Ebonovic's stats
- Review count271
- Helpfulness votes215
- First reviewJuly 24, 2014
- Last reviewJuly 11, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes7
- First review commentJanuary 28, 2016
- Last review commentJanuary 28, 2016
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count31
- Helpfulness votes80
- First answerSeptember 7, 2015
- Last answerNovember 4, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers2
Track water use with this Phyn smart water assistant. The included mounting screws and adhesive strip offer easy installation, and the compatible app lets you monitor water consumption and alerts you to leaks. This Phyn smart water assistant automatically learns your plumbing system and is compatible with popular virtual assistants so you can access reports and alerts using voice commands.
Customer Rating
3
Review will take time... long time
on September 28, 2020
Posted by: Ebonovic
from Tinley Park, IL
So I am giving this 3 stars. Primary reason: It is going to be months before I know how well this system works. I will explain down below.
I have been looking for this type of smart-home addition for sometime. Seeing Flo from another company, and others... that were just INSANE prices, before installation costs... just couldn't pull the trigger. I did last year purchase some devices that would track water flow... but, I have to install one on EACH AND EVERY water line or shower head, and that will add up.
So when seeing this Phony system... this looked like a great in between solution. So let's talk about it a bit.
Something things up front:
- You need a sink area to install this that has the following
* both hot and cold water lines
* space to add 2"x2" sensors to the lines
* AN ELECTRIC outlet under the sync, or somewhere near by (explained later)
* WiFi Network within range of this sink
- You need a sink area to install this that has the following
* both hot and cold water lines
* space to add 2"x2" sensors to the lines
* AN ELECTRIC outlet under the sync, or somewhere near by (explained later)
* WiFi Network within range of this sink
Electric: This unit needs CONSTANT electric power, from an outlet. If you don't have an UNSWITCHED outlet under your sink (and most people won't), you will need to identify how you are going to power this unit. In my installation, I didn't have the outlet, BUT.. it was a basement cabinet/sink, that the back wall is shared with a storage area, which the sub-panel was installed. It was a short 30 minute job to add a new outlet. MOST installations, this is going to be primary concern you will need to figure out and get resolved, before you even start the "water" portion of this installation. It is a USB style connector, and it is just power. So you can get an USB extension cable, to go as far away as necessary, but I would keep it short as possible.
Plumbing: If you are not comfortable with very basic plumbing tasks, you may not want to self install this. From a plumbing point of view, this is as EASY as it gets for the base installation. You disconnect your two feeds to your sink, connect the sensors, and put the feeds back on. Thats it. The sensors are at the common/default size for sink connections, if you are in an older home that has pressure-fit fittings, or soldered, or just not standard connectors... highly recommend a plumber. If your valves won't turn off.. or leak when turned off... I would recommend a plumber to change those valves, while you are doing this project. (or role the dice and do it yourself).
That all being said, it took me less then 5 minutes to get these sensors installed, reconnected and ready to go on my 5yr old sink in my renovated basement.
App Setup... this is where I ran into my first problems. The app seems to have a "little" difficult with iOS14. This probably will be fixed in a new update, but it took me about 3 tries, and some tinkering to get the app to setup, see my Phyn sensor, and pair with my home network. You do need to get a good wifi single where ever you are install the base unit. (Not related to this review, but I would recommend anytime to upgrade to a Mesh wifi type system, rather then just adding wifi extenders, but that is a review for another day).
Once you are pair'd up, the system will run some basic configuration tests... you run your hot water, and it configures the sensors. It will then run a PRV test (more later)... and then you are good to go.
Mount the unit, make the wires look nice and out of the way... and that is it... done with the manual tools and ready for the digital area of water monitoring... well kinda.
Here is where things lost two stars (for now).
This system will take time to learn your house and your water usage. The paperwork tells me to give it 3-4 weeks, the app is suggesting it could take months (or longer). And that makes sense. every house is different, and this is a connect in one place, to monitor all usage... it will take time or the algorithms to learn my house, it's normal usage. And I will need to be involved in that over this time.
This system will take time to learn your house and your water usage. The paperwork tells me to give it 3-4 weeks, the app is suggesting it could take months (or longer). And that makes sense. every house is different, and this is a connect in one place, to monitor all usage... it will take time or the algorithms to learn my house, it's normal usage. And I will need to be involved in that over this time.
So I won't know how well this system will help me save money, detect leaks, etc... for a while. And I will hopefully then remember to come back an update this review after it does. To be fair, short of connecting something at every water outlet and source, this is going to be the same for ALL These types of system. As a technologist, I understand why it is doing that... but as a reviewer, I have to be fair and basically say this review is incomplete at this time.
To add to this, my house which is only 15 years old... is new relatively speaking. New modern coper pipes through out, municipality water supply... The app (and reading more now) recommends that I install what is called a PRV... Pressure Relief Valve. This is a relative small device, that connects to my main water line near the meter. It's job is to keep the water pressure, at a near consistent 60-80psi level. The part itself is only about $100, but to pay a plumber to do it, could be another $300-$400.. and that is something I wasn't looking for. If I wanted to that level of plumbing work, I could have went with one of the competing products, that also had automatic system shut-off. So I was disappointed in that... but right now.. it isn't required, and I can still use Phyn. But the app tells me it may not be till SUMMER before it can really understand my water pressure and detect leaks. SUMMER. It's the last week of September. So we will see what I do.
I like the idea of adding the PRV just as a whole house thing anyway, but that is going to be a little more then a basic pluming installation. Time to dive into more research.
So this is 3 stars at this point, with 1 or 2 stars outstanding, as the weeks/months role on and I get to see data, and how this unit helps my house/bills.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Filtrete™ Advanced Under Sink Quick Change Water Filtration System 3US-PS01 is easy to install and maintain. It's an under sink water filtration system that connects to the kitchen or bath faucet.
Customer Rating
5
Simple, Easy, and good water
on September 23, 2020
Posted by: Ebonovic
from Tinley Park, IL
So I had been looking at much more expensive options. I wanted to have filtered water on my basement sink, which is near the Exercise equipment. This is going to do PERFECTLY.
First the MAX unit is pretty large, almost 20" in length. So make sure you have room under your sink, to account for that, and have room to remove and replace the filter in the future.
Installation is really easy, but the instructions (in my opinion) need one change. It refers to the INPUT installations, as what I would call the output of the filter. It really isn't a big deal, as the pictures provided in the instructions make it EXTREMELY clear on what goes where.
Two Screws, and two water connections.. No new pipes, if you can use a simple adjustable wrench, and a screwdriver... you can install this yourself (don't pay $100+ for a plumber).
Now after you flush the filter the first time, you are good to go... and I can say I didn't notice any real change in water pressure, and it just works.
I am in The Chicago water system from the lake, so I already had good water... but I could taste the difference once this filter went on. It is going to be sometime till I know how long the filter will last from my usage... but overall. Perfect Price, for what it is and what I am using it for.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy all of the fried foods you love, with little to no oil at all! The Chefman 8 Quart TurboFry Air Fryer with Square Stainless Steel design allows you to fry like a pro right in your kitchen. With this airfryer, delicious and healthy eating is finally possible, with no mess from fried oil and less fat in your meals. The XL, family-sized capacity and nonstick basket give you the ability to cook enough for a crowd without taking up too much room on your countertop. Skip the microwave, reheat leftovers to perfection in your Chefman air fryer to bring back that crunchy, fried flavor days later. Make better-for-you fries that are just as crispy and tasty, roast chicken thighs, or heat up leftovers for a quick and easy meal. Use the helpful presets to serve fries, chicken, meat, or fish at the push of a button. The adjustable temperature control with 60-minute timer automatically shuts off once food is done, so you never have to worry about burning or drying out your food. Control both time and temperature with the simple touch screen and create evenly cooked meals with help from the LED shake reminder. The fryer’s space saving basket is removable and dishwasher safe for easy clean-up, so can spend more time eating than cooking!
Posted by: Ebonovic
from Tinley Park, IL
This is our 4th Air Fryer over the last 3 maybe 4 years.
And By FAR!!!! the best one today.
And By FAR!!!! the best one today.
Setup, if this takes you more then 5 minutes to setup, you are doing something wrong. Out of the box, all you have to do is plug it in, and put the fry basket in place. and that is it. Nothing else.
To use, load with the food you want to cook, and set the temp, and go. My wife used this on the first day to cook about 3 full servings of tater tots, and they came out HOT and CRISPY. our previous fryers, would either only cook about 1 serving, would burn them, or wouldn't even get crispy.
The cook basket is big, and can hold a lot. But do follow the directions, and shake things up a bit during cooking to get an even cook.
The basket is easy to clean when you are done. So far, we haven't had to use any oil.. so cleanup has been easy with just a soft towel and water.
On the counter, this unit fits great under the cabinet. Since the lid doesn't lift, we can get it into a smaller counter space. And it looks high tech, so it is nice to have it out. It takes up less space then our pressure cooker (which also was our last air fryer), so this unit is going to be on the counter regularly, and easily used.
Great choice.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 2 wireless gaming headset is refreshed for a new generation of consoles, compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S and features easy Xbox Wireless connectivity and immersive Windows Sonic surround sound. New for Stealth 600 Gen 2 is a larger flip-to-mute mic for refined chat clarity that integrates into the headset when muted, plus uniquely re-shaped, breathable ear cushions with ProSpecs technology provide glasses friendly comfort over long gaming sessions. Turtle Beach’s renowned Superhuman Hearing gives players the ultimate audio advantage, driven through precision-tuned 50mm speakers for a deeply immersive, undistorted audio experience.
Customer Rating
5
Great Choice for the Value
on September 16, 2020
Posted by: Ebonovic
from Tinley Park, IL
So this was hooked up to my XBOX One, looking forward to testing this with my XBOX Series X when it is released.
So getting the headphones to sync was pretty easy, but the instructions didn't match my older XBOX One. But I knew were the sync button was, so it wasn't a big deal.
When listening to music via YouTube, Lower base levels were average, midrange was good, and the higher tones were also very good. But who typically uses XBOX headphones for music?
Gaming, and this was really good... Comfortable, I can hear all my game audio, and the battery lasts a very long time. Easy to use, didn't even have to think about it... after connecting, turning on... and was solid in my game play. I had a friend put them on, and he though those were a very popular expensive brand name headphone.
Very good option... dump the cords, get a real wireless headset... your team mates (when online) will thank you for it
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Superior sound. Tailored to you. Your day-to-day may change but your enjoyment of superior sound won’t. Powered by Sennheiser’s leading audio technology, the CX 400BT True Wireless gives you total control over an exceptional sound experience. The CX 400BT offers customizable controls, long-lasting battery life and an all-day comfort design, making it the perfect choice for everyday earbuds.
Posted by: Ebonovic
from Tinley Park, IL
So overall, these are very good headphones. but as with most ear-bud style, and especially wireless ones... the shape/size of your ear is going to be a big factor.
Sound quality is excellent. Very clear, deeper tones that I original suspected. Extremely easy to connect to a phone or other device (just a takes a few seconds, using standard bluetooth connectivity means)
The charging case is nice and provides a very convent way to store and charge the Earbuds.
The problem we had, is that for my ear... worked perfectly fine, I could do a workout on my Peloton with it, and just use them as expected. My wife on the other hand... she changed the inserts to the smaller size for her ears, and could put them on and they worked.
but what she was finding that the size of the unit, it just didn't sit well in her ear, and they would fall out. She used them while cutting the lawn (electric mower), and had to catch one of them a couple times.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO U2 is a hardworking all-in-one robot that vacuums and mops in one go. Hard Floor Mode navigates in an efficient back-and-forth pattern. Max+ Mode provides more than 2.5X more suction power for stubborn dirt and debris. Cleans up to 110 minutes on a single charge.
Customer Rating
5
Does the job well, a nice addition
on September 4, 2020
Posted by: Ebonovic
from Tinley Park, IL
So I have had other robotic vacuums and mops in the past, from the popular name in the game. Just over time, got tired of the problems I had with it... and it always seemed like the only way to get past them, was to upgrade to another version of it.
With the Deebot, I am pretty happy with I have gotten so far. Relatively easy to setup. (NOTE, when it says turn me on, before charging.. it isn't the button on top, there is a switch on the side... took me a few frustrating minutes to figure that out)
Once it charged the first time overnight, was ready to setup. and if you have your WiFi password.. takes about 2 minutes from start to finish, before you are ready to get it going.
When started, it went on it's way. It is relatively quiet. much quieter then our STICK vacuum. and given it is moving and rolling, still didn't make all that much noise.
It was VERY good at getting under the table, and getting out... it would get under a chair, but it would get itself out pretty quickly, and keep on going.
I found it interesting how it could sense the edges of cabinets and our island in the kitchen, avoid them, but then come back at a slower pace, different angle to get those areas.
My next area of concern was the stairs... we have an open stair case.. and well.. .no tumble down them, it sensed it and kept it self from going down.
We did have a tiny issue with one curtain, it was a little low.... and then a funny instance with a balloon. The unit was so light, and soft.. it didn't pop the balloon, but it went up and on top of it, and kinda got stuck. I say kinda because after 20s or so of trying to get off of it... it killed it motors, and the unit rolled back down, and then started back up... kinda neat.
The mobile app is a GREAT touch. My previous units, had standalone remotes that we always lost. Now with this on our home WiFi we can do a little more monitoring, and everyone can turn it on and off... depending on what is going on.
I am going to get some of the magnetic strips, so I can have it avoid certain areas of the room (aka that before mentioned curtain area).
It ran for a solid 90 minutes, and covered over 1400sqft of cleaning.
What I really liked is that it seamlessly handled going back and forth between my carpet and hardwood.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Improve your home security with this Night Owl 10-channel NVR surveillance system. The two-way audio communication lets you converse with guests, while four Full HD IP cameras have color night vision capability to capture clear video evidence. This Night Owl 10-channel NVR surveillance system features Wi-Fi connectivity for remote access via Android and iOS devices.
Customer Rating
3
A solid option for most users
on August 17, 2020
Posted by: Ebonovic
from Tinley Park, IL
It goes without saying, that none of us want to have the need to have security cameras... but alas we do. This is a GOOD system for those that want to put a system in a good starting FIXED price.
Pros:
- No additional monthly costs
- High quality video
- Adjustable to your needs
- Expandable
- Easy to Moderate installation process
- No additional monthly costs
- High quality video
- Adjustable to your needs
- Expandable
- Easy to Moderate installation process
Cons:
- Mobile app needs some improvements
- Base unit could be difficult to setup
- Not 100% wireless
- Bigger properties may have problems
- Mobile app needs some improvements
- Base unit could be difficult to setup
- Not 100% wireless
- Bigger properties may have problems
Let's start with installation... Overall, this is going to take you at least 1 hour to setup, most likely 2-3 hours depending on where and how you want to set this up. For setup, I highly recommend you have 1 or two power strips handy, as you will need to plug in at least 5 adapters (for the 4 camera setup).
The base unit, needs a TV and. HARDLINE connection to your network, for setup (so you can get the initial firmware update, and log into your account). HIGHLY recommend you have a mobile phone as well to create your account.
After you connect the HDMI and power up the base unit, the setup is pretty walk through and tells you what to do. You will first verify your account, and then the camera's will pair, and you can then verify each one is working.
Next you will need to move your base unit to a place, where you can still have a wired network connection (to the base, and if you want to access it via any other connected mechanism), and be in a position to get it's internal wifi signal out to your cameras.
The camera's are waterproof... but the supplied adapters don't appear to be. So if you are installing this outside, you will need to either have outlets near by that can enclose the adapter, or have the adapter inside (and protected), and use some sort of extension on the power line. This is one of my big cons for this setup, and why I will primary use this system indoors. So while it is "wireless" you still need a wire to the camera for power. I would like to see in a future upgrade, to use a USB style connector for DC power to the camera, so that there would be dozens of options to get power to the camera.
Other then the power issue, installing the camera is three screws, and then pointing the camera. that's it.
The speaker on the camera, is a little creepy (crackly) but given you won't hear it very often... not an issue. The spotlight on it, is bright and will be seen when it triggers on automatically.
But for the important part... the video. This unit can have 10 camera's (only 4 was in this kit, and you can by more). What you see inside on the TV, is like any commercial security system... all the small video's at once, and then you can expand on one particular camera. And you have multiple options on the layout.
You then have the option to capture any segments, and send them to other devices/computers via storage mechanisms... relatively straight forward to do as well.
I am not a big fan of the mobile app, especially the setup. I write apps as a professional, and there are a few things that I ran into right away that could frustrate a first time users. nothing major, but things that just didn't work smoothly.
This unit is great that it is all self contained, you don't need to spend $100 a year to get all it's features... and if you lose your internet connection, the DVR unit will still record the content.
Now, for the bigger house... this may not be the best unit for you.
Since the DVR is also the WiFi router, you may have difficulty getting signal from it at different points of your property. I really wish, that I was given the option to connect my cameras to my Eero/mesh network, which blankets my house... that way I wouldn't have to worry about signal at any point on my property. and if I did, I could easily just add another Eero node.
Since the DVR is also the WiFi router, you may have difficulty getting signal from it at different points of your property. I really wish, that I was given the option to connect my cameras to my Eero/mesh network, which blankets my house... that way I wouldn't have to worry about signal at any point on my property. and if I did, I could easily just add another Eero node.
Overall this unit with 4 cameras, and on-property storage and has no monthly/annual fees, COSTS LESS then a "big brands" single outdoor camera.
So if you are looking for your first system, this is a contender to look at. But be prepared for some of the installation challenges, and signal challenges
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Dominate on a different scale with the Razer Huntsman Mini TKL — a 60% gaming keyboard with cutting-edge Razer Clicky Optical Switches. Highly portable and ideal for streamlined setups, it’s time to experience lightning-fast actuation in our most compact form factor yet.
Customer Rating
5
Small size, full size keys, just a nice touch
on August 4, 2020
Posted by: Ebonovic
from Tinley Park, IL
So... this surprised me. When I was getting this, I as thinking that the keys would be smaller, and that I would fumble with it. Let's get a couple things straight:
Full Size Keys, for the ones that are there.
No Numeric keyboard or arrows
The extra Home/PgUP/Down, nope those gone there too.
And all the extra plastic around, that is gone.
No Numeric keyboard or arrows
The extra Home/PgUP/Down, nope those gone there too.
And all the extra plastic around, that is gone.
This is a physically smaller keyboard... it takes less space, and is SOLID. This is not a gimmick keyboard that you see out there. I can keep up with my 100+ wpm while typing, great response from the keys and I actually enjoy the clicking (it is not a quiet keyboard)
The RGB lighting is interesting, something that I personally don't use... but gives a nice tough.
Long term, this is going to be a great external keyboard for my gaming laptop, especially as space gets limited from time to time.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get more out of your Mac and iPad with MX Master 3 for Mac – optimized for macOS, and iPad compatible. Finished in Space Gray, MX Master 3 for Mac is our fastest, most precise, and most comfortable experience yet. MagSpeed scrolling is our quietest, and most addictive scroll wheel ever. Button customizations speed up your macOS and iPadOS workflows, and a 4000 DPI sensor means you can track virtually anywhere – even on glass. You’ll get the advanced functionality of MX Master 3 for Mac, while keeping the macOS gestures you love. And Flow allows you to work across multiple Mac computers – transferring files, images, and folders in one fluid workflow. Ready for video calls - predefined settings for Microsoft Teams and Zoom let you instantly mute and Start/Stop your video call. Requires Logitech Options software, available for macOS and Windows.
Customer Rating
5
Grate Non-Apple option for mouse
on July 11, 2020
Posted by: Ebonovic
from Tinley Park, IL
Do you like a mouse, and not a trackpad... and not the white expensive mouse from apple? Then this is a serious contender for you...
The design of this mouse, just fits nicely in the palm. with a soft surface, my hand fits comfortably on it. The top wheel allows you to quickly scroll through the screens...
And the BUTTONS!!! if you are someone that navigates between a Mac and a Windows machine... YES to physical buttons again. But where this really shines, is the HORIZNTAL scroll wheel...
This allows me to quickly scroll in both directions, without moving the pointer... SWEET!!!
A neat feature, that I haven't tried (because I only have one Mac), is that this can pair with more then one system... you just need to tap a selector on to which device you are using this with.
Charges with the included USB-C charging cable, and it is designed that you can have the cord connected and STILL USE THE MOUSE at the same time. So if you die or forget to charge it, you are not stuck.
Smooth optical scrolling... no issues moving the pointer very slow for detailed work. This is a great addition to my Mac
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Connect to the internet with confidence while charging your laptop for the office, home, or classroom. This Belkin USB to Ethernet adapter provides convenient access to fast and reliable Internet connection through a gigabit Ethernet port and allows for USB Power Delivery at the same time. It's a plug and play adapter that works universally with Mac and Windows laptops and other USB-C devices. Connect and stay powered while surfing the Internet or transferring data using this ethernet USB-C Hub. Pass through Power Delivery of up to 60W allows you to stay charged while you work using a single USB-C port and the included cable supports network speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
Posted by: Ebonovic
from Tinley Park, IL
This is a must have for every USB-C laptop or compatible device user....
I have been using this on my MacBook, to have my computer connected to my wired network connection (instead of wireless), when I have been set at my desk on an external monitor...
What is great is having the usage of a single port for this, and the power as well... leaving my other three wide open for other things.
Simply plug in and connect your network wire, and go. Nothing else to do.
Adding this to your travel bag (when we travel again), is a must... as at a client or hotel, you may not have a wireless option... or need to have a temporary wired connection. What is also nice, is that when you use this, you can BRIDGE your connection through your laptop... connecting other devices through your laptop.
Small, simple, and easy to use.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Ebonovic's Review Comments
Transform your living room into a personal home theater with this Samsung 60-inch smart television. With 4K UHD, this TV delivers 4 times the resolution of full HD for enhanced visuals. The wireless mirroring function lets you play content from mobile devices on this Samsung 60-inch smart television and access your favorite apps effortlessly from the home screen.
Overall
2 out of 5
2 out of 5Incorrect info. No 3D
By Leroythedog
I was already to buy this TV- seems to be GREAT price!
BUT - IT DOES NOT HAVE 3D. Luckily, this was pointed out by the salesman. He told me that he had even called Samsung to check, and there is a misprint in the specifications,
BUT - IT DOES NOT HAVE 3D. Luckily, this was pointed out by the salesman. He told me that he had even called Samsung to check, and there is a misprint in the specifications,
If you don't want 3D, this would be great, but it doesn't work for me.
Ebonovic
Tinley Park, IL
3D Ready
January 28, 2016
Per Samsung's site, it states as 3D Ready.
Which means you just need the other equipment (separate), glasses, Blu-ray player, and material source
Glasses are about $20 each.
Which means you just need the other equipment (separate), glasses, Blu-ray player, and material source
Glasses are about $20 each.
But the TV is a 3D compatible TV
+7points
7of 7voted this comment as helpful.
Ebonovic's Questions
Ebonovic has not submitted any questions.
Dell XPS Desktop: It's easy to keep in touch using built-in wireless networking, which provides access to social networks, e-mail and streaming entertainment. Bluetooth technology allows pairing with compatible devices.
Are the keyboard and mouse wireless?
No, they are not. They are wired.
9 years, 10 months ago
by
Ebonovic
Tinley Park, IL