LouRevue's stats
- Review count249
- Helpfulness votes894
- First reviewMay 20, 2011
- Last reviewJune 15, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes1
- First review commentJanuary 17, 2017
- Last review commentJanuary 17, 2017
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count8
- Helpfulness votes11
- First answerApril 9, 2013
- Last answerJune 12, 2018
- Featured answers0
- Best answers1
Maximum connectivity. Compact Design. The Dell DA300 6-in-1 USB C adapter. Featuring the widest variety of port options including HDMI, DP, VGA, Ethernet, USB-C and USB-A, this Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter - DA300 offers seamless video, network and data connectivity, in a neat, compact design. Offers up to 4K resolution at 60Hz via DP or HDMI port and enjoy a crisp and clear view without compromising on performance. Its USB-A and USB-C downstream ports also offer fast data transfer rates, at up to SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps3 when connecting to other supported peripherals. The only USB-C adapter with in-built cable management and a round, coaxial cable that offers a reliable connection with enhanced signal integrity.
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
Having an adapter/hub like this is always a nice accessory to have. Unlike the typical 1 or 2 extra USB slots other adapters have, this one has significantly more ports making it far more universal.
It's pretty small and compact. It's also lightweight since it's made of plastic. I put this in my work bag and it fits perfectly in smaller pockets. There is a ethernet port, USB-C, HDMI, USB 3.0 and VGA port as well. You can hook up a projector/monitor as well as additional peripherals using this one adapter.
Only negative I can say about this is the connector cable It's about 5-6 inches long and I wish it could've been a bit longer (maybe a foot or so).
Aside from this, this is a great little adapter to carry with you or to keep at your work desk or something.
Mobile Submission: False
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Bring your Astro dreams to life with the Hover-1 Astro Hoverboard. This exciting rideable is an all-out color experience. Available in three different finishes, the LED lights along the wheels, the board and the foot pads will shine bright during your entire ride. The vibrant RGB color scheme will bring your board to life. Bright, bold, and beautiful, Astro brings out our love for color with every mile you ride. Loaded with a massive 400W motor that lets you hit speeds of up to 7mph, you can cruise for up to 6 miles on a single charge. The purchaser and rider of this product are responsible for knowing and obeying all state and local regulations regarding the use of this product, including whether licensing is required and the rules concerning where it may be operated. It is highly encouraged that you read and follow the product instructions including all safety precautions and use protective gear.
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
This is a really cool looking hoverboard/scooter. This is my first one so it definitely takes some time getting used to.
To start off, I've never owned one of these before so this is all new to me. It is a bit scary trying to use one of these for the first time. I'd highly recommend doing so on grass or at a park or something. You WILL fall down so just be prepared for that. This scooter has a 7MPH top speed which is quite speedy; especially for the first time user.
The scooter seems pretty well built. It's very solid and just feels beefy. The lights on this scooter really pop. It's definitely an eye catcher while using this scooter. There is a companion app for this scooter where you can adjust the colors/lights so that's a neat little feature.
This is a really cool little mode of transport. For new timers, this will definitely take some time getting used to. Once you do, it can be really fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7zLOZE_68Y&feature=youtu.be
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Thrustmaster is thrilled to offer a brand-new piece of gaming gear for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC (Windows 10): its professional gamepad, designed for gamers looking to take their gaming to the next level, reach new heights of performance and achieve the best possible rankings. Featuring next-generation modules and cutting-edge T-MOD technology, the ESWAP X PRO CONTROLLER has been designed to adapt to all gaming styles thanks to its completely modular ergonomics, industrial-grade components, free configuration software for Xbox and PC (Windows 10) gamers, and an endless ecosystem of additional modules (sold separately). This product is an officially-licensed Xbox Series X|S device, and is also compatible with Xbox One, as well as PCs running Windows 10.
Customer Rating
4
Pretty swank little controller
on November 9, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
I’m a PlayStation to PC convert so I’ve been using my PS4 controller with my gaming PC. While it works, I’ve had some issues with the PS4 controller on my gaming PC; primarily with Bluetooth connection. This controller addresses this with it being a wired controller as well as a pretty sweet configurable controller setup.
For some reason, all the controllers I’ve used always had an issue with the left analog stick. I always get controller drift in the left stick and it’s pretty irritating. The revolutionary thing about this controller is the fact that individual components on the controller can be replaced which is really cool. The controller is an XBOX style so, for me, it took a bit getting used to having come from PlayStation. What made this transition a bit easier is the fact that I can have analog sticks just like on my PS4 controller and move the D pad to the upper section. Surprisingly this is a big thing for me as it just feels more natural for me.
The controls can be configured in almost any fashion with the exception of the button (X,Y,A,B). These buttons are always in the upper right slot so these can’t be moved. The other slots can be configured anyway you want. You could have both thumbsticks on the left hand side and D pad on the right. Odd setup but it’s possible with this controller.
The D pad can be removed with the included mini screwdriver. The analog sticks can simply be pulled out. The three components are modular and are secured via magnets so they will stay in there pretty securely but not too much where they’re hard to pull out. You can also replace the trigger buttons as well using the included mini screwdriver as well.
The buttons are good and have a pleasant click to them; almost similar to that of a mouse click. The thumbsticks are smooth and the sticks themselves can be modified with the included divot/dome thumbsticks which can be screwed on/off. Just below the thumbsticks are buttons for raising/lowering chat volumes as well as buttons to manually change profiles with the click of a button.
On the back/bottom of the controller are programmable buttons. Initially I thought this would work out great for me and add some additional functional buttons. However, these buttons are really small and not very tactile. If these buttons were raised a bit more or had were capped in rubber or something, they would feel much better IMO. As is, I usually miss the buttons or wind up pressing the wrong one. Perhaps after some time I’ll get used to them but, initially, they just don’t feel good.
On the back/bottom of the controller are programmable buttons. Initially I thought this would work out great for me and add some additional functional buttons. However, these buttons are really small and not very tactile. If these buttons were raised a bit more or had were capped in rubber or something, they would feel much better IMO. As is, I usually miss the buttons or wind up pressing the wrong one. Perhaps after some time I’ll get used to them but, initially, they just don’t feel good.
The button mapping software took a bit of time for me since I've never used a controller like this before however, it's pretty intuitive and works well. Using this on Destiny 2 is pretty smooth. Aside from getting used to the XBOX style controller, the controller functions great AND I don’t lose connection with my controller like I used to with my PS4 controllers. I'm looking forward to using this controller/software with my other games like GTA V and Red Dead Redemption.
I think the controller has great potential. It’s good as it is now however with a few updates and, possibly, better ergonomics, this would be a great controller.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Keep your devices powered on the go with the Belkin BOOSTCHARGE 36W Dual Port PPS Car Charger. It boasts two 18W USB-C Ports, both of which support simultaneous fast charging for all PD-Enabled devices. This 36 watt charger is equipped with PPS technology, which allows for optimized charging with compatible devices by dynamically negotiating the best charging voltage. It’s packed with the latest USB-C Power Delivery 3.0 and PPS technologies, working together to safely deliver the ideal amount of fast power to the device it’s connected to. Optimized to charge all USB-A and USB-C compatible devices faster than a standard 5w Charger. Compatible with Apple iPhone 14, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone XR, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XS, iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8, HTC U12+, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10, Google Pixel 3 XL, Google Pixel 3, iPad Pro (12.9") 2nd Gen, iPad Pro (10.5"), Huawei Mate 20, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Huawei P30/P30 Pro, Sony Xperia XZ2
Customer Rating
5
Super fast car charger
on November 6, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
I think everyone should have a fast car charger like this in their automobile. Most other car chargers I've used have been 12W and do a decent job at charging. However, I think we all have had those situations where we need to super charge our phones in our car because we forgot to charge it over night or something. This is what this charger is for. Using a USB-C cable, this charger can quickly charge your phone in no time. I drove for about 15 minutes to run some errands and charged my phone during this time. I got about 20% charge in that short amount time which is great. My phone, iPhone XS MAX, was a bit warm but this is expected considering the fast charge time. I really love using this charger whenever I'm traveling and need a super fast charge.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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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.
Customer Rating
5
Snazzy home/office charger
on November 6, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
Works great for my iPhone XS Max. The charge time is pretty good. I got about 2-3% after just charging for 10 minutes. It's small and discreet looking. Both the top and bottom have rubber strips on them so it's pretty stable and won't slide around. I use this at my desk where I can plop my phone on it if I need to charge it for a short bit. Great little charger.
Mobile Submission: False
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Brush smart, get rewarded. The quip Smart Electric Toothbrush Starter Kit earns you amazing rewards (like free brush heads, products, gift cards, and more) as you track and coach better oral health habits with the free quip app. It has a Bluetooth® Smart Motor, premium All-Color design, and the same timed sonic vibrations as our original ADA-Accepted brush. quip's simple and sustainable brush also includes a premium handle you keep for life, a replaceable soft-bristle brush head (tongue scraper on back), a replaceable AAA battery, and a multi-use travel cover that doubles as a stand and mirror mount. Connect one or more Bluetooth® Smart Brushes to the quip app (iOS & Android), then automatically track your brushing routine offline: duration, coverage, strokes and intensity. To help improve your oral health habits, tap the app for tailored tips, coaching, and more. You can also earn rewards you'll love just for brushing two minutes, twice a day. Unlike some electric brushes that are big and bulky, quip is slim and lightweight with a long-lasting 3-month battery (no wires or bulky charger). Simply click the "q" button to power a gentle, effective clean with all the guiding features dentists recommend: sensitive sonic vibrations, 2-minute timer, 30 second pulses. The sleek, travel-ready design easily packs into any pocket, purse, or bag for on the go. Plus, it's water-resistant and shower-safe. Like most quip oral care products, the quip Smart Electric Toothbrush is American Dental Association-Accepted, and shown to help remove plaque, and help prevent and reduce gingivitis. On a refill plan, quip automatically delivers a fresh Brush Head Refill every 3 months for $5 with free shipping and a lifetime warranty. Subscribe to get your first refill free, and see why quip has over 20,000 5-star reviews. Better oral health, made simple, affordable, and enjoyable.
Customer Rating
4
Good electric toothbrush
on November 2, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
This is an interesting toothbrush in that it A) is Bluetooth enabled and B) rewards you for brushing your teeth. As if brushing your teeth for health reasons wasn’t enough for you, with the Quip toothbrush, you actually earn points for consistently brushing your teeth.
When you pair this toothbrush with your phone, you actually get metrics on things like how often you brush, the intensity you’re brushing, how long you’re brushing, etc. Based on these actions, you’re awarded points which you can then redeem for things like replacement brush heads, toothpaste, etc. If you brush consistently, in one week, you’d accumulate 26 points. Replacement brush heads are 450 points. Seems like a lot however, with consistent use, you’ll probably get there in no time.
As for the performance, this is no Oral-B or Philips electric toothbrush. The Quip is a vibrating toothbrush so the brush head doesn’t rotate or move like with the Philips/Oral-B. I own a Philips and it’s quite powerful and does a great job of cleaning. The Quip is right there with the “disposable” powered toothbrushes you see out there. This toothbrush runs on a single AAA battery so it’s limited in terms of power compared to higher end ones. This isn’t a fair comparison but just wanted to give you an idea of where the Quip stands in terms of power.
This toothbrush would work REALLY great as a travel toothbrush which is what I intend on using it for. It’s super light and slim and doesn’t take up nearly as much room as a Philips/Oral-B toothbrush does. It’s battery powered so no need to charge or bring a charger with you when traveling.
My only concern with this is that it’s battery operated. I’ve used battery operated toothbrushes before and they always had an issue where moisture/water would seep into the battery compartment and ruin the toothbrush. There is a small rubber O-ring protecting the batter compartment however it’s quite flimsy and can be easily removed when you change out brush heads/battery.
Overall, it’s a bit pricey compared to your typical manual brush you get at a drug store but, thinking long term, this Quip could grow on you. With the brushing metrics you get from the mobile app as well as the scheduled deliveries of accessories, you’re pretty much set with this thing. While it’s not as powerful as a higher end toothbrush, this one does the trick.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Drive safely with this Escort Max 3 driver alert system. AutoLearn technology and an IVT filter reduce false alerts to avoid distractions, while the large multicolor OLED display provides an optimal viewing angle. This Escort Max 3 driver alert system features Bluetooth connectivity to let you share and receive useful information via the app.
Customer Rating
5
Pretty good for newbie owner
on October 14, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
I’ve been looking to upgrade my radar detector however there’s so many choices out there. The normal Cobra/Uniden/Escort names are really the only ones I’m familiar with. That said, what’s most important is that the radar detectors work and work well. This one seems to work pretty well and haven’t had any issues.
Included in the box is the radar detector, suction cup mount, cigarette charger and a carrying case as well as the instruction manual. Pretty simple, compact setup that’s easy to carry and transport.
Included in the box is the radar detector, suction cup mount, cigarette charger and a carrying case as well as the instruction manual. Pretty simple, compact setup that’s easy to carry and transport.
The suction up mount is pretty good and provides a solid mount. It’s fall now so I really won’t know how well the mount holds up until summer rolls around. For now though, it’s pretty solid so that’s a good thing. The unit connects to the mount via a magnetic mount which provides just the right amount of support for the radar detector. It’s a solid enough mount where it’ll hang tight while you’re using it but not too strong where it’s impossible to remove the unit from the mount. You can easily connect the unit to the mount and easily take it off as well. I’m certain it’ll hold on if you hit a big bump/pothole so there’s peace of mind there.
The unit itself takes some time getting used to in terms of buttons, functionality, etc. I had a Cobra one before so I got used to that setup. A good look through of the manual is in order for me. I use this radar detector in my F150 so the cigarette power cable is just the right length for my truck. I believe there is a hardwire kit available so I’ll probably get that. I have a dash cam too that’s hardwired so it’ll give my truck a nice, cleaner look.
There is also a companion app to use with this radar detector. It requires a subscription to use however I haven’t gotten to it yet. With this radar, dash cam and another heads up display in my truck, my dash is starting to get a bit cluttered so adding another screen to look at might be a bit distracting.
As far as performance, I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary with this. It works as intended and alerts me to known street speed traps. I have yet to go out on the highway with this but I’m certain it’ll work there as well. The unit comes defaulted to Auto mode and I’ve seen other reviews stating you should change that to get better functionality from the radar detector. I noticed that when on Auto, it seems a bit sketchy in terms of alerts and such. There’s still a bit of a learning curve for me with this thing but, overall, seems to function/operate similarly to most other well known radar detector brands.
Hoping this thing works superbly so I won’t get any speeding tickets.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The A20 Wireless headset Gen 2 is designed to give you gaming audio freedom on several levels. Its 2.4 GHz signal provides an extended wireless range and with the flip-to-mute microphone you can easily choose if you want to be heard or not. Additionally, the headset’s long lasting comfort and battery life allow you to game through those marathon sessions.
Customer Rating
4
Pretty solid, all around headset
on October 14, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
I have the Astro A40s which is a really good headset. As good as they are, I really don't like wired headsets all that much so these A20's are the wireless, middle brother to the A40's.
Sound is spot on as is the chat volume. The chat/volume slider is pretty similar to any other headset so just takes a sec to fine tune that piece. The controls for the headset are on the right ear which, odd as it sounds, takes a little while getting used to. Pretty much all the wireless headsets I've had, the controls were always on the left side so I'm used to that. Controls are pretty simple however the buttons click with nice responsive feedback. The headset charges via USB-C and the headset comes with a short charging cable.
The fit of the headset is a bit off for me. The earcups, called me old fashioned, I prefer them to be leather or pleather. The microfiber fabric on these headsets is comfortable however it itches my ears if I play for a long time. The headband is a bit of an issue for me and those folks with big heads. Even with the earcups extended all the way, the headset feels tight on me. I wear a 7 3/8 fitted hat and this headset isn't tailored for those with large noggins. That said, it's a tight but comfortable feel. However, for long periods of time, it starts to get a bit itchy/uncomfortable for me.
Overall, it's a quality headset. Sound is good, fit is good and battery life seems to be pretty good or on par with any other wireless headset.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Make the most of your tablet with the ZAGG Pro Stylus. Take notes, sketch, mark-up documents, swipe through pages, and just do more. With a eight-hour battery life, palm-rejection technology, and compatibility with apps that support Apple Pencil, you’re ready for anything. Compatible with Apple iPad Pro 12.9" 6th Generation (2022) 5th Generation (2021), 4th Generation (2020), 3rd Generation (2018); iPad Pro 11" 4th Generation (2022), 3rd Generation (2021), 2nd Generation (2020), 1st Generation (2018); iPad Air 10.9" 5th Generation (2022), 4th Generation (2020); iPad 10.2" 9th Generation (2021), 8th Generation (2020), 7th Generation (2019); iPad 9.7" 6th Generation (2018); and iPad mini 6th Generation (2021), 5th Generation (2019).
Customer Rating
4
Low cost alternative to Apple Pencil
on October 7, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
For those of you looking to get an Apple pencil for your iPad but are turned off by the extraordinary price tag, this would be a great comparable, low cost option.
I recently purchased a 12.9 iPad Pro and also got the Gen 2 Apple pencil with it. It was an impulse purchase but if you’re spending over $1k on an tablet, what’s a hundred or so more right? The Apple Pencil works great as it should and battery life is great. Obviously, the biggest turn off for the Apple Pencil is the price tag. Spending $150 or so on a pen seems ridiculous. But, for those who are in graphic design or other creative professions, the pen is almost a must have.
As with any 3rd party accessory, I’m always leery that it’ll be a limited version of the OEM product. The same held true for this Zagg pen so I was expecting a lower brand knock off of the Apple Pencil. Much to my surprise, it works very well and seems to have the same functionality of the Apple Pencil.
As far as size/weight, this pen is almost identical to the Apple Pencil. Length wise, they’re the same however the Zagg pen feels a smidge lighter. The Apple Pencil feels a bit more solid while the Zagg pen seems empty(er) inside. Big drawback for me, like with the Apple Pencil, is that the Zagg pen is really smooth so it’s hard to maintain a good grip for me. Also, the squishy, stylish end of the pen isn’t something I really use. I much prefer the pencil tip for my applications.
One of the things that concerned me about the pen was that it should work for most applications. Fair to say that, this being a 3rd party accessory, one could expect that it wouldn’t function exactly like the Apple Pencil. For the apps that I use, this pen works perfectly fine with them. I’m not a heavy user of things like Photoshop or Adobe however I use some popular apps like PenUltimate, Notability and Evernote. I also use Sketchbook quite a bit too. In all of these apps, I don’t notice any limited functionality. Touches are registered just like the Apple Pencil does. You can easily write/draw with the pen and it doesn’t register your palm if it’s touching the screen. The only difference that I noticed is that this pen won’t detect/register pencil strokes at an extreme angle. The Apple Pencil will however the Zagg pen is very choppy when used at extreme angles. Not a huge thing but just something I noticed.
The back half of the pen slides up to reveal the USB-C charging port. Included in the box is a USB-C charging cable (about a foot long) and an extra pencil tip.
The back half of the pen slides up to reveal the USB-C charging port. Included in the box is a USB-C charging cable (about a foot long) and an extra pencil tip.
The one nagging thing I have with this pen is that you can’t tell if it’s on. When you turn the pen on/off, a ring of light shows up to let you know the pen is powered on/off however you can’t tell IF it’s been turned off or on. I would’ve preferred the light stay on or pulse to let you know the pen is on. Not a big issue but just something that would’ve been nice.
That said, if you want a pen for your iPad but don’t want to pay retail price on the Apple Pencil, this is a great alternative. It’s cheaper than the Apple Pencil and, from what I’ve seen, works just like the Apple Pencil.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Feel the music with the JET BASS BOOSTER and High-efficiency Tweeters inside the all-in-one MHC-V13 Home Audio System. Make the party yours with a speaker light, Karaoke function, and more. New functions like Party Playlist and Karaoke Ranking via Sony’s Fiestable app turn the party into a full-on interactive experience for everyone in attendance.
Customer Rating
3
Unusual combination for a speaker system
on October 3, 2020
Posted by: LouRevue
from Washington, DC
If you’re the partying type, this speaker might be for you. If you’re not, probably best to look for something else.
This is an unusual speaker system in that it’s a normal music playing system in addition to karaoke machine and guitar speaker. I haven’t seen something like this so it’s definitely unique. Probably so unique that it might not be for everyone.
This is an unusual speaker system in that it’s a normal music playing system in addition to karaoke machine and guitar speaker. I haven’t seen something like this so it’s definitely unique. Probably so unique that it might not be for everyone.
As a music speaker, this works just fine. You’re able to play CD’s as well as sync your Bluetooth device to the speaker. There is also a USB port and Digital Optic port on the back of the unit as well. When pairing your Bluetooth device, the sound is drastically diminished. I paired my iPhone XS MAX to the speaker and the sound was really weak. I had to crank up the volume almost to the max in order to get some decent sound out of the speaker. When playing a CD however, the sound is quite nice. The highs come through well and there’s just enough bass to make it sound good.
I ‘m not a big karaoke fan so I wasn’t able to try this feature out. There is a mic input on the speaker as well as controls for the mic. I also don’t have a guitar so I wasn’t able to try this feature out as well. These two features, I’m guessing, a lot of people won’t be able to take advantage of.
The size of the unit is pretty compact. The speaker is about 2 feet tall and about a foot wide so the footprint is quite small. The included remote is quite helpful.
If you’re host parties quite a bit or like to play guitar, this would be something of interest for you. However, if you’re looking for a Bluetooth speaker, Sony has other products that would suit you much better like the XB or SRS lineup. This speaker seems like it’s trying to squeeze several different features in an all-in-one Bluetooth speaker. For me, it’s not something I can take full advantage of however it works well if you need/want a Bluetooth speaker.
https://youtu.be/DrK50eoCIoo
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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LouRevue's Review Comments
Only at Best Buy Acer Aspire R 15 Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop: Combine performance and versatility with this Acer Aspire laptop. It has a huge 1TB hard drive to meet your storage needs, and the Intel Core i5 processor makes light work of multitasking. This Acer Aspire laptop has a 15.6-inch display for a great viewing experience, and the 360-degree hinged screen provide flexibility for work and play.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Excellent laptop for everyday use
By LouRevue
from Washington, DC
Having had the chance to use this laptop, I must say it’s quite an impressive model for almostn any use. With an abundance of features housed in a sleek, stylish body, it’s a solid laptop for anyone in the market for a new/replacement laptop.
Using a 7th gen i5 dual core processor, the laptop functions on par with just about any laptop in its price range. With 8GB of RAM (12GB max) and a 1TB hard drive, it offers plenty of speed and room for all your files and enough power/speed to perform almost any task.
As far as the aesthetics go, this is an impressive looking laptop with clean lines, brushed aluminum cover and beveled edges. It’s a very nice looking laptop no doubt and the design, overall, is quite appealing. It comes with a full size keyboard as well as backlit keys which is a nice touch. Only gripe with the keyboard are the arrow buttons as the Up/Down buttons are smaller due to keyboard layout. The power button is on the right side of the laptop which is a bit unique as well as a dedicated volume button. There are 2 USB 3.0 ports as well as 1 USB 2.0 port, HDMI, SD Card and USB-C port. There is no CD drive for anyone wondering. The laptop (closed) is only about ¾ inch tall however it’s a bit wider than most due to the full size keyboard.
Power/performance. Using a dual-core processor I was under the impression this would be relatively slow and have choppy performance when opening multiple programs. Being this is the latest gen processor from Intel, this is not the case. Opening 2-3 programs at once was done with relative ease and switching between them was pretty flawless. The 8GB RAM comes in quite handy here and even with a 5400 RPM HDD, this laptop was able to perform tasks with very good speed. Battery life is pretty good. Using it “normally” and leaving it on for about 5-6 hours, there was about 50% battery left. Also, one very noteworthy benefit to this laptop, it doesn’t get that hot when left on for long periods of time which is VERY nice.
The display is probably the most impressive feature on here. A full 1080p display is quite vibrant and displays bright and dark colors extremely well. Those wanting to watch Netflix/Hulu will have no issues with the display. In addition to visuals, the sound from this laptop is equally impressive. For watching movies or just playing music, the speakers on this laptop deliver quite nicely without too much reverberation or distorted sound.
One of my initial thoughts of this being a 2-in-1 was that the tablet was an afterthought/gimmick. Having used previous 2-in-1 laptops, I was expecting the tablet functionality to be quite lackluster. Again, this was not the case. In this unit, you have, both, a well built laptop as well as tablet on-the-go device. Once in tablet mode, the screen orients itself to that of a normal tablet using Windows Tiles. Touch sensitivity is surprisingly smooth and using paint programs worked well without any lag or drops in sensitivity. Using the tablet form works really well when you want to sit back and watch videos or movies. Very nice.
A couple concerns with this laptop were;
The hard drive. While it’s a large 1TB drive, I would’ve expected something, at least, in the 7200 RPM range. Being fast enough for normal business related tasks, anyone wanting to use this laptop for video editing or other processor intensive jobs might find it to be a bit slow. This can easily be remedied by replacing the HD for a faster spindle drive or a SSD. However it would’ve been nice to have a tad faster hard drive here.
The keyboard, for me, took a bit getting used to since I have previously used standard laptop keyboards without the number pad. This is a personal preference so nothing against the design. Just noting that those of you used to that type of laptop keyboard, there will be a bit of learning curve involved however I think the addition of the number pad is great thing and should be standard on all laptops.
While the brushed aluminum case is aesthetically appealing, I’m a little concerned about it getting scratched/dinged from normal use or if when you’re changing it to be used as a tablet. This is the case with some laptops that use this metal casing so just something to be aware of.
The keyboard, for me, took a bit getting used to since I have previously used standard laptop keyboards without the number pad. This is a personal preference so nothing against the design. Just noting that those of you used to that type of laptop keyboard, there will be a bit of learning curve involved however I think the addition of the number pad is great thing and should be standard on all laptops.
While the brushed aluminum case is aesthetically appealing, I’m a little concerned about it getting scratched/dinged from normal use or if when you’re changing it to be used as a tablet. This is the case with some laptops that use this metal casing so just something to be aware of.
Overall, this is an impressive laptop, reasonably priced with enough up-to-date technology that will last you for several years to come. Being that it’s a 2-in-1, it’s an added bonus which allows you to use this device in ways you should be able to do and with relative ease.There is some bloatware included (this should be no surprise) so make sure to uninstall/delete the stuff you don’t need. Aside from a somewhat slow hard drive, the other features on this laptop more than make up for it. Very nice buy for a new work laptop or student.
LouRevue
Washington, DC
Bloatware?
January 17, 2017
It took a bit of time to setup my laptop as well. Have you tried uninstalling the bloatware on this laptop? I did and I don't have any issues with boot speed or anything else on my laptop.
+1point
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Only @ Best BuyListen to music with this sweat- and dust-resistant wireless Jabra Elite headset. It connects via USB, mini-jack or Bluetooth, and a powerful microphone lets you use voice commands with your mobile device. This Jabra Elite headset reduces background noise and has a built-in motion sensor that lets you track fitness efforts.
Can an owner of the original non active 65t comment on the fit and stability difference with the active version? Curious if that and the extra IP rating is worth a look, or negligible.
I own both the active and regular 65T's and I don't see any noticeable difference between them. Aside from the IP rating, there's really not much difference. Both fit exactly the same and fit pretty snugly in the ear.
6 years ago
by
LouRevue
Brighten your day and night with this Philips Being Hue ceiling light. The dimming function lets you set an ambience for different moods, and it works with the Philips Hue dimmer switch and mobile app for versatile control. The ZigBee technology of this 32W Philips Being Hue ceiling lamp provides smooth, efficient interoperability with multiple Hue lighting units.
Can this light be controlled by a existing wired wall switch? I plan to replace the light that is already there with this one, but I would prefer to use the wired switch.
Yes you can...that's what I did. One thing to note is that the light won't come on immediately like your current light fixture does. There's a second or two delay after you flip the switch. I'm planning on replacing the switch with a dimmer switch so maybe that will correct the delay.
6 years, 6 months ago
by
LouRevue
Samsung Galaxy Note II I317 Cell Phone for AT&T: Combining the best of a smartphone and a tablet, its huge 5.5" screen provides a great view of photos, videos and web pages yet its thin and lightweight design makes it easy to hold and carry. Use the enhanced S Pen to write on the display and personalize e-mails, highlight calendar appointments and make sketches. AT&T Next option available. Learn more ›
How much internal storage does the phone have minus the external SD Card?
Most US models will have 16GB of storage. The international versions can range anywhere from 16GB-64GB
11 years, 2 months ago
by
LouRevue
Washington, DC
Samsung Galaxy Note II I317 Cell Phone for AT&T: Combining the best of a smartphone and a tablet, its huge 5.5" screen provides a great view of photos, videos and web pages yet its thin and lightweight design makes it easy to hold and carry. Use the enhanced S Pen to write on the display and personalize e-mails, highlight calendar appointments and make sketches. AT&T Next option available. Learn more ›
What is the return policy if I dont like the phone?
Depends on the carrier. I know AT&T has a 14 day return policy. Ask your carrier rep to see how long their return period is.
11 years, 2 months ago
by
LouRevue
Washington, DC
Samsung Galaxy Note II I317 Cell Phone for AT&T: Combining the best of a smartphone and a tablet, its huge 5.5" screen provides a great view of photos, videos and web pages yet its thin and lightweight design makes it easy to hold and carry. Use the enhanced S Pen to write on the display and personalize e-mails, highlight calendar appointments and make sketches. AT&T Next option available. Learn more ›
does this phone have front and back cameras?
Samsung Galaxy Note II I317 Cell Phone for AT&T: Combining the best of a smartphone and a tablet, its huge 5.5" screen provides a great view of photos, videos and web pages yet its thin and lightweight design makes it easy to hold and carry. Use the enhanced S Pen to write on the display and personalize e-mails, highlight calendar appointments and make sketches. AT&T Next option available. Learn more ›
Does this phone have a touch screen or is it just a stillus?
Samsung Galaxy Note II I317 Cell Phone for AT&T: Combining the best of a smartphone and a tablet, its huge 5.5" screen provides a great view of photos, videos and web pages yet its thin and lightweight design makes it easy to hold and carry. Use the enhanced S Pen to write on the display and personalize e-mails, highlight calendar appointments and make sketches. AT&T Next option available. Learn more ›
can i use the samsung note 2 in africa right after buying.
Only if you have the international unlocked version (the N7100 model) All other models will be tied to a carrier. You can still use those phones in Africa however you'll get hammered with roaming charges.
11 years, 2 months ago
by
LouRevue
Washington, DC
Samsung Galaxy Note II I317 Cell Phone for AT&T: Combining the best of a smartphone and a tablet, its huge 5.5" screen provides a great view of photos, videos and web pages yet its thin and lightweight design makes it easy to hold and carry. Use the enhanced S Pen to write on the display and personalize e-mails, highlight calendar appointments and make sketches. AT&T Next option available. Learn more ›
Does Samsung upgrade its android smartphone OS as soon as a new one is released? (4.1 Jelly Bean to the soon to be released 5.0 Key Lime Pie).
No. Samsung has its own UI built in (TouchWiz) so whenever a new OS comes out, Samsung won't release the update until they've adjusted their TouchWiz to work with the new OS. Judging from previous releases, new updates are generally released 4-6 months after a new OS has been released.
11 years, 2 months ago
by
LouRevue
Washington, DC