "takes charge" in terms of amount of desk space it requires, but it does print with professional quality and speed.
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Set automatic cook times on busy days with this Crock-Pot 7-quart slow cooker. The ergonomic chrome-plated rubber handles offer a good grip for hassle-free serving, while the removable insert and glass lid are dishwasher safe for easier maintenance. This Crock-Pot 7-quart slow cooker automatically shifts to a warm setting once cooking is complete to keep food at an optimum serving temperature.
Customer Rating
5
Nice-looking and excellent results :)
on October 14, 2019
Posted by: PhilGA
from Atlanta, GA
Our main test for the 7 quart Crock-Pot was using the Beef Stew recipe that comes with the unit. While we're normally beef burgandy folks, we thought this recipe might become a second-place favorite for us.
First, though, the appliance itself. As it's fashionably "platinum," the Crock-Pot definitely looks great standing by itself. We really appreciated the four feet that are attached -- this helped keep it stable. The digital timer is simple yet modern, and we really appreciated both the Slow and Fast settings once all of the ingredients were in.
The only word of warning about the appliance is that while all handles (two on opposing sides and one for the glass top) had non-conducive material (I think rubber) attached for carrying purposes, these areas still get very warm to the touch, so it's advisable to sill use kitchen gloves or some other protection to keep from getting hurt.
All in all, it turned out to be a great meal -- even our almost-teenage daughter loved it, which is definitely saying something. Therefore, yes -- the Fast setting (still at least 5 hours) seemed to work as good as a normally Slow setting.
This is a definite appliance recommendation.
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Make your home an internet haven with this versatile Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system. Three identical tri-band dual-stream AC2200 routers, each equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, deliver lightning-fast internet. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0/LE, this Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system is simple to set up and pairs easily with computers, tablets and smart devices.
Will this work with the SkyBell HD? The Skybell states that it must use the 2.4GHz band only. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/skybell-wi-fi-video-doorbell-bronze/5665606.p?skuId=5665606
Remember that the only difference between a mesh wifi network and a single router wifi network is the number of physical nodes involved. Otherwise, it's going to operate exactly the same.
In our case, we have several devices that we recently switched over to our VELOP mesh network from a single-router wifi network. Those devices range from 2.4GHz- to 5GHz-accessible wifi devices. In fact, one of those devices is a DirecTV Genie receiver that can only access in the 2.4GHz range, versus Apple devices that operate best at 5GHz.
Here are the technicals:
Tri-Band
2.4GHz - 2 x 2
5 GHz radio 1 - 2 x 2
5 GHz radio 2 - 2 x 2
I hope this helps.
In our case, we have several devices that we recently switched over to our VELOP mesh network from a single-router wifi network. Those devices range from 2.4GHz- to 5GHz-accessible wifi devices. In fact, one of those devices is a DirecTV Genie receiver that can only access in the 2.4GHz range, versus Apple devices that operate best at 5GHz.
Here are the technicals:
Tri-Band
2.4GHz - 2 x 2
5 GHz radio 1 - 2 x 2
5 GHz radio 2 - 2 x 2
I hope this helps.
7 years, 3 months ago
by
PhilGA
Make your home an internet haven with this versatile Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system. Three identical tri-band dual-stream AC2200 routers, each equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, deliver lightning-fast internet. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0/LE, this Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system is simple to set up and pairs easily with computers, tablets and smart devices.
The advertising states that Velop works with Alexa but I can find no information on how to set this up. Help?
Under the assumption that the Alexa device is merely another device connected to a wifi network, there should be no issues in setting up your Alexa under the VELOP mesh network.
Understand that the VELOP mesh network is merely another wifi network that's simply transporting Internet data in a different way than via a sole router device. It's a physical difference, not a logical difference. Therefore, whatever devices you have on a non-mesh network should operate exactly the same way (maybe better) on a wifi mesh network.
Understand that the VELOP mesh network is merely another wifi network that's simply transporting Internet data in a different way than via a sole router device. It's a physical difference, not a logical difference. Therefore, whatever devices you have on a non-mesh network should operate exactly the same way (maybe better) on a wifi mesh network.
7 years, 3 months ago
by
PhilGA
Make your home an internet haven with this versatile Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system. Three identical tri-band dual-stream AC2200 routers, each equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor, deliver lightning-fast internet. Equipped with Bluetooth 4.0/LE, this Linksys Velop wireless Wi-Fi system is simple to set up and pairs easily with computers, tablets and smart devices.
I currently have the latest AT&T Pace modem / router. Can the AT&T modem be placed into a bridge mode enabling just the modem function? From research, this is a very complicated procedure. I would prefer to return the rental AT&T unit.
While I don't have Internet access via AT&T, I do have Internet access via an owned modem/router combo with Xfinity. In my experience, while I was also wary of potential bridge setting issues, the VELOP system *does not require* any external modem/router to be pre-configured for anything. Instead, the VELOP system attaches itself directly to an open Ethernet port on your modem/router and self-configures. In other words, once everything is set up, you actually have at least two SSIDs in action; one for your previous wifi network, and one for the VELOP mesh network.
7 years, 3 months ago
by
PhilGA
Print stunning borderless photos and bold documents using this HP ENVY 7640 printer, which features an optimized color resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi and a rendered black resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi to ensure crisp text and vibrant images.
With the Envy 7640 is there is there ever a problem when lifting the copy cover and the cartridge cover or machine cover coming up with the copy cover?
Not for me. The secondary cover (must be lifted to maintain the printer cartridges) has molding on each side that sticks out far enough that your fingers know not to open the printer to that degree (if that makes sense). So, opening the top lid isn't an issue, and you reach further down to open the main body of the printer.
7 years, 8 months ago
by
PhilGA
Print stunning borderless photos and bold documents using this HP ENVY 7640 printer, which features an optimized color resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi and a rendered black resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi to ensure crisp text and vibrant images.
I'm having trouble choosing between the Envy 7640 & the OfficeJet 5741. Any one able to to help make up my mind? One has a photo try & the other does duplex scanning. One is wired, the other is wireless, but both print wirelessly!
The 7640 is completely wireless (it does include an Ethernet jack on the back), can be set up completely from your smartphone, contains its own wifi network, includes NFC, and can order its own ink via HP Instant Ink. For me, the main difference is that the ENVY line produces lab-quality prints, whereas the OfficeJet doesn't make that claim.
7 years, 8 months ago
by
PhilGA
Print stunning borderless photos and bold documents using this HP ENVY 7640 printer, which features an optimized color resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi and a rendered black resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi to ensure crisp text and vibrant images.
were do i find the wps # trying to install and its ask for the wps thank you donna
Interesting. I didn't have this issue. Instead, I used the associated iOS app to directly log into the printer's own wifi network with my iPhone, gave it my main wifi network's password, and went on.
7 years, 8 months ago
by
PhilGA
Print stunning borderless photos and bold documents using this HP ENVY 7640 printer, which features an optimized color resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi and a rendered black resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi to ensure crisp text and vibrant images.
Can this model print labels, cards, Transparencies & iron-on's?
This particular model has two paper feeders. One is for standard letter-sized paper (I think it can expand out to legal, but haven't tried). The second feeder can take either 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 photo paper (only one stock type at a time). The printer then confirms which of the photo paper you have.
7 years, 8 months ago
by
PhilGA
Print stunning borderless photos and bold documents using this HP ENVY 7640 printer, which features an optimized color resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi and a rendered black resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi to ensure crisp text and vibrant images.
Can the Envy 7640 Wireless Printer and the HP Officejet 4650 be used as a Google Chrome Cloud Ready Printers? (This means without a second computer being used).
In my view, yes. In fact, I just printed to the printer using Google Cloud Print via Chrome over my company's VPN.
7 years, 8 months ago
by
PhilGA
Print stunning borderless photos and bold documents using this HP ENVY 7640 printer, which features an optimized color resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi and a rendered black resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi to ensure crisp text and vibrant images.
What is minimum system requirement Apple operating system for printer - is this most up to date model from HP or is it better to get direct from hp?
Regarding OS X compatibility, while I have both a PC and a mid-2012 MacBook Pro, this printer instead encouraged me to download the associated iOS app to set it up. For me, the included DVD was a waste; when they say you can set up via smartphone, they're not kidding.
Yes, this is one of HP's latest models. No, there's no reason to buy directly from HP. And yes, get a model that supports HP Instant Ink.
Yes, this is one of HP's latest models. No, there's no reason to buy directly from HP. And yes, get a model that supports HP Instant Ink.
7 years, 8 months ago
by
PhilGA
Connect favorite peripherals to this Acer Aspire laptop. Four USB ports let you connect accessories, transfer files or charge a cellphone while you work, and HDMI outputs make dual-screen functionality possible. Access nearby wireless networks with this Acer Aspire laptop and stream videos or upload your own images captured with the built-in HD webcam.
Has anyone been able to install Windows 7 on this? I tried this in the store and like the hardware, but for various reasons, Windows 10 is not an option for me.
I removed all of the "bloatware" from my review laptop unit. Therefore, I can only surmise that you'd be able to reformat the hard drive and put whatever OS you wanted to on it. I think the only challenge would be in dealing with Microsoft's licensing.
7 years, 10 months ago
by
PhilGA