Displaying reviews posted
by certified DX gadget owners first, followed by all other posted reviews.

USB Rechargeable 5MP High Resolution AV Pin-Hole Spy Camera Disguised as Working Wristwatch (4GB)
DX Price:
$32.80
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I Love this Watch
Posted by
MadBenjamin
on 8/29/2010
Involvement:
Expert (understands the inner workings)
- Ownership:
1 day to 1 week
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Pros: Best looking of the four DVR watches that I own;
Keeps very good time;
Easiest, most intuitive to use;
Storage capacity is more than adequate at 4GB, although that can be changed by popping off the back of the watch and swapping out the MicroSD card. Not a bad idea to spend a few dollars on a name-brand MicroSD card to ensure the best performance, although the card included with this watch has performed very well so far.
Cons: Second hand ticking is picked up by mic in quiet environments;
Camera position, at the "12" should be at the "6" (personal preference)
Other Thoughts: I own four different watches from four different vendors. All are based on the Syntek USB MicroSD architecture, so all are very similar in their recording quality. This watch, however, trumps the others by sheer ease of use. Push the button at the "2" position for about 2 seconds and the recorder powers up and begins video recording after a few seconds; push the same button to pause; push the button by the "4" to switch from video to still; push it again to switch to audio-only; one more push returns to video mode. In any of the modes, use the "2" button to start/stop recording, or take a still picture. Note - it is very difficult to get a good still image, as you have to press the button while holding the watch absolutely still. Try that while wearing it - you'll see what I mean (literally).
Actual specs:
Still Photo - 1600x1200 72DPI
Video - 720 x 480
Video Data Rate: 6650kbps
Frame Rate: 29 frames/second
Audio Bit Rate: 64kbps 8khz mono
Bottomline: The only change I would make to the design would be to place the camera at the bottom of the dial, rather than at the top. I have other DVR watches that are built this way, and it it makes aiming a little more accurate. The video quality is very similar to some of the newer pen cams that DX carries. For the price, however, given the ease of use, this is an incredible product at an incredible price.
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James Bond Credit Card Lock Picking Pocket/Wallet Kit (5-Piece Set)
DX Price:
$7.38
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90 Second Review of the Bond Lock Pick Kit
Posted by
MadBenjamin
on 9/18/2009
Involvement:
Expert (understands the inner workings)
- Ownership:
less than 1 day
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Pros: Fantastic price, compared to domestic (US) outlets. Nicely stamped out picks, and the right four basic picks common to any set.
Cons: These tools are, by design, very small compared to the KLOM, GoSo, Southord, Majestic, or other "standard" picks. The metal is thin, but rigid, and unsheathed, making them a bit sharp on the fingers. Also, due to their size, it takes a fairly experienced hand to get the sort of feedback from the lock that one might expect or need.
Other Thoughts: This is definitely not a set of 'tools' for the novice to learn lock picking. I see this set (I bought two sets, too good of a price to pass up) as an adjunct to my professional sets. This set will not open all locks, obviously, but can come in handy for keyed padlocks, door locks, etc. Although it only contains four picks and one tension wrench, the picks are the most common one might require for the broadest range of locks. Take a look at Checker's post on the forum for some very good pictures of the individual pieces. I suspect that they are also better suited to European locks, which employ narrower keyways. Can anyone from Europe confirm this?
Bottomline: This is a very good utilitarian pick set for someone who feels they always need a pick set on their person, but don't want to commit to carrying a zippered case. It is also a terrific novelty item. Don't expect to be able to open any lock you encounter - the range of utility for such a limited set is obviously quite narrow, but as indicated, a nice addition to the tool kit. Best advice - pick this up with the 32-pick KLOM set. Learn to pick with the KLOM, and perfect your skills with the Bond. Also, since the "Credit card" is just a sticker, if it is removed, it can be replaced with any kind of photo sticker to make it look like an entry badge, school ID card, or whatever.
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