Smart Gadget & Technology

Notebook HP ENVY 14 and 17

2010-05-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

HP, the world’s top computer maker, is back with a couple of new notebooks for those who are in the market and want to pick up something slightly different from the rest of the market. Coming in the form of the ENVY 14 and 17,
both models are touted to deliver premium experiences that are able to satisfy the most demanding customers, bringing to the forefront an ideal balance of design and technology by merging the latest in manufacturing with artistic expression and world-class performance. To know more about the ENVY 14 and 17, why not head on to the extended post? Who knows, your wallet might just get that itchy feeling, ready and waiting for you to take out that credit card of yours to be swiped?

First of all, you can be sure that the new ENVY 14 and 17 will not come up short in terms of processing power, since they will both feature powerful Intel processors that won’t be found wanting when the situation calls for it, coupled with an ATI Mobility Radeon high-definition (HD) 5830 discrete graphics chipset which is more than suitable for gaming, videos and handling 3-D images without missing a beat. Love working in the dark, but have yet to truly master the keyboard? Well, fret not – you will be able to find that these models comes with a backlit keyboard complete with a slot-loading optical drive (do you prefer this or a standard tray?), an HP TrueVision HD webcam, a mini DisplayPort Connector and the latest in wireless and connectivity options – that means Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth thrown into the mix.

Not only that, the notebooks also come with Beats Audio, a unique, high-performance technology developed by HP and Beats by Dr. Dre for you to experience the optimal sound experience regardless of whether you’re playing audio via a pair of headphones or through its external speakers. The slim and light ENVY 14 sports a precision-crafted design with a 14.5″ diagonal HD Radiance display which is touted to be 59% brighter compared to rivals in its class, offering up to six hours of battery life with an optional WWAN/3G connection. As for the ENVY 17, it has up to 2TB of storage space, now how about that, and has ATI Eyefinity Technology for multiple external display support and an HP Triple Bass Reflex Subwoofer for outstanding sound.

Sony Vaio VGN-Z12GN/B Notebook

2010-05-01T04:10:00.000-07:00

Laptop ini di Jual, The Sony Vaio VGN-Z12GN/B Notebook PC is powered by Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 and it features 13.1-inch WXGA display, 250-GB SATA hard disk drive, Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g connection, integrated Bluetooth v2.0+EDR connection, VGA resolution webcam, Fingerprint reader and 8x DVD writer.

Di Jual :

Sony Vaio VGN-Z12GN/B Notebook PC Features

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600, 2.40 GHz
3-MB L2 Cache, 1066 MHz FSB
Mobile Intel 965GML Express Chipset Motherboard
2-GB DDR2 667 MHz SDRAM, Upto 2-GB in 2 SO-DIMM Slots
250-GB Serial-ATA, 5400 rpm Hard Disk Drive
DVD Super Multi Dual Layer (8.5 GB) DVD Writer
13.1-inch (33.27 cm) WXGA TFT Clear Tough Display, 1600 x 900 pixels resolution
NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS Graphics Chipset with 256 MB dedicated video memory
Integrated Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi Connection
Bluetooth standard v2.0 + EDR
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet Network connection
Integrated V.92 and V.90 compliant Modem/Fax
Integrated Fingerprint Reader
Built-in VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels) MOTION EYE webcam
7-in-1 Media Card Reader Supporting Memory Stick (Standard/Duo Size compatible, MagicGate compatible, Memory Stick PRO compatible, High-speed data transfer compatible) , SD Memory Card (SDHC compatible) , Multi Media Card
ExpressCard PC Card Slot
PCMCIA Slot
HDMI Digital Port
Intel High Definition Audio compatible, 3D audio (Direct Sound 3D support) with built-in stereo speakers
Built-in Monaural Microphone
Windows Vista Business
Lithium-ion battery with upto 5 hrs backup
Dimensions (W x H x D) – 314 x 210 x 33 mm
Weight – 1.48 kg (without the battery pack)

Di Jual 6.900.000 Nego

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081233743926 ato 081233RIDWAN

Web Content for Apple iPad

2010-04-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

Apple iPad, Safari on iPad is capable of delivering a “desktop” web experience. iPad has a large, 9.7″ screen and fast network connectivity, and Safari on iPad uses the same WebKit layout engine as Safari on Mac OS X and Windows. You can ensure that your website looks and works great on iPad, and even create new touch-enabled web experiences for your customers, by considering a few specific differences between iPad and other platforms.
If you have access to an iPad, test your website using the iPad. If not, you can test your website in Safari on iPad using the iPhone Simulator (Hardware -> Device -> iPad). iPad is available in the iPhone Simulator in iPhone OS 3.2 SDK beta 2 and later, which is available to iPhone Developer Program members. In cases where it is possible to simulate iPad-like behavior in Safari on a desktop computer, instructions are given on Technical Note TN2262: Preparing Your Web Content for iPad.

Review Sony Dash

2010-04-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Sony dash, Back at CES 2010 we saw that Sony unveiled the Dash during their press conference, and while this was never going to be a game changer of any kind, it was still nice to see yet another touchscreen device ready to hit the market.
Well, a good 4 months or so has elapsed since then, and it is finally good to know that Sony will be introducing its Dash Wi-Fi touchscreen device to the market at last, where you are able to receive real-time, personalized Internet content that is pushed to you regardless of whether you are at home or at the office. The Sony Dash has been tagged with a $199 price tag, where you can purchase it online from SonyStyle.com or pick it up from other Sony Style retail stores and authorized dealers nationwide.

You get a 7″ color touchscreen display to view all the relevant information being shown, where the Dash will rely on a current wireless internet connection in order to receive a continuous display of your selections from more than 1,000 free apps, where many of them are offered via Chumby Industries, Inc., where among these include news, calendars, weather, sports, and social networking. Not only that, with the use of BRAVIA Internet Video, the Sony Dash is able to let you be entertained via TV episodes, films and additional video content and music from a host of other providers such as CBS, Netflix, YouTube, Pandora and Slacker amongst others.

You will be pleased to know that the Dash will boast a playlist of your own personalized internet world which is constantly refreshed and pushed to you, hence helping you save time since there is less need to search for your favorite content or to log onto your favorite sites. Apart from all of the above mentioned, the Sony Dash also doubles up as an alarm clock, letting you wake up through your favorite music videos, internet radio or other video content instead of the standard alarm clock buzzer which is old hat by now. Nice to know that multi-tasking is also supported, which means you can refer to a recipe in the kitchen while having some MP3 files playing in the background.

Beli iPhone 3GS ? Here’s a few tips

2010-04-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

Tip's beli iphones yang baik, With summer just around the corner, many of us tend to refresh our mobile phones. Perhaps your contract is coming up, or you’ve just had enough of that damn phone shutting down on you sporadically.
Whatever the reason may be, we’re going to make it a bit easier on you. Many of you already have an iPhone (60% of Mobile Magazine reader’s according to an internal survey), that leaves the rest of you with something else. If you’re out looking for a new phone, and the iPhone is a contender, the question remains: which iPhone is right for you?

It’s easy to say just go with the best, but for many that isn’t in your budget. If you want a cell phone and iPod built in, you can still get the iPhone 3G from many carriers. It’s smaller, at 8 or 16 GB variants, and also the cheapest ($99). But with 8/16GB that’s more than enough room for a couple days of music, and you even have room to spare for some apps.

If you are heavily into apps, or plan to be. Have a vast collection of music, and generally want to do more, the iPhone 3GS may be the way to go. It’s more expensive than a 3G, but with 16 and 32 GB storage capacities ($199 and $299 respectivefly). Along with more storage you get a 3 megapixel camera, compared with 2 megapixels of the iPhone 3G. You are getting autofocus too, and video recording, voice controls, and a compass.

If you already have an iPhone 3GS and want to buy a new iPhone, the only thing you can do at this point is wait for the iPhone 4G or iPhone HD, we’re still guessing what it will be called at this point.

The best recommendation I can make though, is to stick it out until June. This is when we expect the new iPhone 4 to come out. It will without a doubt be superior to the iPhone 3GS, however, it will be the most expensive. Apple may drop the price of the 3GS and move the new model into that price category, or just up the anty and charge anywhere between $300-$600 for the models, and that’s with a contract. On the flip side, the new 4.0 OS update will atleast be 3GS compatible, and that means multitasking too. A side-by-side comparisson of both iPhone’s specs are available from Apple.

Compaq Airlife 100 smartbook

2010-04-29T03:41:00.000-07:00

Compaq airlife 100, It looks like HP is about to become the first major PC maker to bring an ARM-based smartbook running Google Android to market. Engadget reports that the Compaq Airlife 100 should be available in Spain in mid-May through wireless carreir Telefonica Movistar.

The smartbook will run 229 Euros up front, plus 48 Euros per month for wireless service. (There’s a cheaper monthly plan, but it drives up the initial cost of the Airlife 100).

If you don’t happen to live in Europe, here’s a quick conversion for you. The device costs about $300 and service runs about $63/month. But it’s not clear how much the Airlife 100 will actually run if and when it’s available in the States. Engadget says there are currently no plans to offer the smartbook on this side of the pond.

The Compaq Airlife 100 features a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a 10 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display, and a case design that’s awfully reminiscent of a typical HP netbook. The company first started showing off a prototype at CES in January, and last week an official spec sheet showed up.

While the $300 price tag might seem a bit steep when you can pick up a Windows 7 netbook for about the same price, it’s worth pointing out that the smartbook has WiFi, 3G, and GPS capabilities, a low power processor that should provide excellent battery life, and always-on internet access allowing you to receive notifications for incoming emails, instant messages, or other communications even when the screen is off. Basically, it’s a smartphone in a netbook case — and smartphones with similar hardware (such as the Google Nexus One), sell for $500 or more without a contract. Of course, the Airlife will be available with a contract, which you would think would lower the price a bit more…

JooJoo tablet Launch in Eropa

2010-04-29T03:07:00.000-07:00

Gadget Putting aside the story that suggests Fushion Garage was only able to sell 64 JooJoo tablets here in the US, lets hope they can beat that with the European release. Yup, those in Europe now have the privilege of ordering a JooJoo tablet for themselves. All in all, the tablet is the same as what we had here in the US in terms of specs. Price wise, those interested can expect to pay €359 plus €15, and for those that may be curious and outside of Europe—those prices are roughly $472 and $20 in terms of US dollars.

Now lets see if Europe can order 65 and beat the US in terms of JooJoo sales, of course, I am not sure that is a record anyone would want to have.

Review BlackBerry Tour 9630

2009-07-07T08:04:00.001-07:00

On the GSM side of the equation, users have been able to enjoy the BlackBerry Bold 9000 and BlackBerry Curve 8900 (Javelin) for several months, but what about the CDMA crew? Sure, they get the BlackBerry Storm, but what about some new QWERTY hotness? Well, your time has finally come and it’s going on Tour to Sprint.

The BlackBerry 9630 Tour was officially confirmed for arrival at Sprint later on this summer, though the wireless carrier didn’t make any formal indication as to an exact date. Even so, “late summer” would have it coming in August at the latest, right? That’s not horrible.

In terms of pricing, Sprint also said that the BlackBerry Tour would be made available at $199.99, assuming that customers are willing to go through a $100 mail-in rebate and lock down to a new two-year contract.

The specs, in case you missed them, include a 480×360 display, 3.2 megapixel camera with image stabilization, GPS, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm headphone jack. Even though Sprint isn’t a GSM carrier, the Tour will gain international roaming via UMTS/HSDPA 2100, and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE.

What about a BlackBerry 9630 Tour for Verizon? We know it’s going there too, but the checkmark of a provider hasn’t firmed up a release date either. A mid-July launch is the current estimate.

Source: GadgetReview

VAIO P Lifestyle computer - VAIO P

2009-07-07T07:29:00.000-07:00

Back in January, Sony announced its VAIO P Lifestyle computer. I saw the device and played with it a bit at CES 2009 and all I can say is that the thing is tiny. I personally would much prefer a normal netbook form factor. If you think an MSI Wind or Eee is small, stay far away from the VAIO P.

Sony has added new technology to the VAIO P from Corel called InstantON. Using the new technology the computer can be started in seconds without having to boot into Windows. Obviously, you won’t have access to all of your programs when using InstantON, but if you are in a hurry it might be just the thing you need.

Sony says you can view photos, email, chat, and surf the web with InstantON. VAIO P machines with InstantON will ship worldwide in February 2009 and are available now in Japan. I still find it odd that Sony refuses to call the VAIO P a netbook when it runs netbook hardware. I guess they want to call it a notebook to make it seem a premium and justify its much higher than normal netbook price tag.

Notebook Vs Sony Vaio W netbook unveiled

2009-07-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

When I was roaming the halls of CES in Las Vegas back in January I spied the Vaio P from Sony and while they wouldn’t call it a netbook, I know a netbook when I see one. The little machine was weird and had a price much higher than the typical user would spend for the performance the rig delivered.

Sony has finally announced a machine that they aren’t embarrassed to call a netbook; specifically the machine is the Sony Vaio W. Technically Sony calls it an “Internet book” but we know what Sony means.

The machine is not that attractive with its rounded and bulky looking design. Inside the chassis sits a 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM and it runs Windows XP Home. The 10.1-inch screen has a 1366 x 768 screen resolution. The big rub, as with most gear from Sony, is the price, which is said to be about $629.

Hands free, step on flush thingy - E Z Toilet Flusher

2009-07-07T07:11:00.000-07:00

Been trying to figure out how this E Z Toilet Flusher works. It says no tools needed for installation, which suggests something simple, perfect for those of us with a deliciously paranoid Swine Flu powered fear of chromium plated toilet handles. $12.98. Bargain.

This hands-free, step-on toilet flusher works with a gentle tap of the foot pedal - no back strain, hand pain, or body contortion necessary. You’ll never have to touch that germy handle again. Installs easily…It fits any standard toilet, and you don’t even have to dismantle your current handle.

Cool Portable GPS Tracker

2009-06-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

This must be one of (if not the) coolest spy gadgets I’ve ever reported on. It’s sort of a cross between a USB memory stick and a GPS receiver and what it does is store where ever you take it on the flash memory.

The Portable GPS Tracker is pretty small so you could either always carry it on you or use it in 007 spy mode by planting it on a person or vehicle you want to monitor. You may be wondering how you retrieve the stored info and secret routes, well that’s where it gets really cool.

Once the tracker has done it’s travels and it’s back in your possession you simply connect it to you PC and download the data. This data can then be plotted on Google Earth, Mapquest, maps.google.com and Virtual Earth to show exactly where it’s been, how long it took and how it got there.

I just think this is so cool (may of said cool a record number of times in this post) it obviously has the spy functionality of tracking somebody else but to me it is even more useful for tracking your own holidays and backpacking adventures. So not only can you bore visitors with your holiday snaps you can also show them exactly where you went.

Full feature list:

* Records time, date, location, speed, direction and altitude
* Works with Google Earth, Mapquest, maps.google.com, Virtual Earth
* Location points are downloaded into its software and then mapped
* Battery duration is 5 to 7 days of typical operation with 4,000 records
* Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included)
* Dimensions: 4″ x 1 1/4″ x 3/4″
* Comes with TrackStick, lanyard, software CD

You can used to be able to buy this nifty GPS tracker from Think Geek for $249.99, a good alternative now is Amazon.

Illuminated Mouse Pad Calculator with USB Hub

2009-06-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Most people usually go for the computer’s built-in calculator when they need to add something up. However, if you’re just not into that method, this odd gadget combination might be something to pick up. Partially due to the massive calculator, but also because it’s a mouse pad and a USB port. All in all it has plenty of gadgets packed in there. This is probably one set of gadgets that seems a little odd to jam together, but I’m sure it’ll seem brilliant to someone out there.

The calculator would be a great gadget for those that are half blind and can’t hardly see the in computer calculator. The calculator itself has an on/off switch and can be plugged in with a 5V power adapter, which is not included. They include 3 different ports for your USB gadgets. The mouse pad also gives a nice bright blue ambient glow for those of you that enjoy your shiny gadgets. You can purchase this for $17.99 from GizFever.

Source: GeekyGadgets

BlackBerry Vs Obama President

2009-04-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

Nama BlackBerry di awal 2009 kian semerbak. Di mal, di perkantoran, di pesta, di sekolah, melihat orang menggenggam handset BlackBerry sudah menjadi pemandangan yang umum. Tak bisa dipungkiri, sejak diberitakan bahwa sang presiden AS, Barrack Obama, sangat menggemari ponsel BlackBerry-nya

membuat pandangan orang terhadap BlackBerry pun terdongkrak ke atas. Informasi yang dihinpun MedanBisnis menjelaskan bahwa penjualan ponsel pintar keluaran RIM (Research In Motion), di Kota Ontario, Kanada sekarang mulai mengalahkan smartphones maupun PDA merek apapun juga.

Di Kota Medan sendiri tak sedikit pengguna communicator Nokia E-90 beralih ke BlackBerry, atau menggunakan keduanya. Contohnya adalah Herman Tristianto, MC kondang yang sekaligus pendiri Mandiri Event Management®. “Untuk komunikasi suara dan beberapa alasan tertentu saya terbiasa dengan Nokia E90, tapi jika membuka email atau mencari informasi terbaru lewat internet, saya lebih senang pakai BlackBerry, lebih cepat,” demikian ungkap Herman kepada MedanBisnis di sela-sela acara The Sparkling Moment yang diadakan di JW Marriot Hotel belum lama ini. Hal senada juga disampaikan oleh A Bok, pemilik Sehat Florist yang bergerak di bidang dekorasi. Pria yang gemar gadget canggih ini mengatakan kehadiran BlackBerry di Medan serta dukungan operator jaringan bagi BlackBerry sangat bermanfaat bagi kalangan pengusaha yang sibuk tapi butuh informasi yang cepat dan segera. “Ya, menurut saya BlackBerry merupakan solusi atas tuntutan zaman dimana kecepatan dan ketepatan menjadi faktor penting dalam dunia usaha saat ini, contoh paling sederhana adalah membuka e-mail yang baru dikirim oleh klien,” demikian menurut A Bok. Komentar yang sama datang dari Mardian Idris Hutabarat (Pemimpin GIS Plaza Millennium) dan Husin Angkasa (Pemimpin Multicom Sun Plaza). Ketika ditanya MedanBisnis, kedua tokoh bisnis ponsel terkemuka di Medan tersebut mengatakan hal yang seirama. “Memang sekarang masyarakat kelas menengah ke atas lagi demam BlackBerry ,” kata Husin Angkasa yang juga memasarkan si berry tersebut. Pendapat yang sama dilontarkan Mardian Idris Hutabarat, “Harus diakui, dengan BlackBerry pengguna lebih efisien dan efektif dalam melakukan komunikasi suara maupun data, jadi tidak mengherankan kalau pelaku bisnis maupun kaum terpelajar lebih gandrung sama gadget ini,” demikian papar Mardian Idris. Menurut Mardian, di tokonya yang paling dicari orang adalah BlackBerry 9000 atau lebih ngetop dengan nama BlackBerry Bold yang berharga tujuh jutaan.

a smartphone for tweens

2008-08-29T04:43:00.001-07:00

When I first saw the TXT8010, also known as the “Blitz”, I saw that it is billed as a smartphone for tweens. In all honesty, I thought that tweens were already into smartphones like BlackBerrys to do their Gossip Girl style conversations, but I must be thinking of teens.

No, this phone is marketed to tweens, that 8-14 age category that a lot of companies market to for quick sales. I suppose they need phones too, so it really is no surprise that that Verizon has teamed up with UTStarcom for this audience.

Features of this particular phone include the QWERTY keyboard, VCAST music, a 1.3 megapixel camera, and Bluetooth capability. I’m not certain how much internal memory this TXT8010, but it has a microSD slot for more.

I’ve heard a criticism on this phone saying that tweens are not ready for phones this advanced, but in all honesty, I believe we’re living in an era that makes it impossible for a tween to function in today’s society without the aforementioned features.

One thing I don’t have is the specs on the size of the phone. Perhaps it is a little smaller for tween hands. I do know that the “Blitz” is available for $70 with a two year contract.

Putter Bot Could Revolutionize Robot Sports

2008-08-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

We already have Battlebots, where Robots take on each other in something resembling wrestling, so why not have them play other sports, like golf?

Well, this Putter Bot Remote Controlled Golfer is certainly a good start. It may not be a fully automated robot per se, as it needs a human to command it. Let’s face it, the robot is doing most of the work.

It is designed to line up the shot, and then the user can adjust the swing with whatever amount of power he or she requires. As you can see, it moves around on two triangular tracks that it must have borrowed from Number Five from Short Circuit.
Much of the information I have on this shows that this is someone’s little home project, but I don’t have a name. Personally, I think he has the next remote control toy sensation. That, or what would happen if Tiger Woods lost his arms in a tragic car accident. Perhaps this inventor should design something for long drives as well.

I have included this video of the Putter Bot in action, and I would have to say that its disappointment at missing the shot looks almost…human. I’m surprised it doesn’t yell at the ball like Happy Gilmore.

Bose announces SoundDock Series II digital music system

2008-08-27T21:28:00.000-07:00

Bose is back again, this time with the SoundDock Series II digital music system that caters to both iPod and iPhone owners, bringing home high-quality audio performance despite being small in size. This is also the first “Works with iPhone” certified SoundDock system from Bose, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

The system features a new auxiliary input that lets users connect other audio devices, such as an MP3 player, portable CD player or music-enabled phone. It provides dock-and-play simplicity and will charge an iPod or iPhone while in use. No additional setup is required. An included infrared remote controls the system and basic iPod and iPhone functions, including playlist navigation, from across the room. Volume controls are located on the unit. The SoundDock Series II system works seamlessly with the iPhone 3G and original iPhone models. It also works with most iPod models, including iPod touch and any iPod featuring a click wheel, including all nano, mini, photo, video and classic models.

If you do not yet have an iPod/iPhone speaker dock of any kind, would you consider the SoundDock Series II system when it is released early next month for $299?

Xi Jukebox is Pure Retro Glory

2008-08-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

miss the age of the jukebox. I’m not old enough to remember the days when a real Fonz would hit a juke to play tunes that we now call oldies, but I do remember seeing jukeboxes in pizza parlors in the seventies and eighties. They were slowly dying out by that time, and so they had a Bauhaus form-follows-function look to them. They never regained that look from the jukes of that bygone era.

For those of you who miss that gaudy look of the jukebox from the 1950s, you might want to save up some money (a lot of it) and get the Xi, a jukebox designed to play tracks from the iPod.

The Xi has all the retro glory with the numbered buttons, as well as two very powerful speakers. It also has some features that jukes from that bygone era never had, like a remote control and an LCD screen for iPod video files.

Included in this Xi package is a remote control. The pattern of the LED light around the exterior can be changed according to the user’s preferences, but I have no idea if that is accessible via the remote.

As I mentioned earlier, this piece of nostalgia will cost you. The going price for a Xi Jukebox is approximately $11,000.

To play along Mi Jam Drummer allows you

2008-08-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

It has been over a year since we covered any mi Jam products from the B2 company, so I say it is high time we covered something by them. One of their most recent products is the mi Jam Drummer.

I suppose this product would probably best be suited for children, or for anyone at any age who aspires to be a drummer. Simply put, this device hooks up with a digital music device, stereo, personal computer, iPod, or any other Portable Media Player to allow the user to be the drummer.

The mi Jam Drummer has two modes: interactive and standalone. Standalone allows the user to plug into the miJam to the external speaker or earphone, and he or she can simulate a full drum kit including a snare drum, tom toms, bass, hi-hat, even cymbals. There are even some newly added keys that allow the drummer to add roll effects. The interactive mode allows for the user to play the music, and the user can drum along with the sound.

The best part about the mi Jam drummer is it can be used with the user’s stereo speakers or personal headphones. The personal headphones mode means that parents can be oblivious to their son or daughter’s drumming, and the silent home leads to fewer headaches for mom and dad.

You should be able to pick up the mi Jam Drummer for about $25 at retail and online stores everywhere.

Olympus FE-340

2008-08-27T00:11:00.000-07:00

Digital cameras may be a very inexpensive accessory now, and there is very little that separates one from the other. I’ve been trying out several models, and I had a chance to try out the Olympus FE-340.

How does this Olympus model rate compared to other digital cameras I have tried? Pretty well, actually. It is 8.0 Megapixels with a 5x Optical Zoom. And the pictures on the screen are very clear, measuring at 2.7 inches.

Other features include face detection technology that allows a user to modify a person’s image, even turning a frown into a smile. The camera also has ISO sensitivity, which allows you to capture blurry images, and fix them on the camera.

Some other touch-up buttons include removing shadows and eliminating red-eye. There is also a Backlight Boost Button that can increase the brightness of the LCD for better visibility in bright light.

I found that the video feature worked pretty well. It recorded in AVI format and was pretty easy to use. Speaking of ease, the camera came with a guide to help the user. All you have to do is access your subject in question on the Guide menu, and the camera will even put you in the proper mode that you need at the touch of a button.

All in all, the Olympus FE-340 is a terrific camera to own. You should be able to get the FE-340 for a price of $179.99.

Sony DSC-H10 is one cool camera

2008-08-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to try out the DSC-H10 from Sony, and I was quite pleased at what I saw, as well as the pictures that I took.

The DSC-H10 has 8.1 Megapixels of action, in addition to a Carl Zeiss 10X Optical Zoom Lens. So not only did I get clearer shots, but this clarity can be accessed from a distance.

The camera worked out of the box after charging, and I was able to take my first picture after entering the date and time. I was soon taking wonderful shots with an automated flash that pops up when needed.

There are a lot of features on this camera, such as the Face Detection, Anti-Blur Solution, Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization, In-Camera Red-Eye Correction, and High Sensitivity (ISO 3200) Mode. It also has an Advanced Sports Mode with a very high shutter speed of up to 1/4000 second.

As for the filming mode, it can shoot for up to ten minutes in VGA (640 x 480) at a rate of 30 frames per second. The internal memory has 31MB, and there is a built-in memory card slot which accepts Memory Stick Duo (as well as Duo PRO) media.

By the way, the user has an option of connecting the camera to any HD Compatible TV in order to view photos from their own television.

The Sony DSC-H10 is available now on the Sony website for about $299.99, and it is quite something for your money.

Olympus Mju 1060

2008-08-27T00:07:00.000-07:00

No sooner than I have reported on the Olympus FE-340, that the company has just announced a new digital camera model with the Mju 1060 Optical Zoom Compact Digital Camera. This camera is a point-and-shoot model that has 10 Megapixels and a 7x optical zoom.
Other features include Dual Image Stabilization to avoid blurring. The Advanced Face Detection can detect up to 16 persons for “perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas”.

The Intelligent Auto mode can detect the most five used scene functions and can adjust the settings, focus, and exposure automatically. It also has Shadow Adjustment Technology and a panorama function for excellent widescreen images. There is also a TruePic III image processor for quicker image handling to promote higher image quality.

Kodak Pocket HD Camcorder and Video Player

2008-08-26T23:56:00.000-07:00

The Flip has taken the YouTube crowd by storm as a low budget, bare bones camcorder for around $129. It has done so well that Pure Digital has vowed to donate a million Flips to to qualifying non-profit organizations in a buy one, get one free affair. So, when Kodak announced a budget HiDef pocket camera for just south of $200, you better believe that Pure Digital was paying close attention.

Kodak calls it the Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera. It comes in either black or a rather bold looking, yet girlish, pink, records in 16:9 720p wide screen at up to 60fps, comes with AA rechargeable batteries and recharger, and can be expanded using SD or SDHC memory cards up to 32 GB (internal memory up to 128MB)! It also has the standard jack knife USB plug, direct to YouTube support, 2/4” LCD, AV & HD video component cables and Arcsoft Media Impression software for editing.

All for $179.00. That’s rather impressive considering that the Flip Ultra with 2GB of memory goes for the same price, but is only standard – 640 x 480 video, just slightly better than VHS. The ZiX is 720p. And also what’s interesting is that while several of the accessories on the upcoming Kodak are included at no charge, they would cost about $15 each for the Flip.

That should give Pure Digital reason to worry. I, for one, can’t wait to test the ZiX. (get it?)

Solar LCD Powered iPods?

2008-08-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

A recently published patent application discovered by MacRumors reveals that Apple is investigating the use of solar power in versions of their mobile devices -- both handheld devices and portable computers. Integrating solar power into a mobile device holds the enormous potential of extending battery life significantly. However, successfully integrating solar panels into these small devices is not without its challenges.

The major issues described are the limited area available to solar panels, durability, and the "wasting" of space on a portable device. It is due to these problems that solar power has not found its way into mobile devices, not just from Apple, but from all manufacturers.
The most interesting technique described by Apple, however, is the integration of the solar panels behind the actual LCD screen of a portable device. The solar panel would absorb ambient light that passes through the LCD screen of the device. This could eliminate any additional footprint typically required by the solar panels. If successfully implemented, Apple's iPhone, iPod and laptops, could require no outward changes in design to add solar power.

Apple's not the only one exploring this technology as an old (2001) Motorola patent describes the same technique. While several limitations to the technique were described at that time, the issues may have been better addressed in recent years.

Headphone Full Bass

2008-07-07T13:27:00.001-07:00

Desain earphone yang satu ini memang tergolong unik. Bentuknya ringkas dengan paduan warna hitam dan sentuhan silver di bagian tengahnya. Melihat sekilas saja, sudah terlihat bahwa earphone ini akan nyaman dikenakan.

Cresyn, sang produsen memasukkan produk ini dalam kategori sports gear. Cresyn juga menjanjikan bahwa produk ini akan tahan air dan cocok digunakan untuk kegiatan di luar rumah.

Dengan berat hanya 3,5 gram, earphone ini bahkan tak akan terasa mengganggu telinga. Apalagi dengan kabel sepanjang 1,2 meter yang membuat Anda tak harus kerepotan meletakkan media player Anda.

Ada 2 warna pilihan (hitam/ orange) yang disediakan Cresyn untuk produk yang rencananya akan dijual seharga US$20 atau sekitar Rp.180.000 ini. (uber/roc)

Apple Iphone Rilis Model Baru

2008-07-07T13:18:00.000-07:00

Apple appears to have pulled out all the stops on this new phone. The basic specs include a flush headphone jack, so all headphones should now work. Full 3G support, built in A-GPS, using both satellites and Cell Phone towers, Wi-Fi, a huge variety of applications available on the iTunes store, which should be available in all countries the phone is sold in, including South Africa. Full mapping services with location based application are also featured, and Steve Jobs maintained that mapping and GPS is the next big thing, with huge potential.

Steve Jobs made much of the improved sound quality and the feel of the new phone, the Safari Browser which is built in, has been further enhanced, and the overall experience improved. Steve Jobs also noted that over 98% of all iPhone users browse the Web, a truly astonishing statistic. Apple anticipates that their new strategy will sell 10 million iPhones before the end of 2008.

The new version 2 software, included in the iPhone 3G, will be downloadable to all iPhones in June. The new software will incorporate numerous changes, the most fundamental being the ability to run third party applications on your iPhone, a huge range from 4000 developers will be available on the iTunes Appstore store shortly. The applications include games, with amazing graphics, training tools, shopping programmes from eBay and many more. Full enterprise support is also included, with Cisco VPN extensions and full Microsoft ActiveSync Exchange functionality built in.
Apple also announced the new online service called Mobile Me, which essentially replaced the current .Mac system, with a Web 2.0 based application which stores all your information in the cloud, a virtual hard drive hosted on the Internet, and makes this information available to any device with a web browser. The service will cost USD 99 a year, and gives users push everything, mail, calendars, and contacts, to your iPhone, and promises to keep all the information up to date on any device wherever you are. Current .Mac users will be automatically upgraded to the new service, and all new users can try the service out for 60 days at no charge. The visuals of the system shown at the Keynote address, looks enticing, and the ability to fully synchronise all your devices and your mobile over the air cannot be underestimated.
The new iPhone will be available from Vodacom in South Africa in July 2008, and will be available in a 8 Gig and 16 Gig version, with the 16 Gig version being available in black and white

For more information head on over to the Apple Website at www.apple.com

Watch Memory USB

2008-05-29T23:48:00.000-07:00

You may recall from Episode IV that R2 was carrying some important files destined for delivery to Obi-Wan. These files were, of course, a distress message from Princess Leia and plans for the Empire's newly operational battle station.If you want to be a hero, just like R2, then we suggest you carry your files on this USB Memory Watch.

In addition to displaying the time, this watch helps you carry your valuable data with you at all times (you know - your MP3 files, favorite images, your ThinkGeek shopping list). With either 2GB or 4GB of capacity it has more than ample storage space.

The USB Memory Watch has a built-in USB connector and can transfer files to and from most computer operating systems. The USB connector is cleverly stored in the watch band and flips up for easy connecting. There is also a LED light that indicates the device status. The watch is surprisingly sleek and lightweight - it is not a bulky watch. The band is comfortable and very flexible.

* Standard USB interface and USB extension cord included
* USB 2.0 (read 4MB/s and write 3MB/s)
* Sleek design, very lightweight (this is not a bulky watch)
* Plug and play, easy operation (appears as a USB mass storage device)
* LED indicator light shows device connectivity and data transfer
* Operating Systems: Win 98, ME, 2000, XP, Linux 2.4 or higher, Mac OS 8.6 or higher
* Shock proof and Anti-static
* Japanese movement with 3-year battery life
* Memory size: 2GB or 4GB
* Weight: 1.5 oz (43 grams)
* Dimensions: 1.5" width x .375" thick (watch face)

Spy Camera Sunglasses

2008-05-29T23:32:00.000-07:00

These camera sunglasses certainly aren't x-ray specs, but they do capture 1.3 megapixel still images (at a resolution of 1280x1024). The included RF remote-control is ideal for easy, stealth-style photo shooting. High-quality lightweight frame material and UV400 polarized flip-up lens. A polymer li-ion rechargeable battery provides a battery life of up to 9 hours (shooting 1 photo/minute). USB 2.0 interface via a standard Mini USB port for data upload and download & re-charging the battery.

The sunglasses also allow you to enjoy your music via MP3 playback. Built-in earbuds provide super convenient listen capability and can be hooked out of the way when not in use.

* 1GB of storage (can hold thousands of photos)
* Plays MP3s and takes 1.3 Megapixel digital photos
* Embedded ear buds for MP3 playback
* Remote control for taking photos
* RF remote frequency: 2.4GHz
* Li-ion rechargeable battery (3.7V, 240mAh)
* USB 2.0 connection for transferring files and re-charging the battery
* Control buttons for Vol +/-, Fwd, Rwd, Play, Pause, Capture
* Includes: sunglasses, remote w/ strap, USB cable, storage case, cleaning cloth, extra clear lenses

BlackBerry

2008-05-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

It is the first BlackBerry smartphone to support tri-band HSDPA high-speed networks around the world and comes with integrated GPS and Wi-Fi, as well as a rich set of multimedia capabilities. From its lustrous black exterior, satin chrome finished frame and stylish leather-like backplate, to its stunning display, sophisticated user interface and newly designed full-QWERTY keyboard, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone is punted as “a symbol of accomplishment and aspiration”.

“The new BlackBerry Bold represents a tremendous step forward in business-grade smartphones and lives up to its name with incredible speed, power and functionality, all wrapped in a beautiful and confident design,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO, Research In Motion.
Performance
The BlackBerry Bold smartphone's support for tri-band HSDPA and enterprise-grade Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g) networks and its next-generation 624 MHz mobile processor make short work of downloading email attachments, streaming video or rendering web pages. The BlackBerry Bold also includes 128 MB Flash memory, 1 GB on-board storage memory, as well as a microSD/SDHC memory card slot that is accessible from a side door.
It comes with BlackBerry productivity applications, including phone, email, messaging, organiser and browser, and works with thousands of mobile business and lifestyle applications. Users can talk on the phone while sending and receiving email or accessing the web, and download Word, Excel or PowerPoint files and edit them directly on the handset using the preloaded DataViz Documents to Go suite.

Display

The BlackBerry Bold smartphone comes with the most vivid and bold display ever introduced on a BlackBerry. Its half-VGA (480x320 resolution) colour LCD is fused to the undersurface of the lens, giving images definition and clarity. Pictures are vibrant and razor sharp, while videos play smoothly. Web pages, documents, presentations and messages snap with exceptional quality and contrast.

Desktop-style web pages

With its newly enhanced browser and high-resolution display, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone gives users an on-the-go web browsing experience with desktop-style depiction. The trackball mimics a mouse, making it easy to navigate sites in "Page View" or "Column View" or to zoom in on specific parts of a web page, while various emulation settings allow users to choose between the full desktop-style HTML content and layout or the mobile version. Attachments can also now be downloaded from within the browser and there is support for watching streaming videos (RTSP – real-time streaming protocol).

Multimedia

While it is designed to meet the extensive requirements of the business professional during the day, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone also caters to the business person’s consumer side. It features a 2 megapixel camera with video recording capability, built-in flash and 5x digital zoom. The enhanced media player can display pictures and slideshows quickly, play movies smoothly in full screen mode, and manage an entire music collection. Audio can be played over the handset’s dual speakers in stereo sound, and when using wired headphones or external speakers, the media player gives the user an equalizer with 11 preset filters – like "Lounge", "Jazz" and "Hip Hop" – that boost or soften audio ranges to create the perfect ambiance.

The BlackBerry Desktop Manager software includes Roxio Media Manager for BlackBerry as well as Roxio Photosuite 9 LE, which makes it easy to enhance pictures and create photo albums on the computer. For users who manage their collection with iTunes, the new BlackBerry Media Sync application provides a simple way to sync iTunes digital music collections with the smartphone. Support for High Speed USB 2.0 allows all files to be transferred quickly from a desktop computer to the BlackBerry Bold smartphone.

Wi-Fi & GPS

For even broader high-speed network coverage, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone supports the 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi standards, ideal for use in enterprise or campus wireless LAN deployments, over Wi-Fi hotspots and on wireless home networks. A new "Push Button Setup" is included, making it faster for users to connect to protected wireless networks that require a sign on process.

Through its integrated GPS, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone can pinpoint its exact location, supporting applications like BlackBerry Maps and other location-based applications or services. With its improved rendering capabilities, faster download speeds and ability to support simultaneous voice and data, the BlackBerry Bold smartphone even allows users to navigate while on a call.

Coming soon

2008-05-29T05:21:00.000-07:00

Coming soon