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js114
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- Review count17
- Helpfulness votes25
- First reviewFebruary 20, 2015
- Last reviewJune 20, 2018
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.8
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- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
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- Answer count1
- Helpfulness votes2
- First answerJune 22, 2017
- Last answerJune 22, 2017
- Featured answers0
- Best answers1
The 13-inch MacBook Air features 8GB of memory, a fifth-generation Intel Core processor, Thunderbolt 2, great built-in apps, and all-day battery life.* It’s thin, light, and durable enough to take everywhere you go—and powerful enough to do everything once you get there.
Customer Rating
4
A Good Laptop for a College Student
on June 20, 2018
Posted by: js114
from California
Verified Purchase:Yes
We purchased this for my nephew's graduation and use in his college career. The Air was selected because it is hasn't been turned into a disposable appliance by Apple yet. The SSD module can be replaced with a larger one via 3rd party products if we so choose and it has the very useful magsafe power connector rather than using USB-C. Apple has done a disservice to customers by removing the connectivity on newer products.
This isn't a fast laptop by any means, but it will be fine for a student doing the bulk of his work using Google's gSuite. We set him up with a 4 port usb hub and external 1tb drive for TimeMachine for backups. The Air has 2 usb ports, so one can be used for the Hub and things that can be left behind (like a trackball).
I don't like Microsoft Windows of any flavor, and my nephew doesn't like how often his Windows laptop crashed due to software updates and errors, so the MacBook Air, will be far more reliable in the long term than a cheaper Windows machine. In reality, his University could have gotten away with a Chromebook; but this way, there is at least the ability to use local apps without being dependent on a network connection.
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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3of 3voted this as helpful.
Powerful, portable, and personal with a gorgeous 9.7-inch Retina display¹ in a thin, durable aluminum design that weighs just a pound. iPad puts incredible capabilities in your hands with a powerful A9 chip, 8MP camera, FaceTime HD camera, Touch ID, Apple Pay, Wi-Fi, all-day battery life, ² and over a million apps on the App Store. ⁴
Posted by: js114
from California
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased this iPad to replace an iPad AIR with a failing battery. The differences between the two models are minimal, and the new iPad fits in the case I used for my Air without issue. The external differences are limited to the loss of the 'lock' switch which I used as a hard mute and the addition of the fingerprint reader in the home button. Yes, there are a couple of steps up on the processor, but overall, there is little that differentiates this model from the earlier Air and Air-2 except lower pricing for larger capacity.
I purchased this during a one-day sale and received a significant discount on the purchase price, which was already lowered since the model has already been replaced by the 2018 model that uses yet another updated processor and adds pencil support. Neither of which could justify the $300+ premium.
For my normal usage of web browsing, email reading and listening to music; this iPad more than meets my requirements.
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Place a protective barrier between your iPad and the forces of nature with this VersaVu Classic rotating case. This versatile case offers hands-free viewing of your tablet in landscape or portrait positions with various angle options. Custom cutouts in this VersaVu Classic rotating case offer full access to your ports and buttons.
Customer Rating
3
Decent, But Not Outstanding, Folio Case
on June 22, 2017
Posted by: js114
Verified Purchase:Yes
This Targus case was purchased for a 2017 Model iPad. The end user likes to read a lot in portrait mode using a stand, so that limited the choices available dramatically. The preferred case would have been an Otterbox Defender; but they don't really have a model the fits the new 2017 right. The Air 2 case isn't quite right, and the Original Air case buttons for volume/up down don't line up.
The Targus case uses a simple elastic strap to secure the case cover closed- I doubt this will age well and expect the strap to fray then break, or snap due to the case's own sharp edges cutting through it. The cover supports the auto on/off function.
It is a rather thick case due to the design. The ventilated plastic frame supposedly helps direct speaker sound for 4-speaker iPad models; I see it simply as lightening the case.
The main selling point of this case is the swivel mount integrated into the iPad frame. It allows you to turn the iPad in a full 360 degrees. I don't know if the swivel is durable as it looks like simple impact plastic.
Targus claims the case meets the MIL spec for 4 foot drops; but we'll still be careful with it. They also say the case with fit the iPad Air, Air 2, iPad Pro 9.7" and the 2017 9.7" iPad. I can confirm it fits the iPad Air and the new 2017 iPad without issue.
Targus offers a limited lifetime warranty but you need to register the item with their website. I expect Targus will deny most warranty claims under the "normal wear and tear" proviso.
This is an okay case; but was selected mostly due to limited choice and the swivel mount.
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Prop your 9.7-inch iPad Pro up at the best working angle with this Speck Balance FOLIO case. A hardshell polyurethane exterior safeguards against scratches and dings, and the soft interior liner absorbs shock during accidental drops. This Speck Balance FOLIO case has a secure clasp that keeps the cover closed when not in use to protect the display.
Customer Rating
4
Good Folio Case That Isn't Too Bulky
on June 22, 2017
Posted by: js114
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased this cover to replace a Belkin Shield Swing Cover that I bought as a closeout item when I originally purchased my iPad Air. I really liked that case, but the plastic frame broke recently and trying to find a comparable minimalist folio case proved difficult.
The Speck case is slate gray with both full front and back covers made of what feels like a synthetic sailcloth. A small flexible plastic loop in on the edge of the cover which snaps over a tab on the back panel to make a positive locking cover. The cover features magnets which will activate the auto on/off function of the iPad. The impact plastic frame that the iPad snaps into has cutouts that support all of the ports on an iPad Air except the SIM slot for a cellular model. The power port cutout is large and should work well with bulky non-apple lightning cables. The bottom speakers are supported by single rows about 1.5" long of tiny holes on either side of the charging port. The volume up/down buttons share a large cutout with the screen lock switch found on the original Air. For those using this on an Air 2 or the new 2017 iPad, the opening is plenty large for the repositioned volume buttons of those models.
This case acts as a self-stand in landscape mode; but does not support a portrait mode (something the Belkin case did simply by pulling the magnetic cover off the iPad frame.) It is thicker than the old Belkin case since there is a lot more of it; but it is rated for a 4-foot drop and I believe it has enough substance for that.
Speck warrants the case for 1 year from purchase date but you need to keep your receipt and the original packaging for the 'realspeck.com' holographic sticker.
Overall, a decent case and we'll see how long it lasts. The Belkin went nearly 3 years.
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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6of 7voted this as helpful.
Store music, photos, files and more with this WD My Passport Ultra 1TB portable hard drive, which features password protection and 256-bit AES encryption to safeguard your data. WD Backup software makes it easy to back up your data to the Cloud.
Customer Rating
4
Decent Performance at a Reasonable Sale Price
on February 21, 2016
Posted by: js114
Verified Purchase:Yes
This unit was purchased to create live rsync backups of two 500gb equipped mac minis. By partitioning the drive into two 500gb partitions, I can have live, bootable backups for both machines on a small drive I can store in my firebox. I chose WD over Seagate because the Seagate unit of this size/price has a poor connection while the WD connector is much better. Also, WD has 1 more year of warranty. Oh, and it's blue instead of boring black or grey.
This will connect and is easily powered by my usb 3.0 hub, but it is not a UASP device, so it can't compete with the internal SATA drive for speed, but my primary use for it is as a cold backup in case of catastrophic failure taking out the drive and time machine backups.
Overall, I'm satisfied with the drive, but would only consider purchasing it while on sale- the regular marked price is excessive in my opinion.
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep important files on hand with this PNY Turbo Attaché 4 P-FD128TBAT4NB-GE flash drive, which offers up to 128GB storage and features a sliding collar that guards the delicate interface. USB 3.0 technology ensures rapid connectivity.
Customer Rating
4
good performance in smaller chassis
on February 11, 2016
Posted by: js114
Verified Purchase:Yes
Just to point out, the part number listed here on best buy does not match the part number of the actual units sold in stores. In stores, this has the same primary part number as the "turbo plus 3.0" units and is simply a different color (the suffix of the part number is different- for color).
Overall, PNY must be getting flash in smaller modules to allow them to shrink these down this much from the 2 year old 128gb module I already have. I do like the new shape as it makes it easier to remove the device from a usb port, and the protective sleeve works better than the old design which warps with age.
my actual unit formatted out (HFS+) to be 132 gb rather than 128, so that's kinda cool- or worrisome if quality control missed that big a difference.
So far, the unit performs well as a rsync backup device for my iTunes music library. it runs at around 115mb/s which okay.
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This Whalen Furniture BBXL54NV 3-in-1 console accommodates most flat-panel TVs up to 65" and 135 lbs. and features 2 tempered-glass shelves, so you can keep your home theater organized. A swivel mount helps you achieve a comfortable view of your TV.
Customer Rating
5
Simple, Basic, Well Made TV Console.
on January 6, 2016
Posted by: js114
Verified Purchase:Yes
Purchased this to mount our new 60 inch flat screen. There are several versions of this stand, with different manufacturers listed, but at Best Buy they are by "Whalen".
The unit is made up of a a steel spine, which also acts as a mounting post for your TV, to which you attach the metal shelf frames. Then the side panels are attached to these frames to make a solid structure. Suction cups are attached to the shelf frames, and the tempered glass is 'placed' on them. That's it. You can remove the spine extension and wall mount the TV, or you can sit it on the cabinet top, after affixing a small plastic 'stop' to the table top.
We chose to use the supplied post for hanging our TV on the included swiveling backing plate (as depicted in the image). The TV can turn about 45 degrees to either side using this mounting bracket. The TV is 'hung' on the bracket with simply v-notches and then the bottom hooks have bolts which are tightened to hold it to the frame (think of the little bolts used on light fixtures to hold glass covers on). While not overly secure, it seems stable enough.
The table itself is not heavy- probably less than 60 lbs- with the tempered glass shelves in place. Add another 45 lbs for the 60 inch TV and I have an easily moved TV console.
Cons: The manual for this unit is poorly written. It depends on drawings a lot, and some of those are confusing. There is supposedly an assembly video, but every time I tried to access it, it was unavailable.
There are also defects in the tempered glass- not structural, but there are white blemishes in the surface that make the glass look dirty, and cannot be cleaned.
Finally, the supplied "support strap" is a joke. it is nothing more than a 6 inch long piece of plastic that would most likely snap at the first minor earthquake.
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+6points
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Optimized for VHF and UHF frequencies, this RCA ANTB25 antenna works with most ATSC digital tuners and NTSC analog tuners when signals are present, including HDTV and standard definition, to offer a reliable backup for when storms block transmission.
Customer Rating
2
Less Expensive Units Perform Just as Well.
on January 6, 2016
Posted by: js114
Verified Purchase:Yes
This items is labelled (at least at my local Best Buy) as pulling in signals from 50 miles away. I have found this to be false, as I am barely picking up signals at the 25 mile marker.
A five dollar set of rabbit ears does just as well and a 'leaf' style antennae in the same house does significantly better. I couldn't find the 'leaf' style in my local store, which lead to this purchase.
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Only @ Best BuyImmerse yourself in the graphics of your smart television with this Insignia HDMI cable. Supporting resolutions up to 4K UltraHD, this 6-foot cable features HDR support to increase color and contrast for a realistic viewing experience. This Insignia HDMI cable features triple-layer shielding to keep interference out for a crisp picture.
Customer Rating
3
Acceptable, Basic HDMI Cable
on January 6, 2016
Posted by: js114
Verified Purchase:Yes
I have discovered that there isn't a lot of benefit to high priced HDMI cables until you hit about 10 feet in length, so a 6 foot cable is going to be about the same no matter who makes it. Yes, this cable has what could be considered lighter shielding, but there really isn't a lot of "noise" coming off these cables to begin with. Also, since in most applications the HDMI cable is transmitting both the video and sound signal, you don't have a lot of noise anyway.
So, as a basic HDMI cable in a 6 foot length, this meets my requirements and was on sale.
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This PNY Attaché 4 USB 2.0 flash drive's generous 128GB capacity provides plenty of room to store pictures, videos, music and other important files, so you can take them with you on the go.
Customer Rating
5
Very Solid, Compact 128gb USB 2.0
on November 12, 2015
Posted by: js114
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased this to act as the entertainment library on a Raspberry PI 2B running OSMC (Kodi). The Pi has no problems addressing the drive and since the Pi is only USB 2.0, the cost savings over the 3.0 model was fine.
The new Attache shape is about half the thickness of the old full size attache unit, and about the same as the old compact attache. The connector is metal, while the old compact attache was plastic.
The protective sleeve seems to operate better than the old Attache design. I have 2 of the old design that are now very difficult to open/close because of heat warpage. The slight indentation at the rear of the new unit is probably supposed to help you grip it, but it is too small to be effective.
Performance wise, it's faster than my 64 gb compact attaches, but not as fast as the Turbo usb 3.0 units (as expected.)
I have decent luck with PNY flash drives, and Best Buy has them on sale often, so when I need one, I usually only have to wait a week at most to get a much better price.
So, I would recommend this unit if you only need USB 2.0; the price difference between the 2.0 and 3.0 units when on sale is usually less than 5 dollars, so If you are buying for higher performance, I'd go with the 3.0 unit.
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
My Best Buy number: 2937080902
I would recommend this to a friend!
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3of 3voted this as helpful.
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js114's Answers
Place a protective barrier between your iPad and the forces of nature with this VersaVu Classic rotating case. This versatile case offers hands-free viewing of your tablet in landscape or portrait positions with various angle options. Custom cutouts in this VersaVu Classic rotating case offer full access to your ports and buttons.
Will it fit iPad A1474 ?
Yes. I have tested an original iPad Air Wi-Fi (Apple Model A1474) in this case. The 2017 iPad 9.7" A1822 (wi-fi) and A1823 (wi-fi + cellular) also fit as we have this case on the A1823 model. The packaging states it will also fit an iPad Air 2 and the iPad Pro 9.7".
6 years, 9 months ago
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js114