Sea Monkeys Ocean of Light
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

You are about to begin a new amazing hobby that is sofantastic it staggers the imagination! You will create instant life!Single-handedly, you will give rise to the world's only living,breathing, instant pets--live sea monkeys! The instruction book for theSea Monkeys Ocean Zoo is an entertaining read, packed with enthusiasticrevelations about those ubiquitous brine shrimp from yourcomic-book-reading days. They're fascinating creatures, able to live up to a yearor more, reproduce ("dozens of adorable babies!"), even "performtricks" in their 5.75-inch magnifier-studded "Micro Vue" aquarium. Thekit comes with shrimp eggs, food, plasma, a water purifier, and ahandbook. Just add pure water. A great set of pets for a smallishdomicile, they'd also make a scintillating science project. Plus,they're just plain fun! --Julie Ubben ... Read more

Reviews (62)

great item
Sea Monkeys are the best! They are so easy to raise! It only takes about a day to prepare the tank! Speaking of tank, the tank is so cool! It has a flip light, and lots and lots of magnifiers.



Sea monkeys are great for kids who are allergic to fur. Be careful to not spill the tank! And remember to feed your fine little friends!

Entertaining and Fun
Before I begin, please note that this is from an eleven year old's point of view.
Sea Monkeys are really great! They are perfect for kids who aren't allowed to have furry animals.
Sea Monkeys Ocean of Light comes with exactly the following-no more, no less:

-aquarium with flip light
-instructions in a variety of languages
-water purifier pouch
-instant egg pouch
-growth food pouch
-plasma III pouch
-food and egg spoon

The kit is great for starters who don't wan't to get too fancy-just using what you need. The tank is really great, with the light and built in magnifiers, but beware that the lid is EXTREMELY loose. For those who don't know, Plasam III is some powder that will make your sea-monkey babies grow faster.
The instruction booklet has its ups and downs. It's packed with advice and science facts are crammed in, making it fun. However, the box clearly states that it has a 32 page booklet, in full color, but I did not find any.
I took one star away because the kit was simply not enough for a serious beginner trainer. For instance, an Aqua-Leash will let you transport your critters from one place to another, and the Million Bubble Air Pump is a handy device in which it pumps air. I was slightly dissapointed when I did not find either in the kit. But, I went onto the official sea-monkey website, www.sea-monkeys.com, where they sell the leash and the pump, plus other great stuff. Go on there to buy and to get valuable customer care information.
All in all, the Ocean of Light is really a pretty good kit, and sea-monkeys are the BEST and easiest to raise!

"IDidn't really get it but i had some thing like it"


It was really cool waching the sea monkey's swiming in the water it wasn't much of a problem feeding them either it was a fun thing to look at and past the time.I think my parent's will buy this for me again.I think this gift would be a scientific experiece for any child.Tip:keep younger kids away if they arent smart they'll think its a glass of water and drink it.
... Read more

Asin: B00000ISKD
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Learning    3. Science    4. Animals   

PalmOne Vx Handheld
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $199.99
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Editorial Review

At only 4.7 by 3.2 inches square and 0.4 inches thick, the Palm Vxhandheld is truly pocket sized; however, this model sports a hefty 8 MB of RAM.The Palm Vx handheld also sports a sleek exterior that looks supercool--anintangible value to be sure, but one that's hard to argue with.

The Palm Vx handheld offers the same improvements to its screen that were madeto the Palm IIIx. These updates since the Palm III handheld include a farsharper screen and contrast-variable backlighting, which makes the Palm Vxhandheld much easier to use in low-light conditions. Rechargeable lithium-ionbatteries, which charge while the unit sits in its HotSync cradle, make batterylife a nonissue.

You can synchronize Palm handhelds with your computer so that you can carry allyour appointments, notes, contacts, and e-mail with you. The simple one-touchinterface makes sense to new and seasoned computer users alike. For owners thatprefer Microsoft Outlook to keep tabs on folks for business and pleasure, resteasy. With the simple installation procedure, and Outlook support out of thebox, you can transfer the data you have in Outlook, or start fresh with the PalmDesktop software. In addition, there are thousands of applications for the Palmoperating system available on the Internet that make your Palm handheld work aseverything from a universal remote to a digital book and restaurant guide.

We had no trouble setting up the device, synching with our PC-based Netscape e-mail,using the Graffiti character-recognition software, or working with theaddress book, date book, memo writer, to-do list, and all the other applicationsthat put the Palm OS on the map. All in all, this is a great upgrade to analready strong product. If this is your first Palm, it's a great way to start.

Pros:

• Palm OS interface is simple to use
• Easy to install and set up
• Uses rechargeable batteries
• Sleek, solid design can take some punishment

Cons:

• Not expandable (has a closed case)
• Case cover opens too easily

... Read more

Features

• 8 MB RAM
• HotSync cradle included
• Easily transfer data from your handheld to your PC or Macintosh
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Stores thousands of addresses, appointments, to-do items, memos, and more

Reviews (195)

Crashed three times
I don't see why this item is getting good reviews.It's crashed three times, losing everything.Now the battery won't completely charge.I never could get it connected to the computer.Makes me wonder about Palm.

Still worth it
In 2005, there are a lot of PDA called Pocket PC, but when you look at palm Vx, you will love it. You are able to put it in your suit or handbag and its glass screen provides you a crystal clear writing. I only need a PDA that take care my telephone list, my personal finance and bible reading. I don't need to listen MP3 or watching DVD on the road, and this palm just meet my need. You will love to carry it with you everywhere you go.

I agree that if you have a portable keyboard, you can even type your homework or paper in the library or anywhere in your home.

Personally, I like Palm OS rather than Pocket PC.

Great unit
I upgraded from a Palm Pilot Pro about 5 years back to a Palm Vx and then again this year to a Tungsten C. The Vx was a very reliable and robust unit (I got the hard case for it which makes it fairly indestructible) and did everything I needed for a long time. The reasons I upgraded were:
- colour screen so I could carry pictures and movies of my family with me, and watch DVD and MPEG movies (Tungsten C quality is fantastic for these). The colour also enhances all the applications, especially DateBk5
- WiFi just in case I needed to get email whilst away - though so far I've not been anywhere without an internet cafe in range !
- expansion slots so I could store and listen to audio MP3s and which alows me to make a complete compressed backup onto the expansion card (so I don't need a laptop with me nowadays as well)
- enogh memory to store DocsToGo, Ultralingua (French dictionary), Handbase and a few other apps which I use heavily

Unless you need/want any of this, the Vx will do the basics very well indeed. However, the Tc is pretty good too so far (and I can sync via WiFi anywhere in my house so the cradle I only need for recharging now) and you will certainly find useful things to do with the extra features and memory. ... Read more

Asin: B000031KIM
Subjects:  1. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA, Electronic Organizer)    2. Palm Connected    3. Handheld (Hand Held)   

Magic 8 Ball
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $7.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Ever wish you could see into the future? If you answered"without a doubt" or "signs point to yes," you are in luck. It is easyto get a sneak preview into the future with Mattel's Magic 8 Ball. Takeall the guesswork out of finding the answers to life's more perplexingquestions. Yes, this is the same Magic 8 Ball you remember from thepast, and it is just as reliable as ever. If you don't get the resultsyou are after, you can always "ask again later!" --Alison Golder ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Boring, stupid questions
It's obvious that 8 balls suck, it's just some random answers that may not be true; or you could get a repetitive question and does no more but to waste your time over un-true questions.

If a robotic company invented a talking 8 ball with no random questions and can be your pal as a lie detector, than that one I like..

Wish I got this MUCH sooner
When my parents questioned me a few weeks ago about my finances, I knew I was in trouble.
I had missed 7 car payments and they had wondered how I let that happen. I told them about how I consult my psychic before I purchase anything. They looked upset, very upset. My psychic hasn't been making good decisions lately, so that's how I was in so much trouble.
When they asked how much my psychic charges, I let them know, she is $35 for a 10 minute session. And, I do have to advise her a lot because I make a lot of purchases.

To help my financial status, my parents gave me one of these to cut down on psychic fees.
Believe it or not, the 8 Ball is actually more accurate than my previous psychic, Helga The Unbeleivable!

I have done very well for myself since I got my 8 Ball and now I think I might be able to buy those buttock implants I've been looking to get for a few years now!

FUN,FUN, AND MORE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this toy is the best toy ive ever gotten!!! The magic 8 ball knows all!I love it!I just got it today and i know i could play with it for countless hours!!!all my friends love it and i ask silly questions too!If u want a great toy come to toys r us and start askin questins!Its also low prise!i love it and ull love it too!
... Read more

Asin: B00001ZWV7
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Wacky    3. Balls    4. Grownup   

LEGO Mindstorms - Robotics Invention System 1.5
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Editorial Review

The Robotics Invention System is the core set in the amazingly innovative and--consideryourself warned--highly addictive Mindstorms series from LEGO. Combining the power of your PC withan onboard RCX (Robot Command Explorer) microcomputer, LEGO gives you the tools to constructthousands of sophisticated robotic inventions. But don't let the technology scare you. As always, LEGOsets can be as simple or as complex as you want. Twelve "Guided Challenges" take you through theconstruction of various robots, including a light-sensitive Trail Tracker and a freewheeling Acroflip. ACD-ROM graphically walks you through Mindstorms' intuitive programming system. Just build your robot,assemble its instructions on the PC, and then download to the robot's RCX through the infrared transmitter.The transmitter works through a 9-pin serial port on your PC. The 717-piece set includes the RCX andtransmitter, the CD-ROM, two motors, two touch sensors, a light sensor, and a Constructopedia to give youmore ideas once you've built your first few robotic pals. The Robotics Invention System requires a 90-MHzWindows 95 machine with 16 MB of RAM and 50 MB of hard-disk space. For more robot fun, check outthe Mindstorms Droid Developer Kit. --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Great, invaluable toy!
Definitely, it is fun to create your own robots. The LEGO company really hit the roof with this one.The programming language for the RCX is easy, and gives you lot of freedom.Thumbs up!

An investment for my son's future
I purchased the Mindstorms 1.5 set seven months ago and my eleven year old son is still obsessed.He was able to follow the directions easily and play with the programming from day one.I was relieved at how independent he could be with the set. Later, we also purchased the Ultimate Accessory set with remote control.He doesn't use it as much.My son has now branched off into learning about basic electronics and has been purchasing small items like motors from our local Radio Shack. He is using these things with the Mindstorms set.He never would have beenable to progress this far if he didn't have the experience with the Mindstorms set.I feel that he is building his future in engineering (or a similiar field) with this great educational set.(I didn't feel right calling it a toy.)

Get This!!
I got this when it first came out (I got the 1.0 version)and its great!! YOu can build ALMOST ANYTHING with legos and this proves it!I was able to build a crude copy machine, a electronic dog, and this robot that could wind string (kinda buggy).It is great and has tons of sites on lego mindstorms from making robots to homemade sensors!Its toally worth your money.... ... Read more

Asin: B0000326N9
Subjects:  1. Construction    2. Building Sets    3. Electronic    4. Motors    5. Robotics   

Logitech QuickCam Express
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $49.95
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Editorial Review

Well, 1984 hit and Big Brother never showed up. But since we have the technology for broadcasting our smiling faces worldwide, we can pretend that it's 1984 all we want. The only difference is, with the Logitech QuickCam Express, we get to be in charge.

Setup for the Logitech QuickCam Express takes only a few minutes; just plug it into a USB port and transfer about 50 MB of software from the accompanying CD into your hard drive. The eerie, eyeball-like camera comes with a base that fits comfortably on top of your monitor or desktop. Calibrate it with the software to get your best side, and you're off and running. With the QuickCam Express you can add photos to online resumes or e-mail, send video letters to faraway friends and family, or use the live conferencing software to turn your computer into a Jetsons-esque video phone.

The image quality isn't perfect; more expensive cameras will yield sharper results. Still, the pictures look good enough for most purposes, and the streaming quality is exceptional (depending, of course, on your Internet connection speed). There are only few controls to master, which will delight the wind-it-up-and-watch-it-go folks, but may infuriate the gadget-loving technophiles out there. For ease of use, low maintenance, and decent quality, the Logitech QuickCam Express is hard to beat. --Rob Lightner

Pros:

• Unobtrusive
• Easy to capture stills
• Simple installation

Cons:

• Lower resolutions than more expensive PC cameras
• Little control over imaging

... Read more

Features

• Plugs in and installs in minutes
• Microsoft NetMeeting included for video chat
• For USB-enabled PCs
• E-mails photos and video as easily as text
• Easy-to-use software lets you save, print, or send images

Reviews (67)

Junk
Total junk.Installer shut down, forcing a manual installation.Image is grainy, regardless of settings, colors aren't right.Horrible, avoid.

C'mon people it's a WEBCAM
I chose the logitech because it was a brand I had heard of and had decent specs for under 30 bucks. I'm using it so that someone can help me install something and see what I'm doing. It has about the resolution of a modern camera phone. I see some people complain about grainyness. However, you must realize that there is a trade-off with crystal clarity from a webcam and that's that unless you both are on T1 lines you're going to have to SEND all of that clarity and then you'd have severely lagging displays. Be sure the subject is well lit by more of full spectrum lighting (a really yellow lamp looks gross). Unless you're starting a naughty business and if you're just looking for a webcam so that you can chat to friends and go "this is neat" without any severe stipulations on what your demands will be it's just fine. The price is good, the design solid. Suits the average person's needs (webcam thrill will fade and you'll stop using it most likely). If you're going to need to see a loved one stationed overseas or for business use you should probably invest actual money into a quality cam. The stills are lame, get a digicam if you want super clear pics.

If you're looking to save dough and enjoy the amusement of a webcam, the logitech quickcam express is a solid model that will perform reliably and clearly enough.

Decent
I bought this because it was in my price range.The quality isn't great, but it does what I need it to do.

If you need a still or video PC camera for school, don't get this one.Spend the extra money and get a really nice one.If you just need a PC camera for instant messageing and sharing photos, this is a good camera. ... Read more

Asin: B00001U0AJ
Subjects:  1. Cameras (Camera)    2. Digital    3. Webcams (Web Cameras)    4. 9611210403    5. Digital Cameras    6. PC Computer Video Phones   

Plantronics H51M12 Supra Monaural Headset and Modular Amplifier
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $219.99 -- our price: $151.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Designed for office telephones, the Plantronics H51-M12 monaural headset offers fine audio controls while still allowing you to hear what's happening in your office environment.

Unlike simpler units, the Plantronics headset-amplifier combo does take a bit of setting up; you'll need to plug your phone's handset cord into the amplifier's handset, the phone base into the amplifier and your phone's handset outlet, and finally the headset cord plugs into a Quick Disconnect module and the amplifier's headset.

Also unlike other headsets, a typical multiline phone will not default to the H51-M12's headset when you press a line button. With this unit, you have to remove the handset from the cradle in order to use the headset. Pressing a line button activates the speakerphone.

However, what's lost in simplicity is gained in finer control over both incoming and outgoing audio levels. The volume control on the front of the amplifier controls the incoming volume--that is, what you hear in your ear. On the side of the unit is a slide that controls outgoing volume--what others hear on the line. However, to move this volume slide, you'll need to use a plastic "screwdriver" located on the bottom of the unit.

The H51-M12 is not for use with cordless phones or units in which the dial pad is located on the handset. For a typical office phone, however, this unit is worth serious consideration. --John Frederick Moore

Pros:

• Flexible incoming and outgoing volume levels
• Good sound quality

Cons:

• Requires lifting the phone's handset

... Read more

Features

• Amplifier included
• Single earpiece headband headset
• Soft ear cusion for all day comfort
• Superior voice tube technology
• Quick disconnect feature for added freedom

Reviews (5)

Editorial Review is Incorrect
The editorial review incorrectly states that "unlike other headsets, a typical multiline phone will not default to the H51-M12's headset when you press a line button. With this unit, you have to remove the handset from the cradle in order to use the headset. Pressing a line button activates the speakerphone." Actually, the ability to leave the handset on the hook is entirely dependent on the telephone itself and has absolutely nothing to do with the headset.A headset ready telephone will default to the M12 and a non-headset ready telephone will not (the phone may need to be programmed).Check your telephone manual to see if it is headset ready (most manuals are poorly organized and there may not be a section specifically for headsets - check either the speakerphone, handsfree, or "how to answer a call" section of the manual).There are occasional exceptions to this rule - a few phone systems, less than one percent, are built with a certain type of headset in mind (your manual will say if this is true) - but those phones are few and far between.

good product
I have been using it for the past 4 month almost every day, and it is really worth every cent. If you are the type of person who use the phone in front of the pc then this is what you exactly need. the good thing that you can use it with any phone regardless of the brand. it turned my cheap phone into a great phone.

A power user
I have used the H51-M12 Plantronics headset for several years. I am in sales and often wear the headset up to 8 hours a day without any fatigue. It is extremely comfortable, has excellent sound quality and works with 95% of phones.However, you may want to contact Plantronics to make sure it works with the particular brand and model of phone you will be using. ... Read more

Asin: B00001W0FJ
Subjects:  1. Headsets    2. Phones (Telephones)    3. Headset (Headphones)   

Lawnware 363 Pink Flamingo Lawn Figures (2)
Average Customer Review:
Lawn & Patio
list price: $16.99
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Editorial Review

There are those of us (and we know who we are) who need pink flamingos on our lawns the way salmon need to swim upstream and morning glory thirsts for sun. For the flamingo lovers of the world, a pair is certainly better than one. These graceful and glaringly pink flamingos are fashioned out of durable plastic, with feathery patterns on the body, black hooked beaks, and soulful black eyes. They can be planted anywhere you like with sturdy yet slender steel posts, adding a subtropical flavor to your surroundings--no matter how much snow or how little rain actually falls on your lawn. You may not have the proper swamplike aura to attract a live flamingo flock, but at least you can simulate the flamingo look with these plastic counterparts, without the otherwise requisite humidity and mosquitoes. ... Read more

Features

• Realistic looking
• Overall height: 34"
• Mounts easily in your lawn and garden with metal stake legs
• 21 3/4" L x 4 1/2" W x 12" H

Reviews (28)

Let Flamingos Migrate In Your Yard!
Over the past couple of years I've had differnt lawn flamingos in my yard. The Don Featherstones were hurled away in a tornado, the Artline's shattered in a hail storm, and those cheap little Whirl-A-Gig ones can't be seen without a magnifying glass. The Lawnware Flamingos have held up to 5ft of snow,2 hailstorms, and 3 tornadoes. They will last along time and will look great for decades. That is why I give them a 5!!

The classic--what else can I say?
For some reason pink lawn flamingos are synonymous with bad taste and what became known as "kitsch," such as glass coffee tables held up by vinyl, rubberized, swimming dolphins, like I saw once. In the old days you just knew that anyone who put them on their lawn was NQOS, "Not quite our sort," and no-one ever invited these people to neighborhood block parties or let their kids play with their kids. How such a graceful bird became associated with the ultimate in tacky I don't know, but there it is. So for those iconoclasts out there still dying the show the world you have no couth or taste Lawnware still makes these lawn flamingos. They also work for discouraging burglars from breaking into your house and stealing your wide-screen TV and other things, because they'll assume you're too clueless to have anything of value, especially if you also have a couple of old cars on your front lawn missing a wheel or two. Works for me, anyway.

Funny Flamingoes
I really like flamingoes.They're funny birds.For some reason, I was really excited when I saw that I could get a set of my very own pink flamingoes.They're very durable and cute too!When people say they fall apart, all they mean is that the legs slide off the body piece.It's really not a problem and easy to fix. My flamingoes are residents in my hallway, butwoul dlook great outside. They are a great buy and I'm glad I got themIf they look remotely interesting to you, I'd suggest that you buy them.They are an enjoyment! ... Read more

Asin: B00004RA4O
Subjects:  1. Plastic    2. Birds    3. Flamingoes    4. Statues    5. Outdoor Décor    6. Lawn & Garden Ornaments    7. Yard Art   

The Micra is a tough little addition to the Leatherman line of multitools. It's impressive that such a compact design packs in 10 tools and weighs only 1-3/4 ounces. Unlike some of its larger, more expensive competitors, the Micra truly is a pocket tool, in the sense that it's small and light enough to be carried comfortably in your pocket. The scissors on the Micra are among the most effective we've seen on a pocket tool, and the tweezers don't detach (and get lost) as do those of some other brands. No question about it, this is a great gift--you might want to consider buying an extra, however, because once the Micra's in your hands, you may not want to part with it. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• 10 tools in one ultra-compact unit
• Weighs only 1-3/4 ounces
• Small enough for pocket or keychain
• Includes scissors, clip-point knife, tweezers, screwdrivers, bottle opener, and more
• 25 year warranty

Asin: B0000224UA

Nissan 1-Quart Vacuum Insulated Coffee Press
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $49.50 -- our price: $29.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Don't confine the pleasure of pressed coffee to home. With this combination of coffee press and vacuum-insulated thermos, European-style coffee turns up at the office or campground and stays hot three times longer than coffee made in a glass press. Simply spoon in ground coffee, add boiling water, place the lid on with plunger in the up position, wait four minutes, push down the plunger slowly, and . . . Presto! Fresh, piping-hot coffee for two or three hours. Lightweight and virtually unbreakable, the press has a handsome, satin-finish exterior and tough, nonslip, black plastic top and bottom. The press parts and smooth interior clean with sponge or cloth. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Five-year warranty against defects
• Makes pressed coffee and keeps it hot for hours
• Holds a bit over 1 quart
• Steel-mesh screen is replaceable
• Hand wash with mild detergent

Reviews (16)

not superlative, but thermally insulated is the way to go
Short answer: Pretty good, nor perfect, but recommended.

Screen does not appear (to my amateur eyes) to fit the walls as smoothly as a bodum glass model I saw, i.e. there are small indentations in my screen that may or may not merely be cosmetic, but then again mine arrived dented as was probably abused be a previous jerk who returned it (and then they re-sent it out to me -- why, I dunno.) Anyway, it doesn't seem to affect the coffee, but I'm a novice (as if it matters).

I think an uninsulated one would be a real pain. This keeps it hot for a 30 minutes to a few hours (with the time varying mainly on how much coffee you leave in it). A glass one would lose heat rapidly by comparison so if you drink a pot over an hour or so like me you'll really want this or bodum's similar offering.

Replacement French press screen
I have this pot for years and Bodum makes replacement screens that will fit this pot.Shame that they make the screen for their product as well as Nissan and they clearly state that it will fit the Nissan...

http://www.coffee-makers-espresso-machines.com/repfrenpresm.html

Great press; but no more screens
We have had this press for over a year and use it almost every day. It keeps the coffee hot long enough (we drink it before it has a chance to get cold anyway!), plus it just makes excellent tasting coffee. We do take issue with the manufacturer, however, as I just called them (11/3/03) and they said they no longer make the replacement screens--and that they are the only ones who made them.Yet they will replace the whole pot if you need a new screen.Does this make any sense? ... Read more

Asin: B00004S1DB
Subjects:  1. French Presses    2. Coffee Presses    3. Nissan    4. Thermos    5. Camping Accessories