Saturday, January 7, 2012

Product review: SanDisk 8 GB microSDHC Card with SD Adapter

SD Sleeve defective, USB Sleeve missing, microSDHC packaging is suspect
 
It is not often that I am disappointed in purchase received from Amazon, but  unfortunately I got a disappointment in the mail yesterday.

I purchased a microSDHC card with SD sleeve for my MP3 player. Since SD cards have a limited number of writes before they go bad, my plan was to use the external micro SD card so when I get bad sectors I will replace the external card and not have to worry about having bad sectors in the internal storage of my MP3 player.

I picked this particular product because it had both SD Adapter and bonus USB sleeve mentioned in the description and by other reviewers.

Unfortunately I encountered several issues with this order:

1) SD sleeve included in the package did not work. When I inserted it into the computer it was not seen. I have tried it on three computers (in addition to my home computer I tried it at work, and also at a friend's house), all 3 computers had SDHC slots that work with SDHC cards. I tried the card under both Windows and Linux operating systems. The problem is definitely with the sleeve, not the computers.

2) The USB sleeve, mentioned as a bonus in the product description as well as in several Amazon reviews for the product, was not included in my order

3) The packaging of the card (as seen in attached photo) was just a plastic bag. I am not sure if the product is new or refurbished.

Since this product is sold by different vendors and fulfilled by Amazon, I need to mention that the seller of the package I received is "MemoryMogul/Progressive Interest Corporation".

My MP3 player does see the card, but because the SD sleeve is not working my computer does not. I was able to copy files to microSDHC card by attaching my MP3 player via USB cable to the computer, but this is not how I planned to use it, so I am not a happy camper!

Next time I will need a new microSDHC I will definitely seek another option, I will look for a product sold directly by Amazon not just fulfilled by Amazon. One item missing, one item not working, one item in questionable packaging... This is not the quality I've grown to expect from an Amazon purchase. I debated between 1 star and 2 stars ranking for this purchase, but since the microSDHC is working I decided 2 star is the right ranking for this experience.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★☆☆☆

Friday, January 6, 2012

Product review: OXO Good Grips Expandable Wall-Mounted Organizer

I purchased this organizer over 6 months ago, and I am very pleased with it.  It really organized my cleaning tools well, and freed up a lot of room in the closet.

The installation into a hollow wall was difficult but once it was installed I am pleased with the organizer (a minor issue detailed below).

The organizer can be installed in a variety of configurations ranging from 12 inches to 20 inches. I hung it in the most extended length of 20 inches, which is shown on Photo#1. Photo#2 shows the organizer in its most compact form. In the shortest configuration no silver slide bar is showing, the organizer will look all black.

The organizer consists of 4 holders, 4 hooks, and 4 mini hooks. CamLock Holders hold a pole by squeeze it. Each CamLock Holder also has a very small hook built-in into one of its sides. In addition to CamLock Holders the organizer comes with 4 slightly larger hooks, which can be positioned separately. Photo#3 shows a close up of a holder and a hook.
I found only one brush (see blue loop on the right) that fit the very small hook on the CamLock Holder. This is the minor issue I mentioned earlier. I wish these hooks were somewhat bigger to be useful. The larger separate holders were a good size to hold all the things I wanted to hang (see red handle), however when I "auditioned" hanging items on the hooks many of them hung in the orientation that put their heads perpendicular to the wall, extending them further out than if they hung against the wall. I placed the organizer behind the bathroom door and for the door to open without hitting anything the Swiffer and other implements had to hang flat against the wall.

However, I managed to fit everything I needed on the organizer (see Photo #1 at the top of the review). The larger hooks accumulated two small things hangings (but each of the things I was able to double up on the bigger hook, did not fit on the smaller hook of the CamLock Holder once the CamLock Holder was holding something). I have all 4 larger hooks and 1 small hook occupied as well as all 4 CamLock hodlers occupied. The CamLocks hold the handles well and it is easy to take thing in and out of the holders.

Installation:


To install the organizer you need to completely take it apart. Photo#4 shows the organizer disassembled. In addition to the hooks and holders, there are two slide panels that hold the hooks and holders, two mounting brackets (one with built-in level), and nails and hollow wall anchors. The positions of the mounting brackets are very
important, the instructions specify the clearance you need to allow to the ends, with respect to each, and minimum amount of overlap they need to have. I marked positions on the wall with masking tape, measured and double measured. I drilled pilot holes and then inserted the anchors. The anchors that came with the organizer are not the easiest kind of anchors to work with. After they were inserted into the wall they made the holes so large that when I attempted to mount the bracket the screw along with the anchor came out of the wall leaving a very large hole behind. I had to run to the store to get spackling paste and better anchors (the one that have metal wings behind the wall once you screw them in). I had to spackle the holes, wait for patches to dry up, and start all over.

Using the replacement anchors the installation of the anchors went better, however the mounting bracket is pretty thick and the screws that came with the new anchors were a little too short to open the wings behind the plaster and I had to go out again to get longer screws. The screws of 1" are too shot, you need 1 1/4" or a little more. Before mounting the first bracket with built-in level (pretty handy!) I used it to mark the level of the second mounting bracket making it levelled with the first one. I made a pilot hole for the second bracket. Then mounted the first bracket.

When I slid the panels over the first bracket I found that I have a problem. The second (small) bracket had to be mounted a bit lower (not levelled) with the first bracket. I decided that I will spackle the hole and drill a new pilot hole, but first I decided to mark the hole by putting in the second bracket into the sliding panel, sliding the entire panel onto the first mounted bracket, and making a perfectly aligned mark with a screw (the mounting bracket was too thick for a pencil to reach the wall). That all worked well, except when I was done I could not unscrew the screw from the second small mounting bracket. The screw just spun in place without going up or down. Nor could I slide the bracket out so I can pound on the screw from the other side (since the screw was embedded in the wall). After working on this for a while, my only option was to leave it mounted without an anchor (the first bracket was mounted with two anchored screws). I will have to hang only light objects on this side, which is not supported well. Once the slide panel was installed the rest of the installation was easy. I slid the locks from the ends, and clicked in the hooks from the top.

Based on my experience with installation I would recommend
1) get better anchor for hollow walls right away, minimum screw length has to be 1 1/4 inches.
2) do not use a screw to mark hole position, only use a pen (you will need a very thin pen/pencil for the small bracket).

Once the installation was complete, I was very pleased with how the organizer handled all my tools and how roomy my closet has become.

After more than 6 months of use I am still very pleased with the organizer. The squeeze mechanism continues to work well and have not lost the strength of the spring at all.

I finally found a good use for the small hooks I mentioned in my review as not being able to hold much of anything. The organizer is hanging in my bathroom, which has a shower and I now hang a terry robe on one of the small hooks. This worked out to be very convenient.

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Product review: Tom's of Maine Anticavity toothpaste, Silly Strawberry

Should be named "Bubblegum" not "Strawberry"

I purchased "Strawberry" flavor toothpaste after buying and loving Tom's of Maine "Orange mango". I expected that this flavor will be as true to its name in taste as Orange mango was to its. However, this is not so. This toothpaste has a flavor of bubblegum. It is not unpleasant, not too sweet, however not strawberry.

I don't like mint flavors in anything, so I have been very pleased to discover non-minty flavors of Tom's of Maine. This toothpaste has fluoride which fight cavities and it whitens with silicas.

The Bubble gum flavor is okay: it is not too sweet but I would not call it refreshing. Despite its name this toothpaste is suitable to adults, as it is not too sweet. The flavor does not linger when you are done brushing. It leaves a slightly chalky aftertaste which does not last long. This toothpaste does not foam. By comparison Orange Mango foams a little however less than a regular toothpaste like Colgate. Orange Mango felt refreshing and you could feel the flavor for a few minutes after brushing.

Attached is a photo of the Silly Strawberry on the toothbrush so you can see the actual toothpaste color and texture. The second photo shows that the toothpaste arrived sealed, which is very nice so it will keep longer. I also liked the fact that I could keep the tube standing on its cover, so gravity keeps the toothpaste at the opening and it takes up less room on the bathroom counter.

I have to say that I liked Orange Mango more in both respects of flavor and foaming. I will finish the three tubes of Strawberry I received in this order, but I will not be buying this flavor again.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★☆☆

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Product review: Tom's of Maine Whole Care Fluoride Toothpaste, Orange Mango Gel

Makes me want to go and brush again

I don't like mint flavors in anything, yet for years I had to put up with minty toothpaste. It is nice a have a choice! Tom's of Maine orange mango gel toothpaste has fluoride which fight cavities, it whitens with silicas, and has a pleasant taste that makes you want to brush more frequently which promotes fresh breath and lessens tartar.

The orange flavor is noticeably yet light and refreshing. It foams a little less than a regular toothpaste like Colgate, but feels nicer. It leaves a cool refreshing feeling and the slight orangy flavor lingers for a few minutes.

Attached is a photo of the Orange Mango Gel being put on the toothbrush so you can see the actual toothpaste color and texture.

It is a little pricier than a typical toothpaste, but I am very pleased I got it and have been enjoying now for a few days.
I recommend!

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Product review: Waxman Reusable Sliders Furniture Moving and Gliding exercises

Double Duty Sliders

I am very pleased with Waxman sliders. I initially bought them for moving furniture during house re-modeling. Then a few years later I found that I can use them for "gliding" exercises instead of buying more expensive gliders designed specifically for exercising. I love when things have multiple uses!  I purchased them in a local Home Depot store, they came as a set of four sliders with 4 woollen sleeves.


FURNITURE MOVING

I purchased the Waxman sliders with the woolen sleeves (see attached photo). I used them with the sleeves on wood surfaces and without woolen sleeves on tile. They did very well on both surfaces. My floors were not damaged and the items were moved without too much trouble. I was particularly worried about moving the stove on the new tile floor in the kitchen, but the floor was totally undamaged. I am attaching a photo of my gliders, and you can see that the heavy stove left permanent impressions on the black side of the slider, the white part is slightly scuffed up, but the floor is completely scratch free.

EXERCISE

I enjoy gliding as part of my exercise routine (for example using exercise DVD Bender Ball: The Gliding and Bender Method). The exercise gurus typically recommend Valslide sliders for doing gliding exercises. Those sliders cost over $40 dollars. But I found that WAXMAN gliders work just as well. You can also use oval version of them. The round ones work best when you need to glide on your heels or toes typically from a sitting position, the oval ones work well when you need to slide your entire foot.

These gliders work very well no matter what I use them for! Highly recommend!

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Monday, January 2, 2012

Product Review: Universal Clear Laminating Pouches, 5 mil, 2-1/4" x 3-3/4", business card size pouches

Good deal, great fit for business cards

Universal laminating pouches are currently by far the best deal for business cards laminating pouches on Amazon. However their width dimensions were slightly smaller than other better known brand names and I was a little concerned about the fit. I figured I might have to trim my business cards if they don't fit right. However, the fit is perfect! 

I am attaching a collage of two photos to illustrate the fit.
1) The first photo shows my business card in the sleeve next to the stack of sleeves you get. I put the reflection on the corner of the sleeve so you can see how much clearing the sleeve has around the business card.
2) The second photo shows the business card in the sleeve on top of the ruler with 1/8 of the inch grid marks, so you can see the grid through the edges of the sleeve. Note that the second business card was a not laminated yet, that is why the appearance of the sleeve is somewhat smokey. Once it is laminated it is totally clear. 
Note: The text on the business card was blurred for the photo, blurriness is not caused by the sleeve.

The sleeve worked very well in my Scotch laminator, and I recommend these pouches as a good deal.


You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Product review: Cetaphil Fragrance Free Moisturizing Lotion

Cold weather and forced air heating makes my skin look like alligator skin in the winter.  I also have a problem with painful cracked skin if I don't moisturize.  I have tried a large number of different moisturizing lotions over the years and found that Cetaphil works best for me.

I LIKE:

1. Cetaphil is effective in treating my dry skin - both appearance and texture of my skin is better, I don't get cracked skin on heals and other spots that crack if I don't do anything
2. Cetaphil has no scent - very important to me as I don't like perfumes especially before going to bed as smells tend to keep me awake
3. Pump works well and consistently
4. My skin does not feel greasy after the cream is applied

I was pleased to see that November 2011 issue of Consumer Reports rated Cetaphil at the top of their rankings. They found that it was twice as effective as the lowest ranking cream in their study.  Consumer Reports study used a special device that measured the the skin moisture in a temperature-controlled environment in a number of tests spanning multiple hours intervals (2 hours, 5 hours, 24 hours).  In terms of cost, Consumer Reports put per ounce of Cetaphil in the middle of the range 0.66 cents with the highest tested being 1.14 per oz and lowest tested 0.14 per oz.

The current Amazon price is a bit better than the price quoted by Consumer Reports at 0.60 cents per oz.

This stuff works, I recommend!

You can find it on Amazon by following this link.


Ali Julia review ★★★★★