TurboTax 2001 Multi State
by Intuit
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (27 January, 2002)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Complete your state tax returns quickly and easily with TurboTax State. This easy-to-use program works with TurboTax 1040 programs to transfer your federal data to your TurboTax State return. An interactive interview tool asks you questions, places your answers directly onto state-approved forms, and automatically performs all calculations for you. Plus, there's a built-in feature to check your return for errors and omissions to help ensure that it is accurate and complete. State-tax electronic filing is available for 41 states plus Washington, D.C., so you can get your refund faster.

Note: TurboTax State is for use with TurboTax, TurboTax Deluxe, TurboTax Premier, or TurboTax Home & Business. This version is for all states except California. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Support is woefully inadequate
I made a mistake by inputting my federal withholding amount into
my state withholding amount. I was able to work around and get the program to apparently "correct" my state withholding amount. However, when trying to e-file, the program insists there is an error in the federal program, because I overrode the incorrect state withholding amount.
Now the program will not let me e-file either of my returns and I'm left to mail in paper copies. There is no way I've found to reach a human being to correct the situation; if there is a way to correct it. Evidently if you pay for your returns, in order to get draft printouts, you cannot correct your W-2 input data.

You Can Not Electroncially File More Than One State Return
If you think you can file more than one state return electronically think again.Intuit only allows one federal and one state return per social security number.Any extra returns must be MAILED in.

Free with turbo tax-and worth it
I have used both this product and TaxCut by HRBlock/Kiplinger. They are essentially the same, but I give the edge to Quicken and Turbo Tax.
In my mind the best way to think of tax software is that it is just a program that will ask you some questions (ex. about your w-2 or mortgage interest) and then fill out your tax return and do the math. If you then choose you can use the program to e-file your return (great feature). The software works, is very much bug free and can make some complicated things easier to handle.
I have used the program to prepare three returns this year.
1) with a straight w2, the only deduction was student loan interest. This was very simple and was done within a half an hour. I printed out a few copies (no need for a copier) and that was it.
2) A W-2 with many deductions-medical, mortgage, real estate taxes, Brokerage statements from three firms. Estimated tax payments. AND an IRA conversion to a ROTH.
I was very happy to be able to download the statements directly from Vanguard and CSFB Direct. It saved me a lot of data entry (your still need to enter your basis), and it helped me handle the Roth conversion easily.
3) A w-2 with a schedule C for a sole propritorship. I imported directly from Quickbooks. I encountered only a few problems which were caused by misclassifications in Quickbooks-they were not the fault of Turbo Tax.
In all I am very satisfied. I know I saved hundreds of dollars by not using an accountant. I am pretty sophisticated about finincial matters but I was still suprised by how easily the program handled my "complex" situations--they turned out not to be.

Just a warning-don't forget to save the Proof of purchase from you your box. Last year I forgot and I couldn't get my rebate. Also don't forget to get the State edition too. And send in your refund form for e-filing right away-they only give you 30 days ... Read more

Asin: B00005UL16
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Tax Preparation (Taxes)   

Linksys BEFSR41 EtherFast Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port 10/100 Switch
by Linksys
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $79.99 -- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Linksys EtherFast cable/DSL router connects multiple PCs to a high-speed broadband Internet connection or to an Ethernet backbone. Configurable as a DHCP server, the EtherFast router acts as the only externally recognized Internet device on your local area network (LAN). The router can also be configured to block internal users' access to the Internet. A typical router relies on a hub or a switch to share its Internet connection, but the Linksys EtherFast router channels this connection through the full-duplex speed of its built-in EtherFast 10/100 four-port switch. This combination of router and switch technology eliminates the need to buy an additional hub or switch and serves your network as a completely dedicated, full-duplex backbone. Now your entire network can enjoy broadband Internet connections supported by its switched backbone. This unit requires an external cable or DSL modem with an Ethernet RJ-45 interface. This product comes with a one-year warranty.

Note: All Linksys routers now include a special edition of Norton Internet Security! Claim your free CD-ROM by calling (800) 814-0180, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific, seven days a week. ... Read more

Features

• Configurable via Web browser
• Connects four PCs to the Internet using a single IP address
• Built-in 4-Port 10/100 switch for sharing broadband
• Securely connect from your home office to the corporate network via VPN
• Includes DHCP server or client and supports PPPoE

Reviews (1050)

Linksys does great for the home
I'm running a Dell box with Windows 98 and a Gateway with Windows 95.

I did quite a bit of research on different units and even considered the D-Link, etc.But upon my limited knowledge of the Linksys rep. and a friend's input, I purchased the BEFSR41.

I brought it home and installed everything.I had it configured and up in running in a matter of minutes on my Windows 98 box.It's super easy and user friendly to install and set-up.It also kept my network up and going as well.And..It seems plenty secure.

If you're looking for a great entry level router, this would be the one I'd recommend for the home user and maybe evne the small business user.You really do not need to know a lot about networks to utilize it.

The only real complaints I have is that I have to click the "Connect" button twice on the Status > Router screen when I'm connecting to the Internet; and even though it seems I can usually connect to my network, both machines do not appear/display in my Network Neighborhood all the time.But in fairness this could just be some issue between the 2 machines.

Splitsville
Hello All,

I purchased this unit as part of my multi-layer approach to computer security. While there are many other brands that I could have purchased the fact that 99% of routers that my clients are using are Linksys models this alone speaks volumes. The setup of the unit was painless and in less than 5 minutes, I had the unit configured and working flawlessly. I would not hesitate to purchase this unit again nor would I hesitate to recommend it to anyone needing a unit like it.

Ciao!

Another crappy linksys product
When I set up my network a year and a half ago, I purchased this Linksys router and a Linksys modem. Well I replaced the modem about six months ago because it kept dropping my connection. About two months ago my router stopped working and I noticed the diag like was on. Kept trying to reset the modem and I finally called customer service and they told me to throw it away and buy a new one. To me this is a very short life span and I made sure not to purchase another Linksys product. Now I'm running a Motorola modem and a Netgear router and so far no problems at all. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SB92
Subjects:  1. Networking (Network)    2. Routers    3. Linksys   

Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless-B Cable/DSL Router
by Linksys
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $69.99 -- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

In the past, people creating a home network had to choose between string ing cheap Ethernet cable all over the house or spending tons of cash on a slow, unreliable wireless system. Products like the BEFW11S4 wireless four-port cable/ DSL router from Linksys have changed all that. This unit works as an Internet ga teway, traditional four-port Ethernet hub, and wireless Ethernet hub; is easy to install; and is relatively inexpensive. With the Linksys cable modem and wireless Ethernet adapter we tested with the unit, everything worked like a charm with next to no configuration hassles.

The BEFW11S4 is chunkier than a standard Ethernet switched hub, but is so versatile that a little extra bulk is acceptable. Basic installation involves little more than plugging in the power cord and connecting the Ethernet output from your cable or DSL modem to an input port on the back of the device. Four Ethernet ports on the back accept connections from computers with standard network interface cards, while two antennas on the back handle the unit's wireless capabilities. The standard ports operate at up to 100 Mbps, while the 802.11b technology allows for wireless transmissions at up to 11 Mbps. That's not the blazing-fast performance you'd get from more expensive 802.11a or 802.11g wireless products, butis more than enough to handle Internet connection sharing, LAN gaming, and normal file transfer duties.

This product's forte is Internet connection sharing, as it serves as a single point of contact for every computer attached to a home network. All your ISP sees is one IP address sending and receiving Internet traffic, even though several computers on the other side of the BEFW11S4 might be accessing the Internet at the same time. The other nice thing about this setup, as opposed to standard Internet connection-sharing software, is that no particular PC must be turned on before the others on the network can access the Internet. As long as the BEFW11S4 is running, any PC can get on the Web.

Although the device is surprisingly easy to set up, a Web-based interface is available that lets advanced users access security settings, permissions, and a variety of other options. It is easy to use and can be accessed by any PC on the network without having to install special software. The unit itself provides plenty of feedback, as it is equipped with several LEDs that indicate the status of each standard connection, along with the wireless signal. There also is an uplink port on the back that lets users add more hubs, switches, or other devices as their network grows.

The router performed as expected in tests, providing fast 100 Mbps speeds to two basement computers using the standard Ethernet ports and a steady 11 Mbps signal to a third PC located upstairs and about 40 feet laterally from the base transmitter. The strength of the wireless signal is entirely dependent on the conditions in which the device is used, but most home users shouldn't have a problem reaching any one room of their house from any other room.

Perhaps the only drawback to the BEFW11S4 is that if installation doesn't go as smoothly as it did for us, configuring the device could be difficult for novice users. It's designed to be a plug-and-play unit, but there are hundreds of seriously advanced settings lurking under that friendly façade that can really mess things up if they are not configured properly. The good news is that most users likely won't have any problems, and once the BEFW11S4 is set up it works so smoothly and seamlessly that you'll forget it's there after a while. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Easy installation, seamless operation
• Makes it very easy to share an Internet connection
• Powerful configuration options for those who want to get their hands dirty

Cons:

• Wireless Ethernet adapters to connect to a PC must be purchased separately
• 802.11b transmission speeds are pokey compared to more modern standards

For more information on the differences between an Access Point and a Router wit h Access Point, see the following table:

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere -- without wires. Outside of the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, airports -- great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. What Wireless Standard is Right for Me? Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed. For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time: 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

... Read more

Features

• Can act as a DHCP server for your existing network
• Connects to a broadband modem, a 10/100 Ethernet backbone, or wireless network
• Long wireless operating range supports 300 feet indoors and 1,500 feet outdoors
• Provides roaming, best access-point selection, load balancing, and network traffic filtering
• Configurable through your networked PC's Web browser

Reviews (987)

No problems...
I have been using it with DSL connection for the last 3 years.never had a glitch.

Don't buy Linksys!
I've had nothing but problems since getting this router, which recently came to a head in a 7-hour tech call. During this 7-hour tech call, they had me install a new version of the firmware, which resulted in the router not working at all. Linksys offered to ship me a new one, but I needed it immediately for my work. They told me I would have to pay for rush shipping EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE THE ONES THAT "BROKE" IT!! Their customer service was horrible, so I called the corporate office and found out that there was actually another level of tech support that they never even sent me to. The corporate technician was able to help me by suggesting that I simply get a different type of router (too much interference from my neighbors' wireless systems). Although they had indeed rendered my system useless, they likely would not have been able to fix the original problem. Why couldn't the original tech have just given me this information and saved me the 7 hours out of my workday? I went out and bought a Netgear router that evening, and so far, it's worked excellently. I understand Linksys is supposed to be of superior quality, but if anything goes wrong, don't expect any sort of quality tech support.

Worked for six months
Easy setup, great at first.Then it started dropping connections and acting flaky.The problem was not my DSL provider (SBC), because a direct connection to my PC always works perfectly.

Then, about three weeks after the warranty expired, it stopped transmitting any wireless signal.

Thanks, LinkSys! ... Read more

Asin: B00005ARK3
Subjects:  1. Linksys   

Linksys WPC11 Wireless-B Notebook Adapter
by Linksys
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $59.99 -- our price: $44.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Whether you're at your desk or in the boardroom, the Linksys Instant Wireless Network PC card allows you to share printers, files, and more anywhere within your wireless LAN infrastructure, increasing your productivity and keeping you in touch.

The Instant Wireless card gives you the freedom to work your way, from where you want--letting you take full advantage of your notebook PC's portability while providing you with access to all your network resources. A high-powered built-indiversity antenna means that you're covered--at a distance of up to 150 meters (492 feet) inside and 500 meters (1,640 feet) outside. And because it occupies only one Type II PCMCIA slot, you're free to use your other slots for additional accessories.

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Because they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outsidethe home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me? Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed. For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time: 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

... Read more

Features

• Works with all standard Internet applications
• 11 Mbps high-speed transfer rate
• Advanced Power Management features conserve valuable notebook PC battery life
• Compatible with Windows Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP
• Rugged metal design with integrated antenna

Reviews (404)

Worked for me - Windows 2000, 4 year old IBM thinkpad
Lotsa folks seem to be having a problem with this card.
Worked for me even with an older laptop and an ancient install of Win2k. Took me 5 minutes to select the right settings. After that I was up and running. I walked around the house with the laptop; signal strength was solid.
I guess this card works well with some laptop configs and not with others. I got lucky.

Pain with Win XP (home)
For some reason, the version 4 of this card never worked with my Win XP home edition. The driver Linksys provided would cause my laptop to, at best, to stall and crash at other times. I just could not get it to work. My room-mate also had one (Win XP Pro). The driver didn't cause any problem on his system but he had other problems. For one the card would not find or connect to the access point if it's right next to it!! I would strongly suggest products of other brands as opposed to Linksys (I had a linksys access point which I got rid off!!)

Horrendous
Apparently, the dowloaded driver created an MSVCRT.DLL:rtlgetntversion error message which froze my Win 98 machine upon restart.Three hour-long conversations with hardworking Compaq support staff in India and my poor machine remains stuck in some form of safe mode. I await a call from "second-tier" support.
Linksys staff were quick to blame Windows and offered no support.
Buy something else. ... Read more

Asin: B000056SSM
Subjects:  1. Adapters    2. Accessories (Accessory)    3. Linksys   

Aiwa XP-SP920UAB3 Sports Cross-Trainer CD Player
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $95.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Neckband headphones deliver great sound comfortably
• 48-second electronic anti-shock system
• CD-R/-RW compatible
• Water- and heat-resistant construction

Reviews (26)

CD player needs more training
Aiwa's XP-SP920UAB3 Sports Cross-Trainer CD Player is a disappointment to say the least.When I purchased this cd player, it was $100.00 and at the time, I thought it was worth every penny.Around 3 months after I bought the cd player, it started making noises and not playing the cd that I put in there.A few weeks later I returned it for a brand new one with a warranty that I bought.The new one seemed to working well and sounded even better than the first one I had purchased.But to my dismay, not more than a month went by and this cd player went dead.And when I say dead, I mean literally dead.Nothing worked on the whole cd player.
A warning to anyone who is thinking about purchasing this cd player, DON'T.It is an over priced piece of junk that breaks within months of purchase.I gave this product 1 out of 5 stars because for how much money you are paying, you should be getting a lot better quality of a product.Save up your money and buy something that is better crafted such as an i-pod.

water, heat, sand no problem
This cd walkman is the best a soldier can buy and have it last in the most extreme weather conditions. I am so impresed I would recommend to anyone looking for a die-hard cd player. As everyone has mentioned, the headphone jack to the headphones is all messed up. It shorts out, but can be corrected by buying a better set. I love the sturdy and rugged feel of the system, it's a little heavier and a lot more durable than most out on the market. So, if you are looking for a reliable system, look no further, this has been soldier tried and tested. Hooah!!! Support your troops and President Bush, and let freedom ring.

Isnt 100% non skip butclose enough
I ordered this product for the second time being that I gave my first to a relative after using it for over a year. This is a great sports walkman because it in my opinion is one of the better brands as far as not skipping(Sony sportman is the overall best)compared to others ive used(5 different kinds in past 10 years). It is not perfect thought because it does have a tendency to skip once in great while but you gotta be really jumping up and down or running rather rapidly for it to do that. Overall any activity you do while using this walkman is not really interfered with. The sound quality is great and the hand strap is a great size for anyone to adjust to. I would recommend it over all the others even though it costs a bit more its a small price to pay for consistency, great sound, and overall enjoyment with less aggrevation from the constant skipping from other CD walkmans that claim to be Anti-skip. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NSJS
Sales Rank: 28866
Subjects:  1. xp-sp920, portable cd    2. AIWA water-resistant cross trainer    3. Portable Compact Disc Player (Personal CD)    4. cd player (cdplayer)   

PalmOne m105 Handheld
by PalmOne
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Palm handhelds have succeeded because they're small and lightweight but hold a surprisingly large amount of personal data. The Palm m105 handheld expands on those essential features by offering an organizer that's smaller and lighter (4.4 ounces) than most others while remaining packed with 8 MB of memory, so it can do much more than just store your calendar or addresses. The m105 is also one of the most comfortable Palm devices we've held--its distinctive curved bottom rests comfortably in the palm.

Like other Palm devices, the m105 includes an infrared port for beaming data to other handhelds, and it features a high-contrast screen with optional backlighting for low-light situations. At 2 inches square, the screen is slightly smaller than those on most Palm organizers. We noticed the difference since we've been using Palm handhelds for some time, but the m105 retains the same 160-by-160-pixel resolution, so this probably won't be a distraction for most users.

However, unlike other Palm handhelds, the m100 series includes two special applications. The Clock displays the date and time if you simply push the top scroll button on the front, even when the device is off. (It can also be viewed through a window in the cover.) And with the Note Pad, we could write notes or draw pictures directly on the screen without having to write in Graffiti, Palm's character-recognition language.

With more memory, the m105 can now hold more software--and Palm has provided a range of possibilities on the accompanying CD-ROM. Palm's Mobile Internet Kit, normally sold separately, is a software collection that allows the m105 to communicate via infrared link with a GSM cellular phone (such as the Nokia 8290). The kit includes MultiMail Pro software for managing e-mail, programs for SMS text messaging and WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) browsing, and software for accessing Web Clipping data over the Palm.net network (the same service used for the wireless Palm VIIx). Also included on the CD-ROM is the AvantGo Web browser and a client for connecting to AOL.

The Palm m105 includes a HotSync cradle (the m100 handheld shipped with just a cable) for synchronizing data between the handheld and a desktop or laptop computer. Macintosh owners (like ourselves) or anyone wishing to use a USB port on a Windows system will need to purchase the USB serial adapter, though the Mac version of the Palm Desktop software is included in the box.

We were disappointed to find that the Windows version of Palm Desktop included on the CD-ROM is one generation behind the latest release. However, you can download Palm Desktop 4.0 for free from Palm's Web site, making this only a one-time nuisance. Additionally, the m105 is not flash upgradable, so you won't be able to update to a newer version of the operating system later on (the m105 comes with Palm OS 3.5).

With the addition of more memory and Internet access software, plus its comfortable, lightweight design, the Palm m105 is an entry-level handheld that doesn't feel like the new kid on the block. --Jeff Carlson

Pros:

• Smaller and lighter than most handhelds, fitting comfortably in hand
• 8 MB memory stores more data
• Includes Palm Mobile Internet Kit and other software for online access

Cons:

• Slightly smaller screen
• Operating system not upgradable
• Doesn't ship with latest Palm Desktop software for Windows

... Read more

Features

• 8 MB memory--stores thousands of addresses, phone numbers, appointments, and to-do items
• Includes HotSync serial cradle to back up data to your PC or Macintosh
• Comes with e-mail and Mobile Internet Kit software and desktop software for both PC and Mac
• Link to Microsoft Outlook (Windows only)
• Customizable with optional snap-on faceplates

Reviews (114)

Support or lack of
The M 105 does what it was designed to do, howerver the apparent lack of interest by the Palm people when trying to sort a problem sours the experience.

This unit uses a 3.3 volt cell as a power backup when batteries are being changed and once it is flat there appears to be no replacement available. When approached the Palm people in Australia couldn't have been less interested in providing access to a new cell or offering a solution. I have carried out extensive searches with all the battery suppliers I know of and none make a cell of the required specifications.

So to conclude, it is a good product providing you don't want any backup in the way of spares.

Palm M105, a wonderful planner for someone short of cash
When I bought the palm m105 I was surprised at how much memory was installed despite the immensely low price. I immediately started loading programs onto it and was, overall, pleased. If you are someone short of cash and in need of a planner this is your ticket.

An excellent PDA!
This was my first PDA ever. In fact, I still use it! The price is very affordable and worth way over the price! The size is compact and you can put it anywhere. Buy a case holder with this item and use it as a wallet! The instuctions (manual) explains everything accurately...and the techology is very simple!

If you look at some other reviews you will notice :

1) One person said that they lost their info
and
2) Someone said that when they restarted all they kept getting was touch the screen

Anwser to 1) : You needed to use the cradle...and transfer all of the info from the pda into the computer. When you need to change your batteries, change them and then Snyc (all of the info from the comp will go back onto the pda.) All of your info should be completely restored.

Anwser to 2): You had to touch the screen with your stylus exactly in the given circles. If you clicked anywhere else, it will keep going and going.

I have not had any problem's with my m105 and I have had it for 4 years. In fact, I was (and still am) so in love with it, when my first one got stolen, I bought a new one!

I would definetly recommend this item for someone or as a gift

Recap :

Affordable
Compact
Easy to Use
and a great gift! ... Read more

Asin: B000059MSI
Subjects:  1. m100    2. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA, Electronic Organizer)    3. Palm Connected    4. Handheld (Hand Held)   

Panasonic DVD-RV31K DVD Player (Black)
by Panasonic
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $149.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Panasonic's DVD-RV31K DVD-video player delivers a combination of qualityvideo and special features usually found only in more expensive players, if atall. Among many other features, the DVD-RV31K offers MP3 playback, robustconnectivity, and an advanced version of Panasonic's simulated surround soundwith proprietary Bass Plus technology and a dedicated subwoofer output.

This unit's state-of-the-art component-video outputs allow for digital videotransmission to compatible video equipment. It also offers standardcomposite-video outputs and an S-video output. A built-in 27 MHz/10-bitdigital-to-analog video converter maximizes picture quality from these outputs,while brightness, color, and contrast controls let you fine-tune picturequality.

A digital-cinema mode illuminates the picture and fine-tunes color, even inlow-light scenes. Additional video features include one-touch cinema memory,freeze frame, frame advance, and black-level controls.

An optical digital-audio output channels a bit stream for DTS and Dolby Digitalsurround sound, fostering glorious home theater sound when decoded with anappropriate surround receiver.

Advanced Virtual Surround Sound simulates a surround effect using only your twofront speakers. Furthermore, the DVD-RV31K's dialogue enhancer pumps up thecenter-channel output to emphasize a movie's spoken audio. A 96 kHz/24-bitdigital-to-analog audio converter and dynamic-range compression (for late-nightviewing) complete the DVD-RV31K's robust audio arsenal.

If you're not quite ready for 5.1-channel audio but already have a poweredsubwoofer, you'll appreciate the versatility of this player's discrete subwooferoutput. The DVD-RV31K's pair of analog-audio stereo outputs along with itssubwoofer output simulate theatrical sound by setting up a two-channel-plus-bassoutput that sends all low-frequency information to your subwoofer.

A built-in stabilizer and twin-laser pickup offers improved playability with theDVD-RV31K. Playback formats include DVD-video, Video CD, audio CD, MP3-encodedCD, CD-R, and CD-RW. (Please note, however, that MP3 playback may vary dependingon the content and disc type used.)For your viewing convenience, Panasonic's high-speed scan comes with fivespeeds, and the player also offers chapter preview, updated onscreen menu icons,a front-panel jog-shuttle dial, and a multibrand remote control.Panasonic's DVD-RV31K comes in black and is Energy Star compliant. This model iscovered by a warranty for a year on parts, 90 days on labor. ... Read more

Features

• Also includes S-video output, component-video outputs, multibrand remote control, and front-panel shuttle dial
• DVD/VCD/CD player with MP3, CD-R, and CD-RW playback
• Optical digital-audio output for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound
• Features Panasonic Advanced Surround (VSS) system with Bass Plus, 1-touch cinema memory, and dialogue enhancer
• Discrete subwoofer output routes home theater sound to your subwoofer

Reviews (207)

Consumer reports gives Panisonic repair excellent NOT THIS 1
Used 2 years by parents that used DVD twice a month.
H02 error
H05 error
called repair said motor and laser errors
although I have taken apart laser at least lights and motor does go. Can get it to read disc if unit is 45deg but will only read for 1 min.
Very modual design if I could get the assembly for $40 I might repair but then again my $30 DVD player is still working with similar use.

H02 error
I got this error today and read the hints on this page. Ran a laser cleaning cd and all OK - so don't freak out, just clean the laser.

H02 Error!!!!!!
I bought this unit on Ebay. So I don't really know how old the machine is. But only in couple of months I got this dreaded H02 error. From other posts it seems the usual way for this item to go. Would not buy another Panasonic DVD Player! ... Read more

Asin: B00005AR4L
Subjects:  1. sd2710, 2710, RV31, rv31, RV-31K, RV31K, rv-31k, rv31k    2. bargain, Bargain, bargaindvd, Bargain DVD    3. b00005ar4l, B00005AR4L    4. DVD Player (Digital Versatile Disc Players)   

Canon PowerShot S110 2MP Digital ELPH Camera Kit with 2x Optical Zoom
by Canon
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $599.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Canon's update to the PowerShot S100, the PowerShot S110, packs a high-quality digital camera into the tiny, elegant body of Canon's Digital Elph series. The idea behind the Elph line is simple: create a camera small enough to slip into a shirt pocket, so you can take it anywhere. To improve upon the impressive specs of the original, Canon upgraded the image processor, making it both faster and more effective in maximizing color fidelity and saturation. Additionally, the S110 has the ability to record QuickTime movies. A new, tiny microphone is embedded in the front of the camera.

The basics include 2-megapixel resolution (1,600 x 1,200 image resolution) for high-quality photos and prints up to 8 by 10 inches; an all-glass aspherical 2x zoom lens (and a 2.5x digital zoom as well). A 1.5-inch LCD monitor displays most camera settings with easy-to-understand icons and minimal text. The built-in flash uses a light guide and does not need a Fresnel lens or a large reflector, making the camera even more compact.

The PowerShot S110 stores images on an included 8 MB CompactFlash card. Adobe PhotoDeluxe and PhotoStitch control image management, editing, compositing, and printing, while ZoomBrowser EX or ImageBrowser produce self-running screen slide shows, automatic e-mail preparation, and auto layout. The camera uses a high-speed plug-and-play USB interface, plus it has NTSC-out so you can view your photos on your TV. It's fully compatible with both Mac and PC platforms. ... Read more

Features

• 2.1 megapixel sensor captures 1600 x 1200 stills for prints up to 8 x 10
• 2x optical plus 2.5x digital zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 8 MB CompactFlash card holds 12 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery included

Reviews (165)

Decent photos, not too reliable, lacks attention to details!
I got this camera as a replacement for my giant (but wonderful) film camera when it first came out. It was great to just stick it in my purse and go. After a couple months the LCD screen stopped working.Even when I took a picture it would come up black on my computer.I sent it back to Canon and they fixed it.Wish it would've worked right the first time around.

There's a lag between when you hit the button and when it actually takes the picture (results in some funny-looking posed pictures because people think the picture's already been taken!). It doesn't take very good indoor photos (flash looks harsh, doesn't focus well).And action shots are kind of a problem unless they're from a distance. The colors don't seem very true-to-life.

I just got a photo printer and printed out a lot of photos taken with this camera and a few taken with a friend's newish Sony 4 megapixel camera.His photos were all much sharper and had much truer color.

my best friend
I love my Canon Powershot S110. I've had it for about 2 and a half years now and it still works like it did when it was brand new.I've seen the latest Powershot Digital Elph (Ixus) cameras, and sure they are improvements on the S110, but there's something about the S110's heavy metallic casing that makes it long-lasting and extremely durable, perhaps more durable than the latest in this product line.The picture quality is great, comparable to the latest Digital Elphs.I've taken this camera to Europe and back, twice, to Japan, and across the US, always carrying it in my front pants pocket.I'm not planning to buy a new digital camera until my S110 stops working, which probably won't be for a long time.

Lights. Camera. Action!
I've had this camera for almost two years and I love it.

It's the perfect first camera for users who are comfortable with technology. There are simpler (and cheaper) cameras for people who are less compfortable with technology.

This one packs the right amount of sophistication in features, and simplicity in usage - and all that in one small little bundle!

It's strong points:
* small.
* light.
* solid (dropped mine a couple of times and its still going strong).
* good zoom.
* good battery life.
* auto-flash - which is so helpful for amateurs like myself who are never sure about how much light is enough.
* some more advanced ones (manual flash, timer, etc.) if you want to experiment and improve your skills.
* comes with software to download and retouch your photos, rendering the process relatively easy.

All in all, this camera and Canon's Powershot line are an excellent choice for most people. ... Read more

Asin: B00005LB8P
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Blue's Clues - Telling Time With Blue
by Paramount Studio
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (29 January, 2002)
list price: $9.95 -- our price: $9.45
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

How do Blue and Steve keep track of their busy schedule? When Steve andBlue are anticipating a big surprise in "Blue's Surprise at Two o'clock," thepair plays Blue's Clues to help the time pass more quickly and learns allabout the minute and second hand in the process. "What Time Is It for Blue"explores the concepts of time and patterning as Steve and Blue try to rememberwhat follows clean-up time in their daily routine. This program covers thebasics of telling time and helps children understand how time helps order life.Especially effective is Steve's illustration of relative time: 15 seconds passin a flash when Steve and Blue try to solve a puzzle, but one minute spentanticipating mail time seems to last forever. Devote some time to the study oftime with Steve and Blue. (Ages 3-7) --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Animated
• NTSC

Reviews (2)

Buy this one for the correct audience/purpose
I thought that my five-year old son had outgrown the fine library of Blue's Clues videos when I saw this one.Mistakenly, I purchased it to help him learn to tell time as he was interested and ready to learn.This video is fine for helping children develop the concept of activity-related time throughout the day, but not what I was expecting or in the market for. Blue's Clues helps to develop so many skills that are often ignored in early educational efforts including excellent critical thinking and conceptual skills.However, it is important to purchase the video for the correct audience. This title was misleading to me, although the video would be valuable for a younger child who has yet to master the concept of time throughout the day.(I have rated this video according to it's intended audience - for the purpose of teaching 'telling time' it simply isn't helpful.)

Adorable
I was a bit skeptical about this one, as the subject matter didn't sound very appealing.But, my toddler is fascinated by clocks, gears, etc., so I checked it out from our local library.I was pleasantly surprised when I enjoyed this video as much, or more, than the others in the series. The first episode lays out concepts relating to clock recognition; understanding the difference between seconds and minutes, and so forth, in a very entertaining way. The second part of the video is an older episode - less technical about clocks/time, but introducing concepts of different times of the day (i.e. nap time, lunch time). It's absolutely adorable, featuring a "skidoo" jungle segment that my son loves.
Truthfully, I don't allow my son to watch very much tv, but this is one of the few shows I do recommend. I admire the creativity and thoughtfulness that goes into every Blues Clues episode, and, as a former preschool educator, I recognize the solid educational value as well.
I am currently a stay-at-home parent,and I purchase videos from this series just as much for my own resource library as for my son's enjoyment. I have gotten countless ideas from these videos for craft and cooking projects, as well as clever ideas about how to present/teach different topics to my child. And,last but not least,I have learned how to draw everyday objects with a crayon!Now that alone is worth something! ... Read more

Asin: B00005TPNZ
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

AM/PM Yoga for Beginners
by Living Arts
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (1998)
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $19.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This yoga set is perfect for busy people who need to work in a way to relax. On the a.m. tape, Rodney Yee takes you through a 15-minute morning yoga set, while Patricia Walden leads a 20-minute evening routine on the p.m. tape. The a.m. tape was filmed on a beach on Maui at sunrise, providing a soothing background for this gentle workout. In the morning, Rodney tells us, "the body is rested but stiff from inactivity." The stretches he demonstrates are designed to increase circulation, improve mobility, and bring clarity to your mind. The movements are easy to follow (they include a conscious relaxation, the a.m. workout, and a guided meditation), and the set is short enough that it can be squeezed into the most hectic of morning schedules. The p.m. video was filmed at sunset in Death Valley. Patricia's yoga set is designed to quiet the mind after the stress of the day and to help you make the transition from active to quiet. She uses a combination of a centering series, standing poses, forward bends, and restorative poses to help you ease into night. You will need some firm blankets to sit on and a yoga strap (although a belt or scarf will serve the same purpose) to perform these movements. Perfect for the beginner and for the overworked. --Jenny Brown ... Read more

Features

• Color
• HiFi Sound
• Box set
• NTSC

Reviews (229)

Not for beginners
If you dont have any knowlegde of Yoga, do not buy this tape.I thought it would at least introduce you to some basics of poses used.But no.It is now sitting on my bookcase.

Wonderful workouts
These are great workouts. The am workout gets me up and ready to start the day and the pm workout is perfectly relaxing. Boxed together they are a real deal.

Very Difficult
Pm Yoga is not for beginners. I ahve never done yoga before and when I tried to do Pm Yoga it was very difficult. The AM yoga is a little easier but you need ot have the equipment to go along with it. This tape seems like a Step 2 tape for beginners. Not the best for someone new to the yoga sensation. ... Read more

Asin: 094567189X
Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness   

8 Minute Abs with 8 Minute Arms
by United American Video
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (10 February, 1997)
list price: $8.99 -- our price: $8.09
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (85)

Absolutely Great!


. .
\/
Having great abs and arms is the most important thing for impressing women...
That's why this video was so appealing to me. So I bought it, I used it, and I
fully integrated it into the work I was doing with the "New Sex Now" video
system as well as the very advanced "Goddess Worship" video techniques
for awesome results and much appreciation from the ladies.
. .
\/

5 Stars for all 3 !

!!!!

Unbelievable
I must admit that I was very skeptical about this video to begin with - after all - who really believes those infomercials and as seen on tv ads? Anyway, I've been struggling with this poochy bit of skin and love handles around my lower stomach - so I figured why not give this video a try - I've tried everying else. Almost immediately (1-2 days) I started seeing results, I was amazed. It's not an easy workout, but it is short - and it most definately gets the job done.
Keep in mind - for my height, weight and age I am of a perfect weight - I just needed (and still need) some toning and spot "training."
It works wonders if you are consistent.
I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

The best ab workout ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been doing the ab workout for 3 months and the results are amazing.My abs have never been so hard and so defined.For all of you who previously wrote that you do not see results, you are obviously doing something wrong!Maybe you need to lose some weight first, you can't expect to exercise and not diet and then see results.Trust me, this ab workout DOES work. ... Read more

Asin: 6304401744
Sales Rank: 203
Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness   

Toots The Train
Average Customer Review:
Toy

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

All aboard! Here's a toy that's bound to grab--and hold--the attention oftoddlers who will love giving this train orders and having it respond in both words andactions. Toots puts kids in the conductor's seat, allowing them to tell this whimsical trainwhen to stop and go, and which of the four destinations around the track to visit. Thevoice-activated microphone responds to stop and go commands and has four buttons topush that tell the train exactly where to stop--station, farm, tunnel, or loader. And aroundthe track there are activities to perform, like blasting the boulders from the tunnel orloading the animals or hay bales into the train. All throughout the ride, Toots pipes inwith an enthusiastic voice, letting the conductor know exactly what the plan is ("Readywhen you are," "Let's load the hay," "There's lots to do at the farm"). Pushing a buttonon the engine results in a multitude of other phrases or the playing of three differenttunes, so kids won't get easily bored. Two slight drawbacks to Toots: He doesn't stopwhen he hits something placed on the track, contrary to what the directions say, and thesound quality is a bit scratchy. These factors are minor, however, and will in no wayundermine the fun that toddlers will have with this toy. Toots requires three AAA batteriesand two AA batteries for operation (not included). --Jane Snyder ... Read more

Reviews (82)

Love it!
We just bought our second train after our 18 month old son broke the first one by laying over it.We were all heartbroken since it kept him busy for hours.He loves to follow it around the track and watch the trains eyes blink.The only problem I had is the track is difficult to get apart.

Fantabulous
I couldn't have brought anything better for my Grandsons' second Christmas. He was elated. He was so excited that he had to be calmed down. This was a little boys joy. Imagine seeing a toy priced at @ $... and being able to purchase it for less than 1/2 the price. For the joy that he received I would have paid anything for it. Thank you thank you thank you powers that be. If you're able to find this toy, it will be worth whatever price you pay.

Sad Christmas Morning
I was so excited when I saw Toots the Train, it seemed perfect for my almost 2 year old.The only thing he wanted for Christmas was a choo choo.Well, you can imagine my extreme disappointment when at 12:00am Christmas day, my husband and I were putting the gifts together for our children, and I realized that wonderful Fisher Price had given me two of the same pieces of train track.Needless to say the train would not work.So my son's first Christmas when he actually knows what is going on will be a sad disappointment when he finds out that the only thing he wanted for Christmas was delivered BROKEN.
My heart is breaking at the thought of his sadness when we have to tell him in just a few hours that Toots does not work. ... Read more

Asin: B00004SYNQ
Subjects:  1. Preschool    2. Vehicles    3. Trains   

Sure to raise a few eyebrows in the neighborhood, this flashy red radiocontrol vehicle looks like a cross between a futuristic dune buggy and a FormulaOne racer. The car is made of sturdy plastic with wide front and rear bumpersand rides on four studded, air-filled tires that provide plenty of traction andmake this a fun vehicle to operate. Powered by one 9.6-volt battery and six AAs(not included), the car and its radio control unit are easy to use and operateat a frequency of 27 MHz. --Chris Burns ... Read more

Asin: B000051SI2
Subjects:  1. Vehicles   

George Foreman GR10AWHT Champ Grill
by George Foreman
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $39.99 -- our price: $17.95
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This smaller version of George Foreman's famous "as seen on TV" Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine is perfect for preparing quick, low-fat meals for one or two people. The double-sided grill surface heats in less than five minutes to an even temperature perfect for grilling most foods. The high grill grooves and slight angle allow fat to run off the grill as food cooks, and the nonstick surface requires little or no additional fat for cooking. The plastic, grooved spatula works well to scrape off any bits that may have stuck to the surface.

Meats and fish are the obvious choices to take advantage of the Grilling Machine's fat-reduced grilling, but vegetables and tofu dogs work well too. The double-sided grill means food cooks twice as fast, leaves attractive grill marks, and generates surprisingly little smoke. --Julija Gelazis ... Read more

Features

• Interior wipes clean easily
• 6-by-7-inch nonstick cooking surface
• Great for grilling burgers, fish, vegetables
• Includes dishwasher-safe plastic drip tray and spatula
• Patented grill grooves let oil run off while food is cooking

Reviews (378)

Don't waste your money on this - buy a convection oven
I agree completely with Mr. Charles Tsen.Every thing he has written about this grill is right.I had the misfortune of buying this after reading all the hype about this useless appliance.I bougth it more than a year ago and promised myself that i would never use it again.It is ridiculosuly difficult to clean and you simply will never get the desired results.For all those people looking to get a great fat reducing machine, I would recommend that they should consider "Nesco American Harvest JS-4000TE Jet Stream Oven" from Amazon or any other site.I have been using this convection oven for the past 6-7 years and am extremely satisfied.One tip in prolonging the life of this convection oven is to use a fresh paper towel on the tray to absorb all the fat before using it.

This grill is a Champ
Quick heat up means a quick meal. As a busy single,I find that I can put a potato in the microwave, plug in the grill, preheat, put the meat on the grill and be ready by the time the potato is cooked and a vegetable is put together.Clean up is simple thanks to the nonstick coating. I cook everything, including eggplant on this grill.It is a definite necessity in my kitchen.

George Foreman where have you been all my life??
This is such an awesome little piece of kit and have recommended it to so many people! My five star review i guess also takes into condideration the price we paid. We go this when it was reduced to $14.99 and I doubt that, pound for pound, you could get a better kitchen gadget for that price.

As I had previously seen this on tv infomercials I was a little sceptical as I always am of these "gadgets", but this really has changed our kitchen lives. It heats up so fast and cooks very quickly and evenly (due to it cooking both sides at once).We really love the speed - its great to know that in four/five minutes you can have a perfect tuna-stek or porkchop without having to fire up the oven. It also frees up the oven to cook other things for your meal.

Its just big enough to cook two chicken breasts or two burgers, a porkchop or steak. But it can also be used for sausage links, bacon, vegetables and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Some people have mentioned they have real problems cleaning it up. Whilst yes it could be better but you literally just scrape off any excess and wipe it down. If you dont want to have to do that then you need to buy the one with removable plates but it would have cost us three times as much.

Be warned thought that the fat-collecting drip tray shouldnt be put in the dishwasher - we did and it melted part of it. ... Read more

Asin: B00004R93Z
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Indoor Grills    4. (George Forman)    5. Back to School    6. Gifts    7. Kitchen    8. Indoor Grilling   

Hoover H3000 Floor Mate Hard-Floor Cleaner
by Hoover
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $249.99 -- our price: $144.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Creating a new branch in the Hoover family tree while stilladhering to the company's reputation for innovation and quality,Hoover's Floor Mate is the ideal machine for anyone who has hard floors(including hard-wood floors, linoleum, tile, and others). A completefloor cleaner--and almost the definition of multifunctional--the FloorMate vacuums, washes, and dries a floor. It has both wet and dry pickupfunctionality (you make the choice via a foot-controlled pushbutton),meaning that it combines a broom and a mop, getting rid of the need fordustpans and mop buckets. There are two removable containers on thefront of the machine, one that serves as a receptacle for dirt and dustand another that can be filled with floor cleaner. The Floor Mate stands 43-3/4inches tall, is 11-1/2 inches deep, and has a 20-foot cord, whichconveniently wraps on the back. --A.J. Rathbun ... Read more

Features

• Convenient wrap around cord storage
• Great for cleaning hard floors (wood, linoleum, etc.)
• Both wet and dry pickup functionality
• Vacuums, washes, and dries the floor
• Sturdy at 43-3/4 inches tall, 11-1/2 inches deep

Reviews (486)

Fantastic new gadget!
My entire house is hard floors (hardwood, tile and linoleum) and for a long time I couldn't even stand to walk around the house in bare feet because I never felt like the floor was clean. The hardwood floors had been covered with carpet for 30 years before I moved in and all that caked on and set in dirt never seemed to go away. As much as I like for things to be clean, I HATE to clean. The Floor Mate has been a godsend for me! I can use the Floor Mate without sticking my hands in dirty water, but still get that "mopping on your hands and knees" clean - and in half the time! I love the fact that you can dry vacuum, wet scrub and wet vacuum at the touch of a button with one machine. AND by the time you get halfway across the room, the first part you cleaned is almost dry.

One of the best parts of this is that not only does it work well but this sucker is easy to clean! The tanks snap on and off and all you have to do is rinse them out and snap them back on. The thing is clean and ready to be put away in 5 minutes.

Another thing I worried about was whether or not it would leak. With hardwood floors you don't want to set a vacuum in the closet if it's going to drip because it will damage the floor. Somehow this machine does not drip once it's been emptied. I do use the wet vacuum as the last step before I turn it off so I suppose that helps.

Long story short, I think the Floor Mate is wonderful and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a clean floor but doesn't want to do it the hard way!

Four and a half stars really...
I use my floor mate on vinyl kitchen flooring and I have to agree with the positive comments already given by the other reviewers.I won't bore you all to tears by saying the same thing in some new way.What I do want to mention is that I only give this thing 4.5 stars because the dry vacuum mode is not all that great.If you have a few crumbs in the middle of your floor this will pick them up no problem.If you have a few crumbs around your baseboard or in the corners (as many of us do), this thing will drive you mad as you try unsuccessfully to pull those crumbs.Eventually I give up and sweep with a broom first and then use the scrub/wet vac settings to produce a very clean floor.Its a small complaint but one I though worth mentioning.If the vacuum power on this thing were a bit stronger, it would easily be 5+ stars!

A must buy
I bought this anticipating having alot of tile in my new house and Ilove it before I have the house!It works great on all kinds of vinyl and if you have a pet its great because you can vacuum up the fur.It hards to get it all up with sweeping or swiffering alone, but this sure does the job!! ... Read more

Asin: B00005R19P
Subjects:  1. Hard-Wood Floors    2. Floor Polishers    3. Floor Care    4. Floor Cleaners    5. Vacuums   

Cuisinart DFP-14 Custom 14-Cup Food Processor, White
by Cuisinart
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $320.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

With its massive 14-cup capacity, this is the food processor for cooks with big projects (or big families!). Large enough to knead dough for two good-sized loaves, the processor features an oversized (5-by-3-inch oval) feed tube, which allows slicing and shredding of whole fruits and veggies, as well as a smaller feed tube. The controls are completely intuitive, with "on" and "off/pulse" buttons that can easily be wiped clean. The motor is remarkably quiet--although this is a food processor, so don't expect the sound of butterflies--and powerful enough to manage batches of heavy dough.

The processor includes three stainless-steel discs--one for slicing, one for chopping/mixing, and one for shredding. The work bowl is made of Lexan, known for its durability and resistance to both heat and cold. And the real treat? All pieces but the base can be put in the dishwasher--and the base is easy to sponge clean. The processor includes extensive instructions, a recipe book, a video, a custom spatula, a five-year warranty against motor defects, and a three-year warranty against other defects. --Ariel Meadow Stallings ... Read more

Features

• Recipe book and video also included to get you started
• 720 watts is powerful enough for big jobs
• Sturdy 14-cup Lexan work bowl large enough for most projects
• Flexible--both large and small feed tubes
• Includes stainless steel chopping blade, medium shredding disc, and standard slicing disc, dough blade, spatula

Reviews (18)

I Can't Believe ...
... I ever lived without one!! This unit (brushed stainless 14 cup) was a replacement for the off-brand mini food processor attachment I used to own which fit into my off-brand blender (now also recently replaced with the FANTASTIC Cuisinart CBT-500 Brushed Stainless Power Blender). When I bought the off-brand, I was younger & on a budget, but I should have invested in this model food processor (and the blender) the first time around. What a timesaver!!I just made pie dough, and the recipe which usually takes me several minutes took just a few seconds!! Plus (if you follow the simple directions in the DVD) it slices and grates like a dream!! I don't understand why many other reviewers are bent out of shape about the safety features - I have no trouble at all adding items through the small feed tube while the machine is running, or else stopping processing temporarily to add larger items (won't run without feed-tube attachment in place, so you must pause) - pausing briefly in the middle of a recipe to toss in larger ingriedients shouldn't be that big of a deal, in my opinion. Don't hesitate - buy one today!! This food processor has replaced / outmoded so many other tools in my kitchen already, and I've only had it a couple of weeks!!Leave it on the counter so you remember to use it, and you'll be surprised like I was at all the things it can do for you which you would normally do manually. It has honestly changed the way I cook.=)Oh, and the best part?? Cleanup is a snap - throw ALL the removeable parts into the top rack of the dishwasher!! *wild applause* Thank you, Cuisinart!!

Power: 5 stars, but subtract 2 for annoyance factors
In terms of power and capacity, the Cuisinart DFP-14BC cannot be beat.Once you can actually get it running (more about that later), there's nothing it can't chop, slice, puree or what have you.The 14 cup bowl is huge and unless you are cooking for an army, it should be able to hold all of anything you are making with no problem.It looks very impressive sitting on the counter, and it's such a bonus that you can stick all of the parts in the dishwasher for cleaning with no warping.

All of that being said, this has to be one of the most tempermental pieces of kitchen equipment I have ever owned.In trying to make it safe, the manufacturers have made it really, really annoying to use.First of all, in order to get it running at all, all the parts have to be lined up just so, and I'm not talking about the normal sort of "just so" you would expect with any sort of food processor or blender product.It's not simply a matter of turning the bowl or lid until you hear or feel a "click" and then pressing the "on" button. No, even if you've felt the "click", if you've got something even just 1 millimeter out of place it will not run.To make things even more fun, if you try to press the "on" button too many times in a row with things not lined up just so, the machine automatically shuts off for 5 minutes such that even if you do correct the alignment, you've now got to wait 5 minutes to start it up again.There are times it takes me 10 minutes or more of wrestling with the stupid thing to get it started.When you are pressed for time, this is maddening enough to make you want to chuck the whole thing out the window.Then, there's the matter of the food feeding tube for those occasions when you want to add things when the machine is running.This tube is very small.It's fine if you just need to add a stream of olive oil, but if you need to add chunks of vegetables or something, you need to stop the machine, remove the whole lid, place the items in the bowl, wrestle with the lid to make sure you have lined up just so again, and then restart the machine.Again, maddening when you are trying to get a quick week-night meal on the table in a reasonable amount of time.You know a machine is a pain in the patoot when you start deciding that it would be quicker to chop something by hand than use the food processor.

So, if you have a lot of patience and a lot of time to cook, I would say by all means, get this machine because in terms of raw power, I've never encountered anything that works as well.But if convenience and ease of use are your main concerns, keep looking.

Buy the right one the first time!
This is the food processor I should have bought the first time. (First was way too small for many jobs and the second was not a good quality brand.) The Cusinart handles all chores admirably with power to spare. Locks functions simply and effectively, allowing quick, safe work without splatters. I don't regret spending money for a quality product. ... Read more

Asin: B00005IBXE
Subjects:  1. Small Appliances    2. Electrics    3. Full-Size Food Processors    4. (Foodprocessors)   

Maxim
by Dennis Publishing
Average Customer Review:
Magazine
list price: $59.88 -- our price: $14.97
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Magazine Subscription

Reviews (86)

Not up to par
This is just not that good. I maybe buy one issue a year the Top 100 Babes yeah that one is good. I buy FHM maybe twice a year. FHM to me seems more fresh and has better looking women and has better articles by the way.I am 20 and I could not imagine a person my age going out and buying more then 2 copies of Maxim because there are about 10 playboy mags a month about the same amount for Penthouse and even a few for Perfect 10. I was one of those little twirps that liked Maxim when I was 16 but now I get some playboy. If you a college man who buys this crap I will buy you a coppy of Penthouse instead.

funny and cool
Maxim's appeal as seen by number of female reader's and reviewers crosses gender borders. A highly entertaining read with honest, yet funny reviews, interesting interviews, insightful, articulate articles, jokes, "stuff" and much more. It is in short a magazine I would love to write for one day, as the contributers' writing makes it obvious they really enjoy their jobs one more reason to like reading it. One more thing the techniques described for sexual losers to satisfy a woman works!:) and also recommend Sex and the perfect lover by Mabel Iam

More than I expected.
This was a huge surprise for me.
All my friends were saying how cool this mag was, so I got it.
Wow!
It is loaded with hot pics of super-hot chyks...
And there are very funny jokes...
And cool info about cars and other gadgets I want...
And even some articles and advise about sex that are great...
Reading this mag I discovered the DVD "New Sex Now" which
I have used to blow the minds of half the hotties in my dorm...
They are all saying I'm a sex-god now, thanks to Maxim. ... Read more

Asin: B00005NIPP
Sales Rank: 3
Subjects:  1. Men's Interest   

Cosmopolitan
by Hearst Magazines
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list price: $47.88 -- our price: $18.00
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Editorial Review

Cosmopolitan (or as it's affectionately known, Cosmo) has sex on the brain. Hugh Hefner is a monk compared to the Cosmo Girl in the fun fantasy world conjured by the magazine. The naughty cover headlines ("151,497 of You Begged to See THIS Guy Butt Naked") are legendary, veritable haikus of horniness reportedly perfected by David Brown, the movie-producer husband of Cosmo's most famous editor, Helen Gurley Brown. Inside, lots of articles will warn you that "names have been changed"--and you won't complain, considering that anonymity frees people to reveal what goes on behind closed doors in the lives of celebrities and average women. If you're the slightest bit curious to find out, say, what "shocking act" 41 percent of American women have tried, or which attribute Leo DiCaprio flashed in an interview, or what sort of "sexified" look might "melt his ice-cream cone," perk up your life with Cosmopolitan. --Bob Brandeis ... Read more

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Reviews (71)

Late Delivery
I have to agree with an earlier review.I assumed since that by subscribing I would get the magazine earlier.Every month the magazine hits the stand days before I get it.I feel if I take the time to subscribe to this magazine I should get it before it hits the stands. Also many articles do show promise on the cover only to leave me dissapointed as to what they deliver.

Make sure it's worth it
I got an amazing deal for a Cosmopolitan subscription.Little did I know that every month I would get it a few days late. That may not be a big deal for most people, but I work in a grocery store, so I know when new issues come out. You would think that with a subscription that meant you would get your copy a few days before it came out on newsstands? But as of yet, it hasn't.Currently I am waiting for the newest issue to come to my door, it's been out for 8 days now.So be careful, if you don't mind getting your issue days late every month, then it's well worth it.

too much sex!!!
It seems like there is only topic in the magazine now. I'd rather see something interesting than sex positions and sex talks, how to get a man... blah blah blah.. it's nothing new to read anymore. Well, but the fashion part is still okay. Some beauty tips are really worked. However, i'm still a fan with more expectation. ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7PM
Subjects:  1. Fashion & Style    2. Women's Fashion    3. Cosmo   

Rolling Stone
by Wenner Publishing
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list price: $103.70 -- our price: $12.97
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Editorial Review

Founder and publisher Jann S. Wenner's brainchild remains the standard by which rock & roll magazines are measured, though even its most fervent boosters would concede there've been some growing pains for RS as it's strived to remain relevant through the decades. The erstwhile baby-boomer bible mixes fleshy covers of today's alluring celebs with coverage of graying rockers from the magazine's heyday. In addition to celebrity interviews, stalwart features such as CD reviews and Random Notes (the mag's long-running gossip section) provide familiar reading for older readers, as does the publication's superior political and cultural coverage. But the bulk of Rolling Stone's features are aimed at the younger pop-culture set. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

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Reviews (142)

Corporate magazines still suck
Rolling Stone hasn't been a credible music journal for at least 15 years, and that's being extremely kind.Rather they are a marketing outlet for the corporate sponsors of whatever music is being pushed at the moment.That's of course when they deign to write about music at all.There are far too many politically oriented articles from an upper middle class armchair liberal point of view to catagorize Rolling Stone as strictly a music magazine.And let's not mention the extremely annoying fashion layouts.RS is more of a lifestyle journal that panders to white and mostly liberal middle class tastes and culture.I don't care about the political bent of the magazine so much as I care about the pop garbage that Rolling Stone writes about.They almost without exception shill for the flavor of the month rather than write any responsible criticism.Occasionally the articles are informative, but for the most part Rolling Stone is an irrelevant device to generate advertising dollars.

You get what you pay for
Isn't it amazing that the cost of a Rolling Stone subscription is barely enough to cover the cost of postage?The magazine is mostly advertisements, and the rest of it isn't worth reading.I grew up on Rolling Stone, but have realized that if I want a decent music review about music I care about, I'll go to pitchforkmedia.com.Even SPIN is better than this crap.

RS: "Music Experts" who don't know CRAP about music.
Anyone who would consider putting a list of the 100 Greatest Artists ever without Pink Floyd, Queen, or Metallica has no knowledge of music whatsoever.

Also who the hell would put Kurt Cobain and Jack White on a list of the 100 greatest guitarists ever above Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads? Also not to mention that they didn't even include Slash or Malmsteem on the list.

This magazine makes me sick to the stomach. Basically all they do is praise artists who have good lyrics but crappy music, like Bob Dylan. They also need to get over their constant worship of U2, because even when they put out those 2 awful albums 'Zooropa' and 'Pop', they did nothing but praise them for their over-produced experimental crap.

And what can we say about their devotion towards 'The White Stripes' and 'The Strokes' and hail them as the BEST NEW THING, while we've been waiting for years for these people to make albums worth their praise. Yet, Rolling Stone rather ignores great new artists like Muse, Franz Ferdinand, and Keane.

I know you guys are probably potheads, but perhaps you should consider putting the hash pipe to the side and think about what you write because it's hurting the REAL ARTISTS. ... Read more

Asin: B00005N7SJ
Subjects:  1. Entertainment    2. Music   

National Geographic Magazine
by National Geographic Society
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list price: $47.40 -- our price: $34.00
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Reviews (57)

Photographs with the added bonus of good writing
I received National Geographic as a gift because I was getting too old for Ranger Rick. (Quite the jump, I must add).I read my first issue and immediately wanted more.

The pictures, as many have said, are always stunning, and the writing is spectacular.Obviously, such a world-renowned magazine must be spectacular.

My only complaint is that it takes so long to read that, with my busy schedule, I don't ever have time to read anything else.They tend to pile up, but I read them all eventually- I can't bear the thought of just putting an unread issue straight into the rack with the read ones.It really is fantastic and makes a great Bar or Bat Mitzvah gift.

A fantastic publication despite its liberal slant
Now now!Before you get mad at me for my "liberal slant" comment in the title of this review, let me remind you that I also said it's "a fantastic publication.":-) No matter what your political stance on hot button issues such as global warming and oil, you have to admit that National Geographic takes a liberal stance.Is that good or bad?Entirely up to you to decide.But to their credit, they do a VERY fair job, within the articles, of explaining and examining ALL aspects and points of view.

I subscribed because like most of us, I've always been a fan of their photographs, but as they began to arrive in the mail I found myself poring over each and every page, reading every issue from cover to cover.I've learned so many wonderful things about cultures and people I will never get a chance to see in real life, and I've educated myself on issues that otherwise would remain a mystery.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of having a subscription is the inserts that come in almost every issue.My all time favorite thus far has been a composite map of the entire world at night, showing natural gas vents, wild fires, and city lights across the globe.Fascinating!

For the almost embarrassingly low price of $49.00 a year I am more educated, informed, and inspired then I was before I subscribed.

It does not get better
This is the best ever magazine in all fields....though they are getting mean nowadays and reducing the number of pages per issue!!! It is really a great reading from cover to cover...everybody must get it!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00005NIOH
Sales Rank: 12
Subjects:  1. Nature & Wildlife