TechMatcher's stats
- Review count224
- Helpfulness votes638
- First reviewNovember 3, 2015
- Last reviewOctober 19, 2026
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.4
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- Helpfulness votes0
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- Answer count75
- Helpfulness votes93
- First answerNovember 3, 2015
- Last answerDecember 3, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers11
Lenovo Yoga C630 WOS Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Stay productive all day with this Lenovo Yoga laptop. The QualComm Snapdragon 850 processor and 8GB of RAM provide smooth operation of programs and apps, and the battery lasts up to 22 hours between charges. This Lenovo Yoga laptop has a 13.3-inch FHD display for clearly viewing photos and videos.
Customer Rating
4
Awesome web/email/streaming laptop!
on December 15, 2018
Posted by: TechMatcher
from Minneapolis
I consider myself a Power User - meaning I run many applications at one time, deal with graphics in programs like Microsoft Visio, create graphic intensive documents and presentations, etc. I was a bit cautious on the SnapDragon 850 processor knowing how hard I drive the system. Overall - I did notice some performance degradation when using my heavy apps - but it works just fine for the casual user doing web surfing, email correspondence and/or standard Office documents.
The Lenovo hardware, I must say - is awesome. It is a sleek, light, well built unit and feels good to use, carry and show off. Speaker volume might be a bit under powered, but I don't use it that much anyway - I'm usually using headphones via bluetooth.
This unit has some great features including - backlit keyboard, awesome display, the 2-in-1 tablet feature and support for celluar service - which could be a blessing for those road warriors that usually tether to their phone or share connections via bluetooth (which doesn't work for me on my other devices all of the time)!
Battery life is phenomenal. I've included a graphic of some web-surf testing. I've never had a device with such battery length and be a perfect size for the airplane.
Overall - very impressed with the hardware and features. I would recommended this for mobile workers that need easy internet connectivity. The other picture is one where I loaded the Passmark Performance Test benchmark utility to give you a feel for the numbers it produced.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
4of 6voted this as helpful.
Ditch the headphone cable with these Insignia Bluetooth wireless earbuds. With up to five hours of use per charge and an included charging case for mid-day boosts, these earbuds are ideal for daily use. These Insignia Bluetooth wireless earbuds feature a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and easy voice commands.
Customer Rating
4
A winner with my teenager!
on November 26, 2018
Posted by: TechMatcher
from Minneapolis
I've been helping my son look for "workout" headphones for a while and it has been exhausting. Either they don't fit right and fall out, or they don't hold a charge, or they aren't water-resistant enough for a heavy sweater, or they just don't sound good. I think we finally found a fit here with these Insignia True Wireless headphones!
He reports that these sound very good - he likes big bass for his lifting workouts - and they hook around his ear nicely and hold firm! Also, he doesn't seem to have and issues with sweating thus far! The only thing he's complained about was the touch button to go to the next song seems a bit quirky - needing to press it twice to recognize the tough.
They come in a very nice charging case - making it easy to go a week without needed to plug anything in! Nice job Insignia - he's a happy kid!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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Dell Inspiron Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Maximize productivity with this 13.3-inch Dell Inspiron notebook computer. The combination of its Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM runs multiple programs simultaneously at peak performance, and it's Bluetooth-enabled to connect wireless devices or transmit data. This Dell Inspiron notebook computer has a 256GB solid-state drive to safely store files.
Customer Rating
4
Great value! Could be improved..
on November 23, 2018
Posted by: TechMatcher
from Minneapolis
Over my 30 year IT career, I've had the chance to work with dozens of laptops and ultrabooks - each having their own strength's and weaknesses. This Dell 2-1 is very strong in most categories - performance, durability, weight, usability, etc but lacks two things.
1. Why did Dell not include an Active Stylus with this device? One of the main reasons I got a 2 in 1 is to work better on Webex presentations - so I can draw concepts and ideas more easily and accurately. Once I purchase a pen ($50-80), I can update the review but would have liked Dell to include one and make it magnetic (like the Surface) so I have a place to store it.
2. Three sides of the very nice screen have "narrow borders". I pretty much expect all devices to have an edge-to-edge display. The bottom margin is nearly 1 1/4" which to me is an incredible waste of screen space. I'm disappointed with this.
2. Three sides of the very nice screen have "narrow borders". I pretty much expect all devices to have an edge-to-edge display. The bottom margin is nearly 1 1/4" which to me is an incredible waste of screen space. I'm disappointed with this.
Other than that - it's been a solid performing device. Touchscreen is responsive to my fingertips, fingerprint reader works well, touch pad is accurate and quick. Battery life is decent for a 3-cell battery but you'll usually need to carry the charger in your bag. The speakers are underneath on the left and right sides near the front and actually sound pretty good for the location and size.
The 360 degree feature is cool - and prompts you to go into tablet mode while also disabling the keyboard at the same time. I'm getting used to using this - but will take time.
Primarily - this will be my travel laptop - much easier to work on an airplane with this versus a bigger 15" or 17" laptop. The backlit keyboard will allow me to work without interrupting the next person next to me in the airplane without turning on the overhead light.
I too had an Microsoft Windows activation problem initially, but it went away upon my second try. I signed in with my O365 account and installed the apps - and was rolling in no time at all!
Overall - highly recommended but purchase an Active Stylus if you want to draw.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+24points
30of 36voted this as helpful.
Velop is a flexible Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi system of modular nodes that work together to provide a flawless signal for any home. Now with new plug-in nodes that fit all wall sockets, you'll be assured coverage in traditionally underused areas, and the sleek design only uses a single outlet. Velop works with any Internet Service Provider (ISP), making customization simple, and with Tri-Band performance and Intelligent Mesh~ technology, you'll always be on the fast path to the Internet.
Customer Rating
4
Great coverage - but no remote ports!
on November 10, 2018
Posted by: TechMatcher
from Minneapolis
LInksys has again produced a solid product with the Tri-Band mesh system with AC4800. My overall performance in my 3 story home is fantastic! Setup was easy, just use the App and follow the directions. A tip is to setup the remote nodes fairly close to the main node - then move them around a bit to ensure you get adequate coverage where you need it.
Having access to several mesh systems, the only major feature this solution lacks is ports on the wall plugin modules. I have a few devices in the garage that need to be hard-wired, so I'll need to come up with another way to connect them up. I really do like the wall modules - as you don't have to place a router on the shelf or in plain sight somewhere.
Overall - great product and a continual improvement on their Wireless mesh!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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The Brother Work Smart Series MFC-J690DW delivers affordable printing plus the features and functions to meet your home, home office or small office print, copy, scan, and fax needs. This wireless color inkjet all-in-one reliably delivers high-quality output and enables wireless mobile device printing from your desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. The automatic document feeder, 100-sheet capacity paper tray, bypass and 4" x 6" photo trays handle a variety of sizes and specialty papers. Automatic duplex (2-sided) printing helps save paper while the compact design saves desk space. Setup and connectivity are simple with the 2.7" color touch-screen display providing easy menu navigation. Cloud connectivity lets you print from and scan to popular Cloud services directly from the printer. Includes a two-year limited warranty and free online, call, or live chat support for the life of the printer.Prints up to 12 ISO ppm* in black, up to 10 ISO ppm* in color
Customer Rating
3
Great Text - mediocre graphics
on November 5, 2018
Posted by: TechMatcher
from Minneapolis
I'm picky about my printing. I like crisp text, solid fills and vibrant colors - especially on business material and/or presentations. The Brother J690DW is a low end All In One device - best suited for the home office with small printing needs but requires the Scan and Fax features - with the occasional copy. I found my business template backgrounds to be a bit inconsistent with the color and an occasional line in them.
It's WiFi or direct connect capabilities make in convenient for the small office and printing fro your mobile device. The scanning feature to Dropbox and other popular services make it easy to save and send images, etc. The flatbed scanner is nice for books, magazines, receipts, etc but I noticed the back hinges seem a little flimsy - not sure on their longevity.
Printing costs are sure to be a factor though. Research shows using Brother's advertised prices and page yields for its highest-yield MFC-J690DW-compatible cartridges, the calculated running cost was at 5.5 cents per monochrome page. Color pages tally up at about 16.3 cents each. Many other printers are far cheaper and produce better graphics.
Overall - if you don't have a large print/copy volume, and are looking for versatility in the scan/fax area - this is can be an inexpensive solution for you.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
Clean those hard-to-reach places in your home with this Shark cordless vacuum. Its bristle brush deep-cleans any carpet, and the additional soft-roll brush pulls in larger particles from wood floors while polishing them. The rechargeable, high-capacity Li-Ion battery keeps this Ninja cordless vacuum's DuoClean Technology ready for tough cleaning chores.
Customer Rating
3
Nice features, but several improvements needed
on November 5, 2018
Posted by: TechMatcher
from Minneapolis
Since I'm a floor guy and I'm strict about keeping my floors clean - I was eager to try the CORDLESS Shark ION P50. I'll admit - a little more assembly was required - there were 8-9 items in the box - and I thought this might be a little tricky - but a quick look at the directions for the order of installation and it went together in less than a minute!
First off - I noticed there wasn't any on-board tool storage. You'll have to find a place to store those crevice and upholstery tools. That's a negative for me.
Shark didn't disappoint though - pretty good suction from this thing and the 8" head also increases the suction versus the competitions 12" head. I also like it that it fits nicely on the stairs - making vacuuming them very easy.
My favorite thing is the lift away feature - that turns this into a stick easily - making getting under the couch or bed simple and not something every vacuum can do. Nice work Shark! See picture.
I used the vacuum on it's maiden voyage to clean the steps, vacuum up cat litter of a hardwood floor using the hard floor setting - no problems. That's usually my test - to see if it can pick up those dense little pieces of letter. The LED lighting works very well at assisting me in spotting those little pieces. I do like the lights! I'll also mention that I like the convenient power button location, mode change (carpet/hard surface) and Boost button (for a little more power in those extra dirty spots).
What I didn't like is that after my first cleaning - I had to clean the brush underneath - as the carpet fibers or pet hair got caught up in the brush - see picture.
Overall - nice vacuum - super convenient to use, quick recharge, ample dust capacity.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
For families and small businesses who want classic Office apps and email installed on one Windows 10 PC or Mac for use at home or work. Classic 2019 versions of Office apps including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Plus, OneNote for Windows 10.
Customer Rating
3
A big jump from older office, not much from 2016.
on November 2, 2018
Posted by: TechMatcher
from Minneapolis
Let's get right to it. Office 2019 is a point-in-time snapshot of the continually evolving Office 365 applications. So - if you haven't moved to the O365 subscription licensing model yet and want to OWN you copy of Office AND you are looking to upgrade from Office 2010 or 2013, then Office 2019 might be for you. It runs only on Windows 10 and the 3 newest Mac OS'es and the feature set addition from Office 2016 is this:
Word
-Black theme
-Learning tools (captions and audio descriptions)
-Speech feature (text-to-speech)
-Improved inking functionality-
-Accessibility improvements
-Black theme
-Learning tools (captions and audio descriptions)
-Speech feature (text-to-speech)
-Improved inking functionality-
-Accessibility improvements
Excel
-Funnel charts, 2D maps, and timelines
-New Excel functions and connectors
-Ability to publish Excel to PowerBI
-PowerPivot enhancements
-PowerQuery enhancements
-Funnel charts, 2D maps, and timelines
-New Excel functions and connectors
-Ability to publish Excel to PowerBI
-PowerPivot enhancements
-PowerQuery enhancements
PowerPoint
-Zoom capabilities for ordering of slides within presentations
-Morph transition feature
-Ability to insert and manage Icons, SVG, and 3D models
-Improved roaming pencil case
-Zoom capabilities for ordering of slides within presentations
-Morph transition feature
-Ability to insert and manage Icons, SVG, and 3D models
-Improved roaming pencil case
Outlook
-Updated contact cards
-Office 365 Groups1
-@mentions
-Focused inbox
-Travel and delivery summary cards
-Updated contact cards
-Office 365 Groups1
-@mentions
-Focused inbox
-Travel and delivery summary cards
Again - if you have an older version of Office - this is definitely worth it if you are trying to avoid the cloud. In the end, you'll likely be forced to the cloud anyway....just saying.
Recommended for people upgrading from older versions only.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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The Streamlabs water monitor gives you the peace of mind that your home is protected from water damage. It attaches easily to your existing plumbing, with no pipe cutting required, and uses ultrasonic technology to measure and detect changes in the flow of the water in your pipes. It's Wi-Fi enabled, so you can check on your home anytime, anywhere using the smartphone app. And real-time leak alerts will notify you if you need to take action. The Streamlabs water monitor is also part of your complete smart home, integrating with both Nest and Alexa systems.
Customer Rating
5
Useful and cool all at once!
on November 2, 2018
Posted by: TechMatcher
from Minneapolis
Thanks Streamlabs - now my family hates me. Yes - I'm addicted to seeing how much water my family uses on a daily basis. I can easily monitor how much water is used when one of the kids takes a shower. I can see how much water the washer uses. I can see what happens to my usage when I water the lawn. Oh boy.
Really though - what a great product. Meant to help monitor for water leaks and measure usage as well - this super-easy-to-install product simply "clamps" onto your main water pipe and away you go!
I've got a complicated house with lots of water-using things - like ice makers, water softeners, sprinkler systems, Reverse Osmosis system, etc - the later is the one that set off the Slow Leak Detection events - as the RO system uses a small water stream to create that super-clean water.
Wifi integration is easy and clean. I had to run it once or twice to get it to stick - but was simple enough.
If you're looking for leak detection or just want to freak out your family - this device is for you!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Clean your room quickly with this Shark DuoClean upright vacuum. Its deep-cleaning bristle brush and soft brushroll capture particles of any size, while the quick-release detachable canister lets you use the wand alone to reach hard-to-access spaces. This Shark DuoClean upright vacuum has LED headlights for visibility and an accessory storage compartment to keep everything organized.
Customer Rating
5
Surprisingly powerful, narrow head
on October 26, 2018
Posted by: TechMatcher
from Minneapolis
Did I mention that I'm a floor guy? I was really excited to try out a Shark as I've never owned one before and have always heard good things. I've got to tell you - this little machine really creates some suction! It's a good thing there is a suction control slider on the handle - as the first kitchen rug I cleaned it started to suck it up and pull it right off the floor! See picture.
You need to know this machine has an 8.5" cleaning head - so that's pretty narrow if you have a huge room or house to clean. However, being that narrow, it can do things that others can't, like"
-Easily vacuum stairs
-Create even more suction for a deep down clean.
-Fit into tight area - like between the toilet and wall
-Easily vacuum stairs
-Create even more suction for a deep down clean.
-Fit into tight area - like between the toilet and wall
LED lights are a real plus. For those of you with vacuums without lights - you don't know what you're missing. If you cleaning hard floors, the lights illuminate dirt and debris - causing shadows - meaning you can spot the dirt easier. Cat litter was my test on this. I have a couple hallways that are a bit dark, and the litter box is in the laundry room - from which the cat drags out little pieces of litter stuck to her paws, etc. The Shark helped me spot the litter and cleaned it right up. For you CAT LOVERS - if you cat drags litter onto carpeted areas - let the Shark loose on it and you'll have that cleaned up in no time.
This model also features a lift-away motor - helpful for cleaning the cars, dusting, and overall portability of the unit.
Overall, I will be keeping this vacuum upstairs in the laundry room to help clean up after the cat - and will be the vacuum I use on all my carpeted steps. See picture. Nice work Shark!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
At BISSELL, we know pets can make a mess at any moment ~ that~s why we created the Pet Hair Eraser Turbo. It doesn~t matter if you vacuumed just hours before Fido left behind a trail of fur, you need to be ready for any mess at any moment. The Pet Hair Eraser Turbo comes with powerful pickup packed into a lightweight and agile machine for easy and convenient everyday cleanup. Enjoy the Quick Release Extension Wand which is always on and always ready to tackle those tricky, hard-to-reach pet messes around the home. Plus, with features like the Tangle-Free Brush Roll and a Hands-Free Empty Dirt Tank, you don~t have to worry about cleaning your vacuum after you~ve cleaned your home. You can also breathe easy with the Smart Seal Allergen System with Febreze* that traps dirt and allergens and eliminates odors so you can enjoy a fresher, cleaner home. *Febreze and Febreze logo is a registered trademark of The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio used under license by BISSELL Homecare, Inc.
Customer Rating
4
Light and versatile - but a couple disappointments
on October 26, 2018
Posted by: TechMatcher
from Minneapolis
I'm a floor guy. I like my carpets clean, my floors shiny and my yard mowed. So - vacuuming is a bit of an obsession of mine. I had a chance to try out the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo bagless upright in my own home. Here what I think.
PROS:
-Easy assembly
-Good suction
-Easy to access power and brush switch
-LED Lighting for those dark areas - and even on the crevice tool!
-Ample cord length
-Easy assembly
-Good suction
-Easy to access power and brush switch
-LED Lighting for those dark areas - and even on the crevice tool!
-Ample cord length
CONS:
-No location for the upholstery attachment on vacuum
-When using the wand and attachments, the hose is so tight the vacuum kept falling over - so I had to hold it with my hand
-Dust/dirt tank seems clumsy to reattach to base - maybe just takes getting used to but for multiple people, the first several times a few attempts were required
OVERALL:
Nice, powerful, light. Cleaned carpets and floors well. Easy access to filters for cleaning and maintenance. Dirt bin empties easily and is washable - like the filters.
-No location for the upholstery attachment on vacuum
-When using the wand and attachments, the hose is so tight the vacuum kept falling over - so I had to hold it with my hand
-Dust/dirt tank seems clumsy to reattach to base - maybe just takes getting used to but for multiple people, the first several times a few attempts were required
OVERALL:
Nice, powerful, light. Cleaned carpets and floors well. Easy access to filters for cleaning and maintenance. Dirt bin empties easily and is washable - like the filters.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+15points
15of 15voted this as helpful.
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Perceive every detail of your music with this pair of JBL wireless headphones. The 10Hz to 22kHz frequency response lets you enjoy the full range of sound, while the in-line microphone provides an effortless switch to hands-free calls. Featuring 5.6mm dynamic drivers, these JBL wireless headphones supply rich, resonant bass for your enjoyment.
Are these noise cancelling for gyms that play really loud music?
These are PASSIVE noise cancelling - meaning the tighter you make the fit - the better the noise cancelling will be. Active noise cancelling uses battery power to help mask sounds - the JBL Free X version DOES NOT do that. Likely you will be able to hear a little of the loud music...
7 years, 9 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Ditch the headphone cable with these Insignia Bluetooth wireless earbuds. With up to five hours of use per charge and an included charging case for mid-day boosts, these earbuds are ideal for daily use. These Insignia Bluetooth wireless earbuds feature a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and easy voice commands.
Can you use one ear piece by itself without affecting sound quality?
Well....stereo sound REQUIRES a Left and Right channel. This headset can work with just one earpiece - the RIGHT one, as the left earpiece depends on the right earpiece. So YES, you can use one earpiece, but you won't have stereo sound....
7 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Ditch the headphone cable with these Insignia Bluetooth wireless earbuds. With up to five hours of use per charge and an included charging case for mid-day boosts, these earbuds are ideal for daily use. These Insignia Bluetooth wireless earbuds feature a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and easy voice commands.
Can you pair one with one phone and another if another phone so that two people can share one set?
Yes - but they will work with only one phone at a time. This is standard for bluetooth technologies. You may find that if both phones are in the room and you power up the headphones, it may connect to the wrong phone. You'll have to forget the device or disconnect from them if that happens.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Ditch the headphone cable with these Insignia Bluetooth wireless earbuds. With up to five hours of use per charge and an included charging case for mid-day boosts, these earbuds are ideal for daily use. These Insignia Bluetooth wireless earbuds feature a built-in microphone for hands-free calling and easy voice commands.
Can I leave them in the charger case without them over charging and harming the battery
Yes - the charging case was made for these specific headphones!
7 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Dell Inspiron Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Maximize productivity with this 13.3-inch Dell Inspiron notebook computer. The combination of its Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM runs multiple programs simultaneously at peak performance, and it's Bluetooth-enabled to connect wireless devices or transmit data. This Dell Inspiron notebook computer has a 256GB solid-state drive to safely store files.
Does it come with Windows PRO or HOME?
Nearly EVERY consumer device some with Windows HOME version - as does this one.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
Clean those hard-to-reach places in your home with this Shark cordless vacuum. Its bristle brush deep-cleans any carpet, and the additional soft-roll brush pulls in larger particles from wood floors while polishing them. The rechargeable, high-capacity Li-Ion battery keeps this Ninja cordless vacuum's DuoClean Technology ready for tough cleaning chores.
I need a lightweight vacuum for medical reasons which would you recommend? Also one that is powerful!
This is a 12lb vacuum - so not the lightest but it's also a combination upright, stick and hand vacuum. You can separate the pieces to make it lighter to carry - one in each hand - and can even vacuum like that. I think it's pretty powerful for being electric - and states it can run up to 50 minutes on a charge.
7 years, 11 months ago
by
TechMatcher
For families and small businesses who want classic Office apps and email installed on one Windows 10 PC or Mac for use at home or work. Classic 2019 versions of Office apps including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Plus, OneNote for Windows 10.
How do I access my applications after I’ve installed Office 2019?
Once Office 2019 is installed, icons for the office products will be in your Windows start menu - and you can pin to the taskbar or desktop if you like. Does this help I'm not sure what you're asking....
8 years ago
by
TechMatcher
For families and small businesses who want classic Office apps and email installed on one Windows 10 PC or Mac for use at home or work. Classic 2019 versions of Office apps including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Plus, OneNote for Windows 10.
If I purchase Office Home & Business 2019 (1 Device) (Product Key Card) - Mac|Windows can I transfer it to another computer if I chose to upgrade
Yes - you can transfer or move a purchased software from one computer to another - providing them meet the requirements of the application (like OS version, etc).
8 years ago
by
TechMatcher
For families and small businesses who want classic Office apps and email installed on one Windows 10 PC or Mac for use at home or work. Classic 2019 versions of Office apps including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Plus, OneNote for Windows 10.
How long does it take to download and install Office Home & Business?
All depends on the speed of your internet connection and the speed of your computer. You'll need Windows 10 or one of the latest 3 version of Mac OS though...
8 years ago
by
TechMatcher
For families and small businesses who want classic Office apps and email installed on one Windows 10 PC or Mac for use at home or work. Classic 2019 versions of Office apps including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Plus, OneNote for Windows 10.
What is the difference between Office 365 (subscription) and Office 2019 (one-time purchase)?
Office 365 is constantly evolving and adding new features. Office 2019 is a point-in-time snapshot of the O365 applications.
8 years ago
by
TechMatcher