Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Verilux Happylite Deluxe

Now that the dark and short winter days are here I've been looking into buying a good full-spectrum "sunlight simulator" lamp. They say these products are the best solution for fighting winter depression and increasing energy and "pep"! I definitely suffer from a bit of SAD -- seasonal affective disorder -- so I think a quality lamp will help improve my mood and health. One of the best ones out there is the Verilux HappyLite. Here's a nice review:

Verilux Happylite Deluxe Sunshine Simulator - How to Beat the Winter Blues

The Verilux HappyLite Deluxe Sunshine Simulator is one of the best products when it comes to beating the winter blues. If, in winter, you experience symptoms such as a lack of energy, depression, finding it difficult to stay motivated then you could be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder - which is also known as the winter blues.

A Real Medical Condition

Studies have shown that the winter blues isn't just a myth, but it's a real medical condition that's been caused by the fact that the amount of sunlight we come into contact with has changed. Our body reacts to this with the symptoms listed above.

SAD is thought to affect around 10% of the population, and is particularly problematic in countries and areas where there is a huge difference between levels of sunlight in the winter and the summer. It more commonly affects women, though anyone can be hit by the 'winter blues' and it can even cause us to overeat, damaging our health!

A Solution to the Light Problem

The good news is that the Verilux HappyLite Deluxe Sunshine Stimulator provides an easy-to-use solution to those problems. It helps to stimulate the natural parts of the body that lift our moods, by using up to 10,000 LUX of Natural Spectrum daylight. All you need to do is position the light so that you are sitting in front of it (but not looking directly at it) and carry on with whatever activities you want. 30 minutes of facing the light is enough for our daily dose of sunshine.

Some Facts About the HappyLite

The Verilux HappyLite Deluxe Sunshine Simulator is extremely easy to use: all you need to do is plug it in and let it help you. It comes with up to 10,000 LUX of natural spectrum daylight, and does not flicker. It is 19 inches tall and weighs almost 7 lbs. All in all, it's a very simple way to give your body the sunlight that it's been craving.

So Does It Work?

The light has received a number of positive reviews from people who have used it. The main complaint is that it doesn't feel completely natural, but over time our body's will believe that this is natural sunlight as if we were on holiday in the Caribbean!

The Verilux HappyLite Deluxe Sunshine Simulator is one of many options when it comes to lights that can help to beat winter depression. To read my review of the HappyLite, check it out here:

http://www.squidoo.com/Verilux-HappyLite-Deluxe-Sunshine-Simulator

Monday, November 22, 2010

Sole E35 Elliptical: Best Elliptical for the Money?

As I think I mentioned before I'm really trying to lose weight and get back into shape before the end of the year. One thing I know I need in my house is a good elliptical machine. On amazon I came across the Sole E35 Elliptical, which is one of the most popular cardio machines on the market. It's supposed to be one of the best value machines (best elliptical for the money) out there at less than $1500 brand-new. I'm especially interested in the new 2011 E35 model which experts say is the best sub-$2000 elliptical trainer out there. Here's a nice review I found, check it out:

Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Product Review

The Sole E35 Elliptical machine has continually been ranked inside the top three for elliptical trainers in the sub $1500 price. Not only that but this particular product will be able to handle a person as heavy as 375 pounds. Let's drill down into a few of the more important offerings with this elliptical trainer.

Foot Pad Adjustment - Some great benefits of this unique feature of both the E35 and E25 definitely illustrates how carefully Sole Treadmills has worked to design an elliptical machine that suits their end users much better. One of the primary issues that repeated user's of ellitpical trainers is that often his or her feet goes numb while doing exercises.

Following careful investigation and work with physical therapy professionals they determined that a great many users exhibited exactly the same behavior. Elliptical trainer users may tend to not only push back within the down stroke but also to the outside of the body. This specific "roll" towards the outside raises tension on the joints and tendons. To solve this the foot pads are tilted towards the centerline on the machine on a small 2 degree angle. This kind of tiny change will help guide the foot through the entire motion and keep your joints in improved position. Sole technical engineers took this one step (no pun intended) further by including more significant foot pad adjustability. Three setting positions enable each user to pick the toes-down angle that seems best for them. The Sole E36 Elliptical enables footpedal angles of 0 degrees, five degrees and 10 degrees

Wireless heartbeat monitoring - If you were seriously shopping or looking into elliptical training equipment for very long I'm certain you have noticed how hit-and-miss it usually is for the inclusion of a Wireless Heart rate monitor. When in doubt, study carefully. The Sole E35 elliptical trainer comes with an included wireless heartrate monitor. This great little addition can certainly make a positive change in the intensity of your exercise routine when combined with the following function. Something to be aware about these, or any other, heartbeat monitor is the fact they rely on conductivity at the point of contact to pick up the heart rate. Bottom-line, Make sure you moisten the surface of the monitor prior to putting it on and you'll receive a rapid response and less issues.

2 user storage - A really nice feature of the E35 Elliptical is the capacity to create two unique user profiles. I do not know about you, but I despise the older machines where you have to punch in all your details before you even start. On this machine, after you have set it up once, merely click on a control button or 2 and you are up and running.

Life time Frame and Brake Warranty an excellent indication of the grade of a product or service is actually the length of the warranty they provide. In my mind the Sole Elliptical exercise machine guarantees are usually in the top percentile for time-span and coverage.

The Lifecore e35 Elliptical can normally be purchased for the expense of about $1299. For the midmarket elliptical trainer, the Lifecore Elliptical machines provide a strong value, long lasting equipment and the warranty in order to back all this up.

Learn more about Elliptical Training Equipment. Stop by David Foy's site:

http://www.top-elliptical-machine-reviews.com/sole-fitness/sole-e35-elliptical-machine-review/

Check out this E35 review video:



More on the Sole E35 elliptical...

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect Reviews

Apparently the hottest and "best" gift for Christmas 2010 is the new Microsoft Kinect device. It's a video game controller system that allows you to play without actually having a typical controller in your hand. It contains a camera and infrared lighting system that measures your body movements. So it could be the ultimate home fitness device if it catches on! I want to get one for my MS Xbox and possibly buy one for my cousins. But first I want to know if it really works. Right now it's hard to find any real user reviews of the Kinect because it hasn't actually been released yet. But I was able to come across the interesting article below. If you have your own reviews, ratings, or opinions please leave them in the space below. Thanks!

Kinect Reviews - Are They Accurate? Demo Xbox Kinect at a Microsoft Store Today to Find Out

There's good news for anyone who lives near a Microsoft store and wants to verify the online Kinect Reviews by checking out the new Kinect technology in person. If you're curious what Kinect for the Xbox is all about, you can try it at Microsoft stores nationwide. Keep in mind that there are currently only four stores available so that's not what most would consider "nationwide" but it might be great news for those who live near one of them.

Microsoft stores can currently be found in:

Scottsdale, AZ
Mission Viejo, CA
San Diego, CA
Lone Tree, CO

If you live in or near one of these areas then you might be able to participate in a demo that Microsoft is putting on for the public. This demo will give you the opportunity to try the exciting new Kinect technology for yourself. And then you can contribute to the Kinect Reviews online with your own hands on experience.

The Kinect is set to have many features that gamers can't wait to check out for themselves. This is why many are already pre-ordering the system based on online Kinect Reviews alone. Kinect retails at around $150 and is compatible with existing Xbox 360s. Kinect works by using multiple cameras to track the player in three dimensions so it can sense what you are doing and how you are moving.

Kinect does not work like your ordinary web cam but instead has infrared lights that spotlight the room and allows it to see you in a wide variety of lighting conditions. It has incredibly powerful software and is also equipped with a microphone that allows you to talk to the Xbox. The camera hub has facial recognition and is able to track you as you move and walk around.

It also has the VideoKinect feature that allows you to talk to people on other Xboxes using Windows Live Messenger. You can even watch the same movie together. If you have Netflix, you can instantly choose and watch the movies that you enjoy. All you have to do is reach into the air and pick it out, much like pulling a movie off the shelf.

With all the advanced features on the Kinect, you might feel yourself like you are in a movie but it's real and it's coming to your home soon.

A demo presentation at E3 not only unveiled the project but also showed viewers what they could expect from the Kinect for the Xbox 360. Many believe this, along with the release of the new Xbox 360 Slim will be enough to make many other console users make the switch for themselves. To decide for yourself check out the Kinect Reviews online or if you can, get yourself to a Microsoft store to check out Kinect in person.

Ziggy is a casual gamer who has become obsessed with Microsoft's Xbox 360 Kinect. He is trying to compile the best Kinect reviews on the web to help spread the word about Kinect and Kinect games. Kinect Reviews [http://www.kinectreviews.com/kinect-reviews-is-it-any-good

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Evolution Robotics Mint Robot Vacuum Cleaner

I need a little "automatic" robot vacuum cleaner for my kitchen and hardwood floors. Why? Because I'm very, very lazy and I don't like to sweep. :) One of the best-selling robotic cleaners on the market (especially Amazon) is the Evolution Robotics Mint vacuum. In the process of looking for reviews to find out if the Mint really works I came across this useful article:

Robotic Broom With Wet Mop Cleans Hard Floors

Another robotic maid has been introduced into the market for purchase by the almost criminally lazy and/or tech-obsessed. Unlike the iRobot Roomba in many ways, that old standby of automated floor cleaning, the Neato XV-11 (aka the 'Mint') is a simple sweeper and mopper, and gets by without a number of the bells and whistles that the Roomba has.

While the Roomba is a small-capacity vacuum, complete with a spinning brush and suction, the Mint operates with a low-maintenance sweeping pad, which can accept either dry electro-static or wet sheets (Swiffer pads or similar knock-offs work just fine), depending on the type of cleaning you want it to do.

The Mint operates with or without the help of a base station, a Roomba necessity. The so-called, 'NorthStar' beacon allows the Mint to operate in much larger areas by projecting an infrared pattern onto your ceiling, which the Mint can detect and guide itself by. With the help of the beacon, the Mint can cover about 1000 square feet with ease. Without it, it can successfully navigate around 350 with a dry attachment and 250 with a wet, which requires a bit more friction.

Because of its simplified navigation system--the Mint simply travels straight until it bumps into something--it has a much smaller form factor than the Roomba, and it also follows a much more uniform path, as opposed to the pretty haphazard way that the Roomba's blind, random radar leads it around.

Without a particularly advanced internal mapping system, the Mint has no self-charging capabilities with its base station, unlike the Roomba. You'll simply need to find it and plug the sucker in, a minor respite from your parade of laziness. It also has difficulties with navigating certain floor transitions, and can either refuse to cross thresholds outright, or can only manage to cross them one way. This has been recognized by Neato as an issue and a firmware update is forthcoming.

Ultimately the Neato XV-11 is made for the owner of relatively small hard-floored spaces that can get by with light, frequent cleaning, and the occasional, mild mopping. The fact that the device is priced at a fraction of the Roomba's point, a cool $250 gives it a fighting chance at finding a niche, but a number of limitations make this something only worth recommending to someone with a pretty narrow range of needs.

Written by Matthew Jorn.
Cincinnati Ford http://kingsfordinc.com/new/Ford/Cincinnati-OH


Friday, November 12, 2010

Nextbook Tablet Computer Reviews

We need Nextbook reviews!
Just as the tablet computer/e-reader wars are heating up with the release of the of the new NOOK Color a new contender has jumped into the ring: the Nextbook "Next2" Android tablet computer. The little gadget packs a LOT of features for a pretty small amount of money -- about $199 for the end of 2010 -- and is getting lots of attention online. People (including myself) are looking for good reviews and user opinions to find out if the tablet actually works and is truly a more "high value" buy than the other popular tablet and e-reader devices out there (ex. Apple iPad, Nook, Amazon Kindle, etc.).

The Nextbook has a 7 inch TFT color display, 2GB of memory (with an SD card slot to add as much extra memory as you want), Wi-Fi connectability, photo viewer, MP3 player, app support, and access to Borders Online Bookstore. I comes pre-loaded with 25 ebooks which is pretty dang cool.

Do you have a review, question, or comment about the new E FUN Nextbook tablet? Please leave them in the space below. Thanks!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Toshiba Folio 100 Tablet Review

I finally just bought myself a new Toshiba Satellite laptop because my old Asus netbook was close to dying on me. I really like the new notebook PC. While shopping for it I came across the new Toshiba Folio tablet PC. It seems like a really cool device that should give the Apple iPad a lot of competition in the near future. I started looking for info and reviews of the Toshiba Folio 100 and here's one that I found:

Toshiba Folio 100 Tablet Review

To be released in time for the Christmas present buying frenzy, the Toshiba Folio 100 will be a perfect gift for those who want a Tablet computer for their gift. Toshiba have been working away quietly, trying to produce a superb Tablet that will be affordable to many and have a great operating system and be exactly what consumers want.

Toshiba have made their Folio 100 with a screen that dwarfs that of the Samsung Galaxy Tab and is even bigger than the Apple iPad. At 10.1 inches the screen size is ideal for watching widescreen films as it is big enough for their 16:9 dimensions.

The Toshiba Folio 100 is similar is thickness and weight to that of the Apple iPad and is very durable and robust.

The Folio 100 screen has pinch zoom capability like a lot of smart phones which makes surfing the web interactive and convenient. The Folio 100 Tablet will display all types of video files and Flash animations incredibly well and will be fast as it houses a dual core Tegra 2 processor which will make it a fast system.
In addition to all this the Folio 100 includes Androids newest operating system the FroYo, this will provide the Toshiba Folio with access to over a 100,000 apps that are for the Android phones.

There is an internal memory of 16GB which is really quite punchy and has an expected 7 hour battery life.
The version of the Folio 100 Tablet due to be released for the Christmas market will only have Wi-Fi but later models will have 3G included.

So, if you are looking to venture into the new Tablet market and want a device that makes it enjoyable to watch films and browse the internet then this could be the device for you. It's also seeming like it will go on sale for a lot less than the other tablets which may well make it a much more viable option for many more people.

For more information about Toshiba Folio 100 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab check out my other articles.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Philips Apollo goLITE "SAD" Light: Does It Work?

For people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (like myself) the coming of Winter can be a scary time of year. We know that we'll have to spend at least the next 3-4 months with low energy and mild depression, even in places like Las Vegas and Phoenix. All because we don't get enough natural sunlight due to the short days and the position of the sun in the sky. But luckily there is hope: portable light therapy devices can help to relieve and even reverse SAD symptoms. One of the most popular products on the market is the Philips Apollo GoLite. Most users say that it really does work. Here's a good review of the GoLite P1 model:

Apollo Golite P1 Sad Light - Banish Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder is an unpleasant condition, but fortunately many of the symptoms are treatable using light therapy. If you are looking for information on the Apollo Golite P1 sad light, read on to find out more about this very popular SAD treatment light.

If you or a loved one suffer from the misery of SAD you will be familiar with the issues relating to depressed mood, lack of energy and disrupted sleep patterns. For the past two decades, light therapy has been shown to be a very effective and safe method for treating the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Researchers in this field have known for some years that 10,000 lux, full spectrum light can provide highly effective relief for the condition.

Apollo Health have taken a major step forward with the Golite P1, which is the product of light therapy studies spanning twenty years. It utilises Blue Wave technology to deliver only the most effective wavelengths of the blue light spectrum. This provides a better result than most full spectrum lights, and at only ten per cent of the intensity of a regular 10,000 lux lamp. For this reason, the light therapy is both convenient and easier on your eyes.

Why is the Apollo Golite P1 SAD light such a popular choice?

It provides effective treatment for SAD and other mood disorders related to your body clock.

It uses a specific range of blue light wavelengths, which are the most effective in the treatment of these conditions.

It's portable and lightweight, weighing less than a pound

It allows you to personalize your treatment with advanced settings and features auto-shutoff.

For the vast majority of people, using this light for less than one hour daily is enough to create the desired outcomes of elevated mood, energy levels and better sleep patterns. This product is worthy of serious consideration for those looking to alleviate the "winter blues".

So how can you find a great deal on the Apollo Golite P1 SAD light?

There are quite a few stores that sell these lights on the internet. Look out for those with low prices, reasonable shipping costs and a good reputation for customer service.

Visit the Apollo Golite P1 blog if you're fed up of feeling lethargic and down over the winter months:

http://apollo-golite-p1-sad-light.blogspot.com/

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Total Gym XLS Home Gym: A Good Review

Does the Total Gym XLS work?
Recently the Total Gym has made a big come back and has risen in popularity. I've been thinking about getting one for my home gym and have been looking for reviews of the new Total Gym XLS, which is a higher-end model that's getting a lot of press. If you're looking for a versatile home gym that doesn't cost thousands of dollars you might want to consider the XLS. Here's a good review of the popular exercise machine:


Total Gym XLS Home Gym Review

Everyone wants to get in shape and stay healthy, and there are lots of ways to go about doing that. However, although there is "something for everyone," not everything is going to work for everyone. People have different needs when it comes to fitness, and while some may want to lose weight and simply achieve some toning, others want to actually do some serious bodybuilding. This home gym tones your body, strengthens, burns calories, and improves cardiovascular health, too. The basic mechanism that works for the home gym is a glide board, along with attachments and accessories that help with exercise.

The first Total Gym was manufactured several decades ago, and at that point, it was used for rehabilitation for those who had suffered injury. The Total Gym functions on the premise that the person on the board works with a percentage of his or her own body weight by using the attachments that go with it. With the gliding motion, the padded board supports the person using it, especially his or her back. It's perfect for injury rehabilitation, because the gliding motion gives perfect resistance and overall body conditioning, and utilize his strength increases, too.

Features and Benefits

Total Gym XLS primarily focuses on strengthening and body sculpting capabilities, which users can generally see with just a few minutes a day of use. Since its first inception, it's been upgraded, so that today, the modern home gym is actually a popular fitness "gym." It works the upper and lower body, both, including the abdominal is. It also gives users a good cardiovascular workout. As long as the Total Gym XLS is used regularly, you'll lose weight and increase lean muscle mass, too.

You can intensify your workout by using increasing levels of resistance. There's a Pilates kit, accessory for leg pulls, flexible nylon strap handles, and an attachment that focuses on training certain parts of the body through individualized workouts. This Gym supports people that weigh up to 400 pounds, and comes with a meal plan and nutritional program, wall chart showing exercises, a training deck, and materials for various workouts.

Are There Any Disadvantages to the Total Gym XLS?

There are indeed some dissidents is with the Total Gym XLS. Perhaps the biggest is shipping; it can be only be shipped to the 48 continental United States. Hawaii, Alaska, and other areas cannot get it. It's heavy, but it's also stable and durable.

Customers' Remarks

Customers liked the Total Gym XLS for the most part, and have said that they have already seen results with a few weeks of use. The Total Gym XLS also comes with DVDs featuring workouts, and these are helpful and can make it much easier to follow the exercises. One customer, in fact, was a previous bodybuilder and said that that the XLS home gym helped build muscle.

Other customers, too, didn't regret buying the machine, and simply said they wished they had bought it earlier. One customer, in fact that she lost 20 pounds and had gone down six pants sizes since she started using Total Gym XLS. The machine was simple to use, customers liked it, and the program workouts were convenient.

Advice If You're Buying Exercise Equipment

If you're in the market for some exercise equivalent, make sure you've checked with your healthcare practitioner first and gotten the okay. As long as that's true, you can take a look at the Total Gym XLS and see if it might be of benefit for you. It's toning, strengthening workout may be just what you need. Check out the Total Gym XLS online, too, because there's lots of information available there. That includes how you can get good results with it and where you can get it, will remember you can't get it shipped to Alaska or Hawaii. You can also do comparisons between similar products online, so that you make sure this purchase is everything you wanted.

Hanif Furqan is involved with a Total Gym XLS Review website that informs his readers about the different styles of Total Gym XLS available. http://www.TOTALGYMXLS.ORG

Apple iPad Deals on Black Friday 2010

I really, really want to buy an Apple iPad. But I'm not gonna spend hundreds of dollars to do it. So I've been on the hunt for a discounted iPad for the past few weeks. All the reviews of the tablet PC gadget show that it does work and works very, very well. So I think it's time to make the investment, especially since my Asus netbook is starting to burn out from too much use. I plan on purchasing my new iPad this upcoming Black Friday. I think I'll be able to get the best price for this unbelievably cool and useful gadget. Here's an interesting article I found on the subject:

Black Friday Deals for Apple iPad in 2010 - Verizon Wireless Sells Table Device for Christmas

As we are getting very close to the end of 2010 many Americans will begin to start thinking about Christmas gift ideas for their loved ones. One of the most popular gift ideas in 2010 is likely to be the Apple iPad. With this item being very hot many customers will hope that there are Black Friday iPad sales at retailers such as Verizon Wireless, Wal-Mart or Target. Unfortunately, this item continues to fly off the shelves so it is very unlikely that we will see any sales or deals for this tablet device during the holiday shopping season.

 Before making any final decisions on a Christmas gift for your children, husband or wife in 2010 it is always important to see what will be on sale during the major shopping days. There is no doubt that Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year as millions of Americans will be out and about looking for the best possible discounts for items that they hoped to buy as Christmas presents. With there being many retailers offering steep discounts on very popular items it is always a good idea to plan ahead and think about which types of big-ticket items will be the best Christmas ideas.

 There has been great interest in the Apple iPad as millions of people throughout the world have purchased this item in 2010. It is quite amazing to see the sales growth of this item as anything Apple throws out there seems to sell very well. Now that the iPad has been around for several months it will be very interesting to see if the growth continues through the Christmas holiday. It will very likely be the case that many children and young adults will ask for this item as a Christmas gift but if there are no sales on this item it could be the case that customers resort to other tablet devices.

 Over the next few weeks it will be the case that many people begin to start thinking about the holiday shopping season. Even though Black Friday is well over a month away it is still the case that thrifty shoppers begin to think about all of the possibilities to save money. If someone starts to ask you what a good Christmas gift idea would be then you know that this is a thrifty shopper that is already planning for the sales and deals that will be available during the busiest shopping day of the year.

Via: http://www.blackfridayipadsales.com

Friday, November 5, 2010

Nook Color vs. the iPad vs. the Kindle vs. the Sony Reader??

How well does the NOOK work??
OK so I am 100% determined to buy myself a good ebook reader before the end of 2010! At first I was just going to buy the Kindle 3 which is one of the best selling "e-readers" on the market. But then I started doing my research and found out about all the new alternatives, including the super-cool Apple iPad as well as the Sony Reader and the new Nook Color from Barnes and Noble which looks especially interesting. So many cool gadgets, so little time to read reviews and opinions of customers who actually bought and compared all these products! During my research I did stumble across the great review/comparison article below on the Nook Color vs. the iPad. If you have your own reviews or comment regarding any of the new electronic reader devices/tablet computers please leave them below... thanks!


Nook Color Vs iPad - Move Over iPad?

Barnes and Noble has just released it's new "Nook Color" for the holidays, a color touch screen ebook reader. At its cheaper price point, it makes sense to ask "How does it compare vs the more expensive iPad?" Here's a detailed look at the Nook Color vs iPad. Which is the better deal?

Let's first take a look at the memory capacities of the two devices. The iPad is available in the 16, 32 and 64 GB models, obviously more expensive for the higher memory. The Nook Color comes with 8 GB, but can be equipped with expandable memory.

Wireless and 3G capabilities differ for both the devices as well. The iPad charges extra for the 3G+Wireless models, whereas the Nook Color is only available in a wireless model.

The sizes of the screens differ quite a bit. Nook's design is at 8.1 inches high by 5 inches, and the iPad is quite a bit bigger at 9.56 inches by 7.47 inches. That obviously gives Apple's device more screen size.

Both screens are made with the same IPS screen technology. That allows for 178 degree viewing angles of the screen.

The Battery lives of the two devices are comparable as well, at around 8 hours usage time before needing a charge.

The BIG Differences Between the iPad and Nook Color? 

Apple's aim with their design was to create a product that can do anything that a computer can do, but with the advantage of being extremely portable. That means it can be used as a media library and player, an ebook reader, and also a portable computer.

Of course it's fair to say that Apple has changed the entire game as well, so it can behave as an Apple device does, with the ability to use 1,000's of apps that each have their own use with the Apple devices.

The Nook is being marketed as an ebook reader, but it does much that the iPad does, up to a point. It can also be used as a small computer in the way that it surfs the web, stores and plays media, and can also be used as an ebook reader.

The Nook Color, however, does not have the benefit of using many, many apps developed by a community of developers like Apple's device does. In fact the apps could be seen as non-existent for the Nook Color.
The prices differ considerably for the two devices. The Nook Color is going for $249 whereas the cheapest iPad is currently priced at $499. Who knows if this new release from Barnes and Noble will trigger a price drop for Apple. Time will tell.

So there are some very large similarities apparent when comparing the Nook Color vs iPad, but only to a certain extent.

So Which Device Is A Better Deal?

If you are in the market for an ebook reader only, then choosing the Nook Color doesn't seem like such a bad idea. But what of the terrible battery life and back-lighting that hurts your eyes? Is it worth it? For more analysis against the Kindle, you can check out http://www.Kindle3vsNook.com.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Do Elliptical Trainer Machines Really Work?

One of the most popular types of home workout equipment on the market is the elliptical trainer. This weird-looking machine is marketed as a low-impact, more fun-to-use alternative to treadmills, stair climbers, and other home cardio machines. But as always the question is: does it work?

There are many reviews for many different models of ellipticals online, some good, some bad. Overall it appears that, if you can get use to the unique striding motion of an elliptical, you can get a lot of good use out of it. Of course buying a quality, higher-end machine is key if you want years of service from it.

However, it's obvious from reading some user opinions that the elliptical motion isn't for many people. In fact some people find it extremely uncomfortable. Just another reason to always try out the model you like BEFORE buying an elliptical. The other apparent problem is that some ellipticals don't seem to give a very good workout. Many reviews state that the best options are ones that allow you to change both the intensity and the incline, just as one most treadmills.

So here's the bottom line: if you're looking for a low-impact workout option that will put minimal stress on your back, hips, knees, ankles, and legs you might want to think about buying a good elliptical trainer machine for your home. But it's absolutely vital to try out the model you choose before the purchase. That way you'll know for sure that it's comfortable and fits your personal body type. It's a good idea to look online because you can often find big discounts on elliptical and all other types of exercise equipment!

Please leave your own opinions and reviews in the comments are below... thanks!

A Good Zeno Hot Spot Review

Every once in awhile I see a commercial for a new product that makes me go: WOW... does that thing really work?? Recently the commercial for the Zeno Hot Spot "zit zapper" elicited that exact response. The little electronic device just looks really, really cool... and incredibly useful for those times when you need to get rid of a pimple in the best and fastest way possible. Find out if the Zeno really works by reading this helpful review...

Does Zeno Work? An Honest Review

In this article I'm going to give you an answer on your question: Does Zeno Work? First of all, I'm going to discuss on what Zeno actually is, how it is built, and why its makers claim that it will help you in your acne treatment.

The aesthetics of the Device

Zeno is aesthetically perfect. You have probably seen one. Yes, it looks marvelous. In fact, it comes with flashy LED lights and nifty sounds which tell you when to replace the batteries. Not only that, it even tells you when the acne treatment is over. But you're not here for the looks, are you? You're here to find out if Zeno actually works or not.

What Zeno is, and what it is not

First of all, what is Zeno? Well, in its core, Zeno is nothing more than a glorified heat treatment method for your acne problems. You can probably get the same results by using water and hot rags.

How does acne heat treatment actually work, and how does Zeno do it? It's very simple actually. Zeno concentrates the heat on your pimple and therefore destroys the bacteria inside of it, not permitting the zit even to emerge. The pimple actually self-destructs, heals from the inside and stops the chance of infection, which in turn gives the skin some time to revitalize.

Now, you might be afraid of the heat level. Don't worry tough, the heat level of the Zeno Zapper is nothing to be afraid of.

It's very important to mention that Zeno is not built for destroying acne. No, I'd rather call it an "early acne prevention tool". That's why some people believe it does not work. It works, but it works by stopping the infection and destroying the pimple in its early stages. If your face is full of acne, you won't get rid of them by using the Zeno Zit Zapper, that you can be sure of. The device is primarily built for getting rid of blemishes.

Not a long-term Skin Care Solution

What Zeno does not provide you with is a long-term skin care solution. No matter how many times you use it, it will never be able to solve your core acne problems. If you like temporary solutions, this device might actually help you. It will get rid of your acne in the early stages. But as I have mentioned before, don't even think about Zeno as a long term acne solution.

To illustrate this even better, let's compare Zeno to pharmaceutical companies. They're trying to sell you products which work, but only for a few days. How many times have you bought a magical bottle which promises to solve your acne problems for good? Now, let me ask you this: how many times did it actually work? It's the same with Zeno the Zit Zapper. Yes, you will get rid of that nasty pimple, but what will stop it from emerging again some time in the future? Nothing.

Conclusion and a verdict

Our question was: Does Zeno work? I will give you 2 answers to this question. If you're in for some temporary solutions which won't solve your acne issues long-term, then yes, Zeno does work. It works very well actually. You just destroy the acne bacteria with heat, and stop the infection. However, if your face is full of acne, what you need is a long term acne treatment plan. Zeno simply does not do that.

If you are looking for a long-term, natural way to get rid of acne, read my review on the the only ebook which I believe will help you solve your acne issues for good. Just go to http://acnecuredreview.weebly.com

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Review of the New Kraken Black Spiced Rum

 I freaking love spiced rum! Who doesn't?? I'm really excited to try the brand-new Kraken Black Spiced Rum but until that special day arrives I'll have to settle for this very well-written and informative review:

The Kraken Black Spiced Rum Review


The Kraken Black Spiced Rum tastes like a man's banana, and not in a bad way. Its distinctive two-handled jug and artful label definitely sets Kraken apart from other rums on the market for good reason, the contents are a treasure.

If there is any reason to pick up a bottle of Kraken, it would be to own one of the nicest looking bottles of any moderately priced rum available. The old ink press art style, along with an awesome bottle shape, ensures that the Kraken Black Spiced Rum will always have a place in your bottle collection. The sea monster featured on the label is a nice way of setting Kraken apart from the other Captain Morgan-themed rums. As far as the look and taste is concerned, it is quite unique.

In the glass, Kraken has a dark, vanilla-like color. Deep, dark, and with a slightly red tint, this rum lives up to its black spiced title wonderfully. It's aroma has a very pronounced vanilla accent, with hints of molasses, chocolate, and coffee. Kraken's alcoholic scent is subtle, almost non-existent, which is surprising since it sits at 47% alcohol content.

At first sip, Kraken starts out with smooth chocolate and molasses flavors, with a cinnamon-clove undertone. It finishes out with a very sweet vanilla, and an almost fruity flavor. After the first drink, I was pleasantly surprised at how cleanly it finished. When drinking Kraken on the rocks, the more the ice melts, the sweeter is becomes.

The best way that I can describe Kraken's taste is a banana. Not a normal run of the mill banana, but a rum soaked, slightly questionable banana. A man's banana. If you are looking for a solid spiced rum that is moderately priced, you can't go wrong with the Kraken.

Find more at:

http://drunkonjudgement.com
http://twitter.com/drunkjudgement

Mysterion Is Kenny!

It's official: Mysterion Is Kenny!

Just saw it on the new South Park... :D


Review of South Park: Best comedy on television!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Teeter Hang-Ups EP-550 Review: The Best Cheap Inversion Table?

Looking for the best low-cost inversion table on the market? These things are a great way to relieve back pain, strengthen your core muscles, and reduce overall stress. The only problem is that many of the higher-quality inversion tables are kind of expensive. But here's some good news: Teeter Hang-Ups (the most popular and probably best of the inversion table makers) offers a great "budget" model that just about anyone can afford. The Teeter Hang-Ups EP-550 can be bought for about $300 or less if you can find it at a discount (which isn't hard to do). Here's a great review to find out if it works or not:

Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 Inversion Table Review - Is it Any Good?


Anyone in the market for a solid budget inversion table should give the Teeter Hang Ups EP-550 a close look. The EP-550 replaces the popular Teeter F5000 model and is the entry level table for Teeter's EP-Series. The EP-550 may not include all the bells and whistles found in the more expensive models but it still has a lot to offer for a very reasonable price. After all this table offers a sturdy and durable design that allows you to lay back, relax and enjoy the product as it was intended to be used.

Two of the key features included with the EP-550 are the pre-set rotation control and precision balancing. The Pre-set rotation control feature uses a tether strap for setting the angle of inversion. Anyone that is new to inversion will benefit from being able to slowly increase the inversion angle to a level that they are comfortable with. The precision control feature enhances the pre-set rotation control in that it is what provides both a smooth and controlled lockout in full inversion.

The pre-set rotation control and precision balancing are only a couple of the features that the EP-550 has to offer. The table also includes an ankle comfort dial, which allows you to adjust the ankle clamps according to your foot size, and folds away for easy storage. Inversion tables tend to take up a bit of space so having the ability to fold and store a table is a big plus. However, for those that want more the EP-550 is also customizable. One of the big assets with this inversion table is that you can add-on additional features as your needs grow. Whether you are looking for a vibration cushion, gravity boots or the EZ Stretch handles you can add-on these optional products for an additional charge.

There's a reason why Teeter Hang Ups has been around for the last 30 years, there's a reason why their name is synonymous with quality and there is after all a reason why the EP-500 is one of the better inversion tables in its class. The EP-550 may not be loaded down with all the bells and whistles but what it does include will meet most people's needs. Besides, anyone that needs additional features can easily do so with this inversion table. The EP-550 has a great design, is made from quality parts and is a very good choice for a budget inversion table.

If you would still like to learn more about this product you can read more about our Teeter EP-550 inversion table review. Check with One4Fitness for the latest inversion table reviews.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Panasonic Lumix LX5 and Canon PowerShot S95 Review

Two of the best new digital cameras on the market are the Panasonic Lumix LX5 and the Canon PowerShot S95. They are among the newer premium compact "low-light" digicams that are becoming more and more popular, especially in the United States. One good reviewer recently compared the LX5 and the S95 to let you know which one is a better deal. Check it out:


Panasonic Lumix LX5 Vs Canon PowerShot S95


Ever since testing the Canon PowerShot 300 HS recently, I have started to take a new stance towards these low light compacts that are now becoming increasingly popular. Of course, I still secretly (or rather not so secretly) harbor the feeling that larger compacts cameras like the PowerShot G11 and Panasonic LX3 would be much better. Now with the LX3's successor, the Panasonic Lumix LX5 available, I was eager to pit it to the test with the Canon PowerShot S95, which was also released very recently.

Are the Canon S95 and Panasonic LX5 much better than their predecessors?

Well looking at the specs, I would have to say... No. Not particularly. Both Canon S95 and Panasonic Lumix LX5 have 10 megapixels sensor resolution. However, the longer focal range of LX5 over the LX3 and the inclusion of HD movie in the S95, do make both newer cameras a more attractive choice to the older models.
However, looking at the specs only tells you so much so to get a feel for how these new cameras really are, we'll need to take some photos.

LX5 vs S95 - Look, Feel & Handling

The Canon PowerShot S95 is of course the more compact of the two cameras. With the improved manual ring, using advanced features like manual focus still feels very comfortable. Mind you, I don't have what Kai would call sausage fingers... Using the Panasonic Lumix LX5, I immediately notice the addition of the rear dial. For changing settings while shooting, I found it to be a very comfortable and useful addition but I have to confess that I did not like it so much when I was using it for manual focus. I actually felt better using the multi-selector in that case so it may just be a case of preference.

The more classic styling of the LX5 would of course continue to appeal to those who find it synonymous with quality imaging but the S95 is no slouch in that department either. With its more streamlined body, I was ready to try slipping the camera into the front pockets of my jeans, something I would not do with the LX5. The S95 is truer as a compact camera with the LX5 feeling more of a downsized GF1 for me. If you are likely to make use of the hot shoe, then obviously the LX5 is the obvious choice.

ISO Test

With both cameras boasting great image quality, we were eager to test out how they fare in an ISO shootout in low light situations. All shots were taken with Aperture Priority at f/5.6 at approximately the same focal length with centre spot focusing and evaluative exposure.

The performance for both is quite similar under normal lighting conditions although the noise handling of the Canon PowerShot S95 seems to trump the Panasonic Lumix LX5 a bit.

What do we think?

Looking at the night shots at ISO 1600 and ISO 3200, I was quite surprised that I found the S95 samples better exposed and with crisper details. Sure, the Canon PowerShot S95 was marketed as a low light specialist but the idea that it can better the pedigree of the Panasonic LX-series in image quality is certainly a real affirmation for the HS system of the S95. This makes taking the S95 with you to dinner parties or just a night out a really good option. I would only recommend the LX5 to those who really need to shoot at very high shutter speeds such as 1/2000 to 1/4000 seconds which is something the S95 cannot do. Of course, if you prefer to shoot with an optical or electronic viewfinder, the LX5 is again the only valid option of the two. These are of course big factors for choosing the Panasonic Lumix LX5 but as I am looking at them in terms of high image quality compacts, I will have to say that the Canon PowerShot is the winner for me.

More information on:

Canon Powershot S95 and Panasonic Lumix LX5

RAPHAEL is an ardent photographer, a member of the Marketing Communication team at DigitalRev, and a colourful personality whose favourite hobby is to tell bad jokes to people. Being driven by passion to shoot something new all the time, his photos are an exciting story even when they don't turn out quite as he expects.

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More Reviews:

Panasonic Lumix LX5 review

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