Xbox 360 Live Points Card

This review is from: Xbox 360 LIVE 1600 Points (Video Game)

First off, I'm an otherwise very happy Xbox Live Gold member. Instead of buying a points card from a retailer, I made the mistake of buying the points online from Microsoft through the Xbox. I used my gamer tag account and entered my credit card on the TV and I bought 500 points. I got the email confirmation that I bought the points. I then used the points. So far so good.

Over the next two days, four other Xbox charges totaling $30 mysteriously appeared on my credit card. Someone bought more points and a game subscription using my credit card info. I called Xbox Live support- their answer was "we don't give refunds." I explained that it's not a REFUND if my account is used fradulently. They still said no.

Note that clearly the security leak was with them, as no other fraudulent charges appeared on my credit card...just Xbox charges.

I then asked them to delete my credit card info from my Xbox Live account. They said they could not do this. I could not believe this! Given that someone had access to my credit card and they were unwilling to remove my credit card info, I had no choice but to cancel my credit card.

My advice- buy the points from a trusted source like Amazon. Don't ever give Microsoft direct access to your credit card info. I hope this helps.

Battlefield 3 - Back to Karkand DLC Pack [Online Game Code]

This review is from: Battlefield 3 - Back to Karkand DLC Pack [Online Game Code] (Software Download)

Code-in-a-box and 3rd Party method:

Open the Origin client on your PC, and click Redeem Product Code, under the Settings menu (gear icon).
Enter your code then hit Next.
Confirm that the code is for Back to Karkand and hit Next again.
You will receive a confirmation of your code redemption.
You will now need to go to My Games and update Battlefield 3 to play Back to Karkand.

For me, I didn't have to update anything in my game once I activated the game. (Karkand may have come with that 4GB patch release a while ago.) Anyway, I just started a game, and joined a Karkand map. Truth be told, I too was confused as to how to activate the game until I came across a post by EA. I hope this helps.

Battlefield 3: Premium [Download]

This review is from: Battlefield 3: Premium [Download] (Software Download)

I got this directly from the publisher but so far it has been quite enjoyable. I'm liking some of the new weapons already. This is a one-time payment and is not annually-based like Activision does with the CoD franchise. In my opinion that is much more of an appeal. We pay for enough services out there on a yearly basis.

Hopefully somebody can clarify this for me, but if you own Back to Karkland already do you receive a discount/reimbursement or is it going to stay at $50? Either way knowing that I paid for the future expansion packs all in one payment is ideal and convenient.

It's worth the purchase/download. The queue prioritizing is nice but essentially worthless on premium servers, since everyone has premium.

I'm a casual gamer and I'm sure there will be much more thorough reviews than mine but I wanted to provide the casual crowd with my take on this offering.

20 new weapons, 20 new vehicles, new dog tags, queue priority, and other features become available. I believe new kits and uniforms as well. New achievements are introducted for premium users along with the new expansion pack, two weeks early access for expansion packs along with being able to reset your player stats.

Crysis

This review is from: Crysis Maximum Edition (DVD-ROM)

With Original Crysis going on 3 years old, I have upgraded my system 3 times since the original install. If DRM were in the original Crysis, I would likely not be able to install it on my next generation upgrade, which will happen because of the new MB's with USB 3.0, addional PCI16 slots, and additional SATA I connectors of 6+ on the newer MoBo's. Graphics card is always upgraded, and when each new Mobo, I always upgrade my processor. So it will look like a totally new system, and that is the problem. Great Game, but I won't buy anything with DRM, period. It is impacting sales.
Of course I could get a cracked version free, but I believe piracy can lead to the end of innovation and possibly products for the PC despire that I am honest. DRM inhibits sales to honest people, not pirates. When will the dolts at EA get it. Likely never, so sadly I suspect that means no purchases from EA. It is killing me because EA has been around since the Atari 800 and they have always made awesome games. No Crysis Warhead either... DRM.. :(

NBA 2K12(Covers May Vary)

List Price:	$19.99
Price:	$9.99
You Save:	$10.00 (50%)

ArmA 2: Combined Operations

This review is from: Arma 2 - Combined Operations (DVD-ROM)

If you are a soloist, a Rambo, a loner, this is probably not the game for you. The majority of people playing video games now days, are multiplayers. They play online for that extra challenge. This game involves not only multiplayer but teamwork on a high level. That high level is set by the players. Once you immerse into the land of Arma II, you will find yourself talking as if you have been in the military for years. This is a military simulation, not the average arcade game. You will not hear people talking about face rolling, and total pwnage and all that crap. You will only hear the calls for close air support, transport and long ranged artillery. If you are that role playing, military game guru, you will love the multiplayer associated with this game. However if you are into points and worrying about your kill to death ratio, find a server with Player Vs. Player. Some snipers pride themselves on taking out those loners. The Delta Force will work together on special operations missions, the pilots will be in their own group, and don't be surprised to see a Shooter and a Spotter acting as one Sniper. This is an incredible game, if you play it the way it was intended to be played.

If you are considering picking up the game. Check out the guys at 7th Cav, they always keep a populated server, and they really use that teamwork you are looking for.

The Sims 3

This review is from: The Sims 3 [Mac Download] (Software Download)

I have never reviewed an item on Amazon, but my experience was so different from the other two listed here that I had to put in my two cents. I've wanted the Sims 3 since it came out, but my old Mac's video card wasn't up to the job. As soon as my new Macbook Pro was up and running, I went looking for a copy I could download. Since these reviews scared me off Amazon a bit, I tried another site first, but it just sent me in circles and I never got the game. Finally, I decided that Amazon was my only choice for immediate download, and decided to risk it. And you know what? It worked perfectly. Absolutely perfectly. A 5GB game downloaded in 1.5 hours, it installed flawlessly, and I've been playing it ever since, like the good little Sims addict I am. FYI, I'm on a Macbook Pro, 2.3 GHz, 4GB of memory and an Intel 3000 video card.

As for the game itself, I find it a great jump up from Sims 2, though it's very similar. This one has fewer loading screens and the world is definitely a bit more detailed. I'm trying to resist buying all the expansion packs right away, but I somehow doubt I'll succeed.

Omron G7L-1A-TUB-CB-AC100/120 General Purpose Relay, Class B Insulation, QuickConnect Terminal, Upper Bracket Mounting, Single Pole Single Throw Normally Open Contacts, 17 to 20.4 mA Rated Load Current, 100 to 120 VAC Rated Load Voltage

ASIN B0073U6CXY

Specifications for this item

Brand Name

Omron

EAN

4536853480509

Number of Items

1

Part Number

G7L-1A-TUB-CB-AC100/120

Size Name

Single Pole Single Throw Normally Open Contacts

Omron G3NA-240B AC100-120 Solid State Relay, Zero Cross Function, Yellow Indicator, Photocoupler Isolation, 40 A Rated Load Current, 24 to 240 VAC Rated Load Voltage, 100 to 120 VAC Input Voltage

ASIN B005T7Y6SG

Specifications for this item

Brand Name

Omron

EAN

4536854920479

Number of Items

1

Part Number

G3NA-240B AC100-120

Size Name

Photocoupler Isolation 

 

Key Features

• AC Ouput Relays with 75-A and 90-A output added
• All models feature a uniform mounting pitch
• Built-in Varistor effectively absorbs external surges
• Operation indicator enable monitoring operation
• Standard Models certified by UL and CSA and UTU models by VDE

Package Details

Shipping Weight: 0.2 pounds

Opto 22 120D25 DC Control Solid State Relay, 120 VAC, 25 Amp, 4000 V Optical Isolation, 1/2 Cycle Maximum Turn-On/Off Time, 25 - 65 Hz Operating Frequency

ASIN B0058UX2YS

Specifications for this item

Brand Name

Opto 22

Current Rating

25  Amps

LowerTemperature Range

-40  Degrees Celsius

Number of Items

1

Part Number

120D25

Temperature Range

-40/100  Degrees Celsius

Upper Temperature Range

100  Degrees Celsius

In Stock (2)

This item ships for FREE with 2-Day Shipping on orders over $50. (Details)

Want it delivered on Thursday, June 7? Order in-stock items in the next 9 hours 59 minutes and choose One-Day Shipping at checkout.

List price:

$29.00

Price:

$20.92

You save:

$8.08 (28%)

Key Features

• Rugged, epoxy encapsulation construction
• 4,000 volts of optical isolation
• Subjected to full load test and six times the rated current surge before and after encapsulation
• Unique heat-spreader technology
• Guaranteed for life

Package Details

Shipping Weight: 0.15 pounds

Product Description

Opto 22 offers a complete line of SSRs, from the rugged 120/ 240/380-volt AC Series to the small footprint MP Series, designed for mounting on printed circuit boards. All Opto 22 SSRs feature 4,000 volts of optical isolation, and most are UL and CSA recognized. The innovative use of room-temperature liquid epoxy encapsulation, coupled with Opto 22's unique heat-spreader technology, are key to mass producing the world's most reliable solid state relays. Every Opto 22 solid state relay is subjected to full load test and six times the rated current surge both before and after encapsulation. This double testing of every part before it leaves the factory means you can rely on Opto 22 solid state relays. All Opto 22 SSRs are guaranteed for life. Opto 22 provides a full range of Power Series relays with a wide variety of voltage (120-575 volts) and current options (3-45 amps). All Power Series relays feature 4,000 volts of optical isolation and have a high PRV rating. Some Power Series relays include built-in LEDs to indicate operation. The DC Series delivers isolated DC control to large OEM customers worldwide. Specifications: 4,000 V optical isolation, input to output, Zero voltage turn-on, Turn-on time: 0.5 cycle maximum, Turn-off time: 0.5 cycle maximum, Operating temperature: -40 degree C to 100 degree C, Operating frequency: 25 to 65 Hz, (operates at 400 Hz with six times off-state leakage), Coupling capacitance, input to output: 8 pF maximum, Hermetically sealed, DV/DT Off-state: 200 volts per microsecond, DV/DT commutating: snubbed for rated current at 0.5 power factor, UL recognized, CSA certified, CE component, Torque specs for screws: Control terminals; 6 in/lb, Field terminals, 18 in/lb.
89/336/EEC, 2002/95/EC, Canadian Standards Association, IEC 950: 1991-09, Underwriters Laboratory

Omron G3NA-225B DC5-24 Solid State Relay, Zero Cross Function, Yellow Indicator, Phototriac Coupler Isolation, 25 A Rated Load Current, 24 to 240 VAC Rated Load Voltage, 5 to 24 VDC Input Voltage

 
ASIN B005T7XENO
Specifications for this item  
Brand Name Omron  
EAN 4536854920431  
Number of Items 1  
Part Number G3NA-225B DC5-24  
Size Name Phototriac Coupler Isolation Usually ships in 1 to 2 months This item ships for FREE with 2-Day Shipping on orders over $50.
(Details) List price: $22.00  
Price: $22.00
Quantity: Key Features
AC Ouput Relays with 75-A and 90-A output added All models feature a uniform mounting pitch Built-in Varistor effectively absorbs external surges Operation indicator enable monitoring operation Standard Models certified by UL and CSA and UTU models by VDE
Package Details Shipping Weight: 0.15 pounds

Go Power! FBL-300 300 Amp Fuse Class T with Block

ASIN B00153CXJC
Specifications for this item Brand Name Go Power!
Catalog Number FBL-300 , GP-FBL-300 EAN 0839085000243
Part Number FBL300 UPC 839085000243
Usually ships in 1 to 2 months
This item ships for FREE with 2-Day Shipping on orders over $50.
(Details) List price: $71.99 Price: $71.99 Quantity: Share  
Key Features
Inverter Class T slow blow inverter fuse with holder 300 amp Semi conductor fuse Guarenteed to terminate power when blown Specifically made for use with inverters  
Package Details
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds Product Description Go Power! Fuse Block including 300 Amp Fuse is great if wiring is already present and protects the inverter with a proper inverter fuse. It is used on 12 Volt applications to protect inverters.

HTC EVO LTE 4G Android Phone (Sprint)

Battery Life Issue June 3, 2012

Reviewer:  Michael Harris  (Tampa, FL United States) -

My son has this phone and it works great! Ditto on the glowing remarks of others.

One tip. The battery life was just so-so until I figured out what was wrong. You might want to turn off LTE for now. My guess is that it is constantly searching for an LTE signal, and since it can't find one it is draining the battery.

In regard to download speed, we live in a rural area that never had WiMAX. I know the connection is still the same, but the speed seems so much faster than our first gen android phones. I wonder if battery life with LTE will improve when there really is an LTE network? If it proves to be too short, I might have to decide between speed and battery life. I can see using Tasker to only turn on (then off) LTE in certain cases.

Interact With This Phone Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G Android Phone, White (Sprint)

 IPhone clone --- Awesome CellPhone! February 14, 2012

Reviewer:  SA 

From a distant sight, it looks just like an iPhone especially if you go with the white cover. The performance and function is amazing. I have had several phones, including iPhone 4, epic and HTC Pro etc. but this is a better device hands down. The screen is crisp, the colors are sharp and it is quick. Compare it to a tablet. I have iPad 2 as well, which I don't use that more expect for Netflix and some hardcore tablet Apps.

However, for some the screen size (4.6") might be too big as at times it is inconvenient scrolling through the screen with one hand. The screen span is too big for thumb to navigate and touch all corners. For this reason, I liked the Samsung epic at 4.2" screen size. It was perfect for one-hand navigation although slightly heavier due to extra keyboard.

Recommendation: Buy it, it is the greatest smartphone out there for another 30 days! ;) Technology is moving so fast, you never know what is coming out next! This is not an investment but an expense. But you already knew that :)

Interact With This Phone Samsung Brightside Phone (Verizon Wireless)

Reviewer:  Stephen Jones  (Yucca Valley, CA) -

The Samsung Brightside is no smart phone. But for a basic phone with no required data plan, I believe it deserves "Best in Class."

The call quality is good, and Verizon offers the best coast-to-coast coverage in the cellular industry. The touch screen feels accurate and responsive. As with their Galaxy Tab, Samsung has proven they can build a good touch screen.

One uniqueness is that the Brightside offers both a touchscreen and a slide-out physical keyboard. This adds some girth to the phone, but it's still lightweight, and the frame does not feel bulky. It's a welcome accessory for heavy texting.

Other perks include a camera and music player. The 3.2 megapixel camera is just what I need for those unplanned "Kodak moments" when I don't have a regular camera around. It's far superior to the 1.3 megapixel on my previous two phones. The music player is pretty straightforward and puts out a good sound that's not too quiet or tinny.

That said, there are a few negatives. I would've appreciated more customization options with things like home page colors, font sizes, etc. When testing out some PDF files, I found the document viewer slow and clunky and see myself using it very little. I had some problems downloading drivers when I first plugged in the USB. It also took me a while to get the phone to recognize my music files. But with a little persistence, all seems to be working smoothly now.

Sure, we'd all love to have a smart phone. But the $30/mo. data plan is hard to swallow when many of us already have internet access. If you're looking for a sleek touch screen phone and don't expect to use internet much, the Brightside is a great option.

Interact With This Phone Motorola DROID RAZR 4G Android Phone, Black 16GB (Verizon Wireless)

Reviewer:  Minuss  (IL) -

Originally I would run into several issues with my phone, but they were always something pretty minor. For instance, if I connected my DroidRAZR to my Lapdock 500 the battery would die extremely fast. Another issue I had was games such as Phase 10 constantly Force Closing. However, these problems didn't take much away from a phone which worked amazingly. After owning the phone approximately four months I lucked out and was able to upgrade my phone to Ice Cream Sandwich. After upgrading the OS this phone has been absolutely amazing. It blows my iPhone out of the park. Below I've listed some things which help to make the phone even better than stock, and since making these adjustments my phone has been flawless:

1) Upgrade your OS to Ice Cream Sandwich--This should be done through your carrier once they release the update.
2) Install an Ad-Blocker app (most need your phone rooted, but some don't!)
3) Set up power-saver options from the Smart-Actions application to save battery!
4) Turn your screen brightness down! (By default it's extremely high)
5) Turn 4G connection off and download a 4G widget switch so you can turn it on only when you need it.
6) "Freeze" bloatware applications. Uninstalling these can cause problems, so only freeze them.
7) Install the Amazon app store and receive free apps every day!

Once ICS is install on your DroidRAZR Lapdocks change from something that's "cool to say you have" to something you can use anywhere. My phone now goes a full day with moderately high use with about 40% battery remaining, and a full down with below-average use with approximately 75% battery remaining. In addition, the Lapdock has now become an extension to my phone rather than an application that runs on my phone which makes applications such as Netflix which previously caused issues to work now work perfectly. As if all of that wasn't enough, since my OS has been upgraded I haven't had a single application force close on me.

Interact With This Phone Samsung Galaxy S II Epic Touch 4G Android Phone, Black (Sprint)

110 out of 112 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars I love it! September 20, 2011 Reviewer: JC Got this phone on the 16th. Here are a few things that I like and dislike: likes: 1. speed 2. screen 3. build (feels like a toy? are you kidding me?) this phone is so light in weight but don't confuse that as a poor build quality. If you want a phone built like a tank and weighs like one by all means choose a different phone. finish and fit are beautifully done! 4. camera (8m + LED flash). The pictures are sharp and focused. I like using retro camera and little photo. Even the front camera is awesome. 5. Gingerbread is cool and stable (no force close so far) 6. Google integration. Flawless 7. GOOD and corporate email integration. Flawless 8. GPS and Google Map. works perfectly. 9. audio (had to adjust the EQ to make it right)I'm rockin' 10. wifi (works great) 11. print Screen!!!! yes!! (home+power) finally! 12. cold boot time... fast (this is handy when you change out the battery and power back up fast) 13. SD card expansion up to 16G (I have 8Gb in mine.. no delays) 14. changeable battery.. awesome. dislikes: 1. slippery surface (I need to get a case so that I can grip this thing without slipping out of my hand) 2. size (I have a pretty big hands (6' tall) but I sometimes need to use both hands.. perhaps due to the slipperiness of the phone) but my wife has small hands but she is not complaining... so try it out. The benefit of the size is the screen but... I'd rather have a little smaller phone than a little bigger screen. (but that's me) 3. power button on the size opposite of the volume rocker is annoying if you are trying to power on with your left hand. try it out. 4. a little delay in "wake up time"... once again... a little annoying. 5. compare to iphone 4 the touch screen is a little choppier, but does not diminish the user experience. Summary: This phone works like it should and more. This is definitely a fun and exciting phone. My dislikes are mostly user experience and can be subjective. But... that's what I've noticed so far with this phone. I highly recommend this phone