Samsung t349 Prepaid Phone, Silver/Lime (T-Mobile) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)On June 24, 2009, I bought this phone to replace my old tried and true workhorse the Moto Razr V3 phone that I had been using on my T-Mobile Pre-Paid plan. And after much studying different newer cell phones, I wanted to upgrade my tried and true Razr so I could email and text and have more features than my Razr V3 had.
BEST FEATURES OF THIS PHONE:
1) Most important, you can really hear the other person on this phone and they can hear you! Also, on the left side of the phone is a up and down key for loudness in the headset. Very handy! (The reason that I mention this first is many cell phones do not have a built in volume button and some cell phones are just plain hard to hear on unless you put in the headphones or use the speaker phone). By the way, the volume on this phone is very loud when you select the volume button and the speaker phone is very loud on full volume.
2) You can set the left "envelope" key for email or IM, or any message things. I set mine to email.
3) The EMAIL can be browsed for free, however, to view or read or send an email in the pre-paid plan on T-Mobile it is 20 cents per read or send. I found this out the hard way when I got carried away and sent several emails and read several. I learned to open the most IMPORTANT ones or better yet to "window shop" the emails and later open them up on my laptop. However, I did find this feature so handy when I was away from my computer and needed to check my emails in a pinch!
4) EMAILS: You can have more than one email account. For instance, YAHOO, AOL, and more. The set up is easy.
5) INTERNET BROWSER: No, it is not a IE Browser! It is a WEB TO GO BROWSER that has: 1) My account, 2) Downloads (for music and sound effect ring tones and gifts) 3) Web to Go Browser has: 1) CNN 2) ESPN 3) ABC News 4) (Can't remember this one)
6) Camera with 1.3 pixels (so so pictures, great to send and they even let you add a voice to the pictures). You can send them to your internal SD mini memory card (must purchase as this is not included), you can email the picture, send it to the T-Mobile Album in your page on T-Mobile and MORE!
7) Video camera, again this is not a fancy video, however the same applies you can email the video, and more!!!!
8) Voice recorder - I like that because you can record your voice and then email it to someone or just do a to do list in a recording.
9) Very user friendly phone with MANY more features.
10) A great FIRST TEXTING phone that is not that expensive! I bought this to see how I would like texting, emailing etc and found that I really do so this phone is great to have when I am not around my computer at home.
11) The MP3 Player. After I installed the mini SD memory card (which I placed some of my MP3 music collection on), I played the music with and without the headphones. With the headphones, the music is wonderful and a rich sound. Without, not too bad either. Also, in the options, you can set any of your MP3 songs from your mini SD card to be a ring tone. I had fun with that one and added several songs to my ring tones right from my own memory card in the phone!
12) BATTERY LIFE: Just to be on the safe side, I charge this phone every night and then the next morning, I take the phone with me. After heavy usage, texting, talking, browsing and learning the features, listening to the MP3 player in the phone, etc, after about 4 hours of doing the things, I still had 4 bars on the battery! And to remedy the battery situation back to 5 bars, I quickly placed it on my car charger and after driving around just 30 minutes, the phone's battery had 5 bars once again (full battery), so that quickly fixed the problem until I could arrive home and place it on the home charger. My old Razr V3's battery lasted longer (both in talk time and standby time - just about double the time of the Samsung T349), however, I also did not use the Razr except for just talking once in a while.
All in all, this is a SUPERB phone with lots of great features and it is very easy to learn to use this phone in my opinion! I am very glad that I bought this phone, I highly recommend this phone!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung t349 Prepaid Phone, Silver/Lime (T-Mobile)

Stay in touch with all your contacts and keep your busy life organized with the Samsung T349, and pay the way you want with prepaid and postpaid calling plans from T-Mobile Pay As You Go. Perfect for heavy on-the-go text messaging and email users, the Samsung T349 includes a 20-key, partial QWERTY keypad that combines with XT9 predictive text entry to make composing messages a breeze. This candybar-style phone also features a 1.3-megapixel camera/camcorder with 4x digital zoom, MP3 player, MicroSD memory expansion (up to 4 GB), Bluetooth for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, personal organizer tools, and up to 7 hours of talk time.
T-Mobile Pay As You Go Prepaid Service T-Mobile prepaid plans give you wireless access with less commitment, so you can pay--and talk--as you go. With no annual contract, no credit check, and no monthly bill, prepaid plans are a simple, direct way to go mobile. There are many ways to conveniently refill your T-Mobile Prepaid Plan so that you can stay continually connected with the people who matter most, including using web2go directly from your phone, via the T-Mobile web site, or using refill cards available at over 90,000 locations nationwide.
With Pay As You Go, you get wireless service exactly how you like it--there's no long-term contract, no credit checks, and no surprises. Add $100 in refills with Pay As You Go and you'll become a Gold Rewards customer, which gets you 15 percent more minutes on all refills and your minutes won't expire for a year after the time you refill.
You can also pay only $1.00 per day for unlimited nights and unlimited nationwide calling to any T-Mobile number. All other domestic calls you make are just 10¢ per minute.
T-Mobile includes the following services with this T-Mobile Pay As You Go phone:
Nationwide long distance (including calls to Alaska and Hawaii)
National roaming on the T-Mobile USA network
T-Mobile web2go (free shopping for HiFi Ringers, MegaTones, wallpapers, and more; not available on all devices)
VoiceMail, caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling
Free e-mail address (10digitnumber@tmomail.net)
Additional services available for additional fees:
Text messaging ($0.20 to send, $0.20 to receive)
Picture messaging ($0.20 to send or receive)
Download ringtones and wallpaper (prices vary)
Download games and applications (prices vary)
411 & More directory assistance ($1.49 per call plus airtime)
International dialing to over 150 countries (international rates apply)
Prepaid international roaming rates
To keep your mobile number active, refill within 90 days after your minutes expire. After 90 days, your account will be canceled and you will lose your phone number. If you want to restart service after that time, you will need to activate new service.
Phone Features The innovative Samsung T349 candybar-style messaging phone features a 20-key partial QWERTY keyboard that's combined with the latest in predictive text entry technology to make composing emails and messages a breeze. The XT9 predictive text entry technology takes the magic of the original T9 technology and takes it up a notch with such features as a word prediction list and spelling correction that spots transposed letters and missed keys, as well as instant integration into all applications on the device. The phone provides one-touch access to your favorite messaging function with the messaging shortcut key, and the user interface offers a new, simplified circle menu style that provides friendly graphics and succinct menu description text.
The T349 sports a brightly colorful LCD screen (176 x 220 pixels, 262K color depth) that sits above a four-way navigation pad that's surrounded by send/end and two soft navigation keys and complemented with a dedicated messaging key. The phone has an internal 50 MB memory, which can be expanded via optional MicroSD/MicroSDHC (high capacity) memory cards (up to 4 GB in size). The phonebook can store up to 1000 contacts, with each entry able to store multiple phone numbers and offering support for caller groups as well as photo/ringer ID.
Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and file transfer. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server (additional charges or subscription applicable).
You'll be able to stay in close contact with friends and family via both text (SMS) and picture (MMS) messaging, and this phone provides access to popular instant messaging services (including AIM, Yahoo!, and Windows Live) for fast, on-the-go conversations. This handset also includes support for accessing personal email from POP3 and IMAP4 accounts.
Other features include:
1.3-megapixel camera for still photos and video clips; features include 4x digital zoom and multi-shot capabilities
Digital audio player compatible with MP3 and AAC/AAC+ file formats
Video player with support for MPEG-4, H.263 and 3GP formats
Organizer tools: calendar, alarm, tasks, notes, calculator, world time, converter, timer, stopwatch
64-chord polyphonic ringtones plus vibrate mode
Display of the last 90 incoming/outgoing/missed calls
Downloadable wallpaper and games

Vital Statistics The Samsung T349 weighs 3.2 ounces and measures 4.49 x 1.97 x 0.53 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7 hours of talk time, and up to 300 hours (12.5 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies.

Get 69% OFF

Click here for more information about Samsung t349 Prepaid Phone, Silver/Lime (T-Mobile)

Read More...

AKG Q701Premium Class Reference Headphones, Quincy Jones Signature Line Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased these here on Amazon several months ago. I have listened to them extensively since and I have found that the new Q 701 is indeed the new Reference Headphone in the AKG 700 series line. I listen to these phones using a dedicated headphone amplifier, (the Schiit Lyr Hybrid tube amp), and I source them with my NAD C 565BEE CD player. This combo really brings out the best in my music collection.The Q701 delivers in spades. Bass is deep and full without being hyped up. The treble is smooth yet extremely detailed. Vocals just soar and sing. The soundstage is wide and deep, with good height also. The sound is laid out in front of you with each instrument clearly defined. I have played all kinds of music on these and they sound fantastic with any well recorded CD. Classical music is especially good, as is acoustic jazz. Rock, blues and country all sound good. Overall I would describe these headphones as smooth and natural sounding. They are open backed phones so sound does leak into the room. These phones require a good headphone amp to bring out their best qualities, but when amped well they punch far beyond their price point for excellent sound quality. Highly recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: AKG Q701Premium Class Reference Headphones, Quincy Jones Signature Line

Music has never sounded better or closer than with the Quincy Jones Signature Series Q701 Reference Class Headphones. Sparkling harmonics,incredible low distortion and unequalled realism in the lower frequencies - it's the huge, airy, three dimensional sound that's been only available in the finest high end speaker systems and microphones. Now, we've engineered it into the most accurate and responsive reference headphones we've ever produced, the Q701. Hear music exactly as the artist intended.

Get 38% OFF

Click here for more information about AKG Q701Premium Class Reference Headphones, Quincy Jones Signature Line

Read More...

Samsung WEP200 Bluetooth Headset v2.0 (Red) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)(Yes, that's wordplay on a Prince song.) I hate headsets because I've never found one that really truly works for me. Sure, I can hear through them and I can speak and others hear me but it's they're not problem-free by any stretch of the imagination. But, I keep searching.
I was first drawn to this because it's red. I'll be honest. Then I realized that it was small. And then, inexpensive. So I bought it to use with my iPhone.
I've been using it for about five weeks as of this review. It's super easy to pair, it fits nicely in my ear and to date, has not fallen out once. The charger is a neat little case which for some reason, I like.
I find that I often have to turn the volume down on the headset because it's just too loud even while driving with the windows down. People I talk to have said that they don't even notice that I'm using a headset which is important to me. I hate when people use headsets that make them sound far away or like they're standing in a silo. One time I was standing outside and it was getting ready to storm and the wind was blowing like crazy. My friend did say he couldn't hear me well with the wind blowing that hard into the microphone. Makes sense.
That's been the only trouble though. Oh, and the thing is so small it's easy to lose in a purse for sure and easy to forget when you put it in your front jeans pocket. It's had a few close calls with the washing machine.
I like it. Sound is good and my friends don't hate when I use it and it stays in my ear without that goofy hook thing on my other bluetooth headsets that get tangled up in my hair or doesn't sit well under or over my sunglasses.
UPDATE 11/6/2009: I just wanted to add that it's been over two years since I bought this and I'm still using it daily. It still works great even though it's been through the ringer - lost, dropped, even put through the laundry cycle! Still highly recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung WEP200 Bluetooth Headset v2.0 (Red)

Samsung's WEP200 Bluetooth headset is a lightweight communications companion to your mobile phone, weighing just 9 grams (0.3 ounces) and offering up to 4 hours of talk time. It includes the following features:
Bluetooth version 2.0 + EDR for enhanced data rate, faster pairing and connection, improved call quality and lower power consumption. Also compatible with Bluetooth version 1.2 and 1.1 devices.
Bluetooth Class 2 wireless connection to Bluetooth compatible device up to 30 feet away
Supports Bluetooth Handsfree and Headset profiles
Omni-directional microphone that clearly picks up your voice
Multi-function button to controls various functions including answering and ending calls
Integrated volume up/down control
Transfer between calls between phone and headset (if supported by phone)
Last number redial (if supported by phone)
Supports voice dialing (if supported by phone)
Call reject (if supported by phone)
Call holding and waiting (if supported by phone)
Microphone mute function
Color LED indicates status of connection and headset
Fits either ear
Battery: Up to 4 hours of talk time or 70 hours of standby


What's in the Box Headset, travel charger, charging case, headset hooks, user manual

Pairing Instructions Pairing will create a unique and encrypted wireless link between two Bluetooth enabled devices, such as your Bluetooth phone and Bluetooth headset.
Ensure that the headset is off (see Turning the headset on/off).
Press and hold the Multi-Function button until the indicator light turns on in blue (approximately 8 seconds).
Set your Bluetooth phone to discover the headset by following your phone’s guide. Typically, the steps involve going to a Setup, Connect, or Bluetooth menu on your phone and then selecting the option to discover Bluetooth devices.
Your phone will find the Samsung WEP200 headset and ask if you want to pair with it. Confirm this by pressing the Yes or OK key.
Enter a passkey or PIN, 0000 (4 zeros), then press the Yes or OK key.

Get 76% OFF

Click here for more information about Samsung WEP200 Bluetooth Headset v2.0 (Red)

Read More...

Plantronics Voyager PRO Bluetooth Headset Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have owned my Plantronics Voyager Pro for about 9 months and I really like almost everything about this bluetooth device. For me the Voyager Pro fits perfect and unlike some other bluetooth headset's I also own like the Jawbone original and the second style Jawbone theses 2 don't fit very well at all but the Jawbone Prime 3rd version fits really well but it sounds very low and muffled. I also own the Blue Ant V1 and it just sounds bad and doesn't have very good battery life but the fit is ok. Now the Plantronics Voyager Pro or (PVP) for short Sounds perfect to me with a lot of volume and it is also the most comfortable bluetooth device I have ever owned. The only problem I have with the (PVP) is the noise killing section of this device. If I am driving my Subaru Outback and I put the window down everyone tells me all they hear is wind noise, but I wear the (PVP)in my left ear so I would expect the wind noise to be louder than if I wore it in my right ear. But if I keep the windows up ( which I do 99% of the time) everyone tells me I sound like I am talking on a house phone right next door to them. One of the other reviewers said that the (PVP) didn't fit his ears and it kept falling off. I'm sorry but I just don't believe that statement because I have rather normal size ears for a man and I can ride my 4 wheeler without a helmet through the woods at a pretty good speed and the (PVP) stays on my ear, and my wife who has small ears says the forgets she has her (PVP) on and has never had a problem hearing me or anybody else while using it in her car or office.
To break it down, I really like this Plantronics Voyager Pro better than any other bluetooth headset I have ever owned and hopefdully it will last a few more years. And the price here at Amazon.com is GREAT and can't be beat.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Plantronics Voyager PRO Bluetooth Headset

Get 58% OFF

Click here for more information about Plantronics Voyager PRO Bluetooth Headset

Read More...

HP iPAQ 211 Enterprise Handheld (210 Series) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The HP210 / 211 / 212 / 214 could have been a truly great product. (They're all the same product: the different numbers indicate the channel and country; i.e., 210 US - Consumer, 214 - Asia, etc.) But it has a few shortcomings that, in my opinion, reduce it to an average product that should be considered carefully.
First, I am a big fan of PDAs and so-called smartphones and have been using them for years. None of them are perfect. In fact, most of them are far from perfect. In recent years the smartphone category, combining the cellular phone, the PDA and a camera, has really taken off. The standalone PDA is probably an endangered species and the HP211 could be the last of its kind. The emergence of the mini-laptop like the Asus Eee and Fujitsu U810 may, in fact, be the final nails in the coffin of the standalone PDA which I think would be a pity.
HP did a lot of things right with the HP211.
The screen is absolutely gorgeous. Photos and videos shine forth in all their glory. Glare from the screen surface has not been a problem. I have not tested it in direct sunlight, but it holds up well in bright daylight. The screen does require a fairly strong touch, but it is something you become accustomed to fairly quickly. Scrolling, however, in Internet Explorer seems to somewhat difficult. You have to apply firm pressure which the device may be interpreting as repeated taps. Something makes navigation in IE more difficult than it has to be.
For those who use the inking capability, once you get the touch done, it is a great experience. The Marvell processor is fast enough to make inking a delight. If you use an onscreen keyboard like TenGo, you'll be well impressed with how responsive the screen is and how fast your input can be.
Overall, the CPU powers the device with lots of horses to spare. And it is wonderful to have all that memory available, knowing as well that you can add humongous SDHC and CF cards as well. The idea that you can add 32GB of memory with 16GB card in each slot is mindblowing.
WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities are excellent.
The four function buttons are well placed and can be reprogrammed to meet your needs. On left side is another button that starts the recording function. The on/off switch is mounted on the front near the top right corner. While it hasn't happened to me, I am afraid it can be depressed accidentally, but the auto shutdown should render that moot even if it happens.
The D-pad is a major drawback and could be a dealbreaker for a lot of people. The designers lopped off the top of the D-pad. It is smaller than the right/left and down pads and, mounted just below the screen bezel, feels funny. It is also difficult to toggle precisely which is frustrating. As I use it more, it seems to be becoming more natural, but I consider it a dumb design move. I would strongly suggest that prospective owners either try it in a store or buy from a vendor with an excellent return policy.
The other major flaw - and this could be a deal-killer for a lot of people is the speaker arrangement. There are two speakers, but they do not work together at the same time. The front one is used only, as far as I know, with Skype. It has just barely adequate volume in a quiet room. If there's any kind of noise, forget it. By the way, the HP211 works very well with Skype.
The rear speaker is just plain horrible. It is inaudible even in a quiet room. It is unusable for playing back voice recordings and trying to use it for music or audio tracks on movies is unthinkable. You can also whistle goodbye to using it for voice prompts for GPS. In a unit this expensive, this design flaw is inexcusable. Making matters worse is that the headphone jack - which is, thankfully, a standard 3.5mm - is located on the bottom of the unit. I haven't tried it with Bluetooth headphones. one of the big pluses of a standalone PDA like this to me is the recording capability for quick notes. But if I can't hear them playing back without headphones, what good is it? Another reason for a standalone with Bluetooth is GPS. Obviously, you want GPS with voice prompts. But if you can't hear the voice prompts, what good is it?
Considering HP's legendary engineering, I am surprised these flaws made it into the final product, but they did and I think they greatly reduce the appeal of the product.
The unit is pretty big, which I appreciate because I want an ample writing surface and I have big hands. That's the good news. The bad news is that the surfaces are all slippery plastic. If you intend to use this unit without a case, I suspect it will become a casualty within a matter of days. Overall, the construction feels a little on the cheap side. Not awful, but it doesn't feel very robust either.
My primary reason for wanting a standalone PDA is to have a way (other than pen and paper) to take notes throughout the day. The HP211 fills this role well. I primarily use PhatNotes and TenGo. The HP211 screen provides an excellent inking experience with no vectoring problems. The stock Windows Mobile Notes and other applications and the letter recognizer also work well. It's a joy to have a ton of memory with the ability to expand to previously unheard of dimensions. The screen is a marvelous platform for viewing photos or videos. (The CPU, by the way, doesn't have quite enough ooomph to play video back smoothly. Using TCMP, I had lots of dropped frames.)
If I were ranking the device very narrowly, I would give it 5 stars without hesitation and then take 1 star away for the price, which I think is too high. Thus a net 4 stars. Because of the D-pad design and, in particular, the utterly useless audio, I can give it only 3 stars. Considering the high price in conjunction with these defects and I have to strongly urge that anyone considering this device consider it very, very carefully. One of the reasons I prefer Windows Mobile devices is the wide array of software available for them. The main reason for buying the HP211, on my part, was the large screen, which is admittedly much easier to work with than the one on my smartphone.
But at $400+ for the HP, there are alternatives and I suggest that they be considered. The Nokia N800 is less than half the price and provides WiFi, web browsing and email. The screen is great, though converting video for the N8*0 is dicey. The N800 offers SDHC expansion capability. The N810 adds a sliding keyboard. And both have a rudimentary camera which the HP211 should have, but doesn't. The big drawback to the N8*0 devices? They're Linux and apps are still relatively scarce.
On the whole, I think the HP211 is well suited for a notetaking function and moderately well suited for web browsing when Opera is installed. It is an adequate video platform. But the built-in speakers simply stink. The headphone jack is inconveniently placed and the D-pad is something of a design disaster.
The big problem is that there just aren't that many standalone PDAs out there running Windows Mobile 6 with a ton of memory and a great 4" screen. At half the price, I'd live with the problems. At $400+, though, I'm still wondering about it. My smartphone does everything the HP211 does: it's just smaller and more difficult to work on. Is the convenience worth $400+? I'm not sure yet, but am tilting toward saying "no".
Jerry

Click Here to see more reviews about: HP iPAQ 211 Enterprise Handheld (210 Series)

Whether you're an IT manager or a mobile professional, you can maximize your business results with an organizer that makes the most of your on-the-go style. HP's powerful iPAQ 211 Enterprise Handheld will run your work applications and a broad range of third-party solutions. Just over 2/3-inch thin and just under 7 ounces light, it fits securely in your hand and you'll be able to see what you're doing, indoors and out, on the big, bright 4-inch touchscreen display.
The iPAQ 211 also offers robust enterprise features such as dual expansion slots for SD/SDIO cards and CompactFlash HC (High Capacity) cards, as well as convenient input/output of headphone, microphone, and voice record
With the power of the Windows Mobile 6 Classic operating system, you'll stay easily connected to your business and personal data on the go. And you'll stay productive with familiar software tools at your fingertips--Office Mobile includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint--and bring your important documents and files from your PC with you wherever you roam.
This slim, stylish organizer also lets you go online with Wi-Fi to keep your calendar, contacts, and tasks up to date. The integrated Wi-Fi networking makes it easy to access to Internet and email at the office, home or campus, and at other Wi-Fi hotspots at airports, cafes and hotels. Connect to Bluetooth accessories like headsets and keyboards to be more productive--you can even connect to your Bluetooth mobile phone to go online (requires compatible phone and cellular data plan). The Wireless Connection Manager helps you extend your battery life--check your connections and turn them off when you're not using them.
The iPaq 111 is also a great mobile entertainment companion, allowing you to listen to your music collection and watch videos with the Windows Media Player Mobile. You can store music and video files on optional Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. You can also view, share, and manage your photos with HP Photosmart Mobile, as well as play pre-installed games or download your favorites from the Internet.

Key Features
View easily in a variety of environments on the large, 4-inch, TFT touch screen
Use familiar applications including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Synchronize email and data with your PC via mini-USB or an Exchange server with Wi-Fi connectivity
Store business-critical information with high-capacity SDIO and CompactFlash expansion
Use headphones, a microphone, and other USB devices via convenient in/out ports
Connect Bluetooth peripherals such as headsets and keyboards with the Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)
Get peace of mind with the one-year limited warranty
Rely on HP: the planned three-year product life cycle will support your enterprise testing and deployment efforts

Specifications
Wireless: Integrated WiFi (802.11 b/g) with WEP through WPA2-Enterprise (EAP-TLS and PEAP) and WiFi Multimedia) Bluetooth v2.0 with EDR
Operating system: Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 Classic
Microsoft programs included: Office Mobile , Office Outlook Mobile, Internet Explorer Mobile, Windows Media Player 10
Processor: Marvell PXA310, 624 MHz
Display: 4-inch transflective TFT RGB color 480 x 640 pixel touch screen with LED backlight
Memory: 128 MB SDRAM main memory for running applications; 256 MB flash ROM
Power: 2200 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable, user changeable battery
Connectivity: 24 pin connector, mini USB, high-capacity SDIO slot, CompactFlash HC slot
Audio: Integrated microphone, receiver, speaker, 3.5mm 4-pin headphone jack
Hardware buttons: 5-way navigation with press to activate, 4 programmable, voice recorder, power, reset
HP exclusive applications: iPAQ Wireless Manager, HP Photosmart Mobile, HP QuickStart Tour, HP iPAQ Setup Assistant, HP Help and Support, Bluetooth Manager, Certificate Enroller, Asset Viewer
Warranty One-year parts and labor in most regions; 90 days technical support for software.
Dimensions: 5.27 x 2.97 x 0.69 inches
Weight (with battery): 6.7 ounces

What's in the Box HP IPAQ 211, standard 2200 mAh battery, AC Adapter with power cord, sync/charge cable, stylus, slip case, documentation kit, HP iPAQ Companion CD
Powered by Windows Mobile 6 Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6 Classic updates the Windows Mobile 5 platform with a number of handy features that make searching through email, editing Microsoft Office documents, and staying on top of your most important communications even easier. Emails can now be viewed in their original rich HTML format and now offer the ability to visit embedded links. It also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides a full set of Windows Live services, such as the Windows Live Messenger IM application, which now enables you to chat with more than one person at one time or send a file.
With Windows Mobile 6, your phone will finally be able to emulate the power and features of your PC's Microsoft Office suite. You'll be able to neatly view, navigate and edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets in their original formatting--without affecting tables, images or text--as well as view PowerPoint presentations.
Microsoft Office Word Mobile features include spell-check, Find and Replace commands, bulleted lists, text formatting, and support for tables for the first time.
With Excel Mobile, you're not just confined to editing charts: with the new Chart Wizard you can create charts quickly and easily.
PowerPoint Mobile allows you to view the full presentation, rehearse timings, check the order and any live links you may have in your presentation. You can then email comments back to the team or communicate via MSN Messenger for an immediate response.
After creating or editing a Word document or Excel spreadsheet, you can synchronize it with your PC and it will automatically be converted to the PC version.

All Windows Mobile 6 powered devices include Direct Push Technology for up-to-date email delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. It also offers a set of important device security and management features that include the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen, helping ensure that confidential information remains that way.

Click here for more information about HP iPAQ 211 Enterprise Handheld (210 Series)

Read More...

Polycom Communicator C100S USB Speakerphone for Skype-Grey Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Everyone who gives the Polycom Communicator C100S a great rating is absolutely correct. Under Windows XP this device is awesome. The sound quality is great on both ends. It doesn't take you long to realize that you are carrying on a conversation in a much more natural manner without a headset on.
When you want to use this device on any operating system other than Windows XP, you'll find that the device is nothing more than a cheap speaker and desktop microphone. Of course it works with Skype on Linux, MacOS and Windows Vista, just like any other speaker and desktop microphone do. Crappily.
The magic of this device is in the software. The echo cancellation and sound quality are all products of the drivers that lie between Skype and the device. Wihout those drivers, the device is just an expensive USB speaker/microphone. Those who say that the device works with MacOS and Vista are only partially right. The Skype integration buttons do not work on anything but XP and I could live with that. But the audio processing in the driver is what makes this device usable with Skype. Without it, there is terrible echo from your side that makes the device unusable. You may as well use a cheap pair of speakers and a cheap desktop microphone. You'll get the same performance and it'll cost you a lot less.
Windows Vista has been available to the software developers at Polycom for over a year now and there is apparently no Vista driver in the works. This means that the Polycom Communicator C100S is useless for almost all new computer purchasers. (I did recently read that Dell is now offering Windows XP on some new PC purchases. I belive for enterprise level buyers only though.)
There is apparently now no plan to release a Mac driver, as if there was ever one in development. Which I highly doubt. So, according to my spidey senses, unless you use Windows XP exclusively, and don't have any plans for a new computer, purchasing this device now is a waste of money.
This is a terrible shame as the Polycom Communicator C100S is an awesome device and I was really looking forward to using it when I purchased it. So far I haven't been able to use it more than once, as they haven't released any Vista drivers. I did use it once with a VMWare virtual machine running Windows XP, just to make sure that my device wasn't broken, and it does work as advertised on Windows XP.
Vista drivers were supposed to be released mid 2007, but it's almost mid 2008 now and there are no hints that they have ever assigned a software guy the task of writing them. My advice is to wait until Polycom shows some interest in supporting this device with current operating systems before shelling out any money for it. :o(

Click Here to see more reviews about: Polycom Communicator C100S USB Speakerphone for Skype-Grey

Get 12% OFF

Click here for more information about Polycom Communicator C100S USB Speakerphone for Skype-Grey

Read More...

BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth Speakerphone (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this device in November 2007 in the mistaken belief that California's cell phone law would soon take effect on January 1, 2008! [the actual effective date was July 1, 2008] As a result, I've had eight months of usage experience on which to base a review. I paid roughly $100 at Treo Central, an online cell phone accessory store, at a time when Amazon did not yet sell this device.
Audio quality is excellent. Most people on the other end of the call aren't aware I am using a speakerphone. They hear some road noise and assume I am holding the phone to my ear in usual handheld mode. I like the way the mike boom extends from the device, not only placing the mike closer to one's face, but also serving as an instant on-off indicator (extended = on, retracted = off). An LED indicator light would be hard to read in bright sunlight, so I prefer the mike boom as my on-off indicator.
Battery life is excellent. I charge it perhaps once a month and it has never run out of power. I am careful to turn off the unit when I leave the car.
My phone (Palm Treo) is equipped with an auto answer function, so I set it to answer automatically after two rings (only when using a Bluetooth device) and Blue Ant Supertooth Light works perfectly with this arrangement. Incoming calls answer on the second ring, and the only button I use is the red button to end a call. If you want your calls to be announced for screening purposes, better to pony up an extra $30 and buy the Supertooth 3 model, which announces the number or caller and gives you the voice option to accept the call.
I don't have Voice Dialing on my phone (the carrier requires an extra monthly charge so I don't bother) so I cannot comment on how well Blue Ant works in this capacity.
Supertooth Light needed only ten minutes for set up, and installation is simple. Just slip the metal clip on the visor and the device attaches magnetically to the clip. No permanent installation required. Can be moved from car to car, and Blue Ant sells extra visor clips for this purpose.
Three chargers are provided: AC, DC, and USB. Most users will only use the DC charger, but the device can also be used outside of a car as an indoor or outdoor speakerphone, so the AC and USB chargers are useful for some folks. The AC and USB cables may be useful as well for someone whose car's sole DC outlet is in use by another device, such as a cell phone charger.
Addendum: as of August 2009, the unit continues to give excellent service. My Palm Treo was replaced by a Blackberry Curve in April 2009. The Blackberry 8310 does not have a Bluetooth auto answer function, unlike the Treo, so calls must be answered manually by pressing the green "accept" button on the Blue Ant device. The phone can be configured to auto answer when removed from a holster, but it does not auto answer when connected to a Bluetooth device. This is a limitation of the phone and not of the speakerphone. Otherwise, it works perfectly with the Blackberry. Blue Ant appears to be phasing this model out in favor of its Supertooth 3 model, but you can still buy Supertooth Light through discounters, often at a bargain price of $40-45.

Click Here to see more reviews about: BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth Speakerphone (White)

Get 30% OFF

Click here for more information about BlueAnt Supertooth Light Bluetooth Speakerphone (White)

Read More...

Hello Kitty Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Cellular Headset - Pink/White (KT4700) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Cute headset, not a lot of fuctions but get the job done. Nice sounds, clear mic.
Cute bag, the charger has a hello kitti on it, came with a car charger also, both with kittys.
Great gift for your girlfriend.
Recommended.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hello Kitty Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Cellular Headset - Pink/White (KT4700)

Click here for more information about Hello Kitty Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Cellular Headset - Pink/White (KT4700)

Read More...

Polk Audio Monitor 50 2-Way Floorstanding Speaker (Single, Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Let me start by saying that I was looking for a pair of speakers to replace my Bose 701's. I love my Bose, but I felt that they were lacking in clarity on the higher end of the sound spectrum. So I decided to make them the front speakers of my home theater system, where the lack of high end sound clarity isn't as noticeable as when you are just sitting down listening to your favorite CD's. After much research I went to my local electronics store with a particular speaker in mind. I had decided on the Infinity Primus250. I was pleased with the highs that the Infinity's delivered, but before leaving I decided to listen to the Polk Monitor 50's because they were in the same price range and I know that Polk makes a quality product. After alternating listening to both speakers with a variety of music styles I was torn. Both speakers would have been a welcome addition to any home system, but the Polk speakers seemed to offer just a little more clarity on the higher end. The vocals and instumentation of the music seemed just a bit more alive with the Polks. I was right. When I got them home and hooked them up they sounded as good as they did in the store. So although I would not have been wrong if I had bought the Infinity's, I'm glad that I decided on the Polks. I hope this review has been helpful.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Polk Audio Monitor 50 2-Way Floorstanding Speaker (Single, Black)

The name âMonitorâ is special to Polk Audio. The original Polk Audio Monitor Series, produced in the mid-1970s, ushered in the modern loudspeaker era by setting the standard for performance and value. The original Monitor Series is the line that made Polk Audio famous with its simple, sturdy construction, clear, accurate sound, powerful bass and superior imaging all at a price that made great sound available to everyone. The newly reborn Monitor Series is classic Polk: a quality-built, affordable line of high performance loudspeakers for music and home theater. They are highly efficient, so they can be driven easily by unpretentious receivers, and they are voice matched for lifelike surround sound environments. The Monitor Series boasts a stylish look that complements todayâs flat screen technology, with wood grain finishes and modern Titanium faces, and beefy stabilizer feet on the tower models. Built for speed, sound and value, the Monitor Series is a great introduction to high performance sound. The Monitor 50 features: High efficiency design allows the Monitor Series to reveal the classic Polk Audio sound (open, spacious and clear) even when driven by modestly-powered amplifiers and receivers. 1-inch (25mm) Fabric/Polymer Composite Dynamic Balance Dome Tweeter with powerful Neodymium magnet structure delivers clear and detailed high frequency response for realistic reproduction of vocals and instruments. 5 1/4-inch Bi-Laminate Composite Dynamic Balance Drivers are lightweight and stiff with good damping for high efficiency, excellent bass and lower distortion. Multiple small-diameter driver design delivers wide dispersion, better mid-range, and more detailed bass response for an open, âbox-less,â three-dimensional sound. Non-resonant all-MDF enclosure construction with ¾"-thick baffles and frontâto-back and side-to-side internal bracing ensures cleaner, clearer, more lifelike sound quality.

Get 57% OFF

Click here for more information about Polk Audio Monitor 50 2-Way Floorstanding Speaker (Single, Black)

Read More...

Garmin nüvi 680 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The latest Garmin is very impressive. However, I don't like the fact that finding some of the accessories is so challenging. For example, I purchased this GPS because I was taking a trip to California. Unfortunately, the laws in California prevent you from attaching the Nuvi directly to the windshild, so you've got to purchase a separate accessory, which I did, the Garmin Portable Friction Mount. It works great in terms of not sliding around the dash. I was on San Francisco streets and if it was going to fly off - it would have, but it was rock steady. The problem is that I didn't know that you need more than just the friction mount. There is another accessory that goes between the Nuvi and the friction mount. Because I found out about the California law just before I left, I had no time to figure out what that extra part is - so I just used a series of rubber bands to affix it to the Friction Mount base.
It would have been easy for Garmin to spell this out, but I could find no information to let me know which part to purchase to go with the "Universal" Friction Mount or even that you needed an extra part. I still don't know what that part is. The rubber bands worked OK, but it's lame.
As far as the MSN Direct, it works pretty well for the Weather & Traffic, and it does let you know about some movie theaters - not even close to a complete list - at least not in the NYC area, and then the gas prices.... At one point, when my rental car gas indicator was on E, I thought No problem - I've got the Nuvi. Well, it took me to a non-existant gas station, which was harrowing considering I was about to run out of gas and didn't know the area. It gave me a ghost gas station two different times and locations. So I'm on the fence about renewing. Also, I know of some local stations that have better gas prices that don't even show up on MSN, so it hasn't got a complete list of stations/prices.
Even though, I purchased this right after it came out - it has come down in price over $160 since I purchased it less than a month ago - I am happy that I bought it. It was invaluable in getting me around S.F. and the Wine country. But, I could have been just as happy with the 660 had I known about the hiccups with MSN Direct. So, I learned that I can't totally trust the MSN, but it does still give some information. It also would have been better if you could download the MSN info without having to plug it into the car cigarette lighter.
A big plus is the Bluetooth. It's invaluable - the only way to make phone calls in the car - it couldn't be easier, and a great connection. Of course, you get that with some of the previous versions of the Nuvi.
All told, the 660 would have been the better purchase for me. You could take a chance that the MSN will get better in accuracy on the 680, now that the price has come down so much from when I purchased it - it might be worth the extra $.
UPDATE:
Since I first posted this review in May, Garmin wised up. The only Garmin Portable Friction Mount I could find when I purchased mine, does not go with the 680. At least not without 2 parts. From what I can glean from other reviewers, I could purchase another item to go with what I already have, but my total cost for both would be over $50.
Garmin now has the correct Friction Mount in the accessories section for the 680 on their website. List price: $40.00 (#010-10908)- Amazon price: $28 (at this point).
Don't be fooled by the CUSTOMERS WHO BOUGHT THIS ITEM ALSO BOUGHT section on Amazon.
Check the Garmin website to be sure.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin nüvi 680 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Travel throughout North America without loading any more maps with the Garmin nuvi 680 Personal Travel Assistant with MSN Direct. Plus, you can receive door-to-door directions while staying on top of local weather, traffic, and more with nuvi 680. The device features a colorful widescreen, hands-free calling, and an FM transmitter, then takes it up a notch by adding dynamic content from MSN Direct, as well as a convenient digital travel kit that includes an MP3 player with sample MP3s, audio books, a picture viewer, a world clock, currency and measurement converters, a calculator, and more.
Despite being loaded with features, the nuvi 680 still allows you to navigate with ease. This unit comes ready to go right out of the box with preloaded NavTeq City Navigator NT street maps for North America, and includes a hefty points of interest (POIs) database with hotels, restaurants, fuel stops, ATMs and more. Simply touch the super-bright, sunlight-readable color screen to enter a destination, and the 680 takes you there with either 2D or 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions. This navigator voice even announces the name of exits and streets so you never have to take your eyes off the road, and can concentrate on your driving to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. In addition, the 680 accepts custom points of interest (POIs), such as school zones and safety cameras, and lets you set proximity alerts to warn you of upcoming POIs that require your special consideration such as speed zones and safety cameras.

Speaking of keeping you safe, the nuvi 680 lets you make hands-free calls so you can talk freely during your worry-free driving. By integrating Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker, you can pair your nuvi with any compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free while staying focused on the road. You no longer have to fumble with your phone's handset to answer a call or dial a number, just tap the 680's screen and you're instantly connected. And with 1-touch dialing for your POIs, you can quickly and conveniently call ahead to make reservations or get needed information.

The new nuvi 680 lets you get localized information with dynamic content from MSN Direct, making it one of the most resourceful navigators available. Using the included receiver and free trial service to MSN Direct, you can check your local weather, avoid traffic backups, compare local gas prices, and even check movie times and locations, all while you travel. Easy and virtually fool-proof to use, the MSN Direct receiver is plug-and-play portable so you can quickly connect to your navigator unit when you are out and about. All of which can be customized with configurable vehicle icons that let you choose individual car-shaped icons in a variety of colors that show your position on the map.

In additional to all this functionality, the nuvi 680 includes many must-have entertainment and travel tools such as an MP3 player, an audio book player (subscription to Audible.com required), and a JPEG picture viewer so you can take your favorite music and pictures with you wherever you go. This unit also features a world travel clock with time zones, a currency converter, a measurement converter, and a calculator so that wherever you travel it will be easy to know what you are getting and keep track of your costs. The MP3 player lets you browse music by artist, album, and/or song, while the optional audio books may be purchased from Audible.com which features over 70,000 hours of audio programs. What's more, the nuvi 680 allows further customization via optional software such as a travel guide, savings programs and language translation on plug-and-play SD cards for all your travel needs.

The Garmin nuvi 680 comes with a built-in, high-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled GPS receiver, and lets you view and operate it via its bright, LCD TFT touch-screen, wide-screen display that measures 4.3 inches (diagonal) and has a resolution of 480 x 272 pixels with 64,000 colors and a white backlight. As a whole, the nuvi 680 measures 4.9 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches (W x H x D), and weighs only 6.2 ounces for easy portability. This unit provides you with from three to seven hours of battery life (depending on use) via its rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and comes with Garmin Lock, which is an anti-theft feature to protect your investment. While you can add software via the SD card slot, the Garmin nuvi 680 also lets you interface via high-speed USB for loading data, though users should note that, like most USB mass storage devices, this unit is not compatible with Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me.

What's in the Box Garmin nuvi 680 with MSN Direct, City Navigator NT maps for North America (preloaded, full coverage), MSN Direct receiver with integrated vehicle power cable, vehicle suction cup mount, an AC charger, vehicle power cable, dashboard disk, a USB cable, leather carrying case, quick reference guide, and owner's manual.

Notice: MSN Direct service will be available only until January 1, 2012.



Which nuvi is Best for You? Note: All nuvis come with detailed NAVTEQ maps containing more than 6 million pre-loaded point of interest locations.
Device

Click here for more information about Garmin nüvi 680 4.3-Inch Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Read More...

Pioneer AVIC-X910BT 5.8-Inch In-Dash Navigation A/V Receiver with DVD Playback and Bluetooth Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bought the X910BT for my car, we enjoy traveling the back roads of Arizona and the southwest. Having the Nav system installed in the car makes things very easy - no hassle connecting the various devices, cables running all over, taking it down and putting it back up when making stops, and little "suction circles" on the windshield that thieves look for. Now I only have to fuss with the radar detector. Startup time on the unit is really not a problem, my Garmin would often take several minutes to startup, the AVIC is typically ready to go in about 1 minute. The bluetooth connection takes a little longer and the unit is very sluggish until the bluetooth connects. After the bluetooth is connected, the X910BT is very responsive.
It's a very easy unit to operate after you get used to it. My previous GPS was a Garmin unit, and I really got spoiled by their features. A few things I can complain about with the X910BT:
- Voice recognition on bluetooth - just doesn't seem to understand what I'm saying, either by name or number. I usually end up selecting the contact off the screen instead of telling it who to call. After the call has started, it works great, incoming sound is loud and clear. One person told me I sounded kind of muffled on their end, but they did not have any problem understanding me.
- Route planning is a bit of a pain if you're like me and like to take the back roads. When we travel, we like to stay off the interstate as much as possible. Disabling the Highway option makes for some very long trips as it will try to route you way out of the way to avoid highways. The AVICFeeds software is ok and I have used it to generate POIs for route planning, but it is tedious and not as easy to use as Garmin's MapSource. AVICFeeds also has a 300 item limit on POIs it can import, which means getting creative if your have a file with a large number of locations, such as those found on POI-Factory.com.
- The volume knob is really small and hard to grasp. I picked up a press on knob from a guy on AVIC411.com and it works great, easy to grasp and works the way it should have from the factory.
- The maps are very limited in the speed limit data they have. One a recent trip Southern California, we were being tailed by a CHP on one of the backroads. We were doing a reasonable speed, but the AVIC did not have any speed information for the road we were on. Additionally, many of the major surface streets in the Phoenix metro area also do not have any speed limit info available. It was very rare for the Garmin to not have speed limit data available.
I have the Sirius option installed, it works great and I listen to it more often than FM or my SD Card. I used the factory installed Sirius antenna lead to connect to the X910BT with no problem. I was able to transfer my new car subscription over and they even waived the $15 transfer fee. I also found a nice flat spot under the dash to put the GPS antenna where it is hidden and out of sight. I do not have any extra objects laying on my dash or on my roof as giveaways to what I have in my car. I ran the microphone up inside the front pillar, under the roof liner and used velcro strips to attach it to the rear view mirror. It's almost completely out of sight unless you know what to look for.
I really like he X910BT and would not go back to the portable Garmin GPS, though we still have it for use in our other vehicles and when we are hanging around planning a trip. It's great having the GPS built-in, many times we are out running around and decide to go someplace, we can enter whatever we want to find right in the GPS and it tells us where it's at.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer AVIC-X910BT 5.8-Inch In-Dash Navigation A/V Receiver with DVD Playback and Bluetooth

Pioneer's AVIC-X910BT is an in-dash navigation receiver with DVD Player and Bluetooth. Get fast, easy-to-use in-dash navigation, talk hands-free with built-in Bluetooth, and control your iPod or iPhone directly. Voice control allows you to play music from your iPod and make hands-free Bluetooth phone calls just using your voice.

Key reasons to upgrade from AVIC-U310BT:
DVD Video, DVD-R/RW Playback
MSN Direct built-in
3D Hybrid Sensor (Gyro & G-Force) for enhanced positioning
DivX video playback on CD/DVD


Navigation Beyond Expectation The AVIC-X series of receivers are ideal for those looking for a refined navigation experience with the latest in media and connectivity options. Out of the box, this system comes with 12 million points of interest and an extensive map database to help you find your next destination.
On the Map The easy-to-operate Pioneer Navigation system has built-in maps that put the world at your fingertips. This includes major points of interest, such as restaurants, ATMs, gas stations, entertainment venues and more. The built-in Text-to-Speech engine clearly pronounces turn-by-turn direction and street names to ensure smooth travels. The AVIC-X710BT also offers high-resolution 2D and 3D maps with renderings of nearby landmarks and terrain to help navigate the world around you.
AVIC Feeds The system's database is fully expandable with AVIC feeds, Pioneer's PC application, which lets you create custom trips and your own points of interest.
Voice Control The Z-Series offers convenient voice-activated navigation, which allows you to simply say an address or find nearby points of interest.

AVIC FEEDS for iPhone now available Unleash the power of your Pioneer navigation system with the AVIC FEEDS for iPhone application. Find a destination, then transfer it to your Pioneer navigation system for turn-by-turn routing.
Bridge the Gap Start Planning your route before you even step into your car with the free AVIC FEEDS app. Now you can seamlessly use your iPhone with your Pioneer navigation receiver. Simply find your destination with the built-in Google Maps interface and transfer it via Bluetooth for easy, turn-by-turn directions.
Picture Yourself There The AVIC FEEDS app also allows you to use the geo-tag data in your photos to be routed directly to places you've visited. The built-in GPS feature of iPhone 3G and 3GS has the ability to embed geo-tag information in the photos you take with its camera. AVIC FEEDS allows you to save destinations by reading these geo-tags. You can also use AVIC FEEDS to create destinations from geo-tagged photos that are sent to your iPhone.

Your iPod (and iPhone) Will Thank You On top of being an exceptional navigator, the AVIC-X series delivers an iPod experience that blows away FM transmitters or cassette adaptors. Even at the first glance, you will fall in love with the easy-to-use touch screen controls for your music and brilliant 5.8-inch display for your videos. Album art is also beautifully displayed.
With the optional cable (CD-IU230V) connected to your iPod, you will notice how easily you can find songs, videos, artists, or playlists with a few simple taps of your finger. The AVIC-X710BT also features voice-activated control of your iPod. Simply say the name of an artist, album, playlist, or genre to bring up the next song.

Ditch the Headset with Built-in Bluetooth Take incoming calls through the AVIC-X910BT, and be heard clearly without a headset courtesy of Bluetooth technology. Connecting your compatible phone is easy and gives you instant touch screen access to your contacts. You can also dial a contact with the sound of your voice by simply saying "Call Jack Smith."

Get Connected with MSN Direct Access up-to-date information with the built-in MSN Direct tuner on your AVIC-X910BT. MSN Direct is the ultimate in-car convenience, offering news, traffic, stock quotes, weather, movie times, and gas prices. Because MSN Direct can work seamlessly with system�s navigation, you can be routed directly to a theater after finding the right show time, or have traffic flow overlayed on your route.
Enjoy MSN Direct free for the first three months when you purchase the AVIC-X910BT.

The Freedom of Speech Your iPod audio functions and hands-free Bluetooth dialing can all be controlled with the sound of your voice. Voice-activated control over your navigation system not only performs in-car tasks with greater speed, but helps you keep your eyes (and attention) on the road ahead.

Media Mogul Built to navigate, but born to entertain, the AVIC-X910BT offers audio and video playback from the most popular formats. Whether you're watching DivX files on DVD, MP3 audio on SD card or iTunes AAC files on CD, there are dozens of playback options for your favorite media.
From Disc Play back DVDs and DVD-R/RWs, CDs and CD-R/RWs, and burn discs with all your digital media, since the AVIC-U310BT also plays back MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV and DivX files from CD or DVD.
From USB Device If you don't feel like burning CDs just throw the MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV files you want on a USB device and enjoy.

Sound Minded Just because the AVIC-X710BT features a robust navigation platform, doesn't mean it holds back on sound quality. With 3 sets of RCA pre-outs, MOSFET50 power and a 3-band parametric equalizer, you can build a massive system with massive sound.

Expanded Listening The AVIC-X710BT gives you plenty of room to expand your broadcast options. With optional tuners, experience the vast channel selection of XM Sirius Satellite Radio and HD Radio.
What's in the Box AVIC-X710BT Main Unit, Power Cord, Extension Lead, RCA Connector, GPS Antenna, Microphone, User's Manual, Installation Manual

Get 46% OFF

Click here for more information about Pioneer AVIC-X910BT 5.8-Inch In-Dash Navigation A/V Receiver with DVD Playback and Bluetooth

Read More...

Samsung M3500 Mono to Stereo dual BT headset Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This works for phone calls, but not very good for listening to music or podcasts.
When used with my iPhone 4 it says it's connected after a couple of seconds, but if you start playing audio it doesn't play immediately. It takes 30-60 additional seconds for the sound to play from the earpiece. To make matters worse, the iPhone thinks it's connected and playing so it advances it's counter and you end up skipping over 30-60 seconds of content before the sound kicks in.
Note that this doesn't have any kind of audio controls on the headset. It has up/down volume buttons and a button for answering phone calls. There are no buttons for changing tracks and not even a play/pause button. You have to do all the audio controls on your phone/device.
Also note that the plug for the stereo headphones is not a standard jack. You'd need an adapter (assuming they make one) to plug in your own headphones.
The dual device connection feature seems intended for use with an audio/music source and a phone. It doesn't do anything useful when trying to use two audio sources. It doesn't auto detect which one is playing and you can't easily switch between them.
On the positive side, range was decent and it had very good resistance to interference from other wireless devices.
UPDATE: The problem of being slow to connect and not playing audio immediately turned out to be a problem with the "dual port" mode used for connecting to two devices at once. It was probably trying to find the other device, which wasn't turned on. I turned off the dual port mode and now it connects to my iPhone and starts playing audio very quickly.
I found another minor problem...when listening to audio iPhone, hit the talk button to activate voice control, then place a phone call. When the call is done, hit the talk button to hang up. The audio does not resume playing.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung M3500 Mono to Stereo dual BT headset

Click here for more information about Samsung M3500 Mono to Stereo dual BT headset

Read More...

Creative ZEN Vision:M 30 GB MP3 and Video Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've had my Zen M for about 2 months now so I think I have a good feel for what it's pros and cons are. Here you go:
Pros: Beautiful and Bright Screen (displays thousands of more colors than the Ipod video by the way). Even at 50% brightness (which is default setting out of the box) it looks bright!
Ability to Customize most of the features. This includes being able to set your own photos for the wallpaper, custom equilizer, custom brightnes setting, custom shortcut button, organization of folders(audio, photo, video folders)...etc.
Great Sound! This isn't a surprise because Creative develops sound hardware/software like soundcards.
Good User Interface: The thumb scroller interface takes a few days to get used to, then it's pretty user friendly. You can customize the sensitivity of it too.
Ability to play lots of different video files like Divx and Mpg4.
This was a big selling point for me. The screen is perfect for watching cartoons and anime on.
Good Size. I'm refering to it's physical size. It's actually the perfect size and feels great in your hand. Still pocketable and still feels rock solid and not fragile.
Displays Album cover art! I had trouble with this function in the beginning only because in order to get it to display the album art correctly, you need to rip the Cd album with a program that automatically downloads album info including art. One program that does this is Windows Media Player.
--For the techies that don't want to re-rip everything to get the album art to display, just download a small jpeg image of the album cover that is about 150 by 150 pixels, rename it folder.jpg, make it a hidden file and place it in the folder of the correct album. When you move it to your player it will ask you whether you want to move it to the photo folder, make sure you select "no" and leave it where it is.
Cons: There isn't a lot about this player that is negative. But one aspect which is really annoying is that to charge it or plug it to the computer you have to use this tiny seperate adapter that comes in the box. It's the white adapter/attachment that looks like a dock connector. What the heck were they thinking! I have to carry the separate item everywhere I go just in case I need to charge it or upload music. It sucks man! Why the heck didn't they just build all of the ports into the player itself!!
Also, they should've included the video output cable instead of selling it separately! Or at least made it use a standard video cable! Also, the battery is not removable... at least not meant to be.
These are the only reasons why I gave this player 4 out of 5 stars. Otherwise I would have given 5 out of 5! All in All this player really rocks and is worth every penny! ... and is a much better buy then the "other" competition out there.
Hope this is helpful to you guys. If it is, please give me a vote. Thanks!
For more electronics and technology reviews, visit my site at:
http://newtechnews.blogspot.com/

Click Here to see more reviews about: Creative ZEN Vision:M 30 GB MP3 and Video Player (Black)

The ZEN Vision:M MP3 and Video Player lets you take all your movies, music, and photos in a light, pocket-sized device that is loaded with 30 GB of memory. At this capacity you can carry tens of thousands of photos, 120 hours of movies (500 Kbps MPEG4-SP), or up to 15,000 songs (WMA encoded at 64 Kbps), all in the palm of your hand. You can also tune in the radio (32 station presets), record your favorite talk show, or make personal voice memos with the built-in microphone.
Today's big-screen blockbuster, yesterday's picnic home video, and even your favorite TV shows--they all now fit in your pocket and are ready to be shared. ZEN Vision:M supports many video formats, such as AVI, DivX 4 and 53, XviD4, MPEG-1, -2, -SP, WMV9, and Motion-JPEG, which simply means you have more choices and less restrictions. Instead of busting out your wallet to show snapshots of your kids, you can enlist the ZEN Vision:M to give viewers a glimpse of your precious memories--tens of thousands of them. In 262,144 vivid colors and 320 x 240 resolution, complete with a thumbnail gallery, this device makes it easy to scroll through your entire photo collection. Of course, music files are a big portion of anyone's digital canvas. Perfect for taking with you on the road or just around the house, this device makes all your music sound as good as the ZEN Vision:M looks. And with eight preset EQ settings and 97 dB signal-to-noise ratio, you can fine-tune your listening experience for any musical genre.

You can also connect the ZEN Vision:M to a projector or TV with the included AV cable, and put on a big show from this little device. Synchronize music files with photo or video montages for a taste of spectacular, personalized big-screen magic. Viewing images on this device is a pleasant experience. The 2.5-inch, high-definition LCD screen features a 320 x 240 resolution and hundreds of thousands of colors. What this means is you see crisp, clear detail in every movie and photo, even under bright light.

Creative didn't skimp on design, either. The ZEN Vision:M features an ergonomic design with an innovative touchpad control that enables quick, comfortable access to menus and settings. And you'll get loads more playback time with the built-in rechargeable battery. Enjoy up to 13 hours of music or 4.5 hours of movies on a single charge. The optional extended-life battery pack lets you double playback time, so you can enjoy days of uninterrupted entertainment. Other features include a personal organizer that you sync with Microsoft Outlook and an integrated voice recorder that can store hundreds of hours worth of recordings. Take a closer look at all the ZEN Vision:M features.

The ZEN Vision:M MP3 and Video Player uses PlaysForSure technology. Look for the PlaysForSure logo if you're shopping for a portable music or video device and 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.

What's in the Box Creative ZEN Vision:M, earphones, sync adapter, USB 2.0 adapter, pouch, user's guide, and installation CD. Note: As of July 2006, Creative no longer ships the ZEN M with the AC power adapter.

Click here for more information about Creative ZEN Vision:M 30 GB MP3 and Video Player (Black)

Read More...

Garmin nüvi 2370LT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought the Garmin as a gift for my wife and was thrilled about the lifetime updates for traffic and maps.
Setup and navigation is good. We like the big screen and the way the information is provided.
The lifetime map updates sounds like a great feature. Maps can be updated four times a year and the access using the web page was easy. But I have to wonder what Garmin considers "useful life" of the device. But even if they are only available for three years, then it is still cheaper than buying the maps.
The conditions of lifetime traffic updates are definitely not what I expected and the reason that I am thinking of returning the device. The ads that finance the lifetime traffic pop up on the screen and disrupt the navigation. This is obnoxious! This should be mentioned in the product description! I couldn't even find information about the ad financed traffic on the Garmin web page!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Garmin nüvi 2370LT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic


The voice-activated nuvi 2370LT includes maps for North America and Europe, free lifetime traffic updates, lane assist with junction view*, trafficTrends historical traffic, myTrends predictive routing and ecoRoute. Its pedestrian routing can be enhanced with optional cityXplorer maps for mass transit information.

Speak Commands nuvi 2370LT not only tells you where to turn but listens to your spoken commands. With its innovative speech recognition, you can control nuvi with your voice--allowing you to keep both hands on the wheel. Simply wake up nuvi with a customizable voice command and begin speaking menu options that are clearly displayed on the screen. Tell nuvi "Find Address" and speak an address to start navigating.

Experience nuRoute Technology with trafficTrends and myTrends nuvi 2370LT includes nuRoute technology with trafficTrends historical traffic and myTrends predictive routing. With trafficTrends, your nuvi 2370LT automatically learns daytime trends for traffic flow to improve your routes and better predict your estimated time of arrival based on time of day and day of week. With myTrends, when you save your regular destinations in your "Favorites," your nuvi 2370LT will, over time, begin to figure out where you're going even without your telling it! It provides time of arrival and relevant traffic information. So whether you're driving to and from work or a regularly scheduled weekly event, your nuvi 2370LT will help you get there on time. No subscription or additional cost required.

Receive Free Lifetime Traffic Updates Steer clear of traffic with the integrated FM traffic receiver and free lifetime** traffic updates. Receive alerts about traffic delays and road construction that lie ahead on your route. Next, simply touch the screen on nuvi to view traffic details or detour around the problem area.

Make Hands-free Calls For hands-free calling, nuvi 2370LT integrates Bluetooth wireless technology with a built-in microphone and speaker. Just pair it with your compatible Bluetooth phone and talk hands-free through the 2370LT while staying focused on the road. Simply dial numbers with its touchscreen keypad to make a call. To answer calls, just tap the screen and speak into its built-in microphone. Enjoy convenient one-touch dialing for contacts and points of interest.

Know the Lane Before It's Too Late No more guessing which lane you need to be in to make an upcoming turn. Lane assist with junction view guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits easy to navigate. It realistically displays road signs and junctions on your route along with arrows that indicate the proper lane for navigation.

Select Fuel-efficient Routes nuvi 2370LT saves you gas and money with ecoRoute--a green feature that calculates a more fuel-efficient route, tracks fuel usage and more. With ecoRoute, you have a "less fuel" option as a routing preference. When selected, nuvi will determine if a more fuel efficient route exists based upon road speed data and vehicle acceleration data for a given route.

Navigate City Transit With its enhanced pedestrian navigation capabilities, nuvi 2370LT is the perfect travel companion for getting around town. Download optional cityXplorer content to help you navigate city public transit. Know where to walk, where to catch the bus, subway, tram or other transportation and how long it will take to get there. cityXplorer maps are available for select cities throughout North America and Europe. And with prices as low as $9.99, you'll have money left over to spend in the big city.

See More With nuvi 2370LT's widescreen display, you'll always get the big picture. View map detail, driving directions, photos and more in bright, brilliant color. Its sunlight-readable, 4.3" (10.92 cm) display is easy to read--from any direction.

Get Turn-by-Turn Directions nuvi 2370LT has an intuitive interface that greets you with two simple questions: "Where To?" and "View Map." Touch the color screen to easily look up addresses and services and get voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions that speak street names to your destination It comes preloaded with detailed City Navigator NT street maps for the U.S, Canada, Mexico and Europe with nearly 6 million points of interest (POIs) such as stores, restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, gas stations, ATMs and more, and speed limits for most major roads.

Go Beyond Navigation Navigation is just the beginning. The 2370LT includes many travel tools, including JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more. With photo navigation, you can download pictures from Garmin Connect Photos and navigate to them. With its "Where Am I?" emergency locator, you always know your location. Simply tap the screen to get your exact latitude and longitude coordinates, the nearest address and intersection, and the closest hospitals, police stations and fuel stations. The 2370LT features Garmin Lock, an anti-theft feature, and is compatible with our free Garmin Garage where you can download custom custom voices and vehicles. Enhance your travel experience with optional plug-in microSD cards.

*Not available at all intersections/interchanges in all areas.

**Lifetime traffic extends for the useful life of your Garmin traffic receiver (as long as you own a compatible Garmin GPS) or as long as Garmin receives traffic data from its traffic supplier, whichever is shorter. Traffic content not available for all areas. See www.navteq.com/rdstraffic for traffic coverage areas and www.garmin.com/traffic/fm/navteq.html for program License Agreement containing complete terms and conditions.

Compare the nuvi 2300 Series Features

Get 18% OFF

Click here for more information about Garmin nüvi 2370LT 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator with Lifetime Traffic

Read More...

Plantronics Explorer 220 Bluetooth Headset (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is my first BT headset ever. At $26.88 at the Wal, it seemed a wortwhile risk. I think I am going to keep it. I have nothing to compare it to though. Getting it working with my LG VX-8300 was a snap. It was still going strong after 3 hours (it is rated for 6).
It is light and comfortable. At least for me, the fit and comfort are pretty surprising, warranting a 3 instead of a 2 rating. Audio quality is acceptable. At first I did not think so, but it seems to have worked out after a bit of use (why, I do not know). I would not call it consistent at this time.
It has only been a couple of days however. The volume control seems to do nothing, but it is just (barely) loud enough to be usable without being too loud. It is easier to adjust the volume by repositioning it. The ear audio port is not held in place by your outer ear... somethihng that I hate about earbuds like those for MP3 players.
The people I have called to test it generally judge it to be okay, but not nearly as good as talking direct into the cell phone (which is inherently barely acceptable to start with). Echoing in my short evaluation has been noticed only one time. When driving, noise interior to the car due to AC and other factors does interfere slightly with the called person being able to hear clearly.
The interface has proved to be simple to understand and I can do voice command dialing making it essentially hands-free after the initial 2-second multi-function button press. I can walk 20 feet away from my cell phone before offensive amounts of static are heard.
This is my first ever BT device and I must say that the technology is welcome. I used to use $0.99 wired headsets that could (barely) get the job done... but at least I could say... "I'll pull over and call you back".
If you have a BT capable cell phone, and your are generally using the headset to be hands-free so you can pull over while in your car, crack a bottle of wine or cut veggies at home while your making dinner, this product may be for you.
It won't offer stellar performance... but it is shy of being a disappointment. If you want to use it for other purposes, get a unit with more controls and multiple pairing options. As an introductory set, my initial impressions are that this choice is no mistake.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Plantronics Explorer 220 Bluetooth Headset (Black)

Light on the ear (as well as on the wallet), the Plantronics Explorer 220 Bluetooth headset provides easy connectivity and effortless call control for a true handsfree experience. Designed specifically for first-time buyers, the Explorer 220 delivers up to 6 hours of battery life and incorporates all call features--volume, call answer/end, last-number redial, and voice-activated dialing--into two separate buttons for ease of use. It also includes a handy LED to indicate incoming calls, missed calls and low battery.
With a range of 10 meters (30 feet) and an omni-directional microphone, the Explorer 220 gives you great sound at a great price. The Plantronics QuickPair technology ensures it is easy to connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device. It fits comfortably and securely on either ear, andthe unique speaker design optimizes sound quality. Weighing less than an ounce, it's comfortable for all-day wear.
Key Features
Talk time: Up to 6 hours
Standby time: Up to 200 hours
Weight: 0.5 ounces (15 grams)
Headset controls: One-touch volume, call answer/end, last number redial, voice-activated dialing
Bluetooth technology: Version 2.0
Bluetooth profile compatibility: Connects with all devices supporting headset and hands-free profiles

QuickPair Pairing Instructions Headsets with QuickPair are automatically in pairing mode when powered on until paired with the first device.
Step 1: Start with headset powered OFF. Hold down headset Call Control button for four seconds--release when Indicator Light flashes red and blue. Headset is now discoverable. Headset will remain discoverable until it is paired with its first device.

Step 2: Use your device’s menu to enter its pairing mode and select 220Plantronics on the display. 0000 is the pairing passkey.

Subsequent Pairings: To manually place headset in Pairing Mode, begin with the headset turned off, then press the call control button for 8-10 seconds until the headset indicator light flashes red and blue. The headset is now in pairing mode for the next 60 seconds. To pair with a phone, repeat Step 2.

Reconnection for Previously Paired Devices: If the Bluetooth phone and your Plantronics Bluetooth headset have been out of range for an extended amount of time or if the headset and/or phone were turned off and do not automatically reconnect, simply do a short press of the call control button and the devices will reconnect.

What's in the Box Headset, AC charger, printed operating instructions

Get 81% OFF

Click here for more information about Plantronics Explorer 220 Bluetooth Headset (Black)

Read More...

Mio C520 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)==== UPDATE October 2, 2007 ====
I bought a Nav-Mat Portable GPS Dash Mount for use in trips to California, where it is illegal to attach a GPS to your windshield. The Nav-Mat bean bag mount simply works great with the Mio C520 and is very stable. Check out the picture under customer images.
==== UPDATE August 21, 2007 ====
The following statement was in my original review and has been removed: "If you plan to use it in Europe, just Google "MioMap V3.3 Western Europe for Mio C220 - C320 - C520" and you should find some UK vendors who sell the SD card."
The fact is that although there are vendors in UK who sell the Europe map, the current Europe maps cannot be used in US/Canada models of C520 due to a license issue. Sorry if this caused confusion. Please read the forums at mionav dot com for updates on this issue.
==== UPDATE August 16, 2007 ====
I updated MioMap to the July 5, 2007 version, still v3.3, following the directions in MioNav dot com, which is linked to the Mio topics in the gpspassion dot com forums. (Search for the topic "Updates for miomap V3.3 are available" and you will find a link to download "MioMap V3 Updater for C320 and C520" from Mio's European website).
This update cures the stuttering problem reported in some earlier versions of MioMap. It also adds a Mute button on the map screen under the Bluetooth button. It does not update the maps or POI data, and leaves the History intact.
==== END UPDATES ====
OVERVIEW:
After doing tons of research to find a competent GPS navigation system under $350, I narrowed down my choice to two models - the Magellan Maestro 3140 and the Mio Digiwalker C520. I would have also considered the Garmin Nuvi 250, but it lacks both text-to-speech and Bluetooth capability which I wanted. If ease of use is most important, I would say the Magellan Maestro 3140, which is a huge improvement over its predecessor, the Maestro 3100, would have been an excellent choice. But since I was not gadget shy, the Mio Digiwalker C520, with its widescreen form factor and advanced capabilities was the unit for me.
The Mio C520 packs in US and Canadian maps with text-to-speech routing instructions, Bluetooth, an MP3 player, a video player, a picture viewer and a contact manager that synchronizes with MS Outlook. The installation is pretty painless. The suction cup holder, which is precision made in Germany, works very well and easily installs onto the windscreen of any car (contrary to what the previous reviewer claims). The Mio works right out of the box with instructions in the tiny manual. If you are willing read the full manual located in the supplied CDROM, and go through a very minor learning curve, you will find the user interface most satisfying and will profit from its awesome capabilities.
It has some cool features, like the ability to display map coordinates and altitude, and has the ability to automatically synchronize time and date with the satellite. It's signal pickup is lightening fast due to the state-of-the-art 20-channel SirfStarIII receiver. It actually picks up the satellite signal from inside my house. If you are further geek-inclined, visit the forums in gpspassion dot com - which show you how to unlock the GPS operating system (Windows CE 5.0) and install custom applications and utilities.
Now consider that the street price of the equivalent widescreen Garmin (the Nuvi 660) is $300 more than the Mio C520, and you can understand why the Mio tops MobilePlanet dot com's current popularity list. The Mio is perhaps among the best GPS' out there at any price!
EXPERIENCE:
On a recent trip to San Francisco with my wife, the Mio turned out to be a real trip saver. It listed our hotel in its point of interest (POI) database and got us to all our destinations without ever getting us lost. Needless to say, it saved us about a couple of hours each day on the trip, even though we were pretty familiar with the Bay Area. Not once did we have to stop for (or argue over) directions! The POI database listed all the major and minor points of interest, including museums, concert halls, gas stations, car rental agencies, seven-elevens, hospitals, etc. It also included hard to find, hole-in-the-wall restaurants. It has restaurants categorized by cuisine, which includes "Japanese", "Greek", "Indian" and so on.
While the routing capability is excellent, it is not 100% perfect. (None of the portable GPS models are perfect). While driving on 101 southbound to SFO airport, it asked us to "bear left on Bayshore freeway southbound" seconds before asking us to take the San Bruno exit to the airport on the right. While this was not a navigational glitch per se, it did have the potential for causing confusion. (Of course, I later understood that "bear left" meant the freeway bears left, not "get on the left lane", duh!). A couple of times it asked us to take left turns in downtown San Francisco that were not allowed. When we ignored it, it recalculated the routes in a matter of seconds, without forcing us to take U turns (which some other GPS models make you do).
Now lets put that in perspective and take, for example, a day trip to Monterey, Pebble Beach, Carmel and back to San Francisco (consisting of, say, 100 routing manoeuvers). On such a trip, the Mio would give confusing instructions perhaps two or three times in total, which meant it was perfect approximately 97% of the time. This is excellent performance in my book. I am perhaps looking at this with a more critical eye than warranted. The important thing is that Mio C520 recalculated the route the moment it realized we were off route, and always got us to our destination quickly.
By considerably reducing the planning chores, the Mio immensely improved the satisfaction of our holiday. We will never go on another trip without it!
TEXT TO SPEECH
The text-to-speech (TTS) feature, which causes the Mio to speak the street names, turns out to be valuable, especially when there are a lot of quick turns to make. The TTS ("Samantha") voice on the Mio C520 is perhaps a bit brusque but pleasant enough. There is a chime before each voice instruction, which alerts you to an upcoming manoeuver. (The TTS voice is in no way "HORRIBLE" or "VERY" chatty as described in the previous review. With all due respect to the previous reviewer, his review is pretty opinionated and unfair). The TTS voice did not stutter even once. The version of Mio Map on my unit is dated May 18, 2007. Note that some earlier versions are reported to have a TTS voice stuttering problem.
SCREEN:
The the 4.3-inch touch screen with 480x272-pixel resolution is vivid and sharp. (The screen is not washed out, as the previous reviewer claims). And it goes without saying you can easily adjust the brightness to your desired level. The touch-screen keyboard is in QUERTY format and has a predictive function, making it easy to enter an address quickly. The automatic night mode feature is pretty neat and wow inducing. It switches to night mode based on time of sunset for the current date, time zone, latitude and logitude!
NAVIGATION PERFORMANCE:
On the subject of navigation mapping data, the conventional wisdom is that in North America, Navteq data is more accurate than Tele Atlas - which the Mio uses. However, the recent buzz is that Tele Atlas has significantly narrowed the gap with Navteq, especially with its latest map versions released after the fall of 2006. A recent comparison of Navteq versus Tele Atlas in gpsreview dot net actually shows the Tele Atlas' mapping data to be slightly more accurate than Navteq's, while another study in gpsmagazine dot com has the results the other way around.
In my own tests, which included comparing the Mio C520's routing with online maps by Yahoo, Google and Mapquest, showed that none of the routing engines were perfect, with Google coming out perhaps slightly better than the others. To my delight, I found that the routes chosen by the Mio C520, which uses the latest Tele Atlas data, is pretty close to those chosen by Yahoo. Rest assured, the navigation performace of the Mio C520 is indeed excellent.
ROUTING FEATURES:
Typically you would enter an address or POI around the current city. Or you can change the destination city, state or country and enter an address or select a POI for that destination. The Mio also has the ability to route to a contact (an address you entered in the contact manager, under Tools->Contacts).
There is a peculiar way you need to enter North American addresses into the contact manager in order for the "Route to Contact" feature to work. For example, consider the address: 111 FIRST STREET, APT# 101, FREMONT, CA 94533. You have to enter 'CA, 94533' in the 'State:' field, 'FREMONT' in the 'City/Postcode:', 'FIRST STREET' in the 'Street:' field and 'Apt 101, 111' in the 'House number:' field. (Note that you need to enter the state and zip code separated by a comma in the 'State:' field). Once you enter the contact address as the Mio expects it, it creates the route to the contact address super fast (usually in less than 10 seconds).
The Mio has a decent job of position error filtering, which attempts to accurately estimate your car's position on the map. Even when driving at 70MPH on a freeway, the Mio is off by no more than 10 yards. It also estimates the car's speed within 2MPH of my car's odometer reading. When driving on regular streets at around 30MPH, the display of the car position is spot on. There are several split-screen views which you can cycle through, giving you the distance to the next manoeuver, the current time, the estimated time...Read more›

Click Here to see more reviews about: Mio C520 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Item #: C520.Customers also search for: Discount GPS, Portable Car Navigation System, Buy GPS, Portable Car Navigation System, Wholesale GPS, Portable Car Navigation System, 841881002437, GPS and Portable Navigators Devices

Click here for more information about Mio C520 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator

Read More...