Sling Media Slingbox SOLO SB260 100

The Slingbox SOLO allows you to watch and control your favorite TV source – including your HD content – from anywhere in the world on your laptop or cell phone. So now you can watch your DVR, digital cable, satellite receiver, or DVD player wherever you see fit. With the Slingbox SOLO, you can watch your favorite TV shows and sporting events from anywhere.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Slingbox and mobil device sound promissing; but…
I’ll be sincere; hopefully this will help somebody like myself struggling to find a solution. Anyway, it’s ony my taste.

I bought Slingbox Solo with the hope that I would be able to listen to(/watch) financial news (Bloomberg or CNBC) at work. My (new) company doesn’t allow employees to streemline audio/video. So, I can’t listen to free bloomberg TV or radio online. However, I soon recognized that the Solo is not the solution because it requires a lot of MB download.

My Solo is connected to a regular digital box (not HD box). To me the quality is very poor on a 15′ Dell Lattitude D630 laptop. It’s rainy (like you try to zoom in a low pixel picture). The color is dead. I wouldn’t use it around home and don’t need it for home. I have Verizon Fios service for my TVs. Verizon gave me enough boxes for all my TVs in different rooms. Even movie online (Netflix) on this same laptop or to 42′ TV is many times better.

One thing I hope to be able to make use is the Slingmedia Mobile. I’ve been searching for smartphones/PDA for this purpose. Disappointingly enough, the software don’t support iPod Touch, Blackberry Storms, Samsung Omnia, even Verizon Wireless XV6900 or XV6800 (it works on XV6700 though) and lot of other recent mobil devices. Well, I would get an Ipod touch and purchase SlingMobil sofware if the sofware support the device…

I didn’t test the quality on HD box, though.

1 Star Beware
Buyers Beware!! Ordered this and found it wouldn’t work with my Cable Box/DVR, a MOXI, provided by Charter, EVEN THOUGH THE BOX IS LISTED AS A SUPPORTED DEVICE. The MOXI box does not use IR technology for its remote control and that apparently is the problem. I returned to AMAZON for a refund.

4 Stars My Son Can’t Thank Me Enough
My son, who now lives in N.C, missed watching his favorite sport teams from New England, especially the Patriots. I purchased him a Slingbox for his birthday in Nov. He absolutely loves it. He has it connected from my TV in MA to his computer in NC to his TV in the ‘man’s room’. He said the picture clarity is terrific. This may be due to the fact that the TV at my house is in high definition, as well as his new computer. Last Sunday, the Patriots Club in Raleigh, NC was able to view the game thru my son’s laptop onto the Club’s TV!! (That particular game was not being televise last week in NC) You can just imagine how excited the fans were watching the game, as well as the New England commercials!!

Setting this up was relatively easy. But there are some things worth noting. Nowhere on the box or in the directions did it mention that the TV and computer (router) be in the same room. This did delay the set up since I did not want wires running from room to room. I purchased a Slinglink Turbo (about $80.00) and plugged it into a wall outlet in each room. It ‘bridged’ the connection without wires. Also, you must use a TV that has a receiver, not just a spare TV with a cable connection. While the Singbox is being used, I either watch the game, or watch another TV, since only one station can be watched while the Slingbox is in use. So far, this has not been a problem, but I did feel you should get the whole picture in this Slingbox review.

5 Stars Sling versatility
I just bought my son a Solo for Christmas and currently own an Slingbox AV unit. I bought the AV to be able to use the Wi-Fi when out of town and watch home TV through my Dish network DVR.

Keep in mind that the quality of the Slingbox video depends upon two things. First the upstream speed of your home Internet connection. Keep in mind that if you have DSL, speeds are always slower on the upstream side. I’ve had 1.5, 3.0 and now 6 meg DSL service. The faster your upstream side the better the picture on your PC or Mac can be. The other controlling point of quality is the Wi-Fi throughput at the site outside your home. Heavy usage of the access point you are connected to will also negatively affect picture quality. This is something you won’t know until you connect at the remote site.

The thing that I didn’t consider is that by connecting to my wireless router at home, the Slingbox streams at very high speed since it doesn’t have to negotiate through the Internet. Your laptop then becomes a very good quality TV. What we discovered is that we now use our Mac all over the house and outside on the deck. No wires, no moving TV’s or running cables. I want to work on the car in the garage? I take the Mac out with me and fire up the Sling software and watch the satellite receiver in the garage. Consider that when running through your home router, the Slingbox will be able to stream 8-15 times more bandwidth than what you will get in the real life world connecting through your Internet service. That translates into pretty good picture quality. Yes it’s not the quality of your big screen but it’s pretty good.

2 Stars Remote Control issues because of hardware
This could be a really great little device EXCEPT for the way they try to control your box. They use IR Blasters, which are these little wires that sticky tape to your box. I personally have never gotten these stupid little things to work with any device (tivo), maybe it’s me, but there were MANY questions about IR problems on their support blog. Tech support said “Should be working, good luck” and washed their hands of me. BTW I am a Computer Support Specialist so I am pretty tech savy. The sticky tape also ends up giving way too.

I really wanted this to work, setup was easy and fast. Support was adequate and I liked the technology they used, but you can only do so much with a lousy hardware setup/component.

Didn’t like the fact that you couldn’t view DVR recordings without changing the tv viewing as well. Could have used a dedicated box but that defeats the purpose doesn’t it.

They have been bought by Dish Network so maybe Dish will build the technology into future boxes, until then give it a try but without the remote functions you will not be able to use the full capabilites of the box!

Buy/More Info

Garmin 010 00679 25 Forerunner 50 with Heart Rate Monitor and Foot Pod

Jump start your training with Forerunner 50. This sleek sport watch is ideal for running, cycling and other fitness activities, and is available with a wireless heart rate monitor or foot pod or both. Plus it automatically transmits workouts to your computer so you can analyze, store and share data using our online community, Garmin Connect.

Get the Data You Need
Train inside or outdoors. The affordable Forerunner 50 provides you with instant workout data including training time, pace, distance, lap pace, lap time, lap distance, average and best pace, calories, maximum and average heart rate. It also records both lap and detailed data. Available in 3 different versions (see versions tab), Forerunner 50 comes bundled with different accessories to help you track your progress for whatever moves you.

Listen to Your Heart
Forerunner 50 with wireless heart rate effectively tracks and records your heart rate while you work out, providing instant feedback about how hard your heart is working. The included digital heart rate monitor continuously tracks heart beats per minute which is wirelessly transmitted to the Forerunner 50. Even train in a certain heart rate zone to improve your fitness level. And well after your workout is done, Forerunner 50 is still working, wirelessly transmitting your training data to your PC.

Measure Speed and Distance
Forerunner 50 packaged with Garmin’s wireless foot pod lets you track your running speed, distance and calories burned while on the treadmill or pavement. Just snap the foot pod into a clip on your shoe laces, and it’s ready to send data to Forerunner 50 as soon as you start moving. After your workout, Forerunner 50 automatically transfers your data to your computer when within range.

Track Your Ride
When paired with an optional speed/cadence sensor, Forerunner 50 tracks the speed and distance of your cycling workouts. The wireless speed/cadence sensor attaches securely to your bike an

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Garmin Forerunner 50
I wanted a HRM and after looking at Polar and Suunto (too expensive) and Timex (Just did not like) I settled on the Forerunner 50. The first time I wore it I was walking my dog (80 lbs. Lab) and somehow my wrist hit the start/stop button, but that was the only time it has happened. The foot pod is secure and I have ran about 15 trail miles with no issues, I even played a game of flag football with it on my cleats, although I doubt it was very a very accurate distance. I have not calibrated the footpod, but it showed 3.6 miles after a 5K I did (with Course Markers). I also have the GSC 10 Speed/Cadence Sensor for my bike. There is a calibration for it, you have to download the Edge 605/705 owners manual and go to pager 77 and 78 for the calibration numbers. The owners manual’s are extremely basic. The bike sensor just shows how to install it! Garmin Tech support is ok, takes 3 days-ish to get an answer via email, but it has been accurate. I am getting back in to running and would like to do some triathalons, all pods on this watch are waterproof to 10 meters. I have not swam with the HRM belt, yet. I have showered with it and it worked flawlessly, no hiccups. As far as software, I was a bit excited and installed the Garmin Training Center before I got the Foreru

1 Star might be a good product…but software made me return it
Hey,

Just a quick review. i bought this for around 120 or so when the price dropped, thinking i would get a deal on a pedometer, with heart monitor system for running. I consider myself fairly “tech-ey” meaning i can figure most electronic things out around the house. But this devide still baffled and frustrated me, especially from someone comeing from using the nike system with ipod.

here are the negatives:

1. hard to use at night…i think there is a light, but when i went to use it, it got into some split timer mode, which i couldnt turn off. just beeped at me every 2 minutes on my 5 mile run…trust me, this gets annoying when you are out of gas and just want your eqipment to work.

2. bad button configuration. there seem to be not enough buttons on the watch, so certain buttons do double duty, have double features, light doubles with plit timer (see above). NOT for night runners.

3. software is SOOOOO confusing. When you download the software, garming gives youa choice of an online tracking system or a desktop tracking system. While this is fine, each doftware had their own look, so i was not sure of which one i shoudl download. I come from nike’s running community (with the ipod sensor in my nano) so i know those are usually useful, but Garmin’s just had so little participation. Their forums directed me to a second party site…not even at Garmin.com.

On top of this, as of last month, 11/08 they only support PC. No Mac.

Bottom line: this is an entry level watch to track your progress on runs or biking. For runners, i HIGHLY recommend sticking with the Nike system, where sending run data is no more complicated than starting up itunes. It took me buying the Garmin to truly appreciate the cross platform support (mac and PC), user participation, and intuitiveness of the nike device. Both are about the same in terms of accuracy, so why not go with the one which actually has developers writing useful software for it?

save the frustration and avoid this thing

5 Stars Makes you want to run!
For a beginner level runner, its more than enough. All of the features are very accurate and if anything they are easy to calibrate. Comfortable enough for every day wear also. if you wanna get a little bit more serious with training, i recommend more advanced models like the 301 or 401 which include the GPS and/or the training partner features.

5 Stars Garmin 50
If you need a training watch that measures heart rate, distance, pace, calories, and is inexpensive this is it. The chest strap and foot pod come pre-synched and work great right out of the box. The foot pod’s measurement was right on with my car’s odometer during my first 8.5 mile run. The watch is easy to use and looks like a watch. A solid 5 stars, way to go Garmin!

2 Stars The ant is not reliable
I have had the Garmin Forerunner 50 for 4 weeks now and have run with it 4-5x per week. The basic tools are very useful – speed, distance, etc. But my ant stick is very tempermental. One day it works, one day it doesn’t. Now it won’t show up at all on my computer and the product manual and website are not helpful. I have tried the basics to fix it but don’t know what else I can do. So I called Garmin. Their automated message told me that it was a 30-35 minute wait time for help. It should be just a quick install and never have to worry about it again.

Buy/More Info

Garmin 010 10889 00 Forerunner 305 205 Quick Release Kit

Every Garmin product is designed to meet the most demanding standard: customers’ satisfaction. That’s why Garmin equipment is manufactured to give you reliable service for years to come, with intuitive features you can grow into over time – all at a price you can afford.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Garmin 305/205 Quick Release Kit
The Quick Release Kit (QRK) is a must have for cyclist, triathletes and runners using the Garmin 305/205 system. The QRK snaps connects to the bar mounted or wristband cradle in seconds. The QRK is great for triathletes! The QRKs Snap-on, Snap-off connector WILL save you significant time and headache in triathlon transition. Of note, I found the QRK design and material more comfortable and adjustable on the fly than the stock rubber wrist band. EASY install.

5 Stars Forerunner 305 quick release kit
Installed very easy. Haven’t had a chance to use it outdoors yet. It does seem to snap in hard so having it come off hitting bumps on the road seems very unlikely.

4 Stars Quick and easy
The strap conversion was quick and easy. I can now use my forerunner while biking, running and rowing. The instructions indicate a one handed release from the mount is possible, but I’ve found it sufficiently stiff as to require two.

5 Stars Forerunner 305 Bike and Wrist Quick Release Strap
Five Stars are well earned for a well designed product. The delivery was easily within two days. The wrist strap is much better than the original plastic strap that came with my Forerunner 305. The strap removal tool makes the removal of the original strap a breeze. (It can also be used for any other watch band removals) The Forerunner 305 is then easily installed and removed from the quick release wrist strap. The Bike Strap is even easier and requires no tools. Works great and is very secure on the bike. Instructions included were perfect and accurate.

4 Stars Good concept – but can pop out unintentionally
After years of problem free riding with my 305 attached using the original wrist strap and pipe foam, I finally broke down and got a pair of these quick release mounts. While I love the concept, I wish they had made the bar clip more secure. During the first two rides I managed to lose the GPS twice, both times I was lucky enough to find it after retracing my path, but it was a huge waste of time and effort. To be fair, the first loss occurred during a crash and I suppose it’s possible something pressed on the clip just right to disengage it. However, the second loss happened when I simply dropped the bike on its side. I eventually found the 305 a couple feet away in the bushes.

During each ride I had double checked to make sure the unit was completely secured in the clip and each time it came lose the strap pins remained in place. I’ve since tried various approaches to jarring it loose with no success; however I’m still paranoid about losing it yet again. My solution for now is simply to run a cable tie through the bar mount and around the strap pin as an unobtrusive safety tether. Although it kind of defeats the purpose of a quick release, at least it reduces the risk of losing it yet again.

Buy/More Info