Archive for September, 2009

JVC LT-32WX50 is super thin, super expensive

Posted in JVC by Conner Flynn on September 10th, 2009

JVC LT-32WX50 is super thin, super expensiveNormally 32″ LCD monitors are not very portable, but the JVC LT-32WX50 wants to change that. It’s just 6.4mm thin and weighs just 12.5 pounds. The specs are pretty good too, featuring a 4,000:1 contrast ratio, 90% of Adobe RGB color gamut, a few HDMI inputs and VGA connectivity.

It will arrive for $3,000 this November. No word on whether the JVC LT-32WX50 does full HD resolution or not, but if you want a semi-portable 32 inch LCD, you better start saving.

Samsung intros 65-inch 650 series LCD TV

Posted in Samsung by Conner Flynn on September 10th, 2009

Samsung intros 65-inch 650 series LCD TVSamsung just unveiled its LN65B650 TV at the CEDIA expo, which measures in at a huge 65″ across. The LN65B650 is one of the largest ever conventionally-lit LCDs from the company. Some features include Internet support for Flickr, Yahoo and YouTube.

It also boasts a 120Hz panel, 4ms pixel response time and a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Some other features are an anti-glare screen and four CEC-aware HDMI inputs, dual component, RCA and USB jacks as well as one Ethernet port, VGA, optical audio out and RS-232 serial.

iTunes 9 not good for Palm Pre… again

Posted in Palm by Darrin Olson on September 10th, 2009

iTunes 9 kills access for Palm Pre SyncIt appears that with the recent release of iTunes 9, Apple has once again cut-off direct access for the Palm Pre’s iTunes support. We had seen it before with the release. It shouldn’t be too big of a surprise to Palm owners however, since Apple said the connectivity wouldn’t last long and they’ve thwarted Palm’s access in the past with iTunes iTunes 8.2.1.

It’s easy to see arguments on both sides of this issue, as frustrating as it might be for Palm owners. On one side Apple would like iTunes users to use Apple products to connect directly to iTunes, such as iPods or iPhones. But, they also have been a proponent of non-DRM music and are essentially making it difficult for other devices to get access to the music through their application.

Dell teases new Adamo 9.99mm concept design

Posted in Dell by Shane McGlaun on September 10th, 2009

delladamp999-sbWhen Dell first debuted its sexy Adamo notebook back in March, I really wanted one until I laid eyes on the price. I think Dell may have forgotten that we were in a recession and only cheap netbooks were selling well when they priced the machine at about $2,000.

Yesterday on 9-9-09, Dell decided to tease us a bit with a glimpse of the profile of the new Adamo claimed to be 9.99mm thick. A shot of the thin profile is all we get to see as Dell offered no more images and no hint of the specs of the machine.

HP and Vivienne Tam talk about new digital clutch

Posted in HP by Shane McGlaun on September 10th, 2009

hpdigitalclutch-sbSome people see mobile technology as a tool to get things done while on the go. Other people see mobile technology devices as accessories and use them as much for their style as their real purpose. Either way most technology fans want a device that works and looks cool as well.

HP and Vivienne Tam have teamed up before on a digital clutch (pictured) that was a netbook with a Tam designed covered for ladies. HP and Tam have announced that they will against be teaming up on a new digital clutch to be debuted at New York Fashion Week.

Hitachi unveils new CinemaStar HDDs

Posted in Hitachi by Shane McGlaun on September 10th, 2009

hitachicinema500-sbI love my DVR and out of all the tech in my home, my DVR and my computer are the two devices that I just can’t live without. What I always want in my DVR is more storage; the measly 20GB that DirecTV gives me just doesn’t cut it.

Hitachi announced two new hard drives today that are aimed at use in DVRs and HTPC computers. The drives are the 1TB CinemaStar 7K1000.C and the 1TB CinemaStar 5K1000 CoolSpin. Both of the drives are optimized for streaming video.

Toys “R” Us announces video game trade-in program

Posted in Games by Shane McGlaun on September 10th, 2009

toysrus-sbIf you have been a gamer for a long time like I have you probably have games stuffed in a box somewhere for consoles that went obsolete years ago. Somewhere I still have a box packed with games for the 3DO. If you are tired of those old games hanging around, Toys “R” Us has a new program that will help you get rid of them.

The toy retailer has announced a new trade-in program for video games that covers more than 25 different gaming consoles including classic consoles like the Atari 2600. The trade-in program also covers new consoles like the Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 as well.

Brick Pic: Starfleet on a budget

Posted in Brick Pic by Conner Flynn on September 9th, 2009

Brick Pic: Starfleet on a budgetThis is what happens when the economy tanks. Nerds who can no longer afford models of the U.S.S. Enterprise are forced to make them out of cardboard and bud light cans and dress up their dog in it.

Coming this Halloween to a town near you: A rotund tin-foil Borg ship with legs and a head towing the Enterprise behind. An Enterprise that lifts it’s leg to phaser trees and drops photon torpedoes on your lawn.

Lego Cookie Cutter

Posted in Kitchen by Conner Flynn on September 9th, 2009

Lego Cookie CutterThis one is a win/win. You can’t go wrong with Legos and cookies. Lego cookies are awesome because theoretically you could build with the cookies and then eat your creation with a nice cup of milk. Assuming that it works of course.

According to one review, “the dough sticks to the cutter and is nearly impossible to get it off without ruining the shape”. But that’s what a little flour is for. Anyway, if it works, this is an awesome product for kids and adults alike.

Solar powered Surge iPod Touch charger

Posted in iPod Touch by Conner Flynn on September 9th, 2009

Solar powered Surge iPod Touch RechargerSolar power has come a long way. They used to be something you only saw on hippie communes and Sci-fi movies. Solar panels are on everything now, especially our charging gadgets. The latest to sport a solar panel is the Surge iPod Touch charger, which allows you to recharge your iPod Touch anywhere, as long as you have sunlight.

The case features a 3.7 V lithium-ion battery that can be charged via the sun or by USB should it be cloudy. It comes in a bunch of colors. We aren’t sure if they have chargers for the other iPods, but at least your Touch is covered.

The Beatles: Rock Band special edition console

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on September 9th, 2009

The Beatles: Rock Band special edition consoleOh Special Edition Beatles Rock Band Xbox 360, I want to hold your hand. Uh, controller. This Xbox 360 console is a beauty. I don’t care if the walrus was Paul or John, I just want this. Even though it would cost small fortune.

Proceeds from the auction will go to Doctors Without Borders. This rare Xbox 360 was custom made to honor the Fab Four and will go on sale this holiday season on eBay. Each console will be numbered and come with illustrations straight from the intro for “The Beatles: Rock Band.”

New Apple phone is not what you think

Posted in Mobile Phones by Conner Flynn on September 9th, 2009

New Apple phone is not what you thinkWe’ve seen our share of Apple clones and rip-offs, but on this one, they’ve taken the Apple name way too literally. I mean, it’s shaped like an apple, has buttons in the shape of apples, flips open like a sliced apple and so on and so on.

It’s from Apple, we get it. Only it’s not. Some of the craptastic specs include: quadband GSM support, a 2″ display, dual SIM, integrated FM radio, TXT file reader, a digital camera and support for a maximum of 10 languages.

Sony BDP-N460 video streaming Blu-ray Player with Netflix for $250

Posted in Blu-ray by Conner Flynn on September 9th, 2009

Sony BDP-N460 video streaming Blu-ray Player with Netflix for $250The BDP-N460 is the Sony Blu-ray player we’ve all been waiting for, but it’s missing a few important things. The most important being Wi-Fi. For $250 it streams video through Bravia Internet Video and that includes Netflix. In place of Wi-Fi, it features “specially designed” software for Linksys’s $100 Wi-Fi dongle. Ummm, that’s just not right Sony.

Once you add the $100 for the dongle, it’s about the same price as other Blu-Ray players on the market that actually have Wi-Fi.

Logitech wireless guitar and drums for Wii are rocking high prices

Posted in Controllers by Conner Flynn on September 9th, 2009

Logitech wireless guitar and drums for Wii are rocking high pricesApparently no one told Logitech that we are in a recession. The Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller and Wireless Drum Controller for Nintendo’s Wii are licensed for use with Guitar Hero and way overpriced. The axe sports a maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and metal frets. They even threw in a “noise dampening strum bar and fret buttons,” and a touch-sensitive slider on the fretboard.

The drums provide 3 drum pads and a pair of cymbals, along with the stainless steel kick pedal. A Wiimote slides into each, ruining the illusion.

iPod Shuffles get new colors and features

Posted in iPod by Conner Flynn on September 9th, 2009

iPod Shuffles get new colors and featuresApple announced an updated Shuffle that features new colors for you to choose from and even a special stainless steel version. Pink, green, blue, silver and black specifically. The controls remain on the headphone cord, but according to Apple there are a bunch of manufacturers who will be offering headphones with the buttons, which I know is good news for may of you.

That familiar disembodied voice you’ve come to know and love has another job now as well. It will give you info on your battery life. The prices, like the songs on your shuffle, remain the same. $59 for 2GB and $79 for 4GB.