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IowaBob
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- Review count20
- Helpfulness votes74
- First reviewJuly 26, 2013
- Last reviewJanuary 5, 2018
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
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- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
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- Answer count9
- Helpfulness votes5
- First answerJuly 27, 2013
- Last answerNovember 17, 2017
- Featured answers0
- Best answers1
Take your music anywhere with this portable Sony wireless speaker. Lightweight and water-resistant, it has a 16-hour battery life, making it perfect for on-the-go listening all day. This Sony wireless speaker has Bluetooth connectivity with NFC One-touch, and it can also link to a second speaker for stereo sound.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent Bluetooth Speaker for My Uses
on January 5, 2018
Posted by: IowaBob
from Iowa City, IA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased the Sony - XB10 Portable Bluetooth Speaker to amplify the sound from my Echo Dot. In particular, I wanted an inexpensive portable Bluetooth speaker that would do a good job broadcasting music. After much research, I found that the XB10 was the only such speaker for under $50 (Best Buy sale) that did an adequate job with lower frequency (Bass) sounds. It is only the size of a coffee mug and it fits inside one of my cups.
The XB-10 paired with my Dot quickly and is recognized by the Dot whenever the XB-10 speaker is turned on. The battery is said to play for 16 hours between charges. This may be true if played at relatively low volumes. I tried it at a relatively high-volume (about 8 out of 10), and it played for about 10 hours before the orange LED flashed and the speaker shut down. However, according to specifications and reviews that I have read, most other portable speakers in this price range have shorter times of use between charges. I like the ability to move the speaker around my modest (3-bedroom, split-level) house without losing contact with my Dot, and this speaker excels at this.
While at Best Buy, I compared the sound of the XB-10 to its' larger "siblings" (XB-20 and XB-30). They all had outstanding bass for their sizes and prices, but the XB-10 was all I needed to fill my needs. If not, I would have brought it back sand exchanged it for one of the other Sony "siblings." I am very happy with my purchase.
The XB-10 paired with my Dot quickly and is recognized by the Dot whenever the XB-10 speaker is turned on. The battery is said to play for 16 hours between charges. This may be true if played at relatively low volumes. I tried it at a relatively high-volume (about 8 out of 10), and it played for about 10 hours before the orange LED flashed and the speaker shut down. However, according to specifications and reviews that I have read, most other portable speakers in this price range have shorter times of use between charges. I like the ability to move the speaker around my modest (3-bedroom, split-level) house without losing contact with my Dot, and this speaker excels at this.
While at Best Buy, I compared the sound of the XB-10 to its' larger "siblings" (XB-20 and XB-30). They all had outstanding bass for their sizes and prices, but the XB-10 was all I needed to fill my needs. If not, I would have brought it back sand exchanged it for one of the other Sony "siblings." I am very happy with my purchase.
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Interact with Alexa anywhere in your home with the Amazon Echo Dot voice-controlled device. The compact size is a perfect fit in any room, and the built-in speaker lets you set an alarm or stream music. The Amazon Echo Dot voice-controlled device plugs into your home stereo speakers or connects wirelessly through Bluetooth.
Customer Rating
4
Dot - A Useful and Enjoyable Device
on December 23, 2017
Posted by: IowaBob
from Iowa City, IA
Verified Purchase:Yes
The Echo Dot does everything that the Echo does except high-volume sound. It was a snap to install once you download the Amazon Alexa App. The sound from the Dot is adequate for many uses in a small-to-medium-sized room. If you what high quality sound so that music can be heard and enjoyed over a good portion of your home, you will need to pair the Dot with a Bluetooth or wired speaker. I am using a Sony RSR-XB10 Bluetooth speaker that I bought on sale at Best Buy. If you need to buy such a speaker, the price of the Dot + speaker could exceed the cost of an Echo. There is an advantage to using a separate Bluetooth speaker in that you can move it around your house while the Dot stays stationary. Neither the Dot nor the Echo have a battery so that they must be plugged into an electrical outlet. The Echo Dot works very well with my secured WiFi home network and my relatively inexpensive (but new 2017 version) smartphone.
The only draw back that both the Echo Dot and the Echo have is that you are somewhat limited in the music that you can play without subscribing to Amazon Prime, Spotify or some other service. You can listen to music "samples" from Amazon, but not from Spotify unless you purchase the Spotify Premium package. Music that you have purchased from Amazon during the past year or so (even if they were on CDs) are available to play on the Dot just by asking Alexa to play your selection from "Amazon Music." As yet, I have not found a way as yet to load my computer's music library that have files from music, purchased in past years from Amazon as well as other sources, into a place where Alexa could have access. This limitation may be due to legal issues. The other shortcoming is the audio quality of some of the free apps that are available. If you own or buy either the Echo or the Echo Dot, be sure to read reviews of apps before you install them using the Alexa App.
All in all, the Echo Dot is worth the $29.95 that paid for it and I would give it a 4.5/5.0, and recommend that you buy one for your home if you can envision current uses, such as listening to news reports, music and a variety of podcasts, asking Alexa to look things up in Wikipedia for you, or have Alexa tell you corny jokes and words of inspiration or for future uses, such as controlling the lights (smart bulbs), alarms, smart thermostat, etc.
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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With 8 surge-protected outlets, including 4 widely spaced outlets, this CyberPower SX650G 650VA battery back-up system guards against power spikes and provides up to 8 minutes of run time, so connected devices shut down properly during a power failure.
Customer Rating
5
Does the Job and Excellent Socket Spacing
on November 17, 2017
Posted by: IowaBob
from Iowa City, IA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I have been using a competitor's back-up system that has sockets that are too close to each other to accommodate some of my device's plugs. When it needed to be replaced, I decided to try the, "CyberPower - 650VA Battery Back-Up System" because of its' socket spacing. It works as well as the competitor's product, and has socket placements that better suit my system. It had its' capabilities tested a couple of times since it was installed and worked perfectly. Thus, a 5 stars rating so far. The only question I still have is will it last as long as its' predecessor? If it doesn't, I will revise my rating.
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Expand the storage of your compatible device with this SanDisk Ultra PLUS microSDXC memory card that features a 128GB capacity to hold your photos and videos and a Class 10 rating to ensure speedy data transfer. The rugged design resists damage.
Customer Rating
5
SanDisk Memory Cards are Excellent
on October 7, 2017
Posted by: IowaBob
from Iowa City, IA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I have several SanDisk memory cards, but this is the first one that has a 128 gigabyte capacity. I am using it in my Samsung Galaxy J7 smartphone to store photos, videos and some apps. It has been working flawlessly with my phone, allowing me to access files quickly. My other SanDisk cards are in cameras (3), a GPS device, an old mp3 player, and a tablet. All the cards have been working flawlessly, some for several years. A great product!
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Take advantage of smart TV capabilities with this Samsung Blu-ray disc player. Smart Hub technology provides access to thousands of apps, opening a world of entertainment, social networking and information, and ultra HD provides crystal-clear viewing. Enjoy convenient wireless access to your devices and the Internet with this Samsung Blu-ray disc player.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent Device for My Uses
on September 18, 2017
Posted by: IowaBob
from Iowa City, IA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I purchased the Samsung - BD-J6300 - Streaming 4K Upscaling 3D Wi-Fi Built-In Blu-ray Player from Best Buy to replace an older player. The BD-J6300 is smaller, lighter, and its' Blu-ray - DVD player out-performs its predecessor, probably because of the BD-J6300's 4K upscaling. Although I do nearly all of my streaming directly to my TV via ROKU, I tried out the streaming capabilities of the BD-J6300 and found them to work as well as advertised.
One factor that you should be aware of about the BD-J6300 is that although it up scales to 4K, it will NOT play 4K DVDs. Since I already have an extensive DVD-Blu-ray disc collection, and I stream movies and other videos from Netflix and other services, I was willing to pay $100 for the BD-J6300 and save about $200 over the price of a 4K disc-playing device. With this caveat in mind, the BD-J6300 is an excellent buy.
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Comfortably shave your legs, underarms or other body area with this Panasonic Close Curves ES2207P women's shaver, which features 3 independently floating heads and hypoallergenic blades and foils for clean, close results.
Customer Rating
5
My Wife Loves this Shaver
on September 3, 2016
Posted by: IowaBob
from Iowa City, IA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I bought the Panasonic - Close Curves Wet/Dry Women's Shaver - Pink for my wife to replace an identical shaver that stopped working after many years of use. She tells me that this shaver is the best one that she has had in that it does what she needs it to do without irritation. I like the very affordable price!
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Make a quick, seamless shave in your morning routine with this turbo-powered Philips Norelco shaver. The shaving heads flex in five directions for a close shave even on your neck and jaw line. The Philips Norelco shaver provides 45 minutes of cordless shaving power and can be used both wet and dry.
Customer Rating
4
Happy With This Electric Shaver
on September 3, 2016
Posted by: IowaBob
from Iowa City, IA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I am in my mid-70s and the Philips Norelco - Shaver 5500 - Super Nova Silver is MY FIRST ELECTRIC SHAVER. I have been using it every day for a little more than 2 months. Using the "wet" mode (with shaving gel) for 3-to-4 minutes per shave. I a get a shave nearly as close and thorough as I did from using a cartridge razor for 4-to-5 minutes per shave. The "dry" mode is good for a quick touch-up shave before a long evening, but I found that if I try to make the shave too close, my skin gets irritated. I get 12 to 15 shaves per charge, and the shaver clearly indicates when it is time for a recharge.
So far, the only negative feature is the separate trimmer. I found that it does a poor job trimming sideburns compared to a razor. Perhaps if I had a beard or moustache, I would find it more useful? I keep my old razor (with a new cartridge in it) around to trim my side burns 2 or 3 times a week. It will take another 9 or 10 months before I know if the heads last a year as advertised.
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
I would recommend this to a friend!
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With a Bluetooth 2.1 interface and NFC (near-field communication) technology, this Sony ZSRS60BT boombox allows you to stream music from your compatible audio device. A top-loading CD player enables you to play back disc media.
Customer Rating
4
Best Boom Box for its Size and Price
on August 14, 2016
Posted by: IowaBob
from Iowa City, IA
Verified Purchase:Yes
After many months of searching, I finally decided to buy the Sony ZSRS60BT Boom Box as a gift for my wife who often listens to the radio and CDs while writing in a room that used to be a bedroom. My decision was based mainly on reviews on Best Buy and a couple of other websites. We have been using this device for about 3 weeks and my wife and I are very happy with it. This Sony fills the room with beautiful music regardless of what source we use. So far, all the CDs (including CD-R) that she has tired have played. I said that because a Sony CD player that we had a couple of decades ago could NOT play homemade CDs (on CD-R) or some commercially-available discs. This is NOT a problem with the ZSRS60BT.
For the size and wattage of the speakers, the sound quality is very good, and volume is adequate for most kitchen-, dorm room and bedroom-sized rooms. We have used all the operations that are available except copying ("burning") CDs onto a USB flash drive. Everything, including the Bluetooth operations work as advertised. We were skeptical about this feature because it uses an older (2.1) format and our computers and tablet uses the newer 4.0 format. NO PROBLEMS! We can play mp3 and other sound files that our digital devices were playing through the Sony ZSRS60BT speakers, and their sound quality is very good.
The reasons that I am rating this as 4-stars rather than 5 stars are: 1) the AM radio receptions does not seem as good as other radios that we have in our house (a minor point for most people these days), and 2) the price of this device seems to be a bit high (perhaps 20% too high) for something that is a couple years old.
For the size and wattage of the speakers, the sound quality is very good, and volume is adequate for most kitchen-, dorm room and bedroom-sized rooms. We have used all the operations that are available except copying ("burning") CDs onto a USB flash drive. Everything, including the Bluetooth operations work as advertised. We were skeptical about this feature because it uses an older (2.1) format and our computers and tablet uses the newer 4.0 format. NO PROBLEMS! We can play mp3 and other sound files that our digital devices were playing through the Sony ZSRS60BT speakers, and their sound quality is very good.
The reasons that I am rating this as 4-stars rather than 5 stars are: 1) the AM radio receptions does not seem as good as other radios that we have in our house (a minor point for most people these days), and 2) the price of this device seems to be a bit high (perhaps 20% too high) for something that is a couple years old.
Bottom line; this is probably the best all-around portable system available for under $100. We are very happy with our purchase thus far.
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
I would recommend this to a friend!
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With an 8" TFT touch screen, this Samsung Galaxy Tab A SM-T350NZAAXAR tablet simplifies content navigation. Dual-band Wi-Fi makes it easy to access the Web, and a Bluetooth 4.1 interface enables you to pair with select devices.
Customer Rating
5
Fast Start Up, Sharp Screen and Great Pictures
on May 20, 2016
Posted by: IowaBob
from Iowa City, IA
Verified Purchase:Yes
This Samsung-Galaxy Tab A-8-16GB (WiFi) was purchased to replace a Samsung-Galaxy Tab 2-7-8GB (Wi-Fi) unit whose battery failed after nearly 3 years. The Tab A runs on Android 5.0 and starts in seconds rather than minutes. The back-facing camera records at 5 mps and takes pictures that are superior to those taken with the Tab 2. I set the device to save all photos on a 32 gb micro card that I installed, leaving all of the Tab A's 16 mb to store most apps and run the device's OS. I also store all my music and other documents that I wish to carry with me on the 32 gb micro card. One nice feature that I use a lot is the rolodex-like "Recant Apps" feature, which allows you to quickly switch between apps and display multiple windows on a split Screen. I have had the Tab A for about a month and have used it at home and on the road, including a trip to Europe. This device worked beautifully, video is sharp, audio is clear, the battery lasts a long time between charges, and recharges from 20% to 100% in about 3.5 hours. The sale price of $179.99 is a good price for a device that does all the tasks that I need from a tablet.
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Only @ Best BuyImmerse yourself in the graphics of your smart television with this Insignia HDMI cable. Supporting resolutions up to 4K UltraHD, this 6-foot cable features HDR support to increase color and contrast for a realistic viewing experience. This Insignia HDMI cable features triple-layer shielding to keep interference out for a crisp picture.
Customer Rating
5
The Insignia™ - 6' HDMI Cable Does the Job
on February 26, 2016
Posted by: IowaBob
from Iowa City, IA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I bought this cable to connect a new computer to a HD display that is about 2 years old. Everything works properly and HD displays look great.
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
My Best Buy number: 2594632605
I would recommend this to a friend!
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IowaBob's Review Comments
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IowaBob's Answers
With 8 surge-protected outlets, including 4 widely spaced outlets, this CyberPower SX650G 650VA battery back-up system guards against power spikes and provides up to 8 minutes of run time, so connected devices shut down properly during a power failure.
How long will the battery run when power is off. It will be connected to a computer and phone.
It depends on how many of the 4 battery back-up sockets you are using and how much power your devices are using when a power failure occurs. I use 3 of these sockets (computer with i7 processor, monitor, and back-up hard drive) and had enough time to save the files I was working on, close all open windows, and shut down my computer. However, I did not test the extremes for the battery. According to the User Guide, the battery runtimes range from 65 minutes for a DVR that is recording, to 18 minutes for a 21" iMac computer, to 6 minutes for a 32" LCD TV and PS3 console. These times are similar to the competitor's times, and plenty of time to back up files, close programs and shut down devices safely.
Hope this helps.
Bob
Hope this helps.
Bob
6 years, 5 months ago
by
IowaBob
Expand the storage of your compatible device with this SanDisk Ultra PLUS microSDXC memory card that features a 128GB capacity to hold your photos and videos and a Class 10 rating to ensure speedy data transfer. The rugged design resists damage.
Take advantage of smart TV capabilities with this Samsung Blu-ray disc player. Smart Hub technology provides access to thousands of apps, opening a world of entertainment, social networking and information, and ultra HD provides crystal-clear viewing. Enjoy convenient wireless access to your devices and the Internet with this Samsung Blu-ray disc player.
Take advantage of smart TV capabilities with this Samsung Blu-ray disc player. Smart Hub technology provides access to thousands of apps, opening a world of entertainment, social networking and information, and ultra HD provides crystal-clear viewing. Enjoy convenient wireless access to your devices and the Internet with this Samsung Blu-ray disc player.
Is there an ACORN TV app that is compatible with Samsung BD-J6300 Blu-Ray Player?
Capture the scenes that matter with this Canon PowerShot SX710 HS digital camera, which offers high-power 30x optical zoom and Intelligent IS to help you capture crystal-clear images. Shoot 1080p Full HD video and view the moment as it unfolds.Memory card sold separately.
How is Picture quality when zooming in on small items?
I would like to take photos at friends wedding, and want shots of her ring, and other small items, how well does this zoom in on details on small items? Or is there a better camera, that is not complicated or expensive that would do the trick? Help!
I've just finished taking pictures with my new SX 710 HS camera using the "MACRO" setting and got excellent results shooting in the "L" size setting. However, if you do not need all the features of a $350-camera, there are digital cameras out there that sell for $80 - $150 dollars that may suit your purposes. I have taken very good close-up pictures with my Canon PowerShot Elph 115 IS that I purchased on sale at Best Buy for $79.95 early in 2014. I'm sure there are other brands that could also serve your purpose. Just make sure that they have a decent sized Image sensor and an available MACRO setting. Good luck and good shooting!
8 years, 5 months ago
by
IowaBob
Iowa City, IA
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0: Samsung Media Hub turns your tablet into a handheld media streaming center, allowing you to conveniently purchase movies, music, games and more. TouchWiz lets you set up your home screen functionality just how you want it, making navigation a breeze.
What file types does the SG Tab 2 7.0 support?
Files supported by the Android OS have all worked well on my SG Tab 2 7.0 8GB. In particular, I have been able to save JPEG and PDF files on it. I installed a 32GB micro SD card in the micro-card slot, which has allowed me store pictures taken with the Tab's cameras as well as e-books and, e-magazines down-loaded from Android apps, as well as scanned maps. So far, I have not had any trouble storing and viewing files on my Tab 2 7.0.
9 years, 11 months ago
by
IowaBob
Iowa City, IA
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0: Samsung Media Hub turns your tablet into a handheld media streaming center, allowing you to conveniently purchase movies, music, games and more. TouchWiz lets you set up your home screen functionality just how you want it, making navigation a breeze.
does it play audobooks
Yes; it plays audiobooks, but you need to download the book to your tablet as an audiofile that the tablet can play.
10 years, 8 months ago
by
IowaBob
Iowa City, IA
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0: Samsung Media Hub turns your tablet into a handheld media streaming center, allowing you to conveniently purchase movies, music, games and more. TouchWiz lets you set up your home screen functionality just how you want it, making navigation a breeze.
Can it operate in different languages?
Is there an option in settings to change the operating language from English to Polish?
YES, Many languages from Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa. Using the "Settings" app, you navigate down to "Languages" and tap on the default language ("English (U.S.)" on my tablet). A menu will open up with several dozen languages on it. Tap the language that you want.
10 years, 8 months ago
by
IowaBob
Iowa City, IA
Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0: Samsung Media Hub turns your tablet into a handheld media streaming center, allowing you to conveniently purchase movies, music, games and more. TouchWiz lets you set up your home screen functionality just how you want it, making navigation a breeze.
I want to know if this has the capability to use an ap for gopayment a credit card processing piece of equipment and does word and excel come in an ap
is there a ap that allows word and excel.
Is gopayment compatible? Credit card processing tool
Is gopayment compatible? Credit card processing tool
There is a free app pre-installed, "Polaris Office" that allows some editing of EXCEL and WORD files. Check the "Play Store" on Google's website to see about "gopayment" and what may be needed. You may also want to download the tablet's User Guide from Samsung's website. I did so before buying this tablet to make sure it had all the features that I wanted. It answered many of my questions. Good Luck.
10 years, 8 months ago
by
IowaBob
Iowa City, IA