PalmOne Tungsten C Handheld
by PalmOne
Average Customer Review:
Electronics (23 April, 2003)
list price: $399.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Palm’s latest PDA offering delivers wireless networking, lots of RAM and a faster processor--a PDA for the professional.Palm has embraced wireless networking with the Tungsten C, which has built in 802.11b capability. This is definitely a PDA for power users, as along with wireless networking comes 64MB of RAM, 51MB of which is available for your applications and data. The Tungsten C runs on the new Intel PXA 255 processor, an update of the PXA 250 which has more speed and better power management than its predecessor.

Compact and powerful

The hardware looks very much like that of the Tungsten W. There is no antenna like the W has, but there is a keypad where the Graffiti area traditionally sits on a Palm. A new version of Graffiti, called rather unimaginatively Graffiti2, is provided, and you can use this to write text direct to the screen should you desire to.

Palm provides a whole slew of applications including Documents To Go, for working with Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents. This is in ROM along with email software VersaMail and software to set up the wireless networking features and run VPN (Virtual Private Networking) sessions. Connecting to an existing 802.11b network is easy as pie -- and a separate manual walks you though the process if required. Once connected, you can use another ROM-based application, Web, to browse the Web using your wireless modem.

Though designed with professional users in mind Palm has not lost sight of the fact that the Tungsten C will appeal to a wider audience. They provide the Kinoma player for watching movies and Photos for looking at digital images. A key notable absence is any kind of MP3 player.

Palm’s addition to the range of PDAs with built in 802.11b is a very impressive one. It has the processing power to cope with wireless activity and the memory to deal with the data you’ll download and share while using wireless.--Sandra Vogel ... Read more

Features

• Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard Expansion Slot
• What's in the box: Tungsten C Handheld, Stylus, Flip Cover, USB HotSync Cradle, Power Supply, Desktop Installation CD, Software Essentials CD
• Bright 320x320 transflective color screen
• Fast, 400 MHz Intel PXA255 processor with Intel XScale technology
• Built-in Wi-Fi and keyboard

Reviews (86)

A PDA worth your while
When I aquired this PDA two years ago, I was a total newbie
where gadgets are concerned and this is my experience in all
this time that I've had it.

First, the fact that you have 802.11 connectivity is a real
plus. You usually don't want to carry around a laptop or
a similar item, some specific websites (not all because of
the browser's incapability to show popups and other typical
web features) can be seen, and all of the infrared goods are
a plus when used with your favorite IRDA enabled cellphone.

Second you have a color and a more decent resolution than of
the usual PDA's. This gives the Tungsten C a display that can
help pictures show in a more proper fashion. You get an email
program that has its limitations, but useful otherwise.

Finally, the only two drawbacks I found is that you need to '
upgrade to a more recent version of the PalmOS and the battery
after some time does not give all the time advertised. Overall,
the product is good and will be of great use once you have it.

Tungsten C Support!
Tungsten C is a great product when it is working but when you need support forget about it. The support number you call is not a toll-free number and they keep you on hold so long that you don't even want to bother. When you finally get a hold of someone they can hardly speak the english language. PALM SUPPORT is the worst and the next time I think about buying a new PDA I will probably get another brand. It is too bad that this company can't back the great product that they sell!!!!

The best Palm I've ever owned
I've had my Tungsten C for 6 months now and it is the best Palm I have ever owned (and I've been through quite a few).At first I thought I wouldn't like the thumb keyboard, boy was I wrong - it is one of the features I like the best.You can enter text so quickly, compared to using grafitti.And the Wifi access.Another great feature.All-in-all I highly recommend it.If only the screen was bigger. ... Read more

Asin: B00008ZOYE
Subjects:  1. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA, Electronic Organizer)    2. Palm Connected    3. Handheld (Hand Held)   

Nikon Coolpix 5700 5MP Digital Camera w/ 8x Optical Zoom
by Nikon
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $899.90
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Building on the success of the amateur range of Coolpix cameras, Nikon has introduced the Coolpix 5700 in an attempt to bridge the gap between the amateur and professional markets. This time around Nikon has gone for a semicompact feel, combining an almost palm-size unit with a powerful features one would expect to find on a high-specification midrange digital camera.

The swiveling, swing-out screen on the Coolpix 5700 makes it easier to frame self-portrait, overhead, and floor-level shots.

The Coolpix 5700 comes equipped with an automatic pop-up flash, plus a hot-shoe for additional flash units. The bundled NikonView 5 browser software makes it simple to download, organize, and print images. The package includes a lens cap, camera strap, 16 MB CompactFlash card, AV cable, USB cable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and battery charger. It is compatible with CompactFlash memory cards (Type I or II), as well as IBM Microdrives.

The 5700 allows the use of the viewfinder or the LCD monitor (which rotates through 180 degrees after it's opened out) for framing a picture, providing full freedom of movement and allowing you to capture a picture at any angle--no matter how obtuse. Zoom capability has been increased on the 5700, and the camera features an impressive 8x optical zoom, the results from which are good at all levels and distances. Supporting a maximum resolution of 2,560 x 1,920 (4.91 megapixels), an ISO range of 100 to 800, and a top shutter speed of 1/4,000, this camera is definitely a good all-rounder, providing you with great flexibility under different conditions.

The 5700 performs admirably, producing results way above expectation. Color balance is good, and the overall results are of a very high quality. We did have a middling complaint about its size, which actually feels a bit on the small size. With an extra couple of centimeters added to the bodywork, the 5700 would have felt much easier to handle and control in everyday usage. The position of the camera strap attachment also seems awkward, being as it is located on the upper right quadrant of the lens housing, making it sometimes difficult to gain a good grip when in use.

These criticisms aside, the Coolpix 5700 is bound to be another sure-fire hit for Nikon, balancing the huge 5-megapixel image size against a competitive pricepoint. For those not yet ready to move up to the professional level of 35mm digital SLRs such as the Nikon D100, the Coolpix 5700 proves to be a worthy alternative. --Elly Russell

Pros:

• Palm-sized 5-megapixel camera with a powerful feature set
• Includes sizeable 16 MB memory card--can accept IBM Microdrives
• 8x optical zoom

Cons:

• Could be slightly larger for easier handling

... Read more

Features

• 5.0 megapixel sensor creates 2,560 x 1,920 images for prints at 11 x 14 and beyond
• 8x optical zoom and 4 x digital zoom for 32x total; provides an equivalent zoom range of 35mm-280mm in 35mm photography
• Includes 16 MB CompactFlash card; MicroDrive compatible
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses 1 rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL1 battery (included)

Reviews (108)

Save your money-buy the real thing
If you are looking for an entry level professional camera, save up and buy an SLR. I have had this camera for a little over a month and am ready to throw it out the window.

AUTO FOCUS PROBLEMS
The thing can't take a picture that's in focus.At one to one, out of the 958 pictures I've taken, none of them are sharp.It simply can't do it.Many subjects it can't focus at all.Its impossible to judge from the tiny monitor the true sharpness of the photo. Its not uncommon to review a batch of photos on the computer and find that half of them are completely fuzzy.

The auto focus is also extremely slow.It can take several seconds for the camera find its mark.

MANUAL FOCUS IS A JOKE
The manual focus is awkward to use.Although, that's prety much irellevant because the camera's monitor does not have enough resolution to use it.Its been suggested to me that I try bracketing the focus.Except, the point of bracketing is not to be aimlessly wasting memory, hoping that one of the shots is good.

TIGHTEST APERATURE IS 8.7

I thought I could deal with this because most of the work I do is in moderate to low light.That was a mistake.This compounds the previously mentioned Auto Focus issues.

HIGH RESOLUTION
The difference from a 35mm film scan is astounding.Its amazing to pull up a 6X9 at 300 ppi with no noise or grain.

EASY TO USE
The camera is set up like the 35mm SLR I've used for years to and have found it easy to navigate.The buttons on the side can be touched accidentally causing some minor annoyance.

CONCLUSION
If you are a casual user, this camera may be just fine for you.The focusing issues become pronounced when you are trying to achieve a specific aestetic.Perfect focus may not be that important to you eighter, especially if you print mostly to 4x6 or 5x7.Looking atthe other ratings, many people love this camera.However, the serious amateur or entry level proffesional should not waste their time and money on this camera.

For the pictures
I've had my Nikon 5700 for about nine months now. I started out with it as a complete novice, got shutter lucky, and found some beautiful shots in the camera. Over the past months I've moved from a completely automatic point-and-shoot snapper to all-manual settings. I've picked up some knowledge about the basics of photography along the way, and the ability to pop the card and see the results of a setting instantly really shortened the learning curve.

First and foremost, this camera takes absolutely beautiful photographs. Colors are bright and vibrant, and details are rendered beautifully even when printing at large sizes - you can get a 13x19" enlargement to print at about 140 dpi on an inkjet, resulting in a very "painterly" image somewhere between photograph and painting. I decided at the outset to shoot only in camera RAW mode, and so what I've gotten out of the camera is exactly what went in. If you need to re-touch in Photoshop, this is the ONLY way to do it. You can correct a surprising number of mistakes (white balance, exposure, brightness, contrast, saturation) in RAW prior to bashing the image to smithereens with Photoshop editing tools - they only work on processed, "rendered" images.

Downsides are well id'd in the reviews, but I think you can get around most of them. Battery consumption climbs closer and closer to the top of the list of negatives as you move from automated to manual operation. Tip: use manual focus. I've found that assigning manual focus to the function button on the top makes focusing easier than punching for the button on the lens barrel. There isn't anything you can do about slow memory card writes, and we're not likely to see any firmware updates to accept the faster WA cards out on the market.

I've added some filters and lenses to my rig. A good tripod is essential, and the AA battery pack, with a 15-minute charger, makes everything a lot more fun. Note that if you add Nikon lenses, you are permanently out of luck for filters - there are NO filters for the Nikon lenses and adapters that fit this camera. Luckily, there are very acceptable third-party lenses and adapters that will take UV and/or polarizing filters.

I'm no pro, don't even consider myself a photographer yet, but the folks who work with my wife don't know that. It's because of the pictures - they're gorgeous.

The more time and effort you invest in this camera, the more you'll get out of it.

slow focus, slow memory, but looks nice & it's nikon
been very disappointed with the camera. i've used to travel to 12 different countries and the pic quality is good but way too slow to capture any large files other than normal and zooms so slow that itis painful. but i am selling mine if you want to buy one. ... Read more

Asin: B000069092
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Sigma SA-9 35mm SLR Camera Kit w/ 28-105mm Lens
by Sigma Corporation
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $459.99 -- our price: $389.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Award-winning lens maker Sigma has designed another excellent autofocus SLR camera with the end user in mind. Similar to the Sigma SA-7 but with extras, including greater high-speed functionality, the dial-controlled SA-9 is a full-fledged SLR with a host of advanced features, including four exposure modes, three metering modes, single and continuous autofocus modes, built-in flash with TTL, self-timer, data back, built-in motor drive, LCD information panel, and more. The Sigma SA-9 also has a durable yet lightweight body that ensures great performance under demanding conditions. This kit comes complete with a quality 28-105mm UC-III Sigma AF zoom lens and a handsome Sigma camera bag. Please note that the SA-9 is only compatible with Sigma's SA mount lenses.

One of the camera's strongest features is its high-speed, high-precision autofocus system with hypersonic motor for ultrafast and noiseless operation. Combined with its high-speed shutter capabilities topping out at 1/8,000 of a second, you can accurately capture motion too fast for the human eye to track. For example, this allows you to freeze every drop of water as a dolphin splashes up out of the ocean, plus you can see excellent detail on the dolphin in midair. The SA-9 also offers a high-speed film advance of three frames per second for recording fluid motion--great for sports photography or breaking news events.

The SA-9's autofocus system employs a cross-sensor set at the center of the viewfinder to allow users to choose the point of focus. There are two focus modes for different purposes. In continuous-AF mode, press the shutter halfway and the camera maintains focus on a subject moving at up to 30 miles per hour. It even continuously calculates the distance the subject will cover while the shutter opens and adjusts itself to ensure sharp focus on the moving object when you take the shot. In single-AF mode, pressing the shutter button causes the camera to automatically focus on the subject and open the shutter. The camera signals you when focus is achieved with a light indicator in the viewfinder and an electronic sound.

The intuitive dial controls of the SA-9 offer the ability to go from fully automatic to manual mode with just a few quick adjustments. For manual operation, there is a shutter dial so you can set your shutter speed, either to bulb or anywhere from 1 to 1/8,000 seconds. A command dial controls various settings such as adjusting aperture when in aperture-priority auto mode. The drive dial controls fine adjustment functions, which include continuous shooting, autobracketing, mirror lock-up, and self-timer.

There are three metering modes: eight-segment evaluative metering, center metering, and center-weighted, averaging metering. Eight-segment metering mode divides the image into eight sections, measuring the light separately for each section and calculating an optimum exposure value for the whole scene. Center metering measures only about a 9mm circle in the center of the viewfinder so the photographer can make sure the immediate subject will be exposed correctly, regardless of surrounding light sources. Center-weighted, averaging is the most common form of metering. It measures the center, but also takes the brightness of the surrounding area into consideration.

The camera also boasts a diopter adjustment, preview button to confirm depth of field, midroll rewind, a total of three metering systems, four exposure modes, multiple exposure function for special effects, and integrated flash with red-eye reduction. ... Read more

Features

• Compatible with all of Sigma's SA mount lenses
• Advanced 35mm autofocus SLR camera kit includes 28-105mm lens and bag
• Various command dials for simple functionality
• Four exposure modes, including manual
• Up to three frames per second with one press

Reviews (14)

camera is fine, butthe lens is dead after two year
The camera is a little heavy but well built. Layout of controls is good and it's easy to manipulate. I enjoyed this camera a lot in the first two years and got good pictures. However, autofocus of the lens had problem a year ago. At begining, it could not find focus at telephoto. The motor kept busy and you cannot press shutter down. Now it refuses to autofocus even at wide angle. So far, the lens works fine manully.

Best Camera at the best price...need I say more?
After doing a lot of research I discovered this camera has all the "bells & whistles" of the much higher priced cameras, but at a fraction of the cost.If you are looking for a high qualitycamera, but don't want to take a second mortgage on your home in order to own one, then I highly recommend this one.

The best 35mm SLR
Well, despite there're more brands with air-shake power, Sigma, so far is the best company in the block. This camera amaze. I bought it after having SD9, already, and I use it PROFESSIONALLY. It is the most reliable camera I had. I use it with EX 2.8 24-70 that is glory by itself. BTW, this lens + camera cost less then Nikon's body only.
I was using many "top" bodies and found Sigma to be lighter, better felt in hands and simple. It is camera that I can understand and compensate. I never could understand Nikon.
I can't define the Auto-Focus to be slow because it is FAST. I don't know how to measure "fast or super fast, but it is very responsive and I LIKE ONE SENSOR.
You should understand that marketing departments forced development to stuff cameras with extra sensors to have them more then competitors do. It is nonsense.
Who needs 45 sensors on 35-mm body? Show me that man. What is faster to reposition focus or navigate among 45 points?
This is camera for photographer, you will enjoy by having it. ... Read more

Asin: B00005LKXS
Subjects:  1. Camera (Cameras)    2. SLR (Single Lens Reflex)    3. Photograph (Photography)    4. Manual    5. Autofocus (Auto Focus)   

Canon GL1 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with Lens & Optical Image Stabilization
by Canon USA
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $2,699.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Canon GL1 (and its big brother, the XL1) are helping to blur the line between consumer and professional video equipment. This camcorder borrows most of the professional-quality components from the XL1 and puts them into a more compact, affordable camera. Though it's small enough to carry around and doesn't cost much more than a top-of-the-line consumer camcorder, the GL1 produces such high-quality results that it could be used as a broadcast videocamera.

Great movies start with great CCD sensors, and Canon cuts no corners here. For the best possible picture quality, they use three separate 270,000-pixel CCDs (one for each primary color). To further improve image detail, Canon has intentionally shifted the green CCD half a pixel horizontally and vertically. This shift allows more accurate interpolation, resulting in an image that Canon claims rivals those from cameras with 410,000-pixel CCDs. Each pixel is 72 square microns, which is about 1.5 times the size as those in competingcamcorders. This increased size increases light sensitivity, allowing you to shoot in lower-light situations. Ultimately, the larger pixel size results in an improvement of 4 dB loss budget in sensitivity.

For great optical quality, the GL1 uses a fixed (nonremovable) 20x optical (100x digital) zoom L-series fluorite lens. The fluorite element in the lens increases sharpness and contrast, as well as helping to preserve color fidelity.

Audio is recorded through the built-in microphone, which features two pairs of pickup elements. Audio can be recorded in 16-bit mode on two channels on one track. Alternatively, audio can be record in 12-bit mode, where the audio track is divided into two, and two channels of audio are recorded onto one track, with the other left over for audio dubbing.

The electronics of the GL1 have many advanced features, including a number of programmed AE modes, as well as both shutter and aperture priority modes. There are two different auto modes, one of which allows you to adjust any setting manually, if you want, and the other, which adjusts every setting automatically and lets you adjust nothing. A spotlight mode automatically compensates for lighting difficulties when shooting a subject bathed in a spotlight. Finally, a sand-and-snow mode is designed to prevent dark, underexposed subjects in situations with bright backgrounds--commonly found in sandy and snowy areas. There are also three different shooting modes: normal movie mode, digital photo mode, and frame movie mode. Normal movie mode is for any time you want to shoot video footage. Digital photo mode records a still image for six seconds on the miniDV tape, and also captures any audio, such as a commentary. The frame moviemode records 30 still images per second, but it isn't intended to be used for shooting video. Rather, frame movie mode should be used as burst or continuous shooting mode, as you'd find on a still camera.

The GL1 uses an IEEE 1394 port for digital editing and for transferring footage to and from other IEEE 1394-compliant devices. The camcorder also has RCA (composite) audio and video ports, and an S-Video out. The analog inputs allow you to transfer old footage to DV for archiving. Built-in effects include a fader for transitions, black and white, slim, stretch, and strobe. Picture adjustment is also possible; you can adjust camera sharpness, softening orsharpening your subject, as well as the color tone and how dark or light the camera sets the auto-exposure level. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• MiniDV camcorder with 3 CCD technology
• 20x optical, 100x digital, zoom with optical image stabilization
• 2.5 inch color LCD and color EVF
• Records digital stills onto MiniDV tape
• Comes with wireless remote, battery pack, and power adapter

Reviews (21)

A pleased user
I purchased my GL-1 almost two years ago with the original intention of using it to create videos of weddings and grandchildren. After comparing numerous available models and brands, I chose the GL-1 for its good reputation, high-end features, lenses, and of course for the more reasonable price.

It could be said that the GL-1 is among the worst of the best, but that is not a fair way of comparing its features to other camcorders. The GL-1 is top end material, producing similar or equal quality as equipment costing twice as much or more. The lower price mostly reflects the fact that the GL-1 does not have as many features as the more expensive models. It already has more buttons and settings than most of us even want to know exist anyway, so except for professionals and hard-core video fans, we amatures are plenty happy to leave the settings on 'automatic' and simply push the record button.

What really matters is the end result, and viewing a video on your television recorded with the GL-1 looks no different than a video recorded with more expensive models (well, unless you are one of those hard-core types who are very critical, but then too, every camcorder model produces slightly different results, so any differences noticed would be noticed in all). The major end-result difference will be noticed in audio quality. Recording video in a normal room setting is no problem, it comes out great, but in areas with high noise, winds, or too low of sound, the recording is sometimes less than desired. Too loud of noise causes distortion (avoid sitting directly in front of or even behind a rock group's speaker array, even if 75 feet away!), and when the desired sound to be recorded is too quiet, you may hear a slight humming of the camcorder's motor. Many users have solved the problem by purchasing additional audio recording equipment, which is of course an acceptable solution, but one that new owners should be aware of.

Every camera of course has it's good points and bad points, and except for the bad points of not-perfect audio, everything else about the GL-1 is good. Good balance, medium weight, easy loading, good battery life (1 hour with the factory battery, other batteries can be bought that will record for over 3 hours), and the appearance does say you are using high-end equipment.

All things considered, the GL-1 is right about in the middle, giving better results than all known lower-end models, but not quite as good of results as the more expensive models. The Gl-1 is Goldilock's "just right" choice (sorry, I just had to say that).

The Sony camcorder is said to be a little better, close to that of the Canon XL-1, and I did consider it, but at the time I had just overcome a less than favorable experience with a Sony product and I did not want to make another mistake. If you have the money to spare, get the XL-1 just because it's cooler looking, but for fast, easy, quality video, the GL-1 is a great choice.

Worth the Price
I bought this camera about 10 months back, and at the time made a compromise in choosing it because I couldn't afford the XL1S. What I've learned though after using it for so long now is that Canon didn't compromise on this camera. The GL1 has essentially every feature the aspiring film maker or video professional needs to get underway quickly and easily.

My favorite feature of this camera is the frame mode ability that allows you to shoot non-interlaced video, with results that are very similar in appearance to film rather than video. After shooting in frame mode and seeing the results, I've yet to shoot interlaced video again.

The one thing that this camera lacks is any ability to manually control the audio levels for the internal or external mics, which can sometimes give you less than optimal results in situations where the noise volume fluctuates noticably, or where you are trying to achieve a specific audio effect.

Summary - Excellent camera worth the price tag. Across the board, far more features and better quality than all competitors in its class. Probabaly the only camera that can top the GL1 in this class is the GL2.

Professional Quality Video...period.
I wasn't so sure about this camera because I had listened to the hype about Sony DV cameras. But let me tell you, I have never seen a mini DV camera pack such a punch for the price. Between the GL-1 and the much more expensive Xl-1, I cannot tell that much difference at all, maybe none at all. This camera captures truly stunning video. From reproducing each and every color vibrantly and crisp to the razor sharp picture quality. And I haven't even gotten to the microphone. It captures the audio very true to life. From soft whispers to loud bangs, the audio never becomes muddled or distorted. The menu buttons and function keys are all very well placed, and it takes a still photograph of a fairly decent quality, although it couldn't compete with a 2 megapixel photo camera. It has many different video modes,including toggling between Video and Frame recording, although most of the time you'll never need to take it off of automatic. Another sleek feature is how it captures video in low light. In low lighting conditions, the picture NEVER becomes the least bit grainy. I am continually impressed, and am impressing others with this camera. It is perfect for the beginner or the pro. ... Read more

Asin: B0000507JI
Subjects:  1. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Sharp LC-20B2UB 20" AQUOS LCD Flat-Panel TV (Black)
by Sharp
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $1,799.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The space-saving Aquos LC-20B2UB is less than 3 inches deep, yet it produces a vivid 20-inch image using Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View LCD panel. The 4:3 aspect-ratio screen provides a higher contrast ratio and wider viewing angles than conventional LCD screens provide, while its black TFT antiglare coating makes it bright enough to view its brilliant colors with ease, even in well-lit rooms.

An electronic PLL tuner handles over-air reception of TV programming. Component-video, composite-video, and S-video inputs accommodate DVD players, VCRs, camcorders, and gaming consoles, while a built-in 181-channel tuner lets you plug a cable TV line right into the TV and start watching. For audio, a pair of two-way, three-driver speakers are powered by 2.5 watts each and provide clear mid and high frequencies, making it easy to enjoy live concert DVDs and other programs to the fullest.

The set's included carry handle-table stand makes it easy to move the monitor between rooms, and the one-piece stand detaches for wall mounting. With the LC-20B2UB's NTSC, PAL, and SECAM compatibility, you can watch video sources from the U.S., Western Europe, and Eastern Europe, and all will appear properly formatted. The screen offers 480 x 640 (VGA) resolution. ... Read more

Features

• Stereo speakers with 2.5 watts per channel
• 20-inch ASV (Advanced Super View) LCD panel with high brightness (430 cd/m2) and exemplary contrast ratio (500:1) so you can place the unit near windows, doors, or other light sources
• 60,000-hour lamp life for years of viewing
• Image Inverter for custom installations flips the image upside-down or mirrors it
• 170-degrees by 170-degrees viewing angles means you can view the monitor from just about anywhere in the room

Reviews (3)

CATV says "WOW!"
The compact size of this TV allows it to fit comfortably on the top shelf of a bookshelf.The picture is as clear as one can get without investing a whole lot more.When the Time-Warner CATV people have come to the premises, they have given it a "WOW!" rating.

Look?s good but poor TV resolution
I bought this TV about five days ago.I was the highest cost unit in the store so I expected video quality at least as good as my old Sony TV.However the picture is fuzzy with high degrees of pixalization.For small graphics the pixalization causes actual "sparkling".After watching the history channel where they place small graphic on the lower right hand corner throughout the program I noticed that I was drawn to the graphic more than the actual show.I am going to get a 4:3 model or wait for the new generation of LCD with 3:2 drop-down and better conversion circuitry.

a little too blue
some seans come out too blue but most of the time it is great. when I saw it in the stores it had animations on it not live action so it was harder to tell how good the pict realy was, but very nice pict great for the places you don't have room most tvs.the speaker spacefor the speakers on the sides is too wide.
The speakers cabnets themselves could have been narrower, the cabnet the speakers are in are twice as wide as the actual speakers.
I wish it was in black, since my purchase I have seen it refurbished in black,but no brand new in black. wish it didn,t cost more than a big screen. ... Read more

Asin: B00006I5S9
Subjects:  1. sharp lcds, flatscreen, 20 inch, lc20b2    2. lc20, lc20b, lc20b2u, lc20b2ub, lc-20b2u    3. flatpanel, liquid tv, flat tv, flat television    4. flat monitor, flat screen, sharpe, lc-20black   

iAUDIO CW200 256 MB MP3 Player with FM Radio and Voice Recorder
by JetAudio, Inc.
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $179.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Includes MP3 player, Armband, Belt-clip, Earphone, Battery, Installation CD (JetAudio, JetShell & JetVoiceMail), Manual, USB Cable, and Necklace
• Ultra-compact, fashionable and elegant design with the weight of 1.4 oz and the dimensions of 3.3 X 1.4 X 0.6 inches
• Voice recording capability and FM radio listening/recording function
• Fully compatible with World-renouned MP3 software, JetAudio
• Album directory management function (Album 1,2,3,4 and Voice Album)

Reviews (84)

Excellent quality, FATAL FLAW
Any music that you purchase online is sold in secure WMA format, this format will not be playable on this device as it will requireDRM compatible software which it does not have.If you plan on downloading music to listen to from the internet it will not download to your I-Audio.

almost a year with it
I've been very happy with this product, BUT recently my presets are lost every time I poweroff. At first i thought it was because the battery was running low, but now since changing it for a fully charged battery, it still returns to no presets level when i turn the unit off. This is becoming very annoying having to set the 5 stations i like to flip through during my workout at the gym. Haven't checked out the manual to see what it says. This might have started when I accidentally erased all the MP3 files on it, but still, i don't see why it would matter with the presets. Just something to be leary of before you buy.

Bundled software converts WMA to MP3
I noticed one reviewer's concerns that the unit does not handle the WMA format.I have the CW300 which is very similar except for its longer battery life.Like the CW200, this comes bundled with JetShell, which converts WMA files to MP3s.So, while perhaps not as convenient for playing WMAs, there is a way to do it (by converting to MP3s before loading the files to the player).Now, if the download service requires that you load the WMAs directly onto the player then you would be out of luck.

I'm rating the product 5 stars based upon the similar CW300. ... Read more

Asin: B00007KE6V
Sales Rank: 20433
Subjects:  1. Portable AMFM Radio (Personal AM-FM)    2. Portable Audio    3. MP3 MP 3 Player    4. MP3 Player (MP 3)   

Toshiba Portege 3505 Tablet PC (1.33-GHz Pentium III, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Drive)
by Toshiba
Average Customer Review:
Personal Computers
list price: $2,199.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Blending the functionality of today's top notebooks with the convenience of pen-based input, Toshiba's Portégé 3505 Tablet PC delivers a possible glimpse into the future of mobile computers. Versatile and extremely compact but not overly powerful when compared to standard portables, the Portégé 3505 is a great fit for those who are handier with a pen than a keyboard and value a truly petite profile.

The unit is most at home when used to enter, store and share notes and concepts that might otherwise be kept in handwritten format. In fact, measuring just 11.6 by 9.2 by 1.2 inches and tipping the scales at a scant 4.1 pounds, the Portégé 3505 is as comfortably portable as a conventional paper-based notepad. Users input data in one of two ways--either by sketching directly on the swiveling, double-duty 12.1-inch poly-silicon TFT color LCD (maximum resolution 1024x768) or via an 84-key keyboard.

Though the Portégé 3505 is not as powerful as a comparably priced notebook, it is faster than many competing tablets and is the most full-featured tablet in the current Toshiba lineup. Featuring a 1.33 GHz Intel Pentium III processor-M with enhanced SpeedStep technology for improved battery life, a generous allotment of 512 MB SDRAM memory (expandable to 1024 MB) and a Trident CyberALLADIN-T graphics controller with 16 MB external memory, the unit will easily handle most day-to-day mobile computing tasks and many 3-D apps too. Serious gamers or 3-D artisans should look elsewhere.

Connectivity amenities include an RJ-45 LAN port for network and online access, an RJ-11 modem port for low-speed e-communication, and integrated Wi-Fi compliant wireless LAN support. The system also sports a surprisingly large 40 GB hard disk and an externally mounted 8-speed DVD-ROM drive. Other desirable amenities include an integrated TouchPad, 12 function keys, a pair of ultra-fast USB 2.0 ports for plug and play peripherals, a speaker and microphone, and full 16-bit stereo sound. Battery life is estimated at 3.5 hours under ideal conditions. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Terrible Tech Support
Toshiba may make good products, but their support is the worst i have ever come across.They have lost my laptop for over a month now and do not care a lick about it.They're tech support team is in Turkey and they dont care a thing about anybody.They kept hanging up on me and refused to help me saying it will take some time.When i called back- no one knew anything and had zero updates.DO NOT BUY TOSHIBA PRODUCTS! Get a Gateway or Dell instead...two companies that actually care about their customers.

Two Thumbs Up on the Portege 3505
This notebook is great!I've had it for about 3 months now and I haven't had any problems to date (knock on wood).From my perspective... here are the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages
- Excellent design
- It reads 99% of my sloppy writing and you can save note in your own handwriting or convert them to text
- Fast CPU for a tablet pc
- Large hard drive
- USB 2.0 ports
- Weighs 4 pounds
- Compact Flash and Secure Digital slots
- Equipped with DVD-Rom (this is not available on the 3500 model)

Disadvantages
- It's a little slow compared to my Dell Dimension 8200, but what do you expect, it's a notebook
- Battery life
- External DVD-Rom
- Very little software provided... but this was an easy one to surpass...

Other Notes:
The first time I called tech support they were terrible.I was left with a bad taste in my mouth.The second time I called in I asked to speak with Tier 2 support and they were perfect!So just call up and ask to be bumped up from the stump answering the phone.BTW, the issue I had was with the DVD-Rom installation.It wasn't a big deal...

...P>In summary, this is an excellent notebook at a reasonable price.It's easy to use and it is the best in its class (at time of posting)!Be a good consumer and shop around before you pick one up.

"Hot" tablet/notepad
The portege is an amazing machine. I've been looking to do away with notepads and pens during University lecture note-taking, and the portege has worked very well. The heat is not too much of a problem when you are running on a power saving mode. If you run on a high-energy mode, the fan vent will heat up a good amount, with the power plugged in near this vent also does increase the heat. It doesn't get to the point where it will burn your hand, just heats it up a bit.

The video's card failure is not an issue unless you want to run graphic intensive video games, I've been able to run a number of "light" games without too much of a slow down. Thanks to the 516 RAM things are very speedy. Hand writing software is very good, it takes only a few days to train yourself what horrible chicken-scratch will and will not be accepted.

The keyboard/pad scores high marks, being very intuitive keyboard layout.

You're paying for the tablet switch back function, not the power. But as far as changeable tablets, or just tablets, the protege has great power and has become a desktop replacement for myself. ... Read more

Asin: B00007H4LM
Subjects:  1. Notebooks (Note Books)    2. Notebook Computers    3. Laptops (Lap Tops)    4. Toshiba   

Red Milano Chair
by Adesso
Average Customer Review:
Misc.
list price: $249.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Sleek modern design
• Foamed spring cushion
• Steel legs
• 100% cotton twill cover

Reviews (1)

Comfy Chair
This chair is great.I have one for my dorm room and it is so stylish and sophisticated yet very comfy.A MUST HAVE!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00009J6ES
Sales Rank: 1717
Subjects:  1. Home    2. Furniture    3. Seating    4. Living Room    5. Chairs   

KitchenAid KSM150PSGP Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer, Grape
by KitchenAid
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $289.99 -- our price: $199.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

KitchenAid's Artisan stand mixer is a substantial piece of equipment: 325 watts of mixing power make child's play of creaming butter, kneading dough, and whipping cream. The kid in you will appreciate how quick and easy it is to mix up a batch of cookie dough. This model comes with three attachments: a flat beater for making batter, meat loaf, and all textures in-between; a wire whip for egg whites, mayonnaise, and more air-infused creations; and a hook for mixing and kneading yeast doughs. All three are solidly constructed and easily secured to the beater shaft with a simple twist. This model also includes a pouring shield for guiding ingredients to their proper destination, and the bowl itself locks tight to the base. Standing about 15 inches high, jutting out a foot, and weighing more than a grown woman's bowling ball, this stand mixer isn't the sort of appliance you'll wipe down and put away. Better to find a square foot of free counter space for easy access; besides, this machine is as pretty as it is rugged--you'll want to show it off. --Betsy Danheim

From the Manufacturer

The Artisan mixer's strong 325-watt motor delivers the power to handle the heaviest mixtures, and mix large batches easily.

The 5-quart polished stainless steel bowl with ergonomic handle is big enough to handle large batches of heavy mixtures. Its ergonomically designed handle is contoured to fit the hand and makes lifting the bowl more comfortable.

Unique Mixing Action

The beater spins clockwise as the shaft spins counter clockwise; moving the beater to 67 different points around the bowl. This unique mixing action creates a thorough blend of ingredients and eliminates the need to rotate the bowl.

Multiple Speeds

10 speeds allow the user to select the right speed for the mixing job; from very high to very slow stir. It's easy to select the precise speed needed for a perfect mix.

Versatile Accessories

The flat beater, dough hook, and the professional wire whip add to the versatility of the mixer. The flat beater is the ideal accessory for mixing normal to heavy batters. From cake mixes to firm cookie dough, the flat beater mixes quickly and thoroughly.

The dough hook mixes and kneads yeast dough, saving both time and the effort of hand-kneading. The wire whip incorporates the maximum amount of air in whipped mixtures for fluffier whipped cream and angel food cakes.

All attachments are solidly constructed, and attach easily to the stand mixer.

Easy Clean Up

The pouring shield fits around the top of the bowl and prevents ingredient splash-out. The chute makes it convenient and easy to add ingredients.

The tilt-back mixer head allows for easy access to bowl and beaters. A lock lever holds the mixer head securely in place and the bowl fastens tightly to the base.

Optional Attachments

Optional attachments (sold separately) complete the package to make cooking a pleasure. From citrus juicer to sausage stuffer, KitchenAid stand mixers can handle just about any job in the kitchen.

... Read more

Features

• Measures 14 by 8-2/3 inches by 14 inches; 1-year warranty
• 325-watt mixer with 10 speeds; 5-quart stainless steel bowl
• Tilt-back head for easy access to mixture
• 2-piece pouring shield with large chute for adding ingredients
• Includes flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip

Reviews (171)

Great essential for the baker in your life....you!
I love the mixer's power, capacity and ease of use. It makes even garlic mashed potatoes heavenly. I selected a black model to match my Viking kitchens without realizing the color would need more frequent cleaning. If you use this mixer every day buy a cover or another color to save time.

Fantastic!
I got this mixer about a month ago. I've wanted one for years, but always talked myself out of it (too expensive, too big, etc.) After finding a great deal here on Amazon, I finally caved in and let me say, I'm glad I did. I love this mixer! I was worried I wouldn't use it very much, since I already have a very nice bread machine (a "Zo"). I find that I'm using it all the time though. It really is like having an extra pair of hands in the kitchen. Cookie dough is so much easier. I'm also making bread with it constantly. It's just so simple to throw the ingredients in the mixer and let it do all the kneading. I've been making fresh bread and bagels every week and it's been no hassle. It handles the dough very well and stays put. It's a big heavy machine. The only problem I was having with it was I was finding it very difficult to remove the bowl to clean it after I was done mixing something. My husband suggested rubbing some vaseline on the bottom edge and that has solved the problem completely. Now I can pop the bowl off with one hand. Anyway, if you've been wanting one of these and if you like to bake at all, do youself a favor and get one. You will be amazed at how much easier it will make your life. I only wish I'd gotten one years ago!

Ivan must like Belgian Waffles too...
Well....my wife of 14 years finally found out about my girlfriend of 13 years and my 7 children with said girlfriend.
She didn't take the news very well, cried, yelled at me, smacked me, then packed up all of her stuff.
She informed me that she had found out about the affair and now had met someone else herself, a Russian Dancer named Ivan Karkov. He came over, punched me in the face, and then helped her move all of her things into a van. And off they went.

As sad as I was to see my wife leave, I was even more sad to see our KitchenAid Mixer leaving. It was the secret to perfect Belgian Waffles that my wife would make for me when I actually spent the night there and wasn't "Busy working at Uncle Joey's Mashed Potato Bar".

I didn't know where I would get a mixer like this, I only shop at Old Navy, Home Depot, and Sam Goody. None of those places had them . (I looked.)
I didn't think I would ever be able to replace my Mixer as easy as I replaced my wife one year into our marriage! So, I asked my girlfriend and mother of my 7 children if she knew where to get a Kitchenaid Mixer. She said she buys all her kitchen needs on Amazon. OF COURSE! I didn't even think of it, maybe it's because all I can think of is some sweaty russian dancer touching my first love.....but, I did go buy one.
I finally got a new one and my Belgian Waffle breakfasts are back! Hooray!

Guess I didn't need my wife after all.... ... Read more

Asin: B00006F2MQ
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Stand Mixers    4. (Standmixers)    5. (Kitchen Aid)   

The Sims Deluxe Edition
by Electronic Arts
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (16 December, 2003)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Sims: Deluxe Edition combines The Sims, the most popular PC game of all time, and the top-selling Livin' Large expansion pack in one box with a host of all-new exclusive features and content.

In this box you'll find:

• The Sims: Create an entire neighborhood of Sims and run or ruin their lives with the full version of the bestselling PC game of all time. Help your Sims pursue careers, make friends, and find romance--or make a complete mess of things! Open-ended gameplay gives you the freedom to set your own goals as you chart your Sims' destiny.
• The Sims: Livin' Large: With over 125 additional items, five additional career tracks with 50 additional jobs, and a cast of wild characters like the Grim Reaper and the Genie, this bestselling expansion pack puts your Sims into outrageous situations and settings.
• The Sims Creator: Create any Sim you can imagine with this powerful new tool that allows even novice users to customize every detail of how their Sims look. Choose their clothing or create your own. Select from a variety of details like ties, jewelry, and tattoos. Players can even put their own face in The Sims with this easy-to-use tool.
• 25+ Exclusive Objects: Furnish your Sims' homes with two completely new design sets with over 25 objects exclusive to The Sims: Deluxe Edition.
• 50+ New Clothing Choices: A selection of modern and extreme fashion choices await your Sims.

The ultimate goal of life is to achieve happiness, and the way to achieve happiness is to buy stuff. So says The Sims, a game that lets you create, direct, and manage the lives of SimCity's residents.

The game begins with the creation of your simulated people: pick a name and a gender, decide on personality/astrological sign, and then choose a look from a variety of heads, bodies, and skin tones. Name, gender, and appearance don't affect gameplay much, but personality determines how your Sim plays with others. A serious, neat Sim might go crazy living with a sloppy party animal--or opposites might attract, and the two could end up falling in love.

After creation, the next step is to find a place to live. Again, the player can choose from among the empty houses in the neighborhood or decide to buy some land and design a dream house. Building houses is a blast, and the easy-to-use house design interface could almost be its own game: players design the floor plan, put up walls, pick carpet, wallpaper, and siding, and fill the house with furniture, decorations, fixtures, and appliances. You're limited only by your imagination--and your Sims' pocketbook. But the choices you make in designing and decorating your Sims' house are vital.

A good general rule is that the more expensive the object, the better its ability to satisfy Sim needs. Each little Sim person has needs (Hunger, Comfort, Hygiene, Bladder, Energy, Fun, Social, and Room) which can be satisfied by interaction with other Sims or purchased objects: throw a party with the help of a rockin' stereo system, and watch your Sims' Social and Fun ratings improve. Have one of your Sims whip up some food from the refrigerator, and you'll satisfy the Hunger needs of your guests. Or have your Sim engage another Sim in a game of chess: not only will their Fun and Social moods improve, both Sims will gain some points in their Logic skill rating--which might help on the job.

One gameplay goal is to improve your Sim so he or she can climb a career ladder, which nets him or her more money, which allows the purchase of higher quality stuff, which lets you improve your Sim even more. With proper care, your Sim can have a mate, kids, and a mansion with an indoor pool.

Mismanage your new, simulated family, and you'll be faced with the worst of MTV's The Real World: jealousies will ignite, fights will break out, jobs will be lost, and the house will fall apart. Bringing about such a calamity is almost as much fun as guiding your Sims to material paradise, and takes considerably less time.

Triumph or tragedy, each significant event in a Sim's life is captured in a snapshot and saved in a photo album for later viewing. Players can also take photos any time they wish. The photo album feature is cool by itself, but the best part is that you can upload the album to www.thesims.com and share your Sims' sagas with the world. Entire families can also be uploaded and downloaded, as can houses. Want to re-create and manage your own version of Friends? Download the free face and body editor and make Sim clones of the Ross, Rachel, and the rest. Want to perfectly re-create the set? Snag the free wall and floor texture editor. Feeling a little silly? Add Darth Vader to the family and see what happens. With The Sims, you can create whatever--and whomever--you desire.

Toying with the lives, successes, and emotional states of dozens of little Sims is undeniably fun. In the same way that SimCity players develop a condescending attitude toward real-world city planners, The Sims players will begin to see life as a series of needs-satisfying challenges; the game gets in your head. But that's OK: limitless gameplay, endless variety, imaginative Internet features, and the ability to play matchmaker/landlord/counselor/God makes The Sims a great way to increase your own Fun score. --Mike Fehlauer

Pros:

• Unique, addictive, fun gameplay
• Included photo album feature records triumphs and tragedies
• Free uploads and downloads expand the game and allow swapping with other players
• Sims are smart--it's sometimes best to just let them act on their own

Cons:

• Addictive gameplay may cause loss of sleep, job
• Complex behavioral modeling program--requires serious computing power
• No pets other than fish

Sex and aliens. That's really all that was missing from the amazingoriginal edition of The Sims, and the expansion Livin' Largedelivers these new treats to liven up your beloved Sims existence.

New characters (including a gladiator and Xena-like warriors), and, moreimpressively, new decorations are the reasons to buy this game. Thefurnishingsare mostly grouped by theme, with the medieval dungeon option the mostauthoritative of the bunch. (Little Cassandra Goth has been longing toread by torch light all along.)

Our personal favorite is the futuristic theme, with an optional, butexpensive,maid/gardener robot to take care of the fabulous modern furnishings. ClearlytheSims team has been doing its research over at Herman Miller, and you'll have abright red, flowing-foam sofa to show for it.

But it wouldn't be The Sims if only good taste prevailed. Bring on themai tais with a tiki-heavy islander theme. There's also a startling collectionof carpeting and objects best grouped under the design ideal we call "dementedclown."

The attention-getting rarities include: a lame fortune-telling ball (ouradvicemostly centered around hiring a maid), a voodoo doll for hexing roommates,and agenie who delivers as much bad as good (dead plants, anyone?). And, yes,there'sa vibrating bed to give your Sims the spice they've been missing.

While the expansion didn't blow us away, it did provide more of the humor andnovelty true Sims die-hards will appreciate. With even more attentiontodetail than the original offering, EA deserves Sims-like applause forthis edition. --Jennifer Buckendorff ... Read more

Features

• Includes:
• The Sims: Create an entire neighborhood of Sims and run or ruin their lives with the full version of the best-selling PC game of all time. Help your Sims pursue careers, make friends, and find romance - or make a complete mess of things! Open-ended gameplay gives you the freedom to set your own goals and chart your Sims' destiny.
• The Sims Livin' Large: With over 125 additional items, five additional career tracks with 50 additional jobs and a cast of wild characters like the Grim Reaper and the Genie, this best selling expansion pack puts your Sims into outrageous situations and settings.
• Sims Creator: Recreate every Sim you can imagine with this powerful tool that allows even the novice users to customize every detail of how their Sims look. Even put your own face in The Sims!
• 25 plus Exclusive Objects

Reviews (183)

Would be five stars except for Sims 2...
This pack contains the game that started it all.Here, even more room is made for individuality and creativity.

What do we learn from the Sims?

1.Deferring gratification is essential for a "win."
2.Money isn't everything - but it isn;t evil, either.
3.Energy is limited but renewable.
4.Balance is crucial.Spending all time and energy on one thing is rarely good in the long run...

Wonderful, wonderful game.

Boooooooooorrrrrrrrring!!
I've heard so many people rave about the Sims over the past couple of years that I finally decided to break down and buy it. This is one of the few times that I have to say I honestly have no idea what the big deal is all about.

The Sim is a "people simulator". You create little people, plop them down in a house and control thier lives. You buy them clothes, furniture, make them meet people. Just about everything real people do. And that's basically the problem.

The thing I that I found least entertaining about the Sims is that the whole game revolves around what I call "micro-managment". Every last little detail you have to scrutinize. Though some might find this appealing, I found it tedious and boring. It makes me feel less like I'm playing a game and more like an accountant. The game is also quite slow paced. Even if you speed up time, the game can move too fast and then you can really lose control over the game.

The gameplay consists of a "point, click, and watch" formula for gameplay. You click on an object, your Sim person will walk to it, use it, and then go back to being idle. After time if you develop a pattern the Sim person will do things on his own, but that takes a while. After endlessly pointing and clicking and watching, I started to do things like try to set my Sim person on fire, or not have him go to the bathroom for a while. It is rather fun to torture your Sim person but it wears thin after a while.

The graphics are good. The Sims speak in some kind of jibberish. And there's lots of Sim skins available for download on the internet.

All in all I'd have to say that I really don't get this game. Maybe it's because I'm more used to games like Metal Gear Solid and SOCOM that I have trouble playing a game of this type. I tend to like having more direct control over the outcome of a game. The Sims made me feel like I'm a spectator. I'd have to say pick this up only you find a really good deal. Otherwise it's best to take the $20 you were going to spend and pick up something else. Sorry, but this is one I can't recomend.

simy
this game is simulated life.Why is it "fun" to do the dishes in a game, but not in real life?who cares?it is!so, but now or die now. ... Read more

Asin: B00006CRUN
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Collections (Collections)    3. Bundle (Bundles)    4. Simulators (Simulation)    5. Strategy (Strategic)    6. Simulations    7. World Building (Builders)