Handy Gadgets

GadgetNutz have published a review of the Soda Club Home Soda Maker. 'My Sample unit was the “Edition 1” model. It is very sleek and futuristic looking with a brushed silver design with black accents. The machine is very lightweight and has few moving parts – which is a good thing. The Soda maker gets its “juice” from an included co2 cartridge. Just pop off the back and slide the CO2 cartridge into the holder. The cartridge screws in securely and then the back is replaced. There is a button on the front which pushes the “tilt level” to allow the user to attach one of the included wide-mouth plastic bottles. Also on the front is a plastic nozzle that goes inside the bottle (I’ll explain that below.) On the very top is a large “carbonating button” that you push when you are ready to make soda. All in all, there are very few moving parts, everything is sturdy and there is no electricity needed.'

Read: Soda Club Soda Maker Review - GadgetNutz.com

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 12:25 PM | Permalink

The Gadgeteer have published a review of the Thrane BGAN Explorer 500 Satellite Terminal which features simultaneous voice and data communication, high speed data transfer of up to 464 kbps and support for streaming video or audio at up to 128 kbps. 'The Explorer 500 is a small, lightweight device that includes all the necessary hardware built right in. The antenna, modem, battery, and electronics are all integrated into a small package. How small, you ask? 8.6 x 8.5 x 2.1 inches, with a weight of around 3 lbs. A little bigger then a hardback book, this unit is designed for people on the go, that need a high speed (Broadband) connection to the internet. That might include field reporters, IT techs, military personal, and emergency rescue/relief teams, to name a few.'

Read: Thrane BGAN Explorer 500 Satellite Terminal - The Gadgeteer

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:25 PM | Permalink

A review of the Ziszor Handheld Paper Shredder has been posted over at I4U News. 'There is really no set up before you use the Ziszor handheld shredder other than putting in the batteries. Once installed you use the switch on the handle of the shredder to control the forward and backwards motion of paper in the shredder. I found that many envelopes with credit card offers that I receive are too thick to shred without opening them up. The shredder is sized for envelopes and folded paper. You will need to fold up full size sheets of paper to get them to fit in the shredder slot. I don’t really see most people using the shredder bags that ship with the shredder. They don’t hold much and while they can be reused after the three that come with the device are done most will use a grocery bag or simply shred over the trash can.'

Read: Ziszor Handheld Paper Shredder Review - I4U News

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:42 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the Xerox Phaser 6130/N laser printer. ‘At just 38 pounds and 15.3 by 15.8 by 15.5 inches (HWD), the 6130/N is unusually small and lightweight for a color laser. But although that makes finding room for it somewhat easier, this printer is still a little too imposing for me to want it sitting on my desk. Physical setup is generally typical for a low-end color laser. You remove the packing materials, load paper, plug in the cable and power cord, and install the software. Removing the packing materials, however, takes a bit more work than with most lasers. Unlike with most, you have to open the front cover, so that it lies flat, remove a relatively heavy imaging unit, pull eight restraining ribbons, and reinsert the unit.’

Read: Xerox Phaser 6130/N - PC Mag

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 2:48 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Cambridge SoundWorks i765 Dual Alarm Clock Radio with iPhone/iPod compatible dock. 'The conservatively styled gray and black radio has a sturdy and solid feel and is 5 inches tall by 14 inches wide by 10 inches deep and weighs 13 pounds. Except for the Snooze/Mute button and iPod dock on the otherwise bare topside, all of the i765's controls are located on its front panel. CDs and DVDs load through a slot just above the large, 32-character LCD readout that sits above two clusters of eight buttons. The buttons are tiny, identical size, and shaped so that they're hard to see in low light. The display is linked to a light sensor that dims to eliminate glare in dark rooms. The centered knob controls volume by default, but clicking the nearby jog key, the knob toggles through a variety of other functions including bass, treble, and loudness tone controls. The loudness circuit boosted bass at low to moderate listening volume to create a rich, warm sound balance.'

Read: Cambridge SoundWorks i765 - CNET

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:13 PM | Permalink

Press Release

STRETCHABLE, SEAMLESS AND ATTRACTIVE

A new line of stretchable vacuum cleaner hose for OEMs that can be supplied in several stretch ratios, sizes, and colors, with streamlined, shuttle molded end fittings is being introduced by Flexaust of Warsaw, Indiana.

Flexaust Dayflex® MG-Stretch is a seamless, extruded and overlapped vacuum cleaner hose that features 3:1 or 5:1 stretch ratios, depending upon size and construction. Designed to OEM specifications, it is available in PVC or urethane and PVC blended compounds with coated wire to meet manufacturer’s requirements for stretchability, chemical-, and abrasion-resistance.

Available in 1-1/4” to 2” I.D. sizes and lengths to 50 ft., Flexaust Dayflex® MG-Stretch is offered in standard clear, gray, and black, but can be compounded to match OEM colors and equipped with shuttle molded cuffs or end fittings. Ideally suited for on-board tool applications in floor care products, this hose meets ASTM 450 STD test methods and is RoHS compliant.

Flexaust Dayflex® MG-Stretch is priced from $ 1.75 per ft., depending upon size, construction, and quantity. Literature, pricing, and samples are provided upon request. Website: www.flexaust.com

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 2:02 PM | Permalink

A review of the Mio DigiWalker C620T satellite navigation device has been posted over at the Register Hardware. 'The C620 comes pre-loaded with Tele-Atlas maps for 22 Western European countries, and also has Bluetooth for hands-free calling and A2DP stereo streaming - yes, there's a built in MP3 player, along with a picture viewer and a contacts book. It comes with a year's worth of free speed camera updates via the Mio website. The base unit also has 2GB of memory and an SD/MMC slot. Mio claims the C620 will run for two hours on full charge, a claim we found to be almost spot on.'

Read: Mio DigiWalker C620T true 3D satnav - Register Hardware

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:17 PM | Permalink

Technology Review have published a review of the upgraded Apple TV set top box. 'The latest incarnation of Apple TV, a white box the size of a hardback book that connects to your TV, is an attractive alternative to the usual ways we get our video content, even if it still has room for improvement. When it launched in March last year, Apple TV was mainly a way for users to get their iTunes content to play on the TV. You could buy movies on the computer, then transfer them to Apple TV, a slow process and hardly worth it. The movies were expensive and of poor visual quality. A few months later, Apple Inc. gave the box direct access to YouTube videos, instantly making it more entertaining.'

Read: Review: Upgraded Apple TV is one-stop movie box, but rental terms rankle - TechnologyReview.com

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:18 PM | Permalink

Press Release

Company Applies Leadership in Software-Defined, Multiband Tactical Radios to Growing Market for Emergency Communications

ROCHESTER, NY, February 13, 2008 — Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, today introduced the first multiband land mobile radio that provides real-time interoperable communications for the growing federal public safety and homeland security market. Public safety communications interoperability has been identified by Congress, the National Governor's Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the 9/11 Commission as an urgent national priority and is a principal focus of the Department of Homeland Security.

"The Harris Land Mobile Radio allows federal agency personnel to talk to first responders and homeland security personnel — whenever they need to — without having to carry multiple radios," said Dana Mehnert, president, Harris RF Communications. "By enabling communications interoperability, our customers are much better equipped to effectively coordinate emergency response and joint operations.

"The federal agency market for land mobile radios is a natural expansion into an adjacent market, a market we believe is more than $600 million and growing. Expanding into adjacent markets is one of our core strategies. We will continue to invest in new product development and apply our extensive experience with defense and government customers throughout the world to broaden our opportunities."

The new Harris RF-1033M land mobile radio is the first product to provide homeland security and other public safety officials with direct, secure multi-agency communications across multiple frequency bands. The radio covers VHF and UHF frequency bands, providing true multiband, multimission capabilities for public safety communications.

Land mobile radios today are limited to single frequency bands, making it difficult for federal agencies and local public safety officials to talk to each other — a problem highlighted during national emergencies such as the San Diego wildfires and Hurricane Katrina. Interoperability today is typically obtained only through an ancillary system of equipment.

The new radio is compliant with APCO Project 25, the technical standard for digital public safety radio communications developed by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials. Because the new Harris Land Mobile Radio is software-defined, it is adaptable to evolving technical standards and changing mission requirements. The radio leverages Harris leadership in software-defined, multiband handheld communication products, which are used extensively around the world.

Harris RF Communications is the leading supplier of secure voice and data communications products, systems, and networks to military, government, and commercial organizations worldwide

About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has annual revenue of almost $5 billion and 16,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications™ products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com

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Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:36 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Sony Wireless Transmitter/Headphones for iPod or cell phone. 'The DR-BT22's right earphone packs in all the headset's notable features. On the outer side, there's a mic, a multifunction call button, and a power key. Around the edges, you'll find rockers for volume and track shuttling, as well as dual LEDs that indicate the headset's current mode. Volume works with anything and is controlled only on the headset itself, rather than on the device. The track shuttle buttons should work with any device that is A2DP-compatible, which includes many cell phones and select MP3 players such as the Insignia Pilot.'

Read: Sony DR-BT22IK Wireless Headset w/ Transmitter - CNET

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 3:50 PM | Permalink

A review of the Jabra Communications BT3030 “Dog Tag design” Bluetooth headset has been posted over at the Digital Reviews Network. ‘The BT3030 comes with the in-canal type earbuds which are fairly effective in filtering out background noise. The sound quality that comes through is quite clear for voice calls. However when playing music, the range coming through the earbuds were lacking in bass and sounded thin. Replacing the bundled earbuds with my mid-range Sony earpieces improved the music sound quality slightly but it was certainly was not on the level of sound reproduction that I would normally accept - and I am no audiophile.’

Read: Jabra BT3030 "Dog Tags" – Reviewed - Digital Reviews Network

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:30 PM | Permalink

GadgetNutz have published a review of the COM One Phoenix WiFi Radio which allows you to listen to internet radio without the need for a computer. 'The first thing I noticed about the Com One Phoenix WiFi Radio was how simple it looked an how solid and light it felt. The Phoenix Wi-Fi radio is understated and simple in design. White molded plastic with an LCD screen in the middle surrounded by two small speakers.Under the screen are two knobs – a navigation pad and a volume control. Under that lie preset keys and a “home” and “bookmark” button.On the back you find a jack to connect the included power adapter – which also charges the included rechargeable batteries. Next to that are an audio out jack (for connecting to a stereo system or headphones,) a reset button and a USB adapter. The USB adapter was curious, but one cool thing about this radio is that you can load in a USB key or MP3 player and play the music through the Phoenix radio.'

Read: Com One Phoenix Wi-Fi Radio Review - GadgetNutz.com

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:59 PM | Permalink

Auto Express have published a review of ten car roof boxes. 'Rocketing fuel prices and the desire to shrink our carbon footprint has led more of us to downsize our cars. It is little hardship – until holiday time, when it's not so easy to shrink your luggage. One solution is to fit a roofbox, as these can turn virtually any car into a large saloon or estate – but only when you need the extra space. Designs have improved in recent times, with boxes being better made and, importantly, easier to fit. The days of stretching across the roof trying to line up U-bolts and wing nuts are limited, as increasing numbers of boxes now open from both sides, allowing easy access all round. So going green and on holiday is possible, but which is the box to keep your carbon footprint in check?'

Read: Roof Boxes - Auto Express

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:06 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Canon PIXMA MP970 All-in-One machine. 'At first glance the MP970 appears to have no control panel, but it's actually set into the lid of the scanner. A panel flips up to reveal an 88mm LCD display, 20mm bigger across the diagonal than the MP610's. We're not convinced about the positioning of the controls, because if you lift the scanner lid with the control panel open it can be cumbersome. The lid of the scanner has a removable underside, which reveals an illuminated strip for scanning transparencies. There's a transparency and film holder in there, too, which you can lay on the flatbed to help with these high resolution scans. This is something the MP610 doesn't have, though the maximum scan resolution is the same on both machines.'

Read: Canon PIXMA MP970 All-in-One - Trusted Reviews

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:28 PM | Permalink

GadgetNutz have published a review of the Slingbox Solo. ‘Founded in 2004, Sling Media, Inc. is a different kind of consumer electronics company - one that's working to demystify convergence technologies and to create empowering experiences for the digital media consumer. The focus of Sling Media is to embrace - not replace - existing products and standards by enhancing them with hardware and software that make divergent technologies compatible and greatly improve the consumer experience. Because, after all, can't we all just get along?! Sling Media's first product, internationally acclaimed, Emmy award-winning Slingbox™, has literally transformed the way we are able to watch TV. The Slingbox turns any Internet-connected PC or laptop, Mac, or smartphone into your home television. That means you can watch TV virtually anywhere in the world. Sling Media's innovative SlingPlayer™ software connects users on all types of computing platforms to their Slingbox which then gives them complete control over their living room TV. The Slingbox gives customers the ability to control any Audio/Video device including analog cable, a digital cable box, satellite receiver, digital video recorder (DVR) a DVD player or even a still video camera. The SlingPlayer applications are fully compatible with all Slingboxes sold today.’

Read: Slingbox Solo Review - GadgetNutz.com

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 3:16 PM | Permalink

Press Release

AS3532 includes audio processing engines, normally used only in high performance home audio and PC sound cards, to support high definition audio and to deliver unprecedented sub 5mW low power consumption for all popular compressed audio formats

austriamicrosystems (SWX:AMS), a leading global designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs for communications, industrial, medical and automotive applications, announces the first member of a new family of media player ICs based on innovative IP aimed at bridging the gap between the audio experience of music phones and Hi-Fi home audio devices.

The AS3532 is an innovative music player subsystem whose core is based on a newly developed audio engine and audio post-processor which act as co-processors to an ARM central programmable unit. The audio engine, in a fully hardwired context, executes the decompression and playback of most popular compressed audio formats, like MP3, WMA and AAC for the least amount of power consumption with zero CPU load.

The audio post-processor implements an Asynchronous Sample Rate Converter (ASRC) with near transparent quality, a multi-channel mixer with limiting function and a 10 bands graphics equalizer and supports 192 KHz sample rates at 24 bits dynamic range for high definition audio processing. Three sets of I²S outputs can independently control stereo speakers, subwoofer and headphone or line outputs; these can also be utilized as multi-channel audio outputs. The AS3532 audio subsystem additionally includes a stereo PDM digital microphone input thereby completing all audio requirements for new generation mobile phones.

Interfaces included in the AS3532 can support either peer mode to a baseband phone IC or a “Black Box” companion music sub-system. In the latter case, the IC provides direct support for latest generation removable and embedded flash memory types with 4/8/16-bit hardware ECC, for MLC NAND Flash, iNAND, LBA NAND, moviNAND, oneNAND and removable card formats like SD2.0, MMC+, CE-ATA, MS PRO and CF.

An on-chip 512Kbytes buffer memory in the AS3532 music player IC allows single chip support of all key audio formats, compressed, lossless and high definition, polyphonic sequenced content, wavetable synthesizer, 3D positional sound, virtualizer engines and other digital audio effects. The AS3532 is complemented by a comprehensive software suite that has matured over three generations of products delivered in the multimedia player market. The SDK has passed the stringent test criteria of the Certified for Windows Vista program for downloadable content.

Roberto Simmarano, Senior Marketing Director Business Unit Communications at austriamicrosystems, commented, “Home Entertainment devices, such as DVD, CD and most recently Blue Ray HD players, set expectations for the entertainment experience of users that quickly become points of no return.
As file storage and communications bandwidth have become less expensive and more readily available, lossless audio formats which are a bit perfect representation of the original master source have become ever more popular, because people want to maintain a permanent archive of their high quality audio files. AS3532 offers full lossless audio format support making it the perfect hardware platform to realize these consumer demands in the mobile phone environment.

Current portable media and music phones compromise the audio experience for the sake of appealing form factors and acceptable playtime. The AS3532 will enable consumers to enjoy the same immersive, high quality audio experience of their home audio devices on their portable gear yet with an exceptional threefold increase in playtime compared to current generation portable music devices.”

The AS3532 is sampled to lead prospects in a 6x6mm CTBGA package. Depending on the mobile phone architecture, austriamicrosystems also offers a matching high definition integrated audio front-end and power management component which can be provided in the same 6x6 CTBGA package.

About austriamicrosystems
austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs, combining more than 25 years of analog design capabilities and system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities. austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating worldwide with more than 1,000 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces, portable audio and car access in its markets Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive, complemented by its Full Service Foundry activities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS). For more information, please visit the web site at www.austriamicrosystems.com

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:13 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the DC24 Dyson Ball "Mini-Me" vacuum cleaner. 'We used the DC24 on carpet, floorboards and slate and cleaned a series of dirts such as flour, dog hair and even garden dirt. Like the DC15 the manoeuvrability is impressive with the claim of being able to turn on a sixpence being true. Drawbacks we found however are the size of the bin, something that shouldn't bother you if you are only cleaning a small flat and a fiddly hand wand set-up that requires you to construct it every time rather than as with the bigger model just extend it. However, where the DC24 outperforms the regular-sized DC15 is in its size and weight. It weighs 5.4kg.'

Read: DC24 Dyson Ball vacuum cleaner review - Pocket-Lint

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:14 PM | Permalink

Press Release

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Energizer is helping home owners see the dark in a new light by launching the Energizer(R) Light on Demand(TM) line. The first-of-its-kind home lighting product line provides continual lighting by brightening homes on a day-to-day basis, but also stays on when the power goes out. The line is made up of seven different products, each of which uses a unique light stick that is battery operated and can stay on when normal electricity goes out. Energizer (R) Light on Demand(TM) products are easy to install, energy-efficient and affordable, offering a variety of home lighting solutions for any room in the house.

The Energizer (R) Light on Demand(TM) line was developed based on consumer research, which found a growing demand for products that work everyday, as well as in an emergency, such as when standard electricity goes out. Through research, Energizer also found that millions of people suffer from power outages each year, which creates a lot of frustration and lighting concerns for homeowners. This new home lighting line satisfies consumers' needs by providing a solution to ensure home owners won't be left in the dark during the next power outage.

"Nearly 16 million people(1) struggled with power outages last year according to the Emergency Information Administration," said Miles Faust, general manager, Lighting Products, Energizer. "Our research indicates consumers want more from their lighting products. The Energizer (R) Light on Demand(TM) line will help people feel safer when the power goes out and removes the need to search blindly for a flashlight or matches to light candles.

How Energizer(R) Light on Demand(TM) Works:

Energizer(R) Light on Demand(TM) is a first-of-its-kind home and emergency lighting product line which provides light for everyday home use and also doubles as emergency lighting during power outages. At the heart of each Energizer(R) Light on Demand(TM) product is a removable light stick, which is equipped with internal, rechargeable batteries. The lights can function in their specific product, but also are detachable and can serve as an area light and/or flashlight when the power goes out, providing continual, emergency lighting.

Many of the products in the line plug into the wall for day-to-day use and will automatically default to backup battery operation when standard power goes out. The few that do not plug into a wall come with a charging base where the light stick can be charged. In the event of a prolonged outage, regular alkaline batteries can be used in any of the light sticks.

The line also features energy-efficient LED technology, which is over five times more efficient than regular incandescent bulbs at one third the energy cost. In fact, most Energizer(R) Light on Demand(TM) products received Energy Star approval meaning it meets strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy. The products' LED lights are safe and cool to the touch, virtually unbreakable and never need replacing.

Available nationwide, the Energizer(R) Light on Demand(TM) home lighting line features products meeting the following needs -- Everyday Lighting, Cordless Lighting and Emergency Lighting. Current offerings include:

Everyday Lighting

Ideal for various locations in the house, the everyday lighting series offers versatile lighting with backup rechargeable batteries that default when the power goes out. Each light also features a "Find Me" light that turns on instantly when the power goes out for easy accessibility.
-- Desk Light: A contemporary lighting option ideal for any room in the house, the Desk Light is a lamp, rechargeable light stick and emergency light in one. It offers a clean, bright light for work or reading and plugs directly into an outlet for standard power. The area light can last up to 20 hours in emergency situations and works well in office spaces, workspaces and bedrooms.
-- Tabletop Nightlight: Sleek in appearance, the Tabletop Nightlight has an auto light that comes on when it gets dark. The light stick can be removed from the stand to double as an area light or flashlight. Ideal in many rooms such as kids' and family rooms, as well as hallways and bathrooms.
-- Wallplate Nightlight: The Wallplate Nightlight plugs directly in the wall and features a plug-in, rechargeable light stick, as well as two open outlets that remain functional while the light is in use. The Wallplate Nightlight automatically turns on when the room darkens. The light stick can be removed from the base to double as an area light or flashlight. The Wallplate Nightlight functions in many types of rooms throughout the house, such as hallways, entry rooms and kitchens.

Cordless Lighting

The cordless lighting products are easy to mount and require absolutely no wiring or the service of an electrician. Both products come with a removable light stick that can be used as a portable light should the power go out.
-- Motion Light: Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, the motion light remains off in bright areas, and turns on when it detects movement up to 16 feet away when little to no light is available. The Motion Light comes with one light stick that is inserted into the light for operation and a recharging base for when the battery runs low. Easy to install, the motion light is ideal for entryways, stairways, closets, attics and many other areas of the home, and can double as a flashlight that lasts up to five hours in emergency situations.
-- Wall Sconce: Designed for intermittent use and perfect for accent lighting in hallways, entryways or many other areas of the house, the Wall Sconce mounts easily with no wiring or the service of an electrician required. The product features one rechargeable light stick, which is inserted into the product's base to operate the light. It can be recharged on a dock that plugs into an electrical outlet. In the event of an emergency, the light stick may be removed for portable lighting lasting up to 10 hours before needing to be recharged. The sconce is available in two finishes: brushed nickel and polished brass.

Emergency Lighting

Providing added peace of mind in the event of a power outage, the emergency lighting products combine functionality with versatility. Each product is equipped with backup rechargeable batteries that default when the power goes out. In addition, each light features a "Find Me" light that turns on instantly when the power goes out for easy accessibility.
-- Twin Light Center: Easy to mount on a wall, under a cabinet or place on a countertop, the Twin Light Center is a versatile home lighting system combining two detachable lights and a permanent nightlight on the base. One of the detachable lights can function as an area light or flashlight and the other serves as an area light. The light center plugs into the wall for everyday use and defaults to rechargeable batteries in the instance standard electricity is cut off. During power outages, a "Find Me" light turns on instantly to help locate the light center.
-- All-in-One Light Center: Combining functionality with versatility, the All-in-One Light center features four detachable area lights with one charging base. The lights can function as area lights, flashlights and nightlights. The light center plugs into the wall for everyday use and defaults to rechargeable batteries in the instance standard electricity is cut off. During power outages, a "Find Me" light turns on instantly to help locate the light center. Three of the Energizer(R) Light on Demand(TM) sticks can be removed to function as portable area lights and the fourth stick can function as an area light or a flashlight. The center offers two light settings -- high and low.

Energizer(R) Light on Demand(TM) products will be available nationally in February 2008 at Target. The line will also be sold at several other major retail stores in late spring/early summer. For more information on Energizer(R) Light on Demand(TM), visit http://www.lightondemand.com or http://www.energizer.com.

About Energizer:
Energizer Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ENR), http://www.energizer.com, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of primary batteries, battery-powered devices and flashlights. Energizer, a global leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power geared toward the new digital age, offers a full portfolio of products including the Energizer(R) MAX(R) premium alkaline brand; Energizer(R) e2(R) Lithium(R) and Energizer(R) e2(R) Titanium Technology(R) performance brands; Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable batteries and chargers.

The Energizer(R) product line also includes specialty batteries for hearing aids, health and fitness devices, as well as for keyless remote entry systems, watches and other uses. Through its flashlight and lighting products unit, Energizer helps bring consumer insight and innovation to these important household devices. Energizer continues its role as a technology leader as it launches Energizer(R) Energi To Go(R), portable battery-driven power packs for cell phones, portable games and audio devices. Website: http://www.energizer.com

For more information, contact: Agatha Thaller, 314-552-6785 athaller@webershandwick.com

Susanne Reimer, 314-552-6754 sreimer@webershandwick.com

Jackie Burwitz, 314-985-2169 jacquelinee.burwitz@energizer.com

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:20 PM | Permalink

Press Release

MINNEAPOLIS—(January 29, 2008)—Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC), a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions that create a cleaner, safer world, today introduces its S30 Mid-size Rider Sweeper. Through a number of industry-leading innovations, the S30 delivers unprecedented performance and value in both indoor and outdoor environments.

“The Tennant S30 was designed with direct customer input to ensure it delivers exactly what our customers want and need when it comes to large-area sweeping and dust control,” said Steven Coopersmith, vice president of global marketing for Tennant Company. “A reliable and durable machine, the S30 offers the industrial marketplace an opportunity to improve productivity, performance and safety while reducing operating costs.”

Specific S30 innovations and product attributes include:

• SweepSmart™—a three-stage dust filtration and control system that filters sub-micron dust particles with a nanofiber canister filter to create cleaner air and improve sweeping results;
• II-Speed™ Sweeping—a multi-speed main brush control that allows the operator to increase main brush, side brush and vacuum speeds up to 20 percent for more effective debris removal;
• Touch-N-Go™ Control Panel with 1-STEP™ Sweeping—a simple one-push start button that remembers previous settings to increase productivity and ease-of-use;
• EasyOpen™ Access—an easy-to-access engine, hydraulics and parts for quick servicing and improved productivity through reduced downtime;
• Cab Forward ErgoSpace™ Compartment—an ergonomically designed operator compartment that improves operator and facility safety by improving operator comfort and visibility;
• Quiet Operation—the S30 operates at just 80 dBA, the lowest noise level for an engine-powered sweeper in this class, reducing operator fatigue and improving air quality; and
• Four-Wheel Drive—a four-wheel stance and rear suspension, large tires that improve stability and ensure safety when moving between various indoor and outdoor sweeping surfaces.

According to Coopersmith, Tennant’s patent-pending three-stage SweepSmart system is at the core of the S30’s ability to deliver such superior cleaning results. A first-stage Perma-Filter™ keeps bulky debris and dirt in the hopper and out of the filtration system. A second-stage cyclonic filter system removes the majority of fine dust and moisture by directing it into the hopper. A third-stage fire-retardant, nanofiber canister filter traps dust particles down to just .5 microns at 99 percent efficiency.

“At Tennant Company, we don’t just want to develop machines, we want to develop solutions and innovative technologies that exceed our customers’ expectations and improve cleanliness, productivity and safety,” he said. “SweepSmart is an example of a Tennant Company-developed technology that is making a difference for our customers.”

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor sweeping in light and heavy manufacturing environments, warehousing, schools, and municipalities, the Tennant S30 includes dual side brushes which, combined with a 14-cubic foot (395 L) hopper, offer a single-path cleaning path up to 80 inches (2,030 mm).

About Tennant
Engineered by Tennant Company, Tennant-branded products help cleaning professionals be leaders in creating healthy, safe, and attractive environments. Tennant is recognized as a world-leading manufacturer of indoor and outdoor cleaning solutions and specialty coatings. Tennant's industrial and commercial sweepers, scrubbers, coatings, detergents, carpet cleaning equipment, vacuums, floor machines, burnishers and more deliver award-winning cleaning solutions to a number of industries, including education, healthcare, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, warehousing, and government. For more information on Tennant, visit www.TennantCo.com.

About Tennant Company
Minneapolis-based Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC) is a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions that help create a cleaner, safer world. Marketed under the Tennant® and Nobles® brands, Tennant Company products include equipment for maintaining surfaces in industrial, commercial and outdoor environments; and coatings for protecting, repairing and upgrading concrete floors. Tennant's global field service network is the most extensive in the industry. Tennant has manufacturing operations in Minneapolis, Minn., Holland, Mich., Uden, The Netherlands, Northampton, United Kingdom, and Shanghai, China, and sells products directly in 15 countries and through distributors in more than 80 countries. For more information, visit www.TennantCo.com.

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 3:55 PM | Permalink

A review of the Nextar Snap3 GPS Navigation System with MP3 + Bluetooth has been posted over at CNET. 'The Nextar Snap3 has a simple design and compact frame at 3.9 inches wide by 3 inches tall by 0.6 inch deep, so you'll have no problem carting this petite portable navigation system between vehicles. The front features a 3.5-inch touch screen that's bright and readable in various lighting conditions. That said, the display doesn't quite have the sharpness or crispness of some of the other systems we've tested. The main menu is easy to understand and use with clearly identified icons, though it could certainly use a boost in the aesthetics department. Once we dug into the Navigator program, we recognized the user interface and menu system as the same one found on the Rand McNally GPS Navigator. For the most part, you shouldn't have any problems figuring out how to enter addresses, plan trips, and the like, but we think choosing the various route and display options could be simpler. As is, you have to sort through various tabs, which can be overwhelming at first glance.'

Read: Nextar Snap3 - CNET