Orinoco BG-2000 Broadband Gateway
by Agere Systems
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (5)

Quality for a good price.
I purchased one of these APs about a month ago and it has worked flawlessly.The web gui is remarkably easy to use and the setup could not be easier. The security features are excellent and when coupled with a VPN gateway, can secure your home LAN wonderfully.
I did have an issue with my 2.4 gig phone at first.Whenever it would ring I would lose connectivity to the AP.I changed the default channel in the AP and it now has no issue with my phone.
My apartment is not huge but I get full strength in all 4 rooms and outside on my deck.I kind of like the shark fin design too!

Great product, reasonable setup, good security
When you pair this gateway with an Orinoco Gold wireless PC card, you've got a quality system (I'm using it to write this review).Setup is fairly easy, even for beginners.The integrated wizard is easy to navigate.Advice: do a little homework...most of the advanced features such as security are not on by default, and they take a little concentration to set up correctly.The integrated help screens are good, but they assume you understand concepts like WEP 128, SSID broadcast, and network names. You'll need to deal with them if you want a secure network (trust me, you do).It's not difficult, but it requires attention to detail (as with all network setups).The documentation is adequate, but not what I would call comprehensive.Be sure you get the latest drivers and firmware for both the gateway and the cards.The enhanced WEP+ security is a nice feature.The first time you connect to the Internet from the other end of the house, you'll be glad you bought this one.Solid and a lot of fun to use!

Excellent router, took a bit to get it hooked up
The Orinoco gateway set-up manual was easy to follow, except that it didn't apply to my Comcast broadband service.Support was inconsistent, but after the second try, the technician followed me through and educated me on how to connect the equipment correctly.Network cables that come with the product are color coordinated, and how you hook them up MATTERS.The cable modem must be turned on first before turning on the gateway.The gold card I purchased with the gateway works wonderfully.I don't have a reference point to compare this product with since I've never purchased a wireless router before, but I will buy Orinoco again if I need to.This a fast performing, secure, product. ... Read more

Asin: B00006B7H9
Sales Rank: 50212

Orinoco Gold 802.11b Wireless PC Card
by Agere Systems
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• 802.1x authentication, 64 and128-bit WEP
• Plugs directly into PCMCIA card slot
• Intuitive client manager for easy, fast configuration
• Up to 100 location profiles
• Wide coverage range of up to 1,750 feet

Reviews (24)

THE Best, Bar None
By far the best wireless card I've seen in use.I get signals well outside the range of any of my friends and colleagues.Driver support in virtually any OS and its also supported by NetStumbler for wardriving or general network detection.I'd recommend scrapping the software it comes with, and just using the WiFi capabilities of your OS, if they offer them.Also has support for an external antenna, to further extend your effective signal reception.I don't see myself using any WiFi cards aside from the Orinoco series.

Zero set up time
I bought the card, put it in my XP Professional and it worked, no fuss, no muss.I can even attach an extension antenna to it.I doubt it makes much difference in range, but it looks very geeky and I like that.

Terrible card
The software for this card is the worst. I noticed in another review someone had good luck running it with a D-Link 614+ router, I could never get it to connect. Maybe it's a Windows 98 issue but there is no conflict with card as far as 98 goes. Even the software that came with the card indicates it is working properly. I've tried everything including changing TCP/IP settings directly and the card will not connect with the 614+. Tech support is about a joke. After fighting with this card for hours I went and got a Microsoft USB and it ran 5 minutes out of the box. ... Read more

Asin: B00006BA7X
Sales Rank: 24642

Programming PHP
by O'Reilly
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (March, 2002)
list price: $39.95 -- our price: $27.17
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

PHP is far more than a cult language or open-source icon. It's a remarkably capable language that's well integrated with lots of technologies--notably mSQL and MySQL database servers--and quite easy to learn. Programming PHP helps you up the PHP learning curve, very nearly guaranteeing that you'll find in its pages an example that illustrates every fundamental aspect of the language and its most important extension modules. Plus, there's some cool advanced stuff, like recipes for manipulating images, working with Extensible Markup Language (XML) content, and generating Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files. Rasmus Lerdorf invented PHP and quarterbacks its ongoing evolution, so there's little question of the content's authority.

The authors use a Talmudic style to explore PHP's capabilities and explain them to their readers, meaning that they like to present code and commentary in close formation, with each enhancing the other. Typically, they'll present a capability generically and show the relevant code. Then they'll dig into variations on the theme, calling attention to required code alterations as they go. This is a book about PHP itself, so practically no attention is paid to PHP Builder or other development tools. Regardless, this book will help you solve programming challenges with PHP, and enable you to write efficient, attractive code. --David Wall

Topics covered: The PHP programming language, for people who are coming to PHP with a bit of programming experience in other languages or who want to expand their existing PHP knowledge beyond the basics. Sections deal with the core language, as well as HTTP session management, database connectivity (to MySQL and Oracle, as well as with PHP Extension and Application Repository--PEAR), graphics file manipulation, XML parsing, and PDF creation. There are instructions for building a PHP extension library in C, as well as a function reference and guide to existing extensions. ... Read more

Reviews (33)

Student programmer viewpoint
I work in a student design center and use this book to create applications of various complexity, from simple webpages, to a small online marketplace, to a complex, dynamic database. Everyone that found this book "out of focus" and the examples irrelevant is simply a coder below the level of the book. If you know your way around programming, this book is very helpful. If you don't, it'll confuse you. I have little "formal" training in programming, but I've been messing around with various languages like Pascal and C++ since I was 10, so I can read books like this easily. Someone who just wants to make a "rad" webpage and has no coding background (CSS expertise doesn't count, sorry boys and girls) will run into a brick wall because of the level of understanding this book requires.

I recently purchased this book and love it
The so called "typos and errors" are false accusations. They are most likly attemping to script php5 code examples in a PHP4 setting and not realizing it. Yes, some of the examples do not realte which also happens in a few other books, but the point of this book is to pass a message on HOW to script. The examples should not need to relate in any specific manner. If you need a book that uses the same examples over and over again to get the point through, i reccomend "PHP: A visual quickstart guide" or just not attemping PHP at all and sticking to HTML. And if you do not know HTML, dont even attempt this scripting language becuase you will never be able to figure out PHP.

A Gift if you like PHP
This was not my first PHP book, and probably it is not the best first book because it doesn't have a fun project to get you psyched.If you've got some of the thick books and feel like you sort of know PHP, this book is like taking a class from a master, with an emphasis on fundamentals.Disorganized and others have said some errors, but you are going to learn something.It is the book I always refer to first and it usually answers my question.I like the fact that it is thin by programming book standards.So to summarize, if you are going to buy 2 or more PHP books I highly recommend this one! ... Read more

Isbn: 1565926102
Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Languages / Programming    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Networks    4. Computer Programming Languages    5. Computers    6. Internet - Web Site Design    7. PHP (Computer program language)    8. Programming - General    9. Programming Languages - General    10. Computer Programming    11. Computers / Programming Languages / General    12. Internet languages   

Web Database Applications with PHP & MySQL
by O'Reilly
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (March, 2002)
list price: $44.95
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Editorial Review

PHP and MySQL go hand in hand; the former has been carefully adapted, through the efforts of the open-source community, to the latter. For situations that require dynamic content but don't merit the complexity and development time of Java or .NET enterprise applications, the PHP language and the MySQL database server fit the bill perfectly. That's the point Hugh Williams and David Lane make in Web Database Applications with PHP & MySQL, which combines language tutorials with application design advice to yield a comprehensive picture of its subjects at a reasonable price. Williams and Lane--both Australian academics who use an online wine store in many of their examples--deserve tremendous kudos for their way of presenting recommended coding strategies. Though the code listings themselves aren't remarkably well commented, the authors do a commendable job of explaining in prose what the code is up to.

Case in point: The ever-essential task of using PHP to open a connection to a MySQL database, submit a query to that database, receive a response, and format the returned rows, if any. The book addresses this problem with a straight code listing, followed by text that explains what's happening in five numbered steps. Similar care goes to the other popular applications of the PHP/MySQL duo: session management, shopping carts, and authentication of users. --David Wall

Topics covered: How to use the PHP server-side scripting language and the MySQL database engine to underlie dynamic Web sites (those that rely on database queries) and full-on Web applications, such as those that require session management and maintenance of user rosters. Tutorials in both subjects begin with the basics and proceed through moderately complicated stuff, though there's no absolutely comprehensive reference here. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Beats the rest
After reading dozens of PHP/MySQL books.The Web Database Applications with PHP & MySQL, 2nd Edition book has been a tremendous asset to my web design company.My web developers love it!Full of straight forward resources and practical applications for web design and database development.Kansas City businesses are now being equipped with solid database applications and web designs thanks to this book and our web designers.

Sean Morelli
RPG Designs, LLC
www.rpgdesigns.net

PHP and mySQL Flash MX 2004 Integration
First of all Im sorry for my very bad english cause this is not my mother tongue...
OK...lets begin.
I've read carefully and deeply this book WDA with PHP and mySQL.
Before that I knew very little about developing a web database application.
My job was first of all building nice(I hope VERY nice) web sites using Flash MX.
But today it's incredible how many web sites with database interaction are required by my clients.
Then I began to study this book.
It was a long way to understand everything about PHP and mySQL and of course I always need to put those ideas in a FLASH(!) web database application.
OK...after many hours (days and weeks I must say) spent with this book, finally everything comes to life!
I want to thank Mister Williams and Mister Lane for the incredible support they gave me with that extraordinary book!
If you have time look at a Flash application based on this book at http://loadvars.sikactive.com/index.htm

Cheers

Silvano Branca
Macromedia Certified Professional
www.sikactive.com

clear, helpful
I really liked this book as a tutorial on how to write apps in PHP.I've done so in Javascript, and needed to learn the change-over from the ground-up.This book provided me with what I needed.I thought it was really clear and well written. ... Read more

Isbn: 0596000413
Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Languages / Programming    2. Computer Books: Web Programming    3. Computer Programming Languages    4. Computers    5. Database Engineering    6. Database Management - General    7. Design    8. Internet - General    9. MySQL (Electronic resource)    10. PHP (Computer language)    11. PHP (Computer program language    12. PHP (Computer program language)    13. Programming Languages - General    14. Programming Languages - SQL    15. Web sites    16. COM021000    17. COM051010    18. COM060060    19. Computers / Programming Languages / SQL    20. Internet languages    21. SQL   

Apple 15 GB iPod (M8946LL/A, April 2003 Version)
by Apple Computer
Average Customer Review:
Electronics (02 May, 2003)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Features redesigned and backlit navigation; includes earbud headphones, AC adapter, FireWire cable, 4-pin-to-6-pin FireWire adapter
• Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M9244LL/A
• Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
• Equipped with a range of built-in utilities and games
• More than 8 hour battery life on a 3 hour charge (1-hour fast charge to 80% capacity)

Reviews (111)

works great with windows and of course mac
don't buy into all the negative reviews people leave and all the mac bashing that goes on.people who have problems with iPod and windows are probably just idiots.my iPod works flawlessly with windows.i'm a believer in the right tool for the right job.macs are great computers and xp is the greatest thing to happen in the windows families.whichever your preference, the iPod is sure to work and integrate just fine.

i recommend that you first choose your primary use for the iPod, other than a music library, before deciding which model to buy.i own the 40 gig one, but i also edit video and use it has a portable hard drive.for most people, they will never fill 10 or 15 gig or however low the iPod goes now.so before throwing your money towards features you'll never use, ask yourself what you'll use it for first.

research, research, research...it's free!you're doing it right now by reading this.research and find what other things iPod can do for you before deciding which one to buy.

if you love music and you like keeping it simple, the iPod could wind up being the greatest thing you ever purchased.it is easy to use...easy to understand...works as promised...looks great...sounds great...feels great.

good, but there's better out there
I just recently got an ipod with my 2003 Beetle. I must agree with one of my fellow reviewers that it is a bit of a nightmare for windows users. I have to take my ipod to work with me just to put music on the thing. As far as playing music the ipod does an excellent job, everything that the ipod promises it performs. Not to mention how CUTE it is. An ipod is a great investment if you are a music lover.

Not Just a Music Player!!!!
This is my first iPod, even though i have been using mac's for about 4 years now! Now i am a proud owner of this product.I could not be happier.1st things 1st, i am sure you can read all the other reviews and find out that this product is bar none the best out there.But most importantly this is a multiuse product.I now how a portable 15gb firewire harddrive!and this product is smart enough to know the diff b/w music and my other files. as a student i MUST be able to have my documents on hand at all times, and "my comp crashed" does not work now a days. Along my purchase of my pod i picked up a media card reader, so while i am on the go with my digital camera (d100 nikon) i do not have to worry about carrying so many cards for my camera!and i also picked up a voice recorder, this allows me to record audio, which really helps me with things like test reviews, and meetings. (also helps with soundtrack as well). I know that 15g is not much by todays standards, but you have the ability to add an remove these files with ease.as a side note, i honestly do not see how people could actually use a pod that is larger, i have ahard enough time keeping track of 1990 songs i have on it right not (almost 6days worth) ... Read more

Asin: B00009J5VZ
Sales Rank: 15121
Subjects:  1. Portable Audio    2. MP3 MP 3 Player    3. Jukebox    4. Apple    5. (Mac)    6. (Macintosh)   

Sony DSCF717 5MP Digital Still Camera w/ 5x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $799.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

It takes two hands to hold Sony's new DSC-F717, which you'll need to use all the many features packed into this digital camera. The F717 captures images at up to 5.2-megapixel resolution--2,560 by 1,920 pixels--which allows for prints of 11 by 14 inches or even greater.

Images are crisp, colorful, and deep with detail. With USB 2.0 support, transfers to the PC zipped by and can be set to dispatch automatically. The large, autofocus Carl Zeiss lens zooms optically at 5x, with another 2x in digital mode. Atop the lens, the automatic flash pops open when needed. It also performs preflash metering and corrects the amount of light sent to create shots with the best possible exposure.

This aids the NightFraming mode, which incorporates the camera's NightShot infrared technology, and can help with taking optimal shots in low-light or no-light situations. If you've never used an infrared viewer before, you'll be impressed by the additional photo opportunities it provides, like snapping shots of teenagers stealing your jack-o'-lanterns and catching them orange-handed.

NightShot can also be used with the camera's movie-capturing mode. The audiovisual movies can be played back full screen with the HQX mode; we played our movie at 1,280 x 1,024 and could only find minor pixilation around the edges.

Video size is limited only by the capacity of the Sony Memory Stick inside the camera. The F717 ships with a 32 MB stick, so an upgrade to a larger size is recommended. It comes with a shoulder strap, but we also recommend buying a case to protect your investment. Not a camera for beginners, the F717 does everything you'd expect from a high-end digital camera. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• 5-megapixel resolution with 5x optical zoom
• NightShot infrared mode is quite handy
• Multiple modes, including movies with audio

Cons:

• Not compact

... Read more

Features

• Carl Zeiss autofocus lens with 5x optical/2x digital (10x total) zoom
• Included 32 MB Memory Stick holds 23 images at default settings
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included)
• 5-megapixel sensor creates 2,560 x 1,920 images for exceptional prints at 11 x 14 inches and beyond

Reviews (60)

Great Camera
Awesome camera, takes excellent pictures and it looks stunningly beautiful and appealing, wherever i go people inquire about it.....and the pictures that i take with it never disappoints. I read about many people talking about it strange barrel lens that makes holding it difficult but i believe it is very well designed and it fits in comfortably in my hands.....battery life is just awesome, it just keeps on going and going.....response time(after u click) is bit slower but much better than many other digital camera which i have seen, unless u think that u will be very often in a position where u really need to take real quick pics, this camera should do the job for u.....if one have to write about this camera's great features it will easily extend to many pages....gist of all is this a beautiful camera which takes stunningly beautiful shots-no matter what the conditions are and erybdy in my famly loves it....GREAT CAMERA!!!!!!!!

Good Camera
Not as good as their 8 megapixel camera, but still good value for an amateur.For most people, the difference between the two resolutions won't be noticed.The camera has many of the features of it's high-priced brother, and still has the same flexibility of letting you decide how much control to exercise over exposure and focus.

I love it!
I LOVE this camera!It is quite easy to use right out of the box; but your pictures just get better and better as you read the manual and learn to do all that this camera is capable of!I get great pictures up to 11x14 and beyond.People are always stunned by how crystal clear my portraits are and how wonderful the colors come through.

My one caution is be careful with the zoom.If you do not turn off the digital zoom, you can use it without realizing you are using it and your pictures can be somewhat grainy.When I turn the digital zoom off, I get amazingly clear pictures every time.I bought this camera with a package of lenses and other accessories for $1,500 so I would definitely recommend it at this new LOWER price! ... Read more

Asin: B00006JU62
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)