Search found 1372 matches

by pochax
Thu Oct 19, 2023 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pixel 8- unlocked or $100 more for Verizon model?
Replies: 6
Views: 2109

Re: Pixel 8- unlocked or $100 more for Verizon model?

i use Pixel 8 unlocked on Visible (Verizon discount network) - works great. no need for mmwave unless you need 4k video all the time.
by pochax
Fri Nov 04, 2022 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: wash sale rule violation?
Replies: 5
Views: 571

Re: wash sale rule violation?

great feedback - thank you for the thoughtful responses. yes, was hoping to TLH and i was hoping that taking out Emerging Markets would make it substantially different enough. i have Emerging Markets elsewhere in my portfolio so i don't need it for this particular transaction. i wasn't aware that Fidelity uses their own proprietary index so i learned something useful today. again - thank you for the responses. additionally i noticed that IDEV had a lower ER than IXUS (0.04 vs 0.07) - although i know that is an inconsequential difference, it doesn't hurt either.
by pochax
Fri Nov 04, 2022 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: wash sale rule violation?
Replies: 5
Views: 571

wash sale rule violation?

i just sold a bunch of FZILX (Fidelity ZERO international fund) and am wondering if i purchase IDEV (IShares Core MSCI International Developed Mkt ETF) less than 31 days from the day i sold, if this would violate the wash rule? are these different enough investments?
by pochax
Mon Jan 24, 2022 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2021 software offer
Replies: 278
Views: 36344

PSA: H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe plus state $22.50 on Amazon

[Merged into existing discussion -- moderator oldcomputerguy]

in case you were holding out for some discounted taxprep software, it as arrived:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09JG47T44
by pochax
Mon Aug 09, 2021 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to learn golf
Replies: 69
Views: 8079

Re: Best way to learn golf

thanks all - really helpful advice. update is that my son has backed out of wanting to take lessons so not sure if we will proceed. i think the play for fun mantra is probably where we will start and if there is desire to hone the craft, we will go for the lessons as the next step thereafter.
by pochax
Wed Jul 28, 2021 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to learn golf
Replies: 69
Views: 8079

Best way to learn golf

although i've dabbled on the golf course with friends, i have never taken the sport too seriously. i think i am now ready and willing to take some lessons along with my teenage son. does anyone here have any good experiences with where and/or how to take lessons? there seem to be so many teachers out there through Golf Stores (like PGA Superstore), local public courses (I don't belong to any country clubs), and specific retail outlets like Golftec. i think i will mostly need to start from scratch and get rid of bad habits i picked up from watching Youtube and stuff like that. Appreciate any advice. also keep in mind my teenage son so i guess i need to be open to the fact that he may not learn the same way as i would.
by pochax
Tue Jan 26, 2021 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block 2020 software offer
Replies: 426
Views: 43489

PSA: H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe plus state $22.50 on Amazon

was waiting for the price to drop and just noted it finally dropped (usually ~$30+).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08L9 ... UTF8&psc=1

not sure the other versions (premium and basic) are on sale as well, but YMMV.
by pochax
Wed Jun 24, 2020 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pilot, Highlander or CX-9
Replies: 73
Views: 9089

Re: Pilot, Highlander or CX-9

to the OP's question, we own a 2016 CX-9 GT trim (when the brand new model came out) and have been fine with it (still doing fine at 65k miles)- good car and $41k seems a fair price (maybe they can go lower if you are willing to pull the trigger). if the following are not deal-breakers for you and your wife, you can be at peace to purchase this vehicle: - Engine is a Turbo 4-cylinder (power/torque is fine for regular driving but when comparing to 6-cylinders some find the engine noise annoying) - infotainment is meh (i know they allow CarPlay and AndroidAuto integration but the base system is already seemingly outdated) - no panoramic sunroof option - some owners feel (my wife included) that AC is not strong so if you are in 100F climate (A...
by pochax
Sat May 16, 2020 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Upgrade to Pixelbook Go?
Replies: 6
Views: 625

Re: Upgrade to Pixelbook Go?

i would wait for the Lenovo Flex chromebook coming out later this year:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDGACaBfMXc
it is expected to be the best mid-range value chromebook and i think can be had between $400-500 depending on which CPU/RAM/SSD configuration which is still cheaper than the Pixelbook Go. Having said that if you can get a good discount on the P-Go, then go for it!
by pochax
Fri Apr 17, 2020 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pixel 3a or Wait for New Iphone?
Replies: 35
Views: 2273

Re: Pixel 3a or Wait for New Iphone?

i have a pixel 3a and very happy with it (got it when it was $300 when it first came out...lots of discounts back then). i will probably go pixel 4a when it comes out in the next few months and give my 3a to my daughter. the camera is so much better than any equivalent priced phone. just got a software/security update this morning as well. if you can wait a few more weeks, you may want to wait and get the 4a - better processor (snapdragon 700 series), 6GB RAM, and better display than 3a - but if those things don't matter to you, get the 3a and you should be happy for at least 1-2 more years. my concern for the future is not the updates, but whether the processor and 4GB RAM can handle the workload from apps/software updates in years 2+ (i t...
by pochax
Wed Feb 26, 2020 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MVNO with Visual Voicemail for Android Moto G6 Play
Replies: 16
Views: 1294

Re: MVNO with Visual Voicemail for Android Moto G6 Play

Cricket offers visual voicemail. uses AT&T network. major drawback is unlimited plan maxes out at 3Mbps which, from my experience, limits HD video playback, but otherwise works fine for websurfing, email, GPS, music, and SD video (i watch YouTube TV during my workouts without any hiccups).
by pochax
Fri Feb 21, 2020 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guitar for a 45 year old beginner
Replies: 52
Views: 5570

Re: Guitar for a 45 year old beginner

i play acoustic guitar and have recommended this as the best beginner guitar for $200: https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-FS800-Acoustic-Guitar-Natural/dp/B01C931H4S/ref=sr_1_2?crid=195J3NA00693C&keywords=fs800+guitar&qid=1582311389&s=musical-instruments&sprefix=FS800%2Caps%2C156&sr=1-2 The Yamaha FS800 punches above its price in terms of sound quality and build. my niece (13yrs old) and my mom (70+) both got one and love it. across acoustic guitar reviews/forums and youtube vids, you'll see this guitar recommended (including wirecutter.com). There is also an FG800 (slight larger dreadnought body style) for the same price and you can get that as well, but i recommend the smaller body one to start for playability and comfort, ...
by pochax
Tue Feb 18, 2020 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can we trust wirecutter reviews?
Replies: 41
Views: 6911

Re: Can we trust wirecutter reviews?

Devil is in the details as to why they choose something as their "top pick". read the review - if the only reason they choose one over another is because it is more inexpensive and they don't see the benefit of paying the premium, make sure it's also something you don't care about as well. also, i agree that their "best of the rest" (competitors tested) is often incomplete. as with most things, don't rely on just one website or use case. know your own use case and survey for all aspects that would justify what price you want to pay for the item.
by pochax
Sat Feb 08, 2020 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chromebook upgrade? Laptop?
Replies: 16
Views: 2038

Re: Chromebook upgrade? Laptop?

congratulations! that one is a well-reviewed powerhouse whose only "ding" was the retail price but you found a way to get a good deal. it should work for you for many years to come!
by pochax
Thu Feb 06, 2020 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chromebook upgrade? Laptop?
Replies: 16
Views: 2038

Re: Chromebook upgrade? Laptop?

the lenovo C630 seems a bit overkill for your needs. not sure you already purchased, but asus has an 8GB RAM, Intel M3 model (non-flip version) for <$370 on amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VT254P6/?c ... _lig_dp_it

personally i am waiting out for this tablet/hybrid coming out in May this year:
https://www.androidcentral.com/lenovo-d ... os-tablets

but this may not be powerful enough for your needs.
by pochax
Wed Feb 05, 2020 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NJ - Buying single family home - Buy or Rent?
Replies: 15
Views: 1629

Re: NJ - Buying single family home - Buy or Rent?

i agree with others that NJ is a difficult place to settle roots in and not end up paying for it heavily. being in finance, you and your spouse hopefully have potential for higher incomes which can help you stay afloat financially around here. personally, i have taken root in Bergen County but i don't know how others with significantly lower incomes do it. with regards to your questions: a. Whether we should buy or not in first place? If you plan to stay for 5-7 years as you mentioned, then i would suggest you strongly consider buying unless you have a really nice, convenient rental where you paying significantly undermarket price. if you buy/settle, you will want to consider a good school area which is your next question anyways. b. If you...
by pochax
Thu Nov 07, 2019 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Madza CX-5 2018 vs 2019
Replies: 14
Views: 1418

Re: Madza CX-5 2018 vs 2019

What features are of value to you? you are probably looking at deciding between Touring and Grand Touring trims. a quick look at the 2019 review at kbb.com says this about the trim differences: Speaking of the Touring trim, it’s another $2,265, but it’s well worth stretching the budget. It brings a power-adjustable driver’s seat, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, self-leveling headlights with automatic high beams, two rear USB charging ports, and an array of driver aids (adaptive cruise control, Smart Brake Support and lane-departure warning/assist). Grand Touring models have leather seating, 10-speaker Bose audio system, and navigation. Further options incl...
by pochax
Fri Oct 11, 2019 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best No Annual Fee Visa Credit Card with Cash Back
Replies: 56
Views: 7324

Re: Best No Annual Fee Visa Credit Card with Cash Back

this is our current card lineup:
1) Amazon prime 5% cash back for amazon purchases only
2) Amex Blue Preferred 6% groceries/3% gas for those purchases only (annual fee is more than made up for by the 6% groceries bonus alone)
3) Capital One Savor Mastercard 4% Dining/entertainment for those purchases only
4) Fidelity Rewards Visa 2% rewards on everything (for everything not covered by above)

i do own a Citi DoubleCash but we rarely use it anymore since it is somewhat redundant with the the Fidelity.
by pochax
Tue Aug 06, 2019 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best time to buy a new Lexus UX?
Replies: 11
Views: 2536

Re: Best time to buy a new Lexus UX?

agree that you may be disappointed in the UX. maybe consider a volvo XC40? it's been getting pretty good reviews.
by pochax
Wed Jun 05, 2019 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Volvo S90 T5 Momentum - Thoughts and Suggestions???
Replies: 41
Views: 6169

Re: Volvo S90 T5 Momentum - Thoughts and Suggestions???

UPDATE: OK, I bought the car and absolutely love it. I must say I also love the dealership. Not sure if all Volvo dealers are as good and helpful as the one I used but if they are that is fantastic. I LOVE the pilot assist. I have been in many cars that have lane change detection and adaptive cruise control but I personally have never been in one which corners, drives itself and will find a parking spot and park itself (both a perpendicular spot and a curb park. In the first two weeks I drove it on a trip and put close to 1500 miles on it. I have fallen back in love with Volvo... My last volvo was purchased when I was a soldier in Germany. I bought it through a NATO PX (Canadian as the American PX would only sell American cars) and it was ...
by pochax
Tue May 14, 2019 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Volvo S90 T5 Momentum - Thoughts and Suggestions???
Replies: 41
Views: 6169

Re: Volvo S90 T5 Momentum - Thoughts and Suggestions???

I have owned this 2018 model for 18 months and have 19,300 miles on it. There have been no issues so far with it. It is a pleasure to drive and great on the road. The engine is both turbo and super charged. Plenty peppy. The seats were big selling features as have made some long trips (2900,2000, 1200) very comfortably. We like the versatility for cargo, pulling a trailer, and occasionally needing room for 6 or 7. The only negative which you will see mentioned (for 2017s) is the electronic user interface. It is not intuitive and slow to spool up after starting the car. The dealer has told me the design goal was to minimize dash controls and help the driver keep eyes ahead....the controls work just fine, but take effort to learn. The safety...
by pochax
Tue May 14, 2019 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Volvo S90 T5 Momentum - Thoughts and Suggestions???
Replies: 41
Views: 6169

Re: Volvo S90 T5 Momentum - Thoughts and Suggestions???

i just got a 2019 XC60 T6 so it is not apples to apples but since most current Volvo models share many features i think i can comment on your 2 questions: 1) i have no idea if my model was made in China (no "L" in the VIN, mine has a "Y") but even if it was, the fit and finish of the model is exquisite and well done. remember you will have a 4yr/50k mile warranty with Volvo. 2) i have the T6 which is supercharged and turbocharged which has all but made the turbo-lag obsolete but i don't think the T5 will be that bad. you really should test-drive it first and see if the acceleration dynamics bother you. but being a 250+hp engine, unless you are a power-user/thrill-seeker, should be plenty for your day-to-day driving. good...
by pochax
Wed May 08, 2019 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New smartphone recommendations
Replies: 20
Views: 2651

Re: New smartphone recommendations

agree with Pixel 3a or 3aXL (depending on desired screen size).

best camera for a phone <$500 and best software experience with best OS support/updates/security.

caveats: plastic build, no wireless charging, not the fastest processor speed, no expandable storage (64GB only).
by pochax
Mon May 06, 2019 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Winter Tires All Year?
Replies: 62
Views: 5953

Re: Winter Tires All Year?

i envy your gas bill though: prius at 200 miles/month - how often do you fill up for gas? every season? :shock:
by pochax
Wed May 01, 2019 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hiring a contractor to cut down some trees....what should I be aware of?
Replies: 89
Views: 7625

Re: Hiring a contractor to cut down some trees....what should I be aware of?

i recently had a multiple-tree project that included:
- removal of one fallen tree after a storm (~100-ft pine) without removal of the stump
- removal of four 80-100 ft standing pines with grinding of stumps
- planting of five 10 ft pines (which should not grow >50 ft) to replace the ones taken down
total cost was $4000.
no permit obtained (not sure i need one from the town - probably should've checked although i've had fallen trees removed before without incident or citation). received 2 estimates, both verbal, and went with the lower one, although they were comparable. have not received my final bill yet but i have dealt with this tree service before and he has never deviated from the verbal quote.

Good luck.
by pochax
Wed May 01, 2019 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying car using carvana.com
Replies: 22
Views: 2820

Re: Buying car using carvana.com

BogleFanGal wrote: Wed May 01, 2019 11:28 am
pochax wrote: Wed May 01, 2019 11:17 am sounds like an inexpensive 1-week car rental to me :wink:
There's a limit on how many cars you can order and return....3x I think total.
Yeah - i figured. of course i wouldn't do it personally but i can see it happening. i wonder what would stop someone from just creating new accounts to abuse this (unless they record Diver license number or SSN to keep track of registered users).
by pochax
Wed May 01, 2019 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying car using carvana.com
Replies: 22
Views: 2820

Re: Buying car using carvana.com

sounds like an inexpensive 1-week car rental to me :wink:
by pochax
Tue Apr 30, 2019 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car insurance shopping - worth leaving USAA?
Replies: 36
Views: 3567

Re: Car insurance shopping - worth leaving USAA?

are you sure the coverage you get with Geico is really the same as you are getting with USAA? perhaps there are things you can delete from your USAA policy that will decrease the premium? when i switched from Amica to USAA 2 years ago, they were offering better coverage for the same premium as Amica as well as better Home Insurance coverage so having the mutli-line discount also helped.
by pochax
Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: About to buy a 2019 Mazda CX-5. To turbo or not to turbo...
Replies: 72
Views: 16305

Re: About to buy a 2019 Mazda CX-5. To turbo or not to turbo...

As far as I know, the Mazda 2.5L Turbo was introduced in 2016, for the CX-9 only until it was added as an option for the CX-5 this year. There are likely very few of these engines with 100,000+ miles on them so far. True. introduced in 2016 in the CX-9 and subsequently in the Mazda6 sedan. the CX5 is the 3rd vehicle to receive it in the Mazda lineup. our CX9 has it and we have ~50k miles on it without incident or issue although we maintain religiously to the owner manual schedule. One could probably check Consumer Reports reliability data for the Ford Escape as a proxy for a turbocharged engine used in a similar application. From a quick skim, it appears to me the rate of issues specifically with the turbo is reasonably low. Ford and Mazda...
by pochax
Tue Apr 09, 2019 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: About to buy a 2019 Mazda CX-5. To turbo or not to turbo...
Replies: 72
Views: 16305

Re: About to buy a 2019 Mazda CX-5. To turbo or not to turbo...

2016 CX-5 owner here (so non-turbo). you will want to get the turbo especially if you are look at the GT trim anyways. it will provide a good deal more torque and passing power than the base engine. i don't even care that much about engines but my wife who also is not a car-person keeps telling me our car is underpowered. she drives the CX-9 so she has the turbo and appreciates it. in a smaller lighter CX-5, the turbo will make even more of a difference. get the turbo!
by pochax
Tue Mar 05, 2019 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Snowblowers
Replies: 44
Views: 3188

Re: Snowblowers

+4 for the EGO snowblower - got the one with two 5000 mAh batteries and it lasts ~20-30 minutes at full power. i think it is perfect for a senior because:
1) light, fairly quiet, and maneuverable
2) maintenance-free (just recharge batteries - indoors preferably since keeping charge is harder in the cold)
3) wire-free
4) has LED lights for night use
5) no gas needed, no fumes, no oil, no crank-starting

some possible downsides:
- not self-propelling, so in heavy snow you will need strength to push through it
- can get easily clogged with wet snow >6" but fairly easy to unclog
by pochax
Thu Feb 07, 2019 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 H&R Block tax software deals
Replies: 9
Views: 1599

Re: 2018 H&R Block tax software deals UPDATE

nalor511 wrote: Thu Feb 07, 2019 6:28 am
pochax wrote: Fri Jan 25, 2019 12:16 pm FYI: just saw that 2018 H&R Block Deluxe with State efiling is down to $22 on amazon for either disc or download.
That's interesting, usually (always?) state e-file costs extra later.
i may be mistaken then - maybe it's not free state efiling, but just a free state download of forms? i'll double check when it's time for me to file.
by pochax
Wed Feb 06, 2019 6:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Tech Gadget Would you Buy?
Replies: 85
Views: 7886

Re: What Tech Gadget Would you Buy?

maybe buy a book on the dangers of tech gadgets. here are two well-reviewed ones: iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood--and What That Means for the Rest of Us https://www.amazon.com/iGen-Super-Connected-Rebellious-Happy-Adulthood/dp/1501152017/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549499124&sr=8-1&keywords=igen+why+today%27s+super-connected+kids+are+growing+up+less+rebellious Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked https://www.amazon.com/dp/0735222843/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_3?pf_rd_p=03dd84f0-0dd9-4d32-b6cb-02a32e0ba336&pd_rd_wg=E1Ykc&pf_rd_r=G9Y350N4P0WN2NXGHJ46&pd_rd_i=0735222843&pd_r...
by pochax
Fri Jan 25, 2019 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 H&R Block tax software deals
Replies: 9
Views: 1599

Re: 2018 H&R Block tax software deals

NewOldGuy wrote: Fri Jan 25, 2019 2:14 pm I got the downloadable version from Walmart online last month for $18.17. No disk, just a key code. Sales are common.
you got a good deal....is there a timeframe (just before Christmas?) that Walmart had that deal so i know when to look for the sale there? did it come with free state efile as well? i notice a lot of vendors don't give you the state one as part of the bundle.
by pochax
Fri Jan 25, 2019 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 H&R Block tax software deals
Replies: 9
Views: 1599

Re: 2018 H&R Block tax software deals UPDATE

FYI: just saw that 2018 H&R Block Deluxe with State efiling is down to $22 on amazon for either disc or download.
by pochax
Wed Jan 09, 2019 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on 2019 RAV4 and/or 2019 Santa Fe
Replies: 23
Views: 2885

Re: Opinions on 2019 RAV4 and/or 2019 Santa Fe

We are in the same boat and feel the specs (mpg, cargo space, safety tech,reliability) of the 2019 RAV4 hybrid are hard to beat. However, its look is polarizing and may not appeal to all. More expensive as well at higher trims. If mpg and premium fuel costs and cargo space are not important I would compare to some luxury cuvs as well that start at the mid to upper 30k range. But then the CX5 would be a contender too (but small cargo space, no lane centering steering ). Subaru also does not have lane centering steering. I believe Kia and Hyndai may not as well. For us, adaptive cruise control becomes more useful only if lane centering is there without a ping pong effect. See this wikipedia link for a list of cars that have lane centering no...
by pochax
Mon Jan 07, 2019 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Compact SUV Should I Buy?
Replies: 217
Views: 21558

Re: Which Compact SUV Should I Buy?

michaeljc70 wrote: Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:50 am The 2019 CX-5s are very new, so it will take some time to shake out which trims are most in demand and which will get discounted. I am not sure how the $52k XC60 compares feature wise with the Signature. I remember seeing a XC60 with the sticker over $60k (not counting the hybrid).
there is a nice video comparison of the new CX-5 (turbo) vs. XC40:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4KKgTRJWvo

TL;DR: Volvo is a bit more premium in terms of interior/refinement, but CX5 is better in terms of drivability/handling. i agree XC60 is even better than XC40 but the cost difference will be even greater as well.
by pochax
Sat Jan 05, 2019 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 H&R Block tax software deals
Replies: 9
Views: 1599

2018 H&R Block tax software deals

sorry if i missed recent posts on this but i know this forum has often found the best deals for tax software. does anyone have a recommendation for the best deal for Federal + State H&R Block Deluxe 2018 (the purple cover) tax software/ Amazon has it for $34.99 but i am wondering if there are cheaper deals or promo codes available. Thanks!
by pochax
Tue Dec 11, 2018 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations on Wire-Free Security Camera System
Replies: 5
Views: 1125

Re: Recommendations on Wire-Free Security Camera System

sounds like you are stuck in the Ring ecosystem if you want one security system solution. i use a combination of 5 Arlo cameras (mix of original as well as Arlo Pro 2), Nest Hello doorbell, and Simplisafe for door/window entry sensors. i have to pay the simplisafe and Nest Aware subscription fees (Arlo is free for 5 cameras for a limited number of days of video storage).

If you do consider Arlo, i would concur that 3-4 month battery life is about average so you may want to keep them in places where they are easy to take down and replace.
by pochax
Sat Nov 17, 2018 10:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Crossover Confusion.....
Replies: 26
Views: 2726

Re: New Crossover Confusion.....

i would go CX-5. 2017 was the redesign year so if you can find a used model you might be able to save a little and still get the nicer interior and comfort/ride of the redesign. but even if you stick with going new, it is better than the 2018 RAV4 in almost every way. it has also proven to be reliable so no worries there. RAV4 price might drop even more when 2019's are available since it is brand new redesign as well. disclaimer: i own a 2016 CX-5 and CX-9 and love both of those cars. but i would trade up my 2016 CX-5 to a 2018 (or better yet a 2019 with the Turbo engine) in a heartbeat for the ventilated seats, rear vents, auto rear hatch, and Android Auto/Carplay. but i only have 46k miles and 3.5 years so can't justify it financially (ye...
by pochax
Tue Nov 06, 2018 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best deals to buy iphones
Replies: 66
Views: 8687

Re: Best deals to buy iphones

Quick update on this post, as Black Friday is coming up (btw, my wife bought a refurbished Iphone 8 so I'm now looking for only one phone). I've checked deals on iphone presented during previous black Fridays, and it seems that all the offers require to subscribe to one of the big carrier's plans to get a discount on the phone. But is there any true free and clear discount on iphones around Black Friday? If not, I may end up buying the iphone full price at the apple store and go with a cheap plan from one of the MVNO (such as Total wireless with 2 lines for $52/m), as suggested by Bloom2708. Just a bit scared of the overall quality of the MVNO offers.. You have plenty of people using MVNOs on this forum to placate your concern. what do you...
by pochax
Mon Nov 05, 2018 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Me Get Rid of Chubb/Reduce Cost of Homeowners Insurance
Replies: 15
Views: 3834

Re: Help Me Get Rid of Chubb/Reduce Cost of Homeowners Insurance

i have no personal experience with Chubb so that makes me both objective as well as ignorant :) but i did have a friend who had Chubb and when his townhome basement flooded during a power outage, Chubb covered all the damage even though he did not have any flood insurance. they covered it because the sump pump stopped working from the power outage and that is what "caused" the flooding. i think a less ethically-inclined insurance company could have argued differently and tried to not cover, but Chubb did the right thing.

that means something in my book. just my 2 cents.
by pochax
Mon Nov 05, 2018 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Email on dark web. haveibeenpwned.com
Replies: 9
Views: 2357

Re: Email on dark web. haveibeenpwned.com

i have received at least 3 notifications over the years from haveibeenpwned.com that my email and sometimes old passwords have been discovered.

i have only changed my passwords when i was notified of this. most of these notifications were from breaches that were several years ago. i have probably changed my password multiple times since those breaches so i am not too worried.
by pochax
Thu Oct 18, 2018 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY Home Security: SimpliSafe vs Ooma vs Nest vs Ring vs Other?
Replies: 66
Views: 12876

Re: DIY Home Security: SimpliSafe vs Ooma vs Nest vs Ring vs Other?

BashDash wrote: Thu Oct 18, 2018 1:29 pm Wow that was quick :).

What do you think of the pricing?

Camera recording is available on a subscription-based plan for $5 a month for a single camera or $10 a month for unlimited cameras.
well Ring would be $10/month without central monitoring (but cameras included, right?)

SS would be $10/month for all cameras but also $15/mo for base-level central monitoring ($25/mo for higher level functions with remote access/etc.)

seems comparable and you basically pay for what you want.
by pochax
Thu Oct 18, 2018 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY Home Security: SimpliSafe vs Ooma vs Nest vs Ring vs Other?
Replies: 66
Views: 12876

Re: DIY Home Security: SimpliSafe vs Ooma vs Nest vs Ring vs Other?

BashDash wrote: Thu Oct 18, 2018 1:24 pm Makes sense.

I'm thinking then that RING still has the advantage withe cameras and the price. I have to imagine that they might come out with a panic button or glass break sensors eventually. Just as I would imagine that SS will eventually come out with a video doorbell?
ask and you shall receive. SS is releasing a video doorbell:
https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker ... gle-camera
by pochax
Thu Oct 18, 2018 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY Home Security: SimpliSafe vs Ooma vs Nest vs Ring vs Other?
Replies: 66
Views: 12876

Re: DIY Home Security: SimpliSafe vs Ooma vs Nest vs Ring vs Other?

i would be skeptical of the full value of a system without central monitoring unless there are plenty of nearby homes within earshot of your residence to hear the alarm (but no guarantee they would hear it). if there is an intruder and you are home, what good does it do if he decides to stay and do evil? it will wake you up for sure and perhaps give you a chance to do something about it, but don't you want to know help is on the way?
by pochax
Mon Oct 15, 2018 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mobile phone service/providers/new phone
Replies: 4
Views: 860

Re: Mobile phone service/providers/new phone

step one: figure out which network service works best for you where you plan to live (Verizon vs. AT&T vs. TMobile vs. Sprint). may need go by word of mouth and ask neighbors/friends who have lived there if you are completely new to the area. in general Verizon (is better than)> AT&T > TMobile >>> Sprint but your mileage may vary (some places TMobile is better than AT&T for sure). step two: figure out if you need high data speeds (eg. >4 Mbps) which would be useful for streaming video (especially HD video) - IF you do need high-speed, you likely will need to get a plan with one of the major carriers - if you do NOT need high-speed, you may consider an off-brand MVNO (so-called prepaid plans) for a much lower monthly price. Some ...
by pochax
Fri Oct 12, 2018 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV recommendation for my father
Replies: 55
Views: 3850

Re: TV recommendation for my father

I didn't give a price range because if my father plans to watch in SD does the TV matter? I think perhaps it's best to upgrade to Verizon HD so the TVs resolution can be enjoyed. I saw TCL TVs in stores and liked their specs but I wasn't familiar with the brand. Francis at some point, price always matters, doesn't it? but i agree, you are talking about SD and using a TV tuner or basic cable for someone who is not a tech enthusiast (picture quality critic) so i would go TCL. they are the 3rd largest creator of TV panels. they are now a very well respected brand. as with all manufacturers (incl. samsung, LG, Vizio, etc.), there could be some faulty units but that is what a warranty is for. Most TVs do the same things these days so really pri...
by pochax
Fri Oct 12, 2018 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV recommendation for my father
Replies: 55
Views: 3850

Re: TV recommendation for my father

You did not give a price range. if you just want a very good "budget" pick, would suggest the TCL 6-series on sale at amazon and best buy. it will run ~$650 for a 55" screen. yes, it may have more smart TV stuff built in than he needs (has Roku's operating system) but the picture quality to price ratio is very good based on several objective review sites (for example: Rtings.com) and it will give him the flexibility should he eventually decide to go the internet/streaming route without needing to buy additional boxes/sticks. if price is no object and picture quality is the absolute priority, would recommend an LG OLED TV. but a 55" will run ~$2000. But the blacks are so deep there is no comparison with standard LED techn...
by pochax
Thu Oct 11, 2018 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My life saved by New subaru. Almost died.
Replies: 62
Views: 8896

Re: My life saved by New subaru. Almost died.

lthenderson wrote: Thu Oct 11, 2018 1:00 pm
+1

I'm glad I'm not the only one confused as to what is being described. I would not want a "automatic braking system" that only works one yard out.
...I braked hard to no avail.
and i would not want a car where only the ABS system works but the manual brakes do not :shock: