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StevenDiz
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- Review count22
- Helpfulness votes38
- First reviewAugust 30, 2013
- Last reviewNovember 19, 2016
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
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- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
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- Answer count1
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- First answerMarch 12, 2016
- Last answerMarch 12, 2016
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The USB 3.0 4-Port Mini Hub allows for up to four USB 3.0 devices to be connected simultaneously at a transmission speed of 5Gbps, while still providing connectivity and support for the older USB 2.0 (480Mb/s) and 1.1 (12Mb/s) devices. It works with high-bandwidth Super Speed USB 3.0 devices, such as webcams, flash drives, video surveillance cameras, digital video cameras, multi-channel audio and more. In addition, it supports fast charging for smart phone, tablets, and iPad.
Customer Rating
4
Works well, if initially frustrating
on January 5, 2015
Posted by: StevenDiz
from Hixson, TN
Verified Purchase:Yes
I really want to like J5's products. I do. But there always seems to be some sort of hitch with everything I purchase from them. In the case of this USB hub, it was the fact that it simply wasn't recognized by my Mac. After about 20 minutes of trying different ports on my Mac and testing all the other connections on my computer, I decided to restart my computer. Given that I usually have 20+ programs open, this is something I hate to do unless it's absolutely necessary. But, that did the trick. After the restart, the hub showed up and has worked perfectly since.
Still, a USB hub that isn't recognized when you plug it in is the sort of USB hub you have to think twice about purchasing.
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The NETGEAR SOHO Ethernet Unmanaged Switches provide easy and affordable network connectivity to small offices and home/offices. With these Plug-and-Play switches, you can quickly and easily expand your network connections to multiple devices, with no configuration required.
Customer Rating
5
Solid switch at a decent price.
on November 30, 2014
Posted by: StevenDiz
from Hixson, TN
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased this unit to replace the exact same item, which had died during a power surge. The original unit had been chugging along nicely for at least 3 years, probably longer, with nary a problem until a bad power-spike took it out of service. I expect this new unit to perform just as well.
Recommended.
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Watch videos with stunning sharpness and clarity with this LG 21:9 UltraWide HD monitor. This widescreen monitor measures 29 inches, permits four-screen splitting and includes dual HDMI connections, letting you connect two different devices and multitask effectively on your computer. This LG 21:9 UltraWide HD monitor is compatible with Mac and Windows computers.
Customer Rating
4
Great, if you aren't using a Mac
on October 12, 2014
Posted by: StevenDiz
from Hixson, TN
Verified Purchase:Yes
This one hurts. I'm a programmer, and I'm always looking for a way to expand the amount of screen real estate that I have to work with. So, this monitor seemed like a great choice. Unfortunately, I can't get it to work with it's native resolution (2560 x1080) when using it with my Mac Mini (late 2012 version).
I've even gone so far as to use the excellent shareware program SwitchResX, which seems to unlock every possible resolution EXCEPT 2560 x 1080 for this monitor.
I'm currently running it at 2560 x 1440. While this IS more pixels, the display is "squished" and annoying to look at. Fortunately, I've been able to come up with a font to use that makes my coding work bearable, but, video and other tasks remain squished and hard to deal with on a daily basis.
As you might guess, plugging this into a Windows box, even a low-end Windows 8 laptop, brings up the monitor in it's correct native resolution. (That also hurts.)
So, for Windows, a great choice, recommended. For Mac, try before you buy if at all possible. (I'd love to hear from users of other Mac models [iMac, Mac Pro, etc.] that have experience with this monitor.)
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Compatible with Apple iPad mini, iPad mini 2 or iPad mini 3, this ZAGG ZAGGkeys BZKMHFBKLIT103 folio case features a Bluetooth keyboard with backlit, island-style keys to ensure comfortable typing. The leather-textured material provides durability.
Customer Rating
4
Great, if you've got small hands
on May 2, 2014
Posted by: StevenDiz
from Hixson, TN
Verified Purchase:Yes
I recently got a writing gig and it occurred to me that a good time to write would be during the time I would otherwise just sit around watching my son practice soccer or my daughter take her dance class.
So, I got the ZAGGkeys keyboard for my new iPad Mini with retina display to help turn this downtime into productive time.
Unfortunately, it never occurred to me that my hands might actually be too large to use the thing effectively. They are. I'm constantly hitting the wrong key and that costs time and causes a lot of frustration.
That said, I was able to write my first assignment with the ZAGG, and, in a pinch I know that I can use it to get stuff done. It's just more frustrating than I'd like.
Another thing: if you have an iPad mini with Retina Display, get the ZAGG specifically for THAT model. I have the Retina mini and got the ZAGG for the old mini, thinking it would fit correctly. It fits, but just barely, and the mini is constantly threatening to pop out of the case.
So, if you have the proper-size hands, or you have a child that needs to write with an iPad mini, this is definitely a good purchase.
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
What's great about it: As real a keyboard as you will get for the iPad Mini
What's not so great: It's so small, if you have large hands, typing will be a chore
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Listen to music while you work out with these Yurbuds Inspire for Women 10120 headphones that feature ambient noise awareness to help you keep track of your surroundings. Moisture-resistant construction protects the headphones from sweat and water.
Customer Rating
4
Great earbuds for active folks with smaller ears
on February 21, 2014
Posted by: StevenDiz
from Hixson, TN
How Often Used:Daily
Verified Purchase:Yes
I got these for my girlfriend, who loves to dance to her music during breaks at work. She couldn't do this with the Apple "ear pods" that came with her iPhone, because they kept falling out while she was dancing. But, these fit her ears perfectly and stay in place no matter how much she moves around.
The only issue is that these particular earbuds have no phone or music playback controls built into them. So, you can't control the volume or answer calls with them directly, you have to pull out your phone and go from there.
Still, if you are purchasing these specifically for use while being active, stopping to take a phone call might not be something you want to do anyway.
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
What's great about it: Great fit. Great sound.
What's not so great: A little pricey, no phone, playback or audio controls.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
Comfort
5
Durability
5
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With an operating speed of 1.6GHz, this PNY MN8192SD3-1600 8GB PC3-12800 DDR3 laptop memory boosts performance to help ensure your computer operates at an optimal level and multitasks efficiently.
Customer Rating
5
Makes your old computer seem new
on January 10, 2014
Posted by: StevenDiz
from Hixson, TN
Build or modify your own PC:Yes
Level of Expertise:Average
Primary reason for building/modifying PC:Upgrader
Verified Purchase:Yes
If you've got an old laptop or compact desktop that you are considering replacing, consider possibly maxing out the RAM instead.
Most computers of the last decade shipped with 2 to 4 GB of RAM. That was great at the time, but today's software requires lots more RAM to run smoothly.
Upgrading RAM is usually pretty straight-forward: you pop open the case, pop out the old RAM and pop in the new. That's about it. Most anyone can do it themselves. But, if you are feeling skittish there are a TON of instructional videos on the web for whatever computer you might have.
I've upgraded a lot of computers over the years and this PNY RAM is as reliable as any I've ever purchased.
So, check your computer's documentation and, if it's compatible, give it a whirl. It's a simple, inexpensive upgrade that can make your computer feel brand new.
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
What's great about it: Lots of RAM. Relatively inexpensive.
What's not so great: Nothing notable
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
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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.
Customer Rating
5
The best tablet you can buy
on January 10, 2014
Posted by: StevenDiz
from Hixson, TN
Verified Purchase:Yes
As a mobile developer, I buy a lot of different tablets. One month I'm all about the Android tablets, and another time I'm coveting a Windows 8 tablet. But every year or so, Apple updates the iPad to a point where I have to get one to stay current. And, when that happens, I take it out of the box, and I can't believe how much BETTER it is than all the other hardware I've been using.
The form-factor, the fit and finish, the materials, battery life, app selection... There's a REASON you pay more for iPads: they are just better by every metric.
That said, this is the best iPad I've yet owned. It's fast, light and beautiful. If you can afford it, this is the tablet you should get.
What's that you say? "There must be SOME problem with it?" Well, to be completely honest, I read a lot of e-books and digital comics, and, frankly, the smaller screen of the mini just doesn't do it for me. (Especially for comics.) So, if you are an e-book/comic reader, spend some time with a friend's mini before you make the plunge. And if you don't like the size, get an iPad 2 or iPad Air.
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
What's great about it: Small, fast, great screen, fantastic app selection.
What's not so great: Expensive
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Features
5
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Protect your Apple iPad mini, iPad mini 2, iPad mini 3 or other tablet up to 10" with this Belkin Verve 2.0 folio case that features polyurethane material to guard against damage. The stand's multiple viewing angles allow easy hands-free viewing.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent protective case
on January 10, 2014
Posted by: StevenDiz
from Hixson, TN
Verified Purchase:Yes
With two kids, it's a given that at any point in time, one of them will be trying to make off with my iPad mini. And like every kid, sometimes they drop things and break them. So, whenever I buy a new tablet, I always get a protective case of some sort. This case covers all the bases: it protects the iPad mini from most drops, makes a great protective cover, looks good and has a built-in three-position stand.
It also acts as a smart cover, just like the Apple-brand smart covers. That is, you open it, and the iPad wakes up. Close it, and the iPad goes to sleep.
The only real disadvantage this has over an Apple-brand cover is that it's bulkier. But, that extra bulk translates to extra drop protection, so I can live with that.
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
What's great about it: Protects iPad mini, also works as smart cover.
What's not so great: Nothing notable
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Community: The Complete First Season [3 Discs] [DVD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/1170/1170113_sa.jpg)
This release contains every episode from the debut season of NBC's sitcom Community, about a shady lawyer (Joel McHale) who must return to college and starts a study group full of wacky fellow community college students.
Customer Rating
5
Great comedy show
on November 23, 2013
Posted by: StevenDiz
from Hixson, TN
Verified Purchase:Yes
First found this show during a free trial of Hulu Plus. I gave up on HuluPlus (Commercials AND I get to pay a monthly fee? No thanks.), but I immediately began looking for this on DVD. It's an excellent comedy, possibly the best of the decade so far. Well worth the purchase.
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
What's great about it: Hilarious plots, great characters, good comedy payoff
What's not so great: Some plots seem extra contrived. But then, most comedies are.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Now Mac mini packs even more power, thanks to the latest quad-core Intel processor. It also features integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, Thunderbolt, USB 3, and OS X.
Customer Rating
5
An excellent all-round computer.
on November 23, 2013
Posted by: StevenDiz
from Hixson, TN
Verified Purchase:Yes
I'm an iOS developer, and my 2006 MacPro was, while otherwise reliable and sufficient for my needs, no longer able to run the latest versions of MacOS or the iPhone developer software. I REALLY wanted to get a new MacPro (the one that looks like a tiny cylinder), but I also couldn't wait until it was released at the end of 2013 to get one.
So, I decided to get an interim Mac to replace my machine. After much consideration, I took a chance on the Intel Core i7 (w/4 CPU cores) MacMini with a 1TB hard drive and 4GB of RAM. My hope was that, given 6+ years of CPU advancements, the 2012 MacMini would be at least close in performance to the 2006 MacPro. It is.
My old set up consisted of a 1TB primary drive, so it was a simple matter to use the built-in Migration Assistant to move all my stuff over. I was more worried that I wouldn't be able to attach all three of my monitors to the MacMini, but I was easily able to do so. The Mini comes with an HDMI->DVI adapter, and I had a mini-DisplayPort -> DVI adapter and my USB->DVI adapter worked perfectly with the Mini, so, the three monitors were no problem.
The only real issue I had was that the 4GB of RAM that come standard with the Mini simply aren't enough for what I do. I regularly have 15+ applications open, including development environments, Windows VMs, spreadsheets, e-mail and all the other apps I need to run my business and do my actual development work. Frankly, out of the box, the Mini was not up to this challenge. (My MacPro had 16GB of RAM in it, and I had forgotten just how "roomy" that is.)
Fortunately, this is another place where the Mini is a better choice than an iMac. Unlike the iMac, the Mini is easily expandable when it comes to RAM, and can accommodate up to 16GB of RAM (using 2, 8GB DIMMs). So, a couple days after I purchased the Mini, I loaded it up with the full 16GB of RAM, and it's performed like a champ ever since. (And, to their credit, Best Buy also had the RAM I needed, and it was cheaper than any mail-order price I could find, which was surprising.)
The only other issue I've had is that when I'm really pushing it, the Mini can get very warm. Like, 90-degrees Celsius warm. (I've lost computers to malfunctioning fans in the past, so I always run temperature monitoring software to give me a head's up that a fan has gone dead.) Honestly, most folks won't ever run as many apps as I do, or push the Mini as hard, but if you do, be sure to add an external fan, or mount the Mini in such a way that it's got good air-flow around it.
All in all, the Mini is an excellent box, and I'm glad I got it, rather than an iMac. It's a perfect replacement machine for an older Mac and, while not as cheap as a no-name Windows box, the performance, reliability and amount of free, useful software you get with it (iWork and iLife), really make it a worthwhile purchase.
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
My Best Buy number: 0525481841
What's great about it: Reliable, fast, relatively inexpensive.
What's not so great: Built in RAM is insufficient. Can get toasty.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
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Constructed from aluminum material, this Insignia™ NS-PCHD235 enclosure helps protect your 2.5" Serial ATA hard drive against damage, allowing safe external use. The plug-and-play design facilitates setup.
Can I put an SSD in this unit.
Can I put an ssd in this unit or does it only take hard drives only?
You should be able to put any 2.5" Serial ATA device into this. But, if you do put an SSD into it, you are restricting the speed at which the drive can get data to the computer. USB 3 is fast, but not as fast as an SSD plugged directly into the Serial ATA bus of your computer.
8 years, 1 month ago
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StevenDiz