Owner: The Gadget Grapevine URL:http://gadgetgrapevine.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Sun, 06 May 2007 19:34:17 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Information on the latests gadgets and travel gear for everyday living Site statistics:Click here
Sony Vaio Laptops Refreshed 2007-05-06 22:39:00 It appears that Sony
will unvailing their refreeshed range of Vaio laptops in July according to Notebookrevuew. The new laptops will go by the series names VAIO FZ, VAIO SZ5 and VAIO TZ and will have 15.4-inch, 13.3-inch and 11.1-inch widescreens respectively. There is no word yet on price but the laptops should be using the new Santa Rosa” platform and with the new Core 2 Duo “Merom” processors along with 2GB of main memory, and up to 200GB hard driveSource: Notebookreview
Super Slim Stylish Sony DSC-T100 2007-05-06 14:41:00 Sony has just recently launched their ultra slim, ultra stylish 8.1MP DSC-T100. Along with the 8.1MP the camera packs a powerful 5X optical zoom lens and a huge 3.0" Clear Photo LCD Plus™ screen that lets you snap and share photos easily. The camera also includes innovative technologies like Face Detection, in-camera retouching, D-range optimization and HD (high definition) as well as Sony's Double Anti-Blur Solution that lets you shoot in low light without flash to preserve the mood.The DSC-T100 comes in matte silver, black or red, and will fit into your lifestyle as easily as it fits into your pocket. Priced at around $399, the DSC-T100 will be in shops soon.Source: Sony Read more:Sony
, Super
, Stylish
Pacsafe 85 Secures Your Bags 2007-05-08 13:27:00 Here is another product from Pacsafe that will help to protect your backpack or bags while traveling. The Pacsafe 85 featuring patented eXomesh® Ultimate security technology is an adjustable high-tensile stainless steel locking device. The design allows you to place the mesh over your backpack or bags to prevent tampering. Once the mesh is in place, it can be securely fastened to something fixed. The expandable design allows it to fit most sizes of backpacks, duffels or soft-sided luggage. The company claims this to be ‘Ultimate complete lock & leave system – that is slash proof, snatch proof, and tamper proof’.The Pacsafe 85 is priced at $69.95. There are also3 other models: Pacsafe 55, 120 and 140Source: Pacsafe
MetroSafe 300 with Exomesh 2007-05-08 02:58:00 If you have a 13” laptop and are concerned about its security when you travel, then this shoulder bag/backpack might be for you.The anti-theft MetroSafe 300 is a spacious shoulder bag or backpack with a fully padded compartment to protect laptops up to 13”. The MetroSafe 300 has lockable zippers and a built-in combination lock that allows the bag to lock closed and be locked around secure fixtures.More Features:eXomesh® Slashguard in front and bottom panelsSlashproof adjustable shoulder strapSnatchproof shoulder strap with built-in combination lock not only anchors the bag to a secure fixture but locks it there as wellTamperproof lockable zippers on main compartment Tamperproof zippers on front organizer pocket Fully padded laptop sleeve - fits most 13” laptopsLarge main zippered compartment with 2 organizer pocketsFront zippered organizer pocket with 2 padded mobile phone / PDA / digital camera / mp3 player pocketsRemovable backpack harness stores in back pocketComfortable padd
Canon HR10 High Definition DVD Camcorder 2007-05-08 01:03:00 The HR10 is Canon
's first AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition
) DVD camcorder that records true 1080 High Definition
resolution video. The HR10 captures twice as much video using less storage onto DVDs which play in AVCHD compatible Blu-ray disc players. Don’t worry if you have not ventured into the Blu-ray arena, the HR10 can also capture and record standard definition video for playback on regular DVD machines. The HR10 measures 2.6" wide, 3.7" high and 5.2" deep and as of today May 7, 2007 it is the world smallest AVCHD Format DVD Camcorder
.The Canon HR10 should reach stores by August 2007, price to be determined.Source: Canon USA Read more:DVD Camcorder
Can You Hear Me Now? 2007-05-11 13:08:00 According to the BBC news site, a British climber is attempting to make the worlds highest mobile phone call.Rod Baber is making final preparations to climb to the top of Mount Everest and make the call from its north ridge. The attempt will begin its final climb on 15 May and hope to reach the summit about eight days later. Calls from the top of Everest are now possible as a base station installed in nearby China has line-of-sight to the north ridge of the mountain. Phone reception has also improved as the Chinese army is also at the Everest base camp making preparations to take the Olympic torch to the summit. Looking at the picture, is it possible he will make the call with a Motorola?Source: BBC News
SlimG4 Optical Mouse is Very Thin 2007-05-11 00:50:00 Here is what appears to be one of the thinnest computer mouse's on the market. The SlimG4 measures just 5mm thick and not only that, it has a unique design that allows it to fold so that it can be stored in your laptops PCMCIA card slot. The mouse comes in several colors and is available from KJ Global and is selling for around £25.99 / $51.Source: tfts Read more:Optical
, Mouse
, Optical Mouse
Google Earth with Sound? 2007-05-10 23:09:00 According to the New Scientist, GoogleEarth
users may soon have a new feature to play with. As well as being able to zoom into almost any location on the earth, users may soon have the ability to hear sounds from that location... Wild Sanctuary a California based company created software that would allow them to embed their sounds from around the world (some 3500 hours) into the relevant locations in Google Earth
. If you want to check out the sounds, they should be available (a limited number) on May 29th at Wild Sanctuary. What's next? Google Earth with Smell...Source BBC and New Scientist Read more:Sound
Mercedes SLR Roadster 2007-05-10 18:53:00 The Mercedes
SLR roadster can't really be classed as a gadget, but can certainly be classed as a nice toy to have. Out of reach of most mere mortals, but for some it will be a weekend "play thing'. The SLR Roadster
is constructed almost entirely from carbon fibre with a semi-automatic top. The roadster comes with a five-speed automatic transmission that allows it to sprint to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds. The car is alleged to be available in September in England with a price tag of £350,000. No word when or if it will be available in the States.Source: msn.co.uk
When is a Phone Not a Phone? 2007-05-14 23:45:00 When is a phone not a phone? When it is a mobile communication device designed by students from the University of Dundee, College of Art, Science and Engineering program. The students have designed radically different communication devices such as:The Aware, which sends a tingle down your back if a friend, is nearby.The Boom Tube, which allows people to make music togetherThe M:ssage, that allows you to receive a soothing massage from a loved one.The Hive, which uses flashing LED lights to communicate.The Aura, which communicates emotions through light motions activated by stroking the device.More information on these alternative communication devices can be found at the ‘phone / not phone company’ website, founded by Graham Pullin and Jon Rogers Source: phone / not phone via BBC News.
Trackstick II Personal GPS Tracker 2007-05-14 13:44:00 Have you ever wanted to retrace your exact steps on a walk or know the exact location of that fantastic photograph you took while on vacation? Well the Trackstick II can help you. The Trackstick records its own location, time, date, speed, heading and altitude at preset intervals. With over 1Mb of memory, it can store months of travel information.Once you are home you can then import the information collected into Google Earth. The Trackstick also comes with GPX photo stamping feature for adding your favorite photos to you own maps. The tracker works by receiving data from 24 satellites and works any where on the planet. The Trackstick II is currently on sale at the Google Earth Store for $169Source: Google Earth Store via Travelgadgets. Read more:Personal
, GPS
, Tracker
Helio Ocean Now Available 2007-05-13 13:58:00 The new Ocean
cell phone from Helio
went on sale as of Friday May 11. The dual slide designed cell phone, allows for quick access to a standard numerical keypad or full qwerty access for text messaging and more.The Ocean has built-in access to AOL email and AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! email and Yahoo! Messenger, Windows LiveMessenger, Windows Live Mail, Hotmail, Gmail EarthLink email and Helio Mail. It will also support push mail from Yahoo!, AOL, and MSN Hotmail. The Ocean also includes a 2.4-inch, 260K-color high-resolution QVGA display, external stereo speakers and stereo Bluetooth support.Available direct from Helio, EB games and other retailers for around $295.Source: Helio
mp3’s with Satellite Navigation? 2007-05-12 12:48:00 Scientists in the UK are working on a project that is looking at adding satellite navigation to handheld devices such as mp3 players. The aim of the project is to allow users to customize the system so that the mp3 player will notify the user when they are in the vicinity of a point of interest; either by vibration or a change in sound. The system could also be programmed to alert users to a change in direction by altering the level of sound in either ear. Less sound in the left ear; turn left. No word yet and how long it will take to produce a prototype; but watch this space.Source: BBC News Read more:Satellite
, Navigation
Pileus Wired Video Umbrella 2007-05-18 04:04:00 According to the Pileus website…Pileus is an umbrella connected to the Internet to make walking in rainy days fun. Pileus has a large screen on the top surface, a built-in camera, a motion sensor, GPS, and a digital compass, and it provides two main functions; A Social Photo-sharing and A 3D Map Navigation. The umbrella users services such as “Flickr”, “YouTube” and “Google earth”Is it for real, will we see it on the streets?Source: Adverlab via Pileus Read more:Wired
VW GTI W12 650 Concept Car 2007-05-18 03:46:00 The VW GTI W12 650 concept car is powered by a 6.0L bi-turbo W12 that pumps out 650hp and 530 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic, with an estimated top speed of 201mph and a 0-62mph in around 3.7 seconds. Lower and wider than a stock GTI, the body retains the production car's doors, hood and lights, but otherwise it's all new. A number of intakes and a redesigned C-pillar help feed air to the 12-cylinder behemoth supplying the go-power. To keep the car planted to the tarmac, VW didn't want to use a massive spoiler to generate down force. As such, the car's carbon-fiber roof acts as a giant diffuser that funnels air under the small spoiler at its trailing edge. In summary, the whole thing is a big exercise in the awesome. The interior is Alcantara leather and fire extinguishers are integrated into the glove compartment. Don’t expect to see this for sale in a showroom near you or on the street driven by a 'boy racer'; as this is purely a show car!!!Source: Techeblog vi Read more:Concept
Chargepod 6 Way Charger by callpod 2007-05-17 13:20:00 If you are tired of having to pack several chargers when you are traveling then the Callpod Chargepod might be the answer. The Chargepod is a 6-way charger that allows you to charge multiple cell phones, PDA’s, Bluetooth® headsets and mp3 players at the same time.Just plug the Charpod into the wall socket and then connect your devices using the manufacturer-specific adapters. Chargepod uses voltage regulator technology and interchangeable power adapters to work with all of your mobile devices regardless of manufacturer or model. Blue indicator lights highlight which device is being charged. So throw away all of those individual chargers and pack a charger like this the next time you travel.Note: the Chargepod is not suitable for laptops or other large electronic devices and I am not sure how warm the device will get when charging 6 devices at the same time. Price: $49.95Source: SlipperyBrick via callpod Read more:Charger
HomeDock Music Remote for the iPod 2007-05-17 00:59:00 The HomeDock MusicRemote
lets you dock your iPod
by your stereo, then view and control all your music from the palm of your hand. Designed to mimic the iPod in style and function the HomeDock allows you to see what is playing as well as control what is playing. The remote even works through walls and ceilings upto 150ft, giving you control from virtually anywhere – even from the backyard! To get the HomeDock up and running, simply connect the charging base to your hifi, dock your iPod, download your artists and playlists to the remote and you are good to go.Your HomeDock Music Remote comes with AC power adapter and RCA-to-mini stereo cables and the iPod support stand.Price: $129.99Source: Gadgetell & DLO
Reef 1527 Stash Sandals With Secret Compartment 2007-05-16 23:55:00 Have you ever needed some place to put your car key and credit cards when you are off to the beach? Well, the Reef 1527 Stash Sandals
have been designed allow you to 'stash' some personal items in the heel of the sandal.There is not much space, but you should be able to store a credit card, some money and your car key. The 'Stash' sandal specs are:JERSEY LINING WITH POLYESTER WEBBING TOE POST MOLDED EVA MIDSOLE, WITH BUILT IN ARCH SUPPORT NYLON DRAWER CASING ENCLOSED IN SOFT POLYURETHANE FEATURES A PULL OUT DRAWER FOR YOU TO "STASH" YOUR TREASURES DURABLE RUBBER OUTSOLE SYNTHETIC NUBUCK UPPER & UNDERLAY The ‘Stash’ compartment does not look waterproof to me, so keep that in mind when you are strolling along the beach.Priced around $45.99Source: Reef.
Motorola ROKR Z6 Mobile Phone 2007-05-16 03:28:00 Motorola has announced its new ROKR Z6 mobile phone. This is a Linux/Java music phone with Windows Media technologies, including Windows Media Audio (WMA) Windows Media DRM 10, and media transfer protocol (MTP). The phone offers:Music dedication for one-touch access to the library. 4-way navigation wheel. High-speed synching with High Speed USB 2.0, allows downloading of songs from a PC500 song library in 15 minutes, instead of 2 hours. Load up to 2 GB microSD cards with the music collectionMore than 10 hours of music enjoyment in airplane mode.The ROKR Z6 also features stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, for wireless mobile stereo with compatible Bluetooth-enabled stereo headphones. On sale in Asian markets starting in May, and in Latin America, Europe, North America and other markets beginning in June.Source: Mobile
dia Read more:Motorola
Budget Home Entertainment Devices 2007-05-20 23:13:00 A recent article in PC Magazine highlighted 6 home entertainment devices for those on a budget. You can see the full article by following the source link, but to summarize the 6 devices (with Amazon links) are:Your media set-up should ideally center around your PC or Mac that you have loaded with your music and videos. If you are an iTunes fan (and even if you are not) the Apple TV is one of the cheapest at around $299 and easiest media extenders available today.Additionally you will need a router for accessing the internet and for setting the Apple TV to wirelessly stream content to your TV. PC Mag recommends the Linksys WTR54GS at the relatively inexpensive price of around $85As for a HDTV PC Mag’s recommendation is the Envision L32W461. They state that it is a decent budget purchase and at around $700 it will not break the bank.As for gaming the main two affordable options are the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox 360. The Wii is on a role at the moment, but does not play DVD’s, wherea Read more:Entertainment
, Devices
Creative Zen Wav the iPod Challenger 2007-05-19 02:23:00 It would appear that Creative is releasing its latest iPod
challenger the Zen
Wav. Aimed at the iPod Nano market, the Zen Wav’s navigation is by joystick and 2 buttons on the front of the player.The player features a world clock, FM radio, direct line voice recorder and 1.5 inch screen using 65K color. No word on when or if this will reach the US, but it is scheduled to be released in Singapore on May 25.Source: Slashgear Read more:Challenger
, Creative Zen
Dell Tablet PC Coming Soon 2007-05-19 00:12:00 According to the post over at gizmodo, Dell is on its way to delivering its much awaited Tablet
PC. Dell are hoping to deliver one of the lightest Tablet PC's on the market and are aiming the PC at the education, healthcare, and corporate markets. Expect this later in the year.Check the videoSource: Gizmodo Read more:Coming Soon
Ricavision Wireless Fridge Magnet 2007-05-18 12:37:00 The MK140 FridgeMagnet
from Ricavision is a Wi-Fi enabled electronic notepad that acts like a fridge magnet. The MK140 is compatible with Microsoft’s Windows Vista Slideshow and comes with a 3.5” QVGA LCD screen. The MK140 connects wirelessly with a PC running Windows Vista and can be programmed from the computer or by using the included stylus to write notes etc. Information inputted into the device can then be transferred to the PC or left as a reminder (sticky note). The MK140 can run for up to 16 hours between charges and has an AC charger and docking station.No information on when or if this wireless fridge market will hit the market. But, it certainly would be a handy thing to have; no more yellow sticky’s on the fridge…Source: Automatedhome Read more:Wireless
Toshiba HD DVD Under $300 2007-05-22 20:41:00 Recently Toshiba
announced a rebate of $100 for their HD DVD players. It looks like this rebate can be used at Best Buy, Sears, Circuit City among others. But, if you do not want the hassle of the rebate, check out Amazon as they are offering the Toshiba HD-A2 HD-DVD Player for under $299 (rebate must be included). Here are the specs:VideoHD Output 720p/1080iSD Upconversion 480p/720p/1080iCombo Format disc playbackHD DVD VideoDVD VideoDVD VRDVD-R (Video)DVD-R DL (Video)DVD-RW (Video/VR CPRM not supported)AudioHigh-performance SHARC® DSPCD, CD-R/-RW (CD-DA)Dolby® Digital Plus 5.1chDolby® TrueHD 5.1chDTS® 5.1chDTS® HD (core only)ConveniencePersistent storageUniversal remote with glow keysOSD Language English/French/German/JapaneseAdvanced NavigationSlim ChassisJackpacksHDMI™Ethernet PortColorStream Pro® Component Video Output RCA Video Outputs (1)Extension Terminal (2)2ch. Audio OutputDigital Optical OutputS-Video OutputWeights and DimensionsDimensions: 16.9" x 13.58" x 2.58"
Everest Phone Call Success 2007-05-22 05:27:00 Just a quick up date on the guy who was attempting to make the woorld's highest mobile phone call. In the early hours of 21 May, Rod Baber made two calls from the Everest
's north ridge where he described the view, how cold it was and what he wanted to do when back at base camp; he then rang his wife and children. Read more:Success
Singing Golf Swing Patent 2007-05-21 17:58:00 Have you ever tried to recreate that perfect golf swing… May be you get lucky once or twice during a round; well a professor at Yale University has patented a novel idea to help ensure that perfect swing time after time. Robert Grober has created a golf club equipped with sensors that measure the changes in movement and acceleration of the golf club during the swing. This data is then converted to sound that lets the golfer know how the swing was. By focusing on timing and tempo, the patent hopes to improve a golfer’s as the results are quantitative and not subjective to the individual golfers own impression of the swing.Source: New Scientist & US Patent
s Read more:Singing
DOC iPod Portable Speaker System 2007-05-21 06:32:00 The DOC portable speaker system for second generation iPod
nano’s. The system is available in various colors to match your iPod (pink, green, black and white) and has a dock that allows the iPod nano to fit securely inside while still allowing access to the navigation controls.The DOC speaker comes with its own carry case and runs on 3 AAA batteries. Priced at around $39.99 from Brookstone, it looks like good value for anyone looking to take their music with them so that others can enjoy the sounds too.Source: Brookstone via Slipperybrick Read more:Portable
, Speaker
, System
Alpha Romeo’s 8C Spied 2007-05-25 18:00:00 Alfa’s supercar the 8C was spotted testing at the Nurburgring prior to its production unveiling later this year. There have been plenty of shots of this supercar, but these latest photo’s indicate some slight changes to the models that have been seen at the various motor shows.Main changes are the altered headlamps, which now featuring a more angular housing. There are also changes to air intakes and missing vents on the front wing. The car still looks super cool though.The 8C will be powered by a 4.7-litre V8 the 8C is anticipated to have 450bhp and 346lb/ft of torque. It will have a two-pedal, paddle-shift set up computerized 6-speed gearbox that should enable to reach 62mph in about 4 seconds. With only 500 being built, this will be a nice toy to have, if you have the appropriate spare change.Source: uk.msn.com Read more:Alpha
iRiver X20 mp3 Player Available? 2007-05-25 17:38:00 I stumbled on this over at CNET Crave. Apparently the sweet looking iRiver
X20 can be found online at Warehouse123. The iRiver X20 is a flash player, with up to 8GB that includes a microSD card slot for memory expansion. The front of the device features a 2.2 inch, 260,000 color LCD, good for viewing photos (JPEG) and watching video (MPEG-4, AVI and WMV). The iRiver X20 has a five-way tactile control pad, which also comprises a mechanical scroll ring to assist with speedy navigation. The X20 includes an FM tuner and a built-in microphone, and it also supports MP3, WMA, and OGG. The iRiver X20 is shipping for $219Source: CNET Crave & Wharehouse123
Toshiba Qosmio F40W 2007-05-25 17:14:00 Looks like Toshiba
will be releasung the new Qosmio
F40W in Japan in a week or so, according to Engadget. This new laptop comes with: 15.4-inch screen with a 1,280 x 800 resolutionIntel's Core 2 Duo T7300 (2GHz) CPU Up to 4GB of RAM120GB of hard drive spaceA dual-layer LabelFlash-enabled DVD writerBuilt-in digital TV tuner NVIDIA's new 128MB GeForce 8400M GS that will handle the DirectX 10 Four USB 2.0 ports A 4-pin FireWire connectorExpressCard slotA multicard reader that handles SD, SDHC, MMC, xD, and MSPro802.11a/b/g, Ethernet, VGA / S-Video / HDMI outputs, S/PDIF audio outputNo word on a US release date. Should retail for around $2,100Source: Engadget
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