Thursday, 18 February 2010
Unlocked Cell Phone - razr, cell phone
I ordered this phone to replace a worn-out Razr that I've had for a few years. I love my Razr; it's the perfect phone for someone who does not need a fancy iPhone, Blackberry, touchscreen, etc. I expected a completely brand new phone, unlocked, direct from the manufacturer.
The phone was locked (it needed a code) and had a "Refurbished" label. T-Mobile and Amazon could not help me so I called Motorola. I provided the MSN and IMEI codes (one-of-a-kind ID numbers assigned in the factory) from the phone, and he said the codes were not in the database, meaning the phone had been sold by a carrier or refurbished.
I asked Amazon for a replacement. The replacement phone did not have a "Refurbished" label and did not ask for an unlock code; I inserted my SIM card and made and received calls. However, the phone has AT&T logos, screensavers, browser links, etc. While it was technically unlocked, it was not what I expected. The next morning, all the keys and buttons stopped working. The phone was a complete dud after less than one day of use.
This time I asked Amazon for a refund. I guess I could ask for a third phone, but I'm sick of this and I found a much better price and warranty on the exact same item at another retailer.
This page does not state that this phone may be refurbished, may have carrier branding, or may be locked. In my experience all of these things were true. Two different customer service representatives told me that every time they send me a replacement, it is from the same batch that Motorola sold them so it may have the same problems as the phone I'm returning.
Bottom line: Amazon admits that, when you order this item, they don't know if you will receive the product described on this page. Motorola RAZR V3 Unlocked Phone with Camera and Video Player--U.S. Version with Warranty (Silver)
I bought this phone in July,2009 and it stopped working in Jan,2010. Phone comes with 1year warranty.
We left message on the phone number provided on warranty card - no one calls back.
Sent email to address provided on warranty card.. email does not get through.
So don't count on warranty as it suggests..
Having used the razr v3 for a month or two at this point, i have no significant complaints. The reception is reasonable, better than the 3 year old Nokia 6822 that my wife uses, but not as good as many other phones of newer makes and models. The phone when first turned on begins in Spanish but automatically switched to English as soon as the network was accessed.
The speakerphone is not worthwhile and is only used when absolutely necessary as there is poor voice quality on the other end and the output sound is scratchy and sounds as though the speaker is blown. Another point of frustration I've experienced with the razr is an increase in the voice echo when speaking with other cell phones, although I'm not certain if the fault is the phones or my current networks' issue.
Overall, I feel like this phone is a reasonable purchase for 100 dollars for an unlocked phone and I'm satisfied with it. In fact, I'm considering purchasing another to upgrade the reception of my wife's service, but not so sold on the value as to make it a no brainer-type decision.
Other functions such as bluetooth, camera, video camera etc. work as expected and provide satisfactory results.
I was expecting this to be a new phone, not branded by any carrier. It came packaged with plastic stickers like a new phone, but looked dirty inside like a used phone would. It shows the AT&T logo on power-up and shut-down, and has "AT&T Mall" apparently permanently installed on the menu. (Which would be okay if I was going to use this with AT&T, but I'm not)
The enclosed warranty card is from "Consumer Certified Repairs" in Miami, FL.
The phone seems to work fine, but it's sure not what I thought I was buying. If I had it to do over again, I'd go for a used one on Craigslist instead.
I bought this phone for my mother, knowing that it was not the newest phone on the market. However, after testing many other phones, my mother who is partially deaf, found the RAZR v3 the easiest for her to hear in both her good ear and with her hearing aid. Also, the speaker phone is exceptionally clear.
I purchased this cell phone from Amazon and it was sold as new. This cell phone purchase was to replace a cherished RAZR that an elderly parent had and absolutely loved. I wanted a new phone and so I purchased it from Amazon LLC and not from one of the hundreds of other sellers on Amazon. The first time my Mom called me it had a loud screeching sound in the background and that never went away. It also wasn't "new" as it had it five quick notes written in Spanish on the phone. Someone at Amazon didn't bother to check these phones or they would have found mine and many others here weren't new but probably refurbished phones. Phone never worked properly and Mom took it into an AT&T store and the rep was nice enough to check it out. He found the phone was defective and advised returning it for a refund which we did. So the lesson I learned was even Amazon doesn't guarantee you a "new" cell phone even if the listing says it's new. - Motorola - Cell Phone - Unlocked Cell Phone - Razr'
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Friction Mount - garmin c550, gps mount
Keeps my unit more secure and out of the critical lines of sight. I no longer have to worry about the suction cup coming loose (it was especially bad in cold weather. It comes with two different types of pads to secure it to the dash, temporary and permanent. I used the temporary one and after a month it is still solid. Garmin Dashboard Mount (010-10747-02)
Used this item to mount my Garmin 550 on the dashboard (I had the one that came with the GPS in my other car). Works very well... the fit between the mount and the GPS unit is very reassuringly snug. Be careul using the PERMANENT disk to mount it, though... it really, really is permanent. Use the temporary disk if you're not sure. Excellent product!
I had the base mounted already from my previous GPS, so really bought this for the arm portion. I had the mount base from my StreetPilot 2620 and it's been permanent on the dash for two years and no issues. This is much better than the windshield mount for the NUVI660. The product DOES NOT come with the cradle, so you have to use the existing one from your NUVI. Excellent.
Two days ago, it came off my dashboard... eventhough I installed it using the "permanent" tape that it comes with, the heat of the summer was enough and the glue wiped off clean. From the begining, I would have to be re-adjusting the angle of the Street Pilot because with the bumps it would go down; this never happened with the original suction cup that I had to re-cycle. So in general... not such a good idea.
I had the Garmin Street Pilot 2610 which was stolen and now replaced by Garmin Nuvi 760. The old GPS had the permanent dash mount which is still on my dash. The base is exactly the same as this item except without the "arm". The "arm" fits perfectly in the old base and my new GPS fits on it perfectly without having to fear the unit may fall off of the suction device since I had the permanent mount for >2 years now.
I had the beanbag for the old GPS before, one day I stepped on the gas hard and the gps landed on the shifter and broke the screen. That's why I decided to mount it permanently.
This device works extremely well as an alternative to a suction cup mount. It gets your gps on the dash instead of hanging off the windshield. Very high quality. Also, lets you use your Nuvi with your old Garmin bean bag mount.
Excellent product from excellent company.
When our Garmin 2720 StreetPilot died we purchased one of their NUVI units. To our surprise the dash mount for both of those lines is the same. The NUVI does require a gooseneck adapter that connects to the unit and slides into the dashmount. If you are making a similar transition, you may be better served by using your old dashmount and save the money needed to buy a new one.
The temporary adhesive pads soften in hot weather, which can cause the GPS to fall off your dash. Beside the risk of damage to your expensive GPS, this is potentially dangerous, because the GPS could slide under your brake pedal.
Other than the issue with the adhesive (which has been a problem for years), the mount is reasonably well designed and effective. - Garmin C550 - Garmin Nuvi - Gps Mount - Garmin Mount'
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Church Administration - church administration, organizations
McIntosh divides churches into three sizes--small (15 to 200 worshipers), medium (201-400), and large (401+)--then describes how what makes each size congregation tick is different. Obviously, any such generalizations are oversimplifications, but they are nonetheless useful.In my work as a church consultant, I have used quotes and insights from this book to help churches understand what changes are needed to allow them to go to the next step of growth (for example, transitioning from decision-making by committees to decision-making by staff as part of the transition from medium to large) as well as to understand aspects of why the church has quit growing (for example, a medium-size church is clinging to ways of operating that are appropriate for a small church). McIntosh makes this three-way comparison in 11 areas, including structure, leadership, primary role of the pastor, decision-making, etc. One of the simplest comparisons is that the small congregation needs their pastor to be a Lover, the medium congregation needs an Administrator, and the large congregation needs a Leader. This helps to explain, for example, how a Lover pastor who can grow a congregation from 50 to 200 may not be able to take the church further if he or she is not a strong administrator and continues to relate to members primarily one on one. My one qualification about this material is that it seems to me that a number of the changes that McIntosh has described as taking place in the medium-to-large transition would serve the church better if they take place before the church reaches 400. (Perhaps the author is describing what is more than what should be.) For example, it seems to me a church that transitions from being committee-led in decision-making to being staff-led earlier than 400 is more likely to experience effective visionary leadership.I use this material to help churches see why they are stuck, how their church culture will have to change to remove growth barriers, and to show some churches that certain changes in their culture/structure are overdue. This sometimes sheds light on why a church is feeling frustrated with structures and processes that used to work well when they were smaller.If your church is up against any of these issues, this book is well worth your time. One Size Doesn't Fit All: Bringing Out the Best in Any Size Church
This book focuses on church administrative structure and related insights that are intended to smooth the path to church growth and making disciples (p. 11).
The book's older fictional pastor who presents McIntosh's ideas says: "'According to my figures, most churches could grow around 5 percent a year if they retooled and refocused their resources on making disciples.'" (p. 118)
What does "making disciples" mean. McIntosh doesn't really say. He doesn't look to scripture for ways of measuring success in making disciples. Even disciple making factors like difference in lifestyle from secular culture or biblical literacy are not used. Growth in church attendance is the only clearly defined goal.
To facilitate growth rate McIntosh looks to American corporate structure. The pastor is seen as a business administrator. Thus, the pastor of a church with 800-1,999 attendance needs to act like a corporate president, 250 to 349 attendance as middle manager, 200 to 249 as a supervisor, 75 to 199 as a foreman. (p.65) To be successful, the pastor must "'understand where the leadership power resides and work with it. . . .'" (p. 57)
So, what is the success rate for churches following the McIntosh plan? The book's young fictional pastor sees phenomenal growth--going from 35 in his church to 280 five years later--a 50% a year growth rate! As for real world success rate, McIntosh gives no stats from the 500+ churches he has served.
He does mention one real example of churches implementing a size-based strategy similar to his own. (p. 19) Unfortunately this mid-sized denomination posted a small negative growth rate from 2000 to 2005 (according to information compiled by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research taken from The Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches).
This book seeks to give pastors and churches helpful advice on being more successful at making disciples. Sadly, even in the limited area of church growth, the evidence points to major flaws in the plan.
Did I get your attention? I realize that the pastor's best friend is God and best human friend is a spouse. I realize the most important book in the pastor's library is Scripture. But this book is VALUABLE with big letters!
This book is valuable because it is solid and practical. None of it is novel. None of it is new. It is not experimental. It is all based on time tested proven data, readily available from a variety of sources and should be taught in any pastoral leadership course.
This book is valuable because it is written with an easy to understand, step-by-step style that will open the eyes of laity on church boards. I took my church boards through this book, 3 chapters/week for 4 weeks. By the time we finished we had prepared an action plan that is turning our church around.
This book is valuable because it lays down unmistakable guidelines to expose dysfunction. By the time our boards had finished this book there were few people who could hide dysfunction behind pious language. The people saw it for what it was.
DRAWBACKS:
The book does have a couple of drawbacks. It is written in story form. Some of my congregation did not like the story. They just wanted the meat of the material. Chapter after chapter added to one overall chart. By the time the book was half finished I had people who skipped the chapters we were on and went to the final chart.
RESPONSE TO CRITICS:
Most critics of this book point to its lack of theology and spiritual depth. That is not the point. Some pastors are competent but do not have a godly character. Others have character but lack competency. Some leaders have great personal spiritual depth, but lack public presence. Today's churches and church leaders need to have it all. Granted, this book has limited scope, but it doesn't pretend to be a theological work. It attempts to be a management tool. Leadership doesn't have to be "either/or", "it should be both/and".
ADVICE:
The drawbacks do not compare to the advantages. EVERY church board in EVERY church should go through this book, if for no other reason than healthy self-diagnosis. - Organizations - Church Administration - Church Leadership'
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Defying Gravity By Maya Avery - retro, amazon oddities
Do not buy as you will be disappointed. The time capsule is a cheap carboard tube with a very poorly placed and printed paper on top.
The contents are mostly candy that can be found in a store today for much less than the cost of the capsule. 1971 Time Capsule - Fun Retro 40th Birthday Gift Package - Retro - Childhood Candy - Birthday Gift - Amazon Oddities'
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Decorating Ideas
I've been reading this magazine for years and used to really love it. However, in recent months the editor-in-chief was replaced and I do not like the changes that have come about since then. The month of menus feature no longer features "Sunday Dinner" style recipes and in general fewer of the menus seem appetizing. The magazine used to include a few articles about parenting and children, which doesn't apply to me but before I definitely understood the need for them. Since the new editor there seem to be even more which means less content for those of us who have not had children or who have older children or empty nests. There seem to be more pages about clothes and makeup and shopping than before, and less content about living well from a non-materialistic viewpoint. Also, my favorite feature used to be their inspirational quotes on the last page which has now been replaced with "everyday things you should know how to do," which for me has not been a useful or enjoyable feature whatsoever, and I really miss being able to flip to that last page for a quick lift when I couldn't devour the entire magazine immediately. All in all I have been disappointed in every single issue I have received since the change in editors and will not be renewing my subscription. Woman's Day (1-year auto-renewal)
I received a subscription to Woman's Day at a very discounted price. The paper is cheap but the content of the magazine is good. Recipes are easy, tasty and made from ingredients found at a regular supermarket. Parenting articles are targeted towards parents of grade schoolers and teenagers. Makeup and product suggestions are reasonable and you won't find a recommendation for a $500 purse or pair of shoes. Overall I'm a satisfied reader but may alternate yearly subscriptions between this and Family Circle.
I always saw this magazine in the newsstands and never paid it much mind and sometimes gor it confused with other magazines for some reason. Amazon was offering a special on a subscription for it and I decided to take the chance because I love to read magazines as a way to decompress after a long day. Womans day offers informative articles that educate without the preachiness and verboseness of other magazines. Sometimes other magazines try to be so intellectual that they just manage to aggravate the reader. It' straight to the point and entertaining as well. It had real world articles about real world people. The recipes were excellent and the ads and inserts were not to distracting and annoying like other magazines. The only thing I am upset about is the fact that I missed out on years of enjoyment because I passed it up. Highly recommend it!!!
I ordered this magazine early this past spring. I received three issues on the same day--June, July, and August. It was well past June, into the end of July by the time I received the three issues. Yesterday, August 22, I received yet ANOTHER July issue. I realize for the low subscription price, I shouldn't expect too much, or should I? I won't be ordering again. I just don't like reading the same magazine twice, and receiving magazines that are two months old, and have expired coupons in them!
I have received Woman's Day for many years. It is a great quality magazine for the price. It always has lots of wonderful recipes, useful tips, and interesting articles about everyday women. I especially enjoy the holiday issues...the colorful covers look festive on the coffee table. I would highly recommend Woman's Day to women everywhere.
I love this magazine! Im 28 yr old and im so sick of magazines that focus all their attention on "How to please a man/how to get a man." Woman's Day is such a well rounded magazine, it has everything! Articles range from topics about health, recipes, inspiring stories, work out plans, beauty tips etc....seriously everything. I would definitely recommend woman's day to everyone, if you're thinking about subscribing do it, you won't regret it, it is money well spent!
I ordered my subscription to Woman's Day on July 27, 2010 and received the August and September issues on August 17, 2010. A new magazine subscription started in 3 weeks is amazing!
I have read Woman's Day for years and really enjoy it.
I have read this magazine for many years, on & off. I have always found the articles to be very insightful and informative. They are chock-full of useful information that I can apply to my everyday life. I also love the fact that I don't ever have to worry about a half naked woman on the cover, or embarrasing articles about hot sex, etc. I also love that there is a BIBLE VERSE at the front of each issue! This is a great magazine for women! I also wanted to note how quickly I received my first issue-within 4 weeks, I believe!'
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Breast Cancer Support - breast cancer support, inspirational gifts
The author of this book uses scriptures and personal experiences to walk you through her journey battling breast cancer. But it's a book that will help anyone who's felt defeated and overwhelmed by a physical, emotional, mental or spiritual situation that seems impossible. Linda Grabeman lives out the scripture in Phil 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." This book will give you the hope you're searching for! No Prissy Shoes No Prissy Shoes
Love this book! I initially bought it for myself and my own cancer journey. I have picked it up & reread numerous chapters many times when I have needed encouragement and a reminder of God's presence and why I trust Him.
Linda writes in way that is so personal and yet echoes my own emotions. Although written specifically for those of us dealing with breast cancer, these devotional readings could apply to most any of life's trials.
I have since been thrilled to purchase many of these books to give as a gift & invaluable resource to others diagnosed with breast cancer. Thank you Linda for sharing your journey & helping us walk ours with perseverance & confidence. - Breast Cancer Support - Inspirational Gifts - Womens Health - Christian Devotional'
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Tools
I guess I should have read what's included a little closer. Yes, 205 pieces. 30 of those are small plastic cable ties. Item was also shipped with an important piece missing, the adapter for the ratchet to allow use of the smaller sockets. Called the seller and was promised a call back that never came. Fortunately had a similar piece from an older tool set I had otherwise this would have been even more worthless. Great Neck GN205 205-Piece Home Tool Chest Set
I ordered this to have a set of tools I could fit in a kitchen cabinet and get my bigger tool set out of sight and back to the garage. It was not immediately obvious to me looking at the Amazon description that this was about a 2/3rds size tool set, everything is slightly smaller than regular tools. This is not a big deal for a light use tool kit in the kitchen but no one would want this to do any serious work with it. Hang a picture, pull out a nail, unscrew something, no problem.
The overall quality seems ok so far, although I have not put any of the tools to even the lightest test, but there was nothing flimsy about them (other than the small size). I am giving them 4 stars as it fits my purpose and I may have been partly responsible for thinking that a 12.8 inch wide tool box was going to hold a 13inch hammer.
Even at $31 delivered you are only getting poor quality tools in a cool little package. These tools are truly best for those who would have no tools otherwise. I purchased the 40 piece set at $9 in order to check out the quality; it seamed to good to be true....it was.
The storage chest is crap. The tools themselves are low quality and poorly measured (for fit to the job). 1/2" maybe 1/2 or a little more, or a little less. The storage chest is held shut by a vertical plastic bar that can easily be lost or broken. I like the way each tool has its own place. Not too bad for backup to your backups
This thing is full of a bunch of useless tools that no average around-the-house type guy would use for anything. The box itself is cheap and the drawers are hard to open. I don't even think it comes with a screwdriver. Don't get this....beware!
This is a great idea for putting together Tools. It is Based on the Larger Mechanic's Chest. It has all the essential tools needed to be the handi man around the house. I would recommend it to anyone considering it.
Also consiter the KR Tools 10120 200-Piece Professional Tool Set.
it will make a very good compliment.
i got my products today and iam very pleased about what i got all of the peices where with these items so iam very satisfied but Amazon could be cheaper on some of there stuff but its alright ill pay for it cause i use my tools everyday so im happy now thanks amazon'
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Home Improvement - respirators, filter
My husband purchased respirators for both of us when we got ready to paint the interior of our house. First of all, a respirator is WAY more comfortable to wear than those paper masks. Second, the disposable filters keep all the nasty VOC's out of your lungs. I wouldn't paint without them. 3M R6001 Organic Vapor Cartridge, 1-Pair
I build model airplanes and use various glues which are irritating to my lungs and nose. Having tried various filters for my 3M respirator, this one works the best. All the filters seem to reduce their effectiveness after about 8 hours of use. I would have them a 5 for effectiveness and 3 for longevity.
These fit my old mask (model unknown, sorry) and work like a champ. I've used these while spraying stain on all our cabinets throughout our house. That was a dirty job, but I could breathe with ease. As far as fit goes, do your research.
Since the house is finished, I use this mask while mowing our 7 acre yard. It's really dusty, and I got tired of those flimsy paper masks that don't fit the bridge of my nose and still leave me with dirt encrusted nostrils. Also, my 3m mask doesn't leave my safety glasses fogged up all the time like the paper masks do. You probably think I'm a wimp, but when I mow it kicks up clouds of dust that leave me covered when I'm done. Dry, dry North Texas.
I find this cartridge works quite well when working with alkyd paints and various solvents: VOC and other chemical capture/reduction seems such that I have no smell, headache or difficult breathing even when working in a closed garage.
This cartridge does not fit the 7193 although the Amazon page indicates they are matched. This cartridge is has a bayonet style twist-on mount whereas the 7193 cartridge snaps on - they aren't even close! I bought (3) 2-packs and they are worthless with this mask. - Filter - Masks - Home Improvement - Respirators'
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