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- Review count88
- Helpfulness votes129
- First reviewNovember 17, 2015
- Last reviewJanuary 13, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.7
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- Answer count19
- Helpfulness votes6
- First answerAugust 26, 2016
- Last answerNovember 5, 2018
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Make driving routines more enjoyable with this OverDryve car system. Its voice assistant capabilities let you read and send text messages by command and also play music in your car without taking your hands off the wheel. The built-in dash cam of this OverDryve car system lets you record trips and capture every moment on the road.
Customer Rating
4
Powerful GPS in a Tablet Form Factor
on September 16, 2016
Posted by: bryanhill
from pittsburgh, pa
This unit, Rand McNally's Overdryve OD7, is quite the setup. I will start my review with my opinion of pros for the device:
The quick disconnect feature of it's mount get's an A+. It's has two rows of twelve contact points that make a connection while super strong magnets do all the holding. So when you take the GPS(Tablet) with you it's a breeze.
The persistent accuracy of this unit is incredible. They achieve this by having not only the GPS radio that is built into most tablets these days, but on the base of the mount there is a secondary GPS radio with it's own antenna. This means there is no waiting to acquire satellite signal as long as the (mount)base remains powered up.
This unit not only has wifi, but it also has bluetooth with a tethering option.
The speaker that is built in to the mount is very adequate and works well for both turn by turn directions and it works well as a speaker phone while connected to your cell phone.
I was able to download waze, and use it as my navigation software.
The persistent accuracy of this unit is incredible. They achieve this by having not only the GPS radio that is built into most tablets these days, but on the base of the mount there is a secondary GPS radio with it's own antenna. This means there is no waiting to acquire satellite signal as long as the (mount)base remains powered up.
This unit not only has wifi, but it also has bluetooth with a tethering option.
The speaker that is built in to the mount is very adequate and works well for both turn by turn directions and it works well as a speaker phone while connected to your cell phone.
I was able to download waze, and use it as my navigation software.
This unit falls a little short in the following areas:
Voice recognition on the installed Rand Mcnally navigation software does not measure up to Google Maps, or Waze. I tried using it several times and resorted to typing my destination in, and to use voice recognition with the unit, it had to have an internet connection.
This device does not have any Google Play Services and actually will not let you install them, which makes most of any googles apps not run. This is a major let down, as I wouldn't mind to view an occasional email on this (of course not while I'm driving), it would be awesome to be able to pull up all of my playlists within Google Play Music. There is a workaround, download chrome and use the browser to stream from your account.
This device does not have any Google Play Services and actually will not let you install them, which makes most of any googles apps not run. This is a major let down, as I wouldn't mind to view an occasional email on this (of course not while I'm driving), it would be awesome to be able to pull up all of my playlists within Google Play Music. There is a workaround, download chrome and use the browser to stream from your account.
Here is how I use the Overdryve by Rand McNally. I downloaded the Waze app onto it, I tether my 4G internet from my phone to it over bluetooth, because bluetooth consumes less power on my phone. Overall this unit is a very powerfull GPS. It would be a must if you drive truck, or drive an RV. It pays attention to road weight limits and bridge height restrictions. When connected to the internet, having the real time traffic is just amazing.
This unit is a little pricey at $399.99, plus $29.99 for the bean bag dash pad. But if you fall into the category of a truck driver, or rv driver, it's probably worth it. If it had or offered Google Play Services and wasn't so expensive I would have giving it the fifth star.
My Best Buy number: 1024680391
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Nothing puts a vacuum to the test quite like a home with pets. That's why the BISSELL® Pet Hair Eraser® was developed from the ground up by pet parents for pet parents. Whether it's shedding season for your dog or your cat tracks kitty litter all over the house, this revolutionary vacuum is designed to make cleaning up after pets and the people who love them a breeze—from beginning to end. Say goodbye to hair wrap with its Tangle-Free Brush Roll, remove embedded hair everywhere with specialized pet tools, help capture allergens and eliminate odors with the SmartSeal™ Allergen System, and when you're finished cleaning, enjoy a hands-free tank empty with our patented Cyclonic Spooling System™.BR>
Customer Rating
5
Powerful and Easy to use Vacuum for Pet Owners
on August 26, 2016
Posted by: bryanhill
from pittsburgh, pa
This unit is a model 1650, it is in the color of Black and ChaCha Lime.
The unit was very easy to remove from the box, and had two options of hanging brackets to install. One optional bracket allowed for placement of the LED Lit Crevice Tool to be on-board only or the placement of both the LEd Lit Crevice and Pet TurboEraser® Tools to be on-board. Being this came with both tools I opted to store both tools onboard. I did notice it did not have any directions.
The provided options for this unit are:
Pet TurboEraser® Tool
SmartSeal™ Allergen System with Febreze® Pet Odor Eliminator™
30 foot chord
Cyclonic Pet-Hair Spooling System™
Bagless Technology
LED Lit Crevice Tool
Swivel Steering
SmartSeal™ Allergen System with Febreze® Pet Odor Eliminator™
30 foot chord
Cyclonic Pet-Hair Spooling System™
Bagless Technology
LED Lit Crevice Tool
Swivel Steering
Coming from a 10 year old Dyson, this unit is considerably lighter, but still pretty difficult to use on stairs, with it's swivel steering. When I noticed it had a LED Lit Crevice tool, I was excited that the tools were powered, hoping the Pet TurboEraser tool had a powered mini beater-bar to do our stairs. We have three flights of stairs that are carpeted. Upon inspecting the LED Lit crevice tool, I quickly realized that it's power was isolated, the tool has batteries and a actuator switch that turns the led on when the tool is attached to the extension wand on the vacuum. I then focused my attention on the TurboEraser tool to figure out what powered it, I assumed it was air actuated, and found that it has a turbine within the path of the suction tube. At first this disappointed me, but after first use, that completely changed. The design of the air turbine on this tool is incredible. It does a fantastic job on our carpeted stairs. I can also see where the LED Lit Crevice Tool would assist with getting tight corners clean, without any doubt.
This unit at 8.5 amps, is very powerful, the chord is adequate in length, and the onboard tool storage is definitely advantageous. One of the many selling points on this unit is it's "Tangle Free Brush Roll", it works well so far. Our Dyson would need to be disassembled on a monthly basis, to cut all of the human/canine hair/fur from its beater-bar(brush-roll). To date I see no hair/fur wrapping or tangling at all. If this proves to continue, my cleaning of the house has just got easier. Another selling point is it's Cyclonic Pet-Hair Spooling System, which in turn makes dumping it's bagless can a breeze, this works well also. With that being said I feel I have to mention that on it's box and in it's ads it shows some using the competitor (Dyson) and having to reach up into the canister to dump it. I have never had to do that once on our Dyson. Hopefully with this unit I will never have to as well.
The only thing I don't like on this unit is it's diverter valve, that switches between floor suction and tool suction. I imagine because my old vacuum did this switching automatically, once I remember I have to switch this option, I will not view this as negative.
Overall with it's price point, and it's many slick features geared to pet owners, this vacuum is surely one to check out. I would suggest this unit to friends, family and my blog readers.
My Best Buy number: 1024680391
I would recommend this to a friend!
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With no wires in the way, Bose SoundSport Wireless Sports Earbuds keep you moving with powerful audio. Perfect for exercise and running with a sweat and weather resistant design and StayHear+ tips designed for comfort and stability. The Tile app makes your headphones easy to find if they ever go missing.
Customer Rating
5
Quality Sound and Engineering
on June 6, 2016
Posted by: bryanhill
from pittsburgh, pa
The first thing you notice with these Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones is the attention to detail when they packaged this unit. It gives off the vibe of a well engineered product. Then once you connect them with ease to your device, the sound is rich and robust. Clarity is particularly crisp when reproducing high frequencies with no such evidence of any tinny or hollow echoes. The bass reproduction does incredibly well too. I did notice the volume of these are not as high as others I have used, but the buds seal well when placed properly in your ear, and with evidence they designed them with great miniature audio drives the trade off is sufficient. It is definitely Quality over Quantity! I was hoping the app that Bose is suggesting for these would give me some ability to customize, by use of a equalizer, but it really only provides a drop dead easy connection platform and an easy way to check their battery status. Connecting conventionally through my device's Bluetooth settings was a breeze, but I guess for the novice smart phone or tablet user, the app us slightly easier.
All in all, if you are looking for a premium weather/sweat proof set of wireless headphones, then these Bose SoundSport earbuds are a worthy set.
My Best Buy number: 1024680391
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Your household is busy streaming media, working online, and playing games every day. This Linksys Wi-Fi Router will expand your network coverage, send signals directly to your devices, and deliver a lag-free connection, even when you’re all online at the same time.
Customer Rating
5
Incredibly Fast Product that is easy to install.
on May 22, 2016
Posted by: bryanhill
from pittsburgh, pa
This beauty was shipped to me last week, and I just now had a chance to install it. I have a pretty complex network I am installing it on. Our home is a 170 year old, brick, three story (4 levels including the basement) house with a detached two stall garage on a little less then 3/4 of an acre. To maintain a healthy, stable wifi signal through out has been quite a challenge. I have one main router in my attic, that connects via hard wire to several different routers throughout the levels as repeaters/switches. That main router was approximately 5 years old, and was due to be replaced/upgraded. Our Armstrong Internet service/hardware was recently upgraded to 50Mbps, but a speedtest showed that to see those increased speeds, the home network would require an upgrade. That is where this LINKSYS EA9500 MAX-STREAM™ AC5400 Tri-Band WiFi Router comes into play.
I have to mention that when I opened the box on this beast, I was impressed. Everything about it screamed, speed. To it's eight antenna array around the base of it, to it's robust footprint, and its gorgeous led dispaly. This thing is a beaut. It's ashamed that in my install it is tucked away in my data closet, not to be displayed in all it's geeky glory!!! Remember what I mentioned about the footprint, this thing measures 10.4 inches deep by 12.5 inches wide and stands 2.6 inches tall (without antennas). That is not your father's Router. It will not stand on end either. But I imagine the size and antenna array are all designed specifically for the robust speed it advertises on LinkSys's website, up to 2166Mbps. I just did a speed test, and can I get a drum roll....the test results improved considerably. Our download speed was 32Mbps, and now it is 55.5Mbps. Thank you LinkSys. If your looking to drop some cash on a current, fast router. This is one I would suggest. The only downside to it, is it's size. But to get the speeds it promotes, you'll figure out where to "display it in all of it's geeky glory!"
I have to mention that when I opened the box on this beast, I was impressed. Everything about it screamed, speed. To it's eight antenna array around the base of it, to it's robust footprint, and its gorgeous led dispaly. This thing is a beaut. It's ashamed that in my install it is tucked away in my data closet, not to be displayed in all it's geeky glory!!! Remember what I mentioned about the footprint, this thing measures 10.4 inches deep by 12.5 inches wide and stands 2.6 inches tall (without antennas). That is not your father's Router. It will not stand on end either. But I imagine the size and antenna array are all designed specifically for the robust speed it advertises on LinkSys's website, up to 2166Mbps. I just did a speed test, and can I get a drum roll....the test results improved considerably. Our download speed was 32Mbps, and now it is 55.5Mbps. Thank you LinkSys. If your looking to drop some cash on a current, fast router. This is one I would suggest. The only downside to it, is it's size. But to get the speeds it promotes, you'll figure out where to "display it in all of it's geeky glory!"
My Best Buy number: 1024680391
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy a compact tablet that fits neatly in your pocket with this Acer Iconia One 8-inch tablet. It includes a quad-core processor and 1GB of RAM that deliver powerful processing to play all your games and apps, and the 16GB of flash memory ensure this Acer Iconia One 8-inch tablet and store your files.
Customer Rating
4
A snappy device for a budget tablet!!
on May 21, 2016
Posted by: bryanhill
from pittsburgh, pa
Upon setting up my Acer - Iconia One - 8 Tablet. There was something I did not expect from this ideal sized tablet. It was one quick, very responsive device. It was a breeze to setup, with it's almost current Android OS, Lollipop 5.1. The only real negative matter at hand with this device is it's front facing camera, the quality of it sensor is not up to par. Comparing it to other current devices, it just does not measure up. My review would be 5 stars if it took better selfies...
This is a great device for consuming media, whether it be movies, news, email or social media.
This is a great device for consuming media, whether it be movies, news, email or social media.
My Best Buy number: 1024680391
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Prevent dead zones around your home with the help of this Linksys Wi-Fi range extender. It works with all types of Wi-Fi routers, and it uses multi-user MIMO for speed and efficiency. This Linksys Wi-Fi range extender can be used to create a different access point or to extend the field of the router’s connection.
Customer Rating
5
Amazingly easy to install range extender.
on May 14, 2016
Posted by: bryanhill
from pittsburgh, pa
This unit, a Linksys RE7000-AC1900 Wall Plug In Range Extender with MU-MIMO was something our household has been waiting for, for quite a while. We have multiple routers in our three level brick home. These help with our coverage when inside the residence, but once we are outside in our detached garage, the wifi signal is sparce at best. A refurbished pc had to reside in the corner, closest to the house with spotty reception. I rely on youtube videos to assist in repairing cars, boats, lawn mowers, or what ever might be not working. A buffering video is really frustrating.
This unit was so simple to install. I paired with a Linksys EA7500-AC1900 Router w/ Next Gen AC (MU-MIMO). This pairing was so easy, I really assumed it was not going to work. To my amazement, I plugged it in to the said closest corner of the garage and let it link. WOW!!!! I now have excellent signal at any point of my garage, even it's basement. As a bonus, it provides more then adequate signal for the farthest point of our property. This is a must if you have any dead-spots in your home/business wireless network.
My Best Buy number: 1024680391
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Your household wants to play, stream and work online all at once. With this Linksys router, you can do it all without buffering or other interruptions. Use the Smart Wi-Fi app to get started, control, and monitor your home network from anywhere.
Customer Rating
5
Easy, Fast, and Reliable
on February 10, 2016
Posted by: bryanhill
from pittsburgh, pa
This is a great Router. I tested as a stand alone, the ease of installation and speed of its transfer rates were awesome. I then installed it as a repeater to my home network, that to was easy to install, and works great with a variety of other network equipment. Altogether a great unit, just a little bit of a large footprint with no option to stand it on its side. But I guess with it's three antenna's it need to sit down flat.
My Best Buy number: 1024680391
What's great about it: The installation was a breeze.
What's not so great: It's large footprint.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Power your home theater with this Insignia™ NS-SB515 2.1-channel soundbar, which features Bluetooth technology for easy wireless streaming. The 6.5" subwoofer produces quality low-end sound to enhance your favorite films.
Customer Rating
4
Great sound with a quick and easy installation.
on November 17, 2015
Posted by: bryanhill
from pittsburgh, pa
This unit was very easy to install, It has two options for inputs, optical and rca. It also includes brackets built on and a template if you wish to mount it on a wall. The directions were drop dead easy to understand if you even needed them. Once installed, this unit has incredible sound for how small it is. I personally did not care for the additional DSP settings, but while in the standard mode sound was crisp with rich deep bass from it's sub-woofer. I wish it had more of a display, it only has one led for status indication. Other than a few minor things, this this Insignia sound bar with wireless sub-woofer is a great addition to any television set.
My Best Buy number: 1024680391
What's great about it: Sound is well balanced between the sub-woofer and the head-end..
What's not so great: Dsp settings are not really effective, but has great sound in standard mode.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
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HomePod is a breakthrough speaker that senses its location and tunes the music to sound amazing wherever you are in the room. Together with Apple Music, it gives you access to over 45 million songs. And with the intelligence of Siri, it's a helpful home assistant for everyday tasks, and for controlling your smart home accessories - all with just your voice. Welcome HomePod.
Does this take the place of Alexa? Or do you use together?
No.
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are two separate things that assist you in two different ecosystems.
You can use them together, but not to do all of the exact things. Alexa would be used for amazon oriented services, and Google Assistant for Google oriented services.
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are two separate things that assist you in two different ecosystems.
You can use them together, but not to do all of the exact things. Alexa would be used for amazon oriented services, and Google Assistant for Google oriented services.
5 years, 6 months ago
by
bryanhill
Velop with Intelligent Mesh™ Technology is an award-winning family mesh Wi-Fi system created to work seamlessly together. Mix and match nodes with different speeds to modify performance or interchange colors to coordinate with your home style. Regardless of shape, size, or wherever your Internet comes in, Velop can be customized to your home. Which makes it easy to add more nodes as your home and family expand. Unlike traditional routers with range extenders, each node provides a powerful Wi-Fi signal throughout your entire home. It continuously self-organizes and optimizes to find the fastest path to the Internet for seamless Wi-Fi everywhere. Individual nodes may be connected wirelessly or by Ethernet for fast, reliable connection. This is an ultrasimple and powerful system that uses only one Wi-Fi network name and password to give you seamless and secure Wi-Fi. And leading-edge security lets you block content and easily pause the Internet for dinner or homework. It works with all Internet service provider supplied equipment and speeds, and its simple app-based setup will get you up and running in minutes.
Can these dual band versions be used with an already in place triple band set?
yes
5 years, 6 months ago
by
bryanhill
Easily charge your MagSafe 2-equipped Mac computer with this Apple® MD504LL/A converter that is compatible with a variety of Apple devices with a MagSafe connector, including 24" and 27" LED Cinema displays, Thunderbolt displays and more.
Can I use this to charge my mac book air?
no
5 years, 6 months ago
by
bryanhill
Velop with Intelligent Mesh™ Technology is an award-winning family mesh Wi-Fi system created to work seamlessly together. Mix and match nodes with different speeds to modify performance or interchange colors to coordinate with your home style. Regardless of shape, size, or wherever your Internet comes in, Velop can be customized to your home. Which makes it easy to add more nodes as your home and family expand. Unlike traditional routers with range extenders, each node provides a powerful Wi-Fi signal throughout your entire home. It continuously self-organizes and optimizes to find the fastest path to the Internet for seamless Wi-Fi everywhere. Individual nodes may be connected wirelessly or by Ethernet for fast, reliable connection. This is an ultrasimple and powerful system that uses only one Wi-Fi network name and password to give you seamless and secure Wi-Fi. And leading-edge security lets you block content and easily pause the Internet for dinner or homework. It works with all Internet service provider supplied equipment and speeds, and its simple app-based setup will get you up and running in minutes.
Is this velo dual band mess wifi system better than buying repeaters...I use streaming TV in several rooms, and a work PC. Please advise. Thank you
Yes, it manages the devices on the network much better then repeaters do.
5 years, 6 months ago
by
bryanhill
Velop with Intelligent Mesh™ Technology is an award-winning family mesh Wi-Fi system created to work seamlessly together. Mix and match nodes with different speeds to modify performance or interchange colors to coordinate with your home style. Regardless of shape, size, or wherever your Internet comes in, Velop can be customized to your home. Which makes it easy to add more nodes as your home and family expand. Unlike traditional routers with range extenders, each node provides a powerful Wi-Fi signal throughout your entire home. It continuously self-organizes and optimizes to find the fastest path to the Internet for seamless Wi-Fi everywhere. Individual nodes may be connected wirelessly or by Ethernet for fast, reliable connection. This is an ultrasimple and powerful system that uses only one Wi-Fi network name and password to give you seamless and secure Wi-Fi. And leading-edge security lets you block content and easily pause the Internet for dinner or homework. It works with all Internet service provider supplied equipment and speeds, and its simple app-based setup will get you up and running in minutes.
Can these dual band versions be used with an already in place triple band set?
Yes it can, I just added three dual band nodes to an existing tri-band three node system. Ending in a successful six node velop system with multi bands...It works perfectly.
5 years, 6 months ago
by
bryanhill
Experience unreal picture quality with this 27-inch HP 27Q display. The modern, tilted design gives you the best angle to experience its lifelike colors and ultrarealistic Quad HD resolution, and an anti-glare panel lets you work or watch anywhere you want. This HP 27Q display's 2 ms refresh time provides crisp, latency-free media, ideal for multi-monitor setups.
Can you connect 3 monitors?
That depends on your machine you are connecting them to. If you desktop or laptop will support three monitors, then these would work,
5 years, 8 months ago
by
bryanhill
Stream HD audio from your TV to your headphones with this Aluratek Bluetooth 5.0 dual TV transmitter. It has a range up to 300 feet, which is four times the range of Bluetooth 4.2 transmitters, and you can easily connect the device to your TV via aux, RCA or SPDIF. This Aluratek Bluetooth 5.0 dual TV transmitter can handle two headphones at once.
How do you pair Bluetooth capable items an see that they have been connected sucessfully❓ Will the Bluetooth connections be seen on the TV screen after hooking up the audio receiver/transmitter❓
There is specific sequence that you connect them through. There is no display interface, so you only have the audio Cues of the device your connecting to it well, whether it would be headphones or speakers. It just works.
5 years, 9 months ago
by
bryanhill
Only @ Best BuyListen to music with this sweat- and dust-resistant wireless Jabra Elite headset. It connects via USB, mini-jack or Bluetooth, and a powerful microphone lets you use voice commands with your mobile device. This Jabra Elite headset reduces background noise and has a built-in motion sensor that lets you track fitness efforts.
Do these stay in your ear better while sweating? The original 65t kept falling out when I was running
They do for me.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
bryanhill
Acer 15 Chromebook: Enjoy up to 12 hours of battery life with this 15.6-inch Acer Chromebook. Its Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM load webpages quickly and provide lag-free streaming, and the 16GB of internal storage holds documents and photos. This Acer Chromebook has an HDMI port for connecting to a larger display.
Is this new model comparable performance wise to the Acer - R 11 2-in-1 11.6" Touch-Screen Chromebook - Intel Celeron - 4GB Memory - 16GB eMMC Flash Memory - White? But without the flip mode and touchscreen?
Yes.
6 years, 2 months ago
by
bryanhill
Acer 15 Chromebook: Enjoy up to 12 hours of battery life with this 15.6-inch Acer Chromebook. Its Intel Celeron processor and 4GB of RAM load webpages quickly and provide lag-free streaming, and the 16GB of internal storage holds documents and photos. This Acer Chromebook has an HDMI port for connecting to a larger display.
When can we buy this ?
Right Now.
Products from my answer
Acer - 15.6" Chromebook - Intel Celeron - 4GB Memory - 16GB eMMC Flash Memory
(1,614)6 years, 2 months ago
by
bryanhill