OCZ Technology 320 GB Vertex 2 Series SATA II 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive (SSD) OCZSSD2-2VTX320G Review

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(More customer reviews)Verified failure on three machines with red LED of death. Transfers stall after several GB are transfered and SSD must be power cycled to revive. Firmware isn't upgradeable using Mac, or even MS XP. OCZ firmware page falsely lists XP as a supported OS for firmware update.
After wasting lots of time attempting to clone an OS onto the drive, I started testing basic functionality of the device. Single operations can work for many GBs of transfer, however, simultaneous file copies and duplications of files already on the device will lock it up with red LED. Documentation is poor with no description of red death LED. Seems like a firmware issue caused by lack of testing on part of OCZ.
I want my weekend back.

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Based on a cutting-edge new architecture, Vertex 2 Solid State Drives raise the bar once again and deliver unprecedented performance for the complete gamut of gaming and professional multimedia applications. OCZ designed the Vertex 2 to surpass the competition where it counts most, pushing the limits in both sequential and random read/write rates. With spectacular performance in 4k file writes up to 50,000 IOPS, these latest drives take productivity to the next level with over ten times the performance of the previous generation. Using the latest controller technology, Vertex 2 not only provides a faster, more responsive PC experience, but promotes cooler, quieter, and more energy efficient conditions compared to traditional mechanical hard drives. With sheer performance that outpaces the competition, the Vertex 2 doesn't lose sight of what makes an SSD the ideal storage alternative to hard drives and delivers the quality, reliability, and durability demanded by consumers that will not settle for anything but the best. Built with SATA 3Gb/s, the Vertex 2 Series easily integrates into today's mobile and desktop platforms and features TRIM support to optimize performance over the drive's lifespan as the ultimate Windows 7 notebook or desktop upgrade. OCZ Vertex 2 SSDs are available in 40GB to 480GB and come backed by a 3-year warranty and 2 million hour MTBF for ultimate peace of mind.

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Samsung H204 Full HD Camcorder with 16GB Internal Memory & 20x Optical Zoom (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)For starters, if you have a Mac, the software program included with the camera did not work on my 6 month old Mac. iMovie should upload it though. Here are some of my observations:
Likes:
Picture quality with HD setting, and fine setting (there is also a better super fine setting), was stunning on my 55' Samsung HD TV
Touch screen capability
Internal memory, with a slot for a memory card too
Convenient small size, and comfortable to use
Ability to connect easily to HD TV for viewing, or to a stand alone DVD recorder for recording onto a DVD
Quick and easy uploading of video from the camcorder to your computer
Choices of different quality HD settings and if you wish, an SD setting
Dislikes:
You have to manually open and close the lens cover
For some reason, when I set the date and time it gets messed up (I don't know why, and I'm doing it correctly. I just hope it doesn't continue to be a problem, as I like to have the date on a recording)
Manual is on a CD to upload on your computer (there is a quick guide booklet). Give me a manual in a book anytime.
Problems with the sound recording - must have an automatic level record function for audio, and it 'spikes' at times making for a very unpleasant listening experience.

Just realize that the higher quality HD recording will use a lot of memory, so although 16 GB is quite a bit of memory, somewhere down the line, you may want to purchase a memory card, especially if you record in the better HD setting. Also, if you have a DVD recorder (stand alone), it will not record in HD. You will get a nice picture, but not full HD quality. The picture will still be far superior to a standard definition camcorder. I don't think your computer DVD recording will do the HD either. So, your best picture will be from viewing from the camcorder to your TV, or uploading on your computer and watching on your computer monitor. Anything I record onto a DVD, I plan on saving on my computer if I want to watch it in full HD.
I did a lot of research online before choosing this HD camcorder. It's nearly impossible to find an HD camcorder that is perfect, and is reasonably priced (I really didn't want to spend $800-$1500). Every possible choice seemed to have some drawbacks, or bad reviews. That being said, while not perfect, this Samsung HD camcorder offers quite a bit of value for it's price tag.
UPDATE - Well, in spite of the superior HD video quality on this camcorder, I decided to send it back. The audio problem just wasn't acceptable, especially because I video events, like my daughter's school concerts, my own band's performances, etc., in which audio is important too. I've decided to go with a Sony, because I've owned Sony camcorders in the past and the audio was always very good.

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To really appreciate Samsung's HMX-H204BN is to start by looking at the photos of it on the Images tab. We'll give you a minute . . . . . . . Yup, it's that small. That compact. It's almost unbelievable that a camcorder this small could even be produced. But thanks to modern technology, we have another marvelous invention. And, not to mention the price, but the price is equally impressive for a camcorder with a 16-gig hard drive, 20x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer, and 200x digital zoom. We've got one word for it: Wowser.

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Samsung HMX-H104 HD SSD Flash Memory Camcorder with 16 GB Memory and 10x Optical Zoom Review

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(More customer reviews)I now consider myself a collector of camcorders. Still, I demand excellent quality with point and shoot simplicity. My camcorder of choice up until now has been the Samsung SC HMX-20C for its brilliant video quality and amazing still photos, and the ability to take great photos while filming. I saw the HMX-H104 and thought it looks very similar. How is it different?
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Out of the box, the HMX-H104 is sleek and stylish with the trademark bullet shape of the Samsung camcorders. It's smaller and weighs less than its cousin, the SC HMX-20C. The first thing I notice is the case, which has a rubbery grip. I like the feel, I can get a good grip and it feels sturdy in my hands. The little door on the rear leading to all the ports feels like flimsy plastic, but even that is attractive to the eye.
The lens cover closes automatically. I touch it and it feels paper thin, opens easily when I push it. It will keep the dust out. I wonder if it will take a knocking, but I hesitate to challenge it. The SC HMX-20C's lens is also automatic and opens when I push it, but it feels a little sturdier. At least I won't have to remember to put the lens cap back on.
The record button is awkwardly placed. This is true of all the bullet-shaped Samsungs that I own (I have three). It is to the far right of the rear of the camcorder. That makes it difficult to grip the camcorder with the thumb while activating the record button. I'd prefer it more to the left, or better yet on the top of the camcorder. The swivel grip does help with the handling, but it is nowhere as comfortable to hold as a Sanyo Xacti, for instance.
Both camcorders have flash memory onboard or I can choose to use a memory card (both are compatible with SDHC and SC HMX-20C can use MMCPlus). HMX-H104 has double the capacity of its cousin: 16 GB versus 8 GB.
Both camcorders lack a full manual. It is included on a disc, which means I will never read it.
VIDEO
Flip the screen open on the HMX-H104 and it's on, unlike the SC HMX-20C where I need to press the power button. HMX-H104 responds lightening fast. Turning on from sleep mode is even faster.
Both camcorders sport anti-shake technology; but that technology still needs further development, since I have yet to find a camcorder where the image doesn't shake when handheld, especially when the image is zoomed. Tip: use a tripod when possible.
Video quality of both camcorders in broad daylight is comparable. They are both excellent. In lowlight conditions, I prefer the SC HMX-20C (less video noise), but the HMX-H104 is not far behind.
HMX-H104 has wide screen format, great for viewing on my wide screen TV.
PHOTO
Nothing beats SC HMX-20C, which has the best camera in a camcorder I've ever seen. HMX-H104 sometimes give me blurry photos -- very blurry, to the point that I couldn`t even recognize the object or subject in the photo. Okay, I think I didn't press the button just right. But I am using the automatic function and just pressing the photo button every time, not doing anything different and it's great, sometimes better than SC HMX-20C . . . and then it's not. I never know when it will be blurry. Most of the time, the photos look wonderful; but it's not nearly so hard with SC HMX-20C, where I've never had a blurry photo, ever.
Also, I find photos of my son under incandescent light looks better with the SC HMX-20C. It automatically adjusts color and white balance better so that his skin tone looks more natural.
The HMX-H104 has a flash, but it is not as hefty as the pop-up flash of the SC HMX-20C.
When taking photos while filming, I feel there is more of a lag time with HMX-H104. It's not as bad as some others, but SC HMX-20C is better, if only by a split second. That does make a difference when taking photos. When I press that button, that's the photo I want, not a second later.
INTELLI-STUDIO
This is a new one for me. Connect the camcorder to the computer via USB cable and video editing software automatically runs. No need to install software from a disc. Move the video to a folder, edit it right there, make your movie.
Personally, I will not use this feature much. The video editing is basic and will involve a lot of work, unless all I want to do is trim a little and add a title. I like video editing software that includes a wizard -- plug my video in and churn out a movie I can fine-tune to my liking.
SC HMX-20C does not have Intelli-Studio. In fact, I do not own any other camcorder which has this feature. Interesting, but not necessary in my book.
Where HMX-H104 is superior to SC HMX-20C:
* it is smaller: 4 ¾" versus 5"
* it weighs less: 13.7 ounces versus 17.5 ounces (with batteries included)
* it has a rubbery grip making it attractive with a no-slip comfortable to hold, although the matte finish of the SC HMX-20C is also attractive
* it turns on the minute the screen is flipped open versus needing to press the power button
* it has a sleep mode
* it has more internal memory: 16 GB versus 8 GB
* it has a faster boot up and access time
* it has built-in video editing software -- installs automatically to the computer when I plug in my camcorder
* it automatically turns off when its been on too long
* it records in wide screen formatWhere they both excel:
* they have touch screen controls
* nice sleek designs
* they record in full HD
* they have 10X optical zoom
* the grips swivel to adjust for comfort
* automatic lens cap, though they push open easily and the HMX-H104's lens cover is paper thin
* both come with remotes.
Where they both need improvement:
* the record buttons are awkwardly placed
* manuals are on a disc, thought the quick start guide of the SC HMX-20C is more thorough.
Where HMX-H104 is inferior:
* photos while not filming can be completely out of focus and blurry on occasion
* photos while filming have slightly more lag time
* videos are not as good under lowlight conditions
* SC HMX-20C has a heftier pop-up flash
* SC HMX-20C comes with a nice, soft pouch. HMX-H104 does not come with anything to hold it in.
SUMMARY
If you want a camcorder that's a brilliant camera with great video quality, get the SC HMX-20C. It doesn't get better than that.
If you want a slightly smaller camcorder with good video quality, large internal storage capacity, fast start-up, wide screen capability, an automatic camera function that is very good but occasionally acts up, go for HMX-H104. You won't be disappointed.


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Samsung HMX-H104 High Definition Digital Camcorder Flash Memory, Memory Card - 16:9 - 2.70

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