Archos 605 Wi-Fi Portable Media Player (160 GB)

You looking to find the "Archos 605 Wi-Fi Portable Media Player (160 GB)" Good news! You can purchase Archos 605 Wi-Fi Portable Media Player (160 GB) with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

   

Product Feature

• The 160 GB Archos 605 Wi-Fi bridges the gap between the PC and the TV; for the first time, you can stream content from the PC or the Internet to the TV or PMP--all through a wireless home network, the Archos 605, and the DVR Station
• Play all your digital entertainment: movies, TV shows, photos and music
• Record your favorite TV shows
• Stream and watch videos from your PC
• Download movies and music directly on your PMP using the Archos Content Portal

Product Description

The Archos 605 generation 5 portable media player comes with a convenient Wi-Fi feature, an attribute that offers the fastest and easiest way to access digital entertainment. You can use the built-WiFi capabilities of the Archos to download online media content from the Archos content portal: All you need is a usable Wi-Fi connection, and you're good to start downloading (fees may apply). With the Archos in hand, for the first time you can download favorite movies, TV shows, and music wherever you are, without being tied to the PC or Mac. Other great features include a full-color 4.3-inch touchscreen that crams in an amazing 800 x 480 picture resolution for superior picture quality and 160 GB of built-in memory.

Archos 605 Wi-Fi Portable Media Player (160 GB) Review

I bought this to replace a Creative Zen Vision:M 30 GB MP3 and Video Player (Black) that had been stolen. I really liked my Zen, but I wanted to see what new stuff had come out in the time since I bought it. This led me to getting the Archos 605 80GB instead, mainly because of the optional TV hookups. I've never liked to watch movies or TV shows (or even music videos) on my PC monitor because I can't relax and enjoy something passive while I'm at my computer. I'd also never used the Zen's video capabilities much because the screen was too small. The Archos 605, on the other hand, could be hooked up to a TV (with the DVR station or other accessories--I bought the DVR station), which would allow me to watch downloaded TV shows and movies in comfort--and even better, with other people (it's difficult to crowd around a computer desk to watch a movie), plus I'd be able to watch stuff on the go with its larger screen.

The wifi access, web browser plug-in and PDF reader also helped sell me on the Archos 605. I particularly looked forward to being able to read ebooks in PDF format.

So when I ordered the Archos 605, I was thinking of it as an MP3 "with benefits."

When the Archos 605 arrived, I found out that its screen was totally large enough to watch video comfortably. Shortly after I got it, I watched two and a half seasons of Weeds on it. It's fantastic! I can carry a TV show into the kitchen to grab a snack, etc. When I'm home alone, I'm even able to rely on the built-in speaker--for TV shows, I don't need fantastic sound quality; I just need to be able to hear what they're saying. It's very cool; I'm very addicted. :)

Like I said, I bought the DVR station with it. I had wondered how a video file from the Archos would hold up enlarged on a TV screen, but no worries--the picture quality is good (we have a 32" set). I've recorded some stuff from our TiVo onto the Archos, and the picture quality is good in that direction, too. Since we do have a TiVo, I haven't used the Archos as a DVR (with the downloaded TV listings and scheduled recordings), so I can't say how easy that is to use, but it's definitely easy to manually record something, and I was happy to see that I could tell it how long to record for.

As an MP3 player, it's not as good as the Zen, simply because it's not, primarily, an MP3.

One way the Zen (and probably most other MP3 players) is a better MP3 player than the Archos is that if you power the Archos 605 off while you're playing music, it doesn't automatically start up where you left off when you turn it back on. Instead you boot up to the main screen, and then you have to tap the "resume" icon; otherwise nothing happens. In this way it's less "plug and go" than my Zen was; sometimes if I'm only going to be driving for a few minutes (like a hop from the grocery store to the gas station), I won't bother starting it up at all. Also, the way you lock the controls takes a few seconds longer than the Zen did. With the Zen, you just slid the switch to the lock position. With the Archos, you hold down the TV button until the lock icon appears on the screen.

If you're playing from a playlist when you turn the unit off, and then you hit "resume" after you turn it back on, it doesn't seem to resume the playlist--it does indeed play the song you were on, but it's playing it from the album instead of the playlist, so the next song after that is the next song on the album, not the next song on the playlist. Possibly this is glitch that will be fixed in a firmware update (or perhaps has been--I haven't updated my firmware in a couple weeks).

Finally, changing the play mode (normal, shuffle, repeat one, repeat all), takes a lot more navigating around than it did on the Zen. It really shouldn't take that many clicks.

Sound-wise, the Archos is good as the Zen was, and its drawbacks as an MP3 player aren't so onerous that I'd consider buying a separate MP3 player. The Archos does well enough.

The PDF reader, however, turned out to be a disappointment. First, it takes several (loooong) seconds to go to the next page. Second, there's no way to bookmark where you are so that you can pick up where you left off. I figured I could just remember what page I was on and use the Go To Page feature to get back to it, but the Go To Page feature uses a slider, which is nowhere near as quick as if they'd let me type in a page number, and it takes a long freaking time for it to then load that page. Ugh. So this thing definitely hasn't replaced my Palm Tungsten for e-reading.

I haven't used the web browser or wireless much. It seemed pretty slow the times I have, and there's no "tap feedback" in the Content Portal, so when you tap on a link, you often don't know whether the tap has registered or not because the screen stays the same while the Archos (slooooowly) downloads the data for the next screen. That's frustrating. The web wasn't as frustrating as the Content Portal; I just haven't had much of a need to use it.

Another downside is that there aren't any cases for it that will protect the unit while allowing you direct, immediate access to it, the way the skin I had for my Zen did. Instead it comes with a padded, envelope-like case that you have to slip the unit completely out of if you want to use it. (To be fair, it's much better than the cloth pouch that came with the Zen.) Leather case options are limited, and all the ones I've seen require you to open the case in order to view the screen or access the navigation. The one from Archos won't even let you turn it off with the case closed, which isn't very handy if you're listening to audio and want to shut it off quickly.

I don't know how many hours I'm getting out of my battery. I did listen to music for 10 hours on a recent road trip without it giving out on me, but I didn't keep going to see how much more I could get out of it. I've also watched a couple hours of video without it running out of juice--and again, I ended up dropping it in the DVR station (which charges it) before it did run out, so all I can say about the battery is that it's lasting long enough for my needs.

Despite the caveats I've listed above, I LOVE my Archos 605. I love being able to take TV shows and movies with me everywhere. I love that I can finally watch bootleg concerts and other stuff I've downloaded on the "big screen." It's easy to use. The DVR station is easy to use. The two work together seamlessly. The Archos holds a ton off stuff. It plays my music. It lets me browse the web if I need to.

I'm happy with it, definitely. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed that future firmware updates will make me even happier with it.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Archos 605 Wi-Fi Portable Media Player (160 GB)" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Archos 605 Wi-Fi Portable Media Player (160 GB) ...

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 12MP Digital Camera with 5x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Black)

You looking to find the "Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 12MP Digital Camera with 5x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Black)" Good news! You can purchase Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 12MP Digital Camera with 5x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Black) with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $499.00   

Product Feature

• 12.1-megapixel resolution captures enough detail for poster-size prints
• 5x MEGA image-stabilized optical zoom; 25mm ultra-wide-angle Leica DC lens
• 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD
• Intelligent Auto (iA) mode; Face Recognition feature
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Product Description

Panasonic DMC-FX580K Lumix 12.1 Megapixel Compact Digital Camera, BlackWith 3.0-inch touch-screen LCD and iA ModeA touch is all it takes: High-performance model with smart touch-screen operation!Features:* Advanced Touch AF/AE with Face Recognition: Just "point out" the subject by touching theLCD, and the camera does the rest, adjusting the focus and exposure to capture a sharp, bright shotof your subject. Also, each time you indicate a face, the Face Recognition function activates and "remembers" it. Subsequently, any time that face appears within a shot you're framing, the camera adjusts the focus and exposure to capture it perfectly.* With iA mode and touch operation, shooting is simple: In iA mode, you can simply "point out" your subject by touching it on the LCD. The camera does the rest, automatically selecting the shooting mode that gives the best results. You enjoyeasy, intuitive shooting and capture beautiful images of the subject you want to shoot.* Smooth manual operation: In Shutter-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, and Manual modes, just touch the slider bars by the LCD to set the shutter, aperture and exposure correction values.* An easy touch is all it takes with assist functions too: Just touch the slider bars to fine-adjust the white balance too. And you can reposition the vertical and horizontal guide lines easily and intuitively with atouch.* Easy playback with touch operation: The Touch-View control feature lets you advance to the next image (or return to the previous one) by simply brushing a finger across the screen. Other convenient playback functions made possible by touch-panel operation include Multi-Playback, which lets you view thumbnails of up to 30 photos at once, Easy Search and Sort, and Zoom Playback.Specifications:Camera Type: CompactIntelligentAuto (iA) Mode: Face Recognition (Still);Optical Image Stabilizer (Still & Movie); Intelligent ISO Control (Still & Movie); Face Detec

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 12MP Digital Camera with 5x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Black) Review

This is one fantastic camera, and I look forward to using it a lot.

This is my third Panasonic (FX-01 and FZ-30), and before that I had Nikon digitals, preceded by Nikon film cameras; I had my own darkroom and did my own developing and printing of b&w for many years. I have to admit that when I took the FX-580 out of the box, I was a bit disappointed. I had ordered it to replace my FX-01, which I loved but which did not perform well in low light. The FX-01 is a beautiful, nice-to-hold camera that is covered with a black rubbery coating, and the 580 appeared by comparison to be plastic and unfriendly.

But this is a case where first impressions should be set aside. I have now seen some of what the 580 can do (its English-language instructions run to 143 pages). I am already a believer!

I was worried that the touch-screen control of many functions might be just a gimmick. It isn't, and I am especially impressed at what the AFAE (Auto-Focus Auto-Exposure) function does: When you activate it, it tells you to touch whatever you want the AFAE to work on. The thing or person doesn't have to be in the center of the screen. It's like magic, as you watch the change in focus and the correction of the spot-metered exposure happen. It blows me away.

The 12 megapixel images are fantastic. I took some macro (no flash) shots of some flowers, both outside and indoors, and I enlarged them to my heart's content. You have to get to the point that you can't tell what you're looking at before edges begin to bleed pixels.

Another feature that I know I will use (because I travel a lot and have tried to take lots of panoramas) is the "panorama assist mode." When it is activated, the edge of the previous image appears on the screen so that you can match it up with the next part of the panorama. This may not be a new feature with this model, but it is very impressive.

Being a diehard Photoshop user, I have not installed the software yet, but when I get to my home computer, I will check it out and report back as warranted.

Unless you feel you must lug around an SLR, I think most serious amateurs will be very pleased with this camera. Lugging lenses etc. isn't necessary with this camera; I'd rather carry a pocket-sized tripod with the 580. In choosing the 580, I also considered the Leica D-Lux 3 and its Panasonic clone, which would have cost $200-300 more. In the end, I could not buy a camera, no matter how wonderful, that had only a 60mm equivalent at its long end; I knew that would a source of constant frustration in many travel situations. The 580s 25mm wide-angle is just short of the Leica's 24mm, and the Leica's lack of a handgrip really worried me - I am not interested in dropping a $700 camera.

The only downside so far is the cost of the extra battery: $49.90 including shipping from Amazon. It may never even be necessary -- the battery seems to last forever.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 12MP Digital Camera with 5x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Black)" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 12MP Digital Camera with 5x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3 inch LCD (Black) ...

Contour ROAM2 Waterproof Video Camera (Green)

You looking to find the "Contour ROAM2 Waterproof Video Camera (Green)" Good news! You can purchase Contour ROAM2 Waterproof Video Camera (Green) with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $169.99   

Product Feature

• Locking Instant On-Record Switch No power button, no problem. Simply slide the Instant On-Record switch into its locking position to ensure you shoot exactly when you're ready.
• Vibrant color options We understand that style matters and color can make or break a look. Match your kit, or bring in a little contrast by adding a ContourROAM2 in one of four colors: Contour green, red, blue or traditional black.
• 60fps As requested by our users, we've bumped up the frames per second to 60, meaning you can now get that smooth video quality you've come to expect from Contour cameras.
• Waterproof without a case Good things come in small packages. The ContourROAM2 sheds bulk by working underwater without an extra case.

Product Description

The ContourROAM2 brings brilliant updates to our most loved camera, while retaining the features that made it a best seller.

Contour ROAM2 Waterproof Video Camera (Green) Review

This is my first Contour camera, and I was lucky that just at the time I decided to get one, the new ROAM 2 came out. The reason I like the ROAM2 over the original ROAM (which can now be had much cheaper) is for the 60 fps filming in 720p. This will produce smoother video, especially if you like to use slow motion effects now and then.

The ROAM 2 comes in attractive packaging and includes: 1 profile mount; 1 rotating flat surface mount; lanyard tether; USB cable; lens cap; 4GB MicroSD card; storage pouch and lens cloth.

Initial tests of the ROAM 2 in 720p @ 60fps and full HD 1080p @ 30fps are very impressive. At 720p you will have a view angle of 170 degrees, which gives you a wide panorama but some fisheye effect (to be expected at that width). In 1080p the view angle is reduced to 125 degrees, which still gives a nice wide view, but much less fisheye. The quality of the video image is very good. In full 1080p it is ultra-sharp and the colors are very good. The automatic white balance in the camera is also extremely good, and will self-adjust to present very true colors even indoors.
Operation of the ROAM 2 is very simple, via the one large "On-Record / Off" button on top of the camera. The mounting options available for Contour cameras is very good, but still could be a bit better. They have the snow and water sports covered, as well as skateboarders, bikers, etc. But I intend to use mine primarily to capture POV video from shooting sports, and there is still a lack of good mounts for that. A mount designed for a hat bill that would allow the Contour to lie flat via the rails would be perfect...

The rotating lens and built-in laser line make it easy to set the camera to frame a perfect shot, no matter what angle you mount it. I accidentally turned off the laser in the software and thought it was broken, until support at Contour provided me a quick response and helped me figure out that I am an idiot (my word, not theirs). Previous ROAM had two laser dots for leveling, the ROAM2 has a solid line, similar to home improvement tools.

The ROAM 2 has a standard �" x 20 tripod socket already on it - so no need to buy the Universal Mount Adapter (which I did, and now have no need for).
To set up the camera, change configuration options (such as selecting recording quality), you use Contour's software "Story Teller", which is easily downloaded and pretty simple to install and get using. Now, here is one thing I don't like about the ROAM 2 - you must use the software each time you want to change resolution of video. To do this, you must be connected to your computer via USB. So, if you're out in the world enjoying your camera, you are stuck with whatever setting you made before you left the house. There is NO option to select different modes via the camera itself. Given the designed purpose of the ROAM 2, I find this to be a bit lacking. Perhaps that is a feature on the more expensive versions of the Contour camera...

So, my first impressions of the ROAM 2 are very good. The quality of the video image is fantastic, the camera could not be more easy to use, and the software is pretty good too.
After a couple of full days of using the ROAM2, this camera performed flawlessly. Used it to capture POV video of a shooting match and attached it to my ear protection. The mic in the ROAM2 is very good - much better than any other camera I have. It was so easy to use the on/off button to begin and end each segment of recording - from a postion where I could not see the camera. The quality of the picture is superb (I shot at 1080p today).

UPDATE: After weeks of using this camera in real life action sports and other activities, I like it more and more each day. I am amazed at the quality of indoor picture also - no yellow or green cast - very natural light and it picks up everything very brightly. I find myself using 720p more often now, not only because of the economy of storage space but for the smoothness of the video if I want to go "slo-mo" from time to time. I would gladly buy this camera again... in fact, it might be nice to have TWO!
A couple tips: The 32GB microSD card does work fine in the ROAM2, and I've never even come close to filling it up. Secondly, if you're looking for some of the more exotic mounts and Amazon doesn't have them in stock - go directly to the Contour website. I ordered two mounts from them and they shipped quickly and only charged $2 for coast-to-coast shipping. Some of the merchants here wanted $10 for shipping.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Contour ROAM2 Waterproof Video Camera (Green)" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Contour ROAM2 Waterproof Video Camera (Green) ...

AVF PS933PB-C Wall Mounted Glass Shelving System for TV and AV Components - Black

You looking to find the "AVF PS933PB-C Wall Mounted Glass Shelving System for TV and AV Components - Black" Good news! You can purchase AVF PS933PB-C Wall Mounted Glass Shelving System for TV and AV Components - Black with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $179.00 $176.04   

Product Feature

• Top shelf supports flat panel TV's up to 46"
• Top shelf (36" wide) holds TV's up to 100 lbs.; Bottom shelves (18" wide) hold 22 lbs. each
• Safety strap included to secure TV to shelving unit
• Toughened black safety glass can be height-adjusted to accommodate various components
• Single or double-stud application using horizontal positioning bar

Product Description

The AVF Wall Mounted Glass Shelving System for TV's and AV Components (PS933PB-C) was designed to accommodate up to a 46" flat panel TV and AV components. The included safety strap secures your TV to the shelving unit for peace of mind. The shelves are height-adjustable to accomodate various AV components such as DVD player, Blu-Ray Player, HD Receiver, etc.

AVF PS933PB-C Wall Mounted Glass Shelving System for TV and AV Components - Black Review

This mounted shelving unit was exactly what we were looking for after searching local stores and the internet. We hung our flat screen television on the wall and needed to connect our stereo receiver, cd player, dvr and blue ray. We did not want to purchase a large piece of funiture to house all of these components. We ordered this wall unit and received it within a week. This unit was very easy to install, includes a cover to hide the wires and shelves are very sturdy to hold all the weight of our components. I would highly recommend this mounted shelving unit. Wouldn't recommend hanging this in the reach of small children.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "AVF PS933PB-C Wall Mounted Glass Shelving System for TV and AV Components - Black" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from AVF PS933PB-C Wall Mounted Glass Shelving System for TV and AV Components - Black ...