Wednesday, 2 November 2011

Screen Protectors - screen, 4g


When they say exact fit they mean it. Great product, but it would be nice to see about a 1/32nd undercut, this way if your off slightly in your alignment, it wouldn't bubble on the edges as much.



They are perfect fit. Cleaning your screen first with a lint free cloth and decent cleaner helps keep most of the bubbling out. Also do it in as clean of area as you can, because the static created when removing the protective film that covers the adhesive side will attract every speck of dust around, thus creating bubbles, some that cannot be removed. I used two units to achieve this, the first caught much of the area dust, I removed this screen protector and immediately put the second one on with good success in bubble relief and only 1 little dust spec bubble that couldn't be removed.



I used a credit card and the soft cloth sheet they supplied to massag out almost every bubble, except the one dust spec and the lowest edges where the film stayed just off the screen. But with my cover these do not show. 5x Samsung Epic 4G EPIC 4G Premium Clear LCD Screen Protector Cover Guard Film, no cutting is required! Exact fit and satisfaction guaranteed!

Crystal clear screen, hard plastic, easier to install than others.



I ordered a set of screen protectors both from this vendor on Amazon as well as another vendor on the popular auction site. The set from the auction site use the soft rubber which have a very annoying wave effect when looking at the LCD screen. These screen protectors sold through Amazon are hard plastic and install a lot easier with minimal bubble underneath. For the same price as the auction site, it's a no brainer, these are way better for the money.



I believe the next one I install will not have any bubbles now that I have the technique down. One tip, line it up, then lay it down quickly to prevent the bottom from getting contaminated with dust.

I hate to admit it, but I have't used one of these yet. I like the way they came in the mail. All in seperate sleeves, w/ screen wipe cloths. I think if you clean the screen REALLY well, and then wrap the cleaning cloth on a good squegee, you should be able to get all of the bubbles out, w/o scratching the protector all up. This is what will happen when you can't use soapy water to get the bubbles out. They do fit the screen perfectly, though. I'll post again when I attempt an install.

don't get the screen protectors. You get what you pay for. the samsung epic is a really nice phone. Don't buy cheap protectors for it. These are difficult to apply and they leave air bubbles pretty easy.

The price for these are a bargain compared to the ones from sprint stores. I like how each protector came with its own cloth.



Unfortunately i couldn't get these to work well, they just bubbled too much and with it being an exact fit, the one that I got without bubbles on the screen was off a little bit so the corners came up. I tried with a credit card and many other ways people gave to get them to bubble less and no matter what I did, it still bubbled.

The price I paid for 5 of these was awesome. Buying it at the mall or retail costs so much more and most of it is some "one size fits all" bs - when you know cutting and trimming makes your phone looks ghetto. These protectors were perfect fit and my phone feels protected. Just don't complain if you don't know how to put it on your phone correctly. YOU HAVE TO BE AS LINT FREE AS POSSIBLE TO PUT PROTECTORS on PERFECTLY. Be prepared to put in effort to make sure no bubbles get between the screen and protector. I highly recommend this product

Perfect fit and easy application. There are protective covering on both sides of the screen to prevent scratches during application and shipping. Couldn't ask for anything more from this product, and its nice to pay an appropriate price. Have paid crazy amounts in the past for similar products that are basically heavy duty saran wrap.

I ordered these and they came late, in a normal envelope nearly destroyed. But this is not a review of the shipping. The actual item is poorly made and on ALL of them the lower right side was wider then the phone screen it self. The screen protectors also, no matter what, no matter all the exoerience i have with applying these things, always left air bubbles. Not one or a few but alot. 2 of them also came scratched!! And it said anti glare? Ha.



I would not reccomend this ever. Save yourself time and buy real name brand stuff.

Don't bother with these. As other reviewers have stated, it's very difficult to apply them without leaving bubbles. This would be okay - however, if it were not for the fact that a considerable residue of adhesive remains..... This results is a very sticky surface. So far, I haven't removed the cover, because I'm afraid there will also be adhesive on the actual LCD screen. If anyone knows how to remove this, I'd appreciate knowing. - Screen - 4g - Screen Protectors - Samsung'


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Framing Nailer - nail gun, nailer


I have plans to begin finishing out my basement in the near future. After researching several different brands of framing nailers, I decided on this one based on the overwhelming number of positive reviews it received. After only breaking it in, I can tell you that I can see why everyone has such good things to say about this nailer. It is without a doubt a quality, powerful, confidence-inspiring piece of equipment that anyone would be proud to own.



I bought it right after I purchased the Porter-Cable CFFN250N combo kit. After breaking in the compressor (very important I might add), I set the regulator at 100 psi, and connected and loaded the nailer with 3" .120 coated framing nails. I found a couple of scraps of 2x4, stacked them one on top of the other, and let her go. At 100 psi, and with no adjustment to the gun right out of the box, it went through both pieces and sank the first nail perfectly flush, no problem! After a few more test shots, I gave the depth adjustment on the gun a quarter turn just to see what difference it would make. At the same pressure, it put the head of the nail slightly below the surface of the wood, just as it should. As expected, there was quite a bit more recoil with a nailer this size, and I found that just a little more pressure on the board helped when firing a nail. After all, it is shooting a 3" nail in one shot! I also changed the trigger to the "contact actuation" mode, which shoots a nail every time you touch the tip to the wood. This is a great feature, but as one other reviewer noted, I would suggest using it with caution. In the hands of someone unfamiliar with it's operation, it could be very dangerous! Nevertheless, it worked flawlessly, and all initial indications are that this gun will serve me well for many years to come. It's amazing what having the right equipment can do for your confidence level, especially if you're an amateur like me!



On a side note, I was also very pleased to see that such an affordable and relatively small compressor (2HP, 6 gallons) could produce more than enough pressure to power this gun. The compressor will produce 135 psi, and the gun's operating range is from 70-120 psi. As noted above, I had no problem with 3" nails at 100 psi.



Also, I can't say enough about the deal I got here at Amazon on this nailer. I caught it on a good day at less than $200, ordered the 17-piece accessory kit with it, took advanatage of the $25 off and free shipping offer, and still came out almost $50 cheaper than I would've paid for the nailer alone at the big orange store!



Thanks Amazon. You are an asset to the online shopping community! Porter-Cable FR350A Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer

Just finished house number 2 with this bad boy. You just can't beat Porter Cable. Stick with the 350A instead of buying the 350mag. It is only about a pound heavier, comes with a case and you save $40.Very Well Balanced Machine, little fatigue during the day. Great hands-free depth adjustment. Extremely easy to load, advance and clear. You can change from restrictive to sequential fire easily on the trigger.My Hitachi can now be retired, I will not go back, this is my framing nailer of choice. As another reviewer seems to have found out, this is not an appearance nailer, for something like siding you may want to try the Porter-Cable RN175A Coil. I have had no problems sinking 16D's in even engineered lumber. For everyday use the 350A is highly recommended.

Rough Framing is not for everyone or every nailer. We had three of these porter cable nailer because of the price on a framing crew. As time went on we had one nailer on the job because two were always in the shop. The guns do not have the duribility needed to stand up to driving a few thousand nails a day. We oil the guns every day and keep the compressor at 110 but still had problems. The guns jam at least twice a day and there is no easy way to fix them while hanging off the side of a house. I've used Dewalt, Hitachi, Bostich, and a few other and never had to wonder if they would fire each time I pulled the trigger. It is also tricky to change out a clip of nails once they are loaded.



The tool free adjustable muzzle and depth are nice features. I wish that the nailers were put together better. We chose to go to Hitachi and get a nailer worth the money.

I bought this based on a lot of positive reviews that I read while researching framing nailers on several different websites. I must say, I am VERY pleased.



First of all, this tool has copious amounts of power. I was able to sink 3.5" 8d nails with no problem, even while adding a work bench and shelving in my new/old garage which features some really tough dimensional lumber. Further, and in spite of what I had read, I thought that the recoil was minimal.



Some of the reviews I read gave this tool mediocre to above average reviews w.r.t. balance and weight. I'm not sure what inspired these comments. The only issue that I had with balance was when the air hose got caught on something and pulled on the nailer but let's face it, this is an issue with any air tool. In fact, after using it for residential framing for two days straight, I did not notice any fatigue in my forearm or wrist. When I first opened the case, I looked at the size of the thing and assumed that it would be heavy. Quite the contrary. I've had the opportunity to try a few other framing nailers (Senco, Hitachi) and I thought that this felt lighter. Just my opinion.



I live in Chicago, Illinois and have had absolutely no problems finding nails (Lowes and the Borg have multiple selections for this tool). A box of 2500 2-3/8" nails cost me $25.00. Strangely, this is perhaps one item that is cheaper to buy locally when you factor in shipping charges.



I had read somewhere that the exhaust was not tool free. I bought the nailer conceding this fact however I found that it is not true.



I've read a couple of gripes based on the fact that the nailer does not have a holder for the mar-free nose piece. To this I say "big deal." When you are doing framing work, do you really care if you leave toenail spike marks in the lumber when you are face-nailing??



I was suprised to note that, when the magazine is down to 2-3 nails, the gun no longer fires. I don't really see this as an issue though.



One other reviewer noted that it is difficult to remove nails from the chamber if for instance, you wish to change nail lengths/sizes. I own several different nailers including Bostich, Campbell Hausfeld and PC. To date, I haven't found any that are particularly easy w.r.t. removing nails that have already been loaded. On the other hand, loading nails in this gun is simple. You shove a set in the rear of the gun, pull the tensioner back beyond them and let it go. Voila!



To summarize, I am not a professional framer/carpenter. I do not use a tool like this for a living although as a woodworker and homeowner, I probably use my framing nailer more often than most. I think that it is a great product for the money. Can you buy a better nailer? Without even looking, I'm sure you can but at what cost? Finally, the quality of higher-end tools is quite subjective, much like a good pair of home stereo loudspeakers. I think that this particular product is a fantastic combination of quality and value.



Skeptical? Buy one from Home Depot and try it out. If you don't like it, all you have to lose is 35-45 minutes in line trying to return it! ;o) - Nailer - Nail Gun - Porter-cable - Framing'


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Action Adventure - world war ii, war


It is exciting that this, a first novel, is doing so well and garning excellent reviews. It is historically accurate and revealing of little known WWII events. It seems to me that the plot as it developes, with the excitement of the settings, and the likability of and interest in the characters, would translate very well to a very colorful movie or TV special. Events like these did change the course of WWII and this book brings their importance to a wider audience. I do recommend this book to younger readers; it is hard to find exciting stories with the ring of truth that are suitable for middle and high school readers. That does not mean that adults can not share the book's most enjoyable reading! Footsteps to Forever: A World War II Thriller

Sam Baty's knowledge of WWII events, personalities, and locations makes this a pleasurable way to learn about that era of our history. It's an easy-to-read book combining love stories and wartime adventures set throughout the different parts of the world affected by WWII. You could feel the divisiveness over participation in the Third Reich activities even within the German army itself. You will learn about behind-the-scenes conflicts and negotiations that led up to some of the major confrontations of the war intertwined with the tales of the fictional characters who were impacted by them.



You are not bogged down in details, and the story moves quickly throughout the entire WWII era. If you want a book that ties up all the loose ends at the finish and is a complete stand-alone story on its own, you might be disappointed. It's pretty obvious that Baty has a sequel in mind because you are left with too many "What happened to...?" questions at the conclusion of the book. It's like a movie that has you captivated about what comes next when the ending credits start rolling and you find yourself screaming at the screen, "What??? That's IT???" So if the story grips you and there is a sequel, you'll have no choice but to get it, too. So it goes. It worked for J.K. Rowling.

Sam Baty does a masterful job in bringing several issues to the fore front in "Footsteps to Forever". To begin with, can one's conscience get in the way of making proper decisions? Or when, might you ask, is the price of a mission too high? Can one look beyond the obvious and see the good in humanity? These and other issues are inner woven throughout the novel. Instead of putting forth preconceived answers, the author graciously restrains himself and allows the reader to answer these and many more questions for himself.



Just how close to completion was the secret heavy water project? One can only speculate on what awaited us had the Germans successfully completed it. In conclusion one might sit back and ponder the sacrifices made by these individuals, and many more, to secure our freedom.



When you begin to read "Footsteps to Forever" be prepared not to close the book. The author does a magnificent job in keeping your interest peaked at every turn.

I thoroughly enjoyed Footsteps to Forever. The characters were engaging. Since I'm not a WWII buff, the background could have lost me, but I found the story easy to follow, informative, and entertaining. I'm looking forward to Part II to see what adventures await Jennifer next.

Footsteps to Forever: A World War II Thriller



A great read with a delightful and satisfying plot. This World War II story intertwines intrigue, history and a love story in a very easy to read novel. The historical setting is well researched. I hope that there is a sequel.

I fully concur with the previous posts, that this novel is a very entertaining and easy to read novel.

It was enjoyable, exciting and easy to follow, which makes it a great book for any age. The author showed great talent in combining many historical events, people and locations of the WWII era with and interesting and exciting storyline.

The characters are interesting and have lots of personality. I am looking forward to a potential sequel!?

This is one of the best novels I have read in awhile. I would have liked to have finished the book knowing what happen to the rest of Otto's family. That is the only negative I have and it is minor! It was refreshing to read the kindle version that did not have any formatting, etc issues that so often makes some ebooks hard or impossible to read. Looking forward to the next book!!!!!!!!

I am ashamed to say I had no idea the main plot point of this book happened during WWII. But as I read, I kept telling myself, "Of COURSE!" This is Sam Baty's first novel. Now, it isn't perfect and it isn't "War and Peace" or "Tale of Two Cities." However, it IS a good read and worth your time. I'm already running through it a second time, and I haven't even had it a year, yet.



A friend bought this book for WWII Vet family members for Christmas last year. They were very happy with it. And the book isn't just "for the guys." We ladies like it, too. I purchased a copy for an aunt who lived through WWII in the States as a teenager. She was very appreciative of the insider's view. Now if there were just a sequel so we could find out what happens with Otto :-> Come on Sam, are you listening?



By the way, for book collectors such as myself, I was happy to find a hardback is available. I don't see it here on Amazon, but if I'm simply missing something, order it here. Otherwise, you can order at [...]

Sam Baty has found the knack of personalizing a major historical event, WWII. We watch the impact of the war on both combatants and civilians, both Allies and Axis, people we can understand because their reactions to major events are similar to our own. A good book, fun to read, as I'm confident its sequel will be (when it appears). It's my second Kindle but not my last. - World War Ii - Action Adventure - War - Thriller'


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Labeling System Tapes - labeling tape, labeling tapes


I have used several Brother label makers, all of which use the TZ series tapes. Of those tapes, my two favorite are black on white in this width and the 3/8" width. I prefer the 1/2" width for hanging file folders because the label fits nicely on the tab. I like the 3/8" width (TZ-221) for use with manila folders because the narrower width positions closer to the edge of the tab.



There is also a 1/2" tape that is black on clear. However, the clear tapes also show any dirt or debris that might be trapped behind the tape. Thus, if you are in an environment that has even a small amount of dirt or other contamination, it may be readily visible against a light background after the tape is positioned.



One other caution regarding these tapes; the backing can be difficult to remove. The newer tape cartridges have a split backing that is easier to remove than the original single piece backing. Even so, a certain amount of manual dexterity is required to remove the backing.



UPDATE: Since the time I originally wrote this review, Brother has modified the backing to be in two pieces, making the backing easier to remove. However, the individual backing pieces can be a pain to throw away because they like to stick to just about everything through static electricity.



This tape adheres readily; the print is nicely defined and has a high contrast. The tape can be slightly difficult to handle. Overall, this tape is very useful in a variety of applications and one of my two favorite label maker tapes. Brother 26.2-Foot Black on White 1/2-Inch Labeling Tape (TZ231)

Update 03-14-2010: These tapes can get pricy. Buying three or four tapes can add up to more than the cost of the printer. This is how I deal with it. Order three or more online at Amazon. Remember, these labels help you organize your life and or business and or customers and I have come to believe the value of this outweighs the cost by a long shot. White on Black is the best as I have tried Black on Clear but if the surface is dark then you can't read the label. I have used Whit on black but the letters are not as clear - the advantage is it looks classier then the white labels.



Three years ago I purchased Brother ptouch PT-1950 (there is an update to this model which is even better) for about $72.00. It is larger and heavier but you get much better results than the smaller brother PT-1180 which I bought around 2002 and replaced the cutter a couple of years ago. The PT-1950 has USB and I recommend downloading the update drivers and free software from Brother because it lets you get more out of the tape reviewed here because you can print 3 lines instead of 2 and any font installed on your computer as well as many types of boarders. You can even save the labels you make and open them later to reprint. Once you go the USB route and see how nicely you can arrange your labels it is HARD to go back to the little handheld units.



Review Starts Here:

This is the classic black letters on white tape.



The magic: the tape is separated from the backing in the label printer then the letters are burned with a thermal print head from the inside of the tape then it is stuck back down the backing and comes out of the machine. This is why the letters cannot be wiped off even with alcohol or other cleaners.



Black letters on white works on all surfaces. I have used black letters on clear backing which looks nice but requires the label be stuck on a light surface. If surface is dark it is hard to see the label. Black on white is also the cheapest most common tape.



Brother's price is on the high side and I don't know of any generic aftermarket tapes. Amazons price is about the best I have found and I trust Amazon.



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TIP: Buy three tapes at a time so I don't run out and it makes the cost easier if you take your lumps in one shot! If you buy the tapes one at a time you will be reluctant to use them when you need them.



TIP2: Ways I use brother tapes:



On the ends of power cords (like the type that comes with typical wireless router). By labeling them it make it easy to relocate cords or pack up and move or if a power pack gets separated from what it belongs to it is easy to match up.



Car: I label the date and miles I last changed the air filter, fuel filter, or battery, etc. These labels will last for years in your engine compartment!



Customers: sadly I used to label computers with a magic marker! Yuk! Labels look very professional. I also add notes such as "be sure to remove cable x before y" etc.



My "P3 International P4460 Kill A Watt EZ Electricity Usage Monitor" that I bought on Amazon this summer. I put a label on it that says something like push "up" 3 times to show Watts (which is the only function I use). I also measured every electronic thing in my house and put a brother label on it that showed the power use when off/on and idle if that applies.



I labeled my brother CX4800 computer printer with the info for the generic ink cartridges - Amazon!



I will label a flashlight what bulb type PR-xx and where to buy it. I label hard drives with the size, data I bought it etc so I can see that without removing it to read the label. If it's for a customer I record the date installed.



There's a million uses for these labels and the make your life more organized and better (The bible says God is not a god of chaos - Amen!) - Labeling - Brother - Labeling Tapes - Labeling Tape'


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Recumbent Bikes - recumbent bike, exercise bike


UPDATE ON 12/27/2010. After one year of steady use, I am very pleased with the machine. In my original review (below) I reported a clicking noise, but I finally figured out that it was because the locking knob on the seat adjuster was not tightened down; once corrected the bike has been silent. It has been ridden an average of 2 1/2 hours per week. There have been absolutely no problems with the bike. My only complaints (and they're not show-stoppers) are 1) the useless book ledge, 2) the handlebars aren't usable unless you lean forward, and 3) the need for plugging the unit into an electrical outlet (rather than having a battery). Please note that I unplug my bike when it's not in use, as I expect the transformer unit would burn out much sooner if left plugged in all the time. SUMMARY: A great machine, and I highly recommend it.



The remainder of this review was written in December, 2009:



Please note that this review is written based on only ONE WEEK (Comments added 1/7/10) of use, so it can't possibly address performance over the long term. If I remember to, I'll come back in a few months and give a more complete review.



First, the machine was shipped promptly and arrived on time. The package was somewhat damaged, but all the bike parts arrived in good condition. It appears to me that the Chinese manufacturer packaged the bike for containerized shipment, and not for individual transport. Nevertheless, all was okay.



Assembly is straight-forward. I was interrupted (neighbor's horses got out), but total assembly time was probably about one hour, working alone. Note that I'm an experienced assembler, having put together many wagons, carts, bikes, trikes, etc. in the wee hours of Christmas morning. Also note that Step 5 (page 11) calls for REMOVING the seat rail bracket; the bracket on my bike WAS NOT already installed, and, not reading the instruction, I installed the bracket, as that's what the diagram suggested. No big deal, but you'll have to remove it later. Other than that glitch, all went smoothly. By the way, all the tools that you will need are included in the package - nice touch.



With only one week's use, the machine has been absolutely silent in operation; I certainly hope that continues. (ADDED 1/7/10: After a month's use, it has developed a clicking sound as I pedal.) By default, the bike starts at intensity level 3. Stepping up to level 4 is detectable but not severe. Further steps seem to increase resistance at a higher level.



I cannot grasp the front handle bars while sitting with my back against the backrest; in fact I can barely touch them with my finger tips. To grasp the handles I must lean forward. Not a biggie, but I would prefer them to be located in front of the electronic display, rather than behind it.



As to the electronic panel, it appears to me that the MPH shown is high; at 80 RPMs it registers 16 miles per hour, while my old bike showed 13 MPH. The display registers about 25 calories per mile at resistance level 4. The heart rate monitor shows about 5 beats per minute higher than my Polar unit, but I can't say for sure which one is closer.



I do not like the way the "time" feature changes between "elapsed time" and a one-minute countdown display at 6-second intervals - I would prefer it to stay on the elapsed time screen. If there is a way to reset this feature I haven't been able to find it. (ADDED 1/7/10: Press the LOCK button to keep on elapsed time and MPH.)



Also, my old bike stopped the elapsed-time clock whenever I quit pedaling, but this one continues to run - a stop to answer the doorbell reflected 5 minutes of exercise time while I was away. (ADDED 1/7/10: Press the STOP once (only once) to pause the display, and the top left button (I forget its label) to resume.)



I have not used any of the programmed workout programs, because I exercise at 78-82 RPMs for 30 minutes, varying pedal resistance during the workout (I'm a 70-year-old male, and I'm not trying to build endurance.)



The "magazine rack" is merely a small ledge. It will hold a magazine, I suppose, but I place my very small MP3 player on it. I don't believe that some of the larger players would stay on the ledge.



I knew this before I ordered the bike, so I can't really complain, but I would much prefer the display unit to be powered by a battery, as my old bike was. The Schwinn 220 must be plugged into an AC outlet - without electricity you don't get any readouts, and can't vary resistance.



The Schwinn 220 seems to be pretty stout, and my overall impression, at this point, is favorable. If it continues to function like it does now, I'll be pleased with my purchase. Time will tell. (ADDED 1/7/10: So far, so good.) Schwinn 220 Recumbent Exercise Bike

I've been searching for some time for a decent, affordable recumbent exercise bike to replace a rowing machine I'd quite using because of knee problems. It seemed the really solid ones were well over the thousand dollar mark, and the less expensive ones were... well, junk. I tried a Schwinn 240 at a local sporting goods discounter, but (1) I couldn't adjust it to fit me and (2) it wobbled and creaked as I tried to pedal it. I had about given up hope of finding an affordable unit when I tried a 220 at another discount store. It was poorly assembled, but it did fit, and pedaling it was comfortable. They could order me one and have it "just a few weeks", they assured me. I said I'd think about it.



Back home I read the Amazon reviews for the 220. Even better than the 240, said some, and it has the same 300lb rating, which means it should be just as strong. Hmm. I thought about it overnight, and decided to bite the bullet. Two days later I came home from my morning bike ride to the coffee shop to find a large cardboard box sitting on the back porch. I got out my pocket knife, opened the box, and - this is important- removed the assembly manual before doing anything else.



I studied the manual for a while- it's one of those modern multi-country ones with no text, just a lot of diagrams. Think Ikea. It was clear enough. I removed the pieces from the box and carted them upstairs one by one. Assembly was clear and straightforward, making allowances for those little production tolerances you inevitably come across in anything made in a semi-automated factory. I didn't have any of the problems some reviewers mentiopned, probably because I read the assembly manual fully and made sure I'd identified all the parts before starting. A few tips:



1. The bolts come in two types: Flat head, for attaching the feet (parts A), and round head for everything else. The round headed bolts are labeled in order of increasing length- B, D, E, F. Simple. Don't unwrap them all at once- just peel back the plastic to expose the bolts you need for the task you're working on.



2. The curved washers are for attaching screws to curved surfaces, That includes joining the front and rear assemblies together- here, the bolts are already inserted in the assemblies when you unpack- and attaching the column that holds the computer.



3. There are a number of interconnecting cables running through some of the assemblies. Most are simple mini-headphone type connectors (1/8" mini plug), but there are also a couple of flat, multi-wire connectors at the top and bottom of the column holding the computer. If you take care to align these when assembling, they'll slip together easily with little or no force.



4. Some of the cables are held in place with twist ties and rubber bands. Don't remove these ties and bands until you've connected the cables, or you're likely to lose a cable inside the machine.



5. Follow the instructions religiously. Coming up with shortcuts and "improved" methods will get you into a lot of trouble.



6. Don't tighten any bolts until you get all the bolts in for a given assembly. This is especially important when installing the seat assembly. There, tighten the bolts at the front support before tightening the bolts at the rear support.



7. The funny shaped metal piece sealed in with the bolts and washers is a screwdriver and pedal wrench. And remember: The left hand pedal has a reverse thread.



8. You'll notice that there are *two* sets of mounting holes for the seat back. Being 6'2" and having a long torso to boot, I used the lower holes in order to mount the seat back higher. You may have to experiment with this to find the best setting for you, but I'll suggest that if you're over 5'10" you start with the higher seat back position. (If more than one person will be using the machine, you may have to compromise on one position or the other.)



Once I'd studied the assembly manual and had all the pieces laid out, actual assembly took perhaps 30 minutes. I plugged in the power supply (a 9-volt wall wart), punched "Quick Start", and started pedaling. Easy. Pushing the "+" and +-+ buttons increased and decreased resistance smoothly- I found that I liked spinning at 4. I haven't tried all the programs and other settings because, frankly, I don't care about programs and automation and such. All I wanted was a knob that says harder <-> easier. But I do like some of the features, like the built in pulse monitor and the timer. Very useful. Some reviewers have complained that the front "handlebars" are too far away to reach. Those aren't handlebars; those are handles to make it easier to get up, for those users who might have some difficulties in doing so.



Short summary: This is a well made (for the money), easy to use, comfortable machine that will probably get a lot of use once the weather cools down and I can't bike every day. Until then, it'll be for rainy days. I'll update this in a few months after I get more miles in.



UPDATE:



I've been using this bike daily for a month and a half, and I'm still very pleased with it. My favorite feature? It's silent, which means I can watch TV while spinning without turning up the volume. I'll pop in a DVD from the library- usually a documentary series- and before I know it, I've done 30 minutes of solid exercise.



UPDATE II:



I've now been using the 220 daily for just over 4 months, and I'm still very pleased with it. Everything still works, none of the parts have deformed or loosened, and the foam in the seat is still stiff and supportive. My knees have strengthened to the point that my arthritis is far less of a problem than it was. I'm pleased.



UPODATE II: It's been 8 months now, and I still use it every day I can't go bicycling. One tip learned: If yours goes "clunk" on every revolution as you pedal it, the chances are extremely good that you have a loose pedal. The pedals may not appear loose, but if you snug both up with a wrench, the noise will probably go away. - Recumbent Bike - Exercise Bikes - Stationary Indoor Bike - Exercise Bike'


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Step Counter


Since getting attached to pedometers a couple of years ago, I've gone through at least a dozen--Digiwalkers, Oregon Scientifics, Omrons. Sometimes the clips would break (Digiwalkers have no spring clip), or the cover would snap off, or they would prove highly inaccurate, or they would be bulky, or they would be too "versatile" and intricate to be practical for someone who was simply looking to get in 10,000 steps for the day. For this reason, I recommended the Sportline 330 as a comparatively rugged, accurate, and inexpensive step counter that, if need be, could be replaced with minimal financial damage.



But recently I saw this "high end" Omron at Walgreen's and thought I'd give it a spin. Its primary allure: it claims to be so sensitive that you don't need to wear it on a belt or some other outer wear. Just drop it in your shirt pocket or purse and forget about it.



Guess what? The Omron people aren't pulling your leg. This is indeed a very sensitive little machine that does what it says it will do, in addition to being fast, easy, convenient, and extremely durable. I decided to test it by walking 30-40 minutes with the Omron in my shirt pocket and the Sportline clipped to my belt. At the end of my walk the Omron and Sportline were within 80 steps of each other. Moreover, it was the Omron that gave me the extra steps (a bonus if you consider the amount of time it takes--practically 2 hours--to log the full 10,000 steps).



The only advanced feature I occasionally use is the memory bank. The device automatically resets to 0 steps while saving the previous day's count in memory (for up to a week). Although I set the clock, I rarely use the other extra features--calorie counter, aerobic read-out, or even distance covered. I don't even bother with things like entering stride length and attaching clips or necklaces. This particular Omron model rises above the field because of one thing: quality. It's accurate, it's easy and fast, and it's dependable if not indestructible (I've sat on it, inadvertently sent it through the wash, dropped it into a bath-tub). It keeps going, as long as you do. If you have a shirt pocket and know how to read from one to 10,000, you're on your way.



You can never have too many good pedometers, but this Omron makes it unlikely you'll need another one any time soon. There's no question in my mind that this is best of breed, the one that Tiger Woods would use even if he had to pay for it and realized no rewards other than the practical and motivational benefits of the device itself. At its current price, it's probably the best buy on Amazon.

This is pedometer is Consumer Reports #1 rated digital pedometer- and I can see why. It's extremely light weight and really easy to use with just four big buttons on the front. Here's a few of its best features:



-it can accurately senses steps in your belt, pocket, OR purse!

-it has a large display for the visually impaired

-it has a 7 day history so you can see progress (or lack of)

-it calculates calories and distance in addition to steps



I'd recommend this little device to anyone who wants to lose weight- just begin one day, and the next day, see if you can maintain or beat your previous step record. Now how easy is that?



So what DIDN'T I like about it? Not much. Perhaps the ONLY sort of negative thing I can say is that you will need a tiny screwdriver to open the back of it to put in the battery. Other than that, if you're looking to increase your activity a little to improve your health, look no further. Also recommend The Sixty-Second Motivator for anyone who needs more motivation to stick with an exercise program.

I am certainly no expert on the subject of pedometers, or anything else electronic, truth be told. On the other hand, I have purchased and used several different models, from several different companies and manufacturers, all at different prices and all with different features. I have also researched these things, both here on Amazon and other points of purchase and talking to friends. This Omron is by far the best. It actually functions precisely as it's makers say it will. I found the set up to be quite easy (even for a electronic dolt like myself) and found the directions to be quite comprehensive. My wife and I both tested this thing and found it to be the most accurate of the several we have used in the past. I did not feel the cost was particularly high when compaired to what you get (I have found you pretty much get what you pay for and if you purchase a pedometer for $5.95, that is just about what you will get). The unit is quite attractive and offers a number of ways to carry and attach it to yourself. I must admit, that I first purchased this for my wife, when I found how well it worked, I purchased a second one for myself. These gadgets are great motivators and can be a real eye opener. I also appreciate the other reviewers here, their reviews were the final push I needed to decide on this particular item. I highly recommend this one.'


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No Answering Machine - no answering machine, caller id


We picked up the KX-TG6512B the other day to try before taking the plunge on a larger system with 6 handsets. Our old Uniden 5.8 GHz system was great, but the batteries on all the handsets are losing their ability to hold a charge and it interferes with our wireless network. I started looking for a DECT 6.0 replacement system but never found one that had all the features we were looking for, but now that I virtually stumbled across the 6500 series from Panasonic it looks like I've found our perfect phones. Here's what I like:



- You can customize the banner on each handset. This may seem like a minor feature, but we had gotten used to it on the Uniden and liked it.



- You can check the Caller ID on one handset after someone else has already answered a call on another handset. We actually end up doing this quite a bit with our old Uniden phones, but I had read a review of the older Panasonic 6440 phones that said this wasn't possible. I was very pleasantly surprised to see this now works, since I was about ready to live without that feature.



- The handsets have jacks for wired headsets. My wife and I both work in the technical field and often end up working on the computer while on a call, and a headset is a better option than a speaker phone. This was a must-have feature for us, and many of the Uniden phones don't have it.



- The speaker phone quality is very good. We were always very happy with the sound of the Uniden speaker phone on the handsets, but the new Panasonic sound quality is at least as good.



- The batteries in the handset are standard NiMH AAA rechargeables rather than the proprietary (and expensive) battery used in the Uniden. Should we ever need to replace them it will be trivial and cheap.



- There are belt clips for the handsets. We don't use this a lot, but we do every once in a while, especially when using a headset. Some of the other models I looked at didn't have this. Note that if you put the belt clip on the headset it covers up the little grippy patch on the back that's there to help you hold the handset between your shoulder and ear, so if you like to hold your phone on your shoulder you may want to skip the belt clip.



- The buttons on the phone are back-lit and easy to find and push. On some of the new Uniden handsets the three buttons in an individual row are all run together and I heard that they can be less easy to find.



- The display on the handset is black-on-white and very easy to read.



- The phone will set its time and date from the Caller ID information.



- The message waiting indicator light on the phones can be manually turned off simply by pushing and holding the "#" key. Our old Uniden phone would sometimes miss the signal from the phone company to turn off the light, so it's nice that there's an option to manually do it easily on the Panasonic if the need arises.



There are many other features related to address books, etc. that are less important to us so I haven't bothered to learn about them or try them. However, based on the above I'm extremely happy with this new Panasonic phone. We've only used it a very short time, but I was impressed enough to order the KX-TG6545B with 5 included handsets to be our replacement for our old Uniden system. This adds a base speakerphone with keypad, as well as an answering system we'll never use (we have voice mail from the phone company).



So, to summarize, I really like this phone (love is too strong a word for a cordless phone). We've not used it enough to know how well it'll work down the road, but based on reviews of other Panasonic phones I'm optimistic about that. Panasonic KX-TG6512B DECT 6.0 PLUS Expandable Digital Cordless Phone System with 2 Handsets

These phones are a great value. I purchased this phone because it does not have an answering machine. I use voicemail, and didn't want to pay for a function or deal with a more complicated phone than I needed. The sound quality is excellent! I love the big caller ID - very easy to see the caller list with names & phone numbers. The voicemail shortcut button is a nice feature. This phone has prominent Speaker Phone and Flash (call waiting) buttons. While you're on a call, a Mute button becomes available, which is very important in my household with all of the kids and dogs! I use this phone in my big backyard, and it has a very long range. The only feature that I'd like to see added is a "Do not Disturb" button to turn the ringer off and send all calls directly to voicemail. However, I can access this feature through my phone company's voicemail system online. Overall, this phone sounds great, has a very long range, and all of the features that I need without an answering machine. It's a great value, and highly recommend it.

These phones seem to be really nice quality. They were priced well; I was looking for a nice set of phones for under $50 and these fit the bill. They have all sorts of features including call blocking, multiple ring tones and ring tone melodies. The speaker phone feature sounds clear and crisp as does the regular hand set. One of the coolest features as far as I'm concerned is the use of standard AAA rechargeable batteries instead of some unusual battery pack like most use. This way when the batteries begin to not hold a charge in a few years it's super easy to replace them and fairly inexpensive. The range is really good on these things too. I can go anywhere in my house and the sound is crystal clear and the phone never leaves ECO mode which is a mode where the transmitter in the phone works on lower power when the phones are near enough to the base; the feature saves power. The phones were really easy to program too. Very intuitive menu and a nice, large display that shows the date and time when the phone is not in use. - Caller Id - Cordless Phone - No Answering Machine - Speakerphone'


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