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.

Amazon outs new Kindle for the masses

Amazon outs new Kindle for the masses

The e-book reader scene is slowly but surely picking up steam, and the Apple iPad has certainly done its bit to spice up competition amongst various e-book manufacturers. Amazon might have been the most successful with its Kindle for sometime already, but with the iPad’s appearance, the folks over at Amazon certainly aren’t going to rest on their laurels. No sir, the company has come up with a spanking new Kindle to replace the #1 bestselling item on Amazon.com for two years running. This all-new Kindle will come with a new electronic-ink screen that will supposedly boast a 50% better contrast compared to any other e-book reader, while featuring a much sleeker design that is 21% in size without compromising on its 6″ size reading area. Apart from that, traveling with your Kindle is now lighter than ever thanks to a 15% reduction in weight to just 8.7 ounces. Of course, what’s all that if the processor underneath the hood is not improved? The new Kindle sports 20% faster page turns, alongside up to one month’s worth of battery life. Storage has also doubled, allowing you to hold a whopping 3,500 books that ought to last you for quite some time. Perhaps they could give prisoners Kindles to keep their minds occupied instead of just figuring out how many days they have left to spend behind the bars? More on the Kindle in the extended post.

Of course, there is also an integrated Wi-Fi connection for you to download your favorite digital tomes just in case you aren’t around an area with great 3G connectivity. Some of you out there might not take too kindly to the graphite color option though, but for $189, it might just be well worth your dough. There is also another addition to the Kindle family this time now – the Kindle Wi-Fi. This will target readers who do not need the convenience of free 3G wireless connectivity, where the price has dropped to a mere $139. Of course, this would mean you will need to look out for a Wi-Fi connection if you want to download and purchase your favorite books. If you place a pre-order now, it will ship to more than 140 countries and 30 territories from August 27th onwards.

Panasonic HDC-SDT750 camcorder goes 3D

Panasonic HDC-SDT750 camcorder goes 3D

Stereoscopic 3D is a huge issue these days, and many companies have already rolled out full HD 3D-capable TVs at CES earlier this year, where many models have started to penetrate markets worldwide following the January announcement. Well, why wait for your local TV stations to offer 3D channels when you can create and store your own memories in 3D format? Panasonic offers this ability with the HDC-SDT750, which is touted to be the first consumer 3D camcorder in the world. It will be accompanied by a 3D conversion lens which allows you to shoot powerful and true-to-life 3D video content. Of course, just in case you are mulling over the idea of purchasing a 3D-capable TV in the future, you can always buy the Panasonic SDT750 and use it as a regular camcorder at the moment, where it does full 1080p High Definition (HD) in AVCHD without the 3D conversion lens unattached. Expect it to keep you and your audiences happy with a range of powerful features such as a 3MOS system, a Leica Dicomar lens and a 12x optical zoom.

Just what is this 3D conversion lens that we’re talking about? It is a specially designed lens which will record both right-eye and left-eye images simultaneously through its two lenses, which ends up as a video which can be viewed in 3D assuming you have the right equipment to do so. Both right and left images (each with 960 x 1080 pixels) which enter through the lenses are recorded using the side-by-side method. Not only that, the Panasonic SDT750 will come with a Time Lapse Recording feature that plays a scene such as a sunset or a blooming flower at an accelerated speed, which is also rather similar to a fast-forward. When you set the recording interval to 1 second, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute or 2 minutes, you are able to view an otherwise long recording in a reduced time period. Imagine watching a 10-minute sunset scene in approximately 10 seconds – perfect for budding video enthusiasts who want to try their hand at being more creative. Not only that, this interval recording feature also works with the 3D conversion lens attached.

Apart from that, you also get a 5.1-channel audio recording sound system thanks to five microphones, letting the final video record voices from the front, right, left and back which will then be playable over a 5.1-channel home cinema system. With its Focus Microphone function, it is now possible to pick up the sounds from sources in the area in front of the camcorder, without paying attention to whether the lens is focusing on a near or distant object. Expect to bring home the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 from October onwards at a rather affordable $1,399.95 a pop, considering it is breaking new ground here.

Patriot Memory delivers new Inferno Series of SSDs

Patriot Memory delivers new Inferno Series of SSDs

Mention Patriot Memory and chances are computer enthusiasts will be able to identify the company, as it is a global pioneer in high-performance memory, NAND flash and computer peripheral solutions. Well, they have come up with three more larger capacity SSDs which will further expand upon the award winning Inferno Series of SSDs. We’re talking about the Inferno 60GB, 120GB and 240GB drives that are build upon the earlier 100GB and 200GB capacity SSDs that make up the Inferno line. Inside each of these new offerings, you will find the SandForce SF-1200 SSD processor that makes it possible for the Inferno series to deliver incredible performance. Performance is not everything, since reliability and longevity are other issues that you should look at when choosing a new Solid State Drive, and this is where the Inferno series of SSDs deliver as well thanks to the SandForce DuraClass technology incorporated within.

Capable of hitting 285MB/s read and 275MB/s write (sequential) speeds, its performance becomes all the more exceptional when you consider the 24K IOPS (write) at 4K file sizes. As a result of that, this is one SSD series that has been specially optimized for enthusiast use as a primary system boot drive if you so desire. Patriot Inferno SSDs will work in tandem with specially screened MLC NAND Flash to deliver class leading performance, where among them include a 2.5″ to 3.5″ adapter plate for easy installation into desktop computer chassis. All of them are also accompanied by a 3 year warranty for added peace of mind. With SandForce DuraClass technology, you can be sure that enhanced endurance and reliability is part of the package, delivering an average of 20x over traditional SSD controllers through innovative write technology and Wear Leveling.

Pricing depends on the capacity of the SSD of your choice. If you’re building up a computer from scratch, you might want to check out the potential of the Inferno SSD range to boost its performance to the next level.

Panasonic HM-TA1 camcorder is pocket-sized, yet offers full HD

Panasonic HM-TA1 camcorder is pocket-sized, yet offers full HD

Panasonic decides to jump into the pocket camcorder fray for casual users who want quality in a highly portable device, and the result of that would be the HM-TA1 camcorder. This device is capable of shooting full High Definition video at 1920 x 1080 pixels without any hassle at all, making it ideal for on-the-go shooting opportunities. Sporting an easy-to-use design intended for intuitive operation, the TA1 will also feature an integrated USB terminal that makes your traveling lighter since there is no need to carry around another USB cable if and when you want to transfer all your digital memories onto a computer. The pre-loaded software also makes it a snap for uploading videos to online sharing sites such as YouTube and Facebook without having to go through the tedium of processing said videos beforehand. Apple computer users will also be pleased to know that the TA1 comes with Apple iFrame video format (960 x 540/30p) support, making it ideal for for Mac users to import quickly and maintain small file sizes.

Apart from shooting HD video as its main diet, the HM-TA1 is no slouch when it comes to being a multi-tasker, working as a Web camera for folks who have yet to own something like this in their homes. Granted, a whole lot of notebooks and Apple MacBooks come with a built-in web camera these days, so it will probably go down well with desktop owners. All you need to do is plug it into an available USB port and you’re good to go, as the TA1 will play nice with IP-based video chat programs such as Skype.

It is extremely pocket friendly in terms of dimension (and price, which you will find out later), measuring just 2.09″ x 0.7″ x 4.09″ while tipping the scales at a mere 0.25lb, including a battery and SD memory card. Each TA1 will come with a wrist strap, making it perfect for being carried around without worries of losing it. With single-function buttons such as Power, Play, Record, Still Photo, LED Light (on/off) and Delete, even beginners are able to get straight into the middle of video recording action right out of the box. Shooting stills of up to 8-megapixels is another ability found on the TA1, making it another secondary digital camera device for your home. Out in purple, dark grey and red color options from next month onwards, the Panasonic HM-TA1 will retail for $169.95.

Apple updates iMac line with new models

Apple updates iMac line with new models

Apple has stayed true to form, unveiling a new line of iMacs for the masses this time round to up the ante by making what is widely regarded as the world’s best desktop computers even better. The new all-in-one iMac line will feature the latest Intel Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors, depending on your needs as well as budget, not to mention powerful new graphics that shouldn’t leave your computer chugging when it comes to heavy duty applications. Pricing isn’t too far out of reach for most people either, starting from $1,199 upwards depending on your computing needs. This new iMac line is the fastest ever with dual-core processor speeds up to 3.6GHz, while those who opt for quad-core processors will be able to see speeds of up to 2.93GHz alongside discrete graphics that include the powerful ATI Radeon HD 5750.

The new range of processors will come with an integrated memory controller that helps it access the system memory directly, letting the iMac take full advantage of its faster 1333 MHz memory. Thanks to the discrete ATI Radeon HD processor, it is more than capable of delivering incredibly smooth, crisp graphics for even the most demanding and advanced 3D games, creative software and technical applications. With In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology, the iMac can deliver a brilliant image across a wide 178 degree viewing angle. Nice to see Apple also throw in an SD memory card slot which also supports the new SDXC memory card standard, making it possible to add another 64GB or so of memory to the cause when required. If you happen to have a penchant for the 27″ iMac, then you can also opt for a 256GB solid state drive (SSD) as a primary or secondary drive for a greater performance and storage boost, since the iMac SSD supports up to 215 MB/s data transfer rates for faster startup and application launch times.

Each purchase of the iMac will be accompanied by Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse, with the option to bring home the new Magic Trackpad as well for an added fee. You will also find that the iMac will ship with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, alongside iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Do you think it is time to upgrade your iMac?

Samsung offers ST80 digital camera with Wi-Fi capability

Samsung offers ST80 digital camera with Wi-Fi capability

Samsung jumps aboard the Wi-Fi enabled digital camera bandwagon with yet another model, this time round the ST80 will take center stage. After all, this 14.2-megapixel point-and-shoot camera will also feature Samsung’s AllShare (DNLA) connectivity, making it a snap for the ST80 to share images wherever you are sans wires, while keeping family and friends updated on your status from anywhere at any time. Not only does the Samsung ST80 have brains, it also has plenty of brawn, being a sexy little device to boot thanks to its unique styling which makes it stand out from the crowd. Featuring a slim and rounded design, the ST80’s chassis will hold a 3x optical zoom as well as a large, 3″ wide touchscreen display located behind.

Some of the smart features available on the ST80 would be the ‘Smart Crop’, which in essence is a unique editing tool that will not require you to toy around with your captured digital images on a computer. After all, you can do so directly on the camera itself, cropping images taken at any angle or slant, including banners or signs, followed by straightening them out as though you had taken them straight on in the first place. We’re guessing even trained eyes will have a hard time telling the difference. With Samsung’s Smart Auto (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology, capturing images become easier than ever, recognizing the user’s current shooting environment automatically while choosing the right settings in order to achieve picture perfect moments.

Still photos are not the only thing the ST80 is good at, as it also boasts HD video recording for those who are interested. At 30 frames-per-second, the ST80 is more than capable of letting you record high-quality, 720p HD video using the H.264 format, gaining up to thrice the recording capacity compared to the MJPEG video format. With its Wi-Fi connectivity, you can upload or share digital images or videos with others straight from the camera without uploading it via a cable beforehand. Not only that, direct uploading to social networking sites such as Facebook, Picasa, YouTube, Photo Bucket and Samsung’s own Web site is also possible. The Samsung ST80 will be out this September for $249.99 a pop.

Apple has new Mac Pro line to rock your world

Apple has new Mac Pro line to rock your world

Do you have plenty of spare cash lying around, that you won’t mind forking out a premium for one of the better computers out there in the market? If your answer is in the affirmative, then we would be more than pleased to inform you that the new Mac Pro line has just been announced, where you will be able to enjoy up to a dozen processing cores and up to 50% more performance compared to its predecessor. Thanks to the inclusion of the latest quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon processors, an all new ATI graphics card as well as the option to slot in up to a quartet of 512GB solid state drives (SSD), the new Mac Pro is definitely not pushover, delivering amazing performance and expandability that will keep even the most demanding consumers and professionals happy.

Needless to say, the new Mac Pro is the most powerful and configurable Mac to date, where its next generation quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon processors run at speeds up to 3.33GHz. These multi-core processors rely on a single die design, enabling each core to share up to 12MB L3 cache in order to further improve efficiency while increasing processing speed. Turbo Boost will dynamically boost processor speeds up to 3.6GHz, while Hyper-Threading technology can create up to two dozen virtual cores. Each Mac Pro will now ship with the ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics processor that is equipped with 1GB of memory, and you can also choose to fork out more dough for the faster 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5870.

Each Mac Pro purchase will be accompanied by Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse, and you can also opt to drop more dollars for Apple’s new Magic Trackpad if that is your cup of tea. Of course, we don’t expect you to use the Mac Pro for simple tasks such as web surfing and doing spreadsheets while typing out documents, but we don’t suppose it is wrong either to spend your money that way if you’re so inclined. Expect the new Mac Pro to hit the market this coming August with prices starting from $2,499.99 upwards.

Apple Magic Trackpad offers multi-touch gestures for desktop users

Apple Magic Trackpad offers multi-touch gestures for desktop users

Could the introduction of the Apple Magic Trackpad prove to be the death knell of the mouse? We don’t think so, despite the device delivering a similarly intuitive Multi-Touch gesture experience that was previously available on Mac notebook trackpads, to the desktop. Boasting a glass surface that will definitely turn heads, this wireless Magic Trackpad lets you scroll smoothly up and down a page with inertial scrolling, alongside other now familiar gestures such as pinch to zoom in and out, rotating an image using your fingertips, while swiping three fingers will help you flip through a collection of web pages or photos. The Magic Trackpad can also be configured to work as a single button or two button device, while boasting understanding of tap-to-click and a physical click. You can pick up the Magic Trackpad as a separate peripheral for $69 a pop.

Black & Decker Energy Efficient Vacuum Cleaner

Black & Decker Energy Efficient Vacuum Cleaner

There was a time when I really thought these little handheld vacuums were close to pointless. Oddly it’s only after having a house with wood floors in almost every room that I wish I had something like this. It’d just be nice to have around to suck up quick little messes left by my nieces or any dead spiders that seem to have come into my house to run away from the summer heat only to discover themselves feeling very flat. Black & Decker has created an affordable option that would do the trick for all those small jobs from cookie crumbs to the bugs they attract.

This energy efficient vacuum has received an Energy Star rating. It is cordless with 2-speeds and a 10-position pivoting nozzle. It has 3-stage filtration, an upholstery brush, a small crevice tool and a wall mountable charging base to finish off the package. You can purchase it along with a handy little 2-year warranty for $50 through Amazon, where it has received almost a 5-star rating from 317 customers.

Spray in any direction with the ANYWAY Spray Bottle

Spray in any direction with the ANYWAY Spray Bottle

I realize that I’m not exactly the master of cleaning, and one of the reasons I avoid cleaning is that I hate the spray bottles that they come in.


I’m sure you have experienced this when using a spray bottle, but sometimes it just jams. Either the trigger freezes up, or it just doesn’t work no matter how many times you pump it. Sometimes, it trickles out what is in the bottle, and that just plain sucks. This would happen on times when the spray bottle was turned on an angle or upside down.

Fortunately, the ANYWAY spray bottle is prepared to spray at any angle. Click on the jump to figure out how it can do this.

It has a spray dip tube with a hydrophilic membrane that can attract liquids which make it possible to spray as long as any part of this dip tube is touching the liquid in the bottle. This is opposed to a regular dip tube that has that single hole in the bottom. The aforementioned spray bottle problems that I mentioned before are a result of the bottom of the tube not being submerged.

It’s pretty amazing that someone has invested the time and effort to improve spray bottle science, but I can’t help but wonder if this will help me clean more. Probably not.

MetroPCS offers BlackBerry Curve 8530

MetroPCS offers BlackBerry Curve 8530

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Want to get a BlackBerry but you are not quite sure where to start? Well, why not begin with MetroPCS as they offer the BlackBerry Curve 8530? This new smartphone will be available with unlimited talk, text, Web and data service, just in case you’re interested to keep in touch with family and friends round the clock without worrying too much about the final monthly bill. Features include Wi-Fi connectivity, e-mail, and turn-by-turn GPS navigation, where all of the mentioned will cost you a mere $60 monthly, where it already includes the whole range of applicable taxes and regulatory fees. When totaled, it is nearly half of what consumers would fork out in this day and age for other smartphone service plans at different carriers. Sounds like good value for money to us, considering the current economic climate.

At $60 a month, MetroPCS’ BlackBerry service plan delivers exceptional value, where you will be able to take advantage of popular IM services as well as the ever famous and faithful BlackBerry Messenger, not to mention keeping your status updates right up to the second through a range of social media networks. Apart from that, you will also be able to access the latest content including games, ringtones and wallpapers via the @Metro App Store and BlackBerry App World. While it might not be as comprehensive as Apple’s App Store, at least it is better than nothing. With special MetroPCS applications such as Metro Navigator, Metro Back-up, Premium Directory Assistance and Metro Banking, you can be sure your life will be made a whole lot easier.

Other hardware specifications include a full QWERTY keyboard for easier text messaging and email composition, while an optical trackpad keeps up with the times since the good old trackball tends to gather dust over time. It is rather unfortunate that the digital camera maxes out at just 2-megapixels, complete with zoom and video recording. Interested? Might be a good start for those who are trying to figure their way around in the world of smartphones.

Acer rolls out new S1 line of LED monitors

Acer rolls out new S1 line of LED monitors

Acer has a heart for the environment with their new line of super slim LED monitors which will boast an eco-friendly, space-conscious design at the same time. Known as the new S1 series, it boasts a combination of the latest LED technology alongside a slim 13mm to 15mm profile, making them perfect for those who have extremely limited space in their homes, whether for work or entertainment purposes. They’re one of the slimmest LED monitors in the market, that’s for sure, and you’ll be hard pressed to find any other models out there that are comparable in terms of design and size. The S1 series from Acer will come in 20″, 21.5″ and 23″ sizes to suit your fancy.

All three of them will feature several key eco-friendly, energy-saving technologies, where all of them boast white LED backlighting that will not come with hazardous substances including mercury or halogen gases, making it a whole lot more environment friendly. Not only that, white LED technology consumes less juice, offering up to 68% of power savings to users. All three displays are also RoHS and ENERGY STAR 5.0 compliant, making it play nice with the latest and most widely used energy-conservation qualification to further help you reduce your monthly power bill (theoretically speaking, of course).

If you love recycling, then you’ll be pleased to know that they will also come in highly recyclable packaging materials, where all major plastic components are properly labeled with the composition code and recycling symbols to make sure any future recycling efforts will be based on ISO 1043/11469 standards. Being so green doesn’t mean it skimps on performance, as the new Acer S1 series feature 12,000,000:1 contrast ratio, a 16:9 aspect ratio, as well as 1920 x 1080 resolution for the 21.5″ and 23″ models, rapid 5ms response times, 250 cd/m2 brightness and 16.7 million colors support. Connectivity options comprise of a VGA port or DVI port with HDCP protection (depending on the model). The high end 23″ model also sports an all-digital HDMI interface, letting you hook up your video game consoles and Blu-ray players to it without missing a beat. The 20″ S201HL will retail for $169.99, while the 21.5″ S211HL is going for $219.99 with a $269.99 asking price for the 23″ S231HL.

Fujifilm FinePix Z800EXR offers new touch screen sensation

Fujifilm FinePix Z800EXR offers new touch screen sensation

The Fujifilm FinePix Z800EXR is a new digital camera that sports a second generation EXR sensor and Hybrid Auto Focus System, where it will hit the market this coming autumn – which means you can still use it to capture your favorite photos this coming Christmas, although you will have to settle for something else this autumn. Featuring a sleek design and advanced features such as a large and intuitive 3.5″ touch-screen LCD display, an internal Fujinon 5x zoom lens, a 12 megapixel EXR sensor with a spanking new Hybrid Auto Focus System and enhanced Dual Image Stabilization, the Z800EXR is more than capable of producing images which are simply as magnificent as the camera itself. To know more on how this marketing speak measures up, look into the extended post.

With the Z800EXR’s new Phase Detection auto focusing system, it will automatically auto focus and snap an image whenever you press the button, without waiting for a few seconds in the process. To get a better idea on just how much faster it is compared to standard digital cameras, it will take all of just 0.158 seconds to capture an image for all eternity. With its phase detection Auto Focus, it will function in a way that divides the incoming light into pairs of images, while calculating the phase difference to check whether the object is in front focus or back focus position. This is a similar mechanism to that of external sensors on DSLRs, hence managing to achieve an incredibly fast auto focus speed.

As for its 3.5″ touch-screen LCD display, it also lets you touch and shoot as well as touch and zoom, not to mention keeping up with the times by letting you flick your way through your collection of photos over its display. Boasting a generous 460K dots of resolution, you should be able to see all of the important information on the display itself without having to project it to a larger display. Thanks to its Dual Direction GUI and Dual Image Display, you will be able to navigate though the Z800EXR’s functions in a smooth and easy manner. Choose from gorgeous bright Red and a stunning matte Black as the color of your choice

Fujifilm FinePix S2800HD digital camera gets 18x zoom lens

Fujifilm FinePix S2800HD digital camera gets 18x zoom lens

The Fujifilm FinePix S2800HD digital camera is different from the rest since it comes with a generous 18x Fujinon optical zoom lens packed into a small lightweight body. When working in tandem with its 14 megapixel sensor, you can be sure that snapping great looking photos are a, well, snap. This is the latest addition to Fujifilm’s S-Series range of cameras, where it will bring together the ease-of-use of a compact camera without sacrificing on top image quality, letting you capture your digital memories with full confidence each time. To know more about the S2800HD, you can check out further information on its specifications and capabilities in the extended post.

The FinePix S2800HD will come with an impressive 28mm – 504mm high precision Fujinon optical zoom lens, virtually opening up the door for you to shoot all of the action even from a considerable distance away, making short work of cinematic landscapes as well as wildlife without missing a beat. Thanks to its new Panoramic shooting mode, you will be able to remove the risk of uneven landscapes or shaky horizons as all you need to do is shoot, align the + symbol into the circle and let the shutter to release itself automatically to seamlessly stitch the shots together in-camera. Talk about shooting like a pro, without really knowing how to do so.

Its mechanically stabilized 1/2 3″, 14 megapixel CCD sensor and high ISO sensitivity settings coupled with Fujifilm’s Dual Image Stabilization technology will work together to reduce the blurring effects of both hand-shake and subject movement, delivering superb pictures in the process. It can also play back still and movies in High Definition quality if you want to view your handiwork on the spot, but for those who prefer to enjoy their images on a large screen TV, then a mini HDMI port comes in handy, although you will need to pick up the mini HDMI cable separately. Other features include a Face Detection system, where its Smile and Shoot mode will be able to tell when your subject is smiling before taking a photo. It is powered by a quartet of AA batteries, which means you will be able to use it just about anywhere in the world without worrying about finding the right power socket for it.

Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR offers good value in tiny package

Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR offers good value in tiny package

Looking for a new digital camera for you to capture all of your precious memories? Then you probably won’t go too far off the mark with the upcoming Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR. AFter all, this is an extremely pocketable digital camera that sports a high zoom range without taking up too much space, and yet is more than capable of delivering a slew of great looking shots under the ideal conditions. Taking up the mantle of the F-series models, the latest high-end 15x zoom F300EXR model will feature a 12-megapixel, 0.5″ Super CCD EXR second generation sensor as well as the implementation of both Contrast AF and Phase Detection AF in order to deliver auto focus speeds which can be comparable to an expensive DSLR. We’re talking about an incredible AF speed of 0.158 seconds under certain conditions, thanks to careful placement of phase detection sensors on the EXR sensor that will function in a similar manner to that of external sensors on DSLRs. This enables the FinePix F300EXR to automatically select the optimum focus system by measuring the amount of light or contrast in the scene.

Thanks to its pocket-friendly size, the FinePix F300EXR will be able to fit nicely in your hand for easy controlled shooting. With a sculpted grip, your fingers will be able to fit the camera perfectly, where its slanted mode dial delivers easy access to all the important camera controls. With a black finish and an all-metal chassis, you will find the FinePix F300EXR to be a solid and finely crafted shooter which is capable of standing up to minor knocks or abrasions. Apart from that, it also comes with a 3.0″ high contrast (1:1200 ratio), wide-view LCD display that enables you to tilt the camera at different angles to see the picture.

Other features and specifications of the FinePix F300EXR include the following :-

Full EXR modes, with EXR auto

15x Fujinon lens, 24mm – 360 mm equivalent

New Hybrid Auto-Focus System (Contrast AF and Phase Detection AF)

New accurate zoom control with low noise

Full HD Photo and 720p HD Video

3.0″, high contrast (1:1200), 460k dot LCD with Wide View Filter

CCD Shift Image Stabilisation System using new Gyro Sensor

Super Intelligent Flash

Ergonomic grip, with slanted mode dial

Photobook Assist via Star Rating System

P/A/S/M Exposure Control

Face Detection, Face Recognition, Pro Focus Mode

Motion Panorama

Second generation EXR Sensor technology

Acer Aspire Predator AG7750 gaming PC set to blow your mind away

Acer Aspire Predator AG7750 gaming PC set to blow your mind away

Love gaming a whole lot? Then you might probably already have experienced the joys (and pain) of building your very own gaming rig in the past, but if you think that you prefer to skip the entire process this time round, then you might want to check out the Acer Aspire Predator AG7750 gaming PC. This lean mean gaming machine is ready to rock and roll right out of the box (in the Great White North, unfortunately), where it will run on an Intel Core i7 quad core processor, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX470 graphics with 3-way SLI support and an insane 9GB of DDR3 memory which ought to blow all performance benchmarks out of the water, just make sure you have the skills to eliminate your opponents since we don’t think you can complain about choppy framerates affecting your game anymore with the Aspire Predator AG7750.

When it comes to internal storage space, you won’t be disappointed since the Acer Aspire Predator AG7750 will feature a total of 1TB of storage space thanks to its internal SATA hard drive. Apart from that, there are also three more easy-swap hard disk drive cages, which brings the grand total to four Serial ATA 3G/bs high-capacity hard disks which can be topped up to, not to mention having each single drive hold another 2TB of storage space. With 8TB of space to play around with, you would do well to have a great file organizing system lest your memory fails you and everything ends up in a mess.

As for entertainment, you can enjoy high-definition 7.1-channel audio, courtesy of Creative THX TruStudio PC and EAX 5.0 technology for a tubthumping experience. With its state-of-the-art, two-part liquid cooling system, you can be sure the Acer Aspire Predator AG7750 remains running nice and cool even when pushed to its maximum, giving you added peace of mind that it isn’t going to end up in a billow of smoke during the most crucial of moments under the highest graphical resolution settings. Expect to fork out around $1,799 CAD for the Acer Aspire Predator AG7750.

ProMini Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad

ProMini Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad

Those who have spent a good 8 hours or so in front of their monitor at work will definitely want to give their eyes a break when tehy get home, lounging on their favorite lazy chair while stretching out with the missus serving you a nice, hot dinner. OK, so maybe the last bit isn’t that ideal, but the ProMini Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad from ThinkGeek might just help you relax, after all it offers a full keyboard layout not to mention navigation and multimedia control keys that allow you to do just about anything you like from the comfort of your preferred seating position. Heck, since it comes with a backlight, you can even dim the lights for that more romantic touch. Retailing for $69.99 a pop, it features the first 90-degree Flip Design Touchpad in the world, letting you click, scroll, and mouse like a champion despite its small size. Its lithium ion battery will also power an integrated Laser Pointer just in case you want to point to your kids to bring the can of beer located on the shelf and they’re not quite sure where it is. We jest about the last bit, and you surely know that, right?

Elecom USB Drive in disguise

Elecom USB Drive in disguise

Having a straight forward USB drive is just pure nonsense. It’s not worth your time until it has decided to disguise itself as something entirely different. After all, all of the best USB drives out there are in denial of their true function. It’s just no fun when they just give up and reveal that they are nothing more than an average USB drive. Thankfully Elecom is more than happy to provide a whole bunch of USB drives pretending to be plugs that need to be inserted into your wall.

These small drives come in black, blue, green and pink. They even come with fancy data encryption software that can be downloaded through Elecom. Once it becomes available for sale you’ll be able to find these with 4GB of storage. They will be out in August, so you won’t have all that long to wait for these to hit stores. It’s said that it will definitely make it onto Geek Stuff 4U. At that point they’ll be priced at ¥3,200 or about $37.

Samsung has new DualView cameras for the masses

Samsung has new DualView cameras for the masses

Samsung Electronics made quite a splash with its DualView cameras some time ago, and has recently expanded its family of DualView devices with another two models – we’re talking about the 14.2-megapixel ST600 and ST100. Both models aim to continue where the successful TL225 and TL220 left off, delivering a stylish design, a full-range of smart and easy-to-use features, as well as Samsung’s now famous and revolutionary dual LCD technology. The ST600 and ST100 will be the new flagship models for the DualView camera family, where both of them have received an upgrade to the front LCD displays that can be activated using a mere tap. Its LCD display size has also increased to 1.8″ compared to its predecessor’s 1.5″ display.

The Samsung ST600 will come in a purple shade, while the ST100 will be pink in color as seen above. Both of them will come encased in a slim and sleek compact frame complete with a metallic finish that will definitely help you stand out from the crowd. You will find a high-quality Schneider KREUZNACH lens on both models, where it supports Optical and Digital Image Stabilization which will help you snap blur-free images under most conditions. The ST600 will sport a powerful 27mm wide-angle focal length with a 5x optical zoom, while the ST100 boasts the virtue of being the first Samsung DualView digital camera that will come with an internal, 5x optical zoom which helps keep the design chic and small with a 35mm focal-length.

Apart from that, the new ST600 and ST100 will come with Samsung’s Smart Auto (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology, letting you take out the guesswork when it comes to snapping a great looking photo or video. Smart Auto (Still & Movie) will analyze key elements of the composition, ranging from color to brightness, motion and subject, while picking out the appropriate scene mode which will produce the best results. A self-portrait mode and couples mode also comes in handy, where the latter requires two faces tilted toward each other before it snaps a photo. Both models will hit the market this September, with the ST600 and ST100 retailing for $329.99 and $349.99, respectively.

Nook for Android announced

Nook for Android announced

Barnes & Noble has just announced that they will be rolling out Nook for Android, a fun and easy-to-use Barnes & Noble eReading experience which will obviously cater for folks who own Android-powered smartphones and devices. This spanking new application is the latest addition to Barnes & Noble’s slate of free, popular eReader software, and is currently the one and only Android eReader application that lets you share eBooks with friends. Not only that, it also holds the distinction of being the first eReader software that will feature Barnes & Noble’s new Nook-centric branding. For folks who are rocking to an iPhone or iPad, rest assured that there will be updated versions of Nook for iPhone and Nook for iPad in the coming months. Nook for Android will play nice with both Nook 3G and Nook Wi-Fi models.

It is also nice to know that Nook for Android caters to one of the lowest common denominator, where it will run along nicely with Android 1.6 and higher, unleashing the ability to shop Barnes & Noble’s expansive eBookstore of more than one million eBooks wherever you are. Capable of offering a fun and immersive eReading experience, folks of all ages will definitely love it since it can customize text with many font styles and sizes, coupled with an easy-to-use navigation bar, the ability to read in landscape and portrait modes, as well as perform graphical page turns for that added touch of realism. Apart from that, it is also the first Android eReader application that offers digital lending. Barnes & Noble’s unique LendMe technology is incorporated for customers to share eligible eBooks for up to 14 days with friends without flouting any copyright laws.

Some of the other key features found in Nook for Android include access to your personal B&N digital library wherever you are, the ability to read across multiple devices such as the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, netbooks, notebooks, and HTC HD2 smartphones, synchronization of the last page you read for easy continuation from where you last left off, while adhering to the ePub standard which is fast becoming the industry standard. Have you tried out Nook for Android yet?

500GB My Passport Essential now come in limited edition designs

500GB My Passport Essential now come in limited edition designs

Western Digital is famous for their range of hard drives, be it internal or external ones. Well, the company has just announced that their range of 500GB My Passport Essential portable hard drives will now come in limited edition designs which are available exclusively only from Best Buy and WD’s store. If you’re one who wants to marry both form and function, then you can pick from several unique designs which are touted to appeal to a wide variety of personal styles, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and urban trendsetters alike. These designs were commissioned by students at California State University, Long Beach’s Industrial Design program, and you will be able to pick from Boom Box, Black Hole, Cityscape, Fuchsia Leaf and Wave styles. Why these decorative patterns, you ask? Well, they were specially commenced for students who want to express their individual style while choosing a reliable, ultra-portable place to store their media and back up their valuable work. Of course, if you’re an expressive office drone, you can still pick it up but it might look a bit out of place with your suit and all.

Each of these drives will play nice with the Windows platform, and will ship with WD SmartWare software that offers a simple, visual method for backup. It is achieved via a single-screen view of the drive’s contents, and if you want to keep the data within all the more secure, it will also come with user-selected password protection alongside 256-bit hardware-based encryption for that added peace of mind. Those who are in the know will note that 256-bit hardware-based encryption is normally found only on much more expensive drive systems, so Western Digital is giving more bang for your buck here.

Too bad you are limited by the choice of storage space – the new My Passport Essential limited edition designs are offered in one capacity, which is 500GB. Good thing it comes with a 2-year limited warranty just in case Mr. Murphy decides to strike in an extraordinary manner. Retailing for $119.99 a pop, we’re stoked to know that each of these portable hard drives come in planet-friendly packaging that is made out of recycled materials, although we would have liked to see it feature USB 3.0 connectivity as well to be future proof to a certain extent.