Handy Gadgets

Do you wish to do away with the chore of entering your pin number every time you have to activate your cellphone? Akihabaranews reports the new Vodafone 904SH VGA phone will have bundled along with the usual features, a recognition service which eliminates the need to pin. 'Vodafone has announced the arrival of their 904SH, their first (non WM5) 3G and GSM phone that has a VGA 640x480 and 2.4" screen. It also has an 3.2MP AutoFocus camera, 3D Surround and a MiniSD slot, but that's rather normal nowadays. The benefits of this device are the recognition service that takes away the need of a PIN number (similar to the technique from Omron already described here as it recognizes your face thanks to an OKI Face Recognition Sensor.'

Source: Akihabaranews

Posted by Admin at 12:45 PM | Permalink

CNET reviews the Motorola PEBL U6 GSM Mobile Phone [T-Mobile service] which though pricey ($299) comes packed with features. 'Sporting a sophisticated and very soothing design, the Pebl is so striking that it deserves to be named as one of the most attractive cell phones ever made. Under the hood, it comes with a generous range of features, including Bluetooth, a speakerphone, and world phone support. We were hoping for a higher-resolution camera, and as with all of Motorola's design-centric phones, we weren't impressed with the controls, but the Pebl nonetheless is a looker and a solid performer.'

Read: Motorola PEBL U6 Review - CNET

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Tech Digest is reporting on the increasing application of technology to the golf course with the introduction of another gadget to assist you with your game. 'For years, the nearest that technology has come to the golf course has to be the motorized trolley. Then came the solar-powered golf bag. Now GPS is available to give you an unfair advantage on the course, courtesy of the sureshotgps. The sureshotgps from Tee2Green is like having a professional caddy in your bag.'

Source: Tech Digest

Posted by Admin at 8:43 AM | Permalink

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Autuoblog reports on the new "concepts" employed in the engineering and design of the lotus APX (Aluminum Performance Crossover) car. 'The APX is a 4WD crossover with "5 2" seating. (In a refreshing bit of candor, Lotus calls the two rear seats "occasional." Other SUV and CUV manufacturers, please take note.) The APX is powered by a supercharged, front-mounted, 3-liter DOHC V6 designed by Lotus (!) and making 300 hp at 6250 rpm, good for 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds (quicker than the Lotus Europa S). A symphony of cast, stamped and extruded aluminum, the APX weighs only 3454 lb, its light weight contributing to not only its sparkling performance, but also its impressive fuel consumption of 32 mpg.'

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Popgadget reports on an interesting GPS handheld device which would cost you $970 but maybe vital anytime you are far away from home. ‘As someone with absolutely no innatel sense of direction, I think of GPS devices as no less miraculous than time machines. Several years ago, my brother gave me a Garmin GPS for my car, which I loved. Looking back, though, I remember how time-consuming it was to download maps and -- since it had no voice instructions -- how awkward it sometimes was to follow the maps.’

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Source: Popgadget

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I am not sure I like the option of soaking in water with a headpiece attached to my ear but with the need to be in constant contact many of you will welcome this innovation from Bluetrek. 'Finally you can soak in your tub and chat on the phone without fear. Bluetrek has announced the launch of the World's first water-resistant Bluetooth headset, the Bluetrek X2. Sure it has a cringe-worthy name, but it also has extended battery power, high sound quality and a lighter weight. Supporting Bluetooth 1.2, the headset should provide you 14 hours of talktime and a whopping 500 hours of standby time.'

Read.

Sources: Uubergizmo: Slashphone

Posted by Admin at 12:46 AM | Permalink

It was not so long ago the name Yamaha used to be among the top tier of electronics producers. Even though the field has become a bit crowded and there has been a technological revolution which affected both the look and operation of electronic gadgetry, Yamaha has survived and continues to provide some very handy products. 'While the company's list of A/V receivers is a daunting 20 strong, Yamaha's HTR-5860 stands out as offering great bang for the buck, listing for $550 but available for much less online. It's packed with useful features, and it sounds sweet. While the look is pretty generic and the feel too plastic for our tastes, its overall build quality is competitive with that of other brands' midprice models.'

Read. Yamaha HTR-5860 Review - CNET

Posted by Admin at 2:38 PM | Permalink

Jenna on Popgadget ignores the obvious prejudice for Canon Powershot digital cameras and posts an admirable view of the features of the Nikon Coolpix S5/ S6. 'I've been pretty loyal to the Canon Powershot digital cameras ever since I bought my first digital camera all those years ago. I've never been tempted by other cameras just because the Canon is so familiar to me and I hate reading manuals, but I'm loving the design of the new Nikon Coolpix S5 and S6 models. I tend to be a minimalist so I really like how streamlined the camera looks without the standard big lens on the face of the camera.'

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Source: Popgadget.net

Posted by Admin at 3:55 AM | Permalink

Though not as massive as the 60-inch and while bigger than the usual 50-inch plasma HDTVs on the market, the Hitachi 55HDT52 aspires to carve a niche for itself in the 55-inch category. ' At 55 inches, Hitachi's 55HDT52 plasma has a somewhat unusual screen size. The plasma HDTV market abounds with 50-inch models that cost as little as $2,500, whereas truly massive 60-inch and larger plasmas still cost around $7,500 and up. The 55HDT52 ($5,800 list) splits the difference in size and price. Aside from screen size, this plasma exhibits many of the same characteristics as its little brother, the 42-inch Hitachi 42HDT52, scoring high marks for its extremely attractive design and excellent feature package but falling a bit short of the competition in image quality, especially when displaying darker material.'

Read. Hitachi 55HDT52 Review - CNET

Posted by Admin at 2:13 PM | Permalink

Gizmag reports on a new range of clothing by UK-Based Maplin Electronics designed to keep you warm minus the unfashionable look of the more bulky aternatives. 'UK-Based Maplin Electronics has launched an inventive new range of clothing which has its own in-built central heating system. Believed to be the first of its kind to launch in the UK, Maplin Electronics’ new range includes a body warmer (priced at UKP40) and gloves (UKP20). Both have been designed with new fabric technology that effectively sees heating wire cleverly woven seamlessly into the garments. The battery operated body warmer and water resistant gloves are designed to heat up to a cosy 40 degrees in just five minutes, banishing the cold quickly.'

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Source: Gizmag

Posted by Admin at 11:36 PM | Permalink

Ubergizmo highlights a gizmo which alerts you when an intruder enters your home. 'Just in case crooks these days have gotten a little too smart, foil them with an innocent-looking phone. While they'll be busy looking for state-of-the-art security systems to disable, the Telespy Motion Detector Telephone Alarm will do its sneaky thing. A built-in PIR motion sensor detects movement within a range of 30 feet and if an intruder is detected, the phone will call a preset number (preferably yours) and let you listen in on the premises.'

Source: Ubergizmo

Posted by Admin at 11:31 PM | Permalink

Inside Line is reporting the Audi Q7 will be available in regular V8 and premium V8 models when U.S. dealers get it in July and you could be paying upwards to $65,000 for the luxury of driving one of these beauties. 'Audi executives said the brand's new Q7 premium sport-utility vehicle will reach U.S. dealers in June in two variants: a V8 model priced at $50,620 and a V8 Premium starting at $60,620. Fully equipped, the 2007 Q7 will top out at about $65,000.'

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Source: Inside Line

Posted by Admin at 3:05 AM | Permalink

Want to record TV programs on your PC? Who doesn't! CNET reviews a handy device which is easy to install but will set you back the tidy sum of $149. 'The Diamond XtremeTV PVR600 offers a comprehensive bundle of hardware and software for users who want to record TV programs on their PCs without the hassle of installing a PCI card. The heart of the PVR600 is a USB 2.0 TV tuner box, but the $149 package comes with lots of extras bundled, including USB and A/V cables and a remote control. Of the external USB devices we've tested, the Diamond PVR600 offers the best combination of performance and features, making it our recommendation for external TV tuners.'

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Source: ZDNet

Posted by Admin at 11:19 PM | Permalink

You can purchase the Archos Gmini 402 with [$370] or without [$250] the camera. This device plays back video and MP3/WMA files, stores and displays photos, records voice and line-level audio sources, supports games running on the popular Mophun engine and syncs regular or DRM-protected music and video from Windows Media Player. 'Aside from the red trim and a few other cosmetic differences, the Archos Gmini 402 Camcorder looks exactly like its noncamcorder counterpart--from the front, at least. Measuring 4.1 by 2.3 by 0.7 inches, this multitalented device is almost the same size as a fourth-generation iPod or the compact Cowon iAudio X5, although at 6.6 ounces, it's heavier than the Cowon.'

Read: Archos Gmini 402 Camcorder - CNET

Posted by Admin at 3:33 AM | Permalink

Melissa J. Perenson of PC world explores the new features of three external DVD Burners. 'Two recent drives from LG Electronics and Sony share the ability to capture video as well as to burn standard data and video discs. A third drive, from Lite-On, offers unique buttons for dubbing data to disc, rather than relying solely on burning software to do the job as conventional models do. The idea of adding video inputs to a burner isn't new--Hewlett-Packard, Iomega, and Sony have all released drives that do this.'

Read: Burners That Do More - PC World

Source: PC World: Via: Washinton Post

Posted by Admin at 3:57 AM | Permalink

CNET editors assign a favorable rating to this LCD television from HP. 'The computer giant clad its LCD television in black gloss, which does lend an element of class. Unfortunately, the border edging the screen reflected too much ambient light, detracting from the onscreen image. A quartet of status lights along the bottom, a set of technology logos, a flashy HP logo, and a discreet Pavilion label interrupt the black gloss. HP includes a substantial silver stand that pivots about 10 degrees to either side, as well as a pair of detachable speakers. The television measures 23 by 42 by 12 inches (HWD) with stand and speakers and 19.5 by 32 by 4.3 inches without.'

Read: HP LC3200N Review - CNET

Posted by Admin at 2:56 AM | Permalink

If you want to slice your vegetables any slicer would suffice. If however you can afford the "Rolls Royce" of slicers then you can consider the Henckels Professional S 10" Granton Slicer Round Nose which retails for over $100. Purchasing an implement of this quality has its advantages over the inexpensive models, the primary one being the lifetime feature which is associated with stainless steel. Of course the care you extend to your tools would play an important role in their usability.

Features:
*H31121260 Professional S 10" Granton Slicer
* Blades made from stainless special formula steel
*Laser controlled sharpness
*Handle material: synthetic (NOVODUR)
*Hand guard (bolster)
* Hand washing recommended. Wipe dry after washing and store in a knife block, rack or sheath

Source: KnifeCenter

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In this commentary by Clive Thompson of Wired News, it seems he is more than overjoyed with his "new toy" from Nintendo. 'As many people have noted, Electroplankton -- Nintendo's hot new DS title -- is not really a game. It doesn't have any goals; all you do is nudge virtual plankton around onscreen until they produce pleasing tunes. Technically, Electroplankton is a toy -- yet it's modeled after the music-editing software professional sound engineers use to produce songs. And the results, in the right hands, can be remarkably similar.'

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Source: Wired News

Posted by Admin at 8:31 PM | Permalink

This CNET editors' review comments favorably on the the Westone UM2 earphones. 'Westone Laboratories has been making custom ear products for more than 40 years, so it comes as no surprise that one of its divisions, Westone Music Products, provides the in-ear monitors used by many professional musicians. But you don't have to form a band to take advantage of the company's expertise. Westone offers a line called the Universal Series that's meant to be used with personal audio devices such as the iPod. Included in that series are the UM2 Dual Driver True Fit Earphones ($299), wonderful-sounding high-end earbuds worthy of their high price tag.'

Read: Westone UM2 Earphones Review - CNET

Posted by Admin at 3:09 PM | Permalink

Technology Review reports on a recent development that could provide a solution to the problem of camera phone focus experienced by cell phone users. 'Saman Dharmatilleke, Isabel Rodriguez, and colleagues at the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering in Singapore have proposed replacing the stationary plastic lens in most camera phones with a drop of liquid, such as water, that could be auto-focused by varying the amount of pressure applied to the drop. The team's lens has no moving parts, making it rugged, and it uses only minimal electricity, so it would not drain a cell-phone battery.'
Read: Lenses of Liquid - Technology Review

Posted by Admin at 12:35 PM | Permalink

Reporting from the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, Paul A. Eisenstein from the Car Connection takes a look at Toyota's foray into the full-size pickup segment of the automotive market. 'In a market increasingly dominated by imports, there's one segment still controlled by the Big Three. But maybe not much longer, at least not if the 2008 Toyota Tundra connects with demanding American full-size pickup buyers. The long-awaited update of the Toyota truck blew into the Windy City on Thursday, and as one company executive suggested, "it's a big, bad mutha." The Tundra Double Cab Limited on display at Chicago's McCormick Center, boasts a whopping 145.7-inch wheelbase, a full ten inches longer than the '06 Access Cab model it replaces.'
Read: 2008 Toyota Tundra - The Car Connection

Posted by Admin at 2:18 AM | Permalink

Sam Jaffe of Wired News reports on the significant innovation by Ron Blum [inventor businessman and ophthalmologist] and his company, PixelOptics , in seeking to provide eye-wear products to correct Presbyopia (inability of the eye to focus sharply on nearby objects, resulting from loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens with advancing age). 'At the heart of PixelOptics' technology are tiny, electronically-controlled pixels embedded within a traditional eyeglass lens. Technicians scan the eyeball with an aberrometer -- a device that measures aberrations that can impede vision -- and then the pixels are programmed to correct the irregularities.'

Read: Super Vision Sans Bionics - Wired News

Sources: Wired News: PixelOptics

Posted by Admin at 2:11 PM | Permalink

Just in case you may be somewhat concerned about the terms used in reference to digital television, here is a brief explanation from Technology Review of the acronyms used to differentiate the sets. 'The digital TVs that will eventually replace today's analog system bring a whole new language, leaving consumers who are eyeing or buying new sets scratching their heads.Digital television, or DTV, offers astonishing, super-sharp, widescreen pictures and better-quality audio, closer to a theatrical experience. The images are sharper than analog versions because there are more pixels or dots making up the picture.'
Read: Digital TV Terms - Technology Review

Posted by Admin at 8:44 PM | Permalink

As the threat of shutdown of communication via the much-loved BlackBerry handheld devices appears to be receding, James A. Martin from PC World ponders on just how much you can accomplish on your Blackberry without reference to your notebook computer. 'Despite Research In Motion's recent patent disputes, its BlackBerry is still the most sought-after handheld communications device for mobile professionals. And if I had to roll the dice, I'd bet the BlackBerry will continue to be popular for the foreseeable future.But how does a BlackBerry fare as a notebook alternative? Can you comfortably leave the laptop at home and take only your BlackBerry on a business trip?'
Read: Mobile Computing - PC World

Posted by Admin at 2:53 PM | Permalink

If you are thinking of acquiring a laptop/notebook for your home/office, or personal use, it may be wise to delay your purchase until the most recent technological innovations have been added to models across the more popular brands. Engadget has reported on Toshiba's announcement of the upgrade of some of its Teccra line of notebooks citing the inclusion of new Centrino chipset as the main feature of these portables. 'The new Centrino chipset is the main feature here, the Tecra A6 and A7 notebooks sport 14.1 and 15.4-inch displays at 1280x800 resolution, integrated Intel graphics for the A6 with your choice of integrated or NVIDIA acceleration for the A7, and 5400 RPM SATA drives, with prices ranging from $1149 to $1399'.
Read: Engadget
Read: PCMag

Posted by Admin at 1:06 PM | Permalink

For sure you could purchase a different model above or below the asking price of around $300 -$420 for the NEC/Mitsubishi 19” flat screen monitor but a perusal of CNET's preview of this item reveals favorable comments on the features /specifications of this item. If you detest peering at small screens this monitor could well provide some satisfaction. 'In contrast with the less expensive, less adjustable 19-inch Acer AL1951B, the NEC MultiSync LCD1970VX illustrates the importance of subtleties such as design and ease of use. The 19-inch LCD1970VX performs about as well as the Acer but has a more user-friendly control panel and better ergonomic flexibility. And at $439.99, it costs only $60 more. Unless you're trying to save every dollar, the NEC LCD1970VX is a better overall choice.'

Read: NEC MultiSync LCD1970VX; CNET Editors' Preview

Posted by Admin at 2:51 PM | Permalink

This CNET review of the Kodak EasyShare One camera reveals some criticism of the camera's capability in shooting photos. 'Although it took nine months from announcement to shipment, the Kodak EasyShare One arrived with its promised three-inch touch-screen LCD and Wi-Fi transfer capabilities. With them, the camera opens up genuinely original possibilities for travelers, business people, and government agencies that need instant photo sharing. But all is not perfect in Kodak's wireless utopia. While the EasyShare One is great for sharing photos, it's not so great at shooting them. The user interface, optimized for maximum simplicity, can be slow and annoying for anyone unwilling to settle for complete automation.'

Read: Kodak EasyShare One - CNET Review

Posted by Admin at 4:20 AM | Permalink

This surveillance tool kit costs $500 on Vanguard. It is one system you would not need the technical expertise of a security company to install, however, My Best Gadgets reports "the camera has 22x of optical zoom and is 2x digital (which makes 44x total)".'You can use this security camera to not only watch near your door, you can see detail across town too. The package comes with 100 feet of video cable and a video receiver to connect the camera to your tv. This camera can be remotely controlled from a web browser. Just use your mouse to pan, tilt, and zoom in to high detail.'

Sources: My Best Gadgets; Vanguard

Posted by Admin at 12:21 AM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews takes a look at the 60GB version of the fifth generation iPod . 'This model we have here is a 60GB version of the fifth generation iPod. This improves on the iPod photo offering the same 60GB capacity in a case that’s only 1.4cm thick and weighs only 157g – that’s a ‘wafer thin mint’ thinner and lighter than the original third generation iPod, which held only a quarter of the capacity. That’s progress for you. If you go for the 30GB version though, you’ll get a deliciously thin device that’s only 1.1cm thick and a flyweight 136g, which is amazing for a 30GB player. By contrast, Creative’s 30GB Zen Vision M is a lardy 1.8cm thick and 160g.'

Source: Trusted Reviews

Posted by Admin at 4:46 PM | Permalink

Designtechnica News reports on the imminent launch of a pink version of the popular Motorola RAZR cell phone combined with Cingular phone service. 'The Motorola Pink RAZR, the two companies said, offers up all the features found in previous RAZR models such as an ultra thin design, an aluminum and magnesium nickel plated copper alloy body, digital video recording and still images via a VGA camera with zoom, wireless Bluetooth technology and quad band communications support. All of this is presented in a pink body color, which Cingular thinks will give it an even more fashionable look.'
Read: Cingular, Motorola Show Off Pink RAZR

Source: Designtechnica

Posted by Admin at 3:12 AM | Permalink

Merconnet offers this handy gadget complete with a car power adapter so you can listen to music from your portable via the car stereo with your hands on the steering wheel and your ears free of any plugs [my favorite feature]. 'Digiana AudiaX Version 2 is one amazing device that lets you transmit sound from any portable audio devices (MP3, MD, CD, etc...) on any standard FM frequency, redirecting the audio signal to any FM receiver system within 2 meters, be it your car's audio system, or a boom box.'

Specifications:
* Tx Frequency Range 88.0 MHz ~ 108.0 MHz
* Channel Spacing 100 KHz
* Channel Capacity 201 Channels
* Bandwidth 170 KHz
* Modulation Type F3E
* RF Output Power 10 µW
* Frequency Stability 25 pp
* Frequency Deviation ± 100 KHz
* Transmitter Spurious Emission 25 dBµV/m @ 3m
* Stereo Separation 40 dB
* Effective Range 2 m

Source: Merconnet

Posted by Admin at 1:37 AM | Permalink

This gadget may not help you much in a match-up with Tiger Woods or Tim Montgomery but at a price of $17 you could do no harm to your game but greatly enhance your capacity to measure distances on the course. 'This Digital Golf Range Finder helps you improve your game by accurately measuring your distances on the course. This 7x Golf range finder uses precise optics and digital technology to measure distances. It provides a wide 462-foot field of view at 1,000 yards and features superior lens coating that protects against glare and scratches. It is perfect for training and improving your game. Get this Golf Range Finder today!'

Features:
*Pocket sized golf scope
* 7x magnification
* Wide 462-foot field of view at 1,000 yards
*High quality optics with built in digital technology to measure distances
*Superior lens coating protects against glare and scratches
* Mode of operation: Green mode and General mode
*Operates on two 3V batteries (included)
* Unit Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.75 x 3.75-inches (H x W x D, approximate)

Source: Geeks.com

Posted by Admin at 1:06 AM | Permalink

It is generally noted that laptop sales are surpassing those of the destop PC but there will always be be the pros and cons for the use of both type of devices. While notebooks are coming with larger screen sizes, the norm is generally one of a "compact" view from a relatively small screen. With the PC you can purchase any measure of flatscreen monitor to suit your viewing needs. The specifications for such monitors are improving and competition ensures you can purchase a reasonably sized monitor for a decent price.'With above-average image quality and a competitive price, the Dell 1905FP is well worth the money. The 19-inch LCD retains the basic look and flexible design of its predecessors--though the stand feels a bit sturdier--and it offers the same height adjustment range of about five inches. It also smoothly tilts, swivels, and rotates from Portrait to Landscape mode. You can lock the monitor at its lowest height position and remove the panel from the pillar by pressing a release button, which makes this display easy to transport and store.'

Read: CNET Review - Dell UltraSharp 1905FP

Posted by Admin at 11:34 PM | Permalink