Reviews

Independent write-ups after weeks of end-user experiences and testing.
You may often find indispensible advice here and a no-nonsense attitude to evaluating the products.
We don’t go for the bits-and-bytes approach but aim to address the core factor: value-for-money for the average end-user.
 

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Pentax X70
With the reputation Pentax holds with its K-Series of DSLRs, I was more than intrigued to get my hands on the Pentax X70 and its ‘ultra zoom’ capabilities. This 12 megapixel, 24x optical zoom yet surprisingly lightweight beauty seemed to provide an ideal solution for someone in my position – a bridge between the compact digital camera and the DSLR.

Being someone that has always taken a liking to photography but have never had the time to break into the DSLR market, this review has been written for those like me – people that are ready to move up from a compact digital camera but may not have the skills or funds for a DSLR.

So how did this camera go?

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Ricoh CX2 and Ricoh GXR

Our original intention was to do two separate co-related reviews on the two Ricoh family cameras, but we have decided that readers will get more value from the two reviews if we intertwine the comparison as we go.

That said, in the CX2 we are comparing what we initially believe to be a very compact, no-frills, point and shoot camera with the GXR, an extremely high end modular semi professional camera that has similar capabilities to a high end SLR.

If you are a professional photographer, then this review is not really for you due to other than looking at the specification comparison the rest of the review would seem to be below your expertise.  It was always my intention to review these two cameras from the average person on the street’s perspective.  So rather than get bogged down in F stops, apertures etc, we will cover the cameras from an ability to get what you want by setting either camera to “Auto” as we believe that is how the majority of people would use most cameras.

So with both the cameras sent to us by www.Tasco.com.au. in hand let’s take them into the field for comparison.

 

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Navin miniHomer Key-Chain GPS
The Navin miniHomer Key-Chain GPS position finder found its way to my desk promising me that I would never have to worry about where my car was parked, finding my way back to a hotel, and returning to a camping ground again.
With claims like that, and with me being one that is far too famous for her own good for getting lost – i thought i should test it in at least two environments.
So how did it fare?

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Jabra Stone


Today we will be reviewing the latest in a series of products from the house of Jabra: the exquisitely designed STONE.  The name is intriguing but very well chosen for it's what the product looks like when cradled.
It's a Bluetooth headset without a protruding microphone boom.  It looks fantastic but can it deliver where it counts: a good voice quality when there is no microphone picking up the sound where it should pick it up from namely the side of your mouth?  There's only one way to find out: let's get STONED!

 

 

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Part I: Proporta Alu-Leather Case

 

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Proporta Case with box

 

Unquestionably the HD2 is the most glorious phone I've owned so far. Not the best when it comes to reception on Telstra's NextG network but for all other purposes just about ideal.

So, the next logical step it to accessorise it with some basic stuff and, courtesy of our UK friends at Proporta and Clove Technology, we hope to bring you the following accessories: two different cases to protect the HD2, a capacitive stylus and a charging cradle for your desk. We'll do these mini-reviews in a few instalments as not all the items were available at the same time.

First up the Proporta Aluminium Lined Leather Case (HTC HD2).

 

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AKAI Set Top Box


Are you one of a (ever diminishing) group of people who haven't gone to High Definition television yet? Do you consider it wasteful to ditch your old TV -- which is still working perfectly -- by purchasing a plasma or LCD?
Here the perfect compromise: The Akai AD181X High Definition Digital Set Top Box with PVR Function.
How can this work for you?
Let us show you.

 

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( 8 Users have Voted for this Article )

 

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iWap IUC-23 Universal Battery Charger Side

The iWap IUC-23 is a multifunction battery charger that is versatile and allows you to charge nearly any type of battery that you throw at it (*almost*). With this device, you will find out how useful this thing really is in multiple situations. This is no ordinary charger. At first glance, one may wonder what this unique thing does. But once you truly realize what this product can do, you will find yourself well equipped and that you have a one-of-a-kind device/tool that can be used every day.

 

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Gastro200 Bamix & Mill Package

I purchased my first Swiss made Bamix wand when I was setting up house in 1981, although they had been manufactured in Switzerland since 1954.  At the time, Bamix was a very new concept in Western Australia and every houseproud homemaker simply “had to have one”.

It has served me faithfully throughout the past 29 years, without any malfunctions or problems, so I was thrilled when www.everten.com.au offered me the opportunity to review the current Bamix Gastro 200.

My first impression has left me even more amazed than I already was.  My old Bamix is only 100 W in power, whereas the new Gastro 200 is 240 W – more than twice as powerful!   The Gastro 200 is also built with a 4.5 centimetres longer immersion section of the wand, allowing for improved liquidising to be conducted in deeper mixes. 

 

 

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