WaterField SleeveCase Laptop
Manufacturer: WaterField Designs
Site: Buy from SFBags
Price: $39.00-100.00


Overview : Over 100 different sizes. Proper protection starts with a proper fit. Our San Francisco sewing shop churns out a dizzying array of sleeve sizes in 1/2" increments to ensure a custom fit for your specific laptop.

Cushioned with high-grade neoprene and wrapped in a ballistic nylon shell, our SleeveCases function as a stylish stand-alone laptop case or can be inserted into another bag. And no need to take your laptop out of its snug compartment when going through airport security—it's TSA Checkpoint Friendly. We've got your fit. It's a slam dunk.

Quality/Usability : So ever since owning my 13" Macbook, I have been carrying it around with the iSkin SOHO Macbook Sleeve Case. Although it has served its purpose, there was no pockets to hold paperwork or CDs and no strap. I had to hold it in my hand. Having reviewed many Waterfield Designs products, why not give another product of theirs a shot as well as a review.

Like most of WaterField Designs cases, its made of a durable nylon shell with a checkered board type bottom. The inside is lined with high grade neoprene so you dont have to worry about your laptop being scratched or anything. The fitment of the case to the laptop is perfect. Not too tight and not too loose. Another thing I noticed is that all cases have a strap or loop. This allows you to put 1 finger through the loop to help anchor the case while you slide/pull out the device.

The back pocket allows you to insert papers, CDs, cables or anything you might need. However, depending on the size of your mouse and power supply brick/cable, the pocket may hold it. Inserting letter sized papers (8.5"x11") into the pocket will stick out allowing you to grab them easily but also fold the edges or crease them. Since this review is based on a 13" Apple Macbook (Black), the size of the case is 12.78" (l) x 8.92" (h) x 1.08" (d) which is big enough to hold letter sized paper. If you have a netbook which is smaller, the case will be smaller and will have paper sticking out or you would have to fold the paper in half.

The strap is very durable as well. The hooks are made of metal and not cheap plastic or aluminum. The padding on the strap has two different textures on each side. One side has a leather texture while the other side has a dotted rubber material similar to that of a basketball. There is no specific side but more of your preference. Of course, if the leather side is on your shoulder, it will be sliding where as the rubber texture wouldnt.

Price of the SleeveCase starts off at $39. As you get bigger in bag size, so does the price which can go as high as $59. You can choose your case to be inserted horizontal or vertical but there is no additional charge to this.


If you want to add a flap, it will cost an additional $15.


You can also add straps which ranges from $12 (regular strap), $18 (padded strap) or just D-Rings for $5, if you want to use your own straps. You can view different straps here.

Now, if the small pocket on the side does not hold your power cable, mouse or any other accessory, you have the option of purchasing a "Piggback". This will cost you $25 and the pouch clips onto the D-Rings. You can also purchase the Piggback separate by going to this link.


Conclusion : Overall, the WaterField SleeveCase Laptop is another great product by SFBags. There is nothing to complain or anything negative...well, maybe except for trying to keep it clean. Make sure you dont put the cases on any crumbs because with the nylon, there are small crevices and small food particles can get caught inbetween the grooves. $39 is a great price point for such a great product but as you add stuff to it such as flap, shoulder strap, Piggyback, price can get a bit hefty. Prices vary for everyone as some would want a flap, while others dont, some would want strap, while others dont need it. On average, you're looking to spend between $39-$75 based on what options you add.

Whats great about SFBags is that if you dont see your laptop manufacturer, you can submit your laptops info such as manufacturer, brand and dimensions and they would help you find the correct size. Even though it might not be listed, one of the current sizes can fit your laptop.

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Sumo Omni and Otto Bean Bag Chairs
Manufacturer: Sumo Lounge
Site: Buy from Sumo Lounge
Price: $129.00 (Omni) / $75.00 (Otto) / $50.00 (Beads)


Overview :
OMNI
This super-sized pillow by Sumo is the ultimate solution for all your relaxing needs. We've come up with 10 ways to use it, but some people say we lack imagination!

It's a crash mat, lounge chair, loveseat or floor pillow to name a few, but the possibilities really do go on.

Sumo Beanbags are made from space age rip-proof nylon and come filled with top quality Sumo Beads. Omni is 4.5' x 5.5' and it only weighs 18 lbs!

OTTO
Whether you're looking for a comfy place to rest your feet or a seat in front of the coffee table, the Otto is the perfect accessory to match your space.

Sumo Beanbags are made from space age rip-proof nylon and come filled with top quality Sumo Beads. Otto is 50cm radius and it only weighs only 5 lbs!

Features : (Omni)

• Space age, rip proof nylon
• Little foam beads
• Huge - 5.5 x 4.5 feet
• Lightweight
• Versatile - 10 in 1
• Colorful
• Water repellant
• Stain resistant
• Easy to clean
• Incredibly comfortable

Quality/Usability : I have been looking for some type of furniture that would let me lean back, play games or watch TV and be comfortable. Yes, I can do that on my leather/suede couch but its not the same. I have to slouch or lay sideways which makes gaming difficult. I can also use the lazyboy but I'm positioned in one way. I dont have the control or the ability to adjust how I sit according to my mood/comfortability.

Bean bag chairs came into popularity in the 1960s and 1970s as a hip, comfortable new family room or living room seating option. The chairs' construction consists of a large bag made of fabric or plastic that is filled with tiny pieces of styrofoam or PVC beads. The chair is positioned directly on the floor and forms around the contour of the body when seated upon. However, Sumo Lounge has improved on the hip bean bag chairs turning it into a modernized bean bag chair.

The Omni has 10 colors to choose from while Otto is 2 colors shy with 8 colors to choose from. Both are made of rip proof nylon filled with Virgin Polystyrene Foam, also known as little foam beads. Sumo beads are tiny little foam balls, polystyrene foam to be specific, that conform to your body like nothing else. That's what the bean bags so comfortable - the little foam balls. Sumo Lounge says there is 10 ways to use it. Do I agree? Yes. Are there other ways to use the Omni? Only your imagination can tell you and thats probably a yes also.

The Omni was light in weight making portability easy to move around the house even up and down the stairs. I'm 5' 9" and the size was perfect for me. I was able to fit my body nice and snuggly into it. The foam balls contoured my body nicely. On the side is a velcro enclosure. Once you separate the velcro, it will reveal a zipper. This is where all the foam balls are stored. So if you ever need to refill or replace the foam balls, this is where you will do so. The velcro adds extra security in case you forget to close up the zipper or your child from accidentally unzipping it.

The Otto was also light in weight and had a velcro but attached itself to the side of the Otto and a zipper inside. What I did notice was the part of the zipper that we grab onto to zip/unzip, wasnt a full piece. More than half of it was missing. I'm not sure if this was a production mistake or intended to be like this. If it was intended to be cut in half, I dont know what the reason for that was. Maybe this allowed the velcro to cover more of the area? Even so, the velcro overlapped the zipper allowing it to prevent access to zipper or the foam beads.

Conclusion : Overall, Sumo Omni and Otto Bean Bag Chairs were very durable and a perfect size. The Omni contoured my body nicely. Once I was situated in a position, I did not move around. I probably could of stayed in that one position for hours. Although the Omni is perfect for one person, you can try and squeeze in a second person. Granted, there wont be a lot of room, but will bring you closer to your loved one. It was so comfy that both my sister and my girlfriend passed out on the Omni.

The Otto(man) with the combination of the Omni makes the perfect "couch" with footrest. The Otto is a perfect height. The Otto isnt filled completely with foam balls and is not stiff so it will contour your foot slightly but not enough where your foot will sink into it. You can also use the Omni as a little stool to sit on. I personally would of preferred it to be a little stiffer.

However, since its made of nylon, you'll be making some sound while moving around. It would be nice if Sumo Lounge offered a suede or cloth version.

*UPDATE*
It seems to me that I received a defective Otto. The zipper handle was not suppose to be cut off. Also, upon closer inspection, even though the zipper is completely closed, the other end of the zipper is open. Luckily, the ...

iSkin CERULEAN F1+TX BT Headset
Manufacturer: iSkin
Site: Buy from iSkin
Price: $189.99


Overview : Nothing feels better than having the freedom to do the things we love without being tied down by wires. The CERULEAN F1+TX gives you the freedom of wireless sound from your iPod, mobile phone or computer. It delivers crisp, clean stereo sound and superior headset functionality in a sleek and compact design that's attractive, easy to use and feature filled.

The CERULEAN F1+TX was built with iTunes in mind and integrates flawlessly. It also works well with other audio applications on your PC or Mac for a hassle free listening experience. If you have just upgraded to OS X Leopard, don't worry.... it works there too.

Since everybody has a unique pair of ears, we ship the F1 with two different earhook shapes. They are designed to be comfortable and keep the F1's in an optimal listening position at all times.

Charge your F1 and TX using any powered USB charging port or USB 5V(DC) wall charger, power options are endless. Your F1 is fully charged in just over 2 hours and ready for over 8 hours of continuous music play back. You can get up to 10 hours of talk time on a single charge.

The CERULEAN F1 features full Bluetooth 2.0® compatibility and contains the necessary profiles to work with many of today's Bluetooth® mobile devices.

Features :

• Small, light weight and ergonomic design
• Multi-point pairing
• Operational range 33 feet (10m)
• Stereo Bluetooth® 2.0 equipped
• Music playback 8 hours
• Talk time 10 hours
• Standby 300 hours

Suggested Users :

• Listen to audio from iTunes®, DVD's, CD's or any applications wirelessly.
• Listen to and remotely control your iPod wirelessly.
• Stream stereo music from your iPhone and use your F1 headset for phone calls simultaneously.
• Compatible with most mobile Bluetooth devices for hands free calls and music.

Quality/Usability : With how technology is advancing in today's world, wireless is starting to play a major part in our lives ranging from mobile phones, internet, music players and remotes around the house. Cerulean thought they would chime in on the wireless technology by releasing a wireless combo known as the iSkin Cerulean F1+TX, for our beloved iPod and cellphones. The F1+TX allows you to listen to your iPod without the hassle of cords dangling from your headset and doubles as a hands-free headset for your mobile phone.

The F1 is the model of the headset. The TX is a small dongle that attaches to your iPod. Included with this package is a USB cable for charging the F1, pair of alternative ear hooks, foam earphone covers and extra rubber rings for the earphones. Also included is a USB adapter for the TX so that you can stream music from your computer to the F1 heaset.

The F1 heaset looks similar to some of the bluetooth headsets you see on the market for mobile phones but instead of only one, there are two. Both are connected via a small cable. All of the controls are on the right headset. The face of the headset features a multi-function button (Play and Pause) with an LED status light. The back has an ON/OFF switch. The top has a NEXT and PREVIOUS track controls. The bottom has a Volume UP and Volume Down buttons as well as the USB charging port. A small microphone is on the front of the F1.

The TX dongle does not have as much features or buttons on it. All there is on the TX is iPod plug with a USB charging port to the left side of the TX and a LED indicator on the front face. It's compatible with any Apple device that uses the standard 30-pin connector.

According to iSkin, the first charge should take about 6 hours but any charge after that should take only 2 to 3 hours. With new products that requires charging, I usually let it charge overnight. With moderate use of listening to music only, the F1's battery lasted a couple of days. If you forget to turn off the headset, you'll obviously drain the battery more quickly.

Once the F1 is fully charged, you'll need to pair it to the TX. To do so, its similar to that of pairing it with your mobile phone. Plug the TX into the iPod and turn the F1 on by holding down the multi-function button. Thats it! The TX draws its power from the iPod battery so you will experience shorter battery life on the iPod.

The F1 doubles not only as a headset to listen to music on both the iPod or mobile phone but it is also a bluetooth headset. But do remember that when you're using the F1 to listen to music on your mobile phone, that you phone must be A2DP compatible. Not all phones will allow you to use stream music to a bluetooth headset. You'll need to pair the F1 to your phone. The process is the same but without the use of the TX. Simply set your phone into pair mode and hold down the multi-function button on the F1. Once paired, you can use the controls on the F1 to answer calls (press once), ignore calls (hold down until you hear a beep), adjust the volume, redial, and place calls on mute or hold.

If you receive ...

XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Divineo France
Price: $39.99


Overview : Finally a single cable to connect ALL your consoles to your TV! No more switchbox's needed, this cable can handle it all. Finally you can free up those extra inputs on your TV for other devices!

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™/PS2™, PSP Slim™, Xbox™ consoles.
• Built in switch prevents interference of other consoles while in use.
• High quality shielded cable.
• Supports Component Signals (Stereo).
• High Quality and High Speed of Transfer Signal.
• Supports Dolby Prologic.
• Supports DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Supports DOLBY Digital Surround Sound.
• Supports Stereo Sound.
• Supports Optical Signal on Xbox 360™.
• Compatible with Surround Sound Receiver or Integrated Amplifiers.
• Supports CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Supports D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080i/ 1080P) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released another multi-console component cable but unlike v2, v3 supports not only Xbox360, Wii, PS2, PS3 but now PSP and the original Xbox! This is an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center.

There are five plugs for your console: PSP, PS2/PS3, Wii, Xbox, and Xbox 360. On the other end are the component cable inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have six switches: PSP, PS2/PS3, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360HD and 360SD. So just switch to the system you are playing with.

The quality of the cable is sturdy and very durable. The visual quality that the cable outputs is on par with that of the stand alone cables. I did not see any ghosting or any lag. The colors were bright and crisp from what I have seen during the testing. Switching between consoles only took a couple of seconds for it to be displayed. However, switching between consoles on the switcher can be a little annoying. Sometimes you'll "overshoot" the switch that you want. So you'll have to slowly push the switch.

In my original review of the Multi-Console Component Cable v2, I mentioned that the cable from system to system is fairly long. Its long enough if your system was near or next to each other. But after upgrading my entertainment center and having my systems in different locations, the cables were not long enough especially if you have them on different shelf heights. The cable from the TV to the switcher has a decent length to it.

Below is a video on how to connect the Multi-Console Component Cable v3:


Conclusion : Overall, the XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v3 works great like its predecessor. Quality and build is sturdy. Visual quality is great as well as the color. However, the length of the cables from system to switcher and to other systems isnt long enough if you have systems in different locations or on different shelves. If you have majority of the systems and they are near each other, you wont have all those cables dangling and it frees up your AV slots. However, if you only have 1 or 2 systems, this is not worth the cost. The price tag of $39.99 is fair but $29.99-$34.99 would be the sweet spot.

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microSD to MS Pro Duo Adapter
Manufacturer: N/A
Site: Buy from ConsoleSource
Price: $12.99


Overview : This adapter converts Micro SD / Micro SDHC / T-Flash into a MS Pro Duo and to be used with the growing number of MS Pro Duo compatible devices such as Sony PSP, PDAs, digital cameras and cellphones.

Features :

• Support to 1GB MicroSD to 8GB MicroSDHC
• Plug-N-Play

Quality/Usability : With different electronics available comes different media storage. Like everyone, you probably bought a memory stick for a device and the device either broke, got something new or is no longer being used. So what are you to do with those memory sticks? You either let it sit on your shelf and collect dust, try and sell it or reuse it with the help of an adapter.

Sony has their own like of memory sticks and their highly popular sticks right now are the Pro Duo. But the prices are fairly high compared to other cards on the market. A 4GB MS Pro Duo can cost as much as $60. It use to cost over $300 when it was first released and depending on brand. Currently, the 8GB costs just as much as the 4GB when it first released. Within a couple of months, these prices will drop dramatically to a more reasonable price but it would still be expensive.

SD cards are also a very popular and highly used format. With technology advancing, so are the sizes of memory sticks. The TransFlash also known as microSD/microSDHC (SDHC is higher capacity) which usually comes with an SD adapter is proof. microSD's are used in cellphones, PDAs and camera's with the use of the adapter. But the price is what makes it very affordable and highly used in electronics. A 1GB microSD can be purchased for $10 or even FREE after rebate.

Manufacturers are always looking of ways to provide a solution on using other memory cards in other devices. The microSD to MS Pro Duo Adapter is similar to that of the Kingmax microSd to Pro Duo Adapter.

This review was tested with both a normal 1GB microSD card as well as a 4GB microSDHC card. Both cards fit flush inside the adapter. The adapter is the same exact size as a SanDisk or Sony brand Pro Duo. During our tests, we did not notice any slow down during reading and writing to the microSD with the Pro Duo adapter.

Conclusion : Overall, the microSD to MS Pro Duo Adapter worked just as it should. If you have extra microSD's laying around or dont want to pay for the high priced Pro Duo cards, you might want to check this out. However, the quality of the adapter is cheap. The plastic is very lightweight and thin compared to SanDisk or Sony brand Pro Duos.

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Extreme-Mods Disc Repair Service
Manufacturer: N/A
Site: Buy from Extreme-Mods
Price: $5.99 per disc + shipping costs (ships internationally)


Overview : Send us your scratched or damaged Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii, Playstation 2 (PS2), Playstation 3 (PS3), Gamecube, CD, DVD, HD-DVD, BluRay, PC discs and have them professionally resurfaced and promptly returned to you. Using specialized machine(s) we are able to get great results that remove all scratches and restores the disc to "like new" condition.

Notice: We do not guarantee ALL discs will be repairable but we will do our best to repair it to its original playing condition. We are not responsible for discs lost in the mail or in transit.

Attention Xbox 360 Users: If you accidentally scratched a game disc in your console like the disc pictured above, we are here to help! This is scratch ring is easily removed with our special machine(s) and techniques. We will restore your disc to like new condition so you can enjoy playing it again.

Quality/Usability : So I know we all had a bunch of scratched disc whether it be from poor handling of the disc, letting a sibling, child, pet damage it or from your player. Upon trying to play the disc, it was badly scratched that we had to either try and repair it ourselves with a disc repairer, have a store try and repair it or throw it away.


Well, I had Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 for the Xbox 360. Unfortunately, someone sent this to me from a trade. Upon looking at it, I was greatly disappointed at the condition. I thought it would still work despite the condition and the game would not read or load. I tried taking the disc to many stores such as GameCrazy, EB/GameStop, Blockbuster, FYE and many other retail stores that deals with videogame, movies and music. None would repair my disc. They would only repair lightly scratched discs but as you can see by the image above.

I noticed that Extreme-Mods provided a service on repairing discs. Although they state that do not guarantee that all discs are repairable, I was willing to give it a shot. I have nothing else to lose. No other stores would take it and the disc is already useless. I have nothing to lose.

Cost of repair is $5.99 per disc. Shipping starts at $3.38 for First Class. Depending on how many discs you send and how heavy the package is, price of shipping will vary. I sent the disc with a blank DVD case and it costs around $2.00 via First Class, give or take a couple of cents (depending on location). If you add any extra services such as tracking or insurance and what shipping method, it will cost more. So in total, it will cost almost $12 just to ship, have it done and shipped back to you.

Having shipped the package on a Monday via First Class, it arrived within a couple of days. Extreme-Mods had the item shipped back 2-3 days after receiving it. I received the package a couple days later. So in total, from shipping to receiving, it took almost 2 weeks. Again, depending on shipping method you choose, it could be sooner.


As you can see from the picture, the ring scratch is no longer visible. But upon looking at it very very and I mean, very closely, I can still see a little bit of a ring that was left. This is only visible held in a certain way with the right lighting. Other than that, its impossible to see. Also, the machine used to repair the disc left some very very small hairline buff marks. Again, this is impossible to see unless held in a certain position and lighting.

Conclusion : Overall, the Extreme-Mods Disc Repair Service exceeded my expectations. I was expecting maybe a Disc Doctor type of repair where it would leave huge buff marks or Extreme-Mods emailing me and informing me that it was unrepairable. The disc is useless already...so I have nothing to lose. Extreme-Mods repaired a disc that no other store would perform. Even if the stores said that they can try to repair but couldnt guarantee that it can, I would of given it a shot. But they turned me down.

After being denied of repair from stores, I was so close to snapping the disc in half and tossing the disc in the garbage until I found the repair service. Extreme-Mods says they usually ship the disc back in 24-48 hours but it took about 48-72 hours due to them being a little swamped. Now, I am able to trade this game rather than have a coaster on my hand. So is it like new condition? Yes, definitely. However, the cost of repair including shipping costs is a bit too high and may put a dent in the wallet. $6 to resurface a disc? $3 would of been more reasonable. If sending disc(s) to be repaired, use a bubble padded envelope and place discs in a blank DVD case or something sturdy to prevent it from being snapped during transit.

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Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site:
Price: $105.00-$129.95


Overview : The HDMI SWITCHER is a HDMI HUB that allows you to connect your console or dvd player to a tv and easily switch from a device to another with a simple remote control press.

Simply pressing a button on the remote you can select your desired HDMI source to be routed to a high definition display. Switcher is tested to guarantee resolution up to 1080p without signal degradation.
HDMI repeater is built in to the switch for long output cables. If your cable if over 15ft distance then with regular switch you would get signal degradation. However with HDMI switch box signal can be amplified to go over 60ft!

Features :

• Approved by HDMI ATC lab
• Fully supports 1080P HDTV
• HDCP Compliant
• Supports DTS, Dolby 7.1 Channel Audio
• GOLD PLATED CONNECTORS
• IR Remote control
• Expand 4HDMI sources on your HDTV device
• Amplifier & Equalizer function enables longer HDMI cables
• Plug & Play, installs in seconds
• RoHS compliant
• 110v-240v auto switching power supply
• HDMI CABLE INCLUDED

Quality/Usability : The Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote is designed to allow you, the user, to toggle between four (4) HDMI sources. You may think why would you need or want something like this. If you havent noticed, as more and more devices such as HDTV's, HD cable, satellite boxes, DVD players (Blu-Ray and HD-DVD), they are now incorporating HDMI. As more people get into high def, they will have more and more devices but are only limited to a certain amount of inputs on their devices.

The HDMI Switcher measures approximately 7 inches wide by 3 inches deep and 1 inch high. The switcher is made of metal and not plastic. This makes the switcher very sturdy and a solid feel. The front houses four green LEDs and 1 red LED. The green LEDs are to let you know which HDMI port is in use and the red LED is to let you know that the power is on. To the right of the button is a SELECT button that lets you toggle between the HDMI ports. On the back, there are four HDMI inputs. To the left is one HDMI output and DC port to plug power adapter.

Setup is plug-and-play. Simply plug in the cables, select the port and you're good to go! If your device does not have HDMI but uses DVI, you can also use DVI devices so as long you use the appropriate adapter.

Testing with a Sony PlayStation 3, XBox 360 Elite and HD-DVD Player and a Dell PC that uses DVI, all devices switched without a problem. I did not notice any quality downgrade. Even upconverted DVDs worked without a problem. What I did notice was that there was no input for audio.

The included remote measures approximately 3.5 inches tall by 1.5 inches wide and 0.25 inches high. The face of the remote has a POWER ON/OFF on the top left with 1-4 in the middle to select your mode. There is also a forward and back button to control the input sources. The battery runs on a Lithium Battery CR2025 (watch battery).

Conclusion : Overall, the Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote worked without a hitch. The design is nice and sleek and built sturdy. I dont know if this is on all HDMI Switchers but the one I received said "HIDOZO" on top. Dont know what this means or what the purpose is but it looks tacky. The lack of audio ports can be a negative to those who want the best set up. Would of also been nice if it included a DVI to HDMI adapter. The expensive price tag may turn people away but if you're running out of HDMI ports or looking for a selector, I suggest taking a look at this.

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Memor32 USB Memory Card (PS2)
Manufacturer: Memor32
Site: Buy from ConsoleSource
Price: $69.95


Overview : The PS2 is certainly no stranger to a continuous flow of great games which is why every hardcore gamer will adore the Memor32. Featuring a unique USB based design, the Memor32 is an advanced memory card for use on any PS2 and PSTwo systems around the world. Unlike standard memory cards, the Memor32 will allow gamers to load and unload save games to and from the PC for use with the PS2. It’s compatibility is up there with the best, with over 1500 games tested and working perfectly.

Features :

• 100% MagicGate compatible powerful 32MB memory card
• Compatible with all PS2 and PSTwo systems worldwide
• Integrated USB connector
• Load and unload saves games to and from the PC for use with the console via software
• Unrivalled compatibility, over 1500 games tested and save compatible
• Perfectly plug and play device
• Two years in development

Quality/Usability : I admit that I usually dont completely unlock all the contents of the game. Then again, after I play the game, I stop playing it and move onto the next game and the game just sits there for months before its traded or sold. But there are also games that require updated rosters that you wouldnt be able to get elsewhere such as baseball, football, basketball, etc. Who wants to sit there and manually update the rosters when you can be playing the game?

Memor32 has released a USB memory card for the PlayStation 2. It does everything a normal PS2 memory card would do such as load and save game saves. What makes the Memor32 different is that it connects to your PC via USB port on the side of the Memor32. The only thing that I can think of off the top of my head that was similar to this was the SharkPort which was also known as X-Port.

The Memor32 was tested with the latest (at time of this review) Save Game Manager (SGM) v1.3. Save Game Manager allowed you to transfer downloaded game saves from your PC to the Memor32. Team Memor32 is greatly improving SGM each time there is an update. The first release was just to show that it was legit and that more was to come. 1.1 activated the IMPORT and EXPORT functions. 1.2 added the .max extension support. 1.3 added Windows Vista support but .max extension game saves was not available at time of review.

Setup is very very easy. First and foremost, format the Memor32 on your PS2. Once its formatted, download their latest Save Game Manager and driver file. Once the files are downloaded, extract and install SGM. You'll need a USB cable to connect the Memor32 to your PC. The same cable used for the PSP or digital camera will work fine. Unfortunately, Team Memor32 does not include a USB cable in order to keep costs down. However, some retailers may include a USB cable. Connect the Memor32 to your PC and Windows will recognize the Memor32 as a USB Serial Port. It may ask to search from drivers but DO NOT let Windows download it from the internet. Instead, remember that driver download I posted above, extract it and direct Windows to search for driver in that folder. It may require you to search for drivers twice so direct it to that folder.


Upon starting up Save Game Manager, the user interface is clean and straight to the point. The left window shows what files are on the Memor32 and the right window shows your computer. In between the two windows are 5 buttons:

• BACKUP - transfer game saves from memory card to PC
• RESTORE - transfer game saves from PC to memory card
• DELETE - delete game save
• IMPORT - load game saves from PC
• EXPORT - export game saves to PC

The bottom half shows different things. The bottom right displays Memor32 status. It lets you know if the Memor32 is connected or disconnected. It also tells how much space is available on the Memor32. Underneath is a button ERASE MEMOR32. This deletes everything on the Memor32 at once. The left side displays the Save game information such as file name, size, when it was created and modified and icon of game if available.

Every time a game save is transferred whether it be to the Memor32 or to the PC, a status bar is shown at the bottom. It does not take long to transfer game saves.

Conclusion : Overall, the Memor32 USB Memory Card (PS2) is a very useful accessory for the PlayStation 2. Unfortunately, its 2 years too late. The PlayStation 2 is on its last legs as publishers and developers are focusing on the new next gen consoles such as the Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation3. But this wont stop anyone whether or not you have beaten a game or dont even own any of the new systems. The Memor32 is great for updated sports roster or for those who like to cheat in a game or just to play through it with everything unlocked once they have beaten it...with no cheats of course. Price whoever is a bit pricey especially with no USB cable included. If this was $40USD or so, this would be the sweet spot for PS2 gamers.

People are wondering, wheres the Memento ...

Joytech HDMI TriLink Switcher
Manufacturer: Joytech
Site:
Price: $54.95-79.95


Overview : Expand your digital connections with the HDMI TriLink™ from JOYTECH. Connect up to 3 HDMI compatible devices to 1 HDMI input on your TV or display. Ideal for use with PlayStation®3, DVD, or HD satellite and cable services, the HDMI TriLink™ features a Remote Control or Manual Selector Switch allowing you to navigate your HDMI source at a touch of a button. Supports HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection), HD resolutions of up to 1080p and multi-channel digital audio.

Features :

• Remote Control included
• Connect multiple HDMI signal sources to one HDMI input on TV or display
• Easily switch between three HDMI devices
• Supports full High Defi nition resolutions up to 1080p
• Three HDCP compliant HDMI 1.3 inputs provide a pure digital connection

Quality/Usability : With more and more technology being bought and used, eventually we'll have lack of inputs for all our devices. Yes, newer TVs have inputs in the front of the TV as well as on the side but its a hassle having to reach the back of the display each time you want to plug or unplug. At the same time, it can damage the ports as well.

Thats where selectors come into play. As technology advances, eventually we'll do away with regular audio/video cables (red/white/yellow, s-video, etc.) and everything will be HD (HDMI, DVI). HDMI selectors vary in look and design, features, functionality and most importantly...price.

Joytech's HDMI TriLink Switcher supports up to 1080p and is HDCP compliant but is also small and semi-affordable compared to some other HDMI selectors on the market. Inside the Tri-Link Switcher package, you'll find the Tri-Link Switcher, a remote control with preloaded battery, power supply, USB cable, infrared extension cable and manuals.

You must be wondering why it includes a USB cable. Well, its another way for you to power the HDMI TriLink Switcher. This is great if you dont have a spare wall outlet to plug in the power supply and you're near a computer or device that has USB ports. These days DVD players, PlayStation 3, Xbox360 and HTPC (Home Theater PC), all have USB ports.

There is a button on top of the switcher that lets you toggle between INPUT 1, 2 or 3. Which ever input is chosen, it will light up with a blue LED. It also has a infrared sensor. This allows you to use the included remote. The remote allows you to choose either INPUT 1, 2 or 3 instead of having to push the buttons on the Switcher. The remote control is fairly small and runs on CR2032 watch battery. Nothing fancy to be seen here. Just three buttons to choose your desired output. Whats nice about the Joytech HDMI Tri-Link Switcher is that it includes an infrared extension cable. Selecting inputs using the remote to the switcher can only go so far. With the extension cable, you plug it in to the side of the switcher and this will allow you to switch inputs from a further distance. The bottom of the extension cable has adhesive so you can stick it to your coffee table or something.

Conclusion : Overall, the Joytech HDMI TriLink Switcher works very well. I love the fact that its compact and light, I can control the switcher from across the room using the infrared extension cable and most importantly, it can run on USB. I ran out of slots on my power surge protector and I tend to plug and unplug power supplies if I am not using it that moment. My Samsung 32" has a USB port on it and it works great. Some or most should have USB ports as this is a way of upgrading firmwares on HDTVs. I think three HDMI ports on the switcher is enough considering on average, there are about 2-3 HDMI ports on a HDTV. Unfortunately, you'll have to supply your own HDMI cables.

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