Search found 771 matches

by tm3
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy a $3k camera lens or get a cheaper lens instead?
Replies: 25
Views: 1559

Re: Should I buy a $3k camera lens or get a cheaper lens instead?

I was all set to comment on f4 instead of f2.8, and whether the final output is large printing or not, but Nekrotok and AAA beat me to the punch with great answers, so I'll add a couple of +1s, and throw out the archer and arrow analogy -- I don't think the less expensive lens will inhibit your final results, nor do I think that the Sony will awaken your inner Ansel.

But if you think you will enjoy having that nice Sony lens every time you pull it out of the bag then you probably will and I say splurge for it.
by tm3
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Navigating Speakers for in home theater
Replies: 41
Views: 2651

Re: Navigating Speakers for in home theater

Doom&Gloom wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:53 pm +1 to AVS Forums
Another +1 for AVS.

But be careful. There is some real hair splitting at times, and they tend to turn their noses up at Klipsch. Klipsch often sound fine to "regular" listeners, and can sometimes be snagged on good closeout deals. Other good brands in general are Emotiva, KEF, SVS.
by tm3
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental upcharges?
Replies: 13
Views: 1409

Re: Dental upcharges?

In my wife's recent 1-2 minute check by the dentist he "found" a cracked tooth that "requires" a crown. Don't sit down if you don't want a crown I'm currently wrestling with a similar issue, but to the point of the original post ...... For years and years, I had cleanings every 6 months with a 15 second "check" by the dentist every other cleaning, i.e. every 12 months. Last visit the hygienist asked if I "wanted" the dentist to "take a look." I've never had the question popped and couldn't remember where I was in the rotation, so I said OK, and of course there was an upcharge. In reviewing my bills it looks like my insurance covers 2 cleanings annually but only 1 "exam" so I have ...
by tm3
Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ooma Phone Service
Replies: 40
Views: 3431

Re: Ooma Phone Service

I have it as a landline for alarm monitoring. Cheap and no problems.
by tm3
Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Out of Network Dentist - Why That May Be Good News
Replies: 4
Views: 1259

Re: Out of Network Dentist - Why That May Be Good News

Blaming cutting corners to increase profits with resulting lower quality care on the boogeyman of dental insurance seems like a straw man argument to me.
by tm3
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tom Bihn briefcase worth the money? Looking for a quality, lightweight laptop briefcase.
Replies: 21
Views: 2406

Re: Tom Bihn briefcase worth the money? Looking for a quality, lightweight laptop briefcase.

Researched Tom Bihn years ago, finally decided that the price wasn't justified. Since then have heard some CS anecdotes that justify my decision. The bag I bought was a Filson, kind of limited in style options but well made and has held up very well. I'm a little confused by this. I'm a big fan of Filson, but the current cost of their briefcase is $495. The two briefcases OP is asking about are ~$185. Do you think the Filson has that much more value to justify the cost? I was not a big fan of the Filson briefcase I had. I got it before they were the cool thing to have and Filson doubled the price. The fabric starts to smell weird and it picks up marks and dirt too easily. Not worth anywhere close to $495 in my opinion. The same can be said...
by tm3
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tom Bihn briefcase worth the money? Looking for a quality, lightweight laptop briefcase.
Replies: 21
Views: 2406

Re: Tom Bihn briefcase worth the money? Looking for a quality, lightweight laptop briefcase.

Researched Tom Bihn years ago, finally decided that the price wasn't justified. Since then have heard some CS anecdotes that justify my decision. The bag I bought was a Filson, kind of limited in style options but well made and has held up very well. I'm a little confused by this. I'm a big fan of Filson, but the current cost of their briefcase is $495. The two briefcases OP is asking about are ~$185. Do you think the Filson has that much more value to justify the cost? My Filson was no where close to $495. IIRC, it was sub-$200 plus I found some kind of sale. I don't consider the Filson worth $500, but to me it was well worth sub-$200. No way I would ever buy a Tom Bihn. If I was in the market today, Timbuk2 and Peak Designs would get a c...
by tm3
Mon Mar 04, 2024 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tom Bihn briefcase worth the money? Looking for a quality, lightweight laptop briefcase.
Replies: 21
Views: 2406

Re: Tom Bihn briefcase worth the money? Looking for a quality, lightweight laptop briefcase.

Researched Tom Bihn years ago, finally decided that the price wasn't justified. Since then have heard some CS anecdotes that justify my decision.

The bag I bought was a Filson, kind of limited in style options but well made and has held up very well.
by tm3
Sat Mar 02, 2024 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concierge Medicine
Replies: 79
Views: 12093

Re: Medical Concierge Services - Worth It?

Mine is $500/month, plus they bill insurance. Best part is I text my Doc 24/7, and he responds, quickly. Have an earache? I just text him and then we figure out what makes sense. Could be a phone call, could be a Zoom chat, could be an office visit, could be he comes to my house. His panel is limited to 300 patients. Specialist visits - they get me in same day, nearly always. Blood draws and such - they send someone to my house. The one time I went to the ER, we texted him and he met us there and made sure everything went smoothly. This is some of the best money I spend. Obviously, YMMV depending on the practice and doc. This is similar to how the premier concierge service in my area operates. As I noted in the earlier thread, they also su...
by tm3
Wed Feb 28, 2024 6:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: BMW named top pick in CR overall brand rankings
Replies: 55
Views: 5578

Re: BMW named top pick in CR overall brand rankings

"CR’s coveted brand rankings list is based on the average overall score that combines road-test scores, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction data, and safety criteria for all of the tested models from each automaker." "...predicted reliability..." Is this a joke ??? "Brand ranking" gets confused/conflated with frequency of repair history. Might even be intentional, since CR's #1 mission is to sell subscriptions. BMW makes nice cars, they score well in the CR road tests, they have relatively high customer satisfaction, and CR "predicts" above average reliability -- but looking at the frequency of repair records over the last 5-10 years i.e. how the cars actually held up, Lexus is far more reliabl...
by tm3
Tue Feb 27, 2024 6:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental crowns
Replies: 58
Views: 6691

Re: Dental crowns

Thanks for the comments about crown materials.
by tm3
Mon Feb 26, 2024 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental crowns
Replies: 58
Views: 6691

Re: Dental crowns

Interesting thread.

Can anyone comment on the pros/cons of the various options that are available for a crown? Note: I am not asking for, nor will I knowingly accept, any medical advice. I am merely trying to sort out some of the claims that have been floated re the different crown material options, similar to how I might ask for opinions about the different materials used for, say, roofing shingles or frying pans or whatever. Thanks!
by tm3
Sun Feb 25, 2024 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: insights on living in the Blue Ridge Mountain region?
Replies: 27
Views: 4831

Re: insights on living in the Blue Ridge Mountain region?

finite_difference wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 8:51 pm Is it that important to be close to a top hospital? Wouldn’t having a top hospital within a few hours be good enough?
For elective medical choices, maybe.

Unfortunately, many medical issues, especially in older folks, require immediate attention.
by tm3
Sat Feb 24, 2024 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: insights on living in the Blue Ridge Mountain region?
Replies: 27
Views: 4831

Re: insights on living in the Blue Ridge Mountain region?

Wricha wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 8:10 am One word of caution I would avoid Asheville proper, the downtown area in particular. Asheville has deteriorated significantly in the past few years. We would go to dinner a couple days a week in Asheville, haven’t been there in the evening since Covid.
Another great point. Violent crime in particular way up in Asheville in the last few years. I used to love a foray to downtown, dinner, ambiance, looking at all the weirdos. Have not done that in years and won't again unless major change.
by tm3
Sat Feb 24, 2024 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: insights on living in the Blue Ridge Mountain region?
Replies: 27
Views: 4831

Re: insights on living in the Blue Ridge Mountain region?

Quality health care was one of the assets of Western NC until the HCA takeover. Many/most of the best MDs have left, support staff has been cut, and horror stories abound -- but the hospital is ranked first or second in revenue generation for HCA depending on which reference one chooses. Those who have the means to seek care at a Center of Excellence such as MD Anderson are insulated from the full impact, but the majority are stuck.

Greenville SC has a pretty good medical system and is within striking distance of many of the outdoor attractions of Western NC.
by tm3
Thu Feb 22, 2024 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concept 2 rower question [rowing machine]
Replies: 27
Views: 3319

Re: Concept 2 rower question [rowing machine]

Form is king. Review the how to videos on the Concept 2 www site.

Most beginners set the damper way too high. C2 recommends about 2.

Dark Horse and Rowing Tall have good guided workouts.

If you get really inspired, check out the Beginner Pete Plan and then the Pete Plan.

Great machine, great workout. If you put in the sweat you will see the results.
by tm3
Thu Feb 15, 2024 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Acura MDX vs Lexus 350
Replies: 14
Views: 1746

Re: Acura MDX vs Lexus 350

I like the MDX styling better but for just about all else, including reliability, the Lexus RX gets the nod, which is why I bought one.

Biggest factor for my wife was the interaction with the computer/video stuff -- pretty slick on the Lexus, felt dated and clunky on the MDX by comparison.

Did the same comparo 15 years ago and liked the MDX much better.
by tm3
Sun Feb 11, 2024 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Massage Chairs
Replies: 23
Views: 4148

Re: Massage Chairs

As a non-senior I researched massage chairs and didn't find one that seemed worth it. I ended up buying a Migun therapy bed. Not cheap, but does a good job on neck and back. It is marketed as a medical device, so with an Rx (required for purchase when I bought mine) it can be purchased as same which can help defray the cost. Mine has held up well for 20 years or so. 30 minutes on the Migun is not as good as some massage therapists that I have experienced, but it is also better than some massage therapists that I have experienced.

I considered it "worth it" back when massage was $60/h, and with some in my area now priced at close to $200/h I consider the Migun "well worth it."
by tm3
Fri Feb 09, 2024 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 186
Views: 19936

Re: What is your favorite book?

Point of Impact, Stephen Hunter
by tm3
Tue Feb 06, 2024 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Kindle scribe users? (primarily for books)
Replies: 5
Views: 830

Re: Any Kindle scribe users? (primarily for books)

You likely will get a lot more info on a kindle specific forum such as mobileread.com
by tm3
Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concierge Medicine
Replies: 79
Views: 12093

Re: Concierge Medicine

Disclaimer: The following is not medical advice. I have a number of friends that have CM and I know some of the providers, so I think I have a pretty good picture of how it works where I live. I have not signed up for it (yet) as currently my medical needs are low and for other reasons I usually have seamless access to consultants if needed. IMO the folks who benefit most fall into one of two categories: 1) They are high maintenance, i.e. they fret over every ache and hangnail and want to get checked and reassured, or 2) They have a large number of ongoing issues, chronic disease, difficult control, etc. If you are a healthy person with a healthy lifestyle and the only time you see an MD is at your annual checkup, you may not feel as thoug...
by tm3
Sun Feb 04, 2024 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aftermarket Camera Battery Brands
Replies: 8
Views: 717

Re: Aftermarket Camera Battery Brands

My research indicated that Watson and Wasabi are the best of breed, but that swelling and inability to remove from the camera was still a significant problem. I had a Wasabi swell up but it was not in the camera. My solution was to leave the off-brand batteries in the camera only during use, not for long periods of time.
by tm3
Wed Jan 24, 2024 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Binoculars for African safari
Replies: 14
Views: 1355

Re: Binoculars for African safari

Cornell review is the most helpful I have seen

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/the- ... inoculars/
by tm3
Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Decent Pinot Noir < $20 possible?
Replies: 31
Views: 3659

Re: Decent Pinot Noir < $20 possible?

mc2 wrote: Sun Jan 21, 2024 5:22 pm We like Meiomi Pinot Noir-recommended by my co-worker foodie.
+1

Pinot is not my thing, but this one is good.
by tm3
Tue Jan 16, 2024 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Picking contractor for roof replacement
Replies: 14
Views: 1787

Re: Picking contractor for roof replacement

I'll take door #2 -- but I would try to get multiple references before committing.

About 10 years ago had a roof issue, got half a dozen looks/quotes. One outfit assured me that the only solution was a new roof for $18k. I did the $400 fix offered by someone else and it has been fine.

2 years ago had some minor roof damage to the garage, outfit used and liked by a friend took a look and said I had two options, $2500 or $6000, and their explanations didn't really meet the logic test. Retired contractor friend recommended a solo practitioner roofer, he took care of the problem for $50.

Gut instinct, logic test, many, many references are the only way to fly.
by tm3
Fri Jan 12, 2024 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good quality Air Compressor for car and bike tires, etc
Replies: 58
Views: 5606

Re: Good quality Air Compressor for car and bike tires, etc

Parkinglotracer wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2024 7:03 pm Thank you for the great replies … maybe a small tank or battery power would be useful. I will do some more research!
I just went through a similar exercise and ended up buying the Milwaukee 18v battery inflator for a great price at Home Depot. Ryobi seemed like it might be more bang for the buck but with the sale the price differential was not great and all reviews that I saw said that the Milwaukee is best of breed. Not having to fool with the cord of an AC model is really nice.
by tm3
Tue Jan 09, 2024 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Purchase new car in 2024
Replies: 47
Views: 7598

Re: Purchase new car in 2024

Trade in, i.e. selling your used car to the dealer, is almost always the worst deal. But you may decide that it is worth it. Retired self proclaimed "car nut" in my area has started a brokerage service, in which he photographs and advertises your car, does all the negotiation with buyers, handles test drives, and supervises the title transfer and exchange of cash -- all for a % of the selling price. I used him a few years ago and by my estimate got about 30% more for my used car than I was expecting. You may be able to find something similar where you live.
by tm3
Sun Jan 07, 2024 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard website succumbs to "Fisher-Price" UI design
Replies: 843
Views: 112384

Re: Vanguard website succumbs to "Fisher-Price" UI design

Opened a Fidelity account last week. The difference in www site, information access, and most importantly customer service is night and day. Sad to see Vanguard crater the way they have, but certainly nice to have upgrade options like Fidelity.
by tm3
Sun Jan 07, 2024 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for a good multi-purpose tablet
Replies: 49
Views: 5913

Re: Looking for a good multi-purpose tablet

Bang for the buck is the Amazon Fire, probably will handle your requirements. Amazon provides cheap and easy upgrade path as new models come out.

Having said that, IMO the least expensive iPad is worth the difference in cost over the Fire.
by tm3
Thu Jan 04, 2024 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: worth to spend the nignt in memphis on the way to nashville?
Replies: 23
Views: 2732

Re: worth to spend the nignt in memphis on the way to nashville?

Clarification re "the BBQ."

The reason to visit the Rendezvous is the atmosphere, the history, and the ribs. Their ribs are pretty special. You are not going to see as much variation in pulled pork.
by tm3
Mon Jan 01, 2024 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concierge Doctor for Primary Care
Replies: 31
Views: 5170

Re: Conceirge Doctor for Primary Care

Swampy wrote: Sun Dec 31, 2023 9:52 am It's not 'what you're paying - it's what/who you're getting.'
+100
by tm3
Sun Dec 31, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Concierge Doctor for Primary Care
Replies: 31
Views: 5170

Re: Conceirge Doctor for Primary Care

IMO, the following descriptor from a local concierge service's www site makes it worth the entire cost of admission, even in the thousands, and distinguishes it from the wannabes and also-rans in the community:

In the event you require hospitalization, we will be with you every step of the way, serving as your attending physicians at _______ Hospital, a nationally recognized referral hospital system.
We make daily visits while we coordinate your consultants, diagnostic testing, and treatments.
We can arrange for direct admissions to bypass the E.R. when appropriate.
We will coordinate transfers to or from other hospitals or nursing facilities as well as all aspects of follow-up, home health, and additional therapies as needed.
by tm3
Sat Dec 09, 2023 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Exercises for physical balance]
Replies: 43
Views: 5835

Re: [Exercises for physical balance]

PT once told me that the only way to improve balance was to regularly challenge one's balance. Multiple confirmations from other sources have followed over the years.

One very effective (proven), and enjoyable, approach is Tai Chi -- if done properly, which requires a good instructor.
by tm3
Thu Dec 07, 2023 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Mesh Router To Buy
Replies: 61
Views: 7017

Re: Which Mesh Router To Buy

Long thread on this a few months ago that you may enjoy.

I bought an Eero per online reviews. It didn't work. Spent about 45 minutes on the phone with CS, whose only suggestion was reboot, over and over. Any item can be DOA, so the real issue here is the CS. Sent it back to Big River and got a TP Link.

Other than the above, the thing that I really don't like about the Eero is that it uses an interface similar to the Alexa app, which is clunky and counter intuitive.

About a month ago I was on a trip and had someone staying at my house. When she developed a problem with the network, I was able to fix it remotely using my TP Link app. Color me impressed.
by tm3
Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are newer Kindles any faster?
Replies: 52
Views: 7017

Re: Are newer Kindles any faster?

I bought an Oasis and I am very disappointed, the ghosting was worse and battery life was worse for some reason. But it's fast and pdfs work a little better. I used many kindles starting from the old 3G with keyboard and worldwide free internet. But maybe the scribe is a nice one if you read pdf magazines. But I haven't tried the scribe. Who are the competitors nowadays? Oasis is known for poor battery life. That, and uneven screen lighting, caused me to return mine. My old keyboard kindle remained my favorite until I got the latest generation Paperwhite -- fast, looks good, great backlight, great product. Kobo ereaders get a lot of love from some folks at mobileread.com, but I've never been tempted. When the black friday or prime day pric...
by tm3
Tue Nov 28, 2023 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023: do you use your Peloton bike? (indoor cardio questions)
Replies: 42
Views: 5262

Re: 2023: do you use your Peloton bike? (indoor cardio questions)

I've gone to spin classes for a long time and initially thought Peloton (at the gym) was the greatest cardio thing ever. After a period of time I got tired of the constant yammering of the instructors and Peloton is now a once in a while thing. I've also noticed that the bikes seem to be deteriorating more quickly than other spin bikes I have seen (Schwinn, LeMond) and I'm glad I didn't invest in one.

IMO the king of indoor cardio is the Concept 2 rower, but it requires a commitment.
by tm3
Tue Nov 28, 2023 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water hearters, Tankless, condensing or not?
Replies: 4
Views: 529

Re: Water hearters, Tankless, condensing or not?

4nursebee wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 7:39 am

What is your experience with tankless systems?
What should I know before committing to this replacement?
Can a homeowner do the annual service?
Thank you.
I've been told that if one installs a permanent water softening gizmo then the annual or every other year or whatever descaling no longer has to be done.

Here is how to DIY:

https://youtu.be/znuACzzav_Y?si=7Isi-IppTRHHaMBi
by tm3
Thu Nov 23, 2023 7:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HBO Max offer
Replies: 19
Views: 4291

Re: HBO Max offer

Tom_T wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 7:13 am HBO Max has a Black Friday offer of $2.99 for six months. If you're already a subscriber: start the cancellation process, and they will offer you the $2.99 six-month deal.
Nice! Thanks for posting this.
by tm3
Wed Nov 22, 2023 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Gym, retired, in spare bedroom
Replies: 35
Views: 5499

Re: Home Gym, retired, in spare bedroom

Cow mats work great and great bang for the buck. Mine sat outside on covered porch for about a month to get rid of the smell and have been fine since. Hard to beat adjustable dumbbells and an adjustable bench. Resistance bands have gotten better and some like the TRX, but I'm not a fan. Best bang for the buck in a cardio machine is the Concept 2 rower. Too difficult for most folks, who would rather leisurely scroll their iPhone while slowly turning the cranks of a stationary bike. The C2 can easily be stored vertically, maximizing space. My horse stall mats did not spell too bad, but my local Tractor Supply Co did store them outside, so maybe a lot of the smell had already gone away. The C2 rower is a great workout. I have a tablet stand f...
by tm3
Tue Nov 21, 2023 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Gym, retired, in spare bedroom
Replies: 35
Views: 5499

Re: Home Gym, retired, in spare bedroom

Cow mats work great and great bang for the buck. Mine sat outside on covered porch for about a month to get rid of the smell and have been fine since.

Hard to beat adjustable dumbbells and an adjustable bench. Resistance bands have gotten better and some like the TRX, but I'm not a fan.

Best bang for the buck in a cardio machine is the Concept 2 rower. Too difficult for most folks, who would rather leisurely scroll their iPhone while slowly turning the cranks of a stationary bike. The C2 can easily be stored vertically, maximizing space.
by tm3
Tue Nov 14, 2023 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?
Replies: 34
Views: 6323

Re: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?

We would like to buy a new ('23 or '24) RX330h in the near future. If you've gone through the process with this vehicle lately and could fill me in on what to expect regarding availabily, lead time, pricing and any other pertainent facts I would appreciate it. About a month ago bought a new RX500h. Originally planned on the RX350 but the acceleration of the RX500h was impressive and, most importantly, it was a good color and it was on the lot. There were maybe 20-25 RX's in stock and a number more in transit per the dealer www site. Dealer made a soft push for ceramic coating, extended warranty, and a couple other things but I only had to say "no" once or twice. I negotiated 3% discount which I thought compared favorably with the...
by tm3
Sun Nov 05, 2023 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are there any mattresses that feel like a waterbed?
Replies: 11
Views: 2006

Re: Are there any mattresses that feel like a waterbed?

montanagirl wrote: Sat Nov 04, 2023 2:18 pm There are so many mattresses on the market now and I gotta admit I miss the old waterbed though not the weight and hassle and fear of leaks.

Are any of the mattresses on the market at all similar to that kind of feel? No I don't like firm mattresses..
Last time I bought a mattress I had the same question and after trying many I decided that the answer is "no."

Closest I found was all latex.

Memory foam and inflatables, not even close.
by tm3
Thu Oct 26, 2023 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?
Replies: 95
Views: 6833

Re: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?

Just to follow up, I got the Ohio ecard and will see how it goes. Ohio has a much larger elibrary than my state, but a much larger population competing for same.

I've already found a few books that aren't available in my home state, so off to a good start.
by tm3
Sun Oct 22, 2023 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?
Replies: 95
Views: 6833

Re: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?

cathyr wrote: Wed Oct 18, 2023 10:17 pm Hi -

I was the one with the Ohio digital library recommendation. That’s how it shows up in Libby, but the website I registered though is starklibrary.org. You have to email them indicating you want a non resident e-card. It was pretty straightforward, cost is $50/year. So, if you’re interested, check there. I assume the Ohio state library is different.

Good luck!

Cathy
Thanks for the follow up! I have sent them an email and will see what they say. The digital library of Singapore, which has one of the largest e-book collections in the world, used to offer borrowing privileges to non-residents. Great while it lasted.
by tm3
Wed Oct 18, 2023 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?
Replies: 95
Views: 6833

Re: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?

Checked with Ohio re non resident library cards, and got this reply

Unfortunately, this is incorrect. Only residents of Ohio can obtain a library card from the State Library of Ohio.
by tm3
Wed Oct 18, 2023 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?
Replies: 95
Views: 6833

Re: How do you read, Kindle recommendations, and indecision with the Kindle store?

Didn't read all the replies, but if not mentioned yet you may want to check out the mobileread forum. Lots of Kindle and ebook info from lots of mega-users.

I personally think that the latest gen paperwhite is the sweet spot. There is a lot of love for Kobo on mobileread but when factoring in the bi-annual Amazon deep discounts I don't think there really is a contest. But it depends a lot on how one wants to set up their e-reader and how they want to use it.
by tm3
Tue Oct 17, 2023 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lexus dealer negotiation?
Replies: 54
Views: 15568

Re: Lexus dealer negotiation?

There was a similar discussion on another thread a while back about the distinction between short-term and long-term reliability studies. User snackdog posted a link to a survey done amongst mechanics and auction buyers of autos, and their rating of brands. Seemed to me a pretty believable measure of long-term reliability. See the following for more: https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=408520#p7359690 Thanks for posting. I like seeing different ratings and perspectives. If I understand this one, it is based on inspection of vehicles up for auction. I don't see how that inspection would have, say, revealed that my BMW had the turbochargers replaced, twice. I also don't see how any quality rating could have Chevy and BMW ahead o...
by tm3
Mon Oct 16, 2023 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lexus dealer negotiation?
Replies: 54
Views: 15568

Re: Lexus dealer negotiation?

JD Power is just a worthless survey in my opinion. It's based on the first 90 days of ownership. ... The reality is, none of them are really going to go the long haul and give you an accurate read of what these cars are going to be like 10 years from now. I think any brand is going to be "good enough" over the factory warranty period, much less the first 90 days. To each his own. The JDP surveys are far superior in my view. - JDP track the SAME model cars over 3 years (not 90 days; that is the initial quality survey, a strong proxy for longer term reliability) while CR mixes model years - JDP surveys a broad cross section of consumers while CR only surveys their own customers, a strong bias/filter on the survey population. CR rea...
by tm3
Sat Oct 14, 2023 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lexus dealer negotiation?
Replies: 54
Views: 15568

Re: Lexus dealer negotiation?

Just to add some hopefully helpful perspective to the mix: 25 years ago I bought a Lexus after negotiating a 6% discount. My research suggested that was a pretty good deal. 15 years ago I bought a Sienna after negotiating a 4% discount. I could have gotten almost 5% at another dealer but it was not worth 7 hours of travel to me and I was satisfied with my deal. Last week I bought a new Lexus RX. Initial quote was no negotiation MSRP plus a kilobuck for "paint treatment." I was able to nix the pack, plus get a 3% discount. I'm pleased. Maybe I could have squeezed out more discount if I was willing to travel further to another dealer, or order a vehicle sight unseen from CA or something, but I found value in having the car I wanted ...
by tm3
Mon Oct 09, 2023 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Prime Big Deal Days
Replies: 109
Views: 12528

Re: Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

Watty wrote: Mon Oct 09, 2023 10:07 am
jebmke wrote: Mon Oct 09, 2023 9:49 am I keep waiting for my existing Kindle to kick the bucket but those things seem to be built like iron.
If it is not a Paperwhite then watch for good deal on a Paperwhite, they are worth the extra cost.

Also watch for trade in deals. When I bought my Paperwhite I found one one with a good sale and they also gave me something like 20% off on for trade ins and my very old kindle which was so old that it was worth very little. As I recall your old kindle needs to charge and turn on to be eligible for a trade in.
Concur. I never thought that I would like a Kindle without physical buttons, but the new PW is really slick and the combination of BF discount and the trade in credit made it silly cheap. I've really enjoyed it.