Sunday, March 30, 2014

Is this a good TV for the money?




Andrew


I'm going to be getting a new TV soon and I'd like some opinions about a so-called 'smart' TV I'm considering. Back in the day I had no trouble weighing the different features of TV's, but this is a new age, I don't know too much about the smart TV's. I mean, I know the basics- that they allow you to run apps and are good with pictures and thumb drive content, but that's about the extent of my knowledge. Anyway, the TV is a "VIZIO model number E420i-B0 42" 1080p 120Hz LED Smart TV HDTV" It's a 2014 model yet it's 50 bucks cheaper than a similar 2013 Vizio. I'm not sure if that's good news or bad news. Anyway, if any people who know TV's could check it out on Amazon or Walmart, I'd appreciate any informed opinions. (and all I'll really be using it for is my PS3, Blu Rays and TV)
Grumpy Mac: Wow! Thank you for the heads up... My current TV is a Vizio that I got back in 2008 and it was great for the money. I had no idea that they had sold the company to China! So Vizio is off my list.

Ron: I hope you check back because I want to ask you about the picture in regards to the refresh rate. I've heard that you really want to have a 120 mHz refresh rate MINIMUM. It supposedly really makes the picture much better for sports and action. The model you listed was only 60 mHz. Did you notice this to be true?
Thanks to everyone who responded. You've given me a couple good choices with the Samsung & LG suggestions!



Answer
First - Vizio has admitted that their televisions are un-repairable (do a google search if you want to confirm this). The low prices are attractive but when it breaks after a few months - you toss it and buy something better.

Second - While "smart" TV's are nice, you can probably buy a WD TV Play box ($70) or a Roku 3 ($99) and get BETTER streaming and video playback features, but save the $300 bump to move into a smart model.

Get a well-rated Samsung or LG without the smart feature and add one of the above media streamers. You will be better off and save some money.

Hope this helps.

Which Desktop should I get?




rik


Difference between these two desktops?
They are both Dell XPS 8500. Which one should I get? There is a 50 $ price difference.
First One-
3rd Gen Intel® Core⢠i5-3350P processor
Features a 6MB cache and 3.1GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz.
Intel® Core⢠i5 processor
Features smart 4-way processing performance with a speed boost.
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Automatically speeds up your processor when your PC needs extra performance.
8GB DDR3 SDRAM
For multitasking power, expandable to 32GB.

Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
Create custom DVDs and CDs.

1TB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
AMD Radeon HD 7570 graphics

Feature 1GB GDDR5 dedicated video memory for lush images with intricate detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.

4 USB 3.0 and 6 USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
Built-in Dell Wireless 1703 high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)
Connect to the Internet without wires.

Bluetooth 4.0 interface
Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.

Built-in Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.

Microsoft Windows 8 operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
Software package included
With CyberLink Media Suite Essentials and more. Includes 1-month trial of Microsoft Office 365.

There is also Internal high-definition 7.1 Performance Audio with Waves MaxxAudio
IT is 749.99 $.

Here is the other one.
3rd Gen Intel® Core⢠i5-3350P processor
Features a 6MB cache and 3.1GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.3GHz.
Intel® Core⢠i5 processor

Features smart 4-way processing performance with a speed boost.
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Automatically speeds up your processor when your PC needs extra performance.
8GB DDR3 SDRAM
For multitasking power, expandable to 32GB.
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
Lets you create custom DVDs and CDs.
1TB Serial ATA III hard drive (7200 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times. The 16MB cache provides enhanced performance.
AMD Radeon HD 7570 graphics
Feature 1GB DDR5 dedicated video memory for lush images with intricate detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
19-in-1 media reader
Supports Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, miniSD, microSD, MultiMediaCard, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCard Plus, MultiMediaCard micro, RD MultiMediaCard Plus and Compact Flash I/II formats.
Also supports SmartMedia, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick Micro, xD-Picture Card and Microdrive formats.
4 USB 3.0 and 6 USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
Built-in Dell Wireless 1703 LAN (802.11b/g/n)
Connect to the Internet without wires.
Bluetooth 4.0 + LE interface
Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.
Built-in 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN
For quick and easy wired Web connection.
Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
Software package included
With CyberLink Media Suite Essentials.

THERE is also
Integrated 7.1-channel with Waves MaxxAudio

THIS one is 679.99$






Which one should I get? I am really confused. Can u also tell me the difference between the two Ethernet types, GDDR5 vs DDR5 and the sound systems and also are the hard drive speeds make any difference with SATA and SATA III. At last and tell me which one is bang for the buck. Thank you in advance. Please describe of why you know.



Answer
The $679.99 desktop seems to be a better buy since it has a memory card reader. The addition of a memory card reader allows you to read memory cards such as those from digital cameras and a few other devices to be used.

The Ethernet ports are the same since the desktops are the same model which, I presume, uses the same motherboard. The different types of Ethernet LAN are the theoretical speeds that the Ethernet is able to handle, most if not all new computers in 2013 come with 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet LAN. The more speeds do not matter since everything is restricted by internet speeds by your internet provider (Verizon, Comcast,etc...)or by networking equipment in your home. If you connect to your internet with a cable to your router or modem, the Dell Ethernet LAN is used. If you use WiFi, then the Dell wireless LAN is used.

There is no difference between GDDR5 and DDR5 since they are labelled under the amd radeon 7570 card which is a dedicated card with its own memory. DDR5 is GDDR5 when it is under a graphics card. A dedicated card is for better performance and graphics for gaming or videos.

Hard Drives in pre-built computers are hard to find out, but again there should not be a difference since they only have one hard drive but the xps 8500 has its hard drive connected to a SATA III port.

The sound systems does not make any difference as many integrated sound systems are sufficient enough. You may have to buy separate speakers for either of the computers which adds to your computer costs since new computers may not come with speakers.

The $679.99 model is better since it costs less and has the same specs and a memory card reader. Keep in mind there are other things that may increase the price of your desktop such as taxes and additional items that are not included such as speakers and monitors. If you are buying from a store, haggle with the manager for a better price, be sure to be kind to them. Best regards to you




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