Milwaukee 18v Lithium-ion - upgrade, battery packs

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I chose to give the V18 3.0ah Milwaukee battery a 2 star review because... When you're in the middle of drilling a 4-1/8" hole in a piece of 3/4 plywood you don't want you battery to shut down. When I say shut-down I mean completely quit working.



Here's my story - I am in the construction industry; framing, trim, cabinetry, remodel, whatever... I've have a set of Milwaukee V18 cordless tools for at least 2 and 1/2 years - that includes: the hammer drill with 550 in/lbs of torque, impact driver with 1,440 in/lbs of torque, recrocating saw (sawzall), 6-1/2" circluar saw, flashlight, and impact wrench with 240 ft/lbs of torque, and I have 7 BATTERIES - (4) V18 3.0ha and (3) NiCd 2.4ah batteries.



All of these Milwaukee tools have a tremendous amount of power for 18V - The drill is unbeatable (although a little heavy), as is the impact driver (that is a little louder and heavier than other brands - however more powerful, the circular saw and sawzall don't see much use (but have preformed when needed), the impact driver is the BOMB (seriously, it has a lot of power - and, by the way, how do you use a hand ratchet anymore - really?, really?), the flashlight is better than the rest (but it's just a fashlight).



And the batteries. They last, and last, and last - the V18 Lithium-ion batteries have a charge indicator, and they are gauranteed for 2000 charges (before 1000 charges you get a new battery, and btw 1000 and 2000 charges you get a replaced battery at a pro-rated cost). The 2.4ah NiCd batteries have almost nearly the same power as the V18 batteries, but they don't last as long. An upside of the V18 batteries is they last longer, the downside is that once they die, they die, no warning, nothing - the bit stops turning, the blade stops mid-spin, and the screw stops moving. The V18 batteries also SHUT DOWN.



Getting back to the TWO STAR REVIEW

- The V18 Lithium-ion batteries shut down. What I mean by "shut down" is a fresh, newly charged will shut down under these circumstances - you're using a sawzall and the blade gets stuck, you let off of the trigger, when you try to get the blade out of the work and pull the trigger again, the battery shuts down because it is operating under a load and "too much" torque is put on the tool. Another example, you are drilling a big hole into a thick piece of metal - the drill is plenty powerful enough, and the bit is razor sharp, but when you get to the end of the cut and the metal lets the bit punch through and then catches on the backside, the V18 battery shuts down because the drill undergoes too much torque. A similar sinario incurrs when using the circular saw and the grain of the wood pinches the blade - the battery shuts the saw down becuase it is operating under too much load.



The point is that I would trade my (4) V18 batteries for (2) NiCd batteries because at least with a NiCd battery you can remove your bit or blade from the workpiece if the battery dies or is under too much stress. Oh and by the way, in order to revive a fresh yet shut down V18 battery you just have to put it back on the charger. My question is - what if I don't have 120v power to plug my charger into?



Don't take this review as a knock on Milwaukee tools - I love my milwaukee tools, they are the most reliable and powerful tools made. The V18 Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, but not reliable because they SHUT DOWN. I recommend the NiCd batteries to work with this set of 18v tools - - - I haven't tried the new M18 tools from Milwaukee - they look a little non-heavy-duty to me, and I'm a little disappointed that they changed the battery platform; because what if the new M18 batteries shut down in the middle of doing something? - then you don't have a NiCd cousin for backup. Think about that!!



I Hope this review helped in your researching efforts. Milwaukee 48-11-1830 V18 18-Volt 3.0 Amp Hour Lithium-Ion Slide Style Battery

Over the last ten years I have purchased around 12 of Milwaukee's 18v tools. I probably have 8-10 of their corded tools. Milwaukee's Lithium-ion batteries fit and perform as advertised(I have four now). Milwaukee is the only up scale tool manufacture to reto-fit the new battery technology to it's older products.

John Le Fever 12-31-07

I bought these to provide an upgrade over my old 18v nicads. Number one, 3.0ah vs 2.4 on the old. Really, the old ones run longer than these. Secondly, I have gone thru 4 of these lithiums in under 3 months! Milwaukee has a great waranty that they honor but come on! My last one died because the trigger on the drill was pressed while the drill was in my tool bag. I heard some clicking noise and traced it down to the drill. Guess what? now the charger won't even recognize there is a battery loaded on to it. Charger works with all my other batteries. Over draining a battery will kill it? Sounds like junk. Lastly, these are BULKY. Why? They are very light but awkward, like they are filled with air. They don't seem like they need to be this big.

I too am angry about the new M series lithium tools that won't work with older batteries and visa versa. I read on Milwaukee's tool site that they have "perfected" the lithium ion battery. Do they know these are really bad batteries, the 1st gen lith's have only been on the market about 3 years! They know they have a junk battery here, that is why they changed the mounts on the tools too.

I cannot tell you how disappointed I am with these. Do they own the patent on the little LED charge indicator lights? I would have bought Makita in a second but I like the idea of grabbing a battery out of the bag and being able to check it. I am done with Milwaukee. These dumb things fit all my old tools except the Rockford boombox. WHY?

Don't even get me started on how terrible these things perform in the cold. Leave a fully charged one in the truck over a cold night and you might get 5sec of use before it says it is dead on the LEDs. Don't put them on the charger, just warm them up somewhere for an hour. Nicads don't have these issues.

The whole sales pitch of carefree use is something I have not experienced with these. They don't have longer run times. They don't seem to be capable of more charge cycles. They don't heat themselves up in the cold by vibrating. They don't charge faster, twice as long as the nicads on the same charger, actually.

Don't buy these because the more married to a tool system you get, cuz you have so many tools and batteries, the harder it is to do the right thing and get that divorce. I want to desperately get rid of all my Milw but I have several hundred dollars worth of this stuff. I can't start over new until the tools actually stop working not just the batteries. It's hard, isn't it? - Cordless - Battery Packs - Milwaukee - Upgrade'

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Milwaukee 18v Lithium-ion - upgrade, battery packs battery packs Milwaukee 18v Lithium-ion - upgrade, battery packs

Cordless Drills - chuck, combo

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I don't want to post a review of the drill and impact driller yet because I haven't used them yet, but I want who ever buys this to know this is the 6202-20 Hammer Drill and it does not include the side handle attachment shown in 2 of the pictures. If you call and complain amazon will reimburse you if you purchase it somewhere else. You will need to buy the Side Handle Assembly (42-62-0525)from a parts website. Amazon needs to change their pictures so that no one else is mislead on this drill.



thanks,



Scott



UPDATE: I have used this drill for over a year now. I can't say anything but great things about it. I use to have a drill that was a electric drill that was handed down to me and it did fine, but you don't realize what a quality drill really gives you until you have one. I was stripping screws right and left with my other drill, but not with this one.



The impact driller is an accessory that I thought, hell for that price I will take it, but I don't know if I really need it. Again, this is something that everyone should have. There is no better way to put a screw into a wall, board, or anything really. That impact motion makes all the difference.



Lastly, the batteries on these things are amazing. I have used my drill quite a bit over the past year for various projects and I swear I have only charged them like 5 times or so. They last forever. If you use them for a project like putting in a curtain rod, then set it down and use it 2 weeks later, no worries it is like you didn't even use any power since the last time you used it. I don't use this thing all day like a contractor, but I use it for my odds and ends projects and it still lasts. I believe the only time I had an issue with the battery getting close to going down was when I was drilling into my stucco to put up some Christmas lights, but it still didn't go down. Milwaukee is the only way to go with a sawzall and a drill. Buy this drill combo! Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt 1/2-Inch 2-Tool Combo Kit

I feel I need to add a review for this product to counter the previous low ratings which don't accurately reflect the quality of this product.



I have owned this kit for about 2 weeks and have used them both in 1 fairly large project requiring drilling large holes in wood and metal and driving large screws. The power of both the drill and the driver are phenomenal. The battery life is excellent. I love how the power just continues at 100% until the battery is actually spent. AND, the charger is fast! If you do need to recharge during a project, it will be done in around 30 minutes.



One of the best things about the Milwaukee batteries - the warranty. They are warranted for 2000 charges or 5 years (don't know how they determine number of charges but I assume the battery has a counter inside). I won't be using these commercially so I'm expecting them to last a bit longer than the stated 5 years. We'll just have to wait and see.

I've had the M18 line for over a year, use them daily professionally, and have had no problems with the tools, or the XC M18 batteries. My partner had a M18 Compact battery fail after a year of use. I personally highly recommend them over the popular "yellow brand." I am gradually switching every cordless tool that I use to the M18 XC line. The XC battery has twice the amps of the compact version. Get the larger battery. 4 stars instead of 5 only because the hammer drill that came in the kit that I purchased didn't come with a bit holder or belt clip.I bought each from Milwaukee for a couple of bucks. I think it's stupid to not supply a bit holder with a drill.

Having not used a impact driver before, I was in for a real surprise! This tool makes it much easier to drive screws! Not as much force is needed and your bits will last much longer. I love the LED light on both tools also. Lightweight and a joy to use! Best Christmas gift I ever bought myself!

One is left to wonder if they have switched to the red lithium batteries yet. Local stores just started getting sets with the new red lithium batteries. They were released last year(Sept/Oct) so it would be nice to know if they have worked they way through the channel yet. Retail stores seem to have mixed results. Considering the timeline and lifetime of the batteries it would be nice to know how old they are before you get them. Some of Amazons kits have been updated to mention red lithium, others like this one have not... I would love to be able to order knowing which battery would arrive. You have to wonder how many of the negative reviews of batteries are simply due to the advanced age of cells.

My old set of Milwaukee tools with NiCad batteries are still working great, but the batteries have eventually been turned into bricks. I've replaced them several times, but the cost of replacing the batteries with new ones that will just go dead again anyway is ridiculous, so I made the decision to jump to the pro-level Lithium Ion M18 series with the XC batteries. I did it initially with the 1/2" cordless impact to test with, since I needed one anyway (can't use air when away from the shop), and I was very impressed.



So I finally made the jump to the M18 series for the drill and 1/4" impact for driving screws and such. I just got them, but they seem very solid and very fast. This kit comes with two XC batteries and a charger, which compliments the two XC batteries and charger that came with my previous 1/2" impact purchase. I think at this point I can purchase bare tools and still be good to go. My existing stand-by Hitachi 1/4" impact driver is still going strong, but it sure is nice to have a LONG Li-Ion battery life that I can swap around with all my other cordless tools.



These tools are an improvement over the old versions in several ways. One of the ones I noticed first is that they each come with an LED light over the trigger now, to help light up where you're about to drill and during drilling. This doesn't mean much outside during the day, but in tight quarters or at night it can make a world of difference. The old drill didn't have a hammer function, and the receiver on the hammer drill looks a lot larger than the old model as well. The batteries are big (and a little heavy--but that's a price I'll pay all day every day), quick to charge, last a very long time on a charge, and they can actually be left on the charger unlike the old NiCad batteries.



I had to decide between this set or the Factory-Reconditioned Milwaukee 2691-82 18-Volt Cordless M18 Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit with the slim-line batteries. I'm so glad I went the XC route instead. Even if you don't use your tools that often, go ahead and pony up for the higher end version with the much bigger and better batteries. You'll thank yourself someday... - Compact - Combo - Chuck - Drill'

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Pashmina - pashmina, pashmina shawl

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I ordered this in the olive color to liven up an oliveish/mid-forest-green dress, and it arrived (Pacific Northwest) in only a couple of days with normal shipping. The shawl is very pretty and a good value (and is perfect with the Coldwater Creek dress too). The reverse side is not identical to the primary side, but is still nice enough that when it shows is more than acceptable. It is generously sized enough to be very versatile in how it's worn, and while not of the highest quality, is yet attractive and reasonably priced. It is heavy enough that when worn around the shoulders it keeps the chill at bay for me in this drafty old house, but not so heavy as to be burdensome when worn with a mid-weight dress. I've worn it pinned in an arrangement as pictured and also simply hanging plainly around the neck, and it looks nice all ways so far. Though it is now nearly summer here it is still cool and damp outside, and this shawl works perfectly as a layering piece in this climate. I have washed it in cold water with some mild shampoo, hung it dry, then lightly ironed it, and it looks as nice as it did straight out of the package, though the fringe is a bit finicky unless ironed too. I've enjoyed it so much so far and have received so many compliments on it that I ordered four more in different colors, two for gifts, and two for me. Elegant Sage Reversible Paisley Pashmina Silk Shawl Wrap

I bought this as a Christmas gift for my mom. I was surprised the design was as pretty as it was since it was so inexpensive. It is thin and more decorative than anything else but she was very pleased with it and if you wear pashminas you know it is kind of addictive and always good to have another nice one to add to the rotation.

I realize colors can appear differently on different monitors... however... this is by no means a "sage" colored item. This is a much deeper green... dare I say "olive"... and the rose color is very much a burgundy. While it's not the most hideous thing I've ever seen it is by no means what I was expecting. On the bright side, it is very soft :) Instead of taking it on my upcoming cruise I will leave it on the sofa in the family room to wrap myself in when I feel a chill.

This is the first time I have ordered from this supplier. I chose this particular scarf because I loved the colors. Unfortunately, the colors in the picture are no where close to the colors of the scarf I received. The description states the scarf is sage. It is much darker than sage. Also, the rosey looking colors in the picture are closer to burgundy. I looked forward to having a shawl that would be appropriate for the spring/summer. This is better suited for the fall/winter.

When I saw this one I had to buy it. It was absolutely lovely. I must say though that when i opened it the colors weren't like this in the picture. The lighting on the picture does make it lighter. It is a darker tone and mostly green. To me it looked as though there was green and some kinds of purple/brown but it isn't as evident in person. But I still love the scarf. The material is so good and is wonderful for the LA summers. Will keep me cool and protected from the sun rays while not overheating me. I am so happy. It is quite soft and as i said is cool when you touch it.

I thought this pashmina would be a beautiful accent piece for a dress I bought for a wedding. After reading the reviews about the coloring being way off on this "sage" pashmina, I decided to purchase it anyways hoping that it might just be a fluke. I was very disappointed to discover that the reviews were right on. This pashmina is not even close to being sage. Sage to me is light green. This was very dark, actually looks like a cross between olive and hunter green. The print is much busier than it looks. Also, it's not shiny like the picture shows. It's on the dull side. Reversible? I think not. While it's not horrible, it looks like the backside of any material. On a positive note, it is pretty and soft and I will use it, just not for the purpose intended. - Scarf - Pashmina - Pashmina Shawl - Wrap'

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Best Underwear - recommended, best underwear

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One phrase summarizes this product: these are the best underwear I've ever owned! And they should be considering their price, but let me tell you the quality is second to none and the feel is absolutely perfect for me.



The first thing you'll notice is how light and how small the package is (no pun intended). These trunks are absolutely ideal for anyone traveling with a light carry-on bag, as they take up virtually no room and are so lightweight. They were delivered in an envelope, just to put a little perspective on their packaging size and weight.



When you actually put these on, the fun begins! You'll feel like a new man. Not only do they feel soft and wonderful on your skin, but your significant other will absolutely swoon over how you look in them. I was ordered not to wear pants around the house for a few days because of these. For that reason, I might recommend getting these during the Spring or Summer unless you intend on cranking up your heat in the Fall or Winter for them (unless you're one of those lucky people who live in a warmer climate). Also, be sure you have good blinds or drapes around the house before getting these.



One word of advice on sizing: If you're like me and you fall between a medium and a large, buy a medium. The stretchiness of these will cause them to wrap perfectly around your hips, cup under your bottom, and snug around your package.



Buy these underwear, even if you just buy one for those special dates you won't be sorry. Not only will you feel awesome wearing them, but you'll be admired by your lover. The only way these could be better is if they had three wolves howling at the moon on them! Calvin Klein Men's Micro Modal Trunk, Black, Medium

I've had a couple pair of the cotton version of these for a while. I needed some new ones and decided to try the micro modal. These are so good that I'm replacing all of my underwear. I know, that sounds silly, but these are really that good. The micro modal breathes and wicks better than cotton. My wife has even started pilfering my dresser when she goes horseback riding.

My husband is the type of guy who used to always buy the same cheap hanes underwear from target. I would cringe every time I saw his underwear literally fall apart within a few weeks, so finally I just took matters into my own hands and ordered him some calvin kleins from amazon. I spent $200 and bought about 10 pair, including one pair of the "micro modal" trunks (some were on sale, some weren't. The micro modals I paid full price so I just bought one for him to try). My husband was furious that I spent $200 on underwear, and he refused to wear the micro modals especially "on principal" because who on earth would pay $26 for ONE pair of underwear when you could get THREE for $10 at target, blah blah. So I hid all his old underwear one morning before I left for work (haha), leaving him no choice but to try the calvin kleins. So of course he wore the cheapest ones (365 fashion trunks I bought on clearance for $15/ea) first, and o-m-g he loved them. Then he tried the others (body stretch, micro steel, etc) and he was even more mad at me for exposing him to "luxurious" underwear that we couldn't afford, blah blah. He absolutely loved the micro modal so much that and I ended up buying him another couple pairs when they went on sale a couple months later for $20/ea.



That was over 3 years ago, and the underwear still looks brand new. The micro modal trunks are still his favorite, next is the 365 stretch fashion trunk, and the body stretch/micro steel ones are his least favorite (he doesn't like the low rise as much) but he still wears them no problem. Most of the colors I bought him were black/striped dark colors, and they are not faded, worn, and the fabric has not pilled at all. The waistbands have not worn or stretched out either.



He used to buy the cotton hanes boxer briefs at target for $10/3 pair, and they would last 3-6 months before they started getting shabby and worn, especially at the waistband. So ultimately, the calvin kleins have turned out to be a good purchase over the long run, because those pairs I bought him have lasted 3 solid years and they are not looking in the least bit old. Plus, if you keep an eye out on amazon, some of the colors and sizes will go on sale for $15-20/pair, which is how I originally bought most of them.



If you (or your husband) have never worn quality underwear before, I suggest you try these. They seem expensive in the short run, but over the long haul they last longer than cheaper brands, and are much more comfortable so they are definitely worth the money.

I have been on a hunt for some elastic-y, comfortable and fashionable boxer briefs which most importantly don't ride up. These are very comfortable and made of a nice soft stretchy material. They fit very well and look good to boot. Unfortauntely I can't say that they stay put. After having them on for a couple hours they ride up at least a few inches, even pinching in the middle a bit. The hunt continues...

Like the title says, wearing these is almost like wearing nothing at all because they're so lightweight. But, just because they're lightweight doesn't mean they don't support you properly. They definitely do support you where you need it most. I would have given them five stars were it not for the fact that the material pills after a while and thus loses its silky feel to a degree. Between these and the CK Prostretch boxer briefs, though, if I could only have one, I'd take the Prostretch boxer briefs. Buy one of each and you won't be sorry either way.Calvin Klein Men's Prostretch Boxer Brief

My boyfriend is REALLY picky when it comes to underwear! He doesn't like cotton because it can be stretched out of shape, but he wants the material to be soft! And tight but not too tight around his area >_> I ordered this Wednesday night and received it Thursday morning! Prime shipping~ I asked my boyfriend on a scale of 1-10 how much you like the underwear and he said 20! And he is really hard to please :O



If you are really picky when it comes to underwear or if your significant other is - BUY THIS UNDERWEAR :O At $26 it is really expensive, but these are amazing! I am going to buy more for my boyfriend in different colors! - Mens Underwear - Best Underwear - Underwear - Recommended'

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Jillian Michaels - exercise, jillian michaels

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Firtst of all, When I ordered this item I assumed it was going to be a blue viynl covered cast iron kettlebell. What I receieved was an all cast iron black kettlebell, nothing like the picture at all, not sure why? The kettlebell arrived a little scratched on the handle bar area but mostly it is in ok shape. It seems heavy for a 10 pounder but I suppose I'm not used to lifting weights. The kettlebell is pretty comfortable to handle and seems easy to use. It has a smooth finish and feels nice to the touch.All in all I am happy with it even though its not the same as the picture. CAP Barbell 10 -Pounds Kettlebell

Great exercise tool. I especially like the wide handle of this kbell. (I have 5 kbells in different weights and the wide-handled bells are the easiest to switch from hand to hand.) I also like that this bell is one solid unit and not filled with sand. The bell has a shiny finish; you won't get iron-colored marks on your hands from using it.

A few reviewers stated that the kbell in the photo isn't the one they received. Amazon must have recently changed the photo to show a black kbell. The black is what was shipped to me so you, too, should receive it.

The image for this product is incorrect. There is no coating of any type, it is simply a cast iron kettlebell.



Otherwise, it's a good kettlebell.



My only complaint is that because it has no coating, some moves are a little uncomfortable as the kettlebell rests on my wrist. If purchasing again, I would purchase one with coating on it to address that issue.

I love the kettlebell. I teach Zumba and get my cardio workouts that way, along with great muscle tone, but I was looking for something else. One of my students suggested the kettlebell. I thought...oh sure another toy to add to my collection of workout items.

However, this was AWESOME! I ordered the Jillian Micheals DVD work out with the kettlebell and really loved how my entire body was engaged from holding this bell.

I have been raving about the kettlebell and telling everyone in my classes that they MUST try one!



THANKS!

I am new to Kettlebell workouts so this Kettlebell works for now, but I will definitely upgrade to something different. The images presented by the seller misrepresented the product and were not accurate to the item that actually was sold to me. I was hoping to receive one just like this but one that had a rubberized handle and/or base. If you intend to do push-ups with this particular Kettlebell, it is impossible because the handle is too narrow and the base (because it is metal) slips on any surface.



This model works fine for 90% of my Kettlebel workout. But, I would recommend something with a wider handle, adjustable weights, and softer/rubberized handle or casing.

The picture I see is a black kettlebell with no vinyl coating. That is the product that I received. There may have been an older picture, but they have changed it since then. I like this kettlebell it is solid and sturdy. The handle is wide enough for me to fit both my hands in it. I noticed that a previous poster said the handle wasn't that wide. Also the bottom is flat so if you order two you can certainly do push ups with it. It doesn't skid around on the ceramic floor or carpet that I use. I would recommend this kettlebell to others. It does feel lighter than 10lbs, but I've picked up other 10lb kettlebells and they are the same weight. I think if it feels too light that's because you need to move to a heavier kettlebell.

I really liked the kettlebell. It gives me a great workout. However, the only draw back was receiving a black kettlebell instead of the red one I thought I was receiving. Be truthful, it you only have black. Change the picture to a black kettlebell. - Fitness - Weights - Exercise - Jillian Michaels'

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Alternative Energy - country skills, preparedness

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This illustrated book has been published chiefly for those who are new to country living, and/or who have an interest in self-sufficiency and in retrieving some of the "lost arts" which are appurtenant to traditional country life. The information is mostly introductory and rudimentary... a good start for most folks new to these areas of interest.



I have lived in the foothills of rural Appalachia for 55 years and have been involved in carrying out nearly all the construction, activities, arts, and crafts found within this text. Some of the text, (along with the accompanying drawings and photos), is quite good. The information is solid and one can get started along the right track; however, the work goes astray (the publishers sort of "threw in the kitchen sink"), into areas which are not particularly relevant to traditional country living. The editors simply went too far afield when they got into topics such as "Winter Sports," "Kayaking and Rafting," "Foraging for Flour and Emergency Rations," and so on. Most of these subjects are tagged on at the end, I felt just to make the book longer, (it's plenty long enough at 456 pages!)



Additionally, on topics such as "Emergency First Aid," "Fly Fishing" (and fish identification), and "Recipes," there are obligatory sections, none of which are all that useful since these are subjects, any one of which could fill volumes. Had these areas of specific interest been omitted, the more appropriate topics could have been somewhat expanded, such as "Barn Building" or "Preserving Meat and Fish".



While there is quite a great deal of quality information in this Skyhorse Publishing Third Edition (2008) for those seeking a new or improved life in the rural countryside, I still feel that the editors strayed off-base to the point that I cannot heartily recommend the work. Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills, Third Edition

Until I checked this book out of the library, I had rarely given a thought to getting "back to basics," that is learning how to be more self-sufficient. After I read the book, I soon bought it, because it opened my eyes to the many ways that I am almost entirely dependent upon others for my basic needs. "Back to Basics" is a helpful guide for those who want to get away from it all and live totally independently on a farm, and even those like myself that live in town, but that want to become more self-sufficient, and less dependent on expensive fossil fuels and foods that someone else has raised or grown.



"Back to Basics" is a colorful, easy-to-understand encyclopedia of basic skills. There are hundreds of color photos, and most lessons are laid out step-by-step, making the concepts very easy to learn. The book is divided into six basic parts:



I. Land: Buying It - Building on it (how to choose land, build a home, develop a water supply, create a sauna, etc)



II. Energy from Wood, Water, Wind, and Sun (making your home more efficient, how to use wind energy, setting up a solar-powered house, etc)



III. Raising Your Own Vegetables, Fruit, and Livestock (how to properly grow all sorts of fruits, vegetables, and grains, how to farm fish, beekeeping, butchering an animal, etc)



IV. Enjoying Your Harvest Year Round (canning, preserving all kinds of foods, making cheese and wine, etc)



V. Skills and Crafts for House and Homestead (making natural dyes, weaving, woodworking, stenciling, soapmaking, making homemade perfumes, etc)



VI. Recreation at Home and in the Wild (camping, canoeing, kayaking, celebrating holidays, etc)



This book definitely has the potential to help all of us live more self-sufficiently, learning to do the things that our grandparents probably learned growing up. However, one possible drawback is that becoming self-sufficient takes a lot of work, and in the case of switching your home over to some type of alternative energy, a lot of money as well. Most readers are probably not going to have the land, time, and money to make some of the more significant changes suggested. However, the book still offers a lot for the rest of us, and at the least, educates us as to what it takes to live in a self-sufficient manner. Another possible drawback is that the book tries to squeeze a lot of information into 456 pages. This means that while you are getting a very concise, and surprisingly detailed, overview, you may need to consult more detailed sources if you need more help than what the book offers.



Overall, this is an interesting and useful book that offers practical ways to become more self-sufficient, something that is highly relevant in these times of rising energy and food prices. My family has already used some of the ideas, starting our first garden this year.

This is simply the best reference book for self sufficient country living ever, bar none. From building to growing to conserving to preserving to raising animals to cooking... recreation, knitting, herbs, knots, quilting, cider, canoeing, candle making, soaps, blacksmithing, not to mention beer and wine making; and everything in between and extending from both ends - this book has it all. The table of contents only touches on what's contained. If you can think of it, this book probably has it. It is *the* encyclopedia of living the "basics."



At the end of the movie adaptation of H.G.Wells classic "The Time Machine", the main character escapes to the future where humanity has forgotten all basic knowledge and skills. The friends that he leaves behind discover that he has taken only three books with him, and we're left to wonderingly consider which three - and which three we might bring. This book would be one of my three. After all, what culture could survive long without beer, smoked meats, cheese and wine?

This book provides a great overview of a lot of things, but doesn't get too much into the weeds. As the daughter of a contractor, I'll tell you that the book leaves a LOT out of building your own home. But I'd like to build a stone cottage some day, so i appreciate the ideas it offers. I'm not all the way through, but I like how they offer other books to read if you are interested in one specific activity, allowing you to gain more knowledge than the general overview the book provides. Good overview, but if you want to do something on your own, you're going to have to purchase a lot of specialty books in each area. - Homesteading - Sustainability - Country Skills - Preparedness'

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Inflatable Boat - inflatable boat, cheap

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I went camping recently up in Priest Lake Idaho. I was looking for something to do so I bought this boat, not really realizing that it was a children's toy. I'm 6'3" so it looks pretty funny when I get in this thing. Everyone thought it was hilarious, it was worth the price just to see my mother laugh so hard. Anyway, I ended up paddling this toy roughly 3 miles through rough water and against the wind and this little boat hung in there. I thought the rubber oar loops were going to rip out from the intense rowing but they never did. I went on to beat it up the next day rowing from one ilsand to the shore and it still held up. I got pulled over by the water sheriff too, he thought it was funny as well.Bottom line, this is a strong little rubber raft. I rowed this thing around until I couldn't life my arms. Intex Explorer 200 Boat Set

Great product. We had a smaller one that last over a year of the kids jumping and playing on it - which is great for our house. This model is larger and even comes with paddles and a pump. I didn't expect that - I was just replacing another one. ...you can't beat it.

I bought 2 of these boats for my kids (3 and 6) to take to the lake. They were a hit!!! The pump was a little slow for impatient young ones, but other than that they were fantastic. They fit 2 people - 10 and under, or 1 adult. I know this because I spent the morning laying in one and had a great time! I loved the fact that the oars couldn't slip out and get lost. The rope at the front made it super easy to pull onto the beach, or tie to the back of the boat. One piece of advice: DON'T pull these behind a motorized boat... the eye for the rope pulled right out, leaving a huge hole, a flat boat and a completely devastated child :( I will be buying 4 or 5 more since all the kids, and adults at the lake LOVED them!!!

This inflatable boat is a perfect toy for pools and shallow, calm lakes. It may also serve as a rescue boat for kids stranded too far out on a lake or pond.



The warnings on the boat will tell you not to use it as a flotation device, and rightly so. There are two good reasons for that.



First, the boat can slowly leak air. It won't sink with you in it, but the boat's structure is compromised with the loss of air, and this makes rowing difficult. If you're drifting away from shore and you need to row back, tough luck. You can do it, but it might take a while.



Second, it is very hard to keep the boat pointed straight. Think of it as a closed bottom inner tube. It has no rudder or stabilizing components. I can imagine the guy who rowed three miles in this thing must have come back pretty exhausted, because to row in a straight line you have to use a lot of hand strength and be willing to make quick corrections. He might have even had to blow a little extra air into the single chamber along the way to keep the structure intact. The only advantage I can think of is that it's wider than a kayak, so it's stable in boat wake.



Add this together and it's really more of a toy than a recreational boat.

I purchased this raft to have some fun in the pool and take it the Ocean in So cal. Its very nice for the price. Its held up great so far, ive done flips and jumps into it in the pool and no pop yet :) . I brought it with to the beach yesterday and we had three of us crammed in it, held us fine and we had lots of fun flipping and riding the waves.

My husband (200 pounds--about the limit of weight) used this boat to maneuver under his sailboat so that he could paint the bottom of the boat while it was on the lift. Worked wonderfully. Couldn't ask for a better boat for the price. - Cheap - Inflatable Boat - Boats - Boating'

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4th Generation - 4th generation, 8gb

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Having had a chance to spend a little time with a review model gives me a chance to share the experience with you a bit early (before my own arrives). I'll take you hands-on with the new model, plus I'll share from my past two years of iPod touch ownership altogether, especially for those who haven't yet owned (or been owned by) one of these mobile gems.



I've also hidden a treasure trove of info on how you can legitimately download tons of quality apps for free. First though, let's quickly cover what's new.



+ Faster 1GHz A4 Processor - to keep up with the high demands of multitasking

+ Ultra high resolution "Retina display" - packs a 960 x 640 resolution at 326 pixels per inch

+ 15% larger battery - 3.44 Whr/930 mAh plays 7 hrs of video & 40 hrs of audio

+ Rear-facing camera - supports 960 x 720 sized photos (0.6 megapixels), plus 720p HD videos

+ Front-facing VGA-quality camera - VGA-quality is a resolution of 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)

+ 3-Axis Gyroscope - allows for higher precision and more motion gestures

+ Wireless N - Connect faster and go farther than ever, with this WiFi device (requires a router with 802.11n)

+ Built in microphone - but Apple reverted back to using the remote- and mic-less earphones

+ Game Center - Apple's own social gaming platform

+ Sleep/Power Button - it's been moved to the right, but not improved beyond that

+ Thinner, lighter than ever

* Note - Memory remains at the same 256MB despite several unconfirmed sources touting 512MB. There's also no vibrate module.



Unlike last year's iPod touch update, this one's a complete overhaul to the entire line. Last year, the new models didn't change in appearance. On the inside, faster processors and double-memory were added to the 32GB & 64GB models, but the 8GB got left out. Not this time. Buying the new 8GB iPod touch indeed gets you all the new goodies. You'll also pay thirty bucks more than before, so consider buying the 32GB model instead. You'll get 400% of the storage capacity for only 23% more coin!





===== Background =====



I'm a mobile app developer who's created a few apps and games for the iPhone, iPod Touch and now iPad. I was initially drawn to the iPod touch because of the popularity and capabilities of its mobile Web browsing--I was primarily a Web developer at the time and no other device could surf the Web so well. After I got one, I was hooked. I racked up over a hundred bucks in app purchases within the first month, and before long, I found myself learning how do develop native apps for the device.



Indeed, if you have never had an iPod touch before, you're in for a real treat. Of course, if you have, then you know first hand: it's is worth its weight in gold--no, in platinum. And now, with the latest generation, it may even be worth its weight rare gem stones! I digress.





===== Out With the Old =====



The iPod touch is frequently called an iPhone without the phone. However, until now there have been several other features also missing in the iPod touch besides the phone: a camera, GPS, magnetometer (compass), and some newer amenities from the iPhone 4: front-facing camera, high resolution "Retina display" as it has been dubbed, and the powerful 1GHz A4 processor--indeed a necessity to keep up with multitasking.



That all changes, now. The 4th gen iPod touch brings with it some new features and amenities, some of which have been anticipated by iPod touch fans and developers alike, including myself, for several generations of the device. From a developer's perspective, the more hardware features we can get our hands on, the better and more innovative apps we can create, and the more users that can download, use and enjoy them.





===== In With the New =====



The striking new design of the latest iPod touch is definitely a looker. Apple has made it even thinner (and I thought it was already too thin before) complete with a beautiful chrome back. While the super thin design is certainly attractive, I've found it slightly difficult to keep it well-gripped in your hands. The usual chrome back looks great too, but it's scratch-insistent. Yes, it's incredibly easy to scratch it all up, even after the first few days. For these two reasons, definitely get yourself a silicone skin (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042GVG5G?tag=1pod-20&ie=UTF8) alongside your new touch!



For ages, the feature topping everyone's wishlist for the iPod touch has been a camera. Check! It handles HD video too--bonus! Granted, its not the 5 megapixel camera that the iPhone 4 sports, but again, the new iPod touch is thinner than ever, making it a miracle that we even got a camera in the first place, let alone two! Yes, Apple went the extra mile so we could make video calls with our iPhone toting friends, via their FaceTime app. Brilliant! So, having not had any camera on the iPod touch before, and now having TWO cameras on it, we can't really complain can we? Nah.



I'll have details on the quality both cameras later, but what excites me even moreso is the new much-higher resolution screen--dubbed "Retina display". You may not think much of it if you haven't used an iPhone or iPod touch before, nor have an older model nearby to compare it to, but for those that have and/or do, the difference is clear! (pun intended)



Where this really comes in handy is in browsing the Web and reading non-mobile-formatted PDF e-books. Now, I can see things so much clearer at the default zoom level (which shows the full width of a Web page or document). My vision isn't spectacular by any means, I just don't mind seeing things smaller on the screen. It allows me to see more content without having to scroll. Indeed, the Retina display was the #1 feature I never knew I wanted (until I saw it in the iPhone 4 that is).



Other newness includes: 15% larger battery, HD video recording and editing, built-in mic, wireless-n for nearly double the WiFi connection speed and distance, Game Center: Apple's new social gaming platform (which seems to be Apple's attempt to kill-off third party social gaming platforms like OpenFeint and Plus+), 3-axis gyroscope sensor, which complements the existing accelerometer sensor, both of which handle the rotating, swinging and other motion gestures of the device (previously, rotation were roughly calculated from accelerometer data), and new placement of the sleep/power button on the right (but still as difficult as ever to press).



Features still missing include: 512MB of memory, vibration, 5 MP quality camera + flash (iPhone apps now support using LED flash as a flashlight, like Android does), magnetometer (compass), and the GPS. I'd happily trade the thinness of the latest iPod touch to have the GPS. WiFi based location is often inaccurate, and the GPS doesn't need a WiFi or cellular connection, it just needs to see the satellites in the sky.





===== iOS vs Android =====



So far, Apple has cornered the market of multitouch mobile devices that aren't phones, but things are slowly changing. Currently, the two hottest mobile and smartphone operating systems out there right now are Apple's iOS (formerly: iPhone OS) and Google's Android. Of course, iOS is popular because it runs on not only the iPhone, but also on the iPod touch and now on the ipad as well. Plus, it has garnered support from scores of app developers who've gotten behind Apple's slew of high-demand devices.



The iPod touch has really made iOS what it is today. It does a lot of what the iPhone does, without a contract, or carrier exclusivity, as is the case with the iPhone and the iPad (WiFi+3G models). So if it weren't for the iPod touch, a lot of the market share Apple now has in the industry would have been stifled by their carrier exclusivity. I think Apple will see the light soon, but that's another discussion.



Enter Android. Google has held a different stance on their mobile OS. It isn't tied to a select few devices, and it's open source, so it can be further developed by manufacturers who use it. Indeed, several mobile device manufacturers have now latched onto Android as a foundation for numerous devices. Wireless carriers that have been unable to carry the iPhone have also taken a liking to it. Now, tons of Android devices have been released, and there's no end in sight. Manufacturers have also seen the iPad's potential and now they want a piece of that pie, too. So, expect to see a lot more Android tablets and media-centric non-phone devices soon. The competition is heating up.



But not everything with Android, nor with iOS, is perfect. I own an EVO 4G, one of the most popular Android devices currently available. I've also used an iPod touch almost every day for nearly two years, so I'm pretty qualified to share my experience with each platform. Both certainly have their share of unique offerings, and neither of them are without flaws. For this reason, and because of the increasing competition between the two, I plan to dispel some of their key differences for you at various points in this review.





===== So What Can the iPod Touch Actually Do? =====



Well, what can't it do?



The iPod touch is like a magical little box, only it's flat. While it cannot cook your breakfast, yet (I'm sure someone is already working on that), it can indeed do some pretty extraordinary things. It's an amazing catch-all device that can provide hours of entertainment, give you the power of the Web in your hand, and it can even replicate the functionality of countless one-off products. Developers have been creating apps that take advantage of special hardware of the iPod touch to emulate some other product for less, and sometimes even for free.



Even expensive products have seen cheap iOS based clone apps. For just 99 cents, you can snag a special alarm clock app that monitors your sleep cycle and wakes you up when you're in an ideal state of wakefulness. I spent 350 bucks on an aXbo

(http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014RDSSY?tag=1pod-20&ie=UTF8) a few years ago, who's functionality is easily replicated by several "sleep phase" alarm clock apps in the app store. When you do the math there, you see that it's easily a no brainer: buy yourself an iPod touch now!



I've listed more apps like this in the comments!



Plus, with the support of such a strong community of app and game developers, there's never a drought of fresh new apps and games. There's always something to do with the iPod touch, and I guarantee you'll never be bored with it. I honestly cannot say the same thing about Android, though I also tote my EVO 4G around with me. I do admit that the EVO's mobile hotspot comes in incredibly handy for providing the iPod touch with a WiFi connection while I'm on the go).



Now, with the proper resources, you can legitimately download thousands of high quality apps for free. I do it all the time and it is perfectly legal. See, Apple allows developers to temporarily put their apps on sale (and even drop the price to free). Usually they do this to get you to write some rave reviews for their apps. The secret to success is having the resources to help you spot these special app sales--so you know when and where to get them during their sometimes extremely-limited-time promotions.



In hopes of making this the most helpful review on Amazon for the iPod touch, here's how to obtain these special promotional-sale apps:



There are several resources you can use, both on the Web and on the iPod touch itself. I prefer to use the app called BargainBin that lists all apps that recently went on sale or dropped to free. It also supports watch lists with push notifications, and can alert you whenever an app you're interested in goes on sale. It's a phenomenal little gem, and it has gotten me a ton of apps and saved me a fortune! It also has a companion website that lists the same apps (Google: App Advice). There's also a website called AppShopper (Google it) that lists apps with recent price drops and new apps as well, and you can filter just the free products or just the sale products. The two sites don't always list the same apps. Sometimes one will miss something that the other will catch, so it's good to keep track of them both. Check them daily if possible. Several apps are duds, but you'll come across some really great ones from time to time. They'll all add up!





===== Web Browsing =====



Alongside spending lots of money on all those wonderful apps in the App Store, Web browsing is one of the most popular uses for the iPod touch. Browsing the Web with mobile Safari was my original attraction to the device. The experience hasn't changed too drastically in the past two years (since the days of iOS 2), and while it's still very powerful, there are some definite flaws. And no, I'm not talking about Flash. Just minor usability issues I'd like to see overcome, but first let's look at the positives.



Mobile Safari has a smart approach to zooming in on content. Double-tap on a paragraph of text or an image to cinch that content right up to the edges of the screen. The downside: some sites aren't mobile-friendly, so zooming in on a really wide block of text can leave you with tiny text. You can zoom further manually, by using the "unpinch" multi-touch gesture, but because the browser doesn't have an option to reflow the text to the screen width, you have to scroll left and right, as well as up and down, just to read the text. Android's browser doesn't feature smart zoom, but it does reflow the text to fit the screen when zoomed in. It's a nice feature, and Apple should add it as a preference for Safari.



Browser history can also vanish after a few days, and browser windows get overwritten by links from other pages sometimes (usually when I've hit the maximum of eight windows). Also yet to be seen is support for doing common things like searching for text on a page, or bookmarking a link by tapping and holding. That would be invaluable for adding bookmarklets--bookmark based scripts that help overcome browser shortcomings.



Flash is also a great debate, one I won't get into. I will just say that all is not as it seems with the Flash-support-touting Android platform. Flash does work, but it is buggy because Flash doesn't play well with touch interfaces. Flash based video players don't work right, and I even run Android 2.2, which is supposed to have the "full Flash experience". It doesn't, trust me. So you're not missing much by not having Flash on the iPod touch!



Indeed, we can just hope and pray that Web developers and Flash-fiends see the light and start replacing Flash content with technologies like HTML5's canvas element, which is poised to take on a lot of Flash's most popular abilities.





===== Media =====



Despite all the incredible things the iPod touch can do, audio and video are still one of the iPod touch's greatest strengths. And with the incredible resolution of the new iPod touch's retina display, to say that videos now appear much sharper, more vivid and highly-defined is definitely an understatement. Yes, videos were great before, but now they frickin' rock!



Just make sure your videos are at least 960 x 640. If you've owned an older iPod touch and used video conversion software to scale down your media to fit the old 320 x 480 screen resolution, definitely change your conversion settings, or look for a software update to support the new higher-resolution display.



For those interested in watching live TV on the go (over WiFi), Sling Media's SlingPlayer app, paired with one of their Slingbox devices is a phenomenal and freeing experience, especially considering your alternate choices for watching live TV on the go are pretty much nil up to this point.



On top of that, Netflix's recently released iPod touch version of their media streaming app has also been a much-welcomed addition to my ever-growing collection of apps. Netflix videos stream quickly, and even moving the play position back and forth in the timeline, the movie starts playing very quickly without much time rebuffering the video.





===== Photos =====



The latest iPod touch is also a game-changer for photography and video recording on an iPod touch. It's not mind-blowing by any means, but we went from having no camera right to having two cameras on the device. I probably would not be so thrilled with just a new back camera. I merely would have sighed, mumbling "finally" under my my breath (unless it were 5 megapixels). But despite the less-than-one megapixel quality of the rear-facing camera, I was taken aback by the rather decent quality, especially in low-light environments. Check the comments for links to sample photos!



Between that and the ability to connect with other iPhone and iPod touch toting friends via Apple's FaceTime app, yes... it's a game changer. Granted, I have been wanting front facing cameras on mobile devices ever since mobile devices started having cameras period. I got the first of such devices when my EVO 4G arrived in June, but as they say: the more the merrier. Friends, welcome to the future we've been dreaming of. Video killed the audio call!



The quality of my test calls were pretty good. Of course, it was over WiFi, but it proves the cameras are decent. You can switch from using the front camera to using the rear camera, too, in case something was going on in front of you that you wanted to share. Just tap the "camera swap" button in the bottom right corner of the screen. FaceTime also rotates along with the iPod when flipped on its side, nice.



HD video recording is the other half of the aforementioned game-changing equation. I didn't expect to see ANY video recording, considering the original iPhone camera was originally just a camera. But it's here, complete with HD quality (yes, the quality is indeed desirable), plus basic video editing support, as well as support for Apple's brilliant "iMovie" app: an advanced video editing studio right on your iPod touch. It's just five bucks on the App Store.





===== E-Reading =====



The iPad has been making waves in the genre of media reading for several months now, but that hasn't exactly been the same story for any generation of the iPod touch so far. Granted, it's not exactly marketed as an eReader like its iPad counterpart, but there are some really great apps out there for media reading on it, so there's no reason not to use it to read digital media. The obstacle to doing that, for me at least, has been the limited screen resolution, and so that may all potentially start to change, now that Apple has brought the Retina display to the iPod touch.



The 163 pixels per inch screens of past iPod touches were still pretty great, just not ideal for tiny text. For comparison, LCD monitors typically only have 96 pixels per inch, and CRT monitors only have 72 pixels per inch. TV's are even worse than that. What this means for you is that the iPod touch display has always been sharper than your own computer monitor.



However, despite being able to display content at a higher quality, I still found that in a lot of eBooks, especially PDFs that weren't mobile-formatted, the text was just not clear enough to be readable when zoomed out. However, zooming in meant having to constantly scroll side-to-side while reading. The app "Good Reader" helped ease that pain by doing the left-right & vertical scrolling for you with just a tap of the screen, as well as offering an additional view that re-flows the text to fit on the screen at a large enough size.



However, with the Retina display, all text and content in the aforementioned "zoomed out" state now appears extremely clear. That is a wonderful thing, so long as you don't mind reading tiny text.



Could you still benefit from having an iPad too? Perhaps. After all, it does have unique qualities that set it apart from the iPod touch, as my in depth iPad review portrays (http://www.amazon.com/review/R16U71KO7POLA2?tag=1pod-20&ie=UTF8). But unless you specifically see the need for one of those unique qualities, then no, you probably don't need both.





===== Gaming =====



If you're like me, you probably don't have time for games. Regardless, it may still be high-time to let the kid within you roam free from time to time, as I do. The iPod touch has made it possible. In fact, it is so easy, there's no excuse not to enjoy yourself. My favorite games are the racing games and, when I have a bit more time, strategy games.



With the iPhone and iPod Touch having taken on a clear role as a gaming console that has been as revolutionary for mobile gaming as the Wii was for living-room gaming, it goes without saying that the iPod touch is, and will continue to be, one of the best platforms for gaming. It's simple, convenient, and pretty much instant. Whenever you have a few moments of free time, wherever you're, just turn it on, find your game, and bam! You're gaming. Simple as that.





===== Productivity =====



Productivity carries numerous definitions. Usually its "getting something done" though some people tend to believe that it's the ability to focus without being distracted, which I see as one of the iPod touch's strengths, at least for me, primarily because the screen is small enough to force you to focus on the task at hand.



In the context of software though, Apple's own suite of productivity apps for the office, collectively called "iWork", has been further refined for the iPhone and iPod touch. Because of the aforementioned "focus factor" of the iPod touch, I have found myself to be surprisingly productive when working on documents with it. There are three apps in all: Pages allows you to work on word processing documents. Numbers allows you to work on spreadsheets. Keynote lets you work on presentations and slideshows (including PowerPoint files).



So far, I've found these apps to be highly useful when I have work to do, but don't feel like being at the computer to do it. Another great app for that is "iTeleport" which let's me at my computer remotely, when iWork won't work (meaning I'm not working on office documents). Log Me In Ignition is another similar app that is slightly easier to set up, but a bit slower than iTeleport, when you're just working over the same WiFi connection as the remote computer.



Furthermore, there's a whole category of iPod touch apps in the App Store specifically dedicated to productivity. Some of my favorite productivity apps include: Bento (info management), Things (project management), iTeleport (remote computing), and GoodReader (best PDF reader around). Search for them in the App Store.





===== Email, IM and Social Networking =====



The iPod touch has been, and continues to be an exceptional communication-machine. Whether it's reading or composing email, keeping in touch via instant messenger, or managing your life via social networks, you've got plenty of options here.



Instant messaging is easy with platforms such as AIM, Yahoo, Gtalk, MSN, Skype and apps that handle multiple platforms: IM+, Fring, Nimbuzz, BeejiveIM and Fuse Messenger. Finally, multitasking means you can truly remain connected to your IM platforms of choice, instead of relying on apps to keep you signed remotely, then push new-message notifications to your device. This is a much welcome addition to the new iPod touch.



As well, there are plenty of apps to help you browse and update your status on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, etc. Within the iOS development community, Twitter apps have often been a laughing stock, simply because there are so many out there on the App Store. They're almost as rampant as "fart" apps. So to say you've got countless options as far as social networking apps are concerned is probably a pretty accurate statement.



For email, you need not look any further than Apple's native "Mail" app. Even if you're using Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, or Apple's own MobileMe, setup is a snap. It even supports Microsoft Exchange, often useful for corporate email setups. As well, any other email accounts that support POP3 or IMAP connection types will work with the Mail app too. Plus, new to the iPod touch with iOS 4 is the option to use a unified inbox--handy for those already used to that behavior on Mac OS X.





===== Downloading Apps and Games =====



Downloading apps on your iPod touch couldn't be easier. Once you set up your iTunes account with a credit card, all you need to do is find the app you want, tap the download button (usually it says the price rather than "download", which then changes to "buy" after you tap it), then tap again to confirm. Voila, you just bought an app. Behind the scenes, Apple then charges your card the amount of the app plus tax, while you're already off enjoying your new purchase. This ease of access is a blessing and a curse, because you can easily empty your wallet if you're not carefully considering each purchase.



All apps in the App Store range in price from Free and 99 cents on up, always incrementing in whole dollar amounts (1.99, 2.99, 3.99, etc). The maximum price for an app is set to $999.99, of which there are only eight currently priced so outrageously. And don't even think of toying with them. Apple does not allow refunds on apps you have purchased--all sales are final!



Contrast that with Android's more complex Android Market, and you'll find several more steps, especially for paid apps. For one, there're no fixed pricing tiers, and secondly, they allow multiple currency pricing, which only confuses its users. The good developers do keep their pricing similar to iOS apps, with the 99 cent base plus $1 increments, but I often see apps priced at ¥0.55 or 0.79 or $1 or £2.95 ...it's quite disorienting and unstructured. They have also set their price cap at $200, so you can't accidentally run up a $1000 charge on just one app--you'll need at least 5 apps for that. ;)



Meanwhile, to actually buy an app on Android, you must tap the BUY button, confirm that you want to buy the app, then get redirected to a Google Checkout link, where you must setup your Google Checkout account or choose an existing payment method if you already have an account set up. Once you confirm the purchase yet again, THEN you can finally download the app.



Google also makes selling apps a bit more complicated for developers than Apple, but I won't get into that. I'm just stressing how absolutely simple Apple makes the app buying and selling process. Contrary to Apple however, Google does allow users to "return" purchased Android apps within 24 hours for a full refund. That's nice.





===== Technical Specifications =====



Since Amazon's product descriptions tend to be lacking, I like to include all the technical jargon geeks have come to expect when researching new gadgets. Feel free to breeze on through!



In the box

+ iPod touch

+ Earphones

+ Dock Connector to USB Cable (for sync and charging)

+ Quick Start guide



Size and weight

+ Height: 4.4 inches (111.0 mm)

+ Width: 2.3 inches (58.9 mm)

+ Depth: 0.28 inch (7.2 mm)

+ Weight: 3.56 ounces (101 grams)



Capacity

+ 8GB, 32GB or 64GB flash drive/SSD



Wireless

+ 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi (802.11n 2.4GHz only)

+ Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

+ Maps-location based service

+ Nike + iPod support built in



Display

+ Multi-Touch display

+ 3.5-inch (diagonal) widescreen

+ 960-by-640-pixel resolution at 326 pixels per inch



Cameras, photos, and video

+ Video recording, HD (720p) up to 30 frames per second with audio; still photos (960 x 720) with back camera

+ VGA-quality photos and video up to 30 frames per second with the front camera

+ Tap to control exposure for video or stills

+ Photo and video geo tagging over Wi-Fi



TV and video

+ H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats

+ MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps per channel, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats

+ Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) up to 35 Mbps, 1280 by 720 pixels, 30 frames per second, audio in ulaw, PCM stereo audio in .avi file format

+ Support for 1024 by 768 pixels with Dock Connector to VGA Adapter; 576p and 480p with Apple Component AV Cable; 576i and 480i with Apple Composite AV Cable (cables sold separately)



Audio

+ Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz

+ Audio formats supported: AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), HE-AAC, MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV

+ User-configurable maximum volume limit with parental lock

+ Earbud headphones included in box



Earphones

+ Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz

+ Impedance: 32 ohms



Input and output

+ 30-pin dock connector

+ 3.5-mm stereo headphone minijack

+ Built-in speaker

+ Microphone

+ External buttons and controls



Sensors

+ Three-axis gyro

+ Accelerometer

+ Ambient light sensor (for proximity detection)



Battery, power and playback time

+ Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery

+ USB sync cable is also used for charging

+ Fast charge in about 2 hours (80% capacity)

+ Full charge in about 4 hours.

+ Music playback time: Up to 40 hours when fully charged

+ Video playback time: Up to 7 hours when fully charged



System requirements

+ USB 2.0

+ iTunes 10 or later

+ Mac: Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later

+ PC: Windows 7, Vista, or XP (SP3 or later)





===== Praise =====



+ Apple continues its trend of creating the best multi-touch experience around. Android doesn't even come close.

+ The Retina Display - Phenomenal! Kudos for bringing it to the iPod touch as well as the iPhone. Now try it with IPS technology Apple!

+ Wireless-N, finally! - Faster and farther-reaching WiFi connections (if your router supports 802.11n)

+ High performance 1GHz A4 processor - provides all the power of the iPhone 4, a win for gaming and multitasking.

+ Multitasks like a dream with iOS 4 and the powerful processor, despite the same 256MB of memory as the third generation touch.

+ Rear camera - It's not the 5 megapixel iPhone 4 camera, but I definitely can't complain here. It shoots great photos, especially in low-light without flash, plus it can do HD video.

+ Front facing camera - What a pleasant surprise! Now it just needs to work with Skype.





===== Dissappointments =====



+ No GPS - IP based location just doesn't cut it at times. GPS has no subscription fee or contract to use. GPS chips are costly, but tons of high cost GPS apps are in the App Store now to offset that cost for Apple.

+ 256MB memory - iFixit has confirmed this disappointing flaw, putting to rest all the rumors of 512MB still littering several reviews.

+ Still no 120GB model - Useful for higher res videos that look great on the Retina display.

+ No USB 3.0 or wireless sync - Sync'ing can be slow or inconvenient over the cable.

+ Thinner design - I was hoping for a more squared design, like the iPhone 4, as it is easier to grip, handle and press the power button.

+ Power button - Yes, it hasn't changed much. It's been moved to the right side on this model, but it's still the tiny, hard-to-press button it's has always been, and if you take lots of screenshots like I do (by pressing power+home simultaneously) half the time you end up closing your app because the power button didn't work right.





===== The Bottom Line =====



It is absolutely clear: Apple has definitely blurred the lines between iPhone and iPod touch with its 4th generation of both devices. Since it has no contract or carrier exclusivity, this phenomenal device will continue to shine its light in the otherwise dark voids of the smartphone market where the iPhone cannot go, even without the phone. That's just smart!



Given all my tips, I think you'll find the iPod touch to be an extraordinarily useful, possibly even highly addictive device, with a price tag that is well worth it, especially the 32GB model. With all the things that the iPod touch can do, it will undoubtedly enhance your life and change the way you interact with the Web. It might even make a gamer out of you if it hasn't already, it sure did for me!



I hope you've found my hands-on review helpful. I do actively participate in any discussions via the comments, so feel free to drop me a line, or ask me any questions as well. :) Apple iPod touch 8 GB (4th Generation) NEWEST MODEL - Ipod Touch - 4th Generation - 8gb - Ipod Touch 4g'

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Floor Nailer - hardwood, cleat nailer

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Have no fear in purchasing this nailer.This nailer is very well made and buying one vs renting one made more sense to me.(At $40-$50 per day to rent). I am installing Brazilian Walnut 3/4" by 2 1/4" solid hardwood flooring. This wood is 185% harder than oak. This nailer had no problem driving the nails. I purchased the "L" shaped cleat nails at my local Lowes. This is my first attempt at installing a wood floor. One tip for DIY'ers, practice on a scrap piece of flooring, I had to adjust the air pressure on my compressor to 90 psi. Also when hitting the nailer with the rubber mallet you need a nice firm swing,not to hard,not to soft, a few practice hits and you will get it. Now about the seller, great service, nailer arrived in 1 week, nailer is exactly as described, was delivered by Fedex in perfect condition. What sold me on buying from this seller was their great price and the fact that they did not charge an inflated shipping rate. To all readers of this review, Good Luck in you flooring project. Akuzuki Contractor Pro Series Dual Hardwood Floor Cleat Nailer and Stapler

I purchased this nailer for use when installing 640 square feet of strand bamboo flooring, in conjunction with Bostich 'L' cleat flooring nails Bostitch FLN-150 1-1/2-Inch Flooring L-Nails, 1000-Per Box. As expected to use the tool over the course of days, with an eye toward utility for future projects, I chose to buy a nailer rather than rent.



Pros:

1. heavy-duty feel

2. budget price

3. changeable baseplates for different thickness flooring



Cons:

1. two of the four allen screws that hold on the base plate simply refused to budge and stripped in the process of trying to remove them to change the plate- completely rendering useless the feature of changeable baseplates for various flooring thickness. (no worries- I added strips of duct tape to suit my 5/8" bamboo strips) This is a manufacturing quality issue. Either the screws should have been properly torqued, or should not have been installed at all, leaving that to the purchaser.

2. Halfway through the flooring project, the unit began to leak air through the head. Not a lot, just a whisper- but enough to cycle my compressor and make me wonder about the tool's longevity.



Despite the cons, it drove the cleats flawlessly and never misfired. I would purchase this again, given the price and balancing the use I would get from it Vs. renting costs.



UPDATE -01/2010



After having written my review I received a very nice, and unsolicited, note from the manufacturer. They were kind enough, based upon my review, to fully repair the small issues I was having with my tool. When was the last time a manufacturer rung you up and offered to fix what was wrong with your tool without having to spend hours on hold or navigating a phone tree? THAT is customer service, folks. Got the tool back in double time: baseplate screws fixed, and rebuilt with new seals. I tried it immediately and it performed flawlessly, as it was before. (remember, it performed perfectly before, with no misfires, even when the nails ran out of the magazine) It is rare indeed to find a company willing to stand behind their product these days, let alone to this extent. I am impressed. Curious to know whether new buyers experience too-tight screws on the baseplate or whether they have actually changed the manufacturing process. Pros: Seriously consider this tool.

A decent floor nailer and a great value, especially with the ability to use either cleats or staples. The construction of the nailer was solid and well made. I was however disappointed in the mallet, the wooden handle was very loose and not well finished and doubt it would hold up well in the long run, fortunately, I recently purchased a Stanley graphite handled mallet and have used that.

The nailer arrived in just under a week and I was ready to start putting down my bamboo floor. The base plate needed to be changed (bamboo is 5/8" vice 3/4" for most hardwoods), but was quickly accomplished by removing the 4 allen screws with the wrench supplied. After adding a few drops of oil, I made a few test nailings and was pleased that no further adjustments were necessary. The nails were set perfectly in the tongues of the bamboo. The starting wall clearance was excellent, with the 3 5/8" wide bamboo, I was able to use the nailer on the second row! Do be careful when installing bamboo as the nailer needs to be set flat and square to prevent damage to the edges.

I did run into one nail jam as most floor nailers are infamous for. It occured between two strips of cleats. It took about five minutes to clear the jam (breaking out the directions just to be sure). Future jams could easily be accomplished in under two.

I've only installed about 150 square feet, but so far I've been very happy with the performance of the nailer.

Awesome...I have been renting guns for years and decided to buy this one before installing about 500 SF in my house. I am a homeowner - not a pro - but I have installed thousands of feet of wood. I wish I bought this gun a few years ago. Not a single miss-fire, as a result of the gun, in 500 SF. I have never had a more consistent floor nailer. The gun is easy to use and really does not require a hard hit to work. If you are planning to install any decent quantity of wood, I would highly recommend this unit over renting. Good Luck!

During a major remodeling job of our home, we hired a carpenter crew, that was well respected in our area. They put down the hardwood flooring in our kitchen and dining room area with a regular air nailer. We noticed after a couple of weeks that the floor made squeaky noices when we walked on it.



Having to still complete another area with the same hardwood flooring, we decided to try and do it ourselves. So to Amazon.com we went and purchased the Akuzuki nailer. Upon arrival we began the project. We found the recommendations on Amazon from other buyers to be true and the instructions in the box were easy to follow. Within a couple of days our flooring was down and it doesn't squeak. It looks really professional.



Thank you for offering a great product.



The Bishop's

West Michigan - Hardwood - Floor Nailer - Cleat Nailer - Hardwood Floor Nailer'

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External Hard Drive For Mac - portable hard drive, wd

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I bought this hard drive about 7 months ago prior to my deployment to Afghanistan. The weight and size were great. Seemed perfect. I get to afghanistan, and may have only plugged it into my Sony VAIO ten times, when suddenly it would not be recognized. Like it didn't exist. I kept unplugging it and plugging it back in. I then tried it on a bunch of other laptops. Nothing. So, I thought, maybe it's just in a "mood". I turned off my computer, went to sleep, and tried it the next day. Still nothing. Now, it has been seven months, and I still occasionally plug it in to see if it works, but to no avail. Luckily, everything I had on the WD hard drive was backed up on another hard drive, so I didn't lose anything. I would just return it, but seeing that I'm not in the United States and where I'm at, the mail system doesn't work, I now use it as a paper weight, which it would recieve 5 stars if that was what it was meant to be used for.



I looked it up online and found that there are thousands of other people with the same issue. WD keeps giving the lame excuse of "some computers don't supply enough power". That's bull... Then why doesn't it work on ANY computer? And why make something that doesn't work all the time? And, using simple logic, my buddy who has the same hard drive plugged his into his computer, and it worked. I plugged mine into his computer, and it didn't work. He then plugged his into my computer, and it worked. I plugged mine into my computer, and it didn't work. Hmmm... Sounds like it's more than a power issue. I'm meeting my wife on R&R soon and will give it to her. Hopefully, she can return it, but she can't find the receipt, so I'm sure we're stuck with it.



I can't tell you to buy or not buy it. Most people have great luck with it. But that's what it is...luck. So, you may buy this, and it will probably work. Or, there's a chance it won't. So, why not buy a hard drive that works ALL THE TIME? No risk, no chances. I think I'm going to order a Toshiba and have my wife give it to me on R&R. It seems that their hard drives don't suddenly decide to not work. Western Digital My Passport Essential SE 1 TB USB 3.0/2.0 Ultra Portable External Hard Drive (Silver)

This is an easily portable hard drive with generous 1 TB capacity. It is compact, lightweight and runs nearly silently.



It was instantly recognized when connected to a desktop machine running Windows 7 Professional (32-bit), to a laptop running Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit), and to a netbook running Windows XP Home.



None of these machines is USB 3 equipped; since all of my data transfers were via USB 2, I can't comment on the USB 3.0 performance. USB 2 transfers to/from the desktop internal hard drive took about 3 minutes for every 1.5 GB of data.



Since this is a recent purchase, it's not possible to address the reliability/service life of this drive.



This drive is powered via the USB cable, eliminating one power cord (and wall wart!) from the rear of my desk (and increasing its portability)



Some reviewers have commented on issues with the included backup software. My experience with the offerings from both WD and other vendors is that significant shortcomings in features and functionality are often part of these applications.



I simply deleted this software without installing it, and continued to use this drive with a separate back-up application (I've been using Centered System's "Second Copy" with great success for both automated and manual back-up tasks for 5 years).



One minor gripe about this device: the included data cable is *very* short (about a foot long), limiting drive placement options (I don't know if this is related to the USB 3 capability or not).



Note: I purchased the blue version (not currently offered on Amazon). I included pictures on the product page and the only the color is different; specifications, form factor and performance are identical to the black model.

This WD 1TB drive is a good value, but the backup software [SMARTWARE] should be called DUMBWARE. The software assumes that you are expected to be an idiot and they are all knowing.

The previous software, WD Anyhere Backup, is a much better product. What it doesnt do that Anywhere did:

1. Backup to drives other than WD Smartdrive;

2. Let you have duplicate file names in different folders;

3. Doesnt have the feature to purge files from the backup that are no longer on the source drive.

4. Since it ignores folders you can only backup by file type. This means that it backs up videos, for example, that you dont need or want to backup. These files may be multiple GB and eat time and space needlessly.

5. The picture catagory doesnt know that a NEF file, Nikon's raw format, is a picture.

6. There is no way to add file types to a catagory.

7. Can not be paused til idle or til resumed. This means that it kills high useage programs like Photoshop CS5. The only choice is to turn the drive off while you are using photoshop.



NTS, I uninstalled this product and use the older SMARTER Anywhere Backup. The older software was the driving item that led me to choose WD, which was a bad move. Maybe 3 stars is to kind.

It was awesome - for the week that it worked. I have a Macbook and for the week prior to the HD crapping out, it worked beautifully. The software it came with is cool and easy. The drive is a little bigger than my phone - perfect size and super portable. I only had about 200gb's on it, and i plugged it in one day, and all of the sudden my laptop wouldn't recognize it. I tried it on 3 other laptops and nothing happened. I called WD and talked to two different people - they both said the same thing. "Alot of laptops don't have enough USB power to power up a portable hard drive over 500gb's"....whats the point of having a portable drive if your lappy can't power it? Granted I only have USB 2.0 - but what's the point of being portable if my laptop can't power it?



Good thing Amazon is awesome and is giving me a full refund. - Wd - Portable Hard Drive - 1tb - Western Digital'

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