Page 4: Use, Conclusion
Use
As a thermostat, the 3M-50 works great. It keeps the temperature fairly constant. It will have to drop a degree before turning the system on for heating or cooling. In addition, the large display is very nice for controlling the thermostat and the touch screen works great. You have a variety of different programming options for automatically setting the temperature. Since this is targeted to the WiFi crowd, we found the best way to use it is to turn it down when we left and back up on our way back. This is great for trips and such or extended stays. No longer will you need to worry about the thermostat. Another good feature of the 3M-50 is the electronic system switch. The thermostat can change from heating to cooling automatically. The Marvell provided WiFi module works great and once an API is released, you'll be much happier. Using the website is not something we want to do.
Conclusion
While this product was provided by Marvell to show off their WiFi module, we're reviewing the 3M-50 as a whole. The concept is excellent and the price is fine at $100. Being able to remotely control your thermostat is a welcome addition to the smart home. The current website for controlling the 3M-50 needs a privacy policy change, but we're on the tip of getting a true API released and once that happens, you'll be able to control the thermostat directly. This is where we want to be. Only then will we recommend the 3M-50. Technology should be easy, and we (the home owner) should be in control of our devices. Marvell's WiFi technology is great and it works well. Marvell makes so many support products and chips. You probably have a Marvell LAN controller or SATA controller in your computer.
ASE Labs would like to thank Marvell for providing this product for review.
As a thermostat, the 3M-50 works great. It keeps the temperature fairly constant. It will have to drop a degree before turning the system on for heating or cooling. In addition, the large display is very nice for controlling the thermostat and the touch screen works great. You have a variety of different programming options for automatically setting the temperature. Since this is targeted to the WiFi crowd, we found the best way to use it is to turn it down when we left and back up on our way back. This is great for trips and such or extended stays. No longer will you need to worry about the thermostat. Another good feature of the 3M-50 is the electronic system switch. The thermostat can change from heating to cooling automatically. The Marvell provided WiFi module works great and once an API is released, you'll be much happier. Using the website is not something we want to do.
Conclusion
While this product was provided by Marvell to show off their WiFi module, we're reviewing the 3M-50 as a whole. The concept is excellent and the price is fine at $100. Being able to remotely control your thermostat is a welcome addition to the smart home. The current website for controlling the 3M-50 needs a privacy policy change, but we're on the tip of getting a true API released and once that happens, you'll be able to control the thermostat directly. This is where we want to be. Only then will we recommend the 3M-50. Technology should be easy, and we (the home owner) should be in control of our devices. Marvell's WiFi technology is great and it works well. Marvell makes so many support products and chips. You probably have a Marvell LAN controller or SATA controller in your computer.
ASE Labs would like to thank Marvell for providing this product for review.