Tagged Products - 512mb

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Lenovo 2373c88 Thinkpad Laptop (Refurbished)-Thinkpad T42 Intel 1.7 512MB 40GB DVD-CDRW WiFi XP

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Kodak EasyShare W820 Wireless 8" Digital Frame with Home Decor Kit

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Kodak EasyShare W820 Wireless 8" Digital Frame with Home Decor Kit

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Aspire One Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz Mini-Notebook - Seashell White

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Kodak EasyShare W820 Wireless 8" Digital Frame with Home Decor Kit

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(volume up and power) then re-enter the exact same data.

2) Slide transitions are much slower than the rate set in slide show options. This appears to be caused by the frame rescaling my images on the fly to fit them to the LCD. A faster processor would have been nice, but performance is usable setting the transition to the fastest rate. If you pre-load a slideshow to the frame and allow for resizing during the transfer it works better but this was not aligned with my use case.

3) Wireless speeds seem to be a little slow in transfering large amounts of data between the PC and the frame. Since this is not a multi-tasking user-interface device the frame (and PC Software) appears to be frozen during 10 minute updates.

4) Background audio breaks up when playing slideshows. This occurred with the audio and video files transferred wirelessly or pre-loaded on the frame. My initial assumption was the processor in the frame is just plain undersized or incompatible with my MP3 ripper. Attempts to correct this by re-ripping my audio tracks at a lower bit-rate were fruitless although I did notice that audio worked well while not in a slide show. What helped out enormously was changing the transition effects. I'm starting to believe there is a memory corruption issue in the 10/28 FW when using WIPE and a couple other effects. Fade/Zoom seems to work fine. While I occasionally hear a slight rhaspyness in a track, this may just be a limitation of the audio fidelity of the frame.

5) The PC Software for creating slide shows BLOWS CHUNKS. When accessing a directory on the frame it is unresponsive up while it downloads all of the information. This is excessive when you've downloaded 1000 images and just want to update a couple. It's also pretty sad to see the special edition of Easyshare SW for the frame doesn't even have a sort button for merging photos from several cameras by date. For that matter, the frame only plays in order of file name or picture date, making a scripted slide show more difficult to create. The slide show preview doesn't allow for deleting photo's from the show and the images in the picture tray are way too small to make judgement calls on.


So it may sound like I'm down this frame, not really. As a bleading edge product it can be made to perform well and offer features this year that others will be adding next.

The question you must ask yourself when considering this frame is are you willing to invest the time learning how to make it work and hope for firmware and PC software updates over the next few months to improve usability or would you rather wait another year for a more mature product from Kodak and others. If you aren't willing to spend a few hours frustrated wondering if problems are your media, network or the W1020, then save some money and drop the WIFI feature. If you really want to be the first in your group with a WIFI frame, then be aware that you can make this frame work pretty well if you invest the effort.

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Kingston 512MB Micro SD Memory Card with Adapter

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(volume up and power) then re-enter the exact same data.



2) Slide transitions are much slower than the rate set in slide show options. This appears to be caused by the frame rescaling my images on the fly to fit them to the LCD. A faster processor would have been nice, but performance is usable setting the transition to the fastest rate. If you pre-load a slideshow to the frame and allow for resizing during the transfer it works better but this was not aligned with my use case.



3) Wireless speeds seem to be a little slow in transfering large amounts of data between the PC and the frame. Since this is not a multi-tasking user-interface device the frame (and PC Software) appears to be frozen during 10 minute updates.



4) Background audio breaks up when playing slideshows. This occurred with the audio and video files transferred wirelessly or pre-loaded on the frame. My initial assumption was the processor in the frame is just plain undersized or incompatible with my MP3 ripper. Attempts to correct this by re-ripping my audio tracks at a lower bit-rate were fruitless although I did notice that audio worked well while not in a slide show. What helped out enormously was changing the transition effects. I'm starting to believe there is a memory corruption issue in the 10/28 FW when using WIPE and a couple other effects. Fade/Zoom seems to work fine. While I occasionally hear a slight rhaspyness in a track, this may just be a limitation of the audio fidelity of the frame.



5) The PC Software for creating slide shows BLOWS CHUNKS. When accessing a directory on the frame it is unresponsive up while it downloads all of the information. This is excessive when you've downloaded 1000 images and just want to update a couple. It's also pretty sad to see the special edition of Easyshare SW for the frame doesn't even have a sort button for merging photos from several cameras by date. For that matter, the frame only plays in order of file name or picture date, making a scripted slide show more difficult to create. The slide show preview doesn't allow for deleting photo's from the show and the images in the picture tray are way too small to make judgement calls on.





So it may sound like I'm down this frame, not really. As a bleading edge product it can be made to perform well and offer features this year that others will be adding next.



The question you must ask yourself when considering this frame is are you willing to invest the time learning how to make it work and hope for firmware and PC software updates over the next few months to improve usability or would you rather wait another year for a more mature product from Kodak and others. If you aren't willing to spend a few hours frustrated wondering if problems are your media, network or the W1020, then save some money and drop the WIFI feature. If you really want to be the first in your group with a WIFI frame, then be aware that you can make this frame work pretty well if you invest the effort.

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Sandisk Sansa M230 512MB MP3 player with FM Tuner (Refurbished)

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(volume up and power) then re-enter the exact same data.





2) Slide transitions are much slower than the rate set in slide show options. This appears to be caused by the frame rescaling my images on the fly to fit them to the LCD. A faster processor would have been nice, but performance is usable setting the transition to the fastest rate. If you pre-load a slideshow to the frame and allow for resizing during the transfer it works better but this was not aligned with my use case.





3) Wireless speeds seem to be a little slow in transfering large amounts of data between the PC and the frame. Since this is not a multi-tasking user-interface device the frame (and PC Software) appears to be frozen during 10 minute updates.





4) Background audio breaks up when playing slideshows. This occurred with the audio and video files transferred wirelessly or pre-loaded on the frame. My initial assumption was the processor in the frame is just plain undersized or incompatible with my MP3 ripper. Attempts to correct this by re-ripping my audio tracks at a lower bit-rate were fruitless although I did notice that audio worked well while not in a slide show. What helped out enormously was changing the transition effects. I'm starting to believe there is a memory corruption issue in the 10/28 FW when using WIPE and a couple other effects. Fade/Zoom seems to work fine. While I occasionally hear a slight rhaspyness in a track, this may just be a limitation of the audio fidelity of the frame.





5) The PC Software for creating slide shows BLOWS CHUNKS. When accessing a directory on the frame it is unresponsive up while it downloads all of the information. This is excessive when you've downloaded 1000 images and just want to update a couple. It's also pretty sad to see the special edition of Easyshare SW for the frame doesn't even have a sort button for merging photos from several cameras by date. For that matter, the frame only plays in order of file name or picture date, making a scripted slide show more difficult to create. The slide show preview doesn't allow for deleting photo's from the show and the images in the picture tray are way too small to make judgement calls on.








So it may sound like I'm down this frame, not really. As a bleading edge product it can be made to perform well and offer features this year that others will be adding next.





The question you must ask yourself when considering this frame is are you willing to invest the time learning how to make it work and hope for firmware and PC software updates over the next few months to improve usability or would you rather wait another year for a more mature product from Kodak and others. If you aren't willing to spend a few hours frustrated wondering if problems are your media, network or the W1020, then save some money and drop the WIFI feature. If you really want to be the first in your group with a WIFI frame, then be aware that you can make this frame work pretty well if you invest the effort.

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Apple MacBook Pro with 15.4" Display

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hard drive is quiet. There is no screen flex or wrist pad flex, either. The function keys control contrast, volume and screen brightness. Being used to a Dell Latitude D620, I am used to about a 50% brightness. Configured with a 320 GB hard drive that is a lot of space to store my 120 GB of music and over 100 GB of photos/videos. The hard drive appears to run fast at 5400 RPM (for what I do a 7200 RPM HD was not worth it).

I do not game but I wanted the option given the video capabilities. However, to conserve energy I use the integrated memmory card. If I decide one day to play video games, this notebook will afford me that ability.

Installation of programs have never been easier for me on a Mac than my previous 5 generations of Windows based notebooks (ranging from Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq). I was able to install my printer software and drivers in 1/3 of the time of XP and 1/5 of the time from Vista. Password protecting the notebook, ensured that only I would be able to install ANYTHING onto my notebook. It is so frustrating when someone uses your computer only to find junky software installed into your notebook which add spyware and run your computer less efficiently.

Construction

The solid construction by the aluminum body is elegant and durable. The glass screen is highly reflective but at the angle by which I operate the notebook, I find no problems. It is so easy to wipe off. I have read that viewing angles were limited but I don't find that to be the case for me (with regular positioning and use).

For the size of a widescreen 15.4" notebook, this design is thin and lightweight (5.5 lbs) which matches the weight of many notebooks at the 14.1" size of Windows based notebooks.

I use this notebook on a table or my lap. It does not get hot like prior generations of Macbook Pros which got very uncomfortably hot.

The plug attaches by a magnetic type interface which is easy to use and more durable than other notebook interfaces that tend to dislodge from regular use (My old Gateway and an older model Compaq).

There are 2 USB ports, a Firewire 800 port, earphone and microphone jacks, and a monitor port. A slot for the optical drive is convenient and is software/hardware driven. It is relatively quiet for its operation. I do not even hear the cooling fan when it runs.

Integrated webcam with very good field of view and resolution for its size. Using the camera it is easy to do videoconferencing or video chatting (iChat). The video chat also works with Google's Chat interface.

Batteries

The battery is unlike the batteries of its predecessors. I ordered the older battery and obviously, it would not fit.

Battery life is decent with WIFI and Bluetooth inactivated and brightness set to lower levels, allowing me about 3 hours and 45 minutes. I love how you can display batter life as a percentage or absolute time.

Wifi and Bluetooth activation are easy to operate (at the upper right hand corner of the screen).

Programs

Armed with the Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools) and iLife '08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand), you can do a lot with the notebook right out of the box. I did purchase extra software for more versatility:

Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac Special Media Edition
Final Cut Express 4
Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 (Mac)

PROS
Lightweight for the size of the screen
Thin profile
Next generation trackpad (works similar to an iPhone/IPOD Touch
Ease of operation and installation of programs
Good base of programs installed
Virtually no BLOATWARE
Simplicity of design
Can run windows
Dual video card configuration

CONS
Cost
Average battery life
No matte screen option

Conclusion

Overall, this is a solid notebook with the capabilities to run Windows (but why?). The design is simple and easy to use.

It has made an Apple convert out of me, out of all of these years (23 years - am I that old?) of PC computing from the IBM AT/XT days (monochrome screens, 5 inch floppy drives, 2400 baud modems, noisy dot matrix printers and clicky keyboards).

I highly recommend this product.

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EVGA GeForce 9400GT 1GB DDR2 128-bit PCI-E 2.0 DirectX 10 SLI Ready Video Card

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in a majorly populated city, 40-70 FPS in a normal, noninstanced environment and around 25-45 FPS during instanced, 25 man content. I played a long time at a low framerate, know how frustrating it is and I have to say, after installing this it's like playing a whole new game. I can't heap enough praise on it for how little I spent.

Not sure how helpful this review will be to those who play other online games, but WoW seems to be a pretty decent hog when it comes to resources. I hope this was helpful to at least one other curious person.

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ADI 512MB MP3 Player with FM Tuner / Recorder

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in a majorly populated city, 40-70 FPS in a normal, noninstanced environment and around 25-45 FPS during instanced, 25 man content. I played a long time at a low framerate, know how frustrating it is and I have to say, after installing this it's like playing a whole new game. I can't heap enough praise on it for how little I spent.



Not sure how helpful this review will be to those who play other online games, but WoW seems to be a pretty decent hog when it comes to resources. I hope this was helpful to at least one other curious person.

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Microsoft Xbox 360 Pro Console System

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with both of these saving you about fifty to sixty dollars more depending on where you shop. Not to mention if you're smart you'll toss an extended warranty on that other HDD you just bought to cover a failure, raising its price even further. While everything is capable of being covered under one blanket warranty with the pro. It also comes with two free full games, although I'll probably never play Kung-fu Panda.
If you didn't really understand what I'm trying to say here it's that the Pro is the middle child, and usually best bet, in a series of three versions of the Xbox. There seems to be a lot of confusion about them as well so I'll clear that up now...

The Arcade is the basic, plug and play system. It has no HDD to store large amounts of data on, so you can't rip music to it or put pictures on it. Nor is it backwards compatible with the old Xbox games. You also (and most importantly) can't download most content from the marketplace or play the original Xbox games due to the absence of it.
However, you CAN STILL SAVE YOUR GAME among other things thanks to the complimentary 256MB memory card. Although this will only last so long. For example, a single save in Fallout 3 averages me about 4MBs each.
Also, while your standard AV cables are acceptable, you get much sharper and more accurate color from a component or HDMI cable. Neither of which come with this bundle.
And as far as games go, the Arcade leaves much to be desired. Granted, the games amuse for a while, but you can get the same enjoyment out of the demos (most of which are for the same games) that come preloaded on the Pro or Elite, plus if you don't like them you aren't out any money.
Not to mention no headset is included, which isn't a must but is nice when you're online with friends and like to actually articulate just what kind of support you need to capture the other flag.

The Pro comes with that component cable I mentioned, which when run in HD bumps the resolution up to 720p and can also be used with any non-HD TV with that same crisp color and sharp image so long as it has component ports. I'm currently running it on an HD compatible cathode ray tube (old big TV) with no problems. It also includes a wired headset (plugs into the controller), an ethernet cable so it's online ready, the two games, and a 60GB HDD.
The extra forty gigs on this really comes in handy as on the old 20 GB pro bundles you really only had around thirteen after formatting it while the rest was used for system data. The drive is also preloaded with things like gamer pictures for your profile, and some pretty fun demos. I still play Heavy Weapon and Geometry wars a lot myself and will until I buy the full versions whenever I get around to that.
Since it has a hard drive, this also means you have space to download things like movies, demos, game updates, etc. Just like you would for your PC. You can even install a game to your drive and play it from there to cut down on noise and heat since the disc isn't spinning nearly as much. Granted, you're only going to be able to fit five or six games on here at a time depending on how much other stuff you have on there, but I don't usually find myself playing more games than that at once anyway and just delete whatever I haven't used in a while. You can always reinstall it later. :)
You'll probably notice your games running a bit smother too since that drive space allows for disk caching, which takes a bit of strain off the processing units.
All in all a great rounder that seems to be the console of choice for almost everyone, and for good reason.

Last but not least is the Elite. Also called the "New retard edition" by some launch articles, it's basically the just the Pro painted black with a 120GB drive, some free live time (more on that later), and an HDMI cable. I really can't think of any reason to recommend this unless you really like the color black, or hate third party cables, since you can save money by buying a third party cable or used cable separately. And if you REALLY need the space you can always upgrade either of the others with a 120GB HDD later anyway.

That's about it. Other than that they're essentially all the same... None of them have Li batteries in the controllers out of the box, and run on double a's until you pic up a play and charge kit yourself.
The failure rates, although much lower than the launch systems, are still present and even across the board since they all have the same chipset. So make sure you say yes when asked if you want that extended warranty, because while Microsoft offers a standard extended warranty on a "Red Ring of Death" situation, sending YOUR system in doesn't always mean you get YOUR system back. It isn't uncommon for someone to get someone else's refurbished system in return, and I'm unsure of how they handle saved data (if at all).
However, when purchased virtually anywhere else with a new warranty, any replicated failures mean you get a new system on the spot (usually).

So why should you buy this over the more powerful PS3, or weaker but more innovative Wii? To be blunt, power isn't everything and innovation means nothing if all your games are geared for the newly breed or nearly dead.
Despite the fact that the system doubles as a blu-ray player, currently the PS3 is an tool developers aren't using to it's full potential. While games have better lighting effects and can usually run at a high frame per second rate more consistently, I was willing to sacrifice minor graphical prowess for a larger library and wider variety of games that were more appealing to me. And that's what it's all about; the games.
After all it doesn't really matter how many computations per second your hardware is capable of if all it can play is something you don't enjoy.
Which is the same reason I didn't really get into anything on the Wii other than Trauma Center when I it too. Despite its revolutionary control scheme, everything seemed was either a port that was awkwardly shoe-horned into a broken control scheme, or something that while cute, was far to kiddy for me to really enjoy.
The overall flaw is the same problem Nintendo has had for a while now, being that fun interesting games like Resident Evil, Guitar Hero, and even flagships like Twilight Princess are available on other (or previous) systems where they play better, and in return for their renewed success your loyalty is rewarded with regurgitated Poke'mon tripe. Granted you can purchase and play older games for systems like the NES, SNES, or even N64 but that's what free emulators and ROMs are for.
Again, these are just my personal opinions. There isn't anything really wrong with the design of the other systems, their games just weren't for me.
The 360 is not without it's own flaws though. In addition to the ever present (no matter how unlikely) risk of the RROD, multiplayer is not free on the 360, nor is it wireless capable out of the box.
While both are huge detractions since on each other system wireless and online play is supported from the start, not being wireless capable alone wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fact that the Microsoft adapter costs a c-note new in box, and the other cheaper Linksys ones that were compatible are no longer in production. While there is a sixty to seventy dollar third party unit, it still isn't a huge improvement since you can get the same tech, which does the same thing, for your laptop for about thirty bucks at Walmart. What this is is just a case of Microsoft trying to make more money by locking you to their product.
As far as not being able to access multiplayer without paying fifty bucks a year for a "Gold" (i.e. premium) Xbox live account, it's just asinine. I can understand paying for new content for games, like new maps or guns. I don't have a problem with that. But what Microsoft is asking you to do here is to pay to access a feature you already have, on a game you already own, with the system you already bought, over a connection you already pay for.
Which is really quite tragic since it's the only thing keeping my from giving this a perfect score.

My advice is to look carefully at the library of games for each system and decide what's important to you. Although, if you do plan on playing a lot of games that support multiplayer and are also available on the PS3, you may want to go with that instead to save money in the long run.
However, if you just don't plan on playing online too much in general, the 360 is definitely the way to go.

+ 0 likes

PNY GEFORCE 9600GT PCIE 512MB-W/ FLB VIDADP

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with both of these saving you about fifty to sixty dollars more depending on where you shop. Not to mention if you're smart you'll toss an extended warranty on that other HDD you just bought to cover a failure, raising its price even further. While everything is capable of being covered under one blanket warranty with the pro. It also comes with two free full games, although I'll probably never play Kung-fu Panda.

If you didn't really understand what I'm trying to say here it's that the Pro is the middle child, and usually best bet, in a series of three versions of the Xbox. There seems to be a lot of confusion about them as well so I'll clear that up now...



The Arcade is the basic, plug and play system. It has no HDD to store large amounts of data on, so you can't rip music to it or put pictures on it. Nor is it backwards compatible with the old Xbox games. You also (and most importantly) can't download most content from the marketplace or play the original Xbox games due to the absence of it.

However, you CAN STILL SAVE YOUR GAME among other things thanks to the complimentary 256MB memory card. Although this will only last so long. For example, a single save in Fallout 3 averages me about 4MBs each.

Also, while your standard AV cables are acceptable, you get much sharper and more accurate color from a component or HDMI cable. Neither of which come with this bundle.

And as far as games go, the Arcade leaves much to be desired. Granted, the games amuse for a while, but you can get the same enjoyment out of the demos (most of which are for the same games) that come preloaded on the Pro or Elite, plus if you don't like them you aren't out any money.

Not to mention no headset is included, which isn't a must but is nice when you're online with friends and like to actually articulate just what kind of support you need to capture the other flag.



The Pro comes with that component cable I mentioned, which when run in HD bumps the resolution up to 720p and can also be used with any non-HD TV with that same crisp color and sharp image so long as it has component ports. I'm currently running it on an HD compatible cathode ray tube (old big TV) with no problems. It also includes a wired headset (plugs into the controller), an ethernet cable so it's online ready, the two games, and a 60GB HDD.

The extra forty gigs on this really comes in handy as on the old 20 GB pro bundles you really only had around thirteen after formatting it while the rest was used for system data. The drive is also preloaded with things like gamer pictures for your profile, and some pretty fun demos. I still play Heavy Weapon and Geometry wars a lot myself and will until I buy the full versions whenever I get around to that.

Since it has a hard drive, this also means you have space to download things like movies, demos, game updates, etc. Just like you would for your PC. You can even install a game to your drive and play it from there to cut down on noise and heat since the disc isn't spinning nearly as much. Granted, you're only going to be able to fit five or six games on here at a time depending on how much other stuff you have on there, but I don't usually find myself playing more games than that at once anyway and just delete whatever I haven't used in a while. You can always reinstall it later. :)

You'll probably notice your games running a bit smother too since that drive space allows for disk caching, which takes a bit of strain off the processing units.

All in all a great rounder that seems to be the console of choice for almost everyone, and for good reason.



Last but not least is the Elite. Also called the "New retard edition" by some launch articles, it's basically the just the Pro painted black with a 120GB drive, some free live time (more on that later), and an HDMI cable. I really can't think of any reason to recommend this unless you really like the color black, or hate third party cables, since you can save money by buying a third party cable or used cable separately. And if you REALLY need the space you can always upgrade either of the others with a 120GB HDD later anyway.



That's about it. Other than that they're essentially all the same... None of them have Li batteries in the controllers out of the box, and run on double a's until you pic up a play and charge kit yourself.

The failure rates, although much lower than the launch systems, are still present and even across the board since they all have the same chipset. So make sure you say yes when asked if you want that extended warranty, because while Microsoft offers a standard extended warranty on a "Red Ring of Death" situation, sending YOUR system in doesn't always mean you get YOUR system back. It isn't uncommon for someone to get someone else's refurbished system in return, and I'm unsure of how they handle saved data (if at all).

However, when purchased virtually anywhere else with a new warranty, any replicated failures mean you get a new system on the spot (usually).



So why should you buy this over the more powerful PS3, or weaker but more innovative Wii? To be blunt, power isn't everything and innovation means nothing if all your games are geared for the newly breed or nearly dead.

Despite the fact that the system doubles as a blu-ray player, currently the PS3 is an tool developers aren't using to it's full potential. While games have better lighting effects and can usually run at a high frame per second rate more consistently, I was willing to sacrifice minor graphical prowess for a larger library and wider variety of games that were more appealing to me. And that's what it's all about; the games.

After all it doesn't really matter how many computations per second your hardware is capable of if all it can play is something you don't enjoy.

Which is the same reason I didn't really get into anything on the Wii other than Trauma Center when I it too. Despite its revolutionary control scheme, everything seemed was either a port that was awkwardly shoe-horned into a broken control scheme, or something that while cute, was far to kiddy for me to really enjoy.

The overall flaw is the same problem Nintendo has had for a while now, being that fun interesting games like Resident Evil, Guitar Hero, and even flagships like Twilight Princess are available on other (or previous) systems where they play better, and in return for their renewed success your loyalty is rewarded with regurgitated Poke'mon tripe. Granted you can purchase and play older games for systems like the NES, SNES, or even N64 but that's what free emulators and ROMs are for.

Again, these are just my personal opinions. There isn't anything really wrong with the design of the other systems, their games just weren't for me.

The 360 is not without it's own flaws though. In addition to the ever present (no matter how unlikely) risk of the RROD, multiplayer is not free on the 360, nor is it wireless capable out of the box.

While both are huge detractions since on each other system wireless and online play is supported from the start, not being wireless capable alone wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fact that the Microsoft adapter costs a c-note new in box, and the other cheaper Linksys ones that were compatible are no longer in production. While there is a sixty to seventy dollar third party unit, it still isn't a huge improvement since you can get the same tech, which does the same thing, for your laptop for about thirty bucks at Walmart. What this is is just a case of Microsoft trying to make more money by locking you to their product.

As far as not being able to access multiplayer without paying fifty bucks a year for a "Gold" (i.e. premium) Xbox live account, it's just asinine. I can understand paying for new content for games, like new maps or guns. I don't have a problem with that. But what Microsoft is asking you to do here is to pay to access a feature you already have, on a game you already own, with the system you already bought, over a connection you already pay for.

Which is really quite tragic since it's the only thing keeping my from giving this a perfect score.



My advice is to look carefully at the library of games for each system and decide what's important to you. Although, if you do plan on playing a lot of games that support multiplayer and are also available on the PS3, you may want to go with that instead to save money in the long run.

However, if you just don't plan on playing online too much in general, the 360 is definitely the way to go.

+ 0 likes

Fuji Labs Mini Aluminum MP3 Player 512MB shuffle

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with both of these saving you about fifty to sixty dollars more depending on where you shop. Not to mention if you're smart you'll toss an extended warranty on that other HDD you just bought to cover a failure, raising its price even further. While everything is capable of being covered under one blanket warranty with the pro. It also comes with two free full games, although I'll probably never play Kung-fu Panda.


If you didn't really understand what I'm trying to say here it's that the Pro is the middle child, and usually best bet, in a series of three versions of the Xbox. There seems to be a lot of confusion about them as well so I'll clear that up now...





The Arcade is the basic, plug and play system. It has no HDD to store large amounts of data on, so you can't rip music to it or put pictures on it. Nor is it backwards compatible with the old Xbox games. You also (and most importantly) can't download most content from the marketplace or play the original Xbox games due to the absence of it.


However, you CAN STILL SAVE YOUR GAME among other things thanks to the complimentary 256MB memory card. Although this will only last so long. For example, a single save in Fallout 3 averages me about 4MBs each.


Also, while your standard AV cables are acceptable, you get much sharper and more accurate color from a component or HDMI cable. Neither of which come with this bundle.


And as far as games go, the Arcade leaves much to be desired. Granted, the games amuse for a while, but you can get the same enjoyment out of the demos (most of which are for the same games) that come preloaded on the Pro or Elite, plus if you don't like them you aren't out any money.


Not to mention no headset is included, which isn't a must but is nice when you're online with friends and like to actually articulate just what kind of support you need to capture the other flag.





The Pro comes with that component cable I mentioned, which when run in HD bumps the resolution up to 720p and can also be used with any non-HD TV with that same crisp color and sharp image so long as it has component ports. I'm currently running it on an HD compatible cathode ray tube (old big TV) with no problems. It also includes a wired headset (plugs into the controller), an ethernet cable so it's online ready, the two games, and a 60GB HDD.


The extra forty gigs on this really comes in handy as on the old 20 GB pro bundles you really only had around thirteen after formatting it while the rest was used for system data. The drive is also preloaded with things like gamer pictures for your profile, and some pretty fun demos. I still play Heavy Weapon and Geometry wars a lot myself and will until I buy the full versions whenever I get around to that.


Since it has a hard drive, this also means you have space to download things like movies, demos, game updates, etc. Just like you would for your PC. You can even install a game to your drive and play it from there to cut down on noise and heat since the disc isn't spinning nearly as much. Granted, you're only going to be able to fit five or six games on here at a time depending on how much other stuff you have on there, but I don't usually find myself playing more games than that at once anyway and just delete whatever I haven't used in a while. You can always reinstall it later. :)


You'll probably notice your games running a bit smother too since that drive space allows for disk caching, which takes a bit of strain off the processing units.


All in all a great rounder that seems to be the console of choice for almost everyone, and for good reason.





Last but not least is the Elite. Also called the "New retard edition" by some launch articles, it's basically the just the Pro painted black with a 120GB drive, some free live time (more on that later), and an HDMI cable. I really can't think of any reason to recommend this unless you really like the color black, or hate third party cables, since you can save money by buying a third party cable or used cable separately. And if you REALLY need the space you can always upgrade either of the others with a 120GB HDD later anyway.





That's about it. Other than that they're essentially all the same... None of them have Li batteries in the controllers out of the box, and run on double a's until you pic up a play and charge kit yourself.


The failure rates, although much lower than the launch systems, are still present and even across the board since they all have the same chipset. So make sure you say yes when asked if you want that extended warranty, because while Microsoft offers a standard extended warranty on a "Red Ring of Death" situation, sending YOUR system in doesn't always mean you get YOUR system back. It isn't uncommon for someone to get someone else's refurbished system in return, and I'm unsure of how they handle saved data (if at all).


However, when purchased virtually anywhere else with a new warranty, any replicated failures mean you get a new system on the spot (usually).





So why should you buy this over the more powerful PS3, or weaker but more innovative Wii? To be blunt, power isn't everything and innovation means nothing if all your games are geared for the newly breed or nearly dead.


Despite the fact that the system doubles as a blu-ray player, currently the PS3 is an tool developers aren't using to it's full potential. While games have better lighting effects and can usually run at a high frame per second rate more consistently, I was willing to sacrifice minor graphical prowess for a larger library and wider variety of games that were more appealing to me. And that's what it's all about; the games.


After all it doesn't really matter how many computations per second your hardware is capable of if all it can play is something you don't enjoy.


Which is the same reason I didn't really get into anything on the Wii other than Trauma Center when I it too. Despite its revolutionary control scheme, everything seemed was either a port that was awkwardly shoe-horned into a broken control scheme, or something that while cute, was far to kiddy for me to really enjoy.


The overall flaw is the same problem Nintendo has had for a while now, being that fun interesting games like Resident Evil, Guitar Hero, and even flagships like Twilight Princess are available on other (or previous) systems where they play better, and in return for their renewed success your loyalty is rewarded with regurgitated Poke'mon tripe. Granted you can purchase and play older games for systems like the NES, SNES, or even N64 but that's what free emulators and ROMs are for.


Again, these are just my personal opinions. There isn't anything really wrong with the design of the other systems, their games just weren't for me.


The 360 is not without it's own flaws though. In addition to the ever present (no matter how unlikely) risk of the RROD, multiplayer is not free on the 360, nor is it wireless capable out of the box.


While both are huge detractions since on each other system wireless and online play is supported from the start, not being wireless capable alone wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fact that the Microsoft adapter costs a c-note new in box, and the other cheaper Linksys ones that were compatible are no longer in production. While there is a sixty to seventy dollar third party unit, it still isn't a huge improvement since you can get the same tech, which does the same thing, for your laptop for about thirty bucks at Walmart. What this is is just a case of Microsoft trying to make more money by locking you to their product.


As far as not being able to access multiplayer without paying fifty bucks a year for a "Gold" (i.e. premium) Xbox live account, it's just asinine. I can understand paying for new content for games, like new maps or guns. I don't have a problem with that. But what Microsoft is asking you to do here is to pay to access a feature you already have, on a game you already own, with the system you already bought, over a connection you already pay for.


Which is really quite tragic since it's the only thing keeping my from giving this a perfect score.





My advice is to look carefully at the library of games for each system and decide what's important to you. Although, if you do plan on playing a lot of games that support multiplayer and are also available on the PS3, you may want to go with that instead to save money in the long run.


However, if you just don't plan on playing online too much in general, the 360 is definitely the way to go.

+ 0 likes

Sandisk Sansa M230 512MB MP3 player with FM Tuner (Refurbished)

...

with both of these saving you about fifty to sixty dollars more depending on where you shop. Not to mention if you're smart you'll toss an extended warranty on that other HDD you just bought to cover a failure, raising its price even further. While everything is capable of being covered under one blanket warranty with the pro. It also comes with two free full games, although I'll probably never play Kung-fu Panda.



If you didn't really understand what I'm trying to say here it's that the Pro is the middle child, and usually best bet, in a series of three versions of the Xbox. There seems to be a lot of confusion about them as well so I'll clear that up now...







The Arcade is the basic, plug and play system. It has no HDD to store large amounts of data on, so you can't rip music to it or put pictures on it. Nor is it backwards compatible with the old Xbox games. You also (and most importantly) can't download most content from the marketplace or play the original Xbox games due to the absence of it.



However, you CAN STILL SAVE YOUR GAME among other things thanks to the complimentary 256MB memory card. Although this will only last so long. For example, a single save in Fallout 3 averages me about 4MBs each.



Also, while your standard AV cables are acceptable, you get much sharper and more accurate color from a component or HDMI cable. Neither of which come with this bundle.



And as far as games go, the Arcade leaves much to be desired. Granted, the games amuse for a while, but you can get the same enjoyment out of the demos (most of which are for the same games) that come preloaded on the Pro or Elite, plus if you don't like them you aren't out any money.



Not to mention no headset is included, which isn't a must but is nice when you're online with friends and like to actually articulate just what kind of support you need to capture the other flag.







The Pro comes with that component cable I mentioned, which when run in HD bumps the resolution up to 720p and can also be used with any non-HD TV with that same crisp color and sharp image so long as it has component ports. I'm currently running it on an HD compatible cathode ray tube (old big TV) with no problems. It also includes a wired headset (plugs into the controller), an ethernet cable so it's online ready, the two games, and a 60GB HDD.



The extra forty gigs on this really comes in handy as on the old 20 GB pro bundles you really only had around thirteen after formatting it while the rest was used for system data. The drive is also preloaded with things like gamer pictures for your profile, and some pretty fun demos. I still play Heavy Weapon and Geometry wars a lot myself and will until I buy the full versions whenever I get around to that.



Since it has a hard drive, this also means you have space to download things like movies, demos, game updates, etc. Just like you would for your PC. You can even install a game to your drive and play it from there to cut down on noise and heat since the disc isn't spinning nearly as much. Granted, you're only going to be able to fit five or six games on here at a time depending on how much other stuff you have on there, but I don't usually find myself playing more games than that at once anyway and just delete whatever I haven't used in a while. You can always reinstall it later. :)



You'll probably notice your games running a bit smother too since that drive space allows for disk caching, which takes a bit of strain off the processing units.



All in all a great rounder that seems to be the console of choice for almost everyone, and for good reason.







Last but not least is the Elite. Also called the "New retard edition" by some launch articles, it's basically the just the Pro painted black with a 120GB drive, some free live time (more on that later), and an HDMI cable. I really can't think of any reason to recommend this unless you really like the color black, or hate third party cables, since you can save money by buying a third party cable or used cable separately. And if you REALLY need the space you can always upgrade either of the others with a 120GB HDD later anyway.







That's about it. Other than that they're essentially all the same... None of them have Li batteries in the controllers out of the box, and run on double a's until you pic up a play and charge kit yourself.



The failure rates, although much lower than the launch systems, are still present and even across the board since they all have the same chipset. So make sure you say yes when asked if you want that extended warranty, because while Microsoft offers a standard extended warranty on a "Red Ring of Death" situation, sending YOUR system in doesn't always mean you get YOUR system back. It isn't uncommon for someone to get someone else's refurbished system in return, and I'm unsure of how they handle saved data (if at all).



However, when purchased virtually anywhere else with a new warranty, any replicated failures mean you get a new system on the spot (usually).







So why should you buy this over the more powerful PS3, or weaker but more innovative Wii? To be blunt, power isn't everything and innovation means nothing if all your games are geared for the newly breed or nearly dead.



Despite the fact that the system doubles as a blu-ray player, currently the PS3 is an tool developers aren't using to it's full potential. While games have better lighting effects and can usually run at a high frame per second rate more consistently, I was willing to sacrifice minor graphical prowess for a larger library and wider variety of games that were more appealing to me. And that's what it's all about; the games.



After all it doesn't really matter how many computations per second your hardware is capable of if all it can play is something you don't enjoy.



Which is the same reason I didn't really get into anything on the Wii other than Trauma Center when I it too. Despite its revolutionary control scheme, everything seemed was either a port that was awkwardly shoe-horned into a broken control scheme, or something that while cute, was far to kiddy for me to really enjoy.



The overall flaw is the same problem Nintendo has had for a while now, being that fun interesting games like Resident Evil, Guitar Hero, and even flagships like Twilight Princess are available on other (or previous) systems where they play better, and in return for their renewed success your loyalty is rewarded with regurgitated Poke'mon tripe. Granted you can purchase and play older games for systems like the NES, SNES, or even N64 but that's what free emulators and ROMs are for.



Again, these are just my personal opinions. There isn't anything really wrong with the design of the other systems, their games just weren't for me.



The 360 is not without it's own flaws though. In addition to the ever present (no matter how unlikely) risk of the RROD, multiplayer is not free on the 360, nor is it wireless capable out of the box.



While both are huge detractions since on each other system wireless and online play is supported from the start, not being wireless capable alone wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the fact that the Microsoft adapter costs a c-note new in box, and the other cheaper Linksys ones that were compatible are no longer in production. While there is a sixty to seventy dollar third party unit, it still isn't a huge improvement since you can get the same tech, which does the same thing, for your laptop for about thirty bucks at Walmart. What this is is just a case of Microsoft trying to make more money by locking you to their product.



As far as not being able to access multiplayer without paying fifty bucks a year for a "Gold" (i.e. premium) Xbox live account, it's just asinine. I can understand paying for new content for games, like new maps or guns. I don't have a problem with that. But what Microsoft is asking you to do here is to pay to access a feature you already have, on a game you already own, with the system you already bought, over a connection you already pay for.



Which is really quite tragic since it's the only thing keeping my from giving this a perfect score.







My advice is to look carefully at the library of games for each system and decide what's important to you. Although, if you do plan on playing a lot of games that support multiplayer and are also available on the PS3, you may want to go with that instead to save money in the long run.



However, if you just don't plan on playing online too much in general, the 360 is definitely the way to go.

+ 0 likes

Kodak EasyShare W820 Wireless 8" Digital Frame with Home Decor Kit

...

about this frame. Here is a list of problems I've had:

The wireless finds all networks in my neighborhood and rates them by percentage according to strength. But entering the WPA code is difficult because you don't actually touch the screen keyboard, but tiny LED's that appear below it. If you have a complex code (and you should) count on at least 10 minutes for this process, if not longer.

Now here's where it gets interesting. Using the Kodak Gallery, the frame only stays on line for two or three hours before displaying a message that it can't find any wireless channels. I have two wireless networks in my house with strong signals and it fails on both of them. The frame then locks up and has to be unplugged to "reboot" it.

So I then tried the Frame Channel which comes free with the frame. It actually stays on-line longer, but it, too, is flawed. Occasionally it simply stops working and displays a blank gray screen. As I write this only one picture is being displayed. It has been on the screen for hours in spite of being set up to change every five minutes. In other words it's "stuck."

The frame downloaded new firmware when I got it up and running so I can't imagine what it was like before. In short, I have not been able to get the wireless version to function correctly. Save yourself $60 and get the non-wireless version.

Other nits to pick:

The maximum time you can set a picture to stay on the screen is one hour. I like to have a single new picture appear every day. Why not allow 24 hours?

I bought the frame because it was advertised as having interchangeable faceplates, but the only replacement one available is the black one that comes with it. Why would you want to buy the one that came with it? The Kodak home site advertises other faceplates, but doesn't sell them. It points you to several vendors none of whom carry new faceplates for the W1020. But the black one that comes on the frame is easy to find. Makes no sense.

You can set the frame up for RSS feeds and they look very good, but you have about an equal chance of staring at a Dr. Pepper commercial as you do a news story. So the RSS function seems to be a way to get advertising into your house. Skip it.

As others have said the software is slow (really, really slow) even though I downloaded the new version. It's non-intuitve and virtually worthless, as is the manual.

To sum up: Get the M1020 non-wireless frame instead. Stick a big memory card in it and you're good to go. You'll have a "five star" frame instead of the two star one I have. If a computer scientist with an Ivy League Ph.D. can't make it work, I despair for us mere mortals.

I will continue to work with the wireless and update this review if I find any useful workarounds for the wireless.

+ 0 likes

Apple MacBook Pro with 15.4" Display

...

about this frame. Here is a list of problems I've had:



The wireless finds all networks in my neighborhood and rates them by percentage according to strength. But entering the WPA code is difficult because you don't actually touch the screen keyboard, but tiny LED's that appear below it. If you have a complex code (and you should) count on at least 10 minutes for this process, if not longer.



Now here's where it gets interesting. Using the Kodak Gallery, the frame only stays on line for two or three hours before displaying a message that it can't find any wireless channels. I have two wireless networks in my house with strong signals and it fails on both of them. The frame then locks up and has to be unplugged to "reboot" it.



So I then tried the Frame Channel which comes free with the frame. It actually stays on-line longer, but it, too, is flawed. Occasionally it simply stops working and displays a blank gray screen. As I write this only one picture is being displayed. It has been on the screen for hours in spite of being set up to change every five minutes. In other words it's "stuck."



The frame downloaded new firmware when I got it up and running so I can't imagine what it was like before. In short, I have not been able to get the wireless version to function correctly. Save yourself $60 and get the non-wireless version.



Other nits to pick:



The maximum time you can set a picture to stay on the screen is one hour. I like to have a single new picture appear every day. Why not allow 24 hours?



I bought the frame because it was advertised as having interchangeable faceplates, but the only replacement one available is the black one that comes with it. Why would you want to buy the one that came with it? The Kodak home site advertises other faceplates, but doesn't sell them. It points you to several vendors none of whom carry new faceplates for the W1020. But the black one that comes on the frame is easy to find. Makes no sense.



You can set the frame up for RSS feeds and they look very good, but you have about an equal chance of staring at a Dr. Pepper commercial as you do a news story. So the RSS function seems to be a way to get advertising into your house. Skip it.



As others have said the software is slow (really, really slow) even though I downloaded the new version. It's non-intuitve and virtually worthless, as is the manual.



To sum up: Get the M1020 non-wireless frame instead. Stick a big memory card in it and you're good to go. You'll have a "five star" frame instead of the two star one I have. If a computer scientist with an Ivy League Ph.D. can't make it work, I despair for us mere mortals.



I will continue to work with the wireless and update this review if I find any useful workarounds for the wireless.

+ 0 likes

EVGA GeForce 9400GT 1GB DDR2 128-bit PCI-E 2.0 DirectX 10 SLI Ready Video Card

...

about this frame. Here is a list of problems I've had:





The wireless finds all networks in my neighborhood and rates them by percentage according to strength. But entering the WPA code is difficult because you don't actually touch the screen keyboard, but tiny LED's that appear below it. If you have a complex code (and you should) count on at least 10 minutes for this process, if not longer.





Now here's where it gets interesting. Using the Kodak Gallery, the frame only stays on line for two or three hours before displaying a message that it can't find any wireless channels. I have two wireless networks in my house with strong signals and it fails on both of them. The frame then locks up and has to be unplugged to "reboot" it.





So I then tried the Frame Channel which comes free with the frame. It actually stays on-line longer, but it, too, is flawed. Occasionally it simply stops working and displays a blank gray screen. As I write this only one picture is being displayed. It has been on the screen for hours in spite of being set up to change every five minutes. In other words it's "stuck."





The frame downloaded new firmware when I got it up and running so I can't imagine what it was like before. In short, I have not been able to get the wireless version to function correctly. Save yourself $60 and get the non-wireless version.





Other nits to pick:





The maximum time you can set a picture to stay on the screen is one hour. I like to have a single new picture appear every day. Why not allow 24 hours?





I bought the frame because it was advertised as having interchangeable faceplates, but the only replacement one available is the black one that comes with it. Why would you want to buy the one that came with it? The Kodak home site advertises other faceplates, but doesn't sell them. It points you to several vendors none of whom carry new faceplates for the W1020. But the black one that comes on the frame is easy to find. Makes no sense.





You can set the frame up for RSS feeds and they look very good, but you have about an equal chance of staring at a Dr. Pepper commercial as you do a news story. So the RSS function seems to be a way to get advertising into your house. Skip it.





As others have said the software is slow (really, really slow) even though I downloaded the new version. It's non-intuitve and virtually worthless, as is the manual.





To sum up: Get the M1020 non-wireless frame instead. Stick a big memory card in it and you're good to go. You'll have a "five star" frame instead of the two star one I have. If a computer scientist with an Ivy League Ph.D. can't make it work, I despair for us mere mortals.





I will continue to work with the wireless and update this review if I find any useful workarounds for the wireless.