AAFL – Another American Football League
What is it?
Football by any other name. The AAFL is hoping to attract football fans who need an outlet for professional football in the NFL’s offseason.
What’s the attraction?
Besides a spring and early summer season, the AAFL is associating itself with colleges known for football to attract college football fans in their offseason. This is vital to its near because it intends to recruit players from those colleges. The conception is that if you closely followed a player’s college career and they are now playing for the AAFL, you will want to follow their professional career as well. Each college’s alumni and local fanbase will be offered price packages and other perks.
Where will the teams be located?
So far, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Tennessee, and Texas.
Try-outs for Arkansas, Alabama, Florida and Michigan have already been held, and depending on your source, some players have already been signed to teams. A regular season and playoff schedule is already plot, though again, depending on your source, not all the venues for games have been finalized. Among the sites that are expected to host at least one game are Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, War Memorial Field in shrimp Rock, AR and Ford Field in Detroit, MI.
Is there anyone famed associated with the league?
Though the league commissioner and operations executives are not hired yet, the chairman of the Board of Managers is Cedric Dempsey, a outmoded NCAA president. There is also representation from worn college presidents and university system chancellors as well as Jack Lengyel, better known as the character played by Matthew McConaughey in We Are Marshall.
Wait, isn’t there already football in the NFL’s offseason?
Arena League Football (AFL) runs from March to June. NFL Europa has folded. The Canadian Football League (CFL) runs roughly from gradual June through November.
Will it work?
A lot of leagues have reach and gone. The jam is that it costs a lot to accelerate and gain a football league. There are player and executive salaries, stadium leases and television contracts unprejudiced for starters. The AAFL is a for-profit league and if it cannot operate at a profit, it won’t stop around for very long. It is worth noting that the AAFL will not attend from concession sales the scheme some professional teams do to boost their profits because concessions at the games will be operated by and for the host stadium. For what it’s worth, beer will not be available.
Another hurdle the league faces is keeping the costs to fans down. price prices for pro sports are a huge turnoff, and the AAFL will have to net a method to maintain sign prices affordable and shapely. label prices have been announced to be around $13 and there will be a grand push for locals to purchase “memberships” which gives them special perks such as VIP parking and special screenings of out-of-town games.
The AAFL has said it will televise games nationally, but there’s nationally televised coverage and then there’s national television. honest ask the NHL who are effectively buried on Versus, a channel that most people have never heard of.
The league can gain a astronomical boost if the quality of the game play is high. Then, it stands a friendly chance of making it past the first season.
The sincere request is whether or not the AAFL model can work by staying local, and whether it even needs the abet of a national fanbase. And you might also be asking, why bother at all? Is there really a void in the world of American football that is served by a unusual league? The AAFL thinks so. If not, it will be honest another football league that comes and goes in the blink of a season.
Will the novel Orleans Saints Survive the Playoffs?
With the Saints losing their last two games their is a bit of a reason for disaster. The game that the lost to the Dallas Cowboys was not so worthy of a heart breaking event like their loss to the Tampa Bay buccaneers was, especially considering the fact that the Buccaneers were 2-12 coming in to that game. This definitely makes one wonder if the Saints stand any chance against the stiff competition that they will face in the playoffs.
The Saints next game will be against the Carolina Panthers on January 17th. I contain that the outcome of this game will shed some light on what the fate of the team will be in the post season. If they lose this game then it will be three in a row that they have lost, which would NOT be helpful. Even though they will go to the playoffs either scheme, it won’t do distinguished pleasurable for the team’s morale. I myself am a firm believer in momentum carrying a team further than they would normally go without it in the post season, and another loss for the Saints would totally waste their momentum heading into the playoffs. Hopefully that will not be the case with the Saints and they can overcome this runt bustle bump that they have encountered during the past few weeks. If not then everyone’s hopes of seeing them face off against the Colts in the natty Bowl could be shattered, and that would truly be a travesty…Football – Is It Becoming Too unsafe?
Football was always a unsafe sport. As far as physical contact goes, there is no sport that has more of it. But as risky as football has always been, it is more unsafe now than ever before and not so great because the game itself has changed. It’s more unsafe because the players who participate in the game have changed. Some would say for the better. But have they? We’re not going to purchase a stand either draw in this article but simply point to both sides of the argument. We’ll leave it to you to resolve if football itself has become too uncertain to play.
Let’s launch with the theory that football has become too unsafe and then we can note opposing arguments. The main reason that critics claim that football has become too unsafe is that the players themselves have become plot too gigantic. Years ago, to have a man on a team who was 300 pounds was an fantastic thing to examine. Now, a 300 pound lineman is average. Men are constantly topping 325 and 350 with no sweat at all. When bigger bodies commence falling on you and running into you, there is going to be a greater probability that you’re going to bag pain, even with all the padding.
Football players are also faster than they were years ago. When a running attend is carrying the football into the secondary and he gets hasten at by a charging linebacker at the urge of which these guys advance at you, well, let’s unbiased say it’s not the most gracious feeling in the world. You can gather more than honest the wind knocked out of you.
Many would sat that the number of injuries today more than attend this theory that football has become too risky. Many injuries, if not life threatening, arrive very halt to it and in many cases have ended careers. Plus there is also the painful truth that many of these players, years after they retire, have aches and inconvenience that discontinue with them for the rest of their lives.
Those who say that football has not become too uncertain and argue against the “bigger player” spot claim that these bigger players are in better condition than players of years ago and therefor can withstand more punishment. They say that it is because these men are in better condition that the game is not only not more perilous, but may even be less unsafe than ever, especially with the advances and improvements made in the equipment that they wear. Faster players mean faster players at both ends of the field, thus making it easier for a running help to dodge that oncoming linebackers running tackle.
Again, it is not our way to win either side. Certainly there are pleasant points to be made for each side. A football player’s mother will probably feel the game is design too uncertain since she’s worrying about her diminutive boy getting his skull cracked. But for the casual or even ample fan, this may not be something that they give remarkable notion at all to. Football is what it is and they secure it.
We’ll let you device your occupy conclusions.
Download D-Day – The Total Story Online
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Download D-Day – The Total Story Online.
Movie Title: D-Day – The Total Story D-Day – The Total Story is available for streaming or downloading. |
This title gets only four stars only because of it’s short length which results in only a basic examination of the subject. However, it does contain some great personal experiences from nearly every angle (Americans, Germans, British, Canadians and the French). While this title does attempt to tie it all together into a coherent historic tale, I am afraid that it falls just short of the mark. If you already have a good understanding of the history of D-Day, it is a great companion to your knowledge. If you know nothing about D-Day, it is a great documentary style introduction. Either way, this is a fluid and entertaining examination of the subject that is not to be missed.
i had recorded this progrom on vhs. i am replaceing all my tapes with dvd copies whenever possible. i am constantly searching Amazon and other dvd web sites for dvd copies of my favorite movies and tv shows.
Download Doctor Who – The Pirate Planet (Episode 99) Online
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Download Doctor Who – The Pirate Planet (Episode 99) Online.
Movie Title: Doctor Who – The Pirate Planet (Episode 99) Doctor Who – The Pirate Planet (Episode 99) is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Doctor Who – The Pirate Planet (Episode 99) |
Searching for the second segment to the Key to Time, The Doctor, Romana and K-9 land on what should be the planet Calufrax, but the reality of the situation is not what the Doctor expected. “The Pirate Planet” might look a little cheap at times, but behind the cheesy CSO effects, is a clever, witty and totally absurd script. There are rampant “Hitch-hicker” jokes, and even a couple of Monty Python influences. Baker is in top form, giving a commanding and goofy performance. The supporting cast sometimes seems a little lazy, but the main characters give it their all. With “The Ribos Operation”, this is the highlight of the 16th season.
The late Douglas Adams wrote three scripts for the classic English sci-fi serial Dr. Who. Speaking as a fan of both the writer and the series, I hate to admit that the combination of the two never quite jelled. While both approached science fiction from a refreshingly English point of the view (i.e., none of the painfully serious, pompous preaching that have basically made the various incarnations of Star Trek, for me, unwatchable), Dr. Who was always — at heart — a rather earnest enterprise and that idealism was an uneasy mix with Adams’ more pythonesque sense of the absurd. As a result, all of Adams’ scripts ended up playing more like a slightly toned down version of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and less like Dr. Who. However, this is not to say that Adams’ scripts didn’t have their charms. When taken on their own terms, they are actually some of the most entertaining stories told over Dr. Who’s lengthy run.
The Pirate Planet was Adams’ first script for Dr. Who and — if rather underappreciated at the time — it probably holds up the best. The Doctor (played, in his fourth incarnation, by Tom Baker) and his companion, Romana (played by the very classy and lovely Mary Tamm) — while searching for the second segment of the all-powerful Key to Time — run across a hollow planet-turned-spaceship that is ruled by the occasionally buffoonish but thoroughly evil Captian (played by Bruce Purchase who manages to be both hilarious and evil at the same time) who basically spends his time using his hollow planet to plunder the valuable minerals of other, less-hollow planets (of course, these other planets are destroyed in the process but these things happen…) Its actually a rather clever story and — even if his script is heavy with his trademark humor — Adams also managed to keep the threat of the villians entirely credible and so, even if the story is full of silliness, it never actually becomes silly itself. As for the humor, this episode actually contains some of Adams’ funniest lines. Luckily, Baker and Purchase were obviously pros when it came to delivering over-the-top comic dialouge and Mary Tamm’s own regal bearing and distinguished air brings just the right amount of class to the absurdity on screen. If you’re not familiar with Dr. Who, the Pirate Planet is probably not the best introduction to the series. However, fans of the series will probably enjoy the Pirate Planet’s change of pace and this is definitely a must have for fans of Douglas Adams curious to see what he was doing when he wasn’t following Arthur Dent across the universe.
Stream Roseanne – The Complete Fourth Season Online
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Stream Roseanne – The Complete Fourth Season Online.
Movie Title: Roseanne – The Complete Fourth Season Roseanne – The Complete Fourth Season is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Roseanne – The Complete Fourth Season |
Season four is the 1991-92 season that won Laurie Metcalf her first of three consecutive EMMY Awards as Best Supporting Comedic Actress. (Roseanne would finally win her only Best Actress-Comedy EMMY for season five; and John Goodman–shockingly–never won an EMMY for playing Dan Connor altho he was nominated seven years in a row!).
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FINALLY, for this fourth season set, there are at last commentaries by Roseanne! And even better, they are video-commentaries, which means you actually watch Roseanne live on the right-side of your TV screen as she watches and comments on the episode playing on the (larger) left side of your screen. The two episodes she comments on are TRICK ME UP TRICK ME DOWN (that season’s Halloween episode, which also marked the final appearance of George Clooney as Booker–and Roseanne has some great, sharp comments on the fact that her series’s writers didn’t appreciate Clooney the way she did) and THANKSGIVING ‘91 (with guests Shelley WInters and Estelle Parsons). These are wonderful commentaries, very funny, very honest and Roseanne’s comments are aided by some pop-up blurbs at the bottom of the screen that sometimes corrects or elaborates on something Roseanne has said. (For instance, Roseanne says Shelley Winters wasnt too happy about playing Parson’s mother because she was only a few years older than Parsons. The pop-up track tells us that WInters was seven years older than Parsons.)
The second extra is a brief on-camera interview with Roseanne about the show. It’s spirited and fun and filled with clips. The final extra is called “A Grown-Up Sit Down Interview with “an Adult” Becky and D.J. It’s merely a condensed and reedited compilation of the interview Michael Fishman did for the season two set and the interview Lecky Goranson did for the season three set. It offers no new material and is just a rehash of previously seen footage.
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Even thought Roseanne ends each commentary track with the same statement of “Am I done?”, I hope that the next sets have even more video commentaries. This is a terrific DVD set.
Seems like Amazon didn’t take the time to list the episode titles for us, so I’ll take a crack at it. “BOO!”, being the most dimented and memorable episode for me & my sister, wins the title spot for my “review”. p.s. Most TV shows can be found on imdb.com, though beware of occasional glitches in the descriptions (mainly die-hard fans notice these errors and are able to report them for correction).
“Inherit the Wind” – Becky “lays down the law” in front of the whole student council, including the boy she has a date with that night, Jimmy Meltrigger.
“Little Sister” – Jackie defends her decision to enroll in the police academy.
“Guilt by Disassociation” – Roseanne gets a job “psych” when the job offer she thought she had is quickly revoked because she lacks computer skills.
“Somebody Stole My Gal” – While doing some office work at Dan’s construction site, Roseanne impresses the architect who turns out to be a needy, yet generous loner latching onto the Conner family.
“House of Grown-Ups” – Jackie prepares for 6 weeks at the police academy while Becky takes Darlene – or shall I say Vivienne – to her first co-ed party.
“Five of a Kind” – Arnie plants a kiss on Roseanne leaving her to wonder what it could mean.
“BOO!” – DJ welcomes trick-or-treaters to the Conner’s “tunnel of terror”, while Dan and Roseanne try to “out trick” each other.
“Sweet Dreams” – Roseanne’s first attempt at a fantasy episode as she tries to get a few minutes of peace in the tub.
“We Gather Together” – Another dysfunctional Thanksgiving on Delaware St. as Roseanne tries to find a way to tell her parents she prefers they stay at a motel.
“Brain-Dead Poets Society” – Darlene’s insightful poem brings Roseanne and Jackie to tears at the middle school’s talent night.
“Lobocop” – Roseanne’s 2nd job as a Lobo bartender takes a toll on her lovelife until Dan comes in & picks her up.
“No Talking” – Classic teen daughter/mom rivalry with a little “good cop (Dan), bad cop (Roseanne) mixed in.
“Chicken Hearts” – Roseanne finds herself cow-towing to her teenaged boss (the “little maggot”) in order to get weekends off.
“One for the Road” – When the folks are away…Becky plays bartender for her friend, mixing up a recipe for two wicked hangovers.
“An Officer and a Gentleman” – With Roseanne out of town, Jackie steps in to help Dan with the kids. Shades of “Leave it to Beaver”…(a la Roseanne, of course)
“Born to be Wild” – Dan & Roseanne’s old buddy Ziggy rides into town, bringing nostalgia, revealing Dan’s nickname, and restoring Dan’s hog to its former glory.
“Hair” – Roseanne takes a job in a hair salon full of characters including the owner of the factory most of the town once worked in.
“I’m Hungry” – Tempted by Mallomars and Bucky Burger commercials, Roseanne diets to get her pants to fit better.
“All of Me” – Jackie is crazy about her new man, but Roseanne is worried that she’s losing herself in the deal.
“To Tell the Truth” – Dan convinces Jackie to make up with Roseanne but on her way over to apologize, she gets a proposition from Gary.
“Fender Bender” – Roseanne’s feelings are hurt as well as her neck when Mrs. Wellman rear-ends her and doesn’t apologize until she is threatened by the Conner’s lawsuit.
“April Fool’s Day” – The procrastinating “Wagners” must go down to the IRS office on April 15th to ask a question about their return.
“Fathers and Daughters” – To prove they relate to both children equally, Roseanne bonds with Darlene while Dan takes Becky to the mall.
“Happy Birthday” – Missing her creative side, Roseanne gets a great gift from Dan – the basement is converted into her own private writing studio.
Download TMNT Online
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Download TMNT Online.
Movie Title: TMNT TMNT is available for streaming or downloading. |
The Turtles triumphant return to the big screen. This time round its computer generated, which adds substantially to the emotional range of the characters. The art directors hedged their bets by stylizing the human designs rather than the risky attempt to do any ultra-realistic representation. But, the turtles are animated to gorgeous mutant perfection, as you’d expect. This allows for the terrific dynamic between the brothers, especially the expressiveness necessary to convey some of the more charged moments between Leonardo, just returned from South American soul-searching and brother Raphael chafing at the need to follow any orders. The siblings deal with these issues in a way that none of the other incarnations of character have taken on, the series has grown up with it’s audience, those of us who were fans of the original books, movies and TV shows. It will still appeal to its new generation of Turtle fans, but it is surely the most clever and best written of any non-comic version. While the film still combines elements of the currently running comic book series with the original film series and the currently running Saturday morning fare. Don’t worry, it combines the best elements…really. Throw-backs include some sewer skatin’, Splinter joinin’ the fray and a “I love bein’ a turtle” closer. Not to mention a timely soundtrack, like a particularly effective use of a cover of “Black Betty” during Raphael’s scuffle with the Jersey Devil appropriately enough in Kevin Smith’s kitchen.
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The voice talent is particularly notable in TMNT: Buffy herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar is an excellent April, Patrick Stewart is a perfect mult-millenium-aged warrior-king, the venerable Mako (Aku of SAMURAI JACK & that wizard in CONAN) is a natural for Master Splinter, cameos from Kevin Smith a.k.a Silent Bob (as a cook), Laurence Fishburne of the Matrix narrates, also, Ziyi Zhang, Chris Evans (as Casey Jones) and others.
The story is pretty good, if maybe complex: The Turtles have gone their separate ways, Leo off to become a better leader, Raphael embarks on a solo vigilante career in the absence of a team, Mikey does kid’s parties as a Turtle-headed Cowabunga Carl, while Donny, of course, is a phone-bound tech-support. No back-story or origin of the turtles is needed nor is it supplied, we are thrown right in with a Lord of the Rings style set-up of a warrior who opens a gateway to immortality, but in doing so, releases 13 monsters upon the world and when our story begins in the present, 3000 years later, the time has come to make things right, with the help of the recently reunited Turtles, the FOOT Clan (lead by Korai, the Shredder’s adopted daughter and sole heir, although this isn’t referenced in the film) and some living stone warriors from the old days. The team ultimately work out their interpersonal issues and team-up for the epic climax including Casey & April.
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Great, gorgeous and clever ” I do hope there’s more of them…”
Leonardo is in South America learning to be a better leader. Raphael and the others are still in Manhattan, but he is distant from Donatello and Michelangelo. He is spending his nights as the Nightwatcher, a superhero who is protecting the city. Soon, strange things start happening, and April O’Neil, friend of the turtles, tries to get them back together to fight this new menace.
Using the live action movies from the 90’s as a vague history, this CGI film jumps right into the story and doesn’t let up until the end. This is my first turtles movie, but I have to think that CGI treats them better than the live action movies did. There are no limits to the fight scenes and camera angles as they bound across the city. “TMNT” was surprisingly good and entertaining. Kids and action fans will not be disappointed.
Download Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Kids Online
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Download Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Kids Online.
Movie Title: Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Kids Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Kids is available for streaming or downloading. Click Here to Stream or Download Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Kids |
My daughter Lily loves Miss Spider. I rented this for her and she has watched it every day. I”m going to buy it for our vacation. The movie has all the bright colors like the book and the voice of Brooke Shields as Miss Spider. It is not loud and it is very soft and well done. The DVD has extras that are well worth the money. David Kirk reads the book and there are also more stories. Miss Spider also talks about all her kids and their names and personalities. You can’t miss with this purchase and get the book too.
We’ve been playing this DVD for my daughter since she was about 8 months old and she enjoys the colors!!
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They’re just so vivid that it caught her attention early on and she hasn’t let go. Now, at 16 months, she still enjoys watching it while she eats on her high chair and it’s the only way to keep her still for a while.
We bought this DVD with a package containing Stellaluna at Costco, and a freebie for the High Five musical group, but nothing has caught my daughter’s attention more than this DVD. Growing up with the Disney movies myself, I tried to get her into those movies but they’re simply boring for her (of course, she’s too little 
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Of course, I’ve enjoyed it, too 
and always play it for visitors, children and adults, and they always get hooked.
My wife is always laughing at us because my little one and I just get into the movie and don’t pay attention to anything else, that’s how good it is!!
Two thumbs up!
Warn 70170 Best Prices, Sales, Reviews, Compare
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Product: Warn 70170 Amazon Price: Too low to display Availability: In Stock |
A lot lighter than i thought it would be.
I actually use it on my car trailer so it will be interesting to see how long it lasts. I read on a thread somewhere that they have plastic internal gears (which i find hard to believe in a Warn, but the source sounded credible). If it does have plastic gears i’ll know in short order.
So far its working great!
Toshiba PLL23U-00501C Best Price, Reviews, Compare
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Product: Toshiba PLL23U-00501C Amazon Price: Too low to display Availability: In Stock |
Compare Prices on Toshiba PLL23U-00501C
Well, it looks like I’m first. I have this dream of having a laptop in every room that I use a lot in the house. Mainly my living room and bedroom. I already had two work laptops in my home office and call me lazy but I was tired of carrying the one I use out of the office, up and down the stairs, running out of battery and having to go get the power cord. I decided a netbook might be a good choice for my minor chatting and surfing.
I couldn’t decided between this model and the HP Mini 311. I ended up ordering the HP and buying this one at my local store. This model is very slick looking. I got the Blue one and its very elegant. You wouldn’t mind being seen out with this laptop.
When I got it home I took it out of the box. The battery was already in the netbook but had 0 power so I needed to charge it. I haven’t yet tested how long the battery lasts, I’ll come back to update that.
Out of the box the laptop had me name my netbook then it found my wireless router right away. That was really nice not to have to configure anything. I just put in my routers password and I was on. No work, no hassle no headache.
My unit is running Windows 7 starter edition. I see the Win7 has moved the programs you are running to the bottom of the screen, similar to Mac’s Dock. Microsoft could have made them look a little better but that has nothing to do with this netbook.
I had a few concerns owning a netbook. My husband has one of the original eee Asus Netbooks and I can’t type on those to save my life. Not to mention they get hot enough to cook on. So going in I knew I did not want these two issues.
I have on a pair of thermal (like long johns) material PJ’s and this netbook has been surfed on and chatted with on Aim for the last 7 hours straight. I played a 7 minute youtube video about 10 times trying to get the bottom of the netbook hot. The netbook is a little warm but it never got so uncomfortable I needed to put a book under it. I can’t tell you how happy I am about that.
The trackpad is nice and wide but I have on accident hit it a few times. I think once i’m use to typing on it, this will improve. If not, hopefully I can disable it.
The keyboard is the chicklet style I believe they call it. Similar to those on the MacBook. They are really pretty silver finish but they are also smooth and a little slippery. I think my biggest gripe with this is that they are evenly smooth across the keys. I think a dip in the keys would have given these a better feel. Still for a netbook the spacing on them is quite usable.
I really like the blue and silver color scheme of this netbook. Its small and light weight and I think I can fit it in my purse. And with 9 hours of battery life, I can see why netbooks are really taking off.
So far I’ve only ran into one issue. I had about 12 IE tab windows in total open and I was in chat and I hit a slow down where IE barely responded. At the time my memory was nearly 800MB. I think once I take this up to 2 gigs then it will be fine. I’ve since installed Google Chrome and its been even more snappy.
This unit has a generous amount of USB connectors. At 3 it has more then my MacBook has which is great in this tiny package. It also has a ethernet port, Mic and Headset jack, and of course a SD/SDHC card slot.
With its long batter life, like weight, great style, I think I am going to enjoy carrying this around and not minding it.
My youtube video up until I had to much running actually played quite well. I didn’t notice any slow downs until I over taxed the system.
This notebook is almost perfect. The biggest gripe of all I have is the sound. Its nearly non-existent on this netbook. I think the biggest issue is the placement of the speaker. Its underneath the netbook and gets covered by your lap. Nothing a headset can’t solve but I thought I would point it out.
**Update** I wrote this at 3am and in my rush to get to bed, I forgot to mention two important things.
1. The screen. The screen is just gorgeous for a netbook. Its bright, and colorful and even when you pull it off of AC power to go to the battery it dims a little but not so much that it becomes uncomfortable.
Keep in mind it does have a terrible 1024 x600 which only affects how much scrolling you’ll do. As far as text goes, its very sharp and readable.
2. The Battery. I’m currently using the Netbook on battery and I find that it remains cool. It hasn’t heated up on me after about an hour of use.
The next part about the battery is that it juts out the back about an inch so that its not flush against the netbook. This will probably mean you may have to get a bigger case besides the 10.1 inch size. Even though the battery sticks out the back, it does sit flat on a flat surface. The battery doesn’t raise the back end up at all.
** End of Update One**
**Update Two**
As promised I said I’d be back after testing the battery. I unplugged the AC power at exactly 12 Noon. Between 12 noon and 12 midnight, I’ve had a 2 hour nap, and 1 hour watching my favorite TV show. The netbook set idle and went into sleep mode during those times. Before I went to sleep I stuck my iPhone on it so it could charge it. This took my battery down to about 94% by the time I awaken again. It is now 11:55PM or five til midnight. That’s 12 hours being off AC power. I am at 13% battery life.
Subtracting time for my nap and TV watching, I had roughly 9 hours of battery life. This was only using it to surf and chat. I haven’t run youtube videos or anything like that. I didn’t do any energy savings to try and get more life from it. I used whatever it defaults to and I’m really happy with it. Before when I tried to conserve battery the screen would be so dark I could barely see it. This has been a pleasure to use.
I’ve used it on my lap all day. No heat issues. The palm rest stays cool and the bottom is barely warm. I’ve yet to install any ”real” programs on here besides Aim. I will attempt Microsoft Office 2007 once I have that 2GB stick and i’ll let you all know how that goes.
I have a 2GB stick coming tomorrow. I will update more later.
Also, I’m completely use to the keys now. My one point off is for the sound. Its REALLY low. It is a netbook, but if sounds important to you without using a headset, this isn’t the netbook for you.
**End of Update 2**
**Update three**
I plugged the net book in last night a little after midnight at 10% remaining charge. I find while the battery last a long time, it takes a long time to charge. I took about 3 hour and 40 minutes give or take a few minutes to go back to 100% charge. Still, for the battery life you get I think thats small, however it may stop you from wanting to buy a second battery.
Another side note, I’m finding a few of my XP/Vista programs won’t install. Microsoft messenger and Aim installed fine. My 3m Post-it-notes (XP and Vista compatible)won’t. This isn’t because of the netbook but because of windows starter. Apparently if you upgrade to one of the the other Windows 7 offerings, their is compatibility with XP and Vista. Windows 7 Starter is crippled because of this. They’ve even taken away your ability to change your desktop background, you have to pay the 80 dollar premium if you want these features. I thought I would point this out, while 80 for an Upgraded OS is not bad, it is expensive when its nearly 1/4 the cost of the netbook. XP while old was still a full OS and I myself never had a problem with it getting the job done. If you wait until there is a Windows 7 Version you’ll be fine but it could mean buying software over you already own, making Microsoft’s upgrade cheaper in the end.
I just popped in 2GB of memory. I can confirm the one spot that gets warm on the netbook is the memory. I’m very surprised I feel no heat from the hard drive.
This review has turned into a book. I may comeback if I find anything worth while to inform you about.
**End of update Three**
**Update 4**
Per request, I’ve started testing video playback. I played a couple of YouTube videos and the playback was pretty smooth. I didn’t notice any jerkiness and it was actually better then I thought it would be. I also watched a few clips on Hulu and as long as it wasn’t in full screen mode, playback was pretty smooth. In full screen model I notice some very subtle frame drops or skips. I say subtle because I was studying it to see if I noticed anything. If I hadn’t been looking for it I’m not sure if it would have hampered by experience or not.
I finally tested a pair of headphones and Music playback was smooth and nice and loud, so a headset won’t be an issue with this Netbook.
I noticed when I’m installing programs that the memory does heat up. Thats the only time I noticed it heating up beyond its normal temps. I wish I had a temp monitor so I could see what idle temps are. If I find one I’ll post it.
If you want better Video playback, go with the HP 311. The Nvidia ION 9400 is going to be a lot better for video and output in HD.
**end of update.**
I think that about covers it. Feel free to comment and leave questions and I will answer them if you need help deciding if you want to buy it.
I will be real curious to see how this stacks up against the HP Mini 311 when it comes in.
I’ve been browsing around for awhile in search of the right netbook and I finally (sorta) settled down on this Toshiba mini NB205 N330. I say sorta because I actually haven’t bought it yet but I’ve tested it–as well as other netbooks–numerous times whenever I visit an electronics store.
A great feature of this netbook is its keyboard. I’m mainly using this netbook to takes notes in class and the buttons are the right size for my fingers which makes typing a whole lot more efficient and satisfying. I find myself making less typos with this extra space in between each button than when I was testing with other netbook keyboards.
There is a ~$20 difference between the Toshiba N225 and N330. And that’s because the N330 can hold 250GB (instead of 160) of HD space and supports bluetooth.
Currently, all netbooks won’t have any other versions of Windows 7 other than the Starter so its unfair to rate a netbook off of its OS. Theres a hidden link on Microsoft’s website that allows students to order Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional for only $30 (offer expires January 3rd I think) so take advantage of that if you’re a student. I’ve already ordered mine so I won’t have to deal with Windows 7 Starter when I get my netbook.
This netbook is a chip away from being perfect only because the speaker is terribly placed underneath the netbook which makes very poor sound. I really hope Toshiba is listening to reviews and fix the speakers.
One more downside is the battery pack that sticks out a good inch or 1/2 inch. That means you won’t be able to get a 10.2in case but rather go for something a little bigger OR a 10.2in case with a flap top.
As for now, I will await for Black Friday and pray that this NB205 N330 will be on sale that very day. Even better would be if they release another version with improved sound and slap it on sale for black friday.
I actually bought the NB205-N330BN, pre-ordering it from amazon, so this review is by an actual owner. In addition to this netbook, I also own 2 desktops (one I built myself) and two laptops. Before buying, one needs to realize the limitations of a netbook. It’s not meant as a replacement for your desktop or laptop. I bought it for remote access to my company’s server so I could prepare reports from the road and not have to drive 1-2 hours to my office. For this and for internet browsing, it has been perfect. Two others in my office have Asus and HP netbooks and this Toshiba blows them away, if for nothing else the keyboard layout. Wi-fi reception has been much better than the laptop I previously used, so I have no complaints at all. Windows 7 Starter has been fine. I didn’t need all the bells and whistles and stupid Windows tricks. No wallpaper? Who cares?
All I can suggest is that you do your research to make sure a netbook fits your needs. Read the reviews and visit a retail outlet to check out the various models, keyboard layout, etc. At this time I highly recommend the Toshiba. I thought my wife might complain about the brown color, but she and everyone else loves it. A nice change from black or blue.
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The copy and scan functions are outstanding — quick, quiet, and easy to use. Scanning to Adobe files is remarkably simple. Faxing, though, is another story. The fax wizard will not install on Vista 64 bit systems, so fax send functions are limited to what you can do manually. More frustrating, it is impossible to receive faxes with an answering machine connected. I have spent many hours speaking with technicians in India to solve the problem. They diagnose the problem being the answering machine, but changing the answering machine did not help. This was not an issue with my five year old HP Office Jet. And the 1522 is not covered by HP on-line help. So my advice is to think about your needs before buying. If you have Vista 64 bit or use this on anything other than a dedicated fax line, beware.
Please note: In order to post this review, I HAD to give this printer one star. This printer deserves NO STARS.
The HP1522nf had everything I was looking for–Fax, Scan, laser printing, feeder, PPM requirements–and what I thought was HP quality. Although we purchased it from Amazon.com on 4/17, the printer was not placed into use until 5/1 because we were still in construction mode on our business. On May 1, I spent several hours on the phone with HP tech support…in India…and I couldn’t understand most of what they said. Worse, they couldn’t understand *me.* And I speak very clearly.
I was told that the printer could not be plugged into a surge protector–has to be plugged straight into the wall, and they eventually decided that I needed to download the printer software from HP’s website to cure the fact that the printer simply would not operate after printing one page.
I uninstalled the software that I’d installed from HP’s disc. The problem here is that the uninstall doesn’t remove all of the software it’s installed. It leaves tons of junk on the computer. I reinstalled with the fresh download and the printer worked for about a week. The scan and FAX functions refused to work, but I had a business to open and didn’t have time to sit on the phone with HP tech support for hour after hour.
On May 20th, I called HP tech support and the first question I asked was why they had never checked back with me as they said they’d do. The response was that they’d closed the file as “successfully handled” because (they claimed) when tech support tried to call me back, they found my number disconnected. My number was NOT disconnected, but the number they were calling had absolutely not one digit in common with my number.
I spent two days on the phone with tech support, uninstalling and reinstalling the software over and over, coaxing the printer to please do something right, trying to understand what the HP tech support people were saying… It was MEGA-frustrating.
The problems? The printer would print once, and then turn itself off. HP absurdly placed the switch in the back (lower left side), so in order to power cycle the printer, it’s really handy if you know how to do yoga. However, power cycling it would do nothing after awhile. The printer turned itself off and stayed off.
HP tech support asked me to FAX them the receipt, which I did (before the printer finally decided to stay dead), and HP’s tech support had the gall to complain that it was too blurry to read. Having been sent with one of their printers and received on their equipment, the quality of the FAX would be HP’s problem–not mine.
The machine would not scan. Trying to run the scan software resulted in a pop-up window telling me that the scan had failed, did I want to try again. It never scanned.
The computer I installed the software on unfortunately runs Vista. I asked if this could be the problem. HP tech support thought not. However, when trying to input data into the FAX feature on the computer, I ran into a series of annoying problems. For example, inputting the business name required that I input one letter and then the HP software would spit up a yellow caution sign window with the letter and a question mark. I’d click “OK,” and then enter another letter, at which point HP software would spit up the same yellow caution sign with the new letter and a question mark. I’d click “OK”…and this is how the entire business name had to be entered! One letter at a time and no spaces. Hitting the space bar would bounce the cursor back to the beginning. I kludged that problem by inserting an underscore between words. It’s insane!
Finally HP tech support decided it was a bad printer and that they needed to replace my brand new straigh-out-of-the-box printer with a used refurbished one! That’s when I blew up. And that’s when HP lost me as a customer.
I complained vociferously. They said they’d review the issues, but replacing with a used refurbished unit was all HP policy allows.
I wrote scathing emails to HP tech support and to HP’s CEO (whose email address is on the HP website if you’re patient enough to search for it). I decided to cc Amazon.com as well.
Next morning, I received a wonderful email from Amazon telling me that due to the extenuating circumstances, they’d already shipped me a new printer and sent a label for the return of the non-functional unit. Amazon ROCKS!
Then I received a call from HP tech support telling me in pidgin English that they’d reviewed the situation and would send me a used refurbished unit. It was great fun to tell them to go pound sand.
My new printer arrived as scheduled. I spent hours on my computer–weeding through folders, uninstalling every particle of HP software I could find–looking in hidden folders (they’re in there too), as well as taking ownership of items and changing permissions in order to dump eons of the nasty buggers. I plugged the printer INTO THE WALL RECEPTICLE. I installed the software from a fresh download.
It works. It FAXes. (The first two FAXes failed, but after that it worked. I still had to enter the business name header one letter at a time, each letter followed by the annoying sign and clicking “OK.”) It scans. It prints. It doesn’t turn itself off. BUT–after reading these reviews, I have to wonder how long this “success” will hold.
I wish I’d bought any other brand printer. Brother printers seem to be garnering good reviews, but based on past experience with having to kick those suckers to print, I decided against Brother. Epson seems to be having success. Really, ANYTHING has to be better than an HP printer.
Until HP gets its act together with technically-correct software and printers that work, and more importantly–MOVES THEIR TECH SUPPORT BACK TO THE UNITED STATES–I refuse to do business with them. I’ve bought probably 10 HP printers over the past few years. Maybe more. I don’t mind spending a little time on the phone with tech support for minor issues. But in the past two years–it’s happened with every single printer with every single set-up, and it’s gotten old. So long, HP. Your printers don’t work. Your software doesn’t work. And your tech support is atrocious.
This machine is on sale for a reason: It’s an incredibly bad product from an equally bad company.
The fax from the computer feature doesn’t always dial until the dial tone switches to the “if you’d like to make a call” message. So at least half the faxes have to be reloaded.
Unfortunately the English-challenged “support” in India has no idea what that message is, so it was not until I asked for a “supervisor” did anyone understand the problem.
The suggestion was to update the firmware and drivers. I did and now I can’t install the fax functions at all.
In the middle of this, the printer flashed a “replace black toner” message and won’t print until I fork over another $79.00 for a new cartridge. The existing one is not showing any signs of needing replacement. HP has rigged the sensor to their advantage.
I have purchased mostly HP printers in the past. Of course, this will be my last.