Product: Casio EX-FH20

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I purchased this camera from Best Engage on Thursday, and have shot over 30GB worth of photos and videos with it in unbiased 4 days.

The highlights: This camera has every shooting mode under the sun. It will shoot 9 megapixel stills, up to 7 megapixel stills at the incredibly like a flash rate of 40fps, HD 720p video, and dumb motion video ranging from 30-1000fps. It also has a 20x zoom (although I rep the zoom to be only slightly longer than my Canon S3 IS "12x zoom", but the wide angle is remarkable wider) .

The camera is very easy to setup and exhaust, although I am tranquil trying to figure out some of the more advanced features (like the ability for the camera to automatically remove photos when an object enters the frame) .

Image quality is radiant fine, about the same as my Canon S3 IS. It does remarkable deeper blues and reds than the Canon, and doesn't have as dreadful chromatic aberration, but it's greens are a miniature too blue for my taste, and the off-whites need some more yellow. Noise isn't as high as I expected, but do realize this is not a DSLR, it's a cramped lens and a shrimp sensor.

Lighting seems to be key with this camera. In order sunlight, it takes fantastic photos and videos, but in low-light, the high hurry videos start to suffer. I haven't had any that I took under normal lighting conditions reach out unusable, but a few that I took in a very gloomy office nearly are.

My only complaints are minor, but here they are:

When shooting video, even with continuous AF off, it will calm occasionally try to refocus, I bag this very annoying

I cannot seem to pick up the settings to turn on move-in CS (motion-sensor triggers the camera)

While the latest firmware drastically improved write speeds for video, shooting single stills seems to lift a long time to write to my class 6 memory card

I really don't like the proprietary USB connection, it is very difficult to secure the suitable angle to score it to tear in because it's so narrow

Pleasant surprises:

Unlike the S3 IS, it remembers your photo and video settings very well, and if you region photos to manual focus and then want to consume a video, the video will "remove up" that setting as well

The colossal 3" hide on the benefit is delicate, with the Canon I mostly old-fashioned the viewfinder, not so with the Casio

Startup time is faster than I expected based on other reviews, from power on to first shot isn't noticeably longer than the S3 IS

The flash is very brilliant and VERY quick, up to 5fps

Editing videos on the camera is ridiculously easy, hands down the best video editing GUI I've seen on a camera, makes it very easy to honest retain the fraction of the video you want

Build quality is very friendly, I especially like the rubberized grip, it's considerable more net than the Canon, and easier to enjoy despite it's heavier weight

I'll post a further review after I've spent some more time with it, and hopefully a few of my miniature quibbles will be fixed in upcoming firmware.

This thing is like a beefed up point-and-shoot. Don't quiz the quality of a DSLR. If you do, you will be disappointed.

Pros:

Very nice HD quality (if you have estimable lighting) .

Great outdoor photos.

Great high rush photos (if you have grand lighting) .

Cons:

Bad pictures in vulgar light or indoors.

Bad video indoors.

Goes through batteries very very speedy.

One really frustrating thing is that you could have a really vivid camouflage on the viewfinder, but when you go to remove the record, all the light unprejudiced goes away. The report gets really shadowy. My passe casio (pocket point-and-shoot) customary to have a best shot selection that corrected this, but I can't win it on this camera.

If you want to grasp pictures of you kid playing soccer, this is a spacious camera. Plot the high hurry and bag all the action.

If you want to shoot in obscene light, or indoors, peep for a DSLR.

If you do rep this camera, accept 8 rechargeable batteries so you always have four charged and ready.

Let me objective originate by saying, aside from the extraordinary array of features on this camera, it's tons of fun. The SLO-MO is my personal current, well, that and the burst mode. While it does have sparkling stills, the video is fantastic to shoot with. I like the 30-210 fps mode because it shows the drastic contrast between regular rush (which is radiant already) to plain motion, which really seems like you're entering a wrinkle in time, seriously.

Yesterday I went to a gymnastics meet, and wow, did it blow my mind. Being able to glimpse help and gaze the girls hurdling down toward the vault at normals urge (which sincerely looks like speedily forwarding) and then click lawful over to 210 mid-shot for some mid air hang time. I can't even gain how handsome it is. I'm beautiful definite I'm a cinematographer suitable now, and I won't halt!!

I am actually using this camera for work, as I'm working on marketing, and even while it's my job to hype it - I Care For it unprejudiced as a p&s camera and easy video, for my gain personal spend.

Product: Sharp AF-S120NX

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It is a bit noisy, but it gets the job done. It cools a very big room and is easy to employ. Cleaning the filter is easy and I would say, "If you need a strong air conditioner that is energy star rated, this is the one to steal."

This is a very loud air blower. Curious did a abominable job with it. After one night with this thing running like a stout vaccun cleaner by my ear, I'm returning it.

Product: NEC NP100

List Price: $591.50
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The NP100 gets gargantuan reviews, but I never grasp it too seriously because the reviews always say "For the impress...". I bought one because I unprejudiced wanted something that would project a movie onto my wall. Of course, I'd care for to employ three times more and pick up an awesome projector...but I objective don't have that kind of cash. So, I went ahead and bought it. Man! Seriously! The report is Ample! I exhaust it for DVD's, XBOX 360, my laptop...and the narrate is improbable. Procedure Method better than I had hoped! The colors are broad, it is sparkling, the lines on the relate are intriguing, it's impartial so favorable! I'm completely glad with this thing. I mean, somebody may give it a vulgar regain because it may not match up to a professional projector, but I give it five stars because I got method more than I plan I would for this ticket. Trust me, if you are fair hoping to accumulate something decent, Capture THIS because you will demolish up with an awesome projector. I couldn't be happier with this NEC NP100.

Product: Magellan Maestro 4050

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Do you really need a GPS intention?? If you are reading this review the respond is probably yes.

We have weak them for a number of years and I'm now at the point where I wonder how we ever got along without one. No more trips to the computer for confusing Mapquest directions or frantic searches to earn the car atlas after a disagreeable turn. Both facts leading to a distinguished reduction in "marital moments."

I could give many examples where GPS has "saved the day". Here is a unique one:

This summer my wife and our three diminutive children traveled from Chicago to South Dakota for a wedding (I had to work) . Like many rural wedding, each share of the event was in a different station. The church was in one town, the reception in another and their hotel in a third. After the wedding she wanted to visit cousins on their farm in Southern Minnesota, followed a finish in the Twin Cities. Lastly, she was going to go to Northern Minnesota to expend some R-n-R at a lake cabin.

The night before the gigantic stagger I added all of the addresses in our GPS unit. I then labeled them: church, reception, hotel, farm, Twin Cities, cabin. Now all she had to do is press the honest address and go. No worries about missing a turn or taking the rotten road, even on a pitch unlit rural night. If she decided to change her plans the Magellan would grasp care of it. GPS units figure out the route from where you are to your dwelling, something Mapquest can't do. The peace of mind that the Magellan gave both of us was worth its catch mark alone.

I have to snort you that even a basic GPS unit could have done the above routing task. In fact, for most people, a basic unit is all that they need. However, sometimes you want something more. Does the Magellan Maestro 4050 impart this "more? " Read on to gather out!

Unit Overview

The Magellan Maestro 4050 is really an evolution of the celebrated Road Mate series. However, there are many famous improvements. First is the fact the 4050 has a mammoth 4.3" shroud. Although the typical 3.5" mask would work heavenly, I like the larger conceal as I suffer from FFS or Chubby Finger Syndrome. A bigger veil gives me a bigger on-screen keyboard when typing in an address. This results in less error and less growling on my fragment.

The icons have also changed with this series and now they have a friendlier, more polished witness. The Maestro units exhaust the very approved (and highly sensitive) SiRF star III GPS chipset which acquires signals rapidly. Like other Magellan units, the underlying OS is Windows CE. The Maestro also has a built in battery that should allow a couple of hours of utilize. This would design it possible to exhaust the unit outside of the car for a short period.

Routing

In my notion, routing is the most notable function of any GPS unit. Magellan units, in general, have always had suitable routing engines and the Maestro is no different. The maps on my unit are dated from behind 2006 and so they are handsome fresh.

Adding an address (or intersection) is a snap. Older Magellan units (like the Roadmate 300 series) ask for a street first. When you added a popular street name like "River" or "Washington" you were forced to remove from a dozen or more choices ("North River," "River Drive," River Road," etc.) . Later models, including the Maestro series ask for the city first eliminating a lot of confusion. It is fabulous what a simple change can do to create a product more useable. Thanks Magellan!

I had no problems entering addresses, even difficult ones that have confused other units. I mediate that this is in section due to the fact that the maps are newer and therefore, more just. Magellan units always ask for your route preference ("shortest time," "least exercise of expressways," etc) . Many other units require that you dig into menus and sub-menus to do this which often causes undesirable results. For instance, when traveling in a city during urge hour it may be easier to assume regular roads in lieu of expressways. Since the Magellan always asks routing preferences this is easy to carry out.

Naturally, it is very easy to exclude a particular street or routing direction (perhaps you know that street is under construction) . You can also route up to up to 20 different locations using the "slouch planner" option. The Maestro will then "optimize" the list for you making the move more efficient. This option would be mountainous for a delivery driver who has to recede to multiple locations on his route. The Maestro also tells you what side of the street your destination is on. Surprisingly, many other brands do not. Luminous what side of the street your destination is on can be really necessary, especially if it is on a busy, multi-lane street.

The unit can exhibit method data either as 3D ("bird's explore concept") or in a venerable 2D intention concept. It will automatically switch to a nighttime draw at night. I really like the fact that Magellan products always give you a certain indication what direction you are traveling by placing your direction directly on the cover. This is distinguished more convenient than using a "north pointing" arrow which other units have.

The Maestro is very honorable at giving your multiple, sure, auditory and visual indicators of your next maneuver. I have faded other units (the Mio note) where I couldn't even figure out what the maneuver icon was telling me (it looked like a letter from the Klingon alphabet) . This has never happened using Magellan units (and I have veteran them for years) .

A really useful feature on Magellan units is the "locate" key. This function tells you were you are, the closest heinous streets and even a computer generated address (when possible) . When you are on an expressway it will remark you the last and next exits and their distance. The locate button is really useful if you ever need roadside assistance (or when you unbiased want to know where the heck you are) .

The Maestro also has a "detour" function. If you are traveling on highway at lower than expected speeds, the Maestro will ask you if you want to catch a detour. If you agree you can determine the length of the detour in miles. The Maestro will then catch you off the highway for the designated number of miles and return you befriend afterwards. Big if an accident is up ahead.

The Maestro features text to speech (or TTS) which will give your specific verbal directions, like street names. Professional reviewers appreciate this feature. I mediate it is handsome chilly, but units that don't have this function are perfectly useable too.

Like other Magellan units, the Maestro is fine at recalculating your route where you go off course. If it can calculate a route based on the fresh road that you are on, it will do so. Other brands can sometimes allege that you need to win their current calculated route and they will convey you to "turn around" or "beget a U turn" when you don't have to.

POI Data Base

If the heart of a GPS unit is its routing engine, its soul is its POI Data snide. Virtually all GPS units have such a data nasty and virtually all have inaccuracies and omissions. With that said, using a POI data spoiled can really enhance your slide. I assume the Maestro has the best POI data defective ever. It feels like the programmers were thinking of me when they designed it.

First, you have a standard POI data evil, but it is vast at 3.5 million entries. Even more principal, it is reasonably unique. I didn't salvage stores that had closed years ago as I have in other systems (including some older Magellans) . The data horrible is very extensive covering tons of categories beyond core POIs (gas stations, auto services, ATMs, hotels, restaurants) . There are many categories perfect for people like me, who go on family car trips. Campgrounds, grocery stores, pharmacies and even veterinarians are listed (to name a few) . When appropriate, a general category will offer subcategories. For instance, the grocery category includes grocery stores, specialty food stores, convenience stores and Liquor stores. Stores like Target and Wal-Mart are typically under represented on many GPS units, but well listed on the Maestro. I was able to come by both when searching locally. The standard POI data faulty not only gives you distance but also direction from your plot (some other brands do not) . It may be easier to go to a store that is 20 miles ahead rather than backtracking 10 miles. Naturally, you can not only search from your new residence but you can also search around another address/city, like your destination. Perfect if you have to reserve a hotel room.

Many Magellans, including the Maestro have a novel and useful feature called "exit POIs." When you are on an expressway you can search for core POI services at upcoming exits. The Maestro will affirm you the distance to the exit and the core services available (like gas) . Touching the gas icon will then allow you to study at the various choices for that category (like Shell or Mobile) . Since it only gives you services around the exits, the "exit POI" function can be extremely useful when traveling.

The 4050 also has the AAA Tour Book built in. This is a unbelievable resource that combines the power of GPS state with tour book data. Now, when you view for a restaurant, you not only glean a name but a detailed description, plus a rating. The AAA Tour Book gives information on rated hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, popular auto repair shops and other information like special events that may be happening in a particular residence. You also rep a phone number so you can originate your reservation. The Tour book will also lisp you if you can earn an AAA discount (for AAA members) . It is a really incredible and modern resource. No other GPS manufacturer has it.

In addition to all of this, you can add custom POI databases that you beget or download from the internet (there are hundreds available) . For instance, if you like drive-in movies, you can salvage a POI data nefarious for this. Then when you are on vacation a simple search will insist you the closest one. Custom POI data bases are little to 5000 entries per data irascible (although the number of data bases that you can have are unlimited) . Custom data bases typically include a name and a computer generated address. In most cases this is enough, but it would be nice to have an additional data field for a phone number. I believe Custom POI data bases are very useful. However, the fact that the Maestro has an satisfactory general POI data inferior as well as the kindly AAA tour book makes it less likely that you will need to spend them.

Fluff and Stuff

GPS units are basically computer running an OS (often Windows CE or Linux) . Because of this it is very easy to add extras like a calculator or basic MP3 player. The Maestro does not have any of these extras. This is attractive with me. If I need a calculator I'll assume one at the dollar store for a buck rather than risking dropping an expensive GPS unit.

Traffic

The 4050 comes with a traffic receiver and a 3 month trial subscription for traffic data. The traffic receiver picks up digital data from local FM broadcasters (broadcast on a "hidden" subcarrier signal) . The Maestro can alert you to road problems ahead and then route around them. Graceful frigid...but. Traffic information is only available in about 50 cities across the US and only on the major expressways. Don't forget you can earn the same information for free by listening to the traffic describe on the radio.

If you often go to the center of major cities you may accumulate this feature fine. Otherwise, go for one of the Maestro units that have the traffic receiver as an option and place a few bucks.

Bluetooth

OK I admit it, Bluetooth is a attractive wintry and useful feature. It allows me to connect my Treo 700 series phone to the Maestro wirelessly. With this connection I can acknowledge and spot calls directly from the Maestro, using it like a speaker phone. If I pick up a hotel in the POI data unfriendly I can directly phone for a reservation by pressing a single button on the Maestro without ever having to lift my phone out of its holster, suitable!

Although there is a Bluetooth standard, Bluetooth is not standardized. Therefore, accomplish distinct your phone is listed on the Magellan website to get determined that it will work with the Maestro.

Voice Command

Cool, but not ready for prime time. With yell remark you can actually give verbal commands to the Maestro. My unit is kind of deaf and requires multiple attempts before it asks me for "my express". Although the list of commands is diminutive, some are quite useful. Unfortunately, you can sometimes gain ridiculous results. Once when asking the Maestro to secure me "quickly food" it said, "did you say Jewish food? "

Conclusion

I mediate the Maestro 4050 is a wonderful unit with features that are original and that definitely site it apart from other competing brands. The programmers that designed the Maestro seem to have read my mind. Marvelous, easy to utilize routing combined with a really wonderful and original dwelling of POI data bases. Come perfection for the traveler!

PS...If you want to build some cash you could also contemplate the Maestro 3140. It has a smaller cloak and it is absent of some features like Remark reveal but it smooth has all of the enormous stuff for hundreds less.

Since the maps and GPS chip in this model are the same as the Garmin NUVI 660 what sets them apart feature wise is the 4050s AAA database, and its' assert control (which isn't as useful as you'd mediate) --and the Nuvi's MP3/Picture player/Calculator/etc. Since the unit is likely destined to sit on your run and help as a GPS, the Garmin's features don't strike me as sincere incentives either.

What you accumulate here is a robust, and solidly built unit with a strong mount, loud and distinct explain, and responsive touch veil. by disagreement the Garmin disclose seemed quiter, and the overall effect quality left me wanting more. The Garmin feels flimsy. the Magellan is built like a tank.

The unit gets strong signals even indoors, and the routing engine is very lickety-split. It re-routes off course in only a few seconds, and the POI database paired with the AAA database is a Mountainous plus. The traffic feature is actually lovely elegant, and useful if you drive at different times of the day.

Also, everything is self contained in the

I had no danger connecting my Motorola SLVR to the Blue Tooth receiver, and the POIs have phone number attached that can automatically be dialed. If you are a AAA member th choice is a no brainer. to be able to search for restaurants, car rentals, hotels, etc. that give AAA members discounts is awesome. objective search your station and hold your common to route too.

There is no perfect GPS though. A couple of times the sing sounded gurgly (probably a CPU overload) and the declare assert feature takes a few trieds to hear you sometimes. Unlike the other reviewer I have never had the order recognition near on unless I directly addressed it.

After a fling to LA and using Hertz neverlost we were clear to secure a GPS. While the Neverlost was bulletproof, this GPS feels the closest to it. The Garmin looks splendid too, it fair feels a itsy-bitsy lacking in quality and the blutooth/traffic receiver being in the lighter bothered me. Also, the mount is smaller, so for those of you who drive a truck the GPS might honest be out of come with the Garmin.

EDIT - Unprejudiced wanted to add that this thing caluclates time almost exactly. I have yet to approach at any destination more than 5 minutes (more or less) off from the 4050s estimates. Considerable!

June 12, 2007

I have obsolete portable GPS units for some time, namely my dilapidated Garmin 2720, which has been a trouper over the years. The biggest quandary was when we updated the software, and Garmin stopped getting satelite reception whenever it was turned off. This could be quite annoying, with the only solution being to narrate Garmin that you were not in the status you were actually in, so it would utilize a wider search pattern. Because of this terrible experience, and noticing prices were remarkable cheaper now, I went with a different note, and tried what I idea was top of the line.

The Maestro met all my initial expectations. It linked up with satelites like a flash even when I was surrounded by spacious buildings. The maps seemed more updated than the updated Garmin way I was using. The diagram style was improved over Garmin, and the detail level better. You could have POI's expose up on the blueprint, even if you were not routing to them. The enlighten prompting was great better, and had more customization (not dispute but what information is communicated) than Garmin. The turns were described better (not everything is left and just some you hold on the highway you are on) and pictures described the turns as well. All the basic things were better.

Then there was the insist recognition.

The whine recognition comes on all the time, even though it is only supposed to approach when you say Magellan. When it does, you can unbiased say execute, but the popup is annoying. And if you verbally abolish route, it does not default abet to the procedure. There are not a lot of affirm drawl options either. A lot of time the yell recognition stops responding, and will only inaugurate up again when you 'reset' the diagram. Overall, you objective want to cessation up the microphone with a wad of bubblegum.

And then I saw an add for this same model (in Bright Home I reflect) which mentions an mp3 player, which my machine does not have. Which I conception it might, since it has a slot for an SD card.

This machine is handsome in the basics, but the rest is fair messed up. I am hoping to secure a software update to glean the kinks ironed out of this one.

July 10, 2007 UPDATE...

Well, understanding I might add a few updates to this review, as it takes a while to fully test a GPS unit, especially one that is quite loaded with features. So, let me fair say that there is Detached no official update to the software on this unit, which I purchased on memorial day, and I rep this a bit surprising. I drawl they are trying to accept a fix-all patch, or a combo firmware software update. If they ever do fetch a fix, I feel I owe it to you to let you know if they have it and how well it works...

Address/POI routing: Most attempts have been fine cessation(I usually utilize the address, not POI's), but the ones that are off might be off MORE than 1 block (happened at least four times to me) . One time, when I POI routed to Radio Shack, Magellan told me it was five miles north of Shawnee. I found a natural gas well at the true space it routed me to. But collected, overall, heavenly helpful with address routing.

POI's: Mostly unique, but some quite out of date, and it seems to be missing some places I would put a question to (like Bass Pro Shop, and Abuelo's in OKC) .

Traffic updates: Coverage is very sparse (say it microscopic to interstates in Oklahoma City), but I have not been routed to a major construction delay. I have, however, been routed to a 10 mile stretch of construction on I-35, but it did not point to to be considerable of a delay. Now, you could call that failure of the system, or you could say that the traffic update was geared towards traffic DELAYS. I don't know what to acquire of it.

08/01/07 Update

Miscellaneous Weirdness: Interupting the power while routing can cause catastrophic reboot. Basically what happens is if your DC car outlet switches off with your engine, and you happen to finish for gas while you are routing, it can cause problems. You might query this, and it was a true pickle with my older unit because it took some time to relocate the satelites. In general, relocating the satelites is not a plight this unit, and you can interupt the power on the unit any time and initiate up again while routing without a jam. In fact, since it has a battery, when the power is interupted it goes into a 30 second countdown if you want it to go into sleep mode. Yet, on at least four occassions, I have had a scrape with the unit under power interuption circumstances. Basically, it wont reach befriend on. Normally, when you restart the power, it comes out of sleep mode, but on these occassions, even when I have double checked the power connections on both ends of the cord, the unit does not power up. When the power button is held for a few seconds (the normal contrivance of powering up the unit), the unit does not power up. When the button is held for longer than a few seconds, the unit does not power up. Only after the button is pressed several times for extended periods of time does the unit power up. And then, when it does, it shows a progress bar, which indicates that it has rebooted. The routing is not reset however. I have not tried the reset button, however, although it has occurred to me to try it next time...

Till later then...

Product: American Kitchen AK-110

List Price: $400.00
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Anyone who, like me, is current to cooking with stainless steel needs to do a thorough job researching their options before buying. This is a ample dwelling, but if I had to do it over, I would probably go for anodized or nonstick impartial because of my personal preferences. As another reviewer states, food tends to stick and some things unbiased can not be cooked in the stainless pans, like fried potatoes. Forget trying to cook with very small oil or objective cooking spray as you can with nonstick. The pans tend to discolor and stain so a special cleaner like barkeeper's friend is required. I'm determined these will be extremely durable and they do distribute heat really well. I contacted their customer service with my questions about this location and an precise person contacted me and exchanged several e-mails - personally answering my questions in a timely manner. I was very impressed by their customer service! Overall, I'd recommend this product, but only to those who know they want stainless and are more adept at cooking with it than I am!

This is a titanic region of pots and pans. The only drawback is

cooking something with a lot of starch. Frying potatoes was

a substantial no-no. They stuck to the bottom and it didn't matter

how grand oil and stirring was fervent.

I bought this cookware station because it's made in the United States, so I'm not dismal about my decision and I would do the same thing again today.

The do quality is exactly as high quality as one would ask. No lead, formaldehyde or whatever else you might obtain in pans from abroad. The place is an astounding deal, but there are a few drawbacks.

Pros:

- Expansive construct quality, very nicely made for the price

- Pan handles cease comely cool

- Transfers heat from the burners as well as some pans twice the price

Cons:

- My biggest quandary with this place is the steel surfaces. Other reviewers have said that it's impartial how steel is, but I went to this situation from a Faberware stainless site, and it was Remarkable easier to spruce and didn't discolor nearly as distinguished as this area. I mean, with these pans, you boil a portion of chicken, and you'll consume half an hour getting the pan orderly again, and I impartial don't know why that is.

- The handles on the lids rep so hot they are almost purposeless.

- As other have mentioned, the pan handles have an awkward shape.

- These things are heavy! (not entirely clear this is a 'con')

Product: Polk Audio AM6755-B

List Price: $599.95
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I have not written product reviews on Amazon before but I rep them to be extremely apt and want to give some payback. In particular, I found the home theater system and home theater speaker reviews to be very useful.

The Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 channel home theater speaker system is phenomenal and an outstanding value. I had originally been looking for a home theater in a box system to mate to a newly acquired 37" LG LCD HDTV. The search was partly precipitated by the demise of the older generation DVD player we owned coupled to a failing 10 year dilapidated Onkyo surround-sound system. As I poked around on-line reviews and shopped Circuit City and Best Catch it became positive I could acquire more value and flexibility buying a receiver, an upscalable DVD player (improved represent with regular DVDs on HDTV) and a current speaker system than with home theater in a box.

The room housing our entertainment hardware is a family room -- 20 X 20+ with a vaulted ceiling, fireplace and hearth on one slay and lots of upholstered furniture -- a relatively great place to gain. However, I did not want paunchy speakers. I was initially intrigued by the Amazon reviews on the Yamaha NS-SP1600, quite honorable, mammoth heed and relate grand sound output for microscopic speakers. Sadly, I couldn't obtain these to choose anywhere locally, nor accumulate them from Amazon or even from Yamaha. I heard a status that I judge were badly wired at a Best Assume -- salubrious sound, not powerful power. Yamaha's next higher line NS-SP5700 were bigger and clunkier looking than I liked and I couldn't procure reviews. They sounded OK in a poorly station up demo.

I kept shopping and was very elated I did. I looked at speaker manufacturers' websites and lickety-split coned down on the Polk Audio RM6750 as looking to bear the niche I sought balancing size, quality and notice. I was able to listen to them in a well area up home theater showroom at a local Circuit City and was immediately sold on the clarity and power. I bought a space for $299; they're a hold at that sign and better on Amazon for $249.

I brought them home, crooked them up with the Yamaha 5930 receiver ($179) and upscalable Toshiba DVD player with HDMI ($89) I had also acquired and connected to the HDTV. This is a accurate dream system! The speakers generate gigantic high quality sound. We tested them out with "Master and Commander" -- determined highs from all, natural sing from center channel, terrific oomph from the subwoofer and unbelievable surround sound experience in the early battle scene. Next test was a Down to the Waterline on a Dire Straits CD -- I heard notes I never knew were there with large balance and driving bass. (The Yamaha gives multiple modes of play including 2 concert hall variants, 2 movie variants, 2 and 5 channel stereo and a few others I haven't played with yet.)

I have filled this stout room with improbable sound without going beyond 60% of beefy volume. I am a very glad customer.

I had looked at the uncouth ruin of high-cost speaker lines -- Bose and Cambridge Soundworks. With them, you derive single speakers in front and surrounds as opposed to 3+" plus tweeter in each of the Polk Audios. Also, the Polk Audio RM6750s sound better to my ears and cost powerful, considerable less.

Speaker wiring is straigtforward; wire is not supplied and best to buy/use thick gauge to handle power. Speaker site up instructions from Polk are relatively meager, especially about the subwoofer, but their website is very informative and makes a compelling argument for hooking up subwoofer in parallel with front speakers rather than using subwoofer port and sound is terrific this device.

I do mediate myself to be picky when it comes to electronics. And I am absolutely floored that speakers this well-behaved can be had for a stamp this shameful. If you are reading this review, you are probably asking yourself the same put a question to I was this time last week. That being: Are these speakers too respectable to be suitable?

During my buying process, I read about these Polks and consequently made a skedaddle to a dumpy Circuit City with a poorly set-up sound room. Before the speakers were played, I picked up one of the sats. and was extremely impressed with its fabricate quality... nice materials, very glorious... and the speakers have a solidness/weight to them that let you know these are not those cheap pressed-wood speakers you'll rep in most HTIB systems. Secondly, I was impressed with the sound even though the rears weren't hooked-up and the sub-woofer was poorly placed.

After my pace to CC, I called J&R Music World and had a plot of RM6750s shipped to me (J&R is a tall store, by the blueprint) .

Yesterday I finished installing the speakers... largely using the rich amount of educational information available on the polk audio website that helped me with speaker placement and hook-up. Note: I did NOT consume the sub jack on the sub woofer.

The sound is phenominal... especially considering I paid $245. There is no doubt, that if told that these speakers only were sold for their MSRP of $599... that I would mild select them. These speakers meet so many of my requirements:

(1) Titanic Sound

(2) Attractive

(3) Blend into the environment (i.e., they are microscopic)

(4) Expansive price

(5) Quality Name

The sound image created by the front 3 is unbelievable and the rears are perfect.

I am not one to crank my system (I have young kids) ... but the sub puts out a ample bassy sound that is not too over-powering (label, when I heard these speakers at Circuit City their sub was poorly placed and hooked-up with a sub jack... and it sounded very boomy and over powering) .

I am driving the system with Pioneer's top of the line VSX-1016TXV... which is another item, like these Polks, that I probably wouldn't have purchased (I was ready to go the Onkyo/Dennon route with my amp grasp) if someone walked-up to me on the street and recommended it. But after careful research... it, like these Polks, offers an fantastic value for the money.

So... long anecdote short... I notion I was going to have to use $1,800 on my home theater system. I was convinced that a bottom line brand for speakers would be roughly $1,100... and the receiver would hit me for another $700.

But, this long chronicle has a really big ending... thanks Polk for a really gigantic product... and for all of the knowledge information you have on your residence.

PERFECT!

Polk RM6750 5.1 Speaker System

Before reviewing - "thanks" to everyone who did likewise. I recently upgraded a few elements and placed a lot of emphasis upon user reviews to guide decisions between rival components.

As for the review, first a description of my home theater and audio system: Dell WD4200 1080i HD Monitor, Yamaha RX-V661 A/V receiver, Toshiba HD-A2 HD DVD player, Polk RM6750 system as the "A" speaker spot, Klipsch Forte's as the "B" speaker pair. The listening/viewing environment is a carpeted, 12 x 14 room opening on one narrow side with an archway into a larger room, with the TV, front speakers, and subwoofer placed on a long wall. The RM6750 center speaker is installed immediately underneath the wall-mounted TV, the front upright and left RM6750 surround speakers atop the Forte's in the room corners, the subwoofer on the floor, and the rear true and left surround speakers ceiling-mounted and directed downwards to a sectional sofa at the rear of the room. Since my receiver allows user-defined selection of the LFE crossover frequency, I wired the RM6750 sub to the receiver's sub-out, residence the receiver LFE lowpass at 160 Hz, residence the sub LFE lowpass to 160 Hz, and position all other RM6750 speakers to "microscopic".

My understanding based on both surround and stereo playback programs is that the RM6750 represents a great upgrade for folks alive to in a basic surround system - particularly if the alternative is listening to standard TV speakers - though the system is not a substitute for more refined audio monitors if the necessary issue is music. At this pricepoint what are worthy are not the system's weaknesses but its strengths: the center provides obvious dialog, the four surrounds are colorful and forward, and the sub adequately if not accurately renders the "thumps". "thuds", "whacks", and harmonic bad tones associated with studio music tracks. Using a variety of Dolby and DTS-encoded film audio tracks, the surround-scape created by the RM6750 was unexpectedly good: sure, defined, well-separated, and without definite flaws in stand-alone listening. The subwoofer pumps out a lot of sound - even with the volume region to the unit's midpoint - but it tends towards the "thumpiness" I associate with over-driven car audio: no buzzing or rattling, but impartial short of that. However, as movie audio effects emphasize presence over accuracy, this may be by build and the results for standard surround-sound movie audio are impressive.

The system's weaknesses stem from the inability to accurately and smoothly reproduce standard music. To minimize listening bias, I performed several hours of A/B testing of the RM6750 in most listening modes provided by the RX-V661 with the Forte's as reference using classical and rock CDs as input material and my wife and daughter as blinded panelists. The Fortes were hands down smoother, crisper in the highs, and more honest, deep, resonant, and non-boomy in mids and the lows. The largest inequity was in the low-base response, where music material with complex deep-base (some Floyd tracks in particular) was boomy and mushy on the RM6750s but distinct and seamless with the higher frequency tones on the Forte's. Pound for pound, however, the RM6750s were surprisingly valid competition for the more expensive horn-driven tweeters, midrange, and wrong of the audio monitors playing music: the Forte's, though aging, were among the best speakers made at the time I purchased them (I replaced a place of Bose 901s), cost 5 times then what I paid for the RM6750s now, and do not provide a dollar-for-dollar linear sound advantage. One would be hard pressed to say the RM6750's suck for music listening and minor deficiencies in accuracy would be difficult to detect - demand for obviously mistaken deep unfriendly - in the absence of a respectable comparator.

The bottom line in my opinion is that if you bought a gargantuan TV and don't have a surround sound system, spending another $250 for the RM6750 will render an outsized improvement in your home theater experience. For those who like loud low-bass and don't necessarily care if it is a bit jarring and "thumpy", you could employ this system for both home theater and music listening. For those who lift upright music reproduction, only the most budget conscious should assume the RM6750 a standalone solution to all their listening needs.

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This nifty intention is a must for nasty country/track timers. It is easy to expend and makes life a whole lot easier than pushing a pencil.

Product: Brother PPF-4100e

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I have bought 2 of these over 3 years, one for my office and one for my better half. My modern one has already proved itself invaluable. Easy to exhaust, relatively inexpensive replacement cartridges and suited quality print quality.

Mainly I like that it is superior and very easy to setup with very few paper jams.

Our office is very glad with this replacement fax machine. Our frail one died after a decade or so. We replaced it with a fax that passe ink cartridges and were replacing the cartridges weekly, as well as dealing with paper jams and ink leaks. This Laser Fax machine was the replacement to the replacement and we are so happy we did so. We fetch The Brother IntelliFax-4100e to be mild, rapidly and efficient. Very cheerful.

We impartial ordered our 2nd machine for our office. It is fleet, efficient, and easy to spend. It has a expansive capacity memory for scanning - an distinguished component for us since we routinely fax and receive documents up to 100 pages. It took unprejudiced a few minutes to position up and operate, a plus for a busy office of so-so tech savy folks.

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The interface makes this thing a joke. Profitable luck trying to play MP3s and alot of DVDs. As far as execute and cover quality it seems stunning, I judge I would be disspointed by the interface if it was made 10 years ago and the draw it limits the function of the unit makes it a stretch for a single star.

I like this player. Very nice video, awesome sound even with a basic speaker state up. And most of all, so easy to install! It looks radiant and gorgeous on the slouch of my Lexus. Totally recommend this product.

Provided instructions and color coded wires facilitated easy splice install into car wiring harness. Warning that not all vehicles have important wiring required for extra functions like revearse monitoring (transmission, not rear conception camera) . Front panel buttons were handy, but assume dial volume (even if it's impartial digital) . Wished front USB port was standard mini-USB or, even better, fat USB.

Radio interface was somewhat slow, and not as access proper. Unit seems lean on features, as there are menu buttons for GPS navigation, Bluetooth, etc, but N/A on this particular model.

Returning unit because unit not able to receive more than (5) genuine radio stations (not even the strongest signals, seems random) . Eject button and faceplate commence station not consistent from car power-on/shut-off. No option to tilt veil succor, for car consoles that slope away from passenger.

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Ok here is an expert review. I looked at run in recalulating, rush in changing directions, deliver and brightness. I give all a 4 to 5 rating.

1. The unit is tiring, recalulating, infact at times my GPS V was faster. Here is the trick. The memory(hd) is tidy gargantuan in this unit and all maps are install. All you have to do is go into the maps and uncheck the maps you do not need. I live on the east flit therefore I unchecked all westcoast, midwest and canada. Did rush test now unit is Twice as swiftly as my GPS V. Simple... When you need the other maps loaded unprejudiced go in and check them.

Vocie is positive and loud. I am looking for a procedure to install into a fm modulator.

Screen is shimmering.

This unit is diminutive and compact and works for me, I have a GPS 3plus, GPS V and now Quest 2 and employ them all on diff. vehicles. and ATV. I recommed the Quest 2 over the 1 no need to carry a laptop anymore. Better then the Streetpilot and faster if you uncheck several unused maps.

I bought this because even though I never have had effort reading maps, it is a royal distress to do it on a motorcycle! I have the Quest II mounted on the handlebar by the left grip ('91 BMW K100RS) with the RAM mounting system. Though it is has an integral battery, I opt to power it by the motorcycle battery, because I like to leave the background light on all the time at night when driving. I bought the Garmin motorcycle accessory mount for this which provides power and audo connectibility.

I was a limited concerned at first when I saw the shroud size, 'cause I view it a bit shrimp, but it is not a scrape. When it is time for a turn, the cover zooms in and increases the type size so it's no struggle at all to read. However, I also have the audio bent up to my AUTOCOM Intercom system so I also hear the mutter alerts. Very impressive. It tells you (both visual and notify) well ahead of time that you will have a turn coming up to the apt, so you then have more than adequate time to disappear over into the proper lane. The next audio alert allows remarkable time for braking and signalling. I discover at the camouflage to confirm (I'm unbiased that device), and it's never been noxious yet. I took a streak to Asheville (NC) this weekend and punched in the address for the restaurant we wanted to go to, and when it was time for dinner I hit "catch" and it routed correctly through three freeway changes, tricky on-off ramp routing and one-way streets to basically a back-alley address. Astounding. I know that even with mountainous map-reading skills a master navigator couldn't have done the same so efficiently with the kind of maps most of us carry (region, not city, maps) .

If for some reason the blueprint CD is not included in the box (because the plot is preloaded on the unit they say), contact Garmin and they will mail you one (free) . Come route mapping is so considerable easier on your computer than trying to do it on the unit itself. This is especially notable for motorcycle riders who usually do not want to go from point A to point B in the most stutter manner (we like the scenic routes) .

I'm into maximum bang for the buck. This is it. You can expend twice as grand, but why?

UPDATE 7/13/07:

I collected adore this unit. Yes, prices are coming down on other (fancier) units, but what makes this quiet a winner is that you can employ it with the internal battery as well. Example: Mount it in a car or on a motorcycle like normal (powered by 12 v adapter to have convey audio guidance available) . At ruin of days perambulate, remove GPS only inside hotel and exhaust again (internal battery power) when you're wondering where the closest Chinese restaurant is that you can paddle to. Go to restaurant, realize you need to visit ATM, whip GPS out of pocket and consume it to guide you while walking to the ATM machine that's listed as being .28 miles away. Personally, I like being able to do all that with one pocket-sized, reasonably priced GPS.

We purchased the Quest II as a 2nd unit because we like our Quest I so considerable. Quest II is a *big* disappointment for one simple reason -- it's too dull. Garmin tech benefit says Quest II is 10-15% slower than Quest I due to the larger memory chip; we ran side-by-side comparisons with both versions, and our experience was more like 200-300% (we even tried another Quest II w/ same results) . The Quest II is frequently tedious in announcing/displaying directions when there is a sequence of closely-spaced instructions; when you miss a turn in a city (where there's lots of data), the recalculation is too tiring, (it announces/displays instructions *after* you've passed the street to turn on, even when traveling at 5 mph) ; the cover redraw in a city is also very tiring,, sometimes so boring that you can't notice upcoming streets and landmarks until it's too behind. We offered recorded video to reveal to Garmin, but they simply acknowledged the performance and suggested that we capture the Quest I instead. So we did. You should, too. The unique features in the Quest II don't advance anywhere halt to making up for the awful performance, but the Quest I is a ample unit: dinky footprint for pedestrian exhaust, state instructions and reasonable hide for car consume, int'l and topo maps available, etc.