Sprenzy Shopping Blog: Tag gadgets

TiVo HD - Product Lifetime Service Transfer

Chuck — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 16:38:00 -0400

Thinking about upgrading to a TiVo HD? Do you have Product Lifetime Service on your current TiVo? Then there’s good news, TiVo has a new offer — purchase a TiVo HD DVR for $299 (from Tivo.com) and transfer your Product Lifetime Service for $199. Additionally, you’ll be able to keep service on your existing TiVo for one year with no charge. The offer expires November 8, 2007. Keep in mind to be eligible for this offer, your Product Lifetime Service had to be activated prior to October 1, 2003.

In their Tivo HD review, PC Magazine concluded…

“All in all, however, the TiVo HD lives up to the promise of finally getting HD programming on a TiVo at a reasonable cost. It does core search, record, and playback functions better than anyone else in the DVR business. I think $300 is the sweet spot that will push current TiVo subscribers into the HD fold and lure new users away from the plain-vanilla boxes offered by most cable companies.”

For additional reviews, take a look at my previous post on the TiVo HD. If you aren’t eligible for a lifetime service transfer, Amazon is selling the TiVo HD for $249. You’ll have to pay a monthly service fee but you’ll get a great dual tuner HD DVR.

Unfortunately, the TiVo HD does not support satellite service. I recently switched to DirecTV to be able to watch Penn State on the Big Ten Network. Otherwise, I would be all over the TiVo HD upgrade offer.

iPhone Price Cut, $100 Apple Store Credit and AMEX Credit

Chuck — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:58:00 -0400

Yesterday, Steve Jobs announced that Apple was cutting the price of the 8 GB iPhone to $399 from $599. I was shocked at the 33% price cut, less than 10 weeks after its initial launch. Even though I was surprised by the price reduction, I wasn’t mad at Apple and just wrote it off as the penalty for being an early adopter of tech gadgets.

It turns out that a lot of early adopters were extremely upset and flooded Apple with complaints via email and on the Apple iPhone forum. In another surprising move and in response to the customer backlash, Jobs wrote an open letter to iPhone purchasers offering a $100 store credit…

“Third, even though we are making the right decision to lower the price of iPhone, and even though the technology road is bumpy, we need to do a better job taking care of our early iPhone customers as we aggressively go after new ones with a lower price. Our early customers trusted us, and we must live up to that trust with our actions in moments like these.

Therefore, we have decided to offer every iPhone customer who purchased an iPhone from either Apple or AT&T, and who is not receiving a rebate or any other consideration, a $100 store credit towards the purchase of any product at an Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. Details are still being worked out and will be posted on Apple’s website next week. Stay tuned.

We want to do the right thing for our valued iPhone customers. We apologize for disappointing some of you, and we are doing our best to live up to your high expectations of Apple.”

I’m surprised that the Apple marketing machine didn’t anticipate the negative customer reaction to the $200 price cut. But, I applaud Apple for listening to customer complaints and offering a $100 store credit, which is fair mea culpa. I can’t recall any other company who offered a credit to early adopters after a product price drop.

If the store credit isn’t enough for you and you purchased your iPhone using an American Express card, you have another option to recoup your $200. Call the AMEX Return Protection Program at (800) 297-8019 and ask to file a claim. Although AMEX’s price protection program expired October 2006, they are making an exception for the iPhone and will price protect it. There’s one caveat, AMEX is not guaranteeing they will accept your claim. However, if you are a customer in good standing, they will most likely credit your account $200 plus tax. Depending on the authority level of the AMEX rep you speak to, you may be able to get credit within 24 - 48 hours, otherwise you’ll have to wait 2 weeks for the claim review.

I have filed my claim with AMEX already and anticipate getting a $200 credit on my next bill. Coupled with a $100 Apple store credit, I’m a very happy iPhone owner, whose iPhone net price will be $300, not bad for being an early adopter?!?

Garmin Edge 605 and 705 Cycling Computers

Chuck — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:14:00 -0400

Garmin is on a roll these days. Today, they announced two new cycling computers, the Edge 605 and Edge 705, scheduled for a December 2007 release. From the Garmin blog…

“Cyclists, you spoke up and we listened. You wanted color, you got color. Mapping and more navigation? Check. What about being able to monitor power output on the same device? Impossible? Hardly. And try this on for something completely new: Wireless, unit-to-unit data transfer. No, we’re not pulling your chain. We proudly present the Edge 705 and the Edge 605.

The Edge 705 represents several breakthroughs in cycling technology, including power compatibility and wireless unit-to-unit connectivity. Through collaborative efforts with SRM, Quarq and other experts in mobile power diagnostics for bicycles, Garmin for the first time gives cyclists the opportunity to monitor GPS position, power, heart rate, speed, cadence, altitude and gradient on the same display. And Edge 705 users will be able to share their information – including saved rides, waypoints and workouts – with each other through ANT+Sport wireless technology.”

I’ve been using the Garmin Edge 305 for over a year and I love it. There were only a few features (navigation and power output) that I wish my Edge 305 had. It looks like Garmin granted my wishes with the Edge 705. Comparing the specs, the improvements of the Edge 705 over the Edge 305 are…

Improved battery life, up from 12 hours to 15 hours
Larger screen size and resolution (176 x 220 pixels) along with a color screen
Mapping and turn by turn navigation
MicroSD card slot for adding map detail and storing workout data
Power output with third-party ANT + Sport-enabled power meters
Wireless unit-to-unit data transfers

Unit-to-unit data transfer is interesting, but I would prefer to wirelessly transfer my workout data to my computer. It’s strange that this feature is included in the Forerunner 50 but not the Edge 705. However, I am really excited about the third-party power meter integration. Power output is by far the best training method on a bike. And I am curious about the size of the power meter solutions and how they will mount to a bike.

With the larger screen size, the Edge 705 is slightly bigger and heavier (16.9 g more for the weight weenies) than the Edge 305. The new units are also more expensive. The list price for the Edge 705 is $540 - $709, depending on accessories. There is currently a $75 rebate on the Edge 305 and expect the price to drop further with the release of the new Edge units.

I’ll report more on the new Edge models as it gets closer to their release date. GPS position, navigation, heart rate, speed, cadence, altitude, gradient and power, what more can you ask for in a cycling computer?!?!

Garmin Forerunner 50 - Fitness Watch

Chuck — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 17:29:00 -0400

In October, Garmin will be releasing a new fitness device, the Forerunner 50, which is not GPS-enabled. According to a Garmin press release, the Forerunner 50 is…

“an affordable, sleek and intelligent way to help runners and walkers track their workouts, automatically store their data and reach their personal fitness goals.”

“The central element of the Forerunner 50 system is an advanced fitness watch which interfaces wirelessly with other fitness devices such as a heart rate monitor or a foot pod that monitors speed and distance. The system includes a wireless USB ANT™ Stick that plugs into the user’s PC and automatically downloads workout data stored on the watch to a personal computer. No cables are necessary as the Forerunner 50 synchronizes with the computer once it is in close proximity. Depending on the model purchased, the Forerunner 50 accurately monitors and records heart rate or speed and distance or all of the above. The workouts themselves are made easier with the Forerunner 50 as its heart rate monitor and foot pod activate automatically upon movement, removing the need to turn the lightweight accessories on and off.”

“When used with Garmin Connect™ — Garmin’s online training site — the Forerunner’s benefits continue long after the workout. By pairing the Forerunner 50 with Garmin Connect, users can automatically log their workouts, track their totals, share workouts with coaches, friends and family and participate in an online fitness community with similar interests.”

With no GPS, the Forerunner 50 is a big departure from the Forerunner series. It appears that Garmin is targeting the fitness/running/HRM watch audience, particularly users of the Polar S120 and Polar RS200sd. I’m a little perplexed on why Garmin has decided to produce a non GPS-enabled fitness device. My preference would have been a GPS-enabled Forerunner with the size of the Forerunner 50.

Currently, I own a Polar RS200sd running HRM with foot pod for speed and distance. I’m also a very happy owner of a Garmin Forerunner 305 and an Edge 305, which I use for running and cycling, respectively. Based on my experience with Garmin fitness products and many HRM watches, I’ve created a pros and cons list for the Forerunner 50.

Pros

Size/form factor - an attractive and sleek HRM watch that can display speed and distance.
Wireless data download - automatic wireless download of workout data is a cool feature.
Battery life - 12 months of battery life using a coin cell battery (CR2032) versus regular battery charging with GPS devices.
Garmin Connect website - uploading workout data can become addicting. Garmin’s online training site (currently MotionBased) is much better than Polar’s or the Nike+ site. Here’s an example activity on the future Garmin Connect site - Golden Gate Park Run (Forerunner 305 data). I don’t believe the Garmin Connect site is completed yet for Forerunner 50 support, which means the website features and interface will probably change come October. It is also my understanding that Garmin Connect will eventually replace MotionBased going forward.
Indoor use - can be worn at the gym on a treadmill or in a spinning class as a normal HRM watch, i.e. no one will stare at your big GPS device.
Speed/cadence sensor - track speed and distance of bike rides with this optional accessory. Since the sensor is installed on the rear chain stay, the Forerunner 50 can be used on an indoor trainer.

Cons

No GPS - means less accurate speed and distance data. And no ability to import/export courses or running routes to share with others.
Foot pod - an extra accessory that needs to be moved from shoe to shoe for speed and distance data. However, the design appears to be slimmer and better than Polar’s foot pod.
HRM strap - the Garmin HRM strap is comfortable to wear but Polar Wearlink HRM strap is probably the best on the market in terms of comfort.

Who should get the Forerunner 50? I would recommend the $106 Forerunner 50, Heart Rate version to anyone who works out primarily at the gym and wants to monitor their heart rate. Next, I would recommend the $150 Forerunner 50, Foot Pod or the $200 Forerunner 50, Heart Rate & Foot Pod version for the runners or cyclists who want to track their speed and distance in a sleek sports watch, but isn’t concerned with a small inaccuracy in data.

With that said, I wouldn’t recommend the Forerunner 50 to people looking for the most accurate speed and distance information that a GPS device offers. Additionally, if you are want advanced features such as virtual partner training (train against a digital person), courses (compete against previous workouts) or an altimeter, then go with the Forerunner 305.

A Forerunner 305 is only $165 after rebate and provides HRM, GPS and a barometric altimeter. Granted it’s on the larger side compared to the Forerunner 50, but it’s only 1.22 oz (34.5 g) heavier. With a $50 rebate, the Forerunner 305 is cheaper than the top of the line Forerunner 50 version, with more features and better accuracy. Unless you are hell bent on a sleek fitness watch, the Forerunner 305 is the better value.

Garmin Edge 305 And MotionBased Equals Training Bliss

Chuck — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 01:09:00 -0400

Since May 2006, I’ve been using the Garmin Edge 305, a GPS-enabled cycle computer, on my road bike. I also have the heart rate monitor (HRM) and the speed/cadence sensor accessories. As a data junkie, I absolutely love my Edge 305.

But I have to admit, I hadn’t used the full capabilities of the 305 until recently. At the end of May, a friend and I are going on a Giro biking trip through the Italian Dolomites, which means there is a ton of climbing. My friend lives in New York City, so I’ve been training All By Myself.

Thankfully, the Garmin Edge 305 has been a great training tool and has really helped me to stay motivated. I’m finally using the training features (workouts and courses with a virtual partner). Additionally, I’m using MotionBased, a web application that allows you to upload, analyze and visualize your ride data. MotionBased (MB) is a much superior post ride analysis tool to the Garmin Training Center software that comes with the Edge.

After each ride, I upload my ride data to MotionBased and I’m able to conduct post ride analysis, keep motivated to train and improve my performance. I want to point out that MotionBased is not limited to just cycling and supports many GPS devices (Garmin Forerunner 205/305, Garmin 60CSx, eTrex Vista Cx and more) to upload and analyze running, hiking, Nordic skiing or any activity you track with a GPS device.

Instead of writing a review on the Edge 305 and MotionBased, I’m going to provide a review roundup and highlight key features of the 305 in the remainder of this post and MB in a follow-up post.

Garmin Edge 305 Review Roundup:

Garmin Edge 305 cycling GPS system review from PocketGPSWorld.com - by far the best and most detailed review; covering specs, installation, features, user testing and analysis software.
Garmin Edge 305 Review from Arena Red - a good overview of the Edge 305 with comparison pictures of the 305 next to iPods and a Moto Razr.
Tech Review: Garmin Edge 305 by Jeremy Bostron - a list of positives and negatives comparing the 305 to the Polar 725 bike computer.
Mini-Review: Garmin Training Center for Mac from Arena Red - short review of the Garmin Training Center Mac version.

If you read the PocketGPSWorld.com review, you should have a very good understanding of the features and the wealth of data captured and displayed by the Edge 305. For someone looking for a simple cycling computer, the 305 is complete overkill. However, for the data obsessed, the Edge 305 is a dream come true. Highlighted below are the features that I enjoy the most.

Key Features:

Custom Data Fields - the Edge 305 allows customization of the following displays: Bike Computer 1, Bike Computer 2, Maps, Workouts and Courses. When I’m riding, I like to see my speed, heart rate, cadence, grade, distance and elapsed time in one view. On my previous bike computer, a Ciclosport HAC4, I was able to only see two data points at a time. On the Bike Computer view, the Edge 305 can display up to 8 data fields. There are 33 data fields from which to choose. Since there are two Bike Computer views, it’s possible to display 16 data points between the two views! With the 305, I spend less time pressing buttons, scrolling thru views and more time with my hands on the bars and eyes on the road.
Virtual Partner - when training by yourself, the Virtual Partner is the ultimate pacer. Used during quick workouts or courses, the Edge 305 displays how far ahead or behind you are relative to the Virtual Partner. Since I don’t have a training partner, I’ll take a virtual partner instead of no one.
Workouts and Courses - workouts are excellent training tools. Quick workouts (Distance and Time, Time and Speed or Distance and Speed) display a Virtual Partner to keep you motivated during your workout. You can also setup interval workouts based on time/distance and rest time/distance. But the most realistic training tool is the Courses feature. You can create or edit courses based on a previously recorded ride. Then you can race against the Virtual Partner on the course and see if you can beat your previous performance.
Cadence/Speed Sensor - is a single wireless unit, which is installed on the rear chainstay. The speed sensor is used when there isn’t a quality GPS signal or when GPS is turned off. Because the sensor is attached on the rear wheel, the Edge 305 can be used on a bike trainer. Most other cycling computers have two sensors, one on the fork for speed and one on the chainstay for cadence.
Data Analysis Software - the 305 comes with the Garmin Training Center software, which allows you to download and analyze your ride data. You can overlay various data fields (distance, elevation, heart rate, speed, etc.) and analyze your performance. Unless you have Garmin map products, the map view is very limited and only shows major roads and cities. This is were MotionBased excels and I’ll cover MB in a follow-up post.

My only complaint with the Edge 305 is the short battery life (less than 10 hours with a good GPS signal). It’s a rare event that I’ll ride longer than 10 hours, but that’s the one I’ll definitely want to record and review post ride. A current solution is a DIY battery charger, but that’s a little clumsy for this high tech cycling computer.

Furthermore, a great feature enhancement would be a low cost power meter, which would make the 305 even better and provide more data to geek out on. I would also like to see compatibility with Polar’s Wearlink transmitter and strap, which is the most comfortable HRM I’ve ever used.

Overall, the Garmin Edge 305 is an amazing GPS cycling computer. With GPS functionality, an HRM and a speed/cadence sensor, it provides more than enough features and data recording to blow away the competition. It’s also a great training tool, which keeps you motivated to ride farther and faster.

iPhone - Gadget Holy Grail?

Chuck — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 02:05:00 -0500

After watching Steve Jobs’ Macworld keynote address and introduction of the iPhone, all I can say is… wow, brilliant, amazing, spectacular, fantabulous… there aren’t enough superlatives that I can give the iPhone. The user interface and design are simply beautiful, intuitive and elegant. The iPhone consists of three devices rolled into one.

A widescreen iPod with touch controls
A “smart” phone
A mobile Internet device

If Apple released these products individually, each device would be revolutionary. Words cannot describe how cool and mind blowing the iPhone is. To truly appreciate this gadget, you’ll have to watch the 2007 Macworld keynote address. If you can’t watch it all, skip to 01:23:20 in the keynote address or 00:57:00 in the iPhone introduction video to see Steve Jobs demonstrate a real world example of iPhone use… music, phone call, photo, email, web browsing, end call, automatically back to music… wow!

Unfortunately, the iPhone won’t be available until June 2007. Pricing is $499 for a 4 GB model and $599 for an 8GB model. Both require a two year contract with Cingular, the exclusive iPhone wireless carrier.

I’ve had a bad experience with Cingular in the past but I’m completely ready to drop Verizon and my Motorola Q come June. As you can tell, I’m super excited about the iPhone but I’m just as psyched for future Apple products using multi-touch technology.

Is the iPhone the holy grail of gadgets? I don’t know, but it comes pretty darn close. Maybe Apple can add 3G, wireless iTunes synching, GPS, over-the-air HDTV antenna, a heart rate monitor…

To get a complete overview and specs of the phone, go to Apple iPhone.

Update 01.17.2007: Added an entertaining video from Dave Pogue of the New York Times.

Wired - 2006 Gear and Gadgets Guide

Chuck — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 23:51:00 -0500

Wired magazine recently released their 2006 gear and gadgets guide with the reviews available online for the first time. I’m a big fan of Wired and always enjoy reading the gear guide issue. The last paragraph of the editor’s note is quite amusing.

“Sure, there are other gear mags, but many of them don’t spend any hands-on time with the products they write about. In our world, that’s a catalog, not a guide. At Wired Test, we used everything we rated. If we say a product sucks, it does. And if we say it’s amazing, it is.”

This year, the gear guide has over 300 product reviews across 11 categories. The ”Best of Test” in each category are:

Mobile Phones - Motorola Q
Digicams - Pentax K100D
Videocams - Canon HV10
Televisions - Sony TAV-L1
Video Gear - Tivo Series3
Portable Audio - Toshiba Gibabeat MES30VW
Home Audio - Tivoli Audio Music System
Household - Black & Decker Infrawave Speed Oven
Laptops - Apple Macbook Pro 15-Inch
Gaming Gear - Nintendo Wii
Automotive - Lexus GS 450H

I own the Motorola Q and it’s perfect for my needs. I’ve been longing for the Tivo Series3, but I’m still waiting for the price to drop. There isn’t enough HD programming currently (I’m a Comcast customer) to justify the $700+ price tag.

The gadget on the Best of Test list that intrigues me the most is the Black & Decker Infrawave Speed Oven. I actually own another infrared oven, the Flavorwave Oven. And believe it or not, it works pretty well. I’ve roasted chickens, made prime rib and bbq ribs in the Flavorwave, and it produces good food in half the time of a conventional oven. I still prefer using a normal oven but if you are time constrained, an infrared oven will definitely save some time.

Getting back to the B&D Infrawave Speed Oven, I like the toaster oven form factor, which makes it more versatile than a Flavorwave Oven. The idea of heating up leftovers in half the time of a normal oven without the microwave soggy food issue sounds very appealing. I think I’m going to retire my toaster and replace it with a Black & Decker Infrawave Speed Oven. Sorry toaster, but I don’t eat enough toast to warrant your counter space.

Garmin Nuvi 660 - Stay the Course!

Chuck — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 23:39:00 -0400

On a recent trip to Seattle, we took the frugal route and rented a car from Thrifty (never again, but that’s another story), which didn’t offer any GPS navigation systems. Fortunately, we were able to get around Seattle by mapping out directions on my Motorola Q. After this trip, I’m seriously considering getting a GPS receiver that I can use in my car and while traveling to other cities. My biggest requirement is a small, lightweight device that is portable.

After doing a little research, I discovered that the Garmin Nuvi 660 is the device to get. I was able to find this extremely in-depth Nuvi 660 review from GPS Magazine. The 660 is their Editor’s Choice…

“I’m declaring the nuvi 660 the current GPS Magazine Editor’s Choice. Garmin has managed to pack the nuvi 660 chock-full of features without adding clutter or confusion to the interface. Each feature is thoughtfully implemented and well-designed. I really loved using the integrated FM transmitter to play MP3’s over the car’s stereo system.”

“With its recently reduced price, the Garmin nuvi 660 has raised the bar on in-car navigation and is clearly the GPS to beat. I can, without reservation, enthusiastically recommend the nuvi 660 for anyone looking for a full featured GPS with a big screen and lots of features, all in an easy-to-use package.”

The review is great with a description of unboxing, installation, set-up, comparison to the Nuvi 360, pros and cons. If you like details, the review is a must read. If you want a quicker read, here are some other useful reviews.

Nuvi 660 Portable GPS Review (One Man’s Blog)
Garmin Nuvi 660 Review (GPS Lodge)
Garmin Nuvi 660 Review (PC Magazine)

The Nuvi 660 is also a PC Magazine Editor’s Choice…

“Garmin’s nüvi 660 is now the leader of the high-end shirt-pocket GPS market. It’s pricey, but if you want the most fully featured yet tiny navigation device with a 4.3-inch screen, the nüvi 660 is your only choice.”

Beyond the small form-factor and reliable Garmin GPS software, the features that stand out are:

Bluetooth with microphone and speaker - enables hands free mobile phone calls
Built in FM transmitter - allows MP3 and audio book playback over your car speakers
FM TMC traffic receiver - get real-time traffic alerts

The Garmin Nuvi 660 is definitely on the expensive side at $740+. Living in San Francisco, I’ve put less than 5,000 miles on my car in the last three years. If I drove more often, this would be a no brainer purchase for me. But for you road warriors, the Garmin Nuvi 660 is a sleek navigator and travel assistant that will help you stay the course!

Top 5 Must-Have Gadgets

Chuck — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 23:03:00 -0400

The good folks at CNET published this top 5 must-have gadgets video a few weeks ago. CNET’s top 5 must-have gadgets are:

I agree with some of the items on this list, but if you’ll indulge me, here’s my top 5 must-have tech toys.

I would move the Slingbox to the top of the must-have list. If you aren’t familiar with the Slingbox, take a look at Slingbox Review - Are you slinging? Last week, Sling Media released a couple of new Slingboxes. The new models supposedly offer a 300% improvement in performance over the current Slingbox. Still, the limiting factor in remote video quality is your high speed internet (HSI) upload speed. If you plan on remotely watching low-action video (regular TV shows), then the current Slingbox maybe a good value as the price continues to drop. However, if you mainly watch high-action/sports programming, the Slingbox Pro and upgrading your HSI upload speed is the way to go.

The next item on the list is for high definition (HD) fanatics. The Tivo Series3 (S3) can now record HD programming. As you can see in this entry, Tivo Series3 - Is it worth $800?, I’m waiting for the price to come down but the S3 is an HD lovers dream come true.

I really like the Motorola Q as seen in my Moto Q post. However, it doesn’t belong on the top of the must-have list because it’s only offered by Verizon. Other providers will be offering competing products, such as the Samsung SGH-i607 thru Cingular shortly.

Number four on my list is a niche product for avid cyclist. The Garmin Edge 305 offers GPS, a heart rate monitor, an altimeter, a cadence sensor, a customizable display and a personal trainer (pace yourself with a pre-loaded route or a previously ridden one). Here is an excellent, in-depth Garmin Edge 305 review from pocketgpsworld.com. The Edge 305 is a great training tool, which can turn that everyday ride exciting again, as you race yourself on your route.

If I’m going to put an MP3 player on the must-have list, then it has to be the new iPod Shuffle (the old shuffle image may still appear). When my 1st generation shuffle died on me, I wrote iPod Shuffle Why Have You Forsaken Me? I’m extremely happy that the 2nd Gen Shuffle is coming out on October 31st. I have already pre-ordered it. If you want a display on your MP3 player, then you are going to hate the iPod Shuffle. However, if you want the smallest, almost weightless (0.55 oz) MP3 player that will be used in shuffle mode while exercising, this is the perfect player. And it costs less than $80. It shouldn’t be your primary MP3 player, but your workout companion!

So that’s my top 5 must-have gadgets, what’s yours?