Uno Original
by Mattel
Average Customer Review:
Toy

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (14)

Great and totally addictive!!!!
When I played this at my grandmother's house, I was hooked! They're these liitle cards that are in four colors and numbered from 1 through 9 and with Reverse, Draw 2, and Wild Cards. It helped my little cousins' math skills and was extremly fun! This is a must buy!

Learning Tool
I'm 14 and got this game when I was younger. I was struggling a little with math until I got this game. It helped me realize color and number patterns in such a fun way that I didn't even notice it! Since then I've been playing it at least once a week. I tutor young children and for those with math problems, I use the Uno game as a fun and educational tool. Parents have come to me and congratulated me with the successfullness of it. Its the ultimate game in a compact size. The cards last for a pretty long time. I've had one deck for the past 3 years and its still in tip top shape! So for anyone who plans to buy it, it's definately the RIGHT CHOICE!!!!

GREAT GAME LOADS OF FUN
I love this game. It is a great family game though it might cause
a few arguments or break-ups(aaaaah! just kidding). Don't let this happen. It's just a game like any other game. You're just having fun. That's the No. 1 reason for playing any game with children or adults to have fun. Hey, How would like to be given 4 draw 4 cards????? get the picture???? Another good point, NEVER GIVE UP SO EASY,ITS NEVER OVER TILL IT'S OVER,comebacks
can happen. MY father-in-law was shut out, while I just needed 1 point to win(499 points to 0 4 or 5 of us were playing)and he came back and beat us with 500 points. Play this fantastic card game and see what I mean. Buy it and I hope you'll enjoy it too. ... Read more

Asin: B00004TZY8
Sales Rank: 2202
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Cards    3. Classic Games    4. Family Favorites    5. Playing Cards    6. Travel Games   

If..., Volume 1 : (Questions For The Game of Life) (Questions for the Game of Life)
by Villard
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (03 October, 1995)
list price: $11.95 -- our price: $8.96
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (14)

intriguing
This book is great! I've read at least half the questions so far and I keep getting sidetracked by them. I've had to think of my life and friendships and work and relationships on whole new ways. Some of these I can't even answer, but they keep coming back to me, hours or days later. Definitely a hot conversation starter. Highly recommended

Get Your Answers Ready
What an interesting idea...."If" asks all those questions no one ever thinks to ask. Inspiring thoughtful answers and a few moments of contemplation. It starts out as a game and ends as a revealing guide to character. A great way to break the ice at parties and boring business dinners. I love to present this book over a bottle of wine with someone I love, you would be amazed at what you don't know about those closest to you...hours of innocent fun!

Good Conversation Starter
This is such a fun book! It's especially great for group bonding--I have fond memories of spending a whole day by the lake with a group of fellow students and answering questions from this book. It's a great conversation starter and a good way to get to know people, especially people you hardly know. I recommend it for college students (it's great for meeting your new floor- or suite-mates), party hosts, team-building activity coordinators, and anyone else who needs an easy way to start discussions and get to know people. ... Read more

Isbn: 0679445358
Sales Rank: 2518
Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Conduct of life    3. General    4. Inspirational - General    5. Psychology    6. Religion    7. Self-perception    8. Self-realization    9. Religion / Inspirational   

Canon PowerShot A70 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $399.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Featuring a high-tech design with aluminum front cover and metallic handgrip, the Canon PowerShot A70 combines a sense of both the modern and the traditional. Despite its entry-level designation in Canon's digital lineup, the 3.2-megapixel PowerShot A70 is a surprisingly advanced model with a higher resolution than its counterpart A60 model and more manual features than you'll find on most digital point-and-shoots.

Optics and Resolution
The PowerShot A70 features a 3.2-megapixel sensor that can capture images up to 2,048 x 1,536 pixels, producing print enlargements up to 11 by 14 inches. It's also equipped with a 3x optical zoom lens (35-105mm, f/2.8-4.8) to cover a wide selection of photographic opportunities, as well as a 3.2x digital zoom. The PowerShot A70 also features Canon's five-point AiAF (Artificial intelligence Auto Focus) system for focusing accuracy, shutter speeds of 15 to 1/2,000 second, and fast sequence shooting at a rate of 2.2 frames per second (fps).

Movie Mode
Shoot up to three minutes of MPEG video at resolutions up to 320 x 240 pixels with sound, editing controls, and VCR-like playback. You can also shoot video at up to VGA resolution (640 x 480) for 30 seconds. The camera can also attach voice memos or sound files of up to 60 seconds to each image.

More Features
Offering a wider scope for photographic experimentation, Canon has also included manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority exposure modes. These modes are supported by a metering system that boasts evaluative, center-weighted average and spot options. Canon's DIGIC (DIGital Imaging Core) processor ensures excellent color rendition and white balance for every shot, as well as super-fast auto focusing, noise-free imaging, and advanced flash exposure performance.

Other features include:

• 1.5-inch TFT (transreflective) LCD monitor.
• Built-in flash with auto, on, off, manual, and red-eye reduction modes.
• Shot modes include manual, portrait, landscape, night scene, stitch assist, and more.

Storage and Transfer
Images and video are stored on CompactFlash memory cards (Type I only) and the included 16 MB card holds approximately 16 images at the Large/Fine setting. Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Printing
Canon has introduced a series of printers designed to work directly with its lineup of digital cameras. Using these printers, no computer is required--simply connect the camera to the printer and start printing. Printers include Canon's bubble jet direct printers S830D and S530D, and card photo printer CP-100. Of course, photos from your camera can also be printed on any home computer system with an inkjet printer, sent off for online processing, or simply enjoyed on your computer screen.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by four AA batteries (alkalines included; rechargeable NiMH batteries recommended). It measures 4.0 by 2.5 by 1.3 inches and weighs 7.6 ounces (without batteries). This package includes the PowerShot A70 digital camera, 16 MB CompactFlash card, four AA batteries, USB and AV cables, wrist strap, and ArcSoft Camera Suite CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac. ... Read more

Features

• 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical zoom and 3.2x digital zoom (9.6x total)
• Up to 3 minutes of video with sound; manual, aperture and shutter priority exposure modes
• Compatible with CompactFlash Type I cards; 16 MB card included
• Powered by 4 AA batteries (alkalines included); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1

Reviews (208)

This Camera ROCKS!!!!!!
While [the price] still isn't "chump change" to me, it is a bargain for this camera.
When you open the box and take the camera out, you're surprised at how small it is but then, you're surprised by how solid and natural it feels in your hand. Even though the body is plastic, it has a sturdy feel to it unlike some other cameras in this price range.

Once it's in your hands, you pop in the 4 AA batteries, the compact flash card and, away you go. Put it in AUTO mode and you have a nice 3MP point and shoot camera that responds very well to varying light conditions and circumstances.

In other modes you have control over; white balance, exposure compensation, Drive (Single shot, continuous shooting, self-timer), ISO speed, Light Metering, Image Quality and Photo Effect (Off, vivid color, neutral color, low sharpening, sepia, black & white) The other modes are:

P-this mode is the same as AUTO but you have control over the above mentioned options.

Av-Aperture Priority, you set the f-stop, the camera sets the shutter speed.

Tv-Shutter Priority, you set the shutter speed, the camera sets the f-stop

M-full manual, you have control over shutter speed, aperture, flash output, and focus.

In addition to that, there's six other modes; Slow Shutter, Fast Shutter, Landscape, Night Scene and, Portrait. In these modes, the camera sets shutter and aperture to the appropriate settings for each situation. Also included is a Stitch mode which lets you take a series of photos and then combine with the software for a panoramic effect.
The last mode on the camera is Movie Mode. In Movie Mode, you can record at 3 resolutions; 640 X 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. In the largest format you can record for 30 seconds and, in the other two formats, you can record approx. 3 minutes. Movies are recorded with sound in the AVI format but unfortunately, you can not use the zoom while filming in this mode.

Performance

When you power the camera up, it takes about 3 seconds to warm up before it's ready to shoot. Once it's ready, you push the shutter down halfway to lock the autofocus and then depress the shutter fully. Now you have a pic! You can review it on the LCD if you want any where from 2 to 10 seconds. The LCD screen measures 1.5 inches and fairly clear and easy to see but it would have been nice to control the brightness.
Next move inside to take some flash pictures. Here you'll use the autofocus illuminator to help the camera focus in low light. There's a small orange light on the front of the camera under the flash, when you focus, it comes on to make it easier for the camera to focus. This eliminates the long focus times that some other camera have in these situations if they can even focus at all. Also inside, you'll appreciate the fact that Canon put a decent flash on this little guy. It has a working distance of about 13 feet at the wide angle setting.
Picture Quality is very good. Pictures come out sharp with accurate color tones. I do get red-eye sometimes in indoor shots but, not always and, not to the point that I would consider unacceptable. I have yet to have any incidences of "purple fringing"

Software, etc.

Canon supplies you with two software applications. One their own and the other is ArcSoft's. Both applications are good for basic image editing but, if you want something more you'll likely pick up Photoshop.
Downloading photo's is pretty straight forward once the software is installed. Hook up the computer with the supplied cable to a USB port, turn it on and your computer (PC) will either open the appropriate program or, you'll have to. Once the program is open, pick the images you want and, hit File, Transfer. That's about it. You can also view images, and movies on a TV with the supplied cable.
The only other things in the box (aside from the manual) are a 16MB Compact Flash card and, 4 AA batteries. In the highest resolution, you'll get 8 pictures on this card so, you'll probably want to purchase another one soon. The 4AA batteries will last about 100 pics so, consider purchasing some high capacity rechargeables also. The batteries and the CF card will set you back [some $$] but, you'll thank yourself later. I would recommend these for anyone purchasing a digital camera.

Just what I was looking for - 3MP & runs on AA cells
The A70 is just what you need if you are looking for a 3 megapixel camera that runs on AA cells. The AA cells add bulk, but I didn't want a camera dependent on a finicky and expensive to replace proprietary battery and charger. To avoid spending a fortune on alkalines it's advisable to invest in at least a couple sets of NiMh's and a charger. I can get about 45 min operation with the LCD display on and a set of 1800 mah NiMh cells - estimate only about double that with alkalines - but LOTS longer life with the display off and the camera auto-power-off enabled. In an emergency I can just crack open a pack of alkalines.

Warning - no low battery indicator!

You will also may need a larger CF card if you plan on more than day-tripping with the camera at higher resolutions. It's about 17 shots per 32 MB card at full-res, LOTS more at lower res.

Beautiful pictures though - as some reviewers have pointed out Canon pix are a little "soft" on some subjects, but this is a matter of taste and can be adjusted in software. Flash pictures have tended to be a little washed out but I haven't decided yet whether it's any worse than other point and shoot cameras I have used. I have had fairly good luck with the autofocus in darkish locations, even with the AF assist beam turned off - hint - my technique is to shoot at wide angles with flash so the depth of field is better and focus isn't as critical.

All in all, I couldn't imagine a more suitable point and shoot camera for my needs, although I'm still keeping the analog A-1 around for wet weather conditions.

A Bargain! Buy it while it's still available!
This is my first digital camera and I absolutely love it. I am a computer guy myself, so the basic come a little easier to me than others but even my wife (not so much the computer person) is able to use it without reserve and she prefers it better than our still camera.

The shooting modes are easily accessible on the top dial. You can switch from AUTO, to camcorder, to action shots within seconds. I can get 137 pix out of one 128mb card. The battery life is great. I DEFINITELY recommend rechargables!

There are a couple little *quirks* about it like the fact that there are two menus which can be a pain if you know you saw a feature somewhere but don't remember exactly which menu had it. Plus I can't figure out a way to get a date on the print. It may be there but then I'd have to read the manual :-)

Otherwise, you simply can't beat this camera for the price. Get it now before Canon phases it out. There are two newer models out there now so the clock is ticking! ... Read more

Asin: B00008OE5G
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Dial-A-Song: 20 Years of (Dig)
by Rhino Records
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (17 September, 2002)
list price: $31.98 -- our price: $28.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (30)

Great Anthology for a Great Band
I am a big fan of They Might Be Giants, it's just sad that I hadn't discoved them sooner. I am 16, and started liking them when I was 15. Well, last Christmas when I received this gift I was very happy, but I wasn't expecting it.(Being I didn't ask for it) Well, I had about all their CD's (with the exception of No! and Misalanious T) so I thought I didn't need this, but I got it anyway. So, I put it in and I was very relieved. No, it doesn't have brand new songs, or demos, or unrealesed tracks, or all the best, but it manages to bring out a lot of older songs and make them work on this 2-disk set. (52 songs!!) Yes, there are songs I wish had been put on here, but there are also songs on here that I didn't have. "Boss of Me," from Malcolm in the Middle, "Dr. Evil," from the Spy Who Shagged Me (I love that song), "Hey Mr. DJ I thought you said we had a deal." A lot of great songs are on this album. If you want to start with TMBG, I suggust to get this or an earliar selection. All in all, this Anthology succeeds as an Anthology.

Incredibly thorough compilation
I never really got into TMBG until I first heard this compilation. The main problem was that I had only heard a few of their songs that didn't really appeal to me. But the Dial-a-Song 20 year box set shows the wide varaiety of the Giants' style. From the poppy "Don't Let's Start," to the hoe-downesqu "Number Three," to... well, what ever you want to classify "Boat of Car" as. The only real flaw I can hear is that some songs that really aren't so great (Spy, James K. Polk, Minimum wage) made the set, while some of the Johns' greatest songs (Kiss Me, Son of God, Destination Moon, We Want a Rock) are nowhere to be seen. Still, that's really not enough reason for you not to buy this set.

Among the best of the "Best of" records!
I bought "Dial a Song" expecting a run-of-the-mill "best of" compilation, hoping to fill in the cracks in my small collection of "Giants" recordings. Well imagine my surprise to find a beautifully assembled compilation of the best of "They Might be Giants"! I mean this in the sense that they didn't just pick out their most popular recordings, but truly the BEST of their recordings. And they didn't stop there! Because instead of simply plopping the songs onto a CD in chronilogical order (as so many do), they arranged them in a sequence that actually makes many of them sound BETTER than they did on the original recordings. The songs flow from one to another with almost eerie smoothness, pulling you into the music and making you bop around the livingroom oozing joy.

Really. A great record. You need it now. ... Read more

Asin: B00006IZOC
Sales Rank: 5416
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

T-Fal 89950 Evolutive 10-Cup Coffeemaker
by T-Fal
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $99.99
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Editorial Review

T-Fal’s contemporary Evolutive coffeemaker could have been designed by NASA with its rocket-shaped coffeepot that seems to be sitting in a launchpad. However, the coffeemaker offers the familiar functions, catering to the basic black coffee drinker rather than the latté crowd.

If you can’t do a thing in the morning without that first cup, a programmable timer lets you set brewing to begin 24 hours in advance, and otherwise displays the current time. The power and timer buttons are a little difficult to depress and may require a few tries to get the timing right. In addition, the Evolutive has a cone-shaped water reservoir on its back that is removable to go right to the sink for filling or cleaning. The reservoir holds enough water for 10 cups of coffee and has an easy-to-read water level indicator. The coffee filter holder pivots 360 degrees, making it easy for both right- and left-handed users to fill with ground beans. The filter holder is also removable and has an anti-drip system to keep it from soiling the floor on its way to the sink.

A Pause’n Serve feature temporarily halts dripping during brewing so you can remove the carafe to pour yourself a cup. The coffeemaker’s warming plate keeps the carafe hot for up to 2 hours after brewing and then automatically shuts off for safety. A protective base under the carafe makes it look as if it might blast off, but is really a protective measure for countertops. T-Fal warrants this product for up to 1 year from the date of purchase. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Features

• Protective base on carafe; 1-year warranty
• Programmable timer sets brewing up to 24 hours in advance
• Removable water reservoir for easy filling and cleaning
• 360-degree pivoting filter holder convenient for righties or lefties
• Pause and serve feature; 2-hour automatic shut-off

Reviews (21)

Happy to find a "Bird Safe Coffee Maker"
I read reviews on this coffee maker and also on the old style percolators. I'm so glad I chose this coffee maker. It's teflon free that's how I even found out about it. (I have exotic birds, I recently found out that coffee makers have teflon on the burner, teflon is extremely dangerous to birds).

The coffee pot is very easy to use and remove to pour a cup of coffee. The water holder was also very simple to remove, fill and replace. It makes excellent coffee. It is taller than the average coffee maker but I have cabinets that sit higher and had no problem with it fitting under my cabinet. It does use a #4 coffee filter which it lists in the book. I would highly recommend this coffee maker.

Excellent value for the low, low price!
What a great coffee maker! I really like the ultra-modern, contemporary design of the appliance. Also, the removable water reservoir is a GREAT feature; I always used to struggle to fill up the carafe and then pour it into the reservoir on our old coffee maker, now it's really easy to get the coffee ready. The protective ring around the bottom of the carafe is also a handy feature. They also make dumping out the filter rediculously simple and mess-free.

Of course, for such a low price, it's not perfect: the buttons are a little hard to push, the brew process seems a little slower than normal, and the carafe is a little hard to pull in and out of the applicance (but that just takes some getting used to). But those minor complaints aside, this is a GREAT coffee maker and I'd recommend it for anyone.

Innovative and, if I may say so, cool!
I do not usually fall in love with appliances. This is an exception. The removable tank and built in "hot plate" like plastic rim are simply innovative. The departure from the usual "Mr. Coffee" maker look is also a bold move.

The down side is that the buttons are so hard to press. I solved this problem by using a spoon like a thimble to press the buttons. Additionally, the coffee maker is quite slow; however, the coffee seems to taste better as a result of the slow brew time. ... Read more

Asin: B00008IHU7
Subjects:  1. Drip Coffee Machines    2. Coffee Makers    3. (Coffeemakers)    4. Teakettles    5. Hot Pots    6. (Tea Kettles)    7. (Tfal)   

Audiovox 8500 Vox Phone (Virgin Mobile)
by Virutex
Average Customer Review:
Wireless Phone
list price: $99.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• No prepaid minutes included. Comes with battery and charger
• Seven changeable backlight display colors to match your mood
• External Caller ID Display: know who's calling without opening your phone
• 2-way text messaging, 1-touch and voice dialing
• Charger included for powering up

Reviews (139)

Most bang for the buck.
I needed a reliable cell phone for car emergencies, but refused to buy an extortionate service contract. There are no contracts of any type with VirginMobile. Prepaid top-ups at $20, $30 or $50 are an automated breeze. The only required payment is $20 every 90 days. However, calls are cheapest at the $50 level.

The sleek VOX 8500 with two GPS options (911 only and full-time), voice-activated dialing, 2-way speakerphone, plus Virgin's comparatively low prepaid rates, solved my problems. Daily call cost: $0.25 for the first minute and $0.10 per minute thereafter. Carrier: Sprint's huge PCS network, which operates on both 800 and 1900 MHz frequencies.

Excluding overseas calls, 411 and text messaging, everything is included in stated costs. I don't use these fee-based services, so they're moot points. No surcharges for long distance, voicemail, roaming, nights or weekends. Virgin's customer service is excellent. Available live 24/7/365 and there's no charge for it when accessed from the cell phone.

The tri-mode, digital phone with dual LCD displays has too many high-end features to enumerate. Its 143-page Owner's Manual can be daunting at first glance, but the manual is well written and easy to use. The phone's only downside is its tendency to distort sound if the volume is fully cranked up.

Co-workers who complain about the high cost of their monthly cell phone bills were shocked when they saw my VOX 8500 and heard what Virgin offered. Other women were especially impressed by the stylish phone, which easily fits into pockets and evening bags. All of them wish they'd known about VirginMobile before taking their pricey plunge. Most of them are getting less for their money.

Extremely pleased with phone and service - A Great Find!!!
I've waited about 4 months or so before writing this review. I wanted to make sure I had ample time to review this product/service properly.

If you're looking for an occasional use phone, and not looking for a phone to spend hours a day on, this is one you should definitely be looking at. You must pay $20 every 90 days to keep the phone active, but when you break it down, that's about $6.67 a month. Compare that to a $34.99 plan from Verizon, that comes out to $45 after all the taxes and fees, and you got yourself a pretty good deal. And another great thing is you keep your balance, you don't lose it. When you add money to your account, your balance just builds and builds. Now and then when i build up a balance, I'll treat myself and just make some extra calls to friends on the other side of the country to chat it up. Oh yeah, no roaming charges, no long distance. Just that flat rate. 25 cents for the first 10 minutes talk time of the day, 10 cents after that. There really is nothing hidden, it's all spelled out really clearly. Text messages are 10 cents to send, but they are free to receive. Your friends and family can actually email your phone from their home computer, and it will arrive to you as a text message. And yes, this is FREE. Perfect for the wife/hubby/kids to kick you off a message during the day like "bring home chinese!".

Like I said, if you want a phone for emergency calls, and calls from the grocery store such as "honey, they don't have peppermint tea, anything else you want me to get instead?" kind of calls, this is for you. Virgin markets this toward the Teen/MTV crowd, but for us somewhat older crowd, this is a great find.

I bought this phone from Best Buy for $89.99 and I got a $20 gift card free with it. The one thing I hear most people complain about is reception. I myself, have never had a problem. The great thing about picking this up from Best Buy, is you can use it for a month, and if the reception is no good where you need to use it, just bring it back to Best Buy for a full refund. So there's nothing to lose.

I use this phone in New York - Rockland County, Westchester County, North Jersey, and New York City. The only place I've had reception loss is in some areas in Orange County. But as long as you're semi-close to a major highway, signal is very good.

The Vox 8500 phone itself is wonderful. It's the smallest cellphone I have ever seen, but calls sound crystal clear, and there is plenty of volume. I dropped the phone once, from pretty high up, on hard concrete. The phone is fine. No damage. It looks like a fragile phone, I was sure something would be wrong with it, but it works like new. NO problems at all.

Extra ringtones are $2 a piece, but normal users won't really care to add any rings to the phone. It's unnecessary unless you find something you really like. I added the Peanuts song (Shroeder's Theme) to my phone as my ring. There are plenty of useful rings that come with the phone, so like I said, no need to buy more rings.

I hope there's nothing I left out. I can't say enough good things about this phone. For casual users, at $6.67 a month, with no extra hidden fees, I'd say this is a phenomenal find.
Just buy the phone from a store such as Best Buy that allows a 30-day return policy so you can try out the reception where you live. If reception is good, and it most likely will be, you win. If it's bad, you take the phone back, get your money back, and no harm done. It's a no brainer!! Virgin Mobile rules!

I love this phone!!!!
I purchased this viring moble phone about one year ago, and it is awesome. I am seventeen and I hate having bills to pay, so it is so much easier on me. It would be easier on anyone. I just top up, add more money into the account, whenever i need to. If I dont use any minutes I dont pay anymore for the next month. This is just an amazing offer that I couldnt see anyone passing up! ... Read more

Asin: B00009M4V8
Sales Rank: 799
Subjects:  1. Flip Fold   

Hallmark Card Studio Deluxe 2004
by Sierra
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (16 September, 2003)
list price: $49.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Features 4,500+ Hallmark cards for Deluxe and 3,500 Hallmark cards for Standard
• 1,000 new cards from current Hallmark designs featuring familiar card favorites
• 10,000 art images, 30+ Hallmark crafted fonts, new calendar layouts, and Hallmark sentiments
• Quality clip art; PhotoPower stand alone and integrated photo editing
• Intuitive and easy-to-use design and XP compatibility

Reviews (21)

Hallmark Card Studio 2004 Deluxe is super
I looked at my Card Studio and I think Hallmark is great. The calendars are beautiful and the card selection is superb. I was disappointed when they didn't have the calendars last year. They have excellent choice of cards. The different card studios combined into one program makes it an good value, moneywise. I look forward to using the program in the coming year.

This looks pretty good to me!
I think this software is a great greeting card software to own. You have over 4200 pre-made Hallmark cards to choose from for ANY occasion. If you can't find one, just do a theme search and it will come up with an answer for you. The box does say 4500 cards to choose from, but when you live 100 miles from the nearest Hallmark store, fudging by 300 cards doesn't make that much of a difference. If you prefer to change the wording in any of the cards, you can choose from over 3900 greetings, or write your own. The clip art selections are numerous with drawn objects to actual photos. You can even change the pre-made calendars, which are very cute on their own, to suit your own picture preferences. Of course, you can create cards, calendars, postcards, etc from scratch if you prefer to work that way. The calendar selection includes monthly, weekly, and daily formats. If you are looking for the entire Hallmark selection, you need to buy all of their software, which could get pricey, or just make a trip to your local Hallmark store and buy one when you need one. This is a great and fun software. The Photo Power software that is included is a pretty simple photo editing software. It doesn't have many options for editing photos, but it works in a pinch for making cards, photo frames, etc. One big plus on that is it takes out red eye. You can use the photo editing on it's own, but it doesn't give you a print option. Hallmark Deluxe 2004 even has a simple event planner calendar and address book for you to use. Probably not the best planner for an office professional, but it works well for the home. Have fun with it!!

Deception in Number of Cards
The program works fine on Windows XP and is easy to use. It lets you print cards of many sizes. The big disappointment is in the number of cards that comes with the program. The back of the box claims "4500+ Cards and Sentiments, Celebrate life's special moments with cards for all occasions". That's nice. The problem with that is that I counted the total number of cards that come with the program. It only adds up to 1045! So where are the other 3450+ cards and sentiments? Are you supposed to design them yourself? I just don't know. And certainly "cards for all occasions" means just that, doesn't it? Well there's lots of birthday cards and plenty of holiday cards but not one sympathy card of any kind. I guess you just need to buy those on your own. ... Read more

Asin: B000083JY6
Sales Rank: 238
Subjects:  1. Havas    2. Computer software (programs)    3. Graphics (Graphic)    4. Home Publishing    5. Greeting Cards (Card)   

The Sims Online
by Electronic Arts
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (28 October, 2003)
list price: $9.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Create your own unique Sim and make new friends
• Random behavior of characters adds comedic mischief and unpredictability
• Create your dream home, build your business, or throw outrageous parties
• All-new, fun-filled, job experiences with entertaining mini-games
• Secure trading; manage a casino; or die a whimsical, morbid death

Reviews (30)

Large Graphical Chat Room
As a beta player from the beginning I have seen many changes occur within the Sims Online game. Some good, some not so good. Overall, if you just enjoy the career paths and designing your own property, playing with pets, etc. then you would do best to stay with the offline version of this game. If you enjoy chatting with others and making online friends, then purchase The Sims Online for it isn't really a game but the largest graphical chat room out there.

I give it 3 stars because it used to have a few objects that were mini games within the chat room. The maze was a fun one, a challenge that my friends and I enjoyed. As with all good things, it seems they do not last - hackers created programs around them so Maxis has disabled that. Before that, they took the code pay outs and changed them. I keep my multiple accounts with TSO simply because of the friends I have created.

If you want chatting and freindship purchase the Sims Online, if you want goals and actaul game play..... go elsewhere for the Sims Online will not provide that function.

BEST GAME EVER
I've been playin the game since January 2003! It is the best game ever!

Funny life for a lazy/rich/begger review did i mention great
its ok. a little pay per month. My best and favorite part of the game is when you get money, money really important in the game. If your really want to save money if you just started, go ask sombody to to live with them like roommates. A. You can either just stay there and slack off. B. Or work around the house and get rich then move out and your roomate will start begging for you to stay then you say "no" Then help a newbie and they become rich then you start begging. ... Read more

Asin: B0000DYLDC
Sales Rank: 982
Subjects:  1. Computer Games    2. Strategy (Strategic)    3. Simulations    4. World Building (Builders)   

Jenga
by Milton Bradley
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $12.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Show your steady hands and elementary structural knowledge in abattle against gravity when you play Jenga, a game of luck andprecision. First, assemble the 54 rectangular, hardwood blocks--smoothand shaped just right for stacking--into a three-piece-wide, 18-storytower. Then take turns removing the three-inch blocks one at time,using caution to keep the structure intact while stacking the removedpieces back on the top of the tower. As the tower rises, its basebegins to teeter--one wrong move and it collapses in a heap! Gameover.

Jenga allows adults to play architect and children to perfecttheir stacking skills and hand-eye coordination. There is no limit onthe number of participants--it can even be played solo. Butbeware: Jenga can be addictive. The instructions declare a 36-storystructure to be the mark of a real pro. How tall can you go? --CateBick ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Fun for Groups & Families
Not only is this toy extremely durable (how can you really break those small blocks of wood?), it's incredibly flexible as a toy. My brother at twelve (and I at 21) played this game for hours. When I went back to my computer/book/sleep, he'd stay occupied with the game -- playing it alone, stacking and re-stacking the blocks, creating houses and encampments as if the pieces were designed as building blocks.

As an adult, I don't enjoy card games or board games much, but I still appreciate having this game around the house. It's a game you can play with just about anyone, and although it does take some concentration when you're the one pulling out that precarious block, you can still converse and cavort while playing (as long as you've got the game on a stable surface!).

Jenga also helps teach hand-eye coordination, precision, patience, forethought ("what will happen if I pull out this block?"), and just a bit of physics -- some of the blocks are rougher, some are smoother, so friction comes into play.

I highly recommend this game to everyone, regardless of age!

Jenga
Jenga is so much fun! I just love removing and restacking the pieces. As it gets higher, the intensity also gets high. My cousin and I don't just use Jenga as a stacking game, we use it to play dominoes. Although Jenga is not an educational game, it is still the best stacking game for players of all ages. The wood pieces are very durable, clunking them to the ground won't snap or break them. Throwing the wood pieces against the wall also won't break them. Jenga is a durable and fun stacking game.

wow!
i have to say...this game is great! i am 13 years old and at my birthday party there was nothing to do! i pulled out jenga and everyone was having a BLAST within 5 minutes. i was so worried that everyone would hate my party but it turned out that it was all that my friends talked about the next week at school. i wanted to just say thank you so much for advertising this game because there was nothing, and i mean NOTHING to do at my party but when i took out jenga...that all changed! thank you so much again!

-shaunna, California ... Read more

Asin: B00000DMBE
Subjects:  1. Games    2. Party Games    3. Family Favorites    4. Board Games   

PalmOne Zire Handheld
by PalmOne
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $79.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Small, light, and compact, the Palm Zire handheld is a great PDA for anyone looking for a basic electronic personal information manager to help organize their tasks, meetings, and contacts. Getting started with the Zire is simple, making it ideal for people who are new to the world of handheld devices.

Organization in your Palm

We were up and running within 20 minutes of opening the package. As part of our setup, we synced the Zire with Microsoft Outlook. Initially, we had to try twice before we could successfully sync our data, but have been able to sync data flawlessly ever since. All of our contacts and scheduled meetings transferred effortlessly, and we quickly came to depend on the Zire to tell us where and when we had to be at a given time. However, with only a 2 MB storage capability, this handheld won't hold a huge about of data.

The Zire is attractively colored with a white front and a silvery gray back, but Palm really cut corners with the screen cover. The cover is made of a flexible plastic that flaps around when it is supposed to be centered on the screen, and is awkward to keep out of the way when you want to access the screen. It's so annoying we recommend not using it at all. Fortunately, the screen cover comes separate from the Zire itself so this is easy to do.

While not a powerful handheld, the Zire is worth considering if you're looking for a way to keep your tasks, contacts, and meetings organized. It performs those tasks wonderfully, and is priced affordably. --Patricia Atherly

Pros:

• Mac and PC compatible
• Inexpensive and attractive
• Easy to set up and use
• Comes with a rechargeable battery

Cons:

• Only a 2 MB memory
• No expansion slots
• Palm OS 4.1 instead of the new Palm OS 5
• No backlight
• Flimsy screen cover

... Read more

Features

• Palm organization and style at an affordable price
• Easy to learn and use--even if you've never used a handheld before
• Mini-USB connector allows easy transfer and backup to computer
• Keeps addresses, appointments, and important information safe and secure
• What's in the box: Zire Handheld w/ Rechargeable Battery, Charging Cable, USB HotSync Cable, Getting Started Manual, CD-ROM with Palm Desktop Software, Stylus, Protective Flip Cover

Reviews (147)

Best entry level handheld available.
If you need a handheld for basic PIM tasks such as phone numbers adresses and e-mail this is the one for you, read on. If on the other hand you need a powerful handheld computer able to do multimedia I recommend you look at the Sony Clie line of Palm OS handhelds.

The Zire provides all you need to substitute your paper based agenda out of the box.

About the OS:

Palm OS is actually the standard OS on handhelds (most like Windows on the desktop). This handheld includes a desktop PIM(personal information managers) as well as software to sync with Microsoft Outlook.

There are thousand of programs available for the palm OS add such as enhanced PIM , Personal finance program to syncronize with MS Money and Quicken as well as office suites and games.

Hardware:

Zire has a very stilish design it is almost as small as a Palm M515 or clie T 665. Also this handheld as all Palm branded handhelds is build to last with a tought elegant casing.

It is compatible with Windows and Machintos desktops. The only limitations I find in this computer are that it only has 2 MB of memory (but I am a power user), for most peple 2 MB is plenty to store thousand of addresses as well as and office suite and other programs. Another minor limitation for gammers it that there are only four buttons.

Sumarry:

The zire is arguably the best possible solution for someone just entering the world of handhelds. This is the best entry level handheld computer for the money

A great little box
Absolutely a first rate basic pda. No, there are no fancy color screens and no, you can't expand it. But, the basics are all there and work perfectly. Date Book, Addresses, To Do list, Memo Pad are the basic functions and all work flawlessly with the Palm desktop software which keeps the Zire and your computer in sync. Info entered directly into your pda gets updated to your computer and vice versa. The Zire has a USB to mini USB cable to hook up to your computer as well as a built in rechargeable battery, which I prefer to constantly replacing batteries. The coolest feature has to be the ability to "beam" info from one pda to another. You have to be close to the other pda, but it really works. If you want to add games or other functions to your Zire, you will find numerous websites with available freeware and shareware. The big question...is 2 megs of memory enough. Currently I have 645 entries in the Address Book, 1050 entries in my Date Book, 400 records in my Memo Pad as well as 2 blackjack games, a poker game, and a chess game. With all of this loaded in the Zire, I still have 1.3 megs of memory available. Really a great little box.

Skip Zire - get m125 now!!
The Zire may be cheap, but not nearly cheap enough. It's not even as good a value as the old m105. Zire's disadvantages: no backlight, 2 MB vs. 8 MB (that's the big one, and in case you didn't know, it really makes a difference), unit is disposable when rechargeable battery wears out vs. indefinite useful life w/replaceable AAAs (and you could always use rechargeables in m105 if you wanted to), less bundled software, rubbery gel flip-flop cover (try sliding *that* easily in and out of your pocket - and soft cover means buttons can get pressed accidentally), missing app buttons (some games and other apps use all 6!), weaker peripheral support (e.g., I could get a keyboard for the m105). Against all that weigh these advantages: attractive styling, standard mini-USB cable (so easily replaced - a nice touch), a slightly better screen (according to some - but only in good lighting!), rechargeable battery, small/lightweight (though the m105's not what you'd call bulky). Unless you're a slave to fashion, it doesn't seem close, does it? Since it seems the m105 has already been phased out, I'd recommend going for the m125. I've occasionally seen this priced BELOW the Zire (go figure), even though it adds to the m105's advantages the all-important SD/MMC card slot and Universal Connector expansion features. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JKXN
Subjects:  1. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA, Electronic Organizer)    2. Palm Connected    3. Handheld (Hand Held)