AlanInHouston's stats
- Review count40
- Helpfulness votes571
- First reviewMarch 21, 2014
- Last reviewAugust 11, 2017
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.8
- Review comment count27
- Helpfulness votes48
- First review commentFebruary 2, 2015
- Last review commentAugust 7, 2017
- Featured review comments0
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- Answer count21
- Helpfulness votes16
- First answerSeptember 22, 2014
- Last answerJuly 16, 2017
- Featured answers0
- Best answers3
Change the look of your iPhone 7 with this OtterBox Symmetry phone case. The scratch-resistant design stands up to regular use, and the durable construction provides added protection against life's little accidents. With its single-layer setup, this OtterBox Symmetry phone case is easy to slip on and off of your phone.
Posted by: AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
OtterBox cases are known for great protection but with added weight and bulk. The Symmetry is lighter and slimmer than a typical OtterBox case.
The best version has a solid black hardshell bonded over a flexible rubber inner liner. It offers better protection than the version with only a thin transparent back. Light color versions soon pick up stains.
The back is smooth to make it easy to pull your phone out of your pocket. The sides have rubber for a secure grip and the rubber frame surrounding the screen lets you place your phone face down.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Work, rest and play with this Samsung Galaxy J3 smartphone. A 5-inch touchscreen delivers easy responses whether you are browsing online or typing a text, and the AMOLED technology delivers great visuals even when it's bright. A powerful quad-core processor lets you play games, study or use apps on this Samsung Galaxy J3 smartphone.
Customer Rating
3
A Good Phone But 2017 Galaxy J3 Now Available
on July 23, 2017
Posted by: AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
The 2016 Galaxy J3 was a very good phone in its price range, but it has now been replaced by the 2017 Galaxy J3. The J3 is sold under a different name by each phone carrier. Sprint calls it the Emerge. T-Mobile calls it the J3 Prime. AT&T sells it under two different names. Verizon sells its own version.
Cases: Because the 2017 J3 is sold by every major carrier, it will be easy to find nice cases. Best Buy stocks the very nice Incipio NGP case. The 2016 cases do NOT fit the 2017 J3 models so have the store staff verify you are selecting the correct case.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Enjoy user-friendly flexibility with this Samsung Galaxy J7 prepaid smartphone for Verizon Wireless. The 4G LTE technology delivers lightning-fast download speeds, and the quad-core 1.4GHz processor lets you multitask without lag. Enjoy sharp, bright images and videos with the 5.5-inch Super AMOLED touch screen of this Samsung Galaxy J7 smartphone.
Posted by: AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
The new 2017 Galaxy J7 for Verizon is much improved over the 2016 model. Nice big screen for Netflix, adequate camera, and 18 hours to 24 hours on a battery charge for typical use.
The J7 offers 90% of the features of an $800 phone for a bargain price. It is GREAT deal for Verizon customers.
Best Buy sells the terrific Incipio Advanced case for the J7 with a honeycomb texture that provides a VERY secure grip on your phone.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Safeguard your Samsung J7 with this Incipio case. It’s made of a flexible, durable polymer material that resists tearing and fading, and it provides dependable shock absorption protection from everyday drops and falls. This Incipio case has a smooth exterior with a comfortable grip that feels natural in your hand as you text or browse the Internet.
Customer Rating
4
Great Light Case For 2017 Galaxy J7 - NOT 2016 J7
on July 20, 2017
Posted by: AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
The Incipio NGP Advanced is a great ultra-light and ultra-thin rugged case for the 2017 Galaxy J3 (sold under various names by different carriers). NOTE: It does NOT fit the 2016 Galaxy J3.
The Advanced is the more rugged version of the smooth back NGP case, adding a honeycomb texture to the sides and back of the case to provide a VERY secure grip on your phone. It is a thin layer of high quality flexible rubber so it will NOT prevent drop damage... it is designed to prevent drops.
It comes in dark colors that will look good in a year and in lighter colors that will quickly be stained by pockets and bags.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
3of 6voted this as helpful.
Keep your iPhone 7 safe with help from this Incipio NGP Advanced case. The interior has a honeycombed texture that absorbs shock during bumps and drops to reduce damage to your device's screen and interior components. This Incipio NGP Advanced case has an enhanced grip to minimize slips and drops.
Posted by: AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
The Incipio NGP Advanced Rugged case is ultra-light and ultra-thin. It is made from high quality flexible rubber and the sides and back are honey combed with a textured surface that provides a VERY secure grip on your phone.
Because it is very thin it provides little protection against drop damage. Its goal is to make it almost impossible to drop your phone.
The dark colors, such as black and navy blue will not stain in your pockets the way light colors will.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Samsung Chromebook 3: Unleash the power of modern computing with this Samsung Chromebook laptop. It has all the space you need with the 11.6-inch screen, which ensures portability, and 4GB of RAM and an Intel Celeron processor lets you complete basic office tasks all day long. The 16GB storage capacity means this Samsung Chromebook laptop can store files and programs for offline use.Learn more about Chromebooks ›
Posted by: AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
The Samsung Chromebook 3 is a great device BUT be sure to get the new version with 4gb of RAM memory and 32gb of SSD storage. The new version is the same price as the old 16gb version but it has double the storage for your files.
Best Buy puts the new 32gb version on sale at least one weekend every month for $150 or $170, truly a "best buy".
If you want a ultra light weight Chromebook with nine hours of battery life, small enough for easy carrying, the Samsung is a great choice.
Some people take a heavy $1,000 laptop to class or on a job assignment just for taking notes and sending emails. The Samsung does those basic tasks perfectly at a bargain price.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Accessorize your Galaxy S7 device with this durable Otterbox Symmetry Series case. The sleek black color and streamlined fit complement your phone's original design, and the simple instructions allow for quick and easy installation. Boasting drop and scratch protection, this Otterbox Symmetry Series case defends against accidental falls and fumbles.
Posted by: AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
The black version Symmetry bonds a hardshell plastic back to a tough, flexible rubber inner liner. This design results in the slimmest, lightest case that provides Otterbox's great protection against drop damage. The version of the Symmetry with a transparent back cover lacks the inner rubber layer and provides less protection.
The back is smooth so your phone easily slides out of your pockets. The side panel has a rubber surface to provide a secure grip.
A firm rubber ledge around the screen lets you place your phone face down without the screen touching the surface.
No case can guarantee you won't damage your phone when you drop it on a hardwood floor or on a concrete driveway. The Symmetry shifts the odds in your favor.
But, the price is high compared with some good cases from Incipio and Ballistic.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Protect your iPhone 7 Plus from everyday accidents and extraordinary adventures with this Incipio NGP Advanced phone case. The honeycomb interior defends against multiple shocks and drops, and the resilient exterior provides an enhanced grip. This Incipio NGP Advanced phone case is made of flexible polymer for rugged, long-lasting protection.
Posted by: AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
The Incipio NGP Advanced is made with a single layer of thin and light flexible rubber. Ultra lightweight cases don't provide much protection against damage from drops.
The NGP Advanced has a "waffle" surface on the back and sides that provides a very secure grip so that you don't drop your phone.
The older version of the NGP has a smooth, somewhat slippery surface and many stores sell both the smooth NGP and the Advanced NGP.
The black case will remain black. The light color cases will get stained by your jeans pocket.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
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Keep your device safe from damage with this Incipio NGP case for the Samsung J3. Its flexible material wraps tightly around your phone while providing shock-absorbing protection and a reliable defense against scratches. The smooth outer shell of this NGP case ensures a comfortable, slip-resistant grip, while the precision cutouts support easy port access.
Posted by: AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
This is a very good case for the 2017 Galaxy J3 with its speaker on the side panel. It does NOT fit the 2016 Galaxy J3 with the speaker on the back panel.
Incipio makes cases that are light, thin, perfectly fitted and durable. This case has siblings that are clear, clear and red, grey, and black. I think the black case looks best on a black phone.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
Grab your data and your minutes as you go with this Samsung Galaxy 3 Express smartphone. The 4.5-inch Super AMOLED screen offers a dazzling display for texting, gaming or scrolling the Internet. A microSD slot lets you add up to 128GB storage, and this Samsung Galaxy 3 Express smartphone has a 5-megapixel camera for taking and sharing pictures.
Posted by: AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
Some folks actually use a phone just for calling, emails and texting. A GoPhone plan provides unlimited calling and texting for $25 a month on autopay.
The Express 3 does a great job with calls, texts and emails. Music sounds good with premium headphones. Battery life gets you through the work day for calls and texts, but battery life is short for games, videos and GPS navigation.
BUT, it has ZERO available storage for large apps and large games and when memory is full apps slow down or freeze up. The camera is so-so outdoors and poor indoors.
So, it is a great phone for calls, texts, emails, Spotify and Pandora. Bad for large apps, large games, photos and making videos.
Mobile Submission: True
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Microsoft 640 Prepaid Cell Phone for AT&T Prepaid: Stay connected and productive wherever you are with this Prepaid cell phone, which features 4G LTE speed and Wi-Fi for flexible Internet connection options. Easily browse Web sites and flip through features using the 5" touch screen, and snap photos with the 8.0MP rear-facing camera.
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5Locked with AT&T for 3 months
By Chandu
The selling is deceptive, the fine print says you need to buy AT&T prepaid for 3 months. The the phone is eligible for other carriers.
That means you spend $100 for that and a Microsoft phone is not worthy of that.
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
AT&T Unlocks Unactivated Phones
March 15, 2016
Best Buy makes clear that this is a GoPhone locked to AT&T. If you do NOT activate the phone, AT&T will provide the unlocking code wuthin three days of your request.
The unlocked phone works with any GSM carrier in North America.
+3points
3of 3voted this comment as helpful.
Dell Inspiron Laptop: Get the efficiency you need in a portable design with this 14" laptop. You can wirelessly link with other devices using the Bluetooth 4.0 interface and connect to the Web with built-in Wi-Fi. Plus, view content on your HDTV by plugging into the HDMI output.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Light Weight Laptop With Windows 10
By AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
I was surprised to find a Dell Windows 10 laptop at the very low price of the Inspiron 14. Even more surprised to discover that its low price included a free one year subscription to Windows 365 with Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Word. This laptop, with Microsoft Office, provides a college student and most home users with everything they need in a "light duty" laptop computer.
This version of the Inspiron 14 has just a tiny 2gb of RAM and solid state storage of 32gb of which 8gb is available to store your apps, games, videos, music and photos. This is the bare minimum amount of memory needed to run Windows 10 and Microsoft Office. There is a slot to add a full size SD card, so you can add a 32gb Class 10 SD card for about $20 which will expand your available memory to about 40gb, enough for your Spotify music collection and a few movies.
The Inspiron 14 has a 14 inch screen with good color and contrast. The 14 inch screen is a good size both for typing a document and for watching a movie. Netflix movies sound okay through the dual front speakers and sound great with good headphones or with a bluetooth speaker.
The body is compact, with an outer shell that screams "cheap". However, the build quality is terrific. The hinges hold the screen at your chosen angle, the battery snaps securely in place, and the keyboard is has a crisp, precise feels.
The Inspiron is very light, weighing only about four pounds, including the power pack and cord. Its compact size and light weight makes it ideal for lugging around campus.
Battery life is impressive. If a student is taking notes, with wifi and bluetooth OFF, the Inspiron will provide six or seven hours at a bright screen setting and eight or nine hours at a medium setting. Streaming Netflix movies over wifi with a bright screen setting provides four or five hours of battery life. It recharges from zero to 100% in about two hours.
My Inspiron included a free one year subscription to Windows 365 with Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Word, a $70 savings compared with other laptops.
The first Inspiron that I took home had a defective trackpad. A Best Buy associate suggested I exchange it for a second unit. My second Inspiron has been terrific. It took about two days connected to wifi to download and install an endless series of updates to Windows 10. The Inspiron worked very slowly and froze up at times during that updates process. After the updates were complete, the Inspiron worked very smoothly.
I am still learning Windows 10. The trackpad moves the cursor around the screen when using one finger and two fingers scrolls the page up and down, or zooms in or zooms out on text. It takes practice to learn those gestures.
This is a LIGHT DUTY laptop for taking notes in class, sending email and watching a movie on Netflix. It lacks both the memory and the muscle to play demanding games, run three or four apps at a time, or use Photo Shop to edit photos and videos. The Edge browser slows down if you have more than two or three tabs open at a time.
If you need a Windows 10 laptop with Microsoft Office for light duty use, you will not find a better value than the Inspiron 14 from Best Buy.
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Small Amount of Storage A Problem
March 17, 2016
After five months of use, I would lower my rating of the 32gb Inspiron 14 to perhaps "Two Stars". The memory quickly filled up with endless updates to Window 10 and to the pre-installed Microsoft software. Eventually, just 5gb of storage was available. A major Windows 10 update required 6gb of open memory, so I had to do a factory reset and delete much of my software in order to have room for the update. This computer needed a 64gb SSD drive, which would have cost Dell about $20 per unit compared with the tiny 32gb SSD drive.
The touchpad has been frustrating to use, but turning off some of the multi-finger gesture options made it useable. I use a wireless mini-mouse to avoid using the touchpad.
The screen is too dim to use in a bright room or next to a window. It is okay in a dark room, but documents are not as sharp as on more expensive laptops.
I like the size and weight of the Inspiron 14. I hope Dell offers a new version in the future with a 64gb SSD, a brighter screen and a more reliable trackpad.
+4points
4of 4voted this comment as helpful.
Dell Inspiron Laptop: Get the efficiency you need in a portable design with this 14" laptop. You can wirelessly link with other devices using the Bluetooth 4.0 interface and connect to the Web with built-in Wi-Fi. Plus, view content on your HDTV by plugging into the HDMI output.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Light Weight Laptop With Windows 10
By AlanInHouston
from Houston, Tx
I was surprised to find a Dell Windows 10 laptop at the very low price of the Inspiron 14. Even more surprised to discover that its low price included a free one year subscription to Windows 365 with Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Word. This laptop, with Microsoft Office, provides a college student and most home users with everything they need in a "light duty" laptop computer.
This version of the Inspiron 14 has just a tiny 2gb of RAM and solid state storage of 32gb of which 8gb is available to store your apps, games, videos, music and photos. This is the bare minimum amount of memory needed to run Windows 10 and Microsoft Office. There is a slot to add a full size SD card, so you can add a 32gb Class 10 SD card for about $20 which will expand your available memory to about 40gb, enough for your Spotify music collection and a few movies.
The Inspiron 14 has a 14 inch screen with good color and contrast. The 14 inch screen is a good size both for typing a document and for watching a movie. Netflix movies sound okay through the dual front speakers and sound great with good headphones or with a bluetooth speaker.
The body is compact, with an outer shell that screams "cheap". However, the build quality is terrific. The hinges hold the screen at your chosen angle, the battery snaps securely in place, and the keyboard is has a crisp, precise feels.
The Inspiron is very light, weighing only about four pounds, including the power pack and cord. Its compact size and light weight makes it ideal for lugging around campus.
Battery life is impressive. If a student is taking notes, with wifi and bluetooth OFF, the Inspiron will provide six or seven hours at a bright screen setting and eight or nine hours at a medium setting. Streaming Netflix movies over wifi with a bright screen setting provides four or five hours of battery life. It recharges from zero to 100% in about two hours.
My Inspiron included a free one year subscription to Windows 365 with Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Word, a $70 savings compared with other laptops.
The first Inspiron that I took home had a defective trackpad. A Best Buy associate suggested I exchange it for a second unit. My second Inspiron has been terrific. It took about two days connected to wifi to download and install an endless series of updates to Windows 10. The Inspiron worked very slowly and froze up at times during that updates process. After the updates were complete, the Inspiron worked very smoothly.
I am still learning Windows 10. The trackpad moves the cursor around the screen when using one finger and two fingers scrolls the page up and down, or zooms in or zooms out on text. It takes practice to learn those gestures.
This is a LIGHT DUTY laptop for taking notes in class, sending email and watching a movie on Netflix. It lacks both the memory and the muscle to play demanding games, run three or four apps at a time, or use Photo Shop to edit photos and videos. The Edge browser slows down if you have more than two or three tabs open at a time.
If you need a Windows 10 laptop with Microsoft Office for light duty use, you will not find a better value than the Inspiron 14 from Best Buy.
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Liking Inspiron More As I Learn To Use Windows 10
April 8, 2016
Best Buy does not provide a method to delete or to edit a review. My original review was very positive. Then I went through a frustrating period when Microsoft was sending massive Windows 10 updates to my computer, which did not have enough open storage to install the updates. After several weeks, the updates finally were installed and Windows deleted much of the older software, leaving me with 8gb of open storage room. I deleted Microsoft Office and replaced it with the more compact (and FREE) LibreOffice. I deleted the McAfee Anti-Virus which was slowing down the computer as it was in conflict with the Microsoft Defender Anti-Virus that is also "factory installed".
That provided 9 gb of open storage space, and everything seemed to run faster and smoother. The Microsoft Edge Browser still struggles with web pages that have heavy doses of advertising, especially video ads. The problem with Edge seems to impact most Windows 10 computers, not just the Inspiron. I also installed the Firefox browser, which works better with many websites.
My frustrations with the trackpad of the Inspiron may be caused by my own lack of experience with Windows 10 trackpads. I use a wireless "mini mouse", but month by month, I am learning more about how the trackpad works and using it more.
I have added an SD card to provide extra memory to store videos, music and photos. It bugs me that the SD card sticks out half an inch and I worry about the card getting bumped into something that will damage the card or the card reader. Dell could easily have designed a card slot that enabled the card to seat fully into the computer.
BOTTOM LINE: After installing ALL of the endless series of Windows 10 software updates and learning how to use Windows 10 and the trackpad, I am liking the Inspiron again. The programs list includes an Intel Graphics Program that enables users to increase screen brightness and contrast and deepen skin tones in videos. The Dell Audio Program has a custom sound EQ program that lets you boost volume, add bass and adjust the clarity of voices in music and movies. The sound is never great with the tiny speakers, but can be amazing with good headphones.
At the $175 to $199 price of the Inspiron at the frequent Best Buy sales, it offers good value. People who simply want to read their email, check news headlines, listen to Pandora Radio, write and edit short documents, or watch Netflix movies will get their money's worth.
+3points
3of 3voted this comment as helpful.
Microsoft 640 Prepaid Cell Phone for AT&T Prepaid: Stay connected and productive wherever you are with this Prepaid cell phone, which features 4G LTE speed and Wi-Fi for flexible Internet connection options. Easily browse Web sites and flip through features using the 5" touch screen, and snap photos with the 8.0MP rear-facing camera.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Great phone but locked to AT&T service
By TECC
First off, I bought this phone for my parents. Since all the reviews ive read say the Lumia 640 is a good phone(it is actually a GREAT phone!) and for $30 Too, i couldnt pass on this deal. Since my parents are elderly i wanted this as more of a backup/emergency phone for them. I intended to use another provider (Ting) instead of AT&T since $30 per month minimum for service through AT&T is way too much. Upon signing up for service with Ting i was notified that the phone is locked to AT&Ts network and it is at their discretion to unlock it. So i contacted AT&T they said this phone must have been activated on AT&Ts network for at least 6 months before they will unlock it for use with other carriers. That really SUCKS! Keep this in mind before buying. Had i known that i wouldnt have bought it!
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Can Easily Unlock Lumia 640
April 25, 2016
If you activate the Lumia on AT&T, you must use it at least 90 days before they will provide the unlock code. If you do NOT activate the Lumia on AT&T, they will send you the unlock code within three business days. Google for "ATT Device Unlock Portal". Check the box for NON-AT&T customer. Provide them the IMEI number of the phone and your email address. You will get the unlocking code within three business days.
+1point
4of 7voted this comment as helpful.
Dell Inspiron Laptop: Get the efficiency you need in a portable design with this 14" laptop. You can wirelessly link with other devices using the Bluetooth 4.0 interface and connect to the Web with built-in Wi-Fi. Plus, view content on your HDTV by plugging into the HDMI output.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Fun for the tinkerer, frustrating for a non-techie
By WillysJeepMan
from Prescott Valley, AZ
For $120, I couldn't resist it. As is typical with all of these low storage capacity Windows devices, 32GB storage is NOT enough. Without installing any apps, there's only approx. 12GB available out-of-the-box. After the first wave of updates the available space quickly drops below 10.
Space was so cramped that there was insufficient free space available to install the latest Dec Windows 10 update. Even after performing all of the usual tricks to free up space, it was a tight fit. (Deleting Office 365 still didn't increase free space enough) Eventually I got the update installed and have about 9.5GB free.
Having said that, as a 14" notebook, it is pretty nice. Keyboard feels comfortable. Trackpad is surprisingly good. The cheap, flimsy chassis makes it very light.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the RAM could be upgraded, so I installed a 4GB DDR3L SIM ($20 from Amazon). Installation was easy. Unfortunately, the storage cannot be upgraded... there is a space where a harddrive could go, but no wiring harness to attach it to the system. The eMMC is soldered to the motherboard and not replaceable.
Instead, I purchased a short microSD adapter (one designed for the Macbook Air) and inserted a 64GB microSD card into it. I inserted the adapter into the notebook and it fits perfectly... a little too perfectly, in that if I ever want to swap out the microSD card, I'll need to use tweezers. But nothing protrudes from the chassis and I can keep the microSD card permanently installed.
I formatted the SD card as NTFS and set it up as a virtual drive so that I can point OneDrive to it and install apps that need to be on "C".
I'm embarrassed to admit how much fun I'm having tinkering with this.
TLDR; If you are looking for a general purpose notebook, please look elsewhere. If you are looking for what is essentially a Windows-based Chromebook or something to tinker with, this is a pretty good option.
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Great Suggestions For Improving Inspiron 14
April 27, 2016
Thank you for the great suggestions for improving the Inspiron 14. As a result, I went to the Dell web store and got a 4gb RAM module for just $20 with tax and shipping. After watching a YouTube video, snapping the new RAM module into place took less than ten minutes, start to finish. I can now run Spotify music while working on a Word document, and check my email and calendar, all at the same time without the computer slowing down. Opening eight or ten tabs does not cause the Edge browser to freeze up as often as it did in the past.
Your idea of using an Apple laptop "mini" MicroSD adapter was also helpful. A standard MicroSD adapter stuck out half an inch, which made it difficult to slide the laptop into its snug fitting pocket in my shoulder bag. Having it sticking out meant it could get damaged or damage the internal card reader.
I found an "mini" adapter for MicroSD cards listed for Apple laptops. It came from China in about ten days. It fits well, hidden about 1/8th inch inside the card slot. It make take tweezers or a bent paperclip to remove it, but I use the MicroSD card as permanent storage and have no intention of removing it.
Best Buy sells Class10 U3 MicroSD cards that are as fast as the solid state memory in the Dell Inspiron. With the addition of 32gb of fast memory, I now have a place for my photos, videos, and music.
+3points
3of 3voted this comment as helpful.
Microsoft 640 Prepaid Cell Phone for AT&T Prepaid: Stay connected and productive wherever you are with this Prepaid cell phone, which features 4G LTE speed and Wi-Fi for flexible Internet connection options. Easily browse Web sites and flip through features using the 5" touch screen, and snap photos with the 8.0MP rear-facing camera.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Great phone but locked to AT&T service
By TECC
First off, I bought this phone for my parents. Since all the reviews ive read say the Lumia 640 is a good phone(it is actually a GREAT phone!) and for $30 Too, i couldnt pass on this deal. Since my parents are elderly i wanted this as more of a backup/emergency phone for them. I intended to use another provider (Ting) instead of AT&T since $30 per month minimum for service through AT&T is way too much. Upon signing up for service with Ting i was notified that the phone is locked to AT&Ts network and it is at their discretion to unlock it. So i contacted AT&T they said this phone must have been activated on AT&Ts network for at least 6 months before they will unlock it for use with other carriers. That really SUCKS! Keep this in mind before buying. Had i known that i wouldnt have bought it!
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Two Solutions
April 29, 2016
This is an AT&T GoPhone. There is a great GoPhone plan that works well for most folks: $35 per month for unlimited phone calls, unlimited long distance, and unlimited texting. That plan does not include data, so you can connect to wifi to get your email.
Second. A FIVE YEAR OLD CHILD can unlock this phone. Google for "ATT Unlocking Portal". Check the box for "NON-AT&T Mobility Customer". Provide the required information. You will receive the unlocking code in three business days. How do I know? I have unlocked SIX of these phones using this method.
0points
1of 2voted this comment as helpful.
Only at Best BuyLenovo Ideapad 100s Laptop: This laptop features a compact design and built-in Wi-Fi, so you can connect to the Internet, stream videos, type up notes or view photos wherever you go. USB ports let you connect a variety of accessories.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Trackpad scroll doesn't work
By Hashem
I've looked everywhere online for Lenovo Synaptic trackpad driver for Win10. Seems like there are none and neither company seems to care. Makes it kind of difficult to use.
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Using Right Tab Scrolling, Not Two Finger Gestures
May 5, 2016
Hashem, the Lenovo Ideapad 100s does not use multi-finger gestures, which means the two finger scrolling on the trackpad is not available. Instead, Lenovo chose to use the "old school" trackpad with a left click button and a right click button and a scroll tab on the right side of the page.
I have a Dell laptop that uses two finger gestures (and three finger gestures) and it often does stuff I do not want it to do because I brush the trackpad with an extra finger or two. I bought a wireless mouse to avoid using the Dell trackpad.
The Lenovo trackpad is very basic, but easy to use. If you read the reviews of the Lenovo Ideapad, and then read the reviews for the Dell laptop in the same price range you see that few people complain about the Lenovo trackpad, but a large number of folks complain about the Dell trackpad. I suspect it may be a generational thing. Young folks are adept at the multi-finger gestures and old folks like the old school trackpad.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Only at Best BuyLenovo Ideapad 100s Laptop: This laptop features a compact design and built-in Wi-Fi, so you can connect to the Internet, stream videos, type up notes or view photos wherever you go. USB ports let you connect a variety of accessories.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5ok, for what I need it for
By Lannis
it works fine, only the sound comes and goes. When ever I try to listen to anything. I don't know why.
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Turn OFF Volume Leveling
May 17, 2016
When you open up "settings" and then open "audio" or "speaker" settings you will find several settings that say "volume leveling" or "volume adjustment". The settings are intended to prevent large jumps in volume when you are listening to music or watching a video. Those settings work okay with audio sources that are already quite level in volume, such as rock music and most tv shows. However, with sources that have both quiet passages and loud passages, such as classical music and many movies, the software over adjusts. It drops the volume of loud passages too much and then over boosts quiet passages.
The solution is to "uncheck" the boxes for volume leveling. If you have a Geek Squad service contract, they can do it for you. If you have a teenager around, most are familiar with playing around with software settings. Also, you can "Google" for step by step instructions for adjusting the settings in Windows 10.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Only at Best BuyLenovo Ideapad 100s Laptop: This laptop features a compact design and built-in Wi-Fi, so you can connect to the Internet, stream videos, type up notes or view photos wherever you go. USB ports let you connect a variety of accessories.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5You get what you pay for
By z31fanatic
I bought this laptop two days ago when it went on sale for $130.
Pros
- low price
- good build quality for the price
- good battery life
- good screen for the money it costs
- very light weight and extremely portable
- does ok job for basic tasks like web browsing, skype, youtube, and personal videos taken with my smartphone
Pros
- low price
- good build quality for the price
- good battery life
- good screen for the money it costs
- very light weight and extremely portable
- does ok job for basic tasks like web browsing, skype, youtube, and personal videos taken with my smartphone
Cons
- underpowered Atom processor
- only 2GB RAM which cannot be upgraded (I opened the back and there is no memory slots)
- power cord is very short (4 or 5 ft)
- 32GB storage is very little (after the initial updates and the major Windows Threshold 2 update you are left with about 12-13GB of space)
- webcam is poor
- no finger scrolling with the touchpad is a major problem for me
- underpowered Atom processor
- only 2GB RAM which cannot be upgraded (I opened the back and there is no memory slots)
- power cord is very short (4 or 5 ft)
- 32GB storage is very little (after the initial updates and the major Windows Threshold 2 update you are left with about 12-13GB of space)
- webcam is poor
- no finger scrolling with the touchpad is a major problem for me
Final thoughts:
This is a facebook, skype and web browsing machine so don't expect much from it. I love the light weight and how portable it is but unfortunately the no finger scrolling issue with the touchpad makes it pretty useless for me. If you can put up with it then i do recommend it as it is a nice little machine. Unfortunately I can't deal with it so I am sending it back.
This is a facebook, skype and web browsing machine so don't expect much from it. I love the light weight and how portable it is but unfortunately the no finger scrolling issue with the touchpad makes it pretty useless for me. If you can put up with it then i do recommend it as it is a nice little machine. Unfortunately I can't deal with it so I am sending it back.
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Very Accurate Review
May 17, 2016
This is a very accurate review of both the strong points and the weak points of the Lenovo. In my case, its very light weight and long battery life outweighed its weak points, and it is the computer I travel with, as well as my Starbucks computer.
I do not miss a trackpad with multi-finger gestures. A simple trackpad works better for me, as I tend to be clumsy and multi-finger gestures work poorly for us clumsy folks.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Only at Best BuyLenovo Ideapad 100s Laptop: This laptop features a compact design and built-in Wi-Fi, so you can connect to the Internet, stream videos, type up notes or view photos wherever you go. USB ports let you connect a variety of accessories.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Ok thinkpad
By Ginger
Loved it at first but after a month its had issues with charging and turning on
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Updating Bios and power software may solve problem
June 27, 2016
About 10% of Lenovo 100s owners report start up problems. You press the power button and nothing happens. In my case, I charged the Lenovo for ten hours and unplugged the charger. Then I pressed the power button for two seconds and waited ten seconds to see if the power light came on. After about 20 attempts it restarted.
As Lenovo suggests, updating the software may help. I went to the Lenovo support page and used the "detect my computer" button to locate the correct list of software. I downloaded and installed new bios software. Then I downloaded and installed new power system software. Then I worked through the list and installed about ten other listed software items included WLAN software for more reliable internet connections.
After installing all of this software, the Lenovo is starting reliably. Knock on wood. Lenovo could help its customers by doing automatic updates such as Dell provides its customers. Most people do not feel comfortable searching through lists of software, making selections, and then manually installing the software.
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
AlanInHouston's Questions
AlanInHouston has not submitted any questions.
Dell Inspiron Laptop: Get the efficiency you need in a portable design with this 14" laptop. You can wirelessly link with other devices using the Bluetooth 4.0 interface and connect to the Web with built-in Wi-Fi. Plus, view content on your HDTV by plugging into the HDMI output.
printer
How wood I load my printer software to this?
The easiest way is to download the most current printer driver from the printer company website. After downloading, click on that file and follow the installation steps.
8 years, 3 months ago
by
AlanInHouston
Toshiba Satellite Laptop: Stay productive and entertained wherever you go with this efficient, lightweight laptop, which features an 11.6" touch screen that simplifies content navigation. If you want to watch movies on a bigger screen, just connect to your TV using the HDMI output.
Using a Mouse with this Laptop
Would like to know would I be able to use a mouse with this. Is there an input for a mouse?
Yes. Best Buy sells a wireless "mini mouse" that uses a tiny adapter that plugs into a USB port. The trackpad is actually quite nice after you learn the various Windows 10 "gestures" for making text larger or smaller and so on.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Toshiba Satellite Laptop: Stay productive and entertained wherever you go with this efficient, lightweight laptop, which features an 11.6" touch screen that simplifies content navigation. If you want to watch movies on a bigger screen, just connect to your TV using the HDMI output.
What's the largest size SD MICRO CARD I can use with this laptop ?
Could you also tell me what's a good SD MICRO CARD ? Would I be able to load application's
or video's or photo's on it ?
or video's or photo's on it ?
I am not sure of the maximum size. That info should be on the Dell website. I tried out a 32gb class 10 card using a micro SD adapter and it worked fine, but it stuck out of the computer a quarter of an inch which surprised me. It actually uses a full size SD card but smaller cards can be used with an adapter.
You can load apps into the internal memory, but the amount of available internal memory is very small. Someone wanting to bring movies on vacation would want to put the movies on an SD card rather than into internal memory.
You can load apps into the internal memory, but the amount of available internal memory is very small. Someone wanting to bring movies on vacation would want to put the movies on an SD card rather than into internal memory.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Dell Inspiron Laptop: Get the efficiency you need in a portable design with this 14" laptop. You can wirelessly link with other devices using the Bluetooth 4.0 interface and connect to the Web with built-in Wi-Fi. Plus, view content on your HDTV by plugging into the HDMI output.
Is an external DVD drive available for use with this computer. If so, what is the cost of it.
Best Buy sells external DVD drives that are small and light and cost only $30 or $40. A Blu Ray drive is more expensive.
8 years, 6 months ago
by
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Samsung Galaxy Avant No-Contract Cell Phone: A soft, leather-like back makes this phone easy-to-grip during long phone calls. Simplify phone operation by using voice commands to answer calls or send text messages, and streamline your home screen with Easy Mode that enlarges icons.
can this phone works for any GSM sim card? like lycamobile, utlramobile....
No. One version is locked to T-Mobile. The other version is locked to MetroPcs. When a phone has a company name in its listing, such as Verizon, or MetroPcs, that means it is locked to that company.
If NO company name appears in the listing, and the listing says UNLOCKED, the phone will work on any GSM carrier for calls and texts, but LTE bands are different for each provider, so LTE may not work with an unlocked phone.
If NO company name appears in the listing, and the listing says UNLOCKED, the phone will work on any GSM carrier for calls and texts, but LTE bands are different for each provider, so LTE may not work with an unlocked phone.
9 years, 3 months ago
by
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Samsung Galaxy Avant No-Contract Cell Phone for T-Mobile: A soft, leather-like back makes this phone easy-to-grip during long phone calls. Simplify phone operation by using voice commands to answer calls or send text messages, and streamline your home screen with Easy Mode that enlarges icons.
is this phone unlocked and can it work with another phone company
phone
This version is locked to T-Mobile. Another version is locked to MetroPcs.
9 years, 3 months ago
by
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
LG Realm No-Contract Cell Phone for Boost Mobile: You can multitask with ease using the LG Realm, which features QSlide, so you can use 2 different apps simultaneously. Snap a quick photo using the 5.0MP rear-facing camera, then personalize it with notes and doodles using QuickMemo. If you accidentally drop your phone, the 4.5" Gorilla Glass 3 touch screen is built to withstand the impact.See coverage maps to determine whether service is available in your area.
Does this phone have a front camera?
I See The Little Thing At The Front Of It But I Can't Tell If Its Just A Messaging Light Or Front Camera.
You can get detailed specs at the LG website or by Googling "LG Realm". There is no front camera.
9 years, 5 months ago
by
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
LG Realm No-Contract Cell Phone for Boost Mobile: You can multitask with ease using the LG Realm, which features QSlide, so you can use 2 different apps simultaneously. Snap a quick photo using the 5.0MP rear-facing camera, then personalize it with notes and doodles using QuickMemo. If you accidentally drop your phone, the 4.5" Gorilla Glass 3 touch screen is built to withstand the impact.See coverage maps to determine whether service is available in your area.
can this phone be used as a media device without activation
Yes. You can use it on wi-fi to send email, listen to Pandora radio or watch Netflix movies or to listen to music you have loaded on the microSD memory card.
9 years, 5 months ago
by
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
Kyocera Hydro Life 610214636867 No-Contract Cell Phone for MetroPCS: Designed for those who love the outdoors, the Kyocera Hydro Life can handle nearly anything life throws at it with a waterproof and shock-resistant design that meets Military Standard 810G and is IPX7 certified. If you lose your way on one of your many adventures, just use the built-in GPS to get back on track.
Cell phone compatibility.
Hello.
Is it possible to tell me if the "MetroPCS - Kyocera Hydro Life 4G No-Contract Cell Phone - Black _Model: 610214634023R SKU: 4182038" device is compatible to Greek mobile environment? I am a Vodafone customer.
Regards
George Kinnas
Is it possible to tell me if the "MetroPCS - Kyocera Hydro Life 4G No-Contract Cell Phone - Black _Model: 610214634023R SKU: 4182038" device is compatible to Greek mobile environment? I am a Vodafone customer.
Regards
George Kinnas
This phone is locked to MetroPcs in the USA. 99% of phones sold in the USA are sold as locked to a specific network in the USA. However, the Motorola Moto G is available in a Global version that works in many (not every) nation in Europe.
9 years, 5 months ago
by
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx
LG Realm No-Contract Cell Phone for Boost Mobile: You can multitask with ease using the LG Realm, which features QSlide, so you can use 2 different apps simultaneously. Snap a quick photo using the 5.0MP rear-facing camera, then personalize it with notes and doodles using QuickMemo. If you accidentally drop your phone, the 4.5" Gorilla Glass 3 touch screen is built to withstand the impact.See coverage maps to determine whether service is available in your area.
does this phone have a sim card slot
No. The Realm is a CDMA phone locked to Verizon with no SIM slot.
9 years, 7 months ago
by
AlanInHouston
Houston, Tx