Handy Gadgets

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Samsung CLX-2160N which is described as the “world's smallest colour laser multifunctional printer”. ‘Styled like a typical office photocopier, but not much larger than the A4 paper it uses, the CLX-2160N is a very neatly designed piece of equipment. Its front edge is rounded off and then sliced through to form a flat control panel, which incorporates a two-line, 16-character LCD display and a series of 11 buttons, including large ones to start and stop print jobs. There are three extra buttons in this set, not normally seen on an all-in-one. Two of them work with the USB socket in the front panel to scan to a file on a memory drive and to print a file from one. The third button, called ID Copy, takes an identity tag, business card or other small document and asks you to place it first one way up and then the other, before printing both images on a single sheet of paper.

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Read: Samsung CLX-2160N – Trusted Reviews

Posted by Admin at 8:50 AM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of JVC's KD-HDR1 CD player which includes a built-in HD Radio tuner. 'Like other products from JVC's KD range we've seen, the single-DIN-size KD HDR1 features a well-designed control interface with a good combination of buttons and dials for selecting and .tweaking audio sources. On the left of the KD HDR1's faceplate, a backlit D pad provides the means of skipping tracks and folders (for disc-based audio) and radio channels (including multicast programs on HD radio); it also acts as a proxy control interface for iPods, which are connected via an optional module. A volume dial and a standard row of hard buttons along the bottom of the system's single-line monochrome display rounds out the picture. While we are not crazy about the size of the display and the fact that it is limited to showing eight characters at a time, it is bright enough to be visible from the driver's seat, even in direct sunlight.'

Read: JVC KD HDR1 - CNET

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A review of the LG Compressor vacuum cleaner has been posted over at Pocket-Lint. ‘The bagless cleaner looks more like astronaut's helmet than something that belongs in your living room, and its main promise is that it can compress the dust it collects into tightly packed cubes in the container. Why is this of importance to you? Well LG say that in doing so it allows you to collect up to four times as much dust in comparison with similar bagless vacuum cleaners and thus meaning less trips to the bin to empty it out. Furthermore a more compacted dust clump at the end means that it won't fly everywhere when it comes to emptying it out.’

Read: LG Compressor vacuum cleaner Review – Pocket-Lint

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Laptop Magazine have published a review of the Olympus WS-331M Digital Voice Recorder which allows the user to store voice files in one of six recording qualities and record up to 555 hours of voice notes through the stereo microphone. ‘You can easily wrap your fingers around the palm-sized piano-black WS-331m. Since the device doesn't come with a lanyard, we placed it in our pocket and felt far from weighed down by the 1.7-ounce rectangular device. While the WS-331m's design isn't groundbreaking, we like that the battery unit detaches and plugs right into a USB port, which means no USB cord to keep track of. The all-important microphone lies below the silver band around the top of the player, and the LCD screen resides directly below that.’

Read: Olympus WS-331M – Laptop Magazine

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Press Release

LINCOLNSHIRE, ILL. – June 2007 – Klein Tools introduces the Insulated Beverage HaulerTM to its promotional products line. The new product is designed for tool enthusiasts on the go who want to bring their favorite hot or cool beverages to the jobsite, lunchroom, or company picnic.

Inspired by the Klein Tools Cushion Grip handle, the beverage hauler looks and feels just like a Klein tool. The Cushion Grip design allows for a precise and comfortable grip.

The beverage hauler has a 24-ounce (750ml) capacity. It is made of rust- and corrosion-resistant stainless steel and has a double-wall insulated lining that keeps liquids hot or cool. It features a flow control cap that opens and closes with one touch for easy handling. A stainless steel drink cup is integrated into the design for a convenient quick drink.

“The Insulated Beverage Hauler makes a great gift for anyone who loves tools or uses tools for a living. This unique thermal insulated beverage carrier will be the hit of the work site, the star of the lunchroom and the most popular gift for the upcoming holiday season,” said Abby Ceppos, senior marketing manager, Klein Tools.

This year marks Klein Tools’ 150th anniversary. In 1857, Klein Tools’ founder and blacksmith Mathias Klein forged the first-known U.S.-made pliers in Chicago. Since then, Klein Tools has grown to be the leading manufacturer of a variety of hand tools and occupational protective equipment.

For more information on Klein Tools’ Insulated Beverage Hauler, please contact: Klein Tools, P.O. Box 1418, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-1418. Phone: (800) 553-4676. Fax: (847) 478-0625. E-mail: marketing@kleintools.com. www.kleintools.com.

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Computeractive have published a review of the M-Audio Mobile Pre USB soundcard which is a preamp designed for computer recording. ‘The soundcards supplied with most computers are fine for playing music and for recording from ordinary audio devices but if you want to record with a real instrument such as a guitar, or from a microphone, none of the plugs are the right size. For those in this position the Mobilepre USB is a good choice. It is a two channel recording device, meaning it can be used either to record a stereo instrument or two different sources at the same time (for example, separate guitar and vocal tracks).’

Read: Review: M-Audio Mobilepre USB sound card - Computeractive

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Pocket-Lint have reviewed the Pinnacle PCTV To GO Wireless hub which allows you to watch and control high quality ATSC and NTSC TV on your PC from anywhere. ‘The unit plugs into your satellite or Freeview box and then into your router and a few steps of a set-up wizard later you're watching Jack Bauer kick serious terrorist butt on your desktop. If you're in to that sort of thing. Once set up correctly, a virtual remote control can displayed on screen which allows you all the major functions of your handset. This is achieved with an unsightly, but clever little infrared blaster which points at your set-top box.’

Read: Pinnacle PCTV To GO Review – Pocket-Lint

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CNET have published a review of the Lexmark X2500 All-in-One Copier-Printer-Scanner. The Lexmark X2500 employs a simple, basic design for an all-in-one. The white-and-light-gray unit stands 16.9 inches wide, 11.5 inches deep, and 6.9 inches tall (without paper trays extended), and weighs a light 10.4 pounds. The scanner lid opens to reveal an A4-size flatbed scanner. The paper input support juts out from the rear edge of the printer and is fronted by a translucent gray shield that prevents wayward objects from falling in and jamming the paper input. The output tray extends from the front of the printer. A fold-out flap helps corral longer sheets. The X2500's control panel is rudimentary, consisting of just six buttons, four of which are start buttons for various tasks. The other two are paper feed and cancel buttons. Two ink icons light up when ink levels are low. There's no display to speak of, so you'll have to make most task adjustments through the bundled software utility.'

Read: Lexmark X2500 Color All-in-One - CNET

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Reg Hardware have published a review of the TVonics DVR-250 digital TV recorder which allows you to record and store Free-to-View digital television and radio channels. 'The DVR-250 primarily uses the EPG to select content for recording, but you can also programme it VCR-style by entering specific times. You can begin watching a programme that's already begun being recorded - the so-called 'chase mode' - and even watch live TV in slo mo, which is fun to try, but not something you'll do frequently, I suspect. The box will apparently automatically adjust the programme recording time to match any changes in schedule caused by breaking news items or over-running sports events.'

Features/Specifications:
• Built in Freeview receiver - no need for a seperate freeview box.
• Record and Store up to 125 hours of Freeview Digital TV & Radio.
• One touch record.
• Rewind and Pause live Digital TV.
• Record one channel while watching another.
• Start to watch recordings before the recording has finished.
• Twin Tuner.
• Twin SCART.
• 8 day electronic programme guide provides TV and Radio listings on screen for a full week ahead.
• High gloss black aluminium finish.
• Universal Remote Control capable of operating most TV and DVD brands.
• Energy efficient and low power standby (less than 20W operating, less than 3W standby).

Read: TVonics DVR-250 Freeview Playback DVR - Reg Hardware

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The Gadgeteer has published a review of the iGo powerXtender which is a battery operated charger that can be used to provide emergency power for your mobile gadgets when you are on the move. 'The powerXtender is a small cigarette lighter sized housing that ships with 2 AA batteries. Made of translucent Grey plastic, the iGo is a simple device with a Blue power LED on the top, a power tip post on one end, and ...The power tip receptacle can accept one of many available tips that are sold separately though the Mobility Electronics, Inc. website. There aren't any tips included with the iGo due to the fact that every device requires a special tip in order to power / charge it.'

Read: iGo powerXtender - The Gadgeteer

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The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U Plasma HDTV is a fully HD 1080p high-definition monitor. ‘The Panasonic TH-42PZ700U is one of the most expensive 42-inch plasmas on the market, but it's also the best-performing flat panel of its size we've ever tested. The high price can be blamed squarely on its native resolution--it's the first and only 42-inch 1080p plasma--but the picture quality has little to do with all those pixels. Instead, we noted its deep black levels and realistic shadow detail along with a commendably clean image. Of course, we could complain about other aspects of its performance, namely its color accuracy, but that's not enough to spoil an excellent picture. If you have the cash to burn but don't have the space to go bigger, the Panasonic TH-42PZ700U fits the bill perfectly.’

Read: Panasonic TH-42PZ700U - CNET

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PC Authority have published a review of the Acoustic Energy Wi-Fi Internet Radio. ‘While many devices are intended to be hooked up to an external sound system, the Acoustic Energy Wi-Fi Internet Radio is a standalone unit, much like any normal portable radio. It’s an oddly shaped – but not unattractive – black and silver device, with speakers mounted in the front and the controls on the top beneath a two-line LCD screen. The welcome screen reveals that the Internet function is handled by Reciva, which retrieves a hefty selection of stations for your perusal – if you can’t find what you want, Reciva will often add stations on request. They can be browsed by either genre or, usefully, location.’

Read: Acoustic Energy Wi-Fi Internet Radio - PC Authority

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A review of the Harmony 1000 Universal Remote has been posted over at CNET Asia. 'The first thing you'll notice about the Harmony 1000 is that it's about twice the size of your typical smart phone (104 x 137.9 x 17.7mm, but it feels pretty light in your hand. The screen measures 3.5 inches diagonally and features QVGA resolution (320 x 240), which means it's fairly sharp but not supersharp. The brightness is adjustable, but even at a moderate setting, the screen is easily viewable. As noted, this is a touchscreen model, but you'll find a handful of hard buttons on the device for frequently used functions such as Channel up/down, Volume up/down/mute, and a four-way navigation button to get through menus. All these buttons, including the small Activities button just below the screen, are backlit with a blue glow. As with a lot of remotes, the identical-size Channel and Volume buttons are right next to each other, so we occasionally hit one when we meant to hit the other.'

Read: Logitech Harmony 1000 universal remote control - CNET Asia

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From the comfort of your home you can have access to the numerous sources of audio on the internet, however, it is not always practical or convenient to have to source the media via your PC especially when you may be busy with one chore or another. The Tangent Quattro WiFi Internet Radio available from C.Crane is one option which "frees" you from your computer while offering the opportunity to explore the varied radio offerings that abound on the Web. 'With the Quattro you have a unique way to search over 5000 Internet radio stations -- by location AND genre. You can find anything from Jazz in Taiwan to news from Germany. You can also use the Quattro to wirelessly stream music and audio from your computer (PC and Mac), or connect your MP3 player to the audio-in and use the radio as a stand alone speaker. There’s no subscription fee and you don’t even have to turn on your computer. Broadband wireless (WiFi) network required. Weight: 4.5 lbs. Size: 8.25” W x 6.25” H x 4.5” D. Designed and developed in Denmark. Made in China.'Price $349.95.

Features:
• No Subscription Fees to Pay
•Plug and Play Simplicity
• Alphabetically Listed Channels
• Search by Country and/or Genre
• Supports Real Media, MP3 and WMA Compatible Formats
• Plays Music and Other Audio Files Stored on Your PC or Mac
• Clock with Alarm
• 802.11b and 802.11g Compatible
• Offers 128-bit (max) WEP Security
• Also Supports WPA Encryption (WPA1)
• 3.5 mm Aux IN Includes Support for MP3 Devices

Source: C.Crane

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A review of Creative's Live! Cam Optia AF webcam has been posted over at Reg Hardware. 'The Optia AF is Creative's 13th webcam branded under its Live! banner, but the first to feature both an auto-focus lens and a two-megapixel image sensor. Aesthetically, the Optia AF is a handsome piece of kit. The webcam's main body is jet-black with a multi-axis swivel that allows it to be tilted up and down by up to 270°, and turned to the left and right to a smaller extent. A blue LED band lights up around the webcam's left-hand edge to indicate when it's just been plugged into a USB port or is capturing an image. The camera clips onto a clear plastic stand which functions as monitor clip or base depending on where and how you wish to place it. A hinged clip folds out from underneath the base, but its 6cm depth and loose fit meant it sat uncomfortably on our Dell Inspiron 9400 laptop's screen and was prone to falling off. However, the rubber grips on the base meant it stayed securely on tables and CRT monitor.'

Read: Creative Live! Cam Optia AF webcam - Reg Hardware

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A review of the i-mate Momento 100 10.2-Inch Wireless Digital Picture Frame has been posted over at Pocket-Lint. 'i-Mate Momento 100 digital picture frame promises just that and a range of other connectivity options including setting up an RSS as well as allowing you to MMS or even email a message to your frame once you've signed up to the company's website. On show is a clear bright 10-inch display with a white and clear boarder. Tucked behind said border is a memory card reader capable of reading MMC, SD, xD, SmartMedia, and Memory Stick while a USB socket allows for images to also be viewed via the a USB drive.'

Read: i-Mate Momento 100 digital photo frame Review - Pocket-Lint

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Digital Trends have published a review of the Stanton T90 USB Turntable which facilitates the conversion of vinyl recordings to digital format. ‘The Stanton T.90 turntable is a flat-out gorgeous product. The folks in Stanton's design team really put some time and attention into the aesthetics of the T.90. Every inch of it is sleek, sexy, and worthy of being on display. The silver-and-black color scheme is perfect for integration with other audio equipment, home theaters, and computer-based recording stations. Even the glowing blue accent lights add a cool, high-tech look to an already superior turntable. The outer frame of the T.90 is made of handsome, aluminum-looking, high-grade molded plastic in order to reduce weight. The rest of the T.90 is metal and very, very solid. Despite the plastic frame, the T.90 weighs in at a sturdy 18 lbs. and 10 oz. It measures approximately 17" x 14.5" x 5.5", which makes it a bit larger than the average turntable. Still, it fits in quite well with related equipment.’

Read: Stanton T.90 – Digital Trends

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A review of a portable pair of Ezgear Ezvision video goggles has been posted over at Personal Computer world. ‘The Ezgear's Ezvision (UK branding of the Japanese iTheater video glasses) is a compact device that addresses some of these issues. In comparison to similar products, the Ezvision is reasonably portable and comes with a carry pouch, battery pack and AV adaptor for hooking up a source device. It’s easy to get things up and running, provided you have some knowledge of audio and video connections, and the built-in headphones do a great job of handling the sound.’

Read: Review: Ezgear Ezvision video glasses

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A review of the Microsoft Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player has been posted over at CNET Asia. ‘While the Sony PlayStation 3 may have an integrated Blu-ray player, Microsoft is doing its best to blunt that possible competitive advantage with a next-generation DVD player of its own for the Xbox 360. Dubbed simply Xbox 360 HD-DVD player, the fairly basic external drive connects to the Xbox 360 via a USB cable. Like the 360 itself, you can either stand the drive upright or lay it down horizontally. Whichever way you go, the whole outboard concept is a little awkward, but the drive's S$299 (US$190.23) price tag is quite reasonable considering that today's standalone HD-DVD players start at S$999 (US$635.58). Better yet, Microsoft is also throwing in an Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote.’

Read: Microsoft Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player – CNET Asia

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CNET have reviewed the Eclipse AVN2210p CD receiver which features a built-in a docking station for its included TomTom portable navigation device. 'Apart from the hard button used to switch between map and audio view, all of the navigation functions on the Eclipse AVN2210p are controlled using the TomTom Duo's touch screen. Due to its dual functionality, the navigation screen on the Eclipse AVN2210p is far smaller than those on other double-DIN-size in-dash units. However, this size restriction does not impede functionality as much as it might, and maps and menus remain legible thanks to the TomTom's bright and colorful graphics. For digital audio playback, the Eclipse AVN2210p makes use of the same rotary volume knob/four-way push-button selector as that in the Eclipse CD3100. Curiously, disc-based audio cannot be controlled via the LCD touch screen, but media played via the USB port can.'

Read: Eclipse AVN2210p - CNET

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PC Authority have published a review of the Terratec Noxon iRadio which plays MP3 and WMA audio formats at up to 320 kbps. ‘The iRadio is fairly attractive, but it shares the same screen as the Noxon 2 audio, which has poor viewing angles. The best visibility is head-on, which means you’ll need to place the unit on a shelf rather than on a desk or worktop. Other design niggles are that you can’t do away with the remote for the majority of the time – there are playback and navigation controls on the front of the unit, but there’s no way to search or enter a Wi-Fi security key without the alphanumeric keys on the remote.’

Features:
Wireless audio streaming via W-LAN - Ethernet connection inclusive
Internet Radio (over 1500 stations) even without a computer (vTuner.com)
Playback of protected music content (Microsoft DRM10)
Easy access to your music collection via UPnP (MP3/WMA)
Integrated speaker
Separate headphone output
Standards IEEE 802.11g, 802.11b, IEEE 802.3
54 Mbps max. transfer rate via WLAN
WPA and WEP encryption (64 bit / 128 bit)
EyeConnect Software from Elgato for Mac-Users vTwonkyvision MusicServer (Windows, MAC, Linux)

Read: Terratec Noxon iRadio – PC Authority

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Extreme Tech have published a review of the Lite-On LH-2B1S Blu-ray Burner. 'Blue laser hardware is gradually becoming more affordable. On the consumer side, Blu-ray players such as the Samsung BD-P1000 are starting to approach the $500 price point. HD-DVD players are dipping below $300 for 1080i units like the Toshiba HD-A2, and you can pick up a 1080P Toshiba HD-A20 for under $400.On the PC front, events have moved a little more slowly. Blu-ray burners have dropped in price by about a third. For example, the Sony BWU-100A we reviewed late last year initially weighed in at $750, but you can now find it for $599. The HD-DVD front for the PC has been somewhat slower to materialize. External HD-DVD drives from HP are available, as is the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive, which works fine on a PC. But both are HD-DVD ROM drives, not burners. The Toshiba SD-H903A internal HD-DVD burner has supposedly shipped, but you can't find it anywhere, and review samples from Toshiba haven't been available either.'

Read: Lite-On LH-2B1S Blu-ray Burner Review - Extreme Tech

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CNET have published a review of the Samsung 50" widescreen HP-T5064 plasma HDTV. ‘The HP-T5064 doesn't have the same kind of sculpted, aggressively high-tech look as Samsung's LN-T65F series of LCDs. Instead the squared-off corners and flat planes of its glossy black frame create a more traditional, albeit perfectly handsome, appearance. The swath of frame below the screen opens up into a long horizontal slit at its bottom edge, from which the sound of the otherwise hidden speakers emerges. Samsung does include the same kind of swivel stand found on its LCDs, which allows the panel to move up to 20 degrees in either direction. Including stand, the HP-T5064 measures 48.5 inches wide by 33.3 inches tall by 13 inches deep and weighs 97 pounds; without the stand, the panel comes in at about 48.5 inches tall by 31 inches wide by 3.5 inches deep and 91.4 pounds.’

Read: Samsung HP-T5064 - CNET

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The Hydraulic Manufacturing Company has announced improvements to their Kinetic Water Ram which uses a burst of compressed air that creates a shock wave (kinetic energy) that travels through the water to break up the stoppage. ‘The new Model-G Kinetic Water Ram has a redesigned triggering device that gives greater impact when the compressed air charge is released. In addition, the grip handle has been enlarged for a more comfortable operation. The tool has an attractive plated body and comes with a variety of accessories, including expansion plugs and a sturdy metal tool box.’

Read: Water Ram uses a shock wave to clear clogged drains. – Thomas Net

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