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PalmOne m505 Color Handheld Average Customer Review:  Electronics list price: $349.00 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Palm's simple yet elegant operating system has long been a shining light in the world of PDAs. The good news on the Palm m505 is that the Palm OS still offers a wide array of tools to gather yourpersonal and business data in a great computing environment. Unfortunately, the most touted aspectof the Palm m505--its color screen--is a disappointment. Turning it on for the first time, we wondered if we had received the monochrome version Palm m500handheld--the screen was dark and barely visible in our moderately lit office. We fumbledaround for the contrast preference, but couldn't find it. In fact, the Palm m505 has no way toadjust contrast other than to turn on the backlight. Only with the backlight activated could weactually discern the icon and screen colors, and even then the LCD screen seemed muted. On side-by-side tests with the Handspring Visor Prism, its main color competition, the Palm m505was lacking in brightness and crispness--despite both handhelds' having 16-bit displaysupport that can show up to 65,000 colors. The reason for this seems to be that Palm hassacrificed brilliance for energy efficiency. The Palm m505's rechargeable battery does, indeed, keep its charge with "normal" usage (estimatedby Palm at 40 minutes per day) for about three weeks. However, with the mandatory useof the m505's backlight, we found the battery needed more frequent charging. Luckily, charge timein the included HotSync cradle/recharger is quite short. The basic Palm applications in OS version 4.0--Address, Date Book, Memo Pad, and To DoList--remain largely unchanged, with a few tweaks here and there. For instance, the Date Book applicationnow includes a screen view with a list of the appointments and to-do items for a particular date.And like the m100 series, the Note Pad has been added for doodling and scribbling handwrittennotes (instead of writing longer tomes in the Memo Pad using the Palm's Graffiti alphabet). Palm has collected a number of bonus software titles that you can easily add to the m505 withoutdenting much of the 8 MB of memory, including AvantGo, which downloads Web news and content from avariety of sources (enabling us to keep up with Aussie Rules Football scores). The biggest testfor the color screen came with PhotoSuite, an image viewing app that displays a range of image-file formats downloaded from your PC. We found the color depth to be quite good, but the screen'slack of brightness made the images look rather muddy. Additionally, several connectivity applications from Palm's Mobile Internet Kit are provided,including the Web Clipping app for viewing Web content built specifically for Palm viewing andMultiMail SE for accessing e-mail. And, of course, there's the highly touted expansion slot forSecureDigital cards and MultiMediaCards, allowing you to add memory, content, and functionality.Unfortunately, at the time of this review, we were unable to test any of the cards offered byPalm. With its curved angles, thin design, and light weight, the Palm m505 closely resembles itspredecessor, the Palm V series handheld. And like that model, the m505 feels very comfortable bothin the palm of your hand and resting in your pocket. Also, with the Palm m505's new 33 MHzDragonball VZ processor, switching applications seemed much more immediate. The siren song of the new m500 series is indeed seductive, and Palm has done well to streamlineits basic repertoire and add some tasty new notes to the mix. However, the Palm m505 is ultimatelya disappointment due to its underwhelming color display. If you're having trouble getting thissong out of your head, the Palm m500 handheld (with all the functions of the Palm m505 but with a monochromescreen) should keep your toes tapping just fine. --Agen G.N. Schmitz Pros:
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Features Reviews (229)
The Palm M505 is the perfect companion for a student. It's small size and low price makes it perfect for somebody on the run and someone in need of a durable, compact Palm Pilot. In it's life, my Palm has been dropped numerous times, gotten soaked in water, and gotten thrown into the bottom of a backpack countless times. Again, it is perfect for anyone in need of durable database.
Asin: B00005AWCL |
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Compaq Presario 5320US Desktop (1.5-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB hard drive) + FS740 17" Flat Screen Monitor + IJ650 Color Inkjet Printer Average Customer Review: Personal Computers US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review It would be hard to go wrong with a system like the Compaq Presario 5320US. Equipped with a 1.5 GHz Pentium 4 processor, 40 GB hard disk drive, and 512 MB RAM (expandable to 1,536 MB), it has all the basics covered--and then some. For ease of use, improved multimedia, and better support of peripherals, Compaq has installed Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft's next-generation operating system. To enhance multimedia applications and Internet connectivity, this system includes a 12x (write) CD-RW and 12x DVD-ROM drive, an nVidia Vanta graphics card, a 56K modem, and a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet NIC. For convenience and added functionality, the system is bundled with a Presario FS740 17-inch flat-screen monitor and IJ650 color ink-jet printer. All these features at a price lower than most comparably equipped desktops make this system a versatile addition to any home or office. ... Read more Reviews (3)
Asin: B00005R2IQ |
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Don't buy this PC
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Creative Labs Silver Nomad Jukebox "C" (MP3/WMA) Average Customer Review:  Electronics list price: $219.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review One of our biggest frustrations with MP3 players has been their limited storage capacity. You'll typically get 64 MB via internal memory or memory cards, which provides just a little over an hour of near CD-quality MP3 audio. So when we heard that Creative was releasing a 6 GB player that can hold over 100 hours of music, it sounded perfect. Soon, we'd be rifling through a massive catalog of tunes on our little player, from Elvis Costello to LL Cool J to Miles Davis, whenever the whim struck. The Nomad Jukebox is essentially a portable hard drive with software that will play MP3 audio. Since hard drives include spinning and moving parts, this player is not ideal for active MP3 users such as joggers and snowboarders. We cracked open the box, inserted the rechargeable batteries, plugged in the AC adapter, and waited the recommended 12 hours for them to charge initially. This is a very important step. This was our second set of batteries--we didn't bother to heed Creative's initial charging directions when we first got the product, and our first set of batteries soon lost the capacity to be recharged. After installing the included software (we tested the Jukebox on a Macintosh G4 using SoundJam MP; for PCs, Creative includes PlayCenter 2) and connecting the USB cable, we quickly deleted 2 GB of starter MP3 and audiobook files and started loading our own music. We started with about 500 songs, but noticed after the load had finished that not all the songs made it onto the Jukebox. Also, the SoundJam software didn't like us doing any other work on our Mac G4, stalling out the load whenever we switched to another program. We found it was best to load in smaller numbers and to keep SoundJam up as the active application (unfortunately, not the most efficient use of computer time). The transfer rate is roughly six minutes per 100 MB, which translates to about 25 songs. (So far, we've loaded 861 songs and we still have 2.3 GB of storage left.) Once music has been transferred to the Jukebox, you need to create an active playing list by navigating one of three lists--artists, albums, and genres--then adding songs to the queue. (This points out the need for creating thorough ID3 tags, an electronic label that can include song title, track number, year, and more. ID3 tags can be created via the PlayCenter and SoundJam software manually, or they can be imported from the online CDDB database. For more information about tagging, see the Amazon.com Making MP3s Guide.) Playlists can be saved in the Jukebox, though it can be a bit tedious (there's no keyboard), and you can't add songs to an existing playlist. The Jukebox also sports some nice additions. It has a line-in recording capability (using an external microphone), which records WAV files that can be adjusted for optimal (or low-end) sound quality, and it can play audiobooks. The biggest downside to the Nomad Jukebox is its portability. As noted, it does run on rechargeable batteries, but they'll last far less than the advertised two hours. Also, this isn't the device to take jogging; its internal hard drive, though somewhat resistant to shock and motion, just won't take that kind of activity. It's really made for stationary play using its included AC adapter. It also has a few playback glitches, the biggest being that you can't fast- forward or rewind within a song. Also, there's no bookmark feature for audiobook listening--a necessity for long files. Ultimately, the Creative Nomad Jukebox isn't perfect and isn't suited for everyone's MP3 needs. But it has become a staple of our gadget life--it travels with us daily to the office and hooks in nicely into stereo systems, both at home and at friends' houses. Someday, we'll all wonder what we did without an MP3 jukebox. --Agen G.N. Schmitz Pros:
Features Reviews (17)
Because I liked the concept of the Nomad I purchased another.The batteries did work a little better this time, for a while, but now (again past the 90 days) I am getting very little battery life again.I assume I am stuck with a unit that only plays plugged in. I bought it for my wife to walk with........Oh, well. ... Read more Asin: B00005ICCZ |
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Sony MVCFD75 Mavica 0.3MP Digital Camera Average Customer Review:  Electronics list price: $499.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review The Sony Mavica MVC-FD75 is an easy-to-use digital camera that offers a 10x optical zoom lens not normally found on an entry-level model. The nearly universal floppy is the storage medium of choice. The 640 x 480 resolution is great for e-mailing, posting on the Web, or making small prints (no larger than 3-by-4 inches). There are a number of programmed exposure modes that help you take pictures in just about any circumstance, and an auto white balance makes sure your colors remain true. For macro lovers, there's an integrated auto macro mode, which lets you take pictures up close. Images are captured in the JPEG format by default, but you can also record uncompressed bitmaps. ... Read more Features Reviews (63)
Asin: B00005A3MB |
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Philips Magnavox 25TR19C 25" TV Average Customer Review:  Electronics list price: $259.00 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Philips Magnavox's 25TR19C 25-inch TV incorporates a dark-glass picture tube, black stretch circuitry, and SmartPicture technology for an enhanced, realistic picture with customized color settings. The 181-channel tuner supports trilingual (English, Spanish, and French) onscreen setup and programming. The pair of five-inch full-range speakers deliver cinematic sound. The SmartSound Plus system optimizes the audio of all your favorite programs and broadcasts with four different custom settings (movie, music, voice, and personal) and bass, treble, and balance combinations. SmartSound also keeps consistent volume levels between programs and commercials, and from one channel to another. Convenient features include V-chip parental control, an onscreen clock with a sleep/alarm timer, closed captioning, programmable scan tuning, and an RF input for cable or antenna. A universal remote control is included. Philips Magnavox provides a one-year warranty on parts and 90 days on labor. ... Read more Features Reviews (6)
Asin: B00004SSS7 |
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Sanyo SR-172W Compact Refrigerator Average Customer Review: Kitchen list price: $149.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review It's so nearly a cube, you could paint dots on the sides and roll it around the dorm instead of a die--but no doubt that has already been tried. For more mundane purposes, this is a good small refrigerator unit with everything you need. There's storage space for milk, juice, butter, and more in the door, a 6-by-6-inch freezer compartment with two ice trays, a removable center rack, and a simple dial for thermostat control. All inside surfaces are easy-to-clean plastic. --Richard Farr ... Read more Features Reviews (7)
Inside, its perfect for holding sodas or beer or what not and holds more than you would think. This unit is not the best for bottled beers though, you have to take out the only rack inside which holds the drip tray. All in all, this is a great compact refrigerator. ... Read more Asin: B00004SACR |
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Toastmaster 6432 Eclipse Double Burner Average Customer Review:  Kitchen list price: $39.99 -- our price: $34.99 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Excellent for buffets or cooking at the office, campground, or workshop, this portable two-burner cooking range delivers 1,500 watts of power and looks great. A separate control adjusts each burner's heat so two foods can be cooked simultaneously at different temperatures. (Cook linguine on one burner, simmer pesto-cream sauce on the other.) The burners are solid disks for easy cleanup and measure 7-5/8 and 5-5/8 inches in diameter. Overall, the appliance is 19 inches wide by 11-1/2 inches deep by 3 inches high. The exterior is black metal, and the double burner carries a one-year warranty against defects. --Fred Brack ... Read more Features Reviews (14)
Asin: B00005B6YS |
$34.99 |
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Panasonic 1.0-Cubic-Foot Family-Size Microwave, Black Average Customer Review:  Kitchen list price: $99.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review This 1.0-cubic-foot, 1000-watt microwave oven is perfect for an active familywhose appetites light up on different timetables. It includes technology that eliminates the"pulsing" of 100-percent power and idleness to achieve different power levels and insteadoffers true multipower settings. Preparing meals on the 12-inch turntable is made simplerby the control panel's offering of five food categories available at the push of a button.Features include an auto-reheat button that permits reheating of foods by simply enteringthe number of servings (up to four); auto defrosting; a Quick Minute button for adding topreset cooking times; and a popcorn setting. The oven weighs 23 pounds. Its interiormeasures 13-7/8 inches wide, 8-7/8 inches high, and 14-1/8 inches deep. Its exteriormeasures 20-1/8 inches wide, 12 inches high, and 15-3/16 inches deep. --FredBrack ... Read more Features Reviews (1)
Asin: B00005QFKY |
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Track Tree Floor Lamp Average Customer Review:  Misc. list price: $16.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Reviews (26)
Asin: B00005OU0P |
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Windmere C-163 12-Inch Oscillating Stand Fan Average Customer Review:  Kitchen list price: $22.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Features Reviews (5)
Asin: B00005N6K1 |
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3-Drawer Organizer Average Customer Review: Tools & Hardware list price: $29.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Reviews (11)
Asin: B00005OU7D |
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Panasonic SC-PM11 Executive Microsystem Average Customer Review: Electronics list price: $189.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review The compact SCPM11 by Panasonic gives you the convenience of a five-CD changer system with a cassette deck, dual two-way speakers, and a powerful 90 watts (1 kHz, 6 ohms, 10 percent total harmonic distortion) of output, all in one package. The center unit houses the amp, which offers up to 45 watts per channel, a 3-D space EQ with six different modes (disco, hall, live, heavy, clear, soft), a five-CD changer with direct play capability, an auto reverse cassette deck, and a digital AM/FM tuner. The CD player offers program/repeat/random play modes and direct play, so you can play the disc of your choice at the push of a button, along with continuous play for hours of uninterrupted music. The feather-touch cassette deck features auto reverse and internal analog recording. The digital synthesizer tuner has 24-station preset memory (12 AM, 12 FM). This model incorporates a two-way, two-speaker system, features a backlit LCD screen, and comes with a push-button remote control for easy operation. The Panasonic SCPM11 comes with a warranty of one year on parts and 90 days on labor. ... Read more Features Reviews (13)
In the [local store], my wife thought the PANASONIC SC-PM11 "cute". I was more impressed by the price - [money amount]less than list price elsewhere. And we both thought the sound quality excellent. Once home with our new toy, we suspected we'd made the right choice when the cat woke up and came over to watch as we unpacked the box. Usually, she ignores our homecoming. Outside its carton, everything about the SC-PM11 is compact - the main unit, speakers, and remote control. Small enough to take into the doghouse if the spouse banishes you there. For us, the main unit fits nicely on a shelf of the living room entertainment center, with the speakers on the top. The system's silver and grey exterior and the orange background of the LCD display don't match the center's dark walnut finish, but what would? The remote joins a growing pile (TV, cable box, VHS player, DVD player). At first, I wondered about the usefulness of a remote, but this particular system has radio and CD listening features only accessible through the hand-held device: pre-setting of radio stations and their subsequent recall, selecting repeat and random play modes for CDs, creating custom programs of CD tracks. I'd better not lose the remote in the couch cushions. But what about the sound? Those little speakers are amazing. Just to see how high they'd go, we cranked up our favorite CD of the moment, the CHICAGO soundtrack, to the point where Catherine Zeta-Jones's rendition of "All That Jazz" had the windows vibrating. We chickened out and turned it down before the neighbors called the police, but it's nice to know we can be a public nuisance if we so choose. There are built-in sound quality/field settings that can be chosen: Heavy (for music needing an "added punch"), Clear (for treble range clarity), Soft (for elevator music), Disco (for lengthy reverberations), Live (for "more alive" vocals), and Hall (for concert hall expansiveness). And, to enhance the bass and treble effects, there's the SUPER SOUND EQ button. Audio snobs will perhaps scoff at these one-button gimmicks, but my needs are less discriminating and they'll do fine. Finally, the Operating Instructions are impressively lucid. The multitudinous features are illustrated, numbered and page referenced, and there's a nice mix of bold-face, boxed and highlighted type to call attention to the important stuff. And the cat? She jumped into the box once we got it emptied and looked eminently pleased with her new snoozing spot.
The most important thing that I discovered about the system when it arrived was that it does indeed have an auxilary input -- the specs either say that it doesn't or are not clear about that. The Aux-In is important if you plan on hooking up your DVD player, Playstation, or MP3 player. I bought thinking that it wouldn't have one but was pleasantly surprised to find that it did. Otherwise the SC-PM11 is a very powerful stereo in a small amount of space. The 5 CD changer works well, and allows random play from one or all five discs. Buttons allow one-touch playing of any of the 5 CDs, and the sound is very good. The radio has good reception, and comes with an external antenna for improved reception. Graphic equalizer is of the pre-set variety, but at least one of the settings should be good for whatever kind of music you are playing. Tape player is fine, and supposedly allows timed-recordings of programs, which is a nice feature. Minor problems include the time it takes to switch between CDs, which can be as much as 20 seconds before it starts the next song, and the noise of the changer which is quite noticable. Some of the functions are only available from the remote, which I consider a mistake in case anyone loses the remote, and the buttons on both the remote and the unit itself are not very well laid out. The CD player seems overly sensitive to scratched CDs. All of these are minor inconveniences though, and the fact that it's a very powerful yet compact 5 CD system at a low price make this a wise purchase. ... Read more Asin: B00005BICY |
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