Sony DCR-HC46 MiniDV 1MP Digital Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom (Includes Handycam Station) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is one of the best camcorders in the market today and I would definitely recommend it to anyone planning to buy a Mini-DV camcorder
Positive factors:
- Very small and easy to hold with one hand. Can be easily attached even to a mini-tripod with ease.
- Excellent widescreen video and hi-fi audio. Your videos finally get that "Hollywood" feel when you shoot movies in 16:9 ratio (widescreen format). Even if you don't have a widescreen TV currently, you will very soon have one as more and more people are buying them. So its better to buy this camcorder and shoot in 16:9 format to enjoy your movies later in widescreen format.
- Includes widescreen rotatable LCD so what you see is what you get when you shoot in 16:9 ratio (widescreen format)
- Good battery life. One extra battery is enough. You can easily manage a day's worth of shooting with two batteries before recharging them again
- Includes docking station making it easier to connect to computer or TV. If you have a good computer with a firewire port, please buy a firewire cable to connect the camcorder to your computer. You can download your movie in excellent clarity in .avi format and edit it as required
- Make sure to change the audio setting to 16 bit (instead of the default 12 bit) for very good hi-fi audio
- Touchscreen menu system is great. You don't have to search for any buttons as they are all available in the touchscreen menu itself.
- 12X optical zoom is more than sufficient for ordinary home videos. Anything more produces more "shaking" and would necessiate the use of a tripod. When you shoot without a tripod, 12X is the best zoom you can achieve without worrying about shaky videos
- 1 MP widescreen still photo. You can use this feature if you forgot to bring your digital camera. The photo clarity is not good so please don't expect great shots. Since the photo is in 16:9 format, you can take panoramic photos and cover more people in group shots
- Nightshot: Cool feature that records using infrared light. Useful for shooting at night as you can record a video even in 100% darkness
- Color widescreen viewfinder - Very useful when you are running down on batteries and need to use the viewfinder. The color widescreen viewfinder gives an excellent picture and is as good as the LCD in clarity
Negative factors:
- Outdoor videos especially in bright sunlight are overexposed. So please adjust the white balance when shooting outdoors. Add the white-balance menu to your shortcuts so that you can easily access it and return to default once you start shooting indoors
- Sensitive microphone may pick up button clicks (best to turn off the button click "beep" sound).
Notes:
- Use a fresh cassette after recording 2 or 3 times on the same cassette. The head tends to get dirty if you re-record on the same cassette more than 3 times
- You can edit movies in Windowx XP using Windows Movie Maker, but beware it does not support 16:9 ratio video. Hence your videos look ugly as you shot them in 16:9 but Movie Maker converted it to 4:3. Invest in Pinnacle Software version 9 or 10 for better movie editing capabilities. Pinnacle is the only software, I am aware of, that preserves teh 16:9 ratio. Even Roxio could not allow 16:9 format.
- You can also invest in wide-angle lens as it gives excellent coverage

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony DCR-HC46 MiniDV 1MP Digital Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom (Includes Handycam Station)

DCR-HC46 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder

Click here for more information about Sony DCR-HC46 MiniDV 1MP Digital Handycam Camcorder with 12x Optical Zoom (Includes Handycam Station)

Read More...

HANNS-G 19" Widescreen TFT LCD Display Monitor (HANNSnewyork) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am very pleased with this monitor. I also own an HP 19" widescreen that cost about $60 more and the HANNS-G compares very favorably in my opinion. Good value.

Click Here to see more reviews about: HANNS-G 19" Widescreen TFT LCD Display Monitor (HANNSnewyork)

Hannspree Xm-S LCD Monitors offer high resolution performance and image quality to those discerningusers who seek the additional quality of personal expression through the product s design and styling.

Click here for more information about HANNS-G 19" Widescreen TFT LCD Display Monitor (HANNSnewyork)

Read More...

ASUS Eee Top ET2203-B0017 21.6-Inch Black All-in-One Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I don't need to describe this computer generally--just read the specs. Here are some particulars, though:
- It's not the fastest, due to (i) its notebook processor, (ii) its notebook hard drive, (iii) its notebook video chip, and (iv) the 32-bit Windows 7 version that can use only 3GB of its 4GB of RAM
- All that being said, it's fast enough for the average user. I've watched full HD movie files on it and the fan doesn't even spin up. Can't comment on 3D gaming though.
- The speakers sound alright, especially once you turn on all of the SRS effects. Also there's no noise when you use headphones, a nice change from my latop.
- The mouse is too small for my hand, and my hands are not that large. The wireless keyboard tends to turn off (to save power I assume) and usually I have to hit a key to wake it up again before typing. It has no caps/num/scroll lock lights (they're virtual, on the screen). Also, the keyboard is maybe half the width of the computer, contrary to what you see in the photo.
- It doesn't include a normal Windows re-installation DVD; rather it's a recovery image that includes all of the installed BS.
- The 22" widescreen is very reflective but otherwise nice. It has an HDMI input and is full 1080 resolution so you could plug your xbox or bluray player in and use it as a monitor.
- The 2.5" hard drive makes little whining noises which are always audible since the rest of the machine is so quiet. Annoying.
- Overall, despite its flaws, this is a versatile machine especially if you get it for the $690 after mail-in-rebate price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS Eee Top ET2203-B0017 21.6-Inch Black All-in-One Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium)

Enjoy everyday computing and multimedia entertainment in style with the Eee Top ET2203 All-in-One Desktop PC.With its minimalist design and slim form factor, the ET2203 ensures a small desktop footprint. Its light and compact design, as well as its fast and easy start-up, makes it the ideal All-in-One Desktop PC.So plug in the power cable and boot up, because the days of cluttered desktops and messy wiring are over.The EeeTop ET2203 also allows you to experience movies and games like never before with a 21.6-inch flushed high definition widescreen display and an ATI Radeon HD 4570 graphics engine. With a 16:9 aspect ratio, HD support and HDMI compatibility, the ET2203 delivers crystal clear, true-to-life visuals. Together with its embedded deluxe stereo speakers featuring SRS Premium Sound with virtual 5.1 surround sound, it immerses you in a truly exceptional multimedia entertainment experience. The ET2203 also comes with an intuitive user interface, complemented by a suite of programs that have been designed to make your life simpler. Lastly, the built-in webcam, fitted with the ASUS exclusive Real-time Image Capture Technology, provides a superior image quality at 30-frames-per-second; while its enhanced sensitivity to light ensures great images even in low-light settings.The Eee Top ET2203 comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse and a 1 year warranty.

Get 13% OFF

Click here for more information about ASUS Eee Top ET2203-B0017 21.6-Inch Black All-in-One Desktop PC (Windows 7 Home Premium)

Read More...

Dell Precision 380 Workstation Tower, Incredibly Fast and Powerful Intel P4 LGA775 3.4GHz HT CPU (2MB Cache 800FSB), 2GB DDR2 Interlaced High Performance Memory, 500GB Super Fast 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, DVD/CDRW, Burn CD's & Watch DVD Movies, ATI X1300 High Density Dual Output PCIe x16 Graphics Video with TV Out, Crystal Clear Video with Ultra Fast response time. Extremely Fast and quiet Video Card , Intregrated Nic/Audio, Wireless Capable, XP Professional with COA and Restore Disk Included, Vista and Windows 7 Capable Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Purchasing a computer formerly used in a corporate environment provides a more robust "infrastructure" for reliability and expansion; if you're willing to take a chance. While the description of "insanely fast" is a stretch, it is a fast computer for it's category. But, more than fast, the small niceties like easy card addition (a small "door" opens to reveal the card slots, clearly done to make changes easy for corporate IT workers). Or, for example, the easy-open case, clean interior layout, wise placement of hard-drive slots at the bottom of the case and upgraded components - all make for a stable corporate computer that will last through my typical 5-7 year product lifecycle.
Everything you need is there, PCI, PCI Express, Firewire and plenty of USB 2.0 ports; even an old floppy disk for the occasional small file transfer, or emergency boot disk. The only thing I had to add was a wireless network adapter (Rosewill RNX-G300EX/LX), which worked flawlessly. I used the Microsoft Zero Configuration Utility option included on the CD. This wireless card comes with an antenna on a 4 foot cord, which makes placement for best reception easy and its under $20..
The motherboard (Dell) has plenty of room for expansion, with lots of slots, support for 4 Sata drives a massive and quiet 5 inch chip fan along with the usual power-supply fan and front-end fan. All very quiet and cool-running according to my Everest monitoring utility. The 375 watt power supply is adequate for my needs and the dual-monitor Invidia card lets me have my preferred working environment.
In short, a nice machine for the money even at it's original corporate price, but an "insane value" at $285 from EZ Buy Cafe. It came quicker than estimated, was properly packed and the included operating system CD is preferred by me over hard-drive versions. After installation of anti-virus software, a firewall and my personal environmental applications (Iconicity, Roboform and Tweak UI) I was up and running immediately.
I predict increasing success for this business model, where recycled corporate computers are refurbished and given a second life in the consumer market. It appeals to folks like me who enjoy not only a good, well refurbished bargain, but the thought that it helps the ecology in a small, but tangible way. Sure, Tiger and other computer retailers have comparably priced machines, but these have cheap and unreliable power supplies, questionable components and an eye on profit margin rather than quality. A former corporate computer (especially Dells) has to be able to survive in that environment and is more robust for that reason.
All in all: Highly Recommended for novice and expert alike.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dell Precision 380 Workstation Tower, Incredibly Fast and Powerful Intel P4 LGA775 3.4GHz HT CPU (2MB Cache 800FSB), 2GB DDR2 Interlaced High Performance Memory, 500GB Super Fast 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, DVD/CDRW, Burn CD's & Watch DVD Movies, ATI X1300 High Density Dual Output PCIe x16 Graphics Video with TV Out, Crystal Clear Video with Ultra Fast response time. Extremely Fast and quiet Video Card , Intregrated Nic/Audio, Wireless Capable, XP Professional with COA and Restore Disk Included, Vista and Windows 7 Capable

This Ultra Fast and Powerful Dell 380 Precision Workstation Tower PC is a later generation Precision series. The Precision platform is designed for business and individuals that are focused on affordable pricing coupled with top-level performance. This Dell 380 Precision Computer comes running an Intel Pentium 4 LGA 775 3.4 GHz HyperThreading CPU (800 Front Side Bus 1MB Cache CPU), 2GB of DDR2 High Performance Memory, Super Fast 500GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, Recently updated ATI X1300 High Density Dual Output PCIe x16 Graphics Video with TV Out, Dual DVI Digital Output or Dual VGA Video, Dual DVI & VGA Splitter Cables Included, Crystal Clear Video with Ultra Fast response time. Extremely Fast! Extremely Fast and quiet Video Card!, DVD/CDRW Ultra Speed Drive, Burn CD's for Data/Music, Watch DVD Movies, Integrated LAN with Wireless Capable Connection. The Dell Precision 380 Workstation provides the perfect blend of relevant technology that users demand, all at a price that won't bust the budget. This model also comes with Windows XP Professional installed. Microsoft Window 7 and Vista Capable.

Click here for more information about Dell Precision 380 Workstation Tower, Incredibly Fast and Powerful Intel P4 LGA775 3.4GHz HT CPU (2MB Cache 800FSB), 2GB DDR2 Interlaced High Performance Memory, 500GB Super Fast 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive, DVD/CDRW, Burn CD's & Watch DVD Movies, ATI X1300 High Density Dual Output PCIe x16 Graphics Video with TV Out, Crystal Clear Video with Ultra Fast response time. Extremely Fast and quiet Video Card , Intregrated Nic/Audio, Wireless Capable, XP Professional with COA and Restore Disk Included, Vista and Windows 7 Capable

Read More...