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- Review count41
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- First reviewJuly 23, 2015
- Last reviewMay 7, 2018
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- Average rating4.2
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Amazon Fire TV Stick connects to your TV's HDMI port. Just grab and go to enjoy Netflix, Prime Instant Video, Hulu Plus, YouTube.com, music, and much more.
Customer Rating
4
Affordable and functional, but too Amazon-centric
on November 25, 2016
Posted by: tobias
from Mesa, AZ
Verified Purchase:Yes
I got this as a gift for my parents. I got them a chromecast originally, but they are very old school and casting from a device rather than using a traditional remote was too complicated for them.
I was going to get them a Roku, but decided on this since they are avid Prime members and both use Kindles. If you have Prime, this makes sense. It integrates with their music and video services well. The search feature will show what you can watch for free or make purchases to rent and buy from the device.
The interface is pretty good if you use it only for Prime. If you are a heavy Netflix, Hulu, Plex or other third party user, this is less than great. All of the Prime content gets its own thumbnail in the home screen. But each of those apps get the one, so you'll see the last 5 shows you watched on Amazon and only the one image to encompass all of Netflix. Once you are in Netflix, you get the familiar interface though.
It wish the interface was more like Roku, where each app is treated equally. Clearly, Amazon wants to keep you accessing their content by default, and their interface accomplishes this.
But, like I said, since my parents are Prime (and don't use Netflix or Hulu) this was a good option for them. They actually get use out of this one and have no difficulty navigating around. There is little troubleshooting need, as well.
Bottom line, get this if you are a devoted Amazon Prime fan and primarily use their services. It is a good product for the money. Otherwise, spend the same cash on a comparable Roku.
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Nest 3rd Generation Smart Learning Thermostat: Take control of your home's heating and cooling without lifting a finger with this thermostat, which learns your habits and adjusts to automatically regulate your home's temperature based on your schedule. The Nest Leaf feature alerts you when you choose a temperature that's energy efficient.
Customer Rating
5
Great, not much to improve upon
on November 25, 2016
Posted by: tobias
from Mesa, AZ
Verified Purchase:Yes
I had the 2nd gen before this. I swapped out the 2nd gen and put in the 3rd. I like the 3rd better because of the two main differences. 1) the screen is larger and higher resolution and 2) the motion sensor is now far field.
The larger screen is nice so you can see information from further across the room. It's not a deal break and wouldn't be worth replacing a second gen on that alone.
The far field sensor means the Nest can tell if you are around when you are further away or off to the side better than the old one. If you are further away, it will see you, activate the screen (which you can now see from further away) and know not to go into auto-away more (now called Eco).
It is also slightly lower profile, and it looks great on my wall. It comes with a plate to cover more of the wall space if you are replacing an older thermostat and don't want old mounting holes and whatnot visible.
As with any Nest, it makes it easy to control your temperature from anywhere in the world with your smartphone and with automated programming, it will save you money. Some utility companies will reimburse some of cost of buying this. Mine didn't but that didn't affect my choice to get this.
I don't have the Protect or cameras they offer, but I do have an Echo, a Wink hub and Harmony Home Hub, all of which integrate with Nest. So it's all interconnected and easy to control from any of those platforms. Next is not HomeKit enabled yet (meaning you can't ask Siri on iOS to control it). So some people I know have replaced their Nest with another brand that is HomeKit enabled. I have an iPhone and iPad and use the iOS app to control it all the time, so it's perfectly usable for Apple folk, its just not embedded with the specific HomeKit platform. Not a huge deal really.
If you have a Nest gen 1 or other non-smart thermostat, get this. If you have a Nest Gen 2, wait for a more significant upgrade. Unless you need it to be HomeKit, its the best out there.
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This Lenovo LED monitor includes a full-aluminum stand that lets you tilt the 23" display, so you can easily customize the viewing angle to suit your preferences. The 1920 x 1080 maximum resolution presents media in striking clarity.
Customer Rating
4
Good screens, but inconsistent color
on November 25, 2016
Posted by: tobias
from Mesa, AZ
Verified Purchase:Yes
These are the best monitors you can get for the money. And they are very good, but I had a couple issues that kept them from being 5 stars. I read online about people who got some and found that they had different LCD panels on the inside and therefore the color does not match. I got two that are used side by side on a dual monitor mount, so I really wanted consistency from side to side. I didn't get that.
I had to go back to Best Buy and go through all of the screens they had in stock to try to find two that had the same hue. Even the employees at Best Buy had to agree they didn't match right. Either the whites or the blacks didn't match. I could get the white to match, but not the colors. Same vice versa. To the credit of Best Buy, they let me go through about 6 monitors to try to find a match. We never did, but I took home the two that were the closest. Not perfect, but not too bad as long as I have a different image on both screens (not spanning a single image across them).
The brightness is great. The multiple inputs is handy. They are VESA mountable, which was also another must-have feature for me. I did have to literally saw down my mounting brackets because the power and HDMI ports are too close to the VESA mounting points on the back of the monitor.
I trust Lenovo and was disappointed about the inability to match the hue and not thrilled about having to cut out holes in my mounting brackets (not Lenovo's fault entirely) but otherwise am satisfied.
If you are getting this as a single standalone monitor, you'll be perfectly happy. If getting two for side by side, be prepared.
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Our hardwired doorbell with advanced security features and an ultra-slim design. With four included, customizable faceplates, Video Doorbell Pro has a finish to match your front door and your style. Get instant alerts when visitors press your doorbell or trigger the built-in, customizable motion sensors. See, hear and speak to anyone at your front door from your smartphone or tablet. 1080p HD video, two-way audio and hardwired, non-stop power means Video Doorbell Pro gives you the ultimate Ring experience.
Customer Rating
2
Conceptually great, not perfect.
on November 25, 2016
Posted by: tobias
from Mesa, AZ
Verified Purchase:Yes
I got this because I wanted 1080p and the ability to get a live view whenever I want. It is also compatible with the Wink hub I use. The older (and cheaper model) is 720p and can only be viewed when a ring or motion event is triggered.
This requires hard wiring, no battery option. It also requires more power, so wiring can be a headache. My fist one had a faulty accessory (the Pro power kit). It somehow made it so the mechanical chime wouldn't work. I even bought a new chime to prove to Ring it was their product, not my chime. I got a replacement Pro Power kit, but it didn't make the problem go away. Luckily, I could use the Ring without the Pro Power Kit (was told that by a ring rep on the phone). Then a couple months later my doorbell kept powering off on its own randomly. Ring had my buy a new transformer, which I did, before they agreed that their doorbell was faulty.
I got the replacement and it works better, but there are still issues. More than half the time, when I try to view the camera from my tablet or phone I can hear but not see the doorbell. The camera rarely loads. Ring says it is my upload speed. They used to say you need at least 1mb up, but recommend 2mb up. They later changed their story and said you need at least 2mb up minimum. I upgraded my internet and now have 2mb up. I still don't see the image most of the time.
So, I had to upgrade my internet plan, buy a new mechanical chime and transformer and still have a doorbell that doesn't work right.
To be fair, Ring does try to fix their issues, but I can't help but feel there is no way to make this right any more. Now that the chime is not shutting off randomly, all I need is the video to load reliably (basically the primary reason to get this). There are two ways this could be fixed. Either 1) let the resolution dumb down to 720p when needed or 2) let the picture stream though the internal network instead of only through the internet. I've asked Ring about this and they say neither of those features are likely to happen any time soon.
Others appear to have more luck with Ring than I do, but I wish I'd gotten a different brand at this point.
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Experience the ultimate convenience with the Lutron Caseta Wireless dimmer and Pico remote control. The wireless dimmer gives you the ability to set the right light for any activity whether it's reading, watching TV, entertaining or having a casual dinner. Control the lights from anywhere in the room by using the Pico remote control either in your hand, on a tabletop pedestal (sold separately) or by mounting the remote directly to the wall. You can even use the Pico remote to control the lights from your car as you arrive home. The remote lets you turn lights ON/OFF as well as brighten or dim them. With the Lutron Smart Bridge and app, you can control your Caseta Wireless dimmers with your Smartphone from anywhere. The dimmer works up to 600-Watt of incandescent or halogen and 150-Watt of dimmable LED or dimmable CFL.
Customer Rating
4
Good for smart home, but needs 3-way capability
on November 25, 2016
Posted by: tobias
from Mesa, AZ
Verified Purchase:Yes
I love that this works with smart homes. It's a good switch on its own, with the dimming and remote, but its even better that it has integration with smart home products. If you have the Lutron Hub, it can integrate with your Harmony home theater remotes. I have Wink and so I control it with that, no need to purchase the Lutron Hub.
I have had other Lutron dimmers that don't work with low consumption bulbs, like CFL and LEDs. This one does, but not with all, only ones that say they are dimmable.
The only gripe I have with this is that lack of 3 way capability. I don't know how hard it would be to add that feature. GE makes light dimmers that work with Wink and are 3 way. They also cost less than this, so there's room for improvement. If they could make this $10 less and 3-way compatible it would be the perfect light switch.
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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
4
Quality, responsive, loud, adjustable
on November 25, 2016
Posted by: tobias
from Mesa, AZ
Verified Purchase:Yes
I got this to pair with my Ring Doorbell because there is no physical chime or wiring. So, It was this or just rely on cell phones to register the ring. I really like this product.
The Ring Chime volume can be adjusted (on from the app). It can also be set to respond to rings and/or motion, which is a great extra feature. I was concerned there's be a lag or display between the activation at the door and the chime, but there isn't much, It's pretty quick most of the time, but there is an occasional delay if there is a lot internet traffic going on.
You can connect multiple chimes to a doorbell (like one upstairs and one downstairs) but I didn't need it, I just turned up the volume on the chime. Unfortunately, you can't hook up multiple doorbells to a single chime. If they'd let you use custom chimes you could have one chime for the front and a second chime for the back doorbell.
I would like the ability to give it custom ring tones, but you only get the same sounds you get from the app on your phone. Bummer.
Anyway, the chime is a fine product if you don't have a wired chime from the doorbell you are replacing. I'd like a few more features, but still good.
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Ring Wi-Fi Smart Video Doorbell: Find out who's at your door, even when you're away from home. Just connect the doorbell via Wi-Fi and use the Ring app on your iOS or Android device to interact with visitors, receive alerts and review footage.
Customer Rating
4
Handy, but lacking a couple of features
on November 25, 2016
Posted by: tobias
from Mesa, AZ
Verified Purchase:Yes
Having a great video doorbell is so worth it. This is a good one, but not perfect. I chose this one for a couple reasons. The primary one being that this product can run off of built-in rechargeable batteries. I had to mount this in a place where there was no existing wiring and I was unable to put any wiring in. I paired this with their chime, works great.
Unlike the Pro version that is out now, this tops out at 720p instead of 1080p. Also, you can only view what is happening if motion or a ring is detected. You can't trigger a live view any time you want. That's the biggest drawback I could find.
I love the battery option and the life is great. I usually charge it once a month, but it is above 40% still when I get to it.
If you don't have doorbell wiring and you don't care about being able to view remotely any time you want, it's a winner. Otherwise, get the Pro for a bit more.
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Deliver your favorite playlist anywhere in your home with the Amazon Echo Dot voice-controlled device. Control most electric devices through voice activation, or schedule a ride with Uber and order a pizza. The Amazon Echo Dot voice-controlled device turns any home into a smart home with the Alexa app on a smartphone or tablet.
Customer Rating
4
All that Echo and Alex offers, but softer sound
on November 25, 2016
Posted by: tobias
from Mesa, AZ
Verified Purchase:Yes
If you have an Echo already, you know how useful this can be. It does everything that the full size Echo can do, but takes up less space and costs much less.
One difference is that the Echo has a great full sound speaker and this one clearly does not. The sound from the Echo Dot is lacking. I wouldn't listen to music on this.
Where the Echo can act as a bluetooth speaker to play music from you phone or whatnot, the Echo Dot 2 connects to other bluetooth speakers (so it uses bluetooth in the opposite way).
It's handy, cost MUCH less and is fun to have around. If you are into smart homes at all, like I am, it's worth getting. You will also get more out of it if you are a member of Prime. I have been prime since I got my first Echo, so I'm not sure how limited it would be without it.
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Only at Best BuyClip this black Platinum holster on your belt for a secure place to put your iPhone 8. It ensures easy access to your phone when you need it, yet it keeps it out of the way when you're not using it.
Customer Rating
4
Great case, not cheap, but less than other brands
on November 25, 2016
Posted by: tobias
from Mesa, AZ
Verified Purchase:Yes
Some cases that are as good as this cost double the cost. This protects my phone very well, is durable, includes a hip holster, and includes a super handy kickstand for the phone and the holster. I've dropped the phone a few times, and not only is the phone in perfect condition, but the case has no signs of wear yet.
I've had a few of this type of case for each phone I've had. For some reason, this model changed which side of the phone is down when using the kickstand. So, on my old iPhone, the home key was on the right when the kickstand is being used. Now, the home key is on the left. I does allow for the volume rocker to be exposed, but I am so used to the other orientation that I wish I could change it.
That's a small gripe, but otherwise a great case.
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
I would recommend this to a friend!
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iPhone 7 features an all-new 12MP camera with an ƒ/1.8 aperture for great low-light photos and 4K video. Optical image stabilization. A 4.7-inch Retina HD display with wide color and 3D Touch. An A10 Fusion chip for up to 2x faster performance than iPhone 6. Touch ID. Faster LTE. The longest battery life in an iPhone. Immersive stereo sound, splash and water resistant, and iOS 10.
Customer Rating
4
better than the phone I had, but not the best ever
on November 25, 2016
Posted by: tobias
from Mesa, AZ
Verified Purchase:Yes
I got this stepping up from an iPhone 5s. I really prefer the larger screen size. And although I don't have any plan to get it wet, I like the assurance that it is completely waterproof now. I assume its pretty durable from the drop tests I've seen online, but I have no intention of finding out for myself. I keep it in a sturdy case.
I knew it had no headphone jack going into it, but I still do find myself wishing it had one from time to time. Yes, it comes with Lightning headphones and a lighting to headphone adapter, but still not the same thing. If I'm at home, charging the phone, I want to use my nice wired Bose headphones, not bluetooth which can't be worn comfortably while laying down. And when in the car, I can't charge it and use the adapter I have. I'm not paying $100 for a set of adapters and spliters to have by my bed and in my cars everywhere I go. So, yeah, that's a bummer.
Another significant hardware change is the new home button. Rather than be a separate button that actually recedes and clicks, it is like a section of the face that feels 3D touch (like the screen) and gives you haptic feedback. The taptic engine is great and really simulates the feel of a good click well, so you don't miss the physical button at all. But like the screen, you can't use a non-conductive item (like a pencil erase) to activate the home button.
Yes, the processor, speed and other "under the hood" stuff is great. I don't do serious gaming, so I don't notice the boost from that all that much. But I can feel it do things a bit faster than my iPhone 5s (a bit).
The camera is a great upgrade and I've used it a lot. I find myself using my stand alone camera less. I would have liked the dual lense found on the Plus for the bokeh effect, but not a deal breaker.
Overall, good phone. I would prefer the hardware from the Galaxy S7 Edge, but I prefer iOS over Android, so that made the difference.
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
My Best Buy number: 3474524812
I would recommend this to a friend!
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tobias's Answers
Designed for use with a variety home automation and entertainment devices, this Logitech Harmony Elite 915-000256 remote allows easy control through closed cabinets or walls for flexible use. The remote works with Alexa, and the Harmony mobile app supports simple on-to-go operation.
I am going to replace by Logitech Harmony one. I want to control 8 devices, want touch screen, color display, rechargeable battery. I want to program it from my Microsoft laptop. Which device should I get?
Designed for use with a variety home automation and entertainment devices, this Logitech Harmony Elite 915-000256 remote allows easy control through closed cabinets or walls for flexible use. The remote works with Alexa, and the Harmony mobile app supports simple on-to-go operation.
Designed for use with a variety home automation and entertainment devices, this Logitech Harmony Elite 915-000256 remote allows easy control through closed cabinets or walls for flexible use. The remote works with Alexa, and the Harmony mobile app supports simple on-to-go operation.
How does the Harmony Elite work with Sony PS4
Yes. The hub connects to the PS4 via Bluetooth as like an AV remote. If you bought the additional wireless AV remote from Sony, you can't use it and the hub. You have to choose one or the other, and I chose the hub. You won't have to sacrifice any game controllers, though.
7 years, 2 months ago
by
tobias
Designed for use with a variety home automation and entertainment devices, this Logitech Harmony Elite 915-000256 remote allows easy control through closed cabinets or walls for flexible use. The remote works with Alexa, and the Harmony mobile app supports simple on-to-go operation.
I'm looking at buying a new Harmony elite. One of the requirements is ipad 3rd gen. My ipad is model Md789LL/a is this a 3rd gen? Chuck
Immerse yourself in ultra-high definition with this LG 4K LED TV. The IPS screen produces vivid color quality and strong contrasts, and upscaling technology enhances video content whether it's in standard or high definition. A 120Hz refresh rate creates smoother transitions during action and sports sequences on this LG 4K LED TV.
How much time do I have to return it if I don't like it
Create a reliable internet connection throughout your home with this Google Wi-Fi system. The convenient package of three connectivity points effortlessly covers even large homes up to 4,500 square feet. This Google Wi-Fi system eliminates uneven bandwidth usage among multiple devices, including cellphones and tablets, for an unimpeded connection that doesn't lag behind.
Is port forwarding supported? Can a static IP address be assigned/reserved?
Yes, you can make IP reservations for specific devices. It's all done through the app on your iOS or Android device. The device has to be connected to your router first. Then it won't get reassigned to the new IP address until after it requests a new IP address from the router (I usually reboot the device to move the process along faster).
http://www.jaredbodine.com/google-wifi-unboxing-setup-and-review/
http://www.jaredbodine.com/google-wifi-unboxing-setup-and-review/
7 years, 3 months ago
by
tobias
Create a reliable internet connection throughout your home with this Google Wi-Fi system. The convenient package of three connectivity points effortlessly covers even large homes up to 4,500 square feet. This Google Wi-Fi system eliminates uneven bandwidth usage among multiple devices, including cellphones and tablets, for an unimpeded connection that doesn't lag behind.
When I play on my Xbox and my sister watches Netflix my Xbox lags.Will these fix that issue or no?
Maybe yes and maybe no. I noticed that multiple devices could connect better with this hub, but if a device is really sapping all the bandwidth, that won't help you too much. Google Wifi allows you to set a device as priority for a period of time. So you could go into the app that controls your google wifi and set your Xbox as the priority device when that happens. It won't be a permanent setting change, but it will help out in a pinch.
7 years, 3 months ago
by
tobias
Logitech K360 wireless keyboard is ready when you are. This compact and portable keyboard fits into your tight workspaces, small offices or wherever you take your laptop or computer. Enjoy more comfort with a layout you're used to in a space-saving design that's about 20 percent smaller than our standard keyboards. Equipped with a number pad and 12 easy access keys, you can be more productive at home or at work. Logitech Advanced 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity gives you the reliability of a cord with wireless convenience and freedom - all in a tiny Logitech Unifying receiver that's small enough to stay in your laptop and also lets you add up to 6 compatible devices to it.
K360 Keyboard
Will this keyboard work with my M510 Logitech mouse on my Windows 8.1 From 1 USB port?
Yes, if the M510 uses the Unifying USB adapter, then you can use the same adapter for both, if not, you can use one for each, but they won't conflict and both will benefit from the SetPoint software if you have it installed. I'm using this keyboard with a M570 mouse and the one Unifying adapter that came with the mouse.
8 years, 9 months ago
by
tobias
Mesa, AZ
Logitech K360 wireless keyboard is ready when you are. This compact and portable keyboard fits into your tight workspaces, small offices or wherever you take your laptop or computer. Enjoy more comfort with a layout you're used to in a space-saving design that's about 20 percent smaller than our standard keyboards. Equipped with a number pad and 12 easy access keys, you can be more productive at home or at work. Logitech Advanced 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity gives you the reliability of a cord with wireless convenience and freedom - all in a tiny Logitech Unifying receiver that's small enough to stay in your laptop and also lets you add up to 6 compatible devices to it.
Does this keyboard have a CAPS LOCK indicator, either lighted or otherwise? It's a necessary feature for high production.
Yes, the CAPS indicator is on the left side of the power switch (top right of the keyboard), but you can't tell it's there unless its activated. Also, if you have the free SetPoint software installed, you will have a notice on the screen for a second when Caps is activated and deactivated.
8 years, 9 months ago
by
tobias
Mesa, AZ