FILEMAKER PRO 10 ADV Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I will first preface this by saying that I have been a small business desktop database developer for many years (around 1989). I have never used a product that is as versatile and up to date as Filemaker is. Being fully cross-platform (which there is no other) has been a great function for an application development platform. Filemaker has long shed its database only stereotype. Unlink older and almost unsupported desktop databases; Filemaker is growing larger and larger in support and usability. It has a long way to go to be Oracle but it won't take long. As of version 9 it has the ability to be interface with the entire best SQL database out there, and can be used very easily as a front end for any of them.
As a developer I have used it for 3 fortune 500 companies that interface with their Oracle backend databases and 2 others that use MS SQL. So to say that it's not up there with the big boys is a huge mistake.
As noted in another review, some complained about the EULA. Well to clarify that a bit, As long as I have been using FileMaker it has never sent any data anywhere. What they are asking about is that they may at some point ask you to see what you are doing with filemaker and it's up to you if you want to tell then and how you tell them. Unlike MS products that secretly send info back to MS, FileMaker has never done that to me. (Now if you are really worried about your EULA read Oracles or MSSql sometime. Basically you own the data they own the software that's it stored in and if they don't like the way you use the software... well you get the picture.)
Filemaker is incredibly versatile. I have built simple single table databases to highly complex business mission critical applications. Each very unique to the business's scope. So it is an application development suite that I would highly recommend to anyone looking at building any type of database solution.


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FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced includes all the features of FileMaker Pro 10 plus a suite of advanced development and customization tools to help you design and develop more powerful and more customized database applications!

Advanced Development and Customization Tools
Design and develop databases faster and easier Customize your database application even more by renaming, adding, or deleting menu and toolbar items with Custom Menus. Create standalone, runtime applications that don't require users to have FileMaker Pro.
Debug and troubleshoot more efficiently Pinpoint problem areas by reviewing scripts step-by-step in the Script Debugger. Monitor fields, variables, expressions, and even test calculation formulas with the Data Viewer, as well as temporarily disable script steps to test portions of your scripts.
Modify and maintain with ease Update databases faster by importing multiple tables or by using copy/paste to move fields, tables, scripts, and script steps. Get comprehensive information on database schema and options, like fields, web viewers, layouts, Custom Menus, and more with the Database Design Report.
Custom Menus Get more control over the icons in the new Status Toolbar with Custom Menus. Choose which icons you want displayed and add or change the text associated with each one.
Script Debugger Get more visibility into the new Script Triggers with the Script Debugger. You'll be able to easily keep track of exactly what scripts are being triggered with each event.
Database Design Report Run reports on how all the new features in FileMaker Pro 10--including Script Triggers, Send Mail via SMTP, and Dynamic Reports--are being used with the Database Design Report.
The Top Features in FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced If you're using FileMaker Pro, you'll appreciate all the great benefits of FileMaker Pro 10 Advanced.
Custom Menus:Customize menus by executing your scripts, renaming, adding, or deleting menu items or replacing entire menus with your custom choices for a completely customized solution.
Multiple Table Import:Build or modify databases faster by importing multiple tables at once.
Script Debugger:Pinpoint problem areas in scripts and Script Triggers.
Data Viewer:Monitor fields, variables and calculations while troubleshooting.
Runtime Maker:Create standalone runtime solutions that don't require FileMaker Pro.
Kiosk Maker:Build applications where all menus are hidden.
Custom Functions:Build your own functions and reuse them anywhere in the database file where they were created.
External Function Plug-in API:Build more robust calculations and extend database capabilities.
Database Design Report:Run comprehensive reports on all elements of the database schema.

Get 21% OFF

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Acer Aspire TimelineX AS4820TG-6847 14-Inch HD Display Laptop (Black Brushed Aluminum) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First of all, I am a college student. With classes and being on the go about half the time, I wanted a capable machine that would cater my needs - gaming on the go, with some power for multitasking and multimedia. I decided to look for a slim and lightweight 13-14 inch laptop over a high end netbook.
So in my search, I looked for the following:
-nice graphics
-good processing power to handle multitasking
-nice battery life when I am not near the wall
-Cosmetics were secondary for me
After much research, I had to decide between the 13.3" Asus U30JC-B1 or the 14" Acer Aspire Timeline X AS4820TG-6847. Before I found out about the Acer, I was going to go for the ASUS. Then I looked further and found the Acer. I was thankful that I did - at the time of purchase, the Acer was only $50 more than the ASUS. The Acer was far better on graphics (the ASUS's Nvidia 310M versus the Acer's ATI 6550M, which is really a renamed version of the Mobility Radeon 5650 with minimal differences) and the processor was better as well (i3 370M versus i5 480M). However, the size and battery life was ASUS's win. Both have optical drives (DVD) and switchable graphics to the power-saving Intel HD graphics. After careful consideration, mainly with price, I went for the Acer Aspire.
After having it for a day, I was already very optimistic about my purchase.
*Cosmetics*
It weighed 2 pounds less than my old laptop, the Thinkpad R61i series, and is fairly slimmer and smaller. I do miss the durability build the Thinkpad offered. Honestly, I like the look of the Acer on the outside. However I do worry about the durability, especially of the thin screen. Beware of the fingerprint smears on the outside of the screen, though. Pretty unavoidable, which is slightly irritating. On the inside, the screen looks nice enough. However the keyboard and touchpad aren't impressive. The keyboard does have a nice feel to it when typing and the touchpad is responsive. Note that there is a touchpad button - not buttons. However it works okay, just press left side for left clicking and vice versa. Overall, the build wasn't anything that would have me jumping out of my seat, but the laptop looks sleek and stylish.
*Performance on multitasking*
The computer is more than adequate for multitasking and multimedia, which wasn't unexpected but I was still happy to see that. I ran Winamp, Firefox, and AIM running with minimal lag. The only thing that was slowing down was the hard drive, which is a 5400 RPM 640 GB. I would gladly trade for a 7200 RPM hard drive even if I get only half the space. However for a 5400 RPM hard drive, the laptop boots and responds well enough. Laptop maintains appropriate temperatures, at least for my laptop. It gets warm from time to time, but the fan does a good job in keeping the laptop cool as possible.
*Battery Life*
Then the battery life test. Doing surfing, listening to music, making recovery discs, and running on balanced settings (and most importantly, not using the Radeon graphics) I yielded about 4-5 hours usage before I needed the plug. Considering what was going on during the battery drainage that was pretty impressive to me - my Thinkpad can barely last 2-3 hours on similar battery settings when I first had it. I assume that the advertised 8 hour battery life must be attained when the laptop is barely doing anything at power saver with the DVD drive powered off. I only had the laptop for a day, so I will do more tests and update if necessary.
*Gaming graphics*
Then comes the more interesting test - to me - the gaming. I first installed Dragon Age Origins to the laptop, and imported the settings and saved files from the desktop to the laptop. I did some adjustments as I played in various parts of the game that would make the graphics card work hard. I found that I can run a 1280 x 768 screen with high settings, no AA with little to no problems. Sounds good. Then I installed Starcraft 2. After some tests, I found myself playing at custom settings (mostly medium with high settings on textures and movies) with 1280 x 720 resolution. I was merely testing from the single player campaign though, but there were little problems. Those were the only games I tested so far, but I might do some more testing if necessary. For now though, the graphics appear to be very good for budget gaming. WARNING though - the laptop does get hot when gaming for a considerable time, especially for Starcraft 2. Be sure to have a cooling pad to minimize any potential damage done to the laptop in the long term.
*Other facts to point out*
- The Acer Aspire operates with Windows 7, 64 bit. Windows 7 has worked wonders unlike Vista, so that and the fact that it's a 64 bit version was a big plus for me.
- The webcam is 1.3 megapixel with a max resolution of 1280 x 1024. It's an improvement to the Logtech webcam I used on the desktop, which was only up to 640 x 480 and was probably 0.3 megapixel (forgot the specs). The webcam and microphone all work, so that's good.
- The speakers are nice and small, but are not really worth writing home about.
- There is a VGA and HDMI port, 4 USB 2.0 ports, and 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN connection. The 802.11b/g/n WLAN works well to connect wireless networks. There are no Firewire port, PC Card or Expresscard, or USB 3.0. However, considering the price for this laptop and the other specs it's not really a surprise.
- Card reader and DVD drive works as advertised. Note that for the DVD drive the button to eject is on the right corner of the keyboard next to the speakers and not on the side of the laptop like many laptops. Not much of a pro or con for me.
Overall, the Acer Aspire laptop has nice specs with a smashing good price. This is a great budget gaming laptop, with a pretty strong discrete graphics card, an i5 CPU, and plenty of HD space. There are some things the laptop can improve on, but you really cannot argue the price. Recommended buy!
______________________________________________________________
Pros:
- Strong CPU and GPU performance
- 64 bit operating system
- Plenty of HD space
- Good battery life considering the specs
- Slim and lightweight
- Good fan keeping the laptop cool outside of gaming
- Size is good enough for portability
Cons (note: they are mostly minor):
- Average build
- Heat issues when gaming
- Lack of USB 3.0, Bluetooth, Firewire, or PC/Express cards
- 5400 RPM hard drive
- Too many useless programs installed
Recommendations:
- Uninstall the bloatware
- Get a cooling pad if you plan on gaming a lot
Verdict: 4.25 out of 5 stars


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Acer Aspire TimelineX 4820TG: Extreme Mobile Performance
Combining Intel Core i5 processing performance with extended battery life, the breathtaking thin and lightweight Acer Aspire TimelineX laptop (model AS4820TG-6847) gives you the freedom to roam all day long with an 8-hour battery life and stay productive with its 14-inch LED-backlit display. And with ATI Switchable Graphics technology combines the low power advantages of an integrated graphics processor with the performance of a discrete graphics processor

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ASUS N53JQ-XV1 15.6-Inch Versatile Entertainment Laptop (Silver Aluminum) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had this laptop for a few days now, and I'm extremely satisfied. Here's my take on all the pros and cons of this machine so you can make a more informed purchase.
::::::PROS::::::
+ Ridiculously awesome deal. I got this when it was 20% off ($860) and free shipping, and within a day after my purchase they ran out of stock, and it came back a day or two later at only 15% discount. Those quickly went out as well, and the discount dropped to 14%. The deal on this is dropping fast, so try to get it as soon as you can.
+ Keyboad is very sturdy with very little flex. I've seen another reviewer or two complain about the flex from the keyboard, however I'm concerned they might be commenting on the wrong model. Flexing is indeed an issue on similar items near this series, but in this particular one it feels perfectly fine. The keyboard features a numpad, which it fits in by sharing a few keys, which is a nice bit of optimization. This is actually one of the more comfortable keyboards I've ever used on a laptop. I was really happy when I got to check this out, because this was my only real concern from reading reviews, and I absolutely must have a quality keyboard because I expect to do a lot of written work on this laptop. Luckily, it feels great!
+ Turbo Booster is a really nice feature. Your CPU(s) will automatically overclock based upon the current demands on your system. I'm not much for extra-accessory desktop items, but this comes with a nifty blue bar that sits on your desktop and shows you in real time what your CPUs are being overclocked to at that moment. Very useful.
+ Awesome transfer speed. Was moving a lot of large files around, unzipping things and the likes, and it moved at a really awesome speed. No doubt thanks to the quad core i7 processor.
+ Sound can go up decently loud for a laptop, and has pretty good audio by that same standard. The sound is supposed to be one of the strong selling points for this laptop, but I didn't buy it for that reason, it's just a nice bonus.
+ A great mid-level gaming laptop that will improve in performance over time. Right now, there aren't too many games that truly make use of quad core CPUs, however as more and more do, your performance in games should go up. You sacrifice a little bit of performance today, in exchange for a better overall machine and substantially more performance tomorrow. For example, a dual core machine that is clocked higher may out-perform a quad core i7 by as much as 10% in some games, however if you compare it to a game that supports quad core technology, the quad core jumps in performance by 60-80% (example: Dragon Age), which is a huge boost. This machine also supports up to 16GB of ram, so you'll be able to scale up over time accordingly. A great laptop that should last a long time. Be sure to switch over to "performance mode" when you are plugged in and want to game, for maximum performance (remember to turn it off performance mode when you're done).
Some games I recommend trying with your new laptop:
TheHunter (free) -- this is a free hunting game, that looks absolutely amazing and is hyper realistic.
Alien Swarm (free) -- this is a free co-op game on Steam that is based on the source engine, and deals with lots of units on the screen.
Dragon Age -- the sequel is coming soon, but the original Dragon Age is probably the best quad core game on the market right now, a good test!
StarCraft 2 (get the demo) -- This actually is optimized for dual core and not quad core, but will still be a good test for you.
Shogun Total War 2 -- this isn't out yet, but it releases in March and if they are smart, the game will be optimized for quad core technologies. This would be a perfect game to make use of your i7, I just hope they make use of it.::::::CONS::::::
- Touchpad will annoy you. Firstly, the touchpad is far off to the left which I find to be an odd design decision considering most people are used to operating a mousing device with their right hand (I'm left-handed, and even I prefer to operate computers with my right hand from years of conditioning). Another problem with the touch pad is that because it's so far to the left, it routinely comes in your way while typing and causes you to mess up or drop keys when your forearm accidentally activates the touchpad. The clicker is also a rough click, which will make this very poor for mobile gaming purposes. The tracking itself is actually fantastic, it feels really good, but because of its positioning and its tendency to get in the way of your typing, you'll want to get a nice wireless mouse, and disable the touchpad from within your windows system. This way, you'll have a good mouse, and won't have to worry about the touchpad getting in your way while typing.
- Epic bloatware from ASUS. As with any new computer, I was expecting to wipe it of a bunch of pre-installed junk, but I was really disappointed with how much extra garbage they had pre-installed. I was only expecting to remove a few things, but there were probably around 20 things I had to remove. For this purpose, I would recommend Revo Uninstaller, which is a great free uninstaller that will even delete the registry files along with the programs to make sure there's not any lingering performance setbacks. After you get past this, life is good again.
- 1366x768 max resolution. This is a bit disappointing for such an awesome deal, but I bought this knowing this was a limitation on this unit. If you play a lot of high-res games, or need really high res for art/editing projects and the like then this may be a deal breaker, so consider this strongly before making a purchase.
- Webcam is not very good. You never want to rely on a laptop webcam, but I was expecting something a bit more useful. This is disappointing because the laptop has a nice shutter-slider security system, which lets you block your webcam's viewing lens at will for extra security even when you have your laptop turned off.
- Weight and size is just slightly too much to be truly comfortable using it on your lap, but that's fine. This is more of a mobile desktop replacement than a sit-in-the-car type of laptop. It'll work great on-the-go provided you have a table to work with.
- This laptop is basically the width of a 17 inch screened laptop, rather than your standard 15.6. This is because there is a good inch on both sides of the unit being wasted. This difference is obvious when you sit it next to any other standard-sized 15.6 screen laptop, so if you buy this just keep in mind that you're only getting a 15.6 inch screen for what basically amounts to a 17 inch laptop's space.
- Glare on the screen can be pretty intense in light conditions, but you'll quickly learn to ignore it (there are also anti-glare screen covers you can buy off of amazon). In fact I've completely forgotten about it up until I began thinking back to my first impressions when opening up the laptop.::::::PRO/CON::::::
+/- The hard drive will come in two partitions (windows 7's fault), which means your OS will be installed on about a 100-something gig space, while the rest of the computer space will be allocated to a new D drive. This isn't technically a con, a lot of people do this because there are a lot of advantages to it, but for me personally I wanted both the OS and the main data from the system on the same partition. This was an extremely easy fix that was resolved in about 2 minutes (look up how to merge windows 7 partitions).::::::WHAT TO ALSO GET::::::
~ If you're using this for gaming, don't forget to install Direct X. It doesn't come pre-packaged with the driver software. This can be an easy thing to forget!
~ Get a laptop cover. This thing collects fingerprints very easily. If you look up this specific model name (N53JQ) they have a nice black and red trimmed sleeve here on amazon that fits it perfectly.
~ Wireless mouse. The tracking and feel of the touchpad is great, but there are a lot of problems with where the touchpad is positioned, so make sure you get a wireless mouse (as you really should anyway, touchpads should always be a last resort). I got two wireless mice, a Berklin USB Retractable mouse (which is very tiny and plugs into the USB and has awesome tracking), and a Microsoft Wireless 3500 for more every-day use as well as gaming. Both mice track very well, even on your leg if necessary.
~ Electronics cleaning cloth. I got 3M 9027 High Performance Cloth from amazon, hasn't arrived yet but I knew the first day I got it that I wanted to keep this laptop screen clean. I suggest you do the same (plus, it will work on your android, iphone and tablet screens! So it's a good idea to grab one regardless.
- Webcam. The webcam that comes stock with this laptop is very poor, but that's easily resolved by investing a few bucks in a high-quality webcam.

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Feel the Power. Hear the Power. Turn up the volume on the 15.6-inch N53Jq-XV1 notebook and prepare to be impressed. Featuring ASUS SonicMaster technology—co-developed by world-renowned audio experts at Bang & Olufsen ICEpower—and a unique top-mounted speaker design, this multimedia powerhouse combines hardware and audio for an unsurpassed, ear-pleasing experience. Boasting new NVIDIA GeForce GT 425M graphics, the N53Jq-XV1 excels when performing graphic-intensive tasks like video editing, DirectX 11-enabled gaming, and graphic rendering. And with ASUS VideoMagic 3-in-1 software package, you get image-enhancing programs like PowerDVD 9 with True Theatre that instantly scales DVD-quality to Full 1080p HD with smoother frame rates so you can enjoy videos and movies in the quality they deserve. Powered by the Intel Core i7-740QM processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, the N53Jq-XV1 delivers the multitasking muscle and smart performance that senses the tasks at hand and dynamically boosts the processor for a stutter-free experience. Specially built into the N53Jq-XV1, the ASUS Super Hybrid Engine extends battery life via the ASUS Power4Gear Hybrid utility. The N53Jq-XV1 also comes with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 that charges USB 3.0-enabled devices quickly and transfer files from USB storage devices to your notebook up to 10 times faster than previous generation USB 2.0 speeds.1 The N53Jq-XV1 features a 2.0 megapixel webcam with security lens cover, 500GB 7200RPM hard drive, ASUS Splendid technology, multi-touch trackpad, Express Gate, new wave keyboard, and a brushed aluminum design.

Key Features
15.6-inch LED-backlit HD display with ASUS Splendid Technology for crisp HD visual quality (Learn more)
ASUS SonicMaster Technology co-developed by world-renowned audio experts at Bang & Olufsen ICEpower delivers improved clarity, volume, and resonance, and more detailed sound. (Learn more)
Intel Core i7-740QM processor with Intel Turbo Boost Technology for smart multitasking that automatically boosts performance (Learn more)
ASUS Super Hybrid Engine and ASUS Power4Gear Hybrid optimizes the system to extend battery life for the task at hand (Learn more)
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 for quicker devi ce charging and up to 10x faster transfers than USB 2.01(Learn more)
New wave keyboard features larger-sized keys for an enhanced typing experience
NVIDIA GeForce GT 425M graphics with 1GB DDR3 VRAM delivers fast performance for Full HD playback and gaming (Learn more)
ASUS VideoMagic Software for clearer images and smoother visuals (Learn more)
Express Gate mini-operating system grants instant access to internet, music, Skype, and more in seconds

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Relax, ASUS Has You Covered Ranked as the #1 most reliable PC brand by 3 independent sources2, readers and editors alike choose ASUS as their trusted notebook and netbook. ASUS relentlessly strive to exceed expectations of quality to ensure you an unmatched peace of mind every time you start your PC. ASUS backs a commitment to quality with the industry's most comprehensive warranty.
1 Year ASUSGlobal Warranty3 Offers a level of coverage that would add hundreds of dollars tothe price of competing laptops:
1 year global warranty
30 day Flawless Display Guarantee
2-way free standard shipping
24/7 tech support

1 Year Accidental Damage Warranty (ADW)3 Whether your notebook is damaged by accidental spills, drops, electrical surges, or fire, ASUS will fix it or replace it for you during the first year after purchase.
Covers accidental drops, spills, power surges, and fire damage
Target 3 business day turnaround time for repair / replacement; not including receiving and shipping time
1-way shipping (from ASUS to the user) at no additional cost
24/7 toll-free phone support

What's in the Box
N53Jq-XV1 Notebook
AC Adapter
6 cell Battery Pack
Warranty Information Card

Specifications
OperatingSystem: Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit)
Display: 15.6-inch LED-backlit HD display (1366 x 768)
Processor: Intel Core i7-740QM processor (1.73 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 2.93 GHz)
Chipset: Intel HM55
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 425M graphics with 1GB DDR3 VRAM
WLAN: 802.11 b/g/n (@ 2.4GHz), Bluetooth v2.1
LAN: 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
Memory: 4GB DDR3 SDRAM, 4 x SODIMM socket (expandable to 16GB)
Storage: 500GB 7200RPM hard drive
Optical Drive: Super Multi DVD
Camera: 2.0 megapixel with security lens cover
Speakers: Built-in speakers with SonicMaster Technology
Microphone: Digital Array Microphone
Card Reader: 1x 8-in- card reader (MMC/SD/Mini-SD/XD/Memory Stick/MS Pro/MSDuo/MS-Pro-Duo)
Input/ Output: 1x Headphone-out jack, 1x Microphone-in jack, 1x VGA port, 1x RJ45 LANJack for LAN insert, 2x USB 2.0 ports, 1x USB 3.0 port, 1x E-SATA, 1x HDMI port
Battery: 6 cell
Dimensions: 15.6 x 10.6 x 1.2 ~ 1.6 (W x D x H)
Weight: 6.4 lbs (with 6 cell)
Color: Silver

© 2010 ASUS Computer International. All Rights Reserved. ASUS is a registered trademark of ASUSTeK Computer. All specifications are subject to change without notice and features are only in select models. Products may not be available in all markets. Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies. © 2010, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Inside, Intel Core, and Core Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Intel® Turbo Boost Technology information: http://www.intel.com/technology/turboboost 1All figures theoretical values compared to USB 2.0 benchmarks for reference purposes. Actual speed depends on device and system status. 2Rated number 1Windows-based PC maker in PCMag.com\'s Service & Reliability Report 2009.Rate number 1 PC brand according to SquareTrade, the leading direct-to-consumerwarranty company (for more information visit http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109/ ). Rated number 1 reliable PC maker in Spring 2009\'s RESCUECOM report http://www.rescuecom.com/RESCUECOM269.html 3For notebooks purchased on or after Sept. 10, 2007. The ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty covers "ASUS" brand notebooks only, and does NOT extend to: "Built on ASUS", "ASMobile", "Powered by ASUS", the Eee PC, or some other models. These retailers are currently among the companies that do NOT participate in the ASUS 360 Notebook Service Program and Accidental Damage Warranty: Best Buy, MicroCenter, and The Source by Circuit City in Canada. Limit of one claim per notebook for Accidental Damage Warranty. ASUS reserves the right to discontinue this program and to modify the terms and conditions thereof at any time. ASUS Accidental Damage Warranty Program starts from the date of your ASUS notebook purchase, when all the requirements are met. Check your retailer for specific warranty information. One incident covered per notebook.

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