Mike's Shopping Informer

Scandisk Sansa - Mp3 Player Information And its Features

Written by Corwin Brown

The Sansa View is Scandisk's flagship flash MP3 player with the ability to playback video on its 240x320 64k color screen. What makes the Sansa View interesting is its high capacity flash memory along with memory expansion putting it in close rivalry to hard drive based players. The other thing going for the View is the "bang for the buck" factor. It may not be a high end player, but it is one of the best values on the market. Scandisk's Sansa View video player innovates beyond the typical video loading procedure, making it easy for consumers to transfer videos natively using widely available software. Most popular formats are supported via embedded player functionality, or via a one-time software download of the Sansa Media Converter which quickly transcends numerous video files, including DivX. Consumers can purchase and insert one of Scandisk's microSD/MicroSDHC cards to play up to 24GB of music, video and photos on their Sansa View. In addition, the microSD card allows users to easily move their content to a cell phone or other mobile device. The View is quick to start up. Control is provided by a clickable scrolling wheel with context-sensitive blue icons appearing at various points to guide you through the menu. On a Samsung player these ephemeral icons would themselves be buttons, but on the View they're merely benevolent guides leading you to your destination in an intuitive manner. Scandisk has plenty of experience creating portable A/V devices, so the View isn't much of a surprise--it was only a matter of time. This player doesn't really bring anything new to the table, though it is attractive and fairly compact for a PVP. The relatively low capacity is an immediate concern--8GB really isn't that much--but there is an SD-card expansion slot for adding more memory. The player also offers A/V out for viewing content on a TV, and it supports slide shows. A user-removable, rechargeable battery and support for subscription WMA tracks round out the features. Style-wise, the Sansa View definitely falls into the understated category; its shiny black face isn't unattractive, but neither is it eye-catching. The clear coat should do a reasonable job at protecting the player from scratches, but it also creates a dimming effect on the LCD, almost as if you're looking through a very fine-mesh screen. Luckily, the display gets very bright, so visibility is not really an issue. However, I should note that, although the text for all the menus is black, the lettering on the playback screen is white, which may present a problem for certain people. Along with track info, this screen also displays album art and can be set to show one of the following: time elapsed/remaining, a graphic equalizer, full-screen cover art, or the song that's on deck. Features * 2.4" LCD, 320 x 240 resolutions * Video support: MPEG4, WMW, h.264 (at 30 fps) * Only JPEG image support * MicroSDHC slot * FM Tuner * Voice recorder * Models: 8 GB - $149, 16 GB - $199 32 GB - $350 * Battery life: audio - 30 hours, video - 6 hours Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com

Electrolux Vacuum Cleaners - The Top Rated Vacuum No One Talks About

by Robin O'Brien

Lately, Hoover and Dyson vacuum cleaners have stolen the limelight, arguing about which one of them makes the best vacuum cleaner. But, quietly, and without a lot of fanfare, Electrolux has been redesigning its range, to bring you the most top rated vacuum cleaners you can buy, and with the introduction of the Trilobite, Electrolux can rightly claim to make the most advanced vacuum cleaner in the world. Electrolux vacuum cleaners have been cleaning peoples' homes for many years. Today, Electrolux has millions of satisfied customers around the world, and Electrolux vacuum cleaners rate highly in many consumer reviews. But we don't often hear about Electrolux vacuums in the press. But that's no bad thing. While other vacuum manufacturers argue about the qualities of their products, Electrolux has just got on quietly designing a new range of vacuums that offer great cleaning power, no matter what type of vacuum requirement you have. For instance, take the Electrolux Harmony Canister Vacuum; this is one of the quietest vacuum cleaners on the market. The Harmony vacuum was designed from the outset to quiet; it comes fitted with soft wheels, a powerful, sound-insulated motor and a low-noise floor nozzle. As well as being quiet, the Electrolux Harmony vacuum cleaner comes with a HEPA H12 filter, so over 99.97% of dust and allergens stay in the bag and not expelled back out into the air. Electrolux also make a top rated canister vacuum: the Electrolux Oxygen3. The Oxygen3 vacuum cleaner has been designed to eliminate, as much as possible, any allergens that might be expelled back out from the vacuum. In fact, the Electrolux Oxygen3 is good at retaining dust and allergens that the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association recommends the Electrolux air cleaner Oxygen Z7030. Electrolux also make the Oxygen3 vacuum in a sleek upright version. The only minus side to the Oxygen3 upright vacuum cleaner is that it is a little on the heavy side. Also, if you're in the market for the best stick vacuum you might consider the Electrolux Pronto vacuum. The Electrolux Pronto vacuum cleaner is one of the most powerful stick vacuums you can buy. The world's most technically advanced vacuum cleaner in the world is the Electrolux Trilobite. The Trilobite cleans your floor all by itself; you just switch it on and away it goes. The Trilobite has an onboard computer that actually learns the layout of your home, so that after a few uses, the Trilobite knows the most efficient route to take when vacuuming your home. If you move your furniture, the Trilobite learns about it and maps out a new route. Other manufacturers claim to make a similar automatic vacuum cleaner, but their machines merely bump and then turn in some random direction; they don't have an onboard computer like the Trilobite. However, The Electrolux Trilobite doesn't come cheap, in fact it's very, very expensive, so the average consumer isn't going to be buying one anytime soon. Electrolux vacuum cleaners are a top rated product. When you buy an Electrolux vacuum you don't get any hype; what you get is a very good vacuum. They aren't perfect; the Electrolux uprights are heavier than other brands, the stick vacuum more expensive than others and they may not have the cut edge stylish looks of some. But Electrolux offers powerful cleaning at very keen prices with excellent after sales service.

Article source: ArticlePros.com

5 Advantages to an Online Shopping Mall

by: Chris Robertson

Experts agree that shoppers will spend an unprecedented amount of money buying gifts online this holiday season. Just as "big box" stores draw an inordinate number of shoppers, so does the online shopping mall. Here are five reasons why an online shopping mall is so appealing to many:

1. No More Driving

With gas prices in some areas of California inching toward five dollars a gallon, it's no wonder that people are thinking twice about getting into their SUVs and heading to the stores. An online shopping mall allows you to get all of the gifts you need with a few clicks of your mouse - without ever starting up the engine.

2. Ultimate Convenience

With an online shopping mall, you never have to worry about the crowds on a Saturday morning, gunning for a parking spot, or where you're going to leave the kids so you can buy their holiday gifts. By definition, an online store is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can shop after the kids have gone to bed, you can shop in your pajamas and bunny slippers, or you can shop at peak times with the knowledge that you're not standing in line at a checkout counter. It can't get more convenient than that!

3. Freedom to Browse

Perhaps you know precisely what you need, or maybe you're looking for inspiration. Either way, an online shopping mall fits the bill. If you know that Aunt Mary loves certain fragrances, for example, you can easily hone in on the perfect gift. On the other hand, if you're unsure what toys would appeal to your nephew, an online shopping mall lets you browse to your heart's content until you find the toy that will delight him.

4. Endless Selection

A great online shopping mall mirrors the best brick-and-mortar mall in that it has a virtually limitless selection - without having to traipse from store to store with armloads of packages. Apparel, auto parts, cell phones, computers, personal electronics, home and garden gifts, jewelry, sports, and toys are all available at a good online mall. Tens of thousands of items are all at your fingertips.

5. Great Prices

An online shopping mall has many advantages over a traditional mall, but perhaps none is more compelling than the pricing. After all, online stores don't have the overhead expenses of brick-and-mortar stores - like rent, utilities, display, sales clerks, and so forth - so they can pass along the savings to you. For that reason, they can offer products at or sometimes below wholesale prices.

If you're an avid online shopper, you'll undoubtedly do much of your holiday shopping online. Rather than shop from several online sources, you'll find it much easier to track your purchases when you make them at one online shopping mall. So put the kids to bed, put on your bunny slippers, and let your fingers do the clicking!

Don't we all deserve to look good?

by Mary Johnson

We all want to look good ! Whether we go to work, we go on a night out or even in our free time, everybody wants to feel comfortable in what they wear. Fortunately, in recent years there has been a tremendous amount of plus size clothing available for plus size woman, available in your shop around the corner or, mostly, via the internet. This regards for example dresses, plus size lingerie and plus size bathing suits.

Just a few years ago this was totally different. The plus size clothing market was under supplied. Manufacturers focused mainly on producing clothes which were considered mainstream sizes. Today, however, an estimated 10 million plus size women are looking for good looking clothes to wear anytime and anywhere. This is a high potential market and manufacturers now fully understand this by supplying a wide range of modern plus size fashion.

As mentioned, this also regards plus size swim suits, profiting from this turn around in th! e production and supply of larger clothing. New and existing manufacturers now bring a wide diversity of good looking and high quality plus size bathing suits on the market at extremely competitive rates.

And not only are the presented swimsuits more divers and wider available, manufacturers also put more effort in designing the outfits, the fabrics which are used and the colors. Because of this, swimwear for plus size women now accentuate particular areas the right way as well as help hide other areas which woman may be concerned about.

Most of these bathing suits can be purchased from the internet, where you can shop comfortably and choose between all brands and products without feeling unconfident, ashamed or stared at. Actually, it is even easier to find plus size swimwear online then in your regular store. And almost all the sites you may visit have a return policy, so it is often risk-free. One of the better alternatives on the internet is swimsuitsforal! l.com, where you can find all the bigger brands presented in a! well or ganized way.

Before purchasing, be aware that there are different body shapes which require different styles of swim suits. Most of all, different styles emphasize or cover up different parts of the body shape. Keep this in mind and for sure you can find a sexy plus size swimsuit that fit you and make you feel great.

Because we all deserve to look good !

Article source: ArticlePros.com

How Are Diamonds Made

by David Cowley

Millions of years ago the ancient oceans had microorganisms that lived and died in the oceans. When the microorganisms died there bodies fell to the ocean floor. After the bodies decomposed, what was left was almost pure carbon. The crust of the earth surface is in constant motion. Movement is due to tectonic plates and the continental drift.



When one of the tectonic plates was pushed under another the bodies of the microorganism, now carbon, is also buried under tons of rock. The carbon is subject to extreme pressures by the rock pressing down upon it and by extreme heat, which is usually between 1100, and 1400 degrees Celsius. If the carbon being acted upon is pure then the diamond will be colorless which is normal for diamonds. If nitrogen or sulphur is also included in the carbon then some color may be added to the diamond.



This process preserves the unique crystal structure that makes diamonds the hardest natural materia! l known. The arrangement of the atoms causes the diamonds to have tighter atoms than any other substance in the world. When volcanoes erupted, every once in a while, the microorganisms, which are now diamonds, are forced to the service. Conventional diamonds are mined from explosive volcanic rocks (kimberlites) that transport them from depths in excess of 100 kilometers by volcanic action.



Man Made.



In the year 2004, scientists from Carnegie Institution's Geophysical Laboratory managed to produce gems that are harder than any other crystals. These man made diamonds were produced using a gas mixture. The crystals that were produced were so hard that the instruments and paraphernalia used to make them broke. The great part about these man made diamonds is they were created in less than a day.



Put pure carbon under enough heat and pressure, about 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit and 50,000 atmospheres and it will crystallize into the harde! st material known. That is a very simplistic view and also ver! y hard t o do. Modern methods use a very complicated process that requires the crystals to be grown using a special high growth-rate chemical vapor deposition. Then the crystals were exposed to very high pressure and temperatures make them harder. There is then a production of a chemical reaction that yields what is called carbon rain. The carbon rain atoms arrange themselves in the same structure as the container or seed used to catch the carbon rain. As they arrange themselves into a tight composition, they turn into man-made diamonds.



Most of the man made diamonds are yellow in color. This is due to the chemicals used in the creation process. Man-made diamonds are very difficult to distinguish from natural ones. A trained jeweler could tell the difference if he could detect the different growth patterns and the lack of inclusions. Inclusions are the tiny bits of material that are usually imbedded in a natural diamond and are considered a flaw. Insist on a certificat! ion before purchasing a diamond for investment purposes. It will tell you the stone's carat weight, its color and clarity, and its flaws. If the seller is unwilling to supply a certification with the diamond then he may not be telling the truth and you should find someone who will.

Article source: ArticlePros.com

How Does Apple Manage To Dominate The Mp3 Player Market With The Ipod

by: Gray Rollins

In the realm of MP3 players, Apple (producer of Macintosh computers and related technology) is the definite dominator when it comes to having the most highly-purchased products among the other manufacturers. One of the main reasons for this – simple as it may seem – is basically out of customer loyalty to the originator of this portable audio device. It was the first of its kind on the market and still remains today, the brand of choice.

Apple actually released the iPod in 2001 as a portable audio device that was strictly compatible with Macintosh technology. Working in unison with Apple’s iTunes, Mac users were able to create, maintain and utilize countless numbers of sound files in their music and audio libraries. However, due the growing popularity among its customers, many Windows users were feeling left out and wanted to be able to take advantage of this great new way of listening to and downloading music and other audio as well. So, in 2002, Apple produced a new form of iPod that was compatible with both Macintosh and Windows interfaces. And later in 2003, they gave the Window’s world a compatible version of iTunes as well. This made the audio playing and storing consumer market very happy.

Then eventually, other companies like Sony and Samsung began producing MP3 players as well but have never reached the level of success that Apple has with their iPods. And moreover, it doesn’t look like those competitors ever will. Statistics show that Apple and their iPod actually dominate the MP3 player market with a 70% selling advantage over other manufacturers of these types of portable MP3 audio devices. And when it comes to hard-drive based MP3 players, they’ve got a whopping 90% lead over the competition.

The main reasons consumers complain about the non-Apple brands of MP3 players is that not only are the competitor versions too expensive, but they are strongly lacking in form. They just don’t have the ease of operation in terms of user-interfacing and also don’t include a lot of the convenient and ‘cool’ features that the Apple iPod does either. Generally speaking, the iPod emphatically outperforms the other manufacture’s brands of portable audio devices by a mile (or more).

And with the addition of Intel into the Apple product line as a whole, the iPod is only going to continue to be improved upon causing it not only to remain the favorite, but also further expand its appeal throughout the music-loving universe.

10 Ways to Use Your New GPS

by: James Bunting

The GPS, or Global Positioning System, was originally developed by the military to pinpoint targets anywhere in the world. It has been used for a host of civilian applications for some years now.

Today, GPS devices are now portable - they can not only be fitted in your car, but also come as hand-held devices the size of a cell phone! If you have a GPS device, or are planning to get one, here are a just a few things you can do with it:

1. Travel- You can use your GPS device to get from point A to point B without getting lost. You can check to see if you are on the right path.

2. Locate your parked vehicle- if you forget the spot where you parked your car, a GPS device can easily locate it for you.

3. Set notifications for your travel route- No more missing an exit on a freeway, and then taking a 3-mile detour! Your GPS navigator can guide you along the way so that you don't miss any turns or highway exits.

4. Record your exact travel path- If you are going to a secluded place that doesn't have an clearly defined road, you can record the way you went and then play it back to some one else, or you can use to go to the same place next year!

5. Use it as a speedometer- A GPS device can track your speed. If you are ever stopped for speeding, use it to prove to the cops how fast you were going.

6. Use it to give your exact coordinates if your car breaks down - If you are stranded on a highway, you can use the GPS to give the towing company your exact location, so they can reach you faster.

7. Locate your camp- When camping, you can locate your camp without getting lost if you happen to go for a hike or a nearby town.

8. Search and rescue- You can mark the spot if someone happens to fall off the boat or has a similar water emergency. GPS has been used with tremendous success in search and rescue operations.

9. Boating - You can determine where you are in the water, without having to look for landmarks.

10. Find your teenagers - If you have teenage kids, take the worry out of their late night forays with a GPS. You'll always know where they - and your car - are at all times!

A GPS can be very useful in lots of situations, as well as great fun. Many websites offer fun tips and equipment or all your navigation needs, including GPS systems and more.

3 Places not to go when you sell a car

by Paige Filler

Car dealerships

Mainly because of their industry, car salesmen have a bad reputation in general. Sure, there are some car salesmen out there who are great people, contribute to charity, good with children, but bottom line; they still sell cars for a living. Point being, if someone wants to sell a car and they go to a dealership they will have to interact with a salesman whose one goal is to sell them a car. They don't care that you want to sell a car, all they care about is the new vehicle they want you to buy. Particularly this coming year of 2007, it has been predicted that used car sales will rise as new car sales decline. This means that those car salesmen at dealerships will be chasing their customers with added desperation trying to defeat those projections. Do yourself a favor when you want to sell a car and avoid the headache and potential purchase that comes along with a dealership.

The local newspaper

While it may seem simple to place an ad in your local rag and deal with individual buyers yourself, beware of the many issues that may arise from this avenue. To begin with you are forced to reveal your contact information, which lets face it, in this day and age can be a bad idea. Not to mention that you are forced to meet with strangers (always do it in a crowded public place), and allow them to test drive your vehicle. This poses a liability problem to your insurance carrier, and could be a personal liability for obvious reasons. In addition to close contact with strangers, there is also the issue of haggling, selling and convincing reluctant potential buyers, not to mention people who aren't serious about buying wasting your time. Another serious issue is payment fraud. Selling a big ticket item isn't something to be taken lightly and almost any type of payment you take can be fraudulent. If you must sell a car yourself be sure to only accept ! cashiers checks made out to you, and as an added step you should meet the buyer at the bank the check is drawn off of and never turn over the keys until you have negotiated the check and have cash (or another cashiers check you purchased) in your hand.

A high visibility parking lot

Many people simply buy a 'For Sale' sign and slap it in a window of the vehicle they want to get rid of. Quite frankly, driving with a for sale sign in the window isn't a good way to advertise, talk about dealing with strangers. No one wants people yelling offers to them at stoplights, and while moving there is no way to make the copy large enough for passing vehicles to see. Many people will take their car and its 'For Sale' sign and put it in a parking lot with high visibility and lots of traffic. Beyond the obvious angry business owners and parking violations, this is another method of selling that requires your contact information becoming public knowledge. Not only can that incur unwanted attention, but it also gives that angry business owner or code enforcement officer a quick and easy way to track you down.

There is a solution

It may seem hopeless when you want to sell a car, there are flaws with almost any method you use. However, the newest and perhaps the most easy alternative lies in your computer. The internet offers any number of websites that make selling your car a snap. Not only do most of them come to you, but many offer cash to sellers. Utilizing affiliates within the industries helps them to eliminate your footwork and get you a reasonable price.

Article source: ArticlePros.com

The Blue Book Of Used Cars

by Gregory Ashton

If you are planning to sell your used car to a vehicle dealer, you should be aware of the basic process in determining the worth of your car. This would ensure you would not be scammed and taken for granted by car dealer experts.

* What is the Blue Book value?

The Blue Book value is a basic term used in the car-buying business. It means the worth or cost of a vehicle. This vital book determines the price of what dealers are willing to pay for a used car.

* Where could you find the Blue Book value?

There are several resources responsible for determining the value of your car. The two most popular is the Kelley Blue Book and the N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides.

The Kelley Blue Book, which invented the term Blue Book, is a principal source for determining the loan value on used cars. It has been providing information for 75 years.

The N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides, which was established in 1933, is another helpful Blue Bo! ok that provides car buyers to review the car?s worth.

* How does the Blue Book determine the value of a used car?

The Blue Book calculates the value of your car based on the make, the model and year. The book also considers factors such as conditions of the used-cars, mileage and other options. The majority of the popular Blue Books are free for public use in their respective web sites. They provide user-friendly worksheets to help determine the appropriate value of a used car. Being aware of the Blue Book value of your car would help you search for a fair deal.

* How do you determine the amount you wish to spend on buying a use car?

If you?re planning to buy a used car, you should determine how much money you are willing to spend. Consider the additional expenses such as the tags when applying for a car loan, extra tax, and purchasing of the car title.

* How does the Blue Book determine the final values?

Many organizations a! nd individuals make use of the Blue Book. Car auctions, privat! e owners , rentals and fleets, franchised and independent dealers all use the Blue Book to determine the final value.

Used car values are determined by a respectable editorial process. Each process starts with an analysis of the collected data which include the current economic conditions, the historical trends, seasonality, location and industry developments. The final value reflects the most current representation of the changing car marketplace.

Be a wise used-car shopper and avoid bad deals and investments. Check with the Blue Book to find helpful guidelines in your used-car purchase

Article source: ArticlePros.com

Common mistakes people make when buying a car at a dealership

by Paige Filler

No one ever said buying a car is easy. However, it doesn't have to be hard if you do a little homework first. There is tons of information about how to buy a car from a dealership, but here we thought we'd try a different tactic. Here we will show you some of the common mistakes people make at dealerships and how to avoid them.

Common mistakes

We may not cover them all, but here are some of the most common mistakes that will probably cost you money.

Falling in love

Lets face it, emotion has no place in any business transaction. Unfortunately car shopping and purchasing can easily be guided by emotions.

I'm not singling women out, because I am one, but the fact remains we tend to be the more emotionally driven gender. I must confess that emotion played a huge part in my last vehicle purchase.

Needless to say that now, as I tear up every time I have to fill my gas tank, I wish I had purchased with my head instead of my heart.

Keep your emotions in check. Be sure to react to fact rather than feeling. It is important to love what you drive. Like with people, superficial feelings don't last but that uncomfortable drivers seat, or the squeaky sound under the hood will.

Not planning ahead

This is self explanatory. Research is king folks, the more you do the more you know, and knowledge is power. Car salesmen pressure will be easier to resist if you know your product.

Not taking a drive

Truly the most important part of the process is a test drive. Anyone who skips this vital step should not have the luxury of complaining when the vehicle they purchase doesn't suit them.

Focusing on monthly payments

One of the oldest gimmicks in any sales mans repertoire is selling the package (full of stuff you don't need) by breaking it down into monthly payments. It seems like they are being helpful when they ask you how much you can afford a month, however this is all part of their selling process.

Frankly waiting until you hit a dealership to consider your financing options is like showing up for a midterm unprepared. Have a ceiling price in your head, and make sure you have a calculated feel for the associated monthly payments.

If you can, apply for bank funding before you begin to shop. This will not only get you the best interest rate, but will also allow you to shop independent of dealership finance departments.

Good and bad options

No car dealership purchase would be complete without the salesmen pushing extras and options. Some of which are worth it, some not. Things such as rustproofing, stain resistant treatments for fabrics, and paint clear coats are all extras that carry a hefty price tag and no real economical value.

Safety features are a different story and clearly worth the money. Options like side airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC) could potentially be worth all the money in the world.

Use your salesman

The person trying to sell you a car doesn't have to be your enemy, keeping your emotions out of the equation will help to ensure a smoother purchase. Your salesman is a wealth of information about the brand, the model, not to mention the options that you do want.

Ask questions, gather information from all possible sources. Chances are the salesman has driven every car on the lot multiple times. Ask their opinion, ask why, knowing what you want will help you zero in on important information that could influence your purchase.

Article source: ArticlePros.com