Thursday, September 25, 2008

HTC Mobile vs. Apple's iPhone

By Michael Erikson


Life comes at you fast, especially in the realm of technology where there are terms that are continuously flying at you.

One piece of mobile technology that you need to check out is the HP iPAQ Pocket PC HX4700. This is the top of the line model, as far as mobile technologies go, and has received fantastic reviews from both users and the editorial staff of CNET. You can find these reviews at www.cnet.com and take a look at the 7.9 and 7.3 reviews. The website gives insight to new gadgets so you can compare, side to side, with other hand held devices.

The reviews come from its outstanding performance and speed. The HX4700 is operating on Windows Mobile 2003 2nd Edition and has the capabilities of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with a 624 MHz XScale processor from Hewlett Packard. The four inch screen is unbelievable with its color pixels and it features a replaceable battery to ensure that documents and other information are not lost when the battery dies. It also features a large quantity of memory and is equipped with Outlook, Word, Excel and Internet Explorer.

If there is a downside to the HX4700, then it's all in size.

There are plenty of mobile technologies out there when it comes time to make your decision on which model and series to buy. Do not let price be the only determining factor in your decision. Yes, some models are going to cost more than others, but the price may be worth it in the end depending on what you need. A great example of this is the $399 iPhone from Apple. Most owners would be hard pressed to tell you of any drawbacks to this phone/PDA, besides the staggering price. However, when you compare it to other models from different manufacturers, you may be surprised at how cost effective it really is.

It also refers to mobile technology, such as pocket PCs, Smartphones and PDAs. You have to stay abreast of technological terms if you hope to understand the latest techno-gadgets that are available on the market. Sure, there will be some terms that apply to more than one thing, but it never hurts to learn all you can about technology, for when it comes time to make your hand-held purchase.

It is a bit bulky, but is still a very sleek pocket PC. There is a small handicap present when the user first operates the new touchpad and this can translate into poor gaming, for those that use their pocket PC for gaming in particular. If you are in the market for a pocket PC for gaming purposes, then you may want to turn to Dell's Axim.

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Monday, September 22, 2008

iPhone Technologies

By Michael Erikson


Life comes at you fast, especially in the realm of technology where there are terms that are continuously flying at you. Some have dual meanings, such as mobile technologies. Mobile technology can refer to a dual-action processor and it can refer to the mobile gadgets, such as PDAs, pocket PCs and Smartphones. We are living in a mobile age and if you are going to stay in contact with your home and work, then you must be able to be contacted no matter where you are.

One piece of mobile technology that you need to check out is the HP iPAQ Pocket PC HX4700. This is the top of the line model, as far as mobile technologies go, and has received fantastic reviews from both users and the editorial staff of CNET. You can find these reviews at www.cnet.com and take a look at the 7.9 and 7.3 reviews. The website gives insight to new gadgets so you can compare, side to side, with other hand held devices.

The reviews come from its outstanding performance and speed.

If there is a downside to the HX4700, then it's all in size.

Granted, there are other manufacturers of mobile technologies that may come with a cheaper price tag, but only you can make that determination.

The HX4700 is operating on Windows Mobile 2003 2nd Edition and has the capabilities of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with a 624 MHz XScale processor from Hewlett Packard. The four inch screen is unbelievable with its color pixels and it features a replaceable battery to ensure that documents and other information are not lost when the battery dies. It also features a large quantity of memory and is equipped with Outlook, Word, Excel and Internet Explorer.

It is a bit bulky, but is still a very sleek pocket PC. There is a small handicap present when the user first operates the new touchpad and this can translate into poor gaming, for those that use their pocket PC for gaming in particular. If you are in the market for a pocket PC for gaming purposes, then you may want to turn to Dell's Axim.

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Friday, September 19, 2008

Review of the Panasonic EP-30004 shiatsu massage chair

By Steve Esquire


The Real Pro Ultra series is Panasonic's next advance in their massage chair line. This series incorporates some of its newest technology and functions shared across models. We will take an in-depth view of the EP-30004 Panasonic massage chair. This review evaluates and opinionates on categories such as features, functions and warranty coverage.

First, we want to look at the long term protection given to the customer. You want to make sure you get adequate warranty coverage. It is just like an insurance policy. You hope you don't need it, but if you do, then it is there. The other factor is to make sure you go with a name brand company. You want to make sure the company will be there down the road as well.

What type of warranty coverage is provided with the EP 30004? You get 3 years parts coverage and 1 year labor coverage. Panasonic now provides in-home technician service with the Real Pro Ultra series and covers that for 1 year. They also cover shipping expenses during the first year. We like the 1 year in home technician service which is great coverage. We see the labor of 1 year is fairly short compared to other manufacturers. If possible, try to get an extended warranty to get greater coverage. This is especially important on big ticket items like massage chairs with many moving parts.

There are some outstanding new features incorporated into the Real Pro Ultra massage chair series. The EP 30004 has both a lower body stretch and a shoulder stretch. There is also a new massage technique called Junetsu. The Junetsu massage technique literally means ultra fine kneading in Japanese. The Junetsu massage technique uses small circular motions and a one second of thumb-like firm pressure. The effect of this massage is to reverberate through the muscle and penetrating to the surface of the bone.

The EP-30004 comes with an arsenal of massage therapies for your enjoyment. There are four pre-programs which are shiatsu, deep, Swedish and stretch. There is also a 5 minute Quick pre-program for which covers a variety of massage techniques and functions. You can use the some massages in manual massage mode for a total 8 possible manual massages. These include ultra knead (Junetsu), shiatsu, kneading, Swedish, stretch, tapping, rolling and grip. There are also 5 ways to target certain regions of your back including: neck, shoulder, middle, lower and full back.

You can also create self-programs to target specific regions with particular massage techniques. These are fairly simple to create. For example, you can select the lower back and a deep tissue massage. You then select the time duration and the massage intensity that you desire. You can also save these programs. It will save programs for up to 4 different users. There is also a voice guidance system for those less inclined to read through the user manual to figure these things out.

The lower body is covered with an air compression massage system. This system uses strategically place airbags throughout the massage recliner to target the hands, arms, feet, calves, thighs and buttocks. The massage technique is a squeeze, hold and release compression style. This is very soothing and relieving for the extremities of the body. Additionally, there are stretching capabilities for both the legs and the shoulders. These are great to help increase flexibility by elongating the muscles.

We are unimpressed with the look of the design. It tends to be very industrial. However, it is very functional, which hopefully makes up for its lack of savvy design. There is a leg extension which goes an extra five inches. The arms and hands are massaged by lifting up a cover on the armrests. The compression is actually firm. At least the Panasonic design team got rid of the unsightly arm massage apparatus.

Overall, the Real Pro Ultra series has some excellent features over its prior series the Real Pro Elite. We like the direction that Panasonic is going with their massage chairs. We would like to see better warranty protection and better design aesthetics. However, the massage therapy is very effective and the chair is fairly well designed. This is definitely a shiatsu massage chair that is worth considering at the high end of the market.

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Product Review: Omega Massage's OM-510 Prestigio Massage Chair

By James Knolan


The Prestigio massage chair is the subject of this product review. The OM-510 is made by the prestigious Omega Massage Corporation. We will submit this massage chair to a test of 5 separate categories. Each category can get between 0 and 20 points. We will look at the following areas for evaluation: Warranty & Customer Service, Comfort/Ergonomics, Ease of Use, Features and Massage Therapy. A maximum score of 100 points is possible in this review process. We now take a look at the OM-510 Prestigio massage chair recliner.

Warranty & Customer Service: You need to take the warranty serious with massage chairs. There are complex moving parts and you can avoid costly future issues. Look at it like an insurance policy. The Prestigio comes with 5 years on the frame, 3 years covered on parts, 90 days of in home service and also 1 year of parts shipping. This is very comprehensive for the mid-tier level. Customer service is competent and responsive. We score it a 19.

Comfort & Ergonomics: Ergonomic design considerations are paramount with a luxury lounger. One must be able to relax afterall! We like the Prestigio's contoured feel of the back and how you can sink into the seat and chair back. The leg rest is comfortable and soothing. Controls are laid out well with large buttons, making it easier for the less dexterous among us. Switching to manual is two step process which takes getting used to. Overall, we score the OM-510 a 17 in ergonomics.

Ease of Use: Like any device with built in electronics, ease of use is a critical concern. A manufacturer needs to design their controls to be intuitive to use. The Prestigio has a great set of massage features built into the chair. The remote is pretty straight forward to use. It has large buttons and a backlit LCD for use in lower light settings. The LCD has icons which show exactly what massage functions are running during the programs. The only non-intuitive feature is switching from automatic programs to manual programs. This is a two step process with this massage recliner. One has to select the mode button and then select the massage technique. Most chairs allow you to select directly. This is the only issue we have seen with this remote control. Otherwise, everything is self-explanatory. Overall rating for the Omega OM-510 for ease of use is 16.

Key Features: The important features of the Omega Prestigio are the shiatsu massage and the reflexology foot massage. The shiatsu massage is a combination of kneading and tapping in the automatic program. The software program of the OM-510 drives the shiatsu style massage in the automatic programs. It is very effective in loosening up the back, shoulder and neck muscles. It is very thorough and penetrates deeply. The foot wells of this massage recliner have built in reflexology nodes. These reflexology nodes gently push up into the feet providing full body relaxation. The foot massage is done with an air compression massage which provides a firm squeeze, hold and release sequence. If you love a foot massage, this recliner has one of the best we have tried. Overall we give the Omega OM-510 a rating of 18 for its features.

Massage Therapy: This category is what the culmination of the massage chair is all about--The Massage. The OM-510 comes with 3 excellent automatic massages. This chair hits the lower lumbar better than most luxury level massagers even though it has a shorter stroke length. The shiatsu and kneading massages provide soothing relief to the neck and shoulders. The lower body is invigorated with the air massage system. This uses compression style massage to gently squeeze, hold and release the buttocks, thighs, calves and feet. This is one massage therapy arsenal. We rate the massage therapy a 19 for the OM-510 Prestigio massage chair.

How does the Omega OM-510 rate overall? Overall, our rating of the Prestigio is an 89/100. This is a very impressive chair for the mid range level. This is perhaps the most strikingly beautifully designed chair on the market. This massage chair comes with handsome varnished wood armrests and silver accents on the arm supports. It has a warm and contemporary look. Omega adds a handsome wood side table as an extra designer touches. The massage therapies are very thorough and comprehensive. The warranty coverage is terrific. The OM-510 provides for a strong massage, which can be softened with the extra back pad included with the chair. If you are looking for a mid range massage chair, this is one of the best.

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Thursday, September 18, 2008

Canon XH A1 - The World of Digital Camcorders

By Donald K Aniston


The Sony Handycam DCR - SR85 offers one of the most advanced technologies available for those who are searching for a great digital camcorder. These camcorders are on the leading edge of technology in their use of the high definition digital aspects.

In 2009, all televisions are going to switch to high definition mode and by purchasing a camcorder that already incorporates this advancement; an individual can be on the forefront of the technological revolution.

The first thing about the Sony Handycam DCR - SR85 that will catch the interest of most people is the amount of gigabytes it offers. This small camcorder gives people the luxury of sixty gigs. This is more than some computers offer.

The zoom option is also great, as it can magnify an image up to twenty five times. This allows people to be in a far away position and still feel as if they are in the middle of the action. This is one feature that will only enhance a person's decision to purchase this great video recorder.

Hybrid technology offers consumers the option to transfer data to a memory stick without the use of a computer. This is one of the new features that will be included in all digital camcorders in the near future.

The technology of the Sony Handycam DCR - SR85 is way beyond anything that a person could have conceived only a few short years ago. Today, the world is so high tech that a person must stay on top of it to be up with the times.

The Sony Handycam DCR - SR85 is one of the most advanced machines on the market today for recording memories and special events. Anyone can use this device with its great zoom, unlimited memory capacity and a feature that allows for the technical buttons to be turned off during operation. The price is ideal for all the great accessories a person will receive. Sony has proven once more why they are a leader in the electronics field and why they evolve into new dimensions everyday.

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Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Review: The Omega Montage Premier Shiatsu Massage Chair

By James Knolan


Reviews can be very helpful in determining the types of products that might fit your needs. The most effective reviews are ones that cover the salient issues regarding the product you are interested in obtaining. Our experience is that most customers want to know about key aspect of a massage chair such as warranty, ergonomics, ease of use, massage therapy and key features. As such, we have developed a systematic approach to evaluating massage chairs based on the above 5 categories. We also weigh each of these categories equally and give a score up to 20 points. The total possible rating for a massage chair is therefore 100 points. This review will take an in-depth look at the top of the line Omega Massage chair. This is the Montage Premier which is in the luxury range of $4,000 to $5,000.

Warranty & Customer Service: For the consumer, the warranty is a form of risk reduction. In any transaction, one party takes on more risk than the other. The warranty is to reduce the risk of the consumer and balance out the transaction. Therefore, warranty is especially important on higher ticket items. The Montage Premier is backed by one of the best warranties available. Omega Massage gives you 5 years on the frame, 3 years on parts, 3 years labor and 90 days in-home service. Omega also covers any parts shipping expense for one year. This is a more comprehensive warranty than any reputable manufacturer. From a customer service standpoint, Omega has a national warranty call center and is responsive and technically competent with minimal turnaround times. The Montage Premier earns a 19 in Warranty & Customer.

Comfort & Ergonomics: We like the ergonomics of this well designed massage recliner. This chair is designed for the American market. It can fit users up to 6' 6" and has a weight limit of 300 pounds. The recliner is wheel chair accessible for those individuals who might have trouble getting in and out of the chair. There is a wireless sub remote that offers tremendous convenience for the users. The chair is comfortable to sit in and has a very nice synthetic leather which is very soft. The synthetic leather is also very easy to clean. We rate the comfort and ergonomics a 19.

Ease of Use: This category is about intuitive use of the massage chair controls. They should be simple and easy to use for first time users. This recliner comes with many advanced features in the remote control. It comes with a wireless sub remote which is well designed and simple to use. There are 5 single touch automatic programs. The chair back and footrest work off a wheel control like an ipod. The LCD control panel shows exactly what massage functions are being applied. The myriad of manual controls have great descriptions in the side panel of the remote. We rate the ease of use for the Montage Premier a 19.

Key Features: There is an array of great features in this massage chair, but we find the full body heat and the lower body traction system to be key features to point out. The Montage Premier comes with heating elements in the chair back, the seat and the leg rest. Each of these areas can be individually controlled. This allows the user to target the use of heat where they most need. We find heat is a great compliment to massage therapy and is used in spas throughout the world. Omega has added an effective lower body traction function. This traction function gently stretches the lower body including the lower back, hips, knees and ankles. The leg rest is brought to the horizontal position. The airbags are activated to hold your ankles in place. The leg rest then lowers successively to 3 positions. When the leg rest lowers, it stretches the muscles and tendons throughout the lower body. The Montage Premier earns a 19 in Key Features.

Massage Therapy: The Montage Premier comes with automatic and manual massage functions. The Montage Premier has 5 full body automatic courses, 4 manual massage courses, and 4 massage speed settings for a total combination of 64 manual massage courses. The manual massage techniques include Kneading, Tapping, Finger Press, and Kneading & Tapping (Shiatsu). One nice feature is the kneading and tapping speeds are independent and can be individually control in the shiatsu technique. The lower body traction is integrated with the automatic programs when activated. To ensure your total relaxation, Omega has a music-massage synchronization function. The Montage Premier is truly a full body therapy and relaxation machine. It provides a total sensory experience. The Montage Premier earns a 20 in Massage Therapy.

How does the Montage Premier rate overall? Let us sum up the score in each of the five categories which provides an overall rating of 96/100. The Montage Premier is an excellent massage chair. You will get a thorough and comprehensive full body massage. Omega provides great complimentary therapies to its arsenal of massage therapies. There just is not a massage chair available that includes full body heat, traction and music therapy. Omega is known for its invigorating massage therapies and the Montage Premier delivers. You get comprehensive warranty coverage directly from the factory with having to purchase extended warranties. If you are looking at the best of the best in the luxury massage chair class, then this is one of the best there is on the market today.

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Shiatsu Massage Chairs: The Best Available

By James Knolan


Shiatsu massage originates in Japan and so does the massage chair. However, this technology has spread throughout the world and is no longer just a Japanese phenomenon. There are a handful of companies that make the best shiatsu massage chairs today. These companies have studied the techniques and have developed extraordinary technology to replicate these subtle techniques. We present the best shiatsu massage chairs on the market.

The best shiatsu massage chairs are not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. They are a long term investment in your health and stress management. The massage recliners that we will perform the best shiatsu massages will range between $4,000 and $5,000 in price. These provide full body massage capabilities for many years to come.

Shiatsu is a fairly complicated massage technique. It uses a variety of hand movements and it also uses acupressure. Acupressure is a derivative of acupuncture. It uses the body's trigger points to induce relaxation of the major organs and the whole body. Replicating these techniques is not easy and requires software, mechanical movements and electronics to make it all come together.

When looking for the best shiatsu massage chair, we recommend that you go with a name brand like Sanyo, Omega or Panasonic. There are many massage chairs on the market, but you need to take a long term view and purchase from a company with a solid warranty and staying power. Let us take a look at some of the excellent massage recliners offered by these top brands.

One excellent massage chair being offered by Sanyo is their HEC-DR7700. The DR7700 is the top of the line for Sanyo. It comes with a barrage of fabulous features and functions. One such feature is the GK roller mechanism that can literally "reach out and grab you". This shiatsu technology allows for the massage mechanism to reach over the shoulders to perform a gripping massage. This is a very soothing and relieving massage incorporated into this shiatsu lounger.

Another shiatsu lounger is the Montage Premier by Omega Massage. This high end, luxury recliner is packed full of great massage therapy functions. The Montage Premier comes with a body scan technology that identifies your shiatsu trigger points. The Montage Premier then targets these areas to stimulate to induce full body relaxation. This is a massage chair that comes with other important features such as an MP3 player, full body heat therapy and a lower body traction system.

Panasonic has been a leader in shiatsu massage chairs and with their Real Pro Ultra series they continue this tradition. One of the best models from the Real Pro Ultra series is the EP-30004 shiatsu massage chair. This model has a unique shiatsu massage that performs ultra fine kneading. This is also called Junetsu in Japanese. This massage applies firm pressure while making a circle movement that penetrates deeply through the muscle tissue. This is a very effective massage and wonderful for taking knots out of your muscles.

Shiatsu massage chairs are evolving at an incredible rate, with these top companies pushing the technological limits. These massage chairs are simply amazing in the range of capabilities and the effectiveness of the massage therapies. They perform full body massages from your head to your toes. They can provide so many different types of massages. There is virtually no muscle that they cannot effectively soothe or relieve. These are not your father's massage chairs!

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Review of SA 5000 Massage Chair by Sanyo

By James Knolan


We present review of the Sanyo model HEC SA5000 massage chair. Our intention is to provide a massage chair buyer with an objective review and evaluation of a given massage chair. We use a 5 category system. Equal weight is given to each category. Each category can earn from 0 to 20 points. The points are then summed up to provide you with an overall score. The 5 categories cover the following: Warranty & Customer Service, Comfort/Ergonomics, Ease of Use, Features and Massage Therapy. This system gives us a disciplined process of evaluating a massage chair. We hope you find this helping in your search for the best massage chair for your needs. The Sanyo HEC-SA5000 massage chair recliner price is in the $3,000 to $4,000 range.

Warranty & Customer Service: The warranty coverage helps to reduce your risk in any electronics purchase. This gives you protection of defects from manufacturing of the product. The SA 5000 comes with the following warranty coverage: 1 year parts, 3 years roller mechanism, 1 year labor and 1 year in home technician service. We think the 1 year in home technician service is a good addition for Sanyo. We would like to see all parts covered for 3 years like the top manufacturers do. The customer service is good. Sanyo has a 24/7 call center which is technically competent. The SA-5000 earns a 15 in this category.

Comfort & Ergonomics: When one thinks of a massage chair, you think of comfort and relaxation. The ergonomics of the chair design needs to be comfortable and fit the users. The SA 5000 has a nice appearance with the triangular armrests. The armrests are well padded and comfortable. The side view of the chair is a little plain below the armrest detail which is a little industrial from our point of view. The chair is comfortable to sit in. The upholstered back pad is plush and soft to the touch. The headrest pillow can be adjusted to accommodate different users. The leg rest is one area of concern in that it cannot be adjusted or extended. Taller users may want to see how well they fit in the chair. This chair was originally designed for the Japanese market, so it is scaled for the target population. Our rating in this category is 15.

Ease of Use: We are always concerned with how easy a massage chair is to use. There are an ever increasing number of features and options, but the manufacturers need to make it easy to use. Everyone wants the best technology has to offer, but not at the expense of a steep learning curve. We like the Sanyo remote for the SA 5000. This is a clean and simple design. There are 4 automatic programs with one-touch buttons. If you like the massage you are getting and the area, then hit the Program Memory button and the chair will remember. This is like having additional automatic programs at your disposal. The side panel controls the lower body air system with individual controls for the lower body, calf, foot and thigh. Our rating in this category is 18.

Key Features: The SA-5000 comes with some unique technology from Sanyo. They include their GK roller systems for neck and shoulder massage. They also have a stiffness detection system integrated into the massage recliner. The GK roller system can reach out over the shoulders. It performs a grip massage that is effective to relieve tension and soreness in the shoulder and neck regions. The stiffness sensor is based on lie detector technology. It monitors your pulse and perspiration to determine areas of stiffness in the body. This is then fed into the computer which then directs the massage for those specific areas. The SA 5000 earns an 18 in this category.

Massage Therapy: This massage chair comes equipped with 4 full body automatic courses including Stiffness, Relax, Recovery and Fine. There are also 4 programs stored in Memory, 4 manual massage techniques and 4 massage courses. Select from 5 roller width setting and 5 massage speed settings. This model also comes with an air system for the lower body. This system has 24 airbags and covers the feet, calves and thighs. There is also a multi-point shiatsu massage for targeting the lower body for a soothing and relaxing lower body massage. The massage therapy is very effective in the SA 5000 and it scores an 18 in massage therapy.

Overall, we rate the Sanyo SA-5000 an 84/100. The SA 5000 comes with many of the same technologies as Sanyo's high end version the DR7700. The stroke length of the back rollers is 28 inches compared to 31 inches for the DR 7700, but most of the same technology is in the SA 5000. The factory warranty is just ok and you may want to explore an extended warranty to equal other manufacturer's coverage. The GK rollers are a nice feature for neck and shoulder coverage. The leg rest would be more ergonomic for the American market if there was an extension built in. If you are looking for a massage chair recliner in this category, the SA 5000 is one you should check out.

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Product Review: The Real Pro Ultra EP 30004 by Panasonic

By James Knolan


This review will take a look at one of the Panasonic Real Pro Ultra series of massage chairs. The Real Pro Ultra is the current massage recliner series rolled out by Panasonic. We will look at the EP 30004 model. This chair will be reviewed in 5 key categories. Each category can earn up to 20 points for a total possible score of 100 points. We will evaluate the recliner in each of the following categories: Warranty & Customer Service, Comfort/Ergonomics, Ease of Use, Features and Massage Therapy. Let us see how this massage chair rates..

Warranty & Customer Service: With any electronic equipment or big ticket item, warranty protection is critical. Although, most massage chairs are built well, there are occasional problems. In this case, you want to make sure you have adequate protection. The EP 30004 comes with a 3 year parts and 1 year labor warranty from the manufacturer. We find this as fairly short and recommend you consider purchasing an extended warranty if it is offered. Customer service is dependent on the retailer the chair is purchased and is thus highly variable. Panasonic earns a 15 in this category.

Comfort & Ergonomics: Ergonomics was a hot topic about 10 years ago when everyone started jumping on the bandwagon. However, surprisingly many manufacturers do not pay close attention to this area. The EP-30004 does follow ergonomics very well. It has a detachable head pillow that can easily be adjusted for each user. The armrests come with sufficient padding to support the arms in comfort. The chair back and the seat support the body well and are form fitting. The leg rest can be adjusted an additional five inches. This is really important to fit individual users. Overall we rate this chair an 18 for ergonomics.

Ease of Use: There is a virtual explosion in the features of new massage chairs. This is a wonderful trend that has great implications for consumers. The only downside is to keep the remote controls simple and easy to use in the face of increasing functionality. The EP 30004 has a fairly simple and straightforward remote. If you need assistance using the remote, the Real Pro Ultra comes with a voice guidance system to walk you through the proper steps. This is helpful for first time users or for trying something new with the chair. There are one button automatic controls and there are also manual controls. You can also store your favorite programs for up to 4 different users. We give this chair a 19 for ease of use.

Key Features: There are two important features we want to point out with this chair. The Junetsu massage technique and the shoulder stretch. The Junetsu massage is an ultra fine kneading massage. It is based on how a professional massage therapist loosens up tight muscles. There is a one second thumb like pressure applied with a spiral circular motion. This has the affect of reverberating down through the muscles to the bone. It is very thorough and invigorating. The other key feature to point out is the shoulder stretch. This unique feature is accomplished by activating the air bag in the arm rest to firmly hold the arm. The chair back then reclines to stretch out the arm and shoulder. This is excellent for increasing the mobility and flexibility of the shoulder area. We give the Real Pro Ultra a 19 for its new features.

Massage Therapy: This massage chair comes with five automatic courses. It includes a Body Scan which is also customizable. Ultra-fine kneading or Junetsu has been introduced to the full complement of Quad-style massage techniques, including Shiatsu, Swedish, fist kneading, and grasping. Between the automatic and the manual functions there are up to 372 combinations of techniques available in this recliner. There are reflexology pads built into the foot wells that pinpoint areas that will instantly increase blood flow and energy throughout your body. These plates are adjustable and removable. You also have both a lower body stretch and the shoulder stretch. This chair has a virtual arsenal of massage techniques to cater to your every need. We score the massage therapy of this chair a 19.

The Panasonic EP 30004 rates as a 90/100. We really like the new and innovative features of this recliner. The shoulder stretch is another important advance for massage chair technology. The Junetsu massage technique provides good deep penetration for those hard to get at areas in the back. The remote is simple to use and comes with the voice guidance feature. The manufacturer's warranty is a bit on the light side and should be beefed up with the purchase of an extended warranty. The only point of concern we have is the industrial look of the chair. We do not understand why Panasonic continues to neglect the design aesthetics of their massage chair line. But overall, this is a very solid chair from an important manufacturer. If you are in the market for a luxury massage chair, then this one should be on your short list of choices.

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Sunday, September 14, 2008

Massage Chair Buyer's Guide

By James Knolan


We have put together some helpful tips on researching and finding the best massage chair for your needs. There are so many choices and many features to choose from. Many massage recliners have advanced technology and state of the art luxury. You have to find out what features can best benefit you and other users of the chair. Here are some things to consider is your search.

Shipping Options: Shipping may or may not be included in the advertised price. Find out if they offer free shipping. Also check that it includes where you live. Sometimes Alaska and Hawaii are excluded. Do you need help setting up your massage chair? They weigh 100 to 250 lbs. You can usually get White Glove Delivery which usually includes a two person delivery and set up of the massage recliner. They usually include 2 flights of stairs in the price. You will have to sign for it when it arrives, so someone needs to be at home for delivery.

Evaluate all the Information: Weigh out the features, styling, warranty, etc for the massage chairs that you like. Also, who is going to use the massage chair? What are their weights and heights? What types of needs do they have and what features are the best to cover those who will use it? Did you get to actually try the massage chairs on your list? If you did not, then you may find a retailer carrying that massage chair in your area. If not, some internet resellers offer a 30 day trial period. However, most will refund your money less all shipping expenses. Check around and find out.

Review the User Manual: The best day is when you first get to sit in your massage chair! All the hard work is behind you! Now, you get to enjoy, but of course, you may need to review the user manual. Familiarize yourself with the main functions of the remote control. Understand the manual massages versus just pressing the automatic ones. You can really effectively target areas for relief with most massage chairs. But most of all, enjoy, you have earned it!

Upholstery Material: Massage chairs come in leather, synthetic leather and faux suede. There are advantages and disadvantages to each material. Leather is very wear resistant, but requires more maintenance and cannot be used with heating elements. Synthetic leather or PVC leather has improved dramatically with many materials softer, wear resistant and easy to clean. Faux suede enables many fashionable colors to be used, but may be more problematic to keep clean.

Manual or Power Assisted Recline: These days most massage chairs over $1,500 are power assisted in lowering the chair back and raising the footrest. Manual is with the use of a lever and a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder will raise the footrest or chair back. The user has to lower the footrest and push back to lower the chair back. Most entry level massage recliners have manual controls. The power assisted recline utilizes a motor for chair back and a motor for the footrest. These operate with a one-touch control and may be integrated into moving with different massage programs.

Whatever perspective you are coming from, find out what benefits you want from a massage recliner. They provide numerous therapies or you can target a particular ailment. Find the best chair for your needs over a 3 to 5 year period. That way, you will have many therapies to choose from for many years to come. Think about how your needs may change through time and find one right for you.

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Saturday, September 13, 2008

Ways to Decide On Home Portable Air Conditioners

By Gary Pearson


There are various aspects of air conditioner like effectiveness, performance as well as the value it provides for your money, which should be considered when you purchase a home portable air conditioner. You must be sure of what type of cooling you need. The home portable air conditioner cools depending upon the quantity of Btu/h it has.

For example a unit that has 5000 to 6000 Btu/h will generally cool an area from 100 to 300 square feet. Home portable air conditioners with 9800 to 12500 Btu/h is said to be able to cool an area from 350 to 950 square feet. This size of the room is very important and other factors may help dictate the choice such as the construction of the space and the local climate.

While checking the efficiency parameter of the home portable air conditioner it is very necessary to check for a particular sticker of certification such as CSA - the Canadian Standards Association or AHAM - the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. Having these stickers will ensure that the air conditioner is of good standards and will provide with high efficiency.

While looking at the value aspect of the home portable air conditioners it must be understood that it is not necessary to have feature which will never be used. Many air conditioners provide with extra features at higher costs. It is essential to buy only according to our needs and we must remember that a funkier looking system doesn't generally provide with better performance.

If ready to buy a portable air conditioning unit for your home, do your homework. Figure out exactly what you expect or need. Browse the appliance section in home appliance catalogues and magazines or the many home appliance websites on the Internet. Compare the features and the prices of the various home portable air conditioners and read testimonials or check ratings for each system. There are many to choose from so it may take awhile to make the final decision. Be sure to ask for advice if you are totally out-of-the-loop about home portable air conditioners.

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Friday, September 12, 2008

Review of the Human Touch HT 7120 Massage Chair Recliner

By James Knolan


This product review is of the HT 7120 massage chair recliner by Human Touch. We will review this massage recliner in 5 separate categories including the following: warranty coverage and customer service, comfort and ergonomics, ease of use, key features and massage therapy. Each category can earn up to 20 points for a total possible rating of 100 points. The HT 7120 is a mid range massage chair in the $2,000 to $3,000 range.

Warranty Coverage and Customer Service: Warranty is at the company level, but nonetheless, warranties vary significantly with massage chairs. You want to make sure you have sufficient long term protection for this key investment. The HT 7120 warranty coverage is as follows: structure is covered 3 years, parts are covered 1 year and labor is covered 90 days. Human Touch also covers shipping expenses for parts for the first 90 days. The warranty coverage is on the low end for the industry and this price level. Customer service is provided by Human Touch and is effective. The HT 7120 earns a 12 in warranty and customer service.

Comfort and Ergonomics: Ergonomics is the science of designing products to fit your body and its associated movements. This is particularly important with massage chairs where you need to relax. The HT 7120 has a good ergonomic design and construction. It fits the body well and the adjustments are well positioned. Interestingly, you can adjust the width of the leg ottoman but it cannot be extended. We give this massage recliner an 18 for comfort and ergonomics.

Ease of Use: The massage chair industry is always adding features into chairs which is outstanding. The counterbalance to many features is ease of use. With so many new features, figuring out how to take advantage of them can be frustrating. The HT 7120 comes with a very well designed remote control. It is slim remote and has controls located on 2 sides of the remote. The remote is descriptive and fairly easy to use. There is no remote stand, so the remote tucks away in a pocket. The only cumbersome operation is flipping the leg ottoman, but other than that we give the HT 7120 a 19 in ease of use.

Key Features: The interesting features in the HT-7120 are the compression massage and the channel width adjustment in the leg ottoman. The compression massage is based on sports massage therapy. It is a combination of stroking massage and a rocking motion. The stroking massage helps to elongate muscles and also applies firm pressure for deep tissue relief. The rocking motion helps to loosen the spinal joints and relieve pressure. The channel width is adjustable in the leg ottoman. This is a nice feature allowing for the pressure to be adjusted to better accommodate your calves and feet. We give this recliner an 18 for key features.

Massage Therapy: There are various massage therapy functions with the HT 7120. It comes with 5 manual massage programs, 3 pre-set programs and 3 level height adjustments for the back. You can select from rolling, kneading, compression, percussion and vibration with the manual programs. You can select from sore muscle relief, energy rejuvenate and auto-demo for the pre-programs. One nice compliment to the massage therapy are the built in heaters for the lower back. You can also activate the full body stretch function. Your feet and calves can obtain soothing relief with the massaging leg ottoman. The HT-7120 earns a 19 for massage therapy.

So how does the HT 7120 rate overall? We give this recliner an 86/100. The main area of concern is the short warranty per the industry average. This is a well designed and constructed massage chair and we don't necessarily understand the short warranty. The massage chair boasts some excellent massage therapies with the compression massage. You get lower lumbar heat controls and a stretching function. If a mid range model is something you are considering, then the Human Touch HT 7120 may be a good massage chair recliner option.

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Thursday, September 11, 2008

Massage Chair Review: Panasonic EP1272 shiatsu massage chair

By Steve Esquire


We will take a look at the EP-1272 which is part of the Real Pro Elite series of massage chair by Panasonic. The EP 1272 is a mid range shiatsu massage recliner with advanced massage therapy features. We will review some of the main features and touch on the warranty coverage as well. Here is our evaluation and review of the EP 1272 shiatsu massage recliner.

The warranty protection is critical on big ticket items such as massage chairs. You want to make sure you have adequate protection down the road, regardless of brand. The EP 1272 comes with 3 years parts and 1 year labor. Service for repair is through an authorized dealer. This may be convenient for Panasonic, but not for the owner of a 200 lb. massage chair. They now offer in home service, but this service is not included.

There are some interesting features on the EP 1272. Some of the more important are the 4 one-touch automatic programs, 8 manual massage techniques and the 3 manual back courses. There is also effective lower body coverage to target the feet and calves.

The 4 automatic programs include: shiatsu, Swedish, stretch and quick. Shiatsu provides overall stimulation of the back, neck and shoulders utilizing the soft shiatsu, deep rubbing and tapping actions. Swedish provides overall loosening of the muscles in the back, neck and shoulders using longer strokes, circular motions and rhythmic actions. Stretch provides overall stretching of the back muscles using the rolling, pressing, shiatsu and kneading massages. Quick provides loosening of the back, neck and shoulders using rhythmic actions, circular motions, squeezing and tapping.

This massage recliner comes equipped with 8 manual massage treatments. Select from kneading, compression, Swedish, Hawaiian, soft shiatsu, tapping, regional rolling and full rolling to soothe your tightest muscles. Kneading is great for the neck and shoulders. Compression soothes you into total body relaxation. Swedish targets the back for a thorough loosening. Hawaiian takes the tension out of the lower back region. Soft shiatsu works those knots out of your back and shoulders. Tapping provides invigoration of the muscle groups and tendons. Regional rolling concentrates a press massage along the spine. Full rolling helps by stretching out the back muscles.

The leg rest has a dual purpose massage. It can be used to massage the calves or the feet. If you place your legs into the leg rest, then it will target your calves. To massage your feet, the leg rest must be raised more horizontal and you must bend your knees to place your feet in. The leg rest provides an air compression massage. This is accomplished by energizing airbags built into the leg rest. They provide a gentle or firm squeeze, hold and release massage. This is particularly effective to relieve tight, sore or aching muscles in the calves and feet.

We like the simple design of the Panasonic remote control. They have certainly set the standard over the years for the industry. The one touch automatic programs are excellent for a full body massage. Need a little customization, then just flip open the hidden panel and select from the eight manual massage treatments. Select exactly the area or pinpoint a specific point to work over in your favorite technique. You can even adjust the roller width and set the massage intensity. This massage recliner is very versatile.

The EP-1272 is a solid contributor to the Real Pro Elite massage chair line by Panasonic. You have such a wide range of manual massage therapies. You would be hard pressed not to find relief with this machine. Although, the massage chair is solidly built, we have to say we are not impressed with the short warranty coverage from Panasonic. They also need to work on the industrial design and make it more aesthetic for the average residence. But on the massage side, the EP-1272 is a solid performer and one of the better values in the mid range massage chair recliner market.

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Monday, September 8, 2008

Massage Chair Review: Human Touch HT 7120 Massage Recliner

By James Knolan


This product review is of the HT 7120 massage chair recliner by Human Touch. We will review this massage recliner in 5 separate categories including the following: warranty coverage and customer service, comfort and ergonomics, ease of use, key features and massage therapy. Each category can earn up to 20 points for a total possible rating of 100 points. The HT 7120 is a mid range massage chair in the $2,000 to $3,000 range.

Warranty Coverage and Customer Service: When purchasing a big ticket item such as a massage chair, you need to make sure you are comfortable with the warranty coverage. There is a wide range of warranty coverage with massage chairs. Human Touch provides you with 3 years for the structure, 1 year for parts and 90 days labor and parts shipping expenses. This is a rather light warranty compared to the industry. Customer service is very good and competent. We give Human Touch a 12 in this category.

Comfort and Ergonomics: Ergonomics is the science of designing products to fit your body and its associated movements. This is particularly important with massage chairs where you need to relax. The HT 7120 has a good ergonomic design and construction. It fits the body well and the adjustments are well positioned. Interestingly, you can adjust the width of the leg ottoman but it cannot be extended. We give this massage recliner an 18 for comfort and ergonomics.

Ease of Use: We are always concerned how the controls of the massage chairs are going to be with so many new features being added to these chairs. Regardless, the controls need to simple and easy to use for the users of the recliner. Human Touch has come out with a very well designed remote for the HT 7120 with a slim design. It has control buttons on two sides of the remote which is unique. The remote goes into a pocket on the chair, so there is not remote stand. The leg ottoman is flipped manually and takes some coordination. We give it a 19 in this category.

Key Features: The interesting features in the HT-7120 are the compression massage and the channel width adjustment in the leg ottoman. The compression massage is based on sports massage therapy. It is a combination of stroking massage and a rocking motion. The stroking massage helps to elongate muscles and also applies firm pressure for deep tissue relief. The rocking motion helps to loosen the spinal joints and relieve pressure. The channel width is adjustable in the leg ottoman. This is a nice feature allowing for the pressure to be adjusted to better accommodate your calves and feet. We give this recliner an 18 for key features.

Massage Therapy: There are various massage therapy functions with the HT 7120. It comes with 5 manual massage programs, 3 pre-set programs and 3 level height adjustments for the back. You can select from rolling, kneading, compression, percussion and vibration with the manual programs. You can select from sore muscle relief, energy rejuvenate and auto-demo for the pre-programs. One nice compliment to the massage therapy are the built in heaters for the lower back. You can also activate the full body stretch function. Your feet and calves can obtain soothing relief with the massaging leg ottoman. The HT-7120 earns a 19 for massage therapy.

The overall rating we give the HT 7120 is an 86 points out of 100. We like the contemporary design of this classic massage chair recliner. The massage therapies are thorough and invigorating. We are concerned with the light warranty with this recliner. The HT 7120 comes with some advanced features and has an easy to use remote. If you are shopping for a mid range model, then the HT 7120 is a massage chair recliner worthy of your attention.

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Advanced Technologies

By Donald K Aniston


A Sony Handycam DCR - SR85 is one of the most high tech devices that the world of digital camcorders has to offer consumers.

The Sony Handycam DCR - SR85 is completely dependent on its internal hard drive to hold all of its memory. That is why this small camcorder has sixty gigs of memory to store a bundle of information. This memory is more than what some modern computers have to offer. It also puts the consumer right in the middle of the action by having a zoom option that can magnify images up to twenty five times. This allows for those tight close-ups that are so hard to capture with many other digital camcorders.

Another great feature of the DCR-sr85 is that is uses hybrid recording technology.

The Sony Handycam DCR - SR85 is one of the most advanced machines on the market today for recording memories and special events. Anyone can use this device with its great zoom, unlimited memory capacity and a feature that allows for the technical buttons to be turned off during operation. The price is ideal for all the great accessories a person will receive. Sony has proven once more why they are a leader in the electronics field and why they evolve into new dimensions everyday.

That is why this small camcorder has sixty gigs of memory to store a bundle of information. This memory is more than what some modern computers have to offer. It also puts the consumer right in the middle of the action by having a zoom option that can magnify images up to twenty five times. This allows for those tight close-ups that are so hard to capture with many other digital camcorders.

This unique camcorder offers a multitude of functions that will keep it on the leading edge of technology for years to come. Most often a person purchases an expensive piece of electronic equipment and by the time they get it home, it is out of date. A person will never have to worry about that with the DCR-sr85 model. Learning about this camcorder gives a person the luxury of knowing what constitutes high tech in today's ever changing world.

Since it focuses specifically on its internal memory for storage, a person needs a way to share and record their special moments besides being dependent on the memory of the digital camcorder. Hybrid technology offers consumers the option to transfer data to a memory stick without the use of a computer. This is one of the new features that will be included in all digital camcorders in the near future.

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Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Massage Chair Review: The Omega M-2 Orion Recliner

By Steve Esquire


This review will focus on the entry level massage chair by Omega Massage. The M-2 Orion comes with some advanced features in a striking design. We will cover some of the pertinent features and also the warranty coverage with this massage recliner. Here is our review of the M-2 Orion massage chair.

We always advise our customers to stick with the top manufacturers. Beware of cheap import companies selling massage chairs. If you are paying this type of money for a massage recliner, you want to make sure you are buying from a reputable company. One good benchmark is to find out if they have retail distribution. This ensures they will be able to honor the warranty if there should be an issue down the road. Omega Massage is a top manufacturer and has national distribution, so they are here to support the product.

Let us first take a look at the warranty coverage for the Orion massage recliner. The M-2 has 1 year coverage for the frame and you also get 6 months on parts and labor. This is strong coverage for an entry level massage chair compared to others in the industry. Customer service is another important factor. You want to make sure you get adequate support if a problem was to arise. Our experience with Omega, is they are quick, responsive and technically competent.

The first thing you notice about the M-2 is its very sleek design. This chair looks more like an executive chair than a massage recliner. Omega made a very attractive design with the sweeping, padded armrests to the thin chair back. We like the silver trim on the side panels gives it a nice designer touch. We feel this chair can compliment any room.

The Orion is equipped with both manual massage techniques and full automatic programs. The manual massage techniques include swaying, kneading and rolling. We particularly like the swaying which is reminiscent of getting a Hawaiian style massage. The automatic programs operate the entire chair and provide full body coverage. There are 3 automatic programs with durations of 5, 10 and 15 minutes, respectively. The M-2 also allows you to select certain regions of the back. You can massage the full back, lower back or the upper back. The slim remote neatly tucks away in a molded slot underneath the armrest.

The M-2 has 23 inches of stroke length for covering the back. This means that the roller mechanism moves 23 inches from top to bottom. The chair back can recline from its upright position of 115 degrees back to 170 degrees. The M-2 is upholstered on the back of the chair back which is a nice touch. Most massage recliners have a hard plastic shell which can be a bit unattractive. The leg rest and the chair back are moved using manual control levers. They will bring the chair back up or leg rest up, but the user must push them down.

The Orion has a vibration massage which can be set to three levels of intensity in the seat. This is a soothing massage to help improve the blood flow in the thighs and buttocks. There are 8 rotary massage heads built into the seat. The rotary massage heads can be set to three levels of intensity. They provide a penetrating massage for the buttocks and thighs. There is also an extra seat cushion for dampening the massage intensity.

The leg rest comes with a mechanical paddle massage mechanism. The leg rest targets your calves. The leg rest is also adjustable with a four inch extension. This enables the user to position the leg rest exactly on the area of the legs you like. The calf massage is very invigorating and can be adjusted to 3 levels of intensity. The leg rest can be adjusted 90 degrees to a full horizontal position. The leg rest works off a manual control lever. The piston will raise the leg rest, but the user must push down with their legs to lower the leg rest.

The M-2 Orion massage recliner is one of the best values in its class. This entry level chair provides an effective and thorough full body massage. The recliner comes with a unique Sway massage which is similar to the Hawaiian style massage. The Orion comes with many functions which you would find in many higher priced recliners. Omega provides good warranty coverage for this model. If you are looking for an entry level massage chair, put this one on your short list.

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Massage Chair Review: Sanyo SA 5000 Massage Recliner

By James Knolan


The focus of this product review is the mid range Sanyo SA5000 massage chair. We will evaluate this massage recliner in 5 separate categories ranging from warranty coverage to massage therapy. Each category can earn up to 20 points. An overall rating is given by adding up the scores for each category for a total of 100 possible points. This structured review helps to balance the review and provide a consistent basis for comparison. Let us take an in depth look at the Sanyo SA5000.

Warranty & Customer Service: We first cover the warranty and customer service. These are your long term protections from potential problems with your purchase. This product is has the following warranty coverage: 3 years on the roller mechanism, 1 year parts, 1 year labor and 1 year in home technician service. We like the 3 years on the roller mechanism. The best manufacturers cover parts for a minimum of 3 years, so Sanyo is a bit light here. They do offer 1 year in home technician service which is a plus. Sanyo has a national call center for customer service which is fairly competent. We give an overall rating of 15 in this category.

Comfort & Ergonomics: When one thinks of a massage chair, you think of comfort and relaxation. The ergonomics of the chair design needs to be comfortable and fit the users. The SA 5000 has a nice appearance with the triangular armrests. The armrests are well padded and comfortable. The side view of the chair is a little plain below the armrest detail which is a little industrial from our point of view. The chair is comfortable to sit in. The upholstered back pad is plush and soft to the touch. The headrest pillow can be adjusted to accommodate different users. The leg rest is one area of concern in that it cannot be adjusted or extended. Taller users may want to see how well they fit in the chair. This chair was originally designed for the Japanese market, so it is scaled for the target population. Our rating in this category is 15.

Ease of Use: We are always concerned with how easy a massage chair is to use. There are an ever increasing number of features and options, but the manufacturers need to make it easy to use. Everyone wants the best technology has to offer, but not at the expense of a steep learning curve. We like the Sanyo remote for the SA 5000. This is a clean and simple design. There are 4 automatic programs with one-touch buttons. If you like the massage you are getting and the area, then hit the Program Memory button and the chair will remember. This is like having additional automatic programs at your disposal. The side panel controls the lower body air system with individual controls for the lower body, calf, foot and thigh. Our rating in this category is 18.

Key Features: The SA-5000 comes with some unique technology from Sanyo. They include their GK roller systems for neck and shoulder massage. They also have a stiffness detection system integrated into the massage recliner. The GK roller system can reach out over the shoulders. It performs a grip massage that is effective to relieve tension and soreness in the shoulder and neck regions. The stiffness sensor is based on lie detector technology. It monitors your pulse and perspiration to determine areas of stiffness in the body. This is then fed into the computer which then directs the massage for those specific areas. The SA 5000 earns an 18 in this category.

Massage Therapy: This massage chair comes equipped with 4 full body automatic courses including Stiffness, Relax, Recovery and Fine. There are also 4 programs stored in Memory, 4 manual massage techniques and 4 massage courses. Select from 5 roller width setting and 5 massage speed settings. This model also comes with an air system for the lower body. This system has 24 airbags and covers the feet, calves and thighs. There is also a multi-point shiatsu massage for targeting the lower body for a soothing and relaxing lower body massage. The massage therapy is very effective in the SA 5000 and it scores an 18 in massage therapy.

The overall rating earned by the SA 5000 is an 84/100. We like some of the new technology integrated into this massage recliner, especially the GK rollers. This provides an outstanding massage for the shoulders and neck areas. The stiffness detection sensor is interesting but requires the user to hold it during the massage. We would like to see better warranty coverage from Sanyo without having to purchase an extended warranty. This is a good quality chair and has some excellent features for a mid range massage chair.

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