Showing posts with label bluetooth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bluetooth. Show all posts

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Sony CMTBX5BT CMT Micro Component System with Bluetooth Technology Review

Sony CMTBX5BT CMT Micro Component System with Bluetooth Technology
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Picked this one up at Best Buy (sorry, Amazon, but they had it marked down to $129.99) yesterday, along w/a Bluetooth dongle for my PC.
I brought a burned MP3 CD into the store with me, and not only did this little guy read it promptly, but it delivered quite crisp and (comparatively) loud playback. Lined up, side-by-side, with many other styles of shelf systems, the SONY looks stylish and slick (like the PSP). Of course, a lot of the others look like low-budget, B-movie rocket ships!! (My wife's observation).
So now, I have the unit at home, unpacked and plugged in. Here's where TWO major observations about the Bluetooth functionality became evident, and worth mentioning:
*This unit basically works like a pair of Bluetooth headphones. You must open your audio player on the PC, set up the playlist / music folders and you must begin the playing from the PC. This unit does NOT allow you to browse folders and choose playlists from within the stereo itself. Windows Media Player or WinAmp or the like MUST be running, and set up to play. This was a mild disappointment for about 2 minutes, until I remembered that the unit was only $130. The functionality is STILL a pretty nifty extra.
* I have an Ibook with OS X version 10.4 running, and built-in Bluetooth. Well, OS X 10.4 DOES NOT support the necessary communication protocols to work with this stereo. Won't work. However, version 10.5 (due in October 2007) reportedly DOES support these protocols. So, if you only have Macs in your home, be prepared to wait a bit. I'm not sure if plugging that Bluetooth dongle into the Mac USB port will add this functionality, but I doubt it.
So, to summarize:
Nice looking; clear, non-strident playback; well-priced; nicely-built; cool functionality.
Also, it has all the basics you expect; sleep and alarm functions (with separate vol. settings for each), shuffle, repeat, folder jumping (for MP3-burned discs), ID3 tag support, a nice little remote, etc.
I'm very pleased, all in all.


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Monday, November 21, 2011

iHome Dual Alarm Clock Radio for iPad®/iPhone® - Black (ID85BZC) Review

iHome Dual Alarm Clock Radio for iPadandreg;/iPhoneandreg; - Black (ID85BZC)
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It's first and foremost just a speaker dock. Once you add the app, you can completely customize the alarm schedule, but in that case, why this dock compared to any other? Sound quality was okay, no worse than any other clock radio I've ever owned.
It does have a clock built in with very basic alarm capabilities and a battery backup. However, while there are two alarms that can each be set with times for every day, or a combination of one time for M-F and another time for Saturday and Sunday, the ability to program the alarms was very limited. In my case, I get up at the same time Mon, Tues, Thur, and Friday, a different time on Wednesday, no alarm on Saturday, and a third time on Sunday. For me, I would have had to use both alarms for myself; alarm 1 for the "usual" schedule. Then I'd have to set alarm 2 for my Wednesday wake-up, but it would be set for every day, so I'd have to remember to turn off alarm 1 on Tuesday night and turn on alarm 2, then reverse it for Wednesday night. I also couldn't figure out a way to completely disable the weekend alarm without turning the entire alarm off (so it would automatically resume on Monday), and when I asked, tech support either didn't understand the question or chose to evade it.
(I realize most alarm clocks have to be reprogrammed to change the time they go off, and you have to turn them off to prevent them going off, but the description makes the alarm schedule of this one sound really customizable and in that regard, I found it pathetically wanting.)
It worked fine with my iPad 2, with no issues charging or playing. I found it difficult to dock; the connector rocks back and forth and I had to turn the dock around and visually align it to the port. By contrast, my mom's original iPad slid easily into place, and it worked well even with the iPad in an OtterBox case.
My chief concern, and the reason I returned it, was that when the iPad is docked, if you use to app to create a custom alarm, you have to use the alarm sounds built into the app, and the alarm volume is then tied to the dock volume. I keep the volume turned way down as I go to sleep at night, and was concerned that there would be mornings that I'd sleep right through the alarm. Also, because the built-in alarm was so limited, I was concerned that the battery backup built into the dock might not work if the built-in alarm was disabled and the user was relying on app's alarms, though I didn't test it to be sure.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Motorola SLVR L7 Unlocked Phone with Camera, MP3/Video Player, and MicroSD Slot--International Version with No Warranty (Black) Review

Motorola SLVR L7 Unlocked Phone with Camera, MP3/Video Player, and MicroSD Slot--International Version with No Warranty (Black)
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This is a very nice phone. Call reception and battery life are excellent on the Cingular network. The iTunes features work fine but it won't replace my iPod nano any time soon. This phone has a very solid feel to it. The SLVR is not without flaws but show me a phone that isn't.
PROS:
Very solid, slim and sexy.
iTunes
Quad band
Expandable memory
Excellent reception
Excellent battery life
Bluetooth
CONS:
Camera (0.3 megapixel is pathetic in this day and age)
No high speed data (EDGE)
100 song cap on iTunes (not shocking, Apple still wants to sell iPods)
No dedicated headphone jack ( form over function compromise)
USB 1.1 transfer is VERY slow
Same old Moto OS ( Contacts list Stinks)
Conclusion:
If you're looking for a very sexy looking phone that has excellent reception and battery life I can think of no better choice than the SLVR. If you need a smart phone or all the latest bells and whistles there are better choices.

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If you thought the RAZR V3 was cool, you'll love the latest addition to Motorola's line of super-chic, super-powerful phones--the SLVR L7. Packing all the great functionality of the RAZR V3, plus a few more bells and whistles like removable memory, the SLVR L7 adopts a thin, candy-bar form factor that is sure to turn heads. The SLVR L7 also adds support for iTunes, allowing you to play, sort, store and manage your music right on the phone. With long-range Bluetooth, support for video playback, a VGA (640 x 480) camera and a gorgeous color screen it's a must-have phone for those who want to stay on the cutting edge.
Design At less than a half-inch thick, the SLVR L7 redefines the ultrathin phone category. A large 176 x 220 color display with 262,000 colors resides above the handset's backlit control pad, which is precision cut from a single sheet of nickel-plated copper alloy. The VGA camera lens is housed on the rear of the phone, while up/down buttons are placed on the left side. There's also a highly accessible mini-USB port on the right side of the phone for data synchronization and music transfer, as well as a covered slot for inserting a microSD or TransFlash memory card.
Calling Features The SLVR L7's internal phone book can hold up to 1000 contacts while the phone's picture ID system allows you to assign pictures to your most common callers. It also supports polyphonic ringtones as well as music ringers, allowing you to use portions of your favorite songs to alert you to incoming calls. And for times when you want to be discreet, there's a vibrating alert. A built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear, while voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family, and associates as easy as saying their names.
Because the SLVR L7 is Bluetooth enabled, wireless headsets can be configured with the phone for total hands-free operation.
Messaging, Internet, and Tools The SLVR L7 is a messaging and wireless Internet powerhouse. Support is built in for sending and receiving pictures, text, graphics, sound, and video via messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in still and video camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun. Instant messaging is supported and the phone ships with a built-in e-mail client with support for POP3 and SMTP protocols (carrier messaging charges may apply). Plus, there's a built-in Web browser for downloads and mobile Web browsing. iTap text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit--a plus for mobile e-mail and text messaging users.
When used with a carrier data plan and the phone's Bluetooth or USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs.
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the SLVR L7, including a calculator, a calendar, and an alarm clock. Use the phone's Bluetooth capability to set up a wireless link with a Bluetooth accessory or connect to a computer or hand-held device to exchange and synchronize data. The phone also supports the SyncML PC synchronization standard, which can be used with Motorola's Mobile Phone Tools PC application to manage and synchronize contacts, calendar, and other data with your PC.
Imaging and Entertainment With 5 MB of internal memory storage, plus a memory expansion slot, the SLVR L7 shines in the entertainment department. The phone's VGA camera features a 4x digital zoom, as well as video capture capabilities (up to 30 seconds in length). Capture stills and then send them to your friends via MMS messaging or e-mail, or to your PC via USB or Bluetooth. The phone is capable of MPEG4 video playback when you receive a video message, or if you upload video to the phone via USB or Bluetooth. The SLVR L7 also supports custom graphics for wallpapers so you can dress up the phone to suit your mood.
At its heart, the SLVR L7 is a music phone. Built-in stereo speakers let you listen while you work or play, and a stereo headset jack makes it easy to jam out in private to your favorite MP3s with the included earbuds.
Last but not least, support for gaming is built into the phone. Have some fun during your downtime!
Vital Statistics The Motorola SLVR L7 weighs 3.5 ounces and measures 4.5 x 1.9 x .45 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6 hours of digital talk time, and up to 17 days of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS frequencies.
What's in the Box Handset, battery, battery door, travel charger, user manual

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Monday, September 19, 2011

iHome App-Enhanced Alarm Clock with Bluetooth and FM Radio for iPad, iPhone and iPod Review

iHome App-Enhanced Alarm Clock with Bluetooth and FM Radio for iPad, iPhone and iPod
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Warning: Most of the truly worthwhile features for this alarm clock are only functional through the iPhone / iPad App ("iHome+Sleep" App on iTunes store). Without the app, it's merely an expensive speaker system with a clock (and not a very accurate one, either). I have had the iA100 for over two months now and unfortunately, the app is extremely buggy and erratic and the direct support from iHome has been completely useless and unresponsive. This makes the iA100 less useful and less worthy of its $[...] price tag.
I recommend you refer to the following support threads on iHome's own support forums before considering this item:
[..]
Do a search for more on the iA100 topic and you'll find similar issues with similar concerns. You'll notice that these and other postings have almost zero responses from iHome support except for one (which was not specific or helpful in any way). Direct emails to their tech support (I've sent three over the past two months over the same issues posted) go ignored. I intend to call directly, however I read a customer's posting that the phone support lacks adequate knowledge about the product, software app or remedies, and were advised to post their question on the iHome support forums for better response. This tells me that they have a limited staff and relies solely on their support forums for communicating with customers.
Needless to say, I'm very disappointed with this purchase considering it's a pretty expensive, high-end alarm clock that is customized to work with your iPad / iPhone. People on the forums have complained that their iA100s are unreliable for daily use. I simply can't rely on mine either due to the problems noted in the forum postings. I'm assuming people are merely using the iA100 as a $[...] speaker system for now. I personally wouldn't mind the time needed to gradually improve their iHome App, but it would be appropriate (and for $200, they should be obligated) to respond to customers with some kind of confirmation, remedy, workaround, or timeline to the fixes posted on the iHome support forum.
I'll be happy to update this post when iHome promptly responds to these and other support postings regarding similar issues regarding the app.
In the meantime, purchase this at your own risk!

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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Samsung P2 8 GB Touchscreen Bluetooth Portable Media Player (Black) Review

Samsung P2 8 GB Touchscreen Bluetooth Portable Media Player (Black)
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Aesthetically, this is a really nice product from Samsung. The player is quite sleek, with nice rounded edges, a decent weight, and sharp piano black gloss finish. The sound quality is superb. I didn't get the same battery life the manufacturer did (they rate 30 hours, I probably average 20), but I would bet that's because I use the touchscreen interface more than their battery testers did.
As for the touchscreen, I have to admit it's pretty nice. I prefer tactile use, so I'm more of a fan of buttons than touchscreens, but Samsung has done a nice job executing this one. There are a couple of odd quirks to the touchscreen. For example, when you "swipe" the touchscreen to advance you have to swipe from right to left, which seems counterintuitive since you are advancing the progress bar from left to right. Obviously, the same is true of swiping to back up, where you swipe from left to right, even though you're going back on the progress bar.
Also, in the default menu setting, you make circular gestures on the touchscreen to advance through the menu. Neat? yes. Functional? not really. The biggest problem I had with this is that my thumb kept obscuring the icons as they moved into view. Ultimately, I found this too annoying and I disabled it in favor of a regular grid menu. Not as cool to show your friends, but much more functional.
The audio player functions are top notch. As a caveat to this, I will say that I could not get this to sync with Winamp 5.5. My Winamp crashed every time I loaded it when the P2 was plugged in. Instead, I did my syncing through Windows Media Player, and it worked fine. It synced playlists perfectly, and did a great job recognizing albums when I copied them directly like a mass storage device. The on-board player functions include a customizable EQ with quite a few presets and a clarity adjuster. There are preset visualizations including a couple of light shows (that do not track the music), album art, track info, and a spectrum analyzer.
The video player is pretty good, but I don't really like watching video on such a small screen anyway. I'm not a big fan of the fact that you have to convert through Samsung's software to get it to run, but I guess that's the case with most MP3/video players. The widescreen playback is properly formated. FM reception is satisfactory. Not sure how the eReader works since I don't have any ebooks for it, but you can see test screens of it.
This is, overall, a good MP3 player, even if it is a bit pricey. It is only $50 cheaper than the iTouch, but it also brings in an FM radio tuner and bluetooth support for up to two bluetooth devices--including a pass-thru for your cellphone to a set of bluetooth stereo headphones like the non-US release Samsung T9. Bluetooth is a great feature if you've got bluetooth headsets, speakers, or car radio. So you're getting more features than the iTouch offers. A major downside for me is the fact that it is primarily touchscreen-only (there are hard buttons on the side: on the left a lock button and a play/pause/power button; on the right, two volume buttons). Since I tend to like to keep my mp3 in my pocket, I prefer to have tactile skip buttons as well.
Samsung has made some great strides with their feature packed MP3 players. And while this one was almost perfect for me, it fell short of the mark only in the somewhat high price tag and the lack of hard skip buttons. I give them kudos, however, for having hard play/pause/power and volume buttons (FYI, play/pause and volume can also be controlled via the touchscreen).


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The Samsung P2 is the first Samsung MP3 widescreen video player with an optimized touchscreen user interface and Bluetooth functionality. The P2's Bluetooth capability will enable the P2 to pair with other Bluetooth 2.0 devices. The P2 comes ready to pair with stereo Bluetooth 2.0 headphones and speaker systems to provide high-quality wireless listening.For added convenience, the P2 is able to pair with up to two devices at the same time. Full integration with cell phones will be available via a firmware upgrade in November 2007. Users can even set up datacasts (podcasts) by using the SMS software that comes on the included installation disk.
The Samsung P2 is an 8 GB Flash-based portable media player with a three-inch widescreen LCD and a slim-style form factor. Capable of video, music, photo, and FM radio playback, the P2 lets you enjoy your favorite media files wherever you go. The player supports video playback in MPEG4, SVI, and WMV9 file formats and audio playback in MP3, WMA, and subscription WMA file formats. JPEG files can be viewed as pictures or slideshows.
Packed with such additional features as an alarm clock, world clock, and calendar functionality, the P2 is an extremely multifunctional media player. The P2 also comes with a file viewer, which you can use to view and delete any file on the device without the PC. The P2 supports up to 30 hours of music or five hours of video playback with every full charge of its internal Li-Poly rechargeable battery. The P2's battery charges whenever the device is connected to an active USB link. Compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems, the P2 measures 3.94 x 2.05 x 0.39 inches and weighs just 2.88 ounces.

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