Code Name Ginger: The Story Behind Segway and Dean Kamen's Quest to Invent a New World
by Harvard Business School Press
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (June, 2003)
list price: $27.95 -- our price: $11.18
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (20)

Great
A unique insight into the development of not only a new product, but a new industry.Whether you like the Segway or not, the book gives you behind the scenes look that most people never get to see, and it's a type of revolutionary technology (maybe not the application) that only comes around every few decades.

Nice read, but lacking in a few ways...
I don't own a Segway, but I find it (and DEKA) interesting from an engineering perspective.This book is a largely non-technical view into the process of creating it.

Is it a good read?Yes.Would I recommend it to others interested in the topic?Yes.Could it be improved?Yes.

I wish it were more technical, which seems to be a reasonable request since the readership should be largely engineers and business people, not a general audience.It also needed a section of photos and/or diagrams of Ginger as the engineering progressed and to illustrate various features discussed in the book.(For example, the handle is described as W-shaped and then it becomes redesigned as M-shaped, but it wasn't clear if that was from the perspective of the rider or looking at it head-on.)

I also thought that the writing was awkward in places, and found the few transitions from third-person observer to first-person participant to be jarring.I do recognize that the author's presence was key to those few events, but it was jarring to the flow of the page nonetheless.

So, overall, I liked it, but given that it will probably be the only book on the topic, I wish it were better...

Nice Read!
Enjoyed the book.Would have liked to have read a bit more about the engineer's and the engineering process, and it would have been nice to have seen some rough sketches of Ginger at different stages.Nonetheless, I think Dr. Kemper did a nice job. ... Read more

Isbn: 1578516730
Sales Rank: 170536
Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Corporate & Business History - General    5. General    6. Industries - Transportation    7. Scooters   

Petzl E44P Zipka LED Headlamp
by Petzl
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $39.99 -- our price: $24.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

This ultralight, ultracompact, ultracute little LED lamp weighs less than a golf ball and fits in the palm of your hand. Even better, its versatility allows users to attach it to an ankle, wrist, bicep, or most any other body part--including the head, of course. It comes with a retractable Dyneema cord for bodily attachment and operates on three AAA batteries. Backpackers will love it because it fits snugly into nearly any compartment and weighs next to nothing. Even people whose idea of the great outdoors extends no further than the grocery store down the street will like it for evening strolls, as it fits easily into a pants pocket. ... Read more

Features

• Powered by three AAA batteries (included)
• Extremely compact--about the size of a roll of film
• Small adjustable cord replaces the standard head band
• LED light provides 150 hours continuous light
• Weighs only 2.2 ounces

Reviews (18)

My Experience with Zipka
I was very excited to have my Zipka at first, for all the reasons others mention here. Then I noted, as another reviewer did, that it seemed to eat batteries faster than advertised - but I still loved it. Then it began to misbehave. It began flashing and not turning on at various times - really cut my enjoyment. But still tolerable. Then one day I had it mounted on my bike helmet and it flipped off, falling to the ground and breaking in an unfixable way. I won't buy another - if they make one that's more robust and functions consistently, I'd be delighted. I'm going to try the Princeton Tec Aurora now. Hope this helps.

Fantastic For Camping And Many Other Uses!
I purchased my first Zipka as a stocking stuffer for my husband, HOPING he would use it.It gets used all the time!Taking out the trash, in the workshop, as a book light, around the house and of course Camping! My whole family has since purchased them.The battery lasts forever and its a great way to tend the fire or cook without having to set up a lantern or other light source.Its light weight and durable too.Even my small cousins have them and they work great!

Wow- lasts forever, great product!
This light never dies due to its LED technology.It is not extremely bright but definitely bright enough for illuminating your path at night.It is great for power outages or camping.I feel much safer walking or jogging at night in my neighborhood.Light-weight, very good attachment mechanism.This product is a major improvement compared to the standard head lamp, to the point that everybody should have one.It is a perfect gift in that it is (1) reasonable price, (2) usable by anybody, (3) sufficiently different that people are unlikely to already have it, (4) truly useful/safety feature as opposed to worthless junk that is most gifts. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LUMD
Subjects:  1. Travel Accessories    2. Book Lights    3. Book Lamps    4. Reading    5. (Booklights)    6. Camping Accessories    7. Lighting    8. Cordless Tools    9. Lights    10. (Volt)    11. (V)    12. Flashlights    13. (Flash Lights)    14. Work Lights    15. (Jobsite Lights)    16. (Job Site)   

Petzl E68 Duo LED Headlamp
by Petzl
Average Customer Review:
Tools & Hardware
list price: $79.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• High-impact plastic
• Focusable flood/spot
• High-low beams
• Water resistant
• UL tested

Reviews (3)

Shine on!
Sunday is "Fort Building Day" in my home.My son and I remove all of the cushions and pillows from our chairs and couches, and build the most incredible forts you've ever seen.We even draw diagrams and take photos of each fort, in case we want to go back and revisit some of the "classic forts" one day.

Since most of our forts are built in my basement, it gets dark in those forts.Really dark.Panic has set in more than a few times when my son has gone missing for a day or longer.But thanks to the focusable flood/spot beam on Petzl Duo LED Headlamp, I am able to navigate my way through the constructed maze of twists and turns, and find my son, safe and sound.

With the ability to choose one of three low-beam LED lights, or a high-beam halogen light, the Petzl Duo LED Headlamp is sure to exceed your lighting needs.

(For more information about building spectacular forts, be sure to read "How to Build Treehouses, Huts and Forts" by David Stiles)

Petzl E68 Duo LED Headlamp
I'v been on 2 marathons so far since buying this headlamp, and it is the first to, not only stand up to, but excell at the harsh conditions anything that goes along on one of my night time uphill endurance WC marathons has to. Just that would make it worth it.But it also has an on/off switch lock for not accidentally switching on in your pack and draining your batterys. I'v tried countless headlamps and this is by far the undisputed best.

Never left me in a dark cave!
I just LOVE this lamp!

It is powerful, very bright, can be used as a flood or spot light and takes the harsh conditions of being clunked, bumped, rattled and jarred in a cave.Most I have used seem a little tempermental when injured.

I hit it pretty good one time when I stood up about an inch to soon and smacked the helmet on the roof of the cave, me so bad!!My cohort that day looked at the light, it got scratched too when it was also whacked on the roof, since it is attached to my helmet.The lense and case each had pretty decent war wounds, but this baby is like a Timex, it kept on ticking.

It is also waterproof, unlike the other 2 I had prior to this one.Washed it off in the creek, and it stayed lit!It was with me when I was walking through a little waterfall one time and this lamp was unfazed.

After wearing it one time, I removed it so I could clean the lense well.I put it in a duffle bag, that since has disappeared, I guess it got mistaken for someone elses stuff.Had my best lights and caving gear in that bag. ;(

I need to purchase another, though this one is pricey, it is worth the investment.It never left me in the dark. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LUME
Sales Rank: 10430
Subjects:  1. Cordless Tools    2. Lights    3. (Volt)    4. (V)    5. Flashlights    6. (Flash Lights)    7. Work Lights    8. (Jobsite Lights)    9. (Job Site)   

TiVo R24008A 80-Hour Digital Video Recorder
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $299.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick: November 2002. The only digital video recorder with a content ranking system, Season Pass program recording, and WishList program recording.

TiVo's Series2 DVR delivers more recording capacity at a lower cost and also offers the latest in networked home entertainment. TiVo DVRs record television programming directly to a digital hard drive, eliminating the hassles of videotape. The TiVo Series2 offers up to 80 hours of recording time in TiVo's small, sleek chassis (15 inches wide by 11.5 inches deep and 3 inches high).

TiVo automatically records your favorite shows.

The TiVo DVR Series2 is compatible with virtually every television available. It also works with VCRs, TV antennas, cable systems, and satellite systems. A patented remote control simplifies program recording and controls multiple TiVos within the home (two devices can share your existing phone line). Connections include three video inputs and outputs (S-video, composite-video, and RF coaxial), one set of stereo RCA analog audio inputs, and two sets of stereo audio outputs. A standard female RJ-11 telephone jack is the channel by which the Series2 accesses the TiVo service.

TiVo subscribers can pay $12.95 per month or a one-time product lifetime fee of $299. Benefits of TiVo service include, but are not limited to, Season Pass (TiVo automatically finds and records every episode of a series all season long, even if the network schedule changes); WishList (TiVo finds and records programs that feature your favorite actor, director, team, or even topic); Smart Recording (TiVo detects lineup changes for you and suggests programs to match your interests, if desired); and Showcases (exclusive entertainment plus recording shortcuts from some of the most popular networks on TV).

Now, you through your home network you can access TiVo's Home Media Features. This services provides remote scheduling capabilities from anywhere you have Internet access; MP3 streaming from your PC to your TiVo so you can listen to music through your home theater sound system; digital image viewing from your PC so that you can create slideshows on your TV; and multiroom viewing, which allows you to connect two TiVo Series2 DVRs in your home so that you can record on one and watch on another. ... Read more

Features

• TiVo service fee is not included
• Up to 80 hours of digital audio/video recording capacity
• Works with antenna, cable, digital cable, satellite, and combinations
• Everything required for installation is supplied
• TiVo service eliminates the hassles of VCRs and timers

Reviews (198)

Must have for busy people and families
This product is great. We now have two. Transferring shows between them or to the computer is a breeze. Last Thanksgiving we had a slideshow of all of the pictures we'd taken in the last year showing on our TV in the background. This was a hit with everyone, especially with family we don't see often.

Great concept, problems with product, lots of hidden gotchas
I never had a DVR (aside from my computer) before, so when I finally managed to get my Tivo all hooked up, I was really impressed. I especially love the "Season Pass" feature which will pick out all the times your favorites program airs, and let you schedule recording for all of them in a few clicks.

But then the headaches began...

(1.) First of all, how many of us have the telephone line near our TVs? Normally, the TV and electronic gadgets are on one side of the room, and the phone is on the other - right? Tivo needs a phone line to get it's program information - at least initially. So if your house is configured like mine, be prepared to have phone line extensions strewn all across your living room while you spend up to a day downloading and installing all the program information by phone.

So of course, I almost began to drool when I read in the Manual that you can actually connect the Tivo to your local or wireless network.

(2.) Problem is, you most likely will NOT be able to connect your Tivo to your local or wireless network. I took Tivo's own approved list of hardware (direct network adapters or wireless receivers) to my local geek toy store, and bought the top recommended networking connection on the list. That didn't work, so I returned it and bought the next recommended item on Tivo's list. That didn't work either, so over the course of the next two weeks I tried three (yes, 3) more. Nothing. I finally gave up, and had to buy a long extension cord for my phone line and install it more perminent-like.

(3.) The main reason I'm here today, is because I found this page while searching for an explanation to the weird high pitched whistle noise my Tivo began making last night (after only 2 months of ownership). Turns out this is apparently an increasingly common problem - which I never heard of until today - and even more unfortunately seems to indicate that my Tivo will be totally dead in the next few days. Right now, it's literally delaying everything I do (trying to view my cable box's program guide, etc) by 30 seconds or more (the normal lag time should be around 1 or 2 seconds)

So, since I've already paid for the lifetime membership, I'm now searching for a relatively cheap way I can fix the problem myself. Do I need to replace the harddrive, the case fans, ..or what? By the way, if Tivo goes out of business, how will I get my program guide? Tivo doesn't grab the FREE TV Guide data from your cable like the no-subscription-required Panasonics can.

(4.) Oh, and also wanted to warn people about one more thing that only starts happening after you've had your Tivo for a few weeks - which is actually intentional on the part of Tivo - but which isn't mentioned anywhere in any of their manuals or documentation, for obvious reasons...

After a few weeks (if your Tivo still works), you'll start to get little on-screen pop-up alerts RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR FAVORITE PROGRAM which stay there for atleast 30 seconds until you click it or patiently wait for it to go away. And what are these prompts? ADVERTISING which actually is made to look like a really important subscriber announcement from Tivo. Maybe it's important to THEM, but I'd rather NOT see it in the middle of my TV screen. Actually, that's yet another example of Tivo's dumb implimentation: You'll only see this advertising if you're watching live TV instead of the recorded programming... and since most people with Tivos are watching the recorded programs instead of live TV, Tivo's sponsors are paying for ads that few people will ever see... Great business ideas - yes?)

In addition to these on-screen ads which interrupt your viewing, when you go to your Tivo menu, you'll find atleast TWO links to advertisements. The really bad thing about these links in particular is that they are positioned in the place where your other normal Tivo menu options are listed. So instead of selecting your "To Do List" or upcoming recordings, you might accidently find yourself watching a series of advertisements - WHICH YOU CANNOT DELETE OR REMOVE.

OK, so that's all I have to say at this point. Seems to me that Tivo had a great idea, but terrible implimentation. I don't know about their customer service, but I probably also won't even bother, if it's going to cost me $100 to $150 to ship them back their own defective product anyway.

If I can't fix the Tivo, and I'm not in the mood to pay double-or-triple in trying to get it fixed, then it's apparently just become one nice looking but useless paperweight... to which I have a lifetime subscription.

aviod at all costs!!
I got this for christmas, my first reaction was "awesome i've wanted this for awhile now!" so me and a friend started to hook this up the other day we started at 3:30 PM we finally got it hooked up at 8:30!! yep 5 hours, and i had to drive to radio shack to buy a bigger phone cable, because we brought the tv and the tivo into the kitchen to try and hook it up there but we couldn't because we needed the digital cable box... ok fine so we started over and it still didn't work! at this point im starting to get really angry we head to radio shack and get everything we need and finally we hook it up only to find out the six button on the remote doesn't work! then i tried to fast forward threw the commercials its so slow that buy the time you did you miss half of the program your supposed to be watching!! i can go on forever about this bad product... just skip it ... Read more

Asin: B00006LIQL
Subjects:  1. r-24008A, tevo, pause tv,    2. dvr, tapeless recorder, tapeless, ti-vo, tivoe    3. R240080, 80 hr, pvr, personal video recorder    4. r24008A, 24008A, r240080, 240080    5. TiVo    6. PVR (Personal video recorder)   

Direct Search skips to any desired title, chapter, or track with the numeric button during playback or in stop mode, bypassing annoying previews and disc menus. Other playback options include zoom (2x or 4x), black-level adjustment, angle selection, display dimmer (great for darkening a room during a movie), resume (picks up where you left off after stopping a disc), and parental controls (to keep mature content away from kids). Supplied accessories include an instruction manual and a remote control. ... Read more

Features

• Direct Search capability bypasses previews and disc menus
• Component-video, S-video, and composite-video outputs
• Plays DVD-Video, CD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and MP3-CD/DVD-R/DVD-RW
• Coaxial digital audio output passes Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel signals to compatible AV receivers for stunning surround sound
• CD dynamic range control improves intelligibility of low-level music listening

Asin: B00006FXEX
Subjects:  1. DVD Player (Digital Versatile Disc Players)   

Panasonic DVD-CP67K 5-Disc Progressive-Scan DVD Player (Black)
by Panasonic
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $249.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The best thing about a DVD changer is that it doubles as a CD player (how often will you watch five movies back to back?). Panasonic's DVD-CP67 excels as a player of both movies and music, offering remarkable quality for its price. Its standard interlaced and progressive-scan (HD-ready) images are above average, and it provides the best DVD-based navigation we've seen for MP3 files. The stylish DVD-CP67's progressive-scan outputs produce smooth, vibrant images that must be seen to be believed. Its composite-video and S-video outputs are superb. Other features include "top menu," which zips right to the disc's primary content menu (past irritating copyright warnings and previews), sequential CD playback (plays through all five discs), and the ever-handy Quick Replay.

MP3 CDs burned on a PC are a great way to audition songs from the Internet on a home stereo. They also provide the ability to load the DVD-CP67 with about 50 of your favorite albums--that's roughly 10 albums per MP3- or WMA-encoded disc--for some serious uninterrupted playback. The MP3 navigation features on this player are a delight. Wander between albums (folders) with the remote's menu controls, scan within tracks, or select a new song while one is playing and skip right to it quickly. The manual states that the player doesn't support ID3 tags (which display artist, song name, genre, etc.), but in our testing, complete artist and file names were visible.

The player grants both disc and track access from the remote control, where many players make you rely on the "disc skip" button when you're changing selections from the couch. The supplied remote is sensibly laid out, though the buttons are a tad small. The box includes a detachable power cord and a composite-video/stereo analog audio interconnect. --Michael Mikesell

Pros:

• Easy setup
• Stylish design
• Direct-disc and direct-track access on remote
• Above-average picture quality
• Above-average disc loading speed
• Above-average read abilities for MP3 discs
• Excellent MP3 disc navigation
• Fast switching among disc chapters, tracks, and MP3 files

Cons:

• Slow start-up
• Analog audio output slightly light in bass
• Does not play JPEG CDs

... Read more

Features

• Quick Replay jumps 10 seconds for easy recaps
• 5-disc changer plays DVD-R, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3- and WMA-encoded CDs
• Progressive-scan video output for seamless, flicker-free picture on high-definition and HD-ready televisions
• Optical digital-audio output carries Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel sound
• Variable zoom converts widescreen images to full-screen on 4:3 TVs

Reviews (27)

H07? Call Panasonic
If you still have a unit that has experienced the H07 death message, call Panasonic Executive Customer Relations at 201-392-6870. Politely but firmly ask them what they are doing about this widespread problem, and tell them you would like them to fix your unit at no charge.

H07 error
Yes, I recently got the H07 error code too, after almost 2 years. I recently bought a Sony and is much happier with it in term of remote/easy of use/able to read many dvd formats...

Ho7 help
I know how to fix ho7! Unplugg the player take off the 7 screws 2 sides 3 back. Find the part were the laser is take off cover 2 screws then you should see the laser and the thing that spins the disks spray the under the thing that the disk sits on, the metal part that spins the disk with wd40 then put it back together and it should work like new!! An Easy fix. If the directons are not good enough go to yahoo and search ho7 error in the first few hits there will be a site with pics and more info. I hope this helps. ... Read more

Asin: B00006ANXL
Subjects:  1. dvdcp67, dvdcp67k, progressive-scan    2. 5-disk, five dvd, 5 dvd, Pana,    3. dvdcp-67, dvdcp-67s, dvdcp67s,    4. dvd-cp67,dvdcp-67, dvd cp67    5. dvd-cp67s, dvd-cp67k,    6. DVD Player (Digital Versatile Disc Players)   

Memento
by Columbia Tri-Star
Average Customer Review:
DVD (04 September, 2001)
list price: $24.95 -- our price: $22.46
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Guy Pearce (L.A. Confidential) and Joe Pantoliano (The Matrix) shine in this absolute stunner of a movie. Memento combines a bold, mind-bending script with compelling action and virtuoso performances. Pearce plays Leonard Shelby, hunting down the man who raped and murdered his wife. The problem is that "the incident" that robbed Leonard of his wife also stole his ability to make new memories. Unable to retain a location, a face, or a new clue on his own, Leonard continues his search with the help of notes, Polaroids, and even homemade tattoos for vital information.

Because of his condition, Leonard essentially lives his life in short, present-tense segments, with no clear idea of what's just happened to him. That's where Memento gets really interesting; the story begins at the end, and the movie jumps backward in 10-minute segments. The suspense of the movie lies not in discovering what happens, but in finding out why it happened. Amazingly, the movie achieves edge-of-your-seat excitement even as it moves backward in time, and it keeps the mind hopping as cause and effect are pieced together.

Pearce captures Leonard perfectly, conveying both the tragic romance of his quest and his wry humor in dealing with his condition. He is bolstered by several excellent supporting players, and the movie is all but stolen from him by Pantoliano, who delivers an amazing performance as Teddy, the guy who may or may not be on his side. Memento has an intriguing structure and even meditations on the nature of perception and meaning of life if you go looking for them, but it also functions just as well as a completely absorbing thriller. It's rare to find a movie this exciting with so much intelligence behind it. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Widescreen
• Dolby

Reviews (955)

Mind Bending
Memento takes three viewings.The 1st to figure out what's going on.The 2nd to figure out the characters.The 3rd to put the characters and events together in a coherent fashion and begin to truly understand the movie at a deeper level.This is not a cheerful movie by any stretch of the imagination. A very grim Groundhog's Day.A brain damaged man wanders around killing and beating people based on scant information maybe relating to an event that may have never happened.He has no new memories and he can't trust his old memories and his methods of keeping track of day to day exitence are faulty at best. Our hero isn't much of a hero though he seems to think he has the situation well in hand.Who is fooling whom?At issue is nothing less than the purpose of life.What do we live for? Why?Can we trust our memories, other people, even ourselves? If our motives are suspect, are'nt other people's motives to be taken with a grain of salt? If we repeated the same awful day over and over would it be any different from a lifetime of awful days?What gives us purpose? Why do we get out of bed in the morning?Work? Love? Family? Sex? Curiousity? Shame?Memento functions as a Philosophy 101 jump start for the digital age.

Style trumps substance, but it's a better film because of it
As most reviews mention, this film basically runs backwards - it's divided into 5-15 minute scenes, each scene ending where the previous scene started.We meet the hero of the film, Leonard (Guy Pearce, in another great acting job) just as he has murdered a man named Teddy.So we know what happened (Teddy is murdered), but we don't know why.It turns out Leonard has brain damage and cannot make new long-term memories.He can, however, condition himself (in a classical, Pavlovian sense), and so he writes notes to himself, takes pictures, and prints tatoos on his body to keep his life and quest straight.The quest? - finding and killing the man who murdered his wife.The first scene implies that Teddy must have been the murderer.But is he, or is Leonard being set up by someone and can't remember it?This is the crux of the question that is answered as we learn how Teddy came to be murdered.

The gimmick - playing scenes in reverse order (but the scenes themselves play forward) - is essential for the enjoyment of the film.First, it puts us squarely in the shoes of the protagonist, who always knows what he's doing, but doesn't really know why.There are many visual clues - scratches on his face (how did they get there?), a picture of a man he's beaten up, a cryptic message on the photo of Teddy - "Don't believe his lies."Second, the story is too straightforward to view in forward order - watching it in order would be no more interesting than a typical episode of Law and Order (much like viewing Pulp Fiction in chronological order).

At this point, I should mention that the film has an unfair reputation of being difficult to follow and of being violent.The most violent scene is, in fact, the opening credits, which are more violent by a long shot than the rest of the film.Similarly, the film is not difficult to follow.Sure, you may not be able to piece together every little detail (the same can be said for most good Film Noir) with just one viewing, but the answer to the question of the first scene - "why was Teddy killed and did he deserve to be" - is obviously resolved.

There are two main problems with this DVD edition.One is with the film: Leonard's memory problem seems to vary with the needs of the plot.At times he can hold things in his head for a long time, at other times he forgets in the middle of doing something (for example, at one point he is in the process of running and can't remember why, but at another point he manages to gather up a bunch of items, drive to a deserted lot, and burn them, which must have taken quite some time).This is something you only think about anfterwards, though, so it does not detract from the film.The second problem, for which I deducted a star (it's really a 4-star film) is the fact that this particular DVD edition is extremely bare-bones.There is a special edition of Memento, which would be the recommended format for repeated viewings.

All-in-all, though, this is a very enjoyable movie.It's the type of film that many people will want to own and watch repeatedly to understand all the little nuances of the plot.That's not to say that the film doesn't hold up to a single viewing - it's very interesting and intriguing, mostly because of the manner in which the film is constructed, but also due to the actors, who do a good job throughout.

Mind-blowing (spoiler review)
A wonderful film that I almost turned off halfway. I'm glad I didn't, because I really didn't see the "ending" of the film coming (it's absolutely not the "end" of the story by any means). It was satisfyingly surprising and made me re-think the entire film. If you start getting antsy, just hang tight, things will reveal themselves by the movie's end.
As you probably know by now, the film jumps backwards in 15 minute increments to something that happened before the scene we were just shown. Things you thought were "truth" now become questionable and I must add that things that were questionable sometimes are more so as a result of these "flashbacks".

(Spoiler below)
From the mix of untrustworthy characters (including a fabulous acting feat by both Carrie Ann-Moss as the woman we're not sure if we want to trust, and Joe Pantoliano as the man we don't know if we can trust) - I was left wondering if the main character really knew what he was doing and if really it was *he* who was the one manipulating people. There are no ready answers to this question, however.
Mind blowingly awesome. A must see. ... Read more

Asin: B00003CXZ4
Subjects:  1. Mystery / Suspense   

RCA DS4220RE Dual-LNB DIRECTV System with Free Pro-Installation
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $49.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

RCA's DS4220RE DIRECTV system incorporates an 18-inch dish and a room receiver to bring digital picture and sound quality into your home. DIRECTV has a wide selection of basic channels, premium movie channels, pay-per-view choices, and music networks for your whole family. The satellite dish has dual LNB (low-noise blocking) converter outputs, which provide digital audio-video signals and connect to the back of the receiver.

The RCA DS4220RE transmits digital audio and video through your existing home theater system. Digital MPEG-2 compression provides a sharp, clear, analog-converted picture. An interactive channel banner lists five channels of programming at once. It also includes the Scout feature, a search that scans the program guide based on keywords you enter. Parents can lock out certain channels and set rating and spending limits with the Guardian feature.

The universal remote control has color-coded buttons for easy operation .

RCA offers a one-year limited warranty for parts and labor. For a comprehensive explanation of RCA DIRECTV Systems and features, check out our Buying Guide to DIRECTV Systems. ... Read more

Features

• Digital MPEG-2 compression provides a sharp, clear, analog-converted picture
• Watch 2 shows at once with picture-in-picture
• Pause or view instant replays of live TV shows; dual-LNB satellite antenna dish included
• Includes multifunction remote control

Reviews (30)

Highly Recommended
This is an excellent product.I recommend it to anyone contemplating switching from the poor quality of cable to the high quality of DSS.

The box was opened... the item was o.k.
Overall: it is ok.
But the box was opened,the shipping was too bad.

Installation is the issue
This ad says free installation from Directv however DTV says they do NOT provide free installation if you purchase from Amazon.I have made many, many phone calls trying to get my free installation, without any success. ... Read more

Asin: B00005AK7U
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Segway Human Transporter (HT) i Series
by Enroute Solutions Inc.
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick: November 2002. World's first dynamically stabilized Human Transporter; forward and backward maneuvering guided by rider's natural motions.

The Segway Human Transporter (HT) is a truly 21st-century idea. A two-wheeled electric vehicle that's practical, efficient, slightly miraculous, and an undeniably fun way of getting around, it's as different from a bicycle or motorcycle as the original personal computers were from their lumbering, mainframe predecessors.

Control
In our tests, we rode the Segway HT in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. Zipping along on the little platform was so steady and comfortable, we quickly forgot how much technology was at work to keep us balanced. The Segway HT moves forward with cues from your body language--the subtle leaning you use to balance yourself while walking or running. When you lean forward, the Segway HT goes forward. A walking lean produces a walking rate, a steeper running lean can bring the machine to its top speed of 12.5 mph. The Segway HT stops when you right yourself again.

Steering is controlled separately with a small twist-grip on the left handlebar. The Segway HT's two-wheeled design makes it quite agile--it can do sharp turns and turn completely in place. Sharper turns require slight leaning into the turns, as you'd expect, but the Segway HT helps by actively regulating turn responsiveness based on your speed. One small complaint: using a throttle-like control for turns instead of acceleration did take some getting used to, but the inconvenience was minor and went away over time.

Overall, we were surprised how quickly we were able to get comfortable on the Segway HT. A novice can be underway in seconds (with supervision) and ascending ramps and turning figure eights in minutes. After training and a few hours of use, a rider should feel comfortable with a wide range of activities.

Riding
The Segway HT moves briskly along on both paved and rough terrain, taking ruts and potholes bumpily but with no loss of control, even for the beginner. Modest hills were ascended with ease and without much discernable effort. All things told, the Segway HT seemed rugged enough to provide reliable transportation in pedestrian environments ranging from rural trails to the sidewalks of a congested city. And utility aside, it's worth stating that the element of machine-assisted balance was a continuous delight. We simply had more control over our movements than we previously could have imagined possible. This was particularly true on downhill rides, where our body language had a degree of command over gravity so unusual that it produced a dreamy, floating feeling.

The Segway HT is not a medical device; if you can't easily stand upright or endure some jostling on varied terrain, it will not solve these problems for you. But while the Segway HT cannot provide balance that the rider doesn't already have, its responsiveness brings a subtle beauty to the rider's movements. We watched more experienced riders start, stop, swoop, and turn as gracefully as figure skaters. In fact, the machine's ease of use could create some overconfidence. The Segway HT has not suspended the laws of physics--its wheels need traction. While the machine will keep itself level under almost any situation we could imagine, a careless rider who drops a wheel over a curb, or tries to turn too quickly on a slippery surface, certainly could take a tumble. Segway advises that riders wear a safety helmet (like a bicycle helmet) and start out in the Beginner mode before moving on to the faster settings.

User-Friendly Design
The Segway HT's controls are simple. A single round display on the handlebars shows either a smiley face (meaning "get on") or a frown face ("get off"). A graphic surrounding the face indicates the battery level. The Segway has no brakes--slowing down involves the same process as acceleration--and its gentle rate precludes any need for a speedometer. We timed its startup speed from the off position to ready to ride: pressing an encrypted "key" to the key port (the key looks like a large watch battery on a plastic fob), hitting the start button, and waiting for the smiley face to come up took a little more than one second.

This machine is clearly designed for close interaction with pedestrians. Its footprint is only a bit wider than a large man, so we were able to do things like ride comfortably in an elevator with another Segway HT rider and a pedestrian, with an almost disappointing lack of bustle or incident. The machine can haul 75 pounds of cargo and still support a 250-pound person, though you'll need touse the HT's soon-to-come mounted accessory bags for any serious buying trip.

Usability
Having ridden a Segway HT, we think almost anyone would be delighted to try this machine. Inevitably, however, one must ask about how usable it is. Clearly, it isn't a car: it won't carry multiple passengers or much luggage, go long distances, or protect you from the elements. Still, we thought of many circumstances where the Segway HT could be a fun and practical alternative to other modes of transportation. We can see potential users as regular folks traveling to and from work each day, students and professors in college towns, city dwellers who take many short trips, retirees in Sunbelt resort communities, vacationers traveling with RVs, and people with easy access to nature trails and walkways.

Well-Built Construction
We had the opportunity to look into the guts of the Segway HT in its pre-assembled state. Inside it was clean and simple, and the few moving parts, such as the gears, struck us as rugged and well made. There are no cooling fans; the circuits and engine are cooled through their contact with the platform's heat-drawing aluminum casing. Each finished HT is tested both at the software level and for quality riding on an obstacle course in the assembly plant. See the technical specifications for more information.

Conclusion
We're convinced that anyone who tries a Segway HT will be smiling in minutes. The other advantage is that early purchasers will certainly be the first on their blocks to have one. But for how long? We think we'll all be seeing much more of the Segway HT in the future. --Erik Hammen

Pros:

• Very high build quality
• Environmentally friendly, extremely energy efficient
• Requires little storage space
• Newness factor--you've never ridden anything like this before
• Fun to ride, and looks cool

Cons:

• Purchase price may be prohibitive for many potential users, though the cost is partially offset long term by nominal upkeep
• Laws regarding legal riding areas (sidewalk versus street) vary from state to state
• Minor inconvenience: rubber plug-in protectors on the machines seemed a bit loose, flopping around a bit on the more rigorously used machines, inconsistent with generally excellent build standards
• Accessories, like carrying bags and lights, will not be available until spring 2003

From the Manufacturer
The Segway Human Transporter is the first transportation product to stand, balance, and move in the same way we do. It harnesses a unique technology called "dynamic stabilization"--the result of more than a decade of research, development and testing, and tens of thousands of hours in field trials--to constantly monitor and balance the Segway HT and rider.

The Segway HT allows riders to travel short distances in dense environments that would be prohibitive to other transportation devices. An amazingly elegant design makes the Segway HT a part of you, sensing subtle changes in your balance and responding immediately. The Segway HT has a level of maneuverability never before seen on wheels--it can balance in place, move forwards and backwards, and turn in place.

Purchase of a Segway HT includes a training session on its operation and features, in order to properly prepare a new rider for safe and enjoyable operation of this new technology.

See Segway HT Advantages.

About This Offer
Because of the unique and revolutionary nature of the Segway Human Transporter, we advise you to read Segway's Purchase, Safety, and Ownership Guidelines when considering placing a deposit. The guidelines describe the terms and conditions of sale, the product warranty, and the details of the Segway HT Early Delivery Contest. Also, the guidelines will help you understand any restrictions or regulations relating to its use in your state. After placing your deposit for the Segway HT, you will receive an e-mail from Amazon.com on behalf of Segway that has the contest entry form. ... Read more

Features

• World's first dynamically stabilized, self-balancing Human Transporter
• Forward and backward maneuvering is guided by rider's natural motions
• Easily navigates most walkable areas, including paved surfaces, dirt roads, grass, and inclines
• Emissions free, powered by rechargeable NiMH battery packs
• Fun to ride--a unique experience

Reviews (104)

Pure transport JOY!
Let me tell you, there is no better way for a human to be transported than the Segway Human Transporter.I was getting tired of walking on my legs, then I got an iSeries Human Transporter for my birthday.That day changed my life.I now can have any girl I want and have made millions on the stock market.How many human tensporters can do that for you?

There are many fake Human Transporters out there.This is the only Human Transporter that will fulfill all of your wildest dreams.

Keep an eye for the Segway Rocketpack Humanoid Flying Modulus.It is in the near future.

Wonderful Tour + Toy but...
It's not very functional.

I had the opportunity to tour Chicago downtown on one of the city architecture tours with segways for about three hours. I can't tell you how giddy I was to get on one. I had seen policemen patrolling around parks and airport with them. It took me about two minutes to get into the balance of it. The controls were very intuitive and easy to use. The whole system is sorta dummy proof. It shuts down itself if you get off it, it refuses to go past a certain speed limit (in fact, almost pushing you off of it after you reach a certain point), and it can stop on a dime.

After using it for a couple hours and after reading a couple reviews here, I have to agree- the segway isn't really intended for more than an expensive toy. It's not comparable to a mopeg or a bike. Our tour was about two hours and half long and at the end of it, my battery was almost at its end. We only went around the Lakefront and to Millenium Park and back to the Adler Planeterium, a mere area of a couple miles. And our batteries were dangerously low. The only way I can see myself using a Segway in an every day environment is if I happened to live like ten minutes from work. Past that, and the segway is pretty much a waste. It would take too long to charge and too expensive to replace the battery for it to be cost-effective. I could take a bus, train, or even bike to a destination for cheaper and faster.

This is not a rip on the Segway technology. I just think the machine isn't made to be very functional. On our ride around the parks, I noticed how poorly it performed on uneven ground (gravel, water, grass). Every little bump was almost a thud when I crossed them. I had to be watch out for cracks and crevices when riding it. Things I wouldn't have done if I was riding a bike. This is all based on my experience with the iSeries. I haven't used the rugged version of the Segway and can imagine it would be better but at a thousand more, it's kinda a moot point.

Overall, I'm glad I got a chance to ride a Segway. I was dying to try one. I couldn't contain the smile I had, as I zoomed past staring strangers and an embarassed girlfriend. But, I couldn't see myself buying one, even though, I work and live in downtown Chicago.

This human transporter is alright by me
Well, let me be the first to tell you that The Segway Human Transporter is a wonderful innovation. I'd been waiting a good while for a quality human transporter, and finally, I felt my waiting had paid off. This baby hit the market, I quickly dished out the 5K needed, and the transporting began. Everything was great, laziness was at an all time high, I really felt like the future was now. "Look at me and my transporter" I'd shout, then I'd turn and mumble to myself, "You fools and your walking and non-space age way of transporting." Life was peachy. Then it came, my boss, Gargon IV, said there was a dilemma on the planet Xaoton 99. I was all over it. I had my Segway transport me, (bet you didn't know it was capable of galactic transport) all the way to Xaoton, with the Segway making the trip quite comfortable and relaxing. I arrived at Xaoton and things were all messed up. I soon found myself in a sticky situation, but it was nothing that the Segway couldn't get me out of. Things got ugly. To make a long story short, the Segway overcame a highly advanced Xaotion army with highly highly evolved technology and all kinds of super high tech lazer guns. So the planet of Xaoton 99 came to peace in the end and everyone was happy

And boy was I glad that my knees didn't catch a lazer because I just wouldn't look as cool anymore on my Segway without the lower half of my legs. The Segway is an amazing improvement in human transporting, it's amazing we can look ahead to the wonderful world of hover transporters travelling warp 10. The Segway Human Transporter is a great start, now lets keep the ball rolling.
... Read more

Asin: B00007EPJ6
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