Sharp Aquos LC52D62U 52-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Have owned this set for over a month, and overall am very happy with it. I carefully compared this to competitive Sony and Samsung models, and felt it was the best choice available on the market today. But it is by no means perfect...
Strengths:
-picture quality in all modes is excellent. Upconverting of standard def and 480p DVD's is best I've seen. 1080i from satellite box is simply stunning in clarity. 1080p via HDMI from PC is beautiful. Fast motion is handled without smearing. Don't be afraid of sitting close to this beautiful screen; I went with the 52" for an 8 foot viewing distance and it looks great from that distance even with SDTV.

Weaknesses:
-only two HDMI inputs. With Satellite, PC, high-def DVD and game consoles all ideally using HDMI, would like to see at least 3, if not 4 HDMI inputs.
-remote control. It's not really "universal". Doesn't control any audio except Sharp. Doesn't learn. Doesn't include DISH satellite codes. Has backlighting, but a lot of the buttons have the labeling on the adjacent, unlit surface of the remote, so in the dark you can't figure out which button is which.
-on-screen input labels. Sharp has improved this vs. my older 37" set, by allowing user to select from about a dozen different possible names for various inputs, eg. to replace "Input 2" with "DVD" or "Satellite". But inexplicably they didn't include among the choices "PC" or "Game", so two of my four inputs had to be left with generic labels.
And finally, the big issue with this set is the prevalence of very faint permanent vertical and horizontal "bands" in the image. This has been widely reported on other websites, so it is not just my set; it appears to be an instrinsic characteristic of the way the set is designed and/or manufactured. The bands are so faint that in most viewing situations you will not notice them. In fact the other members of my family aren't even aware of the issue, and I'm not about to point it out! But if you use it as a computer monitor where you frequently have a solid color displayed on the screen, you will notice a faint but clearly defined, almost plaid pattern of lighter and darker areas where you should see completely uniform brightness. The pattern doesn't move, suggesting that it is somehow related to the physical construction of the panel, perhaps the way the backlight is distributed, or maybe the way the panel is held in place. In any event, once you know it's there, you begin to notice it occasionally during normal viewing when the screen displays an area of solid color. I don't want to overstate this issue: my older 37" sharp doesn't have any "bands", but it also doesn't have the color richness, the deep blacks, the wide viewing angles, the fast response that make this new set so great. So on balance, I'd say even with this minor defect, I still consider the new set to have much better picture than the old one. But there is room for Sharp to raise the bar even further, hence the 4 stars instead of 5.

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The 52 inch AQUOS LC-52D62U sets a new standard for large-screen flat-panel TVs. With Full HD Spec 1080p resolution, dramatically enhanced black level and an elegant new design, it produces a breathtaking picture quality that is second to none. The D62U Series utilizes the next generation of Sharp's proprietary Advanced Super View/Black TFT Panel with multi-pixel technology, providing 1500:1 Contrast Ratio, 6ms response time and wide viewing angles (176 degrees, horizontal & vertical). Both models are HDTVs with built-in ATSC / QAM / NTSC tuners and include 2 HDMI, compatible with 1080p signals, and 2 HD component video inputs. The D62U Series features a sleek piano black cabinet, with subtle, recessed bottom-mounted speakers and the included table stand easily removes for wall mounting applications.

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22" Vizio VO22LFHDTV 1080p Widescreen LCD HDTV - 16:9 5000:1 (Dynamic) 5ms 2 HDMI ATSC/QAM/NTSC Tuners (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)My sister bought one of these for use in Yakima, WA.
Pro:
1) Nice picture, especially HD. Yakima has HD broadcast channels I didn't know about, and they look great.
2) Audio better than I expected with a small TV like this. My dad is hard of hearing, but I was able to boost the treble and roll off the bass via the menu, and he can hear much better than with the old set.
3) Reception good on digital channels. Rabbit ears antenna from old tv works fine, though this house has really good reception, so you may need a better antenna if you are in a poor reception area.
Cons:
1) Remote control gets the job done, but it's a little hard to find the mute button for commercials. The on-set controls would be a pain to use, like most tvs, so don't lose the remote.
2) A 22 inch diagonal wide-screen tv is really pretty small -- especially when displaying a 4:3 program. Ideal viewing distance is probably around 6 to 8 feet or less.
3) Reception and picture poor on the old analog channels, but they are going away next month, so who cares?
Caveat: Shop around -- we got this set at Costco for about [...] less than the price I see at Amazon, though the picture at Amazon shows a wider base than the one we have. I double-checked the model, VO22L, but maybe there is some mixup?


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As "America's HDTV Company", VIZIO strives to make your HD experience the best it can possibly be, and always at a great value. From high quality HDTVs and monitors to amazing sound products and accessories such as cables, mounts, and remotes, we continue to create innovative products that raise the bar. We believe that HD should be enjoyed by all ... you could say it's our guiding mantra.

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Sony Cybershot DSCW55 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Sony W55 is the followup to the successful and popular W50. It's a very good compact camera, easy to carry and easy to use, and reasonably priced - so most people will be happy with it.
Not much has changed from the W50, which in this case is a good thing!
One change is that the W55 is a 7 MP camera, rather than the W50's 6MP. Honestly, that's not a big plus, as they haven't made the sensor that catches the light any larger. Same (good) lenses, same size sensor = the same (good) pictures, but not better. (Though it might help a little on features like Smart Zoom.)
The obvious change is of course the colors. Don't make too much fun of that! There are 4 DSC-W series cameras in our family, colors would have kept my mother-in-law from taking my sister's camera home with her. A little personalization is a good thing.
The internal memory has been expanded (to 56MB), but I've never used the internal memory on the cameras that have had it, so I'm not sure that matters much. It might be worth knowing how to use as a backup, for another dozen or two shots if your card is full, or you have some other problem.
The controls, menus and interface on the W55 are reasonably easy to use. For example, the W55 has easy access to the various scene modes (twilight, etc), with some explanation on the screen of what those mysterious little icons mean (so you might actually use them, since it tells you what they do!). If you're new to digital photography, there will be a learning curve. But if you've used other cameras much, especially Sonys, you can pick this up and use many of the features right away.
Read the short introductory guide that comes with the camera, though!
The rechargeable battery should easily last you for a full day of shooting - hundreds of shots - with no problem. (Be a little wise about turning it off when you're not using it!) So you probably don't need a second battery, unless you're going into the woods for a while. It's nice not to have to mess with bulky AA rechargeables. Also, lithium ion batteries don't have a memory effect, so don't worry about partial recharging. Just charge the battery each night. So - before getting a second battery, try it for a while and see if you need it.
But get a case - something to protect the screen, at least. A fully closed one might help resist rain and splashes a little, too.
You'll also want to get a Memory Stick Pro Duo card - Pro cards are faster, and you need the smaller Duo size with this camera. Get a 1-2GB card so you don't have to think about running out of memory too much - if you shop carefully, you can find them for so little these days that it's well worth avoiding running out of memory. You might want a spare card if you plan to travel for more than a week, or use the video mode often - which is surprisingly good (though a bit dark) if set to fine, but uses enormous amounts of storage at that setting.
You can stretch your memory, and your hard drive space, by using one of the lower-resolution settings to take snapshots. You don't really need 7MP for all your photos!
The W55 will take better photos than those credit-card type cameras that have a tiny lens system - optics will always make a difference in a camera. Any reasonable person will be very happy with the pictures from the W55, given the size of it.
The camera will be a little slow and often take disappointing pictures in low light and dark situations. Try the High ISO mode in low light no-flash situations - the picture quality suffers some, but most people will find it useful. Realistically, no ultra-compact camera will work really well in that situation - if you need that often, think about something with a bigger lens and bigger sensor. Good light always gives the best pictures with any camera. There are limits to what you can currently expect from any ultracompact camera.
The W55 offers enough controls (through the scene modes and the Program mode) to allow a fair amount of control over the pictures, for an automatic camera.
The charger is fairly compact and rated 100-240V, so while you'll need a plug adapter overseas you won't need a voltage converter. The battery charger is a little slow, though probably OK.
Keep this camera charged and handy, and you'll find you take a lot of pictures because it's easy to carry and easy to use!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Cybershot DSCW55 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black)

Look as brilliant as your pictures will with the Cyber-shot DSC-W55 digital camera. Powerful, colorful and pocket-sized, this ultra-compact camera offers superb 7.2 megapixel imaging, Carl Zeiss 3X optical zoom lens, high ISO 1000 sensitivity for low-light shooting and Stamina battery power for up to 380 shots. A bright 2.5LCD screen helps you compose shots, check results and read menus even in bright sunlight. 56MB of internal memory lets you capture the moment without a flash memory card. And a built-in slot for optional Memory Stick Duo media makes it easy to save and exchange photos.

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Canon Elura 90 MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In researching digital camcorders I prefer to rely on the experts. Apparently there's a guy on this site who has it out for Canon for some reason, and has blasted this camcorder in particular. But... read all of his "other" reviews, and you'll see that he blasts the ENTIRE Canon line, as if he's actually bought each camera and found fault with each of them. Clearly impossible, and clearly a person with an agenda. Ignore him. For an honest review of the Canon Elura Digital Cameras, specifically the Elura 90, read the write-up on CNET.com... perhaps the best site for technical reviews and pricing information. Not only did they point me in the direction of a GREAT digital video camera, the CNET.com site also saved me over $200.00 from the big box retail prices! This camcorder does it all, and then some! True, you will need to be able to read in order to study the manual and unlock it's capabilities, and you will need to be able to independently manuever your fingers to operate it, and it's helpful if you can walk and talk at the same time... but if you can do all of those things... you can work this camcorder... and enjoy it! One recommendation though... don't buy a digital camcorder if you have no intention of truly utilizing its capabilities... or if you have no desire to network/connect it to your PC and either save and/or create your own movies/DVDs. THAT is the true innovation behind the technology. Using MicroSoft MovieMaker 2.1 I have been able to make incredible home movies... soundtrack... narration... effects... the works. With my old analog camcorder I could... save them and watch them as recorded... nothing more. But... if you DO want to enter the digital age... and you want the best camcorder possible at the best possible price... the Canon Elura 90 can't be beat! PLUS... it is one of the ONLY high quality camcorders that allows you to CONVERT your old analog tapes into a digital format... and it can also function as a WEBCAM! As I said, this one does it all![...]

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Place the power of both a movie crew and photography studio into the palm of your hand with the Elura 90 digital camcorder. Beautifully sculpted, easy-to-use and fully featured, the Elura 90 is a heralded addition to family gatherings, sporting events, and those once-in-a-lifetime special occasions. The highlight of the Elura 90 is Canon's advanced DV Photo Plus technology, which combines Genuine Canon Optics and a Mega Pixel CCD image sensor, with a DIGIC DV image processor and versatile Print&Share features. Take stunning digital photos while simultaneously shooting video, treat your family and friends to high-resolution 16:9 widescreen images, and edit your digital videos and photos into the perfect family album for playback on a TV or computer. Since the Elura 90 is compatible with both Windows XP and Apple computer systems, there is no limit to the creative possibilities. When you own an Elura 90 digital camcorder, you also get the benefit of Canon's world-renowned technical expertise in photography and broadcast television. Shoot with the confidence Canon's superior optics and image-processing power provide. Capture Life In All Its Brilliant Color And Clarity Preserve every hue of a summer sunset or backyard garden thanks to the Elura 90's 1.33 Megapixel Image Sensor. The product of Canon ingenuity and technological expertise, the image sensor achieves high-resolution results whether recording video to DV tape or still images onto a memory card. Photos can be captured at a variety of different image qualities and compression sizes (Superfine/Fine/Normal) giving you the ability to balance quantity with quality. Get It All In With True Widescreen Recording Treat your family and friends to high-resolution 16:9 widescreen videos that are perfect on a wide-screen home Theater system. Unlike some camcorders that record a vertically stretched picture, the Elura 90 uses the full width of its Mega Pixel C

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Denon AVR-1611 7.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Multi-Source / Multi-Zone Receiver with HDMI 1.4a supporting 1080p and 3D (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After having an unfortunate incident with a lightning strike at my home, my Denon AVR-1908 suffered irreparable damage. Within a few weeks my insurance company sent the check to replace it and the hunt for a new receiver was on.
Having owned a Denon, I was very familiar with the quality and outstanding sound their receivers can produce - but made the decision to research other brands such as Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer and of course the new line of Denon AV receivers. I have a 7.1 surround sound Home Theater so my future purchase had to meet that criteria. After some research I had narrowed my search down to the Denon AVR-1611 and the Onkyo TX-SR508 receivers, then visited a local electronics store to compare the two receivers in functionality and sound. After comparing the two I found that the Denon delivered a more rich, deep sound reproduction with outstanding surround sound imagery as compared to the Onkyo, at least in my opinion.
The Denon AVR-1611 offers some features that I definitely wanted, and some that I may want to utilize should I decide to upgrade my Home Theater. It offers HDMI 1.4a inputs and output for 3D movie features (still on the fence with 3D), if I decide to upgrade to a 3D capable Home Theater this receiver will accommodate this option. The rear I/O panel is extremely clean compared to older AV receivers, due to HDMI. There are 4 HDMI inputs and 1 HDMI output eliminating the need for multiple component inputs, this made for a much quicker and cleaner equipment setup. The various available sound formats, i.e., DTS Master, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus encoded with this receiver switch very efficiently with the source material - to date I have not had to adjust this manually. The receiver is very pleasing aesthetically, and fits in well with the rest of my components but does have some heft to it. The Denon AVR-1611 also offers ARC (audio return channel) via the HDMI output to allow for both sending and receiving an audio signal, but please note that your television must also have the ARC feature. The other plus with this receiver is the upconversion of standard definition DVD's due to the HDMI upconversion feature, althought it now sounds cliche - it truly makes my older movies look like new again with near HD resolution. The only criticism I have that prevented my awarding this receiver a perfect 5 stars is the lack of an AC Power Outlet in the back of the receiver. I found this to be a real convenience option for plugging in my JBL PB10 powered subwoofer. I wonder if this has been eliminated due to reducing the overall power draw for electronics in meeting with "GREEN TECHNOLOGY"? Regardless, I found that I missed having the outlet and wish they would incorporate it back into the design.
The owners manual can be intimidating, with its overview of all the features and functions designed in the AVR-1611 - this is where the AUDYSSEY AUTO SETUP feature shines! Denon included a specialized microphone to allow owners the convenience of letting the receiver setup your surround parameters without hours of manual work. Not only did this feature effectively set the surround sound parameters of all 7 speakers and my subwoofer, it also measured the distance from each speaker to the listening area, as well as decibel/gain setting for each individual speaker. It even determined the size of my speakers from small to large! To gauge the accuracy, I took out my tape measure and my Radio Shack sound level meter and began testing, and found the accuracy of Audyssey to be remarkable! For the novice setting up their Home Theater this feature would be invaluable.
To date I can offer no complaints, save for the missing AC power outlet. The surround sound imaging is outstanding, music CD's sound amazing, and the Denon AVR-1611 has real ease of use. It supports all of the most popular sound formats and upconverts my standard definition DVD's beautifully. I would highly recommend this receiver to anyone who is on a budget looking for an AV Receiver that offers a multitude of features and is as close to audiophile reproduction as you can get. It certainly pleases this movie buff.


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A versatile A/V surround receiver with a 7.1-channel amplifier, the Denon AVR-1611 is designed to be the centerpiece of an exciting home theater system. It supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio decoding and it includes the latest HDMI 1.4a technology, which provides for 3D pass-through capabilities to your HDTV (broadcast and Blu-ray). It also features Dolby Pro Logic IIz, a technology that adds a vertical dimension at the front for a more exciting surround sound experience. Last, but not least, the high-performance AVR-1611 includes Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume for optimum tonal balance, with no volume jump due to commercial interruptions.

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Toshiba Mini NB205-N325BN 10.1-Inch Sable Brown Netbook - 9 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I looked at netbooks for about 2 months, comparing all of the various features. Then I went on the road to see them in person and put my hands on the keyboard. I ended up choosing the Toshiba NB205-N325 because it met all my criteria (Windows 7, upgradable RAM, great battery life, and overall quality construction) and because it has the best keyboard for my hands. The chicklet keys are great and the sub-sized keyboard only slows me down a little from a full-sized version.
After shopping all around I ended up buying it direct from Amazon. They had the best price on cyber monday of 329.99. Interestingly, the price is now back up to 380+ so I guess I got lucky with the timing.
I tossed the 2GB RAM upgrade into my shopping cart and the machine showed up at my door about 8 days later.
Start up was a breeze. It found my home network and network printer without a problem. I downloaded chrome as my browser with no problem, activated the Norton trial (still shopping for an antivirus program), and activated the free trial of Office (I actually have the software but haven't gotten around to activating my copy). I've plugged in several USB devices without issue including a wireless mouse and external hard drive. No problems. The 160 GB hard disk has plenty of space and unless you plan to make and store movie files you should never need more. After about an hour I shut back down and installed the 2GB RAM chip which is simple to do. You just remove one screw on a small cover on the back and the chip is right there. Pop the old one out and the new one in, then start back up. The user manual spells it out perfectly. I didn't run it long enough on the 1GB chip to give you a comparison on performance but with 2GB it seems as quick as my other laptops. I think this upgrade is a no-brainer if you plan to use your netbook for anything more than reading e-mail.
The only glitch I've had is with the display. About 2 hrs after I started it up the display suddenly went crazy, jerking all over. I was talking on a cordless phone at the time and assumed it somehow interfered with the display. It happened again one time two days later only I wasn't talking on the phone. Both times I got it to stop by putting it to sleep and then starting back up (which only takes a couple seconds). I don't know what to make of this but so far it hasn't repeated itself and at least I know how to stop it. If it happens again I'll call Toshiba.
My overall impression is that I love this little guy. It does everything I wanted it to do and is the ultimate in portability. I use it on and off all day, closing the lid when I'm done which puts it to sleep. It wakes up almost instantly, so this is a great way to extend the battery. The only time I plug it in is at night. I've never come close to running the battery down. The fit and finish of the machine are terrific.
Toshiba hit a home run with this model. It gets 5 stars from me.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba Mini NB205-N325BN 10.1-Inch Sable Brown Netbook - 9 Hours of Battery Life (Windows 7 Starter)

Small enough to throw in a purse or bag, the affordable, super-compact 10.1-inch Toshiba mini NB205 netbook--which weighs just under 3 pounds--is designed with smart features like a full-sized keyboard and touchpad, long battery life, 3 USB ports (including one Sleep and Charge port) and a hard drive impact sensor that protects your data. You'll also get excellent battery life with the included six-cell battery that provides up to 9 hours of battery power--enabling you to go through an entire day of school, work or errands without worrying about a recharge.
It comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Starter operating system, which combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. It includes new Windows 7 features like Jump Lists to help you to better find and manage files, and connecting to printers and peripherals is easier than ever. (Learn more about Windows 7 Starter below.)
Created especially for mobile devices, Intel's 1.6 GHz Atom N280 processor uses an innovative design structure and hafnium-infused circuitry that helps reduce electrical current leakage in transistors--which means longer battery life when you're on the go. It also includes the Intel 945GSE graphics chipset, which provides browsing the internet, emailing, running basic PC applications and enjoying online digital media. This model of the Toshiba mini NB205 (NB205-N325BN) has a distinctively styled cover in Sable Brown, which is accented by a textured finish with a Matrix pattern. It features a 160 GB hard disk drive, 1 GB of RAM (upgradeable to 2 GB), 54g Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), Fast Ethernet, and a Secure Digital memory card slot.

Key Features
10.1-inch LED backlit widescreen display (1024 x 600-pixel resolution) provides richer colors and clearer definition--perfect for browsing the internet
Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do--less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. And Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows. (Learn more)
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade.A small notebook PC running Windows 7 Home Premium is even easier to use. The new taskbar and advanced navigation features make launching programs, opening files, managing windows, and getting around your PC faster and easier. Personalize your PC to be just the way you want it with helpful gadgets and desktop themes--even turn your desktop into a slideshow of your favorite photos. And you get the best entertainment experience on a PC. With Windows Media Center, you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.
1.66 GHz Intel Atom N280 processor combines performance and efficiency to explore the Internet and stay connected while mobile (Learn more)
160 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) with an impact sensor that helps safeguard your data by "parking" the hard drive heads in the event of a drop or sudden movement. (Learn more)
1 GB of RAM (800 MHz; 1 memory slot; upgradeable to 2 GB)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator GMA950 with up to 251 MB of dynamically allocated shared graphics memory
Webcam (0.3 megapixels) integrated into the bezel for easy video chats and teleconferencing
Three USB ports with one Sleep and Charge port on the left side, allowing you to charge your mobile phone and other devices even when the notebook is asleep or off.
Full-sized keyboard (85 keys)
Integrated Wi-Fi networking (802.11b.g) so you can communicate, browse and share while on the move
Fast Ethernet wired networking (10/100)
Built-in mono speaker
Up to 9 hours of battery life from included 6-cell battery
Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.6 x 1.27 inches (WxDxH)
Weight: 2.93 pounds
Environmentally focused with RoHS compatibility (reducing its environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances), Energy Star 5.0 compliant, and EPEAT Gold compliant
Warranty: 1 year warranty with international limited warranty coverage

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion This Toshiba mini NB205 notebook has an integrated 54g wireless LAN that's compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g networks. It offers the following ports:
3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
Analog video output: 1 VGA
Memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), and MultiMediaCard (MMC)
1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
10/100 Fast Ethernet

What's in the box This package contains the Toshiba mini NB205-N325BN netbook, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions.
It also comes with the following software: Norton Internet Security 2009, Microsoft Works 9, Windows Media Player, Google Toolbar, Toshiba PC Health Monitor
Learn More
Windows 7 Starter makes small notebook PCs easier to use because it puts less between you and what you want to do--less waiting, less clicking, less hassle connecting to networks. Windows 7 Starter combines the latest in reliability and responsiveness with the familiarity and compatibility of Windows.

Intel Atom Processor: Your PC's Perfect Internet Companion Take the Internet to more places with the long battery life and flexibility of a compact, lightweight netbook powered by the incredibly small, amazingly smart Intel Atom processor. It features a design structure that packs in 47 million transistors into a single chip sized at just 22mm (0.87 inches), and it uses just 2.5 watts of power--less than 1/10 of the 35 watts used by an Intel Core 2 Duo processor--for excellent battery management. This 1.66 GHz Atom N280 processor also includes a power-optimized front side bus of 533 MHz for faster data transfer on demanding mobile applications and a 512 KB L2 cache (which temporarily stores data).
Hard Drive Protection While the highly portable nature of mini-notebooks exposes them to the knocks and bumps that are an inevitable feature of life on the move, the Toshiba mini NB205 features a 3D-accelerometer monitoring system that detects freefalls, shocks and vibrations and protects the integrated HDD to secure against the loss of any personal data.

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Toshiba Satellite L655-S5065 TruBrite 15.6-Inch Laptop (Grey/Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I use my laptop for professional programming and IT work. I absolutely love this laptop! It is wide because of the number key however this makes plenty of room on the desktop. It is wide screen display, resolution 768 x 1366 which other reviewers have said is a bad thing however I think that it is a great resolution. This laptop is fast and is loaded. The HD screen is crisp and clear, the sound is wonderful for a computer.
The only down side I can think of is it shows all fingerprints, but unless your OCD then it shouldn't be an issue.
I have done a lot of research on buying this laptop and believe me for the price the Toshiba line is top dog. Don't waste your money on a Dell, they are flimsy terribly built and are loaded with technical issues.

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Toshiba Satellite L655: Fashionable, Affordable and Portable with 15.6-Inch Screen
Offering a redesigned chassis with a sleeker body, the nicely affordable Toshiba Satellite L655-S5065 notebook PC makes it easy to handle computing essentials at home, school or work--from surfing the web and downloading video to managing household finances or studying for finals. And its high-gloss Fusion Finish in Helios Gray will be sure to raise a few eyebrows while you're on the go.

Burn through the hottest new digital media, content creation and advanced 3D gaming with the breakthrough performance of the Intel Core i3 processor--with 4-way multitasking processor power to work on four tasks simultaneously.

This all-purpose, eco-smart machine features a stunning 15.6-inch LED-backlit display with 720p native high-definition resolution. Thanks to the built-in webcam and Toshiba Face Recognition software on this machine, you'll enjoy a more convenient way to communicate, log on or share your laptop among the family. Other high-tech features include a power-saving Eco Utility to help reduce power consumption based on your needs and one USB/eSATA combo port.

This Satellite comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version).



Key Features
15.6-inch widescreen HD TruBrite LED-Backlit display not only renders stunning visuals, but it's more environmentally friendly as it uses less power (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio).


2.26 GHz Intel Core i3-350M dual-core processor for a fast, responsive PC experience (3 MB L3 cache). It comes equipped with Intel HD Graphics, an advanced video engine that delivers smooth, high-quality HD video playback, and advanced 3D capabilities, providing an ideal graphics solution for everyday computing. Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology enables each core of your processor to work on two tasks at the same time, delivering the performance you need for smart multitasking.


320 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)


4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (800 MHz; expandable to 4 GB)


Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500M with 64 MB - 1696 MB of dynamically allocated shared graphics memory


8x SuperMulti DVD drive with double layer support.


Wireless Connectivity
With its integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking capabilities, this laptop provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers.



Included Toshiba Software:
Toshiba Media Controller offers simplified media sharing. Using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, it lets you share videos, music and pictures from the media library on your laptop with compatible devices in your home entertainment network, or with other compatible laptops and devices, like an Xbox 360 game console. And you can do it all without moving equipment, burning discs or fumbling with cables.
Toshiba Bulletin Board is an easy-to-use organizational and productivity app that lets you build your own personalized space on your desktop. With Toshiba Bulletin Board, you can quickly and easily manage your to-do lists and calendars, plus create your own custom work area by pinning your favorite photos, documents, links and more.
Toshiba ReelTime helps you cut down the time it takes to search for files. The easy-to-use app takes traditional text-based file structures one step further to help you find what you're looking for more quickly. Accessible from your taskbar, it shows you a visual timeline of your recently accessed files--using graphical thumbnails--so you can easily identify and get to your files faster.



Included Toshiba Utilities:
Toshiba eco Utility makes it easy to go green as you go mobile. Hit the Eco Button and you'll launch the Toshiba Eco Utility, which puts all sorts of easy-to-read information on your screen, and gives you the ability to adjust the power settings on your laptop. It also activates a light showing you're in the Eco Mode. The Toshiba Eco Utility lets you pick the optimal power plan for your situation. Choose High-Performance when you need every watt you can get, Power Saver for the least energy consumption, or Balanced as a perfect blend of the two.



Up to 4 hours of battery life (6-cell battery; 48 Wh)


Dimensions & Weight: 14.96 x 9.84 x 1.49 inches (WxDxH); 6.4 pounds



Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

And with Windows Anytime Upgrade, you'll be able to add new features to your PC in as little as 10 minutes. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process, it requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings



Environmental Specifications
Energy Star 5.0 certified
Gold EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact.
RoHS compliant effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances

Learn more about Toshiba's environmental commitment.

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25th Anniversary of Toshiba Laptops
This year, Toshiba celebrates its 25th anniversary of innovations and quality in the notebook PC business. Beginning with the launch of the Toshiba T1100, the world's first clamshell-type, fully functional laptop PC, Toshiba has led the with such innovations as the first laptop with a color monitor in 1991 and a laptop with integrated CD-ROM drive in 1995 (followed by the addition of a DVD drive in 1998). And in 2009, Toshiba unveiled the world's first ultraportable laptop with 512GB solid state drive.

Today, Toshiba continues to be a leader in eco-friendly manufacturing, with virtually all of its consumer laptops earning EPEAT Gold status for meeting standards that help reduce overall environmental impact.

Click here for more information about Toshiba Satellite L655-S5065 TruBrite 15.6-Inch Laptop (Grey/Black)

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Acer Aspire AS5745-3428 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)(this review may skip around a lot but I'm trying to cover everything) Before I bought this laptop I was using a Compaq Presario F700. Completely unreliable for anything. I finally started searching for a new laptop around April knowing that my previous laptop would give out any day. I finally came across a laptop (this one) that had everything I wanted for a pretty fabulous price. Fast computer, reliable company, HUGE hard drive. I've had this laptop for a week now and haven't had any problems with it. It's great for a multi-tasking student like myself. I can easily have 10 tabs open in chrome, play and download music, instant message a couple friends, and type away at an essay and it still runs just as fast if I only had one program running. The quality of the screen is like nothing I've ever seen before. My father wanted me to just walk into any store and pick out the cheapest one (like he did for 300 bucks) and whenever I try to use his laptop I have to squint because everything is so fuzzy. On my Compaq, it was miserable to watch DVDs because everyone looked rather pixelated, as if I was watching it on the internet. The sound quality is pretty great too. I keep a fan on in my room 24/7 and it's rather noisy. The speakers on the laptop are perfect for drowning it out. With Windows 7 (compared to Vista and XP), everything is smooth and is rather easy to navigate. The over all looks of the laptop are pretty nice, the only thing I was disappointed in was the glossy lid. That was probably my error for not realizing this but I don't regret my choice in laptops. It's just a slight annoyance to have fingerprints on it. The keyboard took just a little bit to get used to, but I do like having a number pad on a laptop. They keys themselves feel great when typing. I also like the the idea of the multi-functional touch pad, but I have some issues with it accidentally zooming in due to the way I rest my hands on the keyboard. The keyboard shortcuts are also pretty handy. There weren't a whole lot on the Compaq, but on this laptop I can have iTunes running in the background and just above the number pad I can conveniently pause/play, stop, and skip songs without even opening the window. I thought that was really neat. The battery life isn't amazing but it isn't terrible either. the few times I used it while not unplugged it averaged about 3 hours more or less. This is a step up from the measly hour I got with my previous laptop. While using it off the charger it changes the estimated time left for usage (couldn't think of a better way to phrase that) a whole lot which was a little annoying but that'd probably because I open and close programs all the time. Before buying this laptop, I got a couple of opinions from my tech-geeks. They said i5 core processor laptops get hot really fast without a fan and someone also said that the processor gives out more easily without the use of a fan. So far, the laptop hasn't overheated or burned my lap which is a plus. The laptop's fan itself is incredibly quiet and usually I can't even hear it when it is running.
All in all, I would say that you get everything you want in this powerful and money saving laptop. I have a feeling I'll be sticking with this guy well through college.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Acer Aspire AS5745-3428 15.6-Inch Laptop (Black)


Acer AS5745: Multimedia Powerhouse Amazingly thin and light though still loaded with features, the Acer Aspire AS5745 (model AS5745-3428) makes it easy to take to the coffee shop, on a plane, to class or just around the house. The durable design sports a stylish black cover with a discrete textile pattern that stays clean from fingerprints.
Enjoy HD media content and experience home theater enjoyment like never before with Dolby sound and a 15.6-inch HD display with true 16:9 aspect ratio for watching widescreen movies as they were meant to be seen. You'll also be able to burn through the hottest new digital media and content creation with the breakthrough performance of the Intel Core i5 processor--with 4-way multitasking processor power to work on four tasks simultaneously.

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you'll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.



Key Features
15.6-inch HD widescreen CineCrystal LED-backlit display
2.4 GHz Intel Core i5-450M dual-core processor for smart performance with a speed boost (2.66 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology; 3 MB L3 cache). Intel's Turbo Boost technology maximizes speed for demanding applications, dynamically accelerating performance to match your workload--providing more performance when you need it the most. It also comes equipped with Intel HD Graphics--an advanced video engine that delivers smooth, high-quality HD video playback, providing an ideal graphics solution for everyday computing.
500 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (1066 MHz)
Intel HD Graphics with 128 MB of dedicated system memory
8x SuperMulti DVD±R/RW drive can also write to CD, DVD-RAM, and dual-layer (DL) DVD±R discs--which can hold up to 8.5 GB of data.
1.3-megapixel HD webcam lets you go face to face in online chats and VOIPs with 1280 x 1024 resolution, and easily take still pictures and videos that you can share with friends.
Stereo speakers with third-generation Dolby Home Theater audio enhancement technologies transforms the experience of movies, music, and games. Includes Dolby Digital Live, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Headphone, Dolby Natural Bass, and Dolby Sound Space enhancer technologies.
Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) for ultra-fast connectivity to home and business networks.
Multi-Gesture Touchpad allows you to pinch, flick and swirl your fingers across the touchpad for more natural photo and video viewing as well as intuitive navigation of websites such as Google Earth. It also enables you to scroll, zoom in and out and flip through Web pages, photos, spreadsheets and more. (Learn more)
Multi-in-1 Digital Media Card Reader compatible with Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC), Memory Stick (MS), Memory Stick PRO (MS PRO), xD-Picture Card (xD)
4 USB ports
HDMI high-definition audio/video output allows a single cable to transmit uncompressed high-definition video to your digital TV or LCD
Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. And you can watch shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV on Windows Media Center. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
Get more features with Windows Anytime Upgrade. It's the best way to add features to Windows 7, takes as few as ten minutes, requires no software or downloads, and you'll keep your existing programs, files, and settings. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process.
Acer Backup Manager Software enables you to set up backup your valuable data or media portfolio with ease, and protect your assets intelligently and quickly.
6-cell lithium-ion battery (4400 mAh)
Weight: 5.72 pounds
Warranty: One-year parts and labor limited warranty with concurrent International Traveler's Warranty

What's in the Box This package contains the Acer Aspire AS5745-3428 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions



Learn MoreThe Acer Multi-Gesture Touchpad

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Audioengine A5 Powered Multimedia Speaker System (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)These really do deliver remarkably clean, powerful sound for their size, and they also do well at lower volumes. There's no shortage of gushing reviews for these on the web, so I'll just add a few tidbits of possible additional interest to prospective buyers:
- Each speaker is satisfyingly heavy, and the entire bottom surface is covered by a solid rubber pad to help keep the speaker in place when you're driving them hard.
- The speaker enclosures are silky smooth (no sharp edges or seams anywhere) and feel thick and well made. Overall fit and finish is lovely to behold. You can't help but believe that these will last for a long time.
- The large speakers are exposed (as pictured), but they're made of kevlar, so they look tough and feel tough, and you won't think twice about the lack of a speaker grille.
- The volume control is on the lower-right corner of the left speaker. It's a knurled dial the size of a standard button, and it turns with a nice, smooth resistance for a feeling of scratch-free precision. Ideally, I'd like to see the volume knob on the top of the speaker for easier access, and I'd rather it extended outward a bit further (it's a bit shallow). But tastes will differ depending upon speaker placement.
- The LED power light is on the lower-left of corner of the left speaker. It's a muted, cool blue that looks great when the lights are off. Not too bright to be a nuisance. The kind of blue light that you know is there but almost seems to disappear into the blackness.
- The power on/off switch is on the middle back of the left speaker, near the outside edge, so you can easily wrap your fingers behind the speaker and feel for the switch to turn it off. Not as easy as I'd like it to be, but not a big hassle. Still, if you like to turn your devices off when not in use, you'll want to place them in a way that allows you easy access to the left side of the left speaker.
- The USB port on the top is for charging only, not for audio pass-through from your iPod, but the makers helpfully provide several short lengths of audio cable suitable for connecting your iPod or other device.
- The secondary audio input jack on the back is analog, not digital, so you won't be able to take advantage of the digital audio-out option of an AirPort Express, for example, but the analog connection sounds fine.
- There's no remote control. Here the speakers suffer in comparison with some similarly priced systems that appeal to iPod users, but clearly the decision was made to divert the cost of that feature into creating the best possible sound at this price point.
- When driving these speakers hard for extended periods, the back of the left speaker (containing the power supply) gets very hot. Very hot. Seriously--you could fry an egg back there, so you'll want to ensure proper ventilation if you plan to rock out a lot. My only concern here is that the hottest area is the area surrounding the AC jack into which I plug my AirPort Express. Can the AirPort Express take the heat? Well, it has so far.
- The bass response is great on these, but if you want even more, you can always hook up a subwoofer, because a subwoofer jack is provided. What more could you ask?

Click Here to see more reviews about: Audioengine A5 Powered Multimedia Speaker System (Black)

Audioengine 5 is a full-size speaker system in a bookshelf-sized package. Internal power amps eliminate the need to connect the Audioengine 5 to a bulky stereo receiver or power amplifier. And with built-in subwoofer ports, the Audioengine 5 adds incredible low-end bass without the need for an external subwoofer.Audioengine

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Lenovo ThinkPad T41 2373 - Pentium M 1.7 GHz - RAM 512 MB - HDD 60 GB - CD-RW / DVD - Mobility Radeon 9000 - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g - Win XP Pro - 14.1" TFT 1400 x 1050 ( SXGA+ ) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I love this computer! Easy to read keyboard, has both the 'slide finger mouse' and the red button mouse, very well thought out features make it very user friendly. Screen is nice & bright and very easy to read. I prefer this screen to my husband's 15" widescreen.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Lenovo ThinkPad T41 2373 - Pentium M 1.7 GHz - RAM 512 MB - HDD 60 GB - CD-RW / DVD - Mobility Radeon 9000 - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g - Win XP Pro - 14.1" TFT 1400 x 1050 ( SXGA+ )

Introduce your on-the-go staff to liberating ThinkPad T41 notebooks with Intel Centrino Mobile Technology (select models). They're thin, light and can go unplugged for up to 9.5 hours when you combine the optional ThinkPad T40 High Capacity battery with optional ThinkPad Ultrabay Slim Li Polymer battery. Select Wi-Fi certified models even feature new 802.11a/b/g technology for exceptional wireless flexibility.Look inside and discover ThinkVantage Technologies and ThinkVantage Designs to help free up IT resources and decrease expenses. You'll see how to work more confidently and efficiently - and gain the time you need to focus on strategic goals.

Click here for more information about Lenovo ThinkPad T41 2373 - Pentium M 1.7 GHz - RAM 512 MB - HDD 60 GB - CD-RW / DVD - Mobility Radeon 9000 - Gigabit Ethernet - WLAN : Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g - Win XP Pro - 14.1" TFT 1400 x 1050 ( SXGA+ )

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Samsung NB30-JP02 10.1-Inch Netbook (Texturized Matte Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I originally bought a Samsung ivory colored netbook from the store about a year ago. I can't recall the model but something similar to this one. But within a day I spilled a couple teaspoons of water into it and the key started malfunctioning. I also didn't like that other model because it came with this odd program that was really a nuisance as well I think it was called Hyper-something. (Sorry if some of the details are fuzzy! Bought it a year ago and only had that other netbook less than week.) I quickly returned it and did some more research and found this the Samsung NB30. It is shock resistant up to 30 inches and also water resistant up to something like 30cc as long as you wipe the liquid away immediately.
I LOVE it. I have had it almost a year and it has been great. No major problems. And I have definitely dropped it and man-handled it a bit. It is also so light and easy to use. One of the things I especially like about it coming from having previously owned two Dell notebooks and two Acer notebooks is the screen and the speakers. On my old notebooks they all had a terrible problem with glare and I hated that. In addition, the most recent Dell notebook I owned had the worst speakers. I could barely hear my music playing unless I used headphones. My cell phone speakers were louder than the Dell! The NB30 has great sound quality. And it comes with Windows 7 which is miracle compared to Windows Vista. It also has an SD slot which has been useful and three USB slots.
So one of the drawback is because this model is shock resistant for some reason the battery life is slightly less than other comparable models of Samsung maybe 6.5 hours versus 7 hours. I wish the battery was as long as some Asus models but the sleek design and durability totally make up for the lack of battery. Also, the screen is a bit small. Some of my netbook user friends have mentioned going for a models with bigger screens but I was in it for portability and durability. Lastly, the video streaming on NB30 is not great and I blame the ATOM processor. (Almost all netbooks have this processor. You can't avoid it.) This processor is not the fastest but it's so light and uses so little battery that one sacrifices speed instead. To make up for this I upgraded the RAM to 2G. (It's only expandable up to 2G. Too bad!) Cost maybe $50 to upgrade. Prob less now. This helped a bit. But the netbook is great for simple word processing, surfing the net, and doing my slide show presentations. I love how light it is so I can easily take it to class. It weighs less than most of my books and I often don't need the power cord which is convenient since many of my 3 hours classes are held in rooms without readily available outlets. I also purchased an external Samsung cd drive so that I can use and burn cds with my netbook. I haven't used it yet but will in the future.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung NB30-JP02 10.1-Inch Netbook (Texturized Matte Black)

A rough day on your netbook can lead to a rough day on you. It can go easier on both of you with a Samsung NB30-JP02 netbook. Featuring a free-fall sensor, the NB30-JP02 can help keep your data safe if you accidentally drop it as you're fumbling with your keys and your coffee. The sensor detects if the drive is in a free fall, and instantly moves the read/write heads away from the disk, protecting the disk from scratches and keeping your valuable data safe. The exterior is protected, too, with a scratch-resistant, texturized matte black finish, to keep you looking stylish miles down the road. Inside, the Intel Atom N450 processor and genuine Windows 7 Starter OS speed you through your favorite programs. The matte 10.1" screen gives you plenty of room to work, edit photos and IM. Your digital life is accommodated nicely with a 4-in-1 memory card slot and 3 USB 2.0 ports that make it easy to connect a digital camera, printer and more. A convenient gesture user-interface lets you scroll, pinch-zoom in/out, and rotate via touchpad. And with up to 9 hours of battery life, you and your Samsung NB30-JP02 netbook keep going all day long

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