Tuesday, November 6, 2012

[Oct 2012 Upgraded Version - VIA VL812 Chipset and 12V 3A Power Adapter] Uspeed USB 3.0 7 Port Hub with 3ft USB 3.0 Cable and Power Adapter Backward Compatible with USB 2.0



Features
This new Uspeed SuperSpeed 7-port hub delivers convenient connection access for USB 3.0 fans. Equipped with both a 12V 3A power adapter and built-in surge protection, this hub keeps your devices connected and powered up safely all day long. Its sleek, compact design and high performance make this Uspeed hub an excellent companion for busy techies on the go.


System Requirements
Windows XP/Vista/7, Mac OS (Not compatible with Macbook Pro with Retina Display)

Update - Product Upgrade Oct. 2012
Thanks to the kind feedback of our customers, we have upgraded our product for stronger performance in two areas: I) The power adapter has been upgraded from 12V 2A to 12V 3A to provide a higher capacity power supply to your high-power devices.
II) We now incorporate the latest VIA VL812 chip for better power efficiency, lower operating temperatures, and broader compatibility.

Usage Alert for Power Users
* To achieve a maximum output current of 5A at 900mAh, the hub must be powered by BOTH the power adapter and the PC/laptop (turned on).
* To ensure a stable connection, the connected devices must not exceed a combined current of 5A. This is especially important for any devices with high power requirements such as "self-powered" hard drives which draw power from the USB port. We recommend that you avoid simultaneously connecting five or more of such "self-powered" devices.
* This hub is not designed to serve as a standalone charger and will not charge an iPad tablet or any other device with non-standard charge requirements.

PLEASE NOTE
We have found that USB3.0 hubs are not very compatible with Logitech devices. This seems to be the case with all hubs, not just ours, so we do not recommend use of USB 3.0 hubs with Logitech devices.

SuperSpeed USB 3.0 supports transfer rates up to 5 Gbps - The actual transmission speed is limited by the setting of the device connected; Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1.
Plug and play. Supports hot swapping. No install driver needed; LED indicators display the status of DC power supply and USB connections.

7 USB 3.0 ports with built-in surge protector; Smart chip power management allows devices to communicate idle states and latency tolerance for progressively lower power states and subsequently increased performance and power efficiency.
Package includes: 1 USB 3.0 7-port Hub / 1 12V 3A Power Adapter / 1 USB 3.0 Cable (3 feet) / 1 User Manual.


Most Helpful Customer Reviews


Fast and reliable - April 8, 2012
By Noname TOP 50 REVIEWER
[Edited to emphasize that this hub was tested on my USB *3.0* port.]

I installed this Uspeed USB 3.0 7-port hub on my Windows Vista Home Premium system. It was very easy, works right out of the box.

____________________

SPEED

I tested this against a USB 2.0 10-port hub I own and the results were as follows:

** Transferring a 1.71 GB movie file to Western Digital My Book Essential 2 TB USB 3.0/2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive via the USB 2.0 hub: 1 minute, 6 seconds.

** Transferring a 1.71 GB movie file to the external hard drive via the Uspeed 3.0 hub: 26 seconds.

Both hubs were connected to a Plugable PCI Express to SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port. The difference in speed is significant.

____________________

POWER

Whereas my USB 2.0 hub could function without a power adapter when attached to a powered USB port, this USB 3.0 hub could not. It must be plugged into an outlet or no USB devices attached to it will work. Keyboard, mouse, fingerprint sensor, flash drive, headset, external hard drive -- no-powered, low-powered, self-powered -- the computer cannot see them unless the hub is plugged into the outlet.

When it's plugged in, this hub will charge USB devices even when the computer is off. That makes it a handy USB charging station. It's how I charge my Kindle Fire overnight.
____________________

COMPATIBILITY

I plugged in my USB 2.0 flash drive into this hub and it works. I plugged the hub into a USB 2.0 port. It works. This Uspeed USB 3.0 hub is compatible with all my 2.0 devices and ports.
____________________

LOGITECH

I know the product description says Logitech devices do not play nice with the hub. That had me a little worried, because I own all manner of Logitech devices. But not to worry. I have my Logitech mouse, Logitech keyboard and Logitech headset all hooked up to this hub right now. Everything works, no problem.

_____________________

PROS:
+ 7 USB ports
+ very fast transfer rates
+ compatible with Logitech devices
+ charges devices when computer is off
+ backwards compatible with 2.0 USB ports and devices

CONS:
- must be plugged into an outlet to work
- seven very bright, blue LED lights (only light up when port is active)

_____________________

OVERALL IMPRESSION

I love the increase in speed. Believe me, it's noticeable. This Uspeed hub plays nice with my computer and all my devices, no problems at all.

This product was provided for review by Laptopmate.
______________________

UPDATE 4/24/12: After using this hub for a few days, I have noticed one problem. Occasionally, some of the ports turn off and stop communicating with the computer. In order to reset them, I must take out the power plug and plug it back in. This happens with or without my Logitech devices. Laptopmate sent me a second unit that also behaves the same way. They have concluded it is the overload protection stepping in to turn off the ports. The way I use this hub, I consider it a minor inconvenience. It doesn't happen every day and it's easy to fix. It is an inconvenience all the same and may be more of a concern for those who rely on the hub to be always on, so I will adjust my rating from five stars to four stars.

UPDATE 5/12/12: I continued to try different tactics to fix my problem until finally, I tried plugging my hub into a different USB port on my computer. That seems to have done the trick. I did not think it was the port. My controllers were set to not turn off the device. Nevertheless, ever since I switched ports, I have not had any problems. Right now, I'm connected to now is a USB 2.0 port. I am going to install a different USB 3.0 port and try this hub on the new port later. For now, I will update the star rating to reflect my original opinion. It is a five star product.

UPDATE 6/12/12: From a comment I received, it appears unclear, so I will emphasize that the USB port was tested and reviewed on a USB 3.0 port. It was after some problems that I moved the product to a USB 2.0 port. The problems were unrelated to the hub. They were caused by the port, so that is why I rate this product 5 stars.

UPDATE 10/14/12: The above review is for the old version. The seller gave the updated version the same ASIN#. I will be reviewing the new version soon and amending this review shortly after.

UPDATE 10/27/12: The new and improved hub looks just like the old one but with two upgrades:

1) The power adapter was changed from 12V 2A to 12V 3A. What this means is it's better for charging high power devices. I always try to charge my tablet on devices with higher amps, because it charges more quickly.

2) It includes the latest VIA VL812 chip. The manufacturer claims it runs cooler, more efficiently and has broader compatibility. It's definitely cool to the touch, and I am impressed with the compatibility.

Remember my problem above with the Plugable PCIE USB 3.0 port? I have had absolutely no problems using this new and improved 7 port hub with that port. Wonderful! Now, I can plug my hub into that port and take full advantage of this hub's 3.0 capability.

This product's rating is a solid five stars and remains so. I am very happy with the improvements the manufacturer has made.

The upgraded product was provided for review by Laptopmate.







Apple Mac Mini MD387LL/A Desktop (NEWEST VERSION)


  • FORMS PR 2581N+ 9-WIRE-WCAR DOTPRVistaQuest VQ-9100 Blue-WATERPROOF UP TO 3 METERS UNDER THE WATER, DIGITAL CAMCORDER, DIGITAL STILL CAMERA, REMOVABLE DISKDRIVER, 12.0 MEGA PIXELS, COLOR 2.4 TFT LCD, 8X DIGITAL ZOOM, UP TO 30FPS @ VGA WITH SOUND, SD CARDUP TO 8GB, 2 X AAA BATTERY
  • 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
  • 4GB memory
  • 500GB hard drive1
  • Intel HD Graphics 4000
  • OS X Mountain Lion



  • 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz) with 3MB L3 cache
  • 4 GB (two 2GB) of 1600MHz DDR3 memory
  • 500 GB (5400-rpm) hard drive
  • Intel HD Graphics 4000
  • Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging



The Mac mini features a precisely constructed unibody enclosure that even houses its own integrated power supply into the 7.7-inch square aluminum enclosure (that's also 1.4 inches thin)--eliminating the need for an external power brick. Additionally, the Mac mini helps contain your environmental footprint with a 10 watt power consumption.


Despite its smaller size, the Mac mini offers a full range of ports for connecting to your existing peripherals--from keyboards and mice to external hard drives and displays (via the Thunderbolt and HDMI ports). And when you're ready to add more memory, the Mac mini's bottom removable panel makes the upgrade process a breeze.

Processor: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5
RAM: 4 GB SDRAM
Hard Drive: 500 GB
Graphics Coprocessor: Intel HD Graphics 3000 processor
Brand Name: Apple
Item model number: MD387LL/A
Hardware Platform: Mac
Operating System: Mac OS X Mountain Lion
Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Count: 2
Computer Memory Type: SDRAM
Hard Drive Interface: Serial ATA



The Apple Mac mini packs even more power, thanks to the latest dual-core and quad-core Intel processors. It also comes with integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, Thunderbolt, USB 3, and OS X Mountain Lion--the latest release of the world's most advanced desktop operating system.

This version of the Mac mini (model MD387LL/A) features a 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5 dual-core processor as well as 4 GB of RAM (expandable to 16 GB) and 500 GB of hard drive storage. It also comes with the iLife software suite, which includes the latest versions of iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand.


Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, high-speed Thunderbolt I/O (input/output) technology delivers an amazing 10 gigabits per second of transfer speeds in both directions. Built into the Mac mini, the Thunderbolt port allows you to connect to new Thunderbolt-compatible peripherals as well as existing USB and FireWire peripherals using simple adapters. You'll be able to move data up to 20 times faster than with USB 2.0 and more than 12 times faster than with FireWire 800, and you can daisy-chain up to six high-speed devices without using a hub. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI, and VGA displays.

Intel HD Graphics 4000 delivers up to 65 percent more pixel-pushing performance than the previous generation of integrated graphics. So the video you watch and the games you play are smoother and more responsive. Flipping through photo albums is a breeze. And you've got all the power you need to edit your HD video into a film worthy of a red carpet premiere.

With USB 3 built into the Mac mini, you can connect your external hard drive and transfer large files in seconds instead of minutes. Every Mac mini comes with four USB 3 ports--with speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2--and you can connect all your USB-compatible devices, including your iPhone, iPad, iPod, or digital camera.


What's in the Box
Mac mini, HDMI to DVI adapter, power cord, printed and electronic documentation

Note: The Mac mini does not come with an optical drive, however OS X Mountain Lion offers the convenient DVD or CD Sharing feature, which lets you wirelessly "borrow" the optical drive of a nearby Mac or PC. So you can install applications from a DVD or CD and have full access to an optical drive without having to carry one around. Additionally, you can connect an optional optical drive (such as the Apple USB SuperDrive) via one of the USB ports.

Installed Software
At the heart of every Mac mini--and every Mac--is OS X Mountain Lion, the world's most advanced desktop operating system. Since the software built into every Mac is created by the same company that makes the Mac, you get a fully integrated system in which everything works together perfectly. OS X works with the processor in your Mac to deliver the best possible performance. Power Nap even takes advantage of the Mac hardware to keep the entire system up to date while it sleeps.

Limited Warranty And Service
The Mac mini comes with 90 days of free telephone support and a 1-year limited warranty, which can be extended to 3 years with the AppleCare Protection Plan.

Mac App Store, Safari, Mail, Messages, Calendar, Contacts, Reminders, Notes, Time Machine, FaceTime, Photo Booth, Game Center, iTunes, and more

iLife helps you do more with photos, movies, and music than you ever thought possible. In iPhoto, you can browse, edit, and share your photos in stunning new full-screen views. Create epic Hollywood-style movie trailers from your home video in iMovie. And GarageBand gives you everything you need to make a great-sounding song--including tools for keeping your song in perfect rhythm and guitar and piano lessons.

AppleCare Protection Plan
Because Apple makes the hardware, the operating system, and many applications, the Mac is a truly integrated system. And only the AppleCare Protection Plan gives you one-stop service and support from Apple experts, so most issues can be resolved in a single call. Extend the complimentary service and support on your Mac to 3 years from the original Mac purchase date with the AppleCare Protection Plan. You get direct telephone access to Apple experts for technical questions, and you get global repair coverage--including both parts and labor--for your Mac and select Apple peripherals.


Optional Accessories and Related Products

Apple Magic Mouse

Magic Mouse is unlike any other mouse you've ever used. The Multi-Touch surface lets you use gestures to swipe through photos and scroll down web pages. And the entire mouse is the button, so you can click anywhere.

Apple Thunderbolt Display

The world's first Thunderbolt display doesn't just give you more pixels. It gives you more possibilities. Built-in Thunderbolt technology lets you connect as many as six devices through a single port and transfer data up to 20 times faster than with USB 2.0.

Apple USB SuperDrive

Compact and convenient, the Apple USB SuperDrive connects to your Mac mini with a single USB cable and fits easily into a travel bag. It lets you install software and play and burn both CDs and DVDs, including double-layer DVDs.

Apple Magic Trackpad

Magic Trackpad is the first Multi-Touch trackpad designed to work with your Mac desktop computer, and it supports a full set of gestures. Click, scroll, swipe, and rotate to control what's onscreen. Use it along with your mouse or as an alternative to one.

Apple Wireless Keyboard

Incredibly thin and streamlined, the Apple Wireless Keyboard lets you type on your desk, on your lap, or anywhere within range. Wherever you put it, the keyboard will take up minimal space. Just like your Mac mini.

Time Capsule

Time Capsule is the revolutionary backup device that works wirelessly with Time Machine in OS X Leopard or later. It automatically backs up everything, so you never have to worry about losing important files. It also doubles as a full-featured 802.11n Wi-Fi base station. Choose from 2 TB and 3 TB models.






Monday, November 5, 2012

Seagate Backup Plus 1 TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive for Mac


Seagate Backup Plus 1 TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive for Mac

The Seagate Backup Plus for Mac portable drive simplifies backup for consumers who want to protect their entire digital life locally or on social networks. The drive is formatted for Mac out of the box, making it compatible with Time Machine software to provide the simplest and most efficient way to back up locally. With the Save feature, user-generated content can be backed up from your favorite social networks.

Many people now use their smartphones to capture priceless moments. While these devices are handy and readily available, storage is not their strong suit. Capture a memory, post it on a social networking site and let the Seagate Dashboard automatically back up any content posted. Even if the file gets accidentally deleted from the device, another copy can be waiting.

The Share feature allows multiple files to be uploaded to social networks at once from your computer. Simply select files to upload, choose where to post them and even add comments. Managing your social profile has never been easier. Install the downloadable HFS+ driver for PC, and use the drive interchangeably between Mac computers and PCs, without reformatting.

Take advantage of the Seagate Backup Plus design and upgrade from the included USB 3.0 interface to Thunderbolt technology or FireWire 800 with the additional adapter. System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6 or higher or Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP SP3 (32-bit and 64-bit) operating system (HFS+ driver for PC operability available by download; compatibility may vary depending on user's hardware configuration and operating system.) SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port (required for USB 3.0 transfer speeds or backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports at USB 2.0 transfer speeds; varies depending on user's hardware configuration and operating system.) Inside the Box: Seagate Backup Plus drive, Seagate Dashboard pre-loaded on drive, USB 2.0 interface adapter, 18-Inch USB 3.0 cable, Quick start guide, 2-year limited warranty.


  • Size: 1 TB
  • Style: USB 3.0
  • 1 TB storage capacity with lightning fast USB 3.0 transfer speed (upgrade to Thunderbolt or FireWire 800 with adapter, purchased separately)
  • Use the Save feature to back up user-generated content from your favorite social media networks
  • Share feature allows multiple files to be uploaded to social networks at once
  • Install the downloadable HFS+ driver for PC and use the drive interchangeably between Mac computers and PC's without reformatting



Back Up Your Digital Life
The Seagate Backup Plus for Mac portable drive is compatible with Time Machine backup software straight from the box. This flexible, easy-to-use drive also works seamlessly with your social media accounts, making it simple to back up and share your online photos, movies and more.

Save Your Social Life
The Backup Plus for Mac portable drive includes the Seagate Dashboard. This premium software makes it simple to share or save files associated with online social networks including Flickr, Facebook and YouTube. Automatically download copies of your photos, movies and more from social networking sites to your Backup Plus for Mac drive. Share files by simply clicking on your social icons within the Seagate Dashboard. Easily share multiple files with your social networks at the same time.


Fuel for Your Time Machine
The Backup Plus for Mac portable drive has been designed to integrate smoothly with OS X for Mac computers, so it's simple to back up and protect your files. It's compatible with Time Machine backup software out of the box, and works interchangeably with Mac and PC computers without the need to reformat.

Seagate Backup Plus 1 TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive for Mac
Compatible with Time Machine backup software straight from the box


Powerfully Flexible
The Backup Plus portable drive for Mac features a unique adapter system that lets you quickly and cost-effectively upgrade or change the drive's interface. Take advantage of the newest, fastest connections-now and in the future: Choose from USB 3.0(included), USB 2.0, Thunderbolt technology and Firewire 800.


System Requirements
Compatible operating systems are Mac OS X 10.6 or higher and Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP SP3 (32-bit and 64-bit) (HFS+ driver for PC operability available by download).


What's in the Box?
Seagate Backup Plus for Mac portable drive, preloaded Seagate Dashboard, quick start guide, USB 3.0 adapter with 18-inch cable, warranty.



  • Big Backup. Small Package. With capacities up to 1.5TB, the Backup Plus portable drive makes it easy to take along plenty of extra storage. 
  • Space to spare. Capacities up to 4TB make the Backup Plus desktop drive the simple solution when your digital life goes big.
  • Ready to roll with your Mac computer. The Backup Plus for Mac portable drive is compatible with Time Machine backup software straight out of the box.
  • Massive Mac backup. Straight-out-of-the-box Time Machine software compatibility meets massive capacities in the Backup Plus for Mac desktop drive.




Most Helpful Customer Reviews


Nice & fast drive - just skip the bloatware  - July 19, 2012
By Tor Slettnes
Style Name: USB 2.0 | Size Name: 500 GB

Remember the "Mac vs. PC" ads? In one of them, "Mac vs. Fat PC", the latter is complaining about all the extra trial software that comes preinstalled from the manufacturer, slowing him down and creating compatibility issues all over. Mac, in contrast, is lean, mean, and simply pristine.

Yeah that was then, this is now. The era of manufacturer bloatware has arrived for the Mac too. I gather, when all the industry buzz is about trusting your digital life to "the Cloud", hard drive manufacturers might feel like they need to do _something_ to stay in business. So they "join them".

In this case, Seagate is apparently trying to sell you the idea that you need to back up your data FROM the cloud onto a personal drive. Clearly, it is more secure there than when managed by the cowboys at Amazon or Google.

Maybe there is a market niche for this line of thought. I am not in that niche however, and I think this emphasis makes Seagate lose their focus on what they are good at: Making darn good, robust drives!

And let's face it, just like computers failed to bring about the "paperless society", there is no indication that people's need for personal storage and backup devices will diminish - quite the opposite.

So the first thing I did was to NOT install any of the bundled software. Instead, I just plugged it in, and started using it with Time Machine. For that task, it is an excellent option:

* It plugs in to any USB port on your Mac, even those on your Apple USB keyboard, without the need for external power.
* It is preformatted for HFS+, which means there is no extra setup needed to use with Time Machine
* It is fast and very quiet.
* Even more so if you have one of the newer Macs, given the option of Thunderbolt.

One caveat is that the interface is the older mini-USB standard, not micro-USB as is more common these days. This means that you will likely need to use a dedicated cable (such as the included one) with this drive, rather than sharing with your phone, camera, etc.

The industrial design is otherwise excellent. It looks sleek (slightly moreso than my Western Digital passport drive) and sturdy at the same time. It is otherwise lightweight and quite portable.

Compared to drives from other manufacturers, the price also seems to be right - especially given Seagate's reputation for reliability.

That's really all I want or could ask for in a drive!




Decent external drive - FAIL on MAC compatibility for the software - June 26, 2012
By James Ridgway 
Style Name: USB 2.0 | Size Name: 500 GB

This external drive has a nice form factor. Thin, light and simple to use as expected. The USB 3.0 cable is included and that's a nice plus these days.

My primary concern is with the Seagate registration software - it pulls your email address right off your computer with no 'by your leave' or anything. Makes me wonder if I am installing adware by using the software....Seagate claims that you receive a year of cloud storage with the drive. The email received from Seagate states to click on the 'cloud storage icon' to access this feature. The problem is there is no 'cloud storage icon' in the Seagate Dashboard software. I discovered on the support site that the cloud service is NOT compatible with MAC - lovely. They do not tell you that in the product documentation = FAIL.

The Seagate Dashboard software is fairly simple and does not take a great deal of space on the HD. Basic information, drive management and testing are available from the dashboard/backup plus panel. Then we came to let me backup on the drive - NOPE - would not allow any of that. The dashboard software had no protect icon as depicted in the online manual = FAIL

So, what's the end result? You get an external drive - it's 'special' options DO NOT WORK with Mac - even though they claim to. I was unable to review the rest of those functions for that very reason. Greatly disappointed in Seagate for submitting an inferior software product claiming to do things that it is not capable of doing.

The only PRO of this review is that it is a nice, 500GB external HD with a decent form factor and connection. As for utilizing it for a backup - I will have to use time machine.

Testing performed on macbook with OSX Lion installed.



The manufacturer commented on this review
Seagate Support saysJune 28, 2012
MANUFACTURER

Hi James, 

This reply is from Seagate Support. We noticed your review and wanted to comment on your experience with your Backup Plus Portable drive. The registration process is totally optional on this product. If you do not wish to register, simply close the window and click "Never Register This Drive" to skip that step. The Seagate Backup Plus for Mac doesn't advertise one year of service or cloud backup features. This drive is pre-formatted for Mac OS which works with Time Machine right out of the box as a great backup solution. It offers the ability to upload and download content from social media sites using the included Dashboard software. 

Please use the link reference in your quick start guide to install Windows software that will allow you to mount the drive in Windows for cross platform functionality. 

http://ow.ly/bS8ay 

If the above troubleshooting does not help or you have any remaining questions, we would be happy to help further. Please use the link below to speak with a support representative directly: 

http://seagate.com/support/contact-support/

Regards,
Seagate Support



Stable and Easy to Use Backup Solution - June 28, 2012
By J. Dassaro
Style Name: USB 2.0 | Size Name: 500 GB

This is a solid basic drive usable for backups. I used the device between Mac OS 10.6 and Windows 7 x64 (need to download a driver for Windows). The design is very sleek and lightweight, making it easy to carry wherever you go. I throw it in my camera bag and barely notice its there. It appears more than rugged enough for carrying in the field in controlled conditions. However, the top casing is made of plastic or maybe a very light aluminum, which sort of shocked me. So keep that in mind as you consider it for your everyday travel needs.

The drive itself provides stable USB 2.0 connectivity with the supplied 18 inch mini-USB 2.0 cable (also powers the drive from the port). It copied 72 gb of RAW images in about 26 minutes. Based on other reviews, it appears this is the fastest you can expect and may have been an anomaly. I do find it unusual that USB 3.0 connectivity is not included but offered as an option as is Thunderbolt. But, the advertising is very clear in that this is a USB 2.0 device and makes no inferences otherwise.

This drive is preformatted using the MacOS HFS+ file system. It was instantly recognized on my Mac Air and offered up the Time Machine backup program without intervention. I did not appreciate the registration software required to enable cloud backup, which appeared to access my e-mail address. However, the Dashboard software is decent and not too invasive. I did not test the share feature included for upload/download of social media, so I cannot comment on that. However, I doubt many would have use for such a feature from what I read. I could not find the cloud storage feature on my Mac version of the Dashboard software but did find it on Windows.

In short, I find it a decent drive for my purposes, which is primarily the backup and transfer of raw image files (.nef) from a Mac to Windows and vice versa.


More Details









Samsung Chromebook (Wi-Fi, 11.6-Inch)




  • Style: Wi-Fi
  • 11.6 inches Display
  • Samsung Exynos 5250
  • 2 GB DDR3L RAM
  • 1.5W Speaker and 0.3M Integrated Camera
  • Processor: 1.7 GHz
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • RAM Type: DDR3 SDRAM
  • Hard Drive: 16 GB


The New Samsung Chromebook
You can easily share it with multiple people- switching accounts takes seconds, and everyone gets their own files, apps and settings. And it's simple to use. There's no setup, and your files are automatically backed up in the cloud. At just 2.4 pounds, 0.7 inches thin, and with over 6.5 hours of battery life, the Samsung Chromebook can go anywhere you go. It's built to stay cool, so it doesn't need a fan and runs silently. It also includes 100GB of free Google Drive storage (for 2 years), a built-in webcam, and dual band Wi-Fi to make it easy to connect to wireless networks.

For Everyone. The Samsung Chromebook is a new computer that helps you get everyday things done faster and easier. It starts in seconds, has virus protection built-in, and runs your favorite Google apps plus thousands more. The Chromebook comes with leading Google products, like Search, Gmail, YouTube and Hangouts, so you can work, play, and do whatever you want, right out of the box.


  • Boots up in 10 seconds, resumes instantly and loads web pages blazingly fast.
  • The new, faster computer that keeps getting better and better.
  • Built-in apps and thousands more from the Chrome Web Store.
  • Save your stuff safely in the cloud and never lose another file or photo.
  • Multiple layers of security 
  • so you don’t need to install anti-virus software.

Automatic updates
Chromebooks automatically update themselves: all of your apps stay up-to-date, and you get the latest version of the operating system without having to think about it.




Portable, powerful, cooler
The Samsung Chromebook's dual core processor delivers exceptional performance and battery life in an ultra-slim package. And unlike traditional computers, it has no fan or moving parts, which means it stays cooler on your lap and runs silent (no humming, unless you're listening to music).


Get started without the setup
Chromebooks require almost no setup, so you can go from unboxing to doing in minutes. Unlike other computers, you don’t need to spend hours installing patches and software.


Stay connected in-flight 
With your Chromebook, you can get online at 10,000 feet with free Gogo in-air internet passes. Your Chromebook comes with 12 free passes (estimated $150 value) that you can use over 2 years on domestic US flights.



More storage in the cloud
With 100GB of free Google Drive storage for two years, you can keep all of your apps, documents, favorites, and settings safe and securely accessible from anywhere. You don’t have to bother downloading and installing any applications onto your hard drive.



Collaborate on documents
Create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and drawings with apps like Google Docs, Zoho and SlideRocket. With productivity apps, you can collaborate in real-time with others, access your documents from any computer, and have your files backed up automatically. Access other everyday files using the built-in PDF and document viewer.



Oversized, multi-touch touchpad
 You can enjoy better control using a large multi-touch touchpad With a glass coating and image sensor it provides a stylish and convenient way to use your Chromebook.




Full-sized keyboard designed for Chrome
The keyboard is optimized for Chrome with a dedicated search key, a row of web-enabled keys, and a comfortable, full-size layout that doesn’t cramp your fingers.



Simply more flexibility
The Chromebook has a range of ports, including HDMI and USB 3.0/2.0 ports, to enable greater flexibility for sharing data and multimedia playback. Its unique hinge design makes it easier to connect all of your peripherals.







Most Helpful Customer Reviews


A very good computer with a few drawbacks at a very good price 
By Lance Haun
Style Name:Wi-Fi

My background: I'm a gadget geek but I'm not super devoted to any platform. I do love Google's web products but never used their hardware. My laptop is a 13" MacBook Pro and my desktop is a Mac Mini that runs both OS X and Windows 7 (I spend more time on Win 7 these days). I have an iPad (3rd gen) and Motorola Droid Razr Maxx along with a docking station. My wife has a Win 7 ultrabook, Kindle Fire HD and Razr Maxx, all of which I purchased for her.

I'm an editor for a web-based publication so my usage is primarily writing and some light (very light) image editing. I've done most of my writing on Google Docs for a long time because it automatically saves and I hate writing directly into the CMS. We also use Google Apps Business for e-mail, calendaring and doc sharing so that rocks.

The last thing I need is another computer but Chromebook called to me. A couple of reasons:

- The docking solution wasn't great. The keyboard was crap, my phone got unusually hot and interacting with the CMS was hit and miss with the phone OS. It was good for e-mails.
- An iPad with a keyboard is garbage. I've tried it and hit the same issues. It is just clumsy for my primary work. I still travel with an iPad because it is light and its battery is a rockstar and can do in a pinch.
- The laptop is fine but it is a beast to carry. I just got back from a week-long jaunt to three conferences and I think my shoulder is broken from my shoulder bag.
- I love my phone and tethering has been a lifesaver. No complaints.
Okay, enough background. Now to the actual review.

Unboxing wasn't particularly impressive but I don't really care. Standard laptop box with the laptop, an AC adapter and Chrome sticker. I plugged it in and it was at about 75%. Now about an hour later, it is nearly charged.

When I pulled it out of the box, it almost felt like a laptop that didn't have a battery in it (remember that?). Anyway, it feels solid closed up. I don't have any problem throwing this in my engineer's bag and feeling like it will get screwed up. The AC adapter is your standard black box with two cords.

I opened up the lid and it started immediately. It asked me to connect to my wifi connection and then proceeded to download the latest update of the operating system (version 23 according to the info in Chrome). After a quick reboot, I put in my Google credentials and it loaded everything I use in my Chrome browser normally, including my apps and bookmarks.

Opened up, the build quality showed a few weaknesses but nothing major. There's a little give on the keyboard and palm rest. I didn't feel any problems holding the laptop from its corner. It feels very solid overall. The thing to remember, of course, is that I came from a unibody MacBook Pro so take that for what it is worth.

The keyboard blew my expectations away. I figured it would be fairly cramped and that my typing speed would suffer. I figured the action wouldn't be very good either. But, coming from a MacBook Pro chiclet keyboard to this was a cinch. I feel very little difference in typing speed or accuracy. This was really a big deal for me. I tried the HP Mini a few years ago and it was awful. A few millimeter difference is it.

The trackpad is very good though not as top notch of a comparison as the keyboard. It is very Mac-like in using it. The two finger swipe gestures, right-clicking, dragging, etc... it all operated like I expected. I'm a tapper, not a clicker so that may have something to do with it. It doesn't seem like it is quite as accurate or response as the MacBook Pro but still very good.

The screen isn't great but it isn't a dealbreaker. For text, it performs adequately but not spectacularly. For video, it is quite adequate, maybe above average but again, not fantastic. The screen brightness isn't what it could be, I feel like it is a tick or two off what should be standard brightness. But, I am also used to glossy screens and even with the brightness, the matte screen seems to do okay. I work right next to south-facing windows and even though we have no sun here in Seattle, it gets fairly bright and it seems good in these conditions. The viewing angles aren't going to impress anyone but it works for me.

The speakers seem to be pretty good and loud enough. They are optimal for use on a desk rather than a lap though as the sound gets muffled a bit by clothing. I put on Pandora One and the sound through my nice $100 studio headphones sounds pretty good with the top volume topping out just right. Using my Apple headphone/mic combo, it worked well in a hangout. One thing is that the headphone jack seems very tight.

I hit my first snag when I tried to do HDMI out. It didn't seem to work. Then I read a bit more and got it to work with the Ctrl+Full Screen and that seemed to do it. Depending on your monitor, your results may vary. It actually looked great on my LCD TV (including sound) but the resolution needs to be adjusted. It didn't look good (ironically) on my Samsung 21 inch monitor. There might be some settings I'm missing on either side but it's not a huge deal. Testing the video on the 1920x1080 HDTV, it worked great other than the overscanning.

The camera is something that Monet would appreciate. You'll get the gist of it but this is no HD cam. It is good for basic pictures and compares unfavorably to the front-facing camera on my Droid Razr Maxx.

After an hour of use off the charger, the heat situation is non-existent. This thing is creepily quiet and cool to the touch except for a few warmer spots. I will end up watching a movie to see how it reacts but that would be a nice change. Even my iPad gets warmer.

I had no opportunity to try out the bluetooth or the SD card reader. I will be getting a 32 GB SD card. I did try out a USB drive and it seems to be working just fine.

Getting into the software and how it drives on the ARM processor, I was pretty impressed. I opened about 18 tabs (which is well beyond my max, typically) and I had Pandora running in the background the entire time and didn't get a stutter. At times, the load was sluggish but again, I am switching between this and a MacBook Pro with 8GB of RAM and a dual-core i5. But I really expected this to be flawless when using the web. As long as you don't go crazy with tabs or the apps you are driving in them, you should be good.

Watching videos, outside of the screen quality, was really quite smooth. From someone who bought the original Kindle Fire and saw it stumble with streaming video for just $50 less, I was super-impressed. I don't know if power-users will love it but it works with my slightly-lowered expectations.

That being said, this is a web enabled device and there are a few (very few) apps that I use regularly.

My stand-alone apps that I use regularly is chat (Google and AIM) and Tweetdeck. Both Tweetdeck and imo seem to work pretty good in a browser. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.

I also know that Skype doesn't work great right now. I am using it through imo but, at least as far as I can tell, I can't make dial-out calls like the Skype app allows on all of my other devices. This, including no support for a USB headset, would make it tough to make this a full-time replacement. I live on Skype as a dial-out provider (Google dial-out will not allow me to use certain conference call providers plus Skype is great for connecting with people worldwide with ease). I'm hoping a promised webapp version is coming soon. On the plus side, Skype works great on my cell and iPad.

I turned off the wifi connection and it worked liked it should. You need to turn on offline mode in Gmail and Google Drive in order for it to work but after that, it worked like it always has. Games that I had loaded for offline mode worked. Offline, this is a pretty limited machine but not unduly so.

Chrome remote desktop worked particularly well. Granted, I was using it on the same network but there was no lag on the software side of using it. I was, again, thoroughly impressed with the graphics. Though, one thing would be to allow me to select which screen I view when I am using a dual-display.

I'm looking forward to Netflix capability but that's not ultra-critical right now for me. Amazon Instant works well for me, as does Hulu.

I'm taking only this when I go on an extended trip this weekend so I can update more on real battery life and any other real-world experiences of using it later.

Overall, this is what I expected and I am pretty happy with the purchase, especially as one of my first sight-unseen types of purchase. For my uses as a primary road writing device for blog posts and e-mails, this is a solid, solid play. And for $250, it's pretty unbelievable. All of this typed into the new Chromebook as well at my normal rate.

== UPDATE 10/28/2012 ==

Just took this thing on a weekend away without bringing my laptop. This is a big deal as even if I took my iPad, I would normally take my laptop as well. A couple of additional thoughts from 72 hours as my primary computer.

I did end up getting a SD Card (a 32 GB one from Amazon) and putting it in the SD card slot. Unfortunately, it sticks out from the side pretty well (about a centimeter looking straight down on it). I loaded it with a few movies and some music so I would have some tunes and movies for offline. The player works fine but is very basic. Other than wishing the SD card would seat all the way in, it is a good setup for leisurely watching movies solo.

I also did some extended work while my wife was driving. I typed two articles and I can't emphasize enough how good of quality this keyboard is.



An incredible device at a ridiculously low price October 24, 2012
By Andy Rosenblum
Style Name:Wi-Fi


Like the previous reviewer, I purchased this from the Google Play store for my wife. I got tired of her using my new iPad, so I figured this would be an inexpensive solution to the problem. Quite honestly, I wasn't expecting much, considering the ridiculously low price. I'm very impressed with the technology and simplicity that went into its design. 

This Google/Samsung Chromebook is really quite amazing. The first thing that you'll notice is that it's extremely lightweight and is very uncomplicated. This is something that my 87 year old mother-in-law would be able to use right out of the box. Since she's never used a computer before, that says a lot. Many of the everyday apps that you use on a daily basis, are preloaded into the device. 

It comes with things like YouTube, Gmail and other Google products, and there are literally thousands of free apps available. It starts up very quickly and according to Google, updates are installed automatically. I've found all applications to run smoothly and quickly. The fact that it comes with a regular keyboard is a tremendous plus and the touch-pad works flawlessly. 

While the screen isn't the most impressive that I've ever seen, it is certainly more than adequate. I will continue to use my iPad, but now that I also have this, my wife will have her own travel size computer to use. All in all, this device offers far more than I expected. I didn't give it a great deal of thought when I purchased it, as it's not going to be used by me. 

Now, after running it through the paces, I'm really in awe that something as inexpensive as this could do so many things. While the iPad and this device are different animals, this Chromebook is more than capable of performing many of the things that my iPad is capable of doing. I don't think there's any way you can possibly go wrong purchasing this sleek looking device. 

I've purchased many products from Samsung in the past and have always been impressed with their quality and durability. Since this is a new computer, it's impossible to say if any problems will arise, but based on past experience, I have no doubt that this will be real workhorse and will last for years. At the price that it's being sold for, it's almost disposable when something newer comes along. 

The bottom line is that you'll be very impressed with this product, and you'll be in awe how they could have built so much into such an inexpensive computer. I give it 5 stars. My wife gives it 5 stars too, now that I finally let her use it.



Light, small, easy to use - a tablet with a keyboard! October 24, 2012
By Sam
Style Name:Wi-Fi

When my old laptop conked off, I needed a laptop to use around the house. I also recently started commuting by train to work so wanted to buy a small, light laptop that I could take with me and check email or facebook or read the news, surf the web etc. on the train. I also wanted a real keyboard for the occasional work-related email, so the iPad was out. When this Chromebook got announced I was pretty excited since it really fit all my criteria - light, quick to boot and so on. I received it a couple of hours back and I have to admit its really nice.

I went from box to being fully setup (including my bookmarks and extensions) within a few minutes. This Chromebooks also comes with a lots of apps pre-loaded and I also got an offer for 100GBs of storage on Google Drive. Gmail and YouTube are also installed on the desktop so the sites I use the most are right there. Overall this machine feels quite fast. The interface is also quite clean and pretty especially the background images that come with the device.

I like how light the laptop feels and that it can easily fit into a small laptop bag that I take on my commute. I could potentially leave the power cord at home as well since it's supposed to last for several hours without needing a recharge - so even less stuff to carry. It's easy to take from room to room within the house as well. The other thing I noticed is how quiet this is - specially compared to my work desktop or my work laptop which I can hear from another room! This laptop feels very different from all the laptops I have used in the past - its almost like an iPad but with a keyboard so its more useful. I am amazed at the price - this feels a lot more expensive.

Overall based on the last couple of hours of usage I am happy that I bought it. This is exactly what I wanted.


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Sunday, November 4, 2012

Shabby Chic Furniture


Belgravia Shabby Chic Two Drawer Bedside Table x 2



  1. Belgravia is a fresh matt white range of furniture.
  2. The bedsides have pretty carved detailing and four easy to screw in legs.
  3. Measure 70 x 40 x 32 cms.
  4. 'Daisy West will dispatch these items by 24 hour courier within two working days of you placing your order. Alternatively we can dispatch on a weekday or date of your choosing.
  5. 'Daisy West' for stylish furnishings, home accessories and gifts.

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

By SP
Amazon Verified Purchase
"Put together in seconds. Felt nice and sturdy. Looks great in the room. Can't fault it. Would definately recommend and looking for more items from this company."


By Mrs. A Jordan-Jones
Amazon Verified Purchase
"I was a little hesitant ordering these tables without seeing them but the product description had good detail and the measurements were exactly what I was looking for. They arrived within a week of ordering, in one unit. The only assembly is to screw the legs into the base of each set of drawers - very easy but feels very sturdy. I sprayed some polish along the edges of the drawers to improve the open / closing action. The surface is paint 'like' so I would take care not to mark it with sharp or metal items. The filigree pattern is stunning and they are really attractive; I almost wish I needed more furniture as the other items in the range look nice too. I'm very pleased with my purchase."




Shabby Chic Willow Heart Candle Stick 20cms tall


Pretty Shabby Chic style. Grey metal with willow heart decoration and brown and white gingham ribbon. 20 cms tall. Candle not included.  More Details 



LARGE IVORY Shabby Chic Antique Style Rectangular Wall MIRROR complete with Premium Quality Pilkington's Glass - Size: 24 inches x 34 inches (60cm x 85cm)


Beautifully Ornate 2" (5cm) Wide Wooden Frame. FEATURES: Premium Quality 4mm Pilkington Mirror Glass. Full Money Back Guarantee if not Completely Satisfied AND Fully Insured in Transit for Loss or Damage. More Details...



Gisela Graham Shabby Chic 4 Drawer Lime Wash Box with Heart Handle


Natural Wood Lime Wash 4 Drawer Box. Lovely Heart Detai Handle. Measures 24cm x 24cm x 10cm. More Details...




Belgravia Shabby Chic White Dressing Table, Mirror, Stool and 2 X 3 Drawer Bedside Tables


Belgravia is a fresh matt white lightly distressed range made from MDF and beech. The dressing table measures 73 cms h x 93.5 cms l x 32 cms w. The bedside tables measure 70 cms h x 40 cms w x 30 cms d. The dressing table mirror measures 47 cms h x 38 cms w x 12 cms d. The dressing table stool measures 42 cms h x 37 cms w x 32 cms d. Daisy West will dispatch these items within two working days of you placing your order. Alternatively we can deliver on a weekday or date of your choosing. 'Daisy West' for stylish furnishings, home accessories and gifts. More Details...







Saturday, November 3, 2012

Warhorse WX10000.1 - Kicker 1 Ch 20,000 Watt Amplifier


Brand Name: Kicker
Model: WX10000.1


  • Warhorse Series Monoblock Car Amplifier
  • Max power output: 20,000 watts x 1 chan.
  • Input sensitivity (Low level): 170mV-5V


Kicker Warhorse WX10000.1 - 10,000 watts RMS, Class D Monoblock Amplifier 07WX10000.1 Introducing the WX10000.1, KICKER's ultimate power play in car audio. Code name Warhorse, the WX10000.1 Signal-Modulated Subwoofer Amplifier is a massive marvel - more than 10,000 true watts surging to dual-voice-coil subwoofers with the highest power-handling capabilities.

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

By Pedro L. Canela Jr
"THIS AMP LOOKS SCARY IT WOULD BE COOL IF IT HAD A BIG SCARY WAR HOURSE ON THE FRONT OF IT AND HOW DOES THIS THING BLOW UP A HONDA"

By joyce cooper
"I bought this amp for my car. I wanted a little more power for my speakers and when this arrived i thought i might have over did it. I powered it up and my Honda blew up."


By William Bissoni Jr
"The warhorsey is one of a kind I bought three of these hoes and the cops wont leave me alone."





Generac 5735 GP17500E 26,250 Watt 992cc OHV Portable Gas Powered Generator With Electric Start



  • Electric Start
  • Locking fold-down handles and wheel kit
  • Hour meter with maintenance resets
  • 26,250 Surge Watts/17,500 Rated Watts
  • Non-CARB Compliant/Not For Sale In California


Includes Battery, Engine Oil, Maintenance Kit, Instruction Sheets

A Durable Power Supply Wherever You Need It
The Generac 17,500-Watt Generator with Electric Start is an ideal portable generator to have at home, on the job site, or wherever you need power. Its compact frame--48.5 x 31 x 39.5 inches (LxWxH)--is fitted with lifting eye handles and pneumatic, all-terrain wheels for easy portability. And with its hardened steel-tube cradle, this rugged generator holds up well for frequent travel, allowing you to look forward to years of operation. Plus, this model features an electric ignition for fast, easy start-up.



Thanks to its versatile design, this generator adds comfort and possibility to any situation. Use it to keep your family safe through unexpected blackouts or make construction jobs faster and easier.


Featuring a compact, wheeled frame for easy transport, the Generac 17,500-Watt Portable Gas-Powered Generator with Electric Start provides a reliable power supply wherever you need it. A Generac OHVI (overhead valve industrial) engine delivers performance and power, while a sturdy steel-tube cradle protects the generator's exterior. For safe and comfortable use, the circuit-breaker outlets prevent power overloads, and the low-tone muffler makes for ultra quiet operation.

(Note for California residents: This model is not CARB-compliant (units sold to California must be CARB-compliant) or CSA-certified.)



Plenty of Wattage to Run a Full Range of Appliances
The most heavy-duty of Generac's GP model generators, the Generac 17,500-Watt Generator with Electric Start supplies 17,500 output watts and 26,250 maximum watts (for start-up of devices). It has an A/C voltage of 120/240 and a frequency of 60 hertz.

For unexpected blackouts, this is enough wattage to run home appliances such as security systems, computers, and electric stoves, as well as air conditioning systems and sump pumps. (A manual transfer switch is required to connect to air conditioning systems.) For construction and landscaping applications, it's enough to support large devices such as lawn mowers, belt sanders, and table saws. And for camping and outdoor events, it can run portable stereos, outdoor lights, and electric grills.

(Note: All appliances should be checked for actual wattage ratings.)




A Low-Maintenance, High-Performance OHVI Engine
Designed specifically for generators, the Generac 17,500-Watt Generator with Electric Start's heavy-duty 992-cc OHVI (overhead valve industrial) engine boasts a host of features. An exclusive X-Torq governor maximizes the engine's performance to keep it running without stalls. And so engine components continue moving smoothly, a pressurized lubrication system sends oil directly to critical areas.

Thanks to this full-pressure lubrication system, the engine can employ an automotive-grade, spin-on oil filter that sifts out dirt and other unwanted substances. The oil filter works alongside a dual-element air filter. Together, the two keep engine performance at a maximum and maintenance at a minimum.

Plus, this generator's sturdy, 16-gallon resin tank ensures a full 10 hours of operation at a 50-percent load, letting you relax for hours of use. The automatic-idle control reduces fuel usage and noise, while the tank's built-in fuel gauge lets you monitor fuel levels at a glance. Generac even provides you with your first supply of oil.



Safe, Quiet Operation with Overload-Protected Outlets
If security and quiet operation are important to you in a generator, then the Generac 17,500-Watt Generator with Electric Start is an ideal choice. Its outlets (two 120-volt, two 120-volt GFCI, one 120-volt 30 Amp twist lock, one 120/240-volt 50 Amp, and one 12 VDC battery charger) are circuit-breaker protected, guarding against power overloads and allowing the generator to smoothly send power to your appliances. And the low-tone muffler means the generator runs at a comfortable noise level that easily blends into the background.

This generator is backed by a two-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Generac 5735 GP Series GP17500E 17,500-Watt 992-cc OHVI Portable Gas-Powered Generator with Electric Start (Non-CARB Compliant), 12VDC 365-CCA battery, first oil supply, wheel kit, maintenance kit, and manual.


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