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Customer review : Motorola Triumph Prepaid Android Phone

2011-12-13T00:07:00.000-08:00

Obtaining a skinny, simple to deal with kind, the Motorola Triumph Prepaid matches easily inside your pocket or little purse. It is driven by Android 2.2 (Froyo) and provides integration with Google options – Gmail and Google Maps to Google + YouTube and – and provide you with entry in the direction of the latest programs and video clip video games across the Android Market.

Motorola Triumph Prepaid optional micro SD memory card, you are able to broaden the memory Triumph to energy and conserve his large library of pictures, films and songs (supports cards as a great deal as 32 GB, two GB card built-in).

Other features of Motorola Triumph Prepaid consist of ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi (for use of house and on-the-go hotspots), Bluetooth for hands free devices and stereo songs streaming, total internet browser that supports HTML Adobe Flash, and use of and each company and individual e-mail.

Motorola Triumph Prepaid Android Working Method

The Motorola Triumph Prepaid working the latest Android working method – OS 2.2 (aka, Froyo) – the common Android expertise quicker and a great deal much more multitasking. Built-in with Google systems, the XPRT delivers one-touch use of well-liked Google options million cellular use each day, which includes Google Lookup by voice, Google Maps with Road See, GTalk instant messaging (with existence abilities), and YouTube Picasa. The XPRT also provides simple use of each individual and company e-mail, calendar and contacts are supported by Trade Server and Gmail.

Connectivity

3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) (peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps)
Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
Onboard GPS for navigation and location services
Integrated Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation, street and satellite views.
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP audio streaming Bluetooth profiles.

Google Integration

Android 2.2 OS (Froyo)
Android Market for browsing and downloading thousands of free and paid apps
Pre-loaded Android apps: Browser, Calculator, Calendar (Google or Corporate), Camera, Clock, Contacts, e-mail, Gallery, Messaging, Music, News & Weather, Phone, Settings, Video Player, Voice Dialer, Voice Search, YouTube
Google applications: Gmail, Google Search, Google Voice Search, Google Latitude, Google Maps, Google Places, Google Talk
Google Maps Navigation with spoken turn-by-turn directions showing real-time traffic and 360° views of the destination

Communications & Internet

Full HTML Web Browser with Flash 10.1 Support
Full messaging capabilities including SMS text, MMS picture/video and IM instant messaging
Personal and corporate e-mail access with support for Exchange ActiveSync as well as personal e-mail accounts (Google push, Yahoo!, POP3, IMAP).

Hardware

1 GHz processor speeds up everything--from playing games to watching shows to opening files from work.
4.1-inch multi-touch capacitive display (480 x 800 pixels) with light and proximity sensors and scratch-resistant glass.
Onscreen keyboard
Removable battery

Memory

2 GB microSD card with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
2 GB onboard memory
512 MB RAM

Camera

5-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and 4x digital zoom
Video capture capabilities
VGA front-facing camera for video chats

Multimedia

Music player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC/AAC+/eAAC+
Video player compatible with MPEG4, WMV, H.264, H.263

More Features

3.5mm headphone jack
Organizer tools including calendar, voice notes, and alarm clock
Speakerphone for hands-free communication.
Hearing Aid Compatibility: M3

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

224 of 229 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great value on Virgin Mobile and an excellent phone., July 28, 2011

S. Power (Detroit, Michigan, United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Motorola Triumph Prepaid Android Phone (Virgin Mobile) (Wireless Phone Accessory)

If this phone came out a year ago, it would be among the top performing phones from any carrier on the market. Its very fast Snapdragon processor, vivid 4.1" touch screen, and rock-solid Android 2.2 performance were cutting edge 12 months ago. I don't say that in a disparaging way, but rather want to show where this phone fits into the spectrum of available devices. If you want the newest, best, phone, you'll still have to go to the contract carriers.

That said, this phone does everything I need very well, and at $300 upfront and $25 a month for service, can't be beat. It works even better than the Samsung Intercept that I replaced with it, and is reasonably priced. $25 a month, compared to what plans cost on the contract carriers, and you'll make up the $300 upfront cost in about 6 months. Brand new customers, may have to pay the $35 a month that they are changing their bottom plan to, but that is still a great deal ($35 a month for 300 minutes, unlimited web/text; $45 a month for 1200 minutes unlimited web/text; or $55 a month for unlimited everything).

This is my second phone on Virgin Mobile, and it made me realize that a lot of the problems that I was attributing to the network were actually the fault of my Samsung Intercept. This phone is more stable in every way. Wifi, GPS, 3G, Voice, the touch screen, applications, everything about this phone works better and is more stable than they did on the Samsung.

Beyond this comparison to my previous Virgin Mobile phone, here are a few comments about the phone:

+ very thin and lightweight. I miss the physical keyboard of my Intercept, but only slightly. The thinness makes up for it.

+ durable design. There aren't many cases available yet for this phone, but even without a case it seems durable. I already dropped it once, on concrete, and other than having to replace the back cover, there were no issues. The battery didn't even come out.

+ vibrant screen. The screen looks great on this phone. I almost say that it looks as good as the display on my wife's iPod Touch. The only concern with the screen is that it is 4.1 inches instead of 4.3, which has kind of become the new standard for Android phones, but I don't really think that .2 of an inch makes much difference.

+ very good touch screen. The touch screen on the Intercept had issues, compared to this phone. We are finally able to play games on it, and type quickly on the touch screen. Again, I think it is safe to compare it to the iPod Touch's performance. Very good.

+ fast processor. Cutting edge Android phones are now starting to have dual-core chips. The Snapdragon chip in this phone is single core, but that hasn't stopped it from doing everything that I've asked it to instantaneously. Very snappy.

+ Cameras. The main camera on this phone is awesome. Probably not as good as in an iPhone 4 or a real camera, but every bit as good as the stellar one in the iPod Touch. The pictures and video it takes are amazing. I don't think I'll ever be taking my real camera or my video recorder with me again. Even the flash works well and doubles nicely as a flashlight.

+ battery life. The battery life on this phone is very good. With any Android phone you can expect to have to recharge it daily, but this one at least uses its battery consistently and gradually. That might not seem like a lot to ask for, but even with Android 2.2 many phones have battery management issues. This one does not.

+ GPS. The GPS gets its signal pretty quickly and does a good job. Not perfect in that sometimes you have a wait a few seconds, but none of them are.

+ Vanilla Android. I really like the fact that Virgin Mobile doesn't "Skin" their phones or put a bunch of bloatware on them. This phone is pretty much stock Android 2.2 with a couple extra applications pre-installed. Much better than the experience with other carriers that fill the phone up with their own software and interface.

A few comments on Virgin Mobile:

+ Network. Network performance always depends on your location. In some cities Verizon is great and AT&T is terrible. In others they both work great. Virgin Mobile's phones operate on their parent company, Sprint's network. Sprint and T-Mobile's networks as a whole, are not as good as Verizon's, but that does not mean they are terrible. In my experience, this phone works very well in metropolitan areas, and pretty well in rural areas. If your cell phone is your life-line and you spend time in rural areas, you may want to check the coverage for your area on Sprint's website. Otherwise, I really having had any problems with the network.

+ International. Sprint and therefore Virgin Mobile only have network coverage in the US. That means you can't roam internationally, which is both good and bad. International roaming on any phone is very expensive. When I travel outside the US with this phone, and want to make calls, I connect to Wifi in my hotel or at a shop, and use Skype. It works perfectly and is much cheaper than international roaming, and is often free.

I very strongly recommend that you ditch your contract phone and consider this phone or other Contract Free carriers. AT&T especially, and Verizon to some extent, are trampling all over their customers, and people are letting them. The way to fix this situation is not archaic government regulation or laws, but rather consumers showing that they won't stand for it. Get a contract free phone because it is the best thing for your wallet and works very well, but also know that if enough people do it the big carriers will have to improve the way they do business.

/// Update after 3 months of use. ///

I don't have much new to report on this phone, but wanted to provide an update after 3 months of use. They are still working great. Both my wife and I have had one from the beginning. Neither of us have it in a case, and it is holding up very well both to purse life and hip life. No scratches or anything despite normal drops and use. A few points:

+ Service continues to be great on this phone. Virgin works much better on this than it did on the Intercept.

+ I have had about 5 unexpected restarts in the three months of having the phone. That isn't bad for an Android phone that gets a lot of use. I think that some of those might have been caused by putting the phone 'power button side down' in the case, and inadvertently keeping it pressed. Either way, I don't think that 5 is bad, especially if 3 of them were caused by the case. My wife has never had an unexpected restart on her Triumph, though she doesn't use hers as much as I do.

+ Screen. The screen on this phone is great. You do have to push a little harder on this phone than on some others, but you get used to it very quickly, and in the long-run, it is better.

+ The camera is great (for a phone).

I continue to be very happy with this phone, especially after its first three months of real life use.

Customer Reviews : HTC myTouch 3G Unlocked Android Phone

2011-12-06T19:12:00.001-08:00

Description

Model

Brand: HTC

Model: myTouch 3G

Color: Black

Form Factor: Smart Phones

Connectivity

Wireless Radio: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz

UMTS 1700 / 2100 MHz

Compatible Carrier & Service: AT&T, T-Mobile, T-Mobile 3G, Rogers, Fido

3G: T-Mobile 3G Only

Wi-Fi Support: IEEE802.11b/g

Data transfer: GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, Wi-Fi

Function

GPS Integrated: A-GPS support

Audio: MP3, WAV ringtones

Message: SMS (threaded view), MMS, Instant Messaging

Email: Gmail client – Gmail only, Email client - IMAP, POP3, Exchange

Additional Function: Wi-Fi/GPS/Music

System

Operating System: Android OS, v1.5 (Cupcake)

Processor

Processor: Qualcomm MSM 7201A 528 MHz

Memory

Internal Memory: ROM: 512 MB; RAM: 192 MB

Card Slot: MicroSD(TF Card)

Card Capacity Support: Up to 32GB

Display

Main Display Size: 3.2"

Main Display Color: 65K

Main Display Format: TFT

Main Display Resolution: 480 x 320

Touch Screen: Capacitive Touchscreen

Camera

Camera: 3.15 MP with Video Capture

Auto Focus: Yes

I/O Interface

Bluetooth Support: Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP

Expansion: mini-USB 2.0, Headset jack

Battery

Battery Type: Lithium Ion Battery

Battery Capacity: 1340mAh

Talk Time: Up to 7 hours

Standby Time: Up to 420 hours

Software

Software: Digital compass

Voice memo

Features

Features: With fully integrated tools for Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, and more, it’s easy to look stuff up, get directions, email your entire contact list and sync up your calendar.

IM Client: GTalk, separate IM client: AIM, MSN, Yahoo! Messenger

Video Messaging

Video calling

Dimensions & Weight

Dimensions: 4.45" x 2.19" x 0.58"

Weight: 4.1 oz.

Manufacturer Warranty

Warranty: Return for refund within: 30 days

Return for replacement within: 90 days

90 day warranty provided by Brainstorm

Service Phone: 1-626-330-0636

Support Email: INFO@BRAINSTORMCO.COM

Parts: 90 days limited

Labor: 90 days limited

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Phone is great but NOT unlocked!, June 6, 2011

Nari - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: HTC myTouch 3G Unlocked Android Phone with 3G Support, GPS, and Touch Screen - US Warranty - White (Wireless Phone Accessory)

I purchased this product about one month ago and bought another for my wife. The phones were delivered on time. The ones I purchased online had no carrier logos but upon arrival I discovered T-mobile branding on them. So I thought 'ok, no problem - it's supposed to be unlocked,' and went ahead and slipped in my sim card. What I did not mention as yet is that I live in Trinidad and Tobago (in the Caribbean) and travel a lot, hence the purchase of an unlocked phone. Upon switching on the phone, I was greeted with a very cool green Android guy. Unfortunately, I could not get past that screen - because lo and behold, the phone was not unlocked (as advertised)!

The only reason I did not automatically return the phones at this point (as advised by the Amazon Rep.) is because it would have been such a hassle to do so. That's only the first part of the problem. I then thought that I could just get the phones unlocked by those smart tech people you see in the malls all over the place... Only to discover that I needed a data plan to even get past the first screen (mind you, this was ALSO NOT advertised). The end result is that I ended paying about $100 each to get the phones unlocked and activated.

I close by saying that the only reason this review did not get only one star is because after the headache I endured to get them unlocked, the phones are actually great phones. My wife loves hers and for someone who is not too interested in gadgets - she is absolutely hooked on hers. My advice is that if you live outside the US, do NOT purchase this phone - it might be okay if you live in the US (but I can't really comment on that).

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprise: phone has a crack on the back and locked to T-Mobile,March 26, 2011

Jerry Chu (Fremont, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: HTC myTouch 3G Unlocked Android Phone with 3G Support, GPS, and Touch Screen - US Warranty - White (Wireless Phone Accessory)

I bouhgt this 'unlocked' phone to be used with AT&T. I know AT&T insists data plan for smart phones, which I don't need, since I have wifi most of the time. But I also know AT&T closes an eye on non-AT&T smart phones. I'm very happy with the phone, except for a few problems that I encountered:

1. The vendor did not disclose a crack on the back cover, and that the phone was actually locked to T-Mobile.

2. The phone came with old firmware, probably Android 1.5, I couldn't tell, since I couldn't get pass the google log in (requires network data connection, no Wifi). This first generation firmware only works for people who have T-Mobile account with data plan.

3. I went to a T-Mobile store and signed up for T-Mobile prepaid plan, got a new T-Mobile SIM card. But still no network connection. The T-Mobile store wouldn't refund me the $25 cash that I handed to them 10 mins before, although the contract says I can cancel it the first 2 weeks. I did borrow 2 separate T-Mobile SIM cards from them to try out, and no connection. 0 bars (APN info was programmed correctly). They told me to get another phone. At this point I thought the phone is defective, and I probably can only use it as a WiFi device.

4. Then came a breakthrough. I downloaded Android 2.2.1 firmware to the flash card and reflashed the phone. This is a generic version without T-Mobile customization, and I can skip Google log in. Phone is up and running, connecting to T-Mobile. I did try almost every firmware that I could find on the internet. The phone rejected most of them for bad signature (probably T-Mobile specific signature), and some downloaded firmware are corrupted (too short). So if the file is smaller then 50MB, it is corrupted.

5. T-Mobile wouldn't SIM-unlock it unless I wait 40 days and prove that I paid retail price for the phone. Eventually I paid $15 for a company that specializes in unlocking HTC phones to provide the unlock code (another company that can unlock everything couldn't unlock it. I'm waiting for a refund). Anyway, I now have it running with AT&T.

Although this is a first generation Android phone, it works well with Android 2.2, very responsive. Sound quality is better than my Aria.

Customer Reviews: Samsung Galaxy Note N7000

2011-12-06T18:44:00.001-08:00

DESCRIPTION

Samsung Galaxy Note is A new type of smartphone, borne of insight and innovation. It is the ultimate on-the-go device which consolidates core benefits of diverse mobile devices while maintaining smartphone portability. It empowers you with everything you can ever desire so that you can simply, feel free. It is truly smart. Consumer research indicates that people always want to do more tasks much better, even on the go, whether it is web browsing, email, games, or viewing photos and videos. To do all this, consumers carry multiple devices, because each device has unique benefits that work best in a particular situation. Therefore, consumers constantly switch devices to use the right device at the right time. Even for consumers with multiple smart devices, they still carry around a notepad for writing down ideas. There is an emerging desire for a primary device for on-the-go use that could consolidate the core tasks of multiple devices as well as recreate the ease and simplicity of using a pen and paper. The GALAXY Note was created to reflect your desires. The Galaxy Note is a primary device that will minimize the need to switch to other devices while on the go and open up the potential of your mobile experience.

TECHNICAL DETAILS
GENERAL
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
LTE (region specific)
Announced 2011, September
Status Available. Released 2011, October

SIZE
Dimensions 146.9 x 83 x 9.7 mm
Weight 178 g

DISPLAY
Type Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size 800 x 1280 pixels, 5.3 inches (~285 ppi pixel density)
- Gorilla Glass display
- TouchWiz UI v4.0
- Multi-touch input method
- Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate
- Touch-sensitive controls
- Proximity sensor for auto turn-off
- Gyroscope sensor

SOUND
Alert types Vibration; MP3, WAV ringtones
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes

MEMORY
Phonebook Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
Call records Practically unlimited
Internal 16GB/32GB storage, 1 GB RAM
Card slot microSD, up to 32GB, 2 GB included, buy memory

DATA
GPRS Class 12 (4+1/3+2/2+3/1+4 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
EDGE Class 12
3G   HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps; LTE
LAN    Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth Yes, v3.0+HS
Infrared port No
USB Yes, v2.0 microUSB (MHL), USB On-the-go

CAMERA
Primary   8 MP, 3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash, check quality
Features Geo-tagging, touch focus, face and smile detection, image stabilization
Video Yes, 1080p@24~30fps, check quality
Secondary Yes, 2 MP

FEATURES
OS Android OS, v2.3 (Gingerbread)
CPU Dual-core 1.4GHz ARM Cortex-A9 processor, Mali-400MP GPU, Exynos chipset
Messaging SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Mail, IM, RSS
Browser HTML
Radio Stereo FM radio with RDS
Games Yes
Colors Black, White
GPS Yes, with A-GPS support and GLONASS, barometer sensor
Java Yes, via Java MIDP emulator
- S Pen stylus
- NFC connectivity (optional)
- Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
- NFC support (optional)
- TV-out (via MHL A/V link)
- SNS integration
- Digital compass
- MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264/H.263 player
- MP3/WAV/eAAC+/AC3/FLAC player
- Organizer
- Image/video editor
- Document editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
- Google Search, Maps, Gmail,
- YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk, Picasa integration
- Adobe Flash 10.1 support
- Voice memo/dial/commands
- Predictive text input (Swype)
- Samsung ChatON
- Barometer sensor

BATTERY
Standard battery, Li-Ion 2500 mAh
Stand-by Up to 960 h (2G) / Up to 820 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 26 h 10 min (2G) / Up to 13 h 30 min (3G)

Samsung Galaxy Note N7000 16GB Unlocked Android... by triprayogi

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect mobile phone-tablet device!!!, November 18, 2011

Juwan I. Hayward (Bermuda) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Samsung Galaxy Note N7000 16GB Unlocked Android Smartphone (Wireless Phone Accessory)

Now there is no need to carry both an iPhone/Android phone AND iPad/Android tablet! This phone-tablet device has better resolution (and pixel density of course) than the iPad, and it's a third of the size, so it's much easier to carry and walk around with. AND it's much more than just a 3G tablet, it's also a phone for those times that you wish to send SMS, and to have a 'normal' (verbal) phone conversation without voice over IP apps. I am one of those people that actually 'texts' a lot more than I speak into my phone, but the phone is a bit large, so hands-free earbuds or a bluetooth headset is recommended if you speak into your phone a lot.

Because of my impatience, I imported my Galaxy Note from a UK site before it was available on Amazon, but I would have preferred to purchase this device from Amazon instead of importing from overseas. I was so excited to receive my note, and I am simply amazed by the screen resolution and speed!! The build quality is excellent, the device is light (and thin if that's your thing), and a fully charged battery lasts from morning 'til night! I am going to sell my iPhone and Android tablet ASAP!

More on the screen resolution/camera:

Remote desktop/VNC access from the Note is amazing for those of us that sometimes work remotely, and this device currently has the best balance of usability and portability; For example, for remote desktop use, the iPhone 4/4S is limited by 960 x 480 pixels, the iPad is currently limited by 1024 x 768 pixels, and any Android tablet with 1280 x 800 resolution is nowhere as portable as the Note! Even if Apple finally releases a 9.7-inch 720p iPad in March, I will be staying devoted to my Note. (Tablet makers should be focusing on making 1080P tablets for 2012, in my opinion.) Speaking of pixels, the Note has an 8MP camera on the back and a 2MP camera on the front, so once again much better than any iPad/Android tablet camera, and on par with the cameras on any of the newer smartphones eg. iPhone 4S/Galaxy S2.

Also, if the 5.3-inch screen is too small for remote desktop or watching movies, say in a hotel room, the Note has HDMI-out via a MHL-HDMI adapter! (Samsung and other brands available on Amazon; Take a look on Youtube for NZtechfreak's excellent video reviews on HDMI-output and other amazing things you can do with the Galaxy Note!)

What would I improve about the Galaxy Note?
1. LED notifications; there are no flashing lights when a new push message is received, not cool man!
2. If it could have been just a bit smaller (around 4.9 inches), but not as small as the 4.65-inch Galaxy Nexus, which has a 1280 x 720 resolution (but only a 5MP camera by the way, and the home screen is still only 4 icons wide!).

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy Note is:

1. Better than any smartphone - matching camera/phone features but faster processor, more pixels/higher resolution = more home screen icons, and a longer battery life!

2. Better than any tablet - matching screen resolution and long battery life with any of the newer tablets, but has a better camera, and is still small enough to walk down the street with.

This is the best mobile device ever made!!!

Customer Reviews: Samsung Series 7 XE700T1A-A01US

2011-11-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Intel Core i5 Processor 2467M
802.11 abg/n WiFi, BT V3.0 High Speed
Windows 7 HP (64b)
4GB DDR3
64GB SSD

Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

Hardware Platform: PC
Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel Core i5
Number of Processors: 3
RAM: 4 MB
RAM Type: SDRAM

Hard Drive

Size: 64 GB
Type: Serial ATA

Ports and Connectivity

USB Ports: 1

Cases and Expandability

Size (LWH): 7.24 inches, 11.66 inches, 0.51 inches
Weight: 1.98 pounds

Power

Rated Charge (normal use): 7 hours
Rated Charge (standby): 100 hours

Warranty and Support

Amazon.com Returns Policies: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.

Run Your Favorite Software

The Windows 7 OS allows you to run all your favorite office software. You can share documents with co-workers without any compatibility issues. And our Samsung touch interface gives you easy, instant access to all your programs.
Exclusive Fast Start Technology
When inspiration hits, make sure you have a laptop that can keep up. With Samsung’s exclusive Fast Start technology, close the lid to enter a hybrid sleep mode, then simply open it to be up and running again in as little as two seconds.
A Full PC in a Sleek Form Factor
Samsung Series 7 slate PCs offer the power and speed of a full-size PC, yet they’re a mere half-inch thick and weigh less than a pound. They’re an amazing marriage of power and design.
SuperBright™ Screen
As the world’s largest manufacturer of LCD panels, our ability to deliver the sharpest, clearest image is unsurpassed. Our SuperBright™ technology is the latest example, giving you a brilliant screen that’s 36% to 50% brighter than conventional screens and displays up to 16 million colors. Every photo, video, website and document will look absolutely stunning.
Optional Bluetooth Keyboard and Dock
For those times when you prefer a traditional keyboard, we offer an optional Bluetooth keyboard. And an optional dock lets you quickly and easily connect to an external monitor, printer, MP3 player, camera and other USB devices.
Touch it. Type it. Write on it.
Provides a wide variety of user interface, including a wireless keyboard, digitizer pen, touchscreen interface and slate PC dock, for maximum convenience and enhanced productivity. So you can simply touch, write, or type to take lecture/meeting notes, create documents/reports, give presentations, research online or enjoy a world of vivid entertainment.
&npsb;

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars The best Windows 7 State available, October 25, 2011
By
Vinh Le - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: Samsung Series 7 XE700T1A-A01US 11.6-Inch Slate (64 GB, Win 7 HP) (Personal Computers)
(this review is for the 128GB version bought at an MS store, no dock or keyboard)
First a little about myself: I am not a fan boy of anything. I love gadgets but I am not emotionally attached to any brand. I built my own Windows 7 computers, have two ipads, a macbook air, a dell laptop and an iMac. Over the years I have owned 4 different tabletpcs and have been disappointed with each. I toyed with the idea of buy the EP121, but the I heard about the Samsung Slate so I waited. On paper, it seemed like as close to perfect a Windows Tablet as I can hope for before Windows 8 came out. As soon as it hit one of the MS store in LA, I drove 4 hours to get it. Here's my review after 2 days of use. First my biases:
1. I am no longer a student. As a physician, I have long wished for a tablet platform for bedside charting. Unfortunately, the organization I work for invested heavily on a desktop platform so this tablet will be more for taking personal and meeting notes in OneNote and for playing around with drawing and painting programs.
2. I have iPads. While I love them, I am looking for a full windows 7 computer, so I don't expect the kind of eye candy and impeccable touch experience of an iPad.

Out of the box, I am going to give it 5 Stars and I am going to take points off as I go along.
At first glance, this thing screams 5 stars. It's a handsome slab of a tablet. There's a little creak here and there if you hold it in the right places but I am willing to over look that. A bonus point is that the silly Wintel stickers aren't glued down! They are on a peel-away plastic so this will save you the trouble of peeling the gluey mess off later.
The pen is not impressive to hold, with a cheap plastic feel and comes with only one nib. I already knew that the tablet didn't have a pen holder. I thought I didn't care, but immediately lost the thing among all the wrappings and it took several frustrating minutes to find the pen. They could have easily made a small clip or even a hole for a string. Terrible decision to leave this off. I am going to take 0.125 star off just for this.
The power brick is small about the size of a short and chubby candy bar. This is good because I was afraid that it was bigger. So far so good and then I look at the three-prong cord that comes with it. Are you kidding me? Why do you design a small power brick with BIG THICK cord? This is just sloppy, lazy design and ruins the complete experience. I have a macbook air and their power brick and cord are small pieces of art in themselves. This tablet is meant to be ultra portable, the power brick design and cord just ruined it. Another 0.125 star off.
So, before I powered this on. It's now a 4.75-star device.
I went through the typical Windows 7 setup. The UI layer from Samsung is OK, but I figure it's a bonus so I am not going to take any points off.
The screen is awesome. I am the kind of person who likes to turn my iPads, laptops etc to full brightness, but I think I am going to leave the Samsung Slate at 40% because full brightness is just TOO bright.
The ambient light sensor is annoying and I am not sure why they turned it on as default because they are going to get a lot of returns from people who think the flickering screen is defective. Bad decision, but since you can turn it off, no points off.
The pen works as expect even at the edges. Touch seems responsive. At times it confuses pen and touch, I am willing to over look this, as I am sure I will learn to prevent this with experience.
It certainly doesn't have the touch experience of an iPad, but I already knew that. I am hoping windows 8 will improve the experience.
I watched HD netflix and Amazon movies and just couldn't stop smiling.
I have an HDHomerun, an over-the-air broad cast tuner hooked to my router, and I can watch HD TV on this thing! I love it.
The web browsing experience with IE touch or Chrome Touch are not as slick as the iPad (I know, I said I wasn't going to compare this to the iPad), but I love the portrait mode for long pages. And you can use your fingers to pan around. Not bad.
If you know Windows 7, you probably know the handwriting recognition is awesome. The large onscreen keyboard is good enough, but I wish there were audio feedback when you click on the keys. No big deal, no points off.
This slate came preinstalled with Office 2010 starter, but NO OneNote to test it out. Who makes these decisions? For most people, OneNote is why they buy the tablet. I have to uninstall it and reinstall my copy of office 2010. I know OneNote and love it, so no surprise here. The slippery glass surface ruins the feel of the pen. The screen is bright enough that I will add an anti-glare matte later for a better "pen-paper" feel. This is highly subjective so I will not take any points off.
Audio: good enough.
Expansion: points off for microSD. The tablet is big enough, there is room for an SD slot. Points off for no displayport. Points off for only one USB port. 0.125 points off for all these little deficiencies.
And then it happened, blue screen of death after I installed Google Chrome. Was it Chrome's fault? I don't know. Then it happened again, after I tried the nifty Surface Lagoon screen saver. I am paranoid now. Another 0.125 star off for this. I hope this doesn't continue.
So now it's down to 4.5 Stars.
Cameras: I have a question. How come they can put much better cameras on little phones but not on an expensive device with more computing power. The back camera really sucks, and really is not useful for anything. Minus .25 star.
Battery: is it 6 hours as advertised? Maybe, if you turn the brightness down to 30%. Fortunately, this is not a big deal on this bright screen. No star off.
Form factor: 16:9 really needs getting used to. But for me personally, it doesn't affect the way I use it.
Noise: In a quiet room, you can hear it. It's not bad and probably not noticeable in the background noise of a lecture hall or meeting for example.
Heat: a little warm after a while but tolerable, you will learn to ignore it.

Verdict (after two days of use) 4.25 Stars. It's the best available out there until next year.
But there's always next year. Enjoy it now.

Customer Reviews: 7" Tablet Pc Samsung A8 Pv210 Android 2.2 8gb+joypad

2011-07-31T18:40:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Samsung PV210 A8-processor speed 1GHz
512MB DDR memory
Andriod 2.2 operating system
7 Inch TFT Multi-Capacitance touch screen
800 x 480 display resolution

Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

Hardware Platform: Android
Number of Processors: 2
RAM Type: DDR3 SDRAM

Warranty and Support

Amazon.com Returns Policies: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A most impressive product, July 21, 2011

Greg Whitcombe - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: 7" Tablet Pc Samsung A8 Pv210 Android 2.2 8gb+joypad (Personal Computers)

I purchased this item because it was recommended to me as a suitable alternative to the iPad. Having received it, and had a look at what's installed, plus it's connectivity options, I'd have to say this is an excellent product. It's supplied with Android 2.3, plus a whole raft of applications including Marketplace. You get a Web browser, File Manager, Audio Manager, Location & Places Apps, E-book reader, etc. You can install your own apps, of course - but the ones supplied work well. The capacitive screen is a joy to use, and the whole tablet has a "solid" feel to it.
Within 2 hours of unpacking it, I had it charged, connected to my home Wi-Fi, and connected to my Email, Google Docs & Facebook. Everything worked perfectly straight out of the box. Most impressed.
Now, my wife wants one as well ......

Customer Reviews: Lenovo K1 Ideapad 130422U 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer

2011-07-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

NVIDIA Tegra 2.0 T20 1GHz processor
10.1?? high-definition (1280*800), 16:10 widescreen, 10-point capacitive multi-touch, 300 nit
Multi-function connector, Micro SD card reader, Micro HDMI out, SIM card port, 3.5mm stereo headphone output, built-in digital microphone
Hardware Digital Rights Management (DRM) allows you to legally download & store movies on your tablet; and watch them later ? anywhere, anytime.
Social Touch allows you to manage all your social networking engagements on sites like Face book and Twitter on a single, easy-to-use interface.

Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

Hardware Platform: PC
Processor: 1 hertz Mobile AMD Duron
Number of Processors: 1
RAM: 2000 MB
RAM Type: SDRAM

Hard Drive

Size: 32 GB
Manufacturer: Flash
Type: Serial ATA

Cases and Expandability

Size (LWH): 7.4 inches, 0.52 inches, 10.4 inches
Weight: 1.65 pounds

Warranty and Support

Amazon.com Returns Policies: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.

Product Description

The advanced Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet K1 keeps you connected to music, movies and apps, on the go. It’s the web as you’ve never seen it before; the 10.1" IdeaPad Tablet K1 with Android 3.0 is optimized for the web like no other tablet. The K1 comes with full support for the latest Flash content and complete Digital Rights Management (DRM) so you can legally download & store movies in every available format. Plus, it instantly syncs your photos, music and videos with a dedicated online storage space, so you can easily share across multiple devices, or with the wider world through integration with popular social networking sites. And with access to the Lenovo App Shop and the Android Market, thousands of useful apps and games are just a click away.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Review For K1 Ideapad, July 25, 2011

dalyew - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lenovo K1 Ideapad 130422U 10.1-Inch Tablet Computer - Black (Personal Computers)

Initially posted this review under the white K1 Amazon listed before but this is the unit that the review covered:

Let me first say, I'm doing this review to help those people, like I was, who have been sitting on the fence waiting for a good option apart from the Ipad 2, so I apologize for the lengthy review.

I do have access to an Ipad 2 (when my daughter is not hammering away at it) & I must say that I love it, but being an android phone user, could not get comfortable with the iTunes thingy & the plain old icons interface. However, for a not so technical user, I think the Ipad is the best Tablet choice out there.

However, apart from liking what I had seen of the Android Honeycomb OS, I was also looking for an Android Tablet with connections (hdmi out, sd card slot, etc.) so that ruled out my early favorite, the Galaxy Tab 10.1. After looking & trying the rest I settled on either the Toshiba Thrive, which is fat, but really has a nice feel in your hands, & the Asus Transformer, which has a nice screen & that keyboard dock. Eventually ruled out the Thrive as I couldn't get over the washed out graphics on the screen & the power problems in sleep mode. So it was the Asus..... until I stumbled on an article on the Lenovo Ideapad K1 which grabbed my attention the very night I was going to order the Asus here on Amazon. (Sorry Amazon!)I decided to check it out at Office Depot the next day as it was rumoured they had it on display but not stocked.

Now, I usually buy all my big electronic purchases from Amazon but I couldn't let this one pass since Office Depot only had one in stock. I'm not sure how they've had these tabs on sale for a few days now since Lenovo only officially launched this product Wednesday, but I went to look at a display unit I heard they had & boy, I liked what I saw.

The Good:
Firstly, the screen. It's really nice. Just as good as the Ipad, IMO, but just below the Samsung. The screen has a sharpness to it that reminded me of the old Sony Wega TV's..... nice.

Looks! Kinda look like the Samsung Tab and I like the curved edges.

Netflix!! What more can I say, apart from it runs flawlessly here.

Apps! Apps already included on this Tablet would cost you extra dollars &, for what I need, is mostly ones I can really use, like Documents To Go, Print Share, etc. Not much of a gamer, but Angry Birds is preloaded along with some other neat looking games.

Connections. Hooked the tab to my 50" Plasma via the micro hdmi out (you will need to buy a micro hdmi cable here from Amazon) & it recognized it right away. My daughters played Angry Birds using the connection & now I'm not sure if they can go back playing it on their phones lol. I opened the micro SD slot but have not inserted a card as yet. However, trying to access this slot was something else till I finally read the manual & deduced (not exactly spelt out) that you need a small twisted paper clip to push in the hole beside the slot to push the slot cover open to reveal the drive.

Honeycomb 3.1. Not unique to the Ideapad but it runs really nice on this tablet without too many glitches. I like the Lenovo unique small menu launcher on the desktop that seems to be the only tweak to Honeycomb that Lenovo did to this OS.

Build. Definitely a solidly built unit. It's Lenovo & although it's my first from this brand, they're usually known to build solid units. But the solidity comes at a price (see Cons below)

Cons

No good accessories. Normal for a new device. The Lenovo case was awful & def not worth the $35 being asked for it. Will wait for Amazon availability of cases for this Tab.

Weight. Although it's not much heavier than most tablets in unit measurement, it feels heavier. Maybe it's the aluminum edges or the glass (IPS) screen but this is one of the heavier tablets I've felt. It's not as heavy as the Xoom but still has that same feel of the Xoom, that feel of holding a cold metal tray in your hand. This doesn't bother me as, same with the Ipad, I prefer having these tablets in a case anyway, for feel & security.

Powering On. Noticed a couple times I've had to do a restart of the Ideapad to wake it up from sleep mode. Happened at least 4 times the first day of usage but it's 3 days now & haven't been happening since. I noticed when I added a secure login pattern, it hung on the startup screen the first couple times as well but seems to be working okay now.

Headphone Jack Position. Small annoyance, but positioning it by the power connector, IMO, was not a good idea, but you can overcome this by turning the tab around so it positions the outlet to the top, but then you will have to get used to the volume up/down buttons are now on the opposite side.

In summary, I waited a longtime for a good Ipad alternative & I'm pretty confident that I've found it in the Lenovo IdeaPad. I'll update this review after a few more weeks of using the tablet, especially since I've discovered a dead pixel on startup today, but not noticeable in Honeycomb.

Customer Reviews: Sony DVP-FX970 9-Inch Portable DVD Player

2011-07-26T17:49:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

9-inch (diag.), high-resolution, widescreen LCD
6 -hour rechargeable battery
180-degree swivel, flip screen
USB Port to enjoy movies, music and pictures on the go
Touch key controls on bezel for easy, convenient operation

Technical Details

Brand Name: Sony
Model: DVP-FX970
Display Size: 9.0 inches

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 8.7 x 1.7 inches ; 2.3 pounds
Shipping Weight: 4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
ASIN: B004U5QE4M
Item model number: DVP-FX970
Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)

Product Description

Enjoy sharp, crisp video and images with the high-resolution Sony DVP-FX970 portable DVD player. The DVP-FX970 features a nine-inch (diag.) 180-degree swivel, flip screen for easy viewing from any angle and a 6-hour rechargeable battery.1 With the included car adaptor your DVD player is always ready to go no matter how long the trip.

The most helpful favorable review

142 of 143 people found the following review helpful:

Solid Portable DVD Player, April 24, 2011

Sasquatch Boy

This review is from: Sony DVP-FX970 9-Inch Portable DVD Player (Electronics)

When I bought this at Best Buy a couple of weeks ago, I thought I was buying the DVP-FX950, which had received pretty good reviews. I didn't realize at the time that I was actually buying the replacement for that model, the DPV-FX970, but I'm very happy that I did. There have been a couple of significant improvements to address the shortcomings of the previous model. This is the first portable DVD player I've owned, but I messed about with a few others in the store. Here are my thoughts.

I like the size and feel of DVD player itself. The swiveling hinge feels very sturdy and has a bit of a snap to it when it closes but there is no latch to keep it closed. The screen can be rotated 180 degrees and then laid flat if so desired. The case does not feel cheap to me. It has a nice texture to it which helps when it's being gripped. You will probably find, as I did, that the exterior holds fingerprints and smudge marks very well, but that's not a big problem.

Like the previous model, most of the controls go across the bottom of the screen. They are all touch controls with the sole exception being the 5-way rocker switch that you use to navigate and click on menu selections. The touch controls work very well, but they are at times a little too sensitive. When you go to rotate the screen, the natural place to grip it exactly where the Play or Option buttons are. I've inadvertently pressed them a few times. Also, the mechanical rocker switch is fairly sensitive and it can sometimes be difficult to get your thumb square in the center to select a menu option. I've found a number of times I've tried to select something but ended up clicking up or down instead. I also hit the option button occasionally when reaching for the rocker. All of these interface issues can be gotten around though, by moving a mechanical switch on the side of the player to the "Hold" position which locks out all other controls on the player. Then you can use the included IR remote to operate the player. The on-off switch is a mechanical switch on the side as well, so you're less likely to turn it on or off by accident.

The remote is a little larger than I expected for a portable unit. It's about the size you'd expect from a full size DVD player. If the remote were about half as thick and not rounded on the back it would be a little easier to manage on the go. Functionally, the remote works just fine.

DVD's snap onto the player spindle, which is a must for a portable DVD player. If the player is hanging vertically, you don't want the disc to fall out when you hit the eject button. The player motor noise was a concern with the previous model. I found that the motor can be fairly noisy when the player spins up or when you're navigating the menus, but as soon as it starts playing the movie or TV episode, the motor spins down to a lower speed and becomes MUCH quieter. While I haven't been trying, the player has not skipped on me while I was picking it up, setting it down, carrying it or turning it upside down. I have turned it sideways and watched a movie while laying on my side with no problem.

The first disc that I tried to play with this device was the "Lord of the Rings Extended Edition." I was immediately concerned that the player was unable to read the disc, because it kept spinning up and stopping and would take almost a minute for it to recognize the DVD. I eventually figured out that the disc I was using also had DVD-ROM content with a bunch of Windows exe and data files, and the player was looking at each file trying to figure out if it could play it or not. Other standard DVD's and CD's that I've put in have been recognized and play immediately. The disc player supports DVD, DVD+-R, CD, CD-R, and Video CD but not MP3 CD.

Image and audio quality are of course subjective. I'd have preferred that the video be a little sharper but it suits me fine. It automatically detects aspect ratio and displays accordingly. Audio can only be so good from a portable player, but I was pleasantly surprised. There are two stereo speakers below the row of controls below the video screen, so the speakers and screen are always pointing in the same direction. Please be aware that iPod earbuds are NOT compatible with the headphone jacks on this player. On stereo DVD's the music plays through, but the dialog is muffled almost impossible to hear. Using a different set of headphones solved the problem.

The player also does A/V in and out, but it only does composite video, not component or HDMI. I would have preferred that the player itself have RCA jacks for audio and video, but it uses a stereo mini-plug for left and right audio and a single mini-plug for composite video. Mini-plug to RCA cables are included with the device. There is a mechanical button on the side of the player lid to chose between DVD, Line-in, or USB (more on USB below).

Also included are a wall charger and a car charger. It takes about 6 hours to charge this device for about 6 hours of video playback. I haven't measured it exactly, but my impression is that I got about 6 hours on a change. The battery is not removable.

One major improvement over the previous model is that the USB port can now be used to play video instead of just photos and audio off of a USB flash drive. The following formats are supported: mp3, jpg, DCF, MPEG-4 (.mp4), and ISO 9660 Level 1. AAC (the iTunes default) is apparently NOT supported.

While I have mentioned a few things that I wish were different, none of them are deal breakers for me, and on the whole I am very happy with this player. I'm glad I bought it, and would definitely make the same decision again.

The most helpful critical review

1.0 out of 5 stars Freezes very frustrating
This player has excellent picture and sound but after a month, it started freezing while playing. Very disappointed. Amazon allowed me to return even tho' I was one day over the 30 day mark.

Published 1 month ago by M. Collins

Customer Reviews: Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer

2011-07-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Single powered subwoofer in black for use with stereo or home theater speaker systems
Equipped with one magnetically shielded 12-inch long-throw woofer
Slot-load venting minimizes turbulence, noise, and distortion
Rated to 300 watts of continuous power (460W peak)
Measures 16-1/8 x 15-1/8 x 18-3/16 inches (HxWxD)

Technical Details

Brand Name: Polk Audio
Model: AM5050-C
Color Name: Black
Speaker Type: Subwoofer
Speaker Amplification Type: Active
Speakers Maximum Output Power: 500 Watts
Speakers Response Bandwidth: 25 - 160 Hz
Speaker Connectivity: Wired
Depth: 18.2 inches
Height: 16.1 inches
Width: 15.1 inches
Weight: 56 pounds
Warranty: 5 years warranty

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Polk Audio PSW505 Powered Subwoofer is ideal when you have a big room in need of a big, life-like bass impact, that is still tight, precise and accurate. The PSW505 is equally at home reproducing all the subtle nuance of a plucked string bass as it is belting out a rocket's roar. The Polk PSW505 utilizes a shielded 12-inch high-excursion polymer-composite cone with hi-roll surround driver for tight musical bass, as well as slot-load venting that further improves bass response by dramatically lessening turbulence, noise and distortion. This unit's rock-solid MDF enclosure construction with one-inch-thick front baffle suppresses enclosure panel resonance for an even more distortion-free, accurate response.The PSW505 includes an unfiltered LFE input for use with low-pass filtered subwoofer output jacks, and pro-grade five-way binding post speaker inputs and outputs. This unit features an on/off circuit that automatically turns your subwoofer on when it senses a program signal, and shuts it off within 15 minutes after no signal is present. The PSW505 also features an adjustable low-pass crossover, phase switch and volume control that allows perfect blending with any main speaker, and magnetic shielding for safe placement near TVs and video monitors without causing video distortion. Full-featured and over-powered, the Polk Monitor PSW505 has a sleek, black real-wood veneer finish and is a great introduction to high-performance sound.
What's in the Box
PSW505 subwoofer, AC power code, owner's manual, and registration card.

Product Description

POLK PSW505 - This high quality powered subwoofer makes opens a whole new dimension of thrilling low end sound for audio and home theater systems alike. This versatile, clinically accurate beast handles bombs and bullets and delicate string sections with equal finesse. Polk Audio's PSW series of powered subwoofers were designed to deliver powerful and astonishingly musical bass at amazingly low prices. All the PSW models represent an evolution and refinement towards a truly visceral home-theater bass experience that coordinate with Polk's TSi and RM, and R/M/T Series Speakers for home sound that truly rivals the best that theater's offer. Experience movies, music, shows and games like never before. Pick up a PSW subwoofer and feel its superb build quality. Polk Audio PSW-505 is comprised of top-notch quality components from the driver, the power amp, and the cabinetry to deliver the finest performance. Hi-Roll Surrounds to support longer excursion High current 300 Watt Continuous (460 Watt Dynamic) power amplifier Frequency Range - 23 Hz - 160Hz Adjustable low pass crossover, phase switchand volume control for perfect blending with any main speakers Unfiltered LFE input Magnetically shielded Auto on/off circuit that automatically turns your subwoofer on when it senses a program signal. When no signal is present, the amplifier turns off within 15 minutes Sturdy Feet keep the sub from sliding across the floor when played at high volumes Unit Dimensions - 16-1/8H x 15-1/8W x 18-3/16D; Weighs 56 pounds Warranty - 5 Years Parts and Labor Speaker; 3 Years Parts and Labor Amplifier Subwoofer cable required; not included. Monster Cable is recommended

The most helpful favorable review

88 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

Dripping with bass, September 22, 2009

Money Leaker

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black) (Electronics)

Bass is clear, deep, oh, and LOUD! If you really want your HT to sound like an IMAX theater, then I whole-heartedly recommend this sub. It fills in the low end seamlessly. It also takes the burden of reproducing low lows off of your other speakers (which aren't nearly as capable as the PSW505). This is not a cheap "rumble box". The first movie I watched with this sub connected is Peter Jackson's "King Kong". The raptor/bronto chase through the gully is off the hook! The 30-ton bronto's gallop will set up a standing wave in your intestinal tract!!! But loud does not mean muddy or rumbly with the 505. I was pushing the sub to about 50% volume and I thought my house's windows may break. And like I said, that was only at about 50% volume. Besides, you want to be a good neighbor and not max this thing out cuz it can be heard clearly from a good 50 feet away. I find that it performs exceedingly well at about 15% of its capability in my medium/small sided living room. At normal/reasonable volumes, this sub recreates the super lows that truly make the difference between listening pleasure and listening rapture. No HT is truly complete without a sub and this one fits the bill to a tee.

a) I definitely WOULDN'T recommend this product if you live in a dorm/apt/condo/townhouse. This thing has the sonic capability to really anger your neighbors.

b) This sub is one of the few in its price range that actually has an LFE input (Low Frequency Effects) in addition to LL & speaker-level. I you didn't know, LFE & Line-Level (LL) inputs both use an RCA connector. The difference is that the LFE channel carries only low freqs from source whereas LL carries the entire sound spectrum. The LFE goes straight to your sub's amp whereas LL first goes through your sub's built-in crossover and then from there to your sub's amp. If you plug LL into the LFE input, you'll be asking the sub reproduce the full sound spectrum. Not what you want, of course. Probably not a big deal whether you use one or the other. The Polk's built-in crossover is fine, i'm sure, but I'd rather do the crossing-over at the A/V unit level.

c) Apparently, a good powered sub has an ON/OFF/AUTO switch, a 180-degree phase-change switch, a volume control, a cross-over level control (this control is not functional if you are using the LFE), a LL input (or two), an LFE input, and a Left/Right channel speaker-level input and corresponding outputs (for a total of 8 speaker wire connectors).

d) The unit seems very well built with what feels like sturdy wood (or MDF) and is somewhat heavy. Which is a good thing. It feels reassuringly sturdy/massive.

e) Would I buy this sub again? Well, I've discovered that many of the wonderful items that are for sale at Amazon are no longer being produced. IE, they are discontinued by the manufacturer. Do a product search at polk.com and you will no find this sub (you can do a search in the product support section to find its corresponding literature pdf). I just guess that that is the nature of the beast. Great products sooner or later get replaced with even newer & greater products. The older and merely "great" (not "greater") products still need to get cleared out of the inventory so they wind up at amazon.com or other e-tail sites. So, despite the fact that this sub is no longer in production, no longer supported, and is probably a year or two or three (or more) old... would I still buy it again? HELL YES!

The most helpful critical review

39 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

Good but short-lived, December 12, 2008

K. MO

This review is from: Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black) (Electronics)

I bought this sub based largely on reviews I have read online (Amazon included). I listened to one in a home theater store and it came down do a Velodyne model and this Polk one. It arrives, I set it up, and let it go. Don't get me wrong, I know I had set it up properly and never "stretched" the sub to its maximum capabilities. It sounded great in virtually all areas I used it for. However, 3-4 months into its use I begin to hear the unmistakable death rattle from the box and it quickly gives out. Thankfully, I purchased the warranty and a new one is on its way. I am not yet ready to give up on this purchase. For now, the rating will be what it is but may change after the arrival of the replacement.

Customer Reviews: Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

2011-07-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Fast, upgraded f/1.8, compact FX-format prime lens
Newly developed optical system with Aspherical lens element
Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
M/A Focus Mode Switch
Optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format D-SLRs

Technical Details

Brand Name: Nikon
Model: NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G AF-S
Item Package Quantity: 1

Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Fast f/1.8, compact FX-format prime (fixed focal length) lens
Optimized for FX-format D-SLR cameras but equally at home on any Nikon DX-format D-SLR, this updated classic with a fast maximum aperture is ideal for everyday shooting, perfect in low lighting situations and great for producing images with beautiful background blur (bokeh). The AF-S 50mm f/1.8G includes Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) for fast and precise autofocus, M/A Focus Mode Switch for seamless changes between manual and autofocus operation and an aspherical lens element for outstanding optical performance with high contrast.

Sample Photography

Stunning depth of field. View larger

Brilliant low light results. View larger

The most helpful favorable review

108 of 112 people found the following review helpful:

Review of the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G AF-S versus other Nikkor 50mm AF lenses, June 16, 2011

LGO "LG10"

This review is from: Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

Review of the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G AF-S versus other Nikkor 50mm AF lenses

This quick review based on my use of this lens for almost 3-weeks is intended for those already familiar with Nikkor's line of 50mm prime lenses but are wondering how this lens compare with the other Nikkor 50mm autofocusing lenses. I did however provide a section for beginners or novice at the last section of this review. This perspective is being written from a point of view of using this lens on a 16mp Nikon DX D7000 body as well as on a 12mp Nikon FX D700 body.

AGAINST THE NIKKOR f/1.8D

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is slightly bigger than the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D and a bit heavier but by a mere 31 grams, hardly noticeable at all. Unlike the 50mm f/1.8D, it comes with a reversible hood which does a good job in protecting and shading the lens. Unlike the 50mm f/1.8D which uses a 52mm filter, this lens uses a 58mm filter. Unlike the 50mm f/1.8D which has a maximum aperture of f/22, the maximum aperture of this lens is f/16 (as do the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D and 1/4G). As the "G" suffix indicates, the 50mm f/1.8G does not have an aperture ring while the 50mm f/1.8D has an aperture ring (see notes below for the significance of this).

The new Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is sharper and has better bokeh. The aspherical element in the new Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G has further improved the acuity of this lens specially noticeable at the corners even at its wide-open setting. Yet Nikon also improved the bokeh of this new lens versus the 50mm f/1.8D! I also noticed some slight improvement in the color and contrast, specially when shot from f/2.0 and above. Focus speed is decently fast and is about the same on a Nikon DX D7000 yet the 50mm f/1.8G seems to be more consistently precise and significantly quieter. Priced very reasonably, this 50mm f/1.8G lens also now focuses on Nikon bodies without built-in focusing motors such as the Nikon D3000, D3100, D5000, D5100, D40, and D60. Focus speed is decently fast. This lens is a winner by a clear margin!

As the price of the 50mm f/1.8D has risen in the recent months, the price disparity between this lens (USD$219.00) and the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D has narrowed. Considering that the 50mm f/1.8G has better optical performance (sharper, better bokeh, improvement on color and contrast), has an included hood, lens pouch, plus the flexibility of being able to use this lens with all of Nikon's dSLR, I strongly recommend anyone looking for a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens to choose this Nnikkor 50mm f/1.8G over the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D.

AGAINST THE NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4D

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is slightly bigger than the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D but is lighter by 63 grams. Unlike the 50mm f/1.4D, it comes with a reversible hood which does a good job in protecting and shading the lens. Unlike the 50mm f/1.4D which uses a 52mm filter, the 50mm f/1.8G uses a 58mm filter.

At the same aperture setting from f/1.8 and above, the new Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is again sharper and has better bokeh. This is surprising considering that the 50mm f/1.4D is already stepped down 2/3 of a stop when these two lenses are compared at the same aperture setting. The bokeh of the 50mm f/1.8G is also better! Focus on the 50mm f/1.8G seems about the same or just a bit faster than the 50mm f/1.4D on a Nikon DX D7000 but the difference is so small as to be almost imperceptible. Focus precision between these two lenses are about the same but the 50mm f/1.8G focuses quieter than the 50mm f/1.4D.

The primary advantage of the 50mm f/1.4D over this lens is primarily in it being 2/3 of a stop faster and it having an aperture ring. The former is important for still photography while both are important for video where 2/3 of a stop advantage and being able to manually set the aperture have a substantial impact on the final output. The 50mm f/1.4D remains attractive for these. For still photography shooting at f/1.8 and above, I would choose the 50mm f/1.8G over the 50mm f/1.4D.

AGAINST THE NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

In terms of size, this lens is about equal with the Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G and also uses the same 58mm filter. The 50mm f/1.8G is lighter by 94 grams than the 50mm f/1.4G. Like the 50mm f/1.4G, it comes with a very useful hood.

At the same aperture setting, the new Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is as sharp in the center and has about the same quality of bokeh. The 1.4G of course would have a better bokeh shooting at f/1.4 and f/1.6 still than the 1.8G at f/1.8. More noticeable is that the 50mm f/1.8G is sharper at the corner than the 50mm f/1.4G when shot wide-open. This is surprising considering that the 50mm f/1.4G is significantly better than the 50mm f/1.4D yet the 50mm f/1.8G is still a bit sharper beginning at f/1.8 but even more noticeable at f/2.0 despite the 50mm f/1.4G being already stepped down! Measured in terms of optical performance alone, the 1.8G has a slight advantage over the 1.4G in corner acuity even at f/1.8 but more so at f/2.0 and above. Color and contrast are about equal and I am unable to see any difference between the two. It would seem that the aspherical lens element that Nikon added to the 1.8G but not to the 1.4G has made quite a considerable difference. Yet Nikon also endowed this lens with excellent bokeh despite it being half the price. Kudos to Nikon for doing this!

In terms of focus precision, the 1.8G does not differ much from the 1.4G on my Nikon D7000 and D3100. In terms of focus speed, the 50mm f/1.8G focuses a tad faster than the 50mm f/1.4G. Manual focusing on the 50mm f/1.4G however is easier than on the 50mm f/1.8G. This may be an important consideration when choosing a lens for video use.

Like the 50mm f/1.4D, the primary advantage of the 50mm f/1.4G is its being faster by 2/3 of a stop which can be invaluable for still photography and for video as well for those aiming for the thinnest depth of field (DOF) and/or more light to keep the ISO setting as low as possible. For these advantages, the 50mm f/1.4G cost about double the price of this lens.

If only Nikon included nano-coating and added an aspherical element into the 50mm f/1.4G to make it perform like or perhaps better than the 50mm f/1.8G, then the extra cost of the 50mm f/1.4G would be easier to justify and the 1.4G would be a clear choice. But as it stands, one would choose the 1.4G when shooting at f/1.4 to f/1.6. But when shooting at f/1.8 and above, the 1.8G would be a better and also a less expensive choice (at just half the price).

NOTES RE THE 50MM AND VIDEO-ENABLED NIKON DSLRS:

The 1.8G like the 1.4G no longer has an aperture ring that the 1.8D and the 1.4D still retained. The aperture ring remains handy and useful for manual control of aperture in video more so as the current video-enabled Nikon dSLRs do not allow the changing of aperture settings when video recording has started. With an aperture ring, the aperture setting can be changed manually once video recording has started.

ADDITIONAL NOTES OWNERS OF THE NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is slightly bigger and slightly heavier than the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G but the weight difference is not really noticeable. The 50mm f/1.8G exhibit the same qualities as the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G in that it is usable and sharp even when shot wide-open. These two lenses are also priced about the same. While the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is a DX lens, I have used it with an FX body at night where the vignetting at the corners is not as issue as it is not noticeable under certain light conditions. I would not however use the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G on an FX body on daytime or where the light is even. Sharpness at the corner is also not good. The Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G can be used with a DX body as well as with an FX with no vignetting or corner sharpness issue such as I described. Like the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G, color and contrast improves considerably when this lens is stepped down a bit by 1/3 to 2/3 stop. If you own a Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G and need the field of view of this lens, getting this lens would be a no-brainer.

SUMMARY

In sum, this lens is currently the best Nikkor 50mm lens for general still photography when shooting from f/2.0 and above. The stellar performance of this lens matched with its relatively low price and its ability to autofocus on Nikon's lower model dSLRs makes it a hands-down winner. For still photography or video where every little bit of light is needed or where getting the thinnest DOF is crucial, the Nikkor f/1.4D and f/1.4G remains the better choice.

FOR THE NOVICE OR BEGINNER

This lens is light, compact inexpensive, but produces very impressive results. On a DX body such as the Nikon D40, D60, D3000, D3100, D5000, D5100, D7000 and D300(s), this lens has a field of view of a 75mm. On an FX body such as the Nikon D700, D3(s) or D3x, this lens has a field of view of a 50mm.

Despite it being a fixed focal length and not being able to zoom, I highly recommend this lens for beginner Nikon dSLR users who own only the kit zoom lens. This prime lens is a safe, inexpensive, and exceptional route to trying out how good a prime lens can be as against zoom lens. In addition, this lens allows you to shoot at low light and/or to blur the background of the subject of the photo. It also hints at what the professional Nikon zoom lens are capable of should you get serious in this hobby. This lens is very compact and easily packed in the bag for those times when a wide open lens is needed for shooting in low light conditions.

The most helpful critical review

6 of 158 people found the following review helpful:

Simple Pro vs. Con - How to decide., June 22, 2011

R. Sawyer "HollisterRanch"

This review is from: Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

Bought this for my real estate website thinking it was an upgrade from my older 50mm...boy was I wrong. The following review is written so that you do not make the same mistake. (I hope Nikon is listening!)

PROS
- It's small, I'll give it that. It would probably fit in most photo vest pockets.
- Lightweight (less than a pound).
- Very thorough instruction manual--not a lot of fluff here....although you'll need an foreign language dictionary to get through the second chapter.

NEUTRAL(S)
- Includes a small black cloth satchel with pull-cord for carrying the hood. On the one hand I wasn't expecting a bonus, but on the other I won't be using the hood much, so this satchel will stay in the box. It is very soft.
- I may add to this section later.

CONS
- This lens ain't cheap...it'll cost you about double the price of the old 50mm 1.8 (it's basically the same lens).
- Limited range: does not zoom..."prime" lens use only.
- Found some barrel distortion in my laboratory tests...worse than previous model.
- Loss of versatility: It only stops down to f/16, not f/22 like all previous Nikon 50mm f/1.8s. Those 6 extra "f/"s could be useful in certain shooting contexts.
- It's missing the aperture ring, so it's incompatible with all the good older Nikons that use filmstrip cartridges. If you have a manual film camera, you'll need to bring a second 50mm f1.8 on your outings.
- It doesn't have Vibration Reduction like other new lenses (e.g., Nikkor 85mm). Vibration Reduction is extremely important when shooting at night. You'll probably need use a flash without it.
- You might have to buy a new filter, step-up ring, or step-down ring, as it doesn't take 52mm or 77mm filters.
- It's filter thread is made of PLASTIC, not high-quality metal. Minus one star.
- The focus has no hard infinity stop...not ideal for astronomy shooting.
- My on-lens switch came mis-painted...they painted "M" for manual, but "M/A" for autofocus. Go figure.

CONCLUSION: As you can see, the cons outnumber the pros on my list. I'll let you draw your own conclusions from this research (hint: it isn't even close, get the old 50mm 1.8 while it lasts).

Good luck out there and happy shooting everyone!

Customer Reviews: Olympus Stylus Tough-6020 Digital Camera Black, 14 MP, 28mm 5X Optical Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen, Waterproof to 16', 16 GB Memory Card, Card Reader, Li-ion Battery, Deluxe Carrying Case, Floating Camera Strap, Tripod, Screen Protectors, and Lens Cleaning Kit

2011-07-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

Technical Details

Brand Name: Olympus
Optical Sensor Resolution: 14 MP
Optical zoom: 5 x

Product Description

If you like to get out there and have fun, this is the camera for you. It's rugged enough to handle whatever you can dish out, and smart enough to take incredible pictures while you?re doing it. Not only is it waterproof, freeze-proof and shockproof, it?s packed with amazing technology like one-touch HD movie recording. A revolutionary system of waterproof seals and gaskets keeps water out so you can take pictures as deep as 16 feet underwater. Life can be tough, this camera is tougher. Rugged metal body and innovative shock-absorbing construction are designed to withstand a 5-foot drop, bump, or other mishap. Forget about blurry shots with this 2-in-1 anti-blur solution. Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization compensates for camera shake to keep your shots steady while Digital Image Stabilization captures crisp, clear images in any situation. Boldly enter that winter wonderland without worrying about your camera. The STYLUS TOUGH-3000 is winterized to perform at below-freezing temperatures. A simple, one-touch button allows you to record movies with amazing clarity in high-definition, right from your camera. Product Specifications: Shockproof - Shockproof to 5 feet Waterproof - Waterproof to 16 feet Freezeproof - Freeze proof to 14 degrees Image Sensor - 14 Megapixels (effective), 1/2.3 Focal Length/Lens Configuration - 11 Lenses in 8 Groups, 4 Aspherical Lenses Zoom - 5x Optical Zoom + 5x Digital Zoom 5.0 ? 25mm (28 ? 140mm equivalent in 35mm photography) Aperture Range - f3.9 (W) / f5.9 (T) Display - 2.7 HyperCrystalTM III LCD, 230,000 dots Focus System - CCD Contrast Detection Focus Range (from lens surface) - Normal mode: 23.6 ? infinity (0.6m ? infinity) Macro mode: Wide: 7.9 ? infinity (0.2m ? infinity); Tele: 19.7 ? infinity (0.5m ? infinity) Super Macro mode:1.2 ? 23.6 (0.03m ? 0.6m), flash off Focus Mode - iESP Auto, Spot AF, Face Detection AF, AF Tracking Shutter Speed - 1/2000 sec. ?1/4 sec. (up ...

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant deal with amazing extras, June 19, 2011

Dre Diamond - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Olympus Stylus Tough-6020 Digital Camera Black, 14 MP, 28mm 5X Optical Zoom, 2.7" LCD Screen, Waterproof to 16', 16 GB Memory Card, Card Reader, Li-ion Battery, Deluxe Carrying Case, Floating Camera Strap, Tripod, Screen Protectors, and Lens Cleaning Kit (Electronics)

I seriously believed this was a joke when i first saw this deal. I doubted it because normally when things are to good to be true they generally are!

Everything provided was of a very high quality, the second battery is better than the out of the box battery, the stand is made of solid metal, not plastic. And the whole thing was shipped to the other side of the planet in 10 business days!

Excellent deal, wicked camera.
Thanks Beach Cameras!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As Good as Previous Model, and even better, May 26, 2010

Paulo C. Gacia - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

Actually I had Stylus tough 6000, I used that one over a year, and now changed it to Tough 6020
And definitivelly Olympus made many great improvements on it.
- It has all features as 6000, and most of them were improved
- It has a better design, and only you must take care of keeping closed one gate
- It takes awesome pictures, great colors, and a great angle which provides width pics
- They took out the selection wheel and now it's all software related.

As a disadvantage, I can say that the new battery charge system is worse than previous model's one. as now you need to have the camera plugged for it to charge the battery, so you cannot take pics while you charge the battery (having an extra one) and also the camera needs to have its gate opened while charging, so any drop might damage it.

Regards
Paulo Garcia

Customer Reviews: An English Interpretation of the Holy Quran with English Translation and Full Arabic Text

2011-07-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

Product Description

It is the duty of every Muslim, man, woman, or child to read the Qur an and understand it according to his own capacity. If any one of us attains to some knowledge of understanding of it by study, contemplation, and the test of life, both outward and inward, it is his duty, according to his capacity, to instruct others, and share with them the joy and peace which result from contact with the spiritual world. The Qur an indeed every religious book has to be read, not only with the tongue and voice and eyes, but with the best light that our intellect can supply, and even more, with the truest and purest light which our heart and conscience can give us. It is in this spirit that I would have my reads approach the Qur an. -From the introduction

Product Details

Hardcover: 1038 pages
Publisher: Lushena Books; Bilingual edition (April 2, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1930097867
ISBN-13: 978-1930097865
Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #69,035 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

#16 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Quran

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete & Accurate Translation of 114 chapters just like the original Arabic Quran, October 4, 2009

A. Aqqad - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: An English Interpretation of the Holy Quran with English Translation and Full Arabic Text (Hardcover)

if you ever wanted to read the Quran and comprehend its sophisticated meanings and stories in English this is the copy to buy. the best part about it is the INDEX page. all the topics, events, and the lives of our prophets are covered. Just look at the index and locate the item you want to learn how the Quran teaches and you will learn a great deal. for example, the lives and events that took place with our prophets Ibrahim (Abraham), Mosa (Moses), Isaa (Jesus) all the way to Prophet Mohammad PBUH. Other topics covered were Inheritance, Fraud, Gratitude, Relatives, Women, Judgement, day, taking care of your Parents, Planets and Space, Children, Humanity, Hypocrites, Characteristics of Allah (God), Worship, Our purpose in life, and many more topics. I've read/reviewed other translations and this is by the far the most accurate to the original Arabic version of the Quran. Other translations sold here in Amazon titled the True Furqan are not accurate and should be ignored - how can you tell? the original Arabic Quran has 114 Chapters and not one chapter less so any translation copy in any language must have the same number of chapter 114 or don't waste your time reading something that's fake.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Translation of the Holy Quran by Yusuf Ali., December 26, 2009

A. - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: An English Interpretation of the Holy Quran with English Translation and Full Arabic Text (Hardcover)

One of the most eloquent translations of the Holy Quran.Highly recommended for those with a taste for classical reading and a quest for answers to the more subtle questions of existence.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Expectations Met, September 10, 2009

A. Fogg (EHT, NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: An English Interpretation of the Holy Quran with English Translation and Full Arabic Text (Hardcover)

I knew exactly what I was purchasing. However, buyers beware the image of this Quran is green, but I received the blue one. Because it was a gift and I knew what the person wanted, getting it in blue was a little disappointing.

3 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read book, August 10, 2009

Fatah Nurman Fatoni "book is my love" (Kediri, Indonesia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: An English Interpretation of the Holy Quran with English Translation and Full Arabic Text (Hardcover)

Holy Quran is the best reading i have ever had..it consist of true history, the way of live, knowledge and every single aspects of rule of live you will find

By reading this holy Quran, you will find peace, your soul will be Enlightened...you will surrender all your problem only to God

Customer Reviews: The Holy Qur'an with English Translation and Commentary (English and Arabic Edition)

2011-07-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The Holy Qur,an was the revealation given to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) from Allah (God)by way of the Angel Gabriel (S.R.A.) approx. 1400 A.D.

Product Details

Hardcover: 1256 pages
Publisher: Ahamadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam; 7th Revised edition edition (May 1991)
Language: English, Arabic
ISBN-10: 091332101X
ISBN-13: 978-0913321010
Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #12,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

#4 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Bible & Other Sacred Texts > Quran
#17 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Islam

The most helpful favorable review

104 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why this translation should be chosen over ALL others, January 4, 2001

Richard L. Nevitt (shakur-abdel-Haleem) (Anchorage, Alaska United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Holy Qur'an with English Translation and Commentary (English and Arabic Edition) (Hardcover)

I would like to offer some reasons why I recommend this translation over ALL others commonly available, especially for Muslims who would like to give a Qur'an to any academic type person who is well educated or even just well read. I am not a member of the Lahore movement they even refuse to sell me their books so this is not a biased opinion. Also a caution for Muslims: this IS NOT a Qaidani book as often believed (they strongly condemn Qaidani's) and you will find this translation given a positive review with slight reservations in the first edition of Yusuf Ali's translation. So, onto those reasons.

Most other translations are actually embarrasing to nascent Islam's reputation for high scholarship and professionlism. They fail embarrasingly in one or more (often all) of the following: either no index at all (Asad, etc) or a very poor index (Yusuf Ali, Muhammad Khan etc); professional quality of the printing and publication itself (Yusuf Ali etc); also the readability of the Arabic script (most); and most importantly either no commentary (Arberry, Pickthall, actually most) or very bad commentary (Khan's dishonest use of brackets or Yusuf Ali's inaccurate, dogmatic, awkward style).
This Qur'an has: 1. a very thorough index, 2. excellent publication and printing quality, 3. the very best I've seen in Arabic script readability, 4. the most scholarly and thorough commentary I've seen with only Asad coming close, 5. a commentary that offers the multiple possiblities where this occurs without telling you which choice "is the only right choice", 6. linguistic commentary with separate Arabic linguisitic index, 7. finally most important is the date this translation and commentary were done: early 1900's revision around 40's-50's; that M.M. Ali's types of comments were made, especially about women at these early dates is a proud fact for Islam. A new paraphrased for English as a second lanquage version or a simple English paraphrase is the only way I can see to improve this work.
I would not reccomend ordering this or his other books from the publisher as they don't seem to respond well to individual orders, but ordering through dealers works just fine.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best English translation of the Holy Qur'an, September 30, 2002

Dr.Muhammad (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Holy Qur'an with English Translation and Commentary (English and Arabic Edition) (Hardcover)

In the Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful...

As-Salaam-Alaikum! (Peace unto you)

This is the best translation of the Holy Qur'an in English. Marmuduke Pickthall, Abdullah Yusuf Ali, and others all acknowledge the wonderful work done by Mr. Ali. Mr. Ali's translation is both lucid and intelligent. He is not biased against women, trying to make them subservient and docile. His translation contributed to Islam becoming more respected at the time of the first printing back in early 1900's.

I'm not in the Ahmaddiyya movement. But let me say that it never cease to amaze me how many people restate the same old lies, either because they are being vicious, or more probably-because they are just ignorant. I'm not being vicious in saying "ignorant", just noting that I'm using that word in the context of saying they don't know what they are talking about. The Ahmaddiyya's never said that Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (PBUH) was not the seal of the Prophets. They said that they believed the Madhi had come. That's the difference-that's it. If you don't believe that the Madhi came as they say (and I don't believe it, in all due respect)-then fine. If not, then you are just still looking for him to come.

Critics use that one thing to attack Mr. Ali's work, or to slander him and the Ahmaddiyya Movement. But then, the Ahmaddiyya's at least let women drive,don't force them to be as chattel, etc. See, when one looks to dwelve into the word for foolishness, then that is what one finds. And one you go seeking
a translation, filled with notes about why the translator gave the translation he did (and note that Qur'anic Arabic is different than Colloquial Arabic-just as the Queen's Engish is way different than American English) and seeking to revive and renew the interests of the world in Islam-that's the book to read!

Mr. Ali also gives painstaking history on issues of controversy in his notes to the text-including one of the finest defenses I've read against the critics of the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) (the Holy Qur'an gives the best!) This is the book to read, for all the reasons noted by the other supporters of this translations. I rather doubt if a single critic has ever read it. Instead, they are just repeating the same old tired lies.

This is the translation that shakes up the hypocrisy, lies, misapplications, and purposeful misinterpretations of some.

Sincerely,

Dr. Muhammad

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Opinion From a Non-Muslim, October 22, 2004

R. Kirkham "jrkirkham" (Rushville, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Holy Qur'an with English Translation and Commentary (English and Arabic Edition) (Hardcover)

I am not a Muslim and I do not read Arabic, but I was interested in the Qur'an. I did not want to hear what others thought of Islam, but what Muslims, themselves, wrote. Therefore I began to research various English translations of the Qur'an. I finally decided upon this translation because of the exhaustive study helps.

I realize that any English translation is not perfect and a more complete study could be done by comparing one translation against another, but I found this one to be easy to understand.

From all of the research I've done, it probably is as accurate as any, probably more so.

The study notes are longer than the Qur'an itself and make up a combination of commentary and apologetic. Sometimes I thought it gave too much information (opinion). Other times I was glad for the insights offered.

The small introduction to each chapter helped to keep me from getting lost and I appreciated knowing the time period in which each portion was probably written. This was my favorite part of this translation.

The index was excellent.

I am a free thinker and like to examine things for myself. I understand that some of the reviewers disagree with the translator's views. However, that is to be expected with a translation. I've learned with most religious texts that the answer to understanding is more comlicated than simply learning the original language. Even the languages I have messed around with forced me to make personal translations that were inferior to the worst ones on the market. A better path is to purchase a variety of English translations, compare them, and read what scholars have to say about them.

This version was a good choice for me. It probably will be for others also.

Customer Reviews: HTC Sensation Z710E Unlocked GSM Android Smartphone with 8 MP Camera, Wi-Fi, GPS--International Version with No Warranty (Black)

2011-07-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 3G Network HSDPA 900 / 1700/ 2100
DISPLAY Type S-LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors Size 540 x 960 pixels, 4.3 inches - Gorilla glass display - Multi-touch input method - Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate - Proximity sensor for auto turn-off - Gyro sensor - HTC Sense v3.0 UI
DATA GPRS Up to 114 kbps EDGE Up to 560 kbps 3G HSDPA 14.4 Mbps, HSUPA 5.76 Mbps WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot Bluetooth Yes, v3.0 with A2DP Infrared port No USB Yes, microUSB (MHL) v2.0
CAMERA Primary 8 MP, 3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, dual-LED flash Features Geo-tagging, touch-focus, image stabilization, face detection, instant capture Video Yes, 1080p@30fps, stereo sound recording Secondary Yes, VGA
OS Android OS, v2.3 (Gingerbread) CPU 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, Adreno 220 GPU, Qualcomm MSM 8260 Snapdragon

Product Description

A multimedia superphone in the palm of your hand Want to be entertained like never before? On-demand movies look great with a stunning qHD display, and they sound crystal clear with Hi-Fi audio technology. The HTC Sensation also includes an immersive HTC Sense experience making this phone easy-to-use and a top entertainer. The premium design, complete with contoured glass edging, feels great in your hand. The HTC Sensation is a multimedia superphone. Premium design HTC Sensation features unibody aluminium construction for a premium look and solid feel. The glass is contoured along the entire edge of the screen. Not only does it feel great when you glide your finger over it, but it also protects your screen from grit and sand when it's face down. The qHD display is true widescreen, so it serves up an uncompromised movie watching experience. Powerful performance HTC Sensation is powered by a blazing fast 1.2 GHz dual core processor. Apps start up instantly and switching between them is seamless. The dual core performance really comes to life when pushing your phone to its limits, like when you're listening to music, downloading email in the background, and surfing the most visually rich websites all at the same time. Hollywood on the go with HTC Watch HTC Sensation brings you an unprecedented movie watching experience with HTC Watch, offering a full selection of Hollywood blockbusters. Just make your selection and start watching the show seconds into the download. HTC Watch also keeps tabs on your Internet connection and ensures you get an uninterrupted viewing experience. Features: Operating System Android with HTC Sense Dimensions 126.1mm (L) x 65.4mm (W) x 11.3mm (T) / 148g (Weight) Screen Size 4.3-inch Camera 8 Megapixel Memory Type microSDHC Card Manufacturers description: Instant Capture Camera: Remember that time you pressed the shutter button and had to wait while

The most helpful favorable review

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

An Absolute Beast!, June 3, 2011

Robert P. Seaton

This review is from: HTC Sensation Z710E Unlocked GSM Android Smartphone with 8 MP Camera, Wi-Fi, GPS--International Version with No Warranty (Black) (Wireless Phone Accessory)

This phone is awesome! It has a 4.3 inch screen, which is gorgeous for watching video/TED talks/etc on, but it's definitely not bulky. In fact, it's even thinner than the iPhone 3G that I owned previous to this, even though it has a larger screen. It has an aluminum frame, so the phone definitely doesn't feel cheap, like all plastic devices.

Battery life is pretty solid, depending on what you're doing. For some reason, taking pictures and filming video really drains the battery, but for stuff like just browsing the web, battery life is great.

The screen is really great, qHD resolution. Like I mentioned earlier, great for watching video. The 16:9 display ratio means you can watch widescreen movies without pesky black bars taking up space. The screen is bright enough that you can use it in direct sunlight. The viewing angles on it are kind of so-so, but that only really matters if you are trying to share your phone with someone (and why would you want to share this beauty.)

Call quality is nice and crisp, very loud and clear. Definitely easier to hear calls on than my cousin's iPhone.

The 4G speeds are blazing fast. Web pages definitely load faster than on my previous iPhone 3G and downloading apps is a snap.

The 8 megapixel camera takes great pictures, although a little blurrier than a dedicated camera. One big difference between this phone's camera and my old iPhone's camera is that this phone actually takes a picture when you want it to and not five seconds later! On some pictures that I took I had to adjust the color balance, but I imagine that you'll need to do that on any camera that's in a phone. The flash is pretty good, too, and not too bright where it looks harsh.

Video recording is gorgeous in 1080p, although it uses the battery pretty quickly. I mostly use it to take video of my cats, and it does an excellent job capturing a whole range of motion: jumping, pouncing, swiping, etc. Sound quality is decent, too.

Altogether, this phone is a beast, with a 4.3" screen, qHD resolution, 4G, a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor. A HUGE upgrade from my iPhone 3G and I'm definitely happy with my purchase. Now, back to playing Angry Birds (and everything else I can throw at it)!

The most helpful critical review

29 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

LIKE A MOODY PORSCHE, June 17, 2011

E. Brown "EB"

This review is from: HTC Sensation Z710E Unlocked GSM Android Smartphone with 8 MP Camera, Wi-Fi, GPS--International Version with No Warranty (Black) (Wireless Phone Accessory)

I love the multi-tasking, the large screen, the 7 home screens and the overall feel, but I've run into a few disappointments as well.

To be fair, most folks will only use this device for social networking, web browsing and casual photos. You will find some hiccups & occasional bugs. For those of you power users who actually make videos, download movies, run lots of apps at once and use the power that it has to multi-task, you will see Sensation shine. It's almost better at high speeds.

DUAL-CORE MULTI-TASKING: Impressive. You can leave the browser open in the midst of playing a video, open Angry Birds, open music player, video player, Google Earth & pan about - all at once, then hop between these power-hungry apps with barely a hiccup. Hardcore multi-tasking will neither tax nor crash this device. Very impressive. The dual core doesn't make the unit faster than a 1.2ghz single core. It simply allows it to maintain 1.2 ghz speeds on more than one task, so don't expect magic.

As for speed, HTC's heavy Sense 3.0 user interface makes the phone less snappy than other dual core units. It can lag at times whilst doing simple tasks. Sense takes up 3 of the 4gbs of onboard memory. I run into more hiccups during everyday use, than when I'm doing heavy multi-tasking. However, Sense 3.0 is so glam, it makes every other phone look dated.

For the record, you can't close an app w/in the app. You must open up still another app (task manager) to close them. A bit of an annoyance, but seeing as Sensation can handle quite a few, it's no big deal... unless you're shooting in 1080p. More on that below.

CAMERA: Mixed bag. Camera is good. Video recording is quite good & realistic in 720p. If you're shooting yourself, however, the video camera is actually pretty bad. It takes a bit of luck & know-how to press the on-screen record button & have the camera focus on where you will stand. It's almost worthless for recording yourself for YouTube. Truly a step backwards. What's more, Sensation can barely handle 1080p. You'll surely have to close every other app to shoot in 1080p & reboot if you wish to watch it right after. Sensation is more at home w/ 720p HD.

The "stereo" recording is a joke. Of my five smartphones, this phone is the worst at recording sound. It plays back in quiet staccato - HD look, LD sound. I still use my non-HD phone for recording videos of myself. It's like buying a Benz but having to tow a Honda behind for reliability and the basics. Buying an HD device & still having to use a basic one just for decent sound? Really?

As for video editing, you can only trim. You can't merge or overlay music/text like my 'dated' Symbian can. You'd think a high-end, 1080p recorder w/ 'stereo' sound would come w/ decent editing software. Again, I feel ripped off. Android doesn't offer any apps either because Androids have issues of fragmentation, much like PCs do. Apple & Symbian do not. They have more robust video editors.

CONNECTIVITY: I haven't had a problem with 'death grip'. The Sensation manages to hold its WiFi connection no matter how I hold it. However, I cannot program the browser to open w/ WiFi. On my 'dated' Symbian, I hold '0', the browser opens, WiFi connects, page loads - one step. This is the kind of engineering I'd expect from a high-end device.

The phone cannot be programmed to automatically accept bluetooth files from my computer. If I bluetooth photos to Sensation from the next room, I must stop what I'm doing, go to the phone, scroll down & click to allow each file to transfer. My 4-year old Symbian can be programmed to automatically accept files w/o interruption. This 'super phone' requires more steps.

I live in one of T-Mobile's 4G regions. The connection is strong and fast, even when downstairs. A pleasure.

Sensation used to allow me to upload directly to YouTube, then it changed its mind. I Googled the issue, and it's a fairly common Android problem. This, along w/ poor sound recording, no video editing & problems trying to push record whilst having the camera focus on me, makes for a very disappointing experience for anyone making YouTube videos, or simply self-vids.

CALENDAR: A bit convoluted & requires a lot of steps, but offers many options. Synching with other calendars can be tricky in terms of their alarm alerts registering.

SYNCH: Think twice before synching with your Gmail account. Android will add, not just your personal contacts, but *every*... single... person you've *ever* emailed, along with their photos, MSN, Facebook, Twitter & personal info. One, big, convoluted mess of folks I've emailed once years ago, old appointments, duplicate contacts. Android will have Google invading every corner of your life & being.

WEB BROWSER: The browser is great, but it crashes on me more than I'd like. I am a heavy user, mind you. I recommend downloading Dolphin Browser HD. It's free, is better with tabs, and bookmarks are one slide away. It has never crashed on me and, **unlike most Android programs, it offers the option of 'minimizing' *or* completely exiting it *and* clearing the cache at once.**

RINGER: There are only 3 ring profiles - normal, vibrate & quiet. Where is the 'sleep' and 'loud/outdoor' mode?

SPEAKER: Simply too quiet for phone calls and music, even w/ all settings turned up. Big minus for me. 'Angry Birds' plays very loudly, though.

GLITCHES & BUGS - Quite a few: Sensation randomly assigns my personal photos as album art on most of my music. I don't know why it chooses these particular photos. Sometimes it downloads random artists like Nat King Cole as art for Moloko. I don't even have Nat King Cole.

At one point, my lock screen was only half of the screen. Another time, Sensation rebooted and came back to life w/o the icons for apps installed on my memory card. The apps are still there, but I can no longer see their icons. Nothing too serious, but surely a bit moody. It performs much more smoothly when you're working it. It seems to prefer working in dual-core mode, so take it to task, use what it has, treat it like a Porsche.

ERGONOMICS: It looks & feels expensive - muted, matte, mocha-grey look, that shiny ear piece grill and a screen so large & user interface so slick that iPhone-users always comment on it. The curved back and narrower screen, make for a good fit for such a large phone. The glass curves slightly upwards to protect the screen when laid down. I love attention to detail. The earphones are made for Dumbo, however, - pretty large & uncomfortable. The charging cord is short & stiff so it limits range of motion. I use an extension cord.

iPHONE USERS: Unlike the iPhone, Android phones are extremely customizable. They aren't simply portals for apps. So, they require a bit more set-up. The reward is a customized experience. However, this means more can go wrong. Getting every program & setting to correspond and synch isn't always seamless. To this end, Android may initially frustrate an iPhone user who are used to nothing but squares on their screens. If they don't mind a little work, they'll be rewarded with a much more personalized & customizable device than the iPhone. Sometimes the glitches & bumps are a bit frustrating, however.

iPhone is like a Lexus - smooth, slick, quiet, efficient. You can't choose gears; you can't hear or feel the engine shift. A fairly dependable, bland & seamless experience. You get in and enjoy a nice prefabricated ride.

Androids are like BMWs. You choose your own gears, you feel & hear the engine rev and shift. You feel more bumps in the road. You get in and manipulate the machine.

Neither is 'better,' just different ideologies.

CONCLUSION: In two week's time, this $600, dual core, HD Android "super phone" has proven to be gorgeous, impressive, great for web browsing, apps, 720p recording/viewing and all with wonderfully customizable home screens. When it comes to multi-tasking & customization, Sensation calmly KICKS BUTT! It purrs right along. ...It has also proven to have questionable recording qualities, be sporadically glitchy & inconsistent at times, but you won't find a single high-end device that doesn't have some issue. iPhone 4 users are walking around w/stickers on their phones so they won't drop calls.

This is no finely-tuned V6. It's a somewhat temperamental V12 with a large screen, fly user interface, bling factor, HD, Android apps, 7 home screens & a thirst for tasking. ...but, yes, I still wish it was a little less moody with the basics & I wish the sound recording was on par with the visual.

Customer Reviews: Samsung Focus Windows Phone (AT&T)

2011-07-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Ultra-thin 3G-enabled Windows Phone 7 smartphone with 4-inch Super-Amoled touchscreen
Windows Phone 7 OS provides easy access to social networking, personal/corporate e-mail, office apps, Xbox LIVE games, streaming media, and more
5-megapixel camera with HD 720p video capture;8 GB internal memory;microSD memory expansion;Wireless-N Wi-Fi;Bluetooth stereo music;GPS for navigation
Up to 6.5 hours of talk time, up to 300 hours (12.5 days) of standby time; released in November, 2010
What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, stereo headset, quick start guide

Dimensions

Size (LWH): 4.02 inches, 2.01 inches, 0.71 inches
Weight: 6.08 ounces

Product Features

Network Compatibility: UMTS
Minimum Rated Talk Time: 150 minutes
Minimum Rated Standby Time: 60 hours
Battery Type: Lithium Ion

Amazon.com Product Description
It's easy to get moving with both business and fun when you've got the Samsung Focus, one of the world's first smartphones using the Windows Phone 7 operating system. Use the ultra-thin 4-inch Super-AMOLED screen to view and edit your Office documents, or to experience movies and pictures with stunning clarity and richness. And type easier and faster with the full, large touchscreen. The Focus also includes integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for access to home, corporate, and hotspot networks. And it includes free access to AT&T's entire national Wi-Fi network.

The bright 4-inch Super-Amoled screen makes it easy to type on the virtual keyboard (see larger image).

Enabled for use on AT&T's lightning quick HSPA 3G network, you'll be able to easily access the Internet as well as quickly download video, music, and more. Additionally, with AT&T's 3G network, you can make a call while simultaneously receiving picture/text messages and e-mail, or viewing Web pages. This GPS-enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions as well as its Video Share service, which enables you to send video of yourself to another compatible phone while making a voice call. See more details on optional AT&T services below.

It's powered by a blazing-fast Qualcomm 1 GHz Snapdragon processor for a fast mobile data experience. The Focus has 8 GB of internal memory, which can be expanded via optional microSD memory cards up to 32 GB in size. It also sports a 5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash and HD 720p video recording, Bluetooth for hands-free devices, and stereo music streaming, an FM radio, and up to 6.5 hours of talk time.

Key Specifications

Fast 3G connectivity via AT&T's HSPA/UMTS network (850/1900 MHz bands; 3.6/7.2 Mbps speeds with network availability).
Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go. Connect for free using one of the over 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.
GPS navigation capabilities via AT&T Navigator service include audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and re-routing options.
Digital compass sensor
4.0-inch Super-Amoled touchscreen display (480 x 800 pixels) with proximity and light sensors
Full QWERTY virtual keyboard
5-megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash gives you a brighter light source for taking photos in less-than-ideal lighting situations.
HD video capture capabilities (720p)
Digital media player compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ music formats, and MPEG4, H.264, WMV video.
FM radio
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
8 GB internal memory
Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
Text (SMS) and picture/video (MMS) messaging
Access to popular instant messaging services
Access to personal and work e-mail (supports Microsoft Exchange corporate e-mail)
MicroUSB port (2.0)
3.5mm headphone jack

Vital Statistics
The Samsung Focus weighs 4.07 ounces and measures 4.84 x 2.56 x 0.39 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.5 hours of talk time, and up to 300 hours (12.5 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's dual-band 3G network (850/1900 MHz; HSPA/UMTS) plus international 3G networks (2100 MHz).
What's in the Box
Samsung Focus handset, rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, stereo headset, quick start guide

The most helpful favorable review

150 of 158 people found the following review helpful:

A phone that lets you focus on your life, not the device, November 7, 2010

Robert L. Stinnett

This review is from: Samsung Focus Windows Phone (AT&T) (Wireless Phone)

I've been a Windows Mobile user for years -- partially because it was necessary to interact with various workplace based e-mail and networking programs, and partly because I always found them to be "boring, but dependable". Windows Mobile never was the life of the party, but rather was always the responsible one that made sure that after the party was over that everything got cleaned up and everyone made it home safe. That was the past 10 years, but times, they are a changing... the Samsung Focus has taken the boring Windows Mobile interface, replaced it with the all new Windows Phone OS and turned a boring mobile smartphone into a serious player that all of a sudden may very well be the life of the party.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a Samsung Focus early on, and I have to say that I've had a very hard time putting this phone down. It's absolutely nothing like I've used before when it comes to a Windows phone. The entire interface has changed, and the phone itself has went from business boring to social media connected powerhouse.

One of the first things you will want to do when you get a Samsung Focus is to pop in a memory card. The Focus is the only U.S. based Windows Phone that currently supports expanding its memory via a MicroSD card. You'll want to do this from the get go because otherwise you will need to do a master reset on the phone to get it to pick up later. This is because in the new Windows Phone OS the microSD is not removable -- it actually becomes part of the overall system memory and is a permanent addition to the phone (which is why its located behind the battery). I highly recommend you pop in a 32GB card to give you a 40GB phone out of the box -- it will let you really put the phone to use storing your media and other data while not having to worry about it down the road.

Next, get ready to be connected to your family, friends and social networks like never before. One of the absolutely coolest things about this phone is how good the AMOLED screen looks. With a 480x800 display size, the display is very crisp and the colors are almost -- well, almost true to life in many aspects. I really didn't appreciate how well the display looked at first but once I started using the phone I was just constantly blown away at how darn well this screen on this guy looked. The Windows Phone OS uses what I like to call "squares" or "slides" to display information, and they are constantly updating and even changing color and pictures. Your friend just post something to Facebook? You'll know in an instant without having to switch back and forth between a Facebook app. New email arrive from a friend? Boom - another square changes to reflect it. It's really cool and you have to experience it firsthand to understand how revolutionary this type of interface is. It let's you focus on the world around you, and not constantly have to be pecking away and fooling with the phone. On my old Samsung Jack I was constantly switching between apps and looking at the phone -- with the Focus it's like I'm just glancing to see whats going on in my social circles and at work. My only gripe? In direct sunlight the display is a bit bleached, but still holds its own. Much better than my old phone - though not as good as I think it could be or would like it to be.

One thing you will want to make sure you have setup (and many of us already do) is a Windows Live or Xbox Live account. When you first power on the phone you will be prompted for your Windows Live ID. You don't have to provide one, and the phone works just fine without it -- but if you do provide one you are going to really unleash the power of this device. It's what ties everything together -- your social networks, email, photos, etc. I would highly recommend that if you are going to go the Windows Phone route you make sure that before the phone arrives you get a Windows Live account up and running if you don't have one already.

Battery life is good -- not great -- and holds up comparable well to other smartphones. The phone does a lot of synchronization via the Windows Live ID and such, so it is hitting the network a lot. I noticed that I could get through about 1.5 days of normal usage without a recharge. My best was 2.5 days when I wasn't checking email or using apps too much. You'll probably want to go ahead and pick up a spare charger for the office or the car.

So this thing is a phone right? Let me tell you, the phone quality and sound through the earpiece was amazingly crisp and clear. I've struggled a lot with my old Samsung Jack find it difficult to hear, especially when outside. The Focus totally redefined for me what a good voice call is. I had no problems being outside with background noise and still being able to hear and hold a conversation over the phone. The speakerphone portion was equally crisp and loud without being tinny.

Of course nowadays no phone is complete without a camera -- and the 5MP camera with LED flash that comes with the Focus takes some surprisingly good pictures. I shot a lot of pictures of the changing fall scenery and uploaded the pictures from the phone to several photo sites. The pictures were very clear and even low light pictures were bearable (not great, but bearable). It is not going to replace a really good digital camera, but it can certainly hold its own in the photo world and is probably more than most folks need. I thought the LED flash was particularly nice, though don't expect it to provide a ton of light -- and it can drain the battery, so don't get too flash crazy.

AT&T of course has their bundled apps on the phone, but they haven't taken over the phone with them as they have tended to do in the past. On the main menu AT&T has been very conservative and only taken up 3 of the "slides" for their use and left the rest for you to go nuts with. I was very pleased with that, but do wish I could just get rid of AT&T branding altogether - but at least they tried to keep a small footprint.

Overall, this is a major step up in the Windows Phone world. It's not an iPhone, but I really do think that its a good alternative for folks who don't want an iPhone for whatever reason, or for those who want to try something different. Microsoft and Samsung have really raised the bar a bit and have created a device that is lightweight, crisp and clear, and has a darn good OS behind it. I think once people start to us the new OS and the social features of it you are going to see a lot of other phones start to copy it because after you use it for a while you really do get to like it. The phone is very speedy and I found that even with several apps running at once there was no noticeable lag or delay. In a nutshell, it's more organized than an Android (in my opinion) and runs circles around the iPhone in terms of multimedia capabilities (Zune integration, XBOX Live integration, etc.)

I'm very happy with this phone and look forward to getting to know it more in the coming months. I really think that if Microsoft keeps it up they could really give the iPhone a run for their money!

The most helpful critical review

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

Fantastic phone, need some fixes, November 12, 2010

Daniel Peterson

This review is from: Samsung Focus Windows Phone (AT&T) (Wireless Phone)

It's hard to seperate out a review of Windows Phone 7 from this phone in particular. Overall, though, the combination of hardware/software makes this a fantastic phone.

The phone itself feels very nice in the hand. Some people have complained about the phone feeling "cheap", but I don't feel that at all. The battery cover does feel a bit flimsy, but the phone itself feels very solid. I did install a 16 GB MicroSD card to expand storage up to 24GB, and ended up having issues, see below. Battery life has been good, but I did notice that heavy game usage does use a lot of battery life. My normal daily email/music usage doesn't seem to hit the battery very hard at all, I think I could easily get a couple days out of a single charge. The microusb port is on the top of the phone, which means that we won't be seeing any docks, etc in the future. I really do wish Microsoft would've forced a standard connector format on Windows Phone 7 devices like the Apple dock connector.

The screen is gorgeous. Side by side with my wife's iPhone 4, I think I like the AMOLED screen in the Focus better, even with the iPhone 4's higher resolution. Colors look great, blacks are deep and rich. The touchscreen is very responsive. I'm a little concerned about how resistant to scratches it is, as I'm not sure what material covers the scren, but so far so good.

The Xbox Live, Facebook and Zune integration all work very very well. In a few minutes I was connected to my Windows Live, Xbox, Zune, Facebook and gmail accounts, with all my contacts/calendar/emails/etc syncing down to the phone. There are limitations around calendar syncing (primary calendars are the only ones that sync), but that should be fixed in the future.

Camera quality seems good, the LED flash helps out quite a bit in low light conditions. The dedicated camera button is very nice to have to try and snap quick pictures on the go.

My current issues with the phone are:

1. Can't connect to a wireless network that doesn't broadcast it's SSID.
2. Can't sync up additional calendars per account
3. No "smart dj" feature in the Zune software on the device

None of these are deal breakers though, and they could easily be fixed in a future software update. For as much as people whine about copy/paste, it really hasn't been an issue for me.

Overall, I think this is a great debut for Windows Phone 7, I'm really excited about this platform and can't wait to see what the future will bring!

EDIT:

Well, I got bit by the MicroSD issues, even using a high quality Sandisk card and had to hard reset, losing all my data. Being limited to 8 gigs makes this phone a LOT less useful as I still have to carry my ZuneHD around.

This is somewhat of a deal breaker for me, so I'm knocking this down to 3 stars. If and when an official supported microsd card line becomes availalbe, I'm fairly sure I'll be bumping this back up.

Customer Reviews: Boost Mobile BMRIM8530 BlackBerry Curve 8530

2011-07-15T00:42:00.000-07:00

Technical Details

2.0 MP Integrated Digital Camera
Talk Time: Up To 4.5 Hours (approx)
Standby Time: Up To 17 Days / 408 Hours (approx)
Expandable Memory With Support For MicroSD Cards

Product Description

2.0 MP camera

5X digital zoom

Fixed focus

Video recording

High-resolution 320x240 pixel color display

Light sensitive screen

User-selectable font size

Transmissive TFT LCD

256 MB onboard memory

Expandable memory with support for microSD cards

The most helpful favorable review

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

I Upgraded!, February 14, 2011

Danielle Tibbs

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Boost Mobile BMRIM8530 BlackBerry Curve 8530

I went from the boost mobile i465 to this boost mobile blackberry 8530 and i love it. in 2011 im just now cking facebook and yahoo on my phone i never have to go to the computer now and days because i can ck everything on my phone. the internet browser is great! and with my google app. its easier to find everything. and with the $60 unlimited plan i couldnt get a better deal! I purchased the phone and within two days i received it, and at first the phone was taking a long time to load up so i took the battery out and put it back in and now its faster and jumps from screen to screen. i have no complaints so far. I'm very proud of my purchase and recommend it to anybody!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for the money - 4 stars - poor battery life, April 7, 2011

WLT (St. Augustine, Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Boost Mobile BMRIM8530 BlackBerry Curve 8530

This is an entry level fairly recent (as of 2011) Blackberry. I am a Blackberry user (10 years) and know blackberry. I have had Blackberries on Verizon, Sprint, ATT and T-Mobile. I also have a state-of-the-art T-Mobile 9780 so it's safe to say I know what I'm talking about.
This model is good for the money. Especially if you can pick it up for around $150. It's bound to go lower as it gets older, more used models show up, and the new Boost Samsung Galaxy Prevail (Android 22) gets out and gets popular. The Android does more, and is $10 less a month on Boost since it does not require a Blackberry Plan that is an additional $10 a month.
I've had this BoostBerry for two days and have really run it through the paces. The screen is no where near as sharp as my 9780, but you can't expect it to be. It's much harder to surf the web. You really have to use the ENLARGE option to read most web content. It does play certain videos you can find on the internet, but does not play others that need Flash - Of Course!
Speed seems pretty good. It does have 3g access capability, but don't expect this to be available in many areas. The Boost 3g network is sparse. A Sprint person told me that Boost takes a back seat on their network in some cases. I do not know what he meant, but perhaps it will become apparent at some point. Also, there is NO roaming to other networks. You are on the Sprint Digital CDMA network - PERIOD! The WiFi option gives you the capability to "surf" or listen to XM Radio App when you have no network or lean network, but does not allow phone or text seamlessly like T-Mobile. You will have to get 3rd party programs to do that. This is sometimes handy. I fly a bit and it's nice to have your T-Mobile UMA Bberry port immediately to the SkyFi and then send and receive texts and emails while you are in the air. It seems you can't do this with this BoostBerry - I'll continue to try and test that.
When you first set it up, don't expect Boost to have it operational quickly. Network Provisioning of Blackberry service on Boost can take a while. Mine took 6 hours before I got an email welcoming me to the Blackberry Network. Boost says this can take up to 76 hours. Note that my first Boost Blackberry Tech told me my phone was bad and needed to be returned because she could not get it to register emails. The phone was brand new, she simply did not know that provisioning took much longer than a few hours. Keep that in mind! A Boost Blackberry Technician did NOT know that it took a while to provision the Bberry on the network and insisted I must have a bad phone and should return it. Nonsense. You will have to be patient - with the activation and with the support! There you go! Budget carrier? You bet! But you get what you pay for! Luckily I called back and a 2nd rep said "Oh, you just activated the phone 4 hours ago. It's not partitioned yet. Give it up to 76 hours. Luckily 2 hours later I got the "Welcome to the Blackberry Network" message. From that point on, I had the email up in 10 minutes.
To summarize this - You can get text and voice within minutes of activation, but Email and network surfing along with other key features (Facebook - Twitter - Instant Messaging) can take from 6 to 76 hours to provision on the network.
Boost has a sub website for setting up your own email ONCE the PARTITIONING is complete. If you try and register before then, you'll not be able to. For setting up email on your Boostberry. Boost will provide this link to you if you call them to set up your BoostBerry.

Unlike OS 6 on the ultra-modern BBerries, you can at least run some neat apps like XM/SIRIUS radio. This does not work on the newest BBERRIES because OS6 does not support XM/SIRIUS apps. You CAN'T run other apps like CODE MUNCHER as these ONLY work on OS 6. So there are trade-offs.
Social networking is available, but separate and not integrated like OS 6 is. You have to apply separate Twitter, Facebook, and similar apps to engage these features. Anyone used to any BBerry on an OS older than 6 will not care as only 6 integrated these for you seamlessly.
The battery life? One of the main reasons I took off one star. It's not great. You better travel with a charger for your day journeys and for sure have a car charger. The phone sucks up battery life. My 9780 would give me a full day NO PROBLEM even with huge streaming. This model from Boost? Maybe 6 hours if you are a heavy user. You'll have to recharge during the day.
The internal memory only gives you about 110 meg additional to load apps, so you can't go CRAZY with apps or downloads to the main memory. You can only load apps to the main memory. The 2 g card that is included is for external memory - and I've not played enough with that to give you a good benchmark of what can and can't be accessed easily from it.
Two minor things that are driving me crazy.
I keep getting nonsense texts on the BoostBerry that make no sense at all. They appear to be system messages but are garbled and you can not make any sense out of them. Boost says they don't know why. It's probably an issue with provisioning since I moved my service from another boost phone to this.
Speaking of that... my OLD Boost phone keeps getting my Voice Mail message alerts. I just edited this review, so it's been over 76 hours, and provisioning should be quite complete. Yet if I get a VM on my Boostberry, the old boost phone alerts me I have a message waiting. You can't USE the old boost phone, and YES, I had it off for 76 hours to make sure it did not interfere with the new Blackberry provisioning. Weird. But... It's a BUDGET cellular carrier! You get what you pay for!
That's about it.
Know you are buying a budget phone from a budget company, and you'll not be disappointed. If you are coming from such outstanding customer service companies like T-Mobile and are used to state-of-the art phones and service? You are going to be disappointed!
It's worth the 60 bucks a month (shrinkage down to 45), and for an additional 5 bucks, international calling? That's a good deal for many!

The most helpful critical review

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars great phone !!!
I love the phone so much !! I can't put it down at all !!
the only thing was the packaging of this item !! it was not in a box at all, it was shipped to me in an envelop that has bubbles !! I felt like it did not have enough protection !! other than that , I recommend the phone and Boost service !!!!

Published 6 months ago by Rana Qasem

Customer Reviews Samsung BlackJack II I617 Unlocked Phone - US Warranty

2011-07-15T00:21:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

This unlocked cell phone is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Not all carrier features may be supported. It will not work with CDMA carriers like Verizon Wireless, Alltel and Sprint
Quad-band/3G smartphone with Windows Mobile 6 for MS Office document editing and easy Outlook email and contacts
Internal GPS receiver with support for TeleNav software; music and video downloads and streams via AT&T Mobile Music and Cellular Video
Full QWERTY keyboard; Bluetooth stereo music streaming; 2.0 megapixel camera; MicroSD expansion
Up to 7 hours of talk time, up to 14 days of standby time

Dimensions

Size (LWH): 4.4 inches, 0.4 inches, 2.3 inches
Weight: 3.52 ounces

Product Description

Introducing the triple threat - the Samsung Blackjack TM) II. It's sleeker, smarter, and easier to use than ever. With Windows Mobile 6, faster 3G downloads, a larger 2.4" display, and a stylish look, it's the device all other smart devices want to be. It supports multiple email programs and has AT&T Music and Cellular Video capabilities. Navigate easily with the front jog wheel. Roam internationally with quad-band GSM, or get ultra-fast downloads with tri-band HSDPA. Take pictures and video with the 2 MP camera, listen to music, and stay in touch with instant messaging. With a full QWERTY keyboard and GPS support, the Blackjack TM) II truly has it all!

The most helpful favorable review

5.0 out of 5 stars something like a Blackberry to me..., July 12, 2011

Shaberraca Colbert (new iberia,la) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Samsung BlackJack II I617 Unlocked Phone with QWERTY Keyboard, WM6, GPS, 2 MP Camera and 3G Support - Unlocked Phone - US Warranty - Pink (Wireless Phone Accessory)

loovee the fact it has a full keyboard...and its easy and sleak design that i love, been trynna get a blackjack...n now that i have one,, i love it...so i would rather the phone overall as excellent!

The most helpful critical review

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars NO Threaded messaging, major down fall, July 6, 2011

Neyuh Mac - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Samsung BlackJack II I617 Unlocked Phone with QWERTY Keyboard, WM6, GPS, 2 MP Camera and 3G Support - Unlocked Phone - US Warranty - Pink (Wireless Phone Accessory)

I ordered it because I read that it does have threaded messaging on a different source, reviewing the same phone... little did I know that, this is the type of phone where you can do a lot to it, if you like to modify, updating and installing programs and such... I am literally not in tune with having to do all the programing myself. The standard features do not include the threaded messaging that I cannot live without. So I rated this phone a 2 star. Other than that, I love the design, the appearance, and the keyboard.

Customer Reviews: Denon AVR3312CI Integrated Network A/V Surround Receiver

2011-07-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

With its vast array of inputs and network functions, the Denon AVR-3312CI 7.2-Channel Integrated Network A/V Receiver puts you in command. As the flagship model of the IN-Command Series, this receiver sets a new standard in 3D, Blu-ray, game console, and other entertainment device integration. It features seven discrete 125-watt channels of equal power, dual subwoofer outputs, and multiple high-resolution audio formats for superior surround sound. It also supports HDMI v1.4a, so you can get the most out of 3D content. Enhanced by digital network audio/photo streaming capabilities, including support for AirPlay, mp3/WMA/WAV and FLAC HD audio, and Windows 7 compatibility, the AVR-3312CI is a solid foundation for your networked home entertainment system.

AVR-3312CI Integrated Network A/V Receiver
At a Glance:

Equal amp power design with seven discrete channels, each rated at 125 watts*, and dual subwoofer outputs
HDMI v1.4a supports all 3D formats and Audio Return Channel
Ethernet, USB, Phono, and seven HDMI inputs for added connectivity
Supports AirPlay for wireless music streaming from iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or iTunes
Audyssey MultEQ XT, GUI overlay, and remote control make setup and operation easy
Enhanced network capability includes Pandora, Flickr, Napster, and Rhapsody online support
Backed by a three-year warranty

Powerful, theater-quality surround sound for Blu-Ray, 3D, game consoles, internet radio, and more. View larger.

Ethernet, USB, Phono, and seven HDMI inputs for added connectivity. View larger.

Superb Surround Sound with Dual Subwoofer Outputs
Fully compatible with current HD audio formats, the Denon AVR-3312CI 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver provides powerful, theater-quality surround sound. The vibration-resistant construction thoroughly suppresses the adverse influences of vibration on sound quality, ensuring maximum audio performance with multiple technologies:

Equal Power Amp Design: Each of the AVR-3312CI's seven 125-watt* channels is powered by its own discrete circuit. This allows the receiver to reproduce original sound more faithfully than conventional models, which use integrated circuits.
Dual Subwoofer Outputs: An additional subwoofer output proves especially useful in large room settings where one subwoofer may not provide adequate low-frequency output.
High-Definition Audio Support: In addition to Denon's proprietary Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuit-HD and AL24 Plus processing technology, the AVR-3312CI features support for Blu-ray high-definition audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. These formats play back sound with exceptional fidelity, providing a more realistic listening experience.
Dolby Pro Logic IIz and Audyssey DSX: With the option of two additional height channels, these features add a vertical dimension to the soundstage, providing more immersive surround sound. Audyssey DSX adds the option of width channels to dramatically open the soundstage for a more theater-like sound.
Audyssey MultEQ XT Support: Audyssey technology helps create an optimal acoustic profile for your home theater by resolving finer details in the response, particular in the low-frequency range. Using the included calibration microphone, Audyssey MultEQ XT measures sound levels and adjusts speaker configuration accordingly, making setup fast and easy.
Multi-Zone/Multi-Source Playback: The AVR-3312CI lets you enjoy a program source in the Main Zone (the room where the AVR-3312CI is located) and in two other rooms. The source can be the same for all zones, or you can enjoy three different sources in those zones if you prefer. Use the Denon Remote App to control all the zones from anywhere in the home.

Full HD Support
With seven HDMI inputs, the AVR-3312CI allows you to route multiple high-definition devices--like game consoles and Blu-ray players--to your TV. It also allows you to connect all of your devices to your TV with a single HDMI cable, reducing cable clutter.
Vivid 3D Visuals with HDMI v1.4a
The AVR-3312CI comes equipped with HDMI v1.4a, allowing you to make the most of several premium video features:

Quick Select buttons let you select video and music sources effortlessly. View larger.

3D Pass-Through: With the advent of 3D media, it is important to own a receiver that recognizes 3D video signals. The AVR-3312CI is able to pass through 3D signals from your Blu-ray player, ensuring that the 3D effect doesn't get lost in translation. It also recognizes signals from 3D television broadcasts.
Audio Return Channel: HDMI v1.4a also features Audio Return Channel functionality, which allows for audio content from your display to be played back through the AVR-3312CI via the single HDMI cable that goes from the receiver to the display. This eliminates the need for separate audio and video cables running from your TV to the receiver.
Auto Lipsync Setting: The convenience of Auto Lipsync allows you to eliminate annoying sync issues caused by digital transmissions. This feature automatically compensates for timing shifts in video and audio outputs to bring picture and sound in sync.
Deep Color and x.v.Color Support: The AVR-3312CI also supports Deep Color and x.v.Color schemes, which can display a larger color range than standard-definition schemes. The result is a more lifelike, vibrant picture.

Enhanced Network Capability and iPod Connectivity
When connected to a network, the AVR-3312CI lets you listen to Internet radio, play audio files, and display images via an Ethernet connection. The receiver also supports AirPlay, which allows you to stream music wirelessly from an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or iTunes. Or, connect an iPhone/iPod/iPad directly to the receiver with a USB cable.
With the Denon Remote App installed on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, you can perform basic operations, like turning the AVR-3312CI's power on or off, adjusting the volume, and switching sources.
FLAC HD Decoding
For serious audio enthusiasts, FLAC HD decoding support provides for the ultimate playback of your high-definition music files. A compressed audio restorer guarantees that playback of any compressed audio files, such as MP3, WMA, and AAC, is crisp and clear.
Supports Pandora, Flickr, Rhapsody, and More
The AVR-3312CI is DLNA v1.5 Certified and compatible with Windows 7 for audio and photo streaming, as well as giving you convenient web control. This receiver provides online support for Pandora, Flickr, Napster, and Rhapsody, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of online digital content at any time.
GUI Overlay and Remote Control for Simple Operation
With its programmable functions and intuitive button layout, the AVR-3312CI is designed for ease of use. The front panel is smartly organized and features a two-line fluorescent display, clearly labeled buttons, and onboard controls for volume and source. In addition, its on-screen display with overlay on HD and 3D sources provides quick information about your system's settings.
The AVR-3312CI's pre-memory remote control with Glo-Key and on-screen programming is easy to setup and use, thus giving you more flexibility in controlling your home theater.
Product and Warranty Information
The receiver measures 6-37/64 by 17-1/8 by 15-3/64 inches (H x W x D), and weighs 26 pounds.
The Denon AVR-3312CI 7.2 Channel Integrated Network A/V Receiver is backed by a three-year warranty.
What's in the Box
AVR-3312CI 7.2-Channel A/V Receiver, detachable power cord, remote control, AA batteries, setup microphone, AM loop antenna, FM indoor antenna, quick setup guide, and CD-ROM owner's manual.
*125 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, THD 0.05 %), 165 watts per channel (6 ohms, 1 kHz, THD 0.7%)

Product Description

With a vast array of connections and its numerous output capabilities, the Denon AVR-3312CI is the receiver you want at the center of your home theater system. It features 7 channels each rated to output 125W of high-quality audio as well as network functionality including AirPlay and the Denon Remote App, and even auto setup with an included microphone. Plus it's backed by a three-year warranty!

The most helpful favorable review

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

Well worth the price., June 20, 2011

Wong

This review is from: Denon AVR3312CI Integrated Network A/V Surround Receiver (Electronics)

The Denon AVR-3312 CI is well worth the money. I'm pleased with the sound quality and features offered with the receiver. I tested the audio on my current small speakers that took from my Logitech Speaker System Z906 (67W Satellites). I was able to hear a great deal more detail to all the music, movies, and streamed music than I had before on my older Onkyo 7.1 system using the same speaker setup.
The Airplay Iphone Denon app was fun to use on the receiver. The only Con is if your music is in a deep file directory on your Iphone it does cause the app to freeze. The speaker configuration was a piece of cake with the help of Audyssey MultEQ Room Equalization. The Onscreen menu display was strait to the point and easy to navigate and pleasing to the eye.
Updating the firmware was easy as letting it check for updates. Once you click yes, it downloads the update and applies automatically rebooting the receiver and displaying the download percent and estimated time of update.
I was amazed by how easy finding online steaming stations where with the receiver. You'll have more than enough of a selection. Don't forget that it tunes in HD, FM, and AM radio. No need for a HD external tuner cost.
You are able to control the receiver via a web browser the options are not bad.
Watching blue-ray movies and playing PS31080P games looked great on my LED TV no issues with video response or refresh.
Over all it comes down to it being easy to use and great sound response. I was pleased with my purchase and can't wait to get some hi performance speakers to match the receiver.

The most helpful critical review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Good receiver but....., July 6, 2011

Albert W. Thomas

This review is from: Denon AVR3312CI Integrated Network A/V Surround Receiver (Electronics)

For the first two weeks I thought the Denon AVR3312ci was a great upgrade from my 3 year old Marantz SR7002. Sound quality was very good and the extra power was impressive. The speaker setup (Mythos One mains, Mythos Eight center, Supercube II sub, Mythos Four surrounds, and Mythos Six rears) went well but the manual is very confusing when it comes to manually selecting different sound schemes (e.g. Dolby® TrueHD, DTS-HD(tm) Master Audio, Dolby® Digital Plus, DTS-HD(tm) High Resolution Audio,etc.) Whoever designed the remote needs a remedial class in basic principals of "user friendly" design.

Two days ago I connected the AVR3312ci to a Linksys bridge to enable connection to my home wireless network. That process went very well. Yesterday the receiver started a 40 minute firmware update which, at first, seemed to go well. Video quality immediately after the firmware update was noticeably impaired. Within hours after that the output for both sound and video went completely out. A quick chat with Denon C/S this morning told me the receiver needed repair. Since I live 3 hours from the nearest Denon repair center, it was shipped today to a supercenter repair facility at a cost of $24.

Not sure how many others are having problems with their new $1099 receiver/paperweights but I must say I am really disappointed. It took two hours to pull out the AVR3312ci, put back in the Marantz SR7002 into my HT setup, pack up the AVR3312ci and get it to FedEsx for shipment. I'll update this review as I get more info on what the repair center finds. Right now I can only give it two stars. I can only hope it comes back from repair and works without additional problems!

Customer Reviews: New 10.2" epad/apad Superpad3/Flytouch X220 tablet pc

2011-07-11T00:21:00.000-07:00

Product Features
HDMI
TOUCH SCREEN
SUPPORT External 3G MODEM recommeded HUAWEI E1750 AND AT&T
WIFI 802.11B
CAMERA
Processor, Memory, and Motherboard
Hardware Platform: VIA WM 8650
Processor: Unknown
RAM: 512 MB
Hard Drive
Size: 8 GB

Warranty and Support
Amazon.com Returns Policies: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.

Product Description
10.2" Android 2.2 Epad X220 Touch Screen 512M ram 8GB +WIFI+EXTERNAL 3G+GPS+Camera+HDMI+RJ45 Detailed Product Description 10.2" MID Infortm X220 HDMI output GPS tablet pc OS:Google Android 2.2 CPU:Infortm x220 ARM11 512DDR Specifications: Condition: Brand New Brand / Model: ePad/aPad Operating System: Google Android 2.2 CPU / Speed: Infortm x220 ARM11 1Ghz CPU Screen / Resolution: 10.2" inch 1024x600 resistive TFT touch screen System Memory: (RAM) 512MB DDR2 Hard Drive: 8GB NAND Flash (2GB OS and 6GB free) GPS: Come with GPS antenna Wi-Fi: Yes, 802.11b/g LAN (RJ45): Yes, 10/100 Ethernet 3G/3.5G (HSDPA): Yes, support external USB 3G modem Bluetooth: No Camera: Yes Audio: Built in x2 high quality speakers (0.5w) and microphone Color: Silver, black color Expansion Card Slot: Support Micro SD / T-Flash, Max 32GB I/O Ports: USB2.0 host x2, 3.5mm audio jack, DC in, TF card slot, mini HDMI, RJ45 Ethernet, GPS antenna Keyboard: No Keyboard included in the package Touch Pad: built in touch pad Display Output: HDMI v1.3 full HD 1080P decoding,high-definition movie playbackBattery Pack: Rechargeable Li-ion battery 5800mAh Battery Life: Approx. 3-4 hours Power Adapter: 100-220V Input, 5V DC Output, 2A Dimensions: Approx. 270mm(H) x 170mm(W) x 25mm(D) LangUage: Multi-languages Game & Apps: Can download thousands of 3D games and apps by android market Music Player: support MP3,WMA,MP2,OGG,AAC,M4A,MA4,FLAC,APE,3GP,WAV,support playlist Video Player: Support AVI, RM, RMVB, MKV, WMV, MOV, MP4,PMP,MPEG, MPG, FLV, 3GP, MPG, H.264, etc. E-Book Reader: SupportWORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT, PDF, TXT, etc..... Picture Viewer: Support JPG, JPEG, GIF......InternetBrowser: Google Chrome webbrowser Internet Massage: MSN, Gtalk, Skype Email: Yes Special Function: Gravity inducer (G-Sensor), Android market, Google map, YouTube Warranty: One Year Package Contents: 1 x ePAD Android 2.2 Tablet PC 1 x Charger 1x Ear buds 1 x User manual 1 x GPS antenna

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars excellent entry to the world of tablets, July 7, 2011
By nmike "mightynick" (Brooklyn, NY United States) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: New 10.2" epad/apad Superpad3/Flytouch X220 tablet pc 8GB hard drive 512mb ram 1GHz Google Froyo Android 2.2 GPS, WIFI, External 3G, HDMI, RJ45, Camera,Touch Screen From USA SELLER (Personal Computers)
The gadget came fast ship from factory. Everything needed for a first time experience is included.

The GOOD:
Screen - color definition, size, adjustment on brightness and responsive to pressure - after you get used to it. Or, the stylus is a helpful tool.
System Reset - this is the most important thing that brings the tablet back, in case of errors or misuse. Hold three control buttons (power+menu+back - this is the big round one on the face of the tablet) at start-up and RECOVERY begins. In less than 5 minutes the system is back to factory setup.
System - fast enough to support all games (Angry birds, Bowl deLuxe and Cut the rope) to mention the most played ones. Rotation is a plus. Absolutely no hack needed on this tablet. Fast flash card reader.
Memory - excellent size.
Connectivity - had no problems on connecting or speed.
Market - the default one is a good first try. The major one - as a member of Amazon - using the Amazon account (or create a new one if not a member) leads to its apps market. Use of the Dolphin browser is a must. Games and good apps are not free but from .99c to $2.99 gets everything that's useful.
Power - a long battery life that I really enjoy. ( over 4 hours with WIFI on - longer without )
Entertainment - here is the big plus - plays everything I had (music or movies). Books in required format went direct on the shelf. A delightful sight.

The BAD:
Text - in book reading the screen has a limited angle of view = large type required. Problem solved.
Sound - there is no sound below MAX in volume. And at max setting the sound is hard to hear. Characters like the lovely Tom cannot be heard or interact with. The speakers are good quality. I wonder why the volume is not there?!? Using earphones brings a superb stereo but this solution I find to be annoying. Problem NOT solved.
Screen - reflective surface makes it hard to use in bright, direct light. Sharpness is affected by the screen definition. (1024x600 ) Best is 1024-by-768 which looks like the 8x11 letter size paper. (iPad like) Problem NOT solved.

OVERALL
I do not regret buying this tablet. It is an affordable experience with a new system.
General use - entertainment and discovery.
Special use - reference materials, manuals, data on the go and wifi email = a golden asset for students, technical, sales or service oriented people. PDF works great - out of the box.

Suggestions:
Get a carrying case for it, with keyboard attached.
Have fun!

Customer Reviews: Dell XPS 15 X15L-1024ELS Laptop

2011-07-10T23:23:00.000-07:00

Product Features
Intel Core i7-2630QM
6GB, DDR3, 1333MHz, 2 DIMM,
15.6" HD WLED (1366X768)-display
640GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive,
9-in-1 Media Card Reader
8X CD/DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive)
Audio jacks: headphone (2 total) with SPID/F support (1), 1 Mic-in
Battery: 6-cell Lithium Ion Battery (56 WHr)
Mini DisplayPort (1), 2 total USB 3.0, 1 USB 2.0 (eSATA/powershare combo), AC adapter connector
Warranty and Support: 1Yr Limited Warranty and Mail-In Service
Webcam: Built-in 2.0MP webcam, HDMI port,
Processor, Memory, and Motherboard
Hardware Platform: PC
Processor: 2.3 hertz Intel Core i7
Number of Processors: 4
RAM: 6 GB
RAM Type: SODIMM
Hard Drive
Size: 640 GB
Type: Serial ATA
Graphics and Display
Graphics RAM: 1024 MB
Cases and Expandability
Size (LWH): 10.4 inches, 15 inches, 1.3 inches
Weight: 5.96 pounds

Warranty and Support
Amazon.com Returns Policies: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.

Specifications

15.6-inch high-definition LED-backlit display with 1366 x 768-pixel resolution for native HD 720p display. It also provides TrueLife high-gloss/anti-reflective technology, which features a sharp contrast finish that's well suited to immersive 3D games and watching videos.
2.00 GHz Intel Core i7-2630QM "Sandy Bridge" quad-core processor for smart performance with a speed boost (2.90 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology; 6 MB L3 cache). Intel's Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 maximizes speed for demanding applications, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload--providing more performance when you need it the most. And Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology enables each core of your processor to work on two tasks at the same time, delivering the performance you need for smart multitasking. It also comes equipped with Intel Quick Sync Video, which provides accelerated encoding, decoding, and transcoding features (for converting video for portable players or online sharing).
640 GB SATA hard drive (7200RPM)
6 GB installed RAM (DDR3, 1333 MHz)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 525M with 1 GB of dedicated DDR3 video memory delivers great performance and great battery life. NVIDIA Optimus technology automatically transitions between NVIDIA graphics and Intel Integrated Graphics, seamlessly and in the background, whether you're watching a movie, surfing the web, or playing a 3D game.
8x multi-format DVD drive supports reading/writing of CD-R/RW, DVD±R, DVD±RW, DVD±R DL, and DVD-RAM.
Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for ultra-fast connectivity to home and business networks (plus backwards compatibility with older wireless routers).
Next-generation Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity provides faster throughput while minimizing on power requirements. It's compatible with new Bluetooth 3.0-enabled devices as well as backward compatible with older Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as printers and cell phones.
JBL designed and certified speakers with two 4-watt stereo speakers and a 12-watt subwoofer (for 20 watts of power), plus Waves MaxxAudio 3 sound enhancement technology.

Integrated JBL stereo speakers and subwoofer.
2-megapixel Skype-certified HD webcam
6-cell battery
Measures 15 x 10.4 x 1.5 inches (WxDxH)
Weighs 5.96 pounds
Warranty: 1-year limited hardware warranty; 24/7 phone support; mail-in service
Connectivity & Expansion

2 USB 3.0 ports for ultra-fast data transfer (1 front, 1 rear) with up to 10x the speed of USB 2.0 (and is backward compatible with your USB 2.0 peripherals). Download a 25 GB HD movie in just 70 seconds, and even charge your USB devices when your laptop is on sleep, hibernate, or off.
1 eSATA/USB 2.0 combo port that enables you to connect to compatible external hard drives for lightning fast transfers of large multimedia files--up to 5 times faster than via a standard USB port. And this PowerShare USB port can charge devices even when laptop is off.
HDMI port for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable.
DisplayPort video output is the newest monitor interface supporting today's digital graphics and LCD technologies
Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
Multi-format memory card reader including compatibility with Secure Digital (SD), Hi-Capacity Secure Digital (SDHC), Hi-Density Secure Digital (SDHD), Multi Media Card (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS Pro), and xD Picture Card (xD)
1 headphone, 1 microphone

What's in the Box
This package contains the Dell XPS 15 (X15L-1024ELS) notebook PC, AC adapter, rechargeable battery, and printed documentation.

Included Software
McAfee SecurityCenter with Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, Firewall (6-month subscription); Microsoft Office Starter 2010

The centrally located, easy-to-use Dell Support Center application offers provides personalized support resources. Conveniently located on your PC's desktop with quick links to service, support and system resources. You'll be able to keep your system up-to-date and running efficiently through automated fixes for common configuration issues.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent laptop but a little bulky, July 6, 2011
By RudyC - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Dell XPS 15 X15L-1024ELS Laptop (Elemental Silver) (Personal Computers)
First things first, this is an excellent machine. Zippy fast, feels rock solid and user friendly. It is a bit bulky but like I said, feels solid. Keys are lit and feel really secure. As a whole, you feel like you purchased a rock solid machine that wasn't built with cheap materials.

Pros:
1) Great specs (i7 core 2nd gen, 6 gb ram, 750gb hard drive) & performance.
2) Rock solid build & feel (keyboard, touchpad & body).
3) User friendly to setup & use.
4) Two USB 3.0, HDMI & Bluetooth.
5) Excellent speakers, best sound I've heard on a laptop.
6) 2.0 mega pixel webcam.
7) Excellent deal for students with free Xbox 360.

Cons:
1) A little bulky.
2) Power brick a little big (but to be expected with needed power).
3) 6-cell battery is ok at best (2-3 hours). A 9-cell is available but currently $179.

In summary, this is not a MacBook Pro in terms of style but it's a great performer and despite it's slightly bulky build, the machine looks really nice & solid. It's also considerably cheaper than a MacBook Pro. On a side note, a bit of a gripe regarding Amazon -- despite description being accurate, the last of the item photos shows a Blu-Ray drive (available as an upgrade). A bit misleading, I think. Only the photos of the actual model being sold should be on display.

Customer Reviews: HP ProBook 4530s XU018UT

2011-07-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Product Features
Number of Processors: 1
Processor Manufacturer: Intel Processor Type: Core i5 Processor Model: i5-2410M Processor Speed: 2.30 GHz Processor Core: Dual-core Cache: 3 MB
Standard Memory: 4 GB Maximum Memory: 8 GB Memory Technology: DDR3 SDRAM Memory Standard: DDR3-1333/PC3-10600
Hard Drive Capacity: 500 GB Optical Drive Type: DVD-Writer Optical Media Support: DVD-RAM/±R/±RW Dual-Layer Media Support: Yes Labeling Technology: LightScribe
Processor, Memory, and Motherboard
Hardware Platform: Unknown
Number of Processors: 1
RAM Type: Unknown
Hard Drive
Type: Unknown
Cases and Expandability
Weight: 9.2 pounds

Warranty and Support
Amazon.com Returns Policies: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.

Product Description
HP Smartbuy ProBook 4530s Intel Core i5-2410M Processor (2.1 GHz, 3 MB L3 Cache) 15.6-inch diagonal LED-backlit HD anti-glare (1366 x 768) 720p HD Webcam 500 GB 7200 rpm 2.5-inch hard drive 4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (1D) DVD RW SuperMulti DL LightScribe Drive Integrated Fingerprint Sensor Atheros 9285GN 802.11b/g/n 1x1 Wi-Fi Adapter + Bluetooth 10/100/1000 NIC Integrated: Intel HD1 Graphics 3000 HP 6-Cell 47 Wh Li-Ion Battery Standard: HP ProtectTools,2 Device Access Manager, Enhanced Pre-Boot Security, HP Spare Key, HP Disk Sanitizer,28 Drive Encryption for HP ProtectTools,2 Credential Manager for HP ProtectTools,2 File Sanitizer for HP ProtectTools,28 Kensington Lock slot, Norton Internet Security 201125, LoJack Pro ready, Intel AT Support ready Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 OS10

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars hp 4530s, May 19, 2011
By Mike Phillips (Makawao, Maui) - See all my reviews
This review is from: HP ProBook 4530s XU018UT 15.6" LED Notebook - Core i5 i5-2410M 2.3GHz (Personal Computers)
This laptop has all the features that anyone would practically need. The price keeps dropping so any newcomers will definitely benefit from its lowered cost.

The only reason I didn't give it the full 5 star treatment were several reasons.

cons first
1. No instruction manual, download the HP 4530s pdf ONLINE, I Goggled it.
2. No Win 7 Pro Repair disk, available separately for $10 on Amazon or eBay.
3. Download Win 7 Pro updates from Microsoft, many and timely but necessary.
4. UPS delivered, arrived OK but packing was almost non-existent in a large box. The HP box had enough packing though, so the laptop seemed protected.
5. Be prepared for a lot of garbage which can be removed.

positives next
1. After running setup which was timely, I was impressed with the numerous features and add-ons that came with this model. I compared this HP with several other makes and this laptop excels against similar
i5-2410s.
2. Value for monies paid will surely increase buyers interests obviously.
3. This Sandy Bridge make all the previous i5s pale in comparison. My recommendation is to get the i5 with its turbo boost and never look back.
4. The newly listed price from Circuit City/Amazon is fantastic for a "Sandy Bridge" i5 laptop.
5. The unit seems sturdy enough.
6. I like the ease of upgrading the laptop. Flip it over, remove the bottom plates and you can get to the RAM, HDD, etc quite handily.
7. The HD+ screen was quite a bonus for these old eyes.
8. The offset touchpad was OK.
9. The Cap lite is a necessity for me and this unit has one.
20. The Intel video with its turbo boost on shared video is supposed to really make a difference, as told to me by a friend who swears by it. We shall see.

Overall, I'm looking forward to video editing and doing Photoshop, which were my main reasons on getting this HP. As to its reliability, time will tell.

Footnote, June 7.
Runs quite cool and very quiet. No problems so far. May need to get a Vi Dock 4, or better; to boost my integrated video. Seems that the onboard video is a bit lacking and adding an Ati card via the expresscard slot should solve that problem.

Footnote, June 15.
Discovered HP Documentation earlier when investigating Programs and the PDF was very informative. (Wish there was a note inside the box upon opening)

Onboard HD Video is very good for intermediate gaming and video editing. The Crucial 4GB RAM which I added today will handle my multitasking needs quite nicely. Buying and installing the Crucial RAM was most inexpensive method for any upgrade and easy. My PhotoShop and Illustrator applications plus my Sony Suite will benefit highly with this increased RAM.

Customer Reviews: Probook 4530S 15.6" I3-2310M

2011-07-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

Product Features
4 GB RAM
320 GB Hard Disk 7200rpms Sata 2
Windows Home Premium 7 (64 bit)
Super Multi Dvd/Cd Writer with LightScribe Technology
HD Webcam with Core i3 i3-2310M 2.10 GHz and 15.6 Inch Screen
Processor, Memory, and Motherboard
Hardware Platform: Unknown
Processor: 0 MHz Unknown
Number of Processors: 1
RAM: 0 MB
RAM Type: Unknown
Hard Drive
Size: 0 GB
Type: Unknown
Cases and Expandability
Weight: 9.5 pounds

Warranty and Support
Amazon.com Returns Policies: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Nice Laptop, June 5, 2011
By Dude - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Probook 4530S 15.6" I3-2310M (Personal Computers)
***Pros***
I bought this laptop as a family utility machine, it sits in my living room and at least 4 people use it regularly. I was looking for something that was new and had new components, this has a 2nd gen Intel I3 processor along with a USB 3.0 port and bluetooth 3.0. The major pro to this machine is the price along with some new features. The screen display and keyboard are nice as well. It also has a 720P Webcam with facial recognition software and fingerprint reader(it doesn't always work though). For those that care about noise this thing doesn't really make any, my previous laptop fan ran a lot.

***Cons***
I took a star off because the machine has lots of crap software on it. It would be nice if you could have the option of just getting it shipped with the OS only. There are also 3 partitions on the hard drive, 1 called HP recovery, 2nd which is FAT32 for HP tools, and a 3rd for everything else. I'm still working on removing crap software, but it still runs fast and boots in 20 - 30 seconds.

***Other***
This is not a gaming laptop so if you want it to play the latest and greatest games look elsewhere. You should be able to play most web games or anything that doesn't require a dedicated video card.

Overall I am very satisfied with the purchase. I researched for about a month straight and ended up on this one based on highest functionality for the price combined with the newest hardware.

Customer Reviews: Samsung Fascinate Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

2011-07-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details
Product Features
* 3G-enabled, Android 2.1-powered smartphone with 4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen display and 16 GB pre-loaded microSD card (plus 2 GB internal memory)
* Google mobile services; VZ Navigator and Bing Maps for directions; can be used as a 3G Mobile Hotspot for up to five Wi-Fi connected devices
* 5-megapixel camera; 720p HD video recording; Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking; Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity; Swype keyboard
* Up to 7 hours of talk time, up to 312 hours (13 days) of standby time; released in August, 2010
* What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, 16 GB microSD card, quick start guide

Dimensions
* Size (LWH): 4.63 inches, 2.3 inches, 0.47 inches
* Weight: 4.64 ounces

Product Features
* Network Compatibility: CDMA

Key Features

* Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV-DO, Rev A network
* GPS navigation capabilities via VZ Navigator service plus Bing Maps and Google Maps (available via Android Market)
* Ultra-fast Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g/n) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
* 3G Mobile Hotspot capability allows you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot using your Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO connection, which can then be shared among up to five Wi-Fi-capable devices. The 3G Mobile Hotspot is the perfect family vacation companion, and at $20 for 2 GB and 5 cents per megabyte overage, it provides an allowance big enough for sharing with the entire family for downloading games, Internet access, and more.
* Powered by the Android operating system (version 2.1) with deep integration of Google services and access to thousands of apps to customize your phone via the Android Market.
* 1 GHz Samsung Hummingbird processor speeds up everything--from playing games to watching shows to opening files from work.
* Swype input system allows you to input text faster and easier by gliding your finger around the keyboard, moving from letter to letter in one continuous motion. The Swype technology then calculates what word you're intending to type (learn more below).
* Samsung Social Hub provides one stop for all your updates integrates all your social networking services, messages, personal and business e-mail, calendars and contacts.
* 4-inch Super AMOLED touchscreen display (480 x 800 pixels, 16 million color depth) is one of the thinnest, most responsive full-featured smartphones in the industry.
* 2 GB internal memory
* Pre-loaded 16 GB microSD card with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
* 5.0-megapixel camera with auto-focus and LED flash.
* HD video recording (720p) plus easy upload to YouTube.
* Multi-format digital audio player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC/AAC+/eAAC+ formats
* Blockbuster movie rentals and purchases
* DivX video playback
* Next-generation Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity provides faster throughput while minimizing on power requirements. It's compatible with new Bluetooth 3.0-enabled devices as well as backward compatible with older Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as headsets and printers. It includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.

A world of apps and widgets awaits.
* YouTube app for streaming video over 3G and Wi-Fi connections.
* DLNA compatibility allows you to stream media content from the phone to any other DLNA‐certified device. The AllShare application enables you to play a file from your phone on another player, play a file from a server on your phone, or play a file from a server on another player via your phone.
* Rich HTML e-mail application seamlessly syncs your e-mail, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP e-mail services. The Gmail application provides features such as conversation view, spam filtering, search, and labels that Gmail users enjoy on their computer while offering new features such as integration with the phone's contact list. And it multitasks, so you can read a Web page while also downloading your e-mail in the background.
* Full HTML Web browser enables you to view more pages and enjoy better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone.
* Instant messaging support for Google Talk, as well as AOL, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger. It also supports advanced text messaging features, enabling you to easily flag, delete or move groups of messages and keep track of group conversations through threaded text messaging.
* Text (SMS) and picture/video (MMS) messaging
* Google Calendar app syncs with the Web-based version, so any event that you add to your phone will show up on the Web-based Google Calendar (and vice versa).
* Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
* 3.5mm headphone jack
* TTY compatible
* Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4

Verizon Wireless Services

* Reliable 3G Network: With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.)

* VZ Navigator Capable: With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps.

* V CAST Music with Rhapsody: Access this exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks and for MTV Networks, which delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. For a monthly fee (billed on your Verizon Wireless bill), you can load and reload your subscription songs from your PC to your V CAST Music with Rhapsody phone as often as you want, and take your music on the go.

On PCs running the Windows XP or higher operating system, you can also browse, preview, and purchase music using the V CAST Music with Rhapsody software, which is available as a free download from the V CAST Music with Rhapsody download website. Additional subscription charges applicable.

* V CAST Video on Demand: This optional service enables you to watch full-length TV shows plus news, sports, weather, and live entertainment video clips. It features more than 100 full-length programs from leading broadcast and cable networks, ranging from highly-rated drama and comedy series to reality programs and children's programming. V CAST Video on Demand also delivers live sporting events, including NHL hockey games and an upcoming slate of college football games

The service offers unlimited viewing of Basic Videos and the ESPN MVP channel. You can choose from 14 categories, including Entertainment, Kids, Music, Sports, Comedy, News, Pop Culture, Information, Women, Latino, Home & Leisure, Multicultural, Cutting Edge, and Hollywood. Additional subscription charges applicable.

* Visual Voice Mail: This innovative service enables you to delete, reply, and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Visual Voice Mail is the ideal tool for the busy mobile professional who may need to prioritize which messages he or she listens to first. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.

* Backup Assistant: Automatically back up your mobile contacts to your online address book. If your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, or you decide to upgrade, easily restore your saved address book to your new phone. You can also add, delete, edit, and print your contacts online and send the changes to your mobile phone.

The most helpful favorable review
205 of 217 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty nice phone - with annoyances, September 10, 2010
By Chris Hann
This review is from: Samsung Fascinate Android Phone (Verizon Wireless) (Wireless Phone)
Update: On 2/28/11 I obtained the Odin software needed to upgrade the phone to the leaked and jail broken Froyo Androidcentral forums. The procedure went exactly as described and now I have what the phone should have been delivered with. The changes aren't vast but they are significant. The biggest change is that during post-installation setup you get to choose not to use Bing and after that the search works as you would hope, with Google, even from the search button. Some applications suddenly admit they can work as widgets. It's a nice detail cleanup that the phone should originally have shipped with and seems to undo the heavy handed commercial damage Verizon did to line their pockets. No guarantees the official version will be as nice though, if it ever arrives. This may not now be the best Android phone, but they have worked out well for us. End of update.

We got two of these phones three weeks ago, since then we have found a lot that we like and a little that we really dislike. The dislikes are all things Verizon did to the software.

In the comments someone points out that it may be possible to just burn Android 2.2 on to the phone. That is rumored, but isn't something most people will do. The rumor mill says Spain will get the Froyo release in late October '10 and people are going to try using that. Verizon has also announced that they will make the Google search engine available on the official 2.2 release, however they won't be making it the search engine for other services, so when another application starts a search it will still be redirected through the Verizon search portal to Bing. So this is no real improvement over deleting the Bing boxes and installing Google from the marketplace, so their big announcement saves you a couple of minutes whilst making no difference to the software. Another method is to rip-off the Google search elements from another Galaxy S model and install that and a third party application launcher which will then use it, but this is probably more low level messing around than most users will want to do. They shouldn't need to. If you decide to do that you need the SDK, which you can download for free, and some instructions you can find in the Android forums.

Verizon has disabled some of the functionality of Google's Android operating system and replaced it with their own shoddy software in a cynical attempt to con people in to paying them more. The Google search engine has been excised from the system and replaced with Bing, you can't remove Bing from the system and you can't replace it for some purposes. I don't want earn money for Verizon by allowing MS to show me things MS is being paid to sell me. I'd rather they pay Google to show me things they have been paid to sell me because I prefer their style. It seems a fair return to Google for providing free maps and navigation.

But anyway... as well as removing Google's search functionality they have also removed Google's GPS functionality and maps. That has been replaced by Verizon Navigator and Bing maps. Verizon Navigator is very poor and is expensive. Why should I pay ten bucks a month for a poor application that replaces the free one that Google built into the Android operating system? I had hoped that using Android would mean I didn't have to put up with Verizon's tinkering with the O/S. My past experience would suggest that they aren't very good at it.

Happily you can download Google apps from the ap store, but you can't re-integrate them into the phone. You also can't eliminate the bloated load of garbage that Verizon added as a revenue minefield for the unwary. If you could I'd have deleted a whole bunch of it by now, things like VCAST, VZNavigator, City ID, Skype and Blockbuster. It's not just that they are there, even though I don't use them they get started and use battery and performance; right now my phone is running voice commands, music player, video player, car cradle, bing, City ID and Skype mobile - I haven't started any of those. I might use the music and video players but the others are either entirely unwanted or just useless.

As an alternative to paying ten bucks a month for Verizon Navigator (No, really, don't do that), you can use Google which is probably the best navigation deal for the phone. Alternatively Waze is a popular and sometimes amusing collaborative GPS solution. If you are going to be off the network CoPilot looks like very good value, for $20 you get a full GPS with maps of the whole of North America. CoPilot plotted a route from San Jose CA to Vancouver BC in a couple of seconds, a Motorola TN765T costs a couple of hundred bucks and won't do that, it can't route across borders.

When you use the Samsung car cradle, which is very good, it automatically starts the car mode. Unfortunately that just offers all the pre-installed pay-per-use software and no apparent way to customize it. Surely there must be?

Now the good stuff.

Android 2.2 Froyo may be available around October '10 for this phone, that is rumored to significantly improve performance.

This is a really fast little computer with a network connection and a phone application. The menus fly around, most of the time. Occasionally they get bogged down, no idea why, but this is a known issue and supposed to be fixed in v2.2. You can scroll through long lists with the flick of a finger. It's pretty easy to set it up to connect to wireless networks. Bonding to a Bluetooth headset was simple. The device arrives with a 16Gb MicroSD card and I expect that will keep me happy for a while.

The camera seems nice enough from the few pictures I have taken. The LED flash is years ahead of the LG Dare, it actually illuminates the image pretty well and doesn't turn it all blue. It works. The shutter is a bit slow, but I was trying to take pictures of our black cat who wouldn't sit still! Video quality is also excellent, it does a better job of compressing 720p video than my Panasonic camera.

Once Google maps was downloaded the GPS turned out to be pretty useful, if I have any further comments on that I will be back. I used it to make my 50 mile trip home, I usually use an old Garmin GPS which is pretty much accurate to the minute, Google agreed to within two minutes. For me the voice navigation was useless, but maybe it just doesn't work on deep English voices? I'll let my better half try and report back. If I had had to use the voice entry I'd still be stuck at work.

The live wallpaper is really trick, something MS tried to do years ago on Windows and caused a lot of crashing. The standard background is a sort of fake rock pool, the 'water' ripples when you touch the screen. I switched to the live map background, for now at least, it shows the local map... with traffic. Phones have certainly come a long way in the last few decades.

Loading music was fairly easy, you need to set the USB in to sync mode, but after that it will talk to Windows Media Player. Initially I tried Winamp but that doesn't work, or at least it was easier to just switch to Media Player than to experiment, so that's what I did. I dragged some albums on the the phone and then told it to sync and it did. Not as fast as loading an iPod, but fast enough. The music player on the phone isn't fantastic in the UI area, but it works. I'll certainly try something else though.

I thought I had problems using the device on a charger, but then I noticed that I had got the cable mixed up with one connected to some appalling no-name Chinese charger, swapping to the Samsung charger fixed the issue... but something to be aware of if you plan to recycle all your old micro-USB gear for use on the new phone.

Would I do it again? Would I still buy this over the Droid X or 2? Yes. I'm not returning it tonight, but I will probably be rooting it so that I can eliminate the annoying Verizon bloatware. This reminds me of the days when MS integrated IE into Windows, they got in to deep legal problems and I don't see how Verizon/MS removing Google functionality is different.

If you want to use this in a car I recommend you get the Samsung windshield mount and a car charger with a long enough straight cable to reach where you decide to put it. The Samsung mount is very good compared to the collection of broken generic ones I have used in the past, the only down side is that neither it nor the phone come with a suitable power supply. Verizon has the mount and there are many MicroUSB chargers on Amazon. As stated earlier you should probably avoid the no-name types and stick to a major manufacturer, I have used LG, Samsung and Motorola chargers and a USB cable connected to HP and Dell computers, so I don't think it is too choosy about chargers.

The most helpful critical review
55 of 58 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars A great phone, but for the VzW bloatware, December 28, 2010
By
VT "Anonymous"
This review is from: Samsung Fascinate Android Phone (Verizon Wireless) (Wireless Phone)
I just helped the in-laws purchase two of these phones as their first smartphone. I myself own the original Droid, which I really really like. Well, on paper, the Fascinate is an amazing phone -- one that goes toe-to-toe with the iPhone 4 and the best Android phones out there. If this is all there is, this phone is clearly a winner. But...

1. Bing search. Seriously? Bing? I specifically chose this phone because I wanted to go the Android route. VzW's deal with Bing means that you can't uninstall this "feature" without rooting the phone first. If it was just my phone, I would've done this the minute I got the phone.

2. Verizon Navigator. WTH? VzW wants to charge a monthly fee for something inferior to Google Maps, which costs absolutely nothing. This is unadulterated corporate greed. Shame on you, Verizon.

3. Visual Voicemail. Ok, so some people might want this feature and might even pay the $2.99/mo fee to have their voicemails transcribed. But, why must VzW make this the default voicemail option and spam you EVERYTIME you check your voicemail with the offer? I don't want this and want to turn it off, PERMANENTLY.

4. Bloatware. This is where VzW is 10x worse than any other software companies out there. If this was Microsoft, people would be up in arms about it. Apparently, Verizon has already forgotten about the Department of Justice's investigation of Microsoft's bundling practices. Well, folks, VzW thought it would be helpful to clog up this phone with a ton of apps that YOU CANNOT UNINSTALL. PERIOD. This ticks me off more than anything else. If the phone came with bloatware, fine, but let the end user uninstall the apps he doesn't want. As it stands right now, there is no way to uninstall apps that came with the phone without rooting it.

5. Android 2.1. This is minor, but there's no reason why this phone shouldn't have the latest Android OS, v2.3.

All in all, I do feel bad about having recommended this phone and VzW before doing thorough research on it. The only saving grace to this experience is that the people for whom the phones were purchased are not power users. They only use a handful of apps and will likely never push the Fascinate to its limits.

Personally, next time I upgrade my phone or recommending another phone, I will have to think hard about any phone with the Verizon name on it, and about Verizon itself. (T-Mobile and Sprint, are you reading this???)

Shame on you, Verizon, for losing my trust.

Customer Reviews: Nokia N97 mini 8 GB Unlocked Phone

2011-07-06T19:31:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details
Product Features
* Unlocked quad-band GSM cell phone compatible with 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies and US/International 3G compatibility via 850/900/1900/2100 UMTS/HSDPA plus GPRS/EDGE capabilities
* Smaller version of N97 with 3.2-inch touch-enabled screen and flip-out QWERTY keyboard; GPS with free Ovi Maps navigation; Nokia Navigation Accessory Kit
* 5-megapixel camera/camcorder with Carl Zeiss optics; Wi-Fi networking; Bluetooth stereo music; 8 GB internal memory; expandable via microSD (up to 16 GB)
* Up to 7.17 hours of GSM talk time (4 hours on 3G networks), up to 320 hours (13-plus days) of standby time
* What's in the Box: Handset, Nokia Navigation Accessory Kit (mobile charger, mobile holder, holder easy mount), rechargeable battery, charger, connectivity cable, wired headset, cleaning cloth, quick start guide

Dimensions

* Size (LWH): 7.28 inches, 7.68 inches, 2.17 inches
* Weight: 4.8 ounces

Product Features
* Minimum Rated Talk Time: 430 minutes
* Minimum Rated Standby Time: 320 hours
* Vibrating Alert

Key Features
* Fast 3G connectivity via 850/900/1900/2100 MHz bands (HSDPA)
* Quad-band GSM connectivity for global voice roaming
* Gorgeously colorful 3.2-inch touch-enabled display with 640 x 360-pixel resolution and support for up to 16.7 million colors. The resistive touch screen includes haptic feedback so you know when you've pressed a key or onscreen menu, brightness control, an ambient light detector, and an orientation sensor that effortlessly switches from portrait to landscape viewing.
* Personalize your home screen with widgets that bring live feeds from social networks, news agencies, and weather services. Add bookmarks and contact shortcuts to your home screen so that your favorite Web pages and friends are just a tap away.
* Full QWERTY keyboard flips open from the left side, and the display pivots to up to a 35-degree angle for easier reading of the screen while you're typing.
* Integrated GPS receiver with free Ovi Maps enables you to find your route quickly and easily, whether walking or driving. Use the Walk pedestrian navigation to find your way, or the voice-guided Drive navigation to find the best route. (Learn more)
* Built-in compass keeps you pointing in the right direction and the map adapts to point the same way you do
* 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics with up to 14x digital zoom, dual LED flash, auto-focus, and Cover Flow viewing of photos with finger motions.
* Capture DVD-quality videos (640 x 480; VGA) in a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio at 30 frames per second (fps). Other features include MPEG4/3GPP formats, up to a 90-minute clip length, video stabilization, scene settings, and video light.
* Upload your photos and videos to Ovi Share and share them online with friends and family.
* Secondary camera on front for video calls (QCIF resolution)
* 8 GB internal memory
* Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB in size.
* Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
* Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock. If your laptop is Bluetooth enabled, you can connect wirelessly and enjoy dial-up networking (DUN profile); note that additional charges may be applicable.
* SMS and MMS messaging
* View Web pages on the large 16:9 widescreen display (HTML and JavaScript support, Flash Lite 3.0 and Flash video support).
* Organizer tools including calendar, to-do list, notes, clock, converter, and voice recorder
* Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
* Supports e-mail accounts from more than a thousand ISPs (SMTP, IMAP4, POP3), as well as Gmail, Yahoo! mail, and Hotmail. People who use Microsoft Exchange at work can access their email using the Mail for Exchange mobile email client, which comes pre-loaded (an Exchange email account is required and your Exchange Administrator must have enabled your account for synchronization).
* Document viewer compatible with attachments like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and PDF files.
* Digital audio player compatible with MP3, WMA, AAC, eAAC, and eAAC+ formats. Control your music with just a touch by adding the media player widget to the home screen.
* Stereo FM radio with RDS capabilities

Vital Statistics
The Nokia N97 Mini weighs 4.87 ounces and measures 4.45 x 2.07 x 0.56 inches. Its 1200 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7.17 hours of GSM talk time (4 hours on 3G networks), and up to 320 hours (13+ days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies, plus 850/900/1900/2100 3G networks (HSDPA).

What's in the Box
Nokia N97 Mini handset, Nokia Navigation Accessory Kit (mobile charger DC-6, mobile holder CR-117, holder easy mount HH-20), rechargeable battery (BL-4D), charger (AC-10U), connectivity cable (CA-101), wired headset (AD-54, HS-45), cleaning cloth, quick start guide

Product Description
Following in the footsteps of its bigger, older brother, the Nokia N97 mini sports new homescreen widgets and a host of usability improvements. While the N97 mini still packs 8GB of storage, a 3.2-inch touchscreen, and full QWERTY keyboard into its 14.2mm thin frame, it's also the first Nokia device to offer Lifecasting with Ovi--a new partnership with Facebook that enables users to update their Facebook status directly from the device’s homescreen. It doesn't stop there though, as location details can also be updated, enabling a whole new level of social sharing and communication. The N97 mini is based on the same tilt display design of its N97 big brother, but is built into a smaller body complete with new design touches. With the ability to completely customize the homescreen, users will be able to make their N97 mini truly unique. The 3.2-inch touchscreen opens up a new world of software improvements including flick scrolling, and a range of new experiences including new homescreen widgets. What's more, the software updates are available for existing N97 devices. The Nokia N97 mini works seamlessly with Ovi Store where users can add new applications, widgets, ringtones and other content to their device. It also sports Ovi Maps and comes with integrated A-GPS and compass along with with voice navigation for driving or walking. Over 155,000 points of interest are also available through Lonely Planet guides and restaurants through Michelin Guides

The most helpful favorable review
76 of 79 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Seriously well put together phone - with one goof, December 3, 2009
By lightstream
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Nokia N97 mini 8 GB Unlocked Phone, Free GPS with Voice Navigation and Navigation/Car Kit--U.S. Version with Full U.S. Warranty (Black) (Wireless Phone Accessory)
January 9 2010: I amended the review to add some details about a couple problems I've had with the phone, slowdowns which lead to lockups and twice it suffered a system crash that leads to wiping out the phone's memory. I devoted a lot of the amended review to a hassle I had with Nokia's customer service. I realize that's unfair and irrelevant to the review of the phone, so I removed it.

Although it says I bought the phone from Amazon I actually bought it direct from Nokia. I canceled the Amazon order when I thought they had the wrong color. I'm sorry that happened because buying it from Amazon would have been a better experience. (another edit: since installing the new firmware, any stability issues the phone had seem to have been solved)

My original review:

The quality of the materials and the fit/finish & construction is the first thing I noticed, taking this out of the box. It has nice surfaces everywhere, a shiny steel bezel on the front and highlights around the bottom section, a matte black (brownish) metal finish on the bottom with a steel battery door and camera lens bezel. The battery door latches securely (and easily) unlike any phone I've ever owned. The phone feels heavy in a high quality way. It fits in your hand in a way that makes it feel much thinner than you would expect from the measurements. The flare at the bottom makes it feel more secure in your hand. The raised lens bezel makes it easy to avoid inadvertently using the camera lens as a finger grip.

so many pros...
-- Touchscreen is very responsive and has kinetic scrolling and it's easy to stop the screen without accidentally launching something.
-- Browser is full screen and looks great. (embedded con - I'm not sure I like the controls that pop up for some basic stuff like "back" or bookmarks. I can't find an easy way to backtrack in sites without bringing up the clunky set of controls.)
-- The 3-row back-lit keyboard is easy to see in dim light, and it looks awesome with the gray and orange illumination. The layout works great for me, I'm already comfortable with how it works and find it much nicer than keyboards with 5 rows of keys.
-- 16 x 9 screen has excellent color and brightness, even outside. Perfect format for watching movies full screen.
-- Has native support for Flash and java so Youtubes and flash based websites look like they should. (does not support Flash 10 - hopping for an update)
-- When you open the keyboard the screen tilts into a good viewing angle, either for typing with your thumbs or setting it on a table. Works great for watching videos, you don't have to prop it up on something.
-- Stereo speakers sound great for speaker phone. (edited to add: the speaker quality continues to impress me. They also work good for listening to the FM radio.) Music sounds outstanding through headphones, it sounds like a high-end MP3 player. Music Player has the best sorting, album art, searching, Playlist creating and ID3Tag editing I've ever seen on a phone - wow.
-- Accelerometer is pretty fast and all menus and screens and all but a few third-party apps have a landscape mode. You have to turn it on, it's off by default. The keyboard forces a landscape mode.
-- This is the most customizable phone I've ever had. Nothing is locked in place, put it wherever it works best for you. I've already downloaded about a dozen themes and love how much you can personalize the appearance of the menus and screens, even the icons.
-- The widgitized home screen is of course just as customizable but has another feature I wasn't expecting. You can swipe your finger across it and hide all the widgets so your phone display is just the wallpaper you chose and the clock at the top. Another swipe brings them back.
-- Call quality and signal strength is very good - what you would expect from Nokia. I'm replacing a Samsung Eternity and this phone is a dramatic contrast, it's so much better.
-- All the phone stuff, voice dial, speed dial, endless contact list with all the fields you could ever need, excellent contact list access/search, full MP3 ringtones, etc. It's all there and implemented very well.
-- It comes loaded with apps, all of which can be removed if you want. Email is available in a couple different ways, a pay push system or free mail client in the messaging bundle. POP3 or IMAP.
-- App stores for Symbian S60 are plentiful and there are loads of free apps and themes as well as ones you pay for.
-- GPS is fast to fix on a location and stays locked on very well. Works much better outside than it does indoors.
-- WiFi was easy to set up with MAC address and WPA security on my home system. It seems a bit flakey about staying connected or the phone deciding which network to use for certain apps, GSM or WiFi. I haven't found the way to configure this yet but I'm sure it's in there somewhere. (edited: a call to nokia support took care of this. There is a way to make it ask which connection to use when launching)
-- Headphone jack has video out and hands-free mic & music controller inside the single 3.5mm plug. A nice set of headphones with mic and music controls is included but no video cable.
-- Camera is excellent from what I can tell, haven't tried the video recorder yet.

you get the idea... I really like this phone. It does everything and does it in a mature way, the OS feels like it's no-nonsense, something made for adults.

Now the cons (including a big one - oops nokia!)

-- limited video codec support. No DiVX. Player is from Real Player. I'm looking for a video player app to replace it - any suggestions would be appreciated.
-- photo viewer doesn't recognize folders. This means all your contacts, album art, phone photos and collections of photos are all in one list, not necessarily sorted in the order you would expect. It's a pain to do anything with photos (my old phone worked the same way). ***I see there are third--party apps that seem to address all the issues.*** <-- this is not true. I was thinking the Resco Photo Viewer took care of this problem but it doesn't. I haven't found anything that does. A Nokia update might be able to address this and also make the photo viewer usable. -- GPS has an indicator to show it's running but it doesn't show if it's connected to any satellites. (edited: some of the GPS apps have a satellite signal strength indicator on the screen, but this doesn't help when multitasking.) -- some of the menus and built-in apps like the media player have a bland retro look. A bit of skinning would have helped, smaller boxes, less 3-d shading and touches like that. Simpler would have been nicer. Maybe some different fonts. -- There's a blinking indicator for unread messages that won't stop flashing. I've marked everything I can find as read but it continues blinking. (solved: messages stored on the SIMM card caused this - thx to the comment that pointed this out) -- The screen is a little stiff to flip up, but it's spring loaded so once it gets going it flies into place. Getting a fingernail under the back part really helps pop it into place. A small indent back there would have helped. -- USB connector is uncovered (dust) and is placed on the front so it's a bit awkward using it while plugged in - also the connector is mounted upside down which is mildly irritating. -- not a con but I haven't figured out where the mic is - so I'm not sure if I'm putting my finger over it. -- Here's the big one... The bottom of the phone has the camera lens bezel on one side and a flare on the other side to make it sit flat on a flat surface. The space in front of the lens bezel is enough to make it tip when you type on that side of the keyboard. [This is only a problem if you type on the keyboard while it's sitting on a flat surface, like a desk. Most people type with their thumbs while holding the phone so for them it wouldn't be an issue. (edited to add this clarification)] The original N97, the design this phone was based on, has a lens cover in a shroud that extends to the front of the phone. Leaving the lens cover off the mini created the problem. The designers must have not thought it through (or tested their design) but it clearly is a flaw Nokia needs to correct. This phone is just too cool to give up on so I used a wooden matchstick to steady it and then realized I could just glue it to the case. I put a photo of my matchstick mod in the user photo gallery. If anyone else comes up with a solution for the tippy case I'd love to see it, I'm hoping to use the mini for at least a few years. (someone in the comments pointed out that using a case with the phone would also solve the problem.) My wife found another solution for the "foot" problem. She gave me a package of leather dots that quilters use as a thimble, stuck right on the tip of their finger. These things stick to the case really well and you can pull them off of the case without leaving any mess behind. Two of them stacked together make a perfect height for the foot. Edited - 03-05-10: I added some photos to the gallery. These are to show the ThimblePad foot in place and also the clarity of the Clarivue screen protector. Plus I added a couple of shots that are just sheer affection for the design of this phone. Edited May 16, 2010: I upgraded to the new firmware recently and my phone is more stable, the UI is faster, memory is optimized better so multitasking never hiccups and my battery life is outstanding. I'm getting three days on a single charge even with fairly heavy usage. Right now I'm at a bit more than 48 hours since I charged and my battery shows 100%. A week ago after going 72 hours the battery still showed 27% when I plugged it in for the night. I just put my rating back to five stars, I love this phone more every day. Edited - July 1: I took the "foot" off the mini and the stylus string broke so I have a naked phone again, like just out of the box. I really like it this way and I found something useful for the tippy keyboard. A quarter (US) slipped under the corner works perfectly to stabilize the case. I'll live with this solution for a while and see how it works for me. I still have plenty of the leather feet so I can always go back to that. I like the phone the way it is though. I still haven't seen any phone for AT&T's 3.5G that is anywhere near as functional or well built as the mini for the price. I've been carrying it unprotected in my pocket for six months and it looks as good as new (I do have a clear screen protector). No scratches and the finish is still beautiful. I find new functions all the time and have settled on about ten favorite themes. I love this phone. The most helpful critical review
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Best Nokia Phone I've used so Far, January 22, 2010
By Jose Reyes
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Nokia N97 mini 8 GB Unlocked Phone, Free GPS with Voice Navigation and Navigation/Car Kit--U.S. Version with Full U.S. Warranty (Black) (Wireless Phone Accessory)
My first Unlocked Nokia was the E71. I thought that was a solid phone, but felt jealous of all the people with their big screen phones, therefore decided to get the Nokia 5800 Navigation Edition...worst mistake I've ever made. That phone is probably Nokia's worst phone in my opinion. The best thing about it was the lifetime navigation license, but what good is that if the User Interface sucked, and was difficult to use. I returned that as soon as I could...sigh. Then I heard about the mini..it looks and feels fantastic. The one thing I have been unable to do that I miss from the E71, is the fact that I got to choose what internet to use. Ex: I could just set it to use WIFI and be done with it. The mini does not allow me to do this. Sometimes it asks me what I want to use, wifi or my phone's network. Other times I can't figure out what it is using. I prefer the touch interface on this phone hella better than the 5800. But hey, it was Nokia's first "mass market" touch interface. I mean what else can I say. I have a 5MP Camera, A GPS Navigator, A Phone, an MP3 Player, FM Radio, and an internet browser with FLASH support in one device. I do, however wish they would have kept the memory at 32GB. Other than that I am very happy with my phone, I haven't had any issues mentioned, though I did have them with the 5800.

P.S. If anyone knows what I'm talking about with the wifi, feel free to send me some info on how to set it to only use wifi. Thank You.

Review Update: My Honeymoon is Over!

After owning the phone for about 5 months I realized this was not the phone for me. The truth is...this phone can do a lot. It is feature rich, however as many reviewers have warned, it has a lot of bugs. Like I wrote above, I've owned three Nokias and I've come to the conclusion that when it comes to Call Quality and Signal Strength, nothing beats the Nokia E71. After all, that's the whole purpose of the cell phone right? No, I'm not a business user, I'm just regular average Joe.

Unfortunately that was not the case with the N97 Mini. I would still buy this phone over the 5800 any day. But if you decide to buy the phone, be warned that you're going to get a lot of call drops. Sometimes, I would be talking to someone on the phone and out of nowhere, the phone would shut off. And yes it was fully charged and yes my phone was updated. I mean it only takes a minute "over the air." Also the phone would freeze, not often, but it would. To Nokia's defense though, I have heard that is an issue with most touch screen phones.

I took one star off due to software issues, which I believe is the cause for the freezing and shutoffs. I also took one star off due to speed(response when opening and switching between programs) of the phone. If you're a NOKIA Fan, don't hate me. I still LOVE NOKIA...They give you more for the value of your dollar. I just wish they would take the time to make a better quality product like the E71.

Customer Reviews: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10

2011-07-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

Product Features
Certified waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and freeze-proof
3.0 Touch screen for easy focus selection and photo viewing
Full HD 1080/60i with dual record of stills and movies
16.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor for stunning low-light performance
3D still image and 3D Sweep Panorama: change the view of the world

Technical Details
Brand Name: Sony
Model: DSCTX10/B
Optical Sensor Resolution: 16.2 MP
Optical Sensor Technology: Exmor R CMOS
Optical zoom: 4 x
Maximum Aperture Range: F/3.5-4.6
Minimum focal length: 4.43 millimeters
Maximum focal length: 17.7 millimeters
Lens Type: Zoom lens
Optical Sensor Size: 1/2.3"
Included Flash Type: Built-in flash
Display Size: 3 inches
Light Sensitivity: ISO 800, ISO 125, ISO 400, ISO 200, ISO auto, ISO 1600, ISO 3200
Image types: JPEG
Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
Viewfinder Type: None
Width: 3.8 inches
Depth: 0.7 inches
Height: 2.2 inches
Weight: 4.2 Ounces

Product Description
Live life on the edge with the DSCTX10 Cyber-shot® digital camera. Designed to fit seamlessly into your active lifestyle, this innovative Sony TX10 DSCTX10 Cyber-shot Waterproof Camera is certified waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freeze-proof. The Sony TX10 DSCTX10 Cyber-shot Waterproof Camera captures expansive landscapes with one touch iSweep Panorama or record crystal clear Full HD 1080/60i movies. A 16.2-megapixel "Exmor R" CMOS sensor delivers stunning low-light performance while the high-performance Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® 4x optical zoom lens brings distant subjects close. Compose, review and share shots on the vivid 3.0" touch screen.

The Cyber-shot DSC-TX10 rugged compact features Sony's latest 16.2 MP back-illuminated 'Exmor-R' CMOS sensor. Its dustproof, waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof body is available in bright colors. It is dustproof, waterproof up to depths of 5m (16 feet), shockproof against a drop of up to 1.5 meters (5 ft), and freezeproof down to -10 degrees C (14F). The stylish compact can record 1080i60 HD videos and also includes a useful HD output despite its small size.
It is bundled with a 25-100mm equiv. wide-angle periscopic zoom lens and 3.0" touchscreen LCD. It includes Sony's 2011 features including Sweep Multi-Angle - a 3D shooting mode sweep that lets you view images moving in simulated 3D right on the TX10's display by tilting the camera back and forth and an HDR feature that compiles the highlights, mid-tones and shadows from three separate shots to create a single image with a wide dynamic range

The most helpful favorable review
84 of 95 people found the following review helpful:
Sony Cyber-shot TX10 User Review, April 12, 2011
By Angel_Pen "angel_rising"
This review is from: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10 16.2 MP Waterproof Digital Still Camera with Exmor R CMOS Sensor, 3D Sweep Panorama and Full HD 1080/60i Video (Black) (Electronics)
If you want to read the opinion of a professional photographer, read on...
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The TX10 is NOT Compatible with Sony Marine Pack Enclosures or any other enclosures.

Pros:
1) The TX10 shines in low-light still photography, it eliminates most of the noise even at ISO 800.
2) The small form factor means you can easily hide the camera from "predators."
3) It is water "resistant' but not truly waterproof aka. you shouldn't go scuba diving with it.
4) It's High Definition 1080p video is pretty good compared to other digital cameras in this price range.
5) Zooming while videotaping is possible. Most consumer digital cameras can't zoom while in video mode.
6) Surprisingly good wide-angle (you don't need a wide-angle adapter)
7) The panorama mode is cute and effective but not very high quality (noise is introduced due to panorama cropping).
8) Excellent flash coverage.
9) Choice of MPEG or AVCHD recording. MPEG is the best choice for compatibility and editing but it takes more space in your memory card. AVCHD is a pain to edit compared to MPEG.

Cons:
1) Compared to my old Canon HV20 the TX10 is simply unable to stabilize the image. Not a deal breaker but you may want to bring a tripod with you at all times.
2) Battery life is dismal, I cannot get more than 80 minutes of continued video shooting from a fully charged Sony battery. I understand third party batteries fair worse (if they work at all). This is a particularly poignant issue if you are near water since you cannot open the camera to change the battery then.
3) The TX10 can charge the battery "in-camera", it does not come with the standard battery charger, instead Sony has included a USB cable and a USB adapter. This is a terrible problem for travel photographers since the battery life is short but it takes several hours to recharge the a battery inside the camera, obviously, while it is charging, you are unable to take photos or videos. This also means you cannot charge your "spare battery" at the same time. In order to solve the problem, you would have to buy extra batteries and an external battery charger, so now you have to carry two chargers. This could have been easily avoided if Sony had included their regular battery charger as they do with older models.
4) All the 3D shooting modes are useless gimmicks, ignore them. They just take precious space in your memory card and you can't view 3D without special equipment.
5) A Mini HDMI to HDMI cable was not included, it could cost you up to $30 to buy a Sony cable. Just get a cheap one for a couple of bucks, don't buy the Sony one, HDMI cables are all compatible.
6) The interactive touch sensitive menu can only be described as a complex labyrinth, extremely awkward to navigate. If Sony was aiming for a friendly interface, they failed miserably.
7) The LCD touch screen is hyper-sensitive and the tiny icons are way to close to each other, the end result it that you rarely press the icon you were aiming for, by the time you solve the mess you created accidentally, your subject has fled the scene. You can help this by "hiding" the icons but then, well, that also requires extra time. Results in an above average learning curve.
8) This camera is extremely slow sometimes, mostly because the 1080p video and the larger 16.2MP pictures require more processing time. Not an ideal camera for action photos.
9) If you like manual exposure controls, forget it, this camera will make you crazy mad. It is automated, albeit it has a nice white balance mode. On the other hand, the auto presets do a better job than a human would in many cases.
10) In video mode, the color saturation is lacking and the video is overexposed 1/2 stop, this creates a somewhat washed out bluish appearance. I suspect they rushed this camera to the market and it just needs a firmware update to fix this. On the other hand, the still photo color balance and exposure is much more pleasant. Sadly the camera "forgets" your manual exposure adjustments when you turn it off.
11) The digital zoom is surprisingly the worse of its kind, quite useless, but I never use it anyway.
12) Attention Divers: The Sony "Marine Pack" enclosure is incompatible with the DSC-TX10.
13) For amateur divers: TX10 is NOT truly waterproof no matter what Sony may want you to believe. The camera is only "water-resistant" at best. It is possible to open the battery latch underwater by accident (there is no secondary locking mechanism like Panasonic's) and the seals are not strong enough anyway. Remember, all it takes is one tiny drop of water to fog your camera lens from the inside.
I have yet to see an "waterproof" consumer camera that can last more than a few hours underwater without a case. The internet is full of horror stories regarding this issue. There is no need to gamble with your investment. However, I highly recommend the TX10 for use in the rain or the snow. Maybe even kayaking.

Overall, I like this camera, it takes superb photos, not as good as a Nikon SRL but the color balance is pretty decent for the price but if you don't need a water "resistant" camera then get the recently released Sony HX7V, it takes better pictures and it is less expensive.

By the way: I returned the TX10. The issues mentioned above became too much of a nuisance.

The most helpful critical review
35 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
Mixed feelings on this Upgrade to the TX9, April 6, 2011
By B. Hayes
This review is from: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-TX10 16.2 MP Waterproof Digital Still Camera with Exmor R CMOS Sensor, 3D Sweep Panorama and Full HD 1080/60i Video (Black) (Electronics)
I own the TX9 which has been stellar thus far (with the exception of the flash failing and needing replacement from Sony) with excellent video quality and very good photo quality. My review of the TX10 is based on my experience with the TX9.

Rather than getting deep into a wordy review of this camera I will give good/bad qualities:

Good:

- Water proofing to 15 feet is a really handy feature. This camera handled pool water like a champ with no issues of water infiltration anywhere.

- Sharp video with beautiful color saturation. Compared to the TX9, the TX10 has slightly better video quality.

- Quick functioning zoom, especially during video recording and compared to the TX9.

- Menu layout is a bit more intuitive compared to the TX9.

- Camera body is smaller compared to TX9.

- Fish-eye effect seems to be less compared to the TX9 at wide angles. (but it's still there)

- Steady shot seems more aggressive compared to TX9 which makes video more enjoyable to watch.

- Ability to snap photos while taking video.

- Slightly improved low light performance especially in video.

Bad:

- Audio seems muffled compared to TX9. I believe this is due to the water proof material that encapsulates the microphones, but there is a noticeable degradation compared to the TX9.

- Terribly slow start-up, especially taking video. Time from turning the camera on to taking a photo is, on average, 6 seconds. Time from turning the camera on to taking video can take as long as 9 seconds.

- Superior auto mode and intelligent auto mode has lackluster performance compared to the TX9.

- Zoomed video is less sharp compared to the TX9.

- Because of the smaller form factor, I find myself catching my fingers in photos and video more often compared to the TX9.

- On the TX9, you can be in photo mode and have the option to immediately take video at the push of a button on the touch screen. On the TX10, there is a video record button on the top of the camera, but when you push it in, it takes about 5 1/2 seconds before video recording starts. On the TX9, it is immediate.

- Don't notice a real difference in picture quality with the 16.2 Megapixels.

- Eats batteries compared to the TX9. Not sure why, but I only got 25 minutes of video from a full battery where I get 40 minutes on the TX9.

- Does not come with a plug in charger like the TX9, but rather a USB cable that plugs into the phone to charge the battery.

- Smaller LCD compared to the TX9, with what I perceive to be lower resolution quality which makes it somewhat difficult to determine if a photo is properly focused.

- Auto focus is not as quick during video compared to the TX9, sometimes resulting in fuzzy video especially in low light.

- Menu uses swipe technology similar to iphone and Ipod touch. However, it is not nearly as responsive and often results in selecting items you did not mean to select.

Overall, I like the camera, but I think that unless you will use the waterproof ability on a regular basis I think the TX9 is a better buy. They are very close in image quality with the TX10 slightly edging out the TX9 in video quality. The smaller form factor may be an issue for those with larger hands. My original intention was to keep this camera and sell the TX9 on ebay, but I actually think I'll return the TX10 and wait for the next generation.

Customer Reviews: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 12.1 MP Rugged/Waterproof Digital Camera

2011-07-04T19:39:00.000-07:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features
4 Active Outdoor Scene Modes: The DMC-TS3 has 4 active outdoor Scene Modes - Sports, Snow, Beach & Snorkeling and Underwater
LEICA DC Lens with Folded Optics Technology: The DMC-TS3 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 28mm wide-angle lens
28mm Wide-angle Lens: The 28mm wide-angle lens lets you easily capture large groups of people indoors
Newly Developed 12.1-megapixel Hi-speed CCD: The newly developed 12.1-megapixel CCD with 2-channel signal
Sonic Speed AF: The Sonic Speed AF system includes numerous re-engineering enhancements

Technical Details
Brand Name: Panasonic
Model: DMC-TS3D
Optical Sensor Resolution: 12.1 MP
Optical Sensor Technology: Hi-Speed CCD
Optical zoom: 4.6 x
Maximum Aperture Range: F/3.3-5.9
Minimum focal length: 4.9 millimeters
Maximum focal length: 22.8 millimeters
Lens Type: Zoom lens
Optical Sensor Size: 1/2.33"
Included Flash Type: Built-in flash
Display Size: 2.7 inches
Light Sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 800, ISO 400, ISO 200, ISO auto, ISO auto (1600-6400), ISO 1600
Image types: JPEG
Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
Exposure Control Type: Candle, Beach, Transform, Snow, High sensitivity, Starry sky, Baby1, Baby2, Photo frame, Portrait mode, Aerial photo, Hi-speed burst, Film grain, Flash-burst, Pin hole, High dynamic, Handheld night shot, Party/indoor, Night portrait, Self-portrait, Pet, Scenery, Food, Fireworks, Panorama assist, Night scene, Underwater, Sports mode, Sunset
Viewfinder Type: None
Width: 4.1 inches
Depth: 1.1 inches
Height: 2.5 inches
Weight: 6.2 Ounces

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TS3, specifically designed for active users who want to capture high-quality photos and 1920 x 1080 full-High Definition videos, incorporating a powerful rugged design and new outdoor-friendly features, such as a built-in GPS function, a compass, altimeter and barometer. The new 12.1-megapixel Lumix TS3 further strengthens its toughness, when compared to its Lumix TS2 predecessor, and is now waterproof to approximately 40 feet (12m); shockproof to approximately 6.6 feet (2m); freezeproof to 14ºF (-10 degrees C); and dustproof.

The Panasonic Lumix TS3 also features the new Panasonic 3D Photo mode, which produces a realistic 3D photo by taking 20 consecutive photos and overlays the two best to create a 3D image that can then be played on a Panasonic VIERA 3D HDTV. The format of 3D images is compatible with MPO, and can also be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment such as a televisions, digital photo frames and printers. Panasonic also adds the Lumix Image Uploader, for seamless and instant sharing via Facebook (for digital photos) or YouTube (for videos). Users can checkmark the photo or video files they want to share, connect it to a PC with the included USB cable or by inserting the SD Memory Card directly into the PC's SD Card slot, and then the uploading automatically launches with an easy-to-follow menu option.

The Panasonic Lumix TS3 features a 28mm wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens, complete with a folded optics design. With an optical zoom up to 4.6x, the Lumix TS3 works even while shooting video--giving the user the flexibility for a variety of different scenes--especially underwater, where movement is often restricted and the angle of view becomes important for composing shots. Thanks to the newly incorporated Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available and extends the zoom to 6x equivalent.

Empowered by a newly developed 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor, the Lumix TS3 is compatible with high-speed, large-capacity signal processing required for 1920 x 1080 full-HD AVCHD video recording and high speed continuous shooting. The advanced image processor, the Venus Engine FHD, powers Panasonic's Intelligent Resolution and the Sonic Speed AF, allows for a shutter release time lag as short as approximately 0.005 second. Beyond full-HD video recording capabilities, Lumix TS3 excels in shooting videos with a Dolby Digital Creator so audio quality is also high. The built-in LED light greatly supports shooting in dark situations. The Lumix TS3 also features a 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot Intelligent LCD screen with wide-viewing angle and Anti-Reflection coating.

Panasonic's iA Mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically, has evolved for more powerful image stabilization while video recording and taking still photos with Active Mode which boosts POWER OIS to excel in suppressing blur when recording videos at wide angle while walking. Other features of iA include: POWER OIS, Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure. With iA, taking beautiful photos is possible for users at any skill level. In addition, the Intelligent Resolution technology is always activated in the iA mode, which helps produce even clearer photos by precisely performing signal processing pixel by pixel to help ensure clear and sharp images.

The newly-integrated GPS function shows the name of the Country/Region, State/Prov./County, County/Township, City/Town/Village and Landmark by using the internal data to give users details on where the photos or videos were taken. The area information covers 203 countries or regions for global users. Plus, more than 1,000,000 landmarks over 78 countries or regions are in the database. Using the included software PHOTOfunSTUDIO 6.1 HD Lite Edition, photos and videos can be searched by location and names. The Lumix TS3 also features an internal clock that automatically adjusts to the local time when GPS is enabled--a handy feature for travelers.

Panasonic Lumix TS3 Highlights

3D Photo Mode
The newly added 3D Photo Mode* produces a 3D image in the camera. The image-processing method used by LUMIX records beautiful images with less distortion or visible image links. Take 20 panning shots and the camera automatically selects the two most suitable images--one for the right eye and one for the left eye--to synthesize a 3D composite.

The 3D image can be viewed on a VIERA HDTV. The 3D image format is compatible with MPO, so it can be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment such as TVs and digital photo frames, or printed.
*The picture size is fixed to 2-megapixel (16:9)

3D Image Viewer/VIERA Link
Photos or movies recorded in AVCHD on the SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Cards are easy to view on a Panasonic VIERA TV. Simply insert the card into the VIERA Image Viewer (SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card slot) on VIERA TV or DIGA Blu-ray Disc Player to playback your contents. Alternatively, you can use an optional HDMI micro cable to output the still and motion images you took from the DMC-TS3 directly to the TV for VIERA Link. Most of the control is possible using only the TV's remote control.

Leica DC Lens
The DMC-TS3 features a high-quality LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR 28mm wide-angle lens with a 4.6x optical zoom (35mm camera equivalent: 28-128mm). The folded optics of shaft guide method is adopted to secure the toughness of the lens unit. This lens unit comprises 10 elements and a prism unit in 8 groups, including an ED lens and 5 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces passing the Leica's stringent standards to deliver exceptional optical performance to the edges.

The DMC-TS3 is drop proof from a height up to 2.0m in accordance with the "MIL-STD 810F Method516.5-Shock" test standard. In addition to reinforcing the exterior of the camera with shock-resistant material, the DMC-TS3 uses folded optics to prevent its lens unit from taking damage when dropped during operation. The lens unit is protected by a supplementary damper to absorb the force from shock impact. All components including the lens unit are reexamined to endure the temperature as low as -10 degrees C to make the DMC-TS3 freezeproof.

2.7-inch high-resolution LCD
The DMC-TS3's large 2.7-inch LCD features a high 230,000-dot resolution, and a wide-viewing angle that lets you frame your shot in a variety of ways for both shooting and viewing. LUMIX's acclaimed Intelligent LCD function also automatically adjusts the brightness in 11 steps according to shooting conditions. In addition, the AR (anti-reflective) coating LCD minimizes glare and provides clear images, for high visibility even in outdoor brightness.

This LCD provides sharp, clear images in virtually all shooting situations, ranging from nighttime to bright daylight scenes and from low-angle to high-angle shooting. And it lets you share the fun of viewing images with family and friends.

Lumix Image Uploader
The DMC-TS3 gives you a new form of communication by letting you share your photos and movies. All you have to do is checkmark the photos and movies you want to share and connect the camera or SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory Card to a computer. Uploading automatically starts by simply following the guidance. It's easy to share photos and movies on the spot, which means that your friends don't have to wait for you to come back home to see them.

Product Description
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 12.1 Megapixel Compact Camera - 4.90 mm-22.80 mm - Orange DMC-TS3D Digital Cameras

The most helpful favorable review
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
best of the 'rugged' cameras, May 1, 2011
By SAvery
This review is from: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 12.1 MP Rugged/Waterproof Digital Camera with 4.6x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Orange) (Electronics)
I purchased this camera as an upgrade from my Fuji xp10. I also bought an xp30 and the Panasonic consistently blows it away.

GPS: First sat aquisition takes a while, that is to be expected. After than in clear view (no trees, etc) I have gotten quick consistent signals in Hawaii and decent signals in Washington. Hawaii is much better as would be expected because there are more available sat's the closer to the equator. If you are expecting performance on par with your Garmin device, you will be disappointed. If you are expecting the tiny gps sensor to work under most reasonable circumstances, then you will be pleased. The GPS data on the display screen is a nice bonus but again, don't fool yourself into expecting dedicated gps device performance.

Underwater camera: I've snorkeled in 75 degree salt water for four days in a row for not less than 3 hours. In clear water the underwater pictures are amazing. I never got anything close to this quality out of the XP10 and it is a good camera. It completely blows the XP30 away. The full 1080 movies underwater are also excellent, though to be fair I've only watched them on the 720 laptop screen. The camera has gotten a rinse in fresh water after each ocean bath and plenty of time to air dry. So far very good. I can't say enough about how much better the images are from this device.

Battery: yet another custom sized battery and accompying charger. I'm not going to pick on companies for having a custom sized battery too much, but for my sanity, please just make the darn camera charge over a standard usb plug. I see how having a seperate charger coudl allow me to run with one and charge another but really, the battery life is very good (2-3 hours of actual snorkeling with the camera on all the time and still only using about 60% of the battery.

Outdoor picture quality: Good. lots and lots of specific modes (everything from portrait, to sunset, to fireworks, etc..) good enough general use that I left the canon SX100 at home but I do miss the 10x zoom. I'm willing to trade off the zoom for the one device and the massive improvement in ruggedness.

Haven't done much indoor shooting yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if this camera gives up a little bit in that side of things. There are LOTS of good cameras for shooting indoors, but there aren't many that you can take snorkeling in the morning, drop on the gravel road loading up the car, and then rise and dunk into a snowbank in the evening. This camera impresses me more every day of vacation. I brought the xp10 as a backup but it hasn't even gotten out of the suitcase.

The most helpful critical review
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
Picture Quality Very Good, Usability So-So, May 16, 2011
By H. Sansom "huw_the_book"
This review is from: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3 12.1 MP Rugged/Waterproof Digital Camera with 4.6x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Orange) (Electronics)
[Updated at bottom]

I have used some 20 or 30 cameras over the past 15 years -- point and shoots like this, video cameras, film cameras and film and digital SLRs. The Panasonic Lumix is a very nice point and shoot, but there are definite issues.... I have _not_ tested it underwater as of this writing (May 16, 2011).

Pluses:
1. Outstanding exposure balance. High-contrast shots will be well-balanced between light and dark areas. You will see detail in the shadows and in the highlights. This is a significant strength.

2. Nice and sharp for a camera with a point-and-shoot sized sensor but a high resolution (12 megapixels).

3. Excellent color balance. Images are not over-saturated, something I've seen frequently. The camera does give you a good deal of control over color.

4. There is comparatively little barrel distortion when close to subjects.

Cons:
1. You do not get as much control over shooting as you do with comparable Canon point-and-shoots. Canon allows you more control over what happens when -- like the flash firing. With the Lumix, the Flash is either on or off. The camera tends to use the Flash when it is not really necessary.

2. Accurate and rapid focusing is poor. If you hope to catch something quickly, forget about it. My camera sometimes doesn't get _anything_ in focus.

3. As with most point-and-shoots, the aperture is small, so if you want to get a nice sense of depth, you will be disappointed.

4. The macro feature is especially frustrating. For some reason, it sometimes fails to turn on. The focusing issues are worse with the macro feature.

5. Some features remain on or off after restarting the camera, others don't. If you turned off the flash, that will remain off when you turn the camera off and back on. If you turned on the macro feature, that will turn off when you turn the camera off.

6. Adjustment of some features -- like how the camera selects focusing area -- are annoyingly difficult to access

7. The video compression format is MTS (MPEG-2 Transport Stream) is used. This format is used only by Sony and Panasonic, as I understand it. It will require an MTS converter.

8. The Panasonic-provided software is Windows-only. (Come on guys, haven't you learned anything post-iPhone and iPad?)

9. As I said, I have not tested the underwater qualities, but the seal around the door and the locking feature both look pretty feeble. I have used underwater housings professionally, and I can say that underwater is _very_ susceptible to user-error. A tiny bit of dust or a strand of hair in the seal can kill the underwater protection. Water wants to get in... and the deeper you go, the greater the pressure to force water in.

10. And of course, this is a _very_ expensive point-and-shoot in today's market.

Update (3 JUne 2011):

I have had more time to work with the focusing issues on this camera, and my conclusion is that it is _terrible_ on focus -- slow and inaccurate. I rarely use point-and-shoot cameras. Most of the cameras I have used have been Canon (both professional DSLRs and point-and-shoots) and this is hands-down the worst camera I have yet seen for focusing. No matter how I adjust the settings (sports, facial recognition, landscape, portrait, etc.), it routinely fails to focus on the subject of interest.