Tag Archives: review

X10 SC1200 Security Alarm Console Review

Posted on February 26, 2011 by JMarsden| 2 Comments
X10 SC1200

I have recently tried out a new product from X10.  While this isn’t going to tell you what diet pills work best it will tell you about the brand new security console, the SC1200.  For many years I was using a security console that seemed like it was made back in the 70′s.  The new console looks, and operates like a modern piece of technology.

X10 Protector

The Sc1200 has a lcd screen, keypad, tamper alert, and works with wireless, and wired sensors.  It is fully compatible with 90% of the original X10 accessories, and there are even new accessories that you can purchase like a thermostat roll-back unit.  The SC1200 uses 4 AA batteries for battery backup.  It comes with a power supply, and phone cable.  The SC1200 also mounts to a wall without additional hardware, which the Protector unit needed a wall mount that cost additional.

In comparison to the original Protector, the SC1200 is much nicer to look at, seems to have a bit more range than its predecessor.  The new SC1200 also handles a maximum of 32 zones whereas the Protector could only handle 16 zones.  For the most part a large house should be able to work with one unit.  One of the best features that I like is that you can call into the SC1200 and operate the unit as if you were home.  You can arm, disarm, turn lights on, and see what zone got tripped if an alarm went off.  Another great feature is that you can control the delays for entry, exit, dial, and answering.

When using the new techology accessories you gain additional benefits.  The new door/window sensors come ready for wireless, but can also have a wired contact added to it.  X10 has definitelly thought of the user for the new line of hardware.

The only thing that I have found to be a bit annoying with the new system is that the wireless light modules will only work if your house wiring is coupled together between the phases.  This isn’t a major problem, but for someone that just wants to be up, and running this could be a small disappointment.  This was my problem because my WS467 units will not interact with the SC1200 currently, and I have to add a house coupler to get all my modules to work.

I give the SC1200 a 9 out of 10.

Posted in Electronics

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Linksys / Cisco Valet Review & Giveaway

Posted on February 2, 2011 by JMarsden| 50 Comments

I have always found Linksys / Cisco products to be the easiest, and most reliable routers on the market.  This was a perfect match for me when I was offered to do a review / giveaway of a Linksys / Cisco Valet wireless router.

The Valet comes with a “Easy Setup Key” for configuring your device/devices fast, and easy.  The Valet is a router capable of “N” speeds.  There are also enhanced parental controls that help aid in restricting keywords, sites, and even time that a computer can surf.  Different than previous Linksys routers that I have had this one has a “Guest” account so that your login information is different than anyone that may be visiting, and using your router temporarily.  This Valet handles 4 wired computers.

Within 10 minutes of unboxing I had this router fully working.  My network required a bit more time because it is on a Server so I reconfigured some of my computers to a seperate network for this purpose.  I recommend this router for anyone that has ever had a problem getting a router installed, or anyone that just doesn’t want to have a computer technician come out to install a wireless router.  The only thing that I didn’t like was the color.  I got used to the blue/black coloring of the original routers, and also I just don’t like white.

Cisco Valet wireless routers (www.thevalet.com) are the super-simple fool-proof way to set up wireless in the home in 3 easy steps and the perfect companion to all the hot consumer electronics this season that require wi-fi.  Since it’s so simple to set up, Valet is the perfect companion to consumer electronics gifts and also the best way to make sure even your most tech-challenged friends or relatives have a wireless connection.  So no more visits to the coffee shop for your wireless connection when you’re visiting them unless it’s actually for coffee!

More about Valet below:

  • Setting up any device to work on and connect to the network takes a couple of minutes. It comes with a USB key so it works quick. Easy to Use!
  • Visitors can access the Wi-Fi connection from their laptop, smartphone, or other device without accessing the private home network. Easy guest log-on and protection for those that didn’t know they even needed protection!
  • Parental controls that allow parents to manage every devices that kids use to connect. Safety First!
  • Easy way to provide wireless for laptops, iPads, gaming systems, Wi-Fi enabled TVs, e-readers, and any other products that require wireless

I was sent a Valet for the purposes of reviewing the product.  Receiving the product had no influence on our review.  Linksys/Cisco also supplied a Valet for a giveaway.

Now onto the contest details…

Main entry…

Visit the Linksys / Cisco site and tell me which router you think would work best for your home.

Additional entries… (1 additional per)

  • Become a Cisco Valet Facebook fan.  (Click HERE to go to the Facebook page.) (Comment with your info.)
  • Follow me on Twitter.  (Comment here with your Twitter name.)
  • Tweet this contest. (#Win a Linksys/Cisco Valet Prize from @JMarsden92.  It’s easy and reasonable too!   http://www.myblogs4u.com/index.php/linksys-cisco-valet-review-giveaway/ Ends 2/28.) (Leave a comment telling me.) (2 max Tweets daily)
  • Subscribe to my feed by clicking HERE.  (Comment with your name.)
  • Share this giveaway with others on Facebook.  (Comment about where you shared.)
  • Blog about this contest on your site.  (Comment about where.)
  • Comment on any blog post here at MyBlogs4U.  (Leave a comment about where.)
  • Comment on any blog post at MomsBlogs4U, DisneyContestBlog, or GameBlogs4U.  (Leave a comment.)
  • Place my badge on your site. (Leave a comment telling where.)

This contest will run from 2/5/2011 through 2/28/2011.  The winner will be randomly chosen.  The winner will have 3 days to contact us.  After 3 days a new winner will be chosen.

Posted in Reviews With Contests

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Succeeding At Blogging

Posted on December 2, 2010 by JMarsden| Leave a comment

I have learned over the last @2 years about different things a person can do to get further at blogging.  Our sites are between PR2 and PR4 at times.  Our visitors grow by the day.  I have made a list of different things that I do that have gotten us as far as they have.  Some of these apply to bloggers that review things so keep that in mind.

  • Goodle Adsense – You can gain revenue from ads appearing on your site.
  • Affiliates – Be sure to join affiliate program that will display ads and earn you commission on sales from those ads.
  • Marketing – If you see a product that you like then search for the PR contact information and contact them about the product.
  • Self Promotion – Make up business cards for your site, and if you want the extra visibility get magnets for your vehicle.
  • Social Networking – Join as many social networking sites.  This helps publicize your site and gain you traffic.

Here are a few general thoughts for you if you are thinking about blogging.

  • Make sure you are up to speed with the FCC guidelines about disclosure about reviewing and compensation.
  • If you are going to blog first find a domain name that helps sum up what you are doing.
  • Blog as much as possible.  Companies like to see you posting more than once a week.
  • Once you are established you will get contacted by companies looking to advertise, and they will pay going rate if your site fits.
  • Don’t get a subdomain blog.  Most companies have stopped working with subdomained blog sites.  (ex.. JoesStuff.******.com)
  • Register your own domain name.  Don’t go through a company that does it for you because it will take work to move it later.

In the beginning I self-hosted my sites from my own servers.  I have found a few good sources that offer huge discounts when you sign up.

Here are some of the sites that I recommend for any blogger…

Facebook, MySpace, BlogCatalog

Commission Junction, Linkshare, ClickBank

If you need any other help please feel free to contact me and I would be willing to give you some assistance.  I don’t mind mentoring anyone.  I have done it before, and will do it again.

Posted in Blogging

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