Author Archives: Direct Reviews
Canon PowerShot SX520 16Digital Camera with 42x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3-Inch LCD (Black)
With the Canon Power Shot SX520 HS digital camera you can capture beautiful scenic panoramas, elusive wildlife, an athlete’s intensity, or a child’s wonder – all from a distance that won’t interrupt the action. The SX520 HS makes this kind of versatility easy with an incredible 42x optical zoom and 24mm wide-angle lens. This camera was born to zoom, with features and systems designed to make high-magnification shooting with advanced Canon optics simple and spectacular. The Optical Image Stabilizer and Intelligent IS keep images clear and steady while Zoom Framing Assist and a new Advanced Zoom Framing Assist function help you track and capture subjects, follow their movement and keep them in focus – whether you’re shooting stills or super-lifelike 1080p full HD video. And High Speed AF means reduced lag time. Use this sophisticated point-and-shoot wherever you go to capture memories with the quality and versatility they deserve. Continue reading
LG Electronics 32LB5600 32-Inch 1080p 60Hz LED TV
The LG LB5600 Full HD 1080p LED TV shows an incredible picture with nearly double the pixel resolution of standard HD and beautiful bright, clear images. The LED lighting and Smart Energy Saving features are a part of what makes this an Energy Star Qualified model, saving you about 30% more energy than non-Energy Star TVs. Plus with a Motion Clarity Index of 120, you’ll be sure to see all of your favorite action with virtually no motion blur. Continue reading
Canon PIXMA MX472 Wireless All-In-One Inkjet Printer
Business Quality Printing Right From Your Smart Device
Maximize your daily efficiency with the PIXMA MX472 Wireless Office All-In-One Printer. The PIXMA MX472 excels in connectivity. With Google Cloud Print and AirPrint, you can print wirelessly from your compatible smartphone or tablet from virtually anywhere around the office. It’s loaded with timesaving features, as well, including an automatic document feeder which holds up to 30 sheets. And when it comes time to change ink or add paper, the FastFront feature makes it quick and easy—right at the front of the printer! Plus, the optional XL or XXL pigment black ink cartridges mean you can print longer before having to replace your cartridges.
Another great feature of the PIXMA MX472 is My Image Garden software. My Image Garden puts all your favorite printing features, such as Special Filters and Full HD Movie Print, in one convenient software application. It helps you organize your photos with calendar view and facial recognition.
Ink Compatibility
- PG-240XXL XXL Black Ink Cartridge
- PG-240XL XL Black Ink Cartridge
- PG-240 Black Ink Cartridge
- CL-241XL XL Color Ink Cartridge
- CL-241 Color Ink Cartridge
What’s in the Box
- MX472 Wireless Office All-In-One Printer
- Power Cord
- FINE Cartridges
- Setup CD-ROM
- Telephone Line Cable
- Manuals and other documents
OS Compatibilty17
- Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows 7 SP1, Windows Vista SP1, Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3 32-bit
- Mac OS X v10.6.8 – v10.9
- Mobile Operating Systems: iOS, Android, Windows RT
Copy Features
Auto Document Feeder (ADF), AE (Auto Exposure) Copy, Borderless, Fit-to-Page, Preset Copy Ratios, Frame Erase Copy, Zoom
Reduction/Englargement
25% – 400%
Scan Features
Auto Scan Mode9, Network Scan, Push Scan
Scanning Resolution6
1200 x 2400 dpi (Optical), 19,200 x 19,200 dpi (Interpolated), ADF: 600 x 600 dpi (Optical)
FAX Features
Answering Machine Connectivity, Caller Rejection, Check RX Fax Info., Fax Reception Reject, Fax Number Re-Entry, Memory Transmission, Redial, Remote Reception
Modem Speed (up to)14
33.6 Kbps (Super G3 color FAX)
Transmission Speed15
Black: Approx. 3 sec per page, Color: Approx. 1 min per page
Speed & Quality
High Resolution: 4800 x 1200 maximum color dpi3 produces incredible quality and detail in both your business documents and photos.
FINE: Features Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering (FINE) with a patented print head firing ink droplets as small as 2pl.
4 Color Cartridge System: Integrates the FINE print head and ink into one compact unit for easy replacement.
Borderless Photos Fast: Print a beautiful, borderless 4″ x 6″ photo in approximately 46 seconds.5,12
Print Documents and Web Pages Fast: Print documents and web pages with fast speeds of 9.7 images per minute (ipm) for black and 5.5 images per minute (ipm) for color.4
Ease of Use
Fully-Integrated, 30-sheet Duplex Auto Document Feeder: Easily copy, scan and fax multiple documents without having to load them one page at a time.
My Image Garden: My Image Garden software makes organizing and printing your photos fun and easy with great facial recognition, Special Filters, Calendar Organization, Automatic Layout Suggestions and so much more!7
Fast Front: Quickly change ink or add paper at the front of the printer.
Creative Park Premium: An exclusive service for users of genuine Canon inks, offering access to photos, templates and more.8
Quiet Mode: This considerate feature lets you print anytime without worrying about disturbing those around you.
Auto Scan Mode: Automatically recognizes the type of original, then scans and saves it with the suitable settings.9
Connectivity
Built-In Wireless: Print and scan wirelessly from any Wi-Fi enabled computer around the house.10
PIXMA Printing Solutions (PPS): PIXMA Printing Solutions (PPS) lets you print and scan photos or documents from your mobile device using the free PPS app.11
AirPrint: Print wirelessly and effortlessly from your compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch – no drivers needed!1
Google Cloud Print: Allows users to print from Gmail and Google Docs on a mobile device, and from Google Chrome browser for Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chrome devices. With Google Cloud Print, you can print from wherever you are, from applications you use every day. You can even share your home and work printers with anyone you choose.2
Super G3 Fax: The high speed business fax14 standard for color and PC facsimiles on plain paper meets the home office workhorse with 19 coded speed dials and memory for up to 50 incoming pages.16
Hi-Speed USB: Plug the cable into your PC for a super-fast connection for your data transfers.
Disclaimers
- AirPrint functionality requires an iPad, iPhone 3GS or later, or iPod touch 3rd generation or later device running iOS 4.2 or later, and an AirPrint-enabled printer connected to the same network as your iOS device. A printer connected to the USB port of your Mac, PC, AirPort Base Station, or Time Capsule is not supported.
- Requires an Internet connection and Google account. Subject to Google Terms of Service. Certain exceptions may apply.
- Resolution may vary based on printer driver setting. Color ink droplets can be placed with a horizontal pitch of 1/4800 inch at minimum.
- ISO/IEC 24734, 24735 define the default print and copy speed measurement methods. Print speeds are the averages of ESAT in Office Category Test for the default simplex mode, ISO/IEC 24734, excluding time to print the first set. Copy speed is the average of FCOT, ISO/IEC 24735 Annex D. ADF copy speed is the average of ESAT in General Performance Test for the default simplex mode, ISO/IEC 24735, excluding time to copy the first set. See www.usa.canon.com/ipm for additional details.
- Photo print speeds are based on the standard mode driver setting using photo test pattern(s) and select Canon Photo Paper. Print speed is measured as soon as first page begins to feed into printer and will vary depending on system configuration, interface, software, document complexity, print mode, types of paper used, and page coverage. See www.usa.canon.com/printspeed for additional information.
- Optical resolution is a measure of maximum hardware sampling resolution, based on ISO 14473 standard.
- To install using Windows OS, .NET Framework 4 is required. Compatible still image formats are PDF (created using Canon PDF Creator only), JPEG (Exif), TIFF, and PNG. Compatible video formats are MOV (from select Canon digital cameras only) and MP4 (from select Canon digital camcorders only).
- CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM is a premium content service available exclusively to users only when all of the colors of genuine Canon inks and all of the software that came with the printer are properly installed.
- For network users, Auto Scan Mode is only available when scanning at a computer using MP Navigator EX software and selecting the 1-click feature then “Save to PC.”
- Wireless printing requires a working Ethernet network with wireless 802.11b/g or n capability. Wireless performance may vary based on terrain and distance between the printer and wireless network clients.
- Requires an Internet connection and the PIXMA Printing Solutions (“PPS”) app, available for free on the App Store and at Google Play. Compatible with iPad, iPhone 3GS or later, and iPod touch 3rd generation or later devices running iOS 5.1 or later, and Android mobile devices running Android 2.3 or later. Your device must be connected to the same working network with wireless 802.11 b/g/n capability as your printer. For users of compatible Apple mobile devices, document printing requires Apple AirPrint, which requires an AirPrint-enabled printer connected to the same network as your iOS device. A printer connected to the USB port of your Mac, PC, AirPort Base station, or Time Capsule is not supported.
- Envelopes and High Resolution Paper are NOT supported for borderless printing.
- “Full HD Movie Print” is available from “MOV” and “MP4” movie files created by select Canon EOS Digital SLRs, PowerShot, and VIXIA digital cameras and camcorders. Requires PC or Mac with Intel processor and Canon ZoomBrowser EX 6.5 or later or Canon ImageBrowser 6.5 or later for “MOV” files, or Canon ImageBrowser EX 1.0 or later for “MOV” or “MP4” files. Print quality is determined by the video resolution. Function does not upscale video resolution.
- The Public Switched Telephone Network currently supports fax modem speeds of 28.8 Kbps or lower, depending on telephone line conditions. Sending and receiving fax machines need to conform to ITU-T v.34 guidelines.
- Black & white document fax transmission speed is based on default setting using ITU-T No.1 chart. Color document fax transmission speed is based on default setting using Canon Color Fax Test Sheet. Actual transmission speed may vary depending on document complexity, fax setting at receiving end, and line conditions etc.
- Page count is based on ITU-T No.1 chart or Canon FAX Standard Chart No.1.
- System requirements vary by application. For Mac OS, an Internet connection is required during software installation. For Windows OS, .NET Framework 4 is required to install My Image Garden, Quick Menu, and Easy-WebPrint EX software.
HP LaserJet Pro P1102w Wireless Monochrome Printer (CE658A#BGJ)
Make business printing easy with the HP LaserJet Pro P1102w Printer, the most energy-efficient wireless laser printer on the planet. Print black-and-white documents wirelessly from any room and share your printer with multiple people. Plus, plug and print with HP Smart Install: set up your new HP LaserJet in as fast as two minutes without using a CD. With HP ePrint you can print from your smartphone or tablet. Just send it to your printer and it prints! This laser printer can help you save power with HP Auto-On/Auto-Off Technology, turns your printer on when you need it, off when you don’t. Start printing fast and finish sooner with Instant-on Technology. Print up to 19 pages per minute using the HP LaserJet Pro P1102w Printer. With a 150-sheet paper tray and 10-sheet priority input slot, print business documents on a variety of sizes and media without changing paper. You can save paper using HP Smart Web Printing: print only the Web content you want, without ads or menu bars. You’ll also save space with an ultra-compact laser printer that fits right on your desk. Continue reading
Samsung UN75H6350 75-Inch 1080p 120Hz Smart LED TV
The faster and smarter Samsung H6350 Smart LED TV. An upgraded Smart Hub organizes your content to make finding what you’re looking for easier and more intuitive than ever. This TV is backed by a lightning-fast quad core processor, which reduces lag and accelerates load and smoother navigation. Continue reading
ASUS 15-Inch X551MAV Laptop (OLD VERSION)
Featuring a full-size 15.6-Inch display and an Intel Celeron processor, the perfect everyday notebook tackles any task you throw at it whether you’re studying or just having fun. Continue reading
Sony DSC-RX100M III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera
Absolutely stunning picture quality, compact enough to take anywhere. Now your photos maintain soft background defocus even when zoomed in with the improved f1.8-2.8 24-70mm Carl Zeiss lens. There’s even a pop-up electronic viewfinder for eye-level framing and a 180 tilt screen for 20.1MP selfies. Lastly, the ultra-fast BIONZ X processor adds speed and accuracy for stills as well as beautiful HD video. Continue reading
Canon XA20 Professional Camcorder
The XA20 is a compact, “run-and-gun” HD camcorder with an impressive optical performance from a powerful new Genuine Canon 20x HD Video Lens with a new 8-Blade Circular Aperture, capable of focusing down to just 23.6 inches (60cm).
Other features include a 3.5-inch OLED Touch Panel Display with the equivalent of 1.23 million dots of resolution, Tiltable electronic viewfinder, multiple HD/SD recording rates – including 24p for a “cinematic” look – together with a choice of industry-standard MP4 (up to 35 Mbps) and AVCHD (up to 28 Mbps) codecs. The high image quality and recording versatility make the XA20 ideal for independent and documentary filmmaking, as well as event videography and educational institutions.
In addition to reducing horizontal and vertical shaking, five-axis SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization eliminates rolling and other artifacts, for sharper images no matter how the camcorder is moved. A new automatic correction circuit can substantially reduce image distortion, thereby producing better-looking videos.
A detachable handle offers increased control functionality, with a built-in microphone holder and XLR-format audio inputs. Infrared shooting with little to zero ambient light offers additional flexibility during, for example, surveillance and wildlife projects; the detachable handle also includes an IR light.
Dual-band, built-in Wi-Fi technology allows easy FTP file transfer and upload to the internet. And intelligent lithium batteries report remaining power and battery-wear levels in one-minute increments to the camcorder, thereby taking the guesswork out of battery management.
Dual SD Card Slots, Using Readily Available, Consumable Media Intelligent Optical Image Stabilization System with Powered and Dynamic Modes and Auto On/Off Full Manual Control Two Phantom-powered XLR Audio Inputs with Manual Gain Ultra-compact Form Factor with De Continue reading
Kindle Fire HDX 7″, HDX Display, Wi-Fi, 32 GB – Includes Special Offers (Previous Generation – 3rd)
Kindle Fire HDX is perfect for work or play, with the fastest processor on a 7″ tablet, the latest graphics engine, world-class Dolby audio, and a highly portable form factor.
Breakthrough HDX Display
Kindle Fire HDX has a high resolution display (1920×1200) and high pixel density (323 ppi) for an incredible multimedia experience. The display features over 2 million pixels for vivid, lifelike images that go beyond standard HD.
Perfect Color
Both the 7″ and 8.9″ Kindle Fire HDX displays feature perfect color (100% sRGB), displaying images and videos as the photographer or videographer intended.
Better Viewing Indoors and Out
The HDX display features dynamic image contrast, a unique feature that automatically optimizes the color of each pixel based on the amount of light in your surroundings. This makes images and videos even easier to see in any lighting conditions, including outdoors.
Front-Facing HD Camera
Both the 7″ and 8.9″ Kindle Fire HDX tablets have a front-facing 720p HD camera, perfect for Skype HD video calls and taking photos to share via Facebook or e-mail.
Revolutionary on-device tech support
Exclusively on Kindle Fire HDX tablets—live on-device tech support from an Amazon expert is just a tap away with the new “Mayday” button. You’ll be connected for free to an Amazon expert who can co-pilot you through any feature by drawing on your screen, walking you through how to do something yourself, or doing it for you. Mayday is available 24×7, 365 days a year, and it’s free.
Ultra-fast wireless
Enjoy lightning-fast connection speeds whether you’re using a Wi-Fi network or 4G LTE wireless from AT&T or Verizon. Kindle Fire HDX uses state-of-the-art dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi. Enjoy fewer dropped connections and faster media streaming. Kindle Fire HDX features the latest 4G LTE technology for ultra-fast mobile broadband, letting you connect to the internet, stream, and download at speeds even faster than Wi-Fi.
Stay connected
With every Kindle Fire HDX you can stay connected with a cloud-optimized web browser, our new e-mail app and full social media integration.
Silk, a cloud-optimized web browser, is faster and packed with new features like Reading View that removes all unnecessary images and other website clutter for a clean, easy-to-read version of the site.
The new e-mail app on Kindle Fire makes sending mail, viewing attachments, grouping conversations by subject, and syncing contacts simple and provides full support for popular e-mail providers.
Kindle Fire tablets are fully integrated with Facebook and Twitter, making it easy to connect and share with friends and family.
Be entertained
Rent or purchase the biggest new releases and most popular titles from every major movie studio and TV network. Stream instantly over Wi-Fi or download to enjoy later.
Kindle Fire is built for the best in gaming, with tilt, turn, and multi-touch controls.
See lyrics that display line by line while you listen to many of your favorite songs. You can also explore a more immersive artist experience with more photos, videos, and more.
Our interactive magazine experience allows you to start reading in just a few seconds with access to any back issue at any time on the cloud. All Kindle Magazines come with a 30-day free trial.
Get work done on Kindle
Kindle Fire tablets provide a robust Exchange email experience with ActiveSync, so you can check and reply to work e-mail on-the-go. View Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. Kindle Fire tablets also support printing to your home or office’s wireless printer.
Kindle FreeTime
With Kindle parents can create a profile for each of their children and choose what books, apps, games, and videos they want to give their kids access to. Kindle FreeTime is free on every new Kindle Fire. Parents can also set daily limits for tablet use, or restrict certain categories-like games and video-while leaving unlimited time for reading.
Compare Kindle Fire tablets
| Fire HD 6 | Fire HD 7 | Kindle Fire HDX | Fire HDX 8.9 | |
| Starting Price | $99 | $139 | $199 | $379 |
| Screen Size | 6″ | 7″ | 7″ | 8.9″ |
| Resolution | 1280 x 800 (252 ppi) | 1280 x 800 (216 ppi) | 1920 x 1200 (323 ppi) | 2560 x 1600 (339 ppi) |
| Processor | Quad-core up to 1.5 GHz | Quad-core 2.2 GHz | Quad-core 2.5 GHz | |
| Battery Life | 8 hours mixed use | 8 hours mixed use | 11 hours mixed use | 12 hours mixed use |
| Audio | Dolby Digital Plus, Mono speaker, Built-in microphone | Dolby Digital Plus, Dual stereo speakers, Built-in microphone | Dolby Digital Plus, Dual stereo speakers, Built-in Microphone | Latest Dolby Audio w/ Dolby Atmos, Dual stereo speakers, Built-in microphone |
| Wi-Fi | Single band Wi-Fi | Dual band, Dual antenna (MIMO) Wi-Fi | Dual band, Dual antenna (MIMO+HT80) Wi-Fi | |
| 4G | None | 4G model available | ||
| Camera | Front-facing VGA camera + 2 MP rear-facing | Front-facing HD camera | Front-facing HD camera + 8 MP rear-facing camera | |
| Storage | 8 or 16GB | 16, 32, or 64GB | ||
| Dimensions | 6.7″ x 4.1″ x 0.4″ (169 X 103 X 10.7 mm) |
7.5″ x 5.0″ x 0.42″ (191 X 128 X 10.6 mm) |
7.3″ x 5.0″ x 0.35″ (186 X 128 X 9.0mm) |
9.1″ x 6.2″ x 0.31″ (231 X 158 X 7.8mm) |
| Weight | 10.1 oz (290 grams) |
11.9 oz (337 grams) |
Wi-Fi: 10.7 oz (303 grams) 4G: 11 oz (311 grams) |
Wi-Fi: 13.2 oz (375 grams) 4G: 13.7 oz (390 grams) |
| Customer Support | Email, web, and phone | On-device “Mayday” button + email, web, and phone | ||
Technical details
- Display: 7″ HDX touchscreen display, with 1920×1200 resolution at 323 ppi, 100% sRGB color accuracy, video playback up to 1080p, max brightness over 400 nits, Dynamic Image Contrast, reduced glare, and advanced polarizing filter
- Size and Weight: 7.3″ x 5.0″ x 0.35″ (186 mm x 128 mm x 9.0 mm). Wi-Fi-10.7 ounces (303 grams); 4G LTE + Wi-Fi-11.0 ounces (311 grams). Actual size and weight may vary by configuration and manufacturing process
- CPU & RAM: 2.2GHz Quad-core Snapdragon 800 CPU, with Adreno 330 GPU and 2GB of RAM
- Storage: 16GB (10.9GB available to user) or 32GB (25.1GB available to user), or 64 GB (53.7GB available to user) of internal storage
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours of reading, surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music. Up to 17 hours of battery life when only reading. Battery life will vary based on device settings, usage, and other factors such as web browsing and downloading content. Actual results may vary
- Charge Time: Fully charges in under 6 hours using the micro-USB power adapter included in the box, or slightly longer with other micro-USB power adapters that you may already have
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Dual-band, dual-antenna Wi-Fi (MIMO+HT40) for faster streaming and fewer dropped connections than standard Wi-Fi. Supports public and private Wi-Fi networks or hotspots that use the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n standard with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication; does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks
- 4G Connectivity: Support for ultra-fast 4G LTE wireless networks with HSPA+, HSDPA, and, with AT&T wireless, EDGE/GPRS fallback
- Ports: USB 2.0 (micro-B connector) port for connection to a PC or Macintosh computer or to charge your device with the included power adapter
- Audio: 3.5 mm stereo jack and integrated stereo speakers with Dolby Digital Plus audio engine
- Content Formats Supported: Kindle (AZW), KF8, TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively, Audible Enhanced format (AAX), DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, Dolby Digital (AC-3), Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3), non-DRM AAC, MP3, MIDI, PCM/WAVE, OGG, WAV, M4V, MP4, AAC LC/LTP, HE-AACv1, HE-AACv2, MKV, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, HTML5, CSS3, 3GP, VP8 (WEBM)
- Sensors: Ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS (4G)
- Location Services: Location-based services via Wi-Fi. 4G model also uses assisted-GPS
- Additional Features: External volume controls, front-facing 720p HD camera, built-in dual microphone, built-in Bluetooth with support for A2DP compatible stereo headphones, headsets, and speakers
- Accessibility Features: Screen Reader, Explore by Touch, and Screen Magnifier, enabling access to the vast majority of Kindle Fire features. Screen Reader features IVONA’s award-winning natural language text-to-speech voice. Also includes adjustable font sizes/color, and built-in Oxford dictionary.
- System Requirements: Kindle Fire HDX is ready to use right out of the box—no setup, no software to install, no computer required to download content
- Warranty and Service: 1-year Limited Warranty and service included. Optional 2-year Extended Warranty available for U.S. customers sold separately.
- Included in the Box: Kindle Fire 7″ HDX tablet, USB 2.0 cable, 5W power adapter, and Quick Start Guide
Polaroid Cube Mini Lifestyle Action Camera (Black)
The Polaroid Cube Mini Lifestyle Action Camera (Black) features magnets so that you can stick it to just about any ferrous metal surface, or even stack multiple cameras together. The Cube records Full HD 1080p video and can take 6-megapixel still photos. To help capture more of the action, it features a fixed 124-degree wide-angle lens. Helping ensure the camera is safe to go on all sorts of adventures, the rubberized body is splashproof and impact resistant. It records to microSDHC cards up to 32GB in capacity, and recording can be started or stopped with the press of a single button. Compatible mounts – available separately – include a Helmet Mount, Bike Mount, Strap Mount, Wearable Pendent, and Monkey Shaped Mount.
Features:
35mm (1.4″) square rubberized body
