Amazon Roundup

I've got an interesting variety of reviews for your consideration this evening - two CDs and two gadgets. The first CD is the latest from songstress Dido titled Safe Trip Home. It is her third release, but the first since the death of her father in 2006. It takes a different artistic direction, but it is still really good. Check here for the details.

The other CD is one that I took a bit of a flier on when Circuit City was essentially giving away their remaining inventory. I had heard samples of Keane's latest CD Perfect Symmetry, but I wasn't too familiar with their work. As my review shows, I'm glad I didn't pay anywhere near full price for it.

In Gadgetland, I am not always one to go for the latest and greatest. About six months ago our VCR finally kicked the bucket. My first thought was just a simple replacement, but you can't find standalone VCRs anymore that come with a tuner. This is important if you want to do programmed recording or watch one program while recording another. I checked on a DVR, but I didn't like the idea of paying $15 per month in perpetuity. So I opted for a DVD Recorder. At the time, I couldn't find much that met the requirement of having a tuner, and I wound up with a unit from Panasonic. However, as my review shows, it leaves a little to be desired.

For the serious digital artists and/or photographers, the final gadget for consideration is Wacom's Intuos4 Medium Pen Tablet. I got this through the Vine program without knowing a lot about the target user base. I don't have any needs that take full advantage of what this tablet can do, but others may find it is exactly what they need. Check here for details.

And there you have it. All the reviews that are fit to print (and maybe some that aren't). ;-)

Until next time...
PH

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award

I recently had the opportunity to participate as a reviewer for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award competition. Between February 23 and March 8, I was assigned excerpts from 40 contestant entries to read and give a brief critique. The purpose was to narrow the field from 2,000 entries to 500 for the quarterfinals which are now under way through April 15.

It was an interesting process as the 40 excerpts I read were spread across many genres as well as levels of quality. I read mysteries and thrillers, historical fiction, westerns, young adult, and literary fiction among others. Each excerpt had two reviewers assigned, and these are listed as the "Editorial Reviews" on the book excerpt download page. As of now, I cannot divulge which of the quarterfinal entries have my reviews. However for the ones that are available now, you can be a part of the process. The excerpts are available for free download, and you can post your own review on Amazon. These reader reviews will be the basis for narrowing the field down to 100 entries.

It was tiring to chug through the excerpts in such a short span of time, but there was a nice reward for completing the task. Amazon provided a Kindle 2 to all judges who successfully completed all 40 reviews. I got mine on Monday, and I've posted a review with my first impressions. It's a pretty nice device, but I don't know if I would shell out the $350+ to buy one on my own. People who have iPhones can get an application that essentially gives you an iKindle so there is an alternative. You can see more about the iPhone option on the Kindle 2 page.

Until next time...
PH

Amazon Round Up

I've got a couple of new reviews up on Amazon that you may find interesting. The first is for the Blackberry Curve from Verizon that I've been using for a few weeks now. The second is for R.E.M.'s 2008 release, Accelerate. Happy Reading!

Until next time...
PH

Amazon Vine Review: Harmony 1100 Advance Remote

I've completed my evaluation of the new Harmony 1100 remote from Logitech. It's a decent device, but I didn't think that it stacked up in comparison to the Harmony One. I wrote my review as a comparison of the two so check it out for more details.

I've got a couple of books that I picked up last month that look promising. Write now I'm reading Spade and Archer which is a prequel to The Maltese Falcon commissioned by Hammet's wife. Look for more on this in a week or so.

Until next time...
PH

Amazon Review: Garmin Nuvi 205w

My HP GPS bit the dust, and I did a fair amount of research when choosing a replacement.  I decided that all I really needed was a basic, but quality, unit.  Office Depot sets up their GPS units to do simulations so that you can try them out in the store even though the unit is most likely not receiving a signal.  I narrowed it down to the Garmin Nuvi 205w, and after using it for a while I've written a review with details of its performance for anyone interested.  If you or whoever you are buying for is looking for a basic, easy to use unit, this is the one to go with.  A good deal would be somewhere between $100 and $150.  Enjoy!

Until next time...

PH

Amazon Vine Review: Logitech Squeezebox Boom

In the year plus that I've been in Amazon Vine, I've come across so pretty cool stuff. However, the Logitech Squeezebox Boom is truly a WOW product. You have probably gathered that music is a pretty big deal to me based on all of the CD reviews that I've posted about, and both of the Squeezebox products that I've used have made it easier to enjoy. I would expect that many teens will have this on their Christmas list this year.

Until next time...
PH

October on the Vine

The first offering from Vine for October presented a couple of vary different treats. I will be expanding my wireless music system to include the Logitech Squeezebox Boom. You may remember seeing my review of the Logitech Squeezebox Duet earlier this year, and the "boom" will complement this system nicely. It's due to arrive by UPS tomorrow so stay tuned (pun intended) for more in the days to come.

From the category of night and day different comes The Work From Home Handbook. This was a nice, quick read, and my review is up for your viewing pleasure. If you are curious about telecommuting (part time or full time), this is a good place to start for more information.

Until next time...
PH

Amazon Review: iPod Shuffle and More...

I had mentioned earlier that I had recently picked up an iPod Shuffle.  I've been using it for a couple of weeks ago, and I've posted a review on Amazon with the results.  I had also been in the market for a set of in-ear earbuds because the ones that come with mp3 players tend to fall out when jogging.  To remedy that, I've been using a pair of Skullcandy Buds Ink'd Earbuds, and I also have a review of these up as well.  Enjoy.

Until next time...

PH

When Junk Mail Isn't Junk

I'm sure a lot if not most of you are in a similar situation when you go to the mailbox.  If you are lucky you have at most one piece of junk mail for every item you actually need to look at.  With our schedules as hectic as they are, you probably give it a quick glance and toss it in the recycling - you do recycle, right?

Perhaps a second glance is in order.  The other day I had what looked like a flyer from the electronics store Conns.  I was about to throw it away when I realized that there was something in it.  Curiosity got the better of me, and I found a $50 promotional gift card.  I looked it over for the catch, but I didn't find anything.

So I stuck it in my wallet and went to our local Conns a few days later.  Thinking I knew what "the catch" was, I asked a sales clerk if there was a minimum purchase required to use the gift card.  I was shocked to find that the only stipulation was that it was a one use card.  That is if your purchase only amounted to $5, you lost the remaining $45.

I thought that was a pretty good deal so I looked around to see what they had close to $50.  The answer was not much; however, for $49.99 I saw a 1 Gb iPod Shuffle.  After finding nothing else I decided that was a good way to take advantage of their gift card.  I was prepared to pay the taxes, but much to my surprise I didn't have to.  Not bad at all.

I don't know how my of these things Conns sent out, but I can't believe that they have any iPod Shuffles left in their case.

So, the next time you get a load of junk mail, make sure it's really junk before you throw it away.  You never know what's going to be in there.

Until next time...

PH

Surprising Positive Experience

When was the last time you heard someone say something good about Walmart?  Regardless of what you can remember this post will soon fill that slot in your memory. 

Our VCR (yes, we are still in the stone ages) croaked a little over a week ago, and it was time to find an alternative.  It seems that you cannot by VCRs anymore that have tuners - required if you want to do programmed recording and/or watch one show while recording another.  It seems that I was able to get in on the tail end of DVD recorders that have a tuner.

I found what I thought was a great deal at Walmart for a Magnavox DVD recorder with a tuner, but it was anything but.  (No, this isn't the positive part yet.)  I hooked everything up, and tried to take the recorder for a spin.  However it wouldn't read any of the DVD +RW discs that I bought for recording.  I thought I had a bad batch of DVD +RWs.  Before returning those, I tried to play a movie that we had on DVD.  Ah, the DVD recorder could not read this either, and so it turned out to be a bad recorder.

This is where the good part comes in.  I went back to Walmart on Saturday, and I had the easiest return experience ever.  I walked right up to the return counter and explained that this player did not work.  Within a few minutes, I had a refund, and I was free of the Magnavox piece of junk.

I was shocked at how easy it was.  I figured I'd have to stand in line for 30 minutes then I'd have a big hassle with the return.  Not so.  While I wasn't please with my purchase, I can't argue with the customer service on the return.  Customer service.  I didn't know that still existed.  Who knew?

For the curious, I wound up with a Panasonic model from Circuit City that works like a charm.  The guy at Circuit City said that Panasonic is the only manufacturer who makes DVD recorders with tuners anymore because the cable and satellite companies have put on a lot of pressure in order to force people into buying/renting their DVR systems.  Sounds like the makings of a rant, but that's for another day...

Until next time...

Amazon Vine Review: Logitech Squeezebox Music System

Hot off the press is my review of the Logitech Squeezebox Duet Network Music System. For me this is pretty close to the coolest gadget I've come across. I love music, and this product brings the music worlds of the PC and stereo together - even if they are in different rooms! Enjoy.

Until next time...
PH

Amazon Vine Review: Philips Sonicare Toothbrush

My review of the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush is now available on Amazon - just follow the link. Of the now two toothbrushes that I've gotten from Vine, this is definitely the winner. Stay tuned for my other reviews coming to a web browser near you.

Until next time...
PH

Scattershooting Sunday

Happy Easter! I hope that you all have found joy in the celebration of Christ's resurrection. We had a put lock breakfast at Church this morning followed by service at 9:30. We did not go to sunrise service this year. Christy played a few songs for service, and the choir sang one.

Yesterday was just about a perfect day as far as weather goes. After my morning workout, I spent the afternoon in Arlington. Part of the time, I was at the new Arlington Heights outdoor shopping center. These have become the new trend with Southlake Town Square being one of the "older" ones. However, Arlington did not follow Southlake's formula. It is clear that Southlake Town Square was meant to be walked. In Arlington, you do this at your own risk as the heavy traffic flow plays chicken at the four way stop signs - and that's before you add pedestrians into the mix! Luckily, I was paying attention and patient...

When did the world yield become equivalent with "pay no attention to the triangle shaped sign or the traffic to which it refers"? If you driven in at all in DFW, you know what I mean. Perhaps photo enforcement of these is next. Not likely...

Thursday was Vine day for March. I'm excited to be trying out the Logitech Squeezebox Duet Network Music System and the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush. Both are still en route so stay tuned around the end of the month or early in April...

What's new on my mp3 player? I've just added Moment of Forever by Willie Nelson and Warpaint by The Black Crowes. How's that for eclectic?

Until next time...
PH

Amazon Vine Reivew: Logitech Harmony One Remote

Well this was a little slower in coming that I anticipated, but Amazon had some technical difficulties posting my review after I submitted it last week. However my review of the Logitech Harmony One Remote is now on the product page. While it's a nice gadget, it took a lot of work to make it usable. As such I would say that it is not for the faint of heart.

Until next time...
PH

January on the Vine

The January offerings from Amazon Vine were pretty interesting. They had a number of music selections to choose from, and I opted for a CD from new rock band Thieves & Liars. I've been listening to this CD for about a week now, and I've really enjoyed it. It tells the story of Joseph found in Genesis. I should be posting my review by the end of the week.

In addition they had a few gadgets available - yes, I love electronics. They are essentially toys for grown men. This month I opted to evaluate the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote. I haven't spent a lot of time with it yet, but the set up has proved to be challenging to this point. I'll probably be a little bit later in the month with my review on this.

Until next time...
PH

Amazon Review: Odyssey Mobile Navigation Software

I actually had this software prior to receiving my HP GPS system through Vine, but I just now got around to writing a review for it. The Odyssey Mobile V4 navigation software is decent low budget software if you already have a PDA and a receiver.

Until next time...
PH

Vine Review: HP iPAQ 310 Travel Companion

Well, the verdict is in on the HP iPAQ 310 GPS. I'll leave the details of the review on Amazon, but let me just say, "Wow!" This is a really nice unit. Happy reading!

Until next time...
PH

December on the Vine

Today we take a quick look at what I'm evaluating this month for Amazon as a part of the Vine Program. First up is a book that I thought was quite relevant for an election year. It is a book that evaluates how things have unfolded over the last eight years of the Bush presidency. It is called Daydream Believers. I don't usually spend time on books that are not relevant to my job, but this one seemed interesting to me. I should be getting it sometime next week so look for the review to come in mid to late January.

The second item is the HP iPAQ 310 GPS. I've been using this for a few days now, and I'm in the process of putting together my review. It will probably be up on Amazon within the next week.

I will link to both reviews in a future post.

Until next time...
PH

Friday Photos

During my time off, I have gotten in the habit of throwing my camera bag in the trunk when I'm going out and about. Today I was in Colleyville, and I found a couple of interesting buildings in their "town center" and a neat house that was nearby. Enjoy!








Until next time...
PH

Tradition Meets Hobby

I've mentioned before that I am generally a late adopter of new technology. Two weeks ago I bought my first digital camera. After sitting through the Cowboys/Redskins game last month with nothing more than the camera on my phone, I decided it was time to get with the other 99% of the world. I will tell you in post later on how I accomplished this without spending any money.

I have to admit that I am still very much a novice when it comes to digital photography, but that is where the hobby part comes in. I will be getting a little help from my new friend Corel Paint Shop Pro Phone X2.

I've enjoyed photography for as long as I can remember. I can't remember my first camera, but I know that I had a Polaroid at an early age. Both my mother and her mother took lots of pictures so I've been around cameras my whole life.

Now let's mix in some tradition. We have had our Christmas decorations up for a few weeks now, and you may have seen pictures on Christy's blog. Here is one of my favorites from that shoot.


I took one with flash without the light on in the dining room, but I think this one turned out better.

Additionally we went for a drive to Interlochen on Saturday to see the Christmas lights. I remember doing this after going to the Christmas Eve service growing up in Texarkana. I'll leave you with one of the better shots that I snapped during our trek.


Until next time...
PH