Digital Information Products

2011-05-18T02:12:00.000-07:00

Compaq Presario CQ62-410US 15.6-Inch Notebook

WebGL 1.0 is done. Where's Microsoft?

2011-03-04T03:49:00.000-08:00

Brace yourself for the 3D Web.

At least, if you use Firefox, Chrome, Opera, or Safari. Those are the browsers that support--though sometimes only in developer-preview editions--a technology called WebGL. And today, the Khronos Group standardizing the graphics interface announced that WebGL 1.0 is finished.

Although WebGL has significant momentum, its prospects are significantly hampered by Microsoft's lack of enthusiasm. When I've asked Microsoft its feelings about it, the company expressed a preference for "using existing standards to build 3D today," pointing as an example to the Sky Beautiful demo site.

Granted, Microsoft has bit off a lot trying to modernize Internet Explorer with IE9, but WebGL is arguably a pretty important piece of the Web technology platform. Perhaps some reluctance can be explained by the fact that WebGL is based on the OpenGL graphics interface used on Mac OS X, Windows, iOS, and Android and that competes with Microsoft's DirectX.

If there's enough interest among Web developers, though--and those developers long have shown a fondness for IE alternatives--Microsoft could conclude that WebGL support is as important as other Web technologies such as Scalable Vector Graphics that only now are top priorities. WebGL is one of a suite of developing Web technologies that are gaining clout as a foundation for Web-based applications.

Jay Sullivan, Mozilla's vice president of products, thinks there's enough browser support already to attract programmers. "Between Firefox and Chrome, people will build stuff," he said in an interview.

This WebGL demonstration shows 3D models of asteroids striking
a rotating planet. It's not fancy, but it's 3D in a browser.

(Credit: screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNET)

And WebGL has some compelling possibilities. Microsoft's own Fish IE Tank demo, used to show off IE9's hardware acceleration, runs vastly faster in a Jeff Muizelaar's Fish IE demo rewritten to use WebGL--although not using its 3D features.

And Facebook sees WebGL's performance advantages for its nascent JSGameBench speed test. "Implement WebGL!" pleads Facebook's Bruce Rogers in a blog post about WebGL's benefits. "WebGL powerfully expands the design space available to Web developers and is not just for 3D content. Don't force developers and users to abandon their browser of choice in order to experience great Web content."

WebGL no doubt will enable Web developers to put annoying rotating cubes on their sites. But there are plenty of serious uses for the interface as well.

For example, the hardware-accelerated 3D graphics of WebGL are well suited to many games--not necessarily top-end first-person shooters, but certainly for maze exploration, rollercoaster rides, and races. Also, WebGL is good for bringing a 3D element to Google or Bing maps.

WebGL, though, is a very low-level interface many programmers can't be expected to master, especially in the sometimes lightweight world of casual online gaming. Happily, libraries are sprouting up to automate its usage.

"There is already a thriving middleware ecosystem around WebGL to provide a wide diversity of Web developers the ability to easily create compelling 3D content for WebGL-enabled browsers," Khronos said. "These tools include: C3DL, CopperLicht , EnergizeGL, GammaJS, GLGE, GTW, O3D, OSG.JS, SceneJS, SpiderGL, TDL, Three.js and X3DOM."

Some big competition for WebGL comes from Adobe Systems' Flash, which already is a major force in online gaming. Flash has lacked true 3D support, but that's changing. In the last week, Adobe released a preview version of Molehill, its 3D programming interface, in a Flash Player 11 "incubator build."

And like WebGL, Molehill is accompanied by higher-level libraries and is useful for more than just 3D.

"The power of Molehill does not stop [at] 3D," said Thibault Imbert, a product manager for Flash runtimes, on the Molehill announcement. "You should think about it as a new rendering engine tied to the GPU [graphics processing unit]. If you architect your application, Web site, or game correctly (by using classic techniques to leverage the GPU) you will be able to use Molehill in many situations, [including] 2D on GPU."

Another challenge will be reaching mobile browsers. It's coming though, as shown with work in the mobile version of Firefox, for example. With Android and iOS also supporting OpenGL ES 2.0, it should be mostly a matter of time before those influential operating systems' mobile browsers add the feature.

With WebGL version 1.0 released, though, and companies like mobile-phone chipmaker Qualcomm endorsing it, WebGL comes with a greater assurance of stability and support. Now it's up to allies and developers to build WebGL a full-fledged programming ecosystem.

Arkon Portable Fold-Up Stand for Apple iPad, Galaxy Tab, BlackBerry Play Book

2011-03-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Extremely portable and fits in any bag or pocket
Works with Apple iPad with or without a case or sleeve
Non skid material on base keeps the stand secure on flat surfaces
Perfect for Air plane seat trays
Position your device in multiple angles in landscape or portrait view

Technical Details

Brand Name: Arkon
Model: IPM-TAB1
Item Package Quantity: 1
Hardware Platform: Pc
Arkon Portable Fold-Up Stand for Apple iPad, Galaxy Tab, BlackBerry Play Book

Nokia N8 Unlocked GSM Touchscreen Phone Featuring GPS with Voice Navigation and 12 MP Camera--U.S.

2011-03-03T08:19:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Unlocked quad-band GSM cell phone compatible with 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies and US/International 3G compatibility via 850/900/1700/1900/2100 UMTS/HSDPA plus GPRS/EDGE capabilities
3G-enabled smartphone in gray with 3.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen and Symbian^3 operating system
12-MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics and 720p video capture; Wireless-N Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 3.0; 16 GB internal memory; microSD expansion; HDMI output
Up to 5.8 hours of 3G talk time, up to 400 hours (16.7 days) of standby time; released in August, 2010
What's in the Box: handset, rechargeable battery, compact travel charger, connectivity cable, adapter for HDMI, adapter for USB, wired stereo headset, quick start guide

Dimensions

Size (LWH): 7.68 inches, 7.28 inches, 1.38 inches
Weight: 1.05 pounds

Product Features

Minimum Rated Talk Time: 720 minutes
Minimum Rated Standby Time: 400 hours
Vibrating Alert
Nokia N8 Unlocked GSM Touchscreen Phone Featuring GPS with Voice Navigation and 12 MP Camera--U.S. Version with Warranty (Gray)

Apple iMac MC508LL/A 21.5-Inch Desktop

2011-03-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

3.06GHz Intel Core i3
500GB Hard Drive, 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM, DVD SuperDrive
21.5" LED-backlit display with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio, 1920x1080 HD resolution
ATI Radeon HD 4670 with 256MB
Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard, Magic Mouse

Processor, Memory, and Motherboard

Hardware Platform: Mac
Processor: 3.06 GHz Intel Core i3
Number of Processors: 1
RAM: 4 GB
RAM Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Slots: 4

Hard Drive

Size: 500 GB
Type: Serial ATA

Graphics and Display

Graphics RAM: 256 MB
LCD Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Ports and Connectivity

USB Ports: 4
FireWire Ports: 1

Cases and Expandability

Size (LWH): 22.2 inches, 9.3 inches, 25.5 inches
Weight: 27.6 pounds

Warranty and Support

Amazon.com Returns Policies: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor. Apple iMac MC508LL/A 21.5-Inch Desktop

Dell Super Fast Optiplex Computer With LCD Flat Panel Monitor Included, Big 40 GB (Gigabyte) Hard Drive, 1 GB RAM, P4 Desktop PC, Single Core 2.8Ghz. Processor, XP

2011-03-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Also Includes: Power cables, Keyboard, Mouse, New Speakers
High Speed Internet Ready, Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus Programs also included on CD (to install)
Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz (Gigahertz, very fast), 1 Gigabyte (GB) DDR RAM Memory, Big 40 GB Hard Drive
CD Drive (Plays Music & Data CD's), 10/100 Networking (Cable-DSL Internet Ready), 8 x 2.0 USB Ports
Original Sealed Microsoft XP, Office Suite CDs included (Open Office is Microsoft Office compatible), Anti-Spyware and Anti-Virus Programs

Technical Details Model: Optiplex Dell Super Fast Optiplex Computer With LCD Flat Panel Monitor Included, Big 40 GB (Gigabyte) Hard Drive, 1 GB RAM, P4 Desktop PC, Single Core 2.8Ghz. Processor, XP

The iPad 2 makes its debut

2011-03-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

The Apple iPad 2.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

The wait is over for eager Apple fans wanting the next-generation iPad. At an invite-only event in San Francisco today, the company took the wraps off the iPad 2.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs, who is taking a leave of absence from the company, returned to unveil the new product, which is expected to be a hot seller.

As anticipated, the new tablet has two cameras and is faster with dual-core processors. They just about double CPU performance and make the graphics speed 9 times faster, while using the same power as the processor from the first iPad. The iPad 2 is thinner than the older model. It went from 13.4mm in thickness on the old iPad to 8.8mm in thickness on the new one. And it works not only on AT&T's 3G network, but also Verizon Wireless' 3G network.

In terms of the technical specifications, the device is 9.5 inches high, 7.3 inches wide, and 0.34 inches deep. And it weighs just 1.33 pounds. It comes in three storage sizes for both the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi +3G models: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB. And the rear camera is 720p and the front camera is "VGA-quality" suitable for video and still photography.

The new tablet will go on sale in the U.S. on March 11 and will start at $499. The original iPad, which went on sale last April, is now $399 for the 16GB Wi-Fi only version of the product. The 3G version of the 16GB iPad is $529. Apple will begin shipping the iPad 2 internationally to 26 countries starting March 25.

The iOS 4.3 software version will be available on March 11, and it supports iPad, iPhone (GSM), and iPod Touch (third and fourth generation).The iPad 2 will also get some new features thanks to the latest release of the operating system, iOS 4.3. This upgrade brings a few new features like AirPlay support for apps that will include photo slideshows and porting audio from apps to other devices. Safari performance will be improved. This upgrade also adds the personal hot-spot feature that was introduced for Verizon iPhone owners. Other major tweaks include a software option to adjust whether the switch on the iPad is used to mute the volume, or lock the screen orientation, functionality Apple had changed after the iPad had been released.

Apple also introduced some new accessories to the iPad 2. The first is an HDMI video-out option that will allow people to port video out of the device and mirror what happens on another screen. Jobs said this was a big request from teachers. It will cost $39 and works with all apps.

Apple iPad, take 2

The other accessory is something called "Smart Covers." This new case is a bendable flap that sticks onto the side of the device. It wakes up the iPad from sleep when you open it, and puts it to sleep when you close it. The cover uses magnets to grasp onto the unit, and align it. "You can add it in a second. You can remove it in a second," Jobs said. The new case comes in five colors for the polyurethane version, and five as well for the leather. The polyurethane case is is $39, and the leather one is $69.

Also new to the iPad are some applications, including Apple's iMovie and GarageBand applications, which are available for its Macs. The Apple iMovie app for the iPad will allow people to edit video right on their iPad and offers timeline scrubbing and clipping. The iPad uses gestures, so users can tap on parts of clips to add them to the timeline, as well as pinching pictures or icons to adjust things.

The iPad iMovie app also has an audio editor that lets you can adjust audio waveforms. Also included are 50 sound effects users can throw in their creations. Each video can have up to three audio tracks, in addition to a voice-over track you can record on the iPad's microphone.

The Garage Band app, which helps teach people how to play musical instruments, has been adapted for the iPad. The application, which simulates different instruments, makes use of note dynamics, so that the iPad can tell how hard users are hitting the screen to affect the power of the note. This is handled via the accelerometer. Also included are "smart instruments," which help novice musicians learn how to play. Similar to its desktop counterpart, the GarageBand iPad app can record whatever the user is doing and let him or her combine them together.

"Anyone can make music now, on something that's this thick and weighs 1.3 pounds," Jobs said. "It's unbelievable. This is no toy. This is something you can use for real work."

The iMovie and GarageBand iPad apps will each cost $4.99 and will be available in the App Store March 11.

The "Post-PC" era
Apple created a new category of product with the iPad, doing what others before it had been unable to do. In short, it successfully convinced consumers that they needed something in between a smartphone and a laptop or desktop.

Apple's Jobs noted this accomplishment. But he added that the iPad goes beyond being just another computing device. And while competitors focus on technical specs of their own products in this new category, Apple is still focused on providing an experience.

"It's in Apple's DNA that technology alone is not enough," he said during the presentation. "It's technology married with liberal arts, humanities that yields us the result that makes our heart sing. And nowhere is that more true than in these post-PC devices. And a lot of folks in this tablet market are rushing in and looking at this as the next PC."

From the start, the iPad was a hit. Apple began selling the iPad in April 2010 and it ended up selling a whopping 15 million iPads by the end of 2010, accounting for $9.5 billion in revenue, according to Jobs. In the first fiscal quarter of 2011, the iPad has generated some $4.61 billion for Apple, which is about 17.2 percent of the company's revenue. Not bad for a product that nobody really needed a year ago.

Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities wrote in a research note this week that he believes Apple could sell about 27.36 million iPads in fiscal 2011, generating $16.92 billion in revenue. He said that the iPad has turned into a crucial product for Apple and could represent one-third of Apple's $36.8 billion in incremental revenue that is modeled for 2011.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs was on stage to introduce the iPad 2.

(Credit: James Martin/CNET)

While the iPad is still hugely popular, the latest version of the device will face some competition. Unlike in 2010, this year there will not be just one or two competitors on the market, but instead there will be hundreds.

The most threatening competition could come from the top handset and computer manufacturers. Motorola is just now releasing its Xoom tablet, built on the latest version of the Google Android OS. Samsung has its Galaxy Tab line of products, which are also based on Android. Hewlett-Packard will introduce its WebOS-powered TouchPad this summer. Microsoft is also looking to get into the tablet market with a new OS that will bring Windows to the tablet form factor. And Research In Motion, the maker of the BlackBerry, is also set to introduce its tablet called the PlayBook.

But even with all this new competition, experts, such as CNET's Donald Bell, believe that Apple still has a significant advantage over its competitors even if the new iPad 2 doesn't offer too many more bells and whistles than the original version. He said in a recent interview with National Public Radio's "All Things Considered" that Apple didn't have to change things significantly on the iPad 2 to keep consumers interested.

Apple iPad 2 (photos)

"Apple has done something pretty special," he said in the interview. "They have convinced consumers to buy a product that they don't really need. They've taken smartphones, which is a kind necessary product, and laptops and desktops and sort of forced them aside to make a new market."

Not only does Apple already have a significant lead in tablet sales compared to its competitors, it also has a lead in terms of applications offered for the device. Apple now has more than 65,000 apps that are made just for the iPad, Jobs said today. Meanwhile, Google has just released Android 3.0 OS, which is designed for tablets. And so far Google has far fewer applications that are specific to the tablet format in its marketplace. Jobs estimates the current number of apps for a Google tablet is only about 100.

Still, Google has proven to be a formidable competitor in the smartphone market. The Android operating system, which has been on the market for only a couple of years, is now on nearly 50 percent of smartphones shipped in the U.S. And the platform is gaining ground globally. The platform could prove popular for the tablet market as more manufacturers release products using the software.

For a play-by-play archive of the Apple announcement in San Francisco, check out CNET's live blog of the event.

Updated 11:22 a.m. PT:This story was continually updated with specific product details and other news throughout the Apple presentation.

LG KP500 Cookie Unlocked Phone with 3.2 MP Camera and Digital Media Player--International Version with Warranty

2011-03-02T07:56:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Please note: this phone comes with an international charger and an adapter for US outlets
GSM 850/900/1800/1900
3-inch touchscreen with handwriting recognition
Camera: Yes
Bluetooth stereo music
MicroSD expansion to 8 GB

Dimensions

Size (LWH): 6 inches, 9 inches, 3 inches
Weight: 3.2 ounces

Product Features

Minimum Rated Talk Time: 210 minutes
Minimum Rated Standby Time: 350 hours
Vibrating Alert LG KP500 Cookie Unlocked Phone with 3.2 MP Camera and Digital Media Player--International Version with Warranty (Black)

LG 32LD350 32-Inch 720p 60 Hz LCD HDTV

2011-03-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

High Definition Resolution
50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
Picture Wizard II
Smart Energy Savings
ISFccc Ready

Technical Details

Brand Name: LG
Model: 32LD350
Display Technology: LCD
Display Size: 32 inches
Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
A great way to get into high-definition entertainment, the affordable 32-inch LG 32LD350 LCD HDTV offers a 720p HD resolution, multiple AV Modes to optimize the picture depending on what you're watching (Cinema, Sports, or Games), and a 50,000:1 contrast ratio for excellent rendering of colors and deep blacks. Other features include a 4ms (millisecond) response time, stereo speakers with 14 watts of power and Dolby Digital decoding, and three HDMI inputs.
LG 32LD350 32-Inch 720p 60 Hz LCD HDTV

Panasonic TC-L22X2 22-Inch 720p LCD HDTV with iPod Dock

2011-03-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

22-inch LCD HDTV with 720p HD resolution;
Control and play music and video directly from your iPod or iPhone with included Universal Dock
15,000:1 contrast ratio; VIERA Image Viewer for JPEG image slideshows directly from an SD memory card
Inputs: 1 HDMI, 1 component, 1 composite, 1 PC, 1 digital audio output
Includes removable stand; measures 21.4 x 15.9 x 7.5 inches with stand

Technical Details

Brand Name: Panasonic
Model: TC-L22X2
Display Technology: LCD
Display Size: 22 inches
Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Weight: 17.90 pounds
Amazon.com Product Description
Offering excellent picture performance, Panasonic's 22-inch VIERA TC-L22X2 LCD HDTV provides 720p high-definition imagery and includes a Universal Dock for Apple iPod, which enables you to control and play music and video directly from your iPod or iPhone through your VIERA HDTV. This X2 series model also features 24P Playback function for superb imagery from 24-frame movies on DVD and Blu-ray Disc, Game Mode for faster image response while playing immersive 3D games and a 15,000:1 contrast ratio.This and other models in the X2 line offer Panasonic's VIERA Image Viewer feature, which enables you to play slideshows of JPEG images stored on SD memory cards, as well as the VIERA Link feature for controlling a variety of compatible components--from Blu-ray Disc players to digital cameras--through a single remote.
Adhering to Panasonic's commitment to the environment, this VIERA model--as well as all 2010 models--features improved power consumption and meets the new, more stringent Energy Star 4.0 requirements. Panasonic TC-L22X2 22-Inch 720p LCD HDTV with iPod Dock

LG 32LD450 32-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV

2011-03-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Full HD 1080p Resolution
100,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
Picture Wizard II
Smart Energy Savings
ISFccc Ready

Technical Details

Brand Name: LG
Model: 32LD450
Display Technology: LCD
Display Size: 32 inches
Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
A great way to get into high-definition entertainment, the affordable 32-inch LG 32LD450 LCD HDTV offers 1080p Full HD resolution for crystal-clear detail, multiple AV Modes to optimize the picture depending on what you're watching (Cinema, Sports, or Games), and an amazing 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for more stunning colors and deeper blacks. Other features include a 4ms (millisecond) response time, capability to play MP3 audio files and JPEG photo slideshows from a USB drive, stereo speakers with 20 watts of power and Dolby Digital decoding, and three HDMI inputs.
LG 32LD450 32-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV

Samsung LN40C630 40-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV

2011-03-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

Full HD 1080p resolution
Touch of Color? design
Exceeds ENERGY STAR® standards
ConnectShare? Movie
Game Mode

Technical Details

Brand Name: Samsung
Model: LN40C630
Display Technology: LCD
Display Size: 40 inches
Image Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Height: 26.0 inches
Width: 47.6 inches
Depth: 10.0 inches
Weight: 48.7 pounds
Samsung LN40C630 40-Inch 1080p 120 Hz LCD HDTV (Black)

Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD

2011-03-02T07:30:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Color: Silver

Product Features

28mm wide-angle lens; 4x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer
Smart AUTO mode intelligently selects from 18 predefined settings
12.1-megapixel resolution allows you to print large size images with clarity and detail
Clear 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD
Shoot in Low Light mode for dimly-lit situations

Technical Details

Brand Name: Canon
Model: SD1300IS Silver
Optical Sensor Resolution: 12.1 MP
Optical Sensor Technology: CCD
Optical zoom: 4 x
Maximum Aperture Range: F/2.8-5.9
Minimum focal length: 5 millimeters
Maximum focal length: 20 millimeters
Lens Type: Zoom lens
Optical Sensor Size: 1/2.3"
Included Flash Type: Built-in flash
Display Size: 2.700 inches
Light Sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 800, ISO 400, ISO 200, ISO 80, ISO auto, ISO 1600
Image types: JPEG
Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
Exposure Control Type: Beach, Kids & pets, Snow, Portrait mode, Slow shutter, Night mode, Fireworks, Low light, Snap shot, Underwater, Indoor, Foliage
Viewfinder Type: None
Width: 3.6 inches
Height: 2.2 inches
Weight: 4.9 pounds
Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Silver)

Nikon Coolpix L110 12.1MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD

2011-03-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Color: Black

Product Features

12.1 megapixels for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches
Incredible 15x wide-angle optical (28-420mm) Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens
Bright 3.0-inch high-resolution HVGA (460k-dot) Clear Color Display
HD Movie with HDMI output; 5-way VR Image Stabilization System
EXPEED Image Processing; Smart Portrait System

Technical Details

Brand Name: Nikon
Model: L110 Black
Optical Sensor Resolution: 12.1 MP
Optical zoom: 15 x
Display Size: 3.000 inches
Width: 3.1 inches
Height: 2.9 inches
Weight: 0.93 pounds
Nikon Coolpix L110 12.1MP Digital Camera with 15x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20K 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD

2011-03-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

14.1-megapixel effective recording
8X optical zoom (4X digital zoom/32X total zoom)
2-11/16" LCD screen
Optical image stabilization
Sonic Speed AF for quick focusing on moving subjects

Technical Details

Brand Name: Panasonic
Model: DMC-FH20K
Optical Sensor Resolution: 14.1 MP
Optical Sensor Technology: CCD
Optical zoom: 8 x
Maximum Aperture Range: F/3.3-5.9
Minimum focal length: 5 millimeters
Maximum focal length: 40 millimeters
Lens Type: Zoom lens
Optical Sensor Size: 1/2.33"
Included Flash Type: Built-in flash
Display Size: 2.700 inches
Light Sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 800, ISO 400, ISO 200, ISO 80, ISO auto, ISO auto (1600-6400), ISO 1600
Image types: JPEG
Shooting Modes: Frame movie mode
Exposure Control Type: Candle, Beach, Transform, Snow, High sensitivity, Starry sky, Soft skin, Baby1, Baby2, Portrait mode, Aerial photo, Hi-speed burst, Film grain, Flash-burst, Party/indoor, Night portrait, Self-portrait, Pet, Scenery, Food, Fireworks, Night scene, Sports mode, Sunset
Width: 3.9 inches
Height: 2.2 inches
Weight: 0.35 pounds
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20K 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black)

Nikon Coolpix L22 12.0MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Zoom and 3.0-In…

2011-03-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Color: Red

Product Features

12.0 megapixels for stunning prints as large as 16 x 20 inches
3.6x Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens (37mm to 134mm); bright 3.0-inch LCD
Easy Auto Mode with Scene Auto Selector; capture 640 x 480 movies with sound at 30fps
3-way VR Image Stabilization System
EXPEED Image Processing; Smart Portrait System

Technical Details

Brand Name: Nikon
Model: L22 Red
Optical Sensor Resolution: 12 MP
Optical zoom: 3.6 x
Display Size: 3.000 inches
Width: 2.4 inches
Height: 1.1 inches
Weight: 0.41 pounds Nikon Coolpix L22 12.0MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Red-primary)

Samsung B2230 22-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor - Glossy Black

2011-03-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

The MagicEco feature allows you to work at 100%, 75% or 50% brightness, to reduce energy usage.
Simple and elegant design featuring a rich, glossy black finish which is accentuated by the clear, crystal-like acrylic along the lower bezel.
70,000:1 Dynamic contrast ratio creates deeper, more dramatic dark tones and brighter more striking light tones.
16:9 widescreen offers clear, distortion-free images and a lot more space to have a lot more fun. Made for multimedia and optimized for HD content.
Low power consumption technology reduces energy use and energy bills even further.
5ms Response time gives you razor sharp motion graphics for movies, games, and internet streamed content without the motion blurring

Cases and Expandability

Size (LWH): 7.8 inches, 20.6 inches, 15.7 inches
Weight: 9.6 pounds

Warranty and Support

Amazon.com Returns Policies: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor. Samsung B2230 22-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor - Glossy Black

ASUS VH192D 19-Inch LCD Monitor - Black

2011-03-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

Product Features and Technical Details

Product Features

18.5" Wide (16:9) - 1366 x 768
5ms Response Time
15-Pin D-sub
10000:1 Smart Contrast Ratio
ASUS Splendid Technology

Cases and Expandability

Size (LWH): 19.39 inches, 16.5 inches, 5.4 inches
Weight: 8.16 pounds

Warranty and Support

Amazon.com Returns Policies: You may return any new computer purchased from Amazon.com that is "dead on arrival," arrives in damaged condition, or is still in unopened boxes, for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. Amazon.com reserves the right to test "dead on arrival" returns and impose a customer fee equal to 15 percent of the product sales price if the customer misrepresents the condition of the product. Any returned computer that is damaged through customer misuse, is missing parts, or is in unsellable condition due to customer tampering will result in the customer being charged a higher restocking fee based on the condition of the product. Amazon.com will not accept returns of any desktop or notebook computer more than 30 days after you receive the shipment. New, used, and refurbished products purchased from Marketplace vendors are subject to the returns policy of the individual vendor.ASUS VH192D 19-Inch LCD Monitor - Black

TurboTax Deluxe Federal + e-File + State 2010

2011-03-02T06:47:00.000-08:00

Product Features

Guides you step-by-step to find and maximize your deductions
Walks you through over 350 deductions including mortgage interest, charitable contributions, education, medical expenses and more
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2011-03-02T06:40:00.000-08:00

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2011-03-02T06:37:00.000-08:00

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Group-texting market shaken up with Facebook buy

2011-03-02T01:50:00.001-08:00

barely launched start-up called Beluga, one of several looking to dominate the suddenly hot again group messaging market, announced today that it had been acquired by Facebook.

The company, which had drummed up a moderate amount of hype, was unlikely to sell so early. But it's not that much of a shock that Facebook swooped in to snap it up: Beluga's three co-founders are former Google employees, and were likely appealing to Facebook as the company looks over and over again to fill its product and engineering teams with entrepreneurially minded people by buying their start-ups. What is unusual is that Facebook does not plan to shut down Beluga, as it typically does when it buys tiny start-ups. This is a sign that its technology may live on as part of something within Facebook--perhaps a group-messaging service of the social network's own. Messaging and mobile offerings are two things that we know Facebook is continuing to update and improve.

And this--to use a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad Silicon Valley cliche--changes the game. Next week begins the annual South by Southwest Interactive Festival (SXSWi) in Austin, Tex., which has become an industry Colosseum of sorts for pitting rival social-media start-ups against one another throughout the confab's raging party scene and seeing which one prevails. Last year, everyone wanted to know which of a handful of location-based "check-in" services would come out of SXSWi victorious; in hindsight, this was when Foursquare pulled ahead of its rivals, at least in perception.

This year at SXSWi, many are expecting that group-messaging services will be in the spotlight as festival attendees attempt to figure out where exactly to go ("Guys! Ashton Kutcher is @ Six Lounge! Everybody show up!") and though it's a little less exciting than a horse race, there's certainly a clear rivalry with no real winner. It could be GroupMe, with nearly $11 million of venture funding raised from top-notch investors, or it could be the rowdier, marketing-heavy Fast Society, determined to take Austin by storm with intensely calculated party antics. Or it could be Beluga, which was paling in comparison to GroupMe based on the fact that it lacked the bigger start-up's connections or user uptake.

In a deliberate pre-SXSWi move, GroupMe launched a revamped version of its iPhone and Android apps on Tuesday, featuring an improved interface, photo sharing within groups, and location sharing. It's also launched a pre-SXSWi promotional page, promising "lots of features that will make Austin a lot more fun."

But the fact that Beluga is now part of Facebook could change everything--and since nothing more will have changed yet by the time SXSWi rolls around, that hotly anticipated SXSWi battle royale may turn out to mean nothing. We'll have to wait until later to see how the true effects of Facebook's muscle set in.

Charlie Sheen sucks in 500,000 Twitter followers in one day

2011-03-02T01:27:00.000-08:00

What can one say about Charlie Sheen that hasn't been said already? By Charlie Sheen.

It seems that there is still more. For Sheen himself today, perhaps not content with having the "Today Show," ABC, Howard Stern, and countless other radio shows as outlets, joined Twitter.

Yes, Twitter.com/CharlieSheen contains the verified words of one man who some accuse of being two and a half.

It seemed as if the star of a show currently suspended by CBS and Warner Bros. because of his somewhat eccentric behavior was first going to gauge just how popular he was. So you will be turned into a pillar of Hercules when I tell you that he amassed more than 50,000 followers without bothering to even tweet.

That's what happens when you have, as Sheen confessed to the "Today Show," tiger blood and Adonis DNA.

(Credit: Screenshot: Chris Matyszczyk/CNET)

When he finally decided to tweet his way into history, Sheen made sure it would be memorable: "Winning..! Choose your Vice... #winning #chooseyourvice http://twitpic.com/455ly9."

You will assuredly want to know what was contained in the twitpic. Well, it was a picture of Sheen and one of his two live-in goddesses. I'm not sure if it was the blonde or the blonde. Anyway, he looked happy with her, as she held her Naked juice and he held his chocolate milk.

Once he got into the tweeting swing, Sheen showed confidence. His next tweet was: "Just got invited to do the Nancy Grace show... I'd rather go on a long road trip with Chuck Lorre in a '75 Pacer....

Such forthright and wise tweeting has already earned Sheen more than 500,000 followers.

You can understand why. Who could not be moved by his Twitter tagline: "Born Small... Now Huge... Winning... Bring it..!" Isn't that how we'd all like to be?

You might also be wondering whom Sheen is following. Well, there are, at the time of writing, 12 apostles. Among them are Alyssa Milano, Piers Morgan, and Howard Stern. More importantly, he is also following Nick Swisher of the Yankees and the great, impossible- to-mimic San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson.

Wilson was recently in LA to advise Sheen on the potential production of "Major League 3."

The original "Major League," in which Sheen starred, was one of the 20 greatest movies ever made. One can only hope, therefore, that Sheen will develop into one of the 20 greatest twitterers on the planet. The signs are good. The self-described "rock star from Mars" clearly has his own style, vernacular, and purpose.

Soon, one hopes, he will be offering his unique perspective on the issues of the day. Like the Charlie Sheen crisis, for example.

Schwarzenegger: Time to change the energy debate

2011-03-02T01:22:00.000-08:00

(Credit: Martin LaMonica/CNET)

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.--Green-technology proponents need a better way to make their case, according to Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, in a speech today, arguably raised his profile as a leading advocate himself.

The former California governor and movie star gave a keynote talk at the ARPA-E Summit here, alternating between funny one-liners and serious discussion on the importance of clean-energy technologies for the country's future prosperity.

California offers a model for tech companies that can help vitalize the economy and reduce greenhouse gases, while helping the country reduce its imports of oil, he argued. Schwarzenegger signed a global-warming law that mandates reductions in greenhouse gases, and the state has a renewable-energy mandate that has resulted in almost 20 percent of electricity coming from renewable sources.

But Schwarzenegger lamented the national discussion and political discourse on clean energy, saying too much of it is stuck in the debate over the science of global warming.

Instead, people should focus on immediate benefits from investing in green technologies, including improved health, economic growth, consumer savings from efficiency, and reduced dependence on foreign oil. He said on health, there are about 100,000 premature deaths a year that can be linked to oil use.

"Think about what it means that in the Central Valley of California, one in six children has to walk around with an inhaler. I know we can change the debate and win the debate," he said. "We can't talk about global warming, because people can't relate to that."

In California, he found that policymakers had to fight efforts by the energy "status quo" to repeal environmental regulations. In the fall election, there was a ballot question to scale back environmental legislation, an effort Schwarzenegger said was financed by Ohio coal and Texas oil companies.

He said the recent instability in the Middle East has sent the prices of oil gyrating, demonstrating the geopolitical impact of our energy policies. "Why should a dried-up little country (like Libya) led by a dictator play havoc with America's economic security?" he asked.

Economically, California has benefited from promoting a green economy, with job growth in green technologies higher than in other areas. One company, Solazyme, is creating algae fuel that reduces greenhouse gases significantly. It's being tested by the Navy, not "some weirdo environmentalists," he said.

Instead of crafting "forward-looking policies" around energy, politicians are debating the science of global warming. "There is a disconnect between what is happening and what is being debated," he said.

Asus G74SX 3D Gaming Laptop at CeBIT 2011

2011-03-01T10:47:00.000-08:00

Asus has showcased the newest gaming laptop that called the G74SX 3D at CeBIT 2011. The Asus G74SX 3D is powered by Intel Core i7-2630QM Sandy Bridge Quad Core processor, up to 16GB of DDR3 (1333/16000 MHz) memory, 750GB of hard disk space using dual HDDs, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 560M dedicated graphics card.

The Asus G74SX 3D has a 17.3-inch display is used with either LED 16:9 HD or FHD (1920×1080) resolution and a Full HD 3D LED display, based on Shutter technology. The laptop also features a DVD or Blu-ray optical drive, SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connectivity, an HDMI 1.4a port, and S/PDIF digital audio out.

Pricing and availability are still unknown at the moment.

Source

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