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Mattman385
Mattman385's stats
- Review count10
- Helpfulness votes94
- First reviewDecember 23, 2010
- Last reviewJune 22, 2015
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
- Review comment count5
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentOctober 30, 2012
- Last review commentJune 27, 2014
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First answerOctober 6, 2014
- Last answerOctober 6, 2014
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
Mattman385's Reviews
Motorola Unlocked Nexus 6 Cell Phone: A snappy processor quickly accesses your favorite apps, Web pages, and games on the large 6" screen. With high-definition video recording capabilities and a camera that takes clear photographs, you can capture all of life's important moments.
Customer Rating
5
Great Android Device
on June 22, 2015
Posted by: Mattman385
from Charlotte, NC
By far this has become my favorite device. I also have a Samsung Note 4 which is a great device. I gave my Note 4 to a family member to get the Nexus 6. Here is why. 1) pure Android OS. 2) Very fast phone with no interference from any kind of manufactory's bloatware. 3) Great battery. 4) Love the feel of the device in my hand with a slightly curved back and front. 5) Camera. Yes the camera has a lower megapixal count but the fact is the photos look better. The color is more natural and the camera is easy to use. The only two complains I have is that there is no "Close all" on open tiles and no "My files". Not a big inconvenience. The phone holds a great charge and is the most " Google" of any phone. I have no regrets. Finally, the phone does not have expandable memory. With that said, the OS with lack of bloatware takes far less memory. You will find that there is plenty of memory especially if you use Google drive. You should consider the 64GB device for about 50 dollars more. Google Play had the device for a 32GB at $499 and $549 for the 64GB. $150 off sale.
My Best Buy number: 2270247109
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
Motorola Nexus 6 Cell Phone for Verizon Wireless: A snappy processor quickly accesses your favorite apps, Web pages, and games on the large 6" screen. With high-definition video recording capabilities and a camera that takes clear photographs, you can capture all of life's important moments. Verizon Edge option available in store. Learn more ~
Posted by: Mattman385
from Charlotte, NC
By far this has become my favorite phone. I also have a Samsung Note 4 which is a great device. I gave my Note 4 to a family member to get the Nexus 6. Here is why. 1) pure Android OS. 2) Very fast phone with no interference from any kind of manufactory's bloatware. 3) Great battery. 4) Love the feel of the device in my hand with a slightly curved back and front. 5) Camera. Yes the camera has a lower megapixal count but the fact is the photos look better. The color is more natural and the camera is easy to use.
The only two complains I have is that there is no "Close all" on open tiles and no "My files". Not a big inconvenience.
The phone holds a great charge and is the most " Google" of any phone. I have no regrets.
Finally, the phone does not have expandable memory. With that said, the OS with lack of bloatware takes far less memory. You will find that there is plenty of memory especially if you use Google drive. You should consider the 64GB device for about 50 dollars more. Google Play had the device for a 32GB at $499 and $549 for the 64GB. $150 off sale. Also they offered the accidental replacement coverage for $129 for 24 months coverage with a $37.50 deductible. You should look to see if that sale is still going. BB will match them.
My Best Buy number: 2270247109
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+22points
25of 28voted this as helpful.
Manage up to 8 of your home theater electronics devices with this Logitech Harmony 700 915-000162 universal remote, which features a brilliant color command screen for easy navigation. One-touch activity buttons simplify device selection.
Customer Rating
4
Great solid remote
on January 2, 2015
Posted by: Mattman385
from Charlotte, NC
Great remote. Simple to program and understand. Very good price right now. Best value right now. The only complaint I have is that not all the hard buttons are backlighted. The activity buttons at the top are not backlighted. Strange!
I like the remote and I bought two more for the grandfathers in the family.
I like the remote and I bought two more for the grandfathers in the family.
My Best Buy number: 2270247109
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Philips hue A19 426353 Starter Kit: Experience home lighting in a new way by adjusting colors, timers, alerts and more from your phone. The bulbs and bridge work with your Wi-Fi to let you create mood-setting color schemes, enjoy perfect reading light, or maintain an automatic schedule while you're vacationing.
Customer Rating
5
Very Cool for our Media room
on October 31, 2014
Posted by: Mattman385
from Charlotte, NC
What we really like about it is that now we can control the lighting color and intensity while watching movies in the media room. Having the right color temperature at the right intensity allows for.much better movie watching experience . I really think we will enjoy them.
My Best Buy number: 2270247109
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
This ARRIS SURFboard cable modem uses DOCSIS 3.0 technology to ensure speed that lets you surf the Web and download videos, music and images with ease. The integrated wireless network (802.11n) is backward compatible with 802.11b/g access points
Customer Rating
5
Very stable router and modem
on October 6, 2014
Posted by: Mattman385
from Charlotte, NC
I am very impressed with the ease of setup with Time Warner Cable. All I had to do was call TWC and give them the equipment number from the device and then plug and play. The setup of the router was nothing more than a typical router where you setup the network name and passphrase. That's all you need to do. As far as technical compliments, it runs the latest modem protocol (3.0) and is much faster than my previous modem. The most interesting thing is that my Nest WIFI thermostat was having issues with my previous router but now I am having no issues at all. The newer router side of the device is very stable. The best thing is that I am now saving about 10 bucks a month on my internet bill which will pay for the device by in 12 months. This is a great buy at $125.00
My Best Buy number: 2270247109
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Nest Learning Thermostat ~ 2nd Generation: Meet the Nest Learning Thermostat. It learns from you and your home, programs itself automatically, and helps save energy when you're away. And you can control it using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. In independent studies, the Nest Thermostat saved an average of 10%~12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. Based on typical energy costs, your Nest Thermostat could pay for itself in less than 2 years. Calculate your savings here.
Posted by: Mattman385
from Charlotte, NC
I have had a great experience so far. I read all the reviews and found two negative issues that kept coming up. 1) The battery would not stay charged and 2) the battery would drain quickly. Obviously once the battery is dead, the device fails to control your AC during July in the heat. Not good. I called Nest and they explained what these two issues are in detail. In the first instance where the battery would not stay charged is a situation where the thermostat wires do not provide enough current to charge the battery. In this case a "common" wire connected to the main board of the AC unit resolves this issue. As with most people I didn't want to spend the money to install one so before I bought the device, I opened my existing thermostat and found that I had a common wire already. Newer units have these and units with programmable existing thermostats generally have them. It will be connected to the C spot on your existing thermostat and if you have one you will have at least a five wire system. That solved that issue. Issue number two is that the battery will discharge quickly if it keeps getting kicked off and trying to re-connect to the router. This will discharge the battery faster than it can charge and once again the thermostat will not work the AC if its battery is dead. In this case I called Nest and checked to see if my router was on the incompatible list and they said that my router was not on that list so they were 90% sure I was ok. Issue solved and they were right.
With these tow issues out of the way, I purchased the unit and commenced to installing it. Very Very easy. Go the Nest website and view the video to see how to install. I did my first unit in about 15 minutes using the cover plate to cover the old area from the previous thermostat and on the second unit I spackled and painted before I installed the Nest. The spackle and paint took about an hour to dry and the Nest installed in about 10 minutes. Anyone can install this thing who finished high school. Its a bit expensive but its cheaper than the new Honeywell Lyric that came out this month by about 30 dollars and all the software hiccups have been worked out on the Nest
What's great about it: Entire Idea of learning device
What's not so great: Important to know that your router will work with the device
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+15points
16of 17voted this as helpful.
View your favorite movies with this Panasonic DMP-BD89 smart Blu-ray player that features support for 1080p visuals, so you can enjoy clear high-definition images. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you connect to your home network for easy access to streaming media.
Customer Rating
5
Great Player
on September 27, 2013
Posted by: Mattman385
from Houston, TX
Great player for the money. Has all the smart apps and will play home movies from DLNA server which is an unheard of feature at this price point. Has both WIFI and Ethernet connection which is great. I have a wired access so having an Ethernet connection was important. DLNA connection to my network media server was also very important. I could not ask for a better non-3D Blu-Ray device. Also one great thing, the firmware was current right out of the box! Also the machine loads really fast on Blu-Rays!
What's great about it: Price and features
What's not so great: No complaint at all
I would recommend this to a friend!
Picture Quality
5
Ease of Use
5
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Control up to 8 devices using this Logitech Harmony 650 915-000159 universal remote that is compatible with more than 225,000 devices across more than 5,000 brands for wide-ranging use. One-touch activity buttons simplify option selection.
Customer Rating
5
Great Remote
on October 30, 2012
Posted by: Mattman385
from Houston, TX
I love the remote. Best value I have bought in a long time on sale for $58.00. I can compare the functionality to my Harmony 1100. It in fact feels better to operate in my hand than the 1100 at $350.00. Programming was very easy in fact much easier than the 1100 and the software is very easy to follow and setup. The only small complaint I have is that when syncing to the remote, I got communication errors probably due to the fact that I have the 1100 also programming with the same computer. The 1100 uses a different software program and I think there might be some small conflicts. WIth that said though, I was able to get it to sync eaily by just unplugging the remote and repluggin it into the computer. The drivers are automatically downloaded from Logitech and then Logitech automatically tells you to download the software. Very easy and a no brainer. First thing to do is write down your model numbers of your equipment then plug in your remote to the computer. Follow the instructions. One thing that I can say is that Logitech has virtually ever remote known to man in their database and I didn't have to do a single "learn" programming at all. Overall I would give it a 5.0!
What's great about it: Works perfectly and well designed
What's not so great: Software sometimes a little tweaky when syncing
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Durability
5
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Learn moreabout Magnolia PremiumInstallation This Panasonic TV supports images up to 1080p. To build a complete 3D home theater system, we recommend you purchase 3D glasses designed for this TV, a 3D Blu-ray player, high-speed HDMI cable and an A/V receiver that is compatible with 3D products. Smart TVGet a world of instant entertainment on this smart TV. Connect to the Internet and stream movies, listen to music and access a wide variety of other content on your HDTV.Learn more about smart products.CinemaNowNetflixPandoraSkype Facebook VIERA / 55" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / Smart / 3D / HDTV
Customer Rating
5
Best TV Ever
on September 15, 2012
Posted by: Mattman385
from Houston, TX
Internet Connectable?Yes
Connected to the Internet:Yes
Wow what a great set. I have had HDTVs since 1999 and never have I had such a high performance TV. 1080P stuff looks great. The smart apps are plentiful and easy to use. Not really sure I plan to use the touch remote as I have a Harmony 1100 universal but it is a very unique remote. I haven't tried the 3D yet since glasses are not included but I plan to and I hear it is amazing
Internet content most enjoyed: Vudu
What's great about it: Color and Black Control
What's not so great: A little Expensive
I would recommend this to a friend!
Picture Quality
5
Sound Quality
3
Features
5
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+6points
9of 12voted this as helpful.
APC Back-UPS XS 1300 VA Tower UPS - 1300VA/780W - 4.2 Minute Full Load - 5 x NEMA 5-15R - Battery Backup System, 5 x NEMA 5-15R - Surge-protected
Posted by: Mattman385
from Houston, TX
A word of warning to new buyers, this is a battery device and I would not put lots of stock in the battery times. I am running about 290 watts on a home theatre system and I get around 20 minutes. Really just enough time that if the main power does not come back on within a few minutes I can shut off the equipment. This will not help you finish the hour long TV show or continue working on a computer for hours. Secondly, you must fully charge the battery PRIOR to use. The instructions do not tell you this. Fully charge before you plug up any devices. Just plug it in the wall and turn the power OFF. Wait 24 hours. I failed to do this and the battery failed to re-charge the first time after a test. It was not a big issue, I just unplugged the unit then plugged it back into the wall and it fully charged in about 12 hours. Thirdly, I found the APC technical support to actually be helpful and easy to communicate with. The one thing to remember, these battery times are estimates at best. I would buy 3 time the wattage power you need to feel good about the unit. Finally, I got very lucky my TV worked with the unit. Most new TVs will not work because they need a "pure sinewave". A sinewave is the cycle that defines the AC frequency be it 50Hz or 60Hz.. Well this unit uses a "stepped sinewave" which is not exactly like the current coming out of your wall plug. I would suggest just simply trying it and if it does not power the TV on battery (the TV will just not come on during battery time) then return it. APC sells a "Smart UPS S series" line that will work and produces the "pure sinewave"
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+32points
32of 32voted this as helpful.
Mattman385's Review Comments
Learn moreabout Magnolia PremiumInstallation This Panasonic TV supports images up to 1080p. To build a complete 3D home theater system, we recommend you purchase 3D glasses designed for this TV, a 3D Blu-ray player, high-speed HDMI cable and an A/V receiver that is compatible with 3D products. Smart TVGet a world of instant entertainment on this smart TV. Connect to the Internet and stream movies, listen to music and access a wide variety of other content on your HDTV.Learn more about smart products.CinemaNowNetflixPandoraSkype Facebook VIERA / 55" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / Smart / 3D / HDTV
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Best TV Ever
By Mattman385
from Houston, TX
Wow what a great set. I have had HDTVs since 1999 and never have I had such a high performance TV. 1080P stuff looks great. The smart apps are plentiful and easy to use. Not really sure I plan to use the touch remote as I have a Harmony 1100 universal but it is a very unique remote. I haven't tried the 3D yet since glasses are not included but I plan to and I hear it is amazing
Mattman385
Houston, TX
Actual screen size is right at 55.
October 30, 2012
And yes you will need to buy the glasses seperate. BB will match amazon on those at around $50 each.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Learn moreabout Magnolia PremiumInstallation This Panasonic TV supports images up to 1080p. To build a complete 3D home theater system, we recommend you purchase 3D glasses designed for this TV, a 3D Blu-ray player, high-speed HDMI cable and an A/V receiver that is compatible with 3D products. Smart TVGet a world of instant entertainment on this smart TV. Connect to the Internet and stream movies, listen to music and access a wide variety of other content on your HDTV.Learn more about smart products.CinemaNowNetflixPandoraSkype Facebook VIERA / 55" Class / Plasma / 1080p / 600Hz / Smart / 3D / HDTV
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Best TV Ever
By Mattman385
from Houston, TX
Wow what a great set. I have had HDTVs since 1999 and never have I had such a high performance TV. 1080P stuff looks great. The smart apps are plentiful and easy to use. Not really sure I plan to use the touch remote as I have a Harmony 1100 universal but it is a very unique remote. I haven't tried the 3D yet since glasses are not included but I plan to and I hear it is amazing
Mattman385
Houston, TX
CNET offers setup details for the video setup
October 30, 2012
One great thing on this TV is that CNET has done extensive testing and found the proper picture setting that you can print out and do a calibration yourself. I have had ISF calibrations in the past and I found these setting to be 99% of what you might pay someone to provide you for $500. Search CNET for the TV review
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Nest Learning Thermostat ~ 2nd Generation: Meet the Nest Learning Thermostat. It learns from you and your home, programs itself automatically, and helps save energy when you're away. And you can control it using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. In independent studies, the Nest Thermostat saved an average of 10%~12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. Based on typical energy costs, your Nest Thermostat could pay for itself in less than 2 years. Calculate your savings here.
Overall
3 out of 5
3 out of 5Expensive and impossible to easily tell the temp
By Bill
from The Villages KS
Installation was pretty simple. The remote feature is great and it's ability to monitor whether you're home or away can reduce energy consumption.
My biggest compliant is with the display. What's prominently featured is the target temperature. You can't easily tell at a glance what the current temperature is. You have to try and read little notches in a dial and estimate what they mean.
Mattman385
Houston, TX
Look on the app andthe dial
June 27, 2014
my display tells me the current temp and how long it will run to get to the target temp
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Nest Learning Thermostat ~ 2nd Generation: Meet the Nest Learning Thermostat. It learns from you and your home, programs itself automatically, and helps save energy when you're away. And you can control it using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. In independent studies, the Nest Thermostat saved an average of 10%~12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. Based on typical energy costs, your Nest Thermostat could pay for itself in less than 2 years. Calculate your savings here.
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5Do not waste your money with this Nest thermostat
By NestSuck
from Fort Worth texas
The thermostat began discharging and going offline about 10 months after purchase. Do not waste your money with this Nest thermostat. The Nest thermostat can't connect to wifi because of the Low Battery.
Mattman385
Charlotte, NC
Issue with the router
June 27, 2014
It can't connect to the router properly is the issue. Get a newer router. If it is having connection problems the cycling of trying to connect kills the battery. Do you have a C wire lead for the thermostat?
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Nest Learning Thermostat ~ 2nd Generation: Meet the Nest Learning Thermostat. It learns from you and your home, programs itself automatically, and helps save energy when you're away. And you can control it using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. In independent studies, the Nest Thermostat saved an average of 10%~12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills. Based on typical energy costs, your Nest Thermostat could pay for itself in less than 2 years. Calculate your savings here.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Stops working eventually
By bldudnedf
from Fort Wayne, IN
Worked great for 6 months. Then one day in December it started running the AC and furnace at the same time, even though it was set to heat only. Turning the Nest off and even taking it off of the base plate did not stop the AC and furnace from running. It seemed that just the base plate being hooked up to the wires was enough to cause the whole system to run. I took the Nest base plate off the wall and everything stopped as it should. I went back to my old thermostat and everything has worked fine since.
Mattman385
Charlotte, NC
Heat Pump?
June 27, 2014
Not a great device for heat pumps. Once the unit is running, never disconnect the thermostat until you kill the power at the breaker. You will blow furnace fuses
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Mattman385's Questions
Mattman385 has not submitted any questions.
Mattman385's Answers
This ARRIS SURFboard cable modem uses DOCSIS 3.0 technology to ensure speed that lets you surf the Web and download videos, music and images with ease. The integrated wireless network (802.11n) is backward compatible with 802.11b/g access points
Will this work with Time Warner Cable internet?
I have Time Warner Cable. Trying to get away from renting their modem and my regular router just died, so trying to combine to save money. Will this modem/router combo work?
Yes very well. Very easy to setup with TWC and it uses the latest modem protocol. The router works very well too for a typical user.
11 years, 8 months ago
by
Mattman385
Charlotte, NC