Nintendo 3DS Review: Is It Worth More than the Low Price?

2004 marked the beginning of the Nintendo DS line, and it has been improving ever since.  This portable games system has captured the interest of children and adults alike.   It takes the boredom out of traveling, because there are plenty of games to go along with the console.  Then to make the Nintendo 3D even more exciting, we now have Nintendo 3DS.  The 3DS takes 3D gaming to new heights by allowing users to view images and glasses without special glasses.

Nintendo 3DS Features

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• 3D graphics and images without the need to wear special glasses,
•  3D depth slider lets you adjust  for less or more 3D
•  Plays 3D games
• Allows you to take 3D pictures
• Parental controls to restrict 3D mode for younger children
•  Wireless connectivity.    Use SpotPassTM and StreetPassTM Internet services to find and connect with other  Nintendo 3DS players.

More Highlights Include:

• New inputs: motion sensor, gyro sensor and Circle Pad,
• Adjustable stylus,
• 6 AR cards that the 3DS can read and translate to in-game items,
•  AC adapter now comes with a charging cradle,
• Preinstalled software: Face RaidersTM, Nintendo 3DS Sound, download service to purchase more games,
• SD card slot (the 3DS comes with a 2GB memory card),
• Internal and external cameras,
• Wi-Fi access.

Pros and Cons to Consider

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The greatest benefit of all is that you can enjoy the Nintendo 3DS without wearing 3D glasses.  3D is the is a big deal in tech.  From new movie releases to video games and web design, everyone’s amazed at how creative 3D can be.  What’s even better with this system is that you feel as if you’re right there in the game.  Since the previous version, both upper and lower screen resolutions have greatly improved.

Some people wonder how it is that the 3D can be experienced without glasses.  Well, it’s because each eye sees a different column of pixels.  This is why the graphical images or 3D depth may vary depending on how the console is held. Furthermore, not holding the device at the recommended 12 inches (flat) from your face, the images won’t be seen correctly.

In fact, the screen will appear to split into two.  If you want to hold the console closer, use the slider to strengthen the 3D effect.  The good news is most people quickly get used to how they have to hold the console, so that it is right for them.

Do You Already Own a DS?

If so, when you upgrade to this newer model, you will see how the added features enhance the product.  Comparing the DS to the 3DS shows how easy it is to use this latest model.  The design is the same, with a few small changes in weight and size, depending on which DS you've been using. Those who have older DS models will find that it feels a lot lighter and faster.

Conclusion

It’s simple.  If you want to play the latest games on a hi-tech 3D device, then the Nintendo 3DS is a gaming device you will want to own. The price tag at $169.99 is very affordable and the experience puts you right in the game.  The fact that you do not need special, cumbersome 3D glasses in order to enjoy the 3D experience is no less than brilliant.

Eye strain and motion sickness, from playing video games for too many hours, has been known to occur.  To minimize this from happening, it is advised to take 10 to 15 minute breaks every hour.  When using the 3D feature, break  for 10 minutes every half hour.  The point is to not play if you begin to feel sick or uncomfortable.

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GPS or Navigation Systems – Read these Reviews Before You Buyas to Read before Shopping

A GPS or global positioning system is a must have for many people.   This GPS technology was originally made for the military to use while on duty.   However, it is relied on by thousands of drivers who want to easily find their destinations.  You can have your pick of GPS products, however, it helps to know the benefits and features of the highly rated ones.

• If you won’t use your GPS often, a less expensive one is the better choice.

• If you're planning to buy a new car, look for one that already has a GPS system installed.  Also, most late model, used, vehicles will already have a navigation system in place.  On the other hand, the price of navigation systems have become more affordable.

"See what others are saying about Tom Tom Go 740"

• People who mostly travel around their home towns, may only need an average model.  To the contrary, if you are constantly traveling to new and unfamiliar places, a more advanced system is warranted.

• The Tom Tom Go 740 Live GPS comes highly recommended, and it has many features.  As a matter of fact, it was the first brand to come with an Internet connection.

• Something to consider and plan for, is that there is a monthly fee to maintain an Internet connection.

• To your benefit, Google regularly assesses and updates routing information.  With an Internet connection, you can use Google’s service to update the unit's data whenever you need to.

• Some GPS units are used in hiking and wilderness areas, and all hikers carry one.  Can you imagine how frightening it would be to get lost in the woods or climbing a mountain?  In situations like these, a GPS system can be a life saver.

• Take a look at the Gamin Oregon 550t.  It is a dependable model made for hiking, as it maps out waypoints which can be retraced.

"See what others are saying about the Gamin Oregon 550t"

You can find GPS products to match every budget. When you choose a brand, then select a well rated model that fits into your budget, while still having the features you need.

Traveling with a GPS system can give you peace of mind and keep you from worrying that you'll get lost.   In addition, they can assist you in an emergency by guiding you to the nearest hospital or police station.  A good navigation system will have a "points of interest" feature.

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Will the Kindle Fire Give Apple a Run for Its Money

The Kindle Fire has got many people excited, especially for gift giving reasons.  Heck, at $199 you can buy several for the people on your list. This tablet is a sure hit for a great bargain; a premium product at a price most everyone can afford.  It won’t be released until November 15^th, but test drivers say it exceeds expectations.

Will the Kindle Fire Outselling the iPad?

Based on the pre-order numbers of between 20,000 and 50,000 tablets a day, many believe the Kindle Fire will outsell market rival iPad and iPad2 in a matter of months.  Here are some of the reasons why:

Price: Many people see the Kindle Fire as a chance to own a high quality tablet at a price they can afford.  It also means that they can get more than one for other family members for the price of one Apple iPad.

Consumers also feel good that its maker is a trusted merchant whom they regularly purchase from.  They know Amazon has a good reputation for treating its customers well, and they back their products.  The customer service is excellent.

This price has captured the attention of those wanting to buy one of these devices, but has balked at the high price.  Currently, the Kindle Fire is the most affordable tablet on the market, costing less than half of the Apple iPad2.

Performance: The new Amazon Kindle Fire is being described as “lightening quick” and “unbelievably fast.” The reason for the noticeably speedy processing is in part due to the incredibly responsive dual-core processor which operates at a speed of between 1 and 1.2 GHz.

In addition, the Amazon Silk browser leverages the power of the Amazon Cloud to improve the tablet’s overall function and speed. Unlike other tablets, the use of Silk means sites load faster, offering barely noticeable wait times.

 Platform: The Android platform. For some, slapping yet another tablet-face over an Android operating system isn’t a big plus; however Amazon’s heavily modified version has been re-envisioned to maximize performance – leaving little resemblance between the Kindle Fire and other Android based tablets on the market.

One issue that comes up over and over again for the new Amazon Kindle Fire is its lack of a 3G option; however you can overcome that issue with most smart phones by creating a wifi hotspot.

Doing so requires that you tether your phone to your Kindle Fire, so be sure that tethering is part of your phone plan. Once you’ve set up a wifi hotspot you can continue to enjoy your favorite websites and millions of content options including movies, music, books and a whole lot more.

Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.

The Kindle Fire, eReader and iPad Comparison Chart: More than an eReader

The Kindle Fire is selling like crazy, with pre-orders exceeding 50,000 per day.  At this rate, it will certainly meet expectations of selling 2.5 million units the November 15^th release date. The word on the street is that the sale of this tablet will surpass both the Nook Color and the iPad2.  The question is:  Is the Kindle Fire more than an eReader?

How the Kindle Fire Compares to the Nook Color

One of the criticisms of the Kindle Fire is that it doesn’t offer an sd card option for expanding storage capacity making it a seemingly less desirable option to the Nook Color eReader – that is until you consider the “virtually limitless” storage available through the Amazon Cloud.

In truth, 8GB can store a significant amount of digital book, magazine and newspaper content. And that’s where the Kindle Fire, with its “limitless storage” capacity and access to video content, begins to blur the line between eReader and tablet.

How the Kindle Fire Compares to the iPad2

The processing speed of the Kindle Fire appears to rival that of the iPad2 as both use dual-core processors; however those who’ve had an opportunity to witness the Fire in action have noted its “instantaneous processing power.”

This slight-of-hand is Amazon’s innovative approach to handling time-intensive functions on its Cloud servers and then feeding it in one stream to the Kindle Fire.

In addition, Amazon “learns” from users browsing habits what they’re likely to click next, which enables the Amazon Cloud to preload the Fire with the information the user is most likely to want.

So is the Kindle Fire an eReader or a tablet? A review of the specs reveals that in terms of its size and weight, it resembles the Nook Color. When you consider the Fire’s ability to handle a variety of media at nearly “instantaneous” speeds, it more closely resembles the iPad2.

In terms of price and what you get for the money, nothing touches the Kindle Fire. In fact, some have called this latest offering by Amazon “a game changer.”

Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.