ChicagoBestbuyer
ChicagoBestbuyer's Stats
- Review Count7
- Helpfulness Votes39
- First ReviewApril 20, 2013
- Last ReviewOctober 15, 2015
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.1
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count4
- Helpfulness Votes1
- First Review CommentDecember 17, 2013
- Last Review CommentMarch 20, 2016
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count14
- Helpfulness Votes5
- First AnswerOctober 15, 2014
- Last AnswerMarch 20, 2016
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers0
ChicagoBestbuyer's Reviews
Apple - iPad® mini 2 with Wi-Fi - 16GB - Space Gray
iPad® mini 2 has a stunning 7.9-inch Retina display with over 3.1 million pixels. It also comes with the A7 chip with 64-bit architecture, ultrafast wireless, iSight and FaceTime HD cameras, powerful apps, and up to 10 hours of battery life.1 Yet it still fits easily in one hand.
After 2 years, still works like new
Customer Rating
5.0
I bought this iPad about 2 years ago. At the time, I got it on sale at Bestbuy and it was a good deal. However, at the current price, it is a great deal. Since I mainly use it at home, WIFI works well for most purposes. I also have an iPhone 6, so when I travel, rather than using hotel WIFI, I use the mobile hotspot from the iPhone for added security. Since I don't use the iPad to store music or photos (I use my MacBook for photos), I find that 16GB is more than sufficient. I recently upgraded to iOS 9, and it works well. This particular iPad does not have the iOS 9 split screen feature however, only slide over, which, honestly, I do not use anyway.
Aside from the most used apps of email and Safari, I frequently use Weatherbug, Maps, Google Earth, Zite, and Words with Friends, as well as others, all of which are free in the app store.
In summary if you want an iPad that is easy to carry around and works well, at a good price, get the iPad Mini 2.
Aside from the most used apps of email and Safari, I frequently use Weatherbug, Maps, Google Earth, Zite, and Words with Friends, as well as others, all of which are free in the app store.
In summary if you want an iPad that is easy to carry around and works well, at a good price, get the iPad Mini 2.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 2519743089
0points
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Toshiba - Multiformat DVD-R/RW/+R/+RW Recorder/VCR Combo with HD Upconversion - Black
Update your movie library with this DVD recorder that features one-touch recording for easy operation and bidirectional dubbing that lets you transfer VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS.
Great for what I needed
Customer Rating
4.0
I bought this VCR/DVD player/recorder because I have a lot of VHS tapes that are no longer very useful. I wanted to convert them to DVDs. This Toshiba player/recorder is the only product I could find anywhere that would allow me to do the conversion. It works well.The VHS tape goes in one side and the DVD in the other. The dub feature allows you to copy the contents of the tape to a DVD. I am referring to my own videotapes. I believe that commercial tapes are copy protected and will not work.
I have a large project ahead of me, first getting an inventory of the tapes, where one scene ends and another begins, and then transferring them to DVDs. The tapes are in chronological order, but by selectively copying, I can put them together by subject, (family, dogs, vacations, etc.)
I have not started the project, but I have made one test DVD. It worked perfectly. Since I had a DVD recorder in the past, I had a somewhat intituitive idea of how it works, but don't worry, the unit comes with a comprehensive owner's manual. Just follow the instructions and you will be fine. I would recommend this product to anyone who has a large collection of personal (not commercial) videotapes that you would like to convert to DVD before the tapes self destruct.
I have a large project ahead of me, first getting an inventory of the tapes, where one scene ends and another begins, and then transferring them to DVDs. The tapes are in chronological order, but by selectively copying, I can put them together by subject, (family, dogs, vacations, etc.)
I have not started the project, but I have made one test DVD. It worked perfectly. Since I had a DVD recorder in the past, I had a somewhat intituitive idea of how it works, but don't worry, the unit comes with a comprehensive owner's manual. Just follow the instructions and you will be fine. I would recommend this product to anyone who has a large collection of personal (not commercial) videotapes that you would like to convert to DVD before the tapes self destruct.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 2519743089
+10points
10out of 10found this review helpful.
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Nikon - Coolpix S7000 16.0-Megapixel Digital Camera - Black
Easily capture special moments as they unfold with this Nikon Coolpix S7000 digital camera, which features optical image stabilization, 1080/60i high-definition video recording and long-zoom capability to help you shoot the subjects you want.Memory card sold separately.
Perfect compact point & shoot, great zoom
Customer Rating
5.0
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
I have been taking pictures with my iPhone 6, which generally takes great pictures, but has no optical zoom. I missed that when I had the opportunity to see rare whooping cranes and wanted something with a true optical zoom. Having owned a Nikon point and shoot before, I wanted to stay with that brand. Online I looked at the Coolpix S7000 (20x zoom) and the S9900 (30x zoom), as well as a couple of other brands. I had decided to get the S9900. However, when I tried both in the store, I found the S7000 to be much easier to focus and keep steady on the zoom settings. 20x zoom seemed more than sufficient, plus the S7000 is much smaller and lighter than the S9900, so I went with that and I'm very happy with the camera. It is small enough to carry around like a smartphone, yet has an excellent zoom. The only thing the camera lacks is a built in GPS. I've posted two photos for comparison. Both are taken from the same vantage point, on top of a high rise building. One is without any zoom. There is a low rise building between the two high rises in the center of the picture. In the other photo, I zoomed in on the low rise building to illustrate the zoom. I was impressed with the result. One point I'd make is that I turned off the digital zoom, because digital has a tendency to blur a photo on any camera, so the zoomed picture here was taken using the optical zoom only.
Pros:
Small, lightweight, 20x digital zoom, wifi enabled (easy to see pictures on iPad), ability to crop or edit photos on camera, good video quality
Cons: Only one, no built in GPS
Pros:
Small, lightweight, 20x digital zoom, wifi enabled (easy to see pictures on iPad), ability to crop or edit photos on camera, good video quality
Cons: Only one, no built in GPS
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 2519743089
+18points
19out of 20found this review helpful.
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Speck - Mightyshell Case for Apple® iPhone® 6 - Orange
Safeguard your Apple iPhone 6 with 3 layers of protection using this Speck Mightyshell SPK-A3261 case that features a radial impact geometry makeup to compress the inner walls on impact for absorbing shock. The case provides protection and a slim look.
Nice case, offers good protection
Customer Rating
5.0
The first case I bought for my iPhone 6 was a Speck Mightyshell, clear. I actually didn't like the way it looked on the phone, so I exchanged it for a clear "pretty" case that showed off the phone. That seemed too flimsy, so I went with a more rubberized one. Protection was pretty good, but I was concerned that it was not good enough.
I've now gone full circle and back to the Speck Mightyshell, this time in Orange. At first I thought the color was too vivid, but I've gotten used to it. It seems as though it will offer good protection because of the dual layer and the edges in the front. Some others have commented that it is hard to remove the case from the phone, and that is true, but again, I wouldn't want the case coming off on its own.
This case is somewhat bulkier than the Tech 21 I had before, but I feel the phone is better protected.
Understand that this is a Bestbuy exclusive, so it is not available elsewhere It is somewhat expensive at $49.95, but I think, worth the price.
I've now gone full circle and back to the Speck Mightyshell, this time in Orange. At first I thought the color was too vivid, but I've gotten used to it. It seems as though it will offer good protection because of the dual layer and the edges in the front. Some others have commented that it is hard to remove the case from the phone, and that is true, but again, I wouldn't want the case coming off on its own.
This case is somewhat bulkier than the Tech 21 I had before, but I feel the phone is better protected.
Understand that this is a Bestbuy exclusive, so it is not available elsewhere It is somewhat expensive at $49.95, but I think, worth the price.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 2519743089
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Sharp - 1.1 Cu. Ft. Mid-Size Microwave - White
Sharp R309YW Mid-Size Microwave: Easily prepare dinner for those evenings in or pop some popcorn for movie night. Good for a variety of foods, this microwave makes heating up food quick and easy.
Good microwave at a reasonable price
Customer Rating
4.0
I had some space constraints when looking for a microwave, and wanted a white one to match other kitchen appliances. The Sharp fit nicely into the space I had allocated for it. The price was reasonable and it works very well. It seems to have more than enough power to heat effectively and has a rotating tray for even heating. There is a light inside that stays on when the oven is operating. It does not light when the door is open. The oven also has the feature which easily adds time in 30 second increments. I've had it about a month now, with no issues.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 2519743089
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Canon - PIXMA MG5520 Wireless All-In-One Printer - Black
Canon PIXMA MG5520 All-In-One Printer: Complete your office tasks, including printing, copying and scanning, using a single device. This all-in-one printer connects to your computer or mobile device via built-in Wi-Fi, so you can print directly from your smartphone, tablet or the Cloud using PPS (PIXMA Printing Solutions), Google Cloud Print or Apple® AirPrint.
Printer may be OK but documentation is terrible
Customer Rating
1.0
Features
1.0
Speed
1.0
What's great about it: It eventually works
What's not so great: The worst documentation I've ever encountered
The printer looks nice, is solid and the print quality is good, once you get through the battle of setting it up. The documentation is absolutely the worst I've ever seen on any product, so, while maybe the printer/scanner is high quality, I'm not sure of everything it does.
First, there is the quick start guide, which is a series of pictures, and very few words. OK, Canon, I can actually read, so don't give me these stupid pictures. Anyway, I got it set up and plugged in. Next step, get it working with my MacBook Pro. There is a disc in the package, which ONLY works with Windows, so I had to call tech support. The guy was very good and talked me through downloading the drivers and getting the printer and scanner working with my computer.
I like to be able to actually have a readable owners manual. I don't mind downloading it and putting on a Kindle or somewhere else to read, but the only manual available is online (I confirmed that with Canon tech support), and, even worse, it is in pieces, so you have to go to Canon, 5500 series, then the specific function you want, so click one place for printing, then somewhere else for scanning. Even then, there is not much detail on any of the functions. For example, I read that you can scan multiple photos at once, and save them as separate pictures, but I can't find instructions on that.
I know this sounds like a rant, but really, I own a lot of tech devices and am capable of following instructions. I just feel I shouldn't have to hunt all over to find the instructions. I am seriously considering returning the printer for another brand.
First, there is the quick start guide, which is a series of pictures, and very few words. OK, Canon, I can actually read, so don't give me these stupid pictures. Anyway, I got it set up and plugged in. Next step, get it working with my MacBook Pro. There is a disc in the package, which ONLY works with Windows, so I had to call tech support. The guy was very good and talked me through downloading the drivers and getting the printer and scanner working with my computer.
I like to be able to actually have a readable owners manual. I don't mind downloading it and putting on a Kindle or somewhere else to read, but the only manual available is online (I confirmed that with Canon tech support), and, even worse, it is in pieces, so you have to go to Canon, 5500 series, then the specific function you want, so click one place for printing, then somewhere else for scanning. Even then, there is not much detail on any of the functions. For example, I read that you can scan multiple photos at once, and save them as separate pictures, but I can't find instructions on that.
I know this sounds like a rant, but really, I own a lot of tech devices and am capable of following instructions. I just feel I shouldn't have to hunt all over to find the instructions. I am seriously considering returning the printer for another brand.
About me... Demand high print quality, Budget Conscious, Photo enthusiast
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
I use it for:Photo printing
My Best Buy number: 2519743089
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8out of 16found this review helpful.
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Belkin - Grip Candy Sheer Case for Apple® iPhone® 5 and 5s - Teal/Silver
Keep your Apple iPhone 5 or 5s safe on the go with this Belkin Grip Candy Sheer case that features thermoplastic polyurethane material for reliable protection. The camera lens cutout lets you easily capture photos without removing the case.
Good reasonably priced case
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: ChicagoBestbuyer
from Chicago, IL
on April 20, 2013
Durability
4.0
What's great about it: Fits well, cutouts are accurate, buttons are accessible, not too bulky
What's not so great: Not sure how well it would protect if I dropped the phone
Unfortunately, I dropped my iPhone 5 on a hard tile floor before I got the case. I have a dent on the upper corner of the phone, although it still works perfectly. In order to prevent another damaging incident, I decided to get a case.
Many of the cases available add a lot of bulk to the phone. I found a soft case that looked nice, but was loose on the bottom. The Belkin case fits snugly all the way around. I think the rubbery texture makes it easier to hold the phone and would offer some protection if dropped.
The case is somewhat sheer on the back, and you can actually see the Apple Logo better than you can without the case.
The volume and sleep/wake buttons are covered by the case, but are very usable. I've seen a complaint that the silence switch is a little hard to access, but I rarely use it. Instead I use do not disturb or airplane mode.
Overall, I have had good luck with Belkin products. This case seems well made. I've only had it for a couple of weeks, but it seems pretty durable.
Many of the cases available add a lot of bulk to the phone. I found a soft case that looked nice, but was loose on the bottom. The Belkin case fits snugly all the way around. I think the rubbery texture makes it easier to hold the phone and would offer some protection if dropped.
The case is somewhat sheer on the back, and you can actually see the Apple Logo better than you can without the case.
The volume and sleep/wake buttons are covered by the case, but are very usable. I've seen a complaint that the silence switch is a little hard to access, but I rarely use it. Instead I use do not disturb or airplane mode.
Overall, I have had good luck with Belkin products. This case seems well made. I've only had it for a couple of weeks, but it seems pretty durable.
This product has... Attractive design, Easily fits in pocket/purse, A no slip grip, Tough/durable, A nice compact size, good fit, transparent design shows apple logo, thicker around edges for added protection, reasonably priced (about average)
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Apple® - iPhone® 5 with 32GB Memory Mobile Phone - Black & Slate (Verizon Wireless)
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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ChicagoBestbuyer's Questions
ChicagoBestbuyer has not submitted any questions.
is there any app to play flash content in the ipad?
No, but most videos play without the use of flash. I've found very few that won't play on an iPad.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
Posted by:
ChicagoBestbuyer
Toshiba - Multiformat DVD-R/RW/+R/+RW Recorder/VCR Combo with HD Upconversion - Black
Update your movie library with this DVD recorder that features one-touch recording for easy operation and bidirectional dubbing that lets you transfer VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS.
Does this Toshiba device also play audio CDs?
Yes. According to the owner's manual, which, surprisingly actually comes with the device, you can play audio CDs, although I have not tried it myself. It says it will play audio CDs and CD-RW/-R with MP3/WMA/JPEG files.
Anyway, the short answer is Yes.
Anyway, the short answer is Yes.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
Posted by:
ChicagoBestbuyer
from
Chicago, IL
Toshiba - Multiformat DVD-R/RW/+R/+RW Recorder/VCR Combo with HD Upconversion - Black
Update your movie library with this DVD recorder that features one-touch recording for easy operation and bidirectional dubbing that lets you transfer VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS.
Does unit record TV, does it have its own tuner?
It does not have its own tuner.
I've only used it to copy tapes to DVDs. I have not tried recording from TV, so I can't answer that part of your question.
I've only used it to copy tapes to DVDs. I have not tried recording from TV, so I can't answer that part of your question.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
Posted by:
ChicagoBestbuyer
from
Chicago, IL
Toshiba - Multiformat DVD-R/RW/+R/+RW Recorder/VCR Combo with HD Upconversion - Black
Update your movie library with this DVD recorder that features one-touch recording for easy operation and bidirectional dubbing that lets you transfer VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS.
? can newly recorded DVD made with this Toshiba Combo unit be EDITED ?
We need to transfer to DVD from old home movies currently on VHS tapes. Can the newly created DVDs made with this Toshiba Combo unit be EDITED (in iMovie) ? many thanks!
If you mean on the Toshiba device itself, it can only be edited before finalizing the disc. Once that is done, you can no longer edit there. I haven't tried it, but once to transfer the video to your computer, I see no reason that you should not be able to edit. That is a function of the computer software, not the DVD.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
Posted by:
ChicagoBestbuyer
from
Chicago, IL
Toshiba - Multiformat DVD-R/RW/+R/+RW Recorder/VCR Combo with HD Upconversion - Black
Update your movie library with this DVD recorder that features one-touch recording for easy operation and bidirectional dubbing that lets you transfer VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS.
recording VHS to DVD without monitoring
I'm thinking I just want to dump a variety of VHS content onto DVD without seeing what I'm doing, i.e., without the trouble of hooking up to a screen, which could be a pretty useless hassle. I'll copy/edit material from the DVD in other ways. Anyone see any issues with this approach? Can it be done? Thanks - - -
Yes, it can be done. Just get the video tape going, start recording on the DVD and stop when you the tape finishes playing. Without monitoring, you may not know exactly when that is, but it shouldn't make much of a difference. You will just have unrecorded space at the end of the DVD.
8 years, 7 months ago
by
Posted by:
ChicagoBestbuyer
from
Chicago, IL
Toshiba - Multiformat DVD-R/RW/+R/+RW Recorder/VCR Combo with HD Upconversion - Black
Update your movie library with this DVD recorder that features one-touch recording for easy operation and bidirectional dubbing that lets you transfer VHS to DVD and DVD to VHS.
Why does the refurb unit cost $30.00 more than brand new unit?
Toshiba - Multiformat DVD-R/RW/+R/+RW Recorder/VCR Combo with HD Upconversion - Black
Model: DVR620 SKU: 9642774 Customer Rating:
4.1 (544 customer reviews)
New from
$219.99
Refurbished from
$248.99
Model: DVR620 SKU: 9642774 Customer Rating:
4.1 (544 customer reviews)
New from
$219.99
Refurbished from
$248.99
No clue. I would buy the new one from Bestbuy.
8 years, 8 months ago
by
Posted by:
ChicagoBestbuyer
from
Chicago, IL
Speck - Mightyshell Case for Apple® iPhone® 6 - Orange
Safeguard your Apple iPhone 6 with 3 layers of protection using this Speck Mightyshell SPK-A3261 case that features a radial impact geometry makeup to compress the inner walls on impact for absorbing shock. The case provides protection and a slim look.
When will the Orange MightyShell iPhone 6 Case be available?
It is available now, only at Bestbuy and Bestbuy.com.
9 years, 2 months ago
by
Posted by:
ChicagoBestbuyer
from
Chicago, IL
Sony - 55" Class (54-5/8" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - Smart - HDTV
Sony KDL55W700B LED HDTV: With a One-flick feature, this Sony HDTV allows you to quickly navigate to the home menu, online videos or other services. X-Reality PRO and Motionflow XR 480 technologies ensure visuals are reproduced in stunning 1080p detail.
Location of HDMI ports?
Looking at the front of the TV where are the HDMI ports on back panel; on the left, right or center? Thank you.
One is on the right side of the back, pointing outward. The other three are in the middle and point downward.
9 years, 2 months ago
by
Posted by:
ChicagoBestbuyer
from
Chicago, IL
Sony - 55" Class (54-5/8" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - Smart - HDTV
Sony KDL55W700B LED HDTV: With a One-flick feature, this Sony HDTV allows you to quickly navigate to the home menu, online videos or other services. X-Reality PRO and Motionflow XR 480 technologies ensure visuals are reproduced in stunning 1080p detail.
HEIGHT OF STAND from bottom of stand to bottom of screen?
The answer by Sony Listens didn't answer my question and unfortunately was not helpful. I can and have read the dimensions listed in the specification section of TV. I'll ask again. I need to know the distance in inches from bottom of stand to bottom of screen. I trying to determine if I have viewing clearance to place my sound bar directly in front of TV like I did with my former set up.
I found that the sound bar blocked the line of sight for the remote and ended up putting the bar on the floor in front of the TV stand. This is my only complaint about the TV/Sound bar combination. You would think that Sony would have made the products more capable of working together. They do, however, coordinate so that the sound bar goes on and off with the TV and sound transfers from the TV's speakers to the sound bar.
9 years, 2 months ago
by
Posted by:
ChicagoBestbuyer
from
Chicago, IL
Sony - 55" Class (54-5/8" Diag.) - LED - 1080p - Smart - HDTV
Sony KDL55W700B LED HDTV: With a One-flick feature, this Sony HDTV allows you to quickly navigate to the home menu, online videos or other services. X-Reality PRO and Motionflow XR 480 technologies ensure visuals are reproduced in stunning 1080p detail.
It comes with a dvd player? If that is correct, what is the quality of the dvd player?
No.
9 years, 2 months ago
by
Posted by:
ChicagoBestbuyer
from
Chicago, IL