Balthazar2k4's stats
- Review count157
- Helpfulness votes354
- First reviewJune 13, 2014
- Last reviewMay 13, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.1
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes6
- First review commentOctober 23, 2013
- Last review commentOctober 23, 2013
- Featured review comments0
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- Answer count11
- Helpfulness votes8
- First answerSeptember 22, 2016
- Last answerOctober 26, 2020
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Navigate your desktop precisely with this CORSAIR mouse pad. Its textured surface is optimized for optical and laser mice, and it uses Qi technology to wirelessly charge your mouse as you play. This black CORSAIR mouse pad has an LED charging indicator that provides instant information on battery life status.
Customer Rating
3
Convenience Comes At A Price
on April 9, 2018
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Longmont, CO, USA
I have used Corsair products for more than a decade. They have always been well built and well conceived products. The MM1000 is the first product I have used from Corsair that leaves me scratching my head. It is well built and feels very durable. It uses two USB connections to your PC to enable both power and USB passthrough. It has a smooth, large surface with just a little bit of texture to provide a nice balance of friction and freedom. It also has a rubber backing to prevent it from slipping on your desktop surface. I am using the MM1000 in conjunction with the new Dark Core SE mouse so I can get the full wireless charging effect. The problem is that the wireless charging feature is a bit of a head-scratcher for me. Maybe what I mean to say is 'lost opportunity'. The Qi wireless capability works great... in a single location at the top right corner of the mat. Why is it so limited? Logitech took it to the next level by building a mat with full surface charging capability. Now granted it isn't a Qi standard charger, but it does allow the wireless mouse to always charge. The MM1000 does not offer this capability. Yes, I can throw my iPhone 8 on the Qi hotspot and it charges as expected, but I am not sure that is a worthwhile trade-off to a mat that has total charging coverage. After all, I am buying a mouse pad for my mouse, not my phone. The next quandary for me was that I still needed to plug in the wireless adapter into the USB passthrough on the MM1000. Once again, why? Why aren't Corsair wireless mice automatically supported with a built-in receiver? After all, this mouse pad is nearly the same price as the actual mouse itself. Seems like it should have been a no-brainer. Overall it is a nice mouse pad, but there are some questionable design decisions that make the value proposition tough for me to recommend at its list price. If you can find it on sale and you already have the supported mouse than I would say go for it.
My Best Buy number: 0761664909
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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-1point
1of 3voted this as helpful.
Start your own personal music festival with this Sony portable Bluetooth speaker. Its Bluetooth and NFC connectivity provide wireless access to your favorite music playlists, and its durable and rustproof exterior keep it safe at the beach. This Sony wireless Bluetooth speaker includes intuitive LIVE SOUND speakers that create a three-dimensional experience.
Customer Rating
4
Solid Performance
on March 26, 2018
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Longmont, CO, USA
The new Sony SRS-XB41 should be on your short list of bluetooth, battery powered speakers. I received mine last week in red (which is more like burgundy) and immediately thought it was a pretty sharp looking, compact speaker. It is all cloth covered, but washable and water resistant. I fired it up straight out of the box and installed the DJ and Sony Music Center app on my iPhone so I could check out what it had to offer. The DJ app is pretty much a throwaway for me, but my wife likes it. It allows for mixing, scratching, and even drum effects to the music as it plays. Not really my thing. The Sony Music Center app on the other hand offers more finite control of the speaker. It includes EQ control and control of the lighting effects among other things. Yes, the speaker has lights. Lights that go with the beat of the music in multiple colors no less. They can also be set in other modes that are less bombastic than the 'Rave' mode it defaults to, as well as, shut off altogether. It's a fun party trick, but pretty silly in my opinion. As I see it, they are just eating up the battery. That said, the battery is theoretically supposed to last all day. I have not had a situation where I needed it for 24 hours, but I have easily gotten 9 hours out of it in a continuous stretch with the lights off.
Ok, so how's the sound quality? Well, it is surprisingly good. In fact, it offers improved bass response even over the recent UE Megablast. That said, the speaker can sound a bit bass heavy in ExtraBass mode and I have found I like it better off. With ExtraBass disabled the speaker has a much more balanced sound and does not distort as much at louder volumes. While the sound is not on par with corded bluetooth speakers such as those from JBL, Sonos, Apple, or even Google, this one you can easily throw in a bag and take it with you and still get a great experience. There is also a LiveSound mode, but frankly I found it to be garbage. It essentially adds some reverb to the audio to produce a simulated 'live' sound. Definitely not my cup of tea.
Overall, it is a solid little speaker and it excels in the one area you would want a speaker to excel at... audio. The audio modes and lighting effects are fun to play around with, but when all is said and done you want a speaker that sounds good, is durable, and lasts a long time. Sony has you covered with this speaker.
My Best Buy number: 0761664909
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Stream your favorite shows on this 60-inch Hisense television. Its 3840 x 2160 resolution and 8 ms response time bring scenes to life, and 4K upscaling transforms lower quality video into HD resolution. This Hisense television is equipped with HDMI inputs to connect to a gaming console or Blu-ray player.
Customer Rating
2
It's big....
on February 22, 2018
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Longmont, CO, USA
The Hisense H6 60" is a tough TV for me to review. It checks the right boxes, but doesn't execute well on any of them. For me, I buy a TV for one primary thing... picture quality.
The Hisense out of the box produces a reasonable picture, but the most obvious issue is brightness. The TV just doesn't get very bright despite being a full array backlight and this is a huge shot in the foot to the fact that this TV supports HDR10 signaling. Once HDR is engaged the TV gets even darker. It simply does not have the light output capability to properly produce HDR. Probably the reason why there is basically no mention of HDR support on the box. It's there, but it might as well not be.
Fortunately, the panel produces nice blacks and good color. I am doubtful it is a true 10-bit panel, but at this price I wouldn't expect one either.
In game mode, lag appears to be low and the TV shows no screen tear which is nice, but the lack of processing really shows how bad 1080p content at 4K can look. That said, lag is tolerable in standard mode for non competitive gaming and looks wildly better.
Sound is another area that the TV can't quite get right. Flat panels in general are notorious for their poor sound and the Hisense H6 is no different in this regard. It has reasonable bass response and can get pretty loud, but at the price of very audible distortion and the cabinet itself begins to rattle which really adds to the noise.
The fact of the matter is Hisense has pretty stiff competition even in the entry level category. TCL and Vizio offer sets with HDR10 and Dolby Vision capability at or near this price. Even deeply discounted this TV is a question mark for me.
My Best Buy number: 0761664909
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+4points
4of 4voted this as helpful.
Increase productivity and save desk space with this HP Pavilion all-in-one desktop computer. Its Intel Core i7 processor and 12GB of DDR4 RAM keep multiple programs running at optimal speeds, and the Intel Optane Memory is a smart system accelerator that adapts to your everyday computing activities. This HP Pavilion all-in-one desktop computer has a large 1TB hard drive for storing files securely.
Customer Rating
3
Elegantly Basic
on February 22, 2018
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Longmont, CO, USA
Let me start by stating up front I am not the primary target HP is trying to attract with the All-in-One Pavillion. I have been building my own custom computers for 30+ years and HP hasn't swayed me to discontinue. That said, I wanted this computer for my wife so that I could reclaim the notebook of mine she has been using. Here are my thoughts:
PROS:
- All-in-One nature makes connection and setup a breeze
- Reasonably fast for basic operations (i.e. web surfing, Office, listening to music, etc.)
- Responsive touchscreen
- Good display color thanks to the IPS screen with no noticeable backlight bleed or vignetting.
- Display controls offer low blue light mode for long term use. Reduces eye strain considerably, but does effect color balance.
- Integrated speakers are as balanced as I suppose could be expected
- Wireless keyboard & mouse is a nice touch
- Keyboard has good typing feel. Similar to a high quality notebook.
- Comes equipped with an HDMI input. A nice touch indeed.
- Pre-loaded with minimal bloatware
- Has a nice integrated webcam cover to keep prying eyes in the dark
- Good build quality
- Stylish
- All-in-One nature makes connection and setup a breeze
- Reasonably fast for basic operations (i.e. web surfing, Office, listening to music, etc.)
- Responsive touchscreen
- Good display color thanks to the IPS screen with no noticeable backlight bleed or vignetting.
- Display controls offer low blue light mode for long term use. Reduces eye strain considerably, but does effect color balance.
- Integrated speakers are as balanced as I suppose could be expected
- Wireless keyboard & mouse is a nice touch
- Keyboard has good typing feel. Similar to a high quality notebook.
- Comes equipped with an HDMI input. A nice touch indeed.
- Pre-loaded with minimal bloatware
- Has a nice integrated webcam cover to keep prying eyes in the dark
- Good build quality
- Stylish
CONS:
- Most glaring issue is the lack of a solid state drive (SSD). Yes, it is equipped with an Optane cache drive, but certain disk intensive tasks quickly overwhelm it. Once I setup the machine and began updating it to the latest Windows 10 build (1709) it took nearly 3 hours to accomplish the task. A similar machine equipped with an SSD would have done the same task in less than an hour.
- IPS screen is moderately low resolution for its size. A 27" 1080p display has an 82 PPI (pixels per inch). Sitting at a reasonable distance from the monitor the pixels are easily seen and renders text with jagged edges. Higher end models from HP offer a QHD display with a 110 PPI. For me, 90 PPI is the minimum I would go.
- Key drawback of a touchscreen is the very glossy display it creates. Unfortunately, where I had to place the machine in the room it has a window facing it. The display is similar to sitting in a mirror unless there is very bright content on the screen.
- While IPS creates great color it does come at the cost of lower contrast and what is called 'IPS glow' on black screens. IPS glow is the appearance of a hazy white light emanating from the screen when it should be black. Some people are more sensitive to this phenomena than others. This display is one of the worse cases I have seen and I believe it could be due to the pixel pitch. The QHD model may exhibit less.
- The lack of a discrete GPU means no 'real' gaming outside of the casual or very basic (i.e. Minecraft, Roblox, etc.)
- Integrated speakers lack good bass reproduction and are very volume limited most likely to limit distortion. Don't expect to throw a party with them.
- Upgrading the machine (i.e. RAM, hard drive) long term could represent a real challenge for the average user. One might consider buying the model with all of the options one might want ahead of time.
- The lack of a backlight on the keyboard is a definite minus for me in this day and age. Yes, it comes at the cost of battery life, but it should at least be a selectable option.
- The mouse is pretty terrible from an ergonomic standpoint. It is too flat, too light, and has 'sharp' edges that becoming annoying with extended use. This is a classic case of form over function. Sure looks nice though....
- Final nitpick is the pop-out DVD tray is super flimsy and hard to close as it gets stuck on the edge of the housing when you try to close it. As I will never use it, it isn't a make or break feature for me.
- Most glaring issue is the lack of a solid state drive (SSD). Yes, it is equipped with an Optane cache drive, but certain disk intensive tasks quickly overwhelm it. Once I setup the machine and began updating it to the latest Windows 10 build (1709) it took nearly 3 hours to accomplish the task. A similar machine equipped with an SSD would have done the same task in less than an hour.
- IPS screen is moderately low resolution for its size. A 27" 1080p display has an 82 PPI (pixels per inch). Sitting at a reasonable distance from the monitor the pixels are easily seen and renders text with jagged edges. Higher end models from HP offer a QHD display with a 110 PPI. For me, 90 PPI is the minimum I would go.
- Key drawback of a touchscreen is the very glossy display it creates. Unfortunately, where I had to place the machine in the room it has a window facing it. The display is similar to sitting in a mirror unless there is very bright content on the screen.
- While IPS creates great color it does come at the cost of lower contrast and what is called 'IPS glow' on black screens. IPS glow is the appearance of a hazy white light emanating from the screen when it should be black. Some people are more sensitive to this phenomena than others. This display is one of the worse cases I have seen and I believe it could be due to the pixel pitch. The QHD model may exhibit less.
- The lack of a discrete GPU means no 'real' gaming outside of the casual or very basic (i.e. Minecraft, Roblox, etc.)
- Integrated speakers lack good bass reproduction and are very volume limited most likely to limit distortion. Don't expect to throw a party with them.
- Upgrading the machine (i.e. RAM, hard drive) long term could represent a real challenge for the average user. One might consider buying the model with all of the options one might want ahead of time.
- The lack of a backlight on the keyboard is a definite minus for me in this day and age. Yes, it comes at the cost of battery life, but it should at least be a selectable option.
- The mouse is pretty terrible from an ergonomic standpoint. It is too flat, too light, and has 'sharp' edges that becoming annoying with extended use. This is a classic case of form over function. Sure looks nice though....
- Final nitpick is the pop-out DVD tray is super flimsy and hard to close as it gets stuck on the edge of the housing when you try to close it. As I will never use it, it isn't a make or break feature for me.
So what about value? This model represents the base model HP offers. At it's list price it brings to the table a certainly capable machine for what an average user might need it for. My problem is that you are paying a premium for the all-in-one aspect at a very obvious cost of the overall hardware itself. One could buy a much more capable machine for the same or possibly even less. It is a tough recommend for me at the MSRP. If you can find it on a good sale and are looking for something with minimal footprint to fill a basic need then go for it.
As I said from the beginning, I am not the intended target for this machine. It is meant for families or students looking to write a report, play media, or surf the web. I just think you can get more for your money elsewhere.
My Best Buy number: 0761664909
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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+30points
38of 46voted this as helpful.
Enjoy superior sound and voice quality with these Jabra Elite wireless headphones. Integrated controls let you answer calls, adjust the volume or pause music with the touch of a button, while the included carrying case doubles as a charging station. External ambient noise keeps you aware of your surroundings, while a background noise filter delivers crisp, clear voice calls. With Bluetooth connectivity, these Jabra Elite wireless headphones are easy to pair to a mobile device.
Customer Rating
5
Outstanding!
on February 16, 2018
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Longmont, CO, USA
I was pretty skeptical going in when my Jabra Elite 65t arrived. Granted I had never tried truly wireless ear buds before, but I had read various horror stories of other brands ranging from Bragi, Jaybird, Sony to Apple. In fact, these reviews and stories made me want to avoid the category altogether. When the opportunity came along to give a pair a try I thought it might be worth my own investigation instead of relying on others. Now, I would have never expected a set of good musical ear buds from Jabra. I just wouldn't. They have always been more the bluetooth earpiece company for me and I just wouldn't have associated great musicality with them. Consider this review a correction to my thinking.
First and foremost, the Elite 65t is super simple to get rolling with. Pair the buds to each other, then to your device, and lastly Install the app. I had no issues whatsoever and if it took more than 30 seconds I would be shocked. They use Bluetooth 5.0 and I never experienced any connection drops or out of sync audio when used with my iPhone 8 Plus. I changed the earpieces to something a little larger to account for my larger ear canals and popped them in. This was the stage that took some getting used to. They are fairly comfortable once you get them rotated into the correct position. They are lightweight and do not protrude from the ear for more discrete use. For my ears they are pretty snug and I have no concern about them possibly falling out. This has always been one of my chief concerns and is why I have generally avoided the true wireless ear bud category. Not a concern with these. The snug fit also means good passive noise cancellation. I will certainly give these a go on my next business trip. They will hopefully be replacing my much larger Bose QC35s I currently use.
Let's talk sound quality. In one word.... outstanding. It is far better than I could have possibly imagined. Is this going to replace your $1000 planar magnetic headphones? Absolutely not, but that wasn't the intent either. Compared to my Beats X these Jabra Elite 65t easily outperform them with a nice balanced sound. Out of the box they are a tad thin in the bottom end, but thankfully the app allows you to EQ the buds to your liking. So, I goosed up the bass at 60Hz a bit and now they have a much 'fuller' sound. They are incredibly clear and detailed. As I said before, I was surprised just how good they sounded.
The right ear bud offers play/pause, end/receive call, and audio passthrough (more on that) functions with a single or double tap of the physical button. The left ear bud offers volume control, and skip functions. It is all pretty intuitive and at no point did I feel like I was going to lose a bud when fiddling with the controls. The audio passthrough function is quite nice in that it allows you to mix in the outside audio so that you can more easily speak to someone. This is a function seen on many high end noise cancelling headphones and a very welcome addition to the Elite 65t. Thank you Jabra for adding this function.
The call quality is exceptional. I suppose this should come as no surprise given Jabra's history. The four mic setup really helps in situations where there is excessive ambient noise and people I have spoke to while using them had no idea I was even using them. Can't ask for more in my opinion.
Battery life is on par with my Beats X at around 4-5 hours per charge, but the compact carrying case offers up to an additional 10 hours worth of play time so it should have you covered for all day use or an international flight. The down side is the charge time. Yes, you get around an hour and half on 15 minutes, but to get a full charge you are closer to 45 minutes and if you have a busy day ahead that can be a bit of a hindrance. I can't blame Jabra, but more so the slow advancement in battery technology. At least you have nearly 15 hours to work with even if you do have to pause a couple times to get it.
Overall fit and finish is top notch and the IP55 rating means I can use it without worrying about rain or sweat. To top it off, Jabra offers a 2-year warranty so I figure I am covered against most things save losing one or say dropping one in the toilet.
These very well could be the best truly wireless earbuds on the market at this time. They represent a strong value and offer the audio quality, call quality, build, and features one would want. I can't recommend them enough.
My Best Buy number: 0761664909
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+12points
14of 16voted this as helpful.
Nest Connect extends your home network for the Nest Secure alarm system. It will make sure motion sensors and alarms are connected and operational, even for larger homes.
Customer Rating
5
For Those Hard to Reach Places
on December 22, 2017
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Longmont, CO, USA
The Nest Connect is designed to extend the range of the Nest Secure. In my house because of the rather tight floorplan I found that the Guard itself was able to reach all of my sensors, but I placed the Connect in the system just in case. Can't really say for sure if it made any significant difference, but I haven't had any problems with it either. I am sure if you were in a house with a much wider floorplan than mine and the sensors were spread out it would be useful or even necessary.
My Best Buy number: 0761664909
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Tough on bad guys. Easy on you.The Nest Secure alarm system is easy to live with every day. Just tap Nest Tag on Nest Guard to arm and disarm the alarm - no passcode needed. Nest Detect sensors look out for doors, windows and rooms. And with the Nest app, you can keep an eye on what matters.
Customer Rating
4
Flexible Security
on December 22, 2017
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Longmont, CO, USA
The Nest Secure is my first foray into DIY home security. In the past I have had systems from Rollins, ADT, and Monitronics. They were all professionally installed and I paid a monthly fee for monitoring. Overall, I was happy with the service provided, but admittedly hated the fees. When we moved into our new house I decided to take a different approach. The Nest Secure 'starter' package got me almost to where I needed to be. I did need to pick up one more Detect sensor to cover my basement, but I knew that going in. The system is incredibly easy to install and setup. Once the app is installed on your phone or tablet it is pretty much a guided process. The Detect sensors work as both magnetic door sensor and/or motion sensor. It's a pretty ingenious idea really to use one sensor to accomplish both tactics. The entire system is wireless so aside from plugging in the base, aka The Guard, the rest is a matter of sticking on or screwing in the sensors. I opted to use the sticky back and I haven't had any problems with them falling off. The package also includes two key fobs to make disarming the system a piece of cake as you don't have to enter your PIN when you walk through the door. I should also point out that the Guard has a motion sensor in it as well which means it can be placed to act as another means of protection in the house as well.
Overall, the app works great and allows you to place the system in the off, home, and away states easily. If you are away and the alarm is triggered you will receive a notification and you can decide whether to call the police or simply disarm and rearm. In my case it is always the latter as I have a few cats and a dog, but I am pretty sure it is the cats being naughty that is causing the problem. I have the sensors mounted at about 5 1/2' and I am pretty sure the cats are jumping on the counter in the kitchen which is setting off the rear motion sensor. Fortunately, mounted that high the dog is not factor as the motion sensors do not look down, but more of an upward arc from where they are installed.
My only real complaints are that you can't set a door chime that doesn't require the system armed in 'Home' mode and the lack of LTE connectivity (for now). When armed in Home mode the alarms will still trigger unless a button on the door sensor is pressed to then open it. With young kids it is super fun to reset the alarm every five minutes because they forget to hit the button. As for the LTE it is a feature being promised and would require a monthly service fee, but as of right now someone could break in and set the alarm off and I would potentially not know if they cut my service coming into the house from outside. On the plus side, the Guard does have a battery backup so killing the power will not stop it from squawking at the intruder... I just wouldn't get any notification since neither my router or modem are on battery backup.
As a whole it is a pretty neat system and while I am still unsure about placing me in control of the monitoring aspect it certainly beats needing a security permit (which IS required where I live), having the cops standing at my house when I arrive to only discover it was a false alarm, or paying the monthly fee for having someone else handling the monitoring. I would certainly recommend the Nest for those looking for a simpler security solution.
My Best Buy number: 0761664909
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
4of 6voted this as helpful.
Make your home a more welcoming hub with this Philips Hue white ambiance A19 starter kit. Whether you desire a warm natural glow or energizing color tones, customize it just the way you like with the accompanying app. For parties, easily sync your lights to music with this Philips Hue white ambiance A19 starter kit.
Customer Rating
5
Love Philips Hue
on December 11, 2017
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Longmont, CO, USA
I have been using Philips Hue for nearly two years. I presently have 6 color bulbs, 8 ambiance bulbs, 1 white bulb, 1 LED strip, 3 dimmer controls, and 1 motion sensor. In my opinion, Philips Hue is the de facto standard in wireless automated lighting. The new ambiance lights are fantastic. I rarely use my color bulbs for anything other than soft white so the new ambiance bulbs are a revelation (and cheaper too). They offer the ability to tune the white light to your need which presents a big plus over the standard white bulb that Philips also offers. I use the bulbs in lamps, recessed lighting, conventional overhead lighting, and even outside for my driveway. Now that Hue supports HomeKit I am able to automate by lights and control them more conveniently on my Apple products. That said, the Philips Hue app supports even more automation and control and works across Android and iOS. I use the motion sensor to control lighting on my stairs at night. I use automation routines to turn on certain lights in the living room and my office in the morning before the family wakes up. I also use automation to turn off certain lights at specific times in the evening. Of course, you can do so much more, but that is what I use for now.
The only real trick to using Hue is placing the bridge some place central in your home and still be able to connect it via ethernet to a switch or router. To me that is the biggest downside of the Hue Bridge is the lack of wireless connectivity to your home network. Can be very limiting where you place it and when you have a two story home with a finished basement it can be very tricky to get a solid signal to all your Hue devices. Fortunately, my router sits pretty central on the main floor so I get a solid signal across my house.
Be warned though. Once you go down the path of Hue and home automation it becomes a very slippery slope of addiction. It is super fun to see what all you can do around your house and the more you use them the more possibilities you dream up.
My Best Buy number: 0761664909
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Achieve impressive sound from this JBL Link voice-activated speaker. Bluetooth technology ensures solid connectivity to your smartphone to play your favorite music, and the built-in Google Assistant provides hands-free operation on a variety of tasks. This JBL Link voice-activated speaker works with both iOS and Android devices for optimal convenience.
Customer Rating
4
Sounds Great!
on December 8, 2017
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Longmont, CO, USA
Let's get the most important aspect of a speaker out of the way, the JBL LINK 300 sounds great. After all, that IS why you would buy a bluetooth speaker in the first place. It has a great balanced sound with above average bass reproduction in a small package. The unit is compact, fairly stylish looking, and offers Google Assistant. It also has a rubber base so that it doesn't slide around wherever you put it.
Setup was a breeze as it is handled in Google Assistant. Now, you can forgo the Google Assistant part and just use it as a plain bluetooth speaker if that's your thing. Otherwise, Google Assistant brings quite a bit to the table and is especially useful if you are a Google user. I would put it above Alexa when it comes to the AI aspect, but doesn't have quite the overall device support as Alexa.
So why 4 stars? Well, it succeeds in what it sets out to do which is provide great sound and assistant access. My problem is honestly the price. If you can get it on sale then by all means go for it, but at full retail it is within spitting distance of the UE Megablast. The Megablast offers farily comparable sound quality and Google Assistant access, but also offers battery power so you can move it around the house or even take it outside easily. Not to mention it is super rugged and waterproof. It makes the LINK 300 a questionable value proposition in my mind.
Overall, I like the LINK 300 and think it is a pretty great bluetooth speaker. It is a no-brainer on sale or if you can't make that stretch to the UE Megablast.
My Best Buy number: 0761664909
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Play your favorite music with this Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST wireless speaker. It lets you make voice commands via Amazon Alexa within its 330-foot Wi-Fi range, and Bluetooth connectivity lets it pair with up to eight compatible devices. This rugged, water-resistant Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST wireless speaker withstands drops from up to 3 feet high.
Customer Rating
5
Wow!
on November 14, 2017
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Longmont, CO, USA
I have had several different bluetooth speakers over the years including Anker and Lifepoof. This is my first Ultimate Ears speaker and all I can say is 'Wow!'. Seriously, this speaker is impressive. It is waterproof and drop proof from around 1 meter up. It is solid, fairly heavy, and feels very premium. It has 16 hours of battery life at mid volume and built-in wi-fi for Alexa use. Let's start with audio quality since that is why you buy a bluetooth speaker. It is nothing short of marvelous in that department. Easily the best sounding bluetooth speaker I have ever heard. Great highs, mids, and very acceptable lows. The two 55mm drivers coupled with the two tweeters do a remarkable job filling a room with clear, musical sound. Plus, this thing gets VERY loud. It easily fills my first floor with sound. Even at max volume there is minimal distortion with bass heavy music which is a real plus.
Once you install the app on your mobile device you can get Alexa up and running in no time. I have several Alexa enabled devices in my home ranging from Hue lights and Harmony remote controls to vacuums and sprinkler system. It works them all just like an Echo and the mic easily picks me up from the other side of my house even (albeit at a raised voice). I also have the charging base which is a must in my opinion if you plan to use the Alexa controls as well as keep it portable too. It's a shame the base doesn't come with it for the price.
Overall, I can't recommend this speaker enough. Yes, it is pricey, but you get what you pay for in this case. Outside of a Sonos speaker (which isn't truly portable) I haven't heard a better battery powered Alexa enabled speaker (bluetooth or not). It really is fantastic.
My Best Buy number: 0761664909
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Balthazar2k4's Review Comments
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 Tablet: More capable than your average tablet but lighter and smaller than a laptop, the Surface Pro 2 features hands-on productivity with the ability to fully support Microsoft Office (sold separately). Multitask with side-by-side apps, prop up your tablet with the built-in kickstand, or connect accessories via the USB and display ports for a work-efficient desktop setup.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Best tablet for work and play
By jb78
from Woodland Hills, CA
Microsoft shows why its preferred over mac for business and productivity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Balthazar2k4
Pointless
October 23, 2013
Thank you for the hollow, non-review of an unreleased (at the time) product.
+3points
6of 9voted this comment as helpful.
Balthazar2k4's Questions
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Serve nutritious and easy home-cooked meals at a fraction of the time that conventional cooking requires. Enjoy all the same benefits you love about Express Crock—one-touch settings for quick pressure-cooked meals—now with a Crisping Lid that adds a delectable crisp to chicken, ribs, and more!
Does it have a removable liner for washing?
Yes, the internal cooking pot is removable for easy cleaning. It is also dishwasher safe, but the manufacturer recommends hand washing to preserve the non-stick coating.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
Balthazar2k4
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.
is the jbl free earbuds waterproof?
No. They are sweatproof which is barely on the cusp of water-resistant. In other words, if you are working out they will be fine, but don't expect to use them in a downpour outside.
5 years, 4 months ago
by
Balthazar2k4
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?
They do not offer active noise cancellation. They do however provide pretty decent passive noise cancellation if you can get them snug in your ears.
5 years, 4 months ago
by
Balthazar2k4
Get work done or play games on this 24-inch Dell monitor. Its 1920 x 1080 resolution delivers a crisp display for images and text, and its wide viewing angle provides a clear picture whether sitting or standing. This Dell monitor has HDMI connectivity for use with gaming consoles or PCs.
Which adapter would work for this monitor if I wanted to mount it to a standard Vesa stand
Pretty much any non-VESA to VESA mounting kit will work that is designed for a display this size.
5 years, 7 months ago
by
Balthazar2k4
Get work done or play games on this 24-inch Dell monitor. Its 1920 x 1080 resolution delivers a crisp display for images and text, and its wide viewing angle provides a clear picture whether sitting or standing. This Dell monitor has HDMI connectivity for use with gaming consoles or PCs.
can this monitor be mounted?
Get work done or play games on this 24-inch Dell monitor. Its 1920 x 1080 resolution delivers a crisp display for images and text, and its wide viewing angle provides a clear picture whether sitting or standing. This Dell monitor has HDMI connectivity for use with gaming consoles or PCs.
is this a matt or gloss finish?
Glossy with an anti-glare finish. Does a reasonable job with reflections, but is no match for a matte screen.
5 years, 7 months ago
by
Balthazar2k4
Make your home a more welcoming hub with this Philips Hue white ambiance A19 starter kit. Whether you desire a warm natural glow or energizing color tones, customize it just the way you like with the accompanying app. For parties, easily sync your lights to music with this Philips Hue white ambiance A19 starter kit.
Can I access lights when NOT at home
Yes. Once you create an account you will have access to remotely control your lights.
6 years, 5 months ago
by
Balthazar2k4
Take your tunes anywhere with this LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker. This floating waterproof device is submersible in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes, and it deflects damage from snow, ice and dirt. Pair this LifeProof AQUAPHONICS speaker with up to eight Bluetooth devices, and use the included dry box for storing keys and cards.
Does an regular iPhone 7 fits in the aq10 dry box?
No. The AQ10 dry box is pretty small. Maybe an iPhone 4 or possibly a 5.
7 years ago
by
Balthazar2k4
Orbi Whole Home WiFi System delivers up to 3.0Gbps high-performance WiFi. Sleek, modern design with high-gain internal antennas for up to 5,000 square feet of coverage. FastLane3 Technology creates a dedicated Tri-Band WiFi for seamless 4K streaming and gaming everywhere in your home. Keep a single WiFi name for uninterrupted connections as you move from room-to-room. Circle Smart Parental Controls runs on Orbi Routers for a smart way for families to manage content and time online, on any connected device. Provide internet access to guests without sharing your personal network password. Orbi is ready right out of the box and compatible with your ISP. Just use the Orbi app to get started with better WiFi, everywhere in minutes.
I have a Comcast modem going to a apple time capsule for wifi. Can this be installed after that and still give me access to time capsule and increase speeds?
Yes, the Orbi router can be placed into Access Point mode and used to extend your existing network.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
Balthazar2k4
Orbi Whole Home WiFi System delivers up to 3.0Gbps high-performance WiFi. Sleek, modern design with high-gain internal antennas for up to 5,000 square feet of coverage. FastLane3 Technology creates a dedicated Tri-Band WiFi for seamless 4K streaming and gaming everywhere in your home. Keep a single WiFi name for uninterrupted connections as you move from room-to-room. Circle Smart Parental Controls runs on Orbi Routers for a smart way for families to manage content and time online, on any connected device. Provide internet access to guests without sharing your personal network password. Orbi is ready right out of the box and compatible with your ISP. Just use the Orbi app to get started with better WiFi, everywhere in minutes.
How much are the Satlelites and are/when they available? My home is 4200 square feet. W/2000 square feet of finished basementnd I need all 3 floors covered. I know 2 cant cover 6200sqft. But one on each floor might. Also can each work being cat6 wired in
Three units (including the router itself) should have you covered assuming you can place them roughly center on each floor. Unfortunately, the satellites cannot be wired in at this time, but I do believe Netgear is looking at the situation. I am using the router and a single satellite in a ~4000sq ft home with a finished basement and it works great even with the satellite being connected wirelessly. Keep in mind the Orbi system uses a dedicated 5ghz channel as a backhaul so it does not work like a conventional router/extender combo.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
Balthazar2k4