Search found 1456 matches
- Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:44 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Ooma, Ooma Telo Air, standard or premier, Obi200
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1158
Re: Ooma, Ooma Telo Air, standard or premier, Obi200
socal: Thanks for that detail about disconnecting the copper. I was unaware of that, it's easy enough to do. I found a pretty decent write up at the forum at ObiTalk Community. But no one mentioned the disconnect. I really don't feel like jumping through the hoops to port my copper landline: buying...
- Thu Apr 19, 2018 11:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Ooma, Ooma Telo Air, standard or premier, Obi200
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1158
Re: Ooma, Ooma Telo Air, standard or premier, Obi200
Not having used VOIP, and assuming the quality to be poor and choppy, I'm surprised to see many positive comments. So for a landline ATT user, is it correct that I perform these tasks: buy obi200, then port existing landline to GV, register at obiTalk, find a 911 service, plug in my Panasonic cordl...
- Thu Apr 19, 2018 8:49 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: PC laptops
- Replies: 91
- Views: 3866
Re: PC laptops
I'd avoid a PC laptop in that price range, especially HP. My brother just bought one of these and it's a lot of computer for the money: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-nitro-5-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-1050-ti-256gb-solid-state-drive-black/6204553.p?skuId=6204553&ref=...
- Thu Apr 19, 2018 8:43 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Ooma, Ooma Telo Air, standard or premier, Obi200
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1158
Re: Ooma, Ooma Telo Air, standard or premier, Obi200
Another happy OBI user here (obi202), years without trouble: - Paid $50 for the unit - Monthly use is free! (we still pay for internet which also runs our TV) - Excellent call quality - We use our legacy in-home landline network and have a regular answering machine connected to the phone It's likely...
- Sun Apr 15, 2018 10:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Removing oil stains on garage floor
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1115
Re: Removing oil stains on garage floor
Cement, dry of course, I don't mean concrete. This is what they always use at motor racing tracks if there is an oil spill. Put the cement powder on the stain and rub it in with a gloved finger. Would likely work very well. I use the "cat sand" type stuff they sell at Autozone. I sprinkle on the st...
- Sat Apr 14, 2018 10:03 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mid-40s in tech - how to pass off as acceptably young
- Replies: 111
- Views: 9749
Re: Mid-40s in tech - how to pass off as acceptably young
This thread is very relevant for me, same age and also facing cuts at my Megacorp. I'm looking for work to stay ahead of the inevitable cut. Don't know if it will affect me but I'll be leaving regardless. I've done a few phone interviews and they seem to fall into the following categories. It helps ...
- Mon Apr 09, 2018 8:51 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Volvo XC 60 T8 eAWD
- Replies: 4
- Views: 465
Re: Volvo XC 60 T8 eAWD
Join the Swedespeed forum for more XC60 details http://forums.swedespeed.com/forumdisplay.php?5041-XC60-(SPA-2018-) I have a 2018 XC90 T6, non-hybrid. I've followed some of the XC90 T8 threads and the mileage reports: - Around town and when fully charged overnight the T8 gets good combined MPG - On ...
- Wed Mar 28, 2018 12:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Salary comparison between cities
- Replies: 6
- Views: 465
Salary comparison between cities
I'm contemplating a move from San Diego CA to Austin TX. Any good websites to compare salary ranges?
I started with www.payscale.com, popped in my base pay and hit calculate. 40% less in Austin compared to SD!
Can that be real?
I started with www.payscale.com, popped in my base pay and hit calculate. 40% less in Austin compared to SD!

Can that be real?
- Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New car?
- Replies: 46
- Views: 3239
Re: New car?
I'd buy my wife a new car.
I think you're being overly thrifty. I'd at least fix the AC in that car.
I think you're being overly thrifty. I'd at least fix the AC in that car.
- Thu Mar 22, 2018 12:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone Deleting Facebook?
- Replies: 329
- Views: 21674
Re: Anyone Deleting Facebook?
Yes, deleted years ago. I archived all the data into a giant Zip file in case I need to view my contacts at some point. (they provided an option for this)
- Wed Mar 21, 2018 11:33 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to conduct job search, hi tech industry
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1622
How to conduct job search, hi tech industry
Hi all, My megacorp is on the ropes. There is a company-wide hiring freeze so even internal transfers are not possible. Layoffs are underway but I know I am not part of them. That would normally be reassuring, but all my projects have been cancelled. The last two years of products were stopped at pr...
- Tue Mar 20, 2018 11:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: BH Review: Ventev wireless phone charger
- Replies: 0
- Views: 152
BH Review: Ventev wireless phone charger
I recently bought a wireless charger for my Samsung Note 8: the Ventev https://www.amazon.com/Ventev-Wireless-Charger-Charging-Phones/dp/B075WY966K/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1521605503&sr=8-16&keywords=ventev+charger Pros : - Supposedly supports very high charging power, 15W - Does indeed charge right...
- Tue Mar 20, 2018 8:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 2018 Honda Accord LX ... is this a good deal?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 3520
Re: 2018 Honda Accord LX ... is this a good deal?
I don't have any input on the price but I will advice you don't get the LX. I had a 2015 that I ended up trading in a little over a year into ownership due to the discomfort of the drivers seat. The way the seat is positioned and the lack of thigh support and the inability of being able to tilt the...
- Mon Mar 19, 2018 1:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 2018 Honda Accord LX ... is this a good deal?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 3520
Re: 2018 Honda Accord LX ... is this a good deal?
That seems "ok." I got an Accord Sport for the same price, but that was a few years ago.
I highly recommend the Sport over the LX, most useful options for only a little more money.
I highly recommend the Sport over the LX, most useful options for only a little more money.
- Sat Mar 17, 2018 1:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Soft boxer shorts for men
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2549
Re: Soft boxer shorts for men
I kid you not, I've been searching online and looking in stores for months. After I posted I quickly found these: https://www.duluthtrading.com/store/product/mens-free-swingin-flannel-boxers-94230.aspx?wpc=BBK&tall=N&src=GPSHPMN&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv4mSzID02QIVgpF-Ch2j8w38EAQYASABEgKd8fD_BwE Ordered 4...
- Sat Mar 17, 2018 1:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Soft boxer shorts for men
- Replies: 28
- Views: 2549
Soft boxer shorts for men
I don't want this go "off topic", this should be ok since I'm just asking for product link. I would like to find some boxer shorts with the following requirements: - No thick "rubber band" at the top. I find this painful - Material should be soft cotton or flannel - Elastic should be fully covered b...
- Thu Mar 15, 2018 11:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: My 2017 CRV is a victim of the dreaded oil gas-dilution issue
- Replies: 191
- Views: 21252
Re: My 2017 CRV is a victim of the dreaded oil gas-dilution issue
Technically, to fix this problem, all Honda has to do is to change some of the parameters in the engine computer to reduce the injected fuel and worse, put a different thermostat which will allow the engine to come to operating temperature quicker. But still to do this on all the CR-V would be expe...
- Thu Mar 15, 2018 9:01 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: My 2017 CRV is a victim of the dreaded oil gas-dilution issue
- Replies: 191
- Views: 21252
Re: My 2017 CRV is a victim of the dreaded oil gas dilution issue
A boycott and a blog? This is what people do when they have too much time on their hands. Dump the CRV if you're not happy with it and buy something else. Life is too short! :wink: Ah, I miss the good old days when we didn't have tiny engines and countless emissions controls. A normally aspirated V6...
- Wed Mar 14, 2018 3:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Should a recent college grad look for a job in the Bay Area or Texas?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 2668
Re: Should a recent college grad look for a job in the Bay Area or Texas?
California is a trap. They get you with the high income, they keep you with the high cost of living (ie. must keep making more to get by.) - Gas costs at least $1/gallon more than elsewhere. Drive to AZ or NV, it's a dollar less. Supposedly those taxes are all going for some good cause (eg. roads),...
- Tue Mar 13, 2018 1:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Need help on car decision: Honda CRV vs luxury car used
- Replies: 62
- Views: 4257
Re: Need help on car decision: Honda CRV vs luxury car used
If you want a European luxury car, go for it. A CPO is probably the most economical and least risky way to get into one. But - if you're happy with the Honda to begin with, that car will treat you very well. Little maintenance required beyond what is scheduled whereas the German brands will have you...
- Tue Mar 13, 2018 1:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone get a 'Tuff Shed' ?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1999
Re: Anyone get a 'Tuff Shed' ?
Ended up getting at Tuff Shed via Home Depot!
- They have a 10% discount this month
- No Tax!
Link:
https://888tuffshed.com/
Saved $600 compared to Tuff Shed factory ordering.
- They have a 10% discount this month
- No Tax!
Link:
https://888tuffshed.com/
Saved $600 compared to Tuff Shed factory ordering.
- Thu Mar 08, 2018 1:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone get a 'Tuff Shed' ?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1999
Re: Anyone get a 'Tuff Shed' ?
Yes, I could get more "character" for more $$$:
- The 'barn' or 'cottage' look for the structure, but both cost more
- Windows, shutters, trim, vents, skylights, flower boxes - all can be added at more cost
- The 'barn' or 'cottage' look for the structure, but both cost more
- Windows, shutters, trim, vents, skylights, flower boxes - all can be added at more cost
- Thu Mar 08, 2018 10:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone get a 'Tuff Shed' ?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1999
Anyone get a 'Tuff Shed' ?
We need another shed for storage: - A lawn mower (tractor), size 4'x5' - A couple dirt bikes We have space for a 8x12 shed. I've previously built such a shed from a kit, was on sale from Costco for $1k. I then added another $1k in upgrades and materials (shingles, paint, treated flooring, vents, 16"...
- Tue Mar 06, 2018 1:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which car, Porsche Cayenne or Volvo XC90?
- Replies: 71
- Views: 5543
Re: Which car, Porsche Cayenne or Volvo XC90?
We are fairly new owners of a 2018 Volvo XC90 T6, 5k miles on the clock and no problems so far! :beer We are very happy with our choice. I include our pros & cons of this vehicle in my review below: https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=233609&p=3645895&hilit=volvo#p3645895 Pic from ...
- Fri Mar 02, 2018 7:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: PC Guy. Inherited a Mid-2012 MacBook Pro ($500 value). Talk me into/out of keeping it.
- Replies: 37
- Views: 2559
Re: PC Guy. Inherited a Mid-2012 MacBook Pro ($500 value). Talk me into/out of keeping it.
FYI the 2015 MBP is the best model made, still has a couple normal USB ports. They still produce it.
- Fri Mar 02, 2018 6:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Move to Orange County
- Replies: 50
- Views: 4047
Re: Move to Orange County
That map makes a good point. The range is about a dollar. For a heavy driver (15000 miles a year?) with an average car (25 mpg?) the difference from least expensive to most is $600. Hardly the kind of money that should determine where to live. We just grin and bear it out here. It's the "sunshine t...
- Fri Mar 02, 2018 1:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: PC Guy. Inherited a Mid-2012 MacBook Pro ($500 value). Talk me into/out of keeping it.
- Replies: 37
- Views: 2559
Re: PC Guy. Inherited a Mid-2012 MacBook Pro ($500 value). Talk me into/out of keeping it.
Sounds like a great machine. I'd put in an SSD, upgrade the RAM and put the latest OS on there. Would likely work well for another 5 years.
- Fri Mar 02, 2018 1:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Move to Orange County
- Replies: 50
- Views: 4047
Re: Move to Orange County
Fuel prices across the country.


- Thu Mar 01, 2018 4:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Google Pixel 2 Users-Experience So Far?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 2567
Re: Google Pixel 2 Users-Experience So Far?
Work colleague stopped by to show off his new Pixel (regular size), seemed to like it.
- Less expensive than Apple or Samsung
- Doesn't come with carrier bloatware
- Good camera
Should be a good phone
- Less expensive than Apple or Samsung
- Doesn't come with carrier bloatware
- Good camera
Should be a good phone
- Thu Mar 01, 2018 1:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: No Foreign Transaction Fees on Costco Card
- Replies: 5
- Views: 509
Re: No Foreign Transaction Fees on Costco Card
Pretty nice. The Costco card is great, I use it for all my Gas/Restaurant purchases.
Alliant for everything else
Alliant for everything else

- Thu Mar 01, 2018 12:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to start a website?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 654
How to start a website?
I'm thinking of starting a website, on automobile maintenance in particular. There seems to be a gap in this area, newer cars are becoming increasingly computerized and manufacturers keep maintenance information to themselves in order to encourage dealer visits. Anyone start their own website? - Do ...
- Thu Mar 01, 2018 12:02 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Move to Orange County
- Replies: 50
- Views: 4047
Re: Move to Orange County
[...]Also things like gasoline are quite expensive.[...] Gas is NOT quite expensive in CA. Gas is QUITE expensive in Europe. Gasbuddy indicates a price of about $3.25/gallon of regular gas in a couple of places in CA that I checked. In Europe, that would be about $10.00 or so probably. Gas is taxed...
- Wed Feb 28, 2018 4:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cushion for Herman Miller Aeron Chair
- Replies: 4
- Views: 459
Re: Cushion for Herman Miller Aeron Chair
Thanks for the feedback!
I ended up finding a website with a good deal on the Strata cushion:
- Someone popped up in the 'chat' window and gave me an unsolicited 7% off coupon
- Free shippping
- They take Paypal, and I happened to have $90 cash sitting in my PP account already

I ended up finding a website with a good deal on the Strata cushion:
- Someone popped up in the 'chat' window and gave me an unsolicited 7% off coupon
- Free shippping
- They take Paypal, and I happened to have $90 cash sitting in my PP account already

- Wed Feb 28, 2018 1:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cushion for Herman Miller Aeron Chair
- Replies: 4
- Views: 459
Cushion for Herman Miller Aeron Chair
I have an Aeron at work, bought it for myself since the company wouldn't. Around the same time I bought a cushion for it, tag says 'Bodybilt.' I don't think I could use the chair without it, the seat pan ends up feeling very hard otherwise. (Other than that, the chair is very adjustable and comforta...
- Tue Feb 27, 2018 6:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Heads up: Moto G5 Plus 32 Unlocked phone at Costco $179
- Replies: 34
- Views: 3970
Heads up: Moto G5 Plus 32 Unlocked phone at Costco $179
The Moto G5 Plus Unlocked 32GB phone is on sale at Costco until 2/28/18
That's a very good deal for an entry/mid cell phone! In fact it's better than 'flagship' phones from a few years ago. Just pop in your SIM card and go!
That's a very good deal for an entry/mid cell phone! In fact it's better than 'flagship' phones from a few years ago. Just pop in your SIM card and go!

- Tue Feb 27, 2018 5:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Costco - Executive vs. Gold Membership
- Replies: 44
- Views: 13980
Re: Costco - Executive vs. Gold Membership
Currently there is an extra $60 (= free installation) rebate on 4 Michelin tires if ordered online, I am about to take advantage of that. They have offered this from time to time in the past. Why does everyone think these Michelin rebates are Costco specials? Just about every tire place offers them...
- Tue Feb 27, 2018 9:39 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Costco - Executive vs. Gold Membership
- Replies: 44
- Views: 13980
Re: Costco - Executive vs. Gold Membership
We have it, no problems. We spend probably $5k/year at Costco, the Exec coupon always pays for the membership with a few bucks left over. We have not been active users of the various Exec perks offered by Costco. (Oh we did order checks through Costco but I expect that set will last us another 10 ye...
- Mon Feb 26, 2018 3:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: BH Review: Samsung Note 8 Unlocked
- Replies: 5
- Views: 501
BH Review: Samsung Note 8 Unlocked
I recently purchased a Note 8 after my Note 3 started to have gremlins. I got the Unlocked version, it has no carrier-specific software and seems to support the widest set of frequencies of any Note sold in the US. The Good - Display: Fantastic display as you might expect from a late model flagship ...
- Fri Feb 23, 2018 3:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 964
Re: Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
Ended up getting it from Best Buy:
- MSRP $949
- Price matched to Amazon, $923
- Got a "Free" Samsung home security kit as part of a bundle, MSRP $250
- I see the kits on ebay for ~$150, so I'll sell it there and hope to get 130
- MSRP $949
- Price matched to Amazon, $923
- Got a "Free" Samsung home security kit as part of a bundle, MSRP $250
- I see the kits on ebay for ~$150, so I'll sell it there and hope to get 130
- Fri Feb 23, 2018 12:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 964
Re: Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
Wally World has the grey version for a mere $897
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Galaxy-Note8 ... /950435821
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Galaxy-Note8 ... /950435821
- Fri Feb 23, 2018 10:23 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 964
Re: Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
It's $750 unlocked direct from samsung, with a free set of wireless earbuds, plus another $50-300 off for trading in a qualifying phone (iPhone 5 or newer, Galaxy S5 or newer, LG G5 or newer). They do 0% financing as well. I may end up doing that but it seems I don't have a "qualifying" phone for t...
- Fri Feb 23, 2018 9:39 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boglehead Flashlight?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 5172
Re: Boglehead Flashlight?
One caution: as the batteries reach the end, LED headlamps and flashlights dim very gradually and subtly and it's easy to let them get dim without quite realizing what's happening! Quibble: flashights, LED or incandescent, dim gradually if they just connect the batteries directly to the bulb or LED...
- Fri Feb 23, 2018 9:31 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 964
Re: Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
It's $750 unlocked direct from samsung, with a free set of wireless earbuds, plus another $50-300 off for trading in a qualifying phone (iPhone 5 or newer, Galaxy S5 or newer, LG G5 or newer). They do 0% financing as well. I may end up doing that but it seems I don't have a "qualifying" phone for t...
- Fri Feb 23, 2018 1:20 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 964
Re: Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
Unfortunately, if you just want to buy the unlocked phone in full, Samsung makes it very difficult to get a good deal. If you have any use for more than one phone, I think the best deal on the Note 8 has been the buy one get one deal from T-Mobile. You have to buy the device on installment plan, bu...
- Thu Feb 22, 2018 9:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 964
Any good deals on Samsung Note 8?
I'm shopping for a new phone, my Note 3 has some kind of bug where an SMS goes to the wrong person. (I've tried everything) So I'm looking for this: - Note 8 - US version - Black - Unlocked Anyone buy one recently? There was a black friday deal on Amazon for $799 but that's long gone. Best now seems...
- Thu Feb 22, 2018 2:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Boglehead Flashlight?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 5172
Re: Boglehead Flashlight?
I look for these features: - LED light bulb - Commonly used battery - Long battery life - No 'strobe'! Costco used to sell 2-packs like this, $20 total: https://www.amazon.com/Duracell-Durabeam-Ultra-700-Heavy-Duty/dp/B01MDMCD5H They are perfect! No longer at costco but ebay seems to have decent dea...
- Thu Feb 22, 2018 9:46 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Capital One 360 Money Market now at 1.5%
- Replies: 21
- Views: 3059
Re: Capital One 360 Money Market now at 1.5%
Alliant CU savings account is 1.44% and they raise it frequently. (I also have the 1.5% Cap One MM) Seems like rates are rising everywhere.
Will add Redneck bank at some point
Will add Redneck bank at some point

- Wed Feb 21, 2018 11:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When is Costco cash back coupon arriving?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 2102
Re: When is Costco cash back coupon arriving?
Found a useful FAQ:
- If you've selected paperless statements, you get an email
- If you receive paper statements, you get a coupon
- If you lose it, you may print a new coupon via a PDF online (*whew!*)
Here:
https://www.citi.com/CRD/PDF/faqs.pdf
- If you've selected paperless statements, you get an email
- If you receive paper statements, you get a coupon
- If you lose it, you may print a new coupon via a PDF online (*whew!*)
Here:
https://www.citi.com/CRD/PDF/faqs.pdf
- Wed Feb 21, 2018 11:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: When is Costco cash back coupon arriving?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 2102
Re: When is Costco cash back coupon arriving?
I logged in, no indication of when the reward will be issued. It does say it will be "Credit Card reward certificate." No word on whether it's an email or a paper voucher as in the past.
- Wed Feb 21, 2018 8:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: what should be the subject line when contacting previous employer
- Replies: 10
- Views: 701
Re: what should be the subject line when contacting previous employer
Might even meet your old boss face to face, have coffee/lunch