VIZIO E322VL 32-Inch LCD HDTV

I used to sell HDTVs when they first hit the market, and as such I never imagined some day I would own a Vizio. I saw the market move from ED tube sets to DLPs to plasma to LCD and so on. Just like a mechanic, while I would spend all day learning and working with beautiful TV screens, up until this recent Black Friday I was strictly a tube TV standard definition kind of guy. Yes, this is my first HDTV.

I'll say right off the bat that the picture quality on this TV is fine. I've turned off all the noise reduction and all that stuff and it just as nice as all the other LCD TVs out there. Picture quality isn't the hard part anymore. The only thing manufacturers really have to worry about is ease of use. This is where Vizio is falling short. VIZIO E322VL Reviews

The first thing that I have to mention is that the remote is just awful. It disregards over half the buttons I hit. Most menus don't scroll when you hold down the arrow buttons. The symmetrical shape ensures that I will always doubt whether I'm holding it the right direction in the dark. When you hit the menu button it lags for at least a second, sometimes turning the screen black until the visually unimpressive menu loads. I have no idea why a TV wouldn't be able to load its own menu in a split second, especially since there is NOTHING special about it.

The available settings change for each input. VGA has almost no picture settings (brightness, contrast), coax has a few more, and HDMI is just jam packed with them. Each input retains the settings that it had the last time you used it. The product sheet brags that you can label the inputs, but all that means is that it still says HDMI2 but alongside you can tag it with a preset name like "Game".

Audio settings I usually turn off just like picture, but SRS TruVolume is actually pretty killer. I'd never had a TV with this before. It's basically a fast release compressor that ducks down the volume when a loud sound happens. It really isn't that useful for commercials (AMC HD still has such a huge volume change between movies and commercials that TruVolume doesn't stand a chance), but it's nice for pretty much any action movie made in the past 20 years where the producer thinks the sound effects are more important than the whispered dialogue (looking at you Michael Mann!). samsung 1080p hdtv reviews

On to the internet apps. This was where I wasn't sure if I was making the right decision. On one hand I would prefer a simple TV with less things to break or go obsolete, but the idea of being able to watch Netflix at night without my Xbox or computer (which isn't really an option since most HD material on Netflix is "HD on your TV", not on the Silverlight player) running made me giddy. I'll get to Netflix later, but not much later since the apps (sorry, widgets) that are available are pretty much worthless. I couldn't log in to my Yahoo account because my Yahoo username was apparently too long, so I'm not sure what kind of functionality that adds. I was pretty bummed that I couldn't find a way to remove all the worthless widgets it came pre-installed with, but it seems to enjoy completely erasing them all every few weeks so that solved that problem.

So that leads me to Netflix. Oh, how glorious this could be. The interface has updated twice since I bought the unit. You don't even need to load the whole app if you just want to resume the last thing you were watching. It has all the features of the Xbox app, including search and your most recently enjoyed genres (alongside standard fare like recommendations and Instant Queue). The problem - and by problem I mean crippling flaw - is that it plays all HD content out of sync. The audio is about 500ms behind the picture. The audio menu has a "Lip sync" feature, but all it does is put the audio MORE out of sync. I can't imagine why they would only make it go one direction. I was so excited to see voice sync since that stuff drives me crazy, but it hasn't once been effective. I had high hopes each time the Netflix app updated, but the issue remains. Maybe some future update will fix it. As of February 2011 this is not the case.

Oh, and maybe the biggest flaw: the backlight hums unless it's on 100%. If yours is humming it's probably because the backlight is on 85 (default), or the Ambient Light Sensor or Backlight Control is enabled under advanced picture.

Garmin nuvi 2460LMT GPS

Garmin nuvi 2460LMT GPS Review

I received this for my spouse due to the fact she desperately essential to upgrade her GPS unit. She was proceeding from an aged university Nuvi and required one thing using a more substantial display screen, stay visitors updates, free map updates and swifter satellite tv signal response. The first point we did immediately after opening the box was join it to our LAPTOP. We downloaded the newest firmware they usually in fact acquired an updated map obtainable. The filter is crystal clear, the tone of voice is loud and clear, it acquires a sign rapidly as well as the touchscreen sensitivity seems significantly better than her aged 1 (and mine which is actually a Garmin 765T).Garmin nuvi 2460LMT 5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator

We have been driving all around one evening and on the time, we failed to know the GPS obtained a voice command attribute. We have been speaking after which it all with the sudden, we hear the GPS say, "Say a command". I guess whatever we stated ought to've sounded like, "Voice command" because that is what activates the words command prompt. So we began taking part in approximately with it And I'm astonished it really is so precise! It operates excellent!

We've obtained a Garmin 265WT plus a Garmin 1490T prior to acquiring this GPS unit. The 265WT features a four.several inch diagonal display, whilst the 1490T has a five inch display screen, like this unit. The display screen surface location is 50% much larger compared for the four.three inch machine - but the experience is significantly, a lot far better. It truly is very much easier to determine the display and thrust buttons, if required. On the other hand, the reason I bought this unit is always that I desired a tone of voice command unit in order that I would not be distracted pushing buttons whilst driving. All round, the words command functions effectively.

The unit activates phone command working with a customizable phrase uttered by the person...the default command is "Tone of voice Command." Customers also can significantly diminish the "wait around time" for the unit to reply to tone of voice commands by deactivating the verbal directions provided because of the unit through the tone of voice commands. As an alternative, the person can just say the commands in Green kind around the display screen. These are the instructions accepted from the unit working with tone of voice command. The radio demands to get away or very low in volume for your words command to operate. But which is an understandable (pun intended!) requirement for making use of phone command.

Two shortcomings and suggestions for Garmin:

1) Favorites cannot be searched utilizing words command. Rather, they may be outlined so as of proximity, from closest to farthest, from the present area with the unit. And you'll find only three Favorites detailed about the monitor at a time. To quest Favorites making use of Voice Command, the person has to continually say "straight down" to scroll to your next 3 Favorites. That is both tedious and time consuming. The unit includes a standard phone command perform known as "Locate by Identify" to discover a Subway, or McDonalds, etc. from the Major Words Command Menu. But this command will not do the job to research Favorites. Garmin ought to make a software package replace to let customers to look for Favorites by title, or build a new verbal command phrase "Research Favorites by Title". garmin gps reviews

2) The Traffic Map can't be accessed working with Phone Command capabilities both. This need to even be fixed by Garmin. They need to add the command "Visitors Map" to the updates with the unit.
A pleasant surprise: Map updates from Garmin were very easily a couple of-a few times as swiftly for this unit than to the 1490T, possibly simply because this unit has a lot larger storage. (7GB vs 2GB for that 1490T.) Map downloads took about 45 minutes compared to 1.5-a couple of hours with the 1490T and 265WT units. Total I am incredibly pleased with this unit, and hope that Garmin will seriously take into account adding the recommendations above. That would allow it to be ideally suited to utilize.

Garmin nuvi 1300LM GPS Review

I ordered the unit just prior to a trip from Phoenix to Sacramento. I'm a manual reader so I printed a copy with the directions from the Garmin word wide web website and learn them thoroughly earlier than messing using the unit (the fast start out directions integrated with all the unit are worthless). Ahead of performing anything at all else I bought a USB cable making sure that I could join to my laptop. All of us ought to have the cable and it is ridiculous that Garmin does not supply the cable together with the unit simply because you would like it to register and get latest software. After I received the cable I linked to Garmin's web internet site and registered the unit and updated the maps and firmware. It is just a little tricky but not as well challenging...And I'm not incredibly specialized.

Garmin nuvi 1300LM GPS Review

I also bought and downloaded radar detection software package since Phoenix, Tucson and a lot of Arizona is loaded with scum-sucking radar detectors. I also did the filter calibration on webpage 47 in the manual since several testimonials indicated that it made the touch display interface far more reputable. I needed to carry some out-of-the-way highways on my trip so I programmed in some "by means of details" to implement alongside the way. These are points that mean you can divert to another locale or highway even though keeping precisely the same final vacation spot programmed. The evening before the trip I used to be taking part in aided by the unit checking out the "browse map" operate. It seemed to become a worthless function and it wasn't responsive with all the filter becoming as well tiny for being beneficial anyway.

best garmin gps reviews

Just as I was about to obtain out from the browse mode the monitor went dark. The unit was fully charged but I could not flip it again on once more. I tried while using automobile plug adaptor, the USB cable, the on/off button...anything. The subsequent morning just before my trip it nonetheless wouldn't begin. I sent the unit rear and requested a substitute. After obtaining the alternative I went via the identical processes once again as outlined above except that I will not use the "browse map" perform yet again. I took the unit on a trip from No. Arizona to Orange County then San Diego and back yet again.

With the most component the unit worked incredibly properly. It did freeze after along with the monitor went dark again when I was programming in a very locale. I waited about ten mins and also to my wonderful relief it did restart but I used to be about to toss it out the window if it failed to restart. 1 time in a really complicated freeway interchange in San Diego it misplaced posture and commenced "recalculating". If I had not acknowledged in which I used to be likely I could have simply used the unsuitable offramp.

Installation was was truly "plug and play". I simply took it out of the box, plugged it in, and it was immediately recognized by the DVR. I have since transferred about 200gb of content to/from it, and have watched content directly from the drive. So far, it is working perfectly. It automatically spins down after a few minutes of non-use, as well as when the DVR is powered off. It also spins back up automatically (less than 10 seconds) when the DVR accesses it. hard drive reviews

One thing some people might not like: The case is designed to sit flat (as pictured), not on its side. There are four small non-skid pads on the bottom corners, but none on either side. There is no indication on the box, in the documentation, or on Western Digital's web site as to whether the drive will work properly on edge. As a general rule, WD drives are designed to operate sideways or even upside down (any X,Y,Z orientation), so this one probably will too -- but you'll need to provide your own non-skid pads.

Several similar Western Digital drives, such as the late model "My Book" series, now include a firmware-based CD-partition that is difficult to remove, and can cause compatibility issues with some devices. That partition contains backup software and utilities that are of questionable value in any case, and of absolutely no value when using the drive with a non-computer device (like the Dish DVR). The Elements -- at least at time of this review -- doesn't include any of that junk. (Note: WD does have a downloadable utility to remove the partition from the other drives, but if you don't want that junk then save yourself the time/trouble and just buy the Elements drive.)

I bought this on sale at Fry's for $99, way below the amazon price. I wanted something simple as most hard drives these days come with their annoying built in software which cannot be deleted (like WD Essential Edition). This is a hassle free drive and is not bundled with any of the extra software which is exactly what I wanted. You simply plug it in and it works. It can easily be formatted to work with macs as well. I've been using WD hard drives for years and I own several models of the "essential" and "passport" editions. They are very reliable. western digital wd elements 3 tb

This elements hard drive has a sleek and sexy, minimalist design. It is well built overall and constructed of durable plastic. There is a slot for the USB cable, a slot for the power adapter and a tiny circular white light which blinks when it is in use (the light is not overwhelming as some hard drives can be). All three of these features are on one side/face of the hard drive (as shown in the picture), so if you have this plugged in and it is facing away from you, you won't see the light at all. This doesn't bother me but it may be a turn off for some people.

When in operation, it is very smooth and quiet compared to other WD hard drives I own. This may be due to the fact that it is closed entirely and there are no holes for ventilation as in other WD models. But this doesn't bother me because I just use this as a backup and don't need it on all of the time. This could (emphasis on "could") be an issue if you are constantly using your hard drive because it may become hot. I haven't experienced this at all, just speculating. If you are just backing up files and, say, watching a movie on your computer which is stored on the hard drive, I think you'll be fine and there won't be any heating issues.

Transcend 16GB Class 10 SDHC Memory Card Review

UPDATE 9-10 I own 4 of these cards now. I have more of these than any other card I own because they are a very good value for capacity/price/and speed. My initial disappointment over the lack of super high speed is outweighed by the reality that this card is an exceptional value.

If you own a compact digital camera, or SD/HD video camera, this card will exceed the capabilities of all of them. For compact cameras the card isn't usually the slowest part of the data write process, it's the camera.
This card unloads very quickly with a 20MB/s read speed. You will need a SDHC card reader if you don't have one. A standard SD card reader will not read a HC (high capacity) card. (sd memory cards)

These cards make great gifts. I have given several of the 8 Gig cards as gifts and have received appreciation and great comments from all the recipients.

UPDATED REVIEW:
I purchased this card making the assumption that all class 10 cards had the same read and write speed. This was a poor assumption on my part. In order for a card to qualify for class 10 speed the card needs to be certified to have 10MB/s write and read speed. Some manufacturers classify their cards at a slower speed even though they qualify for a higher class. SanDisk make some cards that would qualify for class 10 and rates them as class 6.

The product photo on Amazon does not have the card's speed printed on it. The card that was shipped shows the front of the card printed with "20MB/s" which is the cards read speed. The cards write speed is 16MB/s.

I own a SanDisk Extreme III class 10 card that has (up to) 30MB/s read and write speed. My Nikon D-90 that can take advantage of the SanDisk cards speed. The difference is the SanDisk card can capture 100 photos at fine resolution in 24 seconds. The Transcend card captures 66 photos in the same time/resolution. (Transcend 16GB Class 10 SDHC)

I reality very few people will ever have the need to drill off 100 photos in 24 seconds, but I can't stand to lose a good shot because the camera is slow while writing to the card and I can't fire the shutter. You can hear this happen at about 4.5 seconds in the video review. This does not happen with the SanDisk class 10 30MB/s card.

If you own an SLR that is capable of rapid fire, high-resolution photography you may want to consider the SanDisk Extreme III 30 MB/s card. It is expensive.

This card is reasonably priced for a class 10 card. Just know what you are getting, what your needs may be, and what else is available. I own other Transcend cards and they have always worked properly without any issues.

The video that I attached shows this card with the same 24 seconds that I gave the SanDisk Card.

Gears of War 3 Review

Gears of War 3 is the spectacular conclusion to one of the most memorable and celebrated sagas in videogames. Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360, Gears of War 3 plunges players into a harrowing tale of hope, survival and brotherhood.


Product Overview

Product Description
In Gears of War 3, players fight on as Marcus Fenix, the grizzled war hero and leader of Delta Squad. Eighteen months after the fall of the last human city, the war against the Locust rages on. Meanwhile, deep beneath the surface, a fearsome new threat is infecting the planet from within. With survivors scattered and civilization in ruins, time is running out for Marcus and his comrades as they fight to save the human race.

The Gears of War series is one of the most popular franchises in Xbox history, with more than 12 million games sold worldwide, an upcoming film, New York Times best-selling novels and more.



Product Features

Enthralling cinematic story. Experience the epic finale to the Gears of War trilogy and fight alongside Delta Squad to rescue humanity. Discover the fate of Marcus and his surviving comrades in this immersive and emotionally engaging story.
Unparalleled gameplay. Gears of War 3 builds upon the series' genre-defining gameplay and captivates players in an intimately intense action game. The latest chapter in the saga introduces new playable COG characters and fresh challenges with ferocious enemies.
Explosive multiplayer action. One of the definitive multiplayer experiences on Xbox LIVE, Gears of War 3 features new cooperative and competitive multiplayer experiences for veteran players and rookies alike.*
Amazing visuals. Gears of War 3 pushes the envelope for stunning visuals on Xbox 360. Through the latest advances in Unreal Engine 3 technology, the game delivers improved graphics, animation and lighting that immerse players in the destroyed beauty of the rich environments. (baby strollers)
Game Description
Gears of War 3
Developer: Epic Games, Inc.
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

About Gears of War
Published by Microsoft Game Studios, the Gears of War franchise has won over 30 “Game of the Year” awards, sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and redefined the third-person shooter genre for this console generation. The game has also inspired a full line of toys and collectibles, apparel, an upcoming film, graphic novels and a book series by New York Times best-selling author Karen Traviss. The Gears of War series is exclusive to the Xbox 360 videogame and entertainment system and its riveting multiplayer action makes it one of the most popular titles on Xbox LIVE. More information can be found at www.gearsofwar.com.(hp laserjet pro p1102w)

About Epic Games, Inc.
Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and established in 1991, develops cutting-edge games and game engine technology, including the multiple million-selling, award-winning Unreal and Gears of War series, and the industry leading Unreal Engine 3 game engine, a four-time winner of Game Developer magazine's Best Engine Front Line Award and Hall of Fame inductee. More information about Epic Games can be found at www.epicgames.com.(best all in one printers)

* The information contained in this fact sheet relates to a pre-release product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when it is first commercially released. This fact sheet is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the fact sheet or the information contained in it.
Product Description
Developed by Epic Games exclusively for Xbox 360, “Gears of War 3“ plunges players into a harrowing tale of hope, survival and brotherhood. In “Gears of War 3,“ players fight on as Marcus Fenix, the grizzled war hero and leader of Delta Squad. Eighteen months after the fall of the last human city, the war against the Locust rages on. Meanwhile, deep beneath the surface, a fearsome new threat is infecting the planet from within. With survivors scattered and civilization in ruins, time is running out for Marcus and his comrades as they fight to save the human race. This item cannot be sold outside US and we cannot gaurantee the compatibility. You can contact the call center for more information on compatibility.(nikon digital slr cameras)

Britax Boulevard 70 Convertible Car Seat

The BRITAX BOULEVARD 70 convertible car seat is designed for children rear facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward facing from 1 year and 20 lbs up to 70 pounds. The BOULEVARD 70 achieves revolutionary head safety through the use of BRITAX SafeCellTM Technology, Integrated Steel Bars, and Versa-Tether? that work together to minimize head excursion and reduce the risk of head injury during a frontal impact. The BOULEVARD 70 also incorporates BRITAX True Side Impact Protection? and offers a five-point, no-rethread and quick-adjust harness, multiple buckle and recline adjustments, and an easy access cover and access to belt paths from the front of the seat. A body pillow is also provided for comfort and infant positioning. Features Beneifts: 360 Degree Protection : SafeCell? Technology features SafeCells designed to compress in a crash, significantly lowering the center of gravity and counteracting the forward rotation of the child seat which normally propels the child toward the front seat Integrated Steel Bars strengthen the connection to the vehicle and reduce forward flexing of the child seat during a crash Patented, Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether? features a staged-release tether webbing to slow the forward movement, reducing the crash forces reaching the child, and a two-point attachment to minimize forward-rotation while anchoring the top of the child seat True Side Impact Protection? offers a head restraint creating an extra layer of energy-absorbing EPP foam, keeping the head, neck and spine ?in true? or aligned, and deep side walls lined with EPP foam to distribute crash forces, shield from vehicle intrusion, and contain the head, neck and body Tangle-Free, Five-Point Harness distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body and provides a secure fit Harness Ultra Guard System (HUGS?) provides resistance to forward movement in the event of a crash Superior Fit and Comfort: 70-pound Weight Capacity for safety and comfort as your child.(online baby stores us)

The BRITAX BOULEVARD 70 Convertible Car Seat achieves optimum head safety through the combination of BRITAX SafeCell Technology, integrated steel bars, and a Versa-Tether, which work together to minimize head excursion and reduce the risk of head injury during a frontal impact. It also features easy installation, True Side Impact Protection, and innovative details for your child's comfort and safety. The seat fits children in the rear-facing position from 5 to 40 pounds, and children in the forward-facing position starting at one year old and 20 pounds, up to 70 pounds.

BOULEVARD 70 (Onyx) Convertible Car Seat At a Glance: Age/Weight Requirements: In rear- facing position, fits children weighing 5 - 40 pounds; in forward-facing position, fits children 1+ years old weighing 20 - 70 pounds Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

Available in (from left to right): Cowmooflage, Onyx, Paisley, and Riviera.

Safety features include SafeCell Technology and True Side Impact Protection.

Comfort features include dual recline positions and high-density comfort foam. (Shown here in Paisley.)

BRITAX 360 Degree Protection
The BRITAX BOULEVARD 70 features technologies that work to minimize injury to your child during a crash from any direction, including both frontal and side impact crashes - the most frequent types of crashes. These technologies work together with other features on the car seat to minimize injury to your child during a crash by:

keeping your child in the vehicle, diverting crash forces away from your child, helping to slow down your child's body, minimizing movement of your child, and protecting your child's brain and spinal cord.

SafeCell Technology for Advanced Head Safety
Designed with SafeCell Technology, the BOULEVARD 70 features SafeCells, which are engineered structures located in the base of the seat designed to compress in the event of a crash. This compression significantly lowers the center of gravity and counteracts the forward rotation of the car seat, delivering unprecedented performance in a crash.

The BOULEVARD 70 also features integrated steel bars, which strengthen the connection to the vehicle and reduce the forward flexing of the car seat. In addition, the energy-absorbing Versa-Tether anchors the top of the car seat and minimizes forward rotation of the car seat to reduce the crash forces that can reach your child if an accident occurs. These three features work together as a system to provide revolutionary head safety protection for your child.

True Side Impact Protection for Advanced Security 
Offering True Side Impact Protection, the BOULEVARD 70 delivers advanced protection if you happen to face an unexpected side-impact crash. True Side Impact Protection is a system composed of a rigid seat shell with deep side walls, an adjustable head restraint, and an extra layer of energy-absorbing EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam lining the head restraint. These combined features work together to protect your child's head and chest from incoming side-impact crash forces by distributing the forces over a larger surface area, helping shield your child from vehicle intrusion, contain your child's head and body in the seat, and minimize side-to-side movement of your child's head.

Premium Fit and Comfort Features
Whether children are watching the world go by or snuggling in for a nap, they'll enjoy that the BOULEVARD 70 reclines in both the forward and rear positions. And thanks to additional features, which include high-density comfort foam and a plush cover set with matching belly pad, they'll always ride in style and comfort. A 70-pound weight capacity, two buckle positions, and a tangle-free five-point harness with ten harness height settings provide a snug, custom fit for your growing child. Plus, an optional Infant Positioning Insert (sold separately) allows you to properly and securely fit smaller infants into the baby car seat.

Ease-of-Use for Safety and Convenience 
Packed with perks for parents, the BOULEVARD 70 makes it easy to secure your child in the proper position without guesswork. Premium lower LATCH connectors make for a quick, simple, and tight installation, while the push-button allows you to easily uninstall the connectors. Easy-to-access built-in lock-offs allow you to install the car seat with ease using your vehicle's lap and shoulder belt. The quick-adjust harness system and buckle allow you to reposition the harness height without disassembling the harness straps.

Additionally, an anti-slip contoured base grips and protects the vehicle seat, ensuring a tight installation in all types of vehicles. Convenient holders keep harness straps out of the way when you're placing your child in the seat, and the plush cover set with matching pads removes easily for cleaning without requiring you to disassemble or uninstall the car seat.

The BRITAX BOULEVARD 70 Convertible Car Seat is backed by a one-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box

One BRITAX BOULEVARD 70 Convertible Car Seat and manual.