DavidJr's stats
- Review count342
- Helpfulness votes2,391
- First reviewDecember 8, 2015
- Last reviewNovember 24, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.2
- Review comment count3
- Helpfulness votes2
- First review commentJune 3, 2016
- Last review commentJune 3, 2016
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- Answer count104
- Helpfulness votes221
- First answerDecember 9, 2015
- Last answerDecember 23, 2021
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- Best answers34
SimpliSafe delivers advanced security solutions that put you, your home, and your safety first. With optional professional monitoring powered by Fast Protect Technology, SimpliSafe combines innovative hardware with advanced AI and real people ~ for 24/7 professional monitoring that delivers fast emergency response when you need it most. The award-winning SimpliSafe system is effective, intuitive, and affordable ~ so that home can be safe and secure for everyone. You can protect every inch of your home. SimpliSafe has sensors for every room, window and door. HD security cameras for inside and out. Smarter ways to detect motion that alert you only when a threat is real. Hazard sensors that detect floods, and other threats to your home. Powerful sirens that can help stop intruders in their tracks. That~s the unmatched combination that separates SimpliSafe Home Security from the others. At SimpliSafe, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe at home. That's why our bundles are designed to be effective yet affordable. And with no long-term contracts or hidden fees. This 8-piece wireless security bundle provides 24/7 protection from the outside in. Starting outside, the Outdoor Security Camera Series 2 keeps watch with a 140 degree field of view, 1080p HD resolution and color night vision, and includes 2-way audio. With the included power cables, the Outdoor Camera can help prevent crime before it happens with SimpliSafe Active Guard Outdoor Protection (available with select monitoring plans). The Base Station is the brains of the system. It sends alarm signals to the monitoring center with a built-in cellular connection with a professional monitoring plan, plus a back up battery that lasts up to 24 hours and a loud, 100 dB siren. The smash-safe Keypad is soft to the touch, easy to use during the day and night, and requires no plug so it can be placed anywhere. Entry Sensors (4 total) protect your doors, windows, and cabinets and are designed to blend into the background. And the Motion Sensor is designed for human detection, not pet detection.Advanced security, whole home protection. There's no safe like SimpliSafe.
Posted by: DavidJr
I have had a couple SimpliSafe systems over the past years and not a whole lot has changed about them. I have always liked the fact that you can pull it all out of the box, set it up and instantly have a home security system. By default, you don’t have to pay for their monthly protection plan, which provides a level of live protection and cell backup service. However, with the addition of the camera, it is nearly useless unless you pay for a plan.
You still get a battery backup base station that helps keep everything connected. It provides a light hue of visual confirmation the system is armed as well as being the siren for the whole system. You still get the wireless keypad which I have always found useful for a security system because you can keep it central in the house, or take it to bed with you at night. You get 4 door sensors which have included sticky pads or you can screw into place. The sticky pads are amazing for people that rent and don’t want to worry about repairs when they leave.
You also get a motion sensor that can be mounted with the sticky tape or screws as well. Some wall textures might not hold up well with the sticky tape though. But, all of this is simple to connect with the app or the touchpad and will all trigger the local alarm system depending on your setting. You can get push notifications from the app, provided your system is connected to an active Wi-Fi signal as well. However, should the power go out, the main hub has a battery backup and you will still get a local siren from the device, but no push notifications unless you subscribe because it won’t have the Wi-Fi/Internet connection.
Now, the camera that comes with it can work wired or wireless. Depending on that connection also depends on what it is capable of, but it really just becomes a 2 way webcam with motion notifications unless you pay for a subscription. There is no local recording, it is only based on your subscription level with up to 30 days of storage. You can however, record with your phone, should you be watching the camera at the time of the notification.
Like most wireless cameras, they are slow to react. They stay in a low power state to conserve battery, so they only cut on after they detect motion, which could be seconds to late for whatever the incident that occured. If you aren’t paying for a subscription and don’t open the push notification the moment you receive it, you may never know what happened other than “Motion detected”. Now, if you are close enough to an outlet, you can use the included USB power cable and adapter which improves its reaction time. Plus, you can take advantage of their AI detection and zone assignments to prevent unwanted motion detection. However, you still won’t have any recordings unless you subscribe.
With all that said though, they do offer 1 free month of their professional services and then depending on the services you want, will range from $9.99 to $49.99 a month at the time of this review. You can cancel any time, there are no long term contracts, and you can change your level of plan right through the app. Oddly enough, I declined the 1 month and now they offer me 3 months free to upgrade my plan from self monitoring to anything else, but that might be a limited and personal offer.
Overall, SimpliSafe is still a good self-installation and self monitoring system. The camera can be good for live monitoring, but if you want to see any missed footage, you have to have at least the minimum subscription to store recordings for up to 30 days. It’s a quick, simple and great option for some piece of mind security.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Level up your productivity in a click by easily attaching Surface Pro 12" Keyboard to Surface Pro 12" [1], transforming it into a powerful laptop. Designed by Microsoft, it features a stable and durable design, full size backlit keyboard, a dedicated Copilot key for instant AI access, and dynamic hinge that unlocks new postures. Perfect for your on-the-go lifestyle.
Customer Rating
5
The other half of a laptop
on June 16, 2025
Posted by: DavidJr
The Microsoft Surface Pro 12” is pretty impressive on its own. But, when you snap this backlit keyboard and pen to it, you practically have a complete laptop plus pen. The magnetic connection between the tablet and keyboard is really strong, while the keyboard has some play to it to allow for better positioning and not leave any slack hanging around.
The bottom side has a nice felt covering and the sturdiness of the whole panel is quite impressive for how thin it is. It has a typical touch pad that feels responsive to clicks. You have all the standard keys with function keys by default having various media and brightness buttons for the screen and the keyboard. It also has a lone Copilot button, which is interesting if you want to pull it up quickly instead of using the default key combo.
Closing the keyboard acts like a screen cover and automatically puts the device to sleep. Flipping it behind the tablet also deactivates the keys, so no accidental typing if you don’t want to remove it for tablet purposes.
The pen has to be charged by placing it in the groove on the back of the tablet and then connected through Bluetooth settings. However, once that is done, it works perfectly. The oval shape fits comfortably between fingers and there is a function button that essentially acts as a right click of a mouse. It glides perfectly on the glass surface and with the right applications, it is even pressure sensitive. The pen snaps tight in the groove on the back of the tablet, but it does stick out a bit, leaving a bit of imbalance if intending to lay it flat on the back.
Overall I feel this keyboard and pen combo is essential for the Surface Pro. Not only does it make the tablet into a laptop and adds a protective case, but the pen is perfect for anyone that wants to do some digital art.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Get the flexibility you want and the speed you need with Surface Pro 12", a Copilot+ PC and the most versatile Surface. Use it as a tablet. Express yourself with touch, voice, and Surface Slim Pen [3]. Or click in the Surface Pro 12" Keyboard for a full laptop experience [3]. And you can wear your style on your laptop with a choice of colors and finishes. When you have all this, plus advanced AI capabilities in one ultra-thin and light device, the power to go beyond what you thought possible is yours.
Customer Rating
5
Familiarity of a home computer on a tablet
on June 16, 2025
Posted by: DavidJr
This finally feels like the competition the other tablets needed. This is basically a Windows 11 computer in a slim, light and fairly capable device. Sure, it isn’t going to play the latest and greatest games directly on it, but if you have Xbox Game Pass then you can play them from the cloud just fine on here. But, it does have 16GB of RAM and an 8 core processor, so it is pretty snappy with most things.
Just like any other Windows computer, you go through the usual setup and it asks for your Microsoft account. With this, you can then make your tablet look like any of your other connected computers with OneDrive. The first thing I found to be beneficial is that it could see all three of the bands my Wi-Fi 7 router provides, 2.4Ghz, 5Ghz, and 6Ghz with no issues. So, plenty of options there for wireless connections. Then you have two USB-C 3.2 ports that can be used for power at 45W and up to two 4K/60hz monitors with DisplayPort 1.4A over USB.
One thing of note, everything is sold separately despite the images you might see. The 45W charger, the keyboard and pen. This is just the tablet device and you will need to charge it. Though the battery does last a good while on a single charge, about 12 hours of regular use, several days of just casual use, you need at least a 27W charger to charge it back up. You can also do all your typing and writing with your fingers, but it makes it into a laptop or drawing pad once you have those. Besides, the device also has a built in magnetic wireless charging indention on the back. It holds the pen super tight, but still leaves a bit of a ledge to catch when sliding in a bag or trying to lay it flat on a surface. Plus, with the pen, it has feedback and is touch sensitive for the artist in you. The kickstand is pretty solid, a bit tight to pull out with the very fine slit for grabbing it, but holds well at just about any angle.
Like all Windows products now, you also have the AI Co-Pilot which can help you through a lot of situations. From asking simple questions to asking it to create an image of your imagination. If you need a better way to word that email you were typing up, Co-Pilot can be there to help you.
Overall, this is a solid Microsoft Windows tablet. Large enough to be a small laptop, big enough to do just about anything you want, even if it is just to be mobile entertainment. Plenty of battery time to get you through those long trips and plenty of capability to make sure you are on top of your business functions.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Step into a new era of home Wi-Fi with the TP-Link BE9700 Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 Router. Powered by revolutionary Wi-Fi 7 technology, this tri-band router revolutionizes your home connectivity. It offers expansive wireless coverage and impressive Wi-Fi speeds of up to 9.7 Gbps using Multi-Link Operation across six simultaneous streams spanning the 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz bands. Wi-Fi 7 delivers even smoother connections with less interference, lower latency, and enhanced reliability. Plus, enjoy increased capacity to accommodate more devices simultaneously, making it the perfect router for 4K/8K streaming, lag-free online gaming, and seamless smart home connectivity. Designed for ultra high speed, multi-gigabit internet, the Archer BE9700 boasts a 10 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, 3~ 2.5 Gbps LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 port, catering to all your high-performance device needs. Experience the future of Wi-Fi today with the TP-Link Archer BE9700. ~~~
Posted by: DavidJr
It’s good to see more routers come out supporting Wi-Fi 7, 6Ghz channels and higher speed LAN ports. Technology is getting faster and all these things help it keep up. However, why are so many security features getting put behind a paywall?
I know it’s not just TP-Link that is doing this, as other companies are doing the same thing. But, it is sad to see that something like DDoS prevention and intrusion prevention isn’t something that the router, that is fully capable of doing, doesn’t do it by default. Then, you have to use the Tether app on a mobile device to try the trial or enable the subscription.
Anyways, despite that, this router has a lot that many other routers don’t bring to the table. This one can be as simple as running the app and getting your network running in a matter of minutes, to breaking it down and having several different networks running through your household. You can have a different SSID per band for regular users, for guest users and a separate for Internet of Things (IoT), so that you can isolate those items from other local network devices. Basically so that random lightbulb doesn’t need to know your regular SSID and password.
You have control over all the typical advanced LAN and WAN settings, you can even make static routes. You can use the router as a VPN client or make it a VPN server with OpenVPN, PPTP VPN, L2TP/IPSec VPN and/or WireGuard VPN. Allowing you to configure client accounts, certificates and manage their connections. You can even isolate specific connected devices so that they can’t see other devices on your network with just a couple clicks. No need for learning network engineering just to keep your kids tablet from being hacked and ruining everything else on your network.
If you are like me and still prefer wired connections, this has a single 10Gbps port that can be switched between WAN/LAN and four 2.5 Gbps ports in which the first one can be swapped between LAN/WAN. So, for example, with 1Gbps internet, you only need the 2.5Gbps port and might have a NAS that can do 10Gbps, so it makes it even better for your local network connected devices.
There are other features I have not used but know others may enjoy. Like using Alexa or Google to enable guest networks or read out the WPA password so that your guests can connect without you having to remember it on your own. If you have a large house you may also have some weak spots for WiFi, so TP-Link makes it easy to get another EasyMesh and OneMesh device to extend your network to that other device. You can even hook up a USB drive directly to the router and treat it as a network storage that can even be accessed externally if you enable that feature.
Despite my complaining of the required subscription for some other security features, they do still include a fair bit of options as they list as “basic”. These include notifications of new connected devices, security scan for router updates, port forwarding issues and wireless password strength. You also get some parental control functions that can do some basic blocking of malicious or restricted content or specific sites and create bedtime to remove access for that device. However, if you want reports of what has been blocked or accessed, that is part of the subscription.
Overall, it’s a simple to set up router that brings a lot of the modern tech to the user and plenty of advanced features. It is fully capable of more, but for a slight monthly or annual fee. It has all the capability to still work with that original wireless device from 10+ years ago to the most modern device you can get.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Great content made easy. Play stunning 4K60 HDR games without image quality loss or lag, and record or stream your adventures in beautiful Full HD 1080p60 resolution. Game Capture Neo sends two video signals from your console ~ one to your gaming screen and the other to your laptop, PC, Mac, or iPad. Capture everything you see and hear ~ gameplay, cutscenes, soundtrack ~ without watermarks or time limits, directly to your hard drive, YouTube, or Twitch. Stick to simple QuickTime recordings or develop your streaming expertise in OBS. As your skillset expands, Game Capture Neo evolves with your growing needs. So you can keep growing your community.
Customer Rating
5
1080p60 recording, 4K60 passthrough
on May 21, 2025
Posted by: DavidJr
It’s Elgato, what else do you need to know?
I feel like Elgato is the name that you mention to any gamer/streamer and they already know what it is. You usually don’t have to explain that it is a video capture device to them. However, that is its sole purpose, to capture video and audio from the HDMI connection over USB and pass it through to the device you wanted to watch it on anyways.
Now, the difference is what version you are going for. Depending on what you are capturing it for, what you are watching it on and what your device is capable of is the total decision. The Neo will ONLY capture in 1080p 60/30 or 720p 60/30, however it will allow passthrough up 4K at 60. It can do 1440p 60, 1080p 120/60 and 720p 120/60. So, for example, if you are on an Xbox Series X connected to a 4K TV or monitor that you want the 120Hz refresh on, this is NOT for you.
However, if you are fine with the 60hz refresh, even at 1440p, then it will work fine for you. You can do the 1080p or 720p with the 120 and still capture it at 60. All you need is a computer that meets the minimum specs, a USB-A 3.0 or higher port and capture software. I personally use OBS and didn’t have to install anything extra for it to become usable for me. If you want, Elgato also has its own capture software. For streaming, 1080p60 is usually the most you can do anyways. If you want to record the full 4K footage, you are going to have to find a different version.
Now, the majority of users, you’re probably not trying to push 4K at 120, so all other occasions, this will work for taking video from your console or other device that outputs with HDMI, to a computer over USB perfectly.
Overall, so long as you are not “extreme” gaming or trying to record in 4K, this is perfect. It works great, is simple and doesn't need any special software for the most common recording/streaming PC app out there to recognize it. I just wish it also came with an extra HDMI cable too.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Say hello to HyperX~s most customizable gaming mouse: the Pulsefire Saga Pro. This mouse uses ergonomically designed interchangeable components to adapt to different grip styles with up to 16 comfortable combinations. Simply swap out the magnetically mounted components to find your perfect fit completely tool-free. Whatever configuration you choose, this mouse weighs in at only 72 grams, so you will never have to sacrifice agility for comfort. This mouse is equipped with pro-grade 4k wireless polling so you can game with confidence knowing every click is captured. Long gaming sessions? No problem! With Pulsefire Saga Pro you can game for up to 90 hours1 on a single charge in 1kHz polling mode. The upgrades don~t stop there. Pulsefire Saga Pro is also equipped with HyperX Optical Switches that balance laser-accurate actuation with a tactile click. Unlike traditional switches that require a mechanical contact, optical switches utilize a light-triggered mechanism that translates clicks to immediate actions. No debounce, no delays. Pulsefire Saga Pro also offers dual wireless connectivity, utilizing a high-speed 2.4GHz wireless dongle or Bluetooth with compatible devices. Or ditch the dongle with Instant Pair, connecting to enabled OMEN gaming laptops without any additional components. The customization goes beyond the surface level. Connect to HyperX NGENUITY software to set motion tracking up to 26k DPI, remap buttons, adjust polling rate, set custom RGB effects, and monitor battery life.
Posted by: DavidJr
I don’t think I have ever had a mouse that has had so many different little things you could customize about it. IT comes with two clicker button styles and two palm rest styles and even different side buttons. All of them are magnetically attached and easy to popp of and replace. You can mix and match them as you want and then add the grip stickers of your choice to customize it even more. To top it off with ultimate customization, you can even 3D print your own parts with open source models.
The mouse feels really light. You can use it wired, with the included 2.4Ghz dongle or with Bluetooth. With the Ngenuity software you can even customize the light around the scroll wheel. Along with that you can change things like the button assignments and the DPI steps. The one thing I don’t like about it is where the DPI toggle switch is, on the bottom. For some games, having it readily available is the best option, as most have it right below the scroll wheel. However, you can reassign the two side buttons of the scroll wheel click to be the DPI toggle. However, now you are taking away from other potential options.
This mouse is smooth and responsive. You can change the DPI as low as 100 or as high as 26,000. Compared to the mouse I use regularly though, it felt slightly slower for the DPI number. For instance, 1800 on my old mouse felt about the same as 2000 on this one. But, once I set the steps to my liking, it felt great.
Overall, I absolutely love the customization this mouse has. It is super light, almost too light at times when I have it plugged in and the soft flexible braided cable hanging off my table pulls it away when I let go. But, it is fast, responsive and feels nice with good solid switches.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy effortless versatility with the PopSockets MagSafe Kick-Out Grip & Stand~your go-to for comfort, style, and hands-free convenience. This magnetic grip snaps on and off with ease, offering a secure hold and an adjustable stand for both portrait and landscape viewing. Whether you're streaming, shooting videos, or taking photos, you can set your phone at any angle for the perfect view. Featuring a swappable grip top, you can switch up your style anytime. Designed with strong holding magnets~up to 2x stronger~it~s compatible with all PopSockets magnetic mounts. Works seamlessly with any MagSafe case for iPhone 12 models and newer (including Pro and Pro Max) and includes a magnetic adapter for use with any phone, tablet, or e-reader case.
Customer Rating
5
Simple, comfortable and effective
on May 1, 2025
Posted by: DavidJr
I have a Samsung S24 Ultra and it is a pretty big phone. Sometimes even in my fairly big hands it gets uncomfortable holding it. I also have a MagSafe case, just never really taken advantage of it. However, having this little PopSocket easily snap to the back of it, makes holding or standing the phone up a whole lot easier. It is quick to remove if needed to attach to another device and it is fairly low profile for leaving it on while in your pocket.
The magnets on the ring are fairly strong for their size. They hold really well, but it doesn’t take a whole lot of effort to remove it, so don’t recommend “extreme” activities and expect it to hold tight. The only thing I think that would make it better is if the piece that would be at the bottom of the stand was flat. Couple times now I would have it propped up on the table in the 9:16/portrait orientation and just touch the side and it knocks it over because it has nothing to stop it from rolling. In the wide 16:9, the phone itself has a lot of surface area, so it doesn’t have much of a chance to tip. Still, holds it really well and practically at any angle I need it.
I think the best thing about this thing is that you can turn it and use the kickstand function any way you want to. As shown in the image, that wasn’t the way I thought it would be used, but it worked regardless. Then the pop out function has kind of turned into a “fidget toy” type thing for me, as I constantly pop it in and out. Worst case, if I wear it out, that part can be replaced with any other design choice.
Overall, I really like this simple yet very effective device. It makes scrolling through media more comfortable, It makes holding the phone to the ear more comfortable and it lets you prop it up for any occasion. Then, you aren’t blocking off other functions, like wireless charging or car mounting as it just simple pulls off and you can stick it to anything else that is magnetic.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Hear everything around you in your favorite games with custom-tuned 50mm drivers and Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio. Stay connected with ultra-fast 2.4GHz wireless* or Bluetooth, and game longer with up to 70 hours of battery life. Quickly charging for just 15 minutes adds 6 more hours of battery life. Designed for PlayStation 5, PC, and more, VOID WIRELESS v2 offers multiplatform compatibility and breathable memory foam ear cushions for all-day comfort. The omni-directional microphone has NVIDIA Broadcast technology* which ensures your communication is clear and noise-free. On-ear controls let you mute, adjust volume, or switch modes instantly, while iCUE software gives you full control over sound and RGB lighting.
Customer Rating
3
Long battery life, mid sound
on April 23, 2025
Posted by: DavidJr
As with anything that has rechargeable batteries, it is subjective to use. Like these, if you have the LED lights on, using the 2.4Ghz and high volume, it won’t last as long. But, on Bluetooth, without the LED you could get 130 hours of usage. This is days worth of use without ever needing a charge. Even on 2.4Ghz you are looking at about 70 hours. With that, you can use a fast charger and in a few minutes have a couple more hours worth of audio.
The headset is pretty light and simple. You have 2 buttons and a volume rocker that can also be pressed for programmed functions. Microphone can be muted with the flip of the mic or programmed on the press of the rocker button through the iCUE software. You can program some other settings through the iCUE software, like the lighting patterns and the EQ but you can’t change the functions of the multi-function button, which will play/pause or change tracks of an audio player if supported and answer/end calls on phones. Despite the headset feeling fairly light, I personally do not like the feel of the fabric they used on the earcups. They are pretty stiff so it keeps the headset from pushing on your ears, but the fabric is rough. It feels a bit softer than a burlap sack but nothing like the micro-fiber used on so many other headsets.
The range of these are hit or miss. If you don’t have a clear line of sight between the 2.4Ghz dongle or the Bluetooth device, it will disconnect often. My computer is a few feet away from me, but if the dongle is on the top of the PC, making it behind the monitor, it becomes practically useless. But, if it is on the side where I can see the dongle, it works fine.
Audio quality is mid. If you enable Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic you can’t use any of the EQ functions in the iCUE software and for some reason, these headphones lose all bass if it isn’t modified with the EQ. I often use a different brand of headphones with Dolby Atmos and the audio quality always felt really defined and the bass was deep. However, these just feel like they amplify the mids and highs when in either of the other modes. However, without them, you can make it sound better, you just don’t get that spatial audio effect that Dolby Atmos provides.
Overall, they aren’t too bad if you are using them with a PC and use the iCUE software to modify the sound. They clearly intend for these to be for streamers with the LED lights that serve no other purpose other than drain the battery. But, as a gamer that doesn’t stream often, I prefer my other headset that just sounds and feels better than these.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Turn everyday tasks into something special with Vivobook 14, your essential tool for getting things done easier, anywhere. It~s completely user-friendly too, with its 180~ lay-flat hinge and physical webcam shield. Make all your days more enjoyable with Vivobook 14!
Posted by: DavidJr
This laptop is small, fairly light and functional. You can get the majority of basic tasks done with it. It runs Windows 11, so you have all the familiarity of other computers you may have been used to. With a click of the corner of the mousepad, you have a number pad available, although it is a little odd to get used to. Other than having something light you can check the internet with or do some basic productivity type it doesn’t have much more going for it.
With that said, this has been one of the slowest laptops I have used in a good while. First off, it asks to connect to WiFi before you even get into Windows and you can only connect to 2.4Ghz. Then it took forever to run some updates, which essentially felt like it was trying to download the entire operating system. Then, once you finally get to the Windows details, you have to go through getting all of the updates for that as well. So, expect to spend the first couple hours of getting this laptop just to get it updated, despite having faster WiFi and internet available, the system just runs slow.
I know this is a budget laptop, but it feels like there could be a few things that would really help, like having a backlit keyboard. They show the feature of a “lay flat” display, but the screen is not a touch screen, so it doesn't even feel like it should go that far. The power adapter is an old style tip and I have no idea why it’s not a USB PD connection at this point in time. Again, I know I don’t expect much but the screen on this has a very small sweet spot. Anything off center the slightest and it is either too dark or too bright to read anything.
Overall, if you just need the barebones small, light laptop, this isn’t all that bad. However, I feel like there are better options out there. This one feels like it is lacking some common featured and too slow.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Join the millions who love and trust ecobee products with our most affordable thermostat yet: Smart Thermostat Essential. It saves you up to 23%* on your energy bills and is so efficient that it pays for itself in just six months. You'll love how easy it is to use and control, and with effortless installation, you can set it and forget it. *Compared to a hold of 72~F
Customer Rating
4
Slightly frustrating at first
on March 12, 2025
Posted by: DavidJr
I’ve had 3 different thermostats now and this one is the “smartest” and smallest one I have had yet. The original was just a digital display, no real smart options to it. The second one was smarter, but still fairly basic. Now this one is too smart for its own good, which made it slightly frustrating, at first.
Before you get this one, it is highly recommended to use their compatibility checker on their site. It will ask you to verify your current thermostat settings, such as the wires that are connected and some other questions. The biggest thing being that this is only for heat pump units and if you need a common voltage adapter or not. With the information you get out of the compatibility check, you might need to purchase a separate power extender kit or a trim kit if you have the typical rectangular unit you want to cover up.
Once you have that out of the way, you will need to set up an Ecobee account and use the smart app on your mobile device. Otherwise, you can’t really take full advantage of the system and you need it for directions on how to install. However, you can do a lot of the settings directly on the unit.
Installation is fairly straightforward, power off your system at the circuit breaker, label the wires, remove them from the old system, mount and put them in the new system and turn everything back on. Putting the wires into the Ecobee system was easier than the old, because you don’t need a small screwdriver, just push them into the pressure clips. One thing I did not like though is that the Ecobee system does not snap really hard to the wall mount. My old one you really had to use some effort to pull it off the wall. The Ecobee unit can be bumped and fall off. Considering it sticks out a bit more from the wall than the typical unit, this could be an issue for some. It also does not contain any batteries like my older unit, so it has to go through a whole boot up process when you snap it back in place.
The one thing I found slightly frustrating with it is that it has a default schedule for specific times of the day. Of course, this is meant to help save energy by not using the system for best comfort during the day, when you might be at work, or at night when you might not need it to be so warm. However, I don't have a normal schedule and when I noticed it was colder than usual, I bumped up the temperature. However, it then shows that the temp is set till a certain time. A time which I still do not want it to be that cold. I then tried to change the default schedule, but it kept changing. I just found it easier to delete all the schedules, as it has them for every day, and set my own, manually.
I haven’t had it for over a month yet, so it doesn’t show the report of any savings, but it does show my daily runtime compared to reported local temperature and humidity compared to the actual indoor temperature and humidity.
I haven’t had it for over a month yet, so it doesn’t show the report of any savings, but it does show my daily runtime compared to reported local temperature and humidity compared to the actual indoor temperature and humidity.
The display is color and lit, so you can see everything even in the dark. With the default brightness it is plenty to tell the current temp without having to touch anything like my older unit needed. All of the settings you can change through the app can also be changed directly on the unit itself, just no reports on the unit like in the app.
Overall, once I was able to figure out and refine the schedule this little thermostat has been providing me more information than my older ones ever did. I look forward to seeing what my monthly report will look like and maybe adjust accordingly. Also, with some electric companies, I know you can also let them have some control over the settings and they provide a rebate, but personally, I prefer my comfort over that potential rebate, for now.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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DavidJr's Review Comments
Samsung Gear VR for Select Samsung Cell Phones: Mobile virtual reality is finally here. Watch movies in your own private cinema, be at the center of your favorite games, and socialize with friends in a virtual world all your own. The lightweight design and intuitive touchpad drop you right in the action and allow for hours of immersive entertainment.
Overall
1 out of 5
1 out of 5Very unhappy about not getting the GearVR programs
By Sunshower
I tried many different ways to find out how to download the Gear VR programs by going to Samsung and Oculus online. All unsuccessful!!
DavidJr
June 3, 2016
Once you connect the Gear VR to the phone it starts a download for the software. There appears to be no other way to initiate the install. Once the Oculus software is installed, games and applications can be purchased through the application or from inside the store while wearing the device.
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0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Samsung Gear VR for Select Samsung Cell Phones: Mobile virtual reality is finally here. Watch movies in your own private cinema, be at the center of your favorite games, and socialize with friends in a virtual world all your own. The lightweight design and intuitive touchpad drop you right in the action and allow for hours of immersive entertainment.
Overall1 out of 5
1 out of 5Need certain phones to use this.
By Donna
Wasn't told at time of purchase that certain phones were required to use this device. After purchase was when this was discovered. During this time we purchased a new home and was moving. After the move, tried to return the item because I didn't want to purchase a new phone. The only way the store would accept this return was to give me a gift card. I didn't want a gift card that I would most likely not use. Not happy with this policy at all. Also have made posts to FB in regards to your policy. I will not EVER enter your store again or make another purchase from you online. This is NOT how you treat a customer and expect more business from them.
DavidJr
It is labeled on the box and the site details
June 3, 2016
It says on the front and back of the box, "Compatible with Note5/S6 edge+/S6/S6 edge" and anywhere you look online it says it as well.
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2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
Samsung Gear VR for Select Samsung Cell Phones: Mobile virtual reality is finally here. Watch movies in your own private cinema, be at the center of your favorite games, and socialize with friends in a virtual world all your own. The lightweight design and intuitive touchpad drop you right in the action and allow for hours of immersive entertainment.
Overall
2 out of 5
2 out of 5I have problems getting my phone to sync with this
By Drestyle
When I put my phone in the unit it doesn't seem it. I keep having to pull it out and try again.
DavidJr
June 3, 2016
What phone are you using and is it up to date? The Samsung Gear VR is only compatible with Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and a software update from your carrier is required for S6 edge+ and Note 5.
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DavidJr's Questions
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Get a new take on security, with the latest indoor 1080p FHD Wi-Fi security camera. Small and lightweight in design, this camera gives users the flexibility of multiple placement options along with a simple set-up and installation process. See more and know more with an ultra-wide 135~ diagonal field of view and night vision capabilities. Pan and tilt to cover larger areas so you don~t miss out on the most important details. Be aware when you~re not there with person detection technology, which will notify you when a person is detected.
Do these plug into a power source or are they battery operated?
This is powered by a standard 1.0A USB power adapter and comes with a 6ft micro USB cable. It does not have battery capability.
5 years, 4 months ago
by
DavidJr
Get a new take on security, with the latest indoor 1080p FHD Wi-Fi security camera. Small and lightweight in design, this camera gives users the flexibility of multiple placement options along with a simple set-up and installation process. See more and know more with an ultra-wide 135~ diagonal field of view and night vision capabilities. Pan and tilt to cover larger areas so you don~t miss out on the most important details. Be aware when you~re not there with person detection technology, which will notify you when a person is detected.
Does this camera need WiFi to work?
You can use a standard Ethernet cable or 2.4 Ghz WiFi.
5 years, 4 months ago
by
DavidJr
Get a new take on security, with the latest indoor 1080p FHD Wi-Fi security camera. Small and lightweight in design, this camera gives users the flexibility of multiple placement options along with a simple set-up and installation process. See more and know more with an ultra-wide 135~ diagonal field of view and night vision capabilities. Pan and tilt to cover larger areas so you don~t miss out on the most important details. Be aware when you~re not there with person detection technology, which will notify you when a person is detected.
Is this device compatible with a 5g internet connection?
This will only work on 2.4Ghz WiFi or Ethernet cable. This will not work on the 5Ghz band of WiFi routers.
5 years, 4 months ago
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DavidJr
Keep your kids safe online with this Circle Home Plus monitoring setup. The included device uses your router to manage every device on your network, and Circle App makes it simple to limit screen time, filter content, and check browsing histories. This Circle Home Plus monitoring setup is easy to set up and lets you create custom settings for each family member.
Is this the same as DISNEY Circle?
The differences between Circle with Disney and Circle Home Plus can be found here:
https://support.meetcircle.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026458571-Differences-between-Circle-with-Disney-and-Circle-Home-Plus
https://support.meetcircle.com/hc/en-us/articles/360026458571-Differences-between-Circle-with-Disney-and-Circle-Home-Plus
5 years, 5 months ago
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DavidJr
The Apex 3 gaming keyboard was built for the needs of gamers, with water and dust resistance for protection against spills and accidents, as well as premium features like low friction whisper quiet gaming switches, 10-zone RGB customization, a premium magnetic wrist rest, multimedia controls, and gaming-grade keys.
Can you plug it into your Ps4?
Yes, you can plug this into a PS4 and it will work as any other USB keyboard. It will return to its default configuration and not retain anything you may have personalized through the SteelSereies Engine software though.
5 years, 7 months ago
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DavidJr
The Apex 3 gaming keyboard was built for the needs of gamers, with water and dust resistance for protection against spills and accidents, as well as premium features like low friction whisper quiet gaming switches, 10-zone RGB customization, a premium magnetic wrist rest, multimedia controls, and gaming-grade keys.
So can you change the silent switches to mechanical or no
You can't change the switch style on the Apex 3. The Apex 5 has blue mechanical gaming switches and the Apex 7 can be chosen as red, blue or brown.
5 years, 7 months ago
by
DavidJr
The Apex 3 gaming keyboard was built for the needs of gamers, with water and dust resistance for protection against spills and accidents, as well as premium features like low friction whisper quiet gaming switches, 10-zone RGB customization, a premium magnetic wrist rest, multimedia controls, and gaming-grade keys.
what type of switches does it have
The Apex 3 gaming keyboard was built for the needs of gamers, with water and dust resistance for protection against spills and accidents, as well as premium features like low friction whisper quiet gaming switches, 10-zone RGB customization, a premium magnetic wrist rest, multimedia controls, and gaming-grade keys.
Is it a membrane or mechanical keyboard
The Apex 3 gaming keyboard was built for the needs of gamers, with water and dust resistance for protection against spills and accidents, as well as premium features like low friction whisper quiet gaming switches, 10-zone RGB customization, a premium magnetic wrist rest, multimedia controls, and gaming-grade keys.
So can you change the silent switches to mechanical or no
![H&R Block - Premium & Business Tax Software - Windows [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6386/6386087_sd.jpg)
This H&R Block Premium & Business Tax software offers everything small business owners need to easily complete their personal and business federal and state taxes. It includes a free online chat with a tax professional, step-by-step guidance on hundreds of credits and deductions, and in-person representation in the unlikely event of an audit. The H&R Block Premium & Business Tax software provides assistance to small business owners, including creating payroll and employer (W-2 and 1099) forms and more.
I used Turbo Tax last year for my personal Federal & State returns and I used TaxAct for an Estate return, (1041). Will this Premium & Business Tax Software cover my needs for both returns?
Yes, the Business edition includes Estate Return, 1041, and the Premium has the federal returns, both included in this edition.
5 years, 10 months ago
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DavidJr