Acer V173b 17 Inch LCD Monitor
May 2, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
This Acer 17″ flat panel offers color and contrast to dazzle the eye.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars ACER Monitor V173, EXCELLENT
ACER Monitor V173 is an EXCELLENT monitor, The image is very good, and the controls for the almost functions are automatic. I recommend it.
5 Stars Acer Monitor Review
This was my first LCD monitor purchase. Thank you Acer for making a high quality product.
5 Stars A Great Purchase
I’ve been using this computer for about a month now and so far I have no complaints. It was cheap and it works well. It’s big enough but not too big for my desk, and I like the color and images look great on it. Very vivid. This was definitely a great purchase.
3 Stars Crisp but small
back in the day this screen would be very very good. today, after having such high resolution and really bigger monitors in general, i would this is “small”
i purchased it for the office. the office room itself is bare, thus when i look at the screen it is “small”
the color quality is acceptable. i have turned down the lux, to save energy. if you have smaller space, then it would be 4 star. consider the HP w1907 monitor.
5 Stars Definitely Worth the Buy!
I bought this monitor based on the price and the past reviews! Everybody that raved about it was absolutely right! You can’t beat the price and the brightness and sharpness were perfect from get-go with no tweeking that had to be made what-so-ever! The set-up was SUPER simple and done in less than 15 minutes tops! I highly recommend this monitor for anyone who’s new to LCDs (like I am), and who’s low on cash but needs a TERRIFIC monitor ASAP! This one’s the one to purchase!
Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote Control with 3 5 Inch Color Touch Screen
May 2, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
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A brilliant addition to your living room
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The Harmony remote makes it easy for any family member to use the home-entertainment system without help - and start any activity with just one touch of a button. NO more navigating a variety of entertainment components with multiple remotes and/or a complicated sequence of commands, which often require a set of written instructions. The Harmony 1100 is a powerful, customizable remote with a stunning brushed metal and piano-black finish. Harmony 1100 — a brilliant addition to your living room. |
Key Features
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Simplify your home entertainment |
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Personalize your touch screen. The way you want it. |
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Enjoy guided, online setup |
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Control virtually any device |
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Control your devices — even when they’re out of sight |
Which Harmony is for you?
Every Logitech Harmony remote features one-touch control, guided setup and support for over 225,000 devices from 5,000 brands. To find out which Harmony supports your audio and video setups at home, browse our comparison chart below
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Harmony 510 Complete Control with a single remote. |
Harmony 670 The Harmony designed for your DVR. |
Harmony One Full color touch screen with intuitive button layout. |
Harmony 890 Controls out of sight devices with RF wireless technology. |
Harmony 1100 Powerful home entertainment control through a customizable 3.5-inch color touch screen. |
RF Wireless Extender Works with Harmony 890 or 1100 to let you control devices hidden inside cabinets and through walls. |
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What’s in the Box
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Package Contents
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System Requirements
Windows-based computer
Mac computer
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User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars “Logitech” + “Harmony” = outstanding and intuitive remote. What’s left is deciding which one best suits your particular needs.
It’s difficult to pen a review for this specific model without a few blanket qualifiers, even as they too may be relatively subjective in nature. First, Logitech is at the top of the game when it comes to universal remotes. The entire Harmony line, particularly the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote, and now the 1100 Advanced, are brilliant and intuitive works of art, ergonomics, and technical engineering. If you have a computer, can install simple software, and follow clear and linear instructions, then you can program and make use of these remotes in measures of minutes, rather than hours. The days of “try code 110110101, if that doesn’t work try code 110110100, if that doesn’t work try…’ are long since gone. Read the model numbers off of the equipment you want to control, plug that into the software when prompted, allow the software to synch with the remote, disconnect it and give it a go. It’s really that easy.
The 1100 is a bit of a departure from the One, at least in terms of form. While the One has the relatively familiar ‘handshake’ position in your grip, the 1100 is a two-handed experience. There are positives and negatives to this, of course, and your mileage may vary in terms of which is more suited to your needs. I find the off-screen button functions and single-handed usage of the One particularly helpful in the dark, if I’m fumbling trying to turn the television off if I had fallen asleep watching something at night (my wife loves it when I do that). The 1100 is better suited to riding a coffee table where the users are going be a little more conscious and fingers a little more precise. Of course there’s more to the 1100 — the larger screen, the customizable menu buttons, but that’s all right above in the product description.
The bottom line here is relatively simple; you would be very hard-pressed to find an all-around ‘better’ universal remote than the current generation of Harmony models. Most of the reviews you’ll see (including my own on the page for the Harmony One) extol the the virtues of both the interface, the software (yes, I agree it would be nice if they wouldn’t require a second login for a second remote — I bet we get a patch down the road), the design of the remotes themselves, even the terrific packaging it all comes in. What I obviously feel is left to talk about is how it fits in the hand, and the circumstances under which each lends itself to ease of use. Consider where and how you’ll use the remote, consider the feature chart on the page (particularly in regards to the expandable RF capacity of this model), and then pick the model that best suits your need. You’ve already accomplished the most important part of the process, and that’s finding the Logitech Harmony line itself. With that done, you can now do little to no wrong.
4 Stars Take control: A harmony 1100 advanced universal remote control review
I was fortunate enough to tryout and review the Logitech Harmony 1100. Having recently purchased the Harmony One, I looked forward to putting this universal remote to the test. Most of all I wanted to know what more I would get for almost twice the price.
The Harmony 1100 is a highly customizable universal remote designed for easy set up and take control of all your electronic needs. If you normally turn on a PVR, amplifier, and TV plus be concerned with the TV’s input setting just to watch your programs, this remote can handle all this by pressing one button. Unlike the Harmony one, the Harmony 1100 is more customizable, and supports Z-Wave (RF) Technology.
Like the Harmony One, setting up this remote is meant to be simple. Start by installing the software and make a list of all the remote controlled electronic components including model numbers. This remote will work with the PS3 using the Nyko Blu-Ray Remote or other more expensive options. In the case of the Nyko remote, enter the model of the PS3 as “PlayStation 3 Blu-Wave” so the Harmony 1100 can recognize the remote. This option will not control the on/off function of the PS3 though. Once the components are entered, buttons can be reset, favorite channel buttons can be created. If desired channel icon images can be uploaded and are easily found on the web. Additionally change activity order, upload slideshow or background images, alter remote settings, and spend as much time customizing as you desire. Customizing is not necessary, however if desired is accomplished with ease.
The slideshow function is not included with the Harmony One and feels like a forgotten afterthought on the 1100. This feature has been used in previous remotes, however it’s less intuitive than the 1100’s other features. The software recommends a pixel width of 320 and height of 240. Follow this to the letter, as the remote will not shrink an image to fit, it shrinks and crops the image to fit the specified dimensions to eliminate blank space. The remote doesn’t rotate a vertical shot either, rotate verticals on their side before uploading into the software or the slideshow will crop the image forcing it to be horizontal.
Many devices today use Bluetooth remotes. The PS3 and my media center computer are two components this remote doesn’t control without using a workaround. Bluetooth remotes are not typical, but they are not rare these days. With the class and cost of this remote in mind, I feel it should be able to handle both without purchasing workarounds. I don’t feel as strongly about this for the Harmony One remote though. If Logitech truly wants to replace all my remotes, they need to provide Bluetooth capabilities.
Holding the remote and pressing buttons feels unnatural, especially after using the ergonomically designed Harmony One. Turning the Harmony 1100 sideways feels more natural to me, and could’ve easily been done without altering the remotes capabilities or features.
While there is room for improvement, Harmony 1100 delivers where it counts. If you need the Z-Wave (RF) Technology support for electronic components kept behind closed cabinet doors or have a complicated set-up requiring major remote customization, the Harmony 1100 is the remote to purchase. However, at close to half the price of the Harmony 1100, the Harmony One is worth considering. Both remotes basically have the same capabilities outside of the RF feature and additional customizing capabilities of the Harmony 1100.
PROS:
Easy to set up
Highly customizable
Simplifies remote control usage
CONS:
Slideshow seems like an afterthought
Bluetooth capabilities missing
Feels unnatural to hold and use
5 Stars Worth every Penny
The one remote solution delivered.
I have a very complex 7.1 audiophile audio/video set up: 1 Rotel preamp, 2 Rotel amps, Rotel 5 disc CD, Sony ES bluray, xbox 360, 50 inch elite plasma, an HD cable box, plus , lest we forget, an infrared Lutron dimmer (of course that doesn’t include the 7 BW speakers and 2 subs!)
Total of 7 remotes some of which have a myriad of functions and controls!!!! Now I sit on my recliner, touch “watch DVD” on the MOTION ACTIVATED screen and voila! 30,000 dollars worth of electronic equipment come to life in concert doing exactly what I want to do with ONE STROKE.
Even better, most of the big components are in an out of view component cabinet that is not anywhere to be seen, with the IR wireless extender its no problem at all, it even controls my dimmer across the room! Programming is so darned easy its almost a sin and not only does it include a basic manu of functions it has essentially all the functions of the individual component remote! There is no doubt that this is not a cheap remote but it sure is second to none. It is more functional and simple to use than proffesional grade auditorium remotes that cost thousands of dollars and which dont have half the configurability of this remote. Truely a great piece of kit.
3 Stars good remote
remote works good. Had to get rf extender because my equipment is low and was blocked by the coffee table. remote has a second or so of hang time (time from hitting a button until actual response from equipment). not sure its worth the price but i wanted a tablet style remote.
4 Stars Best Harmony Yet…Just Short of Perfection!
I have been a big fan of Logitech Harmony remotes for the past several years. I own many, including the Harmony 550, the Harmony 880, and the wonderful Harmony One. I was completely thrilled when I was given the chance to test and review the new flagship Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Media Controller. A similar yet refined upgrade from the Harmony 1000, the Harmony 1100 is just as big and yet bolder and more beautiful than its predecessor.
The real stand-out feature of the 1100 is the bright and colorful 3.5-inch LCD touch screen. It really is beautiful, and the graphical icons are easy to identify and use. You can even customize the icons for your favorite TV channels, to display the familiar logos of these channels. Unfortunately the custom logos included with the Harmony 1100 are few and very plain. You can easily find a large variety of custom channel logos, available for download, on the Internet via Google. You can even customize the order in which these icons are displayed on the touch screen.
Logitech has done a great job packaging the Harmony 1100 universal media controller. The package is decorative, protective, and the contents are laid out very well. The package includes the following:
- Harmony 1100 remote control
- Remote charging station
- USB cable (USB to mini-USB)
- AC adapter
- Lithium-ion battery
- Installation CD
- Quick-start and features guides
- Warranty and registration paperwork
In order to install the Harmony software, you will need a Windows or Mac PC, running Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X 10.3 - 10.5. Your computer will also need an available USB port and an active Internet connection. The software installation is very straightforward and simple. My Harmony 1100 remote arrived with enough battery power that I was able to watch the pre-installed demo (displays on the remote touch screen when you install the battery), and was then able to connect to my PC and get all of my media devices added and configured on the remote. The Logitech Harmony software supports more than 225,000 devices, from 5,000 different brands, so all you need is the make and model number of each piece of hardware you wish to control with the Harmony. Once you input the make and model of each device, the Harmony software automatically adds all of the remote functions of each device to your Harmony 1100 remote profile. Once you have added all of your devices, you can then configure Activities, which allows the Harmony 1100 to run multiple commands to control several devices at the same time. For example, to watch a Blu-ray movie you can setup a “Watch Blu-ray” activity on the 1100, which will power on your TV, change the TV to the proper input, power on your Blu-ray player, power on your Hi-Fi receiver and change it to the appropriate input, and then the 1100 brings up the proper control interface for the Blu-ray player on the touch screen. So you simply push one button to prepare all of your entertainment system hardware to perform the activity you desire. When you are finished watching your movie you push just one power button, on the Harmony 1100, to power off all of your media hardware. It’s really that simple! No more wrestling with several remote controls just to watch a movie. The Harmony 1100 is capable of controlling up to 15 different devices, so this essentially allows you to tuck away up to 15 remote controls, and control all of your hardware with one easy to use device. And unlike many other universal remote controls, which are limited by the number of physical buttons they have, the touch screen interface of the Harmony 1100 allows full, unlimited control of every device. Even if the Harmony software omits a control feature, you can use the original remote(s) for your media hardware to teach the Harmony 1100 the needed command. That’s right, the 1100 can learn new commands very easily, and the Harmony software is updated with more new devices on a regular basis. This means that the 1100 universal media controller gives you full control of the devices you have today and for what you’ll add in the future. It is a great way to future-proof yourself for many years to come!
While the Harmony 1100 is sleek, gorgeous and powerful, it is not without a few shortcomings. First of all, the 1100 is not a remote that you can hold and control with one hand. Although it is thin and impressively light, it is rather large compared to most typical single device remotes. The Harmony software, although quite easy to install and use, can be a bit confusing to navigate when trying to configure the more advanced features of the 1100. I think Logitech engineered the software to be user friendly to a fault, utilizing setup wizards to walk you through all of the simple steps and therefore burying the advanced customization features in obscure areas that are sometimes tricky to find. I also don’t appreciate the fact that the Harmony 1100 remote cannot be used in any way while on the charging stand. The stand holds the remote at a near perfect angle to allow the user to reach over and just tap a button to increase volume or pause playback. However, in order to perform these simple tasks you must remove the 1100 from the stand before you can do anything. The 1100 also allows you to upload a handful of pictures to the remote, to display them as a slideshow, and while previous Harmony models invoked playback of the slideshow when the remote was placed on the charging cradle, the 1100 does not allow this feature. In order to view the slide show you must go into the setup menu and select slideshow from there. That is simply too much trouble just to display a small number of digital photos. The 1100 also does not come with native RF or Bluetooth capabilities. I can forgive the omission of Bluetooth, but even though Logitech brags about the RF wireless capability of the 1100, it requires you to purchase the Logitech Harmony RF Extender, sold separately. So really the Harmony 1100 is just an advanced IR remote control that can be accessorized to allow RF capabilities. Although most of these issues are fairly minor quibbles, one would think that spending $500.00 on a universal remote would net you a few of these capabilities without needing to spend even more money.
Overall I am very satisfied with the Logitech Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote Control. It is a sleek, bold and beautiful device, with an easy to use interface, a bright and colorful 3.5-inch touch screen, and several dedicated buttons (including volume up/down, mute, channel up/down, replay, 4-way directional rocker, up/down scroll, etc.) to control all of your home media devices. But the 1100 goes beyond just media hardware, allowing you to control lighting, security systems, climate control systems, and virtually anything that accepts an IR signal. It is rechargeable, so you never have to worry about changing batteries, and the installation and configuration of the 1100 is pretty straightforward for most basic functions. If you are looking to tweak the remote for customized perfection, be prepared for some head scratching and time consuming searches through the Harmony software. Also, be aware that occasionally the Harmony software seems to lockup during configuration. Be patient and wait for it, as it always seems to come back to life on its own. I think certain features, such as uploading pictures and custom channel icons tend to task the software in a manner that makes it appear to freeze for a few minutes. If you don’t mind the somewhat hefty price tag, and the fact that this remote will require both hands to hold and use, I feel the Harmony 1100 is a great device that is sure to please most every home audio/video enthusiast. It is a very professional device that allows complete control of your home media system, and will surely grab the attention and bring forth compliments from friends and family that visit your home. With a few firmware tweaks and the inclusion of RF support out of the box, this remote would be perfect. However, at this point the Logitech Harmony 1100 is a solid 4-star product with 5-star potential.
iKross Premium Reusable LCD Screen Protector with Lint Cleaning Cloth for iPod touch Clear
May 2, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
This is a test product so do not attempt to purchase as it will not be fulfilled.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars LCD Screen Protector
This is a must for the Ipod Touch so you don’t scratch the screen. Great!!!
1 Star What could possibly be considered a waste of a penny? Well …
I was so deeply disappointed by this that I would return it if the postage weren’t more expensive than the item itself. Perhaps this is what I get for ordering something that cost me a penny.
This is a good solution for someone who isn’t too particular about how the film looks on your screen — you just want your new iPod Touch/iPhone protected. If you want something that looks good, I’d strongly suggest a different product.
Pros:
* Very cheap
* Better than nothing (IMJ)
Cons:
* The “rubbery” feel of the film over the screen negates the smooth “flick” action of the interface
* Very easily scratched
* Attracts and holds dust and lint, leaving the covered surface of the screen looking dirty at all times
* Very difficult to remove all the unsightly air bubbles under the film, even when carefully applied and smoothed down (don’t use the included “soft card” — mine left a long gouge in the film)
3 Stars be careful
This is for the iPod touch FIRST gen.
Be mindful that you don’t think it will be the same size because it’s not. I bought a couple of these for my 2nd gen and they were REALLY off centre.
Also it’s difficult to keep the edges from coming up and air bubbles forming
4 Stars Great Product
I have used other products to protect my ipod before but I was never as satisfied as I am with this one.
3 Stars It’s ok
This product is ok. The film didn’t fit all the way however, it still protects your screen. It’s worth it if your just looking for something to cover your iPod or iphone in the mean time.
Audiovox VE927 9 Inch LCD Drop Down TV with Built In DVD Player and Clock Radio
May 2, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Audiovox Electronics VE927 9-inch LCD drop-down TV with built-in slot load DVD player is the perfect addition to your kitchen, dining room, bedroom, or any room. It lets you view your favorite TV shows, watch DVDs, or listen to CDs. It also includes a built-in AM/FM radio tuner, allowing you to keep things hot with your favorite tunes and radio programs. It mounts under a cabinet to keep counter space clear, and the swivel screen makes it simple to get a great view from anywhere in the room. It has a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, built-in ATSC digital TV tuner, front panel operation, built-in speakers, A/V output and a wireless remote control. Cooking Timer Screen format - Wide/Normal Plays DVD, CD, CDR, CDRW discs Selectable Repeat, Program and Resume Playback Language, Sub-Title, Multi-Angle Selection on applicable DVDs AV Out Remote Control Instruction Manual (English, French & Spanish) Mounting Accessories
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars It’s a little better than ok
This replaced a 7 or 8 year old GE drop down tv which was a wonderful tv/radio/cd player until the buttons stopped working. The Audiovox was a little difficult to install. It could’ve been me, but I swear the template was off about a 1/4 inch. The picture quality is not as good as my old GE and certainly not as good as I expected. There is what seems to be a long pause when turning on or switching from tv to radio or dvd. Of course, I’m thinking maybe I should’ve spent a couple hundred dollars more and gotten a little better tv. All in all, it’s an ok tv for the money. It serves the purpose.
5 Stars under counter tv
Streamlined tv fits beautifully under a kitchen cabinet. the TV screen flips down and can be put up for “storage”. Quality of tv is very good. I would recommend for a kitchen or shelving system to optimize space.
5 Stars So far so good!!!!
So far so good for this product. Was an easy installation to the underside of my cabinet. The picture and sound are great. Loved the fact I just connected to my cable and it played without any other devices.
5 Stars Great for the Kitchen
Purchases and installed last holiday for wife. She loves it. The picture is also GREAT as it can pick up HD cable channels. The speakers are also good. You have all of the connections (RCA and co-ax) on the back. GREAT BUY!
5 Stars Nice TV for kitchen
Nice TV with good features. I wanted a TV that I could listen to the news with while I do the dishes and my wife wanted one that she could listen to DVDs while she cooked.
I liked that it has both digital and analog tuning and that it is cable ready. The controls were intuitive for me and the instructions were good. The menus allowed me to turn off channels that I didn’t want and to label the ones I did. I am a bit worried about the durability of the hinge but it should be OK if we are careful. The attachment hardware and templet were well designed for hanging under a cabinet at different heights.
iKross 3 Pack Premium Reusable LCD Screen Protector with Lint Cleaning Cloth for iPod touch Clear
May 2, 2010 by admin · Leave a Comment
Inspire’s Clear Overlay Protector for iPod Touch offers a virtually transparent protective shield for your entire iPod screen. Protect your iPod from scratches and minor damages. Easily apply to your screen and device without adhesive.
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star You’re better off using cellophane.
What a deal.
There’s a reason that these are 75 cents.
An obvious deal breaker, they don’t stick to the screen well at all.
Then there’s a sticker on the corner of each of these for “easy removal” (ironic) from you iPod screen that will, if you try to remove it, mangle the thing and eliminate whatever function they might have had to begin with.
As another reviewer noted they also have an odd, oily, layered quality within the film, itself.
I went through all 3 of these things (trying very carefully each time) without ever achieving a good cover and ended up with 3 crumpled, plastic balls.
They’re cheap crap and not worth the $1 let alone the shipping cost (as it was the flimsy envelope-these “screen protectors” along with it-was bent when I got it).
Learn from my mistake, steer clear and don’t help this seller unload this crap.
4 Stars great protector
This item is perfect for the iPod Touch. You get three of them for the money, one for you, two to share with friends. A great buy!
5 Stars great product
this product is great, exactly what it described it will do. great protection for front of your ipod and the price cannot be beat!! i would recommend this!!
5 Stars Awesome product
this protector has already saved my screen from a few nasty scratches, so glad i have it. if you have an ipod touch or iphone you need one of these.
5 Stars Great Screen Saver
Will not use my ipod with out one of these protectors. In one month it has saved my screen several large scratchs
