Clarion NX501 6.2" Double-DIN Navigation Multimedia Control Station Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just purchased this headunit from Amazon 7 days ago. I am now packing it for a return. I absolute love the interface, scrolling/swipe, and features. I can't, however, deal with the issues. It seems like Clarion got to a beta stage and just rushed it to release.
PROS
Gorgeous interface
Swiping / Scrolling is seamless
iPhone like usability
Comes with Sirius, BT, Nav, and iPod cables !
CONS
My issues are:
1) The Clarion advertised RCB199 external microphone does NOT work with the unit. This was confirmed by Clarion's technical support themselves. The gentleman on the phone said that an engineer is making a hardware change to fix the issue. Even so, it is unacceptable for Clarion to advertise this optional mic if it does NOT work with the unit. What were they thinking? I spent hours trying to figure out how to get it to work all to find out that they lied in the product description!
The internal BT mic picks up too much road noise on the highway and is unusable.
2) If you do not shut off the unit while on Sirius, then Sirius will NOT work when you turn on your unit (most of the time). You have to hold the power button down and reset the unit to reset Sirius. This is a major inconvenience. Clarion technical support said that "they are working on it" but it is "a problem with the Sirius tuner" and a software update "probably won't fix it." This is a major inconvenience.
3) My navigation antenna broke after 6 days. I pulled the cord out and it was not pinched or damaged in any way. Clarion offered to replace it (if I paid shipping) but this was my last straw and I decided to return the headunit. Why should I have to pay for shipping and send a part back if it's 6 days old?
4) Here and there, the iPod jitters and has a 1/2 second lag. It disrupts the song. This has been reported on other reviews. I have tried three iPod cable and another iPod with no success. It is most definitely a software error.
5) This headunit is BLUE. Absolutely everything is blue. For a retail price of $1,000, I should be able to adjust the color to match my dash. When the unit boots, the LEDs turn red so they actually used multi-color LEDs but didn't give us the option of changing them. In addition, you CANNOT change the wallpaper for iPod, Sirius, BT, etc. You can only change the source wallpaper which you are never on. Also, if you import a wallpaper and select a default wallpaper, you automatically lose you imported wallpaper forever. I called Clarion and they said no update is planned--Blue is here to stay.
6) Dimming works fine, but you cannot dim the buttons. At night the bright blue buttons are distracting and strains your eyes.
Minor issues:
It takes 4-5 clicks to change the subwoofer level. This is dangerous if you want to turn it down for a bass-intensive song while driving.
You cannot change the splash screen.
Nav is slow to start (music starts very quickly)
The previous model, the NX500, has no firmware updates so I doubt Clarion will fix these issues with their new model. I'm looking into a competing product (X930BT, NT3HDT, DDX series) and will never consider Clarion again. That is how disgusted I am with all of these issues.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Clarion NX501 6.2" Double-DIN Navigation Multimedia Control Station


Clarion's NX501 offers all the features of the NZ501 in a 2-DIN package--a premium audio/video navigation unit with built-in GPS navigation, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and USB, iPod, and iPhone compatibility. iPod video playback is also available using an optional cable (CCA748). The unit is also Sirius Satellite Radio and HD Radio Ready (including the iTunes tagging feature) with additional hardware. With built-in GPS navigation, the flash memory allows for quick response and access to navigation maps and multimedia options. In addition, you'll get massive expandability with 3 sets of preamp outputs and an additional set for full two-zone operation.
Premium in-dash navigation unit with advanced high-resolution widescreen VGA touch panel display. Click here for a larger image

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Samsung N150 10.1-Inch Netbook (Blue) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I ordered the Samsung N150 after much research and have not been disappointed. The main reasons for my choice were: 1. Matte screen, which I prefer over the glossy screens of other netbooks I've seen in stores, 2. Battery life, 3. Matte blue finish of cover doesn't show fingerprints, 4. Positive reviews of keyboard, 5. Super-quiet fan. And so far, all of these features have lived up to my hopes. Other nice features: silky smooth operation of lid hinges, and the built-in webcam and microphone.
One downside as noted by a previous reviewer: the initial setup of the hard drive and software takes a LONG time (one hour, more or less). From what I've read, there are other netbooks out there with much shorter setup times. Fortunately, you only have to go through setup once with this netbook. Be patient, and you'll get through it fine. Just don't expect to be doing useful work until the day after your box comes in the mail.
Another negative is that the processor seems relatively slow (compared to desktop PCs or full-size laptops) at some operations like booting, doing data transfer, and unpacking/installing software. This is just because of the processor, which has been optimized for low power usage. And I imagine that other netbooks have the same shortcoming, so it's no particular knock against the N150. It's the price all netbooks pay for being small and power-stingy.
Having said that, once the Samsung gets itself booted and ready to go, it does fine at web browsing, email, word processing, and video watching. I was able to watch a streaming Netflix video with no problems. Speakers are decent, but a battery-powered iPod speaker like an Altec Lansing iM237 plugged into the headphone jack gives a much better and louder sound.
Suggestions:
1. Allow at least one hour for initial setup. Be patient.
2. Either turn off the automatic "Windows Update" in the control panel, or change the frequency of updates from "every day" to "one day per week." The automatic update hogs the processor each time it runs, and you'll be wondering why the netbook is running so slowly every morning.
3. In the Start menu, type "Task Manager" in the search box and put a shortcut for the Task Manager in your Start menu or on your taskbar. Get familiar with the Task Manager because it shows you CPU usage, memory usage, and what processes are running in the background. When the blue "hard disk" light starts flashing and the netbook slows down, the Task Manager will tell you why.
4. In the Start menu, type "gadgets" in the search box, and install the "CPU" gadget on your desktop. The large dial gives a constant readout of CPU usage, and the small dial a readout of RAM usage. Another good tool for monitoring the CPU workload. When the needle is pegged in the red zone (e.g. at startup) you're not going to get much done. Wait til the needle drops out of the red zone before trying to do any other CPU-intensive tasks.
5. Forget the installed McAfee antivirus program and download the free "Microsoft Security Essentials". It's free and it works great. Saved my other laptop from numerous attacks. Also download the free "Malwarebytes" program.
6. Forget the MS Office "trial" software and download the free Open Office, which works just like MS Office and can open MS Office files, and an save in MS Office format. (Open Office also plays better with this netbook than the included MS Works package. I downloaded Open Office and then uninstalled both MS Office and MS Works.)
Some owners have reported that replacing the 1GB RAM stick with 2 GB RAM improves performance. Before going that route, I tried the Windows ReadyBoost feature, which Microsoft says will improve performance in some operations. Exactly which operations is not clear, and when I tried using ReadyBoost with a 4GB USB emory stick, I wasn't able to discern any difference.
All in all, the Samsung is a competent netbook in a nice package. Two thumbs up.
Update: After upgrading to 2 GB RAM and having used this netbook for a couple of weeks, I like it even better. Upgrading the RAM definitely helped performance. And the matte screen is definitely better than the glossies, and the keyboard is much better than my friend's Asus eeePC keyboard. The trackpad is just too small for more than occasional emergency use, though, so I use an iHome mid-size wireless optical mouse, which I love and highly recommend. Being freed from the tiny trackpad and the marginal 1 GB RAM makes this little machine a pleasure to use.
PS--If you do install Microsoft Security Essentials, be sure to follow their instructions for uninstalling other antivirus programs first (in this case, McAfee). I apparently failed to do so, and eventually noticed an oscillation in CPU usage as shown by the Task Manager when the CPU should have been idle. A Google search suggested a conflict between two competing antivirus programs. I went back and uninstalled McAfee by using the "appwiz.cpl" command per instructions on the Microsoft Security Essentials site, and problem solved.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung N150 10.1-Inch Netbook (Blue)

Delivering high style while ensuring you have less to carry whie staying within your budget, the Samsung N150 netbook PC in blue features a 10.1-inch LED-backlit display, the latest Intel Atom N450 processor, Windows 7 Starter operating system, and up to 7 hours of battery life. This impressive battery-powered performance is possible because overall power consumption is reduced by the energy efficient LED display, optimized processing performance and Samsung's proprietary Enhanced Battery Life solution.
Great for writing e-mail and getting work done while on the go, it sports a 93 percent full-size keyboard for easy typing as well as a webcam for staying in contact via video chats. With the integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi, you'll be able to connect to the Internet at home or at hotspots throughout town. Other features include a 160 GB hard drive, 1 GB of installed RAM, a 3-in-1 memory card reader, and three USB 2.0 ports.

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

Key Features


Key Specifications
1.66 GHz Intel Atom N450 processor (512 KB L2 cache, 667 MHz FSB) combines performance and energy efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while mobile.
160 GB hard drive (5400 RPM)
1 GB of RAM (DDR2)
Intel GMA 3150 graphics
1.3-megapixel webcam integrated into the bezel
Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for ultra-fast connectivity to home and business networks.
Three USB 2.0 ports with one slot that charges your peripherals even if the netbook is in sleep mode.
3-in-1 memory card reader (SD, SDHC, MMC)
Fast Ethernet (10/100) for wired networking.
VGA video output for connecting to an external monitor.
Headphone jack as well as mic input
Kensington lock compatibility
Built-in stereo speakers (1.5 W x 2) with HD Audio and SRS 3D Sound Effect capabilities.
Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do--less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. And Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. A small notebook PC running Windows 7 Home Premium is even easier to use. The new taskbar and advanced navigation features make launching programs, opening files, managing windows, and getting around your PC faster and easier. Personalize your PC to be just the way you want it with helpful gadgets and desktop themes--even turn your desktop into a slideshow of your favorite photos. And you get the best entertainment experience on a PC. With Windows Media Center, you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.
Up to 7 hours of battery life from standard 6-cell battery.
Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.4 x 1.37 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 2.73 pounds
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor

What's in the Box This package contains the Samsung N150, 6-cell rechargeable battery, AC adapter, power cord, printed user manual

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Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Crystal Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)=================================
October 28 (most recent update June 23, 2010 below)
=================================
I received the ASUS EEE PC Seashell 1005HA-PU17-BU 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook two days ago. My initial impression is that this is a great computer. Below are more specific comments.
1) OS: Windows Starter
------------------------------
Runs really well without any problems. I think another 1GB of RAM would make it faster, but I can easily live without it for my main purpose of taking research notes, writing papers, and using the Internet.
I have not had a chance to try out all of my software yet, but Windows Office 2007, bLADE Wiki, Chrome, and other programs I frequently use work just fine. Windows 7 Starter does run more than three applications. I have four open now.
Thankfully, I had no difficulty enabling language support (IME) for Japanese and Chinese. In general, I have also found some things a little more intuitive than XP or Vista. At this point, I see absolutely no reason to buy an upgrade.
The inability to change your desktop image is a mean-spirited marketing decision that I hope Microsoft will reconsider. Not only that, but the wallpaper makes it look like you have a crack or dust on your screen. You can get around this and speed up your computer a little bit in the process. In your start menu right-click on computer, select properties, advanced system settings, performance, and "Adjust for best performance." Your background will be solid blue.
2) Screen
------------------------------
Surprisingly crisp and clear. Yes, it is small, but so is the computer :)
3) Keyboard
------------------------------
I have no trouble at all typing on it. Some owners of past Asus models have complained about a warped space bar. Indeed, the space bar is slightly elevated on the left side. However, I believe this was intentional. When you press the function key with the blue "running man" mark on the left it switches power settings (see comments below for an update on the keyboard).
4) Battery
------------------------------
I am not sure yet how to get the advertised 10.5, but I am easily getting 9+ hours out of it on the power saver mode. It is incredible. The power adapter is quite small and seems to charge it up very quickly.
5) Sturdiness / Quality
------------------------------
The computer feels surprisingly solid and less flimsy than more expensive computers I have bought in the past. It is not the most elegant computer out there, but it seems well-built. It has a wonderful lack of annoying lights. The only one remaining is the power light in the upper right. The blue LED is annoying (as it is on most computers made nowadays), but much less of a problem than others out there. If computer manufacturers would put the power light back on the bottom right under my hand with the rest of the lights I would be grateful.
6) Partitions
------------------------------
My memory was partitioned into a C and D drive. There are good reasons to have a partition, but personally I prefer none. It is relatively easy to change the partition.
7) Bloatware
------------------------------
One or two programs (as far as I can tell) that I was able to quickly remove. Nothing at all like my last computer that had over a dozen.
=================================
November 5, 2009 UPDATE
=================================
It is a fabulous computer and I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again if I had the chance. At this size (10.1 inch) and with these specs (battery life, memory, etc.) it seems to be the best computer on the market. I still give it 5 stars.
However, I have had concerns with the keyboard. Be sure to inspect it thoroughly when it arrives. I ordered the same model for someone else and it arrived with what looked like melted keys next to the spacebar. We sent it back to Amazon for a replacement and the new one that arrived is just fine.
My "w" key was sticking the other day. I sprayed some compressed air under it and it started working again. I never eat or drink near the computer, so I cannot imagine what it was. That is the first time I have had something like that happen on any computer. It has been about a week since that happened and has been working fine.
After looking at last year's models in the store, I can see that my "warped" space key was probably not intentional. It doesn't hit the screen and is barely noticeable, so I have not shipped it back for a replacement. I remain pleased with the product overall, but I think they really need to work on quality control for their keyboards.
=================================
November 17, 2009 UPDATE
=================================
I remain extremely pleased with the product. I just wanted to write another update here to encourage potential buyers to make sure that the reviews on Amazon for this product are written by people who have actually purchased and/or used THIS product. Those who owned the previous model have had power supply, battery, and keyboard issues. I encourage you to read reviews of earlier models to learn more (I did before making this purchase), and I appreciate that people are willing to share their experiences, but it seems unfair to the company and misleading to consumers when reviews are posted here for another product (no matter what the apparent similarities are).
=================================
December 12, 2009 UPDATE
=================================
I've had the computer for about two months now and I would still give it five stars. The battery indicator tells me I have 10 to 11 hours after a full charge, but I have never had that many hours of straight use to actually test it. All I can say for sure is that I am very happy with the battery life.
Windows 7 Starter is great. It hasn't crashed once since I purchased the computer. I always liked XP (disliked 98 and Vista), but given time I might end up liking this OS even more. It seems pretty snappy, even with just 1GB RAM.
The trackpad has raised bumps and seems to work best with a delicate touch. It's OK, but personally I prefer smooth surfaces. If any ASUS engineers are reading this, I recommend a trackpad like the one on the Panasonic Lets Note R8 CF-R8WWLAJP.
=================================
June 23, 2010 UPDATE
=================================
COMPUTER EXTERIOR AND ACCESSORIES:
Keyboard, display, and everything else is in perfect shape. Power cord is fine and absolutely no issues with it (previous models apparently had an issue with the power).
BATTERY:
As expected, battery performance has dropped over time. This is NOT an issue unique to this product, but a problem with any battery in any computer. I have used it every day since I bought it and I estimate I get about 7 hours after a charge in the power saving mode. This is still fabulous, and about 6 hours more than what my previous laptop was getting, so I am pleased.
RAM:
I ended up installing extra RAM. I don't know for sure if it got faster, because I changed how I use the computer. I decided to stop using my desktop completely, so I have been using memory hogs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Dragon Naturally Speaking, and so forth. Memory is relatively inexpensive, so I would recommend getting it no matter what you are doing.
OS:
I believe this is a Windows Starter issue, but my operating system slowed down considerably over time. A couple of weeks ago I backed up everything and re-installed the OS. Now it runs snappy again. I have had to re-install Windows operating systems regularly in the past for other computers, so I would say this is no big deal. It is a relatively painless procedure with the Asus. I plan to do it about every 6 months.
COMPARABLE PRODUCTS:
There is a newer version of this with longer battery life and a different keyboard. I would recommend giving the ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1005PE-PU27-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook (Up to 14 Hours of Battery Life) a try. Asus still seems to be the best small computer manufacturer around.
If I were deciding between this and an ipad (assuming I couldn't get both!) I would choose this one. I've played around with the iPad in stores, but as a machine for getting work done, it does not even come close to having the features I need. It's an exciting technology, but would be just a toy for me in its current state.
BOTTOM LINE:
I may be done with desktop computers after owning this netbook. I originally had a desktop for home and the netbook for outside the house, but not anymore. I sold the monitor, and the desktop is now hooked up to the TV for streaming video. Asus has made a convert out of me.
Sometimes I carry the Asus alone with me when I go out (I am still amazed by how lightweight it is!), and other times I bring a riser to lift the computer up to about the same level as a monitor would be (Logitech Notebook Riser (N110)), a bluetooth mouse (Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 Mac/Windows), and a bluetooth keyboard (Apple Wireless Keyboard (Retail Packaging)). All of this is portable (fits in my backpack), so I can have a pleasant work environment no matter where I go.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Crystal Black)

The Best has just gotten better! - Mobility has Evolved with the Eee PC 1005HA-P. The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell, with Windows 7 Starter Edition and enhanced storage, shines as the ideal netbook for the traveler looking to have it all. It is encased in a smooth pearlescent shell to captivate any onlookers or passers-by.But the Eee PC 1005HA isn't just looks; inside it features a higher-capacity storage than its predecessors. Plus, it offers great user comfort and convenience with its 92-percent scaled keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, and convenient instant keys – granting you quick access to Wi-Fi and control of the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE). Take the Eee PC 1005HA wherever you choose with all-day battery life and enjoy the brilliant clarity of its 10.1-inch LED-backlit display for comfortable computing for hours on end. And its generous 250GB HDD with 500GB of ASUS WebStorage** enables you to store, share, and access your important data anytime, anywhere. Miles ahead of its competition, the Eee PC 1005HA-P provides multi-tasking performance and superior portability, liberating you from wall chargers and bringing you into the future of mobility.


Key Features

10.5 hours of unplugged all-day computing with ASUS' exclusive Super Hybrid Engine
Incredibly spacious 750GB Hybrid Storage for convenient storage on-the-go (250GB HDD + 500GB ASUS WebStorage**)
10.1-inch LED-backlit WSVGA screen (1024 x 600)
92-percent full-size keyboard for comfortable typing
Multi-touch trackpad for effortless control
Easy mobile wireless connectivity via built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n (draft 2.4GHz n) and Bluetooth V2.1
SRS surround sound for premium audio
Stunning looks and convenient mobility with seashell design weighing a mere 2.8 lbs
0.3MP webcam and microphone for simple and clear communication
Windows 7 Starter for a more intuitive and reliable interface
F9 easy recovery for convenient and easy system reinstallation
1 year global warranty
30-day Flawless Display Guarantee

Learn More
Inspired by Nature, Innovatively Crafted
Battery and Performance Boosting Features You'll Only Get with Eee PC
Even More Storage
Get the Big Picture in a Small Frame
Markedly Comfortable. Perfectly Concise.
Easy Connectivity to Nationwide Hotspots
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
Eee PC with Windows 7 –Life Made Easier
Warranty
Customer Warranty –The Industry's Most Complete Netbook Care Package
1 Year Global Warranty
6 Months Battery Warranty
30-Day Flawless Display Guarantee: If you discover one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel at no cost.
Free one-way standard shipping
24/7 technical support
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1005HA-P Seashell (Black)
Travel Sleeve
Power Adapter †
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Starter
Display: 10.1-inch 1024x600 LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD (Color-Shine/Glossy Screen Technology)
Intel CPU: Intel Atom N280
Wireless Data Network: WLAN: 802.11b/g/n (draft 2.4GHz n) & Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR
Memory: 1GB DDR-2 (Memory size is upgradable to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 250GB HDD + 500GB ASUS WebStorage**
Camera: 0.3M Pixels
Audio: Stereo Speakers, High-Definition Audio CODEC, Built-in microphone
Storage Cards: 2-in-1 MMC, SD(SDHC) flash card slot
Input/Output: 1 x VGA connector, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: Headphone & Mic-in
Battery: 10.5 hours* Li-Ion battery †
Dimensions: 10.31 (W) x 7.01 (D) x 1.02~1.44 (H) inches
Weight: 2.81 lbs (with battery)
Color: Black *Operation lifetime subject to product model, normal usage conditions and configurations. **ASUS WebStorage is a complimentary trial service for 1 year after registration. Actual storage capacity varies by model. † To recharge using the AC power adapter, power plug must be fully pushed into the power socket on the Eee PC until it clicks firmly into place. All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in images.

Click here for more information about Asus Eee PC 1005HA-PU17-BK 10.1-Inch Intel Atom Netbook Computer (Crystal Black)

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SanDisk Sansa View 8 GB Video MP3 Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the Sansa View on sale for $129.99, and I am very pleased with it. As a first-time buyer of an mp3 player, I was reluctant to pluck down a lot more money for an IPod, which at this point seem overpriced and overrated, given the other choices that are now out there.
The sound quality is quite good. I'd forgo the built-in EQ settings, which sound uninspired, and opt for the custom EQ that allows you to tailor the frequency response to your own tastes. I agree with some other criticisms that I've read online both in customer and professional reviews that lower bass response is a bit lacking. But I've found that a combination of tweaking the custom EQ settings, plus buying a better pair of earbuds that the ones provided, make up for this mild inadequacy. I bought V-Moda Bass Freq earbuds, which really help to round out the sound of the Sansa by providing plenty of lower bass response. My listening tastes range across classical, jazz, rock, blues, popular, and electronica, and the sound quality the Sansa provides is very good across all these genres.
The Sansa View is a bit large for a flash-memory based player, but I think this is due to the generous size of the display. The video quality is bright, sharp, and with good color, for videos, photos, and album covers. One small complaint is that the wallpaper options are quite plain, and there doesn't seem to be a way to add your own wallpaper options (or at least I haven't discovered it yet). Menus are simple and easy to navigate.
One feature I really wanted which no IPods have is an FM tuner. The digital tuner works quite nicely, with good sound and reception and up to 20 presets.
I really like the control wheel. It works smoothly and the rubber gives it a supple feel. And the look of the Sansa View simple and elegant, with a shiny piano black finish, with the body having a sturdy, solid build quality to it.
I've found the 8gb built-in memory to be more than adequate for my CD library. I've loaded around 60 CDs (a little over 1100 songs), and I still have about 1.5gb left. Bear in mind that many of my CDs are classical symphonies, jazz compilations, or electronica, which average 60-70 minutes each and take up space more quickly than your average CD. And the expansion slot for a microSD card, which I haven't tried yet, would allow me to add an additional 8gb of storage.
Overall, I'd rate the Sansa View as "best in class" in terms of offering very good overall quality and a generous selection of features for a modest price, compared to other comparable mp3 players.


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Composition Notebook Design Inner and Outer Protective Decal Skin Sticker for enTourage (POCKET eDGe) 7.0" Dualbook Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I wanted my Pocket Edge to look like my students' composition notebooks for Science Lab. It does. When it is sitting on my desk it looks just like the notebook. I have received many compliments on the look of my device. I really like it.

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Hello Kitty Limited Edition Samsung S5230 Unlocked GSM Cell Phone with 3MP Camera, MP3 Player, FM radio, Touch Screen, Bluetooth, HTML browser and MicroSD Slot--International (Pink) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have had many phones...maybe 10 per year. I have always just wanted a really cute phone that is girly...this phone was released my Samsung for $250....for some reason they re-launched the phone under Anycall, which is Samsung is another country...it comes with a case and different packaging but is $500.
I have had really good luck with the phone. A few quirks need to be worked out and you need to call your cell provider to get it set up for messaging, web. I don't use the internet on my phone..I use the camera, which is good...text and call..both are great...It also has a feature where you hold down the down volume button and your phone will ring..you set up when..10 sec, 1 min...and you can even add voice...it's called fake call...pretty cool when someone is talking my ear off and I am thinking of how to get out of the conversation....The music player is awesome. I loaded all my tunes on a memory card and it has great sound. Samsung has a different plug in..but you can get an adapter on Amazon for a few bucks so you can use MP3 speakers or headphones. I put it on speaker phone when I take a shower and it is loud and clear. I used the music player one day for 6 hours straight and used one bar of battery life. I haven't had the battery die on me quickly..It has lots of Hello Kitty wallpapers and it is adorable in person..Purchased an invisible protection for it...like a screen protector but covers the front back and sides...or you will want one or a clear snap on cover. You want to be able to see the Hello Kitty design on the back. If you buy it in plain colors it is much less money....I got mine at wireless experts with no problems and paid $236 plus shipping. Please note..I believe a phone is a phone..I have had the T Mobile Tap(lags) Behold(crap camera)Blackberry Bold and Pearl(don't like the keys) T Mobile slider wifi in white mint..can't remember the name of it..too bulky..Nokia 7510 Super Nova, too heavy and others.....but I want to be able to listen to music, text and talk and this phone does all of that and it's cute. If you have large fingers you may have a problem because it is small and light..internet features I really cannot comment on since i don't use the internet..
So overall I would give this a 9.5/10

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MSI GT780R-012US 17.3-Inch Laptop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this monster from Amazon.com and am overall quite happy with my purchase. I mean just look at what this monster has to offer:
* Intel® Core(tm) i7-2630QM Processor
* Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64bit
* 17.3" Full HD Anti-reflective Display (16:9; 1920 x 1080)
* NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 560M (DDR5 1.5GB VRAM) | NVIDIA Driver Downloads
* Accelerated performance with MSI TDE Technology
* Full-color programmable backlit keyboard by SteelSeries
* MSI Cooler Boost Technology
* Dynaudio Premium Sound Speakers
* 1TB hard drive with Raid 0
* 16GB DDR3 system memory
* USB 3.0 for high speed data transfer
* HDMI 1.4 (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output
* Built-in 720p HD webcam
* 802.11 b/g/ n Wireless LAN with Bluetooth
I love this laptop to death which is why I'm giving it 5 stars, but to help potential buyers decide I'll just list some of the cons that may affect one's decision.
First off, if the BLK (Back-Lit Keyboard) is a deal-breaker for you, you may want to consider looking up some youtube videos to see the color and brightness for yourself. There is a small section of the keyboard where the keyboard isn't as brightly lit as the rest of the keyboard. (Around the iopkl;,. section.. may just be my laptop but from what I've read, this is typical for all GT780Rs) The area there is a little dimmer than the rest of the keyboard, but it's not too noticeable and I personally don't mind it too much, but I'll warn that you may not be happy with it so look for yourselves. (Also the ALT and CTRL keys are a little brighter than the rest of the keyboard). I have seen that some people claimed that their laptop's keyboard seemed to be slow (there was a delay between hitting the key and it showing up on screen as well as some keys having to be pressed very hard in order to register). Well, my laptop doesn't have this issue, it's flawless and well if you do have the delayed keyboard problem I remember reading that there was a new driver released to fix the problems with the keyboard. (I type 80+ words per min so I would notice if characters were delayed.. and this probably isn't too much of an issue since mine in not affected). I DID (past tense) have a problem with the touch pad. After using it for awhile, it would sometimes just stop responding and it sometimes jumped around the screen without me touching it. MSI released a new driver that fixed that issue so that problem has been resolved. This rig does not have hotkeys to control music players. (Like the Play/Pause/Skip buttons.. at least to my knowledge.. maybe I'm just a clown and can't see them..) I am a bit upset that I can't press the next key when I want to listen to another song, luckily I use Winamp and you can set hotkeys for that. I also can't turn down the volume down without using my mouse or having to press the FN key down. A little bit of a bummer but nothing worth worrying about IMO (in my opinion). As for the sound that this monster makes, generally I can't even hear the laptop in a silent room unless I put my ear up against it. With the fan on MAX SPEED it can get pretty loud but if you need the fan that high, I'm sure you'll be playing a game or something, and any sound that the fan makes is completely drowned out by pretty much any noise the speakers make (not on highest volume settings too!) Oh also, there is some bloatware pre-installed on your laptop.. easy enough to remove but a little annoying. (MUCH less than some other companies though)
Overall, although I listed only the CONS of this laptop, I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone. Watching HD movies on this thing is amazing!!! OH! Also beware this is NOT a GLOSSY SCREEN. Some people complain that the white on the screen is kind of grainy and not white white, so just beware.. although I personally prefer matte screens. Also I play Starcraft II with extreme settings on with no problem(at the same time leaving Winamp on, firefox open with 2957834 tabs open, downloading movies in the background, anti-virus and other background programs), hopefully it will be able to support GW2 and D3 when the time comes.. Some of my friends love to brag about their new MacBook Pro for college, but once I show them what I got, they just know that my monster > macbook pro..(even if they know nothing of computers) Having a better laptop than people makes me feel good about myself.. BWUHAHA.. So buy it and show off :D
Well that's it.. not really any more issues from my end. Oh and if you want to read up more about experiences with this laptop, google GT780R Owner's Lounge.. It should be the first one on the search, read up on the laptop and some of the issues that some people have. (Keep in mind you'll read more about issues since people don't generally post if nothing is wrong)
Hope my review helps!

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Motorola RAZR V3i Unlocked Phone with Camera, MP3/Video Player, and MicroSD Slot--International Version with No Warranty (Silver/Gray) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After my dreadful V551, I was hesitant to return to Motorola. Since my Sony Ericsson S710a didn't work out, and since my wife's V3 has been solid so far, I decided to give Moto one more chance with the V3i.
First, the build quality and materials are EXCELLENT. The machined aluminum outer casing, and machined nickel keypad, provide substantial heft (this is good) and tactility. Moto could've used a little better plastic in places, but it's fine otherwise.
Second, although its resolution is lower than the S710a's, the V3i inner display's physical screen size is about the same. Meaning it's plenty large, not to mention clear, colorful, and bright. The outer display is nothing special, but it is a compromise for better battery life, so I can live with that.
Third, unlike Sony Ericsson, the new Moto's (V3i, SLVR L7, etc.) sport an industry-standard mini-USB charging/data port, and use standard memory cards. (I put a 1GB TransFlash in mine and it is amazing.) No more proprietary chargers and cables, nor goofy Sony-only "Memory Sticks."
Fourth, the Bluetooth. Motorola has come a long way to improve their implementation, and though it is not as full featured as Sony Ericsson's, it is almost unshakable in its stability. (Sony Ericsson has the reverse trend. The T616 had great Bluetooth, the S710a's was unstable. The new W600 and W900 are equally unstable.) Range is excellent, too.
Fifth, reception and call quality are both excellent. Volume could be better, but is still adequate. I have to admit, though, that the S710a was slightly better with earpiece and speakerphone audio volume and quality.
Finally, the much maligned UI. Yes, Sony Ericsson trumps everyone with their interface and Address Book; Motorola executes both of these rather clumsily, thus requiring a steep learning curve. However, two areas where Moto outshines Sony Ericsson are 1) consistent UI responsiveness and 2) broad customizability.
My only other gripe is the 50 song limit in iTunes, even with the memory card upgrade. However, I'm an iPod owner, so this doesn't concern me too much.
Now for a word of warning to Mac users. My iTunes-equipped V3i, unlocked and unbranded, came from an overseas market (phone and manual languages included UK English, Vietnamese, Bhasat, and Thai). It has full Bluetooth functionality with my Mac, including iSync. However, some V3i's don't work over Bluetooth - the Mac can't "see" any of the phone's services, thus preventing file transfers or iSync-ability without a USB connection. I can't say for sure if this is related to iTunes or not, but so far it seems the iTunes-loaded V3i's work better. Caveat emptor!

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The Motorola RAZR V3i is fully loaded* - delivering the ultimate combination of design and technology. Beneath this sculpted metal exterior is a lean mean, globe-hopping machine. Modelled after the Motorola RAZR V3, the RAZR V3i has an updated and streamlined design, offering consumers a large internal color screen, quad-band technology and Bluetooth wireless technology. Designed for an enhanced imaging experience, this sleek handset comes complete with an integrated 1.23 megapixel digital camera with a full screen view-finder, zoom, and video capture and playback.Fully Loaded-Don't say it … show it! Capture beautiful images during global travels with the Motorola RAZR V3i's 1.23 megapixel digital camera. Share those images via email or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) or save them to the MicroSD removable memory card to print when you are back at home. But when a still image just won't do, video capabilities promise to capture all your action-packed experiences. Cut Loose-No more limitations. Quad-band technology allows you to roam seamlessly across countries and continents. Combined with Bluetooth technology and speaker independent name and digit dialing and you have hands-free capabilities to juggle work and play. Screening calls while lounging in the French Riviera? Use the brilliant 1.3 inch external display to see who is calling you with picture caller ID.

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Motorola W388 Unlocked Dual-Band Phone with Camera, Stereo FM Radio, MP3 Player and microSD Slot - Unlocked Phone - International Warranty - White Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)good:
Nice phone for under $50
Cool looking!
This one is unlock
Clear communication
I got like 150 sms in my inbox with out filling up the memory
bad:
It's not really good for text messages, It's slow and the keypad sometimes get stuck...
king of slow sometimes.
Bottom line:
Camera? Come one!!! Its a $50 phone! It's suppose to have a cheap camera.
It worth the price!!!


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Twin Stars Diamante Crystal Case for Motorola Droid A855 Verizon Wireless Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The case looks just like the picture. Two downsides to this product: 1. it gets glitter everywhere and 2. it is a pain to get the case to snap on and an even bigger pain the get it to come off. Took me nearly 10 minutes to get the case to snap off. I was worried it would scratch my phone since it was snapped on so tightly. So if you don't mind those two downfalls then I'd say buy the product.

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USB Data Cable and Driver CD for LG VX8700 VX9400 VX8500 Chocolate VX8600 enV VX9900 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Cable is dirt cheap from SFPlanet, works just fine with my LG VX8350.
The packaging says it is for chocolate, but never mind, it works with 8350 just fine.
Some gotchas for the verizon subscribers:
o I installed it on vista and windows found the driver from windows update.
o However, the SD memory wont show up as a removeable disk in explorer.
o You need to get the VCAST music manager. Music manager can be downloaded from verizonwireless.com for free (dont worry if it says $19.99, that is only if you buy headphones, cable, etc.)
link: V CAST Music Manager Download: http://www.vzam.net/vcastmusic/
o VCAST music manager also installs the right driver for vista.
o You can then sync music using the music manager. Nothing else (verizon sucks!)
The attached CD from LG contains many cool stuff like ringtones, pictures, contacts sync, etc. But they wont work with verizon phone. They only work with the GSM model. Verizon sucks again!

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Acer AOD250-1197 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook - Up to 8 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Acer Aspire D250 is a great netbook PC, and the 1197 flavor contains four differentiators:
(1) Windows 7 Starter OS
(2) 250GB hard disk drive
(3) 6 cell battery (~8 hours' lifespan)
(4) the standard English keyboard layout
..and it comes in blue :-)
Having visited 8 different retail stores and having tried/returned two Asus 1005HA's, I spent a considerable amount of time comparing / contrasting models.
In comparing the Acer Aspire One D250 to the bestselling Asus 1005HA-PU17 and other netbooks:
(1) The D250 is lighter, even with the 6 cell battery. If one were to buy the 3 cell battery (~2 hour life) to save even more weight, it would be in the featherweight category. The Asus 1005HA's battery is so bulky and unbalanced it almost makes the netbook want to teeter-totter around its back legs.
(2) The D250 is quieter. Unlike the 1005HA, the fan does not turn on when browsing the web, running virus scans, etc.
(3) The D250's keyboard is 89% the size of a regular keyboard, and it is smaller than Dell, HP, and Asus 10" netbook keyboards. However, I was able to type my usual 70WPM without issue.
(4) The D250 has _NO_ hard disk vibrations. The Asus 1005HA had hard drive vibrations that were not only noticeable, they ran straight into my wrists and were irritating. Many other 10" netbooks have this problem too. This issue becomes very noticeable when you spend 15 minutes drafting a document or writing an e-mail.
(5) The 1005HA has a slightly bigger touchpad.
Canadian users would be wise to order the 1197 version of the D250 as the U.S. keyboard is much easier to use than the multilingual French/English keyboard. The Shift keys are wide, and the Enter key can be reached easily. Such is not the case with the multilingual keyboard.
My only complaint is that I prefer a matte screen to the glossy screen. It is vulnerable to reflections and glare.
***Notes on Windows 7***
Windows 7 Starter is very comparable to Windows XP. The main feature disabled on Win7 Starter edition is the "Aero" feature, which is standard on Win7 Home Edition or Premium versions. However, the Intel Atom/N270 and Intel 950 GMA chipset lacks the graphics horsepower to run "Aero," even if one were to upgrade Win7 editions. This hindrance applies to any netbook with the N270/950 chipset (Asus, HP 110, Dell Mini), not just the Acer D250. At the time this review was written, upgrading from Starter to Home Premium had a steep price tag -- in the $75 - $80 range. And the "Aero" feature would have to be disabled anyway...
Nevertheless, the Acer D250 is among the best built, the quietest, and lightest of the 10" Intel Atom based netbooks available today. Highly recommended.

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Browse the Web, check email, share photos, keep up with social networks, listen to music and enjoy a variety of entertainment with the Aspire One AOD250, which features a small compact design that you can take anywhere. Acer makes it easy to stay productive while on the go with the 10.1-inch CrystalBrite LED-backlit screen as well as its excellent near full-size keyboard. A great choice for students as well as business travelers who like to travel light, this Aspire One AOD250 model (AOD250-1197) in blue has a 6-cell battery that provides 8 hours of battery life on the go and weighs 2.79 pounds.
It comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Starter operating system, which combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. It includes new Windows 7 features like Jump Lists to help you to better find and manage files, and connecting to printers and peripherals is easier than ever. (Learn more about Windows 7 Starter below.)

You'll be able to easily video chat wherever you roam thanks to the Crystal Eye webcam integrated into the LCD's bezel, delivering smooth video streaming and high quality images even in low-light situations. And the built-in digital microphone delivers superior voice quality keeping background noise level low and minimizing echoes. Pinch, flick and swirl your fingers on the multi-gesture touchpad for an intuitive navigation to view web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more.

It's powered by the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, which is designed especially for mobile devices using an innovative design structure and hafnium-infused circuitry to reduce electrical current leakage in transistors to conserve energy. Packed with an extra-large 250 GB hard drive--great for storing a mobile digital audio and video library--this Aspire One also features 1 GB of installed RAM (2 GB maximum), 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), multi-format memory card reader, multiple USB ports, and built-in email, web browsing, and digital media applications.



Key Features
10.1-inch LED-backlit CrystalBrite screen (1024 x 600 resolution) (Learn more)
Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do--less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. And Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. (Learn more)
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. A small notebook PC running Windows 7 Home Premium is even easier to use. The new taskbar and advanced navigation features make launching programs, opening files, managing windows, and getting around your PC faster and easier. Personalize your PC to be just the way you want it with helpful gadgets and desktop themes--even turn your desktop into a slideshow of your favorite photos. And you get the best entertainment experience on a PC. With Windows Media Center, you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.
1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor combines performance and efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while mobile (Learn more)
Up to 8 hours of battery life with included 6-cell battery
Multi-gesture Touchpad for circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, and page flip (Learn more)
250 GB hard drive (5400 RPM)
1 GB DDR2 RAM (667 MHz; 2 GB maximum capacity)
Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 video processor
Crystal Eye webcam supports Acer PrimaLite technology, which consists of a premium sensor, firmware and lenses to provide superior video performance under low-light conditions. A built-in digital microphone helps keep background noise levels low and minimizes echoes.
84-key keyboard, 89 percent of standard-size with 12 function keys, WLAN switch
54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
Fast Ethernet (10/100)
VGA video output
Stereo speakers and optimized Dolby Headphone technology for 5.1-channel audio
Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
Dimensions: 10.17 x 8.04 x 1 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 2.79 pounds
Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion This Acer Aspire One notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN (Acer InviLink) that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks and offers Acer's SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency. It also provides Fast (10/100) Ethernet networking.

3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
Analog video output: 1 VGA
Multi-in-1 memory card reader compatible with MultiMediaCard, Reduced-Size MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO or xD-Picture Card
1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack

What's in the Box This package contains the Acer Aspire One AOD250-1197 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

It also comes with the following software: McAfee Internet Security Suite 2009 (trial version with 60 days of live update); Microsoft Works with Office Home and Student 2007 Trial; Google Desktop; Norton Online Backup; WildTangent

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10.1-Inch CrystalBrite Screen The 10.1-inch screen has a WSVGA resolution (1024 x 600) and support for up a 262K color depth. Video is powered by the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which uses shared video memory with the main memory. Acer's CrystalBrite display technology guarantees the best possible visual experience by preventing the diffusion of surrounding light and internal ray. Compared to normal TFT LCDs, Acer CrystalBrite technology is able to read color coordinates more accurately, thus minimizing distortion and creating high-fidelity colors in all environments.


Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do—less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. Windows 7 Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows.



Intel Atom Processor: Your PC's Perfect Internet Companion Take the Internet to more places with the long battery life and flexibility of a compact, lightweight netbook powered by the incredibly small, amazingly smart Intel Atom processor. It features a 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).
Sleek, Eye-Catching Design Matched with Highly Functional Additions The Acer Aspire One AOD250 has been designed to be even more streamlined than its predecessors--whittling down the depth to just one inch thin and shaving the weight down to just under 2.8 pounds. The sleek aerodynamic design includes elegant touches such as the color-rich chassis along with the metallic hinge with a colored accent.


It also uses a clever Multi-Gesture Touchpad that allows you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites such as Google Earth. The Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. Finally, it features a soft-touch palm rest to increase typing comfort.

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Samsung T401G Pre-Paid Cell Phone for Net10 with Bluetooth - Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)i've been a person who has signed alot of contracts for phone service w/ all kinds of carriers (Alltel, Cingular, CellOne, Verizon, T-Mobile). I wanted to get away from contracts, let's face it, they suck, as do early termination fees. I wasn't thrilled about buying another cellphone just so i could have pre-paid service - that is the downside. Not to mention i bought a Samsung Gravity 2 - used it for 6 months and upgraded/bought the Gravity 3. Used the G3 for a few months before switching to Net10 - Samsung T401g. Luckily i found a refurb model selling for $40 on amazon. Let me list the pro's & con's for you ppl thinking about going over to this service:
PRO's:
- no contract, no credit check (pretty much everything the website tells you - ['] )
- slight variety of phones (flip, slider, imitation blackberry model, regular no flip/no slider models). The less fancy the phone, the cheaper the cost of the phone - i.e. flips and non-flip models should be under $20 (and on amazon, some selling for as low as $4!!)
- pretty easy to use service
- pretty easy to use phone (if you are used to Samsung Gravity models - t401g is almost exact - only diff color and thicker)
- easy to add airtime (can buy the cards at various locations - gas stations, best buy, etc - or buy them from the net10 website, or even from your phone)
- accessory kit is cheap (usually $14.99) and comes with alot of stuff - car charger, earpiece (handsfree), wall charger, different adapters
- texting is cheaper - .30 a text to send and recieve
- activation can be done online thru net10 website
- you can keep an existing number from one of your other cellphones, but you do have to keep that other cellphone service active in order to keep that number
CON's:
- REFURB MODELS: DON'T BUY A REFURB unless you are very tech savvy and have some patience to deal with various issues that may pop up
- CUSTOMER SERVICE: Net10's ONLINE customer service is a complete joke and waste of time! Trust me when i say --> call the customer service number, and you will have your problem(s) solved within 20-45 min (depending on the problem) other then waiting days and weeks for online tech's to help you. if you have a facebook account - don't even bother with Net10 online tech's there for help - they are UBER SLOW!
- T401G PHONE: the t401g phone is kinda flimsy - you can tell that this is a cheap made phone. (i'm just comparing it to the other phones i've had over the yrs - Samsung Gravity 2 & 3, LG models, Motorola RAZR, etc)
- TEXTING: be aware that while it costs .30 to send and recieve - if you don't delete your message after you read it, and say you delete the next day - it will charge you another .30 just to delete it... it only does that cuz it thinks you are reading it again. Unlike features on the Gravity 2 & 3 and most phones where you can just go to inbox, see your list of msg's and click delete on them - the t401g does not let you do that.. in order to delete a msg you have to go back to it, and then you can delete it. Hence the repeat .30 charge. So if you want to avoid a repeat charge, just delete them as soon as you read them.
Also be advised that you may have to speak to customer service in order to activate the .30 charge rate for texting - not all of them do it automatically.
- PICTURE MESSAGING: major downer for this phone - i know it's not the signal where i was - i had good signal - but it took forever for a pic msg to come thru - i retrieved about 4-5 times - each time you retrieve it costs like .50 - but as it does the process and is downloading or retrieving - it keeps hitting you every so often w/ repeat .50 charges, and then you never get the pic. maybe the pic my friend was sending was too big of a file - i'm not sure. i had one pic get thru just fine and only got charged .30, this other one - i lost patience and just deleted it. if i had to pay more then 5.00 in charges to see it, not worth it. pic retrieving time varies - can be slow and sometimes can be fast
- PORTING NUMBERS: keeping a number from another cellphone you may have w/ another carrier - i.e. t-mobile, at&t, etc... yes you can port the number to your net10 phone, but that # will only be able to be ported and remain as your net10 number so long as the other service stays active. so if you got at&t or what not and 678-093-1124 as a number and you port it to your net10 phone, it will port. but if you cancel your at&t service, you will lose that # as your net10 number and have to change to a diff one. (May work well if you have other tracfones or net10 phones for porting - i wouldn't reccommend using a contract service number to your pre-paid - for obvious reasons - you're probaly wanting to terminate your contract so you can go pre-paid and pay less, so why port the contract # and pay for 2 phones. that's just stupid and ridiculous.)Additional comments: I'm not really too disappointed with the net10 service or the phone - i am paying cheaper then what i was w/ contract carriers. My biggest peeve was getting it activated and the zillions of codes i had to enter into the phone from cust. service in order to troubleshoot all the issues i was having. That's why i gave it a 4 star rating.
Suggestions: If you don't use your phone much and you do want to keep the cost low - i suggest buying the airtime cards that give you more days then minutes. a 300 min card gives you like 60 days i think. while a 750 min card gives you only 30 days, and you have to buy a card each month to keep the service active if you buy the monthly cards. you can switch over anytime to the other cards - the pay as you go ones- but if you do that, it will erase whatever monthly min you have from the monthly cards.
The only way you get the rollover minutes from Net10 (and yes they do rollover) - are if you buy the Pay As You Go Cards - these are the ones that cost as low as $15. These are the ones that are your 150 min, 300 min, 1000 min, etc... and you can keep buying these and entering in the code and it will rollover any unused so long as it is pay as you go cards.
However if you buy the monthly cards - 750 min $25/unlimited $50 - you have to reload either w/ another monthly, or you can delete any remaining monthly min if you buy a Pay As You Go card and reload with that.
I made the mistake of buying the 750min card - i'm a huge texter, but not a huge talker - so i am going to switch over to the pay as you go so i can get more service days out of my phone. buying the monthly cards is like being on a contract almost - got to reload every month. i'd rather reload every couple months or more, or not have to worry about if i buy the 1000 min card for example.
hope that helps ( i will also upload images of the phone and accessory kit)

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Alpine iDA-X305 - Radio / digital player - Full-DIN - in-dash - 50 Watts x 4 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This review will be pretty in depth, but will focus primarily on the important things. I'm going to start with the iPod/iPhone stuff first, since I would imagine this is a big reason why many people are looking into this deck.
I will preface this by saying I bought this because I needed a deck that could play music from my iPhone 3G.
*****
UPDATE: I can confirm that the iPhone/iPod 3.0 OS Software is compatible with this deck. In fact, it makes the experience a TINY bit easier because the iPod app no longer launches when you plug in your iPhone/iPod, which means you can be doing something on your phone and not worry about it getting exited when you plug the phone in. It still switches the source to iPod/iPhone, but at least the iPod application on the phone doesn't launch.
*****[iPod/iPhone/USB Stuff]
*******************
This deck supports an impressive amount iPods, iPhone 2G and iPhone 3G, Flash Drives, and most likely many other USB based players. It has a USB port in the back of the unit that screws in to avoid it coming unplugged during normal road bumps, etc. The USB cable they provide you with is nice and long. In my case, it would run almost all the way to the back of my SUV (Buick Rendezvous). It comes with a special iPod/iPhone connector that will charge the iPhone while you play music. Using a normal iPhone cable does not work, the deck gives you an error and throws a fit.
The iPod/iPhone functionality is very solid. It offers most all the sorting types of the iPod (Album, Artist, Song, Playlist) and even will show album art. Though the album art shows up fine when it is smaller, changing the view type to the album art only screen results in blurry/pixelated art work. I was slightly disappointed that there is no "Genius" functionality here, but that feature is pretty new, even to the iPod.
You can advance songs, go back a song, pause, and turn on song or album shuffle on the deck itself.
I personally find it difficult to use the deck to scroll through music, because of how unresponsive the knob is. Turning the knob is very similiar to setting your 10 speed bike to the highest speed. Even though you are pedaling REALLY fast, the tires are moving at a slower pace than if it were at a low speed. If you turn the dial really fast, it only advances 2, 3, maybe 4 spaces on the screen. This makes it hard to scroll through lots of artists, albums, or songs.
Additionally, plugging the iPhone or iPod touch into the stereo cuts off your use of the iPod application, so controlling the song play through your iPod (which I would prefer) is not possible.
Here is the bad part: it is very inconsistent and stubborn when it comes to recognizing my iPhone. If I have the iPod application up and running, then I plug it into the stereo, it will either give me an error on the deck, or tell me the device was not made for the iPhone. This means I have to close the iPod application, then plug it in to the stereo. This wouldn't be so bad, but it also seems to react differently based on whether or not a song is playing, paused, or no activity whatsoever. If I am playing a song when I plug it in, all sorts of crazy stuff happens and I end up having to unplug and replug and then pause and then quit out of the iPod app, and unplug again, then replug before it will work.
Again, wouldn't be so bad, but I find myself spending alot of time just trying to get a song playing instead of just plugging it in and driving.
Also, there is no option to not automatically switch to the iPod source when I plug in the phone. This sucks because if I just want to charge my phone, it will automatically switch the radio to the iPod source, forcing me to push source again to get back. This wouldn't be so bad, but I sometimes listen to Pandora Radio Application through my stereo, and if I am listening to it on my headphones while walking to my vehicle, plugging it into the stereo causes the application to quit, effectively cutting off my music, forcing me to relaunch Pandora and wait for it to buffer my song again. (This may be a personal problem, but it is relevant). It would be nice to turn off Auto Switch as far as the source goes.
Other than no Genius support, not being able to control from the iPhone/iPod itself, and the auto source switch, the iPhone/iPod functionality works well. I just wish I could get in my truck, turn it on, plug in my phone and leave. Instead, getting a song going is a chore. I end up sitting in my truck fidgeting with the deck instead of getting on the road.
[General Use]
***********
You WILL need to read the manual (comes on a CD in the box) in order to figure out some of the functions of this stereo. Though some of it is pretty straight forward, other functions are hidden, or are a string of button presses and knob turns to get to. They managed to make even simple tasks like setting a station preset slightly difficult.
I found it strange this unit does not support RDS, so you will miss out on the useful information that radio stations have to offer in the way of song artist and title, etc..
The clean face plate comes at the price of having to use menus to get to everything, but I expected as much, and boy are there alot of menus.
Two of the front buttons are dedicated to functions that are not even built into the deck itself, so this is kind of frustrating, especially since these addons will cost you upwards of $150 each. It seems like something better could have been put in those 2 slots (but maybe it's just me who may not be buying both addons).
All the buttons and knobs are easy to use and control, though I wish the knob itself was a little bit "stiffer." Turning the knob has inconsistent functionality. Turning it very slowly ensures you advanced to the next item in a list with every tick (clicks are very close to each other), and turning it very quickly has mixed results (sometimes it will advance you only 1 list item, sometimes a few more). Whatever the case, it is cumbersome to scroll through long lists, even with the inclusion of the "percentage" scrolling type set on, which lets you advance to a specific percentage in your music list, etc. This is kind of useless, since I don't memorize, or care to memorize what percent Metallica or any other artist is at...
Additionally, the ring of the knob can be pressed in and turned a quarter of the way to the right or left. This functionality has different uses depending on what menu, feature, or functionality you are using from the stereo.
All buttons are easy to press and sturdy. The face plate itself is very light (a good thing in my opinion) and only the button portion comes off, the LCD stays attached to the unit, making it easier to carry, but the screen itself may still be enough to tempt somebody. The back button is pretty useful and works well, especially when you are new to this unit, because you WILL venture into the wrong menu several times.
You can change the color of the interface from Blue to Red, as well as change the background using the ones built into the unit, or via a flash drive by downloading wallpapers from Alpine's media website.
[Sound]
*******
The deck sounds great. I can crank it up pretty loud (with lotsa room to go higher) and everything still sounds crisp and clear. There is a ton of room for turning volume up and down on this unit, so you will be able to find the volume level that is JUST right all the time. Has separate controls for subwoofer volume and all the fun equalizer stuff you could want (gotta look in the manual for how to do it).
[Expandability]
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This thing can do pretty much anything you need, but it will cost you big money. It is ready to accept HD Radio, Sirius Satellite, Bluetooth Connectivity, and even an Imprint Sound Processor... but each accessory will cost you $150 plus. It is great they have support for these things, but they are expensive and probably could have been included in the stereo itself, especially when you consider the price tag this baby has. I knew it didn't come with these things when I bought it, but still, when they dedicated 2 of the very few buttons on the face plate to items that are not available in the unit by default, it is kind of frustrating.
There is no CD player built into this unit.
[Final Word]
**********
This is a great unit and has much to offer in the end of owning something fresh and great looking. It definitely stands out and has a nice LCD screen that is put to pretty good use. I wish you could adjust the size of the text on screen, as I like to have more words on screen over having it be more readable.
I hope there is a firmware update to add in genius functionality for the iPod/iPhone and fix the difficulties that can occur with plugging the phone in and getting it to be recognized.
I would definitely suggest this unit to anybody looking for a good deck that supports iPhone/iPod and is looking for ease of use and nice LCD screen space and use. Although it can be a difficult adjustment changing songs with the deck itself, it is stille very likely the best implementation of iPod/iPhone use in a deck to date. Hopefully we will see a firmware update that lets you control the unit from the phone.
If you are looking for expandability, then this is also your unit. You can do pretty much anything you feel if you are willing to pay the price for the addons. It has a nice lengthy USB and all the connections you need for your iPhone or iPod.
*************
* 4/5 Stars
*************

Click Here to see more reviews about: Alpine iDA-X305 - Radio / digital player - Full-DIN - in-dash - 50 Watts x 4

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- SAMSUNG T749 HIGHLIGHT ICE 3G T-MOBILE 3 MEGAPIXEL TOUCHSCREEN GSM UNLOCKED CELL PHONE Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this phone for about 18 months now and really love it. This was my first touch screen phone, so that took some adjusting to, but overall, the phone has been great. It's not a super-expensive phone, but it has lots of good features. I've never used it with a data plan and my experience has still been great. My provider allows free access to only a few sites, so I can only imagine how much better the phone would be if you paid for full web access.
My only complaint is about photo viewing; if you're scrolling through the gallery, it goes crazy trying to display the picture, flipping between landscape and portrait.

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Blackberry Curve 8330 USB Sync Cord Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The description states this is an "OEM Blackberry USB Data Cable" but I received a cable that's clearly embossed with a Motorola logo. It's probably a perfectly fine mini USB cable, but it's not what I ordered.
UPDATE: I contacted the Seller and found their customer service to be extremely fast and impressively efficient. Not only did they ship the correct cable to me right away, but also suggested I keep the cable they'd originally sent me and give it to a friend if I couldn't use it. Upgrading to 5 stars because of their customer service, plus I've already received the correct OEM cable and it works flawlessly.

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Apple iMac MB417LL/A 20-Inch Desktop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This review is intended mainly for PC users who are new to the Mac. I'm not a huge computer person, I've always had PCs, and frankly I've always thought Macs were for hippies with ponytails. I pretty much have to use a PC for my job functions, but over the last few years I've been underwhelmed by both my home and work desktop (both dells) and my home notebook (HP). I'm fed up with the windows BS - freezing for no reason, slowing down for no reason, taking forever to shutdown/startup, constantly nagging to update virus software etc. I'm ok putting up with this for my work PC, but when it was time to replace my home desktop I decided to take a look at the Mac. I'm glad I did. I went with the 2.66ghz iMac with 24" monitor and 640gig HD.First Impressions: Coming from a Dell, the iMac was pretty damn impressive right out of the box. The single box was smaller than I expected, and Amazon packed it pretty good (important because Amazon has dropped the ball on this before on other items). The 24" screen is HUGE and looks great. Setup is a breeze - it took much longer to disconnect my PC than to set this up. Just plug it in, connect to router, connect keyboard and you are ready. No, I don't miss the gigantic bundle of wires that used to be next to my desk. I was connected and playing around with this within 5 minutes of opening the box.
Pros: Beautiful screen, fast, easy to get set up and start using. The display is impressive compared to a windows PC. No dealing with virus software nagging for updates. The Time Machine feature makes it extremely easy to back up. Great overall design w/ few wires and nice touches like 2 USB inputs on the keyboard, camera built into monitor etc.
Cons: No Bluray player option (why not?). No numeric pad on keyboard (but I can't knock them for this since it is an option if you order from Apple's website). Built in speakers in monitor are pretty weak for music (I'll upgrade). I do think the "it's so intuitive to use" hype of Macs is a bit overhyped today - I think the user interface on a windows machine is just as intuitive, albeit much less visually impressive.
Where to buy: I purchased this from Amazon and I'm glad I did, as I saved about $150 vs. the Apple store. The downside to ordering on Amazon is the apple store gives you a few choices (like a numeric pad on the keyboard and wireless mouse) that Amazon does not. I initially started to purchase this from the Apple website because I wanted the numeric keypad, but as I was checking out I noticed they slapped me with sales tax of about $100 - you normally don't pay sales tax when you buy on the internet and the vendor is out of state. When I saw that I immediately cancelled my order and purchased from Amazon (plus Amazon was a bit cheaper to begin with in addition to no sales tax). Amazon also shipped it to me faster (though I have Amazon Prime), and did a good job packaging it. If you go w/ the apple store online, pay attention to sales tax your results may vary depending on your state.
Bottom line: I'm glad I got this. It's a great alternative for a home computer which I mostly use for internet and media purposes (I won't be installing excel on this machine!). It is a bit pricey compared to a PC, but it's worth it if you appreciate the impressive design, nice asthetics, great monitor, and less headache vs. a PC.

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Speedier than ever with the latest Intel dual-core processor, the Apple iMac all-in-one desktop PC packs a complete, high-performance computer into its all-in-one design, sporting a sleek, professional aluminum enclosure that's joined precisely to a 20-inch glass cover to create a virtually seamless front surface. It's powered by a 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which includes an amazingly fast 1066 MHz front-side bus speed and super-sized 6 MB L2 cache. This dual-core processor also provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multitasking, video, and gaming performance. And this iMac also gets a boost in video processing power from the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics chip with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory.
The iMac also features an ultra-thin aluminum Apple Keyboard--with dedicated keys for Mac features such as brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, and Exposé--as well as the wired Mighty Mouse. 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.
Hardware features include a 320 GB hard drive, 2 GB of RAM (with an 8 GB maximum capacity), 8x SuperDrive for burning movies to DVD and music mixes to CD, integrated 802.11n wireless LAN, Gigabit Ethernet wired networking, and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR connectivity.
Power on a Pedestal With its anodized aluminum frame set upon a sleek pedestal, the new iMac instantly transforms your workspace from cluttered desktop to brilliant display podium. Because the iMac's housing is made from a single sheet of aluminum, you won't see any seams or screws except for a single compartment on the bottom that provides easy access to the memory slots. The glossy widescreen 20-inch glass display makes photos and movies come alive with rich color. And the built-in iSight camera and microphone are integrated so neatly you barely notice they're there. Aside from the design details, the iMac is also friendlier to the environment with highly recyclable and durable materials including scratch-resistant glass and professional grade aluminum.
With its elegant anodized aluminum enclosure, the new Apple Keyboard looks equally at home in your living room or on your desk. Just connect it to the USB port on your iMac and start enjoying the crisp, responsive feel of its low-profile keys. This compact keyboard also includes special function keys for Mac features such as brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, Exposé, and more. Two USB 2.0 ports provide high-speed connectivity for your iPod, Mighty Mouse, digital camera, and other USB-based electronic devices.
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor Experience faster, more nimble application performance and improved energy efficiency with this 2.66 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Its hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--helps to reduce power consumption while delivering. powerful processing speeds. This 2.66 GHz Core 2 Duo processor is aided by a 1066 front-side bus speed and a super-sized 6 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 Intel Core 2 Duo's 128-bit SSE3 vector engine handles 128-bit computations in a single clock cycle, accelerating data manipulation by simultaneously applying a single instruction to multiple data. And its two execution cores are designed to share resources and conserve power, helping it to achieve higher levels of performance since it uses fewer watts.
Hard Drive and Memory The 320 GB Serial-ATA (SATA) hard drive (7200 RPM) quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0. The 2 GB of DDR3 RAM (two SO-DIMMs of 1 GB) have an industry leading 1066 MHz speed, and the RAM capacity can be increased to 8 GB.
Graphics and Video The 20-inch widescreen TFT active-matrix LCD offers a resolution of 1680 by 1050 pixels. It has a brightness rating of 290 cd/m2 (candela per square meter), a contrast ratio of 800:1, and a viewing angle of 160 degrees (both horizontal and vertical). The NVIDIA GeForce 9400M shares 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM with main memory. You'll notice the difference when you work with high-resolution photos and high-definition video, where graphics-intensive features in iPhoto and iMovie are smoother. And 3D game play--from Spore to Call of Duty--is faster and more responsive.
This iMac also enables you to connect a second display in either extended desktop mode or video mirroring mode. The Mini DisplayPort port offers support for DVI, dual-link DVI, and VGA video connections via an optional adapter.
Wired and Wireless Connectivity The iMac gives you plenty of room to grow, accommodating as many as six peripherals at a time thanks to its four USB 2.0 ports and the two USB 2.0 ports on the Apple Keyboard. It also includes a single powered FireWire 800 port (one of the fastest peripheral standards available)--enabling you to quickly transfer content from compatible digital video cameras, hard drives, and other high-speed devices.
Share files around your house with built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet as well as the next-generation high-speed wireless 802.11n technology, which is integrated into the latest Apple Airport Extreme Base Station. The iMac is also Wi-Fi Certified to work with base stations and routers that use industry-standard 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g wireless technologies.
The integrated Bluetooth wireless connectivity--version 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)--allows you to use a wireless keyboard or mouse, and synchronize peripherals such as cell phones and PDAs. Enjoy high-quality sound on almost any speaker system with double-duty analog/digital audio. Record digital and analog sources through audio line in, perfect for your latest podcast in GarageBand.
SuperDrive Integrated neatly into the iMac is a slot-loading SuperDrive that lets you play and burn your own CDs and DVDs--including double-layer DVDs. And there's no disc tray--just slide the disc right in. It offers the following speeds:
Writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL discs at up to 4x speed
Writes DVD-R and DVD+R discs at up to 8x speed
Writes DVD-RW at up to 6x speed and DVD+RW discs at up to 8x speed
Reads DVDs at up to 8x speed
Writes CD-R discs at up to 24x speed
Writes CD-RW discs at up to 16x speed
Reads CDs at up to 24x speed

Other Features
Built-in stereo speakers with internal 24-watt digital amplifier
Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to a 30-inch display (2560 by 1600 pixels) on an external display
Headphone/optical digital audio output (minijack)
Audio line in/optical digital audio input (minijack)
Built-in microphone
Dimensions: 19.1 x 18.5 x 7.4 inches (WxHxD)
Weight: 20 pounds

The Greenest iMac Yet The energy-efficient hardware components in the iMac work hand in hand with Mac OS X to create a system that can dynamically adjust power consumption to reduce the energy used overall. The iMac uses an advanced power management system leveraged from the technology that makes the most of battery life in Apple's MacBook family. To reduce energy consumption, the iMac hard drive spins down automatically when inactive, and it also decides which processor--CPU or GPU--is best suited to perform a task efficiently. That means when iMac is idle, it's using as little power as possible.
Apple engineers have worked hard to eliminate many of the toxins that are a common part of desktop computer manufacturing, such as choosing arsenic-free display glass for iMac. They have also removed brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from circuit boards, internal cables, connectors, insulators, adhesives, and more. And the entire iMac computer is integrated into an enclosure made from a single, solid piece of recyclable aluminum, while the display is made of recyclable glass.
The Mac mini meets the stringent low power requirements set by the EPA, giving it ENERGY STAR certification. In addition, Mac mini meets the latest efficiency requirements of ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Specification for Computers before its July 2009 effective date. It 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.

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