This was my first GPS device and it was a bitter disappointment. I have to say that I am one of those people who like to think for themselves and have opinions and preferences. If you are not like that, or if you are used to GPSs and know what to expect from them, this review probably will not be useful to you.

If you use any contemporary electronic devices, like smart phones and tablets, then any GPS will seem like a stone-age device to you. Very low screen resolution, pressure activated and non-responsive touch screen, un-intuitive interface. And most importantly, very restricted ability for any customization. Here is my list of specific issues with this device:

1. The so called "Trip Planner" is a complete scam. It lets you define a route with multiple stops, but there is no way to make the device follow the multiple stops automatically. At each stop you have go back to the main menu, select "Where To", go to "Trip Planner", select your trip, select "GO", pick your next stop, and "Go". These are 7 to 10 clicks, depending on how much scrolling you need to do. Basically, you cannot do that while driving, you have to stop to do it. So, these locations cannot be just waypoints that you go by.
The only way to enter waypoints is to do it after you start navigating on your route. This, however, cannot be saved. So you cannot plan your route in advance.
From what I read on the web, previous Garmin models used to have a function called Route, which did allow to define a route with waypoints, but this feature got removed. Also, previous models allowed to define your routes on the web and download them to the device. This is also not possible any more. It seems that Garmin have been busy stripping out useful features, instead of adding new ones!

2. It always picks the main roads and highways, which is the worst choice during rush hours. Every time I tried the "detour" button, it picked still exactly the same route, even though there were several other options.

3. No "custom avoidances", even though the user guide says it has it. So, you can choose to avoid all highways, or all toll roads, but not a particular one, or a particular area. Turned out that other models have that, but not 2350.

4. Its traffic function works with delayed data and is quite useless, but I've been spoiled by BlackBerry traffic - nothing can beat that.

5. myTrends - this "feature" is advertised as the device learning your driving style and adapting the way it calculates routes to it. In practice, it works only for routes that you have traveled a number of times. Only then it remembers your route and may decide to suggest it. But, why do you need a GPS for a route that you already know!?

6. The device itself comes with a micro-USB port and a micro-to-regular USB computer cable. However, the car charger is with mini-USB, which is the port on the car holder. So, you cannot charge the device without the holder. Couldn't they pick one standard!?

7. The Garmin customer service is useless. They are more likely to get you to damage your device, than to help. When I wrote to them inquiring about the "Trip planner" feature, they claimed that it was supposed to follow through the locations automatically (so they had no clue how it really works) and suggested that I install all updates. When I replied that I had already done that, they suggested that I uninstall them!?!? Turned out that there is no such option at all. Eventually I found from the web, that the Trip Planner's strange behavior is "by design".

8. Speed limits not available in Canada

Bottom line - I returned the device, and after reading more about higher models and other GPS brands, I think I'll never look for one again. Will check out GPS software solutions for smart phones instead.

I gave it two stars, because it's probably ok for people who simply want to go from point A to B.

A very good book, that covers everything from portrait painting to landscapes, with more emphasis on the portrait section. One very important thing I learned from it is how to avoid some very common mistakes in handling color, in order to keep the colors vibrant. Too bad that his other books are out of print, but I will try to find them.

A really nice book if you want to learn to paint landscapes in a loose style. Useful guides in the techniques to paint different elements of the landscape - rocks, trees, water, skies, etc. I like the author's style, so I like the book. I think it is important to learn from instructors, whose style you like.
One drawback of the book - the author uses a very weird color palette with color names I've never heard from a brand I've never heard of. Of course he recommends buying them, but I don't think it would be a good idea to learn to paint with such a non-standard palette. But if you know how to mix your colors and ignore that part, the book is great.