Sony SS-MB150H Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) Review

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(More customer reviews)These are great soundings little speakers for the price. The frequency range sounds fairly flat through it's advertised range 80MHZ-50KHZ. The highs don't roll off at 20KHZ like some cheaper speakers due to the extended range tweeter. This is important if you listen to any piano or electronic type music that produce frequencies in that range.
The bass frequency response is good for it's size, but you will want to add a subwoofer if these are your main speakers. They do not sound good if you turn up the bass and play them too loudly. For surrounds though, these speakers are exellent. The larger diameter woofer will allow you to low pass the frequncy being fed to these speakers at a lower range, which is essential for creating a richer surround effect. Too small of a speaker necessitates crossing the bass over to the sub at too high of a frequency for my tastes, and in addition to ruining the localization effect can make male voices sound too boomy without some tweaking. I've never been a fan of those all-in-one systems like Bose with the array of tiny satellites and single bass module, besides being way over-priced, they just don't sound as good to me as larger speakers do. And while even these little Sony speakers can't go toe-to-toe with a larger bookshelf or tower, you can create a pretty nice system for a whole lot cheaper than Bose or comparable brand by adding a few of these together with a sub.

One caveat, these speakers are not pre-made to wall mount. They have no keyhole or mounting screw made into the back. If you wish to mount them on the ceiling or wall, you will have to drill into the back of the speaker with wood or metal tapping screws to attach a mount. It's not really a big deal, but some people may find that intimidating. It would be nice if Sony would have added that feature; however, you can always put them on stands.


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Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm AF-S DX VR Nikkor Lens + Nikon 70-300mm Lens + 8GB Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I am far from a professional photographer, but I take it as seriously as possible while still referring to it as a hobby. I take mostly pictures of people at events and many of my baby son without flash in low light situations.
I had been using a Nikon D40x for 1 year and very early reached my limitation with that camera. The Nikon D40x has very nice image quality, but the camera's interface is not suited for a more serious shooter who wants quick single button or dial access to such shooting parameters such as white balance, shooting mode, metering mode, etc. I also felt very limited by the D40x not having an in-body focus motor that would allow me to use non AF-I/AF-S lenses (which are lenses without the focus motor built-in).
The Nikon D40x limitations were severe enough that I was about to consider purchasing a Canon 40D until the Nikon D90 appeared just in time. PROS:
1. Fantastic set of separate buttons on the camera to control parameters like ISO, white balance, metering, autofocus, image quality, shooting mode, etc.
2. Two command dials
3. High resolution 920K pixel LCD screen (like the one on the Nikon D300)
4. 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor
5. Low noise high ISO capability (for low light shooting) I can shoot ISO 1600 with good image quality with this camera, while on my D40x I could only shoot with ISO 400 and obtain acceptable IQ. I will even use ISO 3200 frequently with very usable results!
6. Separate top-viewing LCD screen in addition to the rear high res screen, to show shooting parameters constantly
7. In-body focus motor which allows the use of Nikon's non AF-I/S lenses, including wonderful and CHEAP prime lenses such as the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 (~$100 lens!)
8. Continuous shooting of 4.5 frames per second
9. Small size, although larger than the D40/D40x/D60, it is still substantially smaller in the hand than the D300/D3
10. 720p 24fps MPEG video shooting capability with incredible ability to use depth of field that I cannot achieve with my Sony High-Def camcorder.
11. Eleven auto-focus points (not as nice as the 51 points on the D300, but substantially better than my D40x with its 3 points)
12. GPS option
13. HDMI output
14. Enormous number of options to customize camera and shooting settings to fit your style of shooting
15. Fantastic image quality right out-of-box if you don't want to do any post processing
16. Terrific build quality
17. Top notch camera ergonomics (but this will be a very personal opinion that differs for each shooter)CONS:
1. "Rolling shutter" phenomenon while recording video: The D90 CMOS sensor has the same problem that other CMOS video recorders have when recording video. If you move the camera, especially horizontally, you get a "jelly" or "rubberbanding" effect where the image wobbles significantly. It is nice to have the video features, which looks very sharp at 720p, but it is NOT a substitute for a video camera. If you use a tripod, and do not do quick zooms/pans, the video quality is excellent. Without a tripod, however, you may get nauseas watching a wobbly video. The sound is also in monoaural.
2. 1/200 flash synch: Not a problem for me, but it might be for you.
3. No weather sealing: This is found on the Nikon D300/D3 and even on similarly priced models from other camera companies
4. The buffer will fill up after about 8 continuous RAW + JPG (FINE) shots. This number differs depending on the shooting parameters that you will choose. If you shoot primarily JPG, the buffer seems to allow a very large number of continuous shots, but I have not quantified this for JPG only.TIPS:
1. Get the FREE Nikon ViewNX software from Nikon's site as your 1st step in your workflow. This will let you examine your RAW images that you can process for either Nikon CaptureNX2 to do further RAW processing or just export to JPG for a JPG editor such as PhotoShop.
2. Recommend buying the Nikon CaptureNX2. It is a RAW converter (if you shoot in RAW) that will read the camera settings properly for export to JPG. Capture NX2, however, is not as slick as the Adobe products and Capture NX2 requires a fairly powerful computer, otherwise it can run pretty slowly on a PC > 3 years old.
3. If you use JPEGs out-of-camera, consider increasing the sharpness above the default 3 or 4. Nikon uses a very conservative sharpening default setting. Nikon has decided to change the default JPEG images to match the higher end D3/D700/D300 cameras which produce more neutral images. Consequently, the D90 images that are less punchy than the D40/D40x/D60/D80, so you may also want to turn up the in-camera saturation and contrast.The Nikon D90 has all of the interface features that serious and even professional photographers need with wonderful image quality.

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Nokia N81 8 GB Smartphone - Cocoa Brown (Unlocked) Review

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(More customer reviews)Got immediately going with this phone.. WiFi capability is awesome.. easy setup.. quick connection...pop3 email support is easy to configure.. still loading up the 8GB memory with songs and softwares.. its like having a hand held computer... bought this phone over blackberry Pearl and a hacked-iphone. Totally worth it.. Graphics are too good and 3-D sound quality is awesome. There is some lag in starting applications (eg: Yahoo Go!) but it is not significant given the size of certain applications. Fun to play Fifa on it... visit n81 blogs for more... dont pay extra for brown color.. it is hardly visible.. the black face plate is stunning...battery life is good too.. needs charging after 3-4 days of use...

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Offering dedicated music and gaming keys, compatibility with a wide variety of music formats (including Windows Media DRM), and and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Nokia N81 mobile phone is a true mobile entertainment powerhouse. With a sleek, polished surface and keys that light up when you activate them, accessing content on the 3D multimedia menu is fast and intuitive. This cocoa brown version of the N81 comes with 8 GB of flash memory storage.
This quad-band GSM phone is great for global voice roaming, and it also provides compatibility with 3G networks in Europe and Asia (WCDMA 2100 MHz). It's based on S60 software operating on the Symbian OS, enabling you to personalize the N81 by choosing from a wide choice of compatible applications that can be downloaded--including games, navigation, entertainment, and productivity titles. Other features include wireless Bluetooth connectivity with stereo music streaming, a standard 3.5 mm headphone connector, 2-megapixel camera with video capture, FM radio, and integrated stereo speakers.
This unlocked cell phone can be used with a GSM network service provider and it provides quad-band connectivity (850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz). It does not come with a SIM card, and it requires that you provide a SIM card for usage with your selected service provider. When paired with a compatible 3G network that uses WCDMA 2100 MHz connectivity (found in Europe and Asia), you'll enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless services with speeds up to 384 Kbps--from data connectivity to your office to multimedia streaming, and take advantage of simultaneous voice and data services. In the United States and foreign territories where 2100 MHz 3G networks are not available, you'll continue to receive data service via EDGE network (depending on network compatibility).
The N81 features a crisply colorful 2.4-inch QVGA LCD screen (240 x 320 pixels) with support for up to 16 million colors. Designed with a sleek, polished exterior and buttons that illuminates when activated, the N81 offers dedicated music/gaming keys and a smooth slider design. The phone has an 8 GB internal memory for storing hundreds of songs and extra-long video files. (Note, however, that this model does not include a memory expansion slot.)
The 2-megapixel camera can also capture video at up to VGA quality (640 x 480 pixels) at up to 15 frames per second (fps). The still camera features a digital zoom up to 20x and integrated flash, and both still images and video can be edited directly within the N81. The digital audio player is compatible with a wide variety of formats (MP3, AAC, eAAC+, AAC+, WMA/M4A, Windows Media DRM). You can synchronize music with Windows Media Player 11 on your PC, and it's compatible with Nokia's Ovi Internet portal, where you can download songs from the Nokia Music Store and games from the N-Gage service. Other music features include a 5-band equalizer and playlist management. An FM radio with Visual Radio client complements the Nokia N81's complete music package.
This smartphone has an integrated Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g), enabling seamless connectivity with wireless networks at work, at home, and on the roam via Wi-Fi hotspots at airports and coffee shops. Because the N81 is Bluetooth enabled, wireless communication headsets can be configured with the phone for total hands-free operation. It also offers Bluetooth stereo audio support (A2DP), enabling you to enjoy your music without any wires. If your laptop is Bluetooth enabled, you can connect wirelessly and enjoy dial-up networking (DUN)--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.
The N81 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages. It also enables you to check your email on the go (supporting POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP protocols). T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit--a plus for mobile text messaging users.
Lifeblog Designed with mobile photographers and bloggers in mind, the Nokia N95's Lifeblog feature lets you view, search, edit, and share your personal digital content with ease. Lifeblog's synchronizing software automatically pulls your media together into an easy-to-browse, searchable multimedia diary: SMS, MMS, images, videos, sounds, and text notes stay organized between the N95 and your PC.
Nokia Web Browser with Mini Map View web pages as they were originally intended with the integrated Nokia Web Browser, which enables you to zoom out to a full screen view of the entire page using the Mini Map feature. Find the section you want and then zoom in to the content you need. The text instantly adjusts to the size of your screen. The browser also keeps a history of your browsing so you can quickly get back to where you started.
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) technology means that the Nokia N95 will discover, interact with, and control other compatible home electronic devices. This includes PCs, media centers, home entertainment systems, new smart appliances, home automation systems, networked peripherals, and Web-based services. With compatible equipment, you can stream video from your Nokia device directly to your TV, or hear music tracks stored on your PC through your living room's sound system.
RealPlayer Multimedia Playback Take your media with you when you're out on the go. With the built-in RealPlayer software, you can stream and download your favorite content onto the N95, giving you access to the latest news, sports, and entertainment updates. Or sync up with your PC and play the music and movies stored on your hard drive.
Vital Statistics The Nokia N81 weighs 4.94 ounces and measures 4.02 x 1.97 x 0.70 inches. Its 1050 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours (240 minutes) of GSM talk time, and up to 17 days of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies, as well as the 2100 WCDMA 3G frequency.

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Technics SL1200MLK2 TurnTable Review

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(More customer reviews)I've known some people to still own a manually operated Technics that has lasted over 25 years (the beauty of a manual is no extra gizmos or electronics to break down or mechanically and annoyingly affect pure playback) ! If you want proof just look at how many Denon or other top brand name turntables listed on E-Bay will often carry a disheartening claimer by the seller that reads something like, "turntable works fine except automatic tonearm or speed chip sensor does not work properly".Lesson learned is to stay away from turntables with a lot of "computerized-electronic sensing automatic features". So, no, this 'table is not an automatic nor is it for the lazy listener who will fall asleep only to wake up and find the needle has been scratching and bumping at the end of playing. Once you damage your needle in this fashion you will never make the mistake of falling asleep again while playing it.... But, again, the trade off or sacrifice is worth it versus having an automatic tonearm malfunctioning with time. It was first and foremost designed back in the 70's as a mid-priced audiophile turntable for home consumer use and later incorporated as the reference or standard dj equipment for radio stations and then dj/scratching venues. Over the years Technics has fine tuned and tweaked what was already, in my opinion, an almost perfected machine. While audiophile purists and snobs gasp at the thought of using a direct drive 'table to hear their precious vinyl collection, I for one don't mind a direct drive over a belt drive. Advantages of a direct drive is no belt to replace, wow & flutter are almost non-existant (since the platter is driven by the spindle shaft motor directly), speed accuracy is on target. Some purists have pointed out that this 'table is not "dead" sounding enough and may produce some rumble or motor vibration noise when listening to extreme quiet passages on classical disc pressings. So far I have tested some classical records and cannot hear any unwanted vibrations coming from the motor or disturbing noises.In fact, Technics makes one of the best turntables with a very quiet and smooth running motor. The plinth is heavily weighed down and isolated from unwanted vibrations that would otherwise be picked up by the cartridge.Over the years I have owned a fully automatic-remote controlled Kenwood table, a Pioneer 'table, and an el cheapo Sears LXI 'table...All of these turntables ended up in a junk pile in Siberia due to their cheap plastic nature and gamut of so-called bells and whistles. Technics is the only one for those, like myself, not yet to make it into the higer end audiophile arena with 'tables costing from $1000.00 and beyond price range realm. I have used everything from a cheap Audio Technica cartridge to a mid priced Shure cartridge and finally a Grado Prestige cartridge (the Grado being the best in sound quality, price and workmanship).Whether you decide to use an Ortofon DJ cartridge/needle for DJ/scratching purposes or a Grado audiophile cartridge for in home listening you will be thrilled of the workmanship and sound quality of this finely crafted and engineered product ! As a plus, the Technics is an aesthetically pleasing piece of audio gear to look at and realize some solid materials were used to produce it...Finally, who would have thunk decades ago that the Technics 1200 would carry the distinction to be used as a "DJ instrument" for scratching (the motor is that strong) as well as being dubbed the honorary title of the true "Wheel of Steel"!

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Alpine SPS-170A 6-¾" 2-way Speakers Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently replaced the four factory speakers in the Durango with four Alpine SPS-170A 6.75 inch speakers. I selected the Alpines for several reasons: I wanted very good sound but am on a budget; I wanted speakers that would be easy to install; and I wanted durable equipment.
My first inkling that this might be a very good move was when I held one of these rock solid speakers in one hand the a freshly removed factory speaker in the other. The heft of the Alpine alone made quite a statement.
The Alpines sounded sharp, clear, loud. The titanium-coated PEI dome tweeters, which you can swivel up to 15° to adjust the imaging, provide a sparkling high end; the aluminum-coated polypropylene woofer cones provide ample low end for me though bass fanatics would likely wish to add a subwoofer. Note that these speakers are rated for 40 watts RMS (average) and 200 watts peak power---you can track down the other specs online.
Installation was quite easy (of course, enlisting the help of my neighbor who is an electronics whiz helped!), and soon we were ready to test our handiwork. These speakers fit without any alterations to the door panels or requiring use of adapters or templates.
(One more parenthetical note: we also replaced the factory CD player with a Pioneer DEH-P77DH, which would have cooked the flimsy factory speakers but provides these Alpines with plenty of power.)
I've owned Alpine speakers before and have always been impressed by their durability. To my eye, this is well made speaker: heavy magnets, rubber surrounds, and a capacitor for the tweeters. But my ears have the final word here: for the price, you will be hard pressed to find better all-around noncomponent speakers. I've listened to music ranging from the Lucky Tomblin Band, to E.S.T., Seal, Drive By Truckers, and Rory Gallagher and have no complaints about the characteristics of the overall sound.


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Pioneer Ts-G1041R 4-Inch 2-Way Speakers Review

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(More customer reviews)good speakers. just need to use a high pass filter from your radio if your radio has a built in high pass crossover and you will get good mids and highs and less bass on speaker cones so not to damage the speakers because they are not desighn to put out bass. you need to supplement your system with a sub woofer which they are design for.

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Oster VORTEQ Clipper 76997-010 Review

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(More customer reviews)This product from Oster is a pure lemon. It just does not have enough power to cut smooth.

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Hannspree 10-Inch MLB White Sox LCD Television Review

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(More customer reviews)Nothing wrong with this. In fact, the baseball exterior is pretty cool. It looks and feels like an oversized baseball, and the stitching is real. The TV image is perfect.

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Polaroid 600 Platinum Instant Film (4 Pack) Review

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(More customer reviews)How can you dare showing on Amazon Polaroid 600 Platinum picture when I received the regular 600 Polaroid. Shame on you, never again! I am in Toronto and it would cost me too much money to send them back. It cost me more with shipping and handling and brokage fee than the actual product. Please Amazon get rid of this company or tell them to put the actual picture of the product they sell. What a disappointment! Too bad I cannot rate -zero.

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Ezcube FM Transmitter + Hands Free (White) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've purchased three various FM transmitters varying from $[...] dollars and they all suck. When you FINALLY find a strong signal, it will quickly go away. I travel between New Orleans and New York and EZ-Cube works great in both cities.
Yes, it doesn't charge your media player, but it does come with a charger for the device itself which means it doesn't suck you iphone/ipod's energy.
Yes, it doesn't have a mounting system, but the cube is so freakin' small you plug it in the headphone jack and rest it in a cup holder or in any other little nook around you.
The most important aspect of this device aside from these two insanely minor issues is that it works great, I mean really great. Sure there will be moments where you'll hear some minor static, but compared to EVERYTHING else out there, it's night and day. And for $[...] bucks it's a steal.
Seriously, if an FM transmitter is your only option. BUY THIS ONE. What I don't understand is why this device can't be found in any retail store in the U.S.? At least not where I live, or why it's not sold on Amazon, instead it's sold through a secondary company. Come on guys you are seriously missing out in this market.
One last thing....buy it-it's worth every penny, I can listen to Wilco's spacious music without it being disrupted by a continuous hiss.

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ASUS Eee PC 1000HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Pearl White Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been using my Asus 1000HA extensively for a few days now, and thought I'd post a few comments.
First, let me address the two most common "complaints" -- the stiff touchpad keys and the placement of the right shift.
TOUCHPAD KEYS: I also thought the touchpad keys were far too stiff until I realized I was using them wrong. The touchpad keys wrap around the front, and are designed to be "thumbed" at the front, not pushed down from the top. Once I figured out how to use them I found they are not the least bit stiff. It is actually a far better configuration than any other laptop I've used, because when you move your hand down to use the touchpad, your thumb is naturally placed in front of the laptop, and you can flick the touchpad keys from the front instead of trying to crowd all your fingers over the touchpad. With this design, I can now easily cut and paste with one hand, where as with other notebooks I typically have to work the keys with one hand while I use the touchpad with the other. Truly brilliant.
RIGHT SHIFT KEY: As to the shift key, it is technically right where it is supposed to be -- at the far right side of the keyboard. Look down at whatever keyboard you are using and you'll see the right shift key at the far right of the other primary keys (not including the number keys). But to accomodate the up arrow, Asus made the shift key half-sized. So you will find yourself occasionally hitting the up arrow when you meant to shift. I've already programed my brain to reach a little farther when I use the right shift key, so it isn't a problem. Someone else mentioned that she used a program to switch the shift and arrow keys, so that is an option if it turns out to be a problem for you.
MEMORY: I ordered the 2GB memory card along with the notebook, and installed it before I ever turned it on. It was a one minute upgrade. Thank you to all that mentioned going to the bios so that the memory would be recognized. Note that you don't do anything in the bios, just go to there and then save and exit. RAM is the most important component relating to system speed, and the memory was about $30, so I can't imagine that anyone would not want to make that upgrade.
BATTERY LIFE: Battery life was one of the main reasons I bought this notebook, because the two hours I was getting on my other small notebook just wasn't cutting it. After fully charging the battery, I turned on the computer and checked the battery life, which was reported at just three hours! But as Windows got a feel for the battery, that number kept going up until it reached more than five hours. I haven't put a stopwatch to it, but I've actually been doing a little better than that with my daily use thus far. Nice to just sit down and get to work while everyone else is fighting over the electrical outlets at the local Barnes & Noble. UPDATE: I found an aftermarket 12,000 mHa battery on ebay for the 1000HA. With this battery I can go well over eight hours on a single charge! It's quite a bit bigger, so some portability is lost, but between the two batteries I can leave the power brick at home.
USB PORTS: There are two on the right and one on the left. With my other laptop, having all three side by side was a problem because sometimes the item you plug in extends over another port. I had to use a multi-tap just to plug in all my stuff. The one on the left is toward the back, which is cool because I can plug in my Sprint wireless and it is out of the way.
FUNCTION KEYS: I like that there are no separate buttons for mute, wireless, etc. Everything is controlled with the function keys.
SPEAKERS AND TYPING ANGLE: Another brilliant design point. With my other laptop, the speakers are where you wrest your palms while typing, which means I am covering the speakers any time I am typing. The Asus puts them underneath, and the laptop is slightly raised on feet at the back to both give clearance to the speakers and create a better typing angle. The sound is very impressive for such a small notebook, and the volume is very good.
SCREEN: I have no problem reading the screen, even with my tired old eyes. The native resolution of the screen in 1024 x 600. That second number means you'll be doing more vertical scrolling. Set the taskbar to auto hide and use full screen mode with your browser. I am really glad I went with this computer as opposed to the Acer One, which has a 8.9" screen. I wouldn't want to go any smaller than the ten inch screen on the Asus.
KEYBOARD: I'm a big guy with big hands, and I have no problem touch typing on this keyboard. I'd say my typos have probably increased 2% as a result of the smaller size.
BOTTOM LINE: I wanted a notebook I could throw in my briefcase and keep with me at all times, and would also allow me to get real work done when I used it, without major compromises. This small notebook completely fills the bill.


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The Asus Eee PC 1000HA provides the power of a full-sized laptop in a compact body with an extra-large 10-inch screen, and is now powered by the latest Intel mobile processor. Designed specifically for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--to conserve energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. Coupled with the ASUS exclusive Super Hybrid Engine, you'll also enjoy up to 7 hours of battery life with this Windows-powered laptop.
Much more compact than a standard-sized notebook and weighing just over 3 pounds, the Eee PC 1000HA is perfect for students toting to school or road warriors packing away to Wi-Fi hotspots. The Eee PC 1000HA also features a 160 GB hard disk drive (HDD), 1 GB of RAM, 1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the bezel above the LCD, 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), Secure Digital memory card slot, multiple USB ports, a VGA output for connecting to a monitor.
It comes preinstalled with the Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, which offers more experienced users an enhanced and innovative experience that incorporates Windows Live features like Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging and Windows Live Mail for consolidated email accounts on your desktop. Complementing this is Microsoft Works, which equips the user with numerous office applications to work efficiently.
The new Eee PC 1000HA has a customized, cutting-edge Infusion casing technology in Pearl White. Inlaid within the chassis itself, the motifs are an integral part of the entire cover and will not fade with time. The Infusion surface also provides a new level of resilience, providing scratch resistance and a beautiful style while out and about.
It's also equipped with the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine for automatic detection and adjustments of CPU frequency, voltage, and LCD brightness to minimize system noise and power consumption to save up to 15 percent power consumption, or to maximize system performance according to individual needs.
For journalists, photographers and other professionals who need to use a computer in the field to create, to communicate and to collaborate with other colleagues, the Eee PC's combination of power, extreme portability and rugged build makes it the ideal computing solution. The keyboard is 95 percent the size of standard notebooks, making it more comfortable to type for larger hands.
It's also a great choice for young students, with a built-in Dictionary that's great for homework, and it includes two modes of intuitive graphic user interface design to accommodate both experienced and inexperienced PC users. The Eee PC also handles your digital images, movies, and music as well as Internet radio.
Nicely light at just 51 ounces (3.2 pounds), the Eee PC 1000HA has a 10-inch wide TFT LCD with a 1024 x 600-pixel resolution (WXGA)--making it more comfortable on eyes than its predecessor. In addition to its wireless LAN, it also offers wired Fast Ethernet (10/100) connectivity and a 56K modem. You get three USB 2.0 ports, a VGA output for connecting to external monitors, headphone and microphone jacks, and a Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot (compatible with MMC memory cards). It's equipped with a 1.3-megapixel webcam (placed in the bezel above the LCD) and integrated microphone, allowing you to snap still photos of yourself while on the go for sending via email or join video chats with friends and family.
Battery-Sipping Processor The Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.6 GHz Atom N270 processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).
Together with the exclusive ASUS Super Hybrid Engine, you'll enjoy a longer battery lifespan of up to 7 hours, allowing you to stay in touch and be connected for a longer period of time while on-the-go. It offers a choice of performance and power consumption modes for easy adjustments according to your computing needs. The Super Hybrid Engine toggles between the following three modes:
High Performance Mode (high performance with some power savings)
Super Performance Mode (maximum performance)
Power Saving Mode (maximum power savings and minimum noise)

Online Storage from ASUS With this Eee PC, ASUS also provides 10 GB of online storage (easily accessible via a desktop icon), which enables you to download up to 5 GB of data per day. It also provides secure file encryption and accessibility from both Windows and Linux platforms. Whether you want to share images with friends and family or store big business presentations, you can now access your data with ease and not worry about space constraints. The Eee Storage service is complimentary for the first 18 months, and it must be registered within the first 6 months after date of purchase.
Specifications
Operating system: Windows XP Home
Internal memory: 160 GB hard disk drive (HDD)
RAM: 1 GB DDR2
Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel Atom
Memory expansion: Slot for MMC/SD(SDHC) cards
Screen: 10 inches, 1024 x 600 pixels, LED backlight
Networking: 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), 10/100 Fast Ethernet
Bluetooth connectivity: No
Peripheral connectivity: Three USB 2.0
External video: One VGA
External audio: One headphone and one microphone port
Webcamera: Yes, 1.3 megapixels
Battery: 6 cells (6600 mAh), up to 7 hours
Weight: 3.19 pounds (51 ounces)
Dimensions: 10.5 × 7.5 × 1.5 inches


What's in the Box ASUS Eee PC 1000HA, AC adapter, printed operating instructions. It's backed by a 1-year warranty on parts and labor.
ZBD from ASUS All Eee PC's come with ASUS's ZBD (Zero Bright Dot) guarantee. If the purchaser discovers one bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel without cost to the purchaser.

Click here for more information about ASUS Eee PC 1000HA 10-Inch Netbook (1.6 GHz Intel ATOM N270 Processor, 1 GB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, 10 GB Eee Storage, XP Home, 6 Cell Battery) Pearl White

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Pioneer PDP-6020FD 60-Inch Class KURO Plasma HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Kuro PDP-6020FD is an exceptional flat panel display. I continue to marvel at the realism when watching High Definition shows. I do not hesitate to recommend this device.
At the end of my review I will include D-Nice's review from the AVS Forum. It will provide a technical evaluation for you to judge the 6020.
The following is my Amazon purchasing experience... In a pre-purchase call to Amazon a representative confirmed that they are an authorized Pioneer dealer and that `White Glove Delivery' was included in the indicated purchase price.
The 6020 was ordered on Sunday and delivered the following Friday. For whatever reason, the order was not coded as `White Glove Delivery'. I eventually prevailed and the delivery was delivered `White Glove'. Regardless of how handy you are, `White Glove delivery' is extremely important. This type of delivery service requires the delivery team to setup and turn on the TV. When a shipment is left at your door it can be defective and you do not discover this until well after the delivery team has left. If you receive a defective TV with `White Glove Delivery', one simply refuses delivery; the delivery team will repackage the device and return it to Amazon. Without `White Glove Delivery' one is stuck with a defective TV and must endure the process of repackaging, storing and returning it.
When the team unpackaged my first set the screen was covered with spider cracks. The device was repackaged and back it went to Amazon. If there is an issue with the delivery, I encourage you to call the returns department at Amazon that handles Plasma TV's. There is a special telephone number. If you reach an overseas Amazon representative ask for the call to be transferred to this department. This department is located in the States. They are available 7 days a week but are not available round the clock. I ended up speaking with a tremendous representative who was a Supervisor. He made sure that a new order was processed, the `White Glove Delivery' was coded clearly on the order and Amazon provided a substantial discount on the order due to the difficulties that were encountered. I received the replacement TV five days later on the following Wednesday. The TV was delivered in perfect condition. The `White Glove Delivery' team setup the TV turned it on and removed the packaging. I also received two other price reductions when Amazon dropped the price of the set in the following two weeks. (Please note that the price reduction policy is no longer offered by Amazon as of September 1st, 2008. Amazon policies are subject to change. Contact Amazon prior to purchase to review the details of the potential purchase and any expectations you may have.)
The issues I had could have happened from any vendor. The difference is that Amazon had a system in place which corrected that matter in an efficient manner with a minimum of inconvenience to me. Amazon also had the best price and delivery options.
The picture quality is stunning. I highly recommend the 6020 and Amazon as a reputable dealer.
I have included D Nice's technical review from the AVS forum to provide the in depth details of the performance of this TV.Pioneer PDP 6020FD Review
Reviewed by D Nice

Overview
Kuro (Kuro), the Japanese word for black, defines the core of Pioneer's Project KURO. Prior to last year, consumers were not privy to have a digital flat panel display that consistently reproduced the absence of color (black). In June 2007, Pioneer released into the wild a PDP display series that was capable of an unheard minimum luminance level, 0.004fL. This new pinnacle in black level not only provided rich, succulent blacks that true videophiles have been yearning ever since the demise of CRT, it also was baseline for depth defying colors that to this day leaves me awestruck. By the end of 2007, the KURO series was herald as the "best display ever". Everyone thought that it would be years before another display hit the market capable of outshining the 2007 KURO series. No one knew that we would only have to wait 6 months........enter the PDP 6020FD.

Panel Design
The PDP 6020FD continues Pioneer's minimalistic, yet elegant figure with its 57 11/16" x 34 1/2" piano black acrylic bezel. Fit and finish is top notch although the overall build quality is less than last year's PDP 6010FD. Pioneer also managed to trim panel bulk by 20% leaving us with a slim, 3.7" depth display.

Features
The PDP 6020FD is equipped with 4 HDMI 1.3a ports (three on the back, one on the left input/control panel), 1 component, 1 S Video, 3 composite, and 1 VGA input. Although this sounds like a plethora of input options, it's actually less that what its predecessor offered. However, Pioneer now allows owners to label each input (a big plus). Also new this year on the non Elite KUROs is a network interface port that allows owners to connect and stream video (limited file types), music, and pictures from their home PC/laptop. Setup and use was a breeze on my network. However, computer challenged owners may have issues using this feature....especially if they have a home network firewall.
Pioneer has also included a new remote with the PDP 6020FD. Compared to last year's remote, the new remote sports a black covering and the layout is more user friendly with the channel and volume controls reversed from last year's layout (finally).
Everything about the PDP 6020 reflects the theme "KURO".....including the new menu GUI. Gone is the "Windows XP" like menu colors that I have been accustomed to surfing on the previous Pioneer generations. They have been replaced with a more "Windows Vista" like "KURO" GUI.
Thumbing through the new menu, one will find 7 Preset A/V picture modes and immediately notice a reduction of user controls. Unfortunately Pioneer has decided to strip the end user of the capability to change the color temperature, gamma, black/contrast enhancement features, and noise reduction.
Instead they chose to hardcode these features in what they call "the most effective combination".
Personally, I think this was a mistake on Pioneer's part. You NEVER, EVER, take away features that you offered in the previous generation. Pioneer is also rumored to has gone two steps further by deleting the RGB controls out of the Service Menu (not confirmed as of yet) and changing the sequence to access the Service Menu (confirmed). These "castrations" do not bold well for those who chose not to shell out more money for the Elite KUROs to "tweak" their panels more to their personal tastes and/or HD standards. Shame on you Pioneer.
I'm sure at this point the question that is on everyone's mind is "What does the removal of these items have on actual PQ?" Well let's find out..........

Picture Mode Overview
Optimum Mode
Out of the box, the PDP 6020FD is set to Optimum mode. Optimum mode is designed to constantly modify the contrast, brightness, color, tint, etc controls based on the room environment. This year, Pioneer added sound control to Optimum mode's "automatic" adjustments. PQ in this mode was good, but I could see edge enhancement on many scenes and test patterns. Although I could not get a completely accurate grayscale reading within this mode due to the constant adjustments, it averaged around 7400K. This will please most viewers during daytime and/or sports viewing as a "bluer" white is more pleasing and can add more "punch" to the picture. However, I do not recommend this mode for critical movie and/or night viewing. This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Performance Mode
Now, one would think that Performance mode would be the mode that makes the Pioneer 6020FD shine. Well, this is not the case and it's one of the worst A/V modes available on the
6020FD.Beyond its S shaped gamma curve (hump between 60 and 80% stimuli), this mode produced an 8600K average grayscale and crushed everything in the 0 10% stimuli range with the brightness control set to 0. This mode provides improved shadow detail with a brightness setting of +4, but it still is lacking somewhat. If a 6020 owner previously owed a LCD display, this mode would probably please him as it provides an extremely punchy picture with "crisp" (aka edge enhanced) highlights to boot. Critical viewers should stay away from this mode. This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Dynamic Mode
By all means, STAY AWAY from this mode!!!!!!! This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Movie Mode
This is the de facto mode on the PDP 6020FD. It sports an average grayscale of 6350 (6347 to be exact) and a 2.27 gamma. This A/V mode produces the most accurate picture I have ever seen on a non Elite Pioneer.......ever!!! All review material and PDP panel shoot out results were done using this mode. This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Sports Mode
This is an absolutely horrible A/V mode. Grayscale is well over 10K with non defeatable edge enhancement and an S shaped gamma curve to boot. This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Game Mode
This mode would have been a great mode if it did not have an 8K grayscale. Gamma is ok at
2.17 and it only has minor edge enhancement. This mode is universal, regardless of input selection.
Standard Mode
This is the only mode in which each individual A/V input can house discrete settings.
Unfortunately, this is the absolute worst A/V mode available on the 6020FD. It is similar to Performance mode, but crushed blacks far more. This is the first A/V mode I have ever...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer PDP-6020FD 60-Inch Class KURO Plasma HDTV

Enter the next generation of Pioneer KURO, where a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Awake your senses and discover there is more to this television than meets the eye. Deeper black levels that pave the way to breathtaking detail, added dimension and more vibrant color are just the beginning. Optimum Mode automatically analyzes and adjusts audio and video settings according to specific room light conditions and type of light and color. Program content is also monitored and finely adjusted so movies, sports and news are all faithfully reproduced. Smooth Film mode eliminates motion jitter in 3:2 Pulldown (60Hz) providing natural even playback of film content.Detachable bottom speaker with fully integrated digital amplifier for pristine clarity and accuracy of sound 4 Independent HDMI 1.3 inputs with HDMI-CEC control and the ability to accept 1080p 24/60Hz signal Room Light Sensor for automatic picture adjustment Standard 3 - 2 (60Hz) and Advanced PureCinema with 3 - 3 Pulldown (72Hz) for accurate playback of film content Fully Integrated ATSC and NTSC Tuner with Clear QAMSupported Formats -Video -WMV9, MPEG1, MPEG2-PS, MPEG2-TS, MPEG4 (SP/ASP), and MPEG4 (H.264/AVC) Audio -WMA9, MP3, Linear PCM (WAV), HE-AAC, and MPEG-4 AAC Photos -JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and BMP 4 Independent HDMI 1.3 (1 side, 3 rear) with PC support, 2 with analog audio, 1 Component, 3x Composite, 1 S-Video Antenna, USB (Mass Storage Class), LAN (10/100 Base-T --Ethernet), and PC input Optical Digital Audio (Dolby Digital/PCM), Audio LR, Subwoofer, SR, and Headphone output Dimensions -Width 57-11/16 x Height 34-1/2 x Depth 3-21/32 / 57-11/16 x 37-5/8 x 3-21/32 with speaker Weight -112 pounds / 131 pounds 8 ounces with speaker and stand

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Philips DVP1013 Compact DVD Player - Silver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I hooked the player up I was amazed at how light it is. It's also very compact but the picture and audio quality are good. Comes with a simple remote. It has component output and coaxial digital output. I got it at Target for 25 dollars. To make it multiregion, follow these steps:
Press "Setup" button on remote.
Scroll to "Preferences" using the LEFT/RIGHT arrow key.
Press "138931" and a pop-up screen will appear.
Use the UP/DOWN arrow key to choose the desired number.
You can select a specific region (1 through 6) or region "0" for all regions. Check some of Amazon's other sites like Amazon.de or Amazon.fr for multiregion discs. Some can be found at Amazon.com

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JA Audio 3.5" Mini Cube Speakers - Black (Pair) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Having just moved into a new house, my home theatre was given the approval to be slightly updated. I had the rear speakers pre-wired, but my existing bookshelf speakers were just too big to mount. My hunt began for a small, low-priced, wall-mountable rear speaker for a 5.1 system. None of my local stores offered such a product or had 1 model available at double what I wanted to spend. Enter JA Audio. First of all, I've never heard of them, but figured it's a low watt rear speaker - it's only going to be used for filler and background sounds. Even if they're not the greatest, they'll do the job. And the price was right, so I ordered and within a week I had my new 3.5" cube speakers in hand, ready to rock. Aside from the price, the size and look of the speakers are what drew me in. The fact that the cubes swivel was a bonus. The room that I have my system set up in is relatively small (200 ft/sq) but it opens into another room. My front, center, and sub can fill the house nicely, but I needed a rear channel that could make everything complete. Because I can adjust the direction of each cube, I'm able to use my walls for reflection while at the same time, directing them into the "dead zones" in my room. The mounting brackets are good too (take note - wall anchors and screws are not included). Speakers can be wall or ceiling mounted, and since the mounting arms are in separate pieces, you can adjust the depth at which they're mounted (this can effect your sound!!!). So, how do they sound? They sound great! I ran tests with different movies, TV shows, and a few sporting events to get the crowd noise in the background. After some volume adjustments on my amp and slight adjustments to the direction that the speakers were firing, everything was perfect. The rear sounds even filtered into the adjoining room nicely. Music is equally as good. I played several styles of music in the different preset modes that my amp offers and they did the trick. I am very happy with how these little guys are performing, and they look great mounted on the walls. I've owned several brands of speakers - Bose, Boston Acoustics, Yamaha, Marantz, JBL - and I would put these up there with them. And you can't beat the price. If you're looking for a solid performer to compliment your home theatre at a reasonable cost, these are definitely worth a look.

Click Here to see more reviews about: JA Audio 3.5" Mini Cube Speakers - Black (Pair)

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Click here for more information about JA Audio 3.5" Mini Cube Speakers - Black (Pair)

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Auralex J-30SHBL SheetBlok 30'x4'x0.125 Roll of Mass-Loaded Vinyl in Black Only Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Works well for sound deadening. Highly recommend this product in conjunction with other products for the ultimate sound supression.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Auralex J-30SHBL SheetBlok 30'x4'x0.125 Roll of Mass-Loaded Vinyl in Black Only

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Apple MacBook Pro MC118LL/A 15.4-Inch Laptop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Coming from a troubled Nvidia 8600M GT MacBook Pro - let me say that I was very skeptical buying another Apple Laptop with nVidia chip in it.
However, one weekend I decided to visit the nearest Apple Retail Store and check out the newly released models. My decision was mostly influenced by the reduced prices and increased battery life.
After some debating over buying the older model for same price or getting the latest one we settled on the newest mid end $1999 model with 2 GPUs. As is common I got a very nice resale price for my older MacBook Pro as it had AppleCare.
This generation is an all around improvement over the past generation unless you happen to be using ExpressCard on 15" model that is. In our case we never used the ExpressCard after attempting to use a eSATA card that did not work really well. And we have a few SD Cards that we figure we can easily use.
So on to the specific improvements over its predecessor -
1) Battery Life - I was very doubtful that the battery would last any longer than 4 hours at the maximum but was pleasantly surprised to find that for surfing/email type and the occasional CNN/Youtube flash videos getting 6+ hours was quite easy.
2) Prices - No doubt prices are the most reasonable Apple laptops have ever had. If you have no need for the dual GPU you can get the $1699 model which comes with a respectable 2.53Ghz Processor, 4GB RAM and a very capable 9400M GPU.
3) Operating Temperature - I have owned my share of laptops (Apple and non-Apple) and I have to say this one is the coolest - it never gets too warm and I can use it on my lap all the times - even encoding videos using the HandBrake application did not make it uncomfortably hot. However if I switch it to use the 9600M GPU it gets warmer even on regular use. It also runs very quiet - the fans may be coming on but I never notice.
Initially there was a lot of furor over Apple's downgrade of the Serial-ATA interface speed (used to transfer data to and from the hard disk) to 1.5Gbps but Apple quickly restored the speeds to 3Gbps - I do not however notice any difference with the 5400RPM hard disk.
About the display - it is gorgeous and colors are vibrant. I had the opportunity to use a calibrated color profile to make it look even better. However I find the display to be a little too much reflective but I am coming from almost always using matte display so I figure it's a matter of getting used to it.
Apple's use of Mini DisplayPort is ahead of its time - not many displays support it and so I had to buy a $30 DVI adapter - not a big problem but Apple should at the very least re-start bundling the adapter with the Pro machines. Also, another USB port in lieu of the SD Card Reader would be quite welcome - people can use the SD Card Reader for only SD Cards, but a USB port can be used for SD Cards as well as other peripherals.
That said, this generation is overall a very nice improvement - the great battery life itself is enough to convince one to upgrade.
[ Edited to add some findings after extensive use ]
After using it for a few months, I find a handful of things moderately annoying about this laptop -
1) The positioning of USB ports - both USB ports are on one side of the laptop and they are far too closely positioned to use both at once. For example I found I could not attach my Sandisk USB thumb drive and anything else at a time. And I don't have any irregular/unusual devices. They should really go back to having the ports on two sides or at least position them a bit more apart.
2) The Lid of the laptop is loose - this was known to me before but I never thought it would become annoying. I don't routinely use the laptop in bed but whenever I do it's annoying.
3) The amount of RAM Apple advertises (4GB) is not actually entirely usable - only 3.75GB is. So you lose 256Mb of RAM for the dual GPU.

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Amazon.com has certified this product is Frustration Free. A Frustration-Free Package is easy-to-open and comes without hard plastic "clamshell" casings, plastic bindings, and wire ties. It's designed to be opened without the use of a box cutter or knife and will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging during shipping. Products with Frustration-Free Packaging can frequently be shipped in their own boxes, without the need for an additional shipping box. Learn more about Frustration-Free Packaging.

Featuring a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, the MacBook Pro is thinner and lighter than its predecessor as well as stronger and more durable. But Apple didn't stop innovating with the body's design. The MacBook Pro also includes a new 15-inch, LED-backlit glass display (instead of an LCD panel) as well as a glass trackpad that doesn't include a button (for larger tracking area) that features Apple's Multi-Touch technology.

This 15-inch MacBook Pro (model MC118LL/A) also now includes Apple's innovative built-in notebook battery for up to 7 hours of wireless productivity on a single charge without adding thickness, weight or cost. Using Adaptive Charging and advanced chemistry first introduced with the 17-inch MacBook Pro the built-in battery delivers up to 1000 recharges before it reaches 80 percent of its original capacity--nearly three times the lifespan of conventional batteries.

Under the hood, the MacBook Pro is powered by a powerful 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (with 3 MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front-side bus), which runs applications faster and more efficiently as well as helps to reduce power requirements and save on battery life. And video is powered by the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor, which provides an outstanding everyday graphics experience with up to a 5x performance boost.

Other hardware features include a 250 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (which can be upgraded to 8 GB), an 8x combo Superdrive (for burning dual-layer DVDs as well as CDs), built-in Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), FireWire 800 port, Mini DisplayPort video output (for DVI and VGA connections), and a Secure Digital card slot for easy access to digital photos and audio stored on SD and MMC memory cards.

It comes pre-loaded with Apple's Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system--an operating system custom-designed for the advanced technology inside--and it also comes with the iLife '09 suite of applications, including iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, and iTunes.

The Unibody MacBook Pro Design Traditionally notebooks are made from multiple parts. With the MacBook Pro all of those parts with just one part--the breakthrough unibody enclosure. Every MacBook Pro starts its life as a single block of aluminum, which is precisely machined into the basic unibody design. Another pass and the unibody takes shape. Another, and the integrated keyboard emerges. When you pick up a new MacBook Pro, you immediately notice the entire enclosure is thinner and lighter. And it feels strong and durable--perfect for life inside (and outside) your briefcase or backpack.



The standard aluminum electro-static trackpad has been replaced with a new glass Multi-Touch trackpad, which provides 40 percent more tracking area than before. Use two fingers to scroll up and down a page. Pinch to zoom in and out. Rotate an image with your fingertips. Swipe with three fingers to flip through your photo libraries. Swipe with four fingers to show your desktop, view all open windows, or switch applications. The entire trackpad surface is also a button, allowing you to both track and click virtually anywhere on the trackpad. And you can easily enable multiple virtual buttons in software, such as right-clicking.

The keyboard has also been improved, with the rigid aluminum keyboard webbing cut precisely to hold the keys, which are curved to perfectly fit fingers. And it's illuminated, so when you're in low-light settings, such as airplanes or conference rooms, you can always see what you're typing.

The 15-inch display is made of edge-to-edge, uninterrupted glass for a smooth, seamless surface and features LED backlighting for brilliant instant-on performance that uses up to 30 percent less energy than its predecessor. The ultra-thin displays provide crisp images and vivid colors which are ideal for viewing photos and movies

Long-Lasting Battery The 15-inch MacBook Pro now includes a newly engineered lithium-polymer battery that that lasts up to 7 hours on a single charge thanks to advanced chemistry, intelligent monitoring of the system and battery, and Adaptive Charging technology. The battery is built right into the computer, eliminating the space-consuming mechanisms and housings that standard removable batteries require. This non-removable battery also provides a longer battery lifespan of up to 1000 recharges--meaning fewer depleted batteries and less waste, which is better for the environment.

Giving it a lifespan of up to 1000 recharges required breakthroughs in battery technology. Apple electro-chemists developed advanced chemistry that maintains the battery's charging capabilities longer than ever. And while most notebooks wear down their batteries by charging them at a constant rate, the 15-inch MacBook Pro takes a different approach. Using an Apple-developed technology called Adaptive Charging, a microchip on the battery constantly communicates with the computer to determine the optimal way to charge its cells, adjusting the current up and down depending on a variety of conditions. Combined, these advancements offer a dramatic improvement in battery lifespan: more than three times the lifespan of typical notebook batteries--up to five years.

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which has a super-fast 1066 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and an large 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

The hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. With 3 MB of shared L2 cache, data and instructions can be kept close to the two processor cores, greatly increasing performance and allowing the entire system to work more efficiently. And, because the processor cores share the L2 cache, either can use the entire amount if the other happens to be idle.

Video Processing & Output The MacBook Pro delivers both powerful graphics performance and long battery life via the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor, which provides an outstanding everyday graphics experience with up to a 5x performance boost. Power your way through the latest 3D games--including Call of Duty and Quake--and enjoy improved graphics performance with iWork '09, iLife '09, and everything you do in Mac OS X. The power-saving NVIDIA integrated graphics processor also keeps you up and running throughout the day, with up to 7 hours of battery life.

The MacBook Pro includes a next generation Mini DisplayPort, which delivers a pure digital signal that can drive up to a 30-inch widescreen display. The Mini DisplayPort is ultra-compact at just 10 percent the size of a full DVI connector, and is compatible with Apple's 24-inch Cinema Display. Adapters are also available for using VGA, DVI/HDMI and Dual-Link DVI displays

Hard Drive and Memory The 250 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (5400 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to USB 2.0. The 4 GB of PC3-8500 DDR2 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1024 MB) has an industry-leading 1066 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 8 GB.

Wireless Connectivity The built-in 802.11n wireless networking provides up to five times the performance and twice the range of 802.11g, but it's also backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g routers, enabling you to communicate with the a wide variety of Wi-Fi resources. It works seamlessly with the new AirPort Extreme with 802.11n. Use the built-in Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your PDA or cell phone, synchronize addresses, or download pictures from your cell phone. You can also use a wireless headset for iChat audio chats and VoIP calls as well as quickly share files with a colleague.

Video Conferencing with Built-in iSight Artfully placed in the glass display is an iSight camera, which enables easy video conferencing as well as allows you to snap pictures of yourself and create video podcasts. Using the iChat AV application, video conferencing is integrated into your iChat buddy list, so initiating a video conference is a breeze. iChat also lets you hold audio chats with up to 10 people and provides high-quality audio compression and full-duplex sound so conversation can flow naturally. For video podcasting, you can record a short clip using the iSight camera, then use iWeb to create a video blog entry or post your GarageBand-recorded podcast.

Other Features

Two USB 2.0 ports (up to 480 Mbps), one FireWire 800 (up to 800 Mbps), SD card slot
Mini DisplayPort compatible with DVI, VGA, and dual-link DVI connectors (all optional)
Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
8x slot-loading SuperDrive with the following write speeds: 8x DVD±R; 4x DVD±R DL (double layer); 4x DVD±RW; 24x CD-R; 10x CD-RW
Built-in full-size backlit keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted "T" arrangement)
Internal omnidirectional microphone and built-in speakers
Combined optical digital output/headphone out (minijack)
Combined optical digital input/audio line in (minijack)
Kensington lock slot
Measures 14.35 x 9.82 x 0.95 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 5.5 pounds (including battery)

Environmental Considerations Apple has worked hard to eliminate many of the toxins that are a common part of computer manufacturing. Apple engineers removed the majority of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from circuit boards, internal cables, connectors, insulators, adhesives, and more in the MacBook Pro.

Because Apple makes both the hardware and the software for the MacBook, they're designed to work together to produce a smarter product that uses less electricity. For instance, to reduce energy consumption, the hard drive spins down automatically when inactive. MacBook Air also decides which processor--CPU or GPU--is best suited to efficiently perform a task. The LED-backlit display in the MacBook Pro is another feature that plays an important part in conserving energy, consuming 30 percent less power than conventional LCD displays. And the display is designed to dim when you enter a darkened room.

The MacBook Pro meets the stringent low power requirements set by the EPA, giving it ENERGY STAR certification. MacBook also meets the latest efficiency requirements of ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Specification for Computers before its July 2009 effective date.

The MacBook Pro has also earned the highest rating of EPEAT Gold. The Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, or EPEAT, evaluates the environmental impact of a product based on how recyclable it is, how much energy it uses, and how it's designed and manufactured.

Pre-Loaded with Mac OS X Snow Leopard and iLife '09 Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world's most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple's innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, new core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto, to easily organize and manage photos; iMovie with powerful easy-to-use new features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand which introduces a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.

Installed software

Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools)
iLife '09 (includes iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, iDVD)

What's in the Box MacBook Pro, display cleaning cloth, 60W MagSafe Power Adapter, AC wall plug, power cord, install/restore DVDs, printed and electronic documentation

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Badgy A Desktop Plastic Card Printer By Evolis Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I work at a High School and purchased this badge printer to make student IDs. I was deciding between the Badgy and the Pebble, and went with the Badgy because of its lower cost. After having had it for about five months, I'd say that it's a decent, if not spectacular product. The Badgy is well-constructed -- it's very easy to load cards into the printer, and the whole product feels very sturdy. It prints relatively quickly too -- you can do one side of a card in about 45 seconds, which is just fine as far as I'm concerned. Ribbons are easy to load, and I've never had a card jam in the printer. The Windows driver software is pretty nice too, actually -- I like that it notifies you when a ribbon has run out.
My biggest complaints with the Badgy are in its printing. The color reproduction on the Badgy is disappointing. It's not awful, but it has a really difficult time with light colors, and small-ish fonts. It took quite a few prints and color adjustments for me to reproduce our logo in something close to its correct color. Lines were not ultra-crisp either. One thing I did notice however, is that it prints noticeably better with thicker cards. The Badgy comes with a "consumables kit" that includes a ribbon, cleaning kit, and one hundred 20mil cards which are pretty flimsy. They're nice for testing, but not really of the quality you'd ideally want to give out, either as IDs or giftcards. I purchased some 30mil cards from Amazon Marketplace, and the difference in color quality was noticeable. Everything printed crisper on the thicker cards. Once I discovered that, I was actually much more impressed with the print quality of the Badgy.
The "software" that the Badgy comes with is basically an Excel spreadsheet with macros to do card layout. It's somewhat easy to use if you don't want to do anything other than use their templates, but if you want to do anything more customized, it isn't very easy, and doesn't work very well. There are a lot of badge printing softwares available, but in the end, I just used Microsoft Word to do the cards. I set up the fields I wanted to use on the cards as part of a merge file (you can merge images too), and created the cards that way. It worked really, really well. The Badgy is basically just a printer like any other printer, it just prints a very specific size.
In summary, I think that as long as you know a few things about the Badgy -- buy 30mil cards and use those, and steer clear of its "software" if you want to do anything customized, you'll be happy. It's a well-built product that will last for several years, and can give you a lot of use.

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