http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/smeakim Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:12:32 GMT Reviews by smeakim http://www.viewpoints.com/SanDisk-e280-8GB-MP3-Player-review-6b0d2 This is an awesome little player.  It has all the features of the IPOD without the price tag.  it blows away the Nano and is much more flexible.  The music can be loaded with Media Monkey, Windows Media Player, or by dragging and dropping.  It can support customizing by adding different themes to the screen.  If are you a real computer geek you can load Rockbox.  I have had the player for almost two years.  I did have to have my first one replaced because the head phone jack went out.  Working with Sandisk was pleasant and the switch went off without a hitch.  I did not even have to give up my player.  They sent me a new one and I sent back the broken one.  The sound is fine.  I bought a 1gb micro sd card and loading the music has to be done by drag and drop which is a bit of hassel but it works great.  The player loads the music and you don't have to switch between the internal memory and the card.  I wish it natively supported SDHC as 32gb cards are right around the corner,...... Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:12:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/SanDisk-e280-8GB-MP3-Player-review-6b0d2 smeakim 4 http://www.viewpoints.com/Swagman-Xc-2-Bike-Rail-Rac-1-25-Inch-Receiver-review-688b0 <p>The Swagman XC2 (6450) was easy to assemble. It took about 10 minutes. I bought a locking "J" pin to use instead of the included hitch pin. With the locking "J" pin, the rack does not move at all. There is no need for an additional anti-sway mechanism. The bike is held firmly in place with a couple of good presses down on the hook (I use a piece of cloth over the frame where the hook touches because of my OCD nature). It has a place for a small lock to prevent the hook from being released but the only purpose it would serve is to keep the honest, honest. I have driven from CO to NE without issue in my Chevy Colorado (hidden hitch). It had plenty of clearance going up and down my driveway and in and out of store parking lots. For the $140 price tag it's awesome compared to paying close to 300 for a Thule or Yakima tray rack. If you want a great rack, with a small price tag that does its job well, this is for you.</p><p>Summary: For the price I paid you can't beat the solid construction, easiness...</p>... Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:00:45 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Swagman-Xc-2-Bike-Rail-Rac-1-25-Inch-Receiver-review-688b0 smeakim 5