Joined on 02/11/09
Mostly works as advertised
Pros: Low price, big screen, Lifetime maps, simple interface, customizable
Cons: Simple interface lacking some features, occasionally gets confused, touch screen not that sensitive.
Overall Review: I borrowed a cousin's Garmin a few times and loved it, so I decided to purchase a similar one. After some research, settled on this Nuvi 50. I've only used it a couple of times since its purchase and it gets the job done. I like the big, bright screen, free lifetime maps, and the custom icons available. But sometimes it takes a bit to get locked onto the satellites, and it doesn't always give accurate data, so be warned. It's missing some of the map features of its bigger brothers like the 1490. And the touch screen sometimes doesn't respond very well. Honestly, Google Maps is probably more accurate, but a little harder to use while driving. If you travel a lot and need a cheap GPS (and can make up your own mind about the information it gives you), buy one.
Mostly works as advertised
Pros: Hold's a bulky Moultrie D-55 IR camera. Made of tough, powder-coated metal. Goes in the ground easily. Can be stuck just about anywhere.
Cons: The adjustment knobs that let the mount tilt and the pole extend don't hold terribly tight - I have sometimes checked my camera only to find that the camera is pointing down at the ground. And the triangular end of the pole doesn't do the greatest job of holding the whole affair in place - in a storm or soggy ground it might tip over. Matte black finish stands out in green summertime foliage.
Overall Review: It serves its purpose well enough. I was able to mount my Moultrie using nylon straps. I put camouflage duct tape on the pole to mask the black (I'm using the camera for property surveillance). I recommend this mount for the older, bulkier cameras - the mounting surface is overkill for the newer, smaller cameras.
Works as described so far
Pros: The 2.1 amp outlet registers between 1.5-1.9 amps with my S4's battery current app. The LED isn't as annoying as some similar units I've seen. It barely sticks out of my 12v outlet, which is good because I use a bank of 4 outlets (my car being an older model that hides the outlet in a hidden ashtray) and they're mounted in such a way that bulky chargers interfere with the cupholders. The supplied cable is stout and long enough for me to use the phone while plugged in. Snug fit means no random loss of charge or corrosion or accidental removal.
Cons: If you switch cars a lot, the nearly flush-fitting design and aforementioned snug fit of the charger might prove annoying to dig out of your 12v outlet. Not an issue for me, so no problems here.
Overall Review: I purchased this charger both for my Kindle Fire and for my Galaxy S4. Most of these kinds of chargers either don't fit flush, feel very flimsy, don't put out near the amps that they claim, or come with flimsy cables that provide too much resistance for charging (or come with no cables at all). I was pleasantly surprised with this charger as it was exactly what I wanted at a reasonable price. I wish I'd purchased this charger a long time ago instead of my last couple of shoddy overpriced ones.
Not up to snuff for an S4
Pros: It's very small. Cheap
Cons: 2.1 amp port didn't put out anywhere near that current. More like .9 amps initially. Over time this became about .46 amps - not enough to charge my Galaxy S4 when turned on. Tried different cords and tested with different 12 volt outlets and the results were the same. the 1 amp port was about the same in output. I bought a name brand charger for slightly more (something I rarely do as name brands often mean nothing for electronics like these) and it put out a hearty 1.5-1.9 amps.
Overall Review: It would probably charge a non smartphone but high-end power hungry phone users need not apply.
A functional knife if you don't mind all the branding.
Pros: I put this knife through its paces and it held up well. Sharpens well, holds an edge. Chops wood. Whetstone and fire steel work well. I started a fire with just dry tinder with relative ease. I like the sheath - it's a combination of sturdy nylon, pleather, and ABS plastic, and the knife clips into place and is easy to remove quickly. I wrapped some paracord around the sheath as well.
Cons: It's ugly. Actually, the orange/grey color scheme is ideal for a survival knife (imagine dropping a camo or black knife at night in the woods), but the Bear Grylls branding all over the thing makes it look cheesy. The little whistle on the lanyard is barely functional. Could be a tad longer. Grey finish will surely die a slow death and make the knife look worse over time.
Overall Review: Be sure to buy THIS knife and not one of the older versions. If you're contemplating buying a BG Survival knife, buy the one with the thicker orange stripe immediately behind the hammer pommel. This is the upgraded version that doesn't have the breakage issues that the older one had.
A durable case with a lot of trade offs
Pros: • Fits well (though not quite) • Really does protects against shocks and water as advertised. • Looks pretty good and doesn't make the S4 too much bigger. • Call sound quality only suffers a little. • Your camera, IR blaster and sensors will still work fine. • Buttons still work well. • Doesn't seem to effect screen sensitivity.
Cons: • Really expensive. I know that protecting your S4 is worth it, and I wouldn't trust cheaper cases, but...dang. • The materials are sturdy but have a cheap vibe (you'll know what I mean when you handle the case). • I wonder how long the flaps will hold up under repeated use, especially the flap over the USB port. Speaking of which, this flap was almost impossible to open in the beginning. Over time it has loosened up, but it often requires two hands to flip open. • The plastic front screen is supposed to fit flush to the phone screen - it doesn't quite. You can feel screen cover flex as you push against it. It's a weird feeling that I've never quite gotten used to. I'm also worried it will accumulate scratches over time. • Loud speaker quality suffers, but that's a given. • If you already have any holsters or docks for your S4, be prepared to give those up. I had to switch to a holder in my car made for GPS units.
Overall Review: I fish a lot, and I'm also a bit clumsy, so this case does it's duty. Just wish there weren't so many trade offs. Helpful hints - clean the inside of the case with a microfiber lint-free cloth and alcohol screen wipe and let it dry before you install the phone. I had to take it apart 3 times to get rid of lint and hairs.