Section: Business News, Gadgets / Other, ebooks Many big companies have already entered into the e-Reader department, most notably Amazon and Sony. Apparently Barnes & Noble have been working on e-Reader designs for quite some time now, and images and product information are finally beginning to surface. Barnes & Noble has already announced a product event slated for next Tuesday, October 20. All reports indicate that B&N will announce the anticipated e-Reader. At first, it was thought the device would contain special e-ink color technology, but all text and images will still be in black and white, similar to the Amazon Kindle. However, the reader will contain multi-touch technology, similar to that of the iPhone. Now, you have to imagine that B&N would not be just creating an e-Reader without having other ways of creating revenue. They will be offering the books they publish for deeper discounts, probably to sway on-the-fence e-Reader customers towards the B&N device. Why not throw Google Books into the mix? The e-Reader should also have unlimited access to books in the Google Books database, which aren’t current, but better than nothing. Based on the images provided, the device looks to have a fairly big screen, with the virtual QWERTY keyboard only taking up about 20%-30% of the actual device. Interestingly enough, it has a physical light on the top which can be turned on or off by a switch. I suppose additional light plus the backlight would definitely ensure readers will not have to strain their eyes to see the text. The obvious advantage B&N would have over the Amazon Kindle is the fact that they have many physical brick-and-mortar stores over the United States. In fact, where I live, everyone knows of B&N, as they have a high distinction. They can use this to their advantage to encourage people to purchase books from within their stores for cheaper, as well as through 3G/WiFi. Maybe they could even institute monthly fees that allows a for a certain amount of books to be “checked out” from their physical stores. Of course, we will only learn more information when their event rolls around next week. Read [Gizmodo] Full Story » | Written by Natesh Sood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Video, Content, DVD/DVR/Blu-ray, HDTV, Video Providers It seems like no set top box is safe from getting Internet video options lately. Amazon, Blockbuster and Netflix have been hard at work to get their respective video stores on as many boxes as possible. We’ve seen a number of companies add the functionality through new hardware and firmware updates, and now we can add Samsung to that list of companies. Samsung is now rolling out firmware updates to Blu-Ray players and Internet@TV displays that will feature two of the three major video services. Blockbuster On Demand and Amazon will now be available through the updates, allowing users two more ways to get movies and TV shows instantly. However, only Amazon video actually supports HD content, so it will probably be more preferable. To bring Blockbuster back in, however, Samsung Blu-ray players will now be available at Blockbuster stores, which, assuming people still use the store, should hopefully bring in a few sales. With all these companies adding all these services, eventually it seems we’ll all have a large number of boxes that support Internet video. Not even just the boxes, but also HDTVs. Soon there will be no excuse to not at least know of movie streaming services, if you don’t already use them. Having a wide range of products that have the features is nice, but it can also become confusing and annoying. Different services could have different stream qualities for specific content, and some devices could produce better video or audio assuming the user has no home theater surround sound setup. Surely consumers will be able to figure it out, but for now, do we really need to have Netflix, Blockbuster and Amazon on every box that connects to a TV? Read [Engadget] Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Security  Comcast has announced a new program that will alert customers when suspicious activity is detected coming from their computers. The alerts will pop up on the homepage and be triggered by such things a sudden and sharp spike in traffic coming from a customer's IP, known bot behavior and customer IPs showing up on blacklists such as the one kept by Spamhaus.
Alissa Cooper, chief computer scientist for the Center for Democracy and Technology, said the organization welcomes Comcast’s initiative. “ISPs have a helpful role to play in helping subscribers mitigate these kinds of security threats,” she said. “The challenge is…when users get these notices, do they understand them? Do they trust that they are real? Do they follow through to the point where they clean up their computers?”
The program, called Constant Guard, will begin today with a trial in the Denver area. Customers that may be infected will be presented with the pop up and a link to a Comcast site with instruction on how to clean their systems. Comcast customers are also given access to a free download of McAfee Security Suite (but I don't recommend it. It's bloatware, hogs system resources and tends to create conflicts with other programs. Stick to AVG or Avast instead). This is an excellent idea, but more needs to be done. Since many people rarely if ever visit their ISP's homepage, perhaps sending email alerts also would be helpful. There would have to be some kind of system implemented that would assure users that those alerts were legit correspondence and not spam though. There's also the question about what to do about the inevitable false alarms, and if the suspicious activity continues, should they follow Quest's lead and throw up a warning page blocking them from browsing the web and directing them to clean the infection? Comcast will presumably be launching the program nationwide if the test in Denver goes well. It will be interesting to see if it is effective at fighting malware and viruses. Read [CNet] Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Communications, Cellphones, Cellular Providers, Mobile With the economy the way it is today, more and more people are looking around for ways to pinch pennies and save a buck. Carpooling, being sure to turn off all the lights, and less needless spending are becoming much more of the norm. One big area that many are looking at to try to cut down on is on their cell phone bill. More people are abandoning the high costs of a “regular” cell phone plan that racks them anywhere from an average of $78 and up a month*, and turning to a pay-as-you-go or no contract cell plan. With this in mind, enter Walmart’s latest way to try to offer up the goofy big yellow smiley face to their customers. Just announced today is Walmart’s plan to offer up a no-contract wireless service to their customers at two different pre-paid price ranges. The plan is called “Straight Talk,” and so far has received good reviews from customers in the pilot program across over 200 hundred different Wal-Mart stores, according to Walmart’s VP of Media Relations, Greg Hall. The launch will begin at over 3,200 Walmart stores on October 18, 2009. So what is this going to cost you and what does it offer? You can pick from either a $30 or $45 a month pre-paid plan. The $30 a month “All You Need” plan gets you 1,000 minutes, 1,000 text messages, and 30 MB of web access. You also get free 411 calls and nationwide coverage. If you think you don’t want to limit yourself with your minutes and messages, you could choose to upgrade to the $45 a month Unlimited 30-day plan, which gives you (obviously enough) unlimited calls, text messages and mobile web access, as well as free 411 and nationwide coverage. Considering that the average US adult plunks down almost $80 a month for their cellular service to get 1,000 minutes a month, this is a rather good deal. But, the question comes in to play, how’s the service? The biggest complaint with this type of deal is that, yeah, you save money..but you also get what you pay for. One of the names splashed around a lot anymore is Boost. But many users of this service give awful reviews stating they lose messages, constantly have problems connecting to the network and lose calls all the time. Yet others claim to love it. Where you live probably plays a huge role in what kind of service you receive due to coverage. Before going out and signing up for any pre-paid plan, I’d recommend finding someone in your area that has it and ask how they like it. How does it work for them? It may work spectacularly for someone in Chicago, and never connect for someone in Podunk. Or it may have a problem of losing text messages left and right, but the calls go through somehow (which many people claim for some services). If this is the case, if texting isn’t a major issue for you, it may still be more than worth it for you to save that $50 a month on a plan like “Straight Talk.” Straight Talk customers can refill their balance one of two ways - buy a refill card at the store, or register online at either the Walmart website or StraightTalk.com. You can also pick up your phone for the plan at your local store. Phones range from the LG 220 flip ($39.98) all the way up to the Samsung 451 QWERTY keyboard phone ($99.88). You can get more information on the plan at Walmart.com or StraightTalk.com. * Source: Nielsen Mobile Bill Panel Data Read: [PRNewswire] Full Story » | Written by Jodie Andrefski for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Video, Content, Computers, Software / Applications, Gadgets / Other, Lifestyle, Miscellaneous, Web, Online Music/Video You’d have to be blind not to see Microsoft trying to shove Windows 7 into the living rooms of America through TV commercials. The most recent—the gaggy sweet little girl making rainbow and flower pages though, is in my opinion, not their best effort. But, that effort is now veering in a new direction with their latest venture. Microsoft has just signed a deal with Fox to sponsor a show produced by “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane. And get this, the show isn’t even going to have any commercials! That’s because it is kind of one big long commercial in itself. It is going to be a plethora of Windows programming throughout the show. The title is “Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show,” and will be a mix-up mashup of animated shorts, live-action “Family Guy” musical performances, as well as celebrity guest appearances. No one would talk about the specifics of how they are gonna slip Windows 7 in throughout the show, but we are told it is going to be well integrated into the content. According to general manager of consumer engagement and advertising at Microsoft, Gayle Troberman, “You’ll see us deeply integrated into the content ... you’ll hear a lot about how Windows 7 can help you simplify your PC—it’s simple, fast and easy to use,” She continued by saying, “Think about metaphors and examples we might use, talking about how simple things are. We’ll be evoking the cast of ‘Family Guy’ in some interesting ways that integrate the product messages.” Hmmm….maybe stressing it is so easy to use, even a bright bulb like the family guy can use it. Troberman maintains that branded entertainment with content integration and programming offered up “phenomenal results” when they used it for launching the search engine Bing. She says that is why they are going that route for Windows 7 as well. “Consumers exposed to both branded entertainment and advertising have more positive reactions,” she said. But, working in to use an OS isn’t quite as simple as promoting a candy bar, or even a search engine. I’m curious to see just how they manage to do it. The show is scheduled to air on November 8 at 8:30 PM Eastern. Read: adage Full Story » | Written by Jodie Andrefski for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Hardware, Networking Digi has announced their launch of a mobile hotspot 3G router, the Digi TransPort WR44. This router will include Wi-Fi capabilities, GPS functionality as well as security features that promise to keep your data safe. The router is designed for businesses that work in the transportation and sales industries or have a remote office. You can install the Digi TransPort WR44 in public safety vehicles, buses, trains and vans. It comes with a mounting system and has a rugged design meant to protect it from any rough handling. The network is a Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, so users can feel secure about processing payments through the router. It also has multiple serial ports available, including a GPS module, four Ethernet ports and a USB port. You can configure and edit your router settings with the included Remote Manager software. The current retail price is $895 and you get a five year manufacturer's warranty with your purchase. Buying information is available through the Digi website. Site: [Digi]
Image Source: Digi Full Story » | Written by Heather Wood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Laptops  Acer has recently unveiled the AS5738PG, which is the latest model in the Aspire notebook lineup and also the companies first to offer multi-touch capabilities.
The Aspire AS5738PG is going to be sporting a 15.6-inch display with a 1366 x 768 resolution. But a little more specifically, that display will be an “HD CineCrystal LED Backlit Multi-Touch” display and in turn the notebook will be able to take advantage of the touch functionality that will come along with Windows 7. Other features of the Aspire AS5738PG include a 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, an 8x DVD-Super Multi optical drive and for graphics an ATI Radeon HD 4570 card with 512MB of dedicated DDR3 VRAM. Additionally, you will also find a dedicated numeric keypad, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/draft-n, four USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI port, 6-cell battery and built-in stereo speakers with Dolby. As I mentioned earlier in the post, the notebook will be running Windows 7, but more specifically it will be the 64-bit edition of Windows 7 Home Premium. And as you would imagine due to the installed operating system, the AS5738PG is not going to be available immediately. Instead those wanting to make a purchase will have to wait until October 22. As far as pricing, expect to find a starting price of $799.99. Keep reading to check out the full press release… Launching with Windows 7, the new Aspire AS5738PG multi-touch screen notebook delivers incredible new functionality, high-performance features, and mobile entertainment SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 14, 2009 – Acer America, part of the world's third largest PC company(1) today debuts its new Acer Aspire 5738PG notebook PC – the company's first notebook with multi-touch screen capabilities that offer a natural and enhanced way to interact with the PC, applications and digital data. The Acer Aspire 5738PG multi-touch screen notebook launches with Windows 7 Home Premium and will be available starting October 22 at select retailers. The Acer Aspire 5738PG's high-quality multi-touch screen display and Windows 7 multi-touch support makes entertainment and multimedia experiences more intuitive and interactive. As a result, customers can touch anywhere on the screen using one or two fingertips to play movies, zoom in and out on websites, edit photos and video, handwrite notes, resize windows, launch entertainment applications and more. Also, customers can use the multi-touch screen for a variety of gestures directly on the screen for intuitive and accurate access and control. For example, customers can pinch inward or outward to zoom in and out of photos, flick the screen to turn the page and browse through media and documents, as well as swirl their finger for quick and simple navigation of lists. "Customers will experience an incredible level of flexibility and control in the multi-touch screen interface, as it frees them to interact with their digital world in a way that is familiar yet also new and exciting," said Ray Sawall, senior manager of product marketing for Acer America. "The Acer Aspire 5738PG's multi-touch experience takes advantage of the many new capabilities in Windows 7 and provides incredibly powerful first-rate technology such as ATI Radeon graphics and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor." Sawall continued, "Until now, touch notebooks have been limited in capabilities and available only at a substantial price premium. The new Acer Aspire 5738PG changes all this with multi-touch screen capabilities and a price that is affordable for a wide range of customers." Impressive Mobile Theater Entertainment More than the sum of its touch points, the Acer Aspire 5738PG notebook combines first-rate technologies that deliver excellent performance for mobile theater entertainment and mainstream games. The display was designed to provide an extraordinary cinematic experience that is immersive and incredibly realistic. The vibrant HD display is a 16:9 widescreen size that's ideal for enjoying movies and online entertainment. Plus, it's LED-backlit, which reduces energy usage compared to traditional laptop displays. Along with the 1366×768-resolution, the LED-backlit display contributes to the display's crisp clear visuals and is ideal for enjoying HD movies. Plus, the touch-control is remarkably precise. Complementing the HD display, the system's Intel Core 2 Duo processor provides the horsepower to drive demanding applications with ease. In addition the high-definition ATI Radeon HD 4570 Graphics with 512MB Dedicated DDR3 VRAM enhances imagery with vivid color and crisp detail. Dolby Home Theater Audio Enhancement with built-in speakers and 5.1-channel surround sound output bring these incredible visuals to life with vibrant crisp audio. Technology and Extras for On-the-Go Productivity and Fun Customers will have plenty of ways to access, store, share and enjoy their digital media files. The spacious 320GB hard drive can store a vast library of music, video, photos, spreadsheets and email. An integrated multi-in-one media reader enables connection to peripherals and electronic devices, while an HDMI port allows the system to support any PC, TV or other device with an HDMI port via a single cable. The four USB 2.0 ports provide ample connections to peripherals and consumer electronics. Staying in touch is fun and convenient with the notebook's integrated 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N wireless technology and Gigabit Ethernet. The Acer Crystal Eye webcam enables high-quality video chats and VoIP with friends, family and work associates. It can also capture still pictures and videos for sharing with others. Hardware and Design Enhance the Touch Experience The overall multi-touch screen experience is further enhanced by giving customers more ways to interact with their notebook through the multi-gesture touchpad. Affording easy PC navigation, the new Aspire 5738PG's multi-gesture touchpad lets users access their applications and media with the same sort of natural, intuitive gestures they can use on the touch screen, including pinch, flick and swirl. The convenient touchpad lock can be set to prevent unintended cursor movement. The new Acer Aspire 5738PG multi-touch screen notebook also comes with helpful and easy-to-use one-touch buttons: the Acer Backup Manager for backing-up important files and information, and the PowerSmart button for maximizing battery life. In addition, the notebook is Energy Star qualified.
Availability, Configurations and Pricing The Acer Aspire AS5738PG-6306 notebook is the first model available in the line. It will be available for U.S. customers with Windows 7 Home Premium beginning Oct. 22 at leading retailers. Specifications and pricing follow. The Acer Aspire AS5738PG-6306 is available in Acer's popular Gemstone Blue color. Acer® Aspire AS5738PG-6306 Multi-Touch Screen Notebook PC · 15.6-Inch HD CineCrystal™ LED-Backlit Multi-Touch Screen Display (Widescreen 16.9 Aspect Ratio, 1366×768 Resolution) · Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit · Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6600 (2.2GHz, 2MB L2 cache, 800MHz FSB) · ATI Radeon™ HD 4570 Graphics with 512MB Dedicated DDR3 VRAM · 4GB DDR2 667MHz Dual Channel Memory · 320GB SATA Hard Drive(2) · 8X DVD-Super Multi Double-Layer Drive · Dedicated Numeric Keypad · Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 5100 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Network Connection, Featuring MIMO Technology, Supporting Acer SignalUp™ With Nplify™3, 4 Wireless Technology · Two Built-In Stereo Speakers With Dolby®10-Optimized Surround Sound System · Acer Crystal Eye Webcam With 640 x 480 Supporting Acer PrimaLite™ Technology · HDMI Port and Four USB 2.0 Ports · Energy Star · 6.16 lbs with 6-Cell Battery · MSRP: $799.99
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Computers, Laptops, Netbooks  The notebooks riding the Windows 7 train continues as we now have an announcement coming courtesy of Toshiba. I should also point out that a few of these latest models from Toshiba will also have a touchscreen displays.
Touchscreen models Lets begin with the new touchscreen display models, these are the Satellite M505 and the Satellite U505 notebooks, both of which feature widescreen TruBrite TFT touchscreen displays. They M505 will have a 14-inch display and also be HD while the U505 is slightly smaller at 13.3-inches. Other features of the new touchscreen Satellite notebooks include Windows 7 Home Premium, 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processors, Intel 4500MHD Graphics Media Accelerators, 4GB of RAM, 500GB hard drives, slot-loading SuperMulti DVD optical drives, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Ethernet, HDMI-CEC, two USB 2.0 ports, a combo eSATA/USB port, 6-cell batteries and more. As far as pricing and availability for these two models, the M505 will be available on October 22 with prices starting at $949.99, and the U505 will come a little later on November 1 and have a starting price of $1,049.99. Updated models Moving on, Toshiba has also updated their existing models including the NB200 series netbooks as well as the Satellite U500, M500, A500, P500, L500 and T100 series notebooks. These models include notebooks ranging in size from 13.3 up to 18.4-inches and are priced (starting) from $449.99 and going up to $799.99. Additionally, the NB200 netbook series is priced from $399.99 with a 10.1-inch display. Toshiba has also updated the Qosmio X500 series which are priced at $1,1449.99 and $1,899.99 for the 18.4-inch X505-Q830 and the 18.4-inch X50-Q850 respectively. Finally, these latest notebook and netbook updates will be available beginning October 22, which is the same as the earlier mentioned Satellite M505 notebook. Keep on reading to check out the full press release… Toshiba Satellite, Qosmio Laptops and Netbooks to Feature Windows 7
Laptops to Meet Every Need and Budget Feature New Stylish Color Options and Latest Processors from Intel and AMD
IRVINE, Calif. – Oct. 14, 2009 – Toshiba's Digital Products Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced its line of Satellite and Qosmio consumer laptops will be available with Windows® 7 beginning October 22. The new line of versatile laptops, pre-installed with Windows 7, are designed to match every budget, with the latest processors and spacious storage, in a wide range of screen sizes and styled for every taste.
"From faster performance and extended battery life to simplified navigation and connectivity to new ways to share media, Windows 7 greatly enhances the PC experience," said Carl Pinto, vice president of product development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. "With Windows 7 and our new laptops, people can get exactly what they want, innovations they can see and touch, at prices they can afford."
Toshiba's range of consumer laptops with Windows 7 Home Premium includes the following:
Compact and Stylish: Satellite® U500 Series
The Satellite U500 Series are not just lightweight, highly mobile laptops, they are a fashion statement. With a vivid 13.3-inch high-def diagonal widescreen display, a unique textured finish on the outside and impressive multimedia performance on the inside with dual-core Intel® processors, these ultraportables fuse function with style and travel well with great battery life and a starting weight of just 5 pounds. The Satellite U500 Series will be available in four color finishes to match your personal style – Luxe Red, White, Pink and Brown. A touch-screen model is also available. Pricing starts at $698.99 MSRP.
More information and detailed specifications about the Satellite U500 Series can be found at laptops.toshiba.com/thenewU500.
Multimedia on the Go: Satellite M500 Series
The Satellite M500 Series are versatile, upscale multimedia performance laptops for work and play for home users, students and mobile enthusiasts. With Toshiba's Fusion™ Finish with Sonic Pattern in new Red Onyx and White Onyx finishes as well as the original Black Onyx, this laptop packages performance-class technology with a 14-inch diagonal high-def LED backlit display perfect for enjoying digital media and entertainment. A touch-screen configuration is also available. Pricing starts at $699.99 MSRP.
More information and detailed specifications about the Satellite M500 Series can be found at laptops.toshiba.com/thenewM500.
High Definition Entertainment: Satellite A500 Series
Perfect for home users and tech enthusiasts, the Satellite A500 Series are entertainment-packed performance laptops that combine performance-class processing with Toshiba's latest design elements. The sleek Satellite A500 Series features a 16-inch diagonal widescreen HD Edge-to-Edge display on select models, harman/kardon® speakers, optional Blu-ray® disc players and Fusion Finish and high capacity hard drives. Intel® Core™ 2 Duo or AMD Turion™ II Ultra processor configurations and choices of integrated or discrete graphics are also available. Pricing starts at $589.99 MSRP.
More information and detailed specifications about the Satellite A500 Series can be found at laptops.toshiba.com/thenewA500.
Desktop Replacement: Satellite P500 Series
Featuring a brilliant 18.4-diagonal widescreen HD TruBrite™ display, the Satellite P500 Series is designed with digital media enthusiasts and mainstream PC gamers in mind. The premium Satellite P500 Series offers more than an ordinary laptop. Featuring harman/kardon speakers, as well as sleek slot-loading DVD drives and Edge-to-Edge displays in select models, this high-performance desktop replacement also incorporates powerful processing muscle with either Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Turion II processors, and choices of integrated or discrete graphics. Select models also include a Blu-ray disc player and/or illuminating LED backlit keyboard. Pricing starts at $799.99 MSRP.
More information and detailed specifications about the Satellite P500 Series can be found at laptops.toshiba.com/thenewP500.
Everyday Value: Satellite L500 Series
The Satellite L500 Series laptops are ideal for students, home users and anyone looking to enjoy digital media, staying productive, connecting online or casual gaming. Satellite L500 Series laptops are available with either a 14-, 15.6-, 16- and 17.3-inch diagonal display sizes and come equipped with powerful processor options from Intel and AMD, including the new Turion II and Athlon™ II, hard drives ranging from 250GB to 500GB and Toshiba's popular Fusion Finish. Starting prices range from $504.99 to $579.99 MSRP.
More information and detailed specifications about the Satellite L500 Series can be found at laptops.toshiba.com/thenewL500.
Also to include Windows 7 Home Premium are Toshiba's recently announced ultra-thin Satellite T100 Series laptops (starting at $449.99 MSRP1), which offer the performance, flexibility and functionality of a standard-sized laptop, yet in a highly portable package, and the recently announced enthusiast-class Qosmio® X500 Series line of performance laptops geared for high definition multimedia and gaming that feature the new Intel Core i7 processor and Blu-ray disc players.
Toshiba will offer the Qosmio X500 laptop in two configurations. The Qosmio X505-Q830 laptop features a stunning 18.4-inch HD TruBrite diagonal widescreen display with 1680 x 945 native resolution, a high-speed 7200RPM 320GB hard drive, 4GB of memory and is priced at $1,449.99 MSRP1. The Qosmio X505-Q850 laptop features an 18.4-inch HD TruBrite diagonal widescreen display with 1920 x 1080 native resolution, a dual hard drive configuration with a 64GB solid state drive and a high-speed 7200RPM 320GB hard drive, 6GB of memory and is priced at $1,899.99 MSRP.
Toshiba will also feature Windows 7 Starter on its popular line of netbooks.
Small in Hand, Big on Innovation: Toshiba mini NB200 Series
The follow-up to Toshiba's award-winning, super-compact netbook is now available with Windows 7 Starter. The Toshiba mini NB205 will continue to feature a 10.1-inch diagonal widescreen display, full-sized keyboard, laptop-sized touchpad and nine-hour battery life. Toshiba will offer the mini NB205 in multiple configurations with either 160GB or 250GB hard drive configurations and a choice of five color finishes: Sable Brown, Frost White, Indigo Blue, Posh Pink and Onyx Black. Prices start at $399.99 MSRP.
More information and detailed specifications about the mini NB205 can be found at laptops.toshiba.com/thenewNB205.
Availability
The new Toshiba consumer laptops will be available at major retailers and direct from Toshiba on toshibadirect.com on October 22, 2009.
Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Imaging, Camcorders, Reviews What is it? The DXG-Riviera HD is from DXG's Luxe collection of camcorders. It shoots 720p video onto SD cards and has a MSRP of $149.99. There are two patterns available: the Riviera is a quilted pattern, the Soho is in an argyle pattern. What's in the box? - DXG camcorder
- Carrying case
- SD Card
- HDMI cable
- A/V cables
- 4 AAA batteries
- Editing software: ArcSoft TotalMedia, Mr. Photo, VideoWorks
The Good The DXG package comes with a lot of accessories including a HDMI cable. Sony didn't even give you a HDMI cable with its original PS3. The camcorder is lightweight and easy to operate. You wouldn't need to read the manual unless you wanted to. Setting up the camera requires 4 AAA batteries and a SD card, both are included. The design is unique with its quilted pattern in the plastic shell of the LCD. While DXG went with a fashion-accessory design, that design does not get in the way of function. Video quality in sunlight was fair. In still camera mode, pictures were relatively clear. The Bad There is a still camera mode, but there is a bit of lag when you shoot still pictures. Click the camera button and you'll likely capture the next second. The lag is reminiscent of the iPhone 3G's camera. The screen on the device is not fantastic, but a user would probably want to view the HD video on a big screen. Unfortunately, the video quality on this device was not up to par with other pocket camcorders. Under low light, video appeared scratchy. There is noticeable wobble of the video when panning - it's as if you are viewing a reflection of a video in water. Details were muddy. The microphone pick up is poor. Pointing the camera at a subject, you were more likely to hear the camera operator breathe than hear the subject. The Crux
At $149.99, the DXG Luxe just does not compare well to competitors at this point. You will probably want to skip it in favor of a Kodak or Flip instead. Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
Section: Imaging, Camcorders  As of today, anyone looking for a pocket camcorder will have yet another option to consider when making a purchase. The latest comes by way of Flip, who have released the next generation of the Flip MinoHD.
The newly updated model features a few upgrades that should make it worthy of a purchase and include a bigger display (now 2-inches), an HDMI jack and double the memory. The MinoHD has 8GB of built-in storage, which will allow for up to 2 hours of recording time. Other features of the MinoHD include a 2x digital zoon, built-in rechargeable battery and the ability to record at up to a 1280 x 720 resolution. Additionally, the MinoHD is also sporting a new brushed metal finish and comes with software that allows for direct uploads to Facebook (in addition to YouTube and MySpace). In terms of pricing, expect to pay $229.99. Read [TheFlip] Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »
 
More Recent Articles | |
No comments:
Post a Comment