VONTRONICS E-NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2007 Hi everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed and survived Thanksgiving! We spent some time with my son and his family including my first grandson. It's nice being a Grandpa! Well, folks, let's see what Santa might bring you this year. Remember, as always, if you don't want to be sent these e-newsletters, please check at the bottom of this e-mail to find out how to easily be taken off the list for future enewsletters. Product Reviews 'TIS THE SEASON FOR GIFT-GIVING I'm always being asked what's the latest / coolest / best technology items. So I've rounded up a current list of my favorites in many categories with lots of price variety. See if there's something here for that techno-person on your list that seems to have everything. HYmini starting at $49 http://www.HYmini.com/
Get your Green on with this handheld universal charger/adapter device that h power, solar power, and conventional wall plug power to recharge almost all phones, iPods, PDAs, etc. You can attach it to your bike, car window, even yo jogging, to take advantage of every breeze you can grab. Belkin Mouse Trap list $12.99 http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=389929#
This handy zippered keeper will protect your laptop mouse during transit then round flat mouse pad for use. It even clips onto the outside of your laptop tote interior storage. iRobot Looj starting at $99 http://tinyurl.com/2xqcnz
They came out with robotic floor sweepers, then robotic floor moppers robotic gutter cleaner. Set this wireless robot loose in your roof gutter and wa brush out all the debris! Your remote control helps bring it back to you when i can't wait for the lawn mower version.
Hasbro Squawkers McCaw starting at $54 http://tinyurl.com/2a33b8
This realistic-acting parrot will entertain the kid in all of us. Building on the po Furby domestic robot, Squawkers is part of Hasbro's FurReal Friends group. reacts to your touch, mimics your voice, dances, nibbles a cracker, but never a cage cleaning! Sony VRD-MC5 DVDirect DVD Recorder $230 list (seen for $170 at Costco) http://tinyurl.com/26mage
Stop putting off transferring all those videos of the kids and grandkids to DVD unit, connect your VHS deck, camcorder, digital video recorder, even memory the DVD making begin. Get up to 12 hours of video per DVD. If you have a So camcorder, you can even record in full HD-mode playable on most Blu Brookstone Digital Photo Wallet from $49 http://tinyurl.com/2zp7mz
OK, I agree. this one is geeky. But who can't agree, ladies or gentlemen, that to pull out your wallet, but instead of showing off your dog-eared family photo to 50 photos on a full-color built-in LCD screen? They're made for women or m bragging rights. but will you be bragging about the grandkids or the cool wa Eleksen Wireless Fabric Keyboard for Mobile Devices list $79 http://tinyurl.com/2ds3j4
Whether its Palms, Blackberrys, Windows Mobile, or Symbians, we love our m but those built-in keyboards seem to keep getting smaller and smaller (or is it eyes can't see them?). Here's a full-sized, roll-up fabric keyboard to help out. S pocket or travel bag; it runs off of easily-replaceable AAA batteries. They even USB model for laptops.
Tech Tips HEY, WHAT'S UP WITH THOSE "TINYURL. COM" LINKS? It's nothing to be alarmed about. TinyURL.com offers a free service that converts a lengthy webpage address into a small manageable one that will fit more easily into an e-mail or newsletter. A URL, or Uniform Resource Locator, is a naming scheme devised in the early days of the Internet. Anyone can use this service; here's how:
Use your browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, AOL, etc.) to surf to the webpage that you want to share.
that you want to share. Copy the full address of that webpage by selecting it entirely, then press CTRL + C to copy it. Open a second tab or window in your browser and head to www.tinyURL.com. Paste your long address into the tiny window by clicking once inside it, then press CTRL + V to paste it. Now click the "Make TinyURL!" button. The screen will change and your newly-created TinyURL address will show.

To use this in an email or another document, just copy the TinyURL address and paste it into your email. Isn't it better to see a link like: http://tinyurl.com/26mage, than.
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=1 1&productId=8198552921665185948 ! Freebies MICROSOFT STOCKING STUFFER How about something useful and free for you from Microsoft? They are providing a small business accounting software package free of charge, no strings attached, and it even includes 90 days of free phone support! Office Accounting Express 2008 would be an ideal solution to a small business wanting to try out computer accounting including invoicing, reporting, etc. It could serve an eBay seller very well. They offer a paid but more robust Professional version if you need more features. Compare the two versions' features to decide which one is best for your small business situation. Compare the two versions, free and Professional: http://www.ideawins.com/Express.aspx Download your free Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2008: http://www.ideawins.com/Downloads1.aspx Current Security Recommendations
KEEP IT SAFE OUT THERE As always, don't forget to keep your anti-virus, anti-spyware, and Windows updates current, so you have less exposure to the latest viruses, trojans and adware vulnerabilities. There are many free, yet excellent programs available so there is no excuse not to stay protected. Most of these free programs are for individual home use, not commercial / business use, but I've noted those restrictions, plus the Windows versions each is compatible with. Here's the latest list of excellent, but free, security programs that I recommend: ANTI-VIRUS: AVG 7.5 Free: (home only, Win98-Vista) http://tinyurl.com/2neexk
(AVG has recently been showing a pop-up ad requesting that you upgrade. Although it may sound like a dire warning, it isn't. It's only an ad and you don't have to buy it to continue with their free product. AVG only does this once or twice a year, and I think that's a small price to pay for such an excellent free product)
AVast! 4 Home Edition: (home only, Win95-Vista, annual free renewal) http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html Comodo 2: (home or business, XP/2000 only) http://antivirus.comodo.com/ Clam-Win.91: (home or business, Win98-XP, manual scanner only) http://www.clamwin.com/
ANTI-SPYWARE: SpyBot 1.5: (home or business, Win95-Vista, manual scanner only) http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html Threatfire 3: (home or business, WinXP-Vista, manual scanner only) http://www.threatfire.com/download/ Microsoft Windows Defender: (home or business, WinXP-2003, requires validation) http://tinyurl.com/c9p2f Webroot SpySweeper: (home only, Win2000-Vista, 30-day free trial) http://tinyurl.com/2bp9xa FIREWALL: Your router: almost all routers have a hardware firewall built-in, the best type! ZoneAlarm Free: (home only, Win2000-Vista) http://tinyurl.com/3yhkyk

Comodo Firewall Pro: (home or business, Win2000-XP) http://tinyurl.com/2o2p6d
In case you didn't know, I don't get any compensation from the links I include in my enewsletters. It's merely a pleasure for me to find and share these tidbits with you. Thanks again to all of you as we head into a promising and profitable new year. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to reply. I try to answer all emails within 24 hours. Thanks for reading. Now you're one of the family! Eric VONTRONICS, INC. Naples, Florida 239-597-0001 To be removed from future e-mailings, reply to vontronics@familycomputerusa.com and ask to be removed.

Getling

Know Your SQUAWKERS McCAW Parrot.n.N--.wnl

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FOR REMOTE CONTROL:

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BAlTERlES REQUIRED

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-. The first thing you need to do when you take your SQUAWKERS McCAW parrot out of the box is to insert batteries in the Remote Control. (SQUAWKERS McCAW comes packaged with batteries included.)

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Use a Philliprlcross head screwdriver (not included) to loosen the s r w in the battery ce compartment cwer (screwstays attached to cover). Remwe cover. Insert 2 x 15V "AAA" or R03 size batteries (not induded). Alkaline batteries recommended. Revf --cover and tighten screw.

CAUTION:

1. As with all small baperies, the batteries used with this toy should be kept away from who still put things in their mouths. If they a promptly see a doctor and have the doctor phone (202) 6253333 collect. In other countries, have the doctor call your local poison control center. 2. Make sure the batteries are inserted correctly and always follow the toy and battery manufacturer's instructions. 3. Do not mix old batteries and new batteries or alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries.
Please retaln this lnformatlon for future reference. Batteries should be replaced by an adult.
IMPORTANT: BATTERY INFORMATION 4 , CAUTION:
1. Always follow the instructions carefully. Use only batteries specified and be sure to insert item correctly by matching the + and polarity markings. 2. Do not mix old batteries and new batteries or standard (carbon-zinc) with alkaline batteries. 3. Remove exhausted or dead batteries from the product. 4. Remove batteries if product is not to be played with for a long time. 5. Do not short-circuit the supply terminals. 6. Should this product cause, or be affected by, local electrical interference, move it away from other electrical equipment. Reset (switching off and back on again or removing and reinserting batteries) if necessary. 7. RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES: Do not mix these with any other types of batteries. Always remove from the product before recharging. Recharge batteries under adult supervision. DO NOT RECHARGE OTHER TYPES OF BATTERIES. 8. As with all small items, these batteries should be kept away from children. If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.
Your SQUAWKERS McCAW parrot comes with his own perch, packaged in three pieces. The perch, once assembled, cannot be taken apart.
1 Insert each piece of the perch a a 90-degree angle (or, a quarter-turn) from. t the other piece: then turn the inserted piece clockwise until it clicks into place
2 Line up the feet of S Q U A W K E E S q M C A W ~ , p l y pegs, and attach perch him t o the perch. ~ ~ r4.4\. * - , r b +
SQUAWKERS McCAW can sit on.the perch facing either direction. He will also function standing on a 9 flat surface, such as a table or desk.
to keep the feet locked to the perch. When you want to take the parrot a the perch, push up on the button
lidr;wre the DEW I OFF I ON Switch
@mated She back) to the "ON" on
w Ulh&31you&*M;IUAW~MCcAW will "umke up? making sounds and m o u h his wines!
When you "wake up" y w r SQUAWKERS McCaW Mode, He's just retaxing and hanging out! In Hangout Made, SQUAWKERS McCAW will
back t "ON?you erase a 9 words a
kssoun&,cishewaitr W W for more than
Touch any of his wnsors and SQUAWKERS McCAW
McCAW parrot loves to play and interact with you! Justlike a
Your SQUAWKERS McCAW p m t has a Light Semor on hi forehead. Wave your hand wer his head and SQUAWKERS McCAW will blink.
When you pet the back of SQUAWKERS McCAW, he will coo and move in response to your touch.

M You can abo relax SQUAWKERS McCAW by~hbhead.Pethbhaadflrmly.

Beak Sensor

Pet the beak of your SQUAWKERS McCAW parrot, and watch him either coo or give you a parrot kiss.
"Fed* SQUAWKERS &CAW
SQUAWKERS McCAW comes with a toy cracker. When you place the toy cmcker on the tongue of SQUAWKERS McCAW, he will chew on the toy cmcke7 and make yummy sounds! I you feed f him too much at once, he'll get the hiccup: pat his back, and he'll burp and feel better. And remember: be careful of your fingers around a bird's mouth!

Whatcha doin?"

bird!"

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If you say something t SQUAWKERS McCAW and he either did : not hear or understand you, he will blink at you. Speak again and this time, be dearer or change the tone of your wke.
Before ydo speak?,watt until your SwAWKR$ W

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L Reduce bmkgrsund tmh I. Spaak dearty and dirtirletly. Dori't h u t. I If POUAWKERS W W doesn't mpond in the way yw expect, try.

speaking again.

I. WhenSQUAWRSMcCAWisinawModemModaorRspgat Mode), he cannot mpond to your v o i i c o d Pet his head t gat o him out of a Play Mode if you want to speak? him to
k For k t m b ,speak to PQUAWKERE M K A W from about 1 to 2 feat

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CupyourhancbovertbheadcRIcleyesof
SQUAWKERS McCAW and say "Peeksboo!": hell reply, W d you go?" or 9 can't see y u " If you uncover his eyes and o. say "Peek-tmP SQUAWKERS McCAW will say, 'I see you!" o UPeeka-boo!" r
O ~ ~ ~ U W W ~ ~ ? W ~ ~ ~ ~. K E F K M C C A W ~ k m a d y b ~ t h e ~ ~ W a i t f o r SouAwI.CEFIsMcCAWto~,'OKP A&, "Wanna &we? and your SQUAWKERS McCAW
lJBnvYtwlA~you~he'sreadytodQKebysayhrg, up141 me S m muiicl* a
appm@ab~m~~Control;or(2)fdlowing
lf~~~~WKER5~~dwsnotcbtectabeatfcwmolp thcln~eight(8)secondr,hewill~todng hkown~one
Inthkmode,yoq~W~McCAWpamtwil oRce YWmy ' P k ~ $ , y w. S o l J A $ % & s McU
s c V ~ t o s ~ k ~ e ~ ~ w , ~ o ! SWAWRS l y uo r J , ~ ! ~ W ~ ~ ~ ~ b y o u 8 n c e , h like voice. He will then a p a n McCAW will keep ~RJltoYy~usnturinlhn.to~-s
nepsatlngw.-~~bna=bwInRepeat 1 minuter h ~ e p e a t m

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langout Mode,.-I-& ~ ~ ~ ~ t ~ ) h h m ~ ~ t h Q n s i g h t ( 8 ) h--A ;.p e t h i d RESET on the Reno& Contd.

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your SQUAWKERS McCAW say any words and phrases you "A word bout words;" p. n)
2 To say certain wordslphrarer when you press a lettered button on the Remote Contml 3. T say certain wordslphrases when he o hean you my certain wordslphrarer Vou can create

- , commands and

A-F buttons on the Remote Control.
Commands recorded to a preset button are linked to responses recorded for the same button. For example, if you record the command "Hi, Squawkers!" to button A and record the response 'Hey, good lookin'!" to button A Squawkers will respond , , with "Hey, good lookin'!" every time he hears the command "Hi, Squawkers!" NOTb Ullunyou a#b your om -an&, mpomm, and random wwbuhy, maha
your~~~parroCir&pauyaurhrmd~hlshrad,andhr~blink.Yw w i U b m ~ a r s ~ ~ m k H y w h w r S Q U A ~ W c C A W q you pnrr W,*iCnna~l h a ~ k a ~ r d t o r ~ ~ y m t.
1 Set the Content Selector Switch to "Custom Speech," and.
set the Remote Control switch to "Command."
2 Press and hold one of the six (6) preset buttons on the
lettered keypad. SQUAWKERS McCAW will squawk to let
you know that he's ready to mrd.
3. Release the button, and speak a word or phrase (up to 25 seconds)
immediately into the microphone, located in the chest. Wait for SQUAWKERS McCAW to squawk again, then s y the word or phrase a second time. a 4. SQUAWKERS McCAW will repeat the word or phrase back to you. If you would like to change the command, you can record over it at any time. SQUAWKERS McCAW will respond only to commands spoken by the same person who programmed the command.
N T I H~Wurkatth.oudkcolnmadbtorarp.dtkpm&b,prmandnkar OM IfnktkrwdIC)UILWWICWMcCAWurlllnprattlwaommond.
I. Set the Remote Control switch to "Response!' 2 Press and hold one

bxwhing your sQuA

P l w s b e ~ w h e n
MeeAW parrot worck a d phrasw Uke a child lecrnrC Imwaga S O U A W S
McCAW&pendsonyou to teach him nke things to say. Rc!lmmbw, too, that

SQUAWKERS MccAw can coy

of the six (6) preset buttons on the lettered keypad. SQUAWKERS McCAW will squawk to let you know that he's ready to record. 3. Release the button, and speak a word or phrase (up to 3 seconds long) immediately into the microphone, located in the chest. SQUAWKERS McCAW will repeat the word or phrase bcick to you. If you would like to change the response, you can record over it at any time.

Record button on the you know that he's
k a word or phrase (up to 3 seconds) immediately in the chest. SQUAWKERS McCAW will repeat the
Thes words and ph $peach1) the *Mi$ or "Gust0111
become part of the p a d s vocabulary of "Custom will say these words or phrases at random, in either on the Content Selector Switch. 5 and release the Cb Record button to scroll through and hear what i u s t s

d l through until you

or phrase, press the Custom Record button to wordorphraseyouwanttorec~rdwer:then button and say the new word or phrase.
pre-programmed words and phrases with random
the Parrot Talk setting. When you select will s a in this mode until you move the ty
If the p d u c t is acting erratically, try turning it off and on again. If problems persist, change the batteries in the parrot andlor remote.
Using a Philliphxs head #reKlsclrhrer (not id-, loosenscl.ewinkr;ttery -(-~tocover).lmert4x 1SV 'n or LR6 size ahline & I batterie,(nat included). Replace coverandi&ht%nscrew.
CAUTIOH: TO AVOID BATTERY LEAKAGE
1. Be sun to insert ths batteries correctly and always follow the toy and battery manufacturers' instructions; 2. Do not rnlx old babtiies and new batteries or alkaline, standard (earbon-zinc) or recharqeable (nickel-cadmium) batteries; 3. Always remore weak or dead batteries from the product.
Pkaoe retain tkls lnfmmti~ fittun rsfmm. for M w l e s should bs m p l d by aa adult.
IMPORTANT: BATTERY INFORMATION CAUTION:
1. lUPrap f o l h the I nU camhUy. Use mly bsttsrlm tpsclfled a d be sun to Insert ltMn Wt m c eamcttybgBlrtC~tb+Ultl-p~~ags. 2. Do m lahr &babrtterlrr and new batterlea or standard (carbon-zlnc) wltll alkaline bttterisr. l I 3. Ramme or~aatterlezfrotnthepndud. 4. Rs pnd~k,aettokplayed~foralongUma.
w k rffrMd by, local elsfMeal Intrrfsnnfe, more ti away fmm

7. REWEABLE

Reset ( s r ~ l noff and back on a@aln or m o v i n g and 18-lmertfng (
rerm arge batteries srwlQr adun supnlsian. DO NOT
h w mix there wit^ any other types OI b~tteriw. : DO
Your SQUAWKERS M c W parrot comes pre-programmed with words, phrases, sound effects (SFX), and a song: 3i Cagl: 6 Responses (1 phme, 1song, 4 SFX)
Power On: 2 Unique Responses., Beak S e m 1Unique Response (SFX)
Head Sensor: 1Unique Response (SFX)
Back Sensor: 2 Unique Responses (SFX)
Mouth Switch: 4 Unique Responses (SFX) Other Remote Functionl: 1Unique Response (SFX)
Voice Recognition Responsm 3 Unique Responses (29 phmses, 2 SFX)
FCC STATEMENT This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interferencethat may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested ahd found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause tlarmful interferenceto radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interferenceto radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: - Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna - Increasethe separation between the equipment and the receiver. - Consult the dealer or an experienced radiorrV technician for help.

Product and colors may vary.
Q 2007 H a s h. All Rights Reserved. TM & @ denote U.S Trademarks U.S. Patent No. 6811461. 77182 P/N 6696270001
estions? Call 1-800-844-3733