Handy Gadgets

Trusted Reviews have publsihed a review of the Pioneer DV-410V DVD Player. 'In stark contrast to its bulky premium players, Pioneer's budget decks are traditionally slim and snazzy and the DV-410V continues that trend. It's certainly attractive, but in a way that will appeal to tech-geeks rather than interior designers. Available in black or silver, the deck harbours no minimalist pretentions - its fascia is unashamedly busy, packed with everything from menu controls and playback buttons to logos and a USB port, the latter allowing you to plug in memory sticks and other devices and play back digital media files.

Moving to the rear, the connection selection might seem a little light at first glance, but you'll soon realise that it actually covers most bases. Of greatest interest to owners of flat-panel TVs and projectors is the HDMI input, which this time round is of the 1.3 variety, serving up what we hope will be pin-sharp digital pictures in 720p, 1080i and 1080p flavours.'

Read: Pioneer DV-410V DVD Player - Trusted Reviews

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:07 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Ultimate Ears Loud Enough Earphones (plum). 'On first blush, the Ultimate Ears Loud Enough Earphones may not seem terribly unusual in design: they are typical in-ear style canal 'buds. However, they're actually unique as they are the only child-friendly headphones we've seen in this style. As such, they're probably not suitable for young children, since they have to be stuck in the ear. The low-profile design is perfect for the tween set, though. Preteens will likely appreciate the variety of color options as well. The earphones come in a choice of blueberry (blue), mint (green), or plum (fuchsia), all with matching cases that look vaguely like floss cases. Ultimate Ears also includes a variety of silicone sleeves in sizes ranging from extra small to medium--perfect for little ears. The cable, which is black, measures about 43-inches long and terminates in a straight plug.'

Read: Ultimate Ears Loud Enough Earphones (plum) - CNET

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:08 PM | Permalink

A review of the SCOTTEVEST Microfleece Pullover has been posted over at MobileTechReview.com. 'SCOTTEVEST Microfleece is a lightweight, soft fleece that's comfortable to wear. It has a clean design that looks sharp yet subtle. The fabric is super soft and a thicker, soft isolation layer lines the inside of the pullover. You only see two front pockets with zipper closures on the Microfleece and there is a sturdy neck zipper that has very smooth action. In the back of the fleece, you will find ventilation eyelets that are common in windbreakers and fleece which will keep you dry and cool. We are glad to see that the sleeves on the Microfleece are long enough to fit people with long arms. The only thing that we find a bit annoying is the fabric of the fleece is super staticky. It attracts any featherweight objects and gives out light jolts when you touch other people.'

Read: SCOTTEVEST Microfleece Pullover - MobileTechReview.com

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

Press Release

Case Offers Fast Laptop Access with Maximum Protection

TORRANCE, Calif. – June 23, 2008 –The Pelican Products 1510 Laptop Overnight Case (LOC) is a legendarily tough, watertight case designed for road warriors who want to protect their laptops and not waste time at the airport luggage carrousel.

The 1510 LOC lid features a detachable neoprene sleeve that gives travelers immediate access at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints and accommodates the vast majority of laptop computers up to 15.4 inches. The case additionally features a separate roomy detachable pouch that can double as a cord holder or a toiletry bag. The main compartment sports a cloth-lined garment storage unit that can fit up to two day’s worth of clothing.

The dimensions of the case itself are based upon the maximum overhead bin size allowed by airlines and offers nearly 1,800 cubic inches of usable storage space. It also sports stainless steel ball bearing, polyurethane wheels and an extension handle (with an effortless release latch) for easy transport as well as rubberized front and side grips for maximum grip comfort. The case also features stainless-steel, reinforced padlock protectors to defend against cutting and theft.

Like all Pelican Protector™ Cases, the 1510 LOC’s cell-core construction helps it protect sensitive equipment in some of the most extreme conditions on Earth. Additional standard features include a lid equipped with a polymer o-ring for a dust and water tight seal, and an automatic pressure equalization valve that stops moisture from entering the case and prevents vacuum-lock so the case opens easily at any altitude. To ensure easy and immediate access, the 1510 LOC also features double-throw latches that have been tested to a failure threshold of nearly 400 pounds, but open with a light pull. Of course, Pelican Cases can be spotted by the distinctive, trademarked “Dual Band” design.

With an MSRP of $361.69, the 1510 LOC is backed by a Legendary Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence: “You break it, we replace it free…forever.”™

About Pelican Products, Inc.
Pelican™ Products, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced lighting systems and virtually indestructible cases with distribution centers in Barcelona, Spain - Edmonton, Canada - Tokyo, Japan - China, and Adelaide, Australia. The company was acquired in 2005 by venture capital firm Behrman Capital. For more information, visit www.Pelican.com or www.behrmancap.com

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:21 PM | Permalink

CNET have publsihed a review of the RCA Small Wonder EZ200 minicamcorder. 'The camcorder ships with a 1GB microSD card that slips into a slot in the battery compartment; you remove the camcorder's front cover to get to both the batteries and memory card. What's nice is that you can buy an additional memory card to have on hand in case you fill up the camera with video on a longer vacation, or you can simply buy a much higher-capacity card (up to 8GB) to store several hours of video. As it stands, the 1GB card gives you about 30 minutes of video at the highest quality HQ setting. You also have the option of recording at the lower-quality Web Sharing setting, but we recommend sticking with the best.
Aesthetically, the Small Wonder isn't a bad-looking minicamcorder, but the designers could have done a better job making it appear a bit more refined. As it stands, you take one glance at the EZ200 and it screams budget. Yes, the EZ200 is relatively inexpensive, but so is the more elegant Vado. The idea when you design budget products is to make them look more expensive than they really are. That's not the case here.'

Read: RCA Small Wonder EZ200 - CNET

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:16 PM | Permalink

PaulStamatiou.com have published a review of the Aerogel Extreme LapDesk. 'Hot laptops are nothing new. Even with smaller processor fabrication, laptops keep getting smaller making it hard to effectively cool them without a large heatsink or loud fan. Case in point - my MacBook Air is a heater and it doesn’t help that the exhaust vent is angled down. I end up moving it around in various awkward lap positions while in classrooms with stadium seats that offer little desk space to place a laptop.

Enter LapLogic’s Aerogel Extreme LapDesk (G800) and LapDesk Wide (W800). They are rigid and insulated surfaces for lap computing. The key selling point is what LapLogic uses for insulation: aerogel. If you’re not familiar with aerogel, it’s more expensive than gold (pound for pound) and has unparalleled insulative properties, which is why NASA uses this stuff. I’m sure people will buy this for the aerogel geek factor alone.'

Read: Review: Aerogel Extreme LapDesk - PaulStamatiou.com

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:07 PM | Permalink

A review of the Kodak M1020 digital picture frame has been posted over at Computeractive. 'We had mixed feelings about the last Kodak photo frame we reviewed, which added convenience in the form of wireless access but let itself down on the performance front. We're now looking at the 10in version of the company's new frames, the M1020, which offers the same 800x480 pixel resolution but thankfully looks a bit better than the last one. It's still not perfect, and while colours were far more vibrant and accurate, there were problems with sharpness and we were a little disappointed that there wasn't at least a small increase in the resolution, considering the size of the display.'

Read: Review: Kodak M1020 digital picture frame - Computeractive

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:26 PM | Permalink

C.Crane has the Sangean DT400w Pocket Radio on offer for $69.95 plus shipping. 'The new DT-400W pocket radio has very good AM/FM reception and the special benefits of a portable NOAA Weather Radio. Slip the DT-400W into your pocket, head out for a day hike, and if the weather’s changing just scan through your local weather channels for an update. This premium pocket radio has a built-in clock, holds 19 memory presets, and also has a single button access for "My Favorite" radio station. You can listen in stereo through the included earbuds, or mono through the face-mounted speaker. 90 minute auto shutoff. Includes: digital display, lighted display, earbuds, FM antenna, removable belt clip.'

Source: C.Crane

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

IT Reviews have publsihed a review of the Oakley Split Thump sunglasses/MP3 player. 'Technology and eyewear have not made good bedfellows in the past; in fact they're almost guaranteed to produce reasonably functional but ultimately unattractive products that you wouldn't be seen dead wearing outside the home. Oakley would be a good bet for a brand that can make the combination work, and its new Split Thump glasses combine an MP3 player with a typically styled set of wraparound shades. Usually the headphones are wired into the arms of these sorts of devices, dangling around when not in use and slipping rather awkwardly into the ear when listening to tunes.'

Read: Oakley - Split Thump review - IT Reviews

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

PC Advisor have publsihed a review of the Dualit DAB Lite digtal radio set. 'Dualit is well known as the maker of expensive but stylish and manually functional toasters. Bet you didn’t know it also makes digital radios… Its latest, the DAB Lite, even looks a bit like its toaster cousins (especially the Dualit Lite), and so sits nicely as a posh radio for the discerning kitchen. The Lite is available in three colours – shiny chrome, black and cream - but not red or glacier blue. (Dualit also makes a DAB Kitchen Radio, for £150, which has more advanced features such as stereo & optical output and an AUX IN for use with other music devices, as well as being larger and weightier.)'

Read: Dualit DAB Lite review - PC Advisor

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

PC Magazine have published a review of the ESPN "The Ultimate" Universal Remote. 'A rectangular, baton-style device, with smoothly curved edges, the remote measures 7 by 2.3 by 0.8 inches (HWD) and weighs 6.4 ounces. It's a bit bulky, and not particularly comfortable to hold, and it has a lot of tightly packed buttons that aren't finger friendly. It reminds me of the older Logitech Harmony 880, which was lousy with small buttons that were difficult to use. The battery is rechargeable, and the remote ships with a charging cradle.'

Setting up the device to control your home A/V components is easier than with, say, your standard $20 Radio Shack remote, but not by much. Inexpensive universal remotes typically come with a long list of codes, and you manually enter each one into the device using the number keys. Each hardware brand (Onkyo, Panasonic, or Sony, for example) usually has a few different codes associated with it, so discovering the one that will give your remote the ability to control you're A/V gear is often a guessing game. ESPN's remote works the same way, but the list of codes is in the remote, and you can view them on the LCD, so you don't actually have to punch them in yourself. Still, there is a good deal of trial and error involved in making sure all your devices work properly.'

Read: ESPN The Ultimate Remote - PC Mag

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 5:06 PM | Permalink

CBC News have published a review of the Garmin nüvi 680, Sony nav-u NV-U83T, TomTom Go 920, Mio Moov C200 and LG LN735 portable navigation devices. 'Handheld global positioning system (GPS) devices, once used only by the U.S. military, have become common consumer gadgets over the past decade as ease of use has improved and prices have nosedived. Research firm Gartner recently published data suggesting that annual sales of dedicated GPS devices will reach nearly 100 million units by 2010, and that half a billion mobile phones and PDAs will offer embedded navigation systems, as well. Meanwhile, prices for GPS technology keep dropping. While evaluating the five GPS devices in this roundup, it was more helpful to check their list prices at major Canadian electronics stores than to rely on manufacturers' suggested retail prices, which in some cases were several hundred dollars higher than what they were actually selling for

Read: GPS showdown - CBCNews.ca

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

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the AlertMe home monitoring system. 'The concept is simple. Plug in a box to your current wireless hub that then connects to a number of sensors in your home so you can monitor what's going on when you're away. In the box you get the master box that plugs straight into your broadband router, a status pebble lamp from Mathos, two motion sensors, two alarm sensors, three door/window sensors, three keyfobs and a button that you can use as a doorbell, all of which have temperature sensors. Once connected following a well organised unpacking system and the on-screen instructions via the company's website and you are ready to leave knowing your house is not necessarily safe, but at least monitored.'

Read: AlertMe home monitoring service review - Pocket-Lint

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

CNET have published a review of the Dish Network DTVPal which is a digital to analog converter with built-in digital tuner. 'DTV converter boxes are fairly drab by nature, but the DTVPal is one of the better looking boxes we've seen. Its main attraction is its small footprint, coming in 1.3 inches high, 5.9 inches wide, and 4.2 inches deep. It has a rectangular shape with rounded corners, and the case sinks a bit in the middle, giving it a subtle wavelike appearance. There are no buttons on the front, which means you can only control the box using a remote. On the center of the unit is a single green light indicating that it's on, and the light turns off when the unit is off. The light is actually pretty bright, and unfortunately you can't disable it in the setup menu.'

Read: Dish Network DTVPal - CNET

.

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:31 PM | Permalink

A review of the Black & Decker VPX Hand Vacuum has been posted over at The Gadgeteer. 'I am impressed by the initial feel of power the vacuum gives when turned on. It seems like the 14V are providing sufficient muscle, but after sweeping up around the house, I start to notice something affecting the power. The filter was getting clogged up. The cyclonic action filter is designed to keep the filter clean from debris but unfortunately, it did a poor job for me, especially with lent-like (dust bunnies) fragments. When the filter starts to clog, the power is noticeably affected in a negative manner.'

Read: Black & Decker VPX Hand Vac (VPX2102) - The Gadgeteer

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:33 PM | Permalink

Digital Trends have published a review of the Vizio VO32L 32-inch LCD HDTV. ‘The VO32L is hardly a beauty and in fact looks kind of clunky. With its black body this set would look best plugged into the space of your A/V cabinet where the old 36-inch CRT gathered dust rather than as the centerpiece of your living room. The set measures 31.6 x 21.2 x 4.2 (WHD, in inches) and weighs 26 pounds without the supplied stand, 27.6 with. With the stand attached, the HDTV has a fairly utilitarian look—without the sweeping lines you’ll find on other models. Of course you can get rid of the stand and mount it to a wall, if you’d like with optional mounting hardware. This is a very basic-looking HDTV with more of a PC monitor vibe than television. In fact, the rear connections are just like those on your monitor as you plug them up into frame rather than at a typical 90-degree angle. You can even use this as a monitor since it has an RGB PC input with a max resolution of 1368x768 via VGA and HDMI. The connection issue is just a minor hassle since typically you’ll only be doing this once at the outset.’

Read: Vizio VO32L – Digital Trends

.

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 1:25 PM | Permalink

Press Release

Fort Collins, COLO. – With each stride and each drop of sweat, you become stronger. However, your vulnerable iPod or iPhone cannot endure the same fitness routine. That is where OtterBox comes in with rugged and semi-rugged cases built to withstand any workout. Push your limits knowing that your device will not exceed its own.

OtterBox offers protection so you can include your device during a run, while biking, at the gym, even swimming laps. Available for the iPhone, nano 2nd and 3rd generation, classic, touch and video, cases provide two custom series for protection.

The OtterBox Defender™ Series provides sleek, slim-fit protection for on-the-go lifestyles. Your device is protected by a polycarbonate shell that snaps together to encase the device and defends against dirt, dust and scratches. A silicone skin then surrounds the outside to adsorb bumps and drops. Screens and click wheels are covered by a thin membrane that keeps them protected, while remaining completely interactive. Additional accessories include belt clips and armbands. Coming soon, holsters and clip stands will offer fitness enthusiasts even more carrying and display options for any workout routine.

The OtterBox Armor™ Series offers an absolute, rugged safeguard from all the elements. These cases are completely waterproof and submergible up to three feet. Combine with waterproof headphones, available at www.otterbox.com, for your next water workout. Included belt clips provide hands-free carrying and optional holster and mounting systems allow you to attach your device to your handle bars and hit the trail.

Looking to support a good cause? OtterBox now offers two limited edition pink cases to support the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. With every purchase of an OtterBox for iPhone or iPod nano 3rd Generation Defender™ Series Strength case, 10% of the purchase price will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade to support access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved.

Before your next workout do your stretches, strap on your sweatband and don’t forget your OtterBox!

About Otter Products, LLC.
Founded in 1996, Otter Products, LLC. has become a leader in the design and production of protective cases for technology and other valuables.

Specializing in protective cases for iPods, iPhones, BlackBerry and Treo devices, laptops, smartphones and other valuables, OtterBox, based in Fort Collins, Colo., provides ideal solutions for any fitness regime.

For more information on Otter Products visit www.otterbox.com or call (888) 695-8820. OtterBox, never out of its element!

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:13 PM | Permalink

PC Magazine have published a review of the Creative Vado Pocket Video Cam. 'From first glance, it's clear that Creative invested a lot in the design department. Where the Flip's form factor seems to echo its low price, suggesting something of a disposable nature, the Vado's creators imbued it with the sort of design generally reserved for far pricier gadgets. Available in silver or hot pink, it's sleeker and thinner than the Flip, and, at just shy of 3 ounces with its battery, weighs about a third less than Pure Digital's device. Each has a comparable width, but the Vado manages to sneak in a bright 2.0-inch screen, beating the Flip Ultra by half an inch.
The button layout on the Vado is familiar, too, with its Record button bordered by the volume/zoom controls and fast-forward/rewind keys. To the right are two buttons, one for playing and one for deleting videos. A small but effective speaker is located directly below the pair of buttons—like the Flip, the Vado has a video-out jack but lacks a headphone jack, an unfortunate oversight for previewing videos.'

Read: Creative Vado Pocket Video Cam - PC Mag

.

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

Trusted Reviews have publsihed a review of the NEC MultiSync LCD3090WQXi 30in monitor. 'NEC has equipped the 3090WQXi with an -S-IPS panel, which, in theory at least, should produce better image quality than an S- PVA panel, especially when being viewed from an angle. However, the Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP-HC sported an S-IPS panel, and the Samsung SyncMaster 305t pretty much ran rings around it image quality wise, despite featuring a S-PVA panel. But that just proves that panel technology isn't the be all and end all, and it's as much to do with how a manufacturer implements that panel. So, while some manufacturers use In Plane Switching panels as a marketing tool, NEC has used the technology with image quality firmly in mind, resulting in the best 30in display I've ever seen.'

Read: NEC MultiSync LCD3090WQXi 30in Monitor - Trusted Reviews

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 6:22 PM | Permalink

Digital Reviews Network have published a review of the Powerchimp portable charger. ‘Just like the older sibling, the Powerchimp's battery comes with partial charge ready to go. Recharging is done via the included retractable USB cable and takes 5 hours to fully charge. No doubt it would be possible to use the wall charger from Powermonkey and get the job done quicker. During a gadget charging process, a green LED flashes periodically to indicate that it is discharging. The indicator turns red as it runs low on charge. The Powerchimp is rated for two full recharges of most mobile phones before requiring its own recharge.’

Read: Powerchimp Portable Charger – Reviewed – Digital Reviews Network

.

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 3:57 PM | Permalink

ZDNet have published a review of the new ASUS R700T [Portable Navigation Device]. 'At just 3.1 inches high by 5 inches wide by 3.1 inches high by 0.5 inch deep and weighing 7 ounces, the Asus R700t is one of the slimmest portable navigation systems we've seen in a while--quite a feat considering the number of features that are crammed into the device. On front, there's a 4.3-inch touch screen that shows off 65,000 colors at a 480x272-pixel resolution. The display has a light-sensing technology that will automatically optimize the backlighting for your current environment. During our test drives, we didn't have any problems viewing maps and the touch screen was responsive. The R700t's interface is pretty intuitive with large icons and clear identifications, and we were able to figure out most functions just by playing around with the device. From the main menu, you can choose from the various functionalities of the device--navigation, video player, photo viewer, music player, or phone. Once in the Navigation application, you can choose from two menu options--Advanced and Simple. Advanced gives you a few more routing options and navigation tools, such as a track log, saved routes, and search. If you're new to GPS, you may want start with the Simple mode and then switch to Advanced after you have more experience using the R700t.'

Read: Asus R700t - ZDNet

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

Digital Trends have published a review of the Onkyo TX-SR606 receiver. ‘The TX-SR606 passes a full 1080p signal (1080 lines, progressive scan, the best that HD currently has to offer) and