Techie Toys

Advantages: Remote access even when rebooting
Disadvantages: Can't power down/up, terrible quality of image at times

...Sorry, I know this is a bit of an odd one and that most people probably won't have a clue as to what this thing is, or what it does, but I was bored and hadn't written a review in a while so I thought I would put my time to good use at work and write this op! What is it? *********** The Avocent DSR 2010 is what's known as a digital KVM, or Keyboard, Video and Mouse. It's a black box, which is about 43cm long (Without mounting brackets, 48cm with them) into which you plug a mouse, monitor and keyboard. For the techies out there it's 1U. Along the front are 17 green lights and 17 orange lights and the name of the box (ASR 2010) to the far right. Nothing too exciting. Round the back is a little more interesting, but no better looking. Depending on the model you have bought you can have up to 16 ports in two rows. Each port...

Calldean 13.06.2005 (14.06.2005) · Read review
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Review of Avocent DSR 2010 - KVM switch - 16 ports

Not ever again for me...

Advantages: Reasonable price
Disadvantages: Customer service is appaling and the T&Cs aren't fair.

...I had ordered a couple of things before relatively pain free but after my last order I'm not making the same mistake again. I bought a laptop that had a stuck pixel which I wanted to return as I am entitled under the Distance Selling Regulations but was denied this option since the computer had been switched on and the manufacturer wouldn't take it back. I contacted Trading Standards who adviced me that was an unfair requirement according to the DSR and that it would be an issue between them and the manufacturer and shouldn't affect me at all, but Dabs still chose to ignore it. Their customer services was appalling and there is no way of speaking to anyone so the whole process is very slow and frustrating. I still have the complaint open with Trading Standards and hopefully will be resolved but they refuse to discuss anything...

CarlosB 13.08.2007 · Read review
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Review of dabs.com

Canon Ixus 100 IS - Small and oh so stylish

Advantages: Small, Stylish, Auto modes work well, Image Stabilization
Disadvantages: HD Video capability is disappointing

...The Canon Ixus 100 IS is the successor to the Ixus 85 IS model, now with 12.1 megapixels instead of the old 10. The 2.5" screen is retained, as is the optical viewfinder and the 3x zoom capability, but the Ixus 100 IS is packed with new features. Video can now be recorded in HD (720p format) and an HDMI port has been added for viewing your pics on the latest HD televisions. The 100 IS also gets a new DIGIC 4 processor, Autofocus Tracking and Auto Scene Detection! The dimensions have changed in proportion, being a whole millimetre wider than its predecessor, another millimetre taller, but 2mm slimmer with an incredible depth of only 18.4mm. The weight stays about the same at less than 130g and, being similar in size to an iPod, it is very easy to carry around in your shirt pocket/handbag. Indeed, the similarity with the iPod doesn...

rabidbadger 02.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Canon Digital IXUS 100 IS Digital Camera

Nikon D80 review

Advantages: High quality sensor, fast, responsive, it's a Nikon!
Disadvantages: Erratic light meter

...This is my first Digital SLR camera and have found it to be very good overall. The 10.2 megapixel sensor records very fine pictures especially when set to 100 ISO. Noise or grain gets quite noticeable when set to 800 ISO and above but still usable up to 1600. The D80 is fast and responsive and has Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual and loads of Program modes which I never use. The viewfinder is bright and clear and the playback screen is very good. The minor drawbacks are: 1.Erratic light meter, but easy to compensate. 2. No ISO reading in viewfinder. Easy to forget to change to desired ISO. 3. I often change between single frame, multi frame and self timer and find this button awkward 'cos it is recessed. 4. Only 95% viewfinder coverage....

Nicm22 16.07.2008 · Read review
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Review of Nikon D80

KODAK EASYSHAREZD710

Advantages: Picture quality and excellent zoom lens
Disadvantages: The lens cap is easily dislodged

...I too bought this camera recently and its great. Comfortable handling, controls are easy to understand and use and it takes fantastic pictures. Having a viewfinder is so much easier to take good pictures. I have been using a Nikon Coolpix and must admit when I first got it (bought online) I was disappointed it did not have a viewfinder. Taking pictures when it is windy is well nigh impossible without a viewfinder, however, I persevered and although the Nikon takes good pictures and is handy to snap away then pop in your pocket, I still missed a viewfinder. With the Kodak having both options, by screen or viewfinder I am really enjoying my new hobby of photography. The Kodak's zoom is excellent and image stabiliser very effective in windy weather. I bought a refurbished model and so far no problems at all. Absolutely delighted....

20Carleton 15.09.2008 · Read review
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Review of Kodak EasyShare ZD710

Sony DCR HC51E is fantastic

Advantages: cheap, great quality , nightvision , lightweight
Disadvantages: no firewire or usb included , but you can buy these cheap

...Sony DCR HC51E is a very easy to use camcorder. brilliant quality recording. *touch screen LCD screen *nightvision Plus- its works great , with an infared feature. *lightweight camera *uses mini DV cassettes *LCD screen flips round so you can record yourself easily. *editing Effects feature , scene selection , for example snow, indoors, lanscape , portrait, spotlight, sport and loads more. *Fader *40x optical zoom excellent for close up's *the viewfinder is in colour Battery life - up to 14 HOURS comes with a introduction cd , which gives you some helpful tips on how to record great footage to make an enjoyable video for you to watch back. cant believe what a fantastic camcorder this is for the unbelieveable price , would recommend this Sony DCR HC51E to buy . you will have to buy a firewire (i-link) cable . so you...

natashalove1987 16.09.2008 · Read review
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Review of Sony Handycam DCR HC51E

Getting Your Kid Into Digital Cameras

Advantages: Features Like Any Regular Digital Camera
Disadvantages: 16 MB Internal Memory and No Zoom Capabilities

.... Prepare for your young ones to take candid shots of you, then "improve" them by warping the pictures in silly ways or adding funny frames. The camera can store up to 120 photos or 5 minutes of video. This resilient camera is sturdy enough to handle the tumbles that it will inevitably face. Designed specifically for children ages 3-6, the VTech KidiZoom Digital Camera has large buttons that are easy to manage. It also has two large grips for small hands, and a dual viewfinder. Kids can connect the camera to their television or PC and show off their work to friends and family. They can add special effects to photos and videos. Another popular feature are the games that come with the camera. Three games geared toward preschoolers are included with the VTech KidiZoom Digital Camera. The camera also comes with a set of headphones that can be...

bennyong 21.12.2008 · Read review
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Review of VTech Kidizoom Camera Pink

Panasonic Lumix TZ6, Versatile compact with great image quality

Advantages: Fantastic little camera with 12 x zoom & 10.1MP (better than TZ5), but cheaper than TZ7
Disadvantages: No HD movie mode, not very cheap

...extremely compact at 2.35? x 4.07? x 1.29? and weighing only about 0.45 lbs - it is basically a lens attached to an LCD screen. This size is very useful as it can be easily kept in a small bag or coat pocket,and is robust enough to be carried around all day, so you never miss a shot. The 2.7 inch LCD screen is large enough to browse pictures and bright enough to easily compose images.There are some disadvantages to this small size as the camera does not have space for a viewfinder, which can be difficult in very bright conditions, but actually does not really bother me. The other aspect of the design that could be improved is the buttons - they are very small, and even though this camera is very compact, there is plenty of room for bigger buttons that would be easier to use. Ease of Use This camera is very easy to use as everything can...

potoroo99 19.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ6

Probably the only easy-to-read Computer Magazine

Advantages: Simple and clear advice, Interesting articles, Product Reviews
Disadvantages: Adverts, Reviews sometimes too short

...- PRODUCT REVIEWS - WORKSHOP - Q&A (Question & Answer) - LETTERS But the order seems to vary and some section headings can also vary, sometimes because of the theme. For example, a feature topic about digital cameras would have more reviews and possibly product tests. The Workshop is quite interesting as this is dead in the centre of the magazine and you can pull it out to keep for future reference. Only problem is that once pulled out, although still a two page spread, they aren't held together anymore as the staples remain with the rest of the magazine. Although the title of the magazine is 'Computer' Active some sections do seem to focus on consumer law like the DSR (Distance Selling Regulations i.e. buying online). In these sections, readers write in and ask for advice on what to do when they experience problems with a service...

Deru 06.04.2008 · Read review
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Review of Computeractive

The Canon EOS400D delivers photographic excellence to the masses.

Advantages: Compatable with huge range of Canon accesories, build quality, ease of use, loads of features
Disadvantages: No spot metering, kit lens a little cheap

.... The standard kit lens does not feel as well built as my older USM ones, and this is an obvious cost cutting measure. However in use it produces good results. The LCD panel switches off when bring the camera upto your eye thus removing any distractions near the viewfinder. The display inside the viewfinder shows all neccesary information such as shutter speed, metering mode and apeture etc. The battery life is good, I took a couple of hundred pictures at a wedding and still had plenty of battery life left. The 10 mega pixel sensor has a self cleaning feature and delivers pictures with a superb colour rendition. I've also engarged cropped images to poster size (36x24") without any loss of detail. The camera comes with the standard photo editing and RAW processing software. I cannot comment about this as I've always used Photo Shop, and in this...

MrMopp 09.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Canon EOS 400D