havanajoe8's stats
- Review count68
- Helpfulness votes468
- First reviewOctober 21, 2009
- Last reviewAugust 4, 2017
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.1
- Review comment count12
- Helpfulness votes4
- First review commentDecember 7, 2013
- Last review commentJuly 22, 2017
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count40
- Helpfulness votes69
- First answerDecember 1, 2010
- Last answerJune 5, 2017
- Featured answers0
- Best answers16
Play back audio from a wide range of sources with this Insignia™ NS-SH513 compact shelf system, which features Bluetooth technology, a USB port and a CD player for flexible use. The FM tuner features 30 presets for simple station recall.
Customer Rating
3
Good but limited
on November 20, 2013
Posted by: havanajoe8
from Mansfield, MA
I am moving into a bigger apartment and will have room for a small stereo system for background music. I was interested in this system due to the USB connection plus the ability to play CDs (my girlfriend has tons of them). Overall I am happy with the system except for one glaring issue- random works only with regular CDs. This means no random with MP3 CD-Rs or with USB. Not only that, but if you change sources or turn the system off and then on again it forgets what song you were on last and starts from the first track! I have over 1,500 MP3 files so this is unacceptable. I tried using Bluetooth, which gave me the ability to use my phone and shuffle tracks that way, but the sound was not very good- may be a reflection on my phone, as it's a cheap one. Finally I realized that I could connect my iPod and get what I wanted that way. One strength of this system is that it offers so many connection options- Bluetooth, USB, RCA, CD and FM. Once I got the iPod connected I was happy- sound quality is quite good, a little weak in the bass but good highs and mids. Volume is plenty for a small room. Remote works well, has a lot of range and the unit looks nice- understated and "adult", not too bright or high-techy. Black wood finish matches my main stereo system so that is a nice bonus. I decided to keep this unit, happy with it but just cannot understand how the random only works with CDs... This would be a 4 or maybe even a 5 star item if that one feature existed!
My Best Buy number: 2159931860
What's great about it: Great sound and connectivity options
What's not so great: No random on USB? Really?
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5
Ease of Use
3
Features
4
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+25points
29of 33voted this as helpful.
This Y cable connects portable audio players and other devices with a mini stereo jack to devices with stereo RCA jacks, such as computers or home theater receivers. Gold connectors maximize signal transfer for clean sound.
Customer Rating
5
Worked perfectly!
on November 5, 2013
Posted by: havanajoe8
from Mansfield, MA
I bought this cable to connected the headphone/audio out from my 39" Insignia TV to my receiver. Good, tight connections, and the sound is phenomenal!
My Best Buy number: 2159931860
What's great about it: Good connection
What's not so great: N/A
I would recommend this to a friend!
Durability
5
Ease of Use
5
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0points
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This indoor TV antenna receives local HD and digital TV broadcasts and supports VHF and UHF frequencies. The flat design complements home theater systems.
Customer Rating
4
Gets more channels than expected
on November 3, 2013
Posted by: havanajoe8
from Mansfield, MA
I recently bought a new 39 inch TV from Best Buy and even though I have many entertainment options (HD cable, PS3, DVD player) I did want to be able to get standard over the air channels as a backup in case the cable goes out (which has happened a few times in the last few months). I liked the design of this antenna because it can be used flat, hanging, or propped up. I tried to use it laying flat but I only got 4 channels. I settled for mounting it to the wall with one of the included screws, but not high enough to be visible above the TV. I was able to get 9 channels, which is fine with me as an emergency backup. 9 channels may not seem like much but as an experiment I moved it closer to the window and was able to get 22 channels so I know that the reception is the fault of the location, not the antenna. The channels it does receive come in clear and strong with no breaking up. Overall I am happy with the antenna, and in the future when I have a better location for it I'm sure I'll get more channels. $30 is a bit pricey but it does appear to work well. The white color works well with wall mounting but if I were using it flat I'd prefer black, which was not available.
My Best Buy number: 2159931860
What's great about it: Lies flat, works good
What's not so great: Somehwat expensive
I would recommend this to a friend!
Durability
4
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0points
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Fill your room with big and balanced sound with this Logitech Z313 980-000382 3-piece speaker system featuring a 4" subwoofer and a control pod to easily adjust the volume and headphone controls.
Customer Rating
4
Pleasent Surprise
on August 30, 2013
Posted by: havanajoe8
from Mansfield, MA
Went to Best Buy with my father to get some more items for setting up his new TV and he insisted that I pick something out for myself. My Insignia 2.1 speaker system was starting to go, so I decided to get a new 2.1 system, but I didn't want to abuse his generosity and pick out something too expensive. Saw these speakers on sale, decided to try them, even though they are a lot smaller than the Insignias. Out of the box the sound was about what I expected- flat and boomy. However, to my surprise they really come alive with a bit of equalization. After about 20 mins of making small adjustments I have to say that I'm quite happy with the results. Reducing the 125 HZ range will immediately reduce most of the muddy, boomy bass and an increase in the 8 MHZ range will really bring out the high midrange and lower treble which was missing. The big surprise is that there is some really good low bass in the 30-60 HZ range if you boost it- not boomy at all, surprisingly accurate for such a small subwoofer. Nowhere near as good as my 10 inch 100 watt Sony subwoofer on my stereo system, of course, but for a desktop subwoofer it's quite impressive. If you spend the time getting the settings right you'll really like the results, the quality is there you just have to find it. Volume is more than adequate for the desktop. I don't like the control pod. It uses a thumbwheel volume control, which in my experience is the first thing to go with heavy use. I'd suggest setting it about 75% and then never touching it again, use your PC volume controls instead. There is a headphone jack on the control pod but no secondary input, which is disappointing- with the Insignia system I could plug in my iPod and listen to music with the PC off, but not with this system. I would have been happier if the control pod was gone and the controls were built into one of the speakers, as there would be less wires and one less item on my desk. These are minor gripes, at the end of the day sound is what matters and for the price the sound quality of this system is very, very good with some tweaking!
My Best Buy number: 2159931860
What's great about it: Good sound with proper tweaking
What's not so great: Awkward control pod
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
4
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+35points
35of 35voted this as helpful.
With an 8,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and up to 250 cd/m² brightness, this Dell S2340M LED HD monitor displays crisp, brilliant visuals. The tilt function allows you to easily adjust the viewing angles to suit your preferences.
Customer Rating
4
LOVE the monitor, HATE the cable
on August 23, 2013
Posted by: havanajoe8
from Mansfield, MA
I've been using an Acer 18.5 inch monitor for about a year now, and it's not bad; however, I always wanted something just a little bit bigger. My father just got a new computer and is using a very old monitor so I figured I'd give him the Acer if I could find something I liked. I saw the 21.5 inch version of this Dell at another retailer, and the picture was so perfect compared to the other monitors that I decided to buy it on the spot. Unfortunately, they were out of stock. So, I headed to Best Buy, and found this 23 inch S2340M on display. Again, the picture really stood out from the other monitors so much that I had to have it! Got it home and set it up, but my laptop screen went blank and this monitor stayed blank. I tried a few things and figured the monitor was broken and was just about to take it back when suddenly it came on. Then it went off again. I finally realized that it was the included VGA cord- the connection with the laptop was not 100%. I compared my old VGA cord to it and the reason is that the plastic on the end of the included VGA cable (the plastic that is pushed up against the laptop when the connector is inserted# is about twice as thick as with the old VGA cable; thus, when the connector is inserted, the pins don't go as far into the port and it's just enough to make the connection incomplete. I swapped the cables and it's been perfect ever since! LOVE the picture- tested with videos, DVDs, pictures, spreadsheets, etc. and it's the best monitor I've ever owned. I like the tilt feature of the base -my old monitor didn't move in any direction, but I do wish there was a height adjustment of some sort. No speakers, but I'm using an external 2.1 set so not an issue. No HDMI port but I'm using VGA and it's perfectly fine. I had to make some changes in Windows 8 to get the font sizes where I need them. The only thing I miss about the Acer was that both the monitor and my laptop have 1366x768 native resolution and so when I switch from external monitor to laptop monitor my icons are all in the same place and with this Dell I have to move them around each time I go mobile, but that's how it works with different resolutions. I have not noticed and issues with reflectivity #as others have commented on# but your results may vary- it IS a very glossy screen, so location will be a factor. My lighting is from above so there is no issue but I can see how a lamp or window may cause issues. Overall I am very happy with this monitor and would buy it again in a heartbeat #with a better VGA cable, of course)!
My Best Buy number: 2159931860
What's great about it: Beautiful picture!
What's not so great: Couldn't use included cable
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Design
3
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+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Ensure a reliable connection for your home networking devices with this network cable, featuring snagless 8P8C modular connectors for a secure fit.
Customer Rating
5
Wired IS better!
on August 15, 2013
Posted by: havanajoe8
from Mansfield, MA
I've been playing around with my wireless network but the fastest speeds I could get were 15 mbps download / 8 mbps upload. Not bad, but I'm supposed to have a much faster data plan. I decided to go wired. Now I am getting 60 mbps download / 12 mbps upload- SO much better! This cable has eliminated a lot of issues- slow speed, dropped connections, wireless security issues, etc. I was afraid that the cable would be hard to run because it would curl from being wound tight, but it has shown very limited curling. It's a nice shiny black and feels like a more expensive cable. Connectors snapped into place and hold tight. Overall I am thrilled! If you have room to run a cable I would recommend this one!
My Best Buy number: 2159931860
What's great about it: Snug fit, unwound easily, good speed
I would recommend this to a friend!
Durability
4
Ease of Use
5
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
This SanDisk Cruzer Fit 32GB flash drive is designed to fit most laptops, tablets, TVs and car audio systems and features SecureAccess software to help keep your data private. The compact design allows easy portability.
Customer Rating
4
Great for leaving on your laptop
on August 11, 2013
Posted by: havanajoe8
from Mansfield, MA
I bought this to be a permanent backup solution for important files on my laptop- fits flush so I can leave it plugged in when I take my laptop with me. My speed test shows about 20 mbps, but in reality it seems to be slow with large files but faster with small files. I have the 16 GB version in my car for MP3s and it's been reliable. Overall I'm happy with this but I do wish it were just a bit faster, and it's a bit pricey, but overall a good solution for a permanent backup solution.
What's great about it: Samll; Roomy
What's not so great: A little slow
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Performance
3
Capacity
5
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Designed for use with most 2.5" Serial ATA hard drives, this Dynex™ enclosure features USB 3.0 connectivity and is USB-powered, so you can power your drive without an adapter or cord. The aluminum material offers a durable design.
Customer Rating
3
Works better with USB 2.0
on August 2, 2013
Posted by: havanajoe8
from Mansfield, MA
Build or modify your own PC:Yes
Level of Expertise:Average
Primary reason for building/modifying PC:Upgrader
I bought this to make a file transfer disk between my old computer (USB 2.0, Windows XP) and my new computer (USB 3.0, Windows 8.0) using a 160 GB HDD I had from an even older computer.. It was simple to put together, 2 screws and a handy screwdriver included. Copying small files via USB 3.0 worked fine; however, when trying to copy some very large files the write would fail with a "delayed write" error. I have the hard drive set for no write caching, so this should not happen. When I tried a USB 2.0 port it copied all the files, at a much slower rate of course. There is nothing wrong with my USB 3.0 port, I use another external drive on it and it always runs fine. It's as if the USB 3.0 is just too fast for the HDD. The manual says that speed will be limited to the speed of the HDD, but that does not seem to be the case. Maybe if I used a different HDD it would work better, but the one I have is the one I have. It will still fulfill my needs, but it will be slower to copy the files than I thought. In the future I may be able to use it for USB 3.0, but for now I'm stuck with USB 2.0 speeds. Nice looking enclosure. Your results my vary, but for me it's not a perfect fit.
My Best Buy number: 2159931860
What's great about it: Easy to put together
What's not so great: Crashed on USB 3.0
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
3
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
This Logitech MK520 keyboard and mouse feature a wireless design for taking with you on the go. The Incurve keys and palm rest allow for comfortable use.
Customer Rating
4
Helps cut down on clutter!
on July 28, 2013
Posted by: havanajoe8
from Mansfield, MA
I've been trying to clean up my desk for awhile now. My girlfriend heard me complain that the mouse and keyboard cords are the worst because they have to stretch all the way across my desk, so when she was in Best Buy she bought this wireless combo kit for me. Setup was simple with Windows 8- took away my corded mouse and keyboard, plugged in the USB receiver extender to my USB hub, and placed it on the right back corner of my desk, about a foot away. Everything worked as soon as I turned them on!
The mouse is the better of the two products in my opinion. I love the feel and it's very sensitive without being jumpy. Feels just like my corded mouse, perhaps even a little more accurate.
They keyboard has volume controls, which I really like, but it's missing an LED for the NUM lock and scroll lock keys. The CAPS lock key has an LED, and there is room at the top of the keyboard for some LEDS, so I wish they had put them in. Tactile feedback of the keys is fine. Nice big ESC key in the top left corner.
Overall, what a great way to clean up your desk by eliminating cables.
What's great about it: Works like a corded mouse and keyboard
What's not so great: No NUM lock or scroll lock lights
I would recommend this to a friend!
Design
3
Ease of Use
4
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Stay comfortable while you work with this Targus AWE79US chill mat that features dual fans to help keep your laptop cool and open edges for optimal airflow. The L-shaped rubber stops hold your laptop securely in place.
Customer Rating
4
Usually quiet, dropped CPU temp
on July 24, 2013
Posted by: havanajoe8
from Mansfield, MA
I bought this pad to chill my Lenovo N585 laptop. Before and after temperature reading showed a drop of 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It's usually very quiet, but twice so far it has started noisy and then the noise went away after about 30 seconds. Hopefully this is the fans breaking in!
My Best Buy number: 2159931860
What's great about it: Does the job!
What's not so great: Sometimes starts noisy
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Enjoy a DSLR-like body and sensor with a fixed lens with this Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 III camera. Powerful zoom ensures you get close up to your subject, and you can also film at up to 4K resolutions. Ultra-powerful intelligent autofocus and heavy-duty image processing ensure this Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 III camera captures the images you want..
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Small sensor
By BusStop
Bitter sweet, good zoom but small sensor will not give you the professional looking photos of a full frame camera.
Good for traveling anyway.
Good for traveling anyway.
havanajoe8
Mansfield, MA
Hmmm...
July 3, 2017
You really can't compare a camera with a 1" sensor to a full-frame... APS-C would be a closer comparison, but even still, you won't get a 600mm equivalent lens @ 4.0 for less than $12k even with an APS-C camera, and the quality on this camera is about 80% of an APS-C...
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
Bring the party wherever you go with the LG X-Boom speaker cube. Wirelessly stream music from a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or tablet, or use dual USB ports for playback or recording when connected to a USB device. Download the free LG Remote app from the Google Playstore to control the LG X-Boom speaker cube from any Android device.
Overall4 out of 5
4 out of 5Great Sound and Bass
By mmcdon
Good overall purchase but the only feature lacking is a shuffle feature if you have a usb connected.
havanajoe8
Mansfield, MA
Random
July 22, 2017
Press the "repeat" button until the display says "random". I think it's four or five clicks. You have to do this each time you turn the system on, but it works.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
havanajoe8's Questions
havanajoe8 has not submitted any questions.
Play back audio from a wide range of sources with this Insignia™ NS-SH513 compact shelf system, which features Bluetooth technology, a USB port and a CD player for flexible use. The FM tuner features 30 presets for simple station recall.
Will it play burned music CDs?
After buying a new CD, I burn a copy and store master copy for safe keeping. Will this desk stereo have issues playing a burned copy of a music CD?
It will play it but shuffle will only work with standard CDs. If the CD is MP3 shuffle won't work
9 years, 1 month ago
by
havanajoe8
Mansfield, MA
Play back audio from a wide range of sources with this Insignia™ NS-SH513 compact shelf system, which features Bluetooth technology, a USB port and a CD player for flexible use. The FM tuner features 30 presets for simple station recall.
Can I connect this to my TV?
Can I somehow use the aux port to connect this system to my TV?
Yes, but only if the TV has a headphone jack.
9 years, 1 month ago
by
havanajoe8
Mansfield, MA
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens: Whether you're a beginner or professional, you'll love this compact, lightweight lens from Nikon. The normal angle of view captures approximately what the human eye sees, making it a great all-around lens. Plus, the f/1.8 maximum aperture is ideal for creating softly blurred backgrounds and shooting in low light.
I have a D90, should I think about upgrading?
Should I upgrade from my D90 and to what Nikon Camera. Also, are SIGMA lenses for Nikon good to use / buy?
I've used Sigma lenses, they work just fine. the camera body is less important than the lenses. If you feel that newer bodies have more features that you would like (faster burst, Wi-Fi, etc) than sure, upgrade; but keep in mind that picture quality won't improve much (if at all) if you are using good lenses!
9 years, 3 months ago
by
havanajoe8
Mansfield, MA
Play back audio from a wide range of sources with this Insignia™ NS-SH513 compact shelf system, which features Bluetooth technology, a USB port and a CD player for flexible use. The FM tuner features 30 presets for simple station recall.
does the players remembers the track from mp3cd and usb? or it would always start from the beginning?
does the players remembers the track from mp3cd and usb? or it would always start from the beginning?
Always starts at the beginning and shuffle only works with standard CDs, not CD-R/RW or USB. Major flaw in my opinion!
9 years, 4 months ago
by
havanajoe8
Mansfield, MA
Samsung NX300 Mirrorless Camera with 18–55mm Lens: You can capture the important moments in your life in rich detail with the Samsung NX300, which comes with a 18–55mm lens and features a Samsung NX mount that lets you switch out your lenses (additional lenses sold separately). Once you've captured the images and HD video footage you want to share with loved ones, just connect to your devices via the camera's built-in Wi-Fi.Memory card sold separately.
How is this for shooting indoor volleyball?
My daughter plays competitive volleyball. I am told I need a camera with a high burst rate, high iso and a lens with a low f setting. I am shooting pictures anywhere from 20-30 feet away.
You could get it to work for this but a DSLR may be better. This camera can have a very fast burst rate with lower quality, there are several level of speed vs. quality you can select. You can also set the ISO fairly high. You'd need a fat lens, the 40MM 1.8 is fast but is not much of a telephoto. No eyepiece here, for sports you would probably want a DSLR with a fixed lens such as a 200MM minimum.
9 years, 4 months ago
by
havanajoe8
Mansfield, MA
Play back audio from a wide range of sources with this Insignia™ NS-SH513 compact shelf system, which features Bluetooth technology, a USB port and a CD player for flexible use. The FM tuner features 30 presets for simple station recall.
Does it have a clock display?
This smart Samsung BD-H5100/ZA Blu-ray player supports BD, DVD±R/RW, DVD-Video, CD±R/RW, WMV and JPEG formats and 1080p video output, so you can easily enjoy your favorite media in crisp high-definition.
By connecting this Blu Ray Player to my Samsung SMART TV, can I eliminate having to hard wire the player for internet access?
I am asking this question because my TV is wireless and is part of my home network already but this player is not wireless and would normally need to be hard wired (ethernet cable) to get internet access. Problem is I do not have hard wire access in that room - so again I am wondering if being hooked up to the TV it will have internet access via the TV? I understand if the Blu Ray player needs to update it's firmware it needs internet access and that's why this is important to me.
No- the Blu-ray player needs a direct internet cable connection
9 years, 6 months ago
by
havanajoe8
Mansfield, MA
The T15 are those bookshelf speakers whose high versatility is built to impress. Engineered with Polk's proprietary Dynamic Balance technology, they're primed to improve your home theater experience and take on your entire arsenal of tunes without fail. Think brighter highs, a wide-open mid-range and surprising bass response - the perfect entry into high-performance audio. What’s more, it’s easy to setup, supports Dolby and DTS, and connects to most home theater receivers, stereos or home theater processors. The best part is that it won't drain your wallet! Go big on great sound made for everyone. Add the T15 bookshelf stereo speakers to your home audio setup today.
powerful party speakers for laptop
haveing a party and my brother is the (DJ) so i want something that has alot of sound for a decetn price. also an added woofer would be nice.
They will handle a fair amount of power and should be plenty loud- but they lack a bit of bass. Highs and mids sound great though.
9 years, 7 months ago
by
havanajoe8
Mansfield, MA
Fill your room with big and balanced sound with this Logitech Z313 980-000382 3-piece speaker system featuring a 4" subwoofer and a control pod to easily adjust the volume and headphone controls.
Does it works with 220V ?
I know it works with 110 V for sure, and want to know if I bring it to a country that runs 220 V, will it works as well?
Capture important moments with this Canon PowerShot SX170 IS digital camera, which features a 16.0-megapixel CCD sensor that enables you to shoot crisp photos. The dedicated movie button lets you easily record high-definition videos with stereo sound.Memory card sold separately.
What is the difference between digital and optical zoom?
Optical zoom is physically using the lens to zoom, in other words, it's real zoom. Digital zoom is simply blowing up a portion of the picture, like taking a small picture and having it blown up to a larger one. Always use optical zoom, the quality will be much better. Once you are using digital zoom you are just blowing up a portion of the picture and the quality degrades quickly.
9 years, 10 months ago
by
havanajoe8
Mansfield, MA