BOSE 901 DIRECT/REFLECTING SPEAKERS

Classic designed Bose 901 speakers are still in production 40 years later.There are detail differences among the various versions, chiefly the cabinet and grille styling and the internal structure of the cabinet. Most have a wood or wood-looking cabinet; a few were built having a glossy piano black finish.

901 series is a different animal in that sound quality was a real, driving force in the design and development of the speaker system. Since the current production is the Series VI; and it has been since '88. Bose finding much greater profit in the cheap and tiny speakers. There are several things that make the 901 series speakers so special. The unique Direct/Reflecting design of the speaker causes most (89%) of the sound produced to be directed to the rear of the cabinet, away from the seating position. This sound bounces off the back and side walls before reaching you. The use of nine identical 4 1/2 inch drivers, rather than the more traditional big woofer, little tweeter, and just right midrange cones is another design choice. Nine small drivers, acting in unison, have about the same air-moving capacity as a single large woofer and mid-sized midrange cone. On the other hand, it's tough to get a 4 1/2 inch driver to put out high frequencies. And so here is a trade-off. Using multiple, identical drivers allows Bose to totally eliminate a passive crossover network, but instead, a special, purpose-built Active Equalizer is needed to extend the frequency response of the speaker unit.

Bose 901 active equalizer should go with 901 speakers. It is contained in a small box that is powered by normal household current (120 volts AC, at least in the US and Canada) and connects to your receiver or preamp by plugging into the tape loop or external processor jacks using two pair of interconnect cables. The equalizers are somewhat specific to the speaker series model--a Series IV speaker should use a Series IV equalizer. The 901 Series VI owner's manual says the Series VI equalizer is also compatible with the Series V. A Series II equalizer seems to be compatible with Series I speakers. It can be used with an antique Bose receiver, which will have an equalizer for an older model 901.

The 901 Series III and 901 Series IV have three speaker cable terminals. This third terminal is unused (and un-needed) unless you have one of the special antique Bose receivers. This third terminal is used as part of an effects device. This third terminal disappeared on the Series V speakers, by that time Bose had quit producing the special receivers.Aside from a Bose 901 Active Equalizer, either a stand-alone unit or integrated into a Bose receiver, you must be concerned about older Bose 901 speakers having problems with deteriorated foam on the actual speaker drivers. Repair kits are available to repair speakers suffering from foam rot. It would be a labor-intensive job to re-foam the 18 drivers in a pair of speakers.

The Bose 901s were legendary for their ability to handle large amounts of amplifier power. For a long time, Bose claimed that the 901 could take unlimited amplifier power, providing that a fuse of a specified value was inserted into each of the + speaker cables. This was back in the days when a 120 watt receiver was considered hugely powerful. Today, watts are cheap and readily available, and Bose is now claiming that the latest 901 (Series VI) will handle up to 450 RMS watts per channel, or 250 watts as tested by the IEC method . The 901 design produces big sound even with low-powered receivers or amps. They are very versatile with regard to the amount of watts you have available to feed them. The Bose 901 is small and (relatively) light for a quality speaker, easily portable, handles massive power reliably.

A properly functioning pair of 901s with the active equalizer is better than what is in 95% of the homes in America right now--primarily because there have always been a huge number of cheap-junk speakers being sold.The 901 is probably at its best when used as a very high-quality public address speaker system, or when used to provide sound reinforcement for such music-intensive public venues as skating rinks and teen discos.

Garmin Nuvi 660

Garmin's newly released Nuvi 660 with bluetooth is an easy to use, sophisticated, newly designed wide screen portable GPS with Bluetooth. Normally with a bluetooth heaset over ears, when it rings and driving I can't see who is calling without fumbling for my phone. When it is paired up with the Nuvi it flashes the incoming call accross the screen with caller ID, and if it is a contact from your cell phone it displays their name as you have it in your phonebook. You also have the choice to tap "ignore" or "Answer".
When I answered my first incoming call, not only is it "handsfree and you see who is calling, it is also heard through a clear crisp speaker .

To make a call I can do it from my GPS, I can dial a new number, choose one from my phonebook or even just click dial on any menu I route to!
If I am traveling and looking for a hotel, I search for one near me in the nuvi database. Once I find one I like I can route to it by tapping "go" and I can call by just tapping the phone icon, it will dial it as their phone number is also stored in the GPS. A very cool feature for travelers. Or even just to order a pizza in your own neighborhood without having to look up their number in the phonebook. The bluetooth quality and features are awesome.

This GPS is so easy to use. You can find a destination by longitude and lattitude, many other GPS units for auto do not have this feature, usually the outdoor handhelds do so this is another plus for this unit. Great for homeowners and or realtors determining and measuring property lines, etc. The larger screen and bright graphics and icons make this GPS easy to see and easy to use. All in all this is one the best GPS system around.

Walcom Pen Tablet

Wacom pen tablets are a fast and comfortable way to work with your computer. They allow you to input information, using a pen instead of a mouse. Alternating between the pen and mouse, reduces repetitive motion. It's an easy and natural way to work. Wacom tablets are pressure-sensitive, which makes them great for digital artwork and photo-editing. You can also mark-up or sign your documents. Wacom is the leading manufacturer of pen tablets and they work with all programs on a Mac or PC. There are over 100 software applications, specifically designed to be used with a Wacom pen and tablet. There is even an open source 3rd party driver for Linux based systems. Most models offer a USB connection, buth there is also a Bluetooth wireless version...for people on the go.

All Wacom tablets are built using Wacom's patented "Penabled Technology". This means that the pen and mouse will be cordless and battery-free. Wacom's "Penabled Technology" is the choice of all major Tablet PC manufacturers, as it provides a more natural feel and superior performance.
Finally...nothing makes a pen tablet come alive like great pressure-sensitive software. All Wacom pen tablets come bundled with software from some of the greatest software companies in the business. So you can begin using your tablet right away...with nothing more to buy!

Intuos 3

This model has the highest pressure-sensitivity and is available in 6 sizes. It can be used to "paint and draw", detailed works of digital art and professionally edit photos. The Intuos 3 offers ExpressKeys and Touch Strips for convienant keyboard shortcuts, scrolling, zooming, brush size control and more. It also comes with this valuable software: Adobe Photoshop Elements 4, Corel Painter Essentials 3, nik Color Efex Pro 2 IE and Wacom Brushes 2.
The Intuos 3 4x6: Is the most cost-effective Intuos 3 and it was made for those working with a wide screen display or multiple monitors. It's a nice model, for those who like to zoom in on their images and work in small sections.
The Intuos 3 6x8: Is our most popular model and works well for most users.
The Intuos 3 6x11: Is for those who are working with a wide screen display or multiple monitors.
The Intuos 3 9x12: Is for those who need a larger workspace.
The Intuos 3 12x12: Is for those who need a larger workspace and has a transparent overlay for easy tracing.
The Intuos 3 12x19: Is for those who are working with a wide screen display or mulitiple monitors and need a larger work space. It also has a transparent overlay, for easy tracing.

Graphire 4

This model has half the pressure-sensitivity of the Intuos 3, but is wonderful for editing photos, annotating documents and creating digital artwork. You can comfortably jot notes, sign your name, sketch quick diagrams, and communicate more personally. It's available in 2 sizes and comes in your choice of Metallic Blue, Silver or White. It also comes with this great software bundle: Adobe PhotoShop Elements 3.0, Corel Painter Essentials 2, nik Color Efex Pro 2 GE, Evernote Plus, JustWrite Office 4.
The Graphire 4 4x5: Is our most cost-effective tablet. It's a nice model, for those who like to zoom in on their images and work in small sections.
The Graphire 4 6x8: Is the most popular size and works well for most users.

Buying a Camcorder

Wanting to buy a camcorder, but don't know where or how to start? Here's a quick guide: What are you using the camcorder for? If just for recording family events, view and erase, then just about any camcorder will do. If it's something to preserve important moments, then keep reading. Which format? Older formats: VHS-C, VHS or anything VHS. Newer formats to head toward: DV, MiniDV, DVCam. There are other formats that use DVDs (both regular and mini size) and hard drive storage. These are unproven and any some standardization still needs to occur. Any of the newer formats might be harder to playback on your TV, unless you either play it back from the camcorder or you have similar playback equipment for your TV. Now look at the specifications. Look for a 3-CCD camcorder for the best picture. Most camcorders that only have a 1-CCD chip will show vertical lines when you shoot at night or inside with bright lights (street lights or lamps, for example). The 3-CCD chip arrangement eliminates this and you'll be happier in the long run. Lens choices? You usually have to live with whatever the camcorder comes with, so double check the specs on this, too. Most of them have a zoom feature, but check that the zoom doesn't include the words "digital zoom" for this means that your picture is digitally enlarged (similar to using a computer to zoom into a picture). It's much better to have an optical zoom, plus a digital zoom option. Another often-overlooked concern is sound. Make sure that the microphone on the camcorder is not too close to other controls that you need to use while shooting. You'd be surprised when seeing some camera's controls are too close to the microphone. They tend to pickup hand movement, lens sound (zooming in and out) and wind sound. What else to look for? Think about the weight of the camera and the feel of it. Many camcorders are so light that they tend to make you have trouble when shooting something, for your natural movement can exaggerate the lightweight camera's view. Try one out before buying and make sure it feels comfortable in your hands. Look at the controls. Make sure the zoom, record and other features are easily accessible with your hands, as you may need to zoom out when following action. Finally, see if you can use a unit in a real world situation and do some research. See what your neighbors or your co-workers use. See if they are happy. Research a camcorder on the Internet. It's a great investment, but do you homework!

Motorola V3 & V3i

The difference between the two Razr models offered by Motorola for Cingular Wireless: the V3 and the new V3i as well as the low cost alternative from Motorola the T720g that offers similar styling at about half the price.Cingular Wireless and the Motorola Razr have a storied past, when Motorola originally released the original Razr, the V3, it did it through and exclusivity deal it cut with Cingular Wireless. When Motorola decided to add a music player to the Razr (the V3i), it cut another deal with Cingular Wireless who had the exclusive right to sell it for 3 months. The basic differences between the two models, the software upgrade released by Motorola for the original V3, as well as a brief discription of the T720g, Motorola's low cost alternative to the pricey Razr.

The Original Razr, the V3. The V3 started the Razr craze and is GSM (meaning it uses a sim card) and is now offered by all the GSM carriers in the US, including Cingular Wireless, T Mobile, SunCom and Cellular One/Dobson Cellular. If the phone is unlocked, you can use it interchangeably with many carriers (see my guide Unlocked Cell Phones: What it Means to be Unlocked).

One thing to look for here is that Motorola did a major software upgrade (revision) after the phone had been on the market a while to fix some bugs with the original software on the phone and also added a Camcorder/Video Recorder function to the phone. Most phones go through software upgrades to fix minor problems, however, the original V3 Razr went through a major one. When the phone was first released it had a lot of bugs, causing the phone to freeze up, etc. and when they released a software upgrade to fix it, they also changed the software so the phone's camera could also be used to record video. I would strongly advise if you are going to buy a V3 (as opposed to the V3i), to make sure it has the Video function, that is the surest way to know that the software was upgraded on the phone. The original software version had a lot problems that the upgrade solved.

The V3i, the Razr with Music. This model is the successor to the V3 and Cingular Wireless got the exclusive on this one for while and then it will role out to the other GSM (sim card) carriers like T Mobile, SunCom, and Cellular One. If you can get an unlocked one, you can use it with the other GSM carriers, check the ads to see if its unlocked.
The styling is very similar to the V3 and there are few notable upgrades and several minor ones. They are as follows.
1. The V3i ads an MP3 Player which is also compatible with iTunes (Apple’s IPod). 2. A Flash Memory Slot to store Pictures and other information.3. 7 extra megabytes of memory (12 with the V3i and only 5 with the V3)4. The camera is a little sharper5. The battery has more standby time, same talk time, but 50% more standby time.6. The V3i speaker phone also supports voice controls on the phone, the V3 has a speaker phone, but it doesn’t work with voice controls.

Motorola T720G, Motorola's Low Cost Alternative to the Razr. Motorola has a low cost alternative to the Razr, the T720g, that has a similar styling and look to the Razr that sells for around half the price. This phone does not have a camera or a music player, however, it does have sleek styling and comes in some great colors.

Buying a Telescope

Buying a telescope is easy! Especially when you have help. If you want to learn a little about telescopes and space, this "Telescopes 101" guide should get your mind grounded before you start exploring the stars. So let's learn. . . .

Telescopes make space objects look brighter
That's basically it, and it's the most important thing about telescopes. Telescopes gather light from space,and blast it into your eyes so you can get a fabulous, astonishing look at star clusters, dual-star systems, distant galaxies, and details of the Moon or Saturn's rings in ways you can never see with the naked eye because the objects are too small and way to dark.

Telescopes make space objects look bigger too
Yes, telescopes magnify objects, that's true. But magnification is really not that important. Just a little bit of magnification is enough to see all kinds of great space stuff. But boosting light gathering power is where it's at in buying a telescope The more light you can suck down from the sky, the more you'll see. Don't worry about magnification, just all telescopes have enough of that -- go for the light gathering power.

Bigger is better
At least in telescopes, that's true. The bigger the main opening of the tube, then the more light the telescope can collect. More light means you see more. The size of the telescope's main opening is called the 'aperture" and it is typically measured in inches or millimeters. In just about all cases, the larger the aperture, or opening, the better the space viewing will be. Our biggest telescope has an 8" opening and is great for backyard observing.

How does it all work? Well, telescopes gather straight beams of light and focus them on a single point. This magnifies what you're looking at and makes it seem larger and brighter. Telescopes either use a round, bowl shaped mirror to focus the light, or a glass lens to do the job, or a combination of both. Depending on what you're looking for, you might consider one or the other.

Need some advice on which is the best scope to buy?

Kids 6 - 11
Smaller and simpler telescopes that anyone can use. Of course, very young children are going to need supervision with any telescope, but these telescopes are so easy to use that even the youngest children will have a great time exploring the universe.
80mm Portable Telescopes: no doubt this is the best telescope for young kids. Portable, light-weight, and easy to set up, this telescope is not just a toy. It provides very nice views of the Moon, Saturn's rings, Jupiter and much more. Plus it is ideal for daytime use -- you'd be surprised the fun things your kids will do with the scopes during the day! Comes with a carrying case.
50mm Telescope: if you're on a tight budget, consider a basic 50mm telescope. This is the "classic" first scope for a young child, and is fairly light weight and easy to handle. Comes included with a full-size tripod, so the little ones may need some help setting

Kids 11 - 13
For older kids there are more options. The trick here is to get a scope you're older children will use and learn to love, without buying something so big and complex that they'll put it in the closet and never use it again. The scopes we highlight here are easy-to use, yet still powerful enough to give great eye-popping space views.

Kids 14 & up
Spaced crazed teens will flip over larger 4.5" telescopes. These are among our favorites for adults too. With teens who ware more serious about astronomy, you're ready to tackle a telescope that takes a little more effort and patience in order to use, but payoff with incredible views and higher-end functionality like star tracking. A little less bulky, but nearly as powerful, check out the 70mm refractor.