Western Digital My Passport Elite external hard drive provides both convenience and style for cosumers on-the-go. It features an illuminated capacity gauge (to see how much space is left on the drive) and drive lock indicator (to check whether their data is secure).

WD My Passport Elite also includes a grab-and-go USB dock so you can “plug-and-play” your external hard drive easily (extremely useful if you have to carry back and forth the drive between the office and your desktop at home).

Below is the official press release from Western Digital.

Like the previously announced My Passport™ Essential™ drives, the My Passport Elite portable drives feature automatic and continuous backup with WD SmartWare™ software and 256-bit hardware-based encryption. My Passport Elite drives are available now in 3 appealing metallic colors – Metallic Red, Metallic Blue and Charcoal Metallic – and are offered in capacities of 320 GB, 500 GB and 640 GB.

WD market research shows that consumers want a mobile storage device that allows them to not only back up and store their data, but also to keep their data safe should the drive end up in the wrong hands. The new My Passport Elite drives come with integrated WD SmartWare software which makes it easy to backup and secure your data.

When the My Passport Elite drive is plugged in for the first time, the simple and intuitive first backup process launches automatically. The real-time visual interface of WD SmartWare software gives users a reassuring view of their backup as it happens. After the first backup, users’ files are backed up automatically every time they change or add a file. WD SmartWare software creates a separate area on the drive for the backed up files, leaving a large portion of the drive free for carrying or sharing of files. The drives are thus appropriate for both backup and extra storage.

The illuminated capacity gauge on the My Passport Elite drive provides a quick read of how much capacity is available on the drive. The padlock icon indicates that the drive is password protected with 256-bit hardware-based encryption. Typically found only on much more expensive drive systems, the encryption acts as a virtual padlock to keep users’ data secure. Without the correct password, files are simply not accessible.

The unique design of the grab-and-go dock enables the user to quickly connect and disconnect their My Passport drive with one hand. The dock eliminates the need to search for an empty USB port, which can be a frustrating chore, particularly with desktop computers. The dock also provides power  to the drive via the USB port so no separate power supply is needed.

“As portable hard drives grow in capacity, consumers are now able to store their entire digital lives on them. Keeping users’ content secure as well as stylish are two aspects that make My Passport Elite drives our most personal storage devices yet,” said Dale Pistilli, vice president of marketing for WD’s branded products group. “Equipped with WD SmartWare software and hardware-based encryption, WD’s new My Passport Elite drives keep consumers’ personal content safe in one place, while the sleek design and premium finishes infuse a sense of personal style.”

My Passport Elite

Designed for Windows®-based PCs, the new WD My Passport Elite drives with WD SmartWare software feature:
- Convenient, grab-and-go USB dock connection to computer;
- Premium finish in 3 colors including Anodized Red, Anodized Blue and Charcoal Metallic;
- 256-bit hardware-based encryption for peace of mind knowing that data is protected from unauthorized access;
- USB 2.0 interface that powers the drive directly from the USB port on user’s computer, no separate power supply is needed;
- Planet-friendly packaging derived from recycled materials to minimize waste;
- Ready to plug-and-play with Windows PCs, formatted NTFS; and,
- 3-year limited warranty.

Product and Pricing Summary
Manufacturer: Western Digital
Product Name: My Passport Elite 320GB, 500GB and 640GB
RRP for 320GB: AU$ 149.99, NZ $199.99
RRP for 500GB: AU$ 199.99, NZ $249.99
RRP for 640GB: AU$ 239.99, NZ $299.99
Website: www.westerndigital.com
Australian Distributors: Synnex Australia
New Zealand Distributors: Ingram Micro NZ and Synnex NZ
Availability: Now

A really cool video explaining what Digsby is. Never heard of Digsby before? Then you MUST watch the video

Digsby is basically an all in one application for your instant messaging, email, and social networks. Feel free to check my short Digsby review post if you haven’t but this video already speaks a thousand words!

Get your Digsby Download now!

Want to win an LG Chocolate (LG BL40) mobile phone (image on the left). Or a multimedia phone LG Arena (LG KM900), compact touch phone LG Pop (LG GD510) and LGs first Android smart phone, LG GW620, as well as the LG ViewtySmart phone?

I was contacted earlier about an online survey from LG (it’s not one of those boring 30 minutes survey, thankfully) where if you’re lucky, you can win one of those phones only by completing the survey.

The online survey will be open from November 6th, 2009 @00:01 GST and will close at November 20th, 2009@ 23:59 GST. There are going to be 27 winners to be selected randomly so I guess you have to be extremely lucky to get it but hey, the survey is fun and it only takes less than 10 minutes to do. Why not?

LG Survey available countries:

Looks like everyone can join in

The survey questions resolved around your favorite superhero, firstly from the comic books:

Batman is ma' (my) man!

Wish I can review his gadgets lol

and the questions get more specific later on – the hero of your life and also country specific (Australia, in my case).

It’ll be interesting to find out the other country specific questions on the survey. Perhaps I should do it again with another country? Oh wait, I’m sure it against the rules to submit twice..

Check out the LG Superhero Survey to win LG mobile phones

The Ricoh GXR claims to be the world’s smallest and lighest interchangeable lens camera system.

Ricoh GXR combines the compact size of a point-and-shoot digital camera with DSLR great features into 1 single interchangeable unit. It sounds so cool for having a compact digital camera but being able to change the lenses like those big DSLR cameras!

Below is the official press release from Ricoh.

Ricoh launches the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera system

In a world-first design, Ricoh integrates lens, image sensor and image processing engine into a single interchangeable unit

Tokyo, Japan, 10 November 2009: Ricoh has announced the development and release of the GXR interchangeable unit camera system featuring the world’s smallest and lightest* digital camera with the ability to change lenses.

The revolutionary GXR is an interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses are changed by using a slide-in mount system to attach camera units to the body. In a world-first design, the lens, image sensor and image processing engine are integrated into the camera units so the body itself does not contain an image sensor.

The GXR represents a further evolution of Ricoh’s award-winning GR Digital and GX compact digital cameras. Like its predecessors, the GXR offers an irresistible combination – the superior image quality and advanced manual control of a SLR, with the pocketability and handling of a compact. With the innovative slide-in mount structure, camera unit changes are as quick and easy as changing a memory card.

Designed to provide true shooting flexibility and outstanding image quality, the GXR provides photographers with the initial choice of two camera units – the first, an acclaimed GR prime lens coupled with a 12 megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and GR Engine III, ideal for portrait and macro photography; the second, a 3x wide-angle zoom RICOH lens matched with a high performance 10 megapixel CCD sensor and Smooth Imaging Engine IV, perfect for a diverse range of scenes including wide landscapes and snap shooting. A third camera unit featuring a high magnification zoom telephoto lens will be released in early 2010.

Like lenses, image sensors have their own strengths and a wide variety of creative characteristics that relate to their size and type. Therefore the main benefit of this design is greater power of expression with each lens finely tuned to its respective sensor and image processing engine. This unique structure also makes it inherently difficult for dirt and dust to enter the camera and impact sensor performance – a common problem encountered by DSLR camera users.

Concealing infinite possibilities and a host of advanced features in its small body, the GXR pioneers a new realm of photography.

Available from 5 December 2009, the GXR will be sold exclusively through the Ricoh Pro G Dealer Network. A select few stores will feature a ‘touch and try’ area, providing customers with the opportunity to complete a hands-on review and pre-order prior to the worldwide release. For store locations and other customer enquiries contact Ricoh’s Australian distributor, Tasco on 02 9938 3244 or visit www.tasco.com.au

Ricoh GXR Price guide – indicative only

• GXR camera body AU$600 + GST
• GR Lens camera unit AU$1100 + GST
• RICOH Lens camera unit AU$600 + GST

* Internal flash, interchangeable lens digital cameras with lens attached. Correct as of 10 November 2009, Ricoh research. Minimum weight with camera unit attached: 325g (RICOH lens camera unit, not including battery, memory card, neck strap, connector cap or lens cap)

Ricoh GXR Main Features

1. Ideal form for an interchangeable lens camera: The interchangeable unit camera system

• By integrating lens, image sensor, and image processing engine into a single optimised unit, Ricoh was able to created a compact camera with interchangeable lenses.
• The adoption of this new system has made it possible to achieve both “pocket size for go-anywhere portability” and “the highest image quality for every photographic situation and subject.”
• Since the image sensor is not exposed when lenses are changed, the camera’s structure makes it inherently difficult for dirt and dust to get inside.

2. Features of the GR LENS A12 50 mm F2.5 MACRO camera unit

• This camera unit uses a 23.6mm x 15.7mm (APS-C size) CMOS sensor with approximately 12.30 megapixels. In combination with image processing engine GR ENGINE III, it achieves high quality photography with high definition, low noise, and smooth tonal gradations.
• A newly developed GR LENS with an 8-group, 9-element configuration (aspherical lens: 1 element, two surfaces) is featured. Representing a further advancement in the GR tradition of high image quality, the lens thoroughly corrects for various types of aberrations. Despite the compact size, it is also a full-fledged macro lens with a floating lens structure. At shooting distances from infinity down to the 1/2x maximum magnification macro range, it achieves strong imaging power all the way to the edge of the frame. In addition, the low level of vignetting means that the photographer can enjoy rich and genuine bokeh effects.
• The manual focus ring is perfect for use in macro photography as it makes highly precise focusing possible. It can also be used to make fine manual adjustments to the focus after auto focus is done.

3. Features of the RICOH LENS S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC camera unit

• This camera unit uses a 10.00 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor boasting high-sensitivity capabilities enhanced through the adoption of a new process. In combination with advanced image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV, it achieves high quality photography with high definition and low noise.
• The lens is a 24mm to 72mm high performance 3x wide-angle zoom with superior usability. Utilising a 7-group, 11-element configuration (aspherical lens: 4 elements, 4 surfaces) that includes special low-dispersion lenses, this lens achieves high dimensions of both compactness and imaging power.
• A camera shake correction function (image-sensor-shift type) is used to reduce hand- motion blur.
• The self-retaining lens cap has been a popular GX series option, and a GXR version is available as option LC-2.

4. Even greater power of expression

• The automatic exposure modes include program shift mode, shutter priority mode, and aperture priority mode.
• Picture settings can be customised with nine setting levels for easy creation of a diverse range of images.
• ISO 3200 facilitates shooting in low light conditions.

5. Enhanced rapid shooting capabilities help capture fleeting shutter chances

• The Pre-AF function accelerates focusing speed by adjusting the focus to match subject movement.
• The full press snap function shoots at a preset distance for a one-push full-press of the shutter-release button.
• When shooting subjects up close, the camera automatically switches to macro mode so macro photography can be enjoyed without having to worry about switching modes (Auto macro setting).

6. Wide range of functions

• Tilt indicator utilising an acceleration sensor.
• Three grid guides useful for framing images while shooting.
• Image flag function to enable the quick display of specific images from among those in the camera. Up to 20 images can be flagged.
• The new DIRECT screen enabling current settings to be displayed and changed.

7. High-definition 3.0-inch 920,000-dot VGA LCD picture display

• The high-resolution LCD picture display provides a wide viewing angle and high contrast. The screen has a fluorine coat to prevent soiling, a hard coat to prevent scratches, and an anti-reflection coat to give excellent visibility even outdoors in bright sunshine.
• With 100% sRGB coverage for colour reproduction, the picture display vividly reproduces image colours.

8. Elegant design

• For the exterior, Ricoh utilised die cast magnesium, which has a strong track record in the GR series, and covered the surface with a corrosion-resistant “pear-skin” coating. The end result is a body with superior levels of durability, light weight, and feel in hand.
• Building on the operation control designs of the GR series and GX series, the GXR has several types of customisable buttons as well as the new DIRECT button, which the photographer can use to see many current settings at a glance. Sophisticated shooting settings can now be made faster than ever before.
• The directional pad, the three My Settings, the ADJ.lever, and the function buttons all contribute to the even greater operability achieved by the GXR.
• The grip form allows the GXR to be firmly held despite its small size, and the suitably yielding rubber material on the grip surface enables the camera to feel like an integral part of the hand.

9. Functions expanded using firmware

• Function-enhancing firmware releases for the GR DIGITAL series have proved very popular, and this practice will be continued for the GXR. By updating their firmware, GXR owners will be able to use the latest functions.

10. New options enhance series expandability

• Two soft cases, one for each camera unit.
• The GXR can use the GR DIGITAL III external flash (GF-1), which can do TTL flash using auxiliary flash.
• Convenient for shooting in bright outdoor situations, the newly developed 920,000-dot- equivalent high-definition LCD viewfinder is removable and can be tilted up to 90 degrees. With a 100% field of view, it displays information in the same way as the picture display, thus enabling the photographer to shoot in a film camera style.

Looks like another compact digital camera with some great DSLR features built into it. I don’t think it’ll be long before we have light and compact true DSLR cameras! Wish I can review this camera and provide you with some sample photos taken with it.

Labelled as “Gaming on the Go” mouse, the Razer Orochi delivers high performance gaming at the size of a notebook mouse. With its 4000 dpi 3D Laser sensor,  Razer Orochi gives hardcore mobile gamers what they’ve been longing to have from a compact mouse.

Although you can technically squeeze your Razer DeathAdder, Mamba, or any other gaming mouse in your laptop bag, lots of gamers would have preferred to have a compact size mouse without sacrificing a true gaming experience. Not to mention that the Orochi can connect via Bluetooth (in Wireless mode) for convenience or via USB connection (in Wired mode) for gaming.

Razer Orochi Packaging

Razer Orochi packaging contains:

• The Razer Orochi Mouse
• USB cable
• A nice travel pouch to carry the mouse + the USB cable
• 2x AA Batteries
• Stickers, Guides, etc.

Razer Orochi Features

• Razer Precision™ 3G Laser sensor
• Tracking up to 100 inches per second
• Ambidextrous design
• Razer Synapse™ On-board Memory (for PC only)
• On-The-Fly Sensitivity™ adjustment (for PC only)
• Zero-acoustic Ultraslick™ Teflon® feet
• Gold-plated USB connector
• A battery life of approximately 1-3 months under normal usage
• Bluetooth® 2.0 connectivity

Razer Orochi Overview

At the first glance, Razer Orochi looks like a Black Tiger’s paw. It’s menacing yet sleek and modern (just like any other Razer products). The mouse’s aesthetic look definitely gears for hardcore gamers and not for ladies looking for some cute pinky mouse. Rest assured that you’ll amaze your friends when you take out Razer Orochi out from its bag. Especially once the blue light comes off under the scrolling wheel.. “Oooohhh…”

PS: Just remember to turn this on using the software It was the first thing I did when I used the mouse for the first time.

Razer Orochi Wired vs Wireless mode

Razer Orochi can be used wired or wireless. To get the ultimate gaming performance, you should go for the wired mode (plugging the USB cable to the mouse). It allows the mouse to deliver the highest precision, control, and accuracy.

Wireless: Razer Orochi delivers up to 2000DPI sensitivity and 125Hz polling/8ms response rate.
Wired: Razer Orochi delivers up to up to 4000DPI sensitivity and 1000Hz Ultrapolling™/1ms response!

In wireless mode, Razer Orochi uses Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity compared to a USB wireless receiver. At first I frowned at the idea of using a Bluetooth connection (maybe because I was so get used to using a USB wireless receiver to connect my wireless mouse/keyboard). In practice however, Razer didn’t make a mistake when they made this decision. It gives you a hassle free connection but more importantly, an extra USB slot (which normally comes rare in laptops!).

Razer Orochi Battery Life

Although Razer’s specification stated that battery life will be around 1-3 months under normal usage, it’s a bit hard to justify. When you plug the USB cable to the Orochi, the mouse will automatically grab the power from the USB instead from the battery. When used wirelessly, there is also an option to turn the mouse off (power button underneath the mouse), extending the battery life even further.

Since there is no LCD indicator on the Orochi, you need to check the indicator on your Windows system tray if you want to check how much battery power it has left.

Razer Orochi On the Fly DPI settings

Razer Orochi has 4 side buttons (2 on each side) which can be used to change the sensitivity of the mouse. These settings will be stored on the mouse’s memory (or  the Razer Synapse™ On-board Memory). However, you need to connect the mouse to the USB first to “program” it. You can even choose to switch the cool blue light off from the mouse (Don’t! It’s so cool lookin’).

I would expect the mouse to remember my last DPI setting, but apparently it didn’t.  Every time I turned the mouse back on, I found out that I needed to re-adjust the DPI setting again. It’s not really a big deal since a few side buttons click would do the job, though.

Razer Orochi Review Conclusion

Razer Orochi delivers a gaming grade quality mouse despite of its compact size. It supports both wired and wireless but if you really are serious in gaming, always use Razer Orochi in wired mode when you game.

When I tested playing Left 4 Dead with my Dell XPS 13 laptop, Razer Orochi gave me a much better experience compared to my old wireless notebook mouse. My shots were more accurate and the aim was definitely smoother. Just remember to set the mouse pointer speed to the middle (in your Windows control panel) and turn the “Enhance pointer precision” off. This lets the Orochi to handle all the gliding and pointing bits natively.

Razer Orochi’s compact size is your best friend when you go mobile. It was my best friend when I went to Singapore for the Nuffnang’s Asia Pacific Blog Awards a few weeks ago. It shall still be my best friend whenever I travel with my laptop, until Razer Marachi (Mamba+Orochi?) comes along (don’t take the Marachi seriously and start Googling, it was just a joke).

Note: Review unit was provided by Razer.

Razer Orochi Pros

• Sleek and menacing design.
• A gaming grade notebook mouse.
• Can be used wired or wireless.
• Bluetooth connectivity; saving you one extra USB slot (normally used for the wireless receiver).
• Can be turned off and on to save battery life.
• A nice compact pouch included to fit the mouse + the cable.

Razer Orochi Cons

• Unrest feeling due to the compact size after a few hours of gaming.
• Didn’t seem to store the last DPI setting used when turned off.
• Need Bluetooth to go Wireless.