5 tips on evaluating your lens before buying

Tip 1 (Check that the lens works on the body): This may seem a very obvious tip, but I have seen a couple of people get very impressed over a lens; they went ahead to buy it after doing a cursory check with their camera specs. Later they found that there was a mismatch because of which they were not able to use the lens to its full potential. Before drooling over that lens and whipping out the money, be sure to check whether it works with your camera.

Tip 2 (When buying ultra zoom lenses, check for color blurring): For telescopic lens, there is a problem known as color blurring that happens as the lens is beig used at its maximum focal length. This problem can be corrected inside the lens itself through the various lens elements, but you should check to make sure that the lens you are buying has this reduced to the maximum possible.

Tip 3 (Evaluate the need for silent): Some lens make sounds when they are being used, such as the sounds of the focusing motor being clearly audible. This is a huge impediment when you are a photo-journalist, or shooting wildlife. Be sure to check out the sound levels of your lens, rather than be stuck with an advance warning signal that scares off animals.

Tip 4 (Check for lens ruggedness): For people who travel a lot, or who take shots in conditions that are not controlled, it is important that your lens have a proper tripod mount, be packed well in a case that reduces shock, and the lens itself is rugged and water prood (depends on the usage).

Tip 5 (Try out a lens before buying): You are getting a great deal on a lens bargain (either from a friend or a sale on the internet), but you have not used the lens yourself, not even held it and tried to use it. Avoid such situations; you need to have tried out the lens before buying it so that you know that the lens options, feel on the hand, and hefting is all comfortable to you. Being able to take quick snap shots depends on how comfortable you are with your camera and lens.

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Amazon Kindle Replacement Power Adapter (fits 2nd Generation Kindle and Kindle DX)

Replace or supplement your Amazon Kindle (2nd Generation) and Kindle DX power adapter with a spare. This adapter is the same as the one that ships in the box with your Kindle (2nd Generation) and Kindle DX. Simply plug the adapter into a wall outlet and connect to your Kindle's micro USB port for recharging. Its universal design means that it works around the world, with the help of a physical country adapter plug (sold separately). The power adapter's detachable USB cable can be used to connect your Kindle to a computer or USB hub for either powering your Kindle through the computer or for transferring MP3 or Audible files onto your Kindle.

Technical Details:
Approved charger for Amazon Kindle (2nd Generation) and Kindle DX; same as adapter that ships in the box
Fully charges Kindle (2nd Generation) and Kindle DX in 4 hours or less
Detachable USB cable for powering through computer or transferring MP3 and Audible files
5.9 foot length



Customer feedback:

1. Since the details for the items are a little sparse I thought I would provide the specs listed on the power adapter.
AC Input 100-240 Volts, 0.15 Amps, 50/60 Hz
DC Output 4.9 Volts, 0.85 Amps

2. Looking very stylish and extremely compact, Amazon really got it right with the new Kindle 2 charger. It's iPhone looking design will really leave you in awe. Speaking of iPhone, the tiny power adapter works great to charge an iPhone or iPod. This is a great bonus feature for us Apple enthusiasts. One less device to carry. Just plug your Apple cable into this and charge away. I tried it with my iPhone 3G and iPod and it worked great.
Easy to carry, works in the USA or overseas ( with a plug adapter, sold separately).
The included USB cable is also high quality and well made. The price for both is also very good. It is an excellent idea to purchase one of these to have as an extra just in case you loose your original set or to charge at another location in your home or office. It can also be used to charge other devices that use a USB type charger, although I have only tested it so far with an Apple iPhone 3G and iPod.

X-Mini II Capsule Speaker

Ever since the X-Mini Capsule Speaker appeared in 2008 we have been completely blown away by the absolutely astounding sound quality and volume that these little gems produce! The X-Mini Capsule Speaker regularly stops customers in their tracks at our retail store people cannot believe that what they are hearing is eminating from these handy pocket sized units. So when we heard that XMI the company responsible for the X-Mini was launching a new version we were suitably excited! We are very glad to report that the X-Mini II doesn't disappoint again the boffins have succeeded in getting a Quart out of a Pint pot! Retaining all of the best features from the groundbreaking first generation unit the second generation comes with a number of innovations that combine to create a greater audio experience for the user. Larger Driver. The first and most recognisable difference with the X-Mini II is that it's slighly larger than the original model. The X-Mini II now boasts a 40mm driver that delivers an even richer and fuller sound. Longer Battery Life. The X-Mini II now boasts an improved battery life a staggering 11 hours of continuous playback from just one charge. Buddy Jack Design. A brand new feature to the X-Mini II is the Buddy Jack system. This allows you to connect one X-Mini II to another and another and... well you get the picture. Capable of forming a near endless Daisy Chain . Combine your X-Mini II with your friend's for quite simply jaw dropping audio! Built In 3.5mm Audio Connection. The refinement of the original X-Mini continues with the inclusion of an inbuilt 3.5mm audio connection cable. No more running the risk of forgetting to pack the charging/connection lead when you leave... the connection cable is always in reach. The audio cable neatly slips away underneath the speaker when not in use. Features. Compact size High quality sound with clear bass resonance 11 hours of continuous playback from one charge Matte black finish Included USB charging cable.



Technical Details :
* Small Compact Design, Maximum Sound.
* 11hour Battery Life.
* Volume Control.
* Connect many together for maximum Sound.

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK :
These babies are great. The sound they produce is amazing and the bass produce is quite impressive for the speakers. You have to yell to be heard if you play two of the speakers at the same time. Although you lose a little quality when the source of the music and the speaker are turned all the way up, but then again, what speaker doesn't. I do believe the loss of the quality is from the rattling sound as the speakers vibrate across the table from it's own bass. I am highly satisfied with this product and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for portable speakers.

Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel

This racing wheel was built from the ground up by industry professionals with input by those who brought you Forza and Project Gotham Racing. Featuring technology in rumble and Force Feedback response, the wheel simulates a spectrum of driving sensations from drifting to powersliding. In addition to realism, you will be using Xbox 360 2.4 GHz wireless technology with ranges of up to 30’.

Features:

* Force Feedback technology
* Customize your driving experience using either the quick release mount for table play or the slip resistant rubber bottom for more secure lap play
* Formula 1 style paddle shifters
* Realistically weighted gas and brake pedals
* Works with your Windows PC with the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver (Sold Separately)



Customer feedback:

1. This wheel is a blast! I was already addicted to Forza 2 and was moving steadily up in my career with the regular game controller. With this racing wheel (and pedals), I'm moving up even faster than before and the experience is dizzying - literally. I have my setup about 3 feet from a 50" plasma and the feedback of the wheel is so realistic that I was getting odd dizzy effects when going in and out of tight corners because my body was expecting to feel real world forces from the seat against my back and sides - and they of course were missing. Make no mistake, this isn't a bad thing - its a testament to the realistic feedback of the wheel. You feel everything - understeer, oversteer, grass, jerks when flying from grass back onto the pavement.
Prior to this wheel, I always detested driving the big American cars like the Camero or Corvette because they were so difficult to control with the normal controller - they would constantly slide out and wag back and forth because there was no feel. Last night I nailed several races with both these cars because I was finally able to control the car through power slides and oversteers.

2. Pros:
Top notch feel and finish, no corners cut on cheap plastic or details.
Works right out of the box. No drivers to fumble with.
Feedback (while connected to power source) is excellent.
Clamping system is easy to understand and use.
Doesn't tie up a spot on your Xbox USB ports.

Cons:
Minor- you need to find the right table/surface to mount this on. It is heavy!
Minor- clamping system is excellent, however, after a long race it may move and need readjusting.

Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive

The Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive is the best option for media enthusiasts who game on Xbox 360. It is the largest storage option for Xbox 360 to expand your gaming experience with downloadable content. Save your game progress, Xbox Live gamer profile, game demos and custom soundtracks from your own music collection. Download movies and television shows from Xbox Live Marketplace. Play original and retro games in Xbox Live Arcade. The Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive includes a data transfer kit to easily migrate all of your saved data from your 20GB HDD to your 120GB HDD. It comes preloaded with great HD game demos, videos and an assortment of Xbox Live Arcade game trials.



Product Features

* The 120 GB Hard Drive matches the style of the original Xbox 360 console and 20GB Hard Drive
* Even the most dedicated of gamers could spend a lifetime trying to fill up 120GB with game saves
* Rip CDs to the hard drive with reckless abandon and no concern for space constraints
* Xbox Live Marketplace offers a wide variety of video content from gaming and movie trailers to television programs and HD movie rentals
* Download gamer pics and dashboard themes from Xbox Live Marketplace or create your own with the Xbox Live Vision Camera.

Customer feedback:

1. The drive comes with a kit (disc and USB cable) that allow you to easily transfer all your data from your old 20GB drive to the 120GB one. The transfer was easy and hassle-free. The entire process took less than 90 minutes. When I turned on the 360 afterwards with the new drive attached, everything booted up exactly as it had with the old 20GB drive. There was no further configuration or registration needed. All data had been preserved perfectly - downloaded demos, trailers, and other content, saved game data, music, etc. The new drive is even a little bit faster than the old one - although it's possible that my old one had gotten fragmented and that was slowing it down, so maybe it's really the same speed. Anyway, this is nice. Now every time I want to download something I don't have to scrounge for some free hard drive space by deleting stuff I would really rather keep.

2. Price is a bit steep since I just got my Xbox 360 5 months ago but a must have item for me. The 13 GB of usable space on the original drive is too small to hold demos, clips and ripped CDs. I started ripping my CD collection to the Xbox 360 and quickly ran out of space. The Media jukebox is wonderful for playing my CDs over my sound system. Installation was completed in less than 5 minutes and the transfer of the 20 GB took 1 hour, 19 minutes. I am currently downloading 7 GB of game demos I can play, as well as TV and movie clips. Tons of FREE content if you have the hard disk space.
I believe I can even transfer my home photos to it to use as a slideshow. Super simple installation. Insert CD, pull out USB connections, plug transfer cable into new drive and other end in the rear USB. Push A. When finished, remove CD, turn off unit, remove USB cable, and change out new drive for old (2 seconds or so to pop out old and insert new). Turn on and enjoy.

Xbox 360 Black Play & Charge Kit

Product Features

* Play & Charge Cable enables continuous gameplay
* More than 30 hours of play per charge
* Battery fuel gauge through the Xbox 360 dashboard
* Includes Play & Charge Cable and NiMH rechargeable battery pack




Customer feedback:

1. This is a must have with your 360 and a controller. And in black to match your Elite controllers. You can plug it in via USB to your Xbox 360 and charge the included battery pack while you play your game. You can also remove your battery pack, and plug the cable directly to your 360 for wired gaming (so your controller won't shut off while you are in the middle of that hired driver Forza race.
This charges via any USB port on your 360, your computer, your cable box, or your dog (if he has included USB hub). I recommend buying one of these, then buying the Quick Charge Kit. Then you'll have 2 battery packs, the quick charge dock, and a USB charge cable.

2. I recently got the Xbox 360 elite, and knowing that I was going to be spending hours on it, I knew that some battery power was a necessity. I saw this, that comes with a battery and a cable - and at the price, I really couldn't say no. I was already going to get some rechargeable batteries for my controllers, and the fact that this is just a few more dollars with a battery, its definitely a good idea.
It does take a while to charge, though, and that's obviously because you are using the battery power while it is trying to replace it, but thats not a huge issue unless your gaming spot is usually not readily accessible with a cord attached to your controller.