Saturday, February 16, 2008

Grocery List Organizer




Grocery List Organizer
The instructions for adding a product could be clearer - which is probably why some give up on the product. Instead of having to move the arrow to each letter to spell in a new product you can just speak the letter. When spelling, you don't have to press Record. You also have to be aware that each added product needs to go in its own group so the printout will put it in the correct category.


A couple of places I have had problems:
1. have to find the word again to pronounce the word more than once (e.g. glucosamine is not recognized with just one training).
2. Adding a word (by spelling) is very easy if the unit is on the refrigerator but is close to impossible if you are trying to set it up on your desk before you put it on the refrigerator
3. Instructions for adding multiple units are OK but haven't gotten them to work. Haven't tried coupons. It's easier to just mark on the list by pen.

All in all it's very useful even if you don't have the time or energy to figure out all of the features. And it's readable - unlike our prior grocery list!

This nifty organizer from SmartShopper eliminates the need to dig up a pad of paper and a pencil and try to remember what you need when you want to make a shopping list. Keep this handy device stuck to your fridge magnetically, or mount it on the kitchen wall with the included kit, and you're set to go. At breakfast when the milk runs out, simply push the Record button and say "milk." At lunch when you realize you're out of bread, push and speak again. Kids will love helping out. You can also add errands, such as going to the bank or post office. Entries are automatically alphabetized. When you push the Print button, the list is printed with errands at the top and food items by category, to make your shopping expeditions more efficient.

Easy and intuitive to use, the SmartShopper is already loaded with state-of-the-art voice recognition software, a thermal printer that doesn't require ink, and 2,500 item names, for everything from brand-name cereals to antacids to paper towels. Three rolls of thermal paper are included as well. All you need to add are four AA batteries. Arrow buttons allow you to scroll through your list, delete an item if you wish, or add a customized item to the pre-loaded list. With its brushed metal exterior, large LCD window, and front-loading door for paper, the SmartShopper makes a great gift, especially for those who may have trouble writing due to arthritis and other health conditions.

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Thursday, February 14, 2008

Slacker Portable Player (8GB/40 stations)




The Slacker Portable Player offers an innovative way to discover new music on the go, and its screen is extra large and full of information. The interface is intuitive (minus the touch strip), and the service that complements the device is a bargain.

But, the Slacker Portable Player is large and doesn't feel as high quality as the price point suggests. The device also suffers from background hiss during the playback of stations and awkward placement of volume controls.

The bottom line: The Slacker Portable Player isn't the best player for audiophiles and control freaks, but its excellent accompanying service makes it perfect for those who want their music provided to them for very minimal effort and cost.
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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Apple MacBook Air Review





MacBook Air has the following specifications:

  • Mac OS X v10.5.1 Leopard and Windows Vista Ultimate
  • Intel Core 2 Duo P7500 1.6GHz (4MB L2 cache, 800MHz frontside bus)
  • 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
  • 80GB 4200rpm parallel ATA hard disk drive
  • 13.3" glossy widescreen TFT LED backlit display (1280 x 800)
  • Intel GMA X3100 graphics (144MB of shared memory)
  • iSight webcam
  • AirPort Extreme WiFi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n)
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
  • Micro DVI, USB 2.0 port (480Mbps), Audio out
  • Dimensions : 0.16-0.76", 12.8", 8.94" (H, W, D)
  • Weight: 3.0 pounds (3lbs 0.6oz actual)
  • Integrated 37-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
  • 45W MagSafe power adapter with cable management system (6.5oz)

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Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Samsung NV




Samsung has announced a trio of new compacts in its NV (New Vision) series, upping the resolution in the range-topping NV20 to 12 megapixels with 8 and 10 MP sensors available in the NV8 and NV15. All three feature the same attractive styling and innovative 'Smart Touch' interface as before - albeit with tweaks. The NV20 is the first camera from Samsung to feature a new and improved image processing system - it will be interesting to see how that performs when the cameras arrive at the end of August 07.


NV Series strengthened with launch of three stylish new digital compact cameras

30 July, 2007, London, UK - Samsung Cameras, leaders in innovation and digital imaging, is building on the success of the groundbreaking NV Series with the launch of three new premium compact cameras. Continuing the themes of innovative technology and user-friendly features, the new NV8, NV15 and NV20 also sport the stylish blue ring design which has become a trademark for Samsung quality and design in the digital camera market.

All three new models in the NV Series include Samsung’s award winning Smart Touch User Interface which has now been further enhanced for easy and convenient control – a gentle touch is all it takes to navigate menu items, change the camera settings, or view your pictures. Samsung’s new NV models also include improved processing technology which allows faster operation of functions within the camera’s ultra-thin stylish bodies. Improved functions include, faster processing of images and improved noise reduction. Other developments include faster Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) to 0.7 seconds, advanced noise reduction which supports up to ISO 3200 and a new local contrast control which enables the camera to compensate the brightness of a shadowed subject in backlit conditions for even better results.

“Samsung Cameras award winning NV Digital Camera range has set the benchmark for quality and innovation. With new improved processing technology and enhanced features the NV8, NV15 and NV20 build upon this success. Quite simply our new NV cameras ensure photographers of all levels can enjoy taking high quality images they can be proud of” said Robert King, Commercial Director, Samsung Cameras UK.

NV20
The NV20 is Samsung’s first 12 mega pixel compact camera featuring Samsung’s improved processing technology combined with features such as a 3 x optical zoom lens, Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) and Red-eye fix to deliver optimum image quality to all photographers. The sleek NV20 also offers additional functionality such as TV quality MPEG-4 VGA (640x480) 30 fps video recording and a photo gallery function for convenient picture viewing with the Smart Touch interface. The NV20 boasts a 2.5” LCD screen, a multi-charging system and it comes with a rechargeable battery.

NV15
With 10 mega pixels and a 2.5" wide-view LCD, the NV15 provides brighter, sharper, more detailed images. Coupled with Samsung's unique Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) system, the NV15 enables you to take clearer pictures indoors or in lower light conditions. The NV10 also features TV quality MPEG-4 VGA (640x480) 30fps video recording. The NV15 comes complete with a rechargeable battery and can also be charged via USB.

NV8
Functioning as a high resolution 8 mega-pixel digital camera, the NV8 is a stylish yet practical device sure to attract the next generation of digital photographers. With both Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) system and Red Eye Fix technology the NV8 will produce stunning results for photographers of all levels. The NV8 with 3 x optical zoom is encased in a thin body and boasts the stylish black design in keeping with the NV Series. It also has powerful movie capabilities and a 2.5” LCD screen.

The NV20 is priced at £249, NV15 at £229 and NV8 at £199 and will be available from leading high street and online retailers from September 2007. All Samsung cameras also have a two year warranty included. Customers requiring further information should call 00 800 122 637 27 or visit www.samsungcamera.co.uk

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