Guy Low Price Electronic: 6 Nov 2009

Friday 6 November 2009

Cold Weather - backpacking, cold weather accessories

I live in Chicago AKA(The Windy City), and for some reason this winter is the worst. I was looking for a Mask combo scarf. I found this one, it is the best thing I have ever used, its way better then a scarf! I bought this and been using it for a couple of days now and I didn't buy it from Amazon but Bert's Ski Shop and they had a good deal so I bought it and also the Seirus Polar Scarf. I recommend this because it really works it keeps me really warm. The person that sad that it fogs up there glasses might not be putting it on tight enough because it doesn't happen to me. I REALLY RECOMMEND THIS COMBO SCARF AND THE SEIRUS POLAR SCARF THERE REALLY COOL AND GOOD. BUY IT Seirus Innovation Neofleece Combo,Black/Black,Large

This mask does not pair well with my glasses, ultimately causing them to "fog up" during outdoor activities (hunting, shoveling snow, skiing, etc). Don't get me wrong, this mask is very comfortable and serves it's purpose well. In fact, I would likely give a five star rating if I didn't wear glasses. Side note: This mask is velcro adjustable, although you want to get the right size. I would recommend a Medium if your fitted hat size is less than 7, and a Large if 7 and over. A medium is pretty small so I couldn't imagine an adult needing anything smaller.

This garment is a "Must Have" item for cold, windy weather. I purchased the Neofleece for an extended trip to the interior region of Alaska. The temps are as low as -30 degrees below zero. I have felt NO cold on my face. I can breathe easily. It is so light-weight.The Neofleece fits well under my hat and hood. It covers my neck, so there is no air seepage at the top of the zipper on my jakcet.Seirus Innovation Neofleece Combo It is just Great!!!

I really like this face mask/scarf. I have started bicycle commuting year round and this mask is perfect for what I'm using it for. I have asthma so the dry air of winter can get to me sometimes, but the mouth covering is perfectly vented so as to let moisture build up which really helps. The nose hole fits perfectly and allows plenty of breathing room.

I would recommend you get the largest size you think will fit you, because you can make it as tight as necessary. I've been using this since October (it's now January) and I have had no issues with it so far.

I was looking for a replacement for my bandana for when i go snowboarding... this is way better, black and black also looks better then with the gray,i also didnt know it unstraped in the back for a better fit... dad has the full head one, this one is just as good with a hat. idk what this other kids talking about fogging up... its got a hole for your nose un-like a bandana, and if your whereing goggle to the park it works fine... buy this ^^^^

I bought three of these for downhill skiing ... XL for my husband, M for me, XS for my 3 year old. Everything fits well, although the XS is still a bit big for the little guy. He doesn't like it covering his nose, but when he's a bit older he'll appreciate it on the colder days. Mine and my husband's fit well and they're very comfortable under ski goggles. I find the vent holes over the mouth can be kind of cold, so on the coldest days I still use my old balaclava underneath to cover my mouth. These work well either way because they velcro together behind your head - Easy to put on and remove without having to take off your helmet. The neck fleece part could be a little longer all around. All-in-all, very comfortable and effective.

wore it all winter long! Protects Ears, Nose, face, mouth and neck from the cold crappy air while riding a bike. Fits well under helmets (clipping under chin isn't uncomfortable)

I might get another one just for kicks!

Great product. Fully functional for cold winter hikes. A slightly longer neck on the rear and slightly higher arch away from the front would have been nice for further protection from the cold but I am satisfied. - Camping - Balaclava - Cold Weather Accessories - Backpacking'

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Toaster - toaster

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This product was a gift for a friend of mine for his birthday.I was really happy with the quality of the bracelet and how fast it was delivered. I have ordered other things off of amazon and haven't been disappointed one time. MLB Atlanta Braves Team Color Baseball Bracelet

I bought this as a present for my cousin and she hasn't taken it off since! It's super durable and looks awesome! I bought the red one because I was worried the white might get dirty, and this one is perfect! Go Braves! - Toaster'

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Kindle - e-reader, ebook

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I am sure they would perform well -maybe, if I were to actually wear them.

The rise is too high, the waist is very narrow and the legs are one size fits all and they are very very heavy.

There is a reason they have the suspenders Joe Rocket Dry Tech Nano Pants - Large/Black/Grey

Very pleased with these pants. I like the convenient removable suspenders, and even without them these pants fit better than other riding pants I've tried. The claimed waterproofness is not exaggerated as far as I can tell, though I haven't been through a monsoon with them yet. The waterproof zippers aren't as stiff as I thought they would be. The quilted liner is thick and hot and I haven't needed it yet. For summer riding the pants breathe as well as they could without being mesh.

The pockets stick out a bit, but I didn't buy them for fashion. I could use some adjustability in the waist, but it's probably fine for most. The waist sits quite a bit higher than your average pair of jeans.

I have the nano jacket as well and I'm even more pleased with that. Despite the brand's historically "low-end" products, with the Dry Tech Nano pants I think that they have really shown that they can produce quality gear with solid features. - Kindle Devices - Ebook - E-reader - Drm'

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Customer Abuse - adventure, assassins creed ii

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If you like games that require thought then this is a good one. You can leap and climb all over the games richly detailed environment, which reminds me of Tomb Raider. There are many secrets to be found and upgrades for your assassin...from weapons to dying your clothing. You can even pour money into the villa you stay at for renovations. Many of the challenges have to deal with navigating the games environment and coming up with ways to eliminate a target. The VO seems to be pretty well done so far and the story is also pretty good. Combat is not overly difficult and relies mostly on timing counter attacks. You might have some difficulty figuring out the controls at first, but have patience and take your time learning it. Assassin's Creed 2 Deluxe Edition [Download]

While I can understand why Ubisoft thinks they have to do the "always on" authentication, the people who are going to pirate it will find a way. They always do. This is a great game and I have it on the Xbox360. I would've bought two copies (XBox and PC), but with the DRM it would too big of a hassle to play this way. So, I won't be buying this PC version.

Secondly, I also am a MAC owner and wish UBISOFT would put their games out on the Mac. But since it'd be "always on", I suppose it's moot.

I am not a software thief and I wish UBI wouldn't treat me like one.'

About the game -- A+! UBI deserves all the praise they get on the game -- I am playing AC1 right now (played them in backward order) and both are the crown jewels of video games!

I don't understand the fuss about DRM. Assassin's Creed II is a vast and exciting game. Did you watch the credits at the end of the game? Did you see the hundreds of designers, developers, voice actors, etc all over the world that it took to make a game this stunning? In an age when the pirated copy of a game shows up on line the day before its market release, we have only ourselves to blame if developers need to find new ways to protect their work.

I avoided DRM games for years believing all the hype until finally buying and playing AC2. I played the entire game without even one crash, server lockout, pop-up ad, or spam--nothing. And sorry, the argument that you can't play DRM games on a plane? Really? Are you going to play a game like this on a plane? It's a little intense for the tray-table.

I think the online DRM is far better than having to find the dang disk every time you want to play. Better than having the CD spinning, sucking battery life and putting mileage on your drive. In an age of WoW the argument that "I have to be online all the time" makes no sense. I almost suspect all the negative reviews complaining about DRM are spam from disgruntled hackers. So if you were like me and passed up games like AC for fear of some big brother corporate intrusion, don't be. The only drawback is that it takes several steps to start the game and quit. That's it.

Maybe it's diffrent for the DVD version (I downloaded from Amazon)ut I don't understand the fuss.

Now for the game itself, I'm not a big fan of 1st-person shooter/slasher but this game is amazing if for nothing else than the sheer vastness of its environment. You are set free in Renaissance Florence and Venice as well as several other smaller Tuscan hill fort towns. You can literally get lost for hours springing from rooftops. The voice acting and character animation is some of the best I've ever seen. Unlike other games where the characters get recycled over and over, each of the dozens of NPCs you encounter is unique. Even the townspeople crowding the streets show remarkable variety.

I highly recommend using a USB game controller. There are A LOT of button commands, many of them involving timed combinations, and finding the right keys while leaping off tall buildings being chased by half of the city watch, is beyond my manual dexterity. But my $15 Gigaware controller did just fine.

The story is needlessly complicated in my opinion. The motives for our young avatar are clear enough without the strange X-files/Da Vinci Code global conspiracy thing. The (fortunately infrequent) interruptions into the present-tense of the game are a distraction.

It is important to note AC2 shares more DNA with Mario Bros than Myst. It's really about finding the best route to run across the rooftops and ambush your victim. There are very few things to `figure out' and the few times our hero has to interact with objects they are highlighted with glowing diamonds. Once you learn a tactic (i.e. use courtesans to distract the Codex guards) you can use it over and over with the same effect. Sadly, there were few times in the game when I was surprised by the action. I'd happily trade a few sq miles of game space for a little more of an intellectual challenge to the missions. Whenever I tried to get clever and work out an elegant plan, it always ended up in failure with the successful option usually running up to your mark, stabbing him, and running away as fast as possible. The guards are tediously clueless. You can slowly pick off guys keeping watch on a tower one by one (ten little Indians style) without any of them catching on. "Hey, where did Mario and Tony go? They were just here..." Combat is pretty easy too. For all the dozens of tactics available, locking onto an opponent and wailing away on him with `Attack' usually does the job. The guards rarely break out of their polite ninja movie style one-at-a-time attack. I hope Revelations makes the opponents a bit more cunning and demands more recon and strategy on the gamers' part.

But that aside, the environment is truly stunning. I've never encountered a game with so much space. I played addictively for weeks and I know there are areas I never explored. While the back alleys are filled with clones, there are dozens of unique landmarks all over the game. It's great fun to climb to the top of the Giotto's Campanile, or run across the roof of St. Mark's Basilica on your way to assassinate a corrupt Doge. I don't know if it's a game you'll want to replay they way I revisit old friends in the Myst franchise or conquer the world over and over with Civilization games, but for a few weeks, I expect you'll be transfixed by this stunning game. - Adventure - Assassins Creed Ii - Drm - Assassins Creed'

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Oscillating Saw

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There are two dinky spot welds in line with the 3/8" blade that hold the blade to the larger piece that attaches to the "collar" or whatever you call it that attaches to the machine. When doing any sort of plunge cut (which this blade would seem to be designed for) the oscillation of the machine will shear off the spot welds. I sheared off two of these before I wised up. I sent one of these to Dremel with a letter explaining the shortcomings of their design and received a nice form letter and a new blade. If you want a 3/8" blade, you would be much better off taking a wider one and using a cut off wheel in your Dremel cutting it down to the width you want, making it look more like the Fein blade. Versatool makes a very good bi-metal blade that is a much better, much stronger blade than this Dremel blade. Dremel MM411 3/8-Inch Multi-Max Wood Blade

The 3/8 blade is perfect for when your working in a tight space and need precise control over the cut. It was the perfect blade for me to clean up and make a perfect (well, reasonably perfect) edge when I was replacing some wood floring. I made the main cuts with the regular size blade, but needed to clean out the corners and undercut the backside just a touch. I'm sure that a skilled carpenter could do that with the regular size blade, but since I don't fall into that category, the smaller blade was just the ticket to make the job a lot easier.

This is not a blade that you'd want to use for major cuts - other Dremel blades are more suited for that. This is intended for more limited, precision work in spots where the normal size blades won't fit comfortably. Also, it's a wood only blade -- you'll blunt it quickly on metal.

Most people will use their Dremel to cut out wood. This is Dremel's basic blade to do that. It is designed to only cut wood and if you hit metal it is history. Luckily, it is relatively inexpensive compared to other brand blades so you won't cry too much. I cut about 10 feet of exterior 3/4 play with it and it was fine nearly all the way to the end when it hit a screw. No blade of any sort really stands up to a hardened screw and 3/4 exterior ply with all of its blade-dulling glues is a tough test. So, not a bad blade. If it had not hit the screw, it would still be good. It felt sharp all the way. It is an obvious choice for a Dremel, but I believe it can fit some other brands and would be a good choice for them as well.

Note that in remodeling work it is common to hit imbedded nails. This blade, and all the others I am aware of, even the expensive Fein blades, are not capable of surviving a nail. This is absolutely not acceptable and strikes one as a way to sell more overpriced blades.

I received the Dremel Max as a gift as I had some difficult exterior molding repairs to do. The tool came with a 3/4" wood blade which worked like a dream. I was able to cut a straight edge when removing a section of the molding that was rotted (bottom of a garage door and basement entrance door). You have to keep a steady hand and keep the tool level when making the cut, but it is very doable for even a wood-working novice like myself. I felt the narrower 3/8" blade would come in handy on future projects. In-store video on this tool hit multiple types of jobs where I needed this tool. Definitely recommend.'

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Pocket Camcorder - camcorder, 3rd generation

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This review is very similar to the review that I gave for the Flip Slid HD when it first came out. (Please see that review also...)

I have been a Flip camera user since they released the first gen. Flip Mino HD (not the new metallic model). I loved the camera. For what I needed it for it was everything I wanted. I soon became addicted to the Flip cameras and needed to purchase the newest one every time they came out.

I currently own the Flip Mino HD (1st gen) Flip Ultra HD (2nd Gen) Flip Slide HD, and now the Flip Ultra HD (3rd Gen with Flip Port). I also own a Canon GL2 and Vixia 30 video cameras and a Canon Xi digital SLR.

I got home from school on Tuesday and found my brand new Flip Ultra HD waiting for me. I had about 20 minutes to open the package, look and set up the features (time, date, etc.) before I had to leave for marching band rehearsal. During rehearsal I did some test shooting and I was very impressed with the quality of this camera, but I was worried about a few features.

I was reluctant at first to purchase this camera because of the 60fps feature. I did own a Kodak Zi8 and the 720p 60fps setting didn't not import into Final Cut Pro. I had to take it into compressor or some other software and change the file extension in order for Final Cut Pro to import it. Of course this causes a decrease in quality.

I was also reluctant because of the image stabilization feature. When image stabilization is added to a camera (of this size) video quality usually suffers. I know flips can be very shaky if you do not have a well trained hand. After a few hours a playing you will figure out the right movements that the camera can incorporate so your video will not come out shaky.

I don't use my Flip Slide HD because of the omni directional microphone. I can not record loud situations because the microphone distorts. This is my biggest fault with the Slide HD. I was a little concerned with the new Flip Ultra HD that it would have the same problem even though it uses a different microphone, but what really sold me on this new Flip was the accessories and the FLIP PORT.

Right off the bat I noticed all of the new accessories that they are pushing for the Flips, the aquapacks, the igo chargers, and my favorite is the magnetic Bower Wide Angel Lens. Flip and Cisco have finally started listening to its customers, but what put it over the top for me was Blue Microphones. Blue Microphones makes vintage and out of this world recording, studio, usb microphones. I own one of their USB Microphones called the Snow Ball and the quality of that microphone is amazing. When I found out that Blue Microphones was making a microphone (mikey) for the new Flip to be used with the new Flip Port, I purchased mine right away.

So the Review...

The Ultra HD has always been my favorite because of its size. I think the bigger it is the better control you will have and the less shaky video you will produce. The new Ultra HD is smaller, but not that much. It feels good in your hands. The controls and the screen are in the same place. It is a nice fit in your hand.

I was very shocked at how well the image stabilization worked. If you have used a flip before this one you know that the slightest movement will create shaky video. You can tell that this one has image stabilization. It still can produce shaky video but it might take a big jolt to do it.

The 60 fps was great. It was much clearer video and with the image stabilization it made everything much smoother and clearer in the view finder, even in low light situations. I did check when I got home and the 60fps does import right into Final Cut Pro for editing without any compression. (Probably cause the videos are in MP4 format)

Overall I think this is the best Flip Camera out on the market. I like this one better than the Mino because of the touch screen controls. Sometimes pressing the touch screen controls on the Mino will cause the camera to shake.

I hope this review was helpful. Please feel free to leave comments or questions.

See my comparison of my Flip Cameras below.

Flip Mino HD - Good Microphone (2nd out of all of them), doesn't have as wide as a shooting angle as the Ultra's. Very small in the hand, at times hard to control.

Flip Ultra HD (2nd Gen) - Good Microphone (3rd out of all of them) Wide Angle for shooting, Feels good in the hand, sturdy, wont break if dropped. Double A batteries only last a few hours, rechargeable battery pack has short life span. Unit can get hot when charging - may even shut down.

Flip Slide HD - Poor Microphone (in loud situations) - its omni directional so it picks up all around the Flip not just in the front like the others. (4th out of all of them) Touch controls are better than the Flip Mino, however this has no hard buttons. The Slide does have the largest storage capacity and is second in video quality only to the new Flip Ultra HD.

Flip Ultra HD (3rd Gen Flip Port) - Widest Angle for shooting, feels the best in the hand, has the Best Microphone and currently I believe has the best video quality. This also is the only unit that has the new Flip Port.

Thanks

Nick Flip UltraHD Video Camera - White, 8 GB, 2 Hours (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL

This is now my 3rd Flip camera (they are all still in operation, I just can't help upgrading when a higher quality product hits the market). I always fall in love with my new Flip video camera and this one is no exception - I prefer the design of the Ultra HD over the Mino because of the larger screen, and the new 3rd generation is noticeably thinner than last year's model which makes it lighter and easier to hold. HUGE HUGE HUGE improvement in video quality on the 3rd generation model - image stabilization and now 60 frames per seconds (FPS) compared to 30 FPS in the previous HD model. This 60 FPS results in noticeably higher quality video and the ability to zoom more effectively. This model comes with a rechargeable battery pack so you can charge via your usb port on your computer, or if you are traveling and don't have access to USB the Flip Ultra also allows you to put 3 AA batteries for videographers who are "on the go."

Another A++ product from the folks up in San Francisco who design this product. Go out and get one - it's time for an Upgrade to the 3rd generation of Flip!!!! - High Definition - Camcorder - 3rd Generation - Flip Ultra Hd'

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Multi-max

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I received my Dremel Multi-Max about a week ago and was anxious to try it out on a serious project. The Project: Cut out exterior window molding that had begun to rot. The tool did the job as expected; in fact I felt like a surgeon cutting out a tumor. However, after just a few minutes of use, the blade came off - not good. The tool oscillates at a high rate of speed which also means it vibrates. I must admit when I installed the blade I was skeptical that a simple hex nut and beveled washer would hold the blade in place. Obviously, it didn't (and yes, the beveled washer was installed correctly per Dremel's clear warning). I reinstalled the blade and re-tightened the hex-nut (forcefully to the point the amount of torque made me wonder how long the hub mount would last).

I contacted Dremel and they admitted the loosening blade was a known issue and a fix had been developed in the form of another washer (I presumed a lock washer, but the customer service rep was not sure). She offered to overnight express the washer to me and of course I declined the generous offer and suggested they simply drop it in the mailbox.

Aside from this mishap, I'm pleased and the prospects of the tool are very good. As the first reviewer points out, the blades that come with the kit are wood only blades. However, metal and grout blades are available. Here's my rating of the various aspects of the tool:

1. Ergonomics - 5-star. Ergonomically, this tool feels good in your hand. Not too big with enough heft to feel like a quality tool. I have used the Fein Multi-master which is bigger and heavier than the Dremel version. However, I like the feel of the Dremel.

2. Power - 5-star. Although I cut through relatively easy-to-cut pine, the tool never felt under-powered. For most projects where you'd use this tool, I don't think power will be an issue. The ability to cut through materials is likely to be dictated by the blade used (true of any saw).

3. Durability - ?-star. Time will tell. My guess is that the blade changing hub will be the first to go if you end up changing blades frequently.

4. Blade Change Feature - 2-star. In the era of quick blade change everything, Dremel missed the mark with a conventional hex screw setup. It is a slow process of switching from one blade to another. This is where the Fein tool has a distinct edge.

5. Carrying Case - 5-star. Surprisingly nice, well made, attractive, and can hold a few extra blades.

6. Cord Length - 3-star. It's 6' feet long and of avg quality. Would have been nice if longer and more rubbery than plastic (just doesn't uncoil like you'd expect from a good quality electric tool). However, tools with long cords can introduce some baggage.

7. Dremel Customer Service - 5-star. My experience exceeded my expectations. Other companies should take notice.

8. Value - 4-star. In case you're unaware, Fein had the patent on the oscillating saw until September 30, 2008. This is why it cost $400+ all these years. On October 1st, Dremel, Bosch, and Chicago all came out with competing versions. The Chicago version is on sale at Harbor Freight for $39 while the Bosch (which is battery operated) is just under $200. At just under $100, the Dremel is likely a little over-priced, but, still a decent value. I suspect once Hitachi, Makita, Milwaukee, Ridgid, and others get in on the act, the price will get closer to $50. Their money is made with the replacement blades.

Washer Update - I received the washer from Dremel. As I said above, their customer service was impressive; at least over the phone. The washer I receiver appears to be more of a passifier instead of a solution. It is a flat washer that is significantly over-sized; not fitting the hub's shaft. I finally bought a right-sized lock-washer and it appears to have done the trick. I retract my 5-star Dremel Customer Service rating above, however, I still recommend the product. Dremel 6300-01 120-Volt Multi-Max Oscillating Kit

I've always loved my Dremel tools so I jumped on this & bought it as soon as it was available. I didn't read the "fine print" that it's for WOOD ONLY. I wish someone would have warned me.

The Dremel Multi-Max does NOT have a "REAL" METAL=IRON=NAILS cutting blade! It is not ready for prime time, i.e. a busy worksite! Even Bosch makes their PS50 use a Fein blade adapter.

One the other hand, it is SUPER on wood by itself (= 5 STARS !!). Plunge cuts into 3/4 sub-floor plywood for air ducts are wonderfully smooth, pencil line thin, cuts with very little dust thrown about. Detail smoothing, edgeing, shaping around hard to get at places is as easy as can be. I've even "planed" slivers off of cupboard doors, and other tightly fitted pieces, so they fit snug but don't rub/touch. The more I use it the more I LOVE it!

But even home DIY projects have nails in them. Careful! Just get a Fein 250Q instead ($$), or get the Bosch PS50 (8 minute battery)(Dremel's parent company) and use Fein blades for small projects. Save yourself some frustration & dull/broken blades if you are out of a wood working shop.

Bosch/Dremel says that they will actually send "replacement" blade stock to stores sometime in November. Here's hoping (After CPODremel unceremoniously CANCELLED my order through Amazon!)! I've hit a couple of nails so far and the kit included blade still works for now. I'm getting the 422 blades when available because they are the strongest.

Two week owner Update: Lovin' it more each time I turn it on! I'm now glad I got mine before they raised the price! You betcha!

Three week update: The blades haven't actually broken on nails yet. And it still seems to cut OK, as in - not too dull. Got a B&D CHS6000 6-Volt Handisaw for those pesky nails when I find them. Seems to be a good combo as the Handisaw will cut a bit faster on heavier wood after the M-Max defines the cut line & corner shapes, which it is super at. The limited amount and lack of dispersion of sawdust still surprises me every time!

I've tried several ways to make my overall review 4 stars but Amazon doesn't change it. Sorry, Dremel...

12-02: Added three images of a sub-floor patch showing the use of a Guide Board to get real square straight & parallel to the supporting joist. Wore out the first Wood Cut MM440 blade to butter knife sharpness. It just smoked when pressed to the wood-- after several dozen yards of 3/4 plywood and hitting numerous nails. Not too bad for a one inch cutting surface.

Jan-09 update: Blades seem to last longer now that I know to work around nails (when I can). Another things that makes cutting easier, especially in thicker wood, is to wiggle the blade from side to side as cutting to give it a little more air around the blade. This reduces friction (=heat) and allows the dust to escape. When cutting I use almost no pressure (hard habit to break after using other power tools) so "the blade does the work". Seems to go even faster!

I've gotten so used to this tool I need to remind myself to use a sawsall or bigger power tool for bigger jobs (just to save the blade). It doesn't get hot (small efficient motor?) or uncomfortable in the hand after long use. And I did get the extra washer to hold the blade on (thanks!) but never had one come loose myself. I've finished most of my big projects with the MMs help so I thought I'd give a shoutout "Thanks!" to Dremel while I remembered.'

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S1 Racer

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The book is great.

It doesn't contain much information about mountain bike tricks and stunts. It covers mostly cornering, types of corners and cornering tactics, but what's more important it will help you spend your "$10 attention bill" wiser.

I would suggest to read first "Mastering mountain bike skills" by Brian Lopez and Lee McCormack. Then train. When you're ready switch to this book. Learn how to use your attention, concentrate, plan your race, choose reference and timing points, visualize, read the course, make proper decisions beforehand, overcome psychological barriers, choose cornering tactic, analyze your mistakes, etc.

When you're done with it, buy and read "The Mountain Biker's Training Bible" by Joe Friel. Then train, rest, train some more, rest, train harder, rest, then race.

Happy riding. Gear Higher: The Bicycle Racer's Handbook of Techniques'

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Student Lab Notebook - student lab notebook

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I needed this for a couple chem labs and they work perfectly. The carbon-copy is clear and legible every time. The periodic table that comes with the table is handy for calculations and I use it constantly as a back for the carbon-copies so the pen doesn't go through several pages. What I'm surprised about is that this is so darn expensive! For graph paper with carbon copies, I'm a bit surprised that it costs almost $15 per booklet. This is a notebook that is okay to buy used, granted that most of the pages are there and that pen hasn't gone through more than one sheet of paper. If you feel like you can't take the risk, then I suggest to just buy it new. Student Lab Notebook: 100 Carbonless Duplicate Sets - Student Lab Notebook'

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Finish Nailer - finish nailer, finish nailers

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The DeWalt 16 gauge finish nailer makes an excellent addition to one's collection of finish nailers, either as a homeowner or a professional. One of the benefits of the 16 gauge nailer is that the nails are much cheaper than the 15 gauge nails. With that said, the 16 gauge nails lack some of the holding power and are more prone to blowouts (which can be easily avoided with correct usage) because they are stamped and rectangular instead of round. Don't let that discourage you, however, because the 16 gauge nails have plenty of holding power for applications like interior door jams or holding up heavy crown molding.

The DeWalt nailer is nice in that it can be used without oil; however, it is still best to give it a light oiling once in a while to ensure that it lasts. I have no doubts that it will last. The tool consistently countersets nails to the right depth and has plenty of power (I keep the compressor around 100 psi). I've never had a jam, but the release on the front for jams is easy to open. The depth adjustment is the normal wheel mechanism that allows for very precise adjustment. The no-mar pad works very well, and nail placement is easy to see. Case is sturdy and securely holds the nailer as well as some space for nails and safety glasses. I found the loading very awkward. The two methods used to load seem arbitrary and more of an advertising scheme than anything else. DeWalt could have designed this function better, but I've not found it too bothersome to deduct a star since the overall performance is excellent. Also, the manual is map-style instead of book-style (feels like 12 feet by 10 feet large), which is a real pain to use if you're unfamiliar with pneumatic tools, but this seems like a minor detail.

I highly recommend this tool. DEWALT D51257K 1-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch 16 Gauge Finish Nailer

I bought this for trim work for my home office remodeling. I have a Porter cable 18 awg and a Grex 23 awg. I am happy with this one also. It has plenty of power, but I can still use it with a three gallon compressor and get plenty of shots before the compressor recycles.

I used this nailer while installing 800 square feet of hickory flooring. It was used to face-nail the starting and ending rows, to get in closets where the flooring nailer couldn't reach, and to install the baseboard molding. I only had two jams out of 1500 nails. The jams were easy to clear thanks to DeWalt's easy opening jam clearing thingy. (that's the technical term!)

The depth control wheel right on the nailer makes it easy to put the nails where you want them.

I love this nailer, easy to use and dosent jam often. I have shot a couple thousand rounds through this gun now and I love it. I did have one jam in that time but the tip unlatches quickly making it simple and quick to unjam. Comparing it to my bostitch this one wins hands down. - Nail Gun - Finish Nailer - Nailers - Finish Nailers'

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Wireless N Router - wireless, access point

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Once you have it setup it works flawlessy. Problem is setting it up for the first time. Documentation is not user friendly to the non-tech savvy. I'm using it as a wireless bridge / access point with my Sony blue-ray player. I already have a Linksys wireless router using WEP encryption (forced to use this because my XBOX 360 doesn't support WPA). To make it easy for others doing the same thing use the following steps:

1. Change your pc or laptop's ethernet adapter's IP address to 192.168.1.3 To do this on Vista or Windows 7 you open you network sharing center then you open your ethernet LAN adapter settings (or manage network connections in Vista). Select the Internet protocol v4 (IPv4) and go into properties. Manually put in the IP address with subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and don't worry about the gateway address.

2. Connect your WAP3205 to your pc/laptop with the ethernet cable that is provided. Of course make sure you plugged in the power to it or your going nowhere. Open up your preferred browser (IE, firefox, netscape, etc.) and then type in the address bar 192.168.1.2 and now you will be connected to the WAP3205. Type in the default password of 1234, you are now prompted to change your password to whatever you want it to be.

3. Now that your in the WAP3205 click on Expert Mode. When in this mode on the far left you will see Status and below it Monitor, Configuration and Maintenance. Click on Maintenance and then hit the plus sign in front of Maintenance once you are in. Go to the last option of Sys OP Mode then select Client Mode and hit apply.

4. Go back to the far left and hit configuration then go to Wireless LAN. You will see tabs for Profile, Site Survey and WPS. Hit the Profile tab and then hit the Add button. Type in your network name / SSID and then select your security drop down box. Select WEP if you have a setup like me with the XBOX 360 or if you don't care about security select the no security option. Type in your passphrase that you use for your router's security or the actual 128 bit security code (or 64 bit if that is what you use) and hit apply. Then select your newly created profile and hit the activate button. If it's configured correctly you will get a green check. Now your done on this end.

5. Disconnect your WAP3205 from your pc/laptop and change your pc or laptop's ethernet adapter settings back to whatever it was before.

6. Go to your blue-ray player and disconnect the power cord for about a minute or more. Connect the WAP3205 to the blue-ray player with the ethernet connection and power your blue-ray player back on. The blue-ray player will automatically pick up the network settings from the WAP3205 and you will be done.

Hope this is helpful and if you don't have an XBOX 360 or if you use WPA for security the setup should be easier.

So far so good with the Zyxel WAP3205...I had used the Linksys WET610N (2 separate units) and they both failed. The first one worked a couple of days before the wireless stopped working and the second one's wireless failed right out of the box. The WET610N's are way easier to configure but they are too expensive and for me totally unrealiable. The WAP3205 is a steal and worth the effort when you consider the rock solid connection I have now, besides it was less than half the price of the Linksys. It's not as nice looking as the Linksys that's for sure but the main thing is it works as described. ZyXEL WAP3205 300 Mbps Wireless N Access Point, Ethernet client, Universal Repeater and Range Extender

This is an impressive piece of networking gear, particularly for the price. It has a great deal of functionality, some of it unusual. However, I have to warn you: the documentation is terrible. When the other reviewers said the documentation is poor, boy, they weren't kidding.

The Zyxel can be configured to act as an access point, wireless client, or universal repeater. Let me explain these modes:

=> If you already have (wired) Internet access (e.g., DSL or a cable modem), you can connect the Zyxel in access point mode, and then you'll be able to connect to the Internet via the wireless network from throughout your home. This is probably the most common use of this kind of gear, and for this purpose, the Zyxel will probably do the trick just fine.

=> If you already have a wireless network set up in your home, and you want to connect another device (e.g., a gaming console) to the wireless network, but the other device doesn't itself have wireless capability, you can use the Zyxel as a wireless client. For instance, imagine you have DSL/cable modem Internet access, connected to a wireless access point, in one room of your house. On the other side of your house, you have a gaming console, and you want to connect it to the Internet, but the gaming console doesn't have 802.11 wireless capability. What to do? You can plug the Zyxel into the gaming console via Ethernet. The Zyxel will connect wireless to your existing access point, and provide Internet access to your gaming console. See other reviews here for information about how to configure the Zyxel in wireless client mode.

=> If you already have a wireless network set up in your home, but it doesn't reach all of the rooms in your home, you can use the Zyxel as a universal repeater to extend the range of your existing wireless network. This is sometimes also known as a "range extender". For instance, say you have an existing access point in a room on the north side of your house, but its signal isn't powerful enough to reach the south side. Stick the Zyxel halfway in the middle and configure it to be a universal repeater. The Zyxel will receive the wireless signal from your existing access point and re-broadcast it, so that you can have wireless connectivity from the south side of your house. (You don't need to plug the Zyxel into your cable modem or DSL modem; it receives Internet connectivity via a wireless connection to your existing access point, and extends the range of your existing network.) This is pretty awesome.

That's the positive. The negative is that the Zyxel is hard to configure, and the documentation is lousy. The manual that comes with the Zyxel is extremely sparse and doesn't describe how to use most of the device's functionality. The manufacturer has been spamming the comments section of other reviews to say they've fixed this with a new version of the manual, but that's a bit misleading. The printed manual you receive with the Zyxel still sucks. If you know the special URL, you can download the online version of the manual, which is better, but you have to know where to get it (see the comments section of other reviews), and it is only available online. Why couldn't the manufacturer at least include a reference to it in the printed manual that comes with the Zyxel? Sheesh.

As a result, to use the advanced functionality (e.g., client mode and the universal repeater), you probably need to have some knowledge of networking and a bit of patience -- otherwise you may be in for a frustrating experience.

Even with the extended manual available online, configuring the thing is a bit tricky. Other reviews have described how to configure it in client mode; I'll explain how to configure it in universal repeater mode:

1. You'll need to know what channel your existing 802.11 access point is using. Find out, e.g., from its web configuration interface (you'll have to see the documentation of your existing access point; that'll depend up on the access point). Jot down the SSID and wireless channel. If you use WEP or WPA or WPA2, jot down the key and which of those you use.

2. Power up the Zyxel. Connect a laptop to the Zyxel via Ethernet cable. Manually set the IP address of your laptop to a static IP address 192.168.1.3. (See other reviews for details of how to do this, if you don't know.) Fire up your browser and go to [...]. Enter in the default password (1234).

3. In the Zyxel's web configuration interface, click on "expert mode". Click on the icon for Maintenance on the left, go to Sys OP Mode, change to universal repeater mode, and click "apply". Wait for it to reboot.

4. Connect to the Zyxel's web configuration interface again. Click on the icon for Configuration on the left, click on Wireless LAN, then go to the tab for Universal Repeater. Enter in the universal repeater parameters: tick the checkbox to enable universal repeater. Enter in the SSID of your existing access point (which you noted in step 1 above). Enter in the key and security mode, if it uses WEP/WPA/WPA2 (make sure to match what is listed in your existing access point). Don't bother filling in the MAC address; it's not needed. Click "apply".

5. Now go to the General tab. Fill in the SSID field with the SSID of your existing access point (the default is "Zyxel"; change that to match your existing access point). Untick the checkbox for automatic channel assignment, and manually pick a channel from the dropdown to the left of the checkbox -- use the same channel as your existing access point is using (which you jotted down in step 1). Click "apply".

6. If your existing access point uses WEP/WPA/WPA2 security, go to the Security tab and fill it in with the same parameters as your existing access point. (I verified that the Zyxel does work with WPA2-PSK AES.) Click "apply".

7. Now it should be working. Disconnect the Ethernet cable, clear the static IP address, and try connecting to the wireless network to see if it works. Hopefully it works on the first try!

(It's crazy that it takes this many steps to configure universal repeater mode -- you're stuck entering in all kinds of information that the Zyxel could have inferred -- but that's how it is. Ease of configuration is not one of the strengths of the Zyxel.)

After using the Zyxel for a while, I'm not entirely satisfied with it. I've been using it as a universal repeater, and it does extend the range of my existing wireless network significantly (once I got it set up and working). However, it makes my entire wireless network a bit flaky: once every few hours, it kicks my laptop off the wireless network (even when the laptop is completely within range of my original wireless access point, so that it would have had access even without the Zyxel). I've found this annoying enough that I've turned off the Zyxel and given up on the extra range. However I haven't tried to troubleshoot this to determine if it is specific to my wireless configuration (I use a WPA2 encrypted network) or my laptop (which is an old Windows XP SP2 machine), so I don't know whether it will affect others.

I can say this: if it does work for you without the reliability glitches, I think you'll be happy with it. If you feel comfortable with simple networking and want to extend the range of an existing wireless network, it might be worth a try to see if it works well for you. - Wireless Access Point - Wireless - Access Point - Bridge'

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Dog Nail Trimmer - dremel, rotary tool

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Love the new Dremel! It's a great little tool. We originally purchased it because I wanted to carve "Funkins" for Halloween rather than a real pumpkin. We did use it for that and it worked great. We also used it for our dog's nails and it worked great for that too. She isn't fond of having her nails clipped so this was a better choice. It wasn't as invasive and if you just take your time it's pretty gentle. Dremel 7300-N/8 MiniMite 4.8-Volt Cordless Two-Speed Rotary Tool

I was looking for a grinding tool to use for trimming my dogs' nails since they don't like clippers and I refuse to pay a vet or groomer for something so simple...especially since I have four dogs. I did some research, checked Amazon reviews for various products, watched prices on both Amazon and Ebay (used and new) and ended up buying the Dremel 7300 cordless MiniMite new on Amazon.

After only about a week of introducing my dogs to the tool (using the instructions on doberdawn.com which is very detailed and great for the newbie...they don't sell anything, just an advice site), I'm now able to get my dogs to lie there while I do nail trimmings. This is a HUGE improvement over using typical dog clippers! I'm simply amazed at how well they took to it.

After reading about the PediPaws and similar items, then the Dremel models/options, I went with the MiniMite because it's similar to the Pedipaws except there's no guard (I haven't found this to be an issue) and it works better, is sturdier, and lasts longer according to other reviewers. I've only had it for two weeks, so I can't give feedback on longevity yet...but I do know it will be getting lots of use at our house, so time will tell. And we are still using the first sanding wheel, haven't had to replace it yet.

Plus it's cordless, so it's easier to use for the dogs anywhere in the house or outside (in warmer weather). So far I haven't had to recharge the battery (I've been using it daily for about two weeks now).

If you're struggling with dogs who hate nail clippers, I highly recommend trying a MiniMite. I have four dogs ranging size from 11 lbs to 67 lbs and it works well for all of them. I bought this specific one because I wanted more than one speed and I didn't need a lot of attachments to go with it. This is nice and compact and not so noisy that it scares the dogs. Both the MiniMite and the charger fit on my desk, within easy reach whenever I need to do some nail trimming. There's no cord on the charger, it just plugs directly into a wall outlet and you click the MiniMite battery into the charger base. It's 2-1/2" deep (sticking out from the outlet), so you need a spot where there's about 4-5" of clearance to easily plug in/remove the battery & charger. A counter outlet or a wall outlet that's not next to furniture are both good choices.

I've never had a Dremel or similar model of hand grinder. It's a handy little tool and I'm sure I'll find other uses for it in time. But for right now, I'm VERY happy with the results on my dogs' nails (and no rough edges like you get with nail clippers).

i got this for trimming my dogs toenails... she is a yellow lab and usually HATES getting her nails trimmed.. she holds still for this and doesnt seem to mind.. it does a MUCH better job than the the pedi paws tool...that did not seem to have enough power..i am sure that i will find other uses for this too, but it is balanced and it seems to hold a charge for a long time.. i also like the fact that its cordless..

I bought this after reviewing many different dog nail grinders. I have to say I am very impressed other than with battery life. I have 2 large dogs with very hard nails and this works great. Neither one of them liked having their nails clipped, but the only thing they mind about this is when sometimes I have to hold their paws in a certain angle to get the entire nail. They don't mind the noise nor the vibration. I started out letting them smell it while it was off, turning it on and letting them smell it and rubbing the handle part around their face down their sides and on their paws without any problems. The only thing I'm not impressed with is the battery life. I can get through one dog completely and about 2 of the other one's paws before the battery is too weak to finish. All in all, I definitely recommend this to anyone who has large dogs or dogs with hard nails.

I ordered this dremel to replace a really old one I had. I was awry of buying this because i didn't want to give up the power of buying a cordless dremel. But it was worth every penny. It comes with every tool needed to get anything you need to get done. I was removing rust spots on my car and this dremel is perfect for the job when using the stainless steel brush. It has a fast 3 hour charger, and the battery lasts for about 40 minutes. It has two speeds which is more than sufficient. The tools are really easy to change and very easy to find.

I have an old MiniMite for which the battery has quit and the charger has split.I was going to buy a replacement battery and charger but the price for this is less than those 2 items combined! Check these links.Dremel 755D 4-4/5-Volt MiniMite Battery PackandDremel 756-01 MiniMITE 4.8V Battery Charger for use with 750-02 I remember the old one was a bit underpowered for some tasks,but you have to keep in mind this is only 4.8 volts,not 110.It's better than a cheap 12 volt corded one I got at some port that sells tools.

This tool is very simple in design, yet I have used it for many things I never even planned for when I purchased it. I bought the accessory kit (710-02) with it and I have been able to accomplish a lot of projects which wouldn't have gotten done without it. It comes with a few sanding and polishing accessories as well which is a nice start.

Additionally, the rechargable battery is great as working without cords speeds things up. Nice to not buy a ton of AA batteries to finish projects. - Dogs - Rotary Tool - Nails - Dremel'

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Doorknobs

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I really liked this set of locks. Put one on front and one on my back door. They use the same key which means one less on my key ring. Good mdse look nice and quality good too. Was easy to install as well. Master Lock BAO0103T Keyed Entry Door Knob, Polished Brass, 2-Pack

These have to be the best matching door locks with identical keys that I have found for my master bedroom and master bath. The installation was easy and the keys are identical since they are packaged as a two pack. I used to have expensive arced handle door knobs, but they were rather flimsy and wore down rather quickly from every day use.

I do recommend Master Lock for interior door locks. This product is rugged and easy to use.'

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