Philips EXP431 Pocket MP3-CD Player with Song Title Display
by Philips
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $149.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

It's small, it's thin, it spins hours of music at a single sitting. It's the EXP431 pocket player from Philips, a potent little unit custom-made for 3-inch recordable CD-R (write-once) and CD-RW discs.It'll play your commercial 3-inch CD singles, of course, but you won't get much mileage out of them--21 minutes at best. Using MP3 encoding, however, you can get more than 3 hours of near-CD-quality music on a single disc, and the EXP431 is compatible with files encoded at anywhere from 32 to 320 kbps, including variable bitrate files.

The player also offers a jaw-dropping 480-seconds of Magic MP3 skip protection--and 200 seconds with audio CDs. Magic indeed. Electronic skip protection automatically stores digital music information during play using a large memory buffer and inserts it in place of lost information when the CD player is bumped or shaken, preventing interruptions caused by shocks and vibration. Playback options include resume (a bookmark function that picks up playback where you last stopped), repeat (track, album, or disc), and random play.

MP3 features include full ID3 tag recognition for convenient song and artist name displays and a navigation system that lets you scroll through discs by either album or by individual track. Navigate using the top-panel controls and the unit's dot-matrix display, or use the supplied LCD remote control if the player is, in fact, in your pocket.

The onboard one-bit digital-to-analog converter renders digital audio as smoothly and accurately as possible. The player also offers shuffle and repeat modes, a heat-resistant body for outdoor use, and a hold switch (which prevents unintended interruptions in playback and saves batteries by negating playback when the player is stopped). Auto power off kicks in one minute after playback has ended, an additional battery-saving convenience.

The player runs for approximately 8 hours (with either MP3 or audio CD playback) on two alkaline AAA batteries. It comes with 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries and an AC power adapter/charger, though it's unclear how long the unit will run when using the rechargeables.

What's in the Box
CD player, stereo headphones, car cassette adapter, 4.5V car cigarette lighter DC power adapter, a belt clip, a user's manual, and free MusicMatch software. ... Read more

Features

• Firmware upgradeable; offers hold, resume, favorite track selection
• 3-inch pocket CD/MP3 CD player; pocket recordable CD-R/CD-RW media let you store more than 3 hours of music on one MP3 CD
• 32 to 320 kbps and variable-bitrate MP3 files; offers full ID3 tag display, shuffle play, album/folder navigation
• 480-second Magic electronic skip protection (with MP3 at 128 kbps); 200 seconds protection for audio CDs
• 8-hour playback with 2 AAA Alkaline batteries; includes 2 rechargeable AAA batteries, stereo headphones, AC power adapter, and remote control

Reviews (6)

Great, awesome cd player
This is the greatest cd player i have ever purshased. It is awesome. it has great audio, great volume, doesnt skip and a lot more great features. You found your cd Player!! buy it!
A little note. Remember that this cd player is an eight Centimeter cd player, not a 12 Centimeter

Even smaller than I though!
Impressive, small and nice sound, I had a MPD8081 from memorex, another 8cd mp3 player, after I lost that mp3 player, I decided to buy a philips pocket expanium (I'm a really good fan of 8cm cds mp3 players), the style of the EXP411 was great and when I saw the EXP431 here at amazon, I just couldn't wait to get one; When I received it and opened the box, my bigger impression was that it was actually smaller of what I was expecting!

The remote is cool, good headphones and the features are great, play modes (shuffle all/album) are nice options, also the bass/treble/esp features are good, I haven't had any problem with the cdr's and cdrw's I had burned, it does not includes rechargables batteries either a car power supply adapter, but battery life is good and to have 40-50 songs in a single minicd is great, I prefer to have some minicds with the music I like than a bunch of GBs of music that I don't really listen.

One of the first things I did was to upgrade the firmware, It was quite difficult to find the file on the net since philips website is a mess, sorry philips guys, but that's the true, you didn't even have the EXP431 in your online catalog; after all, the upgrade process was easy, I copied the file into a cdrw, then put it in the pocket expanium, wait a couple of minutes until the upgrade process completed. The 480 Sec Magic Electronic Skip Protection really works, since I bought it, it hasn't skipped even once!

Flawless
I was pleasantly surprised by not only how small this thing is, but how feature packed it is. The attention to detail and design (eg. the optional clip on remote) is awesome, and at this price point, worth every penny. The sound is incredible with my new Sony MDR-EX71SL Fontopia Earbuds (great combo). The unit does come with its own earbuds (which are actually pretty good, a little bulky) but I opted to buy my own. This thing even drives my Sennheiser HD570's fairly well, which are beasts compared to size of the player, and require quite a bit of juice. Not that the Sennheisers would be practical with the Philips EXP431, but I had to try ;)

All in all, a great product. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Asin: B00009RTBN
Subjects:  1. Portable Compact Disc Player (Personal CD)    2. Headphones (Headphone, Head Phones, Phone)    3. Portable Audio    4. MP3 MP 3 Player    5. CD (Compact Disc) Players combo (combination)   

Canon PowerShot S230 3.2 MP Digital ELPH Camera with 2x Optical Zoom
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $399.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

With the Canon PowerShot S230, you've got the best of both worlds--the compact size and high style of the digital Elph series plus the higher resolution of a 3-megapixel camera. Updating the popular 2-megapixel PowerShot S200, the PowerShot S230 also features a 2x optical zoom, an improved 3.2x digital zoom, movie mode for videos up to 3 minutes, and more--all in a stylish, compact package.

Optics and Resolution

S230's nine-point autofocus lets you sharpen the image on your subject, no matter where it is in the frame.

Featuring a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor, the PowerShot S230 delivers a wide range of detail and color (with images up to 2048 x 1536 pixels) and prints up to 11 by 14 inches. Canon's high-quality 2x optical zoom lens allows you to close in on the action, while the 3.2x digital zoom allows for a combined 6.4x zoom, letting you capture intimate details that might have been missed with another camera. The PowerShot S230 is also one of the few digital cameras to feature wide-area nine-point autofocus for taking crisp, sharp images no matter where the subject appears in the image frame.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on CompactFlash memory cards, and a 16 MB card is included. When shooting images at the medium or fine setting, the 16 MB card will store approximately 26 images. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB storage-class connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the S230 can also record movie clips of up to 3 minutes. You can choose from three different video formats: 160 x 120, 320 x 240, or 640 x 480 pixels. Both picture and sound quality have been improved, and an editing feature allows you to delete unwanted scenes during playback. The S230's photo-effect mode lets you do more with your still images. Choose from low sharpening, vivid color, sepia, neutral, and black and white.

More Features
Though it's primarily designed as a point-and-shoot, the S230 includes several advanced features for photographers who want more creative control, including exposure compensation, low-light manual shutter speeds, manual ISO and white balance, and stitch assist, plus black-and-white, sepia, vivid, and neutral modes.

The PowerShot S230 uses highly advanced technology to make your digital photography experience simple. DIGIC enhances image definition and processing speed, while the sophisticated iSAPS (Intelligent Scene Analysis based on Photographic Space) technology assures faster and more accurate autofocus, autoexposure, and automatic white balance. The intelligent-orientation sensor ensures your pictures are always right side up, on the LCD or even while downloading.

Horizontal	Vertical
S230's Intelligent Orientation Sensor knows which of your images were shot horizontally and which were shot vertically.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a proprietary Canon rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 3.4 by 2.2 by 1.1 inches and weighs 6.4 ounces. This package includes the PowerShot S230 digital camera, 16 MB CompactFlash card, lithium-ion battery (model NB-1LH) and battery charger (model CB-2LS), USB and A/V cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac. ... Read more

Features

• 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• Autofocus lens with 2x optical/3.2x digital (6.4x total) zoom
• Included 16 MB CompactFlash card holds 26 images at default settings
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included)

Reviews (141)

Gotta Have it!
The PowerShot S230 Digital Elph camera is truely a usable camera. The instructions are clear and concise. The rechargeable battery and charger are a perfect companion for this camera. All pictures come out great! It makes taking pictures easy, fun, and compact. I recommend buying a case with too, because it is sooo small! pocket size!

Greatest little camera!!!
What a work horse, plus the great size, just fits in my shirt pocket. Battery life is outstanding, but get a backup, plus this one uses compact flash so I was able to get the Sandisk II 512meg CF card also at Amazon for about $100. It's so good I bought a camera for everyone in my family.

Great Camera
I got this camera after looking around and comparing it with others.I'm glad I decided to go with the S230 for many reasons.

Pro's
Small and can fit in your pocket, great quality pictures, excellent movie mode with sound, comes with battery and charger, not complicated to use, all around excellent camera, and again the 3.2MP makes the pictures very pleasing to the eye.

Con's
Zoom isnt the best buts its alright, it takes good pictures when its dark out but you have to edit with a program such as photoshop to make it brighter.These cons should no way bother you much and should not deter you to buy this camera.

I suggest you buy a viking 256MB memory chip because the one that comes with it will leave you able to only take a few pics.With the 256MB chip you take long videos and take well over 1200 pictures.All in all excellent camera and as usual amazons shipped it fast and got the camera in a few days after making the order.I look forward to buy from amazon and cannon again. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LV79
Subjects:  1. S 100    2. Digital Camera (Cameras)    3. Photograph (Photography)   

LOWEPRO Z10 Photo Shoot Bag (Green)
by Lowepro
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $10.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• The Quick Strap makes taking the bag on & off a snap
• Keep your important small stuff safe and in close reach once you attach this handy carrying bag to your belt!
• The Z10 is constructed from Closed Cell Foam, for shock absorbency and water resistance
• A front pocket for holding small items, like pens
• A belt loop keeps it on your waist for comfort and easy reach

Reviews (2)

Great little case
I bought this on eBay for my Canon S200 Digital Elph and although it's a bit too large for the tiny S200, it fits my needs very well. I can keep two CF cards, and two spare batteries in the bag, as well as the camera. And it's still all small enough for me to put it on my belt and wear it without it being in the way. It's made out of tough material and I think it will last a long time. It's not weather proof like their AW bags but it should repel some water and dirt.

Nice, compact case.
I bought this case to hold my Canon S45.I was looking for a very compact case.The Z10 holds the camera, and an extra battery and an extra CF card in the smaller pouch, but not much else.You might be able to squeeze a cable in the bottom of the main compartment, but that's a little too much hassle.It worries me slightly that the mouth of the case does not open very wide so the zipper may scratch the camera.The padding seems adequate.The strap and belt loop work fine.The quality seems to be good, and I like the compactness of the case.It's good for casual use, it doesn't get in the way, and it is an easy to handle size. ... Read more

Asin: B00006I5ET
Sales Rank: 3768
Subjects:  1. Photograph Photography   

SanDisk 256 MB CompactFlash Card
by SanDisk
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $89.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The SanDisk 256 MB CompactFlash memory card runs on many popular digital cameras, handheld PCs, and other memory-driven products. Thorough testing in SanDisk's assurance lab ensures that its CompactFlash cards are compatible with a wide range of devices. Because the cards are so small, you can keep one in your pocket and never get caught short of memory. ... Read more

Features

• 256 MB CompactFlash
• Removable data storage system
• High transfer rate for fast copy/download
• Industry-standard compatibility
• For use in digital cameras, PDAs, HPCs, personal communicators, and MP3 players

Reviews (21)

How many pictures will it store?
How many pictures will it store?It is the most commonly asked question from digital camera enthusiast but usually the question that is the most difficult to get a straight answer about.Well, considering I worked in the memory industry for over 7 years I can help clarify this perplexing question and do so unbiased as I have since changed industries.

The SanDisk 256MB CompactFlash Card, like most 256MB cards, will store on average 284 pictures when used with a 2 megapixel camera, 213 images when used with a 3 megapixel camera,128 pictures when used with a 4 megapixel camera, 102 images when used with a 5 megapixel camera, and 80 pictures when used with a 6 megapixel camera.These numbers are based off the assumption that you are going to shoot your images at the highest quality JPEG setting available for the camera and understand that they are estimates and may be off by as much as 10 percent due to numerous factors including the complexity of the scene being shot and the compression algorithm used by your specific camera.

I truly hope this review was helpful to you in determining whether this card is the right capacity for your specific needs.

P.O.S.
Okay, I just bought one of these. Then I proceeded to go on a 6 mile walking tour all over San Francisco taking shots all along
the way with my new Digital Rebel...everything seemed fine...
until I got home and tried to view them on my computer...
CF Card Error...then I put the same card back in the camera...
Err CF...it's unbelievable the effort I put into getting those
shots and they're ALL LOST...

I'd give it ZERO stars if that were an option.

DISASTER!!!!
I've owned my Sandisk 256 MB for only 5 months when it went dead on me. After spending our honeymoon in Club Paradise, Palawan, Philippines, and taking so many totally great pictures, it just stopped working. It was working when I was taking pictures in Palawan, but when we were going to take our last picture on the plane, the digital camera just said CF Error. Damn! I tried reading it on my card reader when I got home and it wouldn't work. Even tried it on 4 different digicams and all reported error. Man, it's not the card I'm really pissed about, it's the pictures!!!! MAAAAAN!!! I couldn't even have it replaced, Circuit City says I need the receipt for them to replace it. ... Read more

Asin: B00005ICE1
Subjects:  1. Computer Memory    2. Memory Cards    3. Smart Media    4. Flash Memory (Flashcard, Flashcards)    5. Compactflash (Compact Flash)