Reviews by Alxsteele

Alxsteele says "On Clearance - One Year and Running" about Ativa - Ativa AT-MP200

Alxsteele — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:38:48 GMT

Ativa is the Office Depot in-house brand. I have purchased several Ativa products in the past--including a paper shredder--and have now had this unit for nearly a year. It was on the clearance rack for $15.00 with a rebate of $10. That means that I payed only $5 after rebate. The unit holds one gigatite of data. It can funcation both as an MP3, a voice recorder, and a data storage device. The unit also has an FM receiver which allows the user to listen to the radio. With built in earbuds, and a neck-lanyard, I use this unit weekly when running and working out. I took the added precausion of putting some clear, water-proof tape over the front view-panel--because one of my other units got some sweat through the seams in that area, and shorted. While it doesn't have batteries, it recharges through the USB port, and holds a charge for at least a week when not in use. I've enjoyed the unit and can recommend it to others.

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Alxsteele says "On clearance--one year and running." about Ativa AT-MP200

Alxsteele — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:32:13 GMT

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Alxsteele says "Good options, reasonable rates." about Sharebuilder

Alxsteele — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:45:54 GMT

I have been investing with Sharebuilder for over six years now. I have found their fees to be reasonable, compared to other online brokers that I have had experience with. Recently, Scottrade tried to solicit me away from Sharebuilder. I asked Sharebuilder whether they would match the investment rates of this competing broker. They were not willing to do that, but they did offer me me three months of the advantage rate plan (for free). You can invest in many mutual funds, most US stocks, some foreign options, and many initial public offerings. Rates run $4 per pre-planned investment, and have recently come down to $9.99 (from $14) for real-time investments. If you are looking for a way to invest in individual stocks, this is a reliable company with good service. Recently, they were acquired by ING Banking, which now allows me to access my account from the ING site. I can recommend this site to any, regardless of your investment philosophy or experience.

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Alxsteele says "A different day of travel--but much accomdating" about Delta Airlines

Alxsteele — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:41:05 GMT

Granted, it was last minute travel. Bought the tickets the night before--five tickets: 2 adults, 3 seated children, and a lap child. We opted not to check bags--DA's baggage fee of $25 per made that unreasonable. But, they did check one for free, after they saw us struggling through the airport with all our luggage. Flights to and from Charleston were on time. Pre boarding for small children an option. Enjoyed it there and back again.

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Alxsteele says "72 days!" about Bank of America Online Banking

Alxsteele — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:35:53 GMT

I have had no fewer than 10 bank accounts at different locations over the past 20 years. But never have I had a bank that closes your account after a mere 72 days of inactivity. I use this account primarily for my auction account--to keep statements and receipts seperate from my personal (family) account. My real job has had me too busy to do much auctioning of late, and so I haven't accessed the account for a few months. Supposedly, BOA sent letters after the first 24 and 48 days of inactivity. But I never got either of those. They said they sent another one on the 72nd day. I never got that either. Still--such a insignificant amount of time is incomprehensible in this day and age. I understand 8 months, or 6. But the idea of sending out letters after a mere 24 days seems silly, and rather unreasonable. They closed my account, and it took a week to get it back up and running. I'm shifting banks.

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Alxsteele says "Can't seem to hold it in." about Huggies Snug and Dry

Alxsteele — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:28:33 GMT

I don't know if the quality of Huggies has changed since our 6-yr-old was a baby; but frankly, our experience this round has been poor. Their standard diapers seem to leak more often than not. Even tucked in the back, we reguarly get leakage. After this last round, my wife finally said, "Enough. I only want Pampers."

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Alxsteele says "Rates go from 15% to nearly 26% with one error" about Citibank - Diamond Preferred

Alxsteele — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:46:22 GMT

I have had this card for nearly two years. It's been an okay service. Nothing either outstand or irregular. But this past month, one of my auto, online payments didn't post. Goodness--first there was the $50 interest charge, the $35 late fee, and a $12 pay-by-phone (I caught it that day, but they said it was after the time when it would post that day!). Despite the fact that I'd called them ahead of time, before the end of the day, they jacked upped my interest rates to 25.9%. I don't carry a balance, pay it off each month, and have never missed a payment before. But the company offered me no grace whatsoever. I am going to close this account and start using a different credit card service immediately. So much for customer retention and satisfaction. If you decide to stay with this company, I would recommend taking extra steps to make sure there are no accidents or errors. If there are, I wouldn't expect much grace.

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Alxsteele says "Best sleep in 8 years!" about Select Comfort Sleep Number Bed 5000

Alxsteele — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 13:47:52 GMT

After 8 years of marriage on the same mattress, we upgraded to a Select Comfort 5000 queen model. The dual control system allows my wife and I to both set our mattress to the comfort of our personal desire. I have neck and back problems and this bed has made a world of difference-together with a better-than-cheap pillow. Firm or soft, or anywhere in between, this bed is great for the couple who have different values when it comes to the density of the mattress. And if you watch for the refurbished sales, you can save up to 40% off retail. Refurbished is still guaranteed for 20 years (prorated; as a regular, retail version) and only the pump and plastic base have been refurbished. Everything else is new.

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