Handy Gadgets

A review of the Sony MdR-As40Ex Active Style Headphones (Earbud Style) has been posted over at CNET. 'The Sony MDR-AS40EX earphones feature a few other physical attributes worth noting. First, they're mainly black with some silver and a slight bit of red accenting, so if the Sennheiser Sport line was a little too bright and flashy for you, the MDRs are a good alternative. Also, the cable is modular, which is usually ideal for active applications, as it keeps the main cable short enough (20 inches, in this case) to use with an armband without a lot of slack cord. Also, Sony was smart enough to include a clip on the cable for dealing with the weight added when you connect the included extender cable, which adds an additional 26 inches to the length--plenty for keeping your MP3 player in a bag or pocket. Sony also includes a rather clunky, but still useful, plastic case.'

Read: Sony MDR-AS40EX Headphones - CNET

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:35 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Humax LP40-TDR1 LCD TV. ‘In terms of cost, you can get your hands on the LP40's still very rare, subscription-free built-in Freeview Playback system, plus its big old 40in LCD screen, for the extremely aggressive price of £690. That's less than many ‘vanilla' 32in LCD TVs. So are we looking at the bargain of the year, or what? If you're the sort of person who just likes to get a lot of sheer hardware for your buck, the LP40's design will have you on cloud 9. It really is a brute of a thing, featuring a much wider bezel than is common these days, and sticking out round the back a country mile versus the increasingly skinny efforts of most of today's ‘flat' TVs. People with dodgy backs should also note that it weighs a relative ton.’

Read: Humax LP40-TDR1 40in Freview Playback TV – Trusted Reviews

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

A review of the Dell 2408WFP UltraSharp 24" Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor has been posted over at CNET. ‘The Dell 2408WFP shares the same basic design as its predecessor, the UltraSharp 2407WFP. This includes the relatively thin bezel around the edge of the screen with the Dell logo along the bottom. The onscreen display is easy to navigate and includes the usual options of brightness, contrast, color, and so on. We also liked that the OSD stays on the screen long enough to evaluate any changes you make while calibrating the display. There are also six included preset modes for activities such as playing games, watching movies, and graphics work that affect color temperature, contrast, and brightness.’

Read: Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP - CNET

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 1:29 PM | Permalink

Digital Trends have published a review of the Edifer E3350 PC Speaker System. 'The E3350 is a 2.1 speaker system including 2 satellite speakers and subwoofer. The satellites are magnetically shielded with 2-way 2.75-inch soft silk dome tweeters running at 4 Ohm and a ¾-inch PV dome tweeter, magnetically shielded at 4 Ohm. There are soft pads on the bottom of the speakers to prevent slipping, and rattling. The exotic shaped subwoofer has a 5-inch downward firing magnetically shielded driver running at 5 Ohms; inputs for the satellite speakers, and line-input for your media source (allowing you to connect your MP3 player using the headphone jack). Also located on the sub is a bass control to adjust to taste. There is a very attractive round metal volume control that has a nice smooth expensive feel. Also on the control wheel is a headphone jack and additional auxiliary input for MP3 player connection. The overall feel of the speaker system construction is among the best we have seen; from the brushed aluminum control wheel to the heaviness of the satellite speakers, it’s clear a lot of thought have gone into this system.'

Read: Edifer E3350 Multimedia Speaker - Digital Trends

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:17 PM | Permalink

A review of the Sony ICD-MX20 handheld digital recorder has been posted over at PC World. ‘The ICD-MX20 does an excellent job accurately transcribing my voice into text. I've dictated entire, lengthy e-mails complete with punctuation into the recorder and only had to make a few corrections after NaturallySpeaking transcribed my recordings. It's an efficient way to compose documents and capture thoughts while away from a computer. For the best accuracy, you should be in a fairly quiet environment when dictating. For example, if you're dictating into the recorder while on the freeway with your windows open, the background noise will make it tough for the NaturallySpeaking speech recognition engine to do its job.’

Read: The Best Digital Voice Recorder – PC World

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:15 PM | Permalink

Press Release

(Salem, NH) Tychi Systems, Inc., introduced BioKnob™, the world¡¦s first doorknob incorporating fingerprint recognition technology. Only users whose fingerprints have been programmed into the lock¡¦s self-contained memory can turn the knob and open the door. It stores up to 100 sets of fingerprints, and all programming functions are accomplished directly at the BioKnob without need for external computers or wires.

Biometrics, the science of using an individual human¡¦s characteristic for verification of identity is the ultimate method for absolute security, and is increasingly used at high security facilities and institutions. Said Sheng B. Deng, president of Tychi Systems, ¡§We saw ways to streamline biometric technologies aimed at big government agencies and corporations for consumers. It wasn¡¦t easy to do, but after two and half years, we are ready with a first product we are really proud of. Now home owners can benefit from biometrics, and at reasonable cost.¡¨

What are the benefits? Families no longer need to carry keys, and therefore cannot lose them. No stranger can find a lost or hidden key to access a home. Burglars cannot pick the lock for entry. Guests or visitors whose fingerprints are programmed for temporary access can be individually erased from memory after their stay.

The tiny BioKnob sensor reads fingerprint patterns when a thumb (or other finger) is brushed across it. The pattern is transformed by embedded software into a template representing the fingerprint, which is then stored for future verification. There are no actual pictures of fingerprints recorded, so there is no danger anyone can replicate fingerprints from the data.

The BioKnob runs on Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries so no external wires need to be installed in the door or through the hinges. A warning signal tells the user when to recharge the batteries, which is done by plugging in an AC adapter for about three hours.

Tychi Systems designed and developed the BioKnob at their headquarters in the suburbs of Boston, Salem, New Hampshire. It is the only known company in the U.S. dedicated solely to the development of biometric locks. It is a New Hampshire corporation privately held by its founders, all of whom were educated and worked in the Boston area.

For further information, contact the company at 50A Northwestern Dr., Salem, NH 03079, Phone: 603-898-9244, Fax: 603-898-9246, info@tychisystems.com, www.tychisystems.com.

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:53 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the HP DF750 7-Inch digital picture frame with remote. ‘Although the HP df750 features a higher 800-by-480-pixel resolution than its virtual twin (480 by 234 pixels), it suffers from many of the same problems as the Cenomax. To test the LCD, I loaded patterns from the Displaymate suite (www.displaymate.com), which we use to calibrate and evaluate computer monitors. As with the Cenomax, I saw interference patterns using the pixel-tracking and moiré pattern slides, indicating that the display has trouble rescaling images—something that typically causes loss of detail. Images looked much better on the HP df750 (due to its higher resolution), but the rescaling issues made pictures look grainy.’

Read: HP df750 7-inch Digital Picture Frame – PC Mag

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:41 PM | Permalink

The Register Hardware have published a review of the Intempo Rebel (Music Sampling System) which allows the user to explore new music recorded from the radio, free of charge. 'In a compact glossy package - it measures 195 x 80 x 70mm and weighs in at 1kg - the Rebel is a standard FM radio, but with the added twist of recording the most-played tracks on a given station. It then makes them available for transfer to an SD card, Memory Stick or MP3 player, as 192Kb/s MP3 files - all for free. First things first: if the FM reception on this product was dodgy then the whole concept would fall down. Happily, things are OK from the off, with a good long FM wire antenna in the box, and good reception - albeit not the most sensitive we've heard. However, the sound quality is good, with surprisingly natural, clear audio.'

Read: Intempo Rebel DJ and ad-zapping FM radio - Register Hardware

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:24 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Cambridge SoundWorks - Newton Theater MC55 speaker package. 'This six-piece, 5.1-channel system comes with three LCR (left, center, right) satellite speakers, a pair of half-round surround speakers, and a hefty subwoofer. The package is available in black or white; the black finish on our review samples was tasteful and understated, which is fine, but the plastic cabinets lack the sex appeal of say, the $800 Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 system. The high-gloss paint job and curvier shapes of that latter model seem more contemporary to us. That's not to say the Newton Theater MC155 satellites aren't attractive, just that they're more conservatively styled. The cabinets' curves reduce distortion-causing internal reflections.'

Read: Cambridge SoundWorks Newton Theater MC155 (black) - CNET

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:19 PM | Permalink

A review of the Electrovaya Scribbler SC4000 Tablet PC has been posted over at Tablet PC Review. ‘The 12.1" display on the SC4000 is very nice. It has great viewing angles and the colors are bright and vivid. It even comes with the option of a sunlight viewable screen, which is great if you work outside often. I have to say I am quite impressed by the quality. The SC4000 would make a great second display if you need to hook up another notebook. The touchscreen is responsive and accurate as well. Taking notes was easy since the Scribbler has a Wacom digitizer. Even using my finger to navigate was simple. The Scribbler series doesn't have keyboards, so you have to use the onscreen keyboard or use the pen to write with.’

Read: Electrovaya Scribbler SC4000 Review – Tablet PC Review

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:52 AM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have publsihed a review of Creative's Xmod Wireless which streams all of your digital audio to the receiver in any room. 'The system is made up of two devices: a transmitter and a receiver although you can have four receivers in total. Both are about the size of a small paperback novel, are gloss black, feature a large volume dial on the top that has a blue glowing ring and have audio inputs to connect other devices in or out. The transmitter features a USB socket to connect to a PC and through a cable supplied in the box, the Xmod Wireless system also connects to a power socket if you aren't connecting it to a PC. The receiver is virtually identical. Set up is incredibly easy. Plug the in two devices and the units will automatically pair with each other very much like a baby monitor and there is another blue light, this time feedback on the connection status.'

Read: Creative Xmod Wireless review - Pocket-Lint

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:05 PM | Permalink

Auto Express have published their review of eight compact safes designed to protect your valuables in your motor vehicle. 'Top priority here is size, as a safe is no use if it can’t take all your kit. Each product had to accommodate at least an iPod, a widescreen sat-nav and a mobile phone. Looking tough alone isn’t enough, so we attacked them using only basic, easy-to-carry tools such as screwdrivers – the kind of gear opportunist thieves wander round with. Price was our final consideration.'

Read: Safe As Houses - Auto Express

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:21 PM | Permalink

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Pioneer DV-600AV DVD player. ‘As ever, the Pioneer's user interface is exemplary. It revolves around the central Home Menu screen, which uses jazzy graphics and icons to make it look more sophisticated than the uninspiring GUIs found on too many other players. The layout is also easy to digest, breaking things down into the key areas to help you find things quickly. Despite the dodgy ghost-white finish, Pioneer also deserves praise for the remote's instinctive operation thanks to the intelligently arranged and well-labelled buttons. It also helps that the unit is very responsive to remote commands.’

Read: Pioneer DV-600AV DVD Player – Trusted Reviews

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:14 AM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Sharp LC-32D44U widescreen HDTV. 'We've always liked the looks of Sharp's Aquos-branded LCDs, and the LC-32D44U follows in the vein of handsome little sets. Its black gloss frame is medium-sized, with an angled speaker running along the bottom, rounded edges, and a matching stand (no swivel, unfortunately). A silver accent below the logo, which looks vaguely like a smiling lower lip, provides some relief from the black gloss. The LC-32D44U measures 30.6 inches wide by 22.6 inches tall by 9.1 inches deep including the stand, and weighs 29.8 pounds. The tiny, cluttered remote gives a gentle reminder of the LC-32D44U's entry-level status. We disliked the crowd of tiny buttons and found the remote control difficult to operate by feel, but at least Sharp accounted for each important function. The menu system, on the other hand, is unchanged in design from those of more-expensive Sharp HDTVs, and we found that it was laid out well and easy to navigate.'

Read: Sharp LC-32D44U - CNET

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:14 PM | Permalink

A review of the Jabra Communications BT8040 Bluetooth Headset has been posted over at MobileTechReview. 'The Jabra BT8040 is one of the smallest Bluetooth headsets we’ve seen. It’s about the same size as the Samsung WEP200, smaller than both the BlueAnt Z9 and the SouthWing SH440. The Jabra has a clean design that makes it easy to operate. There are only three controls: the answer/call end button which also doubles as the pairing button, the volume up and down rocker which also covers the LED light and the charging port on top of the headset. The Jabra BT8040 is designed for you to wear without an ear-hook; you only need to insert the small earpiece arm into your ear. The headset is secured by an ear-gel piece and the package comes with 6 ear-gel pieces in three sizes. We tested the headset in fast walks and the headset stayed in the ear securely. The Jabra BT8040 is very light at 0.35 ounces and once you find the right ear-gel size, it’s comfortable to wear it throughout the day.’

Read: Bluetooth headset review: Jabra BT8040 - .MobileTechReview.com

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:11 PM | Permalink

Laptop Magazine have published a review of the Garmin nüvi 5000 GPS navigator. 'The screen seems to be the sole reason for the nüvi 5000’s supersized $799 price tag. Typically, a navigator at this price would have Bluetooth; the nüvi 5000 lacks this as well as a battery. That means you can only use it while it’s plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter port and your car is running. The nüvi 5000 does have a few extras, though. Connect it to your Mac or Windows computer via USB to drag in MP3s or JPEGs. Pictures looked fantastic on the large 800 x 480-pixel screen and showed great detail and rich colors. The music player is basic, with Repeat and Shuffle controls, and the device itself offers nearly 500MB of free storage. While the nüvi 5000 has an FM transmitter for enjoying music over the car stereo, it performed terribly in our testing. We could just barely make out songs through the static.'

Read: Garmin nüvi 5000 - Laptop Mag

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:43 PM | Permalink

Press Release

Torrance, CA, TabletKiosk™, a leader in Tablet PC based mobile computing solutions, today announced that it is now shipping the GETAC 840XT (g840XT), the company’s first full mil-spec rugged Tablet PC, created in partnership with rugged mobile computing pioneer, GETAC.

The g840XT is an 8.4" Tablet PC designed for people who require mobility, durability and advanced wireless functionality and that complies with the rigorous environmental requirements of the MIL-STD-810F standard. By incorporating a shock mounted HDD, GPS module, sunlight readable display and fan-less design, the g840XT offers the convenience of a touch screen Tablet PC encased in a durable, magnesium alloy exterior.

“We are excited to work with TabletKiosk on this joint project,” said Jim Rimay, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Getac US. “Because TabletKiosk focuses its sales efforts on industries which do not compete with our core markets, the partnership will expand the exposure of the Getac brand.”

g840XT Fast Facts:
Processor: Intel® Stealey™ A110 processor (800 MHz, 90nm process)
Memory: 1.0 GB DDR2 533/400MHz SDRAM
Hard Drive: 80 GB, 1.8" PATA, 4,200 rpm, shock mounted
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional or Windows Vista® Business
Display: 8.4” TFT SVGA sunlight readable with integrated touch screen (800 x 600)
Wireless: 802.11 b/g networking / Bluetooth® 2.0 (WWAN and GPS modules optional)

Security: Password Security: Supervisor, User, Hard-Disk Lock, Smart Card Reader
Kensington Locking Port (Lock mechanism sold separately)
Infineon Trusted Platform Module (TPM v1.2)

I/O: 2 x USB 2.0
1 x Smart Card Reader
1 x Headphone jack, Built-in Stereo Microphone
1x WWAN Antenna Pass-Thru Connector (module optional)
1 x 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet (RJ45)
1x 6-pin Docking Cradle Connector

“The smart design and rugged exterior of the g840XT complements our existing product line,” said Martin Smekal, president of TabletKiosk. “Now we can offer our customers the most comprehensive selection of slate style Tablet PCs available anywhere and built for either standard or rugged handling.”

Pricing and Availability
The g840XT is sold through the TabletKiosk website at www.tabletkiosk.com, as well as a vertically integrated reseller network.

About TabletKiosk™
TabletKiosk™ is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sand Dune Ventures, Inc. a privately held technology incubator. The company produces slate style Tablet PCs and UMPCs featuring touch screen and/or digitizer (pen) input, sold through both an authorized reseller channel and directly on the company's website. For more information, visit www.TabletKiosk.com.

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:48 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the SageTV HD Media Extender which allows you to view live or recorded HDTV, online video, photos and your DVD library on televisions in any room in your home. ‘The HD Media Extender comes with a full-featured remote control and looks like your typical A/V component. Its slim, black plastic front panel contains the usual Stop, Play, Pause, and Search controls, along with a Standby switch and two nonfunctioning—and therefore somewhat odd—USB ports. (In the device's PDF user manual, the company acknowledges that these ports aren't currently active.) The rear panel, meanwhile, offers HDMI, component, S-Video, and composite A/V outputs. You get only composite cables in the box, so you'll have to budget for more cords to take advantage of the other outputs. There's also an optical digital audio output along with an Ethernet port. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi isn't supported: If your PC is in the basement and your home isn't prewired for Ethernet, this product isn't for you. On the plus side, because the HD Media Extender uses wired Ethernet to connect to your home network, you're virtually guaranteed sufficient throughput for high-definition video.’

Read: SageTV HD Media Extender – PC Mag

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:36 AM | Permalink

Press Release

Blends Distinctive VFrame™ Design with Award-Winning Audio Technology for the Ultimate in Bluetooth Performance

CTIA WIRELESS 2008 – Las Vegas, NV (April 1, 2008) – Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE: PLT) today presented the Plantronics Discovery® 925 Bluetooth® earpiece collection, a signature line of designer headsets for both men and women. Delivering exceptional audio performance, complemented by bold lines and distinctive finishes, the Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth earpiece represents a technical craftsmanship previously unseen in the mobile accessories category.

The revolutionary design of the Plantronics’ Discovery 925 Bluetooth earpiece provides outstanding incoming and outgoing audio clarity in any environment. Central to its performance is the unique VFrame™ design, structured to follow the contours of the face and draw the microphone closer to the mouth for a headset that is as much objet d’art as it is audio ingenuity. The signature elongated design, housing an extended microphone, enhances audio performance and connection range. Plantronics’ AudioIQ® noise reduction technology adds to the Discovery 925’s performance by removing background noise while simultaneously adjusting the incoming volume – ensuring crystal clear sound on both sides of the conversation.

“When designing a Bluetooth headset, it is critical to fully understand the physical and emotional relationship between the product and the end user,” said Darrin Caddes, vice president of Industrial Design at Plantronics, Inc. “Similar to high performance watches or automobiles, our Bluetooth headset is designed to deliver a first-class experience - in this case to permit clear, wireless conversation without the distraction of background noise. It is equally imperative that the product expresses individual taste and style and is comfortable and easy to use.”

Plantronics’ inaugural collection of Discovery 925 earpieces includes a unique palette of colors for both men and women: Onyx Black, Alchemy Gold and Cerise Pink. Each earpiece is treated with glass beads and fire-blasted for a deep, enamel-like finish.

Each Plantronics Discovery 925 comes with a matching, soft textile carrying case that recharges and stores the earpiece. The Discovery 925 earpiece supports up to five hours of talk time, while the charging case provides an extra five-hour charge on the go. Self-stabilizing, custom-fit eartips create a light, perfectly balanced fit without the need for an earloop. Plantronics QuickPair™ greatly simplifies pairing with most Bluetooth phones.

“From the onset, our vision for the Discovery 925 was to deliver remarkable audio clarity from within a supremely comfortable and distinctive package,” said Renee Niemi, general manager and vice president, Mobile and Entertainment at Plantronics, Inc. “Plantronics leveraged the talents of its Industrial Design team to create the Discovery 925 as a true ‘tech-cessory,’ and bridge the gap between high-grade audio performance and high-fashion – a gap that has previously eluded most headset designs."

ntroduced at an exclusive showing during the Spring 2008 New York Fashion Week, the Plantronics Discovery 925 has received rave reviews among fashion press, stylists and celebrities.

Pricing and Availability:

The new Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth earpiece in Black Onyx (MSRP $149.99) will be available at major consumer electronics retailers, www.amazon.com and www.plantronics.com in April 2008. The Plantronics Discovery 925 in Alchemy Gold and Cerise Pink will be available in May 2008.

Please visit http://www.plantronics.com/Discovery-925 to learn more about the new Plantronics Discovery 925 collection.

About Plantronics
In 1969, a Plantronics headset carried the historic first words from the moon: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Since then, Plantronics has become the headset of choice for mission-critical applications such as air traffic control, 911 dispatch and the New York Stock Exchange. Today, this history of Sound Innovation® is the basis for every product we build for the office, contact center, personal mobile, entertainment and residential markets. The Plantronics family of brands includes Plantronics, Altec Lansing and Clarity. For more information, go to www.plantronics.com or call (800) 544-4660. Plantronics, Plantronics Discovery, Altec Lansing, Clarity, and Sound Innovation are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Plantronics, Inc. is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:18 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Asus Air - tabletop internet radio. 'The Asus Air is available in black or brown ("wood") finishes. Unlike most glossy black products, our review sample was surprisingly resistant to fingerprint smudges. The left half of the front panel is dominated by a black speaker grille, which houses the single speaker. The right half features a brass-colored metal faceplate, which gives it a refined look that we found attractive. Toward the top is an LCD screen, and below are five buttons for setting presets, followed by a directional pad and the volume knob. While the Air looks pretty attractive from afar, much of the charm evaporates once you lay your hands on it. The knobs and buttons look like they match the metal faceplate, but they're actually made of a thin plastic that feels low-rent.'

Read: Asus Air (black) - CNET

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:26 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the Lite-On CenOmax digital photo frame. ‘The Lite-On cenOmax has a 7-inch screen with a 480 x 234-pixel resolution and offers a host of connections to make this an appealing and value-for-money product. The bezel is on the large size and the use of plastic is a little on the cheap side. You'll find a row of controls on the back of the unit and you can either use the supplied stand or hang it on the wall for the full effect. The quality of the images is more than acceptable, looking sharp and bright. However, this isn't just a photo frame as it also supports AVI movies and MP3 files too, which seems to be par for the course.’

Read: Lite-On cenOmax photo frame review – Pocket-Lint

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:36 AM |