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While the camera seems to do a good job, the software included with it is some of the worst I've ever seen. I installed it on Vista and the setup utility for configuring the camera crashed repeatedly. On XP it didn't crash but I was never able to get it to find the Internet version of the camera after I configured it but I did get it to work on my wife's laptop. It allows you to configure the camera's name and IP into the setup screen but will give you an error and clear out the fields because you didn't first select an empty line in the table up above. It would be nice if it at least told you to select an empty line but would be even better if it just assumed you were adding to the table when you press the save button.
The absolute worst part about it was that it was so inconsistent about recording. I set up a scheduled time and it worked OK the first two times I tried to record but I had to convert the raw files to .avi format before I could get sound. Other times it recorded video but I never got any sound. Sometimes while watching it live I couldn't get any sound and then 5 min later it started to work.
Sometimes the instant record button worked on Internet configuration where I used a dynamic DNS to see it from outside of my router's firewall. However, it rarely worked on the local (inside the firewall) configuration. Pressing the button simply did nothing and there are no error messages to help you.
With respect to the wireless there were evenings that I could hardly get any network throughput to my laptop until I got the bright idea to unplug the camera. It worked just find as soon as I did that and so I disabled the wireless by giving it a bogus network name and used it via a cat5 cable. They don't give you a way to just turn off the wireless if you don't want it. I also had some luck by adjusting the antenna on my router.
If I wrote code this bad in college I never would have graduated and I find it really discouraging that Linksys would actually release something this bad. Did you guys do ANY testing??? All I can say for them is that I'm glad they built their reputation with their routers first. If this camera was my first experience with Linksys I would never have purchased another item from them. It doesn't say much for Cisco either.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Caselogic UP-2 Universal Pockets¿ Medium (Black)
I ordered a carrying case with pockets in the beginning but later I realized that its a pain opening the zipped and flap and then that case would'nt accomodate the charger either...so went ahead and bought this one...
wow!what a trendy yet simple design. My Canon SD1100 IS fits into it perfectly..... fits into your pocket ...a small inner compartment for a memory card would have been a good idea... nevertheless great buy
wow!what a trendy yet simple design. My Canon SD1100 IS fits into it perfectly..... fits into your pocket ...a small inner compartment for a memory card would have been a good idea... nevertheless great buy
Bon-Aire Original Ultimate Hose Nozzle (Aluminum)
I had this, and used it, for about a month, mainly to hose down my pool filter and to clean off my deck, which is made up of pavers. Both activities require a lot of pressure to do a good job. As it turned out, my "cheap-o" nozzle from Wal-Mart applied much more water pressure than this thing. As a positive, it does appear to be well made, but the spray options are limited and I was never able to get the type of power spray I can get with my $5 device. With the cheaper nozle, I can turn a dial and get about 10 different spray pattens, from power wash to bucket fill to mist. Bottom line is I like it better, although it will undoubtedly have to be replaced more quickly than this one. Having said that, though, I have had it for about two years and it is still going strong. Again, this one is better made out of better materials, but that is somewhat irrelevant considering I now have it sitting on a shelf in my garage.
SIMRAN 200 WATTS STEP DOWN CONVERTER MODEL SMF-200 FOR TRAVELLING OVERSEAS
This transformer has worked admirably so far. I used it on a trip to India, and it worked well. It doesn't make any noise while in use, and it seems to stay reasonably cool. Not like I'm drawing all that much wattage through it, but it seems to be just fine.
Just a few quibbles:
1. The 110-volt North American plug offered on the front of the unit has a spot for a grounding prong, but the unit itself is not grounded. I still cannot fathom the logic of that design choice. Especially in India, where European plugs are *required* to have a grounding prong. You can't get a plug like this one into the outlet without one; the outlets have an internal safety device that only opens when a grounding prong is inserted into the outlet. Sadly, the only way I could get this to work in India was to insert a pen in the grounding prong hole to release the safety and then insert the plug into the power holes.
2. The only justification I could find for not having a grounded unit is that the unit is fuse-protected. But they don't tell you what kind of fuse is required, and the fuse is located *inside* the unit, such that you would need a screwdriver to open the unit to replace the fuse. If it is going to be fuse-protected, the fuses must be user-replaceable, and need to be easily accessible without the use of tools, which I'd rather not carry around with me when I'm traveling internationally.
As far as the usability goes, it works as designed: it takes 230-240V power and steps it down to 110V power, offering you a North American power outlet. It's reasonably small and lightweight in comparison to some other transformers, but that's because it handles a much lower wattage. You have to be careful about the application that this will be used for: works well for laptops, phone chargers, electric razors, etc, but don't plug anything into it that draws over 200W, like your curling iron or hairdryer, as you'll fry the transformer instantly. And the lack of a grounded power plug and the internal fuse are poor design choices which nearly limits the functionality of the unit to the point where it's almost worth it to pay a little more for a better-designed unit.
For the price, it was worth it for me. Just make sure you understand the application for which it will be used before you buy it.
Just a few quibbles:
1. The 110-volt North American plug offered on the front of the unit has a spot for a grounding prong, but the unit itself is not grounded. I still cannot fathom the logic of that design choice. Especially in India, where European plugs are *required* to have a grounding prong. You can't get a plug like this one into the outlet without one; the outlets have an internal safety device that only opens when a grounding prong is inserted into the outlet. Sadly, the only way I could get this to work in India was to insert a pen in the grounding prong hole to release the safety and then insert the plug into the power holes.
2. The only justification I could find for not having a grounded unit is that the unit is fuse-protected. But they don't tell you what kind of fuse is required, and the fuse is located *inside* the unit, such that you would need a screwdriver to open the unit to replace the fuse. If it is going to be fuse-protected, the fuses must be user-replaceable, and need to be easily accessible without the use of tools, which I'd rather not carry around with me when I'm traveling internationally.
As far as the usability goes, it works as designed: it takes 230-240V power and steps it down to 110V power, offering you a North American power outlet. It's reasonably small and lightweight in comparison to some other transformers, but that's because it handles a much lower wattage. You have to be careful about the application that this will be used for: works well for laptops, phone chargers, electric razors, etc, but don't plug anything into it that draws over 200W, like your curling iron or hairdryer, as you'll fry the transformer instantly. And the lack of a grounded power plug and the internal fuse are poor design choices which nearly limits the functionality of the unit to the point where it's almost worth it to pay a little more for a better-designed unit.
For the price, it was worth it for me. Just make sure you understand the application for which it will be used before you buy it.
Quixx Paint Scratch Remover
I decided to purchased this product because I saw the majority of people had good results on it. I applied the step 1 tube in a circle motion for about 5 minutes, not noticing any results I continue applying the circular motion for about another 5 minutes and the very small scratch, the size of 1/10 of a cent continued to be the same. I tried applying step 2 and the same results were acquired, I was so upset. I finally decided to return this product which didn't work and purchased a paint stick at Autozone which did a great job in the small scratch, do not get too excited about the reviews of amazon, once you tried this product you are very likely to be disappointed at the results.
Deltran SuperSmart Battery Tender Plus 12-Volt 1.25 AMP Battery Charger
Deltran SuperSmart Battery Tender Plus 12-Volt 1.25 AMP Battery Charger
This battery tender is great. Not only will it keep your car or motorcycle batteries from sulfating, they will always be fully charged and ready to go with no worries about overcharging. Theoretically,a vehicle battery can last practically forever if it is properly maintained and doesn't sulfate. Using a "smart" charger is the only way to do this. I have two, a .75 amp unit for my Harley and the 1.25 amp unit for my 2 cars and I "top off" the batteries weekly on all of my vehicles. The bike stays plugged in all winter while it's in storage and it never fails to fire up immediately in the spring just like I had been riding it all Winter. I'll be using battery tenders on all my future vehicles for the rest of my life, that's for sure.
This battery tender is great. Not only will it keep your car or motorcycle batteries from sulfating, they will always be fully charged and ready to go with no worries about overcharging. Theoretically,a vehicle battery can last practically forever if it is properly maintained and doesn't sulfate. Using a "smart" charger is the only way to do this. I have two, a .75 amp unit for my Harley and the 1.25 amp unit for my 2 cars and I "top off" the batteries weekly on all of my vehicles. The bike stays plugged in all winter while it's in storage and it never fails to fire up immediately in the spring just like I had been riding it all Winter. I'll be using battery tenders on all my future vehicles for the rest of my life, that's for sure.
Peltor H10A Professional Noise Canceling Earmuff
My old earmuffs were recycled to a charity yesterday -- they were servicable, but the new Peltor H10A is so much better, I didn't want to be tempted to use the old one. My lawn mower and new blower are not as loud as my neighbors' but I am not as tired after mowing and blowing. My 6 HP shredder/chipper and my other 2 cycle machines (chain saw, combo trimmer/tiller and hedge trimmer) wear me out -- not just by the weight but by the high DB levels. The hedge trimmer is as dangerous as the chain saw -- and I never want to use either when I am fatigued. Take it from a safety professional, earmuffs are not "Nice To Have". If you can't afford excellent ear protection like the H10A, don't buy the tool.
BTW: Shipped and received Fast.
BTW: Shipped and received Fast.
Black & Decker CPI20XB 20 Watt Power To Go Cordless AC/USB Power Supply
Looking at the three versions of this: 10W, 20W, 100W, I found the technical details on the B+D site helpful:
The 10W has a 700mAh battery, This Model # CPI20XB (the 20W) has a 2Ah battery, and the 100W a 4Ah battery. It looks like they are progressively heavier, but I can't find accurate figures on weight or dimensions.
Input - 8.4 VDC, 5.0A
Output - 115V AC 60Hz-20W for 5 minutes, 16W continuous
Battery - 2Ah, NiMH
USB - 5V DC (350 mA)
- *Approximate talk time based on average results using commonly used cell phones. Results may vary depending on features/cell phone used.
November update - I ordered the product. One negative is that the power adapter provided to charge it is only for 120V countries (the US, basically)... I wasn't able to put it through any significant use so far, but I will try to test out how well it recharges electronics and how well the battery holds.
The 10W has a 700mAh battery, This Model # CPI20XB (the 20W) has a 2Ah battery, and the 100W a 4Ah battery. It looks like they are progressively heavier, but I can't find accurate figures on weight or dimensions.
Input - 8.4 VDC, 5.0A
Output - 115V AC 60Hz-20W for 5 minutes, 16W continuous
Battery - 2Ah, NiMH
USB - 5V DC (350 mA)
- *Approximate talk time based on average results using commonly used cell phones. Results may vary depending on features/cell phone used.
November update - I ordered the product. One negative is that the power adapter provided to charge it is only for 120V countries (the US, basically)... I wasn't able to put it through any significant use so far, but I will try to test out how well it recharges electronics and how well the battery holds.
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