Franklin SCD-1890 Speaking Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)There's no backlight neither any bookman slot. The picture gives the illusion of two speakers. This is not so, the speaker is the left one and the right is a dummy. To make matters worst, I simply cannot understand why there is no protective cover nor an included case for such a large lcd. I can see this device becoming quite dusty in time. I would have returned this item but this is nearly impossible for me since I had it shipped to my home in the Caribbean.
The blue font used is also difficult to read. You get a sort of shadow effect below each letter. Likewise when you initially press the speak button, you get a sort of crackling noise as the pronunciation of the word is started. This crackling noise however disappears when the speak button is repressed for the same word.
UPDATE: This product has now MALFUNCTIONED. A continuous deep blue screen is now visible. Pressing the reset button has no effect. The item was not subjected to any abuse, never dropped and stored in a well padded pouch.

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Newly updated and redesigned, the Speaking Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary sets the standard for electronic dictionaries. The feature that distinguishes this dictionary from other run-of-the-mill models is its ability to speak--it reads words and definitions clearly, increasing your ability to retain the definition and improving pronunciation of difficult-to-pronounce words. In addition to a library of over 200,000 words, the dictionary features biographical and geographical information, an interactive grammar guide, phonetic spelling correction, a basic calculator and many other useful functions. It can perform in five different languages, translating freely between English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. It even enables you to compile your favorite words into customized lists, making word studying much easier. It also plays nine different fun games which can help build your vocabulary and spelling skills.

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Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Factory Refurbished) Review

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(More customer reviews)I actually could not decide between the Garmin Nuvi 255w or the 750 model, so I decided to buy them both for comparison. I mounted them both to my car windshield and gave them various addresses to find together. I found that both models took the same routes and announced upcoming turns and street names at practically the same time. One thing I noticed about the 255w was that it was updating my position on the road more often, I'd say about 3 times as often as the 750. This made for smoother graphics on the 255w of the vehicle moving along displayed roads, where the 750's display was more of a "jerky" movement. I also found that the display on the 255w was a bit brighter, clearer, and more vivid than on the 750 in both daylight and at night. Another feature I like on the 255w is the graphic turn indicator in the upper left corner, which the 750 lacks. This is a small arrow which shows upcoming turns and the distance to that turn. It also show things like a fork in the road, (ie: a Y intersection), and which fork you will be taking. The 750 just displays text on the top line for upcoming turns without the arrow. It's just a little extra feature on the 255w which I happened to really like. The 255 also automatically adjusts the font size of displayed text so that even lengthy text will fit.
Another feature on the 255w is a display of the posted speed limit on the road which you are currently on right above your current displayed speed. I found myself not even looking at my car speedometer as I could easily see my current speed and the speed limit of my route at a glance. The 750 doesn't have this feature. I also like how they moved the zoom in (+) and zoom out (-) buttons on the 255w to the same side of the screen which makes it a bit easier. On the 750 the zoom buttons are on opposite sides of the screen.
Now there are some features on the 750 that the 255w does not have. The 750 can broadcast it's sound over your FM radio with the supplied cigarette lighter cable, and it has a headphone jack, which I found to be nice features. The 750 also has an MP3 player and an Audio-book player, which the 255w does not. Another really nice feature of the 750 is the car locater. This is a great feature if you are parking in a really big lot, such as at an amusement park or a fair. The 750 marks your location when you remove it from the car, then you take it with you and it remembers where you parked and takes you right back to your car. The 255w doesn't have the car locater.
I also thought the the voice prompts of the 750 where more pleasant sounding than the 255w's. The 750 sounds more like a real female voice, where the 255w sounds more robotic.
Another thing to consider was that I paid $50 less for the 750 and it came with the FM transmitter cable and a USB cord to connect it to your computer for updates and downloads.
My final decision was to keep the 255w and return the 750 because I really liked the graphic turn indicator and the posted speed limit and current speed indicators. I didn't find a need for the 750's MP3 player and Audio book player, but that is up to personal preference. Since the USB cable was not included with the 255w, I purchased it on this site for $10. I also intend to purchase the MSN direct cable when it is available in August 2008.

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This is a refurbished GPS. Refurbished generally means that the unit has been returned to the manufacturer, who brings the navigator back to like new conditions. Some GPS may contain cosmetic blemishes.Garmin's nuvi 255W improvesupon its 200-series predecessors by adding top-of-the-line features such as FM traffic updates or MSN Direct content to an entry-level line. But Garmin is also introducing some significant improvements with this new series, like a predictive technology that provides faster satellite lock, a redesigned screen with more information, terrain maps, and an exciting new photo navigation feature. The 255W adds complete maps for North America and Text-to-Speech, so you get turn by turn spoken directions with the real names of streets (e.g. "turn left in 50 feet at Nebraska Way", rather than merely "turn left in 50 feet"). The 255W also offers a wide 4.3-inch (diagonal) screen that displays 70% more of the road around you.
The nuvi 2x5 models all sport the slim design that Garmin introduced with the 200-series last year, so they all fit comfortably in your pocket or purse, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that makes them convenient for navigation by car or foot.All of the models include useful travel tools like a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more.

Important Product Information: This device features a "screen lock" feature. This is a standard feature on all nuvi 2x5 and 7x5 Garmin units. If you slide the "Power" key to the right, it will lock the screen and prevent any accidental touches. Once the screen lock feature is engaged, the screen will go black/gray after about 15 seconds to save power on the device. To unlock the screen, just slide the "Power" key to the center position. This feature is really targeted for "Pedestrian" mode so that a user can put the device in his or her pocket/purse and quickly unlock the screen instead of powering on/off continuously. For more information, see page 5 of the product manual.

Key Features/Benefits for all 2x5 Series Navigators
New -- HotFix (Long Term Ephemeris Prediction) finds satellites faster (Learn more)
New -- Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Basemap shows 3D shaded terrain features (Learn more)
New -- Faster 333 Mhz processor offers faster, smoother map drawing and vehicle icon motion through turns
New -- Redesigned user interface offers more information (Learn more)
New -- Photo Navigation lets you upload geo-coded photos from a phone, geo-coding camera or photo site and navigate to them. (Learn more)
New -- Add Enhanced MSN Traffic and Content with the optional GDB 55 antenna and charger (Learn more)
New -- Send addresses directly to your Garmin from Google Maps or Mapquest (Learn more)
New -- Automatic Time Zone Transition
Text-to-Speech gives directions with real street names
4.3-inch Widescreen shows you more of what's around you as you drive (Learn more)
Memory Card Slots so you can add maps and travel guides, or store photos (MicroSD card slot on 3.5-inch units; SD card slot on 4.3-inch units)
Preloaded Maps with Navteq data of North America + Hawaii + Puerto Rico, including 6.5 million searchable points of interest (Learn more)
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for easy portability (up to 4 hours per charge)
Custom Vehicle Icons let you personalize your navigator (Learn more)
Integrated Antenna for a slim form factor
Where Am I? -- instantly shows you all of the emergency services nearby (Learn More)

What's in the Box nuvi 255W, Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America or Europe (full coverage), Vehicle suction cup mount, Vehicle power cable, Dashboard disc, Quick start manual

Which nuvi is Best for You?: Click here to see a quick, simple comparison of features for all Garmin nuvi GPS navigators


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New -- Improved Interface

New -- HotFix™ – aka: Satellite Ephemeris Data Prediction
New -- Navigate by Photo

New -- 3D Terrain Maps


New -- Send Addresses Directly from Google Maps or Mapquest


Traffic-Capable for Either FM Traffic or Enhanced MSN Direct Content MSN Direct Enhanced Traffic and Content FM Traffic
Widescreen -- See More of What's Around
The super-bright, 4.3-inch (diagonal) touchscreen display gives is anti-glare for ease of viewing during the day and automatically changes its color profile for easy viewing at night or in dim light. It offers 2d or 3D perspective views. The widescreen format gives you 70% more actual screen area than a 3.5-inch screen. Primarily this translates into a better view of the area through which you are driving. This is especially useful in showing you what parks, restaurants, ATM, gas stations, etc. are nearby, or in letting you know whether a detour is a good idea. Also, the device itself is larger, meaning controls on the screen are more widely spaced and somewhat easier to push. Wider screen lets you see more of what's around. Compare these actual size views of a 3-inch (diagonal) screen

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Transcend 2 GB SD Flash Memory Card TS2GSDC Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this card a month back from Amazon. It works and has disk space what is advertised. However, it is slower than other cards. In comparison, it is far slower than Panasonic one and is slower than Kingston one with the same capacity. This I can witness when capturing a video clip from my Panasonic FZ30 camera. With this card, it requires atleast a 2 seconds lag before camera becomes ready for next shoot. However this is of course is not a case with what others card I have; in Panasonic no lag and with Kingston about a 1/2 sec.
This is a good card, if you are not considering in-camera write speed. Rest is ok and no problem found, and really worth with the given price, at least far cheaper than Panasonic one.


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Transcend 2GB SD CARD

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Texas Instruments TI-NSpire Math and Science Handheld Graphing Calculator Review

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(More customer reviews)Strengths:
The document management system -- multiple "problems" can be kept in the calculator at the same time, and each problem keeps its own variable names; good graphing capabilities; ability to split the screen and work with multiple views of the same problem; spreadsheet application. The calculator has 5 "applications" (calculator, graphs & geometry, spreadsheet, data & statistics, notes), and information can be shared between them.
Weaknesses:
The documentation is very poor. There are two user guides, with considerable overlap in the contents. In User Guide Part 1, which comes packaged with the calculator, there are 25 pages on the Graphs & Geometry application, and the information on how to actually plot a graph is barely mentioned. User Guide Part 2 comes as a PDF file, and has more detail, but is badly organized and missing a lot of information. For example, instructions for a number of operations say to "drag" something, but nowhere in the manual does it say how to do that.
Keypad: other reviewers have commented on the difficulty pressing the right buttons on the keypad. Even worse is the "mouse" operation. I finally discovered that dragging involves holding the center "Click button" while pressing the arrow keys on the "NavPad". It is very difficult to control the cursor with the NavPad, and doubly so when trying to hold down the click button. Also, what operation is done by a click or drag is dependent on where on the screen the cursor is, and it's difficult to control the cursor location with the level of precision needed.
TI-84 compatibility: This seemed like a great idea. However, as far as I can determine, there's no way to integrate TI-84 functions with TI-Nspire functions. When you put in the TI-84 keypad, you get a TI-84. With the TI-Nspire keypad, you get a TI-Nspire. If you want to transfer information from one to the other, it seems to be impossible. The only relevant information in the documentation about TI-84 mode is a warning that if you update the operating system, all your added TI-84 applications will be deleted.
Lack of software: The TI-84 has a lot of user-contributed software. There's almost nothing on the TI web site for the TI-Nspire. I also didn't find much with a web search, and some of what is available requires the CAS version. For example, there don't appear to be any built-in physical constants or conversion factors for units. I could switch to TI-84 mode and get them, but then what's the point of buying the TI-Nspire?
Summary:
This calculator does not appear to be well-engineered or well-supported by TI. I would recommend waiting to see whether they give it the support that it deserves.

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The TI-Nspire handheld comes with a snap-in TI-84 Plus Keypad that provides the same keystrokes as TI-83 Plus, TI-84 Plus and TI-84 Plus Silver Edition graphing calculators. Whether handhelds are provided by your school or your students bring in personally-owned units, this side-by-side compatibility between TI-Nspire handhelds and existing TI graphing calculators delivers a comfortable transition to TI-Nspire technology.Inclueds USB cable for software and file downloads.

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TI-Nspire CAS Graphing Calculator Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a calculator with tons of potential, however it is not nearly as user friendly as every other TI graphing calculator is. I'm an AP Calculus teacher and ordered one of these through school funds to test out. It can do everything that the TI-89 does and has much more potential than the TI-89, but the thought of teaching my students to use one of these just scares the bejesus out of me.
Pros:
1. Large screen with good resolution.
2. little green letter buttons make it easier to enter commands.
3. WYSIWYG typing means you don't have to remember calculator syntax. It's much easier to enter a definite integral or limit.
4. Graphing window allows you to graph rectangular, polar, and parametric equations simultaneously.
5. Click and drag feature on the graph screen is nice.
Cons:
1. The letter buttons are always in the way while I'm trying to enter numbers.
2. Screen can be difficult to read.
3. There is not a model that hooks up to a TI presenter. It does come with software where you can use a computer version of the calculator (assuming you have an LCD projector), but it's much slower than simply hitting actual buttons.
4. Finding max, min, roots, and intersections takes longer than on the TI-89.
5. When you do find the things from my #4 con, the calculator displays them right in the middle of the graphing screen, so you have to click and drag them out of the way to continue viewing the graph.
6. The "y=" screen is included as part of the graph screen, taking up graphing space.
7. Viewing a function table isn't difficult, but I can't figure out how to view a window containing ONLY the function table. It splits the screen with the graph on the left and the table on the right. This keeps you from being able to see several function values at the same time. Also I can't figure out how to close the table. I'm sure there's an easy way, but due to the completely inadequate user manual I have no idea what it is.
EDIT: I figured out how to view a function table on a different page/tab in the calculator, so the split screen problem is solved and it's much easier to close the function table. It still is not very intuitive at all and if I weren't very tech savvy I'd have never figured it out.
8. I have yet to find a differential equation graphing mode, and internet searches lead me to believe there isn't one. Why in the world would TI include this with the TI-89 and not with their new, supposed top-of-the-line model?
I may edit this as I find more pros or cons. I've had this calculator for 3 or 4 months and I do get it out on occasion to give it another shot, but each time I'm just as disappointed as the last. I keep think it just has a steep learning curve and I'll eventually catch on but it's not happening. That being the case, I have a feeling that if I tried to get my students to use this calculator I would be spending too much time just teaching them to use it.
If this calculator was only $50 and the TI-89 Titanium stayed at about $150 I'd still encourage my students to get the 89.

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The TI-Nspire CAS handheld and computer software has all the functionality of TI-Nspire technology plus built-in CAS (Computer Algebra System) capabilities. Explore, evaluate and simplify expressions, numeric problems and variables symbolically. Experience all the functionality of TI-Nspire technology plus built-in CAS capabilities, which provides the ability to explore, evaluate and simplify expressions, numeric problems and variables symbolically. The TI-Nspire CAS handheld does not include the snap-in TI-84 Plus Keypad, which is compatible exclusively with the TI-Nspire handheld.White box.

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Texas Instruments BA II Plus Professional Financial Calculator Review

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(More customer reviews)Finally! This is a superb upgrade to TI's previous BA II product. I hated the previous model with a passion given the near "touchless" keypad (allowing for frustrating key entry). THIS is the calculator that I would want to use for the CFA exam (did I mention how much I HATED the previous TI BA calculator??).
For those thinking of the HP12C line, I had a 12C for many years and loved it. However, after it got ruined due to a playful two year old, I bought a new one and found it cheaply made compared to the one I bought in the 80's (very disappointing) and have since abandoned using it. Interestingly, I found the following calculation example from a review of the HP 12C Platinum edition to be very interesting: "If possible, I would suggest that potential users and buyers try this data set on both the 12C and 12cP before buying. Clear register. Find [i] after input [PMT]=-1458;[FV]=0,[n]=84,[PV]=103600. The HP12C would take 20 seconds "running" while the HP12cP would take about 30 seconds to give the same answer [i]=0.4059!"
How long for the BA II Plus Professional? I timed it at about one second.
As calculators go, this is a mighty sweet device -- especially given the clear HP-like display viewable at all angles!! Count me as a definite TI BA II convert!

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The BA II Plus Professional calculator features all the great features of its predecessor while packing in even more time-saving functions to make short work of complex equations. It's an ideal choice for entry level and advanced finance, accounting, economics, investment, statistics, and other business classes. It's also a great choice to bring to the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam. Along with the standard capabilities of time-value-of-money, accrued interest, amortization, cost-sell-margin, and depreciation calculations, users can calculate more advanced business and finance related issues. It will handle net future value (NFV), modified internal rate of return (MIRR), modified duration, payback, discount payback, and more. Its rugged metal exterior, firm-touch keypad and anti-slip rubber feet make it ideal for anyone in accounting, economics, investing, statistics, and related businesses. It also comes with a black protective case.

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Texas Instruments BA II Plus Financial Calculator Review

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(More customer reviews)The TI BA Plus II is a better calculator than most of the current TI models.
Pros:
It's a nice conservative brown color and not a day glo blue or some other candy color.
The button feel (button feel a critical factor in buying a calculator) is much better than most TIs but it still could be improved. (It is not as good as the HP 12c). One shouldn't have to keep looking at the display to see if the number was keyed correctly.
The different colored keys make it easy to find the various functions.
The display is uncluttered and easy to read.
The alpha characters on the left side of the display make it easy to know what data you are entering and what the resulting number from a calculation refers to.
It has a backspace key.
The manual is well written and very complete.
Cons:
The number of key strokes that you need to do the simplest things is unbelievable. For example, to change the decimal format you have to press 2nd, format, [the number referring to the number of places], enter, 2nd, quit. Compare this to the HP 12c where you just press F and the number referring to the number of places. Six steps on the TI verses 2 on the HP.
The calculator has no weight to it. It seems flimsy. I would be very afraid of dropping it. The HP 12c is a tank by comparison.
The hard plastic slip "case" doesn't fit securely.
There is no way to change the contrast of the display.
Extra steps are required to do TVM calculations as compared to the HP 12c since with the TI you have to press the CPT key to get an answer. If you forget to do that then the display number becomes a new, unintended variable.
It doesn't retain the display when you shut the calculator off.
The arrow on the backspace key points the wrong way. Compare it to the backspace key on your computer.
It's easier to change the battery in your watch than it is in this calculator.
The "cheat sheet" in the plastic cover is only paper and very easy to loose. The HP has it printed on the back of the calculator.
No rubber feet! How much can these cost? That means you have to use two hands with this calculator; one to hold it so it doesn't slide around the table and one to enter data. You can't enter data with one hand and keep track of your place on a list of numbers with the other.
Not noticeably faster than the HP 12c which was designed over 20 years ago.
Conclusion: This calculator is better than most on the TIs in this price range mostly because of the improved button feel and the quality of the display but it would do well to take some lessons from the 80's and incorporate some of the features of the HP 12c. It's the little things that make a good calculator a great calculator. A calculator should be like an extension of you and not something that you have to constantly think about in addition to the business/math problems that you are working on. My first choice for a business calculator is the HP 12c but, if you are short on money, this is a good second choice.

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We're definitely taking this along with us the next time we shop for a house. Though it takes a little effort to master the collection of financial worksheets available on the Texas Instruments BA II Plus, you'll be glad you invested the time and money in this fine financial calculator.
The BA II Plus operates in standard calculator and worksheet modes. The standard mode lets you perform common math as well as operations involving the time value of money--that is, applications such as mortgages or annuities in which payments are equal and evenly spaced. You can also perform trigonometric functions in standard mode.
The more hard-core worksheet mode includes tables for amortization, bond, depreciation, and compound interest. If you're not familiar with such calculations, the very helpful user's manual will guide you through the process. All previous worksheet values are stored in memory, so you don't have to retype all the bond maturity or cash flow analysis figures.
The average user who wants to calculate a basic loan payment will be more comfortable working in the standard calculator mode. We were using the BA II Plus tools for calculating basic interest and payment periods within minutes. Still, it's good to know that the more advanced features are available for those who require heavy-duty financial computing.
Finance students and average users alike will find much to like in the Texas Instruments BA II Plus. --John Frederick Moore

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Casio FX-115ES Advanced Scientific Calculator with 2-Line Natural Textbook Display Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this calculator's distant ancestor six or seven years ago in College and loved it ever since. The old model was the first calc that gave you graphing calculator editing capabilities in a small calc package and it was a steal for the $12 or $14 I paid for it then. This new generation is nothing short of a quantum leap forward. For the first time you can enter equations exactly as you would write them. The font switches to a smaller size, so you can review the whole equation at once. It also has a solver funtion that is intuitive and quick; I used it all the time on open channel flow problems, or any equation that would require more than mild rearranging of terms. This may be the only calc on the PE approved list that has this ability.
Other high points:
* excellent battery life and solar ability
* Table function
Minor quibbles:
* you may have to slow down the pace when keying in as it will miss keystrokes if you type too fast
* you have to hit Shift to get to 'X' (alpha) or Pi
* when editing an equation, very slow to cursor to where you want


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The Casio FX-115ES Advanced Scientific Calculator features over 279 functions and provides its user with everything they need for most mathematical calculations. The calculator's functions include complex number calculations, matrix and vector calculations, statistics, and 40 metric conversions. Its standout feature is its 2-line natural textbook display that displays fractions, formulas, square roots and other expressions as they would in your textbook. It is extremely versatile, and can be used in courses ranging from basic pre-algebra to calculus, and also has applications in physics, engineering, biology and statistics. What's in the Box FX-115ES scientific calculator, slide-on hard case, instruction manual, and quick reference guide.

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