Transnational Studies

Archive for the ‘Shopping Studies’ Category

The Forerunner 305 is a great aid to my running. The heart rate monitor allows me to train to pace myself without over-training. The GPS accurately tracks my distance. I also own a Polar RS300x SD and find myself using the Forerunner 305 more often now. Since the Forerunner 305 uses the GPS to calculate the pace, the feedback will be slightly delayed compared to that of a foot pod. It will take many strides to register an accurate pace. I normally set the display to show the average pace rather than displaying the instantaneous pace. This is only a minor nuisance and does not bother me at all. It is simply a limitation of the technology rather than a flaw. Get a Garmin foot pod to add to the 305 and the problem is solved. I am very happy with my purchase and hope the Forerunner 305 will be durable to last me many years to come.

Pros:
- Accurate distance measurement.
- A ton of features and training aids.
- Virtual partner lets me race a virtual runner and beat my personal best.
- Easily upload data to a laptop or PC.
- Heart rate monitor is more comfortable than it looks.

Cons:
- Size! My left arm is going to be huge compared to my right arm.
- Satellite lock-on may take a couple of minutes on cloudy days.
- Sweat or water can get into the speaker hole. I tape the hole up.
Garmin Nuvi 300 Accessory

I have 3, and am buying a forth. I was shown these by a friend and given the fact that I’m going to have all of the cables I presently need, at a fraction of the cost of a single cable (even at Wal-Mart!) You really can’t find a much better deal.

They’re sturdy, heavy gauge, and overall well made. They shipped fast, and I have had zero issues with them thus far. I can’t recommend them enough, and will be buying more in the future as I develop the need. Rest assured, these are well worth every penny, and many, many more.

I swear by Monster for my music equipment. I will NEVER buy an HDMI cable of theirs so long as these are available.
PC Computer Diagnostic Network

I suggest that you get the canon grip. I purchased one of these from Amazon last March. The shutter release button only kept working for 3 or 4 months of minimal use.

I do have to say the included batteries are great though.
Opteka Battery Pack Grip

I have purchase 4 of these cards all 8Gb they seem to be bullet proof to me. Will buy more in the future.
Tuff Luv Archos 5

Hartz Ultra Guard Pro

Just looking for a watch- this is it. No need for a chrono/timer/alarm/barometer/altimeter/esppresso maker on a wrist? you’ve found your watch. The battery is easy to replace at any watch shop, but you might be better off just buying a new watch for the same price as the battery replacement! I love this watch for 2 reasons- the frugality and the “old-school-retro” thing. If that’s not your thing, oh well…
Casio Men s F30

This is a very good 21 piece ratchet set for general home use. There are 10 Standard and 10 Metric socket pieces: ranging from 5/16″ to 7/8″, in Standard, and 10 mm through 22mm, in Metric.

This set is to complement my stainless steel set from Brookstone and my hardware from Sears. The numbering is well demarcated and easy to read.

The 3/8″ drive has a soft handle with finger grooves that allow for a more comfortable grip when compared to all steel sets. I personally prefer the push button mechanism rather than the lever based systems. The finish of the Black Nickel is attractive, reduces glare and fingerprints.

The accompanying rack is rudimentary and you are better off storing this set in a toolbox.

Overall, this is a very nice and comfortable set for those routine jobs around the house. I recommend this set.
KR Tools 31118 Pro

1,500 5 star reviews cant be wrong, but just to add to the common-sense, this sucker rocks. I have used it EVERY week for 2 years. It still works as good as when I bought it. This thing is loaded with U.S. Patents, and no wonder, I dont think you can get a comparable product from anyone. My carpet looks new every week, thanks Hoover! This is the real deal, buy buy buy, dont forget to clean it as they instruct and you will have years rugs that look like new.
Architect Series II KEBC247VWH

My suction cup kept coming off and after about the 5th time my Garmin hit the dashboard I knew I needed to do something. This is perfect. Safely hold the Garmin where I can see it.
Biggest Loser Hand Held

This is a great vacuum at a very low cost. It is a no-frills product but, who cares it’s a vacuum. It is easy to assemble, very sturdy and not too heavy to lift. It has great suction. I have a long haired cat and it picks up after him with no trouble. The vacuum has tools on board and they work well but are slightly undersized and the hose is a little short but again they work well. One potential draw back is the bags fill really quickly, so be prepared with refills. I bought a nine pack of bags with my purchase of the vacuum. The Hoover Temp works as well as any of my past vacuums which were considerably more expensive. If you are not into bells and whistles and just want a basic reliable product this totally fits the bill.

Classic Straight USB Cable