Garmin nüvi 2557LMT 5-Inch Portable Vehicle GPS with Lifetime Maps and Traffic

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I purchased this to replace an older 5" garmin that did not have lifetime maps. I was getting tired of being nagged to pay for a map update on the older unit. Also I wanted to upgrade to a Bluetooth device.

I am impressed overall with the improved speed and sophistication of this device. Connecting to a satellite is improved considerably. Seriously it just takes seconds. My last unit kept searching for a satellite connection so long I was afraid I'd get lost in the process.

No more "recalculating" exclamations when you go off the suggested route. It quickly displays your new route with the suggested next turn.

There are many more split screen "junction view" occurrences. These rarely appeared on my last unit.

The user menu and graphical display has also been improved. The graphics appear cleaner and there is a menu tab on each screen.

Regarding Bluetooth, The ability to use as a speaker phone when connected to your mobile device is nice.

The Voice Command system is good but not great. it's fine when reciting pre-defined menu options but is hit or miss (mainly miss) when speaking addresses.

The build of the unit is solid. Slightly thinner and curvier than previous units.



I have not had any traffic alerts so really can't comment on that function yet.



I'm happy with the improved performance of this unit.



If Voice command and the speaker function are not important to you, you could save some cash buy getting the 2557 model.

Transcend Information USB 3.0 Card Reader (TS-RDF5K)

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have been using several USB 2.0 card readers in the past, including the Transcend M5 Multi-Card Reader and Sandisk Mobilemate SD Plus Memory Card Reader. With memory cards getting faster over the years, I started to get the feeling that my old card readers are limiting the Read/Write speed of my newer memory cards. That's why I purchased this Transcend Information USB 3.0 Card Reader (TS-RDF5K) just to try it out, even through all my computers only have USB 2.0 ports.



Upon arrival of the RD5F, I benchmarked over one dozen of my SDHC and microSDHC memory cards, with speed rating from class-4 to class-10 and UHS-1. The program I used is called "CrystalDiskMark v3.01 x64". It reports, among other things, sequential READ and WRITE speed of memory cards. To my surprise, several of my fastest cards showed about 50% improvement in Read/Write speed compared to when using the old M5 card reader.



As an example: for the HP CG790A-AZ 32 GB Flash Memory Card Class 10 SDHC I was previously getting 19.6MB/s in Write and 20.1MB/s in Read. But when used with the RDF5, its throughput jumped 50% to 29.7 and 34.8MB/s, respectively. The Transcend 32 GB Class 10 UHS Flash Memory Card TS32GSDHC10U1E also shows nearly identical improvement.



The above proves that using old card reader was the bottleneck for my fastest cards. On the other hand, improvements for my slower cards were less noticeable, typically around 5% or less. That include Kingston class-4 SD10G2/16GB, Transcend Class 6 TS16GSDHC6E, etc. See the summary of benchmark results I uploaded to 'Customer Images' section for details.



The only negative about this RDF5 card reader is that: it does not allow simultaneous usage of both SDHC and microSDHC slots. That is, you can only insert one card at a time, but never both.



Conclusion:

I am very happy with the dramatic improvement I can achieve with this card reader, even when it is connected to an USB 2.0 port. Once I upgrade to a new computer with USB 3.0 ports, I expect the benchmark results to be even better - at least for my fastest cards. In the mean time, I consider this card reader the cheapest computer upgrade I can recommend.



[Update on Dec 26, 2013]

I finally have a computer with USB 3.0 port, so I re-tested ~10 memory cards to see the difference.

- For any card marketed as 'UHS-1', I observed huge improvements in both Read and Write speeds.

- For any card marketed as 'class 10' but not UHS, I may see some increase in Read, but very little difference in Wrire.



Bottom Line: If you have an UHS-1 card, make sure to use the RDF5 card reader in conjunction with USB 3.0 port, in order to get the full benefit.

Nomie Baby Cozy Stroller Blanket, Royal, Infant

CUSTOMER REVIEW



I have a Maclaren and considered buying the Maclaren muff, but wanted something that would also fit our Schwinn jogging stroller. We live in Chicago, winter is upon us, and my son was kicking off his stroller blankets. The JJCole toddler Bundle Me looked short in photos and some reviews also noted that toddlers grew out of it quickly. Our 16mo is tall--34", so we needed something long enough. The fleece inside is not the softest in the world, but it's fairly nice and I figure with multiple washings it will get better. Easy to switch from stroller to stroller and washes well. Would recommend to my friends who are parents. Could also be used on a car seat.

Stroller Accessories - Stroller Organizer Bag + Stroller Hook - Use as Car Organizer or Small Diaper Bag - Universal, Fits Most Handlebar of Pram/Baby Buggy Brands Like Britax, Maclaren, Bob, Chicco and Jogger, Umbrella, Double or Travel System - Two Insulated Cup Holders - Black Console with Roomy Storage - Must-Have for Every Parent - Satisfaction Guaranteed

CUSTOMER REVIEW



My last stroller organizer bit the dust in less than 24 hours, it was very poorly made so I had high hopes for the Dot&Dot stroller organizer. It really fits the bill, and then some! It is the perfect size for my needs, not too bulky. I usually only require a stroller organizer for short walks, so that is what I am basing my review on. The included accessory clips are perfect for connecting a purse or diaper bag for longer excursions, they are very sturdy.



Specs:

Size: 12.5” long, 6” tall and 4” deep



I was able to fit my keys, phone, bib, Camelback .6L water bottle, Thermos Foogo bottle, binky, small toy and small snack container into the organizer - and there was room for many more small accessories. Keep in mind, this is great for small excursions or aerobic walk/run. For longer excursions when you might bring lots of items - the included stroller clips allow for you to attach a larger bag of baby stuff.



This organizer fit on my Britax B-Agile and BOB Revolution strollers.



What I love:

-The packaging was fun - it came in a handy plastic pouch with a zip-top

-Well made. The straps are sewn really well into the nylon lining, I don’t see them coming loose anytime soon.

-The magnetic center pouch. Perfectly planned for mommy’s on the move, this compartment is perfectly placed and the magnetic cover makes it so easy to access for a binky, toy or snack when exercising. Nothing more annoying than grappling to zip or velcro open a pocket while trying to keep my pace, this one is SUPER simple.

-It is sleek! I have black strollers and I really like that it just blends in - like it belongs on the stroller.

-It keeps its shape and does not sag. I had another similar organizer that sagged and it drove me nuts, it is so difficult to reach for small items when everything is squished together. This organizer has an interior metal frame around the top and a thick lining on the bottom that provides a “platform” for contents to stand on.



Overall, I highly recommend this organizer and would consider buying it as a gift for other mommy's as well!