Nintendo Wii

Product Features

Plays two disc formats in a single, self-loading media bay
Features a processing chip from IBM and a graphics chip from ATI
Backwards compatible with all Nintendo GameCube games and most peripherals
Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming service Wii Sports game included

Review By Amazon .
Nintendo's Wii video game system (pronounced "we") brings people of all ages and video game experience together to play. This simple yet ground breaking idea is expressed not only though the system's evocative name, which is easily pronounced in a variety of languages, and suggests two players side by side, but also through its innovative list of features and extensive list of playable titles.

A Little Box With Plenty of Power
As with every console, much of the buzz surrounds the specs. The Wii boasts 512 MB of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports, and a slot for SD memory expansion. The system’s technological heart -- a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway" and a graphics chipset from ATI code-named "Hollywood" -- deliver stunning performance. And instead of a tray, Wii uses a single, self-loading media bay that plays both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system, as well as Nintendo GameCube discs.

Revolutionary Control

No bigger than a small traditional remote control, the wireless Wii Remote is a truly multi functional device. The magic of the Wii Remote's design lies within; acellerometers inside the controller measure movement in all directions and at all speeds. In a tennis game, it serves as your racket as you swing away. In driving games it serves as a steering wheel, allowing you to swerve to avoid obstacles or pickup power-ups. In first-person shooters, it acts as a firearm that you can point directly at an on-screen enemy. The controller also has a force feedback "Rumble" feature and an expansion port for use with accessories, such as the Nunchuck, which adds an analog thumbstick and trigger buttons. The system allows for up to four controllers to be linked at a time and utilizes standard Bluetooth wireless technology. For those who prefer the feel of a traditional controller an adapter is available that fits over the Wii's remote.

A Channel for Everyone

• Mii Channel - Miis are cute little caricatures you create to use as characters in a variety of Wii software. Store Miis on your Wii or load them onto your Wii Remote and take them over to a friend’s house to use on their Wii.
• Everybody Votes Channel * - The Everybody Votes Channel is packed with national and worldwide polls. Answer interesting questions and have your say. Up to six members of your family can vote. Just choose an answer and check in later to see the results.
• News Channel * - Wii might be great for games, but you can also use it to get updates on the latest news from across the Internet organized into easy-to-browse categories.
• Forecast Channel * - Your Wii can automatically update you on the weather from around the globe.
• Wii Shop Channel * - Download the Opera web browser and access games from classic consoles from the past. All you need is a Wii Points account.
• Virtual Console - Every Virtual Console game you download from the Wii Shop Channel appears in the Wii Menu as a separate Channel ready to select and play any time you like.
• Internet Channel * - Just download the Opera browser for 500 Wii Points and within minutes, you’ll be a professional sofa surfer, pointing-and-clicking your way around the web with your Wii Remote.
• Photo Channel - Show off all your digital photos on your TV. Just insert an SD memory card into your Wii and away you go.
• Disc Channel - The Disc Channel is backwards compatible with Nintendo GameCube, so you can play all your new Wii discs, along with all your classic Nintendo GameCube discs too!

The Depth of the Nintendo Game Catalog
Each Wii comes with a game compilation called "Wii Sports," including tennis, golf, baseball and bowling games, that show off the console's intuitive new controller, but Wii also plays games developed specifically for it as well as fan-favorite games from Nintendo's 20-year-old library. Its drive is compatible with GameCube discs, and select Nintendo titles from the original NES of the 1980s all the way through the Nintendo 64 are available for download through the "Virtual Console" for $5 and $10 respectively. To support this backwards compatibility the Wii includes four ports for classic Nintendo GameCube controllers and two slots for Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards. As if that weren't enough, the Virtual Console will also make available a few titles from SNES console contemporaries, Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx 16.
Also, Wii utilizes Nintendo's newly-announced wireless feature, WiiConnect24. This worldwide feature allows players to receive content such as Wii Message Board messages sent from other Wii consoles, Miis, e-mails, updated channel and game content, and notification of software updates even while the console is on standby, keeping the fun going even when you are not online.






Customer Reviews

The Nintendo Wii is the most inexpensive of the current generation of gaming consoles. It provides motion sensing controllers and 480p graphics. We tested the wii before its launch day (I'm a game reviewer), and we had our own unit in our home the morning of launch day. Here are our findings. The Wii is designed around a menu of "channels". There is of course the game-playing channel, where the Wii will play any Wii or GameCube game. Simply load the disc in and go. There is a Mii channel where you set up a profile and avatar to connect to all your game playing. The Photos channel lets you look at photos on your TV. Other channels for news, weather, and online shopping require an interent connection; the news and weather were not actually working at launch time. The system does NOT have a regular network cable port, which both the PS3 and XBox 360 have. Instead, it works with built in wireless or with a USB network adapter. I am a firm proponent of wireless - less clutter! So I am thrilled that they offer wireless automatically. With the PS3, you have to pay extra for the 60 gig unit to get this built in. The XBox 360 requires extra hardware as well. It's hard to generalize gameplay on any console - it really depends on what games you buy. That being said, the comes-with-it software of Sports is really quite fun and is about as basic as you can get. You swing at baseballs, lob tennis balls, bowl, box and play golf. A "fitness" mode puts you through a variety of tasks and then calculates your fitness age, sort of like how Brain Age keeps track of your mental age. If you did both every day, you could aim to be as fit mentally and physically as possible! In a world where video games = couch potato, it really is quite amazing to have a game where it natively expects you to move and be active. You don't lounge back and gain pounds here while playing games. Boxing can be quite strenuous, jabbing, blocking and weaving in real life. Tennis involves quick reflexes and strong arm movements. Bowling might be the most relaxed of the sports, but even there you are standing, moving, swinging. You get your heart going at least a little, and get some exercise. My boyfriend had a sore arm after playing for a number of hours, in a good way, as he would from exercising. The 480p resolution is certainly not high def 1080p like the other two systems. It's something you accept when you're paying such a low price for the console. But really, it's not that big a deal. I still play the old Zeldas and love them for their gameplay, even though you can't see the pores in Link's face. If they are going for the cartooney characters and environments, 480p is DVD quality and is quite good. If you really, really crave high definition super realism in your games, then the Wii might not be the best choice for you. However, if you're fine with playing games with a more impressionist / cartooney look to them, the 480p can show that quite nicely. For example, there aren't fans in the stands for baseball - there are colored blocks. Nintendo has always been known as a "Kid's Console" - but I really do think with the Wii that they have become a "Family Console". It's not just kids who will enjoy this. Seniors can have fun bowling without knowing anything "Tricky" about how to use a video game unit. It's very intuitive. Moms can easily play with their kids, each with their own Wii profile. Adults having parties can have fun passing the controllers around. Family groups can share slideshows on the big screen while hanging out and drinking wine. Every person who has come over - from 8 to adult - has instantly understood and enjoyed the Wii, without much explanation at all. With the price tag being so low, a gaming household that "needs" a higher end system can easily save up their money to get that XBox 360 or PS3 - and still be able to justify to get a Wii for the fun, casual gaming stuff to share with their non-gaming friends. Well recommended! Since I own all three systems, and am playing all three wirelessly, feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

Update: One year later, and the Wii is still going strong! It's really funny how many people said the Wii would bomb because it wasn't as good as the PS3 or 360 - and here we are a year later and the Wii is still the system that people are really wanting to get. Hospitals are getting Wiis for their patients to play with. Senior centers are getting Wiis for their residents to play games together with. I was just on a cruise ship and they had Wii tournaments going on every day! This is a fantastically fun system that we really enjoy playing with and that literally the whole family can have fun with. There are great games for kids, great games for teenagers, great games for adults. I am really very pleased with how the Wii has held up and the game set available for it. I'm running out of space here, but my nintendo.bellaonline.com site has full articles on exactly what you get in this box, and what else you should buy so you have a full system to play with.

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H. Vargas'

Just picked this up during the midnight launch at Wal-mart, so far it's 3:45AM PST and I have to say that I'm totally impressed by Nintendo's latest effort though at first the new control may feel foreign after not more than just a few minutes it feels natural incredibly fun and after a little bit you'll never feel like going back to a regular controller again. I asked my cousin who was w/ me during the launch if he'd get a Wii and he said "no", but that all changed as we hooked it up and started playing Wii sports. All of a sudden it went from "no" to "what games are there" etc. Try this and I guarauntee(*sp) that you will be impressed by this revolutionary new system that places gameplay above nice shiny eye candy which unless you've been living under a rock should know by now that that's not what the Wii's all about. I just also wanted to add that I'm not just some Nintendo fanboy trying to butter this system up as I also own a 360 and also plan on owning a PS3 when the right games come out for it, pure and simple I am a gamer and don't care for one particular system over another as long as it has the games to back it up. For those that are skeptical stop doubting this is the real deal and at a price ($250) that can't be beat by any of Nintendo's competitors this is something that will entertain the entire family regardless of age, gender etc. For about $350 I picked up an extra controller set(wii remote and nunchaku)and a copy of Zelda (try getting anywhere near that much w/ any other system). I'll admit that when Nintendo had finally shared its strategy to the world a while back I was skeptical as well until I saw the videos for it and knew from than on that Nintendo was truly onto something great. Another cool note is that if you have a Gamecube controller lying around you can actually use that for playing the library of old school games that come from the Wii shop (which can be purchased w/ Wii points)instead having to go out and buy the new Wii retro controller (nice touch) some old school games can also simply be played w/ the remote. Also unlike the almighty Microsoft point the Wii points are on equal terms w/ the dollar so 100 Wii points equals $1 etc. You can purchase those online in the Wii shop by 1000 point increments(I believe) up to 5000 points. Prices for NES games are 500 points 800 points for Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo games and 1000 points for N64 games. Right now though the library is fairly limited offering no more than a few titles (no more than 5)for each console. The bottomline though is don't miss out on this revolutionary product it is definately worth at least a try before you dismiss it as a clever gimmick and is truly one of the best systems to come out in years(IMO) and a breath of fresh air to the staleness which are controllers. Additional features include Wi-fi for wireless connection, 4 Gamecube control ports, 2 USB ports, 2 Gamecube memory card slots and extra slots for SD flash cards (doesn't accept anything else like Memorysticks) so you can view your pictures on the Wii for instance.

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GPS.

Garmin StreetPilot 2720 Portable GPS Navigator

Product Features

• internal antenna communicates with up to 12 GPS satellites
• Database of preloaded maps and points-of-interest
• Automatic route recalculation if you miss a turn
• Text-to-speech functionality allows the unit to audibly announce the names of upcoming streets and points of interest
• 454 x 240-pixel touchscreen

Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
If you're looking for a premium vehicle GPS navigation system, one with text-to-speech and the ability to gather real-time traffic information, the StreetPilot 2720 is the answer. In addition to the turn-by-turn voice-prompted navigation available in earlier StreetPilot models, the 2720's text-to-speech functionality allows the unit to audibly announce the names of upcoming streets and points of interest, letting you keep your eyes on the road while navigating through busy traffic and tricky roadways.
At the heart of the 2720 is a new control system that features a widescreen, automotive-grade touchscreen display that automatically dims and brightens based on ambient light conditions. While the 454 x 240 pixel touchscreen interface is designed for ease of use, the 2720 also ships with a wireless remote control that can be used to operate the device's functions.
and quick release, or you can use the included "bean bag" mount if you don't want to add a mount to your dash. An included speaker attachment that is built into the 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter enables the 2720 to deliver voice prompts. An internal antenna that communicates with up to 12 GPS satellites is provided, as is a USB port for PC connectivity. There's also an MCX-type connector for hooking up an optional external GPS antenna. And if you need waterproofing, the 2720 is up to the challenge; it meets IEC 60529 IPX7 standards, which means it's submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
Finding your way with the 2720 starts with inputting a location on the touchscreen. Next, the unit's text-to-speech feature speaks to you just like a back seat driver, telling you the names of streets and when to turn and in what direction. And if you happen to miss a turn, don't worry--the 2720 automatically calculates a new route to your destination. In addition to point-to-point navigation, the 2720 can calculate the most efficient route between multiple destinations--a real time-saver for realtors, salespeople, and errand-runners. You can also tell the unit to avoid specific areas or road segments when calculating a route. You can also select a three-dimensional mapping perspective, or choose from several 2-D overhead viewing options. What's more, audible and visual navigation instructions and warnings help you navigate more quickly while keeping your eyes on the road.
Another time- and frustration-saving feature of the 2720 is the database of preloaded maps and points of interest. Gone are the days of uploading partial maps from your computer to your GPS device: the 2720 has them all built in. The unit comes preloaded with Garmin's highly detailed MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Finding points of interest along your route is made easy with the 2720's huge built-in database of nearly six million hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Garmin has also made it easy for users to upload custom points of interest--now you can add school zones or safety cameras to your database. You can even turn on a proximity alert to notify you of upcoming custom points of interest.Garmin really kicks the power of the 2720 up a notch with the addition of real-time traffic information. This optional service will display congested areas on a color-coded map, allowing you to avoid traffic by simply pushing a button that calculates a new route. All this wizardry is made possible by the new Garmin GTM 10 receiver that connects to the 2720 and other select Garmin products. Note that while the GTM 10 receives digital data from specific FM broadcast stations in select major metro areas throughout the United States and Europe, these traffic services are available only in select cities where coverage exists. The service requires the GTM 10 FM TMC traffic receiver and, in some cases, a subscription to enable these traffic capabilities.
What's in the Box
StreetPilot 2720 receiver, MapSource City Navigator NT North America maps, 12-volt power cable with external speaker, alphanumeric remote control, PC/USB interface cable, AC power adapter, beanbag mount, dash mount, protective cover, owner's manual, and a quick-reference setup guide.
Product Description
Find your way more easily with GPS navigation, a top grade TFT display, turn-by-turn directions and optional traffic alerts.
Features:

• Portable GPS navigator
• Ready to use right out of the box
• Preloaded City Navigator® street maps for the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico
• Nearly 6 million points of interest, including restaurants and landmarks
• Proximity Alert feature warns of safety cameras and school zones
• Turn-by-turn automatic routing
• Articulates names of streets
• 3.8" automotive-grade, sunlight-readable color TFT display
• Photo sensor adjusts to light conditions
• Optional real-time traffic avoidance (GTM 10 Traffic Management Receiver sold separately)
• Touch-screen interface
• Built-in patch antenna
• Arranges multiple destinations to minimize trip distance
• Multiple map viewing options, including 3-D
• 3-D or 2-D map perspective

Includes:

• Alphanumeric remote control
• External speaker with 12-volt adapter cable
• USB interface cable
• AC power adapter
• Dash mounting system with quick release
• Protective cover
• 1-year manufacturer's warranty

Customer Reviews

It's time to buy an in-car navigator

I have been playing around with GPS for 5 years. Until I got this Garmin 2720, it's all just been a waste of money. The 2720 is a great practical tool. I travel all the time, and finally, I've been liberated from MapQuest, Yahoo Maps and Microsoft Streets & Maps. This is a practical tool that really works. My last purchase was a Belkin Bluetooth GPS receiver to connect too my iPaq. A total waste of money, as were my previous GPS toys. The 2720 is the first GPS product I've bought that really makes sense. It's simple, and easy to use, and it's ready to go right out of the box. The screen is readable in all lighting conditions, and the 3D view is easy to read at a glance. The text-to-speech feature really makes it. You really don't have to look at the screen that often. It speaks the names of the streets and tells you where to turn exactly how to get to your destination. You'll want to enable WAAS right away (It's disabled initially in the default settings) because it keeps the system from spontaneously recalculating your route and taking you on wild goose chases. After enabling WAAS, it has been very accurate. The user interface is very intuitive and easy to use, and you really don't need a manual. I really love the ability to find nearby restaurants and shopping places. The beanbag mount is great for all the cars I rent on business trips... Just slap it on the dashboard, plug it in and go. I was considering a Garmin C340 initially, but for the small difference in price, why buy a crippled low-end, hard-to-read-in-sunlight unit? You'll be sorry you didn't go for the 2720 if you buy a C330 or C340. The 2720 has the same easy-to-use interface as the C3xx with a much more readable screen, and far more features. Honestly, I can't find anything wrong with this unit. Buy one.
You'll be glad you did.

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By Barara A.Blackburn

What in the world are the people giving one star ratings reviewing? Surely they don't have the same GPS I recieved a few days ago. I'm sure they think their complaints are valid -- I just don't see it. I've been using m[ine for four days and love. RIght out of the box and on my dash in forty minutes. Would have been even quicker but I took time t read the reviews and update the firmware to the latest version as well as the new voice (JILL) from Garmin's site. Perhaps that's what made the difference. No freezes. No unexpected reboots. Been smooth sailing all the way. A few things that weren't documented. The GPS can be tiled forward and backward as well as rotated on it's mount. I was a bit concerned when I first put the unit on my dash because my dash angles back. I was afraid I would be able to get a good angle in sunlight to see the screen. Garmin's mount design is brilliant but I discoverd the tilt feature quite by accident when I grapsed the unit to push down on the self-adhesive gasket. I live near Chicago -- very congested area constantly changing. I was pleasantly surprised the mapset has a lot of recent developments. One thing I thought I would hate is the speaker on the power cable. But it angles back to lie flush with the dash and I LOVE the sound. My old TOM TOM could barely be heard over road noise once I got over 55 mph. The GARMIN speaker is high quality and the female voice isn't drowned out. Very responsive as far as routing and prompting turns. Much faster than my old GPS 60CS in fact. I have a route to a local beach on Lake Michigan which features a series of rapid turns in succession. The 2720 keeps up with amazing speed. And if I miss a turn it seems to detect it much quicker than my 60CS and reroutes almost immediately. I couldn't be more pleased with this purchase. I toyed with the idea of getting the 2730 but XM Radio/XM Traffic just wasn't something I was interested in at this point in time. I highly recommend this device. If you buy it UPDATE the firmware immediately and update the voice. The new firmware features a new interface/map layout than what's shown in the promo pics on Amazon and Garmin. The Turn Arrow icon has been moved of the sidebar and now overlays the map. And the Direction Text is no longer across the top in a greenbar but on the sidebar in a box. Much more pleasing to the eye in my opinon. It's also a much more stable device than it apparently was several months ago. WHich is typical of GPS units. THe bugs get worked out slowly in a series of firmware updates.

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Samsung LN52A650.

Samsung LN52A650 52-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Red Touch of Color





Customer Reviews .


Beautiful TV! From the picture to the bezel, just perfect.,

I've had this TV since very early March. I've watched HD, SD and Blu-Ray and can not find a flaw. The 650 handles motion extremely well to where blurring and other artifacts are vitually non-existant. The AMP is a very cool feature that brings a realism to film making it seem more life-like, or as if it were originally shot on HD Video. Some have said this gives off a "soap opera" effect. I can see that description, but to me it makes film based DVD's and movies look more like your watching a real-life play, viewing it through a window. It's a very cool effect! I understand people's concern's with the glossy screens found on plasma and some LCD's. This screen is slightly less reflective than Samsung's 71 series but can still be a problem for some. It would be nice if there was an easy solution for this but there's not. Sony and other makers use a matte type of screen that certainly helps or eliminates the problem but introduces other negatives. I find colors and blacks just don't "pop" on matte screens and tend to wash out more for off-angle viewing. The 650 has a picture with great depth and color from any angle, greatly adding to the immersion effect. Much talk has been about the TOC bezel. I think Samsung has hit it out of the park with this. I absolutely love the red. I think it adds just a touch of class. It sets this tv apart from all others(though the picture quality already does this) while still being very subtle and retaining the ability to blend in with any decor. Most people who've come to my home do not even notice the red until I point it out. I'm a little tired of every set looking the same with either a piano black bezel or flat black. This is a very welcome change. I like many other suffered the shut-off issue. As has been mentioned it appears Samsung has fixed the issue with a firmware update. I've updated the FW and so far so good. It was annoying but not a huge deal to me. Samsung should be commended for how quickly they addressed the issue. I received several calls from upper level officials that were very concerned with my problem. I've never had this level of service from any other manufacturer. Well done Samsung! A side effect of the FW update is that the AMP processing received a boost. Before the FW update I usually had AMP on low at all times and would occasionally put it on High. Now, I still use it at the low setting most times but will put it on Medium occasionaly, and find the High setting a bit much for me. I can put it on High without most of the annoying artifacts people have desribed the 71 series has, which is nice, nut the actual effect is bit much for me. Overall, this is best the LCD on the market. I can't see Sony or any of the other manufactures making a better TV this year. They may match it perhaps, but certainly won't surpass it. For those that were on the fence waiting to buy until the shut-off issue was fixed, your wait is over. Buy with complete confidence and enjoy one of the best TV's out there!



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ByJCD (UT United States)

When I purchased this TV from Amazon.com I had already decided on this Samsung 52" series and was trying to decide between the 650 and the 750. At the time there was a small price difference between the two on Amazon.com. I ended up choosing the 650 because I was placing the TV inside a nook that had limited space. The 650 has a less bulky frame around the LCD screen and therefore it was only 50.2 inches wide (Amazon has the TV dimensions incorrectly listed as 52" wide) as compared to the 750 which is 52" wide. Both screens have the same display area, just a different width. The other reason I chose the 650 is that it can swivel on the base, whereas the 750 is fixed on its base. Because I have placed the TV in a nook, this swivel feature has come in very handy as I have had to get behind the it several times to plug in cords, etc. I have read a lot about screen reflection and was bracing myself for a potentially unpleasant experience during daytime viewing, especially since the room the TV is in has windows all the way across two walls and is full of sunlight daily. I'm happy to report that screen reflection is absolutely no problem. The TV I was replacing with the Samsung LCD was an older 32" Panasonic Panablack analog TV with the glass screen, which had a lot of reflection. As a point of reference, the Samsung has about 20% of the screen reflection of my old TV (judging from when the TV is off). When the TV is on, the Samsung is about 5% of screen reflection from what I used to have with my old TV, which may be due to the incredible brightness of the display.

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By. Mr. Cool

It's a really nice and stylish looking TV. The red color that is so bright on the product's pictures is only a shade of dark cherry red that is visible only under bright light. This reddish shadow looks incredibly cool! Totally different than the product photos. If you have modern home, this is the set to have. Forget that Sony with that horrible aluminum things around it! The set has not turned itself off yet as other users reported, so maybe it was a bad batch they got. The picture is amazing, best I've seen so far (with 50,000:1 contrast ratio it better be good!). It has RGB input for PC, but also you can configure HDMI input #2 to be a PC input (for DVI equipped video cards). I didn't know about it, and tried to run my PC through other HDMI ports that I didn't set to be PC inputs. The result was .... TV quality picture with PC screen, all clipped, blurry text, etc. Pretty awful. Then I set the HDMI #2 input to be PC input, hooked my PC to it, and suddenly I was starring with my jaw wide open at the most sharp LCD PC screen ever! Text is razor sharp!! Also the color saturation and all got set to the correct PC colors, and not the TV colors. Run a photo slide show (no, not THAT photos, lol) on this and you will start dating that machine, it's so freakin' hot!