Saturday, 4 April 2009

Laptop Speakers - laptop speakers, portable speakers


Let me preface this by saying two things. One: I almost never write reviews on products I buy. Two: I take my music seriously. I use a pair of $1,600.00 professional studio monitors for my desktop speakers.



Now the review. I needed something portable for a new 15.6" HP laptop. The reviews on this were good so I figured it was worth a try. I wasn't expecting much given the small size, USB power source, and low price.



When I fired this up for the first time, my jaw was on the floor! This thing is ridiculously good. Obviously, it doesn't output much mid or low base, but above that this thing is great! It puts out enough volume that I had to turn it down slightly in a 10' x 12' room. The sound is what I would expect from something costing hundreds of dollars, not $60.00. This thing has "air", it has a flat sounding frequency response, it's just amazing.



To the reviewers who are complaining that the price is high, I say: You've got to be kidding! For the sound quality it produces, this thing is stupid cheap.



I can't recommend this unit highly enough. Logitech USB Laptop Speaker Z305

Not much of a rave: "It's okay." For fifty bucks, I expected more, especially with the descriptions Logitech has on Amazon's page:

"360-degree room filling sound" this does not have (and I haven't used it in a particularly large room). It sounds like the speaker is behind the laptop, and I'm not sure what size room Logitech might be referring to. The bathroom in an airplane perhaps?



I bought this for listening to Netflix and certainly did not expect more than a louder speaker, hoped for better because of the glowing reviews here, but I was tempted to send it back after my first movie listening experience was less than satisfying. The volume was too low at about two feet away, and no, I am not deaf. I gave the speaker another chance with a higher budget film, and it was better, but still merely better than my built-ins. Did I get a lemon? Everyone else is raving about this speaker!



I am not sending it back, as it's a nifty design for travel and does a decent enough job, though I find the lack of volume a disappointment. The sound quality is okay, but nothing to rave about. I didn't expect better than okay for fifty dollars, but I certainly expected more than what I got. Maybe folks ought to tone down their positivity when discovering something merely better than their built-ins. My MacBook's speakers are tinny and quiet, but I'd call the Z305 a "twenty buck improvement."

I just received the Logitech Z305 speaker today, and I am very happy with it. So much so, that I think it may be the best and only portable USB powered laptop speaker to get. What follows is my review and comparison of the 3 USB powered speakers I now have:



1. The first USB powered speaker I purchased was the Altec Lansing iML237USB ORBIT:



Altec Lansing iML237USB ORBIT, Ultra Portable USB-Powered Speaker



I was pleased with the sound quality of the Altec Lansing ORBIT. And at about $23 including shipping, you probably cannot get a better sounding USB powered speaker for the money.



2. But after a while, I wanted the convenience of having a USB powered speaker that I could attach onto the laptop. So, I asked for and received the Logitech Z205 for Christmas which cost about $46 including shipping:



Logitech Laptop Speaker Z205



with A Lightweight, Clip-on Design and USB Stereo Sound, This Smart Speaker Is A



The Logitech Z205 was indeed convenient as it clipped on top of the laptop. But although it sounded appreciably better than the built-in speakers on any of my laptops and netbooks, I was nonetheless underwhelmed by the sound quality. The Altec Lansing ORBIT at half the price sounded much better.



3. So then I read the CNET review of the more expensive Logitech Z305 which also clips on top of the laptop. CNET basically concluded that the Z305 corrected the sonic deficiencies it had found in the Z205 and was worth the extra $10 - $20. Based on this review, I ended up ordering the Z305 from Amazon for $49.99 including shipping -- which meant that it was only $4 more than the Z205. I received it today and could not be more pleased. It sounds great -- easily the best of the 3 USB powered speakers I now have -- with decent bass, a nice open sound and good stereo separation. I would actually characterize the sound as "high fidelity". With its high sound quality and clip-on convenience, I think it's probably the best and only USB powered speaker one should get.



CONCLUSIONS: If you want good sound quality for little money, get the Altec Lansing ORBIT for $23. If you want high sound quality and clip-on convenience, get the Logitech Z305 for $50. Given these two outstanding speaker choices, I wouldn't even consider getting the Logitech Z205 for $46. - Soundbar - Usb Speakers - Laptop Speakers - Portable Speakers'


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Laptop Speakers - laptop speakers, portable speakers soundbar Laptop Speakers - laptop speakers, portable speakers

Chainsaw Sharpeners - easy to use


The instructions were a little challenging, but when you get this thing figured out, it works well. Now that I know how to use it, I will use it regularly to keep my chains sharp. I heat my home with wood and this is a lot easier than using a file. Ken Buffalo Tools ECSS Electric Chainsaw Sharpener

Wow! This machine does a great job! Considering how little I had to invest in this sharpener, it has saved me a ton to time and money. No more dropping off chains at the shop for sharpening. Now I can charge my buddies! Very satisfied.

I am an older lady that likes to work in the woods with a chainsaw, and have always dreading hitting a rock or dirt, dulling my saw. When my husband was alive, it wasn't a problem, as he could sharpen it for me, but I have tried to sharpen my own in the past, but never could do it right. I just purchased this sharpener, and sharpened my chain for the first time today. It took me awhile, but after getting the "hang of it", it was absolutely wonderful. It took very little time and does a wonderful job. This will save me time, money and frustration to say the least. I couldn't be happier with a product.

As stated in previous reviews, the instructions for this sharpener aren't very clear. However, once you become familiar with its operation, this sharpener really works well. Easy to use and gets great results. Very affordable price and solidly constructed. Highly recommended.

This is rather long. But I do feel it is well worth the read.



Just as some of the others, I found the instructions leaving me wondering. Also, the pictures of the various examples in the directions are very small. You will need a magnifying glass to see those pictures.



But once you get the hang of using this device, it is a breeze.



Here are a few tips:



(1) there is a second component of this machine that has numbers on a dial. These numbers represent various angles to sharpen your chain.



The specific angle you set this to will be found in the literature that comes with your chain. For example, I have a Poulan Chain Saw. I use Oregon, S56 chains. The literature that comes with it tells me the angle for sharpening the teeth is 30 degrees. So, that is the number I rotate this component to and set it.



(2) you will have to sharpen each tooth in the chain. This machine does not automatically pull the chain through and sharpen each one. If some of you were thinking the sharpening was automatic welcome to the club. I thought so also. No question, this is quite tedious work. But when you have finished you will have a very sharp chain that cuts just as if it were new.



So, after sharpening one tooth, you will have to manually pull the chain to enable the next tooth to be in position to be sharpened. In moving from one tooth to the next, you will notice the next tooth is

on the other side of the chain, across from the previous one. So, in order to sharpen the next tooth, you will have to rotate the wheel in the other direction to the same corresponding angle number on the wheel in order for the grinder to be in proper position to sharpen that tooth.



You will know where to position the tooth because you will want the grinding disc to come down, just butting up with that tooth. Don't worry. You will see how this is all done, once you sharpen a couple of teeth. The only problem I thought I had was to somehow mark my beginning point with the first tooth, so I would know when I had sharpened all of them.



This is what I thought, anyway. However, that was not the case at all.



You will know when you have reached the last tooth to sharpen because you will see the polished, fresh metal on each tooth you have sharpened, as opposed to the dull finish of an unsharpened tooth.



(3) the direction you put the chain in the slot that holds it while the teeth are being sharpened is in the opposite the direction the chain goes on the chain saw. At least, I think I am correct on this.



(4) if you are going to attach to a table, make certain your chain will hang freely underneath and be able to be manually rotated.



I decided to bolt my chain saw sharpener to a cinder block, instead of a table or vise. Then I put 4 more cinder block underneath it, so it would be appropriate height. Or put the cinder block on a table.



This worked out quite well. Only thing was I had to find about a 4 inch to 4.5 inch bolt long enough to go through the foot of this device and the cinder block, on the front of the device.



I used regular toilet seat bolts for the other two bolts for the back.



The 4 inch to 4.5 inch bolt has to have the same head as the original bolt. You will see why this is, when you take a look at the original bolt that comes with it. You will have to loosen two Phillips screws to

get to that bolt.



If you are going to use a cinder block to attach the sharpener, as I did, you will have to knock out a portion of the cinder block with a cold chisel, so the chain will hang such that it will be able to be

manually moved through the holder.



Now, my chain saw sharpener is portable. All I have to do is get my 2 wheel, push truck and I can take it any where I want where there is electricity.



(5) when you press the button on the machine for it to start sharpening, I believe you want the grinding wheel to just touch the angle of the tooth. This will produce a few sparks.



It doesn't take much to sharpen each tooth. Hold the handle down, until there are no more sparks. This will indicate that tooth has been sufficiently sharpened.



Wow! This machine really sharpens! I just used it. It really works!



No more taking my chain saw to a shop for them to charge me $15, just to do something I can do myself.



This sharpener is going to save me a lot of money and time. And for the money it was definitely a very good buy.



Whenever it comes time to purchase new chains, I will keep a record of how long they last from now on, using my new sharpener.



Really happy I bought this.



Hope I have helped someone with my thoughts.



patrick - Easy To Use'


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Chainsaw Sharpeners - easy to use easy to use Chainsaw Sharpeners - easy to use

Steve Miller - steve miller, funny


I found this book quite fun It looks like a sour-grape review here. The author has some laugh-out-loud comments and seems to be frank, and fair.



Admittedly, I am a film buff, so a book like this is very entertaining indeed. And, unlike many of the other in this theme, touches on some of the modern bad films.



One of the funniest parts of the book is a "They Really Said It" section. The author pulls out a line, or lines, and you can tell, even in the "context" of some off-base plot, the words are just wrong.



If you have a love of film, or know someone who does, this is fabulous! I am getting a couple for people I know. There's several areas that will interest different kinds of enthusiasts, which makes it a great gift. 150 Movies You Should Die Before You See

I'm not certain what traumatic childhood event is required but there are some of us who grow up with a decided love for bad cinema. The more inept and inconceivable it is the more relished and appreciated it is. For these strange souls, and I count myself among them, a pinnacle moment is starting at the screen and wondering how a million dollars and a years hard work could have resulted in a scene so inept that the purely rational mind boggles, threatens to run away, and insists you do something more productive with your limited time on earth. When its contortions are finished you are left with a special kind of laughter and pure joy that takes you back to your childhood innocence.



Like a man with an alien symbiont implanted in his brain, those of us who share this strange affliction are motivated to dig through the refuse of Hollywood find these pestilent treasures and then share them with as many unsuspecting victims as we can find. Steve Miller, a kindred soul, has done exactly this with "150 movies you should die before you see".



The book is most akin to a field guide, giving you a brief overview of each film in little informational tidbits. Each begins with the principle credits, a paragraph of plot summary, a description of "why it sucks", a one to 5 thumbs down rating, "crappies" awards for notable badness, a sample of bad dialog, a couple of little known facts about the film or its principles, and finally a trivia question pertaining to the film in some way. All this is done in about one and a half to two pages and is sometimes accompanied by the movie poster or a still from the film.



Steve Miller is good at concise writing, giving you a feel for each movie in a quick paragraph or two and highlighting what it holds in store for the prospective viewer. The only problem with this brief format is it is difficult for the author to really delve into the horrible grandeur of any given picture and build to a comic crescendo. Miller must either gloss over the highlights or hit us hard and fast with unexplored adjectives leaving you wondering if they were truly deserved or not. More time with the authors thoughts as to why it sucks would have led to a more entertaining read I think. As it stands, to taste the full foulness of any given offering you will have to endure it first hand or do further research in the writings of other brave souls.



I found myself most drawn to the two trivia portion of each overview and had most of my "Wow, that's amazing," moments while reading those and testing my trivia knowledge. Here the format seemed to prompt the author to dig deeper as where in the summary and review sections it seemed to only hold him back.



The films are organized into chapters which serve to break up the book and each section briefly explains the criteria under which the films were selected for it. The justifications vary from the film subject, to where it was made, to the budgets lavished on these turkeys. Honestly I found the organization a bit confusing with two chapters dedicated to big budget duds and a final chapter reserved for the worst of the worst but featuring films that would fit well into the other headings. They do a good job breaking the book into readable chunks but aren't so useful to zoom in on what you want to find.



The scope of films selected is one of the book's strong selling points. Unlike many chroniclers of bad film, Miller chooses as many modern clunkers as he does relics of the distant past giving you a broad overview off all that bad cinema has to offer. He should also be credited for trying to reach beyond his own personal criteria for badness and taking an objective look at what repulses people from cinema. Many bad movie buffs have a sweet tooth for the offensive and outrageous but Miller acknowledges these as faults for the general viewer. As a result, he includes a few films considered cult classics by many as well as films that clearly are intentionaly well crafted weirdness that just goes too far for the mundane movie goer.



Some reviewers are wont to object loudly when Miller skewers one of their sacred cows and explains "why it sucks" but Miller goes out of his way to explain his choices and notes in the forward that among this collection are some of his all time favorite films. It takes some humility to recognize the bad in what you hold most dear and I salute him for that... even if he is totally wrong about Kung Fu Hustle. ;)



All in all the book brought me great enjoyment as an fan of the genre of terrible film by taking me on a tour of bad cinema I'd only heard of in whispers and rumor. It is like a great hall with mysterious doors promising many forbidden pleasures and it is a great place to start on a bad film odyssey. If you want to expand your horizons in bad film, 150 movies you should die before you see is perhaps the best available modern guide.

I received a copy from a friend as a gift. The chapters titles were funny on there own. The authors reviews of the movies kept me laughing and groaning. While some of these titles I haven't seen, his satire and humor made me want to check them out. Everyone has there own favorite bad movies including this writer.

I liked how each entry had a "Why it sucked", favorite quote, single entry quiz and tidbits of other random trivia. My favorite was chapter 15 "Test your stamina!"

I groaned at the movie titles alone... I can't wait to try to sit through one of these un-recommended movies



I've got this book sitting with my coffee table book collection and every time I have people over it's the first coffee table book they reach for now. - Steve Miller - Fun - Funny'


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Iphone 4 - iphone, elago


I got this recently for my iphone 4, because it looked good in the web page. This is a piece of junk and not worth more than a dollar ! Do not buy this product as it scratches the phone and dirt gets accumulated because of the porous pattern. Buy the MiniSuit iPhone 4 Skin Case (chrome/gray/smoked...) instead. elago S4 BREATHE Case for AT&T and Verizon iPhone 4 (Black)

I have bought about 11 different cases, iSkin, Belkin, Apple Bumper, Incase, you name it. This is by far my favorite and the one I have been using the last couple of weeks.

While many others provide better shock protection, this one is the slimmest and sharpest.

It definitely goes well with iPhone 4 design and slickness. Its design also allows effective heat dissipation, which is key on a compact phone like this.

It looks very elegant. I would recommend to use it with a very slim back screen protector (not provided). at least, that is how I use it. I have the Power Support anti-glare for the front screen and a cheap film protector for the back that came with another case.

Once every other week, I remove the case and wipe it to remove the dust - no a big deal.

BTW: customer service at Elago is outstanding. There was an error on my order and, first they replied within 20 minutes to my email, and took care of the problem in no time. I will definitely buy the case in silver, as well.

Summary:

Pros:

-Look and feel: slim, perfect cuts, no sharp edges

-Packaging: little is more. Just one clear bag for the case, the case and... nothing else.

Cons:

-Shock protection: very little, if any. Being fair, my daughter has dropped my phone a couple of times, nothing big, and no even an scratch.

-No screen protectors (front or back) which in most cases are cheap and you end up buying a quality one somewhere else anyways.



For this price, just go ahead and get it.

Bought this case while waiting for my free case from Apple. It showed up promptly, and fits well, looks beautiful in the phone, however, it isn't well made. I managed to chip the case while on my phone in my pocket on the 3rd day I used it. Case hasn't chipped any more since, yet, and is still functional, the backing on the case is exceptional, as it is very easy to hold, without being either too sticky, or too smooth. All in all, I like the case, but it having chipped just when I placed my un-adorned hand into my pocket will prevent me from purchasing a similar product from Elago.

GOOD:

1. This is a beautiful case. My favorite design of any iPhone 4 cases I have seen.



BAD:

1. Durability. I do not care about protection as much as beautiful design and execution which is why I purchased this case. The issue however, is that this case cracks along the edge that holds the phone in. This makes for jagged edges, snagging on clothes and an inability for the case to stay on the phone. I have purchase 2 of these cases and the first one lasted 3 weeks and the second one only 2 days!



2. Customer service. I emailed Elago after the first one broke hoping they could help me out. I never heard from them. I sent another email 1 week later and nothing. I decided it wasn't worth my time since it was only a few dollars and ordered another. That one failed in 2 days. I emailed them again and nothing. I really love the design but the quality of this one is flawed. I would NOT buy unless you are looking for a disposable case.

The Breath case for the iPhone 4 is just what I was looking for...almost. The look is good, very sharp. The texture of the material is also excellent. This will not slip from your hands. The downside? It does not always want to stay on the phone. The nature of the design means that it will have slight problems staying on the body of the phone. All round good case, very good looking, but not perfect.

I've now gone through 2 of these cases, just to make sure I did not get a defective one. Both times the case chipped around the edges by the front of the phone. The phone was never dropped, just simply placed in a front pocket.



Overall it had a nice feel/grip while being lightweight and stylish. However, since it cannot stand up to daily use, I would highly recommend another product.

This case is one of the best looking cases for the iPhone 4 in my opinion. I've tried 4 or 5 other styles and they just didn't look as good as this one. Feels great in the hand as well. It leaves the side buttons wide open and is thin enough to fit in my docking station which is not supposed to work with a phone case. It also has a thin lip above the level of the front glass, so if you lay the phone face down it's protected.



I live in the desert where it can be pretty dusty, and I've only had to remove the case once every month to wipe out any dust that's collected below.



I've had no problems whatsoever with scratching. I double checked after reading the reviewer who complained of scratching and all of the edges of the phone were scratch free after having used it for 3 months.

I have purchased a number of different cases/bumpers (Apple) for my iPhone 4. This one I have kept on the longest and have been using day after day.



Some of the others started to show wear within days. Others didn't feel 'right.'



This one is great. It has little holes all over which help the phone keep cool when it gets warm.



So far so good.



The one thing I don't like about any of the cases I have purchased so far is that you can't put the phone in the Apple dock with them on. Not the case's fault. Just an observation.



All in all I like this case and it does a good job. Feels good to hold and is lasting more than some others i have used. Has a nice lip to help protect the screen when you lay the phone down screen side down. - Iphone 4 - Iphone - Elago - Breathe'


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Hoover Platinum Collection - odor eliminator, carpet cleaning


I went with this brand because my son is slowly working on his crawling skills and tends to scoot himself face down. I would rather not have toxic chemical residue from the regular carpet shampoos on his face and in his mouth. It did a good job cleaning my (fairly clean already) light colored carpet and smells quite nice. However, I was a tad disappointed. It is NOT 40:1. The instructions say to use 1.5 to 2.5 oz per gallon of water. I went with the 1.5 and there is no way this bottle will do 3 average sized rooms; I just did my dining nook and small living room and used over half the bottle. If you have medium to large rooms, get more than one bottle. Earth Friendly Carpet Shampoo (976608)

my pooch is allergic to everything under the sun, so I had to switch over to all eco friendly cleaning products. I thought they wouldn't work well, but was willing to make that sacrifice for my beloved dog. To my surprise, this stuff works BETTER than all the major brand (chemical based) cleaners... and it smells really nice, not perfumey. I've since switched everything in our house to earth friendly products, and I realize that chemicals do NOT clean better, they're just more available because EVERY store carries them.

I HIGHLY recommend to anyone concerned about good healthy clean living and mother earth!

I recently used this product with my new Hoover All terrain Steam vac. I worked extremely well on my light colored carpets. Smells great. I need to buy more. This size bottle does not last very long.

Shampoo is really good and smells good. I won't buy chemicals for my home anymore. Most of the time, I make my own cleaners. Definitely met my expectations for a clean earth friendly product. I would buy again and recommend to others. It is actually less expensive than the harsh smelling chemical carpet shampoos...plus so much better for your family and family pets.

Earth Friendly Carpet Shampoo is not highly scented and has a delicate scent you could enhance with your own essential oils. I used this in a Dirt Devil Easy Steamer Deluxe carpet cleaner and there was no problem with foaming and this product worked very effectively to dissolve dirt and to remove stains.



This would be perfect for smaller carpet cleaners too and the solution can be used in hot or cold steam machines. The 40:1 Dilution Ratio makes this economical and one bottle of shampoo will clean up to eight average-sized rooms.



Ingredients: Plant-based surfactants, Soap Bark, Chamomile, Horsetail Plant, Bergamot, Sage and Purified water.



This is a natural, non-toxic product that helps to make the world a better place and puts you in a good mood because it truly gets your carpets super clean. This product can be used on wool, nylon, olefin and cotton rugs.



Biodegradable

Color Safe

Petrochemical Free



I was very pleased with the results and felt much safer using this product than anything I've tried before. It was comforting to know that a product exists that won't harm your health and fill your house with irritating chemicals. The carpets also seemed to dry faster and by the next day they were soft and fluffy!



Highly Recommended!



~The Rebecca Review - Carpet Cleaning - Hoover Platinum Collection - Odor Eliminator - Stain Remover'


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Dead Bolts - keyless, dead bolts


This keypad deadbolt is a great replacement for a standard deadbolt. Here's what I like about it:



1. This product is a deadbolt that you can lock and unlock without a key. Instead, you enter a 4 digit password to lock and unlock the door. Using a code to unlock the door is much faster and easier than fumbling for keys. Also, you'll never be locked out unless your forget your code.



2. If you have a deadbolt on your door, you can easily remove it and install this deadbolt using a regular screwdriver.



3. You can set multiple codes (at least 5) to allow friends to access your home. You can easily delete the codes later when access is no longer required. Codes are set up using a 6 digit master password (which can be used to add and delete 4-digit access codes, but not to lock or unlock the door).



4. You can lock the door without the code. Just press the rectangular Schlage button (at the top) and turn the knob to the right, and your door is locked. You will still need a valid code to unlock the door. This makes locking up when you leave very convenient.



5. This lock can be made "bump-proof." Bumping is a relatively new, and very easy way to pick most deadbolts. It can be done in about 10 seconds and renders most current locks worthless as security devices. If you want to know more, search the internet for "bump key" and you'll be horrified at what you see. If you take this deadbolt to your locksmith before installing it and tell him to disable the key mechanism, your deadbolt will be completely resistant to bumping (and keys). I haven't used a key to get into my house since I've installed this.



6. The keypad is backlit, but only if you push the schlage key before you enter your code.



7. The unit uses a standard 9-volt battery. I've had mine for more than a year and haven't needed to replace it.



8. The one feature that I wish this deadbolt had was time based entry rules. I'd love to create a password which only works during certain hours, so that a housekeeper could access the house on a certain day or at a certain time. Alas, nothing is perfect... Schlage BE365VPLY505 Plymouth Keypad Deadbolt, Bright Brass

I selected this version of the keypad lock because it did not use a little electric motor to move the bolt. I felt that that motor might wear out or get effected by weather (it gets COLD in northern Illinois). The Schlage uses the keypad to engage a manual turned hand key, similar to the way you lock a deadbolt inside. This hand turned method is much better than the battery powered motor in my case because the door has a soft weather stripping. The door must be pulled to compress the weatherstrip before the bolt will slide into place.



A little bonus, the keypad lights up.



Installation was fine, but then again I enjoy that type of thing. It came already programmed with two codes and I did not bother to change them or add others. Very sturdy materials, easy to use, simple to operate and looks like it will last. Of the similar options this has all the features I wanted.



Recommended.

I have had this deadbolt for bout a year and I love it. It is th best one that I have come across (and yes - the most expensive - but you get what you pay for). It is eye-catching rather than an eye-sore. Be careful, some of the cheaper competitor's models have a plastic back that is very unappealing for a main door. The unit is smaller than many by requiring only a 9 volt battery because it does not lock/unlock the deadbolt for you. You do it manually.



Pros:

1) Appealing design (front and back - no plastic)

2) Smaller than most (due to use of 9v battery)

3) Keypad lights up when you touch it for nighttime entry

4) Never get locked out. Give the neighbor a temporary code to get in.



Cons:

1) Pricey ut you get what you pay for

We wanted an easy to use deadlock for our front door. This lock was perfect; it color matched our Schlage antique brass door handle and allowed us to program our own four digit code. It was easy to program our own code, but you could also use one of the codes pre-programmed into the lock. For the slightly more paranoid, there is an option to clear all the codes and set them yourself. The unit can hold multiple codes, so you can have separate codes for yourself, your neighbors, babysitter, etc. and then delete any one specific code once it is no longer needed.



If you are wondering if there is a difference between the Plymouth and Camelot versions of the deadlock -- they are functionally identical. The only difference is how they look; the Plymouth has rounded edges, while the Camelot has more shape to the edges. It took me a while to figure out the difference was only cosmetic!



The 9V battery is easy to replace via screws in the back of the lock, and the keypad will alert you to a low battery condition. The instructions say the 9V battery should last around three years.



Overall, we are happy with the purchase and would recommend the deadbolt to others. Lowe's and Home Depot carry the lock as well, but they don't have the full color/finish selection that Amazon did.

This keypad deadbolt is a great replacement for a standard deadbolt. Here's what I like about it:



1. This product is a deadbolt that you can lock and unlock without a key. Instead, you enter a 4 digit password to lock and unlock the door. Using a code to unlock the door is much faster and easier than fumbling for keys. Also, you'll never be locked out unless your forget your code.



2. If you have a deadbolt on your door, you can easily remove it and install this deadbolt using a regular screwdriver.



3. You can set multiple codes (at least 5) to allow friends to access your home. You can easily delete the codes later when access is no longer required. Codes are set up using a 6 digit master password (which can be used to add and delete 4-digit access codes, but not to lock or unlock the door).



4. You can lock the door without the code. Just press the rectangular Schlage button (at the top) and turn the knob to the right, and your door is locked. You will still need a valid code to unlock the door. This makes locking up when you leave very convenient.



5. This lock can be made "bump-proof." Bumping is a relatively new, and very easy way to pick most deadbolts. It can be done in about 10 seconds and renders most current locks worthless as security devices. If you want to know more, search the internet for "bump key" and you'll be horrified at what you see. If you take this deadbolt to your locksmith before installing it and tell him to disable the key mechanism, your deadbolt will be completely resistant to bumping (and keys). I haven't used a key to get into my house since I've installed this.



6. The keypad is backlit, but only if you push the schlage key before you enter your code.



7. The unit uses a standard 9-volt battery. I've had mine for more than a year and haven't needed to replace it.



8. The one feature that I wish this deadbolt had was time based entry rules. I'd love to create a password which only works during certain hours, so that a housekeeper could access the house on a certain day or at a certain time. Alas, nothing is perfect... - Dead Bolts - Electronic Lock - Schlage - Keyless'


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Dead Bolts - keyless, dead bolts electronic lock Dead Bolts - keyless, dead bolts

Active Pants - active pants, comfortable


I ordered these pants to replace an old pair of Danskin yoga pants that I absolutely love, which were apparently discontinued. From the website photos and description, this appeared to be the same style. However, where the old pants has a soft but snugly fitted waistband, and more of a drape, these have a thick, wide and firm waistband that is uncomfortable (not tight but just ungiving) and is already starting to 'bend' slightly. In fact, I was thinking of returning them. Danskin Women's Yoga Pant,Black,Medium

I had some Danskin yoga pants for many years & they finally wore out. Of course I never thought I could get the exact same ones after so many years. Much to my delight I received these new ones & they were the exact same pant. Way to go Danskin--sticking with a good product.

I do not think I have ever owned a pair of yoga pants that were this comfortable. They have a nice wide waistband that does not roll. The material is not too light, not too heavy. They wash and dry easily. Hope Amazon gets them back- I want more more- more! :)

These yoga pants are just ok. They seem to fit and move fine, and the length is fine. But the waistline is large and they therefore gape in the back. Not a huge deal, and I'll still wear them. But they're not my favorite. - Active Pants - Exercise Pants - Comfortable - Cheap'


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Active Pants - active pants, comfortable comfortable Active Pants - active pants, comfortable

Panasonic - electric razors, shaving


After using electric and cordless shaver models from Norelco, Remington and Braun, I settled on the wet/dry features of the Panasonic models. I replaced my first one with a 3-blade ES8092 6 years ago. It shaved closer than other models, was smoother and more comfortable on my face, and you could wash the heads. It no longers works well. I may just need a new head, but instead of spending up to $40 on a new head, I decided to check out the latest and greatest in new shavers.



I didn't look seriously at the offerings from Norelco and Braun as I have been disappointed the performance of both those models and poor durability with Braun shavers. I was astonished to see that the Panasonic models have lower prices than both the Norelco and the Braun. I settled on the Nanotech Vortex 4 blade models. The blades are extra sharp. One blade has a wider opening to handle my coarse African American graying beard hairs, two regular blades handle the bulk of the shave, while a fourth finishing blade leaves your face as smooth as a baby's bottom. I recall how the Norelco rotary had a blade system that lifts the hair while a second blade cut if off. Unfortunately, when it pulled that hair up, it sometimes pinches and the second blade cuts off some raised skin. It was uncomfortable and abrasive. This Panasonic is smooth and painless. There is a turbo mode with an extremely high vibration rate to clean the blades under running water. It is a significant improvement over my previous Panasonic 3-blade model. I highly recommend Panasonic's Arc IV 4-blade shavers. The shave is top notch and build quality is great.



The cleaning system that comes with this model is a waste of money and time. I bought this model because it was only about $25 more than the ES8243 model without the cleaning system. What a waste. It takes over an hour to clean and dry. It's noisy. It uses costly proprietary detergent cartridges that must be replaced monthly. It is a gift that keeps on taking your money and you don't need it anyway. It's just a gimmick folks. Don't fall for it. You will be happier with the cheaper model.



Amazon has the best price along with top notch customer service, but I bought mine down the street at my local Target for 6 dollars more. Panasonic ES8249S Arc IV Nanotech Vortex Wet/Dry Rechargeable Shaver, Silver

Have tried Norelcos triple-blade, no good. Tried the top of the line Braun, seemed to take too long to shave, and had to go over the same area 5 times to get a close shave (also VERY noisy)! The Panasonic Arc IV is very quiet, I can ACTUALLY HERE the stubble being shaved, and shaving only takes 5 1/2 minutes (I know this, because the shaver has a timer). I clean it in the stand 4 times/week, which keeps the shaver looking new every time I use it. I like not having to press it hard to my face, to get it to shave close (head is spring loaded, to give the correct amount of pressure). I just bought the cleaning cartridges, 3/$12.70 on Amazon subscriber program, and will have them sent every 6 months. Face still feels shaved after 8 hours (this is very strange, but nice).

I have always been an opponent for an electric razor for a number of reasons, biggest one is that I have sensitive skin and without pressing really hard on my face, never seemed to get a close shave. After my friend got his, and after a recent visit to the big box store where I got to see a 40 dollar price tag on disposables, I was convinced to try. I opted for the most bang for my buck and a model that was wet dry, you can actually use shaving cream with this model, which helps to nearly eliminate the break in irritation of most razors. The shave I get in just 2.5 minutes (the razor has a timer) is so smooth and so easy, its sad to think of all the money and time I have wasted over the years on traditional shaving products. Fantastic shaver, fantastic value.

Up front note: I shave my entire head, so if you're looking for a head shaver's view, this is it.



I received the Panasonic ES8249S about two weeks ago and have been using it each day since then. Previous to using the Panasonic, I used Mach3 blades. When using blades, even the good ones like the Mach3, my neck would break out with painful razor burn/bumps, I'd get acne around my chin and mouth, and sometimes I'd break out in a rash on the back of my neck. So blade shaving with my sensitive skin was a 2 or sometimes 3 day per week deal, there was no way I could shave every day. The days in between I'd be running around with a day or two of growth on my head and face. Not very professional, but this is the way it was for me for 20+ years.



Not anymore.



While I had tried a variety of electric shavers in the past, they all had some kind of downside: the shave wasn't close enough, they were hard to clean, got too hot, or whatever. Always something. So while the reviews here were very positive, I wasn't overly optimistic about the ES8249S. Fortunately, the ES8249S has so far proven to be a different breed of electric. While it doesn't shave quite as close as a blade (I don't believe any electric can), it get's pretty darn close, and the cleaning system is about as dummyproof as you can get. Just place the shaver in the base unit and hit the button and you have a nice, clean shaver waiting for you the next day. Simple.



But I think the biggest upside for the ES8249S is that I can use it in the shower. I think having a warm, wet head helps the ES8249S give a closer shave, and it certainly makes keeping the sink area clean since there are no hair clippings to clean up. I use HeadSlick shaving cream by HeadBlade, just rub it all over my head and face, and shave up. It takes me between 7.5 and 9 minutes to shave my head, neck and face to the level of closeness I desire - about the same time it took to prep, shave, and clean up using a blade.



This shaver has been a huge hit for me, I can now shave my head and face every day without suffering from rash/burn/acne, the quality of the shave is very good, and the convenience of the cleaning system is welcome.



I highly recommend that bald guys give this electric a try. I love it!



Update on 8/12/10: I've been using the ES8249S for about 3.5 months and so far it's been rock solid, a real winner. I did notice, though, that the shave quality was degrading a bit, where it would take additional passes and time to get a close shave. Not really a great big deal, my shaves were taking 10 minutes instead of the 8 minutes I got when the shaver was new.



So I purchased the blade replacement kit (not the foil, just the blades) for 16 bucks and now the shaver is as good as new. Being that I shave my entire head each day, taking between 8 and 10 minutes, and considering that most people only shave the face, I use my shaver about 3 to 4 times as much as a once-per-day face shaver does. So while a head shaving guy like me will need to replace the blades once every 4 months or so, a face shaver should be able to get away with replacing the blades once a year or less.



Great shaver! - Electric Razors - Electric Razor - Wet Dry - Shaving'


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Panasonic - electric razors, shaving electric razor Panasonic - electric razors, shaving