Flatbed Scanners - photo scanner, scanner

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This scanner uses LEDs as a light source and so has zero warm-up time. The paper feeding system is very fast and and handles irregular sheets and ragged corners with no trouble. The scanner itself beats the HP 5550C I've been using.



Epson's scanner interface is not to my taste but has presets for office and graphic professional scanning needs. What keeps it from getting highest marks is the abysmal customer service.



I couldn't get the twain driver to work under Windows Vista. The WIA driver did work, but doesn't support acquisition from the sheet feeder (which defeats the whole purpose of buying this scanner). Lack of sheet feeder support is a crippling blow to the usability of Paperport (which I have used for years). Epson should not be bundling software that their own product does not support.



I spent hours on the phone with three levels of Epson's technical support to no avail. They tried to pawn me off on Nuance to get Paperport support (Nuance's policy is that software bundled with hardware is supported by the manufacturer of the hardware!)



One of the technicians I spoke to did not even know that twain and WIA were different drivers. How can they possibly address my problem when they have such poor background in the product?



The answer of course, is that Epson's support is provided by a call center in India or some such place and the support people are reading canned responses off a computer screen.



The level two technicians knew nothing more that the level one technicians. After a lengthy conversation with a level three technician I was promised a resolution and a return phone call, which as you might guess, never happened.



In the end, I was left to my own devices and discovered a workaround. Scan using the Epson interface (which does support the document feeder) and set its destination directory to the main Paperport directory.



Then open Paperport and manage your documents from there. Not as good as scanning directly from within Paperport, but it gets the job done. Epson WorkForce GT-1500 B11B190011 Document Imaging Scanner (White)

After many false starts with several scanners the Epson GT-1500 has earned a permanent place in this book scanner's office (until the prices on commercial units come down). Most of the reviews for the Epson GT-1500 are, quite reasonably, predicated on the idea that most customers will use the product in a small or home office environment. This review is from the perspective of one who wishes to use the GT-1500 as a book scanner or archival tool.



Pros:

- The GT-1500 is extremely fast. Much faster than any of the Canon or Brother scanners that I tried and faster even than Epson's own multipurpose scanner/printer/fax machines.

- Document handing on the ADF (Automatic Document Feeder) is remarkably reliable. From glossy magazine papers to heavily milled 32lb papers to newsprint-quality paperback paper the ADF seldom jammed and never grabbed two sheets of paper.

- Resolution is great for OCR (Optical Character Recognition.



Cons:

- Epson Scan software is clunky and far from convenient. More on this later...

- For a Mac user, the scan to PDF function does not allow for an editable text layer behind an optical scan. In fact, it does not even seen to allow for editable text at all.

- No duplex functionality and worse yet, very limited naming option makes recreating double-sided documents (like the pages in a book) a real pain.

- Included Abby FineReader Software is a joke unless you plan to scan only a few documents or are willing to take whatever the scanner spits out with its auto "scan to PDF functionality."



On the pros, the scanner is remarkably well built and seems to handle automatic document feeding well with a minimum of hassles. While the scanner is able to scan at a native 1200 ppi its ability to perform OCR and automatic deskew is capped at only 600 ppi. Functionally then, the scanner is only useful for document archival up to 600 ppi unless one wishes to run through each page with Photoshop and manually correct the image before sending it through a second round of OCR conversion. However, 600 ppi is sufficient for OCR with all but the most demanding (Hebrew or Sanskrit) documents so this is not a huge issue. Also, this is not a fault of the scanner itself but Epson's included software. This note will be struck again and again: the scanner is great but the included software hobbles it.



On the cons, book scanning means being able to handle a high volume of pages in an orderly and efficient manner that does not suck your life away. My first couple days with the GT-1500 were mind numbing, soul stealing excercises in document renaming and workflow headaches. This was due, largely, to two oversights on the part of Epson's software: 1) the scan naming functionality is weak. Documents may be named with a re-occuring string of alphanumeric character plus a strip of ascending numbers beginning with 001 and topping out at 999. While this is fine for single sided documents, it makes for frustrating dual sided scans. The workable solution is to scan a book's first 40 odd pages that will be labeled something like "Book 001" and so one and then rename them all so that they read "Book 001b, Book 002b, etc." Then scan all the even pages with the normal "Book 001, Book 002, etc. so that they fall into the correct order. This batch renaming can be accomplished in Photoshop for PC users or in Mac's Automator program that resides in OSX. Would it have killed Epson to include the ability to name files with multiple fields, descending numbering, or just the ability to designate a batch of pages as "odd" and the other "even?"



This brings us to the joys of Epson's included Abbey FineReader software. First, unlike the IRIS software included with Canon's scanners, the the FineReader software is largely a stand-alone product. The exception is in the automatic "scan to PDF" functionality. However, as a stand alone product it reveals itself to be a cheesy sut rate version of Abbey's otherwise outstanding OCR products. First off, the software does NOT for the creation of editable text. Thus, whatever the OCR reads on the page is what will be included in your PDF or stripped out as a text document mistakes and all. For PC users, one can opt to buy the full software for an additional $500 and actually get something that does the job. For Mac users, the only option is to pay an additional $100 and get the "Express" version which does at least allow for batch processing of file folders (something that Epson's included version of the Abbey software does not). This is nearly unforgivable in my opinion. If one wants images that are straight beyond the narrow abilities of Epson's automatic deskew they must manually correct the skew in a program like Photoshop and then sit and manually open each individual file and save it as a converted OCR'ed PDF while manually typing in the name of the new document. NO, Abbey's software can't even be bothered to default to the name of the original file. Instead ever file is called "TEXT" until you manually enter in its proper name. So, for a person scanning books the included software is a joke unless you are willing accept wonky text angles and mistakes in your searchable PDF files. The only complete solution is to buy Abbey's full version of the FineReader OCR software that includes the ability to batch process and edit the resulting text before resaving the whole document as a converted PDF file. The work-around solution for MAC users is to pay an additional chunk of change for the "Express" version to get batch processing and just deal with the mistakes that the OCR software throws-up periodically.



That brings us to the most easily fixed broken-link in Epson's "Epson Scan" software: there is no manual de-skew. The auto de-skew is barely functional in general--far less so than Canon's script to do the same-- and without manual control some pages are bound to wind up a bit wonky. Fortunately, Epson's ADF is quite competent at pulling the pages in relatively straight as long as the feed arms are kept tight to the edges of the stack. However, generally first and last pages tend to get pulled a few degrees (or thirty) off of straight.



For those who are unwilling to pony up thousands for camera based book-scanning solutions or unable to build DIY projects that do the same, the Epson GT-1500 can turn an average book into an archival string of bits in about four hours start to finish. This is fast enough to equal cheap college text books (borrowed from friends or libraries and digitized) and easy enough to allow for a person to convert often used reference books into searchable digital PDFs. However, for those with deeper pockets there are better camera based options available. So while the Epson's scanning software greatly limits the scanner's native abilities there are no other options available in the sub $500 range that turn a book into a file as easily. The duplexing abilities of Fuji's Scansnap series of scanners would be a great step up for those willing to pay $500 (and sacrifice a document table) or so but the reality is that most people are still going to pay an additional fee to buy scanning software capable of producing editable text.



The final words on Epson's GT-1500 is "good enough" and worthy of five stars only in that it does the job that very few others do--even while it does it poorly. - Document Scanner - Scanner - Photo Scanner - Flatbed Scanners'

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Popular Science - dark energy, popular science

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...I have waited impatiently for this book, waited filled with questions that have not been answered by the press coverage on the Harvard supernova team's work. So much of the story is not sound-bite-able, but requires some exposition. Closing the book, I feel like I've completed a 5 course Thanksgiving dinner. I feel great satisfaction. I still have lots of questions, but most of the remaining ones are for the theoretical physicists who are now working to explain what the Harvard team found. On behalf of the astronomers, Kirshner unhesitatingly gives up the family jewels in his book. This is a two-part book. Part one, chapters 1 - 7, is a well-crafted primer on astronomy and physics, with an overview of the cosmological mass density problem that addresses the geometry of space-time and the ultimate fate of the universe. The rest of the book covers the story of the Harvard high-z supernova research team and the remarkably creative and clever way they tried to solve the mass density problem. I became a little restless reading chapters 1 - 7. I have spent years reading about and pondering the information in this part of the book, and I believe that some readers of "The Extravagant Universe" may have, too. A lot of good books have been written on various aspects of modern astronomy and physics and on the personalities who pushed us along toward our current understanding of where the universe came from and how it works. Most of these books delve more deeply into smaller chunks of the big picture. By contrast, Kirshner goes hard and fast, presenting the material in such a way as to be entertaining and comprehensible to a reader who has never read a book on astronomy, physics or cosmology. It was probably a good idea to do this, as the overview is necessary if the average lay reader is to understand what the Harvard supernova team was doing, and why.I had nothing to worry about, though, because turning the page and starting Chapter 8... well, let me make a Kirshner-style analogy here. You know the rush you feel when a roller coaster engages the clanking lift chain and begins ascending the first giant hill? That's what you experience when Kirshner begins telling his unique story. From Chapter 8 on, there is no messing around. Kirshner goes into fine and careful detail describing the Harvard CfA team's work applying supernova measurements to a solution for Omega. In the process, he conveys a picture of the tedium and exhausting commitment required to accomplish anything useful in astronomy. "The Extravagant Universe" is a saga of hard work and hard thinking by a bunch of brilliant people. The story is fraught with as many difficulties and setbacks as Admiral Byrd faced in his winter alone in Antarctica, and it is filled with colorful and distinctive personalities, each of whose participation played a part in a true scientific triumph. Kirshner is generous in giving credit to his many associates, but his folksy and self-deprecating style can't hide his central role in guiding and fault-checking the procedures employed to examine high-z supernovae and in applying a fierce questioning logic to interpreting the results. When it became clear that the Harvard team's findings were going to raise eyebrows (to put it terribly,terribly mildly), he did a great job of conveying the predicament this put the team in - to what an extreme extent they had maneuvered themselves into a position to become either figures of historical importance in our understanding of the universe or, by one slip or lack of vigilance, becoming some of history's "village idiots" (a term Kirshner uses repeatedly and well.) The coverage of the competing supernova team at Berkeley is a bit less than fraternal and compassionate. This is a big part of the story. There was a real horse race going on between the two teams, and Kirshner's account gives you some rich things to ponder in this regard. I had long wondered about the dynamics between the Harvard and Berkeley teams - were they working together, working against one another, or something in between? The answer is, they were not sabotaging one another or devoting a lot of time to spying, but they were in definite competition and hoping to reach a solid conclusion in time to scoop their opponents. They were approaching the problems in very different ways. There was a high priority on the part of the Harvard team to out-do the Berkeley team when it came to rigorous thinking and cleverness. The Berkeley group had the technology to find and measure more supernovae faster, so it fell to Harvard to maximize the accuracy of their measurements so that a smaller sampling could yield superior statistical accuracy. They pulled this off and were able to get papers published first with more substantial claims and the facts to back them up. Kirshner's account makes the Berkeley team seem a little reckless and in a big hurry, and suggests that the Harvard team was ultimately able to out-think their opponents in a number of important ways. Reading about the competition between teams is a lesson in the virtues and benefits of squaring off in a potential winner/loser scenario. It brought out the best in a group of people who had a lot to offer in the first place. Without violating Amazon review policy by giving away the "punch line" of this book, I can assure you that Kirshner does indeed spill the beans on the inside workings of a research team engaged in an extraordinarily ambitious scientific quest. The narrative is richly human. The author's wit, curiosity and zeal for discovery is contagious."The Extravagant Universe" and the research that it describes deserve that most carefully rationed of all accolades given in the scientific world: "nice work!" The Extravagant Universe: Exploding Stars, Dark Energy, and the Accelerating Cosmos (Princeton Science Library)

In early 1998, scientist Robert Kirshner and his team published the astonishing claim that the universe's expansion was accelerating due to the power of dark energy. Subsequent research has not been able to disprove the results obtained by Kirshner's "high-z supernova search team." This book is Kirshner's discussion of that finding and its importance to cosmology.The first half of the book is essentially a crash course in the basics of cosmology, with many anecdotes and background from earlier research since Einstein or even before. Kirshner's witty style keeps this section entertaining even for those familiar with the information. He compares several distance indicators, such as Cepheid variables, redshifts, and supernovae. We learn how supernovae can be used to measure distances to remote galaxies due to their incredible brightness. We also become familiar with the pitfalls of using supernovae as standard candles, because there are a few different types.Then the author gets into the real purpose of his book: to describe his research team's methods, results, and road to success with the press. The subtitle of the book is somewhat misleading; it should have been something like "The Story of the High-Z Supernova Search Team". Though the information wasn't presented in quite the way I was expecting, Kirshner gets the job done. He patiently educates the layman reader in many aspects of astronomy and cosmology. Towards the end it becomes a race between two supernova search teams using different methods. Though I found this yarn interesting, I would have preferred a general discourse to the narrative presented here.Overall, this book is probably one of the most well-written and absorbing reads on this specific subject. Science and astronomy buffs should enjoy it greatly. - Dark Energy - Hard Science - Popular Science - Astrophysics'

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Colored Pencils - scented pencils

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Corporate trainers and teachers have been noticing for two years that the quality of Mr.Sketch markers has dropped significantly. The tips do not write well and they are not "juicy" enough, so letters on a flip chart can no longer be seen at a distance. Calling the company (contact information below) just confirms that they know they have a problem and are "working on it" but there is no solution yet. Very disappointing for us very loyal customers who have insisted on what were the best writing, non-toxic, brilliant colored markers out there at a reasonable price. Please join in and urge them to return to their prior quality. Newell Rubbermaid Office Products Group (formerly Sanford)

2707 Butterfield Road

Oakbrook, IL 60523

(800) 323-0749 SAN20071 - Mr. Sketch Scented 18 Color Set - Scented Pencils'

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Universal Remote Control - elderly, simple remote

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The Flipper LLC works great and I really appreciate someone finally pulling together basic remote control commands while maintaining programming technology for such a vast array of AV component options. The ability to control two separate components simultaneously is unique. I have never seen this feature before and hope you guys applied for a patient.



Our Mother has mid-stage Alzheimer's and is in a nursing home. The remote that came with her new 32" flat screen TV would challenge even the youngest and brightest. After researching and trying several remotes the Flipper LLC was the only one found that would not only operate the new TV, but simultaneously operate the existing (circa 1997) DIRECTV control box. Most amazing and certainly most important, the colors, size and simplicity of the 4-button design allowed her to immediately use the Flipper without any problems. Even in her confused state using the Flipper LLC was intuitive. Flipper Big Button Remote for 2-Devices

This is the perfect remote for anyone having trouble with the remote from their cable company or the TV remote. After reading the other reviews, I ordered this remote for my 91 year old mother-in-law. She couldn't use the cable remote, so we first purchased a remote with large numbers. However, she could not figure out how to turn the TV and cable box off without touching other buttons which then changed the cable box set-up. We went through that for 2 years. It was a nightmare. She has been using the Flipper for 2 months now with no problem. We haven't received any more phone calls that she can't get a picture on her TV. I programmed her favorite channels into the remote and she just presses the forward arrow to decide which channel she wants to watch. No more numbers to find and press. It was so easy to program for her. I have never written a review before, but I am so pleased with this remote that I had to write this review. I highly recommend this remote for anyone who just needs a remote to turn on the TV and cable box at the same time with no problem. The channel numbers are small but the arrows to advance the favorite channels are large. I think the price is high for a remote control, but it has been worth every penny in just the last two months. Therefore, this TV/cable remote is well worth the extra money.

My mother has mid stage Alzheimers and just can't learn new things. Before we knew that she had Alzheimer's and before she came to live with us, we tried changing her cable TV over to AT&T U-Verse. After 2 weeks of struggling to teach her the U-Verse remote, we had to disconnect it and go back to the service she was used to. She came to live with us and we really, really wanted U-Verse which had just come available in our area. I found the Flipper and I wrote to them to ask if it would work with the AT&T U-Verse and they wrote back that they knew it would work with the Motorola set top boxes but that AT&T uses a variety of boxes. They also said that they would provide customer support during the setup if we needed it. The AT&T Tech could get the remote to work with the set top box to change the channels but he could not get it to work in "dual mode" where it would turn off and on both the tv and the set top box nor could he get it to change the volume. He left me with my problem so I wrote back to Flipper and they promptly sent me a phone # to call. I called, they picked right up(no sitting on hold) and within 5 minutes it was working beautifully. To find this wonderful product that works great AND has awesome customer support is a delight. My Mom is just happy as can be with it and to me, the caregiver, it is priceless. I highly recommend it.

I bought this for my 86-year-old mother who was having problems with the standard remote that came with her Verizon FIOS cable service (too many buttons, small buttons, etc.) I had a little trouble at first programming the favorite channels because I was pushing the buttons too fast. But once I figured that out it worked as advertised. My only complaint is that it transmits the IR signals for the channels with a somewhat long gap in between digits. Her cable service uses 4-digit channel numbers so it takes a while for all 4 digits to get transmitted. My mother sometimes thinks pressing the button didn't work so she presses it again. But I think the advantages with this remote outweigh this issue so I do recommend it.



Update (1/31/2010) - The drawback that I mentioned in my initial review can be mitigated by using the Flipper's feature that allows it to learn the "enter" signal from your TV's or STB's remote. So, for example, if a favorite channel is only one digit you can program the remote to transmit the signal for that single digit followed by the "enter" signal which will result in the channel change taking less time.

Prior to purchasing the FLIPPER, I had purchased and returned several big button remotes from local retailers. They worked only with cable boxes, not the new digital tv converter boxes.



FLIPPER has big buttons, stores up to 30 channels, and operates (both channels and volume) by scrolling up or down. You do not punch in a station to go directly to it. No problem - my 91 year old mother, who could NEVER figure out the dual remote system after the digital conversion, can operate this remote. We programmed it for her five favorite channels and two more PBS channels. This remote simultaneously turns on/off both the TV and the Digital Converter Box. It does NOT interfere with use of other remotes for VCR, DVD player/recorder.



Set-up was a bit of a challenge: instruction book is not 100% clear. Unfortunately there is NO 800 number for customer help listed in the operating manual. The manual refers customers to the company website and requests questions by email - not a good option for a senior who does not use a computer. After several emails, I received the direct phone number of the inventor of this product, (310) 266-6933 (9am - 3pm Pacific Standard Time)and, during a five minute phone call, set up the system.



This product is BRILLIANT for seniors. I wish it was available in local retail stores such as Target, Best Buy, Walmart, etc. But, the order on Amazon was very easy, included free shipping and a 30 day trial period! - Simple Remote - Easy To Use - Seniors - Elderly'

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Chiminey Cleaning Brush - pellet stove brush, pellet stove cleaning

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The shaft on the long pellet brush is too flexible. I tried to push it up a straight pipe and when it got to a slightly tight spot, the handle wasn't stiff enough to push it through. I would try another brand. Brushtech B67C Pellet Stove Cleaning Kit

Bush worked well. Droped down form top of chiminey, worked up and down and that was it. Just wished the line was a little longer because the brush didn't reach the bottom of my stove pipe. The little brush works well cleaning out the inside of stove.sd

I could only clean the first 3' of my vent pipe with this product coming in from the top. After working it in about 3' the rod binds up. Coming in from the bottom the rod wads up as soon as the brush reaches the 45 degree dogleg. The flex rod needs to be a lot more rigid for this product to work properly.

This brush "out of the box" did not work at all in cleaning my Dura Vent 3" pellet stove pipe. At best I got it to feed in about 3 feet and doing that was a real struggle.The shaft is WAY too flexible, the brush too long and the brush nose is too sharp.I got this to work by taping a piece of flexible steel fish strap (for fishing electric wire through walls) along the whole length of the shaft, cutting the length of the brush down by half (while keeping the original brush diameter) and gluing a wood ball to the nose. It now does what it is supposed to do and will now go around 90 degree bends and clean a 10' length of 3" pipe with no trouble. - Pellet Stove Cleaning - Chimney Brush - Pellet Stove Brush'

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Please Put This On Dvd - kristy mcnichol, country music

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I was obsessed with Kristy McNichol as a kid. At 37, I have found old obsessions die hard. I loved this movie when it was released in 1981, but I wasn't quite so sure it would still hold my attention in 2004. I recently purchased one of those VHS transfers to DVD and I am surprised to find this movie still as captivating today as I did when I was a kid. The thing I am most surprised by is how entertaining it is.



It is a total B movie, but it's incredibly rich in its character development, or maybe that is just the acting, which is great. The editing is really amazing too; there are a lot of subtleties to this and a lot of sensitivity and I find that really surprising, when most media today is so flat, crude and one-dimensional. It is easy to tell that that this film was made by some very talented people. And I have to say, in all honesty, I really think that Kristy McNichol and Dennis Quaid can sing. This is just all-around wonderful entertainment.



I hope this gets an offical DVD release sometime soon. But until then I will just enjoy my Ebay counterfit. The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia [VHS]

I really hope that this movie is put into dvd form soon. I think this was Dennis Quaid's first movie or was it Caveman? Anyway he is really talented and I always liked Kristy McNichol since the show "Family", which also starred James Broderick (Matthew's father). She has the charm of a little waif and who could forget Mark Hamil from Star Wars fame. Please bring this movie out soon.



A Fan

I have heard and read that when this movie was released in movie theaters that the critics trashed it and I have heard people saying that it was a box office flop but I remember watching The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia on cable and liking it. The Title of the movie is taken from a song from the 70s sung by Vicki Lawrence (Yes the same Vicki Lawrence from The Carol Burnett Show and Mama's Family). The movie stars Dennis Quaid as a country singer and Kristy McNichol as his teenaged sister who travel to Nashville when he gets in trouble with the law and there Kristy's character falls in love with a cop played by Mark Hamill. This movie in my opinion is much better then what the critics said and I think that Dennis Quaid, Kristy McNichol and Mark Hamill were all very good and I wish this movie would be transferred to DVD because since I got my DVD player and have seen how much better DVDs are then video tapes I don't buy movies on video anymore!

This has been out of print for quite a long time. There are counterfeits out there which are very bad quality. Beware the brand new, factory fresh smelling black clambshell box, complete with the original artwork. Chances are very good it is one of those lousy fakes. Used 20th century fox editions will prove to be a safer bet, and theirs is stereo compatible.

I have been waiting for years for you to put this on DVD legitimately. I know sometimes you can find this on Ebay on DVD. But I am not sure I trust those copies. PLEASE work with me on this and put this out. I had the VHS but can't find it anywhere. This movie makes me think of my close relationship to my brother. It is sentimental to me and I LOVE the movie.



I will definately purchase it when it comes out! I would also be interested in the series "FAMILY" on DVD.



Thank you,

Angie

BEING A BIG FAN OF KRISTY MCNICHOL WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, I SEENTHIS MOVIE WHEN IT FIRST CAME OUT IN THEATERS! IT HAS ACTION, ADVENTURE AND SOME GREAT MUSIC TO BOOT!! I USED TO OWN MY OWN COPY OF THIS ON VHS AND HOPE TO PURCHASE ONE AGAIN SOON! TRUST ME, YOU WILL REALLY ENJOY THIS MOVIE; NOT JUST ONCE, BUT OVER & OVER AGAIN!!

This is a movie that I saw in the theater when it came out. Dennis Quaid is sexy and talented and Kristy McNichol was so sweet and innocent. I loved this movie then and I love it now. I would love to get my hands on a CD of just the music. It brings tears and laughter and frustration all together in a way that makes it worth the time and attention it takes to watch it.

this movie is a wonderful film. i loved this movie so much that i even named my daughter amanda.

please beware of the cheap copies that are sold on ebay. unfortately, i was one of those people that did buy one.you can definately tell the difference in quality. i wish that i would have seen the review from BEWARE before.

i really wish that this movie was on dvd. the picture quality i think would be great!

Just watch it if you get a chance, you will not be sorry. This goes with the likes of Little Darlings, Foxes, Carny and Times Square. Those were also underrated, little type of films. No more needs to be said.

A great action-packed movie. The explosive chemistry between Dennis Quaid (the womanizer big brother) and Kristy McNichol (The business manager little sister)as a musical team in route to Nashville for a recording contract, and their troubles with love and the law along the way. - Dennis Quaid - Country Music - Kristy Mcnichol - Ought To Be On Dvd'

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Miniplug To Rca Adapter - cable, audio

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For those who are not sure what this product does...it connects a single headphone jack (found on portable audio equipment) to right/left audio jack connectors on an audio receiver. So if your looking to hook up say your mp3 player or portable cd player to the receiver of your home stereo system look no further, you've found the right product.



I use this Belkin splitter to attach my muvo (mp3 flash player) and ,sometimes, my mp3 portable iriver cd player to my stereo system. Works great. I don't have a problem with the connection being loose, but I don't have an ipod to test this out with. My mp3 cd players and the few flash mp3 players I've tried work fine with this. Belkin, as usual, offers a quality product.



Cheap, works well, recommended. Belkin Audio Y Cable Splitter 1-Mini Plug/2-RCA Plugs (6ft)

I purchased this splitter because I have tv shows on my laptop that I would rather watch on my 42'' Plasma HDTV, and unfortunately S-video cables don't transmit sound as well as video. So I bought this, plugged it into the headphone jack on my laptop and into the Audio inputs on my tv, and low and behold it worked like a charm! Finally I don't have to watch on a big screen while listening to the speakers on my laptop...

Don't let them fool you.



I love those endearing geeks at the Apple store as much as the next guy, but- I swear- they'll look you straight in the eye and try to convince you that you need to spend lots of cash if you want to play your iPod through your stereo.



And you do need to play your iPod through your stereo. Once you've gotten into the spirit of things, once you've spent those lonely hours crafting your playlists, you can't go back to shuffling CDs for your guests. At this point I have my "Warming Up" playlist, which transitions to the "Early Happening" list, then "Now We're Cooking" and finally the "Cooling Down" playlist. I even got carried away and made my Shiva playlist. In the completely unexpected and unfortunate event of my premature death ["God forbid! Khas Vesholem!" then spitting three times], please check my iPod for a list to play on shuffle mode during the nights of intense mourning. Enjoy the tunes. Some are meant to tug at the heart strings but others are a rollicking good time. Turn to each other and remark on what a shame it is, "of all people, Marc would have enjoyed this the most."



I got off topic there, sorry, but the point is, you need these cords to play your iPod or MP3 player through your stereo, but that's all you need. Now I know there are audiophiles out there who will argue the importance of spending a lot more money on a product that is better sound quality. I have a buddy who talks about this stuff all the time. He told me that, even the overtones that are out of the range of human hearing need to be transmitted faithfully because your body can feel the difference in the vibrations. He said it with such authority that I believed him. You know the type. He takes over the bar at parties because he knows the exact right way to mix drinks. He can talk endlessly about barbecue sauce. But, one day, he told me he really likes that really insipid James Blunt song. He even argued that it was well written. I try not to be judgmental but I just can't take him seriously anymore. Anyway, I don't get worked up about sound quality. It wasn't that long ago that we all listened to music on tapes with that hissing background noise, or listened to LPs with their pops and scratches, and it was fine. Just tune into the music and don't worry about the other stuff, take some breaths, work on your radical acceptance skills and you should be okay.

Cable works great and the length is just right for what I intended to use it for. With most cable purchases, it is strongly recommended that the buyer know exactly what length is needed. Too long and it gets bulky and cumbersome, not to mention it doesn't look great to have cables tangled everywhere. Too short and you'll be buying yet another cable.



I found this cable to be really useful for connecting my PC to a home theater TV system. Most PC's come with the standard DVI port and that hooks up to a flat-screen via a DVI/HDMI connector. HDMI can transmit/receive both digital video and audio. Unfortunately, the PC DVI port only transmits digital video.



This cable will solve that conundrum by allowing the audio from the PC to go to a home theater system that has the Red/White (also called the L/R or R/L, I don't recall) port to be connected. Just hook up the black 3.5 mm jack to the PC audio-out and the Red/White to the sound system and the connection's done.



Some work on the home theater or flat-screen settings may need to happen. This does take some thinking of and visualisation of the setup to be done, preferably before any work's done. Once it's done, you've got an internet TV setup w/o buying any special electronics besides the PC, flat-screen and maybe the home theater sound system.

This cable is good for connecting the headphone port into regular Left and Right RCA analog inputs of stereos, TV's, etc. BTW, RCA inputs are the usual jacks that almost all stereos and TV's have nowadays; most DVD players, etc. come with some kind of cheap RCA cable (yeah, that yellow, red, white one). This cable is especially good for connecting portable music devices and computer sound cards to regular stereos. This cable is good at what it does, and for a good price.

Works perfectly to connect my G4 iPod to my stereo receiver. After reading reviews (good and bad) of other products (Apple, Monster) I decided to try the cheapest method, and I'm glad that I did.



It may be a little loose in the iPod outlet, but I think this is a flaw in the iPod, not this cable. I have a couple of other cables and they are loose in the iPod, but not in other devices. Here's the best work around:

1 start the iPod

2 insert cable into iPod

3 turn on stereo - Audio - Ipod Accessories - Cable - Y Cable'

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Video Games

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As a PES (Winning 11) fan since 99 and a very pissed Konami customer in the last couple of years, I am very happy and pleased this year. This PES by far better than any other PES on the current game console generations..+ The graphics is revamped and stunning, beautiful.. (still some minor animations issues can be seen but you will not notice them)+ The attack feels solid, passing is improved.+ Team AI is unbelievably better than last year.+ The defence system is changed than last year but it feels better (Still you have to redo the learning curve which might upset some customers.)- Same cheesy menus/ soundtrack --> who care about the menus/ sound track!!!!!- Some licence are missing .. this might be bad for those team fans.In my opinion even this is not the most polished game but it is the most solid authentic football (soccer) game.. Pro Evolution Soccer 2012

There are some improvements made on Pes 2012. The graphics are better with the players having some facial expressions, also the fans look better than they did in PES 11. The movements of the players are more realistic with each player having his attributes as in real life. There is this new thing that wasn't previously present in PES, you can instruct your teammates to move forward with the R3 button and choose them in corner kicks as well. One other thing I noticed is that it's harder to accurately tackle compared to PES 11 and it's also harder to get the ball from the opponent. PES has always, in my opinion, been steps ahead of fifa (although fifa has lately made some improvements) because of the fact that the game was never foreseeable (since Iss pro and pro ev 2 on ps1, where I remember in fifa 99, 2000, 2001 you almost knew what was going to happen) and it's getting better every year. PES is even better for people with high knowledge of football and that also play or have played in real life.

Of course, highly recommended.

I wanted to wait and play the game before I gave a proper review. Let me start by saying this game is great in the ways that are important for a videogame. The gameplay is awesome. The passing and shooting and most importantly; the AI. Konami boasted about the AI as being the most important feature worked on for this iteration and I must add, they did not lie. The AI for both your teammates and the opponent are incredible. Your players make runs when you have the ball and stay in a solid formation when on the defensive. It just makes playing the game a pure pleasure and you are no longer yelling at your virtual teammates. If you do feel the need to make your players make more varied runs, Konami have added the feature to take control of two players at the same time. It's difficult to get to grips with, but once mastered, it adds a huge dimension to your game.Playing against the AI is in a whole other league as well. I consider myself a seasoned PES player and I always begin the game on Top Player level because in the past, I've found the AI too easy on any other level. I did the same this year but I was constantly getting beat so I have lowered the level to Professional. It's still difficult to win. They have added an unlockable "Superstar" level this year and I can only imagine how difficult that will be to win consistently. The AI is tough but not in a frustrating way, it's been done in a realistic way. Each team you play doesn't play the same way, so it's like playing against another person. Which leads me into another great feature in PES. Individuality of both players and teams. Konami always pays attention to the details of each and every player playing differently than another. But, this year it's even more pronounced, maybe due to the AI advances this year. Bottom line is that playing Barcelona on PES is like playing Barcelona in real life. They pass the ball around and maintain possession throughout and you have to beat them on the counter when you get the chance. It's very challenging.Now onto the negatives. I think the graphics have taken a step back from last year a bit. It's not such a bad thing but you do usually expect the graphics to get a bit sharper each year rather than regress. Maybe it has something to do with the tragedy in Japan this last year, not sure. I also have to say that the atmosphere in the stadiums and the commentary are dour to say the least. This is something that has plagued PES for years so I don't know why I am even mentioning it to be honest. I hope that Konami can put forth a little focus on these issues for next year because I feel it would add so much more to the experience. It can be done too as FIFA have nailed it pretty well. I also think that the animations are still lacking and stuck in the PS2 days. They're not terrible but they are behind the competition. These are the biggest negatives I can think of at this time but maybe I need to play the game longer to find more flaws. But so far, I have played this game non stop since 9/27/2011. It's that fun. If Konami make PES 2012 the base for their future iterations, I think that PES will take back the crown from FIFA. PES lacks all the glitz that FIFA has, but PES represents football more realistically on the virtual pitch. Most importantly, PES is fun to play and that will always make me come back. Well done Konami!P.S.I also wanted to mention that Amazon saved me on this purchase. I initially (ignorantly) pre-ordered this game from Best Buy. I then checked on the status, the day before release, and found out that it was backordered! Backordered? How can a pre-order be backordered? So, I canceled from Best Buy and ordered it from Amazon and received it on release. Kudos to Amazon. I will always order from Amazon if I buy a game online. Thanks again Amazon!

Gameplay is awesome, the way players shoot and score is so real... The player's movements, dribbles are greats and they are fully controlled.. The only minor thing I have experienced is that, sometimes players automatically make tackles leading to red card and penalty. This really need to be fixed..'

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Transformer - decepticon, mechtech

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Shockwave is back with a very solid robot and vehicle mode that any transformer fan will treasure.The detail in either mode is some of the best you will find on any transformer figure around.The Mech Tech weaponary Shockwave posseses is a Battle Cannon that converts to a Particle Wave Blaster on one arm while having a double end bladed sword weapon on the other.The Mech Tech weapon can only fit on the one arm so that the hose can attach to Shockwave's back.The only dilemma this creates is limited arm movement.But you can attach both ends of the hose to the battle cannon to solve this problem.Attached to the back gives Shockwave a more realistic movie look though in my opinion.Shockwave travels through tunnels as means of travel to sneak up on his prey and eliminate it whether it be autobot or evidence.This explains the wheels with the drill bit attachment on Shockwave's back.The vehilcle mode is a futuristic ground assault tank type mode which is very durable and solid at the same time.The Battle Cannon sits on the top in vehicle mode somewhat similar to a tank turret.The durability in both robot or vehicle mode is also excellent to where Shockwave can handle whatever comes his way.Shockwave can assume any pose you can think of for awesome poseability for acting out battle scenes or displaying this bad boy somewhere.The transformation level is intermediate meaning if you have plenty of experience with transformers there is mid-level difficulty.If you are a parent buying for a child of 5-6 or younger you might have to help some in the process.Shockwave honestly is very versatile for all ages to where after a few times they should be able to get the hang of it.The process is about 3-4 main parts starting with the feet and legs folding up to form the main vehicle body with treads.Then on the back where the wheels with drill bit attachment is along with Shockwave's head is rotated downwards to end up forming the extended front part of the vehicle.After that the chest piece flips down while the arms fold up into place on each side and the back part of the vehicle is formed.If you are a Shockwave fan or a transformer fan in general this is a must have.Bottom line Shockwave is a high quality,well-made,10 out of 10 figure all transformer fans and collectors should enjoy.This version also has one of the best head pieces done on any Shockwave figure done to date.I highly recommend Dark of the Moon Shockwave to all transformer fans and collectors alike.Transformers Rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Transformers: Dark of the Moon - MechTech Voyager - Shockwave

This is easily one of the best Voyagers in the transformers line. He does seem to be a bit on the short side compared to other voyagers, but that seems to be what the Dark of the Moon toyline seems to be going for, just note that he WILL be a bit out of scale with the Revenge of the Fallen toys. Aside from that, he has got a great design (I especially like the head, even if it can't look up), decent articulation (once again, no head pivot), cool paint, and is overall just a fun toy to play with, even if the hose is a bit problematic. He does have a few flaws, but they're easily overlooked. Lastly, I'd have a hard time paying $36 for him. I found him at retail for $20 and I didn't feel ripped off at all.



In short Shockwave is cool, suffers from a few VERY minor design choices, and is somewhat overpriced online.

This one transformer was a little more challenging for my 7 year old, but he eventually figured it out and with no help from mommy (thank goodness since mommy has no idea how to transform these things). He wanted this one decepticon transformer from the 3rd movie cuz it looks cool. He hasn't put it down for 3 days...

This guy is awesome!!!! I use transformers for stopmotions and let me say that this guy is epic. He is the spitting image of his cgi model and has very little back kibble (if any at all). Since many figures are cut back in size due to polution (or something like that) he is short for a voyager. He comes nowhere close to size with a leader size optimus from the ROTF line. None the less he is a great figure and in my opinion the best in the line so far. I highly reccomend him to all new fans and G1 fans

Lets start off with the good stuff about this toy. The first thing that stands out is his Mechtech weapon which is a particle wave blaster. In addition to this Shockwave also has a secondary weapon which is a blade that is longer than the length of his arm which I thought was very nice. Robot mode is awesome with some exceptions. His vehicle mode which is a very alien looking ground assault vehicle like a tank was one of the selling points for this toy. I have been collecting the newer Transformers since ROTF.



I like to keep the boxes as well because the boxes have interesting stories about the character the toy portrays. This is where I will get into the negative aspects of the toy. First I want to mention the large cable that attaches Shockwave's Mechtech weapon to his body. This feature cuts back on the posibility of the figure in robot mode. It is very hard to pose his weapon to take a shot at an enemy without this cable getting in the way, and restricting his arm movements.



Getting to the story on the box, it says that Shockwave uses tunnels to travel in to avoid the Autobots. What they don't say is how he makes the tunnels. Before opening the box I had assumed that he used his weapon to blast through the earth. After properly aligning all of his parts in robot form I figured out how he makes the tunnels. On his back are very large drill bits like mining drills use. I think this is an excellent touch to his character, there are just some problems with this.



Shockwave can not use this giant drill in robot, or vehicle mode. In vehicle mode two of the three drill bits are used for front wheels. This leaves me asking how does he use the drill if it is stuck to his back. If it were not for these two moderately important details I would have given him five stars, but instead I had to deduct one. I like my Transformers toys to be good to look at, and functional at the same time. Other than the cons I mentioned if they don't bother you Shockwave is a very good looking well made toy.



(Update)

Using the picture I figured out how to attach the power cable for Shockwave's Mechtech weapon from the gun to the gun instead from the gun to the body. I do not like the way it looks, but Shockwave can now get better shots off at the Autobots. This still was not enough for that fifth star though. - Hasbro - Mechtech - Decepticon - Dark Of The Moon'

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Construction - hitachi, nailers

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I currently run five Hitachi, three Senco, and two Max finish nailers. The Hitachi NT65MA2 is the best nailer I have. It is very light with minimal recoil. It has enough power to sink nails in maple effortlessly. It is stone cold reliable- it has never broken a driver after five years of fulltime use (bought my old NT65MA in 98). The safety works well without marring. It shoots the Senco DA series (also UA) nail which has become the defacto industry standard. Hitachi appears to have spared no effort in designing and building the best 2 1/2" finish nailer. Hitachi NT65MA2 15 Gauge 1-1/4-Inch to 2 1/2-Inch Angled Finish Nailer

As a custom homebuilder, I love high quality tools. I've had the opportunity to use many 15 gauge finish nailers throughout the years, and my hands down favorite is the Hitachi, for several reasons. It's by far the most reliable 15-gauge I've used. I run some HItachi's that are over 5 years old, and I've never had a problem with any of them. The balance of this gun is exceptional. To me balance of the gun is one of the most important features. I've run Bostitch, Senco, and Porter Cable, and I believe this gun is balanced better than any of them. The built in dust blower is also a great feature.



If this gun cost twice as much, I'd still use it, but the fact you can get it cheaper than most other 15 gauge nailers is just icing on the cake. If you're looking for the best 15 gauge nailer, this is it.

i bought this nailer several months ago. great finish gun. the little button near the top/side of the gun is an air blower. great to have available when doing base, to blow away the crumbs from falling plaster or debris that is in the way. just push and it blows it away, nice added feature that the others don't have. have had no problems and would recommend this highly

I've used this gun quite a bit and it hasn't misfired yet. It's simple to use and feels solid, made to last. Plenty of power too; sinks 2 1/2" nails into pressure treated fir with no problem. In white pine I had to back the pressure off to keep it from sinking them TOO deep! The air nozzle feature should be on every finish nailer. You'd be surprised how handy it is; no need to put the gun down to clear away the chips etc... that always seem to get in the way of a good fit. The only drawback I found is that you'll have to go to a good hardware store to find an air fitting for it. Once that's done it's the perfect finish nailer.

I've been using the Hitachi NT65MA for over three years now on remodeling jobsites. The only difference between the NT65MA that I use and the newer NT65MA2 is that you can bump fire the NT65MA. I suppose the Hitachi people felt that bump firing a finish nailer was uncalled for or dangerous, but I think it's great in some situations.



I've used Senco and Bostitch finish nailers on various jobs, but I think the Hitachi is superior because it has the best combination of balance, reliability, and power. It can easily handle all trim (from fir to rock maple) and light framing (door and window setting, drywall backout framing) applications, and never misfires. The only times I've had to clear nail jams have been when nailing trim to an old plaster over brick wall, and even then, only if the backing brick was very dense or hard.



At first I thought the air blower was a gimmick, but I've found it to be very helpful when I've had to blow away drywall or plaster debris and dust. This happens surprisingly often, especially if the drywallers didn't do a great job and I've had to bash out places where they've put on too much mud or have encroached on rough openings too much.



I've modified my nailer by attaching a circular saw rafter hanger to it by drilling through the magazine and cutting out the case to accommodate the hanger. Recently it has started to leak air a bit, but this is to be expected after 3 years of continuous use and abuse (it's been kicked, dropped 10 or so feet multiple times, thrown about, left in very dusty locations, rained on, etc.). A sealing rebuild is easy enough to come by anyway.



As for the choice of nails, I've never had any trouble with any brand of nails in this tool (unlike another reviewer mentioned), but I prefer to use Senco's 2.5 inch long galvanized ones.



I wouldn't hesitate to buy this nailer again.

I had a 15 ga. Bostich that mysteriously took flight from my job site. I'd heard good things about Hitachi so I bought this one even though it was $50 more than the Bostich. I also took a hit because my Bostich nails won't work in my Hitachi. I didn't realize that when I bought it. However, I really like the Hitachi better especially the nails because they have slightly bigger heads and less glue stuff on them. Both nailers performed flawlessly. I like that little air valve on the Hitachi. Sometimes, I hit it by accident when reaching for the nailer and get a plast of air in my face. Other times, I use it to blow off my saw and tools and to empty my air tank before loading them up. I'd buy it again and really wish my framing nailer was an Hitachi.

This is a quality gun. I needed a 15 gauge nailer for a big job; my P/C 16 gauge just wouldn't do it. I read all the reviews on Amazon and narrowed it down to a couple. I wanted a quality gun but really did not want to spend more than $200. I originally was going to go with a Senco but they were on back order so I "settled" for the Hitachi - I am SO glad I did. I checked out the big chain stores - Home Depot was the only one that had it (at $219 plus tax); and with the $20 special discount Amazon gave it was a no-brainer. My Brother-in-Law is a professional and he has two Hitachi guns & loves them.





I've only used it for about 40 hours so far but it has worked flawlessly. I've been working with 1 inch Pine & red oak effortlessly. It is light weight & wonderfully well balanced. It is very compact & I'm able to get in tight spots that my larger PC gun would never allowed me. Senco nails fit perfectly & are readily available. The air blower is a great feature! I first thought it was a useless frill, but it really is useful. If there was anything negative I could come up with is that the depth adjustment is a bit funky. However, once set it is very consistent.



I own four finish nailers and this by far my favorite. - Nailers - Hitachi - Finish Nailers - Nail Gun'

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Bosch Drill Replacement Battery - lenmar ptb883, bosch drill replacement battery

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I've been using this battery in my Bosch cordless drill for 2 years. The drill is a backup, so I didn't want to throw it away but I also didn't want to invest in a new drill. I took a chance on this Lenmar battery and have been pleased. So far it has performed flawlessly in the drill and with the Bosch battery charger. It's a Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) so it should perform better and last longer than the original Ni-Cad batteries that came with the drill -- only time will tell. Lenmar PTB883 Battery for Bosch Power Tools - Bosch Drill Replacement Battery - Lenmar Ptb883'

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Cordless Weed Whacker - trimmer, hedge trimmer

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I was previously using all gas powered yard tools, blower, hedge trimmer, string trimmer, great products but loud, smelly and sometimes difficult to start. I had been looking at electric powered products to get rid of those trips to the gas station, however, pulling an electrical cord around my yard did not appeal to me at all. Then i came across this kit on amazon. The Black & Decker is a good one IMO so i took a chance and ordered from amazon.



I have been highly satisfied the battery power last well enough on my 12,000 square foot lot. The tool are nice and quiet and i can do my yard work early in the morning without disturbing the neighbors. I must say all 3 products work great for their intended purpose. The bonus IMO is the batter charger mount that can charge all three included batteries at the same time. Also, the mountable storage station is great and makes storing the equipment easy. My father came over and was hooked on these and placed an order the next day, great products at a great price from amazon what could be better, lol.......



**UPDATE**04/17/2010



Im still using this same equipment right at 5 YEARS! later and they work great. Im still using 2 of the 3 B&D batteries that I purchased for the set. I was just searching for new batteries and could not believe its been 5 years that this equipment and batteries have lasted, well worth the money for the quality and ease of use. Black & Decker CCC3000 18-Volt Cordless Electric Lawncare Center

UPDATE: I've owned this set for over 2 1/2 years now, and I only like it more. I've seen no drop off in battery power, and I find more uses for the blower than I would have thought. It's great for blowing sawdust out of my garage and I even use it to help dry my car after I wash it. The weed wacker continues to function like a champ, and the pruner, though rarely used, works great. There's nothing like cordless electric for convenience!



More than a few reviewers have complained about short run times with these tools. I have no such complaints. In fact, I find that one charge on one battery is enough to edge and weed-whack my front and back yards and trim my hedges.



A lot of people don't seem to understand that in places where people want to live yards are getting smaller and smaller. In San Diego, in a subdivision built 25 years ago, my front and back yards combined are about 1500 square feet. My friend just bought a new luxury home in San Diego that has a "postage stamp" front yard. There isn't even enough room to park a Camry on his grass.



Another friend in Tennessee recently purchased a multi-thousand dollar commercial lawn mower with a 52" cutting path to mow the grass on his property. This set is perfect for most San Diego lawns (and even those that are a fair bit larger), but it's not going to be nearly as suitable to a backwoods Tennessee lot.



Before you buy these, think. The larger your yard, the less suitable you'll find these. So if your property is much larger than the average subdivision lot, these probably aren't for you. And it's just common sense that the larger your lot is, the more batteries you'll need. If you have a larger yard, don't buy the set and then whine about having to switch out batteries. These aren't made for your two acre property in the sticks!



As you would expect, the blower does not rival the performance of a corded model. But it blows hard enough for most lawn care needs (it will move grass clippings and loose dirt). The weed whacker (string trimmer) is great. The head pivots for edging and the automatic line feed system works great.



The hedge trimmer is even better. I have a much smaller rechargeable Black and Decker hedge trimmer with an internal battery pack. I use it for most of my shrubs because it is lighter and more maneuverable. I only use the one included with this kit on a few larger hedges, and it performs well.



I had been using corded electric tools, but the cords were always such a hassle that I found myself putting off yard work. Gas tools would be overkill. They require too much maintenance and I don't want to store gasoline. These cordless tools are the perfect compromise. I'm just sorry that I didn't buy them sooner.



There is a noticeable difference in the power between my corded and cordless tools. While operating, the corded tools seem to operate at a higer speed and with more torque.



The most noticeable difference between the corded and cordless tools is the much reduced airflow speed with the cordless blower. As to the other tools, I suspect that if I went to clear some particularly thick weeds the cordless string trimmer might bog down. I similarly suspect that the hedge trimmer might bog down if I was trimming thick branches with it. So I'm keeping my corded tools for those rare occasions that I might need them.

I have an acre of lawn, and was tired of starting my gas trimmer. I could not use a corded trimmer because I would spend most of my time moving the cord around.



I then stumbled onto this product. I read the reviews and the one I found most useful stated that they bought the trimmer and the blower, and that they use both batteries to trim their lawn.



Well, I found that this combo pack was a good deal, since you basically get a tool and battery for free!



I really like the triple charger! One plug has three charging stations.



It takes almost two entire batteries for me to trim my yard. I have about 400 feet of edging and 18 trees. If I edge my sidewalk (250 feet) I use about a quarter of the third battery.



The AFS string system works well, maybe a little too well. I find that I get about 1.5 trimming session before I need to replace the spool. I bought the 300 foot spool instead of the individual ones.



Please keep in mind, I trim mostly grass. If I trimmed weeds, which are thicker then grass, I do not think that this trimmer would work well. - Trimmer - Black And Decker - Cordless Weed Whacker - Hedge Trimmer'

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Art Products - art supplies, awesome

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Soft and creamy, rich palette of deep colors - description for what I think are truly the best coloring pencils I've ever used. And, as an architect, I've looked for and tried many different brands, and none have matched the quality of the Berol Prismacolor pencils. Living in Portugal, where I can't get them, I was very happy to be able to order them through Amazon.com Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, 24 Pre-Sharpened Colored Pencils

These pencils (especially at the $13 they cost me) are hands down the best art purchase I have made in the last year, maybe ever. The first full composition i did came out very bold and rich, with amazingly vibrant colors. The sense of depth and smooth blending you get from these rivals many more expensive pencils. I did a side by side comparison with standard prismacolors, as well as prismacolor premiers, and the difference is almost unnoticable. If you are having trouble deciding on pencils, and don't want to empty your bank account; don't hesitate, you will not be disappointed with this set of pencils.

I noticed so many people complaining about the packaging, and I felt the need to write this review. I have been using Prismacolor pencils for more than 20 years, and the quality of these colored pencils cannot be beat, in my opinion. I have used expensive Derwent, Faber Castle, and many others. They are not as good, and I always end up reaching for my Prismacolors.



Most important note: The company packages the "scholar" line of pencils cheaply so that they can offer them at a lower price to art students who typically cannot afford high quality art supplies.The scholar pencils are just as nice as the professional "artist" line, which comes in metal tins or wooden boxes.



Another note: "wood casing" in the description refers to the pencil itself. The pigment lead is "encased" in a wooden barrel. As you see by the picture, these are in a clear plastic case.





A set of 24 Prismas will usually cost at least $24-25 in the cardboard or tin cases. Larger sets in those fancy wooden boxes can cost hundreds. Here you have a set of 24 in a plastic envelope thing, and this has caused people to give poor reviews and return the items. You bought some of the best pencils around for half price, people- the packaging is irrelevant! I noticed that these reviewers mentioned nothing about the pencils themselves. Are you kidding?



I am an artist by profession, so I have plastic containers and drawers for all of my supplies. When I buy pencils they are going to go in the appropriate bin, so the packaging is not an issue- I prefer to pay for the contents. Other artists I know also store pencils in their own bins and boxes.



I have to replace my colored pencils fairly often since I use them to the nub, and buying 24 for $12-13 is certainly a great thing. If you have to replace a single pencil you will pay at least a dollar per pencil at most craft stores, so no doubt this is an economical alternative. Most likely, You will use up these standard colors first.



BTW- I see a picture of pencils in the plastic case up there for this item, so I don't know which product these other people are even looking at. Regardless, this set of 24 Prismacolor pencils is a steal. They are described as "student" quality, but do not let that fool you. These are not Crayolas by a long shot. I use them along with Prismacolor Artist pencils (the professional ones) and I really can't tell one from the other.



I just wanted to stick up for these amazing pencils since people have made the rating low for stupid reasons. Review the actual product- it is not helpful to others to complain about the case when most artists keep their supplies in other containers anyway.

I Love these pencils, always have. They are wonderful for anyone who loves to draw, from aged four to ninety-four. I've always believed that every child deserves good school supplies and these are good enough for anyone. Crayola has wonderful crayons, but their colored pencils aren't even close to the best. They are great for even preschool children, because the leads write smoothly and don't crumble.



The price her on Amazon is terrific, and a package of these pencils and a really nice sketch pad makes a perfect gift for almost any child for almost any occasion. These pencils were part of my "special travel bag" which I had for long car rides or any plane ride. Now that my baby is no longer a little baby, she has the full set of 132 colored pencils in a lovely tin.



If you absolutely unable to live without erasing your mistakes, Prismacolor offers Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Colored Pencils, 24-Color Pencil Set, which are not quite as cool as the regular colored pencils, but have the advantage of being erasable. An absolutely critical addition to these pencils are the Prismacolor Pencil 1077 Blender, which blends the colors effortlessly, and makes your colored pencil creations much nicer.



Oh, and the lousy packaging? I strongly prefer the tins or wooden cases to the cardboard packaging. I know that most colored pencils come in a cardboard box, but the tin or wooden boxes are so preferable to this one.



These pencils are just the best, and I'm sure you won't be sorry if you give them a try. Just grab a container to hold them.

My kids notebook, journal, and color pictures every day for school in history and science (we homeschool). We are over half way through the school year and these pencils have stood up to my 6 and 8yo no problem, have given great color, no broken tips, sharpen great (electric sharpener if it matters). We have tried 2 other popular brands available in "box stores" and the tips always broke, didn't sharpen well, didn't color well, didn't flow smoothly, they were horrible - and we tried several different boxes over the years of both. We have had such great success with Prismacolor Scholars I will never go back and spend the extra money every year. I may splurge and get the bigger set for my oldest next year because she loves the extra color choices but the 24 count has been SUPER for both kids. - Colored Pencils - Awesome - Art Products - Art Supplies'

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