mikeheel's stats
- Review count187
- Helpfulness votes1,542
- First reviewMarch 8, 2014
- Last reviewOctober 31, 2023
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- Average rating4.5
- Review comment count4
- Helpfulness votes9
- First review commentMarch 8, 2014
- Last review commentSeptember 20, 2016
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- Answer count10
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- First answerMarch 8, 2014
- Last answerJanuary 29, 2021
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- Best answers3
eufy Security Wi-Fi Video Doorbell kit is a 1080p video doorbell with advanced WDR and 4:3 aspect ratio. This doorbell has a up to 120 day battery life off of just a single charge. Setup is easy, and your data is stored locally on the Wi-Fi doorbell chime inside your home, using advanced encryption.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
The packaging for the Eufy Security Video Doorbell Slim 1080P Battery is nice. Opening the box, you get a feeling of quality. That continues as you examine the device itself.
The box contains the video doorbell, mounting hardware for the doorbell, a USB charging cable, and a door chime that plugs into an outlet inside your home.
Setup is super easy via the Eufy app, which I have used before with our front door lock and a set of security cameras.
Once the doorbell is up and running, it does a really good job. Video is clear and sound is good.
My only gripe is that despite the word "slim" in the product name, this video doorbell feels and looks pretty bulky. That may be because my only comparisons are wired video doorbells, so perhaps this is really thin for a battery-operated video doorbell.
Regardless, it looks solid and performs well. I was thankful you can easily adjust the volume of the chime, as well as the tone it plays for the chime. Really, the Eufy app is well designed and just works smoothly.
Of course, you need to have WiFi to use the video doorbell. When someone rings the doorbell, the interior chime will sound, and your phone will get a notice. You can open the video player on the phone. There is a short lag as the video loads, but it doesn't seem much, if any, worse than other brands I've tried in that regard.
Of course, being a battery-operated video doorbell, you will need to recharge it periodically. Eufy says the battery will last at least 120 days. The good news is that it's easy to remove and charge. It comes mostly charged out-of-the-box, but I recommend charging it fully prior to using.
I like the fact it has a local storage option. You can pay a small monthly fee for a subscription service, but Eufy has always been good about making the product friendly for those of us who don't want to pay another monthly fee.
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Cordless Professional Grade Hair and Beard Trimmer
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
Bevel is about luxury, but this is not a "do-it-all" type of trimmer. It is specifically for having clean lines and the ability to have a relatively close trim.
At unboxing, the presentation is very nice. The packaging certainly lives up to the premium vibe Bevel is going for.
As does the trimmer itself. It has a multifaceted metal body with some heft. It feels good in the hand. It looks and feels high quality, like a professional hair trimming device.
It has a single on/off switch and runs at one speed. It does not have any clip-on attachments for different lengths of hair. Instead, the blade can be easily removed and a simple dial allows you to adjust the gap between the cutting blade the guide blade - even down to a zero gap. This sounds and works well, but the overall amount of adjustment is still relatively minimal, especially compared to using clip-on options for other trimmers. You will either have a fairly close shave or very short stubble. Those are the options with the Bevel..
Now, of course, a barber can use this very effectively to trim hair to different lengths by coupling it with other tools. That would be beyond my skill and - I'm guessing - the skill of most folks who might consider buying this trimmer.
It also cannot be used wet. It is a dry-only device, which limits use for some folks and some applications.
However, it does an excellent job at drawing a clean line and offering a close trim. That is Bevel's purpose with this trimmer.
And that's great, but many guys need a little more versatility, especially for a trimmer that costs this much. And really, it should have been simple to add a little more versatility to it. But I think Bevel had a single vision for this trimmer and stuck with it. That can be good and bad.
It's attractive and feels like a premium device. It works great for what it does. It is expensive. It has a limited feature set. It has innovative design (not only the appearance, but the adjustable dial and a swing-out hook to hang it with, if you want). It has a long battery life.
If the purpose fits your needs for a trimmer, I can highly recommend the Bevel trimmer. If you need more versatility, then look elsewhere.
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Life Dot 2 XR is optimized for noise cancelling— changing its settings depending on your surroundings. On top of this it delivers thumping beats, clear calls, and a 35-hour playtime. Using the Soundcore app, you can customize your touch controls and sound profile to perfectly fit the way you listen.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
The Anker Soundcore Live Dot 2 XR Earbuds exceeded my expectations.
Unboxing is straightforward. The earbuds come with several sizes for the tip and wings that "lock" them into your ear. It is easy to customize the fit. They are actually more comfortable for long periods than my premium wireless earbuds, so I find myself using these more often than not.
The charging case is solid, easy to use, and works well. It is magnetic, which helps ensure the earbuds connect properly to charge.
The Soundcore app is essential to using these earbuds. The default sound setting is too vanilla, though, so you'll want to play with the custom equalizer settings. If you crank the bass up, they sound much improved.
Sound also improves if you turn on active noise canceling. But I like to wear these while hiking local trails with my dog, and the Transparency mode helps me hear approaching bikers and other hikers. However, the transparency mode is not quite as good as on some of the more premium earbuds.
And that's a theme with these earbuds. I'm going with a 5-star review based on the quality, comfort, features, and price. But if they were priced the same as premium wireless earbuds, I'd have some complaints.
In terms of pure sound, they fall just a hair short of faithful reproduction of natural sound. The sound is very good, but just a bit processed and doesn't sound as natural as the more premium units. That's not to say it is bad at all; it just falls short of great. However, the sound is clear and distortion-free. The 11mm drivers do a very good job of pumping out quality sound, and I can enjoy listening to any style of music on these little guys.
The noise cancelation is quite good, but the transparency mode is a bit weak no matter which style you use (it has 3 modes for transparency). This is actually my biggest complaint about these earbuds for my style of use.
Battery life is very good. Charging is accomplished via USB-C. Anker says you get 7 hours of talk time, but I used them today for over an hour of talk time on the phone and then immediately over an hour of music while hiking with transparency mode on. They were still at 80% battery, which I thought was rather impressive. I had expected them to be a good bit lower, especially since over one hour was on the phone.
Speaking of calls, sound on a call is very strong. Both I and callers on the other end can hear clearly. With 4 beamforming mics, these little guys do an excellent job with phone calls.
You can use the app to customize touch controls on each bud.
The Life Dot 2 XRs are listed as waterproof. At the very least, they are sweat resistant.
So, are these perfect? No. But at this price, I don't think they can be beat. Anker has been steadily improving their earbuds, and these are, IMO, their best yet. They have a terrific handle on the phone side of things and very good handle on comfort, battery life, and sound management. If they could just make the sound just a little more true to life and improve the transparency mode, these little guys could stand toe-to-toe with virtually any set of wireless earbuds out there. As it is, they are almost there, but at a much lower price point. That's a big win for Anker.
For that reason, I can gladly recommend the Anker Soundcore Life Dot 2 XR Earbuds. They sound good, look good, and feel good. And they offer a tremendous value with strong features at this price point. I find that I often choose them over my more premium earbuds simply because they are more comfortable and sound almost as good.
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The Mr. Coffee Iced Coffee Maker easily makes refreshing iced coffee in minutes at home. The simple measuring system makes it easy to brew the perfect ratio of hot, concentrated coffee over ice, for bold, flavorful coffee that’s never watered down.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
My oldest daughter is in love with this coffee maker.
The Mr. Coffee Single Serve Iced Coffeemaker is easy to use and makes a very good cup of iced coffee.
The instructions make it super easy to get the right proportions for ice and coffee. Note, you will use more coffee grounds than a typical cup of coffee because you're making it strong enough to be watered down by the ice. But that's always the case if you're trying to make iced coffee, and we have yet to have a cup that was less than excellent. It works slightly better if you use full ice cubes rather than crushed ice.
It also has very parts that need to be removed for cleaning.
It is compact and fits easily in most areas you'd want to put it.
It includes a large insulated tumbler, but you can also use other similarly-sized cups.
All in all, this is a winner.
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By installing eufy Security Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi, you will never have to worry about losing your key again and always have secure access to your home. The Smart Lock is powered by a Mabuchi motor that allows you to unlock your front door in less than a second. With a sensor area that is two times larger than on a smartphone, the Smart Lock is less likely to miss your fingerprint. Every time you unlock Smart Lock, the recognition rate improves because of the self-learning AI chip. This Smart Lock is weatherproof with an IP65 rating, so you can rest assured that your home is always secure. The Smart Lock is tested to last for 250,000 unlocks and is designed to still function after 30 years of use.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
The Eufy Smart Lock Touch & Wi-Fi deadbolt is a terrific addition to our home security.
The Eufy is packaged very nicely. I particularly appreciated that each step of the installation had a correspondingly numbered box with the equipment for that step. Installation was quick and easy, even for someone like myself is not particularly handy around the house.
Note, prior to installation, make sure you fully charge the battery. The instructions say the battery was at 30% and should take 6 hours to fully charge, but it was done within 2 hours on my rapid charger. It charges via standard USB-A cable. I had hoped it would be USB-C, but it includes a cable in the box. As is typical these days, the charging cable does not include a wall plug.
Tools I used for the installation are two sizes of phillips head screwdrivers, a tape measure to ensure proper sizing, and a bubble level to make sure I had it placed properly on the door. Installation took less than 10 minutes, and I could do it again now if about 3 minutes, if I needed to. It's very easy.
Once installed, I updated the software, set up my access code and fingerprint, and then added my wife and our youngest daughter. Each person can have their own fingerprint and access code if you add them in the app. One benefit is the app can show you when the door was opened and by whom. Of course, you can also set guest codes or temporary codes. Access codes can also be limited to a set schedule that you determine.
Physically, the lock is very safe and manufactured to high security standards. It is also weatherproof. The battery (which is mounted inside, of course) should last over a year. That's pretty impressive.
In addition to code unlock, fingerprint unlock, and app unlock, the lock can by unlocked by a physical key. A generous allotment of five keys is included with the Eufy system. I had hoped I'd be able to key the lock to match our existing keys, but that is not possible. The key is a rather unusual shape and would not work in standard tumbler locks, nor would a standard key be able to work in the Eufy lock.
Another benefit that my wife loved is that you can set it to lock automatically once the door is closed. The app has a timer function that allows you to set how long before the door locks on its own. You don't have to enable the auto lock feature, but it comes in handy for us. You can set it to lock as quickly as 1 second or as long as 3 minutes after the door is closed. You can also set an auto schedule to make sure the door locks at a certain time every day.
In my experience with the lock, the fingerprint reader is very quick and allows you extremely easy access to your home. I don't like fingerprint readers on most phones, but the Eufy fingerprint ready is top notch. Very quick and very accurate. I'm impressed.
Note, when using the keypad, you have to touch it once to wake it up. I didn't realize that the first time I tried to use the code to unlock, so it didn't register the first digit of the code.
Since it has Wi-Fi and works with smart home devices, I am able to control it with our Google Home devices, my phone, and my smartwatch. I love the simplicity and ease of use.
Our daughter loves it because we generally keep the doors locked. She appreciates that she can easily reenter the home after walking the dog and doesn't have to come in through the garage.
Of course, another benefit of a smart lock is that you can check your door when you're away.
I had hoped to like the Eufy lock. I don't just like it; I love it! Well done, Eufy.
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Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro are an incredibly advanced pair of Hi-Resolution wireless earbuds. With up to 26 hours of total play time off of one charge, you can experience your favorite music at all times of the day. Purenote technology allows for a higher quality listening experience, active noise cancelling technology cancels out up to 90% of outside noises, while HearID provides EQ customization. All three come together to make sure your listening experience is truly yours.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro earbuds are quite good, if the form factor works for you.
Upon opening the box, you'll find the earbuds securely nestled in a plastic display. In fact, they were a bit too securely nestled and took a good bit of effort to remove.
Once you get them out, put them in the charging case, connect the case to a charger (I simply placed it on a wireless charging pad), open the case to turn them on, download the app, then follow instructions in the app to pair the earbuds and install the software update. The process is fairly quick.
The app allows you to set the earbuds to either noise canceling (which also leads to your richest sound field) or several ambient noise options. You can also pick a preset style for the music. The usual suspects are all there - rock, classical, bass-heavy, etc.
I will say that if you set the earbuds for ambient sound, as I do when I wear them while walking the dog, you might want to choose the heavy bass setting. The sound is a lot weaker when in ambient mode.
But the sound comes alive when you switch to noise canceling. I cannot overstate how much of a difference this makes; it is a much more significant difference than other earbuds I've used that have similar function.
Caller clarity on the earbuds was tremendous on both ends. The Air 2 Pro buds do a fabulous job with noise canceling on calls and voices come across very cleanly. That's what 6 mics will do for you!
"Very clean" is also a good way to describe the sound, overall. I was quite impressed with how clear these little guys are and what a good job they do of reproducing voice and music. There is no real distortion, and the sound is natural instead of artificial. Anker has done a beautiful job with the drivers in these earbuds, and they are a pleasure to listen to.
My only gripe is the form factor. They are similar in style to another brand that has air and pod in the name. They are more comfortable than the competitor and come with a myriad of ear mold sizes (9 pairs total), Despite that, I could not quite get them to feel fully secure in my ears when I was moving rapidly. Then again, my ears are weird, and this form factor clearly works for a lot of people.
Speaking of fitment, the app includes a test to see how securely each bud fits in your ear. It only takes about a minute per ear to check. My right ear was perfect from the start, but I never could get the fit to seal quite right in my left ear. Again, my ears are a little weird, but it was still really cool that Anker included this test feature.
Battery life is also impressive. These little guys last a long time. And I like that they magnetically "lock" into place in the charging box.
Anker has a reputation for quality sound devices at reasonable prices. The Liberty Air 2 Pro buds will in no way damage that reputation. These are high-quality buds for a lower price than you would expect. Well done, Anker!
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Now that quality you've come to love from GE Appliances is available right on your countertop thanks to an array of toaster options to suit your family's busy lifestyle. Whether it's a two-slice toaster or four-slice toaster, you'll appreciate the reliable, efficient performance and timeless stainless steel finish that make every GE Appliances toaster the perfect complement to your kitchen. Toasters come equipped with handy features including 7 Shade settings for your perfect toast, an Frozen, Bagel and Cancel settings to make managing your toasting experience simpler. Get more done in the kitchen with toasters and toaster ovens from a brand you trust.
Customer Rating
5
The Best Thing For Sliced Bread
on January 23, 2021
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
We recently replaced an older toaster with this GE 4-slice toaster, and I am very pleased.
The toaster has 4 separate fairly large slots. This allows you to toast a variety of breads and pastries, which I really appreciate.
There are two sets of controls. Each control operates a pair of slots. One nice feature is that the buttons are labeled beside them instead of on them. This means the label won't wear off over time.
You can adjust the intensity of the toast with a dial that has 8 settings. The toaster does a nice job of toasting bread evenly on any setting you choose. One thing, it seems to take longer to toast than other toasters I've used, but it does a very even and thorough job.
There are two crumb trays that can slide out the back of the toaster - one per side. There is also a cord management system under the toaster that comes in handy.
The toaster itself is attractive with a stainless type finish.
All in all, this is an excellent toaster.
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The Blueair Classic 480i air purifier allows you to take full control of your indoor air with integrated sensors, smartphone control, and Alexa compatibility. Independently certified for rooms up to 434 ft², the Classic 480i comes standard with a DualProtection filter to remove odors, as well as 99.97% of airborne particles, like pollen, dust, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, and more with HEPASilent filtration technology. The durable steel construction and up to 5-year warranty with product registration ensures clean air for years to come. The Classic 480i operates at whisper-quiet noise levels (32- 56 dB) and is ENERGY STAR certified for best-in-class energy efficiency (15-90 W).
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
The Blueair Classic 480i Air Purifier does a good job overall.
Upon unboxing, my first thought was that this was a large unit. It is rather industrial looking but not entirely unattractive. It reminds me a bit of the large computer desktop cases for early gaming rigs.
Setup is simple. Open the back (a metal swing door). Pull the filter out. Remove the plastic cover from the filter. Insert the filter. Plug it in to a power outlet. It starts working immediately. There is a flip-lid on the top that can open to expose a few manual controls.
The included instructions are fairly minimal, and the buttons aren't initially very intuitive in terms of the information they convey. But you can get by.
The most frustrating thing is that you need to set up wifi in order to pair it with the free app, which gives you easier control and more information about your air quality. That sounds easy enough, but it didn't go smoothly. Part of the issue is that it can only connect to a 2.4GHz network. But even when I tried to remove that from the equation and go with a manual setup, it didn't work because the purifier's private network didn't show up for any of my devices. I decided it just wasn't that important to me for the time being.
If not for the wifi challenge, this would be 5 stars. The bulk, while a bit surprising, may be beneficial. After all, this can handle a fairly large area.
The purifier is very quiet at the low speed setting. In fact, my wife didn't believe me at first when I told her it was on. We do have some air purifiers of another brand that are not as quiet. But this one does get fairly loud when you go to medium or high speed. Settings can be controlled manually on the box itself or via the app (if you get it to work with wifi).
In terms of function, it seems great. I do like that the app shows your air quality. This is is a very good filtration system and gives us a bit more peace of mind during these times of COVID. While the filter is not true HEPA, it claims equal efficiency. I can neither dispute nor affirm that, but I can say that it does seem to do a very good job of managing even very small particulates.
As with many folks who are attracted to this sort of device, I suffer pretty significant allergies. I like the Blueair system.
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The styling of the Espresso Defined professional-quality espresso machine will make it the centerpiece of any kitchen. With 19 bars of pressure, this unit produces intense flavor and a rick, velvety smooth cream. Presents and menu options let users adjust flavor strength and brew temperature, to customize each cup. Easy start to finish, with used capsules ejected right into an internal waste bin. Compatible with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules, this is Cuisinart at its best!
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
This Cuisinart caught my attention because our older unit (different manufacturer) was nearing the end of its life. We have enjoyed our espresso machine for years now, and the pod-based system is easy, quick, and efficient. It also makes a pretty good espresso.
The Cuisinart uses the same Nespresso pods as the standard models by Nespresso. That was a plus for us. We're already very familiar with the different blends and have a ready supply.
Set up was quick, easy, and painless.
Using the Cuisinart is very simple. It heats up quickly and is not very noisy at all, compared to other similar espresso machines.
Flavor is very good, due to the pressure used.
My only complaint, and it is a significant one for our use, is that the machine will not accept taller cups. I tend to make Americanos more than straight espresso. If you are making straight espresso with a small cup, then this is perfect. But if you, like most people I've ever seen with these, also use it to make coffee or an Americano, you'll be incredibly disappointed with the size of cup it can accept.
You can remove part of the base in order to use a regular height cup, but you can't remove the entire base in order to use a tall cup.
It's good that it is compact. If you don't have much space, this is great. If you want just espresso in small cups, it does a terrific job. But if you use it for anything else, I'd suggest other options.
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At GE Appliances, we bring good things to life by designing and building the world's best appliances. Our goal is to help people improve their lives at home by providing quality appliances that were made for real life. Whether it's enjoying the tradition of making meals from scratch or tackling a mountain of muddy jeans and soccer jerseys, products from GE Appliances are crafted to support any and every task in the home. Now that quality you've come to love is available right on your countertop thanks to toaster ovens with hot air frying technology built right in. These multifunction toaster ovens have all the regular features your family loves, plus air frying capabilities and accessories for a healthier, cleaner alternative to traditional frying. Electric controls allow you to adjust the toaster oven to your exact settings based on your preferences. You'll love the stainless steel finish which seamlessly blends with any kitchen and the easy-clean accessories such as a crumb tray and perfect-fit baking pans. All of this from the brand you trust most – GE Appliances.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
The GE Convection Toaster oven with Air Fry is a handy kitchen small appliance.
It is very large for an air fry device, but it also serves other functions. As a convection toaster oven, it has enough room to cook a small pizza. You can also use it to toast bread or bagels without having to heat a large oven. You can use it bake any number of items. And, of course, you can use it as an air fryer to make healthier foods without the grease or oil.
The glass viewport is clear enough to be able to see inside, although - as is typical for this type of device - there are no interior lights.
Operation is simple. A digital screen displays the current settings. You change the settings with two large dials.
It includes a sliding shelf and a removable basket. Both make cooking certain items a lot easier.
It has pull-out crumb tray, which also simplifies cleanup.
Over Thanksgiving, it came in super handy as an additional warming oven for side dishes.
My wife and I were a little skeptical prior to receiving this oven, but we've become converts. It's an excellent multi-purpose kitchen tool.
As I mentioned earlier, it's not small. So please pay attention to the stated dimensions. GE recommends 8 inches of clearance above the oven when in use, but that appears to be overkill.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Overall
3 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
5of 5voted this comment as helpful.
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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Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro are an incredibly advanced pair of Hi-Resolution wireless earbuds. With up to 26 hours of total play time off of one charge, you can experience your favorite music at all times of the day. Purenote technology allows for a higher quality listening experience, active noise cancelling technology cancels out up to 90% of outside noises, while HearID provides EQ customization. All three come together to make sure your listening experience is truly yours.
Do these have active noise reduction or just passive noise reduction. It isn't clear from the listing?
They have active noise canceling; it works quite well.
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Play your favorite tunes anywhere with this weatherproof and drop-resistant Sonos Move portable speaker. The Trueplay automatic tuning adapts and balances the sound based on where you are and what you're listening to. This Sonos Move portable speaker incorporates built-in support for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplay and the Sonos app to let you stream audio from a smart device.
I have other Sonos speakers inside the house .....when I use this speaker outside ..can I pair them all up to play the same music???
Yes, absolutely. You can pair it with any other Sonos speakers to play the same music across all them. I pair it with other speakers inside and outside the house. It works perfectly.
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Sleep better. Cover unwanted noise with soothing sounds. Bose noise-masking sleepbuds™ are uniquely designed for sleep. They don’t stream music or have acoustic noise cancellation. Instead, these tiny, wireless earbuds use pre-loaded, soothing sounds to cover up unwanted noises, so you can get to sleep — and stay asleep. Plus, unlike traditional earplugs, they’re super comfortable and made to stay in place all night long, even if you sleep on your side. 1. Choose your sound, 2. Set an alarm, 3. Fall asleep without unwanted noise.
I can’t use the Bose -noise-masking-sleepbuds-white to Make phone call.
The Sleepbuds are not for music or phone calls. Their only purpose is to help mask outside noise in hopes of providing a better sleep environment.
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Pounding bass and brilliant treble combine when you put on a pair of these Skullcandy earphones. Enjoy supreme comfort throughout the day thanks to the comfortable silicone ear gels and the flat cable that minimizes tangles. Simply connect these Skullcandy earphones to your smartphone, tablet or MP3 player using the 3.5mm jack.
Is there a mic on this earphone to answer the phone>
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is there there an option of dvd?
No, there is no option for an internal DVD, but you can connect an external DVD.
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Perfect portability is assured with this Dell XPS two-in-one laptop. All the data is stored on a 256GB solid-state drive for everyday security, and the 13.3-inch screen produces high-quality images and text for easy use. An Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM keep this Dell XPS two-in-one laptop running smoothly.
What Windows 10 edition it comes with? Home or Professional edition?
Use your Daydream ready phone to experience a whole new reality with this Daydream View VR headset, which features a lightweight headset for comfortable wear. This headset has an intuitive controller for hands-on experience of your VR adventures. Featuring a soft, washable design and an easy-load system, this Daydream View VR headset immerses you in amazing views by turning on your phone.
Can you wear glasses with Daydream headset? Can you focus each eye separately?
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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.
Q I am looking for1 Orbi router and 3 Orbi satellites for my big home, since Netgear is not giving the option to buy satellites individually ,will I be able to order two boxes of Orbi and be able to use one of Orbi router as a satellite ,? interchange
I saw no way to use the primary as a satellite when setting up the Orbi system. Netgear will be selling Satellites separately, though. I'd suggest waiting on that. Also, "big home" means different things to different people. I don't know if you're talking about 15,000sf or 4000sf. If closer to 4k, then the single base and satellite may be sufficient.
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mikeheel
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.
Will this product cover a 2000 sq. ft., one level house with only one (1) WiFi Name? The reason for this question is I'm currently using an extension to my router which has given the front of the house a different wifi name from the back of the house.
Yes, The Orbi has a primary base and a satellite, but it is one mesh network with one network name. It is not the same as a range extender (although, I should also note you can usually give a range extender the same name as your primary wifi network). However, the Orbi may be overkill for a 2000sf home.
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mikeheel
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.
Which version of Windows 8.1?
Is this Windows 8.1 Pro (Full) version or RT version?