Saturday, 8 October 2011

Vacuum Fittings - dust, fittings


Works just as advertised. Clear Woodstock 4" hose fits over it easily yet snugly, easily tightened with wire hose clamps. Adequately durable, as once it is in place it is not going to take a beating if connected to flexible hose. All of these that I have ordered have had some flashing where Y is fitted to straight section. Easily removed by drilling along seam in several places with 1/8 drill bit, snapping off excess with pliers, cleaning up with coarse half round file. Takes 1-2 minutes per Y fitting. At $6.30 with free shipping I doubt this price can be beaten, and I have looked around. Woodstock W1015 4-Inch Y-Fitting - Dust Collection - Dust - Vacuum Fittings - Fittings'


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Hp Pavillion Ac Adapter


This adapter comes in two pieces: (1) A simple three-prong cord that attaches to the wall; and (2) an AC adapter that accepts the wall cord and connects to the laptop.



The wall cord is pretty shoddy. The rubber is very stiff and doesn't bend easily. After using this adapter for only two weeks, the rubber wrapping the cord has come disconnected from the plug and there's about a 1/4-inch gap where I can see the underlying wired (themselves wrapped in rubber, so it's not a shock hazard). Also, because of the stiffness of this cord, it doesn't coil well. In fact, I'm pretty sure my twice-daily coiling of the cord is the reason it came apart like it did.



But I'm not really worried about the wall cord. It uses a standard PC connector to attach to the AC adapter, so it's functionally identical to all other PC power cords. I have a thousand of those cords lying around, so I'm not worried.



On the other hand, the AC adapter (with its own smaller cord for connecting to the laptop) is much better. It uses a softer, more flexible rubber, and I expect it to be much more durable.



-------------



EDIT:



Okay, it's been a few more weeks, and this power cord is really falling apart. After just one month of use, there are bare copper wires showing through the cracks. I'm going to have to order another replacement. How annoying. New Adapter for Hp Compatible with 402018-001 Dc359a Ppp09h 380467-003 Hp-0k065b13 Lf 65w Laptop Ac Power Adapter

Bought this product about 6 months ago, works fine but the cord going into the wall and into the power-pack falling apart. Wires exposed on both ends, poor construction/quality and now a safety hazard. No problems with the seller, shipping ect.. Just a poor Product.

Believe it, folks. This item stopped working after three months (almost to the day!). I use my computer every day but I do not abuse the cord. In fact, I took extra care with this cord because I wanted it to last longer than it did. I needed a quick, cheap fix when I bought it and this fit the bill. I would recommend you spend a little extra and get the real thing. If you end up replacing the cord more than once you'll spend the same amount anyway. You might as well start out right.

This cable started coming apart after 3 days of normal use. Now it does not work at all. I now wish that I would have purchased the somewhat higher priced HP name-brand cable. It's been a while since I've been this disappointed in a purchase.

just got this a couple days ago and so far it charges and does not catch fire. Good deal for the money including shipping. There were cheaper options but they looked sketchy or had bad reviews. Fast shipping.

The AC adapter for my laptop listed this exact part model replacement. I ordered it expedited 2 day shipping on a Monday- got it the following Friday. Plugged it into the wall, then into my laptop. It worked for about 1 minute, then my computer alerted me it was no longer charging. Smelled something burning, looked down, and the AC adapter was, I kid you not, melting on my floor. Usually with these cheap, temporary power supplies I have issues with the cord breaking down within a couple weeks. I have NEVER had a problem where the adapter literally burns out and melts. Got the same product from another vendor, and it is still working 2 months later. Maybe it was a faulty product, but I didn't want to risk any further damage (hello $200 professional carpet cleaner), especially not to my laptop.

I purchased the New Adapter for Hp Compatible with 402018-001 Dc359a Ppp09h 380467-003 Hp-0k065b13 Lf 65w Laptop Ac Power Adapter for my daughters HP Pavillion dv6700. She plugged it in and a loud "pop" sound was heard and then...no more laptop...fried, kaput, muerto...



Oh, but I did get a $10.90 refund for the adapter....yipeeeee!!!!!



So with money a little tight. We had to buy another laptop for our daughter for her second year in college. Thanks for your "client centered" customer service Amazon.'


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Kindle Lighted Leather Cover - book light, kindle lighted cover


I've noticed that like myself customers have been concerned primarily with two things regarding the new lighted case from amazon. These are: 1)The weight and 2) The uneven lighting. My review will briefly discuss these two things.



1)The Weight - The lighted leather case is a nice weight, sturdy and comfortable to hold. In ounces it is about the weight of the kindle itself however don't let that concern you. With the case on it feels like a medium sized paperback, however it is far much more comfortable to hold. It's easy to hold the case open like a book (nice for couch and table type reading) or to fold the front back and close it with the bungee so that the bungee doesn't hang around (this is good for bedtime reading).Closing the front back with bungee keeps the case folded in position and you don't have to worry about it bothering you. BTW THIS CASE FOLDS BACK 100% - Very comfortable. In sum very comfortable to read with the case and very sturdy.



2) The uneven lighting - Amazon's pictures don't do this case justice. The light hits the ENTIRE screen. Yes if you look closely it's brighter in the top right corner then in the bottom left but Amazon's pics make it look the top is lighted while the bottom is dark. There is good light all over the screen. Trust me I'm fussy about these things - the lighting will not bother you, your entire screen will be lighted and it is extremely pleasant to read in the dark.



*Final Thoughts - Great case, good quality, works well, kindle feels very secure and protected (I would feel comfortable slipping this case into my backpack or suitcase and I think it would sustain some mild impact). Lastly hinges are a non-issue, casing of the kindle will not get damaged with normal or even slightly aggressive use. You could damage the kindle by trying to pull the back of the case but you'd have to really force it to cause any sort of damage to your kindle. The hinges work fine and should not be a concern to any case user.



Update 1st December 2010:



Have now been using the case for 3 months. Leather still looks impeccable. Some people expressed concern that the bungee cord might loosen with use. I have not experienced any loosening so far. Quality of the product has proven outstanding. I've occasionally spilled or messed the cover, just a wipe with a damp cloth has cleaned it up, and the case looks like new. Have to admit I enjoy the feel of the case in my hand, there's just something great about taking your kindle to a coffee shop in this case, it just looks and feels so classy. Also with regard to the hinges: I have had no scratches on my kindle or any other issues, so I remain convinced that the hinges are a non issue. Kindle Lighted Leather Cover, Black (Fits 6" Display, Latest Generation Kindle)

I was hesitant to buy this cover mostly due to the pictures in its listing, which seem to show a light that doesn't even extend to the opposite corner. The fact that I have not been impressed with the Amazon's Kindle covers in the past didn't help. I went ahead and purchased it because the cover I wanted isn't available yet and I don't like to take my Kindle out and about without a cover. Now I am glad that I went ahead and bought it.



PROS:



1. The light is much better than I thought it would be. Using it in a darkened room I found that the light did the job very well. In a pitch black room, it performs even better. While the screen corner opposite the light is a bit dimmer than other areas, there is no problem reading the page at all.



2. The light gets its power from the Kindle itself, through the gold-plated hinges which attach it to the cover, so batteries are a thing of the past. When your Kindle goes to sleep, the light will go out as well. It will also turn off when you slide it back into the case.



3. The cover is slim, well-fitted and very easy to attach and detach using the hinges. The inside has good padding. The leather outer surface has a nice pebbled texture with the exception of a smooth area along the edge of the front. While stiff enough to protect the reader, the cover is slight flexible and the front easily folds behind when reading so you can hold your Kindle with one hand if you like.



4. A great plus is that the cover has an elastic cord that fits into a groove on the front of it. This holds your cover closed (unlike the original Kindle 2 cover that would flop open in your purse & let things slide into it) and easily distinguishes the front from the back--important as many owners of the Kindle 2 cover accidentally opened it from the back, which could cause cracking along the Kindle's spine.





CONS:



I haven't found any, really. The light Is a bit hard (stiff) to pull out of the cover, but then you wouldn't want it to be flopping out when you don't want to use it so that is more of a Pro than a Con.



The one concern I do have is about pulling the light in and out--I wonder if whatever wiring or conductor that is used to get the power from the hinges to the light will eventually break. But that is something to find out down the road. Right now, the more I use this cover, the more I like it. - Kindle 3 Covers - Book Light - Kindle Lighted Cover - Kindle Accessory'


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Yoga Mats - manduka, yoga mat


So, i'm new to Yoga and wanted a quality mat. I weight in at 325lbs and stand over 6'3 (football player build) so I was looking for something with good knee support. I bought the Eco mat and this one, promptly returned the Eco mat. I am a serious consumer and research every purchase to the point of silliness.. I did experience the slipping when I first started, then my instructor suggested to scrub off the shipping film ( much like manduka recommends) - No more slipping.... Support of the is mat is really awesome (knees feel great in child pose or other knee intensive poses), grip is great ( I practice with a towel since i'm a sweaty one), and the length is just right. Not sure why people dislike the bag- There are 2 compartments, maybe they are trying to stuff the mat in the wet clothes side...? Anyways- I love the bag, works great, fits my large shoulders... I usually go for coffee and the market after practice, carry this mat and bag the entire time- Since im a dude and sort of stacked, I dont even notice the weight..... Any questions? Also remember to roll it up with the floor side to the inside of the roll- That way when you unroll it, it will not curl at the ends.... Also if you care about status- I dont know what the hell i'm doing at yoga, but people do notice and comment on my awesome mat- Where did you get it? they say...... :) Manduka Black Mat Pro Yoga Package, Graphite, 85 Inch Mat

Padding: 5 stars. The mat is thick and provides an excellent amount of cushioning. You should never need to fold it.



Traction: 1 star. The mat provides excellent traction... until you start to sweat. I've read elsewhere that this is supposed to improve as the mat is broken in, but how long is that supposed to take? I've tried accelerating the break-in through washing and scrubbing (as recommended in the included instructions), but I haven't observed even the slightest improvement in traction while wet over the weeks that I've been using the mat. Just how long am I expected to slip and slide through my workouts?



I currently work around the traction issue by placing towels where I set my hands and feet. The towels still shift and bunch up, though, which forces me to stop and reset them numerous times over the course of a workout. Maybe wearing socks and gloves would work better, but I'm not thrilled with the idea.

I've owned the mat for about a month now and in that time it has performed just as I hoped it would. The mat is very sturdy, yet provides enough cushion that I never feel like my knees or my sit bones are pressing against the hard floor beneath the mat. Being 6 feet tall, I needed the extra length. I use every bit of it too, without ever feeling like I don't have enough room. I just want to say one thing about the grip of this mat. The mat does not absorb moisture at all. It's not meant to have grip when it's wet. That's why you need a skidless towel if you're going to be doing the kind of yoga that makes you sweat. Otherwise, the mat has excellent grip. Much better than those cheapo 20 dollar mats.



I highly recommend this mat for people that want top quality. If you prefer a mat that is not top quality, and don't mind if it degrades over time, stretches a little bit when you are in down dog, and isn't quite as sturdy, then this mat isn't for you.



Cheers

The mat is thick and durable. At 85", it is quite long and touching the floor surrounding the mat is not required for just about all poses. It feels like it would be indestructible with any normal usage. It is a little slippery at first, however a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and some dr bronner's soap and it became very sticky. I have not found it to be an issue with regular usage. The mat sack is a perfect complement to the mat, with a large compartment that easily holds my shorts, shirt, a strap, a full sized equa towel, a hand equa towel and a water bottle. The only way it could be better is if it had a compartment for a block, but that's not really an issue. Yes, this kit is a bit pricey, but it feels like it will last forever and having quality gear can really help motivate you to use it more often. Would recommend to anyone having more than a passing interest in yoga.

I tried it 3 times. Each time i was sliding off of it the whole class. I tried washing it down with vinegar and water, it didn't help. Also, i felt like i could have been laying directly on the hardwood floor. It is thick but the material is so dense that it doesn't give at all. Finally, it weighs a ton, which i could have dealt with if it was a great mat that i loved, but as you can see it wasn't. The one good thing i will say is the length was great, I'm 6' tall and i loved that about it.

I just traded it in for the Jade one, i got it yesterday and just played around with it on the living room floor for a few minutes, it seems great! With good cushion and very sticky, plus i love the bright red color!

I read all of the reviews, and the two issues with this mat are true, but they can be overcome with patience. Yes it is heavy; mine weighs exactly 8.97 pounds, a little more than the product's spec.I am 6' 2", stretch off of the gym's mats, so I wanted this 85" 5-star rated mat, regardless of the effort I planned to go thru to get it ready for my 1st practice.Mat did have an odor and odors give me a big headache. I left it unrolled in the garage (odor was too powerful for me to keep in the house). After 2 months the odor was still noticeable when lying on the mat, but I was able to start practicing with it. Odor was totally gone in 4 months (leaving it unrolled after every practice).Mat initially was slippery when wet and since I sweat a lot I decided to clean it as suggested once a week for the 2 months before 1st practice with it (don't clean the Manduka sticker, it will come off). Also as suggested I left it outside during the day three times to help quicken the breakdown the film. After the initial 2 months break-in I finally had a great mat, now that it has been another 6 months, it is an excellent mat.I have a mat for life, one that I am stable when doing Tree , one that is long and wide enough for me, without any odors , is non-slip, and cushioned. What more can I ask for? - Manduka - P90x - Yoga - Yoga Mat'


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Victorinox Swiss Army


I recently ordered the Alliance Tachymeter Chronograph with black dial and have been very pleased with the quality of this watch. If it had "Omega" on the dial, it would also have a $2000+ price tag.But for $255, nothing comes close to this watch. The hidden clasp is a feature usually associated with premium brands...but there it is...and it works very nicely.The polished and brushed band looks incredible as it flows into the case. The only...fault(?)...is the lack of a screw-down crown...but at the ridiculously low price, you can't go wrong. Swiss Army Men's Chrono Classic Watch #241122

Just received it. Very quick shipment from Jomashop. Thing's built like a tank, but is still sleek and comfortable. Very clear and legible. Amazon pictures are pretty much right on (on the black model anyway). Nothing gaudy, just a classy but rugged every day wear kinda watch. Fit and finish of this watch is quite impressive. No screw down crown, but that really doesn't bother me. Looking forward to beating on the sapphire crystal to see what it can take. The hands are luminous and sufficiently bright, not tritium bright though. Kinda wish they would have applied the luminescent treatment to the numbers, no biggie though. Anyone the least bit familiar with a clock can tell what time it is with the lit markers. All the hands almost perfectly align with numbers and markers. Chronograph functions flawlessly. Bracelet is stout, but the double clasp deal takes a bit of getting used to, but it'll never come undone inadvertently. My first swiss watch and I think I got what I paid for. Victorinox is a very underrated brand. Especially for this price. You won't be disappointed.

I just bought this watch a few days back and chose the free shipping. It came within 4 days. First off, this watch is $[...] at Macy's and Saks but here on Amazon it's only $315. So immediately after buying this watch you saved yourself $[...] plus taxes you would have paid in your brick and mortar store. So at 8% tax which is typical it would leave you with an actual cost to you at $[...]. Paying only $315 I can't argue with the price. The stop watch function is really simple to use and the black background makes it very easy to read. When I got it this morning I had to recalibrate the chronograph because the second hand was going to random places when I reset it. I went on youtube and found a video explaining how to recalibrate the watch. Now it is perfect. If you are thinking about buying this watch my advice to you is stop thinking and click add to cart.

Awesome watch. Stylish, exclusive, non-cliched, non-Tag and non bank breaking. Everything you could ask for in a watch. And it was delivered very quickly even though Im in Oz and I think the company are in the US.



Very happy.

I actually got the 251403 model which is 99% the same, with only 2 differences as far as I can tell (the Victorinox logo and the decorative plate around the watch face are stainless steel as opposed to red and black in this model).

First impressions - this watch is heavy and the quality is stunning. Compared to my old watch, the wrist band is literally 3 times thicker. The watch itself weighs a lot too, but you get used to it quickly and it's not uncomfortable.

The watch keeps very accurate time. I haven't tested this rigorously, but it seems like it's not off by more than a second a week.

Overall - an awesome watch!

The photos of the watch do not do it justice. It is very dramatic in person, truly stunning actually! I love the weight and feel of it, both on my wrist and just holding it in my hands. It feels as if it's indestructible. The sapphire crystal is amazing, I've bumped it into all kinds of surfaces and it still looks like it did the day I took it out of the box. You can't go wrong with this watch!!!

I bought this about a year ago and I have nothing but good to say about it. I have banged the face a couple times and there is literally not a scratch on it. A very submariner looking watch for about 10% of the Rolex price. Very heavy feel but ultra comfortable. Great weekend watch!'


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Portable Speakers


I was hesitatant to buy these speakers because they only had one review. Boy, am I glad i got them. They are amazing. I have a Bose wave, and both my husband and I think that the quality is just as good. If you are looking for a great pair of speakers at a great price, this is the one you want! iLuv iMM747 Audio Cube Hi-Fidelity Speaker Dock for iPad, iPad 2, iPhone and iPod (Black)

This is the first Apple dock I have bought. It works great with our family's iPods, iTouch, iPad and even our iPhone4's. Recharges the devices as well as plays music. Controls are simple, with only 5 buttons + on/off on the front. Just what you need and no more. It's size is the same - just big enough for an iPad + 2 small speakers, and no more. (I love electronics with space-efficient design). Sound is excellent for such small speakers. I'm definitely ordering at least one more after Christmas.

This is by far the best product I have used for the iPhone. It's has the best sounding speakers for such an off-brand. The fidelity is almost like the Bose Wave radio. This is a simple device that has power, volume and charging. It has a sync USB pass through also if you want to use it with a computer, and it has an Aux in if you want to add another audio device like a stero or CD player to it. It has a free iphone app that is bug free (unlike the iHome) I love the iphone app its just awesome. I can't say enough about this. I plugged in an iphone 4, 3g, 3gs, iPad, and 1st Gen touch and all worked great and the app did too. Buy this for a great gift. You will not regret it. ILUV IT!!!

So here I am, opening about the 5th set of speakers designed for iPod and Iphones. And who would have guessed? Up pops the message about compatibility with the iPhone, this time with a slight twist. The message said something about not being optimized for use with the iphone. So, it turns out not to be the ideal solution I was waiting for. But I'm tired of returning these things, so on the shelf it will stay. A glorified charger is essentially what it is.



But it has nice sound. It doesn't come with a handful of adapters like most. It stays in place by a unique sliding backplate, thjat seems to keep the iP### solid and secure.



Haven't tried the feature of plugging it directly into a PC and have it sync with iTunes from its spot on the dock.



So, although it's lacking some nice features, like an alarm clock, you can use a free app to display the time and set an alarm.



It does sound rather nice at reasonable volumes, and the controls are visible, which I couldn't say about the Altec Lansing that got sent back. Altec Lansing inMotion Max IMT702 Speaker System for iPod and iPhone (Black).



So I give it an average rating with an extra star for sound quality, and maybe a star for being closer to what

i wanted than so many other, and maybe half a star for the lack of PITA adapters. It fits with a case or cover on the phone.



The end result: sounds good with decent bass; attractive design, easy to fit multiple iPods with or without case, and usable controls, with no remote to lose.



I am pleased but certainly not overwhelmed with joy over this purchase. Tunes from Chris Botti and Michael Buble are smooth and easy to listen to. Worth $100, no, but acceptable for $80 in a GB deal. Overall I approve of this purchase.

Although advertised as an iPad compatible audio output device, it does not work with the iPad. I did not test it with the iPod or the iPhone. When the iPad is plugged in there is no sound output from the speakers, and a message appears on the iPad screen that "This accessory is not compatible with the iPad."



I found that a pair of inexpensive computer speakers (especially ones with an input jack) work very well and give me very adequate sound. I have to have a separate charger plugged in if I want to charge the iPad at the same time. However, that solution works, these speakers do not.

Better than I could have hoped wanted a nitestand charging dock s[eaters a bonus turns out sound quality is better than the$200 bluetooth speakers I purchased and although cannot equal volume quality for the price rivals $1800 Sony Home theatre speakers. Little to no distortion of bass even on bass heavy hip hop, cannot find a product to equal this for under$100. Nice you can sync/backup without removing from dock, HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR IPAD!!!!

After getting ipad 2 wanted to get a sound system for all the music we added-and the one

on the APPLE site was a bit too expensive (or so we thought) got this...was excited as it was

pretty lightweight/compact...hooked it up-immediately you'll notice is a pain in the backside to

plug it in (every time you have to struggle to get it hooked up and be so very very careful)-the sound

wasn't that bad when it stayed on. We used it two times for a few minutes each and it kept cutting out...the third time it just didn't work-period. Didn't even

turn on. Save your money and go for a little more quality which we should have done in the first place. You

shouldn't have to BATTLE the connections every single time you put it on there and believe me you will. Its extremely fragile.

We are returning it in the morning since it doesn't work at all-expensive JUNK sad to say. Going back to the

APPLE site and hope we can find something else since Amazon isn't offering much else right now.

I was very pleased with this purchase. It did exactly what it was designed to do although not terribly impressed with sound quality (I did not buy this item for great sound). All was well until it broke...3 weeks after purchase and not returnable by seller's policy. The docking system would not engage with my iPad making this item worthless.

We were very pleased with our purchase of the iLuv speaker dock. It was all that the other reviews stated. The sound is full and rich. It fully supports the iPad and the iTouch as well. We also went to test others a a mall and they could not compare.'


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Digital Slr - sling, digital slr


After some extensive research and try-ons, Case Logic SLRC-205 Camera Sling Bag is my current favorite bag to carry my small DSLR (Olympus E-620) and two lenses (one attached to the body).



Case Logic must have a great design team that cares. They seem to put a lot of attention on the design that not only looks good, but also very utilitarian. They keep improving the holder for the camera body with a lens attached in their camera back, the latest hammock design exhibits that. It's a very simple design that will suit various camera configuration. Such effort deserve to be praised.



It's a pleasure to carry this bag. Weight distribution of a sling bag is crucial, as the load is stressed on one shoulder (in this case, left, and there's no right shoulder option as noted by another reviewer). However, Case Logic SLRC-205 feels like feather when I put it on me with the bag fully loaded (~5 lbs. of equipment).



In the main compartment, I have put an Olympus E-620 (around the size of Canon XSi/T1i) with Zuiko 14-45mm II (3.5" long, 3" diam.) attached with hood reversed. It still has some room at the bottom to store my 50mm macro lens if desired. However, I squeezed my Giottos large rocket Blower Giottos in. It's a tight fit for that configuration. A larger camera body may have a hard time getting in without removing the neck strap. I had the quick release plate of my tripod attached to the bottom of the camera and it's a tight fit, but no problem. There is no problem in term of horizontal space.



In the extra lens pocket I was able to put a Zuiko 50-200mm in (6 1/4" long, 3.5" diam.) with its gigantic hood reversed and tripod holder attached, which makes it around 5 1/4" wide, and the pocket still has some room to spare. The nice little touch about that pocket is it has an elastic band near the bottom. I forgot to zip the bag up once, after I changed my lens, and that elastic band held the lens closer to the bag, saved my precious lens from an irreversible disaster (though a smaller lens might have felt through, so don't bet your life on it, but it's a nice contingency design).



There is also a spare pocket for small things like memory cards, battery and trinkets (I also put lens cleaning pens inside). It is more accessible than the side pocket, which is blocked by the tripod holder. My other gripe about that side pocket is it's not deep enough for a standard novel-size camera manual. I just wish there is one non-flat type pocket dedicated for larger item such as the rocket blower, and some pen holders for my lens pens. A cellphone/iPod holder on the shoulder strap would be a nice touch.



There is a filter pocket! I love the design team. They were able to squeeze so many features in a compact bag, and all except the side pocket mentioned are readily accessible when you swing the back to the front, without having to take the bag off (which is the shortcoming of a backpack style bag). The two filter nets inside it hold 67mm filters fine, though the smaller one is better suited for a 58mm filter.



The tripod holder is wonderful. I have a full-size aluminum tripod (Dolica 62" Proline with Ballhead) retracted and stored in its dedicated tripod bag. Using the two Velcro closure, the tripod was piggybacked onto the back and doesn't shift around. The tripod is longer than the sling so I won't carry a tripod that way to a crowded place. However it's nice to free your hand if you're hiking.



The shoulder strap is very comfortable and well padded. The length control is a bit weird. Instead of that plastic thing you would loop around twice, you pull the extra strap to the desired length and then roll it up like an omelet, then fasten it with a Velcro strap. I prefer the traditional plastic loop (when done right, the loop is actually more secure).



The interior padding is okay only. It's not super thick, but should be okay for minor impact. The part I'm more worried about is the spare lens pocket, as it's more exposed. Main compartment should endure concoction more. The interior material is made of high quality nylon. It feels smooth and I don't believe it'll scratch the equipment (just don't rub the lens glass with it).



There are handles tactically placed. I don't feel the content will fall out when using them. While the zippers secure the bags well, but the main compartment's zipper could be smoother when zipped around the corner.



Minor gripe. Though Case Logic team deserves the recognition, but I wish the logo can be a little more low profile. It's not gigantic or hideous, but when I see the sunshine logo, I know who made the bag already. The way it is put now, it looks like a camera bag, which is not something I like to flaunt about (i.e., rob me!). I also wish the side pocket and the main compartment have a more joint look, so it looks more like a regular sling bag. As of now, the main compartment looks alarmingly like a camera holster.... A discreet, understated design is the best attention grabber.



Overall, it's a very well-designed bag for a small DSLR with two lenses. Importantly, it is in a compact design with good ergonomics and holds all the crucial items. I just wish Case Logic design team could add one more pocket for lens cleaning supply, or perhaps one pocket for iPod/cellphone on the shoulder strap. Case Logic team deserves the praise.



Pros:

- Holds many gears in a small package

- Good built material

- Holds weight but doesn't weigh down

- Well thought-out design perks

- Very accessible pockets

- Excellent value



Cons:

- Needs one more pocket for non-flat items

- Exterior design could be slightly more discreet

- No pocket for camera manual Case Logic SLRC-205 SLR Camera Sling (Black) - Camera Case - Photography - Sling - Digital Slr'


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Ipod Killer - ipod killer, sandisk


As humans, we sometimes tend to personify our gadgets. Having witnessed the phenomenon in others, I'm happy to see I'm not the only one (a psychologist could explain it better, but it probably stems from our post-toddler, invisible friend/stuffed animal days, but no matter). So if this little MP3 player could speak, I reckon it would probably say something like, "Hi there! I know I'm not as full-blooded as an iPod Touch or as sleekly designed as an iPod Nano, but I'll work real hard to make you happy. Honest!"



First, a bit of history: I've owned iPods since late 2003 when I bought a spanking new 15 GB third generation iPod. Back then, smart phones had yet to come of age and if you wanted a high-capacity MP3 player, Apple were just about the only game in town. It helped matters immensely that my iPod was so well constructed since I used it day in, day out for five years until it finally died and I replaced it with a fourth generation iPod Nano. That Nano sure *seemed* solid enough (what with its sleek, anodized aluminum body and all) but a mere year-and-a-half later it fell apart faster than Joan Crawford in a wire hanger factory (see "Mommie Dearest" for an explanation of that analogy). With hopes held high for an amazing sixth generation Nano, I balked at the rather stripped-down feature set and the tiny, nigh-unusable touch screen.



So, off a-shopping I did go.



Since Sony didn't appear to make a Mac-friendly Walkman, I opted to punt, snapping up the newly released Sansa Fuze+ (black, 8BG capacity). I'd known about -- and respected -- Sansa players for years as affordable and worthy iPod competitors, so this seemed the best available option. Whether consciously or not, SanDisk are filling a huge void in the marketplace right now caused by the absence of last year's multi-purpose fifth generation Nano (and as a student, I really, really needed its now long-gone voice recorder feature badly).



To define the negatives of this particular player: as many reviewers have pointed out, the Fuze+'s touch-sensitive interface can be a bit unresponsive at times and over-responsive at others. The GUI isn't anywhere near as intuitive as anything Apple could have designed. Furthermore, the industrial design is rather plain and the plastic is easily scratched (HINT: rub any scratches that appear on plastic with Brasso and a clean, lint-free cloth; after several minutes, it clears them right up -- promise!). That said...



Onto the positives: the sound quality from this thing is amazing -- rich and full! I've run battery tests only to have my jaw hit the floor when power usage on my unit clocked in at a WHOPPING 53 hours for 128 kbps MP3s and 30 hours for 256 kbps AAC files. This in itself is an astonishing discovery, particularly having come from the notoriously power-hungry iPod realm. This little fellow plays video beautifully, although the screen's visual "sweet spot" is at a slightly off-centre angle when watching a movie in Landscape mode. Also, it's got a voice recorder -- a good one -- that uses the unit's incredibly wee, shockingly responsive built-in microphone. While the Fuze+ won't win any beauty contests, it is enough for me to say that it *is* solidly constructed, having already dropped it several times without so much as scratching it (Brasso time!).



I give this player a solid recommendation -- especially (way) over the current iPod Nano -- keeping in mind that it is still quite new and there *are* flaws. However, SanDisk seems to really care about their customers, listening to their concerns and working hard to iron out the kinks. Their Website support forums are a good place to go for advice, especially considering that by buying any new first-generation product, you're essentially signing up to be a Beta tester.



It just comes with the territory, folks. Sansa Fuze+ 4 GB MP3 Player (Black)

I understand that many people are not great when it comes to touch controls. With that said, this product will not be for everyone. For me personally, I have no issues with touch control. When I bought this mp3 player, I immediately upgraded the firmware via Sansa Updater (which I highly recommend you do). They are constantly releasing updates for their mp3 players to make them better. Their latest firmware update improves the responsiveness of the touch controls. So if you are having problems with it, make sure you update your firmware to see if that will help.



Audio wise, this mp3 player is a beast! Way better than my original Sansa Fuze. It can get very loud. I mainly use Rhapsody with it and there are absolutely no problems with it. The only thing that slightly bothers me is that it puts a white border around the album art if its not big enough. But thats easy to get used to. The radio player on here is amazing also. You can even record broadcasts. I have yet to use the voice recorder, but I may try it out today for a class lecture.



I do not use the Sansa Fuze+ for videos, photos, or podcasts so I cannot comment on those aspects. But I assume that if they are like any of the other features, it is pretty good.



Overall, I give this a 8/10.



Pros:

-Audio is a beast!

-Painless Rhapsody sync

-Great radio player

-microSD expansion slot



Cons:

-Touch controls takes a little time to get used to

-Cheap, plastic feel

-White border around album art that is too small - Sandisk - Ipod Killer - Blueproton - Sansa'


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Garmin Nuvi 265wt - garmin nuvi 260w, car charger


Even though this charger is quite expensive than other ones, I still got this because of Garmin brand. I was not disappointed - it works great like original charger. Don't bother spending money on cheap charger, it would suggest that you spend a few extra dollars to get this one - works perfectly. Garmin Nuvi Car Charger 12V Adapter 200 200W 205 205W 215T 250 250W 255 255w 260 260W 265T 265W 265WT 270 275T 300 310 350 360 370 500 510 550 Colorado 300 400c 400i 400t Streetpilot i2 i3 i5 Edge 605 705

Not too much to say here--it's just a charging cord! I bought it after the original DC charging cord that came with my Nuvi 255W was damaged. This new cord is perfectly compatible with my Nuvi and appears to be a little sturdier than the original cord I received with my device.

For a trip involving a rental car, I took my Garmin Nuvi. I didn't want to remove and disassemble my dash mount, so I got an extra car charger and suction cup mount. No worries, I was ready. This is the real deal, just like in the box with a new Garmin.

I lost my Garmin Nuvi Car Charger 12V Adapter for the 255w

during a trip. After checking for better deal everywhere

including Garmin Site I found that clearly Amazon (..sold by

MountGuys) offered the best saving of all. Yet I received my

order 2 days earlier than the Delivery estimate date furnished

by the seller. I couldn't be happier because of the savings,

the fast delivery (for standard shipping), and the original

product (It is made by Garmin). That's what I called Unbeatible

Price and Service.

I got this due to my original plug having got lodged in the door of my truck smashing connector that conneects to the GPS. I have a Garmin Nuvi 260W and the plug works great. I believe it is slightly shorter than the original it's not too noticeable. If you need a replacement, this one works as intended.

My original adapter broke apart, so I called to purchase a replacement from the place where I originally bought the GPS. Their replacement prices were outrageous, so a friend suggested I check Amazon. Not only was this the best price I saw, the product was more sturdy than the original. Very pleased! - Charger - Garmin Nuvi 265wt - Garmin Nuvi 260w - Car Charger'


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Birthing Ball - stability ball, exercise


My husband mistakenly bought me a small exercise ball for Christmas and I, being a little shy of six feet tall, couldn't use it. So, I returned it for this set and I couldn't be happier. The ball itself comes with a really easy to use hand pump and has a nice, sticky finish to it that clings to my hardwood floor like a yoga mat. I was only really looking for a yoga ball, but the theraband and DVDs were great to get with this kit as well.



The DVD is also a wonderful tool to have. The main workout dvd focuses on legs, arms and abs. WHOA does it target your muscles! I was amazed at the amount of muscle isolation and how this seemingly "easy" set of moves really targeted my muscles. It was a great workout- wonderfully shot, nicely explained and just fun to do. I can't wait to add it to my exercise regimen. Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit (65cm)

Various back and hip pains had me looking for a replacement for my Aeron chair. (Can't believe what I paid for that thing. Talk about effective marketing...) I work at my computer 8 to 10 hrs. a day, five to seven days a week. Extensive research brought me to the exercise ball. Luck (and the good Gaiam name) had me choose this ball. But I got the wrong size at first. Many sites recommend 65 cm for those 5'9" tall. This is WAY too short. I got 75 cm, and it seems to be the perfect height for me, and for anyone of any height, actually. Otherwise you're way too low.



My posture improved instantly. It was relatively easy to use, and by the end of the first week I was totally and completely in love. I sit at my computer 12 hrs. a day, 7 days a week. This thing makes me use my abs, legs, and back muscles all day long, but in a way I just don't notice. "Active exercise" is the term. I'm secretly hoping that my legs, butt, and abs will slowly but surely become tighter and more toned than ever. (Hey, a girl can dream.) And, as many others say here, I am much less tired at the end of the day. This ball is a great product. Buy Gaiam! Everything I've gotten from them has been the top of the line.



EDIT

Bonus benefit: Weight loss. It's now 10 days, and I've lost a tiny bit of weight every day while on the ball. Makes sense--my back/thighs/abs are getting a real workout. At first, I was tired after a couple hrs. on it. Now I use it all day before I'm tired. Am confident that as I shape up, the tiredness will disappear. And the disappearing weight is FANTASTIC. I feel so light on my feet!

I have been fumbling on my own with the balance balls in the gym and finally decided to buy a guided work out, and I am glad that I did.

Not only have I learned the right kind of exercises for the ball, but I have seen big results, in a small amount of time and with low impact on my joints, which is a huge plus at my height of 6'2".

The workouts are fun and done at a comfortable pace. Also, the woman in the first dvd, which focuses on your legs, arms, and abs video, is not annoying and it was nice to see that she and the other people in the video struggled with the ball as well ;)

Long story short, I love doing this and I look forward to challenging myself with some new videos.

This ball is the perfect size for me even though I'm shorter than the recommended height (I'm 5'4.5"). I also have the smaller purple ball, which the manufacturer claims is the proper size for someone my height, and it is much too small for me. If you are unsure about which size to get, I would recommend getting the next size up.

I've used other balance balls in the past, but this so far has been my favorite. very comfortable and durable. The hand pump isn't difficult to use at all. I love that this kit comes with a resistance strap and a DVD. The instructor, Tanja Djelevic, is delightful. Her voice is so soothing, I could listen to her for hours. She wonderfully optimistic and upbeat, without being annoying and fake perky like some other work out instructors voices that come to mind.

The activies on the DVDs are challenging but not impossible for even a beginner like myself to do. Over all, this is a great product and I've recommended it to many of my friends and family. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Sarah Beesley

www.scentsy.com/beesley

I have used this ball a few times and I really like it. I used to have a larger ball from a different manufacturer. I didn't realize that balance balls came in different sizes and having one that's smaller (I'm 5'1") makes all the difference. I like the pump it came with. It's sturdy and easy to use. I could be wrong but I think it even has a safety feature that keeps you from over-inflating the ball. As I pumped the ball to full size I began to hear a leaking sound from the pump. I assume this was because the ball had reached it's capacity. The ball itself seems sturdy and after use I have not yet needed to re-inflate it. The CDs that come with the ball are pretty good. I was skeptical that the band used for the exercises would really do anything but it provides a great deal of resistance and I got a great workout. I wouldn't depend on using the included CDs for too long because they are short and I can see myself becoming bored quickly. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase. - Exercise Ball - Balance Ball - Exercise - Stability Ball'


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Kundalini Yoga - yoga for beginners, yoga dvd


I ordered this video because it was the number one rated yoga dvd on Amazon. I'm a beginner and thought this would be an excellent introduction to an amazing yoga experience.



First - the young lady (Anna?) demonstrates proper form and breathing very well, BUT a I felt like a slacker not keeping up with her.



I overdid it, felt sick to my stomach and dizzy and put the tape away for a while. Then, I did a little research. Found out what could be causing the nausea:



1. I shouldn't by trying to keep up with Anna. The moves may look very simple, but I need to take it slower.



2. Some the the moves (twisting) are focusing on cleansing and massaging inner organs that have been sitting idle full of toxins for a long time.



3. Incorrect breathing can also cause nausea.



I did some research, learned how to practice the long breaths. I'm also going to stop trying to keep up with Anna and move at my own relaxed pace and focus on the breath and proper form.



Other things I learned are:



1. Not to eat an hour before, but hydrate well.

2. Drink water after the workout to help get rid of the toxins that have been released during the workout.



MUCH better experience. Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond NEW! Now with the **MATRIX** MENU OPTION!!!

I first read about the 5 Tibetan rites about 2 years ago and tried to do them on a daily basis. Like most people I find it hard to do exercises from a book. I need someone to do them with me. This DVD is perfect. It starts off with a basic spinal set " rise and spine" and ends with Sat Kriya (my favorite) The second set is the 5 Tibetan rites. Albeit in reverse order than what is written in the books. But that's Ok because Ravi's exercise order seems to work better for the spine and compliments set 1. He also adds a kundalini spin to the camel exercise. The original doesn't include bowing forward and camel and breath of fire. Ravi's version is so much better. The magic number for the rites is 21 reps. Ana doesn't count, but if you want to track your progress you can mentally count your reps. The books say that you should work up to 21 and not go over that number as you will not derive any more benefits by increasing the reps over 21. Whatever! It works and it feels great! Love it Love it! The meditation at the end of set 2 is to feel you pulse in your finger tips and say sat nam to each pulse. This requireds SO much concentration that it takes you to another plane. Thank you Ravi and Ana.

I always do extensive research before deciding on a purchase and when I decided to try a yoga DVD I stuck with my program. I asked around, I read all the reviews (though I don't have much faith in most of the reviews out there), I surfed the web and looked at many many clips . My criteria for a perfect beginner Yoga DVD were:

a)The instructor should be a real yoga master with many years of experience - no ex-actresses or aerobic instructors.

b) no need for props, ie. ropes, balls, blocks, blankets etc...

c) short sets ( as a beginner I may not be able to do more then 30 minutes at a stretch. I also do other fitness and want a short yoga routine as an add-on)

d) preferrably no cliche new age sounds which make me cringe - birds chirping, bells, oceans. Something a litlle more urban and edgy would be nice.

e) finally, I was looking for a real yoga workout. I wanted to experience yoga at its rawest i.e., no fluff, no excessive talking at the start. I just wanted to be able to get right to a workout that would stretch, strengthen, relax and inspire me



And that is exactly what I got with Ravi Singh & Ana Brett's Kundalini Yoga for Beginners & Beyond. It's a really great program! I actually happened to find it at my library, tried it and paused it halfway while I ordered from Amazon. I knew this was the one:Two 25 minute sets from 2 long time yogis. Ravi Singh has been teaching 30 plus years. Ms Brett has been doing it since childhood.

The way it's sequenced really builds in a way that open your body very gradually and I think it is excellent for someone looking for a complete, gentle yet thorough, yoga practice. Not only is this a completely doable enjoyable workout for a newcomer to yoga like myself but I feel this is one I can still continue to do no matter how far I advance. In other words: this one is a classic.

I look forward to trying other of the Ravi & Ana workouts.

This is a wonderful DVD for beginners to start with and progress at a comfortable pace. The most challenging on this DVD was a camel pose and beginners would have to do a modified version (which is briefly demonstrated). After practically each active exercise there is a few minute long meditation break, which allows even to beginner enough time to rest and continue at a comfortable pace until the end of DVD. I was delighted that this DVD contains Tibetan Rite exercises. I have started doing them some 10 - 15 years ago from a book, but have now found it's even more fun going over the Tibetan rites with the DVD. And I was also thrilled that the active exercises include the locks which further help to prevent the leakage of energy and to move the energy up the spine.

I am not a yoga practitioner. I cannot bend into any pretzel positions and my sense of balance isn't that of a dancer's. However, I had heard about Kundalini yoga- how it is as much mental as physical, how it doesn't require you to bend into difficult shapes, how it focuses on meditation and mental calm, and how you can actually move and dance while doing it. All of that is true, although not all true about this DVD. This is an excellent beginning DVD- you can do a 30 minute or 60 workout. Much emphasis is placed on meditation in between each exercise. Yes, there are a few stretches and positions that newcomers will find challenging, but the instructors quickly provide alternative positions. Try this DVD after a stressful day when you really don't want to exercise, but know you should-- the mental focus and the breathing exercises will help you focus on the present and forget your worries. If your mind wanders, as they say, just let it come back to you.



I didn't need to lose weight when I started this program so that was not a goal- I just wanted to exercise more than I had been and it definitely got me doing that. As a bonus within about two weeks of using it my jeans and other clothes fit much better and I noticed more muscle definition/less fat particularly around the mid-section. I suspect if you combine this workout with a diet, you'll experience even greater results.



My only complaint is that at the beginning and the end of the routine the woman is dancing in a free-form joyful way-- I wish that were part of the workout. Perhaps it's on another DVD. In any case, this is a great DVD for stress reduction, stretching, mind-body awareness, and as a way to ease back into exercising if you haven't been working out a lot. I highly recommend it. - Kundalini Yoga - Yoga For Beginners - Yoga Dvd - Beginners Yoga'


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Kundalini Yoga - yoga for beginners, yoga dvd beginners yoga Kundalini Yoga - yoga for beginners, yoga dvd

Extreme Iii - memory card, sandisk


I'm using this card (with the associated reader) with my Canon XSI. While the speed of the card exceeds the requirements of the camera, the fast read speed is a real boon when I need to move hundreds of RAW image files to my PC. The included reader is required for this, as the SD reader in my PC cannot handle this SDHC card. Very happy, I love the fast read speed this card supports. SanDisk Extreme HD Video 8 GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card SDSDRX3-8192-A21

For the professional photographer or the serious (obsessed) amateur this card is a must buy. You really can't beat the price/value ratio here. This is a fully certified Class 6 card which ensures a data read/write of 20MB/s (Class 6 is the fastest type in the SDHC profile). In fact I like these cards so much this is my second one, I have a 4GB of the same kind. If you use it with a point-and-shoot camera this will definitely be overkill but you can rest assured that it won't let you down. Great product by SanDisk.



Note: Most of us know this is a SDHC card not a regular SD. Regular SD cards are limited to 2GB, if you see a SD card that states a higher capacity be aware that it is essentially a "hack" and the card will not be reliable. I've read horror stories of entire projects gone down the drain because of those cards. 4GB and above will always have to be SDHC; therefore they will be capable of working ONLY with SDHC compatible devices.

I have several other Extreme III cards and they are great. I use on in a Panasonic Lumix FZ-50 digital camaera, and it works great in burst mode shooting. Sice the card is SDHC format, you need the included card reader when using on a computer to copy files. Small price to pay for high capacity, fast write speeds. Excellent product.

I've waited for quite some time for this chip to come down in price! If you shoot much in raw mode then you need this! I originally bought the 2gb version of this when I bought my Pentax K10d 10megapixel. With the 2gb chip I didn't take too many photos in raw mode due to it only allowed a little over 100 shots. With the 8gb chip the camera shows room for almost 500 shots but that is not entirely accurate because not every shot is the max size of 16mb so you actually get more than what the camera says you will get. On top of all of this, this chip is the fastest I've been able to find that will keep up with the continuous shot feature. I usually get 8 or 9 shots without any delay before it slows down. My camera takes 3 hots per second so I get three seconds of fast action shooting. After a few seconds of saving all those I can start all over again. I use my 2gb for backup now just in case I fill the 8gb up. I have yet to need to use my backup chip!

Only SD cards I buy are from SanDisk as they're fast, reliable, good value as you often with the higher end and larger cards, you get a pouch, reader and retrieval software and the warranty is unbeatable. You don't get all of that with other brands even with brands such as Kingston which will undoubtedly be more expensive.

These are expensive but worth it if you need a true high speed card for trouble free HD video work. If you're just shooting still pics, or lower resolution video, this card is likely overkill and the SanDisk Ultra (Class 4) is plenty fast. The exception would be a D-SLR shooting rapid bursts of stills in RAW mode where this card would likely speed things up. But for shooting JPGs, or anything but full 1080HD video, you're unlikely to notice any difference between this card and the Ultra.



If you read the reviews here, and elsewhere, you'll find lots of frustrated people who got an error recording 1080HD several minutes into a video. Sometimes their card ended up corrupted, and in some cases, they even lost EVERYTHING on the card. That can happen when you use a card that can't keep up with your camera.



While it's rated Class 6, the Extreme is far faster in testing than even most Class 10 cards from other companies. Using ATTO-DISK, the same benchmark software some of the pros use, this card clocks in around 30MB/sec write speeds (class 6 cards only have to meet a minimum of 6MB/sec).



There are also some in-camera tests published that show SanDisk Ultra to be among the fastest. Plus you know SanDisk will honor the 30 year warranty unlike some of the no-name cards.



Most Class 6 cards I've tested, including those from Transcend, Lexar and Kingston, only manage 10MB/sec - 15MB/sec on the exact same benchmark. So this SanDisk Extreme card is 5X faster than the spec, and 2X - 3X faster than competing Class 6 cards. But it does cost more.



Also, for what it's worth, I've had cards from Transcend and A-Data fail. But I've never had a SanDisk or Kingston card fail despite getting heavier use. If you're shooting pics/video that are difficult (or impossible) to replace, it's worth spending more on a quality card.



WARNING: Anything you put this card in (camera, PC, card reader, etc.) has to be SDHC compatible (usually it will say SDHC on it). Most things made in the last few years are, but not all. If you have a cheaper or older device that doesn't support SDHC, you're limited to a maximum size of 2GB. If you put a larger SDHC card into an older SD-only device, you could corrupt the card and lose everything on it.



So it's best to experiment to make sure your device, PC, etc. are all SDHC compatible before you fill the card up with irreplaceable images/video only to lose everything by plugging this 8GB card into your 4 year old PC's 2GB reader. - Sandisk - 8gb - Memory Card - Sd Card'


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Ipod Earbuds - jbuds, earbuds


While these JBUDS did not, in a side by side comparison, provide as much surrounding, warm sound as my Sennheiser 212 headphones, they provided excellent clarity, especially on KJAZZ radio. Talk formats are also excellent. The comfort is surprisingly good for an in-ear bud. For 20 dollars, this is a great substitute for the cheaper buds that come with most MP3 players.



Update on 12-21-06: I've come to be more impressed with my JBuds over the last two weeks, marvelling at the bright, crisp, and yes, warm sound that comes out of these inexpensive buds. Perhaps, as I've read in some of the headphone information that is out there, that there is a "breaking in" period, which has something to do with loosening the tranducer. In any event, I'd have to give these JBuds another star.



Second Update 10-8-07: My only complaint about the JBuds is that sleeping with them at night I will sometimes wake up and the bud will have fallen off. I can't secure the buds to my satisfaction; however, the JBuds are so comfortable I deal with this problem.



Third Update 1-7-08: The sound is not quite as good as the slightly more expensive V-Moda; however, the JBuds are easier on my ears for long-term (I sleep with them on) listening. Also the JBuds have a longer extension and don't pull out of the radio or iPod headphone jack as easily as the V-Modas, so again on balance the JBuds are better. JBuds Hi-Fi Noise-Reducing Ear Buds (White)

Awesome headphones. I love these guys and have been using them for about 6 months now. Their sound is impeccable, and are extremely comfortable, I wear them while studying I mean like 8-10 hours a day, and never really notice them. I wouldn't say that these are actually noise cancelling via electrical interference, its more via sound muffling than anything, but don't misinterpret, with the sound at a medium volume you will kill all but the loudest ambient noise. I highly recommend these. Flat out the best $20 I have EVER spent.

I bought these headphones to replace my Sony MDR-EX51LP Fontopia Headphones. I like these better for one two reasons

1) completely superficial reason - it matches my black ipod

2) completely non superficial reason - it's better for my hearing



I typcially keep the sound on my ipod locked at 75% to minimize damage to my ears. With these JBuds I don't have to take that precaution, because I never have to raise the volume up that high. And I listen to my ipod chiefly going back and forth on the subway in D.C., where it can be pretty difficult to block out the sound of the train. I'm really glad I bought them.



Two words of caution, however. First, I don't think the sound is as good as it was with the Sony headphones. I listen mostly to podcasts and audiobooks, though, so it doesn't affect me much. Also, I'm not an audiophile so my standards aren't that high. Secondly, I've gone through 3 pairs of these types of headphones due to the rubber tips falling off. While I prefer these type of headphones to other in-ear phones (I've got small ears, and other types hurt), this is getting pretty aggravating. So electronic companies? Work on that.

I played the numbers game when deciding on a pair of earbuds for listening to voice podcasts on my daily 20 minute train commute. Figured that with a 4-out-of-5-star average on 870 reviews my chances were pretty good that I'd get a great product.



Well, I've read the 1-star reviews and not all of them are by people who are sound-afficionados concerned with clarity, bass, etc. No, the majority of 1-star ratings concern a crackling and then total failure of one of the earbuds. My 1-star review falls in that category.



I'd had these earbuds exactly 3 months when the right-side earbud started to die. At first, if I wiggled the jack or held the wire a certain way, and remained perfectly still, it'd come back but only go out again. I became so focused on holding/wiggling the wire that there were times I forgot what I was trying to listen to on the podcasts.



Today was the last time I attempted the odd hold/wiggle/be still sychronization. Nothing worked. I think now it's gone for good and I'm down to one earbud, which is annoying and leaves me with mono-ear. Can't think of anything unusual I did. Just sat on the train and walked in the train station. Disappointing.

I see a lot of reviewers complaining that the buds are not "noise-cancelling", but you can't expect that from buds with no electronic noise-cancellation. I like to walk down a particularly noisy street to get to class, and the difference between these and the standard iPod buds is incredible. I can comfortably walk to classes with the volume anywhere between 1/4 and 1/2 of full strength (as opposed to around 3/4 with other buds) and still hear just fine, which is definitely better for my hearing. I still want to hear busses, horns, etc for safety, so this does exactly what I need - muffles/blocks conversations and the like while still allowing me to hear necessary things.



Also, the different size fittings are a great feature. It takes a bit of experimentation to find the right size and fit, but once you do, the outside noise suppression and the sound quality are undeniably impressive.



As for that sound quality... While I don't have much to which to compare these and I'm no "audiophile", I couldn't be happier with the money I spent. I listen to a very wide variety of music (acoustic singer-songwriters, rock, rap, country, etc) and the sound is great for all of them. Good, crisp bass response in the rap and in bass drums, both acoustic and electric guitars sound clean, drums are smooth, and I'm generally hearing parts of songs I have not previously heard (echoing, multiple guitars/pitches, etc).



Bottom line? These are great buds. While I'm guessing there are better-sounding ones out there, a college student on a budget like me or anyone not looking to spend big bucks but get highly impressive sound should give these a shot. - Headphones - Jbuds - Ipod Earbuds - Earbuds'


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