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Jason W.

Jason W.

Joined on 06/11/03

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Product Reviews
product reviews
  • 3
Most Favorable Review

Solid addition to home network

ZyXEL 600 Mbps Powerline AV2 AV600 Gigabit Pass-Thru Adapter, Starter Kit - 2 Units (PLA5215KIT), up to 600Mbps
ZyXEL 600 Mbps Powerline AV2 AV600 Gigabit Pass-Thru Adapter, Starter Kit - 2 Units (PLA5215KIT), up to 600Mbps

Pros: Uses the newest HomePlug AV2 standard so speeds seem consistently closer to 100 Mbps or above on my network. There is a utility which you can install which will give you transfer speeds between the various devices. You can grab the latest version off the Zyxel website. I am noticing higher throughput compared to competitors PowerLine 500 devices. This unit allows you to not waste an outlet. It will also operate with other competitors HomePlug AV (older spec) units. I find this a satisfactory replacement for areas of poor WiFi on my property. That includes both N and the newer AC standards. Streaming media, online console gaming, and file transfer all work very reliably with this deployed as your network transport.

Cons: As other reviewers have pointed out the overlap of the casing is semi-large and it will be a tight fit for you to use the second outlet. Probably anything with a ground will be a tight fit. 2 prong plugs should fit without much problem. The Zyxel utility is rather spartan. I have used other manufacturers utils and they seem more full featured. Single port only model for this. No 4 Port units available for their Powerline 600 product line. You need to go with the older Powerline 500 for multi-port, which is also a good product.

Overall Review: I don't often hand out the 5 Star (or Egg) rating for products but I feel this has earned it. Ease of use, speed, and reliability combine to make this an excellent product. I am very satisfied with my purchase.

Solid Value for Tertiary Room HDTV

Vizio 26" 1080p 60Hz LED-LCD HDTV
Vizio 26" 1080p 60Hz LED-LCD HDTV

Pros: Price LED WiFi N Internet Apps / Netflix Multi HDMI Slim Design

Cons: Audio Quality Sub Par "Standard" default picture setting dull / washed out No Keyboard/ Slide Out Remote Control

Overall Review: I wanted an LED HDTV to place in a bedroom for light duty. I also needed one that could connect via WiFi. Decided to purchase refurb unit from NewEgg based off costs and satisfaction dealing with an earlier problem that NewEgg handled to my satisfaction (completely different product). Was expecting a cosmetically damaged unit in standard brown box but got almost new unit (very light marks on back of unit) shipped in Vizio Box with original packing. Only missing manual. TV is a solid value for what you pay. Picture Quality is very good after changing the default settings (I prefer Vivid). Internet connection is nice as well. Remote is Vizio IA unit w no slide out keyboard. Running BluRay and FIOS HD Set Top Box. Audio is sub par. I have to turn up to approx 20-24 to hear which is a little higher then other Vizio Units I have owned. If you want an HDTV for a smaller / secondary room, I would recommend this. 4/5 stars

Solid Value

SCEPTRE X20WG-Naga Black 20.1" 5ms (GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1,000:1, US Warranty
SCEPTRE X20WG-Naga Black 20.1" 5ms (GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 1,000:1, US Warranty

Pros: The most obvious pro is price compared to other similar units. This monitor clocks in around 50-100 USD cheaper then others. It also offers both DVI and VGA inputs. I have not noticed any ghosting or dead pixels. I have used this model for standard PC Windows apps, DVD watching (on PC), and PC gaming using Oblvion Elder Scrolls and Madden 07. This is a solid value for a widescreen monitor and I would recommend it to anyone looking to minimize cost (like I was) but still get decent value.

Cons: I purchased this unit because of a rebate offered on it. I sent the paperwork in but it states it will take up to 12 weeks to get the rebate back. This long of a wait is a con IMO, based on other rebates taking 4-8 weeks. Also, the monitor stand only swivels and will not allow you to adjust based on height.

12/14/2006