Friday, 26 September 2008
Garmin Nuvi - garmin nuvi
The Garmin leather carrying case is a decent travel compainion and a perfect fit for the Nuvi 370, 360, 350, 310, 300 and also the new 270, 250, and 200.
After purchasing the new Garmin Nuvi 200, and quickly realizing it didn't come with a carrying case, I purchased this product. The quality black leather make this both appealing to the eye and durable however this is a slide-type case, so it is constantly open on one end. A nice feature would have been some type of zipper or velcro closure so the Garmin GPS unit could be fully enveloped within the case. It has a snug fit so I haven't had any problems with it slipping out yet but I do find myself constantly checking to make sure my Nuvi 200 is properly placed inside the case.
I would have preferred a little more padding with it too. The case is made up of thin leather on all sides with very little padding to protect against accidental drops. It would have been nice to have some more cushion for those clusmy moments we've all expercienced.
This case seems to be designed more for protection against scratches and to shield the LCD screen against accidental scrapes.
Still, I give this carrying case three stars because of it's price, duarability, and sleek leather appearance. Garmin 3.5-Inch Carrying Case
This case is very nice leather, with a firm (probably plastic) insert that protects the scrren. We had one shattered screen, so this seems like just what the Dr. Ordered. The fit is snug which is great, so the unit won't slip out even if you hold it from different angles.
The Nuvi 350 (and possibly the other Nuvis) comes with a leather case, so you don't need to order it separately.
The 350 also comes with both car & AC chargers and dash & windshield mounts.
All these accessories that come with the Nuvi have worked fine. The leather seems to be of good quality, and the Nuvi slips into it easily.
Very well made leather case which fit my Nuvi 270 perfectly. I used this extensively during a recent trip and the case helped protect the Nuvi against scratches, dings, dents, and weather (though not waterproof). A very good way to protect your Nuvi investment. Does exactly what it advertises to do.
This product has very nice touch and eye appeal. It's slightly different from and better quality than (it appears to be) in the image on the page at Amazon.
If you decide to buy it, be aware that it is a cushioned sleeve into which the nuvi slides, not really a full, closed case. It is fairly snug, but I do not know how well it would protect the unit if dropped, particularly on the open side.
I like it though, and it's fine to protect the screen when I store it in the glove compartment or center console, or in a coat pocket.
Strictly from a functional standpoint though, you can get one of those little Velcro cases they make for digital cameras, for about a third the price. But this case makes you feel nice. So there IS that.
Added 12/23/08 - I see that the image of the sleeve has been updated. It does look like this image, and I'm still happy with mine.
To be accurate this is not a review of the case itself but a red flag to all you Garmin widescreen GPS owners. Both Amazon and ANTonline recommend this case for the 4.3 widescreen unit when it's at east 3/4" to short to protect the screen. I informed both Amazon and ANTOnline and they still have not corrected the recommendation. So people are buying it
with the wrong impression. I tried to have ANTOnline either accept it back as a return or an exchange for the correct case (see Garmin website for the correct case)but they ignored all my requests until they finally emailed me to tell me they contacted Garmin who will work with me to correct the matter. Regardless of why Garmin should be responsible for their mistake, I called Garmin and asked them if ANTOnline had contacted them.
They claimed they never heard from them but were willing to send me the correct case for free. So within a week's time I received my new case from Garmin. Three cheers for Garmin! Three boos for Amazon and ANTOnline.
I bought this case for my Nuvi 650 to protect the screen. While my unit technically does "fit" in the case, only about two-thirds of the screen is covered. The rest just sticks out of the top of the rather small case.
If you want to protect the screen I suggest a larger case.
I am happy with the Nuvi carrying case - as everyone and their grandmother have mentioned it is too short for the "W" Nuvi's but mine is a regular 260 and this case is the perfect size and at a great price. I like the look of it as well, it's not a flashy, "look at me" type of case and seems sturdy. - Garmin Nuvi'
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Physical Therapy - exercise, weights
I've been weight training for years and even do competitive stairclimbing. I bought these with the idea that I would use them to train for stairclimbing.
I'm not a small woman...5 feet 8 inches, 135 lbs, but these weights were almost impossible to keep on my ankles...they just don't seem to be made for an average woman's ankles.
I may pass these onto my husband who is 6 feet 2 and 220 lbs. I would not recommend these for an average sized woman. Valeo AW20 Adjustable Ankle / Wrist Weights (10-Pounds Each, 20-Pound Total)
While ten pounds on each wrist or ankle may not sound too extreme, any extended period of time with these weights on is going to fatigue just about anyone. Having said this, it should be noted that adjusting the amount of weight is a simple matter. Given the range of weight options, the overall appearance is somewhat large and bulky. If you are wearing these things, you really can't hide it. However, if you want to give a turbo shot to your daily walk or other activity, these things can't be beat.
I bought these with the idea of doing various exercises I had been doing at physical therapy. The bulkiness of the individual weights was not what I expected. The first time I used the weights, I had a bruise the size of an orange on the back of my leg.
I still use them, but wish I had different ones.
I use these as wrist weights while using a Nordic Track Ski Machine. For this purpose they are great. I took four neoprene soda can coolers and slit them down the side to use as inner padding, two on each wrist. Stacking a cotton wrist band for sweat absorption, can cooler, can cooler, then pull the wrist weight tight on each wrist and they fit nice and snug and don't move around at all. Took a few times to get the sequence right but now it's a snap. Not sure the material the product is made of will last a real long time but I'm happy with the product and the price is right, plus ten pounds on each arm for an hour will give you an awesome workout.
edit 3-15-09
After using these great weights for a time I can offer some advice on handling. Be gentle with these. If you toss/drop them on the floor after you take them off you'll eventually rupture the plastic sand bags inside and leak sand out a little at a time. Still-- a very nice product.
I'm 5'4" tall and weigh 135#. The weights were way too big for me & slipped off the lower legs & on to the heels. Couldn't make them any tighter. The outside construction is good. However the weight inserts are verly flimsily covered & poorly sewn & very difficult to re insert. I would be afraid that they would split open after a few handlings. If you larger than I & wouldn't want to remove the weights then it's fine. For me it wouldn't work. I have seen other products with insert bags that are sewn much better & out of stronger material. Unfortunately it's not that easy finding 20# ankle weights.
I'm rather large (6'3" and 240lbs) and I needed more weight than the average person.
These fit the bill. They are comfortable and adjustable (2 lbs at a time).
They go well with Jumpsole shoes.
I get a really good workout with these, an X vest, and Jump sole shoes. I walk my dogs twice a day and on at least 1 of those walks I'm loaded with weights. More exercise in less time. These ankle weights are the key to a great workout since you must lift your leg with every step.
I don't know that running in these would be a good idea though. May be bad on the joints. But I'm no doctor.
Great quality and great comfort.
I wanted a set of adjustable weights for physical therapy and strength training for my back, core, and legs. I am a lean female, and I knew that 10lb weight each on my legs were going to be over the top, but I figured it still would come in handy for leg lifts and what not, and for just walking around I can decrease the weights to just 2~6 lbs each leg.
I received the item today, and I must say, while I am impressed how sturdy they look, with adjustable velcro all the way around, it is HUGE. I look like I have gorilla feet, even when I remove 3 weights off from each. They look durable and long lasting, but the velcro is almost too strong to be taking it on and off frequently... in fact my thumb's sore from tring to rip the velcro off.
I think my husband (160~170 lbs martial arts buff) would be happy to make better use of this, but I might need to order something a bit smaller and formfitting for everyday use.
I have two sets of these weights for leg workouts a ten lb. set and this 20 lb. set. This set is 10lb. each thus 20lb. They are bulky and very hard to strap on, they slip around a lot and are not comfortable. I need more then the 5 lb. ankle weights so I put up with these because I really do notice a difference in the workout using these, I just wish they were easier to get on and not so clumsy. The 5lb. each set is far more comfortable on the ankle and easier to put on, maybe I should have gotten to pairs of those and used two on each leg, hmmm. - Exercise - Ankle Weights - Weights - Adjustable Ankle Weights'
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Childs Towel - childs towel, bath towels
It looks nice, and i think i've got something similar to this and it's very very soft. but this one doesn't feel soft at all. it felt like a cheep bath towel. besides that it looks nice and everything else, just not soft at all. Trend-Lab Character Hooded Towel, Monkey
This is the best bath towel we got for our daughter. It makes bath time fun and it looks adorable on her with the little monkey ears. It's a perfect size to last a while also. the bath puppet isn't so important though, it's kind of an afterthought. but it's still cute too.
I bought these for my daughters as the baby wraps were becoming too small. This is really adorable. The pink is as bright as pictured (I was hoping it was be a little softer). The material is very soft and absorbent and we love the matching washcloth mit. The girls giggle when we play in the tub. Great purchase!
This turned out to be a great gift for my grand-daughter. She really loves to take her bath with the dolly mitt and enjoys being wrapped up in the hooded towel. I is a really great gift for a small girl.
I already had on hooded towel for my infant but needed a second when it was in the wash so I purchased this one. This is really well made. It's super cute and better than the first one I had because it thicker and bigger, my 6 month old looks so adorable in it after his bath. - Towel - Childs Towel - Bath Towels - Hooded Towels'
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Judy Garland
After "Over the Rainbow" and perhaps "The Trolley Song," "The Man That Got Away" is one of Judy Garland's greatest hits--and surely one of her signature songs for her later "concert years." No wonder--she sings this faultlessly. She belts it out yet shows restraint when necessary, baring her heart and soul all the while. That certain vulnerability that was within Garland is on display here; and her audiences loved and identified with it. Indeed, the song packs quite a punch; and both the opening and closing lines frame the message of pathos and angst brilliantly.
This is an excellent MP3 download for anyone who doubts that Garland didn't still have "it" or was on the decline after her release from MGM--the song is a masterpiece that in the hands of most songbirds just wouldn't be so powerful and stunning. It's extremely memorable, too; many women--and even some men--can identify with the message of being left behind when someone leaves a love affair--and a deeply sensitive human being with feelings for them all behind.
This is also highly recommended for Judy Garland fans who enjoy her more mature voice. The Man That Got Away'
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Jeep Stroller - stroller, rain shield
This is so great! It fits our graco stroller, our evenflo light stroller, and our umbrella stroller!
We used it for 2 weeks on vacation and we go for walks on cloudy days now that we have it. I love it. It keeps our baby dry and out of the wind and has holes for the air.
Highly recommended Jeep Deluxe Stroller Weather Shield
This weather shield is just what you need. Stable material (used it a couple of times already and I do not have the impression as if it would tear easily). Can get folded back into the provided bag. Is long enough to cover the legs (not quite the feet though) and is generously sized so it should fit any "standard" stroller. The only thing that I do not like that much is that the sides (for the ventilation) open easily. They are just attached by two push-buttons that open up too easily.
This is a good cover and one I believe we will use a lot. We've used it a couple of times now. It's easy to keep it in the stroller and then put it overtop if you need it. Also protects from winds. My toddler doesn't mind it (and he doesn't like feeling confined) as it's clear. The only downside to me is that it has a very strong plastic smell, but my toddler doesn't seem to mind the smell. We've rolled it, etc. and it's held up ok so far, but only had it 2 months and we're just getting into the real rainy season.
Beware of this seller "The Baby's Gallerie". They do not send this product in its original packaging. I am not sure how they can call this a new item when the packaging is missing. They also do not include the Storage bag included to keep stroller weather shield handy and from getting punctured. Amazon should do something about his seller.
I cannot believe how great this product is!! I luv it soo much that it just gives me an excuse to go outdoors! It looks soo rich & my daughter went to sleep in it instantly! The plastic smell was strong but it airs out after a few days!! There are 2 vents that are held together by 2 buttons and I love it! I didn't know the name of my stroller so I just brought it hoping it would fit my stroller... && it was a perfect match! I swear I think this thing fits every stroller! It your stroller has a car seat don't get this product cause it's gonna b to small! This is only made for a toddlers stroller WITHOUT A CAR SEAT!! U will b satisified with ur purchase cause I was satisfied with mine!! Also u can keep this on when you're putting ur stroller down! There r pockets in it 2! Because of this product.. I feel rich when I have it && my daughter is nice & dry =)
In fall and winter we do not leave the house without this stroller shield. It fits almost every stroller you can think of, and also protects the baby from wind, which is perfect for a windy city like Chicago.
I'm giving the Jeep Deluxe Stroller Weather shield 5 stars because it does what it is intended to do. It fits over my lightweight combi stroller very well and snugly and keeps my son dry in our unpredictable Florida weather.
I am not too finicky about looks but even so, this looks great with my Graco Travel System (pretty big among its kind). I can use it either with the complete travel system or just the stroller, without the infant car seat. Works perfectly well for windy weather with good ventilation.
I have the Chicco Cortina Stroller, Hazelwood and wasn't sure how well this cover would fit. It fits well with a bit of adjustment. I've only used it once on a windy day but was pleased with it and my son (6 mos.) didn't seem to mind it at all. It did not cover the foot rest completely, so with an older child that might bother some. - Jeep Stroller - Stroller - Rain Shield'
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Kenneth Cole Reaction
I liked the shirt. I paid 42.99 at Macy's for the white. Now the price is around 29. The sleeves are longer than other 32/33 shirts. I am 5'5" and I had to alter the sleeve length. I took one star for that. These shirts are made in Thailand. The tailoring is OK but not perfect.
I hate this 32/33 size. Why don't these brands make 32 and 33 separately like Jos A Bank, Lands End, etc.. Calvin Klein Mens Silky Poplin Dress Shirt, Dove, 16"/34-35"'
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Wacom Bamboo - graphics, wacom bamboo
Let me start by saying I have never owned a Graphics Tablet before and I am a PC user.
I am a graphic designer and wanted something I could use for cartooning and illustrating. This foots the bill perfectly.
The pen input is fantastic and has twice the pressure sensitivity as the Bamboo Pen. I know, I thought they were the same too, but check the specs on wacom's site.
It is responsive and easy to adjust to. I have only been using it for one week and feel like I have gotten the hang of it. The live area is huge and the size of the tablet itself isn't so big you can't travel with it.
The touch input is fine. I have the new drivers so it seems like a lot of the bugs I hear people talk about are fixed. It is a breeze to surf the web with. I don't use the touch function to draw with, just navigate.
The hot keys on the side of the tablet are awesome, them set (with commands in Photoshop) from top to bottom as follows: toggle touch on/off, Undo, zoom in, zoom out. It really has streamlined my production process.
As far as it being refurbished I can't tell in any way, there were no fingerprints, or scuffs, or anything on it.
It came in the same package as a new one and I got the same software as a new one.
Five Stars. Highly recommend for graphic design or digital illustration use. Wacom CTH460 Bamboo Pen & Touch Tablet (Factory Refurbished)
I bought one of these a few weeks ago at a higher price and it was also refurbished. I can't tell that it was refurbished and it works great. Amazed how good it is. No need to spend the extra money on a new one when the refurbished products perform well.
This piece of hardware works precisely as it should for all intensive and casual purposes. As if the Wacom Bamboo's price wasn't cheap enough,(considering how well it works) the refurbished version is even less of an expense and works in a splendid fashion. Even the frugal should not hesitate in this time and money saving decision. Not only are the other tablets that are offered in this price range lacking in the functionality offered here, but they're also lacking in quality, craftsmanship and durability.
First I would like to point out that this tablet can be used both for program and software use, as well as casual navigation such as surfing the web. This is a great time saver, because the touch function works as a mouse, thus you could easily replace your mouse with this product's functionality, though I'm not recommending to do such. In addition to the active area working for touch functionality, there are also four buttons which can be set to do any number of actions: right click, left click, turn touch function on/off etc.
As for the pen, it's use is superb and greatly improves workflow and increases efficiency of tool use, especially in programs like Photoshop. The pen only becomes active when it's within an inch or two of the active area, and is set on the screen as a direct ratio, so if the pen is held above a corner or center the active area, it will appear in a corner or center of the screen. So if you have a rather large monitor I would suggest getting a larger tablet (I have a 21-in and no complaints). Functionality in the pen has also been maximized by adding buttons to it for clicking, so there is no need to use touch function for clicking and dragging. On top of that, an eraser has been added to the back of the pen which is recognized as such in Photoshop, Illustrator, and other graphic programs.
In regards to the active area itself, it's fairly tough and durable, it senses over 2000 points of sensitivity, and can even recognize when multiple fingers are on the surface; this in particular allows the use of panning, zooming, and scrolling through touch function. The surface is made not to scratch and so long as you aren't trying to reach the upper-limit of its sensitivity (2048) it shouldn't.
As far as needs for improvement, they're really minor. I scratched the surface once trying to figure out "how hard is too hard" but the pressure I was applying was most certainly excessive, I haven't found a need to actually press that hard while working on a project. Aside from that the nibs may wear down faster than expected but it's really no problem seeing as how Wacom provides three complimentary nibs as replacements.
All in all I would have to say that this product is well worth the price and a fantastic alternative to an intuos in terms of price, and a great deal compared to competitors tablets in the same price range which I've seen easily scratch. As if tat wasn't enough, the product comes with a complimentary Photoshop elements 7! So what are you waiting for? Add this to your cart, purchase, and unleash the digital artist inside!
I am a fan of Wacom digitizers and I in fact already had one of this model and was happy with it. But this seller sold me a heavily used item with a fraying cord,it quit working after about 2 weeks. I contacted Wacom about service options to find that this item was registered to someone in Asia and had never been reconditioned by anyone authorized to do so. They assured me the would have record of it if it had been... So I am out 30.00 for the repair.
I purchased one of these tablets to try at my work place. I was surprised to see it packaged in the original box with the Photoshop Elements software and other original items. The sticker on the box indicates a one-year warranty. There were no marks -- looked brand new. Set-up was easy.
I use two monitors at work. The touch and pen can be mapped separately. I set touch (mouse mode) to operate across both monitors and mapped the pen to just the primary monitor. If you map the pen to both monitors then the tablet area is halved such that each half is mapped to a monitor. The pen mapping is absolute meaning you don't have to back off, move over, then back to tablet like picking up a mouse several times to move across a wide screen. Touch, however, is more like the mouse function but is actually best that way, in my opinion. Both of my monitors are wide screen format but not the same size. Still, mouse functions work great using touch across both screens. Within Outlook e-mail, Adobe Acrobat Reader, MS Word, Excel and most other programs the two-finger scroll works fine; I can even scroll in web pages or the bookmark window of my Firefox browser. Pinch zoom in and out works in most applications I have tried. I love moving about with one finger then tapping the second finger to bring up a pop-up menu similar to clicking the right mouse button.
In Photoshop, for me the pen sensitivity is fine, but I am relatively new to pen operation. I can't believe I have used Photoshop for over 6 years now without a pen! For a traveling professional this tablet would travel nicely and offer the added bonus of the larger touch pad (larger than laptop) for mouse movement plus gestures.
The four buttons down the side can be set to just about anything you like. I set them to CTRL. ALT, SHIFT, and Left Click. (You will want Left Click, probably on lower button, so you can use your thumb to click in order to drag over text or move a window easily.) Same flexibility goes for the two buttons on the pen. The pad can easily be configured for left- or right-hand operation. I like turning on the click sound to indicate when my pen touches the tablet. The little LED light on the side is nice; it turns a brighter blue as you touch the tablet and red when the pen is sensed.
In the end, I highly recommend this Pen & Touch tablet from Wacom so much that I just received my second refurbished unit in like-new condition and hooked it up to my home computer! - Tablet - Art - Wacom Bamboo - Graphics'
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Portable Audio - fiio e5, portable
I have always lowered my expectations of portable music players due to their convenience. They have always been exciting in some way, but lacking in another. My best headphones could not be driven directly from media players, and the ones that could, always seemed to have that "portable" sound, meaning all the frequencies were there, but something was still missing. This little amplier allows me to hook up my venerable Grado SR200 and my super-comfy Sennheiser HD580 with little trouble to my 30GB Zune. I set it to "classical" in the preset eq. I usually encode my music to either WMA Lossless or 256 MP3. This combination blows away any of my accepted preconceptions of what low cost electronics could do. I am aware that there are more optimized and far more expensive solutions out there, but what is the fun in that? This little amp is well built, has outstanding battery life, and includes all the accessories you'll ever need to make it work. It you don't mind looking like a space cadet carrying around full-sized headphones with your media player, this thing will give you 85% of the experience of a mid-priced home system. I highly recommend it to anyone who dislikes in-ear earphones and misses what music really sounds like. At this price, there is no way you can go wrong. Fiio E5 headphone Amplifier
I really like this little device. It does add some depth and bass to my HTC Incredible Smartphone. I use the phone as an MP3 player and the E5 provide a bit more Bass Boost. Don't expect too much from the unit, but it does help. Overall worth the $20 price.
I needed something that could boost the output volume level of my TV so I could run on the treadmill with my earphones without disturbing my family. The volume was not load enough, but this little guy did the trick. It boosted my volume up with no sound distortion. I would highly recommend it.
I have spent more money than this trying to build my own headphone amps, and they didn't have rechargeable batteries, USB power or a tiny form factor. Nice improvement in sound quality using Grado SR-80s, especially on the lower end, everything just sounds fuller and tighter.
The one downside is that the amp tends to pick up lots of EMI noise when it's plugged into a USB port that is plugged into a computer. I wasn't really surprised by this, because computers are really noisy and I have a little experience with electronics I know EMI is a pain, and cables/wires basically act like antennae, and I can't really expect anything this cheap to be immune. So for my purposes I have one permanently plugged into my desktop computer and I power it from a USB<->wall power adapter (think iPhone or Kindle power adapter) and that provides wall-powered and noise free operation.
I've had this amp for a couple of weeks now and it has been great. I have noticed quite a large improvement in the max volume and a decent improvement in the sound quality (quite impressive for $21)
I bought this primarily because while listening to my Zune in the car through the auxiliary input, even with the car stereo and Zune volume all the way up, I could not really hear most music if my windows were down. I bought this and now at about 75% max volume, I can cruise at freeway speeds and enjoy even the quietest of songs. I also noticed that the sound was...more full...I'm not an audiophile really so it's hard to explain, but it just sounded better in general. Maybe this is a placebo effect, but for the low price, just the volume enhancement was worth it.
I will say that with my Grado SR80i headphones (which I highly recommend as well) there was not as much improvement in sound quality as the headphones themselves seemed to work as much magic as can be squeezed out of the Zune. With the default earbuds, I experienced the fuller sound though, but I hate earbuds so my testing was not very extensive with them.
As for battery life, I use it a couple of hours every day and just charge it when I charge my Zune (every few days) no problems so far, but it's still a bit early for that to be an issue.
Also, due to its small size, it is completely unobtrusive while in a pocket.
I may have found what I'm giving to my friends as a Christmas gift this year.
I bought my E5 in November 2009. It lasted 4 - 5 months with very light use before the battery died completely.
Until it died, the E5 was a fun device and I did not regret purchasing it. I used it with a Sandisk Sansa Fuze and Atrio M8 earphones (32 ohm). The E5 did not increase volume much, but it did extend the bass and give the sound more "depth". The tradeoff was a certain amount of hiss. Sometimes the music sounded better and sometimes it didn't. Classic rock sounded good. Classical didn't. For a mere $17, I thought the E5 was a reasonable purchase.
And then the battery died. The purple light goes on when charging, but turns off immediately when the amp is disconnected and the device will not respond to presses of the on/off switch.
I'm disappointed with my purchase. - Portable - Fiio E5 - Amplifier - Headphone Amplifier'
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Klein Jsds02 7 Piece Journeyman Screwdri... - craftsman, screwdrivers
These were put into service the minute I opened the box as my old set of insulated were starting to show wear on the tips and I'd lost a couple of sizes over the years. They are good solid hardened steel shank screwdrivers with plastic handles and some rubber on the high spots of the handles for comfort. They are not true comfort grip, nor do they have the ridged tips a really expensive set of electricians screwdrivers have (to help grab the screw slots). These are not for prying up manhole covers or shifting around an engine block. They fit well in the screw slots and do exactly what they are supposed to, loosen and tighten screws without fear of breaking off the tips on a rusted screw. The insulation on the shafts is nice and thick so you don't have to worry about scraping it off on rough edges. Although not a true comfort grip they fit well to the hand and don't leave you in pain after a few hour's use. They are not top of the line nor are they junk. It is a decent screwdriver set and a good value for the price. Titan 17237 Insulated Electrical Screwdriver Set - 7 Piece - Screwdriver - Insulated Screwdriver Set - Craftsman - Screwdrivers'
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Impact Driver - impact, makita
I've owned this Makita impact gun for over three years and still love it. I'm a professional carpenter/handyman and this tool by far is the one I use most. It's the most comfortable cordless drill I've ever handled (and I've owned at least seven). It will drive 3 inch screws into hardwood over and over. Squeeze the trigger and the light comes on.. a joy, especially during winter work days when it gets dark early. The small size gets you into tight places like narrow cabinets or under sinks (where again that light is great)!
After using this tool a while, it becomes second nature - how much pressure you need to squeeze the trigger for just the right amount of torque. The impact feature is handy for backing out soft brass screws without stripping them (like those tricky high end Baldwin hinge screws).
The quick release is simple to use.. the belt hook is handy when you go up a ladder with your hands full.. the batteries last a long time and are easy to change.. the charger is quick.. it will accept vix bits and drill bits with a hex shank (so you can drill holes too)!
C'mon.. what else do you need in a drill/screwdriver???
Get one and you will soon realize what you've been missing.. Compared to those bulky Ni-Cad non-impact guns, this one beats them hands down! Bare-Tool Makita BTD141Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver (Tool Only, No Battery)
A friend of mine had this driver drill on a window installation job. After using it I went right out and bought my own. I do lots of handyman work and this is now my go-to drill that I reach for first. It's smaller and lighter than the full size Makita drill, but drives and drills as well or better than its big brother and takes the same battery packs. Highly recommended!
I have been using impact drivers professionally since they were introduced many years ago (they were 9.6 volt, nicad). I rarely use them for drilling but for fastening, it is the tool of choice. This is my 3rd Makita, from the 9.6 to the 12 and now the 18 volt and I have never worn one out completely. Batteries, yes, many. Nicads didn't last all that long in number of cycles, NiMH were much better and now L-Ion which are a vast improvement. Now for this tool. Makita also makes this in a 3 speed model with brushless motor for considerably more money. The 3 speeds of the other tool are unnecessary; I have absolute control of the tool thru the variable speed trigger. As for the brushless motor. They are more efficient, delivering more torque and longer lasting. That means more fasteners per charge and subsequently longer battery life. This is important if you are a professional and putting the tool into production use. All day, every day. Would I prefer it? Yes, if that was the only tool I used but I have many and cost is always a factor. And I have never worn out the tool or replaced brushes in the other Makita's. The other tool on the market that I have experience with is the Panasonic, which is at least equal to the Makita. And Panasonic has their own battery technology (they achieve the same performance using only 14.4 volts) They have the selectable 3 speed and brushless motor but are substantially more expensive. So, for less money I don't feel that I have lost. The Makita name has served me well.
The BTD141 is a 2008 update/improved version of the BTD140: some improved internal parts (slightly higher max torque), slightly different appearance (mainly the plastic gearbox shroud), and a different chuck(This chuck allows you to push in a hex bit without pulling out the sleeve.) Not much difference from the older model, but I felt good about having the latest model when I bought this in the last week of May 2009.
A week after I bought this, Makita releases the evolutionary Bare-Tool Makita BTD144Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver (Tool Only, No Battery) with brushless motor on the US market. There is a reason why the BTD144 is the first tool in the Makita line-up to get the brushless technology: Impact drivers are known for their torque but not for their finesse. With the digital electronic control that brushless motors allow, you can have buttons that reduce the speed and torque instead of having to feather the trigger pressure(like you have to do on the BTD141). Even though it is $75 - $100 more than the BTD141, I would have probably sprung for the BTD144. Regardless, what's done is done.
The BTD141 has loads of potential torque and if you are not careful/skilled you can torque fasteners way beyond where they should be. I needed some practice with the trigger and doing short bursts to make a 3" screw flush with a wood surface. Getting the right pressure on the trigger as you are driving a screw does not come naturally, especially if you've only used a drill as a driver.
The ergonomics on this, as with all Makita LXT tools, is superb. Very comfortable and balanced with "grippy" molded rubber in all the right places.
It is loud, but it's supposed to be loud; it's an IMPACT driver.
You can use this driver with the smaller 1.5 amp Makita batteries without making any modifications. (See user picture above) Thus, it can virtually become the smaller, lighter BTD142HW.
I own my own contracting and handyman business so i need quality tools from reliable suppliers. I am very pleased with the Makita BTD141Z 18-volt impact driver i purchased through Amazon.com. This was my first online purchase, yea, i've come out of the cave, Amazon.com made this process very easy for first timers like me, Thank you Amazon.com. This won't be my last purchase online, i shop Amazon.com 2-3 times a week for all my needs and wants. Nobody in my area compares when it comes to pricing. I highly recommend Amazon.com for your next purchase.
Lots of power even at half charge. Fast charging and the quick release is the best, I cant wait to get the 1/2" gun. p.s it will tighten lugs to 95 ft.lbs. I checked with my torque wrench and thats the best i could get, NOT complaining...im happy with it. - Impact - Makita - Cordless - Cordless Drill'
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this is like bigger wire than jumper cables. you cant beat this price. no way. for this in a store is over 100 bucks easy. im so happy with this im almost rolled in grass. wow all i can say if ur car battery dies use this to jumo start amazing. 100% happy GD Deluxe AIK-068 Complete 23 piece 0 Gauge Car Amplifier Installation Kit - Amplifier - Automotive - Amplifier Wiring Kits - Amp Kit'
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Desktop - office supplies, pilot
So glad to find these pens again on Amazon. I have been looking for them for years. The stores don't seem to carry them anymore, and I had given up hope of every finding them again until now. What a treat! The purple is fun, the blue and black essential. The green and red are great to have at Christmas. Love them, love them. Good price. Pilot Razor Point Marker Pens, Purple Barrel, Purple Ink, Extra Fine Point, 12-Count, 11013
The big-box office supply stores don't seem to sell anything but ballpoint and gel pens. These felt-tip pens are still my favorite for taking notes, correspondence, etc. And to find them in purple -- nirvana! - Pilot - Office Supplies'
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Rechargeable Batteries - hand tools, battery packs
You are probably looking at this if you plan to fix a few things around the house. You might be wondering if you should get the 18 volt version. You might be wondering if you should get the Max Impact Driver, the Max ScrewDriver, or just the Max Drill Driver. That was me. Well, I'm a curious person, so I got all three Max drivers. I think, for most people though, this Impact Driver is the only powered driver you need to fix things, hang things, and assemble a few furnitures around the house.
This is an exceptionally well made tool. The build quality is excellent; just from holding the grip you can tell it's got premium materials when compared to other drills. The power on these little Max drivers are also surprisingly strong. I have a bigger 18v lithium-ion Hitachi, but I really can't tell the difference in power between the Max (12v) and the 18v lithium for most of the stuff I do around the house.
In case you don't know how impact drivers work, imagine a vice grip locked around the drill bit. Then imagine a hammer rapidly tapping the vice grip around to help turn/rotate the drill bit when it is "stuck." That's why these things work so well when driving long screws in to hard wood.
One reviewer commented that the Max Screwdriver has impact-like feature. I don't think that is true. I think he might be referring to the torque control knob similar to a drill driver. This is nothing like the Impact Driver. You can really feel the difference when you use both. When challenged, the Max ScrewDriver will either bounce out of the screw then strip the screw head or just start free spinning because of the torque control setting, but the Impact Driver will really drive the screw in when you simply hold the trigger all the way down. If you didn't want the screw to over tighten, then you can apply less trigger pressure, and it will tap lightly, still without stripping or free-spinning. The "Impact feature" only turns on automatically when there is a need for it, so it is actually quite okay for delicate screwing as well if you know how to adjust finger pressure on the trigger.
So the Max Impact Driver pretty much can do everything the Max Screwdriver does, but better. I think most people use the Screwdriver when they are screwing things in to delicate parts like electronics and computers. But even for that, the Screwdriver is over-powered and over-sized. You don't need that much power for electronic stuff, and the Max ScrewDriver is still too big to reach all the small areas inside, for example, a computer.
Do you need the 12v Max Drill Driver? I have it, but I rarely use it. I rarely use the 18v Hitachi drill driver since I got the Max Impact Driver. You can still drill very well with the Impact Driver if you have hex-shank drill bits. It's actually easier to switch the drill bits on the Impact Driver, so again, I prefer the Impact Driver even for drilling. Most other reviewers will tell you that the Impact Driver seems to be better at drilling as well. Yea, I don't know why they are making the other two drivers in the 12v Max series. I'm not a pro, but for non-pros doing non-pro stuffs at home, I think all you need is this Impact Driver.
I was putting in some self-drilling screws in to a metal frame to install a backyard gate latch. I tried using both the 12v Max Impact Driver vs. 18v lithium Hitachi drill driver. Initially, they both drilled the drill-portion of the screw in with similar effort (I can't tell any difference), but when the self-drilling screw got to the thread part to screw through the metal, the impact motion kicked in, and it kicked the Hitachi's butt out of my backyard. DEWALT DCF815S2 12-Volt Max 1/4-Inch Impact Driver Kit
I wasn't sure if I should get the 12 volt driver or the 18 volt. I wanted it to be as light as possible for the wife to use, but still wanted a tool that would do the job.
Glad to report that the 12 volt has PLENTY of power, & lasts surprisingly long on a charge!
I tightened up screws on my 20X20 deck, then sank 3" lag screws into 2X4's for a shelf building project, doing one wall and then part of another before the battery finally ran down.
I have switched battery's, finished the second set of shelves, had the kids out playing on the deck with it tightening more screws, used it at a friends house that was painting & removed all the grates & switch covers, took beds apart...this thing has been USED!
Bought it 12 days ago...and still on the second battery...anyway no need to worry about this not having enough power or lasting long enough! Its great!
If you are still using a regular drill to sink screws, you have GOT to try one of these! You'll never go back to a drill for screw driving again.
Also the oversize bag is great with this as I carry a box of impact bits, socket adapters, 1/4 socket set, box cutter, small pair of pliers, and a pair of side cutters. Seems to be everything I need to do jobs around the house.
The Dewalt impact driver is a useful little device that performs nicely and is well worth the price I paid for it. It has good torque, is small and compact, and fits the hand comfortably. The only complaint is the charge capacity of the tiny little battery pack. A fully-charged battery will not last beyond maybe 24-30 screws into, for example, five-quarter deck boards. While the battery pack charges rapidly (about 45 minutes), I have three battery packs and that still was not sufficient to complete the deck project I was working on.
I have only had this for 1 week and have completed four jobs with it and have not needed a charge. I am a hobbyist, and am used to the power that Lippo batteries can deliver compared to their same wattage counterparts, in most cases you need speed controllers and different motors to handle them without burning something up. This is where the next generation of tools comes from, if you look at the amps these batteries can put out you can see where the power comes from. I am not sure about these ( as I could not find that much info on them) but I am sure these are really 11.2 volt batteries, which would be 3 cell lippos, with at least an max output of 30-40 amps. Compared to conventional NI-CAD batteries pale in comparison. Lippo batteries hold twice the charge and do not dwindle over age (in other words deliver full power until they die, which this tool must have something built in to prevent that as once a lippo is completely depleted can kill the battery) and do not have any memory effect. The reason I say these are really 11.2 volt lippos is that is how they come as each lippo cell is 3.7 volts, unlike conventional 1.2 volts. Also when they are charged they normally charge to well above their rating, these probably charge to 12.6 volts. When I drove a 4 inch by 1/4 inch screw into a 2x4 using only a 1/8 inch 2 inch deep pilot hole, I was sold. It just kept tapping that bolt until it was flush, no ratchet needed. So much power from such a small light weight tool. - Hand Tools - Cordless Tools - Power Tools - Battery Packs'
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