Extender - range extender, wireless range extender

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I bought this hoping to expand wireless coverage at my church. We currently have a single Netopia 3347 DSL modem that has okay range. I was looking for a product that would provide much more range and coverage and work with the existing setup.



After opening the package and following the quick-start instructions, I was able to get the Hawking Smart Repeater to "see" the existing wifi connection. It was able to connect quite easily. This is where things got tricky ... the Hawking Smart Repeater then proceeded to create its own separate wifi connection with a different SSID, a different encryption method, and a different subnet.



The end result was that my laptop would see two different wifi SSID connections - the original connection to the Internet, and the repeated one. This configuration technically worked, but it wasn't what I wanted. What I wanted was one seamless area of strong wifi coverage.



So on the Hawking device, I tried changing the SSID and encryption of the repeated wireless connection to match the original connection. And that's where things got really ugly. The Hawking Smart Repeater still tried to act as a DHCP host on its own subnet. I tried disabling the DHCP, activating bridge mode, and putting it on the same subnet. The Hawking Smart Repeater then failed to connect to the Internet. It could still see the original wifi network, but was unable to access the Internet. I tried making a few more changes, and all of them were unsuccessful. Most frustrating however, was that after activating bridge mode, it became nearly impossible to access the web configuration page. Nearly all attempts to access it via the repeater's local ip address ended in errors, but it would sporadically let me see the page. This would get my hopes up that I could make changes, but when I clicked the 'submit' button, it would disappear again.

Even worse, because it was built for the outdoors, there was NO Reset button. The instruction manual said a hard reset could be performed by holding the reset button down for 10 seconds, but doesn't indicate where this button may be located. I think they used the same instruction manual from an indoor version of the smart repeater.

Anyway, I gave up and decided to send it back to Amazon.



Pros:

-STRONG wireless antennae. While I had the internet connection working with two separate SSIDs, my laptop could see and communicate with the box from good distances and through walls.

-Tough exterior box. It says it's built for the Outdoors and it's true. The housing seems to be pretty robust.



Cons:

-Creates a separate wifi network. Attempts to make one seamless network were unsuccessful.

-Expensive.

-NO RESET Button. VERY FRUSTRATING.



I can see this device working well if two neighbors wanted to share one internet connection. One neighbor would host the internet connection, and the second one could use this device to pick up the signal and create his own separate network.

The back of the box also showed other possible uses: sharing/rebroadcasting an internet connection at an RV park, and also for sharing/rebroadcasting internet for boats in a harbor.



For those situations, this device would be great. If you're trying to expand the coverage of your current network and have the same settings across, this is not the device to buy. Hawking Hi-Gain Outdoor Wireless-300N Dual Radio Smart Repeater

I have been using this for about 2 weeks now and it works great. I am boosting a signal thats about 200 feet away and its great. I have tried several repeaters and have never been able to get them to connect from this distance.

i already returned one , after abusing myself with both the inside support guy and the nice folks in India , who regrettably cannot speak English ... and then really do not have the solutions...



the enclosure is fantastic....

the concept of two radios is fantastic..... theoretically to cut down the "store and forward" of the hawking range extender. That device worked with other brands but this thing would connect with a linksys but would not pass internet traffic....

I was on over two hours with India,,, the for the first unit... which they said was defective ...

but I could not believe they were all bad.... so off to Micro Center where I bought another,,, then spent over an hour with the English speaking "guy" in California.... who advised me after not solving my problem that he spent way too much time with me,,,,,



For and outdoor situation the enclosure is the perfect way to go ,,,,too bad I can only get it to pass 400k,,,, with a notebook next to it receiving 20MB from the SAME source..... the latency I got down ,,,but I cannot get it to allow any decent thru put,,,, Don't know if it's the hardware or their software but it is soooo close,,,,too bad they missed the target,,,,

I WILL BET THEY GET MANY RETURNED AND BLAME THE 'IGNORANT' CONSUMER....

AMAZON SHOULD STOP SELLING THIS THING AS IT IS CURRENTLY A BAD IMPLEMENTATION.



as soon as I can get up on that remote silo I will but up a ddwrt LINKSYS box

I'VE ONLY HAD TO GO UP THERE 23 TIMES TO HARDWIRE TO THE REPEATER ,,

,TO RESET IT .



Previously I used the hawking "range extender", successfully for over a year,

but the store and forward technique introduced several issues which this repeater should have solved. This system is over a mile with very BIG antennas,,,



ANY IDEAS ???? - Wireless Range Extender - Range Extender - Wireless'

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Jumbo Display - dual alarm clock, smartset

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My husband and I went through 4 other alarm clocks before we settled on this one. This alarm clock provided everything that was missing in each of our previous alarm clocks. It has a large easy to read from across the room display (but can be dimmed or shut off and then on again w/a wave of the hand), has two separate alarm settings which you can set for weekdays only, weekends only, and weekdays and weekends also w/buzzer,or radio which each of the two alarms can be set to individual preference. Both alarms are displayed constantly underneith the time (which is suprisingly reasuring feature to have) and my husband likes that the alarm shut off button (radio on/off) is a big round button off to the very left side of the alarm which allows him to turn the alarm off every morning without first putting his glasses on and then hunting for the off button. I love it that once you tap the off button, it turns the alarm off for the day and then automatically resets itself to wake me up again the next day. I also have the option to not shut the alarm off and listen to the radio for an hour as I get ready for work, after which time it will shut itself off until the next day again. All in all a very good buy and well worth the money!! Emerson Radio Jumbo Triple Display Dual Alarm AM/FM Clock Radio with SmartSet Technology

I'm a bit neurotic about these things, and spent a LONG TIME researching clock radios online before settling on this one. It has ALMOST everything I could want.



The best feature is that the times for the two alarms are prominently displayed on the screen, all the time. No more compulsive checking before bed to make sure that the alarm is set for the right time. I also like that you can pre-set each alarm to ring on just weekdays, just weekends, or every day; if you keep to a regular schedule, you really don't need to change anything from day to day.



Regarding the snooze feature: I was a bit worried that the "wave sensor" would be too sensitive, and that I would end up snoozing when I didn't mean to, but so far this really hasn't been a problem. You need to wave your hand pretty deliberately for it to snooze. Also, while you're snoozing, there's a blinking light to remind you that the alarm is not turned off, which is very helpful.



Regarding the tuner: I was surprised to see that this radio has an old analog dial-style radio tuner, rather than a digital tuner. It makes it a bit tricky to find the station you want, but it does tend to stay put much better than other radios. My last one would drift pretty heavily.



There are really just a few things I'm not crazy about:



1. The snooze timer is not adjustable. Each snooze is 9 minutes. Personally, I prefer 7. Many other clock radios on the market today have adjustable snooze, but not this one.



2. No atomic clock. It uses that "SmartSet" business, which is basically just factory-set with a very strong battery. But if it does ever get the wrong time, you'll need to set it by hand. Adding atomic clock capability would make it just about perfect.



3. No digital tuning, but as I said above, it's really not a big deal.



4. The display doesn't prominently show the weekday/weekend option for each alarm. Let's say alarm #1 is set for 7:00, on weekdays only. The display will always show the 7:00 part, but you need to press a button to see which days the alarm is set for (weekdays, weekends, or both). It would be nice to add another indicator -- a light meaning "this alarm WILL go off tomorrow", for example. If you don't change the settings too often though, this isn't much of an issue.



Overall, this radio is highly recommended!

This item was purchased with three needs in mind. First, my fiance and I needed a dual alarm clock. Second, we needed one with large enough numbers for him to read without his glasses. Happily, he is able to read this one easily. Lastly, we needed one with a LOUD alarm sound, or at least one that is adjustable to a loud volume. Unfortunately, this alarm would probably only suffice for the lightest of sleepers (which neither of us are).



Being able to see, without moving any switches, what time the alarms are set for is nice. I just wish the alarm would wake us up when it goes off. I guess we'll be buying another new alarm clock.

I got this clock as a gift, and could care less whether it sets itself or not, I've been setting clocks since I could walk, not a big deal. Most older clocks have battery back ups, so this is not a new feature.

The thing that makes this clock worth the price even without the smart set is the alarm settings. Dual alarm, and can be set for weekdays, weekends, and a couple other settings. So if you are like me, and have different schedules on the weekends you can set one for the weekdays, and one for weekends. bright display, suprisingly good sound, a good everyday clock, worth the price, whether it sets itself or not. Setting itself is a nice feature though. As many others have explained, this is not an atomic clock, nor does it advertise itself to be. Yes, it is a "Self Setting" Clock, pre-set at the factory defaulted to Eastern Standard time in the USA (Mine was 2 minutes behind my actual atomic clock). The set up is easy enough, plug it in, it set's itself, then press the time zone up or down for the time zone you are in, then forget about it for several years. This new version does have the correction for New daylight savings time settings (2007 versions). Again, check this out, even my mother (who is technologically challenged) loves this clock. - Smartset - Dual Alarm Clock - Clock Radio - Alarm Clock Radio'

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Digital Slr - backpacking, laptop bag

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Let me preface this review by saying that if you buy this backpack you arent paying extra for a famous brand name or logo, you are paying for an extremely high quality backpack capable of carrying a lot of gear and also being used solely as an internal frame hiking backpack.





I was in the market for a photo backpack around $100 which could carry most of my camera gear and have room for other stuff such as a jacket or lunch. When I came across the Wolverine BP-202 I liked that it resembled the National Geographic/Adorama Safari Style bags but was more of a traditional backpack, and also a bit larger. The construction looked solid and resembled my internal frame hiking backpack.



I purchased it from Amazon.com for $109 shipped and when the box arrived I thought it was quite large for just a backpack. When I opened the box, the bag felt as if it had some weight to it which was nice compared to the LowePro Computrekker that I was previously looking at. The straps were the first thing to catch my attention because they were nicer than my hiking pack and the waist belt was of equal comfort and quality. I then noticed that the backpack actually has two aluminium inserts in the back to maintain rigidity and protect your laptop. The hip belt and aluminium inserts can all be removed if you want more of a traditional backpack with only the two straps.



The photo compartment definitely could hold everything I listed above and have some extra room leftover without anything being cramped. The inner compartments were all customizable foam with velcro and fairly deep. The entire padded compartment (including the sidewalls) could be removed to use the backpack as just a backpack.



There is a padded divider between the top and bottom compartments that could be removable allowing for maximum use of space. Most hiking bags this size would easily run in the $100-150 price range but themselves, then consider this has the ability to also be used as a photo/laptop backpack as well and its a bargain.



There is a hidden pocket in the bottom of the pack containing a rain cover which covers the entire pack. The two side pockets are great for small items that get lost and have mesh to hold drinks. Whoever thought about this bag thought about durability because this bag is tough. I would be extremely surprised if anything were to ever get damaged in this bag. With all the room, this bag can carry a lot of gear, but the problem with that is usually the weight becomes an issue. Luckily the way this bag is made, much like a hiking backpack, the weight distribution is great once you properly fit the bag to your body. Google "fitting a backpack" to see how to properly fit this to your body.



My 15.4 HP DV6000 laptop fits but getting it past the zipper is tight. In order to get your laptop in, you have to insert the entire top (or bottom) of your laptop in at one time and then rotate the rest in (like a folding knife) rather than just sliding it in like a CD. Once its in there is extra room though it doesn't seem to slide around at all, and the padding is pretty intense.



In order to carry a tripod on this bag, there is a fold out flap/pocket that you insert your tripod legs and strap the top to the upper part of your bag. It actually works very well and supports my 7.lb Tripod easily. I use an old nylon strap to keep the top really snug to my pack because the included bungee is sort of small and thin.



Overall, I was far and away impressed by this bag because most of the stuff I was finding around the $100 price was either really small (tamrac adventure series/Nat Geographic)or low quality (lowepro Computrekker). This is a huge needle in the haystack of photo backpacks because if a different brand name were on it, the price would be a lit higher and more people might be using it. If anything happens to this bag, I would buy another one in a heartbeat.



Likes about the bag:

Build quality, internal space, excellent protection, amazing price, not typical photo backpack, very comfortable, removable dividers and protective compartment.



Dislikes about the bag:

Slightly heavier than other bags, laptop opening could be larger. Waterproof would be excellent but that's what the rain cover is for I guess. Wolverine BP202 Camera and Laptop Backpack - 10x14x20 Inches

This is a great backpack for long distance traveling. I can fit in it my 5D with a 28-105mm lens on it, all my accessories, flash, more lenses and my 15.4" MacBook Pro (this one barely goes in, anything bigger would be impossible to fit). After all the equipment is in, there is still a compartment left for a book, a light jacket and a sandwich. There are also designated slots for two water bottles and for a tripod. The amount of little pockets and compartments with zippers or without throughout the bag is countless. Technically, you can completely take out the vel cro parts on the bottom and the separator between the bottom and top compartments and use the bag as a giant hiking backpack.

Having said that (and having read the 6-feet tall guy review, which made me smile) this is a BIG backpack. I am 5'3", 110 pounds, and if this bag is full to the max it could potentially flip me over (will include a picture for reference :)), even empty this bag weighs a lot. Basically every time I look at it and think about a casual walk around town with my camera I think of how I should buy a smaller bag for everyday usage.

If you need to board planes, travel cross country or go hiking with all your equipment AND laptop, this is the perfect backpack for you. - Laptop Bag - Photography - Travel Bag - Backpacking'

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Ge Water Filter - filters, fridge filter

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Water tastes salty post installation. Water did not taste like that with previous factory installed filter. My tap water does not taste salty unfiltered. Probably would not buy again. Would purchase filter next time from an authorized GE dealer.



**UPDATE - Seller contacted me after this review and offered to send me a replacement filter, free of charge and free shipping. It arrived VERY quickly (within 3 days of the email). New filter works great, so the 1st filter problem must have just been a fluke. I would order from this seller again. Good product and great customer service.

All three replacement filters from FiltersFast exhibit issues. Poor water flow and squeal from inside the fridge. Replaced new filter with old one and all is fine. New filters are different on the insert - old ones had one large hole with multiple tiny holes around it. New ones have one large hole and two slotted holes on each side. All three new ones are lousy. Takes 45-60 seconds to fill a standard 8oz glass. Not acceptable. Called GE directly who said no change has been made to product line. Bought two more in town, one from Sears, another from HH Gregg. Both have the same design as the new ones from FiltersFast and are also lousy.



I have resorted to using the filter plug in order to have decent water flow. The filter design has obviously changed and either GE is not admitting to it or their representatives are ignorant to the change.



I hate my fridge now and currently using a Brita pitcher filter on the counter top. Neither Filtersfast, Sears or HH Gregg will accept a return. I'm now a proud owner of six new filters, over $200 in cost, that won't work worth a flip. Oh, and those of you who want to repeat what GE told me over the phone - yes, both the old filter with the tiny holes and the bypass plug work fine. There is NO clog in the water line. It's the lousy new filters that GE is pushing to all the vendors.

I live in the Tucson, AZ area and our water is very hard. I test my water regularly out of the tap and it shows 240. I test the water out of my R/O system and it tests at 22. The water coming out of my ref with the GE filter which comes from the R/0 system is 20. I have the cleanest water in our neighborhood. The only issue I had was the GE filter took a couple of months to get back to "normal" testing range. When I fist installed it, the water tested at 40. Now that it's back to "normal" I'm pleased. Also the install was easy - reading the simple directions took longer that the install. You just twist off the old one and twist on the new one and then run about 5 gallons through the system.

Our OEM GE MSWF Refrigerator Water Filter (say that five times fast!) has lasted from May 2010 until now, April 2011. The ice and water we get from the this filter through our fridge is always clear and tastes great, although I have to say our tap water is quite acceptable on its own, so your own filtered water's taste may vary from ours.



The filter we bought in May 2010 installed easily and has obviously lasted a long time; I'm purchasing a replacement through here today as these are still more expensive in the local stores.

We have now installed this filter and used it for approximately a week... the water tastes completely off, and we truly feel like this was a waste of money - as we bought the new filter so that we would not have to spend as much money on bottled water, only to find out that the water tastes so disgusting we can't even drink it. :( - Ge Water Filter - Filters - Water Filter - Fridge Filter'

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Blackberry Storm - blackberry storm 9530, ups

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Excelente equipo.... Primero que nada lo compre desde aqui en los Estados Unidos, pues ando de vacaciones. Apenas me llego en el tiempo acordado, lo que hice fue probar mi tarjeta sim de Venezuela (Digitel) y agarro el 3G en 5 segundos, super rapido... Abri el Blackberry Messenger y por supuesto que me agregue a mi mismo y me lo acepto. Esta desbloqueado, es decir, no es solo que puedas utilizar el equipo, sino que ademas levanta 3G y aparece el nombre de la operado en vez de aparecer "Requiere Activacion", que es un fastidio... Todos los accesorios y TODO NUEVO! Solo levantara 3G con Digitel si lo llevas a Venezuela como han escrito otros usuarios... Ya le instale el OS 6 .424 y va de maravilla!



BTW lo compre del vendedor FGS...





Edicion! 6/5/2011



Excelente vendedor! HassleFreeCell! 100% recomendable! El equipo sirve para Digitel 3G a la perfeccion, me vino con todo menos con el push pero lo compre por 7$. Excelente! Blackberry 9100 Pearl 3G Unlocked Phone with 3 MP Camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Optical Trackpad and GPS - Unlocked Phone - International Warranty - Black

primero les explicare que el 3g trabaja con ciertas bandas:



Banda 1 = 2100 MHz

Banda 2 = 1900 MHz

Banda 4 = 1700 MHz

Banda 5/6 = 850/800 MHz

Banda 8 = 900 MHz



todos los blackberrys estan desbloqueados y levantan EDGE en las operadoras pero si quieren utilizar el servicio 3G deben antes de comprar su blackberry preguntarle a su proveedor de servicio, en mi caso Movistar, Movilnet o Digitel, con que bandas trabaja el 3G. En Venezuela Movistar trabaja con (Banda 2 = 1900MHz) y Digitel (Banda 8 = 900MHz).



Después deben de preguntarle a la tienda que le van a comprar el Blackberry con que bandas 3G trabaja ese Blackberry, ya le he preguntado a varios vendedores de Amazon y aquí les dejo las respuestas:



FGS Trading: 850/1900/2100 MHz (Movistar)



BLUTEKUSA: 900/1700/2100MHz (Digitel)

Amazon: 2100/1700/900 MHz (Digitel)

The OEM Shop: 2100/1700/900 MHz (Digitel)

HassleFreeCell: 2100/1700/900 MHz (Digitel)

The description says "compatible with ... 3G HSDPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100" MHz. It is not compatible with AT&T 3G wich is 850/1900MHz.

This cellphone has UMTS bands 1, 4, 8 (900/1700/2100MHz). There is a another version of this phone that has 850/1900/2100MHz, it is different from this item.



No full manual (only quick guide), no software CD or SD card, but these are minor issues.

Other than that the phone works fine. Fast UI, good reception, great battery life. No problems. Internet browser works without BIS.

Just no 3G on AT&T. Be sure to check 3G bands that your provider uses.

I paid for a 9100, I got a box labeled as 9100, but it had a 9105 inside!!!... I've read this is not the first time this happens with this seller (The OEM Shop).



Besides, to me, this seems to be done on purpose since is not the first time this happens AND they only give you the chance of returning it and getting a refound. You won't get the right model, even if you try... You can only get a refound! You can either still wasting your time to get your money back and look somewhere else, or stick with what you got but you didn't wanted/paid for.



My advice to you is: <<<<<DON'T buy from "The OEM Shop">>>>> (they earned it)... Try somewhere else!

I bought a Blackberry 9100 from the Amazon.com page from a dealer called the OEM shop.

What I experienced was like a nightmare nearly til the end. The long story short:

-As said i ordered a BB 9100

-I read in reviews that the OEM shop sends sometime instead BB 9105

-I wrote them to tel that they shall be carefull with my order and send the correct item

-They promis 100% customer satisfaction

-The shipping was fast, but WRONG and i received a BB 9105

-(the unit was NOT NEW either in I don't know yet if it is working) as promissed

-They refused to replace or redund since I live not in the US (no joke!!)

-Thanks to Amazon a-z warranty I got a refund from amazon and never heared of THE OEM SHOP AGAIN



Thake this as a WARNING from dealing with THE OEM SHOP



My thanks to amazon a-z whom refounded me, exept for import and tax

This was my 1st time buying an unlocked cell phone and it was quite an experience. While my phone did not actually arrive unlocked, it is now working great.



I have had the original Pearl 8100 for 3+ years and it finally broke. I was tempted to buy and iPhone or a Droid phone, but really like the small size of the Pearl. The new Pearl mouse works great and this new Pearl has the same small size and weight of the old Pearl. They did change the USB to the thinner micro USB and the headphone jack changed to the standart MP3 stereo type headset, so I needed new chargers and headsets.



The phone features are generally the same. The main difference is the web browser works much better. While it is a long ways from an iPhone, it does everthing I need for work including being an occasional GPS when needed.



I highly recommend the Pearl if you want something you can put in your pocket and forget about. - Blackberry 9530 - Ups - Blackberry Storm 9530 - Blackberry Storm'

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Point And Shoot - point and shoot, elph

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With such a broad variety of nice point-and-shoot cameras in this price range one gets to be picky, and a couple of relatively minor things is all that's wrong with this camera. I am a pretty big Sony fan and own, or have owned, many items from them - headphones, laptops, cameras, and of course, PSP and PS3. This one is a bit of a let-down. Not a BAD camera, just clearly not the best, and clearly not up to the standard of Sony quality and construction. Here's why:



- The marketing photos look cooler than the camera does in person. The rear of the case is dark gray plastic; only the front half is silver.

- The shutter release button is a small, low-profile rectangle. Every other camera ever made has a circular shutter release that protrudes from the top, making it very easy to locate without looking for it. This one is smooth and low-profile so it's not as easy to just blindly grab and shoot. I just can't fathom why they would have made a button that's harder to locate by touch...

- Untrue to Sony's standard, the body feels light-weight and plasticy. The buttons (power, shutter release, zoom) feel kind of loosely fitted not solid and firm. Very un-Sony-like.

- The flash is overpowering for subjects up close. Subjects across the room (or the room itself) turn out pretty good colors with flash on.

- The battery life is truly abysmal. I took around 50 test pictures and one short (<15s) video and found that a fully-charged, brand-new battery was completely flat dead. I'm hoping this was some fluke with the first charge of the battery or something, although I haven't observed that in other cameras.



But does it take good pictures?



Yes!



Focus works well even while zoomed all the way in. Image stabilization works brilliantly. Low-light images turn out pretty well - obviously you need a steady hand and it won't take a sharp picture of a crazy kid chasing the dog across the room with only table lamps on, but if the kid stops for a second, you can get a good pic. Colors are very life-like. In pictures taken outside, I got about 19/20 clear and sharp and the one that wasn't sharp was only because it snapped a second photo while I was taking the camera down to put in my pocket - so, essentially 100% sharp clear focus as long as you're pointing at the thing you want a picture of. Indoors I'd say about 2/3 of the pictures came out perfectly clear in very low, incandescent light with no flash.



It's so-so because of the aforementioned form factor issues and dreadful battery life. Taking good pictures is meaningless if the thing goes through 2 or 3 batteries in a single afternoon outing. I'll revise my rating up to 4/5 if in subsequent use I find that the thing has more acceptable battery life; but, fewer than 100 pictures is just crazy. On other point-and-shoot cameras, even some where there are complaints about battery life, I've been able to take 200+ pictures, half indoors w/ flash and half outdoor with zoom heavily used, and 5-10 minutes of video, and the battery still indicates full charge. This issue alone could be a deal-breaker for this otherwise OK camera.





==============



Revising the review up from 3 to 4 stars. Although the first use did have a fully-charged battery, the same battery, as well as the backups I bought, do appear to deliver a more standard, expected usage in the camera - several hundreds of photos over a couple of weeks. Glad that that was just a new-battery fluke! Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W570 16.1 MP Digital Still Camera with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 5x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and 2.7-inch LCD (Silver)

This camera gives so much bang for your buck. The camera is a great size to fit inside a suit jacket, loose pants, or purse. The image quality is great and the panoramic view is impressive. The smile detection, a feature that will automatically snap a picture at the best moment of a smile, is a lot of fun too. This is the first time I've used a camera that had a panoramic feature that uses multiple shots to generate one wide or tall image. It worked very well! The camera has other fun features like a timer that only takes a picture once one or two people are in the frame. If you're used to other cameras of the same year, you may experience a slower shutter speed than you're used to, but believe me, that is a slight if even noticeable drawback. I would highly recommend this camera.

Pros:

This camera is terrific! I absolutely love it. All the features are great and it takes beautiful pictures.

Photos come out clear and the soft skin feature can make anyone look young and fresh.

Underwater pictures look great.

Very easy to manipulate.

Can connect to your television and display a slide show of your pictures and videos instantly.

The television and USB are the same cord, so you don't have to keep track of two different cords.

Blink detection, face detection and smile detection technology is very reliable.

You never get any red-eye and photo editing on the camera is very useful

Sweep panorama is useful



Cons:

You can't charge it using your USB

Night photos aren't very good and the flash often spoils pictures

Not good at capturing people in motion

Pictures take a bit long to display after they're captured

Memory card is sold separately

You look really ugly in night photos and light streaks come across the picture

I purchased this camera for my son so he could take pictures and movies of our new grand daughter and email them to me. The quality of the pictures and videos are very good even though he is using the lower quality imiage so they travel by email easier. The camera was delivered on time and in good working order. It's got a ton of features and is still small enough to put in a pocket or purse. Great value, great price. Thanks Amazon. - High Speed - Elph - Point And Shoot - Powershot'

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Camping Griddle - coleman grill, propane grill

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Well, I'd have to say this product does do what it was design to do - it cooks eggs, bacon, and pancakes fine. But, there is a major design flaw as far as I'm concerned. When you cook something with lots of grease (e.g. bacon), the grease just runs off the sides through the holes (visible in the picture) into the body of the grill with the burners are. It then ignites creating a turbo cook mode! I was able to turn the gas off completely and cook the entire meal off bacon fat. As 'green-friendly' as this maybe, I really didn't care for the approach. What a MESS to clean up!

If you only plan to cook eggs or panacakes, it works fine. Just make sure you have it PERFECTLY level. I lost an entire egg through one of the side holes due to a little slant. You can imagine what my stove looked like after this breakfast ;-) Coleman RoadTrip Cast Aluminum Accessory Griddle

We just bought the Road Trip Grill to add to our camping arsonal. We love it, but in attempting to use the griddle accessory, we found a major design flaw. It has slot-like holes all around the inside of the lip. So when the description says "great for bacon", I would not reccomend that unless you like grease fires in the morning with your eggs. We couldn't figure out why it was made this way, but I probably won't be using it for that again.

This is a must have for camping. We don't eat bacon, so haven't had the problems of other users. We have used it for eggs and pancakes, but my favorite is grilled ham and cheese sandwiches on an overcast beach day. Pam spray makes clean up as easy as wiping it down with a paper towel. These are light and easy to store, we bought the RoadTrip rolling case and the griddles can be stored in the grill when you use the velcro straps to hold the grill closed. I store the heavier grills in the inside compartments of the case and everything is kept together.

Some people have expressed problems with using the griddle plate for bacon. We used an original blue Roadtrip which had water in the grease catcher. We learned to line the pan with tinfoil before adding the water to make cleanup easier. We cooked literally a pound of bacon at a time without fire problems with water in the lined pan.



We now have a red RoadTrip LXE which isn't designed for water in the pan. We also line this pan with tinfoil for cleaning purpose. When we use the griddle plate for bacon we line the LXE pan with tinfoil and don't punch the drain hole through. We then add water to the lined pan and cook our bacon. Later when everything is cooled down we put a can under the drain hole and punch the tinfoil through to drain the water from the pan. No problems yet with flame ups when we use this method. FWIW. AP

The BBQ comes with one grill and one griddle, if you intend on using it as a BBQ, you'll quickly need a 2nd grill to make the whole stove-top a grill surface. These grills are aluminum and while they move the heat very quickly, they also don't carry it as long or as even as the iron version. The upside is that they're lightweight and relatively easy to clean. One downside, upon my first use and being careful, some of the teflon already started coming off the top edges...I seriously doubt they'll last very long, so be extra super-careful and don't let anyone near them with anything but a soft-plastic or heat-tolerant rubber.

When I first purchased this grill and then for the next year or two I also thought it was terrific. Then things started to go haywire.



The lock that keeps the top fastened to the bottom was poorly designed. It eventually loosened and now one either had to hold the two pieces together or put an elastic ("bungee") cord around it or it will comes apart.



Next, the grease cup caught fire. If that wasn't bad enough, it is located right by the propane cylinder. We were able to extinguish the fire before it heated the propane bottle but not before the grease cdup melted.



THEN, while pre-heating it, the center of one of the grills completely melted through. I read the instructions before using te unit and I recall it saying not to COOK with the lid closed. I have absolutely no recollection of it saying not to PRE-HEAT with the lid closed. Net result: Another grill for $33.



As I can't readily locate my instruction manual, I'll need to find one online or somewhere to see if there is a warning about that. If so, then it's my fault. If not, then Coleman has a potential disaster on it's hands.



In any event, I've reported it to the Consumer Product Safety Commission after having gotten no satisfaction from Coleman other than them saying "the lid isn't supposed to be down."



If you buy one, make sure EVERYBODY who uses it knows that under no circumstances ever put the lid down while the flame is on. Most people who grill a lot are used to following the cooking instructions of always pre-heating--don't do it with this grill.

This product would be better if it didn't have the open slots on the side for (bacon) grease and pancake batter to drip through; it would save on the clean up. Would prefer a solid design with maybe higher edges to prevent run off. - Coleman Grill - Propane Grill - Portable Grill - Camping Grills'

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Training Aids - swimming, training aids

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I've been a fitness swimmer for most of my life and after taking a 15 year hiatus, at 55 I just don't have the lung power I once did. I found myself gasping for air, getting tired sooner and just not enjoying my workout as much.



I noticed some swimmers using a traditional side-mount snorkel and thought that might be a good solution, but couldn't stop thinking how the torque generated by the water pushing against the mouth piece would be uncomfortable, dangerous and painful.



I typically do a fair amount of research before purchasing new items and was surprised to learn that a front-mount snorkel had been designed for the fitness swimmer. Thank you, FINIS. You got this one right!



I just got it and was more than thrilled. It took no time at all to get used to it, although I still occasionally feel the urge to turn my head to take a breath. After realizing I don't have to anymore, I can breathe normally, deeply with no more gasping.



As a result, I can spend more time swimming, focusing on better stroke dynamics, getting a better workout and doing more laps. I paired the snorkel with Speedo Aqua Fit Training Swim Gloves and now go fairly fast with absolutely no negative torque.



My workouts are fun again.



P.S. With a proper head position, I experienced no water leaking in. Freestyle Snorkel

I purchased this snorkel several weeks ago. My first attempt in using the snorkel I did not have nose plugs. All that day, I felt like my sinus' and more had been cleared out. I could swim, but I really had to concentrate on not snorting the water. I purchased some nose plugs and wow what a difference. I could pretty much swim for hours with this thing. I do not have any trouble with being to low and getting water in it. I even do flips to turn around and do not have any issues with water getting in. Overall it is great! I can swim much longer than I could before without getting too tired. If I was to change anything, I would lengthen the mouthpiece portion by a half an inch or so.

This is a great tool to learn freestyle and other forms of swimming, it allows one to concentrate on form and technique and forget about breathing.The Finis web site has a video demonstrating this snorkel.

This product has been a real blessing for me.

Swimming is my only cardio as I cannot run due to my knee problems.



I had problems with sync-breathing. But with this product I can swim for atleast an hour.



Defintely deserves a 5star rating but for thier expensive shipping charge ($10 is half the cost of this product - its crazy)

i really like this snorkel a lot. i received it yesterday in the mail and promptly used it at the gym last night. definitely recommend a nose plug for beginners- i was ok without it but didn't try any flip turns b/c i didn't feel like i was ready. the pic made me think this would go over the side of your head but it goes right up the middle of your face and over your head. the fit is a little weird at first but you get used to it. it doesn't move around in the water at all and i did not experience any water getting into it. definitely worth the money!

We shared it today for water aerobic swimming. Comfortable and easy to use without a nose plug. The head band doesn't need to be tight to be effective. We want to get another one soon, so we can swim together. We swam a half hour longer than our usual one hour with no problem.

I tried this on first time with the elastic bands on and I did not like the feeling so I just took it out and put the tube in my mouth and tried to keep it in my mouth without the elastic band and it worked. It is not convenient when you are doing flip turns but still with this great piece I am able to swim an hr long and I don't feel tired or out of breath. Ok sometimes I will get some drops of water in my mouth since I got rid of the band that holds it stable on my head but that is fine .I am grateful they come up with a product that solves your breathing problems in water.

I returned the swimmer snorkel since the purge valve leaked immediately. Since the freestyle snorkel has no purge it has worked wonderfully. Get the one without the purge and exhale hard to blowout any water. - Swimwear - Training Aids - Swimming - Finis'

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Kindle 2 Sleeve - kindle 2 case, kindle

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I looked at many different sleeves before I finally decided to purchase this one. I wanted a case to protect my Kindle and this case provides the level of protection I wanted. The quality of the construction feels very study. The stitching on the fabric shows no lack of quality. The velcro shows the same workmanship.



This case has a nice soft inside material that sort of reminds me of micro fiber. Also it seems to provide enough padding to keep the Kindle from getting damaged from accidental drops or from being damaged while in another bag.



I wanted a case that was fully enclosed but worried that a zipper case may scratch the sides of the device when opening or closing a zippered case. The book style cases didn't provide a fully encasement when shut not to mention the case was attached to the Kindle when in use.



The only thing I would have changed is the amount of room for the Kindle. It is not a big deal but when you pick up the case with the Kindle inside you can tell, that at times, you are accidently pressing a the next buttons on the side of the device. This isn't a big deal because I always but my Kindle to sleep before placing in the case but I still find it half way annoying. Just a little extra room, maybe a 1/4 inch, possibly less may keep this from happening.



**Update**

After having the sleeve for a couple weeks now the materials seemed to have loosed up and I no longer think it needs any extra room. The fit now is perfect. I enjoy this product so much that I have been thinking about ordering the Timbuk2 Messanger Bag.



I did accidentally drop my Kindle once so far while getting out of my car and the sleeve protected it from the parking lot gravel. Timbuk2 Nylon Kindle Sleeve (Fits 6" Display, 2nd Generation Kindle) Black/GunMetal/Lime-Aide

I had searching for a sleeve for my Kindle for the last month. I had originally bought the Patagonia "book cover" style case when I got my Kindle. I quickly found that the extra material ruined the feel of the device in my hand - so I kept removing the Kindle from the cover. This made me nervous because I would forget to zip it all the way, sending it tumbling out inside of my bag.



So I went to find a sleeve.



This sleeve is by far the most rugged I've found. The case and Timbuk2 messenger bag is sitting next to each other while I'm writing this on the train. I can tell you for a fact that they make these from the same nylon used to make the bags, and it will probably last as long.



The Patagonia seems cheap by comparison.



The stitching and velcro are solid and the interior is a chamois-like fabric. This thing will definitely protect your Kindle should it take a spill or from bumps and drops in your bag while traveling.

I've recently upgraded from a Kindle 1 to a Kindle 2 and didn't want my ebook reader to be hidden in a cover; I wanted to be able to easily read with my Kindle naked.



That being said, I looked for a sleeve that looked easy enough for me to slip my Kindle in and out of easily and without having anything to possibly scuff up the device. I was going to settle on a sleeve with a zipped closure but happen to see this Timbuk2 sleeve that utilized velcro.



And I love it! The sleeve is decently padded that I feel comfortable placing my Kindle in my backpack with the sleeve. The velcro works perfectly as well, making it super easy to get the Kindle in and out easily and without having to look for anything metal (i.e. a zipper) to possibly rub up and scratch the device.



The one disadvantage a velcro-closure has compared to a zip-closure is that, while in a closed state, it isn't a 100% fully closed state. The velcro and the fold-over flap are quite secure but nothing beats a zipped-up closure.



If you're looking for a quality sleeve for your Kindle, I would highly suggest this sleeve by Timbuk2.

There isn't much to say, except that the Timbuk2 sleeve looks smart and fits my Kindle 2 perfectly.

(It's much better than the previous sleeve that I purchased and returned because the fit was too tight.)

I did an ENORMOUS amount of research on Kindle covers before I decided on this one. After much deliberation, I knew that I wanted just a simple sleeve-type cover. I didn't want a zippered case, as most reviews that I read seemed to indicate that other Kindle owners had found that many of the zippered cases fit SO tightly around the Kindle that the fabric of the cover actually began to rip. I also didn't want a case that had straps and mounting hardware....just too cumbersome and awkward. So I decided, by default, on the Timbuk 2 sleeve. It's perfect! The sleeve is very well made and will probably look every bit as good in 10 years as it does today! It certainly will provide good protection for the Kindle. The only thing that would have made this sleeve even better would have been if the maunufacturer would have put a small opening in the bottom so that the recharging cord could have been attached without removing the Kindle from the sleeve. But that would have, to some small degree, reduced the structural integrity of the case. At any rate, I highly recommend this sleeve. - Cover - Kindle 2 Case - Kindle Accessory - Kindle'

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Photography - mini tripod, photography

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While it cannot replace a tripod, the small and easily portable UltraPod II can fold up to fit in your pocket and goes just about anywhere. When you need stablity for that long exposure or want to get yourself in the photo, this little bad boy is just the ticket. You can bring it into places they don't normally allow tripods, and the velcro strap lets you attach it to fences or trees for more point of view options.



For the price, it is truly a great deal. I humbly think every serious photographer, amerature or pro, should have one. Pedco UltraPod II Lightweight Camera Tripod

I bought this because my Gorilla Pod was too flimsy to hold my Canon Powershot TX1 camera.



I really like this tripod. It is very light, holds your camera very securely. It has nice long legs for added stability, but they aren't too long and can fit into a pocket easily.



The double-elbowed ball-top allows for a huge variety of different positions to mount your camera so it's level, no matter what surface you put it on. No adjusting leg lengths or anything.



The velcro strap can be used to strap this on to a variety of things, like branches or sign posts, etc... And with the swivelling ball elbows, you can actually use this with your tripod strapped onto a vertical or horizontal branch or post. Depending on how you use it, you might have to mount it on the side of the sign post, just experiment a little and you'll get it.

When I ordered this tripod, I though it would be flimsy, since it's made of plastic... but it is quite sturdy, actually. Get this one instead of the original Ultrapod, which is not as stable. I've used this with my Canon A75 and Canon A630, and I can put them in portrait mode without any problems. By the way, if you're going to use this on the floor, better get yourself a camera with a vari-angle LCD!



It's quite a pity that this tripod is not available directly here. But you can do a web search to find it.

I bought this tripod for use with a Nikon D90 + kit lens or other lightweight lenses. The tripod itself is well made, and behaves as advertised. The size of this thing is great. However ...



The tripod can hold camera/lens, but due to its flimsy construction, even minimal movements (such as mirror and shutter movements) result in unacceptble vibrations, even when the camera is triggered by remote control. The two situations where this tripod may still be useful for me are (1) taking very long exposures - shutter-induced vibrations may not play a significant role then, and (2) using the tripod velcroed to some other support - this may work, but I'm a bit worried about entrusting camera to the velcro.



All in all - this tripod is not very useful for the type of camera I'm trying to use it for. It may be useful for significantly smaller cameras.

Lightweight and rugged, it is a good deal. Can be strapped to branch with the Velcro strap. Not a tool for professionals, it really cannot compare with a pro tripod, but it is small, light and folds almost flat. I wish it were made of metal, I can carry an extra pound. If you are going camping with a camera, take this tripod with you.

I bough a fancy $50.00 gorilla pod that you can wrap around things and bend and i could never get a photo with a straight horizon utill i switched to the ultrapod the ridged construction makes it easy to set up (Straight) and shot even if it doesn't look as cool as a bendy pod it works ten times better.

I have had an UltraPod II for six or seven years and during that time it has served me well. Originally I got it to use with a small digital camera which is what most compact tripods are designed for. Lately I have been using it with a full-sized DSLR with absolutely no problems. This is a sturdy, well designed, portable tripod that is great for table top and outdoor use. Normally one uses it by extending the three legs to form the tripod, but it also has a long piece of Velcro that can be wrapped around tree branches, etc. Between the camera screw mount and the tripod is a ball head and ratcheting attachment that make it easy to adjust the camera angle (sorry, you can't pan with this setup). It is light, 4.2 oz, and compact, about 7" x 2" folded. I have absolutely no reservations about recommending this piece of equipment; it is perfect for travel or hiking. I got my UltraPod at Campmor which still seems to have a large selection of UltraPods. - Camera Accessories - Mini Tripod - Tripod - Photography'

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Kindle Skins - kindle protection, kindle skins

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I have the white Kindle so I wasn't sure how well it will look since the sample picture was of the graphite Kindle. I was extremely pleased on how well it turned out on the white Kindle. The skin's design matches perfectly with the white buttons, in fact, it makes them pop out more.



The DecalGirl skin comes with several easy steps on how to put the skin on, more or less a common sense approach. Something I would also recommend doing before putting the skin on is to use scotch tape to clean the surface of the Kindle. It can pick up the tiny dust particles that a regular soft cloth would not be able to pick up.



UPDATED 10/18/2010 - I ADDED SOME PHOTOS (UNDER CUSTOMER IMAGES) TO SHOW WHAT THIS SKIN WILL LOOK ON A WHITE KINDLE. DecalGirl Kindle Skin (Fits 6" Display, Latest Generation Kindle) Her Abstraction (Matte Finish)

I love pink and love how girly it made my Kindle 3 look! It doesn't leave finger print smudges and it livens up the Kindle with color and cool designs! If you don't like pink, there's plenty of other colors and styles by this make!

First of all, this product was exactly what I expected it to be. Those reviews that complain about it must not be familiar with the concept of skins. Yes, they are just pretty stickers that you apply to electronics. They make them personal, and do offer protection from scratches and dings, but not from being dropped or banged around hard.



I ordered this to arrive right after my K3 that I got for Christmas. When it arrived, I was excited! It was a bit more "cartoony" in person, as another reviewer said. One of the swirls that just looks pink is actually a line of hearts, and that was a disappointment for me. I decided I could live with the hearts and went to apply the skin. Unfortunately, my skin had not been laser cut from the background. Instead the entire piece was solid and couldn't be applied (obviously). I repackaged it and returned it to Amazon. I also contacted customer service at Decal Girl to ensure that it was truly defective, and she assured me it was. This cover was out of stock at Amazon, as were most of the other designs I liked. I ended up purchasing the Tweet Light pattern directly from Decal Girl, since I didn't love this print in person. Hopefully when it arrives it will be cut properly and my K3 will be pretty in no time!

For some reason when i ordered this i thought it was a cover to protect my Kindle.When i recieved it and opened it i was kinda in what is this mode..:)I looked at it and after reading the directions realized it had adhesive on the back.I said ok I'll give it a try,I followed the directions and within 2 to 3 mins.it was on and I now have a very distinctive looking Kindle .I ordered the (Her abstraction in pink) it really dressed it up and i LOVE It!!!!! Now it's not just the little black pad laying around, i can easily spot where i put it down...Thanks Amazon!!!

This is a one-use only cover. It will NEVER fit over the little round keys properly. Any attempt at moving it, if it has set for more than a moment, will result in its stretching out of shape and tearing. Sure, it's attractive, but the materials are not as advertised, it won't reposition well, if at all. I'd ask for my money back, but I feel sorry for them. Nice try. I think they should make a separate, smaller piece for over the keypad. I had to take the front piece off after a couple of months of it annoying the dickens out of me bec. it would NOT sit properly over the keypad, made typing klunky, and collected junk where it gapped and the adhesive was exposed. If you spill coffee or crumbs into your keypad, it will still get damaged or gunky with this thing on it, so don't bother.

I purchased this based on the pictures on the site. When I received the skin I was very disappointed. It looked very cheap and didn't stick to the kindle very well. I thought it would protect the screen. It doesn't. The skin covers the front and back except the buttons and the screen. Keep your money, it's not worth it.

Do not buy this product, its a film that you would have to use an exacto knife to cut out each button, and there isnt even a marking for where the buttons should be. This is stupid engineering!! Its definetly not worth the money. FRAUD DO NOT BUY Im extremely unhappy with product! - Decalgirl - Kindle Skins - Kindle Protection - Kindle Accessory'

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Engagement Rings - celtic jewelry, jewelry

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I bought this ring for my teenage daughter for Valentine's Day and she absolutely loves it! She also loved the box that it came in. She wears it to school and just about everywhere. On the rare occasion that she isn't wearing it I like to borrow it for myself. The delivery was fast and the ring is of great quality. I am very satisfied with the product and Gem Avenue. Heart Cut Clear Cubic Zirconia 3mm Solitaire Band .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 5

Gem Avenue did a wonderful job of getting this item to me in tip-top condition! I love the little box it comes in, and I know my girlfriend will love it to! I may have ordered it a bit small, but if so, I'll get another and she can keep them both! A great job and two thumbs up to Gem Avenue for speedy delivery, great packaging, and amazing craftsmanship!

I purchased this ring as a travel ring, and I must say, I absolutely love this ring. It doesn't look or feel fake, and actually sparkles almost like a real diamond under the light. I received a four-prong ring, instead of the six prong shown in the picture, but that is hardly an issue to me, the ring is gorgeous.



The only problem I had with this ring is that there were bits and pieces of fluffy material, sort of like tissue paper wedged under the prongs. It's not obvious, but on closer inspection, it's definitely there.



I'm so pleased with this ring that I've went and purchased one in pink and aquamarine as well!

I ordered this ring as a gift and I loved it! I wear it constantly and get lots of compliments! It does get a little dull over time and the heart on my ring was actually a little crooked! But this is hardly noticeable when I'm wearing the ring. The stone also shows no sign of falling out!

Hi there i bought the ring for my finace and she was so happy that i bought the ring for her is trying to get use to it, and i am going to buy my wedding from GEMS. It looks like the picture Exactly and is perfect for the engagement ring or a gift for any holiday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SHE LOVED IT

My daughters eyes lite up so very bright when she put this ring on. She hasn't taken it off since putting it on her finger. It is beautiful. Very nice and shiney. High quality. This item was sent in a very pretty box and she keeps the box beside her bed. It is just perfect. I highly recommend Gem Avenue. Great items, super fast shipping, and no nonsense like with a lot of online purchases. The items are exactly as described. This seller is honest, informative, and very nice. I will purchase other items from Gem Avenue as this item was exactly as described. Thanks for making my daughters eyes shine. Joy - Sterling Silver - Celtic Jewelry - Ring - Jewelry'

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Image Stabilization - vr, 55-200mm

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This lens is sharp even at wide apertures, the VR (image stabilization) works great, autofocus speed is more than acceptable, and it it is very light and compact. The fact that it costs $250 and has effective VR is pretty amazing - no other company offers a lens with this feature for anywhere near this price.



As for image quality, search the various internet photo sites, such as dpreview and nikonians for sample photos taken with this lens by real users. The results are impressive! My copy produces similar results. The previous reviewer must have a bad sample.



Of course, the lens is slow (like almost all consumer zoom lenses), in that its widest aperture is smaller than a professional zoom or prime lens, so it's not a good choice for action photography in lower light conditions (like indoor sports without flash or outside sports at dusk). But a fast telephoto zoom will cost at least three times as much and weigh a ton.

I give the lens 5 stars based on a combination of image quality, value, and compactness/lightness. Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens

I had the 55-200mm non VR version for about 5 months, sold it to essentally recover my cost, and bought the VR version as a replacement. The non VR version was very compact and light, and produced excellent photos, but the slightly larger VR version is so much more usable I don't miss the other lens at all. The VR works as advertised and allows me to take pictures at 3 times or more lower shutter speeds than the non VR version. While I would love the 18-200mm VR for the convenience, I will never be able to justify the $750 price, so my 18-55mm kit lens and this lens will likely cover my needs as long as I own my camera. I also seriously considered the 70-300mm VR, but couldn't accept twice the price for only 50% more reach. And at twice the length of the 55-200mm non VR version, it would be too awkward for me to carry around. I am very satisfied with this 55-200mm VR lens and if you are considering it, please give it a try. You will not be dissapointed.

My Nikon ownership goes back over 30 years to the days when cameras were made of metal and carrying one with a few lenses tested your stamina.



Times sure have changed. There's hardly a metal camera to be found and you can carry a bag full of equipment in one hand. The Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor is the latest lightweight from this heavyweight of the camera industry.



Plastic construction right down to its lens mount. This thing looks and feels like the label should say Fisher Price and not Nikon. However, looks can be deceiving as I soon found out.



My only reason for buying this lens was that I needed to fill a void in my kit until I saved up enough for a 70-200mm f2.8. I had no intention of keeping the 55-200 VR once the 70-200 arrived.



After shooting with the 55-200 for a few months I've come to appreciate what it can do. It's limited to use in good light as even VR can't change the laws of physics. In this case, it's not even the current VR-II but the original VR that Nikon developed a few years ago.



With sufficient light and good technique, the 55-200 is capable of very good performance. No, it's not as sharp and contrasty as the 70-200. It's also not going to survive the bad weather or a few solid knocks that professional use would expose it to.



Where the 55-200 excels is in its portability and above average performance. For travel or just walking around, it would be hard to beat this lens if it's used within its limits. I use mine on a D80 and have no problem getting excellent 13x19" prints.



As an added bonus, it works very well with the Nikon CL3T closeup lens and does double duty as a macro zoom. Again, it's not a substitute for a real macro zoom like the Nikon 70-180, but it's not intended to be.



Given my original opinion of this lens, I have to admit that I've gotten much more than my money's worth out of it. Instead of selling it, I'm going to keep it and use it when my 70-200 is just to big and heavy to carry around.



If you're on a budget or just want a nice, lightweight lens in this range, take a look at the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR. Like me, you may be very much surprised at what it can do.

If you looking for something relatively inexpensive and fun to carry around, this is the lens for you. Quality is good in good light, most of the time, and can be exceptional sometimes. The plasticy feel doesn't bother me because I avoid carrying around a hunk of metal.



The VR works like a charm in good light.



However, I've noticed softness (at all apertures) often enough where I would not use this lens for any professional work. For example, the Nikkor 180 f/2.8 blows this lens away in quality of manufacture and resulting photos.



I've also noticed softness and noise in almost all of my night photos using this lens, even with a very heavy tripod and no wind.



The focusing system on the lens also is slow as molasses. I tried to capture the Blue Angels flying low over the homes in my neighborhood (an awesome annual occurence), and each shot was blown as the lens hunted for focus. Plenty of good light for high shutter speeds (midday, 1/2500s at f/4), but by the time the lens was focused, the subject had moved so far the photo was blown.



If you want to have fun and need a good lens, buy this one. If you are a professional or OBAM (obessessed amateur), save for the higher quality lenses because you'll be disappointed.



I wish more people would objectively weigh the positives and the negatives in their reviews so that those considering buying this lens can make an informed decision. While this is a very good lens on a tight budget, this is not a great lens directly compared against other similar (and more expensive) lenses. - Vr - Nikkor - 55-200mm - Lens'

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