Author Archive

Voodoo PC Envy M:152 With Core 2 Extreme

Posted in HP,PCs,Voodoo by Matt on September 26th, 2007

Voodoo PC Envy M:152 with Centrino Duo technology
Accepting configuration orders today, Voodoo PC unleashes the Envy 15.4 inch M:152. It may very well be the envy of the LAN party but with the biometric fingerprint reading physical lock you can keep your M:152 safe from prying eyes.

The Envy M:152 uses Centrino Duo technology with 802.11n Wi-Fi off the shelf. The notebook is scalable through the Core 2 line up to the 2.6GHz Core 2 Extreme mobile processor X7800, being the first Voodoo laptop to use the chipset. Equipped with a 512MB GeForce 8600M GT GPU, the M:152 will scream during game play allowing users the full experience of Windows Vista and visually rich applications while still keeping cool and Voodoo claims this system will work quieter than other Envy systems.

Ministry Of Sound micro system music station

Posted in CD Player,MP3,Radio,USB,music by Matt on September 24th, 2007

Ministry Of Sound micro system iPod dockThe MOSMC1319P by Ministry of Sound provides almost everything you’d want in a desktop music station. Twin speakers, disconnected from the control unit, provide a total of 20 Watts (2 x 10Watt RMS speakers) and kick out sounds from a number of sources. Hook up your iPod or inject tunes in MP3, WMA or WAV formats stored on a SD or MMC flash card or via USB device.

The micro station also includes an FM/MW PLL digital tuner for streaming radio and is compatible with all CD types and includes a 30-track programming feature. And as you’d expect these days the unit is controlled via a wireless remote.

Jinxing Digital’s MP4 Player

Posted in Digital Cameras,Digital Video,MP4,Media Players,Portable Meda Players by Matt on September 24th, 2007

Jinxing Digital’s MP4 PlayerMP4 Player is actually the model name for this media player with built in 2MP swivel camera. As ridiculously generic as the name is, at least it wasn’t called an iSomethingorother. The camera swivels 180 degrees and records 4MP interpolated video. Playback MPEG-4 files at 320×240 pixels and 30fps with the ability to convert your non compatible videos using software installed on the device. Load your MP3, WAV or WMA files up and start rockin’.

Explosion proof Ruffneck PC

Posted in Desktop PCs,GE,Outdoors by Matt on September 21st, 2007

Ruffneck PC
A subsidiary of GE Fanuc has produced a field-ready explosion-proof pc for users in less than optimal computing environments. The Ruffneck’s high tollerance to extreme temperatures is thanks to its thermally managed body capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -40 and as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Attention was paid to rugged detail with its 15 inch LCD screen designed for handling by a gloved user. The PC itself includes Windows XP running a 1.6GHz Pentium M processor with 2GB of RAM and a 40GB disk and a CompactFlash SSD option. The Ruffneck is a heavyweight, weighing it at 45 lbs and is wall mountable. There is currently no word on price.

BenQ C840 digicam

Posted in BenQ,Cameras,Digital Cameras by Matt on September 21st, 2007

BenQ C840 digicam
This week BenQ announces an upgraded version of their C740i camera with the C840. The new model features a 2.5 inch LTPS screen with an 8MP resolution and 3X optical zoom. The camera allows for full control over the outcome of the image with its P/Av/Tv/M feature.

The C840 is equipped with a Pentax lens facilitating 99.8% light penetration making it the most light sensitive camera in its class. An emphasis on widescreen shooting and an optional 16:9 resolution ratio for HDTV display shows that BenQ is forward thinking with this camera. MJPEG videos are shot at a near DVD quality 720×400 resolution at 30 frames per second and are optionally stored in its 4GB internal storage or SDHC card, support for which is an upgrade from the C740i counterpart.

Meizu M7 touch screen miniPlayer

Posted in MP3,Media Players,Meizu,music by Matt on September 20th, 2007

Miezu M7 miniplayer
Illustrated right is a render of the Meizu M7 touch screen miniPlayer geared to compete directly with iPod Touch. The media player is targeted for a March 2008 release with a price tag that could draw business away from Apple for all but the most die-hard iPod users. The tentatively named M7 will sport a 2.8 inch touch screen with a 16:9 480×228 resolution and supports H.264 playback. At $100, $110 and $150 for 2GB, 4GB and 8GB models respectively, the M7 is likely to be a very popular iPod clone.

While a cheaper alternative to the Apple iPod MP3 player, its lower price likely indicates this Chinese manufactured Miezu clone will lack the quality and attention to detail that the Apple players have become known for. The design concept has only recently and hurriedly been announced so stay tuned for any updates.

LaCie Designer Drives, by Sam Hecht

Posted in DVD,Hard Drives,LaCie,Storage by Matt on September 20th, 2007

Lacie Unveils drives, DVD burner designed by Sam Hecht
Aesthetics are not something people usually talk about when it comes to Hard Drives and portable storage devices, but would you rather have a clunky box sitting on your desk or a slick looking portable storage device like the LaCie devices pictured here? Designed by renowned designer Sam Hecht, this new line of machines do what they’re told and look good doing it.

The LaCie Little Disk line will provide a capacity of 30 to 250GB in 1.8 inch and 2.5 inch drives both of which support the USB 2.0 interface. Additionally the 2.5 inch version will be available with Firewire connectivity and a one-click synchronization and back up function. The drives are available now with prices starting at $90 USD.

Belkin TuneBase for iPod

Posted in Belkin,Chargers,FM Transmitters,iPod Accessories by Matt on September 19th, 2007

Belkin iPod TuneBase
The Belkin TuneBase gets a face lift with some welcomed improvements to this FM Transmitter. With ClearScan technology, users won’t have to wait for a stop light to adjust the station for clearer reception, instead the technology automagically finds the clearest station for you.

The button interface has been replaced with an LCD screen displaying the current station. A new Pro mode for improved audio quality and volume boost is integral, and an indicator informs the user when the mode is active.

Nokia E51 smartphone for business and pleasure

Posted in Mobile Phones,Nokia,Smart Devices by Matt on September 18th, 2007

Nokia E51 Smartphone for business use with a simple designNokia’s release of the E51 comes in response to the demand for business users who want a device that provides both the latest business technologies as well as functionality found in their private phones. Nokia E51 owners with Mobility Solutions will enjoy mobile telephony, email and messaging, office phone functionality while lightening expenses by consolidating to one phone number, one voice mailbox and one dial plan.

The E51 is a simple and elegant solution to an increasing demand for simplicity, with dedicated keys for quicker access to email, calendar and contact screens and a home screen displaying user selected icons to most used applications. An indicator light alerts the user to incoming mail from a number of sources including Microsoft Exchange Server, and the phone provides a streamlined email experience with easy access to attachments. The phone includes set-up wizards for simple step-by-step set up of these applications providing business users a smartphone that is easy to use, setup and maintain.

ASUS GPS capable media player

Posted in ASUS,GPS,MP3,MP4,Portable Meda Players by Matt on September 17th, 2007

ASUS GPS capable media playerThe ASUS R300 and R700 GPS receiver touchscreen media players are planned for European release in November. Both units share the same primary functionality with subtle advantages for the R700.

There are two differences between models. Pictured right is the R700 with a 4.3 inch screen while its R300 counterpart sports a 3.5 inch display. The R700 model includes a RDS-TMC GPS receiver for obtaining traffic data in GPS mode while the R300 does not. The remainder of publicized features are identical.

Connectland USB Electric Razor

Posted in USB by Matt on September 17th, 2007

Connectland USB Electric RazorSome things walk a thin line between useless and utility, and while I can think of a situation where a USB rechargeable razor would have been more convenient than a battery powered or car chargeable one, I can only think of one. So if you’re a student at a college like the one I used to hike near, and you needed to erase that 5 o’clock shadow before a night class after spending the day with your laptop studying the environment and wanted to fit your razor easily in your laptop case pouch, this might be useful.

The device’s robustness with respect to its ability to shave anything more than a 5 o’clock is suspect, and I question its durability and longevity. Suggested retail price is $19.95 but this thing is so gimmicky it seems like something you’d get as a door prize in a drawing at a sales convention.

Orb mStation for iPod

Posted in Digital Audio,Media Players,iPod Accessories by Matt on September 14th, 2007

orb docking station for iPod

When innovation is elusive try novelty, right? Available in an assortment of colors and certified “Made For iPod”, Mountain Network Solutions unleashes an iPod docking station that will call attention to itself.

Included are the necessary adapters to dock any iPod that is docking capable. The unit will synchronize with iTunes and is controllable via a small remote for navigating playlists and adjusting volume, bass and treble.

SmartNav hands-free pointing device reviewed

Posted in Accessories,Review by Matt on September 13th, 2007

SmartNav hands free pointing device replaces your mouseSmartNav by NaturalPoint is a hands free pointing device designed to provide an alternative for graphical navigation. The sensor looks eerily like the flying automatons from Batteries Not Included and sits atop the monitor responding to reflection from the infrared light it generates. You can wear the cap provided with the unit or apply the reflective tabs to anything you wish. The cap is a bit geeky but it works best in my experience.

The software provided allows for fine tuning the reaction of the device as well as control over how the user causes a click event. With a little experimentation the unit can be optimized for minimal head movement. The software accommodates pausing the detector with customizable key commands to make switching to another device simple. There are two methods of evoking a click event: software or hardware. Key commands can be assigned to initiate a click event or any number of simple actuators can be connected to get the most out of the user experience.


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