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Andyj
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- Review count80
- Helpfulness votes80
- First reviewAugust 5, 2016
- Last reviewApril 24, 2023
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
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- Answer count6
- Helpfulness votes4
- First answerOctober 16, 2018
- Last answerNovember 13, 2019
- Featured answers0
- Best answers1
Keep your computers, phones, and tablets in peak performance with this AVG software. AVG TuneUp will help you free up precious disk space, remove unnecessary junk files, and get your devices running smoother and faster than before.
Posted by: Andyj
from Germantown, MD
I'm always skeptical of these types of products, as they can sometimes do more harm than good. AVG Tuneup isn't perfect, but if it gets something wrong, you can use rescue center to undo most actions.
I was most impressed with "sleep mode", which lets you suspend apps from running in the background until you run them again. I have a lot of programs that run concurrently, but I don't need them all of the time. While I turned off a couple of things that I should have kept running, I was easily able to undo my actions.
There is also a disk and registry cleaner, that cleans up storage space and fixes bad and/or invalid registry entries. In addition to that, AVG Tuneup has an Automatic Maintenance feature, so that it can continue to optimize your computer, without the need to constantly run the program manually.
Like most AVG products, expect a banner ad at the bottom of the registered version for other AVG products (sold separately). I would dock it 1 star for this, but this seems to be the norm for many other programs in this category.
I feel that it's at good price point and fairly easy to use, with "set it and forget it' functionality, that is missing on quite a few optimizing programs.
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Stay connected with this Motorola Alexa wireless home phone. The built-in Alexa button lets you make calls, control smart devices and check weather and news updates, while the 2-inch full-color display makes it easy to browse through your contacts. This Motorola Alexa wireless home phone has a hands-free speakerphone for quality sound, and the backlit keypad ensures seamless operations in dimly lit rooms.
Posted by: Andyj
from Germantown, MD
The sound quality on this phone is very good, considering that it uses a landline. Quality is what you would expect from Motorola, not to be confused with "Moto".
Yes, this phone does have Alexa built in and yes, you can make regular calls with it as it uses a companion app to sync your cell phone's contact list with the AXH01. You can voice dial by holding the Alexa button and asking it to call "X", but you cannot voice without pressing that or entering the number you wish to call.
I found that the need for a constant Ethernet connection (RJ45) for the "hub" for the phone, along with connecting a phone cable (RJ11) in my case was a bit of a pain as my router is in one room, and my phone jack is in a completely different room. I have FIOS, so both of these are not located on the router, unlike Xfinity/Comcast equipment.
I also found some features missing, that I would expect to see on a "Smart" home phone. While call blocking is an option with this phone, it's only available while an incoming call is ringing. You cannot look through recent calls via the cordless phone and block numbers once the phone stops ringing.
I am hoping that the user interface is updated along with some call blocking features in the future.
I wasn't blown away with the featureset of this phone, but was impressed by the sound clarity and being able to do Alexa stuff away from your cell or a plugged in wall device (ie Echo Dot) is convenient.
It's a quality product, even though it's a bit rough around the edges at launch. Give it time.
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Meet ibi~, the smart photo manager that collects all of your favorite photos and videos from your phone, computer, USB drives and popular cloud and social media accounts in one place at home. ibi lets you privately share individual photos or entire albums from vacations, birthday parties, weddings and more with only those you choose.
Posted by: Andyj
from Germantown, MD
The Ibi was extremely easy to configure out of the box and with a few settings in the Android version of the app, my phone and social media accounts were backing my pictures and videos to the Ibi.
If you have RAW images, such as photos from a DSLR or the like, you may have to manually copy them to the Ibi. The Windows version of the Ibi software offers a couple options to manage your files, one of them using Windows "File Explorer".
Ease of use and simplicity are what you will find here. The setup is very user friendly and I really didn't hit any snags. You can set the Ibi up anywhere (except maybe the top of a speaker), and since it uses Wifi, it doesn't have to tie up cabled connection to the router.
It uses passive cooling, so no fan noises to listen to. But if you have sensitive hearing, you may not want to keep in your bedroom if you are a light sleeper, as the HDD is normally spinning all the time. I would definitely recommend this to people whom have large and unruly photo collections that they need to centralize.
Great product and a great idea.
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Match your opponents shot-for-shot with this Alienware gaming PC. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER graphics card meets the demands of AAA titles at high settings, while the Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM provide powerful performance. This Alienware gaming PC has a 512GB SSD and 1TB hard drive, blending rapid load times with ample space for your gaming library.
Posted by: Andyj
from Germantown, MD
This computer packs a surprising punch for its size. I've always been skeptical about prebuilt gaming computers such as this one, but Dell did not disappoint.
The initial setup was straightforward, and I didn't run into any snags. Installing my game launchers such as Steam, Origin, Epic, Uplay, etc. went pretty much without a hitch.
I'm surprised how smooth the computer runs most of my games at 3840x2160 (4K) with the graphics options maxed out or nearly maxed out on many of my games.
The case design is interesting and is a smaller footprint than I have personally seen with Alienware cases. As noted in other places, the fans tend to kick into overdrive to keep everything cooled off in the case. I have applied the recommended BIOS update to deal with this, but they still get loud sometimes.
I have an Oculus Rift (CV1) that ran nothing short of flawless on the Aurora R9, whether through the Oculus app or through SteamVR.
I apologize that I haven't provided benchmarking scores, but there are enough of them floating around already. I was very impressed by the Aurora R9, and I normally build my own gaming PCs. This computer is now my main computer and I've been gutting my prior gaming build for RAM and HDDs to put into this (Totals now: 48GB RAM, 6TB HDD). I wish the computer would've put a larger HDD in this to start with, as I filled the 1TB drive in about a day of game downloading and only had a dozen or so titles installed.
If you have the means, this is what to buy. It's sufficiently fast enough for just about anything you could throw at it.
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Watch sports and movies on this 55-inch Hisense H8F Android smart TV. The Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range adds vivid color, brightness and contrast to every image, and the built-in Google Assistant provides control of this TV with voice commands. This Hisense H8F Android smart TV has Motion Rate 240, decreasing eye-strain and creating smooth motion.
Posted by: Andyj
from Germantown, MD
Pretty good picture quality for HDR and Dolby Vision. I have tested the TV with both of these technologies using Netflix, UHD Blu-rays with Dolby Vision (where applicable), and other HDR type content. Dolby Vision looks phenomenal on this TV, and this is where the TV shines.
The 55H8F is surprisingly lighter than other 55” TVs I have come across, making it easy to mount to a wall, or setting on a stand using the included base.
It does require a little bit of tweaking for the best picture quality if not using an HDR/DV source. Otherwise, it’s more or less plug and play.
The 55H8F is at a great price point and picture wise can hold its own against higher priced TVs offering similar features.
While I personally prefer the Android TV interface, it can be sluggish sometimes. I feel this is due to having a limited amount of storage (4GB) and conservative amount of RAM. You can add more storage with a USB flash drive, as long as you plan on keeping it always connected to one of the USB ports.
One of the downsides that I can’t look past is that the corners of the display are noticeably darker than the rest of the display.
I think it’s a great TV on a budget, and delivers many features that are normally only found on others’ flagship models.
I would recommend the 55H8F is you are looking for a great feature filled 4k television that won’t break the bank.
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Listen to music with improved quality using this Sony XB22 portable speaker. The LIVE SOUND feature provides a three-dimensional sound experience and broadcasts music to a large area for a concert-type feel, while the EXTRA BASS boost improves low-end tones. This Sony XB22 portable speaker is convenient to use with a variety of devices with Bluetooth capabilities.
Posted by: Andyj
from Germantown, MD
Overall, I was impressed by the SRS-XB22, here are some highlights that are worth mentioning:
1. Good Sound Quality. The Sony has Clean sound at lower levels and still sounds good when the volume is all the way up. This is especially useful in noisy environments.
2. Lightweight and easy to take with you. Weighing in at slightly above one pound, it doesn’t become a burden to take it with you to your next party, trip to the local park, or to indoors to listen to something quieter.
3. Works great outside. The sound is loud enough to be heard from a considerable distance away. I used mine at a backyard party and everybody thought it sounded pretty good. The Live mode enhances the sound quality further, for a more enveloping sound.
4. Compatible with Sony's party mode, so you can use it with other Sony speakers in this category. Unfortunately, to have stereo sound, you need two of the same model number. However, party mode is a good compromise and it stays in sync over Bluetooth with relatively no issues.
5. IP67 protection, in case of an accident, it can be submerged up to 30 minutes in approximately 3m of water. Also dustproof, if using it in a dirty environment, such as a garage, or a workshop.
6. My only complaint would be that It's a bit of a fingerprint magnet, compared to SRS-XB21 (previous year model). While the finish is not "piano black" glossy or even glossy, it has to be wiped clean if it has been handled a lot.
I like this speaker and I feel like the SRS-XB22 is capable of standing on its own, paired with another SRS-XB22 for stereo sound, and almost seamlessly blending in with other Sony products that feature their "Party Mode".
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Top up your phone's battery with this Belkin wireless charging pad. Qi certification ensures compatibility with a large variety of devices, while the 10W transmission charges select phone models nearly twice as quickly. This Belkin wireless charging pad features a silicone grip to quickly stabilize mounted devices and an LED light that indicates improper charging conditions.
Posted by: Andyj
from Germantown, MD
I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S8, and have used this on an almost daily basis. The design is fairly simple, but gives plenty of surface area to set your phone down on. With my phone, it indicated "Fast Wireless Charging" with a completion time from near dead (5%) to full charge in a little over 2 hours.
This is great for an end table, nightstand, or wherever you want to set your phone down for a while without fumbling for cables.
-1 star for using a micro-USB connection instead of a Type-C connector.
A fair price point and definitely less than the OEM wireless charger, but it still works as well, if not better.
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Get the party started with this Marshall Stockwell II portable Bluetooth speaker. A built-in subwoofer and powerful tweeters with Blumlein stereo sound construction get people dancing with rich multidirectional audio. This Marshall Stockwell II portable Bluetooth speaker keeps the good times rolling with up to 20 hours of use per charge.
Posted by: Andyj
from Germantown, MD
I have had the opportunity to try this out in a variety of environments, including outdoors at a backyard cookout. Everybody was impressed by the sound quality and how loud it could be turned up.
Something lacking on some other brands, and what sets this apart from other "Bluetooth speakers" is the analog controls, not only for the volume, but for bass and treble. No fumbling around a smartphone app to adjust these settings, they are right on top and easily accessible.
I would consider this a premium product, with great sound quality, even at a distance, 20 hour battery life between charges, USB Type-C connector for charging and a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting non-Bluetooth devices. Well worth the investment. Rugged and durable design, that can take a little bit of punishment (I did not perform drop tests on this), and a solid build quality.
Try it out, it's definitely a keeper.
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Logitech G432 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset is enhanced with advanced soundscape technology. Hear more of the game with huge 50 mm drivers that deliver a big sound. For maximum immersion, DTS Headphone:X 2.0 surround sound creates precise in-game positional awareness. Hear enemies sneaking up behind you, sense air attacks or special-ability cues, and enjoy the full cinematic experience of your favorite games. Its slim and lightweight, with rotating sports-performance ear cups, a large 6 mm, flip-to-mute mic, and convenient multi-platform compatibility.
Posted by: Andyj
from Germantown, MD
I primarily used these on my PC for gaming. They felt comfortable, even after having them on for 2-3 hours at a time. The sound quality was pretty good, but Logitech offers higher tier gaming headsets at a higher price point. I don't do a lot of multiplayer voice chat, so I cannot offer any commentary on the mic clarity, but flipping the mic up and out of the way should mute it. No fumbling for buttons, switches or knobs to mute the mic.
I did have some issues initially with getting these to work with the USB adapter for the PC, but was able to resolve the problem with their tech support.
If you are looking for a gaming headset that is comfortable, fairly durable, and won't break the bank, consider these.
-1 star for having an analog volume dial on the back of the headset instead of inline on the cord. Great headset otherwise.
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The MR8300 Max Stream~ AC2200 is a high-performance Tri-Band router. Perfect for households that thrive on entertainment, it delivers up to 2.2 Gbps of superior speed throughout your entire home. The Tri-Band and MU-MIMO technology make it ideal for simultaneous streaming of HD movies, online gaming, video calling and supporting all of your smart home devices. MR8300 also grows as your needs do. With its built-in mesh Wi-Fi, instead of investing in a new router, you can expand coverage by simply adding Linksys Velop~ Mesh Wi-Fi nodes for seamless Wi-Fi everywhere.The MR8300 serves as the master router and must connect directly to your modem to create your network. Sets up in minutes with the Linksys app.
Posted by: Andyj
from Germantown, MD
I use this along with some of Linksys's Velop Tri-Band nodes. It takes a little patience to get everything to talk to each other, but the process is simplified with the Linksys mobile app (using bluetooth) to get everything running and configured.
Linksys also has extremely generous tech support hours in case you get stuck, as well as a wealth of information in their forums.
The MR-8300 has pretty good Wifi speeds, which should be sufficient for most users, but it doesn't set any speed records. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely not slow, but your results may vary depending on how far away you are from the router in a non-mesh setup. Add in some Velop nodes (optional) and turn your Wifi dead zones into full Wifi strength zones with even further coverage for a large household.
It can handle whatever you throw at it, even with a Gigabit internet connection.
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Andyj's Answers
Stay connected with this Motorola Alexa wireless home phone. The built-in Alexa button lets you make calls, control smart devices and check weather and news updates, while the 2-inch full-color display makes it easy to browse through your contacts. This Motorola Alexa wireless home phone has a hands-free speakerphone for quality sound, and the backlit keypad ensures seamless operations in dimly lit rooms.
For a disabled person who cannot get out of bed, can he say " answer " and receive calls through speaker? Without having to touch the phone, can he answer, speak, or call and speak?
No, not as of yet (11/13/2019).
6 years, 6 months ago
by
Andyj
Enjoy hours of reliability and speed with this HP Pavilion desktop. Its AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 12GB of RAM let you accomplish multiple tasks at the same time, and its 1TB hard drive provides plenty of space for file storage. This HP Pavilion desktop comes with a wired keyboard and mouse for interacting with Windows 10 Home.
Can this handle two monitors with extended display (not duplicate)?
This computer has 1 HDMI port and 1 VGA port. In theory, yes as they still make monitors with a 15-pin VGA connection.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
Andyj
Enjoy hours of reliability and speed with this HP Pavilion desktop. Its AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 12GB of RAM let you accomplish multiple tasks at the same time, and its 1TB hard drive provides plenty of space for file storage. This HP Pavilion desktop comes with a wired keyboard and mouse for interacting with Windows 10 Home.
I intend to purchase the HP Pavilion 590-p0044, which comes with only 1 HDMI slot. I want to run 2 monitors independently. I'm considering buying the NVIDIA Quadro P400. Does anyone any experience in using this card?
I would hit google and check the motherboard specs before doing this. It's highly impractical to run a GPU on this machine, as the case won't fit a full length card and the PSU has zero connectors for a GPU.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
Andyj
Enjoy hours of reliability and speed with this HP Pavilion desktop. Its AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 12GB of RAM let you accomplish multiple tasks at the same time, and its 1TB hard drive provides plenty of space for file storage. This HP Pavilion desktop comes with a wired keyboard and mouse for interacting with Windows 10 Home.
If I add an hard drive do I need to upgrade power supply
No, there is a third SATA power connector inside. I've run it with both the stock 1TB drive + a 2TB HHD and currently have an SSD to replace the 1TB and still have the 2TB HDD running in it.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
Andyj
Enjoy hours of reliability and speed with this HP Pavilion desktop. Its AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 12GB of RAM let you accomplish multiple tasks at the same time, and its 1TB hard drive provides plenty of space for file storage. This HP Pavilion desktop comes with a wired keyboard and mouse for interacting with Windows 10 Home.
Does the motherboard support other ryzen CPUs? Ryzen 7?
It should, but I would not invest in upgrading this build. It doesn't have enough room for a full length GPU and has a proprietary PSU, Mobo and even the DVD drive in it has a wierd half-cable SATA power connector.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
Andyj
Enjoy hours of reliability and speed with this HP Pavilion desktop. Its AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 12GB of RAM let you accomplish multiple tasks at the same time, and its 1TB hard drive provides plenty of space for file storage. This HP Pavilion desktop comes with a wired keyboard and mouse for interacting with Windows 10 Home.
Does this computer have video optical output, microphone, headset out put
No, it has minimal audio connections. Enough to connect a headset with a mic to on the front and the back has those plus maybe a line in.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
Andyj