Guy Low Price Electronic

Monday, 5 September 2011

Droid Screen Protector - black, faceplate

Well, this case is still better than the plastic one that I bought at the Verizon store. It stayed on very well. I dropped my phone a few times and it never popped off. The case is sturdy and it has lasted the whole time I have owned it. The only problem is... the black "rubber" irritated my hands! (almost like a powder of some sort that came off the case) I don't know if maybe I am allergic to it, but It was pretty bad. Painful even. I finally bought a plastic one (here off of amazon) with some flowers on it and I love it. There is no rubber or anything that comes off. Nothing irritates my hands anymore. Maybe it was just me. Otherwise the case was very sturdy and protected my phone great. Black Rubberized Snap On Faceplate for Motorola Droid A855

The case looks and feels great on the Droid. Unfortunately after installing it on my phone the feature which turns the screen off when you hold the phone next to your ear is disabled. I'm fairly certain it's because the extra thickness of the cover lifts your ear off of the phone, and it must need direct contact to turn off the screen. I like that feature because it saves my battery but I think I'll keep the case because it looks/feels good. This is a great deal on this case, too.

The product is cheap, and that is both the price and its quality. The front piece comes off easily and as another reviewer mentioned, this cover has an amazing ability to collect dust and lint. In addition, the rubberized surface seems to be just sprayed on, and comes off, especially around the edges. Beneath is what appears to be white plastic, so this wear becomes very apparent after a short period.

Part of the problem though, is with the Droid and not any particular cover. Motorola simply made a very difficult phone for which to design a protective cover for, as there is little if any space for the front plate's tabs to grip the sliding screen. If you can put up with the extra bulk, the Body Glove seems to have put out a slightly better protective cover. OEM Body Glove Hard Snap On Cover Shell Case for Motorola Droid A855

This Droid case is priced very well--it's basically the same item I saw at my Verizon store for $29.95 (which is outrageous for a couple of pieces of moulded plastic). The material is simple plastic with a slight rubbery texture--not enough to make it very difficult to go in and out of my pocket, but provides a little extra grip. It snaps right on.

BUT, the product is not worth buying at any price, for several reasons.

First, the case I received was NOT as shown, in one very important way: along the bottom of the front faceplate, all of the touchscreen controls are blocked. I'm sure that previous versions weren't like this, or all of the other reviewers would have complained--there are tiny cutouts for the controls that make it literally impossible to activate those functions, which I use constantly. It's not about fingertip size--you'd need a stylus to poke through the holes. So, I had to cut out the sections of plastic that surround these little holes to make the faceplate like the photo provided on this site. Since the plastic is pretty tough, it can't be done with a knife; I used a Dremel rotary tool. If you have one, and don't mind spending fifteen minutes with it, the end result will look like the photo, and is functional. If not, the product is virtually useless.

Second, after a few weeks of gentle use, one corner of the case first cracked, then tore off. I treat my phone like it's made of crystal--I'm very, very careful with it--so I have no idea how this happened, but this is obviously not a very protective case. Then, after another couple of weeks, another part of the case cracked. Then, the front plate popped off and just refused to re-attach. The product is now totally useless after a couple of months of careful use.

After reading countless reviews on a ton of cases, and searching through droidforums dot net and howardforums in order to find the case i want, this turned out to be a really good case. I was going to buy the seido case, but its 30 dollars, and i'm a cheap student that will not spend 30 dollars on a case. This turned out to be a really good alternative especially if you do not want to spend like 20+ on a case.

The only bad thing i found was that the top part of the case comes off every once in while when I knock on it, but this is a known problem for all cases, even the seido. As one of the guys said before me, motorola made this phone so that a solid case can not be designed.

All in all, this is a good case for like $3.50 that will last you a good 6 months to a year or so.

The cover for the back of the phone is actually ok. But the one that "clips" well try's too over the front of the phone sadly just does'nt do its job. With it cliped on the front i feel as if i have to hold my phone really really carefully so that it does'nt fall off. And still it will...

Dont buy it, not unless you just want a back cover. - Black - Droid - Faceplate - Rubberized'

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Plasma Tv - 3d, panasonic

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If you read the 3 star product review, you might think twice. This individual actually sounds convincing. That is unless you've done your homework. I'd like to clarify a few incorrect points that have been made.

- Fast switching phosphors are used in all Full-HD VIERA models for 2011. By reformulating the phosphor materials, afterglow has been minimized and luminous efficiency has been increased. This enables crisp, clear rendering of motion images. A level of efficiency that exceeds our 2010 panels also increases picture quality while lowering power consumption.

Only the top of the line 2010 3D models ($2K) had the fast switching phospors. The neoplasma is literally a promotional "tag". The 2011 3D TV's have a different rib structure in the panel as needed for the seperation of 3D images, specific cross talk cancellation processors to minimize 3D double images, and a specific louvered filter (infinite black) to help keep glare down while keeping the two 3d images clear.

Panasonic streamline the production lines by sharing internal components for 2011.

Cost leader is the 2D 720 "X" model. High end 1080 2D is the 2D "S" model. The only 1080 3D line is the "ST" model. That's it. It's cost effective.

Note that "X" and "S" do not have the pro mode picture setup like the 3D models but don't let that scare you. The 3D models need it to fine tune double imaging.

The 720 "x" model is a fine choice however you will notice a difference in edge glow with blueray IF you know what your looking for. Since most HD TV channels are 720, you'll never know the difference. A lot of people read the old CNET report and live by it and a lot of it is valid. But a one size fits all review between 720 and 1080 is flawed. The old comparisons between LCD and plasma is no longer an issue as power consumption is now equal.

Panasonic plasma has always been choosen as best picture over Samsung and LG. Do your homework and make sure your looking at a review within the last two years. Panasonic wins period. Far more natural colors, especially over LED-LCD which makes movies look like they were filmed with video tapes.

I have no need for 3D as its not receiving the support expected. Soon 3D screens without glasses will be standard just like the new handheld games systems that have just been released. They just have to get past the headaches...

My old Panasonic was one of the first 1080s on the market and has been through 4 rough home moves and is still kicking strong. That earns a bit of brand loyalty from me.

I went with the "S"46 model for a very simple reason. $768 delivered.

Thinner, better design, better picture technology than the 2010 Panasonic models and 1080 for bluray. Lovin it.

[...]

Panasonic VIERA TC-P46S30 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Panasonic VIERA TC-P46S30 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

This item arrived 8 days after order (2 days early)and the delivery driver helped me unbpack, which took about 5 minutes. Set up was straight forward and easy and took about 10 minutes. There are only 3 HDMI connections, (2 in back and one on the side) but there are component connections for an additional HD source. If you use both a satellite or cable AND over the air antenna (I do) you will need to go back to the menu after initial setup to scan OTA channels as the first time set up only gives you the "either/or" option. There is NO RGB connection on the TV so a computer will have to be connected via HDMI or with an RGB-HDMI/componant adaptor.

Network setup was easy and went without a hitch. I have a wireless bridge which connects to the TV via ethernet cable so didn't need to deal with wireless set up but I suspect it was pretty simple as well, depending on your wireless router and existing network. Internet apps are somewhat limited to the major players like Netflix, Pandora,CinemaNow, etc. and there was no indication that Panasonic will be adding more in the future. DLNA was an important feature to me and this is the first mid-priced model that Panasonic has offerred with it that I could find. The TV immediately recognized my network and after a little familiarization with the interface I was able to play 99 percent of my network media files. I did note that the program files the songs within the albums alphabetically, not in their original album order but this is more an issue of my media server then the TV. File access through Windows Media Player seems to correct this. There is also an SD card slot and media player app but I didn't try this function

The pre-set picture settings take some getting used to as each is designed for different physical environments and you can spend a lot of time trying to decide which one suits you. There is also an option to create your own picture quality setting. I was initially a little dissapointed with the OTA high def picture as it appeared pixelated with rough edges. However this was in a bright environment during daytime hours when digital OTA signals from the broadcasters can be of lower quality . Stronger signal stations didn't seem to have the issue nor did the satellite channels. Night time viewing was awsome and I was quite impressed with the picture quality. I am no audiophile but connecting the digital optical out from the TV to my receiver provided excellent digital sound quality through my system.

Internet app access is a single button push from the remote and the interface is easy to navigate using L-R arrow buttons. I watched programming from Netflix and had no buffering issues with a connection speed at about 1.3mbps. The SD picture was very good and appeared about as close as you can get to HD at SD speeds.

At this point I have experienced no problems or issues and am very happy with this TV. I would reccomend it to folks interested in an alternative to higher priced LCD TVs of similar size and who aren't sold on 3D yet. It also appears to work well for internet feature access at limited connection speeds. - Plasma Tv - Hdtv - Panasonic - 3d'

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Image Manipulation - 3d engine, image manipulation

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Firstly, as expected this book is not for the beginner programmer. It has excellent, working, examples which really takes you to the "cutting edge". Its focus is more on advanced animation (game-like programming techniques) and doesn't include for example database design and implementation, etc. Overall an excellent book, and for everyone bored with simple java UI's Kickass Java Programming: Cutting-Edge Java Techniques With an Attitude

Java games are a hobby of mine, and I must say this the most practical book for the topic that I've found. It contains great practical examples, and doesn't stray from the subject - programming techniques that allow you to produce excellent-looking applets. Ever see those flashy slideshow applets, with various special effects? This book will show you how to construct one by yourself, explaining each step with great detail. It goes through great extent in helping you understand what you're doing, all while sticking close to subject, without beating around the proverbial bush.The only downside to this book is its coverage of sounds in Java - if you need help with sounds and sounds alone, don't buy this book. It contains a miniscule amount of information regarding the subject - namely just a brief introduction to sounds, and usage of the Applet class' primitive audio playback functions (Java has great support for generating audio on-the-fly, which this book does not cover). Lack of detailed sound documentation doesn't take away the value of this book, however, and I recommend it to anyone who would like to produce "kickass java" applets.

Don't let the age of this book fool you. It is basically all about the algorithms necessary for producing visual effects in both 2D and 3D that just happens to use Java as an implementation language.

The first chapter is titled "Easy Animation." The chapter's main focus is creating quickly loaded images, and reducing flicker.

Chapter two covers sound and is eight pages long. Two pages are sample code. Remember this book was written when Java had very primitive sound support.

Chapter three goes deep into image processing. The end result is that this chapter shows you how to code many of the special effects found in PhotoShop. Wave, ripple, and explode filters and 3D button effects among others are included here. To me this chapter is the one that stands the test of time the best due to all of the algorithms shown.

Chapter four covers two-dimensional rendering. The main topic of this chapter is creating small animations based on single pictures. The author introduces his framework class "ImageProcessor" first in this chapter.

Chapter five is entitled "Entering the Third Dimension". A really interesting star field program is included that was written, of course, before Java3D. Other programs include a bouncing ball and some take-offs of the star field. Then a 3D spiral program is introduced. The chapter dives back into the ImageProcessor class next. A program to break apart a picture and put it back together ends the chapter.

Chapter six discusses the now obsolete VRML. 3D transformations, movement in 3D, and wire and shaded objects are all covered, quickly and with no sympathy for the novice. A full page and half is dedicated to a discussion of VRML. This is a lot for this book. Most topics get explained once, very quickly and then it's off to the next topic. Several pages are dedicated to explaining a turning cube script. The Matrix3D class is covered next. Navigation is covered briefly, and wireframes are introduced. Shading is covered very lightly then a truly monster program for a so-called "basic" Model3D class is given. This is twelve pages of code. A second program follows that allows you to view Model3D. The chapter ends with a discussion on precalculating movement and passing HTML to the VRML animator, which is also included. There are interesting ideas here, but VRML is old hat and the code will require adapting to more modern needs.

Chapter seven is titled "Adding Realism." The main targets of this chapter are shading, illuminating, and textures--all, of course, very important to making that virtual world look real. The chapter walks through the creation of a cube in wire form then shows how to fill in the surfaces and begin shading. Shadows and perspective are discussed, then another little jewel is given. Listing 7.7 "Creating a 3D object from an image" and the accompanying viewer in 7.8 show how to take a title, make it 3D and shadow it. Texture is covered in great depth with lots of good code and more interesting tricks with pictures. The rest of the chapter is one long update to the Model3D class introduced earlier.

Chapter eight gets into tricks with text. This chapter is crammed with interesting scroll tricks. Late in the chapter some great 3D text scroll scripts, like a 3D spiral, are given.

Chapter nine is titled "Navigation." The keys to this chapter are frames, tracking the mouse and 3D animated menus. This stuff gets more directly into HTML.

Chapter ten is about making imaging effects look better and load fast. Some of this material is dated because the author is writing from the viewpoint of Java 1.0.2.

The appendix is a great summary of classes and commands used in the book. It serves as a very good reference source and is very helpful when trying to read through the programs in the book. The CD-ROM contains some shareware and freeware and a Java version of the old game "Asteroids". Most importantly it contains all the programs in the book. The shareware is pretty ancient and source code for the shareware is not included.

Even though this book was obviously written at a time when Java's main purpose was to jazz up web pages, it is still interesting for people who already know Java and basic computer graphics and are looking for some interesting graphic effects and their explanations. The two main bad points about this book are:

1. Everything is in the form of an applet. This is certainly due to the fact that the contents were written in 1996.

2. For a book that is supposed to be about graphic effects, the illustrations are very shoddy and they are all in black and white.

In spite of these drawbacks, it is a good source of information on how to perform effects at the pixel level, and in that respect the book will never be obsolete. - 3d Engine - Image Manipulation'

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Cordless Telephones - cordless telephones, answering machine

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This is a very nice cordless phone system from Vtech. I got this model to replace a model with which I had become very frustrated. However, I am happy to report that this system has met my expectations which are:

* DECT 6.0 - to avoid interference with wireless internet

* Handset usability

* Easy to use answering machine

* Able to use both handsets on the same call

The call quality from this system is great. My previous system was on the 2.4 GHz frequency, and was always fuzzy. However that's not the case with this Vtech model. The caller on the other end is comes through crisply with ample volume.

On my old system, the "Talk" button was raised such that if you tried to hold the phone with your shoulder, you would almost always hang up on the call. I found this very aggravating, but the Vtech handsets pose no issues here. I find the controls fairly intuitive too. I have not had to consult the detailed user manual in order to do what I want and need to do.

I may be a bit behind the times on this, but this is the first phone system I've had where all setup is done from the handset. Have you ever been frustrated with the buttons on answering machine bases that do different things based on how long you hold them down? This is gone in this system. The handset has an easy to navigate menu system that mimics what I remember from my older Nokia cellphones. Playback can be controlled from the base station, but that is the only thing it does. You can also playback messages from the handset.

The final thing I was looking for might seem a little odd, but you won't notice it until you need it. On my old system, only one handset could be active on a call at any time. That is not the case with this Vtech system.

I don't ask my phone system to do a whole lot, but I do want it to do these things very well. I'm very pleased with this system from Vtech. If your needs are similar to mine, I think you will be too. Please feel free to ask questions in the comments section below. Vtech DECT 6.0 Expandable 2-Handset Cordless Phone System with Digital Answering Device and Caller ID (CS6229-2)

It's easy to program, has good reception and lots of cool features. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because in the Philadelphia area where I live, you must enter the area code for local calls. When paging through the missed calls, it doesn't show the area code. So if you try and hit dial from there, it won't work. You have to just memorize the number and manually dial it, assuming what the area code is. This may not be an issue for a lot of people, but it's a pain for us.

Very good sound, excelent battery life, user friendly, usefull features...

This phone is way beyond good.

It is easy to use, small, light. When you program the date or the directory on

the Phone #1 the #2 gets updated as well. The intercomm feature is very nice,

the speaker sounds really nice and loud. You don't lose signal eventhough you

are very far from the base. The voicemail is very easy to set up and messages

are easy to recall.

I made no mistake by choosing this phone, it is more than I was expecting. If

you buy one of this you won't regret it.

Overall I was pretty satisfied with the product.

The only reason I give it a lower rating is because to my surprise it didn't have a jack for a headset. If you use it for work, want an ergonomic product so you don't hold a phone with your shoulder or your hand, it's very important.

If you use the phone for longer conversations, be it for business or pleasure, a phone with a headset jack for convenience and health reasons is a must, and this phone doesn't have it.

I got this phone set for free using my credit card points. I love it! I like how much smaller the main base is than my previous phone. The clear buttons look cool and it is a light phone. The second base only needs plugged in; no phone jack is required. The built in answering machine works easily and turns off simply if you don't want to use it. When you put directory numbers in one, they are automatically added to the other phone. The other features like an intercom button to call the other phone, find handset button, and phone service voicemail alert are good additions. You are able to add up to 12 phones using just this one base!

The phone has been great. Does everything i need it to. Since i have crappy cell phone reception at home i have it forwarded to my home phone and the Vtech phone has worked great. The battery life is surprisingly good so far. Its been about a month and since i have 2 hand sets i let 1 discharge almost completely before i recharge it and use the other one. The one complaint I have is the phone is a bit slippery. Don't get a great comfy grip on it. Besides that it would have been nice if it had bluetooth capable. For the price though you can't beat the phone. I'd recommend it. - Vtech - Answering Machine - Cordless Telephones - Speakerphone'

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Ipod Touch 4g Case

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I purchased this bundle package and an item was missing from the package. (USB Plug Extension) Also, the AC car adapter did not work with my ipod as advertised. The quality of the products are very cheap and to my opinion not even worth the cheap price that the bundle sales for. Ok. I said no big deal you get what you pay for and I was willing to take the lost. However, after leaving feed back that an item was defective and one was missing, the saler (DigitalsOnDemand) tried to resolve the matter by offering a refund and to ship the product that was missing providing that I remove the negative feed back. Well guess what? I removed the feed back and they didnt live up to their end of the bargan. Its been weeks and still no reshipment of the item promised and no refund.

Dont waste your time with this company they will only let you down in the end!

DigitalsOnDemand 15-Item Accessory Bundle for New Apple iPod Touch iTouch 4G 4th Gen Generation 8GB 32GB 64GB 15-Item Accessory Bundle for New Apple iPod Touch iTouch 4G 4th Gen Generation 8GB 32GB 64GB

it's all good stuff for the price. different cases (clear, black, etc) some apple cables (with a typo on the power plug -- might be cast-offs from product assurance that still meet usable specs) -- sure beats paying 30 - 40 dollars for just that charger at target / best buy / the mac store! and the cases that are 20 - 40 at those same stores, you get those with this too. i didn't need the aux cable or the splitter or the headphones, but everything else is great. i didn't have any problems with my retractable or the power charger or car charger like one of the other reviews had. i was really glad to find this whole bundle for that cost too, since i had just bought a 15 dollar car charger at the office supply store a week before (unopened, so returned).

One of the charging cables didn't work. The retractable cable didn't retract. The protective screen cleaner left lint on the glass screen. On the other hand, if you're a n00b who doesn't know what to really get for an iTouch *and* you can't find an accessory assortment for a cheaper price, start here. The assortment has the basics, and even comes with four very different slips / cases for your iTouch, so you can find out which style's the best for you. I think what I liked best about this product is that I didn't have to waste all that (bleeping) time clicking and shopping and browsing for four or five different iTouch accessories. I'd rather spend time on my iTouch, than shop for accessories for it.

I read the reviews of this product after I ordered it. If I had read it first, I would have never ordered anything from these people. I was hoping that it was just a coincidence that these people had defective items and was hoping that I would actually get something that was brand new and worked. NOTHING WORKED THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO WORK just like the people who wrote negative reviews. I have since filed a claim with the Better Business Bureau and I am demanding a refund and new equipment that works and it brand new like advertised. That was a lie that we what received was new. The better business bureau says that I definitely have a claim and i don't care if I have to pay a ton of money, so be it. These people need to be shut down. There are pathetic.DigitalsOnDemand 15-Item Accessory Bundle for New Apple iPod Touch iTouch 4G 4th Gen Generation 8GB 32GB 64GB

i have this 15 items for a month, and everything are still in good condition. i love the crystal case its not hard, but its not soft, its like a hard rubber so its unbreakable, i like the lcd protector its easy to use and it is reusable, coz i tried to remove and wash it still the same and sticky, so if it has bubbles or some dirt just wash it and air dry. all electronic gadgets is working especially the chargers. leather case is of course synthetic, and decent enough. I RECOMMEND THIS TO YOU !!! but i purchased this for only $29.99 only, now they have increase a lot... :(

I bought this item for myself mainly for the car/wall charger. I got the item yesterday and was instantly happy with the purchase. The only thing in the bundle im worried about is the flip case. Reason is it has magnets that hold the flip part down and im afriad if an ipod is in the case for to long it might erase the hard drive.

Buy this bundle!

Having bought a similar kit for the previous generation iPod, I thought I knew what to expect. I am really impressed with this kit though. The headphones actually have good bass response, not to mention have the mic too, meaning I actually have a decent pair of headphones in case something happens to the originals that came with the ipod.

The "pleather" case fits snug, and the clip allows for easy access (which is nice for those spur of the moment quick photos you might want to take). The cases are great compared to some of the more expensive brands available at large department stores.

Must say, this was well worth the money to me. Good buy.'

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Slr Backpack - camera case, case logic

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I don't have much basis to compare this bag, but I think it's great.

I'm going for a 3 week trip so I was looking for a small DSLR bag that was easy to carry around as a tourist, and spacious enough so I could fit more stuff (passport, book/kindle/ipad, snacks, ipod/iphone, point&shoot, etc.).

I did not find anything in between sling and backpack, something that could give me the flexibility I mentioned before... except for this! I can fit my DSLR (D3100)w 18-55 lens, and an extra 55-200 lens comfortably (maybe another one a bit tight); I can also attach a small tripod on the side, very handy. The front space is spacious enough for a book/kindle/ipad. The top compartment is spacious enough to fit two coke cans (I will use it for my point&shoot, small bottle of water, keys and snacks).

Don't know why it's such a low-profile bag; it doesn't have many reviews and it's hard to find at a retail store, but I fully recommend it.

One thing that has been said in other reviews is that the way to wear it is not clear. Both video reviewers I've seen have worn it wrong (there really must be something wrong with the instructions). Just for some help, these are other sling bags' demonstrations for you to see how to use it properly:

[...]

PS. Won't fit a 13" computer at all, just in case someone is wondering Case Logic DCB-308 SLR Camera Sling (Black)

This is my 4th sling camera bag in last one year and I think this one will stay long. I wanted to fit in a Nikon D60 with 18-105mm, a 70-300mm, a Metz Flash, filters and charger.

About a year back I had got a Sumdex SLR Camera Sling Pack. The bag looked promising. The build looked good, but after using it over a month on 3 trips outside the shoulder strap stitching started giving away.

I then started to look into Kata as one of my friend had a Kata bag pack. I settled in for a Kata 123-GO-20 Sling Backpack (Black). It was the very well build, but had a design problem. The cross shoulder padding was not long enough and when I swung the bag to remove the camera the nylon strap cut around the neck.

Then I got myself a Caselogic SLRC-205 SLR Camera Sling (Black). It was one of the best and stayed with me for little over 8 months. The only problem was I was not able to carry my 70-300 and flash together. I always left my flash at home.

Then recently saw the Case Logic DCB-308. And since I wanted to get a 35mm prime lens, I knew I needed a bigger bag. My Nikon D60 with 18-105 and 70-300 and the flash fit in the main compartment. The smaller compartment holds my charger, 2 Filters and the remote trigger. I yet have to get my 35mm prime lens and I am sure I will be able to fit it in this one.

The bag build quality is very good. There is an option to re-arrange the bright red internal paddings. There is a front pocket to keep a 7" to 10" tablet. One side can store my tripod too. This bag is definitely a keeper. - Camera Case - Camera Bag - Camera Backpack - Case Logic'

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Camping Gear - large tent, camping

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We got this tent this spring to replace an OLD Coleman external frame tent that used to leak on us like a seive, even when all we had was a heavy dew. Anyway, this tent has performed like a champ for the camping we did this summer.

First of all, the plusses...and there are plenty:

1) This tent is EASY to set up. The external frame and tent never come apart, so you don't have a chance to lose anything. I have set the tent up on my own, but, frankly, it's easier to set up when you have the help of one other person.

2) The set up goes like this...after you have the tent out of its bag you reverse the bend of the corners of the external fram so the poles extend out and down rather than down and up (the way they are stored). Next, extend the four telescoping poles that go from the center of the tent to the four corners until they snap into position at their maximum extension. After you have done that you extend and vertical poles (I recommend doing the corners first) until they snap locked at their maximum extension. Then do the same for the side poles, and you are done with the basic set up. Lastly, use tent pegs to secure to corners and sides of the tent in place.

3) Our first outing it rained, but we stayed nice and dry (be sure to use a ground cloth or tarp under your tent). Thanks Coleman!

4) There are plently of windows in the tent, and the tent can be divided into two rooms - front and back.

5) The engineering of this tent is such that it is able to give and sway a bit in the wind, and that's nice.

6) The tent is made of good materials.

The minuses...

1) The carry bag that the tent comes in seems a bit too small when you try to put the tent back into it when you break camp, but with some grunting and impolite shoving it finally will go back in. (Why do tent engineers always make the bag always do this!?)

2) This is NOT a back-packing tent...i.e., it's HEAVY. That's OK for us, since we camp in campgrounds where we can drive close to where we set up camp.

3) The metal L-shaped tent pegs are inadequate for high wind conditions...and if the gusts are heavy enough the tent will slip out of these pegs and partially collapse...not what you want to have happen to you and your family at night..which leads me to the part of the review where I tell you how to make this 4-star tent into a 5-star tent.

Here's how to make your 4-star tent a 5-star tent. It's easy. The one significant weakness of this tent is that the tent pegs are not substantial enough to hold up to prolonged exposure to wind (and in Idaho where I live it can get mighty windy). So, to correct this flaw simply repalace the light-weight metal tent pegs with more substantial tent pegs, such as COGHLANS Tent Stakes / Pegs 9" ABS Tent Pegs Md: 9309. or Coghlan's Ltd Tent Pegs 12In Abs 6Pk 9312. A half dozen of these pegs will do the trick, and viola, you have a 5-star tent!

The last time we went camping (last week) I had the impression that I should throw some of our old tent pegs in with our gear, and I'm glad I did! They worked wonders.

I hope this review and suggestion was helpful to you.

So, without the alternative tent pegs, 4-stars. Coleman Instant 14- by 10- Foot 8- Person Two Room Tent

We just returned from our 1st camping trip with this tent. We usually camp once a year, for 4 nights/5 days, at a campground. Our family consists of my husband & I and our 3 kids, aged 13, 14 & 17. Our must-haves in a tent when we were looking were a room divider and a non D-shaped door (D-shaped are too vulnerable to zipper blow-outs with lots of not so gentle use...). We bought this tent based on those requirements, the dimensions & # accomodated, the ease of set up & reviews.

Our two cents:

PROS

1) this tent definitely is easy to set up. My husband & his mom (I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant) set up the tent straight out of the bag for the 1st time in about 15 minutes. I read the directions but it wasn't even really necessary, it was that simple.

2) take down was just as easy.

3) plenty of room for our family of five. It would be 8 man as long as everyone was very comfortable with each other! It fit our family on 2 queen and 1 twin mattresses with space for our gear and our boys gear. My daughter is too particular & kept her stuff stored in the car! We're going to have to store more gear in the car next year when we add the pack & play though!

4) the room divider was WONDERFUL. My husband didn't think he'd like it (being separated from the kids) but he admitted he liked having our stuff separated from theirs & not having to paw through everyone's things & bedding to get to our own.

5) two doors. One was T shaped, which is exactly what we wanted, and the one the kids used. The other was D-shaped, and not what we wanted, but we put it at our end where we were more conscious of the care needed to operate it without zipper blow-outs.

CONS:

1) there is no rain fly and therefore no ventilation in the ceiling. Heat rises. Even with the walls being almost completely screened & open all day to allow air flow the tent was warm. And humid. I was thankful the temps got down to the 40's & 50's on a couple nights to allow more comfortable sleeping conditions!

2) there are no ties to secure the windows with when they are rolled down to expose the screens. You roll them down and sort of tuck them into themselves at the bottom. It's not quite deep enough for them to stay & they wind up falling out. Some ties would be nice to help them stay in place.

We had great weather and a tarp covering the tent & area around it in the event of rain - so we can't speak to the weather resistance of the tent. We did seal the seams, as one should do with ANY tent anyway. Oh - and get some beefier tent stakes. The ones included are pretty wimpy! - Family Tent - Great Family Tent - Large Tent - Camping'

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