MediaGate MG-450HD Review

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
http://www.mediagateusa.com/mg450hd.html
$224.99

Experience crystal HD playback on your TV with 5.1 SPDIF digital audio output. MG-450HD will lead you into a edgy experience of multimedia world. MG-450HD is not only a HD high storage capacity multimedia player, but provides Wi-Fi Networking solution that allows you to stream over the multimedia files through the local network.

Features:

* HDMI (High Definition Multimedia).
* SATA HDD Supported.
* Internet Radio.
* FTP Server & Client.
* uPnP.
* 1920×1080P Full HD.
* IEEE 802.11g(54Mbps) 802.11b(11Mbps) wireless.
* standard / 10/100Mbps wired LAN
* Easy to upgrade Firmware.
* 3.5″ Hard Disk Drive (Not-included).
* Wireless security – WPA / WEP.
* Wireless Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc Mode.
* External USB 2.0 storage via USB device connecting a computer.
* Read an external USB storage or an optical drive via USB host connecting various external USB device.
* DVD Manager – Playback of DVD File same as Original DVD title.
* Video output – HDMI, Component, S-Video and Composite.
* Audio output – Stereo, Digital Coaxial & Optical 5.1 ch. Sound.
* DTS down mix to stereo.

Specifications:

* Product Name: MediaGate MG-450HD.
* Power: DC 12V 3A.
* Dimension: 57 x 150 x 185 mm (without wireless antenna).
* Working Temperature: 0oC ~ 60oC.
* Working Humidity: 10% ~ 50%.
* USB Device: Device Port x 1ea, 480Mbps USB 2.0 (USB 1.1 compatible) USB Host: Host Port x 1ea, 480Mbps USB 2.0 (USB 1.1 compatible) supporting the capability of reading USB devices like External USB HDD, ODD, Flash Drive, Card Reader.
* Wired LAN: 10/100 Mbps LAN (RJ-45) x 1ea, 100BaseTX: UTP/STP Category 5 LAN cable compatible.
* Wireless LAN: 54Mbps IEEE802.11g, 5dBi detachable antenna x 1ea, SMA type connector.
* HDD Type: 3.5″ SATA HDD.
* HDD File System: NTFS / FAT 32.
* TV TYPE: NTSC / PAL.
* Video Format: AVI: MS-MPEG4v3/XviD/WMV9 (XviD with GMC option applied not supported) WMV: WMV9, ASF: WMV9, MP4: MPEG4 Video, DAT: MPEG1, VOB: MPEG2, MPG/MPEG: MPEG1/MPEG2, TP/TS/TRP: HD-MPEG2/SD-MPEG2
* Audio Format: MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA.
* Photo Format: JPG/JPEG, PNG, BMP.
* Video Output: HDMI (480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p), COMPONENT (480p, 720p, 1080i) S-Video, Composite.
* Audio Output: STEREO L-R S/PDIF Digital Output (Coaxial/Optical).

Intro – I am a serious movie buff and wanted a new media player to play all of my movies on the big screen. I have been using my Cowon A2 with 20 GB hard drive. But that media player fills up fast. Also the video quality is not that good with poor sound. Now there are products like the Apple TV and Archos TV+, but these models have limited codec support and in the case of Archos you have to pay additional fees to add features. So I was looking around for a better product. One that had a ton of features and connectivity options. That’s when I found the Mediagate MG-450HD, a Wi-Fi Net-Disk multimedia player.

In the box – MG-450 Device, Remote Controller, Wireless Antenna, Stand (Cradle), Power Adapter, Composite A/V Cable, Sata HDD Connector, Setup CD, Quick installation guide.

Design – The MG-450HD is one of the better looking set top players available. I like that it’s silver which matches my big screen television. Unlike the PS3 which is black that doesn’t match with my setup. And when I first open the box that I was surprise the multimedia player looks even better in person. It’s also very lightweight for moving it from room to room and traveling. Included is a stand to save space and a remote to control while your sitting on the couch.

Functions – I opened the box and hook up the cables in minutes. Had a Simpletech 160GB external USB 2.0 hard drive lying around and connected it to the MG-450HD. It immediately recognized that a USB device was connected and within minutes I was watching videos. The unit comes with a nice remote that controls the interface. The interface is rather simplistic which makes it very user friendly. The MG-450HD can have a Sata HDD installed internally. But the ability to have an external drive or stream with WIFI makes this versatile. The unit overall is very simple to use which would make it great for those who are afraid of complicated technology. This unit is pretty much dummy proof. The MG-450 also has an HDMI input so you can watch high definition video. This is the future and everyone with big plasma’s will like this feature very much. Video quality is excellent. I say it’s better than my PMP player. Another emerging feature is internet radio. This feature is a major plus and I don’t see other companies have internet radio on their set tops.

Conclusion – The Mediagate MG-450HD is an advanced powerhouse player. There are simple many options to choose from on how to play your media. The ability to play divx files out of the box is great. I think this is a nice alternative to the Apple TV and in my opinion easier to use. Not having to convert divx files over to Apple’s MP4 format is a nice plus. Providing ease of use, good value, and quality build quality makes the Mediagate MG-450HD a must buy for video enthusiasts and perfect gift for a special someone who has a home entertainment system.

9.0 Out of 10

Buy it now MG-450HD MediaGate Wireless High-Definition MPEG4 Netplayer (SATA Version)

Back XTC Handheld Professional Massager Review

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
$73.95
Product Page Back XTC Handheld Professional Massager

Summary
Back XTC Handheld Professional Massager. This model retails for over $125. Doctors and Therapists have been treating muscle tension for years with powerful percussive massagers. XTC massagers are the newest in handheld back massagers. Created with health professionals, the BACK XTC Massagers were designed to provide professional strength massage and therapeutic relief of muscle tension at home. Equipped with 5 variable speed control. Compare this to the Thumper Mini Pro 2 model.

The unique action of BACK XTC massagers – is pulsed acupressure. This generates strong waves, that can penetrate through deep muscle layers, giving quick and effective relaxation of even the thickest muscles – using only light pressure. Which is why we call them WAVE MASSAGERS.

These massagers come with 3 different sets of anatomically designed interchangeable massage heads for different body types and different penetration. This gives you the added flexibility of choosing the firmness of massage that is just right for you, for your individual massage preference. The heads simply snap on and off with a slight twisting motion. This self massagers puts the power of WAVE MASSAGE in your own hand. Deep full body massage that relaxes and invigorates. Used properly, they will give you years of effective release of muscle tension and stress.

FDA registered and electrically certified for use in the USA, Canada and Europe.

Intro: Ever since my Homedics Massager stopped working I was researching the next Massager I wanted to purchase. There were a handful of massagers with very good ratings. First the Thumper Mini Pro 2, this was probably the most popular of handheld massagers for professionals. Next was the Equalizer Pro but this model was discontinued. And then the most well known consumer pro grade massager Brookstone Max Dual Node Massager. Both the Max and Thumper were on my radar until I looked at the prices. The Thumper2 and Brookstone Max sold at online shops for $200. That was just too much money for a massager. Finally I saw the Back XTC Massager which was being compared to the Thumper2. When researching the Back XTC I could not find a single review or rating. So it must have been too new to the market.

Design: The Back XTC Massager comes in all black with very solid ABS plastics. The build quality of the unit was very good. The cord is very long so you can reach for quite a distance. Also I found the unit a medium weight which was great for one-handed use. The Massager also has a handle at the end of unit that improves control with two hands.

Function: The Back XTC Massager is being advertised as a professional grade massager. And it does deliver. The Back XTC Massager has a nice wave like pulsation that provides a refreshing massage that has lasting effects. Unlike the Homedics massager that provided temporary relief. The Back XTC Massager relaxes the muscles and tension in the body from working long hours, sports, and general labor. There are 5 speed settings. I prefer 5 the best of the settings. And included are 3 massage heads. The medium with its rubber like texture seems to work best for the majority of people.

Durability: This part of the review will be revisited 6months and 12months from now to see if it’s still working like new. But at the moment it is holding up quite well. Also the Back XTC Massager is backed by a 1 year limited warranty.

Conclusion: At less than half the cost of the Thumper2, the Back XTC Professional Massager is a good value for professionals, consumers, and anyone who needs relief from aches and pains. I would highly recommend the Back XTC Massager to anyone who wants Professional result from their massager.

9.5 out of 10

Buy it now at Amazon.com here Back XTC Handheld Professional Massager

HP 2133 Mini-Note Sleeve Case by WaterField

Reviewed by K.C. Kim
$53
http://www.sfbags.com/products/sleevecases/sleevecases.htm

Recently there has been a trend of low cost laptops starting with the Asus EEE. When other companies found that there was a niche for such things they all jump on board. HP is one such company with their HP 2133 Mini Note. The Mini Note is a small notebook computer that was recently released. Now when I first saw it I new I was getting one, as I tend to purchase the latest tech even when my bank account disagrees. So I ended up purchasing the mid range 2133 running Linux, with 120gb hard drive, 1.2ghz VIA chip, and standard battery. When I finally receive it from Buy.com I was in awe of its great features. But one thing I needed to do right away with my new shiny gadget was protect it from damage. Fortunately for me Waterfield announce they will sell a sleeve case for the HP 2133 Mini-Note at launch. This was the first third party accessory for the HP Mini-Note. So when I got a chance to review the case. I jumped at the opportunity.

Design and function: The Waterfield Sleeve case is beautifully designed. From the incredible stitching job and nice nylon and neoprene high-grade materials. The case also has a great deal of padding while still looking relatively slim. The cushion should provide a great deal of protection for the Mini-Note. The version I receive had a Horizontal Orientation. But you can buy the sleevecase with a vertical Orientation as well. Also you can customize the case to add a strap and also a flap (which does a nice job of keeping dust out of the machine).

Conclusion: What makes the Waterfield HP Mini Note case so great is it’s high quality workmanship, made in USA quality and durability, and the nice customization of the case. It’s truly one of the best cases I have ever used. The case perfectly fits the HP 2133 Mini Note. And since HP neglected to include a case Waterfield step up and simple provided the best case available right now for the HP Mini-Note.

9.5 out of 10

Product Page HERE