Seagate Expansion 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive ST905004EXA101-RK

I have clarified a few things that other reviews had issues with and gave it a low rating.


For Starters: Since I use Both Mac & PC, I can 1000% say that it works on both these operating systems.

Some customers had issues with the drive going into sleep mode after 10 mins or so. Well, the copying process does not stop, just because the drive has gone into SLEEP mode.

You can take this SLEEP feature off by:

Process 1: Downloading a Free Seagate Manager program available on the Seagate website.

(I did not do this, I used process 2, described next)

OR

Process 2: Formatting the drive and remove the pre-installed Seagate software. Then the drive will NOT go to SLEEP Mode.

How to Format a Drive in Windows:

Plug the Drive --> Go to My Computer --> Right click on the Seagate icon--> Click "Format"

How to Format a Drive in Mac 10.4 or earlier:

Open Macintosh HD --> Click Applications --> Click Utilities --> Open "Disk Utility" --> Select the Seagate disk listed on the Left Side --> Click "Erase" tab --> Choose Volume Format to "MS-DOS" (I chose this so that I can use it on Windows & Mac).

(For the newer MAC 10.6.1 or later, I guess Format is : "Mac OS Extended (journaled)", as rightly pointed out to me by a learned customer IB...Thanks dude!)

Design: Compact & Sleek. Little bigger than the iPhone, but lighter than the iPhone (8GB)

Connection: NO A/C Power outlet needed. Only single USB port is needed, everything provided in the box. So you just take it out and plug it and use it.

Compatibility: Both PC & Mac. Although on the box it says "FOR PC", it was detected by my MAC and will work with both.

Size: Though it says 500GB, we get 465.35GB. And this is the case with most hard drives.

Speed: Forget about the specifics - it is FAST!!

Well worth your money, right!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~UPDATE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Many customers have asking me why the format process did not work for their Mac?

The reason is, I have a Mac version 10.4.1 and I clarified that in the review.I guess there are a few changes for 10.6.1 and I added that too. If your MAC OS does not fit the description, the best way to start is by finding out OS version of your MAC & then search online on how to format it OR take it to an apple store.
Basically, the STEPS on how to format remain the SAME. But you might find some different Volumes Format based on your OS version. Volume Format will change as new Operating Systems (OS) keep sprouting.

When I bought this drive, there was not a single review which spoke about MAC Compatibility, let alone the other issues. But I took the risk and bought it for $100 or so.

Also, if you compare other reviews vs. mine. My review does not speak about how many songs I have on my drive, who gifted me this, how my life has changed with the new drive, how my office folks like it, how it fits in my pocket although the it is a trouser from my high school.

No offense, they are good individually. What I mean is....one review answer about plug n play....another spoke about light weight (by how much they didnt say)...another complained SLEEP issue...But none answered MAC compatibility, Format, Weight etc

My review has even answered everything that can happen with this drive. (Except that "What will happen if it breaks down" :P )
Seagate Expansion 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive ST905004EXA101-RK

Sony DVP-FX930 9-Inch Portable DVD Player, Black

I had been looking at the previous Sony model that had over 300 reviews and CNET had it as their choice in the portable DVD products in the 7"-10" screen sizes.

I am very please with the latest Sony model, what has changed is they made the screen an inch larger and placed touch buttons on the newer model. This FX 930 looks more modern, sleek although it is a little larger.

I am very pleased as I have played various DVD's, using full and normal settings that you can select for wide or standard screen formats. I have played many CD's from the actual artists to my own made CD's at home and played music files from my PC and taken along photos like a photo album when I want to share or have those close to me with me so to speak when traveling.

Sound is fine for the little speakers but 99% of the time I use really good headphones and you get two jacks so you can share when sitting with someone on a plane, train, or in the car as long as you are not driving. Had to toss that in! ;)

It is not too heavy compared to many, certainly much less than a laptop and still small enough screen size to know you are not luggin around a laptop. Battery life is standard, I have it run out yet but have not been on pure battery for 6 hours yet either. I try to have it plugged in most of the time during use and for the car you get a car charger included in the box.

Being it is smaller it makes it more mobile for your travels whether local or abroad.

I have been using this item non-stop almost without any issues. Could it be improved, yes, almost any product can be and as with any electronics they seem to improve with almost each iteration.

With this said, you can save $30-$40 by buying the previous model. It is an inch smaller but the screen resolution is the same and many of the features are almost identical.

Take it for a test drive and remember you've got 30 days to test it and if it is not what you like or expect, return it and try another, but choices on these products are quite limited since many use their PSP, iPhone, or iPods to watch movies/videos etc.
Sony DVP-FX930 9-Inch Portable DVD Player, Black

Zune HD 16 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)

Zune was the laughing stock a couple of years ago when Microsoft released the "brick" 1st-gen Zune. A joke went around about Microsoft's pathetic attempt to enter the "iPod market." So a year passed, and Zune remained a joke in the consumer electronics world and had to endure the jeers and torment of the Apple crowd. When the 2nd Gen Zunes came out, the Zune brand slowly started to see redemption. The Zune 80gb was deemed the first decent competitor to the iPod, but the brand was still in recovery from its hazing.


But for the first time, Microsoft has developed a Zune player that can finally use the words "downright sexy" to describe it. The Zune brand image is building up quickly with the release of the Zune HD, XBOX Live integration, and much-needed marketing.
With the rapid rise of the iPod Touch and iPhone, it's no surprise Microsoft came up with a touchscreen portable media player of its own. However, this is not a copy of the iPod touch at all. Sure the Zune HD features a touchscreen, accelerometer, app support, a strong web browser and other features that made the iPod Touch so popular.

However, the Zune HD has what the iPod Touch lacks, such as...

-ZunePass (Download all the music you want for $15/month, keep 10 songs per month DRM-Free)
-720p HDMI output
-An aesthetically nice software (Zune 4.0 interface is very pretty to look at, not a dull spreadsheet like iTunes)
-An aesthetically nice device OS (Artist pictures and info float around while playing a song, it's cool)
-OLED screen (brighter, more vibrant than LCD)
-Free HD radio
-Radio "tagging" (If you like a song you hear on the radio, "tag" it to add it to your cart for download)
-A feature called "Smart DJ" that functions identically to the online radio service "Pandora" but has no limitations on skips and allows you to rate/download songs you like. Requires a ZunePass though.
-XBOX Live integration
-An advanced nVidia Tegra Chip (A couple of graphically-intense 3D games are coming out this fall, like Burnout: Ferrari Edition)
-On-demand music (play music online with your Zune HD, don't need to download it to your hard drive)

Again, the Zune HD is just simply amazing. With the Nvidia Tegra chip and highly capable processor, the potential for this device is endless. The Zune HD is supposed to be a portable gaming platform to compete head-to-head with the Nintendo DS and PSP brands. I'm excited to see Burnout: Ferrari Edition on it this fall. I'm also looking forward to see more apps as well.

Could this device take significant market share from Apple's iPod Touch? With the right marketing to increase public awareness of this product, yes it definitely can. Every large monopolizing entity like Kmart, GM, and even Apple will dominate a market completely for some period of time. However, times change and something better always comes along. Is this Zune HD the better alternative to the iPod? With some more releases in the app store and updates, it clearly will be. The question is will Apple change and copy the Zune's features including the Zune Pass? I don't know, we'll see. The Zune Pass will clearly become the new standard of digital music services and the $1-per-song marketplace model will not be competitive much longer.

***UPDATE***

I've been getting a lot of comments on my review saying that the Zune's HD radio does not compensate for the lack of online radio services found on the iPod Touch (such as Pandora). I believe I already said in my review that with some more app development the Zune HD will be a strong competitor to the iPod Touch. However, who in the world needs Pandora if you have a Zune Pass? Your Zune will learn your musical tastes and give you recommendations. You can download/stream all the music you want without limits. But if you like Pandora, I suggest playing with the Zune's "Smart DJ". It will create a streaming playlist of songs based on your overall musical tastes or play specifically based on a certain artist.

I also forgot to add the Zune HD does not have an external speaker. If that's a super-important feature to you, the iPod Touch may suit you for now. However you can always get headphone couplers or battery-powered mini-speakers to remedy this.
***UPDATE***

The new apps on the Zune released this fall include some amazing 3D games. They look just as good (if not better) than what you would find on a PSP or Nintendo DS. Among these games are Van's Sk8, Burnout: Ferrari Edition, Audiosurf Tilt, and many others. Twitter has been released as well and Facebook should follow soon. I have no complaints about the Zune after owning it for a few months. I'm convinced the Zune brand provides the best music experience service ever created.
Zune HD 16 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)

Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD

I actually still shoot film the vast majority of the time however I purchased my mother a G-10 for her birthday last year and spent a couple weeks using the camera so I could adequately teach her how to use it. I have since borrowed it on numerous occasions and was actually about to buy my own G-10 but then I heard about the G-11 so I figured I would wait and buy the new upgraded version. I am glad I did just that. For me this camera is worth upgrading to just for the swivel LCD view screen on the back. I cant tell you how many times I have shot outdoors and was completely unable to see the LCD screen even when you shaded it with one of your hands. Adding the swivel option basically eliminates this problem. This option is so nice when shooting outdoors that I am honestly thinking about upgrading my mothers camera for this one reason alone as she doesn't have the best eyesight which means if I am having problems seeing the viewfinder, I can only imagine how hard it is for her to see it.

The next best thing I have noticed about this camera is its improved film speed ratings. I have already done a lot of testing with the G-11 and to say that they have improved the speed ratings is a huge understatement especially in the higher film speed settings. I was extremely hesitant to use a film speed over 400 with the G-10 yet I am using speeds above 800 with the G-11. Depending on the conditions your shooting in you should see anywhere from a 1.0 to 2.0 stop difference. I did some tests where the G-11 shot pictures at 800 that were basically equivalent to a 200 on the G-10. I was hoping for an improvement in this area but wasn't expecting this big of an improvement.

The next biggest improvement has to be with the auto mode. I tested the auto mode extensively with the G-10 as that was going to be the mode my mother used the most, at least out of the gate, and I was unimpressed. There were too many shooting situations to count that easily fooled the camera into shooting with settings that were less than optimal. You would still get decent results but it definitely needed improvement and they have done just that. Running the identical tests I did with the G-10 clearly showed that this camera is much better at selecting the appropriate shooting mode. Some conditions were drastic improvements. This is probably the 2nd biggest reason why I am most likely going to be upgrading my mothers camera to a G-11.

A lot of people were concerned with the G-11 as it actually has a smaller picture size than the G-10. The G-10 has a 14.7 MP size and the G-11 only has a 10 MP size. Overall that's a 32% decrease in maximum size. People who have a high understanding of digital imaging sensors knew not to worry as the MP size is not the most important aspect to an imaging chip. Details such as dynamic range, image noise and low-light performance are just as important, if not more important, when discussing overall image quality. I for one have always hated the MP war as we passed the quality that the vast majority of the population would be content with a long time ago. It has basically become a numbers game where people think that bigger is better and they just don't seem to grasp that they will never have any use for such high MP images. So I tip my hat to Canon for taking this extremely bold step as this is the FIRST time that we have seen resolution reduced in a line of cameras that is still progressing forward. IMO this is the white flag that signifies the war of the MP is finally coming to an end and we will finally see companies focused on these other, equally important, image qualities as much as they have been with the MP size. As for the image quality of the new sensor, its outstanding! I immediately noticed a difference in the overall quality of the images. They seem richer with much less compression on the higher and lower ends. If I had the choice of choosing between the G-10 sensor and the G-11 sensor I would take the G-11 sensor every single time. Again a big tip of the hat to Canon for boldly choosing to go this route with the G-11 sensor.

The G-11 retains the same 5x optical zoom lens from the G-10 which in case your unaware is equivalent to a 28mm to 140mm lens. Also the same is the aperture settings which go from f/2.8 to f/4.5 depending on the zoom setting. Shutter speeds range from 1/4,000 to 15 seconds and it has the same metering modes as the G-10 (evaluative, center-weighted and spot). Thankfully they didn't make any changes to the manual dials at the top of the camera as that is easily one of my favorite aspects to these cameras. ISO speed and the camera mode dials let you quickly and easily switch the most important settings. I an an old school photographer so I still prefer dials to buttons. IMO its the best set up out of all the point and shoots on the market.

2 other noticeable improvements include an increased flash sync speed of 1/2000 and a high-definition HDMI connector (Dont worry it still has the USB 2.0 connection).

The bottom line is that Canon has taken the G-10, which was easily one of the best point and shoots on the market, and made some outstanding improvements that have taken this camera line to a whole new level. If your one of those people who care more about how many MPs your camera has than the actual image quality of the camera then you should stick with the G-10. If however you are more concerned with image quality than MP's then drop what your doing, list your G-10 on eBay and run out and buy the G-11. The image quality, improved noise performance, and swivel back LCD screen make this camera absolutely worth every penny.

The only negative thing I can say about this camera is in regards to Canon's sheer ignorance when it comes to the lack of standard size filter threads. How hard would it be to design this camera so it had a 52 or 58mm threaded lens opening? Trust me when I tell you it would be extremely easy. At the very least they could design it so all you needed was a simple step up ring to 52mm or 58mm. Instead they leave out threads altogether and make you go out and spend around a hundred bucks on a 3rd party aluminum lens tube that then allows you to use 58mm and 72mm filters. The "Plastic" Canon Lens tube isn't even an option as its so poorly designed. It just really annoys me that canon totally ignores this aspect of this camera. In all honesty threaded lens openings should be mandatory for all cameras, even point and shoots. Again it would be EXTREMELY Easy to change.

Overall the G-11 is simply an amazing, must buy, camera.

5 Stars!!

Edit......

The more I thought about it the more I thought I should come on here and be more specific in regards to the lens tube issue. While Amazon will not allow me to write the name of the company that makes the aluminum lens tube that people should buy if they want to use filters with the G-10 or G-11, I can however be specific in regards to which one you absolutely should not buy which ironically is the one made by Canon. The lens tube that you should stay away from is the LA-DC58K Lens Adapter and here is a link to that item.

Canon LA-DC58K Conversion Lens Adapter for Canon G10 Digital Cameras
There are multiple problems with the LA-DC58K. First its plastic which means the overall quality is much lower than the other options on the market, besides plastic threads are never a good idea as they wear down with time making it harder and harder to properly screw things in as it ages. This simply doesn't happen with brass or aluminum threads. The biggest problem with the LA-DC58K is that it doesn't fit soundly on the camera. Once installed it should be 100 movement free, in other words it should have a nice sound fit and that just isn't what you get with the LA-DC58K. It rattles around and is completely unstable once fitted in the camera and this is simply inexcusable. As if this wasn't enough you also get severe vignetting at wide angles and the tube isn't long enough thus it restricts full zoom ability. I honestly have absolutely no clue how this accessory was allowed to go to market in its current condition.

I know it may seem unbelievable that Canon could design an accessory for one of its flagship models that has this many problems but believe it as everything I wrote is 100% accurate. I am one of the unfortunate people that ordered the LA-DC58K. It was absolutely horrid and was boxed up and returned after less than an hour of use. Its a shame that I cant give the name of the company that makes the aluminum version but since its not sold on Amazon its against their policy to list it. Just Google "Aluminum lens tube canon G10" and you should easily find the company that produces it.
Canon PowerShot G11 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Stabilized Zoom and 2.8-inch articulating LCD

Apple Wireless Keyboard (Retail Packaging)

I recently purchased an iPad and it became pretty clear that if I wanted to use it for "intense" data entry, I would need a dedicated keyboard. I looked at the keyboard dock that the iPad plugs into, but it didn't really appeal to me--I don't necessarily want the iPad to be sitting up like that, or have to be sitting on a flat surface so that it doesn't fall over. I also liked that since this is a bluetooth keyboard, I can technically use it anywhere--with all my other computers, my media computer, etc.


When I first handled the keyboard, I was amazed at just how light this thing is. It barely feels like anything at all. But what is most impressive is that despite its light weight, it does not feel flimsy or weak at all. Trying to bend it with two hands does nothing--it is incredibly sturdy and solidly built.

Its size is also a huge plus--especially since I am looking at using this primarily on the go. It is about as small as a keyboard can be, without making the keys uncomfortably small. If you've ever typed on a MacBook Pro recently (the "chicklet" keys), it feels pretty much like that. Within minutes, I was finding it very easy to type without errors. (In fact, this review is being typed using the keyboard!)

The price could be lower, but honestly, I am very pleased with the feel of this keyboard and the ease of which it was to set up and begin using immediately. It doesn't feel like something you're worried about throwing into a bag and having it snap or crack, or keys pop off, etc.

Finally, if you are planning on buying this to use with an iPad, it works great with it. A lot of the "mac specific" keys work here too--the volume keys, brightness (which works across all apps, which is an added bonus), and of course the music controls work as well.
Apple Wireless Keyboard (Retail Packaging)

Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

This is a great camera for amateurs. I've owned mine now for 6 months and it's still working great. This is the top of the line for Canon's entry level SLRs. I would highly recommend this camera if you're looking at upgrading from a compact camera, or if you're thinking about going with the cheaper compact cameras. Keep in mind that the number of MPs isn't the most important thing. The size of the sensor is much more important. If one camera has the same number of MPs, but its sensor is smaller, it's trying to cram the same number of pixels into a smaller area, which greatly increases the noise you'll see in your photos (especially at higher ISOs for lower light settings).

One caution to users. Do NOT buy this camera primarily for its HD video capabilities, unless you don't mind using manual focus or having the auto-focus be audible in your video. The quality of the video is great, and the sound isn't even bad; however, using the standard lens, it's difficult to video anything without using the auto-focus. And if you video with the auto-focus, you will hear it on your video. I mainly use the video when I don't have my Sony Handycam handy and I really need to video something. Also, another caution, is that HD video will eat up a lot of your available SD card space. I have a 16GB, and any substantial amount of video time will greatly deplete how many pictures you can take.

There is a brand new user interface that comes along with this camera, and I must say, I actually prefer the T1i user interface to the user interfaces on the pro cameras (i.e. 40D, 5D, etc.). If it's been awhile since I've used the pro version, I forget how to get to certain options on the camera--but with the T1i, I can get right where I need to go without even thinking! Also, the LCD is bigger than on the pro versions, which makes it easier to view the photos on the camera later.

Outside the US this camera is sold as the 500D. With so many up to date features and the same sensor as the 50D, I can't see why anyone would choose a 50D over this one.

Unlike the pro versions, the T1i uses a SD Card instead of the compact flash. I actually like this, because it's more portable, and you can get a lot more memory for the price compared to a compact flash. I just have a USB reader that takes the SD Card, which means I can put the pictures onto anyone's computer (especially laptops). This is handy if you're visiting someone and want to leave pictures on their computer so you don't have to send them a CD or DVD when you get home. With a 16GB SD Card, you can hold a bit over 2000 highest quality (non-raw) photos.

This camera is lighter than the pro versions. This came in handy when I was backpacking through the rain forest.

The grip on the camera is good for amateurs, but you get a better grip with the pro versions.

DO NOT BUY THE OFF-BRAND BATTERIES! I bought two of the off-brand batteries for this camera, and I almost broke the camera trying to get them out of the camera. They do not fit very well. I went out and got an extra battery, this time using the Canon brand, and had no problems getting it in and out of the camera.

Bottom line, if you're looking for an SLR, but don't need anything as pricey as the pro versions, choose this one. You will not be disappointed.
Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Sharp LC19SB27UT 19-Inch 720p LCD HDTV, Black

I looked and looked for a TV that I could either mount on the wall or under the cabinet for my breakfast bar in the kitchen. Many reviews I read for various brands noted poor sound quality, and the models I thought I would like the most were not wall mountable. I originally was looking for something smaller, but after reading the reviews from internet sites and big box stores, this TV scored very high marks consistently across the board. With the lowest price and free shipping on Amazon, I decided to go with it. And I am glad I did!

I mounted it on the wall under a cabinet, and it fits just perfectly. The picture is amazing, and the sound does not seem as if it is coming from inside a tin can, which is often a problem with smaller LCDs. It has a very nice, clear, and full sound to me. The volume level at what I think would be a lower volume, is actually quite loud. When I am standing on the other side of my kitchen, I have no problem hearing or seeing it. I mounted it on one of those arms that swing out, so I can view it from either side of the kitchen. I have never turned the volume past the midteens. It is that loud.

I am very pleased with this TV, and the free shipping was amazingly fast. I ordered it on a Sunday evening, and it was delivered on Tuesday. Thanks, Amazon!
Sharp LC19SB27UT 19-Inch 720p LCD HDTV, Black