Garmin 305 - garmin 305, heart rate monitor

Click here for more information I like this thing quite a lot. I've had it for about three weeks, and have used it on 12 workouts so far. I use it primarily for running, with biking a secondary usage. The main reason I wanted it was for the instantaneous readout of distance, running pace and heart rate, the latter needed for the speed work I want to do this running season.



The core functionality (distance and heart rate monitoring) works perfectly. There's none of the signal drops I've had with other heart monitors. Once the satellites are initially acquired, I've only had one dropout when I was outside. The initial acquisition of the satellites can be quirky and can take some time. The accuracy (according to the readout) is +/- 25ft, depending on how many satellites can be found. I've compared the distance measurement on the GPS with a known, measured distance on one of the trails I run on (the Chicago lakefront path). The GPS always increments a mile when I'm within 5 or 10 feet of the mile marker sign on the path. Well, I guess that's the least I should expect from a $350 GPS unit! Of course it's bigger than a normal running stopwatch, but that hasn't bothered me at all. The heart rate strap is also very comfortable and well-designed.



The display is crisp and has one outstanding feature: The information presented on the various pages can be completely user-customized. The default screen layout is rather poor, but in just a few steps I could replace it with the information I wanted to see while I run. There are almost 40 different data fields you can choose from for display. Examples: current pace, average lap pace, average run pace, heartrate, distance.



The only disappointment is the point-in-time (instantaneous) pace measurement: It varies wildly during a run. I see swings as big as +/- 3 minutes/mile. I'm a marathoner and I know my pace is fairly consistent during a run. I just looked at my run today, and according to the data the first mile varied from 5:57/mile to 12:06 mile. I suspect the problem is either in the averaging algorithm (too short a distance?), or in the uncertainty that results from different satellites coming in and out of view. The variations seem to get worse under tree cover compared with an open area. Luckily there's a lap-average pace that can be presented, and at least that value is useful and more accurate. The bottom line is that you can't look at the watch and say "right now I'm running 9 mins/mile". There is the ability to specify a pace smoothing factor, but I have it maxed out and still see the variations. The elevation readout also seems inaccurate, but that isn't important to me.



Upload of workout data to the PC software (Training Center) is transparent. The PC software is very good for presenting time/distance/pace/heartrate/calorie data. However the maps it shows are very crude. I've worked a bit with one of the online, subscription services (MotionBased). That looks really good and provides some additional functionality beyond the included Training Center software, although I still haven't decided if it's worth the $$$ yet for long-term data storage. MotionBased allows export to Google Earth, and it's tremendously cool to see your running path superimposed on a satellite image. You can recharge the unit through the USB port on your computer, although it's slower than using the dedicated recharger.



I had hoped that owning this device would prove motivational for me, and indeed it has. I can't imagine running or biking without it. Updating my training log is trivial now: Plug this thing into my computer, and it's done. My hope is that a future software update will do something about the pace calculation (maybe a few additional levels of smoothing?). If so, the Forerunner 305 would earn 5 stars+++.





Positives:



Flawless heart rate sampling

Great distance measuring and lap-average pace calculation

Seamless integration with a PC

Fully-automatic training log update

User-customizable display





Negatives;



Wildly-varying pace readout. Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

With a few one-star reviews, I was a bit hesitant to order this. Now, after two weeks of use (10 runs of 2 to 2.5 miles each), I have no regrets with the purchase whatsoever.



I haven't had any of the problems reported by any of the one-star reviewers. It syncs to the satellite in a reasonable* amount of time, seems to track my pace very well, tracks distance well, and the heart rate monitor seems WAY more accurate than the dedicated exercise machines at my local gym.



*by reasonable, it does take a minute or two to sync to the satellites each time. That's the only thing I could possibly think of improving, but it's not a big deal. Being the super-impatient person I am, I often turn on the watch, set it on my front porch, go back in and change into my running outfit, and by the time I come back out it's ready to go.



I haven't seen the pacing issues others have reported. I'm a beginning runner... but if I keep a solid pace... it reports about 10mins/mile... if I push a little harder... about 9mins/mile... if I let up... about 11mins/mile. It seems very consistent over my entire 2-2.5 mile run.



I have a 2.1 mile run where I've done the same exact route about 6 times... and when I compare the maps of each run... they overlap almost exactly.



I have thyroid and heart issues, and this watch gives me the confidence to know I'm not exceeding my max hr for too long (I can easily get into the 180's) and gives me the feedback and stats to keep me motivated.



Last but not least, I've bought dozens and dozens of items from Amazon over the years, and this is the first review I've taken the time to write - hope that gives you an indication of how happy I am with this product. ;-) - Gps - Heart Rate Monitor - Garmin 305 - Garmin
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Garmin 305 - garmin 305, heart rate monitor

Holster - thunderbolt, seidio

Click here for more information I was pretty much forced to buy this case because I am going on vacation and there wasn't much else to choose from besides silicone bumper like cases with no real carrying solution. It is a nice case but definitely NOT worth the $50 I paid. It offers some protection (more than a silicone bumper) but I doubt it would protect the phone like an Otterbox or Kraken would. Unfortunately, I am sure those cases won't be available for a 1-3 months. There is no screen protection at all unless you have it in the holster so you will still need a protective film of some type.



If you can't wait and are in absolute immediate need of a case with a holster style carrying solution and you can't find anything else this will definitely work. But if you can I recommend you wait for an Otterbox or Kraken case to become available. I am sure the price point will be the same and you'll get more for your money. Seidio SURFACE Case and Holster Combo for use with HTC ThunderBolt (Black)

The case itself is good enough. It's shaped like a silcone case protecting the back and sides but it's a hard plastic. The case is very smooth making it difficult to hold a large phone like the thunderbolt. I ended up taking some sandpaper to rough it up to make the phone easier to hold. The biggest problem I have with it is the price, this thing is way to expensive. When I ordered it I thought there would be more to it to justify the price but there isn't anything special about it. This should be selling around the $20 price point.

I received my Seidio surface case w/ holster a day earlier than expected. So far this case is actually better than I thought it would be!! It gives a clean professional look, and can be worn with a suit and tie without standing out. It does give some protection, but I still wouldn't want to drop my phone!!! I purchased this to hold me over until the new Ballistic case was available. I still plan on getting the other case, but this one will will definitely get it's use!!

After about a month of use, this case seems to be holding up fine. It's a bit expensive, although, when you consider that it's a slip-on case as well as a separate belt holster/clip, it seems more cost effective. I like the screen facing in when the phone is in the holster, as it gives me some peace of mind against accidental damage, and provides some protection against accidental activation/dialing and privacy breeches. The clips (both the belt clip and the one that secure the phone) seem to be well made and holding up fine. My only gripe is that I wish the slip-case on the phone had a slightly more tactile/rubbery feel to it, a la the Body Glove type cases. The cover is slightly too slippery and at times makes holding the phone a bit like trying to cling to that bar of soap in the shower. Other than that, so far, so good.

When I initially received the case it seemed very nice. No more than 2-3 days later i noticed the outer covering of the case was beginning to peel. I have had it for about 3 weeks now, and it has became progressively worse. I expected much better given how this case is so overpriced! Will be returning this to merchant!

This is the 4th Seidio case I have purchased and I have loved them all. One did crack when I dropped the phone, but it protected the phone from damage.

I've tried to find cheaper alternatives in the past, but I always come back to the Innocase. I recommend it to everyone I know.

They fit the Thunderbolt securely, have a great feel in the hand, where I am confidant that it won't slip and the colors are great (bought 2).

I would definitely buy again for whatever my next device will be.

I had just bought the HTC Thunderbolt online and needed a holster and case for it. I was hoping to find one for it like the hard shell and holster that I had for my BlackBerry Tour, so I went into a Verizon Shop and asked if there was anything available of that type. The clerk told me that since the phone had just come out the day before, nothing had been developed for it yet, he said "Hell, I don't even have any spare batteries for the phone.

I came home and checked on Amazon and found "Seidio Innocase II Surface Case and Holster Combo for use with HTC ThunderBolt" and purchased it and an additional battery for the phone along with some clear screen protectors.

The entire order arrived within 3 days and when I opened the box up, it wasn't the extract same item, although it was close, but, much easier to use. I have been using all three items since that day and I am delighted with my purchase. If you buy the case, get the battery package combined with it. These Thunderbolts are AWESOME PHONES!! My upload and download and speed has been clocked at over 10MB each and I think but wouldn't swear to it that there might be more useful free apps for the Android then the iPhone and Blackberry combined. Anytime I think I need an app for something, I just go to the Marketplace and find one usually right out of the gate! I am thrilled with this phone, but getting to the original point, the only downside is the they suck batteries down faster than my 6 year old daughter sucks down a Vanilla Milkshake at Mickey D's so I always carry a fully charged Seidio Innocell 1600mAh Slim Extended-Life Battery. I'm not really sure that has an extended life, but, having that extra battery sure has saved my butt when I needed it saved. The battery seems to live up to the promise of providing Extended life and it is slim enough for me to keep in my wallet under needed for more Android time.

The screen protectors are no different than any that I've used in the past, just remember to carefully wet the screen down using a Windex type of product, push out the bubbles, the it dry and your good to go. The screen protectors are cut so that they perfectly cover the screen for the thunderbolt and I think they are a worthy investment.

If you decide to buy the package for about $80.00 to $90.00 it has been a great one to me!!! - Thunderbolt - Seidio
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Holster - thunderbolt, seidio

Ipod Speakers - bose, portable

Click here for more information I confess that if Amazon had not offered this bag as a "bundle" with my Bose soun dock, it would have never occurred to me to buy one. As with anything you keep on a tabletop, the sound dock collects dust and keeping it protected eliminates that. Eventually the dust will collect in the grid and surely damage it. The bag is great, sturdy, elegant, and it even has a pocket for the socket attachment. You can store your sound dock anywhere and just pick up the bag and carry it with you (the shoulder strap is an added bonus). I supposed eventually I would have bought a bag to keep the dock from getting scratched or damaged; it didn't have to be a Bose bag, but it's simply ELEGANT. Bose® Travel Bag for the SoundDock® Portable Digital Music System (Black)

This is obviously made to fit the Bose Sounddock Portable like a glove. It even has a perfect sized compartment for the charger and a little extra room on top of the speaker to put remote, iPod, Belkin Mini Surge Protector (great portable surge protector) and an extra battery if you buy one.



Nice quality (think a step above the CaseLogic leatherish CD cases).

Look, it's expensive for a bag, I know. But you probably just spent $400 on your portable Bose for the purpose of TRANSPORTING it places, so you'll need it.



It's really slickly designed, everything fits just perfect. And it looks nice. I've brought with me to the park, and it makes a perfect carryon for the airplane.



Highly recommended.

This will be long but it can raise bag to a 5-star.



Two major flaws:

1. The center side pocket under the flap is not large enough to hold the spare battery (ref'd in previous comments). It begs the question: Did the bag undergo any Quality Control?



2. The flap closure which uses two small magnets to hold closed is a joke! What QC testing did they do? Keep in mind that the bag will be holding north of $1K in valuables(iPod $400, speakers $400, battery, cables, etc.). I wouldn't trust this bag to securely hold my iPod as I learn through testing (see below).



#############################



Resolution to flaw #1(battery doesn't fit in pocket):



With the flap open, view the 3 pockets on the front. Let's call them (from left to right) pockets #1, #2, and #3.



Pocket #1 is slender and is well sized for the remote.



Pocket #2 (the largest) is obviously intended for the battery but is short by 1/2 inch in width!



Pocket #3 fits the iPod (iPod-Touch in my case) and fits fine though is a bit loose.



I'm hoping a lightbulb is going off in your head... #2 is not wide enough while #3 is a bit too wide.



So that's how I fixed (kludged) the battery issue. Notice the seam between pockets #2 and #3. The sewing is right down the middle centered between pockets #2 and #3. I carefully cut the thread from that seam and then manually sewed it back. But I sewed it approx 3/4 inch closer to pocket #3 rather then right down the middle between both pockets. Voila! Battery now fits snugly into #2 and the iPod is now a bit snugger in #3. (Picture available upon request).



###########################



Resolution of flaw #2: Flap closure.



Its obvious as mentioned in previous users comment(s) that the flap needs a full double-pull zipper rather than two wimpy magnets in the corners. So in the mean time, try this: Get a Velstrap (2in X 36in).

[...]



At first, I strapped it vertically and was quite pleased that the strap would be held centered by the single small loop at top of bag. However, after loading up bag (speakers, power supply, remote, spare battery, iPod, etc.) I gave it the upside down shake test (QC?) and...

BANG!... My iPod was laying on the counter! It had slipped by the flap since the flap was only being supported by strap in the middle of the bag and the iPod was on the right side (pocket #3). The magnets were useless.



Solution... (though it doesn't look nearly as pretty).. is to orient the strap horizontally across the bag. It now holds the flap firmly closed and passes the shake test. If you're a fanatic about your $1K cargo, the Velstrap comes with two per package so you could always run one strap in both directions. But I'm going with the single horizontal strap. That's all that I could get my wife to part with!



The Bose bag I would now consider 5-star. Hopefully Bose get's their QC department involved even though this item has nothing to do with their specialty... SOUND. But hey, that IS their logo on the bag!



Tom



P.S. I totally agree with comments regarding the power supply prongs needing a home but I simply store in same bag with cables.

First of all, the fit/quality/materials are excellent and the fit of the SoundDock itself is perfect. If you have a portable SoundDock, then you really need to buy this case. But there are a number of design problems that would have been so easy to fix: 1) charger "holster" - as others pointed out, you must detach the prongs before it will fit and there's no good place to put the prongs where they will be safe and not subject to loss. Also, the holster is a very tight fit for my charger - I can't close the velcro w/o damaging the strain relief on the plug. Either they have recently redesigned the charger, or I have a quality control problem. 2) outside flap - the magnetic closure is neat, but I would prefer something more secure, especially since the interior pockets do not have flaps - it would be easy for the flap to open and the remote to fall out (or your iPod!). I also think they missed the opportunity to put a zipper on the flap to store documentation for the SoundDock.

I would still buy it again because of the fit and I can put all the accessories, plus my Nano, video iPod, Pelican case, and earphones all inside and the overall size is still fairly small. - Portable - Bose - Case - Bag
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Ipod Speakers - bose, portable

Rca To Miniplug Adapter

Click here for more information It's a practical solution to the simplest of problems. But finding a 25' version of this cable is not very easy to find. Being able to place my Sirius radio receiver close to the antennae source and still able to connect it to my AV receiver across the room was the completion of my entertainment center. Cables Unlimited Stereo 3.5mm To 2 RCA Cable (25 feet, Black) AUD-1200-25

A 25ft RCA to mini stereo cable, what's not to like. Finding dependable cables at this price is almost impossible, yet they were dependable. If you're looking for a basic audio connection from a PC/laptop to your TV/Receiver this is what you need. Excellent pricing and shipping.

When I purchased a used 2005 Honda Odyssey, I was disappointed with its lack of support of iPod and mp3 devices, especially after trading in a vehicle with these capabilities for it, but I wasn't about to purchase and install a new system and lose the six-disc changer or screw up the navigation or DVD systems. When I found that there was an auxiliary port in the back of the van for the last row of seats, I quickly found and purchased this. It does what I need it to and I barely even notice the fact that it is plugged in back there instead of in the front.

I bought this so I can hook up my MP3 to my stereo, since most of my favorite music is now digital. I'm thrilled with it. I can be anywhere in the room or even outside and control the MP3 when it's connceted. One of the best things I ever bought!
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Rca To Miniplug Adapter

Energizer

Click here for more information Hey fellow athletes. If you are using one of the new coded Polar WearLink chest straps, it has replaceable batteries. This is the one you want, and not the standard CR 2025, which is much more common. The size is just different enough that the CR 2025 will not work (trust me!).



Battery works well (of course- its a Energizer) and the chest strap is working like a charm again. Plus the two pack given you a spare for the future. They are pricey little buggers though. Energizer 2025BP-2 Lithium Button Cell Battery (2 Pack)

the batteries are not as pictured. In fact, they are not even in a retail packaging. They are old batteries also.. manufactured in 2006.. I am not sure what the shelf-life is for this battery.

There isn't an expiration date on these.

Item arrived fairly quickly.



Item is not packaged like the image shown. I will post pics.



Item does not have printed expiration date even though website description claims an expiration date, which is concerning.

Convenient, cheap, easy to replace, and these seem to last a long time... What more do you want? I needed them for my speaker remote control, and if you have a product that uses this size I would recommend ordering these as soon as possible - when a store sends you an electronic with a battery already in it often they are really bad batteries and will be dead soon anyway.

They're batteries... They work... end of story.

They were the right kind, and they came quickly... the packaging was completely excessive (an envelope would have done instead of an enormous box (relative to the size of its contents)... but nonetheless, they came, they worked, and now so does my projector remote.
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Energizer

Replacement Blades - mower blades, replacement blades

Click here for more information I ordered the "Rotary Max Power 331714S 42 inch Lawn Mower BLADES for AYP/ Poulan? Sears 13149" for $7.49.



When I ordered "BLADES" for a 42 inch mower I expected it would be the 2 blades required for the 42 inch mower. This says "BLADES" but you only get a (singular) blade. I have ordered lawn mower blades in the past and when the item says "Blade" I order 2, knowing that I need more than 1. This should be changed to say "Blade" on this item. I will now have to order another "Blades" to get 2 blades needed - this will cost another shipping charge.



Other than that the product is what I expected in quality. Rotary Max Power 331714S Replacment Blade For AYP/Poulan/Sears 134149 42-Inch Lawn Mower

These blades are priced as a bargain. That is exactly what you will get. They are thin, unmarked for installation...so it would be easy to install them upside down. But, they are pretty much what I expected. A one season blade to be changed out. But, that is not necessarily a negative thing..they are simply worth what I paid for them.

I purchased two of these lawn mower blades based upon the price being the lowest. Having bought lawn mower replacement parts from this dealer before I expected the quality to be good. However, when I got the blades and put them on my mower they would fit loose, these are the star shaped 5 point type. I assumed that my mandrels were likely the cause and so before pulling my deck I went back and ordered new mandrels, housings and pulleys assuming that would correct the issue. When I got the new mandrels I put one of these blades on one right out of the box and found that the blade was loose to it also. Not by much but enough. enough for the blades to wobble and rattle while cutting. I put them on the mower and tightened them down thinking that I could torque them enough for them to spin true, but this did not work. The bottom line is that the price was great, but the product was not worth the price. Had they been good quality blades they would have and should have fit snug. I am very disappointed. I also contacted the seller by email to mention my disatisfaction over a week ago and have gotten no response to date. Pay the extra money and buy your blades elsewhere.

I purchased two of these to replace the mowing blades on my craftsman 42 inch cut mower. They are an exact fit and cost less than oem or other brands. They seem to be pretty durable and for the price you cant go wrong.

They were delivered fast. Initially when I opened the package I thought the blades were dull and I would have to sharpen them, but I installed as is and they cut wonderfully. I will use these guys again when needed.

So much nicer to order this (qty 2 needed for your 42" mower deck) from Amazon and pay a total of $18 (including shipping) and have them sent to your front doorstep, than to pay twice that and get it from Sears or have to pick it up from a Sears outlet. Now, granted, the Sears blades seem to be a little higher quality, but these blades appear to be good quality for the price, and they came sharpened. Pay attention to the blade orientation when you take the existing ones off so you know how to put these on... there are no directions and no indication on the blades. Bottom line: convenient and a good deal to boot. - Mower Blades - Replacement Blades - Craftsman
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Replacement Blades - mower blades, replacement blades

Ethernet Cables

Click here for more information My son needed a cord to run X-Box Live. After looking at the cords that were specifically indicated for X-Box, I decided to just find a cord that was of the type needed. I found this very long blue cord that works great, and it's half the price of the other "X-Box" cords. Don't waste your money on those other cords. Buy this one. It reaches easily from my son's room to the computer in our office area. RiteAV - Cat5e Network Ethernet Cable - Blue - 50 ft.

Arrived in a timely manner, great price. The only negative I have is the outer casing for the wire is not very durable. Just don't try to close a door over it or it may cut into the casing, silly me...

I bought this for my computer to get the fastest speed possible for my connection to the Internet. I found this works really good for my modem which is 35 feet away. It allows me to watch High Definition Video from Amazon and Netflix and works really well. I will be buying another one when the time is right!!

I needed a ethernet cable for my PS3 after using the 50 foot 35.00 cable i bought at BestBuy for my new computer, because going wireless is ok at best when your playing a multiplayer shooter. I seen the cheap price and that most of the reveiws were pretty good for this cable.

So i decided to try one. The cable works great. My PS3 does not lag at all while playing online. This cable works as good as the 35.00 dollar 50 foot cable that i bought from bestbuy and cost alot less.

The onley 2 things that the more expensive cable has over this cheaper cable is, the more expensive cable has a thicker outer covering,

and the more expensive cables covering is not as stiff.

If you need a cable to connect your game system or computer to your router or modem, give this one a try.

For the price you cant go wrong.

I bought this cable for my dorm room. I was skeptical it wouldn't work since it was such a low price, but it does! I've had no problems with it. Works great, and is flexible to get around tight corners.

Bought this cable for the bargain. It works O.K., but both end tabs snapped off immediately without any pressure being applied. We have a laptop and have to position the computer carefully before using. We lose our connection constantly. Now we have to buy another cable. Needless to say, it won't be this one.
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Ethernet Cables