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AmazonBasics Alkaline Batteries (Pack of 20)

I've avoided the big name brands for batteries for a couple of years now unless they were on sale. I never noticed a difference in battery life from any of those other brands (Kirkland, Maxell, etc), but I have noticed that these Amazon Basics batteries just don't last very long. Some examples:

I replaced the batteries in my wireless mouse in November with Amazon Basics AA. Yesterday (December 31) those batteries died and needed to be replaced again. Normally I go between 1-2 years, but this time I didn't even make 8 weeks.

My daughter got an LED snowman light at the beginning of December that took 2 AA batteries (used the Amazon batteries). In 4 weeks, I had to replace the batteries 3 times.

We rarely use our Wii, but I replaced the batteries in my Wii remotes with Amazon batteries at the end of October to play a few games with my daughter. We didn't play again until Christmas day, and the batteries were dead already.

I'm not ready to give up on these yet, but my current experience has not been that good. I got some Duracell AAs on a deal in December, so I am doing some comparisons now.

Never in a million years would I have thought these batteries would outperform Duracell Alkaline batteries. I read recently that a consumer magazine recommended buying batteries based on price and not brand name. My limited testing agrees with that advice.

AmazonBasics AAA alkaline batteries performed better than two types of Duracell Alkaline batteries, and was on par with Kirkland Alkaline brand. The bigger surprise is how well Enloop batteries performed in my testing. The Kirkland and AmazonBasics alkaline batteries were roughly 20% longer lasting than the Duracell alkaline batteries. Freshly fully charged Enloops (NiMH) performed 20% better than AmazonBasics and Kirkland Alkalines.

What can you say about these batteries? Yes they are AAA, they fit in devices that require this size battery, and they last a good long time. I wanted to do some accellerated testing, put the batteries through some heavy drain use in a controlled manner. Since I don't have a testing rig like the one NLee the Engineer uses to test batteries, I came up with a standard device a small electronic flash that uses two AAA batteries.

The test setup: load two batteries into the flash, when the ready light glowed, fire the flash. I counted how many flashes each battery type could make in five minutes. I repeated the test with fresh batteries twice for each brand / model of battery. At the end of the test the batteries were pretty warm and none of them were exhausted. A battery tester showed all the batteries were about 30% spent, so there was still a good bit of life left in them.

Qualitatively, the Kirkland and AmazonBasics Alkaline batteries recycled the flash very fast during the first minute of the test. Recycle times tapered off to a constant level after that. The Enloops (NiMH) seemed to deliver a rapid recycle time throughout the test.

Kirkland and AmazonBasics Alkaline batteries fired 97 times

Duracell Alkaline and Duracell Ultra Alkaline fired 77 times

Enloops (NiMH) fired 117 times

The consumer advice seems to be accurate, purchase AAA batteries based on the lowest per cell price you can find. Enloops are the best alternative, they are rechargeable and deliver great service (Sanyo Eneloop Ni-MH Charger and 8 Rechargeable AA and 4 Rechargeable AAA Batteries). If you do search out rechargeable batteries, the best advice in the world can be found in NLee The Engineer's reviews.

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Amazon has gone into the battery business! These batteries are a great alternative to the more expensive name brands. And so far, the quality seems just as good. The price is great and it's even better if you use "Subscribe and Save". Also, they came in a nice box ("frustration-free" packaging) which fits just perfectly in my drawer (I just cut off the lid). It kept the batteries from rolling around in the drawer.

And, really, who doesn't want that famous Amazon smiley on their batteries?? lol

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Batteries are commodities, and "premium" batteries that promise more power at a higher cost seems kinda silly to me. I found out about the Amazon brand of batteries by accident, but I'm glad I did -The battery life is good, the price is great, and the packagine is easy to open and is completely reclycable. I go through batteries a lot (peripherals for my computers, hand-held devices, etc) so I'm glad I found a set of affordable and dependable batteries. Don't forget to properly recycle your used batteries!

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Some Amazon Basics items are well worthwhile, this one is not. I use Energizer and Duracell alkalines in my gear (digital camera, GPS, LED headlamp, flashlights (LED and incandescent), and couple of other devices), and thought I'd give these a try. Unfortunately these Amazon Basics AAs are consistently miserable in their longevity compared to the others mentioned. Too bad, seemed like a bargain but is not.

Could be worse, though: they could be DOA or promptly start leaking, but these have not been the case.

Jwin Jxm58 Splash Proof Am/Fm Radio With Alarm Clock

Bullet-Housing Ccd Camera
Self-Contained For Portable Operation
Lcd Display
Integrated Am/Fm Radio With Digital Frequency Display
Clock Display With Alarm Function

Yes, it was under $15. But, it is overpriced at that amount. The mirror fogs. The radio won't stay on station. Buy something else.

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Pros: Fairly loud, doesn't look bad, inexpensive, has a nice stand, digital display that shows current frequency, loud alarm.

Cons: Tuner drifts after turning off and on, mirror fogs badly, the rope for hanging up is shorter than usual.

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Jwin Jxm58 Splash Proof Am/Fm Radio with Alarm Clock

I will first say that this product is not over priced, but it's not under priced either. You get what you pay for I guess.

After using this product in the shower for a month now, I have found a few faults with it.

First, the knobs are not designed with wet hands in mind. The knobs are small and smooth, so it's really hard to adjust the volume in the shower.

The volume adjusts in increments that are not very precise, meaning it goes from too low, to too loud, with just a slight turn of the knob. I find it hard to find that perfect volume... with or without wet hands.

Despite the digital display for the tuner, it's not truly a digital tuner, as far as I can tell anyway. I'm not sure how to describe this, but to tune in the stations, you use a knob, and much like the volume knob, it's really hard get precisely tune in a station. It's not like the digital tuner on your car stereo where you turn the knob and it moves up or down 1310, 1311, 1312, etc. It's pretty much impossible to go from 1310 to 1311.

I don't know if it was advertised as a "steam-resistant" mirror, but the mirror is useless in the shower. Personally, I didn't buy it for that, so I don't care, but if you are going to try and shave in the shower using the mirror, it probably won't work.

The price was reasonable, although Wal-Mart had the same product on clearance for $5.00. Go figure.

I use it every morning, so it does meet my needs, but if the issues I raise are a deal breaker, then spend the extra buck and get a better one.

Troy

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Wally-world sells these for $5. I have gone through 4...Yes, FOUR of these pieces of #$%^ trying to find one that will work. First one flat didn't work. Next unit didn't work. Third unit wouldn't get AM. Fourth unit worked...for about three minutes.

Run ...don't walk to the nearest exit!

This shower radio has a better sound then the last one that I had, and it is easy to use. The only problem I've had with it is that the suction cups holding it to the wall of the shower don't fit into a keyhole slot, but rather they just push into the back of the radio at the top. This allowed it to be knocked off of the suction cups when it was bumped in the shower, landing on my foot, and clattering noisily to the floor. It still works, however, and I will now be more careful!

SONY ICF-C211-BLK AM/FM Clock Radio

This attractive AM/FM clock radio makes getting up as pleasant as it can possibly be, and the sound from the 2-1/2 speaker's so clear, you may find yourself using it more and more just for listening
The 0.9 Easy-to-See LED Display takes into account those of us with myopia, whose glasses may be put away somewhere
The AM/FM tuner features AM wide band reception all those extra stations in the recently expanded AM band
FM reception ranges between 76.0 > 108MHz, and AM range is 530 > 1710kHz
Easy operation single function keys make short work of time-setting, alarm preference (radio or buzzer), and so forth

I've had my Sony Clock Radio for quite a while now. It's durable (I've dropped it several times down several flights of stairs, but it's still here and working) and performs as advertised. One minor complaint though. The radio doesn't go very loud without distortion. But who would want to crank an alarm clock radio up anyways??? Overall, this is a great product.

TruTech Alarm Clock Speaker Station for iPod

iPod Alarm Clock Dock
Additional Functions: Digital Alarm Clock
Compatible with All Dockable iPods, including Nano and Video
Features: Snooze Function
2 Speakers , Speaker Size: 2"
30-Pin Pass-Through Connector Input(s) ; 3.5mm Headphone Jack Output(s)
Made of Plastic
Additional Features: Direct Play After Docking
Accessories Included: 3.5mm Audio Cable, AC Adapter
90 Day Warranty on Parts and Labor
8.5" L x 3.5" W x 3.125" H "

We have had this docking station for at least 2 years. I use it mainly for parties and for tunes in the backyard during the summer while I was caring for the plants or watching the kids play. I also used it daily in the summer while I hung our clothes out to dry.

I was very pleased with the service of a decently priced item. It added not so loud background music while we held parties. It was also loud enough that I could wander around our backyard and still hear the music.

I would recommend this speaker station to anyone.

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I've had my alarm clock for a couple of years now (3 in December). It was also a Christmas present. Now, let me say first that the other reviewer is correct. I do wish I could dim the brightness of the clock display, but simply turning it towards the wall lessens the glare.

For such a small player, it's a little giant. I've never had any issues with the sound quality or the radio sound. It works just fine.

If you're looking for a great alarm clock that will play and charge your iPod, then this is a great purchase. I would gladly recommend this product to another person who was looking to get a decent radio clock without busting their bank account.

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My oh-so-thrify husband got this for me for Christmas and while I'm aware it's the thought that counts, the product really stinks. The sound is crappy to put it bluntly. Very cheap. Sounds like an old transitor radio from when I was a kid. I put it next to the bed and plugged it in. When we went to bed that night, I turned off the lamp and the whole bedroom glowed blue from the clock display. It is soooooo bright!!! Plus, when I look at it at night, the display is so bright I can't see the time without waking up enough to get my glasses and really focus on the display. It's really a pain. I've been covering the display at night so I can sleep, which defeats the purpose of having a clock in the room. There is no dimmer on the display either. Do not waste your money. I would have rated this even lower if I could. Yesit was fairly easy to use but not any moreso than any other clock radio. I do not recommend this at all!

Lanzar SD75MU 7-Inch TFT Touchscreen DVD/VCD/CD/MP3/CD-R/USB/AM/FM/RDS Receiver

Double-DIN AM/FM radio, DVD, VCD, CD, CD-R/RW, MP3, USB, SD card receiver
7-inch touchscreen LCD display with 1440 x 234 pixel resolution
Front panel auxiliary A/V input, USB port, and SD card slot
4 x 80 watts maximum power with subwoofer output
Rear camera output and parking video input,unit will fit a 1997 ford thunderbird

I took this and had it installed in my impala i thought it was a double din screen but it turned out to be a single din with a double din face which is removable. For the price you are paying it is a great buy easy to install and touch screen works great.

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Very good deck has great looking screen no problems, I must just be lucky I guess I never have problems with anything I buy...... Or it could be that I read instructions and get further intel on products before I buy them. Also if you buy this You will want to know what to do with the BROWN WIRE...... Just run with your ground wire trust me its alot harder to run it properly and you will later be asking on forums how to bypass anyway.

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I was really impressed with the service for this product. My first order was defective, it was replaced immediately. Recieved the replacement in a couple of days. The product is excellent. I am extremely satisfied with the product

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The sound quality, picture quality, functions, installation are well above par for a unit at this price! I was very impressed and would definitely buy another one!

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this is an awesome stereo i do not regrets buying this i love it it looks cool its cheap it amazing i just wish when you put it to aux mode the screen does not turn blue i wish it was cooler but you cant have it all i guess

jWIN JX-M22 Portable FM Digital Scan Radio

Built-in clock function with time setting buttons
LCD screen with orange-colored LED backlight
Scan-up/reset buttons for easy frequency scanning
Volume control knob
Backlight on/off for maximum power saving

It's a standard scan radio, it losses frequencies from time to time. Overall it's what you expect for the price.

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This is a total waste. Unless your station is super strong, consistent and near the lower numbers, don't buy this product. Tuning is done by starting at the lower numbers then, when the button is pressed, or the signal strength varies, it skips to the next strongest frequency. If your station is in the higher numbers, it takes a while to get there and then it may not stay there.

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only tuning mechanism is a scan button. won't stay at any station except the one or two locally that have very strong signals, so that's what you're stuck with. even on one of those, you can be walking along and turn a corner and, yup, you've lost it. jwin refuses to pay refund, says will only replace. thanks a lot, jwin. not knowing how awful it is, i'd bought this to replace my excellent little coby radio (i'd broken the lanyard) but now see that the coby is available online and will get another one.

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I got this item to use at work.. but inside my work building, i get only one channel in and i have to put it a certain way b4 i can even get that channel.

Gear4 PG534US HouseParty Rise

Dock you iPhone or iPod touch and download the free SmartLink app. The intelligent technology allows you to control every feature of the HouseParty Rise via the touch screen of the iPod or iPhone.
Auto-scan for FM radio stations.
Sync time and pre-set alarms.
Dim both screens using swipe gestures.
Control these features wirelessly over Wi-Fi, including your music. Simply dock a 2nd iPhone or iPod touch and use the device in your hand as remote control.

I bought this a few weeks ago as it was discounted. The alarm clock is just what I needed: it can dock my iPhone 4s with protecter, it has pretty good sound quality and has 2 alarms. It comes with a decent app for setting the alarms. I had also bought the logitech s400i a few weeks ago, but the HouseParty Rise has superior sound quality, plus the volume couldn't be changed on the Logitech when the radio alarm went off (very annoying).

It has some more advanced features as well like use iPhone as a remote for a docked iPhone/iPod, but I haven't used that. There's a little remote with the alarm clock, which is good enough. Changing FM channels with the remote could be easier, you have to press the search button for a long time, otherwise it will just shift the frequency a bit. Changing the frequency manually isn't something I really need from the remote, so they could have just made it simply change the channel.

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Mine worked great at first, than it only linked up intermittently, evan when it was docked with my 4s. Sound was good, clock was easily visible, controls were manageable, the interface app was the best part when it worked.

2012 Newest Multifunctional 1.8 Inch Touch Screen Watch Cell Phone

So, I have had this watch since the 7th and I am having moisture issues wich causes the screen to become unresponsive to touch...and I have to pull the back off and dry it out. I am not sure if it's from just sweat on my wrist of from washing my hands. I like the watch and I hope I can get it to dry out enough to stay working properly. The watch functions well and you can use the built in speaker as long as it's not too noisy around you. The Camera takes ok pictures and the Video camera is not that great (choppy video). The Radio works well and so does the music player...even the supplied headset isn't too bad. The phone has some cool features, it has a feature to turn on and off the watch at times that you set, an alarm function with 5 alarms. I love the watch and I hope that my issue will clear up.

Update: 9/3/12

The phone stopped responding to inputs on the screen a couple of weeks ago... my fault due to getting it wet while washing my hands. So, Be carefull when washing hands or around water. I did buy another watch and I have kept it away the H20 and has worked flawlessly so far, except for my charging port on my watch... it has for some reason stopped working and now I can't charge my batteries. I luckily kept my old watch and now use that to charge my batteries. So, am I just having bad luck????? I guess there are a bazillion scenarios for what could have happened... guess it's just one of those things with electronics. I still like the watch and I would recommend it.

Hope some of my Pain will help in the decision making process.

I liked the watch, but then the charger died 1 day after I got it. Now it's dead. I can't see if it's just the cord or the watch itself that broke since it's this weird Chinese-made connector. Now I have to return it, which annoys me greatly. This thing gets a 1.

Here's some other stuff that went wrong with it that I was willing to live with:

#1: The stylus broke in 1 day. The top part fell out, then while trying to fix it, it got pushed in so I can't extend it anymore.

EDIT: I was able to recover the stylus with a thumb tack! YAY!

#2: Touchscreen has a bug where it won't recognize touch for more than about a second. Tapping works fine, but it's very difficult to move icons, and the handwriting feature doesn't work at all. Try to write an O, and I can only get half done before it cuts out.

#3: This watch did not come with the bluetooth headset or 2GB flash card as advertised. However, when I spoke to Amazon about it, they helped me out. That's not really a strike against the watch; just wanted to mention it. I'd say it's actually a plus as far as Amazon's customer service is concerned.

FYI, if you're going to use it to listen to music via bluetooth audio, remember to set it to stereo output. Scared myself for a bit there thinking the sound quality was going to be like AM-radio!

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The batteries don't last long at all.the came with the second batteries but both of them are out of service right now and i don't where to order new one and without batteries i don't know what to do with the watch.PLease any advise where to order just batteries...Thanks

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I HAVE THE WORST EXPERIANCE WITH THIS COMPANY U CONTACT THEM THEY KEEP PLAYING ROUND AND TELL NOW I HAVE PB WITH THEM I WANNA RETURN IT BUT THE DONT ANSWER ME OR SEND ME THERE ADDRESS

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from wat i read it seems like a good watch but perfect if youll can make it waterproof n everybody would get one think about it

Philips AJ1000B/37 Mirror-finish Clock Radio, Black

Wake up to your favorite radio tune or a buzzer
FM tuner for radio enjoyment
Dual alarm to wake you and your partner at different times
Gentle wake for a pleasant wake up experience
Sleep timer lets you fall asleep to your favorite music

I was looking for a nice, small and modern alarm clock that wouldn't hog too much space on my nightstand. This product fits the bill. My only complaints are that the radio tuner is manual, making it hard to change stations, and that when using the alarm sound instead of the radio the volume doesn't gradually increase.

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I love that this clock is so unobtrusive, both in light and style. It has a dim lighting option, and the red color makes it so it doesn't light up the area surrounding the clock on the bedside table. For someone who does not like extra light in the bedroom at night, this clock is the best! The style is subtle, and goes well with any decor. The radio (FM only) seems to receive signal quite well, and has a line antenna to help out with the reception. Very well made.

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I like the clean look of this alarm clock. All the button are hidden well but still accessible. My only complaint is that the snooze button is tiny relative to the "radio on" button. When I'm have asleep and I try to hit the snooze button, I end up hitting the "radio on" button half the time. ...maybe that's a feature?

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I bought this to provide a low level lighted time source at night in the bedroom. It is a five-star for that. The only thing that is a personal thing with me is that it's not the most attractive piece of bedroom furniture. Don't get me wrong this clock is great and I would buy it again.

This clock has no battery back-up. A clock with no battery backup is practically useless! I have always liked Philips products but this one must be their lowest rated. Radio tuner is cheap, you go from the first station to the last station of the spectrum in only one dial turn so it is tough to fine tune a station.

Cosmos Black Dock Extender 30-Pin Converter for iPhone 4, iPod ,iPad 2 + Free Cosmos Cable Tie

I recently purchased a Lifeproof case for my new iPhone 4S since I am an avid kayaker and love to take photos along the way. The only problem with that case was that I could only use my OEM cable to charge the phone due to the narrow opening of the waterproof case. This little device takes care of that problem. I can now dock my phone in my alarm clock and use several other retracting cables that I keep in various places around the house and in my car. In fact, once I proved that the extender worked, I ordered two more.

This is so frustrating... it does NOT work with the Lifeproof case because as previous reviewer statedof the hinged door that covers the charging port. I would have had to break it off in order to connect the extender.

I found this finally LifeProof Case Dock Extender 30 pin Adapter BLACK Basic for iPhone, iPod, etc. sold by $13.97

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I have a Lifeproof case for my iPhone 4GS & this Cosmos extender Cosmos ® Black Dock Extender 30-Pin Converter for iPhone 4, iPod ,iPad 2 + Free Cosmos Cable Tie will not seat properly into the phone because of the hinge on the door covering the port of the case. This is more of a flaw in the design of the CASE probably than the extender, but they should not be suggested to buy together as a package & a disclaimer warning that it will not work with the Lifeproof case should be included with the product information.

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I wish I knew before I purchased this item that it does not work with the LifeProof Case for the iPhone 4S. I'm not sure why the seller claims it "Provides a compact extension, fits all protective cases covers, or skin (except Apple's iPhone 4 bumper case)" because that is not true. The item gets caught on the hinge of the LifeProof case and will not seat properly. Do not purchase if you are using a LifeProof Case. It will not work and you will be highly disappointed, especially if you have to wait over 3 weeks for this item to arrive like I did.

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I read in previous reviews that this product doesn't work with the lifeproof case. I'm not sure which version of the lifeproof case for the iPhone 4S these people were using but I just bought my case a few months ago (white one) and this adaptor fits perfectly fine. When it's attached the bottom of it comes flush with the open flap of the case so maybe it's an issue with the angle of the dock people are trying to connect with? That's my only thought but I've used the connector with my case in my Sony dock and my Bose dock with no trouble.

GE 45601 Z-WaveÂ® LED Handheld Remote

Please see the above description.

I first bought an Intermatic HA09C remote but after being unimpressed I got this GE 45601. The GE remote is WELL worth the extra $18 and is currently now the primary z-wave controller in my house.

Pros:

1) Can individually control 18 devices with a shift key and 9 rocker switches

2) Can control 9 timed events (on + off are 1 event), which means it has an internal clock/calender, timed events can be enabled/disabled, events can trigger groups/scenes/individual devices

3) Can create groups and scenes, which I don't believe have to be the same as the 18 direct rocker controlled devices (you can add devices not assigned directly to a rocker)

4) Has a small text lcd to help in programming and labels (programmable) for devices.

5) Can set custom device options, like dim ramp rate (you need to know the technical details of the option, like set device option 1 to a value of 2)

6) Controls thermostats

7) Instructions are WAY better than Intermatic HA09C manual

Cons:

1) lcd is not backlit

2) No details when error occurs, for example I tried to program a scene for a non-scene capable device and it just would say "fail"

3) Can't query state of device and display on lcd

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First, the display is not backlit (-1 star), nor are any of the buttons. Forget working this device in the dark. Second, the remote has a quirk that may make you think that the remote (or a device) is not working! It's not really broke, though, so hold off on returning it ...

Here it is how I 'fixed' my remote:

If the remote does not recognize a module, "removing" the module on the remote WILL NOT WORK. You need to "DELETE" the module. "Delete" and "Remove" are NOT the same. "Reset" will NOT work. I was about to return the remote and the module that I bought, totally convinced that one or the other was broke! Follow the directions for "deleting" a device, and then try adding the device again.

A second tip holding down the button on a module/device will NOT do anything positive. Press it once, and release it immediately. Do not think that "maybe a really good press will help".

Now that I have "fixed" my remote, I like the product. The remote can be used to set up timed events like turning lights on or off automagically at specific days and times. The remote and z-wave network are really very sophisticated. Each module can function as a repeater to extend the range of the network. A Z-wave network is a real timesaver, but it is not for idiots. I almost did not make the cut for "smart enough", and I'm plenty bright. Good luck for the average Joe who'se VCR still blinks "12:00"!

I will eventually buy at least two more lighting controls. I am looking forward to installing Z-wave power strips and controls throughout my apartment.

EDIT 10/28/2010:

If you program "events", the range for timed events is different than the range for the buttons (my experience). The buttons have a really good range. I can use the remote buttons to turn lights on or off from the sidewalk. Timed events only seem to work reliably when I leave the remote within two feet of a module. This could be due to interference, but I do not know.

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This item deserves five stars because it is a fantastic way to control zwave lights around the house. When I installed one to my ADT Pulse network last spring, it was painless: You went into the website's "system", "manage devices" and then chose "install inclusion controller." Once done, I was able to control 18 different light fixtures around my house with the remote and also preset lighting combinations such as which lights we want on at a certain dimmer level while we were watching television. That truly made both the remote and ADT great companion products, as we could control lights intricately with the remote but could also control lights with our alarm system.

Alas, we lost one of the remotes and tried to install a new one this week. After hours of thinking we had a technical problem with the install, we finally realized from ADT that they no longer allow customers to install these remotes as "inclusion controllers" on their system. Thus, when you go to manage devices, and install on the website, inclusion controllers have been eliminated. Add insult to injury, ADT did not even have the courtesy to remove the installation instructions from their online manuals which resulted in many wasted hours of fruitless attempts trying to install. Most staff in the Pulse technical department when I called for help were unaware that the problem was simply the items are no longer supported.

Once you install the ZWave light switches and use the remote you will never want to go back. I am now perplexed what to do because I have had the ADT Pulse system for less than six months and would have definitely considered a competitor's product if I had known the company would take away this level of compatibility.

If you are shopping for an alarm system that makes full use of ZWave technology, you may want to consider brands that compete with ADT and make more sophisticated use of the technology. You can start by doing a web search along the lines of "adt pulse not compatible with inclusion controllers" to find internet postings about this problem and other home security systems in the market place.

For anyone simply using the Zwave technology without the home security system, this GE remote is fantastic.

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I still don't know if I can get this to sync with my TZ45 Z Wave thermostat since it is already synced to my iHub and I'd have to unpair it in order to attempt that, but it works with lights and it is super cheap! I spent hours trying to figure out how to get this to work with my ADT Pulse Z-Wave system. The instructions don't explain that. It explains how to add lights and devices, but not how to sync it with existing hubs. Here are the steps.

1) Place the iHub and the remote near each other.

2) At the Web Portal, use the Add Device wizard to add an inclusion controller.

3) On the GE/Jasco Remote, press and hold SETUP until the display reads LGHT SETUP.

4) Use either Arrow key to scroll until the display reads TRANSFER.

5) Press OK and the screen will display PRIMARY.

6) Use either arrow key to scroll until the display reads RECEIVE,

7) Press OK and the Screen will display RECEIVING.

8) When screen displays SUCCESS you have successfully transferred the information from the iHub to the inclusion controller.

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Despite its basic appearance, the GE 45601 easily controls my Trane thermostat (interactively shows you the current setpoint and mode, and lets you alter them), and it's capable of doing transfers to a secondary controller, such as a PC based Z-wave controller.

Setup was very intuitive. I didn't need to look at the instructions.

The only negative is that it's not backlit. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to turn the lights on if I need to read the display. :)

Uniden BC345CRS 500 Channel Clock/Radio Scanner with Weather Alert

500 Channel Memory Availability
Up to 90 Channel Per Second Memory Scanning
Direct Channel Access and Channel Lockout
Features: AM/FM Radio, Alarm Clock w/Snooze, Public Safety Scanner
Weather (WX) Scan

Through the years, I've owned a variety of radio scanners, mostly those manufactured by Radio Shack. I also own a hand-held Uniden scanner, so I know that they build a quality product.

This particular scanner offers a lot of bang for the buck. Although I've only used it for a short period of time, so far it's performed flawlessly. I find the service search and weather scan to be extremely useful.

This is a feature filled scanner that will satisfy most, however if you're purchasing a scanner for the first time, in order to get the most out of this unit, you'll need to read the instruction manual thoroughly. This is a conventional scanner, so you won't be able to access some of the channels that are available on more expensive units, however for the price paid and for the average user, this will not be an issue. This unit does not have 800 MHz and dual or triple trunking, a feature that can be very useful, especially for professionals. On the other hand, for the average, but experienced user it's great. Although I can't imagine ever storing up to 500 channels, this has the ability to do so. You do this by storing blocks of 50 channels over 10 banks.

The service search and weather scan are especially useful, as is the ability to pick up all of the audio from your local TV stations. It's especially interesting for me to scan the police bands, than tune to a local TV station to find them reporting on the transmission that I had been listening to earlier in the day. Obviously, this has to be a fairly major police event, but nonetheless it's interesting on the rare occasion when it occurs.

This radio does an excellent job of keeping you right on top of the latest police, fire, public safety, weather transmissions, etc. As with all scanners, once you get the hang of it, it's very difficult to take a break from listening. It can be quite addicting.

This unit has a decent speaker and sounds better than the hand-held units. As mentioned, it does take a little time to figure out how to use it properly, especially if you're not accustomed to using a radio scanner. That's why I can't emphasize enough, how important it is to read through the instruction manual, lest you'll get very frustrated.

For those who need to be constantly in the know, this radio includes an alarm clock, making it perfect for bedside use. I'm finding that it does a fabulous job at scanning through various frequencies at a very rapid rate. This works especially well when you've stored your favorite stations into the channel memory mentioned above. It also has direct channel access if you know precisely what you're looking for. The scanner also includes a conventional AM/FM radio which many bedside users will find to be a nice feature.

The bottom line is that this is a well made and thoughtfully designed radio scanner that is a pleasure to use. I would not recommend it for first time users, as it has more than you'll need. For those who have experience with scanners, this one is an excellent choice. If you're new to using a radio scanner, I recommend a simpler hand-held unit, or if you still desire to purchase something like this, be prepared for a learning curve. Based on my experience with other Uniden scanners and my constant use of this over the past week, I'm rating this 5 stars.

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This is a reliable basic scanner for conventional scanning. I wish it had a computer interface. Audio is slightly tinny because speaker is small.

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It works great in our small town. Keeps us informed if there is an emergency. I had never used one before listening to it foe 6 months while living with my dad and step mom. I love it.

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i love it !!! it works great!!!!!!!! i have told all my friends and family how wonderful this works that way maybe they will get one!!!!

Sony Nature Clock

Sony dream machine alarm clock with nature sounds.
Wake or sleep to nature sound.
Display temperature.
Built-in audio cable for digital music player.
Dual alarm with easy alarm setting.

I've had this clock for about a year with no problems. The radio gets nice reception, and GREAT sound quality for the clock's very compact size. It lets you program the clock to only alarm on weekdays if you so choose. Then the clock *remembers* to reset the alarm Monday morning! The display is easily switched through 3 brightness settings by tapping the snooze button, and the clock displays the current temperature which is surprisingly handy. I'd expect nothing less for just under $40, but it was a good investment.

I still own the "Sony ICF-CD815 AM/FM Stereo CD Clock Radio with Dual Alarm" which has an awesomely loud annoying buzzer and has the advantage of allowing you to wake up to a CD track of your choice, but, has an inferior radio when compared to this model. My old Sony CD alarm/buzzer might wake the dead, it practically has for the last 5 years. However, this newer Sony ICFC707 Clock Radio (aka "Nature Dream Machine") is perfect for my current lifestyle because it still allows me to *actually wake up*, but a bit more gently AND is very reliable, is nicer to look at, and great to listen to when I need a radio. (The volume is plenty loud enough but never "blasts"). Another great feature of this clock is a buzzer that starts off somewhat softly and slowly and gradually gets louder. In conclusion, I think I love this modern evolution of the Dream Machine and may marry it. :)

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I would give this NO stars if I could. I have never experienced a simple gadget made so impossibly complicated. I still haven't figured out how to set the second alarm that is supposed to sound on on the weekends. And I still have yet to discover how to turn the alarm off so it won't sound on days I prefer to sleep later. Once I had set the weekday alarm, I had to keep my cell phone by my bedside because I didn't trust that the alarm would sound. As it turns out, as indicated above, the alarm is always "on" once you figure out how to set it. You cannot turn it off. What is equally insulting is that the button you hit to stop the alarm from sounding once it has rung that button is a tiny little thing set in a array of other buttons, so you cannot distinguish it unless you are looking right at it and you are not inclined to be looking at it when you are first waking up. As for the "nature sounds," they aren't loud enough to serve as alarms, so you are stuck with either the radio or the buzzer. The FM radio works very well with great reception. But to get a signal for AM, you have to attach a secondary antenna and you can just forget about figuring out the diagrams in the instructions. How I wish I hadn't thrown away the packaging I would return it if I could. I will be throwing this in the garbage as soon as I can find a replacement. GGGGGGRRRRRRR!

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