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
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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
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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
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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
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![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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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BillFromKCMO's Questions
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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.
I recently purchased a macbook pro mid 2012. Would this SSD work for this model or is there a better SSD that y'all would recommend. I am planning on doing some mildly intensive editing on this laptop.
As long as the MacBook Pro model you’re using has SATA and not M.2 or soldered storage, you’d be fine. I would recommend something larger than 120GB though.
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.
Hello. Is it compatible with MAcbook black early 2008?
Yes it is. However, because of how macOS 10.7 and earlier handle TRIM, you’ll need to Google how to enable that feature so your SSD doesn’t fail prematurely.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
Roku - Streaming Stick+ 4K Streaming Device with Roku Voice Remote and TV Controls
Enjoy nonstop entertainment with the Roku Streaming Stick+. Its wireless receiver provides a strong signal for smooth streaming in rooms far from the router, and it supports 4K, HD and HDR resolutions for crisp, colorful pictures. Take this compact Roku Streaming Stick+ with you on vacation for enjoying shows away from home.
Will this work with disney plus
It does, but my picture stutters and my audio quality is garbled. I'd recommend other devices for Disney+ over Roku.
4 years, 10 months ago
by
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BillFromKCMO
Dynex™ - 3' MFi Lightning Cable for Apple® iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Midnight Blue
Recharge a host of devices at high speeds safely with this Dynex Lighting charge and sync cable. The slender design works with a wide range of cases for added flexibility, while the 3-foot length offers convenient freedom of movement. This Dynex Lighting charge and sync cable features a thick outer layer for durability.
Is this compatible with an iPad 4th generation? Thanks.
This works with any iOS device with a lightning port (or any accessory with a lightning port for that matter), so yes.
4 years, 11 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
Geeni - Smart Wi-Fi Video Doorbell - Wired - Black
Monitor incoming guests with this Geeni smart doorbell. The 720p HD resolution, 130-degree viewing angle and automatic night vision provide detailed, round-the-clock tracking of your surroundings, and the listen and talk two-way audio offers clear communication. This Wi-Fi-enabled Geeni smart doorbell works with the proprietary app for remote access and includes mounting accessories for precise installation.
Does a charger come with the Geeni door bell ring
While this video doorbell does have a USB micro port that's useful for initial setup or troubleshooting when you experience hardware or network issues, the Geeni Doorscreen relies on power from your existing wired doorbell button. It requires a 16 or 24 volt power supply rated for at least 10VA. 90% of mechanical doorbells will run this device.
5 years, 1 month ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
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.
Would this HD need a mount/rack for a standard sized desktop case? For reference the case is "Corsair Graphite Series 230T Orange with Window Compact Mid-Tower Computer Case (CC-9011038-WW)"
If your case doesn’t have SSD mounting spots, then yes.
5 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
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.
Is this compatible with MacBook Pro 2012 ?
It is, but you’ll need to get disk cloning software and a USB to SATA adapter to copy the contents of your laptop to this drive.
5 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
Geeni - LUX 1050 1050-Lumen, 10W Dimmable A21 LED Smart Light Bulb, 75W Equivalent - White
Manage your home lighting with this Geeni Lux smart bulb. It produces the equivalent of 75W of light, and its brightness can be adjusted from a smartphone app or through Amazon's Alexa. This Geeni Lux smart bulb connects through Wi-Fi, so you can link it to other bulbs and set up on/off schedules.
Are these bulbs suitable for use in outdoor fixtures subject to below zero temperatures?
Just like any other LED, you can use a smart bulb in sub-zero conditions. However, your milage can and will vary based on minimum and maximum temperatures.
5 years, 8 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
C by GE - A19 Bluetooth Smart LED Light Bulb with Google Assistant/Alexa/HomeKit (4-Pack) - White Only
Create customized illumination for your home with this 4-pack of C by GE smart light bulbs. The free iOS or Android app lets you set automatic on and off schedules, and compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa supports the voice-activated operation. Control these 9.5W C by GE smart light bulbs individually, or group them together for simultaneous brightness adjustment. 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.
Do these lightbulbs burnout and have to be replaced? And if they do, how long do they last
LED lighting - smart or otherwise - fail by one of the two following ways:
1) The LED modules or the LED driver module experiences a sudden failure. Early LED lighting had this issue due to overheating. While not as common, modern LED lighting fails because part of the LED driver - for lack of a better term - pops. This can happen at any time for any reason, but is most likely to occur during the warranty period.
2) The LED modules slowly dim over time due to materials within slowly experiencing a chemical reaction (caused either by heat or electricity), either in the diode material itself or a phosphor used on the LED to help with light color and quality. This generally takes a period of years, even if the LED is on 24/7. (BTW, unless it's purpose-built to run 24 hours a day, I don't recommend LEDs in constant-on situations.)
1) The LED modules or the LED driver module experiences a sudden failure. Early LED lighting had this issue due to overheating. While not as common, modern LED lighting fails because part of the LED driver - for lack of a better term - pops. This can happen at any time for any reason, but is most likely to occur during the warranty period.
2) The LED modules slowly dim over time due to materials within slowly experiencing a chemical reaction (caused either by heat or electricity), either in the diode material itself or a phosphor used on the LED to help with light color and quality. This generally takes a period of years, even if the LED is on 24/7. (BTW, unless it's purpose-built to run 24 hours a day, I don't recommend LEDs in constant-on situations.)
5 years, 8 months ago
by
Posted by:
BillFromKCMO
C by GE - A19 Bluetooth Smart LED Light Bulb with Google Assistant/Alexa/HomeKit (4-Pack) - White Only
Create customized illumination for your home with this 4-pack of C by GE smart light bulbs. The free iOS or Android app lets you set automatic on and off schedules, and compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa supports the voice-activated operation. Control these 9.5W C by GE smart light bulbs individually, or group them together for simultaneous brightness adjustment. 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.
We have a google home and a google mini. Do I need anything else.for these bulbs to work in my home?
Nope. Just make sure you pair them using the Google Home app and not the C by GE app if you want to be able to control them outside of your home.
5 years, 8 months ago
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BillFromKCMO