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Armtek
Armtek's stats
- Review count8
- Helpfulness votes90
- First reviewMarch 9, 2011
- Last reviewSeptember 4, 2015
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentJune 9, 2012
- Last review commentJune 9, 2012
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count2
- Helpfulness votes0
- First answerOctober 18, 2009
- Last answerJanuary 28, 2014
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
Armtek's Reviews
Ring Wi-Fi Smart Video Doorbell: Find out who's at your door, even when you're away from home. Just connect the doorbell via Wi-Fi and use the Ring app on your iOS or Android device to interact with visitors, receive alerts and review footage.
Posted by: Armtek
from Littleton, CO
Unit is easy to install by anyone with basic skills around the house. Instructions are straightforward if you follow the app and not the printed documents (it'll tell you how to sync the doorbell, etc.). Also it would be good if the Cloud options for recording were clearer. Unit works exactly as intended, although tweaking the 'motion detection' can be drawn out as my unit, even with the range shortened significantly, the unit picks up cars driving by and down the road.
My Best Buy number: 0060620262
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Transform your iPad Air into a portable laptop with this Logitech FabricSkin 920-005973 case that features a discreet Bluetooth keyboard to simplify typing documents and e-mails on your device. The water-repellent design helps keep your device safe.
Customer Rating
4
Good, but could be better
on January 28, 2014
Posted by: Armtek
from Littleton, CO
I own several Logitech products (remotes, keyboards, etc.) and this one fits in right with the rest...a good product that does what it says it will do, but a little more attention to detail would make it much better. I use an iPad Air for note-taking, emailing, etc. that would be too much to ask of my iPhone 5 (or my eyesight) but too little to warrant taking my MacBook Pro along. But the 'glass keyboard' on the iPad is irritating to use, especially for those of us who are 'touch typers'. This keyboard fits the bill in many instances. The right side of your iPad slides into two plastic guides on either side of the pad (that forms your top anchor), and the remainder of the iPad is free to fold, lay flat, or stand up. The left-side guide covers your power button but it's reproduced in a button in that guide. The bluetooth connection only becomes active when the iPad is unfolded and placed just above the top row of keys (the magnet will guide you gently but decisively to an invisible line where the magnet provides the bottom anchor). Emails longer than a line or two are handled well with this unit, and it provides more protection than a simple 'smart cover' magnetic latch. Those used to Mac OS will be happy that certain shortcut keys that are not normally associated with the iPad are resurrected (yes, that means the command-z 'Undo' key - YEAH!). Cutouts for controls and cameras retain those functions.
So what's wrong? Nothing that can't be fixed:
1) The keyboard is a good compromise to size, but it has some quirks to those of us who 'touch type'. The 'home' key on the keypad is right where you'd expect the '1' key, and that pushes all the numbers to the right a little. I've kicked myself out of an email several times when I was trying to reach the '1' key, only to hit 'home' instead. You can get right back to where you left off, but it's an annoyance. Also, in the interest of size, the 'Q' key does double duty as the tab (using the fn key). Those who are used to flying through a form online by tabbing will find this irritating to remember to push the function key (bottom left of the keyboard).
2) The guides that hold in your iPad get loose over time, especially if you have to remove your iPad from the Logitech a lot to place it in a charging cradle, etc. Not that your iPad is in any danger of sliding out of the case - the fold that is opposite the guides will keep it intact - but sliding out does mis-align the power button. Thus, repeated presses of the power button resulted in nothing because the iPad slid out a little.
3) The keyboard battery has a very good life, but has no 'fuel gauge' to reference, so I find myself plugging it in every couple of weeks just to be sure. Would have been nice to have a quick led-based fuel gauge, or even an app that would provide the same function. The button near the microUSB charging port on the case's right side only resets the Bluetooth.
My Best Buy number: 60620262
What's great about it: Lightweight, great texture of both case and keyboard
What's not so great: Frequent keys in awkward place, some fit/finish issues due to use, no battery charge meter
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Samsung UN65F7100AFXZA LED HDTV: Get a theater-like 1080p picture with this Samsung HDTV's expansive LED screen. The built-in Wi-Fi and Samsung Smart Hub make it easy to wirelessly stream movies, TV shows and music.
Customer Rating
5
Fantastic Video! Still would like fewer features
on January 27, 2014
Posted by: Armtek
from Littleton, CO
Internet Connectable?Yes
Connected to the Internet:Yes
We were looking for an upgrade to our LG 55" (1st-gen LED) for the big game. Looking for something larger with a great image, better motion processor, and fantastic color saturation (especially ORANGE!). The new 4K were still out of our reach, especially at larger than our existing 55". Have always been a fan of the 7 Series Samsungs, and with the price dipping to near $2K it was a no-brainer. Set it up temporarily on the stand until I could track down my hardware (bolt size on the LG were M4 and the Samsung is M8) but was a breeze to install as it was much lighter and thinner than the LG 1st-gen LED. So regardless how you set it up, it's easy. A little challenging learning how the touch-pad worked on the remote, but as we run everything off a Harmony remote, it was only a necessary evil until I reprogrammed the Harmony. Picture quality is phenomenal! Regardless of source (DISH, AppleTV, Blu-Ray) the image was great! Blurring/haloing of edges in motion with the LG are long gone with 240Hz processing, and, most importantly, ORANGE comes in great! As we run everything through our Onkyo AV receiver, the sound from the TV was irrelevant, but I did listen to it prior to writing this and the sound was as good as any from the TV itself (and then promptly muted it in favor of my AV system.
We weren't a big fan of 3D, but as the TV came with it, we bought a new Blu-Ray 3D (also Samsung) to replace the PS3 that served as our player over the years, and we were floored with the quality (and reduced eyestrain) with the new active glasses. At 65" we found ourselves swatting and flinching. Oh, and 'regular' BDs come in just fine!
Commentary: Not really a problem with the device, more of marketing, but as you go up higher in size/quality with these units, inevitably the features pile up (multiple HDMIs, USBs, LAN, 'Smart TV' functions, etc.). Not that it's a bad thing...but as we basically use the unit as a monitor, with our Onkyo AV receiver handling the HDMI chores, we really didn't need too many bells and whistles on the TV end. Unfortunately, its the nature of the beast, and certainly a high-quality 65" 'monitor' wouldn't be much cheaper. So, I will re-program my Harmony to create a 'smart tv' option that leaves the control with the TV (and not another source) and hopefully that'll make me feel better about getting at all the features we didn't want (but paid for).
Internet content most enjoyed: Netflix
My Best Buy number: 60620262
What's great about it: Crystal clear, 240Hz processor, great price and 3D to boot!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Samsung - Smart 3D Wi-Fi Built-In Blu-ray Player
Picture Quality
5
Sound Quality
5
Features
5
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+4points
5of 6voted this as helpful.
Save $45 when you buy this discounted package. The PS4 uses cutting-edge technology to deliver more fully realized game worlds and higher player counts than was possible in previous console generations. It also acts as a social hub to keep you connected with your various social networks, and an all-in-one streaming media center that allows you to stream movies, TV shows and more or upload videos of your own gameplay. This bundle includes the PS4 console, Call of Duty: Ghosts game, an additional DualShock 4 wireless controller, a 12-month subscription to PlayStation Plus and a free $25 gift card.
Customer Rating
1
DOA-what a great Christmas gift!
on December 26, 2013
Posted by: Armtek
Waited in sub-zero weather for this garbage. We were warned by the BB staff that getting Geek Squad was necessary to get a quicker turn around on dead-on-arrival consoles. Said many were coming in DOA. Add one to the count. Expect more reviews like this one.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Keep a watchful eye on your home or business with this Swann Pro-Series SWDVK-942004-US surveillance system that includes a 9-channel DVR and 4 cameras with weather-resistant aluminum construction for flexible indoor or outdoor placement.
Customer Rating
4
Good quality without going to expensive digital
on August 13, 2013
Posted by: Armtek
from Littleton, CO
Verified Purchase:Yes
Bought this unit to replace DVR and cameras from old system with horrible night vision. These 700 DVL cameras are very good without the expense of HD equipment. Night vision is fairly good, especially when not competing with other ambient light sources. Initially installed the DVR with existing cameras to ensure protection coverage, but systematically replaced the old cameras with the ones in the kit. Also bought an extended IR range, variable focal length dome camera (Swann SWPRO-781CAM) for the entry way (unfortunately not carried by BB). Again, no problem. As with any wired camera system, running the wires is always the biggest challenge. Also would be a good idea to estimate how much wire you'll need before ordering/picking up, because the wire normally used for these systems include both power and video (no audio for the wire in the kit) and the supplied wire may not be long enough. It's available from a variety of sources, but not something that you find just anywhere. As far as quality, if you're expecting a video quality sufficient for picking folks out of a lineup, you'll be disappointed. Still not to that quatliy, but I wasn't expecting it either.
One word of warning that kept this from being a 5 star review: the internet interface and instructions are really challenging, especially problematic if you have a firewall. Instructions don't help at all, except for the simplest (and least secure) home networks. Plan on being on the phone with Tech Support (they speak english, but probably still not in the US, so be prepared). Involves opening up required ports, etc. Another point is that keep in mind that if you're looking at keeping an eye on things at home while at work or travel, you'll need to have the same ports open on both ends, and most time your employer may not allow that to happen. If you keep things simple with apps on your mobile device running 4G or LTE (e.g. not Wifi) they you should be OK, Be warned, though, the apps aren't very good (but better than not seeing at all) and the new version (8/2013) has some serious bugs.
What's great about it: Easy to set up if you have experience with video equipment
What's not so great: Getting remote monitoring via computer and iPhone required call to tech support
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
Thoroughly clean your dishes with this 24" dishwasher that features 6 wash cycles, a hard-food disposer and quiet operation for added convenience. Have questions about this product? Ask Mr. Samsung, fellow shoppers and Best Buy staff. Share your answers.
Posted by: Armtek
from Littleton, CO
Gender:Male
The performance of the unit is quite phenomenal. Beats the KitchenAid that it replaced hands down. It's quiet, so quiet in fact that only the blue light on the front is a clue that it's working. The sanitize and scrub functions work extremely well, and by virtue of the bottom not having an exposed heating element, there's no fear of placing sensitive items in the top rack only, and if something drops you're certain they won't get melted. Only rarely did we have to re-run the unit (noted below). Would highly recommend!
So why the 'Good' overall rating? Well, they don't have a 4 1/2 star rating. Second, at 1 year old, several times the soap door didn't open and we had to rewash the dishes. The reason most often was that the top rack adjustment handles (on either side of the basket) that allows you to raise or lower the basket to accommodate taller dishes below broke and the slightly-sagging basket would catch the door when opening. Small hooks that held onto the basket snapped off. Didn't catch it during warranty, but my extended Geek Squad paid off and replacement parts are being sent to me directly (saves scheduling a visit and easy to replace).
What's great about it: quiet, great performance, mostly solid, no exposed elements on bottom makes loading easier
What's not so great: Broken adjustable basket levers fixed under Geek Squad extended warranty
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
4
Features
5
Performance
5
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0points
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This refrigerator offers a Smart Cooling Plus system that delivers optimal temperature and humidity settings to keep your food fresh, longer. The thru-the-door ice and water dispenser features a premium filtration system for fresh-tasting water.
Customer Rating
5
Great unit, but PLEASE MEASURE and BEWARE
on May 17, 2012
Posted by: Armtek
from Littleton, CO
Normally I wait for awhile before reporting, but I wanted to get this in quickly to help other buyers. The specs say the unit is 35-3/4 inches wide but it's larger as the unit 'bulges' out on the sides, so it didn't fit at first. We originally got a floor model, but after the unit delivered with new scratches on the front from mishandling at the warehouse, I sent it back, and we negotiated for a new unit. This is of course a whole different issue, and it's not the fridge's fault... But all the floor models have dents/scratches/gouges on the side (a dead givaway of a tight fit).
When we built our kitchen, we had a 36" wide refrig box added to prevent things dropping down the sides of the fridge from the counter. So according to the manual it should have been wide enough to fit. Luckily I had room on the trim so I was able to cut out the opening a little to get the unit in, but others may not have this luxury, so PLEASE check the measurements in your kitchen before purchase.
One advantage if you have a kitchen with limited opening of the doors, there is a space at the bottom of each door inside that allows the bottom tray of the fridge to pull out even with the doors only open 90 degrees. No french door fridge has this feature! Will wait to see how the icemaker holds up, but based on the data in hand, yes I'd recommend this unit (just measure...)
What's great about it: Easy to organize, large volume, very brightly lit
What's not so great: It's wider than the spec, so beware!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Features
5
Performance
5
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+10points
10of 10voted this as helpful.
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70–300mm f/4.5–5.6G IF-ED Telephoto Zoom Lens: Leave the tripod at home and create stunning still images and HD videos from any distance with this Nikon telephoto zoom lens. The versatile focal length allows you to capture intricately detailed photos of sports events, wildlife and distant scenery. Vibration reduction technology reduces blur caused by camera shake for crystal clear handheld photos and action shots.
Customer Rating
5
Great Lens
on March 9, 2011
Posted by: Armtek
from Littleton, CO
PLS note that BestBuy does not do a good job in differentiating this lens from the DX-only 55-300mm zoom they offer at nearly $200 lower cost. The 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR is a 'full-size' lens, meaning the 70-300mm range is for a digital FX or 35mm film camera format. For a DX (like my D90 that I bought it with) this lens is the equivalent of a 105mm-450mm. Physically it is longer and slightly larger diameter overall, with more glass to fill up the full size frame, so filters are much larger (67mm, the same as the 18-105mm DX-only lens the D90 comes standard with). Optical and mechanical quality is better than the afore-mentioned 55-300 lens, and is more versatile as it'll fit more cameras.
What's great about it: high quality, better alternative than other zoom lens sold by BB
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Durability
5
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+60points
66of 72voted this as helpful.
Armtek's Review Comments
This refrigerator offers a Smart Cooling Plus system that delivers optimal temperature and humidity settings to keep your food fresh, longer. The thru-the-door ice and water dispenser features a premium filtration system for fresh-tasting water.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Great unit, but PLEASE MEASURE and BEWARE
By Armtek
from Littleton, CO
Normally I wait for awhile before reporting, but I wanted to get this in quickly to help other buyers. The specs say the unit is 35-3/4 inches wide but it's larger as the unit 'bulges' out on the sides, so it didn't fit at first. We originally got a floor model, but after the unit delivered with new scratches on the front from mishandling at the warehouse, I sent it back, and we negotiated for a new unit. This is of course a whole different issue, and it's not the fridge's fault... But all the floor models have dents/scratches/gouges on the side (a dead givaway of a tight fit).
When we built our kitchen, we had a 36" wide refrig box added to prevent things dropping down the sides of the fridge from the counter. So according to the manual it should have been wide enough to fit. Luckily I had room on the trim so I was able to cut out the opening a little to get the unit in, but others may not have this luxury, so PLEASE check the measurements in your kitchen before purchase.
One advantage if you have a kitchen with limited opening of the doors, there is a space at the bottom of each door inside that allows the bottom tray of the fridge to pull out even with the doors only open 90 degrees. No french door fridge has this feature! Will wait to see how the icemaker holds up, but based on the data in hand, yes I'd recommend this unit (just measure...)
Armtek
Littleton, CO
Armtek's update on the fridge...
June 9, 2012
Well, we are having occasional clogs with the icemaker, but they're far less severe than other units we've had over the years, and the easy access and smaller size of the ice bin makes fixing it very easy. However, if you have heavy use of your icemaker (kids in sports, active lifestyle, entertaining) keep this in mind as this bin is on the smallish side. There is a storage bin in the freezer to stock up on cubes for this reason. Still stand by our rating, though...this unit keeps things at the right temp and is a joy to use.
By the way, a previous comment had suggested that we may have gotten a 'counter depth' by mistake. In no way can this be mistaken as a counter depth :-). This unit does project out away from the wall quite a bit, so keep this dimension in mind when you are deciding on the unit as well as the width.
0points
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Armtek's Questions
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Armtek's Answers
Which would be better for me to get a smart tv or a regular tv and a blue ray player?
Shea, a problem I've faced quite recently is that there are few 'regular' TVs anymore. Most have some 'smart' functions anyway, even at the entry level, and as you go up in picture quality, the features come along whether you want them or not. That said, you'll likely end up doubling-up on features between a TV and a blu-ray player regardless. Here are some thoughts and a recommendation:
1) The more complex you make something, the more likely it is to break. And if it doesn't break, it is more difficult to use. If your intent is to use the 'smart functions' to view content (e.g. Netflix, YouTube, etc.), all but the 'entry level' of TV or Blu-ray anymore will have these features. The basic Blu-ray function will be basically the same unless you get to much higher priced units. I find the functionality added to a DVD/BluRay player is a bit easier to get to than a 'smart TV'.
2) The difference between an entry-level Blu-Ray and a well-appointed 3D BluRay with apps is about $50...not much of a difference in absolute dollars but it does represent a fair percentage of the cost when the basic blu-ray is $50 or so. The difference between an entry level TV without 'smarts' and a 'smart tv' with the same functions will cost a bit more than $50. However, this price increase will come along with better video processors, etc., so it might be worth it to you.
3) The term 'smart TV' means different things to different people. There are many other features besides content. Smart TVs may 'learn' about your viewing habits and may have suggestions for you that you may have otherwise missed. So the higher-end 'smart tvs' adapt. Not that that's necessarily a good thing...just watch the movie 'Click' for the downside :-)
4) For the reasons noted above, I'd start out writing down what you want from your 'system', then identify the TV that meets your minimum quality requirements, look at what 'smart TV' functions it has (if any), and decide what Blu-Ray fills in the gaps. Then look at the 'smart TV' that already does everything. Go with the least expensive path.
1) The more complex you make something, the more likely it is to break. And if it doesn't break, it is more difficult to use. If your intent is to use the 'smart functions' to view content (e.g. Netflix, YouTube, etc.), all but the 'entry level' of TV or Blu-ray anymore will have these features. The basic Blu-ray function will be basically the same unless you get to much higher priced units. I find the functionality added to a DVD/BluRay player is a bit easier to get to than a 'smart TV'.
2) The difference between an entry-level Blu-Ray and a well-appointed 3D BluRay with apps is about $50...not much of a difference in absolute dollars but it does represent a fair percentage of the cost when the basic blu-ray is $50 or so. The difference between an entry level TV without 'smarts' and a 'smart tv' with the same functions will cost a bit more than $50. However, this price increase will come along with better video processors, etc., so it might be worth it to you.
3) The term 'smart TV' means different things to different people. There are many other features besides content. Smart TVs may 'learn' about your viewing habits and may have suggestions for you that you may have otherwise missed. So the higher-end 'smart tvs' adapt. Not that that's necessarily a good thing...just watch the movie 'Click' for the downside :-)
4) For the reasons noted above, I'd start out writing down what you want from your 'system', then identify the TV that meets your minimum quality requirements, look at what 'smart TV' functions it has (if any), and decide what Blu-Ray fills in the gaps. Then look at the 'smart TV' that already does everything. Go with the least expensive path.
10 years, 2 months ago
by
Armtek
Littleton, CO
240 hz
What is the advantage of 240 hz over 120 hz?
Of course the hype will tell you 240 Hz will solve world hunger and end global warming. In reality, what it will give you is smoother, more natural motion. I have an LG 55LH90 that has a 240Hz processor, and watching 'simple' things like walking across the screen, etc. is amazing. Then turn it loose on some NFL HD action and WOW!!! Best thing is to go to your store and 'A-B' some TVs side by side. Some models, like Samsung, have similar LED models in both 120 and 240 Hz, so that could give you a good comparison. Then, go buy the LG because it's a better value!!!
14 years, 6 months ago
by
Armtek
Littleton, CO