HP Pavilion zd7020us Notebook PC (2.80-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Drive)

Average customer rating:

Terrible design and quality control

PC Enthusiast

Amazing Totally Awesome!!

Awesome Machine, Awesome Value

HP Pavilion Zd model w/ '64MB Dedicated video memory'

HP Pavilion zd7020us Notebook PC (2.80-GHz Pentium 4, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive, DVD+RW/CD-RW Drive)

Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Notebooks | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
All Hewlett-Packard | Hewlett-Packard | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics
HP Notebooks | Computers | Hewlett-Packard | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics
HP Pavilion Notebooks | Computers | Hewlett-Packard | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics
Accessories:

IRIS Business Card Reader II for Windows/PC

Targus PA410U DEFCON CL Notebook Computer Cable Lock

Targus PA090U USB Mobile Port Replicator with Ethernet

Targus NW03BM Noteworthy Optical Screen Scroller Mouse

Targus PAUM01U Ultra Mini Retractable Optical Mouse

ASIN: B0000CFWAX

Product Description

Desktop-like performance, stylish mobility and a brilliant widescreen display. Fast Intel Pentium 4 processor with Hyper-Threading Technology gives you performance without compromise for Web browsing, computing and entertainment. Get the most of DVD movies, photo slideshows, simultaneous applications and more with the super wide, super bright and super clear 17" display supporting wide viewing angle technology. HP Image Zone photo and imaging software makes it easy to find, organize, edit, share, print, protect and store your photos and video clips.

Amazon.com Product Description

At 15.67 by 10.94 by 1.67 inches and a comparatively hefty 9.3 pounds, HP's new Pavilion zd7020us Notebook PC may be too cumbersome for those who regularly carry their notebook on their daily journeys. However, the unit is otherwise a good fit for anyone who needs the luxuries of a desktop PC in a portable format. Featuring powerful processing, excellent mobile 3-D performance and a breathtaking oversized display, the Pavilion zd7020us is a very capable desktop replacement at a standout price.

A computer is only as fast as its processor will allow, and the Pavilion zd7010us sports a speedy 2.8 GHz Intel Pentium 4. This CPU does not feature Intel's Hyper-Threading technology for increased performance during procedures such as complex multitasking, but it is a top-notch speed machine just the same. Compaq has added 512 MB RAM memory (upgradeable to 2 GB) and an nVidia GeForce4 440 Go5600 graphics controller with an impressive 64 MB dedicated video memory. With this level of power at your command, you'll find precious few 2-D or 3-D tasks you can't efficiently operate.

Even when the business day ends, you'll want to keep the Pavilion zd7020us close by. Sporting a massive 17-inch display (in widescreen format and supporting resolutions up to 1440x900), built-in Harman/Kardon speakers and a combination DVD +R/RW/CD-RW drive, the unit is ready to lend impressive sound and visuals to everything from 3-D games to the latest DVD movies. You can even burn audio CDs or record your home movies to DVD format.

With the Pavilion zd7020us, future connectivity is assured. The system features no less than four high-speed USB 2.0 ports for linking with external peripherals such as scanners and optical drives, one FireWire port for fast data transfers with high-tech toys such as digital camcorders, an S-Video TV-Out, a v.90 dial-up modem, 10/100Base-T Ethernet, and Broadcom 54g MaxPerformance 802.11g wireless. HP has also included a roomy 80 GB hard disk and an integrated 4-in-1 Digital Reader for transferring information from today's most common memory cards.

The Pavilion zd7020us is equipped with a broad range of software, including Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Quicken New User Edition, Microsoft Money, and a variety of multimedia utilities.

Customer Reviews:

Terrible design and quality control.......2005-05-31

Without doubt this is the worst computer I have ever purchased, both in terms of design and reliability.

It requires a huge amount of power, which results in terrible battery life (about an hour on a full chadrge) and major cooling problems. Both because of the heat and the fact that the fan vents are placed on the bottom of the machine you cannot use it on a lap. Even when it is placed on a table, the vents are still partially obstructed, and this causes my unit to overheat and sometimes crash. The only way it can be used is with the corners propped up to give it a clearance underneath.

So far I have had to return the unit for service three times, and a fourth service order is in place. The first time was a loose wire on the speakers, causing crackle. It came out of the box with that. The second time was a hard disk failure, which lost all my data since the last backup. The third time was a failure of the power connector where the power supply plugs in. When this one was repaired, HP also reformatted my hard disk, losing all my data again. Of course, I was unable to take a backup before I sent it in because I could not charge the battery or plug in the power supply.

Now the power connector has gone again. At least I noticed it happening in time to take a backup this time....

Arghhhh. I'm never buying HP again.

PC Enthusiast.......2004-05-13

bought this computer after buying my RS-310 about a year and a half ago. This computer is EXTREMELY fast and has many extra goodies like the capture card. This computer is very good and is recommended to new owners or people who just need a new computer! It is also very useful for Gaming purposes.

Amazing Totally Awesome!!.......2004-04-21

I bought this laptop several months ago and have been using it every day. This is the best computer I have ever own. I have bought several brand new desktops and none of them even compare to this thing. It has a really fast processor, good memory size, and a great screen size. I always found with my other computers that I reanout of ports for all of my stuff, no problem for this thing it has more than adequate supply of usb ports, monitor out, etc. I really like this Laptop. There is only one thing that I could find wrong with it( and believe me you have to look for things because this is awesome) was it's battery life. It dies after an hour and a half. But it recharges in aproximately half that time but it's still awesome.

Awesome Machine, Awesome Value.......2004-02-14

This is my second laptop computer (5th computer overall), and was bought as a step-up to a Compaq Presario Laptop. This is by far one of the fastest, coolest, machines out there.

At 2.8GHz, this laptop blows by most of the competition, and with all the extras its packed with (512MB RAM, 80GB HD, DVD RW/CD RW), outperforms them as well. It's got EVERYTHING you could need.

With the 17" wide screen, there is no comparison to its beauty, grace, and sheer "Zoom!". Having used it for a couple weeks, I can't imagine how I managed without it.

Find it at a good price here on Amazon/Circuit City, with the rebates (I got $250 back), and its even a better bargain.

HP Pavilion Zd model w/ '64MB Dedicated video memory'.......2004-01-04

I guess the 'Zd Model' is the quality computer to get. I notice that 'Zd Models' carry the '64MB of Dedicated (allocated) Video Memory',the 'Hardware' needed to play those 'high-end' 3-D games. As always,stay away from that 'shared (integrated) video memory',its a piece of junk. Doesn't matter what brand of computer you buy HP,Sony,Toshiba,Compaq,Apple,Mac,Dell,Gateway,and etc,if it has 'shared' its a piece of junk. You'll notice a big performance difference with 'shared',problems with DVD,high-end gaming,demanding software,and etc..... P4 2.6 Processor w/400MHz FSB,512MB RAM Memory,'G-Force'(64MB of Dedicated Video Memory),8X DVD ROM Drive,'Windows XP Home',always ideal for high-end gaming and very demanding high-end software. A little more in price,but you get quality in return.....

Average customer rating:
Panasonic CE TB 51 PM-1.73G 256MB 40GB FDD ( CF-51LCMDDBM )

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: Personal Computer
Binding: Personal Computers

Notebooks | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Sling Media Slingbox Tuner ( SB220-100 )

Product Features:

Intel Centrino Mobile Technology

Integrated 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN

Multimedia pocket supports combo/floppy drive

15" Active Matrix Color LCD

Microsoft XP Professional operating system

ASIN: B000A3WEEC

Product Description

Full-featured desktop alternative, the Toughbook 51 has an Active Matrix Color display for group presentations, magnesium alloy LCD case, and optional SmartCard reader for added security. Durable and full-powered, it can handle your large programs and critical software applications with the reliability to help you get the job done right.

Product Description

The CD Duplicator 7 is a standalone CD Duplicator that provides one-button duplication of up to 7 CDs at a time without taking up the resources of your computer. There's no PC software to install or learn. In fact, no PC is required at all. It is an ideal solution for small offices and on-demand publishing environments that need to produce modest numbers of copies. It is very cost-effective and supports virtually all CD formats. With its multi-function LCD panel, and built-in commands, the CD Duplicator 7 is exceptionally easy to use and requires virtually no training.

PROCOM TECHNOLOGY cr7cd 7 Drive 40X CD Duplicator

Average customer rating:

PROCOM TECHNOLOGY cr7cd 7 Drive 40X CD Duplicator

Manufacturer: PROCOM TECHNOLOGY
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Procom Technolo cr7cd 7 drive 40x cd duplicator

ASIN: B0002R7ZSQ

Product Description

Product Description

NER manufactures a variety of imaging supplies including: narrow ribbons; thermal transfer ribbons; thermal fax ribbons, wide ribbons, data processing ribbons and word processing ribbons. NER also manufactures a full line of compatible laser toner supplies, high-speed toners and developers, and inkjet cartridges. All NER Printer Supplies Solutions are manufactured under stringent quality control standards and, in most cases, surpass OEM's in productivity and quality. NER's imaging supplies are guaranteed to consistently produce clean, clear, crisp, dark images.This product is specially designed for Okidata Microline 393.

Product Description

The contemporary design of the RCA 5-disc DVD/CD changer will become a showpiece in any room of your house. In addition to the sleek design, this 5-disc DVD/CD changer is extremely functional - it plays multiple formats of DVD and CD formatted discs. The Digital PhotoView functionality will let you enjoy digital photos on your television by inserting a CD-R/RW JPEG encoded disc into the player. Make every movie night the ultimate experience with SRS TruSurround - this simulates the surround sound experience of a six-speaker home theatre system through a two-speaker configuration. In addition to great sound, the Component Video Outputs help minimize line scan and digital artifacts on advanced television systems. Not only will you love using this 5-disc DVD/CD changer, it will be a treat to look at!

Amazon.com Product Description

The contemporary design of this RCA five-disc DVD-CD changer makes it the showpiece of any room. The DRC500N is not only stylish but highly functional, playing multiple types of DVDs and CDs. A feature called Digital PhotoView even lets you enjoy a custom slide show of digital photos when using a JPEG-encoded CD-R or CD-RW.

The changer is compatible with DVD-Video, VCD/SVCD, DVD+W, DVD+R, DVD-W, DVD+RW, DVD-R, audio CD, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3-encoded discs, as well as both 3-inch and standard 5-inch sizes. Top-of-the-line component-video outputs minimize line scan artifacts and other digital anomalies when connected with compatible televisions, while composite- and S-video outputs maximize compatibility with nearly any television. The back panel offers one output each for composite-video, S-video, and component-video.

In the audio realm, two sets of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. The player passes both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals through its digital-audio outputs (one each of RCA coaxial and Toslink optical) for direct connection to a full-featured audio-video receiver. If you don't have a surround receiver or six-channel speaker setup, you can still make every movie night the ultimate experience: SRS TruSurround simulates surround sound through two speakers (even the stereo speakers on your TV).

Playback options include MultiSpeed Smooth Scan (forward and reverse, up to 16x playback), MultiSpeed Slow Motion (forward and reverse, down to .0625x speed), bookmarking (up to nine), zoom (up to 4x), play exchange, and slide show (for JPEG images). Supplied accessories include a composite-video AV cable, instruction manual, and a multibrand remote control that operates the DVD player and most televisions.

Average customer rating:
Panasonic Ribbon for KX-P3626/3696 (Black)

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Dot Matrix Printer | Ink & Toner | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
All Panasonic | Panasonic | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Impact Printer Supplies | Toner & Ink | Computer Accessories | Products |
Accessories:

Cables To Go 10Ft USB Ab Device USB-A/USB-B

Canon Photo Pro Borderless Photo Paper (4"x6", 20-Sheets)

D-Link DP-311U Wireless Print Server, 1-USB Port, 802.11b, 11Mbps

TRENDware WIRELESS PRINT SERVER 1-USB ( TEW-PS1U )

Product Features:

For use with Panasonic dot matrix printer models: KXP3626, 3696.

SOLD BY THE EA

ASIN: B00004Z65R

Product Description

Using Panasonic consumables and supplies with your Panasonic printer, scanner and fax-machine gives you crisp, sharp output, every time. The Panasonic printers, scanners and fax-machines have been engineered to work together with their custom-designed consumables and supplies to ensure that your text and graphic printouts are clear and sharp, every time you print.

Average customer rating:
Pacific Digita 8X8 DUAL EXTERNAL DVD+/- BURNER ( U-30223 )

Manufacturer: Pacific Digital
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

CD-ROM Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Fellowes 96 CD Album Faux Leather Black

Verbatim 3.5 Rewritable Optical 230MB 512 B/S Mac Fmt 1-Pack

ADS Tech DVD Express 2.0 (USBAV-701)

Plextor ConvertX Digital Video Converter (PX-M402U)

HP 48X CDR 100 SPINDLE

Product Features:

Provides a complete solution for data backup, storage and distribution

Share music, movies or photos or archive 4.7GB of content on 1 DVD disk alone

Create disks for playback in virtually all DVD video players and DVD-ROM drives

Record one hour of DVD video on DVD-R or DVD+R media in about 8 minutes

ASIN: B00026HZ32

Product Description

The U-30223 is Pacific Digital's 8x8 Multi-Format External USB 2.0 DVD writer supporting both DVD+RW and DVD-RW media. This DVD writer provides a complete solution for data backup, storage and distribution - from sharing films and music to archiving a massive 4.7 GB/s of content on one DVD disk alone. A multi-function optical drive, the PDC 8x8 Multi-Format External USB 2.0 Burner also operates as a 32x16x40 CD-RW and a 12x DVD-ROM drive!The Multi-Format support enables end-users to create disks for play-back in virtually all DVD video players and DVD-ROM drives with no compromise in performance. The USB 2.0 connection delivers a very fast 480Mbs. and downward compatible with USB 1.1. Its performance enables the U-30223 to record one hour of DVD Video on DVD-R or DVD+R media in around 8 minutes. Flexibility, performance, connectivity, and value all in one!

Average customer rating:
PalmOne m130 Productivity Pack

Manufacturer: PalmOne
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All Handhelds & PDAs | Handhelds & PDAs | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Targus PA870U Universal Wireless Keyboard

Product Features:

Vivid color screen supports thousands of colors

Expansion card slot lets users add MMC and SD cards

Infrared beaming allows sharing of applications

Palm universal connector lets users add optional peripherals

What's in the box: Palm OS 4.1, USB cable, rechargeable battery, and add-on applications including Documents to Go, powerone Personal Calculator, MultiMail, and Palm Reader

ASIN: B00008VACV

Product Description

The Palm m130 handheld brings advanced technology and color to everyone; all the technology you need to organize your personal information, and a splash of color with the easy to read display and array of optional faceplates.

Product Description

PNY Technologies is a leading manufacturer and supplier of computer graphics boards, memory upgrade modules, Flash Memory and Flash peripherals. Giving customers the best product and service is PNY's constant goal.PRODUCT FEATURES: Available in a Heavy-weight Copper or Neon Purple heat spreader for optimal cooling; Heavyweight Copper heat spreader has 50% better heat dissipation than aluminum; Improves RAM performance by dissipating heat; Installs in seconds; Works in all standard SDR/DDR SDRAM. The package includes heat spreader with high conductivity adhesive thermal pads, locking clips, adhesive sponge (to fill gaps when using single-sided RAM). The memory is not included.

PNY E-Commerce VERTO MEMORY COOLING KIT ( HTSP-PUR-VTO )

Average customer rating:

PNY E-Commerce VERTO MEMORY COOLING KIT ( HTSP-PUR-VTO )

Manufacturer: PNY
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

CPU Coolers | Computer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics

Accessories & Supplies | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

PNY | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics

Cooling | Upgrades | Products |
Product Features:

Available in a Heavy-weight Copper or Neon Purple Aluminum heat spreader
Heavy-weight Copper heat spreader has 50% better heat dissipation than aluminum
Improves RAM performance by dissipating heat
Easy installation
Compatible with all standard SDR/DDR SDRAM DIMM Modules

ASIN: B0001CLYJS

Product Description

Average customer rating:
Rhinotek RH15D-78D Cartridge

Manufacturer: Rhinotek
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Ink & Toner | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics | Dot Matrix Printer | Inkjet Printer | Laser Printer
All Accessories | Printer Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

2-cartridge combo pack, black and color

Replaces HP 15 black ink cartridge C6615DN

Replaces HP 78 tri-color ink cartridge C6578DN

Quality guaranteed by Rhinotek

Won't damage printer or void its warranty

ASIN: B0000TWIU6

Product Description

Rhinotek carries a full range of computer consumables manufacturing and marketing OEM compatible toner and inkjet cartridges, ribbons, and copier and fax supplies. Rhinotek products are 100% guaranteed, and Rhinotek's quality control standards rank among the highest in the industry.This kit includes HP C6615DN and C6578DN compatible cartridges.For a complete compatibility list please refer to the original manufacturer's web site.

Amazon.com Product Description

An inexpensive alternative to your name-brand replacement cartridge, Rhinotek ink tanks are guaranteed against damage to your printers and do no affect your product's warranty in any way. This package contains two cartridges, one equivalent to HP 15 black C6615DN and another equivalent to HP 78 color C6578DN.

The following is a partial list of compatible printers: HP DeskJet 1220Cse, HP DeskJet 1220Cxi, HP DeskJet 930C, HP DeskJet 932C, HP DeskJet 935C, HP DeskJet 950C, HP DeskJet 952C, HP DeskJet 970Cse, HP DeskJet 970Cxi, HP PhotoSmart P1000, P1100, P1100xi, P1215, and P1215vm.

Average customer rating:

Sony DVD FR8 - Too finicky to be practical?

Not Impressive

Great Home Theather System

My review of the DAV-FR8

Sony DAV-FR8 5-Disc Progressive Scan DVD Dream System

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Home Theater Systems | Audio & Video | Sony | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
All Sony | Sony | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
All | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
DVD Changers | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Rayovac NM715-8 Rechargeable NiMH AA Batteries, 8-Count Package

Product Features:

Complete home theater system with a 5-disc DVD/receiver combo, 5 speakers, a biamplified subwoofer, and 114 watts per channel x 5, 115 wpc x 2

Includes front left/right adjustable floorstanding speakers, compact left/right surround speakers

Compatible with DVD-Video, MP3 CD, JPEG image CD, and high-resolution Super Audio CD (SACD); FM/AM tuner with 30 station presets

Dolby Digital, DTS ES, and Dolby Pro Logic II processing for dynamic, enveloping surround sound from movies and music

DVD/receiver: 17 x 2.8 x 15.6; front L/R satellites: 3.5 x 43 x 3; center speaker: 14 x 3.6 x 3; subwoofer: 8 x 15 x 14 inches (W x H x D)

ASIN: B00022RV8U

Product Description

The DAV-FR8 DVD Dream System can transform your TV room into a truly amazing home theater. Featuring 800 watts of total system power, a 5-disc slot loading DVD/SACD/CD changer, and an S-Master Full Digital Amplifier, the DAV-FR8 will bring out the best in sound and film. The system supports multiple playback formats, CD-R/RW, Super Audio CD (Multi), MP3 and JPEG, and will decode Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, dts ES, dts, and Dolby Pro Logic II. And, even though it has high level functionality, the system is easy to set-up, thanks to color-coded speaker connections. Take your home entertainment up a serious notch with a DVD Dream System from Sony.

Amazon.com Product Description

Sony's DAV-FR8 Dream System home theater will grace small- to medium-sized spaces with high style, high power, and amazingly space-efficient components. The system features a slot-loading 5-disc DVD-Video/SACD changer with built-in surround-receiver abilities and color-coded speaker terminals, 2 floorstanding speakers (left/right front), a slim center-channel speaker, 2 bookshelf surround speakers, and a stand-alone subwoofer designed to work in concert with the rest of the components to deliver exhilarating, full-bodied surround sound from DVD, CD, MP3 CD, and Super Audio CD (SACD) music sources.

The system's 800 watts (total) are routed through its 7-channel S-Master full-digital amplifier/tuner and enhanced by the Digital Direct twin-drive subwoofer and its dual 6.25-inch woofers. (The amp pumps 114 watts x 5 for front, center, and surround speakers, with 115 watts x 2 for the passive subwoofer). Sony's exclusive S-Master digital amplifier delivers high power and low heat while occupying minimal space--merely 25 percent of the space required by a conventional amplifier.

Surround decoding and processing includes Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital EX (6.1), DTS-ES, and Dolby Pro Logic II (which generates discrete 5.1-channel surround sound from any stereo/2-channel source).

Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the DAV-FR8 is equipped to deliver the full potential of your DVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. Choose from progressive-scan component-video outputs, composite-video, or S-video outputs. (Older TVs may require an RF modulator or video switcher to convert composite- or S-video to a threaded RF coaxial jack.)

Depending on the disc, SACD music releases provide super high-fidelity multichannel and/or stereo sound, using a high-resolution 1-bit converter to exceed the quality potential found in the standard 16-bit compact disc. The system also offers JPEG image CD slideshows so you can get the most from your favorite digital media right in the comfort of your living room.

Enjoy the DAV-FR8 from the repose of your easy chair with the supplied easy-to-operate Remote Commander remote control. Auxiliary connections include secondary composite- and S-video sources for a camcorder, gaming console, or VCR, and a headphone jack for private listening.

The DAV-FR8 system's design is sure to be a visual centerpiece. Glazed with a metallic frost, the system will illuminate any room with its slim, elegant speakers and attractive, brushed-aluminum chassis.

What's in the Box
DVD player/integrated surround amplifier, 2 floorstanding satellite speakers, 2 bookshelf satellite speakers, a center speaker, a passive subwoofer, a remote control (RM-SP350), remote batteries, a user's manual, all requisite cabling.

Customer Reviews:

Sony DVD FR8 - Too finicky to be practical?.......2006-01-01

The picture and sound quality of this product is over-all very good. My unit was purchased primarily for viewing DVD's in a theater type atmosphere, surrounded by sound, at least from those DVD's which provide true surround sound. However, a problem with the laser reader has turned my "Dreamtheater" into "Nightmare theater".

To expand on the comments contained in the review by Michael Morgan, the system has trouble with certain DVD's. Specifically, they will start out fine and then at some point the unit will totally lock-up. When this happens the unit needs to be unplugged and plugged in again to unlock it. This happens with perhaps 20% to 30% of the DVD's that I have played in it. However, contrary to Mike Morgan's comment that you have to be paticularly careful about disc quality (especially if renting), I am having just as many problems with brand new discs fresh out of the box. I am also beginning to suspect that it is having a harder time reading dics with the complex audio data found on many of the discs heavy in surround sound, which leads me to believe that the problem isn't specifically related to minor scratches or imperfections seen on the disc. Any of the DVD's that I have had problems with in the FR-8 will play perfectly in any one of the other generally inexpensive players that I have scattered about in other rooms of the house.

I have had this unit into Sony for service three times for a total of three months out of the eight months that I have owned it. The problem has not yet been corrected and will be going in for a fourth time. I will be urging Sony to replace the unit with a new one, even though I have doubts (based on comments by other owners) that a new unit will function any differently.

So while the system generally looks and sounds good, the problems with the laser reader may turn a quiet evening of watching a movie into a frustrating experience. What should be a 4 star review can be given no more than 2 based on this significant problem.

Not Impressive.......2005-01-15

I got this system thinking that the quality would be very good to excellent. I was extremely disappointed and returned the item to Amazon.com within a month of my purchase. The CD's/DVD's take forever for them to play and the machine doesn't indicate when you stick a disc in and when you wait. There is no carousel for the 5 discs so you have no idea which CD is in which slot at the time. The sound quality is only average. If you are an audiophile, you will be very disappointed. If you don't mind average sounding music but like staying on a budget, this might work for you. It looks nice though.

Great Home Theather System.......2004-12-31

I have this system for 5 months now and i am very happy with it. The audio and video quality it's great. A bit pricely but you get what you pay for.

My review of the DAV-FR8.......2004-08-21

Only seven out of the ten movies I have attempted to watch would play in the DAV-FR8 dream system. The three movies that would not play, however, do play in my $30 DVD player on my computer. The laser system in the DAV-FR8 seems to be finicky. This is a big problem if you rent movies. When renting movies for this system, make sure the DVDs look perfect before you leave the store.

Other drawbacks include:
1. Very thin speaker wire. I switched to thicker speaker wire, more power was delivered to the speakers(**). If you purchase this system, you might want to consider picking up the Monster Cable Front and Center Speaker cable set for Kenwood systems. The gold plated Kenwood connectors in the Monster kit also fit this Sony dream system.
2. The user interface is very poorly designed. For example, you cannot change some system settings while a DVD is playing. As another example, when you power up the system with a DVD, the system will prevent you from doing anything until it reads the DVD. Consequently, if you want to change a system setting (e.g., progressive scan), you must wait until the system starts playing the DVD first, and then you have to stop it to get to the menu that allows you to reconfigure the television type.
3. Other user interface complaints: You will need to have the user manual in hand while using the setup features, as the menu system is complex and non-intuitive.
4. Although this system can hold up to 5 DVDs, disc changes are very slow.
5. The remote is thin. This might be a plus, as it is sleek and elegant. However, I prefer the bulkier remote that came with my Sony television.

Pluses:
1. Although not specified in the advertisements or broachers I came across, the DAV-FR8 system plays VCDs and SVCDs, even ones recorded on my computer. This is only a plus if you watch VCDs and SVCDs, however.
2. At the time of this review, a $200 rebate is available if you buy this system and certain Sony televisions.
3. The system is aesthetically pleasing.
4. The sound is perfectly adequate.
5. The EZ room setup works well, once you find it in the poorly designed user interface.

(**) Thicker speaker wire is lower resistance, and allows more power to be delivered to the speaker. In a qualitative comparison I performed while installing thicker speaker wire, thicker speaker wire seemed to provide a 2-3 dB gain in volume.

Product Description

Micro Solutions Enterprises (MSE) offers a complete line of toners, injects and a variety of imaging supplies. MSE's focus on quality consistently drives the company to deliver excellent service and value with all its product lines.This product is designed for the following systems:HP DeskJet 350, 600, 600C;HP DeskWriter 600, 660;HP OfficeJet 500, 520, 570, 580, 590, 600, 630, 635;PSC 370, 380.For a complete compatibility list please refer to the original manufacturer's web site.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics