CES - 2011 THE WORLD'S STAGE FOR GADGETS

CES – THE WORLD’S STAGE FOR GADGETS…

© 2011 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

Each year in early January thousands of entrepreneurs, manufacturers, dealers and press descend on Las Vegas for the show of shows in electronic gadgetry known as CES, the Consumer Electronics Show. With some 140,000 attendees and 2700 plus exhibits, “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”, does not apply, at least the manufacturers hope not.

(TIP: If you do attend, be sure to bring some good walking shoes. You’ll get a good workout and be thankful you did!)

This show is so big that often times the little guy gets lost in the shuffle, so I will mention a few goodies from these global participants. First, however, I need to mention a couple of show standouts.

Ford Motor Company officially introduced the 2012 Focus Electric. The Focus Electric runs entirely on electricity stored in powerful batteries and can go a distance of about 100 miles before recharging. A unique feature is an app for Smartphones that lets you monitor and schedule the charging status, driving range, charging locations, other than your home, vehicle location and much more. Release date late 2011. http://bit.ly/fCxSMU

Whirlpool demonstrated the MHW9000X Maxima™ washer and the ME/GD9000X EcoConserve™ dryer. They use up to 82% less water and 86% less electricity. Its PowerWash™ system dispenses 6X HE concentrated detergent. The LCD display prompts the user to dispense the proper amount based on contents, load and stains. A combination of suggested pre-treatment and the on-board computer remove such stains as coffee, peanut butter or jam. Release date is April 2011 at select Sears stores with a price range of $1500 - $2000 depending on capacity and base. Note: Whirlpool and Maytag are one of the same. These products currently do not show up on their web site and may be limited to Sears’ site in the future. http://bit.ly/aVJvkl

Probably the biggest presence was in 3D displays by Sony, Panasonic, JVC and LG, some of which were glass-less. The big three also showed 3D camcorders. In my opinion, 3D is still a work in progress. While readily available at a price, pictures are often fuzzy, or blurred and the use of glasses is a nuisance to those already wearing eyewear. The glass-less displays shown at LG were not too bad, but required viewing dead center to see the effect.

Many health related devices and aps were shown which monitor many of your vital signs and make them available to your iPhone. Primpo showed the iSonic cane which detects obstacles, colors and darkness/brightness and informs you thru vibrations at different strengths. Currently not available in the U. S. as they are seeking a U. S. partner/distributor.

Casio showed several new still cameras featuring various imaging correction and enhancement tools such as making a print look like an oil painting. They announced a FREE web site, available in late February, where anyone may go and utilize these tools with their old digital photos not necessarily shot on a Casio camera. http://bit.ly/gS2AEC

UltraTek displayed their new dual sided USB connector. This connector allows the user to plug into any USB port without considering plug orientation and polarity. It’s totally reversible! Available now. http://bit.ly/fqQctf

NiteIze showed some unique reusable rubber twist tie wraps that are very strong, easy to open/close and available in various sizes. They’re also entering the “lace-Lock” business, a simple device that replace the traditional knot used in tying your tennis shoes. http://bit.ly/aLoaJp

3M presented the PocketProjector MP180. This product includes 4GB of built-in memory allowing storage of data files while also allowing access to the internet and other devices by means of wi-fi and Bluetooth technology. Equipped with speakers, 2 hours of battery life, up to an 80” diagonal projected screen size and 32 lumens of brightness, 11.9 oz, SVGA (800x800), 1.3h x 5.9d x 2.5”w, in/out: VGA, composite & component, USB mini, NTSC 480i-480p, PAL 576i-576p, H.264, SD 480i-576i, HD 720p/1080i. Available now. ($499.00) http://bit.ly/c56LGM

Big Stream demonstrated a Bluetooth device that interfaces with iPod, iPhone and iPad, allowing the streaming of video information into your TV’s component input. The streamer plugs in to your i device, streams to a pocket sized receiver which interfaces to your TV. Depending on the video source, picture quality was acceptable. $99.00 http://bit.ly/gD06wK

iDevices introduced the iGrill cooking thermometer. This probe sends cooking data such as temperature, remaining cooking time, etc., to your iPhone via an app. http://bit.ly/gD06wK

iTwin once again showed their Remote File Access USB device that permits accessing your files and folders on another computer. The PC version is now available with a MAC version coming soon. The device can easily be moved from computer-to-computer. $99.00 http://www.itwin.com/

Tiffen demo’ed their Dfx V 2.0 filter software, which permits adding filter effects normally associated with lens filters and special effects to your stills. A must have for the serious photographer/graphic artist. Downloadable as plug-in, or stand-alone PC/MAC $149.95 http://www.tiffen.com/dfx_v2_home.html

(TIP: If you would like to attend CES in 2012 as a guest you may do so by purchasing a guest ticket for the last show day, typically a Sunday. Such passes are in high demand and limited, so best to make arrangements early. http://www.cesweb.org/ Watch for the 2012 update)

In the months that follow I will be reviewing many products shown at this year’s CES from various manufacturers, so stay tuned!

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer.

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PANASONIC’S CORDLESS “PHONE OF THE FUTURE”

PANASONIC’S CORDLESS “PHONE OF THE FUTURE”

© 2011 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

Over the years I’ve tested numerous cordless phones, but Panasonic’s latest KX-TG series, appears to be a real winner. Here are just a few of the outstanding features:

Dect 6.0 Plus, increases error correction thus improving the phone’s transmission range without interfering with other common wireless devices.

Intelligent Eco Mode, lowers battery consumption when handset is within close proximity of the base unit.

Call Block, allows you to program in numbers from unwanted callers such as telemarketers, bill collectors or just plain nuisance calls. Simply program in the number after the first call and the caller will now receive a busy signal on all future calls until you deprogram. A GREAT feature and well worth the price of the phone itself.

Silent Mode, permits programming to ring only when convenient so as to not disturb sleep, etc.

Talking Caller ID, is another feature that makes this phone priceless. This feature announces who’s calling after the second ring. It can be programmed individually, or for up to six instruments.

Locater button, finds misplaced handsets

Additional features, more common with other brands of cordless phones, include an 18 minute answering machine, handset locator, intercom, up to 4-way conference capability, 50 number directory that may be grouped, speaker phone headset jack and ringer ID for easy identification of favorite callers.

A step up model, KX-TG6583T, features Link-To-Cell, a technology that connects Bluetooth®-enabled cell phones thus allowing you to make and receive calls on the system’s handset from your cellular phone. I did not test this model.

(TIP: Periodically allow the instrument to fully discharge before returning to the charger unit. This will prolong battery life.)

I tested the model KX-TG6545, a five-handset package. All the features worked exceptionally well. Again, the Talking Caller ID and call-block make this cordless phone bundle an outstanding choice. I also like the addition of a headphone jack since when talking with technical support services, etc., you can easily listen/talk hands-free while working out the support issue. Requires an optional headphone/mic such as the KX-TCA60. As I’ve mentioned in other reviews of similar products I would like to see a 75 – 100 number directory, a feature that should not be difficult for the manufacturer to incorporate.

(TIP: This phone does offer a speakerphone feature, however, all speakerphones can present sound issues depending on your proximity to the instrument. Therefore the use of a headphone/mic makes perfect sense for this purpose. Panasonic offers several styles of accessory headphone/mics. To ensure compatibility stick with their accessory model suggestions.)

Additional handsets may be added to existing systems for up to six instruments.

MSRP:

KX-TG6545 5-handset bundle $159.95

KX-TG6583T “Link-To-Cell” 3-handset bundle $199.95

KX-TCA60 headset/mic $14.95

Available on-line and at retail outlets.

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H H H

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer.

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SCANNING SLIDES & FILM MADE SIMPLE

SCANNING 35mm SLIDES & FILM MADE SIMPLE

© 2010 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

Most of us probably have an attic, or garage full of old family 35mm slides. Even when slides were in vogue they required hauling out the projector, a screen and if you wanted prints your local photo processor had to convert them to a negative format. Typically some quality was lost in the process. So what’s the easiest way to salvage these precious moments? VuPoint Solutions may just have your answer.

In this computer age that we live in scanners are pretty popular. When it comes to scanning 35mm slides, or film strips some flattop scanners offer an optional accessory for making this conversion. The down side is that the attachment may be a bit pricy and large, not storage friendly, and the process tedious. Many attempts at manufacturing a dedicated scanner have failed due to vignetting, the creation of dark, distorted corners in the scan. I’ve tested many such scanners in the past, but have finally found one that works well and is reasonably priced.

VuPoint Solutions offers the model FC-C520-VP-BX2 Digital Film/Slide Scanner. It’s about the size of a quart of ice cream, includes a 2.4” color flip-top LCD screen, two media trays and a multi-voltage AC power adapter. The unit features a 5 megapixel CMOS Sensor providing 10 bits per color channel and has a 32MB built-in flash memory storage capacity while also supporting up to 16GB removable SD cards. The controls allow for selection of 1800 or 3600 dpi, an unusually high scan conversion rate for such moderately priced units, ½ step exposure adjustments from -2EV to +2EV and a color/monochrome button.

(TIP: It’s important to select the monochrome setting whenever scanning B&W media. This eliminates the possible addition of color noise visible as color specs in the finished scan.)

The process is simple! Use either the built-in memory, or insert your own SD card. I prefer the SD card method as it stores many more scans and can easily be transferred to your computer via a card reader. Insert the slides or negative strip into the tray, make any exposure adjustments, or allow the scanner to automatically adjust for brightness and contrast, then press the SCAN button. In a few seconds the scan is complete and you can advance to the next photo.

(TIP: Once you transfer the completed scans to your computer, MAC or PC, you may wish to further enhance, or color correct them with one of the many programs available for this purpose. Arcsoft PhotoImpression 6 software is included for Windows XP & Vista users.)

I found the FC-C520-VP-BX2 to work exceptionally well. Scans are very fast, quality high and the lack of vignetting makes it the perfect tool for converting those old slides and negatives. In addition, a TV output jack is provided so you can view your scans directly on your TV/monitor. (note: video input jack is required. The connecting cable is supplied with the scanner. NTSC/PAL selection)

(TIP: Always clean your slides, or negative strips prior to scanning. This will remove years of dust build up. A lens brush with squeeze plunger is perfect for this and available at most camera stores. The scanner includes a brush for cleaning it.)

MSRP: $129,95 Available on-line and at retail outlets.

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H H H

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer.

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ROXIO TOAST TITANIUM 10 PRO

ROXIO TOAST TITANIUM 10 PRO

© 2010 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

Burning media should be an easy task. If you own a MAC such software is included with your computer, so why the need for anything else? In today’s computer world, MAC or PC, there are so many variables and features that it makes sense to install software specific to the task. Roxio has long been a leader in such software solutions including its most recent bundle, TOAST 10 TITANIUM PRO. While this article reviews TOAST 10 TITANIUM PRO, a bundle, you should be aware that the plug-ins making up this package are in most cases individually available for both the PC and MAC.

TOAST 10 TITANIUM PRO is made up of five main programs making it a powerhouse of creative and processing tools. While not the developer of all these programs, Roxio has teamed up with the various manufacturers to offer the user the opportunity to test drive products at a very minimal cost. Many of the programs included are considered “light”, however, more advanced versions and upgrades are available from the software providers. In many cases, the “light” versions will demonstrate the power of the program, but also will more than meet, or exceed the needs of the user.

(TIP: Roxio Toast 10 Titanium Pro, a bundle, is available for the MAC. The PC version, Roxio Creator 2011 PRO, is very similar. Users interested only in a specific application and not a bundle, can purchase the individual programs from the appropriate developer directly.)

Some of what’s included:

Roxio: Normal disc burning software. Extract clips from DVD-Video discs and convert to the format of your choice. Fit-to-DVD™ compression technology fits a 9 GB DVD-Video onto a 4.7 GB disc. File recovery for damaged discs. High-Def/Bluray disc plug-in allowing you to author ACVHD™ HD video to standard DVDs for playback on Bluray players. (Note, depending on compression used, time limitations do exist.) Ability to author HD video to Bluray discs. AVCHD™ Archive makes it one-step simple to back up an entire camera of HD video to disc. Synch up folders bi-directionally between multiple computers, networks, or external hard disks. Automatically catalog your discs as you burn them with photo thumbnails saved for easy browsing. Schedule backup sessions to any hard drive, or network, or burn to CD/DVD, or Bluray disc. Media browser with file browsing data filters and Spotlight search. Extract clips from DVD-Video discs and convert to the format of your choice. Automatically capture & tag streaming Internet audio. Send captured audio to iTunes® as AAC, Apple® lossless, or MP3. Convert audio from vinyl LPs and tapes to CD/ DVD, and iPod. Capture streaming Internet audio - or any sound - as you hear it with one click. Save web video from your favorite web sites to view on TV or on-the-go. Watch video files on your Mac right on your TV with Mac2TiVo. Stream TV and video from your Mac to your iPhone™, Mac or PC over the Internet.

Sonicfire® Pro: Create professional custom soundtracks for movies and slideshows. Allows you to build unique length tracks for music themes, beds and stings.

(TIP: The pro version offers numerous optional libraries of various music and theme beds.)

SoundSoap: Remove noise from analog or digital recordings. Removes hiss, room noise, rumble, electrical hum, & other background noise from most digital media files. Solves most simple noise problems with the Learn Noise button. Powerful fine tuning offers even better sound results. Perfect for vinyl transfers. This program is worth its weight in gold as it’s easy to use, and works!

FotoMagico™: Turn pictures into stories and present them in HD using your computer as the presenter. Note: Has the ability to be burned on a disc, but quality is greatly reduced.

LightZone™: Create dramatic, corrected photos with professional quality light and color balance. Supports RAW, JPEG, TIFF and PNG formats. Change exposure without changing color and vice-versa. This program is fantastic! Having it available for correcting your photos is invaluable. Truly a must-have for the photographer and graphic artist.

(TIP: All programs require time to master and fully appreciate. It would be wise to go to the individual developer’s web site and follow their tutorials. Here’s a link to an excellent free tutorial for FotoMagico by a nondeveloper: ehow.com/video_4992776_fotomagico-tutorial-creating-project.html )

Roxio’s TOAST 10 TITANIUM PRO, is all-inclusive. In writing a review such as this I’m limited to how detailed I can become. However, that said, there is something here for everyone. I’ve used all these programs and find them well worth the investment.

(TIP: Most developers of third-party applications included in Toast 10 Titanium Pro, offer attractive incentives, or upgrade pricing to Roxio customers, so be sure to check third-party developer sites for details if you want to step it up a notch. See links below.)

MSRP: $149.95 (Various incentives and rebates available. Shop this one to come up with the best deal.) Available on-line and at retail outlets.

Supporting web sites:

Roxio.com

bias-inc.com/products

smartsound.com

lightcrafts.com/lightzone/

boinx.com/fotomagico

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H H H

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer.

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THE POWER PILL GRINDER

THE POWER PILL GRINDER

© 2010 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

Many of us, at one time or another, have had to grind down pills. Perhaps they are too large, or simply, too hard to swallow. Up to now the only way to accomplish this task was to use a hammer, or a manual twist masher found on many pill splitters. In either case these methods leave large clumps and are difficult to operate, especially for seniors with wrist problems.

(TIP: Before crushing any pill, discuss which pills may be crushed with your physician. Remember, this gadget is for powder based pills & tablets only.)

Variant Products, Ltd., has developed the VitaCarry®, an electric pill crusher powered by three AAA batteries. This device, about the size of two stacked cell phones, is small enough to travel with you. Operation is simple. Slide the upper pill compartment lid away from the device, now revealing the crusher’s blades and pill chamber. Place one, or two pills in the chamber making sure that they do not exceed the height of the compartment since the lid needs to slide back over the chamber before it will function. If necessary, reduce the pill size by splitting it. Never use time-release, liquid filled capsules, gel caps, or hard coated pills. Such medications will loose their effectiveness, not to mention the mess and damage that may occur. Now, slide the lid back in place and press the blue power button below the lid. You can observe the pulverization process thru the round window. Once all the powder has dropped thru to the chamber below, press the power button again to stop the crushing cycle. Directly below the pill compartment is a slide-out collection tray now containing the pill powder and ready for use. Pet owners can remove the collection tray and replace it with a flat lid. Sliding this lid open allows the grounded medication to be spread over their food.

(TIP: All removable parts are dishwasher safe. Be sure to place these items in a dishwasher basket designed for small items, and in the top section of the washer for minimum heat exposure.)

I tested the VitaCarry® with several large pills, none of which required reduction in size. In several seconds the desired result was achieved. Cleaning the device, however, is another story. While I had little difficulty, I could see someone with arthritis may. The process requires complete removal of the lid, a plastic trim strip and the cutter module. The cutter module could prove to be the difficult one as it does require a good grip. When reinstalling, care must be taken to match up the small plastic guides with the chamber. Since they are white, the same color as the device, they too, may create a problem for some.

(TIP: Once a pill has been crushed it may be necessary to thoroughly clean the device before reuse. Other meds may not mix with the previous med and, if used by different people, or pets, they may ingest part of the previous med as well. Discussing this issue with you physician is a must.)

I can definitely see the value of VitaCarry®. It appears to be well built, a good design and people/pet friendly. My only suggestion is that some form of pill splitting feature be included making it even a more useful tool. VitaCarry® is available at retail and on line at: http://www.powerpillgrinder.com/

MSRP: $29.95

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H H H

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer.

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POCKETSIZED TELEPROMPTER

POCKETSIZED TELEPROMPTER

© 2010 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

If you’re in the video production business you should find this article very interesting. If you’re not, I think you’ll enjoy reading about the concept and understanding how far we’ve come in useful applications for the world of the SmartPhone.

Those of us who have been involved in video production know how useful a teleprompter can be. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, or just a novice, making on-camera presentations can be challenging. Availability on short notice can be difficult, not to mention that the cost, purchase, or rental, can be expensive, especially when you may only require it for a few lines of script. Bodelin Technologies may just have the answer with its software app, PROPROMPTER for the iPhone. (also available for PocketPC, iPod Touch and LCD.) Like any other app, ProPrompter easily installs into the iPhone. Once loaded, the application makes use of the iPhone’s large display allowing copy to be easily viewed at reasonable distances from the camera. Software controls permit font size adjustments, scrolling speeds, font & background color selectability, countdowns and synching with more than one iPhone for multiple camera shoots.

The down and dirty approach is to simply butt-up the iPhone to the camera lens. Unlike cue cards, and due to its small size, this method actually worked well with virtually no off-camera look by the talent. Mounting the iPhone in this manner can be accomplished by your own ingenuity, or by purchasing the Wing & Mobile Clip accessory. Copy can be typed directly on the keyboard of the iPhone, or by sending the iPhone an email and then using the copy/paste method to place it into the ProPrompter program, or copy/paste from a web site. This is a very handy feature for broadcasters in the field. The ProPrompter may be remote controlled with another iPhone, or iPod Touch, providing it too has the ProPrompter app installed.

(TIP: Talent distance from the camera and general knowledge of the script all play a role in improving the on-screen look. A little practice and this really can work well.)

Another display method available is the HD ProMag accessory. It features a beam splitter with hood that mounts in front of the lens. This allows the talent to look directly into the lens with the added convenience of 2x magnification for up to a 15’ talent-to-camera distance. It’s the conventional method used by much larger and more expensive prompters.

The ProPrompter serves a definite purpose. While not the cure-all prompter, it certainly is a great tool to have when the unexpected need arises and at a cost that’s unbeatable! I tested it with the Wing & Mobile Clip accessory and found it easy to read and almost impossible to detect the fact that it’s mounted to the right of the lens. The HD ProMag accessory definitely adds value to the system and incorporates the HD 16x9 format to its usage. I definitely rate this as a must have tool for the serious videographer, as well as the seasoned professional.

(TIP: Multiple scripts may be stored in the ProPrompter program. The only limiting factor would be the amount of available memory in your device, perhaps justification for selecting the maximum memory available when purchasing your iPhone, iPod Touch, or PocketPC.)

Bodelin Technologies offers a wide variety of prompting devices including one for the iPad. For more details and *accessory purchases go to http://www.bodelin.com.

MSRP: App $9.95 (available from the Apple App store); *Wing & Mobile Clip $149.95; *HD ProMag $995.00

Note: Other software packages available for Mac/Windows applications and priced accordingly.

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H H H

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer.

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THE SPARKLING DISHWASHER

THE SPARKLING DISHWASHER

© 2010 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

I’ve tested many dishwashers over the years. My biggest complaint is that the dishes never have that sparkling look seen in the product and soap commercials, nor are heavily soiled items ever totally clean. Recently I tested one that really performs as advertised, and then some.

(TIP: Do not rely on exterior dimensions in determining if a specific model will fit under your counter. Tub configuration, such as, round or squared edges, can play a major role in calculating the final fit.)

The MDB7809AWM is an under-the counter, stainless exterior, model from Maytag. It features a stainless steel interior, resistant to rust and grime, a definite must-have, since this is the most common problem that determines the life of your machine. Two utensil racks may be easily mounted anywhere, however, mounting bottom right is preferred since this washer features a special high-pressure spray, Silverware Blast, aimed in that direction, with spotless results. Racks, upper & lower, as well as their accessories are adjustable for different size objects, a feature not commonly offered. This washer is outfitted with so many thoughtful features I could not possibly list them all.

Cycle & option selections appear somewhat intimidating at first glance. However, you’ll soon appreciate the benefits in deep cleaning and cost savings. These features include: Auto Clean Plus – Loads with heavy, normal, or light amounts of food soil; Heavy – Heavily soiled pots, pans, casseroles and tableware; Normal – Normal amounts of food soil; Light – China & crystal; Insta Wash – Quickly wash pre-rinsed glasses, or dishes; Rinse Only – Rinse loads that will not be washed immediately; Heat Dry – Extra heat drying; Sanitize – Raises time cycle & final rinse temp to 154°f. Steam Clean – Adds steam to the rinse cycle to deep clean & shine; High Temp Wash – Increases water temp during wash cycle.

(TIP: Use a product like “Finish Jet Dry”. Works with other features of this washer to give you that sparkling look. Dispenser with consumption gauge inside door.)

In my tests I used the Normal > Sanitize > Steam Clean settings. The results were always exceptional. The door has a tight seal, which makes it somewhat difficult to unlatch. This washer is well thought out. The inner stainless steel liner, handy interior features, superior construction and outstanding results make it a best buy.

(TIP: Any dishwasher needs periodic preventative maintenance. Products such as “Dishwasher Magic”, available at most supermarkets, remove lime scale and rust. They should be used in six-month intervals to prolong the life of your investment)

MSRP: $849.00 (non exterior stainless models are less)

GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H H H

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer.

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