Archive for the 'Reviews' Category

Toshiba 37AV500U — An Impressive 37″ LCD HDTV

If you’re looking for a straight forward, no nonsense TV…this is it. I’m an “open box” junkie. So when I noticed the price on this TV, I thought for sure it was included in that category. But the Toshiba 37AV500U is a new TV, not ready for the OB shelf.

Toshiba 37AV500U: not just a pretty face

Before purchasing a TV, I like to see them in action…side by side…mano a mano. I compared this one to a 37″ Regza and a 37″ LG (both also new). The Regza was about $100 more and the only difference I could find was an extra HDMI slot. The LG was also impressive, but it was almost $300 more.

Aside from being aesthetically pleasing with its glossy black thin bezel, the Toshiba’s picture is sharp…crisp. Black screens are black instead of gray. And you’d never know it was only 720p without reading it on the specs first. But given that it’s only 37 inches, the resolution is sufficient. So far, I’ve watched everything from CNBC (moving tickers) to movies to San Antonio Spurs games…all in HD. Videophiles worried about response times and lag commonly associated with LCDs will be pleased (I’m using the HDMI connection). And the SD channels actually come through really nice compared to other HDTVs. Finally, the SoundStrip speakers actually provide clear and rich sound up to a certain volume. I expected it to sound like an alarm clock. But for a home theater setup, you’ll want to add speakers.

I’d rate this TV is a solid 8.0 out of 10.0. What the 37AV500U does lack in features, it definitely makes up for in picture quality and overall value! Like I said…this TV is easy to use, easy to hook up, and easy on the eyes!

Popularity: 80% [?]

A Good Read — Predictably Irrational

I’m not gonna lie…I’m not a huge reader. As Mike Birbiglia would point out, I’m more “magazine smart” than book smart. But every now and then, I enjoy perusing the pages of a book usually on the recommendation of a select group of friends…all of whom I consider to be more intelligent than yours truly. Predictably Irrational is one of those books.

I had the opportunity to sample Predictably Irrational before its release date, which is today I might add. The book, which was written by Dr. Dan Ariely provides a refreshingly entertaining look at how we are fooled by irrational behavior, and how we can make better choices about our day-to-day decisions with simple strategies. Despite his big-ass experience (i.e. “Russell & Tate“), his approach certainly isn’t academic, but rather easy to interpret.

Chapter Three entitled “The Cost of Zero Cost” examines the way “free” items are “incredibly appealing” even though what we really want costs very little to begin with. For instance, standing in line for a couple of hours for a free meal at a new restaurant (I’m ashamed to admit that I did this when Chipotle opened its first franchise in San Antonio a few years ago), or falling victim to the buy two get one free gimmick when all you need is one. I remember while in college the credit card companies used to exploit our penchant for free t-shirts to lure students into applying for credit. These are only a few of the everyday experiences Dan Ariely discusses in the book.

I highly recommend this read. Of course, I got it for free. But that shouldn’t matter as you will find out in Predictably Irrational.

About Dan Ariely
Dr. Dan Ariely is the Alfred P. Sloan Professor of Behavorial Economics at MIT, where he holds a joint appointment between MIT’s Program in Media Arts and Sciences and the Sloan School of Management. He is also a researcher at the Boston Federal Reserve Bank and a visiting professor at Duke University. Dr. Ariely wrote Predictably Irrational while he was a fellow at the Institute for Advance Study at Princeton.

Popularity: 25% [?]

Canon Powershot SD1000 Digital Camera

According to comScore, online spending was up considerably this year…19% over 2006 sales. While I didn’t partake in any online shopping or fall victim to the long lines around Best Buy and Circuit City, I was definitely front & center for the action on “Black Friday” night.

I’ve been in the market for a number of things this year. But because I curbed my spending after opening RETOX, my hands were tied…credit cards locked away. After reading an article my friend, Danielle, wrote about how Canon is the unofficial bloggers choice for cameras, I couldn’t help but conform to the masses. Circuit City was running a Black Friday special on the Canon PowerShot SD1000. I read a few reviews, a majority of which were extremely positive, and giggled at those written by the overly critical camera geeks. At $149.99, they had me at “Hello”.

Since I’ve relied heavily on my mobile phone camera for snapshots, I’ve missed the convenience and quality of a digi. Since I purhcased the SD1000, I’ve used it frequently. The picture quality is great — relatively speaking, of course (you get what you pay for). Camera geeks can still appreciate this camera despite its lack of manual controls. And although it weighs 4.4 ounces, you definitely notice the weighty high build quality. Best of all, it’s small. It’s portability makes it perfect for capturing those “Kodak moments” like this one, which was taken with my BlackBerry camera.

Here’s a shot from my SD1000 of RETOX. I used this photo in a recent ad.

Photo taken w/no flash — RETOX BAR SAN ANTONIO

I’ve only experimented with the video feature once, and after uploading it to my laptop, I was satisfied…impressed actually. I’m convinced that this is one of the best — if not THE best — bang for the buck digis. Now all I need is a Canon PIXMA MX700 or any photo printer for that matter.

Popularity: 10% [?]

ArtistsHouse Music Provides Industry Support & Guidance

In today’s age of viral marketing, musicians all over have taken advantage of online networking venues such as MySpace and YouTube as a means of music marketing. But these aren’t the only resources for aspiring musicians to take advantage of. Artistshousemusic.org is a non-profit organization funded by the Herb Alpert Foundation that is charged with being an expert resource for musicians, students, industry professionals, and people interested in getting into the music business. Part of its guidance includes information on copyrights, grants, and music education associations. The organization provides access to a wealth of practical resources on professional development and research in music education as well as information on teaching music with the tools of technology.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Thanksgiving Greetings & Holiday Cards

Although the holidays are my favorite time of the year…beginning with Thanksgiving, of course…it is also a busy time of year for me. I try to make time to visit a handful of customers in person and deliver some sort of gift or greeting. Since I cannot make it face-to-face with many of them, I opt for greeting cards with handwritten notes and wishes.

CardDirect.com offers a large selection of Holiday Cards and a variety verses to appropriately express your thankful holiday wishes. They’ll even add your business name, company logo, custom imprint and envelope imprint in a variety of ink colors or foil stamps.

There are also helpful tips on Holiday Etiquette on their blog. For example, if you’re trying to determine whether or not to send Thanksgiving cards, here are three reasons to do so.

I hope all of you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Save Money With LED Christmas Lights

The holidays are hands down my favorite time of year. In fact, I’m so passionate about it that I can’t stand it when department stores sell and/or decorate early. Despite the commercialism, I still look forward to seeing all of the decorated homes; it never gets old. This year, my friend, Eddie, will be drenching his house with over 10,000 lights…all of which are LEDs. Good thing. I can just see the smoke coming from his meter.

Traditional incandescent holiday lights consume 80% (mini-lights) to 99% (C9) more electricity than LED holiday lights. LED Xmas lights will also last for more than 50,000 hours v. only 2000 for incandescent lights. Not only will you save money on electricity but you will save money on replacement lights too. LED holiday lights also operate at only 1 degree above ambient temperature so they do not heat up and become a fire hazard like most incandescent lights. Finally, LED lights are encased in a nearly indestructible epoxy plastic bulb, which can withstand abuse unlike fragile glass bulbs. Go to HolidayLEDS.com for more info.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Exotic Car Rentals in Miami

Last year when I went to Key West, I researched the usual things — hotels, car rentals, hot spots. Since we were landing in Ft. Lauderdale and making the drive down Highway 1 to Key West, I thought about what it would be like to do it in style. The closest thing I found was an Exotic Car Rental Miami. They rent exotic and luxury cars in Miami and throughout the Palm Beaches. The fleet included Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Rovers, and many makes of convetibles. Call Prestige Luxury Auto at 1-888-513-9711 for more information. Oh. And I opted for a Chrysler Pacifica. Maybe next year.

Popularity: 5% [?]

BlogRoll

• Milk Was A Bad Choice
• CrackBerry.com
• Stock Trading 101
• For The Love Of Sports
• Project Spurs
• Busted Coverage
• WallStreetFighter

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