Need a teenage riot to get you out of bed? This might just do the trick., 18 Nov 2008

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Mr. C. S. Green (UK) – See all my reviews

  

I’ve had this Sony ipod alarm clock for around 4 months now and I must say I am relatively impressed. Sure you may think it is quite pricey for an alarm clock but rest assured it does so much more. I personally was sick of the horrible tin can sound of my old alarm clock and decided that I wanted to wake up to something that actually sounded decent. Don’t let the 3W RMS fool you, this alarm clock packs a punch and surprisingly a decent amount of undistorted bass (providing you don’t crank it up to its maximum volume – and even then distortion only occurs in songs with a prominant bass track. The sound is also surprisingly expansive for such a small unit and would happily fill a small room – though you wouldnt want to replace your hifi.

This clock has dual alarms which can be easily changed through the press of one button corresponding to alarm 1 or alarm 2 – ensuring you don’t get rudely awakened at 6am on a non-work day. You can choose to wake to Buzzer, Radio or any track on your iPod. Unfortunately you have to pause the ipod on the track you want to wake to, which isnt really ideal but I think its all the other alarm clocks do. A nice feature is the fact that the unit comes with a fully functional remote allowing you to change between FM/AM or ipod, and then control all functions of your ipod from it. I must say though that from a distant any more than a couple of feet, the text on the ipod screen itself is so small that you can’t really see the menus you are selecting. (I have mine at the foot of my bed).

There have been alot of complaints about the brightness of the clock display, and I must say it is quite bright even on the lowest setting. This is because the whole LCD is backlit instead of just the numbers/characters that need to be displayed – which isnt really the best design, but you do get used to it. Be warned though, it will add a good deal of light to your room, so if you can only sleep in the pitch black – you should consider covering the clock at night or buying a different product!

All in all though, if you are looking for an alarm clock radio with added ipod functionality, or even if you are just looking for a small unit for the kitchen that allows you to “whistle while you work” – you can’t go far wrong with this.

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Function over form, 7 Jun 2009

I purchased this item to replace my alarm clock radio. (I originally purchased the Logic 3 I-Station, but that was not good as an alarm clock, – The volume control to wake with was either too loud or not loud enough such was the difference between volume setting – so I sent it back. It also mucked up the volume control on my I-Pod touch). Whilst, in my view, the I-Station looked nicer the Sony is much more functional for my purposes as a morning alarm.

It is very intuitive to set up and whilst the display is fairly bright is does not effect my sleep. A decent quality display – nice and crisp. The display contains the time, plus it shows the active alarm settings, (there are two alarms), including the time and method of waking, radio, buzzer, or I-Pod. In the I-Pod and radio alarm function the both stay on until you turn them off. So in the morning when the radio wakes me I just hit the sleep button and the radio stays on for 90 minutes which means I can get ready, whilst listening to the radio and forget about having to turn it off. (A useful function for my purposes).

The I-Pod docks very easily and is controllable from the remote control. You can set the sleep function and drop off listening to your favorite tracks or even the radio. Also charges the I-Pod.

The sound quality is good, but not the normal above average Sony sound. There is a mega-expand function, but I don’t think it improves the sound at all so I don’t bother with it. I don’t think you would want this as your main music player – its not very loud and the sound quality declines above say number 10. The radio reception is mostly good but I think the FM ariel wire could have been a bit longer to reach the extra reception quality.

The control and setting buttons are located on the top so easy to access and use, even in the dark you can feel your way around.

In conclusion, there are much better looking alarm clocks than this, but if you want a quality clock display, a decent sound to wake up to and drop off to, either with a radio or I-Pod, that is really easy to use and charges an I-pod touch, I don’t think you will go far wrong with this. I have spent a few hours looking for the above criterion and this plus the I-Station are the only ones to fit the bill.

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Good sound quality and a well designed compact alarm clock, 1 Jan 2009

By 

D. J. Burton (UK) – See all my reviews

  

  

I bought this item as a present and have had a good chance to listen and use it over the last couple of weeks.

There are many dedicated alarm clock units out on the market but only a handful that could be used as a Hi-Fi system and fill a small-mid sized room with decent sound and volume. In this respect the Sony unit delivers with a respectable performance considering the price band it lies in.

The music is reproduced with a good vocal clarity, showing impressive mid range bass, however the compact size does compromise the low range bass and you won’t get as much “punch” as a Hi-Fi with larger speaker enclosures. The overall volume is restricted to a level which won’t distort the sound, but it will also struggle to fill a room over 5m x 5m in size. You could definitely use the unit at a small party and not be embarrassed by the quality or volume.

The design is neat and inoffensive. Good quality materials have been used and it should age well with the black colour. A nice touch is that there is an adjustable wheel which supports the back of any thickness of iPod – a problem with a lot of other sound docks on the market. This enables the iPod to be used without any front-back movement as you press the buttons.

As with most Sony products the functionality is very good, it’s easy to program the radio and 2 alarm times and the remote control is well designed.

The display is too bright for night-time use if you like a dark room at night, even on the darkest setting. Be prepared to cover the display with something handy – we use a sleep mask! This isn’t too bad but it does lose half a star because it provides a lot of illumination.

For the money I think there isn’t anything else on the market that comes close to the sound quality of the Sony unit that is designed primarily as an alarm clock (at least at the end of 2008).

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Totally Amazing…watch my video !!, 20 Nov 2010

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A. Cresswell “Bubblefish777″ (london, UK) – See all my reviews

  

  

  

Customer Video Review Length:: 0:46 Mins

I made this video after 20 minutes of taking the FLIP from the postman’s hand. I made a couple of 20 second clips sitting at my desk and I was so impressed I decided to see if it would handle a ‘real’ test. I attached it to a Gorilla grip tripod and attached that to the passenger seat of my car and went for a drive. Took me 10 minutes to edit as 1min of video is around about 100Mb of data and that’s all Amazon will allow you to upload. Personally I think this little camcorder is brilliant. It doesn’t get much better than this. Watch the wing mirror on the car and the background. The field depth is really good. Also listen to the microphone pick up. I’m driving a Diesel and although the film is fairly short and the vibration in the car is high the quality is still great. Next test has got to be putting it into a splash proof case and taking it down a water slide. This will be terrific fun and an amazing Christmas Present.

If you enjoy these reviews please don’t forget to vote and keep the Amazon Voting system alive. Thanks !

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YOU REALLY WANT ONE OF THESE – YES YOU DO!!, 21 Nov 2010

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FAMOUS NAME (UNITED KINGDOM) – See all my reviews

  

  

Never one personally for the latest in ‘gadgets'; I thought I’d give this a try anyway, since it was offered via the ‘Amazon Vine Programme’ for ‘Review’.

I have to say; the most off-putting thing about products like this, is probably the most boring part which is reading pages and pages of Instructions and Operating Manuals – and most of which are so poorly put together, they’re often difficult to understand… However; not only were the Instructions for this fabulous little Video Camera minimal; you really didn’t need them at all – it was just so easy to use!

As someone has already stated in their Review; within literally minutes of opening the box, you are operating this marvellous little thing and making your own mini movies! Never having owned any sort of gadget or Camera like this before, (not even a Camera Phone) I was quite astonished at the simple operation, but more importantly; the amazing results! Both picture and sound quality is superb, and the playback screen is actually big enough for you to watch and enjoy, and not some tiny little pathetic thing which is often the case with this type of thing.

This comes complete with a powerful little rechargeable battery, (only takes 4 hours to charge) soft pouch for storing and a carrying strap. It’s extremely good quality all round, and having just looked at the price – dirt cheap too!! It’s absolutely fool-proof; a child or elderly person could operate this. A good and crystal clear screen for those with not such good eyesight – it’s simply flawless! You can save and store your movies on your PC using a nifty little built-in USB connection plug, and even play them back on your HD TV!

Very difficult to think of anything more to say about this Item, other than – go on – treat yourself for Christmas – you’ll be glad you did!

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Fantastic Mini Video!, 14 Nov 2010

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Mr. Roy Sparrow “emailroy” (Brighton, Sussex, UK.) – See all my reviews

  

I bought this Flip Ultra HD 3rd Generation after reading reviews in the gadget magazines. It is so easy to use! In just one day I have been to an exhibition, filmed some of the attractions and made a short video using the supplied software. I’ve also uploaded it to You Tube and emailed the video to some friends.

This is very highly recommended, light and easy to carry, fits in a trouser pocket, very easy to use, upload video to a computer, edit and send short movies to friends with.

Picture quality is incredible!

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Works for iPhone 4, 13 July 2010

Got this for my new iPhone 4 and works perfectly. Gives a good charge current and keeps the power levels up even when using GPS and Nav software, iPod, 3G – all at the same time.

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Car Charger for iPod Nano 5G, 4 Mar 2010

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Jonathan C. Bruce – See all my reviews

  

Exactly what I wanted and allows me to keep my iPod Nano 5G charged in the car so I can listen to my favourite tunes all day long.

At the price hard not to rate this at 5 stars.

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Superb Value, 16 April 2010

Bought this mainly as a back up/emergency use in car for iPhone 3GS and it is brilliant.

Sure all it does is charge, but thats all I needed! No connection issues, perfect fit, perfect charge!

Could not be happier for a product at that price to actually do what it says!

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Excellent value for money, 6 Nov 2010

I bought three of these 4G Touch Black Silicone Protective Armour Case Cover & Screen Protector Kit for New Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation for Christmas for the three iPods Touches.

Its a practical and inexpensive way to protect these new iPod which does not detract from there stunning good looks. A great investment.

Excellent Communications from the seller, and ultra fast delievery, very impressed and would deffinately buy from them again.

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Ipod touch 4g leather case – idelta, 3 Nov 2010

I like this product, it fits well, it protects the whole ipod and does not restrict use of any of the functions. I can use the camera without removing it from the case and I can connect it, still in the case, into my computer to sync. Admittedly, I have to take it out of the case to charge it with the mains charger, but that doesn’t bother me.

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4G Touch luxury genuine black leather case & screen protectors, 21 Oct 2010

This product is very good especially value and also includes the hole for the camera so your ipod can remain protected at all times! This product was out of stock I presume due to popularity but as a gesture of good will the supplier idelta sent me a free silicon cover and some screen protectors while I waited for the product to come back into stock. Thankyou

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Excellent!, 26 Nov 2010

Excellent product! Keeps your blackberry safe and dry! Has a magic magnet inside which turns the phone on standby when inside to preserve the battery life! Super!

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Good quality product, 22 Nov 2010

The product is of good quality, and probably better than the cases that used to come with Blackberry devices. It also stops any problems with the keypad unlocking if you’re taking the handset in/out of your pocket

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Must Have Accessory for your Blackberry Torch, 19 Nov 2010

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B. Hassell “pentangle” (Brighton) – See all my reviews

  

  

Having waited with eager anticipation for my Torch, I was incredulous when it turned up without a cover. Every other Blackberry I have owned has been supplied with this. I even checked through the box for a second time round in case I had missed it!

Struggled by with my old ill fitting Bold cover for a few days until this arrived. Excellent piece of kit. More rigid than Blackberry cases normally are, it fits very snuggly and puts the phone into energy saving mode when inside it. Because of the snug fit it does not make the phone significantly more bulky in the pocket. Must have accessory for the Torch owner – unless you are very careful your screen will soon get scratched without.

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A rugged, waterproof Zi8., 31 Mar 2010

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Mr. Peter J. Chapman “Minor Celebrity” (Burgess Hill) – See all my reviews

  

  

The PlaySport is Kodak’s ‘upgrade’ to the very successful Zi8 model.Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera – Black

There are some differences between the two units, so decide carefully what you will be making videos of before making your purchase.

The PlaySport is missing the macro function on the lense that can be found on the Zi8, basically, this allowed you to focus clearly on close up objects. Also missing is the 3.5mm stereo mic input. This was very usful if you were micing up an instrument and recording interviews. It also meant that you could stand as far away from the camera as your microphone cable would allow.

However, the PlaySport has some improvements and features that trump the Zi8.

In my opinion the video quality is better, capturing video in low light situations is improved, the brightness of the lcd screen is adjustable, it works underwater, its smaller and fits better in your hand than the Zi8.

The Playsports lense is wider than the Zi8’s, meaning you can fit more in the frame.

To sum things up. If you are looking to do video blogging, music recordings, interviews and anything a bit more professional, then buy the Kodak Zi8. If you’re looking for something a little more rugged, a camera you’d not think twice about letting the kids use, a video camera to take on holiday or just something to carry around with you to whip out when you spot something worth recording, then the PlaySport should be your weapon of choice.

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For the price perfect, 6 May 2010

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R. Evans “R Evans” (England) – See all my reviews

  

Excellent value for money, i find it great for just picking it up and filming my kids playing.

Picture quality superb at 720p 60fps

Battery life not brilliant, long videos 20+ mins and half flat, and it gets hot

Would recommend none the less

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Stunning, 18 May 2010

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Mr. William Andrews – See all my reviews

  

I bought this camera mainly because my daughter was going to Mexico on holiday and said that she hoped to swim with sharks and dolphins. I have used video cameras on an amateur basis for years but have never progressed to HD. Although she is not the best of photographers (‘hosepiping’ the camera all over the place) I can only say the results really are stunning. The brilliant underwater video shots of the brightly coloured fish are extremely good when viewed on my HD TV, the sound of local singers and guitarists etc. is excellent and the quality of the many still shots (too many) is exceptional. Some of the stills showing the colour of the sea and the sand are literally worth framing.The editing facilities which install when you first connect to a PC are adequate although basic. The only regret I have is that I bought the camera for my daughter: I want it for ME now.

I cannot speak too highly of this excellent video (and still) camera, especially considering the price on Amazon.

Bill

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Takes Very Good Photographs, 12 April 2010

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Mr. Martin Houlton (Hull, United Kingdom) – See all my reviews

  

I too have only had this camera for a few days, but I think it’s brilliant. Its main selling point is of course that 14x zoom lens, which starts at 28mm so at the long end you get 392mm! The Image Stabilization ensures sharp pictures even at that length. I haven’t tried any digital zoom. I find that setting image stabilization to “Shoot Only” works best.

The camera’s second selling point is the Aperture priority, Shutter priority and Manual modes. It is well designed in that it has a proper dial to select the aperture and shutter settings. Unfortunately it is a dual-purpose dial and pressing down on it often selects another function. I have sometimes done this accidentally while trying to select aperture or shutter speed. I expect I will get used to it. The dial can also be used when selecting menu items.

The camera has a Wide mode which records/plays back images in 16:9 format, great for people who like to show photos on their HD TVs. I have this option selected all the time. Please note that despite the heading it’s a 3.5 inch display on the back. I haven’t yet found it difficult to see the display, though we have had some sunny days.

I used up a fully charged battery pack in two days, but I was playing with the camera quite a lot! I think it would last for about a week in normal use. I have ordered a spare battery pack because it’s boring not to be able to get your photos for two hours while the battery charges.

I find that if I take a photo in low light, like indoors, the camera takes a couple of seconds to store an image, but generally it is fine. I have ordered a fast memory card to see if this helps because after all it’s got to store 14 megapixels.

About the problem with the flash popping up, I find that when I pick the camera up, my left index finger usually rests on top of the flash cover, so when I turn the camera on, the flash can’t pop up.

I have added some pictures to the customer images which give a better idea of what the camera is like because they weren’t taken in the dark!

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Superb ‘point & shoot’ digital camera, 5 May 2010

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Lumpster (Yorkshire, UK) – See all my reviews

  

I have used a 7.1mp Olympus Mju compact digital camera for the past 2-3 years as a compact alternative to my main camera, Canon digital SLR. Results were fairly patchy and so I have been looking around for an upgrade for a few months. I was on the point of buying the Powershot SX200 but then saw that the SX210 was imminent, so held off until the camera was launched and the price came down from its fairly toppy launch level of £300+. As expected, as stocks improved, the price has fallen sharply plus Canon has now introduced its cashback offer, bringing the price of the camera down materially.

I went for the Powershot over an Ixus equivalent as a) its hugely powerful 14x optical zoom appealed, b) I am more concerned with picture quality than size and c) the Powershot isn’t actually that big anyway. So far, I have probably taken around 200 photos using the camera in a variety of conditions and am really pleased with the results. Build quality is top-notch, the zoom lens produces fantastic results and battery life doesn’t seem to be an issue (although I have bought a spare Canon battery from Amazon just in case). The menus are intuitive and very much in line with other cameras produced by Canon. As for the flash popping up automatically, I haven’t found this to be an issue (in fact, I think handling is very good) but you can keep your finger on the flash and it stays down. There are different auto settings (e.g. ‘portrait’, ‘landscape’, ‘indoors’ etc.), all of which seem to work well plus movie mode (which I haven’t tried) along with manual settings. I even used the digital zoom (which goes to 56x) with fairly decent results due to the image stabilsation.

I am using a standard 4GB SD Sandisk Ultra card and a Lowepro Apex 30 AW case, which fits well and leaves space for extra memory cards, batteries etc. If you can afford the extra for a really high speed SD card, I’d say it’s probably worth it as with 14.1mp, files are pretty big and there can be some lag evident between shots.

I’m a big fan of Canon photography gear and the Powershot SX210is doesn’t disappoint – you can safely buy this knowing that you are getting a great camera for your money.

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Versatility in your pocket!, 29 April 2010

Had this camera a couple of weeks now and pretty impressed. Great zoom for the money and being a compact. Really good selection of programme functions for getting more creative (fish eye, ‘model/miniature’, and ‘foliage’ – increases vibrancy of plant shots). I’ve taken some good panoramic shots with the stitch assist function, and the stitch software it comes with is very easy to use. Also, the wide format option gives a different perspective and more scope for taking landscape shots.

Really happy with this purchase – as an SLR user myself, I’ve found you can do a lot with this camera without all the SLR paraphernalia. Also – really good macro shots, fully tested at Kew Gardens!

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