Polaroid LCD HDTV: An Instant Deal

ASSI - Sisters, cousins, brothers, and friends were talking High Definition (HD) Television and how it makes sense to replace your tube analog television because it is obsolete. From restaurants to airplanes Plasma HDTVs were popping up everywhere, except airplanes, Plasma’s are ill-equipped to handle the altitude making way for the LCD monitor, which is a great alternative to Plasma. The Polaroid FLM-3725: 37” LCD TV/Monitor pictured above has served us well. Although, we associated Polaroid with still images, the technology of the LCD was most appealing to us. During our research we learned that the LCD is comprised of cells filled with liquid-crystals stored between two sheets of glass. Transistors supply voltage to the crystals and when combined with a surge of electricity: the crystals untwist to an exact degree to filter White light that is produced by a lamp behind the screen. It is the liquid-crystal matrix that produces an excitable image with bright, rich, and vibrant colors. Unlike the Plasma that is made of hundreds of thousands of pixel cells, each pixel cell is an individual microscopic florescent light bulb that illuminates the proper balance of red, green, or blue phosphors contained in each cell to provide the proper color sequence from the light.

It is most cost effective to replace a light bulb in the LCD than to replace the noble gases (i.e., argon, neon, xenon) that loose their glow overtime. I would be remised to go on an on about Plasma and LCD when the DLP HDTV is also competing for the HDTV dollar. The DLP is a Texas Instrument product. The technology of the DLP is millions of tiny hinge-mounted microscopic mirrors that each measure less than one-fifth of a human hair. Sounds interesting but what does that mean for contrast/Black levels, color accuracy, viewing angle, computer use, video playback speed, altitude usage, longevity, screen burn-in, production size and cost, power consumption, price and resolution? I am unsure for I have not had the pleasure of an actual experience beyond Sam’s club.

However, we have yet to experience “burn-in,” glaring, or angel viewing problems with the LCD. Attaching the computer was a breeze; and since, the TV is a monitor the computer images are inspiringly beautiful. The only disadvantage can be the cable length that connects the PC or Laptop to the television. This FLM-3725: 37” LCD TV/Monitor is an older model; however, Polaroid’s HD Televisions are affordable, attractive, and the picture quality is exceptional. As I see the Polaroid FLM-3725: 37” LCD TV/Monitor with remote control and a host of other features was well worth the money. I give it four blinks.

ASHI – The picture quality of the Polaroid LCD HDTV is wonderful, you feel like your actually at the game, you feel like in your watching the big screen at the movie theater, the magnified detail is exceptional. It is the most ideal television for additional connections such as games, additional surround sound, cable, and DVD players. It comes with DVI with HDCP input, D-sub input, 2 component inputs (YPbPr/YCbCr), 2 composite video inputs, S-video input, 6 audio inputs, Composite video output, Audio output, and a headphone jack. You can also select to view programming in full or wide screen, English, Spanish, or French, has closed captioning, and you can even set the sleep timer, and the full function universal remote is a great feature. The silver finish is a nice cover for the built in stereo speakers, the Black back gives it a sleek look that is suitable for any style room. We did much research on LCD, Plasma and DLP High Definition televisions before deciding on the Polaroid LCD 37 inch HD Television, which has not been problematic for me, I like that it is durable and seems to have longevity, and one of the main reasons that I wanted to purchase the Polaroid is their history with producing quality pictures. Although this model is older, I still recommend the brand and give this product four and a half eye balls.

It Has it all and Does it all the HP Photosmart 3310 AllinOne

ASSI - Remember when you used negatives for reprints? Do you still use negatives for reprints? The HP Photosmart 3310 All-in-One is for you, especially if you still posses negatives. If restoring photos is a hobby or passion the Photosmart 3310 scans up to six negatives and photos can be retouched. A feature we have yet to test, however, color pictures print identical to the actual image, if the lens captures a dull and dreary day that is exactly what the Photosmart prints. The prints lack vibrancy, but colorful images are sharp and rich. 4" x 6" paper is stored in the automatic photo tray that also prints panoramas and images as large as 8.5" x 24" by pressing the photo tray button, if printing directly from All-in-One. The 3.6 LCD is ideal for editing pictures, setting print commands and layout, and monitoring ink levels. HP has made the all-in-one stylish and functional the only down side to this design is the fax tray, a feature that is unappreciated until you have to fax hard copies, scanning first slows the process down, but documents Scan as fast as 8 seconds per sheet; however, Black and White copy takes about 32 seconds and 31 for a color copy. The HP Photosmart 3310 All-in-One is perfect for the home or office, the compact and stylish design compliments any room, it has built-in-wireless, which is ideal for a small network and connects to any PC or laptop, the built-in modem makes life a little easier when faxing, and the pictbridge allows you to print directly from a memory card, pictbridge USB port, camera, camera phone, USB flash drive, and HP proof sheet. Althought the 3310 requires six individual ink cartridge, each cartridge is monitored, which eliminates purchasing extra ink cartridges because only one color has run out. As I see it the HP Photosmart 3310 All-in-one is a must purchase and I give it 4 blinks.

ASHI – Thus far the only draw back, I see, to the HP Photosmart 3310 all-in-One (printer, fax, scanner, and copier) is a fax tray. I prefer documents to be scan automatically via a feed instead of scanning the documents from the glass to a file to fax, which is too much work. I prefer the traditional fax machines. The modern design of all-in-one is great concept, I particularly like that this design scans photo negatives, the user friendly LCD screen informs you when it is conducting a self maintenance check, ink cartridge levels, and also displays date and time. It is cheek and compact enough for any home office and functional for any business. Installation and set-up is easy enough you can do-it- yourself, right out of the box. Makes professional photos of various sizes, except all paper types and sizes, and overall I see it as a must have for anyone who loves photography and all so has a need for a printer, fax, and scanner you cannot go wrong with the HP 3310 all-in-one Photosmart, and give it four and a half eye balls.

Kodak EasyShare - Will not break the bank but will break

ASSI-After spending a small fortune to develop pictures and zero investments in photo processing. I thought Kodak was right on time with the Kodak Easyshare CX6330 digital camera with docking station, so for my birthday, I asked for and received the Kodak Easyshare, boy was I excited. I thought this would be my last and final camera that would take me way into my senior years. The print quality was vibrant, rich, and sharp filled with colors that jumped at you, and it is rather fascinating to watch the printing process. The Kodak Easyshare did not fit comfortably in my purse, I prefer a smaller bag; however, my cellphone, wallet, car keys, and camera must all fit, and the CX6330 did not fit. We took the camera with us to Hawaii and while sitting at the bus stop, a piece of thread was caught in the battery compartment door. I simply pulled the string to remove and the latch to the compartment door broke, it was an AWWE moment. The fix-it solution that came to his mind was tape, which we used to secure the battery door that worked for two or three pictures before it required re taping. The camera was still under warranty, so we thought, so we made the camera useful until returning home. Well, when we returned it the store said no no no, it is over thirty-days, so I notified the manufacture, and they said, we'd love to repair the camera for $99.95, but to show our appreciation for your business, we will repair it for $49.95. I declined the offer and purchased a better camera; however, since he purchased the camera he felt compelled to fix and keep the camera that has given him nothing but problems since he paid to have it repaired. I give the Kodak EasyShare CX6330 one blink.

ASHI –One of the greatest attributes of the Kodak EasyShare CX6330 digital camera is the docking station, the bundle is ideal for traveling, especially when visiting family. The fact that you can print pictures instantly is a plus. Although the camera is three mega pixels, the print quality is sharp, crisp, and clear, which could be attributed to the print docking station. The bundle consists of the camera, docking station, ink cartridges to print forty pictures and photo paper. I am pleased with the pictures the colors are rich, bold, and sharp with vivid detail. Transferring pictures from the docking station is as easy as a- press-of-a-button will print or transfer pictures to your PC or laptop or use the included USB cord. Another good feature is the 16 MB internal memory, a feature the Canon SD900 lack; it also has continuous video with audio, 1.6 LCD screen, 3x optical zoom, power cords, and two AA batteries. The Easyshare is light weight and the four (camera, docking station, paper tray, and ink cartridge) pieces assemble with ease, and with twenty dollars you can purchase paper and a replacement cartridge. Is is not small enough to fit in your pocket but surely ideal for all family functions: cook outs, weddings, graduations, and anniversaries perfect for amateurs with a passion for photography. Since the battery compartment door was repaired, in 2006, the camera no longer works to its full potential. I covered the cost of the repair, which I feel was worth it, and I still see it as a value and give it 4 eyeballs.

Canon Captures Pictures Perfect

ASSI - I am an avid picture taker, I love capturing moments, and I was a firm believer in creating a Kodak moment. However, Kodak does not mark the moment or even capture an image better than the Canon PowerShot SD900 digital camera with 10.0 Mega pixels, which I thought was a big deal until I learned means big print, which is a big deal if you are making posters. The 3x Optical zoom capability is great, I like the fact that I can stand across the room, and take a focused picture with limited grains; however, the 1600 ISO helps to reduce image blur, the images appear blurry on the LCD, but once you press the button a focused picture appears. The pure titanium finish provides extra protection for durability, and the SD900 has sleek curves and slim enough to fit your purse or pocket. The only real problem that I have experienced is with the low-light shooting capability, it does not appear to work adequately. I also dislike that there is no internal memory for the camera. I do like that 2.5 LCD monitor, the print share button, and the high resolution for movies. I have yet to master all of the features of the Powershot, reading is fundamental, but the mere fact I can capture an image of sand crab and see each grain of sand demonstrates the camera has quality features to ensure perfect pictures. I compare the images captured using the Canon SD900 is equivalent to High Definition television, the camera sees and captures, even the finest hair on the barest leg. You treat yourself to the Canon SD900 not a friend or child under twenty-one. As I see it the Canon Powershot SD900 is worth 3. 5 blinks.


ASHI – I have limited experience with the Canon SD900; however, the ten megapixels is a great feature, it makes bad pictures look great. It is small and sleek, light but durable enough to fit into your shirt or pant pocket. Pictures download to PC or laptop via USB cable without any problems. The video quality is great but uses a lot of memory to capturing moving images. I dislike that it does not have an internal memory; if you do not have a memory card or your memory card is full you are out of luck. I believe a printing docking station can be purchased for this camera, which would make it more attractive for me; however, I see it as a good purchase and give it 4.5 eye balls.

Hedonism for the Wild and Wicked

ASSI - The stories told at dinner parties surely peeked my curiosity, is there really a place where adults go to unleash their inner wild and allow the warm sun rays to explore every each of their naked bodies? Hedonism II is the place where shame and inhibitions are unwelcome, but allowed if you must be prude.
The resort had modern amenities, mirrored ceilings and walls appropriately displayed in each room, multiple shower heads in the shower, private Jacuzzis and swimming pools, open cabanas for leisure lounging, rock climbing, pool tables and chess, and even a nightclub with stripper pole included. The beautifully painted rocks that adorned the grounds from past visitors was a nice touch, be sure to paint a rock to mark the occasion.

Hedonism lacked entertainment, there were enough people at the resort to have a continuous party, but the club music was unenticing and the live entertainment was unimpressive, and if you come for fun and games be sure to bring your own games. If you prefer to bring your sand with you to the beach, the two of you will have a blast creating lasting memories, if you are hoping to bottle sand while your there, be careful and pack plenty of condoms. The booze cruise was much fun but if your partner or friend is uncomfortable seeing others in their birthday suits or dislike looking at headlights then this is not the excursion for you; however, if you are down and can appreciate nakedness, then tops off and bottle up. I was most displeased with the various cracks and crevasses, which suggest the facility is in desperate need of repairs, but to no avail. The cushions for the cabanas were old, outdated, and worn; the cushions for the chairs in the dining room were mold and mildewed. I see the resort as two blinks and the overall exeperience three blinks.

ASHI – The forty-five minutes ride to the resort was scenic; some areas were beautiful, the tropical weather was comfortable while in Jamaica, and Hedonism Resort was worth the ride. Although the resort lacked lively entertainment, I really enjoyed the food; the selection was large enough that everyone was able to find something to eat. The rooms were up-to-date and the ambience was great. One of the best things about the trip to Jamaica was the direct flight from Baltimore Washington International Airport. When traveling to Jamaica be sure to pack swim suits, boat shoes, flip-flops, sandals, tank tops, t-shirts, and take advantage of all scheduled activities. Leave the resort to explore the Island, hop in cab and go into town to shop or dine at one of the local restaurants.
If you’re a shy person who is rather reserved, stay away from Hedonism, it is not for the timid. However, it is for the person who want to explore their wild side, the nude beach and pool is a must visit, it gives you a sense of freedom. You can also have fun shooting pool, playing chess, bat mitten, volleyball, or you can climb the wall. Overall I see this as an experience worth having and give it three and a half eye balls.