Handy Gadgets

The foneGEAR Mini Blu Bluetooth headset works with all Bluetooth-compatible products including cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players. 'The Fonegear Mini Blu Bluetooth headset has a tapered, oval design that's quite minimalist indeed. Covered mostly in black, it has a small strip of silver as a border. True to its Mini Blu name, the headset is tiny, measuring only 1.9 inches high by 0.5 inch deep by 0.75 inch long, and weighing around 3.2 ounces. You might not notice any buttons at first glance, but the upper third of the Mini Blu's front face is actually its multifunction control. We found it easy to use, even when the headset was worn on the ear. There are also blue and red LEDs located on the lower third of the Mini Blu. The blue LED flashes when the headset turns on, while the red lights shine when the headset shuts down. The lights alternate between red and blue when in pairing mode.'

Read: Fonegear Mini Blu Bluetooth headset - CNET

Posted by Admin at 12:41 AM | Permalink

If you don't mind "disposing" of $150 on a cute trash receptacle for your home or home/office you will have to place your name on a pre-order list at ThinkGeek, as the initial batch of Japanese imported Star Wars R2-D2 Trashcans were cleaned out in a short period of time. Having this gadget around the home should prove helpful in encouraging junior members of the household in their practice of proper waste disposal habits. 'This stylish trash receptacle is imported from Japan and is an incredibly detailed replica of R2-D2. Step on R2's center "foot" and his dome swings wide to collect your expired TPS reports and leftover wookie dung.'

Source: ThinkGeek

Posted by Admin at 11:46 AM | Permalink

The new Doppio Art Glass ceiling lights from Besa Lighting feature Opal glass diffusers with illuminated decorative glass trim and are available in 18 and 15 in. diameters. 'The art glass trim also fits near-flush to the ceiling, completely hiding the metal pan fixture. The diffuser and trim are secured to the pan with a "twist-and-lock bayonet" action, which also makes lamp changing easy. The luminaires are available in 18 inch and 15 inch diameters. Lamp options include 60 watt A19 incandescent and a variety of compact fluorescent configurations.'

Read: Ceiling Lights feature handcrafted art glass. - Thomas Net

Posted by Admin at 3:25 AM | Permalink

A review of the Hercules Tunes Explorer Wireless remote control has been posted on CNET. 'The Tunes Explorer is a two-part system. A small wireless transceiver dongle plugs into the USB port of your PC or Mac (it basically looks like a slightly oversize USB thumbdrive). The dongle interfaces with the Tunes Explorer remote. The 4.25x2.33x0.75-inch (HWD) remote is pretty basic. The front face offers a centered, five-way directional pad (forward, rewind, play/pause, menu/back, and select); volume up/down buttons are nearby, but the lack of a mute key was a disappointing oversight. Above the buttons is a four-line, backlit LCD screen. For better or worse, the onscreen menus are navigated not by the front D-pad, but rather by the BlackBerry-style scroll wheel found on the right-hand side. Below the scroll wheel is a keylock switch for avoiding unwanted commands while transporting the remote. Around back is the battery compartment--it's powered by two AAAs. There's no power button per se; the remote turns on when you touch any of the buttons, and it will go to sleep after a few minutes of nonuse. The remote is functional enough, but it has a cheap flimsy feel; the fact that the select button on our review sample was slightly off axis didn't exactly inspire confidence.'

Read: Hercules Tunes Explorer Wireless remote control - CNET

Posted by Admin at 1:56 AM | Permalink

Technology Review have published a review of the two competing second generation movie disc formats from Sony and Toshiba. 'From the HD DVD camp I tried Toshiba Corp.'s $499 HD-A2 player. In the other corner of the ring swaggered Sony Corp.'s BDP-S1 Blu-ray disc player, which lists for $999 but is available for less. As a cheaper alternative, I also looked at the Blu-ray function of a $599 PlayStation 3 from Sony. Our review of the first Toshiba HD DVD player, the HD-A1, in September noted that it was a massive affair that took a minute to start up and another to load the movie disc. The first Blu-ray player, from Samsung, was met by similar complaints, and appeared to degrade image quality slightly.'

Read: Review: New HD DVD and Blu-ray disc players improve greatly on first generation - Technology Review

Posted by Admin at 11:24 AM | Permalink

A review of the pricey but feature-rich Panasonic TH-58PX600U diagonal plasma HDTV has been posted on ZDNet. 'The smart-looking Panasonic TH-58PX600U is basically a 58-inch diagonal pane of glass surrounded by a black frame that's edged by silver. The silver strips of cabinet to the right and the left of the frame actually house ultrathin speakers, and the silver along the bottom conceals a pair of flip-up doors. One reveals an SD card slot and the other a set of control buttons and an A/V input. Panasonic's matching silver stand comes included in the price of the set.The entire television including stand measures a formidable 57.3x38.9x16.6 inches (WHD) and weighs a hefty 174.2 pounds. Detached from the stand, the Panasonic TH-58PX600U's panel measures 57.3x36.2x5.7 inches and will put 136.7 pounds of stress on your wall studs. Panasonic sells compatible wall mounts, including the tilting EZLCDP-02 mount.'

Features:
• Diagonal Screen Size: 58"
• HDTV Compatibility: 480p/720p/1080i
• 29 billion colors; 3,072 shades of gradation
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (Widescreen)
• Aspect Modes: 4:3, Zoom, Full, Just, H-Fill
• Native Resolution: 1366 x 768
• Contrast Ratio: Up to 10,000:1
• Progressive Scan
• TV Guide On-Screen Program Guide
• Picture-in-Picture - Split Screen Display (2 Sources)
• Video Noise Reduction
• Digital Comb Filter
• Color Purity Optimizer (3D Color Management)
• 31W of Total Poewr - Two Woofers: 8 ohms, 55 Hz - 350 Hz, 10% THD / Two Tweeters: 8 ohms, 350 Hz - 17 kHz, 10% THD
• Motion Pattern Noise Reduction
• BBE ViVA HD3D Sound
• Standard NTSC tuner
• ATSC/QAM (SDTV and HDTV broadcasts)
• SD Card Slot & Photo Viewer
• CableCard Ready
• HDMI-HDCP Interface: 2, in rear
• Analog Audio Input (for HDMI): 2 rear
• PC Input (RGB-VGA) - Mini D-sub 15-pin (rear)
• Audio Input (for PC) - 1 (M3 Stereo Plug)
• Composite Video Input: 3 (2 rear, 1 front)
• S-Video Inputs: 3 (2 rear, 1 front)
• Audio Input (for Video): 3 (2 rear, 1 front)
• Rear Inputs/Outputs: 2 Component Video (YPbPr), 2 Component Audio out, 1 Composite & Audio out
• IR Out - 1
• On-screen display languages: English/Spanish/French
• Video Input Labeling
• V-Chip Program Lockout
• Unit Dimensions(HxWxD): 36.2" x 57.3" x 5.7"

Read: Panasonic TH-58PX600U - ZDNet

Posted by Admin at 6:35 PM | Permalink

Auto Express took the Jaguar C-XF for a trial run and posted their impressions in a review of the new concept. 'The sensational new Jaguar C-XF has been unleashed by Auto Express in an exclusive test drive. We took the wheel of the S-Type replacement to see if the executive has what it takes to leap to the top of the class. While it's officially a concept, Jaguar is making no secret of the fact that the C-XF is only a thinly veiled version of the production-ready XF, scooped last week (Issue 947). With the wraps expected to be pulled off the final model at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, it's clear that Jaguar fans have something very special to look forward to.'

Read: Jaguar C-XF - Auto Express

Posted by Admin at 2:05 PM | Permalink

Reg Harware have published a review of the Xploder PS 2 HDTV Player. 'Packaged in a very nice, neat, little tin box – which could no doubt find a dozen different uses around the home after the contents are removed – the Xploder PS 2 HDTV Player certainly looks like it means business. You may remember we previewed it back in August 2006, well now we've got our hands on one... Said box's contents comprise solely of a single RGB component-video cable and a CD to install the software on your Sony console. Setting everything up is reasonably straightforward - although a little limbering up first could be beneficial as you’ll have pull your HD TV out from its corner and contort yourself to match each of the video cable plugs to the respective ports.'

Read: Xploder PlayStation 2 HD TV up-scaler - Reg Hardware

Posted by Admin at 2:02 AM | Permalink

CNET have reviewed the Velocity Micro's CineMagix Grand Theater entertainment system which allows the user to store music for instant access, record TV shows digitally and in HD, create photo slideshows, and access the web from a television set. 'The CineMagix Grand Theater represents Velocity Micro's first foray into the realm of the all-out home theater PC. Blu-Ray, CableCard, Windows Vista Home Premium, quad-core CPUs--they're all here. You can also scale it back to more modest specs, starting at $2,195. Our review unit came in with most of the bells and whistles listed above (minus the CableCard support), and for its $4,385 price tag, we found that its value compares well against systems from the likes of Niveus, Okoro, and other vendors that compete in the high-end home theater PC (HTPC) market. We still think that the current concept of a home theater PC is flawed, even with all of the new, Vista-supported features in this system. The problems inherent to HTPCs aren't really the fault of the PC vendors, though, and until a better solution presents itself, Velocity Micro's CineMagix Grand Theater is the system we'd recommend, as long as you don't mind hanging on to your audio receiver.

Read: Velocity Micro CineMagix Grand Theater - CNET

Posted by Admin at 3:53 PM | Permalink

If you are considering the minor investment of $26 for the USB Web Cam With Telescope, the review of the gadget from The Gadgeteer may prove instructive. 'My first thought is… the telescope is solid, metal and rubber, but the webcam itself feels like it's made from some kind of laminated paper. Very lightweight, possibly flimsy. More on that later. First hurdle… how does the telescope lens attach to the webcam? The limited instructions say nothing about it. Fortunately, the Brando website lists this essential instruction: "Please remove the plastic band of the telescope before attached to the web cam." Once you do that, you can easily screw the lens into the webcam.'

Features:
• 7*18 telescope
• Use telescope to magnify for near views
• Lens rotation for adjusting clear image
• Easy adjust the angle by mini tripod
• Excellent still image capture
• Video Conferencing
• Snap shot button
• LED indicator
• Interface: USB 1.1, USB 2.0 compliant
• Support: Windows 98se/Me/2000/XP
• Telescope dimension: 69x28x33mm
• Web cam dimension: 80x32x33mm

Read: Review: USB Web Cam With Telescope - The Gadgeteer

Posted by Admin at 4:17 PM | Permalink

The WowWee FlyTech Dragonfly which will be available for purchase in the not-too-distant future has been "subjected" to a fun review by the folks over at PC Magazine. 'Designed for those ages 8 years and up, the toy was fairly easy to set up and use. A charging cable is hidden inside its 0.8-ounce body; press a button to open the hidden compartment and then find something small (like a pencil) to budge the charging cable out of its space. It's not the best design, but I got used to it. The Dragonfly has two glowing blue LEDs for eyes, which pulse gently during the required 20-minute charge. There's also a small magnet embedded into the belly; it pairs with a small magnet on the charger. This is supposed to give the flying toy a secure base to rest on during a charge, but my Dragonfly tended to slip off its perch. Not a big deal, just a little annoying.'

Read: DragonFly - PC Mag

Posted by Admin at 3:48 PM | Permalink

Carpenters and tradesmen/women no longer have to borrow the flimsy pencil sharpeners from their school-age kids as the new Beaver Brand Clip-On Pencil Sharpener has been designed for the harsh environment of the construction site. 'Made from die-cast, electroplated metal and fitted with 88% carbon steel blades, Clip-On Pencil Sharpeners clip to any tool belt. Spring steel belt clip provides solid foundation for one-handed sharpening. Sturdy enough to withstand heavy daily use, sharpeners are available for both standard and carpenter pencils and are useful for all tradesmen, from construction workers to weekend handymen.'

Read: Pencil Shapeners feature construction-grade design. Thomas Net

Posted by Admin at 3:25 PM | Permalink

Ingersoll Rand has launched the IQV Series of cordless tools which are designed with "composite housings to protect against damaging chemicals and fluids and feature twist-to-lock design that locks battery in place". 'Featuring patented IQV technology, the IQV Series is comprised of a broad range of cordless tools, including the compact W040 1/4" quick-change Impactool(TM), the versatile W150 3/8" Impactool and the powerful W360 1/2" Impactool. IQV Series tools also include two best-in-class drill / drivers - the 19.2-volt D650 and 14.4-volt D550. "IQV technology was designed to deliver improved performance and longevity of cordless tools and batteries," said Christian Corrigan, global marketing manager at Ingersoll Rand Productivity Solutions. "For the customer, this means cordless tools that are lighter and more powerful, and batteries that require significantly fewer replacements over the life of the tool."

Read: Cordless Tools offer extended battery life. Thomas Net

Posted by Admin at 4:30 PM | Permalink

The Blackout Buddy FR100 Emergency Radio and Flashlight appears intended to alert you in the event of a power outage when it would be prudent to secure sensitive equipment from any possible surges in electricity once power is resumed. 'Designed to stay plugged into the wall for continuous charging and to be ready for any emergency, the Blackout Buddy's built-in LED light and AM/FM radio automatically turn on when the electricity goes out. The rechargeable battery provides enough power for hours of emergency AM/FM radio and light operation: 12-16 hours of LED light use, or 4-8 hours of radio use. The Blackout Buddy also serves as a convenient and functional everyday plug-in radio and light for any room in the home or office.'

Ambient Weather: Blackout Buddy Via: Coolest Gadgets

Posted by Admin at 1:19 AM | Permalink

The compact Bluetake BT400GL Bluetooth headset has been reviewed over at CNET. 'It seems that Bluetooth headsets are getting smaller and smaller. From the jewel-like Nokia BH-800 to the tiny Samsung WEP200, it appears that headset manufacturers are finally waking up to the idea that most people don't want a large headset on the sides of their face. The Bluetake BT400GL is a pretty little headset, and it comes in both pink and silver. However, despite its comfortable fit, the audio quality is underwhelming. So even though it retails for a very reasonable $65, you might be better off with one of the aforementioned headsets. The Bluetake BT400GL has a simple rectangular design, with a slight outward curve toward the top to accommodate the curvature of the ear. It measures a very compact 1.53x0.68x0.47 inches and weighs a light 0.29 ounce. The headset's controls are laid out on the front on a vertical bar, with the volume-increase button on top, the multifunction button in the middle, and the volume-decrease button on the bottom. Underneath the multifunction button is an LED, which flashes blue when the headset is activated or blue and red when in pairing mode. The buttons are all raised above the surface, making them easy to press when you're wearing the headset. '

Read:Bluetake BT400GL Bluetooth headset (pink) - CNET

Posted by Admin at 4:04 AM | Permalink

The Car Scoop reports on the details of the 2008 Pontiac G8 sedan. 'The G8 has a progressive styling package highlighted by strong Pontiac design cues, such as a dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and a confident, wheels-at-the-corners stance. The design accents the car’s performance lineage, with fenders that flare over the wheels, seemingly hugging the wide tires and enhancing the sporting stance. Distinctive elements include hood scoops and front fender vents, as well as projector-beam headlamps housed in crystal-clear lenses. At the rear, jewel-like taillamps also are mounted in housings and feature bright detail work surrounding the red lighting elements. G8 models have red taillamp lenses and twin chrome exhaust outlets, while G8 GT models feature clear taillamp lenses and quad chrome exhaust tips. All models have an antenna mounted at the rear of the roof.'

Read: 2008 Pontiac G8 – Official Press Release and Image Gallery

Posted by Admin at 2:37 AM | Permalink

CNET have published their review of the Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray DVD Remote which should be of interest if you do a lot of movie watching with your PS3 and don't mind the extra expense. 'The remote, like the wireless game controller that comes with the system, features Bluetooth wireless connectivity. In fact, it behaves just like a Sony wireless game controller would, except you have to manually pair it to the system via the accessories link in the settings menu (it uses port number seven). However, once you've paired it, you shouldn't have to worry about doing it again. There are certain advantages to Bluetooth technology, the biggest of which is you don't have to deal with the line-of-sight issues you encounter with IR (infrared). For example, we pointed the remote in the opposite direction with our back to the system, and it still worked fine. The remote also is very responsive with virtually no lag time between button press and onscreen action.'

Read: Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray DVD Remote - CNET

Posted by Admin at 2:59 PM | Permalink

JORDAN DAVID has introduced the new GRIP-X(TM) All-Traction(TM) Footwear which are designed to be worn over work shoes and boots and "has 16 traction spikes that provide slip resistance when treading over or working in ice, snow, slush, and freezing rain". 'Utilizing a unique "clamping" technique, the traction spikes on GRIP-X(TM) are engineered for maximum durability and will last far longer than prior technologies. GRIP-X(TM) also features an aggressive treaded sole design, which further enhances traction in slick conditions. GRIP-X(TM) features a unique "Dual Pull-Tab" for extreme ease of on/off. This patented design enables the user to expand the product in both length and width so as to easily mount on all types of footwear,. This design overcomes the disadvantages of the single pull-tab.'

Read: Footwear enables firm footing in winter conditions. Thomas Net

Posted by Admin at 2:54 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published their review of Axion's Geo-632 Portable GPS system. 'Portable GPS navigation units are starting to become a commodity. That's great news for consumers because when products become commoditized, prices generally decline. In fact, plenty of units on the market now sit within the $299-to-$349 price range. Most of these devices have similar hardware configurations; 3.5-inch screens, 1 to 2 gigabytes of SD memory, Navteq or Tele Atlas mapping data, SiRFstarIII receivers, and software that runs on top of Microsoft's WinCE platform. A good example of this trend is the Axion Geo-632 ($349.99 list). When you think of GPS manufacturers, Axion isn't exactly the first name that comes to mind. That's because the company is best known for making portable DVD players and LCD TVs. In fact, the Geo-632 is Axion's debut GPS offering and, frankly, looks very much like a "first-try" product. '

Read: Axion Geo-632 - PC Mag

Posted by Admin at 2:25 AM | Permalink

The Logitech Wireless DJ Music System makes it easy to play your PC music on your stereo however, the system is only compatible with Windows XP based PCs and 1GB of memory is the minimum recommended. 'The Wireless DJ Music System uses the 2.4GHz frequency band to wirelessly transmit the audio signal from your PC and the included transmitter, to the base station receiver (which also doubles as the charger to remote control). You can install more than one receiver, in different rooms for example, and then label that room using the Streampoint software. The music system can then stream music to the desired room simply by selecting the zone you want with the remote control. Unfortunately you cannot stream music to different rooms/zones at the same time like you can with the Sonos Music System; you can only listen to one zone at a time. Additional wireless receivers cost a spendy $80 each, nearly 1/3rd of the systems total cost.'

Read: Logitech Wireless DJ - Digital Trend

Posted by Admin at 3:35 AM | Permalink

The SoundID SoundFlavors Bluetooth headset utilizes advanced noise compression technology which reduces background noise while improving overall audio quality. 'The SoundID Personal Sound System SoundFlavors Bluetooth headset is one of the first (if not the only) Bluetooth headsets to incorporate medical technology in its design. Developed with the knowledge of how the human ear works, this headset's prime feature is its advanced noise compression technology that is smart enough to drown out surrounding noise and enhance the audio quality of conversation. Because of such advanced technology, the SoundID Personal Sound System retails for close to $650, which is really a lot of money for a Bluetooth headset. The sound quality does make it worth the price, but only if you're particularly hard of hearing and need that audio quality boost.'

Read: SoundID SoundFlavors Bluetooth headset - CNET

Posted by Admin at 5:39 AM | Permalink