Jan
11
I bought this for my dorm room to host movie parties and so far it has really been worth the money. It worked perfectly with my Macbook Pro (I purchased a VGA adapter from the Apple store) and Lenova/Dell Windows based PCs. The video quality is really superior for its price and it’s a great buy if you’re just going to watch movies on the wall. This projector is light, yet not flimsy, and following the instructions, it was quick to set up. There are two ports for computers (I needed to project my laptop’s contents), and initially I plugged the cable (VGA, comes with the projector) into Computer 1, which didn’t work, as the projected picture seemed to be stuck on “Computer 2″, which wasn’t receiving changing the settings, so I plugged the cable into the “Computer 2″ port, and it worked. I tried changing the projector from C2 to C1 via its Settings menus, but it wouldn’t change. I haven’t looked into this further. Based on the reviews at this site I purchased the ViewSonic for both home use and small group presentations. I was pleasantly surprised at how easily the connection was made from my MacBook Air 11″ using the Mac Video out connector (purchased at the Apple store) to the projector. From the ease of connectivity and portability to the bright output I am very satisfied with the projector. This projector was selected over other projectors because of the reasonable price point and the impressive features. I was amazed at the overall quietness, sharpness, and beautiful bright vivid projected images. It appears to have the least amount of energy expended for a projector in this class.
Posted ViewSonic PJD5123 SVGA DLP Projector
Jan
09
I had a scanner that would scan slides, but only two at a time and the resolution was not very high. After reading reviews and comparing prices and features on a number of scanners, I decided on the Epson Perfection V600 as the price was reasonable and other reviewers gave it high marks.
I am scanning slides on another computer as I write this review. I have several thousand slides dating back to Vietnam when I purchased a 35mm camera and started taking lots of pictures and this batch will bring the number I have scanned so far to just short of 900.
I am extremely pleased with the quality of the scans. Following the advice of others, I am scanning at 4800 dpi as higher resolution than that takes a long time, the difference in image quality is not noticeable on a large computer monitor, and higher resolution results in each picture taking up much more memory. The process is on the slow side, however, and with this model you can only scan four slides at a time. I have three computers, so I am able to accomplish other tasks (or to read) while waiting for scans to complete.
If you happen to mount the slides incorrectly in the carrier, a preview allows you to rotate or even flip them before you commit to a scan. My slides greatly outnumber negatives, but I tried scanning both color and black and white negatives just to see how the process works. You clip the negatives into a plastic frame, and are allowed to preview the results before committing the scanned images to memory. The best part about this is that the software shows you what the final image looks like – positive and in full color or black and white. I have not tried working with the Photoshop trial software that comes with the scanner. One reason is that I consider myself a semi-professional photographer and I long ago tossed any slides that were marginal. Once I start on the negatives, I may try the software. I am happy with the ease of use, and the fact that you can preview images after just a few seconds before you decide to save them. The major drawback for slides is that you can only scan four at a time. For those of you that have mostly negatives, you are able to scan two strips (12 frames) at a time. I give this product four stars.
Posted Epson V600 Photo Color Scanner
Jan
06
My first winter boots!! After much deliberation I narrowed it down to get the Sorel Snow Angel winter boots and I was very impressed. Love it, my feet were warm and toasty in Alberta, Canada. Now my husband want to get a pair from this company. These boots keep my feet so warm and are the most comfortable pair of shoes I own! I bought them to wear on a ski trip and instead wear them almost everyday and for everything! They are so great! My duties at the cemetery can place me in all sorts of weather. For the cold, cruel outdoor winter weather, I have found these boots, so far, to be wonderful. These boots claim to be rated to -25 F. I can’t scientifically verify any claims, but I can say, from my experience so far, that they certainly have kept my feet warm and dry through the abuse I’ve subjected them to.
One morning last week, when we started the day at 9am, it was 18 degrees out. By noon it had warmed to about 25 degrees. We spent the larger portion of our time outdoors, and my feet remained warm right up till lunchtime.
Do I have any complaints about these? Only something small. At times they can feel bit “clunky”. They don’t really look that way, but can feel bit bulky on the foot. But hey, they’re winter boots, it’s to be expected if you want warmth.
Posted Sorel Snow Angel Lace Boot
Jan
05
After a fairly significant amount of research we decided to invest in this Elliptical over many others and purchased it through Amazon. The delivery took place on the day indicated and Pilot Delivery was very good giving a two hour window but arriving 20 minutes early.
So, to initial impressions. First off, if your delivery man will take it to where you want it that is a good thing. The box is quite large and unwieldy and weighs nearly 160 pounds. I ended up unboxing and carrying all the bits to where I was setting up. Be VERY SURE to check ALL the Styrofoam for bits and pieces as its tightly packed. You will also need a box cutter or scissors to cut all the tape.
The assembly is actually not particularly difficult and took me around 2 hours on my own. The tools needed are included in the package and every bolt, washer and screw is neatly labeled and packaged. No additional tools were required for assembly and everything fit very well indeed with all bits that needed greasing already done so and protected by plastic Once assembled the amount of physical room required is a fair bit less than other Elliptical machines and runs very smoothly indeed. The resistance levels go high enough to provide a decent challenge for anyone looking to improve their fitness levels. There are a LOT of programs on offer and I have not scratched the surface of the options yet. There is an IMMENSE cup holder on the machine that will fit all but the largest of drinks and a handy place to pop your favorite music player. Below the Music player is a sort of hook that flummoxed me a little until I realized that it actually may double-up as a book rest. I will be trying my Kindle in it to see if it works.
Now, one problem has immediately jumped out. The plastic covers on the flywheel rub the outer casing every so slightly and this causes a very irritating, if not particularly loud, grinding noise. I will be calling Schwinn to ask advice and update when I know more.
Posted Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer
Jan
03
I just got the Bowflex PR3000 home gym; Installed the extra 100lb flex bars last night. And have been really enjoying the range of motion this gym gives to the standard exercises. Everything seems to be working well; I did have to put some Vasline into the pully’s “knuckle”, to produce truly quiet operation. And am thinking of using stick-on round felt pads on either side of the foot plate pullys (to keep them from clanking around and getting scraped up) Otherwise a very functional and beautifully designed unit, at a fair price.
Amazon did a great job in every way, as usual. Delivering to the door and inside, so I didn’t have to contend with the 174lb box! The box was nicely packed and the instuctions were good enough. I did manage to assemble it myself, and didn’t see where it needed two; Just would make it a little easier and fun perhaps.
Posted Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym
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Tagged Home Gym
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Jan
02
I agonized a long time about which camera to upgrade to, the Sony a77, the Nikon d7000, or the Canon EOS 7d. Well first off the Nikon and Canon had many thoughtful and detailed reviews. The Canon had reviews by relative beginners, and many advanced and pro users. The tipping point for me was Canon’s high satisfaction rating by DPreview. ( 84% ). One big selling feature is, that it is made in Japan!, wow something made by the country that designed it. Not farmed out to cheap third world countries. That’s big to me, it hits home considering all the jobs being lost to cheap labor these days. One thing that’s important to remember, is, that the great quality lenses that were made in Japan, were made from the design to the finished product with strict quality control. That said, let’s move on to the camera itself. First off, I took the advice of many reviewers that shunned the ” kit ” lenses. I got the body and the 15-85 mm Canon EF lens. Amazon got it to me in a blazing fast 24 hours.
Posted Canon EOS 7D DSLR Camera
Dec
18
I recieved this camera just a couple of days ago. Wow what a fantastic surprise! My two previous digital cameras were a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10 which I purchased in 2009 for a bicycle tour. While the camera had a lot of good things going for it a couple of problems stuck out which I could not tolerate. 1st and foremost it was very poor in bad lighting and the flash did not compinsate. 2nd..it really needed to be held steady any movement created a blurry picture. Declining light only made the issue worse. My other digital is a Nikon Coolpix 4300 which I bought 6 or 7 years ago to handle an online website. I love that camera, great pictures. good in bad light, not much zoom capability but could deal with that. The big problem…It was designed with an odd memory card which is hard to get and did not hold as much as comparable cameras today. I still use this camera for my website.
Good luck with Nikon and poor luck with Lumix I decided to chance another Nikon. Wow again..quick focus, Holds a common SD card, great zoom capabilities, and best of all it opperates very well in poor light conditions, in fact I forced a poor light condition under my desk with no flash and worked beyond belief! Add to those good reviews the fact they have redesigned the zoom key and placed it on the left side on the lens (can you say 35mm like)long, long, long over due.
Posted Cyber Monday Camera Deals
Dec
13
This item is a new certified 1.80ct Brown and white diamond ring set in 14k white gold. A sparkling SI-1 clarity .95ct brown cushion cut diamond is set atop the ring. It’s surrounded by .85cts of round diamonds. They are sparkling SI-1 clarity and G color diamonds that surround the solitaire and are set down the sides. It measures 8.8mm wide along the finger at its largest point. All of the diamonds in the ring are 100% natural. It’s accompanied by a full independent gemological laboratory UGL diamond certificate and separate Front Jewelers store appraisal. Both state its characteristics and appraisal value of $8,395. This fantastic ring is 100% risk-free because of our 14 day return policy, and due to our customer satisfaction guarantee. If you have any questions please contact us at 1-877-376-1940 Monday through Friday 10am – 5pm eastern time.
Posted Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings
Dec
03
There are numerous places online that offer UGG boots at a discount, but you will have to do your due diligence in order to come up with a reasonable price. These boots are an Aussie import made from merino sheepskin and are rugged as well as fashionable. One should try frequenting some of the major department store’s when doing comparison shopping. UGG boots sale! Boots are still the main focus of UGG, and are now available in a large variety of styles, colours and materials. There are specific UGGs tailored to women, men and children which are offered in a number of different sizes. They discovered ‘footies’ that were created by hand utilising sheepskin. The footies were warm, comfortable and able to wick away moisture in order to keep their feet dry. They are not really the best choice for children who are likely to immerse their feet in deep puddles during a rain storm. You might want to consider a traditional pair of rubbers for this type of weather condition. Over the years, very few have succeeded in their endeavour as they have not been able to duplicate the effect and comfort Uggs have been consistently delivering to its consumers.
Posted Ugg Boots Sale
I figured I would try the Bearpaw’s. The look is really nice. They lining is not as soft as UGGS and they do feel a bit stiff.It may just have to be worked in. Price is less then half of UGGS which is a plus. I wear a 10 ladies but my foot is very narrow so I didnt size up. I should have. They are tight and my toes are touching the front of the boot. SIZE UP! Sizing is off 