Boss Audio Systems BV9055 In-Dash Double-DIN DVD/MP3/CD AM/FM Receiver with 6.2-inch Widescreen Touchscreen TFT Monitor with USB Port and Front Panel AUX Input Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Not too bad. If you're in the market for a dvd player than this isn't a bad purchase for $300. Not as fancy as the others but it does the job. Has rca outputs for everything minus subwoofer. That isn't too important unless you plan on competing in audio. I have this wired up in my envoy and really like it as do my kids. Screen is bright enough. The usb input is awesome, allowing you to play music files recorded to things like mp3 players and flash drives. Overall a great dvd player if you don't need the name brand.

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Boss Audio's BV9055 is a great solution for those looking for a basic in-dash DVD player. With a 6.2-inch touchscreen, USB port, front auxiliary input and other convenient features, it's got plenty of bang for your buck. Ready to grow with two RCA outputs and video inputs for a rear view camera or GPS device, it's a perfect way to get your mobile mediaplex started.

6.2-Inch Touchscreen The BV9055 features a brilliant 6.2-inch touchscreen with a 1200 x 234 pixel resolution, perfect for quick navigation to the unit's features and for watching video.
Enjoy Your Favorite Media Take in your favorite movies from DVDs, VCDs, SVCDs or even MP4 files. Or enjoy audio from CDs or data discs full of your favorite MP3/WMA files. You can also view your favorite JPG pictures and zoom in for a closer look.
Dial in your sound with separate bass and treble controls, along with balance/fader and a mute when needed.
Front Panel USB Port Enjoy your digital audio (MP3/WMA) or video (MP4) files in a snap by putting them on a USB thumb drive. Enjoy hours of entertainment quickly and easily.
Front Auxiliary Input Easily connect external devices like iPods or MP3 players via the 1/8" mini auxiliary input.
Rear View Camera and GPS Video Inputs Add a rear view camera for safety and convenience, or send your GPS video to the BV9055's screen for navigation.
AM/FM tuner This unit also features a PLL synthesized AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and switchable USA/Europe radio frequencies.
It will also display Radio Data System messages for stations broadcasting them.
Plenty of Power With 80 Watts through four channels, the BV9055 packs a punch. Dual (front and rear) RCA outputs let you expand your system.
Wireless Remote A full-featured wireless remote is include for controlling all receiver functions.
What's in the Box Boss Audio BV9055, remote control, mounting sleeve, trim frame, wiring harness, installation hardware, user's manual

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ASUS UL50VS-A1B 15.6-Inch Black Laptop (Windows 7 Professional) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This laptop is slick. I purchased this to replace a failing four year old Macbook. With a battery life of around eleven hours in a low power mode, the laptop is ultra-portable. Kicking into a higher performance mode takes a few seconds and leaves you with a little under half of the maximum battery life. The touchpad is a bit unconventional and I'm still getting used to it. It is completely level with the surface of the laptop and I have found my fingers like to wander off the edges of the usable area. The instant-on splashtop was a nice surprise. I wasn't even aware of the functionality when I purchased the computer. The applications are very basic and the music player rates pretty low on the intuitive features list but it does play music after you have your playlists set up. Though it is fairly big, it's just as thin and lightweight. I don't plan to do any serious gaming on the computer, but I do play EVE. It ran quite well with the G210M on. I have only had this product for about a day but so far I'm very happy with it.

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ASUS Eee PC Seashell 1001P-PU17-WT 10.1-Inch White Netbook (Up to 11 Hours of Battery Life) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The overall build of this netbook feels very solid and keyboard is firm, no flex. I love this keyboard, touch typing is no problem. This is a very personal preference though; you should try out the keyboard on any netbook before you buy it.
Cover and palm rests have textured finish that hides fingerprints. My husband asked, "Is that carbon fiber?", and thought it looked cool. The textured surface also provides a better grip than a shiny surface.
The Synaptics trackpad works great. Two-finger scrolling works smoothly, which is good because the up/down keys on the keyboard are pretty small. I don't use the trackpad rocker button very much, I just use tap gestures to simulate the left and right button clicks.
I'm really glad I went for the matte non-glare screen. It is easier to read in less-than-ideal lighting conditions while traveling. The 10.1" screen is clear and sharp, and easy to read at 1024x600, no squinting. The screen swings back and down when open, so that it sits low; it's good to have a low profile when working on an airplane tray.
Windows 7 starter edition ran without lagging, but I can live without all the extras provided by Asus. So, having an extra upgrade license handy, I promptly did a clean install of Windows 7 Home Premium on the C: partition, leaving the D: data partition, the ExpressGate partition, and the restore partition intact. I was able to download all necessary drivers and utilities from the Asus support website. Windows 7 Home Premium runs amazingly well with only 1 GB of ram! I'm going to wait and see if I really want to upgrade to 2 GB.
I was concerned that the wireless card was only 802.11g, and not 802.11n, but I really don't notice any difference when surfing the web. I was also concerned that the webcam was only 0.3 megapixel (640x480), but it looks fine and works well with Skype, as does the built-in microphone.
I agree with others that the connector on the A/C adapter is very thin, but it seems strong enough. I'd rather have the pin on the A/C adapter break (which I can replace for a few bucks) than the power receptacle on the motherboard.
When I'm working from home via VPN and Remote Desktop, I like to connect my netbook to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse, and wired ethernet. The EEE PC 1001p had no trouble with the 1280x1024 resolution on my monitor. The wired ethernet and USB keyboard work fine. Logitech doesn't provide a Windows 7 driver for my old bluetooth mouse, but I just put the netbook bluetooth into discovery mode and it found my mouse with no problem. Windows 7 had the bluetooth mouse drivers I needed built in.

I inserted a 256 MB SD card into the memory card slot and it was recognized instantly. I'm trying out the Windows Ready-Boost feature with this SD card, but since most of the things I do are not memory intensive (surfing the web, remote desktop, VNC), and it's a fairly small memory card, I haven't noticed much of a difference.
It would have been nice if Asus had included a neoprene slipcase for this netbook. I recommend the Case Logic VLS-110 Sleeve for 7-Inch to 10-Inch Netbooks.
The 1001p has everything I wanted in a netbook: good performance, a reasonable weight, nice screen and keyboard, slick design, and a great price.


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Eee PC 1001P-P The 10.1-inch Eee PC 1001P-P Seashell with Windows 7 Starter shines as the ideal Eee PC for the traveler looking for outstanding wireless connectivity and efficient Eee PC performance.Thanks to the exclusive ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) and the new power sipping Intel Atom N450 processor, you can take this mobile phenom wherever you choose and enjoy up to an incredible 11 hours of unplugged freedom.* The Eee PC 1001P-P is encased in a latticework (checker-patterned) shell that captivates onlookers and features the next generation Intel Atom N450 processor for extraordinary battery life.Plus, it gives you extended comfort with a smooth and easy to use keyboard, large palm-rest, and multi-touch trackpad. For more convenience, the Eee PC 1001P has hotkeys placed above the keyboard – granting you quick access to Wi-Fi and control of the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine that instantly optimizes system performance for the task at hand.Throw in a generous 250GB hard drive and you get the ability to store and access your important data anytime, anywhere. ASUS worked closely to make your Windows 7 experience better with groundbreaking utilities such as FastBoot and LocalMe.With ASUS FastBoot technology, this Windows 7-enabled Eee PC starts up fast so you wait less and do more.LocalMe is a GPS-like application that when connected to the internet provides easy access to local areas and gets you where you want to be. Miles ahead of its competition, the Eee PC 1001P-P provides unsurpassed battery life and superior portability that liberates you from wall chargers and brings you into the next generation of mobility.


Key Features

Up to 11 hours of unplugged all-day computing to go further than ever before* (Learn more)
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) innovatively saves battery life and boosts performance (Learn more)
Intel Atom N450 processor is now even more power efficient in combination with ASUS SHE
10.1-inch LED-backlit display uses less energy for longer use(Learn more)
92-percent full-size keyboard for a comfortable and precise typing experience (Learn more)
Multi-touch trackpad for intuitive and quick control (Learn more)
250GB Hard Disk Drive Storage for convenient storage on-the-go
Stunning looks and convenient mobility with seashell design weighing a mere 2.8 lbs
1GB system memory (easily upgradable to 2GB)
Convenient Wi-Fi networking (802.11 b/g) & Bluetooth 2.1+EDR for wire-free mobility (Learn more)
Windows 7 Starter for the most reliable and simplest Windows operating system to date (Learn more)
Integrated webcam and digital microphone for video/voice conversations with your friends and family
F9 easy recovery for convenient and easy system reinstallation (Learn more)
Warranty: 1 year global warranty and 30-day Flawless Display Guarantee: If a single bright dot is found, a free panel replacement is guaranteed within 30 days of original purchase

Learn More
Get up to an Amazing 11 hours of Battery Life
Special Design with Sophistication to Match
Get the Big Picture in a Small Frame
Strikingly Comfortable. Perfectly Concise.
Easy Connectivity
Quick Recovery with Just One Key
Eee PC with Windows 7 –Life Made Easier
A Brand that Sparked a Revolution - The First Netbook
Customer Warranty –The Industry's Most Complete Netbook Care Package
1 year global warranty
6 months battery warranty
30-Day Flawless Display Guarantee: If you discover one defective bright dot within 30 days of purchase, ASUS will replace the panel at no cost
Free one-way standard shipping
24/7 tech support
What's in the Box
Eee PC 1001P-P Seashell (White)
Power Adapter †
User Manual
Warranty Card
Recovery DVD / Support CD
Specifications
Operating System: Windows 7 Starter
Display: 10.1-inch LED-Backlit Display1024x600 (matte screen)
Intel CPU: IntelAtom N450
Wireless Data Network: 802.11b/g & Bluetooth V2.1 + EDR
Memory: 1GB(upgradeable to 2GB)
Hybrid Storage: 250GBHDD
Camera: 0.3M Pixels
Audio: StereoSpeakers, High-Definition Audio CODEC, Built-in digital microphone
Storage Cards: 2-in-1MMC, SD(SDHC) flash card slot
Input/Output: 1 xVGA connector, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x LAN RJ-45, 2 x audio jacks: Headphone& Mic-in
Battery: Up to 11hours*,Li-Ion battery
Dimensions: 10.31(W) x 7.01 (D) x 1.02~1.44 (H) inches
Weight: 2.80lbs (with battery)
Color: White (latticework, non-glossy) * Operation lifetime subject toproduct model, normal usage conditions and configurations. For more information, pleasevisit http://eeepc.asus.com/global/computing.html. The estimated maximumbattery life in Windows 7 is measured with MobileMark 2007. **ASUSWebStorage is a complimentary trial service for 1 year after registration.Actual storage capacity varies by model. †To recharge using the AC power adapter, power plug must be fully pushed into the power socket on the Eee PC until it clicks firmly into place. All specifications and terms are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers on selected models. Products may not be available in all markets. Product may not be exactly as shown in images.

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HP Pavilion DV4-1540US 14.1-Inch White Laptop - Up to 4.25 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Home Premium) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I didn't expect to buy this. First, I *hate* white electronics (they usually look cheap and like they should carry the Fisher Price logo). Second, I know people who have had serious issues with HP laptop motherboards. However, last week Staples had it for about two hundred bucks less than its MSRP which was about two hundred less than I expected to pay for these specs. I couldn't resist.
I'm happy with the design. First, the white is not so bad. It has a shiny "pearl" like surface, a subtle graphic design on the cover/wrist rests and black and silver trim. This all makes it look more grown up and stylish than other white laptops. Second, compared to other laptops with these specs it's not too big or heavy. It's in-between a netbook and most full sized laptops. Also, the weight can be reduced by half a pound by swapping out the DVD drive for a dummy piece which is included.
I'm overall happy with the performance and quality. Seems fast and smooth for the most part, and I'm not currently having any problems with it. But I had a couple of initial problems. First, I had to take the first one I got back due to a stuck pixel that I couldn't unstick with any software programs. I didn't want to risk voiding the warranty with any physical methods. The second one I got was stuck-pixel-free. However, I was having serious issues playing internet video. That was a big deal to me. I tried a live chat rep - I think he was illiterate - he kept asking for info I had already provided, completely misconstrued my problem and even when I explained it for the 3rd time, he offered completely inappropriate solutions (e.g. program specific solutions, when I had told him it was in all programs). Somewhat dubious, I finally called tech support. I got a guy who was GREAT. Granted it took us over an hour of troubleshooting, but he finally figured it out. The issue was the wi-fi card driver. It just needed to be updated with the newest, which was posted on HP's site. So, I highly recommend checking HP's site for the latest driver updates, especially if you're having this issue.
And I agree with the other reviewer about the battery - 2 to 3 hours is what you can reasonably expect, but it depends on what you are doing. And yes, it is very quiet. Also, I should note that I did not get the rectangular remote shown on the bottom of this page with mine. I only got the small card one shown in the pictures up top. So, I don't think that other remote comes with it. (EDIT: Since I posted this review, Amazon has replaced the picture of the remote, it now shows a correct remote).
Just in case, I picked up Squaretrade's 3rd party extended warranty. It was a great price compared to Staples' and HP's plans. And it will protect me if this ends up being a lemon or if my dog flies into the cord and knocks it off the coffee table.
***UPDATE*** Good thing I got that Squaretrade warranty. I was carrying it from one room to the other with the cord and the cord's loop caught on a doorknob forcing everything out of my hand when I took my next step, and that was the end of my DV4-1540US. Hard drive survived, but screen didn't and Squaretrade reimbursed instead of fixing. I had planned on just buying the exact same thing, but learned it's been discontinued. The DV4-2170US seems to be its successor, basically being the same except with an upgraded processor (i5).

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For those who want an all-in-one performance notebook with rich multimedia features, the HP Pavilion dv4 Entertainment series delivers mobile performance that looks as great as it runs, Powered by the latest processor and graphics technologies, it delivers optimal mobile performance to support your lifestyle.Lose up to half a pound by removing the optical drive from the HP SmartBay.Enjoy your photos and videos on HD TVs with the HDMI port (cable sold separately).Chat face to face with the HP Webcam and add special effects.Look good on the go with award-winning HP Imprint finish. Create personalized DVD and CD labels withLightScribe.

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Acer Aspire AS5251-1805 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been using this Laptop PC for more than a couple of weeks now and I would give it a 3.5 out of 5 ratings. Here are my findings and opinion about it-
Its a good starter / entry level Laptop that was sent well packed by Amazon. One can rightly term this LPC as "BIG BROTHER OF LITTLE NET-BOOK".
BUILD - It showcases a well-build body made up of tough Plastic with a contoured dotted touch which makes it non-glossy and fingerprint resistant. Extended numeric key-pad is an added advantage, though I feel that the keybaord would accumulate dirt very fast and would mis-operate. Missing are the LED indicators for Number / Caps lock key which a "kind-of-a" is compensated by an OSD (On Screen Display) indicators which informs the user about the current state of these Keys the moment these keys are pressed but still, LED indicators would surely be the first preference for many.
PROCESSOR - AMD V 120 single core with 2.2 Ghz clockspeed and 512 KB L2 cache is not a "Fast Enough" Processor compared to today's technology and customer demands, but, it well complements a Laptop thats priced below $400 (NOT $479.99). There heven't been any heating issues so far with the processor after prolonged usages ranging up to 5:00 Hrs of operation with Internet, Media player, PDF and MS Paint, Skype/Yahoo chat running in parallel.
LCD - This came to me as the most surprising feature, This laptop features a wide 15.6" LED-backlit LCD that is really very crisp, clear and bright . Another thing that impressed me a lot is the steadyness/stiffness of its LCD BEZEL, unlike Dell LPC's, it really holds to its place to what ever angle you may want to set.
ADD-ONs (WEBCAM/MIC/CARD READER/HDMI) - The LPC has an average performing integrated Webcam on the LCD bezel. You may not find it impressive on the very first use but, some tweaks and change in settings (Pixel resolution, Brightness, Contrast etc) will make it a bit better. In-built MIC really scores over the webcam with its good reception and quality of voice either recorded on-board or when transmitted onto the other side (when used with Skype / Yahoo voice chat). It also has a Multi-in-1 card reader along with a HDMI port something that makes it unique in its class.
O/S ISNTALLATION - The LPC came pre-installed with Windows-7 Home Premium and it was really very easy to configure (or should I say, Finalize) the installation though it took the system about 15-20 mins to get fully functional.
WIRELESS INTERNET - The wireless internet access was satisfactory as I couldn't find any edge over my old Dell D600 LPC with Intel Pro 2915 Wireless Mini card.
OTHERS - This system comes with 3GB DDR3 RAM,out of which hardly 2 GB is available for you to run your Apps. The HDD capacity is claimed to be 250GB but available/visible Lot is only 218GB (lesser RAM and HD space are though a normal and universal phenomena). The sound quality of the inbuilt speakers is good. The system does not comes with the recovery CDs, but it does has an option to create recovery / installation CD/DVDs, which should be created at the very first use when you Log in the system.
To sum up, Acer Aspire AS5251-1805 seems to be a good, above average, entry level Laptop PC with an attractive price tag that most can avail.
Thanks for reading...
Farah.

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Acer AS5251: Everyday Multitasking
The stylish Acer Aspire AS5251 laptop (model AS5251-1805) offers powerful AMD V Series performance, the latest connectivity technology and rich media features at practical price. Starting from the gorgeous 15.6-inch widescreen LED-backlit display with integrated HD webcam to the full-size keyboard with dedicated numeric keypad, you have everything you need for efficient multitasking and smooth communication at home or away.

This Aspire laptop's modish yet practical design brings a slenderized look, and the mesh-patterned cover brings a rich appearance while also preventing fingerprints and scratches. The full size keyboard extends to a Dedicated Numeric Keypad making number key in's quick.

A Multi-Gesture Touchpad enables you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. Other features include ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking, an integrated webcam for video chats, and a SuperMulti optical drive that's compatible with double-layer DVD discs. You'll also be able to connect this laptop to your HDTV via the HDMI port.

This Aspire laptop comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version).

Key Features
15.6-inch CineCrystal LED-backlit widescreen display with native 720p resolution for high-definition viewing. Its widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio is designed to present websites without lots of left-right scrolling, as well as with a smoother line of sight.
2.20 GHz AMD V Series V120 single-core processor with 512 KB L2 cache and 1066 MHz front-side bus for good multi-tasking. And with Vision Technology from AMD, you'll get a combination of cutting-edge processing and video power that allows you to experience vivid web and video content, sharp photos and crystal-clear music.
250 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
3 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz; expandable to 8 GB)
ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics (with 256 MB of discrete video memory) is equipped with 40 stream processors and an advanced 3D engine to provide support for hybrid graphics when paired with this system's Windows operating system. It provides up to 1919 MB of total shared system memory and is compatible with Microsoft DirectX 10.1.
8x SuperMulti DVD±R/RW drive can also write to CD, DVD-RAM, and dual-layer (DL) DVD±R discs--which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.
Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites such as Google Earth. It also enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. (Learn more)
Crystal Eye webcam with a built-in digital microphone that helps keep background noise levels low and minimizes echoes. Acer Video Conference Manager software supports 640 x 480 resolution online video calls.
Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking capability provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers).
Fast Ethernet (10/100/1000)
Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD)
Three USB 2.0 ports
HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or LCD. It also includes a standard VGA video output.
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process. (Learn more)
Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
6-cell battery (4400 mAh)
Weight: 5.74 pounds
Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

What's in the Box This package contains the Acer Aspire AS5251-1805 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions

It also comes with the following software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial version); NTI Media Maker; Google Toolbar; Acer Recovery Management; Acer GridVista; Microsoft Works; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Trial (60 days); Norton Online Backup

Learn More
The Acer Multi-Gesture Touchpad
A Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. The Multi-Gesture Touchpad enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through Web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more.

The TouchPad can also be disabled with a one-touch button, eliminating accidental cursor movement with palms and wrists when using an external mouse.

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

And with Windows Anytime Upgrade, you'll be able to add new features to your PC in as little as 10 minutes. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process, it requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings

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Toshiba Satellite U505-S2010 TruBrite 13.3-Inch Laptop (Black/Brown) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I also have an HP DV4t, half a dozen older Toshiba, Sony and HP notebooks, and a whole gaggle of netbooks. So I'm kind of addicted to cool portable hardware.
Among the myriad laptops & netbooks I've owned and used, this one is not the best, but certainly above-average.
Stylish, Core i3 is quick, memory & HDD are roomy. The screen is bright, color saturation is good but mildly washed out relative to the better panels out there. The 8" 1600x900 panel on Sony Vaio P-series is the worst color I've ever seen; this one is above average, just not the best. Beware that this unit (Amazon's, specifically) does not come with a backlit keyboard, which is part of the standard U505-S2005 build spec on Toshiba's website. I bought & installed the backlit keyboard separately, but it cost another $60. So actually this isn't a great deal, it's a cut-rate edition for a cut-rate price. If the backlit keyboard, bluetooth and slot-loading DVD don't really matter to you, then save yourself maybe $150 and snag one of these. Overall it's a very stylish case wrapped around some respectable hardware. However, if you don't care about the relatively compact 13" LCD or the fashionable presentation of the dark brown case, you might be just as well served with a standard 15.4" unit from HP or Acer, with similar hardware, for a couple hundred bucks less. That's true of any laptop that charges a premium for its design.
If you do care about the style and compactness, U505 is a great option.


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Toshiba Satellite U505: Travel Light with Exceptional Style and Touchscreen Display CapabilitiesWeighing less than 5 pounds, the ultra-portable Toshiba Satellite U505-S2010 notebook PC packs in an extraordinary amount of power and productivity into its elegant, compact package. The 13.3-inch widescreen display offers TruBrite technology for optimal image clarity and a 1280 x 800 resolution for extra desktop working space and a widescreen aspect ratio for watching letterboxed movies. The display also offers touchscreen capabilities for easy navigation through your digital life (learn more below). And this lightweight chassis is sure to stand out in the crowd thanks to the beautiful, textured finish with a Matrix pattern in Luxe Brown.
Thanks to the built-in webcam and Toshiba Face Recognition software on this machine, you'll enjoy a more convenient way to communicate, log on or share your laptop among the family. Other high-tech features include a touchpad with multi-touch control, power-saving Eco Button to help reduce power consumption based on your needs, USB Sleep-and-Charge port, a hard drive impact sensor that protects your data, and a dual-layer DVD±RW drive that burns CDs and offers Labelflash print functionality.
Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

Key Features
13.3-inch touchscreen-enabled, high-definition TruBrite display for amazing color depth and clarity with 1280 x 800 resolution with 16:10 aspect ratio (see more touchscreen details below)

2.26 GHz Intel Core i5-430M dual-core processor for smart performance with a speed boost (2.53 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology; 3 MB L3 cache). Intel's Turbo Boost technology maximizes speed for demanding applications, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload--providing more performance when you need it the most. It also comes equipped with Intel HD Graphics--an advanced video engine that delivers smooth, high-quality HD video playback, and advanced 3D capabilities, providing an ideal graphics solution for everyday computing.

320 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) with an impact sensor that helps safeguard your data by "parking" the hard drive heads in the event of a drop or sudden movement.

4 GB of DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz; upgradeable to 8 GB)

Integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD with up to 1696 MB of dynamically shared memory allocated by the system.

8x SuperMulti DVD drive with double layer support and Labelflash printing, which enables you to personalize your discs and keep them looking attractive and organized with direct-to-disc laser printing.

Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for greater speed and range.

1.3 megapixel webcam with Face Recognition capabilities for added security. And if you're using one laptop for several users--say for the whole family or for a small business--Toshiba Face Recognition lets you switch profiles with one simple look.
Built-in stereo speakers
Dolby Sound Room combines a suite of technologies to deliver truly stunning virtual surround listening from your two laptop speakers, or on headphones for a more immersive private performance. You'll savor super-realistic dialogue and explosions, along with deeper, fatter bass and brighter treble tones.
Fast Ethernet (10/100)
5-in-1 memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, Multi Media Card, xD Picture Card
ExpressCard (34/54) slot lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features.
Three total USB ports with 1 eSATA/USB combo port that also features Sleep and Charge capabilities, allowing you to charge your mobile phone and other devices even when the notebook is asleep or off.
HDMI-CEC audio/video output lets you control additional media players with just a single remote. A standard analog VGA video output is also included.
Combo headphone S/PDIF digital audio output
Enjoy proactive PC health--without the worry. For your peace mind, this laptop comes with an innovative PC Health Monitor that constantly keeps tabs on things like your machine's power usage, temperature and hard drive--so you won't have to.
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
Up to 3.5 hours of battery life from standard 6-cell battery (4800 mAh).

Weight: 4.75 pounds

Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.08 x 1.5 inches (WxDxH)
Warranty: One-year limited hardware warranty
Energy Star 5.0 certified
Gold EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact.
RoHS compliant effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances

What's in the Box This package contains the Toshiba Satellite U505-S2010 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions.
It also comes with the following software: Norton Internet Security 2009 (30-day trial), Toshiba PC Health Monitor, Microsoft Works, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Edition (60-day trial), Windows Media Player, Corel DVD Movie Factory, Google Toolbar, Google Picasa, PowerCinema, WildTangent Orb Game Console
More Details
Touchscreen-Enabled LaptopThis model of the Toshiba Satellite M505 offers a whole new way to navigate your digital world via touchscreen display technology. And with the new touchscreen capabilities of Windows 7, you'll discover easy and exciting new ways to have fun and get things done with your PC.
Browse If you're the type who likes to go digital and read a lot online, you'll love having a laptop with a touch screen. Browse through newspapers and Web pages with ease, or flick through photo albums fast. It makes going paperless a real possibility.
Scroll, Drag and Drop Easily sift through long lists and files with a natural swirling motion. Then point, drag and drop those files wherever you want them. You've never sorted things out quite so quickly.
Rotate Sometimes you want to adjust the onscreen image clockwise or counter-clockwise--for a presentation, a photo album, or simply to enjoy better viewing. The touch screen makes it a cinch--using just the tip of your finger.
Zoom In and Out Study the details of a picture. Read the fine print. Or simply punctuate your latest point. The touchscreen lets you zoom in and out with a simple two-finger motion. You'll save time and keystrokes--and have some fun in the process.

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HP Pavilion DV7-3180US 17.3-Inch Laptop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Anyone unhappy with this unit is nuts or spoiled as hell. Can't really find a complaint. Fast. Been using for over a month now problem free. Took it out of the box, turned it on, set it up, and started working, and remember saying out loud "I can't beleive I own this". Most computer hardware wise for the money I could find. Solid. Only thing that disappointed was that the HP Media Bundle has issues but the Windows programs are reliable. I like to install my own media software anyway so I still give this machine 5 stars.

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Acer Aspire Timeline AS3810TZ-4806 13.3-Inch Brushed Aluminum Laptop - Over 8 Hours of Battery Life Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been using my 3810tz since July '09. It really is a nice laptop. Great size, decent performance.
However, the laptop has been recalled because of an overheating risk due to a manufacturer's defect.
With Acer, I get the privilege of paying for my own packing materials to ship something I depend on for work and school for 7-10 days. When I called Acer Support to handle the repair, I asked if there was someone to complain to about how the recall was handled (a voucher for packing material and something else to show that they understand that their mistake is costing me at least a week of work).
Some companies with bad service will at least listen to your complaints before ignoring them.
Acer won't even listen.

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Acer Aspire Timeline 3810: All Thin, All Light, All DayAveraging more than 8 hours of battery life, the Acer Aspire Timeline notebook PC series makes "all day computing" a reality. You'll be able to remain productive as you work remotely from 9 to 5 without ever stopping to plug in and recharge, or keep yourself entertained throughout an entire coast–to-coast flight without worrying whether you'll make it to the end of your movie. The thin and light Timeline 3810 (model AS3810TZ-4806) is made for modern mobile work and play with its 3.5-pound weight and thin measurements--less than one-inch thin at its slimmest point and just over an inch at its thickest.
The high-definition, 13.3-inch CineCrystal LED backlit widescreen display (16:9 ratio) offers 33 percent more energy savings than traditional notebook screens. A Multi-Gesture Touchpad enables you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites. The Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. An integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam delivers smooth video streaming and high quality images for online chats and business video conferences, even in low-light situations.
Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

Key Features
13.3-inch LED-backlit widescreen display with 1366 x 768-pixel resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio and 200-nit high brightness
Energy efficient, 1.3 GHz Intel Pentium SU4100 processor with ultra-low voltage for extended battery life. The dual-core SU4100 has a has a power consumption rating of just 10 watts, a fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 2 MB L2 cache.
320 GB hard drive
4 GB of installed RAM with 1066 MHz speed
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with up to 1700 MB of shared video memory and support for DirectX 10 games.
Multi-gesture touchpad supports circular-motion scrolling, pinch-action zoom, and page flip. (Learn more)
Thermal-efficient cooling innovation ensures the notebook achieves comfortable skin temperature during use.
Crystal Eye webcam supports Acer PrimaLite technology, which consists of a premium sensor, firmware and lenses to provide superior video performance under low-light conditions. A built-in digital microphone helps keep background noise levels low and minimizes echoes.
Stereo speakers with Dolby Sound Room audio enhancement transforms the experience of movies, music, and games.
Draft-N Wi-Fi wireless networking (802.11a/b/g/n) with SignalUp technology for enhanced antenna efficiency
Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
5-in-1 memory card reader compatible with MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card
3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players.
HDMI port for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable. Also includes standard analog VGA video output.
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
Pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Works SE 9.0 for word processing and spreadsheet work. Enjoy a 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007.
Over 8 hours of average battery life with included 6-cell battery (5600 mAh)
Dimensions: 12.7 x 9 x 1.1 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 3.5 pounds
Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

What's in the Box This package contains the Acer Aspire Timeline AS3810TZ-4806 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions
It also comes with the following software: McAfee Internet Security Suite (trial version); CyberLink PowerDVD; Google Toolbar; Acer Recovery Management; Acer GridVista; Microsoft Works; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Trial (60 days)
Learn More
The Multi-Gestured Aspire 1410

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Acer Aspire TimelineX AS5820T-5951 15.6-Inch HD Laptop (Black Brushed Aluminum) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had been using a netbook and liked the size and battery life it provided...however, I'm in my 70's and dealing with the small font, not to mention the slow speed of the netbook, I was growing tired of the netbook in general. When I read the reviews on this laptop I ordered one right off the bat. Most impressed with the battery life (I would guess I get about 6 1/2 hours and the speed is off the map by comparison top the netbook. Granted it's much bigger but does only weigh a bit over 5 pounds...terrific computer. Lightening fast!!
I have had 3 variations of Acer Computers and good luck with all of them.

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8-Hour, All-Day Performance with the Acer Aspire TimelineX 5820T Combining Intel Core i3 processing performance with extended battery life, the breathtaking thin and lightweight Acer Aspire TimelineX laptop (model AS5820T-5951) gives you the freedom to roam all day long with an 8-hour battery life and stay productive with its 15.6-inch LED-backlit display.

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Symbol LS 4278 - Barcode Scanner (K35448) Category: Barcode Scanners Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The product description does not say that you need to order the charging cradle seperate. I ordered and received, found no charger cradle. Note: They charge a restocking fee to return.
Look for other options.

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Toshiba Satellite M645-S4080 14.0-Inch LED Laptop ( Fusion X2 Finish in Charcoal) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)pros
+ backlit keyboard
+ amazing speakers (like, best I've heard on a laptop, amazing (though my new xps 14 is at least equal to these)
+ circular scrolling is extremely effective
+ high resolution hdmi out
+ nice slot loading dvd drive
+ FN keys accessible from the screen with the mouse
+ boots very quickly if you enable it
cons
-extraordinarily loud fan
* fan turns on at a high power level even when laptop is idle
-keyboard keys occasionally (often) fail
-extremely limited viewing angles
Update: I've since purchased a dell xps 14, and It has the gt420m that this was originally advertised as having. Having tested both the 420 far outperforms the 330 in real-world testing.

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Toshiba Satellite M645: Easy Portability with 14-Inch HD Screen
Combining great portability, generous battery life and modern style in a slim, eco-smart package, the Toshiba Satellite M645-S4080 is sized to travel while providing powerful computing resources for all of your needs--work, learning and play. The 14-inch LED-backlit display offers HD TruBrite technology for optimal image clarity, widescreen aspect ratio for watching letterboxed movies and extra desktop working space, and native 720p high-definition resolution for watching downloaded HD video.
Made for mobility, this Toshiba M645 features a 14-inch high-definition screen and weighs 5.4 pounds (see larger image).

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Sony VAIO VGN-P530H/G Lifestyle PC (1.33 GHz Intel Processor, 2 GB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive with G-Sensor, Vista Basic) Green Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've always been a fan of ultraportable computers, and I've owned a few, which include a Motion LS800 tablet, Raon Everun, Vaio TX, Vaio TZ, and an Asus 1000H. So, my review is based upon my experience with those machines. The Vaio P, in my opinion, is the ideal combination of portability and functionality, if typing is an integral part of your computing needs. I bought 2 of them (one for me, one for the wife) as soon as they were announced on the Sony website, and have been using it for about 2 weeks.
PRO'S:
(1) SCREEN RESOLUTION: One issue that I have always had with any ultraportable (outside of the Vaio TX and TZ) has been low screen resolution (e.g. 1028 x 680), which has always lead to lots of scrolling and/or zooming-out. The resolution on the Vaio P is, in one word, incredible. EVERY webpage is viewable in its entirety on the screen, as is EVERY document I need to read or edit. The downside is that text ends up being VERY small on the screen, but still legible to me (I type documents in 10-pt Times New Roman font). However, there is a personalization option available that allows you to make text/icons 125% larger than normal, which makes things much easier to see. My wife wears glasses and has trouble reading the text at normal settings, so she uses that mode and it works well for her.
(2) PORTABILITY: Okay, let's not kid ourselves here. This thing will NOT fit in your shirt/pants pocket (unless you're wearing very baggy cargo pants), but it will fit in a purse or any small satchel. Weight is negligible, even with the extended-life battery attached. Portability is a big thing for me in my profession (medical student, MD in a few months), and this machine can easily fit in the pocket of my white coat when I'm on the move.
(3) THE KEYBOARD: I type extensively as part of my profession, and having a usable keyboard is a component that has always been missing from any computer that I could carry on my person. My Motion tablet and Everun were useful for reading on-the-go, but essentially useless for typing anything beyond a short phrase. My Vaio TX/TZ have great keyboards (I've typed thousands of pages on them), but the machines themselves are too large to carry on me at all times.
Let me also take this opportunity to point out that, in comparison to the Asus 1000H, the Vaio P is not just another crappy netbook. The keyboard on the 1000H, for many reasons, is a low-quality component that definitely shows with heavy use. Any typing mistakes made with the Vaio P are genuinely my own keystroke mistakes, which was not the case with the Asus (90% of the time, it was just the junky keyboard causing mistakes). The right-shift key on the Vaio P is truncated, but its placement to the left of the arrow keys makes it a much more natural motion to hit, and something that you can become accustomed to without causing you to alter your typing accuracy on a normal-sized keyboard, which was really just impossible with the 1000H (that had the right shift key placed to the right of the arrow keys).
(4) FUNCTIONALITY: It is a fully-functional PC, capable of running any program you might need to run, given that you're not trying to use this as a gaming PC. I have installed Windows 7 on my Vaio P, which has made it much more efficient at running multiple programs simultaneously, as well as improving stability. I would highly recommend this upgrade for anyone purchasing this machine.
CONS:
(1) VISTA: This machine should have come standard with XP. Vista boot time is horrendously slow, even from hibernation, and installing Windows 7 does not fix this problem. My other ultraportables running XP were able to return from hibernation in about 20-60 seconds. The Vaio P takes probably 2-3 minutes. Maybe I'm a little impatient, but I want my computer to be ON when I turn it on. The integrated instant-on technology is not terribly useful to me because I generally need to use programs other than Media player or Firefox when I fire my machine up.
(2) NOT USER-UPGRADEABLE: As I understand it, the RAM is soldered to the motherboard and thus not upgradeable. 3 GB of RAM would have made the VAIO P much faster, and would have alleviated problem (1) I described above, and with 3 GB of RAM, Windows 7 would not even be a necessity because it would then be able to run Vista acceptably.
(3) STANDARD BATTERY LIFE: Sony touts 4 hours of life with the standard battery, which is of course a lie. It's more like 2.5 to 3 hours with screen brightness turned down to 1 or 2 (at which it is still very much readable/viewable), with WiFi on. I also have the large capacity battery, which takes it to 6.5 to 7 hours at the same settings. The large capacity battery adds maybe 1 to 1.5 cm of height to the machine, which is something of an eyesore, but I will make the sacrifice because the added battery life is worth more to me than the 0.2 lbs (not noticeable) and increased size.
(4) LACK OF TOUCHPAD: This omission is well-documented in other reviews; the pointing stick does what it is intended to do and it does it well -- however, it does NOT replace the touchpad or a mouse. Most people are already well-aware of this issue before purchasing the Vaio P. One thing I would liked to have seen instead is the optical mouse like on the Raon Everun, which is an intuitive and exceptional pointing device that is easier to use than the pointing stick.
*CONCLUSION: the Vaio P is an exceptional device of modern engineering that allows its owners to maintain productivity at a level comparable to that of a laptop while away from home, or when lugging a laptop case is impractical -- thus, I must stress that it is intrinsically a COMPANION PC. One should not expect this to REPLACE a primary PC, nor should one anticipate using this as their laptop 100% of the time, 24/7, because it simply would be foolish and needlessly uncomfortable to do so. I would make the analogy of comparing WiFi to a T1 connection -- given the choice and availability, no one would choose WiFi over a T1 connection, but the convenience and mobility of a WiFi connection are advantages that the T1 cannot match. In the same way, the Vaio P offers unmatched portability and convenience, but its purpose is of a different nature than the primary laptop/desktop -- so, as long as you keep that difference in mind, the Vaio P should enhance your productivity and live up to its tag of being a "lifestyle" PC.

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Clarion N.I.C.E. 430 - GPS receiver - automotive Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Clarion is just the latest stop on my winding journey to find the portable GPS unit that meets all my needs.
The trade-off on this one was Text-to-Speech, which it doesn't have. My thinking was that it wasn't a deal-breaker, as the GPS will announce turns, so who cares if it reads the street names or not.
But, after using other GPS units with this feature, I feel now that it IS a deal-breaker. Hearing the street name helps keep your eyes on the road, instead of reading the screen. It may not seem like much, but after continued use you REALLY start to miss it.
The other problem, that really IS a deal-breaker, is the sluggish response from the unit, surprising since it sports a pretty hefty 400Mhz processor. Route calculation is slow, but more importantly, on-the-fly route correction if you miss a turn is REALLY slow, so much so that you'll regularly miss a quick turn after re-calculation. This, partnered with very slow satellite aquisition sealed the deal for me, and I returned the Clarion.
Strike three was the Bluetooth function, which is spotty at best. It lost the connection to my Blackberry numerous times, and the worst is that THERE IS NO PHONE DIRECTORY. A fatal omission, I thought the idea of handsfree was to avoid fumbling for phone numbers?
A shame really, because of all the GPS units that have come before, the Clarion definitely has the most robust software. You have complete control over editing the route, and the turn-by-turn itinerary is great, and even includes major streets you'll pass to your next turn. The screen is also easy on the eyes, clear and vibrant. Unfortunately, the map screen renders the text very small, making it hard to read street names on it.
I was sad to return the Clarion, but I just couldn't overcome its faults.

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HTC Touch Diamond P3700 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased the European version of the Diamond for use in the US on ATT. I have not had any problems so far with voice service. Data service is slower than I had on my Blackjack, but I knew that would happen. The Diamond has Wifi and it has been easy to connect to my home network and to hot spots to get broadband internet service.
The Diamond was designed to be a one hand device. It really is possible to do everything with one hand, even use the camera. (I recommend using two hands when using any camera for better stability.) The 3.2 megapixel camera isn't bad for a mobile phone, certainly better than many I've used before- when there is sufficient light. There is no flash, so your indoor photography will be disappointing.
The Touch Flo interface which seemed almost like frosting on top of plain old Windows Mobile in other HTC touch devices, is very much a fully intergrated part of the system on the Diamond. It runs very well and is every bit as intuitive as other touch oriented devices. You can turn Touch Flo off, but I don't know why you'd want to.
Diamond's good looks demonstrate that Windows Mobile devices can be great looking as well as powerful. The phone is attractive off or on, but it also great to look at when you're working on it because of the VGA screen. After several days, it still startles me how much clearer text and graphics are on this phone.
Thanks HTC for including the Opera browser. You can still browse the web using pages for mobile units if you'd like with IE, but you will want to step up to the real internet with Opera. Scroll, pan, zoom if you need to, but with that VGA screen, you may not even need to do so.
Battery life on the Diamond is as advertised unless you make heavy use of Wifi or the music player or camera. These will significantly diminish your time between charges.
A few final points: yes, the phone collects fingerprints. So do all touch devices. Sound quality on calls has been good in my experience. Sound quality on the music player is not as good as on a dedicated MP3 device. The FM radio is a great feature. I hadn't come close to filling a 2Gb micro SD card on my Blackjack so the 4Gb internal storage on the Diamond should be sufficient. Will you master every touch move immediately? No. Within a day or so? Yes.
If you live in Europe or Asia or live in the US but don't need 3G service, the Diamond is a great phone. It's pretty darn close to great even with its present US limitation.

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Sony VAIO VGN-P530H/R Lifestyle PC (1.33 GHz Intel Processor, 2 GB RAM, 60 GB Hard Drive with G-Sensor, Vista Basic) Red Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've always been a fan of ultraportable computers, and I've owned a few, which include a Motion LS800 tablet, Raon Everun, Vaio TX, Vaio TZ, and an Asus 1000H. So, my review is based upon my experience with those machines. The Vaio P, in my opinion, is the ideal combination of portability and functionality, if typing is an integral part of your computing needs. I bought 2 of them (one for me, one for the wife) as soon as they were announced on the Sony website, and have been using it for about 2 weeks.
PRO'S:
(1) SCREEN RESOLUTION: One issue that I have always had with any ultraportable (outside of the Vaio TX and TZ) has been low screen resolution (e.g. 1028 x 680), which has always lead to lots of scrolling and/or zooming-out. The resolution on the Vaio P is, in one word, incredible. EVERY webpage is viewable in its entirety on the screen, as is EVERY document I need to read or edit. The downside is that text ends up being VERY small on the screen, but still legible to me (I type documents in 10-pt Times New Roman font). However, there is a personalization option available that allows you to make text/icons 125% larger than normal, which makes things much easier to see. My wife wears glasses and has trouble reading the text at normal settings, so she uses that mode and it works well for her.
(2) PORTABILITY: Okay, let's not kid ourselves here. This thing will NOT fit in your shirt/pants pocket (unless you're wearing very baggy cargo pants), but it will fit in a purse or any small satchel. Weight is negligible, even with the extended-life battery attached. Portability is a big thing for me in my profession (medical student, MD in a few months), and this machine can easily fit in the pocket of my white coat when I'm on the move.
(3) THE KEYBOARD: I type extensively as part of my profession, and having a usable keyboard is a component that has always been missing from any computer that I could carry on my person. My Motion tablet and Everun were useful for reading on-the-go, but essentially useless for typing anything beyond a short phrase. My Vaio TX/TZ have great keyboards (I've typed thousands of pages on them), but the machines themselves are too large to carry on me at all times.
Let me also take this opportunity to point out that, in comparison to the Asus 1000H, the Vaio P is not just another crappy netbook. The keyboard on the 1000H, for many reasons, is a low-quality component that definitely shows with heavy use. Any typing mistakes made with the Vaio P are genuinely my own keystroke mistakes, which was not the case with the Asus (90% of the time, it was just the junky keyboard causing mistakes). The right-shift key on the Vaio P is truncated, but its placement to the left of the arrow keys makes it a much more natural motion to hit, and something that you can become accustomed to without causing you to alter your typing accuracy on a normal-sized keyboard, which was really just impossible with the 1000H (that had the right shift key placed to the right of the arrow keys).
(4) FUNCTIONALITY: It is a fully-functional PC, capable of running any program you might need to run, given that you're not trying to use this as a gaming PC. I have installed Windows 7 on my Vaio P, which has made it much more efficient at running multiple programs simultaneously, as well as improving stability. I would highly recommend this upgrade for anyone purchasing this machine.
CONS:
(1) VISTA: This machine should have come standard with XP. Vista boot time is horrendously slow, even from hibernation, and installing Windows 7 does not fix this problem. My other ultraportables running XP were able to return from hibernation in about 20-60 seconds. The Vaio P takes probably 2-3 minutes. Maybe I'm a little impatient, but I want my computer to be ON when I turn it on. The integrated instant-on technology is not terribly useful to me because I generally need to use programs other than Media player or Firefox when I fire my machine up.
(2) NOT USER-UPGRADEABLE: As I understand it, the RAM is soldered to the motherboard and thus not upgradeable. 3 GB of RAM would have made the VAIO P much faster, and would have alleviated problem (1) I described above, and with 3 GB of RAM, Windows 7 would not even be a necessity because it would then be able to run Vista acceptably.
(3) STANDARD BATTERY LIFE: Sony touts 4 hours of life with the standard battery, which is of course a lie. It's more like 2.5 to 3 hours with screen brightness turned down to 1 or 2 (at which it is still very much readable/viewable), with WiFi on. I also have the large capacity battery, which takes it to 6.5 to 7 hours at the same settings. The large capacity battery adds maybe 1 to 1.5 cm of height to the machine, which is something of an eyesore, but I will make the sacrifice because the added battery life is worth more to me than the 0.2 lbs (not noticeable) and increased size.
(4) LACK OF TOUCHPAD: This omission is well-documented in other reviews; the pointing stick does what it is intended to do and it does it well -- however, it does NOT replace the touchpad or a mouse. Most people are already well-aware of this issue before purchasing the Vaio P. One thing I would liked to have seen instead is the optical mouse like on the Raon Everun, which is an intuitive and exceptional pointing device that is easier to use than the pointing stick.
*CONCLUSION: the Vaio P is an exceptional device of modern engineering that allows its owners to maintain productivity at a level comparable to that of a laptop while away from home, or when lugging a laptop case is impractical -- thus, I must stress that it is intrinsically a COMPANION PC. One should not expect this to REPLACE a primary PC, nor should one anticipate using this as their laptop 100% of the time, 24/7, because it simply would be foolish and needlessly uncomfortable to do so. I would make the analogy of comparing WiFi to a T1 connection -- given the choice and availability, no one would choose WiFi over a T1 connection, but the convenience and mobility of a WiFi connection are advantages that the T1 cannot match. In the same way, the Vaio P offers unmatched portability and convenience, but its purpose is of a different nature than the primary laptop/desktop -- so, as long as you keep that difference in mind, the Vaio P should enhance your productivity and live up to its tag of being a "lifestyle" PC.

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HP Pavilion dv5-1000us Entertainment Notebook PC Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this laptop just over 1.5 yrs ago, but finally decided it was time to write a review on this monstrosity.
I paid over one thousand dollars for this, and having had positive experiences with HP in the past I thought this would be the perfect laptop to lug around when starting University.
Okay, I will begin by saying that I hardly ever carry this laptop around, and usually keep it sat on my desk or use it while lying in bed. The few times I have traveled with it, it has been for short extents of time and I would carry it in a highly-padded computer bag. I am positive I took better care of my laptop than many people, however, I guess that doesn't change a thing if the laptop is already poorly made. I will now list the problems I have encountered in my DV5-1000us from the day I got it up until today (1.5 yrs later):
*The easy pad (touchpad) controls stopped working many times during my first few months of use, however, now work 99% of the time. One thing that has not changed, although I believe this is simply a design flaw is that you can't skip, pause, play, or stop songs on itunes unless you have the itunes window displaying immediately infront of you. Because of this, I deem these controls useless since it's just as easy to press any of these buttons simply from the itunes window. It is also very annoying when you want to control itunes, but can't simply use the touchpad.
*The sound card: This computer has an awful sound card simply because it continually turns on and off. I have a password-login which I must use to access my computer, but if the computer falls asleep, sometimes the sound card turns off which requires me to close and reopen my computer screen, relogin and then wait a minute for my computer to allow me to actually use it while it makes a loud engine sound. It's not that bad, but quite an annoying flaw.
*The keyboard:After a few weeks of using my laptop, the keyboard buttons would easily jam and sometimes the plastic holding them to the laptop would pop up and the keys would essentially "break." They all worked, however, many became loose or stiff after this.
---And today my keyboard simply stopped working, so I am now typing on a usb keyboard (which is actually much better than my laptop keyboard and it only cost $18!) I should mention that although this laptop cost over one thousand dollars, the keyboard is not water resistant and also easily attracts dirt under the keys. It cost nearly $400 to fix my laptop keyboard (and I live in the Silicon Valley right next to HP!), and simply put: This computer itself isn't even worth $300-$400!
*The "paint job" -- when you open up this laptop you will see "small, smooth metal squares." These are painted on and can easily be chipped off -- my laptop is a perfect example!
*The "mouse paint job" The mouse pad on this laptop is a great size and I love that it is centered, rather than placed to the side like in some other HP DV's and Toshiba Satellites, however one day I came home after class and while studying next to it, noticed that the mousepad was scorching hot. I figured, "Hey, it's an HP!" HOWEVER, just a few minutes later I go to browse the internet and notice the metal paint job on the left-hand cursor had BURNT OFF! This was only after around six months of use, and to this day nearly the entire left-hand cursor is burnt-black.
*The graphics card: You wouldn't think it would be bad, and it's not that bad...BUT it is a very cheap, OLD graphics card and can cause computer games to skip around.
*The INTERNET: I have LOST COUNT of how many times the internet on this computer has suddenly stopped working. You will be browsing the internet and WHAM! You will close the lid to your computer and come back to it and WHAM! No matter how or when it happens, this laptop will find a way to disconnect to the internet (another reason I should mention that I simply keep it in my apartment room). It is NOT easy to reconnect the internet when this happens. Especially if you do not have access to the router, it is basically trial-and-error each time this happens -- and it happens quite frequently and usually waste a few hours trying to fix it. For some reason there is no solution to this problem, because one method can fix the internet one time, and not work at all the next! ---The touchpad wifi control sometimes can mess up and stay on "disconnected/orange" even if you try and try and try to enable it and make it blue. This is NOT a portable laptop, because many times it doesn't even pick up wireless points many other laptops do!
*The safety-rubber attached to the laptop IS ATTACHED WITH FREAKING ELMER'S GLUE!!! Okay, so maybe it's not...however, a few of the pieces of rubber placed on the very bottom and screen fall off. They literally will just melt off...You will feel something sticky and realize the rubber is melting off.
*built-in microphone of poor quality. I didn't even REALIZE this laptop had a built in microphone like my mom's new mac, simply because...It doesn't pick up sound unless you have your mouth to the screen -- and how many people do that?!
*CD-rom sometimes doesn't function -- you will insert a CD or DVD and be all stoked to listen or watch it when nothing pops up. You go to my computer>CD/DVD-drive to notice it hasn't picked up the fact you just put a cd or dvd in. Sometimes it says, "NO DVD/CD INSERTED." and jot-fully pop out the CD/DVD door as if you really needed that lol So again, you should restart your computer...and get used to it if you buy this...
Okay, I know i doesn't sound like alot, but trust me...these cons really get to you after a while, and I haven't even mentioned (although I think this happens to most HP's), all the things which stop working and error messages which randomly pop up.
I know this is a very LONG review, but if it stops you from buying this laptop or at least lets you know what you are getting yourself into, then I'm happy.
I WANT to like this computer, and put aside all of these issues...but I just can't. If this were a $300-$400 computer (the cost to fix my keyboard haha), then I might shrug it off as annoying as it is...but what ever happened to getting what you paid for?
I do not recommend this laptop to anyone and the only reason this review is so long is because the problems-list associated with the laptop...goes on and on. :/

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Samsung Giorgio Armani P520 Unlocked Cell Phone with 3.15 MP Camera, MP3/Video Player, MicroSD Slot--International Version with No Warranty (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I didn't get a phone. I got a bluetooth. maybe you didn't do anything illegal but it sure was rude and kind of dumbfounding to think that you went to such trouble to sell something that is completely useless while making such a great advertisement for a cell phone. hats off to you, I lose. you win. happy? ha ha ha. jokes on me.

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Samsung and Giorgio Armani, one of the world's leading fashion houses, have collaborated to design the Samsung P520 Armani cell phone, combining Giorgio Armani's iconic design aesthetic and Samsung's cutting edge technology. The slim, card-size frame of the P520 showcases clean and simple lines and colors straight from the Armani palette. It sports a large 2.6-inch touchscreen and an easy-to-use interface that you control with your finger. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera with video capture capabilities, Bluetooth stereo music streaming, integrated digital audio player, MicroSD memory expansion, and up to 6 hours of talk time.
This unlocked cell phone can be used with a GSM network service provider and it provides tri-band connectivity (900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz). It does not come with a SIM card, and it requires that you provide a SIM card for usage with your selected service provider. This phone comes with a one-year warranty from a third party provider.
Phone Features About the size of a credit card and a mere 10.5mm thin (0.4 inches), the Samsung P520 Armani phone fits sensuously into a user's palm. Its touch-optimized Croix user interface (UI) offers a handsome and classy look, providing you easy access to the multimedia features. Enjoy graphical and functional consistency as you navigate. And everything about the Giorgio Armani Samsung phone is sensual--even the way it interacts with you. A full touch widescreen (haptical user interface) is easy-to-use and wonderfully responsive to the touch. You also get synthetic feedback through the audio and haptic UI.
The 2.6-inch touchscreen has a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels and support for 256K colors. The phone has a 60 MB memory (which can be expanded up to 2 GB using optional MicroSD memory cards), and it can store up to 1000 contact entries. The phone will also display the 30 most recent dialed/received/missed calls.
Keep your music close at hand with the P520, which offers compatibility with MP3, WMA and OGG formats. The 3.2-megapixel camera on the back of the phone includes a 4x digital zoom, flash, self-timer, multi-shot capabilities, and multiple effects (sepia, gray, negative). You can also capture video clips with sound at up to a 352 x 288-pixel resolution (CIF)
This phone provides Bluetooth version 2.0 wireless connectivity with EDR (enhanced data rate), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and audio/video remote control. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.
Other features include:
Messaging: SMS, MMS, EMS, email (POP3)
T9 predictive text entry technology makes it easier for you to enter words and text on handsets
Document viewer (Microsoft Office, PDF)
EDGE data connectivity
Video playback formats: MPEG4, 3GPP, H.263
USB 2.0 wired connectivity
Calendar, currency converter
WAP 2.0 web browser
Ringtones: 64-chord polyphonic, MP3
Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BPP (basic printing profile for text, email), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), HID (support for mice or joysticks), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items)

Vital Statistics The Samsung P520 Armani weighs 3 ounces and measures 3.4 x 2.1 x 0.4 inches. Its 880 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6 hours of talk time, and up to 220 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies. This phone comes with a one-year warranty from a third party provider.

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