Friday, 6 May 2011

Scraper - razor blade


This blade is a great price and is very, very sharp. I had to use it only on my glass top stove for a few days before I could start using it on my countertops since it is so sharp. It's easy to pull the blade out and swap it's position so the sharp side is protected. Great for windows and glass top stoves. I love the convenient small size. Stanley 28-100 1-3/16-inch High Visibility Mini-Razor Blade Scraper

I've used these little scrapers everywhere -- home, garage, and office. You might not think such a small handle offers much improvement over a bare blade, but it provides significantly more control and leverage. The blade does not retract, but you can store the scraper by reversing the blade so the sharp edge is inside the handle. Or, if you're lazy like me, you can also wedge the blade between two flat surfaces such as the front & bottom of a drawer.

There's not a ton to be said about a razor holder, so I'll get to the main issues. Safety first, this thing is locked TIGHT. The razor broke when I torture tested it before the plastic did. That isn't because it was a cheap razor either.



It's incredibly easy to change the razor, and the grip is very natural. Any "standard" steel backed razor works here, and that's a plus as well. I got this to trim some putty and caulk, but I end up using it on wood sometimes. The grip and a fresh razor (cheap here on amazon lol) it's a very fine tool. What can I say... I really like this, and I love my screw and hex sets from stanley as well. They have a really good form/function balence that makes them a great purchase.

The durability is gone from this scraper, I and three friends have used this in the past for small tight areas and was great (many yrs). The plastic notch in the middle that holds the blade doesn't for long, sliding sideways creating a hazard we all agree. The shape and color are still the same, perfect.

Stanley might fix the problem, but people will use it because the other scrapers in use are not better. Price is not the factor value is.

Searching for a replacement, no luck yet.

This item was bought to remove a park district sticker that had been on my car's windshield for 4 years. My first attempt was to manually remove the sticker but that ended up just peeling off the corners. Second attempt was to use WD-40 but that didn't help. I probably spent 15-20 minutes with the less than effective procedures aforementioned. With this little gadget, the process took 20 seconds tops. Definitely worth the couple of dollars and I would strongly recommended this product for safely handling safety razor blades and sticker removals. - Razor Blade'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Scraper - razor blade razor blade Scraper - razor blade

Do It Yourself - camcorder, muvi


I've bought 3 or 4 cameras of this type for use at work. I've bought 2 different helmet cameras that worked kind of okay, but this one knocks it out of the park. The case is built like a tank, it's very easy to use. The voice activated function is great. I'm using an 8gb chip in mine, so I can't talk about the quality problems I've heard about when using the 2gig chip that ships. I've used it the past couple days testing it by using the clip mount to clip it under my rear view mirror facing forward and I can tell you there are no police dashboard cameras that can beat the video. The camera focuses perfectly through the windshield and the angle of view is wide enough to capture a perfect scene. Low light is great, used it at a shooting range yesterday and once I figured out the proper placement the videos were great even in reduced lighting. If you need a tiny camera with great quality this is the one. My one complaint was when I installed the driver disk I began getting com errors and had to do a lot of googling before I could shut them off. I plugged the camera in another computer without installing the drivers and it worked fine. I suppose you will need the drivers if you are going to use this as a web camera, but thats a waste of a great piece of equipment. Audio is a weak point and wind noise will wipe the audio. If your going to use this as a cruiser cam not sure how you would get external audio, but it will pick up the video well. I highly recommend it. [...] Veho VCC003MUVI Micro DV Camcorder

Purchased one of these and promptly rigged it up on the tiedown mount of an RV8 aircraft and flew it thru barrel rolls and high speed (200mph+) passes at airport. Camera did a very good job, only a slight pause for some unexplainable, reason (very slight). Handled the lighting variables in good shape. Excellent for the cost, and this is coming from a retired USAF Motion Picture Cameraman who has done several kinds of these applications on higher speed aircraft.

I work in the LEO field and have used this product with great success. Many negative ratings were given on Amazon due to the camera turning off after 10 seconds "right out of the box". To my dismay...mine did the same thing but...its not a defect or flaw. The camera goes into stand-by mode and all you do is hit the record button to bring it back to life. Hit it a second time and it starts recording. No flaws whatsoever.



One downfall I found is the lack of USB 2.0. All the transfers to and from the device use the slow 1.0 speed so videos over 10 minutes take forever to transer to/from the camera. Per the grapevine, the new devices will have the USB 2.0 transfer rate.



The only other complaint, which probably corresponds with the transer usage of USB 1.0, is the slow capture rate of the webcam feature. You can use this as a webtype camera to video tape and it saves the movie on your computer to save the memory on the SD card. This is a great idea for wired recording using your computer but the video was something like a video from a 7-11. It seemed to be recording at 3 frames per second or something crazy like that. I was contemplating using this setup to record my traffic stops instead of strapping the camera to my uniform but after seeing how slow and choppy it was I changed my mind.



All and all, I highly recommend this camera to anyone using needing a small recording device that has great video and sound quality for its size and has a type of profession that needs something this small. Its fun for the kids too...when I got it I strapped it to my cat's collar to see where she went during the day...I haven't laughed that hard in a while. :D

Will not record while plugged into power.

Full and freshly charged battery only good for one hour of recording.

If battery dies in middle of clip, that clip is unplayable. Clips are 30 minutes long.

Has slow rolling shutter. Tilt camera movements create unwatchable footage.

Audio is very poor.

The monetary switch for record/stop makes it difficult to know if camera is recording. The flashing green light isn't easy to see in bright sunlight from an angle.

No internal clock to properly date video file headers.



I've been running this on bicycle seat post pointed backward at traffic. AAA batteries, and continuous loop recording would make it better.

1st, Battery life poor but other than that it was a pretty good camera. 2nd, My unit died at 7 months. Unit has a 1 year warranty but no one will honor it! Seller ('PORTABLE GUY') directed me to the manufacturer (VEHO)who directed me back to the seller who said that manufacturer had to warranty it. (catch 22) Veho has not responded to any follow-up emails. Amazon granted me an 'exception' and refunded my money, (good decision by Amazon!). If you choose to buy this beware of ~ZERO~ customer service from either Portable Guy or Veho.



Veho VCC003MUVI Micro DV Camcorder

It is just amazing what this little gadget can do. I am in the technology industry, specifically security and surveillance, and have tested many of these kinds of devices. This unit provides a high quality image and still manages not to bust the budget. I found it easy to use and was very impressed with the amount of data stored on-board. Definitely would recommend this device for undercover or law enforcement purposes.

The camera does an adequate job for it's size. Don't expect the video to rival a small camcorder or digital camera. The instructions aren't real good, but there are only two operating modes, so it can be figured out easily. The camera is built very sturdily, but the mounting bracket is cheap thin plastic and will not survive much use... mine broke, with no abuse, after a week of daily use. My suggestions is to tape the bracket to the camera as soon as you get it. Another review, here, shows that someone lost their camera outside when the bracket came apart. I've used it more than a few dozen times daily since I got it... mounted in my car window. It does an adequate job and I use it as a dash-cam. NEVER, have I gotten more than 1.5 hours on a completely charged battery, so don't be deceived by the claims of 3 hours. I substituted the 2 gb SD card with an 8 gb SD 6 card. It works equally well with either card, but the larger card allows me to get 4 hours of video on the card without the daily hassle of downloading the video. Downloading the video from the camera thru the USB cable is very slow and is not worth the trouble... get yourself a SD micro adapter to plug it directly into SD slot on your computer. I got my camera for $59. It appears to be rising in cost. I just got a clone of this camera for $12 from China. It is identical, but has some additional brackets, but does not have the AC wall charger or the SD card that comes with this unit. The camera really isn't worth more than $39 with the given accessories. It's fun, it's small, and it does an okay job with video. - Muvi - Camcorder - Spy Camera - High Definition'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Do It Yourself - camcorder, muvi high definition Do It Yourself - camcorder, muvi

Weight Training


Perfect weights and the neoprene is the best way to go. Absolutely no complaints; I often use these instead of my Power Blocks for particularly difficult exercises because they fit so well in the hand. Valeo HW10 10-Pound Neoprene Hand Weights

Looking for 10 lb weights that won't mark up the floor or carpet? This is the set for you. These are 10 lb each, for a total of 20 lbs. They were packed well and no damage to the box during delivery.

The neoprene coating, ESPECIALLY the FREE shipping and the mentality of keeping my arms toned led me to order these weights. After numerous uses, these weights, due to the coating, still look new. Even though one can use these bare handed due to the coating, I use weight lifting gloves and still maintain a nice grip. One cannot determine from the photo unless purchased but under the neoprene coating the actual weights are octagon shaped; this helps in preventing the weights from rolling--nice touch. I would definately recommend these Valeo weights.

Been using it to work out everyday. The handle is slightly more thick than I would like. The surface is not perfectly polished. But hey, it is just weight, as long as I can hold it and move it around, i am happy.

These are wonderful with a nice coating, easy to grip without gloves and still do not slip if your hands get wet. They are not completely round on the ends, its hard to see in this picture but they have a 4 small flat areas which keeps them from rolling on hardwood floors. Very nice!

I was looking for free weights that I could enjoy, without that " industrial" look they often have. These fit the need perfectly. They are comfortable to grip, and visually attractive. Their neoprene coating prevents scratches and reduces noise. I am waiting for this company to market weights in 15 & 20-pound sets. You will not be disappointed with this purchase.

The hand weights were just as expected... in good shape, a set of two, and 10-lbs each. The only thing I would change is that I would give their end more of a edge/flat surface so that they don't "roll" around when placed somewhere...even though they hardly roll around at all. Overall good buy... and definitely worth the price!

I used to work out on a daily basis (3x a week), but then due to an accident, I wasn't allowed to work out for 6 & 1/2 months. Sometime after my recovery, I searched for a pair of dumb bells that was a great deal. The Valeo 10 lb Neoprene was what I decided to purchase. The protective cover gives you a comfortable grip and doesn't slide out of your hand after a good work out like other steel dumb bells. It also prevents scratching your floor as well if you want to do bicep curls while watching TV. I'm one of those guys who want to gain some muscle and strength, but don't want to look like a profession weight lifter. The package comes with simple instructions on working out the areas of your arm. But it may be too simple for those who are just starting out, since the instructions don't tell you specifically what target areas you are focusing on. If you want specific instructions, then it will be easy to just search online.

I've had coated weights before and found that if the coating peels even just a little bit they become quite uncomfortable and scratchy. These have been used a lot and have remained looking brand new. Free shipping makes them worthwhile but the durability - even being dropped and abused by my teenager is what makes them a really great product.'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Weight Training Weight Training Weight Training

Wall Charger - adapter, evo


I needed a replacement for the original charger (which i lost) that came with my phone. I couldnt find it on Sprint's website or HTC's website. Sprint wanted $25+ for 3rd party universal chargers. I found this charger and didnt hesitate. It came exactly as described and actually included the USB cable (though this may have been a mistake, they clearly say it doesnt). Its identical to the original charger, couldnt be happier. Travel Charger U250, Black, for HTC Thunderbolt

If you own an HTC Incredible phone (and I expect any similar model), your phone package when you first buy it will include a micro USB cable and an adapter as phone in the photo (HTC U250).



IF you're like me and you want a backup charging unit at work, you will need a (1) any generic micro USB cable and (2) this particular sort of OEM adapter.



As I've had to find out by trial and error (I'm not entirely sure why, probably has to do with voltage), it's highly recommended you grab this adapter.



I tried ordering a $1.00 off of Ebay previously and also as a 3-and-1 generic iPod charging set from Fry's. While both adapters would let me charge my phone, none of these would allow me to use the phone while it is plugged into the usb/charging adapter combination.



Looking at the generic adapter, it says input: 110-220V, output: 5V squiggly 700mA. Whereas the HTC adapter says input: 100-240V and output: 5V squiggly 1.0 A. Squiggly is a symbol with a solid dash and then a dotted dash below it that represents the direct current symbol, according to my guess + wikipedia.



*sighs* I need to study up on electronics as some point. But anyhow, this adapter works 100%! If you're in a hurry, you may be able to find a cheaper substitute.

First of all, when you receive this item, it will not look like it does in the picture. What I received was a generic charger for my myTouch 4g. It was rectangular in shape and did not have HTC written anywhere on the product. Second of all, it didn't charge my phone...at all. I mean it didn't even attempt to charge my phone, lol. Uhm, I would be very, very, very pissed right now, if it weren't for the seller giving me my money back, without the hassle of sending the item back. Nevertheless, I have to warn you not to buy this item. It doesn't work and you will not receive the item pictured. That is all - you have been warned.

The one I got is exactly what is pictured and for the record, it outputs: 5v @ 1 amp. This is exactly the same charger that came in the new evo 4g package. This charger is meant for the Evo 4g due to the 1 amp output rating.

Disappointed with this product and reseller. Is a USED charger with lots of scratches and swirl marks. Reseller should advertise it as such, instead, there is absolute no mention of this in the product info. Very deceptive practices and I will avoid them in the future.

I placed an order for two chargers. While they are the HTC chargers depicted, they are not new. There are tons of light swirl marks in the gloss coat, such as what a charger might look after it has been carried around in a messenger bag for a year so.

I have purchased four of these for myself and as gifts to my family and will be purchasing two more today. These adapters are compact and work for all our devices that came with a USB cord, including iPod Touch, MiFi router, EVO, Sansa MP3 players, etcetera. I carry one in my backpack because I never know when one of my devices needs to plug into an outlet.

I ordered three of these chargers. All three have be previously used. They are not in OEM packaging, and have scratches;nicks and swirl marks in the plastic. None of the chargers deliver an acceptable charging rate: from 112ma down to 22ma. The Factory charger that came with the phone delivers 374ma minimum. These chargers I believe are defective returns being sold as new.

Info/Intro



I wanted an additional USB charger for my HTC Incredible so I bought this one. It looks the same and the model# is the same as the original (TC U250) but the HTC part# is different (Orig= 79H00098-14M, replacement= 79H00095-0M). The electrical specs printed on the new one are the same as the original but the fonts are different and the layout of the info is a little different.



Good:



- Arrived quickly. Kudos to Amazon (as usual)

- Unit looks the same

- 1.0A (1000ma) output - makes for a speedy charge. Most USB charging units like this tend to put out between 500-700ma. Higher output = faster charge.



Bad:



- When charging my phone, the screen freezes and becomes completely unresponsive.





Since this is the fault of something electrical in the unit I cannot use this to charge my phone with confidence. I am concerned it may result is damage of some kind that may not be covered by my phone's warranty. Personally? I think this may be an instance of a pirated item that made it past an inspector along the way and is being sold as OEM. Either way, it is going back. - Evo - Htc - Adapter - Charger'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Wall Charger - adapter, evo htc Wall Charger - adapter, evo

Manicure Sets - medicool, manicure


I am embarassed to admit it, but I had - at least until I purchased this pedicure tool - very bad calluses on my heels. In fact, they were so bad, I didn't even want to go to a salon to get a pedicure! I've tried other battery operated tools, but they weren't ever strong or powerful enough. They would smooth over the edges, but not significantly reduce the thickness of the calluses.



I read a positive review of this tool in the Wall Street Journal, and decided to invest in one more tool. Within 2 minutes of use, I knew I had found the product I had been looking for! After a couple of initial uses (I didn't want to remove too much at one time), my calluses were virtually gone, and the applicator wasn't degraded at all. After more than a month of use, I continue to be amazed at how quickly, easily, and effectively it works.



I highly recommend this tool to anyone with similar issues. I can't comment on the other applicator tools (I've only used the two different callus removing tools), but I can say that it is well worth the money. Home Pedicure PediNova III - Electric Manicure Kit

I would buy this electric manicure set, again. This is my first time using one; it was a bit uncomfortable at first as I was nervous. It is easy to use and does a very good job! It is quiet which makes it seem less intimadating. Nice looking case to store it in. I like that it came with 10 different bits to use; giving me choices to learn with, without the need to buy. Carol

I had used my wifes nail machine several years ago and marveled at how well it performed, so when we divorced she got the machine. Recently I attempted to borrow it when I was in her city and she revealed that it had recently disappeared; so to make a short story shorter, I now have the same machine and rate it very highly. As a diabetic I have quarterly podiatry care, but between appointments, this is as good as the office machine the Dr uses. The Drs and Nurses have given me hints for using the PediNova III. I highly recommend it.

This is a first class unit and the quality and the range of power and for calluses and delicate use for cuticles is amazing. In a matter of minutes my feet and hands nails and all were fantastic. I would highly recommend this as the best I have ever seen . Don't buy those cheap units on info mercials or discount stores as this is worth every penny.

This is a great product for the elderly. My mother is 90 years old and can't get out of the house. Her toe nails were becoming impossible for us to kept trimmed. This product worked perfectly and without any complaints.

I recently purchased the Home Pedicure PediNova III Electric Manicure Kit and really like it. I had been searching for something that wouldn't be as expensive as the ones used in the salon I used to visit, and this definitely fits the bill. It does a great job of removing tough calluses, comes with many different "heads" which provide varying degrees of abrasiveness, has a long and very flexible coiled cord, and is a powerful instrument. My feet have never looked so good! I highly recommend this product.

This manicure device is so helpful when working with my elderly mom. Quickly, precisely, and easily shapes both fingernails and toenails for professional results without pain. Well worth the price and the delivery was excellent.

This electric pedicure set is great for nails and for removing thick calluses from the feet. The continuously adjustable speed is very convenient. I had a less expensive set and this set is well worth the money!

I have used other pedicure/manicure portable electric units (I owned a unit in Germany and it's power was fantastic) This unit is not powerful enough -especially to be effective on heel calluses. I have since discovered the PedEgg product at Target for less than $20! and it works amazingly well!!! Not to mention that there no 20% restocking fee (that I was charged to return this item to the seller!) - Pedicure Kit - Medicool - Manicure - Pedicure Set'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Manicure Sets - medicool, manicure medicool Manicure Sets - medicool, manicure

Iphone 3g Accessories


I'm about as happy as I could be with the Impact case. Carrying around a slippery, glass-fronted device, I was primarily looking for a case that would provide good energy dissipation in the inevitable event that I drop-kick it across a room when fumbling for keys. As such, an unyielding hardshell case just wasn't ideal. The fitment, bracing, and silicone material of the Impact are a well-thought-out means of limiting shock intensity (although I thankfully haven't tested it to any considerable extent).

The Impact fits the phone snugly, provides a good textured grip for the hand, and doesn't drown out the mic and earpiece like poorly-fitted units. All slides and buttons are easily accessible - perhaps even more so than without case since my hand isn't slipping all over the glossy shell. Relatedly, the Impact adds very little size to the phone and weighs next to nothing.

The included screen protector works great too - I'd heard of rainbow refractions and a slightly-milky appearance, but cleaning the surface well beforehand and working carefully resulted in a crystal-clear application. Can't tell it's even in place. No complaints on that front.

I could do without the circular port on the back of the case, but it does nothing to harm structural integrity and it displays my MS sticker effectively. ;) It will certainly do the same for the Apple logo, however! The thickness of the silicone protects it from most direct scratchin' contact.

My second option in terms of cases was the Otterbox Defender, but I felt the Impact would suffice for day-to-day protection, and thus far this has certainly proven to be true. OtterBox Impact Case for iPhone 3G, 3GS (Black)

I work for the Fire Department and was looking for a rugged case that could stand up to the abuse I was expecting to put it through. After purchasing this product, I am confident my phone is fully protected from the elements. I will say, it does make the product a little bulky, I tend to put my phone in my pocket and not wear it on a belt clip. It's bulky but doable. It was a good purchase and I'm glad I bought it. One thing I will mention about it, is that it didn't come with instructions on how to put it in the case, and it literally took me about 15mins. to figure it out. Also, after market car charges and docking stations will not work with this case because the connection is too deep in the case. Knowing those two things, I would still buy it.

Case is light weight but gives a good hand grip. It's a real solid case. I dropped my phone from a subway platform to the track 5-ft below. When the maintenance worker retrieved it back for me, the phone didn't even have a single scratch and still works like normal. If you're looking for case to really protect your iPhone, this is it!

After about 3 months of fairly light usage this case stretched just enough to cover the proximity sensor of the iPhone. This prevents the phone from lighting up when you pull the phone away from your face after you are done talking, which means you don't see the "end call" button. We thought it was the phone dying at first until doing some research to find out the cheaper cases were doing this. Took the case off and phone works perfectly fine.



There are far better cases for an extra $5 like the iSkin. Or if you can go $30, the Defender (made by same company) has served me well other than the belt clip.

I got this case after another case I bought, from [...], turned out to be a complete dud. After extensive research I found this case to be the absolute best in terms of style and protection in its price point. I received the product and the packaging was really easy to open, no scissors required. This is really appreciated as one of the worst things in buying something new is trying to open sealed plastic boxes.



The package came with the silicone case as pictured and a clear screen protector. Putting on the screen protector was really easy but I think more written instructions would have been helpful (only pictured instruction were provided.) Although there are many YouTube videos demonstrating the correct procedure to accomplish this. After viewing a video on YouTube I knew exactly what to do. Without the video I would have been a bit confused since there are two outside layers sandwiching the clear case within. These two outside layers are there so you don't accidentally touch the actual screen protector until after it is laid on top of your iPhone's screen. If this sounds confusing, make sure you view a demonstration video prior to trying to put it on.



Anyways the actual case itself looks great, looks just as good in person as it does online. All the cut out holes fit the phone perfectly at first. Although, I started to have light sensor problems and problems with the camera hole being obstructed after a few months. Its easy to access or push all the buttons. It provides the perfect grip for holding the phone while talking. There is extra silicone in the corners as advertised to protect against a fall. The case is also very easy to put on and is easy to take off, no headaches there. I am very pleased with this product, minus the two failings previously mentioned. The one other thing to note is that if you are an aggressive scroller the side of the case may snag your finger and flap back into place. This doesn't damage the case and is very minor. This is something I knew about prior to buying the case but I have found it to not be a big deal at all.



Although I really loved this case after a few months the case has stretched a bit I suppose because the cutouts are no longer as precise as the used to be. The light sensor on the front can get obstructed which makes getting the screen to turn back on after a call a pain. Also the camera hole no longer perfectly fits the lens and photos are sometimes obstructed. This is a real shame because it is a really great case design minus these two flaws. I have since purchased the OtterBox Commuter TL Case for iPhone 3G, 3G S (White) as a replacement. I still went with Otterbox because despite the problems with this case I think they make quality products overall and I was impressed enough with the first case to stick with them.'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Camera Accessories - lens, photography


At a fraction of the cost of some other lens cleaner pens, this one really stands up. I can tell no difference from this one and my Nikon pen, other than the color. They appear to be built by the same manufacturer - essentially the same. Works great for removing dust and smudges from and around the camera lens. Great buy for sure. Zeikos ZE-LPF Professional LCD / Lens Cleaner (Black )

When I had originally ordered this product, I was sent a wrong item.

I contacted the seller, and they sent me a new one right away.



The cleaner is excellent, as it is very light and portable, and does its jobs.

With the brush, it is easy to clean dust on camera lenses, and any other LCD screens.

Also, the microfiber is also useful for getting rid of finger prints on LCDs or lens.



I recommend the seller as well as the product to my friends.

This is a great LensPen...as good as they come (many are just rebranded but otherwise identical). It's even way better than the more expensive Amazon brand lenspen, which I didn't care for at all. And since this one is available with Amazon Prime, it's a no-brainer. I'm ordering a few more!

It's cheaper than the regular cleaners, and I'm sure it works the same. I love it! I use it to clean my lens for my T2i and sometimes use it to dust off stuff from my computer screen. It works if you want to clean delicate surfaces! - Lens Pen - Photography - Lens - Cleaner'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Ipod Accessories - mp3 cassette adapter, ipod


I have two of these devices. The sony that I have cost $20 and clicks when I play it in my one car. In my other car, it always sounds like the dolby sound filtering is on. This one works and sounds better and was half the cost. Philips USA PH-62050 CD/MP3/MD-To-Cassette Adapter

I got the Philips Cassette Converter to run my iPod Shuffle in my '96 Saab 900 with factory equiped stereo and it works beautifully. Yes, it is true that the signal is not very strong, so you have to turn the volume up a bit, but even the little Shuffle can compensate for it and by no means do you need to fear forgetting to turn the volume down when you switch to Radio or CD. The sound quality is as good as the iPod delivers and you have no disturbing background noise. I also had no problems that the deck would eject the tape. I can recommend this product and it's good value for money (I didn't try similar one)

This adapter works fine with my mp3 player, at top volume there's slight background noise that can be taken care of with noise reduction if your car stereo has it. Sound quality is excellent and very consistent. It's much better and less expensive than a radio transmitter. I'm extremely satisfied with this purchase.

There are basically 4 ways to play your iPod in your car:



1) Newer cars (typically 2006+) have an aux input which you connect your iPod to with the right cable. A direction connection like this is the simplest, lowest cost, and best sounding option - but you need a newer car.



2) On most cars without a dedicated aux input, you can hard wire a connection in the back of the head units with kits from several manufacturers (USA Spec for example). This provides sound quality as good as item #1 but can get a little messy as the hardware needs to be mounted (usually under the dash) and can be fairly expensive (approx $200 hardware, $50 to $100 install)



3) You can use a FM modulator with any car that has an FM receiver. This is low cost simple option, but the drawbacks are well known: OK sound quality at best, issues with static and noise from nearby radio channels.



4) For cars that have a cassette tape deck (remember those?!) you can use a cassette adapter like the Phillips here. My older Lexus has a cassette deck and I chose this option before I invest in adding a hard wire connection (#2) as described above. I figured I would least try it for $21 and I am very impressed with the sound quality! I would call it near CD sound quality. There is no hissing or mechanical clicking of the gears in the adapter. I also purchased the Maxell cassette adapter since they used to make the best cassettes back in the day and to my surprise it sounded much worse and had a loud humming noise. So I am keeping the Phillips and returning the Maxell and just ordered another Philips unit as a backup for long trips!

I bought this product about six months ago, and I have been generally satisfied with its performance; however, about a month ago it developed an audible squeak whenever it was operating, and recently it jammed completely so that when I tried to use it the cassette player would auto reverse a few times and finally spit it out. I took the cassette apart to clear the jam, but within a few minutes of use it had jammed again, and I finally gave up trying to repair it. I used the product practically every day in the time I owned it, so I can't really say I didn't get my $15 worth, but I'm still disappointed that it died so quickly.

...for solving a new tech problem. Cassette tapes are almost as extinct as the 8-track ...but the cassette deck lives on in many factory installed car stereos ...pretty much lying dormant as the CD player gets all the use. Wanna play that new fangled iPod or MP3 player in your car but don't have a modern, high zoot car stereo you can just plug it into? Problem solved if you're lucky enough to have a cassette player as part of your setup. Turn on your radio (volume down) and simply slip this cassette adapter into the slot. Connect the mini-plug into the headset jack on your pocket-sized player and...voi-la! ...put that puppy on "Shuffle" and enjoy a just about endless supply of tunes. It's that simple.



I have two of these Phillips units; they work great and sound great. The Phillips is also one of the least expensive of the lot. All the adapters work the same and they will all probably sound the same ...so why pay more? The audio cable can be routed in one of three ways making it adaptable to just about any cassette deck made. You can route the cable out the left or right side and out the center of the back edge of the cassette shell. There are two large screws allowing you to use a dime to open the slot and realign the audio lead.



One thing you need to be aware of as you use this cassette. Many cassette players came with some type of noise reduction system (Dolby and others). When using this adapter you want to make sure the noise reduction circuitry is turned *off* ...otherwise the music will sound dull and have a slightly weird effect to it. Some factory cassette decks, like the one in my 2000 Jeep Cherokee, default the noise reduction circuit to the "on" position so you have to turn it off each time you insert the adapter. Or you can just leave the adapter in the player with no harm.



Another point for getting good sound is to make sure the volume level of the MP3/iPod player is not greater than about 75% of max ...there's a good chance you'll get distortion if the player is at full volume.



The only downside I've experienced so far has been the top label peeling up in the hot weather. The ends will curl up and the sticky side will attach to the cassette door as you try to eject it. Simply peel off the label, problem fixed. So fire up that old tech cassette deck and enjoy your new tech using some low tech. - Mp3 Accessories - Ipod - Mp3 Cassette Adapter - Ipod Accessories'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Cuisinart Sandwich Grill - kitchen appliances, cuisinart


The product does exactly what it is billed to do: it grills sandwiches quickly. The problem is that the grill is very small, so normal grocery store bread is way too big and it hangs out the side. In addition, if you want to make a bigger sandwich, i.e., stacked with several ingredients, the lid will not close and lock without Herculean strength and the risk of burning yourself. It does OK with two small pieces of bread and a small amount of cheese. But, for that, it's just as easy to heat up a nonstick frying pan. It would be, however, handy for students in dorms or others with no access to a stove.

This is a great little appliance for making good grilled sandwiches FAST! I was surprised that it only took about 2 minutes to grill 2 sandwiches. A green light comes on when they are done, and it's right on - when that light comes on, the sandwiches are perfectly browned. I would have given it five stars, but I think it would be easier to clean if the grilling plates snapped out like some larger sandwich makers out there. Overall, a good buy.

A good deal! Popped up on my Gold Box so I got this for less than the price noted. Easy enough for my eight year old to operate. I used thick slices and low fat margarine even though the directions advised not too...but still turned out good (even though the sandwiches are'nt as pretty as pictured!!!). Would be nice if it had an alarm to note when sandwiches are done.

The design of the hinges (fixed rather than slip-joint} severely limits the thickness of the sandwich you can make. With more than one ingredient in the sandwich, the heating plates are not parallel. The top slice of bread gets toasted unenenly, and the cheese oozes out.

This really is a surprisingly funky little gadget that is getting a lot more use than I thought it would get when I ordered it on an impulse on a Friday sale. I agree with all the five star reviewers, not to repeat anything, but to give it another vote of confidence - if you enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches, you really can't go wrong with this little gadget. (For a fancy treat, try a sandwhich with bakery crafted hard crusted Italian bread and havarti-dill cheese - yumm!)

This little appliance makes a perfect grilled cheese in less time and with less mess than using a skillet. Plus, it makes omelettes, french toast and more. Great buy for a terrific and compact little machine.

I worried that I'd stick this back in the closet next to the smoothie maker and the bread machine. But it sits on our counter and is used nearly every day. The teenagers love it because they can whip up two sandwiches at a time and wolf them down while they cook two more. And the sandwiches cook quickly. Red light means cooking, green light means done. No guesswork! The hardest part about it is getting the kids to stop using up all the bread in one day.Worth every penny.

I bought this sandwich maker as a gift to my wife for this new year. She really liked it and till now itz working GOOD. We love it esp., the color and the quality. Worth for the price paid., not like other cheap sandwich makers... It is cool and makes sandwiches and omlettes in minutes. Our friends also liked it and they would like to buy. Nice product!!!

I bought this sandwich maker so my daughter would be able to make quick sandwiches without my assistance. The Grill works fine but I find that the plates are too small for regular slice bread. My daughter likes to make grilled cheese on this and she usually adds tomatoes and sometimes other ingredients as well. Since the plates are so small the bread hangs on the sides of the grill and if she uses more than one slice of cheese it melts all over the machine. Especially the back where its hard to get it clean. This would have been perfect if it had larger plates.

Grill sandwiches to perfection in minutes. Much faster than using the stove. It seals the fillings into the sandwich, making for less messy eating. A quick wipe with a paper towel and the grill is clean. I use mine all the time! - Kitchen Appliances - Sandwich - Sandwich Grill - Cuisinart'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Cooler Master - laptop accessories, laptop cooling pad


I have a Dell Studio 1535 Laptop. I've never pushed my laptop hardware to the limits before and it will still get really hot over time but not slow down. So then why would I need a laptop cooler? Well, about 6 months ago I purchased StarCraft II.



My laptop's specs:

4 GB 667MHz RAM

Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 2.1 GHz CPU

ATI Radeon HD Mobility 3450 256MB GPU

1440x900 resolution

15.6" screen



When playing StarCraft II I needed to set everything onto low settings (shaders to low, all lighting to low, effects to low, physics off, textures to low, and run at 1280x800 resolution). Even with everything low, my laptop got blistering hot and the framerate would drop significantly to 20fps or lower in more taxing gameplay making the experience difficult to play. The heat was incredible as well. My hand rests left of the touchpad in order to hotkey and that location gets burning hot.



I realized I needed a cooler. I looked between the 3 different Thermaltake coolers at the time and decided on this one. I have my USB Hub connecting my printer, mouse, and other items plugged into one of the USB ports on the cooler, while the other USB plug goes to my laptop. This way when I connect the cooler to sit down, all my devices are connected as well which is great, it is basically a dock. The cooling is also incredible on how well it improved my system.



Now I can't give you any temperatures but I can tell you how drastically my experience improved. I went from running the lowest settings on StarCraft II with bad framerate drops and a blistering hot computer to being able to bump my effects to medium and physics to low (my gpu bottlenecks my computer so I still keep the graphic settings to low), my computer is cool to the touch on the underside and the spot where my hand rests is warm instead of blistering hot, and my framerate never drops below 30fps whenever I play (even during 3 vs 3) making my experience much more enjoyable and easier to manage.



I highly recommend this if you want to cool down your laptop and improve performance. Heat isn't good for the hardware and most laptops can't dissipate heat very well at all. This is the perfect size for 15.6" laptops or less (anything bigger will overhang the cooler), and the 2 USB ports allow you to connect your USB dock into the cooler making the cooler a hub (you will need the USB ports on your laptop to be on the left or back, if they are only on the right you will need a USB extension to connect the cooler). Lastly, you will not need to worry about the noise of the fan, although it is powerful and large, it is very quiet. Quieter than my laptop's internal fan. Thermaltake Massive23 LX Laptop Notebook Cooler Oversized 230mm Blue LED Fan USB CLN0015

This really keeps my Core2Duo laptop running super cool and its also not too loud. It is MUCH better than the targus one that I bought before. I saw a lot of bad reviews on this product so I initially hesitated but I am glad that I got it. I also like the blue light, its a nice touch! Only thing that remains now is to see how it performs over time.

I've ordered this cooling fan to my Asus n61jq, and fix perfect, also have two switch, one to turning on/off the fan, and another one to led.

Very glad with this, I am recommend this to any one to want to buy a notebook fan cooler.

This thing is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! got it under my 17" laptop, and within an hour of running, my laptop was ice cold! It runs quieter than my laptop does, and the blue glow from underneath just gives it an extra kick of awesomeness! its a little smaller than my laptop, but I find this to be a perk as I can store it in my laptop case on the go, Before this product, I had a monstrous Belkin Laptop Cooling Lounge... While it was nice to have the Belkin for propping up higher on my lap, its cooling capabilities can't even compare to the Massive 23x! Absolutely recommend to any laptop user..I also love the extra USB port that it gives me, and the on/off switch for the fan and leds for when it gets to cool, or just don't want the lights on... Storage for the usb cord is very nice as well.. The only CON I can think of really, is the USB cord is a bit long... but I'm sure that will come in handy at some point..

Before I purchased this cooler for my 17" HP Pavilion Entertainment Notebook PC, the lap top would just shut down on its own due to over heating after I had been using it for about an hour give or take. I have been using this cooler now for about a month and there have been only a few times where I have turned off my lap top and the cooler. Otherwise, they are both running 24 hrs a day. At first I didn't think it was going to work because when I turned it on I felt very little air movement. But to my surprise, not once has my lap top shut down on its own, nor do I about scorch my fingers on the exhaust vent on the lap top. In fact the lap top's own cooling fan hardly seems to ever turn on. The metal mesh gets very cool to the touch so that might also have an additional cooling effect on the lap top.



The unit looks very nice, with or without the blue LED lights on and is very quiet. The handles are a great feature.



There is only one reason I don't give it a 5 star. Sometimes I like to use my lap top in bed and therefore if I place it on my lap the intake vents under the unit are blocked by my blankets. So I use a traditional lap top rest to place the cooler on top to give it the space it needs underneath. No big deal to me but it would be nice to see this unit have its own base attached.



So, over all I am very pleased with this purchase and would definitely recommend this product to my friends. Oh, and by the way, delivery was fast. I ordered the cooler on a Sunday with regular shipping and received it by that Friday of the same week. - Laptop Cooling Pad - Laptop Accessories - Laptop Fan - Chill Pad'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Cable Modem


Works great. Easy, hassle-free setup, no software install required, just connect the cables, call your cable company to register the modem over the phone and you're done.



This is the only Energy Star rated cable modem I could find. Power adaptor is compact and electronic--not a brick-- so it doesn't get hot or waste energy. Motorola SURFboard SB5101U DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem - RoHS

This modem was economical and very easy to install. I simply disconnected my old Comcast modem, connected my new Motorola Surfboard modem, and called Comcast to give them my MAC ID (located on the modem). Within five minutes I was connected to the internet with the same great speed!

I purchased this modem to replace my leased Comcast modem because they were going up once again. The setup was easy just plugged it up and called Comcast to give them the mac address. The worst part of the deal is that Com freaking cast has yet to take it off of my bill so hopefully it will be off this month with a credit.



But the modem works great. But I also found that I could have gotten the same modem for a $1 difference from Walmart and not have to wait on the shipping.

After being placed on hold for 10 minutes with technical support, I was informed that Comcast wouldn't activate it because I didn't buy it from an "authorized retailer". The interesting part is that Best Buy is the ONLY authorized retailer. I asked the tech support rep if it's an issue of trust with the Motorola brand (counterfeiting, shoddy equipment, etc...) and he just towed the company line and said, "sir, I'm sorry, but you need to purchase this from Best Buy and not Amazon.com". I was flabbergasted.



As of the writing of this review, Best Buy is offering this same modem for $30 more than Amazon, and Comcast just raised their modem rental fees from $5 to $6.61 in my area. I can't help but wonder what kind of profit sharing setup they've got behind the scenes. This feels like marketplace manipulation, collusion, or some other anti-trust lawsuit waiting to happen.



I'll probably try to call back in another day or two and claim that I bought it from Best Buy. Maybe I caught a tech support rep on a bad day. If not, this modem is getting returned. I just wish Comcast didn't have a monopoly over my cable/internet service -- I'd drop them in a heartbeat.



EDIT: As posted below, I was able to successfully activate the modem via Comcast's Online Chat Support.

This modem rocks. Set up was simple, I plugged it in hit the internet, was redirected to Comcast's web page to register the modem, plugged in my account number followed the prompts and was online in minutes. This replaced an RCA 10mbs modem I was renting from Comcast. I had been having issues with log delays loading pages. Bandwidth speeds tests were coming back at 7-9 mbs on downloads and 1 mbs on uploads. With the Motorola SURFboard SB5101U I jumped to a consistent 18-23 mbs on downloads and 2.5 - 2.9 mbs on uploads, when it comes to computers this is the best $50 I have ever spent!

This review is for Motorola SURFboard SB5101U DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem. I got this because the cable company raised the rental rates on cable modems again. This product is the retail version of the same modem I was renting (a Motorola SURFboard SB5120). The only difference is the rental unit had a standby button on top to disconnect the ethernet or usb output while not disconnecting the cable link - this unit (SB5101) does not have that feature.

This unit has both USB and eternet connections so can be connected to your computer either way. If the USB connection is used, a driver is requiered (included on the CD that comes with the modem). Set up is easy - plug in the cables and power cord, call the cable internet provider and give them the MAC address from the sticker on the bottom of the unit - that's it. It took me less than 10 minutes and has performed flawlessly ever since.

Purchased this modem to replace an older Linksys modem that used to have intermediate problems occasionally slowing the download speed to a crawl. Before calling Comcast to have their rep checking house connections, I decided to give it a try. What a difference it made!

I'm consistently getting the highest download and upload speeds and could not be happier.

This is a good Modem. I simply replaced my Comcast modem with this one. No problems. Just works fine out of the box. It is the same modem comcast rents to you. You must call to register the new modem with Comcast.'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Laser Copy Paper - paper, laser copy paper


I've tried just about every brand out there and This is hands down the best Laser Paper. Text comes out sharp - images smooth. It reliably feeds thru Laser Printers without jams. Both sides are very white and smooth. You can't beat it for 2 sided copying or duplexing.



Don't let the weight fool you - it feels and looks like much heavier stock but will run thru any laser printer - and it's opague enuf for 2 sided printing.



This paper is REALLY designed FOR Laser printers - not just " Laser compatible" - so it withstands the heat without curling, sticking etc. - more importantly it doesn't glug up your laser printer.

All this AND Price is reasonable enuf for daily work. Hammermill Laser Print Copy/Laser Paper, 98 Brightness, 24lb, Letter Size (8.5 x 11), White, 500 Sheets (10460-4)

This is the best paper I have found. I work with and sell documents as part of my job. This is the best paper that works with laser pritners available. The paper is smooth, just the right thickness and even kinda glossy. (some kind of shimmer). The couple of dollars extra per ream is well worth it. I have no complaints. I feel it is wasted on ordinary print out from the web or a draft, I use 20# regular copy paper for that task.

I have used hammermill products in 8.5x11, 11x17 tabloid, and 13x19 art paper in my laser and inkjet printers without a problem. It gets a 5 star rating for these reasons



1 - smooth surface makes for precise printouts that dont blead ink or attract stray toner particles

2 - dust free paper does not contaminate my printers, saves wear and tear, and avoids the fuzz buildup

3 - holds alot of ink on inkjet systems without ripple

4 - comes in a celophane wrapper to further reduce dust emission

5 - edges are cut exactly square and printers which measure the paper (e.g. HP designjet 3200ps) show that the cheaper papers are just a tad oversize by .02 " (e.g. 8.5 x 11 measures by the printer to be 8.52 x 11.02 inches)

so basically they are not going cheap and miscutting their paper which prevents errors on printers that measure squareness of the sheets

6 - waterproofness - while partially a property of the ink, used with pigment inks or laser toner they don't blead color or curl

7 - 24 lb instead of the typical 20 with a polished smooth surface gives reports a quality look and feel, and the 98 brightness is not blinding bright but elegant bright.

8 - seldom if ever do I have a feed problem, while 20lb papers sometimes fanfold up during feed due to lightweight paper. This is true of all 24lb papers, but hammermill just makes a good one that is universally available.



Best deal is here on amazon they are $3.74 less than the office supply store, no tax, and shipped in 2 days with amazon prime to my door saving gas to drive and buy the exact same paper. I highly recommend it for all your printing needs.

I used this paper to print my dissertation; the University had minimum quality qualifications, which this paper met. Both quality and price met my needs, so I ordered it. Even the person whose job it is to check dissertations for binding at the University commented about the quality of the paper and was obviously surprised at the low cost (and he had reviewed a lot of papers that week, trust me). If you have an important print job and want good quality, bright paper at a budget-friendly price, I highly recommend this paper.

I'm very happy with this paper. I wanted something a bit heavier than the usual flimsy paper I can get locally. I send out quite a few business letters & I wanted them to look more on the professional side, this paper definately takes care of that. Not as heavy as card stock, it's just right if you don't want your printed items looking cheap.



Jeanne

[...]

This Hammermill paper is very special because it has a brightness and it's sturdy stock. You'd think this paper should be used for only documents that are going out, but the price is so fair that I use it for internal documents and for everyday use. It is far less likely to get in a laser printer than other stocks, even when the printer is running hot. You can use it for proposals where color is used and quality is necessary. This paper at this price is a fair deal.

This paper conveys quality without seeming too heavy or wasteful.



The silky smooth finish (not glossy) is the best part. It's a little heavier than economy 20 lb paper.



Works nicely in ink jet printers too.



I always have a few reams on hand to use when quality paper matters.



Don't confuse this with "HammerMill® Ultra Premium Laser Paper" which is inexplicably a step down in brightness and smoothness from this paper.

I make hand-bound books. LARGE, EXPENSIVE, CUSTOM-MADE, hand-bound books that take a *very* long time to bind. The principal expense of which (in terms of material) is always the paper. Unless I get a commission that specifically requests a different paper, I generally use this Hammermill acid-free laser print. It's a joy to write on, durable, acid-free and archival. 24# makes it ideal for long-lasting textblocks. Basically a product without parallel for the price and availability. And, trust me, if it's good enough for my books, it's good enough for your printer. Five stars. - Paper - 11 - Laser Copy Paper - 13'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information


Sunbeam Bread Machine - bread baker, sunbeam 5891


Don't let the negative reviews here fool you. This bread machine itself is great, and I can't believe how inexpensive! I picked it up for under $40 at Walmart only to see it is now $34 here on Amazon. It makes 1.5 or 2 lb loaves, has a jam setting, a "raisin beep" (signal to add fresh fruit and other ingredients during the second kneading), bake only (like cakes) and dough only (to mix in machine then bake in oven). Also has up to 13 hour delay so you can wake or come home to fresh bread.



It's the recipes that come in the booklet that are bad. They all have way too much yeast, which is a classic cause of fallen loaves. I can't imagine how they came up with recipes with so much yeast! To see what I mean, Sunbeam has all their bread machine instruction manuals available online at http://www.sunbeam.com/manualsearch.aspx?PCId=3



ANYhoo, I strongly suggest that if you've never made bread by hand before, pick up a good all-inclusive intro to bread machine baking book that includes recipes (I think Better Homes and Gardens and Betty Crocker both have well-rated ones on Amazon). Usually the front of these books include bread baking basics, regardless of whether you are using a machine. The booklets that come with bread machines have only a few very basic recipes anyway, like a crockpot instruction book. This machine is a sturdy, capable tool to use with a descent book. It's too bad the included free one is a dud!



Things to remember: you MUST measure carefully, even more so than with other baking. Don't use dry measure cups to measure your liquid ingredients. Fresh yeast AND flour are a must. Know that adding/substituting in yeast bread recipes is not as "OK" as with other baking.



Also, know that any bread machine is not as much of a "fix it and forget it" walk-away tool as a crock pot (at least, not if you want a perfect loaf every time). You need to check the dough during the second knead cycle to make sure it isn't too wet or dry (which will depend on the weather!). You may have to scrape the sides of the pan, or add additional ingredients (like fruit) later in the cycle. The bread machine is aimed at taking the physical labor out of breadmaking, and also conveniently bake in the same pan. Technically, the same can be accomplished with a heavy-duty mixer and a good oven.

Not having owned a bread machine before, I did my online research and decided to try a reasonably priced "good-enough tester" machine... Well, I'm VERY glad that I decided to purchase this "more-than-good-enough" model!



This particular model is fairly quiet while in operation, beeps after the 1st rest to indicate that it's time to add the nuts/raisins, etc., and beeps after the baking cycle is completed (if the bread is not removed from the machine as soon as it's done, it might lose moisture during the auto keep-warm cycle). I've twice made the following recipe with pine nuts and twice made raisin-pistachio bread (from "the Big Book of Bread Machine Recipes")--delicious.



The best part about this machine baking process is that it's not at all difficult in any way. Here is the typical baking process: Warm the liquid in a glass measuring cup in a microwave, stir in the salt/honey/sugar/butter in the warm liquid, pour the mixture into the baking pan, place the pan on the scale, adjust the scale to zero, add the required flour (1 cup flour = 4 to 4.5 oz), level the flour, add the yeast, twist to lock the pan into the breadmaker, plug in the breadmaker, select the crust color (best to try the "Light" color first), select the baking setting, after about 5 min. check the dough and add water/flour if necessary (very important step), remove the bread to a cooling rack as soon as it's done, then wipe the baking pan when it's cool enough. (It's helpful to have a portable timer on you to remind you to remove the bread, wherever you might be.)



The clean up is SO MINIMAL that the bread tastes just that much better! And, whenever we want oven-baked loaves, I'd simply use the breadmaker's dough cycle to lessen the clean up and do the rest as usual.



However, there are some negative aspects related to this bread machine:

1. The user manual is very uninformative for a new user, so don't even bother. Instead, buy "The BIG Book of Bread Machine Recipes" by Donna Rathmell German (on Amazon; 600 recipes from 5 of her bread machine cookbooks) or other bread machine cookbooks and rest assured that the resulting loaves will be enjoyable and varied.



2. On my machine, I had to make sure to select the "light" color, else the loaf gets too brown/too thick crusted.



3. So far, all 4 loaves have slightly caved/sunken/deflated as soon as the baking cycle kicked in. Although the loaves are just slightly sunken, and the appearance and taste were not affected in any way, I will try using less liquid than normal (for a firmer dough) or less yeast (to slow the dough expansion process for this machine) to prevent the sunken look next time.



Useful tips for new bread machine user:

1. Get a dependable scale, instant-read thermometer, and a liquid measuring cup--approximations might not work well when you're new at using bread machines.



2. For the basic cycle, if baking the bread right away, you can just place all the ingredients right into the baking pan regardless of the liquid-first order stated on the manual.



3. If adding additional flour/liquid to the baking pan, add carefully. Any spilled gunk on the bread machine's bottom or heating element might take some scrubbing if baked in.



4. If additional kneading time is desired, just stop and restart the machine for additional gluten development/knead time.



5. For the initial confidence-building 2-pound loaf, try this tested recipe (might have to set your Sunbeam to "Light" color): 1 1/3 cups milk and/or water, 2 tb honey/sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 2 tablespoons butter, 4 cups bread flour (I used Gold Medal unbleached all-purpose), 1 1/2 teaspoons active yeast, 1/4 - 1/3 cup of pine nuts/other chopped nuts (optional). Remember to check the dough consistency after about 5 minutes and add liquids/flour if too wet or too dry.



6. If the bread dough is over-rising at the top of the bake pan, either:

a. simply scoop some dough carefully off the top, put the extra dough in a greased baking vessel of suitable size. Let dough rise a bit in the oven with the pilot light on, take dough out, preheat the oven at 350F-375F, spray some water in the oven to encourage crust formation, and then bake until the top is golden brown (internal temp. of about 180F to 200F); bake the other portion in the bread machine as usual; -OR-



b. remove dough from the machine completely-- separate the dough into two greased baking vessels of suitable size. Let dough rise a bit in the oven with the pilot light on, take dough out, preheat the oven at 350F-375F, spray some water in the oven to encourage crust formation, and then bake until the top is golden brown (internal temp. of about 180F to 200F).



7. Store bread in the freezer for fresh-tasting bread any time: divide the bread into serving portions, place in Ziplock bag(s) and store in the freezer; defrost (in the bag) in room temperature (or wrap the bread in a moist paper towel and microwave for a few seconds) before devouring. Make life even easier--bake extra loaves and freeze them.



Conclusion: If you like the taste of "just-baked" breads, but don't like the messy cleanups and the typical baking-related efforts => well, this one is worth the try, and it is worth the price. Just remember to get a big bread machine recipe book and enjoy all the possibilities. Great machine (and great book)! - Sunbeam 5891 - Baking - Great Value - Bread - Sunbeam - Bread Baker'


Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information