Product Description

• 40-Inch (diagonal) LCD Screen with 16 - 9 Widescreen Aspect Ratio
  
• Up to 178-Degree Viewing Angles (Horizontal and Vertical)
  
• Progressive Scan mode at 480p - 720p - 1080p
  
• 2 HDMI Connections, 2 Component Video Inputs, S-Video and Composite Video Inputs; Side A/V Inputs, PC (RGB) Input
  
• SRS TruSurround XT from Bottom Speakers, 20 Watts Power Output (10W x 2)
  

There are two key things that make the Samsung LN-S4095D way ahead of most widescreen LCD TV models: 1920x1080 Resolution and 6,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio. Look at the specs of other models. You'll see 1366x768 screen resolutions and contrast ratios of about 2,000:1. First, 1366x768 screens can only display 720p and 1080i HDTV modes. Only 1920x1080 can display optimal 1080p HDTV. At a 6,000:1 contrast ratio, this LCD flat-panel screen can bring out better black and white tones thany virtually any other LCD on the market. If you decide to use this screen with your computer, the resolution and imaging is superior to virtually all TV models and most computer monitors.
This has both NTSC analog and ATSC digital TV tuners. The ATSC can already receive free over-the-air HDTV broadcasts (when used with an optional HDTV antenna).
So if you're considering an upgrade to widescreen and HDTV, why go for the middle when you can go all the way to the HD ideal? 1080p is where it'll be. This 40" LCD from Samsung can do it - with the best picture possible. It's a home-theater star! Swivel Stand Included VESA Wall Mount Compatible (200 x 200) - mounting bracket is optional Remote Control Included 6000 - 1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio DNIe (Digital Natural Image engine) 10-Bit Processor delivers up to 12.8 Billion Colors Built-In ATSC Digital Tuner and NTSC Analog Tuner 8ms Screen Response Time allows rapid video and game display Picture-in-Picture ( PIP ) capability Clock with On/Off Timer / Variable Sleep Timer V-Chip System (Parental Control) Auto Channel Search Multi-Lingual On-Screen Display Menus (English, Spanish, French) Auto Volume Leveler Optimized Game Mode Stereo Headphone Jack Antenna - CATV/VHF/UHF 75-ohm, F-Type Unit Dimensions - 39.1 W x 27.4 H x 12.8 D (With Stand), 39.1 W x 25.5 H x 3.6 D (No Stand) / Weight - 54.0 lbs. (With Stand)

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Great TV - Great Service

Ordered this TV from Amazon on Sunday night October 22. It was delivered on Thursday, October 26. It came direct from Amazon and had free shipping. It's strange, sometimes Amazon has it, and sometimes it's available from a 3rd party. In any event, I paid $1,999 with free shipping. The delivery was prompt and arrived in excellent condition.

My son works with ESPN as a Technical Director and he helped me select the TV. He's a technical whiz at this stuff. We visited several stores and looked at various makes. He was trying to steer me to a DLP but I didn't like the narrow viewing angle and it would not have suited my room. I originally wanted a 42" plasma but discovered I had to stick to a 40" since my TV room is somewhat small. We finally narrowed it down to Toshiba, Sony, & Panasonic. Because I needed a 40", I had to go to an LCD or the Panny 37" plasma, which to me was too small.

Not sorry I went LCD. I has no screen glare or burn-in problems, although I understand the plasmas now have the burn-in under control. And, it seems I sacrificed nothing as far as the picture quality goes. We finally chose the Samsung. The Samsungs have it over the other TV's in the same price range both for features and picture quality. We were almost going to get the LN-S4092D, but then we saw this model which has 1080p capability. While not being used now, it is a feature for the future. Also, look for a unit with dual HDMI inputs. You may not need both now, but you will like it later.

When you go into a store, first thing is to tone down the TV's you're looking at. They have them cranked up to max contrast & brightness. Usually the sets will have a "movie" viewing mode. Change it to that. If they don't have that, cut the contrast and brightness to at least 60-75%, the sharpness to 10% or less, and the color temp to a "warm" setting. That will tone it down to a good level tha will allow you to see the TV's real capabilities. Then, have the salesman put a real SD signal through it. Not a pre-recorded looped signal that splits the screen HD/SD. On some of those they exagerate the SD bluriness to make the HD look better.

This Samsung has a great SD picture. Yes, it's not HD, but it's very acceptable and not much worse than my old CRT TV. The HD picture is fabulous. I am in NJ and we have Comcast Digital cable with a DVR. I was watching the World Series last night and when they had a close up of the pitcher, you could count his wiskers. The side-to-side viewing fades a little when you get too far, but it's not real noticable and who watches from that extreme angle anyway? The swivel stand helps.

The sound is good TV sound. It's not home-theater quality, but it's good. It has a built-in graphic equalizer so you can customize the sound you like. The other thing that I liked about this TV is the limited surround. It made the overall size a little smaller than the other 40" units which helped me out considerably as I mentioned earlier. And the gloss "piano black" gives it a classy look. Nicer than the silver. I didn't give it a 5 rating, because I just got it, and to me nothing is perfect. There is always room for improvement. But, I love it. A great choice.

Stunning!

I purchased this TV via Amazon a week or so ago and the purchase was made through Electronics Expo. All dealings with the purchase and delivery went smoothly.

I was originally planning to purchase the 46", but believe me, these TV's look smaller in the stores than they will in your home. I'm wholeheartedly happy with the size of this TV and glad I made the choice to buy the 40".

You wouldn't believe the picture on this TV. It's just as beautiful as it looks in the stores.

If you're not a huge sports fan, watching football on this TV will convert you! Any kind of sports are unbelievable because the TV's picture is so striking.

I agree with the last reviewer that the lacquer finish is disappointing, not necessarily because of the bling-bling effect (I do live in Atlanta after all ;)), but because it dulls the blacks that the TV produces a bit. Strangely enough, I never noticed that while I was researching which TV to purchase.

Some reviewers have mentioned that this TV makes a clicking noise when it's searching for sources. Mine does in fact do that, but it only lasts for a couple of seconds where two or three clicks will occur. This does not bother me at all, because honestly, I can only hear it if the rest of the house is quiet and the TV volume is turned very low. I wouldn't let that stop you from making a purchase.

As with any other expensive TV, I'd recommend purchasing the right cables for the best picture quality and also investing in an up-convert DVD player if you're avoiding the Blu-Ray/HD-DVD debacle as I am. That way you can enjoy your new TV and movies until the prices on the true HD DVD players come down.

Bottom line: I recommend this TV 100% if you're looking to purchase an LCD TV rather than a plasma as I was. The TV interface is also very sleek and user-friendly. A great option for you if you're in the market for a 1080p LCD TV!





Let the technology just speak for itself

I bought this 1080p flat panel LCD television only yesterday, and probably haven't had enough time to put it through its paces to be writing this review, but I thought some first impressions might be helpful.

I initially bought Samsung's 32" 720p (LN-S3241D), and while I was impressed with the picture and the TV as a whole, I decided it was just a little small for what I was looking for. It was then a slippery slope to the larger and much more expensive LN-S4095D, but owning the previous model for a week makes for a good reference to the upgrade.

Contrast, color, and response time: At 6000:1, the contrast is impressive, most dramatically in regular lighting conditions. Though the blacks still don't achieve the inky blacks of plasma, and aren't nearly as dramatic in a darkened room, they're a substantial improvement over my previous model. Color is vibrant and saturated - I have no complaints here. Response time is good, I've noticed none of the 'streaking' that I've read about in earlier LCD televisions. I have noticed a subtle blurring of detail between things in motion and those that are still, but this is probably to be expected and maybe even preferred. Note that the 8ms response time is the same on the 32" model.

Detail: Actors and news anchors, I can see your pores! The highest detail I've seen, keep in mind that this is interlaced from broadcast 720p to the native resolution 1080p, which means a 1080i picture (where the television 'reads between the lines' to infer the missing data). I have yet to see a full 1080p resolution as I'm not yet willing to drop $$$ for a blu-ray or HD-DVD player - but I'm already impressed.

Physical design: This is where I am most disappointed, and for which I would probably consider returning the TV if it didn't require renting a van to do so. While the shape and proportion is an improvement over the `V' shaped Vulcan style of previous models, I am convinced the piano black lacquer finish is the worst possible surface for any LCD television. Aside from the bling bling styling that is sure to look painfully dated in just a few years, the finish magnifies the televisions contrast issues. Simple rule - if you want to increase the perceived intensity of something, place something of lower intensity next to it. There is nothing with higher contrast than polished black lacquer with swirling reflections, and the picture looks washed and grey by comparison to it. Add to that that the reflections can be distracting and even fatiguing, and you have to really start wondering whether Samsung gave this any thought at all. On the other hand, if you own a Cadillac Escalade with spinning rims, this TV is definitely for you.

One last note: if you're planning on wall mounting your television, which I highly recommend, I found a very nice articulating arm, wall mount system at Costco for $99 (compare to systems at Best Buy that start at $250). It holds up to 80 lbs, has a very nice industrial silver finish, and was very easy to install - the TV was on the wall and on in about thirty minutes.

Product Description

• 6.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
  
• 3x optical zoom; 2.4-inch LCD display
  
• 11 scene modes including Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-up, Sunset, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach and Snow, and Text Recognition
  
• Built-in image editing functions including Trimming, Resizing, and Rotating
  
• Records VGA-quality video (640 x 480 resolution) at 30 frames per second
  

With its faster response time, the Digimax L60 makes sure you won't miss those all-important spontaneous shots. The Digimax L60 is equipped with a 6.0 million pixel true-colour filtered CCD to guarantee you top notch image quality with every shot, and enough resolution for printing up to poster size. High-precision 3x optical zoom SHD lens delivers clear, crisp images and is even available in movie mode with the additional 5x digital zoom. The Digimax L60 supports MPEG-4 for an enhanced video shooting experience and a much higher compression rate than movie modes used in many other digital cameras. The Digimax L60 has a large 2.4 inch LCD for improved contrast and colour reproduction, allowing you to enjoy a wider and clearer image. The M button is used for quick mode switching. The Movie stabilizer function helps maintain steady recording of a subject by automatically detecting and correcting the lateral and vertical movements of the camera. Self-Timer - 2 seconds, 10 seconds, Double 10 seconds, 2 seconds Image Sensor - 1/2.5 inch CCD 11 Scene Modes - Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Text Sharpness - Soft, Normal, Vivid Shutter Speed - 2 - 1/2000 seconds, Night Mode 15 - 1/2000 seconds Power Source - 3.7V Li-ion battery Still image Modes - Auto, Program, Scene, Voice Recording System Requirements - Pentium II 450MHz or higher, Pentium 700MHz recommended, DirectX 9.0 or later, Machintosh Power Mac G3 or later, Mac OS 9.0 - 10.3, 200MB of available hard-disk space, Over 1GB recommend, Minimum 64MB RAM, Over 128MB recommended, USB port, CD-ROM drive Dimensions - Width 20.5 x Height 56.8 x Depth 96.9 mm, Width 0.81 x Height 2.24 x Depth 3.82 inch Weight - 129.5 grams Color - Silver

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Solid ultra-compact camera, best-in-class for it's price

I took a chance on this little camera after reading reviews on CNET and at Steve's Digicams. It is every bit as good as the Canon Digital Elph I had previously (the Canon died of the E18 error), but almost 100 dollars cheaper.

The photo quality between the two cameras is a draw. In some situations the Samsung performs better, in others the Canon wins out. The overall differences are marginal.

Where the Samsung excels over the Canon is in it's MPEG4 video cabability. Using a 1GB card you can get 1.5 hours of video at 640x480 resolution at 15 frames per second. That drops to 48 minutes if you use the 30 FPS framerate. It also lets you pause and continue filming, putting the entire footage into a single file. You can even cut footage inside the camera (though it's a bit awkward).

That said, the video is of the same grainy, highly compressed quality you get with your standard digital camera. What I'm saying is that while the video features are great, you wouldn't use it to record a wedding. Still, it's a fun diversion that's well implemented.

I was also surprised at the battery life I've been getting. I fully charged the batteries before a 3-day hiking trip and came back with over 200 photos and 10 minutes of video - and the camera still had plenty of juice in it for another 40 photos a few days later (I was too lazy to charge it when I got back). Most of these were outdoor photos, so there wasn't much flash usage. Still, that's 240 photos plus 10 minutes of video, plus enough juice to download all of it to my computer. I've never had it die on my during use so I don't know the full battery capability.

In either case, it's tough to go wrong with this camera for only 180 bucks or so. I carry it in my pocket or backpack most everywhere I go. I sewed a piece of vinyl into a pocket to keep the screen from being scratched while in my pocket. That's the only case I've needed for it and I like that it doesn't add any bulk to the camera's slim profile.

For those wondering about the size of the camera, it is slightly thinner than the Canon Digital Elph series of cameras but slightly longer in it's longest dimension. Overall the slim design (0.8 inches) is very easy to slip into my jeans pocket.

Product Description

• 6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
  
• 3x optical zoom with 5x digital zoom; advanced shake reduction makes for sharper photos
  
• 2.5-inch color LCD; silver finish
  
• 3/4-inch digital camera with MP3 and media player functions
  
• Store images, music and video on SD or MMC memory cards; powered by rechargeable battery (included with charger)
  

The wave-shaped grip of the DigiMax i6 fits perfectly in your hand and the stylish 18.5mm thick aluminum body ensures a comfortable yet stable photographing experience. The camera with unique design will provide you with upgraded picture taking results, giving you a new level of satisfaction. With ASR technology the effects of camera shake are reduced in lower light conditions. Capture your beautiful moments in a clear, bright 2.5 inch large window. The large 2.5 inch LCD screen provides enhanced contrast and color reproduction. Multi layer coating technology dramatically reduces the light reflected on the LCD allowing you to enjoy your pictures more easily. With a 6.0 mega-pixel CCD that utilizes primary colour filtering technology, it provides excellent sensitivity and colour reproduction, and can be use for great pictures as well as for shooting text for printing. The Red-eye Fix function algorithm programmed into the camera automatically eliminates red eye in shoot and play modes, allowing you take a natural portrait photo. The Digimax i6 PMP (Portable Media Player) supports MPEG4 for an enhanced video shooting experience. A movie stabilizer function to maintain steady shake-free recording of your subject. Video output - NTSC, PAL Image Sensor - 1/2.5 inch CCD Scene Modes - Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Text, Close-up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow Sharpness - Soft, Normal, Vivid Shutter Speed - 1 - 1/2000 second, Night 16 - 1/2000 seconds File Format - MP3 (MPEG Layer 3) PMP Decoder Movie Xvid MPEG4 Rechargeable battery Subtitle - Support SMI file System Requirements - Pentium II 450MHz or better, Pentium 700MHz recommended, Windows 98, 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Microsoft DirectX 9.0C, Macintosh Power Mac G3 or later, Mac OS 9.0 - 10.4, Minimum 64MB RAM, 200MB of available hard-disk space, USB port, CD-ROM drive Dimensions - Width 96 x Height 61 x Depth 18.5mm,

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Product Description

• This tri-mode CDMA phone from Samsung is one of Sprint PCS's flagship 3G phones
  
• Large color display supports 4,096 colors (128x160 pixels)
  
• Comes with personal calendar, date book, address book, to-do, and HotSync
  
• Supports wireless Internet (WAP 2.0) and text messaging
  
• Stylish phone features a graphical menu and polyphonic ringtones
  

Designed for the business user, Samsung’s SPH-i500 slim wireless device combines a flip-top phone with a Palm OS organizer for maximum productivity while on the road. The dual-band/tri-mode i500 offers wireless fast web access from any location for looking up stock quotes, flight schedules, and weather forecasts or using email and text messaging. The 160-x-240-pixel, 65,000-color touch screen enhances the web capabilities. The phone also offers speedy information retrieval with its web clipping service. This wireless phone’s 16 MB of memory provides plenty of room for downloaded information.

The included desktop holder offers easy battery charging and synchronizing with your desktop or laptop.

Powered by Palm OS 4.1, the PDA lets you run standard applications such as an Address Book, Date Book, and Expense Report. The i500 has Graffiti writing software and a special writing area for entering letters as well as several other text input methods. This organizer even hooks up to a compact, portable keyboard for almost PC-like data entry convenience. The i500 synchs up information with other IR devices or PCs and also comes with a cradle for PCs that don’t have an IR port.

Top phone features on the i500 include voice memo, voice-activated and four-digit calling, polyphonic ring tones, and vibrate mode.This smartphone is rated for up to 2.8 hours of talk time and 210 hours of standby time on a slim battery; 4.2 hours of talk time and 250 hours of standby time on a regular battery; and 5.4 hours of talk time and 350 hours of standby time when using an extended battery.

The i500's features summarized:

• Get two productivity tools in one compact wireless phone, and no compromise in functionality for convenience and style.
• See the Web at high speed and in living color on the i500's vibrant touch-screen display.
• Get quick access to flight schedules, directions, e-mail, stock quotes, weather, scores, entertainment listings and more.
• Get plenty of room for storage with 16MB memory.
• Palm OS 4.1 gives you the functionality you need to be more organized and productive.
• Get quicker access to Palm OS applications using hotkeys.
• Get Web information faster with Web-clipping capabilities.
• Extend your phone's capabilities using powerful third-party Palm OS applications.
• Multi-task with ease by using phone and Palm applications simultaneously.
• Make easier and faster calls with voice-activated and four-digit dialing.
• Take calls discreetly by switching to vibrate mode.
• Collect your thoughts using the voice memo feature.
• Use polyphonic and standard ring tones to create distinctive ringers.

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This phone is the reason I finally got a mobile phone

I've avoided the whole cellphone thing until just last month when I finally decided to take the plunge. I've been using this phone steadily since then and I'm quite happy with it (as well as Sprint's service). I was looking for a few key features, and this phone met them all:

1. I want a phone first and a PDA second. The Treos look nice and all, but I want a 12 button keypad to make my phone call. I don't want a mini qwerty keyboard where I have to decode which keys are the number keys.

2. I wanted a Palm Pilot phone. Even though my primary use is a phone, I still need it to be a PDA/organizer. Since I don't want a qwerty keyboard, I need another way to enter data quickly and switch to different programs. The Palm Pilot Graffiti interface and touch screen on this phone are perfect! I can quickly jot down a note with Graffiti or I can jump around the touch screen menus with the stylus (which fits neatly in the back of the phone when you're not using it). I've been using Palm Pilots on and off ever since they came out, so this just "feels" right.

3. I wanted to be able to HotSync to Linux. I use Linux at work and at home, so I need to be able to keep my calendar and address book up to date -- this phone does it all. Linux has pretty good support for Palm devices, and (sure enough) it recognizes the i500. All of the usual HotSync programs work: I prefer kpilot, but I can confirm that gpilot and jpilot work as well.

As for service, while Consumer Reports gives Sprint middling levels of customer satisfaction (not the best, but certainly not the worst), I've never had a problem with call quality, dropped calls or reception in my home area (Seattle) or when I went to the East Coast. I signed up for the "Fair and Flexible" plan, which seems like a pretty good deal to me. If I go over my minute allotment, it's just $5 more for another 100 minutes (0.05/minute -- like a good long distance plan). I also bought the $5/month no-roaming option just to be safe. After all, what good are prepaid minutes, if you spending $0.45/min to roam?

All in all, I'm VERY satisfied with this phone and with Sprint. FYI, you might want to buy directly from Sprint's website -- they seem to be having some sort of promotional price right now.

Product Description

• Easy to use phone with high contrast blue display
  
• Two-way text messaging
  
• Compose your own ring tone melodies
  
• Up to 4 hours' digital talk time, 120 hours' digital standby time with standard battery
  
• Includes travel charger, owner's manual, and earbud.
  

Overview

Compatible with T-Mobile cell phone service, the Samsung R225 features a variety of features such as a color-coordinated phone book, a Internet browser, picture caller ID, and plenty of phone and organizer features displayed on a 128 x 64 pixel, black and white backlit LCD screen.

Calling Features

Used simply as a phone, the R225's calling features include call timers, redial, missed call indicator, call log, any-key answer, auto-redial, roaming indicator, speed dial, phonebook look-up, phonebook scroll, mute control, no-answer transfer, usage alert, vibrating ring, differential ring and a phone book capacity of 250 entries. Each entry can be assigned one of four colors for your enjoyment.

Internet

This phone lets you get online and access e-mail, popular Web sites, and download ring tones and data. There's also 2-way text messaging with text templates, plus three games: Casino, Mole, and Hexa.

Organizer

Organizer features include voice memo, scratch pad, a calendar, and a to-do list.

Vital Statistics

The Samsung R225 weighs 3.4 ounces and measures 4.3 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches. Its Lithium Ion batteries are rated at up to 250 minutes talk time, and up to 120 hours standby.

What's in the Box
R225 phone, charger, battery, strap, hands-free headset

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Product Description

• Color display, visible when phone is closed for easy caller id
  
• Custom ringers and images available via download
  
• Built-in speakerphone
  
• Phone book stores 250 entries
  
• Includes battery and user documentation
  

Similar to Samsung’s much-hyped A500, the N400 has an amazing 128-by-128 color screen, an easy-to-view menu, and all the multimedia features that come with the Sprint PCS Vision network—wireless Internet and e-mail access and downloadable Java games and apps, ringers, and screen savers. All that, and it has a speakerphone function, too.

The N400 fully charged in about 4 to 5 hours and powered up quickly. Unlike its cousin, the A500, this phone does not have an external LCD screen; however, we didn’t miss it. When the earpiece to this flip phone is closed, it frames the main screen so your display is still exposed for screening your calls. We also loved the elegant placement of the navigational buttons, which we found much improved from the A500’s tightly clustered button layout. With the flip phone closed on the N400, you can still access the Menu button on the left and the Back button on the right so you can do everything but use the phone features while the top is closed. A joystick between these two buttons makes scrolling up and down through menus or left to right during messaging fast and easy. Opening the flip top gets you to the phone keypad and Talk and End buttons, so there is no danger of accidentally hitting a button and calling someone with the top closed. Cool blue backlighting on the keypad buttons made dialing from a dark office a piece of cake.

As a Sprint PCS phone, the N400 supports all the multimedia extras and we tested them out. We used the standard aquarium screensaver, which looked amazingly crisp and bright on the full-color screen. The standard polyphonic ring tone--a maniacal clucking chicken sound—was far too realistic. As for games, the N400 is loaded with Space Invaders and demos of Cybiko’s CyRace and Sega’s Monkey Ball, which all look great on the color screen and are easy to maneuver through with the joystick controls. Other fun screen savers, ringers, games, and applications are downloadable through PCS Vision, but you should expect to pay a buck or two for each one. The N400 also joins the picture-taking craze by offering the ability to download photos from a Sprint PCS camera and e-mail them to friends. This is more of a frivolous feature, but can be valuable for e-mailing photos immediately when vacationing or house hunting

We expected an amazing Internet experience on the N400 with its color screen. While the experience was good, we were surprised that Internet surfing on this phone mainly uses a text-based menu so the great graphics aren’t always utilized. In addition, we found connection and page loading times to be fairly slow (about 1 minute average). Still, the superior contrast and 10-line screen made reading a CNN article much more pleasant than on most competing cell phones, and we think that the interface would entice most consumers to access news, weather, and sports scores pretty regularly via the Internet connection. E-mail and text messaging (among other Sprint PCS-enabled phones only) were also slow in terms of load and send time. Text input was a bit tedious but you have the choice of T9 input, which speeds typing up a bit. We did find the character count of 128 characters per message to be limiting for anything more than the simplest correspondence.

And what about the standard phone features? They may seem almost secondary on this phone with all the other awesome facets attracting your attention, but they are actually quite good. The phone book only holds 250 entries but features multiple phone numbers and the option to set speed, voice, and/or group dialing and a special ringer or image for each of your contacts. Unfortunately, the name field only allows 12 characters and can’t fit a first and last name for most contacts, which is a real drawback for business use. Another disadvantage to the N400 is that it doesn’t let you assign the same number to two contacts (i.e., roommates or co-workers with the same work number).

The N400’s voice quality was adequate and the speakerphone was loud and crystal clear. We found it convenient to shift into speakerphone while on a call by pressing the small button on the upper left side of the phone and liked that we didn’t have to be using an earpiece to activate it. The ringer on the phone is also on the loud side. If you like to have the alert sound for tasks or meetings scheduled in the N400’s planner, we recommend you turn the sound way down during quiet meetings so you don’t startle everyone around you. Our tests of voice dialing on the N400 found that voice recognition worked perfectly. One final and unusual bonus on the N400 is its airplane mode, which allows you to access some of the phone’s features, such as games or the planner, during air travel without interfering with the aircraft’s electronics.

The phone fell just short of its rated standby time, making it through 5 rather than 7 days.

Overall, this phone is on our list of favorites, and we would recommend springing for the N400 if upgrading from a basic phone to one with a high-quality color screen. We think the flashy aspects of this phone will appeal to techno-geeks who want to wow their friends with the latest and the greatest. The multimedia features are more focused on fun than productivity so the N400 is probably best for light business users. --Cristina Vaamonde

Pros:

• Amazingly crisp graphics on color screen
• Great button layout
• Supports PCS Vision multimedia features and downloads
• Optional digital camera attachment
• Speakerphone for safer phone use while driving
• Airplane mode

Cons:

• Slow Internet connection/loading
• Limited character count in text messaging and phone book
• Can’t assign same number twice in phone book

How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time

When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.

To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength.

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Product Description

• Composite Exposure Mode - You can divide a shooting scene into 2-4 segments and save it into a single file. Photo Frame lets you add a photo frame from 3 different choices to a picture you have taken
  
• 11 preset scene modes to obtain the best picture results in various situations. The scene modes are Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, and Beach & Snow.
  

The Digimax U-CA 5 is a high resolution digital camera that is equipped with a true-colour filtered 5.0 mega-pixel CCD. You can use the 5.0 mega-pixel Digimax U-CA 5 digital camera to produce even better images and take detailed photos for printing up to poster size. In addition, the Digimax U-CA 5 has a 3x optical and 5x digital zoom giving 15x total zoom when combined.The Digimax U-CA 5 has adopted the unique newly-developed technology, SF (Safety Flash) function which gives enhanced image clarity and colour in places without a sufficient light source where the photographer does not want to use a flash. The function disables the flash in low light settings and enhances the exposure enabling more natural photos, in difficult conditions.The Digimax U-CA 5 charging system allows the user to perform charging and data-transfer easily. The user can transfer images and perform charging by simply mounting the camera in the connected cradle.The Digimax U-CA 5 has an M button for faster mode switching. The user can operate the M button to switch between Auto, Manual and Scene modes more easily and quickly, without entering the menu. The M button also allows Scene mode selection for even quicker mode switching.With its Auto Macro function, the Digimax U-CA 5 automatically adjusts shooting distance and focus between 5 cm to infinity.The Digimax U-CA 5 has special functions that give you a unique shooting experience beyond conventional picture tak

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Product Description

• Slider design with 262K color display
  
• Integrated 1.3 mega pixel camera/camcorder with 4x zoom and Movie Light
  
• Integrated MP3 player with EasyStudio II File Manager software, data cable, and stereo headset included
  
• Mobile Instant Messaging using AOL® Instant MessengerTM*
  
• Video and picture Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) capable*
  

Get ready to join the high-speed wireless data revolution with the Samsung P777. And get ready to do it in style, as this phone sports a unique sliding design that is sure to turn heads. Other goodies include a 1.3 megapixel camera, a jumbo color screen with enhanced resolution, an MP3 player, video capture capabilites, 100 MB of internal memory, and much more. The P777 is the perfect handset for folks who want to combine all their tech-tools into one slim package.

Click the image to get a closer look at the P777's functions.

Design
The P777's sliding design hides the phone's number pad under the display until you need to make a call. The large, 176 x 220 display supports up to 262,000 colors, plenty of resolution and color depth for your videos and photos. A five-way center control button is positioned below the display, as are shortcut and selection keys. The phone's 1.3 megapixel (1280 x 960) camera and LED flash are housed on the rear of the phone. There's also a self-portrait mirror, which is cleverly positioned on the rear of the phone's sliding portion. USB data and charging ports are located on the phone's bottom edge, and a connector for a standard 2.5 mm headset is provided. Lastly, the phone has an infrared port for additional data connectivity and wireless contacts list synchronization functions.

Calling Features
The P777's phone book can hold up to 1000 contacts with multiple entries per contact. A call list remembers your most recent missed, received and dialed calls. In addition to a vibrating alert, the P777 features 64-chord polyphonic ringtones and MP3-based music ringtones. You can also download additional MP3 music and "supertone" enhanced ringtones from Cingular's MEdia service. Picture caller ID lets you assign a photo to specific callers. Similarly, a ringer ID lets you assign ringtones to callers.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The P777 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun, and video messaging brings the messaging experience to an exciting new level. Cingular customers can send video messages to any email address or to any Cingular video capable phone that supports the multimedia messaging service. AOL Instant Messenger is also included and the phone ships with a built-in email client. The email client is preconfigured for accounts from some of the most popular ISPs, including Bellsouth.net, SBC Yahoo, and Earthlink.

Getting on the Internet is easy with the P777. It supports the GPRS protocol, as well as the new, high speed EDGE data protocol. When used with a Cingular data plan and the phone's USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs. There's also a built-in web browser for MEdia downloads and mobile web browsing. Cingular's MEdia service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the P777 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator with currency converter, a calendar, and a to-do list.

Imaging and Entertainment
The P777 is designed to kick the fun up a few notches. The built-in 1.3 megapixel camera captures stills and video to the phone's 100 MB of internal memory. Get ready to make your own movies on the fly; you can capture up to 60 minutes of video at 176 x 144 resolution. Into music? You're in luck there, too. Store up to 100 of your favorite songs on the P777 and listen whenever the feeling strikes you. Simply upload the songs from your PC via the phone's USB interface, then organize and play your songs with the P777's built-in music management software. The phone even ships with a stereo headset. Lastly, if you want to dress up the P777, picture effects, custom screensavers, backgrounds, and themes can be set up to fit your personality.

Java support is built into the P777, making it a powerful gaming companion. Games are downloadable via the MEdia service or you can use the handset's USB data connection to load more games and files onto the phone.

Vital Statistics
The Samsung P777 weighs 3.88 ounces and measures 3.64 x 1.81 x 0.93 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 300 minutes of digital talk time, and up to 200 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS/EDGE 800/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
P777 handset, lithium-ion battery, AC charger, USB cable, stereo headset, user's manual.

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Product Description

Samsung 3.5 LCD Mini-DV Camcorder MODEL- SC-D903 VENDOR- SAMSUNG ELEC. FEATURES- Compact MegaPixel Mini-DV Camcorder Make every moment last with the SC-D903 camcorder. It captures high- quality 1-megapixel video and still images on tape and Memory Stick. Use the 2.5 LCD screen to watch the action or use the color viewfinder to save battery power. Get sharp clear details with the 12x optical zoom and choose from programmed scene modes to get the best settings every time. Navigation is easy making this camcorder simple and fun to operate. Includes Camcorder AC Adapter AC Cord Lithium-ion Battery Lithium Cells for Clock and Remote Control A/V Cable Remote Control USB Cable Shoulder Strap Software CD Instruction Book Lens Cap S-Video Cable. -- CAMCORDER FEATURES --* 900x Variable Speed Digital Power Zoom (12x Optical): Variable speed control is activated by automatic sensing of the amount of pressure applied to the zoom tab.* 2.5 TFT Active-Matrix LCD Display TFT Active-Matrix technology assures the finest brightest picture available. It rotates 210 degrees for multi-angle shooting self- recording and playback.* Slow Shutter The slow shutter feature improves the picture quality in darkness.* Electronic Image Stabilization Minimizes unwanted picture shaking caused by hand movement during recording.* Power Nite Pix Lets you shoot your video within a near distance under total darkness of 0 lux by infrared emitted from the camcorder. Even brighter images can be achieved by applying Slow Shutter and Nite Pix at the same time.* UXGA (1600x1200) Image Resolution Compared to most digital camcorders which store low resolution still images at 640 x 480 pixels SC-D903 produces 1152 x 864 size high resolution images suitable for large size prints. -- CONVENIENCE FEATURES --* Easy-Q Button Provides excellent shots for the user under any conditions.* EZ Dial Navigator Allows quick navigation of the most commonly used functions by simply rotating the conveniently positioned thumbwh...

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Product Description

• Store images on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (32 MB SD card included)
  
• Powered by 2 AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable NiMH recommended)
  
• 5-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13-by-17-inch enlargements
  
• 3x Schneider optical zoom lens
  
• 2-inch LCD screen, movie clips with audio; PictBridge support
  

High performing and exceptionally user friendly, this Samsung Digimax V50 digital camera has a rotating 2" color TFT LCD monitor that flips out to face the back, side or front of the camera for comfortable shooting or reviewing. The camera's keen, 5.1 effective megapixel image sensor and world-class, 15x zoom, 38-113mm f/2.8-4.9 Schneider lens captures defined still images, as well as MPEG-4 movies with audio. Features: 1/1.8" CCD, optical viewfinder, PictBridge (direct printing system) support, TTL auto focus with optional manual focusing, mechanical and electronic shutter with 15-1/2000 sec. shutter speeds, programmed auto exposures (multi pattern/spot), auto-400 ISO equivalent with noise reduction, 5 flash modes with 6-sec. flash recharging time, sharpness select, normal/B&W/sepia/RGB/mega color effects, 7-mode white balance, voice memo, selectable date imprinting, single/burst/AEB shooting, 15 scene modes, self timer, 640x480 or 320x240 movie clips, multi-card slot supporting SD/MMC and Memory Stick Duo storage, 2592x1944 to 640x480 image sizes, EXIF2.1 (DCF) and DPOF 1.1 still formats, Tiff/S.Fine/Fine/Normal quality, 6-mode image reviewing and 1.5-sec. booting time. USB 2.0/NTSC/PAL video/mono audio interface. Includes: Storage Driver (Windows 98/98SE/2000/Me/XP or Mac OS 9.x or later), MGI PhotoSuite or Adobe Photoshop Elements and Digimax Viewer software. Imported. 2-1/5Hx4-1/5Lx1-1/2W".

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Great Digital Camera

This is a great digital camera. The price for it is amazing it being a 5 mp camera with a gazillion features. I recommend this camera to anyone the pictures come out beautiful and perfect and for moms with young ones that just like to jump and not pose for pics its a great camera it has a feature that you put in children mode and even if they are moving it captures the moment perfectly. I was looking for a camera that took quick pictures without distortion and I found the perfect one. The battery life on it is amazing, I go days without charging the lithium battery that comes with it and believe me I use it n use n use it. It takes great movies and for how long you want em depending of the memory card space you have of course. So just get this with a 512 sd card and you are set to go.