Share lambda100's profile
 
Facebook Twitter
 
 
lambda100
 
 
 
lambda100's stats
 
  • Review count
    102
  • Helpfulness votes
    1,309
  • First review
    December 20, 2014
  • Last review
    May 14, 2023
  • Featured reviews
    0
  • Average rating
    4.7
 
Reviews comments
  • Review comment count
    0
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First review comment
    None
  • Last review comment
    None
  • Featured review comments
    0
 
Questions
  • Question count
    0
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First question
    None
  • Last question
    None
  • Featured questions
    0
 
  • Answer count
    20
  • Helpfulness votes
    115
  • First answer
    June 29, 2015
  • Last answer
    December 1, 2021
  • Featured answers
    0
  • Best answers
    3
 
 
lambda100's Reviews
<< 1 ... 4 5 6 7 8 ... 11 >>
 
Share HD content on a bigger screen with this LG LED projector. It produces an image size of up to 100 inches, and its wireless screen-sharing functionality lets you stream videos from a Miracast or WiDi device. Pair this LG LED projector with a Bluetooth speaker for enhanced audio output.
 
  • Top 100 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A Small Projector but Big on Features
on March 18, 2018
Posted by: lambda100
I have used over a dozen conventional projectors for work and for personal use and know what to expect when lugging around projectors and having to make wired connections and having to move cords out of the way so people don't trip over them. I have never used a pico projector before, so naturally I was eager to try out the LG Mini Beam.
The first thing I noticed even before I opened the box for the LG Mini Beam projector was how small the packaging is compared to the box for the regular projector. Upon opening the box and taking out the projector, I was truly stunned at how small the projector really is. It is smaller than my hand, and my hand is not even that large. Furthermore, this thing is light, weighing in at a tad over one pound. With such a diminutive size and weight, the projector definitely checks the boxes for compactness and portability. The projector can be tucked into a large coat pocket and nobody would know.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the number of connections that LG was able to fit into this tiny projector. There are connections for hdmi, usb-a, usb-c (yes, you read that correctly), and a 3.5mm audio out jack. Kudos to LG for including the audio jack because we all know how dismal the audio output from projector speakers in general are. As an aside, Epson doesn't even include a 3.5 mm audio jack in it's conventional projectors until you get to their premium home cinema projector models.
What's also neat about the projector is that you have two choices for recharging the lithium ion battery in the projector. You can either re-charge via the supplied bulky ac adapter with powerbrick, or you can elegantly connect a usb-c cord to a wall charger. Since I like to carry as little with me as possible, I opted to use a usb-c cord and 2.4 amp charger. It'll take up to 3 hrs to charge a fully discharged battery.
Once fully charged and powered on, you simply follow the on screen menus to connect your display either wirelessly, via hdmi, or usb-c. I was able to immediately display content and start using the projector in a minute or two once I familiarized myself with the on screen menus and the remote control. I successfully connected my windows 10 laptop wirelessly through Screen Share and had the projected image of my desktop on my living room wall. I was similarly able to connect wireless displays for my android phones and tablets. I did notice that there is a noticeable lag on the projected image when connected via the screen share wireless display function. When I moved the cursor on my mouse, it took a second for the cursor on the projected image to also move. For a more robust connection, I like going the traditional route of using an hdmi cord and this essentially eliminates any lag which is great for video content.
Speaking of content, I was able to connect my Google Chromecast through the hdmi connection on the projector and turn the projector/chromecast combination into a powerhouse mobile streaming unit. I simply powered the Google Chromecast with a large capacity portable charger (e.g. portable Anker power bank). Add a good quality bluetooth speaker and connect wirelessly through the Mini Beam's bluetooth menu, and you have a totally wireless setup. Outdoor movie nights just became much easier and totally cord free! LG claims up to 4 hrs in battery life when using the most battery conserving eco-options which will lower the brightness of the image. I went ahead and set the projector on best quality and brightest viewing settings (e.g. non-eco friendly options) and was still able to get through a 2.5 hour movie on a single battery charge with battery remaining.
The projector is able to project an HD 1280x720 image with a screen size up to 100” or a little over 8', which is pretty amazing for such a pocket size projector. Image and video quality is as good as 720p can deliver. Colors are vibrant and crisp. Contrast is good. Audio through the internal 1 watt speaker, while better than your average smart phone, still leaves much to be desired and will benefit from connecting to a better audio system through the 3.5 mm audio out jack or through bluetooth. The fan on the projector is remarkably quiet. You won't notice that it is even on when you have audio playing. The projector doesn't get hot when in use; perhaps just a little warm. With conventional projectors, it takes a lot of energy (resulting in heat) to make a bright image. This means that if you are using a conventional projector in a small enclosed room like a small bedroom, you will notice the room warm up. However, with a pico projector such as this LG Mini Beam you won't have the heat issue because it has so little power output compared to a conventional projector. The Mini Beam is great for using indoors in the summer because you won't have the added heat for your air conditioner to deal with.
Besides great features as bluetooth, usb-c, rechargeable battery, a tripod mount, and portability, the LG Mini Beam also comes packed with an automated vertical keystone image correction. Keystone correction will adjust the top and bottom width of the image if the projector is not set up at a right angle to the screen. This prevents the screen from becoming trapezoidal in shape. You will want automated keystone correction since this makes setting up your projector faster so you can begin enjoying movie night.
One other feature worth mentioning is that the projector has 'PJT mode' which flips the image upside down or horizontally. This allows for ceiling mounting for the projector or projecting from the rear onto a transparent screen.
As much as I have been effusively showering the Mini Beam with praise, it is worth noting its one major and significant shortcoming: it can only produce up to 250 lumens of light output. For comparison, conventional home projectors have 2,000 plus lumens, with business projectors having over 3,500 lumens of output. Having more lumens helps to overcome the ambient lighting so that the projected image does not get washed out. With the LG Mini Beam, it is evident that its use is limited to rooms having little to no ambient lighting with blinds and curtains closed. The instant that ambient light is introduced, the image is washed out. I would not recommend the Mini Beam for any type of business use. The office environment has too much ambient lighting. Additionally, an 8' large screen may be insuffficient for large audiences. On the otherhand, this would make an excellent projector for home use where you can control the ambient lighting. It's portability for home use means you can set it up on a table top, counter top, tripod, or even on the bed in your bedroom to watch from the ceiling. For outdoor movie nights, you'll have to wait until it is dark.
In summary, the LG Mini Beam is a fun, easy to use, very intuitive, and high quality portable projector that allows you to cut the power cord. With 720p HD quality, you'll get good to very good image quality which is vibrant and crisp. It comes packed with a lot of features and connections in a tiny package. However, there is a trade-off you'll have to be willing to make for ultra portability, compactness, and battery power. With a small 250 maximum lumen output, you'll need to use the projector in a dark room or at night. Finally, there is the question of price and value that you'll be getting from the Mini Beam. For the listed price of the LG Mini Beam, in today's market you can get a conventional projector with better contrast, better brighness, richer colors, and the same 720p image resolution, but with much more lumens to be able to use in a greater variety of ambient lighting environments. Of course it wouldn't be as portable, lightweight, and cord-free as the LG Mini Beam. These are factors you will have to prioritize as you make your decision on your next projector. Would I recommend the Mini Beam? For home use, yes. For business, no.
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+20points
20of 20voted this as helpful.
 
Entertain friends with loud yet clear music by using this Sony portable Bluetooth speaker. Extra bass and three-dimensional sound create a superior listening experience, while the multicolored flashing lights and Party Booster make your gathering more fun. This Sony portable Bluetooth speaker is waterproof and has a protective fabric cover for worry-free use outdoors.
 
  • Top 100 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Sony Brings the Sound and the Lights to the Party!
on March 11, 2018
Posted by: lambda100
The Sony SRS-XB31brings life to the party. It gets loud and is bass heavy. It wants to be part of the action. This speaker has attitude with its flashing strobe and mesmerizing light display. Turn up the volume and it can easily fill a medium size room.
The speaker has excellent build quality and finish. Weighing in one ounce shy of two pounds, the speaker is wrapped in a high quality fabric mesh with protective rubber to seal off moisture and dust to give it an IP67 rating. Despite it's heft, it can easily be handled with one hand and carried in a backpack.
Along the top of the speaker are the power/bluetooth pairing button, volume +/-, and a single play/pause/speakerphone button that also doubles as a skip forward and skip reverse button depend on the number of successive presses of the button. Housed at the rear of the speaker behind a rubber cover is the mico usb connection for charging, a usb port for charging a smartphone at 1 amp, battery indicator button that also turns on and off the speaker's light pattern, a button to wirelessly party chain up to a hundred SRS-XB41, XB31 and XB21 speakers, another button to add a speaker for left and right stereo separation, a recessed reset button, and finally a 3.5 mm audio jack. The 3.5 mm audio jack is a welcome feature as we all know it is close to extinction, but I am glad that Sony decided to include it for older audio devices without bluetooth and for greater audio fidelity.
Let's get right to the point...The primary reason to consider the Sony SRS-XB31 is the extra bass feature, and boy does it pack a punch! Right out of the box, the extra bass is the default mode from the factory and the bass is powerful, punchy, in your face, bombastic, and unapologetic. This is heaven for bassheads. It's great for rap, hip-hop, and dance music with deep lows and low mids, but will make a mess out of any other music genres as the extra bass feature will pull down the upper mids and trebles in the sound spectrum, losing out on that crispness and sparkle that make some speakers stand out over others. If you're going to be listening to deep bassy music all of the time, then the extra bass is great. However, most people including myself have a broad audio taste. Sometimes we want the extra bass, sometimes we don't. Although the speaker is marketed as extra bass, the speaker is capable of delivering exceptionally crisp, clear audio allowing for a more tame and respectable balanced approach to the audio experience; But to get it, you'll need to install the Sony Music Center app which features controls for adjustments to the audio among other things. The app allows you to select from one of three audio modes: Standard, Extra Bass, and Live Sound. The Standard mode represents the most balanced and flat listening experience. In the Standard mode, bass is still well represented, but more controlled, and mids and trebles flow evenly. The second mode is Extra Bass mode and it is what comes pre-set from the factory and it offers amazing bass as I covered above. Finally, the Live Sound mode replicates the audio experience as if you were hearing it from a live venue. The best way I can describe Live Sound mode is that the audio from the speaker appears more enveloping and louder, with a wider sound stage offering greater separation between vocals the the music, and thereby creating a more three dimensional effect of the music. I thought the Live Sound mode works pretty good. It fooled my ears thinking that the audio was coming from different directions.
To fine tune the audio even futher, the Sony Music Center app also offers a three band equalizer for bass, mids, and treble. Turning up the treble in the equalizer in Standard mode allowed me to get the crispness and sparkle that I was looking for while still delivering a strong bass response.
Other things the Sony app will do is allow you to change the light pattern or turn the lights off altogether, check the speaker's battery level, and turn on and off the Party Booster feature. Party Booster is a unique feature where you can tap different parts of the speaker to make different sounds such as a snare, kick drum, cow bell, and cymbal. I didn't have any particular use for this feature and just left it off. I couldn't imagine forcefully tapping on an expensive speaker such as this one for fear of damaging it or causing an internal piece to come loose.
The light and strobe feature is great for a party and the app allows you to select different patterns and colors, but it easily becomes distracting. Additionally, it will consume your battery faster. Better turn off the light display if you're not showing it off.
Speaking of battery, the battery will take up to 5 hours to recharge from the fully discharged state and will last up to a phenomenal 24 hours on a full charge.
The speakerphone function on the speaker works well. People on the other end of the phone said that my voice came through clearly.
Would I recommend the Sony SRS-XB31? Yes, I would. It is packed full of features for the price, and it is a versatile speaker that gives you excellent low end bass, but can be adjusted and tuned to offer respectable crispness and sparkle.
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+117points
120of 123voted this as helpful.
 
Big machine suction power*. But with cord-free versatility. The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal cord-free vacuum has a 40% bigger bin than the previous V8 Animal and up to 60 minutes of fade-free runtime. The new torque drive cleaner head removes more dust from carpets, and suck up pet hair and ground in dirt. The Dyson Cyclone V10 Animal cord-free vacuum quickly transforms to a handheld for quick cleanups, spot cleaning and cleaning difficult places.*Suction tested to ASTM F558 at the flexible inlet.
 
  • Top 100 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
The Dyson Stick Vacs get better and better
on March 2, 2018
Posted by: lambda100
The Dyson Cyclone v10 Animal is truly a remarkable cordless high performance stick vacuum capable of cleaning your home from floor to ceiling to upholstery to every nook and cranny and obscure corner of your home you couldn't imagine cleaning. Taking the lead from the very capable v8 and becoming the flagship product in the Dyson cordless stick vacuum line up, the Cyclone v10 continues the Dyson signature crafted, and now iconic, stick design with motor driven brush head and vacuum motor handle.
The v10 comes with an unrivaled feature set. It has three suction modes: base, powerful, and maximum. For most of your vacuuming needs the base suction is already plenty powerful as this is the mode you will use most often to get the most vacuuming time out of the battery. However, on those few occasions that you're feeling wild, rev up the v10 to maximum suction and the motor really comes alive, pumping out plenty of suction power with a no-dust-left-behind mentality. If that is still not enough suction for you, the ingenious engineers from Dyson added a switch at the torque drive cleaner head to adjust the amount of ambient air flow at the bottom of the cleaner head. Close the switch, which will cut off some of the air intake, and the suction becomes even more insanely powerful. If you open up the switch, the suction power becomes more manageable and allows larger particles to be vacuumed (think large dried particles like Cheerios).
A second feature that the Dyson engineers have managed to eke out is to increase the battery life to allow up to an hour's worth of adrenaline filled, fade free vacuuming. This is like the holy grail for cordless vacuuming. This literally takes cordless vacuuming from being considered as a tool for quick spot cleaning to a serious whole home vacuum. Gone is the fear of running out of battery juice midway through your vacuuming. At the base setting, you will be able to complete the vacuuming on a single battery charge, with enough charge left over for you to vacuum your neighbor's home (just kidding).
And last, but not least, the transparent dust canister is now even bigger, some 40% bigger, when compared with the v8 Animal vacuum.
So how does the v10 perform? I ran it through hard, laminate, and tile flooring, carpets, and rugs. Vacuumed clumps of hair, dust filled corners of my home, picked up my kid's dried food crumbs from the dining room floors and even more food particles from the kitchen floor. After that I attached the crevice tool and lifted the dust and dirt from the baseboards. Then attached the mini soft dusting brush and went at it on my window blinds. Next, I felt adventurous and attached the mini motorized tool and vacuumed my sofas. Finally I used the combination tool and cleaned off whatever was left behind on counter tops and desks. The v10 cleaned everything effortlessly, all on a single charge of battery, and without once emptying the debris canister. If that isn't a whole home cordless vacuum, then I don't know what is.
This is a high performance vacuum, but without the fuss of requiring high maintenance. The only maintenance you will need to do is empty out the debris bin before it gets full and to remember to clean the filter and rinse it with cold water once a month.
Once you're all done vacuuming you can simply hang the vacuum up on the wall mount bracket which you will need to install on the wall with some dry wall screws and simple tools such as a drill and screwdriver. Plug in the ac adapter and power cord which will take up to 3.5 hours to fully recharge the battery and you'll be all set for your next vacuuming adventure. The battery meter is illuminated in blue color while it is charging Each battery bar will flash during recharging. It is fully charged when all three bars are no longer illuminated. During vacuuming, the three bars on the battery meter are illuminated to display remaining battery charge.
Here are other things to take note:
The motor noise at the base suction setting is quiet. It is quieter than my Dyson v7 Motorhead vacuum. I am always amazed at how the Dyson engineers continue to dampen the noise. If you live in an apartment and you're a night owl, you can literally vacuum in the middle of the night at the base setting and your neighbors will not hear you. The vacuum gets a little bit louder at the maximum suction setting, but not by much. It is still relatively quiet when compared to other brands' vacuums. It's not a marketing point anywhere on the box, but I think it is important to list the relatively quiet motor as a feature of the vacuum for those who are sensitive to noise.
The vacuum weight is well balanced, but the motorhead will prove to be a bit on the heavy side for some folks. Because most of the weight is near the motorhead at the handle, during longer vacuuming sessions there may be fatigue in the hands and arms from moving the vacuum back and forth.
The trigger on the handle to power on the vacuum is responsive to light pressure. No complaints about this. However, I do know that there have been requests to Dyson about including a trigger lock so that you don't always have to keep your finger on the trigger to maintain continuous operation of the vacuum. Well this hasn't been implemented on this iteration of the vacuum, and may never be included, but it is worth noting.
Finally, Dyson provides a two year parts and labor warranty in the rare instance that something goes wrong with the vacuum. And get this, Dyson will pay for the shipping both ways for the warranty service. Now that is customer service!
In summary, do I recommend the Dyson Cyclone v10 Animal? An unequivocal yes. This vacuum comes without compromises. The v10 has established it's mark as the cordless vacuum of choice for whole home floor to ceiling needs. It is powerful, versatile, has an industry leading 1 hour battery, and is effective at removing dust, hair, pet fur, and dry debris particles from all types of flooring and surfaces. The only thing holding the v10 back from being more ubiquitous in households is the high entry price point. The decision is ultimately yours depending on your budget and needs. Personally, after owning the v7 Motorhead and now the Cyclone v10, I can say that Dyson really designs the best vacuums out there.
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
6of 7voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy superior sound and voice quality with these Jabra Elite wireless headphones. Integrated controls let you answer calls, adjust the volume or pause music with the touch of a button, while the included carrying case doubles as a charging station. External ambient noise keeps you aware of your surroundings, while a background noise filter delivers crisp, clear voice calls. With Bluetooth connectivity, these Jabra Elite wireless headphones are easy to pair to a mobile device.
 
  • Top 100 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
The Elite 65t Sets the Bench Mark high!
on February 16, 2018
Posted by: lambda100
The Jabra Elite 65t truly wireless earbuds are very impressive. Jabra engineered these earbuds to near perfection from easy bluetooth pairing and robust left/right earbud connection to clear voice quality and very good audio output. What you get in the package are the wireless earbuds, a storage case that doubles as a charging station, 3 pairs (small, medium and large) of soft gel ear tips, a 12” long micro usb charging cable, and a quick start guide.
Here's what impressed me:
(1) Look and Comfort - Jabra took time in styling these earbuds. They are very professional looking and easily blends in with whatever style you have. That's because these wireless earbuds are so physically unobtrusive. They are recessed well in your ears so that they do not stick out and make you look like a frankenstein. The earbuds also have a firm comfortable fit. Once you find the right size eartip for your ear, they stay put in your ears. I was able to wear them for hours without fatigue. In fact, due to their featherweight, it almost feels like you're not wearing anything in your ears.
(2) Audio Quality – Small 6mm drivers, but very good audio quality. All around balanced sound with crisp and clear treble. Vocals come through with strong presence. Bass is good, but doesn't thump and overpower the sound (not for bass heads). If you don't like the sound as tuned from the factory, you have the option of using the Jabra app's 5-band equalizer to adjust the sound to your liking.
(3) Robust wireless connection – The wireless connection between the right and left earbud is as strong as if it were connected by a physical wire between them. I was afraid that there was going to be dropouts and stuttering between the right and ear buds, but this was not the case with the Jabra Elite 65t. Very strong connection, no dropped audio, no stuttering. I placed my phone in my right front, right rear, left front, and left rear jean pocket. All is good. Left and right earbud transmit clearly and no drop out even with cross body placement of the phone. Bluetooth connection is similarly very strong. I was able to walk about 25 feet away before the earbud started to dropout.
(4) Excellent Voice and Call Quality – I take public transportation in a big city, and when I make a call using the Jabra Elite 65t, the person on the other line told me that my voice came through clearly and without background noises even though I was standing at the bus stop near a busy intersection with loud traffic noise.
(5) Voice Assistant Integration – Press the right ear bud button for 1 second and your voice assistant (Google or Alexa) will activate and it will recognize your voice command through the earbud.
(6) Sturdy clamshell storage case with integrated charging station – The earbuds are small and the small clamshell storage case is perfect to protect the earbuds during transport. They easily slip into your pants pockets. Because of their small size however, they can similarly slip out of your pants pocket if you're not careful.
(7) A Very Useful App – To get the most out of your ear buds, you will need to download the Jabra Sound+ app and the Jabra Service App. The Jabra Service App is simply to enable the functions for the Sound+ app. The app is the central nervous system for the earbuds. It displays the ear bud battery meter, has a 5 band equalizer, and has different adjustments for HearThrough (how much ambient sound will be trasmitted through the ear buds) and Sidetone (adjusts how much of your own voice you hear during phone calls). The user manual is also in the app. I recommend you read through the user manual as it explains all the functions for the earbuds.
There are only minor things that I was not impressed with:
(1) The micro usb charging cable is only 12” long. It's long enough if you're charging through your laptop or an external battery charger. However, if you're using a wall charger, it would be better to have a longer micro usb charge cable.
(2) The volume +/- buttons on the left ear bud are located on diametrically opposite edges of the button circle which may be difficult to press for those with large fingers.
Battery life is on par with truly wireless offerings from other brands with up to 5 hours of battery on a charge for a total of 15 hours with the charging case. It takes approximately 2 hours to fully recharge the case. No complaints here.
Summary:
In conclusion, the Jabra Elite 65t lives up to its 'Elite' title. Jabra is setting the bench mark for others to follow. It has perfected the robust connection between left and right ear bud with very good audio quality, and a style that blends in with any environment whether it is a professional work environment or casual setting. For the price and features, the Jabra is a good value. It should be on the short list for anyone considering a truly wireless earbud purchase.
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Remove wrinkles from garments with this Shark GI305 professional lightweight iron, which delivers 1500W of power for effective operation and features a 180° tank for easy filling under a faucet.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Gets the Wrinkles Out!
on January 16, 2018
Posted by: lambda100
Verified Purchase:Yes
This lightweight shark iron works well. It is easy to use and gets the wrinkles out of my shirts and pants very quickly. Highly recommend.
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Enjoy everything from network television shows to streaming video service on this LG LED TV. Smart technology connects to the internet so you can binge your favorite Netflix or Hulu series, and the 1080p display delivers a sharp image. This LG LED TV has a USB input so that you can share from your phone or computer.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Good if you don't need the latest and greatest
on January 15, 2018
Posted by: lambda100
Verified Purchase:Yes
If you don't need the latest 4k technology and don't need more than 2 hdmi inputs, then this is a good tv to consider. Good picture quality, but mediocre sound. When purchasing this television, you should probably think about getting a soundbar for improved audio quality.
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Nest Connect extends your home network for the Nest Secure alarm system. It will make sure motion sensors and alarms are connected and operational, even for larger homes.
 
  • Top 100 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A Range Extender for Nest Secure
on December 20, 2017
Posted by: lambda100
The Nest Connect is simply a range extender for the Nest Secure alarm system. It's used to connect the Nest Detects in larger homes to allow them to be placed farther from the Nest Guard and still maintain connectivity. Or if you don't have a large home, but have wireless interference which prevents the Nest Detects from commnicating with the Nest Guard, using the Nest Connect will improve the communication between the security devices.
Installation is easy using the Nest app. Simply go to “add product” on the app, scan the QR code, and follow the directions. Plug it in to a wall outlet within 40 feet of the Nest Guard and you're done. That's all there is to it. It works behind the scenes. It's only function is to extend the range for the Nest Detect. One interesting feature is that you can string up to four Nest Connects together to extend the range to greater distances for much larger homes.

Bottom line: buy it if you need to extend the range of your Nest Detects or if you're experiencing wireless interference.
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
 
Tough on bad guys. Easy on you.The Nest Secure alarm system is easy to live with every day. Just tap Nest Tag on Nest Guard to arm and disarm the alarm - no passcode needed. Nest Detect sensors look out for doors, windows and rooms. And with the Nest app, you can keep an eye on what matters.
 
  • Top 100 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Nest Secure Protects Your Nest
on December 20, 2017
Posted by: lambda100
The Nest Secure is a simple to install, easy to use, and effective security alarm system.
What's in the Box?
The starter kit comes with the Nest Guard, 2 Nest Detect sensors, 2 Nest Tags, some mounting brackets and screws, the Quick Start Guide, and User's Guide. The mounting screws and brackets may not be necessary if you decide to use the pre-installed adhesive backings. The brackets are used if you decide to mount the Nest detect sensors at the corners of walls.
The Nest Guard is the base unit and is the central hub that manages all the communication with your home wifi network, the optional subscription base cellular network, the optional professional monitoring service, your smartphone app, and the Nest detector sensors and tags. The Nest Guard also has a built-in keypad, siren, and motion sensor.
The Nest detect sensors are the motion and open/close sensing devices.
The Nest tags are the wireless electronic switches that you use to turn on and off the security system by tagging/touching it to the Nest Guard.
Installation
One of the great features of the Nest Secure is the ease of installation. You don't have to be tech savvy at all. You simply download the Nest app and create an account. After that you follow the direction on the app and use your smartphone's camera to read the QR codes on the Nest Guard, Nest Tags, and Nest Detect sensors to set up the system. Except for the power cord for the Nest Guard, the whole system is wireless. Each of the Nest Detects comes with a pre-installed CR123 battery which can last up to two years.
The entire installation is painlessly quick. The hardest part is deciding where you want to place the two Nest detect sensors that come with the starter kit. The app enables you to label each of the sensors for easy reference such as “entry way”, “front door”, etc.
Standout Performance Features
-There are three ways to activate and deactivate the security system: using the Nest app on your smartphone, tagging in and out using the Nest tag, and punching in a security code on the Nest Guard keypad.
-There are three security levels: alarm off, home and guarding, and away and guarding.
-The Nest detectors can sense motion, detect when a door is open and closed, and can be used in the dark to provide temporary illumination for pathways.
-You can select the alarm countdown for how long you have to turn off the alarm after you open a door or turn on the alarm when you leave the home. Options are 30s, 45s, 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min.
-The security siren emits an 85dB high pitch piercing sound.
-The security system is linked to your wifi network, but has the option for a monthly subscription based cellular back up in case your home network is disabled.
-You have options for monitoring. You can self monitor through the Nest app which sends you a notification when the Nest detect is triggered or when the alarm is activated. Or you can subscribe to the 24/7 professional monitoring service from a third party company called MONI.
My thoughts after using it...
I thought the Nest Secure system is an easy to use, intuitive, and effective security system. By itself, the security system does not differentiate itself too much from its competitors. After all it is a basic wireless security system.
What I thought is great about Nest Secure and what ultimately made me decide to give Nest Secure a try is that it allows you to manage and monitor your home security system remotely using the Nest app on your smartphone. This applies whether or not you subscribe to the professional monitoring service. The Nest app will send you immediate notifications when door/window/motion sensors are triggered or when the alarm is activated. The ability to self monitor and to make a decision whether or not to call law enforcement without necessarily needing to hire a professional monitoring service is an excellent feature, and I applaud Nest for making this feature available. With other competing security systems, the app is disabled unless you subscribe to the professional monitoring service, meaning that you have to pay monthly fees otherwise your security system is useless.
Where Nest Secure really outshines the competition is the ability to tap into its vast Nest home resources. When you integrate your Nest Secure with the Nest Outdoor/Indoor cameras, the Nest video doorbell, and other smart home devices such as turning on the lights when an intruder is sensed, you really get a powerful all encompassing security system.
However, when you consider the professional monitoring service, the Nest Secure's monitoring fees are more expensive than those from some competiting products.
In summary, by providing its users the ability to self-monitor and the ability to integrate the entire suite of Nest home security products (Nest Cams, video doorbells, lights) the Nest Secure has the edge over the competition. I wholeheartedly recommend the Nest Secure Alarm system.
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
6of 9voted this as helpful.
 
Prepare all your favorite dishes in this DeLonghi Livenza convection oven. Insulated construction helps maintain temperature, and the oven fan distributes hot air to facilitate fast and even cooking. This DeLonghi Livenza convection oven heats multiple dishes at one time in two specific heating areas with four adjustable rack positions that maximize space.
 
  • Top 100 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great Once You Do a Proper Burn-In
on December 18, 2017
Posted by: lambda100
The DeLonghi Livenza convection oven is a stylish, powerful (1800 watts), and versatile countertop electric oven. It is a feature rich convection oven that has eight different preset programs: toast, bake, convection, broil/grill, defrost, pizza, cookies, and warm.
The oven temperature dial can be set to a maximum of 450 degrees F. It measures 19.3” in length x 11.8” in height x 17.3” in depth so make sure you have kitchen countertop space that can accommodate the oven.
What's in the Box
-electric oven
-one wire rack
-bake pan
-pizza pan that can accommodate up to a 12” pizza
-crumb tray
-Get Started & Owner's Instruction booklets, and warranty sheet
Here are a summary of some of the pros:
+Has a large backlit blue LCD screen that is easy to read even in direct sunlight.
+Three large dials that turn smoothly with clear labeling telling you what each dial does.
+Four different positions to adjust the height of the wire rack and baking pan.
+When in grilling/broiling mode, the baking pan doubles as a drip pan to collect fats and oils.
+Preheats the oven. You get the full cook time at the desired temperature. For example, if you set the temperature for 350 degrees F for a duration of 10 minutes, the oven will not start the 10 minute count down until it has reached the desired 350 degrees F.
+Interior cavity walls have non-stick, scratch resistant surface coatings for easy clean-up.
There aren't that many cons. Perhaps two that come to mind:
-The manual states that it is necessary to burn-in the empty oven upon first use by running the oven for 30 minutes on the convection setting at a temperature of 450oF to remove the protective substances on the heating element surfaces. It also states that there will be minimal smell. Well, I followed the instructions, but it still smelled after the initial 30 minute burn-in. I had to then set it for another 30 minutes. So, realistically, you should allow at least a 1-hour to 1hr 15min. burn-in time. Additionally, make sure you open all your windows, turn on the fans, and if at all possible, wait outdoors during the burn-in period. I could not tolerate the smell and had to simply step outdoors for the duration of the burn-in.
-One other con is that the 15-watt oven light bulb always remains on while cooking. Why must it be on all the time? This is a waste of more electricity and the bulb will need to be replaced more often. I would have liked to have a switch to manually turn it on or off to periodically check how the cooking is progressing.
Other than this, once I completed the burn-in, I found the oven to be a great cooking workhorse to have in the kitchen. It cooks my food in about three quarters of the time it takes to cook in my regular oven, and the food comes out crispier and more flavorful. In baking mode, the food comes out very uniformly. However, in convection mode, I did notice that my hash browns were a little drier and crispier the closer they were to the convection fan.
Clean up is a cinch using soap and water.
In summary, the DeLonghi Livenza convection oven is a very good kitchen appliance that will make the cooking process quicker and easier. It is a bit pricey, but I would not hesitate to recommend it because it is so versatile. I had to take off one star for the longer than expected burn-in time.
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Video editing doesn't have to be daunting or take tons of time. Go from hundreds of mystery folders to a visual view of your videos automatically sorted by date. Use automated editing options and step-by-step guidance to create and share everything from animated GIFs and video collages to new dynamic slideshows and full-length movies.
 
  • Top 100 contributor
  • My Best Buy® Member
  • Tech Insider Network
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
So Easy to Use!
on November 18, 2017
Posted by: lambda100
I record a ton of videos of my family, but never did any editing to them because I thought that the video editing process was too time consuming and complex to learn and apply. However, I was amazed to discover how easy and simple video editing can be with the Adobe Premiere Elements 2018. I have never touched a video editing software before using Premiere Elements, but within half an hour's time, I was editing my family videos with such ease that I wished I had known about the software years before.
For a newbie like myself, Premiere Elements offers guided step-by-step tutorials on how to edit video clips, create transitions, add text, add music, and perform a number of video adjustments. In no time, I was editing like a pro, with high quality and polished looking video results. And whenever I had a question on how to use a function, I simply went back to the guided tutorial or used the Help menu. Keep in mind, however, that Premiere Elements is not geared only towards the newbie crowd like myself. For those who are more familiar with video editing, Premiere Elements offers an Expert editing workspace.
It is truly an awesome video editing software that is enjoyable, fun, quick, and easy to use with professional looking results. I highly recommend it!
My Best Buy number: 3451666665
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
-4points
0of 4voted this as helpful.
 
<< 1 ... 4 5 6 7 8 ... 11 >>
 
lambda100's Review Comments
 
lambda100 has not submitted comments on any reviews.
 
lambda100's Questions
 
lambda100 has not submitted any questions.
 
lambda100's Answers
1 2 >>
 
PowerCore III 20K is a slim and powerful portable 20000mAh battery. With two USB-A port outputs and one USB-C PD input, this is all you need as your charging companion.
 

Is this battery allowed on an airplane?

The Anker PowerCore III 20K is rated at 72 Whr, which is within the FAA limit of 100 Whr. It is allowed on an airplane. I took it on an airplane without issue.
2 years, 5 months ago
by
lambda100
 
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
 

What version of Windows does Surface Laptop Go ship with?

It ships with Windows 10 in S mode.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
lambda100
 
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
 

Does this computer have USB ports

The Surface Laptop Go has 1 usb-c port and 1 usb-a port.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
lambda100
 
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
 

Does the screen detach

The screen does not detach on the Surface Laptop Go.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
lambda100
 
Make the most of every day with the sleek style, performance, and all-day battery life² you need in the lightest Surface Laptop, all at an exceptional value. Ultra-light and portable profile, the apps* you use every day, premium materials, and a choice of must-have colors will make this your go-to laptop. ²Up to 13 hours of battery life based on typical Surface device usage. Testing conducted by Microsoft in September 2020 using preproduction software and preproduction configurations of Surface Laptop Go Testing consisted of full battery discharge with a mixture of active use and modern standby. The active use portion consists of (1) a web browsing test accessing 8 popular websites over multiple open tabs, (2) a productivity test utilizing Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, and (3) a portion of time with the device in use with idle applications. All settings were default except screen brightness was set to 150nits with Auto-Brightness disabled. Wi-Fi was connected to a network. Battery life varies significantly with settings, usage and other factors.
 

Can you switch out of S mode on Surface Laptop Go?

Yes, Microsoft allows you to switch out of S mode to Windows 10 Home. Once you switch out, it is permanent and you will not be able to revert back to Windows in S Mode.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
lambda100
 
Get work done with this Dell Inspiron Chromebook laptop. The 14-inch Ultra HD touch screen supports EMR pens, and the Intel Core i3 processor powers system tasks smoothly with the 4GB of RAM. The 128GB of eMMC storage lets you store documents and media files on this Dell Inspiron Chromebook laptop.
 

I know this thing isn't light. But how much does it weigh? I don't see that in specs

4 lbs.
5 years, 5 months ago
by
lambda100
 
Toshiba 4K UHD Fire TV Edition is a new generation of smart TVs featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa. With true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality and access to all the movies and TV shows you love, Toshiba Fire TV Edition delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you'd expect from a remote—plus, easily launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more, using just your voice.
 

Can it be wall mounted? I don't see any mounting screw holes from the back picture.

Yes, the Toshiba Fire TV Edition can be wall mounted.
Here are the VESA Mounting Patterns for the different size Toshiba Fire TVs:

43" 200 x 300 - M6 x25mm type screws
50" 400 x 200 - M6 x25mm type screws
55" 200 x 300 - M6 x20mm type screws
5 years, 10 months ago
by
lambda100
 
Toshiba 4K UHD Fire TV Edition is a new generation of smart TVs featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Alexa. With true-to-life 4K Ultra HD picture quality and access to all the movies and TV shows you love, Toshiba Fire TV Edition delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter every day. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you'd expect from a remote—plus, easily launch apps, search for TV shows, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more, using just your voice.
 

Can you mira cast or screen cast from your phone/tablet/laptop wirelessly?

No. The Toshiba Fire TV Edition is not equipped with the wireless screen casting feature.
5 years, 10 months ago
by
lambda100
 
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
 

Can anyone who has used these AND the Bose QC35 comment on the overall comfort for long trips? The QC35s are good, but I can't wear them for more than 3-4 hours before my outer ears start to hurt from the pressure from the cups.

I have both the QC35 and the 1000XM2. The QC35 is more comfortable on long trips. The 1000XM2 headband forces the earcups to press more firmly against my ears and is less comfortable.
6 years, 6 months ago
by
lambda100
 
Listen to your playlist in peace with these Sony headphones. They have a 40mm dome driver to deliver the full depth of audio, and the noise cancelling feature minimizes outside disturbances for a better listening experience. These Sony headphones have a battery life of up to 30 hours for extended jam sessions.
 

Does the cable come with a built in remote? This includes, volume, play pause and microphone.

The audio cable does NOT have a built in remote with in-line mic.
6 years, 6 months ago
by
lambda100