Product review: coLorty Black on Yellow Laminated Label Tape for P-touch Labeler PT-D210, 24mm x 8m

I purchased coLorty 1" tape at the same time as I purchased my label maker (Brother PT-D210).  I relied on the Amazon product description saying tha "Perfecty compatible with PT-D210", however PT-D210 does not take 1" tape. It is unfortenate that the listing combines many different tapes yet the description does not clearly state which tapes are compatible with which models. PT-D210 only accepts tapes that from 0.13 (3.5 mm) to 0.47" (12 mm). When a tape wider then 1/2" is inserted the case does not close and the tape cannot be used. 

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★☆☆☆

Product review: Brother P-Touch PT-D210 Label Maker

This label maker produces laminated self-adhesive labels.  It take label tape that ranges from 0.13 (3.5 mm) to 0.47" (12 mm). It DOES NOT take 1" tape even though many compatible label tape makers state their tape is compatible with PT-D210 P-Touch the 1" tape does not fit (the case cannot be closed). 

The package includes the label maker, instructions, and a short sample label tape. 

The label maker can run on batteries (six AAA batteries) or AC adapter cord. This package does not include either the AC adapter cord or the batteries, they need to be purchased separately.

The size of the unit is 2.7 x 6.2 x 5.9 in. It does not need a computer to run, so it can be used anywhere.  Once the label is printed you need to push the button to cut the tape. I recently used it to help with a move and used it to label packing boxes.  I did not need a computer or power outlet, it was very convenient.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2017 (Tax preparation software for Windows and Mac, download or CD)

I have been using H&R Block tax software for many years. I keep using it because it does what I need and it has always been cheaper than TurboTax. I have been buying the Deluxe version of H&R Block because it covers the mutual funds sales, cost basis calculations are included (Schedule D), the form for Foreign Tax Credit from mutual funds is present (Form 1116), as well as stock sales. To get this functionality in TurboTax you need to buy the Premium version of the software.

I just completed my preliminary tax return and here are my observations.

INSTALLATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* If you are using a digital download you will need an activation code to install the software.
The activation code is shown in your Amazon Software downloads (it used to be also included in email confirming the purchase from Amazon but it was not included in the email this year). To locate it you need to do this:
1) Log into Amazon
2) Select 'Your account' and the section called 'Digital Content'
3) Select 'Your Games and Software downloads'
4) Then under H&R software entry you will see activation code

* Does H&R allow to install the software on two PCs?
No. The license agreement that one needs to accept during the install says this:
"Software copies. You may only install and use the Software on one computer. You may copy the Software for backup and archival purposes only, as long as the original and each copy are kept in your possession and control."

* WHAT IS INCLUDED
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Using tax software includes two fees - one to use the software and the second one to e-file the returns with IRS. This package includes the cost of using both the Federal tax return and State return for one state. If you need to file tax in two states, you will need to purchase the rights to use the second state software. The package also include the cost of 5 free Federal e-files, but does NOT include the cost of e-file for the state return. Note that there is no limit on how many returns can be printed on paper for either Federal or State return, so you can print and mail any number of returns you desire.

Note 1: New York State law prohibits additional charges for State e-file (NY residents still have to pay for using the software).
Note 2: It is not possible to e-file a state return for New Hampshire, the NH returns have to be mailed.

* The state forms are not available as I write this review. H&R web site says they will become available in January. To see the latest status you can go to H&R website, click on "Download software", and select "State Editions". Currently it says "Coming soon in January 2018". When the state forms became available the state software can be downloaded directly from the H&R Block from the first screen of state tax preparation.

* GENERAL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* In the past the interview started with a create that immediately prompted you to start a new return via a button on the screen, this year I had to 'File - Create New Return' to see the button to get started.

* This year there is an option to import old data not only from a data file but the a PDF file of 2016 tax return.

* The current forms are preliminary, the final versions will be available January 5, 2018.

* H&R Block starts the interview process with an annoying up-sell pitch, recommending an upgrade from Deluxe to Premium even when it is not necessary. In my opinion, they should have determined if the person would truly benefit from the Premium version first. That would have been useful. As it stands now it is just annoying.

What is the difference between Premium and Deluxe? The Premium version offers advanced tools for self-employed and rental property owners: cost basis of home sales, dividends, gifts, and inheritance assets. It has advanced schedule C guidance to maximize deductions for self-employment income. And finally it has guidance for rental property income and expenses. The rest of the Premium package is the same as Deluxe.

Note that the Deluxe package has support for self-employed income as well as stock sale cost basis calculations.

* This year I noticed an improvement in on-line help. In the past help was not context sensitive, it just brought up help dialog and it was up to you to think of the right keywords and find help. This year it actually opens up the right section of help! After so many years I lost hope that it will ever become context sensitive - I was pleasantly surprised!

* To combat stolen-identity tax returns H&R Block now requires you to provide state-issued ID number.

* H&R Block provided me some guidance for completing Form 1116 (foreign tax credit, for example foreign tax paid by a mutual fund). However, I needed to keep switching between the whole-form view to enter data and then back to interview to read the instructions. Even though the form where you can enter data is visible at the same time as instructions you cannot enter data into it until you switch into whole-form view. This is cumbersome, but at least there is some guidance for this form.

* I like DeductionPro which helps suggests reasonable prices based on condition of the donated used clothing items. It is nice not to have to come up with what is reasonable on my own.

* At the end of the interview process there is a check step (which you can run at any time, but the interview ends with this check). This step flags problems (e.g. missing information) and potential audit alerts (e.g. unusual deductions), and reminders (e.g. things you marked tentative). I find this check step very helpful.

* The final tax return can be saved in a .PDF format for future reference. I always do that so I can re-print an old return without having to run an old copy of H&R Block (especially down the road when a new computer may not even have an old H&R Block installed).

* H&R Block can print forms when Ethernet connection is disconnected. In 2014 TurboTax's introduced a requirement that the data had to be sent to Intuit's servers to be formatted for printing. H&R Block does not have this requirement.

* Does H&R has the ability to import TurboTax data from previous years?
Yes. TurboTax files have a .tax extension. Use the Browse button within H&R Block application to navigate to the folder you need and it will import the data from TT return. In addition this year you can also import pdf file of your return no matter what software you used to save the old return.

* If you owe taxes there are three options for payment: electronic withdrawal from your bank, mailing a check and paying by credit card from a secure web site. Is there a charge to pay by credit card? Yes. There are several web sites that provide this service with a "convenience" fee (lowest fee is $2.25 flat fee for a debit card and 1.87% fee for a credit card). If you search for "pay taxes by credit or debit" you will see the detailed fee schedule on the irs.gov web site.

PRICE considerations
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The price on H&R Block package changes often and you can catch some great discounts. I got H&R Block on Black Friday sale. If you missed that sale you can still get bargains by using a tool that alerts on Amazon prices discounts for any product. If you enter "Amazon price history alert" in Google it will come up at the top, my favorite has the word "camel" (repeated 3 times) in the name. You can set it up to send you an alert when you desired price drop is reached. During the last tax year season the price fluctuated between $20 and the list price of $44.99, dipping below $30 a number of times. It also qualifies for digital credits for No-rush Prime shipping.

Also note that Amazon adds the State sales tax to the final price of H&R Block (in states where it has physical presences such as Massachusetts).

SUMMARY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unlike last year, I did not run into any glitches during installation or using the software. The biggest difference in this year's return preparation was the improvements to on-line help. Making it context sensitive made it useful, in the past I used to do internet searches when I needed to get an answer. This year I actually used on-line help! If you have a question I have not covered leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Hunter House Handcrafted Solid Hardwood Bowl

This is a very attractive wooden bowl. The wood grain is very pronounced and makes the bowl look very pretty. It is polished and the finish is smooth and shiny.

6.5" wide and 2.75" tall. It holds 24 oz. It is just the right size for a candy dish or to use as a salad bowl. It is also pretty enough to use as decorative center piece on a coffee table. I hope the attached video will give you an idea how this bowl could fit into your décor.

The bowl came with instructions on how to take care of it:
1. Never put into microwave
2. Never use a dishwasher to wash it
3. Wash by hand with soapy water
4. Dry completely with paper towels or cloth
5. To restore patina coat with mineral oil, leave overnight, then wipe with a paper towel
6. Periodically sanitize the bowl with a solution made from 3 tablespoons of white vinegar mixed into 1 cup of water

This bowl is provided by Hunter house. It is beautiful and its size is very practical.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: EnergeticSky Traction Ice Cleat Spikes Crampons

My shoe size is 7.5 and I wear size 8 hiking boots to allow for a thick sock.  I got size Large crampons, which start with size 7.5 women shoe.  I was a little worried that being at the start of the range would mean that the crampons will feel lose, but that worry was unfounded. As you see in attached video the crampon fit snugly, and they have a lot of stretch in the construction.  There is a tab on the clean that helps to pull the cleats off.

The metal cleats are are 3/8" long.  There are a total of 19 cleats.  The cleats are strong, they did not bend under my weight as I walked on the pavement (no snow yet).

I owned a number of cleats in the past and these look well built with the construction that should provide a lot of traction.

You can find these crampons on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: AVANTEK Laptop Cooling Pad - Ultra Slim Laptop Cooler with 2 Fans Quiet Speed Adjustable

This review is from: AVANTEK Laptop Cooling Pad - Ultra Slim Laptop Cooler with 2 Fans Quiet Speed Adjustable - for 15"-17" Dual USB and LED Lights (Electronics)
Length:: 1:18 Mins

I really like this cooling pad. I have a lot of experience with cooling pads and in this review I will highlight the features that I like.

I use a lot of cooling pads because I have a lot of computers with difference operating system so I can test the software I write on different machines. Having that many computers creates a real space problem, so I have various laptops, netbooks, and network computers tucked away in small places. All of them are on cooling pads to overcome the lack of natural circulation and to prevent overheating.

This cooling pad has two fans and a large mesh which allows a nice flow of air. The pad has two controls. On/off buttons controls of the LED lights are on or off (great! because I do not like when everyting electronic in my room insists on having a bright LED light). The second controls is wheel which allows me to select the speed of the fans or turn them off.

A cooling fan does not have to blow hard to do its job, it just needs to create circulation. A cooling pad should be blowing towards the device you are trying to cool. I select the lowest fan speed that makes a difference to cut down on noise. What is the best temperature? It is best when computer CPU core temperature is under 50°C, if it is in the range of 50°C it is a sign of not sufficient cooling, if it is the in 60°C or higher it shortens the life expectancy of the computer components.

This fan is practically silent at the lowest speed and produces a slight whirl on the highest speed. My video includes the sound it makes on various speeds.

How well it cools depends not only on the cooling pad but on how many ventilation holes the device itself has on the bottom. In addition ventilation holes on the computer tend to fill up with dust. If you are not getting good results with a cooling pad try vacuuming the ventilation holes.

I have a little netbook that tends to run too hot with core temperature of 65°C when it run unventilated. I was able to get it down to 61°C with this cooling pad. This is still a bit hot, I am probably pushing the little netbook beyond its design by doing a lot write disk operations.

Number of fans:_______________ 2
Air flow:_____________________ dial allows variable speed control
Cord:_______________________ detachable USB cord (25" long)
On/Off switch:________________ yes
LED lights On/Off switch:_______ yes
Size:________________________ 14.75"W x 10.875"L x 1"H (height with feet retracted)
Noise:_______________________ low almost none, high very slight whirl
Color:________________________ black case, blue LEDs (which can be turned off)
Feet:________________________ Has rubber pads
Stand:_______________________ 2 feet on the back that can be raised
Flaws observed:_______________ None so far
USB ports:___________________ Has two USB ports, one used to power it another is free for other use
Packaging:___________________ No manual, specs are on the box (in English)

So far (continuous use of several weeks) I had no issues, the fans are operating quietly. I hope the video helps to illustrate my review.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Product review: Allied Tools Portable Work Station Saw Horse

This work station has a nice size and shape.   The gap between the particle boards can be adjusted. The work stations folds up for storage.  I like its overall design.

The legs are made out of metal and the top particle board.   Unfortenately, the metal parts are extremely flimsy.  How flimsy? The corners of each leg got bent  during shipping and the metal is so soft that I was able to straighten most of the pieces with my bare hands. And I have very weak hands! If I can bend its metal by hand how is it going to hold when a heavy load put on it? Not well.  This workstation is not for heavy duty work. 


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.

Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆