javilso
javilso's Stats
- Review Count4
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First ReviewJuly 25, 2015
- Last ReviewAugust 8, 2016
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating3.3
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First Review CommentNone
- Last Review CommentNone
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count3
- Helpfulness Votes1
- First AnswerJuly 25, 2015
- Last AnswerOctober 25, 2015
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers0
javilso's Reviews
Dell - Inspiron 2-in-1 11.6" Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Pentium - 8GB Memory - 128GB Solid State Drive - Era Gray
Only at Best BuyDell Inspiron Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Stay connected and productive at home and on the go with a laptop that's as efficient as you are. Easily navigate through programs and Web sites using the 11.6" touch screen, and link with other devices via the Bluetooth 4.0 interface.
Good at everything except charging
Customer Rating
2.0
Bought this open-box for sub-$300 without a charger. First charger I tried - a 45W HP adapter that came with my HP Stream - would not charge the battery; laptop gave the "AC adapter not recognized" error. Next charger I tried was a Targus universal 90W, and the same thing happened.
After some research, I found out that Dell laptops must read some data programmed into an ID chip in the charger in order to recognize it - the center pin of the charger jack goes to the output of this chip. Most aftermarket chargers don't have these chips, because literally every other laptop manufacturer does not build this restriction into their computers like Dell does. And when the chip fails, the charger, while it technically could work on another laptop, is useless for the Dell.
Anyway, I ended up buying an aftermarket charger specifically meant for this series of Dell computers. It charged my laptop just fine, until the ID chip failed after only two months. I exchanged the bad charger for a new one, and that one failed after only a couple of weeks. I guess I can't really fault the computer for those two failures, but then I remember that Dell was the one who built the restriction into the laptop in the first place (both chargers worked fine in my old HP Stream even after they failed according to the Dell machine, by the way), and you can find all sorts of instances where the chips inside OEM Dell chargers fail and the computer does not recognize it. (Typically the chip will fail due to the center conductor wire shorting with the 19V+ line somewhere in the DC end of the charger, dumping a high amount of current into the chip and frying it, though I imagine both my chargers failed due to the excessive heat from inside the brick itself cooking the chip.)
I mean, the computer itself was a decent enough machine: modestly powerful and lightweight, but unless you could somehow bypass the ID system in the charger and keep the chip from failing prematurely (best thing to do would be to take the chip out of the charger and solder it in line with the power jack on the laptop itself, thereby letting the laptop work with any 4.5mm charger), you would basically have to shell out $20-30 every few months for a new charger when the chips fail, and that's no good for me.
After some research, I found out that Dell laptops must read some data programmed into an ID chip in the charger in order to recognize it - the center pin of the charger jack goes to the output of this chip. Most aftermarket chargers don't have these chips, because literally every other laptop manufacturer does not build this restriction into their computers like Dell does. And when the chip fails, the charger, while it technically could work on another laptop, is useless for the Dell.
Anyway, I ended up buying an aftermarket charger specifically meant for this series of Dell computers. It charged my laptop just fine, until the ID chip failed after only two months. I exchanged the bad charger for a new one, and that one failed after only a couple of weeks. I guess I can't really fault the computer for those two failures, but then I remember that Dell was the one who built the restriction into the laptop in the first place (both chargers worked fine in my old HP Stream even after they failed according to the Dell machine, by the way), and you can find all sorts of instances where the chips inside OEM Dell chargers fail and the computer does not recognize it. (Typically the chip will fail due to the center conductor wire shorting with the 19V+ line somewhere in the DC end of the charger, dumping a high amount of current into the chip and frying it, though I imagine both my chargers failed due to the excessive heat from inside the brick itself cooking the chip.)
I mean, the computer itself was a decent enough machine: modestly powerful and lightweight, but unless you could somehow bypass the ID system in the charger and keep the chip from failing prematurely (best thing to do would be to take the chip out of the charger and solder it in line with the power jack on the laptop itself, thereby letting the laptop work with any 4.5mm charger), you would basically have to shell out $20-30 every few months for a new charger when the chips fail, and that's no good for me.
(Also, kudos to the Customer Service reps at my local Best Buy for handling this whole situation beautifully - they took back the computer well after the return period ended and let me put the entire sum I paid for it towards a new machine!)
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
My Best Buy number: 3459279287
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Platinum™ - Leather Flip Case for Samsung Galaxy S 4 Cell Phones - Black
Only at Best BuyAdd stylish protection to your Samsung Galaxy S 4 cell phone with this Platinum PT-GS4LF2B flip case that features genuine top-grain leather material to provide a fashionable look. The soft-touch lining helps shield your phone from damage.
Temper your Expectations
Customer Rating
2.0
This case isn't meant to protect your phone like an Otterbox would, but I can accept that. The leather feels nice and the case is moderatly sturdy for what it is. The S-View function works well: it responds almost every time I open or close the flap, but therein lies the problem: there's some play in the rubber "hinge," that lets the cover slide here and there when it's closed. If it contorts so that the top where the speaker hole is, becomes misaligned by so much, the phone will see the cover as open and turn the screen on. This happens a LOT when you move and your phone is in your pants pocket, draining the battery more than necessary.
If you, for some reason, don't keep your phone in your pocket all that much, this case is a perfectly viable option. Otherwise, skip this one.
If you, for some reason, don't keep your phone in your pocket all that much, this case is a perfectly viable option. Otherwise, skip this one.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
My Best Buy number: 345927928
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Logitech - M325 Wireless Optical Ambidextrous Mouse - Silver
Logitech Wireless Mouse M325. A better mix of precision and comfort-with designed-for-Web scrolling. Designed for how you use the Web, our newest micro-precise scrolling makes everything you love to do online easier. Its feel-good, contoured shape and textured grips help keep your hand happy-even after long hours. And with up to 18 months of battery life, it virtually eliminates the hassle of changing batteries.*
Good Laptop Mouse
Customer Rating
5.0
I've had pretty good luck with Logitech products before and when I saw this M325 on sale a while back, I just got it.
It's a good mouse: comfortable to hold, responsive and accurate, and even has things like browser back and forward built in to the scroll wheel. The battery life is also top-notch; the cruddy pre-packaged battery hasn't waned at all.
I did have it disconnect once while using my laptop, but the problem went away once I unplugged and replugged the receiver into my laptop. The only thing I'd have to call a con is that the mouse is small, and it took a little bit of time to adjust, but it's comfortable enough that I was able to get over it quickly.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this for any hardcore desktop users, as it is fairly small, but this is fine for anyone who needs a basic yet functional mouse.
It's a good mouse: comfortable to hold, responsive and accurate, and even has things like browser back and forward built in to the scroll wheel. The battery life is also top-notch; the cruddy pre-packaged battery hasn't waned at all.
I did have it disconnect once while using my laptop, but the problem went away once I unplugged and replugged the receiver into my laptop. The only thing I'd have to call a con is that the mouse is small, and it took a little bit of time to adjust, but it's comfortable enough that I was able to get over it quickly.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend this for any hardcore desktop users, as it is fairly small, but this is fine for anyone who needs a basic yet functional mouse.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 3459279287
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Dynex™ - 3' Micro USB Cable - Blue
This Dynex™ DX-6MC micro USB cable features charge/sync capability, allowing you to power and transfer media stored on your micro USB-enabled device. The 3' length permits a flexible range of motion.
It's a USB cable.
Customer Rating
4.0
Needed a basic micro USB cable for my Galaxy S4. This one fits the bill: decent build quality, makes secure connections, transfers data and charges properly, and looks nice, too. For $5, this is as good as you can get for a USB cable.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 3459279287
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
javilso's Questions
javilso has not submitted any questions.
javilso's Answers
Logitech - M325 Wireless Optical Ambidextrous Mouse - Silver
Logitech Wireless Mouse M325. A better mix of precision and comfort-with designed-for-Web scrolling. Designed for how you use the Web, our newest micro-precise scrolling makes everything you love to do online easier. Its feel-good, contoured shape and textured grips help keep your hand happy-even after long hours. And with up to 18 months of battery life, it virtually eliminates the hassle of changing batteries.*
What is the life of the battery
How long does the battery last with daily use.
Logitech claims that the battery on this mouse last upwards of a year with normal use, so depending on your usage and the battery you put in it, you should be able to go at least 6 months before it starts to show a low battery indicator.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
javilso
Logitech - M325 Wireless Optical Ambidextrous Mouse - Silver
Logitech Wireless Mouse M325. A better mix of precision and comfort-with designed-for-Web scrolling. Designed for how you use the Web, our newest micro-precise scrolling makes everything you love to do online easier. Its feel-good, contoured shape and textured grips help keep your hand happy-even after long hours. And with up to 18 months of battery life, it virtually eliminates the hassle of changing batteries.*
is it compatible
will it work w/ win 8.1?
It works fine for my HP Stream running 8.1, so I don't see why it wouldn't work for all Windows 8.1 machines.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
javilso
Dynex™ - 3' Micro USB Cable - Blue
This Dynex™ DX-6MC micro USB cable features charge/sync capability, allowing you to power and transfer media stored on your micro USB-enabled device. The 3' length permits a flexible range of motion.
will this work on a samsung galaxy s4 phone?
Yes, it will work with a Galaxy S4, as well as any micro USB devices.
8 years, 9 months ago
by
Posted by:
javilso