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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- First answerMarch 8, 2014
- Last answerJanuary 29, 2021
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Android TV built-in projector for seamless access to content Powered by Google, watch all your favorite streaming channels including Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, YouTube and more. Sit back, relax and watch movies with this Epson video projector. It offers 2.700 lumens of color & white brightness to ensure vibrant, accurate colors, and its HD resolution delivers crisp image quality at 1080p. This Epson video projector lets you also connect a Blu-ray player or gaming console via an HDMI input for smooth streaming of your favorite media.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
I am very pleased with the Epson Home Cinema 2250 1080p 3LCD Projector with Android TV.
Setup is relatively quick, especially if you have an Android phone. This allows you to easily pair the projector to your phone, so the projector will immediately have various logins you keep in your Google account. That is very handy for apps like Netflix, Amazon, HBO Max, Disney+, and Showtime.
Instructions are a bit on the thin side, though. But setup is easy.
As with other Android TVs I've tried, you can pair it with speakers or headphones via Bluetooth. I paired it with our Sonos Move, which significantly improves sound quality.
Image quality is very strong, even in pretty bright light. It took me a minute to figure out how to use the sliders on the top to adjust for varying distances, but once I sorted that out, I was able to watch sharp, clear video as small as about 32" and as large as 90+".
We got this mostly to use outside on the back deck and are very pleased with how well it performs.
Of course, you will notice some fan noise, but it's not that bad - especially if you use a louder external speaker (like our Sonos).
All in all, setup took just a few minutes. It seems to have a solid wifi connection and hasn't stuttered at all yet. Video and images are sharp and clear. AndroidTV built in is a nice plus; especially for us (we have a number of Google Home devices and are accustomed to using Google services). And external speakers can be connected via cable or Bluetooth.
I've used projection units before, but this one has a lot more options and is far easier to use.
Well done, Epson!
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Pure One S11 is a high-performance cordless vacuum. It features iLoop™ Smart Sensor Technology which senses hidden dirt, dust, hair, pollen, and dander, and automatically adjusts suction power in real-time for an effortless cleaning experience. Pure One S11’s full-size multi-tasker power brush ensures you get a deep, thorough clean of carpets, bare floors, fabric, and more. Get up to 130W of suction power in Max mode.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
I had not heard of Tineco prior to trying out the Tineco PureOne S11 Smart Cordless Stick Vacuum. It is a quality vacuum.
It comes with a variety of useful accessories. The crevice tool is more functional than many others due to its size.
The dirt trap is very easy to open to clean out.
The LED lights on the beater brush attachment work great and really help you see dirt you may have otherwise missed.
The battery lasts a reasonable time.
It looks pretty cool and futuristic. You can even pair it with an app. I love how clear and informative the display is.
My wife was a little skeptical when she first saw it because it looks more like a designer item than a real vacuum. But she fell in love once she began using it, and it's now her go-to for all but deeper cleans.
In short, it is versatile and works well.
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Safe and convenient fast wireless charging up to 15W.* Our fastest wireless charging pad unclutters your bedroom, office, or living room while simplifying charging—just lay your phone onto the pad and go. Qi certification ensures standard compatibility and provides peace of mind.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
The Belkin Boost Charge Wireless Charging Stand (15W) has worked flawlessly for me so far.
I have several wireless charging stands or pads. The Belkin does as well as any of the others.
It's a round pad and maybe a little small in diameter for the bigger phones, but it works well with my Pixel 4XL.
I really appreciated that it came with a wall plug adapter, since many chargers don't include that these days.
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See exactly what’s happening in and around your home in full 1080p HD, day or night with this eufyCam 2C Camera. The IP67 weatherproof-rating ensures that eufyCam 2C Camera is built to withstand the elements. Every eufy Security product is engineered to ensure your security data is kept private. Have peace of mind that you will have a secure record of everything that happens around your home.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent DIY Wireless Security Cameras
on October 14, 2020
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
I recently installed the eufyCam 2C 2-Cam Kit. The kit includes a base station, two cameras, and wall mounts for those cameras. The cameras have rechargeable batteries that are advertised to last six months, and connect to the base station wirelessly.
The cameras can be managed and monitored via iOS or Android apps. Using the app, you can view recordings made by the cameras, or view the camera in realtime. Either way, there is audio. With clips, you can hear whatever the camera heard. I can hear birds and traffic clearly. When viewing the camera in realtime, you can both hear what the camera hears, and speak through the camera. For example, you can tell a visitor that you're out of town, or you can tell the pizza delivery driver you'll be there in a minute.
Video and audio quality are not what you'd want if you were producing a video of your kid's football game or your band's big debut, but they are fine for the intended purpose. The speaker in the camera, through which somebody on your porch would hear you speaking to them through the security system, is loud enough to be intelligible but not loud enough to wake the neighbors.
There is also a web interface that is a bit clunkier and may be missing some features, but does allow you to view the cameras and clips. I would only use the web interface as a backup option, though, as the apps have better camera and clip management functionality.
When I know the camera is going to pick up something I am doing, I tend to turn that camera off via my phone app. I am writing this review from my patio. I didn't want to waste battery or time with videos of myself at the back door or patio, so I turned that camera off for now. I will turn it back on when I go back inside. I also tend to delete video clips that just show me, each day. Videos are stored on the base station, unless and until you stream them to your device while off of your wifi network, in which case I guess they run through a streaming server. The base station has a 16gb capacity and advertises up to three months of storage, though that will depend greatly on amount of activity.
The base station is a rectangle that's about the same height as a smartphone. It needs to be plugged to the wall, and plugged via ethernet to your router or cable modem. Once it is configured, the cameras are set up by putting them within a few feet of the base station and letting them sync. Cameras are not as tall or wide as a typical smartphone, but are quite a bit thicker. Once the cameras sync, they are ready to be mounted wherever you choose.
No wiring is required for the cameras. They should be mounted in a location that is shielded from weather, for example, on a porch below the porch roof. To mount the camera, you put the sticker template that is included with the kit on the wall, and drill pilot holes through the two openings in the template. You then screw the mount base to the wall. A central piece that adds tension snaps into the base, and then an outer portion screws into the base. The outer portion has a ball that sits inside the tensioner middle piece. This allows the end of the mount, where the camera goes, to move somewhat without flopping loosely.
A minor complaint is that the base that you screw to the wall is plastic. I used a power drill to attach the first screw, and it shot right through the base and into the wall. I used a screwdriver after that and attached the bases by hand. It would be nice if the base was metal instead of plastic.
The camera simply screws on to the end of the mount. When it needs to be recharged, you would unscrew it and take it inside to plug to a USB charger. It uses the newer style of Micro USB to charge. Advertised battery life is six months. I have not used it long enough to verify that, but I can say that battery life will depend how much you use the camera. The one I tested the most is down to 97%, while the other camera still shows 100%, about four days in.
You can set cameras to show red LEDs while in operation. You can also choose what it does when it's too dark for normal visual use. The options are infrared, spotlight, or deactivated. The spotlight option is intended to be used when there is other lighting in the area, such as a porch light that is normally turned on at night. I use the infrared option at night. You also can set the camera to be more selective or less selective about what it records by identifying matching images. For example, on the more selective setting, you might get one 20-second clip of yourself going out the front door to check the mail. With the less selective setting, you might get two or three 60-second clips as you come and go checking the mail. This is a tradeoff about a more complete video record, which you may want in case of a crime or attempted crime, vs not filling all of your storage as quickly.
Cameras can be easily added if you want more than two.
The apps work really well, and I appreciate that there is a web interface, even if it is clunkier and lacks some features. I have an Apple TV, and I wish there was an app for Apple TV. There are ways to put the video on your television using Apple Home plus a $5 app, or through screen-mirroring your device, but I would prefer a simpler option. But that's not a major issue, since it's so easy to view and manage on your phone.
I like the ease of setup, ease of expansion, and absence of a monthly fee. So far, I don't see any major drawbacks. I plan to continue using the system and probably expand it to three or four cameras.
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Calls. Conferences. ON-the-GO. Air never looked so epic. Offering the ultimate true-wireless experience for any professional or audiophile, JLab Epic Air ANC offers customized sound and active noise canceling plus industry-leading 48+ hours playtime. Transition from music to calls, work to home effortlessly with features like wear-detect, movie mode, wireless charging and more.
Customer Rating
4
Solid ANC Wireless Earbuds
on September 25, 2020
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
The JLab Audio Epic Air ANC True Wireless Earbuds may not displace your high-end audiophile earbuds, but they are quite good in their own right.
I first came across JLab products a couple of years ago and was quite impressed with the value they brought at the price point. The company continues to refine its offerings, and this is their latest and greatest wireless earbud.
As is typical for JLab, the sound is quite good overall, although it gets a little muddied at the extremes. If you listen to them without seeing the price first, you'll think they would be more expensive. And the fit, finish, and style also would give that impression.
Happily, JLab offers wireless charging for these earbuds. The charging solutions JLab typically offers are frustrating, so I'm glad to see they have taken a positive step this with this new model. They still have a USB cable integrated into the charging box; in my experience, these are a pain to deal with. The cable is very short, and this can create space issues when charging. Thankfully, I have several wireless chargers and can avoid the annoying cable. The integrated charging cable is something JLab seems proud of, but it's one of the most annoying things about JLab products.
I'm generally a fan of ANC earbuds and am happy to report the JLab version of this feature works well, as does the pass-through hearing option, which they call "Be Aware." This feature alone is worth the price of admission, IMO. I use Be Aware when walking/hiking with my dog, and it allows me to remain alert to my environment.
My last pair of JLab earbuds did not have an app you could use with them. These do, and it makes a difference. With the app, you can set your equalizer mode in order to better tailor the sound to your liking. Although I'm not a bass hog, with small buds like this I generally recommend the "bass boost" option, and that's what I prefer with these.
The wear detect sensor feature works so far. Basically, if you remove the earbuds, the sensor detects that and pauses your music. Once you put the earbuds back in your ear, the music resumes.
Four stars because the sound quality, while good, is still not on par with more premium earbuds. Plus, that charging cable just annoys me. Every. Single. Time.
Those minor complaints aside, this is a good quality, decent-sounding, nicely styled set of ANC earbuds with some nifty features
Keep rocking JLab! But please kill the integrated charging cable nonsense..
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Elevate your everyday coffee experience to delicious new heights with the Keurig® K-Supreme™ Single Serve coffee maker. The K-Supreme™ coffee maker is the first series of Keurig® brewer to feature MultiStream Technology™, an innovative new way to more evenly saturate the coffee grounds* in every K-Cup® pod. This technique extracts full flavor and aroma from your K-Cup® pod, so you can enjoy an exceptionally flavorful experience every time you brew. Looking to customize your perfect cup? Use the Strong button for a stronger, more intense coffee taste or brew hot over ice for a refreshingly delicious iced coffee. No matter what you prefer, you can enjoy 6, 8, 10, or 12 oz. of your favorite coffee, tea, cocoa, and more – all freshly brewed in minutes. The K-Supreme™ coffee maker is travel mug-friendly, and the stylish 66 oz. dual-position reservoir makes it easy to refill and easy to find the perfect spot on your countertop. Choose from hundreds of delicious varieties of K-Cup® pods or brew your own ground coffee with the My K-Cup® Universal Reusable Coffee Filter (sold separately). *vs. Keurig® leading K-Classic® brewer
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
The Keurig K-Supreme is a very good single-cup coffee maker. Keurig has continued to refine the breed, and this one takes more positive steps.
For one thing, the height of the nozzle gives plenty of flexibility on cup size, which also makes it easier to do an iced coffee. It can hold up to a 7-inch tall mug.
It requires virtually no time to heat up. It is flexible in terms of sizing. The water tank is easy to refill. And k-cups have become a much more reasonable price than ever before. It is easy to use and looks and feels well-made.
The one drawback is that generic refillable k-cups are not compatible with this version. However, Keurig does market a reusable cup they say works with it; I haven't tried that, so I can't really comment on whether they work well.
As is typical with this type of coffee, I always find that i basically have to run it through twice on the smaller cup settings to make one larger cup because running it as one larger cup tastes too weak to me. The multistream technology is supposed to do a better job than prior Keurigs, but I still "double up" for better taste.
Still, though, it is quick and easy to make a reasonably decent cup of coffee. I also appreciate the wide variety of flavors you can try.
Overall, this Keurig is a winner.
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Barista-quality performance with a new intuitive interface that provides all the information you need to create café quality coffee at home. The built-in grinder delivers the right amount of ground coffee on demand, for full flavor. With a 3 second heat up time and precise espresso extraction, you go from bean to cup, faster than ever before.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
The Breville Barista Pro is quite a machine. It may frustrate beginners, but with a little practice, you will be making quality coffee and espresso in no time.
This is a fairly large item for a counter. It looks impressive and appears to be very well made. The different pieces that come with it are well made and labeled for quick understanding. Everything is machined from quality steel.
I have only one real complaint about the design. The water tank mounts on the rear, and you have to slide it in from above at a fairly high point to make it lock in. That's fine, unless you prefer to place the Barista Pro on a counter under any cabinets. Then, it becomes an unnecessary pain. Even with a rear mount, it's possible to design the water tank such that it can slide in from a side, which would be much less of a pain.
Of course, cabinet clearance may interfere with filling the grinder, but that's not a huge deal and can be easily worked around (it was not actually an issue for me; just mentioning in case folks have a smaller space).
My first attempt at using the Barista Pro was a disaster. I used the automatic setting to grind the bean for a double shot. Then, I inserted the portafilter until it seemed to lock in place under the dispenser. However, even though it was tight, it was not actually locked. I was soon faced with cleaning up a mess of wet coffee grounds that virtually exploded all over. Don't make that mistake! The handle for the portafilter should be rotated until it goes past a 90-degree angle to the front of the Barista Pro.
However, that initial shock aside, this is a fun thing to use. You have a variety of filters. Note, there are different filters for pre-ground coffee vs coffee you grind with the Barista Pro. Each set also has 1-cup and 2-cup sizes. The parts are all very nice quality and have a pleasing heft to them.
You have lots of control over the settings, from how finely you grind the beans to how hot the water is. You can really customize your cup to your liking.
I should note the heat-up time is very quick.
The frother is easy to control and well placed.
The LED screen is easy to read and provides the information you need to understand the settings.
Really, my only complaint is about the water tank placement. Otherwise, this is an excellent machine. I'm looking forward to a lot of great coffee!
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The Ninja brand has been a leader in kitchen appliances delivering innovative products for decades. Now introducing the Ninja Professional Plus Food Processor—make food prep easier with its power, intelligence, and versatility. The 1000-peak-watt motor and preset programs chop veggies, shred cheese, and make smooth sauces and cookie dough from scratch—all at the touch of a button.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
I am a fan of SharkNinja products, particularly their line of food processors. This particular Ninja is a nice little warrior and made a welcome addition to our kitchen.
As with any Ninja we've owned, this one works exactly as it should. It handles pretty much any job as hoped.
A couple of stand-out features for our use have been:
* The reversible spindle blade. One way slices. The other way shreds.
* The self-cleaning aspect.
* The reversible spindle blade. One way slices. The other way shreds.
* The self-cleaning aspect.
Note - this model comes with a 9-cup bowl but does NOT include smaller smoothie cups. It did not work with older Ninja smoothie cups we have, and I do not see any online as available accessories. This one is more of a focused food processor, which is perfectly fine.
We have not used the1-touch dough maker yet but are looking forward to it. I had actually stalled writing my review a bit because I wanted to test this feature, too, but we just haven't gotten around to it.
Regardless, it has plenty of power. The presets work perfectly. For a food processor, I actually thought it was fairly quiet.
Overall, I'm very pleased.
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The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is a cordless handheld vacuum designed for powerful suction. It comes with a motorized self-cleaning Pet Power Brush that eliminates hair wrap, a lithium-ion battery, CleanTouch dirt ejector, and more, at only 2.8 lbs.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is a pretty useful little vacuum cleaner.
For starters, it has a lot of power for the size. This makes it useful for things like pet hair and other more difficult issues.
The battery seems to hold a charge well. Some similar vacs seem to lose a charge in a lot less time, but the Shark keeps going. Of course, something this small is going to be limited by battery size, but it is good enough.
It has a variety of attachments that all work well. I want to particularly highlight the crevice tool because it is well designed and will fit in smaller spaces than the crevice tool for many other small vacs; yet, it has not clogged on us. It would be helpful if it were a bit longer, but it gets the job done for most things.
Overall, this is just a really solid, easy-to-use, strong hand vac.
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Performance meets versatility. From intensive video and graphics files to high-octane gaming, the most powerful Surface laptop yet combines speed, graphics, and long battery life with the versatility of a laptop, tablet, and portable studio. Tackle your biggest demands with quadcore powered 10th Gen Intel Core processors, blazing NVIDIA graphics, and high-resolution PixelSense Display designed for Surface Pen* and touch.
Posted by: mikeheel
from NC
Disclaimer: As a member of the Best Buy Tech Insider Program, I was provided this laptop for review at no charge. Reviewers in this invitation-only program are provided products for the purpose of writing honest, unbiased reviews.
I purchased the original Surface Book the first week they were initially released several years ago. Although I loved the design, the performance was glitchy, and I ended up returning it and buying a Surface Pro 4. I am happy to report that the SB3 has solved the glitches that initially plagued the first release.
The design follows the standard MS industrial look that I've grown to love. I think it looks quite nice. The hinge on the SB3 has been refined and works more smoothly. It does still leave a gap between the screen and the body when closed, of course.
The hinge design also adds some bulk. The area above the keyboard feels a bit like wasted space, but it's fine.
The keyboard is fantastic, as is the trackpad. Microsoft has done a great job making their trackpads and keyboards easy to use and very functional. This is a very comfortable machine to use.
The PixelSense screen is gorgeous and renders beautiful images. Motion is blur-free.
As part of my real-world job this year, I have taken on some video editing projects, so I was excited to pit the SB3 against my primary desktop machine I had been using for editing. I generally switch back and forth between Adobe Elements Premiere and Shotcut, for different features. So I loaded them up on the the SB3 and dove in.
First, my desktop computer is no slouch. It's a pretty strong computer with a good processor, a good amount of memory, and separate graphics card. I have been very pleased with how quickly it renders videos.
However, the SB3 bests it across the board, and it wasn't even close. On average, the SB3 renders 1080p videos 33% faster than my desktop. I was pleasantly surprised. I had expected it would be about the same speed or a little slower than the desktop. I did not expect it to be so much faster.
The SB3 makes a terrific work machine thanks to its combination of slick appearance, very fast processing speed, best-in-class keyboard, and excellent trackpad.
On top of that, the face ID works quickly in almost any lighting situation, making accessing the computer extremely easy.
Battery life has been more than satisfactory.
And none of that even takes into account the fact you can easily detach the screen and use it as a tablet. It's a big, bulky tablet, but I can certainly see some uses for it, especially if you're working in graphics. I'd still suggest, as I did with the original model, that MS add some sort of built-in kickstand for it, as they do with the Surface Pro. It has reasonably sized bezels so you can hold it in tablet format.
The original SB was a swing for the lights that didn't quite connect. The SB3 is a home run. I am very pleased with how refined and powerful this laptop is. It is not cheap, but the performance in every category justifies the price if you need high quality for video or graphics.
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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.
Overall4 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?
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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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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?