Photography - pixma, all in one printer

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This printer was purchased as a birthday present for my mother, who has been hampered by a Windows Vista computer and a malfunctioning HP Printer (it worked great with XP...). We purchased the Canon PIXMA MP560 printer for $85 (free shipping) on Amazon, and comparing the price to other retailers online (and the retail price), it was no contest.



This printer has some features that you may already know of via the product description page, but I'd like to elaborate on some of these features.

Thoughts out of the box:

-The MP560 has a folding LCD screen that covers the function buttons. The screen is not too large, but it does seem to have large enough text (and a simple GUI) to work well for novice printer users. There are not too many buttons, and they're large, well-marked, and simple enough for anyone to recognize.

-The printer has a lower paper tray (for regular inkjet/copier paper) and an upper vertical tray (for thicker photo paper and other things). The vertical tray has an automatic two-sided width adjustment/alignment, so any size paper is aligned to the proper position every time (and the thickness is adjustable from maximum printing width of the printer, down to only an inch or so).

-The basic instruction manual is printed on paper, and easily guided me through the process of installation of the print head/ink, paper, software, and wireless network capability. This guide has simple words and illustrations, though it does not include every detail of the printer's operations (the more complex instruction/user manual is electronic, and is installed with the printer software). There is a Network Troubleshooting guide, as well, that seems to be rather detailed (though unnecessary in my case). The printer comes with a sample pack of 4"x6" photo paper, which we immediately tested (and it passed the test with flying colors). There's other throw-away junk included, but nothing that surprising.

-The printer is clearly labeled so as to make it simple to place cartridges in the right location, once the print head is installed.

-The fact that the MP560 has multiple single-color ink cartridges may seem expensive at first, but with tri-color cartridge printers, we would always seem to run out of a single color much faster than other colors... so we were wasting a good amount of ink each and every time we replaced a cartridge. This printer seems to have ink cartridges that would be easier to refill than some other cartridges, as well.



After powering it on:

-It was EFFORTLESS to set up the MP560 on our wireless network. It quickly detected the network (our router is on another floor in the house, on the other side of the house), and it still had a good quality signal, and it only took a few minutes (and only a couple pushes of a button... plus entering our internet security key) before the printer was connected. There is a rotating pad (similar to an IPod) on the printer that lets you select any security codes you may have (and navigate through the GUI)... so it may take awhile if one has an alphanumeric password, but it was rather quick for a numeric 8-key code. Heck, my mom is not too familiar with computers, and I have no doubts that she could have set up this printer with the network.

-The printer comes with easy to use software (again, in Vista), though it does take a few minutes for the software to install itself on a PC. The basic instruction manual makes it rather easy to install everything, whether using Windows or Mac. Once installed, the printer is rather effortlessly found (remember to have attached the printer to the wireless network), and before you know it, you're ready to print.

-The printer has a laser ink level meter for every cartridge, and it can be displayed on the computer and on the 2" LCD screen on the printer (actually, pressing one button on the "Home" screen will allow you to see each ink level). So far, it does not appear as if this printer over-uses ink... in fact, printing on glossy photo paper seems to suggest there's less "gunk" on the paper than some other printers, perhaps due to the finer ink jets this printer allegedly uses.



Using the printer for the first time:

-The printer and software actually WORK WELL with Windows Vista!

-The printer does take a few seconds to warm up, but after the first print job, it seems to be much faster.

-The MP560 didn't have a single problem feeding thicker photo paper.

-The quality of printed pictures is very good, showing very tight pixels even on plain paper. Photo paper shows an excellent picture quality, and the software included with the printer makes it effortless to print photos with certain photo papers... no need to change printer settings manually.

-The scanner/copier seems to produce quality pictures, although this isn't the fastest, nor the quietest, copier I've seen in a multi-use printer.

-The Duplex printing feature is a great thing to have in a lower-cost home printer, as few documents are of an official, legal nature, hence there's no need for one-sided printing. It gets to be inconvenient to flip the pages by hand each and every time one wants to print on both sides of a piece of paper, so it is great to find a lower-cost printer that has this feature. This printer does not print internally, it prints on one side and extracts the page, then gathers the page back inside the printer and prints on the other side, so I don't know how well Duplex printing would work on thicker media such as fabrics.





All in all, this is a great printer so far. It beats anything I've ever owned, in terms of print quality and functionality, and I'd say it's a pretty good value to boot. Mom is certainly happy about this printer, and she's going to test it with some of her crafts... let's see how it stands up to the test of time when she puts it to use. Canon PIXMA MP560 Wireless Inkjet All-In-One Photo Printer (3747B002) - Pixma - Canon - Multifunction Printer - All In One Printer'

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Wrangler Jeans - jeans, pants

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My son has been hard on jeans from birth and he still is even in his 30s. His job includes climbing under and on buildings and everything in between. All of his jeans are torn within days and irreparably so. These jeans are strong and stain resistant and since he works in a public area, his appearance has really improved. Riggs Workwear By Wrangler Men's Utility Jean, Antique Indigo, 32W x 30L

I love these jeans & they are hard to find in stores in my area. I like the deep pockets & utility pockets on the sides (like for pliers, rulers, etc.). The side pockets are perfect for my cell phone. I also like the double material on the front of the legs. It provides extra warmth on cooler days & extra padding when down on my knees in the dirt.

my wife bought these for me, I didn't think I needed a good work jean, I really like them. They are very sturdy and double thickness across the front of the pant, yet I have not found them to be too warm or uncomfortable in any way. They were very protective when I found myself working in dense thicket...i walked away without a scratch...two thumbs up!! very good value. - Pants - Levi 501 - Jeans - Levis'

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Garageband - snowball, microphone

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Okay, I own a lot of microphones. I am very picky when it comes to sound and I would gladly waste $40 in gas to return a microphone that just didn't have the sound I expect. I was delighted to hear the quality of this USB mic! It has a great clarity to it, without being "tinny" or "crispy", and without sacrificing on the lows either. No "boomy" or "hollow" sound, just a nice clean and full-range quality that I expect from my $500-range microphones (but thankfully, without having to fool with an audio interface or goofy proprietary driver software!) What a great find... plug it in and it is ready to record!!



If you are looking for an intelligent, clean, affordable microphone for voice-over projects, podcasts, quick-and-easy live recording (with your laptop, of course), or open-mic music composition before dragging all the gear out to record a full-blown multitrack, this is the best money can buy in this category. Not to mention, it looks great sitting on your desk! BLUE has definitely convinced me to buy again, solid construction and solid sound (and no stupid drivers like Samson's USB garbage). Maybe next I'll get a Bluebird or Baby Bottle, this company is worth a closer look now that I've heard the very smooth sound of their entry level -- BLUE has got my attention!! Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone (White)

I've been using this Mic a little over a month and am very impressed with it. What I want to do is add some value to the many reviews that have already been posted. But first, let's get past the obvious good points:



This thing looks way cool. It's a nice techno-retro mix that I really like. It sounds great (with one caveat mentioned below. The price is very reasonable. The build quality is solid. They evey provide a heavy duty USB cable. If you need a mic and are looking for tremendous value this will fit the bill.



The audio issue I had, and I'm not alone, is that while the quality is outstanding the output level is a tad low. I contacted Blue support and learned that a fix will be released soon. Until then it's a matter of speaking up a bit or turning up the gain on whatever audio processing software you're using.



Now, to address some issues raised by other reviewers... My mic was new stock, serial number 092xxx. I plugged it into my Windows 7 (64 bit) system and it "played" right away. The stand is fine. (If you want to replace it then the On Stage DS7200B Adjustable Desk Microphone Stand, Black seems like a nice option. However, I like being able to keep a pad of post-its on my desk below the stand :)



Finally, some suggestions. I've been using audacity, a free, feature rich audio editor. Windows recorder is fine and I can't see any reason not to use audacity instead. Also, while a replacement stand is a possible add-on to consider, you should first look into a pop filter. I use the Nady MPF-6 6-Inch Clamp On Microphone Pop Filter If you check out my audio/video review which accompanies the product listing (it's somewhere near the top) you can hear a comparison of the Snowball with and without the filter. You even get a chance to guess which is which before I tell you.



Another small issue besides the slightly attenuated output is the selector switch. There's a three position switch that allows you to select cardioid (directional), -10db cardioid, or omni-directional. Unfortunately it's labeled 1, 2, and 3. I wish the manufacture had done a better job of labeling that switch.



One final comment is it would have been nice to have an analog output available. I'm no engineer (actually, I am but not that kind) and don't know if it's possible. However, if it was it would be nice to have.



Those minor issues and my hallucination about the analog output aside, this is one fine mic and you would have to spend lots more to get something even approaching this level of quality.



UPDATE: I've been using this mic for several months and continue to be impressed. One "enhancement" I've used and suggest you consider is to replace the really nice looking stand with one that I've found works a bit better: On Stage DS7200B Adjustable Desk Microphone Stand, Black. It allows the mic to be raised a bit higher and also locks in place much more firmly.



BTW, I feel that honest, effective reviews can take the place of first-hand experiences that are lacking in online shopping. I've always appreciated the help I've received from other reviewers and work hard to return the favor as best as I can. I hope you found this review helpful and if there was anything you thought was lacking or unclear leave a comment and I'll do what I can to fix it.

I started a podcast series based on Shakespeare's works and on major works of English literature (SHAKESPodosphEARE) for my students in Cincinnati earlier this year, and I started with a cheap mic/headset. It did the trick for the early episodes; I was just exploring whether or not my students would find full-text readings and recorded lectures useful, and they did. As a result, I wanted to find a higher quality way to record both readings of his plays and my lectures, and the Snowball was the perfect solution. It's easy to use (plugs in to your USB port), can be transported from one locale to another easily, and is an economical way to get high quality audio recordings. I've used it mainly for voice, but I've since incorporated some music into the podcast, and it's done a nice job of picking up my acoustic guitar and students' vocals.



NB: I use Audacity (which is a free download), and an HP Tablet PC, and for some reason I needed to do a firmware upgrade because at first the Snowball wasn't picking up sound at a high enough volume. It is a pretty simple process if you're tech savvy. Go to Blue's website for details.



If you're interested in listening to the differences between a cheap headset and the Snowball, check out my podcast at http://www.bigcontact.com/shakespodospheare . Listen to one of the early episodes (early Sept. of 2006) on which I used the basic mic (what comes with most Desktops), and then listen to a later episode (in which I use the Snowball). I'd recommend listening to an early Othello episode (1.1) and then a later Julius Caesar episode. My shows on The Tempest (also recorded with the Snowball) include sound effects, which may make it hard to hear the difference.



I've liked the Snowball so much that the school itself purchased one to encourage our students to start creating their own podcasts.



Be sure to get the package with the USB cord and the tripod. When using the tripod, be sure to push the legs all the way down, or the mic will fall over a lot.



Have fun! - Podcasting - Snowball - Recording - Microphone'

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Memory Cards - kingston, sdhc

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There are some things to consider before buying this particular card or any other 32gb SDHC card on the market:



1. This is NOT an ideal card for a digital SLR like a D80, D90, Rebel XT, etc... That is because it is a class 4 device. The class of a SDHC cards has to do with how fast they read and write files, not how much storage they have. For a digital SLR, you should purchase a class 6 SDHC card most of the time. Class 6 cards will allow you to take 'bursts' of photos and not be limited by the card's capacity to write them. Also class 4 cards are slower reading data, meaning they will take longer to upload files to your computer. Upload speed is convenient, especially when loading large batches of files.



2. This card has far more storage than most people will need for their digital camera. Unless you like to keep all your photos on a SDHC card and never move them to your computer, or are a high volume photographer, there is very little need for more than about 8gb of storage space for most caeras. The possible exception to this is if you have a professional SLR that shoots files in the 16-20mb range--but if you do, you'll likely want a class 6 card anyway. If all you intend to use this card for is a digital camera, save yourself a lot of money and buy a PNY 8GB SDHC Card. If you're worried about running out of space on a vacation, buy a few of them. Otherwise you run the risk of having 'all your eggs in one basket.' If one card fails, you lose all your pictures instead of only a portion of them.



This card is fantastic for use in a video camcorder capable of writing to an SDHC card. (Check with the manual first to insure that a class 4 card will be fast enough first). It is also perfect as extra storage for an ultra portable computer or net book like the Asus EEE pc. Another great application would be as added storage to a personal media player or MP3 player equipped with a SDHC slot such as the Cowon D2.



There are other good 32gb SDHC cards on the market, some at cheaper price points than the Kingston card. IMHO, brand matters very little with something like a SDHC card, since they all are made pretty much the same way. None of the brands currently offering them (Transcend, PNY, Kingston) have high fail rates with their other products, so I believe they are all pretty similar. What you decide to buy will depend on whether you trust a particular brand, or who has the lowest price. All of them will work equally well. Kingston 4 GB Class 4 SDHC Flash Memory Card SD4/4GB

PREFACE:



I bought this card for extra disk space on my Asus EeePC netbook. I needed as much space as possible to supplement the very small SSD hard drive. I needed something with large capacity and relatively fast file transfer time.



PROS:



It shares the largest SD capacity on the market today with few others (Panasonic, Sandisk, and PNY) and is a quality name that I have had a good history with in the past. Its file transfer time is similar to the SSD drive in my machine so it basically acts as a second SSD for me at less than a quarter of the price!



CONS:



Its not the cheapest 32gb SD card(PNY) nor the fastest(Panasonic) but its good quality with a decent transfer rate.



CONCLUSION:



I'm very happy with its performance and capacity. I would like to see the price come down a bit, but that's the price of getting electronics of this caliber.



That's my input, take it or leave it :)

Excellent for the price. I give it a 4/5 because it performs slower than expected from a C4 SDHC card. I also have a Sandisk EIII 2GB. Although it doesn't have the class ratings because it's not SDHC, the Sandisk outperforms the Kingston in both read/write.



My test scenario: Using a Nikon D80 taking 6 shots continuously. The Kingston took considerably longer to write contents from the Nikon D80 buffer.



If you're looking for a high speed card in a similar scenario, then look elsewhere. However, if you want a good card and no particular need for speed, then I recommend getting.

I didnt realize how fast the point and shoot cameras are getting sooo many megapixels until I started looking for a good one for my mom... This card is no good for a 12 megapixel camera! It takes way too long to save each picture slowing down how fast you're able to take consecutive pictures! Go for the Sandisk extreme cards and dont look back!



I only have SLR cameras, and use the San Disk extreme cards because speed is crucial! Dont cheap out on a card after buying a nice camera, or you'll be sorry! Thats the first thing i noticed when showing her how to use her new Canon Point and Shoot camera is how SLOWWWWWWWW it took to save each photo before I could take another.. If waiting a few seconds between each picture is a non-issue, buy all means save some money and buy this card.



Bottom line: You're wasting your money buying this card to use in a high resolution point and shoot, which they all seem to be now days. Just too slow! - 4gb - Sdhc - Kingston - Sd Card'

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Case Logic - cd storage, cd case

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I just received the CityGear case that holds 320 CD/DVD. Don't let the few that have down-graded or complained in these reviews steer you away. I've owned many cases over the years and this is quite fine. First, Targus provides a lifetime warranty - within reasonable limits. Second, if you can get this item for $30 or less then your getting a fair deal. I would say this is very similar to the Case Logic CD/DVD holder - I have many. It has a quality zipper, high quality holder with top flap, and excellent stitching so your case does not fall apart. The outside looks nice. The only negative is the handle which is a hard plastic. I prefer strong material but is the least important aspect of the case and my personal preference - not a big deal. Hope this helps you. Targus CityGear 320 Capacity CD/DVD Album Case TDP019US (Black with Grey Contrasting)

I needed a case to gather my DVD collection which are over 150. This case is very strong. The outside is very elegant and the pockets are very thick and hold the DVDs well. Flipping through the DVDs the best thing ever. The DVD pockets are divided in such a way so that on maximum capacity they look like an elegant encyclopedia WITHOUT piling up & being difficult to flip through. I bought colourful separation tags that I stick to the pages to create different "sections" since I have such a bid collection. Would definely buy another one or two very soon for my next collection.

I bought this because I ran out of room with our old Slappa case. I used it for all my son's DVD's. It is nice looking and seemed sturdy enough. Compare it to the Slappa cases and it is inferior. It is hard to open and shut. The flap around the zipper when you open the case is cumbersome and gets in the way. Sometimes we would be in and out of the case 10 times in one day and it just wasn't worth the annoyance of how difficult it was to open and shut.



Ultimately I ordered a bigger Slappa case because the sturdiness of the outside and how easy it is to get in and out of. The one thing I don't like about the Slappa cases is a positive for the Citygear. The Citygears 320 capacity holds one dvd per pouch and you can see the DVD. The Slappa cases have 2 slots one for the album cover and one behind for the CD. Since I am using the case for DVD's that feature is useless and it takes away from its capacity since I need to see the DVD's. I don't store any in the 2nd slot. So if you don't plan on using this case multiple times during the day and it is mostly for storage than it serves its purpose.

I was very please with the quality and design. It holds far more disks then the other cases I have and inserting them into the sleaves is easy. When you're looking for a selection you have 8 disks showing as you turn a page instead of 2 or 4 like the smaller cases. I would buy this item again if the need comes up. Thanks for the good price and service Amazon.com!

Citygear, also known as Targus has ruined over $6080 worth of my dvds.



After just filling up the last slot of my case, i play one of the older dvds i had put in it and found it froze and ultimately couldn't be played. I look at the disk, and notice a small round curve of blotches of smudge/scratches on the top of the disk. I look at my other disks, and notice to my horror... all my disks have this same round scratchy edge. I try and play a few of them.. and they are all messed up. Most of my disks are burned copies, and even the authentic dvds have the scratches and cannot play.



I know for a fact the top plastic flap is what has ruined my disks, as every time you take a dvd out or in the top flap scratches at the top of the disk. I even tested this with a perfect, non-scratched new dvd-r, and after taking it in and out it had the same markings. I've looked at different reviews from citygear/targus cd holders and found people are having the same problem.



You have no idea how upset i am.. I am NEVER, EVER buying from this company again. All my movies are destroyed, and movies are my life. I feel like killing myself. Do yourself a favor, and please, please never buy this cd/dvd case.

(I have the 320 disk capacity model, which is the same as this one)



Citygear, also known as Targus has ruined over $6080 worth of my dvds.



After just filling up the last slot of my case, i play one of the older dvds i had put in it and found it froze and ultimately couldn't be played. I look at the disk, and notice a small round curve of blotches of smudge/scratches on the top of the disk. I look at my other disks, and notice to my horror... all my disks have this same round scratchy edge. I try and play a few of them.. and they are all messed up. Most of my disks are burned copies, and even the authentic dvds have the scratches and cannot play.



I know for a fact the top plastic flap is what has ruined my disks, as every time you take a dvd out or in the top flap scratches at the top of the disk. I even tested this with a perfect, non-scratched new dvd-r, and after taking it in and out it had the same markings. I've looked at different reviews from citygear/targus cd holders and found people are having the same problem.



You have no idea how upset i am.. I am NEVER, EVER buying from this company again. All my movies are destroyed, and movies are my life. I feel like killing myself. Do yourself a favor, and please, please never buy this cd/dvd case. - Cd Case - Media Storage - Targus - Cd Storage'

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Cast Iron Grill Pan

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I just cooked a thick ribeye steak using this grill. It's the first thing that I have cooked on it. Similar to a cast iron frying pan that I have, this generates a lot of "smoke". I had to take the battery out of my smoke detector, and open windows. I think I cooked it at a slightly higher temperature than I needed to. If smoke is a problem, think twice about buying this.



The result is the best steak I have ever cooked indoors. It beats any electric grill I have ever used, and it beats the George Foreman grill hands down. I would say that the results are almost restaurant quality. I look forward to cooking hamburgers within the next day or so.



I think this would work better with slightly less thick cuts of meat. Even at high heat it took longer than it would have taken on a grill. During the cooking I put a metal lid over the pan to control splattering.



I think it will be a breeze to clean. Oiling it after cleaning, with the ridges, will be a little more work than for smoother surfaces.



Because the ridges are so high, the grill does a great job of cooking away from the fat, and probably (my guess) does even a better job than the George Foreman grill in that regard.



Pans like this pay for themselves. This pan is about the cost of a dinner for two, and it will result in less eating out.



Update: I cleaned the pan after making the steak. It was more difficult to clean than other cast iron pans due to the ridges, however, I think I need to find a different tool to clean it with. Someone recommended a grill pad or brush. Also, I usually put the pan over enough heat to evaporate any water from cleaning, and then apply a thin amount of oil. This was also harder. I think it will get better with practice. In any case, the results were worth it.



I will be trying burgers and pork chops soon, so stay tuned!



Update: I cooked pork chops tonight on this grill, and they are the best pork chops I have ever had in my life. I let the pan heat up, and usually also have the electric burner on high heat when adding the meat. I then turn it down a bit. The cast iron doesn't cool off, and it sears the juices in. I have found that a metal cover over the grill works well to keep in splatters and heat. Another thing that is helpful is a temperature fork, which told me tonight that the chops were at 180 degrees, otherwise I would have overcooked them.



This is by far the best money that I have spent on cooking equipment, and it will definitely save a lot of $$$ because I will treat myself to excellent home-cooked meals more often.

It's cast iron, so you can run this pan as hot as you dare to sear the flavor in. Makes excellent burgers and brats, with nice grill marks but no burned spots, even when well-done. Try that with a George Foreman and your burger will be black outside and dryer than the Mojave Desert inside.The square pan provides plenty of room to fry up a few burgers and the hot juices in the bottom are made-to-order for sauteeing a few mushrooms, onions, or peppers to go on top. The handle is fatter than older Lodge designs and quite ergonomic as long as you're wearing an oven mitt. Cleans nicely by boiling a little water in the pan and giving it a quick scrub with a stiff round natural-bristle vegetable brush and the hottest water that'll come out of the tap.I would recommend this pan over the 11.5" one Lodge also offers because the thicker bottom, smaller sides, and deeper walls of the 10.5" pan provide fairly even heat over the entire grill surface. It appears that the 11.5" pan is based on the griddle of the same size, and my 11.5" griddle is hot near the center and cooler near the edges when used on a burner - OK for hash browns, but bad for burgers, grilled cheese, and such.Excellent product; if you can't grill outside, this pan is the next best thing!

This is a great size for 4 burgers or two large steaks. Great for grilling any meat. I had a Calphalon grill pan and the cleanup was horrible, this one is a breeze & it will last forever. I highly recommend it and all Lodge cookware.

This was my first time using cast iron cookware, and it was almost the last. After my first attempt, I was very disappointed. The second the food contacted the pre-heated pan it stuck to the it, and I mean really stuck to it. I had to tear the chicken breast from the pan, literally! The clean up was a nightmare. Everything was burnt on. It probably took me close to 20 minutes to clean the pan. I thought about trashing the grill. I thought cast iron cookware was a joke.



Well, a couple of days later I decided to give it another shot. I looked up cast iron cookware on the web and clicked on a random link (unfortunately, I do not remember the link, but it was an old article). The website article explained (if memory serves correctly) that there is a difference between pre-seasoned and seasoned cast iron; it takes many uses to develop a good seasoning of the cast iron utensil; pre-seasoned just means that the first step was already started. It also stated that one should never use any soap or scrub with anything harsh; a plant-fiber brush is recommended because the goal is to get the particles off the pan, not clean off all the used oil left behind. I'm thinking I should have read the directions that came with the pan before I used it instead of assuming it was good to go.



I decided to give it a few more tries. I purchased a cast iron scrub brush to use for cleaning, and spent more time cleaning it before my second use because there was still a lot of burnt on food still stuck to the pan. After a few more uses, I started noticing that food wasn't getting stuck as often, grill marks are looking better and what was burnt on the pan was very easy to clean off with the brush and hot water. About a dozen uses later the pan has developed a smoother, more glossy surface on the cooking surface. Now the food (even fish) just glides off the pan. A quick rinse with hot water and most of the burnt on stuff just flakes off. A quick pass with the brush and the pan is clean and perfectly smooth, in fact, this is the easiest pan to clean in my kitchen. After use (while the pan is till warm but not hot), I just rinse with hot water and a quick pass with the brush, dry it, lightly coat it with oil, and store it for next use.



And the brighter side to this.....it is starting to impart some flavors on the food that makes it taste fantastic! The grill marks are clean and consistent, and it cooks everything evenly.



To the folks who had bad luck with using this for the first time, give it a few more tries before you write this off. It did not work for me at first because I did not read the directions and assumed that using cast iron was no different than using any other type of cookware.'

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Cast Iron Grill Pan

Favi

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Buying this projector was one of the best deals I have ever gotten. High resolution even in a decent amount of light. 2000 lumens is the truth and keep in mind that is the same as a professional high quality projector. You can hook up cable television, rca component, and hdmi all at the same time. This is just like having an extremely light weight and mini big screen tv. I didnt expect this projector to be so advanced. Read every input just fine and even has a fast enough input speed to play all your video games. For this price you are buying a projector worth twice the amount. Also just as a plus I received it one day in advance of the earliest estimated delivery date. Another great thing is that it comes with every cable you need to go ahead and hook up all your electronics. Advanced HD Port ready LCD Projector,1080i Resolution HDMI input,Playstation, Xbox, DVD, cable/satellite tv

This thing works GREAT!!!



Easy Set Up took some getting used too. you Must project from the center in order for it to work! also it is Easy to adjust but it takes some patience to get the perfect picture!



Over all Great!! would buy it again, It comes with an extra Bulb!!

I purchased this projtor based on the mostly positive reviews. First of all please note that this is NOT a HD projector. It simply accepts HD signals via HDMI for example and the video signals are being downsized to VGA picture quality. Furthermore, the colors are completely off. I was debating with myself if it's worth it to send it back and get another projector and asked friends who were over and the verdict was that this hurts their eyes. Do your research and be aware of these factors. If you want a better picture, then simply go with a name brand.

This projector has been a solid investment for me. The multiple inputs allow me to connect satellite, Xbox, computer and even an RCA-input device. (currently the satellite feed is not working, but there is a possibility that this is due to a bad cable). The picture quality is excellent (but a bit washed out in the daytime, so cover your windows), the sound that I route through it and back out to my speakers (there is an on-board speaker that does a decent job) is great. The fan is a little loud at times, but the sound from whatever video source I have connected usually drowns it out.



And on top of all that, the projector shipped from China to my front door in Ohio in under 2 days!



Overall, this product has been a joy to own.

My 50" Widescreen 1080i Rear Projection Television finally bit the dust. Since I recently purchased an LCD T.V. for another room, it was not an option to purchase another one here. I did a lot of research into projectors and decided to give this one a try. I found video's of this unit being played online as well as numerous reviews. The price is what caught my eye initially. After doing the research on some of the higher end models I could see that the replacement bulb on those models were extremely expensive. The great thing with this unit is they include one extra bulb. Additional bulbs are inexpensive compared to others. Also included are all the cables needed for hook up including an HDMI one. I thought with the extra bulb and all the cables needed it was a great overall value.

I had medium expectations on the quality as I was unsure on what to really expect. Out of the box I plugged in a standard DVD player and projected onto a white wall. The picture was amazing. I think 100" would be the maximum before getting too pixilated. I played around a bit between the 70"-80" range. I then put up a white sheet on the wall. The picture was much clearer, image sharper, and colors more vivid. I then decided to bite the bullet on a wall mounted projector screen. I purchased a 70"x70". Once I got it mounted it was night and day versus the white sheet on the wall. I hooked up my Blu-Ray player and now I was truly impressed.

The unit is used mostly for gaming purposes and those nights where you want the movie theater experience. To date I have not had any problems with the unit. I ended up buying a bracket and mounting it to the ceiling.

The only negative experience is the sound of the fans. Negative in the sense you have to get used to them and I can tell you that you forget about them once you start playing or have a movie on. I have a 7.1 audio system hooked up so for me it is easy to get past the initial start up.

The whole set up of projector, projector screen, and wall mount came to $298. That is far less than an LCD/DLP replacement and was exactly what I was looking for!

This equipment does not work as the seller describes it, the control does not work, it is of poor quality, a function only works when connected to a computer, the signal does not work with TV, video and audire no HDM, the equipment is of poor quality , lost the money. request a refund of my money and asked me to do some tests with the remote computer does not work, do not recommend it to anyone.

The resolution wasn't I expected. Title says 1080i, but I tested it out for the first time,it only says 720i and I couldn't make it any better. I had an HDMI cord plugged in and it still do anything. Overall, its an okay projector, nothing special.

I mostly use the projector for video games, but it's decent for movies as well. It's no Epson, and it lacks in the 'options' department, but for a little over $200, I can't complain. I currently have it projecting a 90" screen, and it looks good at that size.'

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Sharpener - electric, pencil

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We've had this sharpener since April of last year, (purchased it off E-Bay.

It's a nice and handy little sharpener, and it does the job quite well.

It's a bit on the loud side, but then again, it's electric, so what do you expect.

it seems quite durable though.

It has fallen off my nightstand two or three times, and it still runs and sharpens perfectly.

One issue, though, that I'd like to adress, is that ever since shortly after Boston pencil sharpeners became X-ACTOs, many of the models which are powered by a transformer have been boxed with an incorrect or slightly incorrect voltage one.

While it's not an extremely major flaw of many of these types of sharpeners, it is something that I'd like to put out there.

If your sharpener seems to be running a bit slow and not sharpening as good, chances are, it came with a 6, instead of 12 volt transformer, and many of these sharpeners are 12 volt units.

And while it is a simple fix, just hunt up a 12 volt and correct miliapereage transformer, many owners of these sharpeners are not aware that this is perhaps why their machine isn't running as optimum as expected.

But all in all, if you can find this unit cheap enough, and can deal with the transformer issue, this is a nice little choice, if you don't need a heavy or continuous duty machine. X-ACTO Standup Mini Electric Sharpener, Mini Vertical - Silver (1724)

This baby REALLY puts a sharp point on your pencil. Perfect for drafting or home use, but I'm a little nervous about some of my more problematic students having a pencil this sharp... ;)



It's held up well in my classroom for months now, so should be quite the performer in home or office.

Hey, this is a good sharpener! With one little push of the pencil it puts a fine point on the pencil and the taper is very even. What more can you ask for?



Well, some dummie will probably complain that it is no good for colored pencils or crayons (or eyebrow pencils) because it chews them all up. DAH.

As of the first day of owning this, I've sharpened a lot of pencils and am very happy with this sharpener. I am perturbed, though, that Amazon sent me a USED one. It looks all banged up on the outside and has someone else's pencil shavings inside it. What were they thinking? :(

This is a nice little sharpener. Doesn't take up a lot of space. "Top loading" is nice, because you don't have to clear off what's in front of it to sharpen your pencil.



The shaving well is pretty big, and it is very easy to take off the cover and empty it out. In the product photo, the removable well cover is the whole dark plastic (approximate) square on the front. The cover to the well is see-through, so you can also tell when the well is getting full.



This sharpener is not as noisy as our other electric sharpener. But it is also not as strong. You cannot jam your pencil into the X-ACTO Standup Mine Electric Sharpener, you need to be a little gentler than with a full-sized sharpener. For this reason, this sharpener may not be the best choice if you've got young children using it.



It is very nice, however, for my daughter in her dorm room. Compact, easy to use, easy to clean.

This is my first electric sharpener. But I think it is very powerful, easy, very quick and convenient to use. We prepared 24 pencils in several minutes without a problem.

Do not forget to close tank tightly to make it work.

I had doubts (as always) but decided to try it anyway.. and I'm glad I did. The sharpener is relatively quiet (not library-quiet though), rather compact, does the job well, takes 3-4 seconds per pencil to sharpen from new condition. I'm very careful with what my kids touch as far as equipment, but I let me 6 y.o. try sharpener and she was very excited to go through the entire box of pencils for school in a matter of minutes. I definitelly recommend it for home use. - Electric - Personal - Pencil - Light'

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Planer Knives - jointers, jointer knives

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I purchased this item a couple of weeks ago and used it to set the knifes on my Minimax combo jointer, planner. I'm not ranking this item very high because although it is usable, it is also very cheaply made. The dial in calibrations are more eye candy than functional indicators of feeler block adjustments. You will be wise to use a piece of metal the same thickness of your blade height to set the feeler block height with.

Here is how I accomplished an accurate adjustment of the two jigs.

1 - take a piece of flat metal the thickness of the height your blades from the planner head. (Refer to the specs on your planner for that dimension)

2 - place the metal on your jointer table or a flat metal surface.

3 - set your first jig on the table so that the feeler block magnet is above the metal. Make sure that your locating magnet blocks are resting flat on the table and the magnets are secure.

4 - the piece of metal should be attracted to the feeler block magnet but turn the turncap till the metal with the feeler block magnet make contact with the table (Make sure that the clamp bolt is loose before performing this step)

5 - Once the feeler block and piece of metal are tight against the table tighten the clamp bolt.

6 - Remove the jig from the table and the metal piece from the jig.

7 - Using the same piece of metal repeat these steps. Now you can setup your knifes.

Please note that the photo for this product is also incorrect. The jig is not for the jointer tables, it is for the cutter head. Make sure that when you set your knifes that they are set on the cutter head with the locating magnet blocks flat against the head. Then adjust your table after the knifes are set with the jig (if you are setting up a jointer). You perform the table adjustment using a straight edge and a dial indicator. This jig was not designed for that purpose.

I don't know how long these will last, but the parts for building your own jig are there, if the plastic body of the jig ever breaks down. If you have the money, I would invest in a better set. MLCS 9397 Jointer Planer Knife Setting Jig

I purchased this product without reviewing the jointer manual. I saw this product and purchased it because it seemed to me, after looking at the alternatives on the market, this was the best. While a did not actually use this product when it came, it did seem to me to be a well made product that certainly would set your blades correctly. It turns out that my jointer had springs under the knives and came with a simple device for pushing the blades in while it kept them at the right height making the purchased product unnecessary. - Jointers - Planer Knives - Jointer Knives - Planer'

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Tomtom Gps - mp3, maps

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I bought this to replace my 2-year-old TomTom XL 340S, mainly because I wanted lifetime map updates which were not available when I bought my XL. I hooked both units up in my car and drove around for an hour to compare them. A couple obvious differences are that the VIA units are slightly thinner and lighter than the XL series, and the VIAs have a slightly better screen, although honestly I could barely tell the difference. Diagonal lines are a little less jaggy on the VIA if you look closely, but the increased resolution does not make much difference. The font size is slightly different as well. The font for the current street is a little larger on the VIA, but the font for the next street to turn onto is slightly smaller, which you can see in the screen image on this site. The street name is green and white and meant to look like a highway sign. The fonts were perfectly fine on my XL, and they are fine on the VIA as well. One thing that they changed, and I think this is new for the VIA line, is that when you are approaching your destination it will tell you if it's on the right or the left. With previous generation TomToms you could see which side of the street your destination was on by looking at the screen, but it didn't announce it audibly. It's a slight improvement, but not a big deal in my opinion.

As far as navigation, the two units were pretty similar when giving directions. I noticed that in some places the Lane Guidance screen would kick in on the XL while it did not on the VIA. I think they have tweaked the software a little after realizing that there were times when Lane Guidance was coming on when it wasn't really needed. Also, I noticed at one exit that the XL said to exit and "go straight on," (although the screen showed a left turn with an arrow) when in fact it should have said exit and turn left. The XL got it wrong, the VIA got it right. Again, that was probably just the result of improvements that have been made to the software in the last two years. Also, the XL would say "take the exit toward Erie, PA" (spoken as "pa" as in "papa"), whereas the VIA just said take the exit toward Erie, and didn't mention the state. It's kind of pointless to say the state in that instance, so just saying a city and leaving it at that is fine.

And now for the best feature. The reason I would not consider any other brand of PND right now is because TomTom is the only brand with the excellent EasyPort Mount. I only use my PND when I travel by air and then rent a vehicle. In my opinion, having the mount built-in to the unit is great. It is much easier to pack and carry than it would otherwise be with a mount that is a separate piece of hardware. I've had no problems with the EasyPort Mounts on both of my TomToms. They work great!

I didn't want the traffic or Bluetooth options, so I went with the "M" instead of the "TM" and the 1405 instead of the 1435.

Overall this is a great PND. I highly recommend it to anyone who takes along a PND for use in rental cars. The EasyPort Mount is excellent and makes for a compact and easy to transport device, and TomTom is the only company that offers it. TomTom VIA 1405M 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Maps

I just bought this a few weeks ago and sent it back within 3 days. Why?



1. Lifetime maps code was invalid at the TOMTOM WEB SITE. I called customer support and they wanted me to scan and send the UPC, The original packing slip, and the plakard with the original activation code before they would do anything. Woa, stop! This was a BRAND NEW PURCHASE with a bad code in THEIR database. I expect a solution and service, not suspicion and hoops to jump through. Customer Service gets 1 star because I don't want anyone to think I skipped it.



2. Nothing in the POI db. I tried it a few times as is and it didn't even find simple things like older restaurants.



3. Wouldn't find satellites until I plotted a route. I wanted to know where I was 1st, kinda handy to have that info when out of town.



4. The VIA won't synch to the full client on the desktop. This acts more like a rushed to production BETA.



AVOID! Get the Garmin instead. not enough letters in the word "sucked" to properly emphasize the suckiness of this product.

I recently purchased the TomTom Via 1405, 4.3 inch GPS unit as an upgrade to a 2007 vintage TomTom One, Third Edition. I was planning an extensive road trip through Canada and wanted something a bit newer, faster and bigger. I also wanted the "lifetime map updates" which are a popular, inexpensive addition at the time of purchase now-a-days. The purchase through Amazon was a piece of cake - as usual.



Some impressions - the unit is light, well put together and starts up fast. However, I noticed right away that even with the screen brightness turned all the way up, this unit is noticeably dimmer than the old TomTom One. On the dash, in the right lighting, it is very difficult to see. I never had that problem with the old unit. Second - the power plug has changed from the widely available, familiar "Mini-USB" to the less available "Micro-USB". Also, the port is in a recessed hole, making some aftermarket charge cables difficult if not impossible to use. The included non-coiled Micro USB power cord is quite long. My dash mount is about 15 inches from my cigarette lighter plug so I have about 3 feet of extra cable to deal with. I have tried two different coiled, shorter Micro USB 12v power cables but neither have worked properly with the unit. One I had to shave down quite a bit to get a proper fit but it still would not work right. On the old TomTom One, you could use just about any Mini USB cable to power it.



Another annoyance is that the unit, when mounted on the dash (not hanging from the window) causes the "L" ended stock cable to point up in the air before making a 180 degree turn to drop down to the cigarette plug.



The new mount is totally built into the back of the unit. My experience is that the rubber suction cup gives up it's grip long before the unit quits working. I am making it a point to un-stick the mount every time I park the car for more than a few minutes. It does not look like this suction cup will be easy to replace. The mount itself seem to hold well on a clean surface although it does not place the unit very far from the windshield. Any radical angle causes the side of the frame to touch the glass.



The Via units also use a new software interface to connect with TomTom for updates, etc. I do not like it compared to the older TomTom Home software. The new interface is a connection to a web page. It does not allow for remote operation of the unit, like the old TomTom Home did and it is confusing to install updates, initialize your map subscriptions, etc. It took me several tries to get my lifetime map subscription up and running and it felt like I happened on the solution by accident. Thinking back, I can't remember what I did to get it to happen but after several attempts, it just worked all of a sudden.



For those who are familiar with the older TomTom units, the new interface is nice. It now shows street and POI's in proper style - no more all lower case names, etc. The map routing is quick and easy to understand. A frequent route I take is now listed correctly the first try in lieu of the custom routing I used to have to invoke to get it to work on the One series. The POI database is up to date for the most part and quick & easy to operate. Complicated interchanges are now displayed in a clear, temporary display which give very precise lane guidance, etc.



All in all - I still like the TomTom units. I was quite surprised at some of the steps backward I feel the new units have taken however. I think TomTom has to work on the software interface and would like to see the Via units incorporated into the older TomTom Home stand alone software package... - Mp3 - Maps - Gps - Large Screen'

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American Song Book - american song book, gershwin

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Gershwin buffs, run, don't walk to get this book. Pollack has written the definitive study of both "The Life" and "The Work," as per his two fat sections.



Pollack's book is, for one, the first Gershwin bio that takes advantage of the discovery of mountains of original orchestra parts for Golden Age musical theatre scores in a Secaucus warehouse in the early eighties. As such, Pollack analyzes Gershwin's theatre scores closely just as classical music scholars can attend to Mozart or Haydn's works.



Earlier bios could only address the scores largely on the basis of the songs from each score that happened to be published as sheet music, with only a handful of the scores then existing as full piano-vocal scores or as latter-day abridged and heavily adapted recordings. But over the past two decades, most of Gershwin's significant scores have been recorded in full from the discovered materials, such that via these recordings as well as examining the original materials himself, Pollack can address the work as it was presented when it was new, i.e. chorus numbers, character songs not published as sheets, incidental music, etc. Given that musicals constituted the bulk of Gershwin's output in his short life, this alone makes Pollack's book invaluable.



In addition, some Gershwin bios have been written by people focused on pulling him down, devoted to revealing him as an undereducated, boorish parvenu (i.e. the ones by Charles Schwartz and Joan Peyser). Pollack's sleuthing and interviews conclusively demonstrate that these evaluations were incorrect: Gershwin pursued serious musical training throughout his life, it shows in his work, and socially, he was a beloved, charming person who was deeply mourned at his death.



Pollack has truly done his homework, such that just about any question one might have about Gershwin is exhaustively answered. For each show he chronicles not only the score and its critical reception in New York, but also its London and even Australian versions if there were any, all of the revivals across the US, and its recordings -- and he does this even starting with the obscure early efforts. He is equally thorough re Gershwin's concert music.



It should be said that those seeking further engagement with the raison d'etre of Joan Peyser's THE MEMORY OF ALL THAT, the story that Gershwin fathered a love child with a chorus girl and paid him and his mother off to keep it quiet, will not be satisfied. Pollack briefly addresses objections to that thesis from some quarters since Peyser's book was published -- but, in my view, neglects the rather damning facts that 1) said love child looks exactly like Gershwin and 2)was supported in his claim to have made regular visits to Gershwin's apartment by none other than Gershwin's valet. As such, one must consult various sources pre- and post-Peyser to come to conclusions about that issue. One suspects that Pollack, having been granted interviews from surviving keepers of the Gershwin flame, opted on that particular subject to step around giving offense. He is not to be faulted for this.



It should also be said, however, that inevitably of a work so dazzlingly complete, this book is not one most people would want to read from front to back. It is, in its way, a reference book set in prose. There are times when Pollack seems almost obsessive -- such as bringing vast study to bear upon locating the purchase by Gershwin's parents of a piano in precisely late 1910, or letting us know (based on a chance message from abroad) that OH, KAY played in translation in Sweden, or informing us via close examination of the original arrangement of RHAPSODY IN BLUE -- not later arrangements, but the original one, mind you -- that one player doubled on bass and tuba.



But this degree of obsession is what real scholarship is, and though for most it will be a book to jump around in than to read page for page, Pollack has given us an authoritative masterpiece. I am in awe of the man, and happy to have this one on my shelves forever. George Gershwin: His Life and Work

We usually apply the term genius to the subject of a biography. With the writing of Howard Pollack, one can also apply that term to the biographer.



When I first heard that Pollack was at work on a biography of Gershwin, I was saddened to think that he would be devoting his time to someone who had been the subject of so many biographies. I thought, what else was there to be said about Gershwin, but when I recalled the balanced and thoroughly considered approach he brought to his biography of Copland, I was curious to read what he would write. Not only was I not disappointed, I was overwhelmed.



Pollack does not question the actions of his subjects, he reports and tells a story, leaving the reader to make his or her own judgements. There is no attempt to sensationalize anything as he lets the facts speak for themselves. Pollack treats his subjects with the greatest respect without losing sight of their humanity. He brings great dignity to his writing and to his subjects.



His use of the language is transparent. You are never slowed down by his words. When he writes about music, Pollack has a remarkable ability to engage both the musician and non-musician alike. As with his volume on Copland, you sense he knows the music so well that he can intuit what the composer intended with each new work. He seeks out so much of the related material one would think he has devoted his entire life to the study of his subjects. You are aware of the detail, but not overwhelmed or encumbered by it.



I found the quotes from Michael Feinstein to be very informative. Feinstein, is not only the great exponent of popular music of the tradition of Gershwin, Kern, Berlin, et al; he is also one of the most informed in the music of that period. The time Feinstein spent as Ira Gershwin's assistant lends credibility to his perspective and recollections, and adds great insight to both the humanity and the music of Gershwin.



This volume is as close to an encapsulation of Gershwin's life and works as one could hope to find in words. - Musical Theater - Gershwin - Biography - American Song Book'

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Velvet Underground - john cale, lou reed

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I felt compelled to write this review after reading some of the negative reviews about this compilation. There are better books on the Velvets available (e.g., Uptight!), yet this volume is indispensable to anyone seriously interested in the Velvets and how they were perceived by their contemporaries. They are now, and forever will be, well known as cutting-edge, avant-garde artists who helped shape a unique sound in the rock and roll arena. But when the Velvets first hit the scene, not everyone "got it." And that is what this book documents. This is an exhaustive reprint of almost all the known writings about the VU, in chronological order, from '65 - '71. Peppered throughout are photos of concert posters, press releases, etc., as well as a well-researched discography of all known songs from the period (though such lists are always subject to debate among fanatics), and a handy index. Heylin is a fantastic writer, particularly his stuff on Dylan and Reed/Velvets. He plays the role as the editor of this book -- not the author -- and in this role contributes an interesting and enjoyable introduction. If you are looking for the definitive biography of the band, check out Uptight! If you already know and love the Velvets, check out this volume and see what the press were saying about them at the time. It's amazing what time does to perceptions. All Yesterdays' Parties: The Velvet Underground in Print, 1966-1971

all yesterday's papers _ clinton heylin



what more can be said about the velvet underground, that has not been already been written? Well, since my own point of view, very little or nothing, unless lou, john or mo decide to publish their own memoirs on the matter, which seems quite improbable. So meanwhile, here comes clinton heylin & decides to recompile most of what was written about them during their heydays. Long before they became a myth, at a time when they really stood for what they were, a simple n.y. city rock & roll band. So take a trip in time, be able to read & try to feel how it was first time around, when the velvet underground were pushing boundaries that most of the today bands have their backs to.

By clinton heylin i strongly recommend -bootleg! the rise & fall of the secret industry & from the velvets to the void-oids (the book that inspired please kill me)

This book is a thorough collection of press releases during the time of The Velvet Underground's years with Lou Reed. It's interesting to see the style and progress of rock journalism over that period. Not a lot of new information for Velvet fans, but interesting reading. - Lou Reed - Maureen Tucker - Doug Yule - John Cale'

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Nexus One Case - n1, otterbox

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This is, hands down, the best case you can buy for your Nexus One.



I've used other inferior cases and they can't even compare to this one.



Otterbox, in case you're not familiar with them, are a high-grade manufacturer of durable and waterproof cases for electronics, similar to Pelican. Their products are extremely high quality and extremely durable.



Features:



- All buttons accessible while in the case through the rubber overlays

- Protects even the buttons (rubber overlays as seen in the pictures)

- The back of the phone is protected by a hard shell, while the top and bottom (frequent impact points) are protected by soft silicone with a matte finish which does not attract skin oil, dust or lint.

- Comes with a screen protector included (use optionally if you have an existing screen protector from Zagg like I do)

- "Flaps" open to access the headphone jack and the Micro-USB jack, protecting them from dust and debris when closed



This case is fantastic - it feels nice and solid in your hand and fits absolutely flush with all parts of the Nexus One, preventing slippage and "poor fit" symptoms of other cases. Otterbox Commuter Case for HTC Google Nexus One

I love this case on my Nexus One. It is easy to remove if needed to access the battery and memory and sim card if needed. Very sturdy case with enough grip to keep the phone in your hand while on the move. Their is a soft touch silicone skin with padded corners and a hard plastic backing that goes on top in the back for more support. Also includes a screen protector that is easy to apply if you follow instructions.

I have just finished applying this cover onto my Nexus One and yes it is all that you've heard and more. It feels sturdy, the rubber is thick and does not leave gaps or cracks between the phone and the rubber case. On top of that the hard plastic keeps everything tight and the rubber from stretching so it's always nice and fit. There are "flaps" covers to cover your headphone jack and micro usb port, these covers snap in and don't come out randomly. All ports and microphones are accessible. So is the camera. Product gets 5/5



Shipping 4/5



The shipping and processing speed are so-so. I did NOT do expedited shipping or next-day so i expected 5-7 days. . .it took more than a week. I ordered another product the day after i ordered this and received that product before this. Be patient it's well worth the wait.



,

This case is hands down the best case for Nexus One. It feels sturdy on grip but not heavy at all.

The only con I would say is that the front part of the rubber case seems a little thin especially where it covers the light sensor and the led charge status indicator, which has a high possibility to be torn off. Future buyers should consider this part.

Since receiving this product, the fit has always been loose at the top along the face. I at first thought that this was because I hadn't fastened the hard case properly, but after repeatedly refitting, it became apparent that it was never a proper fit to begin with. Shortly thereafter the case got a small tear next to the light sensor. The tear itself isn't a big deal, but the lift at the top of the phone is. It's not just aestheticly displeasing, but it limits the overall protection that the case should provide. All in all, the case still provides robust protection for my Nexus One, but the loose fit would certainly be a deal breaker had I known before hand.

This cover seems protective. However, I don't like the fact that the phone remains slippery. You can't sit your phone on a smooth counter because a slight tap and it will slide across the surface and land on the floor. I want something that makes it less likely I will drop the phone. This is the first most important feature. This case is protective, but it does not do much to prevent you from dropping the phone in the first place.



There is a much cheaper simple rubber adornment for the phone that I like much better. I owned that for a while till I dropped my phone and broke the screen. I went with this because I wanted more screen protection. I don't think this offers much more. It has a piece of plastic that gets stuck to the screen as scratch protection. But in all the time using my phone (about 1.5 years) without that protection, I never scratched it. I may end up selling this for change on ebay. Then I'll try the next model up. I hope that model offers more protection or at least a non-slippery grip.

The silicone sleeve fits well enough. However, the hard plastic shell doesn't protect any of the common impact points and doesn't prevent the silicone sleeve from sticking in pockets.



Do not use the cloth included. It has lint from the serrated trim, which leaves small balls of lint under the screen protector. The net effect are tiny yellow threads beneath the screen protector.



You'd be best off just buying the Otterbox silicone sleeve, rather than the upgrade (Commuter Case). - N1 - Nexus One - Otterbox - Google'

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