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- Review count9
- Helpfulness votes71
- First reviewJune 10, 2012
- Last reviewJanuary 16, 2017
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes1
- First review commentApril 8, 2014
- Last review commentApril 8, 2014
- Featured review comments0
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- Answer count1
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- First answerMay 26, 2009
- Last answerMay 26, 2009
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paybackdaman's Reviews
Ring Chime: With this indoor speaker, you can connect to your Ring Smart Video Doorbell using your home wireless network to receive audible alerts when you have a visitor.
Customer Rating
5
A great accessory to the Ring Doorbell
on January 16, 2017
Posted by: paybackdaman
from Clermont, FL
Having purchased the Ring Pro Doorbell, we knew we had a bit of flexibility when it came to getting a notification about someone at our door. The chime is a great fit. We have ours placed on the back porch, so when entertaining or doing outside yard work, we will know that someone is at the door. This is very convenient, as you don't need to have a phone on you. If setup, you can also get notified for when there is motion, just as it does on your phone. The motion sound is the best, and the wind chimes make sense for what is going on on the back porch.
Pros:
- Easy Installation (Plug and connect)
- Loud
- Customizable chimes and notification sounds
- Allows for notifications anywhere in your home (or across the world) about interactions with your doorbell.
- Loud
- Customizable chimes and notification sounds
- Allows for notifications anywhere in your home (or across the world) about interactions with your doorbell.
Cons:
- Updating the chimes and notification sounds takes about 30 seconds to a minute. (I would suspect the sounds aren't stored locally and are downloaded).
It's a great purchase, even if you got your doorbell to function with your Ring Doorbell. You can put it in places where you can't typically hear someone at the door, and the setup is a breeze. Would highly recommend.
My Best Buy number: 2372223339
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Sony VAIO Flip 15A SVF15N17CXB Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Whether it be entertainment or productivity, this convertible Flip PC laptop can do it. The beautiful Full HD multitouch screen and advanced graphics make the most out of your visual experience.Learn more about the New Windows ›
Customer Rating
3
Quality computer with software weaknesses
on April 8, 2014
Posted by: paybackdaman
from Clermont, FL
I owned this computer for all of two weeks. I have been using Windows 8 since its launch and was curious about the touchscreen capabilities on a day to day basis.
Windows 8, on a touchscreen, is the better experience. It was meant for hybrid setups. Apps are made for it, and it is nice to be able to touch with your finger where you want to navigate. The keyboard for Windows 8 touch is lacking, but workable. The Vaio's touch screen was very responsive, and I never had a problem with it.
The Good:
Using this computer extensively for Java and C+ coding, I found no issues with the keyboard. It was a nice layout and was very responsive. Bringing it back and forth to school was a breeze. It's lightweight, coupled with its power was ideal for my uses. One minute it is a laptop, then a desktop w/ wireless keyboard and mouse, and the next a tablet. Very versatile and easy to use.
Using this computer extensively for Java and C+ coding, I found no issues with the keyboard. It was a nice layout and was very responsive. Bringing it back and forth to school was a breeze. It's lightweight, coupled with its power was ideal for my uses. One minute it is a laptop, then a desktop w/ wireless keyboard and mouse, and the next a tablet. Very versatile and easy to use.
The Bad:
I ultimately returned this laptop because of the WiFi performance. After upgrading to Windows 8.1, the device would often drop connection. This has usually been attributed to the Windows Debugger WiFi driver. I have removed it, reset the computer, reset my routers, and installed 3rd party/manufacture drivers for the wifi. However, after all of this, the device would complain of "limited connectivity" every 10 minutes. Almost like clockwork. It required to you turn off wifi and then turn it back on. Remarkably it would work. Very upsetting and not the user experience I was expecting.
I ultimately returned this laptop because of the WiFi performance. After upgrading to Windows 8.1, the device would often drop connection. This has usually been attributed to the Windows Debugger WiFi driver. I have removed it, reset the computer, reset my routers, and installed 3rd party/manufacture drivers for the wifi. However, after all of this, the device would complain of "limited connectivity" every 10 minutes. Almost like clockwork. It required to you turn off wifi and then turn it back on. Remarkably it would work. Very upsetting and not the user experience I was expecting.
Sony has a great reputation. Who knows, perhaps I just got a lemon, but I ended up with a ROG Asus laptop with better specs (without the touchscreen) for the same price. Never had a problem with the wifi yet, and it is using a full i7 and not a mobile version. Very happy. Best part, the wifi works. I would not however recommend this product as I cannot guarantee a good experience and for it to be a $1200+ laptop; that is just unacceptable.
My Best Buy number: 2372223339
What's great about it: Easy to use, Touchscreen
What's not so great: WiFi connectivity, Drivers, Bloat Software
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Display
4
Performance
3
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The iPhone 4S features a powerful dual-core A5 chip with faster graphics for browsing the Web, switching between apps, gaming and more. The 8.0MP camera boasts advanced optics and shoots 1080p HD video. Ask Siri, a voice-activated intelligent assistant, to make calls, send texts, set reminders and more. Features the iOS 5 operating system with its easy-to-use interface, rock-solid stability and extended battery life. Use with iCloud to store your digital content and wirelessly push it to all your devices.Requires a voice plan and a data package.Early termination fee of $350.
Posted by: paybackdaman
from Clermont, FL
Age:18-24
Phone size:Just right
Call Quality: Through Verizon Wireless, I have noticed that calls are almost never dropped, Cell services everywhere I travel in the Southeast, Northeast, and Southwest. Obviously major cities (Orlando, Phoenix, Providence) have better coverage than rural, but I don't notice a difference in call quality whether it be 1 bar or 6. However, sometimes I can hear a buzzing noise from the phone's speaker. I had the phone replaced, and it still occurs. I assume this may be my sensitive hearing as I haven't found many people complaining of this issue.
Picture Quality: Because of the retina display (326 pixels per inch) and the high native contrast, pictures and videos look great on this screen. I have seen a couple of Samsung screens with larger sizes and 16:9 aspect ratios, but I still am quite partial to my iPhone screen. Especially when it comes to watching darker films during the day. Watch Batman the Dark knight on a Samsung GSIII and the iPhone 4s and you will see the many more details the iPhone can come up with in shadowed areas.
Battery Life: Normally I can go about 2 full days before I need to charge my iPhone. Now if I am playing games frequently, that number goes down to a day, but still an improvement to what I used to use.
Value for Price: 5GB of iCloud storage, free iCloud backup, Siri integration, Turn by Turn navigation, Best App Store, Best music Store, iTunes Match, etc. These things make it hard to switch to a different phone manufacturer, and couple that with subsidized pricing; Yeah it's hard to beat.
Sound Quality: The sound that comes out of the speaker on the phone itself is atrocious. I have heard a couple of phones that can do some great things with audio, and the iPhone isn't one of them. However, because of AirPlay I can push it to any system that supports it, or an Apple TV and listen to much, much better speakers. Get yourself some nice headphones and this becomes a non-issue.
What's great about it: Easy to use, Great Price
What's not so great: Scratches easily
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Bowers & Wilkins - Over-the-Ear Headphones - Black
(74)
Logitech - Bluetooth-Enabled Boombox for Apple® iPod® and Most MP3 Players
Incase - Slider Case for Apple® iPhone® 4 - Black
(102)Picture Quality
5
Battery Life
5
Sound Quality
4
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Easily navigate using this Apple® Magic MC380LL/A trackpad that features Multi-Touch technology, gesture support and inertial scrolling for smooth, natural movements. Bluetooth technology allows easy wireless connectivity.
Posted by: paybackdaman
from Clermont, FL
Value for Price: With this device it gives your Mac the ability to use finger gestures; much like those found on the iPad and iPhone. Pinch to zoom is always a favorite of mine. In photo editing and reading news articles this feature sure comes in handy. Switching between apps is as easy as swiping three fingers across the surface.
Compatibility: Works with all Mac computers running Snow Leopard and beyond. With boot camp it allows you to use its features in Windows as well. I have also found ways to make it compatible using reversed engineered drivers for bluetooth enabled PC's.
Design: Glass and aluminum. Signatures of Apple products. Very sleek and compact. Finger glide is easy as the glass provides little friction.
Ease of Use: Turn it on and pair it with your Mac. Can't get any easier than that.
What's great about it: Size, Reliability, Batter Life
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Apple - iMac All-in-One Computer - Intel Core i5 i5-2500S 2.70 GHz - Desktop - Silver
Apple - MacBook® Pro - Intel Core i5 - 13.3" Display - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive - Silver - Silver
(8,448)
Apple® - Mac mini / Intel® Core™ i5 Processor / 2GB Memory / 500GB Hard Drive
Design
5
Ease of Use
5
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Customer Rating
5
Apple TV
on August 4, 2012
Posted by: paybackdaman
from Clermont, FL
Value for Price: With the $99 price tag you get access to Youtube videos, your Netflix subscription, recently your Hulu Plus subscription, NHL, NBA, MLB, iTunes in the Cloud, iTunes rentals, and a load of apps that can be pushed from Apple of Devices via AirPlay.
Ease of Use: Once you have your Apple TV connected to WiFi, controlling your Apple TV is as easy as the swipe of a finger. Download the Remote app for the best experience. Wirelessly you can control your Apple TV from your Apple mobile devices. To push content to your TV, and even mirror your display, it's as easy as pushing the AirPlay button. Almost instantly, your content will be displayed on the screen. The best example of this is a Mac running Mountain Lion can mirror what you are seeing on the screen to your HDTV. The possibilities of what you can do are pretty much endless.
Performance: Using the same A-series processor found in most of Apple's mobile devices this thing runs well. Not very much local memory needed as most is streamed to the device rather than being local. OTA updates increase functionality about every 3-4 months.
Ease of Installation: My only complaint about this device is the default remote. The time it takes to login into your wireless access point and sign into your Apple ID is ridiculous. That is why as soon as you set it up, download the remote app. Much better way of controlling your Apple TV.
What's great about it: AirPlay, Netflix, Hulu Plus
What's not so great: One device per TV
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
AudioQuest - Forest 6-5/9' In-Wall HDMI Cable - Black/Green
Apple - iPad with Wi-Fi - 64GB - 3rd Generation - Black
Apple® - AirPort Extreme Wireless Base Station
Ease of Use
5
Performance
5
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This iMac features a spacious 500GB hard drive for storing important documents, favorite tunes, special photos and more. Wireless networking allows you to connect to the Internet without wires.
Posted by: paybackdaman
from Clermont, FL
Value for Price/Features: Many of my friends are a bit harsh on the price for the Apple computers. What most don't realize is just what comes with the Mac. Obviously there are cheaper solutions on the PC and software can be bought separately, but it is having everything included as well as it all working together makes it that much more intuitive. iMovie, iPhoto (Aperture), iTunes & Garageband can communicate back and forth. Sharing files with an ease (You can even drag and drop content from one application to the other without "importing."). The OS is rock solid, responsive and very clean. I dual-boot with Windows 7, but don't find myself on the Windows 7 unless I am gaming. iCloud is just icing on the cake with the integration with your Apple mobile devices. Keeping contacts, notes, emails and more in sync without connecting to the computer. Just an easy OS setup.
Performance: Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM (upgraded to 8GB), 500GB of HDD. These may not be the top of the line in performance, but what is nice about OS X is that it takes full advantage of the components. Because Apple has developed the Software and paired it with specific hardware make for a better overall performance. With windows, you are dealing with one OS that can work with literally hundreds of thousands of devices.
Reliability: When I hit the power button, I am on and working in Safari, iTunes, Aperture, etc. within 20 seconds. Most often I am put right back where I left off because of how the OS keeps your open windows saved. Sure, there are viruses out there for the Mac, but if you are smart with what you do online, they are almost always avoidable. That and a little knowledge about how to use Google.
Overall I would recommend this product to anyone who would listen. The 27" screen is amazing. It quite literally is the best PC you can buy. The Windows installation works better than a Gaming PC I built a couple of years ago. The video processor is higher end than in most all-in-ones, which allows for gaming. What's not to love? Besides the Apple logo for you Apple haters.
What's great about it: Size, Easy to Use, iCloud, Boot Camp
What's not so great: Price, Heat
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Apple - iPad with Wi-Fi - 64GB - 3rd Generation - Black
Apple - Magic Trackpad - Silver
(1,320)
Apple - Battery Charger - White
(523)Features
5
Performance
5
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+12points
14of 16voted this as helpful.
These speaker cables perform! Optimal might flash in your mind when you hear the sheer perfection of the sounds that happen when you connect your home audio speakers to an amplifier or receiver. This 14 AWG speaker cable is from the Magnolia premium home theater assortment. It features a long-grain copper design for fewer grain boundaries and lower distortion and semi-solid concentric packed conductors for excellent signal conductivity.
Customer Rating
5
AudioQuest X-2
on June 10, 2012
Posted by: paybackdaman
from Clermont, FL
I recenlty upgraded my home theater system and didn't want to use the highly oxidized Dynex cables that were used before. The wires are thick and easily block interference from external sources. The sound is now far superior than before, I can attest that to the new equipment and the quality wire running the power to the speaker drivers.
What's great about it: Build Quality, Build Construction, Sound Quality Improvements
What's not so great: Price
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
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
ProCenter 1000
on June 10, 2012
Posted by: paybackdaman
from Clermont, FL
Value for price: Checking around Magnolia Home Theater's speaker selection, I narrowed down my choice between an Energy center speaker, and the ProMonitor 1000. Both of these speakers had great high level sound. Crisp clear voices eminated from both. However, on a comparison of the sounds when music was played in Dolby ProLogic II Music decoder the ProCenter really stood out. They sound was amazing, esepcailly paired with the ProMonitor 1000 speakers.
Sound Quality: The sound is able to fill a 14ft x 16ft with full fidelity. Ambience in dolby digital sounds are easily distinguishable, and music sounds fantastic. I am almost positive anyone who hears them in the Magnolia home theater will agree, for its size, they have a full, rich and strong sound.
Appearance: The gloss finish on this speakers is crisp and clean. The speaker fits right at home in dark woods. As far as center speakers, it isn't huge, but is quite heavy. Mounting wasn't an option for myself, but it looks great in front of my Samsung LED TV.
What's great about it: Great Price
What's not so great: Finger prints and dust show easily
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Definitive Technology - ProSub 1000 Series Subwoofer System - 750 W RMS - Black
(179)Sound Quality
5
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+19points
20of 21voted this as helpful.
With a 5-1/4" midrange, 5-1/4" planar low-frequency woofer and 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter cone, this Definitive Technology Pro Monitor 1000 Black bookshelf speaker provides immersive cinema sound in a small package.
Customer Rating
5
ProMonitor 1000
on June 10, 2012
Posted by: paybackdaman
from Clermont, FL
Value for price: I have purchased 2 of these speakers. For only $440 (plus tax) I was able to get full sound. Compared to the DefTech 8040 and 8060 tower speakers, they are lacking a deep rich bass. Other than this, they are identical sound in the mid-range and the high-end. Couple this speaker with a good Subwoofer and you can do away with the higher end tower speakers. So for the price, you get a good deal.
Sound Quality: The sound is able to fill a 14ft x 16ft with full fidelity. Ambience in dolby digital sounds are easily distinguishable, and music sounds fantastic. I am almost positive anyone who hears them in the Magnolia home theater will agree, for their size, they have a full, rich and strong sound.
Appearance: The gloss finish on these speakers is crisp and clean. The speaker fits right at home in dark woods. As far as bookshelf speakers, they aren't huge, but are quite heavy. Mounting wasn't an option for myself, but they look great next to my Samsung LED TV.
What's great about it: Good price
What's not so great: Fingerprints and dust show easily
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Definitive Technology - ProSub 1000 Series Subwoofer System - 750 W RMS - Black
(179)Sound Quality
5
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+11points
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paybackdaman's Review Comments
Sony VAIO Flip 15A SVF15N17CXB Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Whether it be entertainment or productivity, this convertible Flip PC laptop can do it. The beautiful Full HD multitouch screen and advanced graphics make the most out of your visual experience.Learn more about the New Windows ›
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5doesnt work properly
By Fredson1
from hazlet nj
going to return it if not rectified. I found it funny that a 1200 computer was given to me in a plastic bag . they searched 20 minutes for a plug, called customer service and gave me no help. no manual.
paybackdaman
Clermont, FL
Info
April 8, 2014
Sounds like you got an open box, as-is item. Did it by chance have a yellow sticker on it that said "Open Box?"
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paybackdaman's Questions
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paybackdaman's Answers
LED's above Fireplace
Will the heat from a fireplace mess with the TV mounted above the fireplace? How far above the fireplace should a TV be?
You shouldn't see a problem with your TV mounted above a fireplace, unless the sill of the fireplace is less then 2". In which case the heat from the fire (whether it be artificial or real) will shorten the life of the LCD panel by about 25% less then projected. But not too much to worry about.
If it is plasma you may see discoloration as plasma uses heat to change colors.
If it is plasma you may see discoloration as plasma uses heat to change colors.
14 years, 10 months ago
by
paybackdaman
Clermont, FL