If you’re arguing how this has been done, check the video below: the cell-phone symphonia making-of (part 1 & 2)!

Part 1

Part 2

The Pentax K-7 entered the Pentax range as a high-end model targeted at photo enthusiasts because its complexity made it most suitable for experienced SLR photographers.
Featuring a solid metal body, weatherproof sealing and a wide range of user-adjustable controls, it also supported high-speed continuous shooting at up to 5.2 frames/second and HD video recording at 30 frames/second.

The low-down: This 14.6-megapixel camera came fitted with the Pentax 18-55-millimetre lens. This is at the top of the company’s camera range. It has a magnesium-alloy body and is smaller than the K20D. It is weather-sealed and sports an excellent 920,000-dot LCD and 100 per cent viewfinder. It has an HD movie mode. Image stabilisation is by sensor shift. There are body-top and LCD information displays. All important controls are immediately accessible on the camera body, including a nifty white balance adjustment tool. This white balance tool itself is not unique to Pentax but the accessibility is. Among all the desirable features for serious photography is a killer innovation: true in-camera HDR (high dynamic range) processing.

Like: The in-camera HDR processing works by taking three exposures at widely spaced exposure values and then merging them into a single jpeg. Of course, it can really only work with the camera tripod mounted but that is true of any HDR sequence. The results from the Pentax K-7 are splendid and, unlike some HDR output from Photomatix or Photoshop, completely realistic.

High-quality movie recording at 1280 x 720 pixels; 30-frames-per-second
The Pentax K-7 adds a new movie recording function, extending the benefits of SLR photography to the world of movie shooting: For instance, reduce the depth of field to make the subject stand out, or use different lenses to create distinctive visual effects. Beautiful movie clips can recorded at different sizes–640 x 416 pixels, 1536 x 1024 pixels, or 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 high-definition TV proportions)–at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The K-7 is also equipped with an HDMI terminal and an external microphone input terminal for high quality sound to match your videos.

Pentax K-7 Technical Details

• High-resolution, 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor; compact, magnesium alloy body
• Weather resistant, dustproof, and coldproof (14 degrees F, -10 degrees C)
• Fast 5.2 fps shooting with the new PRIME II Image processing engine; top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well-lit settings
• 3-inch LCD; Live View mode, with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

Pentax K-7 is available now (body only) for US $1,031.89
This means you save $822.12 (that’s 44% off regular price!)

Audio outputs on the rear of the LG BD 390 (in addition to HDMI) include coaxial and optical digital for increased compatibility with older A/V receivers without HDMI audio support.
Analog audio aficionados may appreciate the BD390’s outputs for 7.1-channel surround sound, although 5.1 and 2.1 configurations can also be selected in the player’s audio setup menu.

The LG BD 390 supports playback of a long list of multimedia file types including JPEG, MP3, DivX and DivX HD, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and MKV-wrapped (Matroska) files. You can get these files to the player via the front-mounted USB port or a local network connection to a DLNA-compliant server. (The BD390 includes a copy of Nero MediaHome 4 Essentials that can create a DLNA-compliant server with a Windows-based PC.)

The LG BD 390 features YouTube and Netflix video streaming, and a recent firmware update for both players added the ability to browse and shop CinemaNow’s online movie catalog. The BD390 sports multichannel analog audio outputs, multimedia streaming capabilities, and integrated Wi-Fi too.

Equipped with 1GB of internal flash storage, the BD390 doesn’t require any user-added memory to access the BD-Live streaming multimedia features that are increasingly being included in newer Blu-ray titles. I look forward to the day that this memory is standard on all players—not just on premium models.

The BD390 is one of the fastest Blu-ray player ever tested.

Over HDMI, the BD390 can output 1080p60, or 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) and 1080p24 video to a compatible TV.

BestBuy has an exclusive on the new Viper SmartStart System, which can do a number of things for your wheels:

For us, geeks, Mac-users and -lovers, what’s more important?

New products, of course!

On Oct 20th Apple introduced so many new produts and updates I barely can name all of them here, so let’s get a list to begin.

new iMac, it’s that simple: 21.5 and 27 inches display, new CPUs up to Core i7 Quad processors, up to 16 GB Ram (from the 8 Gig previously allowed). Simply gorgeous!
Several built-to-order options for Graphics cards, CPU, hard disk units available.
new MacBook: white policarbonate chassis but with unibody construction style, multitouch trackpad, 13.3 Led display.
new Magic Mouse: almost an iPod touch or a multi-touch trackpad - in a mouse! All the mouse surface is smart enough to keep track of your gestures!
Mac Mini: despite all rumors (and death bell tolls) it’s still alive - and fine! The 2009 Mac Mini sports a faster processor, twice the RAM, energy-saving features and a lot more!

A product I’m really interested in is the Mac Mini with Snow Leopard.
A special edition Mac Mini fully loaded with 4 Gigs of RAM, two 500 GB hard disks and pre-installed Snow Leopard Server with special remote management features.
Right now it’s the best way (and the most affordable yet) to get a great Mac server for your Home/Office and to fully integrate PCs and Macs!

Most Apple product should be available by the time you read this or eligible for pre-order; here are some prices:
Apple iMac 21.5-Inch starts at US $ 1.199
Apple iMac 27-Inch starts at US $ 1.699
Apple MacBook available for US $ 999
Apple Magic Mouse available for US $ 69
Apple Mac mini goes starts from US $ 599
Mac Mini with Snow Leopard Server (unlimited license) is available for US $ 999.

First of all, some of the basic content of the game has been improved. Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars PSP features enhanced graphics, with more polygons, proper lighting effects and a minimap that can display on the same screen as the action. There are also six new instrumental radio stations, taking advantage of the additional storage available on the PSP format. Finally, more supplementary minigame content like Rampgaes have been added to the game outside of the main storyline.

There will also be more story missions in the PSP version of Chinatown Wars. So far, Rockstar has revelaed details about one exclsuive mission called “Factory Fun”. This extended mission is very similar to one in San Andreas called “Are You Going to San Fierro?” Factory Fun invlolves infiltrating a warehouse drug operation and destroying the crops, all while protecting a documentary filmmaker who comes along just to make your life more complicated.

This new character is named Melanie Mallard, an aspiring journalist and documentary filmmaker who becomes involved in the action while doing a story on the city’s Triad gang. Melanie has made a deal with Chan Jaoming to get a behind-the-scenes look at his business, hoping to get the scoop on a major story. Hard-headed and sassy, with shades of April O’Neil, Melanie is sure to be a constant annoyance to Huang.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars
is available from Oct 20th for US $39.99

[Via PSPWorld]

Crash Bandicoot: WARPED begins right were the other one left off. After his plan backfired yet again, Neo Cortex was losing power. Unfortunately, a pile of debris had hit a mountaintop and out came a villain hell-bent on world destruction. His name was Uka Uka. Uka Uka is a mask portrayal of a powerful demon and this powerful demon is the brother to the other ancient mask: Aku Aku. Aku Aku is a great friend of Crash Bandicoot and his sister Coco (in fact he’s that little mask who gave you a chance to continue after you got hit in the past games). Uka Uka then learns that Cortex has failed him too many times. He is mad that he never brought Crash Bandicoot down, and that he never had a chance to become ruler of the world. So upon knowing this Uka Uka makes his own plan. He gets a machine that will plan to “somehow” destroy the world. For this machine to be powered up it needs 25 crystals, of which have been stirred and strewn through time. Then Cortex and Uka Uka get a time machine and then they go off to get the crystals. Back at Crash’s house, Aku Aku tells them of the power of his evil brother, and then all three of them go to the time machine and all three hope to get all of the crystals.

Crash Bandicoot: WARPED goes for a mere US $ 5.99.

Cammie Dunaway, who is the executive vice president of sales and marketing at Nintendo of America, stated that, “Wii has reached more video game players than any game system before because it attracts everyone – both men and women, and people of all ages. Our research shows there are 50 million Americans thinking about becoming gamers, and this more affordable price point and our vast array of new software mean many of them can now make the leap and find experiences that appeal to them, whatever their tastes or level of gaming experience.”

Nintendo is saying that, despite the reduced price, buyers will still get the same package, consisting of a gaming console, a Wiimote, the Nunchuk and the video game Wii Sports. To get the most out of their gaming rigs, players might want to pick up a second Wiimote, maybe one or two Motion-Plus add-ons, and even a Classic Controller.

It seems a bit of a missed opportunity for Nintendo. The price cut is nice in itself, but the manufacturer could have also introduced the Motion Plus as part of the package, to make sure that all the players who picked the console up from then on could enjoy the better motion tracking, or it could have opted to replace Wii Sports with the newer and more interesting Wii Sports Resort. Still, the new price point of 199 dollars means that the Wii will get a boost in sales beginning with late September, probably holding its lead on the PlayStation 3 Slim and the Xbox 360 Elite, which both retail for 299 dollars.

Get your Nintendo Wii (with Wii Sports) right now for US $ 199.99!

What’s best for your Wii?

Wii Sports Resort!

Set off on a journey to a tropical island where an array of fun activities await. In Wii Sports Resort, the sequel to the engaging Wii Sports, you’ll discover a wide range of new sports and activities you can play anytime. Go head-to-head with your friends and family in the ultimate sports showdown set in a tropical paradise.

Wii Sports Resort retails for less than US $ 49.99!

Joining the award-winning B&W Zeppelin family is B&W Zeppelin Mini. It gives you everything you love about Zeppelin–incredible sound, intelligent design, elegant connectivity–in a smaller, compact package that’s perfect for desktops and bedside tables. Because even when your space is limited, it doesn’t mean your sound has to be.

The somewhat miniaturized iPod sound system is up for pre-order as we speak on Amazon, and we’ve heard directly from the company that it’ll be shipping out to US-based consumers in “early November.”

So, is a flashy design, a pair of 3-inch drivers, 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input jack, USB 2.0 port and a promise of a better tomorrow enough to pry those four Benjamins out of your hand?

B&W Zeppelin Mini’s new features? USB Streaming!

Music can be streamed direct from a PC or Mac via the USB socket. This means that any computer system can benefit from the improved sound quality and digital sound processing, offered by Zeppelin Mini’s Digital Sound Processing (DSP) and drive unit technology.

The USB connection in the back of the B&W Zeppelin Mini allows for:

• Audio streaming from iPod via docking arm
• Audio streaming from PC/Mac via mini USB connection located on back of the unit
• iPod/PC/Mac sync (when Zeppelin Mini is in standby): Synchronize iTunes and the docked iPod
• Firmware upgrades to keep product up-to-date with new iPhone/iPod releases

Pre-order here your Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini Docking Speaker for iPod!

The Rabbids first comedy-adventure will take them to the moon or bust! Those crazy Rabbids have an infallible plan: collect all the human stuff they can find, heap it onto a giant pile and literally climb home to the moon. But not so fast! The Humans revolt, unleashing the Verminators whose only objective is to exterminate the Rabbids. Rabbids Go Home game features include:

• The Rabbids First Puzzle-Adventure Game: The Raving Rabbids, using a shopping cart, will have to solve the puzzle of each level and collect as much stuff as they can to build a giant pile to their home… the moon!

• Same storyline as the Wii version, different gameplay: The game features a true story mode, including hours of puzzle-based gameplay.
• Stir up funny chain reactions in 150 brain teasers based on physics and funny Rabbids characters. The goal is to lead a shopping cart to the Toilets, collecting as many maximum resources as possible on the way.
• 15 tricky levels to actually build a huge pile to the moon: Test your reflexes and your skills with the stylus!
• Challenge mode: Four delirious challenge modes of 20 levels each, apart from the story mode and with different rules and objectives. Create hilarious situations by getting rid of those Raving Rabbids or making them fly! But be careful to not miss the TV show.
• Unique art direction: Encounter a cast of colorful, oddball characters (humans, Verminators, dogs, etc.) and explore a remarkable parody of the modern world!
• Exclusive level editor: Create your own puzzles and share them with your friends and the whole RGH community! Also download other players’ puzzles for hours of additional gameplay.
• My Rabbids (only on Nintendo DSi): Use the camera to take a picture, and customize it with funny Rabbid animations to make your friends laugh!

For more information about Rabbids Go Home, visit the official website: http://www.rabbids.com

Sony’s PSP Go Cradle comes first, so what is this for?

Simply put, use this cradle to dock your PSP Go system, to charge it and to sync contents with your PC.

Note though, to charge the PSP go system using the cradle, you must have one of the following:

• AC adaptor and USB cable (both supplied with the PSP go system).

• AC adaptor (supplied with the PSP-1000/2000/3000 series system).
• USB cable (supplied with the PSP go system) — When the cradle is connected to a USB device such as a PC, the PSP go system can be charged while sending and receiving data to and from the PC.

Indeed, using an AV cable for the PSP go system (sold separately), video can be output to a TV when the PSP go system is attached to the Cradle. PSP go system sold seperately.

The Sony PSP Go Cradle sells for US $ 29.99 and is available now!

As mentioned by Playstation.com, below is the best generalize of the new PSP Go’s key-features:

• Go Bigger 16GB flash memory

• Go Smaller The most portable PSP® ever
• Go Digital The most immersive portable games, anytime, anywhere
• Go Versatile Games, music, movies, internet and more
• Go Anywhere Your content, fitting your lifestyle

Go Bigger
The PSP Go will feature no UMD drive, instead relying on its 16 gig internal memory drive so that gamers may directly download games onto the Go.

Go smaller
Well, there’s no doubt the Go is a desirable bit of kit. The sliding control panel, sharp screen and build quality are all impressive. Also the thumb stick on the Go is smaller, more accurate and generally more satisfying to use than the one on the standard PSP 3000. Plus the Go is far lighter to lug around than the 3000. Of course, you’d expect this being download only but it does make you more inclined to carry the thing around. It’s no iPhone/iPod Touch but it does at least fit more snugly in a pocket than the PSP 3000.

Go Digital
Those buying a PSP Go from October 1 will be able to download a free copy of Gran Turismo before the 10th.

Being a huge fan of Resistance: Fall of Man, I fired up Resistance Retribution, and gave the third person shooter an extended workout. Thanks to the Go’s crisp and screen, gameplay was smooth (even outdoors).

With a decent set of headphones audio was utterly solid and the Go’s sensible control layout and hand-friendly form-factor also meant that long bouts of gameplay caused little discomfort.

Go Versatile
Another killer PSP feature also present in the Go is PS3 integration. All existing interoperability between the PS3 and the PSP range is still supported which means that Remote Play can be used to access audio video and some game content from my PS3 wirelessly. Even better still I’m able to pair my wireless PS3 controller with the PSP for extra fine control.

Whilst some gadget blogs have criticised the PSP Go for being more of a PSP 1.5 rather than a PSP2, the PSP Go delivers a bunch of significant refinements to a portable platform that’s already pretty solid having sold tens of millions of units worldwide and is backed by an incredibly rich games ecosystem.

Go Anywhere
The Go’s more pocketable size and crispy bright TFT screen also makes it a smoking media machine. Boasting the same support for music, video, and photo files as with earlier PSPs, The formats supported by the Go read like a who’s who of digital media formats (MPEG-4, H.264, AAC, AVI, Motion JPEG, ATRAC, MP3, .Wav, WMA, JPEG, TIFF, BMP, GIF and last but by no means least PNG).

Get your PSP Go now for US $ 249.00!

The Pentax K-x DSLR is geared toward entry level users. It has a 12.4MP CMOS sensor and a large number of higher end features. Additionally, the camera will come in black, white, red and navy.

The Pentax K-x continues on the for the Pentax K2000. The K-x has a one-handed shooting design is targeted to users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.
Along with the 12.4MP CMOS sensor, it has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, Live View, face detection, 720p HD video capabilities shooting at 24p, HDR bracketing, 4.7 fps, 11 point autofocus, and uses AA batteries.

The Pentax K-x DSLR is geared toward entry level users. It has a 12.4MP CMOS sensor and a large number of higher end features. Additionally, the camera will come in black, white, red and navy.

The Pentax K-x continues on the for the Pentax K2000. The K-x has a one-handed shooting design is targeted to users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR. Along with the 12.4MP CMOS sensor, it has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, Live View, face detection, 720p HD video capabilities shooting at 24p, HDR bracketing, 4.7 fps, 11 point autofocus, and uses AA batteries.

Pentax K-x Features & Highlights

• High-resolution 12.4-megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
• Large 2.7-inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
• Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24fps cinematic framerate, using any Pentax 35mm lens.
• Highly compact DSLR body design allows for 1 handed operation and comfort when travelling.
• Powerful automatic modes, including Pentax Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
• Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
• True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
• Fast 4.7fps capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the Pentax PRIME II image processing engine.
• Responsive 11-point wide-angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
• Capture up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).
• Expanded ISO range covers sensitivities from 100-12800 for extreme low light photography.

The Pentax K-x is available now for US $ 649.95!

Altec Lansing inMotion COMPACT iM310 Portable Speakers for iPod and MP3 Players

Affordable, amazing sound for music lovers who listen with their eyes as well as their ears!
This new addition to the inMotion family offers big sound with stylish portability.
The Altec Lansing iM310 provides outstanding acoustic volume and audio performance for your iPod/MP3 player previously unavailable at this size or value. With powerful, crystal-clear sound and surprisingly deep bass, the foldable design is ready to let you share your tunes anywhere you like via AC or battery power.

AC or Battery-operated Enjoy up to 48 hours of continuous play on three AA batteries (or use the included AC adapter).
Alarm clock: the Altec Lansing iM310 is fully compatible with iPod models that have the alarm clock and sleep timer features.
Compact design Folds to close at 11.4“ wide, 2.5“ deep, and 6.1“ high (290 mm x 62 mm x 155 mm) for convenient mobility.
Input jack for second device connection, including CD, DVD, and MP3 players, Universal dock recharges iPod.
Weighs only 2 pounds and 6 ounces.

The Altec Lansing iM310 retails for 57.87 (you save $22.12 ; -28%)!

Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 Firewire-Charging Portable Audio System for iPod.

Altec Lansing’s iM600
Altec Lansing’s iM600 features a rechargeable battery and several convenient features to make music available wherever you are. And while the sound isn’t massively powerful, it’s loud enough to keep people dancing.

The Altec Lansing iM600’s physical design is almost inspired; it’s a flat panel that looks like a hardcover book standing on its spine. Press a button to unfold the dock in front and a support stand in back. The dock area contains (and conceals) the power and volume buttons, preventing operation while the unit is closed. A small LCD panel displays one line of text–enough to show the current source (iPod, radio, or AUX), radio station, and battery level.

You can seat any iPod that has a dock connector. Also on board the iM600 are an FM tuner and an auxiliary input for the shuffle and non-Apple devices. An extendable old-school silver antenna adds a touch of retro style; it improved reception to the point where the iM600 picked up a weak college radio station.

Grab the Altec Lansing iM600 now for $92.88! You Save: $57.07 (38%).

The new version charges your iPhone 3G from 10% to 100% in max 2,5 hrs while you’re on the road. It’s still compact in size and can attach directly to your iPhone without the use of cables. 3GJUICE Deluxe, available right now, can be used while your iPhone in use.
There is no need to remove an iPhone case if it has an opening for the 30 pins connector.

The 3GJUICE Deluxe DeLuxe can hold a charge for many months when not in use. It has an OFF-button for real shut down.

With intelligent circuit (IC) and printed circuit board to avoid any damage to your iPhone 3G. The IC can handle 2A, most other models only 1A. This enables us to give you a very stable output and excellent battery efficiency. In lab tests, we made 85% efficiency, but hey, it’s only real life that counts. During tests in planes, cars, automobiles and public transport we achieved still 88% efficiency during hot and cold weather.

3GJUICE Deluxe features:

• top battery, stronger then any other cable less battery. 3GJUICE charges your iPhone from 10% to 100% in just 2.5 hours
• Use the 3GJUICE when the battery icon is in red. You can either continue to use the phone or wait 2.5 hours to have your iPhone totally charged
• Extra bonus: you can also charge all kinds of other Apple-players with the 3GJUICE: it charges all iPods of the third generation or higher
• Easily slips into glove compartment or pocket. Ideal as emergency battery because it’s a lion polymer and doesn’t suffer from memory effect
• With interesting backstory. The product is conceived by an irritated iPhone user who hated the battery life of his iPhone 3G.

3GJUICE Deluxe is available now for US $54.85, you save US $10.15 (- 16% !)

Nikon D300s

The Nikon D300s updates the excellent D300 as Nikon’s flagship DX format DSLR. It combines the performance and handling panache of its predecessor with high-definition video capability.

The Nikon D300 made a impressionable impact when it was first launched 2 years ago making it the semi-professional DSLR to beat. And in many respects it is still the camera to beat in that class. After 2 years, Nikon deemed it is time to up the ante, which most notably includes support for 720p video capture, and launched the D300S. The D300S will replace the D300 the same way the D70S replaced the D70 and it is looking to hold on to that high-end non-full frame slot for a long time.
Design

In line with tradition, the Nikon D300s
looks just like its older counterpart. The most notable addition is the three small holes just underneath the model number which is a microphone, a feature last seen in the D90.

Many of the new features on the Nikon D300s
are those that are already featured on recent Nikon DSLRs like virtual horizon from the D3 and movies from the D90. But one genuine new feature is the inclusion of contrast-detection autofocus that operates while in movie mode. This is a first for a Nikon DSLR.

There are some changes to the connection ports on the left. The HDMI output is now a mini HDMI port with a smaller Type-C specification.
Also new are twin card slots – one Type I CompactFlash and one SD/SDHC – with a full complement of write options. Either slot can be designated the primary one, with the secondary slot used for Backup (each photo is written to both cards) or Overflow (when the primary card is full the camera switches to writing to the secondary card). In addition, the Nikon D300s
can be configured to store NEFs on one and JPEGs on the other, plus photos can be copied between the cards too. Also interesting is the support for the newer Wi-Fi capable memory cards.

Many changes can also be found on the back where there is a repositioned “Lv” button which activates the Live view feature. Just below that is the “Info” which brings the Nikon D300s
up to the same level of usability as the D90. The dedicated “Info” button is extremely useful in that it lets you get to every camera setting and menu item using only your right hand.

Performance

The Nikon D300S is responsive and the improved frame rate is also a bonus. Still image focusing is fast and the AF viewfinder confirmation display is superb, the improved frame advance rate helps with fleeting subjects but seems to suffer when shooting uncompressed RAW files.

Metering and white balance are almost flawless. In terms of white balance, using auto WB setting seems to have a slight orange cast, but if you pick the correct WB setting for the picture by using a custom setting, the D300S renders natural looking images. Metering is excellent with the 3D Color Matrix.

In terms of image noise, shots in near darkness at ISO 1600 provide images with a good balance between image detail and noise. However, pushing ISO to 6400 results in images with an obvious level of noise.

Nikon Coolpix S710

The Nikon Coolpix S710 is a 14.5 megapixel digital camera. It has a 3.6x wide angle lens. One advantage it has over other smaller compacts is the fact it also has manual exposure modes. Other features include image stabilisation and a 3 inch LCD screen.

The Nikon Coolpix S710 is a compact that’s suited to night-time photography. Not only does it feature a 3-inch LCD screen that’s bright and easy to view in low light, but it also comes equipped with a generously high ISO of up to 12800 (allowing you to capture images in lower light without the need for flash) as well a Vibration Reduction feature to cut down on unsightly image wobble.

Nikon + Nikon deal: how to apply!

Simply add a qualifying D300s and Coolpix S710 to your Shopping Cart, and we’ll automatically apply the discount at checkout!

A separate circuit and body are supplied for each robot: just fix the selected circuit onto the robot base and add the corresponding transparent body.

Tree of Knowledge Robotics Science Kit retails for US $ 29.99!

The Nokia N900 has evolved from Nokia’s previous generation of Internet Tablets and broadens the choice for technology enthusiasts who appreciate the ability to multitask and browse the internet like they would on their desktop computer.

Running on the new Maemo 5 software, the Nokia N900 empowers users to have dozens of application windows open and running simultaneously while taking full advantage of the cellular features, touch screen and QWERTY keyboard.

“With Linux software, Mozilla-based browser technology and now also with cellular connectivity, the Nokia N900 delivers a powerful mobile experience,” says Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Markets, Nokia. “The Nokia N900 shows where we are going with Maemo and we’ll continue to work with the community to push the software forward. What we have with Maemo is something that is fusing the power of the computer, the internet and the mobile phone, and it is great to see that it is evolving in exciting ways.”

Designed for computer-grade performance in a compact size, Maemo complements Nokia’s other software platforms, such as Symbian, which powers Nokia’s smartphones.

The Nokia N900 comes feature-packed too:

* Quad-band GSM EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA/HSPA 900/1700/2100 MHz
* Maemo 5 OS
* TI OMAP 3430: ARM Cortex-A8 600 MHz, PowerVR SGX with OpenGL ES 2.0 support
* Up to 1GB of application memory (256 MB RAM, 768 MB virtual memory)
* 3.5” 800×480 WVGA touchscreen display
* 5 megapixel autofocus camera (2584 × 1938 pixels), Carl Zeiss optics, Tessar lens
* Integrated GPS, Assisted-GPS, and Cell-based receivers
* Wi-Fi b/g, Integrated FM transmitter
* Micro-USB connector, High-Speed USB 2.0, Bluetooth v2.1
* TV-Out
* 32 GB internal storage
* microSD card slot, up to 16GB
* Full QWERTY tactile keyboard, full QWERTY onscreen keyboard
* Mozilla based browser with full Adobe Flash 9.4 support
* Video playback file formats: .mp4, .avi, .wmv, .3gp; codecs: H.264, MPEG-4, Xvid, WMV, H.263
* Battery: BL-5J 1320mAh
* Dimensions: 110.9 × 59.8 × 18mm
* Weight: 181g

We’re all looking at October release date; right now the Nokia N900 is available for pre-order for US $ 588.99!

Utilizing a new high-resolution display technology called electronic paper, Kindle 1st-gen provides a crisp black-and-white screen that resembles the appearance and readability of printed paper.
The screen works using ink, just like books and newspapers, but displays the ink particles electronically. It reflects light like ordinary paper and uses no backlighting, eliminating the glare associated with other electronic displays. As a result, Kindle can be read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room.The screen never gets hot so you can comfortably read as long as you like.

What about content? The Kindle Store currently carries more than 300,000 books plus newspapers, magazines, and blogs.

Get the Kindle 1st-gen now for less than US $ 150.00!

I move from computer to computer a great deal (I mean PCs, even though I’m investigating on similar Mac-based solutions). More often than not, the computer I’m at doesn’t always have all the software I might need. It’s not always possible to just go and install anything I fancy on any machine I happen to use and this is where Portable Apps comes to the rescue.
It comes handy too now that Netbooks are becoming so popular!

Portable Apps Suite is effectively a wrapper for a number of very useful applications that can be installed on a USB flash drive (or any USB storage device, for that matter). To fire it up, simply double-click the StartPortableApps.exe on your USB device and you’re greeted with a nice little menu, similar to the Windows Start Menu, as can be seen on the screenshot above.

There are currently three versions of the Portable Apps Suite available for download. They only really differ in the amount of pre-installed applications they contain. Here are the various configurations:

PortableApps Suite (Base Edition): If you’d like to pick and choose exactly which apps to include, you can try Portable Apps Suite (Base Edition). This is a stripped down package with just the PortableApps Menu, PortableApps Backup utility and custom folders, icons and autorun. It’s less than 1MB installed, so it’s a great option for smaller drives.My base download was the Standard Edition, to which I’ve added FileZilla, Nvu Portable, KeyPass and one or two others on a Kingston 8 GB.The usefulness of this application cannot be stressed enough. I don’t find many things more frustrating than when I need to go and change something on a computer I don’t normally have access to, only to find that my preferred software is not available. Now it’s simply a matter of popping in my pen drive and selecting the desired application. Nothing could be simpler.To download any new applications, you simply download the executable, then select “Install a new app” from the Suite’s menu and select the new application. To “uninstall” an application, you only need delete the directory from your pen drive. If only all application installation/uninstallations were this simple!

The Flip UltraHD features 120 minutes of record time and an included rechargeable battery pack, so you’ll never miss another minute of video again. And because it’s ultra-portable, UltraHD lets you capture spontaneous video anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s a lazy afternoon in the park; a family vacation; or simply an unplanned, everyday event, your UltraHD will be charged and ready to go. So you never have to say, “You should have been there.”

What we really love about the Flip UltraHD:

• Shoots 720p HD video;
• Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory;
• high-quality video for its class;
• Comes with Flip Video rechargeable AA battery pack (recharges when connected to USB); also supported by standard AA batteries
• Large 2-inch anti-glare color LCD screen to play back and delete videos
• HDMI output (mini-HDMI connector) makes it simple to watch video on your HDTV
• Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files
• snappy flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software
• Pre-installed FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites like YouTube and MySpace
• FlipShare software compatible with both Mac and Windows machines.

The bottom line?
The Flip UltraHD may not be the sexiest mini camcorder out there, but it offers a truly respectable feature set and some of the best video we’ve seen from this type of cheap, YouTube-friendly camcorder.

Priced at $161.98 (you Save $38.01 , -19%), the Flip UltraHD is available right now.

Price conscious? Looking for an even cheaper deal? Meet the Flip Mino!

The super-simple, super-portable Flip Mino makes it easy to capture and share high-quality video anywhere and everywhere. Mino weighs only 3.3 ounces and features a sleek, pocket-sized design, allowing you to take it with you everywhere you go. Flip Mino also boasts a rechargeable battery that powers up automatically while plugged into your computer. And while Mino is 40 percent smaller than its already-pocket-sized brother, the Flip Ultra, it’s got all the Flip Video features–simple user interface, one-touch recording, flip-out USB arm, built-in editing and sharing software, instant uploads to YouTube and MySpace–that folks have come to know and love.

While small in size, Flip Mino produces video that is unbelievably high in quality. Its 2 GB of on-board flash memory records up to 60 minutes of full-VGA-quality video that looks sharp when played back on your laptop or television (TV cable included). The built-in microphone captures crisp, detailed audio, whether you’re paddling down the Amazon or rockin’ out at your favorite club. When it’s time to edit or share videos from your latest excursion, flip out the USB arm and connect to any Mac or PC to launch the built-in FlipShare software.

Flip Mino is available now for $119.00 (you Save: $65.99 , -36%)!

But Apple believes the era of dedicated devices is waning, and the Nano is a good example of how Apple is evolving its market-leading media players into much more.

The iPod nano 5th-gen got video playback two years ago and then added voice recording last year with a microphone or special headset.

Now, with the iPod nano 5th-gen released Wednesday, the slim player sports a video camera, an FM radio, a pedometer and an integrated microphone for voice recording. It’s a remarkable feat considering Apple has left the dimensions of this iPod virtually unchanged.

Let’s take a look at the additions to the iPod nano 5th-gen.

The camera offers standard-definition 640×480 video, although it can’t do still shots. The lens is built into the back corner along with a small microphone. The 16 GB version can hold up to 16 hours of video.

The video generally looked good, on the order of the standard definition Flip camcorder. The sound quality is decent, although I found it easy to get too close to the microphone, which distorted the sound.

The best part about the iPod nano 5th-gen is the effects the camera applies in real time to video recordings. There are 16 effects that let you stretch or distort images or throw the video into thermal, sepia or X-ray view. My favorite was one called Cyborg, offering a view of what the Terminator sees when it stalks victims.

Getting the video up to YouTube isn’t as easy as it is with the Flip, which lets you do easy uploading with its integrated Flipshare software. But with all the cool effects and the ability to take spontaneous video, the Nano should be a major source of YouTube videos, especially from kids.

An iPod radio has been on people’s wish list for years and it’s finally here. Apple has given the long-awaited feature a twist, building in a 15-minute buffer that allows you to pause a radio feed and listen to anything in that period. You can’t save the buffered audio - it just keeps moving along - but it’s a nice feature to back up and hear what you might have missed.

The radio also allows you to tag certain tunes so you can remember them or buy them later through iTunes. Though the Nano has a tiny speaker, you won’t be able to listen to radio over it because you’ll need to plug in the headphones - Apple’s or your own ear buds - which act as an antenna for the radio.

Check AP video coverage on Steve Jobs’ presentation:

iPod nano 5th-gen retails for US $ 149 (8 GB version) and US $ 179 for the bigger 16 GB version.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1’s Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12-megapixel images using its advanced Live MOS Sensor. This sophisticated LSI circuit separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, helping to capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO levels.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 also comes fully-equipped with a built-in flash and a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and a 460,000-dot resolution. The Intelligent LCD offers automatic backlight control, which when combined with its high-resolution, helps improve visibility in all light environments – from sunny outdoors to low-light interior settings.

New for the LUMIX G Series, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is compatible with an optional Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1), which provides the full-time live view function boasting 100% field of view regardless of the attached lens. To further expand the LUMIX G Series system, Panasonic Micro Four Thirds digital cameras can be used with Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R lenses using Panasonic’s DMW-MA2M DMW-MA3R. These adapters give the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 will be available in early October 2009 with the option of two kits – both with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95. One kit option includes the newly-announced LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight “pancake” lens, while the other kit features the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. The optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 has an SRP of $199.95; while the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R both have an SRP of $249.95. All new accessories will also be available in early October.

• Mystic Silver PSP-3000 system
• Gran Turismo PSP game on UMD
• PlayStation Network downloadable voucher for a white Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, a color not available in the game and is exclusive to this entertainment pack
• 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo
• PlayStation Network downloadable movie voucher – title TBD
• Sony Music Pass voucher good for 10 downloadable songs – available to U.S. residents only

The Granturismo PSP Pack is available for pre-order now for US $ 199.99!

With the SanDisk Sansa Fuze, you can fuse your portable entertainment, featuring 8 GB of storage. Listen, watch, and play all day with 24 hours of battery life and room for up to 2,000 songs**. Watch your favorite video clips on the Sansa Fuze’s 1.9-inch color screen. Measuring just 0.3 inches thin, the Sansa Fuze marks the next wave of music and video players.

The SanDisk Sansa Fuze player supports MPEG4 video files and audio files saved in MP3, secure and unsecured WMA, WAV, Audible, and Overdrive file formats.

With an option to extend the capacity, the SanDisk Sansa Fuze sports a MicroSD/SDHC memory card slot that means storage possibilities are essentially unlimited. Expand your music collection, show albums of photos up to 4000 images*, and watch your favorite videos on those long trips.

Other features?

FM Radio: If you’re feeling like a break from your own tunes, or want to dial in the TV frequency at the gym, use the digital FM tuner. Save your favorites on the 40 user presets.

Voice Recorder: Use the voice recorder with built-in microphone to take memos, record meetings or lectures, or capture whatever else you might feel inclined to point a microphone at. When you’re ready, transfer your files for listening on your PC.

The SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8 GB Video MP3 Player goes for US $67.89, the 4 GB retails for US $55.14!

Snow Leopard is a truly exciting addition to the Mac OS X line, with half the footprint of previous versions, great new features in Expose & Stacks, quicker Time Machine backup, and faster wireless network interaction. It’s the world’s most advanced operating system, finely tuned.

Quicktime X and 64-bit support just to name a few features.

I’ll be checking ‘em out very soon and report about them!

Activision has confirmed that Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is currently being prepped for release on PS3, PSP, PS2, Xbox 360, Wii and DS.

There’s also a treat waiting for hardcore Marvel fans who get the game: a cameo from legendary comic book creator Stan Lee. Lee apparently lent his voice and likeness to an unrevealed yet significant character in the game.

“I am thrilled to be making my first onscreen videogame cameo in Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2,” said Lee. “It’s such a kick to see characters that I’ve helped create come to life in the game and now I’m a part of the Marvel videogame universe!”

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2’s plot? The Marvel Universe is being torn apart. The Superhuman Registration Act becomes law and Super Heroes must register as weapons of mass destruction, becoming licensed government agents. As Civil War is stirred, Iron Man leads the Pro-Registration side while Captain America spearheads the stand on Anti-Registration. The enemies you battle and the missions you accomplish depend on which side you choose.

No way.
Meet the Kingston DataTraveler Vault with built-in AES 256-bit encryption!

For many institutions like the BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) sector as well as outsourcing companies (BPOs/KPOs), security standards mandatorily need to be followed. Such organizations have to perform a balancing act between providing usability and flexibility versus data integrity and security.
Kingston’s DataTraveler Vault is one such device that the flash drive manufacturer hopes to be the answer to flexibility and data integrity issues and is available in several size from 2GB up to 32 Gb.

The Kingston DataTraveler Vault features:
- A 256-bit industry standard hardware encryption that uses the AES standard.
- Auto-lockdown and auto format after 10 unsuccessful attempts.
- Complex password input system so that passwords cannot be easily guessed.
- The drive is waterproof up to 4 feet.
- The drive is FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified by the U.S. government as being tamper-evident.

One thing that sets the Kingston DataTraveler Vault apart from the rest of USB drives is the ‘ruggedness’.
The Kingston DataTraveler Vault’s shell is made from aluminium while the rugged BlackBox is made from titanium alloy.

This drive is as easy: the first time asks you automatically to enter a secure password.

Any further access will open up (as AutoRun) a simple utility (that’s inside the pendrive) and that’s available for Windows and Mac OS X as well!

The Kingston DataTraveler Vault provides industry standard security while being extremely easy to use.

Price? The Kingston DataTraveler Vault (2 GB model) is now available for US $ 69.71 (and that’s 52% off regular price).

Besides our dream, such an event has sparkled media almost 360 degress around.

Here are six items that (IMHO) best recall the Apollo 11 1969 mission and achievement and that you don’t want to miss:

# 1: Magnificent Desolation - Walking on the Moon (IMAX)

Tom Hanks continues his love affair with space that began with Apollo 13 and his miniseries From Earth to the Moon with this compelling IMAX adventure
Will take audiences to the surface of the Moon to walk alongside the extraordinary Apollo astronauts who have stepped upon its surface. With never before seen photographs, CGI renditions of the lunar landscape and previously unreleased NASA footage, audiences will be immersed in the life-changing experiences of these astronauts by showcasing what they saw, heard, felt, thought and did while on the lunar surface.

# 2: In the Shadow of the Moon

In the Shadow of the Moon follows the manned missions to the Moon made by the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The documentary reviews both the footage and media available to the public at the time of the missions, as well as NASA films and materials which had not been opened in over 30 years. All of this has been remastered in HD. Augmenting the archival audio and video are contemporary interviews with some surviving Apollo era astronauts, including Al Bean, Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin, Charlie Duke, Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt.

# 3: From the Earth to the Moon - The Signature DVD Edition

Love this one!

Originally broadcast in April and May of 1998, the epic miniseries From the Earth to the Moon was HBO’s most expensive production to date, with a budget of $68 million. Hosted by executive producer Tom Hanks, the miniseries tackles the daunting challenge of chronicling the entire history of NASA’s Apollo space program from 1961 to 1972.

For the most part, it’s a rousing success.
Some passages are flatly chronological, awkwardly wedging an abundance of factual detail into a routine dramatic structure. But each episode is devoted to a crucial aspect of the Apollo program.

The cumulative effect is a deep and thorough appreciation of NASA’s monumental achievement.

With the help of a superlative cast, consistent writing, and a stable of talented directors, Hanks has shared his infectious enthusiasm for space exploration and the inspiring power of conquering the final frontier.

Recommended!
Good news: From the Earth to the Moon - The Signature Edition it’s a lot cheaper now at US $ 10.99

# 4: Moon Landing: Apollo 11 40th Anniversary Pop-Up

Tell me you’re too grown up and you don’t like pop-up books, do you?

his is a handsome, carefully engineered compendium. The text begins with the so-called space race between the United States and the Soviet Union in the l950s and ’60s and then offers brief descriptions of the 17 flights that made up the Apollo program. Here the emphasis is on the famous landing of the Eagle on the Moon in July 1969. The pop-ups and foldout pages on sturdy, shiny paper demonstrate the mechanical aspects of the spacecraft and offer a bold sense of both the rocketry and the trip. Small photographs and drawings surround the larger views. On a few pages a small booklet of information is tucked into a slotted page. With just one pop-up per spread accompanied by other engineered elements, the pages pack considerable information about the Moon and the human experience in traveling to it in both the visual material and the text.

# 5: Digital Apollo: Human and Machine in Spaceflight

Great book indeed.
While this book dwells more on computers than astronauts, it contains details from the actual moon landings that I’ve never seen published elsewhere.

In Digital Apollo: Human and Machine in Spaceflight, engineer-historian David Mindell takes this famous moment as a starting point for an exploration of the relationship between humans and computers in the Apollo program. In each of the six Apollo landings, the astronaut in command seized control from the computer and landed with his hand on the stick. Mindell recounts the story of astronauts’ desire to control their spacecraft in parallel with the history of the Apollo Guidance Computer. From the early days of aviation through the birth of spaceflight, test pilots and astronauts sought to be more than “spam in a can” despite the automatic controls, digital computers, and software developed by engineers. Digital Apollo examines the design and execution of each of the six Apollo moon landings, drawing on transcripts and data telemetry from the flights, astronaut interviews, and NASA’s extensive archives.

# 6: Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition

Ok, it’s got nothing to do with space but it’s soooo 70’s!

Dark Side of the Moon, originally released in 1973, is one of those albums that is discovered anew by each generation of rock listeners. This complex, often psychedelic music works very well because Pink Floyd doesn’t rush anything; the songs are mainly slow to mid-tempo, with attention paid throughout to musical texture and mood.

This new remaster of Dark Side of the Moon is a wonderful sonic treat. The subtle sound effects and rich tapestry of sound is now surrounding you in DSD 5.1 glory (if you have an SACD player) and the clarity is outstanding.