Handy Gadgets

When you need to cool off you can open a window, turn on a fan (which I detest), or, you can operate your own personal Desktop Air Conditioner which is available from Overstock for twenty bucks. To be honest I don't think you should expect very much from an air-conditioning device this size and price but you have got to praise the innovation at least and hope you get a reasonable "cooling period" from this gadget. 'Staying cool and comfortable has never been easier, thanks to this desktop air conditioner!Designed for ease of use, this little air conditioner utilizes frozen water to create a personal climate-control system anyone can use. Fill the supplied bottle with water, freeze it, place it back inside the chamber and turn the power switch on and enjoy. '

Features:
•Can be operated by 2 "D" batteries (not included)
•AC jack for optional adapter (adapter not included)
•Suitable for small areas only.
•Materials:Plastic
•Dimensions: 6-5/8 in. x 12-7/8 in. x 10-1/2 in.
•Operates with 2D batteries AC adapter which are not included

[ Product Page ] Via: Gadgetizer: FreshTrend

Posted by Admin at 3:37 AM | Permalink

You can purchase a DVD player for less than the $199 for the Sony DVP-FX810 but if you are a fan of Sony products, you may be willing to ignore the few extra dollars to add this device to your Sony collection. 'Eschewing the silver styling of many earlier portable DVD player models, Sony's gone with an all-black look for its DVP-FX810 ($200 list), which sports a generous 8-inch wide-screen that swivels 180 degrees and folds flat on top of the unit much like a tablet PC. Surrounding the screen is a glossy black bezel, and Sony's covered the LCD screen with something called a Hard Coating acrylic panel for a "clear view." It's nice to have the protective coating, but we don't think it makes a difference in the clarity of the picture. It certainly doesn't help eliminate the screen's glare issues--with the unit off, the screen can almost serve as a mirror. On a more positive note, Sony's conveniently placed all the controls right below the screen. While the remote isn't terribly compact, the buttons are clearly labeled, and it's easier to use than most credit-card-size clickers that normally ship with portable DVD players.'

Features:
•Dual Sensor for Remote Control The special dual-sensor for remote control is a very convenient feature to have especially for the ones that are seated farther away from the screen. It gives them an extra angle to control the buttons remotely.
•8" LCD Widescreen Monitor
•Swivel & Flip Screen Offers multiple viewing angle options.
•Removable and Rechargeable Battery up to 5 1/2 Hours of Battery Life1.
•DVD, CD, MP3, and JPEG Playback3
•AC and Car Adapter Included

Read: Sony DVP-FX810 Review - CNET

Posted by Admin at 5:33 AM | Permalink

My dependable Sony short wave radio which provided very useful information from several far-off places over the last decade now needs to be replaced. It was not one of these feature-packed models but it did the job for which it was purchased. In perusing the net for a replacement I came across the Sangean PT633 which I have to admit is just about the radio I desire. 'This ProTravel radio is the perfect blend of beauty and features for the traveler. It only weighs 10 ounces and can easily fit into your pocket or tuck into your carrying case. Enjoy the world of listening with this compact size, yet big in performance, traveler's radio. Built in alarm clock with digital display so you can view the time at home as well as the cities throughout the world wherever you go. The shortwave bands cover all the major bands from 4.75 to 21.85 MHz to keep you informed of all domestic and foreign news.'

Features:
•Worldband Radio/Receiver
• AM/FM Stereo/SW
• Tuning LED
• World Time Zones
• Built-in Clock
•Alarmed by Radio or Buzzer
•LCD with Back Light
•DST (Daylight Saving Time) Device
• 12/24 Hours Clock Mode
•Adjustable Sleep Timer
•Low Battery Indicator
•Stereo/Mono Switch
•Functions Lock Switch
•Dimensions: 5.75" x 3.5" x 1.25"
•Weight: 10.0 oz

Posted by Admin at 4:36 AM | Permalink

The Neofree NF-4400 Portable Battery Pack is but one of such devices likely to surface as time progresses. With so many wireless gadgets now being lugged around by one and all, not to mention the relative short lifespan of the average battery charge, I can see where the portable power supply would definitely come in handy. Needless to say the additional luggage may not be too welcomed by the mobile individual. 'The portable battery pack (secondary battery) can be charged by home power source (AC110-220V) and then carry it with you anytime anywhere to charge your digital devices(without external AC power) conveniently such as mobile phone, DMB phone, PDA and MP3 etc.You can enjoy it while hand-carry it and even lasting upto 10~ 15 days. You can use long-time for any mobile devices.Korea standard TTA-24 pin can make all mobile equipments to be connected with higher compatibility.You can check the battery remaining status easily by giving you the alert in advance if necessary.'

Source: Red Ferret Journal

Posted by Admin at 5:28 AM | Permalink

The MobiBlu B153 flash-based player boasts 153 hours of playtime on a single charge. Podcast Ready software comes loaded on the device, allowing for automatic updating of subscribed podcasts from any Internet-connected computer. There are also handy features such as an FM radio, line-in recording, and SRS Wow sound effects. ‘Designwise, the MobiBlu B153 is nothing special, though it's competitively priced. It's available in 512MB (white, $89), 1GB (black, $100), and 2GB (black, $130) capacities, and it measures 3.5 by 1.8 inches, with a tapering depth of 0.8 to 0.5 inch. The two-color OLED screen is small, so it's fairly obvious that a large battery demands most of the B153's real estate. By that same token, its 2.3-ounce weight also indicates a relatively hefty battery; in contrast, most flash players weigh around 1.5 ounces or less.’

Source: CNET Via: Engadget

Posted by Admin at 12:35 PM | Permalink

Do you have $1.275 Million to spare? If you do, you could probaly qualify to own the beauty above and be the envy of your friends and the lure of your opposite gender. Inside Line reports on the upcoming launch of "the new MC12 Corsa, which the Fiat affiliate describes as a build-to-order, track-only model based on its MC12 GTI racecar". 'Available starting this fall, Maserati will build only 12 cars in total, each with a price tag of a million Euros ($1,275,000), plus tax. The sticker rivals that of the Bugatti Veyron, but there's one twist: Maserati has no plans to homologate the MC12 Corsa for road use or motorsports. Instead, the automaker says the car is aimed at a select number of clients "who will enjoy the possibility to test their driving capability in the most exclusive gentlemen drivers' environment" — that is, for exclusive use during private track sessions or at Maserati exhibitions. '

Read: Automotive News - Inside Line

Posted by Admin at 3:42 PM | Permalink

Sony's new MP3 player, the NW-E005 which supports AAC file format (the default format used by iTunes), comes in versions from 512MB to 2GB, and is available in five colors. Engadget reports that "although AAC is the default format used by iTunes, these players won't be able to play any DRM-protected iTunes downloads. However, if you've ripped CDs into AAC using iTunes, you will be able to play them back in the NW-E005 without having to convert them into another format first. Sony's also rolled out a waterproof case for this player, though we'd still be a little wary of taking it into the shower or pool."

Source: Engadget

Posted by Admin at 5:43 AM | Permalink

Here is one device most cell phone users will find hard to ignore since the charge on cell phone batteries never seem to last past a few hours of constant use of the mobile. Mobile Whack highlights the Turbo Charge which “is a very handy portable charger which runs on a single AA battery and is able to juice up any cell phone battery in minutes” and I may add, comes with a slew of adaptors for the different phones. ‘Pretty compact and stylish, the turbo charge is shaped like a tube and can be fit anywhere .So be it anywhere in the world ,you dad can charge up his phone battery anytime by just plugging one end of the Turbo Charge adapter into the unit and the other end into a cell phone. So not only will it charge the battery thanks to its design you can handle your calls when you’re charging.’

Source: Mobile Whack

Posted by Admin at 10:07 PM | Permalink

CNET reviews a Sharp High Definition Television which, though priced under the $2000 range, may just be beyond the mass market for the time being. 'The Sharp LC-37D40U improves on its predecessor, the LC-37D7U, with both a lower list price and a newer, better-spec'd LCD panel, but the most obvious difference between the two is skin-deep. Like many TV makers in 2006, Sharp dropped the silver coloring, surrounding the screen of the LC-37D40U with a thick frame of glossy black. Beyond the frame on all sides is a charcoal-gray cabinet that houses the bottom-mounted speakers and matches the nonswiveling stand. The overall look is rounded off and attractive, although the set doesn't have as snazzy an appearance as that of Samsung's LN-S4051D, for example.'

Features:
•37" LCD screen: Sharp's Emmy® award-winning LCD technology brings you amazingly vibrant colors and clear high-definition pictures in an incredibly slim TV. Mount this thin LCD to a wall to add style to your room.
•HDTV: An integrated HD (ATSC) tuner means you won't have to buy additional components. If you have HD service, HD programming and HD A/V cables, all you have to do is plug, play and enjoy stunning HDTV.
•Improved picture: Sharp's Advanced Super View/Black technology provides enhanced picture contrast (1200:1), color depth and brightness, so the picture won't appear dull or washed out.
•Wide viewing angles: Sometimes LCD picture quality diminishes when viewing at an extreme angle. Not with the Aquos series. The 176° viewing angle means you'll get a great view no matter where you sit.
•Widescreen: The 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio delivers your favorite films in their original cinematic format, without the picture cropping that occurs in standard sets.
•Quick shoot technology: Sharp's proprietary fast response time video circuit, for response times of 6ms, results in smoother, more lifelike moving images, even in fast-motion scenes.
•A/V versatility: Two HDMI, two HD component and one S-video inputs allow you to get the best possible picture from your signal sources.

Read: Sharp LC-37D40U Review - CNET

Posted by Admin at 1:51 AM | Permalink

For all you adventurous folks out there, the car Connection has previewed the latest model of one of the all-time favorite "off-road" marques. 'Derived from the new two-door Wrangler on the Detroit auto show floor earlier this year, the four-door Unlimited shares its engine/transmission combos and available four-wheel-drive systems. The sole U.S. engine is a 205-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 with 240 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but a four-speed automatic transmission is available. Outside North America, Jeep will offer a diesel engine with a five-speed manual gearbox.Two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models will be on the order sheet, of course. Midlevel X and Sahara models will offer a Command-Trac part-time 4WD system. The returning Rubicon edition gets a hardcore Rock-Trac system mated to Dana 44 axles front and rear for supreme off-road talent. An available active sway-bar system disconnects the front stabilizer bar for even better off-road articulation.'

Read: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Preview - The Car Connection:

Posted by Admin at 2:24 PM | Permalink

Do you make calls over the internet? Of course you do! That aside, if you have been agonizing over the hassle of having to attach headphones to the rear or side of your computer, the Polycom Communicator C100S Skype Speaker Phone may offer a "cordless" solution to this problem. Tech Republic blogger, George Ou, offers some informed opinion on the Polycom Communicator C100S. 'Earlier this month I got an announcement from Polycom about their soon to be released Communicator C100S speaker-phone product which is optimized for Skype. As a heavy user of Skype which is notoriously bad at echo and feedback suppression, I was very excited about the acoustic features of this new product and wanted to see if it really lived up to the specifications. Two weeks later, I got this review unit shown in the picture to the left and I immediately proceeded to try it out. Included in the box were a CD, a Communicator C100S, a coupon for SkypeOut minutes, and a travel bag. The C100S has a base stand that was folded closed which enclosed a short 3 foot USB cable neatly wrapped around a cable manager which means the Communicator is highly portable.'

Read: Polycom Communicator C100S - Tech Republic

Posted by Admin at 1:23 AM | Permalink

Here is a nice handy gadget for all you old timers out there who have piles of old vinyl classics lying around gathering dust and heaven knows what else. If you were in a quandary about how to preserve your "old" music, this Radio Turntable W/CD Player/Recorder ffered by C Crane for $400 seems an enough solution for making the transfer form vinyl to CD. 'The new TEAC GF-350 AM/FM Radio Turntable has a vinyl record player and built-in CD Recorder/CD Player. This means you can record your records permanently to a CD! It plays 33-1/3, 45, and 78 rpm records with a ceramic cartridge. Can also record any audio to CD that you feed into the Auxiliary Line In. The small, black console has fine acoustics and a decent modern analog AM/FM radio with tuning light. Handy remote control included. Size: 18.5" Width x 9" Height x 14" Diameter.'

Source: C Crane

Posted by Admin at 12:40 AM | Permalink

Akihabara News highlights one of the DMB players which is very popular in South Korea at present. 'Here's yet another addition on the DMB market, the DMR 231. This player by Perstel is nicely designed and really cheap (you can pick one up for 200000Won, which is 166 EUR). It has a 3.2" screen and has an SD slot too.' Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) is a digital transmission system for sending data, radio and TV to mobile devices such as mobile phones. It can operate via satellite (S-DMB) or terrestrial (T-DMB) transmission. DMB is based on the Eureka 147 DAB standard and has some similarities with the competing mobile TV standard DVB-H. T-DMB is made for transmissions on frequency bands III (VHF) and L (SHF).'

[Akihabara News]

Posted by Admin at 3:47 PM | Permalink

Are on the lookout for a truly "pocket sized computer" with all the computing capability [and more!] of your standard desktop or laptop? Akihabara News gives a up-close view of just such a device from Sony. 'The Sony VGN-UX50 measures 150.2x95mm or 100.5x23.2mm for 520g. The ultracompact computer adopts a 4.5" WSVGA 1024x600 touch screen, a Core Solo U1300 at 1.06Ghz (UX50) or a Core Solo U1400 at 1.2Ghz (UX90) (Celeron is optional), a 20 or 30GB HDD, a 1.3MP camera and webcam, Wireless a/b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR, a CF and MS slot. Battery life should be 3.5 hours.' These devices go sale at the end of May and they most likely will be priced around the $1500 and above range.

Akihabara News

Posted by Admin at 4:40 AM | Permalink

CNET reviews the Jabra SP500 Bluetooth speakerphone and while there are some 'cons' in the assessment, the device duly performs the task for which it is intended. 'Like the Bluant Supertooth II, the Jabra SP500 qualifies as a wireless speakerphone, in that it isn't a true hands-free device unless paired to a phone that has built-in voice-command operation. Though it's relatively bulky, the unit is modern and stylish without a single straight line to be found. The SP500 offers a good amount of talk and standby time, which means that forgetting to turn it off shouldn't be a problem. Also in its favor: when the rechargeable batteries eventually wear out, you can replace them with off-the-shelf AA nickel-metal-hydride cells.'

Features:
•Box Contents: JABRA SP500 Wireless Speakerphone; User Manual; Charger; Vehicle power charger; Removable suction mount for windscreen; Removable visor clip for in-car sun visor
•For Bluetooth enabled cellular-phone and other Bluetooth Communication devices
•Integrated rechargeable battery offers long talk and standby time per full charge / Includes charger
•Bluetooth 1.2 compatible
•Safe, responsible (and legal) way to use your cell phone while driving

Read: Jabra SP500 Bluetooth Review - CNET

Posted by Admin at 4:28 PM | Permalink

Motorola's PVOT "concept phone" which is a hand crank, rechargeable AA battery powered phone is an excellent idea so long as the costs are not prohibitive to the target market in 'developing countries'. Of course persons in these countries are not sitting around waiting on the beneficence of phone manufactures and in some parts of the world the available cell service is being used in some ingenious ways. Indeed, in some parts of the African continent, unused minutes are used as a form of cash in small scale barter arrangements. 'The Motorola PVOT is powered by a hand crank that charges the rechargeable AA battery within. 25 cranks will grant you 1 minute of usage. Other features include a 125 x 125 dot matrix LCD and an "Eraser Shield" keypad. We aren't sure whether this concept.'

[ Tech Blog ]

Posted by Admin at 4:21 AM | Permalink

Unless you have the confidence to assemble the ten components which comprise the impressive Denon DHT-486DV system, you should proceed cautiously, or better still, seek assistance in putting the equipment together. It can be fairly intimidating figuring out just where everything should go and then configuring the menu for optimum operation wouldl definitely require some studied attention. 'While home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) systems are incredibly popular, they're typically not known for their sound or build quality. Thankfully, Denon's approach to HTIB design defies that sort of pigeonholing. First off, the DHT-486DV's 7-channel A/V receiver is a bona fide, separates-grade component. The DVD player is also first rate, and the seven high-quality, two-way satellites don't look or sound like typical HTIB fare. The potent 100-watt powered subwoofer provides a solid foundation for movies and music. The Denon DHT-486DV package defied our expectations for HTIB sound--but the $750 price tag, the somewhat convoluted setup menus, and a dearth of HDMI connections may limit its appeal.'

Features:
•Built-in surround sound decoders include Dolby Digital EX, Pro Logic II, DTS and DTS Neo:6
•Total output: 870 watts (receiver: 110 watts x 7 @ 6 ohms; subwoofer: 100 watts @ 6 ohms)
•DVD player plays DVD, DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, SVCD, JPEG, MP3 and WMA formats
•2-way satellite speakers feature a 3-1/2" woofer and 3/4" soft-dome tweeter
•2-way center-channel speaker features dual 3-1/2" woofers and 3/4" soft dome tweeter
•All speakers are magnetically shielded to prevent picture distortion when placed on or near a TV or monitor
•8" 100W subwoofer for an immersive sound experience
•Frequency response: speakers, 60Hz - 25kHz; subwoofer, 27-200Hz
•Sensitivity (all satellite speakers): 86dB
•Inputs: 3 component video, 3 S-video, 4 A/V, 4 audio, 2 optical digital, 2 coaxial digital
•Prememory glow-key remote included

Read: Denon DHT-486DVReview - CNET

Posted by Admin at 1:02 AM | Permalink

I am not too familiar with the competition (if any) to the Bathroom Medicine Cabinet/Refrigerator from Biszet but I have to admit this cooler has been long overdue. I have long thought the medications which required cool storage spaces were not meant to be in the same place as the milk, poultry and salami. The Medicine Cabinet Refrigerator is just the appliance I could envisage storing those ice packs meant to be applied to bruised joints and other medical prescriptions and cosmetics. 'The three compartments of the Biszet Cabinet Refrigerator are actually three different climatic zones where the temperature settings can be adjusted individually: the bottom compartment maintains around 5-8 °C (41-46 °F) and is ideal for vitamins, the middle one is around 8-10 °C (46-50 °F) and is "perfect for cosmetics with precious, natural nutrients", and the top one is around 12 °C (54 °F) and is "ideal for products containing collagen".

[ Product Page ] [ Trendir ]

Posted by Admin at 11:38 AM | Permalink

If you are into arc welding and have $320 to spare you might consider spending it on the image-enhancing-chic-looking Roadster Design Auto-Darkening Helmet. 'Available exclusively through Miller welding distributors, the '29 Roadster helmet is part of the Big Window Elite family that features a 30% larger viewing area than Miller's XLi and XLix Series lenses. The Elite has four independent arc sensors to provide continuous arc-sensing capability for demanding welding applications. The #4 ultra-clear "light-state" makes setup and repositioning of hands and parts more efficient while providing continuous UV and IR protection.The '29 Roadster helmet features the Performance Series Lens technology, including replaceable batteries with solar assist for exceptionally long life (3,000 hours on MIG) with no recharging required. The '29 Roadster helmet easily handles low-amperage DC Inverter and TIG applications (5 amps and below) and has a reaction time of 1/20,000 second.'

[ Thomas Net ]

Posted by Admin at 4:03 AM | Permalink

Conor Twomey takes the 2007 Lexus ES350 through its paces in this review for the Car Connection and gives an overall favorable assessment to Toyota's "entry-level luxury car ". 'Lexus says the 2007 model has been styled using their new L-Finesse design philosophy but it still looks more Toyota than Lexus to my eyes. In profile the ES350 is rather conservative and featureless, which wouldn't be so bad if they hadn't given it such aggressive head lamps, and that scowling expression. The proportions aren't terribly well resolved either, a trait accentuated by the busy design of its small-looking 17-inch wheels, but at least the ES's rear end is appealing and tastefully in keeping with the car's purpose in life.'

Highlights:
•Base price: $33,170 plus destination
•Engine: 3.5-liter V6, 272 hp, 254 lb-ft
•Transmission: Six-speed automatic with manual mode, front-wheel drive
•Length x width x height: 191.1 x 71.7 x 57.3 in
•Wheelbase: 101.5 in
•Weight: 3580 lb
•Economy (EPA city/highway): 21/30 mpg
•Safety equipment: Front, side, and curtain airbags; knee airbags; anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control
•Major standard equipment: 17-inch alloy wheels; power seats; six-CD stereo; climate control; keyless entry; trip computer
•Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles

Read: 2007 Lexus ES35 - The Car Connection

Posted by Admin at 3:07 PM | Permalink

The Motorola RAZR V3i has an updated and streamlined design, offering consumers a large internal color screen, quad-band technology and Bluetooth wireless technology. Designed for an enhanced imaging experience, this sleek handset comes complete with an integrated 1.23 megapixel digital camera with a full screen view-finder, zoom, and video capture and playback. 'The Motorola Razr V3i looks and feels almost exactly like the original Razr, except for a few notable upgrades. First is the inclusion of a full-fledged music player--while the European version of the V3i has the standard Motorola player, the Asian and the U.S. version has an iTunes player. Along with the built-in 12MB of memory, the V3i has a slot underneath the battery for a Micro SD (also known as TransFlash) card for additional storage.'

Features:
• 1.23 megapixel digital camera with 8x digital zoom, video capture and full screen viewfinder
•iTunes music software or Motorola’s Digital Audio Music Player with mini-USB stereo headset
• Airplane mode
• Hot swappable MicroSD memory card
•262K color wallpapers & screensavers on internal display
• 65K color support on external display
• Speaker independent name & digit dialing
•Dedicated browser and messaging keys
•Integrated Class 1 Bluetooth technology with imaging, printing, peer to peer gaming profiles
• Motorola’s SCREEN3 technology solution featuring zero click access to news, sports, entertainment and other program content
•Rich, pre-loaded or downloaded J2ME games, screen saves and MP3 ringtones

Read: Motorola Razr V3i Preview - CNET

Posted by Admin at 3:39 AM | Permalink

Not exactly a high tech solution to an age old problem of how not to walk over cleaned floors without taking off your shoes. but the Shoe/Boot Cleaner Brush looks as though it would remove a significant percentage of shoe/boot dust after a few vigorous to and fro thrusts of your foot between the brushes. This handy (or should that be, useful) gadget if used on a regular basis should contribute greatly to harmony in situations where careful attention is expended on floor spaces.

[ Shoe Mall ]

Posted by Admin at 2:43 PM | Permalink

The most recent coffeemakers from Mr Coffee are a technophile's dream but should prove extremely handy to most coffee lovers. In addition to being capable of performing the job which it has been manufactured, the brew machine comes with a range of options which can only lead to the integration of the device in your scheme of things. We are already familiar with the age-old practice of leaving the machine plugged in while attending to other matters but there is now an alarm which alerts you when the coffee is warmed and automatically shuts off after a two hour period thereby precluding any undesirable experience.

Features:
•Stainless Steel Design compliments today's kitchen trends
•Brewing Pause 'n Serve lets you pour a cup of coffee while the coffeemaker is still brewing
•Removable Filter Basket lifts out of Brew Basket for fast and easy filling and cleaning
•2-hour Auto Shut-Off keeps your coffee warm for 2 hours and then automatically shuts off
•Delay Brew allows you to set your coffeemaker up to 24 hours in advance to begin brewing at a specific time
•Fresh BrewTM Timer lets you know how long your coffee has been waiting for you
•Special Cleaning Cycle makes cleaning your coffeemaker quick and easy
•Brew Strength Selector lets you choose to make your coffee stronger
•Adjustable Temperature Warmer Plate lets you decide how hot you want to keep your coffee
•Dual Water Windows show the amount of water in the reservoir for accurate filling
•Audible Ready Signals alert you when the coffeemaker has finished the brewing or cleaning cycle
•Water Filtration removes up to 97% of chlorine for better tasting coffee

Source: Mr. Coffee Via: Tech Diva

Posted by Admin at 9:47 PM | Permalink

It will cost you over $400 for the luxury/privilege of accessing audio entertainment via this handy XM receiver from Samsung and should reception ever become a problem, you can acces plenty of your MP3/WMA digital music files with the 1GB of storage available. 'Barely the size of a cassette tape, the Samsung Helix YX-M1 matches the Inno inch for inch at 0.6 by 2.2 by 4.4 inches, although we like the Helix's subdued black and brushed-aluminum look better than the Inno's darker, bolder design. Both weighing 4.5 ounces, the Helix and the Inno are the lightest XM radios around, as well as easily half the size and 3 ounces lighter than Delphi's MyFi receiver. While the two players use the same electronics, we like the Helix's earbuds and small button bar, as opposed to the Inno's bulky switches for Mode, Play, and Display, along with its in-ear phones. The layout is similar, with both having a four-way control at the bottom for tuning the radio, selecting tracks, and navigating through the machine's menus. While it is backlit for nighttime maneuvers, we prefer the MyFi's combination of numeric pad and scroll dial for quick channel changes.'

Specifications:
•Optional XM Satellite Radio Subscription is Required.
•Includes - home cradle with XM antenna, and a rechargeable battery
•Receive a Live XM Satellite Radio Signal
•1.7 TFT Color Display
• 1GB of built-in Flash Memory - for storing MP3 & WMA music files and/or XM programming
•Hardware Platform: PC
• Component Type: MP3 Player, Radio
•Supported Standards: MP3, WMA
•Tuner Technology: Digital
• Headphones Form Factor: Ear-bud
• Width: 2.2 inches
•Depth: 0.6 inches
•Height: 0.6 inches
• Weight: 0.25 pounds

Read: Samsung Helix YX-M1Review - CNET

Posted by Admin at 4:07 AM | Permalink

Mashfique H. Chowdhury posts an informative review of the 2006 Audi A4 1.8T Sedan on DriveArabia.com. 'Audi automobiles always manage to make a good first impression. The styling is clean and elegant, and the exterior build quality is impeccable. Inside, the dashboard and centre console design is very simple, but still gives us a warm fuzzy feeling. Most of the surface materials are soft to the touch, and all the gauges and digital displays are readable, even though they are blood-red in colour. Most basic luxury amenities are standard, including a decent stereo with glovebox-mounted CD changer, power windows, electric mirrors and good automatic air-conditioning. Our test car was missing some key luxury features though, like sunroof, leather and electric seats. There was the usual bunch of cup holders, including one that stylishly pops out of the dashboard. Everything worked as they were supposed to.'

Read: 2006 Audi A4 1.8T Multitronic Review - Drive Arabia

Posted by Admin at 12:46 AM | Permalink

The Yamaha RX-V659 reciever is XM Satellite Radio "Ready" which allows you to hear over 160 digital channels of music, news, sports, talk and entertainment from American's number one Satellite Radio service. 'The Yamaha RX-V659, the company's midrange $550 receiver, delivers a lot of bang for the buck. It's not only XM Satellite Radio ready, the upstart Yamaha boasts built-in compatibility with XM's latest surround-sound stations. It also offers highly accurate autosetup, multiroom capability, and a turntable input for the audiophile set, and it interfaces with Yamaha's optional iPod dock, the YDS-10.'

Features:
•XM Ready with XM HD Surround Powered by Neural Surround
•Compatible with iPod Via Optional Yamaha YDS-10
• Compressed Music Enhancer
•YPA Sound Optimization
•On-Screen Display
•High Sound Quality Circuit Design
•7.1-channel, 700W Powerful Surround Sound (100W x 7)
• Digital ToP-ART and High Current Amplification
•Pure Direct for High Quality Sound Reproduction
•Burr-Brown 192 kHz/24-Bit DACs for All Channels
•Night Listening Enhancer (Cinema and Music) and SILENT CINEMA
•Audio Delay for Adjusting Lip-Sync (0-160ms)
•Phone Input
•HDTV Compatible 3 Component Video Inputs
•Virtual CINEMA DSP
•Presence Sound Field and Dialogue Lift
• Preset Remote Unit with Illuminated Input Indicators

Read: Yamaha RX-V659 Review - ZDNet

Posted by Admin at 5:12 AM | Permalink

The Philips RC9800i touch screen remote control enables almost effortless access and control of information and digital content from multiple types of devices in the home. 'Sleek and understated, with carbon and silver coloring, the Philips PC9800i is one of the more attractive tablet-style remotes you'll see. You can either leave it sitting on a table or pick it up to tap out your commands using your thumbs or the tips of your index fingers. Measuring 4.01 by 5.90 by 1.02 inches (HWD) and weighing 7.49 ounces, the RC9800i feels lighter in hand than it looks at first glance, but its construction seems sturdy, and the finish appears as though it would hold up well over time. A nonremovable, rechargeable battery is built into the remote, which Philips says will give you about 3 hours of continuous use and two weeks of standby time, a figure that's in line with our testing results.'

Features:
•The RC9800i leverages an advanced control concept called "Activity-Based Control". Activity-Based Control blends the most frequently used functions into activities. Subsequently, the RC9800i’s touch Interface matches the activity with buttons that trigger smart macros.
•Utilizing a Li-polymer Battery approximately one-day (24 hours) of entertainment control
• Also includes a charging cradle for simple and easy battery recharging.
• Activity-based navigation and control
•Universal Plug and Play
•Communicates with Philips Digital Media Manager PC software
•Additional remote codes and features can be added via Internet

Read: Philips RC9800i Review - CNET

Posted by Admin at 3:06 AM | Permalink

With the lovely scent of nature in full bloom the cloistered indoors is no place to be at this time. Whether you are the adventurous type who ventures out on one of those back-packing trips or simply one who prefer to spend your off time closer to home around whatever degree of foliage there is on the outside, you will require a cooker or grill to augment the outdoor experience. Since I am not a fan of grills my attention has been drawn to the Gaz Turbo 270 Stove which promises a "No priming or fussing! Just turn the knob, light a match, and you'll instantly have full heat output" mode of operation. Since the stove is fueled by butane/propane Gaz® cartridges which are sold separately I just have to remember to stock a few spares.

Features:
•Weight (w/ no fuel) 9.7 ounces
•Dimensions 5.75 x 4.75 x 2.75 inches
•Fuel Butane/propane cartridge (not included)
•Average boil time 3 min. 52 sec. minutes
•Fuel capacity Canister grams
•Burn time (max flame) (230g canister) 63 minutes
•Water boiled per 100g fuel 7.1 liters
•Ease of operation Good
•Cold weather use Fair
•Stove stability Excellent
•Pot stability Good

[Product Page]

Posted by Admin at 4:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The authoritative analysis of Alan A. Reiter on the soon to be released Nokia N93 {multimedia computer] camera phone provides some useful insights on this feature-rich device. 'The N93 (see below), that’s slated to be available this summer, is a 3.2 megapixel CMOS handset with a 3x optical zoom, a Carl Zeiss autofocus lens (F/3.3 – 4.5 to f/12.4 and — according to Nokia — “DVD-like video capture,” according to the press release.The N93 features MPEG-4 VGA videos at 30 frames per second and stereo sound capture. The handset also has dedicated keys for the shutter, zoom and flash. The handset also includes a video out port for viewing images on a television and WiFi for use with a home network. In addition, the N93 is bundled with Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0. '

Read: Nokia N93 Preview - Wireless Moment

Posted by Admin at 11:26 AM | Permalink

With the challenges of the first quarter of 2006 having to deal with problems associated with alternators and batteries in its E-Class sedans no longer tarnishing its image, DaimlerChrysler, the owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand, can now show off with pride its 'ultimate automotive experience", --- the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550. 'The 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 is an all-new luxury sedan presenting the best the iconic German car manufacturer has to offer. Like previous generations of the S-Class line, the S550 coddles driver and passengers alike in luxurious surroundings, while taking electronic control over interior systems and driving aids to a new level. The extensive list of technological features starts with an infrared night-vision-assist system, which neatly combines a high wow factor with real safety benefits. Distronic radar-based cruise control and brake assist also incorporate safety and convenience by automatically maintaining distance from vehicles up ahead. Features include full stops and starts in traffic (an option on the cruise-control stalk enables the car to resume speed from rest in tandem with traffic flow; no pedals needed), as well as preparation for heavy braking when cars in the S550's path are slowing rapidly.'

Read: 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 Review - CNET

Posted by Admin at 12:59 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (1)