Handy Gadgets

GadgetNutz have published a review of the Aliph Jawbone2 noise canceling Bluetooth headset. ‘The New Jawbone is the next step in the integration of best in class noise elimination technology with personal design that is both humanistic and minimal. "The Jawbone strategy we set-out to follow three years ago has proven that products that live on our face need to be designed differently than typical technology wares; we regard them as personal accessories or even jewelry, and, as such, believe they need to be a complete departure from the gadgetry of the mobile and headset industry." Yves Behar, Chief Designer and CCO of Aliph.’

Read: Aliph Jawbone2 Review -.GadgetNutz.com

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:50 AM | Permalink

The Gadgeteer have published a review of the Phosphor E-Ink Watch which features as dial the E Ink Vizplex electronic paper display. 'The E-Ink face can be switched between white-on-black and black-on-white, each with multiple different modes/designs. Along with displaying the time, the date can take the place of the time below the center of the face. If you are a tech-person or just like knowing how things work, you should checkout how the E-Ink technology works....it is pretty interesting. It is a shame Phosphor did not engineer the watch to allow the owner the ability to modify the face with different fonts, layouts, and themes via computer.'

Read: Phosphor E-Ink Watch - The Gadgeteer

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

CNET have published a review of the 30-inch Samsung SyncMaster 305T LCD monitor. ‘The biggest selling point for the Samsung SyncMaster 305T is its huge 30-inch screen, which supports a native resolution of 2,560x1,600. To view the screen at this very high resolution, you must have a high-end video card and a dual-link DVI cable. If you use a single link DVI cable or your video card does not support a resolution that high, then the display will output to 1,920x1,440 at its highest. Luckily, Samsung includes a dual link cable.

As far as calibration options are concerned, there is only one. Samsung has included controls for brightness calibration and nothing else. The way it works is when you adjust the brightness, the display's inverter board is being accessed; however, to adjust the color or contrast the panel itself must be accessed. But because of the limits of the large screen technology when the display was manufactured in 2006, directly adjusting the panel is not possible to do on the fly. The contrast and color are calibrated and locked by Samsung at the source before the monitor is shipped.’

Read: Samsung SyncMaster 305T LCD Monitor - CNET

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:08 PM | Permalink

Press Release

New Hybrid ExpressCard TV Tuner Gathers Clear QAM and H.264 Real-Time Recording Capabilities onto an Ultra-Slim Shell

MILPITAS, CA - May 19, 2008- AVerMedia® Technologies, Inc., the leading provider of digital multimedia and presentation technology announced today the release of the AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress, the compact ExpressCard TV tuner with the ability to receive HDTV (ATSC/Unencrypted "Clear" QAM Digital Cable TV), Analog TV or FM Radio on any Windows XP or Vista laptop. The slim-fit design easily inserts completely into the ExpressCard slot, leaving no protrusion of the unit outside of the laptop. The great functionalities and stylish appearance earned it a CES 2008 Innovations Design and Engineering Award Winner in the Video Accessories category.

The AVerMedia AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress is a 54mm ExpressCard TV Tuner allowing users to enjoy Analog TV or HDTV on their ExpressCard compatible laptop. Without the "lump" of general ExpressCard, AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress can be inserted into a laptop totally without interfering the use of adjacent ports. The accompanying AVer MediaCenter has some enhanced functions such as watching and recording the programs from the unencrypted "Clear" QAM digital cable TV and FM radio. It can also schedule the recording to avoid missing any programs. AVer MediaCenter has advanced real-time H.264 recording compression to reduce the amount of hard disk space needed for recording. Users can even playback the recordings on an iPod or a portable media player.

Its Windows Vista Premium Certified driver and software encoder also make it an ultimate match for Media Center platform. Users can enjoy either Analog TV or ATSC content under "My TV" of XP MCE and Vista Media Center. In addition, the "invisible" AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress can play as a bridge between laptop and various AV devices such as PlayStation, Xbox 360 or camcorder via its unique dongle. Even better, it comes with the Vista MCE Video Gaming Plug-in solving the latency problem when playing video games on Vista Media Center. AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress enhances the HDTV support up to 720p/1080i and comes with a foldable antenna with high reception capability. In the ultra-slim shape, AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress enables travelers to have marvelous entertainment anywhere they go.

Pricing and Availability
The AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress is available now for a suggested retail price of $89.99. AVer MediaCenter software including Clear QAM and H.264 real-time recording capabilities is currently bundled with AVerTV Hybrid NanoExpress. For more information about any of AVerMedia's other digital multimedia products, visit www.avermedia-usa.com or call AVerMedia at (408) 263-3828.

About AVerMedia Technologies:
AVerMedia is the technology leader in Digital Multimedia Video Convergence Technology. Aside from its full line of TV Tuners and Personal Video Recorder products, AVerMedia provides Hardware and Software DVR Board Security Systems, Document Cameras, Digital Video Makers, TV Photo Viewers, and PC-to-TV Converters for consumer and corporate/ educational markets. AVerMedia also partners with ODMs for the development of AVerMedia’s technologies for integration applications.

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:29 PM | Permalink

IT Reviews have published a review of the Canon Pixma MX850 Office All-in-One Inkjet Printer. ‘The machine itself follows Canon's usual sleek lines, styled in black and silver and with a comprehensive control panel running nearly the full width of its front. Controls include quick-dial buttons for the built-in fax facility, a number pad for phone dialling, a 62mm LCD display for previewing photos and an easy-to-use navigation ring, though without the supremely ergonomic click-dial of the high-end PIXMA MP machines. As well as printing, scanning and copying, the MX850 can handle most memory card formats for direct photo printing and has a PictBridge socket if you prefer to connect your camera with a cable. There's also a facility for direct printing of CDs and DVDs, using a separate holder which slots in once you've pulled down a flap inside the all-in-one.’

Read: Canon - PIXMA MX850 review – IT Reviews

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:09 AM | Permalink

Press Release

Datalogic Mobile announces the addition of Windows Mobile® 6.0 operating system and E-GPRS communications to the Pegaso™ mobile computer facilitating applications in Retail, Warehouse, and Field Force Automation where constant enterprise connectivity is required.

Datalogic Mobile, a global leader in the Rugged Mobile Computer market, announces the availability of Windows Mobile® 6.0 and GSM/GPRS/EDGE (E-GPRS) communications for the Pegaso™ rugged PDA mobile computer. The addition of E-GPRS, a technology that uses cell phone networks to provide a truly mobile broadband connection, and Windows Mobile® enhance Pegaso™ in applications where users need to access their enterprise network when outside the four walls. Applications in mobile POS, route sales, direct store delivery, and parcel delivery will be among the first to use E-GPRS and Windows Mobile®.

“Pegaso™ is the most rugged and versatile industrial PDA on the market designed for applications outside the four walls” says John Allen, Product Manager for Datalogic Mobile. “The release of E-GPRS on Pegaso™ allows users to roam freely, stay connected, and run their applications on the latest operating system. Windows Mobile® 6.0, together with Pegaso’s™ full VGA display, provide unbeatable clarity for text or graphic applications.”

Pegaso™ has the ruggedness, accessories, and flexibility to be used in many applications in retail, warehouse, and field force automation. Designed for outdoor use, Pegaso™ gives users confidence with IP64 sealing, full VGA touch screen, attachable handle, magnetic stripe reader, and much more.

Datalogic Mobile, part of the Datalogic Group, is a global player in the Rugged Mobile Computers market, offering a full range of products, dedicated to the main target application fields: warehousing solutions, field-force automation and retail in-store. With our strong presence in EMEA, Americas and Asia/Pacific and the powerful network of partners all-over-the world, Datalogic Mobile headquartered in Bologna, has been able to show an impressive track record of growth, permitting us to be one of the fastest growing companies in the industry and to be positioned among the worldwide market leaders.

Datalogic Group is the third largest world manufacturer and leader in Europe for bar code readers, rugged mobile computers, and RFID systems. Datalogic offers innovative business solutions, specifically in the retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics markets. The Group is quoted on the techSTAR segment of the Italian stock exchange since 2001 as DAL.MI, with headquarters located in Lippo di Calderara di Reno (Bologna). Datalogic has about 1900 employees worldwide, in over 40 countries in Europe, Asia, the United States and the Pacific Rim.

Windows CE® and Windows Mobile® are registered trademarks of Microsoft.

Resellers should contact their distributor or Datalogic Mobile sales representative for more information. For sales information contact Datalogic Mobile at (800) 929-7899 or email info.mobile.us@datalogic.com. Information on all Datalogic Mobile products can be found at www.mobile.datalogic.com/americas.

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

Digital Reviews Network have published a review of the Swann DVR4-Pro-Net Combo All-in-one kit for remote viewing with motion detection ‘There are quite a few items in the various boxes but unboxing it and putting it together is fairly straightforward. Things can get trickier when you physically have to install the various cameras at the best possible locations. There are a few limiting factors here: distance to the DVR is probably the main one as these cameras are wired and come supplied with 8 m long cables. You can never really cable in a straight line either so the actual distance is shorter too. I elected to set up the DVR in my office which overlooks the main entrance to the premises. Two of the cameras are aimed at the gate and the entry and a third camera provides an overview of the office itself from the inside. I opted to install these cameras permanently, which means hiding the cabling with conduit piping. This took up a lot of time, including drilling holes in the outside wall for the piping and wiring. This is where I seriously started to think about getting some wireless cameras!’

Read: Swann DVR4-Pro-Net Combo Kit Reviewed - Digital Reviews Network

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

PC World have published a review of the Nintendo Wii Fit home workout program. ‘Wii Fit lets users choose from 48 activities spread across four main categories: yoga poses, strength training, aerobic exercise, and balance games. To perform such calisthenics, you stand--or in some cases lie--on the special wireless Wii Balance Board peripheral that comes with the game. The sturdy Balance Board, which resembles a double-width bathroom scale, supports weights of up to 330 pounds or so. Powered by four AA batteries, it's rated for around 60 hours of use. Four pressure sensors inside the board determine where your feet are, monitor your center of gravity, and check your weight. It will also function as an optional controller for upcoming Wii games such as Skate It (from Electronic Arts/Black Box) and All-Star Cheer Squad (from THQ).’

Read: Nintendo Wii Fit – PC World

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 1:21 PM | Permalink

Press Release

San Diego, CA -NiteRider Technical Lighting Systems, the leading innovator in bicycle lighting systems for serious athletes and commuters, has turned their intense focus to developing five new cycling computers sure to capture the attention of riders, as well as other cycling computer makers.

Since 1989, NiteRider has produced lighting systems relied upon by riders around the globe. Not to sit on their healthy reputation, the company has begun producing cycling computers that are as innovative as their legendary lighting systems.

According to company President, Jack Gresmer, “we wanted to expand what we do beyond lighting, but wanted to “stick to the knitting” using our many years of mechanical design and electronics know how to offer riders an innovative new product.” NiteRider’s reputation for robust and reliable cycling electronics should appeal to riders who demand as much from their equipment as they do from themselves.

The first year offering of computers is nothing short of dazzling with five models ranging from an MSRP of $29.99 to $199.99. Each model incorporates NiteRider’s attention to durability and value. The line of computers is appropriately named Rebel for the company’s approach to developing products designed for riders. All systems utilize large easy to read displays, smart back lighting and a very simple tool-free mount that allows use on either a handlebar or stem. The Rebel 5.0 is an industry first - offering a power meter in a system that retails for less than $150 and the top-of-the-line Rebel 8.0 offers a host of features to make many more expensive computers sick with envy - power meter, heart rate monitor, altimeter and temperature - along with all the standard speed/distance functions needed by discerning riders.

As NiteRider approaches its 20th anniversary, the company looked for the next logical place to apply their expertise in cycling electronics. “We’ve spent nearly two years researching what cycling computers are available, learning their strengths and weaknesses and how we should differentiate our Rebel series”, commented Jack Gresmer. If the computers prove to be as innovative and reliable as their world famous lighting systems, the cycling computer world will never be the same again.

For more information about NiteRider lighting systems please visit http://www.niterider.com.

About NiteRider
Founded in 1989, NiteRider is widely recognized as a leading innovator and trailblazer in the bicycle lighting industry. The Company is known internationally for the stylish design, high performance and quality of its lighting products as well as for its unparalleled, high standards for customer service.

Over the years, NiteRider has sponsored legends in the sport like NORBA legend Tinker Juarez and ultra-distance legend John Stamstad - both being Mountain Bike Hall of Fame inductees.

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

Notebook Review have published a review of the Slappa Velocity SPYDER PRO Backpack. ‘The Velocity SPYDER Pro backpack from Slappa is a fairly odd looking, with a rubberized outer shell, and a spider-web design on the front pocket. The rubberized outer layer is designed to resist water, and the front design structure is in place to give the bag support. Like the wide range of other Slappa products, this bag is designed to hold up well against the elements, and keep your notebook safe, even if the conditions are far from perfect. Read on to see if this backpack holds up well under out testing.’

Read: Slappa Velocity SPYDER PRO Backpack Review – Notebook review

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

A review of the Magellan Maestro 5310 portable GPS device has been posted over at PC Magazine. 'The Maestro 5310 features a 5-inch screen, but that doesn't mean you're getting more information on it. With the same 480-by-272 resolution found on the 4000 series of Maestros, the information on the screen just appears larger, making it easier to view for those in the, ahem, "bifocal set," or for those with an RV. The device measures 3.6 by 5.6 by 0.8 inches (HWD) and weighs 10.2 ounces. That's almost 0.1 inch thicker than the 3000 and 4000 series Maestros, and significantly heavier, to boot. The additional weight is due in part to the larger 2,200-mAh lithium ion battery with a claimed battery life of up to 3 hours. It also includes a built-in real-time traffic receiver.'

Read: Magellan Maestro 5310 - PC Mag

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 1:10 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Bose on-ear headphones. 'With a potent blend of quality products and what seems like an almost ubiquitous marketing campaign, Bose had managed to persuade thousands of people to spend large sums of money on the company's QuietComfort 3 and QuietComfort 2 noise-canceling headphones. While those models are mainstays in the business-class section of any aircraft, not everyone can afford business class--or wants to pay upward of $300 for a pair of headphones. So, Bose has come up with a model simply called the On-Ear, which borrows many of the design elements of the QuietComfort 3 but leaves out the active noise canceling and retails for a more palatable $180.'

Read: Bose On-Ear Headphones (black) - CNET

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

Digital Reviews Network have published a review of the Segatoys HomeStar Pure home planetarium. ‘The Homestar PURE stands 160mm tall with a diameter of 110mm. It’s shape is reminiscent of an oversized egg in a suitably oversized egg holder. With the lid on, the unit is very neat and uniformly black except for a small white constellation and the words, “Homestar PURE.” Lifting the lid reveals a slightly smaller egg shaped dome with the same Homestar logo along with the unit’s control and setup mechanisms.
With the lid off, atop the Homestar PURE is a 35mm projection hole through which the stars are beamed up to your ceiling. When in use, a 20mm ring around the opening’s edge is used to focus the star image onto your ceiling. Unfortunately, this focusing ring doesn’t match the rest of the unit’s fairly precise build quality and makes adjusting the focus a little haphazard.’

Read: PURE Brilliance - Segatoys Homestar PURE Home Planetarium – Digital Reviews Network

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:08 PM | Permalink

A review of the Snap Personal Internet Communicator has been posted over at PC Advisor. 'The Snap Personal Internet Communicator connects to your PC via USB, and allows you to talk to one of eight contacts at the push of a button, no dialing needed. Although it's an innovative device, a few limitations hamper the Snap Personal Internet Communicator's appeal. The biggest of these drawbacks is the fact that all of your contacts must also use the Snap. Once you have registered your Snap Personal Internet Communicator online, you can add contacts to your Snap phone. It has eight buttons to which you assign specific contacts. Another button launches a web page where you can manage those contacts.'

Read: Snap Personal Internet Communicator review - PC Advisor

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:15 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the Smartparts SP8PRT Digital Picture Frame and Printer. ‘Physically, the SP8PRT is a picture frame with a thermal-dye printer mounted on its back. The frame itself is both wider and taller than the printer, so the printer is largely hidden from view when you're looking at images. If you look from the side, however, you'll see the printer positioned to serve as a bulky stand for the frame.
The frame can show pictures (and the printer can print) from a USB key, a camera memory card, or from the internal 120MB flash memory. (The memory card slot and USB port, as well as the power switch, are on the back of the printer.) The frame can also show movies and play sound from all of the same sources. There's no connection for a computer, either for printing or for moving photos to the frame's memory, but you can move files to the internal memory from a USB key or memory card.’

Read: Smartparts SP8PRT Digital Picture Frame and Printer – PC Mag

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:09 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the Humax LGB-19DZT LCD TV 19-inch LCD TV with SRS speakers. ‘From a design point of view, this little TV is something of an ugly duckling: a conventional 19in (1440 x 900 pixels) LCD panel sitting on a bulbous speaker bar. The size of speakers is something of a necessity to deliver the SRS TruSurround XT sound, which is something you don’t normally find in smaller screens. Sticking with the speakers, you’ll find a display in the centre of them and things suddenly become apparent: this is actually a clever little bundle.’

Read: Humax LGB-19DZT LCD television review – Pocket-Lint

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:33 PM | Permalink

A review of the Philips AJL308 Clock Radio has been posted over at The Sydney Morning Herald. 'Philips' photo clock radio has a seven-inch screen, half of which displays a photo and the other half the time, date and alarm. It can wake you with FM radio, a buzzer or a choice of odd sounds including - in order of annoyingness - forest sounds, ocean waves, singing birds, a rooster and church bells. A big snooze button that buys you another nine minutes' sleep is solid enough to take a good whack. Of course, few people want to sleep with a bright digital picture frame next to the face.'

Read: Review: Philips clock radio - The Sydney Morning Herald

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

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Panasonic DMR-EX768 DVD/HDD Recorder. 'The DMR-EX768 is another model from Panasonic's latest line-up of digital recorders, which in our opinion is the company's strongest ever. We recently tested the DMR-EX78 and were hit for six by its combination of convenient features, magnificent picture quality and ease of use, and the DMR-EX768 seemingly offers more of the same but at a lower price. As Panasonic's entry-level DVD/HDD recorder, it lacks several features found on the DMR-EX78 (which is about £70 more expensive) such as a USB port, internal CD ripping and the Gracenote database, all of which rules out using the EX768 as a virtual jukebox. Its hard-disk drive is 160GB as opposed to the EX78's 250GB and it lacks the SD card slot found on the 400GB DMR-EX88, but still includes a vast array of features that make TV timeshifting and archiving a hassle-free process.'

Read: Panasonic DMR-EX768 DVD/HDD Recorder - Trusted Reviews

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 1:11 PM | Permalink

A review of the Aluratek Internet Radio Alarm Clock with Built in WiFi has been posted over at CNET. 'While many Wi-Fi radios have alarm functionality, the Aluratek Internet Radio is the first one we've reviewed that actually looks like an alarm clock. The front features a big LED display, which is great for checking the time from across the room. Further to the right is a USB port, followed by a single speaker, which bubbles out from the rest of the body. Sleepyheads will appreciate the large snooze button on the top of the unit, and there are a few other buttons such as a Stop button for the alarm, a directional pad for navigating the menus, and a power button. We would have liked some more alarm-centric buttons, so you could, for example, set a new alarm time without navigating the menus. Some buyers might be turned off by the pedestrian look of the all-plastic casing, but we didn't mind the look for a product that will most likely live in your bedroom or kitchen.'

Read: Aluratek Internet Radio Alarm Clock with Built in WiFi - CNET

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

CNET Asia have published their review of the Sony PlayStation 3 (upgraded with firmware version 2.3 and game library as of May 2008) game console. ‘The PS3's sexy shape and futuristic look are ample evidence that the company's renowned design standards are alive and well. One look at its glossy exterior and touch-sensitive power and eject buttons on its face, and you can see why it might cost what it does. Like the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, the PS3 can stand vertically or lie horizontally in an A/V rack, though because of its curved top, it's not meant to have any other components resting on top of it. While its 40GB sibling is available in black, white and silver, the 60GB version is shipped in the dark shade. There's no way to customize its look, too, as you can with Xbox 360's interchangeable, if overpriced, faceplates. As with the PSP, its glossy finish is a fingerprint and smudge magnet. If you handle it at all, you'll end up having to wipe it off, so you'll probably just want to stick it in a rack and leave it there. Dimensions-wise, the PS3 measures 325 x 97 x 274mm, which is roughly in line with the overall volume of the Xbox 360. That said, the PS3 does weigh a bit more at 4.99kg to 360's 4.49kg including power supply. Most impressively, there's no external power supply for the PS3; you just plug the included power cable into the back of the unit and you're good to go.’

Read: Sony PlayStation 3 – CNET Asia

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Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:45 AM | Permalink