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EBrown
EBrown's stats
- Review count17
- Helpfulness votes22
- First reviewJanuary 7, 2015
- Last reviewFebruary 18, 2018
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
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- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
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- Answer count4
- Helpfulness votes12
- First answerMay 8, 2016
- Last answerJanuary 13, 2018
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
Samsung SmartThings Smart Outlet: Use your smartphone to control a light, electronic device or appliance that's connected to this smart outlet. Just pair the outlet with your SmartThings hub and plug it in to get started. You'll also receive alerts when lighting or electronics are left on, so you can work to conserve energy.
Customer Rating
4
ZigBee mesh repeater but nothing special
on May 13, 2016
Posted by: EBrown
Verified Purchase:Yes
I bought this because it was on sale and I wanted an additional wired device to enhance my ZigBee mesh network. While the SmartOutlet works fine there is nothing that makes it stand out beyond less expensive Z-Wave alternatives that also integrate with Smartthings. Unlike the GE SmartOutlet (Z-Wave), it does not include a 2nd connector that acts as a pass through plug and it isn't compact enough to avoid blocking the adjacent outlet if installed in the top opening.
A less expensive alternative ZigBee repeater would be an inexpensive light fixture and a ZigBee bulb, like the Cree Connected bulb, even if the light bulb were never used.
The only real reason to get this outlet were if your IoT mesh network devices were primarily ZigBee battery powered devices. Otherwise a Z-wave alternative would be a less expensive alternative for the same functionality.
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Samsung SmartThings Hub: Use your compatible smartphone as a remote for your home's smart thermostat, locks, lights and other smart devices when you download the SmartThings app and connect to this hub, which offers up to 100' range to reach smart devices throughout your home. A battery backup provides peace of mind.
Customer Rating
5
An evolution of the Smartthings Hub
on May 13, 2016
Posted by: EBrown
Verified Purchase:Yes
The v2 hub builds on the open platform that the Smartthings v1 hub established. SmartApps can now run locally on the hub, so in theory many should continue to work even without an internet connection. It also added an integrated battery backup that the v1 hub lacked.
I still like the open platform that Smartthings has established which integrates with a wide range of devices with open standards (Z-wave and ZigBee) as well as proprietary platforms like Amazon Echo and Phillips Hue.
My main dislike about the v2 hub is that the power connector is no longer the micro-USB connector that the original hub used. It is nice to have a readily available standard cable that you can get in different lengths so you can put your hub in the best location.
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Fitbit Alta Activity Tracker: Maintain a healthy, active lifestyle with help from this wireless activity tracker, which tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes and sleep patterns for 24/7 monitoring. A wireless sync dongle is included for easy connectivity to your Windows, Apple or Android device.
Customer Rating
4
More than a basic counter, less than a smart watch
on May 8, 2016
Posted by: EBrown
Verified Purchase:Yes
This is a good fitness tracker if you want something to do basic step and sleep tracking. The main reason I got the Alta was for sleep tracking since I couldn't wear my Apple watch while it charged at night. The Alta battery lasts for about 5 days. It does try to automatically log some activities, but doesn't always guess the right activity. The Alta is bulkier than the Jawbone Up 2 or 3, but adds in a small OLED screen that can show the time, current step count, text messages, etc. If it weren't for the poor durability I experienced with the Up 2, I would not have tried the Alta.
The other advantage of FitBit's among all other fitness trackers is the wider user base. This makes it more likely that you will have friends to get into step competitions with. It may sound silly, but it's a great motivator to get up and take a short walk each day to beat your friend's step count.
The main downside with FitBit is that its app doesn't sync with Apple Health, which allows synchronization of health data across many apps. FitBit also does integrate well with many other apps which have better running and activity tracking classification.
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
I would recommend this to a friend!
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-2points
0of 2voted this as helpful.
Stay cool with this Frigidaire FFRE12B3Q1 12,000 BTU window air conditioner that features 3 cool settings, 3 fan settings and 8-way air-direction control for customized comfort. Electronic controls enable easy operation.
Customer Rating
2
Energy efficient because it doesn't like to run
on August 28, 2015
Posted by: EBrown
Verified Purchase:Yes
I read the reviews and decided on this unit because it was on sale. The unit feels well made and is lighter than a previous generation Frigidaire AC that was 10,000 BTU.
Unfortunately the Eco mode is mostly economical because it makes the AC rarely run. With the AC in Eco mode (which should turn the fan and compressor off once the target temperature is reached) and set to 72, the unit cooled for a while and then turned off. Five feet away my Nest measured the room temperature as 80 deg F. The thermostat never came close to 72 before the AC automatically shut off. After an hour the AC still had not cycled itself to turn the fan on, sample the room temperature, and turn the compressor back on to resume cooling.
If left in cooling mode (continuously runs fan and compressor), the AC will cool my living room and small office. I don't know why the Eco mode works so poorly out of the box. Not sure if my unit is defective or has a very poorly calibrated thermometer. Either way I had much higher expectations for a brand new unit, and would not recommend this unit since all of the brands are normally about the same price.
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+2points
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Microsoft Type Cover for Surface Pro 3: Complement your Surface Pro 3 by adding protection and performance whether you're at home, at work or on the go. The ultrathin keyboard doubles as a screen-protecting case and sits at an incline on flat surfaces for a comfortable typing experience.
Customer Rating
4
Not as solid of a keyboard as I hoped
on January 7, 2015
Posted by: EBrown
Verified Purchase:Yes
If you have a Surface Pro 3 and intend to use it as a laptop replacement, then you should buy a type cover. Just don't expect the type cover to be as solid as a laptop keyboard or even a keyboard cover for most iPad and Android tablets. The cover attaches securely to the magnetic docking connector, but the whole keyboard will flex as you type if not on a flat, solid surface. Still, it is nice to have the integrated trackpad and I don't know of a better solution for the Surface Pro 3.
My biggest disappointment was that the loop to secure the stylus doesn't actually come attached to the keyboard. Instead you secure it where you would like and rely on the adhesive backing to hold it securely. Really, I think there should be a better way of securing the stylus to the Surface Pro, with or without the addition of the type cover.
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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Designed for use with your Samsung Galaxy Note PRO 12.2 or Samsung Galaxy Tab PRO 12.2 tablet, this ZAGG COVER-FIT N12PKB-BBB case features a built-in keyboard with island-style keys for easy typing. The channel stand allows hands-free viewing.
Customer Rating
4
Good but cannot attach with screen out
on January 7, 2015
Posted by: EBrown
Verified Purchase:Yes
This keyboard is a good match for the Note Pro 12.2 if you are in search of a physical keyboard. While it will hold the tablet in a portrait or landscape orientation, it cannot vary the angle. Also, the Note Pro 12.2 will move quite a bit if you press on the screen, in part because of the large size of the tablet and the shallow groove that it rests in with the keyboard case.
The Note Pro conveniently secures to the the keyboard with the screen down, but it does not secure with the screen facing out. This is a problem if you regularly cary the keyboard with you and don't want to set it down or leave it behind when you want to use the tablet as a tablet.
If you want to use a Note Pro 12.2 as a laptop replacement, this isn't a bad keyboard cover, but it does leave some room for improvement.
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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Samsung Galaxy Note Pro - 12.2" - 64GB: Experience the productivity and entertainment of a tablet with a spacious screen. View up to 4 apps simultaneously and switch seamlessly between work and play. Watch a movie in stunning HD, or tackle business tasks with the versatile stylus. With tools to make multitasking and collaboration a breeze, the Samsung Galaxy Note Pro can keep up with even your busiest days.
Customer Rating
5
Bigger screen than an iPad, and it has a stylus
on January 7, 2015
Posted by: EBrown
Verified Purchase:Yes
I own an iPad Air but got the NotePro for my parents to try for their business. The larger screen makes this a better laptop replacement than an iPad as long as the apps you need/want are available for Android. The screen is large and much higher resolution than previous large screen Notes. You can also create multiple users, which the iPad still does not do and is very convenient if it is device that multiple people will share. The stylus is also a useful feature if that is something that appeals to you, but I rarely feel the need for it when casually browsing the web.
The only reason I wouldn't highly recommend the NotePro 12" to others was if they already had a number of Apple devices at home, or if they wanted something more compact.
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
My Best Buy number: 0524739981
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
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EBrown's Answers
Unfold the full-size Smart Keyboard when you need it, then fold it to create a durable and lightweight cover when you don't. No need for batteries or pairing. It's just as easy to use as it is to take with you.
Enjoy HD programming with the Roku Streaming Stick. Plug it into any flat-screen television that has a built-in USB port to view streaming media. This device provides more than 4500 channels on demand and features more than 450,000 movies and TV episodes. Control the Roku Streaming Stick with the included remote or with your smartphone via the Roku Mobile App.
whats the difference between roku and fire stick?
The main differences are the app stores and the apps that they provide. The Fire TV and TV stick are heavily tied to Amazon, and it's selection of apps are not as developed as the Roku. However, the Fire TV stick has the Amazon Alexa voice assistant and control built into the included remote. Roku doesn't include or offer a voice search remote for the Roku stick.
7 years, 4 months ago
by
EBrown
Fitbit Alta Activity Tracker: Maintain a healthy, active lifestyle with help from this wireless activity tracker, which tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes and sleep patterns for 24/7 monitoring. A wireless sync dongle is included for easy connectivity to your Windows, Apple or Android device.
How often does this need to be charged
Mine lasts for about 5 days, but I am not using it to receive any message notifications.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
EBrown
Fitbit Alta Activity Tracker: Maintain a healthy, active lifestyle with help from this wireless activity tracker, which tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, active minutes and sleep patterns for 24/7 monitoring. A wireless sync dongle is included for easy connectivity to your Windows, Apple or Android device.
Does it read heart rate or is it compatible with a heart rate monitor?
It does not contain a heart rate monitor, and does not connect to an optional heart rate monitor.
To monitor heart rate you will need a separate device, like a chest strap, that can work with your cell phone.
To monitor heart rate you will need a separate device, like a chest strap, that can work with your cell phone.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
EBrown