Gadgets for the Masses

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 8 for the iDevice range

2010-11-25T03:31:00.002Z

Bang & Olufsen is a name that has long been associated with superior audio quality, and if you can afford their stuff, then it is rather safe to say that you are flush with cash to spare on big boys’ toys. The latest device from Banh & Olufsen to hit the market would be the BeoSound 8, where this unique docking station will cater for the latest range of iDevices, including the iPod touch, iPad and iPhone.

This will be the first product of such of its kind from Bang & Olufsen’s stables, where the BeoSound 8 defies industry standards as it features a distinct two dimensional design, bold form, and a superior sound quality thanks to its custom-made conical speakers and high-performance amplifiers. Not only that, it will be directly compatible with the iPad, so you need not have to grapple with stuff like additional wires and adapters, resulting in a clean, minimalist design that pleases the eye.

BoxWave's Keyboard Buddy

2010-11-19T01:40:00.003Z

BoxWave is stepping in to make your life complete on the iPhone. The BoxWave Keyboard Buddy Case is just what it sounds like, a Bluetooth keyboard embedded in an iPhone 4 case, only instead of flipping out like the TK-421 or slide-tilting like the ultra-bulky Nuu Mini Key, BoxWave's solution is a simple sliding affair that adds very little to the iPhone 4's profile and hardly anything to its footprint.

Also, it's your buddy. It'll start shipping next month, and it's a little spendy at $70, but can you really put a price on the flattery of imitation?

Apple's new Macbook Air

2010-11-18T00:17:00.003Z

Inspired by iPad, the new MacBook Air features all-flash storage, full Multi-Touch support, a long-lasting battery, and a high-resolution display.

Since the laptop's launch back in the heady days of 2008, it has been considered a niche, high-end product and much less a mainstream system. Originally, the wafer-thin (and somewhat underpowered) laptop sold for a painful starting price of $1,799. We've come a long way from Apple's original play, with two all-new models of the Air. The first is an update to the standard 13.3-inch model priced at a significantly cheaper $1,299, while the newest entrant to the MacBook family is a tiny 11.6-inch model that's nearly the size of an iPad -- and not wildly more expensive, starting at $999.

The new MacBook Airs don't look wildly different than their predecessors, but they certainly feel more solid than previous generations. Besides having trimmed down here and there, Apple's unibody construction seems more fully realized on these laptops, and holding one in your hand (or on your lap) definitely promotes a feeling of confidence in build quality. The laptops have been trimmed down -- the 13.3-inch model measures just 12.8 inches by 8.94 inches (with a thickness of 0.68 inches tapering to 0.11 inches at its smallest point), and weighs a meager 2.9 pounds. The minuscule 11.6-inch version, meanwhile, is just 11.8 inches by 7.56 inches, and weighs 2.3 pounds. We spent a lot of our time with the junior laptop, and we can tell you that even next to its big brother, it does feel amazingly small and light. On the other hand, the new 13 is much more of an iterative refinement of the previous-gen Air -- they're virtually the same size, with the new Air just a hair thinner than the outgoing model, but its squared-off sides and sharper edges make it feel a bit more compact, and Apple's buttonless trackpad replaces the older single-button affair. It's weird, but the old 13-inch Air almost seems chubby in comparison to the new model.

Inside the 13.3, the base configuration is a 1.86GHz Core 2 Duo CPU (yes, the very same as the previous version), an NVIDIA GeForce 320M integrated GPU, 2GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD. Those options can be changed to include a 2.13GHz CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The 11.6 comes in even lower, starting out with a 1.4GHz Core 2 Duo CPU, the same GeForce 320M, 2GB of RAM, and a 64GB SSD, and can be bumped to 1.6GHz, 4GB of RAM, and 128GBs of storage. One thing to point out -- the "SSD" chips are not enclosed in a drive housing, and Apple simply refers to them as flash storage. We tested the 11.6-inch with the base 1.4GHz CPU, 2GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, and the 13.3-inch with a 1.83GHz CPU, 2GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.

Definitely a must have for road warriors and apple evangelists alike.

Canon EOS 7D

2010-11-17T01:15:00.002Z

The EOS 7D is Canon's current semi-pro dSLR. This camera has an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor and uses dual DIGIC 4 image processors, to provide extraordinary image quality and quick rendering. The 7D also includes an advanced, high-definition movie mode that can capture 1080p video at 30, 24, or 25 frames per second. This is a body-only listing.

Specifications:

- 18-megapixel CMOS sensor
- Dual DIGIC 4 image processors
- High-definition movie mode (1080p, 720p)
- CompactFlash memory card storage

If you're planning on using it for more than just snapshots, absolutely. If you're going to take photography, maybe a film class, the 7D is outstanding for it's high resolution and 1080p HD video. But if you're looking as a camera to enter with and shoot your experience in school, it may be overkill. The XSi is a good entry level option. Spend the rest of the money you would've dropped on good fast high quality lenses and then when you're ready to upgrade to a more advanced body, you've already invested in the glass, so you're good to go.

JAMO iPod Premium Speaker System

2010-11-16T00:31:00.002Z

Fact. Even though iPods and other wireless media players work with compressed formats such as MP3 and WMA, potentially they can deliver very high quality sound… but only if you know how to make the best of it.

With a properly engineered sound system the iPod can easily become either the secondary or even primary music source in a home.

That was exactly the thinking when Jamo launched the i300 iPod-compatible subwoofer/satellite system, a groundbreaking product that has gone on to win numerous accolades and awards worldwide. Point proven...

Want to mount it up and out of the way on the wall? No problem with the i200. Danish female design team Smedegaard and Weiss (who also designed Jamo’s sleek DMR60 CD/DVD receiver and the sensual A 30/ A 70 series speakers) have ensured maximum versatility when it comes to placement for the i200.

A spring-loaded docking bay takes all dock-able variants of iPod (thanks to a wide, supplied selection of inserts) and charges them automatically. Those with non dock-able 1st/2nd generation iPods (and indeed any other MP3 player/music playing mobile phone) can make use of the auxiliary audio input to get hooked up.

Supplied with an elegant wand-type remote control this system offers a frequency response of 120hz-20kHz and sounds, well, exceedingly musical.

Bass-friends who want even more slam can turn to the sub-out connection, to which they can connect an active subwoofer. The same connection can also be used to output audio to the JamoLink multi-room system and distribute your tunes around the house.

Available in black or white finishes the Jamo i200 iPod-compatible sound system brings high quality sound to kitchens, offices and bedrooms, without imposing itself on rooms. Good news, we think…

WD Elements Play 2TB Media Player

2010-11-15T04:53:00.002Z

Western Digital may have gained its fortune from making and selling storage solutions, and while it definitely focuses on this business outlet, it is not limited to it. In fact, the company deals in a variety of other things, such as media players like the Elements Play line. Nevertheless, WD's strong suit remains storage, HDD in particular,, and the outfit decided it would leverage its expertise to maximize the appeal of this media player series.

The hardware and consumer electronics maker has only just unveiled the line and it did so with stealth, not issuing a press release or other form of announcement. Basically, the Elements Play is a high-capacity all-in-one media player that handles a variety of file formats in quality of up to Full HD 1080p. The list of supported video and audio codecs and formats includes RMVB, H264, MKV and Monkey's Audio, among others.

The main asset of the electronic is, predictably, its storage space. For storing files internally, Western Digital gave it a hard disk drive of no less than 2TB. Needless to say, this will allow users to load a significant number of movies or other types of videos onto it. Other specifications include camera compatibility, DVD complete menu navigation, music playlist support for PLS, M3U, WPL file types, Multi-language subtitle support and video preview. What's more, the device can play a selected media automatically, has digital optical audio and supports SPDIF and Dolby Digital native playback.

The Full HD-ready Elements Play is compatible with AAC, MP3, JPEG, USB 2.0, Energy Star, Real Media, HDMI, SimplayHD, H.264, MKV and Dolby Digital.

The WD Elements mediaplayer is currently on sale at SVP www.svp.co.uk for only GBP. 138:-

Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device

2010-11-14T02:40:00.003Z

Amazon latest Kindle DX Wireless Reading Device comes with a 9.7" Display, wifi connection, 4GB internal storage and weighs in at just 18.9 ounces.

Read on a single charge for up to 1 week with wireless on. Turn wireless off and read for up to 2 weeks. Fully charges in approximately 4 hours via the included U.S. power adapter. Also supports charging from your computer via the included USB 2.0 cable.

Content Formats Supported: Kindle (AZW), PDF, TXT, Audible (formats 4, Audible Enhanced (AAX)), MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion.

iPod Touch - an iPhone experience without a SIM card

2010-11-13T03:17:00.003Z

Another "got to have" gadget from Apple is the latest iPod Touch.

Apple unveiled the 4th generation iPod Touch on September 1, 2010 and comes with almost all the goodies in the new iPhone 4 apart from a SIM slot.

It features Apple's Retina display and two cameras; one for FaceTime and the other for photos and HD video recording.

It also contains Apple's A4 for faster processing, a microphone for communication and voice memos and a three-axis gyroscopic sensor which enables the device to recognize approximately how far, fast, and in which direction it has moved in space.

The device ships with iOS 4.1, which adds Game Center to iOS along with the ability to use FaceTime through Wi-Fi.

iPhone 4 vs Iphone 3GS

2010-11-12T04:07:00.003Z

So you already have an iPhone 3GS but are thinking of upgrading to the new iPhone 4. So how does the iPhone 4 stand up against the iPhone 3GS when it comes to specifications?

So here’s the main differences in those specs. iPhone 3GS has a 600 MHZ processor with 256MB RAM and the iPhone 4 hits back with a 1GHZ processor and 512MB RAM. iPhone 3GS storage capacity is 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, iPhone 4 is 16GB 32GB.

iPhone 3GS gives a talk time of 5 hours while the iPhone 4 delivers 7 hours. iPhone 3GS Camera is 3 megapixels while iPhone 4 is a 5 megapixel camera. iPhone 3GS video recording is VGA with Tap to Focus while iPhone 4 has HD with Tap to Focus, LED light and backside illumination.

Resolution on the iPhone 3GS is 480 x 320 with 163 ppi while the iPhone 4 is 960 x 640 with 326 ppi…iPhone 3GS measures 115.5 x 62.1 x 12.3mm weighing 135 grams while the iPhone 4 measures 115.5 x 58.6 x 9.3mm weighing 137 grams.

iPad - the dream Apple product...almost there

2010-11-11T04:18:00.004Z

I actually sent a message to Apple's R&D department back in 2002 and 2003 which outlined my dream Apple product - a phone, e-book reader and mp3 player all in one. Since then we have had the iPod, iPhone and now iPad. Though there is a model that utilizes 3G, it is still not practical to use as a phone, but with mobile internet and wifi we are almost there. This is the closest to my dream Apple product to date.

Key features

Magnificent 9.7” capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n connectivity
Optional 3G connectivity (data only)
1 GHz Apple A4 CPU
iPhone OS 3.2
16/32/64 GB of onboard storage
Weight of 680 grams (730 grams for the 3G version)
Very slim 12.7mm waistline
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Haptics feedback
10 hours battery life and 1 month of stand-by
Accelerometer and compass
Compatible with every iPhone app without any modifications
The cheapest version costs less than an unlocked iPhone
iBook application
The keyboard dock (purchased separately) easily converts the iPad into a nettop

RIM to Sell Tablet for Less Than $500 to Take On IPad

2010-11-10T15:58:00.001Z

Research In Motion Ltd., moving into the tablet-computer market for the first time, said it will begin selling its BlackBerry PlayBook for less than $500, suggesting RIM may try to undercut Apple Inc.’s iPad.

The iPad starts at $499 for a model with 32 gigabytes of storage and Wi-Fi wireless technology. The price rises to $829 for a version with more storage that can connect directly to cellular-phone networks.

Samsung Galaxy Tab

2010-11-10T14:52:00.004Z

Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Tab 7 inch Android tablet. The Samsung Galaxy Tab has a 1GHz Samsung Hummingbird processor, a 1024 x 600 pixel TFT touchscreen display, and it will run Google Android 2.2. It has two cameras, one facing the front and another facing the back.

Samsung will offer a series of accessories including a Bluetooth keyboard, a docking station with HDMI output, and a car dock which you can use to turn the Galaxy Tab into a 7 inch GPS and entertainment unit.

eInk from Jinke with Hanlin eReader

2007-11-15T09:30:00.000Z

The Hanlin eReader V9 is looking very promising as a cost effective alternative to Sony Reader and the Irex Iliad. It is a portable electronic device specifically for reading applications. Its stable, high-brightness makes for excellent readability both indoors and outdoors. It features a 10-inch e Ink display (EPD) containing 1200x825 pixels and supports 4 levels of greyscale.

The product has a SD card slot on the top of the device, memory extension up to 4GB. Connection to PC/laptop: via USB-cable. The V9 is a very low power mobile device, specifically designed for reading applications. The operating time of the rechargeable battery is about a month without recharging, based on an average use of 300 pages reading a day.

The device supports multi-level directory management.It is convenient for user to classify and manage the books, supporting formats such as: PDF, DOC, WOLF, HTML, JPG, TXT, CHM, RAR, ZIP, Images and so forth.

New Nokia N95 to die for

2007-10-20T10:10:00.000Z

The Nokia N95 8GB has had a a paint job and memory upgrade together with a larger screen and enhanced GPS, plus N-Gage gaming.

The display has been upgraded to a 2.8" panel from 2.6", and according to Nokia it is also brighter and clearer than ever before. Underneath the snazzy new exterior, the Nokia N95 8GB packs in an awesome number of features. It's a 3G phone with HSDPA high-speed data, quad-band GSM with GPRS and EDGE and WiFi. The N95 8GB also has stereo Bluetooth, infra-red and USB connectivity.

The camera is one of the N95 8GB's strongest points - it's a 5 megapixel unit with autofocus and Carl Zeiss optics. Video capture resolution is up to 640 x 480 pixels, and the N95 8GB also has a video out port. Images and video clips can be uploaded directly from the phone to a number of compatible weblog or picture sharing sites. Along with some other high-end Nokias, the N95 8GB can use the N-Gage Arena gaming service.

Nokia N95 8GB GPS There's comprehensive multimedia support too, the N95 8GB can play back MP3, AAC, M4A and WMA audio files plus video clips. There's an FM radio too for good measure. The N95 8GB retains the unusual two-way slider mechanism that allows users to switch between the number pad and a set of dedicated media keys.

An addition, there's a web browser, email client and set of personal information management applications. The N95 8GB can also view common email attachment types such as Microsoft Office and PDF files.

As you can guess by the name, the Nokia N95 8GB now has eight gigabytes of internal memory, although unlike the original N95 it does not appear to be possible to add a memory card. Nokia say that this can hold up to 6000 songs or 20 hours of videos.

The physical characteristics of the N95 8GB are very similar to the original at 99 x 53 x 21mm in size and slightly heavier at 128 grams in weight. Maximum talktime is around 3.5 hours on 3G, 5 hours on GSM and the standby time is up to 11 days.

The N95 8GB is available as of end of October for a price of around €560 / £380 / $700 before tax and subsidy.

Nokia iPhone

2007-09-17T09:02:00.000Z

Nokia Iphone?It appears that Nokia is releasing an iPhone look-a-like in 2008. Anssi Vanjoki -- Nokia's Executive VP & General Manager of Multimedia presented this glimpse into the future of Nokia interface design at Nokia´s Go Play event last month, who was quoted as saying "If there is something good in the world then we copy with pride."

With Apple´s 200+ patents for the iPhone we will look forward to see how Nokia is implementing their technology into the new phones. The iPhone has yet to land in Europe and word on the street is that the iPhone will hit 3G (currently at 2,5G in the US) by the time their phones are released in Europe.

In any case it will be a battle of the Giants, with consumer running to buy from both camps.

You can see a videoclip featuring the Nokia iPhone Lookalike here

Apple Ipod Touch

2007-09-06T17:10:00.000Z

Yesterday Apple launched new 'internet on the go' iPod Touch - "a new apple gadget to die for"

The new iPod feature music, video, photos and wi-fi, including a web browser that allow users to access the internet on the go, similar to the iPhone.

Features

Touch
iPod touch features the same revolutionary interface as iPhone. Built to take full advantage of the large 3.5-inch display, the multi-touch interface lets you control everything using only your fingers. So you can glide through albums with Cover Flow, flick through photos and enlarge them with a pinch, or zoom in and out on a section of a web page. And iPod touch features a touchscreen QWERTY keyboard perfect for browsing the web in Safari, searching for videos on YouTube, finding music on the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, entering calendar events, or adding new contacts.
Ambient Light Sensor

The iPod touch display has an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts brightness to suit the ambient light in your surroundings. The result? A better experience for you and battery-saving efficiency for iPod touch.
iPod touch ambient light sensor iPod touch accelerometer
Accelerometer

An accelerometer detects when you rotate iPod touch from portrait to landscape, then automatically changes the contents of the display, so you immediately see the entire width of a web page, your music in Cover Flow, or a photo in its proper aspect ratio.

Music
If a picture says a thousand words, think of what all the album art in your collection might say. With Cover Flow on iPod touch, you can flick through your music to find the album you want to hear. And when you do, a quick tap of the cover flips it over to display a track list. Another tap starts the music.

Safari
With Apple’s Safari browser built in, iPod touch is the only iPod that gives you wireless access to the web, everywhere you go. See websites the way they were designed to be seen. Sync your bookmarks or add a few as you go. Search the web using the touchscreen keyboard. Zoom in and out by tapping the multi-touch display.

iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store
With iPod touch, you can discover new music anywhere. Built-in wireless capability gives you access to the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store, where you can buy songs with a tap. Browse New Releases, What’s Hot, and Just Added lists. Or find exactly what you’re looking for with a quick search. Tap a song to preview it or tap Buy to purchase it. From anywhere.

The iPod Touch will be available in stores as of September 28th with two models, one 8GB model retailing at $299 and a 16GB model for $399.

Sony to Release New Video-Capable Walkman

2007-08-30T17:28:00.000Z

NEW YORK, August 30: Sony is looking to claim some 10 percent of the portable media player market, according to Reuters, with its new Walkman that is capable of playing videos.

The new Walkman models are due to hit the retail market next month as a direct competitor to the iPod. The new Walkman promises to play more music formats than its competitor. The models are expected to retail for between $120 and $230.

Nokia's sensuous new 3G device

2007-08-21T13:45:00.000Z

The new Nokia 6555 features a smooth-back fold design and original analog timepiece

Nokia today announced a new 3G mobile phone that pairs original design and quality workmanship with outstanding features. The Nokia 6555 meets the desire for aesthetic appeal with an external analog clock echoing the timeless elegance of high-end luxury. The Nokia 6555 is the first WCDMA phone with a smooth-back fold design with recessed hinge creating a seamless line when open. The phone's gentle curve ensures a smooth and ergonomic user experience. The Nokia 6555 is an accessible option for discerning consumers. The Nokia 6555 will be available within the next month at an estimated retail price of approximately €200 before subsidies or taxes.

Adding to its attraction, the Nokia 6555 features a QVGA 16 million color internal display - twice as many colors as the human eye can see - for a brilliant, crisp resolution on a large 240x320 screen, making it perfect for viewing photos and videos. The camera featuring a 6x zoom gives even greater versatility and full screen portrait viewfinder so you can be sure you get the right picture every time. The self-portrait function on the camera and video sharing ability ensures that special moments are easily shared with family and friends.

"Mobile-savvy consumers expect superior quality and design. We understood that need, and so created the the Nokia 6555. The Nokia 6555 is a sophisticated accessory delivering the outstanding features that you expect from Nokia," said Markku Suomi, Product Group Director, Mobile Phones, Nokia.

From the thin, narrow form factor with smooth lines to the 30MB user memory (with capacity for microSD expandable memory) and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, the Nokia 6555 sets the standard in its class.

Key features:
- Original smooth-back design
- Elegant external analog timepiece display
- Brilliant 16 million color display
- Video sharing
- WCDMA and quadband GSM functionality

Bose SoundDock - Ear Candy

2007-08-14T12:42:00.000Z

Apple’s iPod has become a cultural phenomenon akin to Sony’s Walkman, the market for iPod accessories has exploded—some of the biggest names in computer and home audio have responded with systems specifically made for the iPod (and, just as significantly, incompatible with other portable players). Bose has recently joined the fray with its $300 Sounddock speaker system, which uses the now-familiar dock connector base for iPod connectivity. Featuring a glossy white body and large, full-face metal grill, the SoundDock is a good aesthetic match for full-size iPods (and even silver iPod minis) with an attractive but simple appearance that won’t dominate your decor.

It would be tough to find a speaker system that’s easier to set up than the SoundDock. When you first open the SoundDock box, the interior box flaps provide clear illustrations of the three-step setup process:

1) Attach the dock slot adapter for your particular size iPod—five sizes, for any dockable iPod except the new iPod Photo, are included.
2) connect the power cable.
3) place your iPod in the dock slot and enjoy the music.

Your iPod is also charged while it’s in the SoundDock. The only other piece in the box is the included credit card-sized, wireless remote, which lets you play, pause, skip forward or back, adjust the system volume, and turn your iPod on or off.

The SoundDock does not include a dock slot adapter specifically for the iPod Photo; Bose’s official position is that the included adapter for the 30/40GB (3rd-generation) iPod should be used for iPod Photo compatibility. In my testing, this adapter works, but as the iPod Photo is slightly thicker than previous iPods, the fit is very tight — a bit too tight for my tastes, as I was concerned that I was bending the dock connector or scratching the iPod’s front by forcing it into the slot.

Like JBL’s On Stage system, the SoundDock is not designed to be a portable system, despite its all-in-one design. It requires AC power, and although it’s certainly smaller than a full-size system, at 11.9”W x 6.7”H x 6.5”D it’s sizable enough that carrying it from room to room is the extent of its practical transportability. It’s clearly intended for home or office use.

At $300, the SoundDock is more expensive than competing systems that offer a few more convenience features (such as auxiliary inputs and syncing ability). However, it’s currently the best sounding of the “one-piece” speaker systems I’ve tested and its uncluttered elegance and ease of use make it an appealing offering for those willing to plunk down the change. If you’re using the SoundDock in the types of environments for which it’s intended—on a desk, or in a bedroom, office, or kitchen—you’ll be rewarded with good sound in an eye-catching package.

WLAN Mediaplayer by Freecom

2007-08-14T09:54:00.000Z

Freecom, has launched a Wireless Multimedia Player that connects directly to your TV or HiFi. Now you can enjoy the movies and music on your PC without actually using your PC, just tank them onto the Mediaplayers harddrive and voila - just use the remote to navigate and playback those multimedia files.

With the new Network MediaPlayer-WLAN, Freecom adds another dimension to the world of portable media playback devices. The player connects to your wireless access point, thereby opening a world of multimedia entertainment.

The player is also available as a “Drive in Kit”, without hard drive built-in. You can either assemble a hard drive yourself, or use the device without hard drive as a AV Wireless streaming device.

The new MediaPlayer WLAN is powered by the latest generation Sigma Design chipset, and supports playback of HD files*. It is firmware upgradeable, to ensure you always will have the latest updates and newest features.

Features:

• Connects directly to TV or Hifi
• Enjoy movies, music and photo ’s without the use of a PC!
• Can also be used as AV Streaming device from any PC within your network
• HD Video-File compatible • Supports multiple formats: MPEG1-4, DIVX, XVID, MP3, JPG...and many more
• Easy to use on screen-menu
• Fully remote controlled
• Firmware upgradeable
• Can also be used as standalone USB-2 hard drive
• High quality design
• 2 Years manufacturer ’s warranty and unlimited free help desk support

The Freecom Mediaplayer WLAN comes in 4 different models; 250 GB capasity priced at 299,00 EUR, 400 GB at 349,00 EUR, 500 GB at 399,00 EUR while the drive in kit will set you back 199,00 EUR.

Silver iMacs with Bigger Screens

2007-08-09T09:15:00.000Z

Steve Jobs has revealed the latest round of iMacs featuring a slimmer design, a faster processor and glossy screens.

The computers have ditched the white facade, a longtime staple of the iMac over the years, for an aluminum casing reminiscent of Apple's professional desktops. The desktops will also come with slimmer keyboards that have more buttons.

The revamped iMac is priced lower than previous incarnations, as the 17-inch screen makes way for the more costly 20-inch, which starts at $1,199 with a 2.0 Ghz processor.

Apple will also offer a 20-inch 2.4 Ghz model and another model sporting a still-roomier 24-inch screen.

Musicpal streams internet and digital audio with or without a computer

2007-07-24T15:15:00.000Z

Freecom. is launching a new Wireless digital internet radio and MP3 player in August. The Musicpal plays internet without the use of a PC and/or stream MP3 music from your computer or network via WLAN.

Features :
• Wireless digital internet radio and MP3 player
• Plays internet radio without the use of a computer
• Streams MP3 music from your computer or network
• Installs in seconds, easy to set up
• Supports over 5.000 radio stations
• Supports MP3 and WAV
• Alarm clock functionality
• Live RSS feeds / Blog feeds in display
• Built-in speaker and WLAN antenna
• Stereo audio out (2 x cinch) to connect to HiFi/Amplifier set
• Line out (minijack ) to connect to headphones or active
speakers

As the internet continues to have a bigger and bigger impact on our lives we now find all the popular radio stations broadcasting on the web! And they are joined by an enormous group of regional and specialist stations, which therefore can be heard across the world. Another trend is that we are collecting our own audio songs in our own libraries. We want to play these songs anywhere in the house: in the bedroom, the kitchen, the home office or the garage.

Also more and more people start using RSS which is a popular way to pull in news and information from across the internet and allow web sites to easily push content to subscribers directly. Subscribers are instantly updated with the latest information and news from web servers. Freecom internet radio enables new ways of music listening and RSS/Blog information in one new device: MusicPal. Just put the Freecom internet radio MP3 streamer anywhere in your house and, with the push of a button, play thousands of radio stations or enjoy your own digital music library. Like the original radio we know, the internet radio is a device that will find it‘s way to millions of households in the next years.

Well done, Freecom.

Sony makes the world go blue

2007-07-16T12:33:00.000Z

Say goodbye to DVD-R and say hello to Sony´s proprietary Blue-Ray technology introducing High-Def on DVD media.

Sony launched its first Blu-ray disc recorders, early December 2006 in Japan. Both models will record two TV programs at once via their two digital and one analog tuners. Backing up video to Blu-ray discs is limited to 25GB -- no 50GB BD-R/BD-RE writing or reading here -- but it will play cartridges from the old Blu-ray recorders, as well as the new AVCHD discs. With the right NTT cellphone you can schedule recordings from anywhere, but at home owners will enjoy the slick PSP-style XMB crossbar menu like other Sony products.

The high-end BDZ-V9 is the only choice if you must have 1080p output, DLNA streaming to connected PCs or compatible displays and video conversion to MPEG-4 to transfer directly to a PSP. All the connections you'd expect are a go, including HDMI out, plus i.Link and USB inputs to hook up digicams and make as many sentimental James Blunt-soundtracked slideshows as you can with the included x-Pict Story HD software.

They may not have the 4x Blu-ray recording of Panasonic's lineup or the soul-crushing bulk of Toshiba's 1TB RD-A1, but with a simple menu system and joystick based remote control Japanese gamers who didn't get one of the 100,000 launch PS3s will still bring Blu-ray to their living room this year.

Buy your blue ray recorder here

Wii - the ultimate gaming machine

2007-07-12T09:49:00.000Z

It was actually my youngest daughter who discovered this as she saw a young boy trade in his mobile phone as deposit for the Nintendo Wii controller in a Computer Game Store. My children ended up teaching me how to use the Wii in a round of tennis, golf and bowling...

It was easy to get hooked using the revolutionary controller design offering unique motion-sensitive gameplay options.

The Wii comes with built-in Wi-Fi that delivers free online services and (eventually) gameplay. The Virtual Console has major nostalgia appeal, compatible with all GameCube games and controllers, built-in SD slot for storage and photo viewing, includes Wii Sports game. Probably the most affordable of all next-gen systems.

Nintendo Wii's combination of unique motion-sensitive controllers and emphasis on fun gameplay make the ultra-affordable console hard to resist.

You can buy the Nintendo Wii here website

The Ultimate Scanning Machine

2007-05-11T22:50:00.000Z

The CANON DR-7580 DUPLEX 75 PPM 600 DPI 500 SHEET FEEDER USB 2.0 SCSI-III is the ultimate scanner, offering the latest technology in high-speed document scanning. The DR-7580 offers the small business owner or personal user a new outlook on affordable, production level scanning. The unique feeding system which can handl a wide range of mixed paper sizes and other challenging scanning operations handles maximum scanning speed of up to 75 pages per minute in simplex or 150 pages in duplex mode. It is able to detect and rotate text orientation, correct skewed images, enhance faint text and adjust gamma settings and accurate capture valuable information included on contracts and forms.

Whether scanning vouchers or paper sizes up to 11" x 17", the DR-7580 device will self-adjust automatically to each document size or thickness in a mixed batch.

With Canon's exclusive, patented on-board Staple Detection feature, the DR-7580 device detects stapled documents and automatically stops the scanning process.

You may buy the Canon DR-7580 Ultimate Scanning Machine here

KISS offer High Def Media Player

2007-05-08T19:24:00.000Z

Kiss Technology was bought up by Linksys, a division of Cisco Systems in 2005 whereas Kiss now supply the entertainment product division.

Kiss became famous among early adaptors in the DVD technology following the release of several stand alone dvd players that could be modified to play any type of media or file formats on the market.

Kiss scontinue to innovate and put out new products such as the new Kiss 1600 High Definition Media Player with Ethernet & Wi-Fi Network Connectivity. Now you can stream music, video and pictures to your TV and your Audio system from a computer (PC or MAC) on the Network either by wire or Wireless connection.

The KiSS 1600 can stream your digital multimedia files from your computer or other digital devices disc directly to your TV and/or entertainment center and upscaling DVD to 720p using the HDMI 1.2 connection.

With the Linksys Online portal you can tune into thousands of web radio stations and games online.

This is the best in class.

Freecom launch new network hard drive

2007-05-08T18:47:00.000Z

Freecom, the innovative Germany technology company has launched a new external 3,5" LAN Network hard drive.

This is the ideal network storage for any broadband user and offers true plug-and-play interface. Just connect it to your broadband receiever or network hub and voila - you have a file server at home.

The Freecoom external network harddrive comes in 3 different capasities, 250, 400 and 500GB - priced Euro 149, 179 and 219 respectively it offers a cost efficient and realiable back up alternative in the office or at home. .

Iliad by iRex Technologies

2007-05-08T17:41:00.000Z

If you are craving a Sony Reader by now, but live in Europe, you may want to consider the iLiad by Dutch company iRex Technologies. It is an e-reader like the Sony Reader - but it can also do so much more. You can read anything you like, write like on paper, exchange documents, receive new contents and sync with your computer.

The iLiad is a portable device that lets you read and write as you do on paper everywhere you go.

Everything you like to read, like books, newspapers and documents, you can now take along on a device as small and light as a single book. Even in bright sunlight the display of the iLiad offers you perfect readability. With the iLiad can you also send, receive and share documents with family, friends or business colleagues.

Just as with normal paper, you're able to make notes and annotate existing documents, but unlike paper your annotated documents and notes can easily be transferred to a PC or another iLiad. Your friends and colleagues can also add remarks or edit your notes and return them to you. The iLiad is not just about serious stuff, you can also do Sukoku and Crossword puzzles, read comics and sketch or draw on it.

Anything you can print from your PC can be read on the iLiad. You can also download books and other information from the internet. You can even receive digital subscriptions to international newspapers on an iLiad.

The iLiad has a wireless connection to automatically download content and updates over the Internet. You can also connect the iLiad directly to any PC with a USB cable. The iLiad Companion software enables you to easily transfer and manage the documents between your PC and the iLiad.

The iLiad can hold dozens of books and documents. Memory capacity can be increased simply by inserting a Compact Flash or MMC card, just as with digital camera. You can even insert your USB-stick into the iLiad to quickly read content.

The paper-like display of the iLiad produces a stable image, unlike a flickering PC screen. So the reading experience with the iLiad is much more comfortable, enabling you to go on for hours without tiring your eyes.

The display only consumes power when a page is turned so the power consumptions is very low. And just think of the paper you can save. You no longer need to rely on printed editions of newspapers, books or your own printed documents and notes!

You can buy the iLiad from iRex directly for Euro 649, which includes the iLiad, stylus, travel hub, USB cable, power adapter
and a quick start card.

The Sony Portable Reader

2007-05-08T16:59:00.000Z

Sony has launched Sony Reader featuring the new e-paper technology, which makes reading from the device gentle on the eyes.

Imagine this - having your an 80 book library in your pocket using a devise the size of a pocketbook. Electronic paper which is easy on the eyes and lets you view the screen from any angle. Increase the text size to fit your personal preference. Turn up to 7.500 pages on a single charged battery. And if 80 books aren´t enough, just replace the memory stick and you could be carrying around several hundred books, Adobe PDF of Microsoft Word documents, blogs, newsfeed or JPEG images with the same amazing readability.

It is all a reality with Sony Reader, Sony´s new handheld ebook reader. It can also handle audio books, just transfer your AAC or mp3 audio files and plug in optional earplugs and you are off...

Unfortunately, the device is so far only sold in the US and in Japan. There is no indication when this product will become available in Europe. Another big minus is that the Sony Connect ebooks system is only compatible with Windows XP and Vista and not compatible with Apple Macintosh at all.

Sony Reader retails in the US for US$ 349.99. For more details visit Sony Learning Center.

Multifunctial Mediaplayer-in-a-Box

2007-05-08T16:31:00.000Z

The days when you needed a standalone dvd player to play your multimedia contents are now all gone. With the popular downloads from internet, bittorrent clients and new digital mediaplatforms there is no need to convert media to disk to be able to watch this on your television. You don´t even need a tv card on your PC.

Feecom´s MediaPlayer fix all that for your by offering playback for all common digital formats (DivX, MP3, MPEG-4, AVI, WMA, ASF, OGG, etc.) used for Internet downloads from its integrated hard disk. After connecting the device to standalone appliances such as a TV or HiFi-set, the player can directly play back movies, songs and digital photo's downloaded from the Internet. Freecom supplies the MediaPlayer-3, which can of course also be used as a "normal" external hard drive or for back-ups, including a 3.5" hard drive with capacities of 80, 160 and 250 Gigabyte, and USB 2.0 interface.

The MediaPlayer-3 from Freecom thus becomes the perfect mobile interface between the variety of the WWW and the classical home entertainment in your own living room, and also represents an advanced alternative to the time-consuming process of burning DVDs.

Thanks to its capability of playing data in highly compressed, but still high-quality formats, the MediaPlayer-3 can store and manage tens of thousands of song tracks or photos. In particular, the compatibility of the MediaPlayer-3 with the DivX format enables it to be used as a comprehensive, mobile movie collection: since DivX only requires between 600 and 800 MB of storage space for around 90 minutes of movie enjoyment in brilliantly sharp DVD quality, the new Freecom MediaPlayer-3 with its 160 GB hard drive offers enough space for around 200 full-length films, while the 250 GB version can accommodate as many as 300. Thanks to its compatibility with a wide range of devices, either in your own home, at friends or on holiday, the MediaPlayer-3 is the perfect mobile film, photo and music archive.

With its own independent control unit with LCD display on the device and separate remote control, the MediaPlayer-3 needs no connection to a computer in playback mode; it can be used completely independent of other devices, and makes the PC as up to now usual multimedia playback device obsolete.

MediaPlayer-3 includes a remote control, video, audio and USB cable and the well-known Dr. DivX software. This programme enables films in any format to be encoded and converted without problem, into DivX format quickly and conveniently. The Freecom Mediaplay comes in 3 different models a 80 GB, 160 GB and 250 GB units at recommended retail price between Euro 270-379 pending which model you opt for.

You can buy Freecom Mediaplayer from SVP.

Watch out for the iPhone

2007-05-08T16:21:00.000Z

2-3 years ago I sent an e-mail to Apple´s R&D department asking them when I could buy my dream Apple product. I described something like this - an Ipod, an ebook reader, PDA and a phone built into one. It was funny because I was thinking about Apple´s defunt Newton at the time, but guess my suprise when Apple announced the iPhone earlier this year.

iPhone combines three amazing products — a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching — into one small and lightweight handheld device.

iPhone also introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting you control everything with just your fingers. So it ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, completely redefining what you can do on a mobile phone.

The iPhone is supposedly available as of july in the US through Singular. It should hit the stores in Europe by the end of the year.

For more details, visit Apple Store.

Welcome to Gadgets for the Masses

2007-05-08T16:07:00.000Z

Welcome to Gadgets for the masses. We will be focusing on gadgets, consumer electronics or simply stuff you just have to have, accompanied by links on how to get them.

Not all products will be available in all markets, but with new web services popping up it is possible to buy let´s say the Sony Reader from a US online store, have it delivered in to a US address and have it shipped to you.

Feel free to comment and leave links to stuff you think we should include on Gadgets you just have to have...