Feed: Cheap Refurbished Laptops - AggScore: 14.1

Onkyo TX-SR805 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black) Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Guess which company managed to get True HD and DTS HD into their next lineup of high end receivers. Onkyo of course!!Cutting edge technology filling your room with beautiful sound.

I received my Onkyo TX-SR805 in the mail yesterday and I couldn't be any more thrilled!The behemoth weighs in at 61 lbs. and you can tell it means business.Daunting as it may look, the setup is a breeze due to the fact that everything you plug into the receiver's many inputs, can be output to the TV through one simple HDMI cable.It upconverts any analog connection you can throw at it whether it's S-video, Component, or simple RCA.If you still have a Hi-Fi VCR or other Standard Definition electronics, I'd suggest investing in at least an S-Video cable for that, or if it does have an RGB Component Cable use that because even though it upconverts RCA it can only do so much for the picture quality.That being said it does upconvert all of these analog signals into 720p, 1080i. It DOESN'T UPCONVERT Composite connections to 1080p.The difference in the upconversion wouldn't be noticeable.

The integrated Faroudja DCDi technology is wonderful!If you thought that your 480p signal was decent before, wait till you see how well this deinterlacing works!Edges have much less noise and things in SD are cleaned up very well through the receiver.

Setup was easy as far as speaker configuration, the Audyssey MultEQ XT auto calibration system runs a speaker measurement set up for up to 8 listening positions in your room!so if you want it to take into account your entire living room seating arrangement, just move the little wired speaker microphone to each listening position and it does all the work.

Unlike some receivers like my recently sold Sony DG800, the receiver's setup menu can be output onto your TV screen.So instead of squinting at the receivers display from across the room, you can see everything right up on the TV screen.However, if you do like to tweak settings while watching TV you can choose not to have it output onto the TV.

If you're actually considering spending around $1000 on a receiver, THIS is the only thing you should be looking at!At the moment, the higher end Denon AVR4306 does just about everything that this Onkyo can do but the Onkyo Receivers are the FIRST receivers to truly decode DTS HD signals, and Dolby True HD!It's absolutely insane all the details that can come out of High Definition Surround Sound!I Recently acquired a Playstation 3 and although I don't plan on converting my DVD collection (500 dvds) to Blu Ray or HD-DVD I did purchase Speed on Blu Ray and I can tell you from what I heard, the future of High Definition Audio is here in this Onkyo TX-SR805!Every detail that they mixed into the movie's original track is encoded into DTS HD.It's literally translated from the original format without any loss of quality.It's ridiculous how amazing it sounds.

You may not hear a huge difference, but when movies start being encoded with this HD Audio, eventually you'll go back to an old DVD and cringe at the sound difference (or at least notice the lack of detail in the audio). If you don't have a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD player don't fret, there's still a vast array of audio settings between Dolby Digital, and DTS there's also THX Ultra2 certified settings that blow you away!I currently have my DVD player setup to THX Cinema and watching the Pod Race in Star Wars Episode One: Phantom Menace is something you should check out A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

All the features can be overwhelming and the remote isn't the most intuitive, but when you spend a little time getting used to the buttons you need to push to make things work in harmony, you'll be happy with what you've got. Not to mention the beefy remote that comes with it can learn button functions which I love.For example when I coded in my HD Dishnetwork Box I couldn't get to the On screen TV Guide or my Recorded TV Menu, so I assigned the buttons manually and now the universal remote does everything my Cable DVR Remote does!If only I could code it to my Windows Media Center Remote oh well.

My one and only tiny complaint about this receiver is that it doesn't have HD Radio.It supports XM and Sirius radio but not HD FM Signals (not sure how to explain it but it's CD quality Free Local Radio Stations).The radio itself sounds fine and I don't listen to the radio very often anyways so it's not a big deal to me, but being as future proof as this receiver is, it should have HD radio. (Since I don't have XM, Sirius, or an Ipod I can't comment on the Docking capabilities or the Satellite Radio quality)

Last but not least make sure you have a big heavy duty surge protector, this thing is a power monster, you'll want a surge protector to make sure the receiver is getting a regulated amount of power, when I was setting it up I had all my components on at once and someone decided to turn on the hair dryer and a few fans, and there went the power.So be forewarned if you like 4 components on at once you might blow a fuse.also for $30 a 3 year protection plan is highly recommended just in case something shorts out in the receiver (knock on wood) you can service it for free, and get a replacement if necessary.

These aren't available in the store(ordered mine online at CC) and the sales people don't have much info on the receiver itself since it came out in May(about a month from prior to today)but it's comparable to the TX-SR804 if you want more similar opinions :)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Onkyo TX-SR805 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)

Product Description:
In terms of the evolution of home entertainment, recent years have seen a quantum leap. It's a formidable progression when you think of 1080p high-definition video and broadcasts; studio-quality, lossless surround sound; spectacular gaming with stunning motion and graphics; and the emergence of portable satellite radio programming. Bundling all this potential, the TX-SR805 A/V surround receiver has been built to provide comprehensive control over all movies, music, broadcasts and gaming. But that barely begins to describe the TX-SR805's potential. Augmented by its THX Ultra2 certification, this receiver goes even further by bringing you sophisticated room correction technology, multi-zone capabilities, powerful bi-amping and dual push-pull amplification. The TX-SR805 provides a reference point for a new generation of high-definition A/V receivers.

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Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-40V3000 40-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been buying Sony TVs for more than 30 years, and they rarely disappoint. The 40" Bravia is no exception. Last year I bought the 70" SXRD model for my living room, and the 40" is for the bedroom. Many televisions are high quality and prices are dropping, so why get the Sony?

Picture quality is excellent, especially in high def.

Sound quality is very good without a home theater setup. Not always the case with flat panel TVs with small bezels.

Remote is well laid out and easy to use (although it does lack backlighting, but I have no trouble finding the buttons I want in the dark). It's easy to change between the 4 programmable picture settings or screen aspect ratios. Sleep timer button is right up on top when your ready for bed and is in 15 minute increments.

It has 2 HDMI inputs for easy connection of compatible devices and several other inputs. You can customize the display to choose between only the inputs you are using and label them appropriately (so it's easy to switch between my TiVo, DVD player, TV and cable box, and hide the other inputs)

There's a zillion other settings that I haven't figured out all of yet, but most are relatively intuitive (except PnP, which has me baffled so far).

I got the flat panel LCD because it uses less power and generates less heat than a plasma, and won't burn-in (although plasmas have improved). The screen doesn't reflect as much, and has a wide viewing angle.

For viewing from about 6 feet, the 40" size is perfect.

Lots of other things I could say about this TV, but it's all good. You can't go wrong with this model. Also highly rated in Consumer Reports, the consumer's bible...

Amazon shopping tip: Amazon offers price protection for 30 days from date of purchase. After you buy this, put it in your cart again and check your cart regularly for a month. The price goes up and down almost daily. When you go to your cart you will be notified of price changes. If it goes down, grab the phone and call for a credit. I paid $1630 a couple of weeks ago and the price has gone as low as $1450, so I've gotten $180 in refunds. Delivery and unpacking are free, and combine with excellent customer service, making buying from Amazon a no-brainer.

I'm delighted with Sony and Amazon for this purchase.

update 3/2009: Forget my last comment. Amazon no longer, sadly, offers 30 day price protection on purchases. Advice now is to go to camel camel camel dot com (leave out the spaces). A great site for tracking Amazon price history.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Bravia V-Series KDL-40V3000 40 Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Product Description:
BRAVIA V-Series televisions are where Full HD 1080 starts. Two sizes, 46" and 40" diagonally, define what Full HD 1080 (1920 x 1080) televisions are all about. Performance functions like Live Color Creation (featuring the WCG-CCFL backlight) and the 10-bit panel display assure picture quality and performance. The BRAVIA Engine- EX full digital video processing system includes DRC-MF v1.0 technology, which upconverts 480i video signals to a 1080p equivalent. DMeX - ready allows connection to the new DMeX (Digital Module Expander) called the BRAVIA Internet Video Link module. And BRAVIA V-Series TVs are big on ease of operation. BRAVIA- Theatre Sync offers one-button command for time consuming control functions and signal path routing. And we didn't forget about connectivity. How about two 1080/24p and 1080/60p input capable HDMI connections, two HD Component YPbPr inputs, and a PC input, just to name a few. Add a sparkling new black picture frame design, quiet operation, and you have BRAVIA V-Series HD LCD TVs.

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Samsung N210 Netbook Atom N450 1.66GHz 1GB RAM/250GB HDD 6-Cell Battery Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I did research before purchasing this product on notebook versus netbook. I decided that a netbook would meet my needs. I was pleased to find Samsung had a netbook available within my budget. However, I am very disappointed that I have been unable toregister my netbook on Samsung's website or get the support around the issue of a battery that last for only half the time advertised. Can you imagine not being able to register your new netbook for the warranty? Also, the Netbook210 battery is suppose to last 11 hours. My battery barely lasts 6 hours. When I call I can not get help. This is extremely disappointing when dealing with a well known company.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung N210 Netbook Atom N450 1.66GHz 1GB RAM/250GB HDD 6-Cell Battery

Product Description:
Samsung manufacturer refurbished white N210 Netbook with Windows 7 Starter, Intel Atom N450 (1.66 GHz) Processor, 1GB DDR2 RAM, 250GB HDD, 6-Cell Battery (up to 7 hours), 10.1" LED Back Light LCD display, Intel GMA3150 Graphics, 3 x USB 2.0 Ports (chargable USB included), Multi-Gestured TouchPad, and 90 Day Distributor Warranty (From CTC)

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Dell Dimension 8400, Intel P4 3.2GHz HT, 1GB RAM, DVD Writer, RAID 0 Dual SATA 160GB Disks Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)2 year old Dell 8400, ...paid top dollars, ...nothing but trouble, ..now I can not get the thing to work, ... Did everything Tech support asked me to do, ..nothing. I get that solid amber light on the power button, and I am not sure if mobo is out or cpu is out. Try to get tech people to help is almost impossible, ..that's if you can get anyone to talk to you first. It is frustrating as this was my first Dell, and my previous computers were never a problem.I know Dell people know about this problem as I see lot of people with similar prolbem trying to fix their Dell without much success (sometimes cpu, sometimes mobo).They keep this up, they will lose customers and become like Tandy, Commadore or one of those, ....I am not a happy customer Dell!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dell Dimension 8400, Intel P4 3.2GHz HT, 1GB RAM, DVD Writer, RAID 0 Dual SATA 160GB Disks

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Wireless N USB Adapt Same As WUSB600N Clear Packaging Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)GREAT PERFORMANCE AND VERY NICE STYLE WORKS ANY BRAND ROUTER, TIME CAPSULE 1 TB 2.4 GHZ - 5.GHZ

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Product Description:
Compatibility: Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP andMicrosoft Windows VistaNumber of Antennas: 2Antenna Gain: 4 dBi, 1.4 dBiWireless Transmission Speed: 54 MbpsHost Interface: USBDimensions: 0.43" H x 4 " W x 1.10" DGreen Compliance Certificate/Authority: RoHS, WEEE

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ASUS EEEPC 1101HAB-RBLK001X ,Soft Touch Black,11.6" Netbook,Intel Atom Z520 CPU,XP. Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is the best Netbook I have ever used.If you need Powerful computer, you should look for a Laptop.But if you need a basic computer for everyday computing, this gives you the most bang for the buck.

Pro:
- 6 to 8 hours of battery life
- 11.6" screen with 1366 x 768 resolution gives you the perfect balance
- Wifi N gives you greater range for Wireless use
- Only 3 pounds, even with a 6-cell battery

Con:
- Glossy palmrest - easy to get your fingerprint on it. (You should carry a wiping cloth all the time)

Click Here to see more reviews about: ASUS EEEPC 1101HAB-RBLK001X ,Soft Touch Black,11.6 Netbook,Intel Atom Z520 CPU,XP.

Product Description:
ASUS Eee PC 1101HAB-RBLK001X 12-Inch Netbook Technical Details: * CPU: Intel Atom Z520 1.33GHz (533MHz system bus, 512KB L2 cache) * Main Memory: 1GB DDR2 * Graphic system: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 With 224MB graphics memory * Display: 11.6? WXGA LED widescreen display With 1366 x 768 resolution * Hard Disk: 160GB SATA 5400RPM * Webcamera: 1.3 megapixel * Optical Disc Drive: No * Wireless Type: 802.11b/g/n * Bluetooth: No * I/O Port: 3 USB, 1 VGA, 1 LAN * Card Reader: 3 in 1 * Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition SP3 * Battery: 6-cell lithium-ion up to 6 hours and 12 minute * Weight: 3.0 pounds (1.36 kg) * Warranty: 90 days warranty

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Cisco-Linksys WRT54GX Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I live in a two story house, with plenty of walls in between.This unit replaced 3 11a Access Points.I can now get 108mbps anywhere in my house with almost 100% signal strenght (my laptop is using the WPC54GX card).

The web interface is very straightforward and looks professional.I would buy it again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco-Linksys WRT54GX Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX

Product Description:
Now you can enjoy wireless home-network access in those hard-to-reach rooms and--simultaneously--get faster networking and Internet performance, too. The WRT54GX Wireless-G broadband router from Linksys uses the company's advanced SRX (Speed and Range eXpansion) technology to enhance the speed and the reach of a Wireless-G (802.11g) network. The WRT54GX can provide faster wireless network throughput, reduce dead spots, and increase wireless range over standard Wireless-G networks.
The handy WRT54GX serves as an Internet-sharing router, a four-port 10/100 switch, and an SRX-enhanced Wireless-G access point all at once. Relative to standard 80 2.11g technology, a network using all SRX products can extend network reach up to three times as far and boost wireless network speed by up to eight times. (Actual throughput, speed, and range depend on a host of factors, from building materials to network traffic and distance from the router.)
The device is Wi-Fi-certified and backward compatible with 802.11b (Wireless-B), 802.11g (Wireless-G) and, of course, other Linksys SRX products. Mixed wireless environments such as networks containing SRX, Wireless-B, and Wireless-G products can operate each client at its own maximum data rate. SRX products maintain their higher speed and range, providing the throughput and quality of service to deliver applications such as VoIP (Internet telephony) and video streaming.
SRX is based on MIMO (multiple-in, multiple-out) technology, a key component in the upcoming Wireless-N (802.11n) standard. To improve range and speed, MIMO uses two radios and three antennas on a wireless router or client adapter.
To enhance data protection and privacy, the router can encode all wireless trans missions with WPA (Wireless Protection Access). Its powerful Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall enhances protection to all the wired and wireless PCs against intruders and most known Internet attacks while also supporting VPN passthrough. Configuration is easy using a Web-browser-based configuration utility.
What's in the Box
Wireless-G broadband router, a setup CD-ROM with Symantec Internet Security, a u ser's guide on CD-ROM, an AC power adapter, an Ethernet network cable, a quick-i nstallation guide, and a registration card.




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 the 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:


To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

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Samsung 2343BWX 23-Inch LCD Monitor Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This has been one of the best LCD monitors I've owned. The incredibly high 2048 x 1152 resolution gives you a huge amount of screen real estate at a true 16:9 aspect ratio. It's possible to view two web pages simultaneously without having them overlap. The image quality is sharp and bright. The industrial design is clean, unembellished and professional looking.

The main drawbacks are the power LED indicator, pivot/stand and limited ports. In idle/sleep mode the bright blue flashing power LED can get irritating -- I'm tempted to put some black duct tape over it since it can light up a dark room when the computer is off. Though you can pivot the display stand, you can't raise it. There are only two ports (DVI and VGA), no HDMI or built-in USB hub. Video at such a high resolution can lose frames if your graphics card isn't fast enough. Finally, the configuration buttons on the front of the monitor (for adjusting brightness, input, etc.) aren't really buttons, but flat, touch-sensitive areas. While this makes the monitor look sleek, there's no tactile feedback, so it's hard to figure out what you're pressing if you don't look at the icon first.

Despite the drawbacks, for the cost of this display and its quality it's a superb deal. Most 24" displays have lower resolutions and the quality ones cost much more. Considering the reputable Samsung brand and the features, you really get a great deal with this display.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung 2343BWX 23 Inch LCD Monitor

Product Description:
2343BWX 23IN LCD MON 5MS 2048X1152 20000:1 BLK 3YR

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APC Back-UPS XS1500VA Battery Backup Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I own a couple of APC UPS and surge protection products.So far this is the most functional.The features:
1. The unit can be positioned vertically (best for saving space) or horizontally (lay flat or mounted to a server rack).
2. It has a very excellent boxy design that gives an elegant and modern feel.
3. There are 8 outlets in total (6 outlets are battery protected and voltage regulated, which means less dependency on the battery and longer replacement life; 2 outlets are surge-protected for printers and office machines).
4. The included PowerChute Personal Edition is to be combined with the data cable that, when connected to your computer via USB, provides excellent control and communication between the UPS, computer and user/administrator.
a. You will know exactly how much load is taxing the UPS in real-time; Turn on/off equipment to check.
b. Shut-down function to preserve data or battery.
c. Audible and visual alarm indication on current condition.
5. Hot-swap battery without turning off the UPS.
The cons?Heavy!But then of course it only needs to be set and forget.Expensive!Not for a typcial user.Although the features should be made available for everyone.
This particular model is a little overkill.I connected a P4 3GHz (with 3 internal SATA HDD, DVDROM, DVD-RW), 21" CRT, Apple PBG4 laptop, 2 external LaCie HDD and 1 external CD-R and I still haven't reached half of the available power.Buy this only if they offer a special price/rebate.Otherwise, go with the lower model XS/RS1000 and it will suite an power user just perfectly.

Click Here to see more reviews about: APC Back-UPS XS1500VA Battery Backup

Product Description:
This high performance desktop battery backup features maximum protection in a versatile design. The fully featured APC Back-UPS RS can be placed on the floor, or on a shelf. Up to six battery backup outlets with automatic voltage regulation (AVR) enable you to work through even the most frequent brownouts and power sags, keeping 75/90/110 minutes of battery power for when you need it most. For printers and other devices that do not store or process information, up to three additional outlets provide surge protection. Both Ethernet 10/100BaseT and telephone dataline surge protection safeguards against surges entering via network connections.

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8GB/1TB/TV TUNER/WIN 7 64BIT Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this PC with the intent to connect it to my HDTV, record television in HD using Windows Media Center, and stream internet television and movies from websites like Netflix and Hulu. The computer does all this flawlessly. The HDMI output works great with my TV, and the sound is perfect with my speakers. This is a budget PC, but it has a lot of bang for your buck. I do not use it for gaming or high-end video editing, but if you are looking for an affordable computer to hook up to your home theater, I highly recommend this product.In addition, I have no slow-down while surfing the internet, and it loads typically slow software like iTunes instantly. The 64-bit Windows 7 operating system is also very nice and works seamlessly with Windows Media Center. If you want a PC that is easy to set up with your home theater, this product comes with everything you need. The TV tuner is built in, the remote is included, and Windows Media Center has a great on-screen interface that is easy to set up. My biggest complaint is that I had to remove a lot of needless trial software installed by the manufacturer. However, that's pretty typical these days, and it's not difficult to remove programs. All in all, this is an affordable, hassle-free home theater PC, and I am very satisfied with my purchase.

Click Here to see more reviews about: 8GB/1TB/TV TUNER/WIN 7 64BIT

Product Description:
Live your life in HD with the Gateway DX4300 Desktop featuring intense power from AMD Phenom II X4 Quad-Core Processor, 8GB Memory and an enormous 1TB hard drive. With integrated TV tuner and Windows 7 Home Premium its easy to watch and record live TV, dominate the latest games and render, manage and create with reckless abandon! ATI Radeon HD 3200 Analog/Digital TV Tuner 16x DVD+-R/RW SuperMulti Drive High-Definition Audio with 7.1-channel Surround Sound 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Multi-in-One Card Reader Front ports -4 x USB, Headphone, Microphone Back ports -4 x USB, IEEE-1394, 2 x PS2 ports (keyboard, mouse), 6 Audio Ports, RJ-45, VGA, HDMI, Photo Frame Button, RCA, COAX, S-Video, Stereo, Mini-Jack Audio Ports Expansion slots -2 x PCI (available), PCI Express x1 (occupied), PCI Express x16 (available) Drive bays -2 x 5.25 (one available), 4 x 3.5 (three available) Monitor is not included

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Seagate Barracuda ST3320620AS, 7200.10 - Hard drive - 320 GB - internal - 3.5" - SATA-300 - 7200 rpm - buffer: 16 MB Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Almost as fast as the Western Digital Raptor X Drives. Fast and quiet and carries the 5 year Seagate warranty! Can't be beat for value and performance.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Seagate Barracuda ST3320620AS, 7200.10 - Hard drive - 320 GB - internal - 3.5 - SATA-300 - 7200 rpm - buffer: 16 MB

Product Description:

Seagate ST3320620AS 320GB 7200 RPM SATA Internal, Refurbished.
Product Details:


Product Highlights:

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Toshiba D-R4 Multi-Drive DVD Recorder Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just purchased the Toshiba D-R4, it is my first foray into DVD recording.I like the Toshiba brand and I liked the price, I purchased Sony DVD-RW media with it so I could start recording, this is going to replace my VCR.Well first you have to format the RW media in the recorder, reminded of 1984 when we had to format 1.44 diskettes.Well once I got the box opened and read the manual they, Toshiba, recommend you use JVC DVD-RW 2X version 1.2.Well I had my Sony DVDs so I started formating, it was a no go three DVDs later every one of them failed could not format.The next day I called support and they recommended I try JVC or Memorex brand.So I had to run around to 4 stores before I found Memorex DVD-RW, I never saw JVC brand.The Memorex worked fine and I am recording now but why oh why don't they have a label on the box or include one of the DVD brands that work with the machine in the box, the store I bought the recorder at only carried Sony brand DVD-RW.So be aware if you want to use the machine after you buy it get JVC or Memorex brand DVD-RW discs, of course you can use DVD-R or DVD-RAM I have not tryed those yet.Also watch the + and - signs, the Toshiba only uses DVD- not DVD+.It seems to work fine, it is more complicated than a VCR, way more options.Hope this helps.

Update: This was a lovely recorder however it was unreliable, there were often times I would find it had not recorded a timed recording I had setup, it got very frustrating and I ended up replacing it with a Panasonic.The new one was not as easy to use as the Toshiba but was way more reliable.Also, I setup the Toshiba as a spare and got the firmware update DVD from Toshiba, BAD IDEA, ruined the unit.It never worked after the update.
Now have Philips DVD recorder with hard drive it is the only way to go,I don't need DVD copies so this works perfect for me.Still miss that Toshiba D-R4 though.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Toshiba D-R4 Multi-Drive DVD Recorder

Product Description:
A happy meeting of high quality and high value, Toshiba's Multi-Write D-R4 is not just a full-featured progressive-scan DVD player that handles your DVDs, CDs, MP3/WMA music discs, and JPEG-filled recordable discs. It's also a DVD recorder capable of storing up to 6 hours of audio/video on a single-sided 4.7 GB recordable DVD--whether broadcast programming or copies of your home movies to share with loved ones.
The D-R4 offers the flexibility of recording on both DVD-RAM--perfect for instant chapter access and for multiple re-recordings--as well as DVD-R, the most widely compatible of the many DVD formats (great for sharing camcorder footage with loved ones). DVD-RW compatibility lets you erase and rewrite, though relatively few players and computer drives will play back DVD-RWs. DVD-RAM discs can be read, written, and erased more than 100,000 times.
When recording, the D-R4 captures the first video frame and displays it as the chapter mark. You can then designate chapter marks with custom screen captures or thumbnail images of your choice. The D-R4 also lets you generate and save custom playlists using any title and chapter. Each list of desired footage can be separately titled and edited (for removal of, say, commercials) and then seamlessly played back.
Time Slip lets you use your DVD recorder like a personal video recorder, or PVR. Because of DVD-RAM's fast transfer rate, you can view the recorded portion of an ongoing program from the beginning, while still recording the show in progress.
The D-R4 features a 181-channel cable-compatible tuner and 2-month, 36-event programming. And, in addition to recording new video content, the D-R4 lets you transfer and even enhance your favorite video recordings to durable, space-saving discs--a terrific way to archive, preserve, and access your movies and family videos. The unit's EASY NAVI menu simplifies operation by giving you direct access to key operations such as locating and playing back of recorded content.
For top-of-the-line playback, the D-R4 is equipped with a 10-bit/54 MHz video digital-to-analog converter capable of great color purity and detail. When connected to a high-definition or HD-ready television through its ColorStream Pro component-video outputs, the D-R4 delivers Toshiba's Digital Cinema Progressive picture. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts.
The D-R4 also has Toshiba's Digital Cinema Progressive feature, which performs 3:2 pulldown detection and reversal. DVD mastering introduces a common distortion when adjusting 24 frames-per-second movies to 30 fps video; 3:2 pulldown digitally corrects this distortion, removing the redundant information to display a film-frame-accurate picture.
The deck's abundant connections include multiple composite- and S-video inputs and outputs, stereo analog (left/right) inputs and outputs, and an optical digital-audio output for use with a compatible digital surround receiver.
What's in the Box
DVD player/recorder, a remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, a stereo analog audio/composite-video cable, and an RF coaxial video cable.

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Logitech Desktop Microphone (980240-0403) Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This product is the analog version of Logitech's USB microphone, except that it has a standard jack rather than a USB connector. I've owned one for a couple of years and am quite satisfied with it. I use Skype/SkypeOut, and callers tell me that the sound quality is excellent. I've also used it for language courses (Rosetta Stone), and it works very well for pronounciation training. The mic does a good job of suppressing background noise.

It does take some experimentation to get good sound quality: you must position the mic so that it is about 12 inches from your mouth. Too close, and it picks up the sound of your breathing. Too far, and you will sound muddled and faint (probably because of noise suppression). You need to place it at least a couple of feet from your speakers and pointed away, or else your callers will hear an echo of themselves.

So summarize: This is a good analog microphone that requires some practice to get good results. To see what it really looks like, look up "Logitech USB Desktop Microphone" on Amazon.

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Product Description:
Issue voice commands, record your thoughts, have live chats with audio and video...it's all possible with the Logitech Desktop Microphone for the PC. This high performance microphone uses noise-canceling technology for communications that are clear and powerful. And its stylish black design will look great on your desk.

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Philips DVDR3505/37 1080i Upscaling DVD Recorder with Built-In Tuner Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Phillips DVDR3505/37 has the best "digital tuner" picture quality out of the two other DVD recorders that I have tested with "digital tuners" (Panasonic and Samsung). The Phillips DVDR3505 produces an amazingly clear OTA digital picture on my old 27 inch Sanyo analog "box" TV using an indoor antenna. The Phillips 3505 and the 27inch TV are connected with regular "composite cables". The resulting OTA digital picture is amazingly detailed and clear with little or no annoying "dot crawl". Another important feature for me in selecting the Phillips DVDR3505 is that it allows you to choose "4.3 pan & Scan" to view OTA digital programs in full screen on a "box" TV (no black bars caused by "HD" OTA programs). In the 4.3 pan & scan mode the OTA digital picture is shown in full screen but is not distorted looking (no long and stretched faces) and the picture framing matches the full screen picture seen on my analog OTA TV in a side by side comparison. In addition the picture clarity/sharpness in the "4.3 pan & scan" full screen mode is superb! The same effect should be achieved when watching a purchased or rented "widescreen" DVD movie on your "Box" TV in the 4.3 pan & scan mode. The cons for the Phillips DVDR3505 are its slow channel change and slow recording set up. One additional problem I have experienced is that the unit looses its channel set up under certian conditions. At this point in my life, the quality of the picture that you see from your cable, Sat, or OTA programs is what is most important to me and my family when watching TV. The truth is that I have put up with poor reception using analog TV with "rabbit ears" antennas long enough, so the amazing picture quality of the Phillips is what sold me. The Phillips DVDR3502 wins hand down in that category and is the main reason that I sent the other more expensive feature rich DVD recorders back to the store. My family and I have been able to work around or forgive all of the "cons" reported about for the Phillips DVDR3505 and because we are basic users the Phillips meets our needs for recording OTA TV programs while providing a "Wow factor" in picture clarity when watching "real time" OTA digital TV through our analog "box" TV. Also, a "Wow factor" is achieved even when watching OTA digital program recorded on DVD using the Phillips DVDR3505. Image reproduction is excellent in two highest image recording modes. Before buying see if the features on the Phillips DVDR3505/37 matches your basic needs. If viewing pleasure has been lacking for OTA broadcasts then get ready to receive the "Best Picture" award from friends and family when using the Phillips DVDR3505.

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Product Description:
DVD Recorder, Dual Media-records and plays in DVDR-R-RW and DVD+R+RW, Built ATSC digital SDTV tuner to receive digital HD TV broadcasts, HDMI 1080i upscaling to deliver true HD picture performance, DivX to play downloaded PC movies and video DVD's, Progressive Scan, i-Link for easy connection to play and record your camcorder recording,Plays MP3/WMA, CD's, CD-R-RW, Video CD's

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Hewlett Packard FE654UARABA Refurb Hp Pavilion Dv6915nr Tl-60/at64x2-2.0g 3072mb/2-dimm 200gb/5400rpm Ls/dvd Review

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Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have to admit that I was skeptical when I purchased this computer for $699 because the features were so good for such a cheap price.But after I got it home I was amazed how quickly the processor was and how quickly the internet programs worked!Great buy!

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