Reviews: Bluetooth Headset: Plantronics Voyager 510, Sale: 63% off

Bluetooth Headset: Plantronics Voyager 510, Bluetooth Headset Sale: 63% off

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Save: $63.46 (63%)

• Windsmart Technology allows you to seamlessly switch between two Bluetooth® devices
• Noise-canceling microphone for superior sound quality
• Up to 6 hours talk time and up to 100 hours standby time
• One-touch call answer/end, last number redial and voice activated dialing
• Compatible with Bluetooth devices supporting the headset or hands-free profile

REVIEWS: Review By Doug (Salem, OR USA) - I use this headset with a Blackberry 7100. Overall it is a good headset. Although not louder than other headsets, having earpieces that partially insert in the ear canal makes the volume more effective. The mic picks up your voice well while screening background noise pretty effectively. However, the mic is very sensitive to wind noise...we're talking slight breeze here. The foam cover helps a little bit, but not enough. This makes it difficult to use outside. I typically have to duck into the nearest building when I'm trying to talk on the sidewalk. The fit is good, although it is a two handed task getting it on correctly. Glasses interfere with the fit due to the over-the-ear design, so it takes a little work to get the two to cooperate...usually moving the temple arm of your glasses up out of the way, seating the headset and then putting the temple arm back on your ear in a not-so-comfortable position. It has a descent set of controls, but unfortunately they're not always user friendly.

As other reviewers point out, the connect/disconnect button is at the center of the ear piece at the base of the mic arm. Having it up against something solid makes it easy to push with one finger...no fumbling with the mic arm trying to squeeze a button. Down side is if the headset doesn't fit snugly in your ear, you have a tendancy to push it in and sometimes hit the disconnect button. The solution is to use an ear piece that fits snug or grab the mic arm to push in on it.

On big weakness of this headset design is the multi-function power switch. As one other reviewer pointed out, you really have to remove the headset to use it. This isn't a big deal when turning the headset on or off due to its auto-standy feature (which is nice), but this switch also controls the volume and mute. Attempting to use these features when wearing the headset is usually unsuccessful because the switch is so small it's hard to find and there's little or no tactile feedback. If you do manage to find and manipulate it, the headset usually becomes dislodged from your ear and you have to refit it. I've just resorted to using the volume and mute control on my phone.

The auto-standby feature automatically puts the headset in standby mode to preserve the battery when not in use for ? minutes. When a call comes in, it activates by sounding a tone to alert you to the call which you can answer by pushing the connect button. This feature is not unique to this headset.

Last negative is I sometimes get clicking noises in the headset. I don't know if this is the phone or the headset, but it can be very irritating especially if you need the volume up loud to overcome background noise. However, I have experienced the same thing, but worse, with other BT headsets, e.g. Motorola.

Having pointed out all the negatives, I've tried both the Motorola 850 and 500 and this Plantronics peforms better for less money.

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By S. B. Gould (Mid West, USA) - This is my second BlueTooth headset, after a Jabra, and is a definite improvement. Crystal clear sound, good range and is very comfortable to wear. Has quite stellar sound cancellation too.

I am not a big fan of devices which stick in your ear canal and the Voyager uses a different approach with various size foam pads that rest against the opening in your ear, but not in it.

Other reviewers have made comment about the size of the power button. Yes, it is small and odd-shaped, but who cares? It's easy enough to use unless you have very odd shaped hands and no thumb.

Now to the issue of battery life. Plantronics claim days, other users have reported hours of life. I believe I have figured out why this occurs. I use this headset with a Nokia 6600 and found that if you terminate the call with the phone instead of the headset, the headset remains connected to the phone via BlueTooth, draining the battery even when not on a call. If you terminate a call with the button on the headset, it will break the BlueTooth connection with the phone (after a couple of minutes) and you will get the days of battery life Plantronics claim. To remake the connection, you have to press the button on the side of the headset - the connection may take several seconds to hook up. Not sure if this is a bug with the BlueTooth protocol, the phone, or the headset. Personally, I have found that BlueTooth is not a very well implemented protocol by most manufacturers.

In summary, well worth buying, especially at the bargain prices it is currently being offered at.

HP KQ 246 AA Reviews, Webcam Sale 51%, HP KQ246AA 8.0MP

HP KQ 246 AA Reviews, Webcam Sale $25.59 (51%), HP KQ246AA 8.0MP

Up to 8-Megapixel still image capture with software interpolation.

1.3-Megapixel sensor with Autofocus in a small form factor webcam.
Certified high-speed USB 2.0: take full advantage of your broadband access and enjoy up to 30 frames per second for smooth and natural body motion.

Integrated wide angle microphone capture your voice from any position.
Tilt and Pan: easily adjust your webcam to let you show what you want while maintaining a stable connection to your monitor.

REVIEWS: L. Mulkern (Portland, OR United States) This is a great value if you want to communicate with friends and family, but if you are looking to make videos to post on youtube or something I suggest finding a webcam with better picture quality, because it's no better than the basic built-in webcams that laptops are now coming with. Picture quality is decent, but it comes out very grainy. Don't be fooled by the "8 megapixels", quality doesn't improve with higher resolution, the pictures are just a bigger size. The video is always VGA quality (460x680), and pictures I've taken with higher resolution are still very grainy. The software is easy to install, doesn't slow down my computer at all, and has some fun features and add-ons. you can adjust the color balance, saturation, contrast, etc, and also broadcast seasonal frames or put your head on funny characters.

The camera itself kind of balances on the top of my screen. At first I wanted to return it but after learning how to adjust it to fit on my screen I decided it was ok to keep. I wish it clipped on so was more secure, but as long as the laptop is stationary, the camera stays in place. It's trickier to use when I have the computer on my lap and I'm moving it around (so that's a minus on the portability factor). I like that the camera can pan around both up and down and side to side. The built-in mic works well.

I use this with Skype on a 3yr old Toshiba laptop w/ Windows XP daily, and I think it's at an excellent price through Amazon right now. Due to the less than perfect picture quality and the fact that the camera stand doesn't stay secure, I'm rating it four stars

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Mr Mac "Caller" (Virginia USA)

I use this until with my XP Home Edition LT. The camera works as advertised. I haven't had any problems with it. I think the software is awful and really doesn't do anything to control the unit. XP Home will reject it occasionally as an unknown even though it was working fine before the last shut down. I haven't had any mounting problems on my LT although the cord is a little stiff. It works well with Skype. I'm thinking it's more AIM software than this unit for it's really jerky using AIM. The built in Mic works great! If you're using it to talk to friends and family, I don't think you can beat it for the price. I would recommend it for that purpose.

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E. Estrada "Single Dad of 4" (Peoria, AZ)This is my first webcam for home use. I bought it for 2 reasons. One I have a HP computer, monitor and speakers--so it all matches and it fits perfectly on my monitor. Two it has a built in micro phone. All of it made sweeter because it was the best price of other products in the same catagory.

As for picture quality, we have direct 100 Mbps internet line at work to transmit and the quality of the picture (including choppiness) is the same and work has top of the line vidcams.

Since it was my first webcam I had to figure out how to get link with the internet, but that's common when you get a new piece of hardware. It took me about half an hour to get it to work and then chatted with my friend in another state. Picture quality and sound quality is good.

I have windows Vista, so I get the warning window saying HP application for the webcam is not operating when I log in to my account for the first time after computer is turned on for the day, but that is the only negative I have to say. You can turn on this webcam from the buttons on top of the unit so you don't have to have desktop icons if you don't want them.

The unit has a motion detector. I guess that is for keeping tabs on your children, nanny, house keeper, or cleaning service without them knowing. But as a security cam it would be useless--the thief that broke into your home will steal the recording unit hard drive, your computer! Ha Ha! My home was broken into last year and the computer I am writing this review on is an insurance replacement--having your home broken into sucks..so I can kid and laugh about!

Axion AXN 8701 REVIEWS, Axion AXN-8701 Sale: 20% OFF 7-Inch LCD TV

Axion AXN 8701 REVIEWS, Axion AXN-8701 on Sale, 7-Inch Handheld LCD TV, Built-In Tune

Save: $25.51 (20%)

7-Inch widescreen LCD portable handheld TV Built-in NTSC/ATSC tuner for both analog and digital channels Built-in antenna allows for easy repositioning for better reception A/V input for external audio/video sources Includes AC adaptor, instruction manual, remote control, external antenna, car adapter, and A/V cables

Axion AXN-8701 REVIEWS:

By packhawk (Minnesota)
I bought this unit to replace an old black and white emergency TV. I plan to use this while I exercise and for travel. I have only used it a day, but am so far very impressed. Plugged it in to charge the battery and turned it on and it started scanning for channels. It gets all the channels that my big TV with a converter box gets. I have not yet even had to use the external antenna, the built in antenna is working great for me. The reception is great, all over my house, but I do live close to a major metropolitan area. (The analog signals it picks up are a bit fuzzy, but the digital are great.) If you are having trouble with the reception, don't blame this TV, blame your location and weak digital signals from the TV stations.

I love the portability of the unit. While watching a game, I can take it into any room of my house and I look forward to taking it outside to watch TV on my patio. The unit itself seems well-built and sturdy. I like the fold-out stand in the back and it has a tripod mount on the bottom. I have not yet tested the battery life, but the 100 minutes as advertised in the manual seems quite reasonable. Note, the car charger does not charge the battery.

As much as I like the TV, I can't give it five stars for these minor issues. I wish the options on the remote, such as the guide, where available from the unit's menu controls. The antenna is not adjustable toward the front, only side to side or back. And as others have noted, I wish the remote had volume adjustment, but it does have a mute. The unit does have brightness adjustment, but not color. A carrying case, or some type of screen protector, would be a nice addition. Would also like to see a foldable handle or something to make it easier to carry. I also have to knock the instruction manual for all its typos. Finally, I think it seems a bit expensive, just for a little TV.

If you are in the market for a portable digital TV, this one should work for you until other options become available. And again, don't blame this TV for the limitations of digital TV if you are having reception trouble. Any station that is fuzzy in analog will be all or nothing with digital.

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By Frazier Douglass "Avid Camper" (Madison, AL)
I bought this portable TV as a replacement for an old analog TV that I used when camping. After unpacking the TV, I was able to quickly read the instructions, review basic functions, scan for chanels, and watch programs. The color and clarity of digital broadcasts were outstanding; the picture quality of analog broadcasts was acceptable; the remote was easy to use; the speakers were acceptable; the compact external antenna works reasonably well; and TV controls were user friendly. It also has a convenient ear phone jack for improved sound quality.

Overall, I would rate the TV very high but I noted three limitations. The first and most troublesome limitation is station reception. Reception of digital broadcast signals is much more sensitive than reception of old analog signals. When I first scanned for stations, I was seated in a bay window dining area of my brick home. In this position, I was unable to lock onto several local stations with broadcast towers within 25 miles. I bought an external antenna from Radio Shack, but the antenna did not significantly improve reception. Then I decided to try the TV outside on my deck. In this location, channel reception was much better. Apparently the house structure (brick?) interferes with signal reception. Hopefully, reception will be ok in most campgrounds.

The second limitation of this TV is that it does not operate with disposable batteries. When electricity is unavailable, you use the internal rechargable battery that reportedly lasts about 2 hours. My past experience with such batteries leads me to believe that the length of charge will get significantly shorter after a few uses. Thus, I probably will not be able to watch very long in campsites with no electricity. Unfortunately, we must live with this limitation because there are no small portable digital TVs on the market at the present time that operate on disposable batteries.

The final limitation is a minor one. Although it is designed to accept a screw in platform or tripod, no such stabilizing device was included in the package. The TV is sold literally as a hand-held TV. Fortunately, the platform for my old analog TV fit perfectly and I am now able to set the TV on a table top or on the floor or my tent and watch hands free TV.

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By jr_Tech (Portland OR)
I ordered this TV from Amazon to be used on rooftops and in attics to adjust TV antennas for optimum over-the-air reception of DTV channels. Very few battery operated DTV portables are available at this time, and this appeared to be the best choice. The problem is, this TV is *too* cute, and as soon as I had opened the box I heard "oh what a cute TV, it's PERFECT for the kitchen!" ARRGH! foiled again!

Indeed, the set is perfect for the Kitchen, and 12 miles from the transmitters, we receive all of the local channels with the supplied antenna stuck (magnetic base) to the refrigerator. Works GREAT!

I don't miss remote volume control (there is a mute), but am surprised that the remote does not have a "last channel" button! This oversight cost this fine set one star in my rating.

Canon Digital Rebel XSi REVIEWS, Digital Rebel XSi Sale: 20% Discount

Canon Digital Rebel XSi REVIEWS, Canon Digital Rebel XSi on Sale, 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Save: $150.00 (20%)

12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints Large 3.0-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; improved Autofocus and framing rate EOS Integrated Cleaning system, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software

Canon Digital Rebel XSi REVIEWS:

J. Huang (New Haven, CT USA)
I was deciding between a Canon 40D and this camera. For me, the form factor is a big plus, because I plan on lugging this onto an airplane along with my laptop in my carryon. I tend not to abuse my electronics too much, so the whole question of plastic body on the XSi vs. a metal body for the 40D wasn't an issue for me. Two points that favored the 40D: the continuous RAW mode is better (for baby's first steps, or sports) and the kit lens for the 40D is more versatile (a little wider than 35mm and out to 5X zoom, vs 3X zoom on the XSi kit lens). For me, it wasn't worth the extra cost (*edit*: with the instant rebate on the 40D right now from Canon, about $300 difference).

I decided to splurge on a DSLR over an point-and-shoot because I always got frustrated with sunset and lowlight shots with my point-and-shoot (I have an Olympus Stylus 400). Either the picture would be blown out or too dark. Also, indoor shots without flash would often be too grainy because of the inferior image processing in my pocket camera. Much less of a problem with a DSLR, where I've been able to twiddle with the ISO and the aperture to get decent shots in all the above-mentioned situations.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with this product. 4 stars because Canon doesn't include a SD card in the kit.

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By Drifter (NYC, NY)
This review is strictly comparison of image quality of these four SLRs, I am completely leaving out ergonomics, features, size of LCD etc.

After shooting 100s of shots and pixel peeping images of identical scenes.

Color reproduction:
1st: Nikon D60
2nd: Canon XTi and Canon XSi
4th: Olympus E420

D60 has sliglty more vibrant and punchier colors than the Canons. Casual user will be much happier with Nikon over the other three. XSi and XTi and identical in this regard inspite of the former's 14-bit A/D converison advantage. Upgarding from XTi to XSi will not give any advantage in real world improvements in terms of color reproduction.

Image Noise (at 400 and 1600 ISO)
1st: Canon XTi
2nd: Canon XSi
3rd: Nikon D60
3rd: Olympus E420

XTi has the least image noise, as it has less megapixels in the same area CMOS sensor when compared XSi. D60's CCD is noisier but it also has more color information at higher ISOs where Canons mutes colors to suppress the noise. E420 smaller LiveMOS sensor has worst of both worlds. It's images are as Noisy as D40 but colors are as muted as Canon's.

If you factor in the prices, the best choices are either XTi for D60. The trade off is between better color and less noise.

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By Anne L. Dombek (Fall River, MA)
This is the best camera in it's price range for an amateur photographer. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because I did have a problem with it. I got the dreaded error 99. I took a few pictures fine. Then within the first 24 hours of having it, I got this error. I couldn't take a single picture without the error coming into the screen. I did some online research and contacted Canon, but none of the "solutions" fixed it. Canon said that they'd either fix mine, or send a refurbished one. I didn't want a refurbished one after paying full price.

I contacted amazon, and they couldn't have been any more helpful. They replied right away with directions on sending it back and a return label. They sent it with next day shipping, which was what I had my first camera sent with. I waited until I got it to send mine back. I haven't had any problems at all with the second camera. Some knowledge is needed for certain settings, but even a beginner could easily adapt or even use the Auto setting with auto focus, and still get decent photos.

Canon Powershot SX10 IS REVIEWS, 11% Sale Powershot SX10IS

Canon Powershot SX10 IS 10MP Digital Camera REVIEWS, Powershot SX10IS on Sale

Save: $45.04 (11%)

10.0-megapixel resolution for high-quality printing and flexibility when editing 20x optical zoom, wide-angle lens and Optical Image Stabilizer; improved speed and quiet zooming 2.5-inch Vari-angle LCD; DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves Face Detection MovieSnap mode lets you capture high-resolution still images while shooting a movie Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards

Canon Powershot SX10 IS REVIEWS:
By N. Phillips (Bismarck, ND USA)
I purchased the SX10IS because I really liked my S3IS but I wanted the 10MP so that I could print out large high quality prints of my wildlife pictures. I haven't had a lot of time to test the camera out, but one thing that I have found that I really am disappointed with is the new video format. The old AVI format is much more compatible with my programs then the new MOV format. Also, the SX10 only offers two video qualities, both at 30 fps. The S3 offered 5 different video capture settings. I made full use of the video mode on my S3, so I was really upset to see the changes.

The 20X optical is really nice, unless you need more zoom, because you are not able to attach a telephoto lens. I have a telephoto lens that attaches to my S3 which really gives me the extra zoom that I wanted (about 36X optical), however it needs a lot of light to produce good pictures and takes up a lot of room in my camera case. The SX10 does have threads that accept a 52mm UV filter or polarized filter, even though canon won't admit it. It is bigger and heavier than the S3, but not enough to cause problems. Both the S3 and the SX10 auto modes are a let down in low light conditions, however for the amateur wildlife photographer the auto modes will allow you to quickly take good quality pictures without any adjustment from the user. In low light conditions a tripod and manual camera adjustment are a must to get good pictures.

Conclusion: For the $$$ it appears to be a good buy for 20X 10MP camera. I would have liked to see the same video settings as the S3, especially the lower resolution 60 fps option and the cameras auto focus doesn't do as well at full zoom as expected. Maybe I should have waited for the SX1 to get down to a reasonable price, or just purchased the S5IS.

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By Robert George-Johannes Tactius "to_glow" (Rainier, Oregon)
The Powershot SX10 IS is the best overall camera you can purchase for the money. Money saving features are as follows: AA batteries, SD Card, 28mm to 560mm lens. Batteries are a big thing. Rechargeables will not last forever, they wear even if you aren't using them. When you need batteries, at the last minute, you can use Alkaline AA. For your typical tourist activities the lens will be more than enough. The SD cards are the cheapest around.

The one additional feature Canon Powershot SX10 has is the menu/picture review screen. The screen works much like the screens on Digital Camcorders. It allows moving the camera overhead and around corners or is just convenient for use when taking self-portraits on a timer. You can rotate the screen around to point in the same direction as the lens.

No other camera, other than the SX1 IS w/CMOS, combines all these features. Since the SX1 IS is currently only being sold in Europe and Asia, at the time of this review, and any warranty work would be problematic this leaves out this camera. It's an extra $300-$400 extra the same price as a SLR, but you still have AA batteries and SD card.

The picture quality is great, the addition of full manual control, VHS quality video and a High Speed ISO makes this camera a great buy and a bargain.

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By Bill Taylor "BillT4" (San Francisco, CA USA)
I purchased the Canon PowerShot SX10IS shortly before our vacation last month and I had a lot of fun learning its features during our trip and took many, many pictures and lots of video. I am not a camera expert nor a big photo person but I found the camera easy to use (reading the manual from time to time was important). I especially liked the ability to zoom in and out while taking video. I would recommend the camera, great value for the price, but it does have a couple deficiencies and an ease-of-use problem that need correction. I hope you are listening, Canon.

First, the lens cap will not stay on. We finally gave up and did without it, which probably limits the camera's life.

Second, the battery life is limited. During those days when I used the camera alot, I ran through a set of four alkaline AA batteries in one day. Be sure to have lots of extra batteries on hand! (Especially of you review your pictures at the end of the day, this seems to eat up lots of energy, so we stopped doing that.)

Third, as other reviewers have noted, the control knob is difficult to learn how to use. Thankfully one of the other reviewers on Amazon gave me some insight. I am now able to adjust shutter speed, aperture, etc.

Overall I love using Canon Powershot SX10.

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R. Baker "Pete" (Florida)
After having never owned anything other than a point and shoot digital, I decided to upgrade. I received my Canon Powershot SX10 a few days after Thanksgiving and have really enjoyed its options and possibilities. Although I've had some foopaas, which was not the equipment, but the operator, I've gotten mostly positive results. Of course, I'm still learning and practicing.

The zoom power is what I was looking for - its great. I find the handling of the camera comfortable and easy. I have been using a tripod for some shots which gives it great stability for portraits and nature shots. I took it to a Hank Williams concert and only got blurs. I think I need a bit more practice and understanding of the operation of this camera. If you are just stepping up to a better quality camera with more possibilities than a point and shoot, I recommend this one.

Hoover U5140-900 reviews, 32% Sale: Hoover U5140-900, Vacuums sale

Hoover U5140-900 reviews, Hoover U5140-900 Vacuums sale

Save: $31.99 (32%)

• Headlight illuminates cleaning path
• Powerful 12-amp motor; 15-inch cleaning width
• Allergen filtration system captures dust mites, ragweed, common pollens
• Check-bag indicator, easy-open bag door
• Onboard dusting brush, furniture nozzle, crevice tool, 2 extension wands; 1-year warranty

Consumer Reviews:

By New Mommy (Roanoke, VA) q3d4kthm9c Our 30+ year old Hoover bit the dust, so to speak, at an inoportune time. We invested in this guy until we could afford a more elaborate/expensive model. Having owned Hoover U5140-900 for 6 months or so now, I have not had any problems with it. It runs like a dream. The suction is fantastic. It cleans better than our old Hoover ever hoped to. The cord is good and long. I can typically get about 2/3 of our 30 foot living room done without having to unplug and replug the cord. And I love how easy the attachments are to get to and "install." I do notice that I have to run it slowly on our bare floors. If not, it will occasionally kick larger pieces of debris back at me. And with a 3 year old in the house, there is often much debris. Yes, it's a noisy little bugger. But no noisier than our old Hoover. I do not like that the beater bar runs while using the attachments and that the attachment hose is so short. Those are the two things that prevent me from giving Hoover U5140-900 5 stars.

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By Otis Cohodes (North)
This is an excellent vacuum for *carpeting*. Hoover U5140-900 has possibly the best vacuum action of any model or brand. However, because of its tremendous suction and not being self propelled, the unit may be a bit too much for some users because of the slight extra effort needed to move around. Pulling backward is a bit harder than moving the vacuum forward. This may not be a good choice for individuals who already have difficulty manuveuring a vacuum. I find it very easy to move around and I think most others will also.

On *bare floors*, this machine is fair at best. It will suck up well but it tends to scatter some debris because of the rotating brush. Hoover U5140-900 is not designed well for bare floor cleaning. I accept it because of the excellent carpet cleaning. Cleaning the bare floors is not so bad. It just takes some extra time to go back over the areas that need it.

The on-board attachments; limited cleaning functionality. The hose is short which limits your reach. A hose extension would solve this limitation. Otherwise, all the needed basic attachments are right there on the vacuum.

The vacuum is lightweight and requires an inexpensive, common type "Y" vac bag. It has a gauge to indicate how full the bag is and to assess the vacuum action. An adjustable height control on the front base of the machine requiring hand adjustment. Some reviewers fault it for a short cord but I do not. It certainly is not longer than the average. This is a non-issue with me.

Hoover U5140-900 deserves a 6 star rating for carpet cleaning but it does have limitations in other areas. My carpets have been revived by using this machine. It's vac action pulls up the carpet fibers, releasing any dirt lodged beneath and between the fibers. When done, the carpeting looks nearly as if it was recently installed. The initial first 3-4 vacuumings (500 sq. ft.) filled up 2 different bags. Not that we have a dirty house, but what the previous vac didn't get (which is a good vac also). I have been totally amazed how well this machine cleans a carpet.

I purchased Hoover U5140-900 on Amazon and believe I got an excellent bargain. Have plenty of vac bags on hand if you decide to purchase it.

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By boz kurt "veezy.com" (Seattle)
What can I say? Not a high-end, well-constructed product, as other reviewers have noted, but Hoover U5140-900 does what it says it does and does it well. I have used canister vacs for years because of all my small area carpets and throw rugs, and have generally kept a very short loop carpet under them. When I moved, all I could find to put under my area rugs that I could get installed in my new place in time was a short wool pile. After pulling up the old loop carpet upon moving out and seeing all the fine dirt that had sifted through, I just knew that a canister wasn't going to do the trick here, especially with all that wool carpets shed. I bought this vacuum to get up all the dirt through the longer pile and get up all the shedded fibers I knew my new carpet was going to produce. Yes, the bags do fill up quickly, especially if you have a new carpet like I do. But that is exactly what I bought this cleaner for. Would those of you who complain about the bags filling up too quickly really rather have all that filth and/or lint in a vacuum bag or on your floors??!! Hoover U5140-900 has all the suction one could want and then some. It filled up one bag per cleaning for the first several vacuum sessions (for about 200 sq ft of carpet), but has now slowed down to one bag per two vacuums. (I ordered lots of extra bags when I ordered the vacuum, and recommend others do the same!) My carpet looks spectacular after every vacuum. Despite owning four indoor dogs!

I do not find that the edge cleaner is a stellar performer, but I still have my canister for that. I don't find, as other reviewers have, that this is a heavy cleaner. It is easy for me to carry around, easy to maneuver, and virtually propels itself. Hoover U5140-900 fits under all but my lowest furniture, and the light is a tremendous help under the bed. Although the suction power is enormous, if you follow instructions and tilt it back at the edges of area rugs, you won't have a problem. You must still, however, exercise extreme caution around fringes, wires, and other objects that might tear off or become entangled in the rotator brush. Knock on wood, my cleaner hasn't eaten anything it shouldn't yet. But I am sure it will if I give it a chance!

As for the several reviewers who have complained about the cord getting in the way, they should read the instructions as well, and clip the cord to the little clip near the handle. The cord won't get in the way at all then! However, just when I was going to say I didn't have any problems with the cover falling off, mine did. It stays on well enough, however, and if there comes a time when it doesn't, I'll just tape it on like one other reviewer does. I see the complaints about attachment use, but can't comment, as I use my canister for those chores, which makes much more sense.

Basing my review on quality and construction, I have to give this product 4 stars. However, based on value for the dollar, Hoover U5140-900 certainly deserves 5. I paid more for my old canister 9 years ago, and paid even more for its used replacement, in which I am sorely disappointed, a few months ago. If this vacuum lasts two years or more, I am sure it would have to go to 5 stars, no matter what.

Hoover U5140-900 reviews, Hoover U5140-900 Vacuums sale

Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000: Sale: (29%)

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Logitech QuickCam Pro 9000

By LF Shooter "Ted" (Pasadena, CA USA) - See all my reviews As a Linux user, I bought this particular model after reading several reviews & other info I found on the net that said it was Linux-compatible. I can say that it works just fine with Ubuntu Linux v8.04 ("Hardy Heron") and Ubuntu v8.10 ("Intrepid Ibex").

The easiest way to test the webcam is with Ekiga, the webcam-VOIP application that's bundled with Ubuntu (and is downloadable for other distros). I also subscribed to this (free) service, which also works just fine (and is supposed to be Windoze-compatible, too -- good thing, as my sister is a die-hard Vista-phile). Stepping through the Ekiga setup panels (subscribing isn't necessary to do this) allows you to configure and test the audio & video streams the webcam produces. Plus, once you've gotten that far, using it in Ekiga is sorta slam-dunk. I have no plans to use it with Skype; Skype uses a proprietary protocol, whereas Ekiga uses an 'open' protocol.

Note that under Linux, you will not need (and cannot use) the enclosed CDROM of Windows/Mac software. This webcam is UVC-compliant and works automatically with V4L2 (Video For Linux v2). Ubuntu 8.04 & 8.10 are both V4L2 compatible, so no holding your breath wondering if it will work. Boring old "plug-and-play"... You just connect the USB cable and Ubuntu automatically configures it for use. No drama.

Note that in order to configure Ekiga, et al, you will have to refer to the webcam's audio & video streams by their '/dev' (device) handles. To do this, you'll need to know which audio & video devices the webcam is using. To find out, open a Terminal window and enter "ls /dev/audio*" and "ls /dev/video*" and note which devices are already in use. Then connect the webcam, allow Linux time to discover and configure it, then repeat the "ls" commands. The new devices that show up are the streams that the webcam uses in your Linux. Write these down -- you'll need to enter these whenever you test, configure Ekiga, or otherwise need to configure something to use the webcam feeds.

As far as the product is concerned, the image quality is fine, the audio pickup is sensitive -- sometimes too sensitive, as we had feedback problems initially. You will probably have to move your speakers away from your monitor and turn them to point away from the webcam to eliminate this problem. The mount is somewhat funky, but it seems to work reliably, as it holds the webcam steady on different style monitors; it could probably be used as a stand itself. When used with Ekiga, all the controls "work", including changing the contrast, brightness, color tone, white balance, etc.

I have no need for all the "googie" features written for Windoze users, so that's no loss to me. I need a good, solid webcam that works p-n-p with Linux -- and this does the trick. Yet it would be nice if it had a zoom feature... Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to
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By Martin A Hogan "Marty From SF" (San Francisco, CA. (Hercules)) - See all my reviews
My Dell laptop has a built-in web cam, but the resolution is only 640 X 480, which is fairly standard. It's a bit blurry and the color is off. It fine for basic communication, but I wanted something better. A friend has a `Logitech Quick cam Communicate STX' and I was surprised at how clear and non-blurry it was. I like Logitech, but wanted something a little sleeker that would just fit on my screen. The Pro 9000 is the answer and its easily rests on top of your screen or on its own stand.

Instead of the typical 640 X 480, the High Definition Video resolution is 1600 X 1200 (pixels) which is very good quality and much clearer. That's 30 frames per second! Now when you move about quickly, there is some minor blur, but for just sitting and chatting, it's great. The settings are easy to work and you can adjust the color, hue, white balance, etc. to your liking or your room lighting (fluorescent lights mess with the colors). It even has a `focus' feature that will follow you as you move around. A red square in the settings focuses on your head and if you move your head down to your keyboard or from side to side, it actually follows you. There is also a cool zoom feature that will zoom in and out on your face automatically. The auto-focus is very clear and the lense is made from an established company called Carl Zeiss - I guess they've been making lenses, telescopes, etc. for decades.

For still shots, the camera takes photos as high as 8.0 megapixels (like my camera). There are also a lot of extras that I don't use, like the avatars (shark, stick figure, etc.) that calibrate to your face. You can actually become a shark and it moves with your real movements. I think kids would like this. There are also filters to personalize your camera for viewing or for prints.

The best part is that it's easy to set up and use. Remember though, that the quality of the video transmission is only as good as the lesser of the two viewers. If you're talking to someone on a lower end laptop, the transmission quality is less. However, two of the same web cams will give you both the same quality. The extras are okay for kids, but it's the quality of the video that I was after. Plus the price is good.

P.S. I use 'SKYPE'.

Camcorder Sale, Reviews: Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder Sale: 60%

Camcorder Sale, Reviews: Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 30-Minutes (White)

Sale: $90.00 (60%) Simple to use, pocket-sized camcorder with one-touch recording and digital zoom Holds 30 minutes of full VGA-quality video on 1GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required Convenient USB arm plugs directly into your computer for easy viewing and sharing Built-in software lets you easily e-mail videos, upload to YouTube and AOL, and capture still photos from video Watch videos instantly on TV with included cable

REVIEWS:

By d.drueck hammer - The ease of use of this camera is excellent. The quality of the video is approximately equivalent to VHS, and the low light recording and sound are excellent. There is no image stabilization, so zooming/panning should be kept to a minimum for best results. The camera also only has a Digital zoom. I do like the fact that this Camera uses AA batteries so it won't be a paper weight in a couple of years like the Sony NSC-GC1 when its built in battery dies. I wish this camera supported external SD cards like its competitors but unfortunately it doesn't.

One problem I found when operating the camera, was when connected directly to a TV I don't think there is a way to rewind clips. When I held the back/forward buttons on the camera the camera just went to the next clip.

I found the .avi files to be inefficient, as one 30-minute clip I shot was 800Mb in size but once re-encoded to MPEG4 H.264 it was much smaller. Also, for some reason the when I tried to play my clip using my free VLC player Version 0.8.6c the there was no sound. I was able to play the clips fine in Quicktime though...

The software included in the flash memory of the camera seems a bit slow but works for its intended purpose. Unfortunately, for those who want to edit their video, the included editing tools are only good for resizing or merging clips.

I own a Core 2 Duo iMac and wanted to edit my footage using iMovie '08 unfortunately, the current version of the software doesn't support importing .avi files. I searched for a solution and found that the footage can be re-encoded to MPEG4 or changed to a .mov Quicktime wrapper and it will import fine into the new iMovie. What a pain though! Some softwares that are useful for Mac to help re-encode the video are: iSquint (free), Visual Hub (more advanced pay version of iSquint), and Quicktime Pro.

Once I had my footage imported into my computer, I uploaded a few of them into Youtube to share our Christmas with some of our extended family. Unfortunately, I wasn't satisfied with the quality of the footage in Youtube. I tried to research how to encode the footage with different formats/bitrates for maximum quality in Youtube but unfortunately, no matter what I tried (MPEG4 H.264, .flv, etc) the quality was the same. Apparently, Youtube resizes/re-encodes the footage no matter what format it is in so I think the only way to get better quality on Youtube would be to start out with better quality clips.

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By richman - I like it because it's small and easy to carry with me and just take out and capture the moment and upload to computer in a few seconds (longer if the program has to convert avi to wma format for utube or email).

I would be interested in hearing others that have tried the rca model, and the aiptek a-hd model, so we all can get user experiences comparing all 3 video camera's. RCA is 99dollars, aiptek hd is 119 dollars on sale.

At first, I thought something was wrong in uploading clips to computer (converting files to email format) because it stayed at 99 percent done for 8 minutes. And I unplugged camera and got message that is was still in computer mode. If I just upload to computer without converting to email or utube it goes a lot faster because no conversion of formats.

Second time, I opened the folder on computer that file was downloading to, and when software hit 99 percent done , I saw that the program was still completing the download because file sizes were getting bigger, and it finally finished. I write this because others may think the computer is hanging but it isn't, it sometimes takes alot of time to convert regular avi format to wma format for uploading to email. So your camera is not broken, you may have slow computer or BIG file to convert.

As others say zoom is not that good, but for quick shots and face shots it can't be beat, because I have camcorders but never used them because I had to make sure the special battery was charged, and it was a lot bigger, and I couldn't put in pocket, and I had to have special tapes, and special software, and it was a pain to take spur of moment shots.

This camera takes 2 AA batteries that last over an hour, and you have 1 hour record time on camera. My style is take 15 second clips, or 30 second clips of stuff, and then mix them together. TV shows switch camera's every few seconds so it keeps peoples attention, and I try to do the same! So 60 minutes for me gives me 120 (30 second clips) or 240 (15 second clips)! And I'm always around a laptop or computer to upload everything I just shot. :)

p.s. I went to park today and made a 2min film using only ultra flip and software on the ultra flip.

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By Lisa M. Hendey (Fresno, CA United States) - I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder for review from Amazon, who offered the product to frequent reviewers to promote their new Video Review feature. Since receiving the Flip Video a week ago, our family has had a blast playing with this diminutive little camera. Like most other families, we own a regular sized video camera that gets pulled out for the occasional school play, Christmas, or major trip. So I wasn't convinced that we would actually use the Flip Video very much.

Wrong! Since owning the camera, we've shot over thirty video clips in a variety of lighting and sound situations. The biggest fans of the camera, of course, are my teenage sons who are a part of the You Tube generation. They love the immediate gratification of being able to shoot a video, flip the USB arm from the side of the camera, plug it into the computer, and use the camera's on board software to upload directly to You Tube in one step.

Here's the blueprint for the Flip Video: the dimensions are 1.2 x 2.2 x 4.2 inches and the camera weighs 7.2 ounces, less than my cell phone. I have a small camera bag, and this little guy fits neatly into it with my still camera, making it easy and accessible - which means that you will actually carry it along on outings. It would easily fit into a pocket. The camera comes with a hand strap and small drawstring bag (not too useful). With 2 GB of memory, the camera can hold up to sixty minutes of footage. All the software you need is loaded onto the camera, which enables you to do some minor editing, file organization, upload clips to the web, or email, and string clips together to make a longer movie. The Flip Video also comes with a cord to connect to the television and watch videos there, but we have not as yet tested that feature.

On the down side, the Flip Video is not the perfect camera for taking far away videos, since it only has a 2x zoom level. I found that it is great for shooting at close range, but when I tried to shoot video from a great distance (as you might do at a school play or sporting event), the results were not great.

I'm looking forward to using the Flip Video to capture those "spur of the moment" situations with my kids that seem to come up in day to day life. Since the camera is so small and light, it easily fits into my small purse and is ready at a moment's notice. We've had a great time playing with the Flip Video and would highly recommend it for families on the go like ours, looking to capture memories without a lot of hassle. Have fun!

Vacuums Sale Reviews: Hoover F5914-900 SteamVac: Sale 42%

Vacuums sale, reviews: Hoover F5914 -900 SteamVac Clean Surge

Save: $104.99 (42%)

Powerful 12-amp motor; deep cleans with hot tap water and carpet solution Five spinning/scrubbing brushes clean carpets, upholstery, bare floors Clean Surge feature gives extra burst of cleaning solution for spots or stains Two water tanks separate clean from dirty water Brush rotation indicator; 8-foot hose; 1-year warranty

Hoover F5914 REVIEWS:

By B. Ederer (Russellville, AR USA) - The SteamVac by Hoover is a decent quality consumer grade product that does what it says it will do. It sprays liquid into your carpet, swirls it around a bit, and sucks most of it back up, along with the dirt and grime your vac won't pick up. It's shipped with a few parts that are easy to assemble, and a small quantity of shampoo...Enough for a couple of average cleanings. I've owned a Bissell Pro-heat Steam Vac that worked for several years and did an adequate job...but when it quit working, I was told it would be cheaper to buy a new machine than try to fix it. This time I bought Hoover F5914-900. The Hoover is a bit easier to fill, empty, and a little easier to push around. They both seemed to work about the same as far as cleaning the carpet.

What I like about the Hoover: It's cheaper than the Bissell..a little quieter, and it has five brushes that turn laterally unlike the Bissel, which uses a roller brush. The Hoover has you mixing the soap solution into the fresh hot water, whereas the Bissell had a separate chamber to fill with soap. It was possible with the Bissell to run out of soap before you ran out of water, or vice versa...Not an issue with the Hoover. It also seems that the solution goes a little further with the Hoover, making it more economical to use. What I would change: The cord could be a few feet longer. The power switch is a small plastic foot switch on the right side. It's flimsy and too small. It looks identical to the handle release switch on the left side...which is also too small.

Overall, after using the machine, I can say I am happy with the way it cleans...and the suction is very good, as you seem to recover almost all the water you dispense (making for a quick drying time)...The machine is easy to empty, and with the amount of dirty water clearly evident, it works well. I highly recommend the Hoover SteamVac...for routine home carpet maintenance.

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By JM "reinoco" (Florida, US) - Amazing is the best word to describe how Hoover F5914-900 sucked so much dirt from my carpet. A year ago before I moved here they had just added new carpets and padding so I bought a very good vacuum in order to keep them clean. This seemed to work fine I thought until I used this SteamVac and saw how much dirty water was picked up in the container. Keep in mind that this is not the same as having a professional come and clean your carpets but it's still good enough with constant use to prevent really messed up carpets.

Pros:
1. Sucked a lot of dirt from the carpet
2. The attachment worked great on my car floor mats
3. Great if you have pets
4. Easy to put together and use
5. Even though it's not a real steamer it still works great

Cons:
1. A bit heavy for my wife
2. Constant need to refill with more water
3. Not a real steamer (but it still does a great job)
4. Hard floor attachment is sold separately

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By C. Meek (Hayward, WI United States) - After years of renting Rug Doctors, we decided to buy our own carpet cleaner. We were also motivated by having two dogs who bring too much of the yard with them on our off-white carpets when they come in from playing. Also one of them is a puppy, who thought it convenient to pee on the carpet a few times. After reading other reviews, we selected the Hoover F5914-900.

We wash the living area carpets about once a month and have already spent less on the Hoover then we would have by renting a cleaner. The carpets are as clean as with a bigger Rug Doctor. We have found that going over an area with just hot water after cleaning it with the detergent helps keep the carpet clean for a longer period of time. We are very happy with our Hoover. It is fairly light, easy to fill and empty, and easy to clean both the tanks and the brushes. As other people have commented, the attachment hose tends to fall off, so we just leave it off. Otherwise, it's a heck of a deal!

External Hard Drive Sale: Iomega Prestige 1.5TB Reviews Sale: 25%

External Hard Drive on Sale: Iomega Prestige 1.5 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive 34474

Save: $50.00 (25%)

Easy-to-use - Simple USB 2.0 interface; just plug and play Stylish & Durable - Stylish drive, available in a dark silver brushed finish; sturdy aluminum construction with included stand Secure - EMC Retrospect Express (PC/Mac) software license is included for easy file backup (software via download). Energy Efficient - powered by an Energy Star qualified Energy Star qualified adapter for a better environment Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional; XP Home/XP Professional, Windows Vista, 256mb RAM or higher, Requires Mac OS X 10.3-1.05, 128mb RAM or higher

REVIEWS:

By Fishstick - A few things to consider when buying this drive.

First, unlike many externals on the market, this one does not use the USB port for power. You must plug in a wall wart. That's OK with me, since my house current is more reliable and predictable than USB power, but be advised. The ON/OFF switch is a nice feature. It is quiet.

Second, about the "free" software: It's not free; nothing is. THe cost is built in to the price of the hardware. Whether you elect to use it is your business. The good news is that installing the backup software--in my case, it was Retrospect Express HD v. 2.5 for Windows--is optional. It's not loaded onto the drive itself, so you don't have to install it. The bad news is that you may not like it if you do install it. There have been quite a few problems. The software will install a startup program that runs when you boot up and can't be removed or opted out of. I uninstalled the software itself, but the startup program remains and EMC tech support can't tell me how to get rid of it.

It will also establish an internet connnection to the Mozy Home online backup service. You cannot opt out of this during installation either. And why would you want online backup if you've just bought a new external? If, like me, you don't appreciate software creating unwanted startup programs and net connections on your machine, you may want to avoid Retrospect. I just use MS Backup. It's not the slickest ap but it does the job, it behaves itself, and you probably already have it on your Windows machine.

By Big Sesame Seed - Great 1 TB drive. Extremely cheap, given the capacity, and not at the cost of reliability, it seems.

It's a bit slower than I thought it would be, probably because I expected it to be somewhat closer to the "max speed" of a USB 2.0 device (an unrealistic expectation in retrospect). Oh well. I usually get speeds anywhere from 1 MB/s to 13 MB/s when transferring to my high end PC (8 MB/s seems the average speed). The cache size of the hard drive is also not too big, around 8 MB.

Still, it's not really a big deal though unless you plan on transferring large files very often. I personally use the external hard drive for archival-- putting things away that need to be safe but are otherwise rarely accessed. It serves this purpose well.

The drive is very stylish. The aluminum frame looks very nice and appropriate next to your next gen aluminum macbook and is good at dissipating heat. You'll be surprised how cold the drive feels when you first remove it from the box.

The hard drive is essentially silent aside from the startup, when it gives a "whirrr click!" When transfer begins, you'll sometimes hear some "thwacks" but they stop quickly. Basically, it shouldn't bother most people.

Oh, by the way, the free backup software that comes with the disk is terrible, don't use it.

This is a good drive overall, especially when you compare the price to the capacity. If you are not in need of a high performance external hard drive (at the time of this writing, such a drive would include a 32 MB cache and Firewire), but a dirt cheap, big, reliable solution, then this could be it. Just don't buy too many. USB 3.0 is coming out in a year or so.

By S. Roper "rope" (Logan, Utah United States) - I have used this 1 TB hard drive for about 3 weeks with no major complaint. It was a simple plug and play device that immediately showed up on my device manager and began accepting data. I have had good luck with Iomega portable drives and decided to give this drive a try, and I am glad I did.

The bonus was that the cost is similar to drives that only have half the amount of storage. I use this primarily to store music and dvd back ups. Transfer is nice and the addition of the manual on/off switch was great for me as I don't need it to be on every time my computer is on. My only complaint is that the provided usb cable and power cord were far too short and both required extensions to reach the outlet and computer.

Iron Sale Reviews: Black & Decker D2030 Iron Auto-Off Digital Advantage

Iron on Sale Reviews: Black & Decker D2030 Iron Auto-Off Digital Advantage

Save: $32.20 (50%) 1500-watt iron with digital-display temperature and fabric settings Easy-to-read mini LCD monitor; stainless-steel soleplate; soft grip Variable-steam control; vertical steaming; burst of steam; auto cleaning Temperature ready tones; motion-sensitive auto off with audible alerts Measures approximately 5 by 11-1/2 by 6 inches; 1-year warranty

REVIEWS:

By Dharma (CT) - The only reason I have given it 4 stars is due to the following:

1. Its a little heavy as compared with other similar irons - but on the flip side I have noticed that the weight has helped iron the clothes better
2. You could control the flow of steam but on the lower settings also, the water is used up pretty fast.
3. After each ironing session they suggest to turn the steam off before powering the iron off and turn steam on only after powering the iron on for the new session. I am not sure what it does to the iron if this is not done in this fashion but it is kind of cumbersome to do it every single time and would tend to forget this standard operating procedure :-)

Apart from that the iron works pretty good and I am happy and would recoomend you to buy it.

--------------------

By Mark (East Coast) - The Black & Decker D2030 Auto-Off Digital Advantage Iron has a lot of nice design elements and good performance. Most of all, this unit is priced very well for the included features. Of course along with that come a few things that could have been improved. Some may opt for a higher end model, but for most people this unit's flaws should be overshadowed by the positives.

I have used more irons that would be considered *budget models* than those that could be considered *premium models*. I am aware that some brands, like Rowenta, seem to have a very loyal following. However, being very value focused I have yet to take the plunge with any of those much more expensive models. So my comments come from a user who wants the best value for the money. I am willing to accept this iron's flaws because it performs so well given the price.

PROS:
+ The iron heats up quickly and alerts you with a *beep* when it's hot
+ The weight of the iron seems evenly distributed and easily glides over clothes
+ The cord has a rotating base that allows it stay out of the way as you iron
+ A nice screen clearly displays the fabric number you select with the simple controls
+ The water reservoir seems to hold more than some of the other units I tried
+ Produces nice steam, though adjustable wheel gives less than ideal volume control
+ Also squirts water with the push of a button
+ A convenient red LED on the handle lets you know that the iron is plugged in
+ The unit gives a warning beep and automatically shuts off when not in use
+ Included 1 yr warrantee gives some peace of mind
+ The price seems very reasonable compared to a few other irons I tried and returned before settling on this one

CONS:
- Refill water with caution because the cover does seem poorly made
- There might be a shorter life with the electronic controls than plain old knobs
- Changing settings goes in order, so to change from 6 to 5, you have to go through 1-4
- May feel a little heavy to some people
- The unit beeps every time you change a setting, which can get annoying
- The steam adjustment wheel seems to go from "off" to "on" with only a little variation

Like all irons I have used, it may feel heavy for some people. I like the overall feel, and think that the weight helps with thicker fabrics. I know there are steamers that are much lighter, and some people may prefer that.

Considering the digital controls, nice steam and quick heat up time, this is a great value. I do worry about how long some of those electronics may last. On my old iron, I never had to worry about those types of parts failing. But hopefully with careful handling and storage this unit should last a long time.

------------------

By PFC - I found this to be a great product overall however, I rated it as a four star for ergonomics. The button I use the most is the steam surge button. As a right-handed person it would be perfect if this button were located on the left side of the handle so that I could easily access it with the thumb of my right hand.

Unfortunately the spray mist button is on the left - the steam surge is on the right which is a little cumbersome. I would have liked to see the designers simply reverse the position of these buttons. Other than that I highly recommend this product.

Iron Sale Reviews: Black & Decker D2030 Iron Sale: 50%

Iron on Sale Reviews: Black & Decker D2030 Iron Auto-Off Digital Advantage

Save: $32.20 (50%) 1500-watt iron with digital-display temperature and fabric settings Easy-to-read mini LCD monitor; stainless-steel soleplate; soft grip Variable-steam control; vertical steaming; burst of steam; auto cleaning Temperature ready tones; motion-sensitive auto off with audible alerts Measures approximately 5 by 11-1/2 by 6 inches; 1-year warranty

REVIEWS:

By Dharma (CT) - The only reason I have given it 4 stars is due to the following:

1. Its a little heavy as compared with other similar irons - but on the flip side I have noticed that the weight has helped iron the clothes better
2. You could control the flow of steam but on the lower settings also, the water is used up pretty fast.
3. After each ironing session they suggest to turn the steam off before powering the iron off and turn steam on only after powering the iron on for the new session. I am not sure what it does to the iron if this is not done in this fashion but it is kind of cumbersome to do it every single time and would tend to forget this standard operating procedure :-)

Apart from that the iron works pretty good and I am happy and would recoomend you to buy it.

--------------------

By Mark (East Coast) - The Black & Decker D2030 Auto-Off Digital Advantage Iron has a lot of nice design elements and good performance. Most of all, this unit is priced very well for the included features. Of course along with that come a few things that could have been improved. Some may opt for a higher end model, but for most people this unit's flaws should be overshadowed by the positives.

I have used more irons that would be considered *budget models* than those that could be considered *premium models*. I am aware that some brands, like Rowenta, seem to have a very loyal following. However, being very value focused I have yet to take the plunge with any of those much more expensive models. So my comments come from a user who wants the best value for the money. I am willing to accept this iron's flaws because it performs so well given the price.

PROS:
+ The iron heats up quickly and alerts you with a *beep* when it's hot
+ The weight of the iron seems evenly distributed and easily glides over clothes
+ The cord has a rotating base that allows it stay out of the way as you iron
+ A nice screen clearly displays the fabric number you select with the simple controls
+ The water reservoir seems to hold more than some of the other units I tried
+ Produces nice steam, though adjustable wheel gives less than ideal volume control
+ Also squirts water with the push of a button
+ A convenient red LED on the handle lets you know that the iron is plugged in
+ The unit gives a warning beep and automatically shuts off when not in use
+ Included 1 yr warrantee gives some peace of mind
+ The price seems very reasonable compared to a few other irons I tried and returned before settling on this one

CONS:
- Refill water with caution because the cover does seem poorly made
- There might be a shorter life with the electronic controls than plain old knobs
- Changing settings goes in order, so to change from 6 to 5, you have to go through 1-4
- May feel a little heavy to some people
- The unit beeps every time you change a setting, which can get annoying
- The steam adjustment wheel seems to go from "off" to "on" with only a little variation

Like all irons I have used, it may feel heavy for some people. I like the overall feel, and think that the weight helps with thicker fabrics. I know there are steamers that are much lighter, and some people may prefer that.

Considering the digital controls, nice steam and quick heat up time, this is a great value. I do worry about how long some of those electronics may last. On my old iron, I never had to worry about those types of parts failing. But hopefully with careful handling and storage this unit should last a long time.

------------------

By PFC - I found this to be a great product overall however, I rated it as a four star for ergonomics. The button I use the most is the steam surge button. As a right-handed person it would be perfect if this button were located on the left side of the handle so that I could easily access it with the thumb of my right hand.

Unfortunately the spray mist button is on the left - the steam surge is on the right which is a little cumbersome. I would have liked to see the designers simply reverse the position of these buttons. Other than that I highly recommend this product.

Wireless Laser Mouse, Notebook Optical Mouse: Microsoft, Logitech, 25-40% OFF

Wireless Mouse, Notebook Optical Mouse: Microsoft, Logitech, 25-40% OFF

Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 - Slate Save: $8.86 (30%) Review: CCUser "RootRootRoot" (Southern California, USA) Having purchased a laptop, I immediately wanted a mouse that could easily travel with me and not be connected by a wire. So, I purchased the MS Wireless 3000. With XP Media edition installed, the mouse was easily recognized by the system once I plugged in the included USB transmitter/connector. Terrific! Adjusting the settings was easy using the control panel too, no different than any other mouse. The signal from mouse to transmitter, or visa versa, is magnificent. Not that I would use the wireless mouse anywhere further than a few inches from the laptop, I took the mouse across the room and scrolled it across the textured walls of the hotel I was staying. The signal was still strong and I was able to navigate the entire screen from nearly 15 feet away from the laptop. Not practical, of course, but a nice example showing that if you have a lot of items stacked around the laptop, you'll be sure to have a strong signal to to maintain uninterrupted mouse functions (my only question would be if each unit on the market has a unique signal -- I wonder if someone else owned the same mouse while we were, say, in a coffee shop somewhere, if there would transmitter conflicts). The cons I could come up with were two, and these are purely subjective. First, if you accidentally knock the USB tranmitter connector, you might lose signal temporarily causing the mouse performance to stagger a bit until the system recognizes the mouse again. The second is the middle wheel button on the mouse. Works great, and rolls well, but when rolling, the graduated clicks of each turn are a little less fluid than, say, the full size Microsoft wireless mouse I also own. Again, purely a subjective comment -- the wheel and the mouse work perfectly.

Microsoft Wireless Notebook Mouse 3000 - Winter Blue Save: $10.96 (37%) Review: Amanda Vessey (Terre Haute, IN) I bought this item to use at school with my laptop. Pros: ~ Size - it will fit in your backpack or pocket without a problem. ~ Easy to use - no downloading/installing necessary, just plug it in! ~ Receiver - snaps right into the bottom of the mouse so you'll never lose it! Also you can rotate a piece on the receiver to align it with the level of the mouse. ~ Battery life - I've had it for over a year and have only changed the battery once. ~ Cordless - I've used it many times when making powerpoint presentations, it's very handy to walk around with and just click and move on! ~ Durable - someone else mentioned that they wish it had a carrying case, I definitely disagree. This mouse doesn't need one! I've dropped it several times--once so hard that the top panel and the battery popped out--but it worked fine when I put everything back in its place. Cons: ~ Connection - it's not a very strong connection between the mouse and receiver, I've found that if the mouse doesn't have a direct line of sight to the receiver, it sometimes doesn't work. ~ Random behavior - a few times when I plugged the receiver in the mouse didn't connect. All I did was unplug and replug it and it worked fine though. ~ Size - some people with larger hands may find that's it's too tiny and uncomfortable to use. I suggest going to Best Buy or somewhere else to feel the different mice before purchasing them. - The USB receiver is a bit flimsy. It was designed to pivot in case you need better reception, but I always thought it looked like a weak point. After 1 year, I have found that to be true. The receiver now has a weak connection due to the swivel point and if I bump it, the light flickers due to the bad connection and the mouse stops responding. I have to unplug it and put it back in to fix it.

Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks (Black) Save: $15.97 (23%) Review: Bobby1st (DE USA) The nano is cute for medium to short fingers and it works well. If you can hold a basketball with palms facing down, this would be a stretch to work with those fingers. That's why it's a nano, dah! The transmitter as advertised is small, insert and forget, that's the beauty of having this. It comes with a nice pouch for transporting but can easily misplaced when not in use. The transmitter can be park within the mice and easily fit in your pocket to make a point on its size. It also comes with a usb extension. I use it on another laptop where the usb is located at the back and I am right handed. For some reason the back and left usb location does not work perfectly all the time on my vx610 but now with the extension, perfect. I gave it a four stars for these reasons. The buttons location for the back and forward can't be inter-change, it's fixed. Since we often use the back button on web page, it is awkward to use. You have to release your grip on the mice to conveniently enable to press. The nano is comparable with the vx610 in price so I compared the two. The vx610 is medium size and have many functions with the ability to customize most primary buttons and fit the hand well. Don't get me wrong, I like it, I'm use to it and because I have another choice. Except for the nano's small transmitter, I believe the mice is pretty basic and comparable to many medium price wireless mice. After all I have said, it's for keep. It comes down to preference.

BlackBerry Curve 8330 Phone Reviews: Save 75 %

BlackBerry Curve 8330 Phone Reviews: Save 75 %

Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Smallest, lightest BlackBerry with full QWERTY keyboard features GPS turn-by-turn directions via Sprint Navigation

Sprint Mobile Broadband Network via EV-DO connectivity; Sprint TV and Sprint Music Store enabled; access personal and corporate email

2-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming; MicroSD expansion up to 8 GB

Includes: handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, 3.5mm headphones with microphone, 1 GB MicroSD card, quick start guide.

BlackBerry Curve 8330 Phone Reviews: By Natalie V. Galasso(Newark, New JERSEY) I am a very high tech digital girl, I go through about two to three cell phones a year due to the fact that I bore of them after constant daily use of them. Prior to the blackberry curve I owned a Palm Centro, in pink.. Wonderful phone by the way.. loved the touch screen. ANYWAY* Sprint offers this amazing unlimited everything plan for 99$ ( awesome deal! ) I upgraded to the Blackberry curve recently.. I will list the pros and cons.

Pros:
Beautiful, bright, large wide and clear screen

QWERTY Keyboard ( gosh I love texting, I cant use a normal cell to text on anymore after being spoiled with the qwerty keyboard)

Comes with leather case

Email Enabled

Has Pocket Express

Cheap Simply everything plan for 99.99 with sprint

Can Download AIm, MSN, flicker and a few other programs from blackberry.com

Cons:
1. no place to hang a cell phone charm from
( I felt a strange, slight withdrawal from the lack of a cellular charm. made me feel a little mental hahaha IT REALLY BOTHERED ME FOR ABOUT A WEEK, I had to find what to do with my old charms, I then just attached them to my key chain... )

2.Every time I restart my phone, my theme defaults back to the original.

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2 STARS

By D. Montgomery (Portland, OR)
This is my first Blackberry. I got it for free for work, even though I don't really need to be in contact that often.

This phone is like a swiss army knife with 50 tools. Technically, it can do many things, but it does none of them well. The menus are a jumbled mess of indistinct icons, and the drop down menus contain endless items to scroll through to get to the one or two you actually use. There are lots of options screens with lots of choices, but they are so disparate and poorly laid out you will always have to hunt around to find the setting you are looking for. Overall, the device's software seems like a project where several different teams worked separately, never talking to each other until the day before it shipped, when they hurriedly pasted it all together.

Navigation with the little thumb stick is ok, often not very precise, and frequently frustrating. The small keyboard is actually not bad, and I have big hands, though I hear others at work who have the same model complain about it. Battery life is also just ok. I don't make many calls and I have to recharge every couple days. Call quality with Sprint is good and I haven't had any problems with reception. The web speed is also ok. Email sync methods leave a lot to be desired, but I wouldn't blame RIM for that.