A good idea poorly executed and lacking key vocabulary
I bought this because I was going to Turkey for the second time and had felt embarrassed about my inability to speak any of the country's language.
The blurb (and reviews on Amazon) seemed hugely promising and when I got the DVD (delivered very quickly) I was keen to start learning.
What a disappointment it was!
First off, the interface is clunky and non-intuitive, and the instructions laughably inadequate. Although the main program installs on your hard disk, it seems to access the CD for data, so you have to have the CD in the drive while you're using it. Not a problem in itself, but the access slows down the program too much, making it even more clunky. I have a new laptop with 6GB memory and Win7 Professional, so it's not my PC.
The self-test facility is a good feature, but let down by performance issues. I didn't try the self-recording options, which seem a good idea.
I could have forgiven much of the above if the content had been right, but the title "Essential Words and Phrases for Absolute Beginners" is a misnomer. Key phrases like "Can I have" or "I would like" are missing, and both the (surprisingly limited) vocabulary and situations seem strangely selected.
I gave up on this after a week, as the limited vocabulary and phrases were clearly not going to give me the basics I needed.
In the end, I bought an app for iPad , and it did the job I wanted from this CD for a quarter of the price.
I think this product's description is misleading, the good idea is poorly executed and lacking in relevant content. A waste of money.
Hercules DG307B 2-in-1 Smartphone and Tablet Holder (for 6.1" to 13" Devices)
23 May, 2025
More expensive than cheaper alternatives, but WELL worth it because it is very flexible in adjustment, but rock solid once it's set
I'm a musician and singer, and like to have lyrics/arrangements etc on my iPad, attached to the microphone stand.
I have tried many clamp-on holders for my iPad. Some have been better than others. The worst suddenly decided to decant my iPad on to the rehearsal room floor halfway through a song.
I use Hercules mic stands and Hercules guitar stands already, and decided I'd try this tablet holder.
I am SO glad I did!
It's more expensive than cheaper alternatives, but IMHO it is worth it, because it actually works!
My iPad stayed in place - exactly - for the whole of a 4 hour rehearsal.
It's easy to fix in place, and the adjustment mechanism is designed so well, that I can position it exactly where I need to.
It's quick and easy to attach to the Mike stand and holds the iPad really firmly.
One massive advantage of this over cheaper alternatives is that you can position the tablet in portrait mode-essential for things like reading song lyrics.
It's solidly built, with no flex and no wobble and the clamps tighten up easily and hold fast.
Hercules DS580B Auto Grab Cello Stand
11 Jun, 2020
A well designed and sturdy cello stand that lets you put your cello in with the spike extended
I already had a Hercules auto grab guitar stand, which led me to this for my cello.
It's a great stand and beats others I have seen because you can put the cello in it with the spike extended, and the auto grab holds the neck gently but securely.
The autographed is padded so it won't damage the neck, as are the legs on which the cello body rests.
It's light but sturdy and folds easily.
Plus there is a hook for your bow.
Highly recommended.