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LONNIE M.

LONNIE M.

Joined on 12/03/01

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Most Favorable Review

Good value

ViewSonic VA2349S 23" Full HD 1080P SuperClear IPS Widescreen LED Backlit Monitor, 1000:1, 250cd/m2, VGA&DVI-D, VESA Mountable
ViewSonic VA2349S 23" Full HD 1080P SuperClear IPS Widescreen LED Backlit Monitor, 1000:1, 250cd/m2, VGA&DVI-D, VESA Mountable

Pros: A bright big image with (to my eye) good color. I have yet to calibrate this monitor, so I can't speak to color accuracy, but given the low price, I don't expect perfection. Downward facing ports. I noted many other IPS panel monitors in this price range have input ports that face straight back. While these make for an easier installation, I feel they are also more prone to damage. Internal power supply No external power brick to worry about. Some might consider this a con, seeing as an external brick could be more easily replaced, and lowers the internal heat load, but in my past experience with monitors, this hasn't been a significant issue. Input select switch For those that wish to use this monitor with two different systems, the [2] switch toggles between the DVI and VGA inputs. Anti-glare screen If you appreciate screens that don't double as a mirror, rejoice. VESA mount points This is another item that isn't present on many other IPS panel monitors in this price range.

Cons: No DVI cable included. This will mean an extra purchase for those looking for the best quality that don't already have a DVI cable laying around. (A VGA cable is included). No HDMI input. Since the unit has no internal speakers, this is a minor point that can be overcome with a HDMI-DVI cable, but far fewer people are likely to have one of these on hand than a standard HDMI cable. Glossy bezel If you're not a big fan of fingerprint magnets, this is negative.

Overall Review: This is a very preliminary review that I am quickly posting after receipt of the monitor, due to there being no other reviews at the time this review was submitted.

Looked like new, working fine one month later

Wyze Cam Pan v3 Indoor/Outdoor IP65-Rated 1080p Pan/Tilt/Zoom Smart Camera
Wyze Cam Pan v3 Indoor/Outdoor IP65-Rated 1080p Pan/Tilt/Zoom Smart Camera

Pros: Like new appearance for lower price. Allowed me to get the Pan Cam v3 for less than the typical price of a standard Cam v3.

Cons: Compression ratio results in artifacts with moving objects.

Overall Review: I've had this installed for a month now, and it has been working fine with my Cam Plus subscription. By default, the camera automatically tracks persons, vehicles, etc. As I have a window A/C unit mounted high facing the drive in front of my home, I mounted it using a magnetic base with a 1/4-20 stud to place it on top of that for good view.

Works well with Echo, blocks second outlet

TP-LINK Kasa HS100 Smart Plug, Wi-Fi Enabled, Control Your Electronics from Anywhere, Energy Saving, Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Echo Alexa
TP-LINK Kasa HS100 Smart Plug, Wi-Fi Enabled, Control Your Electronics from Anywhere, Energy Saving, Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Echo Alexa

Pros: - Works well with Echo - Simple setup - Illuminated button makes it easy to find when manual control is needed

Cons: - Using the second outlet isn't possible with some plugs, even with this plugged into the top outlet

Overall Review: I've used the first of my units for about 5 months now with no significant issues. The worst that will happen is that occasionally when I tell my Echo "Turn on living room" (for my living room lamp), it will respond "OK" but the light hasn't turned on, and requires issuing the command again. This is rare enough it is not a nuisance. It may be coincidence, but I've noticed failure of the "turn off" command is even more rare. I've recently discovered my router delivering inconsistent wireless speeds, however, so this may simply be due to connection problems. I can't comment on the app, as aside from the setup (which was easy), I haven't used it for anything beyond using it to turn the switch on and off a couple of times to test that function. I don't normally have a device on and at hand at all times, so I always control the switch with my Echo. The big advantage of these for Echo owners is that they are less expensive than the Wemo devices at their regular price, and are often on sale for even less. My only real gripe with this device is that even when plugged into the top outlet of a standard duplex outlet, I can't plug even a standard power cord into the outlet below. It appears if the unit had been flattened a bit on the bottom, this would have been possible. If you don't want to lose the second outlet, you'll either need to place the HS100 on a short extension cord, or use an outlet expander with "adapter spaced" outlets like this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2EA4P88190&cm_re=ge_outlet_tap-_-050-0020-00088-_-Product UPDATE: I've found it is possible to plug in some standard 2 prong plugs, provided you do so before plugging in the HS100. It is a tight fit, however, and it is best you assume you won't be able to use the second outlet until proven otherwise. It is a vote of confidence in this product that I've since purchased two more.

Little chance of heatsink interference

Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3L 1600 (PC3L 12800) Desktop Memory Model 997030
Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3L 1600 (PC3L 12800) Desktop Memory Model 997030

Pros: Very little chance of interference with your CPU heatsink.

Cons: Lack of a heatsink means these are perhaps not the best choice if you intend to overclock and/or overvolt. I should note I have not experimented with either using these, so they may be perfectly capable.

Overall Review: If you don't want to find that your RAM can't be used in the first slot or causes you concern because it is bumping up against the bottom of the massive heatsink you've installed (an issue I've personally encountered), RAM like this is the way to go. The low voltage requirement means that at standard settings heat will not be an issue.

Revealing light, not flattering light

Collection LED 6 Watt A19 Light Bulb, Daylight Color (6-Pack)
Collection LED 6 Watt A19 Light Bulb, Daylight Color (6-Pack)

Pros: Daylight color temperature reveals more than warm white, which I consider a positive, but those that think incandescent bulbs are the standard of what light should look like will be unlikely to agree. (Note that one reviewer gave these a two star review simply because of "harsh light").

Cons: None for me, although I can confirm the approximately 1 second delay from being switched on to lighting up that others have reported. This delay does not happen if the light is switched on again soon thereafter, so I suspect it is having to charge up a capacitor (which quickly leaks down after the light is turned off).

Overall Review: If you want a light that doesn't reveal all and makes your home or you look better, move along and look for a warm white LED bulb. If on the other hand, you want a light that will shock you at how much dust is still on objects in your home and give you a better chance of finding that small black screw that you dropped on a dark carpet, a daylight bulb is what you want. I only wish these had been available, especially at this price, before I equipped the light bar in my living room with a set of Utilitech LED bulbs from another vendor, as they charge a premium for the daylight version over the more popular warm white version.

A bit more clearance would be nice

Rosewill - LINE-M Micro ATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Dual USB 3.0 Ports, Dual Fans Included, Supports Up to Four (4) Fans and Up to 12.5" VGA Cards
Rosewill - LINE-M Micro ATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Dual USB 3.0 Ports, Dual Fans Included, Supports Up to Four (4) Fans and Up to 12.5" VGA Cards

Pros: Compact size, reasonable cost, good ventilation. The top mounting for the power supply is good for a system that is going to be placed on the floor.

Cons: While the compact size is a plus, the depth from front to back proved to be an issue. The biggest issue was that the placement of the main power connect on the motherboard I used (a Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3P) made the lowest 3.5" bay unusable, and the one above it so problematic I decided to use the bay above it instead. If Rosewill makes a second version of this case, they should consider turning the lower bays so that opening faces the side of the case instead of the rear. The other issue is that the front panel lights, ports, and switches are attached to the front fascia, and it appears only the USB 3.0 ports could be dismounted. This means when dealing with changing out the fan or removing a panel to install a external bay item such as an optical drive, you are dealing with the it dangling from the wires.

Overall Review: Based on my experience, I would advise installing any external bay devices and making and change to the front fan before installing the power supply or motherboard, as this will ease some of the issues I encountered. If you don' care for the front LED fan and/or want positive pressure ventilation with the stock hardware, you can remove both fans and remount the plain rear fan as the front fan and put the LED fan in your parts bin. As with most cases that appear to have a front panel that provides some filtration, this one has an opening at the bottom that means if placed on a floor, it will suck up any dust directly into the fan. I've taken to cutting a block of foam to place in this opening on all my cases, and have experienced no thermal issues. Even with this, unless you live in a rather pristine environment, you'll likely find the front fan could use a good cleaning after a year or so. As I didn't use the included LED fan, I cannot comment on its quietness or performance. The standard rear fan appears to provide good air flow and is reasonably quiet for a stock fan, although it is no match in quietness for a good FDB fan. I wish Rosewill had offered a version of this case for a few dollars less with no fans.