Epinions Recent Reviews for beanbear

Sony Ericsson T28 World: great (with extra batteries...)

Sun, 23 Dec 2001 23:21:42 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

Having actually used the GSM service in Europe & parts of Asia, I can say that it really is a "world" phone. Terrific size and decent clarity make it a good companion, but only so-so battery life and a sluggish interface.

...

near-audiophile sound

Sun, 23 Dec 2001 22:44:12 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

The Santa Cruz is one of the best sound cards available, even though it is almost 3 years old. Ditch your SB Live! and plug in an OEM version for less than $50.

Features:

Crystal DAC, 2-4-6 speaker surround, 2...

DocuPrint M750 Printer: great for text, "decent" otherwise

Fri, 21 Dec 2001 17:33:52 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

An amazing text printer, the M750 is only a B/B- in the color or photo department. Mediocre drivers and software only further dampen enthusiasm, but since it can be found for $50, it could be a great deal.

Features:
...

Belkin USB 4-Port Modular Hub For PC: pricey but you'll be happy

Fri, 21 Dec 2001 17:12:57 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - * this is a review of the non-modular version that is about $15 less ($30-35)

Abstract:

Powered USB hubs are the way to go and this Belkin is slim, powered, and reliable - if a bit expensive. Consider it necessary if you've got...

SMC Barricade Broadband Router: not ideal, but darn good

Fri, 21 Dec 2001 16:15:15 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

Often found with rebates for final prices under $50, it's awfully hard to go wrong with the Barricade. Good performance and decent ease-of-use round out the package.

Features:

4 ethernet ports, modem port (for...

stay away...!

Thu, 20 Dec 2001 19:57:38 GMT

rating: 1/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

I originally wrote a glowing review after 3mos. of ownership (about a year ago). Now, 2 replacements and countless headaches later, I've finally ditched it.

Features:

It has a top-mounted reservoir for the...

choose your weapon carefully

Thu, 20 Dec 2001 17:49:17 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - * this is a review of the psa[60, the 32MB version of the psa[120

Abstract:

A true Nike techlab(TM) coup-de-grace, the thoughtful design of the psa[60 is really quite exceptional and useful. Too bad the headphones/jack are so bad...

the best value in 2MP cameras

Thu, 20 Dec 2001 17:23:33 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

You'd be hard pressed to find a better value in the sub-$500 or sub-3megapixel market. It's easy to use and has the best bundle of ANY camera in its range.

Features:

2.1 mega pixel CCD (up to 10x12"), 3x...

for those thinking of moving here...

Thu, 25 Oct 2001 15:42:09 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

This is more of a "lonely planet", what's-it-like-to-live-there review that could be helpful for, say, prospective graduate students or business relocators.

Background:

I'm originally from the East Coast...

great value, nice swiss design

Thu, 25 Oct 2001 15:07:07 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

This Capresso is a great value and is ideal for those who don't need a thermal carafe or grind-and-brew.

Features:

10-cup, 24 hr timer, auto shutoff, gold-tone filter, charcoal water filter, stop-and-serve,...

It can change how you watch tv

Thu, 25 Oct 2001 14:23:15 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

Much, much more than a "tapeless VCR", the Tivo can really change how you watch (and control) tv.

Overall Design:

Nice, clean, and simple. It is essentially a set-top computer running a version of Linux (a...

ATI Radeon 64MB DDR: very nice...if you're an Intel person

Tue, 5 Jun 2001 18:40:14 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

The Radeon is very nice, but the many nVidia licensees make price comparisons tough. Performance-wise, it’s a toss up. Driver-wise nVidia is tops.

Design/Installation:

It’s as easy to install as any...

Mitsubishi quality for Generic money

Tue, 5 Jun 2001 17:58:05 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

The 91 is a great value for an aperture grill flat-screen CRT. It lacks fancier (more expensive) features like built-in USB, but is tough to beat at the price.

Design:

Well, it’s the tube that matters, but...

small & colorful, but not perfect

Tue, 5 Jun 2001 17:32:53 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

The 8260 is a great phone, but makes some ergonomic and performance sacrifices for its small size.

Design:

The choice of colors is a key factor for most people, which was also a key component to the older...

rock solid & smooth

Sat, 14 Apr 2001 13:21:03 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

It's not only the business OS, but you will need serious hardware to run W2K well. It looks like a slicker version of 9X, but it's a whole different, better beast. Highly recommended upgrade except for those who have a lot of...

Dell Dimension 8100 Series: get the cheaper p3

Sat, 14 Apr 2001 12:47:05 GMT

rating: 1/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

The 8100 is more of a marketing coup than a speed demon. For people who need a pre-built P4, it's a decent machine, but be warned that it will be slower than a P3 or Athlon. Dell on-site service is ABYSMAL.

Design:...

Apple Power Macintosh G4 Multimedia: xlr8 G4/400 upgrade - sweet!

Thu, 1 Mar 2001 18:42:21 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

There's not CPU upgrade section, but I think that before people plunk down money on a new G4, you should read this review...especially if you have a lot of money/effort sunk into an existing Mac.

Design:

There...

Apple Power Macintosh G4 Base: Ahead of the OS-You Get a Bargain

Thu, 1 Mar 2001 17:35:25 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

I won't go into a PC vs. Mac debate here - if you're here, there's a reason...but see below for some PC-compatibility info.

This is my tenth Mac over the years and it's by far the finest. The hardware is first-class and...

take it to go!

Thu, 1 Mar 2001 16:21:32 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Abstract:

Time is the great equalizer and now the Palm V is near commodity prices (about $2-250 street). It's a great PDA for all the information you need on the go, but power users will DEFINITELY need the Vx. Mac connectivity is only ok...

Proscan PSVR71 - the sophisticated cousin

Thu, 14 Dec 2000 14:14:34 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - (Proscan is RCA's upscale division - the PSVR71 is the upgraded RCA VR694HF)

Synopsis:

Great quality & design, good feature set, difficult to find. I've had two (both now auctioned off on eBay since I needed to step to S-VHS)...

HS-U776 near pro unit in a consumer chassis

Sun, 10 Dec 2000 19:18:49 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Synopsis:

The HS-U776 is the successor to the highly-successful HS-U775. The 776 is a great machine with professional S-VHS quality in a consumer-oriented chassis.

Design/Quality:

My primary unit is an HS-U781, perhaps...

GE Value 115 Volt Air Conditioner AGV07LA : 5000BTU model so good they ran out!

Wed, 6 Dec 2000 19:01:11 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Synopsis:

Not fancy, but surprising powerful enough for a big room or two rooms that open into one another. Like all A/C's, it will eventually start to get noisier.

Design/Practicality:

Utilitarian, but simple - much...

dirt dirt everywhere

Wed, 6 Dec 2000 18:33:55 GMT

rating: 2/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Synopsis:

It’s merely an okay vacuum for a good price. It is good on carpet, bad with bigger clumps and on hardwood floors.

Specs: 14 ft. power cord, long attachment hose, upholstery brush, crevice tool, and an odd tool whose...

ES for less

Wed, 6 Dec 2000 17:17:17 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Synopsis:

A great home theater receiver that borrows most of the ES-series' guts. Terrific value, especially with the discounts available online.

Specs:

110 Watts in both stereo & surround, Dolby Digital, dts, Pro...

excellent but can be overwhelming

Wed, 6 Dec 2000 16:22:11 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author beanbear - Synopsis:

A first-tier research school with something for (almost) everyone.

Background:

I graduated Penn in ’97 in Art History and went on to do graduate work at the University of Chicago.

Academics:...