Guy Low Price Electronic: 22 Aug 2009

Saturday, 22 August 2009

Hdtv

I wasn't even in the market for a 3D TV, but when my Sony HDTV blew yet another bulb, I decided it was time for something new.

Initially, I planned on getting one of the new Sharp 60" Quattron models, and headed to a nearby big box store to check out the selection. Picture quality was most important to me, where I was willing to accept a plasma if it blew me away, but I was definitely siding towards LCD or LED. I wasn't too shocked to find that while plasmas were nice, they weren't "that" nice, and settled in to the Sharp.

On my way out, I thought I'd check a couple of the 3D displays, just to be 100% sure I wasn't making a purchase I'd regret as soon as 3D content became more widespread. I looked at a couple of Panasonic models with active shutter glasses, and found that the 3D looked acceptable, but the glasses weren't comfortable on my head or to my eyes. A DirecTV rep all but insisted that I look at a high-end Samsung model connected to a DirecTV receiver, and I immediately noticed that getting the thing to display 3D apparently required messing with the DirecTV remote, the Samsung remote, and continually re-syncing the active glasses. "No, thanks." I thought.

Then I noticed an unloved LG display, with a bucket (yes, an actual bucket) of scratched passive glasses. No way was this going to look good, but it wasn't like I didn't have a few minutes to spare.

I was absolutely blown away. By far, the best 3D experience I've seen. Standing about six feet from the screen, there was a scene from an IMAX documentary where a fish seriously looked like it came out about halfway between where I was standing, and where the TV was. And I could see parasitic fish on the nose of that fish, moving around. It was incredible, clear, and I knew it had to be pretty expensive. Much to my surprise, it was in the same league as the Panasonic models. I had to have it.

Doing more research online, I saw that Amazon's price was even better (better, in fact, than a national warehouse club sells the non-3D version of this TV for). I ordered on a Monday, and scheduled my (free) shipping for Thursday afternoon. The delivery people came 15 minutes from the start of my four-hour delivery window, with no hassle at all.

Out of the box, the picture quality on this TV is pretty awesome. Better than I remembered it being in the store, for sure. But, I did notice that motion seemed really... weird. I wasn't sure if it was my satellite receiver, or the TV, but things just didn't seem to move naturally. After spending some time adjusting the dejudder and deblur settings, I was able to make the motion normal. But then, I figured, I might as well calibrate everything. Using a combination of the calibration feature on the Life Blu-Ray and recommended settings on various forums, I was able to achieve an absolutely stunning picture. Seriously, this thing looks like it cost hundreds upon hundreds more when it's calibrated.

1080i / 1080p content looked absolutely brilliant. SDTV, on the other hand, isn't the best I've seen. It's certainly acceptable, and arguably on the better side of what's commonly found on LCD / LED models, but I'd probably consider getting something different if most of your viewing is going to be sub-DVD quality content.

Then it was time to break out the 3D. I snagged a copy of Tron: Legacy (Four-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy) and spent most of the movie sitting with a dumb smile on my face. The picture quality and depth were outstanding. Don't fall for the "active / passive" hype. Watching 3D content with the LG's passive glasses is certain to please anybody who can see. And going back to my memory of the Samsung set, when the LG detects 3D, a box pops up that tells you to put your glasses on. That's it. No messing around endlessly with modes to get it working.

I then decided to play with the 2D-to-3D function on some HD channels and standard Blu-Ray discs, and was actually pretty surprised. More often than not, the TV seems to process the image as you'd expect to see 3D. It's not something I'd want to do all the time, but I have to say, watching Moulin Rouge! [Blu-ray] with 2D-to-3D was actually pretty awesome.

The built-in applications were kind of a mixed bag. Getting the TV on my WPA2 wireless network was pretty simple, and the Wii-inspired remote worked better than I had expected. The Netflix and Amazon On Demand apps were both very solid -- arguably better than what you'd find on a Roku, and miles ahead of the ones built in to my Sony Blu-Ray player. The other apps were less than impressive. Bringing up the weather app is more time consuming than just tuning to the Weather Channel, for example. The included web browser is fine for "Hey, look what my TV can do" showing off, but you're probably not going to want to fire it up to look at IMDB in the middle of a show.

All things considered, this is probably the best value around. While I lost 5" of screen real estate over what I planned on buying originally, the difference in picture quality alone was a decent tradeoff. Getting 3D was gravy, to say the least. Unless this thing sets my house on fire, I'd be hard pressed to recommend anything else within a couple hundred dollars. LG Infinia 55LW5600 55-Inch Cinema 3D 1080p 120 Hz LED HDTV with Smart TV (Included: Four Pairs of 3D Glasses)

I have to say I was really impressed by this set when i first saw it being demoed. I love 3d but have never wanted to own a set because the active shutter 3d makes me dizzy and sick after about 10 minutes of watching it. The passive 3d offered by this system is great. No sickness, little to no eye strain and a great 3d image. People have complained that the way the 3d is created halves the resolution, this is not noticeable at all with 3d blu-ray. I did notice lining in the image when i was very close to the tv, closer than I would want to sit comfortably. One complaint I have, though it is a small one, is that 3d gaming is noticeably lower in resolution. I have only tried this with one game(killzone 3) and only with this 3d format so cant really compare weither the other 3d format(active shutter) offered would be better for gaming. Still an amazing gaming experience regardless.'

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Blackberry Accessories - blackberry, blackberry accessories

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Great phone, plenty of functions but don't buy it! Disappointed when battery only lasted approx 12-14 hours, (I timed it!) and that's if your lucky! Blackberry is a great phone but I recommend you buy the new Bold or Torch. Much better, compact & with much better battery life! Blackberry Bold 9700 Unlocked Phone, Quad Band, 3 MP Camera, Bluetooth, GPS, and 1 GB internal storage--US Version With No Warranty

Buena compra persona responsable, sin embargo faltó tarjeta sim de 1GB, el CD y accesorios. Buen teléfono. Lastima que lo perdi...Si puedieran Bloquearlo se los agradecería.Gracia por la Venta. Recomendado. - Unlocked Blackberry - Blackberry - Blackberry Accessories - Unlocked Cell Phones'

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Combination Lock - keyless, dead bolt

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I bought 2 locks. One of them broke the first day we installed it. The combination part of the lock stopped working, so now we can only open it with the key. Operating these locks with the key is tedious and uncomfortable, plus you have to make sure that the lock is in open position from the other side of the door, before you lock it with the key. Using the combination lock is not much easier. To lock the door you have to run the combination, while pulling the door handle forward so that it stays in position. The locks are very uncomfortable to grip, wether you are using the key or the combination. We end up spending about five minutes manuvering the locks every time we want to open or close the doors. Unfortunatly, we tossed the boxed they arrived in so can not return them. I will be purchasing the digital kind. Master Lock DSNRN1015BOX Nightwatch Combination Deadbolt with Bump Stop Cylinder, Satin Nickel

When looking to purchase this product I was very confused by some of the reviews out there and now that I have it installed I am very pleased with it and wanted to address some inaccuracies:

1. You can change the combination - it's recommended that this is done by a locksmith only but I did it and I'm not a locksmith. When changing the lock need to carefully place the parts back in the order they came out.

2. Not true that the lock needs to be in the open position from the inside before locking with key - can be open or closed from inside and can lock with either key or combination interchangeably.

3. You do not have to hold the door handle while spinning the combination. If the door is a poor fit you might have to hold it while actually closing or opening the bolt.

4. You do not have to "time" the key to the combo or to the inside. Everything is completely interchangable e.g. you can open with a key, close with a combo, open from inside, close with key, etc. etc.

5. Although I haven't used it in temperature conditions less than 40 degrees yet, I don't see how that could be an issue - the insides are all mechanical - metal and grease - which should work fine at low temperatures.

Overall I believe it's a great product for the money. If you prefer not to spin a combination every time you want to open/close your door then you can get a button type lock at 3x the price. I have it installed on my garage where it works great and I'm opening the lock several times a week; I wouldn't use it on my front door where I need to open it multiple times a day. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this product to anyone.

Pros:

a. Much cheaper than the other pushbutton combination locks (1/3 of the price)

b. Fits in a pre-drilled door or can replace an existing deadbolt lock without requiring an extra hole drilled - as many button locks do require - providing pre-drilled hole is 2" diameter

c. No batteries required

d. Can easily and interchangably use either key or combination

Cons:

a. More effort to open/close using combination than push button type, especially in the dark. If you have arthritis or a similar condition that affects your small motor skills this could be a problem.

b. Requires a 2" diameter hole (many deadbolts are installed using a hole 1" or less as mine was and I had to widen that hole with a drill to make this lock fit, that said I would have also had to drill extra holes to make a pushbutton lock fit)

c. When locking the door requires you to enter the combination again (unless locking with the key or from inside)

I bought 12 of these for storage lockers for a condo unit. I had 2 of them that would not work. There is a learning curve with these. Yes, they work like an old fashion combo lock, but they have to be "timed" with the dead bolt. That will be different with a RH door VS a Left hand door. If you use the key to open it and do not return the dead bolt to the original position, it will be out of time. Also realize that the direction you turn the knob is opposite for left hand doors than right hand doors. I can see that they are going to be a problem with a rental type situation. And, DO NOT FORCE THE ACTION OR IT WILL STRIP!!!! I like the clean look though. No big key pad with lights.

Do not us this lock in a place were a re are using it alot you have do do the combination to get in and then again to lock the door. It does not work in cold temperatures, below 40 degrees. it has brobles if yo use the key to open the lock one time and the combo the next.

This is a nice lock and I like the combo feature. It takes a little bit to get use to locking and unlocking with the combo but it works.

Unfortunately I could never get the bump lock feature to work so my lock can still be bumped. I pull out the thumbturn thingy until I see the red ring but I can still open it with my key.

My boy friend is a carpenter and has me order his supplies on line at Amazon.

One of his customers requested this lock. He was hesitant but "the customer is always right" so he installed it.

He was very happy with the installation and the customer was happy with the lock. It has been in operation for over 4 months. Works Good!

This is a "buy it" item. - Door - Digital - Dead Bolt - Keyless'

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Magnetic Door Stop - door stop, doorstop

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I converted my entire home with new Kwikset exterior locks, hall lock sets, bedroom sets etc. and dummy handles. The lock are well made and work smooth to lock or unlock. There is a difference between lock companies engineering. One feature of the exterior locks is the capability to rekey all your locks yourself in a matter of minutes. They supply you with a thin metal key that you insert in a tiny slot and insert the key (Kwikset) that you want this lock to respond to and walla, its now keyed to the new key. In my case, I had three exterior locks, front door, garage door and outside garage door and in less than five minutes, all three now used the same key. This previously was a job for the big box store where purchased from at a cost for each lock. Best thing I like is how they work, nice and smooth.

[...] Kwikset 788TNL LH 15 CP Tustin Left-Handed Half-Dummy Lever, Satin Nickel - Door Hinge - Doorstops - Doorstop - Door Stop'

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Digital Camera Accessory - mini tripod, photography

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HOW BIG IS YOUR CAMERA? This is a great product, but if you buy one that's too weak to hold your camera's weight, you're going to be disappointed. The GP1 will hold up to 9.7 oz- basically your average small point-and-click digital camera only- think Elph. The GP2 will hold up to 1.75 lbs -smaller/lighter SLR cameras with short lenses only. The GP3 will hold up to 6.6 lbs and has a slightly larger camera attach point, similar to larger tripods -good for SLRs and smaller camcorders. Unless you want to spend 10-15 minutes fighting the gorilla to hold your camera without sagging (and forget about portrait/sideways shots), make sure you buy one that can support the weight! Otherwise it's tough to beat the versatility, reliability, and small size/weight of this tripod. From what I've seen of other reviews, you'll be disappointed with cheaper imitations as well. Joby GP1-E1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod (Grey)

Fantastic product. We bought this while looking for one of those mini tripods that you can velcro to another object and found this to be much better. The grip is strong and most situations can be accommodated. It's a little pricey, but well made so very much worth the cost. Older, heavier cameras may tend to overwhelm it in some positions, but for the most part, it works great. If nothing else, it replicates a "traditional" tripod well, and the added bending and gripping feature really makes the difference. I no longer have to balance the camera on the hood of the car with sticks and rocks to get a good photo of us during our travels. Everywhere we go, somebody stops us to ask where to get one... it's quite a spectacle.

I ordered an extra shoe so we can transfer the gorillapod from her camera to mine. If you're in the market for a new camera, try and get one with the tripod mounting shoe somewhat centrally located on the bottom of the camera. My fiance's camera has the tripod mount on one side so the camera wants to lean to the other side. Fortunately, the gorillapod is strong enough to resist this.

I still can't believe that this thing is real! And I'm blown away by the quality of the tripod.

The 'legs' are stiff enought that it doesn't fall out of shape as it holds the camera. Each little grey ring around the ball-like pieces are rubberized to help it grip onto objects. I have been able to mount my Canon SD600 and hold one 'foot' of the tripod while it remains in the shape I bent it into. The leg didn't change shape or sag at all.

I've had it on top of my LCD, hung it from a doorway, sitting on top of a lamp... I think the legs are long enough and the feet are 'grippy' enough to mount it to the side of a bowling ball!

The clip on top lets you mount and dismount the camera quite easily and without hassle. The only problem I could see is that with the mounting clip attached to the camera I can't put the camera in the fitted Canon carrying case that I have for the SD600. Well, it fits with it on, but very snug.

I can't stress how much I love this little tripod!! Get one; you won't be disappointed!

As long as you don't expect the world of the Gorillapod, it won't disappoint. I've had a slew of small tripods for years (to match my succession of digital cameras; I'm tough to please). My Ultrapod II is good, sturdy and stable, but often not as versatile as this. I'll still keep that one around, though, especially after I got the quick-release head for it. For me, a quick-release shoe is a very big plus. My full-size tripods have always had this feature, but I've never been able to find it on the minis until the Gorillapod. It's extremely useful. No more struggling with screwing the tripod in when you need to take that quick picture, desperately trying to keep from cross-threading and stripping the plastic mounting threads common on today's cameras. The Gorillapod snaps onto the camera in about three seconds. This won't hold my camera as still as my 4-pound tripods, but it's a heck of a lot lighter and easier to carry with me all the time. While Joby lists the maximum weight capacity as 12 ounces, my camera still works fine despite being a couple of ounces over that. If there's one thing I don't really like, it's that it does take a bit of fiddling to straighten out the legs after use. But if you're not obsessively neat, you probably won't mind some slightly crooked legs. If you really want a bit more stability, see the Gorillapod SLR. A quarter pound heavier and twice the price, but when you need it, sometimes you need to bite the bullet. Or get the Ultrapod II if having superflexible legs isn't of paramount importance. That's a couple of ounces heavier still compared with the Gorillapod SLR, but its rigid construction and Velcro strap make it more secure in iffy conditions.

I own a Canon PowerShot A550. The Gorillapod screws into the camera securely. The downside is that on the Canon (and Sony Cybershot DSC also) the screw is not in the center of the camera, but off to the left (if looking at the back of the camera). This off-set causes the camera to "slump" to the right because it's off-balance. To make matters worse, the button to take the photo is on the right, so if you get the camera to balance on the Gorillapod, you still have to press the button to take the photo, which causes the camera to slump then to the right.

The 2 ball-like connectors that connect the camera to the 3 legs on the Gorillapod don't seem to have enough resistance to keep a small camera like the Canon in place.

My mother-in-law has a Sony Cybershot DSC which is small enough and light enough to not slump, so she will probably be getting the Gorillapod to use with her camera.

I love the idea and was excited to get it and try it out. Doesn't work for me like I expected and my point and shoot isn't big at all. I would have thought the design would have taken into consideration that the point and shoot cameras don't always have the screw hole in the middle of the camera. - Photography - Travel Tripod - Mini Tripod - Gorillapod'

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Skeleton Watch - great value, stuhrling

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I purchased this watch a little over a month ago. Having recently graduated from college, I wanted a watch that was more sophisticated than what I had been wearing. Needless to say, when I came upon Stuhrling Original, I was nothing short of impressed. I fell in love with the watch when I saw it online. After researching and reading as many reviews as I could find, I knew I had to see what this watch and this company were all about.

First of all, when you receive the watch, it is packaged exquisitely. It is a joy to open the case and see everything that is contained inside. It is immediately evident the care and precision that goes into the packaging and know that the watch will have been built with even more care. The watch is even more stunning in person than the photos allow you to see. It is a sturdy watch with nice weight to it. I can really feel that I am wearing something of notoriety when I wear this watch. When I first put the watch on, the band was quite stiff but it has become very soft and comfortable over time. Do not be discouraged if when you first put the watch on it is uncomfortable. In a short time, it will feel great.

Overall, I am very pleased with this timepiece. In the future, as I look for more watches, I will undoubtedly look at Stuhrling Original first. Stuhrling Original Men's 150A.33152 Special Reserve 'Symphony Maestro II' Multi-Function Skeleton Watch

I've had this watch for several months now, and when I first wore the watch, I was quite happy with it. The watch itself is gorgeous. In the Amazon.com picture, the hands of the watch face are a brighter blue than in more usual lighting. It's more of a dark navy, nearly black appearance that takes on a brighter blue in brighter light. I really liked that. I also love the skeleton watch look to it, though it's easier to see moving gears through the rear of the watch (which you wouldn't be able to see if you were wearing the watch). The band, though initially firm, softened quickly and fit my wrist easily (I would say I have average to slightly slimmer than average wrists). The watch is heavier than what I'm used to but not too heavy by any means. The crystal on the front has durably resisted nicks and scrapes despite my having banged the watch accidentally against door jams or counter edges.

So, why not a five star rating? Well, the watch is supposed to be self winding, and it does work. However, I have had instances in which the time is off (slow) presumably because I didn't move the watch around enough to keep it wound. I guess if you have an automatic watch winder (which I don't), this wouldn't be an issue. So, I started winding my watch a couple of turns in the morning to avoid inaccurate time. I found that by doing this, the time was off agin, but now it was too far ahead! For the most part, it keeps time just fine, but it's a bit irritating to me that it's so imprecise, and I have to worry if the time is correct. After all, I wear a watch mainly to know the time exactly -- not approximately!

Nevertheless, it's a beautiful watch, the first that I've owned that wasn't a $20 cheapie watch. It does keep time just fine for the most part, but I hate to say it -- the cheapie watches I've had in the past kept better time.

This is an excellent time piece. I love the look and it is also very well crafted. My only gripe and I assume this is the case with all automatic watches is sometimes the time is off. Other than that I love the watch

I have been wearing this watch for just about a year now. I am now facing the second repair I need to make to this piece. It is an attractive piece, but I need a watch that I can actually wear and rely upon. The first problem I had was that the crystal was letting moisture in somehow, and the watch was building up condensation, making the dial indiscernible. In addition, the self-winding mechanism was getting hung up frequently. I sent the watch back, and they did repair it under warranty, although I did have to pay a $20 fee and shipping for the watch. After six weeks, the watch came back. I wore it for three weeks, and the crown came off. This is unacceptable. The only thing they will do is repair the watch and waive the $20. However, I still have to pay the shipping and insurance, as well as having to wait another six weeks before I will know what time it is.

Who needs Swiss assembly?

Not me, not when I can get a hard-to-find skeleton automatic watch with day/date and 24-hour complications at this kind of a price!

This is as impressive a watch as other customers have claimed. The second hand moves smoothly, and the watch is entirely silent (no ticking noise, as on mechanical watches of yesteryear).

Purchasers should note that you must advance the month register manually at the first of the month using the stylus provided. Otherwise the day and date functions are automatic.

The Stuhrling also keeps excellent time for a mechanical watch.

The leather band is a bit stiff when you first wear it, but I am confident that it will soften with time. The leather appears to be of fine quality, and the band is quite wide.

In all, this appears to be a splendid automatic watch with useful complications, and it offers excellent value for the money. Highly recommended.

I recently returned this watch for two reasons:

1. I have small wrists and when clasping the leather band closed, the leather cracked.

2. For a lesser reason (I suppose my ignorance also!) the watch is listed as automatic, which it is, but since I sit at a desk most of the day it does not get "wound' a lot. Therefore sometimes when I would put in on in the morning it would be "dead" and you have to spin it around to get it going again; then you have to reset all the settings.

While I had the watch I did receive several compliments on it and I do think it is attractive, but it wasn't meant for me and my lifestyle. - Dress Watches - Great Value - Time Pieces - Stuhrling'

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Seat Belt Adjuster - seat belt, car safety

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This beauty is supposed to be able to pop off, just not like the detractors say it does. It took some force to click it into place on the belt. Mine then never did pop off until my car was totaled on the freeway. Then it popped just as the seat belt retracted so all I got was a bruised shoulder, not a broken collarbone (or neck). Putting these on all the seats in my new car, and recommending them to friends. Heininger 1027 CommuteMate Seat Belt Strap Adjuster

My neck gets trapped in the seatbelt, even when it's down on the lowest level. This adjuster allows the chest strap to miss my next and go more towards my waist. Works every time and is made of heav, durable plastic. Take the time to read the instructions to make sure it's on the correct way.

I bought this as a gift for my mother, who is a large woman and had trouble with the seat belt cutting into her neck while driving. She had tried other products, but they required removing them every time she got out of the car. This product looks cheap, but it holds together and works. The only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is that the instructions are really poorly written. Once you figure out how it connects, though, it works like a charm. It does tend to pull the lap belt up a bit so that it rests more on the stomach than across the hips. A minor issue, and one that is not uncomfortable, so I'm told.

I ordered the Heininger Commute Mate Seat Belt Guide, but wasn't convinced it was all it was supposed to be after reading some of the reviews. However, they arrived quickly, I installed them as soon as they arrived & have been happy about it ever since. They actually do the job by keeping the seat belt strap from rubbing against my neck, so I, for one, can recommend them. Until you get the hang of it, they can be a bit tricky to install, but after a couple of trial & errors, I figured it out. The instructions aren't quite as idiot proof as I would like, but persistence pays

This product works as specified; but I was surprised to find out that it is just two little plastic pieces. If I had known that before purchase, I probably would feel more satisfied. It is easy to install. My daughter can clip it and adjust it so she's comfortable. It solved the problem of raw-neck.

These seat belt clips keep the belts off our necks. I don't mind to buckle up when it's comfortable. Adjustable to everybody and can be removed and used in rental cars too. Very "cheap, cheerful, and practical".

I have always had issues with shoulder belts. They hit me in the neck, not the shoulder. I have been using this adjuster for several years - it is great! I am much more comfortable now, and less distracted while I am driving.Heininger Automotive 1027 CommuteMate Seat Belt Strap Adjuster

This product is a lightweight plastic clip which is designed to hold the upper seat belt away from your neck by latching it to the lap belt. The plastic is not strong enough to do this, and the plastic bar which clips into the adjuster pops out. Look for another option. - Car Safety - Seat Belt - Seatbelt Clip - Belt Adjuster'

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Baby Proofing

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I have used this on my pantry and bathroom doors. I chose the Door Monkey because I have lever handles and like that it does not require any hardware or 'sticky' parts in order to work. I believe I have very standard door frames and molding.

Pros:

1. Ease of attachment/removal - no screws or sticky bits. It takes two seconds to attach once you realize how simple it is.

2. Ease of use - Can be used from both sides of the door without removing it. Push the button or move the latch depending on which side of the door you are on.

3. Pinch guard - My 18 month old hasn't been hurt after a few weeks of use.

4. Effectiveness - He knows what is in the pantry. He wants it. He tries to open the door every so often by pulling the lever handle but it doesn't budge. I can keep the Door Monkey out of reach for many more years.

5. Portability - I haven't yet taken it over to the grandparents house but it would be very easy to do so.

Cons:

1. Door remains open 1/4-3/4 inches. This isn't convenient for my guest bathroom since the Door Monkey has to be removed to fully close the door.

2. Visible - It is very obvious, even against a white door/door frame. This doesn't bother me - A lever door handle cover/child lock is very obvious. White flour and uncooked spaghetti all over the floor is also very obvious.

The Door Monkey is a great child lock for many of my internal doors. Door Monkey, Childproof Door Lock & Pinch Guard

I haven't had this long, but I'm very impressed with it so far. A lot has already been written about this product, so I'll focus on some points that haven't really been said...

YES, THE PRICE SEEMS HIGH

It's true that the cost is higher than what you would expect. I was at first hesitant ordering it for that reason. But nothing else was working so I decided to give it a try. I'm actually ok with the cost now. Not only is it a good product, but if you go to the Door Monkey website you'll find that a dad invented this product to solve a problem he was having. It's just a little mom and pop company. I'm sure that they've had to invest a lot of personal money into this, take risks, and don't get the manufacturing deals that big companies do. It's nice to support the little guy. Besides, it's a lot cheaper to buy one thing that works rather than a bunch of junk that doesn't.

LOTS OF OTHER SOLUTIONS DON'T WORK FOR EVERYONE

First we tried the knob cover. My daughter figured out how to open it in a day and the next day she busted the cover right off the knob. My huband decided to get smart and take the knob off one day and guess who ended up getting locked in....ME! This product actually works, is very secure, and an adult or older child can open the door from both sides. No lock-ins.

YES, THE DOOR STAYS CRACKED OPEN

There is a good sized gap when you use this. I'd prefer it to not be there, but it's really no big deal for me. It's on my daughter's bedroom. She still slept fine with the door cracked. If you use it on a bathroom it takes two seconds to remove and put back. You have to think about how it works though. It basically clamps to the door and an arm grabs onto the doorframe when you close it. Because it clamps, that clamp keeps the door slightly ajar. If you had another kind of lock you'd probably have to tape or drill into your door or frame. This product doesn't leave any damage and you can move it around to different doors or take it to grandma's house for the weekend. This design also allows you to open it from both sides. You don't want to do something stupid and get locked in like I did. For the benefits of the design, I'll deal with the crack.

UNIQUE

I don't know of another device like this...opens from both sides, portable, works on most doors, and my child can't get through it. I'll update my review if she finds a way, but I don't think that will happen.

GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE

I did email the company with a few questions. They were very nice, helpful, and quick to respond. If you have a funky door you might want to contact them or at least read more info on their website before ordering. They have solutions for funky doors, which I didn't look into because my doors are the standard kind.

WATCH THIS VIDEO

One last thing....there's a video on youtube that demonstrates how the product works. It wasn't put up by the owners, it's just something a consumer did. The video is titled "Door Monkey" and was posted by justnik78. Watch it and you'll know exactly what you're getting.

I purchased this item to keep my 2 and a half year old son and his 18 month old brother from entering into our bathrooms. They are wonderful. You can put them up high enough that the little ones can't reach them and they are very easy to use. They don't look very sturdy but they are very strong. They are totally adjustable and they require no tools. You just slide it on the door so the catch hits your door frame and you are done. You can open it from either side and it even prevents little fingers from being pinched because it keeps the door open about a half inch. I would recommend it for any door little ones might get caught in. Easy for adults and older kids to use. I love this product. It actually works the way it is supposed to and is very inexpensive. That is hard to find.

I purchased two of these for the doors of our twins once they started climbing out of their beds. They're a very simple, light-weight plastic "gadget", but they work great! I can do work in the yard now without worrying that they are making an escape. I wonder if you had a strong, determined child if they may not be able to pull hard enough to overcome it, but so far, I haven't seen my boys come even close!

This is an excellent product. My nieces and nephews come over on occasion. I can easily slip the lock on a door and not worry about whatever I put in that room. It can be moved to/from any door, requires no mounting equipment, and allows air to circulate. Great investment.'

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Ps3 Controller

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The PS3 is a great system. Easy to use, futuristic on-screen interface, quality sleek hardware, awesome graphics, lots of benefits. But should you get a PS3 or Xbox 360? And what about the Wii?

Note: I own all three devices, and I appreciate all of them. I don't have any bias to one system or the other, just my personal experience and opinion...

PS3============================================

What I like MOST about the PS3:

1) Future proof Blu-ray player (Sony updates the player over the Internet for free; it now supports 3D movies/TVs)

2) Clean, more futuristic on-screen interface (feels more mature then Xbox 360)

3) Better/Smoother/Faster graphics (in the 10+ games I own on a 60" 1080p HDTV)

4) Free online multiplayer gaming (no monthly/yearly fees like Xbox 360; which I hate about Xbox)

5) Watch your online netflix shows on PS3 for free (Xbox requires Xbox live account to use your netflix account; another thing I hate about Xbox)

6) Exterior: More futuristic, luxurious, mature "look". Looks more like a sleek Home Theater appliance. (Xbox 360 more oriented to youthful crowd; Xbox looks more like an 'entertainment' device)

7) Lighter, slimmer, smaller controller. Built-in longer lasting rechargeable battery. (the Xbox controller does not come with a standard rechargeable battery, and it feels heavier and more bloated then the PS3 controller).

8) Built-in wireless connectivity. (an option on the Xbox)

9) Built-in optical/toslink connectivity for home theatre audio connection. (an option on the Xbox)

10) I can use my (or any) wireless blue-tooth cell phone headset for voice/chat enabled games. (The Xbox cannot)

What I like LEAST about the PS3:

1) My first PS3 (the 'fat' one) had a disc drive failure after 13 months of ownership; 1 month beyond its warranty. The PS3 still works, I just cant use discs. That means I cant watch blu-ray discs on it and I cant play disc based games on it. I can still play games through the PlayStation store (demos, etc), I still can watch netflix on it, and I still can watch movies from my PCs over the network on it. The fact that my PS3 disc drive died after about 1 year of limited delicate usage really concerns me about the quality of the hardware and customer support/treatment. I paid over $400 for my first PS3, and I used it maybe twice a week. After searching the web about my problem, I found this was a rampant problem with the fat PS3. Did they fix this problem with the slim PS3? Time will tell; I sure hope so. I just wish Sony would have fixed my problem for free (as I feel it was shoddy hardware or poor engineering that resulted in this problem, not me).

2) Games (new and used) are generally more expensive then the Xbox 360.

3) I liked the glossy look of the first generation PS3. The new PS3 slim looks a little flimsier/cheaper. It is smaller though, and that's a plus.

4) The rechargeable battery in the PS3 controller is not swappable. That means if your controller dies mid-game, you have to plug it in to use it. (The Xbox controller has swappable batteries)

5) When I download a game (full or demo), I can't play it immediately. After the download (which could take over an hour), I have to install the game (which could take another 10-30+ minutes), at which time my PS3 is unusable until it completes. The Xbox downloads in the background and plays immediately without having to install the game. Also, if I turn off the PS3, the download stops (the Xbox finishes the download even when turned off).

Xbox 360============================================

What I like MOST about the Xbox 360:

1) More people have it. In other words, all my friends, family and coworkers have Xbox 360s. Which also means if I want to play online with them, I have to use my Xbox, which is also a con for me. (I'd rather use my PS3 because of the better graphics and lighter/smaller controller).

2) I can download games, updates and demos in the background, even with the Xbox turned off. So I can start a download and go to bed without leaving the box on all night. (The PS3 cant do this)

3) When I download a game (full or demo), I can play it immediately. On the PS3, you have to download it (which could take over an hour), then install it (which could take another 10-30+ minutes), at which time your PS3 is unusable until it completes.

4) My late generation Xbox elite has lasted longer then my first generation PS3 (surprisingly)

5) It doubles as a Media Center extender. I have a PC that records shows for me in Media Center (like a Tivo but no monthly fees). I can access these shows and watch live TV over the network via my Xbox. This is a VERY cool and under-talked about feature. And most people with a Windows PC can do this; look it up.

6) The console and games (new and used) are cheaper then the PS3.

What I like LEAST about the Xbox 360:

1) Still no blu-ray player. This is a major con compared to the PS3. It WILL play regular DVDs, however.

2) In my experience, graphics are a little lower quality then my PS3. In Grand Theft Auto IV, I can see farther and more objects at a time on my PS3. The PS3 has a faster frame rate, where the Xbox feels almost blurry. The colors are more crisp on the PS3, the Xbox is more washed out, like water colors. Some may not even notice this, I do.

3) No built-in wireless connectivity. You have to buy a very expensive adapter to have wireless connectivity.

4) No built-in optical/toslink connectivity for home theatre audio connection. You have to buy an adapter to do this.

5) No rechargeable battery. You have to buy a rechargeable battery and kit to do this.

6) Not a major deal, but the on-screen interface is more kid-feeling then the PS3. I'm an adult and the PS3 feels more like its targeted to adults then children/teenagers.

7) YOU HAVE TO PAY TO PLAY ONLINE. I don't understand this. It's ridiculous to me. It's way overpriced. I can't play online with my friends unless I buy a monthly or yearly Xbox live pass. I hate this about the Xbox. I HATE THIS. I already gave them hundreds of dollars in the console, games and accessories; stop asking me to pay to play. As you can see, this is a major con to me. I also cant watch my Netflix account without paying for an Xbox live account. Boo!

8) The Xbox has a pretty bad reliability record. I believe they have eliminated most of the issues that plagued the earlier consoles, however. My neighbor has replaced his Xbox 4 times; FOUR TIMES! I have not. He plays his every day all day though; I play once or twice a week for less then an hour.

Wii============================================

I bought the Wii after playing it at a friends house. I was blown away by the idea and experience of motion based controllers. We played golf, boxing, tennis, ping pong; it was an amazing experience - for the first time.

After I had the Wii, I quickly lost interest.

Here's why:

1) Horrible graphics. I paid a lot of money to have a 60" High Definition full 1080p home theatre. The Wii graphics look like absolute kiddy crap on my TV. The Wii has no high def. Its like playing a first generation Nintendo NES on a HDTV. Its horrible, and for this 1 reason I can no longer enjoy my Wii. Nintendo is way behind the modern day high end graphics of today.

2) The motion controller novelty has worn off. Its fun on a few games, horrible on others. I don't know, the novelty of the Wii has just worn off for me; and several of my friends.

3) It just doesn't feel like a modern quality device. While I'm sure its reliable, it just feels like a child's toy; the exterior, the interface, the games, etc. Sorry, I guess I've just grown up.

Conclusion============================================

In conclusion, I would say the Wii is more suited to young children. The Xbox is a great device, and so is the PS3. I can live without my Wii; but I would have a hard time choosing between the Xbox and PS3. For that reason, I choose to have both. If Xbox made online multiplayer free (eliminated the Xbox live cost), and included a blu-ray player, I would choose the Xbox over a PS3 (even with the better graphics on the PS3). But for now, I say buy both. By the Xbox as a gaming device, and justify the PS3 as blu-ray player with benefits.

If your a parent shopping for a teenager and only want to buy 1 device, go for the Xbox 360. Chances are, most of your child's friends will already have one, and they can all play online.

If your an adult that demands the best and has little time to play games (like myself), get a PS3. Its sleek, its got better graphics, its wireless, and it has a blu-ray player.

I hope this review gives you some insight and help with your choice, and a little knowledge of all the systems from an experienced and unbiased owner. If so, please click on "YES" below this review to vote it as helpful. PlayStation 3 160GB System'

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Melissa  doug - dress up, firefighter suit

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This was my son's "Santa gift" and he has absolutely adored it. He wears it practically everyday so it was definitely a good buy. The coat has held up very well. The top to the "fire extinguisher" comes off too easily though and is constantly getting lost. I decided to forgo putting batteries in the bullhorn since we already have a plethora of toys that make noise. It hasn't phased my son in the least, he plays with it just the same and pretends to talk through it. Melissa & Doug Fire Chief Costume Deluxe Role Play Set

We love Melissa and Doug products, but this was disappointing. Our kids LOVE dressing up and playing make believe so educationally its great. they wear the jacket and hat for days on end some times.

However, there were a number of negatives.

* The reflective bands around the sleeves and the body of the jacket came loose almost immediately and began to fray pretty badly. I have solved the problem by gluing the reflective material onto the jacket with a hot glue gun. It took a ton of time and glue to get the job done.

* You can actually put water in the fire extinguisher. Ugh. They kept sneaking into bathroom, filling it up and spraying water everywhere. True, you could say that I'm not supervising them well enough, but supervising a make believe session just seems like an oxymoron.

* One thing we've always loved about Melissa and Doug toys is that they aren't electronic. The little bull-horn was pretty annoying. I fixed that too :)

Nearly a year after we bought this (and fixed it) the kids still love playing with the jacket and hat, but that's because they're kids, not because this is a high quality toy.

This is a great, authentic looking fireman's uniform. For all the fans of local heros and "Fireman Sam" on TV this is a great gift. It will be a perfect Halloween costume this year for my 3 year old grandchild as his birthday is on Halloween. Very well made as are all the other toys and games by this manufacturer.

When you think bullhorn, don't you think you should be able to talk through it and have your voice amplified? Melissa and Doug dropped the ball on this one. The bullhorn is a SIREN ! No voice amplifier, just a siren! To think that savvy parents by M&D products because of the educational value, durability, and realism. That's not realism and it's just plain annoying. My poor son has to use his only outside, which is no fun in the winter when he wants to dress up, but we can't take it! The rest of the costume is perfect as expected. I left a message on M&D's voicemail about the problem and my concerns. I did not receive a response.

I bought this for my 2 year old grandson and when his older brother saw it, I had to purchase one for him. It looks like an actual firefighter's suit. Their mother took them down to the fire station and they were a big hit. Turned out to be a great learning experience for the boys. Fit is true to size.

Even though I bought this for my son's halloween costume, he wears it all the time. It has survived the washing machine and the sticky suckers and the dirt and mud. It is well made and my kid loves the bullhorn and fire extinguisher assessories and of course the "fire truck hat!" Well worth the money. I'm actually surprised they don't charge more for this outfit. - Dress Up - Melissa doug - Firefighter Suit - Pretend Play'

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Bring It On - cheerleading

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"Bring It On: In It To Win It" is the fourth of these competitive cheerleader flicks to come down the pike in the past seven years, and either it is going to be the last or somebody is going to make it their personal mission in life to make sure the franchise finds a better end than this 2007 direct to video offering. One thing for sure: each of these films makes the original look better, and every time they try to come up with another cheer routine laden with irony and caustic wit it always pales in comparison with the opening bit of the original "Bring It On." Since it is assumed that you are checking out this movie because you liked the original (and perhaps one or more of the others in the series), such comparisons are inevitable as is the inevitable judgment that this is an inferior product.

You know that the end of the movie is going to be the big competition, so the goal is to set up as much conflict before the inevitable final battle before the cheering crowds and other competitors. That would be the Sharks, the red dressed team from the left coast captained by Carson (Ashley Benson), versus the Jets, the East Coast team decked out in blue led by Brooke (Cassie Scerbo). The Jets finished first and the Sharks second at the previous championship, so the groups hate each other. As you might suspect from their team names, the two teams end up facing off on the street, throwing around as much attitude and twists as they can before learning there is a reason cheerleaders do their routines on padded mats. With half of each team out of commission, Carson and Brooke have to find a way to work together or they are not going to go out as winners. There are additional layers of complications because Carson is smitten with Penn (Michael Copon), who, of course, is a Jet (I bet somebody out there is going to YouTube a montage of Carson and Penn to "A Boy Like That" from "West Side Story"; actually, most any song from that musical could be played against scenes from this film). If that is not enough adolescent angst, Penn has been lying to his parents about where he is spending his summer.

Then there is the curse of the spirit stick.

I round up on "Bring It On: In It To Win It" because when we finally get to the last act you get to see some competitive cheerleading routines, and since these are actual human beings doing all of this stuff I am always impressed. I know next to nothing about such cheerleading competitions, but like many of us I can fall back on the idea "I could never do that in a million years" and be allowed a small measure of awe. A lot of what is in this film is more miss than hit: for example, the semi-Goth cheerleader has her moments but the idea that not one but two of her teammates would confess to putting up fronts to be their particular stereotypes strikes me as too much. But that is to be expected from a franchise that is now at the point where the name of the game is to count things off by the numbers, from the nightmare cheerleading sequences at the start to the cast lip-synching to a song during the closing credits. Lower your expectations going in to this one and you will have a better chance of coming out ahead. Bring It On: In It To Win It (Widescreen)

Okay, so many of you who are going to see this movie will have no idea that it is a ripoff of a far superior movie musical, "West Side Story." Yes, the Jets and the Sharks, which are rival gangs in West Side Story, are now rival cheerleading teams. And there is even a romantic triangle between the Jets and the Sharks. But, this is as close to a good movie as the fourth "Bring it on" movie gets. The dialogue in this series of movies has gone from bad to awful. And then, there's the rivalry between the two cheerleading teams. You would think that the finale of the movie would involve the Jets and Sharks fighting for a cheerleading title. But, no... instead, well... you be the judge whether the ending was a good idea. Having an antagonist at the end of the movie who you rarely see until that point kind of made the ending anti-climactic.

Now, the bits about the curse of the cheer stick were at times funny, all the characters are nice to look at, but the film was all fluff, no substance. Skip this one!

This is a great movie. I like the way it shows the importance of working together as a team so that both chearleading tems can compete as one to win. It also shows the importance of beliving in yourself and not in luck or curses if you want to accomplish something.

Which is what Carson has to learn to trust herself and that she is good enough and that curse or no curse if she does her best she is good enough to win. The jets and shark have to play of each others streangths to off set each others weaknesses. They have to learn to get along and let the differences go if they want to win. I recommand this movie to anyone. Especially if you liked any of the other bring it on movies. They are all good. If all of the i like this one the best.

Another one you may loike that falls in this catagory is

Man of the House ~ Tommy Lee Jones, Cedric the Entertainer, and Christina Milian (DVD - 2005). Another Movie i highly recomend it is funny.

It's deliciously campy. From climbing on mailboxes, to massive "impromptu" cheer offs, to the whole "My parents will never understand my cheering!". Don't expect to be moved by massive hugfests or tearfests, if you go in ready to laugh at some of the most ridiculous lines you've heard, "J-E-T-S, Jets rule from east to west" at lunch tables or to be amazing by stunts and gymnastics they pull then this is for you. Overall, while I wouldn't buy this movie, I can definitely see a massive cheer montage on youtube of this and this would be a great Friday night girls-in movie.

General Notes

The whole dumb girl and mean girl relation is getting really old.

What is with the rat tail? No one does that.

Finally, don't expect to be remotely moved by any character or inspired, but expect to laugh, and that's what you'll get through this movie.

Enjoy! - Cheerleading'

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Bread Maker Scale - bread maker scale, postal scale

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I have yet to see a scale in the same price range that has the same level of accuracy, granularity and function.

The scale has every feature needed in food prep (tare/lb/oz/lb.oz/kg/g/baker's math) and nothing more (why do some scales tell you what time it is now?). The 17+ lb. (8 Kg) capacity allows for a large/heavy mixing bowl to first be tared when weighing and combining a large volume a multiple ingredients. The large weighing surface and backlit LED keeps the weight visible and function buttons accessible when weighing items larger than a cereal bowl (something that most scales in this price range cannot claim). Aside the from the overall design, weight capacity and granularity, the baker's math (percentage function) may be this scale's most useful feature!

The only negative I've experienced is the scale's quick auto shut-off time when running on battery powered. This can easily be resolved by using an AC adapter.

Bottom line: I would by this food scale over any other in the <$100 price range (and I wouldn't by a $100+ scale for my home kitchen). My Weigh KD 8000 Digital Weighing Scale

After a long research for a good quality and accurate scale and moderately priced I settled on this one. I have been using it for about 6 weeks . I am a cold process soap maker and need something that is accurate and can withstand abuse. So far this scale has been very accurate I am constantly testing the accuracy with a weight and it is very accurate .

I like the shield that protects the keypad and the size of the of the table, it can hold a very large bowl and the table can be removed for cleaning. The window is bright and the numbers can be easily seen ..the tare button works perfectly every time.

It can easily go from ozs to grams and to % . I have 2 other scales that I thought were very good but this one is now my favorite. That it came with the power cord ,which is usually an option is great ..I hate it when they are battery operated and you have to purchase a power cord separately . I have not used the battery option so I do not know how long the battery lasts. I highly recommend this scale can't wait to use it for bread making .

I almost did not purchase this item based on a previous reviewer's comment. They noted, correctly, that the scale counts down from 99999 through zero before startup. For people who are concerned about this, as I was, the countdown takes 5 seconds, measured by stopwatch. I have found this not to be a problem at all. By the time I grab some flour, or get a bowl, the scale is ready to go.

The tare function on this is a must for me: I love it! The plastic cover over the keypad is a nicer idea than I thought it would be before I used the scale. The one star deduction I gave the scale is due to the slight scuffing of the plastic cover that seems to have occurred in transit. That should not have happened, though it doesn't affect function in the least. The scuffing looks like flour remnants I didn't wipe off. This is something the manufacturer could have avoided by putting a small piece of paper between the keypad and the cover prior to shipment. It was so easily avoidable that I felt a one star deduction was in order.

This is a scale that is very easy to use, with all the functions you should expect in a true baker's scale - baker's percentages, gram increments in measurement, conversion between metric and ounce/pounds, and the ability to regulate the automatic shut-down of power. I love that it is battery operated, and don't mind that the scale did not come with the available power cord. I'm extremely pleased with the scale, which has earned a coveted place on my counter.

this is my third My Weigh scale purchase. I'm a soap maker and use the scale to weigh my lye solution, oils and essential oils for each batch of soap. Spills are inevitable, so I really appreciate the plastic shield that protects the controls. My two previous My Weigh scales in the KD series developed holes in the plastic where you press the tare button because I was always reaching in to tare with gloved hands full of oil or essential oils. The scales still work, but I think it's only a matter of time before they develop problems. So with this new scale I'm also using the soft plastic control cover under the hard plastic shield. One caveat ... be sure the plastic shield is all the way in down position when using the scale. If left up it will bump into the platform and cause weight errors. My scales are in constant heavy use. If you are considering this for a kitchen scale you shouldn't have this problem.

Yes, there is a bit of delay when you first turn it on while it zeros out, but it's mere seconds and certainly not an issue for me. I check my scale periodically and it is always perfectly accurate. The tare feature works as it should and it's great to have the option to weigh in grams or ounces.

This is an accurate, workhorse of a scale at a very reasonable price. - Weighing Scale - Postal Scale - Bread Maker Scale - Bread'

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