Soccer World Cup 2014

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Viewsonic VT2230 22-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV


Viewsonic VT2230 22-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV

Viewsonic VT2230 22-Inch 1080p LCD HDTV
From ViewSonic

List Price:$359.99
Price:$220.09 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
35 new or used available from $219.99
Average customer review: 

Product Description

ViewSonic’s VT2230, 21.6-Inch Black Full HD LCDTV 1920x1080 Diagonal with Multi Function immerses you in the action with Full HD 1080p resolution delivering 100% of your HD signal for incredibly precise images. Revel in the unparalleled definition and detail delivered by 8000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and the high brightness panel. Super-fast video response and advanced image processing ensure extreme clarity in all your HD entertainment. The integrated ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner and multiple connectivity options including HDMI with HDCP give you all the inputs you need for game consoles, DVD and Blu-Ray players and computers. Get maximum enjoyment in kids’ rooms, dens, kitchens and other small spaces in your home with the beautifully styled, highperformance VT2230 LCD HDTV.


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #2761 in Consumer Electronics
  • Size: 22"
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: ViewSonic
  • Model: VT2230
  • Number of items: 1
  • Dimensions: 16.60" h x 20.90" w x 8.40" l, 16.53 pounds
  • Display size: 22

Features

  • Immerse yourself in the action with Full HD 1080p resolution for incredibly precise images
  • Revel in the unparalleled definition and detail delivered by 8000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • Super-fast video response and advanced image processing ensure extreme clarity in all your HD entertainment
  • Integrated ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner and multiple connectivity options including HDMI with HDCP
  • Perfect for kids rooms, dens, kitchens and other small spaces in your home with its beautifully styling and high performance.
  • Integrated ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner and multiple connectivity options including HDMI with HDCP players and computers.
  • Perfect for kids rooms, dens, kitchens and other small spaces in your home

Customer Reviews

Great Picture. Poor sound4
The picture on this unit is absolutely outstanding which makes the "tin can" sound of the speakers all the more disappointing. Bought this unit for it's compact size and good looks. Hit the mark there. If using a seperate amp/speaker is an option then buy this TV otherwise shop for one with better sound.
Mixed review3
Bought this because of the vga and QAM tuner. Have mixed feelings about this monitor. Picture quality is very good and a 22" HD TV/monitor 3' from your face is virtually a big screen TV. There are some nagging issues about this TV/Monitor

Pros:
Good picture quality
Good design
HDMI, Component, Composite, VGA inputs
Low cost...got it for $216 shipped from Tiger Direct


Cons:
Can't get all the clear QAM channels that I can with my older Panasonic EDTV plasma. I even connected it to the same splitter and tried all possible combinations of channel scanning. The physical User's manual doesn't state it has a QAM tuner even though Viewsonic's website says it does. The box does state that it can receive "Clear-QAM digital cable".

Cannot skip over or delete unwanted digital cable channels! Can only delete the analog ones. It's very, very frustrating. Half the channels are one's I don't care to see (religious, shopping, gov't etc..)

Sent Viewsonic an email asking about the QAM issue and it's been over a week and haven't heard back. At this point I don't know if the set or tuner is defective or whether it's supposed to be that way.


Wrote Tiger Direct letting them know about the QAM issue and they immediately sent me a return shipping link no questions asked. I've printed it out and have it reboxed. Been considering the price I payed for it and the added component, composite, S-vid and hdmi inputs and overall price and quality. I figure I'd be paying $160-180 for just a 22" VGA monitor. For $216 I have a VGA monitor with all the AV inputs......hmmmm. If anybody else has the same set and can comment on the issues I'm having I'd much appreciate it.
Great Value for money if it didn't break1
I edited this review and gave it a one star because it quit working after two weeks. Tiger direct (The seller) was real good about taking it back and refunding my money.

Bought this for a bedroom TV and it works great. Got it for $199 from Tiger Direct through Amazon and the value for money can not be beat. Full 1080P and computer capable makes this one of the best buys I could find.
Shopped around and some of these at this size are going for $300 to $400 at only 720P in stores and some did not even have a PC hook up either.
The only downfall is if you have it sitting high up you can not tilt the screen downward. I put a spacer under the back of the stand to tilt it forward for better viewing. It does tilt upward.
The on screen display is hard to see from a distance too but I can live with the faults for the price I picked this up at. Have not plugged a computer into it but Viewsonic has been making computer monitors for a long time and this would probably be a better monitor than TV although the TV works just fine. I had to refer to the manual to figure out how to scan for my digital cable TV signals but once I pressed the right buttons it scanned all of them with the QAM tuner with no problems.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

VIZIO VL260M 26-Inch Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV


VIZIO VL260M 26-Inch Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV

VIZIO VL260M 26-Inch Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV
From Vizio, Inc.

Price:$349.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
5 new or used available from $279.95
Average customer review: 

Product Description

Sleek, Elegant and Feature Rich Sleek, elegant and chic are just a few of the words that come to mind when describing this HDTV. Beautiful styling, dark java brown finish and feature rich with full 1080p resolution for crisp images and 50,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks. This small HDTV proves that good things do come in small sizes! Full HD resolution giving you razor sharp clarity, crisp and clear images and an absolutely amazing viewing experience.Current Version 3.0 ENERGY STAR TV products Specification require that all qualified televisions address both active and standby power (when your TV is on and off). This VIZIO HDTV exceeds the current minimum standards by 15% saving you money on your utility bills. Two built-in speakers provide the ultimate home theatre sound experience that will truly set it apart from the competition Sophisticated styling and deep java brown color enhance any room's decor


Product Details

  • Size: 26 Inch
  • Color: Java
  • Brand: Vizio
  • Model: VL260M
  • Dimensions: 21.00 pounds
  • Display size: 26

Features

  • Television Features: Digital Combo Filter, Sleep Timer, Wall Mountable, Detachable Base Stand
  • Maximum Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Vertical Resolution: 1080p
  • Video Upconversion: 1080p
  • Screen Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Widescreen
  • Brightness(cd/m2): 400
  • Comb Filter Type: 3D Y/C Digital
  • Contrast Ratio: 50000:1
  • Dimensions: Length: 28.5 "; Width: 21.5 "; Depth: 7.3 "
  • Electronic Display Features: Closed Caption
  • Finish: Glossy
  • HD Compatibility: HD-Built-In HDTV/ATSC Tuner
  • Includes: Standard Remote Control, Warranty Card, Power Cord, User Manual
  • Input Type(s): S-Video, HDMI Port, 1 Component Video , 1 Composite Video , 1 S-Video , 1 PC , 2 HDMI
  • Output Type(s): Headphone Jack, 1 Optical Digital Audio
  • Product Weight: 22.18 Lb.
  • Response Time: 8ms Response Time
  • Tuner Type: ATSC/NTSC/QAM
  • Warranty Description: 1 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty

Customer Reviews

Great value5
Just picked this new Vizio up and love it! I was looking for a new TV for the bedroom and this fits the bill perfectly. The case comes in a new color Java which I was a little worried about initially. After having seen it in person before purchasing it and now having it in the house, I feel its a great color. It matches my dark merlot furniture very well. Setup was a breeze and I was watching TV in just a few minutes after getting it out of the box.

In the busy market of small TV's the personal reasons I went for the Vizio are:

1. One of the few 26" 1080p TV's (even though I understand most programming isn't offered in 1080)

2. Price point. Vizio is the best bargain out there for quality LCD TV's. I had considered the Samsung 22" that got great reviews, but for only a few dollars more, I got this TV that is 4" larger and is 1080p. Plus I have known folks to have issues with Samsung.

3. Style. I like the way the TV looks. Very sleek looking. Java is a neat color that isn't offered by anyone else. I'm sure other brands will start offering new colors now.


Overall the picture is amazing. I thought buying a Vizio meant compromising on picture quality to get a better price, but with this TV I didn't have to. Watching this TV right next to its competitors in the store really showed that Vizio offers a top notch product. Again the price can't be beat!
Vizio vs Sony LCD 26 inch2
I recently purchased this vizio 1080p lcd from sams and brought it home to test it out. let me first say that i really had no intention of buying a different tv and was surprised at the quality after getting it home. All of my testing is with a samsung blu ray player 1600 in 1080p over hdmi. The black levels were the biggest fault in this tv. It was very difficult to enjoy almost any blu ray or standard dvd on this tv. There was jitter present also when watching movies and a strange up and down of the contrast levels on its own that was very annoying. I can only come to the conclusion that the people who have reviewed this set earlier dont know what to look for. I bought the sony 26 inch lcd at best buy and it has none of the above mentioned problems and the black levels are much much better. Movies look like they should and upscaling is awesome. It is totally worth the extra 50 bucks or so to get the sony if a 26 inch is the right size. I really wanted this vizio to work out, and have never owned a sony before. After reading the reviews i decided to give the vizio a try and can honestly say its not worth it. I dont think the samsung or panasonic 26 inchers are necessarily any better than the vizio from the reviews, but for me, the black levels were very important. This tv has great colors and sharpness but just doesnt look realistic in movies. I tested every possible correction i could think of and read about with the back light, contract, brightness etc, it was just not in the same league as the sony. sorry guys, nice try but the 1080p and 50,000 to 1 contrast ratio make no difference with the flaws that this has. keep coming back vizio :( wish i didnt have to return because im surely no sony fan, but i wanted the best lcd for the size and it blows it away.
Crisp, Sleek, Awesome Quality5
My wife and I went to Best Buy today hoping to walk out of the store with the Sony BRAVIA 26-inch tv, which sold for about $389.99. When we arrived, this model was no longer available. Best Buy wasn't even pushing their own line, which is Insignia. Instead, the sales people were pushing me to upgrade to a 32-inch Sony. The intent of this new purchase was to install the tv into a bedroom and all we had was about 28-inches of reasonable space to install the tv on the wall. Even though the 32-inch Sony would be a great picture, we knew it would not fit in the wall space. We looked at the Insignia 26-inch 720p DVD Combo unit for about $329.99 and were ready to walk out the door with it, but hesitated and decided to check out BJ's Wholesale before.

When we walked into BJ's, we immediately saw the Vizio 26-inch VL260M LCD HDTV for about $319 and thought it was a great buy. Then we noticed with amaze that it was a Full HD 1080P. That is what made us decide on the purchase and walked out the door with it.

First off, there is no comparison between the Vizio 1080P versus the Best Buy Insignia 720P. The differences were in favor of the Vizio because of the higher pixels of 1080P; plus the price was about $10 cheaper for a better quality picture and brand.

Now, let me fill you in on a little secret. Even though I have a technical background, I am not up to par with the LCD tv's. This is my first LCD tv, upgrading from a big bulky tube tv. I really didn't know what the differences were until I started researching, only to discover that the 1080P meant the tv had 1080 pixels, versus the 720P. What this meant was the with 1080P, the clarity of the picture would be cleaner and crispier. For the $319 price at BJ's, I thought it was a steal.

I also purchased the Sylvania Wall Mount for 18" - 40" Plasma/LCD TVs for about $80 at BJ's. I wanted a heavy mount and one that would have full motion for me to move the screen from out of the corner to a good area where I could view the picture. This wall mount was also purchased at BJ's. Best Buy wanted to sell me a wall mount for $99 that would only allow the tv to move from left to right and not swivel or move up or down. If I wanted that feature, I would have to pay at least another $50 more. Instead, I saved and feel I got a very good mount for the Vizio tv.

Now onto the Vizio tv. Installation was simple. After mounting the wall mount bracket, I had to mount the tv onto the back of it and then it slid right into the bracket on the wall. Piece of cake. The tv is packaged in the box with the stand bracket, but I removed it to give a sleeker look when mounted on the wall.

Since I only bought the tv a few hours ago, I haven't quite got into all the audio and video hookups yet. That's my project for tomorrow, to hook up the speakers and other external devices. But, once you plug in the cable line to the back of the tv and turn it on, the setup mode is active. After you make your proper selections, choosing cable, the system will then do a search for all channels available, showing both the number of digital and analog channels while searching. The search takes about 5 minutes or so, but it runs by itself. After it is done, you are finished. It's that simple.

You don't need to be a technical wizard to install this tv, especially on a wall mount. I was planning on having my electrician mount the tv and set everything up, but that would have cost me more money. I thought that as long as I followed the directions, I could install it myself, which I did.

I also compared the Vizio to the Samsung and liked the sleeker look of the Vizio. It has more of a flat look to it, rather than the bulky Samsung shape. The deal at BJ's Wholesale was great, especially where now I am seeing normal retail prices for about $350. So, I saved a few bucks at a wholesale club. Either way, I would have spent the $350 for this tv because the clarity is incredible.

This model is beautifully styled with what Vizio calls a "dark java brown finish". I really don't know what drak java brown looks like but it's pretty close to black, IMO. The 1080p resolution displays razor sharp images and has a 50,000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and bright, vibrant colors. One of its features, which I have yet to experience is the SRS Trusurround HD(tm). I have a Bose surround system I intend to install on this and am sure with the SRS Truurround feature, it'll blow me out of the room.

There is another nice feature on this TV I am looking forward to experiencing. It is the capability of supporting connectivity to a computer via RGB to VGA connectivity. This is a feature I was looking for because having the ability to experience what I see on my computer, I can probably do the same with this TV.

The downside is there is no USB hookup, but if I can get my computer hooked up to it, who needs the USB port. It also does not have a built in DVD player, but then again, who needs it. You can buy a simple Sony dvd player for about $50 and plug it into the back of this TV. I am not really a big fan of builtins like the DVD player because if there is a problem with it, that's the end of it period. If the DVD player breaks or stops working, it's useless and you can't remove it and replace with a new one.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this Vizio model to anyone who is looking for an inexpensive and quality product. I think you will agree that the clarity on this LCD is pretty close to a Sony. Believe me that you will enjoy the TV experience.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Samsung LN40C630 40-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Black)


Samsung LN40C630 40-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Black)

Samsung LN40C630 40-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Black)
From Samsung

Price:Too low to display & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
16 new or used available from $706.99
Average customer review: 

Product Description

Make the move to the smoothest LCD action ever. Samsung's LN40C630 LCD HDTV offers incredible color and rich clarity, all on a 40-inch screen. Add the power of Samsung's Wide Color Enhancer, for a picture that optimizes a given color's hue, resulting in more natural rendering of colors and lifelike action. Samsung HDTVs are also ENERGY STAR compliant, helping the environment by using less energy while saving you money.


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #76 in Consumer Electronics
  • Color: Black
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Model: LN40C630
  • Dimensions: 26.00" h x 38.50" w x 10.00" l, 38.80 pounds
  • Display size: 40

Features

  • Features 10Wx2 audio output
  • Features Wide Color Enhancer
  • Features AllShare
  • Features 2 ConnectShare Movie
  • Features 4 HDMI (ver 1.3), HDMI-CEC

Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
(March 2010) The Samsung LCD 630 HDTV is a smooth operator: 120 Hz Clear Motion Rate technology allows you to see fast action with a smoothness that’s clearly ahead of the competition. The AllShare feature even allows you to sync up your entire household: A wired or wireless DLNA connection lets you stream your PC audio and video files to your HDTV using your remote. And Samsung’s Touch of Color design combines texture and color that will complement any décor.


Key Features
  • Screen Size: 40 inches
  • Full 1080p HD resolution: Enjoy the powerful picture quality, vivid colors and stunning clarity of Full HD 1080p resolution.
  • 120 Hz clear Motion Rate: Samsung 120 Hz technology allows you to see fast action with a smoothness thats clearly ahead of the competition.
  • Touch of Color: Exclusive Charcoal Grey Touch of Color design combines texture and color that can complement any room.
  • ConnectShare Movie: Connect a thumb drive or digital camera quickly and easily. User-friendly interface allows access to videos, a music
    playlist and pictures via the remote.
  • Exceeds ENERGY STAR Standards: Up to 43% more energy efficient than ENERGY STAR 4.0 minimum standards. 
  • Game Mode enhances dark areas, sharpens the picture, speeds up the image processing response and enhances the sounds of your games. Picture and sound quality optimized for the special needs of gaming systems at the touch of a button.
  • Wide Color Enhancer Pro delivers the entire spectrum of color and luminance for rich, saturated images with intense detail. 
  • BD Wise: Automatically adjusts all your componets for the best picture and sound quality.
  • AllShare: Sync up your entire household. A wired or wireless DLNA connection lets you stream your PC audio and video files to your HDTV using yoru remote.
  • 10 Watts x 2 audio power stereo broadcast reception: Supports multichannel sound (MTS)and second audio program (SAP) with 181-channel capacity.
  • DNSe: Delivers high-quality sound with more natural effects than conventional methods by reproducing the “genuine” stereo sound.
  • Warranty: 1 year parts and 1 year labor warranty (90 days parts and labor for commercial use), backed by Samsung toll-free support.
  • Swivel Stand
Connections
  • 4 HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface):
      3 back, 1 side
    HDMI makes it easy to connect your home theater with one cable per component.
  • Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC): Allows peripheral AV devices such as a DVD player to be controlled by a Samsung TV remote control.
  • USB: 2 side
  • PC input: 1 back
Dimensions
  • TV without stand: 38.5 x 23.4 x 3.2 inches (WxHxD); 31.3 pounds
  • TV with stand: 38.5 x 26.0 x 10.0 inches (WxHxD); 38.8 pounds
  • What size TV should you get?
Accessories
  • 2010 LinkStick: Connect wirelessly to a world of digital content from Samsung. The LinkStick wireless LAN adaptor eliminates the hassle and cluttered look of wires. Learn more about the Samsung WIS09ABGN LinkStick Wireless LAN Adapter.



Customer Reviews

Time for an upgrade!5
I have literally been following the prices of HDTV's for about a year now, and there is no better time for an upgrade! Samsung just released their new "C" series, and somehow they are remarkably less expensive than their pre-existing models! The majority of the websites are selling this HDTV for $800+, Amazon's lower-than-low price is less than the rest of the market. I purchased it here on Amazon, and received my HDTV in 5 days (could have been 4 days, but I had school all day). CEVA did the shipping for my HDTV, which I was wary at first because I have only dealt with UPS and Fedex. However, CEVA provided excellent customer service as they did contact me and I verbally specified a delivery time. Packaging was very efficient, and surprisingly light too!

For those who prefer using TV stands, you do have to assemble it on your own. Extremely easy to assemble though! All it took was 9 screws (already in the box) and I recommend using a power-screwdriver. Directions said it required two people, I did it solo! I was just eager to hook up my PS3 via HDMI cable and experience the wonderful world of 1080P.

Okay, now for the specifics and why this HDTV deserves a spot in your living room - As I mentioned before, right up to my purchase I extensively followed the quality and price of several HDTVs. The Samsungs 530, 550, 630, 650. The Samsung 630 is the best deal for your money, here's why: The 5 series is less expensive, but only offers refresh times of 60Hz as compared to the 630 which is 120Hz. This is a big difference, and means that your HDTV with 120Hz displays at least twice as many frames-per-second which makes movies, not only sports, very fluid and more realistic. Another difference is the response time, where as the 5 series has a 6ms response time, the 6 series has a 4ms response time. And if you are a gamer, a difference of 2ms can make a big difference. So why the Samsung 630 and not the 650? The only difference now is the contrast ratio. The 630 comes with a 80,000:1 contrast ratio which in my opinion, still creates an extraordinary depth to the display. TV contrast ratio's are starting to become stable around the 70,000 - 100,000 range (or much higher for LEDs). Whereas, 3 years ago the highest was around 10,000 but kept constantly rising. So this HDTV is very much future proof. Yes, the 650 has a higher contrast ratio, but is it worth the extra $200 something dollars?

All in all, if you're not worried about price, go all out and purchase a LED HDTV. But if you want to shop smart, this HDTV is the way to go.
The Samsung LN40C630, Definitely worth it!5
For being my first HDTV, I am more than happy with my purchase. I was debating for months to get the LN40B630, but the price didn't come back down to below $800. Searching Amazon, I saw this year's model for less than last year's model, so I decided it was time to get one. I'm more than impressed by what this TV can do: already I have hooked my PS3 and DVD player up to it. The visuals are absoulutley outstanding -- I feel like I'm actually there. Reading reviews from last year's model, I saw negative comments about sound quality; this year's model, in my opinion, exceeds expectations.

Amazon had this delivered to me in under a week with super saver shipping -- I couldn't ask for better. Out of the box the stand was easy to install: just slip the TV over the guide stand, screw in, and you're good to go. Setup up was easy; the only thing I have an issue with so far is that you can't go directly to a different source/input unless the TV is picking up a signal from the device. Starting up other equipment and then having to select the input again is a bit annoying because you miss the start up unless you leave it on that input. Not sure if I've calibrated it right though, at this point, it seems fine and looks fantastic with some of the default settings. The manual isn't very informative in setting most of the options; still being new to HDTV's, I have to look up guides on how to optimize it for different viewing situations.

I can't say for sure if this TV is better than all the rest or how it matches up, but side to side at electronic stores it had the best picture in mine and my spouse's opinions. The Allshare feature is also a nice addition: I am able to stream files from my network devices on to the TV with only having to run an ethernet cord to the router. In conclusion, I beleive this TV will be more then enough for at least the next 3 years until I consider an upgrade, and I mean a BIGGER upgrade ^.^ Thanks Samsung!
Awesome5
I did a lot of research for TV's in this price range. I've bought a few plasmas and LCD's previously, and this TV blows them all away. This is a great price point, size and brand name TV. You can't go wrong really, you will most certainly be satisfied. The 120hz setting on Clear works best, otherwise gives your TV content a weird soap opera look, so either set it to Clear or turn it off. This LCD works great with a PS3 also, and supports 1080p/24hz resolution, so when you watch blurays, the picture is crystal clear. If you experience any input lag when playing games (delay from button press to action on screen), try setting the source name of your PS3 to PC, it seems to fix that issue pretty well.
The sound on this TV is very robust and clear, although when watching blurays I have to turn it up to hear dialogs, which then makes action sequences really loud, but it's not a big deal.
The design of this TV is just awesome. It has the glass bezel and gloss table top, definitely one of the best looking TV's that I've ever seen. The stand also swivels, which is something every TV should have, but usually don't.
The remote works well, and is very sturdy. The onscreen menus are very clear and even provide descriptions to most of the settings so you don't need to try and figure out what certain settings do.
Its a pretty thin and light panel too, so if your mounting it, it should stay pretty flat on the wall.
I've got nothing but positives to say about this set, its worth every penny, and I'm usually very critical about electronics, but I'd recommend this LCD to anyone. It doesn't look that great out of the box, but after a week of playing with the color settings, I think the picture has been perfected.

UPDATE
Here are my picture settings for anyone that needs a little help getting started
Mode: Standard
Backlight: 14
Contrast: 80
Brightness: 40
Sharpness: 20
Color: 51
Tint: G48/R52
Eco Solution: all off
Edge Enhancement: off
Digital Noise Filter: Low (though I'm sure auto is about the same)
MPEG Noise: Low
Color Tone: Normal (some people seem to like the Warm settings)
Auto Motion Plus 120HZ: Clear (though some people might like this more OFF)

If you have any adjustments to these, let me know 

Monday, May 31, 2010

Xbox 360 120GB Elite Spring 2010 Bundle


Xbox 360 120GB Elite Spring 2010 Bundle



Xbox 360 120GB Elite Spring 2010 Bundle

From Microsoft

Price:$299.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
24 new or used available from $290.00
Average customer review: 

Product Description

Introducing Xbox 360 Elite, the premier Xbox 360 console package that includes a massive 120GB hard drive, a HDMI port, and HDMI cable, all wrapped up with a premium black finish. Xbox 360 Elite also includes a black wireless controller and black Xbox LIVE headset. Xbox 360 Elite has enough space for a whole library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows, movies, music, and all the other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #64 in Video Games
  • Brand: Microsoft
  • Model: 52V-00379
  • Released on: 2010-03-09
  • ESRB Rating: Rating Pending
  • Platform: Xbox 360
  • Dimensions: 6.90" h x 11.50" w x 12.60" l, 14.00 pounds

Features

  • Three powerful core processors
  • 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio
  • Anti-aliasing for smooth textures
  • Full surround sound
  • DVD playback with upscaling capabilities

Editorial Reviews

From the Manufacturer
Xbox 360 Elite is the total entertainment experience. Enjoy the largest library of games, including the best exclusive titles. Watch thousands of HD movies and TV episodes at the press of a button including titles streamed instantly from Netflix.* Download Game Addons like songs, maps, levels and characters. Plus, with 120GB of storage, there’s plenty of room to extend your fun.

elitespring.bundle.fob.sm.jpg
View larger.
elitespring.group.sm.jpg
View larger.


What’s in the Box
• Xbox 360 Console
• Standard Edition of Forza Motorsport 3 (Rated "E" for Everyone)
• Standard Edition of Halo 3: ODST (Rated "M" for Mature”)
• Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive
• 1 Black Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
• 1 Black Xbox 360 Wired Headset
• 1 Ethernet cable
• 1 Standard definition Xbox 360 Composite A/V cable
Product Features
Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive: The 120GB hard drive allows gamers to save their games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, levels, demos and other content available from Xbox LIVE® Marketplace.
Xbox 360 Wireless (black): This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller feature the Xbox Guide Button for quick, in-game access to friends and music. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of up to 30 hours on two AA batteries.
Xbox 360 Headset (black): Strategize or trade taunts while playing games and send voice messages to friends on Xbox LIVE.
Xbox LIVE: Xbox LIVE is the online game and entertainment service for Xbox 360. Connect for free and you’ll find game demos so you can try before you buy, and tons of free videos, trailers and more. Plus you’ll have access to Game Add-ons, like new songs and adventures, to extend the life of your favorite games. What’s more, thousands of downloadable HD movies and TV episodes are available with the press of a button.
Free Netflix Trial: See how easy it is to stream movies instantly to your console from Netflix*, many in high definition.

Game Description

Forza Motorsport® 3
Developer: Turn 10
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Racing
Game Rating: E (Everyone)
Game Descriptors: • Mild Lyrics
td>

Game Description

Halo® 3: ODST
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Shooter
Game Rating: M (Mature)
Game Descriptors: • Blood
• Violence
• Language

Attach Recommendations
• Wireless N Networking Adapter
• Quick Charge Kit
• Xbox LIVE Gold 12 month card
• Microsoft 1600 Points Card
• Xbox 360 HDMI Cable

Xbox 360® is entertainment well played. It's about fun, connections, and bringing friends together, no matter where they are. You'll find the largest library* of games with something for every skill and style. You can play with friends across the street or around the world on Xbox LIVE and extend your favorite games with addons like new songs, levels, characters and more.* Plus you'll find thousands of HD movies and TV episodes available instantly from Netflix.* It all adds up to the most bang for your entertainment buck. Jump in.* Two included games are combined in one box; they are not packaged separately. Games, add-ons, and media content sold separately. Microsoft® Points required to purchase from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Xbox LIVE Gold membership (sold separately) and Netflix unlimited membership (sold separately) required to stream movies instantly from Netflix. See Netflix Terms of Use for details about Netflix service. Xbox LIVE Gold required for online multiplayer. Broadband internet required; see www.xbox.com/live for system requirements. Largest library based on next generation consoles.

Xbox 360 has it all
• The largest library of games with something for everyone • Add-ons like new songs and levels to extend the life of your favorite games • Online multiplayer to play games with friends, no matter where they are • Thousands of HD movies and TV episodes available from Netflix and Xbox LIVE® Marketplace
Xbox LIVE
Join Xbox LIVE for FREE, for access to:
• Try games for free before you buy them. • Extend the fun with exciting Game Add-ons like songs, levels and characters. (sold separately) • Choose from hundreds of pick up and play games. (sold separately and broadband Internet required) • Watch thousands of HD movies and TV episodes. (sold separately and broadband Internet required)
Upgrade to Xbox LIVE Gold.
Experience the best in gaming and entertainment with Xbox LIVE Gold. Raise the curtain on your own instant movie night with thousands of HD movies and TV episodes streamed instantly from Netflix. (Netflix membership sold separately). Invite friends all over the world to connect, cheer and play online multiplayer games. And as a Xbox LIVE Gold member, you’ll enjoy exclusive Deals of the Week that save you money, and special sneak-peak game demos that give you early access to the newest and latest. Go Gold for the best in gaming and entertainment:

• Play online multiplayer games. • Stream HD movies and TV episodes instantly from Netflix. (Netflix membership sold separately). • Gain early access to game demos. • Save on exclusive offers on the best content. • Text, voice, and video chat with friends.
Family Settings
Xbox 360 has the most robust Family Settings available to help adults by allowing them to set the rating level of games and movies that can be played on the console, (allowing all members of the household to enjoy Xbox in a user-appropriate environment.) It also lets system owners set the online and offline game experiences of children by selecting whether they can play online and whom they play with. And the Family Timer feature helps adults regulate how long kids can play their Xbox 360.* Games, add-ons, and media content sold separately. Microsoft® Points required to purchase from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Xbox LIVE Gold membership and Netflix unlimited membership required for Netflix instant streaming. See Netflix Terms of Use for details about Netflix service. Xbox LIVE Gold required for online multiplayer. Broadband internet required; see www.xbox.com/live for system requirements. Largest library based on next generation consoles.



Customer Reviews

Wow, what a bundle!5
If you have been holding off on getting an XBox 360 this is a great opportunity. Both of the included games are must owns and would cost you at least $100 if you bought them separately. Forza 3 is arguably better than the Gran Turismo series, I personally have a lot more fun with it. Halo ODST has all the multiplayer stuff from Halo 3 so the online content is really nice. The system reliability problems have been resolved, though I would still buy the three year warranty through Amazon no matter what console you buy.

I own a PS3 slim as well and both systems are great and both have great exclusive games so if you can you should own them both, but I would start with an XBox if you have neither. The only thing that disappoints me about the XBox is that built-in wireless should have been added a long time ago. The wireless adapter is laughably overpriced but there are cheaper alternatives like using a PC with internet connection sharing or buying a TRENDnet TEW-647GA Ethernet Port Wireless Gaming Adapter. Some people think that XBox Live should be free also, and it would be nice if it was but you can find it cheaper if you look around. I always get a 1 year card for $30. For that price it is a bit better than PSN, which isn't as polished and organized as XBox Live.

Other great games for 360 ...
Mass Effect 1 & 2 - These are must play RPGs
Fallout 3 Game of the Year Edition (also on PS3 but it's very buggy, get it on XBox instead)
Fable 2
Gears of War 1 & 2
Halo Reach (coming later)
Left 4 Dead 1 & 2 - also on PC since Valve apparently hates Sony :-(
Viva Pinata

Also since the XBox has been around longer you can find A LOT more budget priced games and cheap used games around.

If you want to get a system now this is a great bundle, but if you are still on the fence about jumping into the HD generation I would wait. The rumored "valhalla" chipset should be coming this year, which will be the CPU and GPU on one die which will take up less space and will probably prompt Microsoft to make a XBox 360 "Slim" like Sony always does. If they do that it will really boost sales and no one will want the older bigger model anymore.
Great bundle with 2 minor annoyances!4
First off, let me state that this is a great bundle for an Xbox 360 newcomer. As shown, it comes with two popular games for the system, Halo 3: ODST and Forza Motorsport 3. The system looks great and runs very nicely. Also these are all manufactured with the Jasper chipset, the most reliable of all known 360 chipsets. I've owned another Jasper for over a year with absolutely no problems. There are two small annoyances I found with the bundle that I would like to address.

1. There is NO HDMI cable in the bundle. I'm pretty upset Microsoft took this route and have not included the HDMI cable in this bundle. Not sure why this move was made, but it's very disappointing.

2. Forza 3/Halo 3: ODST both come in the same case. This is pretty standard with all bundles of this nature, but for us OCD gamers, it's pretty annoying. 4 discs in one case. Really Microsoft?

Other than those 2 minor problems, I found the bundle to be up to par with the rest of the Microsoft game bundles. It makes a great gift for anybody and is also perfect for those looking to upgrade to a new system and hard drive (120gb).

Also something I liked, it came with a voucher to download a Boys and Girls Clubs of America hoodie for your male or female avatar. For each redeemed token, a $1 donation is made to Boys and Girls Clubs of America. I liked this and am proud to say my avatar has his hoodie on right this second.
Amazing deal for an amazing console!5
If you were on the fence about purchasing an Xbox 360, look no further. This deal is giving you access to two free full-priced amazing games along with your 120gb 360. Halo 3 : ODST comes with the ODST campaign of Halo 3 and a separate disk with Halo 3 multiplayer (meaning you don't need to buy the original Halo 3 to play online, both connect to each other. On that disk you also get the map packs available only on Xbox LIVE (Legendary, Mythic map pack, etc). Best of all, though, EVERY copy of ODST comes with beta access to Halo: Reach in May! Halo: Reach is looking to be the definitive Halo in terms of story, graphics, and multiplayer. If you know about video games, I'm sure you've seen some previews already; it's everywhere!

Forza 3 is a superb racing sim. I've spend around 260~ hours on my file and I've only really completed around 25% of the game. I've spent hours in the auction house and storefront buying and reselling cars alone to raise my in-game credits, and, while I suck at designing and customization, people devote hundreds of hours making amazing graphic designs for your cars and selling them in the in-game online store. The racing is top-notch and unlike any racing sim you'll ever play. Try your hand at racing in career mode, win credits and build up/customize your garage or take your skills online in multiplayer. Your choice! (Even if you don't want these 2 free games, you can sell them on craigslist or eBay for a nice amount).

Other superb Xbox 360 exclusives to look into are:

Gears of War 1 & 2
Lost Odyssey
Viva Pinata
Perfect Dark
Fable II and III
Crackdown 1 & 2
Tales of Vesperia (US/EU)
Mass Effect 1 & 2
Splinter Cell: Conviction
Alan Wake
Metro 2033
Dead Rising
Left 4 Dead 1 & 2
Portal: Still Alive and Portal 2 (coming Fall 2010)
Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts
Banjo Kazooie and Banjo- Tooie (XBLA, remakes of the classic ones)
Halo Wars
Magna Carta 2
Shadow Complex

Okay, enough with games! *phew* The console is a 65nm Jasper chip model and highly resistant to "3RROD" unlike the older 360 models. Studies put the rate at about 3%, or pretty much in line with your everyday household electronic. The 120GB coming with your console is practically needed if you're going to be serious about playing so many games. Downloading games onto your HDD results in no disk even spinning inside your console, which means an extremely quiet Xbox (even throughout 12 hour gaming sessions, trust me, I know) and hardly any heat emission from your Xbox.

All in all, if you're looking to purchase an Xbox 360, THIS is the bundle you want. With so many games released and being released, if you're on the fence for yourself or a relative, now's your chance to get with the bandwagon!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

FIFA Soccer 10


FIFA Soccer 10

FIFA Soccer 10
From Electronic Arts

List Price:$59.99
Price:$56.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com
39 new or used available from $40.00
Average customer review: 

Product Description

FIFA Soccer 10 gives players new levels of control and innovation to experience the beautiful game like never before. Featuring core gameplay refinements based on responsiveness and intelligence, on top of an already potent game engine, FIFA Soccer continues to set the benchmark as the most complete soccer simulation.


Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #239 in Video Games
  • Brand: Electronic Arts
  • Model: 014633157116
  • Published on: 2009-09-30
  • Released on: 2009-10-20
  • ESRB Rating: Everyone
  • Platform: Xbox 360
  • Number of items: 1
  • Dimensions: .57" h x 5.38" w x 7.57" l, .33 pounds

Features

  • You have complete control over your players, with the ability to assign a specific role and movement to every outfield player on your team one at a time, and then combine them for the perfect set piece.
  • The first true 360 dribbling system in a soccer game gives you precise control to skillfully play spaces between defenders that previously was not possible.
  • Advanced animation warping technology lets skilled players face defenders and maneuver around them with highly-responsive lateral dribbling.
  • More intelligent AI with more authentic behavior. Players now avoid passes not intended for them, avoid blocking teammate shots, and throw themselves in the way of attacker's shots in defense.
  • Work on individual skills in a fully featured practice mode before stepping on the pitch. Select exactly how many attackers and defenders you want in play, and practice set pieces.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Product Description 

The seventeenth overall release in Electronic Arts' popular FIFA Soccer franchise, FIFA Soccer 10 enables gamers and soccer fans alike to enjoy the nonstop action and fun of the #1 soccer game simulation, regardless of their skill on a real or virtual pitch. With FIFA Soccer 10, players can create themselves in game, join a club and compete against gamers around the world in online competition. Game features include extensive play modes and improvements, as well as multiplayer options including 4-player local multiplayer, coop gameplay both online and offline and 2-20 player support online.

A header at midfield in FIFA Soccer 10

Elevate your game on the virtual pitch in
FIFA Soccer 10.
View larger.
FIFA Soccer 10 game logo
Gameplay
On the heels of winning 25 international gaming awards with FIFA Soccer 09, the top-selling soccer franchise from EA Sports is surpassed with FIFA Soccer 10. Responding to consumer feedback from over 350 million online games played, FIFA Soccer 10 gives players new levels of control and innovation to experience the beautiful game like never before. Featuring core gameplay refinements based on responsiveness and intelligence, on top of an already potent game engine, FIFA Soccer continues to set the benchmark as the most complete soccer simulation.
Key Game Features

  • Virtual Pro – Live out the fantasy of being a real life soccer player by creating yourself in game with a 3D head using Photo Game Face. Play as yourself across any mode. Grow your player attributes through 200 accomplishments and take your Virtual Pro online to become a global superstar.
  • Pro Club Championship – Create an online club with friends and play 10v10 against hundreds of thousands of Virtual Pros from around the World, with the top clubs battling it out to become Regional & World Champions.
  • New Practice Arena - Work on individual and team skills in a fully featured practice mode before stepping on the pitch. Select the number of attackers and defenders you want in play (e.g. 11v11, 5v5, or even 5v3), and practice in open play or from set pieces.
  • Customizable Set Pieces - Design and record your very own free kicks and corners on the training ground for use on match day to outwit your opponent. You have complete control over your players, with the ability to assign a specific movement to every outfield player on your team one at a time, and then combine them for the perfect set piece. Record them in the Practice Arena, then trigger then in game using the D-Pad.
  • 360° Dribbling - The first-ever true 360° dribbling system in a soccer game provides finer dribbling control, enabling players to find spaces between defenders that previously were not possible.
  • Skilled Dribbling - All-new animation warping technology provides unprecedented control. Skilled players now have the ability to face a defender and use highly-responsive lateral dribbling to skip past him.
  • Freedom in Physical Play - Wider dribble touches and new collision sharing creates a varied, less predictable, and extended fight for possession between the dribbler and a defender.
  • Manager Mode Authenticity - More than 50 major improvements were designed to create an authentic experience to mimic the real-world game. Match results are based on team and player strengths and weaknesses. Player transfers are determined by multiple decision points, including club finance and prestige, and competition from AI-controlled clubs. Player development is more realistic with true-to-life growth curves.
  • Refined Goalkeeper Intelligence — numerous improvements mean that goalkeepers now have more urgency and better perception of where to intercept loose balls, resulting in a more responsive and powerful rushing system. New animation warping technology provides game-realistic goalkeeper positioning and momentum, resulting in more varied scoring opportunities.

12345-Travel

Condominium Projects