Gadget Chain Blog

Getting Started with HTC Touch Pro

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:36:00 +0000

Review of the iPhone 3G by Walt Mossberg

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:48:00 +0000

http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20080708/newer-faster-cheaper-iphone-3g/

HTC Touch Dual Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:47:00 +0000

Reviewed June 10, 2008 by Lisa Gade, Editor in Chief

Say hello to my little friend: the HTC Touch Dual North American version. It's small, it's soft-touch cuddly, yet it packs the power of Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro, 3G HSDPA for the US and a slide-out 20 key QWERTY keyboard that uses predictive text. At 400MHz it has the power to keep up, and there's ample RAM to keep things moving smoothly. It runs HTC's TouchFLO user interface, let's call it TouchFLO 2.0 because it has new features since TouchFLO first debuted on the GSM HTC Touch, and it's had the kinks worked out. While the recently released (overseas) HTC Touch Diamond may have stolen some of new US Touch Dual's thunder with its even fancier and sexier TouchFLO 3D interface and shiny, slim good looks; the Touch Dual US model is the one folks here can actually put to better use now. Why? Because the Touch Dual is a quad band GSM phone that supports all US bands unlike the Diamond, and because the Dual has US 3G while the Diamond doesn't. And while TouchFLO 3D shows great promise, it's slower than TouchFLO "classic" on the Dual-- call it growing pains.

Source. Read more...

HTC Announces the HTC Touch Pro

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:35:00 +0000

HTC recently unveiled the next generation of mobile smartphones, called the HTC Touch Pro. The HTC Touch Pro is similar in form and factor to the Touch Diamond except is has a slide out keyboard and TouchFlo 3D.

The HTC Touch Pro will be available to all major European, Asian, and Middle East markets in the late summer. And later this year (towards the end of 2008), in North American and Latin American markets.

For more information: Source: Pocket PC Thoughts

The HTC Touch Dual will be available at Best Buy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 May 2008 04:11:00 +0000

The unlocked HTC Touch Dual smartphone will be available at Best Buy this weekend. It's retailed at $549.99. And comes equipped with Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, 2 mega pixel camera, WIFI, and 3G ready.

The HP Pavilion HDX9200 Notebook PC

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:17:00 +0000

HP has just released the massive 21 inch massive notebook PC. And to top it off they're giving one away during the 31 Days of the Dragon contest where tons of websites are running a seven day contest between May and June 2008.

Digital Home Thoughts has a terrific review of the new HP notebook which is valued at $5500 USD. I won't go into the specs here. Just watch the Youtube video below to find out more.

Why the HP Mini PC Might Be My Next Mobile PC

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 01:27:00 +0000

For the last six months, I've been searching, waiting, and checking out the latest ultra-mobile PCs (UMPC) coming to the market. The HTC Shift was on my radar until I saw the price was in the range of $2,000. Although, I do own a Nokia N800 Internet Tablet. I'm finding often times I really need a Windows PC but in a smaller form factor.

-- And recently HP releases the HP Mini PC. --

A tiny form factor with a full size keyboard and 8.9 inch display weighing only 2.63 pounds. It comes with a 120GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM.

The processor is nothing to cry home about but with 1.6GHZ processor it should handle Vista without any issues.

There's tons more information and reviews on the HP Mini PC.

After taking all the reviews and looking at the specs, this machine is designed for light work such as browsing the Internet, checking email, and chatting online. Overall, I can say this baby is sexy. And sexy goes a long way in my book.

Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1 Debut

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:31:00 +0000

Sony Ericsson's debut Windows Mobile device is not to be dismissed. It packs 400MB (presumably, RAM and ROM combined), a slide-out QWERTY keyboard, a high-resolution WVGA (800 x 480) touch screen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, aGPS, an FM radio, a 3.2-megapixel auto-focus camera with flash, a Memory Stick Micro slot, USB mass storage support out-of-the-box, and quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (800/950/1700/1900/2100) connectivity, all in a high-quality, high-finish metal body. And let's not forget Windows Mobile 6 and a new user interface. Hit the Sony Ericsson web site and Engadget for a glimpse of said interface and the device in general.
Update: Added additional details to the specs list. Pocket PC Thoughts reader, JesterMania, has also pointed out "3D Games" as one of its features. Perhaps the X1 includes an integrated GPU as well?

Source: PocketPC Thoughts

BlackBerry 8820 headed to T-Mobile on March 5th? | The Boy Genius Report

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 01:31:00 +0000

If some of our tipsters are to be believed, you very well might be able to mosey on down to your local T-Mobile shop and pickup a BlackBerry 8820 on March 5th. We’ve been told the unit will be identical to the AT&T version, but this time around it will support T-Mobile’s Hotspot@Home service (obviously!). We haven’t got our thumbs on the pricing info just yet, but believe you me, you’ll have it when we’ve got it!

Source:

BlackBerry 8820 headed to T-Mobile on March 5th? | The Boy Genius Report

New PSP firmware hits the streets, Skype included | The Boy Genius Report

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:13:00 +0000

Have you been waiting with baited breath for the much-anticipated PSP firmware update? The new firmware, branded as version 3.90, is now available for public consumption. The most significant improvement, of course, is the inclusion of a PSP-specific Skype client. This new software should allow you to chat and talk away to your hearts content. What’s more, the new firmware also includes Playstation Network improvements. Skype is only available for PSP-2000 series devices, but if you’re among the chosen few, we suggest you grab your PSP, hit the Network Update button, and get movin’!

Source

iPod Touch Gets A Upgrade

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 02:30:00 +0000

As many of you have heard the buzz about the announcement at MacWord. The iPod Touch can now get those iPhone apps many of us have been wanting for quite some time. For $19.99 you can get mail, Google maps, Weather, Stocks and Note applications on your iPod Touch.

While many will complain that the upgrade should be free. I for one believe it's a fair price for such a huge upgrade. If it were just one app like mail or Google maps, then I would say heck no to paying that price. For those who have Jailbreak their iPods, then you might already have these apps. I'm downloading the upgrade and will post a review soon.

Tech Gadgets for 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:25:00 +0000

Audio Jibe Sound Machine iPhone dock

150-inch Plasma from Matsushita

500-gigabyte DVD TeraDisc from Mempile

Wireless Wii Nunchuck controller from NYKO

Google's Mobile Device - running Android OS

In Pictures: Great Gadget Expectations - Forbes.com

Inside iPod Touch

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 01:35:00 +0000

At first glance, Apple's iPod Touch looks almost exactly like its sibling the iPhone. It sports the same distinctive touch screen, plays movies and music in much the same way, and can also use wireless Internet connections for surfing the Web. All it really lacks is the ability to call another person.

But according to a teardown analysis conducted by market-research firm iSuppli, the Touch isn't just a stripped-down iPhone, but rather it has some unique design traits of its own. ISuppli pegs Apple's (AAPL) total cost of components on the 8GB version of the Touch at $147, or about 49% of the $299 retail price on the device. This would follow the pattern of other devices in Apple's iPod family that generally carry material costs that amount to about half, give or take a few percentage points, of the retail price.

The HTC Touch Dual Unboxing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 19:53:00 +0000

"The HTC Touch Dual is another one of those devices that everyone seems to be talking about at the moment. Thanks to our friends over at Clove Technology we've managed to get our hands on one to review. As with all of our reviews, where possible, we'll be using the device for a few weeks and only then will we prepare the review.

Source

Comparing real books to Kindle by Scobleizer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 19:14:00 +0000

Last night I met Cathy Brooks. She’s helping plan the LeWeb3 conference. I trust her opinion and she’s whip smart.

I showed her the Amazon Kindle device and asked her which book should be my first book I read on it. She recommended “Basic Black” by Cathie Black. She has been on the executive teams for a lot of publishing efforts from USA Today to Oprah’s new, and highly successful, “O” magazine.

I did something that I’ve never been able to do before. I bought the book right in front of her.

When I got home I started reading — I got about halfway through the book. I can see why Cathy recommended this book. Lots of great lessons about business and stories about the publishing industry, something I’m interested in.

Anyway, this morning I did a little video comparison to “real” books. I compared it to Blue Planet Run, a photo book that Rick Smolan just sent me (he’s a famous photographer who we’ll have on Photowalking someday if we can match our schedules up).

Hopefully this will be the last of my Kindle posts. Onto other things.

Source: Comparing real books to Kindle « Scobleizer — Tech geek blogger

The Amazon Kindle - Wireless Reading Device

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 18:56:00 +0000

Introducing Kindle™ Three years ago, we set out to design and build an entirely new class of device—a convenient, portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. The result is Amazon Kindle. We designed Kindle to provide an exceptional reading experience. Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, you’ll find reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot, and is designed for ambidextrous use so both “lefties” and “righties” can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time. We wanted Kindle to be completely mobile and simple to use for everyone, so we made it wireless. No PC and no syncing needed. Using the same 3G network as advanced cell phones, we deliver your content using our own wireless delivery system, Amazon Whispernet. Unlike WiFi, you’ll never need to locate a hotspot. There are no confusing service plans, yearly contracts, or monthly wireless bills—we take care of the hassles so you can just read. With Whispernet, you can be anywhere, think of a book, and get it in one minute. Similarly, your content automatically comes to you, wherever you are. Newspaper subscriptions are delivered wirelessly each morning. Most magazines arrive before they hit newsstands. Haven’t read the book for tomorrow night’s book club? Get it in a minute. Finished your book in the airport? Download the sequel while you board the plane. Whether you’re in the mood for something serious or hilarious, lighthearted or studious, Kindle delivers your spontaneous reading choices on demand. We’re very proud to introduce Kindle and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

My first impression of the Kindle is that it has lots of potential to be a great tool for educators and students. Although the first generation Kindle is promising I thought many will jump the gun to buy one given the price tag. I'm sure Amazon was aware this device would not have mass appeal given the buzz around the iPhone and iPod Touch. Mostly likely buyers are over 30 techies who are found of reading and like the wireless (EVDO) portability of the device.

The Zune 2 Review - The Out of the Box Experience by Zune Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:46:00 +0000

The "OOBE" (Out Of Box Experience) is about the packaging and the presentation. Does the OOBE make you feel like you purchased something valuable and well-thought out? Or does it make you feel like you bought something cheap and of low value? When we see something in a plastic blister pack, we know it's not very expensive – when we see something in a richly coloured, finely detailed box, we have a different feeling about its value. I'll explore the Zune OOBE in a series of photographs, and as I unpack the box I'll take record my impressions about each step. And yes, I really did absorb the Zune this slowly - I didn't just rip open the box and start playing with it right away.

The Zune packaging is quite unique – I don't think I've ever seen any electronic device packaged quite like this before, especially not with the colours chosen. It almost looks more like a box for perfume than a digital media player. The package was much smaller than I thought it would be. There are many fascinating psychological studies about the intersection between perceived value and package size, but I think the Zune strikes a good balance. When I saw the small size of the box my perception of the value actually went up, because I was impressed with it being so small. The box has rich, deep colours, and the texture is smooth. It exudes quality.

iRiver Clix 2 - Portable Media Player Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:32:00 +0000

WiFi, Bluetooth, touch screens, DVR capabilities...these are great features cropping up in recent media players, but what if you just want a reliable, easy-to-use portable player for music and video?

The iRiver Clix 2 has one of the best form factors on the market--it's small, light, quite durable, easy to navigate with its intuitive "D-click" pad, and delivers great sound and video. It packs 8 GB of storage into its tiny frame, so there's plenty of room for your MP3s, photos, and movie clips. The extra features such as Flash games, FM and voice recording, and a text reader are icing on the cake and make the Clix 2, for its price, currently one of the best values out there in portable media players.

Source: Amazon Current, Aric A.

T-Mobile Germany Debut the Apple iPhone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:02:00 +0000

T-Mobile began selling Apple's iPhones shortly after midnight. The iPhone in Germany is sold with a USB cable, power pack, docking station, and Apple sticker, and cloth to clean the screen. And a tool to remove the SIM card which is not available in the US.

Unlike the US devices, German iPhones have a field where various keyboard layouts can be set. Users can select from German, English (UK & US), French, and Italian. In addition, the double-click function of the Home key can be assigned either to the main screen, telephone favorites, or the iPod display.

Source: http://www.t-mobile.de/iphone/

Source:http://www.heise.de/english/newsticker/news/98727

T-Mobile Announced the T-Mobile Shadow will debut Oct 31.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:28:00 +0000

According to Engadget, T-Mobile announced today that the T-Mobile Shadow, a Windows Mobile smartphone will be available to purchase for $149.99 with a 2 year contract on October 31, 2007. The sleek new phone will come with WIFI, a 2 megapixel camera, a new version of T-mobile's myFaves and all the bells and whistles of Windows Mobile standard edition (Windows Media player, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more...).

Get a sneak peek at the T-Mobile Shadow

Archos 605 WIFI Portable Media Player Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:29:00 +0000

Perhaps you can't afford an iPod Touch, or you like Apple products just fine but want to see what else is out there in the portable media player market. One device that should definitely catch your attention is the Archos 605 WiFi Portable Media Player. Besides the standard music and video (on the biggest LCD touchscreen currently available), the 605 has optional plugins that add a fully Flash-capable Opera web browser, the ability to schedule and record shows like a TiVo, and the ability to stream media from your PC directly to your TV with DVD-quality resolution and 5.1-channel surround sound.
If you can deal with a slightly clunky interface, buying the plugins separately, and the need to spend some time getting to know the device before you can get the most out of it, you'll be rewarded with an affordable player that can simply do more than any other device currently on the market.

Author: Amazon Current

What's Cool About The Zune!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:26:00 +0000

This morning I was reading a blog entry from Slick Rick's Space about the killer feature in Zune. Here's what he has to say:

This ain't the Kool-Aid talking

I needed something to amuse me. I'm on my way to a funeral and anything to keep my mind off the tragedy and sadness will be welcome. I pull out my Zune and flip through some of my music looking to make a quick list. Just out of curiosity I click on the Community menu to see if I'm the only one in the world that has bought a Zune. I get the circular moving dots that tell me that its searching for other Zune devices and lo and behold "Chito" shows up. Wow--I'm amazed. Someone else in the Seattle airport has a Zune and they're nearby. I look around to see if I see anyone listening to music. I see a young man sitting a few seats down from me listening to his music. I thought to myself, "Let's see if this thing works." I browse through my gallery and find some cool (for me) backgrounds and click "send to Chito". I wait. I watch. I see him look around to see if there is anyone he knows around. Not seeing that its me, he accepts the files I send him. I can see that he's listening to some music by a group that I don't recognize, but I make the assumption that it's probably Hip-Hop or Rap. So I browse my Rap genre and send him one the songs in my Rap category (1 of 3). He reciprocates with sending me an old school R&B song. Nice. I already have it, but that was cool.
This exchange goes on for about an hour and it occurs to me that this is the killer feature of the Zune. This is the reason why people would buy it. Here we were; a teenager and an old guy sending each other stuff via Zune. We didn't know each other from the man in the moon. We probably won't ever see each other again, but I will remember this exchange and it cheered me up. For an hour, I forgot about death and sadness. For an hour, I shared something cool with someone. Random Acts of Kindness via Zune.

Everybody needs a Zune!

With a FM Tuner, 80 gigabytes of storage space, and the ability the share music, pictures and I assume videos with other Zune users makes the Zune 2 a great holiday gift for $249 US.

FM Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:43:00 +0000

For the past few weeks, I've been listening to FM Radio on my Nokia N800 Internet Tablet. On occasion, I normally browse the Internet or watch streaming TV and videos. However, the FM radio feature has allowed me to listen to radio shows and music for better part of the day with little lose in battery power. Of course, my N800 is in offline mode with the device in idle mode (yes, FM radio still plays in offline/idle mode).

This got me thinking of the old hand radio sets or cassette/radio player we used to carry back in the 80's. How has these gadgets changed since then.

In my search, I found the the Mini Digital AM/FM Stereo Pocket Radio.

Sprint HTC Touch Youtube Video

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:05:00 +0000

Sprint will launch the HTC Touch to the market in November. It's on a CDMA network, includes no WIFI, no GPS but may prove to be a decent Windows Mobile phone compared to the GSM HTC Touch with less RAM and processor speed that was released earlier this year.

Nokia N810 Internet Tablet Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 16:46:00 +0000