"The Apple iPod Shuffle is a small MP3 player that has no screen of any kind and stores songs in the MP3, AAC, protected AAC (from iTunes store) or WAV format in the internal flash memory. You can see a picture of it that I took recently on my profile page.
The player is compact, stylish and easy to use. I will go over its controls and usage below.
What's in the Box: The little green box contains the iPod Shuffle, the small headphones (earbuds), lanyard (all in white color). It also contains the CD with software (iTunes), the black pads that you can put over the earbuds, the small card with instructions on iPod Shuffle’s operation and the manual... " More...

"After playing with a 512-Megabyte Apple iPod Shuffle, I decided to get a 1-Gb version. One concern I had with 512-Mb version was the fact that you cannot copy music from the iPod back to your (or another) computer. I suspected the 1-GB version would have the same issue.
What is iPod Shuffle? The iPod Shuffle is a miniature MP3 player that has no screen of any kind and stores songs in the MP3, AAC, protected AAC (from iTunes store or compressed with iTunes) or WAV format in the internal flash memory.
The Shuffle is compact, stylish and easy to use. Unfortunately, ergonomics was sacrificed in at least one major area in favor of style. Both the 512-Mb and a 1-GB version of the iPod Shuffle look the same... " More...

"Since T-Mobile was kind enough to offer me a decent deal on a new phone (with a one-year contract extension, of course), I decided to get a Motorola C650 Camera Cell Phone.
I wanted a "world" phone (to be able to use it in Europe and Asia) and I wanted something inexpensive and slim (not a flip-phone). The C650 is a tri-band GSM world phone. It also has a camera - a functionality I couldn’t care less about. It also has a large, bright and colorful screen - a nice feature but not critical.
Upon receiving and using this phone for a week, I might still go back to my previous phone, which is a Nokia 6610. And here is why... " More...

"The Canon PowerShot S410 is a 4-Megapixel advanced compact camera that features some manual control. I found some of its features and performance aspects useful and powerful whereas others were annoying.
The camera features 3x optical and 3.6x digital zoom (total 11x combined zoom). The camera features Canon's DIGIC image processor and the new iSAPS technology that uses the onboard database of thousands of different photos to come up with the correct focus, exposure and white balance.
The camera uses AiAF 9-point autofocus system and has an autofocus light that helps camera focus faster and better in dark environments. The camera can also communicate directly with many printers and print without having to use a computer... " More...

"The Canon PowerShot S500 is a 5-Megapixel digital advanced compact camera with metal body that features some manual control. I find some of its features and performance aspects useful and powerful whereas others are annoying and make me question why Canon went the route they did.
The S500 features 3x optical (36-108 mm in 35-mm equivalent) and 3.6x digital zoom for a total 11x combined zoom. It also features Canon's DIGIC image processor and AiAF 9-point autofocus system and has an autofocus assist light that helps camera focus faster and better in dark environments.
The camera can also communicate directly with many printers and print without having to use a computer. The 5-Megapixel imaging sensor lets you take pictures at resolutions up to 2592x1944 - enough to make good prints at 8x10 and possibly even larger... " More...

"After experimenting with Olympus 4-megapixel digital camera and selling it on eBay, it was relieving to have been able to use a good film camera (30-year old Canon Canonet G-III QL17 with 40mm f1.7 lens). Last weekend in Monterey, I took tons of pictures with it and they all turned out either excellent or at least interesting, due to the camera’s great lens and aperture that can be opened up to f1.7. With such maximum aperture, depth of field can be made very small for portraits and other sorts of creativity. Try it with your average digital camera...
However, the convenience of the digital world cannot be underestimated. After printing awesome pictures produced by Canonet, scanning them for storage and emailing purposes is a pain. Also, the trusty Canonet still has film in it with 6 shots taken and the remaining 19-20 waiting to be used. As such, I have to wait for the remaining part of the film to be used to be able to see the frames that are taken already. Annoying.
I am currently trying to find a reasonable compromise between the digital convenience and acceptable image quality and features. As far as features go, the Canon Powershot S1 IS with its image stabilization sounded like a good candidate. According to Canon, the feature is supposed to help you take pictures with two-three stops faster shutter speed than comparable cameras without it... " More...

"After getting my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5, I started having doubts if maybe Canon PowerShot S2 IS was the way to go. The only way to find out was to buy the Canon S2 IS and compare it with my Panasonic FZ5. So I purchased the Canon S2 IS and after using and comparing the two, I chose to keep the Panasonic and sell the Canon. Even though the Canon S2 IS is an excellent camera, its flaws kept me from keeping it.
An Improvement Over the Canon S1 IS: A replacement for the last year's hugely successful Canon S1 IS, the Canon PowerShot S2 IS is a digital camera with optical image stabilization that has been upgraded to 12x zoom versus last year's S1's 10x, 5 Megapixels vs. 3.2, USB 2.0 vs. USB 1.1, 1.8-inch LCD vs. 1.5-inch, SD card storage vs. Compact Flash. It also adds a focus assist light to aid low-light focusing and features improved DIGIC II processor - the same generation that is used in new Canon digital SLR cameras like Canon 20D or Digital Rebel XT (350D)... " More...

"After having scanned close to 200 photographs I made while on vacation in Europe, I decided it was time to go digital. Upon receiving my first foray into the digital photography world, the Olympus Camedia D-565 Zoom and partially reading its manual, I headed towards mountains. For hiking and to try it out... " More...

"The Olympus Camedia D-580 is a 4-Megapixel digital camera that updates the Olympus D-565 with ergonomic and usability improvements. Some buttons are enlarged, menus changed and jacks relocated (some for better, some for worse).
Construction: The camera features a solid, sturdy door that covers the lens, flash and other items that are normally exposed during shooting. The door is slightly difficult to open and close, because of the force required – you are always afraid to break something.
When the lid is opened, the lens extends and the camera powers itself on. If you try to close the lid, the lens retracts and the camera powers itself off. This design is easy to use and protects the lens, flash and other elements well... " More...

"How about an inexpensive camera that features a 12x optical zoom, Leica optics with f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the 12x zoom range, optical image stabilization and is easy to use to boot? Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1 has it all and more, for much less than its $449 list price (in fact, I got mine for less than $200). The caveat? Only 2-Megapixel resolution.
Resolution: Will 2-Megapixel resolution be a problem? Definitely not, unless you are going to crop parts of the image and enlarge them. The 2-Megapixel resolution is more than enough for your standard 4”x 6” prints and even mild enlargements. Although, the marketing machine makes you think that the more megapixels your camera has, the better the picture is, this is not the case.
The picture quality (provided the resolution is sufficient for your purpose) depends mostly on the optics and the camera’s image processing (image sensor and software). I will take better optics over higher resolution any day.
This especially holds true in case of the FZ1 - you can zoom in instead of having to rely on the digital zoom of lesser cameras or cropping. Majority of compact digital cameras use 3x optical zoom and then switch to digital zoom, removing any advantage of their higher-resolution CCDs... " More...

"Does size matter? Depends on what size you are talking about. After you buy a digital camera, people ask you the most important question: "How many megapixels?" Unfortunately, the resolution (the number of megapixels) is pretty meaningless, if you disregard the optical quality of the camera and its electronics. Never mind the fact that for 4x6 prints 3.1 Megapixels is more than enough and is sufficient for 8x10 enlargements.
Would I choose this Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ3 with 3.1 Megapixels over many digital cameras with 5-7 Megapixels? Absolutely. ... " More...

"After using a 2-Megapixel Panasonic DMC-FZ1 (upgraded to FZ2 firmware) for a while, I decided that I need a camera with higher resolution. Since I have SD cards and 55mm filters that I used with the FZ1 and since I liked the FZ1's features, menu system and overall performance, I decided to stay with the Panasonic FZ line instead of moving to Canon S2 IS.
Why not Canon S2 IS: The Canon S2 IS uses SD cards and I would have been able to use my leftover SD cards, but it uses four AA-sized batteries, meaning I would have to get my own rechargeable NiMH batteries and a charger, recharge them removing them one by one. They are (4 of them) heavier than the battery pack used in Panasonic FZ cameras, more prone to cold weather, take up more space. Also, you have to get an adaptor to be able to use filters with the S2 IS, whereas the cameras of Panasonic FZ line include a lens/filter adaptor and a lens hood.
The FZ... " More...

"After using a 2-Megapixel Panasonic DMC-FZ1 (upgraded to FZ2 firmware) for a while and trying out the new 4-Megapixel Panasonic DMC-FZ4, I decided to get the 5-Megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 in black color.
I normally don't print photos larger than standard 6x4, but occasionally do a large format print (larger than 12 inches). I will explain why I decided that I needed more than 2 Megapixels later.
Since I already have SD cards and 55mm filters that I used with the FZ1 and since I liked the FZ1's features, menu system and overall performance, I decided to stay with the Panasonic FZ line instead of moving to Canon S2 IS. At least for now... " More...

"Not many people consider Panasonic digital cameras when shopping. They may be making a big mistake. Although not as well known by potential digital camera consumers as Canon, Nikon or Olympus, Panasonic does produce excellent digital cameras that utilize Leica lenses by Leica Camera AG.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 belongs to the Lumix "FZ" line of cameras by Panasonic. Cameras of this line feature optical image stabilization (OIS), powerful 12x optical zoom and fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range.
The latest Panasonic Lumix cameras also feature fast Venus II engine, which, among other things, effectively suppresses chromatic aberration (purple fringing) in virtually all conditions.
The FZ20 features a 5-Megapixel resolution and manual focus via a ring around the lens, in addition to the auto focus. It is available in black (FZ20K) or silver (FZ20S). Black finish looks more professional, whereas silver reflects more light and keeps the camera cooler in sunlight... " More...

"Prior to going on vacation, I bought an additional SD memory card for my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1 digital camera. Prior to this, I had only one 512-Mb card - a Kingston 512 SD Card (sd/512), which lets me fit close to 550 photos. The additional memory card I got is Kingston Elite Pro 512 MB SD Card with 65x speed.
Construction: Just as my previous Kingston SD card, this card came with a semi-transparent case made of plastic - a useful item for card storage. The SD card itself seems to be well-built, but, as with any electronic device, I would not recommend to put it in extreme weather conditions or apply strong bending forces to it. I normally keep it in an internal pocket of my camera bag or in the camera itself... " More...

"Since my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2 digital camera came with an 8-Mb Secure Digital card (SD Card), which could fit less than 10 photos at highest resolution in Fine mode, I needed to get a larger SD card. I went for Kingston 512 SD Card (SD/512), which lets me fit close to 500 photos.
Construction: The card seems to be well-built, but, as with any electronic device, I would not recommend to put it in extreme weather conditions or apply strong bending forces to it.
The card came with a semi-transparent case made of plastic - a useful item.
Speed: The card provides average transfer rate of... " More...

"I have received the Sony DCR-DVD101 mini-DVD camcorder as a New Year's gift. If the gift givers read this review, I would like to thank them for such a nice gift. As any gift, this one is appreciated, despite some of its flaws.
The DVD101 is a camcorder that records to min-DVD discs (write-once DVD-R or rewriteable DVD-RW) instead of the more conventional MiniDV or Digital8 tapes. This approach is quite different for several reasons... " More...

"Friends do that. They ask you for an advice on which camcorder to buy and then buy something you told them not to get. Based on my recent experience with Sony DCR-DVD101 mini-DVD camcorder, I recommended my friend to stay away from DVD-based camcorders. She still bought one - a Sony DCR-DVD201.
The DVD201 is pretty similar to DVD101 but has CCD sensor with higher resolution and silver finish. Just like DVD101, the DVD201 records to min-DVD discs (write-once DVD-R or rewriteable DVD-RW) instead of the more conventional MiniDV or Digital8 tapes. This approach is quite different (for better and worse) for several reasons..." More...

"Who would think several years ago that one would be able to buy a 3-CCD camcorder for less than $500. The Panasonic PV-GS120 is such a model - it features a professional-style 3-CCD design with three separate imaging sensors for red, green and blue color (majority of consumer-grade camcorders has only one sensor for all colors).
In addition, the camcorder features Leica Dicomar optics with variable-speed 10x optical zoom. Also, it has still photo mode and analog inputs. The camcorder is digital and records onto MiniDV tapes, which are compact and represent a virtual industry standard.
Zoom and Optics: The camcorder's lens features an f/1.8 maximum aperture and 10x optical zoom (more than enough for the casual shooting). The lens uses 7 multicoated elements and a two-step ND filter. The coatings reduce reflections and glare.
The camcorder uses an electronic image stabilizer to reduce unwanted image shake, which quite effective. In addition to the auto focus, there is a manual focus. The auto/manual focus switch is under you right hand on the side of the camcorder... " More...

"The Panasonic PV-GS200 sells for about $300 more than the Panasonic PV-GS120. For $300 you get (in addition to the features of the GS120) the following: higher resolution from the three CCDs of the GS200, MPEG4 movie mode, a built-in pop-up flash, a hot shoe, a manual focus ring around the lens and a wired remote control with a narration microphone.
The camcorder features three separate CCD imagining sensors with 800,000 pixels each. Each CCD is used to render its own part of the color spectrum - red, green and blue. In each sensor, only 440,000 pixels is used for video and 530,000 pixels for digital still pictures... " More...

"The VCR has pretty much died when the DVD recorder prices slid to less than $300. My first VCR (European Panasonic SD11AM) cost $340 and had one speed and no stereo sound. As DVD recorders are getting cheaper, they are getting more capable as well. The Panasonic DMR-E55 is a sub-$250 DVD recorder that is less expensive than the previous models and is also easier to use.
The E55 is available in black or silver and lets you record DVD discs of two formats - write-once DVD-R or rewriteable DVD-RAM. In addition to DVD-RAM in caddys, the recorder can record on a DVD-R (no caddy required). The finalized write-once DVD-R discs play in most DVD players, whereas rewritable DVD-RAM discs can be played in most newer Panasonic DVD players.
The DVD-RAM discs are claimed to have long life as they can be erased and re-recorded 100,000 times (Panasonic claims). In addition, the DVD-RAM discs let you record and read at the same time, which bring some TiVo-like functionality to your DVD recorder... " More...

" With DVD recorder prices getting lower and lower, it is difficult not to get one. I needed to archive some programs off my DirecTivo, mainly Formula 1 races that I have accumulated last year on the Tivo's hard drive.
I got my Panasonic DMR-ES10 for $189, shipping and tax included. This is less than what I paid for my first Panasonic DVD player several years ago and much less than what my first VCR cost me!
Currently, Panasonic offers 5 blank DVD-RAM discs in addition to the one included with this recorder via a mail-in rebate. Getting a good DVD recorder with 6 DVD-RAM discs for less than $200 sounds like a good deal to me. But is ES10 a good DVD recorder and player?... " More...

"I have bought two Athena AS-F1 floorstanding speakers to replace two front speakers (Athena S.5) I have in my home theatre (Athena Point Five system). I have paid employee price for them, bringing the price to $99 per speaker (regular price is $150-200 per).
Size: The speakers in their boxes are quite large from the transportation standpoint. They didn't fit in my Infiniti G35's trunk (and, unfortunately, the rear seats don't fit) and had to be placed in the back seat. Be advised that two speakers placed horizontally on top of each other do obscure your rearward visibility and require gently throttle and brake application to avoid them sliding around. ... " More...

"Upon discovering that KLH L853B speakers produce good bass and look impressive, but don’t sound even as good as smaller speakers of my old Sharp CD-C3800 system, I decided to treat myself to good speakers.
Several publications praised Athena Point Five speaker system, giving it various awards and rave reviews. It sold for $800, but I considered it a long-term investment. Besides, the speakers are the main piece of the sound producing equipment – the sound is only as good as speakers allow it to be and normally you have to spend more on speakers than on other components to avoid them being bottlenecks of your system.
I ordered the system from OneCall.com for... " More...

"I was getting progressively angrier with my previous toaster as it was providing very inconsistent results. Sometimes it would undercook the toast and sometimes it would produce charcoal. It also cooked unevenly. So I got a better toaster – Cuisinart CPT-65. It normally sells for over a hundred dollars, but I got a reconditioned model for less than... " More...

"It is quite inconvenient to preheat the oven in my stove for 10 minutes to make sure it reaches the proper temperature. It is also too large of an oven for my average reheating or cooking tasks. I had to open the door to see if the food being cooked/reheated is ready as my stove has no glass or light inside. And I had to time the cooking process using a watch and try not to forget.
Solution: Because I didn’t want to waste time, energy and effort and didn’t want to forget that I have something in the oven, I decided to get a toaster oven. I didn’t want to spend much but I also didn’t want to make do with poor styling, design or craftsmanship.
As a result of my research, I got Sanyo SK-VF7S digital convection oven with stainless steel finish... " More...

"I don’t remember how exactly I came upon an idea of getting an air purifier. Maybe my allergies were bothering me a lot at that time or maybe I saw a review on Epinions and realized I could benefit from one.
In any case, after researching some conventional air purifiers (devices that push air through a filter using a fan), I found the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze series. These devices are quite unconventional. They have no moving parts and the air gets moved by charging it, without the use of a fan. They also don’t have a conventional filter and use static electricity (as I understand) to attract dust to the metal grid inside the unit.
They also look unconventional – instead of the rectangular box, they resemble little slotted towers, available in several colors. I got two Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Compact devices (one for each of my rooms) in light gray color... " More...

" After using two Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Compact air purifiers for several months and being satisfied with the results they produce, I decided that I need to get a full-sized Ionic Breeze Quadra 4.0 Silent Air Purifier for my living room.
I had considered the so-called Professional Series GP model that has an UVC light that supposedly kills bacteria, mold and spores as the air passes through it, but it costs $550 and it is a bit too much for such a simple device with unproven benefit of the UV light.
Just as the Sharper Image Ionic Breeze Compact air purifiers, the full-size Ionic Breeze Quadra 4.0 Silent Air Purifier is quite unconventional. It has no moving parts and the air... " More...