This printer specifically designed to print color photos is quite good at what it does. However even though it has been superceded but a newer model it is still rather pricey at over $200 never mind the cost of photo paper and ink. Therefore unless you need to print a lot of digital photos and often, this might be a huge waste of money. That being said it does produce excellent photos.

FEATURES:

2.4 inch color LCD viewer to preview prints and view printer operation menus

water, smudge and fade proof prints

border free printing, optional borders from software, and other editing options

6 color pigment ink cartridge

5760 x 1440 dpi maximum print resolution

4 x 6 photo prints in 75 seconds

supports Compact flash I and II, SD, MMC, Memory stick, SmartMedia and xD media cards or print straight from PC

USB connection for printer to PC and also external cd drivers, and flash memory

Pictbridge enabled

paper tray supports 20 sheets max

45 decibel sound level in operation

length 10 inches  width 6 inches  height 6.4 inches    when printing width in 12 inches

weight  5.5 lbs

Epson software film factory included

Customers and I RAVE about:Color LCD viewer, multiple built in media card slots, optional battery pack, high quality prints, compact.

Customers and I RANT about:Slow printing, small paper holding tray, large footprint needed to print, finding ink and constant head cleaning needed.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO OWN AND OPERATE?

This printer will wow you out of the box with its amazing prints and the 75 second time to print a 4×6 will seem worth the wait. However purchasing additional ink is difficult. As it is a more specialized printer I have only been able to reliably find ink at Best Buy and only in the print pack which includes a cartridge and 100 sheets for a not insignificant price considering that the cartridge is only about 3/4 full!! If you want a full cartridge then you need to buy it on its own i guess… The unit operates off of one cartridge if you haven’t already guessed so printing pictures which are predominantly one color should be avoided. The unit is very easy to set up and operate. Its compact design makes storage easy however when in operation the unit must be set on a flat, sturdy surface or else the unit will rock back and forth while printing. WARNING! You will also have to print many photos at once! By turning the unit off and storing it properly for any period of time, (1 week, 1 month) you invite trouble. The ink will become clogged and require you to clean the print head repeatedly. It usually takes 3 cleaning cycles to get mine going, you should print off pattern checks to make sure the nozzles are clean. This of course,wastes a good portion of valuable ink so bulk printing is a must. I’m not sure what would happen if you simply left the unit on for several days… Anyway since you must do bulk printing then the 20 sheet tray is insufficient. 20 sheets at 75 seconds a sheet is over 20 minutes of continuous print time so I often start a print cycle and leave the unit alone and forget about it. Then I come back and 1 hour later and only 20 sheets have printed. Of course the tray maximum is 20 but unless you force it, you probably will only be able to load 15 sheets or so. I have literally run the printer on several cycles throughout a 12 hour day. That being said, if you do this, you can print quite a reasonable number of photos per cartridge.

Rated: from 1225 votes

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Its not often I actually use an Item I review here however I recently got a Garmin Nuvi 760 GPS unit to help me through my recent move. Although its got a few faults and cannot replace common sense or local knowledge, its a fine device which I would not have managed without.

TEST: Drive around Hawaii

Verdict: Since I already knew the roads well in this state, I set the GPS to find the fastest way from home to work. It kept me on the freeway for as long as possible, which it tends to do on this setting. The result was a route I had never taken before and wouldn’t recommend over other possible routes. However local knowledge often trumps computer calculations.

TEST: Drive from Seattle to Portland

VERDICT: A one off event happened. The GPS unit took several minutes to find satellites in Seattle which I assume was due to the drastic move from being calibrated in Hawaii. The unit did navigate me around some traffic on the I-5 which was slow due to construction however the real time traffic updates come as part of a 3 month subscription and thereafter cost extra.

TEST: Drive from Portland to Tricities WA

VERDICT: Although the unit caluculates a route, it only posts the time between way points and not for the entire journey. For example if you must drive from point A and take another road/highyway to get to point B, then the posted time to destination on the unit is the time to get from point A to the alternate road/freeway. This can be deceptive. Whether one can adjust the settings to correct this is not clear in the scant instruction manual.

TEST: Drive from Denver CO airport hotel, around Denver, and then to Fort Collins CO

VERDICT: While the unit lists nearby points of interest, for example restaurants, there is no guarantee the data is accurate. I wanted to go to a fast food chain which the GPS unit recognized but had since been closed. You can update the unit via your PC but there is not way for it to be 100% current. It also can be low trying to assemble lists of points of interest which are not complete. Again local knowledge can best the Garmin.

TEST: Drive arounf Tricities WA

VERDICT: when multipe roads cross paths such as overpasses and underpasses, the unit can get confused as to where you are and will recalculate the route even though you are heading in the rought direction on the right road. Also if you acidentally take an off ramp which run quite parallel to the freeway, the unit wont know you made a mistake unit you are some distance from the freeway meaning it will take longer to correct your imistake. Thankfully the unit doesn’t take long to calculate a new route to get you back on track.

Customers and I RAVE about: Large, bright screen, can be disconnected from windshield mount without unplugging charger, vehicle and pedestrian mode, accurate, thin design, customizable features, built in antenna, nice fonts

Customers and I RANT about: Bluetooth call quality poor without optional external mic, touchscreen requires a lot of pressure to operate, favorites cannot be categorized, points of interest lists can take a long time to generate and are incomplete, no attention warning when on phone to notify you a turn is coming up, battery life is short, glare off LCD screen, pricey, speaker volume should be louder* Width 4.8 inches  depth 0.8 inches  height 3 inches  weight 6.7 oz
* 4.3 inch LCD touch screen
* speed limit indicator
* TMC traffic service
* USB connectivity to charge and update unit
* custom and preinstalled points of interest
* Garmin lock
* built in microphone
* Bluetooth connectivity
* 2D and 3D map views
* built in FM modulator
* supports MP3 and JPEG formats
* SD card slot
* 5 hour battery life
* MSN Direct

GARMIN NUVI 760 GPS FEATURES

Conclusion
As a newer model GPS this unit is costlier  than many others, especially if the older units are on sale. However what this model offers in general over less expensive/older units are: faster start up and route planning, built in antenna, additional features, nicer screen and fonts and better user interface. If you dont plan to regularly use your GPS unit, i.e. intend it use it only a few times a year then you can certainly get by on less models. If you are like me and moved around a lot in a short period of time and are living in a whole new state, then a quality unit this this may be worth the premium since you will probably use it regularly.

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Rated: from 1260 votes

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Just when you thought the Nintendo Wii couldn’t go wrong, it just did. What was touted as the game that could possibly out beat the raves about everyone’s favorite, Guitar Hero, Wii Music flopped a big one. Guitar Hero and Rock Band both rock the Wii Music out of its socks. Event their satellite games have more hype surrounding them than the Wii Music has for it’s huge debut!

Why does Wii Music suck?
Oh let me count the ways…

1. WII MUSIC SONGS -  It’s cool that they broke the genre of only having rock songs but selections such as “Twinke Twinkle Little Star” and “Oh My Darling, Clementine?” Wii Music had potential to reach a broader audience, however, those kinds of song selections appeal to only 5 year olds learning their “ABC’s” which reminds me, they should add that to their set list as well…
   Also, the songs are rendered very poorly and the renditions are far from the best… Beethovans
2. DOWNLOADING SONGS - With Wii Music, you can’t! Yup, that means you’re stuck with playing “Happy Birthday” over and over again!
3. GAMEPLAY - Too easy and once you get familiar with the songs on the disc, there’s nothing else for you to do!

What did Wii Music get right?
This game lets you play a butt load of cool instruments including familiar ones like the violin, clarinet, trumpet, harp, piano, and guitar. Then there are more unique instruments that you can play like cowbells, shamisens, sitars, marimbas and maracas. Then there are “instruments” that are off the walls like dog and cat sounds, vocals, kung fu, and cheerleader sounds. Yeah, lot’s of variety there. I guess when you’re playing “Twinkle Twinkle” over and over again, you can just play it in a different instrument.

My Recommendation
Stick to the proven. Guitar Hero is the way to go!

BizRate

Rated: from 1227 votes

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Band of Brothers Boxset Deal
$25.99 shipped at Amazon.com
Released: Novemeber 5, 2002
Discs: 6
Starring: Damien Lewis, Ron Livingston, Donnie Wahlberg, Frank John Hughes, Neal McDonough
Directed by: David Frankel & Tom Hanks

Summary: This DVD series tells the story of the East Company 506 regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, US Army. Based on Stephen E. Ambrose’s best seller, interviews from the survivors, letters and journals of the soldiers, the East Company creates this action packed DVD series that takes you back to relive their incredible shows of bravery, honor, and fear as they walk us through their experiences at D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and capturing of Hitler’s Eagle Nest.

This series is rated 5 stars out of 5 on most internet sites so this is definitely a good deal… at ANY price.

Rated: from 960 votes

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The Aquos “GP” series, available in 32 and 37 inch models, is designed for game playing hence the name. A game playing mode accessible on the TV via remote optimizes picture quality for the fast action sequences of today’s video games. Side access ports (1 HD and 1 HDMI) allow easy hook up of game system consoles and a “Vyper Drive” feature virtually eliminates lag time between console and TV. Fine motion video circuitry, 6ms response time, high contrast ratios and 1080p deliver excellent graphics.

The Sharp Aquos LC37GP1U, priced similarly to the 32 inch model at around $900, there is no reason not to upgrade to this as depending upon where/when you purchase the TV, the 32 and 37 may be less than $100 apart in price. Though it has a lower contrast ratio than the 32 inch, the 37 is better for displaying the 1080p graphics and will likely provide more satisfaction in the long run.

Sharp Aquos LC37GP1U Reviews:

HIGHLIGHTS: 37 inch display 8500:1 contrast ratio 6ms resposne time 1080p resolution side ports and Vyper Drive.

Customers RAVE about: Great picture, great value, and lag free gaming

Customers RANT about: could use more inputs and better sound

SPECIFICATIONS:
* 1080p resolution
* 6ms response time
* 8500:1 contrast ratio
* Vyper Drive
* game access button on remote
* 4 wavelength backlight
* 2 built in speakers
* 2 rear HDMI ports 1 side HDMI port
* piano black finish
* Height 23.6 inches  Width 36.2inches  Depth 11.8 inches  Weight 51.8 lbs

Rated: from 1007 votes

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The Aquos “GP” series, available in 32 and 37 inch models, is designed for game playing hence the name. A game playing mode accessible on the TV via remote optimizes picture quality for the fast action sequences of today’s video games. Side access ports (1 HD and 1 HDMI) allow easy hook up of game system consoles and a “Vyper Drive” feature virtually eliminates lag time between console and TV. Fine motion video circuitry, 6ms response time, high contrast ratios and 1080p deliver excellent graphics.

The Sharp Aquos LC32GP1U 32 inch model sports a 10000:1 contrast ratio which oddly enough, surpasses the 37 inch models 8700:1 ratio. Priced around $800 it sports many features that games will find of value, leading to a purchase of the GP series over the D64 or 82.

Sharp Aquos LC32GP1U Reviews:

HIGHLIGHTS: 1080p resolution, 6ms response time, Vyper Drive, side ports, 10000:1 contrast ratio

Customers RAVE about: Excellent picture, works well with gaming consoles and ability to show standard def clearly.

Customers RANT about: screen too small to show of 1080p, game button on remote basically just toggles between rear and side ports, average sound quality and image doesn’t appear as bright as on other brand’s similar models

SPECIFICATIONS:
* 1080p resolution
* 6ms response time
* 10000:1 contrast ratio
* Vyper Drive
* game access button on remote
* 4 wavelength backlight
* 2 built in speakers
* 2 rear HDMI ports 1 side HDMI port
* piano black finish
* Height 20.9 inches  Width 31.4 inches  Depth 3.8 inches  Weight 36.4 lbs

Rated: from 1005 votes

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Recertified TomTom ONE XL-S 4.3″ GPS Navigator
$119.99 shipped at Newegg
Features text to speech, turn by turn voice instructions, pre-loaded maps of US and Canada, bluetooth capabilities, portable, and battery life of 2 hours.
Link to Tom Tom ONE XL-S GPS Deal

Midway Stranglehold for PS3
$9.99 shipped at Newegg
This is an action adventure game featuring chow yon-fat in his role as Inspector Tequila from John Woo’s film “Hard Boiled”.
Link to Strangehold for PS3 Deal

Active Life Outdoor Challenge for Wii
$39.98 shipped at Amazon.com
Features a compilation of fast paced challenges and sports games that engage your whole body in a fit-full experience.
Link to Wii Active Life Outdoor Challenge Deal

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games for Wii
$49.99 shipped at Toys R Us
Features a series of sports and other olympic events with the ever familiar characters Mario and Sonic. Complete challenges, tasks, and compete with this four player game.
Link to Mario & Sonic Olympics Deal

Hitachi 1TB SATA Hard Drive
$81.98 shipped after rebate at CompUSA
CompUSA price is $109.99 - $30 rebate + $1.99 shipping = $81.98
Rebate expires 12-31-2008
Link to Hitachi 1TB SATA Hard Drive Deal

Star Wars : The Force Unleashed for Wii
$25.98 shipped at Amazon.com
Features familiar characters from the Star Wars films including Dearth Vader, Clones, and Jedis. Use the Force to conquer the dark powers in this action packed game.
Link to Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Deal

George Foreman 4-Burger Grill
$30.00 at Walmart
Features 72 square inch cooking surface, 2 removable non-stick grill plates, adjustable grill angles, drip tray and spatula are included.
Link to George Foreman Grill Deal

Guitar Hero: World Tour Guitar Bundle for Nintendo Wii
$69.99 shipped at Toys R Us
Features mii freestyle, downloadable content, new instruments, innovative music studio, battle of the bands mode, and more!
Link to Guitar Hero World Tour Bundle Deal

Rated: from 862 votes

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Newegg has a deal on the Canon imageCLASS MF3240 All-in-One Laser Printer for $64.99 shipped (originally $199.99 on sale for $74.99). This is a great bang for your buck all in one printer that copies, faxes, scans, and prints.  Use coupon code PRINTER12110 to get an additional $10 off… making it come down to $64.99

Model: 0989B001
Series: Imageclass MF3240
Type: All in One Printer: Scan, copy, fax, print
Laser technology: Laser
Width: 17.7″ | Length: 18.2″ | Height: 14.5″
Weight: 24.7 lbs.
Link to deal at Newegg

Customers RAVE about: great price, fast warm up, fast printing, silent machine, energy saver prolongs life of the printer, easy plug and go

Customer RANT about: confusing software/drivers set up, weak doc feeder and lacks auto feeder

Rated: from 982 votes

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The Aquos D82 series is strongly related to the D92. it features 1080p resolution, 2 HDMI ports 120Hz frame rate 4ms response time and similar construction. However is has a 4 wavelength backlight instead of 5 and a 10000:1 contrast ratio.  Available only in 46 and 52 inch models, the D82 series has to offer significant savings to warrant its purchase over a D92.

This Sharp Aquos LC52D82U 52 inch model features all the same equipment as the smaller 42 inch model. Priced around $1800 this model actually makes far more sense than the bare bones D43 52 inch model. Although it costs about $500 more than a D43, you get a lot more technology.

Sharp Aquos LC52D82U Reviews: 

HIGHLIGHTS: 52 inch screen 1080p resolution 4ms response time 120Hz frame rate 4 wavelength backlight 10000:1 contrast ratio

Customers RAVE about: excellent picture and deep black rendition, little fear of getting dead pixels or image burns

Customers RANT about: rear mounted inputs, average sound quality, and wall mount points are too close together

SPECIFICATIONS:
* 1080p resolution
* 120Hz frame rate
* 4ms response time
* 10000:1 contrast ratio
* 2 built in speakers
* super wide view screen
* 3HDMI ports
* built in NTSC ATSC and QAM tuners
* piano black finish
* Height 31.1   Width 50.1  Depth 4.1 inches   Weight 92.6 lbs

Rated: from 892 votes

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The Aquos D82 series is strongly related to the D92. it features 1080p resolution, 2 HDMI ports 120Hz frame rate 4ms response time and similar construction. However is has a 4 wavelength backlight instead of 5 and a 10000:1 contrast ratio.  Available only in 46 and 52 inch models, the D82 series has to offer significant savings to warrant its purchase over a D92.

The Sharp Aquos LC46D82U 46 inch model starts at $1300. Depending how much flat screen prices fluctuate, this unit may save you $200 over a D92. With such a small price differential (as a percentage of purchase price) the D92 is a more attractive buy. However $200 can buy a lot of things and if the price differential is greater than the D82 may be a better value.

Sharp Aquos LC46D82U Reviews: 

HIGHLIGHTS: 46 inch 1080p resolution 4ms response time 120Hz frame rate 10000:1 contrast ratio

Customers RAVE about: great picture. fast refresh rate good for action scenes

Customers RANT about: could do with better speakers

SPECIFICATIONS:
* 1080p resolution
* 120Hz frame rate
* 4ms response time
* 10000:1 contrast ratio
* 2 built in speakers
* 3HDMI ports
* built in NTSC ATSC and QAM tuners
* piano black finish
* Height 28.9   Width 44.9  Depth 4.9 inches   Weight 68.3 lbs

Rated: from 832 votes

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