Share bikdav's profile
bikdav
bikdav's stats
- Review count30
- Helpfulness votes7
- First reviewJune 6, 2014
- Last reviewOctober 13, 2017
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.4
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count56
- Helpfulness votes11
- First answerSeptember 27, 2013
- Last answerNovember 4, 2017
- Featured answers0
- Best answers3
Wrap up your work with this Lenovo G70 laptop. A 17.3-inch screen ensures you can enjoy a full range of media for maximum enjoyment, and the 1TB hard drive lets you store everything on it. A powerful Intel Core i3 processor and plenty of RAM let this Lenovo G70 laptop get the job done.
Customer Rating
4
Took Care of My Space Problem
on May 20, 2016
Posted by: bikdav
from Andover, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I had a full blown work station on my home desk. The problem was all that gear took up WAY TOO MUCH space. I had seen other people using large laptops as desktop substitutes. I found this Lenovo G70-80 open box at a nearby Bestbuy. It has all the credentials I was looking for. No, I did not need a gaming laptop. I just wanted something with decent general performance. The Lenovo G70-80 has it - a big hard drive, plenty of onboard RAM, and a fine processor. The speed and performance of the G70-80 is what I need it to be. The only thing lacking in it is a great sound card. The onboard one doesn't distort or make any other unmusical noises, but the audio is rather bland. I'm using an outboard USB sound DAC in place of it and that makes a HUGE improvement in sound. Aside from the bland audio, the G70-80 is very good.
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
This Sunpak PlatinumPlus 5858D 620-585BB tripod stabilizes your camera or camcorder when taking self-portraits, family photos and more to ensure sharp, detailed images. The 3-way pan head enables simple adjustments, so you can frame shots to your liking.
Customer Rating
5
More Than I Expected
on May 20, 2016
Posted by: bikdav
from Andover, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
This is not a $200 tripod like I have used on occasion. But, the Sunpack 5858D is more than I expected for its $30 price. It operates smooth enough to use with my iPad mini. I am amazed how much better the iPad performs when mounted on a tripod. I tried it on both the $200 tripod and this one. Yes, the more expensive one has an edge on performance. But, this $30 Sunpack does the main job more than adequately.
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Enjoy immersive movies, games and more with this Onkyo TX-NR646 home theater receiver. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
Posted by: bikdav
from Andover, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I was initially looking at the Onkyo TX-8050 and the TX-8160 2 channel network units (both with analog and digital inputs, network input, and turntable input). While I was thinking about those units, I had a listen to the Onkyo TX-NR545 which is pretty similar. That one had almost everything that the 2 channel candidates had, but no turntable input. What grabbed my attention to it was the surround sound performance. That gave me something to think about. Weeks later, I came across an "open box" Onkyo TX-NR646. After seeing the price and noticing that it has a turntable input, I bought it instead. I am glad that I waited, because this receiver is everything the 2 Channel units are plus the spectacular surround sound modes. The TX-NR646 has lots of operational flexibility, but requires some manual input from you the ooperator. That puts you in the drivers seat instead of things switching on and off automatically (which can be rather frustrating). Just be certain that you download the operator manual in case you forget how to do something. One thing I should mention. I still have a tape deck. Since there is no "official" tape loop included, I hooked up the tape deck to the Zone 2 preamp. It is not as convenient as a tape loop, but it works. The general sound quality is mighty good for a receiver in its MSRP price range. Overall, I like this receiver.
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Only @ Best BuyEasily link audio devices with digital audio outputs to devices with analog audio inputs using this Insignia NS-HZ313 digital-to-analog converter, which is optical or coaxial input selectable to accommodate a wide range of audio devices.
Posted by: bikdav
from Andover, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
This simple DAC is easy to set up, has both coaxial and optical input (you set that with a switch), and a power supply that is not too big in size. I connected what I needed to connect. I plugged it in and it worked right away.
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Connect to the Internet with this Yamaha RX-V479BL receiver's built-in Wi-Fi. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
Posted by: bikdav
from Andover, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
The RX-V479 did not meet my needs. It was relatively easy to set up, but the end result was bad. I had trouble transmitting audio to the receiver. By design, this receiver does not support Android wirelessly or via USB. No video of any kind can be wirelessly transmitted via iOS or Android. Another big problem common with modern home theater receivers is a terrible lack of inputs and outputs (no recording loops for example). The onboard apps Spotify, Vtuner, Pandora, and the others are no where near as good as the desktop versions.
Overall, I was dreaming of "cutting the wires". But, after all the problems I had this is just not going to happen - at least not with a receiver.
Overall, I was dreaming of "cutting the wires". But, after all the problems I had this is just not going to happen - at least not with a receiver.
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
Mobile Submission: True
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
-9points
0of 9voted this as helpful.
Play games, watch movies and more with this HP Pavilion 23cw 23" LED monitor, which features 1920 x 1080 resolution and IPS technology for clear visuals from a wide variety of vantage points. Enhance+ uses noise reduction to improve image quality.
Customer Rating
4
More Appropriately Sized Than What I Had
on February 13, 2016
Posted by: bikdav
from Andover, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
My previous monitor was 19". Most of the monitors at work are at least 23". It is pretty self explanatory that I was missing out on something. When I saw this HP on sale - and saw a working display - I bought one and now my eyes are thanking me. I feel that the color presentation could be slightly better, but that is a very minor observation. Size matters when it comes to monitors.
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
MacBook Air features fifth-generation Intel Core processors with stunning graphics, all-day battery life*, ultrafast flash storage, and great built-in apps. It's thin, light and durable enough to take everywhere you go — and powerful enough to do everything once you get there.
Posted by: bikdav
Verified Purchase:Yes
This is actually my second MAC. My first MAC - a 2008 iMAC 20 that I posted this review with - is getting very tired. I was thinking about another MAC, but the cost of them held me back. As it turned out, I saw this MacBook Air as an "open box" for a reachable price. When I went to look at this MacBook Air, all I saw was a few very minor scuff marks on it. That did not matter to me. I bought it and I can report to you that this MacBook Air is faster and smoother operating than my iMAC ever was. Don't let the processor speed rating and the SSD capacity fool you. Both are very satisfactory. The MAC system isn't "perfect". Yet, for my needs I am very impressed with MACs. This MacBook Air keeps me impressed and is better than my "old" desktop.
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Connect a USB device, such as a keyboard, mouse or thumb drive, to your Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 or Tab 3 using this Samsung Galaxy EPL-AU10WEGXAR micro-USB-to-USB adapter. The compact size lets you easily take the adapter with you while you travel.
Customer Rating
5
Works As Advertized
on December 24, 2014
Posted by: bikdav
from Andover, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I needed to transfer some files between Windows tablets. This decvice did the job. The only limiting facture was what the USB on the device could or could not do. This USB adapter is also great for hooking up a keyboard if you so desire. My guess is that just about any device that requires such a hookup will work via this adapter ( again, depending on what the tablets USB can handle).
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Protect your Samsung Galaxy S III mobile phone's screen against nicks and scratches with this ZAGG InvisibleSHIELD that features scratch-resistant, military-grade material for durability.
Posted by: bikdav
from Andover, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
The directions that were given to me in the box were totally useless. I read them at least twice and ended up ruining the shield. I am much better off without screen shields.
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Easily control your computer with this Dynex™ DX-WRM1401 USB optical mouse, which features PAW3515 sensor technology and up to 1200 dpi resolution to ensure accurate operation. The 4.9' cord makes it easy to find a comfortable position during use.
Posted by: bikdav
from Andover, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
I bought two of these Dynex mice because of their price and lack of "toys" that I did not need. This particular model does the very job that I need it to do without complaint. It is slightly big in feel, but I like that over the tiny mice that are allegedly meant for laptops.
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
My Best Buy number: 2879272618
What's great about it: Very basic and very functional
What's not so great: Slightly big in size.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Design
5
Ease of Use
5
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
bikdav's Review Comments
bikdav has not submitted comments on any reviews.
bikdav's Questions
bikdav has not submitted any questions.
Enjoy immersive movies, games and more with this Onkyo TX-NR646 home theater receiver. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
can i use casseet player
That is what I'm doing. Since there is no "formal" tape loop, I'm using Zone 2 pre out for that purpose. It is not as convenient, but it works.
8 years ago
by
bikdav
Enjoy immersive movies, games and more with this Onkyo TX-NR646 home theater receiver. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
Will this unit receive OTA TV signals?
OTA is all done in the TV or DTV converter box. So, that should be no problem.
8 years ago
by
bikdav
Enjoy immersive movies, games and more with this Onkyo TX-NR646 home theater receiver. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
Is this hdcp 2.2 compliant?
Yes, it is.
8 years ago
by
bikdav
Enjoy immersive movies, games and more with this Onkyo TX-NR646 home theater receiver. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
Will I be happy with this?
I'm a long time flag ship Denon and Integra customer, I picked out this because of customer comments and the CNET review I'm also a bit cash poor right now. Stopped at the store and picked up the unit, I think my last Denon box weight more than the 646. Is this really something more that cheep plastic junk?
Weight has absolutely nothing to do with performance or general manufacture. I can testify that the 646 is very well designed.
8 years ago
by
bikdav
Enjoy immersive movies, games and more with this Onkyo TX-NR646 home theater receiver. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
Is the second sub output for having two subs in a one room configuration or is it for a second zone only?
That is for 2 subs in one room. Zone 2 is 2 channel only - no sub.
8 years ago
by
bikdav
Enjoy immersive movies, games and more with this Onkyo TX-NR646 home theater receiver. Includes HDMI 4K Ultra HD and 3D pass-through technologies for compatibility with 3D TVs, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles and 4K Ultra HD TVs.
Is the "Out Sub" HDMI Out just for sub woofers or could I run a second tv with it?
That is a full blown HDMI out. You can run a second TV from it. I am guessing that it is meant to run a TV in Zone 2 - but with 2 channel audio only. Your best bet is to download the operating manual and see what the real deal is here.
8 years ago
by
bikdav
Only @ Best BuyEasily link audio devices with digital audio outputs to devices with analog audio inputs using this Insignia NS-HZ313 digital-to-analog converter, which is optical or coaxial input selectable to accommodate a wide range of audio devices.
Apple TV 3 compatible?
Will this let me connect an Apple TV 3 to a stereo receiver?
IF the Apple TV3 has an optical or coaxial out, then it should work. Make very certain that the output is switched on.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
bikdav
Only @ Best BuyEasily link audio devices with digital audio outputs to devices with analog audio inputs using this Insignia NS-HZ313 digital-to-analog converter, which is optical or coaxial input selectable to accommodate a wide range of audio devices.
I have an older bose sound system with only an rca input. My tv only has hdmi in and out and an optical. Will this work? What options do I have?
It won't work with the HDMI (no such connection on it). But, it should work with the optical out. Make very certain that the TVs optical out is switched on. Some TVs are switched off by default.
8 years, 1 month ago
by
bikdav
Play games, watch movies and more with this HP Pavilion 23cw 23" LED monitor, which features 1920 x 1080 resolution and IPS technology for clear visuals from a wide variety of vantage points. Enhance+ uses noise reduction to improve image quality.
Does this display have a matte or glossy finish
I just want to know how the screen is coated. Is it one of the reflective glossy finishes or the rough matte ones. thanks
Mine came through matte.
8 years, 3 months ago
by
bikdav
Play games, watch movies and more with this HP Pavilion 23cw 23" LED monitor, which features 1920 x 1080 resolution and IPS technology for clear visuals from a wide variety of vantage points. Enhance+ uses noise reduction to improve image quality.
does this monitor come with speakers built in?
i was recently convinced to buy a desktop pc and now i need a monitor and i want to know if this has speakers built in and if not what speakers do you reccomend that are inexpensive and have good quality
No. Like most monitors, this one has no speakers built in. Your desktop has a "3.5 mm" audio out [usually a green connection]. That is designed for computer speaker systems to plug in. There are lots of them out there for not a boatload of money. As a side note, you can also send the computer audio to a home stereo system with a "3.5mm" to left and right phono connector. I'm sure that you have seen plenty of those. IF you get a loud hum situation when doing that, stick a ground loop isolator between the two. That is not common with new computers, but be advised of that.
8 years, 3 months ago
by
bikdav