Sony rolls out new DSLRs

Sony rolls out new DSLRs

Sony is back in the digital camera game, introducing new models which are powered by the world’s first translucent mirror technology that paves the way for simultaneous auto focus and capture in an interchangeable lens digital camera. These new models are capable of deliver continuous phase detect AF during 10 fps High-Speed Shooting and Full HD Movie Shooting moments. The two models that we’re talking about would hail from the Alpha range, where they are known as the SLT-A55V and the SLT-A33. Just what is Translucent Mirror Technology, you ask? More on that in the extended post.

Translucent Mirror Technology basically delivers performance that was previously unattainable with traditional DSLR technology. Both the a55 and a33 models are able to continuously and quickly focus (with TTL phase-detection) while shooting stills and recording video, even when you decide to take the full HD route, letting desired moments to be captured in tack sharp focus, high-definition video. As mentioned earlier, they are able to shoot continuously at up to 10 frames per second on the a55 (the a33 can muster up to seven only though), making them the fastest shooting speeds in the industry for an APS-C size sensor-equipped interchangeable lens cameras that do not cost more than $1,000.

The translucent mirror will enable light to pass through the lens in order for it to be simultaneously received by the image sensor and the auto focus sensor, which in turn enables continuous shooting and continuous focusing at speeds never before possible. Since there is no longer any need to raise and lower the mirror between shots, such technology enables one to focus while images are captured – something existing systems cannot do. They will also feature continuous Advance Priority AE Mode and can automatically adjust for the best exposure to help you get the most professional looking results. The inclusion of Full-time Live View also delivers unprecedented freestyle shooting versatility with fast, precise AF using either the viewfinder or LCD monitor. These new camera models will play nice with both Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card formats for added versatility. The Sony a55 and a33 cameras will retail for around $750 and $650, respectively for only the body – if you want to include the 18-55mm zoom lens, that will cost you another $100.

Epson has two more projectors for the market

Epson has two more projectors for the market

Epson seems to do really well in the projector market, churning out new models time and again, making them the number-one selling projector brand worldwide. Well, they certainly aren’t going to rest on their laurels, having announced a couple of affordable, feature-packed and easy to use projectors which will target both small and medium-sized businesses. We will look at the Epson PowerLite 1220 and the PowerLite 1260, where the former will cost $649 while the latter is a Benjamin more expensive. The PowerLite 1220 will feature XGA resolution, while the PowerLite 1260 has a higher resolution at widescreen WXGA, boasting 16:10 aspect ratio in order to fully utilize the capabilities of a widescreen notebook. Both models will sport 2600 lumens color and white light output that ought to make them suitable for bright presentations and true-to-life color. We will look at both models in greater detail after the jump.

First off, the Epson PowerLite 1200 series will deliver features which are found in higher end models most of the time, and we’re talking about the presence of USB Plug ‘n Play Instant Setup which can instant projects images and presentations from a PC or Mac machine using nothing but your humble USB connection. This works great when traveling from place to place doing presentations, since you no longer need to deal with bulky VGA cables and toggling between computer keys. Apart from that, both models will also sport another USB port for direct connection of a USB memory device, giving even those with no netbooks or notebooks to present a slideshow. As for the more expensive PowerLite 1260, it is equipped with an HDMI audio/video connection for delivery of high-definition video content for powerful entertainment possibilities.

Among their other features include :-

Positioning Flexibility: Automatic keystone correction and 1.2x optical zoom for easy setup

Convenient Control: Direct Power On and Off allows for an installed projector to be powered on and off with a flip of a wall switch

Instant On/Off enables presenters to avoid delays when starting and finishing presentations and be up and running in only five seconds

A/V Mute Slide instantly turns off the sound and images to create a quick pause in the presentation, conserving lamp life and energy, and helping to save costs

Easy Portability: Sleek, compact design and included carrying case offers easy portability and protection

3LCD Technology: Features the latest, 3LCD, 3-chip technology to deliver amazing, true-to-life color and detail for powerful presentations; the 3LCD light engine

efficiently uses available lamp light to create stunning images; in contrast to 1-chip DLP technology, 3LCD requires, on average, 25 percent less electricity per lumen of brightness

Extended Lamp Life: Using Epson’s exclusive E-TORL lamp technology, the lamp life can last up to 5,000 hours(4) in economy mode, helping to maximize presentation time

Canon EOS 60D DSLR ready to rock and roll

Canon EOS 60D DSLR ready to rock and roll

Are you in the market for a new DSLR, but am not quite sure on which model to purchase? Well, the new Canon EOS 60D DSLR might just fit the bill, considering it will be able to deliver high-quality digital capture as well as skillful post-processing that will deliver superior end results, not to mention better control over in-camera image processing which translates to less time editing and more time shooting. Apart from that, Full HD video recording capability is also thrown into the mix, with manual audio level control and flexible LCD displays adding to the EOS 60D’s desirability.

One of the things that make the EOS 60D DSLR special would be the inclusion of a three-inch Vari-Angle Clear View LCD display, Creative Filters for easy image manipulation, Full HD video recording with manual overrides, and in-camera functionality for RAW image processing. Meant for advanced amateurs, those who are just starting out in the world of digital photography might want to consider other models such as a Micro Four Thirds camera. Meant to take over where the EOS 50D left off, its large Vari-Angle LCD display boasts anti-reflective and smudge-resistant coatings, making it ideal for composing low-angle or overhead shots without missing a beat.

It’s new Multi-Control Dial also sees a Multi-Controller and Set button located within the Quick Control Dial, helping to streamline camera navigation for vertical as well as horizontal shooting while obtaining a cleaner camera design simultaneously. Canon also heard their customers, and will introduce a locking mode dial that makes camera operation a whole lot more secure as it prevents inadvertent changes to the photographer’s selected shooting mode. Among the other in-camera RAW image processing features include Picture Style, White Balance (WB), Color Space, High-ISO Noise Reduction, Peripheral Illumination Correction, linear distortion correction and chromatic aberration correction. There is also a new Aspect Ratio feature that lets the Live View screen can display cropping lines for 1:1, 16:9 or 4:3

aspect ratios, apart from the regular 3:2 ratio. These cropping lines do tremendously help one to compose images in Live View. Expected to hit the US at the end of September, it will cost $1,099 for a body-only configuration, while a kit version with Canon’s EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens will cost you $1,399

Samsung outs 90 and 30 Series Monitors with HDTV Tuners

Samsung outs 90 and 30 Series Monitors with HDTV Tuners

Samsung grabs the headlines yet again with 90 and 30 Series Monitors which will come equipped with HDTV Tuners, letting viewers switch between work and play easily, boasting enhanced picture quality without taking up additional space in your living room/work area. Both the 30 and 90 series monitors can function as a small TV if you happen to live in an apartment, but it will not compromise in terms of quality since it can deliver full HD resolution while boasting Picture in Picture (PiP) for multi-tasking users to use their computer for work while watching the latest news reports in a corner of the display without the need for another monitor or coughing up extra for more connections.

These monitors will be equipped with a couple of HDMI inputs for easy connection to multiple HD devices, be they cable boxes, video game consoles or Blu-ray players amongst others. Samsung’s Connectshare feature will also introduce a new dimension where multi-media capabilities are concerned, enabling users to instantly view and listen to music, movies and photos on the monitor from a range of devices such as a memory stick, portable media player, or digital camera through a plug-and-play USB connection. As for enhanced viewing options and productivity, the 30 and 90 series monitors will also boast Samsung’s MagicAngle that lets you enjoy full brightness and color range when viewing the monitor from above, below or to the side. Other magical options include Magic Eco, Magic Return, Magic Color, MagicTune and Magic Bright.

The 24-inch LED 90 series is definitely a looker, featuring a Touch of Color Mystic Brown finish accented with a chrome-coated quadruple stand. Just like all other Samsung LED technologies, the new 90 series monitors is eco-friendly in the sense where it will consume up to 40% less juice compared to non-LED displays. As for the 30 series which will come in 21.5-inch, 23-inch and 24-inch screen sizes, is finished in a sleek black with a clear acrylic bar along the bottom bezel. Not only that, the 30 series will boast a rear wave pattern for added attraction when seen from the side. Expect the 90 Series to hit the market next month for $419.99, with the 30 Series starting from $269.99 and going all the way to $329.99, depending on its size.

T-Fal Digital Toaster

T-Fal Digital Toaster

This toaster is definitely making my toaster look bad. I really thought I was doing pretty good, mine even has buttons for bagels and frozen items. Sadly it turns out that my shiny metal toaster is getting behind on the times thanks to T-Fal feeling the need to show off. Not only do they have the buttons I adore, but they also have added an LCD screen.

They have the usual buttons, but they have some added ones that could come in handy. Things like defrost and reheat are a little new to me. Although I can’t really think of an instance that I’ve needed a reheat function. The toaster shown here is $34.95 through Cooking, but that’s not the only Digital Toaster that T-Fal has fixed up. They also have a longer one that will accommodate 4 slices of bread and it’s not much more. To get the larger one it’s only $39.95.

Iomega offers new USB 3.0 eGo Portable Hard Drives

Iomega offers new USB 3.0 eGo Portable Hard Drives

Iomega is at it again when it comes to portable hard drives, and the company has just released their latest device – the all new USB 3.0 eGo Portable Hard Drive. Not only will it take advantage of the super fast USB 3.0 connection, it will also be able to keep your precious data inside safe and secure using hardware encryption as well as boasting exterior toughness that ought to put even the most paranoid person to shame. This new eGo will surely boost your very own whenever you take it out for a spin, and you won’t even find your jaw dropping when your friend or colleage drops it to the floor by accident, courtesy of a drop spec which is double that of the industry average.

Iomega is proud to announce that they are the first to move towards an all USB 3.0 portable hard drive lineup without charging a price premium to their customers. For those who are not in the know, USB 3.0 connectivity will help deliver speeds of up to 10 times that of USB 2.0, and as we mentioned earlier, this new range is extremely tough considering it can withstand a 7-foot drop without missing a beat. Not only that, your important data within can be kept secure thanks to AES 256-bit hardware encryption, placing Iomega’s eGo Portable Hard Drive comfortably within the premium must-have portable storage product range. It isn’t just all hardware though, as Iomega ensures you get value for your money on the software front as well thanks to a bundled software Protection Suite that comprises of popular titles such as Iomega’s QuikProtect, v.Clone and Trend Micro’s Internet Security.

Iomega aims to move all eGo Portable Hard Drives in 500GB and 1TB capacities to the new USB 3.0 interface before October is over, where it will play nice with all USB 2.0 computers as well. From the first quarter of 2011 onwards, the entire Iomega Prestige Portable Hard Drive line will migrate to USB 3.0 across all models, and this 2.5″ hard drive is also highly portable since it is bus-powered, which means there is no need for an external power adapter. The 500GB and 1TB drives will cost $114 and $189, respectively, when they ship.

Kodak announces new PLAYTOUCH Video Camera

Kodak announces new PLAYTOUCH Video Camera

Kodak isn’t just all about photo prints, you know, as the company also has its own range of digital imaging hardware. The latest among the entire bunch would be the PLAYTOUCH video camera, where it will attempt to keep up with the times by featuring a 3-inch capacitive touchscreen display that allows you to go through your entire collection of high definition videos using nothing but the swipe of a fingertip. Thanks to new on-camera editing as well as Kodak’s exclusive Share Button, it will make the PLAYTOUCH Video Camera all the easier for consumers to share their favorite moments with friends and family – in full 1080p HD, no less.

Coming in a rather unique design, the Kodak PLAYTOUCH Video Camera is not short on features to help even the budding videographer to capture their memories with clarity and precision. Among the features thrown into the mix to make life a whole lot easier (and more fun) would be built-in image stabilization, a LCD glare shield and an external microphone jack. If you want to share your videos with family and friends, the process is made a whole lot easier thanks to its built-in USB connector as well as Kodak’s Share Button which allows you to tag videos and pictures on the camera itself for direct, automatic upload to popular social networking sites the moment the camera is hooked up to an Internet-connected computer.

For the list of features and capabilities of the Kodak PLAYTOUCH, here they are below.

Share Button for easy video upload to YOUTUBE and FACEBOOK sites, and email

3-inch capacitive touchscreen LCD optimized for reviewing in landscape mode for the ultimate 1080p HD video sharing experience

On-camera editing features to trim and extract still pictures from video

5 MP HD still pictures

Sharper videos and less blur with built-in digital image stabilization

Built-in USB arm for easy sharing, charging, and transferring

Smart face tracking technology

LCD glare shield feature

External stereo microphone jack to add high-quality sound to videos or to plug in headphones for discreet playback

4 capture effects, including B&W, sepia, high saturation, and ’70s film look

HDMI output (HDMI cable included)

Up to 10 hours of HD video with expandable SD/SDHC card slot (up to 32 GB)

Li-Ion rechargeable battery with in-camera charging

PC and MAC iLIFE product compatibility

You will be able to choose from Smoke Gaze (Black), Chrome, Wine Country (Magenta), Cabana (Orange) and Spa Blue (Teal) colors as it hits the US market this fall for $229.95 

Canon Selphy CP800 compact photo printer

Canon Selphy CP800 compact photo printer

When you talk about consumer class printers, one of the names that is surely high up on anyone’s rating list would be Canon, as it mixes with the best to say the least. Well, the company has just another compact photo printer ready to rock and roll – we’re talking about the Canon Selphy CP800 that will come with a new tilt LCD display apart from the innovative and fun Shuffle feature which will go some way in enhancing its ease-of-use and functionality. This will succeed where the hugely successful Canon Selphy CP780 Compact Photo Printer left off, delivering an innovative design that enables consumers to enjoy the flexibility and convenience of printing high-quality photos from just about anywhere without the need to wait in line at busy kiosks at retail locations.

The size and portability of the Canon Selphy CP800 Compact Photo Printer will definitely surprise you (pleasantly, I might add), where it allows you to produce instant keepsake photos from almost anywhere. A good place to use it would be at wedding receptions, where you can always print out snapshots on the spot for your guests to bring home as a memento, although the environmental impact of this act might turn away from Greenpeace activists, what with the amount of ink used when a digital photo for them as a keepsake is more than enough. Thanks to the optional battery pack, you can immediately print memorable photos from a day camping in the woods or of a child’s first big catch while fishing. Of course, this printer will have nothing to do with the virtue of waiting for something, so it is the perfect tool for the chronically impatient.

It’s 2.5-inch tilt LCD display allows for easy viewing, selecting and editing of images, and thanks to the Smooth Skin feature, it is capable of delivering more natural and appealing colors at a glance. Not only that, more support is provided by the Image Optimizer which will do its part in correcting exposure and adjusting the brightness level, contrast and sharpness of images. As for the Portrait Image Optimize feature, it is smart enough to deliver face detection, backlight correction and noise reduction automatically. Available in either black or white colors, the Canon Selphy CP800 Compact Photo Printer will retail for $99.99.

Razer ups gaming ante with Razer BlackWidow

Razer ups gaming ante with Razer BlackWidow

Everyone by now should more or less have heard of the Razer brand when it comes to computer gaming peripherals that are of high quality. Well, the latest device to join the fray would be the Razer BlackWidow, where this mechanical gaming keyboard was specially engineered for gamers who want nothing less than superior tactile feedback and comfort while playing. It is interesting to note that from Razer’s point of view, the majority of mechanical keyboards in the market today are standard mechanical keyboards rebadged as gaming keyboards that feature stiff keys that cause key actuation fatigue. Basically, what Razer is saying is this – such keyboards will leave gamers off for the worse since it decreases gameplay performance instead of enhancing it. Razer’s BlackWidow offers something different, being built from ground up by gamers while boasting a uniquely tactile mechanical key architecture that provides each key on the keyboard with a crisp response and tactile feedback similar to a mouse click. When used in tandem with a unique key actuation point halfway through the full travel distance, the optimized mechanical key structure found in each of the Razer BlackWidow’s keys provide for greater precision and accuracy versus other traditional mechanical keyboards.

The keys on the Razer BlackWidow also boast one of the lightest actuation forces for all keyboards. They have been specially optimized by the Razer design team from readily available components, albeit going through rigorous quality standards from Razer to deliver a product of unparalleled quality. Apart from that, the Razer BlackWidow is also the only mechanical keyboard which comes with fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording, not to mention five additional gaming keys to up the ante when it comes to gaming compatibility and performance. It will be out this September for $79.99, although folks living across the pond will have to fork out theoretically more (after conversion) at €79.99.

Canon EOS 7D Studio Version is top of the line shooter

Canon EOS 7D Studio Version is top of the line shooter

Are you a budding photographer who wants something that is far out and able to help you achieve the next level in your photo shoots? Or are you already a seasoned professional who is looking for yet another piece of equipment to assist you in maintaining your position at the echelon of your industry? The Canon EOS 7D Studio Version will definitely appeal most to wedding and portrait photographers not to mention professional school and event photographers, where it comes with four levels of “locking” camera controls for studio environments. Not only that, the new EOS 7D Studio Version is also accompanied by the announcement of a Canon Barcode Solution that will link customer data directly with the image file in order for it to be maintained through the whole workflow process, making it perfect for school photographers, forensic and medical photo workflows.

Administrators can disable unwanted features and settings in the new “Locking” EOS 7D Studio Version DSLR, letting professional studio operators work with the comfort of knowing the end result will be both reliable and repeatable. Hmmm, guess this means even having a kid around won’t be too much of a worry that he/she will fiddle with your controls whenever you are not around. With a quartet of lock leves as mentioned, it allows administrators to enable the appropriate level of camera functionality for any studio operation. Not only that, custom functionality management can also be achieved via each level by unlocking individual features according to operator-specific needs. Security is further augmented with a daily password that prevents anyone with a different vision from changing the camera settings as well as disrupting the overall project and workflow.

The new EOS 7DSV (Studio Version) Barcode Kit (EOS 7DSV and WFT-E5A with firmware change) will retail for $2,599, while the body only EOS 7DSV (Studio Version) will cost much less at $1,829.

Sony targets FPS gamers with new ultimate weapon

Sony targets FPS gamers with new ultimate weapon

Sony knows that gamers take their gaming sessions seriously – after all, they have had their fair share of experience with feedback from PS3 owners. There is no quite better way to play First Person Shooters (FPS) games than using the traditional keyboard and mouse setup, but that is just the beginning. Advances in gaming audio technology has made listening to audio cues extremely important, as that would help you determine the location of your adversary before you fire off that money shot. Sony aims to make this a private affair with the DR-GA500 gaming headphones that boast 7.1-channel digital surround sound, accompanied by the DR-GA200 where both of them have 40mm drive units for premium gaming sound quality.

Both models will also be equipped with the unique ‘triple enfolding’ design for unrivalled comfort over long periods of wear. First off, the DR-GA500 will merge a Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoder with unique Sony Virtual Phones Technology (VPT) in order to create convincing 7.1-channel 3D surround effects – works great only if the game was programmed to support such a set up natively, otherwise something that is artificially cooked up won’t sound as good. The whole signal processing hardware is contained within a compact external unit, resulting in a soundscape rich in precision spatial detail that pinpoints everything from a stealthy footstep to the position of an exploding grenade.

Both the DR-GA500 and GA200 gaming headphones will also be able to keep strategy and online multiplayer gamers happy, especially where both genres require long stretches of gameplay. Thanks to 40mm drive units that deliver outstanding sound quality with resonant, living bass and crisp high frequencies, alongside the aforementioned ‘triple enfolding’ design, you can be sure that comfort is on the top of the list for either model. They will also enhance your gamer looks thanks to a striking and individualistic design. From October 15th onwards, both the DR-GA500 and DR-GA200 will be accompanied by a free copy of the keenly anticipated new Medal Of Honor single player game – now how about that for value?

Nokia X3 Touch and Type ready to rock the phone scene

Nokia X3 Touch and Type ready to rock the phone scene

Nokia, the Finnish cellphone manufacturer, is back with a new cellphone which will cater to the entry-level range. We’re talking about the super slim Nokia X3 Touch and Type, where it will come with a touchscreen display as well as a traditional 12 button phone keypad. While touchscreen displays tend to make an appearance in the higher end range of handsets, this one is an entry-level model. Touted to be Nokia’s first ‘Touch and Type’ phone, the Nokia X3 enables users to tap quickly on the bright color touchscreen display without losing out on the familiarity of the full keypad for quick fire text messages and phone calls. Expect the Nokia X3 to hit the market sometime in the third quarter of the year, where it will retail for around 125 Euros sans taxes and subsidies.

Just how slim is it? Well, it measures less than 1cm thin – 9.6mm, to be exact, placing it in the echelon of the slimmest Nokia handsets to date. It can slip easily into the purse or the pocket, and won’t look out of place in the office despite being entry-level, thanks to a brushed aluminum back cover alongside a choice of five vibrant colors that were specially designed to suit any mood or wardrobe. You won’t find it short on connectivity options though, as it will feature both 3G and Wi-Fi support, not to mention a built-in music player and an integrated FM radio just in case you have exhausted your collection of MP3s on it. A 5-megapixel camera is also thrown into the mix, featuring 4x digital zoom with the ability to capture video and photos.

To remain up to date, the Nokia X3 will also come with Ovi Mail, consumer email and chat accounts which can be pushed direct to the phone via Nokia Messaging. Depending on the market where the X3 is launched, it might come with Ovi Music Unlimited, letting one access a virtually limitless range of the latest hit music, where you will have a field day filling up a 16GB memory card. If you’ve been searching for a no-frills handset with a touchscreen display and yet don’t want to break the bank, the Nokia X3 might be just the ticket.

Fujifilm announces FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera

Fujifilm announces FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera

Stereoscopic 3D is big business these days, and Fujifilm intends to milk this potential cash cow to the maximum with the FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera. As its name suggests, this model will go one up on its predecessor by being able to capture high-resolution 3D photos and movies in 3D HD at 720p, and this is made possible thanks to the new RP (Real Photo) Processor. Apart from that, it also comes with a new Mini HDMI port that lets you play back your recorded images and video on most 3D television systems – apart from its Autostereoscopic 3D Widescreen 3.5” LCD display, of course. It makes us wonder with all these 3D devices going around, would bridal studios start to offer 3D footage and 3D images for their clients?

The slim FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera will sport a black matte finish in an ergonomic design, measuring just 21mm at its thinnest point while tipping the scales at just 8.5 ounces with a battery and memory card stashed within. With its durable stainless steel material used in its construction, you can be sure that the optical axis within remains precisely balanced to deliver accurate 3D images. Not only that, the W3 will also feature a horizontal lens cover with wave detail that doubles up as an on/off switch.

The introduction of Fujifilm’s FinePix REAL 3D technology enables one to capture true 3D courtesy of its twin 10-megapixel CCD sensors alongside dual FUJINON 3x optical zoom lenses (35-105mm) which are spaced 75mm apart. Both 3D and 2D Auto functions enable just about anyone to capture high-definition, high-resolution movies and photos without breaking a sweat, while audio is preserved in stereo for more impact. The One Touch Movie Mode lets you switch between movie and still modes, letting you play with the subject matter at your whim and fancy. Expect to see the FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera hit the market sometime early next month for $499.95.

Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800

Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800

Logitech wants you to spend more time playing or working in the dark with their latest addition, the Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800. As its name suggests, this keyboard will come with backlit keys that have not yet lost its novelty, although Logitech is nice enough to throw in wireless connectivity this time round for those who are looking forward to the day where they can truly lead a wireless life. The backlight will adjust itself automatically based on the amount of light in the room thanks to integrated ambient light sensors, while motion sensors will detect whether those are your hands that approach the keyboard, turning on the backlight in the process (and vice versa, of course). Manual lighting adjustments lets you tailor the brightness based on your personal preference, while an On/Off switch makes it easier for you to conserve the K800’s battery life. It ought to hit the market later this month for $99.99.

Purifan Ceailing Fan

Purifan Ceailing Fan

It’s not hard to find yourself a gadget to purify the air, however, this one won’t take up any floor or table space like many others. This one hangs directly from your ceiling, just like your average ceiling fan. It just happens to keep the fan blades enclosed. That also means that you won’t accidentally bang your knuckles on the fan when you happen to be stretching just underneath the fan.

The filtering system that consists of 5 stages, circulates over 2,000 cubic feet of air every minute. The Purifan will work great for nursing homes or anywhere else that is in dire need of some clean air. Then of course, it would also work just fine to make sure the air in your home stays nice and clean. The filters come in 2 different forms, one for normal air ($42.50) and one for smoky situations ($52.50). The fan itself is pretty expensive, it’ll cost you $399.95.

BookBook now for the iPad

BookBook now for the iPad

The BookBook has already been released for the MacBook, but now it’s making its way to the iPad to make sure that it stays safe as well. The BookBook converts your modern looking gadgets into antique books. It’s the perfect case for the gadget lover that still loves the smell and look of antique books. Plus, it might work as a theft deterrent since it looks like nothing more than a simple hardcover book.

The cover zips up to keep the iPad inside, plus there are plenty of things inside of the book to make sure that your iPad doesn’t shift around. Thanks to the hardcover case this also doubles as a handy little stand. The case may be mildly bulky, but at least it does double duty. Plus you’ll probably very rarely come across anyone with a case quite like this one. There are two different color options for the case, both of which are pictured above. You can purchase one for $69.99 through Twelve South.

Panasonic VIERA GT25 expands full HD 3D plasma TV market

Panasonic VIERA GT25 expands full HD 3D plasma TV market

So you’ve decided to settle for a plasma TV after thinking long and hard between a LCD, LED and plasma displays to adorn your spanking new home. Right after you have made your decision, another one beckons – will your plasma TV be 3D capable or not? After all, if you’re going to blow good money on a TV, why not go the whole nine yards and get the best? Panasonic might just have the affordable answer for you with the Panasonic VIERA GT25 full HD 3D plasma TV range, where it will come in 42″ and 50″ display sizes. The smaller TC-P42G25 will retail for $1,699.95, while the obviously larger TC-P50GT25 will be slightly more expensive, having been tagged at $2,099.95. Both models will hit the market later this month, so you just have around 2 more weeks to make sure that your bank account is able to accommodate this new purchase without the missus raising a ruckus on the family finances.

One thing about 3D TVs would be having to purchase additional eyewear, although some 3D TVs do come with a pair of glasses to get you started right out of the box. Sad to say, Panasonic’s VIERA GT25 does not fall under the latter, but will require you to fork out even more dough to purchase Active Shutter 3D Eyewear which is required for viewing 3D content. Of course, these two are smaller models in the family, as for those who have the budget as well as living room space can always check out Panasonic’s VIERA VT25 series that comes in 85-inch class, 103-inch class and 152-inch class professional Full HD 3D Plasma models.

Despite being one of the more affordable models in the market, they will not skimp on performance, since they will also come with many of the same innovative features found on the critically-acclaimed VIERA VT25 models such as Panasonic’s proprietary IPTV functionality, VIERA CAST that delivers USB connectivity which in turn makes room for a wireless LAN adaptor if and when required, keyboard and USB memory. You can also enjoy your favorite entertainment sites online including Amazon Video-on-Demand, Netflix, Google’s YouTube, Picasa Web Album, Bloomberg, Pandora, Twitter and a weather service, not to mention accessing Skype. Since typing input into a TV can be quite frustrating and slow, VIERA CAST’s interface has implemented quick keyword input to retrieve favorite content faster and easier.

Samsung offers world’s largest 3D LED HDTV in the world

Samsung offers world’s largest 3D LED HDTV in the world

While 3D HDTVs were introduced back at CES earlier this year across the entire board of manufacturers, they have yet to catch on in a big way. After all, how many living rooms of friends whom you know have a 3D LED HDTV? That has not stopped various manufacturers from continue to churn out additional models, and Samsung leads the way with their latest 65-inch monster known as the Samsung UN65C8000. This model is the largest Full HD 3D LED TV available in the market for homes worldwide today, where it will come with Samsung’s built-in 3D processor, real 240Hz refresh rate technology, dynamic 8,000,000:1 contrast ratio and proprietary Precision Dimming technology. You will find it more than able to deliver unsurpassed picture quality and an immersive 3D experience without compromising on your living room’s aesthetics thanks to its ultra-slim design. More on the Samsung UN65C8000 is available after the jump.

This model will also be able to hook up to the Internet, thanks to its WiFi-ready mode as well as ability to support Skype thanks to Samsung Apps. Basically, this translates to the Samsung UN65C8000 ending up as a really, really large display that brings an almost life-like quality to video calls. Too bad the technology isn’t there for 3D video calling just yet, but keep your fingers crossed that such a feature will be made available to end users like you an I sometime down the road. Not only that, you are able to access a full range of apps including Hulu Plus and ESPN Next Level through Samsung Apps at your convenience.

It is expected that the Samsung UN65C8000 will retail for $5,999.99 as it hits the market this month, but just in case that does not really suit your budget in these economically trying times, Samsung has also made sure its 2010 Plasma HDTV line-up is expanded with a trio of new 3D-enabled plasma TVs, namely the PN58C680, the PN50C680 and the PN50C490 which will retail for $2,299.99, $1,599.99 and $1,099.99, respectively.

MotionTouch announces the complete iPhone accessory pack known as Mi-Life

MotionTouch announces the complete iPhone accessory pack known as Mi-Life

iPhone owners will know that their smartphone is one device which is a hot commodity among third party accessory manufacturers. After all, being one of the hottest selling smartphones in the market along with its highly desirable design has caused many people to pick up protective cases of all shapes and sizes, not to mention design to make sure their iPhone remains pristine at all times. MotionTouch joins in on the game but ups the ante with their complete iPhone accessory pack known as Mi-Life. Mi-Life will bring together both the Mi-Power battery sleeve and Mi-Stylus, which we will learn more about it in the extended post.

First of all, we have the Mi-Power, a ground-breaking, eco-friendly iPhone battery sleeve. This means you no longer need to miss another important call, since it is actually a convenient spare battery that is ready to provide additional juice whenever the need arises. It can be charged from a USB port directly, or you can always take the greener route by taking advantage of its solar panel. The Mi-Power sleeve is capable of providing up to 1.5 hours more talk time for you , giving you protection against knocks and drops at the same time.

As for the Mi-Stylus this, precise, lightweight stylus allows you to use it on the iPhone without any problems whatsoever, alongside other touch sensitive products from Apple like the iPad. It is made out of a special composite rubber, where the Mi-Stylus’ slanted nib will imitate the electrical characteristics of the human finger, delivering a level of touch screen response which cannot be found in a traditional rigid-tipped stylus. Not only that, the edge of the nib can be used for selecting smaller on-screen items, which is something that a finger cannot do easily in select circumstances. With the Mi-Stylus in action, it will keep your phone’s display clean and smudge-free. The Mi-Life will retail for $25, while an individual Mi-Power sleeve will go for $20 with the Mi-Stylus costing another $10.50.

Sprint announces pricing and availability of Epic 4G smartphone

Sprint announces pricing and availability of Epic 4G smartphone

The latest and greatest Android smartphone to date has just been priced, alongside its availability date announced. We’re talking about the Sprint Epic 4G from Samsung, where it holds the distinction of being America’s first 4G-capable phone that will come complete with a full QWERTY keyboard as well as a brilliant Super AMOLED touchscreen display. This could very well be the perfect all-in-one device that you’ve been looking for to stay connected, get work done while enjoying entertainment even when you’re on-the-go. Apart from that, the Samsung Epic 4G is the only 4G handset from the Galaxy S smartphone family, where it will also be distinctly different thanks to the presence of a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

Mark August 31st on your calendars as that is when the Samsung Epic 4G will be available, and you can get it from all Sprint retail channels, not to mention Sprint.com, Telesales (1-800-SPRINT) and national retail partners, RadioShack, Best Buy and Walmart. The price to pay for such exclusivity? We’re talking about a pretty affordable $249.99 that will include a new line or eligible upgrade, a two-year service agreement, and after a $100 mail-in rebate with taxes excluded. Of course, you can always place your pre-order from Friday onwards – who says that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day? Just make sure you do so earlier since it will be available only while stocks last.

This Android 2.1-powered smartphone will also allow you to make data input on a virtual keyboard as well as Swype technology apart from the already mentioned slide-out full QWERTY keyboard. Other industry leading features of the Epic 4G includes a Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor, a 5-megapixel camera/camcorder with autofocus, power LED flash and 4x digital zoom for photos and HD video (720p) video recording at the back alongside a front-facing VGA camera for video chat, Wi-Fi connectivity, Mobile Hotspot capability and a 1500 mAh removable battery.

Dell Streak arrives in the US at long last

Dell Streak arrives in the US at long last

The Dell Streak has had its fair chance to shine in the UK for some time already, so it is now the time for folks in the US to play with the Streak. Dell has just made available their 5″ tablet device to North America, but not without some initial snags already. It seems that while you are able to pick it up for $299.99 with a new 2-year AT&T contract, there is also an option to do so for a rather $549.99 without. The snag? Even if you want to put in a SIM card from another carrier, you can’t, simply because the Dell Streak is carrier locked to AT&T. That’s a bummer for folks who prefer services from other providers, but we are pretty sure that hackers who see this as a delightful challenge will do their level best to unlock the Dell Streak in due time.

Orders for the Dell Streak Tablet should have started from today onwards, where the Streak will be released tomorrow. Before we proceed further, here are some details on the Streak – this carbon black Android-based tablet will come equipped with a 5-inch display, where it aims to function as more than just a portable media player, providing excellent “on-the-go” entertainment, social connection, and navigation experience. It comes with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, while 3G support enables easy access for downloading and listening to music, updating social networking status in real-time, and staying connected to friends and family through e-mail, text, IM, and voice calls, wherever you are.

The 5-inch display is also great to present Web pages in their natural form, making it nearly as good as the smallest netbook. With a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor within, you won’t find the Streak gasping for breath as it goes about with your daily business. Integrated Google Maps offer turn-by-turn navigation, street and satellite views, while a high resolution 5-megapixel camera lets you capture memories vividly wherever you are at that moment. Its 2GB of internal memory can be further augmented using a microSD memory card.

Creative Labs Aurvana In-Ear2

Creative Labs Aurvana In-Ear2

With the growth of portable audio and video, earphones/earbuds have become a necessity. Yet not all are created equal. If you are seeking a high quality portable experience look to Creative Labs Aurvana In-Ear2. This sequel to their award-winning Aurvana In-Ear headphones continues their trend of noise isolation technology in a comfortable, lightweight, convenient style. Creative Labs has enhanced sound quality over gen 1.

Having tested on an airplane, in the gym and just sitting at home I can say highs and lows were easily achieved. Bass was no problem, yet not overwhelming. Ambient noise was dissipated and volume levels were maintained – which will help you hear what you want to hear. The outer world will not disrupt your video, music or podcast while using Aurvana In-Ear2. They also did a great job of blocking others from hearing my material. So your listening experience remains yours.

For those addicted to noise cancellation headphone technology, like the author, Aurvana In-Ear2 are a pleasant alternative. No it is not 100% cancellation (nor does it claim to be), but it is a nice break from the bulk and discomfort of over ear products, while maintaining high quality sound. Aesthetically they are housed in an easy-to-carry case. Cable management offers good protection from the “elements” of backpacks, purses and the like. The form factor of the bud paired with various eartip sizes enables them to meet the shape of any ear. Other accessories include a cleaning tool and airplane adaptor.

WikiReader now comes with 15 more languages

WikiReader now comes with 15 more languages

Openmoko’s WikiReader device might resemble a pager, and for some, it could very well share the same status as the pager in this day and age. After all, with many people already being proud owners of a smartphone which allows one to access the Internet any time they please, why would there be a need for a portable version of Wikipedia which is not updated dynamically? Currently, the Openmoko WikiReader palm-sized electronic encyclopedia contains more than 3 million English language Wikipedia articles, but the latest English language version is now equipped with 14 other language versions of Wikipedia including Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Norwegian, Greek, French, Finnish, Danish, Dutch, German, Spanish, Welsh, Russian and Hungarian. Apart from that, the virtual keyboards with characters to support them are also thrown in for good measure.

The main reason behind the WikiReader’s existence was belief that people don’t go to Wikipedia because they want to be on the Internet, instead, they end up there as it’s the world’s best resource for finding answers and discovering new questions. WikiReader is more or less “Wikipedia in your Pocket”, although it isn’t updated as often as one would like it (unlike the Internet version). This lightweight device is battery operated, featuring a simple three-button design, a glass touchscreen display and an ergonomic rounded housing which makes it perfect to tote around. With a sophisticated compression technique, the WikiReader is able to store and deliver more than 3 million Wikipedia articles, which would mean there is no need to worry about external connections, additional monthly subscriptions, and Internet connections. A couple of AAA batteries offer enough juice to last for months on end for the average user, and can perform lightning-fast searches if you so desire.

Openmoko hopes to see more people use multiple language Wikis, and have made them available on a microSD memory card format. For example, the Chinese version starts from 32MB while it takes up to 5GB to hold the English language Wikipedia. Currently, the WikiReader supports microSD cards up to 16GB in size. It will cost $69 for a WikiReader with a 4GB microSD card, while an International 8GB version of WikiReader is available at Amazon as well as the company’s own web store for $99.

Texas Instruments ready to rock new school year with TI-Nspire with Touchpad graphing calculator

Texas Instruments ready to rock new school year with TI-Nspire with Touchpad graphing

calculator

Do you love math? If the answer is in the affirmative, and you want to make sure your progeny follows in your footsteps, then watching the Count from Sesame Street in one’s early years is a pretty good start. When your kid gets to middle school, surprise him or her with the following birthday present – we’re talking about the TI-Nspire with Touchpad graphing calculator which is suitable for math and science classes. After all, this is a one time investment which is good tnough to last through college-level math, now how about that? Costing just $150, it could be one of the better purchase decisions that you make in your life.

The graphing calculator will be accompanied with TI-Nspire Student Software for the home computer, enables students to have the flexibility of doing their homework at school, at home or anywhere they go. Said software allows them to view their work in more detail on a larger computer display, which is also good for the eyes in the long run since you don’t need to squint. The computer software also supports color when it comes to having vibrant views of graphs and charts. All of these come together in making learning math easier and more interactive, and thanks to a more convenient touchpad and the keypad layout, one is able to access functions easily and crunch numbers in a jiffy.

TI-Nspire with Touchpad also come with instructions on how to order a TI-84 Plus keypad for free via mail. This TI-84 Plus keypad can then be interchanged with the TI-Nspire Touchpad keypad, offering students the ability to select between two calculator models without forking out additional dough. Now that’s one smart product, and you certainly don’t need a calculator to tell you how much value there is in a single purchase. Heck, it is even accompanied by access to free, downloadable test preparation questions for SAT, ACT and AP exams from Princeton Review, where it is also legit to see action on SAT, AP, ACT, IB, PSAT/NSMQT, and Praxis exams, alongside a slew of state standardized tests.

Control4 rolls out dedicated in-wall touch screens

Control4 rolls out dedicated in-wall touch screens

Heard of Control4 before? Well, the company is now a leader in affordable IP-based control and entertainment systems, where they have recently announced a new generation of dedicated in-wall touch screens. We’re talking about the Control4 InfinityEdge Touch Screens here, where it will be available in 5” and 7” sizes while boasting edge-to-edge capacitive glass and a low profile design. The 5” and 7” models will retail for $599 and $899, respectively, where both the InfinityEdge Touch Screens will also offer intercom capability that is optional, where it will cost another $499 for a license.

One of the reasons to introduce the InfinityEdge Touch Screens would be to deliver affordable home control solutions which enables home owners to access their Control4 system from just about every room in the house. We aren’t talking about a castle or mansion here though, so bear in mind that an average sized house or apartment is the median that we’re referring to. Having said that, Control4 InfinityEdge Touch Screens will deliver intuitive, fingertip control of lights, music, climate, entertainment and security systems. Thanks to edge-to-edge capacitive glass, they deliver the full functionality of Control4 OS 2.0, which includes a new flash-based user interface and the ability to access and extend Control4 system capabilities with apps from the 4Store Application Marketplace. If you decided to go for the whole works and get the intercom capability as well, it lets you monitor rooms, communicate between rooms, or to broadcast messages to multiple InfinityEdge touch screens under the same roof.

You will be able to opt between AC power or Power Over Ethernet (PoE) to keep the screens juiced up, but the latter is more environmentally friendly. Apart from that, you also have a choice of wired or Wi-Fi connectivity options and four programmable buttons which will cater for customized commands, making the InfinityEdge Touch Screens a whole lot more flexible. Since both the 5” and 7” models share the same back-box, it lets you change to a different model at any time you like.

Razer Orca gaming and music headphones set to make a splash

Razer Orca gaming and music headphones set to make a splash

Hmmm, Razer now concentrates on animals that spend a whole lot of time under the water, with their latest release being the Razer Orca gaming and music headphones. Mention Orca and many of us will probably think of killer whales, who are majestic mammals in their own right but have been hunted much over the years. Perhaps the qualities of this fine creature have so enamored the folks over at Razer that they decided to name their latest gaming peripheral the Razer Orca. As with many other peripherals from Razer to date, the Orca will not only feature a style which is ahead of its time, it will also deliver a comfortable ergonomic design alongside quality sound and an ultra sleek look. To keep in step with most of Razer’s products, the Orca sports a distinct, venomous green color.

Just who is the target market for the Razer Orca? It intends to bring together both the music enthusiast and the hardcore gamer, where it is able to make the transition from a gaming setup to the subway, letting you enjoy great audio regardless of whether you’re busy trying to complete the later levels of Starcraft II or just chilling out to your favorite tunes on your iPod. The Razer Orca will come with a plug and switch cable, offering a quick and convenient solution for seamlessly switching between gaming and listening to music.

If you want to enjoy music on-the-go, the Razer Orca would do well with its shorter, standard braided cable, but whenever you want to kick some Zerg ass, then it is time for the braided 2 meter extension cable to make an appearance. Enhanced drivers have been included to optimize both in game action and the thumping bass of your favorite artists, making it the ideal dual-purpose solution for gamers and music lovers alike. Some of you out there might be turned off by its tardy color scheme though, but we think most people wouldn’t mind bringing home the $59.99 Orca if they could afford it. For our friends living across the pond, it will retail for €59.99 as well, so picking one up Stateside if you live in Europe might make more financial sense.

Dell announces Inspiron M101z laptop availability in the US

Dell announces Inspiron M101z laptop availability in the US

Dell is no stranger when it comes to the world of desktops and laptops, and this time round they have yet another laptop model for the masses who want something that isn’t only stylish but is able to pack a punch as well where performance is concerned. The Inspiron M101z will bring together what Dell touts to be a “perfect combination of size, weight, performance and contemporary lux looks”, making it equally at home whether you are at the office or at home. Some of the features that we will look at in greater detail in the extended post would be its premium looks, generous display, a full-width keyboard, long battery life and a powerful processor – all crammed into a laptop that some might mistake for a netbook.

Tipping the scales at less than 4 pounds, this ultrathin laptop is more than capable of fitting into a handbag or backpack without looking out of place. Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size though, since the Inspiron M101z has more than enough processing juice to stepp through everyday tasks in a jiffy, delivering impressive playback of streaming movies and HD videos at the same time. Thanks to an inspired hinge-forward design which will ensure the display moves closer while keeping the body rigid to help enhance strength and durability, you will also benefit from easy typing and navigation thanks to its full-width keyboard. Apart from that, it has an attractive finish and smooth curves, with four colors to choose from.

Powered by AMD Athlon II Neo Mobile processors and integrated ATi graphics, you will be able to achieve slightly more than 6 hours of battery life when using it, but of course that is just a ballpark figure since a lot of it depends on what kind of applications you’re running as well as the number of connections you’ve turned on. Depending on your specifications, the Inspiron M101z will start from $449 upwards, where it will be accompanied by a one-year limited warranty. Some of the more detailed specifications are as follows :-

Speedy AMD Athlon II Neo single and dual core mobile processor options with integrated ATi graphics

Dazzling 11.6-inch TrueLife HD glossy WLED display (1366×768)

Full-width ergonomic keyboard with raised individual keypads

Up to 4GB4 of fast DDR3 memory at 800MHz

Up to 320GB SATA hard drive

Built-in 1.3 megapixel Webcam

SRS Premium Sound with two 1.5W speakers

Three USB 2.0 connections

HDMI port

VGA port

7-in-1 media card reader

Integrated 10/100 Ethernet and Wi-Fi (b/g/n) with Bluetooth 3.0 wireless standard

Optional built in mobile broadband

Epson wants you to get printing with more all-in-one models

Epson wants you to get printing with more all-in-one models

Epson knows that good quality printers are hard to come by these days, and they being an old hand in the industry, intends to spice it up with more all-in-one models. We’re talking about the new range of Artisan all-in-ones, namely the Artisan 835 and Artisan 725. It seems that Epson has done a little bit of market research on their own, and the results were in their favor (obviously), where image quality of their printers was preferred by consumers 3-to-1 over the competition. It also helps that Epson’s latest range of printers will come with a host of unique features, making them being marketed as a “perfect match” for today’s active, digital families that who need just a solitary solution when it comes to printing.

The Artisan 835 would be the flagship model of the series, where it will feature a 7.8″ smart touch panel display, a 3.5″ color LCD display, an integrated fax capability (not that many people use it these days, but still), and a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder which makes it a snap to copy and fax documents in a jiffy. As for the Artisan 725, this model will come with an enhanced touch panel for easier navigation. Both of them will come with 2.5 times faster wireless connectivity thanks to Wi-Fi n connectivity, not to mention support for wireless printing from an Apple iPhone. It also touts to have the fastest 4” x 6” photo print speed in the world, but we guess that depends on how it was benchmarked. Using Epson’s six-color Ultra Hi-Definition Claria ink, printouts are expected to look stunning, whether images or text. The remaining features of the Artisan Series are as follows :-

Delivers fast ISO print speeds of 9.5 ISO ppm black and 9 ISO ppm color

Offers built-in wireless and Ethernet networking

Saves up to 50 percent of paper supply with automatic two-sided printing

Creates personalized greeting cards, coloring book pages, elegant stationery, and note paper

Creates professional-looking discs by printing images and text directly onto ink jet printable CDs/DVDs with easy-to-use Epson Print CD software

Features built-in Auto Photo Correction to automatically evaluate and correct images and red eye

Prints applications wirelessly from an iPhone, including PDF files, photos, photo calendars, business documents, and more, through applications available on the iTunes App Store

Prints images directly from digital cameras, mobile phones and USB Flash drives with PictBridge

Accommodates various printing needs with individual ink cartridges at affordable prices (standard and high-capacity sizes)

Delivers vivid, true-to-life photos with Epson’s exclusive MicroPiezo print head with DX5 technology

Offers a range of eco features and environmental qualifications including, ENERGY STAR and RoHS compliance, and is designed to be recycled

The Artisan 725 will retail for $199.99 while the Artisan 835 is going for $299.99 as they make their way to the markets sometime in the middle of this month onwards.

High Contrast Keyboard helps you see better

High Contrast Keyboard helps you see better

Learning how to type using all five fingers? Why not let the High Contrast Keyboard help you out, as it offers an easy-to-read keyboard layout, complete with high-contrast keys as well as enlarged print. The bright yellow keys will be labeled in black, san serif type, which is more or less similar to the same high-visibility color scheme that is found in highway warning signs. All 43-point characters (about 9/16″ tall) are heat transferred to the keys, following that with a UV coating for lasting durability. It won’t be different in terms of key layout compared to a regular 103-key keyboard, where all 12 function keys are on the top row with nine buttons for common multimedia and browser commands. Rated for 10 million keystrokes, it will play nice with Windows 7, Vista, and XP operating systems. Expect to fork out around $49.95 for this puppy.

Sanyo offers new full HD waterproof camcorder – the Xacti VPC-CA102YL

Sanyo offers new full HD waterproof camcorder – the Xacti VPC-CA102YL

Sanyo’s range of camcorders more often than not fall under the Xacti line, and today Sanyo targets those who are far more adventurous than your usual birthdays, weddings, prize giving ceremonies and funeral shooting folks. We’re talking about the Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA102YL camcorder that is the perfect companion for folks who lead a much more active lifestyle than normal. This new Dual Camera is able to record your favorite memories in full HD resolution, storing more than 480 minutes of digital memories of 1080 Full HD video on a single 64GB SDXC memory card, while capturing 14-megapixel still photos. Sounds normal? How about this then – it is also capable of achieving those from a depth of ten feet underwater. Yes, you read that right, this Xacti VPC-CA102YL is waterproof up to that level of depth, which means you can also bring it with you on your next camping trip, come rain or shine, it will still keep on rolling effortlessly.

Being small enough to fit perfectly in the palm of the user’s hand, you can also easily slip it into a pocket, backpack, or purse. Thanks to its utilization of the convenient video format, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, sharing videos with friends online or over blogs is now a snap. Apart from that, all media created can also be edited and exported to portable media devices in a jiffy, and you can also hook it up to your HDTV via its Mini HDMI port to view them in full HD glory. Relying on a proprietary “double-range zoom”, it is capable of zoom operation of up to 12x while filming video, while its High-Speed Sequential Shooting mode can capture up to 22 photos at 7 frames per second.

There’s only one color to choose from at the moment, which is bright yellow, but we suppose that is OK and essential since you might lose it accidentally when outdoors, making its bright color all the easier to identify when you launch a search and rescue operation. Expect this model to hit the market this month for $249.99. Other features are as follows :

Full-HD videos, 1080 60i (1920 x 1080 pixels)

14MP photos

Waterproof (can be used in water up to 10 ft depth)

Compact, vertical form factor

CMOS sensor (14.4MP)

38 mm wide-angle lens

5x optical zoom, 12x double-range zoom

Compatible with SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cards

Wireless data transfer via Eye-Fi SD cards

2.7-inch TFT LCD display (can be turned 285 degrees)

“Face Chaser” and “Target a Color” functions

Mini-HDMI port

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

Rechargeable via USB port

Samsung Electronics has new eco-friendly hard drive

Samsung Electronics has new eco-friendly hard drive

Samsung Electronics does not only churn out great looking TVs and fantastic handset, you know. They are also knee deep in nearly the whole range of consumer electronics, and among these include a part of the computer that most people need – a hard drive. Today, they have just announced the F4EG, what is touted to be the world’s highest-density, environmentally friendly hard disk drive that will see action in the desktop market. Also known as the EcoGreen F4, it comes with a 2-terabyte (TB) capacity, which equals to 667GB for each of its three disks. To get a better idea on just how that works out when it comes to real life files, that is roughly the equivalent of 880 hours of DVD video or 500,000 songs in MP3 format. Within the F4EG, it will utilize Samsung’s high-density design technology in order to deliver better performance, low power and improved reliability to its ‘EcoGreen’ hard drives.

The F4EG is able to satisfy a wide range of market targets, including storage-hungry multimedia professionals to gamers and home PC users. After all, when it comes to computer storage, it is the same as money. You can never have enough, and just a little bit more is required to keep you happy. With the easy availability of digital content these days, it can become way too easy to hoard data as well as video and audio content in a way never imagined before, simply because space is so abundant, and it is pretty cheap to boot when you take into consideration the hard drive’s cost per GB ratio compared to other much more expensive alternatives like an SSD.

Thanks to a trio of its disks and advanced technology, the F4EG drive will be 19% better in standby time performance and has 23% lower power consumption in standby mode compared to its predecessor which is the four-disk model known as the F3EG. It also won’t wake up the dead at night thanks to its low noise operation technology SilentSeek and NoiseGuard that offers quiet system operation. OK, so hard drives aren’t the noisiest things in the world, but the slight clatter you hear after a while might just get on other people’s nerves, especially when you’re working in bed late into the night and your partner is extremely sensitive to noise. Out in 1.5TB and 2TB capacities, the Samsung F4EG will deliver a 3.0Gbps SATA interface and retail from $119.99 upwards with the first shipments happening this September.

Logitech Alert HD digital video security system

Logitech Alert HD digital video security system

Just when you thought that all Logitech offered was a great range of computer mice that caters to every single market segment, universal remote controls that look super futuristic, speakers that offer bang for your hard-earned buck and a vast array of webcams, think again. The Swiss company has just unveiled a spanking new Logitech Alert HD digital video security system which lets you keep an eagle eye on what matters most to you. It doesn’t matter if you use it for checking in on the house when you’re away from it, making sure baby is all right from work or monitoring your second home (investment as some call it), the Logitech Alert 750i Master System is up to the task, and will work great alongside the weatherproof Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master System with night-vision. Both Logitech Alert master systems will be equipped with a smart HD camera, powerful PC and Web software, giving you the ability to view what’s going on remotely on a PC or Mac, and if you’re mobile, over a compatible smartphone.

To make sure that both systems remain future proof (and if you happen to buy over your neighbor’s house simply to expand your own land), then you will be pleased to know that Logitech has just the solution for you – we’re talking about the Logitech Alert 700i Add-On Camera and the Logitech Alert 700e Outdoor Add-On Camera. Not only that, folks who are frequently away from home can take advantage of the Logitech Alert Web and Mobile Commander, which is actually an optional premium service that lets you watch video that is recorded and stored on your camera, while managing settings and alerts from the Web or your smartphone.

It doesn’t require a degree in rocket science to set up the Logitech Alert security system, taking just minutes of your life via a simple three-step process. First, you will need to install the Logitech Alert software, hook it up to your network, and plug in your camera, and you’re good to go. The Logitech Alert 750i Master System and the Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Master System will retail for $299.99 and $349.99, respectively. If you want to expand on that, the Logitech Alert 700i Add-On Camera and the Logitech Alert 700e Outdoor Add-On Camera will be going for $229.99 and $279.99, respectively.

Panasonic has new HDC-SDX1 camcorder

Panasonic has new HDC-SDX1 camcorder

Panasonic intends to achieve new records with their spanking new HDC-SDX1 camcorder, which is currently the world’s lightest full-High Definition (HD) camcorder. In order to make sure it picks up that title, it will come with an ultra-compact body that tips the scales at just less than 0.41 lbs. Apart from its stylish and lightweight design, the new Panasonic SDX1 will also sport a 35.8mm wide-angle lens, 23x Intelligent Zoom as well as the ability to double up as a webcam which allows you to use it for Internet video calls. Want to know more about this seeming wonder? Head on to the full post for the nitty gritty.

Apart from capturing down all your precious moments for posterity in full High Definition, the SDX1 also functions as a webcam with is microphone not missing out on a single sound or word from your side. This is made possible by hooking up the SDX1 to a computer, letting you enjoy face-to-face communication in a jiffy. For those who use Apple computers, fret not as Panasonic’s got your back. The SDX1 will support the Apple iFrame video format for smooth and easy loading and editing of image data on a native Mac machine. You can also upload video clips to YouTube or Facebook directly without the need to launch a browser. How’s that for convenience?

The Panasonic HDC-SDX1 is no slouch when it comes to performance either, thanks to a newly-developed HYBRID Optical Image Stabilization system (O.I.S.), an image stabilization system which will deliver optical and electrical hand-shake correction. The system will also help you out when zooming in on a subject, resulting in beautiful videos that you never imagined before. With the O.I.S. Lock button on the LCD monitor pressed, the blur detection sensitivity will kick in at maximum, correcting all camera movements in the process. Thanks to its Intelligent Auto (iA) mode, the SDX1 will be able to choose the most suitable of six shooting modes automatically with but a simple button press. Out in September later this year, the HDC-SDX1 will retail for $499.95.