Hi-Tech Gadget

Sony Vaio X Review

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Sony Vaio-X

Review Notebook Sony Vaio X, Specification Laptop Sony Vaio X Computer :
CPU 2.0-GHz Intel Atom Z550
RAM Included 2GB
RAM Upgradable 2GB
Hard Drive Size 128GB
Hard Drive Speed
Hard Drive Type SSD Drive
Optical Drive Type
Optical Speed
Display Size 11.1
Native Resolution 1366×768
Graphics Card Intel GMA 500
Video Memory
Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
Mobile Broadband Verizon EV-DO Rev A
Operating System MS Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit)
Ports (excluding USB)
Ethernet; Headphone; Microphone; VGA
USB Ports 2
Card Slots / Readers
Memory Stick Duo; SD memory reader
Warranty/Support One-year limited
Size 11.0 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
Weight 2.2 pounds (with extended battery)

Nikon D35 Officially Announced

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:40:00 +0000

Nikon have made the D3S official now. When launched it will cost just shy of $5,200. With a price tag like that you can expect a very good quality camera. The Nikon D3S is an upgrade to the older D3 model. Nikon have said that it’s the most significant S upgrade they have made.

Inside the new camera has a 12.1 megapixel camera with a full frame CMOS sensor. Also a dust reduction system can be found inside. The camera has an effective ISO of an impressive 102,400.

The camera can capture video also at HD in 720p mode at 24 frames per second. However, it will not capture video at full HD. The camera is being pitched as working well in low light situations with Nikon saying it can capture things your eyes can’t even see.

Engineered for real-world functionality, the D3S is ruggedly constructed with moisture, dust and shock resistance that has become a hallmark of flagship Nikon D-SLRs, while preserving the usability and ergonomics that allow the camera to remain an extension of the photographer’s vision. Attention to detail goes so far as to include a self-diagnostic shutter system that is tested to 300,000 cycles for maximum accuracy and longevity. Rigid and precise magnesium alloy construction and the familiar form factor of the D3 extend consistent Nikon system synergy.

A bright and accurate viewfinder provides 100-percent coverage with 0.7x magnification. The body also houses Nikon’s acclaimed 921,000-dot, 3.0-inch super density LCD monitor which is viewable up to 170 degrees, and is safeguarded by a tempered glass cover. Thanks to incredibly efficient internal circuitry, the D3S can capture up to 4200* shots per single charge of the camera’s Lithium-ion battery.

The full press release along with technical details can be read here. Via: CrunchGear

New Edition Pentax K-x Camera

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:25:00 +0000

The Pentax K-x is a new camera that was announced just a month ago. The announcement said that it comes in the usual black colour along with white and red options being available. Now we hear that a new version has been launched in a Kore Ja Nai Robo toy set of colours.
The colourful model of camera resembles the toy robot that was first introduced in Japan back in 2001 and aims to be more of a fun entry level digital SLR camera. Other than the fancy colour casing there are no other differences on this camera.
The special edition Robo Pentax K-x will cost $880 when launched and only 100 units will be made with pre-orders beginning early next month in November. As of now it seems that all 100 units will be staying in Japan unless you can find some way of getting your hands on one of them through someone else if you want to take part in the mad array of colour.

Canon G11 Due October 2009 – Great Pedigree

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:52:00 +0000

Features of the Canon G11 Digital Camera:

10.0MP (strangely low, right?)
5x optical zoom – 28-140 mm
2.8-inch vari-angle PureColor System LCD
RAW shooting mode
HDMI out
No HD video recording mode
October release for US$499

Via CrunchGear

Tags: canon, Canon G10, Canon G11, digital camera, G11

Ricoh GR Digital III Camera

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:52:00 +0000

For a company that was more a specialist in photo copiers, Ricoh is making huge strides in the digital camera market. Their newest premium compact digital camera offering, the Ricoh GR Digital III is proof of this. I’ve been reviewing / playing with one for the last 2 weeks and this is yet another camera that I will be sad to part with.

If you’d like us to giveaway cameras like this on the site, leave a comment to Ricoh below!

Quick Easy Shots

For a digital compact, this has got to be one of the fastest shooting cameras I’ve seen. Its new F1.9, f-6.0 lens is the main reason for this. This translates to better indoor / lowlight condition shots. Could this be why there is a hardware release for the flash? Are they’re trying to get more newbies to experience non-flash indoor shots? The quick response means that your more likely to get a good shot as compared to slower cameras.

Very Light

When I pulled it out of the box, I was surprised to find how light it was especially for a camera that is supposed to be in Ricoh’s premium range. Generally the rule with cameras is, the heavier the better, however the light weight of this camera is a handy attribute if you’re looking for something to take with you everywhere. If you’re looking for an above average camera to take with you on your travels, this must be in your must-see and test list. It’s half the weight of my Canon G10 and a quarter of the weight of my Canon 5D Mark II!

Rugged Construction

Another reason why this would make a great travel camera is that it has a solid metallic casing featuring rubberized grip. You can be confident when hiking up mountain tops, taking aerials of cities or bumping around in tour groups that this camera will be able to tough it out and allow you to take your travel pics.

Huge Hi-Resolution LCD Screen

Ricohs are famous for their generous LCD screens and the Ricoh GR Digital III is no different. The GR Digital III has been touted to have the first 920,000 dots 3″ VGA panel on a digital compact camera. This will do wonders when reviewing your photos or recording video on the camera. We all know how we love to share a photo when taking a great shot so perfect for when many heads are peering over your shoulder.

Summary of the Ricoh GR Digital III

It’s tough, got fast optics, huge LCD screen and is light – the Ricoh GR Digital III is the perfect handbag / travel camera.

Highly recommended. Well done Ricoh!

Main features of the RICOH GR DIGITAL III

Newly developed large-aperture lens

The adoption of the new F1.9, f-6.0 mm (equivalent to 28 mm for 35 mm film cameras) lens for the GR DIGITAL III takes compact-body cameras into a new realm of images. This lens makes it possible to shoot with a faster shutter speed than could be used on previous models, or to shoot with the same shutter speed but at a lower setting for ISO sensitivity.
Despite the large F1.9 aperture, the new lens achieves a resolution level equivalent to that of the F2.4 GR Lens.
The use of a newly developed lens drive system has made it possible to achieve greater image quality in macro photography.

Taking the GR DIGITAL concepts another step forward, the GR DIGITAL III achieves even greater image quality.

The new image processing engine GR Engine III is installed. Using newly developed noise reduction technology, it enables highly sophisticated noise processing to be done while maintaining superior resolution, tone characteristics, and saturation.
The new high-sensitivity CCD (1/1.7 inch, approx. 10 megapixels) achieves high-sensitivity properties through the use of a new process. The combination of the newly developed GR Lens and GR Engine III significantly increases shooting performance in low-light scenes.
Even faster shooting capabilities for capturing fleeting shutter opportunities.
Algorithm improvements have reduced focusing time in low-light scenes. With the Pre-AF function, focusing speed is further accelerated by adjusting the focus to match the movement of the subject.
The new “full-press snap” function shoots at a preset distance for a one-push full-press of the shutter button.
Up to five RAW images can be recorded in consecutive shooting* and bracketing.

Enhanced expression capabilities make good use of GR Lens performance.

Shutter speed priority AE is now available in addition to aperture priority AE.
A more extensive range of image settings enables the photographer to control hue and saturation. This makes it easy to create images with a wide variety of coloration.
When photographing subjects with mixed color temperatures, the multi-pattern auto white balance function makes it possible to achieve optimum colour reproduction.

Large, high-visibility 3.0-inch VGA LCD monitor.

The 3.0-inch, 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor provides high resolution, a wide viewing angle, excellent colour reproduction, good visibility outdoors, and a surface that resists soiling. The sRGB comparison for colour reproduction range is 100%.
The micro-thumbnail display function displays 81 thumbnail images on a single screen.

Operability further enhanced.

The My Settings on the mode dial have been expanded to three sets. The number of Fn (function) buttons on the back of the camera body has been expanded to two.
A function has been added for assigning names to My Settings sets and storing and retrieving them. A maximum of six sets can be defined and stored.

Expandability further enhanced with addition of new options.

The 21 mm wide conversion lens GW-2 and hood and adapter GH-2 will be sold.
The available soft cases are the GC-3 for the body only and the GC-4 quick-shooting case type compatible with the GV-2 viewfinder.
There are also plans to introduce the GF-1 external flash, which can handle TTL flash using auxiliary flash, in the autumn of 2009.

Function to be expanded using firmware.

Even after the GR DIGITAL III is introduced, we will continue to add new functions through the release of new firmware. By updating their firmware, GR DIGITAL III owners can continue to utilize the latest functions.

More information at Ricoh Global.

Tags: Compact Digital Camera, digital camera, Digital Camera Review, Ricoh, Ricoh Camera, Ricoh Digital Camera, Ricoh GR Digital III, Ricoh GR III

iLuv iPod Nano 5G Accessories

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:17:00 +0000

We’ve just received a stackload of iLuv accessories for the hot new iPod Nano 5th Gen from iWorld Australia!

What does one do with this bounty?

What iPhone Nano 5th Gen Accessories Are Up For Grabs?

Here’s what we got:

- iLuv Armband with Reflector for iPod Nano 5th Gen
- iLuv Flame Leather Case for iPod Nano 5th Gen
- iLuv Plug Earphone Control for iPod Nano 5th Gen
- iLuv Flexi-clear Wave Case for iPod Nano 5th Gen
- iLuv Cityscapes Clear case for iPod Nano 5th Gen
- iLuv Silicon Case for iPod Nano 5th Gen

Note: Unfortunately the iLuv Armband will not be included as one of our staff who is doing a review wants to keep it Everything else is still up for grabs though!

See more iPod Nano 5G accessories here.

Technorati Tags: iPod,iPod Nano 5G,Apple,Apple Accessories,Gadget

Playboy Magazines For Free On Your PC

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:02:00 +0000

Playboy magazines for free as long as you have Microsoft Silverlight

Microsoft continues to expand collaborations with media companies to boost their Silverlight technology.

They have now collaborated with Bondi Digital Publishing and Playboy Enterprises. And they are now offering 53 back issues of Playboy magazines on the web for free viewing.

You can get access to these magazines as long as you have Microsoft Silverlight player installed on your computer.

Microsoft Silverlight is a rival technology to Adobe Flash. It is officially available on Windows and Mac platform. Microsoft is helping developers on a version for the Linux platform but it usually remains one step behind the official versions.

Hugh M. Hefner, Playboy founder spoke about this new initiative: “Playboy has an incredibly rich history and an intensely loyal readership. This is the perfect opportunity to offer them something they have always wanted and also a great way to allow a whole new generation to easily explore the magazine.”

Checkout: PlayboyArchive.com

Technorati Tags: Microsoft,Microsoft Silverlight,Playboy,Playboy Enterprise,Adobe Flash,Gadget

Google Maps Now Has a Directions Gadget

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:06:00 +0000

Google has added a new gadget to their Google Maps service. This new feature is named Directions Gadget.

This feature now allows web publishers to embed customized Google Maps directions on their web pages.

Visitors to the website get the ability to enter their own From location to get the exact directions to the specified destination.

Web publishers get the ability to fill the To field with multiple addresses.

Visitors can also easily take a printout of the result for their journey on the road.

This feature is pretty powerful and can come very handy for business users.

Here is an example!

Checkout: Help customers find their way with new Google Maps gadget

Technorati Tags: Google,Google Maps,Maps,Google Maps Service,Gadget

Google Makes Available Website Translator Gadget

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:52:00 +0000

To celebrate the International Translation Day, Google launched a new service for web publishers.

This new feature is called website translator gadget.

It uses the Google Translation back-end to provide instant translation of the web-page being visited by a user.

As a web publisher you can insert the gadget on your web-page. If a user visits that web-page with another language set in his web browser, that page is automatically displayed in that language!

The visitor get to see the ‘implementation’ on the web-page so he can switch back to the original language if he so desires.

Google said: “Automatic translation is convenient and helps people get a quick gist of the page. However, it’s not a perfect substitute for the art of professional translation. Today happens to be International Translation Day, and we’d like to take the opportunity to celebrate the contributions of translators all over the world.”

Technorati Tags: Google,Google Translator,Translator,Translator Gadget,new service,Gadget

Asus Eee Keyboard

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Asus have finally given a release date of their new Eee Keyboard. The new keyboard will be launched next month.

The Eee Keyboard is a standard sized keyboard that has a built in computer which has a 5 inch touchscreen to the right side of the device. As well as having the built in computer, the keyboard can connect to a TV, monitor or projector either with a wired or wireless connection.

Inside the Asus Eee Keyboard computer is a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Processor along with 1GB of DDR2 ram, a solid state drive with either 16GB or 32GB of capacity. Also 802.11n wireless connectivity is included along with Bluetooth and a HDMI connector.

Unfortunately no pricing has been revealed just yet although I’d expect to see that in the next week or so.

Technorati Tags: Asus,Asus Eee Keyboard,Keyboard,Gadget

Sony Vaio Z-Series

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:33:00 +0000

Full Review for Sony Vaio Z-Series (VGN-Z530N) Laptop :

CPU 2.4-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8600
RAM Included 2GB
RAM Upgradable To 4GB
Hard Drive Size 250GB
Hard Drive Speed 5,400rpm
Hard Drive Type SATA Hard Drive

Sony Vaio Series Z

Optical Drive Type DVD±R DL
Optical Drive Speed 4X
Display Size (inches)
Native Resolution 1366×768
Graphics Card Intel GMA 4500MHD/up to 790MB, Nvidia GeForce 9300M GS/up to 860MB
Video Memory
Wi-Fi 802.11n
Bluetooth
Mobile Broadband
Operating System MS Windows Vista Business
Ports (excluding USB) Ethernet;Firewire;HDMI;Headphone;Modem;VGA
USB Ports 2
Card Slot(s) ExpressCard;Memory Stick;SD memory reader
Warranty/Support One-year limited warranty/24/7 toll-free phone
Size 12.4 x 8.3 x 1.3 inches

Weight 3.3 pounds

Technorati Tags: Sony,Sony Vaio,Sony Vaio Z Series,Z Series,Vaio,Gadget

2010 Apple Tablet Device

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:24:00 +0000

OK so there was no Apple tablet announced at the Apple event in September. That doesn’t mean the rumors will retreat quietly. Rather, they will be adjusted and put back into circulation. The latest rumor from a Taiwanese parts manufacturer puts the release of the iTablet (rumored name for the Apple tablet device). Included in the list of parts was HSDPA which means the possibility of running the device off the 3G network.

Many have theorized that Apple is on the cusp of coming out with either a netbook or a tablet to compete with lower end computers. Apple’s executives however have stated their interest in keeping the Apple brand a premium in the computer market.

Do you guys think that Apple will come out with a tablet?

Technorati Tags: Apple,Apple Tablet,Tablet device

Olympus E-P1

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:15:00 +0000

Olympus released firmware updates on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, for the Olympus E-P1 camera and two lenses, the Zuiko ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 as well as the Zuiko 17mm f2.8 lens. The firmware update, version 1.1 for both the camera and lenses, improves the camera's continuous auto-focus (C-AF) operation. The lenses will benefit from the v1.1 firmware with enhanced auto-focus performance. The Olympus Master software updates each lens' firmware individually and will update the camera firmware.

We generally recommend installing the latest firmware updates for your camera, so you can get the most out of your gear. For more information on firmware updates for a specific camera, visit the manufacturer's Web site. Before installing any firmware upgrade, always take the time to read through all of the documentation and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Technorati Tags: Camera,Olympus Camera,Olympus E-P1 Camera,Gadget

Panasonic GF1 : Adobe Ropes in Raw Support

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:05:00 +0000

Adobe Systems on Monday released Lightroom 2.5 and the Camera Raw 5.5 Photoshop plug-in, software updates that add support for two high-profile Nikon SLRs, Olympus' ambitious but expensive E-P1 compact camera, and in a minor surprise, the Panasonic's GF1 competitor to the E-P1.

As expected from the beta test, the new version adds support for the Nikon's high-end D300s and entry-level D3000. Also on the list is Panasonic's ultrazoom, the DMC-FZ35.

The downloads are available at Adobe's Web site.

Dealing with the raw formats from higher-end cameras gives photographers more flexibility and quality than JPEG, but it's a hassle for companies such as Adobe and Apple that must figure out the proprietary formats. Adobe doesn't yet support yet newer cameras such as Canon's higher-end 7D.

The updates also fix a problem that could afflict some cameras in the "demosaicing" step of converting raw images into more useful formats. "Camera Raw 5.5 also includes a correction to the demosaic algorithms in the raw conversion process for Bayer sensor cameras with unequal green response," Adobe said in a statement.

In an earlier statement about the green issue, Adobe said it was relatively minor: "Sony, Panasonic, and Olympus are among the more popular camera manufacturers affected by this change. But the demosaic correction provides only a subtle visual improvement to the processing of those raw files."

A blog post by Lightroom Product Manager Tom Hogarty said the Lightroom update fixes an issue with the image-import dialog box on Windows. He also pointed out this sorry consequence of the complexities of global branding with the Panasonic FZ35:

"Note that in Europe and Japan this model is marketed as the DMC-FZ38. Unfortunately, due to a metadata difference between these cameras, files from the DMC-FZ38 will not be supported until the next Camera Raw and Lightroom updates," Hogarty said.

Originally posted at Deep Tech

Technorati Tags: Panasonic Camera,Panasonic GF1,Adobe,Gadget

Canon DSLR – EOS 7D

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Some pictures have leaked of the new Canon DSLR digital camera called the EOS 7D. The Canon EOS 7D is an 18 megapixel camera that has HD video, a digital level, a 3 inch screen and dual DIGIC 4 processors.

ISO can run from 100 – 6400 with a 12800 mode. The viewfinder also shows 100% coverage too. As well as the leaked poster and box shown above and below, the DSLR also gets 2 new lenses that are 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 and an 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6.

No official details have been provided by Canon just yet although we do expect them any day now.

Technorati Tags: Camera,Canon,Canon EOS 7D,DSLR,Canon DSLR

iPod Nano 5G

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:45:00 +0000

Review for New iPod Nano 5G

Officially this iPod Nano 5G is so exhausted. Someone please tell Apple to stop adding features to this thing. Remember when all an MP3 player to do was play music? These days, you practically have to write a textbook to cover all the features that get crammed into a device like the iPod Nano.

An extra 0.2-inch really does make a noticeable difference when you're dealing with screens this small.

Writer's exhaustion aside, the fifth-generation Nano is a fantastic little gadget that's one of the easiest-to-recommend stocking stuffers out there. The thing comes in a ton of colors, works with iTunes, helps you lose weight (pedometer), and might even get you to record the world's next completely unnecessary viral YouTube sensation. Sure, the earbuds are still garbage, but Sony seems to be the only manufacturer fighting that battle.

To prevent from boring you to tears, one area of the iPod Nano's performance I didn't go into exhaustive detail over is the video camera's image quality. If you're curious, I ran a few of tests over the weekend, shooting indoors and outdoors, and A/B testing the Nano against the Flip UltraHD. Aside from the obvious image quality differences, I also found problems with the Nano's tilt-sensor getting tripped-up on the camera's orientation and capturing videos sideways. Editing programs will often be smart enough to reorient the video automatically, but the glitch shows just one more way where a dedicated camcorder like the Flip gets things right.

Comparing the video capture quality.

Still, minor complaints aside, the Nano is still an exceptional itty-bitty do-it-all gadget for the price. You really have to take the Nano's camcorder with a grain of salt. It is, after all, an MP3 player.

Technorati Tags: iPod,iPod Nano,iPod Nano 5G,MP3 Player,Music Player,Sony,Gadget

New Sony Gadget

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Reasons to buy This device can store about 350 books and display them on its 6in screen, which uses e-ink to mimic the look of the printed page. The device supports the “epub” digital format, which is set to be the MP3 of digital print. For lovers of hefty classics or students with heavy textbooks, the device could be a godsend. Many classics are now in the public domain and available to download free. Sony software now works on Mac as well as PC, and the Reader can play MP3 music files and JPEG images as well. Magnification buttons are great for the short-sighted.

Reasons not to The Reader takes a little getting used to and there’s an irritating flicker between page turns. New books in electronic format are subject to VAT, unlike their printed cousins, which makes them more expensive. The Touch can connect only to a computer and has no direct internet access itself.

Sony Reader Touch PRS-600

Technorati Tags: Sony,Sony Reader Touch PRS-600,Reader Touch,MP3 Player,Gadget

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Camera Digital

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:22:00 +0000

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is the company’s latest Micro Four Thirds camera and takes a different approach to the models previous released.

Rather than come as a miniature version of a DSLR camera, as before, Panasonic have followed Olympus with their iconic E-P1 model announced in the summer, giving you a retro Rangefinder-style design.

What that means from a size perspective is that it is 35% smaller and 26% lighter than the company’s first Micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix G1, mainly down to the fact that this offering resembles a point and shoot more than a baby DSLR.

To get down to that small size, as with the E-P1, the camera loses the optical viewfinder in favor of a 3-inch LCD screen on the rear with Live View. Strangely, the 3-inch screen doesn’t dominate the back with plenty of space for a menagerie of buttons that let you control most functions.

This might look like a point and shoot on the surface, however the controls and interchangeable lens options give you far more control that category of camera normally offers.

It’s not just the back where you’ll find buttons. The top also has its fair share, with Panasonic opting for a main dial to gain access to the different shooting modes, a main shutter and separate video recording button as well, as found on the GH1.

The layout is straight-forward, although the video record button (more about what it is capable of in a bit) is a tad small, but at least it means it doesn’t get confused with the main “still” photo button in use.

The top also houses a hotshoe – ideal for an external flash or top light and those wanting an optical viewfinder can opt for the DMW-LVF1 optional accessory giving a full electronic viewfinder. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see this, but if it is anything like the experience offered by the EVF on the G1 and GH1, then it is well worth looking at.

Point and shoot owners on first glance will of course ask were the zoom buttons are, while DSLR users will of course realize they are on the lens. With an interchangeable lens offering, the Lumix GF1 gets to play with the big boys and therefore has a range of lenses available giving it massive scope.

However to keep size to a minimum at the start, Panasonic is offering the GF1 with a 20mm pancake lens, rather like you’ll find on the Olympus E-P1. Alternatively there is a 14-45mm, F/3.5-5.6 kit lens, presumably the same as on the G1.

The lens we got to play with was the LUMIX G 20mm F/1.7 ASPH, which is great for general shooting. While you won’t have any zoom functionality – it’s fixed – it is ideal for portrait work. There might be a pop-up flash on board (something that isn’t present on the E-P1) and its high extending arm gives you better range, avoiding shadows cast from the lens (to a degree).

Back to the camera’s features and you’ll get a 4/3-type 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor, Art Effects and of course the ability to manually control most functions of the camera. Those Art Effects, which are more gimmicks rather than a must have, give you a My Color mode with a total of seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette, while Custom mode lets users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels.

Verdict :
Judging by the test shots we’ve seen, and performance in hand, this looks to be a really good offering for the Micro Four Thirds fan, or anyone wanting the capabilities of a DSLR without the size.

The purists will say that it taking away the mirror means that this can’t compete against the DSLR pack, but having seen the performance of the Olympus E-P1 and previous Micro Four Thirds models from Panasonic, it’s certainly worth a look for those that don’t want the bulk of a full DSLR imaging system.

The camera was solid in hand and quick to respond in our brief hands-on play even though it was a pre-production sample and will certainly be one to watch when it hits the shops in October.

Technorati Tags: Panasonic,Panasonic Lumix,Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1,Lumix,Camera Digital,Gadget

Asus E-Book Reader Dual Screens

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:41:00 +0000

The Times have suggested that the Asus E-Book that is due out in the next couple of months could have dual colour touchscreens similar to what was prototyped by Asus at CeBIT recently. Also more rumours have now come saying it might actually undercut both Sony and Amazon in terms of price.

It might seem like quite a bold claim from Asus that they could undercut competing products with them also having a 2 screen setup, however, we are talking about a company who got the netbook craze moving forwards along with generally cheaper prices than the competition.

You might wonder why a dual screen ebook reader is needed. Examples could be that one side houses the virtual keyboard or web browser allowing you to scan through newspapers or blogs while sending off emails.

Other features that might be included in the reader could be built in speakers, a microphone and webcam allowing Skype calls to be made across networks.

Technorati Tags: Asus,Asus E-Reader Dual Screens,Dual Screens,Gadget

Notebook Samsung Q320

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:04:00 +0000

New Gadget Review for Notebook Samsung Q320 :

- CPU Intel Core 2 Duo P8700 2.53GHz
- RAM Included 4GB
- RAM Upgradable 4GB
- Hard Drive Size 320GB
- Hard Drive Speed 5,400rpm
- Hard Drive Type SATA Hard Drive

- Optical Drive Type DVD RW
- Optical Drive Speed 8X
- Display Size 13.4
- Native Resolution 1366×768
- Graphics Card Nvidia GeForce G 105M
- Video Memory 256MB
- Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n
- Bluetooth
- Mobile Broadband
- Operating System MS Windows Vista Home Premium (64 bit)
- Ports (excluding USB) Audio-in; Audio-out; eSATA; Ethernet; HDMI
USB Ports 3
- Card Slots / Readers 3-1 card reader; ExpressCard/34
- Warranty/Support 1 year parts and labor
- Size 12.83″ x 9.0″ x 1.44″
- Weight 4.8 pounds

Technorati Tags: Notebook,Laptop,Notebook Samsung Q320,Samsung Q320,Gadget

Bluetooth Tech

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:52:00 +0000

For the last seven years the popularity of Bluetooth technology migrated from unknown to everyday use. Though Bluetooth specification was developed in 1994, its growing popularity began in 2002 when Apple released Mac OS X v10.2 and Microsoft, Windows XP Service Pack 2. Both platforms allowed Bluetooth connections without unnecessary install of drivers.
Bluetooth protocol was created as a substitute for IrDA, a standard for communication between devices. The major disadvantage of communication over IrDA was that the devices needed to be in short distance of each other and facing the infrared ports. Bluetooth is a protocol for short-range wireless communications.

Nowadays modern notebooks have Bluetooth protocol implemented, but midline personal computers don’t have these technology. Therefore a personal computer must have a Bluetooth adapter. Bluetooth establishes a good connection between devices for information exchange. Mobile phones, PDA’s, telephones, notebooks, handsfree, personal computers, some printers, keyboards, mouse, digital cameras, have Bluetooth protocol. Most of them have 2.0 Version, but the most recent specification is 2.1.

Bluetooth gadgets make our lives easier. Take for example a wireless keyboard and mouse for your computer. Basically the sky is the limit. If you have an LCD display you can easily connect it to your computer and surf the Internet, play computer games, watch a movie, work from the comfort of your bed, without giving up the PC(personal ‘powerful’ computer) in advantage of a notebook.

The handsfree for our mobile phone is now a must if we are daily drivers. The new handsfree generation don’t arouse all sorts of questions when you buy them, because there are no cables or 2.5 or 3.5 jack, the connection being made through Bluetooth. Even more efficient , since the 2.0 upgrade of Bluetooth, are the stereo handset, which allows you to listen to music, or a TV show from your computer or TV while you’re strolling through your house.

In 2007 Apple introduced the first iPhone as the ultimate mobile device. The only problem? It couldn’t be considered a Bluetooth gadget. Even do it boosted a 2.0 Bluetooth only a few gadgets and accessories on the market were compatible with the first iPhone. The tech community debated on forums about the necessity of a real Bluetooth connectivity within the iPhone. Bluetooth protocol once again benefited from this debates. By the middle of 2009, Apple released the new iPhone generation with 3.0 software, which allows the phone to connect over Bluetooth with more then a few devices.

For the time being the key word that summarizes modern gadgets is mobility. Bluetooth for devices connection, WIFI for wireless Internet, mobility is mandatory. Either you stay at home, on your terrace surfing the web and listening to music using a Bluetooth stereo handset, or taking pictures on a trip and printing them on your portable printer, Bluetooth gadgets are all around us and this is just the beginning.

Technorati Tags: Bluetooth,New Gadget,Gadget

Apple’s New Operating System

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:45:00 +0000

MAC OS X SNOW LEOPARD

While not everyone is thrilled with the way Apple handled the release, it turns out that Snow Leopard is Apple's most compatible operating system release ever. According to sources familiar with Snow Leopard's internal testing process, Apple kept an enormous amount of statistics on third-party application compatibility.

They said that Apple not only tracked many of the most widely-used apps, they tracked many of the shareware apps, as well. If an application exhibited problems, the developers were notified of the incompatibility and were offered help to make it Snow Leopard-compliant.

It's true that Apple did not offer a public beta of Snow Leopard, but it did expand the seed program with this release. Some large and small businesses, as well as individuals were included in the beta program for Snow Leopard. Of course, developers have access to the code through Apple's Developer Program, to test their apps through the entire process.

Apple began working with developers in June 2008, according to my source. This gave developers the maximum amount of time to check their apps against the new operating system.

While complete data was not available for this story, anecdotal evidence suggests that upgrade problems with Snow Leopard are not widespread.

That's not to say there aren't problems. CNET's Rafe Needleman found several apps that didn't work with the new operating system. Apple also posted a list of incompatible software on its support Web site.

BusinessWeek's Stephen Wildstrom feels that the compatibility problems with Snow Leopard are "widespread but not pervasive."

Wildstrom says that Apple should have done three things differently: it should have released a public beta; it should have provided a pre-upgrade compatibility checker; and he feels developers weren't given enough time with the finished code.

Technorati Tags: Apple. Operating System,Snow Leopard,Apple Mac OS X Snow Leopard

HP and Acer Compete in Market

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:30:00 +0000

As I have recently report you are not a computer manufacturer if you haven’t joined the netbooks market. The pioneering company Asus is facing strong competition that even Nokia have their 3G Booklet, Samsung has their own version of netbooks and the other manufacturers are pushing in their own netbooks product.

Early adopters HP and Acer are not getting distracted by a barrage of models and are pushing their product line aggressively as HP has ordered around 3.3 million units from the top four Taiwan manufacturers in August 2009. The numbers is a significant 15% percent rise and the volume is expected to be pushed to 3.5 million units in September in preparation of the Windows 7 launching.

Taiwan manufacturer Inventec has received over one million unit orders from HP for August, both Quanta Computer and Compal Electronics have 700,000 unit orders and Wistron is working on 50,000 unit orders.

HP’s orders are huge but Acer is looking at 3.6 million units in September as they predict the spike is demand from North America and Europe. If things go well with Acer they are looking into shipping over 9 million units in the third quarter and most importantly they are just 200,000 units behind HP.

The number of units being shipped out is good news to Microsoft as their Microsoft Windows 7 is going to benefit much from these machines. The computer manufacturers need Microsoft to deliver the goods on Windows 7 and Microsoft needs the computer manufacturers to deliver theirs. Apparently, the hardware vendors are hitting their target, is Microsoft poised to do the same? If Microsoft doesn’t deliver I don’t see consumers buying computers with Linux on it and most likely, we are going to see disappointed vendors in the holiday season.

Are you excited on this news? You should because you are more likely to get big discounts because of this slugfest, supply and demand.

Technorati Tags: Netbooks,Computer,HP,Acer,Microsoft,Gadget

The New PlayStation 3 Slim

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:35:00 +0000

Slim, Nice, Cheap and Excellent from Sony!!

The PlayStation 3 Slim officially shipped last September 1. Owners of the original PlayStation 3 should be content with what they already have. For those who want to buy their first current-generation gaming console, or are looking to play PlayStation 3 games, the new PlayStation 3 Slim is a good choice.

Size-wise, the PlayStation 3 Slim isn’t really a revolution compared to its predecessor—despite the 33% profile reduction, both consoles are meant to stay stationary for most of their operational lives anyway. The Slim is still a more attractive option though because of its roomier 120GB hard disk, a definite step up from the original PS3’s 20 & 40GB default offerings. You basically get more hard disk space per dollar from the get-go.

Other advantages include significantly lower power consumption, made possible through a processor redesign that provides the same computing power through a smaller chip and thus less heat. The PS3 Slim also supports the BRAVIA Sync interface, which allows remote control via the console’s HDMI port.

The PlayStation 3 Slim is available from “New Egg” for $299. Each console comes with one Wireless Dual-Shock 3 controller, so you may want to buy an extra controller while you’re at it. Shipping is free.

How to Get a PlayStation 3 Slim and an extra controller:

Visit the Wireless Dual-Shock 3 Controller ($42.99) product page at New Egg
Click on Add to Cart
Visit the PlayStation 3 Slim 120GB ($299.99) product page at New Egg
Click on Add to Cart
Click on View Shopping Cart
If you’re satisfied with the total (it should read $342.98, unless you already have items in your NewEgg cart), Click on Checkout

Technorati Tags: Sony,PlayStation,PlayStation 3,PlayStation 3 Slim,Games

The New Gadget from Nokia

noreply@blogger.com (levis299) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Nokia Booklet 3G

So the cat’s finally out of the bag: the Nokia Booklet 3G will cost 575 euros (around $820), as announced in Nokia World.

Courtesy Nokia

That’s a bit pricey in my opinion. Sure, the 12-hour battery life and two-centimeter thickness of the gadget justify this price somewhat, but not entirely. For a 10.1″ netbook, nothing probably beats Nokia’s offerings in terms of specs, integrated extras (like HDMI), and battery capacity, but there are surely equally portable offerings that also include a built-in USIM slot.

What do you think? Personally, I’d rather spend my hard-earned money on something slightly more bulky, but significantly more powerful. Especially since Nokia already makes software that lets their phones sync with your average Windows 7 laptop. The Booklet 3G might appeal to metal finish addicts who want something small to lug around though.

Technorati Tags: netbooks,booklet 3G,N97 Mini,Nokia,Gadget