Features

• Super-modern operating system combining the strength of UNIX with the elegance of Macintosh
• Over 150 new features and significant enhancements to its modern, UNIX-based foundation
• iChat AV for personal video conferencing in high-quality, full-screen video over the Internet
• Expose for instant access to any window; displays all open or current-application windows
• FileVault for keeping your valuable documents safe with powerful AES-128 bit encryption

Reviews (59)

Fixes some bugs, introduces new ones... plus some cool stuff
Panther now upgrades your iChat/AV software to a non-beta - selling the chat software separately for $30. I have to wonder if there is anyone on earth who will bother to buy the chat software separately when they can use AIM for free... and I have not seen significant changes in this chat software to make the upgrade anything worth writing home about. It still sometimes quits mysteriously w/o acknowledgement from the system. Ptooey.

Brought back from the dead are color labels... weeeee! Thank you, Apple! If you're relatively new to the Mac platform, you may not yet realize how wonderful it is to be able to color-label folders and documents to organize your work. This was a mainstay of the Mac platform since 1992, but they took it away in 10.0 and everyone screamed in horror. Thankfully, Apple listened and brought it back.

When you highlight an icon on your desktop, it now has a nice rounded square halo around the icon and a rounded rectangular halo around the name. There is now no question what file you're highlighting.

OS 10.x also introduced an annoying problem - control-clicking in a window with list or column view to create a new folder did just that, but just named it "untitled folder" and unselected... so you had to click on the folder you just made to rename it... but in icon view, it stayed selected so you could rename it as soon as it was created. Panther makes the OS more consistent so this ability is available in all views. This was a major pain... at least to me, and I'm grateful it has been eliminated.

The finder is different this time - a search box is built into each finder window and it is SUPER fast. Opening a new finder window now has two panes - on the right is the list of the items in that folder, on the left is a split pane - on top are your disks and on the bottom are commonly used folders (desktop, applications, home, movies, documents, pictures, favorites, etc.). This means less dragging across the landscape of your monitor and just an inch worth's of dragging.

A new widget menu in each finder window allows you to color label or do different things to a file without having to control click if you just have a one-button mouse. Some of this new finder look is similar in appearance to Windows Explorer... I give credit to Apple for finding the few (very few) features of Windows that are worthwhile and incorporating better versions of them.

Also now available is the ability to move a file from one volume to another instead of copying it, then deleting the original. Thank you, Apple!

The user-switching is tres cool... but only if you have a newer G4 or G5. I have a G4/400 AGP (non quartz graphics), so I don't get the cool Rubik's cube effect when I switch users. A major let-down, but about the only thing missing other than the cute shadow under my cursor arrow. Even without the ultra-cool animation, user switching is still incredibly awesome. If you're in the middle of rendering something in Photoshop, or doing batch processes and someone else needs to use your computer for a jiffy, you can swith users and your stuff still gets processed in the background without much degredation in performance for the other user or drop in performance/time for your background processes... and this is just with one processor, not dual processors! Quite amazing. If you are in the middle of jamming with iTunes, your music will mute while the new user logs in and works on their project, but your music continues where it left off the minute they logout and you log back in. Sweet!

Mail is now MUCH MUCH faster, Hallelujah! Apple has supposedly improved their junk mail filtering and added threading, but I am not so impressed with these "improvements."

The threading does not thread by sender AND subject - just sender or just subject.

This means I get spam and real mail threaded together, even though it's not related. For example, I've had a bunch of friends (and spammers) send me messages with the subject line of "Howdy" ... every message I ever received with this subject is threaded together, even though none of them are related. Who needs threading if this is all it does?

New out of the box, there is a bug that when you select more than one item on your desktop and try to drag them to the trash, the finder restarts. This has been fixed only in the past few days w/ a downloadable free updater.

Apple has been dutifully fixing the minor bugs with at least 5 updates popping up in Software Updater since I installed Panther last month.

One of the coolest features in my opinion is Expose - with just a click of a button, all windows (in all applications) will tile and fit in your window so you can see what is going on. Holding on to that key, you can then move your mouse to the window you want, and it will be brought to the front.

If you can't afford a high-end font management software program at the moment, you can use the new Font Book application for activating fonts and organizing them by groups.

Also new in Panther is built-in 128-bit encryption called FileVault... you can secure your home folder so well, even you won't be able to get in if you forget the password. The new encryption bypasses the ability to boot up off the CD to gain access to lost passwords. Once you lock it w/ FileVault, only your password will unlock it. Apple claims it will take 149 trillion years for someone to crack your 128-bit key... but once they come out with the G6, it will probably only take a few billion years. :-)

Not perfect, but still the best, easiest to use and beautiful to look at user interfaces on earth... and warts and all, it's worth the price for what you get. My only gripe is the 20 day upgrade policy... if you just bought a new Mac 21 days or more before Panther came out, you have to pay full price for the upgrade. C'mon, Apple! This should be at least 90 days... otherwise it's just insulting. Still, it's worth the money. You're only punishing yourself if you don't upgrade.

The next step forward.
Jaguar took OS X to the next level. Sure it was a familiar level, but it was a more stable operating environment, and provided several needed enhancements. Now, Panther takes a giant step forward in the evolution of the Mac platform.

An all new, easier to use finder. Upgrades to several of the popular iApps which Apple has been nurturing. Plus, iChatAV instant messaging software which will work seemlessly with the iSight camera. File Vault - 128-bit file encryption. Fast user switching, to make it easier for families who have individual user sets on a single machine. Font Book - to load and keep track of font families. Exposé, which will tile all of the windows you have open with the click of a hot key. And, it's all Unix based for faster and easier integration with Windows networks.

On top of all that, it'll work more efficiently on the G5 Macs, and make the G4's work even faster than before.

If I see one problem, it's that this major upgrade comes along too soon after Jaguar. There should be a scaled upgrade platform so that those of us who bought Jaguar last year could get a deal on Panther this year.

The Best OS I have ever experienced!!!
Super Awesome OS !!! AAAAAAAAAAA+++++++

Solid update!
Solid update, has a lot of nice little changes. However I don't like that you have to pay for it when you've already bought the other.

Smooth as Butter
Although I was familiar with 10.2 from using other computers, I still had Classic on mine and have been so in heaven since upgrading to Panther. It's like a calm wave has washed over my whole experience of my G4. I've been a Mac user for over 15 years and wished for many little improvements over time. With Panther, all of these have been accomplished, and more. Essentially, this OS has taken the (few) superior things Windows had (such as the dock and a more accessible finder), kept the good Mac things, and added an overall fluidity, pleasing aesthetic, and ease-of-use.

There are certain improvements besides those mentioned that make the upgrade to Panther a no-brainer. The most noticeable and helpful of these for me is the improved partitioning between programs, i.e. when you're experiencing a problem with one application, it does not effect the others. So, I can keep working in Word and Mail, for instance, even when my browser crashes (as they are apt to do). Speaking of browser crashes, I experience far fewer with Apple's Safari (that comes with Panther) than I previously did with Explorer. Besides less bugs, it's more streamlined and basically nicer to use than the others.

The other native programs are equally user-friendly and actually quite useful. iCal is the coolest; it lets you subscribe to various calendars from anyone who publishes them (like friends' agendas, company schedules, the many available on icalshare.com, etc.) iPhoto, Address Book, and iTunes are also each very good at what they do.

All in all, Panther has significantly enhanced my productivity and enjoyment of my computer. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Store your collection of DVD movies and audio CDs in Sony's DVP-CX985V progressive-scan DVD/SACD player, and they'll just be ready for playback at a moment's notice. The DVP-CX985V multiformat mega-changer stores 400 discs and is compatible with DVD-RW/-R, DVD+RW/+R, SACD (Super Audio CD) multichannel discs, and CD-R/RW discs with CD and MP3 audio.

Other DVD players detect image changes at the scan line level--Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive (PCP) system detects them at the pixel level. The picture is more faithful to the source--whether film or video--because separate, optimized algorithms are used to handle the differing pixel behavior. Separate algorithms are also used to process the moving and still parts of an image, resulting in sharp backgrounds with moving objects that are free from motion artifacts.

The high-speed 108MHz/12-bit video D/A converter employs 4X oversampling for much more effective noise filtering.

In addition to standard 2-channel CD playback, the DVP-CX985V plays 2-channel and multichannel Super Audio CDs. It reads the disc information of all the discs and loads the information into memory so that disc type, titles, and other text information can be displayed on the TV screen.

It has the following video output options (with number of ports): component video (x1), S-Video (x1), composite video (x1), coaxial digital (x1), and optical digital (x1). It also has the following audio output options: analog audio (x1) and 5.1 channel (x1).

Other features include:

• Included remote operates the DVP-CX985V as well as a number of functions on select brands of televisions and receivers; its keys glow in the dark.
• Instant Replay feature enables you to go back 10 seconds to review a scene with a single press of a button.
• TV Virtual Surround feature generates a convincing surround-sound effect using only 2 stereo speakers.
• Dolby Digital and DTS output.

Tech Talk

• SACD: Super Audio CD (SACD) is a high-resolution digital audio format that promises vast sonic improvements over the current audio CD format. SACD discs can be played back on dedicated SACD players or combination SACD/DVD-Video players. Certain SACD discs feature a conventional audio CD layer (hybrid SACDs) which can be played back by any CD player or computer with a CD-ROM drive.
• Progressive scan: Also called sequential scanning, a progressive-scan system displays the entire image--providing all the horizontal lines per frame, rather than every other line--once every 60th of a second. This method reduces flicker and increases stability. Progressive-scan viewing requires a compatible digital TV.
• Component video: Unlike a single video input, component video maintains the video signal as three separate signals through these three jacks. This connection provides optimum quality. To ensure maximum picture quality, use three video-grade cables for the Y, Pb, and Pr connections.

What's in the Box
Sony DVP-CX985V DVD/SACD player/changer, remote control (RM-DX500), 2 AA batteries, RCA cable (57 inches), and operating instructions. ... Read more

Features

• Progressive-scan DVD player, compatible with DVD-RW/-R, DVD+RW/+R, SACD (Super Audio CD), and CD-R/RW discs with CD and MP3 audio
• 400-disc changer holds your entire movie and music library; find your favorites with DiscExplorer onscreen management
• Connections include component, composite, optical, and coaxial
• High-speed 108MHz/12-bit video D/A converter; Dolby Digital and DTS output
• Measures 17 x 7.4 x 21.1 inches (W x H x D)

Reviews (13)

Close, but could be better
I just purchased this unit yesterday, and have almost completed the loading of my media into the player.

First let me mention the things that I do like about it. I like that it holds 400 disks, and how the motor transport transitions from disk to disk. I am pleased with the audio quality from either the Digital Fiber connection or the 6-channel direct connection. I like that it plays so many media formats, and I'm glad it has a keyboard interface. It would take even longer to program without it.

This brings me to one of the worst designed menu systems, and disk recognition systems that I have seen. Only twenty of my sixty two DVD's were automatically recognized and populated in the menu, the rest I had to manually enter into the 16 character space, even though there is another blank line below, you cannot select it to edit the contents to have one line for the Artist and the other for the title. The ratio of recognized CD titles is even worse. It recognized five out of one hundred and seventy eight CD's, one of which was the SACD demo CD of Bob Dylan that comes with the player. It would be better if there were a couple of customizable genre categories as well.

Although the menu system stinks, I am still glad that I made the purchase. It eliminates the need for a media rack in my living room, and I have re-discovered some of my forgotten about CD's while loading them into the player.

Outstanding unit, usable menu
Expectations are everything. My experience with the incompetence of the consumer A/V industry must lower mine. I've heard the complaints about the speed and clumsiness of this unit but I have no major complaints about it. I must admit that I place a higher priority on picture and audio quality, and this unit is awesome on both counts. In addition, the transport is well designed, quiet and well balanced.

For those of you shopping for one of these, make sure you read the dimensions. This sucker is HUGE. It's much deeper than any of my other equipment, including my Sony ES receiver. I had to cut the back out of my A/V cabinet in order for it to fit. Again, no biggie. I'd have bought a new piece of furniture for it.

The time required to set up this unit is nothing when compared with the nightmare of displaying, storing, and handling 350 DVDs. My wife and I spent about three hours inserting the discs and entering the titles, using a keyboard and a spreadsheet of our movies. It took me another hour to divide the DVDs into the four included groups in the Disc Explorer. I divided them into Family, Action, CDM (Comedy Drama Musical) and Other (special features, yoga, documentaries). Seems to work so far for me.

Is the Disc Explorer the greatest thing in the world? Nope, but it works fine if you are too lazy to have a printout of your movies nearby. The best part is that it's not required in order to use the unit, which gives you lots of flexibility. If you are serious about your video system, use DVDlobby and you'll never use Disk Explorer again.

I've heard complaints about the speed of the transport on this unit. Again, expectations are everything. How long does it take to look through the movies in your media cabinet, decide which one you want, open the sometimes bizzarre packaging, load the disc into your player, take the old one out, and put it away?

With this unit, it takes 18 seconds to load and play a disk on the opposite side of the platter. It takes 9 seconds to go from viewing a movie to viewing the Disk Explorer. It takes about 4 minutes to navigate through all 400 disks with the Disk Explorer. It's faster if you don't add pictures to the disc names, and some of the names from the disk manufacturers are just wrong, so you might be better off not letting the unit detect your disks.

The only movie I had a real problem creating a title for was Confessions of a Dangerous Mind since there was only room for "Conf/Dangerous M". I settled for "Dangerous Mind". I know my movies well enough that I don't require an entire paragraph to remind me.

If you are interested in using this unit for SACD, remember that you must have a 5.1 channel input on your receiver. If you have more CDs than DVDs, don't expect this thing to be a good CD player. It isn't, but I've never seen a DVD player that was. Buy a megaCD changer and save yourself the trouble.

Fantastic Player
I liked this player so much I bought another one. This player plays DVDs that were unplayable on my other players (Panasonic, Sony, RCA). I have never tried the disc explorer because other reviewers complain about it and I lose power occasionally. I use a spreadsheet as my DVD guide so I can sort by Title and have a great custom "TV Guide" including episode names on the TV show DVDs. I bought my first CX985V 6 months ago and I have had no problems so far.

Great For DVD's, NOT CD's
I bought this unit to replace 2 Sony 200 cd only disc players. This model was only $125 more than the 400 cd player, so i went with it. The menu funtions are terrible!!!! They are way over complicated and irritating. And if you just wanna play cd's you have to enter th cd# and then wait for the player to recognize the cd before you can select a track. It is a time consuming annoyance. If you want to use the shuffle or program features you have to use the menu on you TV. You can't just push a button and go. This player is a huge disapointment, but i'm too lazy to remove all my cd's and take it back.

Full Tilt Glory
Excellent quality picture and sound..but as echoed in other reviews...do a list (paper)...loaded about 240 dvd's recognized 31..one of which, the store bought movie(not a copy) "Glory" showed up as "Full Tilt Boogie" and because no overwrite capabilities we forever be know as such...no offence to any civil war vets out there... ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

With its small size and quick reaction time, the Sony DSCP73 digital camera will be your constant photographic companion. The affordable DSCP73 offers point-and-shoot simplicity with a variety of features normally found in higher-end models. This 4-megapixel camera features a 3x optical zoom, 4-shot burst mode, conversion lens compatibility, A/V connection to view images on your TV, and a high-resolution movie mode that's limited only by your Memory Stick's capacity. For a step up in price, the Sony DSCP93 adds a 5-megapixel CCD, higher resolution LCD screen, and 9-shot burst mode.

Optics and Resolution
The 1/2.7-inch Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise, and provides a 4.1-megapixel effective resolution (2304 x 1728).The Real Imaging Processor offers greater clarity and picture quality as well as improved response time and battery life and decreased shutter lag. The DSCP73 has a 3x optical zoom lens that's combined with a smooth 2x digital zoom for a 6x total.

Movie Mode
Capture video with audio at 30 frames per second (fps) at VGA size 640 x 480;the included 16 MB memory card will store 42 seconds of vide at this setting. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand. The Video Mail mode captures a smaller movie (160 x 112 pixels) that's more suitable to sending to friends and family via e-mail.

More Features
The DSCP73 offers the following additional features to the DSCP41:

• Live Histogram Display: Available in capture and playback, the Live Histogram displays the concentration of pixels at each luminosity value making it easy to evaluate the correct exposure.
• Manual Exposure Mode: Manual Exposure Mode provides extended control with 46-step adjustable Shutter speed (30 Ð 1/1000 sec.), and 2-step Aperture control.
• Conversion Lens Compatibility: Increase your shooting options by adding either telephoto lenses to increase your optical zoom or wide-angle lenses to increase the width of your field of view. You can even add filters for special effects.
• Audio/Video Output: For reviewing images and MPEG movies, the DSCP73 offers an A/V output for convenient connection to a TV or VCR, this makes sharing images with family and friends easy.

Other features include:

• Resolution modes: 2304 x 1728 (4.1MP), 2048 x 1536 (3MP), 1280 x 960 (1MP), 640 x 480 (VGA)
• 1.5-inch, 64K LCD monitor makes framing shots and reviewing pictures easy.
• Selectable Focus Mode: Monitoring AF (Auto Focus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.
• 5 Area Multi-Point Auto Focus: By evaluating 5 separate focus areas of the frame, SonyÕs Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.
• AF (Auto Focus) Illuminator: Briefly illuminating the subject, in low--or no--light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.
• Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isnÕt centered in the frame.
• Multi-Burst Mode: Captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially in the camera (selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second).
• Scene Selection Mode: With 6 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, or Beach.
• Slow Shutter Noise Reduction: During long exposures, Slow Shutter NR captures the scene, and then the CCD noise pattern with a dark frame exposure. By subtracting the two, even long exposures can be clear.
• Pre-Flash Metering: With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.
• 4 Shot Burst Mode: Capture up to 4 shots (fine) or 6 shots (standard) at 1.3 frames/sec. even at 4 MP resolution. Perfect for high speed subjects or fast moving action such as sports.

Direct Printing
The Cybershot DSCP73 offers PictBridge functionality, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer--such as the Sony PictureStation DPP-EX50--without a PC or image-editing software. Images can be viewed and selected for printing right on the camera's LCD, with menus for print quantity, date, and index print.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and the Cybershot DSCP73 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro media--for storage up to 1 gigabyte. The included 16 MB Memory Stick will store 8 Fine and 14 Standard 4.1-megapixel images. The DSCP73 transfers images to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection (which is backward compatible with USB 1.1 ports).

Power and Size
The camera is powered by two rechargeable NiMH AA-sized batteries (2100 mAh). The included adapter/charger provides power while you transfer images from the camera to your PC. It measures 4.63 x 2.13 x 1.38 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 7 ounces without Memory Stick or batteries.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony DSCP73 digital camera, 16 MB Memory Stick, two AA-size NiMH rechargeable batteries (NH-AA-DA), battery charger (BC-CS2), A/V and USB cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with photo editing software.

Sony Photo Vault
The optional Sony Photo Vault mini CD burner eliminates worry about running out of space on your Memory Stick when travelling. It burns images to mini CD-R's without a PC interface--just connect your camera using a USB cable. The Photo Vault also has a Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick Pro and Duo) and features a built-in photo album capability to display photos on a television screen using a television's standard AV input. ... Read more

Features

• 4-megapixel sensor (2304 x 1728) captures enough detail to create photo-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical zoom plus 2x digital zoom for 6x total
• High-resolution movie mode with sound; A/V output to TV; 4-shot burst; histogram display
• Compatible with Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro media; includes 16 MB card
• Powered by 2 AA batteries (NiMH rechargeables included); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 2.0

Reviews (4)

Great for pictures -- not great for videos
We bought this camera as an upgrade from our Canon A40. The big feature for us (after the fabulously quick shutter speed) was the ability to take unlimited videos. (Most other cameras limit the video length because they must buffer the image, whereas Sony cameras can write directly to their memory cards.)

However, we've decided to return the camera. There are 3 movie modes. With a 256 MB memory stick (about $100), you get about 3 minutes of video on the best setting. On the medium setting, you get 10 minutes of video. The third setting does give you 2 hours of video, but is completely unusable. The audio is very poor and the image is blurry and pixelated.

We're disappointed that Sony didn't offer a movie mode in between the terrible 160 mode and the Standard 640 mode. A friend's Sony, now over 4 years old, has such an inbetween setting, and we figured this would be an example of the quality of this Cybershot's lowest setting. Not so!

Great camera
This is our first digital camera and so far we love it. It feels very solid and the pictures are really great. The camera is very easy to use for pictures and for video. I have not used any of the different picture settings but I did read the manual and they seem easy to use.
The camera comes with batteries and a charger but no AC adapter. This is the only reason (no AC adapter) I gave the camera 4 stars instead of 5. I would recommend buying the AC adapter so you don't use the batteries too fast or an extra set of batteries so you always have a charged pair of batteries.

Sony Cybershot DSCP73
My husband & I wanted a good digital camera but did not want to spend a bundle. We own other Sony products and know the products are usually high end. We are pleased again with another Sony product. The camera is a little bulky, but the pictures look wonderful and the capability is amazing. More than enough to keep us non-techies amazed!

pretty cool for what you pay
I just bought the p73 and I am pretty content with it. altough bulkier than the exilims of casio, I like the fast cycle times between shots, which often caused me to loose nice pictures before with my old digital camera. The video is quite good considering it's just mpeg, and good for those moments when you wished you had brought your camcorder. I am using the mem stick pro 256 meg so there is alot of room for short videos as well as pictures. The preflash works pretty well in low light, an added benefit is that it catches the attention of my baby so all our shots have her looking straight at the camera. I havent tried the more advanced features yet, altough I am saving up for a wide angle lens to attach onto this toy. It is a bit heavy for a small cam, but then I realized that it was the battery which was accounting for much of the weight. ... Read more

Product Description

SONY (MVCFD200) Mavica. MVC-FD200 2.0 Megapixel Digital Camera ... Read more

Features

• Autofocus lens with 3x optical/2x digital (6x total) zoom
• Stores images on floppy discs or Memory Sticks (not included)
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port or via floppy drive
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery(included)
• 2-megapixel sensor captures 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches

Reviews (9)

why pay 300? get it for FREE
nice camera that you can get here http://www.cameras4free.com/default.aspx?r=345693 thanks for read

Very good but on limited use
I use this camera for work and it works very well.The only problem I have had with it is after a few months of taking 30 to 40 pictures a day it won't read a disk.I comes up with a formating error.I have had to send it out for repairs twice already.Other then that the picture quality and options are very nice.

Excellent Mavica Camera by Sony
If all you want is a straight forward and simple Digital Camera with Beautiful colors, Great ease in operation and high resolution get this before they will be gone
I got mine after using my older Sony Mavica MVC-FD88 for the last 3 years.
my older mavica costed much more and served me right and it has a 16 x Zoom with 1.3 Mega Pixel and MPEG with sound only on Floppies...
but Sony improve alot with this MVCFD200
First, they got a Floppy Disk Drive that accept all 3.5" disks which is great for uploading to older PC's with no USB etc.
and the new Memory stick with a USB to PC is unreal improvement
not to mention the feature of uploading and downloading between
all these formats!!!
the Memory stick that I use is 128 MB and it lets me take hundreds of high quality photos like no other Digital camera that I tried including "other" cameras with 4 Mega Pixel !!!
this is simply a great camera with some extra features like the MPEG (no sound)and 6x Zoom and Digital effects.
to me, these features are only extras and not importent as I have a Digital Camcorder in order to make high quality movies...
Sony always make the best cameras and that is a fact.

Sony...
Quite heavy but a good one.If you don't have problems carrying it with you then use it!Make sure to buy the Memory Stick because it is much better than relying on a floppy alone.

Some Good Features
I've used the Mavica 7 and 75 for years in my work (real estate). The features most useful were Zoom (10x optical), aperture (1.8 would do low light pictures) and the floppy disk convenience. The major draw back for me was poor printed photos. I thought the 200 was an opportunity to keep the good features and correct the poor resolution and add the alternate storage capability etc. I am not sure why but Sony reduced the zoom to 3x and changed the aperture. Unfortunately I'm returning my 200. ... Read more

Product Description

Capture high-quality digital audio and video with Sony's DCR-TRV280 Digital8 Handycam camcorder. The DCR-TRV280 features Digital8 recording for 3X the color bandwidth of VHS, providing you with stunning video performance. The CCD imager captures clear and detailed images for consistently outstanding image quality. With Sony's NightShot Plus infrared system you can capture natural looking video, even when shooting in low light. Don't let its compact design fool you, the DCR-TRV280 carries great power with the Stamina battery power management system, which allows you to continuously record for up to 12 hours on a single full charge1. Editing and sharing hours of video is easy with the i.LINK DV interface, which allows you to easily connect your camcorder to your TV or PC. Keep Subjects in Sight with 2.5-inch Swivelscreen LCD MonitorGet up Close with 20x Optical and 990x Digital ZoomUSB Streaming for Webcam Utility or video Conference ToolMinimize Shaking with SteadyShot Picture StabilizationRecords Superior Digital Video on Affordabel Hi8 or 8mm Tapes Stepping into the Digital age has never been easier with the DCR-TRV280. Featuring Digital Recording along with SteadyShot Image Stabilization and NightShot Plus Technology. ... Read more

Features

• SteadyShot picture stabilization system
• Go digital. Capture high-quality digital audio and video with Sony's DCR-TRV280 Digital8 Handycam Camcorder
• 1/6-inch CCD imager with 290K effective pixels
• 20x optical zoom lens with 990x digital zoom
• 2.5-inch SwivelScreen LCD display

Reviews (5)

The BEST top bang-per-buck value in digital camcorders!
This is easily the best value DIGITAL camcorder out there today, hands down.'Digital8' is just as good as 'MiniDV' in terms of resolution and picture/audio quality.Why pay more for MiniDV?For under three 'Benjamins', you get reliable digital video and audio quality with over 500 lines of resolution, and a proven medium (Digital8) whose videotapes cost half as much or less than MiniDV tapes.The video quality in low light is also excellent, with a low light switch and feature that works great. And size-wise, the camcorder is not much larger than a MiniDV unit.It is feature-rich and comes with all the accessories you would need, including a charger, battery, lens cap, A/V cable for connection to your TV, a USB cable and software for connection to your PC or Mac.The owner's manual is one of the best i've ever seen, with very intuitive diagrams and easy to operate instructions.And the battery level meter and 'time left' indicator on the LCD view panel is very useful and amazing in it's detail and usefulness.Folks, this is one serious digital camcorder that is available 'for a song'!Great job Sony!!!

A Perfect Family Camera
For under $300. you get a camera with a lot more than anyone would expect.Besides VERY good camcorder recordings, it also takes good snapshots.I've only owned mine a few days, but I'm already wild about it.Unless a person must have professional quality in a camcorder ($3,500+ and maybe a lot more), the DCR-TRV280 is a good choice - it is certainly a good buy.

Great camcorder
My husband and I were looking for a good camcorder that was functional but not too expensive. THIS is it!! For $300 we got a great camcorder that you can also take still shots with. Lots of features and very very easy to use. We have had it about a week, not really used it for lots of videoing, just getting used to it. But the quality of the recordings are great, the light is VERY BRIGHT and it picks up sound good too. We both give it 5 stars. It was just what we were looking for.

Great value camera
I bought this camera for family videos and I wanted the ability to edit on my Apple Powerbook in iMovie.This camcorder is great for that.The video is very good, the tapes are cheaper than MiniDV, and the camera has a solid feel to it.If you want something smaller or more pro, you want to go with MiniDV probably anyway, but for home use and some basic editing and such, this is a great camera, especially for only $300.

Awsome! (for the price)
For $300, THIS IS AWSOME! The + are: 20x zoom, USB connection, Effects, Titles, Lights, Small price, Nightshot plus, Stereo sound. The - are: Low lighting inside without all lights on, Low picture quality without computer editing. You can also play back video on your TV. Hope this review was usefull ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Sony updates the rangefinder-style camera for the digital age with the 5-megapixel Cyber-shot DSCW1. Built for photographers who want to capture images through a host of automatic features to help balance light and exposure, the DSCW1 also offers a bevy of manual controls. And once turned on, it focuses and shoots full-resolution images in a little over one-second intervals. The DSCW1 features a 3x optical zoom, Carl Zeiss optics, large 2.5-inch LCD

The DSCW1's super-sized 2.5-inch Hybrid LCD Monitor is much larger than the 1.5-inch displays common to other cameras in its class. (See detail)

Optics and Resolution
The DSCW1 features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar zoom lens, which is specially constructed for very compact cameras, and its design allows for quick autofocusing. It has a 3x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom for a combined 6x zoom.

The 1/1.8-inch Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise, and provides a 5.1-megapixel effective resolution (2592 x 1944).The Real Imaging Processor offers greater clarity and picture quality as well as improved response time and battery life and decreased shutter lag.

Movie Mode
Capture video with audio at 30 frames per second (fps) at VGA size 640 x 480;the included 32 MB memory card will store 87 seconds of vide at this setting. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand. The Video Mail mode captures a smaller movie (160 x 112 pixels) that's more suitable to sending to friends and family via e-mail.

About Multi-Pattern Measuring

Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern measuring establishes the optimum exposure value, even in scenes where pronounced highlight and shadow are not centered in the frame.

More Features

• Resolution modes: 2592 x 1944 (5.1MP), 2592 x 1728 (3:2 aspect ratio), 2048 x 1536 (3MP), 1280 x 960 (1MP), and 640 x 480 (VGA)
• 2.5-inch, 123K LCD monitor makes framing shots and reviewing pictures easy.
• Live Histogram Display: Available in capture and playback the Live Histogram displays the concentration of pixels at each luminosity value making it easy to evaluate correct exposure.
• Real Imaging Processor: The innovative Real Imaging Processor in the DSC-P93 not only improves picture quality and clarity but also improves camera response time, decreases shutter lag and improves battery stamina.
• Selectable Focus Mode: Monitoring AF (Auto Focus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.
• 5 Area Multi-Point Auto Focus: By evaluating 5 separate focus areas of the frame, Sony's Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.
• AF (Auto Focus) Illuminator: Briefly illuminating the subject, in low--or no--light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.
• Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isn't centered in the frame.
• Multi-Burst Mode: Captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially in the camera (selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second).
• Manual Exposure Mode: Manual Exposure Mode provides extended control with 46-step adjustable Shutter speed (30 Ð 1/1000 sec.), and 2-step Aperture control.
• Scene Selection Mode: With 6 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, or Beach.
• Slow Shutter Noise Reduction: During long exposures, Slow Shutter NR captures the scene, and then the CCD noise pattern with a dark frame exposure. By subtracting the two, even long exposures can be clear.
• Pre-Flash Metering: With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.

About Slow Shutter Noise Reduction

This process captures the scene in two exposures. The second subtracts the noise pattern from the initial shot, resulting in a final beautiful photograph that is virtually noise-free.

Direct Printing
The Cyber-shot DSCW1 offers PictBridge functionality, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer--such as the Sony PictureStation DPP-EX50--without a PC or image-editing software. Images can be viewed and selected for printing right on the camera's LCD, with menus for print quantity, date, and index print.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and the Cyber-shot DSCW1 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro media--for storage up to 1 gigabyte. The included 32 MB Memory Stick will store 12 Fine and 23 Standard 5.1-megapixel images. The DSCPW1 transfers images to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection (which is backward compatible with USB 1.1 ports).

Power and Size
The camera is powered by two rechargeable NiMH AA-sized batteries (2100 mAh). The included adapter/charger provides power while you transfer images from the camera to your PC. It measures 3.56 x 2.38 x 1.25 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 7 ounces without Memory Stick or batteries.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony DSCW1 digital camera, 32 MB Memory Stick, two AA-size NiMH rechargeable batteries (NH-AA-DA), battery charger (BC-CS2), A/V and USB cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with photo editing software.

Sony Photo Vault
The optional Sony Photo Vault mini CD burner eliminates worry about running out of space on your Memory Stick when travelling. It burns images to mini CD-R's without a PC interface--just connect your camera using a USB cable. The Photo Vault also has a Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick Pro and Duo) and features a built-in photo album capability to display photos on a television screen using a television's standard AV input. ... Read more

Features

• 5-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13-by-17-inch enlargements
• 3x optical zoom plus 2x digital zoom for 6x total
• Carl Zeiss optics; high-resolution movie mode with sound; large 2.5-inch LCD
• Compatible with Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro media; includes 32 MB card
• Powered by 2 AA batteries (NiMH rechargeables included); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 2.0

Reviews (20)

Great 5MP Value
This our third digital camera. Our other cameras are from Canon and Nikon. I was leaning toward the new Canon S60 because we love our other Canon and they both would take the same CompactFlash memory cards. This camera was going to be mine and I wanted 5MP so I could do some cropping of pictures and still keep up the quality when printing in 8 X 10 format. The Canon S60 kept being delayed, so I started looking at alternatives.

The DSCW1 seems designed to compete with the Canon S60. Both are 5 MP, both are compact, both have manual modes which allow you to be creative with your pictures. The Sony pulled ahead with its larger LCD display and its ability to use standard AA batteries. The Canon relies on a propriatory lithium-ion rechargable battery. The Sony comes with AA rechargables, but should they go dead at an inopportune moment, you can pop in any AA batteries to keep you going.

I bought the Sony and have had it for almost a month. The batteries don't seem to last quite as long as our Canon, but I picked up a couple of spare rechargables for less than $10 and just alternate them in the charger. The DSCW1 downloads using USB2 so even though each picture is larger than 2MB each, they download FAST. The picture quality has been great. Indoor low light shots have a bit more blur than I would like, but they didn't come out at all with either of our other cameras. Colors are crisp and true and prints from the pictures (on a Canon i470 printer) are excellent.

One word about the included software. Yuck. It is useful for downloading and for doing a quick view of what you took, but beyond that it is very limited.

Overall, I am very happy with my Sony DSCW1.

Compact and fast, with a big screen.
Great camera.

My last camera was a Sony Mavica CD300. Aside from recording onto a mini CD, its best feature was its large 2.5" screen. It's almost like having a Polaroid instant camera. You take a picture and pass it around. People love looking at pictures on the camera. You can't get that same effect with most digital cameras today.

I bought the W1 because it also has a 2.5" LCD screen, but the camera itself is 1/4 the size. And this screen is actually much clearer than on my previous camera or on the Sony V1 (which this camera replaced).

The picture quality of the photos is decent. (I'm no expert.) Startup is super fast. There's no lens cover, which is convenient. And it uses rechargeable AA batteries. I bought an extra pair for $10. It's also got an optical viewfinder so you can turn off the screen to save power while you're taking photos.

A lot of usability improvements - They finally replaced the directional pad with buttons; the center used to be difficult to press. The on-screen menus are easier to read. A cool new feature is that when you select the camera mode by rotating the dial, it temporarily displays the icons rotating on the screen, so that you don't have to look at the top of the camera.

And even the manual is much improved.

The flash seems a bit small, but I haven't tested it out fully yet. My only real complaint is that it doesn't come with an AC adapter to directly recharge the camera. A cradle would be nice too. You have to take out the batteries and use the included battery recharger. Perhaps this is a better system, but I'm not used to it yet.

Overall I'm thrilled with this camera.

Good pictures, lousy software
I just bought this camera a week ago and it takes excellent pictures (not good for sports or action shots). The problem I have is the movie mode. It's great for being compact and taking short little clips. Unfortunately, it's only compatible with the software that Sony includes. I can't burn to DVD or create a memento CD with editing or music. Which is what the salesperson told me I could do.

Doesn't live up to its 5MP potential
Only one review site mentions this problem (...) but now a lot of users are starting to see it. This camera's noise filtering causes pictures to look 'soft' or in my interpretation - slightly out of focus.

In outdoor scenery shots it isn't very noticeable - the 5MP is able to give you a lot of detail especially in the area of the picture that is not your main subject (background trees, roofs, etc). However in portraits, or pictures of pets, the problem is VERY apparent.

Going from a 1MP to a 2MP camera, the 2MP camera "wow'd" me. Going to this 5.1MP camera, I look at the pictures and say "eh?".

I've tried what other people have suggested - set camera to manual or programmed mode, turned up sharpness, turned down contrast, set autofocus to center only - yet still pets, portrait
shots are smooth. Facial features are ever so slightly blurred - detail is lost in the hair, contrast around the nose and eyes. It's like looking at a flat/matted picture!

Do I think I got a bad one? No. There have been a few other owners on some of the digital camera discussion forums that at first said "No way, this camera is great!" only to come back later and say "Wait, I spoke too soon, there is an issue".

Then there is the poor flash capabilities - not very powerful. Yes, a lot of compact digital cameras suffer from this but this camera seems especially bad. There's a user that took a bunch of indoor photos at their son's birthday part and every one was blurry - not one was printable!

The camera is physically gorgeous. The LCD is HUGE and very nice and clear! The camera is very responsive, fast, WELL built, and a nice size, but the pictures don't live up to the "Carl Zeiss, 5.1MP" advertising!

Don't be fooled by reviews that take pictures of posters and resolution charts - this camera does great with those items. Take a look at their portrait shots of live people and zoom in on the facial features. Compare that with another camera and you'll see the difference. Again, far away shots of scenery looks great. It's when you're doing closeup work of detailed items where the problem shows up.

My W1 is going back this week. I'll bet in a year, Sony will address these problems and THAT camera will be fantastic.

One nice digital camera
I have owned two previous Sony digital cameras, the DSC-S70 and the DSC-V1. This is simpler to operate than those and is ideal for the everyday user.

Highlights - extremely fast start up time and between picture shot time. Large LCD screen. Uses AA batteries. Gorgeous color output, equals or exceeds 35mm.

I would recommend, as a previous reviewer did, to at least set sharpness to the "+" setting. The camera does seem to over process the image a bit in the full auto setting. Also, it seems you have to hold this camera more still than most. The movie function works ok, but not a video camera replacement by any means. Be sure to take advantage of the lighting condition pre-sets, e.g., beach scene, flourescent lighting, etc. ... Read more

Product Description

What can you do with up to 70 hours of battery life and 1GB of built-in memory? How about grind every curb in Cedar Rapids. Mow the lawn... on an 18-hole golf course. Chill out in your bedroom. Sony gives you more time with superior battery life. The Backlit LCD Display provides easy viewing of song data, so you've got more control of your tunes. And, you can pack your player with up to 695 songs. Features MP3 playback and Skip-Proof Design. Ultra Compact Portable Design: Weighing in at less than one ounce, the player fits comfortably in the palm of your hand or can easily be carried in a pocket or purse. 1GB Built-In Memory: Stores up to 695 songs on the device. Up to 70 Hours Battery Life with one âAAAâ Battery: Up to 70 hours of continuous playback on one âAAAâ battery. Plays Back MP3/ATRAC3(R)/ATRAC3plus Audio Formats: For the music connoisseur, use the included software and hardware to store and play back your collection of MP3s. For the digital music novice, Sony's ATRAC(R) format provides higher sound quality with smaller sizes than many competing formats. This enables you to store more music and have longer listening times.Backlit LCD Display: Provides easy viewing of song data and much more. Supports WMA and WAV Audio Formats: The Network Walkman player plays back ATRAC3(R), ATRAC3plus format and MP3 files, and supports WMA and WAV.Easy Toggle Navigation: Navigate through tracks, albums and settings by using the large face of the product and "rock" it back and forth to make a selection. Transfer Personal Downloaded Music and CD Recordings: Between your CDs and your PC, create your own music mixes for on-the-go enjoyment. Compatible with the Connect Music Store: The Connect Music Store provides an easy method for downloading personal music. Connect Music Store offers access to an extensive online music library including many independent titles as well as featured arti ... Read more

Features

• Single AAA battery provides up to 70 hours of battery life; connects to Windows PCs via USB 2.0
• Small, round multiformat digital audio player weighs under 1 ounce
• 1 GB built-in flash memory stores up to 680 songs
• Plays MP3, ATRAC, and ATRAC3 formats; supports WMA, WAV
• Compatible with content purchased from Sony's Connect online music store

Reviews (11)

Electronic Moron Finds Love...
So I have seen two pretty bad reviews here and let me tell you, those people are doing something wrong!I have had my Sony Network Walkman for 2 days now and I LOVE IT!!
This is my first Mp3 player and being the technology idiot that I am, I was afraid that I would get this thing and it would take me days to figure out how to use it.Well, within 15 minutes I was beginning the process of transfering the better part of my music collection onto this itsy bitsy tiny little thing.It was so easy to use the software.It even came with 5 free music downloads from SonicStage.
The thing I am most impressed with is the sound quality.The only songs that suffered any quality (only a little bit) are songs that are copies of songs that are copies of songs that are copies of songs.Understandable.But the rest of them are crystal clear.You can adjust the eq only a little bit, but for me, its enough.I like the bass a little heavy and this player satisfies that.
All in all, I believe that I got really got my money's worth.This absolutely a great purchase, I love it, I love it, I love it!

Small slice of audio heaven
I've had this player for a few weeks now and I must say this is the BEST investment I have made! It really is an adorable little device that packs a HUGE audio punch. The sound is superior to any portable music player I have tried, and you can fully adjust the treble and bass to how ever your preference prefers. For such a small device, it has many features that make this device very interesting and enjoyable to work with and listen to. It's also a handy, portable, plug-n-play storage device that allows you to drag and drop files.

I read all the reviews I could before I purchased this device, and many people complained about the lack of drag-n-drop of music files. Sony has made such software capabilities available for past players, so perhaps they will for this player in the future as well. For me, it doesn't matter because Sony's SonicStage software just is NOT that big of a deal for me to use. Over the years I have amassed a HUGE MP3 collection of my own CD's and CD's I check out from the public library (a better option than downloading if you live in a larger Metro area with a HUGE music collection in their library). It is quite simple to get the music on the player. I imported the MP3 versions into SonicStage, converted them all to ATRAC3plus 48 kbs and dumped them on to the player.

I'm fairly picky about the quality of music I listen to, but I can NOT state firmly enough how absolutely GREAT the sound quality of even 48 kbs of the ATRAC3plus versions sound on this player. By converting my MP3 collection to the ATRAC3plus 48 kbs files system, I still have my MP3 collection AND a MUCH reduced in file size set that I can burn on to CD's for a backup. Blank CD's are inexpensive, and it's good to have another backup of my music collection. By converting my MP3's to the ATRAC3plus system, I now have around 750 songs on my Network Walkman player. Sony indicates 695, but there certainly IS room for more than that. It's just AMAZING that I can listen to my music on this player at work for two weeks and not hear the same song twice AND all of this from one AAA battery. INCREDIBLE!

Yes, it will be nice when Sony finally gets the armband released for this player, but I have a brain and can figure out a way to make my own until then. That's called ingenuity.;-)

If you want an FM tuner, Sony has a 1 GB player with that feature either out or soon to be released. I purchased this player because I do NOT want to have to listen to the radio. I just can not say enough good about this player. The onboard features are excellent, the operation of the player and yes, even the SonicStage software are quite intuitive if you take a few seconds to actually make the effort to look (and heaven forbid - read!) through the menus. I have an older and slower computer and when I imported and converted my MP3's, it did take a while to convert them to the MUCH better sounding and efficient ATRAC3plus 48 kbs, but I simply began the process right before I went to sleep. When I woke up in the morning they were done and transferring the ATRAC3plus 48 kbs files on to the player was very quick, even with my slower USB 1 transfer capabilities. It was literally only a matter of minutes to fill up my player with over two weeks worth of high quality sounding music pleasure.

If you don't care about listening to the radio, you don't need your player to be a mini-recorder, you don't mind having about two week's worth of music to listen to all from one AAA battery, then I HIGHLY recommend you purchasing this player. I have absolutely NO regrets and am 100% satisfied with my purchase and the performance of this player. Thank you Sony!

iThink therefore iSony
My iRiver IFP-195 finally packed up the other day so I began looking around for a suitable replacement. iPods have never appealed to me due to battery issues and sound quality and iRiver's latest products do not support Windows 98 so I decided to check out Sony's latest offerings. That's when I came across this wonderful little player.

I don't download music, I just convert my own CDs so I wasn't concerned about any alleged MP3 issues (although it obviously does play them). I had previously converted my CDs to WMA for the iRiver and so once I got this home I converted some of my favourite albums to ATRAC3 (132kbps) to see if they sounded as good.Not only did they sound better, especially the bass, but unlike MP3 and WMA on the iRiver there were no added gaps between tracks. This meant that I could finally listen to albums like Oxygene and Equinoxe without the annoying split-second gaps between the tracks on the CD. It was worth it for that alone.

As for SonicStage, I don't understand why people have a problem with it. You put a CD in, convert the tracks to ATRAC3 (or ATRAC3Plus), plug the player in and copy the tracks across. Once on the player you can move the albums around. It's not rocket science and I actually found it to be better than iRiver's Music Manager.

In summary, I think this is a wonderful player which far exceeded my expectations.

So many whiners...
I just bought this and have been playing with it for a few hours. I don't have any idea why all these people are whining. Their major complaint is that the software is hard to use. That just blows me away. If you have the technical skill to navigate to amazon.com, then you will be able to use this software with no problem.

The player itself is completely amazing, though. I love this to death. It is much smaller than the pictures lead you to believe and it is feather light. It blows my mind how this thing weighs less than the AAA battery that is used to run it! Everyone says the battery lasts up to 70 hours, too. I havn't had it long enough to check that, but from what I've seen with it on for the last few hours, it has't run down any. Control is pretty easy, too. The sound quality is great, and this little thing is LOUD. It can go high enough to be too loud, and that's something I like in an Mp3 player. It also has a feature to automatically adjust the volume between songs. That's a nice feature since some of the songs I own are quiet and hard to hear and it makes them all equally audible.

I havn't owned this thing for a full day yet, but I love it to death! This is a spectacular Mp3 player, even if the other reviews make it seem like an inferior product. 5 Stars!!

Great sound. If you are a sound lover, try this one.
First of all, I got to say that I has a iPod Shuffle 1G, and the change to the new Sony Sony NW-E107 Network Walkman 1 GB was awesome. This unit has a great sound quality, you can control the bass and treble levels. The earbuds are pretty good, sounds great.

The buttons and display are fine. The LCD display it's no that clear and the buttons are quite complicated to command, you need to take the hole unit in your hand to control the player.

The battery, the best. You can have up to 70 hours of continuous playing with only one AAA battery. And if you go for a long trip or something, you would get there with batteries, and if not, you can replace it. Great.

The software. The bad part of the movie. I thought that iTunes was lame, but the Sony's SonicStage it's even worst. Quite complited, not friendly, not good.

The other ugly part of the unit it's the transfer speed from the computer. With USB 2.0 you can transfer below 1Mb/s.

I think that the bad parts can't compare with the great ones. Sounds great, superior battery life, good earbuds and good looking. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The 4215 from HP helps you to save on valuable space by combining faxing, scanning, printing, and copying functions into one convenient unit. This full color multifunction is designed for home and small office use and features an inkjet printer with up to 1,200 x 1,200 dpi resolution (up to 4,800 x 1,200 dpi optimized color) and print speeds of up to 17 ppm for black and up to 12 ppm for color (at lower resolutions).

An 8 MB memory is standard as well as a 20-page automatic document feeder. The paper input tray has an input capacity of up to 100 sheets, and supports a variety of paper types and sizes, including paper (plain, inkjet, photo), envelopes, transparencies, labels, cards, iron-on transfers, letter, legal, executive, and more.

The color scanner has a 36-bit color depth and a hardware resolution of up to 600 x 1,200 dpi, resulting in accurate, true-to-life scans perfect for a wide variety of applications. The included software bundle helps you to get the best prints and scans possible, and includes HP Director, HP Photo Gallery, HP Image Editor, and Readiris OCR.

The copier has print speeds of up to 17 ppm for black and up to 12 ppm for color, with resolutions as high as 2,400 x 1,200 dpi. You can make up to 100 copies at a time, saving you time and hassle, while a zoom function allows you to reduce or enlarge copies from 25% to 200%.

The fax machine is capable of full-color faxing and has a fast 3-second per page transmission time. A transmission memory of up to 100 pages lets submit large jobs, while a fax broadcast feature lets you send a single fax to 50 separate locations. The fax also features a junk fax barrier, remote retrieval, and auto-redial.

The 4215 conveniently connects via USB and has a small 16.4-by-8-inch footprint. It is compatible with PC and Mac operating platforms and also comes backed by a one-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
4215 all-in-one, HP 56 black inkjet print cartridge (19 ml ink volume), HP 28 tri-color inkjet print cartridge (8 ml ink volume), HP Image Zone Photo and imaging software and user's guide on CD-ROM, setup poster, power cord, phone cord; HP 58 photo inkjet cartridge not included; USB cable not included ... Read more

Features

• Prints, copies, scans, and faxes
• Up to 17 ppm black, 12 ppm color
• 600 x 1,200 dpi hardware scan resolution, 36-bit color
• Up to 100 copies; full-color faxing
• USB interface, PC and Mac compatible

Reviews (1)

Sweet Machine
I'd finally had it with my 4-year-old Canon Multifunction (C555). The fax worked fine but the printer was unreliable, torpid and, because the cartridges kept drying up, frightfully expensive. Despite my wife's warning (she's been having trouble with HP-OSX compatibility issues), I opted for this HP 4215.

When it arrived, I was immediately cheered by a box that was less than half the size of the Canon's. Upon opening it, I was further encouraged by a handy yet complete printed manual. (The Canon's was all online, and the printed-out materials seemed like a life-time of reading.) In 10 minutes I was ready to go--cartridges installed, program installed on my Powerbook, telephone line, USB cable, power cord all hooked up. The unit seemed too light and compact, the set-up too easy and automatic, but I went to a Word document, clicked and waited. Not for long, because the printer not only handled the document in record time but presented me with copy that was sharper than any I'd ever seen.

Next I went on the internet, found a richly textured, page-sized color photo and clicked "print." Same result. The machine speedily delivered a bright yet detailed and subtle color print that was an improvement on the original, even with the cheap copy paper I was using.

My plan was to keep my workhorse Epson for the bulk of my printing and use the HP for faxing, copying, and scanning (all of which it does both better and more efficiently than my old Canon). But the HP is simply too good to be anything less than a starting player. I can't remember ever being more impressed with a device, especially one this complicated, and happier about a computer or office-related purchase.

In spite of my singular success with this particular model, I've learned not to make blanket judgements about a brand or manufacturer based on one particular experience, especially in this field of competitive, rapidly changing technology. My wife just gave up on her HP printer and exchanged it for a Canon. ... Read more

Product Description

Superior battery life gives you more music options. Grind every curb in Burbank. Bike the Everglades. Chill out in your bedroom. Sony gives you more time with up to 70 hours of battery life. The Backlit LCD Display provides easy viewing of song data, so you've got more control of your tunes. And, with 512MB of built-in memory, you can pack your player with up to 345 songs. Features MP3 playback and Skip-Proof Design. Ultra Compact Portable Design: Weighing in at less than one ounce, the player fits comfortably in the palm of your hand or can easily be carried in a pocket or purse. 512MB Built-In Memory: Stores up to 345 songs on the device. Up to 70 Hours Battery Life with one âAAAâ Battery: Up to 70 hours of continuous playback on one âAAAâ battery. Plays Back MP3/ATRAC3/ATRAC3plus Audio Formats: For the music connoisseur, use the included software and hardware to store and play back your collection of MP3s. For the digital music novice, Sony's ATRAC format provides higher sound quality with smaller sizes than many competing formats. This enables you to store more music and have longer listening times.Backlit LCD Display: Provides easy viewing of song data and much more. Supports WMA and WAV Audio Formats: The Network Walkman player plays back ATRAC3, ATRAC3plus format and MP3 files, and supports WMA and WAV.Easy Toggle Navigation: Navigate through tracks, albums and settings by using the large face of the product and "rock" it back and forth to make a selection. Transfer Personal Downloaded Music and CD Recordings: Between your CDs and your PC, create your own music mixes for on-the-go enjoyment. Compatible with the Connect Music Store: The Connect Music Store provides an easy method for downloading personal music. Connect Music Store offers access to an extensive online music library including many independent titles as well as featured artist and celebrity mixes. www.conn ... Read more

Features

• Single AAA battery provides up to 70 hours of battery life; connects to Windows PCs via USB 2.0
• Small, round multiformat digital audio player weighs under 1 ounce
• 512 MB built-in flash memory stores up to 340 songs
• Plays MP3, ATRAC, and ATRAC3 formats; supports WMA, WAV
• Compatible with content purchased from Sony's Connect online music store

Reviews (8)

poor-to-average
Pros:
- Small; average sound

Cons:
- transfering of music files ridiculously slow!!
- difficult to maneuver it
- no armband included!
- sound is of lesser quality than iPod!

I guess you get what you pay, but could be cheaper! I wouldn't call it a smart choice.

Awsome sound quality
This MP3 player is so cool. It's tiny and it has awsome sound quality. It is also very durable. I've dropped it so many times, but there are still no scratches and it function properly. I would ditch the headphones that came with it though. They have bad sound quality and they are very uncomfertable. This devise can store over 300 songs when it is at its lowest quality, but even that sounds great. Why get an Ipod mini? It costs over twice as much, and you will probably never use all of the space that is provided. Not to mention that the sony looks cooler and is much smaller.

Better than shuffle
I had been planning on buying an ipod for a while, but didnt have the money.with the shuffle now out, i was ready to go.but i came across the sony network walkman and decided to give it a try, and it has been worth it. my roomate has a 512 shuffle and has about 100 songs on it.my sony has about 300 for the same price.also, i can go weeks with one aaa battery, he has to charge his every day.finally, the quality of his ipod is very poor.the damn thing broke when taking off the usb top and has to be jammed back in often.if you want a cheap, yet quality player, go with the sony.

Stay Away From Sony
Until Sony ditches their proprietary ATRAC format stay away....stay VERY far away!

Delightful MP3 player
I have had this MP3 player for a week now and I am really happy with it.It is feather-weight, sounds excellent, display is great and battery indicator is still at 100%.It can also be used as a USB device to carry data files.My only irritation (and the reason for 4 stars instead of 5) is the requirement to use Sony's Sonic Stage to tranfer files to it. ... Read more

Product Description

4.1-megapixel effective recording * 2-1/2" color LCD * optical viewfinder * 3X optical zoom (up to 2X digital/6X total zoom) * JPEG options: 2304 x 1728; 2304 x 1536; 2048 x 1536; 1280 x 960; 640 x 480 * ... Read more

Features

• Powered by AA-size batteries (NiMH rechargeable batteries supplied); up to 400+ shots per charge
• 4.1 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 12 x 15-inch prints
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens; large 2.5-inch LCD
• Real Imaging Processor LSI allows for fast start-up and shot-to-shot times, plus extended battery stamina
• Stores images on Memory Stick media; features 32MB internal memory

Reviews (3)

Great Camera
This Camera is one of the best in its price range. It takes beautiful clear pictures and can be used right out of the box, but its worth learning all its features. The included memory holds about 20-25 pictures so I upgraded to 128mb. I reccomend getting a 128mb card and the Sony camera case. Not only is this one of the best cameras in its class it includes decent software and rechargeable batteries that are at least a 20$ value.
HIGHLY reccomend over canon,kodak, and fuji. One more thing this camera has CARL Zeiss lens (if you dont know, great lens) all the competetors have generic lens.

Excellent camera... period.
After much deliberation and research, given I was about to shell out over 300 bucks, I went with the Sony DSC-S90. I won't go on and on about specifications since you can read them for yourselves.But after using this camera for almost one week, I have found it to be very easy to use, it gives you great looking pictures (thanks toCarl Zeiss and 4.1 megapixels), and it even takes MPEG movies. The HUGE 2.5 inch LCD screen is bright and clear, and you're given the option to use the optical viewfinder. A handy feature in bright sunlight.

The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the lackluster design of the data/video/audio cable. It plugs into the bottom of the camera, which means you have to lay it on it's back (the LCD side, ouch!) or its front (the lens side, double ouch!!). I'd hate to damage or scratch either of these, although in all fairness, the lens is closed during file transfer process.

I'd recommend this beauty, but get yourself at least a 256 Meg Memory Stick Pro, a small carrying case, and add those to the price.ENJOY!!

Very pleased with my first digital camera-easy to use!
Although this is my first digital camera, I did a fair amount of research and shopping to decide on this camera.I am a "techie" and "gadget guy" by nature, but this camera is very easy to use right out of the box.A primary reason I bought this camera was for its ease of use for my wife and children.

My decision came down to two cameras:this and the Canon Powershot A520.They have very similar specifications.However, for the same price, the Sony came with rechargeable batteries and charger and has a WHOPPING 2.5 inch LCD screen!

I am very pleased with my purchase and how the camera performs so far.

... Read more

Features

• Up to 4,800-optimized dpi color resolution, 1,200 dpi black
• Up to 14 ppm black, 10 ppm color print speed
• Versatile paper handling, 4-by-6-inch borderless prints
• Lightweight, compact design; fold-up tray, ideal for notebooks
• USB interface, PC and Mac compatible

Reviews (1)

Great for home use, but consider ink costs as well
This is an excellent printer for those who don't print a lot. It will print documents at a very reasonable speed, and wonderful photos on 4x6 tabbed paper. The hardware has proven to be pretty reliable, as this new printer is based on HP's older Deskjet 3500 series.

The software has been improved greatly over last year's products. There is now a much lower chance of problems with installation. The extra software that's included isn't too large, so this printer is good for PC's close to the minimum requirements.

If you print more than 100 pages a month, or if you have a business, I'd recommend the Deskjet 6540 instead, as the ink costs half as much. Due to the higher ink cost, the 3745 is a good choice only if you don't print a lot. Otherwise, it is an excellent printer for home use. ... Read more

Product Description

1GB/675 Song Capacity with 1 Hi-MD MiniDiscSelf Recording Upload FeatureRecords from Multiple Sources (USB, LINE IN, Mic in)Large 5 Line LCDAuto Focus, Flash and Self TimerPlays back MP3/ATRAC3 Audio FilesAbility to Record from Multiple Sources (Line/Mic In)Self Recording Upload Function5-Line LCDDigital AmplifierNew Sleek DesignUp to 34.5 Hours1 Battery Life with Rechargeable Battery and 1 "AA" Battery1GB2 of Music Storage with One Hi-MD MiniDisc Store 675 songs3 on One Hi-MD MiniDiscCompatible with Both Hi-MD ... Read more

Features

• USB connectivity for 100x, high-speed file copying
• Skip-Free G-Protection technology for uninterrupted playback
• Five-line LCD screen for data display
• Huge song and data storage capacity with one GB Hi-MD disc
• Excellent recording and digitizing capabilities with mic input and line-in jack

Reviews (2)

Unique device
This device can be used to:
- Listen to music i.e. instead of an ipod.
- Record audio (with a microphone, not included)
- Function as external disk, when connnected via USB to a PC.
It uses 1GB removable disks which sell for about $7 each (plus shipping).As a audio recording device, it is unique for its capabilities in this price range, and essentially substitutes for a DAT (digital audio tape).The device has a line-in and microphone analog inputs.You can record in one of the three formats:high compression (Hi-LP), low compression (Hi-SP), and uncompressed (Linear PCM).The recording times per disk are 34 hours (Hi-LP), 7 hrs 55 min (Hi-SP) and 1 hr 34 min (Linear PCM). The compressed formats are stored in a proprietary Atrac format developed by Sony, which are basically are only of use on this device.Thus most crucial and invaluable feature, however, is that for audio recordings made from an analog microphone, you can convert the recording to the open .wav format when you upload the recording to your computer.The upload requires the SonicStage software which comes bundled with the device.There is pointless restriction that you can only upload the audio file once to your PC, but then you can convert it to the open wav format (the uncompressed CD quality Windows format), and then you are home free--you can do whatever you want with the audio file i.e. make an unrestricted number of copies, copies of the copies, edit the file using sound software, burn CDs, whatever.The sound is exceptionally clear; I use the ECM-719 Sony microphone (this is great mic, the cable is almost 6 feet long however which is a little too long for my preference).I generally record at the Hi-SP level, and it sounds great.For no loss of fidelity due to compression, you can record uncompressed and still get 1.5 hours on a disc.The manual warns that the device should be plugged in when recording, due to high battery consumption while recording, but I have used it off the battery for short periods with no problem.
This device does incorporate SCMS (serial copy m