Beautiful screen, but below-average usability

This GPS from Panasonic features a large, bright LCD screen. It’s also got a loud speaker and a very solid windshield mount. (A dashboard disc is included for those living in Calif. and Minn.)

Setup is easy, although practically no documentation is enclosed in the box. You get 3D navigation map view, choice of routing based on type of vehicle (passenger car vs. truck vs. bike, for example — can be a lifesaver). It also features an “electronic compass” that keeps keeping track of your approximate location even when you’re in a tunnel.

But the software, made by Navigon of Germany (which has a line of its own GPS units), is really bad in terms of usability. The symbols and text on the navigation map are *small*, making it hard to see where you’re and where you’re going, despite the generous 5″ screen. The software, powered by Windows CE, is extremely slow, whether you try to pan a map or enter a POI. For example, I was in Yonkers, NY two weeks ago and tried to find a KFC. I waited 3 minutes before any results came up (even though there *are* KFC’s in Yonkers.) I finally gave up and reset the unit. Also, the software tries to auto-fill street names and zip codes for you, but it’s really slooow, making it painful to enter anything.

Speaking of zipcodes, Navigon is such a great company that they make you enter address by zip code! If you don’t know a zip code, or choose a city like San Fran or Chicago or NY with many zip codes, you may not be able to find a particular street or house number. Real smart.

Update (9/3/2010): I also found some auctions for this item here.

The featured review for this product, Panasonic Car CNGP50U Strada Portable Mobile Navigation System with 5″” Widescreen LCD Monitor Electronics, was written by Gadgester.

The average rating for this item is 3.3 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.

Very awkward for ceilings, great for cabinets

Purchased this to hang drywall on ceilings as advertised. The cleats are rudimentary and the 400lb capacity Jak is way overkill for a sheet of drywall. The real problem is lifting one edge of drywall over your head to a height of 8′ (bending, cracking, difficult to position in tight spots), inserting the edge under the cleats, reaching for the T-Jak and adjusting the sliding nut to a height that will support the other edge of drywall. The instructions are completely inadequate - no tips or hints on making this awkward process safer or easier. Three sheets came crashing down around me before I could get them positioned.The T-Jak is just great for hanging cabinets. The adjusting nut means you can dial in cabinet height exactly. If you hang cabinets often, this is the tool. I’m a home repair professional. If I had to do it again, I would probably purchase the 3rd Hand as a more versatile addition to my business.

Update (9/3/2010):

The featured review for this product, T-Jak TJ-104D Drywall Kit with T-Jak, 2-Foot Extension and Two Drywall Extension Tabs Tools & Hardware, was written by M. Kelly.

The average rating for this item is 3.3 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.

Product Description

Emerson 50″ Builder Plus Pull Chain Fan For Indoor

Update (9/3/2010):

The featured review for this product, Emerson Fans CF711PB Builder Plus Fan - Polished Brass Builder Ceiling Fan 50″ Blade Span Misc., was written by someone who wishes to remain anonymous.

The average rating for this item is 0 out of 5 stars, according to 1 review.

Product Description

Makita BTL063Z 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Angle Impact Wrench Features: Compact right angle impact wrench for fastening and loosening in tight spaces. Makita built motor and impact mechanism produces 530 in. lbs. of maximum torque and 0-3,000 IPM. Variable speed (0-2,000 RPM) for a range of applications from auto repair to product assembly. Large conveniently located paddle switch for comfortable operation. Over one foot of tool extension for extra reach into tight spaces. L.E.D. light illuminates the work area. Soft grip handle provides increased comfort on the job. Impact housing can be rotated into one of 8 radial positions for difficult hand/angle positions. Convenient belt clip mounts on either side of the tool. Phosphorescent bumper ring for locating tool in dark work areas. 3-year warranty on tool. Bare Tool Only.

Update (9/3/2010): I also found some auctions for this item here.

The featured review for this product, Bare-Tool Makita BTL063Z 18-Volt LXT 3/8-inch Lithium-Ion Cordless Angle Impact Wrench Tool Only, No Battery Tools & Hardware, was written by someone who wishes to remain anonymous.

The average rating for this item is 0 out of 5 stars, according to 1 review.

Product Description

Weather Proof Keyed Alike Locks Weather resistant PVC housing covers laminated solid steel lock body. 1 1/8″ x 5/16″ shackle.

Update (9/3/2010): I also found some auctions for this item here.

The featured review for this product, Trimax TPW3125 3-Pack of Keyed Alkie TPW1125 Weather Proof Locks 1-1/8″ x 5/16″ Shackle Automotive Sep 14, 2007, was written by someone who wishes to remain anonymous.

The average rating for this item is 0 out of 5 stars, according to 1 review.

canvas mattress carrier

we have a used funiture makes moving mattress and box springs so easy a great investment , have already purchased more Item being reviewed
Monster Trucks MT10118

Update (9/3/2010): I also found some auctions for this item here.

The featured review for this product, Monster Trucks MT10118 Canvas Mattress Carrier Tools & Hardware, was written by cj.

The average rating for this item is 2.5 out of 5 stars, according to 2 reviews.

Product Description

Update (9/3/2010): I also found some auctions for this item here.

The featured review for this product, Funtasma By Pleaser Women’s Alice-12 Flat Apparel, was written by someone who wishes to remain anonymous.

The average rating for this item is 0 out of 5 stars, according to 1 review.

Just like new

This is one very nice tool. It packs a powerful punch in a compact size and other than a sticker saying “reconditioned” you’d never know it wasn’t. In fact I think it was! If you’re considering buying, but can’t decide between new and reconditioned, take the reconditioned unit. The tool was flawless. No scratches. No damage whatsoever. The motor smelled new right from the start. I could tell it had never been used. The case was new. The cord was never even uncoiled and you save a bundle. I particularly liked the shock absorbing handle. The balance is right and it should pay for itself after the first hour.

Update (9/3/2010):

The featured review for this product, Factory-Reconditioned Bosch 11241EVS-RT 1-9/16-Inch 11 Amp SDS-Max Combination Hammer Tools & Hardware, was written by D. Trelford.

The average rating for this item is 5 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.

Fails primary duty: AM/FM radio tuners barely work

No question, this radio “looks good”, seems like strong construction, and has quite a list of features. Yes, the flashlight, siren, and SOS beacon work well. The NOAA Weather channels seem to work, depending on your location. The GMRS/FRS radio performance is dismal. But most important to me as an emergency source of information - this unit fails its primary function: AM/FM radio reception. AM reception is nearly non-existent, and I live near very powerful AM stations. FM reception is very weak and includes a lot of static which I have never heard before on FM. Yes, I have tried the AM/FM radio bands in numerous locations - home, lake, mountains, flat lands. Little or no reception. One would think that with a digital display of radio station call signs that you could precisely tune in stations — not so. For $150 - $200 and with a reputable name like ETON/Grundig, I expect MUCH more and much better performance. Like nearly all things these days, these units are made in China - so I believe ETON needs to look into their quality assurance process to ensure they are using top quality components and that assembly is complete. I have returned my unit - makes no sense at all to keep a radio which costs $150 but will not even tune in AM and FM radio stations. Also, I see many identical and similar reviews now across the internet - “pretty, feature rich unit; but very poor radio performance”. I would advise against purchasing this unit until such time ETON acknowleges the problem and fixes it.

Update (9/3/2010):

The featured review for this product, American Red Cross FR1000 Voicelink Hand-Crank AM/FM/NOAA Weather Two-Way GMRS Clock Radio with Flashlight, Siren and Cell Phone Charger White Electronics, was written by Captain Jack.

The average rating for this item is 3 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.

Excellent product

They are rather expensive, but these nails are superb. The galvanizing is very thick and consistent. The nails don’t jam, and mine arrived all intact in collation and undamaged. Using these nails will require you to reducing loads by 10% according to Simpson because they are 1/2″ shorter than the 10d nails they specify, but frankly the time saved is well worth it.

Update (9/3/2010):

The featured review for this product, Bostitch RH-MC14825GAL-S Thick coat Round Head 2-1/2-by-0.148-Inch by 21-Degree Plastic Collated Positive Placement Nail, 900 per Box Tools & Hardware, was written by A_G.

The average rating for this item is 2.5 out of 5 stars, according to 2 reviews.