Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick: November 2002. Aimed at the portable video editing market, Apple’s first SuperDrive-equipped laptop (DVD-R/CD-RW) comes loaded with iDVD software to burn DVDs, iTunes to burn your own music CDs, and a 15.2-inch-wide screen.

In keeping with Apple's goal of providing a convenient technological hub to accommodate the modern Mac user's digital lifestyle, the newest PowerBook G4 with SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW) comes loaded with iDVD software and can be used to burn DVDs that can be played in most consumer DVD players. The SuperDrive also lets you use iTunes to burn your own music CDs and the Disc Burner feature in Mac OS X to burn data CDs. They've kept the sleek exterior as stunning as ever, but on the inside is a whole new architecture: faster PowerPC G4 processors, powerful new graphics capabilities, more RAM, and the world's most advanced operating system combine to deliver off-the-charts performance.

Inside is a screamingly fast 1 GHz PowerPC G4 processor with Velocity Engine and 1 MB of on-chip level 2 cache running at the same speed as the processor. The cache adds high-speed, short-term memory that boosts system performance by providing quick access to data and instructions en route to the processor. In other words, it adds up to wicked-fast performance.

The unit comes with 512 MB of RAM, expandable to 1 GB of RAM--twice the capacity of most full-featured portables on the market. This lets you run several RAM-hungry applications simultaneously or store an entire graphics project in main memory for fast image manipulations. Its 60 GB hard disk uses the high-speed Ultra ATA/66 interface, which enables video professionals to quickly transfer large video files in real time directly from a DV camcorder.

Features

• Expose for instant access to any window; displays all open or current-application windows
• FileVault for keeping your valuable documents safe with powerful AES-128 bit encryption
• Super-modern operating system combining the strength of UNIX with the elegance of Macintosh
• Over 150 new features and significant enhancements to its modern, UNIX-based foundation
• iChat AV for personal video conferencing in high-quality, full-screen video over the Internet

Reviews (71)

Extremely stable and elegant (except for that dock)
First, I wouldlike to state that I have used Macintoshes since May 1986 and would rather own an old, slow, second-hand Mac than have to grapple with any version of Windows, including XP. There's absolutely no reason for anyone who can't afford a new Mac to switch to a PC.

I have installed Panther (10.3.2) on two computers, my own B&W that now sports an Encore 1 GHz G4 processor, and my husband's 733 MHz Quicksilver, and we had no problems--not until we started downloading Apple's updates. The 10.3.9 combination update seemed to make both machines slow down. I have no idea how badly it has affected the Quicksilver (with 512 MB RAM) because I don't get to use it enough (I just get to do all the "techie" stuff on it *G*) but the slowness of the B&W (with 364 MB RAM) has become unbearable and I think I need to return to 10.3.2. Or maybe I should try more RAM first. :-(

I don't understand why some people have had trouble with OS X. Now, if I can install Panther on a machine with a bus as slow as the B&W, and a processor that isn't even supported by Apple, why are others having trouble on newer, faster machines? All I did was put the CD in the DVD or CD rewriter, hit the install button, let the machine restart from the CD, reformat the hard drive with OS X's Disk Utility, start the install and leave the installer to do its work. What could be easier?

First impressions, coming straight to Panther from OS 9, weren't entirely favourable. After all, OS 9 wasn't considered the best OS of its time for nothing! And it was so much better with Action Utilities, just as OS 7.6 (another great Mac OS) was better with Now Utilities.

My gripes:

1. I miss the ability to configure the apple menu the way I want it. I especially miss the way Action Utilities allowed me to navigate anywhere on my hard drive from this menu. Bring back a user-configurable apple menu, please, Apple! (Power-on Software confirmed that they will not be releasing an OS X version of AU.)

2. I miss the Action Utilities user-configurable short cuts--especially the ones that allowed me to open an application or switch between applications: e.g., control-p to open or switch to Photoshop, control-shift-p for PageMaker, control-q for Quicken, control-a for Acrobat. The command-tab feature (which was also part of OS 9) just isn't as fast. As for clicking on an alias in the dock, that's way too slow! It's tidier than clicking on aliases on the desktop, but that's about all. There ARE keyboard shortcuts in Panther, but they allow the user only to change the shortcuts of menu items that already have shortcuts. How about allowing us to make short cuts for ANYTHING, Apple? Please! I have no idea why this feature wasn't incorporated into the Mac OS long ago. If a third-party developer can do it, surely Apple can.

3. At first I had trouble coping with the way windows open on the desktop. It gave me a peculiar sense of claustrophobia. Yes I know: very strange! However, once I asked for column display I soon got used to this feature. It's actually very nifty if you have more than one hard disk, or several partitions.

4. I didn't like the dock at all. After several months of using Panther I still don't care for it. Action Utilities had a similar, though much plainer, feature, and I didn't like that either. I would have asked for it to be hidden all the time but for its calendar, which I found mildly useful. I can see the point of the dock for newcomers to the Macintosh environment (particularly those who are also first-time computer users) and for this reason I wouldn't want Apple to get rid of it. I know I can hide it, but what's the point? It merely makes opening a new application far too time-consuming. If Apple would only provide user-configurable short cuts to open/switch between applications, or a user-configurable apple menu--preferably both--those of us who don't like taking our fingers off the keys just to open a new application could keep the dock hidden all the time.

5. It isn't easy to work out how OS X works, as it was with OS 9 and its predecessors, which didn't have invisible files. I wish Apple would make all OS X's files visible. Why do some have to be invisible anyway?

6. Safari 1.3 quits if I hit the close window button. This happens on both my B&W and the Quicksilver. Just as well it's not working in OS 9 because at least I don't have to restart my machine.

7. Old applications work noticeably slower in Classic than when our machines are booted in OS 9. This probably has more to do with the machines than with Panther. In some cases it might also be the sheer age of the software (made for pre-Power PC processors).

The good things:

1. Panther is so stable. While OS 9 and its predecessors didn't crash anywhere near as often (or as badly) as their Windows equivalents, I haven't had Panther crash at all.

2. It's good to be able to use all my old software. Even Word 5.1 (from 1992) and Quicken 5 (1994) work in Classic.

3. There's no doubt that Panther's interface is very elegant (the dock notwithstanding).

4. TextEdit is head, shoulders and even more above Simpletext. It's virtually a word processing program. I suspect the version shipping with Tiger is even more so.

5. I love being able to get my Mac to tell me the time on the hour. I desperately needed something more able to catch my attention than a mere sound, which I soon found my brain was all too capable of stopping my ears from hearing! But it's very hard to ignore a voice.

6. Mail is fantastic, though it took me a little while to get used to after so many years of Outlook Express. The only feature I miss from OE is the name and email address of the sender and the size of the incoming email (in the Activities window).

7. The iLife suite of applications is awesome--extremely good value-for-money, especially if you are a keen photographer and want a decent application (iPhoto) for displaying photos and even fixing faults in them, are into making your own movies, transferring ones you already have on tape onto DVDs (iMovie and iDVD), creating your own music (GarageBand), downloading music from the iTunes store (or anywhere else) or even just turning your own CDs into MP3s for your iPod (iTunes).

Should you upgrade to Panther? Well, that depends. We probably did so before we were really ready, but my husband wanted to transfer his video tapes onto DVD and I tend to be a download freak. I will download trials of almost anything (that's how I landed up buying Action Utilities) and it's been absolutely ages since there was anything new to try in OS 9. If, however, you find you absolutely need to update many of your oft-used pieces of software, you might as well take the plunge. Mind you, now that Tiger is out you'd probably be best going straight to that.

Hate it
This is the worst os ive ever used you can't hold down the button like windows and its exteremly hard to use you also cant get games for it

Tiger Instead - New Mac - New Operating System
I guess if you needed Panther now you would buy it, but if you're not in a hurry, pre-order the Tiger Operating System (Available April 29th).It may even be cheaper than Panther, currently at $149CDN.

I got Panther with my new iMac, and I like it, but Tiger has a few features I would use every day:
1. Widgets - I played with Konfabulator and loved it.
2. Spotlight - will really simplify finding old docs, emails, etc.
3. QuickTime 7 - I'm a big fan and can't wait to see the improvements.
4. TextEdit - there are some new improvements that I've been waiting for sometime, including saving documents in HTML format.

Features

• More than 8 hour battery life on a 3 hour charge (1-hour fast charge to 80% capacity)
• Features redesigned and backlit navigation; includes dock, wired remote control, earbud headphones, carrying case, and AC adapter
• 40 GB model holds up to 10,000 songs; supports MP3, AAC, WAV, MP3 VBR, Audible (6), and AIFF formats
• Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
• Included docking station makes charging and synching easy

Reviews (155)

Mobile Jukebox and more
It's great having my entire cd collection (over 550) in one tiny place. Now I'm listening to music I own some of which I hadn't listened to in years.

I was really excited when I got my iPod. From the packaging, to the device itself, the design is outstanding. Very easy to use. Sound quality is very good. Can be used as a back up hard drive too. Software is a no brainer to use.

I also faced the problem of tracks skipping but all I had to do was delete affected tracks/albums and recopy and they were fine.

Was able to get lots of useful advice from other people's reviews, e.g. how to ensure long battery life (try not to let the battery run out completely) and how to copy music files back to your pc which quite a number of people are unaware can be done (change your folder options to show hidden files). I do it all the time.

So why not 5 stars? It's not perfect. Battery life could be better, and it does scratch rather easily. Oh, did I mention the earphones? Not too good I'm afraid, and very painful on the ears, when worn for a bit. Thank God I had some good Sony headphones. Also, the fact that it does not support the much smaller WMA files which take up much less space than mp3s. I've got about 7300 tracks on my iPod, and only about 4gb space left.

Still a cool device that never fails to turn heads.

Not for long distance runners!!!
Talk about frustration!! What I thought was a really great break through, turned out to be a total nightmare.After 25 minutes the Ipod would either completely stop working all together or just skip repeatedly then stop. I found out that it was designed to "catch up" after 25 minutes but it wouldnt even start again most of the time, just freeze up and be completely worthless.Returning it was a even bigger nightmare because no one was able to test it out and see that it would malfunction....I guess if you work for Apple stores you dont run. I had to pay a restocking fee to get rid of this nightmare. NEVER will I purchase another item from Apple.I love my Nomad Muvo that I bought, and couldnt be happier.

Editorial Review

The metallic silver JBL Creature three-piece speaker system includes two desktop speakers and a subwoofer. Both speakers and the subwoofer are magnetically shielded to provide protection against image distortion on a computer monitor. The JBL Creature comes with unique "capacitance touch" volume control buttons on the right satellite. Both satellites also have down-firing green LEDs for a cool desktop look in low-light situations.

Features

• Exchange files or play multiplayer games at data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps
• Compatible with the industry-standard 802.11b wireless networking protocol
• Range of up to 50 feet at 54 Mbps and up to 150 feet at 11 Mbps
• Supports USB or Ethernet wireless printer sharing
• 128-bit WEP encryption for secure connections

Reviews (17)

Wireless Internet as a Fashion Statement
Apple makes cool stuff, no doubt about it. But one of their coolest products is the Airport Extreme system of wireless internet.

Using the Airport Extreme Base Station, in addition to an Airport Extreme reception card in your computer, you can move all around your home or office without the messy clutter of ethernet cables or connection equipment.

Setup is a snap using the included instructions. Within minutes you'll be surfing the web and accessing data wirelessly.

The only setback is the relative sensitivity of the Airport system. It doesn't like being near other computer components or going through walls. But, when push comes to shove, the unit does its job.

Airport Rocks
Ease of use makes this the best choice for mac users.

Overpriced and unreliable
Apple Airport Base Stations have a history of overheating and ruining the electronics inside.I lost a ABS "snow" unit this way.Fortunately, I found at least two online businesses devoted to repair of base stations, or else buying unrecoverable units at salvage prices.

Apple Airport Base Stations are often than twice the price of equivalent devices from other manufacturers.The features of the Apple product do not justify such a huge disparity in price.You're just paying for the brand name.

Also, think twice before investing in a 802.11g wireless router, because if you use it for Internet via broadband like DSL or cablemodem, you are limited by the bandwidth of the slowest part of the system.DSL/cable bandwidth is typically about one-fifth of the 802.11g bandwidth.So you aren't going to surf the net faster.A faster router helps multiple computers on your local network communicate with each other (for instance, if you host multiplayer computer game parties), but connecting to the outside world doesn't improve.Of course, if you don't have broadband and your router connects via modem, the bottleneck is even worse.

Editorial Review

Microsoft Office v. X is a fully native program designed specifically for Mac OS X that harnesses the power of Office, the simplicity of Macintosh, and the stability of Unix. Office v. X has been completely redesigned with a fresh new Aqua interface. Office v. X supports all Mac OS X features and technologies, and has Mac-only features like Formatting Palette, Microsoft Word Data Merge Manager, Microsoft Excel List Manager, and Microsoft PowerPoint Movies. Office v. X includes Microsoft Word X, Excel X, PowerPoint X, and Entourage X, for Mac.

The modern user interface within Office v. X has been completely redesigned to include a bold new Aqua visual appearance--a perfect representation of what an application running on the new Mac OS X should look and feel like. Communication is a snap. E-mail is made even easier in Entourage X by allowing connections to Microsoft Exchange servers, Hotmail, and Mac.com so users can more efficiently manage e-mail online and off. With the integrated and improved Entourage calendar, you can easily organize your schedule and set reminders for important events and projects.

Office v. X is compatible with Office 2001 for Mac, Office 98 Macintosh Edition, Office for Microsoft Windows, AppleWorks 6, and FileMaker Pro 5.5., so you can share files with anyone, whether they use a Mac or a PC. Keep track of contacts with the comprehensive Address Book, which stores all of your contact information and lets you locate an address on a map or find driving directions from Expedia.com. Improved task reporting, calendar functions, and international time zone adjustments make time management even easier. Easily access customizable templates for résumés, catalogs, newsletters, calendars, and more from the Project Gallery. The Clip Art Gallery, including hundreds of images, provides tools to make working with graphics quick and easy.

Features

• Burn files and folders directly from the desktop with a single-click, pop-up menu
• Turn your DV camcorder footage into a Video CD, Super Video CD, or DVD
• Share disc burners across a network or the Internet with other Toast 6 Titanium users
• Turn still photos into Motion Pictures using pan and zoom, dissolves, and soundtracks
• Schedule regular, automatic back ups for peace of mind

Reviews (15)

Discus 3.0.4 upgrade Label/Jewel Case Software is Tops
I own Toast 6 with two upgrades. (6.0.5) Using OS X 3.4 I needed a software update for my LaCie Burner.
The Technical Help is quick and fast at Toast/Roxio. They told me to download it and gave me the link.
Last night I Toasted some CD-ROM's for training Case Managers. I burned Six CD and Printed Labels and Jewel Case Inserts and Tray liner in a half hour.

The extra $20 to upgrade to Discus 3.0.4 is well worth the Time and Money. (Newer Software and Full artwork) Real Pro looking Artwork and Label from a great Library. You can use any brand of Paper (Avery, Neato, Memorex etc.) and even nudge 0.5 mm adjustment if necessary. Memorex tray liners got an adjustment and it work for all futures use of that paper. This software lets you import for iTunes and Toast what you are Toasting for a list of software or Song Lists etc. Software so easy, I did NOT read the directions. Just do what you want to do the MAC way. I Like the Neato Jewel case booklets for Training instructions (Music Album Notes) and Memorex tray liners. I have one software and Four brand of paper
You can even print business cards on which I ton of good comments. "What a Beautiful Card."
Spin Doctor takes out the starches on old LP's for converting to CD's.
I was so happy with the Toast 6 package I did not take the rebate offer. I also used Toast 5 Lite that came with my LaCie.
A New feature lets you Toast to a burner over the internet which are great for Training DVD's to people 15 miles away.

Give the Package Bundle five stars

A must for any Mac owner!
When I bought my eMac, this was the first software I HAD to buy.I make a lot of CDs, so I decided that this was a must, and I've owned Easy CD Creator for the PC, so I knew that it would be easy to use and feature most of the functions I would need.

It's true that it meets most of my needs and with a simple, clean interface.I can make a music CD and store files in no time and it can even create Video CDs and DVDs with menus.

Of course, to many, Toast may seem redundant, as Mac OS X can handle most of your burning needs natively, but I prefer to use 3rd party software for those things, as it was created specifically for that purpose.However, the two things that Toast can do that Panther cannot are create Video CDs and burn DVDs directly from MPEG and Quicktime files without the need to demux audio.

I get some Japanese TV shows from friends in Japan in MPEG format and I like to watch them on my TV, so it's nice to be able to burn them into VCD or DVD format for viewing and backup.If you do a lot of video downloading, this really can come in handy.Also, it works GREAT with EyeTV (sold separately) for the Mac, so you can record your favorite TV shows and put them on CD!

My only complaint is that the DVD/VCD menu option stinks.There is only one menu interface and you cannot choose layout, music, background photo or anything.It's just a plain blue screen with a thumbnail of the video and text titles.And the thing is, it's not very nice--it's borderline gaudy and not what I'd choose for a standard menu layout.

But, with that aside, this is a product I can wholeheartedly recommend for any Mac user with above-average burning needs.

Burn Baby Burn!
Macs come with quite a robust burner in the Finder and the new iLife '04 goes even further than before in giving users more options to customize their discs.So what exactly does Toast do that the Mac OS can't do on it's own?

- Multi Session Burning
- Encrypt data discs with a password
- Burn exact copies of a disc
- Choose which OS the disc will be compatible with
- You can save a burn project so you can burn it again at a later date

These features alone make Toast a very tempting purchase.Thankfully though, it can do much more and it pulls it all off with ease.Drag and drop is about as complicated as the interface gets, but the results are that you have discs burned the way you want that work the way you want.Toast is a powerful, well-rounded, fully featured burning software that just about every user will find useful.

Editorial Review

The DVD+R Write-Once disc is single sided and can store up to 4.7 GB of data and 4 hours of video. The disc will operate in new second generation DVD+R/RW drives manufactured by Memorex, HP, Sony and Philips. The disc is also compliant for operation in DVD Home Video Recorders (Philips) that specify DVD+R/RW for video recording purposes. Note: DVD+R is not operable in the following first generation DVD+RW drives: Ricoh 5120A, Sony DRV110ACI, Philips DVD+RW208 and HP DVD100i.

Editorial Review

Sporting a large, 4,096-color display screen and an unconventional, rotary-style keypad, we found the sturdy, feature-rich Nokia 3650 cell phone one of the best designed phones on the market, with excellent ease-of-use, crystal-clear reception, and a camera, video camera, and Internet access.

Take and share pictures with the 3650. (See detail)

In our tests, we found that the comfortable rounded base of this 5-inch phone rested easily our palm, and the clever retro button display took only a moment of getting used to. The buttons and disc navigation felt quite durable, with a nice, solid action. Menu navigation involves two thin buttons on the top left and right that allowed us to move in and out of menus; then the standard 4-point clickable disc provided more detailed selection. There's a separate button for the main menu prominently below the disc, and the faux-rotary layout of the number buttons helped keep the navigation buttons out of the way during dialing. The requisite call and hang-up buttons are intuitively marked, and a futuristic-looking blue light shines through the numbers on all the buttons for easy keying in low-light areas.

The 3560 delivered consistent, excellent reception in a variety of testing environments, including a basement-level room that typically causes trouble with similar phones. The default ring tones were a bit too gentle for their own good; they were hard to hear in busy outdoor environments. The tones that we created using the composing feature, however, were quite audible, even in the midst of lots of noise. The vibrate alert was also quite effective and hard to miss. Nokia has also preloaded a variety of other polyphonic ring tones for alternate use, as well as a voice-dialing feature, which stores 25 numbers and was easy to use.

In Calendar, you can keep track of your appointments, meetings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other events. You can also set a calendar alarm to remind you of upcoming events. (See detail)	With the video recorder you can record video clips, and play video clips stored on your phone or on a memory card. Also, the video recorder is integrated with the messaging features allowing you to easily send created clips. (See detail)	Nokia 3650 provides various functions, in an-easy-to use interface, such as Camera, Video recorder, Messaging, e-mail, Clock, alarm clock, Calculator, and Calendar. (See detail)

Thanks to high-speed GPRS connection, users can access a variety of Web content, such as news, travel information, and entertainment specifically designed for mobile phones via an XHTML browser, which supports pages written in both HTML and WML (Wireless Markup Language). The 3650's calendar, phone book, and to-do list can all be synchronized with a PC using Nokia 3650 PC Suite software. This phone also supports Java for downloading business applications, and built-in Bluetooth and infrared connections empower users to send photos and text in either e-mail or MMS format to a PC or to another compatible wireless device. Some of the downloadable Java and Symbian applications provided by Nokia through their website include Merriam-Webster Word Search, and games like Racing Fever, Avant Go, and Terminator.

The phone's digital VGA camera is cleverly built in to the back of phone, and can store up to 1,000 photos at 640 x 480 megapixel resolution on its (upgradeable) 16 MB memory card. Also, the Nokia 3650's photo capability is immediately accessible from the top-level display menu, so unlike other phones it was easy to snap a photo at a moment's notice. The camera records images in standard, portrait, and a nighttime mode.

With the same basic set of controls, RealOne software lets the video recording function capture short, low-fidelity sound and video clips for immediate MP4 video playback on the generous screen or for sending to another Web-enabled user. The 15-frames-per-second video recording rate delivers stuttering, delayed images that look sort of like Neil Armstrong's transmissions from the Moon. We found this all very entertaining, and potentially useful for transmitting small bits of information, but hard to take seriously as a true video recording device.

Among the scores of additional features on this phone are text messaging templates, where you create a basic message (like "Let's eat at --- ") then fill in the blank as you wish; a foreign currency and units converter for the jet set crowd, and a "favorites" folder to store Web shortcuts and links. For hearing-impaired customers, Nokia even provides TTY/TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf) compatibility. The headset included with this phone is functional, and Li-Ion battery comes rated for up to 4 hours of digital talk and 200 hours of digital standby time. The phone comes with a refreshingly well-written manual. While decorative faceplates and other accessories are available, we found that even without them, the Nokia 3650 is one of the most coolest phones we've ever laid our hands on. --Erik Hammen

Pros:

• Great reception
• Excellent, intuitive user interface
• Feature-rich
• Solid build and large display screen
• Fun camera and video features

Cons:

• Large phone size to accommodate large display screen
• Default ring tones a bit quiet.

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phonebattery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables,including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency(including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, andbattery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handsetmanufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings,they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer tothe times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery liferanges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience atleast the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital andanalog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, asanalog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone.Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to themanufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phoneon, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and,when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook.When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when thephone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped thecalls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately andcontinued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged thebattery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength,this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting thatseveral phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers'ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established acarrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone everyfew hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out.Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because thephone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, againassuming consistent carrier signal strength.

Features

• Highest quality assurance rating available - ISO9001 Certified
• Allows you to take more images, listen to more MP3s, or store more files
• Can be used in most SecureDigital card slots
• Guaranteed compatible with thousands of digital cameras, MP3 players, cellular phones and handheld computers
• Lasts forever with SimpleTech's lifetime guarantee

Reviews (16)

Problems with itthe RIO
I am not sure which is deffective, but the RIO I have doesn't always read the chip and I am not sure which one has the problems. My guess is the chip since it reads the memory on the player fine.

Works great!
Fast and reliable. Works perfectly in my Nokia 3650. What else is there to say?

Features

Reviews (4)

the apotheosis of plug and pray
I'm quite curious where in the manufacturer's website I can find the updated XP drivers, as the previous reviewer has pointed out.After struggling for 2 hours to get this device to work with both a Motorola V505 and my friend's Sony Ericson Twhateveritis, I nearly wanted to break it.After installing the drivers that came on the CD, the thing is able to recognize both Bluetooth devices, but that's pretty much where it ends.I could not get any data transfer or further communication.I went to the manufacturer's website and there are no drivers to be downloaded.If there's a way around this, please post it.Otherwise it's going to be another lesson relearned:you get what you pay for-- if you buy it cheap, you're going to have to buy it again.

Works perfectly, once you download updated drivers.
Download the updated drivers from the manufacturer's website to make this product work well with Windows XP.The real manufacturer is in Taiwan, and has no english webpage, so tread carefully.For me, it was a great deal and works great with my Sony Ericsson T637 from AT&T.

Features

• Works with the following phones: Nokia 3650
• Manufacturer Part # BL-5C

Asin: B0000AKAJE
Sales Rank: 1113

Features

• For use with secure digital, MultiMedia, SmartMedia and Memory Stick® storage media
• Hot Swap memory card without removing adapter
• Provides high access speed up to 16.6MB per second
• UPC 751492222981
• USB port connection, requires no external power supply

Reviews (1)

Features

• Indicates power and data transfer status of Media Reader with LED indicator
• Supports CompactFlash (Type 1 and 2), SmartMedia, Secure Digital (SD), Memory Stick, or MultiMediaCard (MMC)
• Dimensions: 3.35" x 3.94" x 0.81"
• Saves thousands of digital images on your iPod
• Transfers digital photos via FireWire at 300 Kbps

Reviews (13)

Not as fast as they claim
Though the concept is great, and the controls are straight forward and easy to use, the Belkin Reader falls short of usability.
While out on a location, I was away from a power source and thought the Belkin reader would be a great alternative to lugging a laptop around for file transfers. Trying to transfer 1000 pics off a 1GB CF card was
impossible. The reader would drain a fully charged ipod and still not finish the transfer. Though it claims firewire transfer speeds, I did some tests from home and found otherwise:

100 compressed 2K pics transferred via:

USB1 card reader to computer 1 min 20 sec.
PCMCIA card reader in laptop 45 seconds.
Belkin Media reader 6 min. 45 sec

This was just a simple example. You can see how hundreds of files would take 30 minutes or more. For the price, I'd suggest buying a few more memory cards and not worry about the transfers until you get home, unless you're in no rush and can charge up the ipod regularly.

Slow, and stick to JPEGS
Just returned from a two week trip to Europe and am very glad I didn't rely on Belkin Media Reader exclusively.Don't even think of trying this with anything larger than a 512mb card, and even then, it will drain your entire battery right in front of your eyes.The issue for me, however, was that I would occassionally get error messages stating "card read error, download aborted," or something to that effect.It would happen about 1/3 of the time, and in the middle of the upload (i.e., the first 30 pictures would go fine, then it would hang up at the same point each time).My guess is that I occassional used my Canon S500 to take small mpeg videos, and the Belkin reader couldn't handle those.If you have relatively small cards and stick to jpegs, you should be OK.Now, incidentally, the battery life of on my 4G ipod is only about 8 hours vs. the 12 hours advertised.Good idea, but not ready for prime time yet.Glad I was able to back up to CDs at Italian photo stores.

Features

• Covers an Apple display when purchased and enrolled with a covered PowerBook
• Extends telephone support from 90 days to three years
• Adds two years of hardware repair coverage to the one-year limited warranty, including global repair coverage
• Provides dedicated access to Web-based support resources
• Includes powerful diagnostic tools (Tech Tool Deluxe from Micromat)

Reviews (2)

AppleCare Protection isFIRST CLASS
If you are going to invest $2,000.00 or more on a computer than $349.00 is money well sent!!!! Plus their call center is friendly and very helpful....Good Luck with you new Apple Computer....

For just Pennies a day....Excellent 3yr. Support !
Excellent add-on to your Apple CPU purchase.

The AppleCare Protection Plan is a uniquely integrated service and support solution that extends the complimentary coverage on your Mac to three years from the computer's purchase date. This comprehensive plan includes expert telephone assistance, onsite repairs for desktop computers, global repair coverage for portable computers, web-based support resources, and powerful diagnostic tools - all for one economical price.

Purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan when you purchase your Apple system to take maximum advantage of the coverage the plan provides. If you don't do it now, then you will want to buy it before your 1yr warranty expires - otherwise it's too late to do so.

Three years of security
Every Mac comes with 90 days of telephone support and one year of service coverage at an Apple-authorized repair center. By purchasing the AppleCare Protection Plan with your Mac, you can extend your coverage to three years from the computer's purchase date.

Comprehensive coverage
The AppleCare Protection Plan covers your Mac, as well as an AirPort Card or AirPort Extreme Card, an AirPort Extreme Base Station, and Apple RAM used with your Mac. Power Mac and PowerBook customers may also enroll one Apple display for coverage, provided that the Mac and the display are purchased together.

One number to call for help
Get direct telephone access to Apple's own technical support group, the people who know your system best. Because Apple creates the computer, the operating system, and many built-in applications, the Mac is a truly integrated system. Just one phone call can help resolve most issues with your Mac because AppleCare representatives can help troubleshoot Apple hardware, the Mac operating system, and many Apple consumer applications, including iCal, iSync, iDVD, iMovie, iPhoto, iTunes, AppleWorks, and QuickTime.

Convenient repair options
The AppleCare Protection Plan ensures that Apple-certified technicians will perform repairs using genuine Apple parts. With this plan, parts and labor will be covered for three years from the date of purchase of your Apple computer, two years beyond the one-year limited warranty. The plan includes onsite service for desktop computers and global repair coverage for portables, which can be very important if you travel abroad.

Features

• Incredibly wide 170-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angles
• Lightning-fast pixel response for full-motion digital video
• Full 23-inch diagonal display area
• Supports 1,920 x 1,200 resolution for high-definition video and stills
• Designed to work with the Power Mac G4 digital graphics interface for distortion-free images

Reviews (26)

too expensive, but undeniably good
I got one of these and you get what you pay for with this screen. The problem is you pay a lot.

Its a very nice screen. Nothing more I can say. Never seen a nicer LCD anywhere. Only reason I dind't give it 5 stars is the price (which is astronomical).

I use it to watch movies, do work, everything. I don't even have a TV.

By the way if anyone knows if a DVD player that I can hook right up to the DVI input of this I would love to find one. DVD player makers are retarded, I havn't found a good DVD player yet that is made to work with DVI (for computers, not DVI for HDTV which apparenltly for some stupid reason is not compatibly).

If you get the 30" model you don't need a TV or HDTV. Its much better than all that crap anyway. HDTVs can come in bigger sizes but the quality is so much worse you are better off not getting one.

Excellent monitor
The screen itself is excellent.Especially since you can get a (...) rebate if u buy it together with an Apple G5 Powermac.Buy one you won't be disappointed.Also, Apple will release a 30" display in the Apple WWDC (...)

Features

• Flat design allows you to store your accessories and fit this case easily into your notebook case
• Includes large mesh slip pockets for AC/Auto-Air Adaptors
• Large zippered mesh pouch for quick access to your accessories
• CD-Rom/SD/Flash Card Storage
• Dimensions: 10” x 1.5” x 9.75”

Reviews (1)