Monday, July 16, 2012

Dynex IEEE 1394 Firewire Notebook Card - 32bit Card Bus Adapter Review

Dynex IEEE 1394 Firewire Notebook Card - 32bit Card Bus Adapter
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Simply put, it works as advertised.
I use it for low latency audio & digital recording which are demanding on any system. This card doesn't so much as hiccup at everything I pump through it.
One caveat, this card does not supply bus power to your devices. That means anything connected to it will need its own source of power. Some firewire cards may supply bus power so you should carefully research this item to make sure this card will suit your needs. My device plugs into the wall, some devices have batteries, etc...

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SanDisk Sansa e280 8 GB MP3 Player (Black) Review

SanDisk Sansa e280 8 GB MP3 Player (Black)
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I've never written a review on Amazon before, but I like this unit so much that I thought I'd capture a few points that I think make this player a great choice:
1.) Currently an excellent $/GB value.
2.) Build quality is great (solid metal backplane). Screen will scratch, but one of the many available screen protectors will address this problem.
3.) User interface is well-deigned. I'm a fairly big guy (6'1") with large hands, but I have no problems operating the 4 buttons arranged around the scroll wheel. I was apprehensive about the scroll wheel, but it works great for me. The fact that it - unlike the iPod wheel - is raised a bit (i.e., has a positive profile) makes it easy to locate with your thumb when the player is out of view.
4.) Battery life is excellent; I've never run the unit to full discharge, but with heavy use on trans-pacific flights I've never gotten close to battery-empty status, so the stated 20 hrs. seems very realistic.(Remember that turning the brightness down will do wonders for battery life...)
5.) My player is loaded to capacity, and it takes apx. 10-15 sec. for booting, no more.
6.) Sandisk phone customer service has been more than satisfactory on two occasions (wait time was quite long but the actual service was very good).


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You can take it with you. Keep your media in your pocket with the SanDisk Sansa e280 flash memory digital audio/video player with 8 GB of storage. This sleek, light device enables you to enjoy music, video, and photo slideshows on-the-go. Features include MP3 and WMA playback, Microsoft PlaysForSure support, FM tuner (with recording ability), voice recorder, and a bright 1.8" TFT color screen.

Form is Function The Sansa e280 has a sleek, thin design with a large 1.8" TFT color screen for easy viewing. The strong alloy metal casing means the device is durable and scratch resistant. On the front, easy to use, backlit controls let you access what you want quickly and intuitively. The player also includes a microSD slot for expanding your memory capacity, and supports SanDisk TrustedFlash and gruvi content cards, which can be shared with mobile phones. The user-replaceable lithium-ion battery provides up to 20 hours of enjoyment.
MP3 Player The Sansa e280 will play MP3, WMA, and secure WMA formats. Other formats can be converted using the Sansa Media Converter (included). The e280 also uses PlaysForSure technology. Look for the PlaysForSure logo if you want to make sure the digital music and video you purchase will play back on it every time. Match the PlaysForSure logo on a large selection of leading devices and online music stores. If you see the logo, you'll know your digital music will play for sure. Choose from a large number of digital music and video stores, including MTV's Urge, Rhapsody, Yahoo!, MSN Music, MusicMatch, MusicNow, Napster, Wal-Mart Music Downloads, and many more.
Video Player View your favorite video clips anywhere, anytime. Use the included SanDisk Media Converter software to convert most popular video formats (such as MPEG-4, WMV, or DivX) into the MJPEG format playable on the e280.
Photo Viewer Share slideshows of your favorite photos with your friends. SanDisk Media Converter also supports most image formats, allowing you to convert and downsize your images for display on the e280.
On-Board FM Radio The e280 includes a digital FM tuner for listening to your favorite radio stations. Keep those favorites readily available by adding them to your presets. You can also record live radio on-the-fly for future listening.
Voice Recording Have a thought you need to get down before it evades you? Use the built-in microphone to record voice memos. Capture interviews, classes, short notes to yourself, or anything else you might feel inspired to record.
Choose the Capacity for Your Needs The Sansa e200 series is available in capacities of 2, 4, 6, or 8 GB.Each model contains a the microSD expansion slot, meaning you won't be limited to internal memory capacity.
What's in the Box Sansa e280 digital audio player, travel pouch and lanyard, stereo headphones, lithium ion rechargeable battery, USB cable, and quick start guide.

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Sunday, July 15, 2012

MEElectronics M9P-BK Hi-Fi Sound-Isolating In-Ear Headphones with Microphone (Black) Review

MEElectronics M9P-BK Hi-Fi Sound-Isolating In-Ear Headphones with Microphone (Black)
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Introduction
The M9P IEMs hail from a small California-based company by the name of MEElectronics. They produce a wide range of IEMs that cater to different users with various sound signatures. The M9 and M9P IEMs are among the most inexpensive products available and are currently selling for $20 and $23 respectively. I decided to buy the M9P IEMs because they not only function as earphones but will also have use as a headset for my cell phone and iPod Touch. After breaking them in and listening to them with a variety of music in my collection, these are my favorite IEMs in the sub $30 price range and are fantastic earphones for the price.
Technical Specifications
Driver: 9mm dynamic driver
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20KHz
Impedance: 16 Ohm
Sensitivity: 95dB/mW
Cable Length: 1.2m/4ft.
Packaging/Accessories: The M9Ps come packaged in an attractive transparent box and include a bevy of accessories including a hard zippered case, a cable wrapper, four sets of silicone eartips which includes a set of biflanges, a shirt clip and an airline adapter. Considering that the M9Ps only cost about $23, MEElectronics has included a highly impressive accessory package that puts many other inexpensive IEMs to shame.
Design and Build Quality: The M9Ps feature lightweight aluminum housings which feel durable and are ported at the rear to allow for more air flow. This helps with the low end response and the soundstage but cuts down the isolation.
The cable is perhaps the best I've seen on any IEM. It's lined with what appears to be delicate braided silver wiring inside and coated with a transparent plastic coating that both looks very attractive and makes it feel very durable. The cable is properly relieved at both ends which inspires confidence in terms of long term durability. Because of the great cable design, microphonics are negligible when worn straight down and practically non-existent when worn over-the-ear.
All in all, these are very attractive and durable IEMs that should be able to stand up to pretty heavy usage and last quite a long time.
Comfort and Fit: MEElectronics includes three pairs of single flange silicone eartips as well as a pair of bi-flanges for deeper insertion and better isolation. I have small ear canals so I opted for the smallest single flange tips and managed to get a good seal. The included silicone eartips are fairly soft and made the M9Ps very comfortable to use for long periods of time.
One thing that was a constant point of contention with the M9Ps is the seal itself. Now it's common knowledge that IEMs require a good seal in order to sound their best but the M9Ps take that concept to another level. Simply put, I've never come across an IEM that was as finicky about the seal as the M9. If the seal wasn't absolutely perfect, the resultant sound was imbalanced, shallow or just plain bad. That said, using the M9Ps while on the move isn't the best idea because of its need for a perfect seal.
Sound Quality
Usage/Burn-in: These IEMs have been given 50+ hours of burn-in prior to review but settled into their final sound signature after about 10 - 15 hours.
Low End: The most dominant frequency range on the M9Ps is also the best detailed. Prior to burn in, the bass was somewhat muddy but now, it has tightened up and boasts surprising refinement. Bass is still a bit boomy but not too much so. Extension is pretty good as well, reaching down into the sub bass levels before rolling off.
Midrange: Definitely recessed in comparison to the other two frequencies (especially the bass) but not so much so that it is overly detrimental to the overall sound signature. They're smooth and don't stand out too prominently, which may disappoint fans of Rock and Alternative music. The low end can creep up on bassier tracks which does make the midrange sound a bit washed out in comparison but overall, I think they are decently detailed.
Highs/Treble: Nice extension, detail and clarity. There's a bit of harshness in the upper treble region but overall, highs are pleasant sounding and have a nice sparkle.
Soundstage: Wide and airy. Imaging isn't too great but instrument separation is surprisingly good.
Sound Signature: Dark, warm, thumpy and very fun. Very bass forward and somewhat aggressive but rarely fatiguing. I love the sound signature of these when listening to Hip-Hop, Jazz and R&B. I think the low end is a bit too overpowering to be used with much Rock and Alternative music and the highs are a bit too harsh to be used with Classical but overall, these are very versatile and will work with a large number of genres that I haven't mentioned. This is definitely the best and most entertaining sound signature I've heard for the price.
Microphone Quality: Very good considering the price. Voices come through clean and clear and the microphone does a decent job of filtering out ambient noise but can get overwhelmed in noisy environments. It works well for making phone calls as well as Skype calls on the iPod Touch.
Conclusion
As a whole, I'm very impressed with the M9P IEMs. They are well designed, perform above their price range and are, above all, inexpensive. $23 is a very small price to pay for a great pair of IEMs and considering that price, I can't find much fault with them. While the bass may be a bit too deep for some listeners and there can be some harshness in the treble region, there isn't much these do wrong. If you're looking for a fun pair of IEMs that will work as a headset for your iPhone or other cell phone, sound good and won't put a strain on your wallet, look no further. These things are practically a steal.


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M9 second generation delivers ultimate sound with stylish color options (black or silver). Improved cable to eliminate microphonics. Redesigned casing provides superb durability. Headphone offers clear, accurate sound from any portable music or DVD player. MP3 and iPod accessory blocks out ambient noise for better listening. Electronic device features comfortable in-ear sound-isolating design. Lightweight, in-ear design blocks out ambient noise better than many bulky battery-powered noise-canceling headphones. Enjoy the full dynamic range of your favorite music and movies without cranking up the volume. M9 in-ear headphones deliver rich, clean sound from your portable player. Aluminum casting produces deep clean bass. 9mm drivers with neodymium magnets. 48-inch straight cord with gold-plated stereo mini-plus. Frequency response: 20 to 20,000 Hz. Impedance: 16 ohms. Our earphones require proper seal to achieve best sound quality, please choose from provided tip sets that best fits your ears. "MEElectronics stands behind our products and wants you to be satisfied.From time to time achieving a good fit and therefore proper bass response and sound for in-ear headphones can be challenging.If your MEE in-ear headphones don't sound great for the price or you have any other issues, please contact our customer service department at customerservice@meelec.com."

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HP Pavilion dv6-3130us 15.6-Inch Laptop PC - Up to 4.45 Hours of Battery Life (Argento) Review

HP Pavilion dv6-3130us 15.6-Inch Laptop PC - Up to 4.45 Hours of Battery Life (Argento)
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Very Happy with this computer. Keyboard has a nice feel to it, not mushy like some. Monitor is very clear and sharp. Fingerprint reader seems to be very accurate. Lots of hard drive space (620GB)and 4GB RAM. Fast enough for work, versatile enough for play. Good price for what you are getting.

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Now there's a notebook PC made for the way you play. In fact, the HP Pavilion dv6 comes with software that lets you start playing right out of the box. With amazing graphics, audio, and video, plus a wide array of options, the HP Pavilion dv6 Entertainment series notebook delivers power and performance to match your fast-paced lifestyle. Exclusive HP MediaSmart software gives you instant access to the music and movies you love. Immerse yourself in videos, games and 3D graphics on the high-definition 15.6" diagonal HP BrightView LED display. Look your best in any light with the HP TrueVision Webcam and sound great with integrated dual-array digital microphones for improved noise reduction. With the large hard drive, you can store volumes of data, movies, and music.15.6 Diagonal High-Definition BrightView LED Display (1366x768) HP TrueVision Webcam and Digital Microphone ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 Graphics with 128MB DDR3 memory Lightscribe SuperMulti 8x DVD+-R/RW Double Layer Drive Wireless LAN 802.11b/g/n WLAN Bluetooth 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector) 5-in-1 Digital Media Reader MMC, SD, MS, MS Pro, xD HP SimplePass with integrated fingerprint reader Dolby Advanced Audio with Altec Lansing speakers Brushed aluminum finish with the stream design in argento Connections -4 x USB 2.0 (4th port shared with eSATA), Headphone out, Microphone-in, VGA, HDMI, RJ-45 (LAN) Approximate Unit Dimensions -14.88 (W) x 9.56 (D) x 1.21-1.37 (H) inches Approximate Unit Weight -5.46 pounds

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Saturday, July 14, 2012

HP Pavilion Elite M9500F Desktop PC Review

HP Pavilion Elite M9500F Desktop PC
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My review is mostly for Enthusiast/Professional Photographers...
I needed a new powerful desktop with 64-bit processing. My Sony Vaio desktop that once was cutting edge two years ago,is now not able to keep up with many of todays demands. Especially my updated versions of Photoshop CS, and Lightroom 2.3 which works native in 64-bit.
64-bit allows windows to accept, use and maximize a computer with 4+ gbs of RAM. The HP Pavilion Elite M9550F comes pre-installed with a maxed out 8gbs of ram.
So for a photographer using high end software, and downloading large amounts of files. This computer works swiftly and effortlessly.
On my older sony desktop, it took about 15 minutes to download 4gb off of a compact flashcard. I could not do any other task while it downloaded, or risked data loss or the download not completing.
It takes about a minute to download with the HP, and I listen to music and/or check emails with no detectable slow down in the system.
On my old desktop, if I changed modules in lightroom, or did any form of editing it took a few seconds to see the changes. I sometimes had to hit Ctrl+Z so I can see the before image. With my new HP,... It's so fast that I miss the changes if they are not drastic. The screen appears to blink, because it responds so fast to my commands.
The onboard 1TB of storage is another huge plus. There are still very few desktops on the market with an internal 1TB drive. I have purchased three 1TB external hardrives, with two mirroring the HP's internal drive. There is a bay available that can be used for an additional internal drive, and you can purchase a HP Media Drive up to 1TB to plug right into a special bay. No wires, or software is necessary.
I distribute CD's to models and clients often. The LightScribe technology that is part of the CD/DVD drive lets you etch custom labels and artwork right on a LightScribe-enabled CD or DVD. This allows you to look professional and a cut about the rest.
There are several ways to hook up a monitor, so I have the VGA attached to my old CRT monitor, and HDMI port attached to a 30inch flatscreen. Using dual displays is just a few clicks, and takes your image editing to another level.
There are a lot of features that I'm sure I missed, but these are the standout features to me, using it for photography.

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Delivering an amazing high-end home entertainment experience, DirectX 10 gaming, and power for the most demanding PC tasks, the HP Pavilion m9500f Elite desktop PC is powered by the 2.4 GHz quad-core AMD Phenom X4 9750. With four cores in a single processor, the AMD Phenom X4 and the 8 GB of RAM (with 16 GB maximum capacity) deliver excellent multitasking and multimedia performance, and it's a perfect match for the pre-installed 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium. You can also go wireless and clutter-free with wireless keyboard, mouse, and remote control, and it includes the next step in Wi-Fi networking with a Draft-N wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n).
A recessed landing pad on top of the chassis offers a convenient place for connecting USB and FireWire devices. One touch of the HP Easy Backup button lets you back up your files instantly, helping to protect irreplaceable photos and files. And the SuperMulti DVD burner with LightScribe technology lets you etch custom, silkscreen-quality labels and artwork directly onto LightScribe-enabled CDs and DVDs.
This Pavilion Elite offers a built-in drive bay to fit an optional HP Pocket Media Drive, for up to 160 GB of additional storage that you can carry away with you when you go (media drive not included). Other features include a 750 GB hard drive, Nvidia GeForce 9500 GS graphics with up to 2558 MB of total available graphics memory, HDMI and DVI video outputs, 15-in-1 memory card reader, up to 8 channels of surround sound output, and Gigabit Ethernet wired networking. It comes with a wired keyboard and mouse.
The pre-installed 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium (Service Pack 1) includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center. In addition to easily playing your DVD movies and managing your digital audio library, you'll be able to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV). Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.
The Basics
Processor: This desktop is powered by AMD's 2.4 GHz Phenom X4 9750 quad-core processor was designed for megatasking--running multiple, multi-threaded applications such as processor-intensive visual design and modeling and serious 3D games as well all your digital multimedia. With an integrated memory controller and shared L3 cache, AMD Phenom X4 9000 Series processors have low-latency access to main memory for amazingly rapid system response and phenomenal system performance. The 9750 has 2 MB of L2 cache in addition to 2 MB of L3 cache and a 2000MT/s system bus.
All AMD Phenom X4 9000 series processors feature AMD64 with Direct Connect Architecture to blast through performance bottlenecks and provide direct access to DDR2 memory. AMD's HyperTransport 3.0 technology now provides support for full 1080p high-definition video. And with the next generation Cool'n'Quiet 2.0 technology reducing heat and noise, the AMD Phenom X4 9000 Series quad-core processor delivers seamless multitasking and optimum energy efficiency.

Hard Drive: The ginormous 750 GB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to Firewire and USB 2.0.
This desktop also includes a drive bay that fits an optional HP Pocket Media Drive, which enables you to add up to 160 GB of additional storage. The Pocket Media Drive also works with any USB-enabled PC, for easy transferring of multimedia files from other computers in your home.

Memory: The 8 GB of installed RAM (PC6400) helps boost the amount of available video RAM that's shared with this notebook's video card. It also offers a fast 800 MHz speed. This desktop has an amazing 16 GB maximum RAM capacity (4 x 4 GB) when used with a 64-bit operating system (4 GB when used with a 32-bit OS). To receive the faster data transfer benefits of the dual-channel DDR2 RAM, any RAM additions require memory modules of same capacity and clockspeed.

DVD/CD Drive: This multiformat DVD/CD drive is compatible with writing both DVD+ and DVD- disc formats as well as dual-layer (DL) DVD+/-R discs, which can store up to 8.5 GB of data. It features 12x DVD±R DL Write Once, 16x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 12x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R, 32x CD-RW write speeds and 40x CD-ROM, and 16x DVD-ROM read speeds.
This LightScribe DVD±RW drive lets you laser-etch silkscreen quality text and images on to CDs and DVDs . Your software, PC and discs work together for a no-hassle way to burn just the labels you want. After you burn content, just flip the disc over, reinsert and burn your label--anything from a simple title to a full-disc work of art.

Keyboard & Mouse: It comes with an HP multimedia keyboard and scroller mouse (both with PS/2 connections).
Video & Audio Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 9500 GS graphics/video card, which provides 512 MB of dedicated video RAM and offers up to 2558 MB of total available graphics memory as allocated by Windows Vista. Enabled by PureVideo HD, movies come to life with outstanding picture clarity, ultra-smooth video and vivid color. The lifelike images have up to six times the detail of standard DVD movies. Delivering state-of-the-art graphics performance, The GeForce 9500 GS graphics card is sure to give you the power and performance you crave to play the hottest DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 titles. Its 16x full-screen antialiasing technology delivers superior quality along with astounding performance and since it's optimized for Windows Vista.
The video card includes VGA and DVI video out as well as HDMI audio/video out options. This PC also offers an integrated audio card that can produce high definition surround sound configurable to 8 speakers.
Networking, Connectivity & Expansion This desktop can be wirelessly networked with the integrated Draft-N Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g/n). Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks. It has one PCI expansion slot (available), two PCI x1 Express slots (one available), one PCI x16 Express slot (occupied), two 5.25-inch bays (one available), three 3.5-inch bays (one available), and the following external ports:
6 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players (2 in front, 4 in rear)
2 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals (1 in front, 1 in rear)
Video out: DVI, HDMI, and VGA
Headphone and microphone jacks
Audio: Digital SPDIF audio input/output, analog input/output
Surround sound speakers--rear, side, center (subwoofer)
2 PS/2 ports for connecting keyboards and mice
15-in-1 media card reader on the front, compatible with CompactFlash (Type I and II), MicroDrive, SmartMedia, Memory Stick/Pro/Duo/Pro Duo, MultiMedia Card, Secure Digital, XD Picture Card, RSMMC, MMC Mobile, MMC+
10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
56K modem (V.90)

Operating System The 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium (with SP1) is the operating system for users with advanced computer needs, and it includes all of the Windows Media Center capabilities for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center for watching DVD movies and accessing your digital audio library. You can also use Windows Media Center to record and watch your favorite TV shows (even HDTV) and to access new kinds of online entertainment content. Computers that include Windows Vista Home Premium and an auxiliary Windows SideShow display will also allow you to access key data even when your computer is off. It is also easier than ever to share files between other PCs in your household and to manage your laptop computer settings to more securely connect via Wi-Fi.
Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.
Preloaded Software
HP MediaSmart Software Suite: Your one-stop multimedia and entertainment center to create photo slideshows, share personal videos, listen to your favorite music playlists and watch DVD movies.
muvee autoProducer Basic: Automatically create professional looking home videos and burn to DVD.
Cyberlink DVD Suite Deluxe: Automatically fix and edit videos and create CDs and DVDs. Edit, burn and archive data to discs.
Microsoft Works 9: Includes a word processor, spreadsheet, database and calendar.
Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 (60-day trial version).
Adobe Reader 8: Read and print PDF files.
Norton Internet Security 2009 protects your PC and your identity when you email, bank and shop online; 60 days of protection updates included.

Dimensions & Weight This desktop measures 16.61 x 7.0 x 15.51 inches (LxWxD) and weighs approximately 24.25 pounds.
What's in the Box The HP Pavilion Elite m9500f desktop PC comes with a power cord, keyboard, and scroller mouse. It is backed by a one-year warranty for parts and labor from date of purchase, one-year technical phone service, and 90 days of software application support.
Note: Monitor not included.

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H2O Audio Interval 3G Waterproof Headphone System for iPod shuffle 3rd Gen Review

H2O Audio Interval 3G Waterproof Headphone System for iPod shuffle 3rd Gen
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I have used (consumed) 6 of these during the past year and a half. They have gone through, I would estimate, about 300 cumulative hours of use in the pool. They have also gone through about 50 hours of use in a sauna. Each of the six ended up not working. Three of them failed during the warranty period and were replaced. One of them was repaired and is currently in use. The remaining two were thrown out.
When they work, the headphone system is great. It attaches easily to the goggle strap and there are no long cables to deal with. The music makes swimming much more pleasant. The earbuds also act as earplugs and keeps the water out. I would give it five stars for the conceptual design.
The problem is that they are not reliable. The most common failure is one of the headphones not working. With use, they start to fail by producing diminished sound volume. Then, over time, they simply fail and produce no sound. Another mode of failure is the buttons not working.
I have taken apart a couple of them, and this is my finding. The main unit is basically a waterproof housing with three push buttons. There are some resistors and capacitors that replicate the function of the original Apple headphone push buttons, but there are no active components. The headphone cables enter the housing through a compression fitting that seals out the water. The earlier units simply had a knot in the cable to prevent it from slipping out. One mode of failure is that the cable is free to rotate and since the connections are made through hand soldered contacts onto a small printed circuit board, the contact point can break. The guys at H2O audio must have figured this out, since the units produced later has the connections potted inside a heatshrink tube with a sturdier pair of wires being soldered onto the PC board. The cable connections to the buttons are also hand soldered (some of them quite poorly). The cables are very thin and fragile and even small movement can cause the solder joint to come apart. The main design issue here is that the four conductor connector inside the box is allowed to move (rotated and pulled). This motion tugs on the thin cables, and over time, one of the weaker solder joints would fail.
The earbud consists of a housing and a speaker unit that is about quarter inch in diameter and about eighth inch deep. The cable in the earbud is sealed with a potting compound. The speaker membrane is a clear material that can be seen directly when you look through the orifice in the earbud. I think much of the failure of the earbud comes from this thin membrane having have to hermetically seal the magnet and coil assembly inside. The air pocket would experience pressure changes as the wearer swims under water (e.g. when doing flip turns). My guess is that the pressure cycling causes the membrane to fail. Out of curiosity, I poked the membrane on one of the defective earbuds, and it ruptured readily. Interestingly, the units came with an explanation on how air pressure changes during freight could affect the initial performance of the headphones and that the earbuds would need to somehow equalize the pressure. Still can't figure out what this means... My experience is that units that were bad out of the box ended up being the ones that got sent back.
The unit I am currently using had one of the push button joints come off. This was repaired by a simple solder connection. I 'repaired' a defective earbud by taking a working earbud from another unit that also had one defective earbud. Hopefully these battle-hardened earbuds will work for some time. These were the earbuds that have gone through real-life pressure cycle testing. H2O audio should sell 'military spec' versions of the earbuds that are subjected to actual 'burn in' tests so that the ones destined fail early are removed from the lot. I, for one, would pay a premium for this enhanced level of reliability.
I think the next set of underwater music player I would get would be the ipods that are sealed using a potting compound injected directly into the ipod units. I think this is the more elegant solution. Amazon carries this also. What we then need are waterproof earbuds with short cables... This should be easy enough to modify from one of the existing headphones, though.

Click Here to see more reviews about: H2O Audio Interval 3G Waterproof Headphone System for iPod shuffle 3rd Gen

H2O Audio's product development team collaborated with gold medal swimmers Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin to develop our latest swim specific music solution. This year's Interval Waterproof Headphones System features a wider variety of earplugs sizes and styles, a more secure swim goggle attachment system, and a new ergonomic design, making it easier for you to swim longer than ever before. About H2O Audio: H2O Audio is a company established by athletes for athletes. We work with some of the best athletes in the world including Gold Medal Swimmers Michael Phelps & Natalie Coughlin, Legendary Surfer Laird Hamilton, World Champion Ironman Craig Alexander, and World Class Triathletes Greg and Laura Bennett to develop high performance waterproof headphones and accessories that allow you to take your music with you underwater, in the water, in the pool and on your run while you work up a sweat.

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Friday, July 13, 2012

STANLEY TOOLS 68-012 All-in-One Screwdriver Review

STANLEY TOOLS 68-012 All-in-One Screwdriver
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I purchased this "all-in-one" screwdriver to replace an older one.
Things I like about this tool:
- Comfortable handle is rubberized for good grip
- Four heads - a large and small slotted, and a large and small philips
- Each end of the shaft is a slightly different size, so you also get two different sized nut-drivers (this was the reason I replaced my older multi-screwdriver, which had the same size hole on both ends)
- It can be held magnetically to my tool strip, using the steel shaft.
Things I don't like about the tool:
- Nothing!


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