Reviews Written By: A3NEAETOSXDBOMprovided by Amazon.com |
 | ||
 | Canon CB-2LX Battery Charger for SD700 IS Digital Camera | |
 | "Perfect if you lost your camera charger" | 2009-11-04 |
| I bought this as a gift for someone who had lost the charger that came with their Canon camera, which had a dead battery after a vacation trip, so that none of the vacation pictures could be downloaded. This product immediately solved that problem. It works flawlessly, and is nice and compact.
There are much less expensive generic chargers that you can buy, but they tend to break unless you handle them very carefully because they are so cheaply made. When I gave this as a gift, I decided that the extra expense was worth it to make sure that the person to whom I gave it would not have any hassles with the charger for as long as they owned their camera. So you have to decide if the extra expense of this charger versus the cost of a cheap generic charger is a worthwhile "insurance premium" to protect you against having a broken charger down the road. Like anything else, if you want to take the risk you can save yourself some money up front, though you don't get the same assurance that the cheap generic charger will last as long as you will need it. | ||
 | Braun Tassimo TA 1400 Hot Beverage System | |
 | "Good for cappuccino but otherwise too expensive" | 2009-10-24 |
| We already owned a Keurig coffee maker (which I have reviewed on Amazon), but my wife bought this unit so that we could also make cappuccinos, which our Keurig does not do. For cappuccinos this unit is great. While you can also use it to make regular coffee, if that is going to be your main use, then I would buy a Keurig instead. Here is why.
This unit is slightly less convenient to use than the Keurig and definitely much noisier if that matters to you. More importantly, the T-cups for this unit cost double what Keurig K-cup costs, and the cappuccino T-cups are even more expensive. Bottom line: If you like cappuccinos, then this machine is worth getting. But if you rarely or never drink cappuccinos, and just want regular coffees, then get a Keurig or else you will be paying double for the same coffee. We use this unit strictly for the cappuccinos, and our Keurig for everything else. | ||
 | Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett) (1st Edition) | |
| "Entertaining thriller" | 2009-08-22 |
| New York City detective Michael Bennett heads a team trying to track down a psychopath named the Teacher who has gone on what seems to be a random killing spree, though the reader later learns that is not the case. In between the manhunt are some poignant as well as humorous scenes between Bennett and his large family of adopted children, all of whom miss Maeve, Bennett's wife and their mother, who died of cancer a year earlier.
There is lots of action, and the novel is very entertaining and fast reading. However I gave it only four stars because as the story moved toward its conclusion, it strained the bounds of plausibility (particularly the ending; there are limits to what a person can survive). Also, unlike the better Alex Cross novels, I felt that some of the characters were not fully developed (like Bennett's uncle and the children's nanny). On top of that, Bennett's philosophical waxing throughout the novel sometimes seemed too pat and cliched. I am a huge James Patterson fan and thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, but I think Patterson has done better. | ||
 | The Marching Season | |
| "Well crafted spy thriller" | 2009-07-08 |
| Daniel Silva is one of my favorite writers. While I think that his later novels featuring Gabriel Allon are better crafted and more interesting than this novel, I still think that The Marching Season is first rate writing. I read this without having first read a related earlier novel, but it made no difference. In exploring the tension in Northern Ireland, Silva creates a fictional group of intelligence officers (including the head of the CIA), criminals and arm dealers known as the Society who deliberately foment unrest in various places to further their own interests. This novel focuses on their efforts to murder the American Ambassador to England and have a violent Protestant group claim responsibility in order to destroy the peace accords between the Catholics and Protestants. The plot is well thought out, and the ending is not predictable by any means. I agree with other reviews that Silva's protagonist Gabriel Allon in later novels is more interesting and complex than the CIA agent Michael Osbourne in this novel, but this novel is still a good read. However, if you are reading Silva for the first time, I would start with one of his Gabriel Allon novels. | ||
 | Eye of the Needle | |
| "Masterfully written and gripping" | 2009-06-18 |
| This novel thrusts the reader into wartime England fighting Hitler, who has a superspy in England known as The Needle. The novel focuses on the efforts to catch this spy before he can tell Hitler of a major ruse that England has created to convince the Germans that there will be an invasion in Calais rather than Normandy. The main plot nicely meshes with a subplot about a young couple living on a remote British isle who have a loveless marriage, with the wife despairing of ever finding happiness--just as the British intelligence agent who is tracking The Needle has the same despair after a personal tragedy. The writing is superb, the action is nonstop, and the suspense is riveting. This is a page turner that provides great entertainment, yet is very plausible even though it is fiction. | ||
 | Eye Of The Needle | |
| "Masterfully written and gripping" | 2009-06-18 |
| This novel thrusts the reader into wartime England fighting Hitler, who has a superspy in England known as The Needle. The novel focuses on the efforts to catch this spy before he can tell Hitler of a major ruse that England has created to convince the Germans that there will be an invasion in Calais rather than Normandy. The main plot nicely meshes with a subplot about a young couple living on a remote British isle who have a loveless marriage, with the wife despairing of ever finding happiness--just as the British intelligence agent who is tracking The Needle has the same despair after a personal tragedy. The writing is superb, the action is nonstop, and the suspense is riveting. This is a page turner that provides great entertainment, yet is very plausible even though it is fiction. | ||
 | Eye of the Needle | |
| "Masterfully written and gripping" | 2009-06-18 |
| This novel thrusts the reader into wartime England fighting Hitler, who has a superspy in England known as The Needle. The novel focuses on the efforts to catch this spy before he can tell Hitler of a major ruse that England has created to convince the Germans that there will be an invasion in Calais rather than Normandy. The main plot nicely meshes with a subplot about a young couple living on a remote British isle who have a loveless marriage, with the wife despairing of ever finding happiness--just as the British intelligence agent who is tracking The Needle has the same despair after a personal tragedy. The writing is superb, the action is nonstop, and the suspense is riveting. This is a page turner that provides great entertainment, yet is very plausible even though it is fiction. | ||
 | Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett, ISBN 1556862253 | |
| "Masterfully written and gripping" | 2009-06-18 |
| This novel thrusts the reader into wartime England fighting Hitler, who has a superspy in England known as The Needle. The novel focuses on the efforts to catch this spy before he can tell Hitler of a major ruse that England has created to convince the Germans that there will be an invasion in Calais rather than Normandy. The main plot nicely meshes with a subplot about a young couple living on a remote British isle who have a loveless marriage, with the wife despairing of ever finding happiness--just as the British intelligence agent who is tracking The Needle has the same despair after a personal tragedy. The writing is superb, the action is nonstop, and the suspense is riveting. This is a page turner that provides great entertainment, yet is very plausible even though it is fiction. | ||
 | Eye Of The Needle | |
| "Masterfully written and gripping" | 2009-06-18 |
| This novel thrusts the reader into wartime England fighting Hitler, who has a superspy in England known as The Needle. The novel focuses on the efforts to catch this spy before he can tell Hitler of a major ruse that England has created to convince the Germans that there will be an invasion in Calais rather than Normandy. The main plot nicely meshes with a subplot about a young couple living on a remote British isle who have a loveless marriage, with the wife despairing of ever finding happiness--just as the British intelligence agent who is tracking The Needle has the same despair after a personal tragedy. The writing is superb, the action is nonstop, and the suspense is riveting. This is a page turner that provides great entertainment, yet is very plausible even though it is fiction. | ||
 | Garmin Forerunner 50 with Heart Rate Monitor, Foot Pod, USB ANT Stick | |
| "Very good for a basic unit" | 2009-06-14 |
| I have been running for the past 2-½ years with the Garmin Forerunner 305 (which I have reviewed on Amazon) and recently bought the Garmin Forerunner 405cx. Amazon had a deal where for no extra cost I received the Garmin Forerunner 50 (but without a footpod), which arrived a couple of weeks before my 405cx, so I had time to try it out. The negative reviews are from people who did not research in advance what this unit can do, did not read the manual, or did not follow the directions. I think this unit works fine--so long as you understand what you are buying. Here are my comments (Note: I use this on a Mac with the latest update of Leopard without any problems): 1. This unit is a heart rate monitor, and works well. If you also want to track distance, then you need to have the footpod. I bought a footpod for my 405cx and discovered that it costs about the same by itself as buying a "package deal" where the Forerunner 50 and footpod come together. So if you think that you want more than just a heart rate monitor, get the package deal rather than buying a footpod later for the Forerunner 50. 2. This unit has no gps, no measurement of calories, and only a single heart rate zone. These additional features are found on the 405cx (which is much more expensive). 3. Make sure you install the Garmin software package before inserting the ANT USB stick. Also, if using a Mac with Parallels Desktop, VMWare Fusion or any other program running Windows, close out of the program when using the ANT USB stick or it may not be recognized on the Mac. 4. If using both a heart rate monitor and the footpod, pair them both at the same time. Make sure the footpod is on by vigorously shaking it until you see 3 red flashes. 5. Before you pair any accessories, first pair the Forerunner 50 with the computer. TX Pair must be on to do so. Once you pair, TX Pair turns off, so if you have a second computer, you need to turn TX Pair on again on the Forerunner 50 to pair it with the second computer. The same applies if you pair the heart rate monitor, and later decide to pair a footpod. That is why I suggest pairing both at the same time. 6. When pairing the heart rate monitor or working out, wet the band with water or saliva. That moisture is necessary for the HR monitor to work properly. 7. I suggest calibrating the footpod using auto calibration by running/walking a known distance. Otherwise your distances will not be reported accurately. 8. To set up the training options, press the mode button until you see Train. Press start/stop until you see Hold/Set and then the word Units. Release the start/stop button and press the View button to scroll through the training options. The manual is not clear on this. 9. I use a Mac program called Ascent that is far superior to Garmin Connect or Garmin Training Center. This unit is the same size as a regular sports watch, which is what I use it for now that my Garmin 405cx has arrived. However, if you don't want to spend the money for a much more expensive unit with lots of extra features, and just need the basics, this unit is fine. I did not experience the problems referred to in the negative reviews. Just read the manual and learn how to operate this unit and you will be satisfied. | ||
 | Sangean H201 AM/FM Digital Shower Radio | |
| "High quality radio" | 2009-06-08 |
| This radio is well designed, has quality construction written all over it, and has excellent sound for a radio of this type on both AM and FM stations. You can easily attach this to your shower wall without drilling or screws. The radio comes with double sided mounting tape and a wall bracket; I also used Liquid Nails glue and let the bracket set on my shower for 24 hours before putting the radio on it. It is very easy to take the radio on and off. Unlike other shower radios, the batteries are easy to change (it takes 2 D batteries, that are not included), setting presets for favorite stations is a breeze, and all of the buttons are large and easily accessible. There is also a battery indicator to let you monitor the status of the battery. The radio is supposed to float and be waterproof, which would make it an ideal pool radio, though I have not yet tested that. There is an innovative sturdy fold away plastic carrying handle, and a carrying strap is also included. For good measure, if there is a power failure and you need a flashlight, there is one built into the radio. My previous shower radio was from the Sharper Image, but I like the Sangean much better. It is easier overall to operate, has a better display, and the sound is great. I have read some of the negative reviews, and can only say that I have not had any of the problems described. I would recommend this product to a friend in a heartbeat. | ||
 | Garmin Forerunner 305 Indoor Foot Pod Accessory | |
| "Works fine, but you may want the newer model" | 2009-05-29 |
| I have used this product for over a year with my Garmin Forerunner 305 so that I can track my running indoors on the treadmill at the gym. This is easy to calibrate, and works flawlessly in conjunction with my 305. You do need to remember to replace the single AA battery periodically (there is no low battery warning light) to avoid finding yourself on the treadmill at the gym and having the unit just stop working due to a dead battery. I gave this only four stars instead of five since you need to lace it to your sneakers, and it cannot be easily or quickly taken on and off. However, I don't even feel it when I run outside, or care what it looks like, so for me this is not a consideration. But for some people it might be. You should be aware that Garmin now has a newer version of the footpod that will work with the 305, but was introduced for the newer 405 and 405cx. I just bought one for the 405cx that I ordered, but have not yet had a chance to test it. However, it is smaller and lighter than the older model (it uses a "button" battery rather than an AA battery), and also has a lace clip for easy and quick removal from your sneakers. Bottom Line: if I were buying a footpod for the first time, I would buy the newer unit (which has received mostly positive reviews). | ||
 | Wireless Phone Jack - RC926 | |
 | "Average product" | 2009-05-19 |
| I used to have a second phone line in an upstairs room that I used primarily for faxing and occasional phone calls. When I got rid of that line, I bought this wireless phone jack so that I could use my main phone line in the upstairs room without paying the phone company the considerable cost of running new wires. The product does work even though the base station is connected to a phone jack in a room that is not only downstairs, but is also separated by multiple doors and walls from my upstairs room, which is in another part of the house. This unit has enabled me to use my phone/fax machine to send and receive faxes without any problems. Making phone calls is a different story. Although there is always some "noise" on the line, sometimes it is so minimal that I can easily make a phone call and carry on a conversation. But other times the "noise" is so loud that it is not possible to use the phone to call someone. Bottom line: faxing is always possible, but voice conversations sometimes are not. You need to decide what your priorities are before you buy this. | ||
 | Epson Stylus Photo R280 Printer | |
| "Beware the cost of cartridges" | 2009-05-04 |
| I got this printer about a year and a half ago at a greatly reduced cost as part of a package when I bought a new digital camera. However, I would not have bought this on my own because it uses six separate color cartridges that do not last that long and are not cost effective to replace. Here are my specific comments: 1. I have used the printer mainly to print occasional documents i.e., I have not done heavy printing with this printer (I have another printer that I use to do that) and print virtually all of my photos using an online service. A few months ago when the ink light went on indicating that some of the color cartridges were running low, I started printing all web pages in grayscale, thinking that since I was no longer printing in color, I would just have to replace the black cartridge when it ran out. I was wrong. 2. A few days ago I inadvertently printed a web page in color (still not sure how that happened since the printer was set to grayscale). At that point the ink light became solid and the printer stopped working--even though the black ink cartridge was still fine. 3. Epson tech support advised that even if I never wanted to print anything ever again in color, and would always use grayscale, I still had to replace the empty color cartridges because the R-280 would not work even on grayscale so long as any color cartridges were empty. 4. The list price for each cartridge is $19.99, though Costco sells a six pack for $69.99. 5. Since this is one of the noisiest printers that I have ever used, and given that I can buy a brand new HP wireless printer on Amazon for not much more than the cost of replacing the Epson cartridges, I decided to scrap it. Bottom line: This works, and on the few occassions that I did print photos, it did a nice job. But the color cartridges just do not last that long and are expensive. In addition, you can easily wake up someone sleeping in an adjoining room (as I once did to my son) with the noise that this printer makes. Unless you get it as part of a special package when you buy a camera, as I did, get something else. | ||
 | Logitech V20 Notebook Speakers | |
| "Really nice laptop speakers" | 2009-05-01 |
| These speakers produce an excellent sound with my Macbook. I have read some of the negative reviews, and have not experienced any of the problems mentioned, such as the speakers not being recognized by the computer. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised that my Macbook immediately recognized these speakers even though I attached the USB plug on the speakers to a 7 port USB hub, which in turn is "daisy chained" to another 7 port USB hub that connects to my Macbook(I have lots of stuff). Some electronic devices have difficulty being recognized when using a USB hub instead of connecting them directly to the computer; and "daisy chaining" one hub off of another hub just compounds the problem. But for these speakers there was no issue. Other reviews have complained about a popping sound, but all I ever hear is music with a nice clear and crisp sound. I have the following comments: 1. These speakers are not a substitute for a stereo system. There is no subwoofer, and the range of bass and treble is not as far reaching. If you need a pronounced bass, then neither these nor any laptop speakers will satisfy you. However, the sound is more than adequate compared to a stereo system, and excellent for laptop speakers. 2. The speakers come with a nice case and are very easy not only to transport, but also to set up. Just put the USB cable into your computer or a hub, and the audio cable into the back of the speaker that has a receptacle for it. Make sure you push the audio cable in all the way; it's easy not to do so (as I did during initial setup), in which case there will be no sound from that speaker. 3. The speakers each have a little stand at the bottom that extends about three inches to keep the speakers upright. Just keep that in mind in case you want to set up in a tight space. 4. The speakers cannot be placed more than about two feet apart (mine are on either side of a 22 inch monitor that I use with my laptop) because the USB and audio cables are short. There really should be no need for longer cables, though you can always buy a USB extender and audio extension cable if necessary. 5. The speakers do not take up a lot of space on the desktop, look nice, and have easily reachable volume controls on top of the right speaker if you want to control volume from the speakers instead of your laptop. I think that these speakers are a quality product, perform well and provide a nice music listening experience where portability and small size are important. | ||
 | The Fifth Profession | |
| "Very good thriller" | 2009-04-20 |
| I always enjoy reading David Morrell, and this novel is no exception. The novel involves the "fifth profession" of being a professional protector, and focuses on the exploits of two protectors all over the world--an American and a Japanese. Their paths cross as they try to solve a mystery that haunts each of them--believing that they each saw the other killed while both were assigned to protect a certain Japanese businessman. As usual for Morrell, the action is nonstop and exciting. There are also many fascinating insights into Japanese culture. However, I gave this only four stars because the whole novel felt somewhat contrived to me, and I had pretty much guessed the "solution" to the mystery before the novel ended. I won't give away the ending, but it did not seem particularly original. Although this was nonstop action, and not dull by any means, I do not think it is one of Morrell's better novels. You will enjoy reading it, but if you really want to experience Morrell's writing at its best, you should read some of his other novels, such as Brotherhood of the Rose. | ||
![Roxio Toast 10 Titanium [Mac OS X]](product_images/4953000/roxio-toast-10-titanium-mac_t-4953431.jpg) | Roxio Toast 10 Titanium [Mac OS X] | |
| "Excellent for DVDs and CDs" | 2009-02-16 |
| Making and copying audio and data CDs and video DVDs could not be any easier when using this product. There are no complicated procedures, but rather just the need to drag and drop files and click the right button. Roxio is the same company that makes Record Now, which is a comparable program for PCs that I have used for years, and Toast 10 is just as effective for a Mac. If you own an iPod Touch and want to put movies onto it, I suggest that you download two free programs that will facilitate your doing so: HandBrake and VLC player. The Toast 10 Titanium software also comes with various other programs, though those programs did not influence my buying decision, and some I will probably never try (like a program to stream TV shows). While other people may find some of these programs useful, the main reason to buy this software if you own a Mac is because it is much simpler, more versatile, and more effective to use than iDVD. | ||
 | Memorex CD/DVD Sleeves Paper with Window Cut-Out & Back Flap (50-Pack) | |
| "Good protection for CDs and DVDs" | 2009-02-13 |
| I bought these to protect DVD movies that I keep for viewing by my TV; for me it is more convenient than keeping the DVDs in the cases that they come in. Unlike other sleeves, these have a back flap that keeps the envelope closed, which I like, but is not essential for protection. These are good for casual use. I would not use them to mail a DVD (too flimsy) or for long term storage, for which I use a case with built in sleeves. But for short term use they are fine. | ||
 | Hiroshima - L.A. | |
| "Nice jazz album" | 2009-02-02 |
| I only recently discovered this talented group. Unlike the boring "smooth jazz" sound that is often called "elevator music", this group's sound has a distinctive Asian flavor that is enjoyable to listen to because of their creative use of rhythms, melodies and instruments. This album contains both "soft" and "high energy" songs. I do not think it reaches the same level of creativity and musicality as their more recent album Little Tokyo, which I highly recommend, but this album is still a very nice collection that is fun to listen to. | ||
 | Built NY 20Z-BLK 20-Ounce Bottle Tote, Black | |
| "Keeps my water nice and cold" | 2008-11-01 |
| When I go to the gym, I do not bring a fancy water bottle, but just a regular bottle of water that I buy in the supermarket. I bought this tote to keep my water cold while I work out. It does the job very well. I am also able to squeeze in an energy bar that I bring, which stays cool as well. This is a very convenient way to transport my water and energy bar to the gym. Before I bought this product, I used to use a cooler, which worked, but took up way too much space in my gym bag as opposed to this tote, which is nice and compact. I can easily put it into the water bottle holder on the treadmill, and drink my water without ever removing it from the tote, which is very lightweight. | ||
 | Planet Bike Beamer 3 LED Bicycle Light with Quick Cam Bracket Mount | |
| "Not just for bicycles" | 2008-09-22 |
| I am a runner and as part of my route often run on busy streets early in the morning. I wanted a light that drivers of oncoming cars could easily see even if they were wearing sunglasses and even if the sunlight was shining directly on the light, which causes many lights to "wash out" and be barely visible. Not this one. I placed it in direct sunlight and still could easily see it with my sunglasses on.br /br /This is so lightweight that I just carry it in my hand and face it toward oncoming traffic in strobe mode (and when I cross side streets, I briefly turn it in that direction as well). When my route goes back into a park, I just clip the light onto the bracket, which I have looped through a waist pack that I wear. It doesn't interfere with my running at all.br /br /I tested many lights, and this is the brightest lightweight light that I found. I have also seen bicycle riders using it on my early morning runs, and can see them at quite a distance. This is a quality product and great for both bike riding and running.br /br /Update: I recently used this for running at night after sunset. I could see the beam reflecting off traffic signs at least 100 feet away, so I knew I was visible to oncoming traffic. In the park that is part of my route, it was pitch black, but the beam was more than adequate to light my path and also warn oncoming bike riders and other runners. | ||
 | PowerBar Protein Plus Bars, Chocolate Fudge Brownie (12 Bars) | |
| "Tastes great and gives energy" | 2008-08-25 |
| I am a runner and discovered this in a grocery store when I was at the four mile mark of a ten mile run and stopped for some water. This tastes great, and gives me plenty of energy when I run or work out in the gym. I also keep this at work for a snack. | ||
 | PowerBar Protein Plus Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter 12 ea | |
| "Tastes great and gives energy" | 2008-08-25 |
| I am a runner and discovered this in a grocery store when I was at the four mile mark of a ten mile run and stopped for some water. This tastes great, and gives me plenty of energy when I run or work out in the gym. I also keep this at work for a snack. | ||
 | Samsung HL61A750 61" 1080p LED Powered DLP HDTV | |
| "Beautiful picture" | 2008-06-19 |
| I saw this TV at the Samsung display center in the Time Warner Building in NYC and was blown away by the picture. Beautiful color, crisp detail, great styling, and a price far less than comparable LCD and plasma sets. A few weeks later I bought one and have not been disappointed. Just plug it into your cable box, and voila, you are done! No need to auto program and search for channels. There are ample inputs and outputs for all kinds of components, including a computer ( I like viewing my photos on the set). With a surround sound system (I bought the HTZ515 by Samsung, which matches the set) you will think you are at the movies. I have not experienced any of the problems mentioned in the negative reviews. For the price this is an incredible TV. | ||
 | VMware Fusion | |
| "Great product for the Macbook" | 2008-06-04 |
| About 6 months ago I bought a Macbook, but still continued to run various Windows applications on my PC. Although Mac versions of some of these applications were available (such as for Quicken), I really did not want to have to pay for the same software twice; in addition, the Mac versions of Windows applications don't always work as well. So I resigned myself to switching between my two computers--until I discovered VMware Fusion. I downloaded a 30 day trial version from the company's website, and was so impressed that I bought it from Amazon (cheaper than buying directly from the company). Installation on my Macbook was painless and simple. Please note that besides this software, you also need a Windows installation disk since you are creating a virtual PC on your Mac. Now I can install and use Quicken and other Windows programs on my Mac. I can have my virtual PC occupy a portion of the screen or the full screen. I can also have Windows applications sit in my dock if I want to. I bought this product rather than Parallels Desktop (which I have not tried) based on the reviews. If you are looking for an effortless way to install and run Windows programs on your Mac, look no further. This software does the job nicely. | ||
 | Apple Bluetooth Wireless Mighty Mouse | |
| "Works great with my MacBook" | 2008-01-03 |
| I have a new MacBook with Leopard 10.5 and was a bit hesitant about buying this mouse after reading some reviews. However I am pleased to say that I have not experienced any problems.
The mouse looks great, is easy to use, and is small enough to stick in my case when I travel with my MacBook. The mouse has also been very reliable without any dropped connections. Battery life has been decent, especially since I never turn it off to avoid having to establish a new bluetooth connection each time I use it. Doing so can take 20-30 seconds, but this is not any longer than it takes me to establish a bluetooth connection using other wireless devices. The fact is that at least for now bluetooth connections don't happen instantaneously, and it is not realistic to expect that they will. For a wireless mouse this performs well. | ||
 | ALLSOP MetalArt Monitor Stand (Black) | |
| "Looks nice and does the job" | 2007-11-02 |
| I have two of these--one in my office on which a 22 inch lcd monitor sits, and one at home on which my laptop and docking station sit. This is stable, has air vents which are good for dissipating heat from my docking station, and is attractive to look at. Although the height is not adjustable, for me the height is just right. | ||
 | Digital Media Pro Keyboard | |
| "This is a great keyboard" | 2007-10-08 |
| I bought this to stop using the keyboard on my laptop. The software installed flawlessly and my laptop instantly recognized the keyboard (I use Windows XP Pro Service Pack 2). The keys have a nice touch, and are very responsive. The keyboard itself is well laid out. The keyboard has five favorite keys that can be customized to open various programs, folders, or files. In addition, you can easily reprogram the keys for My Documents, etc. There are also lots of different function keys. The volume control buttons(raise,lower,mute) are handy. The plastic wrist rest is comfortable, and made it unnecessary to buy a separate gel wrist rest. Unlike some wireless keyboards, I have not had a single problem with any of the keys not functioning as they should. I definitely recommend this. | ||
 | CommuteMate Flameless Flare | |
 | "Not a useful product" | 2007-09-12 |
| This product is made of cheap plastic and is no subsitute for other warning devices if your car breaks down, especially at night. The flashing redlight is quite small, and when I stood across the street from ny house at night (about 100 feet from my car) it was barely visible. If you were on a highway at night, I doubt oncoming traffic would see it in time to make a difference. Using this as a map reader is also not practical, since the unit emits only a very dim red light that covers only a very small area. By way of comparison, if you go to a bicycle store and buy a flashing red light for the same money (and I own one), the lighted area will be about three times the size and much more visible. Save your money and buy something else for breakdowns. | ||
 | Garmin Nuvi 660 GPS Portable Travel Assistant | |
| "A terrific gps unit" | 2007-09-11 |
| This is the first gps unit that I have owned. I did extensive research. I wanted a unit that was fully portable, easy to use, and could be charged in the car, from an outlet, or from my laptop. I bought the Nuvi 660 and after using it on long and short trips am delighted that I got it. Leaving a restaurant late at night in a strange town and missing the turn for the road back to your hotel can spell trouble, but when this happened to me the Nuvi 660 took me on a different route that got me back safe and sound. Likewise, in familiar areas where I know the address of a store but can't read the street numbers, the Nuvi conveniently announces when I am arriving at the store and on what side of the street it is. And finding someone's house at night is a snap. The screen on this unit is very bright, and can easily be seen with sunglasses on in direct sunlight. The speech directions are very clear and easy to understand. I particularly like the ability to spell the name of a drugstore or supermarket chain, etc. when I am in a strange town to see if there are nearby locations. I also have used the unit to locate a park to go running in when I was away from home. Keep in mind that no gps unit is a substitute for common sense or advance planning on a long trip. Don't expect to travel your favorite backroads or shortcuts, but also know that you can explore a strange area in confidence without constantly worrying about how to backtrack onto your original route. Here are some specific tips when you first buy the unit: Register at mygarmin.com Download the WebUpdater. http://www8.garmin.com/products/webupdater/. Use it to update the software, and then use weekly to check for updates. Download POI Loader. http://www8.garmin.com/products/poiloader/. This will enable you to download custom points of interest. POI Factory has over a million free points of interest. http://www.poi-factory.com/. For example, you can download rest areas for various highways so that on a long trip you know exactly where they are. Two words of caution re bluetooth: (1) Does not work on many phones(like mine). Check to see if your phone is listed: http://www8.garmin.com/bluetooth/phones.jsp; (2) if you tune to an FM station with no reception to use your phone, then you cannot listen to the radio. I substituted the default splash screen with a splash screen containing my cell phone, email, and office address in case I lose the unit(like forgetting to take it off the table in a restaurant). Type text in Word, cut and paste to Paint,save as jpeg file. Copy this file into the jpeg folder on the Nuvi, go to System, display, change splash screen. Back up the files on the Nuvi onto an external hard drive on a weekly basis. That's a lot simpler that having to re-input all of your different custom points of interest in case something goes wrong. If you go to a mall or somewhere else where there is a large parking lot, when you arrive touch the screen once, then press save, and name the location. You can then use the Nuvi to find your car easily since it has a pedestrian mode. I like that on any trip the Nuvi shows not only the total distance, but also the distance already traveled, average speed, maximum speed, and time of arrival, which is not static, but changes depending on whether you get stuck in traffic or really start moving. I also like that if you stop along the way, it is not necessary to re-input where you are going. I do wish that this unit could save particular routes (such as the backway I come home from the office), but for my purposes that does not matter. The unit has many other features that you can explore, but the most important thing for me is knowing that I don't have to worry about getting lost anymore. | ||
| © 2009 GoSale.com (S2) |