Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Screen Protectors - virgin mobile, android
This review likely applies to ALL the 5X sets of protective screen covers sold on Amazon for the LG Optimus phone for just under $4,including shipping. The V and S phone models are physically identical. I had just bought one, and my son gave me one of his protective sheets he had bought through Amazon for his phone. He does not know the exact vendor, as he has had his Optimus and protective sheets for over a month.
I'm writing because in the reviews several people report trouble with the application of the protective layer, while many others do not. My experience may have mimicked those who had problems. Yet the problem was of my own making. I'm writing so others can learn from my experience. The two star review is a lie; it deserves 4-5 stars, really, but I want this to be read by the suspicious or the inept, so I am putting this down for two stars.
Each protective sheet actually comes as THREE SHEETS of plastic, with one tab sticking out for pulling off the bottom sheet and another tab for removing the top sheet from the actual middle protective layer. I did not initially know that three sheets were involved. Thus, for a while I was cursing the manufacturer, as some reviewers have, for using a permanent-type sticky goo for attaching the top layer tab to the top sheet. That was when my son pointed out that there were three sheets and that I did not have to remove the tab from the top sheet; I had only to peel the top sheet off of the middle layer.
The idiot (me) proof instructions should be as follows:
There are THREE sheets of plastic. The middle sheet is the actual protective sheet for the phone, being sticky on one side (the bottom)and smooth on its top. The other sheets protect the middle one from grease and fingerprints until the middle layer is attached to the phone. The bottom film is peeled off initially. This exposes the sticky side of the middle layer, protective screen. Then one sticks the COMBINATION of the protective, sticky-on-one-side, sheet and the top sheet onto the phone, starting on the bottom and working toward the top. This readily enables a bubble-free attachment. Finally, one peels off the top layer, starting with the paper tab that is affixed to the top sheet. This leaves the phone ready for use with the tab-free actual protective screen attached. 5x LG Optimus S LS670 Premium Clear LCD Screen Protector Shield Cover Guard Film Kit, no cutting is required! Exact fit and satisfaction guaranteed!
I wanted a screen protector for my LG Optimus V and was wary of ordering these after some of the reviews. I decided to order them anyway and am glad that I did - they worked out way better than I expected.
1. The image of the protector isn't completely accurate since these DO have the proximity sensor cut-out for when you're talking on the phone
2. I received 5 of these, not 3 like one reviewer stated
3. The screen protector was super easy to apply. This isn't rocket science people and I don't understand why so many reviewers are having problems. I'd been using my phone for a month before I got these protectors and the screen had plenty of oil and dirt on it. I used the supplied cloth to wipe the screen off and it was clean. Then I applied the protector. Just line up the protector and peel off the backing bit-by-bit (not all at once!) while you squeegee along with the card that's included. I had two small bubbles that were very easy to squeegee out at the end.
This protector fits perfectly on my LG Optimus V.
I needed a cover and I bought 5 of them for $.01, Although the shipping was $2.99 and I was a little cheesed at first. A few days later, when I was at the mall my friend was about to buy them, and they cost $14.99, so I felt better about this purchase.
Got this item in the mail yesterday. VERY easy to affix. I was able to attach my first screen protector on the first try with no problems. I have just two (teensy-weensy) complaints. First, there's a notch cut in the top where one isn't necessary on the phone. Not a big deal, since it doesn't really get in the way or leave the phone protected in any way. Also, one of the tabs that says "remove" left some residue on the protector, but it's on the frame part of the phone and doesn't get in the way of use at all. If it bothered me that much, I could just try affixing another screen protector to be done with it, but it doesn't, so I'll let it go. I love the finish on the phone. It doesn't hold on to fingerprints or smudges like the original screen did, which is nice. It's so disheartening to use your phone, then let it catch light to see all the smudges like you're some dirty person. lol. Anyway, I LOVE these protectors. Very easy to attach and even easier to use.
Also, I have a tip for anybody who notices any small bubbles that you just can't seem to remove: let the phone sit overnight. I had a couple of small bubbles that I wasn't able to get rid of, so I just gave up and decided to let them be. After a night of letting the phone sit and charge, I noticed this morning that the bubbles were completely gone. So, instead of burning through another protector or two, just try letting it sit for awhile to see if the bubbles go away on their own.
I'd tried several ZAGG InvisibleSHIELD screen protectors and found them very difficult to install, they looked terrible, they distorted the screen image (even the ones that installed well), and their rubbery surface simply doesn't work for a touch screen.
This 5-pack costs LESS (incl shipping) than ZAGG charges for a "free" replacement of a single invisbleSHIELD.
These screen protectors are so easy to install, it makes a complete joke of ZAGG's complicated installation procedure: Peel a sheet off the adhesive side, put in on the screen, peel another sheet off the top side. Done!
A small microfiber cloth and a squeegee are included with each of the 5 protectors.
The protectors are incredibly smooth. Touching and using the screen works fine -- again very different from the rubbery, touch-resistant surface of the ZAGGs.
A few minor issues keep me from giving these a 5-star rating:
(1) The protector doesn't fit the screen exactly, it's a bit smaller. Not a big deal, better than it being too big.
(2) The protector is not completely glass clear, it has a little bit of "tint" which reduces screen brightness.
(3) My phone has a matte screen, whereas this protector is quite glossy and reflective.
(4) It gets smudgy and you have to wipe it clean frequently.
These are minor issues. And for the price these protetors are a great value. Seriously, they make ZAGG look like a complete scam! - Screen Protectors - Android - Virgin Mobile - Lg Optimus'
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College Planner - weekly planner, daily planner
Beautiful Date Book. I love the art work on the cover. Each month that there is a holiday, they put some kind of special artwork on the date of the holiday. Valentines Day will soon be here and on that day they have a pair of red lips. I would recommend this calendar for those who are very detailed orientated and uses the space for all pertinent information. 2011-2012 Daily Fashion Day Planner Organizer Agenda (August 2011 Through July 2012)- Black
I recently started a photography business, and one day I realized that I had no place, other than our wall calendar, to keep track of appointments and shoots that I had set up. I started looking for a planner to help me to keep everything organized, but nothing suited me. Most of the things were leather, and while I like leather, I didn't need something quite that expensive. Many were huge, and very few had a little calendar for each month as well as a daily planner.
This planner was perfect for me. It's small, so I can easily carry it around in my camera bag, and it's extremely stylish. My daughter continually wants to steal it, and since she's a little fashionista, that's saying something. I love that it has not only the daily planner, but the monthly one as well, so that I can know, at a glance, what I've got going on. I'd say that this is more than just a student planner, and that it works perfectly for adults as well!
These planners are awesome!! I have gotten soo much compliments on it! The design is definately a hit! It is so easy to organize and makes my life so much easier! These are definately the best planners out there!!!
I'm not raving about this product as much as others did because I wasn't completely satisfied with the product. First, for some reason, I thought that the cover was a hard cover, but its not. This was put in as a college planner, but only had 2 sheets for classes. It would work for someone who is enrolled in semester systems, but for people like me, who are in quarter systems, I need a minimum of 3 and maybe even 4 if I take summer classes.. Anyways.. I think I'm going to buy another planner because I would just like to use one planner for the whole academic year.
This planner is so cute! I love the little fashion tips and fun stuff in it, and it has plenty of space for writing everything I need to fit in each day. I'm totally buying a similar one from the same people for next year! :)
I bought this planner mostly for the decoration aspect. Love itt. Its pretty simple but pretty all the same. Does the job. Keeps me organized. Wish it had those little stickers for exams and birthdays or whatnot. I'm in college but a little eye candy is always welcome. - Student Planner - Weekly Planner - Planner - Daily Planner'
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Nail Gun - senco, nail gun
I bought one of these guns recently as a replacement for another nailer. I put in thousands of feet of crown moulding every month and have yet to have any sort of misfire or double nailing. It also sets the head of the nail comfortably below the surface each and every time. ...Yet another great SENCO tool! Senco FinishPro 42XP 15 Gauge 1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch Finish Nailer with Case
I am a pro contractor who builds fine homes in the Lake Tahoe area.
Senco sets the standard by which all other nailers are rated. I have the new FP41XP and I love it. My old SFN40 is still going strong after about 10 years of heavy use. I had a Bostich (Stanley ) finish nailer before but I found it underpowered compared to the Senco. The nails used for the Bostich are inferior too. The so called galvinized 16Ga Bostich nails rusted easy. Senco nails are the best quality. The galvinized nails look like stainless and will not rust. The tip is easy to un jam if you hit something hard and bend a nail. The nailer has enough power to easily set a nail into 5/4 white oak. The gutless Bostich could not set a nail into 5/4 white oak.
This is a great nailer. It is both smaller and lighter than the SFN40 which is (was) the standard by which all other finish nailers are compared. One outstanding feature of this tool is that it is very quiet, while still able to drive and set 2.5" nails with ease. The depth adjustment and exhaust vent settings work just like other SENCO units, so no complaints there. You cannot go wrong with this unit.
It took a little sorting out to realize that this nailer is Senco's primo finish nailer. We have had a FSN30 on the job, and I was tired of having air shot into my face so I purchased this simply for the feature of an adjustable air deflector. It was worth the purchase! The FP41XP has more going for it than that-- more power, holds both more and longer nails and they load and unload MUCH MUCH easier. The spring that puts tension on the nail strip to feed nails hasn't been sticking as the FSN30's did. Has a good grip and feel, shoots accurately, easy to adjust depth of nail set, and haven't had a jambed nail to clear yet after several weeks of near-constant use, nor a miss-fire. Not all Senco nailers are created equal, and this is one of the best ones I have used.
I own quite a few nailers, and in my opinion this is really a top-of-the-line nailer. The oil-free design is great, it has a lot of power, and is light and convenient to use. This nailer has never jammed on me, but removing a jam is easy thanks to the flip-open front. Setting the nail depth is also easy.
One thing to note is the nails are specific to this gun, so make sure you can get nails at a price that's affordable to you. Another is if you set a nail too deeply you'll notice an elongated depression where the drive pin kissed the wood. I suppose another thing to keep an eye on is your supply of nails, as you go through a clip rather quickly due to the ease of use of this gun.
Summary: The nailer costs a bit more than others and is well worth it.
I have used this for finger jointed crown, finished 2x fir, and tacking up pre-hung doors. It sets doors like a champ. Just don't rely on the nails to hold up over time; do the screw in the hinge trick and you are good to go. Love the feel and balance to it, love the nail loading style and the impressive power it has.
I have been considering this Senco gun. This spring, Senco filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and sold off almost all of it's assets. My local tool repair facility told me they are having a very tough time getting parts now and was not confident about the future. Too bad , they made good tools. So just beware. If you purchase a Senco there's no assurance that parts will be available. Many of the more consumer-oriented and Chineese/Taiwanese import brands have very short-lived parts availability. They are meant to be used by homeowners until they break then thrown in landfills. It remains to be seen what happens to Senco long-term. If anyone has updated info, please respond to this.
There is not alot to a finish nailer. I want it to cositently sink nails at the proper adjusted depth, be easy to clear if it jams( in about 100,000 nails this has jammed three times, all by hitting a hidden drywall screw) which is absoutely amazing. I would think its about ready for a service but it still works well so i keep firing away. Oh and i also want it to feel good in my hand and fire smoothly. Also adjustable exhaust is nice. This does all of the above so it wins iv used others and this feels the best and fires the smoothest.
I've wanted a finish nailer for years and finally got the Senco FP41XP. I just use it around the home and farm, and I've found that it works fine with an air bottle for a quick repair out in the back 40. I designed and built some Craftsman style lighting fixtures out of redwood sticks, basically, and the only way I could assemble it without splitting was with the Senco. The nails seem a bit expensive, but it's very easy and convenient to change sizes back and forth, no tools or adjustments required. Depth of seating is very consistent in different materials...surprisingly so, to me at least. It speeds projects up more than I would have thought - since I do most projects without a helper, I can hold the work randomly in place with one hand and "bam" it's fastened. There's no need to position and clamp for each fastening operation. Also, if you drive a few nails for just a temporary holding operation, it's easy enough to pry the fixture apart when needed, with only minimal holes in the work. - Best Finish Nailer - Oil Free - Nail Gun - Senco'
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Sex Instruction
This is not an Erotic book by any means, but in true Men's/Women's Health fassion, its is a colaboration of Great Facts and studies to help you improve your love life with your significant other. The book includes (both sides) sections on learning more about your anatomy, learning to control your anatomy, lifestyle improvment methods to better your sex, and exercises to increase your sex drive. all in all this book has to many good things to post in one review. Great book, for those who are looking to better themselves sexually. The Men's Health and Women's Health Big Book of Sex: Your Authoritative, Red-Hot Guide to the Sex of Your Dreams (and His!)/ Your Authoritative, Red-Hot Guide to the Sex of Your Dreams (and Hers!)
This silly lil book has introduced a breathe of fresh air into our bedroom! It has been a long time since we have read something together and had so much fun doing it (wink, wink). Fun and easy to read, its not only about the sex it includes some health information as well. Great book!
The story behind ordering this book: I first ordered Seasoned Romance from Amazon.com, a book that featured story after story of older people who have discovered an inspiring life of better romance and lovemaking.
The common thread in each extraordinary story in this book was sexy seniors who each first made a commitment to become fit. That got my attention, which brought me back to Amazon.com to look for a great exercise program, which led me to order The Men's Health Big Book of Exercises, The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises, and especially this sizzling book, The Men's Health Big Book of Sex.
Definitely better fitness is a huge part of greater sex for people of any age, especially for seniors. And have a fit body does wonders for your self-image, which is a wonderful boost toward becoming more attractive and a more skilled lover.
Rodale Books, along with the editors of Men's Health and Women's Health, have combined to do a magnificent job in providing the best and most concise books I've seen.
It and the other books I've mentioned are perfect for people of all ages who want a life filled with feeling better and enjoying greater sex, certainly including us who have already blown out 50, 60, 70 or more birthday candles!'
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Nintendo 3ds - video games, 3ds
UPDATE: Now with a good game lineup on the horizon (Mario Kart, Paper Mario, Star Fox, Luigi's Mansion, Super Mario, Kid Icarus, and a few more), the release of several features such as the virtual store and Netflix, and most importantly, the big $80 price cut, I have decided to bump this review up to a 4 star (originally 3). Verdict: The games are arriving and the system is starting to have a bright future. If you want the games currently available, go out and buy it now; you won't be disappointed and by the time you get through the current games, a new wave of games should be released. If the current games (Star Fox, Ocarina of Time, etc) only mildly have your interest, save your money until some more games come out. If you really are patient and wait maybe a year (just a guess), Nintendo may roll out a new 3DS (light, xl, or something) presumably with better battery life and maybe in a sleeker package. If you've been dying to get the system, by all means go out and get it. If you truly need battery life better than the average of 4 hours or so, then I suggest waiting; however, over time I've learned that the battery life is livable and you get used to it. (You could even buy a 3rd party battery life extender like I did.) With a price cut and growing game library, the 3DS has never looked so good. ~~~~~
Bought the system before August 12th at $250? 20 Free games for you!
~~~~~If you bought a 3DS at $250, Nintendo appreciates you for being an early adopter and is giving you 20 free games to ease your pain. An $80 price cut is huge, especially since the system has only been out in the US for under 5 months - so, we early buyers took a big hit. You get 10 NES (Nintendo Entertainment System from the '80s) games on September 1st, and 10 GBA (Gameboy Advance, the predecessor of the Nintendo DS) games "by the end of this year." It's awesome Nintendo is doing this, but remember to be eligible to get the 20 free games, you have to visit the 3DS virtual store at least once before August 12th to "prove" to Nintendo you bought the system at $250. Please don't forget to do this (actually, just do it now)!! I'll take the free games, but I wish I had waited to buy the system at $169. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New Short Review
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The 3DS is now looking to be a great system at a much more affordable price point - the only problem is the short battery life and a few other minor complaints (online friend codes, low quality camera, etc)1. 3DS launched with very few games, and now a few good ones like Ocarina of Time have come out. E3 announced many good games which we'll see soon. The lineup is still pretty lackluster and many of the upcoming games are remakes of older ones, but at least it's a step in the right direction. Hopefully, we'll see some 3rd party developers make some good and new content.
2. 3DS has poor battery life. The console lasts somewhere between 3 and 5 hours depending on if you turn on WiFi or 3D and how high you keep the brightness and volume. There's also a power saver mode that supposedly saves battery. 3-5 hours is pretty low. It will be enough if you just want to play for a little while or are at home, but it certainly won't work for a road trip or vacation. The DS Lite could crank out close to 15 hours with the brightness turned down. The 3DS battery life is upsetting and badly limits its portability. Over time, you learn to live with it and it's not as bad as many people rage about. You could get a 3rd party battery pack which doubles the battery life and does wonders.
3. The 3D effect in most games are used just to add depth. Some games like Ridge Racer use the 3D effect to makes things pop out of the screen at you, but many don't. Some games like Ocarine of Time make good use of the 3D allowing you to properly judge distances and aim, but many other games just tack it on and doesn't add to (and sometimes even hinders) gameplay.
4. Online play is still plagued by annoying friend codes. I wish Nintendo would let us make a username that's the equivalent of gamertags or PSN IDs. Instead we have to enter a long string of digits to add someone as a friend. Inconvenient and makes online matchmaking much more annoying.
5. DS games are a bit awkward to play as they are either stretched looking blurry/pixelated or the only occupy a small box leaving a black border around the game. This is because the 3DS and DS have different resolutions. So, playing DS games on the 3DS is less than ideal. (Hey, I'm glad we at least got backwards compatibility!)
6. Minor complaint: The 3DS is slightly bigger than the DS Lite. You would expect the new 3DS to be sleeker and smaller than the DS Lite from 2006. I understand the 3DS is more powerful, but I still would have liked it thinner.
7. Minor complaint: The 3D camera on the 3DS is really bad. My celllphone takes better quality pictures (just not in 3D). Don't expect to use this camera after the first day when you're checking out all of the features. Conclusion: DS was one of my favorite systems with great 3rd party developer support. Hopefully, the 3DS will see the same kind of success and get great games from developers other than Nintendo (not that Nintendo games are bad or anything). I love my 3DS and know it will be an awesome system in the future when more people buy it and better games come out. Thankfully, there are plenty of good games coming in the near future. Combined with the lower price, all we have left is the bad battery life. You know Nintendo is going to release a new 3DS with better battery life and probably slimmer sometime in the future (think GBA Advance to SP / DS to DS Lite). My honest advice: WAIT FOR THAT! I remember I really wanted the original DS (the original "phat" one), but eventually I bought the DS Lite when it came out. I paid less and got a way better system. Every company releases a new model of their system - Nintendo usually does it 16-24 months after the original release, which would probably pit a new 3DS sometime between July 2012 and March 2013. It seems like a long time, but if you can wait, I'm sure it'll be worth it and you'll only have missed a half-dozen good games or so (which is not much compared to what will be released). If you can't wait, go out and buy the 3DS now and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.Bottom Line: The game library is improving and the 3DS has never looked so good. We still have the lingering battery life problem, but at a lower price this system is worth every penny. If you are patient and can wait a year or so for a new 3DS revision probably with better battery life and maybe some new features. I explain all of this in much, much more detail below. So, check out the original review for the complete picture. ~~~~~~~~~~
Virtual Store, Netflix, and Browser
~~~~~~~~~~
The originally promised features have finally been released! You can use the virtual store to purchase and download older games as well as some little games (similar to Wiiware or DSiWare games). I got some of the free stuff like a free 3D Pokedex and the free titles were OK, and most importantly, FREE. Setting up Netfix was a breeze as well, you just log in with your email/password like you always do. Boom you're in - search, browse genres, or select something from your instant queue. The internet browser worded well too and gets you to webpages, but you can't view Flash content. Remember for all of these features, you need to have WiFi connection.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Original Review for 3DS @ Launch LONG REVIEW )
~~~~~~~Please, before you give me your hate, listen to what I have to say. Please don't immediately judge me as a "Nintendo hater" or simply down-vote my review. I have owned every Nintendo system since SNES, both handheld and home console, and love Nintendo products. I just want to bring to your attention some of the cons that almost every other reviewer has down-played or brushed aside. I have been using the system since the midnight release, playing a few different games, and testing the various features. I truly am amazed by the augmented reality and potential for the device. However, I cannot ignore some of the negatives and have compiled a list of cons.1) On average, I get about 4 to 4 and a half hours with my 3DS with 3D off, wifi off, 1/3 volume, and 2 of 5 brightness. It takes about three hours to fully charge and the battery gets used up very quickly while playing 3DS games (Nintendo reports official charge time as 3.5 hours). The first time I played I had slightly over 3 hours of battery life playing at full brightness, 3D on, and max volume as it was my first time playing the system and I was still in the "oooh, aaaah" stage. After taking a break and letting it charge, I played it again, but this time on medium brightness, wifi off, and volume on medium. The battery was still shy of 4 hours. After that, I just began playing while the system charged. Compared to the DS Lite's 10 hour+ battery life, this is a bit disappointing. I understand that the 3DS needs to have extra brightness to produce 3D and requires more processing power, and therefore takes up more battery juice, but I still would like to see at least 6 hours. So, don't expect to be using this on a long flight or road trip. The good news is there are some 3rd party accessories being released to address this issue such as a Nintendo 3DS Travel Charging Dock with Rechargeable Internal Battery and an extended battery pack. The extended battery pack by Nyko (the one I mentioned earlier), called the "Power Pak," has been getting great praise by early reviews. It raises the 3DS battery life to about 5.5 hours on full brightness, 3D on, wifi on and all the way to 9 hours on lowest brightness, 3D off, wifi off. The only con about this is that it increases the 77mm thickness of the system to roughly 95mm and costs $20. If a bit of extra bulk isn't a problem for you, and you have $20 to spare, this could be a great option.Tips on long battery life: Turn WiFi off when you don't need it. Lower the screen brightness as much as possible. Turn "Power Saving" mode on. Lower the volume as much as possible or use headphones. Turning 3D off also saves battery. Doing these things can help you squeeze another hour of battery life out of your 3DS. 2) The library of games for the 3DS is still quite and was somewhat disappointing on launch day, but this to be expected of a new system. Of the several launch games I played, the most interesting were Super Street Fighter, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon, and Pilot Wings. Furthermore, of the games I listed, Pilot Wings looked great, but was sadly short as I have already beaten all of the missions in four hours or so. Many review sites have been praising Steel Diver as well. I personally didn't find it too fun, but it is a unique game and I can acknowledge it being one of the better 3DS launch titles. However, as time passed we are starting to see great games like the Ocarina of Time and we are sure to see some notable release in a few months such as Kid Icarus, Star Fox, Super Mario, Luigi's Mansion, etc. Most consoles are burdened with this problem at launch; this won't be a problem in the long-run. In my opinion, it's ultimately the games that define the console and the console itself is just a medium to play the games. the DS had one of the best game libraries of all time and the 3DS is sure to follow suit. Within a year or two, we'll see a rocking game library that'll demand us to buy the console. There are many great games on the horizon, and Ocarina of Time is already out, which is by far the best game on the 3DS at the moment. E3 revealed nearly a dozen promising games that all will come out with a year's time! The 3DS library is going to be great soon. 3) 3D effect. For the most part, the 3D effect doesn't really have objects flying at your face making you jump like the 3D in amusement park rides. (UPDATE: However, some developers are indeed using this pop-out effect, but it is used sparingly.) It really only shows you more depth as in you can tell a mountain in Pilot Wings is further in the distance than the plane your flying, or overlays such as the time, score, etc are infront of the objects in the game. It took me a few hours to find my "3D sweet spot" as I tried to balance the distance I should keep the 3DS from my face and how high I should raise the depth slider. And this sweet spot changes from game to game, so you'll need to tinker with the viewing distance and depth slider until you find what's best for you. Honestly, even though "3D" is in the name of the system, it doesn't add a whole lot in terms of gameplay. And to add to this, it's very hard to stay in your "3D sweetspot" while playing games that take advantage of the gyroscope. In the included AR games, there is a game called archery in which you place a card on a desk and the 3DS will simulate some targets to hit. To hit these targets you will need to walk around and hit them from different angles. It's actually quite fun and one of the better AR card games. The only problem is that while you're moving around to hit the targets from a different angle, you shift a bit out of the "3D sweetspot" and lose the 3D effect causing a little of trouble for your brain and some eye strain. So, for most games using the gyroscope such as the AR card game archery or even the game Face Raiders, unfortunately, it's better played with the 3D off. The 3D mode really only works well for games that you can sit still and play because the viewing angle for the 3D effect is very small. To avoid eye strain, dizziness, head aches etc, only use the 3D mode when you are stationary, and tinker with the depth slider to find what's right for you. At first, I thought keeping the slider anywhere short of max meant that I was missing out on the full possible 3D experience. I was horribly mistaken: everyone experiences 3D differently and will need to discover (and stay within) their "3D sweet spot." Update: Initially, the 3D effect amazed me and I kept playing with it on whenever I wasn't moving or playing a game that needed the gyroscope. However, after about 30 hours or so of playing with the system, the initial amazement subsided, and I am playing games the ol' fashion way in 2D mode. A classmate of mine who is also a 3DS owner agreed with me on this as he also reverted to 2D mode. To me, the 3D is like a topping to ice cream, rather than the ice cream itself; you don't have to add it, but for some people, it can make it much better (and for other worse). Update: I have demoed the 3DS to about 50 friends and classmates, and most were shocked at, sometimes even in disbelief of, the quality of the 3D and the AR games. Although, maybe 5 or so complained about headaches/eye strain, even after they tried re-adjusting the depth slider. Another person I know who bought the system had eye strain and headaches initially, but after a few days "adapted" to the 3D and feels nothing now. What does all this mean? I suppose we all just handle 3D differently. Maybe for some 3D is an "acquired sight."(Update: A commenter told me that in the game Lego Star Wars III, there are objects that fly out of the screen. I cannot confirm as I did not purchase this game. However, from my own experience I can say that Pilot Wings, Super Street Fighter IV, Ghost Recon, FaceRaiders, and the bundled mini games (AR card games and mii games) do not have this effect. Instead, they have a layered look where some things are slightly in front of or on the screen and other things are further "behind the screen.")
(Further Update: It seems like the 3D effect is indeed capable of popping out of the screen. It is seen in Nintendogs, Ridge Racer, and many other titles. It seems like developed are limitedly using the 3D pop out effect and reserving it for special moments in the game. Maybe this is to help prevent head-aches and nauseousness caused by 3D. Thanks for all the comments pointing this out!)4) This is just a minor complaint. The cameras on the 3DS take pictures of pretty low quality. Obviously the system wasn't meant to be used to replace a conventional camera, but it's worth noting that the 3D camera is more of a novelty than a practical device. In fact, most smart phones will take pictures of better quality (without 3D though, of course). I don't think anybody actually was planning on using the 3DS as a full-fledged camera. 5) This is just another minor gripe, but the 3DS is a just a tiny bit bigger than the DS Lite. Looking at the two, they look almost identical in size and to simplify things we can even say they are the same size, but the specs show the 3DS to be a fraction bigger. The DS Lite and 3DS are by no means large, but I wish Nintendo would have made the new system a little more "pocket-friendly" and slimmer (not as thick). The 3DS fits in my pockets fine, but a sleeker and thinner design (with the same size screens) would have been appreciated. 6) DS emulation. First off, I am extremely happy the 3DS emulates DS games. I'm glad Nintendo kept that feature. There just is one small problem with the emulation, because of the difference is resolution between the 3DS and the DS, either the emulated games will appear smaller, or stretched out. Both of which look a bit awkward. It's great Nintendo added DS emulation and it's not necessarily Nintendo's fault for the problem. It's just something you should be aware of if you plan on using your 3DS to play DS games. I don't consider this a con as GBA is quite old now, but if anyone was wondering, there is no cartridge slot for gameboy advance games. 7) Online play and friend codes. Nintendo is still using friend codes! If you aren't familiar with Nintendo's online play, it works by assigning each player a long string of digits (12 in the case of the 3DS)and forces friends to enter each other's friend codes to play together online. This is only a one time process but is highly annoying. On the XBOX 360, PS3, and PC, online play is handled by giving players a user ID which can then be used to add friends and online match-making. One theory why is that Nintendo is trying to protect younger users by making it more difficult to add strangers as friends. Really, in my opinion, it makes online play a hassle. Rather than calling up a friend and saying "Hey, add me as a friend. My name is 'Killer_Juice'," you would have to say "My friend code is 4682-8452-5268." There is also a status message that you can write, however, it is severely limited because it has a character limit of 25. There's really not much you can say in 25 characters. Now all these complaints boil down to one thing: cost. At the moment, I really don't feel this system is worth the price tag of $250. Given the lackluster game lineup and rather poor battery life, I don't think there is a need to buy 3DS at this point. Some features such as the Nintendo Shop and the internet browser won't even be released until May. In my honest opinion, I would recommend waiting until a new revision is released, or at least until some better games come out. Nintendo usually releases a newer version of a console about a year and half after the original release. Although Nintendo hasn't officially said anything to support a new 3DS, I am willing to bet that a new 3DS will be released in the not too distant future that will pack better battery life, a slimmer form (not as thick), new colors, and whatever other cool stuff Nintendo throws our way. As time passes, technology only gets better and better; Nintendo will definitely be able to improve upon the system and release a revision. My guess is around Summer or Holiday 2012, but that is purely speculation. Don't get me wrong: I do like the system and I was astounded by the augmented reality games (Face Raiders, AR Shot, and Archery in particular). I simply believe that for most people, there is no reason to buy the console right now. The system is great; it just faces a few limitations (mainly battery life) that can be addressed by Nintendo in a new revision. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Conclusion: I don't want to sound overly-negative about the system. The DS was one of the best systems with a great library of games. If you have the money to spend, the 3DS will surely not disappoint with 3D, augmented reality, improved graphics and screen resolution, and all the good stuff we've come to love from the original DS. However, if buying the system is a financial stretch or you are content with what you have right now, I would advise waiting until a new revision is released (which is bound to happen) or at least until some better games are made. Soon enough, we will start seeing some great 3DS games that take full advantage of the system's hardware, and hopefully a 3DS that packs a longer battery and maybe slimmer too. Who knows, we might even get a 3DS XL. One thing I will reemphasize is that a console is defined by its games. Nintendo handhelds always get great games and within a few years, the 3DS will have a massive software library filled with many great "must have" titles. They system is just a medium to enjoy the games; the games are the things that matter most. I don't regret buying my system at all, because I know some great games will be released soon and the 3DS will have a great pool of games to chose from.
Feel free to leave me a comment, ask a question, or voice or your opinion. I will try to respond as quickly as possible. I'm willing to discuss my standpoint with anybody. So, rather than just clicking "unhelpful", please comment your opinion and we can talk about it. I will continue updating this review as I use the system more and more. I don't write many reviews, but when I do, I actually put several hours of effort into them and continue adding to them months after the original publish date. ~~
Update: There have been some reports of the 3DS being unable to play games and reaching a screen that is unofficially called the "black screen of death." Furthermore, people have complained about hinge problems not keeping the top screen in place. In fact, my top screen has also had a bit of a wobble to it, but I don't think it wobbles enough to warrant me exchanging it. The great news is that Nintendo is willing to replace these defective units by following a fairly quick procedure on their website. Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black - 3ds - Video Games - Nintendo - 3d'
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Surf Fishing - surf or beach fishing
The Surfcaster's Guide To Baits, Rigs And Lures by angling expert Milt Rosko is a comprehensive and superbly presented compendium of the basic tips, techniques, and equipment so necessary for successful surfcaster fishing. The lures range from Rattle Plug, Rigged Eels, and Plastic Bait Tail; to natural baits like Surf Clams, Sea Worms, Mullet, and Shrimp; to bait rigs such as snap float rigs, multihook rigs, bait-snagging rigs, single-hook rigs, and fishfinder rigs. The Surfcaster's Guide To Baits, Rigs And Lures is confidently recommended to the novice surfcaster and has much to recommend as a refresher reference for even the more experienced surfcasters. The Surfcaster's Guide to Baits, Rigs & Lures: Over 50 Time-TEsted Baits, Rigs and Lures--and How to Fish Them - Surf Or Beach Fishing'
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Air Pollution - respirator, air pollution
These particulate respirators work very well, blocking out nuisance dust such as sawdust. I use them both at home and on the job. They are rated N95 for particulates and do a very good job filtering out the vast majority of dust and particles. This is a style slightly different from the molded ones you may be used to seeing at most big box stores.
The mask comes in individual plastic bags and are folded flat. I like that they are individually packaged, as I have had problems both at jobsites and at my workshop keeping fresh masks from being contaminated with dust when they are all nested together in one bag. Not a problem when each mask has its own wrapper. Also, you know when you take it out that it hasn't been used by someone else and then put back.
These also have the comfort valve, as you see in the picture. A light, flexible flap opens when you exhale, but immediately shuts when you inhale. It is protected by a surprisingly sturdy plastic cage, emblazoned with the 3M logo. This valve makes a huge difference, especially in hot climates. It makes a huge difference in both heat and moisture retention; making the mask markedly more comfortable vastly increases the likelihood that it will be worn when needed by you, your employees, or whomever. This is a critical feature, in my opinion, and worth the extra dough over those without it. In colder climes, or when one only needs to use the mask for short periods, you might be able to do without the vent and save a few bucks.
One very nice thing about this mask over the pre-molded versions is that the chin portion opens up to actually cover my entire chin by snugging up under it. For me, this gives a better fit than the molded ones that just seem to sit on top of my chin. I've got to give the comfort edge to these. Like the molded version, these masks also have a thin metal strip that you can mold to the bridge of your nose. On the inside of this strip is a broad and soft strip of foam, sufficiently thick (about 1/8 inch) to conform to the contours of your nose when using the metal clamp.
My only complaint about these otherwise excellent respirators revolves around the straps. I think they could be more robust. While they are strong enough not to break, I find they stretch out too easily and lose elasticity, especially if you find yourself taking the mask on and off, or reusing it over time. It is true that these are extremely comfortable to wear - indeed they are the most comfortable I've found - I would prefer if they held the mask just a little tighter to my face. The straps themselves are held to the mask by staples, an arrangement I also don't prefer, but I've never had one snap or slip loose from this point.
These are more expensive than the pre-molded versions, but I the additional comfort and individual packaging makes it worth it to me. There are other brands that are also N95-rated, but I trust my lungs to these, which have never failed me. I do want to mention one cautionary note about any filter: They do clog eventually. When insulating my attic with blow-in insulation, my respirator got so clogged I could barely breathe through it. While they did their job and no dust got through, a clogged filter can be dangerous so check your filters/respirators often if you are in extreme conditions.
The issue over the straps is a minor one for me, really, and doesn't keep me from going back to these masks over others. They are well made and very comfortable. They are excellent for dusty environments around the home, and also for appropriate work settings. I also include these particular ones in my emergency kits for home, auto, and work. Recommended! 3M R9211-10 N95 Cool-Flow Particulate Sanding Respirator, 10-Pack
I've used hundreds of these. 3M sells the N95 mask with or without the air valve, different color and position straps, etc. all with the same title. I like these best. The valve makes it easier to breath so it doesn't get so hot and humid in the mask. The comfort to some extent will depend on how you bend the nose piece. Give the metal a smooth bend to follow the nose contour rather than a sharp bend. I've used this while cutting cement, sanding, shaking out shop-vac filters, and crawling around in the dusty attic. When they're cheap to buy and convenient to grab from the drawer, you're likely to use them more.
I bought several boxes of these masks last year as H1N1 was starting up. I travel a lot on airplanes, take the underground metro to work every day, and generally have to breath not so great air. I've tried several other N95 masks and this one is the best. Unlike stiff paper masks, this fits snug and comfortably. It is not difficult to breath, even for many hours. I've worn them on Trans-Pacific plane flights without discomfort. In addition to helping protect me from virus infection and pollens, my primary goal, I've noticed this mask does a great job in cities filtering out dust and particulates from automobiles. You can positively tell the difference in air quality when you wear it. The mask doesn't do anything for noxious gases, but for particulates it is great. Recommended. - Air Pollution - Flu Mask - N95 - Respirator'
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Perfect Gift - perfect gift, headgear
My son really wanted this and he has been wearing it 24/7 since he opened it Christmas day!! He is 15 and it might be a little big, but wearable.. He is happy and that is what counts when they are 15!! :) White Buffalo Plaid Wool Faux Fur Trooper Trapper Pilot Aviator Lumberjack Style Bomber Hat for Men and Women Fits up to a Large Head with Front Plastic Buckle Closure - Headgear - Perfect Gift'
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