A few weeks ago, as I was browsing and reading through some favourite blogs, I came across an article on improving browsing time on the Web. This article, on Lifehacker, was essentially a bunch of tips on making better use of some of the available resources that can make your time online that much more productive. As I read through the article, one tip caught my eye: use an RSS reader. As I read this entry, one suggestion was using a tool like Google Reader.
Well, being an affirmed Gmail user, I decided to see what Google Reader (or GR) was all about. And let me tell you, I am still hooked! Google Reader is a web-based RSS aggregation application, also known as an RSS reader, and what it lacks currently in aesthetics, it makes up in functionality. GR allows a user to subscribe to RSS feeds and blogs, organize these subscriptions into groups, and display the feeds. As the tool is web-based, as mentioned previously, it becomes available from any computer that is connected to the Internet. Many have indicated to the future of computing being web-based, and although I have some reservations about this concept, GR and other such tools truly belong in this category.
As I learn more about GR, I will post further information as it becomes available. Do yourself a favour and check out Google Reader!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Our new baby carriage
One of the fantastic gifts we have received from our boy's paternal Grandpa, is the Quinny Buzz stroller. Since we already had a Maxi-Cosi Mico car seat, it made sense to get a compatible stroller to make traveling that much easier. A little more on this compatibility later in the review. The stroller was delivered in a fairly large box, and since we had seen it in the store, we suspected that it was shipped folded up and in pieces.
Assembly
We unpacked all the pieces, and were pleasantly surprised to discover that the stroller itself was only in several large pieces. Everything is well padded and protected, and the stroller itself had several wraps of twine to keep it securely closed. We took out the main frame assembly, attached the rear wheels, attached the bottom basket and the front wheel and then attached the seat. That was it... My only issue was attaching the front wheel, which required quite a strong grip to squeeze and push into the frame. I don't believe that my wife would have the strength required to do this on her own. Otherwise, a pretty painless assembly, and we were ready to verify how all the accessories worked. We got ours in red, as seen below, but Quinny has several other colours available:
Contents of box
Changes from 2007-2008 model
After looking at the whole thing, we noticed a few changes from the model we had seen in stores. First of all, there is a plastic clip to lock the frame in the closed position, which is nice. It still allows one-handed opening of the stroller, but provides added security. We also noted the addition of a pocket on the back of the seat which is not something we had noticed before. One of the fantastic features that remains is seat, which is probably the most comfortable I have ever felt. If includes an adjustable backrest that reclines almost flat, adjustable footrest and is covered by a removable and washable seat cover. The seat can be inserted to face both inside and outside, and the stroller itself features quick-release (a single button) wheels, a height adjustable handle, footbrake and a removable and turnable safety bar. Now that's a lot of features before we even get to the accessories.
Accessories
As I mentioned previously, we received a full complement of accessories with the stroller, which include:
Canopy
We installed the canopy, which simply snaps onto the frame of the seat. As such, its height can be adjusted by sliding up and down on the frame. I have seen more substantial canopies, but this one seems suited to the seat. It provides a top peek-a-boo window at the top, and not much more. It is reasonably stiff, and can be adjusted easily.
Rain cover
The rain cover is designed to fit completely over the seat, with the canopy installed. A two way zipper makes the installation easier, allowing the canopy to be easily wrapped around the seat. An elastic box section at the foot wraps right around the bottom portion of the seat, providing excellent protection from splashes from below. Once installed, the zipper can be opened in the other direction, to allow venting at the top. There are also some ventilation holes on each side of the rain cover, at face level.
Bug net
The bug net, much like the rain cover, is designed to fit right around the seat, but zips into the front of the canopy, rather than fitting right over it. The bottom portion has several zippers to allow for different lengths; it is an ingenious way to make sure that the bug net always fits neatly.
Wind protector
This small side shield zips into the canopy and provides a very small level of additional protection. To be perfectly honest, this could have just been designed into the canopy to begin with. We both do not foresee much use for this accessory. It is easy enough to install, but seems too small to actually provide any additional protection.
Adapter for the car seat
For those who use the Maxi-Cosi car seat, some adapters are provided to allow this seat to be used in conjunction with the Quinny Buzz frame. To use, simply remove the original seat, line up the frame slots, insert the adapters, then simply clip the car seat in. The seat only fits in the rear facing position, but this is probably the safest. We have found that with our newborn, being able to use the car seat on the stroller frame has made going out a lot simpler, even using public transit. We just separate the car seat from the frame, fold the frame, and each of us takes a piece. With the adapter in place, the car seat just clicks into and out of the Quinny Buzz frame:
In Use
So far, we have been very satisfied with the Quinny Buzz. It is a real joy to roll around, is very maneuverable, lightweight and convenient. Although the front wheel includes a lock to prevent the wheels from swiveling, we both found that using it made pushing the stroller only harder. Another note on the front wheel, which seems to be a pet peeve for me; the front wheel material is simply terrible foam rubber, which in my opinion, is entirely worthless as a tire material. In our first walk, small stones had already cut into the tire and left it looking quite worn. Our first walk!!! I am already looking into replacing this tire with a solid rubber wheel of the same diameter. It is my impression that this would make for an even smoother ride. We have both found the basket that hangs below the frame a little small, but it will the baby's bag, and I am happy with that.
Aside from that one issue with the front wheel, and the small basket, the Buzz has really met our expectations. Many people have already asked us about it, and we get glances all the time. As my wife pointed out, it is rather futuristic, and that always draws the eye. It's probably what drew my eye in the first place. We will add more information as our experience grows!
Assembly
We unpacked all the pieces, and were pleasantly surprised to discover that the stroller itself was only in several large pieces. Everything is well padded and protected, and the stroller itself had several wraps of twine to keep it securely closed. We took out the main frame assembly, attached the rear wheels, attached the bottom basket and the front wheel and then attached the seat. That was it... My only issue was attaching the front wheel, which required quite a strong grip to squeeze and push into the frame. I don't believe that my wife would have the strength required to do this on her own. Otherwise, a pretty painless assembly, and we were ready to verify how all the accessories worked. We got ours in red, as seen below, but Quinny has several other colours available:
Contents of box
- Quinny Buzz Carriage frame
- Quinny Buzz seat
- Raincover for seat
- Bug/mosquito net for seat
- Canopy
- Wind protector for canopy
- Adapters for car seat (2, left and right)
Changes from 2007-2008 model
After looking at the whole thing, we noticed a few changes from the model we had seen in stores. First of all, there is a plastic clip to lock the frame in the closed position, which is nice. It still allows one-handed opening of the stroller, but provides added security. We also noted the addition of a pocket on the back of the seat which is not something we had noticed before. One of the fantastic features that remains is seat, which is probably the most comfortable I have ever felt. If includes an adjustable backrest that reclines almost flat, adjustable footrest and is covered by a removable and washable seat cover. The seat can be inserted to face both inside and outside, and the stroller itself features quick-release (a single button) wheels, a height adjustable handle, footbrake and a removable and turnable safety bar. Now that's a lot of features before we even get to the accessories.
Accessories
As I mentioned previously, we received a full complement of accessories with the stroller, which include:
Canopy
We installed the canopy, which simply snaps onto the frame of the seat. As such, its height can be adjusted by sliding up and down on the frame. I have seen more substantial canopies, but this one seems suited to the seat. It provides a top peek-a-boo window at the top, and not much more. It is reasonably stiff, and can be adjusted easily.Rain cover
The rain cover is designed to fit completely over the seat, with the canopy installed. A two way zipper makes the installation easier, allowing the canopy to be easily wrapped around the seat. An elastic box section at the foot wraps right around the bottom portion of the seat, providing excellent protection from splashes from below. Once installed, the zipper can be opened in the other direction, to allow venting at the top. There are also some ventilation holes on each side of the rain cover, at face level.Bug net
The bug net, much like the rain cover, is designed to fit right around the seat, but zips into the front of the canopy, rather than fitting right over it. The bottom portion has several zippers to allow for different lengths; it is an ingenious way to make sure that the bug net always fits neatly.Wind protector
This small side shield zips into the canopy and provides a very small level of additional protection. To be perfectly honest, this could have just been designed into the canopy to begin with. We both do not foresee much use for this accessory. It is easy enough to install, but seems too small to actually provide any additional protection.
Adapter for the car seat
For those who use the Maxi-Cosi car seat, some adapters are provided to allow this seat to be used in conjunction with the Quinny Buzz frame. To use, simply remove the original seat, line up the frame slots, insert the adapters, then simply clip the car seat in. The seat only fits in the rear facing position, but this is probably the safest. We have found that with our newborn, being able to use the car seat on the stroller frame has made going out a lot simpler, even using public transit. We just separate the car seat from the frame, fold the frame, and each of us takes a piece. With the adapter in place, the car seat just clicks into and out of the Quinny Buzz frame:
In Use
So far, we have been very satisfied with the Quinny Buzz. It is a real joy to roll around, is very maneuverable, lightweight and convenient. Although the front wheel includes a lock to prevent the wheels from swiveling, we both found that using it made pushing the stroller only harder. Another note on the front wheel, which seems to be a pet peeve for me; the front wheel material is simply terrible foam rubber, which in my opinion, is entirely worthless as a tire material. In our first walk, small stones had already cut into the tire and left it looking quite worn. Our first walk!!! I am already looking into replacing this tire with a solid rubber wheel of the same diameter. It is my impression that this would make for an even smoother ride. We have both found the basket that hangs below the frame a little small, but it will the baby's bag, and I am happy with that.
Aside from that one issue with the front wheel, and the small basket, the Buzz has really met our expectations. Many people have already asked us about it, and we get glances all the time. As my wife pointed out, it is rather futuristic, and that always draws the eye. It's probably what drew my eye in the first place. We will add more information as our experience grows!
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