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Reviews Written By: AK8F0EAWVLD66

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	Canon CS8800F Color Image Scanner
	"EXTRAORDINARY!"	2008-04-13
OUT OF THE BOX: The complete machine is much smaller and lighter than my previous scanner, with the same scan field dimensions. It comes with a USB connection and a separate power "brick" between wall socket and scanner. Three scan guides are included; a combo of 2 side-by-side 35 mm film strips (for 5 frames each) with latches that flatten curved strips, a guide for 4 standard size slides and a 120mm film strip holder. These guides fit into a specific place on the scan surface, so that they line up under the lid-mounted light source, which is covered by a removable shield. The lid is quite light, but it needs opening to almost straight up for it stay open without support. The thin latches on the 35mm film strip guide are very flimsy, and I already snapped one when trying to load curved negative strips. Software with scanner drivers etc., an advanced image editing program, as well as versions of Adobe Photoshop Elements (5.0 for windows, 4.0 for mac) are included. SOFTWARE: I haven't tried all the included software yet, as I prefer to work in other programs for archiving and retouching images. Having said that, using one of the programs to drive the scanner (MP Navigator) I think that there are some unnecessary steps and windows between scanning and saving. Working from a mac, setup was easy and scanning using the scanner interface is very intuitive. Everything runs relatively smooth, but there are occasional software crashes, and I cannot queue a lot of images before the program's buffer is full (even with an excess of RAM). Automatic detection of the images within slide frames or negative strips is very accurate, but this can be switched off, as another reviewer noted, and you can select your own area of interest or a whole film-strip. SETTINGS: There are numerous choices to make before you scan, such as Unsharp Mask and Remove Dirt & Scratches, which has different levels to choose from, as do "Grain Correction" and "Backlight Correction". While I generally see a beneficial effect of the Unsharp Mask (again; I work at high dpi settings), I notice that turning the dirt and scratch removal on only makes a mess of the affected areas, while leaving some specs or smudges completely untouched. I tend to turn the choices for removal of dirt & scratches and grain correction completely off. I am running the scanner completely from the scanner software and am not using the panel of buttons on the scanner lid, but it appears that these can be user-configured. Hidden in the preferences is also a setting to enable 48/16 bit output, but I haven't played with that yet. RESOLUTION: As noted by other reviewers, at higher resolution settings scanning can take quite some time, but I actually like this when it gets to a point of 30 minutes (for example for 8 negatives at 3200 dpi), so that I can work on something else instead of tending to the scanner every few minutes. For a preview scan and scanning prints at lower dpi settings this scanner is reasonably fast. FILE FORMAT & COMPRESSION: When I was running my initial tests to figure out optimal settings (optimal between image resolution needed and memory demand desired) I ran into some unexpected findings. For instance, I see a dramatic improvement in retention of details when I save scanned images as JPEG format rather than in full size TIFF. The compression actually seems to greatly improve contrast and sharpness, while taking up a lot less space! There are 3 levels of JPEG quality; High, Standard and Low (with inverse amounts of compression), but so far I have not noticed any (!) difference in final details when I choose "standard" over "high" quality, and again; the files take up less space in standard setting. A clear difference may be seen at lower dpi settings. RESULTS: The proof of any scanner is in the final scanned image and judging by that standard this CanoScan performs really well. Scanned prints are easy, because their physical dimensions don't require a high dpi setting. For color or negative film, some colors come out perfect, while others need a little tweaking afterwards, but overall this scanner performs great. I have posted a few images of color slides scanned with the CanoScan 8800F where I compare certain scan or save settings. IN SHORT: Pros: High quality scanner with lots of professional options for a low price. Abundant choices in resolution and other settings. Produces amazingly detailed images from prints, negatives and slides. Cons: Mostly related to software (only tested on a mac); small buffer for scanned images, occasional software crashes, some needles clutter in amount of windows and pop-ups (some, but not all can be turned off). Flimsy latches for 35mm filmstrip guide. In spite of some software shortcomings the end results are fantastic for a scanner at this price, and I rate this scanner around four-and-a-half stars. This is a review of the Canon CanoScan 8800F.
	Samsung LN-T4071F 40" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV
	"One Word - AWESOME !!!"	2007-10-11
I have literally waited years for an HDTV with all the right specs (120Hz, 1080p, high contrast, 3 HDMI (1.3) inputs, x.v.Color, etc.), but finally it's here, and the long wait has been well worth it. It is simply awesome. I was very tempted with the Sony XBR4, but this one beats the Sony hands down on looks, contrast, clarity and especially price! The many features it has and the specifications it supports are probably hard to find in terms of signal input (such as hi-definition programming or discs that are available now), but I wanted to be relatively future-ready. Both the screen and the edge around it are highly reflective, so if this would bother you, or you have light coming from behind you as you are watching, this one may be too shiny for its own good. I was initially worried about the reflection, and I don't quite understand why the bezel around the screen itself has to be so shiny as well (maybe to match?). Having said that; the "glossy" screen makes this LCD TV look like a high-end plasma screen, and it is probably going to compete with the best plasma's out there. The contrast is simply incredible, and the light output was so bright that I had to tone down the brightness setting, and increase the energy saving mode. And this is exactly where personal preference comes in. You may see this screen in a store where it is cranked way up for certain settings, and you may not like the contrast, brightness, or color. There are - of course - ample settings to play with and it is quite possible to "dial in" what you like best. So don't be disappointed in the store, and don't give up on this Samsung just yet - give it another chance by trying one out at home. Just as you need to select the proper viewing size, so that everything looks normal and not too stretched or squeezed, the color, contrast and saturation settings need to reflect a normal picture. And then there are settings (like the x.v.Color) that will do injustice to the image, if the input signal does not utilize this color-space. There is a now (in-)famous blue Samsung light on the bottom of the screen that can be set to be on when the TV is on, or on when the TV is off, or always on, or always off. Using an HDMI connection, turning the TV off also turns our connected receiver off, and vice versa. You can name each input on the TV with a specific name-tag, such as DVD, game, and so on. The few "bad" things that I have noticed are blurry contours of fast-moving subjects (when you look close) or occasional slow frames / jumpy picture for a short time. These may be due to processing by the TV, may be due to incorrect settings, may occur already in the players or may actually be in the (compressed) signals itself. These problems have occurred watching blu-ray movies using a Sony PS3, and DVDs on the PS3 or on a Pioneer DVD player. Not a super big problem, but it is something I keep noticing and worrying about. Our one & only PS3 game so far looks fantastic, and I haven't noticed any movement issues while playing that. I was also very worried that standard DVD's and our home-made picture DVD's would look relatively bad, but they are still OK to watch and they look absolutely fantastic on this new TV as compared to our old one. With the TV set to 1080p, I do not see a clear difference in a DVD signal put out as 480p compared to the same DVD signal up-converted to 1080p by a pioneer DVD player or the PS3. If anything I would say the PS3 looks better. There is definitely a tremendous difference when you look at something on DVD (up-converted to 1080p) and then look at the exact same footage on a blu-ray disc (both played on the PS3). There is so much more detail that it puts a lot of the blogs and discussions (about seeing a real difference with 1080p or not - on a 40 inch screen) to shame. See the 2 images of Planet Earth footage I have also posted. The pictures were taken from about 9 feet away, using a tripod. The DVD was set to up-convert to 1080p. TV settings were exactly the same for both images. We're not using the sound of the TV itself, so I cannot comment on that at all. Pros: 3 HDMI (1.3) inputs, super clear panel, INCREDIBLE clarity and color; a great system with lots of hi-tech specifications. Cons (all relatively minor): Highly reflective screen (although this makes the picture quality awesome!). Highly reflective edge. When the TV is off, the reflective screen is bad enough, but with the shiny edge it can look really bad. No "name tag" for HD-DVD player or Blu-ray player in the menu list to assign to HDMI input (very minor point - I agree - and may be fixed by future updates?). In short - look no further. This is the one you want. This is a review of the Samsung 4071F. The following products have also been mentioned and are also available from Amazon: Sony Playstation 3 (PS3) Planet Earth
	Logitech mm50 Portable Speakers for iPod (White)
	"Great Sound - Some Flaws"	2006-03-15
Without question the best speakers I have found for the iPod - without paying way too much for them - and I have tested a few. If you are looking for good sound and ease of use, look no further. Most of the reviews here are on the mark, and these speakers are great value for money. I really like using these, but I wanted to mention some points to anyone looking to buy these Logitechs. I would give this product 5 stars if it would be possible to fit the power cord in the (very nice) carrying case. It seems it would have been easy to use the space where the iPod sits to accomodate the power cord. Also, there is a nifty light indicator that reflects the battery status, but after a few weeks of using the battery (and recharging it as needed) it will no longer hold any significant charge, and I have to keep the machine plugged in all the time. The weird interaction with the volume control is a nuisance, but doesn't really affect enjoying these speakers. I greatly appreciate the extra line in, so that I can have the iPod close by and the speakers a little further away. All in all it could be a better (perfect?!) product, but it is still a good buy and these speakers have everything I was looking for.
	JOBO CP 200 Apacer Disc Steno
	"Great Gizmo!"	2004-09-08
Worked flawlessly straight out of the box & without reading the manual. VERY FAST even in "secure" mode, which verifies the data. Good disc spanning technology when inserting cards that have more data than a CD can hold. It burned & verified a 1GB CF card (40x) to 2 CD's in about 10 minutes, and that's the slow mode. Be aware that my unit did not read either pictures or movies (MPEG-1) from my SanDisk memory stick pro, but it did read our Sony memory stick pro with the exact same file types as well as various PDA files no problem. It keeps on writing sessions until CD is full, so far no misburns or anything. The TV interface is a little dull and "clunky" and my 8Mpixel images take some time to load but that's not a big deal. Plays DVD's and music CD's although I haven't tried MP3 discs. The manual mentions a car (cigarette lighter) adapter that is not in the box, and it's too bad they didn't provide a carrying case. Still; this little machine seems extremely trustworthy and will help me out very effectively.
	JOBO CP 200 Apacer Disc Steno
	"Great Gizmo!"	2004-09-08
September 2004: Worked flawlessly straight out of the box & without reading the manual. VERY FAST even in "secure" mode, which verifies the data. Good disc spanning technology when inserting cards that have more data than a CD can hold. It burned & verified a 1GB CF card (40x) to 2 CD's in about 10 minutes, and that's the slow mode. Be aware that my unit did not read either pictures or movies (MPEG-1) from my SanDisk memory stick pro, but it did read our Sony memory stick pro with the exact same file types as well as various PDA files no problem. It keeps on writing sessions until CD is full, so far no misburns or anything. The TV interface is a little dull and "clunky" and my 8Mpixel images take some time to load but that's not a big deal. Plays DVD's and music CD's although I haven't tried MP3 discs. The manual mentions a car (cigarette lighter) adapter that is not in the box, and it's too bad they didn't provide a carrying case. Still; this little machine seems extremely trustworthy and will help me out very effectively. UPDATE July 2005: After using this gadget I have to reinforce my earlier review. Not having a computer around on a recent trip abroad, I had to rely on downloading all my digital images each day to this machine and burning them to CD's before erasing my digital media from my camera. As I use multiple 1GB cards, each burn would span more than at least one (and sometimes three) CD's. At first I was hesitant to completely trust this device - even though I had tested it extensively before leaving. But, after seeing the first few discs at an internet cafe I started to relax. I still burned duplicate copies of every CD I made... Coming home with more than 60 CD's I found I needn't have worried. All burns were absolutely OK. Not one image or movie file was lost or corrupted. Each session was there; each CD filled to capacity. Amazing. My only complaint is that the battery never really worked that well - took long to charge up and I ended up using it on regular power all the time. I did try to get a replacement battery, but this proved difficult. So; still 4 stars only; although performance was solid!
	Vanguard Tourist-2 Compact Travel Tripod
	"WYSIWYG"	2004-08-09
Okay; if you want something STURDY this may not be the tripod for you. Out of the box I was a little afraid, but I liked the fact that it is this small, while extending a fair length. I do miss a quick-release and the (easy extending & retracting) legs don't spread out very wide, but for a cheap, lightweight tripod compared to the price I paid I cannot complain. In practical use it does all that I require it to do and it holds my 2.2 lbs camera stable and still (I shot some long exposures of the moonrise over Palm Springs from a windy 10'000ft peak). Nifty carry bag easily clips to your belt, but as mentioned elsewhere it may raise some eyebrows (looks like you are into something kinky). So; if you don't like to tote around a big tripod and you don't require easy (or any) panning and your camera is at or below 2 lbs, this may be all you need.
	Micro Solutions RoadStor All-in-One Photo to CD Burner and Digital Photo Viewer
	"Not as bad as I feared..."	2004-08-09
After reading a lot of mixed reviews for this product I finally just decided to see for myself. Indeed, after opening the box it took some minutes to figure out the best sequence for things, but after that the device worked flawlessly. No problem with the cord from the adapter being too loose. It read my 40x 1GB flash card no problem as well as some old smartmedia I tried. Burn time for 650MB was approx. 20 minutes. No problem burning multiple sessions, I just needed to switch off & on to burn to the same CD. Hooked up to the TV it played the picture-CD's (and homemade DVD's) like my nomal DVD player. I didn't test any audio CD's because I really need the Roadstor to burn all the pictures I take on the road or on vacation. For this purpose I would give this device 5 stars, but it does NOT see my memory stick PRO media (it should take "regular" memory sticks but I don't have any) and that is too bad. Maybe Micro Solutions will make a firmware upgrade available to download in the future.
	Sony DSC-F828 8MP Digital Camera with 7x Optical Zoom
	"All in one, and one for all..."	2004-08-09
Manual zoom ring. Incredible close-ups. Movies and infra red imaging. Two different, seamless storage media. Very robust. Amazing picture quality. Yes there is, can and will be a lot of PF in your pictures ONLY if the subject is of something (such as sunlight reflections on water, or something very bright behind something dark) that will show PF. MOST SUBJECTS will NOT give you any trouble at all, which leads some people to write that PF does not exist for this camera. So sure there are a number of shots where I have some PF. I think most digital cameras would have some degree of PF shooting the exact same subject. Not a real problem for me. A small drawback is the manual focus. Being a long-term SLR addict I found the IDEA very hard to live with, but PRACTICALLY there is NO PROBLEM at all. Out of the 7000 or so shots I have taken using autofocus there were maybe 5 or 6 I had to discard. The small buffer for shooting TIFF is frequently mentioned. While this is fair enough and surely true I think it really only counts for the professionals but it's a non-issue for the average user. There is virtually no loss if you shoot in fine mode. If you are trigger happy be sure to load up on memory. I have a 1GB 40x compact flash and another 1GB memory stick pro for taking short movies (or just more pictures). This way I can make it through a 3 day long weekend hiking around Kings Canyon and come home with more than 500 high quality pictures (3MB files) AND some movies. - Use a filter (a neutral density or polarizer) in bright light. - Use fine mode instead of standard to consume less battery power. - Use manual focus (infinity) only if AF doesn't work (like on clouds).