mikeheel's stats
- Review count187
- Helpfulness votes1,542
- First reviewMarch 8, 2014
- Last reviewOctober 31, 2023
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.5
- Review comment count4
- Helpfulness votes9
- First review commentMarch 8, 2014
- Last review commentSeptember 20, 2016
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
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- First questionNone
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- Featured questions0
- Answer count10
- Helpfulness votes10
- First answerMarch 8, 2014
- Last answerJanuary 29, 2021
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- Best answers3
We all want to turn heads, but one rogue nose hair can be a real head turner for all the wrong reasons. The Weed Whacker 2.0 is fitted with a significantly improved stainless steel rotary blade, our second-generation nose & ear hair trimmer provides a closer, easier cut, missing fewer hairs. Once you try this painless solution, you’ll never pluck your strays again.
Posted by: mikeheel
This trimmer by Manscaped is a helpful tool for the hair we don't want. As a middle-aged male, I have reached a point in life where this kind of trimmer makes more sense than I might like to admit!
The trimmer is small and lightweight. Of course, it is cordless. And it can be used wet or dry, which makes cleaning a breeze, too.
The blades are housed in a shielded dome, so to speak. This prevents cuts or other skin irritations.
I had hoped it would be able to trim hairs a little more closely along the skin, but it's main focus is cutting through a bushy growth of hair, and it does that quite well.
The trimmer is very quiet, which is a huge plus if you're trying to deal with hair growth in or around your ears.
Despite the fact it does a very good job trimming nose and ear hair, I find that I need additional tools to "touch up" the fine hairs or the very short hairs this trimmer doesn't quite get. If it did a better job with those hairs, it would be a full 5-star review. As it is, it's a solid 4-star review and a good product that can be very helpful.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy the versatile headset for Hybrid work and beyond with the Voyager Focus 2 UC Wireless Noise Cancelling Headset with Charge Stand. All you hear is your call with three levels of hybrid active noise canceling (ANC). All they hear is you with our pro-grade microphones using Poly Acoustic Fence technology. It's all the Poly next-level engineering you expect with the wear-it-all-day comfort you need.
Customer Rating
5
Nice Wireless BT Headset For Work
on December 23, 2022
Posted by: mikeheel
I use the Plantronics Focus 2 Unified Communications Stereo Headset primarily for speaking with clients.
The headset is a comfortable on-ear style of headphones with a good quality boom mic. It is very comfortable to wear and feels much lighter than I would have expected.
Sound quality is strong. I have no problems hearing my clients, and they indicate I come through loud and clear on their end.
I really appreciate the Acoustic Fence technology and use it at times. I sometimes work from my home office and sometimes at my regular office. The Acoustic Fence can be handy at either one, as it really almost completely eliminates outside nosies from being transmitted to the other end of the call and from your ears, too. This is a godsend in certain situations.
There are three levels for the ANC Acoustic Fence feature. And you can change on the fly with a simple slider on the left earpiece.
The headset connects via BT. For best results when using a computer, you should use the included USB dongle. You can also connect via standard BT with a phone, tablet, or computer.
The charge stand is handy. Just make sure you click the headset in firmly so that it gets sufficient contact to charge. The charge stand has a USB cable to plug in to either a USB power outlet or a power brick.
I appreciate the fact that flipping your mic to the up position automatically puts you on mute. Bringing it back down turns off mute.
The outside face of the left earpiece is a rocker panel that lets you control volume. You can also click to answer or disconnect calls.
Be aware there is a minimal lag if you have the headset charging and pick it up to answer a call. There is no lag if you're already wearing it.
One last note, I really appreciated the thoughtful packaging touch of using tape with an easy peel edge.
All-in-all, this is a winner.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Shark HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 multi-surface cleaner vacuums, mops and cleans itself with powerful suction & hydro mopping at the same time. It deep cleans hard floors and cleans area rugs. Includes a self-cleaning, antimicrobial brushroll* to help prevent odors & bacterial growth on the brushroll; 2-tank system to separate clean & dirty water; extra large clean tank; headlights; LED display and multi-surface concentrate with odor neutralizer technology. *Brushroll treated with antimicrobial substance to preserve roller and resist bacterial odors on the brushroll.
Customer Rating
5
Extremely Useful Vacuum
on October 11, 2022
Posted by: mikeheel
The Shark HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Vacuum is a very useful and versatile vacuum.
The HydroVac does a wonderful job of acting basically as a dust mop, actual mop, and vacuum.
The brush is not a conventional vacuum brush with bristles. It is more of a soft brush. But it is very effective as both a mop and vacuum.
The vacuum is self-cleaning, and it does a good job of this. The brush is antibacterial.
There are two tanks: a clean tank and a tank for the dirty water.
The vacuum uses a charging pad base and reaches full charge relatively quickly. It also holds a charge fairly well.
Note, it cannot be used as a vacuum without first filling it with cleaning solution. But when you fill it, it works wonderfully.
It works beautifully on wood, tile, rugs, and carpet. Once you use it on the different surfaces, you'll be able to really appreciate how versatile this Shark is.
Shark has a history of clever multi-use products, and this vacuum continues that tradition admirably. I'm glad to recommend it to you.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Warm-up to a heating solution packed in a modern design with a Bluetooth Speaker. The Farenheit Infrared heater can warm space while maintaining a soft and safe heat without risking safety for backyard dining, outdoor kitchens. Use your Smartphone to set the mood with RGB lighting and playing your favorite music straight to the built-in speakers.
Posted by: mikeheel
I was looking forward to the Farenheit 68" Infrared Tower Heater With Speaker, but quality control issues doomed this from the start.
The first unit I received would not heat. The upper light and BT speaker functioned just fine, but the heating element was non-functional. I tried to play around with it to see if I could somehow get it to work, but it was to no avail.
The company contact was very professional and responsive. They immediately sent me another unit. At this point, I'm back on the positive side of things, thinking I happened to get the one dud they had and that the new unit would fix the problem.
Unfortunately, I was wrong. The new unit came with interior screws that were missing. This meant the top part of the unit (with the light and BT speaker) could not be securely affixed to the main body. Due to the location of the screw holes, I could not correct this issue, either.
So, out of two units, I could not use either of them.
I will say again, the company rep was excellent to deal with and very responsive. That's a huge positive. But it simply cannot overcome the quality control issues I experienced with these heaters.
I hope my experience is the outlier, but I cannot recommend this product.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Control and view your garage door from anywhere with Wyze Garage Door Controller. Whether you're letting someone in or trying to keep others out, you can remotely open and close your garage door with just a tap in the Wyze app. Get notified when your garage door is left open and close it quickly in the app or with Alexa and Google Assistant. There’s no need to replace your existing garage door opener, Wyze Garage Door Controller works with your existing equipment and installation is a breeze. Stream 1080p HD video in full color, even at night, with the award-winning Wyze Cam v3. Get notified when motion is detected, record 24/7 with local microSD storage, even set off a mini-siren to scare off intruders. Oher smart controllers use short-lived battery sensors. Wyze Garage Door Controller uses AI vision-sensing on the included Wyze Cam v3 to know whether your garage door is open or closed. No monthly battery changes needed.Schedule your garage door to close automatically if you accidentally left it open. Create automations to make life easier like: "turn on Wyze Floodlight when I open the garage door at night.”
Customer Rating
3
Nice Camera But Annoying Install
on October 2, 2022
Posted by: mikeheel
I was excited to try the Wyze Indoor/Outdoor Wireless 1080p HD Smart Garage Door Opener And Security Camera.
First, I downloaded the Wyze app charged the camera.
The camera is functional, but not super attractive. That didn't bother since my primary goal was to use it in a garage.
The video images are quite reasonable. In terms of camera and app function, I was very pleased.
Included in the box is also a controller unit that has to physically plug into your garage door opener. I presume there is a good reason for this physical connection, but I would have thought it better to have a wireless connection to the garage door like some other products I've used. The controller has two lead wires. In order to connect the wires, you must disconnect the two wires from your wall unit garage door opener, intertwine each of the two controller wires with one of the wall unit wires, and then insert the wires back into the garage door opener.
It works, but it's a bit of a bulky process - especially if your garage door opener (as mine) is older and a bit more challenging to decipher the wires. That reminds me, don't for get to check compatibility. As I found out, even some compatible openers can be difficult.
But once you get that sorted out, everything works fine. I was not exactly a fan of having to put a sticker of a giant (about 1-foot square) QR code on my garage door, but this helps the camera know if the door is open or closed. Personally, I'd rather just view the camera and decide that myself.
All-in-all, I'm a little disappointed in the experience. Again, once it's up and running, it works well. The camera is an appreciated security addition to an app garage door controller. But in the age of wireless, this seemed like too cumbersome a process.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Don’t let the battery of your device die as you work throughout the day. The Insignia NS-PW330C1W22 30W USB-C Compact Wall Charger for MacBook Air, iPad and More has a high, 30-watt output to quickly charge your MacBook Air, iPad, smartphone, tablet and more. Its compact and durable body with a foldable plug easily fits into a purse or pocket, ready for when you need it. A simple white design pairs well with your other accessories. Keep your MacBook Air working as hard as you do with this easy-to-carry charger.
Customer Rating
5
Compact Fast Wall Charger
on September 23, 2022
Posted by: mikeheel
The Insignia is a very compact but fast wall charging block. Rated at 30W, this charging block is great for a number of newer devices.
You must a USB-C end to plug into the charging block.
In my experience using this charging block, it tends to run cool. I have left devices plugged for extended periods and did not notice any heat issues.
When not in use, the prongs that plug into the outlet fold into the body of the charging block, making it easy to transport. For that reason, this is a great travel charger.
It supports rapid charging in devices that charge up to 30W. I have not tried it with devices that charge faster than 30W, so I cannot comment directly on how it would do with them. But based on my experience with devices up to 30W, I believe it would do perfectly well.
The plug is attractively packaged and has a solid feel to it. The body is all white, other than the metal prongs. It has one USB-C plug for a cable, so it only supports one device a time.
Given that manufactures tend to ship without a charging block these days, this Insignia Wall Charger is a great addition.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Feed the fam (a few friends, too!) with this Bella Pro Series 6-qt. Digital Air Fryer. Complete with a powerful heating system and large capacity to keep everyone full and keep the fun going. Bonus features include a digital touchscreen, preset cook modes, and an auto shut-off for added safety.
Customer Rating
5
Great Midsize Air Fryer
on September 11, 2022
Posted by: mikeheel
The Sensio BELLA Pro 6.0 QT Air Fryer Touchscreen is a nice product that does an excellent job. You can certainly find larger, fancier fryers, but this one is just right for the job.
The controls are simple and intuitive to use. You can select between air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, or french fries.
The french fry setting is helpful, and the Bella will give you fries with just the right amount of crunch without all the grease. You can also heat leftover fries surprisingly well.
The touch screen is responsive and seems to register every input properly. The overall design is sleek, and it blends well into almost any kitchen decor.
The fryer is actually pretty deep (see photo) and holds a decent amount of food, especially for a couple. I'd recommend a larger fryer if you're trying to feed more than maybe three or four people, but that's what expected with a six quart capacity. Not too small and not too big; this one is just right.
Plus, it heats food quickly and thoroughly.
As an added bonus, the fryer plate is easy to clean.
All-in-all, the Bella Pro 6qt Air Fryer is a winner. It just works well.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The mini-sized, mega-capable DJI Mini 3 Pro is just as powerful as it is portable. Weighing less than 249 g and with upgraded safety features, it's not only regulation-friendly, it's also the safest in its series. With a 1/1.3-inch sensor and top-tier features, it redefines what it means to fly Mini.
Posted by: mikeheel
The DJI Mini 3 Pro and Remote Control with Built-in Screen is an excellent product for the casual consumer and even more advanced content creators. My main purposes for it are to capture video of my motorcycling groups and off-roading adventures for online content. I may also use it for my review blog.
The first thing you notice is that this is a small drone. Weighing in at 249g, it's lightweight.
But don't let the size fool you; this is a powerful drone with 4k video and an excellent camera. This little guy packs a 1/1.3-inch CMOS chip and the lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.7. You can also switch between portrait and landscape modes, and the gimbal easily pivots 90 degrees.
Even as a lightweight mini drone, it includes 3-way (front/back, side, and below) obstacle avoidance. While I wish it had overhead obstacle avoidance, that's really just an extremely picky quibble on a drone this small.
The only real deficits due to the size are battery life and a tendency to get a bit overheated. But those are tradeoffs I'll gladly make.
Image quality is impressive right out of the box. Colors tend to be saturated but remain crisp. The same is true of the video quality. Of course, there's not a lot of internal storage, so you'll want to pop a micro SD card into the easily-accessible slot on the back.
This particular pack includes the smart controller, which has a large 5 1/2 inch, well-lit (700 nits) touchscreen that I've had no issues viewing in direct light. Image quality on the screen matches well with the image quality when I download the photos and video for viewing on another device. With the smart controller, you don't need to use your phone as a viewport. The controller is self-contained. Controls are relatively easy to sort out. I think the only "hidden" control that a beginner may not know is to swipe up from the bottom to access the follow menu (allows you to either focus on a specific point or individual or automatically follow them). In my use so far, I've really loved how easy it is to use the controller without worrying about mounting my phone. I'm in the air extremely quickly.
You also get a spare set of propellers because, well, you know. A screwdriver, USB-C cable, and tinted gimbal guard are also in the box.
As usual with DJI, your three flight modes are Cine (better for keeping video smooth), Normal (I tend to use when doing photos), or Sport (great for moving a bit more quickly, but turns of obstacle avoidance). Sport mode reportedly reaches more than 35mph. You select your mode with a slider switch on the face of the controller.
While DJI claims flight time of 34 mins with the new Intelligent Flight Battery, you'll start getting heavy warnings about battery life after about 25 minutes of flight, especially if you do much video or photography.
In short, this is a terrific mini drone. It immediately became my favorite little flyer.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Unlock a world of crypto possibilities with the Ledger Nano S Plus. The perfect entry-level hardware wallet to securely manage all your crypto and NFTs. Buy*, secure, exchange*, grow* your crypto assets. *Buy, swap, lend, and other crypto transaction services are provided by third-party partners. Ledger provides no advice or recommendations on use of these third-party services.
Posted by: mikeheel
The Nano S Plus Crypto Hardware Wallet is a solid device.
Most folks at this point have at least heard of crypto, even if they haven't dabbled in it. I happen to have a fairly substantial crypto portfolio but have lagged behind when it comes to staking or using a crypto wallet. So I was excited to try out the Nano S Plus.
The instructions that come with the Nano are minimal. They basically say to go a website and download the app. I did that. The app then guides you through. You will need to plug it into your phone, as it does not appear to have BT capability. The instructions do not say whether you plug it into your computer or phone, but the app download options were only iOS or Android, so I deduced I needed to plug it into my phone.
It uses a USB-C connector, but the other end was a standard full-size USB connector. So, the cable of course did not fit my phone. I had another cable I was able to use. Perhaps it also connects to a computer and will download an app for a desktop, but I didn't want to push my luck and mess anything up.
Once you connect, you use the buttons on the Nano to navigate through the menus. I had presumed the app would control the device, but that's not how it worked. Using the small Nano was somewhat challenging for my middle-aged eyes. Text was difficult to read. The screen is small, and resolution is nothing to write home about.
Speaking of small, the company likes small print. The cardboard note sheet you get to write your 24 recovery word passphrase has small spaces. Bless you folks with large handwriting, you're not going to make it fit and will have to log your words another way.
After going through all that and confirming the 24 words (also fun with a small screen and using manual buttons to select rather than being able to use the app and my phone), the app took 4 attempts to actually connect with the Nano after setup. I'm not sure why that was, but it did eventually connect.
At that point, the app gave me a short quiz to test my knowledge of how using a crypto wallet works and then opens the dashboard. There are no real instructions about how to import your crypto, but it's not all that hard. I suggest looking at a how-to video on YouTube or similar.
The wonderful thing is that once you stake your crypto, it is much safer than when the exchanges control your key. Your crypto remains on the blockchain, but your key remains securely in your Nano.
Of course, this means you do not want to lose the Nano or your access codes and passwords. Once you stake your crypto with this or any wallet, be careful to make sure you know where it is and how to access it.
The Nano S Plus is a convenient and nearly essential tool to safeguard your crypto. I recommend it, but I do wish the display were better, the interface was more app-dependent, and there were better guides within the app for importing your crypto.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The adidas FWD-02 SPORT gives you total freedom through road runs and track workouts. No wires. Stay focused. Don’t hold back. The sleek, ergonomic buds stay in place through warmups and hill sprints. The intuitive controls are easy to use and always responsive.
Customer Rating
5
Most Secure Fitting Earbuds
on May 19, 2022
Posted by: mikeheel
The secure fit was the main draw to me for these earbuds, and they do not disappoint. The FWD-02 Sport have been the most secure fitting earbuds I've ever tried. Adidas knows their stuff when it comes to active gear.
Of course, if the sound was garbage, then a secure fit wouldn't really matter. I am happy to report the sound is actually very good. Of course, it's not quite premium quality, but even cheap earbuds these days seem to do much better than you would think. These are not cheap earbuds, and they do very well. I am quite pleased with how they sound.
Within the app, you can pick a variety of preset sound styles or create a more customized equalizer setting. I choose the custom settings and was able to tune the sound to my liking pretty easily. These buds do an especially nice job of handling base, even at volume. The mids are good. The highs are also good, and thankfully, they never break down.
Speaking of the app, it is a nice touch that when you first pair the buds, you are prompted to download the app. Made it simple and easy to know which app to look for, since it provided a link directly to it. I haven't seen that before when pairing earbuds, but it was a nice touch.
Part of the reason the fit is so secure is the silicone fins. The FWD-02 Sports come with a variety of fins you can use to fit the buds into your ear. Of course, they also include mutiple tips to fit in your ear canal. I've used a lot of wireless earbuds, and the fit on these is second to none.
In terms of performance, you BT 5.2 and support for AAC, AptX, and SBC codecs.
You do NOT get ANC, but you do get a very strong pass-through sound setting. The sound around you is not as tinny or electronic as it is with many buds. Since I use these dominantly when walking my dog on trails, I really like these settings and don't miss the ANC.
Call performance is good but not as strong as the musical side. Calls sound slightly muted. On the bright side, they are not digitized or tinny, but a little more oomph in both directions would be appreciated.
As with many earbuds, the touch controls seem a little finicky. Honestly, I pretty much ignore touch controls on earbuds, so this doesn't bother me, either.
The case is interesting. It's a little more awkward fitting the buds in the case to charge, despite the magnets. They just don't snap in as well as a lot of others do. And the case has a soft top design to fit snugly over the buds.
The buds themselves are rated IPX5 for water resistance. I think the case is rated IPX4, which surprised me b/c of the soft top.
All in all, I really like these earbuds.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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mikeheel's Review Comments
Lenovo IdeaTab Miix 2 8 Tablet: A tablet experience featuring an easy-to-navigate interface and all the right tools to be productive. Accomplish tasks on the go with Microsoft Office. And when it's time to play, kick back and surf the Web, watch a movie or read a book.
Overall
4 out of 5
4 out of 5For $200 (on sale) it's well worth the price
By Outlander0088
from Columbus,OH
I bought this tablet for $200 to play around with a Windows 8 tablet. I already have an iPad, iPhone, Nexus 5 and Nexus 7. and wanted to give a Windows tablet a try.
I will say I am impressed even though its Windows 8.1, I'm not a fan of 8.1. In desktop mode its easier than I thought it would be navigate with just your finger. However, I would strongly recommend using a stylus.
One big NOTE: It DOESN'T come with Office 2013 Home / Student. You can try Office 365 but then you have to purchase the application. I called Best Buy and Lenovo but they were no help.
I would recommend buying it for the price but don't expect Microsoft Office.
mikeheel
NC
Office
March 8, 2014
I also just purchased this device at BB for $200. If you look through the paperwork inside the box, you should find a paper with an activation code for Office. I used that code and was able to fully active Office. Most Win 8.1 devices, like my Surface Pro, include only a trial, but this actually includes Office. Please correct your review.
+2points
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Lenovo IdeaTab Miix 2 8 Tablet: A tablet experience featuring an easy-to-navigate interface and all the right tools to be productive. Accomplish tasks on the go with Microsoft Office. And when it's time to play, kick back and surf the Web, watch a movie or read a book.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Phenomal Deal on a Small Win 8 Tab
By mikeheel
from NC
I have been eyeing various 8-inch Windows tablets as they have been released. I was looking for a complimentary device to go along with my Surface Pro. As usual when I am in BB, I walked by the tablet display area and was surprised to see the Miix 2 on sale for $200. After taking a day or two to mull it over, I decided the deal was too good to pass up despite the skimpy memory.
Performance is much better than I expected. The Miix responds quickly and smoothly. Apps and programs open without lag.
The screen was also a pleasant surprise. It is not 1080, so my expectations were a bit low. However, color is very good. Video and pictures render very well.
I saw some reviews that complained about touch response. I have not had any issues in several days of heavy use. I presume there was a software update that addressed that issue, but I have not confirmed that.
Several reviews here at BB seemed confused about Office. The box contains an activation key for Office. It may fool some people into thinking it is the key for Windows itself, but it is for Office. So it does include Office Home & Student for no additional cost.
I also noticed the BB site listed the Miix 2 8 as an RT device. It is not RT; it runs full Windows 8.1.
The tablet itself is attractive and feels relatively well made. I'm not a fan of the stickers on the back, but they can be easily removed. For those who wonder, it does fit in the back pocket of men's jeans or most sport coat pockets.
My only complaint is the 32gb of memory. Of course, I knew that when I purchased it, so I added a 32gb SD card, which helps. The only negative is that Windows does not give you the option to save apps on the memory card. But the combination of the SD card and OneDrive makes even 32gb palatable.
So, the Lenovo Miix 2 8 with full Win 8.1, included Office, snappy performance, and a decent display for just $200 is a solid winner.
If you are the market for a smaller tablet that runs full Windows 8.1, I strongly recommend the Lenovo Miix 2 8.
mikeheel
NC
Certificate
March 22, 2014
That key is the same one for Office. If you look just above the sticker, it will say Windows and Office are included. It is confusing, so that's why a lot of folks have thought it did not include Office.
PS: I'm still laughing at myself for the typo on the header. Ugh.
0points
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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.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Wanted to Love but Didn't
By mikeheel
I wanted to love the Netgear Orbi system. I really did. But, alas, it was not meant to be.
First, the positives:
1. Impressive speed and wifi coverage. If that's all you're looking for, then the Orbi is a strong contender.
2. Relatively attractive appearance.
3. MU-MIMO ability.
4. USB port and a few LAN ports.
5. Print server function.
6. The satellite unit does make a big difference in terms of signal strength in areas of the house further from the primary router.
1. Impressive speed and wifi coverage. If that's all you're looking for, then the Orbi is a strong contender.
2. Relatively attractive appearance.
3. MU-MIMO ability.
4. USB port and a few LAN ports.
5. Print server function.
6. The satellite unit does make a big difference in terms of signal strength in areas of the house further from the primary router.
The negatives:
1. No guest network. Seriously? I had a hard time believing this was correct, but that's what the setup software said, and there was no way to override or change it.
2. Horrendous management app and software. I've used a lot of modems in my day. The Netgear app and UI is far behind other top routers, IMO.
3. Setup process is automated and had to be restarted several times before it actually worked. Even registration didn't work. I would have preferred a manual setup option.
1. No guest network. Seriously? I had a hard time believing this was correct, but that's what the setup software said, and there was no way to override or change it.
2. Horrendous management app and software. I've used a lot of modems in my day. The Netgear app and UI is far behind other top routers, IMO.
3. Setup process is automated and had to be restarted several times before it actually worked. Even registration didn't work. I would have preferred a manual setup option.
The lack of flexibility in terms of secondary networks is a killer for me. I really did not think there were wireless routers being sold in 2016 that could not accommodate a guest network. Yet, the Netgear is a new product in a new niche - the home mesh network. The idea seems to have a lot of merit, but this attempt isn't worth the price, IMO.
I was provided this router for review. My normal router is a Linksys EA9500. I must admit the signal strength for the Netgear exceeded the Linksys, and both were equal in terms of speed. That's saying something, because the Linksys is the best router I've ever used. That's part of why I think the home mesh network idea has merit.
But the Netgear was not good enough to make me want to switch. Improve the UI, and add guest network capacity, and maybe I'd reconsider.
mikeheel
NC
Might Adjust Later
September 20, 2016
I just learned the Orbi is due to be updated to allow a guest network later this year. Assuming that happens, I'd move this up to at least a 4-star review. I'd still like to see improvement in the UI, but it is functional as-is, and the range and speed on the Orbi mesh system is excellent.
+5points
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Prevent dead zones around your home with the help of this Linksys Wi-Fi range extender. It works with all types of Wi-Fi routers, and it uses multi-user MIMO for speed and efficiency. This Linksys Wi-Fi range extender can be used to create a different access point or to extend the field of the router’s connection.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Bonus Wi-Fi Range
By mikeheel
The specs for this new wi-fi range extender are impressive. I appreciate the beamforming technology. It also supports all current (and prior) wi-fi standards: 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11a/g, and 802.11b.
Unboxing:
The extender is a fairly basic white box that mounts directly via plug into a power outlet. It looks fairly generic, like a carbon monoxide detector or such.
The extender is a fairly basic white box that mounts directly via plug into a power outlet. It looks fairly generic, like a carbon monoxide detector or such.
Setup:
I have a fairly new Linksys (AC1900) router. The extender is also an AC1900 device. I pressed the WPS button on the router to initiate pairing and then, per instructions, the WPS button on the extender. Failure. I went through the process several times but never could establish connection with my router from a distance of 5 feet. I then abandoned the WPS setup instructions and switched to web setup, which went smoothly for both 5Ghz and 2.4 Ghz bands.
I have a fairly new Linksys (AC1900) router. The extender is also an AC1900 device. I pressed the WPS button on the router to initiate pairing and then, per instructions, the WPS button on the extender. Failure. I went through the process several times but never could establish connection with my router from a distance of 5 feet. I then abandoned the WPS setup instructions and switched to web setup, which went smoothly for both 5Ghz and 2.4 Ghz bands.
Once it was up and running, it gave me a good analysis of the proper location via spot finder. That was helpful.
The instructions recommend giving the extended network a different name than your primary network, such as adding "ext" to the end of your network name. I actually forced it to use the same name as my primary network, since all my devices are new enough to switch seamlessly. If you have older devices, I would suggest you follow the naming directions provided with the extender.
Function:
So far, so good. As I mentioned earlier, the specs are very strong for this extender, and it lives up to my expectations. My devices connect and stay connected seamlessly. The extender offers a range of an additional 10000 square feet (roughly 100 x 100 feet, if that helps give a better idea). I'm a big fan of MI-MIMU, which seems to work well here, too. I use a ton of wireless devices - multiple streaming devices across the house, several gaming consoles, a selection of laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, and a few other connected household devices (thermostats and such). Everything works well.
So far, so good. As I mentioned earlier, the specs are very strong for this extender, and it lives up to my expectations. My devices connect and stay connected seamlessly. The extender offers a range of an additional 10000 square feet (roughly 100 x 100 feet, if that helps give a better idea). I'm a big fan of MI-MIMU, which seems to work well here, too. I use a ton of wireless devices - multiple streaming devices across the house, several gaming consoles, a selection of laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, and a few other connected household devices (thermostats and such). Everything works well.
I now have a very strong signal throughout both floors of the house (router is on top floor, extender on first floor) as well as my yard. In fact, I have decent signal just past the end of my cul-de-sac.
I should note it also includes a 1 GB ethernet port, which could be handy for certain devices.
Wrap Up:
I am pleased with the function and appearance of the device. My only gripe was that the WPS setup failed multiple times. For that reason, I can't give it 5 stars.
I am pleased with the function and appearance of the device. My only gripe was that the WPS setup failed multiple times. For that reason, I can't give it 5 stars.
mikeheel
NC
Update
September 20, 2016
For some reason, I cannot edit my review above. However, I realized subsequent to posting that I am an idiot. The WPS would not work because I was trying to connect with a hidden network. Doh! So, this should truly be a 5-star review.
Further, i have conducted several recent speed and signal strength tests both with and without the Repeater on the network, and the results are clear that the Repeater makes a significant difference in speed and signal strength in the parts of the house furthest from my primary router.
So, please read this as a 5-star review. My apologies.
+2points
2of 2voted this comment as helpful.
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