Handy Gadgets

Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Tangent Trio Desktop DAB radio. 'Starting with those looks, there's one other thing that immediately strikes you about the Trio; the speaker's on the top. While undoubtedly peculiar there's actually a great deal of logic to this. For a start, it leaves the front free to be occupied by the controls and display, allowing the radio to be shorter and slimmer than otherwise possible. Secondly, with only one speaker, you're getting no stereo effect anyway so projecting the sound upwards helps to spread the sound out, filling the whole room with sound, rather than it just emanating from one corner.'

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PC World have published a review of the iHome Audio IH70SRC computer and iPod speaker set. 'These $150 speakers are tall and narrow, with a small footprint. An iPod dock sits in the base of one speaker, while the base of the other speaker holds the power switch and volume controls. The speakers come bundled with a remote control, an audio-in cable, and a USB cable. You can connect the USB cable to your PC to charge and sync your iPod when it's docked. (The speakers work with most iPod models; see the iHome Audio Web site for a specific list of compatible models.).'

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A review of the Olympus LS-10 portable digital recorder has been psoted over at Pocket-Lint. 'Taking the LS-10 out of the box and the first impression is that you have bought something that is going to take you a long time to understand. The pencil case sized device doesn't take the minimalist approach. It takes the "lets put yet another button in that bit of space" approach. On a device measures 131.5 x 48 x 22.4mm there are 17 buttons, 5 input sockets, two microphones, and a large LCD screen that gives you information such as recording length, the recording rate, levels of the recording and how much space you've got left in hours, minutes and seconds.'

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CNET have published a review of the LaCie USB speakers. 'The output quality of the LaCie USB Speakers also leaves a lot to be desired. With only 1 watt of output from each channel and a limited frequency range (90Hz-20kHz), they can't reproduce music in the same aural ballpark as most digital music recordings intend. We used the speakers to play several different genres of music including modern recordings with digitally enhanced instruments and we were consistently disappointed with the results. Bass guitars and other instruments with a baritonal low end are distant and unenthusiastic and the treble sounds painfully shrill without a solid foundation. The sound quality is a small step above the stock speakers built into the average laptop.'

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Posted by Admin at 11:05 PM | Permalink

The new CC Witness media player from C.Crane features AM and FM radio along with the capability to make MP3 recordings of radio programs. 'The CC Witness has 2GB of onboard memory and up to 16GB of external memory on an optional SD card. That's enough memory to record your favorite radio programs, your thoughts, lectures and lots of music. You'll have plenty of room to store hundreds of hours of voice recordings, and still have room for more. If you've ever worried about missing your favorite radio show, than the CC Witness might just make your day — it has a timer! You can preset it to record up to 20 programs in advance. You can also make MP3 recordings of AM/FM radio programs (or anything else you can connect to the line-in) on the fly.'

Continue reading "CC Witness: MP3 Recorder-Player with Built-In AM/FM Radio" »

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A review of the Parrot DS3120 wireless digital MP3 radio system has been posted over at Laptop Magazine. 'At 11.7 inches wide, the DS3120 is about the same width as the ultra-slim Altec Lansing SoundBlade but packs a little more baggage in the back at 3.9 inches deep, compared with the SoundBlade’s svelte 1-inch profile. Still, the DS3120 will easily fit on a small table and is an unobtrusive desk companion. Centered on the top of the unit is a bright and clear 1.8-inch LCD. Below are nine buttons to make on-screen selections and control music playback and volume. The buttons are spaced far enough apart to use with ease but require a bit of force; we found ourselves holding onto the back of the unit to prevent it from tipping over when using the playback controls.'

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The Register Hardware have published a review of the Pure Digital Evoke Flow portable internet radio. 'The Evoke Flow combines DAB, FM and Wi-Fi-received internet streams and has the aim of delivering the best of what's available on all three platforms. Pure believes that just giving access to the thousands of internet stations that are out there isn't quite the point. So it's created a dedicated portal called the Lounge, bringing the listener many ways to tailor the internet radio to suite personal tastes. There's no need trawl through hundreds of options to find something worth listening to - the search power of the Lounge can be applied to sort, arrange and create a bespoke listening experience. The site isn't available to the public as yet, but Register Hardware was given special access to try the service out.'

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A review of the Logitech Pure-Fi Dream iPod speaker system has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'Despite its size the Pure-Fi Dream retains the classiness we're accustomed to seeing from Logitech products. Its curvaceous bulges and glossy black finish look sleek and stylish so it does at least look like it's worth the asking price. Like the buttons on the remote, all function buttons on the top are backlit orange - an effect that's activated by motion sensors. This is handy if you're tying to hit the buttons in the dark, though if you are, you're clearly getting up far too early!

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CNET have published a review of the Yamaha Pocketrak 2G Pocket Stereo Recorder. 'The Pocketrak 2G is marketed toward recording musicians, but its lightweight, low-profile design is just dying to be used for covert spy missions and concert bootlegging. Clad in a glossy black plastic and measuring 4.75 inches by 1.25 inches by 0.25 inch (HWD), the Pocketrak 2G is easily concealed in your pocket, or tucked away in some dark corner. The Pocketrak 2G's built-in stereo microphone takes up the last half inch of the top of the device, and can be angled up on its hinge to prevent it from picking up vibrations when laid on a table.

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Posted by Admin at 10:06 PM | Permalink

A review of Dualit’s DAB Lite Radio has been posted over at Trusted Reviews. 'First and foremost Dualit's eye for elegant retro design certainly seems to be on the ball with the same art deco lines that adorn all the company's products once again being employed. The model we're looking at is finished in a fetching cream colour but Chrome is available if you want something with a bit more bling and black is also an option. Build quality also seems decent enough with a strong moulded plastic chassis that includes some neat little touches like a handle on the back and a neat, crumb catcher recess for stowing the aerial. The controls are also responsive and relatively robust. However, the overall feel isn't really one of quality.'

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Posted by Admin at 10:13 PM | Permalink

The Register Hardware have published a review of the Roberts solarDAB radio. 'Firstly, let's look at the other functions on the radio, which are pretty good. There's the detachable aerial, for instance. This can be clipped into a recess on the back of the radio to fully protect it. It's a nice feature, but we couldn't help thinking that if the radio was frequently used outside, the aerial could very easily get mislaid. However, once clipped into its little hidey-hole, the aerial is hard to dislodge. So as long as you remember to stow it away, you should be fine.

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PC Magazine have published a review of the sleek IOGear GBMH211W6 Bluetooth headphones. 'Shipping with a USB charging cable, two sets of ear cushions, and a quick-start guide, the headphones use the Bluetooth 1.2 profile and support A2DP and AVRCP profiles. If you want to use them with an iPod or any other device that doesn't integrate Bluetooth, you'll have to purchase a separate dongle from IOGear for $79.99. Most of the other Bluetooth headphones we've seen, including the Genius BT-03A ($119.99 list), come bundled with a Bluetooth audio transmitter. Because of this limitation, I'd recommend the GBMH211W6 primarily for music phone users, since Bluetooth is standard issue on most handsets these days. It will work also with Bluetooth-enabled music players such as the Haier Ibiza Rhapsody and the Samsung YP-T10.'

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Digital Trends have published a review of the Pioneer Elite® X-Z9 tabletop, two-channel multimedia music system. 'The X-Z9 system is made up of two, 3-way bass-reflex, 50 watt speakers with a 13 centimeter cone woofer on the bottom and a coaxial mi-range driver and tweeter above. The frequency range of the system is 36Hz to 50 kHz and each speaker weighs a bit over 21 pounds. Both speakers have a beautiful piano black glossy finish as seen on other Pioneer Elite products and are ported on the front of the speaker. On the front mesh grill the Pioneer logo is displayed and on the back of the speakers are gold-plated cable connectors.'

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Posted by Admin at 10:31 PM | Permalink

CNET have publsihed a review of the Lasonic i931 "Old School Style High Performance Portable Music System with Ipod Slot". 'As a fashion statement, there are few iPod accessories that rival the Lasonic i931. Measuring 15 inches tall, 2 feet wide, and 7 inches deep, the Lasonic i931 is bigger than a toddler. The front of the Lasonic i931 is cluttered with graphics, creating the illusion of a product packed with exotic features. Once you get past the glitz and graphics, however, you realize the i931 system could be pared down to a device one half of the size.

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A review of the Noxon iRadio for iPod (iPod base station, wireless Internet radio, intuitive podcast receiver and multiformat network audio player) has been posted over at Computeractive. 'The new Noxon iRadio For iPod pretty much throws in the kitchen sink, including just about every feature the rest of the range offers, all in one. Like the other Noxon models, the iRadio for iPod can be connected to a home network, allowing it to play hundreds of internet radio stations and podcasts. It can also stream music from a computer to the iRadio, so you can listen to music from the computer in any room.'

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Posted by Admin at 10:19 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have publsihed a review of the MagicBox Touch DAB radio. 'The MagicBox Touch is a fairly large radio, measuring 28 x 15.5 x 7.2cm, but part of this is to allow you to insert six C cell batteries in the back to go portable, however, there is no handle if you do take this route. Housed in a black gloss casing, the touch interface gives the MagicBox a minimalist appearance, emphasised with a neat chrome line. It is a shame that the body moulding has a join running right around the sides, spoiling what could have been taken as a fetching design. As a result, it appears fairly average, but without any buttons.'

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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.'

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Posted by Admin at 9:08 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.'

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Posted by Admin at 10:10 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.)'

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Posted by Admin at 10:11 PM | Permalink

A review of the Polk Audio I-Sonic ES2 AM FM and HD Radio with iPod Dock has been posted over at CNET. 'At first glance, the I-Sonic ES2's curved black, silver, and gray housing could be mistaken for the first-gen model. There are a few key improvements, however. The front-panel LCD screen is far more readable: it's larger, the contrast is better, and it's angled back a bit, thus making it easier to read when adjusting the top-mounted controls. And those controls are a notable step up over the original I-Sonic as well. Fifteen buttons are arranged directly above the display, with the most commonly used--power, volume, source, and snooze/mute--appropriately oversized for easy access (though snooze could stand to be larger). The smaller buttons include time, alarm, and radio preset keys that are likely to be used with far less regularity. Alternately, you can use the included credit card remote to access the main functions as well.'

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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.’

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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.'

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Posted by Admin at 10:48 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.'

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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.'

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Posted by Admin at 10:19 PM | Permalink

IT Reviews have published a review of the Revo - Blik WiFi - WiFi Internet Radio which is capable of accessing thousands of internet radio stations from all over the world. 'The Blik has about the same volume as a Roberts or Pure DAB radio, but the shape is very different. Looking something like a very small, black, aircraft hanger (white is available as an option), the radio's case is covered with a scattered pattern of grooves and holes, especially over the speaker, which is mounted facing upwards.

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Posted by Admin at 10:39 PM | Permalink

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.'

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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).

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Posted by 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