Thursday, December 18, 2014

Buy from rediff and prepare to weep!


Rediff.com used to be famous for its online deals along with other online e-commerce websites but it has become synonymous with get rich quick schemes by scamsters.

  • The products sold are of questionable origin and quality. And sometimes though the package is "sealed" outside, some of the components inside are missing.
  • Will not advise to use Rediff for online purchase for any product. Either ways it appears to be failing and making no effort to win back lost ground.
  • The best thing would be to make the effort of searching for the product in a physical location in your town, going there and buying it across the counter with the guarantees, warranties, and other paper work. You are then sure that you know where to go if something goes wrong.
  • If the product is not available then look for the best seller and buy. This again is not without risks. But then buy something only if you really need it. If it is just a whim, then let it fade away. No point wasting money on fads.
  • To sum up, do not buy from rediff unless you are willing to lose money.

Bosch IXO 3 Collated Screw Gun (Cordless)


 Overall comments:

  • The body is small, compact and fits into the palm of an average person. For those with large palms, a bit difficult to hold and use.
  • The LED indicators are useful. The front LED under the nose is redundant, not enough illumination.
  • The Forward Reverse toggle button is just above the trigger and a bit loose on this piece. I don’t know if this is the case with all. One has to be careful while using because the button can inadvertently get pressed. Needs extra concentration.
  • This is a screwdriver, not a drill. Do not expect very high performance.
  • This is not a replacement for a manual screwdriver set. It can only make life easy for basic utility.
  • Fat body cannot fit into all spaces and angles. Keep your long shank screwdriver kit handy.
Warranty:
  • Warranty cannot be serviced if purchased online through flipkart.
  • Local Bosch dealers will not endorse the product.
  • The product cannot be registered online in the Indian website.
  • IXO model is not displayed in official Bosch US Website.
  • Be prepared to pay for services in case anything goes wrong. Let’s pray that nothing does.
Woodwork/ Civil / Wall:
  • This is useful only as a screwdriver.
  • Make the holes using a standard high power drill.
  • Useful on flat surfaces, not convenient in small spaces or corners.
Electronics and Electrical:
  • Use with care. The torque is controlled only by the trigger.
  • Use for unscrewing and be careful when using for screwing back in. One could end up tearing the thread and slot.
  • Not useful if the screws are deeply recessed, can be used for shallow depth only.
Automobiles:
  • Great for unscrewing, be careful when driving in.
  • Tested on car and scooter. Easily removes and replaces screws.

Portronics Pure Sound BT Laptop Speaker (Black, 2 Channel)


 First off its size, look and feel are awesome for a product in its price range.The controls are self explanatory and easy to understand. It comes with its charging cable, audio (male to male) auxilliary connecting cable and wrist strap.The battery life is standard and good for regular use.

Music:

  • It is great as a blue tooth speaker for playing music.
  • A deep bass that really fills the room.
  • The settings are fixed which does not make it too versatile but on its own it has a totally awesome sound quality.
  • Very few of us play music at maximum volume - where distortion is inevitable for product in this price range.
  • For a regular, normal user it is a great product.
Technical:
  • The two separate settings for Bluetooth and playback are a blessing. I observed that the battery consumption is more in the bluetooth mode but who cares when you can get 4 hours of continuous music at middle volume on the bluetooth mode. 6 hours on the wired mode.
  • The auxillary in port is a very thoughtful addition. Just plug in your pocket mp3 player and you have your own jukebox.
  • Instant bluetooth connectivity with my laptop, nokia, samsung and micromax devices.
  • Only one device at a time. Who needs to play sound from two devices at the same time on a product like this anyway. This is a portable speaker and does just that.
  • Seamless streaming of audio both in and out. The sound does not chop, or vary or dip when you connect to a player from the laptop. When connected to a phone, the fade out and in is smooth.
  • Great for conference calls, skype chats and video calls. Beats hands free by a mile in both clarity and connectivity. The built in mic is a blessing. One has to however mute the laptop mic to avoid feedback issues. With phones it is automatic.
  • A range of over 15 feet (without walls) and 10 feet (across a wall) which is great for indoor use.

D-Link DSL-2750U Wireless N 300 ADSL2 4-Port Wi-Fi Router



First impressions:

This is one hell of a modem cum router. I had no problem in setting it up - just follow the instructions.
In 10 minutes every thing set up with phones, tabs synced up.
The only thing that gave a problem was the laptop. It just refused to configure and recognize the wi fi router, though it was showing all other available networks. Prolly because it is a five year old model with technical limitations. No problem with the modem/router end.
The reach is approximately 30 feet to the terrace, through two floors. I consider that pretty awesome! Inside the house it works everywhere, even through two walls.
Did not test the USB port configuration as I only use the LAN port.
Set this up on a BSNL broadband connection and it works just fine!

One year later!

Sorry folks have to change my review of this gadget. The modem works but not the wi fi.

I purchased this from flipkart a year ago, last october to be exact. I travel a lot and did not have much time to experiment with this. But once I started I saw many issues. Tested it for one year to see if I can solve my problems before posting this review. The actual purpose of investing in this gadget was to untie me from my workstation but sadly this wi-fi part seriously disappoints. The device just refused to comply.

This is one disappointing product from D-Link. The wi-fi is selective – I did not know this was possible as all my devices have the same protocol - and does not show up on my laptops. It connects easily to my phones but never the laptops. I visited various forums, discussed with hardware and software guys, installed, uninstalled software, removed all other plug n play USB modem drivers… everything the techs suggested… no solution to the problem in sight. Just in case my devices were the issue, I borrowed a friend’s laptop and tried configuring – no avail. The modem just refuses to show up on any laptop. I finally had to compromise and as temporary solution, get myself a long - I mean really long network cable.

I then experimented with Tp-Link and Netgear models and they worked perfectly well. I was forced to invest in another TP-Link modem, just so that I could get things functional.

Sincerely suggest that we avoid this product from D-link. It will not serve the purpose of wi-fi in the house, for computer devices. It can only help if you are using mobile devices. Perhaps there are other models of D-Link that will fulfil the wifi needs of computing devices.

Callmate Keyboard Case for Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 P3100 / P3110 / P3113 / P6200 / Tab 7.0 / P6210 (Black)


Pros:

  • The keyboard is small and compact. Ideal for travel purposes.
  • Bluetooth sync is seamless and instant.
  • The USB charging cord doubles up for my other devices as well.
  • Standard key board layout with special keys for the android system.
  • The pouch is strong, good stitching and the tab does not sag. Well designed to perfect specs of Galaxy tab 2 7.0. The angle is also perfect for optimum viewing of the screen.
 Cons:

  • The keyboard make is rubbery, and tacky.
  • The top strip is rubber and one can feel the components below that, not very safe in the instance of accidental compression.
  • The keys are placed too high and one has to really 'hit' the keyboard to type.
  • I did not find a mouse pad or a track key on the key board so... if one has to move across the screen one has to use the touch screen or the arrow keys. (More on this as i experiment further)
  • Not for people with large palms and fingers. The keys are too small and too close for comfortable typing. But then this is a mini keyboard and one has to go with the flow, if one wants portability.
Observations:
 

On the whole value for money for people on the move and use the tab for extensive email, sms and text.
Would suggest investing in an OTG and a USB full size keyboard or a Wireless full size keyboard. The system responds and works on both. I have tested both the variants and have found it easier and more comfortable. The best part with a wireless keyboard (blue tooth or RF) is that you can use both the mouse and the keyboard simultaneously. But then if we want to use the tab for for travel purposes, a full size keyboard would not be a good idea.

Logitech Presentation Remote R400 Wireless Laser Presenter (Black)


This is a very good ppt presenter for those who are interested in a sturdy, hand held kind of devices. It is my second presenter, as the first one got gifted away to someone enamored by the portability and effectiveness of this device. The other one is two years old and no complaints what so ever.

  • It is small, compact, with a laser pointer, blank screen, slideshow, forward and backward keys
  • Comes ready with two AAA batteries. Once done, i replace them with my rechargeable ones.
  • The grip is rubberized so it does not slip.
  • Shape is ergonomic, fits snugly into the palm.
  • The laser pointer is strong enough to go right across a 500 seater auditorium. 
  • An effective uninterrupted mobility range of 40-45 feet. The 50 feet is the real max.
  • Ideal for a small crowd, and onstage presentations, which is the case for a majority users.
  • The R800 series has the advantage of an increased mobility range and the digital range display. The R800 has its use only in real mega events. So let those who need that buy that.
For ppt on the go, the R400 is an ideal tool! Go for it eyes closed!