A Sampling Of This Week’s New Products
Our revewers — Susan Davis, Jan Jaben Eilon, Richard Macias, Barry Melamed and Lee Danuff — are still testing these products, but we thought you’d like a sneak peek:
Logitech – Squeezebox Network Radio
A winner the last three years over such stalwart competition as Sonos and Tivoli and other much more expensive products, the new touch-screen Squeezebox radio offers support for Internet radio and networked music library access via Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity Tthis network radio makes it easy to stream songs from your computer and access Web music services, so you can enjoy your favorite tunes throughout your home. The network ready digital music player allows you to stream digital music from your network music library as well as Internet radio from your computer. Compatible with most Logitech Squeezebox audio components (not included). It supports multiformat playback, compatible with MP3, WMA, WMA Lossless, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV formats, so you can enjoy your favorite digital tunes. Supports 24/48kHz encoding and supports most Internet radio stations and music services Including Pandora, Slacker and Rhapsody. The new Squeezebox touch screen model is now available at Best Buy stores as well as 100s of retailers nationwide and on the web.
DXG-A80V Camcorder
The HD capable DXG-A80V which can record at 1920 x 1080p shooting smoothly at 30fps or 1080i at 60fps is an irresistible buy. It features a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor; a 3” touch screen display, 5x optical zoom lens, continuous shooting mode and can support up to 32GB SDHC cards.
The Good: The camera is inexpensive (around $250) but looks stylish and light weight, with a touch screen, good video and picture quality and CMOS stabilization. It’s easy to use, has good touch screen response time and a built-in light.
The Bad: Limited lens attachments, limited audio attachments
My first impression of the DXG-A80V was one of great surprise since the packaging is not very impressive. The camera is very light and fits snugly in my hand allowing me to easily reach all necessary components. Upon opening the screen the camera immediately turned on and I input all the standard info i.e. date and time. Once up and running I found the touch screen to be quite helpful making it easy to navigate from screen to screen. The GUI isn’t very esthetically pleasing but it gets to the point without much fuss. After I became familiar with all the options I began taking video and pictures indoors and outdoors and found the color quality to be clear and crisp in both environments as well as in low lighting environments. The built in light is also usable in both the video and the camera mode which is a great touch. Once I finished recording I plugged it into my PC via usb and my videos and pictures could easily be moved or copied just like a file on a jump drive. The dual-recording option is only useful if you don’t like to spend much time uploading your videos. Even though most main stream sites support HD videos the amount of time it takes to upload can be tiresome so this is a nice feature. I could then edit my video or pictures as I would any of my favorite video/photo editing programs.
There where however some small issues I found with the camera including the limited availability to add optical or audio attachments. Another problem that I noted was that if you opened and closed the camera immediately it would turn on and remain on just wasting the battery.
Casio 9.1-megapixle Exilm Ex-FC100
The Casio 9.1-megapixle Exilm Ex-FC100 not so ultra slim camera boast some well thought out features such as CMOS shift stabilization, high speed 6-megapixle 30fps shooting, video & audio recording, slow motion view and your standard Casio Best Shot modes.
The Good: High speed shooting, good color quality, solid design, easy enough to use.
The Bad: Heavy, noisy optic lens, hit or miss pictures, GUI could be better.
The Exlim has a sleek feel but is much too heavy for the compact digital world. The design and layout is simple however it is missing some of the most useful and common buttons found on the back of most digital cameras. The lack of options leads to lots of waisted fiddling around in the menu that could have been better spent taking pictures. Its low quality LCD screen coupled with a messy GUI makes it near to impossible to work with on a sunny day.
The bottom line
The Exilim Ex-FC-100 camera has no real wow factor but it does offer some fast frame shooting. Unless this is a must have feature there are plenty of better cams in the same price range.
Warpia: Wireless USB A/V Adapter Set (HDMI + VGA)
The ultimate Internet TV experience: Wirelessly stream media from your notebook/PC to your flat screen TV
- Watch internet content, downloaded movies, presentations, and photo slideshows with sound on your TV or projector
- Achieves 32-bit True Color depth for high quality images, 720P HD resolution, and 16-bit stereo sound
- Range includes same room coverage of up to 30 feet (10 meters)
- Compatible with Windows Vista/XP/7.0 OS
KONNET Technology: PowerV Quad
Modern charging station wirelessly powers 4 Wiimotes at once
- Uses wireless induction technology to effortlessly charge Wiimotes while wearing a silicone jacket
- Reflects charging status through a red or blue LED light
- Smart charging makes it impossible to waste excess energy on overcharging
- Includes an AC/DC Adaptor cord and 4 rechargeable Ni-MH 800mAh battery packs
Elgato: Video Capture
Easy solution to transfer analog video to a Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod
- Captures analog video & digitally converts it for use on a Mac/iPhone/iPad/iPod
- Connects to VCRs, set top boxes, camcorders, DVD players & other analog video sources
- Included software records video in H.264 or MPEG4 formats that are native to iTunes
Thrustmaster: T-Freestyle NW
A Skateboarding and Snowboarding Nintendo Wii Controller
- Experience the sensation of boarding like no other
- Gamers can land perfect maneuvers and execute freestyle tricks
- Crafted of genuine maple – just like real boards, the T-Freestyle offers the perfect balance between flexibility and resistance
Thrustmaster: Sports Pack+NW
The ultimate Wii™ sport game accessory pack
- This multi-accessory pack is designed for use with the majority of sports games available for Wii™ including: Ping-Pong, Golf, Sword Fighting, Katana games, Tennis and Jet Skiing
- Each sport accessory in the pack has been designed to reflect the shape and size of its real counterpart
- Balance between flexibility and resistance
Thrustmaster: Sports Duo Pack
Wii accessory puts you on the court for a realistic tennis experience
- 2 Tennis rackets feature ideal string and grip positioning, compact design and realistic size
- Provides ultra-realistic drop shots, lobs, forehands, passing shots and more
- Wii remotes fit into ribbed rubber coated handles for comfort during long tournaments
- Also includes 2 rubber-coated grip covers and a real-size foam ball for non Wii play
Scosche: reviveLITE II
Second gen. charger/nightlight features USB port to simultaneously charge two devices
- Universally compatible with all iPod and iPhone models
- Provides travelers with a switchable LED nightlight to avoid stubbing a toe in an unfamiliar hotel room
- New compact design provides greater stability than original model when plugged in
IDAPT i3 Universal Desktop Charger
Simultaneously charge three different portable devices and clear cord clutter with one affordable system
- Interchangeable “quick release” tip system allows for easy, customizable charging system
- Compatible with over 3,500 brands of mobile devices, including Apple, Nintendo, PSP, Blackberry, Garmin, and more
- Package includes either six of the most popularly used interchangeable tips, or you can custom chose 4 tips
- Available in black, silver, white, and pink
GPS Angel: V4e
Red light & speed camera warning system that protects drivers from dangerous intersections and costly traffic violations
- Advanced SiRF Star III GPS technology for accurate camera detection and location
- Visual and audio alerts for clear early warning of fixed speed and red light cameras
- Free unlimited lifetime access to on-board database of over 6,000 camera locations in the US and Canada
- Legal in all 50 states. But remember to update the data base online.
NetSecure Technologies: Smart Swipe
Personal USB credit card reader keeps your credit card and identity completely safe when shopping online
- Onboard Cryptographic Provider protects your sensitive information from malicious software attacks
- Swipe your card while shopping online just like you would at a store
- Never again have to manually enter your credit card information
- Plug and play installation
Denon Electronics, continues its industry leadership with high-quality home entertainment with its new line of advanced audio/video receivers. The lineup offers five new affordable, fully featured priced models in the company’s popular Retail Home Theater Series line, with expected SRP and availability in parenthesis, including the AVR-991 (SRP: $999, July), AVR-891 (SRP: $799,now), AVR-791 (SRP: $499, May), AVR-591 (SRP: $349, now ) and the AVR-391 (SRP: $249, July). These join two new, more advanced 7-channel Models, the AVR-1911 (SRP: $599, June), and AVR-1611 (SRP: $399, June). Also announced are Denon’s three new “CI-class” receivers geared toward custom integrators, including the AVR-4311CI (SRP: $1,999, Sept.), AVR-3311CI (SRP: $1,199, June), and AVR-2311CI (SRP: $899, June). The new models will join Denon’s AVR-4810CI (SRP: $2,999) and flagship AVR-5308CI (SRP: $5,500) in the company’s renowned line of A/V receivers, as well as the company’s advanced CI separates including the AVP-A1HDCI (SRP: $7,500) 12 Channel A/V Preamplifier and POA-A1HDCI (SRP: $7,500) Fully Balanced Power.
Denon also introduced six high-performance headphones, bringing the total number of models in the company’s line to 14. The additions include, with expected SRP and availability in parenthesis, the new AH-NC800 (SRP: TBD, August)
noise-canceling headphones, as well as the over-ear Models AH-D1100 (SRP: $199, Sept.), AH-D510R (SRP: $99, August), AH-D310R (SRP: $69, August), and the in-ear Models AH-C560R (SRP: $99, June), AH-C260R (SRP: $49, June) .mplifier.
Panasonic’s Lumix Line for 2010
Panasonic announced pricing for the Panasonic LUMIX G2 and LUMIX G10 – the latest additions to the company’s award-winning LUMIX G Series Digital Singles Lens (DSL) Micro Four Thirds cameras the LUMIX G2, which will come in red, blue and black models, will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $799.95, while the LUMIX G10 will have an SRP of $599.95.
While the company has had a tough time getting their new and improved digital cameras to be thought of in the same leagues as Canon, Nikon and even Sony, for consumers who have purchased the recent additions, found that the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G2 is the world’s first* digital interchangeable lens system camera with a movable LCD that allows for touch-control, and better than the older LUMIX G1, which was the world’s first DSL Micro Four Thirds digital camera. The intuitive touch-control shooting elevates the camera’s operability, letting the user adjust auto focus (AF) simply by touching the subject on the large 3.0-inch 460,000-dot high-resolution LCD. The LUMIX G2 also shoots 720p High Definition video using the AVCHD Lite format.
With the touch-screen operation, users can even snap a photo by touching the LUMIX G2’s screen. Additionally, the touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also during playback. Users can touch one thumbnail viewed among many to quickly and easily see the full size of the desired photo.
Other stuff out Now
Angel Red Light / Speed Camera Warning System
The GPS Angel Red Light Camera and Speed Camera warning system is designed to warn you of red light cameras and fixed speed cameras. The military-developed GPS technology is completely road legal and easy to use – simply place on your dashboard and switch it on. It is designed to warn you of risk areas and to help you observe traffic laws. A series of colored LEDs and audible beeps (adjustable) inform you when you are approaching a known camera location. Simply place it on your dashboard and plug the power adapter into your cigarette lighter. Includes FREE unlimited lifetime updates to the database.
Dog-e-Minder
Take the guesswork of of “pet parenting” with this Pet-Assistant tool. With the touch of a button, program valuable contact, walk, meal and medical information…all readily available at your fingertips. Features an easy-to-read digital display, easy-to-use programming, backlight and it’s waterproof.
NZXT Avatar 2600dpi Optical Gaming Mouse for PC
Amplify your gaming experience. 7 programmable buttons allow gamers to customize their configuration specifically for First-Person Shooters, Real-Time Strategy, or Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games all within the macro and profile settings. Optimal performance – 2600 DPI Optical Sensor provides maximum sensitivity and responsiveness which yields unparalleled gaming accuracy. LED DPI indicator gives the user improved usage and feedback. Perfect for both left and right handed users. Plugs into any available USB port.
BYTES AND PIECES:
Some of our team’s favorite products that we purchased, borrowed, loaned or use no matter what:
For cleaning and protecting our computers: Webroot’s anti virus and Window Washer applications, seem to the type of product we can all use safely without even having to ask each other how to use this award winning anti virus and anti spam system. For keeping our PCs running smoothly and making the most of our hard drive space Diskeeper 2010 (we’ve used all their editions since the company’s inception really does make our various PCs with faster and also makes them run smoothly resulting in quicker file reading and easier application boot ups and backups and AV scans.
Our favorite TVs, not in any particular order at the high high end are the Panasonic Plasma Viera TC-P42S1 Plasma) as low as $799; The Samsung LCD LN52B750 at $1,700; the most purchased by our staff and relatives working on a tight budget was the Vizio VO420E around $500.
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