Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary)
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (1998)
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Editorial Review

The 1998 10th edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary marks the 100th anniversary of this distinguished and popular reference standard, and this is more than just an interesting statistic--it means that Merriam-Webster brings years of experience and reams of citation files to the creation of this latest edition. Improving on their last dictionary, they've added more than 100 pictorial illustrations and supplemented the synonym paragraphs with examples. Along with the English dictionary, which forms the heart of the reference, the editors at Merriam-Webster have included a brief introduction to the English language and a history of the English dictionary, a guide to pronunciation, and a series of appendices that include chemical element abbreviations and symbols, foreign words and phrases, extensive sections with biographical and geographical names, signs and symbols, and a handbook of style.

But getting back to the book itself--it's impressively comprehensive for a collegiate dictionary, with more than 215,000 definitions. Each item includes a pithy wealth of information, with first usage date, etymology, and pronunciation, and clear, precise definitions. In addition, there are often usage notes, synonym cross-references, illustrative quotations, variant spellings and pronunciations, regional labels, and information on capitalization, function, and inflections. Then there are the extra touches. Under bible, for example, there's a chart detailing books of the Old Testament, Jewish Scripture, Protestant apocrypha, and books of the New Testament. Under months is a table listing the months of the principal calendars--Gregorian, Jewish, and Islamic. And wonderful line drawings illustrate terms such as mackerel, lyrebird, hedgehog, and the ancient Celtic stringed instrument known as a crowd. All this makes it a valuable reference--detailed enough for editors and writers, accessible enough for students and casual definition seekers, updated with the new vocabulary of technology, and rigorous enough for the linguistic perfectionists. --Stephanie Gold ... Read more

Reviews (78)

GREAT BOOK
This is a one stop dictionary. All you need under one cover. I purchase other dictionaries from Oxford, Collins and Cambridge to name a few and this one tops them all by a long shot. For what you are getting you should be paying a lot more. BUY THIS DICTIONARY NOW.

Ugly Font Makes Viewing Distasteful
The font used in the entry window is plain ugly; so ugly in fact that I doubt I will replace my American Heritage Dictionary with this one. The characters are too close together and some portions of some characters are lined too heavily.My system is Microsoft Windows 2000. As a test I installed the product on another W2K system with the same result.
Other notes: it tries to install Adobe Acrobat over a more recent version.

Very good for everyday use
An important issue with choosing a dictionary is finding a balance that meets your needs.

My first choice of dictionaries is the 20 volume OED for depth and breadth of coverage. Some disadvantages of the OED are the price and the size. My second choice of dictionaries is the Shorter OED, which is smaller (2 volumes) and cheaper, but has about 1/3 of the entries (roughly 500,000).

My third choice of dictionaries is the "New Oxford American Dictionary," which is easy to carry and use - it has roughly 250,000 words. The NOAD is handy because it has definitions arranged in order of most common usage - "core meanings" followed by related senses. It does not have the extensive literary citations that the OED and shorter OED have.

My fourth choice of dictionaries is probably the Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged, which has about 450,000 words. The disadvantages of this dictionary are that the main text has not been updated since 1961 (although an 89 page addenda is added at the beginning), the layout is hard to follow, and it's a bit unwieldy.

Which brings me to my fifth choice of dictionaries, which is the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate dictionary. This dictionary has roughly 200,000 words, so it loses some breadth and depth of coverage. However, it's very useful for everyday use, and a nice balance between portability and breadth and depth of coverage. ... Read more

Isbn: 0877797099
Subjects:  1. Dictionaries    2. Dictionaries & Terminology    3. Dictionaries - General    4. English Language Dictionaries    5. English language    6. Reference   

Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus : Updated & Expanded 2nd Edition (21st Century Reference)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (13 July, 1999)
list price: $5.99 -- our price: $5.99
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Reviews (17)

An Invaluable Trunk Of Treasure!!!
I discovered this book here at amazon...and discussed it with my friend living in Atlanta...she lovingly forced me to accept this book....and after all the hesitation..i received her package....here in Karachi (Pakistan) after 11 days....this is really a GEM!!!.....those people who are looking for a good thesaurus....i would stricly recommend them to buy this along with The New American Roget's Thesaurus In Dictionary Form...as i have got both...particularly...this one is fantastic...out of this world....offers you a lot more than any other thesaurus...thick,handy....user friendly.....JUST PERFECT!!!

Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus by Kipfer
This work contains a comprehensive list of word choices for
almost any occasion. The volume has an index, synonyms and the
authority or governing preferred embodiment of the word.
For instance, the word "frequency" is explained , as follows:

o i.e. frequency- [ n ] -abundance, beat, constancy, density...

This rendition would assist any writer, editor, researcher,
librarian or academician.

Merely a synonym finder
The built-in thesaurus in my version of Microsoft Word was more comprehensive. Not recommended for professional use, maybe for pre-college students. It's at least a portable (if not terribly useful) little tome. You're better off upgrading to a real Roget's. ... Read more

Isbn: 0440235138
Sales Rank: 9973
Subjects:  1. Dictionaries    2. English language    3. Reference    4. Synonyms and antonyms    5. Thesauri    6. Reference / Thesauri   

Bartlett's Familiar Quotations : A Collection of Passages, Phrases, and Proverbs Traced to Their Sources in Ancient and Modern Literature
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (04 November, 1992)
list price: $50.00
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Reviews (22)

King of Quote Books
This is the king of quote books.A wonderful source for authors too.There is such a rich variety of great thoughts in this book. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

Invaluable, authoritative, probably the "best"
Comparing this, the 17th edition of the best known and arguably the most authoritative collection of quotations ("familiar," memorable, or just plain quotable--you choose the terminology), to its predecessor the 16th edition, the question arises, should you upgrade?I own both books and have examined them in some detail.I have used the 16th for many years.

The 17th is set in a new typeface which is both slightly narrower and less bold than that of the 16th.The result is a cleaner look to the pages and more white space.The difference in the number of pages--1431 for the new, 1405 for the old--is slight, and a little misleading.In fact the new addition has more entries--"around one hundred" authors are quoted for the first time, and some authors have additional entries.But the text in the 17th actually takes up less room. Its Index, for example, although it has more entries, has only 564 pages to 608 for the 16th.This is accomplished mainly because the narrower type is also shorter, allowing more entries per column.

The question then is, is the smaller type harder to read?Surprisingly, I would say no.The new type is sharper, crisper and, because the pages have a cleaner appearance, is easier on the eyes.I have a strong suspicion that the publishers--whose investment in this most famous and most important reference work is considerable--tested the readability of their new type before adopting it!

Some additional space, according to editor Justin Kaplan, has been gained by the elimination of "several hundred purely mechanical and nonsubstantive cross-references."For example in the 16th on page 247 is given this quotation from Fredrich von Logau: "Though the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceeding small."A footnote at the bottom of the column refers us to Euripides and George Herbert who wrote something similar.In the 17th that footnote is gone and we have no handy reference to the two earlier instances of von Logau's expression.I think this is a clear loss and not something simply "mechanical and nonsubstantive" as editor Justin Kaplan has it in his Preface to the Seventeenth Edition. (p. viii)

Okay, what about the new authors being quoted and the additional quotations by authors already present in the 16th addition?Do they constitute a significant upgrade?

This is a question difficult to answer partly because only time will tell if the new additions--many of them are so new--will really remain worth remembering.Bill Clinton's rather infamous "It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is" surely will be around for a while, but film director Cameron Crowe's "Show me the money!" from his film Jerry Maguire (1997) may not seem so memorable or familiar a generation or two down the road.(Or maybe I have that backwards!)A quick way to address the question of whether the new quotations are worthwhile is to look at the last pages of entries just before the Anonymous section.Because Bartlett's presents its quotations chronologically, from the earliest (the first quote is from the Egyptian The Song of the Harper 2650 B.C.) to the latest (Sesame Street's Kermit the Frog's "It ain't easy bein' green") most of the new entries are near the back.By the way, technically speaking, Kermit the Frog's dictum is older than Cameron Crowe's movie.But that is a quibble.

Of course there are additions that are not from new authors.French mathematician, Pierre de Fermat, who does not appear in the 16th, appears here in the 17th, noting that his "truly marvellous" proof for his famous Last Theorem, will not fit into "this margin."Fermat was rediscovered by Bartlett's no doubt because in 1994 Andrew Wiles finally proved the theorem--taking considerably more than a margin to do it, by the way.

Some other authors appearing for the first time are Mother Teresa, Richard Feynman, Margaret Atwood, Princes Diana, etc.Vladimir Nabokov, Edith Wharton, Gertrude Stein and W. Somerset Maugham are among about two dozen who have had their space extended.Kaplan doesn't mention it, but there are also some deletions from the previous edition.I was particularly disappointed to find that one of the central tenets of the Vedas, from the Chandogya Upanishad, "Thou art that" was eliminated.

Also eliminated (and I think this is to the good) are the Ibid's that sometimes ran all the way down the page in the 16th.Now the title of the work is repeated.

If you don't have this reference, you really should get it or the comparable Oxford Dictionary of Quotations.See my review of that very excellent book for a comparison.Suffice it to say here, if you are an American who prefers a slight emphasis on American authors to an emphasis on English authors, you'll want to get this book.

Bottom line: no serious writer (especially of literature, culture and history) should be without this invaluable and authoritative book.Next to a dictionary it is my most consulted work of reference.

Organization and Format Lacking
Before buying this book, I was influenced by the name recognition of Bartletts and bought the book mainly for its
known reputation in the past.I was very disappointed!Half the book is an index and, even then, to see the complete quotation, you have to look up each partial quote for the complete quote. Too much work for me!I returned the book. ... Read more

Isbn: 0316082775
Sales Rank: 187040
Subjects:  1. Dictionaries & Terminology    2. Quotations    3. Quotations, English    4. Reference    5. Reference / Quotations   

Columbia Encyclopedia
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (June, 2000)
list price: $135.00
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Reviews (10)

Columbia versus Britannica Concise
I think both books are outstanding, and more complementary than rivals. In fact, I use both. Nevertheless, there are some differences.
Columbia's big dimensions and weight (8.9 pounds/4 kg) make almost necessary to read it on a desk. Britannica Concise (BCE) is 6.7 pounds/3 kg and smaller.
Both utilize an extremely small font size. Columbia contains 6.5 million words. BCE "only" 2.6.
Britannica C has over 2000 photographs, maps, tables, drawings, color illustrations; nations flags ... In Columbia, illustrations are sparse, limited to about 500 black-and-white line drawings.
Columbia's 6th edition stopped in 1999. BCE is of April 2003 and is edited every year in spring, but I don't know if they are going to update it or not.
Britannica Concise has articles like Super Bowl, Viagra, Coca-Cola, Big Stick Policy, Mother's Day and Father's Day ... that don't exist in Columbia.
Quantity does not always mean Quality. B Concise seems to be more shrewd, witty and, by the way, less subjective. For instance, Columbia's article Homosexuality concludes in this way: "But AIDS (.....) also sparked moralistic reactions; some felt, for example, that it represented a form of judgment on homosexuality". BCE's same article is shorter, but neutral, and does not say such a thing.
As I said before, both books are outstanding and complementary.

A lot of information in one book
I bought the Columbia encyclopedia a little over a year ago and now I feel qualified enough to review it.

I'm never amazed at the amount of information that is presented in this book. It has never failed me or my seventh-grade daughter with any of her school related questions. Whether her questions have to do with the population density of Calcutta (population and area in sq. miles), cell reproduction or plate tectonics, I have yet to find something that she needed and it was not there.

The information is presented in a very succinct manner. There is never too much or too little information for a specific entry - always just enough. The "also see" and bibliography references at the end of many entries are very useful. The binding is great. I was afraid that this huge book after constant use would crack at the hinges, but that is not true. This is one of the bulkiest books I've got and, yet, surprisingly, is also one of the strongest. After more than a year's frequent use, the hinges feel as strong as when I bought it and so do the ledge and spine.

This is not a multimedia information center. There are no pictures, only maps and drawings. When you first open it, you are faced with columns and columns of small font text, though it's nicely laid out.

I do not find any social or political bias in the book, but I may not be sensitive to it. One will not find positive or negative references being made on specific issues, although one may find something to the extend of "some academics feel that..." or "in this century XYZ has fallen out of favor with..." The book does not take sides, its stance is neutral and objective with no flavor. It does not offend and its errors (if any) are ones of omission not commission.

It may be a good idea to visit your local library first to take a closer look at its heftiness, lack of pictures and, perhaps, objectivity prior to purchasing it to see if it's something that suits your family's style. If you decide to buy it without examining it first, I don't believe you will be dissapointed - it's a great book and a best buy.

Mostly excellent but....
As far as content goes, the book is certainly a treasure house of information. However, on certain sensitive socio-political topics, some of the contributors clearly show their bias. Thus, one should approach such entries with the proverbial grain of salt. I feel that an encyclopedia's contributors should be as factual and objective as possible, and make a point to avoid any appearance of personal bias... ... Read more

Isbn: 0787650153
Sales Rank: 276026
Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Encyclopedias and dictionaries    3. Reference    4. General Reference   

The Times of London Concise Atlas of the World : Eighth Edition (Times of London Concise Atlas of the World)
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (29 May, 2001)
list price: $100.00 -- our price: $63.00
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Reviews (5)

Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World 11th ed.
Altogether an exceptional Atlas - far better than anything current (including the 8th edition of National geographic).
I do wonder why Alaska and Northern Canada only warrant a 1:12 500 000 scale when the rest of the world (literally) recieves at least 1: 5 000 000 coverage.
A minor complaint really and not enough to rate less than a full 5 star rating.
Dr JPNightingale

The Times of London Concise Atlas of the World
Excellent for crossword puzzles!Load of references, easy to read (no blue on blue), no pages wasted on United States individual state's maps.One test we used in looking for an atlas was to see if Palau was shown -- this atlas passed with flying colors, showing the individual islands.Exactly what we needed as a great reference.

A wise decision
I was looking for an Atlas that was both complete in world info covering and not expensive at all. I also definitely had to seek well-known sources which provided me accurate and meticulous advice so that I could find what I was expecting. To make the decision for the purchase of The Times of London Concise Atlas of the World (TLCAW) I must say that, as usual, I considered "surfing" amongst some "world atlases databases", which fortunately clarified my first impressions.

I'm delighted to say that by using this info I came across that TLCAW is the perfect combination of a convenient price and incredibly stupendous data. And is also renowned as one of the best atlases ever published due to its unusual accuracy.

Along with this "advisor", I had to set my final word because this kind of publication should become a "world consultant" for the owner and, of course, your "investment" should be guaranteed with an outstanding product. What's more, I had previously checked info from another The Times Atlas when it was supplied in little tomes -7 or 9 years ago, when I'd just entered university- if you acquired a local newspaper. Its wholeness astonished me, and currently I can undoubtedly confirm that TLCAW is the most intelligent purchase of a publication I've done since then.

A superb hard cover, luxurious paper, an adequate and handy size, stunningly wide info of every part of the world (including villages!), completely detailed photos (and several high resolution satellite ones), an interesting thematic section, an invaluable segment: urban center maps of the 32 most populated cities, suitable subtle color usage in maps and an astounding level of entries for its price level (about 125,000) make The TLCAW the best option for an Atlas ever.

Highly recommended. Excellent value. Impressively worthwhile. ... Read more

Isbn: 0609608908
Sales Rank: 250917
Subjects:  1. Atlases    2. Atlases - General    3. Atlases - World    4. Reference    5. Reference / Atlases   

The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (15 January, 2000)
list price: $7.95 -- our price: $7.15
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Editorial Review

Composition teachers throughout the English-speaking world have been pushing this book on their students since it was first published in 1957.Co-author White later revised it, and it remains the most compact and lucid handbook we have for matters of basic principles of composition, grammar, word usage and misusage, and writing style. ... Read more

Reviews (219)

The best.
Simply put, this book is the best book on grammar that was ever written and ever will be written.

Those guys on the cover know what they're talking about.Nowhere will you find such a humorous, accurate, and unique book on grammar in so few pages.If everybody wrote as they do, then the world would be a better place.

This book is great.I will just open it up to a random page and read from there to the end of the book.If I had my choice, I'd memorize this book.

This book is effortlessly superior to any textbook, workbook, or any grammar book every published.It deserves a place with any student, from middle school to grad school.

Indispensable tool for writer - Less is more
Some write short sentence, others long. This book is not mean to alter your style, it helps to remove redundancies, ambiguities and shows writer to get to the point in a concise manner.It is around for many decades, and still the de facto of the subject. The book shows writer the building block of writing -- a sentence, and it does a great job. Many professional writers need to read this book to make their book thinner and more readable. It is a classics.

If you need one book to clarify or organize thoughts into words, this is the one.

This book has been with me for years
This is THE Essential Writer's Guide. I learned about this book way back in high school and I have used it extensively ever since.

It works for those of us who are writing papers for school, work, or even just for fun.This book offers insight into many aspects of writing and shows the CORRECT way for everything.No wonder it's the reference for just about every professional writer on the planet.

Check out "The Digital Umbrella"... another book written by an author who used Elements of Style. ... Read more

Isbn: 020530902X
Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - General    2. English Composition    3. English language    4. Grammar    5. Language    6. Language Arts & Disciplines    7. Literary style    8. Reference    9. Report writing    10. Rhetoric    11. Style    12. Technical Writing    13. Writing Skills    14. Technology / Technical Writing   

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, Fifth Edition (Mla Handbook for Writers of Research Papers)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (June, 1999)
list price: $14.99 -- our price: $14.99
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Reviews (40)

A word about the binding...
...it is bound to lay flat and not destroy the binding, which is a good thing to extend the life of the book.

I don't have much to say about the content; I bought it primarily as a desktop reference.

thank god they updated it!
After staring at the 5th edition through a 4 year B.A., and continuing to refer to it into my graduate degree, I am SO glad they put out a new edition with an update on citing the internet. Hopefully they will have updated some of the other things that are missing for university students who want to work beyond a basic level research paper. Definitely worth keeping within reach if you have to write any Humanities paper

The General Handbook on Writing.
The MLA Handbook is THE handbook used for writing in high school and colleges across the United States.The APA handbook comes in 2nd place, but it can't stand up to the MLA Handbook. English teachers across the country swear by it, and despite what people might think, English teachers do have a great deal of clout when it comes to writing with the mass populace. There have been a few minor changes that the MLA has made since publishing this edition. Nevertheless, this is the latest edition and until edition 7 comes around, this will be the handbook on writing and researching that tons of students across the country will become familiar.A good resource. ... Read more

Isbn: 0873529758
Sales Rank: 37115
Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - General    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Reference    4. Report writing    5. Research    6. Research And Report Writing    7. Writing Skills   

The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2002
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (18 November, 2001)
list price: $11.95
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Reviews (12)

A huge wealth of information
This almanac is a great source of a huge variety of information. It's loaded with many charts and statistics on just about anything you can think of. From the population of major cities to the Nobel Prize awards you can always trust the Almanac to be useful. Finding information in this almanac is simple because of the index in the front and the quick index on the back cover.

Sometimes when I'm bored I pick up this almanac and find myself browsing through all the interesting information. This is a great book that can actually be fun to read and educational.

BUY IT
This is this one of those items you must have around the house, it has so much useful info, and just facts you always wanted to know, and should know. Easy to naviagte through, a must buy item for every household.

Quite Boring
A good reference book, but quite boring for pleasure reading. ... Read more

Isbn: 0886878721
Sales Rank: 280760
Subjects:  1. Almanacs    2. Almanacs, American    3. General    4. Reference    5. Yearbooks & Annuals    6. Reference / Yearbooks & Annuals   

PalmOne Tungsten T Handheld
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $349.99
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Editorial Review

The Tungsten T is Palm's most compact device yet. But don't be fooled by its diminutive size. Inside, the new Texas Instruments OMAP1510 processor (an enhanced ARM-based processor) gives you the performance you need to organize your work and your life. Stay productive when you're on the go with access to your essential Word, Excel, and PowerPoint-compatible files. Built-in Bluetooth technology allows you to access e-mail and connect to the Internet with the use of a Bluetooth-compatible mobile phone. On top of all this, the Tungsten T handheld has a new color screen, a built-in voice recorder, a five-way navigator button for one-hand operation, plus dual expansion for adding functionality so your Tungsten T handheld grows with you.

Display
The Palm Tungsten T features high resolution on its 320 x 320 pixel backlit color display, which can display more than 65,000 colors.

Expansion
The Tungsten uses MultiMediaCard and Secure Digital expansion cards, which instantly add software applications, additional memory, large databases, and more without taking up built-in memory space.

Operating System
The Tungsten is powered by Palm OS 5, which provides higher performance, enhanced multimedia features, support for Bluetooth connectivity, and enterprise-class security.

Extra Software
Along with the standard Palm software, you'll receive a Software Essentials CD-ROM containing Acrobat Reader, ArcSoft PhotoBase Palm Edition, BlueBoard, BlueChat, Copytalk, Dialer, DataViz Documents to Go 5.0 Professional Edition, Handmark, Palm Reader, Palm WAP Browser, Palm Web Browser Pro, Phone Link Updater, powerOne Personal, SMS, and VersaMail 2.0.

Compatibility
The Palm Tungsten T is compatible with PCs running Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0, 2000, Me, and XP,unning Mac OS 9 or Mac OS X 10.1.2 or later.

In the Box
Palm Tungsten T handheld, stylus, protective cover, USB HotSync cradle, power supply, installation CD-ROM with PDF user's manuals, Software Essentials CD-ROM, and Read this First document. ... Read more

Features

• What's in the box: Palm Tungsten T handheld, stylus, protective cover, USB HotSync cradle, power supply (120 VAC), installation CD with user manuals, Software Essentials CD
• Reflective TFT color screen with brightness control and support for more than 65,000 colors
• ARM-based Texas Instrument OMAP1510 processor
• Integrated Bluetooth Radio and Antenna
• Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard Expansion Slot

Reviews (86)

Nice, But Longevity Not Good
I use this primarily with my ACT! database.Have never even come close to using the maximum memory even with hundreds of contacts and extensive notes.It has served me well for about 2 years; however now the standard plastic screen cover is hard to read through and the machine "resets" itself or locks up requiring a manual "reset" about once per week.For the purchase price I would have expected a much better life to it.

Annoying digitization problem
Although I was happy initially with my Tungsten T, I am no longer happy because it needs to be redigitized several times a day.I am a teacher and use it for a lot of data entry, calculation, and organizing and it is time consuming and aggravating to have to double-check all the time to ensure that the correct item is going in the correct field.I was dismayed to discover within these reviews that this is a glitch that is endemic to all model T's.I am even more upset to discover that it eventually just breaks!At the price I paid, I expected to get several years of use out of it.I am hesitant to replace a defective product with a product from the same company, especially if Palm is not backing up their product with a meaningful solution (as is reported elsewhere in these reviews).

Worked well for a while
Initially I loved my Tungsten T, but after 6 months, the touch screen began requiring repeated recalibration.This has become progressively worse, to the point that recalibrating or repeatedly soft rebooting does not help and the T has died.This all occurred after the warranty period, and the online knowledge base and phone support have been worse than useless.After reading customer feedback here, it appears that several other people have experienced the same problems with the T and the same frustration with Palm support.I'm now shopping for a (non-Palm) replacement.I would strongly discourage anyone from buying what appears to be a flawed product from annon-supportive company. ... Read more

Asin: B000071A7U
Subjects:  1. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA, Electronic Organizer)    2. Palm Connected    3. Handheld (Hand Held)   

IBM Thinkpad T23 Notebook (1.13-GHz Pentium III, 128 MB RAM, 30 GB hard drive)
Average Customer Review:
Personal Computers

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Editorial Review

In the world of superlight notebooks, the ThinkPad T23 is a strongall-around performer with enough features to please business and home usersalike. Perhaps its most impressive attributes are its 5.19-pound weight and1.3-inch height, which make it one of the most compact systems on the markettoday. Additionally, it boasts a 1.1 GHz Pentium III processor, 128 MB of RAM(expandable to 1,024 MB), a 30 GB hard disk, and an 8x DVD-ROM drive. Theinstalled operating system is Windows XP Professional, which addsbusiness-oriented security and networking features to Microsoft's Windows 2000OS. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I stick with Thinkpads
I've just upgraded from an older T21 to T23, because I love Thinkpads. The design is sleek and strict, without unnecessary brightness and buttons. The LCD screen is sharp, and much brighter than those I saw on Compaq. It is very slim and light, so perfect for travel. It is fast. The swappable drives take 30 seconds to change. etc. and etc.

Importantly enough, it is an excellent IBM's customer support. T-series has 3-year warranty. When I had to change a part on my older T21, I sent it on Tuesday and they returned the laptop on Thursday same week (at their cost, of course!). Online support is also superb.

You can look at ebay for good deals, but beware of possible scum! Buy it!

IBM ThinkPad Rulez
This is one of the best laptop computers made. The speed and ease of use make for a wonderful machine.
I wholeheartedly recommend this computer to anyone looking for a laptop computer. ... Read more

Asin: B00005TSMG
Subjects:  1. Notebooks (Note Books)    2. Notebook Computers    3. Laptops (Lap Tops)    4. IBM   

Linksys WPC54G Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $79.99 -- our price: Too Low To Display
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick, January 2003. The first high-speed wireless networking PC card for laptops to use the 802.11g standard, which is four times faster than the current standard (802.11b) and backwards compatible.

The new Wireless-G notebook adapter (PC Card adapter) from Linksys has both the 802.11b and newer 802.11g standards built in, so you can connect your notebook to existing 802.11b infrastructure and also the new, fast Wireless-G networks. The included setup wizard walks you through configuring the adapter to your network's settings, step by step. Then just slide the adapter into your notebook's PC Card slot and enjoy network access with your notebook computer, while retaining true mobility.

Wireless-G is the 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products that are found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country. But since they share the same 2.4 GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices also work with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment.

Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, and share files and other resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network, wherever you wander. At home, you can surf the Web or use instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out on the patio.

You'll also be able to connect to any of the growing number of public wireless hotspots springing up in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels, and convention centers. And as those hotspots upgrade to the new high-speed Wireless-G standard, you'll be ready to take advantage of the increased speeds.

Get connected to current standard 802.11b networks today, and be prepared for the future with the Wireless-G notebook adapter from Linksys.

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me? Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed. For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time: 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

... Read more

Features

• Compatible with Windows98SE, Me, 2000, and XP
• Operates in the 2.4 Ghz frequency spectrum with speeds up to 54 Mbps
• Complies with IEEE 802.11g draft standards, and is backwards compatible with IEEE 802.11b products
• 32-bit CardBus Interface
• Up to 128-bit WEP encryption

Reviews (178)

Disappointed
I have always purchased Linksys in the past, routers, switches & hubs with absolutly no trouble. I read all the reviews here, some good, some bad. I took the advice of some who said not to use the setup CD and to download straight from the web. Another said to setup the router and not let your "know it all" 19 year old set up the laptop adapter first, among many others. Well, I set up the wireless router WRT54GS but could not get a clean install of the software drivers not even from the web. Finally I got it to install and work. It worked fine as a router with a Ethernet (wired) connection to my laptop. Then the fun started when I tried to install the Laptop Adapter WPC54G. I can't begin to explain the hours and pain that was spent. No matter what I did or how I did it, the adapter was active and appeared to be ok BUT it would not communicate withe Router. I tried every configuration I could. And, Yes, I called Linksys. Even at 3AM they are there to help you .... RIGHT! I called them 3 times, was on the phone for almost an hour each time and GOT NO WHERE. It might have been faster if the people spoke english as a first language!. Bottom line, Linksys said there must be something wrong with either the adapter or router, or both and left me hanging. THANKS. I bought both pieces back to the store and returned them. Would have liked to exchanged them for another Linksys set but, the experience was very very BAD. I purchased the D-Link DI-624 108Mbps G Wireless router and the D-Link DWL-G650 108G Laptop adapter. In 20 minutes I was up and Running. Lesson Learned? ... If you buy Linksys or anyone else, and it does work out of the box (if you followed instructions), consider it dead and don't waste anymore of your time trying and trying to make it work!

Strong Connection and good range.
This wireless network adapter is durable and provides a great connection with relatively little configuration.I have installed this card in IBM T30 and A20 models as well as HP notebooks. I had a dlink card on my last computer that had less than half the range it claimed. The instalation was simple and intuitive enough for the technologicaly challenged could get wifi connection easily.I have yet to find an incompatible network.

This card isnt the cheapest (but its not the most expensive) but the price is worth the durability and knowledge that you are connected with a quality product.
Go wireless with the WPC54G today.

WPC54G v2 & AES
After purchasing the WPC54G v2, I was disappointed to notice that it evidently doesn't support AES. I'm using the Linksys Network Monitor v2.1 (also tried Funk Odyssey), and driver v6.0.0.18.
Linksys' website has the product data sheet for this card, which lists security as: WEP, AES, TKIP, 802.1x. The user guide, that came with the card, as well as the user guide posted to the website, speaks about AES as a selection. And the Network Monitor application, prompts you to choose, "from either TKIP or AES," only that AES is not listed in the drop down list.
From my reading posts, it appears that v2 doesn't support AES, while some other WPC54G versions do. The problem is that Linksys makes it very unlikely that you'll realize this before purchasing the card. Between their website, userguide, software, as well as all their retail channel partners listing AES as a supported protocol, you're destined to purchase the card and be disappointed once you attempt to configure AES.
After contacting Linksys, this is the clarification I received, "...AES is supported with the previous version which is WPC54G Version 1. There is no driver yet for the version 2 wireless-g adapter that supports AES as on the moment. Keep posted from the website for any updates with regards to the device. You can go to www.linksys.com..."
This doesn't really manage expectations, though, and leaves it likely that others may potentially experience the same confusion. ... Read more

Asin: B00007KDVK
Subjects:  1. Linksys   

Iomega 32214 Predator External 24x10x40 USB 1.1 and 2.0 CD-RW Drive
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Buffer under-run protection prevents useless "coaster" CDs
• High-speed external CD-R/RW drive
• USB 2.0 for enhanced data transfer (USB 1.1 supported)
• Burn an 80-minute audio CD in under 4 minutes
• PC compatible

Reviews (33)

Does a good job, even on USB 1.0
I am using an aging computer and my old CD writer broke. I bought this because it was compatable with USB 1.0 as well as good for when I get around to upgrading. The problem with this product is that the software is pretty weak compared to some of the better programs out there. Otherwise it is a good product with a good price.

Someone told me once that every CD writer will break within 2 years, if it gets regular use. So far it seems to be more or less true. If you're in the market for them, go with an external CD writer, and go with one that isn't TOO expensive. Besides, as with most technology these days, in a couple months there will be one way better for less money.

Frisbee
It's a frisbee maker!I got maybe 2 or 3 sucessful burns out of it, but mostly I just ruined perfectly good cd-Rs.

If you buy Iomega products: 50/50 chance you'll get a lemon.
There's just no in-between, and this drive is no exception.

My drive will connect and be recognized by the computer, but it won't recognize any CDs that are put in, no matter what brand of CD. It doesn't matter what software you install, either - it's simply a hardware defect, and if you buy one of Iomega's cheap products, there's just about a 50/50 chance you'll get a broken one. If you're lucky, you'll get a unit that actually works fine.

Take it from a network admin who has had to use many, many Iomega products over the years (with about half being unusable) - don't buy this product unless you're a compulsive gambler and you just have to take every chance. ... Read more

Asin: B00005V14C
Sales Rank: 24989
Subjects:  1. External CDRW Drive (CD-RW, CDR-W, CD-R, CDR, Drive, Drives, Compact Disc Recordable, Recordables, Recorders, Recorder, Writer, Writers, Rewriter, Rewriters, Rewriteable, Rewriteables, Writeable, Writeables, CD Burner, Burners)   

Adaptec AUA-1420 USB 2.0 2 Port CardBus
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $99.99 -- our price: $51.29
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Connect 2 high-speed USB 2.0 devices to your notebook computer
• Fully compatible with USB 1.1
• Includes USB 2.0 drivers for Windows operating systems
• No external power supply needed in most cases
• 5-year warranty

Reviews (12)

Doesn't work with flash drives.Avoid this one.
Because this card DOES NOT come with a power adapter (the Belkin Cardbus card does, and I'm ordering one after I send this one back) it would not work with my flash drives.One it would not see at all, and the other it would see but not access.
I assume it works O.K. with low or non power devices such as USB keyboards or Mice, or with devices that have their own power supply such as an External USB hard drive, but I've tested neither.I just know this one is 15 dollars more, then you need to turn around and buy the adapter, which is not even listed on Amazon?
Also, the driver installation was a pain because after Windows XP installs its drivers, you have to disable all the USB controllers on the card, download the Adaptec driver, then it will install the Adapted drivers.That took me about an hour to find on the Adaptec website.I'm a technician and I do this kind of thing all day; it should not be this hard.
Avoid this one.

Excellent product
I bought this item after a bad experience with an ADS Technologies card (see my review for that one) that did not work. At first I was hesitant to shell out the cash for the Adaptec, but I was so desperate to find a USB2.0 PCMCIA card that did NOT require an AC adapter.

I have an HP Pavilion ZT1180 notebook, running XP Home SP2. Older, but a great notebook. The biggest drawback of my notebook is the lack of USB 2.0 ports (they are all USB 1.1). I needed a card that I could use with my 802.11 SuperG usb dongle and did NOT require an AC adapter. What's the point of being wireless if you still have to plug in the card!

The card is basically Plug and Play. I popped it into my notebook and it was rarin' to go (after the usual XP prompts to detect drivers, etc). I did not need to run the included CD-ROM, nor did I need to go to the Adaptec website for updated drivers. XP Home SP2 had the drivers for it. The card was able to support and provide enough power for my wireless USB dongle like a pro and I was able to surf at 108 mbps! I am EXTREMELY pleased with this card. I have not pushed the card by trying to install another usb device that would require power. There is a jack for an AC adapter, but no adapter was included with the product. You could probably pick one up easily at a Target or Radio Shack if necessary.

I have to say that it is worth the price (hence 5 stars) because of the power issue. Similar cheaper no-name or generic brand cards aren't capable of providing enough juice to power a simple USB dongle.

Good Product ( required extra work)
Here what I had to do to get the adapter to work:
- Go to the Adaptec Website, download the latest driver (Using the Model number on the adapter)
- Go to the Adaptec trouble shoot website and follow the instruction for work around to overwrite the WinXP SP2.
- Reboot then you will be fine.
I give it **** because of the above problem. Otherwise, it worked great with all my external devices( External Hard Drive, DVD burner ...etc)
Note: - Linux setup for this is a lot easier.
- Toshiba laptop may have lower voltage on the PCMCIA slot
so make sure to check it out. ... Read more

Asin: B000062STT
Sales Rank: 24777
Subjects:  1. Expansion (Expansions, Controller, Controllers, Card, Cards)    2. USB Interface (Universal Serial Bus Interfaces, Ports, Port, Connection, Connections)    3. SCSI Interface (Interfaces, Ports, Port, Connection, Connections)    4. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    5. USB Cable (Cables)    6. Accessories (Accessory)   

Minolta Dimage X 2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $399.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Minolta's Dimage X raises the stakes in the world of itty-bitty digital cameras. By incorporating a clever internal zoom lens, developing a slim new rechargeable battery, and using diminutive SD memory cards, Minolta has created a pocket-sized picture taker that's just 0.8 inches thick and has an overall volume 10 percent smaller than Canon's S110 Digital Elph.

The camera's most unusual feature is its internal zoom lens. While most digital cameras are built like their film counterparts--with a telescoping zoom lens protruding from the front--the lens assembly in the Dimage X is arranged vertically inside the camera, with the sensor at the very bottom, like a periscope in a submarine. This layout allows for a slim camera with a full 3x optical zoom. In addition, startup times are faster, since you don't have to wait for the lens to extend before shooting.

Designed primarily as a point-and-shoot, the Dimage X nevertheless has several features to satisfy more advanced users, including an uncompressed TIFF storage mode and slow-sync flash. A movie-mode feature records up to 35 seconds of video with sound.

Images are stored on stamp-size SD or MMC memory cards. Though relatively uncommon in digital cameras, this type of card is a pe of card is a popular choice for MP3 players, PDAs, and numerous other handheld devices, ensuring continued support for the format in the future.

Images can be transferred to your Mac or PC via USB, and the included audio-visual cable lets you view images and film clips on your home TV. A proprietary lithium-ion battery provides power--battery and charger are included. ... Read more

Features

• 2.1 megapixel sensor captures 1600 x 1200 images for clear 8-by-10-inch prints
• 3x optical plus 2x digital (6x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 8 MB Secure Digital (SD) card holds 13 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery included

Reviews (62)

I lost it
I bought this when I was mobilized for OIF.I kept it in the pocket of my blouse the whole time, shooting pictures every where I went.Great shots, plenty of storage space.I never felt the need to use max resolution.Unfortuantely I lost it last week and am shopping for a replacement.I'm checking out the X31 and X50 which cost less than this one was.

A small fun camera- - great features
I have had this camera for about three years, an it is a great machine.It is small, light weight, and it takes o.k. pictures. When I bought it, it only held 12 picture, (I don't know why)but I recently bought a new memory card,and it is great. You can make voice recordings, and take small video clips (35 seconds). The battery life is ok, but not what I would have wanted. Overall, this camera is a great digital camera.

view finder out of alignment
After 2 years the view finder became distorted and out of alignment. Hopefully it can be repaired but there seems to be a lot of used cameras of this model advertised. I wonder why? ... Read more

Asin: B00005V619
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Minolta NP200 Lithium Ion Battery for Dimage X, Xi, and Xt Digital Cameras
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $49.95 -- our price: $34.14
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Compatible with Minolta Dimage X digital camera

Reviews (9)

Some help for you, if you buy this
Heat.
Heat is your friend.
Cold is the enemy.

I take this snowboarding. You CAN NOT use the Beltclip
carry case for this, if you are in the cold. Place it
in your pocket, with a Heat pack.
I have walked out the door with a FULLY charged battery,
only to see the Red, Battery dying light.
Ignor this.
If you keep it warm, it will last longer.
The hotter the battery is, the longer it lasts.
I have gotten many photos after the red light, by
turning the camera on, the quickly snapping a photo,
then turning it off.
And keeping the camera warm, when not in use.

YOU NEED A SECOND BATTERY!!!!
Taking about 40 pictures at Disnaey World, will
use up ONE battery, if your fussing with the camera
on, and looking at the picture you took.

Just for your help. :)

poor battery/charger/carmerabattery control
When I just bought Dimage Xt, it was able to take ~200 photos with fully charged battery. After 1 year, camera started to show "low battery" sign at power on, even when the battery was freshly charged, and the sign turned into red after ~50 photos and camera shutdown itself after that. Then I bought a new battery, the same thing happened as soon as I started to use it, I can only take ~60 photos with the new battery. I don't know the problem came from battery, battery charger, or battery controller in camera.
While you can keep a few batteries as backup, but sometime it's not an option. I have a marine kit and take underwater photo, and it's a hassel to change battery in water.

Worked as advertised
I bought this battery as a backup for my Minolta Dimage X.It works as well as the original.These batteries charge quickly... but also don't last very long (at least not in my camera).I find that I can take about 200 pictures with the LCD viewer on before battery life degradates to an annoying level. ... Read more

Asin: B00005Y1RW
Sales Rank: 170
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)   

SanDisk SDSDB-128-A10 Secure Digital 128MB
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $74.99 -- our price: $18.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

SanDisk's 128 MB Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card includes a high-performance, nine-pin SD interface that enables data transfer rates of up to 10 megabytes per second. Its proprietary interface commands facilitate the secure exchange of content between host devices, like PCs and music servers, and the card itself. The security level provided in the SD Memory Card has been designed to comply with current and projected SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative) portable device requirements. ... Read more

Features

• 5-year warranty
• High transfer rate for fast copy/download
• 128 MB storage capacity
• Low battery consumption to maximize battery life in small portable devices
• Operating shock rating of 2,000 Gs, equivalent to a 10-foot drop to the floor

Reviews (58)

Sandisk 128MB SD Card A-10
This is an excellent product and would recommend it to anyone. However, it may not work with all electronic devices and you must read information about your particular product before buying this. Also, I am not 13,but didn't feel much like logging into my account to review this product. I hope my review of this product will help other people before buying this.

Excellent
Would buy from vendor in the future. Item arrived in a timely
manner.

SanDisk really stands behind its products.
I bought this SD card 2 1/2 years ago for use in my Magellan Meridian GPS receiver. Worked great until last month. Went to SanDisk's website for help. The tech support people had me go through some diagnostic procedures and determined that the card wasn't fixable. They arranged for me to return the card to them and even paid for shipping by FedEx. Two days after they received my old card, a new one was on its way to me. Just received it today and it works like a charm.

It sure is nice to do business with a company that stands behind its products and cares about its customers. ... Read more

Asin: B000068CS0
Subjects:  1. Computer Memory    2. Memory Cards    3. Smart Media    4. Multimedia Card (Cards)   

iRiver SlimX iMP-350 CD/MP3 Player with Ultraslim Design
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $129.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

With its beautiful sound quality, royal good looks, and simple operation, the iRiver SlimX portable MP3-CD player sets a new standard for future portable units to follow.

The SlimX is one of the most adaptable players we've encountered. It rolls upgradable firmware, eight-minute antishock protection, ASF (Advanced Streaming Format) and WMA (Windows Media Audio) compatibility, ID3 tag support, and the ability to play standard audio CDs, MP3-encoded discs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs into an ultratrim (0.6 inches thick) player. And the sound is deluxe, delivering crisp highs, discernible mids, and bass thick enough to make low-end aficionados nod their heads in approval.

Since we had yet to fully investigate WMA, we felt compelled to dig into the format. At first we were hesitant: how could WMA compress music files to half their size--at, say, 64 Kbps--and still sound good? After dumping an entire, 100-song playlist onto a single CD-R, however, we were humbled. The procedure was painless, and the sound was incredible. The iRiver SlimX completely fulfilled our demands; using the gorgeous inline remote, we easily skipped ahead 10 tracks at a time, used fast-scan to hear a particular verse, and made a customized playlist on the fly.

In fact, the remote lets you operate every function (save changing a disc) without having to dig the unit out of your backpack or its carrying case (included, but frail), and it also includes a hold switch that prevents accidental playback.

After the WMA-disc success, we switched over to an MP3 compilation made by a friend. While reading the different ID3 tags (MP3 file markers that feed song, artist, and album names to your player), we first played the songs whose titles intrigued us most, like "Nannari to Naru Deshou" by the excellent Japanese female duoPuffy. That's why ID3 tags are so cool--they allow you to search by name, not track number.

Next, we took the SlimX out on a long walk to judge its portability. Unless we made silly, Pete Townshend-style windmill movements, each disc played satisfactorily. We noticed that standard audio CDs popped more than anything we burned off the Web, which was strange. We also sampled the five equalizer presets, although we noticed only subtle differences in sound at low volumes.

While listening to any Web-audio disc, the SlimX fills up its antiskip buffer with the eight minutes of music. Essentially, this means the player doesn't have to read the disc as much, which results in prolonged battery life, and ultimately the SlimX delivered on its promise of up to 23 hours playing time. To get these results for yourself, just make sure the two flat NiMH batteries are fully charged, and pop an extra pair of AAs into the external battery pod. It's that easy.

For those new to ASF, MP3, and WMA formats, you may be disappointed by the SlimX's user's manual, which is skimpy at best. OurGuide to Making MP3 Files will familiarize you with the basics and help you turn your computer into a virtual jukebox.

For those of you who are considering upgrading to the iRiver SlimX--or are looking to pick up your first player--we highly recommend this player. In fact, we miss our test player so much, we're going to buy one of our own. --Arno Kazarian

Pros:

• Upgradable firmware
• Compatibility with MP3, WMA, ASF, standard audio CDs, and CD-R/RWs
• Supports ID3 tags for easy search of MP3 files
• Nearly skip-free performance

Cons:

• Relatively useless user's manual
• Shallow-sounding earbud headphones
• Frivolous carrying case

... Read more

Features

• Ultraslim design (16.7 mm thick)
• Supports audio CDs, MP3- and WMA-encoded discs, ID3 tags, CD Text, and M3U playlists; integrated FM tuner
• Upgradeable firmware (will support new audio technologies as they emerge)
• Anti-skip protection up to 8 minutes (best protection around) Compressed Audio ASP up to 480 Sec, CD Audio ASP up to 180 sec
• Includes 2 1400mAh NiMh batteries, velvet bag, 11-function LCD remote, earbuds, power source, and manual

Reviews (357)

Still Kicking it around
great product, and i am still kicking this around but not using it as much as i used to.i used this for several years and worked like a charm, upgrades are easy.best feature is that it plays all formats. bad feature is that it's limited storage :(

Excellent Buy!
This mp3 player is so versatile - it's great!It plays CDs, radio, and mp3s.It's very easy to use and is loaded with tons of awesome features.I took it with me on a cross-country plane flight recently and it was so nice to have with me.A must buy!

Fragile player....coupled with POOR customer service
After having this player now for 6 months, I have had enough time to fully evaluate the player and Iriver's customer service.

First the good news. The player is cool looking and plays most discs without a problem.I have yet to have the player skip, although I have not put it through any rough treatment to test it.

Now the bad news:
- This player is fragile. Despite the metal top casing, the player is lightweight and is not built to last.If you don't keep the player in its fleece bag, the metal will scratch (and take away from the cool look).
- The headphones, while not bad for manufacture provided ones, leave a lot to be desired.Why can't these manufacturers follow Apple's example and provide a decent earbud?If you do get this player I would recommend getting a better set of earphones.Beware though to get an efficient pair, as the player will not be able to drive an inefficient pair to higher volumes.
- The remote itself is the most fragile of the player.Within a week, even with taking great care not to do so, the remote screen was scratched.The plastic screen is not very scratch resistant at all!Which is a shame as it is what you will be looking at as there is no screen on the player itself. Like the player, the remote is also rather flimsy in its construction.It is a lightweight plastic.It would have been nice to have the remote protected with the same metal casing as they top of the player.The original remote has wires coming out ofboth ends.While I though this would not be an issue, it has come to be a bother when attempting to look at the remote.I guess there is a reason that they changed the design of later remotes.Finally, after only 6 months of extremely light use (may be used once a week at most), the backlight on the remote stopped working.This is a real problem as the screen is hard to see without this feature.
- Customer Service: I contacted iRiver customer via their website concerning the remote backlight.It took them over 2 weeks to get back to me.And then they had nothing to say than sorry your remote is out of the 90 day warranty, you will have to purchase a new one.

All in all, I give the player 2 stars as the player performs its function of playing audio disks, but overall I would not purchase this player again (especially at its inflated price).If you do decide to get this player, BEWARE of the fragility of this player and expect poor customer service. ... Read more

Asin: B000063574
Subjects:  1. Slim, thin    2. iMP-350, imp350, mp3, cd,    3. i-river, slimex, slim-x,    4. cd-mp3, mp3-cd, mp3/cd, portable cd    5. portable mp3, mp-3, cd with mp3    6. Portable Compact Disc Player (Personal CD)    7. Portable Audio    8. MP3 MP 3 Player    9. CD (Compact Disc) Players combo (combination)    10. MP3 Player (MP 3)    11. cd player (cdplayer)   

Leatherman 67010103HWave
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $98.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Wave is the flagship of the Leatherman line, and we would argue that it's the company's most versatile multitool to date. It comes loaded with 17 different tools, including everything from pliers to screwdrivers to wire cutters. We Wave's quality construction, its four locking blades, and the fact that the user can get at the knife without having to open up the whole tool--a nice improvement over the original model. While nobody's going to replace a tool set or do major auto repairs with the Wave, it's absolutely invaluable for a wide range of quick, on-the-spot jobs. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Includes a nylon belt sheath
• Blades that are accessible from the outside of the tool
• 17 tools in 1
• 25 year warranty
• One handed opening

Reviews (71)

for those who value effeciency, this is a MUST!
very durable, dependable, and worth its (light)weight in gold.

Nice tool! Sheath not very "Deluxe".
The tool looks very useful and well made but the sheath looks like a piece of junk.

Don't leave the bedroom without it
I have had the wave for years now, and I have finally worn it down to where I need to get a new one.This thing has been at my side and provided me with countless experiences of being able to fix something ON THE SPOT.The weight is not too heavy at all for me. The scissors work great (I have even cut stainless steel shim with them).The pliers have been used for numerous fixes and the jaws of mine have finally worn smooth.The wire cutters have worked great.The hard wire cutter has never failed me unless I am trying to cut steel cable (a difficult task for any pair of plier-like cutters), but even then I can still manage to do it.The screwdrives have been abused yet still function very well.The blades accept a good sharpening and last for a good while after sharpening.The file is bar-none the BEST file on any multi-tool I have ever seen, and is better than most dedicated files I have used.The diamond file is spectacular.The single-handed blade opening and single-handed plier opening are features I have come to depend on.This is just a great tool that allows me to GET MORE DONE!The leather sheath is also very rugged yet quickly became supple and remains a durable home for this tool.
No, it's not the perfect tool for any one specific task, but it is a very useful tool nonetheless and serves it's purpose without fail.I am amazed mine has lasted as long as it has considering how often I use it, which is pretty much every single day.If I am wearing pants or shorts with a belt, then I have my leatherman.The only nuisance is I have to remember to pack it in my luggage prior to flying!
Worth every penny, and then some. ... Read more

Asin: B000065UE7
Subjects:  1. (Swiss Army Knives)    2. (Knife)    3. (Multitools)    4. Camping Accessories    5. Hand Tools    6. Multi-tools   

Danby Deluxe Compact Refrigerator (4.3cu.ft.)
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $149.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Deluxe compact fridge increases storage and saves space
• 4-2/7-cubic feet of capacity and a built-in freezer
• Accommodates tight spaces with recessed handle and reversible hinges
• Features push-button defrost, 4 wire shelves, and tall bottle storage
• Measures 20-3/4Wx21Dx32-5/8H"; 1-year parts and labor warranty, 5-year compressor warranty

Reviews (12)

Great if you like warm food...
If you are looking for a compact refrigerator to keep food cold then don't buy this one. Temp only gets down to 48... not cold enough.

wrong ptcture
The picture is of the 3.2 cubic foot model

two came and went
We ordered this for a spare fridge and it would be a great size, but the first on came and it was damaged. It looked like it had been dropped. Then I called Target. They did great taking care of getting us another on. Only the second came today and it was also dropped from a truck. The back was dented and it was already rusting. so I think we will try some where else for this item.
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Asin: B0000667EE
Sales Rank: 3012

Hamilton Beach 45351 Automatic Electric Kettle
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $59.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

On your kitchen counter, office desk, or dining table, this powerful 1500-watt, 10-cup electric kettle brings water to a boil in minutes. Tea, instant coffee, bouillon, hot chocolate, and other hot beverages are just moments away. The kettle's every feature is designed for convenience. Windows on each side reveal the water level at a glance. The kettle sits on its power base at any angle and lifts off for cord-free pouring, while the cord wraps inside the base for clutter-free use or storage. The on/off switch is on the thick, comfortable, stay-cool handle, where all it takes is a push of the thumb to start or stop. (When the water boils, the kettle shuts off automatically.) Inside, there's a stainless steel heating element that comes clean with a wipe of a sponge or a cloth, and that's all the hard plastic exterior needs, too. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• On/off switch on stay-cool handle; automatic shutoff at boil
• 10 inches tall
• 1500-watt system boils up to 10 cups of water in minutes
• Kettle lifts off power base for cord-free pouring
• Windows on each sideows on each side reveal water level

Reviews (45)

Daily use kettle flips its lid
I purchaed this kettle for my mother. She said the lid would not fit the kettle. (She had tried to fit it on backwards.
Not sure why). I tried hers for instant coffee and thought it a great kettle. I purchased my own over a year ago and I use it
EVERY day! It's never failed to shut off and it boils the water VERY quickly (I seldom use more than two cups of water).

Why anyone would use it without water in it, is beyond
my comprehension).(See different review). I highly recommend this kettle.

still working 2 years later
I purchases this over 2 years ago, and it still works like the day I bought it. I use this everyday, without a single problem.
It does what it is supposed too without fail.
Good Product.

awful lid but it boils great
I have owned this for a year now and it does boil water very fast and i love having hot water on hand all the time because I make a lot of bread. I however hate the lid. You have to pull it off to fill the pot and it pours way to slow so you have to pull it off to pour hot water. The lid does not come off easy and when you finally get it to yank off you splatter boiling water on yourself and the counter. I bought the Philips HD4651 for my mother and I wish I had gotten the same one. I highly reccommend the Philips over this one because it has all the same great features plus it has an easy open hinge up lid and a bell goes off when it boils plus it has a filter. She used mine and agreed the Philips is a much better design at the same price! ... Read more

Asin: B00004SPE2
Subjects:  1. Electric    2. Teakettles    3. Hot Pots    4. (Tea Kettles)