Feed: Windows Xp Home Software - AggScore: 50.1

Apple Logic Express 8 Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Here we are six months after this product was released, and there's only one review so far.I guess that's because Logic Express's big brother, Logic Studio, gets all the attention.Hey, I'd love to have Logic Studio too, especially with all those Jam Packs, as an amateur "tinkerer", I really can't justify paying five hundred bucks or so.

I decided to take the plunge on Logic Express 8 since it has much of the good stuff of Logic Studio, but it's about 300 bucks less.I'm glad I bought this.It's a lot of fun

I've had it just a couple of weeks so far, and I haven't even scratched the surface of its capabilities.Mostly I've spent my time playing with the EXS-24 sampler and the EVOC-20 vocoder.Vocoder you say?Yep.It's not even mentioned in the description above. I use a simple logitech headset mic and an M-Audio Oxygen midi controller and it works like a charm.

As to the EXS-24 sampler: a lot of people are interested in the sample library that comes with the Express version.As you are probably aware, the express version does not come with the 4 Jam Pack DVD-Roms. The library included with Express has some holes, but it is fairly easy to fill those holes with freely downloaded soundfonts from the web.

You don't get the nice box and documentation with the Express version, but the sequencer and audio recording capabilities are full-fidelity and full function.Honestly, most people are not going to miss the advanced features of Studio because there's enough to keep you busy learning for years.

The thing that made me decide to buy Logic Express 8 now rather than waiting until I had the money to buy Studio was the upgrade policy. You can upgrade to the Full Studio version for $299, which is the approximate difference in price between the packages.

UPDATE 7/2008

Now that I've been playing with Logic Express 8 for about six months, I want to add more depth to my previous comments.It still rates 5 stars for value; however I've run into areas that Apple can improve on the next refresh.

The EXS-24 sampler can lose track of samples if your library gets too large.There are work-arounds.You can split your instruments into separate Sampler Instrument folders, and you can use EXS Manager, a 3rd party software package, but it should be unnecessary.

The ES2 synthesizer sounds nice, but its user interface is obtuse, crowded and behind the times.

There is no paper manual.I'd pay an extra 20-30 bucks to get a genuine users manual with the software.

At least "right out of the box" Logic Express does not "play nice" with most midi controllers.If you want to use the buttons and sliders on your midi controller, you need to program them yourself.Personally, I haven't found the time.I can see why Apple came up with the Soundstage application that it bundles with the Studio version of Logic.Accessing your sounds across multiple built-in synths can take multiple steps in Logic Express.If you are a performing musician, you probably will eventually want Logic Studio.

Last but not least, Logic does a poor job at importing General Midi files.Basically, in this department, Logic is equal to, but no better than Garageband.Logic imports the GM file, converts it to a logic file, and assigns each track to a default instrument that often sounds nothing like the GM standard. The EXS sampler does not have a general midi soundfont.Quicktime, which comes with every mac, does have a good general midi soundfont, and you can play the Quicktime synthesizer from Logic, BUT you can't save presets, and the program does not automatically map the sounds, which makes it pretty useless.

Other than accurate General Midi importing, my wishlist would include built-in vocal-reduction (karaoke) support and pitch-to-midi input.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Apple Logic Express 8

Product Description:
Logic Express 8. Powerful music creation. Logic Express 8 delivers the power, precision, and professional toolset of Logic Pro 8--including a redesigned interface that allows musicians to write, record, edit, and mix with unparalleled speed and ease. Logic Express includes all the functionality of Logic Pro 8 except for four high-end professional features--surround, TDM/DAE support, distributed audio processing (DAP), and support for high-end control surfaces. Logic Express 8 comes with an expanded collection of professional instrument and effect plug-ins from Logic Studio, as well as channel strip settings and plug-in settings that allow you to begin making music immediately with professionally designed sounds. Logic Express is the ideal application for professional musicians and producers who want to get into the world of Logic for $199, as well as GarageBand users who are ready to take their music to the next level. A World of Options Logic Express puts a world of creative options at your fingertips, thanks to an open architecture that lets you use a wide range of audio interfaces and many different control surfaces. You can also explore hundreds of third-party Audio Units instruments and effects and incorporate sounds from third-party applications such as Ableton Live and Propellerhead Reason. Logic Express lets you work anywhere at any time, without proprietary hardware. When inspiration strikes, all you need is Logic Express and a Mac to capture your ideas and turn them into music-at home, on the road, or in the studio.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Apple Logic Express 8 now ?

Propellerhead Record (for Reason Owners) Software Recording Studio for Musicians Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is perhaps the easiest decision for someone to make - would a Reason users like to be able to record audio in conjunction with Reason?Look no further.

As a stand-alone audio recording application, Record is at the top of the line for functionality, ease of use and sound.Using the same beautiful, intuitive old-school interface structure as Reason, Record is ready to use immediately after installation.Anyone who is familiar with recording on any multi-track device will find this application a pleasure to use and immensely productive.Along with multi-track recording, limited only by your computer's processing power, Record has a standard complement of audio editing tools for splicing multiple takes of any track into an ideal master.It's also excellent for mixing and remixing, with an exceptional mixer interface model after classic SSL boards, complete with built in EQ and compression and elegant effects in-out connections.Although Record has no sound modules other than an extremely basic sketch unit, it does offer the full set of effects devices.

But the details don't matter so much as whether Reason users would like to record in their application.If you have Reason, and install Record, they are immediately and completely integrated.You cannot run both simultaneously - Reason prevents Record from launching.This is not a problem of any kind, however, as launching Record makes the full set of Reason devices available to be put into a rack, just like in Reason.In fact, using Record is identical to using Reason, with the addition that you now have full audio capability.The beta-test version of this application was 99% stable and bug-free, so buy, load and launch with confidence.Absolutely beautiful, a stunning example of good design and functionality.Highest recommendation

Click Here to see more reviews about: Propellerhead Record (for Reason Owners) Software Recording Studio for Musicians

Product Description:
Record for Reason Owners gives registered Reason users a direct path to add Record to their setup. Record for Reason Owners contains a complete version of Record, Propellerhead Software's brand new recording software, and upgrades Reason for complete integration.Record gives you unlimited audio tracks, world class effects and mixing gear, and a whole new take on music recording. Couple it with Reason and your favorite Reason devices appear inside the Record rack. With an intuitive, straightforward interface and a hands-on approach to capturing performances, Record was designed for musicians-not audio engineers. This is recording done right.Highlights in RecordPropellerhead Record combines recording and an ultra high-class mixer console with the limitless flexibility of the Reason rack.Record fully integrates with Reason—all your favorite devices are available directly in Record's ever-expandable, multiple racks. For Reason users, Record has zero learning curve; work in the comfort of an environment you know and love.To help you arrange your tracks in a smooth, effortless way, Record comes with a fast and flexible sequencer. Immediate and intuitive, Record's sequencer puts you in control of your arrangements, letting you move and edit parts as you go along, while Record's comping editor lets you effortlessly edit your takes into the single best performance.Record's software mixer's sound is faithfully modeled after* the legendary SSL® 9000K hardware. Flexible routing, full dynamics, EQ, advanced effects handling, full automation and a 64-bit mix bus gives you that big studio sound.For guitarists and bassists, the built-in virtual POD® from Line 6, Inc. brings a wide range of top-quality guitar amps, bass amps and a great collection of cabinets.With its state-of-the-art dynamic multicore audio handling, Record will use your computer's processing power to its fullest, so you'll never have worry about track counts or adding that extra reverb or delay.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Propellerhead Record (for Reason Owners) Software Recording Studio for Musicians now ?

Slots Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A table game player myself, I tend to look down on slot players with derision.These one arm bandits live up to their name by being specifically programmed to take your money (which explains why there are so many of them in a casino) and I just have a hard time understanding the appeal.Slot players conjure up visions of laboratory rats pushing on a bar in some pavlovian experiment in order to get their food pellet.
That said, I know a few slot addicts and this game was a recent birthday present.I have to give Masque a thumbs up for taking the initiative to license actual casino slots from IGT (the 500lb gorilla in the slot manufacturing category) and they have done a fairly good job in recreating these slots for your home pc.Minus the obvious lack of actual cash being paid for hitting the jackpot, you get a real slot experience in many popular slots, including Double Diamond, Blazing 7's, Balloon Bars, Wild Cherry and more.These work like the real machines, too, meaning for instance the diamonds in Double Diamond move up and down towards the paylines as they do in the real thing (unlike the godawful slots included in the Hoyle Casino package which is an otherwise good game.)They even included a nice option allowing you to set the slots to actual ...casino payouts or extra-high payouts for those who want their virtual cash to last more than an hour.
I was disappointed, however, in the way the slots are viewed on the screen - a 3/4 machine view where you can see other slots to the left and right of the machine.There is no option to get a view that focuses just on the machine you are playing.In addition, the sound the machines make when the reels are spinning appear to be very bad samples of the actual IGT sounds.Finally, these machines are getting dated in my opinion and are already being replaced in casinos with "themed" slots such as Austin Powers, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy or slots offering bonus rounds such as Jackpot Party, Winning Bid, and Cash Crop.You won't find these machines in this package.
Since I hate slot machines, it would be unfair to say my boredom with playing this game would be matched by others; my slot addict friends were very happy with the present.I can say, however, that I also played Real Deal Slots by Phantom EFX and was pleasantly surprised.If you're looking for a slot game based on sheer "fun factor" I would suggest buying that game first.However, if you have a nostalgic fondness for the IGT slot machines I mentioned and you want an accurate recreation of those machines, this game is the way to go.
By the way, Masque does an even better portrayal of the IGT video poker machines in their game "Multiplay Video Poker" which ...(the website) currently does not sell... hint hint...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Slots

Product Description:
Play the most popular slots from IGT, the world leader in designdevelopment and manufacture of slot machines. Actual casino slot action canbe found in this collection of authentic replications of actual slotmachines. Includes 50 of the best slot machines, including Balloon Bars,Blackjack, Candy Bars, Cartoon Wild Cherry, Casino Night, Cats 'n Dogs,Diamond 5s, Double Bucks, Double Diamond Deluxe, Five Times Pay, Fourth ofJuly, Haywire, Jackpot Jungle, Kangaroo, and Leap Frog.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Slots now ?

Rosetta Stone V2: Tagalog, Level 1 & 2 Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)So far I am very happy with this program. I have been using this program for a short time and can tell what I'm learning is sticking. One thing I like about this program is that unlike books and some other programs it doesnt get bogged down in explaining endings and cases, it teaches by using them in context. The one weakness is that like many language programs/books it doesn't always convey they way "it's really done". For example after learning the basic colors my wife (who is a native speaker) explained to me they use the english words for most colors. I think that anyone who sticks with this program will get a good grasp on the language. I would recommend once you have a good grasp watching some tagalog movies to hear what you've learned in a "realistic" setting.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rosetta Stone V2: Tagalog, Level 1 and 2

Product Description:
Why is Rosetta Stone the world's No. 1 language-learning software? Because it works.
Escape the endless tedium of translation, memorization, and grammar drills. Get the language you want, the skills you need, and the success you deserve by learning a newlanguage naturally--the same way you learned your first language.



The complete immersion environment puts your native language-learning skills to work, eliminating your dependence on tedious translation and rote memorization.

Images Intuition
In Rosetta Stone you learn the meaning of new language from clear, real-life images.


In this activity you learn a few basic nouns.

You advance using language you've learned and clues from new images. That's your intuition at work.


Now that you know these nouns, you can easily grasp the meaning of the new verb...
Interactivity Instruction
Throughout Rosetta Stone, you constantly interact with the program to confirm your intuition.


...and then check what you've learned.

From beginning to end you build systematically toward your language-learning goals, for the most effective and enjoyable instruction anywhere.


Pattern your speech after a native speaker. Our speech comparison feature shows you exactly how you're doing.

You learned your first language without translation.
You learned your first language easily and naturally by connecting words to objects and events around you. With Rosetta Stone, learn a new language the same way: using native speakers and thousands of real-life images to help you think in the new language from the very beginning. Studies show that learning exclusively in the new language, without translation as a crutch, is crucial.
Rosetta Stone's exclusive Dynamic Immersion method reinforces your natural language-learning skills with award-winning instructional technology.
The timeless immersion method, along with research-based techniques and new technologies, make Rosetta Stone the clear solution to your language-learning needs.What will you be able to do?

Understand everyday language.
Through Rosetta Stone's proficiency-based listening and reading activities, you'll soon be able to understand everyday language.
Pronounce words correctly.
After practicing with Rosetta Stone's proprietary speech comparison tool, the correct pronunciation of words will come easily.
Find the words you need when you need them.
Connecting new language directly to real-life images means the words spring to mind when you're in everyday contexts.
Spell and write accurately.
Language-specific keyboards and drag-and-drop tiles perfect your writing skills.
Learn to communicate.
You'll quicklycombine words and phrases into complete sentences and dialogues.
Retain what you learn.
Regular reinforcement of new words and phrases in new contexts ensures the language sticks with you in the real world.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Rosetta Stone V2: Tagalog, Level 1 and 2 now ?

Corel WordPerfect Office 12 Standard Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Having now had WordPerfect 12 installed for some time, I can say that Corel has done well in their target area of improving compatibility with MS Office. There really isn't much else new about this version, but improving WP's ability to co-exist with MS Office may be what is needed to keep this once-great suite going.
Why consider WP12 if you're looking for an alternative to MS Office? Put simply, StarOffice/OpenOffice just isn't ready yet. Every part of the WordPerfect suite is more polished, more powerful and more flexible than the equivalent component in SO/OOo. Of course WP12 has Reveal Codes, which neither SO/OOo nor MS Office has, but even in features that they have in common, like Publish-to-PDF,WP's version is more professional than the SO/OOo equivalent.
QuattroPro sometimes gets a bad rap, but it is a very powerful spreadsheet, with its own Pivot Tables (the equivalent of Excel's CrossTabs), and it offers 1 million rows and 18,000 columns, far more than ANY of its competitors.
Paradox is the sort of database app that makes its MS Office "equivalent" look like a child's toy, if you are prepared for the steeper learning curve.
Of course the heart of the suite is the incomparable WordPerfect itself, and version 12 is not an embarrassment to its predecessors. Even though the only major improvements have been to compatibility with MS Office (significantly better in WP, QP and Presentations), there have been some other useful bug fixes and refinements.
The really exciting thing about this release is the evidence that Corel (now owned by Vector, and in a much healthier financial situation than it has been for years) has renewed its commitment to the suite, and is being realistic about what is needed to protect WP's niche in the market. Planning for version 13 is apparently already under way, as is a trial of a version for Linux, so WordPerfect is definitely here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Having used both OpenOffice and StarOffice for over a year now, I can honestly say that, if you are looking for an enterprise-quality, professional business suite alternative to MS Office, WP12 is a much better choice. The quality difference is especially noticeable in the respective spreadsheet applications, with QuattroPro being several orders of magnitude more powerful and useful than Calc.
In summary, if, for any reason, you want an alternative to MS Office, WP12 is it. Sure, it's not free, but the competitive pricing structure for upgrades make it a very economical choice, and the quality of the product is such that the cost is money VERY well spent. WORDPERFECT LIVES!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Corel WordPerfect Office 12 Standard

Product Description:
WordPerfect Office 12 has all that you need for better office management and efficiency. It's a powerful productivity suite featuring word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and address book applications. Boost your office productivity, manage contacts and produce fantastic office documents & slideshows -- all with a single product! Greater support for open standards like Quattro Pro 2, Presentations 12 with HTML, XML, and Microsoft Office productsAlso includes ACT Express & Peachtree Accounting

Want to read more honest consumer review about Corel WordPerfect Office 12 Standard now ?

Rosetta Stone V3: French, Level 1, 2 & 3 Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been interested in languages for years.I've spent many, many thousands of dollars on language learning aids.I have to say that, although I was very skeptical about buying it, this one is truly amazing.I was afraid to buy it because of the cheesy computer language programs I'd seen years ago.But this software is excellent -- they've come a long way with these programs.The photography is beautiful and the speech analysis software is astounding.You can set the strictness of the speech analyzer from 1 to 10.I set it on the hardest since I want to have a really good accent.Installation was trivial.Very, very easy to install on a Windows XP.They are also good about customer service.

Another nice feature is that you can have multiple users and it will keep track of each person's progress independently.

I had one gripe about the volume control not being located in the software itself.Rather irritating.Apparently it used to be, but is now just controlled outside the application in the volume control settings on your computer.And the specific setting on a Windows computer that it uses is the "Wave" volume setting.The Pimsleur audio cds I have are great in that you acquire an excellent accent and learn to speak well, but it takes some real dedication to get through all the recordings and you don't learn to read.The Capretz "French in Action" series is fantastic, but quite expensive for the entire video program, books, audio, etc.This one, while also somewhat expensive, is a lot of fun.It is highly effective for teaching speech, writing, and reading.It is entertaining in the same way that playing games on the computer can be entertaining.I would say that the only thing it does not teach is conversational skills, but that is why I would suggest using it in conjunction with Pimsleur and other tools.

I use all three of these tools but this one is perhaps the most fun.The "French in Action" video program is also a lot of fun to watch, but the workbook and audio lessons require a fair amount of effort (but are effective).I learn to speak with Pimsleur, to understand spoken French with "French in Action", and learn to write, read, pronounce French and increase my vocabulary with Rosetta Stone.

I'm learning French really fast with Rosetta Stone.I'm glad I finally decided to give it a try.Note that if you purchase the product through them, (as of the date of this writing) they offer free shipping a six month return policy -- no questions asked.It may cost a bit more than getting it through other means, but if you are concerned about whether it is right for you, it may be worth it to check out their guarantee policy.But if you are already sure you want to keep it, it is worthwhile getting it on sale elsewhere.They offer this guarantee because they are pretty confident about their product, and I can see why they would be.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rosetta Stone V3: French, Level 1, 2 and 3

Product Description:
Why is Rosetta Stone the world's No. 1 language-learning software? Because it works.
Escape the endless tedium of translation, memorization, and grammar drills. Get the language you want, the skills you need and the success you deserve by learning a newlanguage naturally--the same way you learned your first language.



The complete immersion environment puts your native language-learning skills to work, eliminating your dependence on tedious translation and rote memorization.

Images Intuition
In Rosetta Stone you learn the meaning of new language from clear, real-life images.


In this activity you learn colors.

You advance using language you've learned and clues from new images. That's your intuition at work.


Now that you know colors, you can easily grasp the meaning of the new words...
Interactivity Instruction
Throughout Rosetta Stone, you constantly interact with the program to confirm your intuition.


...and then check what you've learned.

From beginning to end you build systematically toward your language-learning goals, for the most effective and enjoyable instruction anywhere.


And finally, you get the fun of trying your new language in a real-life simulation. Speech recognition shows you exactly how you're doing.

You learned your first language without translation.
You learned your first language easily and naturally by connecting words to objects and events around you. With Rosetta Stone, learn a new language the same way: using native speakers and thousands of real-life images to help you think in the new language from the very beginning. Studies show that learning exclusively in the new language, without translation as a crutch, is crucial.
The exclusive Dynamic Immersion method reinforces your natural language-learning skills with award-winning instructional technology. Identify your learning goals, then choose customized courses that take you there.
The timeless immersion method, along with research-based techniques and new technologies, make Rosetta Stone the clear solution to your language-learning needs.What will you be able to do?

Understand everyday language.
Through Rosetta Stone's proficiency-based listening and reading activities, you'll learn quickly.
Pronounce words correctly.
After practicing with Rosetta Stone's speech recognition and analysis tools, pronunciation will come easily.
Speak without a script.
Contextual Formation makes sure you have the confidence and cues you need to get the words out on the spot.
Spell and write accurately.
You'llbuild gradually from letters to words and sentences.
Engage in real-life conversations.
With Milestone activities, gain confidence using speech alone in simulated situations.
Retain what you learn.
The unique Adaptive Recall reinforces language so it sticks with you in the real world.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Rosetta Stone V3: French, Level 1, 2 and 3 now ?

Nero 7 Ultra Edition Enhanced Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've used Nero since Version 5.So upon installation on my Vista Home Premium system, the interface was familiar and easy to navigate.All the functions I want to use are there and seem to be working just fine.

I've read complaints here and elsewhere that Nero 7 takes over your system.It's important to be careful about which components you install (you can always add a component later).Also, and this is critical, they give you the option as to which files you want Nero to open by default.I simply deselected all of them.If I want Nero to, say, open a jpg file, I'll use the "Open with" command.I also did not install any program icons on my desktop.And to avoid installation problems, be sure to turn off any antivirus software and any other programs you have running (like it says in the manual).If you have earlier versions of Nero installed, be sure to remove them first before you do anything else.I did all of that and it was a very straightforward and easy installation.The only really annoying thing was, at the very outset of the installation, they give you the option to install "Just Ask".It's easy to miss, and I don't want it.So be sure to look for that and deselect it if you don't want it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nero 7 Ultra Edition Enhanced

Product Description:
Nero 7 Ultra Edition Enhanced provides you with everything you need to complete your digital media tasks on your PC or on your TV.This award-winning software provides you with over 20 applications in ONE solution with ease of use and cutting-edge technology.Whether you want to burn CDs or DVDs, edit your videos or digital photos, backup your favorite DVD movies*, access your files from your TV, record your favorite TV programs, or complete an entire system backup, Nero 7 Ultra Edition offers you the most complete and comprehensive digital media solution available today!

Want to read more honest consumer review about Nero 7 Ultra Edition Enhanced now ?

The Sims - The People Simulator from the Creator of SimCity Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am 12 years old and I have had this game for about a month now. It is very fun and addictive. One thing I would like to point out, is that parents should not be worried by the rating saying T for teen and "mature sexual themes." These "mature sexual themes" do not exist. Unless they consider kissing as that, they don't have anything like that in it. You control your sims and help them make friends, get a job, etc.
When you first start out, you choose the last name for your sim, and the first name. Then you choose gender (male or female) then choose the head, clothing, and personality. Then you can right a biography about your sim, but you can just skip that. Then, you click done and you can then move them into a house or lot. You can choose an already built house, or buy an empty lot and build from scratch. After that, start living! you have to get your sims a job, and help them fulfill their needs: hunger, by feeding them, comfort, by letting them sit down in a chair or sofa or couch, hygiene, by telling them to take a bath or shower (don't worry, nudity is blurred out), bladder, by making them use the toilet (also blurred out), energy, by giving them coffee, expresso, or making them go to bed, social, by having them do something with another sim, fun, by having them do something fun such as playing on the computer, and finally room, this is not a major thing, but to improve the room rating, just keep it clean, and put up paintings and such. So, should you get this game? Absolutely! It's worth it, although it can get kind of repetitive after a while, unless you get expansion packs, but despite that, go ahead and get it! It's worth it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Sims - The People Simulator from the Creator of SimCity

Product Description:
Get the best-selling PC game of all time and all seven of its expansion packs! / Rated T: Teen With The Sims - Unleashed you'll add a furry friend to your Sims family. Housebreak your pets, train them to do tricks, buy them toys, and do your best to keep them from destroying the house! The Sims - Superstar lets you experience the lifestyles of the rich and famous and guide your Sims to superstardom. Become a movie star, rocker, or supermodel and spend your cash on extravagant new items for your home. In The Sims - Makin' Magic you'll cast spells, hypnotize friends, and even turn a neighbor into a frog. But watch out, spells can go haywire if you're not careful. The neighborhood will never be the same!

Want to read more honest consumer review about The Sims - The People Simulator from the Creator of SimCity now ?

The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm going to try to give a fair review of this pack for those of you considering it. But this is going to be hard, so please bear with me.

This "Stuff" pack, released less then a month after "Open for Business" came out, is minimal at best. I bought this, going against the advice you see here by other reviewers. I was sorely lacking for some kids room ideas, having done "Alien Rooms" and "Soccer Rooms" to the hilt. As a long time Sims fan, I generally don't like downloading objects from the internet fan sites, as I've heard stories of viruses being in them, and also them ruining your saved games. This stuff pack seemed to be a happy medium. I would be able to get new objects for my Sims, without introducing a entire new part of the game, as in the previous expansions.

Something about the best laid plans - they never work! I bought this today, luckily at a less expensive price then Amazon, at Target. I installed it, and made a "Sea" and "Castle" theme room for my Sims. That took all of 15 minutes. This is the problem with the pack. Those rooms are neat and spiffy, but to totally go through an expansion pack, trying all the different options within 15 minutes, means to me that it's not worth the money. The clothing options for adults are limited to 3 outfits each in the Hawaiian style. There's no new adult things, just a few minimal decorating objects. This pack would have been better named "Kids Fun Stuff" because it's truly about the kids.

My opinion comes down to save your money. I know people are going to be miffed with this pack and probably sell it in Amazon.Com marketplace for alot less then it's selling for now. If you must have this pack to complete your collection, my advice is to wait.

If Maxis/EA wants to release stuff collections like this one, I would think a downloadable pack on the internet for about five dollars would be reasonable. 20 dollars for a pack like this just isn't fair to your die hard Sims fan. Considering that an average Sims player forks over 50 for the original game, 30 for each expansion, this was an unfair move to capitalize on a weakness of the game. (Weakness being lack of good kids stuff)

Just my two cents :o)

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff

Product Description:
The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff is an expansion pack that requires the complete Sims 2 game in order to play. In The Sims 2, like The Sims before it, which quickly grew to be on of the most popular PC games of all time, you create one or more autonomous characters (sims) with distinct personalities and needs. You then create a virtual household for your sims, deciding whether they're roommates, spouses, or parents, and you move them into a pre- or custom-built house and neighborhood.

Turn your sims into dragons, princesses, pirate captains, and more with the new costumes. View larger.

Add a whole new selection of furniture, clothing, and home decor to your Sims 2 characters' world. View larger. Your sims will interact with each other and other sims in their community, with children going to school while the adults head to work. The Sims 2, however, has several new options, such as an enhanced neighborhood editor that lets you import custom cities from Maxis' own SimCity 4 (not included), and expanded building options for building bigger houses.
The most significant additions in The Sims 2 are the behavioral and character enhancements made to the sims themselves. While sims still have specific personality types determined by their horoscopes and adjustable individual characteristics, such as neatness, niceness, and playfulness, they now have some notable new features, such as memories, genetics, aging, and the new aspiration/fear system. When creating a family, you can now have the game randomly generate children based on their parents' appearance and personality, though you can still edit these children. You can choose to re-create a real-life couple or family to see what kind of genes get handed down from generation to generation. Or you can experiment by interjecting the DNA from an alien into the family tree, as The Sims 2 includes the ability to create aliens from outer space and even marry them off to your more outlandish sims family members.
The Family Fun Stuff expansion pack lets you add a whole new selection of furniture, clothing, and home decor to your Sims 2 characters' world. The decor comes in several different themes, each of which is distinct and fantastic. With this expansion pack you can turn your sims' house into a fantasy castle, complete with four poster beds and tapestries, or decide to make them pirate-loving deck hands with a nautical theme. Costumes come with each theme, letting you turn your sims into dragons, princesses, pirate captains, and more. The furniture matches the theme, so you can add items such as a captain's desk or a complete underwater kids' bedroom set to your nautical theme. For those of you who can't get enough of the virtual sims world, The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff expansion pack will give you even more hours of fun, with 60 new items and costumes that give your virtual family a distinct look and character.

Want to read more honest consumer review about The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff now ?

Virtual Villagers The Secret City Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)We absolutly LOVE the Virtual Villagers..... So excited we found the cd so we can all get it on all of our computers. Some may think it is boring but not us you just have to be patient and love watching them work. I have two daughters 8 and 13 they both love it, my nephew is 18 and he also enjoys playing it. I would definitely recommend this game all of the other virtual villagers too!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Virtual Villagers The Secret City

Product Description:
Guide a tribe of castaways as they live, breed, and discover secrets about their mysterious home in this real-time sim adventure.

Get 35% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Virtual Villagers The Secret City now ?

Medieval II Total War Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I first got this installed and running on my middle-of-the-road system I was expecting it to be a chugging, slow mess. I was happily surprised to find that except for battles against larger cities or against thousands of foes, it runs just fine. I have yet to have a crash, something which in thisday and age of "shove it out the door broken and patch it later" game releases is to be commended.

The graphics are beautiful but are not the amazing leap forward like occurred from Medieval 1 to Rome. Think of it more as putting an extra coat of shiny polish on your car. The effects of firing flaming arrows and the pageantry of heraldric colors on the knights and other troops are beautiful to watch. The little movies showing events like weddings and your assassins' antics are often genuinely hilarious (until you've seen them all 100 times). But all that is also just eye candy, there's very little NEW here that wasn't in Rome. Also, the medieval setting has now been done to death in this game's predecessor and other games in the last few years and I'm praying that the next title WON'T be a remake of the original Shogun but will move the series squarely into the gunpowder age, culminating with Napoleon. Enough with the primitive and medieval weapons and tactics.

The AI has been improved marginally, but I am still attacked for ridiculously random reasons no matter the difficulty level I play on. As England I had developed into one of the largest powers on the map and Portugal inexplicably attacked me without provocation despite our neutral relations (not "poor" or "abysmal", mind you) and trade rights. Needless to say they were immediately squashed, but why would they even bother? This is not intelligent AI, it's just annoying AI. Alliances seem to be equally meaningless when they are made with the human and are difficult to achieve unless the AI brings it to you. I have yet to ever form one when I initiate the offer even when it would be a massive advantage to the comp.

Battle AI is more clever at using its archers as harassment and has no hesitation in squashing yours if you leave them unguarded. When outnumbered it does tend to sit there passively as one other reviewer wrote. I have nearly obliterated an entire force with archers while they just sat there in the corner before the general turned tail and withdrew.

Overall, it's a small step forward and the Rome engine is certainly beautiful to watch in action. The Total War series still is unparalleled in strategic enjoyment on both levels but the next offering in the series needs to be groundbreaking in both time period and AI complexity.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Medieval II Total War

Product Description:
Take complete control of your kingdom like never before and grow it into a continents-spanning empire through diplomacy, trade, espionage, and war! Join the Crusades as a Christian or Muslim empire and battle over the fate of the Holy Land. Raise mighty armies to crush your neighbors and conquer all of Europe and even the Americas to become the greatest power of the Middle Ages.

Get 53% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Medieval II Total War now ?

Ancient Warfare: Punic Wars Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Other reviewers have commented on graphics: to me these are fine for a real tactical / strategy game.In fact being able to move from 2-D overview to 3-D field view was very well done.

What failed miserably in HPS's Punic Wars are command/execution/control of units.Clicking opens a window, clicking again to tell it to move, clicking where you want it to go. it is a very cluncky interface.Moreover, you have ZERO control over who your missile troops fire at.The game states they fire at the "most dangerous/threatening" opponent.This is tactics with one hand tied behind your back.

HPS needs to take a clue from Slitherine who's PC version Field of Glory works in a similar manner but it is much easier and MUCH more fun to control the units.Punic Wars SHOULD be better than than Field of Glory: Punic wars offers some good features such as showing the visual range of units, but Punic wars is so poorly executed that I would tell some one looking for a tactical historical wargame to look for slitherine's Field of Glory.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ancient Warfare: Punic Wars

Product Description:
Ancient Warfare: Punic Wars lets you act out what is arguably the most important war of the ancient world. The Punic Wars were a series of conflicts between the two largest nations of the Mediterranean: Rome and Carthage. The forces involved, and the casualties suffered, were the greatest of the ancient world. The outcome was the destruction of Carthage and the rise of Rome as a massive empire. In the time period presented here, between 300-200 BC, Rome will face both the might of Carthage and the surrounding threats of Celtic and Iberian tribes -- even rival Italian states.

Want to read more honest consumer review about Ancient Warfare: Punic Wars now ?

Napoleonic Battles: Campaign Jena-Auerstaedt Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Interesting game on an almost completely ignored battle that had a major impact not only on the Napoleonic period, but for a century thereafter.Prussia's embarrassment by their defeat led to a complete restructuring of their Army, resulting not only in victories at Leipzig and Waterloo over Napoleon, but in the three wars that established the German Empire.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Napoleonic Battles: Campaign Jena-Auerstaedt

Product Description:
In 1806, Napoleon took to the field against the Kingdom of Prussia, a saber-rattling Queen, and several proud generals still clinging to a past of glory under Frederick the Great. In less than two weeks, the French were masters of Prussia and eastern Germany. Can you repeat the historical performance of Napoleon and his army, or will you side with the Prussians and inflict a stinging defeat upon the French?

Want to read more honest consumer review about Napoleonic Battles: Campaign Jena-Auerstaedt now ?

Adobe Photodeluxe Business Edition 1.0 Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First let me correct a comment made about Adobe PhotoDeluxe Business Edition 1.0: It works just fine with JPEG (.JPG) images in fact I use it to import other graphic format files and then save them as .jpg files. PhotoDeluxe Business Edition does everything that 90 percent of folks need to do. Plus they can do it easily because, unlike so many other graphic programs, PhotoDeluxe is completely user friendly and easy to use. Every task from touching up old photos to making photo collages have guides to take you from step one to the finish. This is the program I always use for scanner output and it has camera and photo processing support as well. This program has templates to make your photos work with cards, calendars, business cards, and much neat and fun stuff but the real news is how easy it is to use PhotoDeluxe in every basic aspect of manipulating images. By using guides and filters to do things like "warp" or "sharpen" or edit with paint tools, you are firmly in control of your task. There are too many tools to list them all here. I use this program without templates because it is my primary image editor. Once I have a finished product in PhotoDeluxe(with or without text added) I am ready to share my graphic output with others as email attachments or web graphics. If you make your living as a graphic designer please do use other very expensive tools. But if you are a recreational home user or a serious soho user, this is the only program you need and forget all those other graphics programs that are so complex they are of no use. You buy this, you will use. My credentials? I have a BFA (a fine arts degree) and have been doing computer graphics since 1983.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Adobe Photodeluxe Business Edition 1.0

Want to read more honest consumer review about Adobe Photodeluxe Business Edition 1.0 now ?

Net10 Motorola C261 Prepaid Cell Phone With 300 Minutes & Camera Review

---

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I got this for my grand-daughter for Christmas.She just turned 12, and wanted a cell phone.This has many of the features of a mid-range phone, is easy to use, and the prices for minutes are one of the best in the market.I would recommend this for a younger person to get started with cell phones as there is no committment and they have to learn how to budget their minutes and their money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Net10 Motorola C261 Prepaid Cell Phone With 300 Minutes and Camera

Product Description:
Pay As You Go Made Simple ~ Simply 10 Cents Per MinuteProduct InformationNET10 is the straightforward pay as you go cell phone service withnationwide coverage and no contracts confusing terms stipulations hiddenfees small print or surcharges - plus no daily charges or monthlybills. NET 10 has a flat rate of 10 cents per minute with locallong distance and roaming included. It's that simple. For communication features you can count on look no further than thesurprisingly affordable stylishly svelte Motorola C261. This super thinhandset with the large vibrant color display keeps you in touch with your worldvia Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) Instant Messaging (IM) Internet accessand speakerphone. Promising to balance your work with some play themobile offers embedded games and downloadable screensavers wallpapers andringtones – letting you personalize your handset so that it is undeniablyyours.Add BonusIncluded - Your first 300 minutes and 60 days ofservice at activation - a $30.00 Value!Product HighlightsLooks Can Be DeceivingWhile this sharp looking mobile may look a million bucks it actually fitsnicely into a conservative budget. The Motorola C261's high-qualitythin candy bar form looks both sophisticated and expensive – no one will everknow it's such a steal!Communication Your WayLet your fingers do the talking. With a built-in VGA camera thislittle mobile make moments last longer as you snap photos and send theminstantly to friends family or colleagues. And with IM you can connectwith others in real-time to make quick social plans or business decisions.Take Care of BusinessWhether accessing the Internet or using the speakerphone while on thego the Motorola C261 is ready to deliver. With up to 450 minutes of talk time* you have plenty of time to surf talk and more.Mobile AppealThe Motorola C261 is ready to play when you are. Enjoy the large vibrantcolor display while playing a gam

Want to read more honest consumer review about Net10 Motorola C261 Prepaid Cell Phone With 300 Minutes and Camera now ?