I'm looking to buy a webcam. Any recommendations? Features to aim for, or avoid?
If this is for zoom/teams/whatever calls, I just recommend looking at the field of view. A lot of the webcams have wider angles than what’s built into a laptop so others see more of the room around you.
Thanks, I got a logitech C920s PRO. It had 78 degree FoV. I didn't want the super wide angle. I'll check it out today and can return it to Target if there's any other problem. I'm a little worried about the autofocus being too sensitive and adjusting too often.
Looks like I am using the same one. I use it for the GPL Podcast and it works well.
https://www.logitech.com/en-us/products/webcams/c920-pro-hd-webcam.960-000764.html
Excellent! We set it up and it looked and sounded great. But we did get an issue with the computer response. After the camera was connected, both mousing and typing response was real bad (typed a password and it took 5+ seconds for the computer to display it.) Did you encounter anything like this?
Nope... I only use it for video. The audio is through my Blue Yeti via USB. I am also on a Mac.
Do not like how this board is run?
Get your own board!
♃
Our house has very little carpet as it is mostly hardwood. We have some cheap carpet in our finished basement that has never been cleaned. This weekend I rented a Bissel Big Green from Lowes. Normally I rent a Rug Doctor. After this weekend I will not be going back to Rug Doctor. The Bissel Big Green was $10 cheaper than Rug Doctor and was much easier to use. With the Rug Doctor it only cleans if you pull it backwards. The Big Green cleans both forwards and backwards and is much more maneuverable.
The down side is that it holds about half as much fresh water as the Rug Doctor but this also makes it lighter.
Anyway, if you are looking to rent a carpet cleaner, Bissel Big Green gets my vote. There's also a $7 off coupon on their website so the cost was $22.99 for 24 hours.
Half the water would drive me nuts though. I'd be filling that thing constantly.
Just fair warning, if your carpet still has warranty left, don't use either of them. It will void the warranty. You need hot water extraction done every 12-18 months to maintain carpet warranty.
WTF? Really?
Yes, really. A carpet warranty is no different then one for your car or your computer. Do it yourself almost always voids the manufacturer warranty.
Doing it yourself can go wrong several ways...poor rinsing leaves shampoo and that attracts even more dirt, too hot water loosens carpet glue/backing, too much water makes backing buckle. Or the pad gets too wet and now you have mold.
This. The only one they can really test for is soap in the fibers. They spray distilled water on it and if it bubbles, they know there is detergent in the carpet.
I have probably been involved in over 1000 carpet claims in my 20 years and I would say half of them are denied due to improper/ o professional cleaning.
On the carpet topic we just got the pads we wanted for the rugs in our basement. It was then that we discovered the 8x11 carpet we bought is actually 7'9 x 10'6 and the pad is a little too big, so we'll have to get it trimmed a few inches in each direction. I'm annoyed at myself for not double checking the measurements since we didn't think about a pad for this particular rug but I'm also annoyed that the company selling the rug (which is a stock size for them) couldn't be more specific in their sizing.
At least we know the 2nd rug and pad should be fine because we had to have the rug cut down to a specific size for our space and the same people cut the pad.
On the carpet topic we just got the pads we wanted for the rugs in our basement. It was then that we discovered the 8x11 carpet we bought is actually 7'9 x 10'6 and the pad is a little too big, so we'll have to get it trimmed a few inches in each direction. I'm annoyed at myself for not double checking the measurements since we didn't think about a pad for this particular rug but I'm also annoyed that the company selling the rug (which is a stock size for them) couldn't be more specific in their sizing.
At least we know the 2nd rug and pad should be fine because we had to have the rug cut down to a specific size for our space and the same people cut the pad.
FYI, they round up on TV sizes as well. Your 55” tv is 54.5”.
On the carpet topic we just got the pads we wanted for the rugs in our basement. It was then that we discovered the 8x11 carpet we bought is actually 7'9 x 10'6 and the pad is a little too big, so we'll have to get it trimmed a few inches in each direction. I'm annoyed at myself for not double checking the measurements since we didn't think about a pad for this particular rug but I'm also annoyed that the company selling the rug (which is a stock size for them) couldn't be more specific in their sizing.
At least we know the 2nd rug and pad should be fine because we had to have the rug cut down to a specific size for our space and the same people cut the pad.
I am really surprised they didn’t have the actual size. I have sold rugs for 20 years and they all fall into a 8x10, 6x9, 5x8 category or whatever but the label always says the exact size.
On the carpet topic we just got the pads we wanted for the rugs in our basement. It was then that we discovered the 8x11 carpet we bought is actually 7'9 x 10'6 and the pad is a little too big, so we'll have to get it trimmed a few inches in each direction. I'm annoyed at myself for not double checking the measurements since we didn't think about a pad for this particular rug but I'm also annoyed that the company selling the rug (which is a stock size for them) couldn't be more specific in their sizing.
At least we know the 2nd rug and pad should be fine because we had to have the rug cut down to a specific size for our space and the same people cut the pad.
I am really surprised they didn’t have the actual size. I have sold rugs for 20 years and they all fall into a 8x10, 6x9, 5x8 category or whatever but the label always says the exact size.
Yep - label even says 8x11. The other one we bought was to the inch so I wrongly assumed this was the case on the other.
At least getting a pad cut down isn’t a huge deal other than costing a little more money
On the carpet topic we just got the pads we wanted for the rugs in our basement. It was then that we discovered the 8x11 carpet we bought is actually 7'9 x 10'6 and the pad is a little too big, so we'll have to get it trimmed a few inches in each direction. I'm annoyed at myself for not double checking the measurements since we didn't think about a pad for this particular rug but I'm also annoyed that the company selling the rug (which is a stock size for them) couldn't be more specific in their sizing.
At least we know the 2nd rug and pad should be fine because we had to have the rug cut down to a specific size for our space and the same people cut the pad.
I am really surprised they didn’t have the actual size. I have sold rugs for 20 years and they all fall into a 8x10, 6x9, 5x8 category or whatever but the label always says the exact size.
Yep - label even says 8x11. The other one we bought was to the inch so I wrongly assumed this was the case on the other.
At least getting a pad cut down isn’t a huge deal other than costing a little more money
It’s also odd to find a finished rug at a round measurement too. At least the pads are easy to trim!
And I shall call it, "Peepsi!!"
Coke > Pepsi
Basically anything in the world > Peeps
Basically any drink in the world > Peepsi
And I shall call it, "Peepsi!!"
https://twitter.com/NBCLA/status/1375216479264718853?s=20br >
Hard to believe pepsi has less than half the market share of Coke. 
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coke > Pepsi
Basically anything in the world > Peeps
Basically any drink in the world > Peepsi
You must be fun at parties.
To be honest, I'm fine with either Coke or Pepsi, particularly the "cherry" versions. But a very big :yikes: on Marshmallow Soda. Yucky. Orange Crush should come out with "Circus Peanut Soda" :puke:
I will never try it I just laughed at the idea of calling it, 'Peepsi'.
What a disgrace to Peeps.
What a disgrace to Peeps.
Peeps ARE a disgrace.
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
And I shall call it, "Peepsi!!"
https://twitter.com/NBCLA/status/1375216479264718853?s=20br >
I haven’t needed insulin for my type 2 diabetes in over a year. Just looking at that picture makes my blood sugar go up.
Speaking of pop, I don’t like diet pops like Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, etc. however I do really like the Zero Sugar forms of Coke, Pepsi, Cherry Coke, Wild Cherry Pepsi, Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Dr. Pepper. They all taste almost like the real thing.
acesulfame potassium. Doesn't exactly roll of the tongue, but it does sweeten much better than aspartame (NutraSweet).
I understand there’s a lot of variables in asking this question but I’m going to ask it anyways
If you think about a normal suburban sized two level house what would you ballpark the cost of replacing all the windows to be? Since I know it makes a difference we will likely do fiberglass ones and not wood.
We are going to contact a few people about quotes in the coming months but I’m trying to get an extremely basic idea so I can spit out my Diet Coke in the privacy of my own house.
I understand there’s a lot of variables in asking this question but I’m going to ask it anyways
If you think about a normal suburban sized two level house what would you ballpark the cost of replacing all the windows to be? Since I know it makes a difference we will likely do fiberglass ones and not wood.
We are going to contact a few people about quotes in the coming months but I’m trying to get an extremely basic idea so I can spit out my Diet Coke in the privacy of my own house.
I do not like the PVC/Fiberglass/Vinyl/Whatever windows. There is a LOT of expansion and contraction going on in those products.
We went with Marvin Aluminum Clad, Wood windows a few years ago. We have a Suburban, 2200 Sq Ft, 3 level split (1.5 levels). It was $34,000 to do them all, we opted to do half then and half sometime in the future TBD.
Renewal by Anderson has awful, high pressure sales in our experience. They would only meet when both you and your partner were home... They flat out said "We don't want the excuse - I need to talk to my wife/husband." Then they had pricing of This is the price if you sign today, this is the price if you sign later this week once I walk out the door, this is the price after this week. Their cheapest price was also $10,000 more than anyone else we looked at; Pella and Anderson (non-renewal). We also had Sela and Rusco come out, and I could've built a cabin or bought a new BMW for the price they wanted.
The typical problems of wood windows have been fixed by modern improvements. Low-E coatings on glass, higher U-value glass, Aluminum clad exteriors, etc. I have seen some of those PVC windows on South facades in direct sun all day literally blow apart due to expansion.
FWIW, I am an Architect and do some residential. We specify Aluminum (full) or Aluminum-clad wood windows in our residential projects.
I am sure you will find lots of opinions though, and people who do enjoy their "non-maintenance" Vinyl/whatever windows.
I understand there’s a lot of variables in asking this question but I’m going to ask it anyways
If you think about a normal suburban sized two level house what would you ballpark the cost of replacing all the windows to be? Since I know it makes a difference we will likely do fiberglass ones and not wood.
We are going to contact a few people about quotes in the coming months but I’m trying to get an extremely basic idea so I can spit out my Diet Coke in the privacy of my own house.
It's been quite a while since we quoted these, but $1k power window might be fair?
I understand there’s a lot of variables in asking this question but I’m going to ask it anyways
If you think about a normal suburban sized two level house what would you ballpark the cost of replacing all the windows to be? Since I know it makes a difference we will likely do fiberglass ones and not wood.
We are going to contact a few people about quotes in the coming months but I’m trying to get an extremely basic idea so I can spit out my Diet Coke in the privacy of my own house.
I do not like the PVC/Fiberglass/Vinyl/Whatever windows. There is a LOT of expansion and contraction going on in those products.
We went with Marvin Aluminum Clad, Wood windows a few years ago. We have a Suburban, 2200 Sq Ft, 3 level split (1.5 levels). It was $34,000 to do them all, we opted to do half then and half sometime in the future TBD.
Renewal by Anderson has awful, high pressure sales in our experience. They would only meet when both you and your partner were home... They flat out said "We don't want the excuse - I need to talk to my wife/husband." Then they had pricing of This is the price if you sign today, this is the price if you sign later this week once I walk out the door, this is the price after this week. Their cheapest price was also $10,000 more than anyone else we looked at; Pella and Anderson (non-renewal). We also had Sela and Rusco come out, and I could've built a cabin or bought a new BMW for the price they wanted.
The typical problems of wood windows have been fixed by modern improvements. Low-E coatings on glass, higher U-value glass, Aluminum clad exteriors, etc. I have seen some of those PVC windows on South facades in direct sun all day literally blow apart due to expansion.
FWIW, I am an Architect and do some residential. We specify Aluminum (full) or Aluminum-clad wood windows in our residential projects.
I am sure you will find lots of opinions though, and people who do enjoy their "non-maintenance" Vinyl/whatever windows.
I guess I didn’t even know aluminum was an option. We get a ton of sun facing south so that’s something I’ll really want to look at
Thanks for the info. These types of perspectives are really helpful to me
I guess I didn’t even know aluminum was an option. We get a ton of sun facing south so that’s something I’ll really want to look at
Thanks for the info. These types of perspectives are really helpful to me
One more thing to consider, that is worth asking, triple pane glazing (now a requirement in Canada) has really come down in pricing and is becoming more common. Next code adoption for Minnesota, it will likely be a requirement (for prescriptive approach) in commercial buildings.
We had a recent project where the estimate payback was less than 3 years. Although part of that was due to propane heat in this remote area of Northern MN, but still something to at least ask about.
It provides 2 "air" spaces, and extra surfaces to put high performance films/layers on. U-value performance gets a nice boost from that extra layer.
I understand there’s a lot of variables in asking this question but I’m going to ask it anyways
If you think about a normal suburban sized two level house what would you ballpark the cost of replacing all the windows to be? Since I know it makes a difference we will likely do fiberglass ones and not wood.
We are going to contact a few people about quotes in the coming months but I’m trying to get an extremely basic idea so I can spit out my Diet Coke in the privacy of my own house.
We replaced windows a while back on my old house going through Sela. It’s probably been 8 years.
I HATE vinyl (which I unfortunately have now) so we chose wood windows in the main living areas and fiberglass for the bathroom and bedrooms. Pela make a very nice fiberglass window. They were solid and more expensive than the wood, which I was not expecting. We had problems with frost on windows in that house and the fiberglass was a perfect choice. I would 100% do fiberglass again.
Our L shaped rambler cost about $26k to replace all the windows (8 years ago). That included a sliding glass door with blinds in the glass and two large (11 ft and 8 ft wide). We did not go cheap.
Hopefully Pela changed the design of their sliding doors because they had the screen on the inside which sucked. Having to open the screen to shut the door let ALL the bugs in.
My parents are in the process of replacing windows now. They bought triple pane. And standard sized windows were about $2k per window and they took a looong time to get delivered. I think COVID is impacting price and delivery times.
We replaced windows a while back on my old house going through Sela. It’s probably been 8 years.
I HATE vinyl (which I unfortunately have now) so we chose wood windows in the main living areas and fiberglass for the bathroom and bedrooms. Pela make a very nice fiberglass window. They were solid and more expensive than the wood, which I was not expecting. We had problems with frost on windows in that house and the fiberglass was a perfect choice. I would 100% do fiberglass again.
Our L shaped rambler cost about $26k to replace all the windows (8 years ago). That included a sliding glass door with blinds in the glass and two large (11 ft and 8 ft wide). We did not go cheap.
Hopefully Pela changed the design of their sliding doors because they had the screen on the inside which sucked. Having to open the screen to shut the door let ALL the bugs in.
My parents are in the process of replacing windows now. They bought triple pane. And standard sized windows were about $2k per window and they took a looong time to get delivered. I think COVID is impacting price and delivery times.
As of earlier this year, Pella has NOT changed that design. Makes it a no-deal for our clients typically.
Lead times on windows is a factor for residential and commercial. Glass itself seems to be more of the problem. Concrete and Steel have once again become problems. Reminds me of a few years ago when US Bank Stadium and, I want to say, Wells Fargo Tower were being built downtown and Glass, Concrete, and Steel prices all skyrocketed locally and lead times were crazy.
At least it is a sign there is some demand and people are spending money/building. If lead times weren't a problem that would mean there is no demand...
We replaced windows a while back on my old house going through Sela. It’s probably been 8 years.
I HATE vinyl (which I unfortunately have now) so we chose wood windows in the main living areas and fiberglass for the bathroom and bedrooms. Pela make a very nice fiberglass window. They were solid and more expensive than the wood, which I was not expecting. We had problems with frost on windows in that house and the fiberglass was a perfect choice. I would 100% do fiberglass again.
Our L shaped rambler cost about $26k to replace all the windows (8 years ago). That included a sliding glass door with blinds in the glass and two large (11 ft and 8 ft wide). We did not go cheap.
Hopefully Pela changed the design of their sliding doors because they had the screen on the inside which sucked. Having to open the screen to shut the door let ALL the bugs in.
My parents are in the process of replacing windows now. They bought triple pane. And standard sized windows were about $2k per window and they took a looong time to get delivered. I think COVID is impacting price and delivery times.
As of earlier this year, Pella has NOT changed that design. Makes it a no-deal for our clients typically.
Lead times on windows is a factor for residential and commercial. Glass itself seems to be more of the problem. Concrete and Steel have once again become problems. Reminds me of a few years ago when US Bank Stadium and, I want to say, Wells Fargo Tower were being built downtown and Glass, Concrete, and Steel prices all skyrocketed locally and lead times were crazy.
At least it is a sign there is some demand and people are spending money/building. If lead times weren't a problem that would mean there is no demand...
If I were to buy windows now I would absolutely go with Pella again but I would choose a different manufacturer for the door. The door itself was very high quality but the screen on the inside is one of the dumbest design features I’ve ever seen. The engineers who come up with the idea must spend half their day trying to lick their own ears..... Iowegians.
Back in around 2003 the old cabin had Pinecraft (Scherer Bros. Lumber private label) windows that some frames and pretty much all the sash were rotting. Walls also. For me Pella ( I can't remember the line) made sense since the options for STOCK rough openings were such that I was able to not have any ROs that were more than an inch or so than the stock units. I did cut out some framed sills to use a taller stock unit. I do all my own carpentry as a UBC member.
We tore the old place down in June of 2018. I let a local guy tear out the Pellas and he used them making a 3 season porch. I used Marvin Integrity in the new place and I am very happy with that decision.
Has ANYONE heard of, or done so themselves, ordered a Rum And Pepsi? Didn't think so. 
Pepsi sucks.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Are Zagg screens worth the money for your newer mobile devices. I just bought an iPhone 12 Pro and am wondering if they’re worth the cost now that they seem to be $50
If you are clumsy I think they are worth it. I know someone that has gone through two on an iPhone 11 and now on the third. Really no damage to the screen thanks to the screen protectors.
I've never used one because I am careful with my phone.
Has ANYONE heard of, or done so themselves, ordered a Rum And Pepsi? Didn't think so.
Pepsi sucks.
"Can I get a coke, please?"
"Is Pepsi OK?"
"Only if I can pay in Monopoly money"
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
Are Zagg screens worth the money for your newer mobile devices. I just bought an iPhone 12 Pro and am wondering if they’re worth the cost now that they seem to be $50
I much prefer the tempered glass screen protectors. If there is a Five Below store near you check them out. That’s where I get my tempered glass protectors and have had great luck with them.
Are Zagg screens worth the money for your newer mobile devices. I just bought an iPhone 12 Pro and am wondering if they’re worth the cost now that they seem to be $50
Now that I have small kids, we switched to "disposable" phones. $200ish Motorolas. No need for $40+/month insurance, no need for screen protectors or cases. In 4 years, we've only had one phone get damaged even. They last just as long, if not longer, and I have never missed out on the features of the newest, fastest, most whatever-est phone.
When we started paying for daycare we immediately had to look at places to cut costs. $80/month insurance on two $800+ phones was a big one. In fact, now looking back, the phone insurance made no sense. I never used it, and essentially paid for my phone twice (and then some) over 2 years. It's even a worse proposition that one of those Extended Vehicle Warranties.
My wife does like the scratch protection from the $8 for a 3-pack screens she buys off amazon for when she throws her phone in her purse.
EDIT: Plus you need to save for some windows... :poke:
Otterbox. Haven’t broken a phone. Yet.
Otterbox. Haven’t broken a phone. Yet.
That's what I used to have, they do work well. Have unicorn beetles on the last few. Work great as well. I remove the plastic screen cover that comes with them and put the sticky glass ones on instead. Case still fits around it fine.
Otterbox. Haven’t broken a phone. Yet.
It was a good run.
Aren't Otterboxes the giant plastic things that look like suitcases? ---> Won't fit into pockets.
Otterbox. Haven’t broken a phone. Yet.
It was a good run.
Aren't Otterboxes the giant plastic things that look like suitcases? ---> Won't fit into pockets.
Yep! Big, bulky, and unfashionable. Always know which phone is mine.
Best part is my old Otterbox was falling apart after three years and I was able to get a new one for just shipping with no questions asked.
With the size of phones these days, they don’t fit well in pockets of average sized people well anyways do they?! Having a purse makes it a non-issue for me to use a bulky protector.
I’ve never seen you with a purse.
I’ve never seen you with a purse.
I use an over the shoulder style bag that’s less purse-y. Because I’m not a “purse” gal in the traditional sense. ?
I’ve never seen you with a purse.
I use an over the shoulder style bag that’s less purse-y. Because I’m not a “purse” gal in the traditional sense. ?
My wife does the same, for the same reason
I just use an European carryall.
Otterbox. Haven’t broken a phone. Yet.
It was a good run.
Aren't Otterboxes the giant plastic things that look like suitcases? ---> Won't fit into pockets.
I had an Otterbox for my old phone for awhile and the bulk made me switch to a Speck thin case. I ordered a new thin case phone with the MagSafe attachment for my new phone. My wife and daughter both got them but that’s because they’ll carry them in a backpack or purse.
I’m not buying any insurance policy on any of our phones. My wife talked about one for because we have a two year old but he’s generally careful and I think with a case it will be fine.
Are Zagg screens worth the money for your newer mobile devices. I just bought an iPhone 12 Pro and am wondering if they’re worth the cost now that they seem to be $50
Now that I have small kids, we switched to "disposable" phones. $200ish Motorolas. No need for $40+/month insurance, no need for screen protectors or cases. In 4 years, we've only had one phone get damaged even. They last just as long, if not longer, and I have never missed out on the features of the newest, fastest, most whatever-est phone.
When we started paying for daycare we immediately had to look at places to cut costs. $80/month insurance on two $800+ phones was a big one. In fact, now looking back, the phone insurance made no sense. I never used it, and essentially paid for my phone twice (and then some) over 2 years. It's even a worse proposition that one of those Extended Vehicle Warranties.
My wife does like the scratch protection from the $8 for a 3-pack screens she buys off amazon for when she throws her phone in her purse.
EDIT: Plus you need to save for some windows... :poke:
It’s the scratch protection that I’m more interested in the screen protector for.
I just use an European carryall.
I think they are referred to as "Manbags."
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I just use an European carryall.
I think they are referred to as "Manbags."
It’s a murse.
I just use an European carryall.
I think they are referred to as "Manbags."
It’s a murse.
Dammit beat me to it.
Has anyone on here purchased any of the online mattresses before? Specifically Helix or Nolah?
Looking at getting a new mattress for first time in awhile, and am intrigued with the 100 free nights in-home offers. Just wondering others experiences in the process and quality of the mattresses.
Has anyone on here purchased any of the online mattresses before? Specifically Helix or Nolah?
Looking at getting a new mattress for first time in awhile, and am intrigued with the 100 free nights in-home offers. Just wondering others experiences in the process and quality of the mattresses.
We love our Avocado Green mattress that we purchased four years ago. It topped the list of the mattresses that Consumer Reports rated that year.
https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com/products/green-natural-organic-mattress
I signed up with nomorobo a while back and have noticed a dramatic decrease in robo calls. If you haven't signed up with them and are getting a lot of robo calls, I suggest looking into the service (free).
I signed up with nomorobo a while back and have noticed a dramatic decrease in robo calls. If you haven't signed up with them and are getting a lot of robo calls, I suggest looking into the service (free).
According to their website, it's only free for land lines. Mobile is $1.99/month per device.
Tact is the ability to step on a man's toes without messing up the shine on his shoes - Harry S Truman
I signed up with nomorobo a while back and have noticed a dramatic decrease in robo calls. If you haven't signed up with them and are getting a lot of robo calls, I suggest looking into the service (free).
According to their website, it's only free for land lines. Mobile is $1.99/month per device.
I used it for my landline. I would get 10+ robo calls per day and now close to zero. I actually check to see who is calling now.