MrGadgetman
MrGadgetman's Stats
- Review Count8
- Helpfulness Votes62
- First ReviewNovember 14, 2008
- Last ReviewAugust 20, 2013
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.5
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count2
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First Review CommentAugust 12, 2013
- Last Review CommentSeptember 3, 2013
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
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MrGadgetman's Reviews
Platinum Series - Case for HTC One Cell Phones - Black
Easily take your HTC One cell phone with you on the go with this Platinum Series PT-HOC23SB case that features a felt-lined holster and belt clip for simple portability. The polycarbonate plastic material provides durable protection.
This case is awesome!
Customer Rating
5.0
Durability
5.0
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
What's great about it: Feel, appearance, fit & finish.
What's not so great: N/A
These case/holster combos have always been top notch. I had them on my other smartphones and this one is just as great. Seeing as how the HTC One doesn't come apart ( no memory card, or battery to remove) there's really no need to remove the case once it's installed..., which is good, cuz it is a bear to remove. The fit & finish of this case is so tight that you practically need tools to remove the two halves. Just to clarify; this is not a complaint, just a discovery. You get a true sense of security because it is certainly in there good-n-tight.
I was especially concerned as to how the case would effect the form factor of my phone. I hate bulk and the HTC One is just too gorgeous to be ruined by some god-awfully huge box. With these cases the design impact is neglegible, and likewise for the weight it adds. That means I can stand to put it in my pocket if I don't want to use the holster.
The case's material also makes it easier to hold because..., let's face it, as beautiful as the One is to look at and to hold, being all aluminum makes it a bit slick, ie, treacherous.
The unit fits in the holster with a positive feel and is easy to quickly load and unload with one hand. It can also be used in the vertical or horizontal orientation.
I highly recommend this case if you want protection and you want your phone to remain pretty and still look like a phone with the case on.
I was especially concerned as to how the case would effect the form factor of my phone. I hate bulk and the HTC One is just too gorgeous to be ruined by some god-awfully huge box. With these cases the design impact is neglegible, and likewise for the weight it adds. That means I can stand to put it in my pocket if I don't want to use the holster.
The case's material also makes it easier to hold because..., let's face it, as beautiful as the One is to look at and to hold, being all aluminum makes it a bit slick, ie, treacherous.
The unit fits in the holster with a positive feel and is easy to quickly load and unload with one hand. It can also be used in the vertical or horizontal orientation.
I highly recommend this case if you want protection and you want your phone to remain pretty and still look like a phone with the case on.
This product has... Attractive design, Easily fits in pocket/purse, A no slip grip, Tough/durable, A nice compact size, good fit
About me... parent, outdoor enthusiast, photographer
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0070069556
+1point
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Plantronics - Voyager Legend Bluetooth Headset - Black
Plantronics Voyager Legend Bluetooth Headset: Stay in touch with family, friends and work when you rely on the convenience and comfort of this stylish headset. Its lightweight design and ability to pair with 2 phones at once will keep you up to date on all your incoming calls. Multi-microphones, stainless steel windscreens and moisture protection let you experience clear audio everywhere you go.
A worthy headset with lots of features.
Customer Rating
4.0
Quality
5.0
What's great about it: Features, Clarity, Comfort
What's not so great: Charger, Volume
This headset boast lots of features, most of which I don't use. I bought it for the comfort and utility. I hate those headsets that stick in your ear with only a clip because they don't stay in long and are a hassle to wear. I can wear this headset all day and half the time I forget that it's in my ear until I get an alert or a call. It has great build quality and feel. Also, there are dedicated mute, answer/end, volume, and power switches.
Talk time is about average for me.
1. Clarity: Everyone I talk to can hear me loud and clear, even when I'm in the car with road/cabin noise or outside in the elements.
2. Voice prompts: The headset talks to you and gives useful information like caller ID, battery status, and connection status. The latter comes in handy for when you walk too far from the phone. You can interact with it by instructing it to answer or ignore calls for you.
3. Gestures: If you pick up the headset while the phone rings it will answer the call. If you put down the headset while on the phone, it will mute the mic for you. If you put the headset down and pick up your phone to talk it will switch to the handset and vice versa. Some have complained that these features don't work well, but for me and my HTC One, they work as designed. I'm spoiled by them.
Talk time is about average for me.
1. Clarity: Everyone I talk to can hear me loud and clear, even when I'm in the car with road/cabin noise or outside in the elements.
2. Voice prompts: The headset talks to you and gives useful information like caller ID, battery status, and connection status. The latter comes in handy for when you walk too far from the phone. You can interact with it by instructing it to answer or ignore calls for you.
3. Gestures: If you pick up the headset while the phone rings it will answer the call. If you put down the headset while on the phone, it will mute the mic for you. If you put the headset down and pick up your phone to talk it will switch to the handset and vice versa. Some have complained that these features don't work well, but for me and my HTC One, they work as designed. I'm spoiled by them.
The gripes:
1. Not nearly loud enough because; A) the volume just doesn't play that loud to me, B) The tip doesn't seat in the ear tight enough to seal out noise. The loudness wouldn't be an issue if the earpiece seated snug in the ear like an earbud does. There are various tips to toy around with but still...
2. That freakin' charger! Why!? Just..., why?
1. Not nearly loud enough because; A) the volume just doesn't play that loud to me, B) The tip doesn't seat in the ear tight enough to seal out noise. The loudness wouldn't be an issue if the earpiece seated snug in the ear like an earbud does. There are various tips to toy around with but still...
2. That freakin' charger! Why!? Just..., why?
All summed up. I would definitely recommend this unit, if you have the cash. It is worth it.
I would recommend this to a friend!
My Best Buy number: 0070069556
+11points
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HTC - One (M7) 4G LTE with 32GB Memory Cell Phone - Black (Sprint)
HTC One (M7) 4G AP801CKT Cell Phone with 32GB Memory for Sprint: With a sleek aluminum body, a home screen that streams all of your favorite content, a photo gallery that comes to life, and dual front stereo speakers, the HTC One (M7) is ready to reshape your smartphone experience.Sprint Easy Pay option available in store. Learn more ›
Very fine piece of hardware
Customer Rating
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Battery Life
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
What's great about it: Construction, Camera, Speakers, Screen.
What's not so great: Bloatware, LED status light.
For me personally, HTC has redeemed themselves, because they used to put out junk and I went out on faith giving them another shot. After a lot of research and playing around in the store, I decided to pull the trigger and trade in my Galaxy Nexus for this unit.
First the Good:
1. Construction & Size; this unit is built with outstanding quality. It is gorgeous to look at and to feels great holding it. The size isn't cumbersome and it fits right in your hand or pocket. It's got a little heft, but not too much to complain... it just feels like, hardware. I don't think I want a phone from this point that isn't aluminium. It is the first phone that I thought was worth the actual price.
2. Camera; The camera takes great photos by day (though a little heavy on the processing# but let's face it; they all do. Daytime is easy. This unit does however excel at night shooting, thanks to its large aperture and large sensor. Instead of using a 15MP sensor, HTC went back to basic photography principles and threw in a larger sensor, optical stabilization and a large aperture. More light through and a larger sensor to catch it means better photos, and since no one uses their smartphone to print billboards, they did away with the need to have a 10+ MP sensor, as it is overkill.
3. Speakers: Short and to the point... They rock! I thought it to be a gimmick until I tried them out. You'll just have to see for yourself. Ringers, notifications, etc all come through loud and clear with great clarity and no distortion.
4. Screen: The screen is gorgeous and bright. Nothing else to say on that.
Most of these units have far more features than I'd ever use, but suffice to say that this one is no exception. People have either loved or hated Blink Feed. I actually don't mind it. I however went through the trouble to set it up properly too, so I only get stuff I care about to show up. True, you cannot turn it off, but you can exile it to the farthest panel on the left so it's out of the way. I absolutely LOVE that this thing is also a IR remote control. I have all my TVs #All Sony LCDs, and Sony A/V Receivers too# programmed and there is an awesome TV listings app that can tune to your shows for you.
1. Construction & Size; this unit is built with outstanding quality. It is gorgeous to look at and to feels great holding it. The size isn't cumbersome and it fits right in your hand or pocket. It's got a little heft, but not too much to complain... it just feels like, hardware. I don't think I want a phone from this point that isn't aluminium. It is the first phone that I thought was worth the actual price.
2. Camera; The camera takes great photos by day (though a little heavy on the processing# but let's face it; they all do. Daytime is easy. This unit does however excel at night shooting, thanks to its large aperture and large sensor. Instead of using a 15MP sensor, HTC went back to basic photography principles and threw in a larger sensor, optical stabilization and a large aperture. More light through and a larger sensor to catch it means better photos, and since no one uses their smartphone to print billboards, they did away with the need to have a 10+ MP sensor, as it is overkill.
3. Speakers: Short and to the point... They rock! I thought it to be a gimmick until I tried them out. You'll just have to see for yourself. Ringers, notifications, etc all come through loud and clear with great clarity and no distortion.
4. Screen: The screen is gorgeous and bright. Nothing else to say on that.
Most of these units have far more features than I'd ever use, but suffice to say that this one is no exception. People have either loved or hated Blink Feed. I actually don't mind it. I however went through the trouble to set it up properly too, so I only get stuff I care about to show up. True, you cannot turn it off, but you can exile it to the farthest panel on the left so it's out of the way. I absolutely LOVE that this thing is also a IR remote control. I have all my TVs #All Sony LCDs, and Sony A/V Receivers too# programmed and there is an awesome TV listings app that can tune to your shows for you.
Now the gripes #minor or not):
-The tiny on/off button doesn't inspire a lot of confidence against sticking or breaking, especially since it doubles as the IR transceiver. We'll just have to see.
-The LED notification lights are minuscule and unless you have the phone level in your eyesight you'd be hard-pressed to notice that it's blinking. The integrated the LEDs inside the speaker grill and while that cleans up the appearance of the face..., function was sacrificed. Hopefully, an update to the firmware will increase brightness to combat this.
-The tiny on/off button doesn't inspire a lot of confidence against sticking or breaking, especially since it doubles as the IR transceiver. We'll just have to see.
-The LED notification lights are minuscule and unless you have the phone level in your eyesight you'd be hard-pressed to notice that it's blinking. The integrated the LEDs inside the speaker grill and while that cleans up the appearance of the face..., function was sacrificed. Hopefully, an update to the firmware will increase brightness to combat this.
Any further gripes would just be nit-picky. Are there things I miss about my Nexus...? Sure. But, the gain in features are so numerous and the things I will miss are certainly not dealbreakers. No phone is perfect. All in all I am pleased. Well done, HTC. You are forgiven.
This product is... Easy navigation, Good video quality, well crafted
About me... Heavy texter, video watcher, photo blogger, emails from phone
I would recommend this to a friend!
Age:35-44
Phone size:Just right
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Saitek - X52 Pro Flight Control System
Take to the skies with this flight simulator control system that features an interactive MFD screen that displays essential in-game information. Select between red, green or amber colors for the LED buttons on the controller for easy use of each trigger.
Fully Capable Controller with tons of options
Customer Rating
4.0
Design
5.0
Ease of Use
3.0
Durability
4.0
What's great about it: Lots of customization functions, Suction cup mounting, backlit contols
What's not so great: NO FORCE FEEDBACK!!, dead on-center feel.
This controller could be the last you'll need to buy in regards to flight/mech sims. I wish this was out when I was heavy into the Jane's Combat series. It has just about every control you could want. So much so that you may never need to touch the keyboard... just map it to the stick.
The backlit buttons and LCD screen are an awesome touch and the rotary knobs, sliders, buttons and switches all have a good weighted feel.
It has enough weight to stay still on your desk or table but for those of us who really get into the action, there are suction cup mounts you can use to further secure it just in case you get a little more animated.
Speaking of weighted feel, the throttle has an adjustment for its tension/feel and a discernible detent, to seperate military power from full afterburner, for example.
Why on this green earth does this controller NOT have an adjustment for the stick's tension is beyond me! Bad enough that a controller at this price point DOES NOT HAVE force feedback, but you can't even adjust its feel at all! You'll have to live with its too light weight and vague on-center feel. I can't give it 5 stars because this is supposed to be their flagship model and it's been at this pricepoint so long that they've had more than enough time to fix its shortcomings. They just keep releasing different colors and changing superficial things but not addressing the one big drawback.
It has enough weight to stay still on your desk or table but for those of us who really get into the action, there are suction cup mounts you can use to further secure it just in case you get a little more animated.
Speaking of weighted feel, the throttle has an adjustment for its tension/feel and a discernible detent, to seperate military power from full afterburner, for example.
Why on this green earth does this controller NOT have an adjustment for the stick's tension is beyond me! Bad enough that a controller at this price point DOES NOT HAVE force feedback, but you can't even adjust its feel at all! You'll have to live with its too light weight and vague on-center feel. I can't give it 5 stars because this is supposed to be their flagship model and it's been at this pricepoint so long that they've had more than enough time to fix its shortcomings. They just keep releasing different colors and changing superficial things but not addressing the one big drawback.
Other than that, it is a good device and should suffice most players, but if you like force feed back or want the feel of a good weighted stick, you may be disappointed.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Vtech - Connect to Cell DECT 6.0 Expandable Cordless Phone System with Answering System
Make and receive mobile phone calls with the comfort of a home system with this VTech Connect to Cell DS6521-2 DECT 6.0 cordless phone system that features Bluetooth technology for connecting and storing directories for up to 2 mobile phones.
Excellent Cordless Phone System
Customer Rating
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Range
4.0
Durability
4.0
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
What's great about it: Digital Answering, lightweight, form factor, keypad
What's not so great: No headset jack, little unstable when standing up, slim form makes it hard to head-n-shoulder.
I like this phone. Worlds better than the Uniden it replaces and in retrospect, I wish I'd went with a Vtech the first time around since I had a good experience years before.
This model has all the features I wanted, plus some extras I didn't discover until after I opened the box and read the manual. The base unit is half the girth of the Uniden model of similar function and its form factor is cleaner with a less cluttered panel. It fits better on my kitchen wall and takes up less space.
The handsets are half the weight of the outgoing Uniden, and they're slimmer so they don't bulk up my pockets (I walk around in and out of the house, etc.) The buttons light up a pretty blueish color and the speakerphone button has a contrasting red color. The LCD display lights blue as well, and gives a lot of information.
You can intercom from handset to handset, or from handset to base unit. There is a handset find feature as well. I have walked around my whole house (bi-level 2200 sq-ft) and outside and haven't heard a crackle or fade during a call. The handsets also identify themselves and tell you when someone is on the line, and they even give you the status of the line itself, i.e., if the line is dead or no signal. Found that out when my U-verse went offline during a technician's service repair.
You can bluetooth your cell phone to the base and route all the calls through the landline's handset which makes sooooo much sense, and makes taking cell calls (or making them) soooo much easier!!! Especially since today's smartphones aren't particularly comfortable to hold to your ear. You can connect two cell phones AND download their phone directories so the caller ID displays on the handset. In addition, you can dial your cell's contacts from the handset, operate call-waiting, etc...
This model has all the features I wanted, plus some extras I didn't discover until after I opened the box and read the manual. The base unit is half the girth of the Uniden model of similar function and its form factor is cleaner with a less cluttered panel. It fits better on my kitchen wall and takes up less space.
The handsets are half the weight of the outgoing Uniden, and they're slimmer so they don't bulk up my pockets (I walk around in and out of the house, etc.) The buttons light up a pretty blueish color and the speakerphone button has a contrasting red color. The LCD display lights blue as well, and gives a lot of information.
You can intercom from handset to handset, or from handset to base unit. There is a handset find feature as well. I have walked around my whole house (bi-level 2200 sq-ft) and outside and haven't heard a crackle or fade during a call. The handsets also identify themselves and tell you when someone is on the line, and they even give you the status of the line itself, i.e., if the line is dead or no signal. Found that out when my U-verse went offline during a technician's service repair.
You can bluetooth your cell phone to the base and route all the calls through the landline's handset which makes sooooo much sense, and makes taking cell calls (or making them) soooo much easier!!! Especially since today's smartphones aren't particularly comfortable to hold to your ear. You can connect two cell phones AND download their phone directories so the caller ID displays on the handset. In addition, you can dial your cell's contacts from the handset, operate call-waiting, etc...
Now the bad:
-There is no accessory headset jack. The Uniden had that. Speakerphone is as hands-free as you get.
-You cannot fast-forward through (cue) the message you're listening to. Score two for Uniden.
-The main function buttons of the handset have no backlight, only the numeric key pad, and speakerphone button. Not really a problem once you memorize the button layout, but still...
-The contrast is too heavy on the LCD display, so you have to hold the phone at a specific angle to view everything on it. The LCD contrast is NOT adjustable.
-There is no accessory headset jack. The Uniden had that. Speakerphone is as hands-free as you get.
-You cannot fast-forward through (cue) the message you're listening to. Score two for Uniden.
-The main function buttons of the handset have no backlight, only the numeric key pad, and speakerphone button. Not really a problem once you memorize the button layout, but still...
-The contrast is too heavy on the LCD display, so you have to hold the phone at a specific angle to view everything on it. The LCD contrast is NOT adjustable.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the purchase and I expect this phone system to last at least as long (three years) as my Uniden did.
About me... Gadget lover, Still want a landline, Parent with multiple kids, Heavy phone user, Business Professional
I would recommend this to a friend!
+47points
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Sennheiser - On-Ear Headphones
Enjoy powerful stereo sound with these headphones that feature neodymium magnets and lightweight diaphragms for clear audio. Interchangeable ear pads provide comfort for extended use.
Great headphones that look great and sound better.
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: MrGadgetman
from Houston, Texas
on December 24, 2009
Sound Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Durability
5.0
What's great about it: Frequency range, Clean highs, Great bass response, Build quality, Very comfortable, Single cord design.
What's not so great: [Nit-Pick ALERT] Cheesy storage pouch.
I came to Best Buy last month and sampled several headphones to go with my Archos 5 IMT because I wanted a good wired headset. I normally use Bluetooth Stereo. After 30 minutes of test-tuning various models I settled on the HD238s.
These headphones sound awesome! They have a broad frequency range and reproduce clean and clear highs. Some have knocked them for not having good bass but those folks must be hard to please. The bass from my set sounds great and have been able to handle any song I put through them..., playing clean and accurate lows. Lossless audio really helps these units shine.
These units are also very comfortable with their thick padding on the speakers and on the top bridge, which allows you to wear them for extended periods. Their articulated design let's them adjust to virtually anyone's head. The build quality seems high too, with metallic components here and there. They are lightweight considering their size, and have good formfactor especially with their anti-tangle single cord design, and you can also swap out the ear pads if they get dirty.
The 2 year warranty is also an awesome plus. I like a company that stands by their product and unlike some companies that put out products with their name on it, Sennheiser knows audio technology.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
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![The Official Review of the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship [DVD] [2007]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/1605/16056937_sa.jpg)
The Official Review of the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship [DVD] [2007]
Great season wrap-up video
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: MrGadgetman
from Houston, Texas
on November 15, 2008
What's great about it: 16:9 widescreen presentation, On-board footsge
What's not so great: Only in SD not HD
If you are an F1 fan you need this video. If you do not have it then you're not an F1 fan!! Lots of on-board camera footage and driver interviews coupled with a recap of the complete 2007 Formula One season. The crashes, the points race (down to a single point in the final race!) and all the highlights are included on this DVD. It is presented in widescreen and is in 2-channel dolby stereo.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Mirror's Edge - PlayStation 3
SynopsisIn a seemingly utopian city, the tight rein placed on information has created a market for a new type of profession: agile couriers called Runners who transport sensitive data on foot, away from prying eyes. But when a Runner named Faith discovers that her sister has been framed for a terrible crime, she soon finds herself on the run for a reason entirely unrelated to her job. Caught in the sights of unscrupulous opponents determined to hunt her down, Faith now must run for her life. In this soaring, vertigo-inducing cityscape, will she be able to outrun a deadly fate?Mirror's Edge thrusts you into the path of danger with its combination of chase, puzzles, strategy and fierce combat. Run, leap and vault through the complex urban environment with incredibly smooth, acrobatic movements that lend immediacy to the heart-pounding action. Runner vision lets you view the world from the perspective of the Runner as you scan the environment for your next means of escape. Scale walls and leap across rooftops as you strive to evade danger, knowing the continued movement of your feet is the only thing keeping you alive.
Great game that delivers what's promised!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: MrGadgetman
from Houston, Texas
on November 14, 2008
What's great about it: Controls, sound efx, soundtrack, gameplay framerate, 3-D effects
What's not so great: Needing to register with EA for the on-line stuff
This game was well reviewed and lives up to the hype. The demo left me eagerly waiting for the 13th of November. The controls are spot-on solid, responsive and easy to master. It is easy to jump in and start playing as the demo is short (everyone will be experts by the game's release, thanks to the demo!) and covers the basics. Graphically, the game does not push the limits as far as the details of renders, textures, etc. but where it does impress is the frame rate at which it renders all the graphical detail and 3-D effects on screen. The lighting effects help lend to the accuracy of the graphics. Not to say the game isn't pretty but all to often the emphasis is more on form and less on function. In this case it is just pretty enough as to not fall apart when the action gets fierce. It truely pulls off the vertigo effect of hieghts and distances.
I like the way the screen is decluttered of displays and status bars and maps. Your FOV is open to scan as you run for the best way to avoid automatic weapon fire! It's pretty simple..., the screen starts to fade= you're in trouble; screen fades to black as you fall to the ground=you're dead! Stop taking damage and you'll regenerate.
The soundtrack and sound efx are awesome, especially with full surround 5.1, and it is an aid in the gameplay as you can track pursuers audibly. It really sucks to miss the ledge, watch the build windows blur by as you fall 30 stories, and meet the ground below to the sound of every bone in your body crunching!! That sound alone makes you try harder just so you don't have to hear it again.
It sucks that you have to register on-line with EA to use any of the on-line stuff, but whatever.
Overall, this game is a must have if you like action games or are a fan of free-running. You don't NEED weapons (though you can punk-em away from cops), and there are no monsters to defeat, or giant robots to destroy. Just good ole fast-paced action that's a refreshing take on the first-person action genre.
I like the way the screen is decluttered of displays and status bars and maps. Your FOV is open to scan as you run for the best way to avoid automatic weapon fire! It's pretty simple..., the screen starts to fade= you're in trouble; screen fades to black as you fall to the ground=you're dead! Stop taking damage and you'll regenerate.
The soundtrack and sound efx are awesome, especially with full surround 5.1, and it is an aid in the gameplay as you can track pursuers audibly. It really sucks to miss the ledge, watch the build windows blur by as you fall 30 stories, and meet the ground below to the sound of every bone in your body crunching!! That sound alone makes you try harder just so you don't have to hear it again.
It sucks that you have to register on-line with EA to use any of the on-line stuff, but whatever.
Overall, this game is a must have if you like action games or are a fan of free-running. You don't NEED weapons (though you can punk-em away from cops), and there are no monsters to defeat, or giant robots to destroy. Just good ole fast-paced action that's a refreshing take on the first-person action genre.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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