Handy Gadgets

Press Release

The world’s slimmest monochrome laser printer, ML-1630, and multifunctional printer, SCX-4500, blazes a new trail for the global printer industry beyond functional competitions and opens a design-centric printer era

Berlin, Germany – August 31, 2007 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world’s second largest laser printer manufacturer, today unveils the world’s slimmest monochrome laser printer ML-1630 and multifunctional printer SCX-4500. With a ‘grand-piano’ black and high-gloss finish, the compact printers exude a sense of luxury emphasizing personal style and value. For the first time in the printer industry, Samsung develops printers based not only on functions and performances but on sensibility.

“The world is wild about fine design,” said Mr. Junwon Bae, Senior Designer of Samsung’s Digital Printing Division. “In a world where consumers are looking for more than product functionality, Samsung has introduced an innovative product design and functionality that will further cement its position in the high-end printer market.” With their sleek and elegant form, the ML-1630 and the SCX-4500, reminiscent of a stately grand piano, inspire great performances. The ML-1630 and the SCX-4500’s combination of exquisite design and high performance truly exemplify a world wild about fine design.

Targeting savvy users who value individual style and design, ML-1630 and SCX-4500 accentuate sophisticated forms of minimalism by reducing the printer to its essentials and simultaneously incorporating an aesthetic stylishness. The new products that hide the form factor underneath and cover with a sleek and simple top panel were designed to draw consumers’ first attention. Moreover, the duo employ high quality materials to exude a ‘grand-piano’ black with high-gloss finish, and the blue LED scan process indicator and button-less sensors to highlight its simplicity. This uniqueness achieved convergence of simple lines and forms, culminating into minimal elegance. The world’s slimmest mono laser printer ML-1630 is only 11cm thick, the two thirds of the competition. Reducing the printer to its most fundamental features, Samsung accomplished the counterbalance between simple and sleek exterior and the printer’s high technology interior.

Despite their compact and slimmer size, compared to competitors, the Samsung ML-1630 and SCX-4500 still assure high qualities in their basic functions, providing most convenient environment to consumers. Reduced some unnecessary buttons and replaced with soft-touch sensors, the ML-1630 and SCX-4500 enable users to exercise the menu more conveniently and effectively. Also, users can easily clear a paper jam with the custom-designed semi-auto docking slide-out cassette.
“Samsung now takes the printer to an entirely new level of artistic refinement, above the technology and functional competition,” said Mr. Jang-jae Lee, Senior Vice President of Samsung’s Digital Printing Division. “With the desire for a product that offers more than just functionality, consumers search for products that are reflections of themselves. Therefore, product competitiveness no longer only draws from product functionality, but product sensibility and uniqueness. Highlighted by sophisticated image, our innovative new printers offer so much more than regular printers, which are often thought of as add-on equipment. Samsung will distinguish its new printers as luxurious icons of the global market by targeting individual consumers,” he added. More information on Samsung at IFA 2007 is available at www.samsung.com/ifapress

About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2006 parent company sales of US$63.4 billion and net income of US$8.5 billion. Employing approximately 138,000 people in 124 offices in 56 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business, Telecommunication Network Business and Digital Appliance Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs.

Posted by Admin at 10:29 PM | Permalink

Digital Trends have published a review of the compact Nespresso C185 Le Cube Espresso machine . 'The industrial design team at Nespresso seems to be as skilled and dedicated to excellence as the design team at Apple. The entire modern line of Nespresso machines is stunning in elegant simplicity. The overall design and form factor of the Le Cube machine is equally unparalleled. Shaped as a near perfect cube with curvacious metal edges, clear plastic gull-wing doors, sexy satin paint, and metallic accents, every cubic inch of the Le Cube is somehow put to good use. Even the product packaging, brochures, and the espresso capsules themselves are all expertly designed with beautiful colors, textures, etc. At Digital Trends, we have a massive selection of gadgets, electronics, and computers with stunning design — LG and Samsung televisions, Apple computers, and Audioengine speakers, just to name a few — and the Le Cube fits right in with the rest of the gorgeous hardware.'

Read: Nespresso Le Cube C185 - Digital Trends

Posted by Admin at 3:17 PM | Permalink

A review of Terratec’s Noxon 2 Radio for iPod has been posted over at Computeractive. 'The Noxon’s styling is reminiscent of a Mac Mini and the device comprises two units ­ the radio and associated electronics sit in a detachable box atop a speaker cabinet, with volume and tone controls at the rear. Pop an iPod into the universal dock and its content can be accessed, showing up on the brightness-adjustable LCD screen, and played while the iPod charges. An FM antenna is supplied for terrestrial radio, while another antenna picks up Wifi. All available networks show up on screen, so it’s a case of entering the appropriate security key to log on and browse the thousands of internet radio stations available.'

Read: Review: Terratec Noxon 2 Radio for iPod peripheral - Computeractive

Posted by Admin at 8:36 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Burton Lil Buddy speaker bag which comes with a detachable speaker system. ‘While the Lil Buddy has an inherent gimmick factor, Burton still goes the extra mile by giving it a sturdy construction and details such as a bottle-opener zipper pull, all-metal hardware, and a padded shoulder strap. The speaker system is tucked discreetly inside the bag's front pouch and uses a universally compatible stereo minijack cable connection. For those rare moments when you don't require a soundtrack for your liquid-fueled festivities, the speaker system can be detached from the bag by pulling it from its Velcro base.’

Read: Burton Lil Buddy - CNET

Posted by Admin at 11:15 AM | Permalink

A review of a pair of Sierra Sound iN Studio 5 Smart iPod-compatible speakers has been posted over at The Gadgeteer. 'All of the main connections are located on the Left speaker. Let's check out the back panel first, from top to bottom. In the upper Left corner, there is a small momentary push switch that let's you manually toggle through inputs (iPod, Aux1, and Aux2). Next to the input switch there is an up/down flip auto power switch. This switch will allow you to set the main power switch to the On position, but the system will power down when no signal is received after 15 minutes and will power up automatically when a signal is received. This is a nice feature because you can just flip the switch on the back and not need to grope blinding when you need to turn them off.'

Read: Sierra Sound iN Studio 5 Smart Speakers - The Gadgeteer

Posted by Admin at 12:47 PM | Permalink

Personal Computer World have published a review of the Compro Videomate E700 TV tuner which is a dual PCI-E DVB-T tuner card, which brings 2 high-quality main channels digital terrestrial TV watching on your desktop PC, and turns your computer into a home entertainment center by bringing digital TV viewing, power up scheduling, remote power on/off, and personal digital video recording (DVR) capabilities. 'Compro’s Videomate E700 is a dual DVB-T tuner card with power-up scheduling, SDTV / 1080i high resolution support and software that allows direct-to-disc recording. At 170mm by 70mm tall the E700 will fit a low profile media centre case using the alternate short back bracket provided. A standard co-ax socket for the aerial connection and a 2.5mm stereo jack socket for the IR remote sensor are the only external connectors.'

Read: Review: Compro Videomate E700 TV tuner

Posted by Admin at 12:29 PM | Permalink

Personal Computer World have published a review of the Yoggie Pico Pro which is a USB key-size security appliance designed to boost your PCs security capability. ‘The Yoggie Pico Pro includes 128MB of memory and a 520MHz Xscale CPU that runs dedicated security software, forming a barrier between your PC and the outside world. The Yoggie's dedicated processor runs all its security systems independently of your PC's CPU. This means all the time your PC would have spent running a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-phishing and anti-spam software, can now be spent on what is was supposed to be doing - running your programs.’

Read: Review: Yoggie Pico Pro security appliance – Personal Computer World

Posted by Admin at 11:14 AM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Yamaha NX-A01 One-Box Cubic stereo speaker (white) which is suited for use with the iPod and other portable audio players. 'The Yamaha NX-A01 speaker system might look like a cube of tofu, but it's actually a pixel-size powerhouse that cranks out unbelievable sound for its size. Measuring just 3.25 inches square, with a list price of $99 (around $60 street) the Yamaha NX-A01 is a marvel of engineering and a testament to Japanese ingenuity. Just like an apartment in Tokyo, the Yamaha NX-A01 is both extremely small and incredibly efficient. There are no gee-whiz features on the NX-A01, just an illuminated four-way rocker on the top that controls power, volume, and mute. Likewise, the back side of the NX-A01 has a minimal amount of connections: one jack for the power adapter and one for a stereo minijack cable input (a short cable is included).'

Read: LG 42LF66 42in LCD TV - Trusted Reviews

Posted by Admin at 12:19 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the rugged Roberts Terrain FM radio. ‘Bigger than small beer fridge (it measures 250 x 380 x 265mm), the FM, MW and LW radio certainly isn't something you are going to be sneaking in your pocket anytime soon. Carrying it around is via the heavy-duty carry handle that looks more like a bullbar on a 4x4 and everything is controlled via the two large knobs on the top and the even bigger tuning dial on the front. Finding radio stations is incredibly easy and the dial is good enough to be able to fine tune into the station you are after.’

Read: Roberts Terrain FM radio Review - Pocket-Lint

Posted by Admin at 10:42 PM | Permalink

A review of the LG 42LF66 42in LCD TV has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'With fellow Korean outfit Samsung setting the TV bar right now when it comes to balancing keen pricing with high performance levels, LG could really do with stepping up its game to keep the local rivalry strong. Especially as the continuation of such a competitive situation can only spell good news for us bargain-hunting AV punters. So let's keep everything crossed for LG's latest big-screen LCD TV, the 42in 42LF66. First impressions suggest that our hopes are going to be lived up to. The set's design, for instance, is a class act, partly because of the sheer glossiness of the bezel's finish, and partly because of the unusual slenderness of the chassis.'

Read: LG 42LF66 42in LCD TV - Trusted Reviews

Posted by Admin at 8:57 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the LeapFrog Fly Fusion Pentop computer. 'For those new to the digital-pen world, these handy gadgets take your handwritten notes and turn them into documents that you can then e-mail, print, and save. Designed for children ages 8 and older, the FLY Fusion does something not all digital pens/notetakers can do—it's able to read your handwriting and turn it into editable text (provided you have nice penmanship). I think that's absolutely brilliant! If only I'd had one of these back in my school days. In the box is the FLY Fusion pen, a mini USB cable for transferring files and charging, a notebook with special FLY Paper, the Fly World Application software, a cheat sheet that explains "FLYcons" (more on that later), and a booklet of games and brainteasers.'

Read: LeapFrog Fly Fusion Pentop Computer - PC Mag

Posted by Admin at 9:18 PM | Permalink

Press Release

New entry to the Energi To Go lineup offers iPod users extended play

ST. LOUIS, Aug 14, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Energizer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ENR), a global leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power, announced today the introduction of the Energizer (R) Energi To Go(TM) Portable Power for iPod. This battery-powered device will be available at retail nationwide this fall.

The Energizer Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod is powered by two Energizer(R) e2(R) Lithium(R) AA batteries. The device features a patented intelligent control chip that maximizes power transfer to the iPod. Its unique flip design allows it to function as a stand while charging and to be folded for easy storage. Sleek enough to complement the iconic styling of the iPod, the compact charger travels easily and is exceptionally lightweight.

In testing with Energizer e2 Lithium AA batteries, the Energizer Energi To Go charger provided more than 46 hours of music playback on the iPod nano and more than 32 hours of music playback on the iPod with video.

"For many consumers, digital music players are an essential," said Mike Rivard, Energizer General Manager, New Products. "They don't go anywhere without their iPods. This new Energizer Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod allows them to know that whether they're on a plane, at the beach, or anywhere in between, their music will keep going. And it features the kind of design that iPod owners appreciate and expect."

The Energizer Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod features a licensed Apple iPod tip and is adjustable so that it's compatible with iPod (with & without video) and iPod nano. The MSRP for Energizer Energi To Go iPod Portable Power Source is $29.99 and includes the charger and two Energizer e2 Lithium AA batteries.

Energizer Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod will be available at mass, drug, consumer electronics, and airport retailers this fall.

For maximum performance, Energizer recommends powering Energizer Energi To Go Portable Power for iPod with Energizer e2 Lithium batteries. Energizer e2 Lithium is the world's longest lasting AA battery in high tech devices.

The Energizer Energi To Go line also includes the Energizer Energi To Go Instant Cell Phone Charger, a portable battery-powered device that supplies power to the majority of today's wireless phones. The Instant Cell Phone Charger offers phone tip connectors to fit approximately 100 phone models across top manufacturers, and include most Nokia, Motorola, Sprint, LG, and Samsung cellular phones, as well as mini-USB devices such as the Razr, Blackberry, and Palm Treo. Its MRSP is $19.99.

Energizer markets and distributes Energi To Go. St. Louis-based Energizer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ENR) is one of the world's largest manufacturers and distributors of alkaline and lithium primary batteries, specialty and rechargeable batteries, and flashlights. Energizer is a global leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power. For more information on Energi To Go products, visit http://www.EnergiToGo.com

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Posted by Admin at 3:22 PM | Permalink

Press Release

GARDEN CITY, NY--- W.A.C. Lighting presents Crystal Beauty Spots, an innovative line of accent luminaires. W.A.C. Lighting is a manufacturing leader of track, recessed, undercabinet and monorail lighting.

W.A.C. Lighting’s Beauty Spots are singular decorative luminaires that combine a variety of hand-cut, hand-polished optical crystal shades with low voltage xenon lamps. Easily mounted on flat surfaces, the luminaires create bright splashes of light and eye-catching patterns on ceilings and walls. They can be strategically placed for general lighting to create a warm ambiance or draw attention to architectural features.

Colored crystals add a splash of color to complement other elements within the interior environment. Geometric crystals refract light to create beautiful striations on surfaces. Exhibiting clarity and brilliance, each adds a subtle luxurious lighting statement to the space. Beauty Spots are perfect for accent lighting in bedrooms, dining areas and smaller areas such as foyers and entryways.

Beauty Spots include three components—the optical crystal shade, canopy and remote transformer. The popular round style is offered in Clear, Amber, Blue, Red and Green. Square styles are offered in Clear and cylindrical in both Clear and Frosted. All are available in Chrome, Platinum and White finishes. The basic unit has a 2 3/4-inch diameter canopy with a socket for 20-watt low voltage xenon lamps, which are included.

Crystal Beauty Spots can be installed quickly and easily in any ceiling, wall surface or display. The housing simply slides into place and is suitable for direct contact with insulation (IC rated).

About W.A.C. Lighting

W.A.C. Lighting has developed a stellar reputation for a high quality product line backed by an extraordinary level of service. Superlative customer service features an unprecedented shipping record (96% of orders shipped within 48 hours), a state-of-the-art SAP software system; new service professionals; updated product literature (including a new full-size catalog), and a strong lineup of point-of-purchase displays.

The firm also offers extensive manufacturing capabilities, product development and engineering in its ISO 9001-certified, production facilities and offices in China, as well as a west coast distribution center and offices in City of Industry, Calif., an expanded corporate headquarters and east coast distribution center in Garden City, NY, and a new state-0f-the-art showroom in Dallas.

Innovative and integrated systems technology are hallmarks of the W.A.C. Lighting product line. Most recently the firm has introduced a new Bronze finish in its Low Voltage Monorail System and Counter Balance Adjustables family, stunning blown-glass pendants, Flexrail1- a new line voltage monorail system, new undercabinet lighting fixtures, and more. W.A.C. Lighting is headquartered at 615 South Street, Garden City, New York 11530. The phone is 1.800.526.2588, and the fax is 1.800.526.2585. The email address is info@waclighting.com and the website is www.waclighting.com

Posted by Admin at 4:25 PM | Permalink

A review of the Mio Digiwalker C320 satellite navigation device has been posted over at Computeractive. 'The Mio C320 is a sleek-looking, black unit that houses a clear and bright 4.3in touch-sensitive widescreen. The screen can be split into two, giving users the option to have the route displayed on one side while viewing speed, time, points of interest or route information on the other. It's something that may come in handy for those who don’t want to have to navigate out of the journey planner to view those details. The C320 uses a fast and accurate GPS receiver, which can pick up satellite signals at a decent rate, but since this chip is common among navigation units nowadays, we didn’t notice much of a difference when we turned the device on.'

Read: Review: Mio Digiwalker C320 satellite navigation - Computeractive

Posted by Admin at 12:12 PM | Permalink

Press Release

Mini Blu-ray discs deliver remarkable capacity for a wide range of HD video applications

OAKDALE, Minn., Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN), exclusive licensee of the "TDK Life on Record" recording media brand, today announced the global release of 8cm recordable Blu-ray Discs. Available in both BD-R (recordable) and BD-RE (re-recordable), each TDK 8cm Blu-ray Disc offers 7.5 gigabytes of capacity, ample to store 60 minutes of full-quality high-definition video. TDK BD-R (BD-R75A) and BD-RE (BD-RE75A) 8cm Blu-ray Discs will begin shipping in the U.S. in September at manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRPs) of $24.99 and $34.99, respectively. TDK Corporation manufactures these 8cm recordable Blu-ray Discs using TDK advanced technologies and supplies the product to Imation for sale under the TDK Life on Record brand.

"With the introduction of 8cm recordable Blu-ray Discs, we're once again extending the capabilities and performance of the Blu-ray format," commented Ron Zinke, vice president, Imation Consumer Division, Americas Region. "By capturing a full 60 minutes of 1080i HD video on remarkably convenient and durable media, TDK 8cm Blu-ray Discs give everyday camcorder users the same capabilities that until now have been exclusively enjoyed by professional videographers."

Following are highlights of TDK Life on Record brand 8cm Blu-ray Discs:

• Each disc is capable of storing 60 minutes of 1080i HD video for lifelike image quality. Users can experience incredible camcorder footage image quality on today's cutting-edge flat-panel display HDTVs.
• Industry-leading DURABIS 2 hard coating technology, developed by TDK Corporation, safeguards against potential contaminants such as scratches and fingerprints. Since the area of the laser spot on the Blu-ray Disc is small (about one-fifth that of DVD), scratches or dirt on the recording surface can have an especially detrimental effect, causing errors. DURABIS 2 overcomes the issue by offering significantly higher resistance to scratches, and exceptional resistance to dirt and grime (particularly fingerprint smudges). Especially because camcorder media is frequently handed, DURABIS 2 can be trusted for protection.
• Dual level gold matrix recording surface delivers superior light refraction and high efficiency storage as well as long term storage reliability. Composed of copper and silicon, TDK Corporation's exclusive CuSi recording material delivers remarkable, long-lasting performance. The recording material enables fast recording and playback speeds and also makes it possible to realize massive capacities through multi-layering.
• Although certain types of pens may damage the surfaces of other media, TDK 8cm Blu-ray Discs are specially designed for safe labeling with both oil- and water-based pens. Users can rest assured that their memories are safe and sound with TDK 8cm Blu-ray Discs.

TDK Corporation Technologies: Leading The New Blu-ray Disc Frontier

A leading innovator of recordable Blu-ray Disc media, TDK Corporation, a supplier of advanced optical products to Imation Corp, utilized its expertise to create the ideal discs for the emerging generation of Blu-ray based HD camcorders. By offering a full 60 minutes of HD recording time and capturing footage directly on removable optical media, TDK 8cm Blu-ray Discs provide unprecedented ease-of-use and performance capabilities to camcorder users. A TDK 8cm Blu-ray Disc can be removed from the camcorder and placed directly in a Blu-ray player for stunning video playback.

DURABIS is Durability

Because camcorder media is frequently handled in its day-to-day use, exceptional disc surface durability is required. TDK Corporation manufactures its 8cm Blu-ray Discs with DURABIS 2, an industry-leading coating. DURABIS 2 robustly protects the disc surface against common contaminants such as scratches and fingerprints to ensure reliable capturing and playback.

Exclusive Spin Coating Technology

During recording, the laser passes through a Blu-ray Disc's cover layer in its path to the recording layer. Absolute uniformity in the thickness of the cover layer is critical to ensuring precise laser tracking, which is required for reliable performance. TDK Corporation's exclusive spin coating technology, which TDK Corporation uses in the Blu-ray Discs it supplies to Imation, creates a cover layer with nano-precise smoothness, ensuring pure recording perfection.

About "TDK Life on Record" Brand Media

"TDK Life on Record" brand is a leading recording media brand worldwide. TDK's recording media business was acquired by Imation Corp in 2007. Imation holds the exclusive global license for the TDK Life on Record brand for recordable DVD and CD media, digital camcorder tapes, professional data storage solutions including LTO Ultrium media, and more.

About Imation Corp.

Imation Corp. is the only company in the world solely focused on the development, manufacture and supply of removable data storage products spanning the four pillars of magnetic, optical, flash and removable hard disk storage. With more than 50 years of data storage leadership beginning with the development of the world's first computer tape, in 2006 Imation proudly marked its 10th anniversary as an independent company. In addition to the Imation brand, Imation Corp.'s global brand portfolio includes the Memorex brand, one of the most widely recognized names in the consumer electronics industry, famous for the slogan, "Is it live or is it Memorex?" Imation is also the exclusive licensee of the TDK Life on Record brand, one of the world's leading recording media brands. Additional information about Imation and its brands is available at http://www.imation.com or by calling 1-888-466-3456.

Imation, the Imation logo, Durabis, Memorex and "Is it live or is it Memorex?" are trademarks of Imation Corp and its subsidiaries. The TDK Life on Record logo is a trademark of TDK Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE: Imation Corp

CONTACT: Franklyn Roth of FM Public Relations +1-631-385-1304 franklyn.roth@fm-group.net for Imation Corp. or Mary Rawlings-Taylor of Imation Corp. +1-651-704-6796 mjrawlings-taylor@imation.com

Posted by Admin at 10:19 PM | Permalink

Infosync World have published a review of the MyVu Personal Media Viewer eyewear which contain built-in video viewing and audio systems for high quality viewing. ‘The MyVu Personal Media Viewer is a small, lightweight visor, somewhat reminiscent of the contraption Geordie on Star Trek wore. It is thin enough that it gives you plenty of room to see over and under the unit. The earbuds dangle from the right spot on the arms, and the entire unit relies on a single cord that connects to the dock connector port on your iPod. We like that the unit draws power this way, which cuts down on cords and batteries, but could cause problems for battery performance on the iPod.’

Read: Review: MyVu Personal Media Viewer - Infosync World

Posted by Admin at 9:20 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Netgear SPH200D Dual Mode Cordless Phone with Skype which facilitates internet and landline calls on one cordless handset without the necessity to be connected to your PC. 'The Netgear SPH200D comes in three pieces. The largest item--a white box the size of an average cable or DSL modem--is the hub, and must be connected via its included Ethernet cable to a broadband modem, router, or switch/hub (we tested it with a pair of Netgear HDX101 powerline Ethernet adapters, for example). If you want to tap into your existing phone system, you'll need to have the hub close to a phone jack (there's a standard RJ-11 phone jack alongside the Ethernet port on the back of the hub). The box is powered by your typical oversize AC adapter, which can be a pain to deal with if your power strip is already full.'

Read: Netgear SPH200D - CNET

Posted by Admin at 10:58 PM | Permalink

A review of the Mophie Bevy iPod shuffle Keychain and Bottle Opener has been posted over at The Gadgeteer. 'The Bevy is only a $15 keychain, but it comes packaged in a plastic container with a cardboard insert and another plastic insert to hold the product in place. It just seems a bit too much in my opinion. The Bevy is a clear plastic shell surrounding a thick aluminum plate. This plate comes in 5 different colors including: Green Blue, Pink, Orange and Silver. Yes, these colors match those of the iPod shuffle. I was sent the Blue Bevy to test. The back side of the Bevy has an open cavity that can accept the iPod shuffle.'

Read: Mophie Bevy iPod shuffle Keychain and Bottle Opener - The Gadgeteer

Posted by Admin at 4:41 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the iStuff iCast FM transmitter which allows you to wirelessly play your tunes through any FM radio. ‘On the surface the iCast looks like any other FM transmitter, its small, connects to your iPod or MP3 player via the headphone jack and then transmits your signal (and therefore tunes) to a nearby radio that you've happened to have turned on. With car manufacturers only now just adding AUX in sockets to the car stereo and the FM transmitter becoming legal in the UK it's a good chance to get your tunes shared, but one of the biggest problems is fining a spare frequency to broadcast to.’

Read: iStuff iCast FM transmitter Review

Posted by Admin at 9:43 AM | Permalink

Provides Illuminated Protection, Advantages Over Competing Products By Using Proven PepperBall Technology

Press Release

San Diego – August 6, 2007 – PepperBall Technologies, Inc., the leading producer of less-lethal weapons solutions, continues to expand its product line with the PepperBall® FlashLauncher™, a compact use-of-force option for the law enforcement, private security, corrections and bail-enforcement markets. FlashLauncher can launch up to five PepperBall® projectiles with semi-automatic action and incorporates a working, high utility rechargeable flashlight in one product.

Upon launching FlashLauncher is designed to provide safe and effective results through painful impact and release of hot pepper powder from patented PepperBall projectiles. This combination is designed to stun and incapacitate would-be assailants giving authorized personnel tactical advantage, enhanced safety and a measured response.

According to Eric Wenaas, president and chief executive officer of PepperBall Technologies, Inc., FlashLauncher is ideal for use during nighttime traffic stops, perimeter patrols, or area searches where officers, guards, or agents need a less-lethal solution and a powerful light to illuminate an area while keeping their other hand free for use.

“The combination of a flashlight and PepperBall launcher allows law enforcement, corrections officers, private security guards and bail-enforcement agents to immediately respond to situations that can suddenly require use of force,” he said. “The same core technology used in FlashLauncher is also the choice for thousands of law enforcement agencies, security service providers, and private concerns around the world.”

FlashLauncher’s 80-lumen flashlight illuminates immediate surroundings such as the inside of corrections cells, dark rooms, perimeters and vehicles. Its focused beam also illuminates person-sized objects at the target-accurate range of 30 feet. This gives users the ability to quickly assess situations and more easily judge if launching is required. The unit also includes a laser sight to make targeting simple and accurate.

The compact FlashLauncher can be stored in a recharging unit mounted inside a patrol car, or at agency facilities.

FlashLauncher was designed to compete with other hand held less lethal products including pepper sprays and flashlight products which integrate pepper spray. FlashLauncher offers several advantages over these kinds of products, including:

• Extended range: FlashLauncher projectiles are target-accurate to 30 feet – up to twice the distance of pepper spray/flashlight products. FlashLauncher is effective at full range yet also safe for in-close encounters.
• Superior stopping power: FlashLauncher offers the effects of active agent pepper powder combined with the painful impact of 10-12 foot pounds of kinetic energy from each PepperBall projectile.
• Engagement of multiple suspects: Unlike many other less-lethal weapons, which can target only a single suspect, FlashLauncher can launch five high-stopping-power projectiles before the need to reload.

Wenaas said FlashLauncher was designed to meet the requests of customers for a PepperBall product combining a high-power flashlight in a hand-held configurati

“PepperBall has developed a track record as an effective tool in achieving compliance and giving users a defensive tactical advantage,” he said. “We have been providing less-lethal solutions for eight years, while some of our competitors are new to the industry.”

About PepperBall Technologies, Inc.

PepperBall Technologies, Inc. develops, manufactures and distributes the PepperBallâ brand line of less-lethal solutions. Products include a full line of PepperBall system launchers and projectiles, and PepperBall pepper spray. PepperBall’s thousands of users include the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the United States Border Patrol, police and sheriff’s departments in major United States cities, as well as private entities, security services companies, and bail enforcement agencies around the world. For more information on the FlashLauncher or other products offered by PepperBall Technologies, Inc., visit www.pepperball.com.

PepperBall and FlashLauncher are trademarks of PepperBall Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted by Admin at 12:21 PM | Permalink

A review of the USB Can Cooler And Warmer which is available from Brando , has been posted over at Notebook Review. ‘The device actually keeps beverages cold and if you’re a soda drinker who hates warm soda then you might want to consider purchasing the Cooler. The warm function does not work as well. I had to let the Warmer sit with nothing in it to feel any heat and once I put a can of soda in, nothing happened. The warmest it got was room temperature.But what if the drink was already hot? Well, that is almost impossible because the Can Cooler and Warmer only holds cans. And canned beverages rarely come warm and aren't meant to be warmed up inside the can.’

Read: USB Can Cooler and Warmer – Notebook Review

Posted by Admin at 7:48 AM | Permalink

A review of the Sound ID SM100 Bluetooth headset has been posted over at Laptop Magazine. 'The SM100 comes with three rubber ear tips and small earloops that help stabilize the headset in your ear. The combination makes for a good fit and stays put without the use of an uncomfortable plastic hook. As with in-ear stereo ear buds, you'll need to clean the SM100's tip periodically, but that's the only downside; you can wear this headset all day without discomfort. The unit also has dedicated buttons for Volume Up, Volume Down, Call Answer/End and a separate button for adjusting the sound modes. The SM100's NoiseNavigation and PersonalSound circuitry make the other party's voice in your ear clearer and louder without increasing background noise.'

Read: Sound ID SM100 EarModule - Laptop Mag

Posted by Admin at 3:42 PM | Permalink

Latest Addition to Existing SteREO Family Redefines Stereomicroscopy with a 20:1 Zoom Ratio

Press Release

Thornwood/NY, 07/17/2007. Carl Zeiss MicroImaging Inc., a leading provider of microscopy solutions for a variety of research, clinical and industrial applications, introduces the SteREO Discovery.V20 stereomicroscope, ideal for dissection and documentation, research and development, and quality assurance applications in a number of industries.

The optical performance of the SteREO Discovery.V20 boasts the largest available field of view (23 mm at 10x), the highest available zoom range (20 to 1) and the highest available resolution in the industry, all combined in one stereomicroscope. These features allow users to visualize both large specimen and their small details on a single microscope without needing to change objectives or eyepieces.

Delivering a substantially greater depth of field than other stereomicroscopes, the Discovery.V20 also provides users the opportunity to view and measure well-resolved object details with greater ease and accuracy. Thanks to the step motor control of the zoom optics, the stereomicroscope enables continuous increases in magnification with precise zoom levels to create a well-defined, high contrast image throughout the entire zoom range.

The System Control Panel (SyCoP) puts all major microscope functions at the user’s fingertips, allowing for fast changeover between zoom/focus/illumination functions and displays for total magnification, object field, resolution, depth of field and Z position. Special care has been taken to ensure that the system meets the ergonomic demands of users who spend long hours working with the Discovery.V20.

The Discovery.V20 is fully integrated into ZEISS’ modular SteREO Discovery system and compatible with all STEREO components. The microscope can be combined with the AxioCam digital camera and the AxioVision image analysis and evaluation software for a powerful, complete image recording and analysis system.

About Carl Zeiss MicroImaging, Inc.

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging, Inc, a subsidiary of Carl Zeiss, Inc., offers microscopy solutions and systems for research, laboratories, routine and industrial applications, as well as spectral sensors for the healthcare and clinical markets. Since 1846, Carl Zeiss has remained committed to enabling science and technology to go beyond what man can see. Today, Carl Zeiss is a global leader in the optical and opto-electronic industries. With 11,249 current employees in the Group and offices in over 30 countries, Carl Zeiss is represented in more than 100 countries with production centers in Europe, North America, Central America and Asia. For more information on the breadth of solutions offered by Carl Zeiss MicroImaging

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