BillFromKCMO
Top 1000 Contributor
BillFromKCMO's Stats
- Review Count134
- Helpfulness Votes57
- First ReviewAugust 15, 2018
- Last ReviewDecember 13, 2023
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating4.5
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count8
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First Review CommentJuly 15, 2019
- Last Review CommentJune 4, 2021
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count65
- Helpfulness Votes10
- First AnswerAugust 15, 2018
- Last AnswerFebruary 6, 2024
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers3
TP-Link - Kasa Wi-Fi Smart Light Dimmer Switch - White
Control your environment with this TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi light switch. The scheduling feature lets you program multiple ambient settings for specified times of the day, and the Wi-Fi connectivity offers convenient remote access to functions via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi light switch has a dimmer for maximum precision.
Easy to install and highly functional
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: BillFromKCMO
on June 25, 2019
Quality
4.0
Value
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
I've used Kasa plugs and lightbulbs for a while and have enjoyed a problem-free experience during the course of ownership over the last couple of years (6 lightbulbs and 4 plugs). Naturally, I leaned toward Kasa switches if I were to ever use smart switches because of this experience.
I bought two of these to control lighting in a bathroom These switches weren't much more than non-connected dimmers I was also considering. I ended up going with these since I'd be able to make adjustments to dimming calibration through the Kasa app, instead of needing to adjust dimming calibration manually on the non-connected dimmers I considered.
Some of the nice features you wouldn't think about with these include LED indicators that dimly glow, showing you were the switches are in a dark room; indicators showing you where you're at in terms of dimming level on the switch; connectivity with Google and Alexa; and smart phone app functionality that covers lighting scheduling, timers, and all the configuration functionality you'd need.
The biggest thing you need to know about these switches is you absolutely need a neutral wire in the switch box. If you do not have this, you'll need to contact a qualified electrician to fix that for you. These will not function without a neutral line.
Also, just a recap of what comes in the box:
Kasa HS220 dimmer switch
2 wire nuts
"Screw-free" wall plate (standard decora style and the screws hide under the wall plate)
Basic instructions
Kasa HS220 dimmer switch
2 wire nuts
"Screw-free" wall plate (standard decora style and the screws hide under the wall plate)
Basic instructions
All in all, I'm happy with this purchase. I did have to exchange a switch because it was DOA, but that sort of thing happens and the replacement worked fine.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: false
Length of ownership: 2
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
PNY - 480GB Internal SSD SATA
Secure your data on this 480GB PNY solid-state drive. With 550MB/sec. read speeds and 500MB/sec. write speeds, it lets you transfer large media files quickly and hassle-free, and its SATA III interface ensures it's compatible with most computers. This PNY solid-state drive has no moving parts, so it reduces noise for a quieter environment.
Brings new life to an old system.
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: BillFromKCMO
from KCMO
on April 6, 2019
I bought this to put into a friend of mine’s laptop as the mechanical hard drive in if was failing. Told her for not much more than a regular hard drive, she could have something that would make that laptop of hers feel brand new.
The laptop it went into, btw, is a Toshiba with a Sandy Bridge Pentium G-series chip.
After using Ubuntu to partition the drive to EFI and the included (downloadable) disk cloning software to move the contents of the old drive to this one, it was a matter of popping 5 screws on her laptop, swapping the drive mechanisms, and putting everything back together. From start to finish, it took me 2 hours (because the internal drive was very slow).
Boot times dropped from 2 minutes to 15 seconds from a cold boot. The Windows 10 1809 update took about 30 minutes to complete, including download over the laptop’s wireless N connection. Most apps opened instantly. Overall, it wasn’t much slower than my wife’s much newer Core i3-7100u laptop with a similar SSD in it.
The only thing that would have made this easier is if the drive was formatted as GPT instead of MBR. Otherwise, great product.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: True
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Philips Norelco OneBlade replacement blade 2 pack - Green/Silver
Philips Norelco OneBlade replacement blade 2 pack
A necessary evil.
Customer Rating
5.0
The pros:
These disposable shave heads last longer than 5 shaves and shave EVERYWHERE you want them to. They also won't cut you unless you really try to cut yourself.
The cons:
As previously mentioned, accuracy and speed aren't strong suits to the OneBlade system. With practice, however, both come quickly.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Aluratek iStream Universal Bluetooth Audio Receiver: Easily add Bluetooth capability to your existing stereo system or speaker dock using this receiver, which lets you wirelessly stream audio from your Bluetooth-enabled device from up to 33 feet away. Built-in battery provides up to 12 hours of wireless use.
It works, buuuuut...
Customer Rating
3.0
Posted by: BillFromKCMO
from KCMO
on March 10, 2019
I bought this specifically to add Bluetooth audio streaming to my wife's car. It was on Deal of the Day, so I at least didn't burn all that much on it. But I'm slightly disappointed.
Aluratek advertises this as a Bluetooth audio receiver. To me, that means this only deals with Bluetooth's audio profiles, and not Bluetooth's hands-free profiles. I don't need HFP and its related things because the wife's car already has hands-free phone capabilities.
This device connects with hands-free along with audio streaming.
I missed the return window, but I've found another use for this device since I have speakers with aux-in capabilities but no Bluetooth. I'm still disappointed about it being misrepresented as a receiver.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
-1point
0out of 1found this review helpful.
Share this review:
![Ralph Breaks the Internet [SteelBook] [Dig Copy] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [Only @ Best Buy] [2018]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
Ralph Breaks the Internet [SteelBook] [Dig Copy] [4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray] [Only @ Best Buy] [2018]
Not as good as the first one, but still good.
Customer Rating
4.0
For the fans, it's worth the purchase to get the SB edition because of the artwork in it. If you have to see it now but don't want to buy it, rent it through your favorite digital movie reseller. For everyone else, you might be better off to wait until it hits a subscription streaming service.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Ip Man Trilogy [Blu-ray]
Worth it if you enjoy Kung Fu films
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: BillFromKCMO
from KCMO
on March 9, 2019
The story of Ip Man is a fascinating one, and one I've enjoyed. This trilogy, even though it takes a few artistic liberties, covers everything from humble roots to a certain famous student. It's very much worth watching if you're a fan of Kung Fu movies in general.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
C by GE - A19 Bluetooth Smart LED Light Bulb with Google Assistant/Alexa/HomeKit - White Only
Customize the room ambiance with this C by GE smart light bulb. The C by GE app has pre-set automations that adjust brightness at scheduled times, and Bluetooth connectivity supports wireless control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This C by GE smart light bulb fits traditional medium-sized base sockets and employs LED technology for long-lasting use. The C by GE bulb connects directly to Google Home devices via Bluetooth with no additional hub or bridge required to provide quick and easy setup.
A good expansion bulb for C by GE but limited
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: BillFromKCMO
from KCMO
on January 26, 2019
I have reviews up for both the Google Home Mini Smart Light Kit and the C by GE 2-pack, so you can read my thoughts about the bulbs in those reviews. If you already have a C by GE smart light system in your home and you want to add additional bulbs, these are for you. If you're looking to start using smart lighting in your home, this isn't the smart light system you're looking for.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
-2points
0out of 2found this review helpful.
Share this review:
C by GE - A19 Bluetooth Smart LED Bulb with Google Assistant/Alexa/HomeKit (2-Pack) - White Only
Brighten your home with this 2-pack of C by GE smart LED light bulbs. The companion app lets you control dimming, setting schedules and creating scenes to suit different moods and purposes. Pair these C by GE smart LED light bulbs with Google Assistant or C by GE Smart Plug and Amazon Alexa to enable voice control. The bulb connects directly to Google Home devices via Bluetooth with no additional hub or bridge required to provide quick and easy setup.
Great if you have a Google Home Mini, otherwise...
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: BillFromKCMO
from KCMO
on January 26, 2019
(Note that I only got these because they were part of a deal Best Buy had going with the Google Home Mini Smart Light Kit. I've scored the bulbs as if I paid the full retail value for them, however.)
C by GE is a Bluetooth-connected smart light system. Because of this, it has limits you wouldn't experience with Wifi-connected or hub-connected smart light systems that compete with the C bulbs.
First, the good - these bulbs have three options for connectivity in your home:
If you don't have a Google Home device, you can download the C by GE app and configure them to work that way. This allows you to set timers for the bulbs to come on and turn off, as well as manually control the bulbs when they're in your phone's Bluetooth range. Of course, setting them up to operate this way prevents you from using more than one device to control them and you won't be able to control them while you're away from home (or possibly across the house).
If you do have a Google Home device, you can pair the bulbs by using the Google Home app on your iPhone or Android device. Once set up, the bulb establishes a Bluetooth connection with your Google Home device and you can manually control the bulbs with either your voice or the Google Home app. Unfortunately, this doesn't allow you to set a timer to control when the bulbs automatically come on or power down, but since you can control them from anywhere when set up this way, you'll be able to manually turn on the lights on your way home at night with either the Google Home app or Google Assistant and your voice. Note that you won't be able to pair these bulbs with Alexa using this method.
GE also sells what's called the C-Reach hub, which will put these bulbs at a price point that can be compared to premium smart light systems (both hub and wifi-connected). Unless you have both Google Home and Alexa devices, this isn't worth the cost and I can't recommend buying it for the C system.
These bulbs also form a Bluetooth mesh network, so if you have multiple C-life bulbs in your home, you won't necessarily be out of range because of their connection-hopping ability.
Now for the bad:
Bluetooth connectivity is the limiting factor with these light bulbs. WiFi options aren't much more expensive and are far more flexible. Even some hub-connected systems aren't much more expensive overall, and their central hub connects to WiFi so you can control them anywhere without a Google Home Mini or an optional - and expensive - hub.
If you have a large home, you may not be able to connect and control your bulbs from across the house if they're Bluetooth connected.
Resetting the lightbulb back to factory is a chore. It's not something that can be done either in the Google Home app or the C by GE, and compared to other smart lights, it's more difficult than it should be. (This deducted a star by itself.)
Being that these are Bluetooth bulbs, they're overpriced.
All in all, I can recommend these for apartment dwellers who aren't concerned with always-connected lightbulbs and want something with a well-known name brand, or for people who have a Google Home device and can get these bulbs on sale. As part o a Google Home Mini Smart Light Kit, this is also not a bad deal as you're getting a bulb for less than half it's retail price that way and you'll be able to internet connect it. For everyone else, however, look elsewhere. You can find better, more functional bulbs for around the same price.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
+5points
6out of 7found this review helpful.
Share this review:
BB-8™ App-Enabled Droid™ by Sphero - White
The BB-8™ App-Enabled Droid™ by Sphero is the Droid your little Jedi has been looking for, with its adaptive personality that responds to your voice. Connect to a compatible Apple® iOS or Android device to guide BB-8 around your home.
Fun little Droid.
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: BillFromKCMO
from KCMO
on January 21, 2019
Pairs quickly with the Sphero Droids app, but it does have a learning curve when it comes to driving it. Tons of personality as well.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Die Hard [30th Anniversary] [Blu-ray] [1988]
The GOAT when it comes to Christmas movies
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: BillFromKCMO
from KCMO
on January 21, 2019
Because it's not Christmas until you see Hans Gruber fall from the top of Nakatomi Plaza.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Verified Purchaser:Yes
Mobile Submission: False
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
Share this review:
BillFromKCMO's Questions
BillFromKCMO has not submitted any questions.
Hisense - 32" Class H55 Series LED HD Smart Android TV
The H55 Series HD Smart TV is an entertainment must-have that features an Android Operating System (OS) with Google Assistant built-in, so that you can search for movies and control the lights without ever leaving your couch. Other details include DTS Studio Sound for crisp audio and Bluetooth connectivity, to stream music through your headphones without the fuss of wires. The screen size also makes it ideal for smaller rooms—and budgets.
Can you mirror your Android tablet screen to this tv and does it work with the Google home app
On top of being able to mirror Android tablets using either the Miracast or Chromecast protocols, this TV is able to mirror properly equipped Windows computers over Miracast, and depending on what you're wanting to mirror, Hisense's software does an excellent job of mirroring content.
3 years, 11 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
JLab - Play Gaming Wireless Headset - Black/Blue
Hear all your games in high-quality sound with this JLab Play wireless gaming headset. With an increased mid to high frequency response and super-low 60 ms latency, this headset is able to deliver clear vocals and enhance spatial awareness without lag. JLab’s Play wireless gaming headset delivers over 22 hours of playtime and compatibility with PCs, consoles and mobile devices to handle every session.
where is the micro phone? can it be used for a call center?
If you're doing call center work from home, these would work with your computer or phone as long as it has a single 3.5mm jack for both the ear pieces and the mic; most recent desktops and nearly every laptop made in the last 3 years has this sort of headset jack.
4 years, 1 month ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
The Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and improves overall TV sound. Inside there are two full-range drivers angled to deliver wide, spatial sound, while the center tweeter specifically focuses on clarifying speech. And built-in Dolby decoding enhances the audio capabilities of your TV Speaker to deliver a more realistic and satisfying listening experience. Designed with simplicity in mind, a single connection to your TV has you up and running in no time. This connection can be either an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately). At just over 2″ (5 cm) tall, this TV Speaker is small enough to fit just about anywhere. Place it in front of your TV or mount it to the wall. Plus small LED lights on the front turn on and/or change color when certain features are enabled or when the volume is adjusted. The Bose TV Speaker also has HDMI-CEC, which allows the TV and soundbar to communicate when connected by an HDMI cable. So when you turn the TV on, the soundbar will automatically turn on too, and you can even continue using your current TV remote to control the volume of the soundbar. However, the Bose TV Speaker also has its own remote. On it, you can pair your Bluetooth device to wirelessly stream your favorite music or podcasts, enable Dialogue Mode to further elevate center vocals, or add a bass boost for some extra depth. And the Bose TV Speaker is Roku TV Ready certified. Meaning, it’s designed to work seamlessly with a Roku TV. When connected to a Roku TV via an HDMI cable, you’ll enjoy smooth, automatic setup, easy access to the TV Speaker sound settings in the Roku TV on-screen menu, and compatibility with the Roku TV remote. If you’re looking for even more bass or just want to expand your system, you can add a subwoofer for more theater-quality home theater sound. The Bose TV Speaker requires a wired connection and is compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 (Bose Bass Module Connection Cable sold separately).
Do you need a special cable?
No. The TV Speaker connects to your TV (or other device) via HDMI cable using HDMI's ARC technology, optical cable which is included in the package, or an analog audio cable such as an 1/8th inch to 1/8th inch AUX cable or an 1/8th inch to RCA L/R cable.
HDMI and analog cables are not included in the package.
HDMI and analog cables are not included in the package.
4 years, 2 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
Toshiba - TY-WSP70 Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Black
Explore the outdoors while listening to your favorite playlist with this black Toshiba fab portable Bluetooth speaker. The built-in microphone lets you make and receive calls hands-free, while the rechargeable battery offers up to 10 hours of continuous use on a single charge. This Toshiba fab portable Bluetooth speaker features a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting your smartphone or other compatible devices easily.
does this speacker have a auxiliary port
Toshiba - TY-WSP70 Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Blue
Entertain yourself with this blue Toshiba portable Bluetooth speaker. The dual 1.75-inch drivers fill your room with up to 6W of stunning sound, and the built-in microphone makes and takes hands-free calls. Powered by a rechargeable LiIon battery, this Toshiba portable Bluetooth speaker plays nonstop for up to 10 hours.
How do you plug in the portable bluetooth speaker Model TY-WSP70l. I have an old Toshibs labtop.
You can either add a bluetooth adapter to your laptop and pair it like you would to your phone, or it comes with a short aux cable that would run from your headphone jack to the back of the speaker.
4 years, 3 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
Insignia™ - Multidirectional Indoor HDTV Antenna - White
Only @ Best Buy Bring a huge array of entertainment into your home with this Insignia™ NS-ANT715 Multidirectional Indoor Antenna, which allows you to receive VHF and UHF signals on your HDTV and enjoy broadcasts in crystal-clear 720p or 1080i resolution.
I bought a Insignia Tv 50 inch,my question is why can't I get CBS channels on it,do I have to have a certain type of antenna and I bought it from you guys. .
Reception depends on distance from the channel's broadcast antenna. There's a website and an app called AntennaWeb.org that will show you exactly where the broadcaster's antenna is and what kind of antenna you need to receive that channel.
In the meantime, if that broadcaster has an app for Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, FireTV, or your smart TV's platform, you can at least watch the local news. LoCast might be available in your area as well.
In the meantime, if that broadcaster has an app for Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, FireTV, or your smart TV's platform, you can at least watch the local news. LoCast might be available in your area as well.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
Logitech Wireless Combo MK320. The combo that puts entertainment and portability at your fingertips. With 11 hot keys, you’ll enjoy instant access to the things you do most. Low-profile, whisper-quiet keyboard helps make typing and surfing easy. And the mouse stores the tiny Logitech receiver, so you can take your mouse wherever you go.
Will this work with an iMAC?
Yes. You'll need to plug the adapter into an open USB port though.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
Logitech Wireless Combo MK320. The combo that puts entertainment and portability at your fingertips. With 11 hot keys, you’ll enjoy instant access to the things you do most. Low-profile, whisper-quiet keyboard helps make typing and surfing easy. And the mouse stores the tiny Logitech receiver, so you can take your mouse wherever you go.
Is this a standard sized keyboard?
For the most part, yes. The 6 keys above the arrow keys are a slightly different layout, but the keys are the same size you'd find on most any normal 101/104 key keyboard.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
Logitech Wireless Combo MK320. The combo that puts entertainment and portability at your fingertips. With 11 hot keys, you’ll enjoy instant access to the things you do most. Low-profile, whisper-quiet keyboard helps make typing and surfing easy. And the mouse stores the tiny Logitech receiver, so you can take your mouse wherever you go.
Will this keyboard combo work w/the 2017 MacBook Air
Yes, but you will absolutely need a USB-C to USB-A dongle for the adapter that comes in the package.
You'd be far better off to get a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse instead, because of fewer things to deal with.
You'd be far better off to get a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse instead, because of fewer things to deal with.
Products from my answer
Satechi - ST-AMBKM Full-size Wireless Bluetooth Scissor Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - Compatible with Newer Mac Devices - Space Gray
(10)
Apple - Magic Mouse 2 - Space Gray
(2,297)4 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
PNY - CS900 120GB Internal SSD SATA
Count on high-speed storage performance with this 120GB PNY solid-state drive. Its 515MB/sec. read and 490MB/sec. write speeds let you multitask efficiently, and it's up to 30x more robust than hard drives, ensuring durability and data protection.
My ps3 hdd stop working. Would this ssd drive work on my ps3 slim?
PS3 and PS4 can use any 2.5” SATA storagr device, so yes. I’d recommend a higher capacity drive though.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO