Guy Low Price Electronic: 16 Dec 2009

Wednesday 16 December 2009

Telescopic Fishing Rod - fishing rod, fishing gear

I purchased this rod/reel combo for the convenience of having an outfit that would fit inside my checked baggage when I travel on airlines. The initial performance was good; I used it to catch a dozen or so rainbow trout while fishing in the Donner Lake region of California. The padded bag survived the trip quite well, and storage is more than adequate. The only flaw I encountered was some loosening of the rod sections after several casts. If you don't pause to push everything in tightly periodically, the rod tip (or even the whole rod) will separate and get flung into the lake with your lure. Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager Spinning Travel Kit

I recently purchased a Okuma rod and reel travel pack. I used it a couple of times to make sure it worked ok before my trip. It is a very nice combo that casts easily and has a light enough action that I enjoyed using it to catch small panfish. The whole pack is a bit bulky but worth the space to make sure your rod and reel get to your destination in good shape.

Don't plan on whipping this out of the case in a hurry and dipping your hook in the water. It takes some setup and tear-down time, as it does not easily come apart to fit in the case with the reel attached and the line strung. Look somewhere else if you want a quick solution for back country fishing where compact is key. To its credit, the rod has nice action and the reel seems well built. Comes with no line and only one spool. It is not telescopic.

I got this item for a Christmas gift and it was perfect for the beginner fisherman. It was safely packed so nothing could get broken and was easily assembled. I strongly recommend this item for a gift for someone whose trying to get their fishing kit together.

I purchased this fishing rod for my grandson. He was thrilled with the case that the fishing rod came in. He can carry everything that he needs in the case and go fishing. He takes his bike so the case works very nice.

I've used this rod 2-3 times a week for the past three months and am, for the most part, satisfied with the purchase. The rod/reel combo is of good quality and there's room enough in the case for a basic set of tackle. The case fits very nicely on a mountain bike tail rack and has proven to be very durable.

Now the reel is not nearly as smooth as my $120 Shimano and the rod tip will occasionally come loose on a very energetic cast. Still, the action is much better than a typical telescopic travel rod and the price is definitely right. The trout seem to like it too.

I purchased this item about a month ago and had it shipped out to my FOB here in Iraq. I am deployed deployed in an area that has a small lake and there are some trout sized fish all the way up to 5 foot long carp and other species of related "freshwater" fish. I have used the pole about 10 times and nothing has went wrong with the quality of the pole or reel. The top of the base had cracked when i hooked into a fish simply because i didnt seat the first section of the rod in tight enough. Overall a GREAT buy for this product! I would recomend it to anyone that is looking for a reliable breakdown travel rod. Thanks for a grea product and providing shipping to military!

This is a good, compact unit for travel and camping. The rod assembles easily and seems to be of good quality. It is stored in sections, not telescoping. The reel was a little difficult to set up and adjust, but worked well when everything was assembled. The case is nice quality, but not lightweight ripstop - a little bulky and heavy for serious backpacking.

The Okuma Voyager Travel Pack is everything that I had expected. Today I went back on line at Amazon to order another one for my wife to use when we are on trips to Colardo, Ohio, etc. However, I got the message "Currently unavailable. We do not know when or if this item will be back in stock". I hope that the quickly restock this item.

Sad, I will now look elsewhere.

However, If I cannot find it, I will check back with Amazon - the service and delivery meet exceeded expectations. - Okuma - Fishing Gear - Kids Fishing - Fishing Rod'

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Highly Recommended - stationary indoor bike, highly recommended

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I did a lot of online research before purchasing this bike. I was looking for a bike that was built well, quiet, decent electronics, and good value. This Schwinn 140 is exactly what I was looking for. Shipping was very quick for this item. Amazon told me it shipped on a Friday, and it arrived at my house the following Tuesday.

Unpacking the box was relatively easy. It looked like a lot of parts at first, but there weren't that many steps required to put this bike together. I was able to assemble this bike in about an hour, by myself. The instructions were clear, although installing the handle bars was a little tricky.

Once the bike was assembled I spent about 15 minutes making adjustments for my riding height and style. This bike has many adjustments, so take your time getting it right. I'll probably make more adjustments after my first full week of workouts.

I really like the electronics. The display looks high-end. It's bright, easy to read, the colors are nice. I had one issue when I first powered up the bike, after 2 minutes I got an "E3" error. But after resetting the display, it was fine, and I haven't seen it since. Hopefully that's not a portent of things to come. But so far so good.

I'm 6', and weigh 240 pounds (that's why I bought an exercise bike). This bike feels very sturdy for my size and weight. No loose parts, or creaking noises. At least not yet.

I will be posting pictures to Amazon shortly. Schwinn 140 Upright Exercise Bike

After doing much research on upright excercise bikes, I selected the Schwinn 140. I ordered the unit from Amazon on Sunday and received it on Wednesday. The box is good sized and quite heavy so I waited for the weekend to move to the basement and assemble. The assembly process took about 1.5 hours. The instructions were simple (tools included) all parts went together very well. I had a little challenge installing the handlebars (due to computer cable), but after a couple of tries, everything fell into place an sligned properly. The computer unit has a number of pre-programmed profiles, but I created my own, and this was a very easy and simple process. The instruction manual could be better, but most operation is intuitive anyway, so not that important. The bike is very quiet and smooth, allowing the user to change profiles on the fly. The unit is also allows for easy adjustment for just about every aspect of the bike, allowing different users a proper fit. Overall, very pleased with value received and of prompt delivery by Amazon.

Had it almost two weeks. Goes together in about an hour and fits in an incredibly small space. Seems very well constructed, no loose parts. Takes awhile to adjust everything as everything is adjustable. Seat is very comfortable, I purchased a different seat when I ordered the bike, but decided to use the seat that came with it. Makes absolutely no noise at all when you're riding it. Shifting between levels is smooth and quiet, and the pedaling is very smooth and consistent all the way around. Heartbeat monitor on the handles work great, but trying to get my Polar band to talk to it has been a challenge as there is no documentation on how it connects. Seems like if you start riding first, then activate the band, it works, but still trying to figure this out. The interface on the computer takes some getting used to. The documentation for the computer could be a little better, but overall, I am extremely happy with this bike. Great value for the money!

Delivery was quick. Set up was easy, took less than an hour. Bike is well made and sturdy. I usually manually control the resistance so cannot comment on preprogrammed readout.

Bike functions well, easy to adjust.

For my body type, long torso, shorter legs, the biomechanics of this bike could be better.

With seat properly adjusted, still have some lean on the arms and i find with rides longer than 20 minutes that i get some numbness in the hands.

As for the seat, this is fine and is reasonably comfortable for shorter rides.

Since i usually do intervals on indoor exercise equipment for 20-30 minutes, the above limitations are easily dealt with.

Overall an affordable addition to the home gym.

Like many others, I researched this bike for about 2 weeks before deciding to purchase it. I read everything I could find about Schwinn bikes period. The model before this (the 130) is what I was going to purchase at WalMart, it was cheaper but I would have to pay for tax & shipping (free shipping and no tax on Amazon.com) so it was only going to save me about $30 at WalMart (for the older model) so I am definitely glad I decided to buy the 140 at Amazon.com.

The previous model (130) was highly rated/recommended on the Consumer Report websites and that made me realize that a newer model would/should be even better. I live in a small apartment and although I wanted the recumbent one, I had to go with the upright. Not to mention, I figured I could work on my posture while riding upright. (ha ha) This bike is just what I need to get in shape. I have a leg injury and I am overweight and out of shape. I needed a piece of equipment that I could commit to and not feel like I was doing a dreaded chore. I can hop on this bike and watch tv, listen to music, talk with people around me, or just look out of my window.

At first I felt like the price was expensive compared to the other models, but it's true, you get what you pay for. As I mentioned, I am overweight and I needed something that would last while I pursued my fitness goals. The other brands are not built as well as the Schwinn models. Simply look at the frame work and tubing and you can tell.

After I put it together (without any problems whatsosever) I realized that it was of good quality and worth the money I spent. The setup was easy. I am a female with manicured nails and I didn't even chip my polish putting this bike together. I also didn't require any help. It was really easy. I had my laptop on my sofa with the manual enlarged (I went to the Schwinn website and downloaded it) so that I could see the images clearly, but I mainly used the paper manual that the bike came with.

I read the instructions for the setup of the user profile and everything went just fine.

~I read some reviews about little issues with customizing, but if you just take your time and read the manual, you will really see its not difficult. When you set up a custom workout, you have to realize that it goes through 30 levels so it appears as though nothing is happening, but be patient as you customize it and you will see that it is working right.~

~Also the Heart Rate monitor, if you simply plug it in on the side, it should work just fine. You just have to look for the spot to plug it in to.~

I have only used the bike 4 times so I can't give you any long term use information, other than the programs are nice, the resistance is great, and it has a lot of features on the console once you set up your user profile, but I can say that this is a very good investment for anyone considering purchasing a quality exercise bike. It is a good piece of equipment. If you have to save up a little to get the bike, start saving! If you are considering a different brand, forget about it! If you think that its hard to put together, get over the thought! If you are worried about it not being right for you, try it and you will like it!

I have a lot of weight to lose and I don't like going to the gym. I walk around my neighborhood which is ok, but now I can get a good little cardio workout. I am so glad that I got this bike. I am helping myself in the long run. This is the best way to spend over $300 and have something well worth it!

No missing/broken pieces, no damaged stabilizers, no damaged or flimsy box. I ordered and received in exactly 7 days. ***I'm NOT discrediting anyone's reviews about problems they had with their purchase, I am just stating that my purchase was problem free***

~I will add another review/or update in the future about how the bike is performing~ I hope this helps motivate someone! - Upright Bikes - Highly Recommended - Stationary Indoor Bike - Schwinn'

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Shoulder Bag - shoulder bag, messenger bag

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When the zipper broke on my other messenger bag, I quickly turned to Amazon to find a suitable replacement. After much browsing and research I decided to give this product a try. The bag arrived today in excellent condition and I must say I am not disappointed. One of my biggest fears was that the canvas the bag is made of would be cheap and thin-it is neither. I am confident the material will hold up very well through the abuse it will experience over the next year. The front pocket is large enough for my moleskine and a pen, while the back zippered pocket is the perfect size for my passport wallet, and swiss army knife. The interior of the bag holds a good deal and once full, the bag never appeals to be over stuffed. This is the most inexpensive bag I've bought and I like it more than any of my others! Canvas Field Bag - Olive DT702

**UPDATE: Yesterday morning (roughly 7 months after purchase) while opening my bag the button snap ripped through the fabric on the left side of the bag. This fell short of my expectation because I rarely used the bag half the time, and the other half, I might use it 3 times a week at most. Shame to think despite it's good fabric and strap, the button would effectively end my using of it, but I guess you can't buy a good quality bag for so little. Really tempted to repurchase because it's on sale for $12.99 ... but I will have to look at the high end options now from a name brand. Buying every 7 months vs 1 time for a few years. You take your pick. *[Minus Two Stars!]*

[Original Review] Here is a quick run down on ALL you need to know:

STRAP: The perfect length if your under '6, if you are taller, look else where. It's thick [feels strong] and soft, so it probably will not hurt ever, even if you carried around a bowling ball.

FABRIC: Study fabric, just stiff enough to hold it's shape, but not uncomfortable to use a pillow when you need that afternoon nap at Starbucks.

COLOR: 'charcoal' is actually just dark forest green ... with black strap. Yeah, it doesn't look like the gray/black'ish one pictured and I am pretty disappointed by this. It's the ONLY reason I bought it. Because of this color deception ... *[Minus One Star!]*

SIZE: Want to carry around a single notebook, one 1" binder or netbook? Take your pick, because it can fit any 2 of those, at any one time, at max. I knew the dimensions when I ordered, but was still surprised by it's size. It's both good and bad. I think the larger ones look really dorky, and it's large enough to never fall into the dreaded man-purse category. The zippered pocket if perfect for wallet, cell phone, pens or even a moleskin® notebook.

QUALITY: I've only used it for the day, but it seems like it will last, if something comes up ill make sure to update this review.

PRICE: The price jumps around a lot, I've seen it go from ~$26-16 here on Amazon.com, if you pay more then $20, make sure it's with free shipping.

STYLE: It's got fairly basic styling, with plenty of room for your own personal buttons, ect, on the outside. I will keep it plain, and it looks good enough all on it's own to do that.

SHIPPING TIME: I used the 'over $25 free shipping' option by purchasing another item on Amazon.com, and the item arrived literally 9 business days later, sadly it looks like the vendor staggered my order vs sending it when they got it, never have had this happen before, quite lame. [I will be kind and not drop a star, but they earned it, it shipped ONE state over from me]

Overall: I think it will really fit the needs of anyone looking to minimize the bulk they carry around [death to heavy backpacks!] on campus, feel comfy and look good while doing it. I just wish they actually sold a real charcoal color, and not dark forest green called 'charcoal'. [4/5 stars]

I am always on the hunt for a hi-quality yet lightweight messenger bag that can double as a handbag. I have a larger, heaver canvas messenger bag for school i.e. the "Jack Bauer" bag. While that one is sturdy, this messenger bag has function and form. I love its classic look. It's lightweight, but not cheap-looking. I like the soft comfy wide strap and the canvas material (not course, but still durable). This is by far my favorite bag to use. I'm always on the go and wanted a hand bag in which I could keep my wallet, a book, sunblock, some makeup, etc. There's nothing to complain about this bag. I especially love the outer and inner side pockets where I can easily get to my keys and cell phone when I need it-no more digging around! I got it in stone-a very nice shade. Nowadays, there are too many bags with too many add-ons and detailing that just makes the bags look ugly. This bag has a simple sophistication that I've been looking for and I'm sooo glad I finally found it. Now I can stop searching.

The bag is great. It's a little smaller than I had thought, (definitely not a laptop bag unless you have a mini) but it is what the description says as far as measurement. I just wasn't paying close attention. It's big enough to fit a couple of school books in and my notebook. It also has 3 different pockets. One on the inside, one on the back, and a slightly hidden one under the flap. Plenty of places to stick stuff. Good quality and has a comfy, long, adjustable strap. Love it!

I've been using this for 9 months now and it is as good as when it arrived. I bought it as a daypack for a trip to Spain and it held my camera, waterbottles, ereader and maps without being too bulky to haul around all day. After a minor mishap with tomato sauce, I discovered that it is washable as well, with no shrinkage or dye fading. Size is as described, and the charcoal I got really is gray, not the green in another review.

I looked long and hard for a bag I could carry that wouldn't look totally like a "man-purse," and this is the one. It's neither too big nor too small; most of the canvas messenger bags are 15" wide and 6" deep, which is more than I want to deal with. This little fella is (for me, anyway) a perfect 12" long x 10" tall x 3.5" deep, but still with plenty of room to carry a couple of books, notebook, pens, etc. The bag also has lots of hidden storage space--a zippered pocket on the back, and a couple of velcro-closed pouches inside. It would work well as a daily book-bag, or as an airline shoulder bag for taking passport, camera, meds, sunglasses, and a clean shirt & socks onboard the plane. As the name implies, it would also make a great a field bag suitable for toting trail maps or guide books, binoculars, snack foods, and a couple of water bottles; or packing home any rocks you might wish to pick up on the hiking trail.

The canvas material is not as thick as what you might find on a heavy-duty messenger bag, but it still looks as if it will hold up well. The bag is made of a double-thickness of the sort of canvas material you'd find in a pair of khakis or cargo pants. The material and construction give the bag a kind of floppy appearance, which I think adds to its non-Murse appeal. (If you look at Amazon's picture in the Olive color--which is what I purchased--you will see what I am talking about better than the pictures of the other 2 colors.) The strap is plenty long, when fully extended, to wear across your body without the bag hugging your armpit. The bag also looks as if it will be machine-washable without any great fuss.

At the price ($21, including shipping), you can hardly go wrong. I'm looking forward to taking mine to work, on the plane, and on my next hike. - Messenger Bag - Shoulder Bag'

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Full Synthetic

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I ordered this within the last 2 weeks and it is not synthetic oil. There is nowhere on the item that states synthetic...just says motor oil. Look carefully at the picture before you buy as this is still being sold on the website. You will end up sending it back. Formula Shell Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil -1 Quart, Pack of 12'

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Pneumatic Floor Nailer - hardwood floor nailer, floor nailer

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I am a flooring contractor and after using $480 flooring nailers for the past 7 years, I can say this is well worth it. My previous nailer bit the dust in the middle of a job and I rented one from "rip off Depot" and after spending $70 on a day and a half rental I figured I would order this one to at least get me past this flooring job and then cross my fingers for the next. I can honestly say that this is as good or better than both of my Bostich staple nailer and cleat nailer (each over $450!!!). Also, keep this in mind, all these nailers are made in China, none are made in the USA anymore. Bostich or aka Stanley used to make their nailers in the USA and it was worth the price but they have since fired all they american laborers and have not lowered their prices dispite the 1/4 cost of building the nailer since being built in China, now they are made in China for about 1/4 the cost and the rest is now in the wallets of CEO's of Stanley/Bostich so it really doesn't matter anymore( damn shame to). Stanley /Bostich is simply riding on their name. All the brands are pretty much the same now a-days unfortunetly. The 7 year warranty caught my eye and is key. This is definetly a no brainer. Here are a few obvious perks ...

Freeman Nailer ($190) 7 year warranty - Bostich - ($470 +) 7 year warranty

Freeman Nailer T, L & Staples ($190) Bostich - Staples only! want L cleats? Spend another $470 ($960+)

Freeman Made in China Bostich - Made in China

Freeman Decent durable plastic Carrying Case Bostich - Cardboard Box & some used tape

Freeman Parts - Aluminum Bostitch Parts - "aircraft grade aluminum" i.e. ...um, Aluminum!

Freeman Rubber Mallet, Oil, wrenches Bostich - Rubber Mallet

The bottom line is this: If this Freeman nailer gets me past 5 years of service then It did the job and I made an Excellent investment. If it gets me past 2 years than I still made out. Not to mention they also have a seven year warranty and I did call their support before hand and tell them I had a broken one and they said they would send me a new one with shipping sticker to send old one back ( I always do this with expensive tools), so they seem to be standing behind their warranty. Also, this nailer shoots three different type of nails! So save your $280 for something else nad buy the Freeman. Only thing they need to do now is make the damn thing in the USA then I would REALLY be impressed and give the 5 stars! Also, "Aircraft grade Aluminum" is like saying my t- shirt is made of "aircraft grade cotton" ... there are 15 grade types of Aircraft aluminum and guess what- even Harbor Frieght tools are technically "aircraft grade Aluminum". Once again Bostich/Stanley is trying to screw with our heads, banking on hte name and robbing you blind. Freeman PFL618BR 3-in-1 Pneumatic Flooring Nailer

Great price, beats renting that's why i got it obviously.

Did about 1,200sqf on the first job with a few jams (probably not oiling enough) but that wasn't a problem.

Very nice finish on the gun, handles great.

On the second job the piston or whatever is inside just wouldn't return the actuator and is audibly leaking air. I think i was just hitting this thing to hard and it couldn't take the abuse. Not sure what broke down. The website says 7 years limited warranty.

I would love a replacement but now i have to ship it to the company (not Amazon, which sucks) so not sure if it is worth the time and the fees involved. It already cost me time to drive around and rent a replacement, then drive to return it. Probably spent double already with all the stoppages.

If you are doing a small project (a room or two) then this is definitely your tool.

If another job comes about i will be probably considering something more heavy duty. Still undecided if I will go through with the repair process.

Reliability is more important then an eye catching price. That applies to all products, doesn't matter if it was made in China or say Ohio.

-- update

Very, very, very good customer service. Got the tool replaced in 3 days no hassle whatsoever.

Invested about 1/3 the price of a name brand pneumatic flooring nailer and installed about 3500 square feet of hardwood flooring without a hitch. No miss fires, jams and worked to perfection. Light weight, easy to load and built solid. Would recommend with no problem

I purchased 900 sq. feet of hardwood flooring to replace some worn carpeting in our house and decided to try installing it myself. Since I was doing the job over several weeks, renting a flooring nailer at $30/day was not practical so I decided to purchase one. I purchased the Freeman based on the reviews, reasonable cost, warranty and availability of replacement parts. The gun arrived in a nice case with a sturdy hammer and an easy to understand manual. I never had a nail jam and the gun worked great but about halfway through the first room the driver blade failed to retract after firing a nail. This happened a few times despite making sure the tool was oiled before operation. It could sometimes be remedied by pulling back on the magazine spring, but I did have to remove the drive guide a couple of times to correct it.

I called Freeman's 800 number and spoke with a very helpful person who suggested I try a test involving my compressor and call back with the results. Unfortunately, the problem persisted. When I called back again I was told that they were very sorry I experienced problems with their product and they would replace the nailer and send me a return shipping label for the defective tool. I was expecting to get the label in the mail, return the defective tool and then get the replacement as that is how most companies operate. I was very surprised to have a brand new nailer arrive a few days later with the return shipping label enclosed. This is clearly a company that stands behind their products with outstanding customer service. The other reviewers of this nailer reported trouble free operation but problems can occur with any tool, even the most expensive. I can recommend buying any Freeman tool with confidence because of the 7 year warranty and a company that truly backs it up with great customer support. I gave the tool 5 starts despite the glitch because of my positive experience with customer service. I also purchased a Freeman PFN64 Finish Nailer for my project that has performed flawlessly. - Hardwood Flooring Nailer - Floor Nailer - Flooring Stapler - Hardwood Floor Nailer'

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Character Development - campbell, comedy

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Actor Bruce Campbell decided to try his hand at fiction for his second book, but even then, he couldn't help from letting the "real world" (such as it is) intrude. The book is about Campbell, himself, getting cast in a major role (the kind that gets "best supporting actor" Oscars) in a new Richard Gere/Renee Zellweger romantic comedy. But Campbell's B-movie roots pervade and begin to "infect" the set... but is it really his fault?

This is a weird little book. Most of the story concerns Campbell travelling the country, meeting with one bizarre "expert" after another to research his role as Foyl, the all-knowing relationship guru doorman. As the book progresses, though, a clear villain emerges and Campbell finds himself -- again -- battling the forces of evil. The only real problem with the book is that the villain's motivation, and the major conflict, are introduced rather late in the story, along with a couple of fairly important characters who should have been brought in earlier.

However, as complaints go, that's not a big one. The book isn't intended to be a literary masterpiece -- it's a fun little satire that pokes fun at the Hollywood system from someone who's a small fish in that pond, but a big fish in the outside world of cult cinema. Campbell is a clever, witty guy and he turns out a clever, witty book, and that's what I really wanted out of this. Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way

Bruce Campbell is the kind of guy you either love or hate, so I won't waste your time. If you already hate him, avoid this book like a B-Movie plague, for the book is cut from the same material.

(pause)

OK. Now that we have lost the anti-Campbell faction let's take a look at "Make Love* the Bruce Campbell way". This novel is a hoot. It is totally silly. From the cover, one should understand that the entire book is tongue-in-cheek. In it we see Bruce preparing for and acting in a movie flop called "Let's Make Love!" In the process, he joins a Southern Gentlemen's Club, fights (and looses) a duel, teaches Richard Gere how to pick up women, and while disguised as someone else, agrees to produce a movie with Jack Nicholson. There is mystery and plenty of action toward the end with a rather surprising ending.

He flashes back on his incredible body of work, especially the Army of Darkness and Evil Dead movies. Bruce is self-deprecating and seems to welcome and enjoy his role in life as a successful "B" movie star. The book is funny, light and witty. It has plenty of illustrations and photos.

It is the kind of book one would expect from Bruce Campbell.

This is a great new book from Bruce "Don't Call Me Ash" Campbell, star of the Evil Dead films. This is quite different from his first title, "If Chins Could Kill, Confessions of a 'B' Movie Actor." Campbell's great sense of humor lifts this title above the average Hollywood trash. Plus, he played Ash, so ya gota love him.

While "Chins" was autobiographical, "Make Love" picks up where his first tome left off - present, day real life. "Make Love" starts in real life, but quickly takes a hilarious, fictional detour through the life of an "A" movie actor. It reads very much like the first book. It is in the first person, but nothing in MLTBCW actually happened. Bruce gets a part in a move with Richard (A**BAG) Gere and Rene Zellweger (sp?). He makes all sorts of very funny faux pas while researching the role (including an old-fashioned southern duel of all things). All the great comedy is there, and Campbell flashes back to many of his other films and TV shows, all within a fictional context.

A must read for any BC fan, especially if you liked "Chins." Campbell's Hollywood insight and humorous situations (and funny photos and graphics) make this a page-turner from start to finish.

I'm a casual fan of Bruce Campbell, meaning I'll see Bubba Ho-tep or Evil Dead II to watch his performance but draw the line at Mindwarp. I had high hopes for this book after If Chins Could Kill, Campbell's fun, optimistic memoirs reflecting on his B-movie life, which is actually on my top ten list of all time (and yes, I have read more than ten books). I also liked Man With a Screaming Brain, which Campbell wrote; in its own twisted Z-grade way, it was a fine example of good storytelling. I hesitate to say that I was disappointed, but I'm afraid I can't hold his first novel in the same esteem as the other two.

The premise, just to get us started, is simple: Bruce, by chance, is cast as the third lead in a big-budget mainstream comedy, opposite Richard Gere and Renee Zellwegger, and helmed by Mike Nicols (best known as director of The Graduate). This is, of course, a dream role; as Mike explains, "This is the kind of role the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor was created for." The rest of the book follows Bruce as he, determined not to blow his one shot at an A-list rating, travels from one zany location to the next, meeting a variety of experts to nail down various aspects of his charcter, Floyd, the sagacious doorman. Meanwhile, as filming progresses, Campbell's creative input gives birth to a "B-movie virus", the side effects of which include gratuitous fight scenes, revealing costumes on the leading lady, and stilted dialogue.

The main flaw of the novel is that it never quite decides what it's trying to be. With the plot, Campbell could have made a smart Hollywood satire in the vein of The Player or even Sunset Boulevard, but in the book's final stage that element is only half-conceived. Overlapping this is a rant/essay format, wherein Bruce grinds the plot to a halt to pontificate on the craft of acting or the role of communication in a relationship. This works in the loose, disjointed form of autobiography, since it's basically a series of loosely connected stories, but when one is trying to craft a single coherent storyline, it really disperses the focus. Another layer is that of the cheesy B-movie, which interjects itself from time to time in the most (intentionally) ridiculous ways, such as a random carchase, a stint undercover in disguise, and a grand finale shootout. If Bruce had singled out one of these approaches to drive the plot, he probably could have gotten away with using the others to give the book tone. By trying to give equal screen time, as it were, to all of them, he doesn't really cover any one in a satisfactory manner.

The other problem is that Bruce doesn't really make the transition from film to prose in the most graceful manner. Being funny in a movie or in a conversation is leagues away from being funny in a book. The dialogue and slapstick might have worked extraordinarily well onscreen, but aren't that effective transcribed, verbatim, into printed form. Bruce probably should have read Mark Twain, Douglas Adams, or even Christopher Moore to learn more about what sort of humor works in a novel and what doesn't.

The best part of Make Love is probably the "graphic sarcasm" by Craig "Kif" Sanborn, which basically consists of funny pictures with sardonic captions reflecting whatever is going on in the story at that moment. Sad to say, I got more laughs out of these than in the text itself.

I suppose I'm probably going to get bombarded with "not helpfuls" by defensive Campbell fans who can believe the man can do no wrong. I have a lot of respect for Bruce; I think he's one of the most talented and hardworking men in his field, and as a writer he at least has potential, if only he takes the time and care to develop it. I just think this one needed a few rewrites, that's all. - Campbell - Comedy - Book - B-movie'

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Cordless Drill - lithium-ion, 18 volt

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This new driver/drill from Makita is a great piece of work. I bought this unit just days ago, so this review is just an initial impression.

The BDF452HW is super light, easy to handle and has good power. The batteries are physically small, but still pack 18 volts. The L/I batteries have a very flat run-time curve...they stay full power until right at the end of the charge. They recharge in 15 minutes (for real). Makita seems to have capitalized on the advantages of new battery technology and combined it with a well built, smooth, advanced tool.

If you need brute power or a hammer drill, this is not the drill for you. If you want a medium to medium heavy duty drill, this lightweight beauty is close to perfect. I'll update this after several months of use. Right now, I couldn't be more satisfied.

*Update (04/13/07) After using this drill for several months, I still think it is the best drill/driver in this price/usage range. The batteries are excellent and the available power continues to satisfy me. This drill is lightweight, reliable, feels like quality and has the umph to drill even 2" Rock Maple and drive 2" lag screws into the same Rock Maple with no sweat. After living with it, I'd buy it again! Makita BDF452HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit

I've owned a 12v Dewalt drill for 10 years and although it still works great running on it's second set of battery's, I was looking for something with a bit more power,12v tools seem to run out of juice on larger heavier jobs so I was looking for an 18v drill.

Did some research and came up with the the Makita BDF452HW and ordered it from Amazon. First impressions great ! What a beautiful well balanced tool, fits in the hand very well, extremely light, ratcheting chuck, LED light, lots of torque for those heavy jobs, and the cherry on top is the quick charge Lithium ion batteries. I was very impressed with the whole package so I took it for a spin. By chance the first task that came to hand required some finesse, a 1/16" hole in a small computer connector, not the typical work for this heavy duty beast but you have to use your new toy.

When I drilled the hole, the drill bit shook and the drill itself seemed to have some vibration so I did so careful testing. After testing various bits and setups I determined that the chuck was off center and was causing any drill bits to wobble, not greatly, but enough you could feel it and enough to physically bend a small bit. I had noticed a previous review mentioned chuck wobble but after assessing the large number of positive reviews I dismissed it a just bad luck, it happens.

***** Five stars to Amazon's customer support, I returned the drill for an exact replacement, no charge and three days later I had another Makita in my hands ready to test. Sadly the second drill also suffered from the same fate, off center chuck causing the bits to wobble. I must be too critical so I compare drill holes with the Makita and my 10 year old Dewalt. I noticed two striking differences, the Dewalt was completely without any vibration, no doubt here, it was perfect. The second thing I noticed was the trigger speed control, the Dewalt was very smooth and seemed to be infinetly adjustable allowing me to very accurately control the speed, were the Makita had distinctive speed steps, not quit the control but definitely adequate. Oh yeh and the Dewalt weighted a ton compared to the Makita.

In conclusion, and honestly with great regret I sent the second Makita back for a refund ( ***** Stars to Amazon again !) and ordered the Dewalt DC720KA. It works great and has all of the features of the Makita with two exceptions, weight (its a heavy weight @ 4.8lbs but still very compact) and battery technology, still using NiCad battery's, rather than Lithium Ion.

The Makita is a great product if you can get lucky enough to get one that is put together well, sadly I had two in a row bad. Since the chuck is a little off center, this indicates poor manufacturing tolerances. This may have been a bad batch from a failed CNC machine, or it may be indicative of a more general problem, poor manufacturing practices that ultimately translate into poor quality and usually along with that a poor repair history, and a short product life. Only time will tell if this is a freak batch or indicative of a bigger issue.

I bought this drill in about January or February. The drill itself is great, but something is flakey with either the included 1.5AH batteries or my charger as extended stays in the charger have killed both my batteries (both with and without the charger plugged in!). Makita does not sell 1.5AH batteries, only 3.0AH replacements which are nearly $100 and twice the size of the 1.5AH units.

I'd give this unit 5 stars if the batteries performed as they should have. I'm working with Makita on a battery and charger replacement as this is clearly a problem with this (my?) unit.

I got this drill after I checked it out in a local hardware store. It felt so good in my little hand. My husband's old (ancient) Porter Cable 12 volt is wearing out and we're building a house. Instead of trying to find batteries for his old Porter Cable, I decided to get the Makita for Christmas. ( I know..I'm not your typical woman, I'd rather have electronics and power tools) This way I can help my husband when we're putting up drywall instead of standing around.

On to the drill. I absolutely love it. It's lightweight, powerful and it's stubby in length. Many times my husband has a tough time getting into small areas. The LED light is great too, after ten seconds of non use, the light slowly goes away. My husband is impressed with the power. I am a petite woman and it fits my hand nicely. The only problem my husband finds is that he has a tendency to hit the forward/reverse button instead of the trigger. I don't have this problem, he must hold it different than I do. I think he's just not used to the difference from his Porter Cable. We're both quite pleased so far. I don't like bulky tools.

Update: After nearly two years of heavy use my husband has stolen my drill from me. He loves it. Last weekend, he drilled through a steel beam in the basement. He's hard on stuff, but the lil Makita drill has held up superbly. The batteries charge quickly as claimed too. I'd definitely buy this drill again.

Update: It's been nearly 3 years now and one of the batteries finally died. :(. I've been reading about other people having problems with the batteries not lasting long. I guess 3-4 years is the typical lifespan. I ordered a new battery. Drill still working fine. I dropped it off a ladder this past weekend, as I cringed, the drill was fine. I do wish the batteries didn't cost so much. When I charge them, I try to take them off the charger as soon as they're done charging. We completely drain them too since we use the drill so much. This might help extend the battery life. - Lithium-ion - Cordless Drill - 18 Volt - Cordless'

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Diving Masks - snorkel set, snorkeling

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I ordered 2 sets of US Divers Sea Lion Fins, sizes "S and ML mens". The products themselves are excellent:soft flexible,lightweight rubber. The only MAJOR COMPLAINT was the SIZING. These were labeled as men's sizes, but were really in the boy's category (or sized for small Malaysian men where manufactured.)My boys wear shoe sizes 6 and 9 mens. Turns out the ML fit my younger son and my size 9 son should have gotten the XL/XXL. U.S. Divers Sea Lion Fin (Yellow/Blue, Medium Large 8-10)

I agree with the review by Macy. Wish I'd paid attention to that review. I had a pair of these before and loved them, but alas, they flew out of a rental scooter somewhere! So I ordered another pair. I wear a Men's size 10, always have, so I specified Medium-Large (9-11 stamped on them). When they came I could barely get them on and immediately my feet began swelling. I returned them to Amazon and ordered Large (11 to 13) and they work. I'm a long time diver/snorkeler/Boogie-boarder and have had numerous fins over the years of various makes and types. My serious cold water (in CA) fins are high-dollar type with spring heel straps etc. But unless you plan heavy duty swimming against a current, need thick booties or whatever, these "cheapos" work great. On a live-aboard dive boat you are constantly gearing up and doffing stuff and these slip-ons are the ticket. By the way; Amazon rules. You probably know of their righteous prices, promptness, shipping options and variety and stock of many cool goodies. This is the first time I've returned anything to them and it was easy and slick. They felt it was their fault about the published sizes and picked up all costs including return UPS.

These are a case of simple lower cost fins that work great.I am getting older but I have used fins many years in Hawaii for free diving & Body surfing using specialized fins.I used these for swimming in the ocean crawl,backstrock,sidestroke.They have good power for their size & are easy on legs and feet.Just a great pair of fins that work.

A good sturdy fin for those that are on the go. Its a medium size fin that I find works well for those that enjoy both lap swimming and snorkeling. Not big enough to be a true scuba fin. its sort of a jack of all trades but master of none.

I love these fins. I own a pair and noticed they were getting a bit worn. When I went looking in local sport stores carrying U.S Diver products, they seemed to only carry fins with heel straps. These full foot fins are far more comfortable for me. I was thrilled to find them online.

The sizing on these fins created some confusion. I read many of the reviews and most of them eluded to these fins being sized inappropriately. The advice given was to order fins a size larger than needed. So I followed suit and ordered two sets of fins; one set for my wife and one set for myself. My wife is a size 9 so I ordered the Large 10-11 since the consensus was that these fins run small. Well, size 10-11 were actually 10-11.

Perhaps the manufacturer has adjusted the sizing since the reviews were written as I can not imagine so many reviewers being wrong. As far as my fins were concerned, I am a size 12 so I ordered the 14-16. Hard to say whether these fit as I received the wrong size; size 15-17. This was a little crazy since 15-17 wasn't even a size option when I ordered the fins. These things could have fit a medium sized Sasquatch they were so large.

I tried on the Large 10-11 fins and actually they weren't too bad but were a little too snug for snorkeling comfort. In the end I should have ordered the Medium-Large 8-10 for my wife and the X-Large 11-13 for myself.

Though I was dissappointed the fins did not work out for our trip, the product quality met my expectations and the shipping was fast. I just wish I could have tried these fins out in the water.

After spending 30 minutes reading ALL the reviews and making notes to try to determine the correct size for me I came up with Medium Large 8-10... I wear a women's size 8 (8 1/2 in a running shoe) ... I'm happy to say they fit perfectly and the rubber is very soft and comfy. I've tested them in the swimming pool as my holiday to Oahu is still two months away. They felt wonderful in the pool and I can't wait to take them into the beautiful Pacific waters. The absence of a size chart for these fins is just silly... a size chart is an essential here... please do something Amazon. :) - Snorkeling - Snorkel Set - Snorkel - Diving Masks'

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Tanja Djelevic

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This is a great workout that you will actually do on a regular basis. No difficult steps or hard to follow moves. I love the regular and ab workout. Both are great for the core and you get aerobic work as well. Gaiam Fit Ball Workout

I just did this workout for the first time last night and I really enjoyed it and can see it easily making it into my rotation. Per norm, Tanja is a great instructor with easy to follow cues and her locations are always beautiful. The best part is, she's "normal". I felt it was a really intense workout and great for when you're short on time.

this a great workout,the instructor gives very clear instructions and at the same time entertains you as you workout,time flies and you get a hard kicking workout,once you finish you want to go back...

This workout is shorter than the others that I own by Tanja, but there are two workouts on it, one "regular" and one that is designed to be done with a partner (so I guess if you would do them both in one day, you would get your long workout). And then there is an ab workout. All use the 4lb ball and engage the abs a lot. I loved the regular and the extra ab workout, the ball is always included in the exercise to enhance the effect. Tanja is inspiring and the scenery is gorgeous. I haven't tried the partner workout, but I would love to, if I had somebody to do it with.

I totally recommend this dvd, as all the others with Tanja.

I received this last night. No issues with the seller or delivery; it was right on time. I did the basic work-out this morning. I'm 44 and fit but with about 15 extra pounds. The work-out was easy for me to do and the 35 minutes went fast. I did sweat a bit. Warrior III was actually easier holding the ball. I am looking forward to trying the ab and partner work-outs. I reviewed several ball work-outs before purchasing this one. I believe I made the right choice. This one has a 4 # ball. It's just right for me; I would have been disappointed with anything lighter or heavier. Three hours later and I'm just starting to feel the "good hurt" in my abs. My only complaint is that it is just a bit boring. The instructor was a drab, not annoying but not particularly exciting.

This is perfect for those like me who want maximum results with minimum time. I like to ride my bike and I walk a lot but am not a gym person.

I did the exercises along with the DVD a few times, now that the novelty has worn off I usually pick up the ball and do ten minutes here, ten minutes there, but that is the beauty of it--there are still results. Occasionally I do watch the DVD and do the whole session. I have noticed more definition in my abs and arms in a month of irregular sessions, just what I need to keep me motivated. My teenage daughter uses it as well and we have also noticed changes in her.

The instructor is very pleasant and appealing to watch.

Highly recommended!

Well I gave two stars for the ball because the dvd skipped and unfortunately I was doing other workouts before I got to this one and it was too late to return it once I realized I had a faulty dvd. I will continue to workout with the ball using other fit ball workout but I don't think I will be making future purchases from Gaiam.

I haven't used this yet because I became pregnant shortly after I bought it. I will use it soon after my daughters birth though. It is a nice size and I think it will be more fun then regular weights.'

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Sander

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We bought several of the Dewalt 5-inch random orbit sanders less than a year ago and none are useable today. The problem is the foam backing to the sanding disk - all have dried out and cracked, most have lost large chunks of foam - and the cost of a replacement foam disk backing is 60% of the cost of a new sander.

When they could be used, they worked well, but the first one began to crack and fail within 6 months, and the other four followed soon after.

WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. DEWALT D26451 3 Amp 5-Inch Random-Orbit Sander with Cloth Dust Bag

I've been using this product for a while now and the best

thing about it is the vacuum attachment. I hook up my shop

vac with a 1.5 in. dia. hose and there is no dust at all,which

comes in handy when using the sander in the house. Recently sanded

4 hardwood doors at my mother's place and the sander performed great.

I've been into woodworking for the past 15 years. Over that time I've gone through 4 of these sanders. Each lasts about 4 years, but I use it alot. I've tried the Porter Cable and Makita sanders, but this one works best for me. Maybe it's because I'm used to it. As I said before, I do lots of sanding and the sander works really well until it dies. I attach my sander to a Fein vacuum, and almost all of the dust is sucked up into the vacuum. My fourth one just died, so I'll be ordering a new one. I originally had the variable speed sander, but never used the slower speeds, so I'll order this one and save some money.

As another reviewer stated, the vacuum attachment (just remove the bag but leave the bag holder in place) is absolutely great. Unfortunately, it is the only great thing about this sander. I did not have trouble with the pad backing as another reviewer mentioned, but that was the only thing. The biggest problem with this sander is the "clutch". To keep the disk from free spinning at an uncontrollable speed when lifted from the workpiece, DeWalt uses a nylon/plastic slip disc (a very, very thin donut) between the pad and the motor. So far, so good. Unfortunately, as soon as you sand, residue from the sanding adheres to the slip disc changing it from something slippery into something very sticky. The result is that the pad spins at maximum speed when you lift it from the workpiece. This, in turn, makes it impossible to put it back onto the workpiece without gouging. The only option is to turn the sander off, put it on the workpiece and then turn it back on. The switch is just small enough to make this a tedious operation. Using the vacuum attachment slows the inevitable a little, but it still occurs. Sanding wood with a high resin content, or wood with some finish on it (such as sanding between finish coats or refinishing an object) speeds up the non-function of the slip disc with or without the vacuum. You then must take the sander apart, clean or replace the slip disc, then reassemble the tool. I have seen guys on job sites use this sander on drywall - basically saying that this sander is so frustrating to use that they are consigning it to the slow death of plaster dust. I have found the Porter Cable to be a better option for finish sanding.'

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hole punch - 3 hole punch, hole punch

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This hole puncher is strong and durable. It is different from other hole punchers in that the paper guide is stationary, Non-adjustable. It only works on one size paper, office paper (8 1/2 X 11). This is great for accuracy and speed. I never have to worry about punching holes in the wrong area of the paper because the paper guide accidently slid up or down. This also means that I don't have to re-position the paper guide everytime I use the hole puncher. It's already set and ready to punch. Quick, Easy, Accurate, Durable, & Inexpensive. The 5 food groups in one. CARL 63040 40-Sheet capacity hc-340 heavy-duty 3-hole steel punch, 9/32 dia., silver

This punch only handles one size of paper, but as I only use one size it is fine for me. It truly is a workhorse, and is well worth the money. I can punch holes in up to 40 pages at a time, and it works with ease - I don't have to use undue force to make the holes and it positions it correctly every time. I highly recommend this punch.

We have this hole puncher in my office and it truly makes my day whenever I "have" to use it! Sad, but true. This is the best hole puncher I've ever used. Ever. The sound it makes as it slices through reports is so satisfying. I was surprised the other day when it effortlessly punched through a staple, too! I just ordered one for my home, as well, and I recommend it to anyone!

This is a great hole punch, a quality tool. It does one job and it does the job right. It has a lifetime warranty, and judging by the quality of the design and construction you can expect it to last a 'lifetime' and still work well. You have to apply quite a bit of pressure to punch the full 40 sheets, I have to stand up and put my weight on the bar to punch that many, but it punches them neatly and cleanly even at max capacity.

I did a lot of research on hole punches before buying this one. For the price Amazon offers (not to mention free super saver shipping), it's an awesome deal, and this seems to be the best hole punch in this sheet capacity range that you can buy.

Love this 3-hole punch. Work as a volunteer at a local school and the three-hole punches in the volunteer room are always broken or the one good one goes missing. Decided to purchase one myself. The CARL is heavy duty and works like a charm. Just wish the slide was adjustable.

After dealing with a couple of duds, it is great to find this great reasonably priced hole punch. We bought it for a conference which involved punching reams of course materials. It is sturdy, can punch a large quantity at a time and is easy on the hands. The fact that you cannot move the location of the holes is a plus to us...it means fewer moving parts decreasing the chance that something will break and it ensures uniformity. The container for the punchings is a little hard to open and results in confetti on the floor if one doesn't hold it over the wastebasket. We always comparison shop and this was the best price.

I have been using a terrible hole puncher at school for the past ten years. (hole guide shifting after every punch, a deluge of holes raining upon the classroom floor, fractured palms, etc.) After rejecting the new gold punch, I went on-line to find one that would work. Carl works. If you need some holes punched, I'm the guy to see. This punch smoothly and efficaciously handles 40 sheets - maybe more - with an ease that makes me teary-eyed. Buy it and eat the bill. - 3 Hole Punch - Hole Punch - Swingline 3-hole-punch'

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Mud Pie Baby Eieio Black And White Gingh... - 0 - 6 months, cow

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This dress set is super adorable! I (or should I say my baby) get so many compliments on this dress. The colors are pretty much exactly as shown. It is a pale pink with navy blue accents. Even the buttons have little anchors on them. The material is of good quality and worth the price. LOVE THIS OUTFIT! Good Lad Nautical Dress With Headband, Navy, 6-9 Months - Mud Pie - Baby Clothing - 0 - 6 Months - Cow'

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Blackberry Accessories - blackberry, phone case

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To be brief, this is a heavier-than-usual silicone case. It's textured to make it easy to grip, and with thicker corners that act as bumpers. There's also a clear adhesive screen protector that prevents scratching. OtterBox makes fancier cases, but this one guards against the most common problem for me: dropping the phone. This case is heavy enough to pad the phone from a fall, and still thin enough to allow it all to fit in my pocket. The little holes over microphone, earphone, camera lens, and jacks all stay in place -- I've had no problems hearing through the phone.

Overall, for an inexpensive but well made case, this is a good one. OtterBox Impact Case for BlackBerry Curve 8520 (Black)

Ok, so its similiar to most skins on the market, BUT this product has already saved my phone from a short death twice today (I tend to drop my phone alot). It is simple to install and the screen protector is perfect (easy to apply and small enough to not be noticed)

I love this product and would recommend it anyone with a blackberry curve 8520. Protect your investment and get this case!

The case itself is great... it is exactly like the description. definitely worth the $13 I paid for it. the case is durable, and does not slip out of your hand like hard cases. but, it slides into your pockets unlike most silicon cases... so its kinda like a great in between product

the one major negative is that my screen cover came with fingerprints and scratches on it... it was almost as if someone had tried to use it, wasnt successful, returned it to amazon, and then amazon sent it to me... i was pretty ticked about it... but like i said, the case is great... the screen cover wasnt

My husband has an Otterbox Impact case for his iPhone, and it's a nice case. So when I decided to get one for my Verizon Curve 8530, I knew I wanted the Otterbox Impact for it. The case fit is nice and snug, but if you need to take it off it's easy to do. Just stretch to bottom down and pull it back. The rubber part fits way better than a cheap silicone case, looks better, and is more padded for more drop protection. It's easy to get dirt off of it too which is nice. The screen protector is very nice, and I had no trouble at all putting it on. I cleaned my screen first with a damp, soapy paper towel to get any oils off. Then made sure it was dry. I started applying the screen protector at the left side of the screen and used the included card to press it down a little at a time moving toward the right side of the screen. It sealed prefectly with no bubbles.

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that it doesn't protect the flat control keys at the bottom of the screen (the call, BB menu, back, and power buttons), and they seem easy to scratch. And when you swipe upward on the D-pad touch controller, you tend to swipe dirt up toward the bottom edge of the screen protector where it builds up over time. While that could be better, it's really no big deal for me.

I'm very happy with this case and would buy it again.

Pros:

Probably the best bang for the buck as far as cases goes for blackberry 8500 and 9300 series. I have this for a tmobile bb 9300 and fits perfectly. The buttons cover over the buttons are easy to press. No trouble hearing while on the phone. Top and bottom very tight and secure, will not peel off the case easily. Not as big as it seems in the pictures. Fits comfortably in the pocket.

Cons:

The sides are not very tight and flap easily, however the top and bottom are very tight and secure. The sides are ridged upa little more than i like and hinders pressing the keys on the sides. Not a big deal, just something you get used to. As with most silicon cases, it gets quite dirty when you have it in your pocket full of lint. Although it is easier than other silicon cases to slip into your pocket, its still not that easy. However, it might be great for women who may decide to put it in their purses.

Rubber case:

Installed and fit well.

Plastic screen protector:

Paper did not remove correctly / completly after installion.

It appeared to be dried out, and would not detach from clear plastic

I had to remove it, and caused some damage on my LCD screen.

Totally defeating the purpose of protection.

Now I realize why this was cheap.

This is a great case. Offeres much more protection than other silcone cases. Fits great on the phone and comes with a screen cover that is very easy to apply. If you're looking for a silicone case to add a little protection from bumps and small drops this is the case for you. If you are looking for something that offers even more protections, upgrade to the OtterBox Defender Case for BlackBerry 8520 (Black).

OtterBox cases, in my honest opinion, are just plain cool. That said, I was excited to know that having now bought a Blackberry Curve 8520, I would be able to buy an OtterBox for it and just plain enjoy it. What I'd liked about the OtterBox cases, up to this point, was that friends with iPhones and Blackberries swore by them to the point that purchasing a smart phone actually came with some peace of mind that the darn thing wouldn't break after a week. Some of these cases virtually waterproof your iPhone, for crying out loud. So, again, I was excited. Having now received my Impact Case, I am only slightly less excited. Like the moment of catharsis when you finally get to kiss that pretty girl you always liked, and are now pretty much just okay. Think the ending of "The Graduate." Okay, so now what? Well, here's what you can expect from this purchase. For starters, this case is NOT A HARDCASE AND DOES NOT WATERPROOF YOUR PHONE. That said, it does add a certain ruggedness to your phone and does, at least for me, give some peace of mind as to surviving random drops on the floor. I'd say you could drop it a good 4ft or so and be just fine. The corners of the case have the extra insulation which would help with drops, as well as the slightly protruding backside. In addition to that, the case is light -- since it is basically a rubber case, and comes with a perfectly cut screen protector for the phone. (Gotta protect that screen, too!) Overall, I consider this to be a bargain purchase, all things considered, and a solid entry-level case for an entry-level Blackberry. To add context, I paid $12.99 the day of my phone purchase for a BASIC soft plastic case at the store, while this OtterBox is two bucks more and comes with a screen protector and more shock protection. So. Yeah. Give it a try. It's pretty good. - Blackberry - Case - Phone Case - Blackberry Accessories'

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