Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Skye The Troll And Other Fairy Tales For... - gnome, garden decor
I like the size of the gnome and the color was really great when it was new. I have had this gnome for about 3 years sitting near the front door (protected from rain, etc) and it has gotten very faded. I bought it as a inside joke gift for my husband so it was a fun purchase, I just wish the color would have lasted longer. Sleeping Garden Gnome - Garden Decor - Furniture Creations - Skye The Troll And Other Fairy T - Gnome'
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Image Editing - software, mac
I'm not sure how to review this: some people could potentially be buying this to upgrade a very old version of iLife. If I review this as a standalone piece of software, it's fantastic and quite a value. For less than $50 you get a world class digital music studio, one of the best photo organizing programs, and a remarkably capable video editing package. (Oh, and passable web editing and DVD authoring programs, but nobody cares much about those, least of all Apple.) Easily five stars.
However, if I judge this as an upgrade from iLife '09, it's extremely weak. Here's what you get of any substance: the ability to better edit audio in iMovie, slightly better full screen modes in iPhoto, really impressive time warping facilities in Garage Band to fix timing, and some very nice guitar and piano lessons which actually show you where you making mistakes. All great features, to be sure. But are these worth $50 if you have '09? Probably not.
The frustrating thing is that the most major feature in this upgrade is just plain silly: they added the ability to make cutesy little fake "trailers" in iMovie. This is apparently their big innovation. You can now replace your boring home movies with one of eight or so two minute jokes that I guarantee you will get old very quickly. Very quickly. They also added a fake news program theme, and a fake sports theme. All very gaudy and over-the-top, even for iMovie standards. And not at all useful beyond just playing with them once.
It's pretty clear that Apple's focus has shifted away from Mac OS X and iLife and on to the greener pastures of iOS: the iPad and iPhone. In fact, from now on we'll likely see features come first to their consumer devices, and then later to their desktop computers. I'm afraid the days of getting truly major updates to iLife every two years is a thing of the past.
So, as an upgrade from '09, I give this one or two stars at best. If you're upgrading from '09, I hope I've saved you some money. Otherwise, this is a great software package, easily five stars, just not much of an improvement from what you could get two years ago. As such, I'll split the difference and give the package three stars. iLife '11
I have used the iLife Applications ever since I returned to Macs in 2003. I love the iLife applications, but is the iLife 11 update worth this purchase price?
While my purchase of a new Mac often coincides with a release of a new version of iLife, I now always have one or two older machines that need to be upgraded. It is not always fun to feel the need to purchase the upgrade to the latest version of iLife, but in the Mac universe, you often find you need to stay on top of releases to keep all your Apple products functioning, syncing, together, effectively. They all work together.
The primary application I use in iLIfe is iPhoto. I have tried the professional applications such as Aperture and Light room, I use them occasionally, but most of the time I prefer to keep my primary photo library in iPhoto. It's clean, simple, and easy to use.
This newest iPhoto has several new features. It's one of the most visually different looking releases for some time. Some have complained of their photo library not updating correctly, when installing this new release. I have thorough backups of my iPhoto library, so I took the plunge. Be sure you have a backup! Some have reported losing pictures.
However, I must say, I did not lose a single picture or movie during the update process. Hopefully the problems are rare.
Sadly, the iLife '11 applications have not been rewritten in 64-bit, so there is not the speed increase some other Apple products saw, when they switched.
The most significant change is iPhoto's encouragement to enter "full screen," mode. You can enter full screen mode to do anything now. Browse photos, edit, view, full screen mode can be used for anything. It does look gorgeous. You leave the operating system world, and enter a world devoted solely to iPhoto. It's very interesting, focuses you on your images, and works fantastic. However, the actual features in iPhoto '11 are not much richer than iPhoto '09. The features are found in a different way and have some more gloss on them, but there is not much new here. The professionally printed books, if you order one, are said to be higher quality when purchased from iLife '11. I have not tried this.
iMovie I use several times per year. I find it's great for creating a short, special film after an event or trip. Keep it short and simple, and it will look its best. iMovie '11 adds the ability to create Movie trailers using a wizard. You can then advertise your home movie to family and friends. It's easy and "cool," looking. Not much else can be said about it. The advanced audio editing will be the most welcomed feature of iMovie '11, as many complained about the lack of serious audio control in iMovie '09.
Garageband I plan to play around with more this release. I have a USB music keyboard, so I am going to try out the 20-odd included basic piano lessons. The professional artist lessons did not seem to catch on, so now generic lessons are included and for sale as add ons, to help one learn to play better. Nevertheless, it's questionable whether you actually learn music, or just wear to place your fingers. Of course, Garageband's long loved audio editing is once again back at its full greatness, and for many the primary use of this application.
iWeb and iDVD return, but there is even less new in them to talk about.
Overall, iLife 11 is another update to the iLife line. LIke OS X, the iLIfe suite was already quite mature. Therefore, the updates are beginning to seem less significant. I am normally excited about the new iLife releases, but honestly, I'm not necessarily going to be using any of the new features on a daily basis. I could have lived without this update for a while. I'm a bit underwhelmed.
Do note you must have OS X Snow Leopard and be on update 10.6.3 or later to use iLife '11.
Very recommended product when it comes on your new Mac. A bit annoying at this point to pay for this upgraded version, for very few additional features, perhaps the price should have only been $29 this time. Make the best decision for yourself, or wait until your next Mac that includes iLife '11. iLife '11 is a quality product, but the quantity of "new," here is smaller than in past updates. - Iphoto - Mac - Apple - Software'
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Batterytender Charger Battery - battery charger, car battery charger
Every time I want to fire up my old 71 Datsun (that's Nissan for those of you younger than 30) 240 Z there's a good chance that the battery has drained down and that I can't start it! Looking around at car forums I read about this nifty little gadget....It's like a battery trickle charger....sort of. Whereas it's not recommended to keep a trickle charger hooked up all the time, this one has circuitry to limit the current and sense when the battery needs charging. It only charges at 1.25 amps which is easier on the battery.
I've had it on for a month now and it's great. The first couple of days, the red light was on indicating charging. Since then it's been on green and the car starts right up. I live in Houston where the heat and humidity can be just as brutal on batteries as the cold.
I highly recommend this "tender" for those that have cars that stay unused for long periods.
As other reviews have mentioned it comes with a set of adapters that allow you to permanently attach pigtails to the battery posts and then you can quickly connect the tender without having to use the alligator clips (also included).
For the price and free shipping you can't go wrong!
UPDATE after two years of use.
I can now reconfirm that these battery tenders work great - I've had them hooked up continuously on two cars that stay in the garage a lot and I've NEVER had them not start right up. A quick glance at the LED display lets me know that the batteries are either charging or fully charged. It's a real pleasure to be able to go right up and enjoy your wheels without having to worry about whether the battery is dead. I can't say for sure, but I suspect that it lengthens the life of the battery as well. Battery Tender 021-0128 Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger
This little gizmo is dynamite.
I have a 4 year old Accord that, due to circumstance, only has about 4400 miles. Rarely driven...and what driving is done is mostly at night.
Sat for a week once in very cold weather...dead battery.
Ordered this. Hooked it up. 100% charge and the battery is very powerful once again.( had thought I would probably need a new one).
It's very small size makes it extremely easy to use and store. And it will not overcharge, so you do not have to babysit the process.
It's LEDs glow red when charging. Green and red blink once 80% has been achieved. Solid green at 100%.
It did, in very cold weather, take a long time to establish a full charge on my almost completely discharged battery. The battery would have been usable in a few hours, but 100% took close to 18.
Highly recommended.
I have an older version of this charger that I bought in the mid 90's. I used it to maintain my garaged Mustang's battery over the winter months for many years. I made a cigarette lighter adapter so all I needed to do was to plug it in instead of using the alligator clips. I have to say this thing is dead reliable! It always kept my battery in prime condition. I love it and recommend it highly.
I use this to maintain a strong battery charge on a vehicle that rarely gets driven over the winter. I opted to use the quick connector leads so I didn't have to worry about propping the hood up to clear the red and black clamps on the battery terminals.
This unit is a workhorse for the money. I use it on my Corvette in the winter and in the summer I have my snowblower attached to the battery tender. This product is compact in size and simple to use. It came with different adapters that enabled use with different battery charging requirements.
I recently gifted a unit to my father in-law who leaves 2 cars in Florida year round.
A must have for anyone who has a vechicle or seasonal piece of equipment.
For ease of use, The Deltran Battery Tender is an excellent way to charge and maintain the battery on your motorcycle, snowmobile, or even a heavy- duty vibrator, not that I would know anything about that! The kit includes a BMW type plug for machines so equipped, and an SAE adaptor with alligator clips. You can also wire the SAE adaptor right to your bike's battery and have easy access to the plug- in. The battery is maintained in a peak state of charge, with no worries of over charging. - Motorcycle - Car Battery Charger - Battery Charger - Batterytender Charger Battery'
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Art Supplies - twine
It depends on what you will be using the twine for. I use it for bracelets, and my church uses it for rosaries. It unravels if you try to just cut it. However we use a flame to slightly melt the ends, and that works wonderfully. I totally recommend it! The colors are also very eye catching and exciting! Lehigh Secure Line NSTPKCC Flying Colors Twisted Twine, 18-by-160-Foot, 5-Piece - Twine'
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Huggies - reusable swim diaper, pool diaper
I was a bit uneasy about trying these, but was tired of the price of disposable swim diapers. The first time wearing it in the pool my one year old decided to truly test their ability to hold and they did not leak. I highly recommend them. Mother-Ease Swim Diaper - Sunburst Explosion - Medium (18-30 lbs)
This is the second Mother-ease swim diaper we have bought. We had to get a larger size as our son has outgrown the first one. The first swim diaper was great! Our son took 3 swim classes and we never had an accident. With that said, these diapers are not meant to catch pee, and so we did still get peed on a couple of times, but we never had a pooh problem. And what was great is that the swim diaper grew with our son. The snaps adjust as your child gets bigger. The snaps are also very easy to snap off when you are done with the pool. We were also happy with the shipping as we ordered this on a Monday (before Memorial Day) and received it on Thursday (also before Memorial Day). We will try this out at our pool Memorial Day weekend! If there are problems we'll be happy to update, but for now we are very satisfied customers!
This is a great adjustable swim diaper. The material is lightweight, & silky feeling; not stiff. The snaps allow you to adjust the size on the diaper as well. (2 snaps each side of the top along the waistband, 3 snaps on each side along the bottom), so you can truly customize the fit. Overall, great purchase. - Pool Diaper - Reusable Swim Diaper - Diaper - Swim Diapers'
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Media Center - media center, apple
I attached the mini to my HDTV (using mini-DVI to HDMI cable) and an optical digital audio cable. Picture and audio are perfect. It's great.
Let's start with the basics. It's whisper quite, and it uses about as much power as fluorescent light bulb when idle.
I can watch or listen to anything in iTunes using an IR remote (I use a "Logitech Harmony XBox 360" remote) via the built-in Apple Frontrow software or using Apple's magical Remote app for the iPhone (or iPod touch).
Or I can control the mini media center from my laptop across the room using Mac "Screen Sharing" (or VNC on any PC) to watch any video or audio source from the internet (Hulu, Silverlight, Flash, Amazon VOD, Netflix VOD etc.) or use the Apple DVD Player to play VIDEO_TS folders. (Please respect filmmakers and don't pirate movies.) You can watch what ever you want. You name it.
Although it's an option, it really doesn't even need a dedicated keyboard and mouse.
Other non-computer media boxes that are available can only play a fixed set of sources -- e.g. iTunes and YouTube (AppleTV). Netflix or Amazon VOD (Roku) or ripped or downloaded video files (WDTV). Support for anything outside of what those devices do today is just a wishing game or requires a lot of painstaking media format conversion.
The mini as a media center is pretty much obsolescence-proof. So while it may seem a lot more expensive than something like WDTV today, I'll bet I'll still be using the mini media center long after that WDTV has joined the pile at the back of the closet. Apple Mac mini MC238LL/A Desktop
This Apple update of the always compact Mac Mini further lifts the model away from being an accessory. It should also silence even more people that the Mini is heading for its demise. The machine has slowly taken a solid place in Apple's line up.
I already had the last generation, Spring 2009 Mac Mini, but decided to go for yet another. The reason being is I use the Mac Mini connected to my large screen television. This allows me to easily look up information in my living room from the couch, using a wireless bluetooth mouse and keyboard. However, most of all, it takes online streaming to the television screen. Whether I want to stream from a TV network's website, or from Amazon, or anywhere in between, the Mac Mini is not limited to a specific box serving one service, but being a full fledge computer can obviously go anywhere on the Internet for streaming content. I like this. Of course, I also show off vacation images, and whatnot on the Mini connected to the big screen. The uses are really unlimited.
The purpose of my second Mini will be to connect it with a bedroom flat panel, for similar uses. The little guy is a hard worker. This entry level model is even more competent now that Apple has bumped its memory to 2 GB, which for your average work in OS X Snow Leopard is an efficient amount. The processor speed has also been bumped and hard drive size, making the entry level Mac Mini an even better value than before. Wi-Fi and bluetooth are built-in once again.
I find the entry level Mac Mini to again be the best value. The higher offering is a couple hundred more, it does give a faster processor, twice as much memory and twice as much hard drive space. If you think you'll need that, it's not a bad value, but it just seems the low end is always an especially good value, and it gets the job done. I find the inputs on the Mac Mini to be fantastic too. It has two display outputs, mini-DVI and Displayport, 5 USB ports, one firewire 800, and of course ethernet. You can plug a LOT of accessories into the Mac Mini. One such thing is an external hard drive, so if you get the entry level and find the hard drive size limiting, you can always connect external USB or Firewire hard drives for extra storage.
This mini has OS X Snow Leopard pre-installed, so you'll have the brand new operating system installed out of the box. Plus, you get iLife 09, which has the great applications like iPhoto, iMovie, Garageband, iDVD, and iWeb.
Overall, I do not use the Mac Mini at a desk as a traditional computer. I use it has a home theatre PC. Nevertheless, the Mac Mini is enough of a workhorse to certainly use it for office tasks, home photo editing, etc. It's not a slouch by any means. If you have a quality display, the Mac Mini makes a competent computer solution, but don't forget a keyboard and mouse too. I recommend it, and I'm excited to have one connected to both televisions in my home.
This is my second Mac Mini. I bought my first Mac Mini when they were first introduced. I have been using that same Mac mini for about 5 years with no problems. I finally decided to get a new one because more and more of the internet features wouldn't work anymore because I needed software upgrades that didn't fit the specs I had. However, I didn't want to make the same mistake I made the first time and buy it right before a software upgrade. This is the perfect time to buy this Mac Mini. Snow Leopard is pre-installed, and there's roughly about $150 worth of extra memory and speed for the same price as the previous model that was just released about 6 months ago.
One complaint I did have with my old Mac mini was that it was a pain to configure my internet connection. The internet setup for this new model is simply plug and play. Absolutely no configuration is needed if your plugging in an Ethernet cable, whether it's hooked up to a router or not.
I basically only use my Mac Mini for the Internet, downloading music and video for my Ipod, digital picture storage, and occasionally typing and printing a paper. If that's all your going to use it for and your sick of all the viruses and hidden internet files that slow down your computer when you use a PC, then buy this entry level Mac Mini. - Computer - Mac - Apple - Media Center'
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Bridesmaid Gift
I bought the necklace for my 11 yr old and she loved it. I would recommend this necklace for anyone 15 and older because the heart pendant is pretty decent size and it actually looks a bit bigger on her. Silver & Pink Crystal Double Heart Charm Pendant Necklace
My girlfriend loved this necklace! I was a bit skeptical at first given the price, but she uses it as an everyday necklace as opposed to a special occasion one. The necklace and pendant are both well polished to an almost mirror-like finish. The pink crystals compliment the overall appearance. The back side of the pendant isn't perfectly smooth, as you might expect, it possesses a "handmade" quality. The front of the pendant appears smoother.'
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Expandable Waist - dockers, khakis
I like these, though not as much as the previous iteration of these pants. The color fades pretty quickly but you can slow thos down by air drying them rather than putting them in the drier.Good budget clothing! Lee Men's Custom Fit Double Pleat Pant, Mid Khaki, 33W x 32L
Color selection in larger sizes too limited, size 44x34. Pants are definately not wrinkle free. See to be holding upwell. The expandable waist band s very comfortable. rice couldcome down for the qualty provided. - Khakis - Expandable Waist - Dockers - Flat Front'
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Only Left Handed Reel
Great reel for the money! I've used this reel everyday for 3 weeks and no issues. I have seen on other websites that this reel has some issues but i have yet to find any i mostly use it for texas rigging and fishing other plastics. Cant be any happier for the quality and cost. Another great Abu Garcia reel in my opinion Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Reel, 12-Pound/160-Yard Capacity, Left-Hand
This is a great fishing reel for the beginners to baitcasting, like myself. It has a fast retrieve rate, very smooth, and fairly easy to cast really far. The drags are very easy to use, and it doesn't just feel cheap when you pick it up. However, when I purchased my Abu Black Max, I ordered a standard right-handed reel, and was given a left-handed instead. Both options were listed on the purchase page, and this was supposed to be the right-hander. Oh well, I can use either hand, you use the left hand for spinning reels anyway.
I've had this reel about three weeks now. I use it two or three times a week and it has performed as good as my $150.-$225. reels. I like it so much, I ordered another one yesterday. If they last only a year, I'm ahead of the game. I wouldn't send it back to A.G. They charge as much for repairs as a new reel cost but this one will give you your money's worth.
Both reels are now trash.You can wash them and oil them but they still get corroded and stop working smoothly. Lasted only nine months. Not as good as I hoped.
So this is my 3rd baitcasting reel ever. My first was a diawa strikeforce 100h, and I had an old zebco. they were good reels, but they started acting up recently. So I decided to buy a black max. Best decision ever.
I've been told for a while Baitcasting reels are the hardest to learn, but the best out there. I've had spinning reels, high quality spincast reels, and a few other baitcasters. This takes the learning curve out of baitcasting. It just works. I love the flip switch, and it is just so smooth. such a great reel. I would reccomend this over the more expensive silver max any day. Abu garcia is a good name, and they make quality products. this reel is easily just as good as a 100-150$ reel. Just buy it.
Abu always has good prices for their stuff but this reel is better made then most for the price range. It performs as well as a decent $80+ reel and assuming you don't beat on your equipment like most bass fishing-weekend warriors do, it should last a few seasons despite what some less then good reviews I have read state. The drag and line guide are good and the magnetics are decent for the price. If you are like me and haven't thrown a bait caster in a few years and are looking to get back into it then this is the perfect reel. It is better then any other inexpensive entry level reel I have tested. If everything works out I will eventually keep this one as my backup and progress to a higher end caster possibly in the same brand.
Ive had a big problem with this reel I have got a left handed reel 3 times after ordering a right I called before I ordered this reel to make sure and still got left handed reels but amazon did make it right but a very bad situation WOULD NOT BUY!!!!!!!'
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Aerobed Repair
tried a variety of *super* stick patch kits on a $150 aero bed and none worked. still not sure why or how I stumbled upon this product but it was the easiest of all the kits to apply and, stop the presses, IT WORKS!
I think the best part is that its transparent, that way you can see just how much this patch really flexes when the aero bed is inflated. That little puncture is 5 times as wide once the bed is blown up and this tear-aid stuff just stretches with it. no wonder river raft guides know all about it. Tear-Aid Repair Kit B
I ordered this product after trying several others to repair the holes in a vinyl, blow-up bouncy ball pit thing that my kids love to play and jump in. The thing takes a lot of abuse, so once it had some holes, I thought we'd have to get rid of it, but this product worked beautifully to patch the holes and has held up for several weeks now. I will be ordering more.
Tear will work IF you have a very flat surface with no seams. It will not work on any seam at all. It will let air under the tear aid and not seal.Tried 2 boxes and did not work.Still have the leaks and will have to use the glue and large patch kit.
I used this product to repair a tear on the side of the drivers seat. This is an area that is subject to a lot of flexing every time the vehicle is used. The area of the tear was rather difficult to get to, but once the patch was in place it seems to hold up well. Be sure to clean the patch area well before applying the tape and let it cure overnight.
So far so good. I will have to let you know in a year from now. The only comment is for the price, you would figure that there would be a greater amount. It was easy to put on. If it works like it is supposed to, then it was well worth the price.
We have a pop up pool, and discovered 4 medium sized rips on the bottom. We tried Tear-Aid Repair Kit B, and was amazed that it worked!! It's been about a month, and there have been no leaks detected! Also, a few weeks ago, a cat jumped up on the rim and it's nails put four small holes into, leaking out the air. We cut 4 square pieces and applied it, and the rim has stayed inflated!! This stuff is great!! It saved us from spending a bunch of money on a new pool. Will definately get a spare box to keep handy!!'
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Speaker Systems - mini speakers, speakers
Alright, before I tell you how awesome this product is, let me preface with this: I was the media supervisor (oversaw mp3 accessories) before becoming the Home Theater supervisor at Best Buy for 3 years. In that time, I demo'd every speaker system from hand-held battery operated to full blown 7.2 systems that passed through those doors. I'm a speaker guy--I spent $6500 on subs for my car. This little $20 speaker is more than impressive. I don't work for Best Buy anymore but if I were there, you can believe that I would sell 10 of these a week in the off season. The mids and highs from this little speaker are exceptional. When hooked up to the iPhone, the distortion in audio is only evident at max volume. Even so, the loss of audio is minimal and not enough to make you turn it down--that occurs when it's just too loud for the area you are trying to fill with sound. In the month that this speaker has been in possession, it has been used outdoors, as the system on my mountain bike, and the radio for our hotel while traveling. In all of these instances, the little iHome speaker was turned down just a tad because it gets so loud. I can't wait to try it out during beach season where we compete with the wind and other radios. The bass is still nice. Although the low frequencies do not "quake" the ways the mids/highs "tweet", for it's size and price, you are still getting more than what you deserve. The quality of audio for a portable speaker system is phenomenal. If you consider the size vs. other portable systems, it's mind-boggling. Most of the stationary iPod docks I've sold over the years don't even compare to the sound you get out of this tiny speaker. The battery life is great; we took it on a trip to a 2 night festival and didn't not need to recharge it at all. I'm still using it off the same charge and it's had at least 8 hours of continuous play. The only con I've found so far is that since it's so small, when played at high volumes, the bass makes the thing almost jump off of hard surfaces. This cause the speaker to either move itself from where it was placed, or cause an unpleasing sound with your tunes. The couple of times this has been an issue (and one I really don't mind), I simply placed a piece of fabric beneath it to absorb the vibrations. I'm a speaker guy. If I had to choose a speaker to demo for people to "wow" them, I would normally choose my Eclipse Titanium subs. I now impress people with this tiny little speaker! This is going to be the gift I give to people until I find another phenomenal product to take its place. If you are looking for a compact unit with clear, loud sound...look no further. This thing is amazing. I would not be shocked if they were charging $80 for this portable system. It seems really durable, but we've only owned it a month. Short of falling to pieces next week, I can't imagine this product not receiving 5 stars from every user. Don't think about buying this product and just BUY IT. You will not be disappointed. Best portable speaker I have ever come across, no doubt. iHome iHM60 Rechargeable Mini Speakers for iPod (Red)
I've barely had this speaker for a little while and I'm raving about it. It charged within 30 minutes (WOW!!), and its bass quality and response is AMAZING. It can handle full bass on around 98% volume from my iPod without giving me any scratchiness! Its general sound for music ranging from classical to rap simply blows me away. Literally.
Overall, this product is just what I needed-a small, portable speaker with decent sound-at an affordable price. The sound is more than decent, and it also works great with vocal podcasts. Clarity of sound is truly amazing.
Its only drawback is that it charges and plays music through the same cable, so you have a bulky USB dongol on one end, in addition to the standard 3.5mm jack at the same end of the cord. All audio is routed through the USB cable, but it won't play audio from your USB-enabled computer.
I would recommend this product to anyone who wants a small, affordable speaker.
Unbelievable mono sound, volume and clarity in such a small package. Had to lower my netbook volume to bare minimum. Pumped up, you could fill a huge room with clear sound. Collapses to approx 2" x 2" for storage or travel. Compared to the Altec-Lansing Orbit Mono - this is a steal. My Toshiba NB205 Netbook only puts out very weak mono but this speaker makes it fully capable of doing full presentations in a huge room. Can't recommend it too highly.
P.S. The Lowepro 1S camera lens case will carry the speaker extended and the case has a pouch in the top for the cables. $9.99 delivered from Sell N Send.
I have the same problem as another reviewer here where when the unit is plugged in to the USB port and the headphones jack, it gives off a horrible buzzing noise that overwhelms whatever you're listening to. I had seen only one review with this problem so I really hoped that the odds were in my favor, but no such luck. It's getting returned first thing tomorrow :(. Maybe it's only the red ones. - Speakers - Speaker Systems - Mini Speakers - Ipod Speakers'
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Science Fiction - movie history, book
I collect books which claim to contain The Best 100/1000 of film, so believe me when I tell you that this is a good one. Created by the people who did 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (which I own and have reviewed), this version avoids many of the problems that claim the bigger version:
Unlike 1001 Movies, this one does not only appeal to cineastes. Instead of seemingly including every foreign film that was ever made regardless of quality, it strikes a balanced chord between American and international pictures. It also has an appropriate ratio of edgier artistic films (2001: A Space Odyssey, La Jetee, Alphaville, etc.) and mainstream successes (Star Wars IV-VI, Independence Day, Them!) without condescending to the latter.
Artistically and aesthetically the book is also a success. Each film gets the same amount of space (one of the problems with 1001 movies was that some films got 2 pages worth and others a paragraph or two) as well as a beautiful color poster and screenshot, making it not only informative but really quite pleasant to look at. The different authors use radically different tones (from intellectual discussion of reactionary vs. progressive to less scholarly examination of riveting chase scenes) which can be jarring at times, but it always makes for interesting reading, whether you agree or not.
The people who wrote this book clearly love movies (something that oddly cannot be said for all such works) and mainly avoid the lazy errors that often plague the genre. My only real complaint is I wish they had listed the running length of each film, but that's hardly a major concern. Basically, for 10 dollars you get a beautiful, full color illustrated (I actually washed my hands before reading it to avoid smudges, and I'm not a fastidious person) well-written treatise on 100 great Sci-fi movies from Voyage to the Moon to Children of Men, and that's really quite a good deal. You won't agree with or have seen all 100, but then again it would be quite a boring book if you had. 101 Sci-Fi Movies You Must See Before You Die
I am a major film buff and received 101 SCI-FI MOVIES YOU MUST SEE BEFORE YOU DIE as a gift from a friend. The 101 movies covered in the book are listed in the order of their initial theatrical release: the first movie discussed, VOYAGE TO THE MOON came out in 1902, and the last movie talked about, CHILDREN OF MEN came out in 2006. The first page for entry contains the movie poster for the film. That's followed by a two-page discussion of the movie with the discussion containing at least a brief a synopsis. The last part of each entry is a screen shot from the film. The movies chosen come from just about every sci-fi branch: there's a nice balance between American and foreign films, between big budget Hollywood blockbusters and low budget indies, between old and new. There are at least a couple sci-fi animated pictures, some of sci-fi comedies, a few sci-fi horror films, lots of sci-fi dramas, and all kinds of sci-fi action films. The book strikes a nice balance between movies everyone's heard of (e.g. STAR WARS) and pictures that even a longtime film buff like myself never knew existed (e.g. TETSUO). There are some movies that will make you scratch your head and wonder why they were included but it can make for a good discussion. For instance personally I thought THE FIFTH ELEMENT was a disaster of a film and though I enjoyed STARSHIP TROOPERS and I, ROBOT, I wouldn't list them as being one of the 101 Sci-fi films you should watch before you die.
The movies listed in the book are:
VOYAGE TO THE MOON*A TRIP TO MARS*AELITA*PARIS ASLEEP*METROPOLIS*THE INVISIBLE MAN*THINGS TO COME*THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD*WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE*THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL*INVADERS FROM MARS*IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE*THE WAR OF THE WORLDS*THEM!*GOJIRA*20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA*INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS*FORBIDDEN PLANET*THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN*
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH*THE TIME MACHINE*THE AMPIBIAN MAN*LA JETÉE*ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS*ALPHAVILLE*THE TENTH VICTIM*
FAHRENHEIT 451*SECONDS*FANTASTIC VOYAGE*WHO KILLED JESSIE?*
QUATERMASS AND THE PIT*PLANET OF THE APES*2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY*
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE*THX 1138*SILENT RUNNING*SLAUGHTERHOUSE-FIVE*
SOLARIS*FANTASTIC PLANET*SLEEPER*SOYLENT GREEN*WESTWORLD*
DARK STAR*THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH*LOGAN'S RUN*
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND*STAR WARS*STALKER*
TIME AFTER TIME*ALIEN*THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK*FLASH GORDON*
SCANNERS*ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK*THE ROAD WARRIOR*E.T.*
STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN*BLADE RUNNER*THE THING*TRON*
VIDEODROME*THE FINAL COMBAT*RETURN OF THE JEDI*REPO MAN*
THE BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET*1984*THE TERMINATOR*DUNE*
STARMAN*BRAZIL*BACK TO THE FUTURE*THE QUIET EARTH*ALIENS*
STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME*PREDATOR*ROBOCOP*AKIRA*
THE NAVIGATOR*TETSEO*THE ABYSS*TOTAL RECALL*
TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY*JURASSIC PARK*GHOST IN THE SHELL*
12 MONKEYS*INDEPENDCE DAY*THE FIFTH ELEMENT*MEN IN BLACK*
GATTACA*STARSHIP TROOPERS*OPEN YOUR EYES*'*THE MATRIX*
GALAXY QUEST*SIGNS*CODE 46*PRIMER*ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND*I, ROBOT*THE HOST*CHILDREN OF MEN*
Overall, 101 SCI-FI MOVIES YOU MUST SEE BEFORE YOU DIE is a great movie book that film buffs and those who like sci-fi movies will enjoy reading.
I do like the book, but I feel that some of the reviews are too short. What I don't like is the printing itself, the text is not black enough and the paper is glossy and this makes it kind of difficult to read.
Well I can't say that there aren't 101 films listed here. This is a quick and easy read. I am disappointed that it picked so few films from the 80's and seems to have a hazy line between horror and sci-fi. Village of the Damned is a huge misfire!
The book is a descent survey of science fiction films. Although small in dimension, it has some good photos and poster reproduction. My main complain with the book is that some of the films list (especially those that are more recent) are a little shy of must-sees. A perfect example is "I, Robot" the 2004 film with Will Smith. Its aggregate rating percentage at Rottentomatoes is only 58% percent (only 40% from their list of top critics) so it is far from a must-see, let alone one you would regret not seeing on your death bed. - Science Fiction - Book - Movie History - Reviews'
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