Guy Low Price Electronic: 8 Jun 2009

Monday, 8 June 2009

Paper Trimmers - paper punch, punches

Not a whole lot can be said about a hand-held hole punch. It works well, has solid construction, and produces clean holes without ripping the paper (even through multiple sheets). The rubber grips, of which the color is randomly selected (I got blue), is a feature that sets this one apart. Indeed, it's the principal reason I chose this hole punch over the other equally-priced (i.e., inexpensive) alternatives. X-Acto is smart; I suspect it costs them next to nothing to include this feature, yet sets them apart. The squeezing action is a little bit on the stiff side; because the handles are short, there isn't much leverage. It works perfectly well for me, but my wife did mention it was a little too hard for her to squeeze. Oddly, the receptacle that catches the punched holes has a lot of holes in the bottom. Before ordering, I wasn't sure from looking at the picture whether this was some innovative design concept that provided some neat and unique feature. As far as I can tell, it's not. It probably just saves on plastic to be honest. At any rate, you're looking at this because you want a cheap, functional hole punch, not because you want a bunch of fancy bells and whistles. It's a good choice. X-ACTO 1 Hole Manual Hole Punch, Color May Very (1521)

Within a few minutes, the puncher was misaligned, and no longer working. I could see this happening if I was using it on huge stacks of paper, but unfortunately this occurred with some really minor usage. I'd go for another hole puncher if you want to use it more than a few times. - Office Supplies - Punches - 3 Hole Punch - Paper Punch'

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Optima Deep Cycle Battery - sailing, boating

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I own both the MK (Minn Kota) pwr station and the UM (Unified Marine) 50090681 pwr station, therefore I'm writing this for both. Luckily I purchased the UM to hold my back up battery. If quality is worth the cost to you then the Minn Kota is the choice. I've had the MK pwr station on a few trips so far with no problems.

Quick comparison: MK box container is well made and transports my heavier 27 battery with no problems, strap is well made. Now for the UM, placed my lighter 24 battery and proceeded to lift box by the handle - handle came up but the box remained on the floor. Unbelievable...quick fix drilled some screws through to secure the handle, not sure how long this will last. Strap hasn't broke yet, but my confidence is very low that it will make it out of the garage for the 2nd trip.

Power meter: MK works well with good quality readings on charge. UM, not sure why they bothered to even place this on the box...cheap/unless. Only reflect a full charge when you have it plugged to the charger, and that's the only time you can trust what it reads.

Power lugs are fine on both, with the MK still being better quality.

Power accessory have not used yet so can not provide any feedback.

As stated above I only got the UM for my back up battery case so not overly disappointed, it works for my application, it's priced low, has a circuit breaker and pwr lugs work fine, so I'll give it a 2 star rating. However, if your getting this as your primary box for your trolling motor with needs of a higher quality box with a power meter that works, it's best to spend the extra money on better box. Unified Marine 50090681 Power Station Battery Box

I use this to hold my primary battery that drives a trolling motor on my 10' Walker Bay.

Pros:

* Nice external power hookups

* Plenty of room for my Group: 27 size battery and a Minn Kota circuit breaker I installed inside

* Side handles (for heavy batteries)

Cons:

* The battery charge indicator tends to show less charge than the actual charge (not to bad)

* Case and strap buckle are too lightweight to carry my 70 lbs. battery by the handle

* The strap buckle is already cracked and needs to be much stronger

* Car lighter style plug is not secure enough for accessories to stay connected

Al in all I am happy with my purchase but that is mainly because I have not found a better unit that has these features.

This product is a great idea for a boat or camping. The problem I have is that the retaining buckle broke almost immediately (this apparently happens almost 100% of the time based on other review sites) and it states that it is universal for 24/27 series batteries -- it is not "universal". I have a 24 Series battery that will not fit properly in the box. I plan to buy a properly sized battery box and remove the connectors/wiring from this box to make a quality box. Quality?!?!? That's a word seldom heard!?

This is great unit at a great price, except the battery meter does not work properly. Even after fully charging the battery the meter shows 1/3 full and if you use the battery even the slightest is shows needs to be recharged. I measured the voltage and 12.6 volts or less shows recharge, and you don't get to full unless a battery charger is attached and are at 13.8 volts or higher. So other than this minor issue it works great.

I would have given it a 5 star, but have yet to test the battery meter. Some say it is not accurate, we'll see. As for everything else, it is a well made/designed box. A previous reviewer posted a problem with the buckle, it is fine and can handle more than 30 lbs.

Bought this for small engine on tender and the top is secured only by a cheap plastic handle and secured by strap in center of box. Plastic not strong enough for weight of any sized battery, anyone want to buy mine-cheap!!! - Boating - Moeller Marine - Sailing - Optima Deep Cycle Battery'

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Accurate - digital scale tare accurate, shipping scale

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This review is for the American Weigh Scales (AWS) PS-25 digital postal scale. I purchased it from EZ Sell via Amazon. It was shipped by EZ Sell and it arrived in only 3 days from the order date with standard (free) shipping.

The PS-25 has a maximum capacity of 55 lbs and a sensitivity of 0.1 oz (minimum capacity is 0.2 oz). The scale comes pre-calibrated and I tested it with a calibration weight that I already had and it seemed to be in perfect calibration. Note: If you want to manually calibrate the PS-25, yourself, you will need a 10 kg calibration weight. Such a large calibration weight is usually expensive. The cheapest one I could find is by the same manufacturer (AWS) and cost US$99.99 with free shipping which is almost 5 times the price of the scale, itself.

The PS-25 arrived with the platform uninstalled. Installation was easy---just align the six mounting studs to the mounting holes on the metal sub-plate and carefully push the platform onto the sub-plate until the studs are fully pressed into their mounting holes. The included user manual did not describe this but it was very easy to figure out. If you have any questions, just refer to the photo of the assembled scale in the manual. The PS-25 can be powered by either two AA batteries or an AC adapter. Both were included. The batteries were pre-installed and all I had to do was remove a clear plastic insullation tab from one end of the battery compartment to activate the battery power.

The PS-25 worked very well. It is fast and sensitive. The LCD readout is bright and easy to read. The features work very well: It is easy to change units (kg/g, decimal kg, lbs/oz, decimal lbs) with the "Mode" button or zero a tray with the "Tare" button. The "on/off" button made it easy to immediately turn the scale off without waiting for it to time out. A "hold" button on the side made it easy to freeze the value on the readout so you can weigh an oversize package, "hold" the value, remove the package and its weight is still visible for easy reading afterward. The top of the scale platform is hinged at the back and opens to form a backstop so you can vertically lean an oversize envelope (like a Priority Mailer) onto the scale for easy weighing.

Having a wide-range scale that goes from 55 lbs to 0.2 oz with an accuracy of 0.1 oz, runs from either battery power or a provided AC adapter, and can be calibrated by the user is awesome for this price (US$20.99). You can use it to weigh most anything from postal letters, medium parcels and packages, to food portions in the kitchen. It includes a 20-year warranty from the manufacturer, AWS. This PS-25 is the second AWS scale that I've purchased (I also have a small AWS-100) and the PS-25 seems to offer excellent value. I'm very satisfied with it and highly recommend it. American Weigh PS-25 Digital Postal Scale 55lb x 0.1oz

I bought this scale for ultralight backpacking--needing something that measured to the 1/10 of an ounce. I was interested in this scale (1) because of its accuracy, and (2) it it is larger than most kitchen scales and can more easily handle bulky UL backpacking gear.

However, once I got it home and began using it, I realized that I wasn't getting any odd-numbered decimal points on my readings. It turns out that it is only accurate to the 1/5 of an ounce.

That being said, it did work very well--just to 0.2 not to 0.1 as it claims.

Overall satisfied. Product very functional, with a few caveats. Digital read out unreadable viewed at an angle, and gets obscured by larger items. The hold (display) button solves this although you still need to remove the item to read. Reads in kg/g, decimal kg, lbs/oz, decimal lbs, would be nice if it read in decimal oz. Buttons are loose feeling, but not a big deal.

I checked out at least 10 different scales before deciding on this one and I am very happy that I chose to buy this one. Not only does it weigh up to 55lbs but the price is much lower than many scales that only weigh 10 - 50lbs. Also, it came fully calibrated out of the box. I put on my 100G calibration weight (3.52739oz) and the weight came up 3.6oz, which is exactly what you want. It only shows one decimal place on the screen so you want it to round up. It's small and compact and the buttons are easy to see and use. As long as it keeps working, I'll be very satisfied. - Digital Scale Tare Accurate - Accurate - Shipping Scale - Weighing Scale'

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Multimedia - multimedia, appletv

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I was a little hesitant about the AppleTV when it was first announced, with the unofficial named of iTV, back in August of 2006. However, once I got one, and have had it for about a week now, I have become convinced. It does exactly what it was was designed to do, does it extremely well, and is utterly hassle free. If only everything were this simple!

Now, I have a huge DVD collection counting well into the hundreds, and I would rather own the movies I like on disc than download them. Then again, working in the Animation and Visual Effects industry, I tend to be very interested in watching all the DVD extras which are not available on the iTunes store. I don't care about watching my photo albums on my living room TV either, but what I DO enjoy immensely is being able to watch the numerous video Podcasts I already subscribe too... In fact, it is so much more enjoyable to watch them this way, I have subscribed to numerous more.

Again, working in the industry, the incredible ease with which one can subscribe to video Podcasts and get them on the AppleTV really struck me. With increased resolution, and better production values, this is the future of TV! Pick your shows, paid, free or ad supported, via iTunes and watch them in your living room.

Anyhow, all that aside... Here are some things to know about the AppleTV.

- The Apple TV is utterly silent.

- It is NOT a game console. If you want to play games, buy a Wii, PS3 or Xbox360.

- It is not a DVD/BlueRay/HD-DVD player. If you want to play DVDs, but a $50 progressive scan DVD player. If you also want to watch BluRay discs and HD-DVD discs, get the LG BH100. it's the ONLY player available that plays all three formats!

- It is not a DVR. If you want to record live TV and watch it later, get a TiVo (don't waste your time with those crap cable and satellite DVRs though - pure garbage)

- You need to buy the cables to connect it. The best connection, because it is digital all the way, HDMI is the best option - If your set has that connector, then get an HDMI-HDMI cable. If your set only has DVI, then get an HDMI-DVI cable. If your set only has component video, get an RCA component (aka RGB) video cable. For the audio, the best connection is the optical digital interface, which is usually not present on TVs, but is fairly common on better receivers. Otherwise, just use a a standard left/right DCA audio cable.

- Contrary to even Apple's own information, you do NOT need to have a wide-screen display to use the Apple TV. It WILL work with 4:3 televisions, though you MUST have component (i.e. RGB) video connections on your TV or A/V receiver (if used). However, it will not function in full-screen mode. It uses a letterboxed presentation style.

- It can support any audio format that the source recording happens to have. The iTunes store programs are all encoded with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound, which is 100% backwards compatible with two-channel stereo (such as built-in TV speakers). However, if you connect up the optical digital audio connector to a DTS/Dolby Digital receiver, AND the program has DTS or Dolby Digital 5.1 (or higher) surround sound encoding, the AppleTV will pass this through to the receiver to be output properly. Just note that it is EXTREMELY unlikely that programming with digital audio encoding will be available to download from pretty much ANY source in the near future due to it's incompatibility with analogue 2 channel stereo.

- One last thing. If you are a user of a Mac that features Front Row and they are in the same room as the AppleTV, then remember to pair the remote for the AppleTV and Mac independently, so they will not interfere with one another.

Anyhow, all told, I think the AppleTV is really great, and will likely help to change the face of television as we know it. Apple MA711LL/A TV with 40GB Hard Drive

I picked one up the first week they were available but haven't really used it until the past few weeks. I'm sync-ing (inappropriate use of the word for reasons I'll explain soon) with my family room iMac on a 802.11g network.

There are 2 ways to add content sync or stream. Sync will load content to the Apple TV and stream allows you to store content on the computer and access "as needed". I choose to stream (photos will only sync, but once loaded they'll stay on the Apple TV).

I added a 500GB external drive to the iMac solely for media content. I've also started converting my DVDs to a compatible format (takes a while, so I start one before I go to sleep and it's ready when I wake -- not really that dramatic, process takes just over an hour).

My wife loves it because she can play her music through our sound system (if that's all you want to do, the Airport Express will do it with digital output for $99).

Over the weekend we watched a couple of movies on it, with 5.1 sound (you must encode it that way) and it couldn't have been easier. The streaming is seamless, initially it takes about 20-30 seconds to load the buffer and thereafter plays without a hiccup. Is it as crisp as a good DVD, not exactly, but unless you're watching side-by-side it's a very good image on HD.

ONE LAST THING: HDMI cables are available for under $10 online, as are component cables and optical audio. So Apple doesn't include them, big deal. If they threw a 6-footer in there someone would complain that it's not long enough -- or too long. It's a minor added expense that's not worth complaining about.

OKAY, ONE LAST, LAST THING: I have the 40GB model and as I said above I chose not to sync my content, meaning it's all stored on a 500GB drive attached to an iMac. The Apple TV only stores about 5GB of photos right now. I suspect at some point they may add functions that require more storage but for now the hard drive is unimportant and the movies stream so rapidly that I don't even notice that they're not stored locally on the Apple TV. - Multimedia - Appletv - Itunes - Apple'

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Iphone 3g Battery

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The picture shows the connector and ribbon cable pre-attached. In fact, the battery comes "naked" with a ribbon cable that does not match the size of the original, and no connector at all.

Apple uses lots of really good tape to mount the original battery, it's impossible to remove it without destroying it. Significant soldering is necessary to salvage the original connector, and it is only possible if Apple didn't glob glue all over the connectors making it impossible to de-solder.

[...]. An iPhone with a worn out battery is still more functional than one with no battery. Li-Ion Replacement Battery Compatible With Apple iPhone 3G

I was a bit hesitant after reading a few of the reviews, but went ahead anyways. The battery was not "naked" when received. Came as shown, dropped into place, after removing double sided tape backing, put phone back together and it turned on no problems. Thanks for the item.

My iphone 3G had become unreliable because the original battery would no longer hold a charge. During my research to replace the battery, I was led here. The Apple store kindly recommended replacing the phone as they do not replace batteries. I was not ready for that as the iphone is great when it is charged! Replacing the battery was a snap and I had it done in 10 minutes. I wish I would have done this sooner.

Purchased and installed this battery in my iPhone to find out it absolutely does not hold a charge - a waste of my time and money spent on this item. Had to hurry out and get a different battery 6 hours before leaving for Asia. Don't buy this product.

I purchaced this item because I wanted to extend the life of my phone...the battery arrived, was easy to replace with on line instructions & video. Unfortunatly, my phone had bigger issues and is slowly expiring. The product itself was excellent and my phone issues are not a result of the product.

Got product as described. Cell battery and special 'equipment'. No instructions though, but i could find them online easily. One month now, and the battery is still charging. easy installation. Highly recommended.

The battery came with all the tools and the proper pigtail in place. It also had the adhesive tape on it that I needed to attach it to the body of the iPhone. The only thing lacking were instructions, but they don't say that they are included and you can good ones online anyway (make sure they are for the right model). The battery replacement took a little time: there are many little cables that needed to be disconnected. Once you get to the battery though, replacing it was easy. Putting everything back was a little tricky too, it didn't work the first few times for me.

So this swap is not for the faint of heart, but the item itself was flawless. I went from having less than 15 minutes talk time on a full charge and the phone shutting off when I used the web or google maps to the phone running for 2 days straight without a charge. The new battery is great and is holding the charge perfectly. It has made my phone functional again.

This item only came with one screw driver and the wedge, which is not as it was advertised. This is not enough to replace the battery. You need all the parts advertised, and I suggest you try to find some instruction somewhere. Plus, as other reviewers have said, the battery cemented to the back of the phone. Nearly impossible to remove. I say "nearly" because apparently some others have figured out how to get the battery detached. I was very gentle. Then gave up because I did not want to break the phone, but alas, slight tampering with the phone broke the home button. Now, I get to through my phone in the trash.

The installation is not for the "faint hearted". As recommended in other reviews, view the YouTube instructional video a few times.

Once reassembly was completed, the IPhone was as good as new. Possibly better.

The battery I received was fine and had the cable attached, ready to install. It did not include the dis-assembly tools as indicated however. I immediately ordered the tools from another vendor but wasted a week. If I had realized the tools were not included I would have ordered them and had installed the battery that weekend. Meh.'

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Superlite Socks

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I purchased 6 more pairs of these socks from Amazon after my new girlfriend came home with them from shopping at a major local department store.

All my life I have had problems with my feet getting sweaty and then my shoes becoming the raunchiest smelling grossest things you have ever been near. I am not a big heavy sweaty guy! 5'11" 175lbs and I don't even sweat that much when I work out. For some reason though no matter what kind of shoes I buy the typical department store socks I have always purchased (walmart target 6-12 packs) make my feet sweat ridiculously!

Well no more... These socks have a see through mesh on the top side of them that is more apparent in the Graphite/Grey picture of them. It works to allow more airflow all over my feet.

I have not done a lot of reviews on the products I have purchased on this website, but since there are none at all for this product I thought I would help fellow amazonians know more about what we got here for some awesome socks! haha This has been such an annoyance for so long and its such a small but little life changer for me that I am just excited enough to post my little review here.

6 stars! great product! adidas Men's Superlite CC 3-Pack Low Cut Sock, White/Granit Grey/Signal Blue, Shoe Size 6-12'

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Cellet Kclip4black - cellet belt clip

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This item is exactly as described. It's described as universal & the description mentions that the knobs are attached to the device with 3M tape. The previous reviewer simply ordered the wrong product. There is a Cellet clip set that has a knob that snaps into the back of the Cellet cases. Cellet Black Universal Swivel 4PC Clip (4 in 1) - Clamshell Package

Years ago had a similar system on my Nokia. Worked great. But this is poorly made. Bought 3 sets. The Button is attached and seems to be ok (so far) but have already broken 2 of the 3 belt clips. The first (within a day), the release mechanism broke and had to pry the phone out of it. The second lasted longer (maybe 3 days). The spring sprung and would not properly secure to my belt. Later the whole thing just fell apart. Now my nice shiney phone has a button but no place to put it. Good concept but this version is junk.

This item is very poorly made. I bought this clip to be able to use my phone by unclipping it from my belt when I get or make a call. The push button to do this does not move the catch down far enough to do this.

This is the second one of this type of clip I have bought recently that doesn't work right and they both fail in the same way. The first was a plastic case with this same set-up, but at least it worked for a week or two before failing. This one fails from the first try.

I had one from an older case for another phone type and it is still working. My wife is using it now though or I would go back to it.

I would not recommend this device to anyone. Stay away from it and find something else!!

I purchased this item because it was recommended as an accessory to the Cellet Leather Case I purchased for my iPhone. The original case came with a belt clip that did not swival and I needed a swival clip. When I got the product I found out that this is a peal and stick on attachment to my case. It does not snap on like the original. There is no way I would trust a peal and stick clip. It would only be a matter of time before it would pull off causing my iphone to hit the floor. This product is not up to the same standards as the original that came with my case. It should be made like the original and snap into the case so it will not come off. - Cellet Belt Clip'

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Wireless Security Systems - security system, skylink

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I've had two Skylink Motion Sensors installed for about a month now and have only had 1 suspected false alarm. We set the alarm before leaving for Maine and about 15 minutes after we left our cell phones rang indicating a triggered alarm. Hmmm... Must have been a false alarm. We didn't hear a peep all week after that. Upon re-entering the house when we returned a week later I was sure to listen carefully in order to make sure that the alarm was still armed as we opened the door. Sure enough it was ready to sound upon re-entry. Disarmed it using the key fob and thus completed a successful first test.

From what I can tell, these motion sensors are a wonderful option in lieu of a bunch of door and window sensors that can be difficult to install, are unsightly, and require battery changes. I have both of our motion sensors set on LOW sensitivity, which is recommended by Skylink. Even so, you can barely move a muscle in front of them without setting them off.

I can't comment yet on battery life, but I can only hope that it is measured annually instead of monthly. Skylink PS-434A Motion Sensor

Bought this as a supplement to my system. It works perfectly and easy to add by reading the instructions (sounds simple but most people tend to forget this step). If you are thinking of adding, you will have no problem incorporating this to your current Skylink (make sure the model is listed). - Security System - Skylink - Motion Detectors - Home Security'

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Swiss Army Knife - pocket knife, victorinox

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After 14 years of service my Victorinox mini-Swiss Army Knife (SAK) has finally begun to show its age: the toothpick went missing, the enamel casing cracked, the insignia fell off. So I've bought another (the original sits in a drawer, its knife blade as sharp as ever, the screwdriver still perfectly utile, the scissors are gummed up but could probably be cleaned out with some rubbing alcohol).For versatility and simplicity it's hard to beat this item. Sure there are SAKs with more blades and tools, but the simple knife/screwdriver/scissors combination is going to meet the vast majority of your needs (ok, it doesn't have a bottle opener: use a door strike plate, MacGyver). The toothpick is so-so, but I can't count the number of times I've needed to tweeze something and used the SAK tweezers when I couldn't find the bathroom set. The key fob, while not the most exciting of features, does provide a convenient way to carry the SAK around with you.This item is sure to please. I love mine. You'll love yours. Buy one for someone else - they'll love theirs. Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife, Red

For many years now, I have carried one of these small Swiss Army knives on each of my two key rings - one for work and one for home. Barely a day goes by when I do not take one of them out of my pocket to use once or twice - to quickly file down a broken nail, to tweeze out a small splinter, to cut open a small item with the scissor of something larger by cutting the wrapping tape with the knife blade - the toothpick is used daily! I cannot imagine being without one. Of course, I own larger and more multi-purpose knives, but when it comes to carrying something this handy on a key chain or ring, you just can't beat them!

There are two major (authorized) manufacturers of Swiss Army knives: Victorinox, the maker of this particular favorite of mine and Wenger, a reliable alternative brand that makes many similar and some even nearly identical models. I have used both over the years and have found there to be absolutely no appreciable differences in the quality, durability or pricing of the knives. With so many models to choose from, it probably makes sense to decide which features you need and then shop both brands for the best price you can find. But back to the knife at hand, the SA Classic SD Pocket Knife.

This is the one of the smallest knives in the Victorinox line. Measuring only about 2 1/4" long and about 1/4" wide, it adds little by way of heft to a key ring. It is a compact knife containing a total of 6 equally compact tools. This is not for the big things. This is a small knife with small tools to deal with small things. With expectations appropriately set, it is unsurpassed in it's usefulness as a basic daily tool.

The Tools

There are compartments on the outer casing of knife - each containing a small appliance. One is home to a small white toothpick that I have found to be entirely satisfactory - except that after a year or two of use, I seem to lose them. I think the molded shape wears a bit over time and repeated use and no longer holds itself snugly in the allotted compartment. They can be easily and inexpensively replaced though at any fully stocked retailer of the knives. On the opposite side of the knife is a compartment housing a micro-tweezer. Because it is so very small and light, it cannot be used as a regular tweezer, but only for light-duty needs. These include, I am pleased to report, removing small splinters and picking up objects too small for my increasingly clumsy fingers!

There are three tools that fold into the knife itself, one of which has two uses - actually providing a total of four useful mini-tools. These include 1) a flat spring loaded scissor, a regular blade and a nail file (which, as a guitar picker, I use almost daily) topped with the fourth tool, a screw driver head, small enough to be used for either flat screws or Phillips head screws - providing that they are small enough. Don't misunderstand - the smallness of the tools does not render them either token or useless, but their size is a factor in their usability in real day-to-day life.

Maintenance

This is nearly a non sequitor, but in the interests of completeness, I will briefly address it.

Years have gone by before anything beyond simple removal of dust and cleaning the instruments is required. One time, a blade seemed to be sticking just a tad and a quick and very short burst of WD40 took care of it - permanently. The knife is build to last until you decide you no longer want or need it.

Value

There are few things in life built for frequent use without planned obsolescence being figured into their design. This little pocket tool set is, happily, among them. For somewhere around $9., you can have something actually skillfully made that will serve you well and for a good long time. How many things can any of us really say that about?

I love mine and would feel not only unprepared, but somehow naked - or at least disabled - were I to leave home without one.

I have been a collector of pocket knives since I was a kid and I'm always doing something around the house, needing to file a nail, tweeze a splinter, cut off some twine or open a letter. I bought one of these years and years ago in the train station at Zurich with my leftover change and I have it to this day...The knife takes a bit of sharpening--the type of steel used is resistant to rust and holds its shine, but it also makes it a bit more difficult to hold an edge. Nonetheless, with a good sharpening stone and some care, you can make a fine edge useful for opening letters, cutting twine or cutting open a box. This version contains six tools, including the knife blade, scissors, nail file with screwdriver on the end, plastic toothpick, tweezers and lanyard/key ring attachment. If you attach a string to the ring, you can use the pocketknife as a makeshift plumb bob. This is a small knife, just 2-1/4 inches long, so it fits flat in a pocket or purse. I personally like to have a corkscrew and Philips screwdriver as well, but that is on a larger model that doesn't fit so well in the back pocket of your trousers. Since this is so small, don't forget to remove it from your pants pocket before you head to the airport, as passengers are no longer permitted to board with such items. - Victorinox - Multi-tool - Gift Idea - Pocket Knife'

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Amazon Digital Services - free, card game

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Before I talk about the game I thought I should mention that I'm one of those people who likes the fact that Amazon has designed the Kindle to focus completely on reading and I have no wish for the Kindle to become a multi-purpose device. With that said, I'm not against "frivolous" additions to the Kindle as long as implementing them doesn't take away from the core design and I prefer they remain optional.

I downloaded both the games that were added to the store yesterday and of the two I like Shuffled Row a lot more. I've had the games less than 24 hours and have already played many rounds. I was surprised to find that the game was slightly addicting, though I expect that will wear off when it's not so new.

Shuffled Row is sort of a mashup between Scrabble, Boggle, and Bananagrams, but with the twist of there being some guy standing there swiping your letters if you don't use them fast enough.

You have a sort of Scrabble tray of letters that are added one at a time and once the last one is added the first letters start dropping off. So you have to use them before they disappear off your tray. There is a progress bar that moves at the bottom of each letter so you can see when they will appear and disappear. There's a box at the top that tells you how many more letters you have left, out of the 60 total, and a list at the bottom shows which words you've made and how many points you got for each one.

Three letter words don't get many points. Using more letters multiplies your word score. So four letters gets a 2x multiplier and so on. Just like in Scrabble, different letters have different point values assigned. So if you can make 5 letter or more words using high point letters you can get some good scores.

The game keeps track of your highest game score and your highest word score, even between playing sessions. There's also an option to clear out the high scores if you want to start over. There's an option choice on the game menu that allows you to change how two of the key entries work to suit your tastes. If you need to pause the game push the Menu key. As long as the menu displays it will remain paused. You can click Continue on the menu to resume the game.

I also played the other game a few times. It's more of a sitting and pondering type of game, at least on the relaxed mode I played it on. What I like about Shuffle Row is that it's more of a free-wheeling, by the seat of your pants type of game. It goes pretty quickly. The game is perfect for when you might have a few minutes to kill when your Kindle is handy, but not long enough to really get into reading a book.

This is a single-player game, but it could easily be adapted to play against other Kindle owners if you're sitting around together. The version I thought of was everyone gets ready at the main menu and someone says go and everyone starts the game at the same time. Whoever finishes before the others could get a 10 point bonus score. You could also add a 10 point bonus to whoever got the highest single word score. Add bonuses and the game score to see who wins that round.

Oh and one last thing. It's not really clear at first how to exit out of the game. There's nothing on the menu. Hitting the Home key works.

Shuffled Row gets two thumbs up from me as a fun addition to the Kindle.

p.s. Please note that the Active Content listings for the Kindle include a drop down button so you can see which devices the product will work on. As more apps are added, some that will cost money, it will be important to make sure you can use the app you're buying. Shuffled Row

I downloaded this yesterday along with Every Word.

I have to say that I liked Every Word much more than this one. With that said, it is a neat kind of game although not nearly as relaxed as Every Word. You have to be really moving your brain to make words out of the given letters before they drop.

I guess what I'm happiest about is that both of these games have given me (yet another) excuse to bring my Kindle with me wherever I go.

Hey, it's a free download. So get it for your Kindle and give it a try.

Good graphics. No need to turn Wireless on or open web browser. overall a very good game except that i have to practice typing without looking on the small kindle buttions so that I will be better able to keep track of the new letters as they appear on screen.

***Update I see in some of the reveiws that people are mad that the games description does not tell you that it will not work on K1 or any of the apps. This is true, however the page does let you know this on the "Available on these devices" link under the price. If you click on it you will see neither the K1 or apps listed**

I never expected to play games on my Kindle, let alone one as well-designed and fun as this one...and (as of this writing) FREE! What a cool gift to Kindle owners! Simple to learn but challenging, this one's hard to put down. I also enjoyed Every Word, but this one involves more creativity and strategy. I highly recommend it: It's the best word game I've played since Bookworm.

This game is fun,and well worth the download price of $0.00. Others have described this game well enough, so I'll just say that it's perfectly suited to kindle. It uses the keyboard,doesn't need fancy graphics, and makes you feel smart. Between Shuffled Row and Every Word, Shuffled Row is the better game, but both are entertaining and challenging word games.

I really like these type of games.

You don't have to leave the wireless on to play it, and that is a plus for me. Unlike some other games I have tried on the Kindle it works EXTREMELY well in the Kindle environment and is super easy to play. The graphics are good too.

I love these kind of games and play similar ones on my Nintendo DS. Now I don't have to take my DS with me when I travel....oh no, I think I'm sounding like an Iphone/IPod/Ipad fan (wanting a do it all device....shudder) It will make for a nice distraction between books or when it is to distracting to read.

Nice Job any how! - Blackjack - Card Game - Games - Free'

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