samsung-p2370l-23+inch-lcd-display-led-backlight-great-design-a-steal-for-400


We know that Samsung makes a fine LCD, whether it be a computer display or an HDTV, and this new P2370L looks no different: LED backlight, 16.5mm-thin, 1080p resolution, all for $400.

The only thing missing is HDMI, but in this package, that's everything you can get in Apple's notoriously overpriced displays and more for less than half the 24-inch LED Cinema's $900 price tag, albeit without the built-in webcam or speakers. Release has no size, but we are assuming 23-inches here from the model designation.

Samsung Launches Super-Thin LED Monitor as Part of Its “Touch of Color” Family for Optimal Viewing

The P2370L is a High-End Display Delivering More Vibrant Color and Eco-Friendly Features in an Ultra-Thin, 16.5mm Footprint
2009 International CES

LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Samsung Electronics America Inc., a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Corporation, the number one monitor brand in the world, announced today the addition of a super-thin LED monitor to its “Touch of Color” (ToC™) family – the P2370L. This new high-end, model has a Light Emitting Diode Back Light Unit (LED BLU), instead of the cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) found in standard LCD displays, and reproduces more vibrant color and higher contrast ratios than other monitors. With its sophistication-meets-high technology form factor, the P2370L display will ship in late first quarter with an MSRP of $399.

The monitor’s ToC design technology has an ultra-thin wrapper of just 16.5mm (0.65-inches) and is a great fit for any home or office environment, helping to maximize desktop real estate and minimize its physical and carbon footprint reduced. Key eco-friendly benefits of the P2370L model include LED fluorescent lamps that do not contain harmful elements such as mercury or lead, consumption of 30% less energy and a longer life than a standard CCFL backlit unit. In addition, the ToC manufacturing process eliminates harmful paints and sprays to enhance the recyclability of the entire monitor.

“As one would expect from Samsung, the P2370L represents the pinnacle of premium display craftsmanship as a high-end monitor that is sophisticated in not only appearance, but in the quality and performance it offers and in how it impacts the environment,” said R.A Atanus, Vice President of Product Marketing at Samsung Electronics’ Information Technology Division. “This monitor is truly a leadership product that will further solidify Samsung’s position as the foremost authority in the design, engineering and performance of displays worldwide.”

The P2370L uses white LEDs and has a ultra-high contrast ratio of 2M:1. The monitor also has an ultra fast 2ms (GTG) video response time and offers a 1080p full-HD experience.

The P2370L display’s transparent, crystal-like, bezel frame has blue gradation that gives it a glass-like appearance, and helps to reduce the reflection of light to decrease glare. The model also has a unique glass stand neck that gives the illusion that the monitor is floating. It is also equipped with Samsung’s dual-injection technology that lends it a smooth, finished appearance without any screws or joints.

The P2370L is designed so that there are no obtrusive buttons on the front or sides on the panel. Instead, each display features Samsung’s unique Startlight Touch Controls which integrate the On Screen Display (OSD) buttons into the bezel for a seamless look and feel.

P2370L LED BLU Monitor

* White LEDs
* Ultra-thin, 16.5mm design
* Ultra-high contrast ratio of 2M:1
* Ultra fast 2ms (GTG) video response time
* DVI-I Input
* Offers a 1080p full-HD experience
* Touch of Color” (ToC™) technology
* Crystal-like bezel frame to help reduce glare
* Swivel stand for optimal screen positioning
* Starlight Touch Controls

All monitors are available through Samsung resellers and distribution channels, which can be located by calling 1-800-SAMSUNG or by visiting www.samsung.com. Samsung Power Partners receive special promotions, lead referrals, training and technical support, as well as collateral and marketing materials. To find out more about becoming a Samsung Power Partner, visit www.samsungpartner.com

microsofts-first-windows-7-beta-patch-fixes-mp3-bug


Microsoft has issued it's first patch for the Windows 7 beta—a fix that focuses on correcting a flaw that shaves several seconds off edited MP3s.

Up until now, this patch had to be found and installed manually—but if you missed it, a recent Microsoft patch article notes that it may be possible to restore any corrupted MP3 files by right-clicking into "Properties" and clicking "Restore" in the "Previous Versions" tab. Even so, its a good idea to back up all of your MP3 files before doing an upgrade from Vista to Windows 7. [Computerworld]

Sony's Complete New Line of 70+ Products Announced at CES


Just how many new products does a company like Sony announce just at CES? Over 70. That's 18 different models in camcorders alone, but if you enjoy punishing your brain, read on for the deluge.

NEW PRODUCTS

VAIO Notebook

VAIO® P Series Lifestyle PC

Currently available for pre-orders at www.sony.com/pr/pseries and at select retailers next month for about $900

* Chic, compact design measuring about the length of a business envelope and weighing 1.4 pounds
* Integrated wireless WAN, LAN, and Bluetooth® technologies, making it easy and efficient to connect wirelessly
* Built-in GPS technology for navigating even the most unfamiliar places— no internet connection required
* High-resolution 8-inch ultra-wide LCD for viewing entire web pages on one screen— no horizontal scrolling necessary
* Available in five fashion-forward colors including garnet red, emerald green, onyx black, crystal white and classic black

Television

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-52XBR-lcd-hdtv-reviewed

Available this spring

* 52-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Live Color Creation featuring WCG-CCFL
* Motionflow™ 240Hz motion compensation technology
* Ethernet network capable
* Integrated BRAVIA® Internet Video
* BRAVIA® Widgets enabled
* DLNA and USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 3
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-46XBR9

Available this spring

* 46-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Live Color Creation featuring WCG-CCFL
* Motionflow™ 240Hz motion compensation technology
* Ethernet network capable
* Integrated BRAVIA® Internet Video
* BRAVIA® Widgets enabled
* DLNA and USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 3
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-40XBR9

Available this spring

* 40-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Live Color Creation featuring WCG-CCFL
* Motionflow™ 240Hz motion compensation technology
* Ethernet network capable
* Integrated BRAVIA® Internet Video
* BRAVIA® Widgets enabled
* DLNA and USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 3
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-32XBR9

Available this spring

* 32-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Motionflow™ 120Hz motion compensation technology
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* USB photo and music player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 2
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-52Z5100

Available this spring

* 52-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Motionflow™ 240Hz motion compensation technology
* Energy Star 3.0 compliant
* Ethernet network capable
* Integrated BRAVIA® Internet Video
* BRAVIA® Widgets enabled
* DLNA and USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 3
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-46Z5100

Available this spring

* 46-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Motionflow™ 240Hz motion compensation technology
* Energy Star 3.0 compliant
* Ethernet network capable
* Integrated BRAVIA® Internet Video
* BRAVIA® Widgets enabled
* DLNA and USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 3
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-40Z5100

Available this spring

* 40-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Motionflow™ 240Hz motion compensation technology
* Energy Star 3.0 compliant
* Ethernet network capable
* Integrated BRAVIA® Internet Video
* BRAVIA® Widgets enabled
* DLNA and USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 3
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-52VE5

Available this summer

* 52-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Eco-design with outstanding energy efficiency
* High Efficiency HCFL backlight reducing power use by almost 40 percent compared to previous Sony LCD HDTVs
* Zero-watt standby power switch
* Presence sensor that turns off TV when user forgets
* Light sensor with dynamic backlight control
* Motionflow™ 120Hz motion compensation technology
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* USB photo and music player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 2
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-46VE5

Available this summer

* 46-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Eco-design with outstanding energy efficiency
* High Efficiency HCFL backlight reducing power use by almost 40 percent compared to previous Sony LCD HDTVs
* Zero-watt standby power switch
* Presence sensor that turns off TV when user forgets
* Light sensor with dynamic backlight control
* Motionflow™ 120Hz motion compensation technology
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* USB photo and music player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 2
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-40VE5

Available this summer

* 40-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Eco-design with outstanding energy efficiency
* High Efficiency HCFL backlight reducing power use by almost 40 percent compared to previous Sony LCD HDTVs
* Zero-watt standby power switch
* Presence sensor that turns off TV when user forgets
* Light sensor with dynamic backlight control
* Motionflow™ 120Hz motion compensation technology
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* USB photo and music player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 2
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-52V5100

Available this spring

* 52-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Motionflow™ 120Hz motion compensation technology
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 2
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-46V5100

Available this spring

* 46-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Motionflow™ 120Hz motion compensation technology
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 2
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-40V5100

Available this spring

* 40-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Motionflow™ 120Hz motion compensation technology
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 2
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-52S5100

Available this spring

* 52-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Energy Star 3.0 compliant
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 2
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-46S5100

Available this spring

* 46-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Energy Star 3.0 compliant
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 2
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-40S5100

Available this spring

* 40-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) flat screen LCD HDTV
* Energy Star 3.0 compliant
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* USB photo, music and video player
* BRAVIA Engine™ 2
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-32L5000

Available this spring

* 32-inch 720p flat screen LCD HDTV
* Energy Star 3.0 compliant
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Sony BRAVIA® KDL-26L5000

Available this spring

* 26-inch 720p flat screen LCD HDTV
* Energy Star 3.0 compliant
* BRAVIA® Link compatible
* BRAVIA® Sync (HDMI CEC)

Digital Cameras

Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-G3 Digital Camera

Available in January for about $500

* 10MP / 3.5” wide touch panel LCD / 4x Carl Zeiss® optical zoom lens
* Advanced camera features: Face Detection, Smile Shutter™ technology and Optical Steady shot
* Great communication device: upload and share images on the go. With Wi-Fi capability and Easy Upload Home Page, connect at home or to any public hotspot and easily upload the images on your camera
* Easily upload to popular photo and video sharing sites. View all images posted on photo sharing sites
* Limited web browsing capability allows to connect to a public hotspot even if terms and conditions or payment is needed, like using a PC
* Portable photo album holds hundreds of pictures and allows easy management and sharing

Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-S950 Digital Camera

Shipping in March for about $130

* 10MP / 2.7” LCD / 4x optical zoom
* Face Detection technology identifies eight faces and adjust focus and exposure
* Steady Shot™ image stabilization and High ISO to prevent blur
* 7 scenes modes

Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-W220 Digital Camera

Shipping in March for about $190

* 12MP / 2.7” LCD / 4x Carl Zeiss® optical zoom lens
* Face Detection and Smile Shutter™ technology capture faces naturally and smile the moment it happens
* Optical Steady Shot™ image stabilization to prevent blur from camera shake
* Intelligent Scene Recognition detects five scenes and adjust camera settings
* Sharing features include HD Output to view in HDTV, and PMB software for PC to manage and share images

Digital Photo Frames

Sony DPF-X1000 Digital Photo Frame

Available in March for about $300

* 10-inch digital photo frame with SVGA (800x480 pixels) resolution LCD screen, 15:9 aspect ratio
* 2GB of internal memory to store up to 4,000 photos
* HDMI output for viewing photos in high definition on an HDTV
* Alarm clock feature
* Auto dimmer automatically adjusts the display’s brightness based on time of day
* Calendar or clock can be viewed in different slide show modes, including scrapbooking
* Automatically corrects the white balance in digital photos to provide the best photo quality
* Bluetooth® ready for importing images wirelessly from other devices with Bluetooth capability (required optional Bluetooth adaptor)
* Supports most flash memory cards and Compact Flash

Sony DPF-V1000 Digital Photo Frame

Available in March for about $250

* 10-inch digital photo frame with SVGA (800x480 pixels) resolution LCD screen, 15:9 aspect ratio
* 1GB of internal memory to store up to 2,000 photos
* HDMI output for viewing photos in high definition on an HDTV
* Alarm clock feature
* Auto dimmer automatically adjusts the display’s brightness based on time of day
* Calendar or clock can be viewed in different slide show modes, including scrapbooking
* Automatically corrects the white balance in digital photos to provide the best photo quality
* Bluetooth® ready for importing images wirelessly from other devices with Bluetooth capability (required optional Bluetooth adaptor)
* Supports most flash memory cards and Compact Flash

Sony DPF-D92 Digital Photo Frame

Pricing and availability will be announced later this year

* 9-inch digital photo frame with VGA (800 x 480 pixels) resolution LCD screen, 15:9 aspect ratio

* 1GB of internal memory to store up to 2,000 photos
* Alarm clock feature
* Calendar or clock can be viewed in different slide show modes
* Supports most flash memory cards and Compact Flash
* Bluetooth® ready for importing images wirelessly from other devices with Bluetooth capability(required optional Bluetooth adaptor)

Sony DPF-D82 Digital Photo Frame

Pricing and availability will be announced later this year

* 8-inch digital photo frame with VGA (800 x 480 pixels) resolution LCD screen, 15:9 aspect ratio
* 1GB of internal memory to store up to 2,000 photos
* Alarm clock feature

* Calendar or clock can be viewed in different slide show modes

* Supports most flash memory cards and Compact Flash
* Bluetooth® ready for importing images wirelessly from other devices with Bluetooth capability(required optional Bluetooth adaptor)

Camcorders

Sony HDR-XR520V 240GB High-Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder

Available in March for about $1500

* Full 1920x1080 high-definition video recording and 12-megapixel still image capture
* Large capacity 240GB hard drive holds up to 101 hours of HD video (LP mode)
* New back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor improves sensitivity in low light conditions

* Photo and video geo-tagging using built-in GPS receiver and NAVTEQ® digital maps

* Improved Optical Steady Shot with Active Mode stabilization for smooth video and photos
* Smile Shutter™ automatically takes photos when subject smiles, even while shooting HD video
* Face detection technology recognizes up to eight faces and automatically corrects focus, exposure and color control

Sony HDR-XR500V 120GB High-Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder

Available in March for about $1300

* Full 1920x1080 high-definition video recording and 12-megapixel still image capture
* Large capacity 120GB hard drive holds up to 46 hours of HD video (LP mode)
* New back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor improves sensitivity in low light conditions

* Improved Optical Steady Shot with Active Mode stabilization for smooth video and photos
* Smile Shutter™ automatically takes photos when subject smiles, even while shooting HD video
* Face detection technology recognizes up to eight faces and automatically corrects focus, exposure and color control

Sony HDR-XR200V 120GB High-Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder

Available in March for about $1000

* Full 1920x1080 high-definition video recording and 4-megapixel still image capture
* Large capacity 120GB hard drive holds up to 46 hours of HD video (LP mode)

* Photo and video geo-tagging using built-in GPS receiver and NAVTEG® digital maps

* Improved Optical Steady Shot with Active Mode stabilization for smooth video and photos
* Smile Shutter™ automatically takes photos when subject smiles, even while shooting HD video
* Face detection technology recognizes up to eight faces and automatically corrects focus, exposure and color control
* 15x optical Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Sonnar® T* zoom lens

Sony HDR-XR100 80GB High-Definition Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder

Available in March for about $750

* Full 1920x1080 high-definition video recording and 4-megapixel still image capture
* Large capacity 80GB hard drive holds up to 30 hours of HD video (LP mode)
* Improved Optical Steady Shot with Active Mode stabilization for smooth video and photos
* Smile Shutter™ automatically takes photos when subject smiles, even while shooting HD video
* Face detection technology recognizes up to eight faces and automatically corrects focus, exposure and color control
* 10x optical Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® zoom lens
* Records in Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound with built-in zoom microphone for clear recording of subjects

Sony DCR-SR87 80GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder

Available in February for about $500

* Hybrid movie recording on Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media and built-in 80GB hard drive, which can hold up to 84 hours of video (LP mode)
* 1-megapixel CCD imager for excellent video and 1-megapixel photos
* 25x optical Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Tessar® zoom lens with Steady Shot® stabilization for smooth video and photos
* Direct connection with DVDirect® Express DVD writer (sold separately) for easy memory archival and playback
* Records in Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound with built-in zoom microphone for clear recording of subjects
* 2.7-inch wide, touch panel LCD screen

Sony DCR-SR67 80GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder

Available in February for about $450

* Hybrid movie recording on Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media and built-in 80GB hard drive, which can hold up to 84 hours of video (LP mode)
* 60x optical Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Tessar® zoom lens with Steady Shot® stabilization for smooth video and photos
* Direct connection with DVDirect® Express DVD writer (sold separately) for easy memory archival and playback
* Records in Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound with built-in zoom microphone for clear recording of subjects
* 2.7-inch wide, touch panel LCD screen

Sony DCR-SR47 60GB Hard Disk Drive Handycam® Camcorder

Available in February for about $400

* Hybrid movie recording on Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media and built-in 60GB hard drive, which can hold up to 41 hours of video (LP mode)
* 60x optical Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Tessar® zoom lens with Steady Shot® stabilization for smooth video and photos
* Direct connection with DVDirect® Express DVD writer (sold separately) for easy memory archival and playback
* 2.7-inch wide, touch panel LCD screen
* Available in three colors including red, blue and silver

Sony HDR-CX100 High-Definition Flash Memory Handycam® Camcorder

Available in March for about $600

* Full 1920x1080 high-definition video recording and 4-megapixel still image capture
* 8GB embedded memory plus expandable storage capacity via Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media
* Ultra-compact design in three colors including red, black and silver
* Smile Shutter™ automatically takes photos when subject smiles, even while shooting HD video
* Face detection technology recognizes up to eight faces and automatically corrects focus, exposure and color control
* 10x optical Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Tessar® zoom lens with Steady Shot® stabilization for smooth video and photos

Sony DCR-SX60 16GB Flash Memory Handycam® Camcorder

Available in March for about $370

* Hybrid movie recording on Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media and 16GB embedded memory, which can hold up to 10 hours of video (LP mode)
* 60x optical Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Tessar® zoom lens with Steady Shot® stabilization for smooth video and photos
* Direct connection with DVDirect® Express DVD writer (sold separately) for easy memory archival and playback
* 2.7-inch wide, touch panel LCD screen

Sony DCR-SX41 8GB Flash Memory Handycam® Camcorder

Available in March for about $300

* Hybrid movie recording on Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media and 8GB embedded memory, which can hold up to 5 hours of video (LP mode)
* 60x optical Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Tessar® zoom lens
* Direct connection with DVDirect® Express DVD writer (sold separately) for easy memory archival and playback
* 2.7-inch wide, touch panel LCD screen

Sony DCR-SX40 4GB Flash Memory Handycam® Camcorder

Available in March for about $270

* Hybrid movie recording on Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media and 4GB embedded memory
* 60x optical Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Tessar® zoom lens
* Direct connection with DVDirect® Express DVD writer (sold separately) for easy memory archival and playback
* 2.7-inch wide, touch panel LCD screen
* Available in color variations including red, blue and silver

Sony DCR-DVD850 DVD Handycam® Camcorder

Available in February for about $430

* “Hybrid Plus” recording on three separate media including 16GB of internal memory (more than 10 hours of video in LP mode), Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media and 3-inch DVD disc
* 60x optical Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Tessar® zoom lens with Steady Shot® stabilization for smooth video and photos
* 2.7-inch wide, touch panel LCD screen
* Records in Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound with built-in zoom microphone for clear recording of subjects

Sony DCR-DVD650 DVD Handycam® Camcorder

Available in February for about $300

* Hybrid movie recording options on Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media and 3-inch DVD disc
* 60x optical Carl Zeiss® Vaio-Tessar® zoom lens
* Steady Shot® stabilization for smooth video and photos
* 2.7-inch wide, touch panel LCD screen

Sony MHS-CM1 Webbie HD MP4 Camera

Available now for about $200

* Captures high-definition MPEG-4 video and 5-megapixel photos for easy transfer to the computer
* Optical 5x zoom lens gets you close to the action without sacrificing picture quality
* Equipped with PMB Portable software for quick content upload to popular video and photo sharing websites
* Slim horizontal body with 2.5-inch LCD screen that swivels up to 270 degrees
* Expandable storage capacity via Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media
* Available in three fashionable colors including eggplant, orange and silver

Sony MHS-pM1 Webbie HD MP4 Camera

Available in April for about $170

* Captures high-definition MPEG-4 video and 5-megapixel photos for easy transfer to the computer
* Vertical 4-ounce body slips easily into a pocket or purse so it can be taken anywhere
* Equipped with PMB Portable software for quick content upload to popular video and photo sharing websites
* Rotating swivel lens instantly powers device and makes it easy to self-record
* Expandable storage capacity via Memory Stick PRO Duo™ media
* Available in three fashionable colors including eggplant, orange and silver

Camcorder Accessories

Sony ECM-HW2 Bluetooth Microphone

Available in February for about $230

* Record audio up to 300 feet away from the camcorder
* Microphone unit and receiver unit are both equipped with a headphone jack for two-way communication between subject and camcorder operator
* Ability to record both subject and camcorder operator voices or subject voice only
* Compatible with all Handycam® camcorders with Active Interface Shoe

Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Unit

Available in March for about $150

* Equipped with GPS IC for effortless geo-tagging while capturing videos and photos
* Long battery life provides up to 15 hours on one AA battery
* LCD display shows current position, GPS signal strength, battery life and clock display
* Built-in Memory Stick™ and SD™ card slot for simple photo data synchronization with your digital imaging devices
* Supplied Picture Motion Browser software offers easy upload to online map album services

Sony LCS-CMA case for Webbie HD MHS-CM1

Available now for about $20 in black, orange and purple

* Designed color case to match Webbie HD MHS-CM1 camera
* Sporty design
* Measures 2 3/8 x 5 1/8 x 3 3/8inches
* Includes adjustable velcro strap

Sony LCS-CSVC case for Webbie HD MHS-PM1

Available now for about $20 in black, pink, blue, silver, orange and purple

* Designed color case to match Webbie HD MHS-PM1 camera
* Sporty design
* Measures 3 1/4 x 4 3/4 x 1 1/8 inches
* Includes carabineer

DVDirect Recorder

Sony VRD-MC10 DVDirect® Recorder

Available in March for about $300

* Transfers home videos and digital photos to DVD quickly and easily – without a PC
* Transfers AVCHD video to disc from Sony Handycam® camcorders, playable in Blu-ray Disc™ players
* Digital Video (DV), S-Video, Composite Video, and Analog L/R stereo inputs
* Handycam USB Input for Sony HDD/DVD/Memory Stick Handycam camcorders only
* Memory card slots for Memory Stick Duo™, Multi card slot (Memory Stick™/Pro, SD Memory Card, xD Picture Card™) and Compact Flash
* First DVDirect model with outputs for connecting to TV via HDMI, Component, or Composite Video to playback DVDs created by VRD-MC10

Sony VRD-P1 DVDirect® Express Recorder

Available in January for about $150

* Transfers home videos from compatible Handycam® camcorders to DVD quickly and easily – without a PC
* Compatible only with new Sony Handycam® camcorders DCR-SR47, DCR-SR67, DCR-SR87, DCR-SX40, DCR-SX41, DCR-SX60
* Transfers standard definition video to DVD; playable in most DVD players
* Built-in USB cable for connecting to Handycam camcorder and is USB bus powered; no AC adapter
* Can be used to playback DVDs when connected to TV via the Handycam camcorder

Personal Audio and Audio Accessories

Sony W-series Walkman® MP3 player; NWZ-W202 (2G)

Available in April for about $70 in black or pink

* Unique cord-free design integrates digital music player functionality within an active headphone solution that is compact, light weight and comfortable
* New ”ZAPPIN” function with Jog Dial Operation for easy song search
* Superior Sound Quality with 13.5mm EX Headphones
* Multi audio codec supports security-enhanced Windows Media Audio (WMA), as well as non-secure AAC, WMT and MP3 music formats
* Quick charge: 30 minutes to fully charge battery for over 12 hours of battery life

Sony X Series Walkman® video MP3 player; NWZ-X1051 (16GB) and NWZ-X1061 (32GB) Available in early summer in black, price TBD

* High quality 3” wide OLED touch screen display(WQVGA)
* Superior sound quality utilizing 13.5mm EX Headphones and Sony’s Digital Clear Audio Technologies: Digital Amplifier ”S-Master,” Digital Noise Canceling and Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE)
* Touch panel operation with hybrid button system
* Integrated WiFi delivers content from internet and other services including Podcast auto download, YouTube™ Streaming and Music Meta Link
* FM and Multi Audio/Video Codec support for MP3/WMA/AAC/L-PCM and AVC(H.264/AVC)/MPEG-4/WMV DRM

Sony Extra Bass Headphones MDRXB300

Available in February for about $50 in black

* 30mm XB diaphragm driver units for Powerful Bass
* Frequency response: 5-22,000 Hz
* Sensibility: 100dB/mW
* Power handling capacity: 1500mW
* Over the head, on-the-ear wearing style (supra-aural closed) with king size ear cushion (diameter: 3.1”, thickness: 1.2”) and 1.2m flat cord

Sony Extra Bass Headphones MDRXB500

Available in February for about $80 in black

* 40mm XB diaphragm driver units for Dynamic Deep Bass
* Frequency response: 4-25,000 Hz
* Sensibility: 104dB/mW
* Power handling capacity: 1500mW
* Over the head, around-the-ear wearing style (circum-aural closed) with king size ear cushion (diameter: 3.7”, thickness: 1.8”), 1.2m flat cord and carrying pouch

Sony Extra Bass Headphones MDRXB700

Available in February for about $130 in black

* 50mm XB diaphragm driver units for Big Booming Bass
* Frequency response: 3-30,000 Hz
* Sensibility: 106dB/mW
* Power handling capacity: 3000mW
* Over the head, around-the-ear wearing style (circum-aural closed) with king size ear cushion (diameter: 4.3”, thickness: 2.0”), 1.2m flat cord and carrying pouch

Sony Extra Bass Headphones MDRXB20EX

Available in February for about $40 in black

* 9mm high sensitivity driver units for Powerful Bass
* Frequency response: 5-24,000 Hz
* Sensibility: 103dB/mW
* Power handling capacity: 100mW
* Angle-structure style, hybrid silicone earbuds (S,M,L) with 1.2m flat cord and carrying pouch

Sony Extra Bass Headphones MDRXB40EX

Available in February for about $60 in black

* 13.5mm high sensitivity driver units for Booming Bass
* Frequency response: 4-24,000 Hz
* Sensibility: 105dB/mW
* Power handling capacity: 100mW
* Vertical in-the-ear style, hybrid silicone earbuds (S,M,L) with 1.2m flat cord and carrying pouch

Sony PC Speakers SRSZ50

Available or white in March for about $60 in black

* Slim size speaker with bass reflex type system for full bass sound
* Total output power: 5W (2.5W+2.5W); built-in amplifier and 39mm driver unit
* Color options to match Sony Walkman and VAIO products
* Headphone out with power on/off and volume control
* Magnetically shielded
* Supplied accessory: AC power adaptor

Sony PC Speakers SRSZ100

Available in March for about $100 in black

* 3 way speaker system (speaker + tweeter + passive radiator) with Bass Boost Function for powerful sound reproduction
* Total output power: 20W (10W+10W)
* Headphone out/dual input with power on/off and volume control
* Magnetically shielded
* Supplied accessory: AC power adaptor

Sony PC Speakers SRSD25

Available in March for about $70

* Kelton type speaker system for sub-woofer with powerful bass sound despite compact size
* Total output power: 25W (Satellite: 2.5W+2.5W, Sub-woofer: 20W)
* Headphone out/stereo mini jack with built-in controller for power on/off, volume control and HP jack
* Also suitable for DVD / game entertainment
* Colors: Black, Red, Pink, White

Sony PC Speakers SRSDF30

Available in March for about $200 in black

* Wood pattern satellite design for stylish, powerful music listening from PC
* Total output power: 40W (Satellite: 10W+10W, Sub-woofer: 20W)
* Headphone out/stereo mini jack with built-in controller for power on/off, volume control, tuning and preset channels
* Also suitable for DVD/game entertainment
* Features AM/FM radio with operation on satellite, large LCD with backlight and sleep timer

Sony Muteki LBT-ZX66i

Available in March for about $450

* iPod-ready features including charge, play and control functions
* Total Power Output: 540W
* 5-Disc CD changer with Play Exchange and CD-R/CD-RW, MP3 playback
* 3-way, Bass Reflex speaker system featuring 6.7” (17cm) Dual Hybrid Woofers and 1” (2.5cm)
* Horn Tweeter
* Game Sync: Front A/V Input
* AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and large, vivid display
* Remote control with full iPod menu control

Sony Muteki LBT-ZX99i

Available in March for about $650

* Total Power Output: 720 W
* 5-Disc CD changer with Play Exchange and CD-R/CD-RW, MP3 Playback
* 2-way, Bass Reflex speaker system featuring 8.7” (22cm) Woofer and two 2” (5cm) Tweeters
* Game Sync: Front Video In, Audio L/R
* Party Features: D-Light Sync, X-ROUND (Balance, Fader, Wave)
* Remote control with full iPod menu control

Sony CMT-LX20i Micro Shelf System

Available in March for about $100

* iPod-ready features including charge, play and control functions
* Single disc slot loading CD player with CD-R/RW and MP3 playback
* Audio-in For Use with MP3 Player or PC
* AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and LCD display with ID3 tag
* Remote control with full iPod menu control
* Clock/Timer (Play/Sleep)

Sony MHC-EC99i Mini Shelf System

Available in March for about $200

* iPod-ready features including integrated iPod dock and dedicated iPod button with charge, play and control functions
* Single disc CD player with CD-R/RW and MP3 playback
* Total Power Output: 530W
* AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and audio-in for use with MP3 player or PC
* Remote control with full iPod menu control
* Clock, alarm and sleep timer

Sony Clock Radio with iPod Dock ICFC7iP

Available in April for about $70

* Clock radio for iPod & iPhone with hidden sliding dock tray
* Dual alarms allow consumers to wake to iPod, iPhone, radio or buzzer and preset alarm volume
* Digital FM/AM tuner with 15 Presets
* ATS (Automatic Time Set) and Automatic Daylight Savings Time
* Charges iPod & iPhone via 5V power supply and comes with a remote control

Car Audio

CDX-GT930UI Head Unit

Available in January for about$230

* Rear USB input for iPod and other digital music players as well as a rear aux-in
* Compatible with all of Sony’s latest audio technologies, including ZAPPIN™, Quick-BrowZer™, Jump Mode, Passenger Control, and DM+
* Motorized, detachable faceplate
* Flourescent 4 line display

CDX-GT730UI Head Unit

Available in February for about$200

* Front USB input for iPod and other digital music players as well as a front aux-in
* Compatible with all of Sony’s latest audio technologies, including ZAPPIN™, Quick-BrowZer™, Jump Mode, Passenger Control, and DM+
* Detachable flip-down faceplate
* Flourescent 4 line display

CDX-GT530UI Head Unit

Available in February for about $140

* Front USB input for iPod and other digital music players as well as a front aux-in
* Compatible with all of Sony’s latest audio technologies, including ZAPPIN™, Quick-BrowZer™, Jump Mode, Passenger Control, and DM+ Advanced
* Detachable faceplate

CDX-GT430U Head Unit

Available in January for about $130

* Front USB for USB device (no iPod) as well as a front aux-in
* Compatible with all of Sony’s latest audio technologies, including ZAPPIN™, Quick-BrowZer™, , Passenger Control, and DM

MEX-BT5700U Head Unit

Available in June for about $300

* Bluetooth audio streaming / hands-free calling capability
* Front USB input for iPod and other digital music players as well as a front aux-in
* Compatible with all of Sony’s latest audio technologies, including ZAPPIN™, Quick-BrowZer™, Jump Mode, Passenger Control, and DM+
* PBAP (Phonebook Access Profile) allows head unit to link directly to BT mobile phonebook
* When streaming audio via Bluetooth, meta data (artist, album, etc) of the music is displayed

MEX-BT3700U Head Unit

Available in February for about $200

* Bluetooth audio streaming / hands-free calling capability
* Front USB input for iPod and other digital music players as well as a front aux-in
* Compatible with all of Sony’s latest audio technologies, including ZAPPIN™, Quick-BrowZer™, Jump Mode, Passenger Control, and DM+

MEX-BT2700 Head unit

Available in January for about $160

* Bluetooth audio streaming / hands-free calling capability at affordable price

CDX-GT77UI Unit

Available in February for about $250

* Larger double-din style designed for compatibility with most newer model cars
* Front USB input for iPod and other digital music players as well as a front aux-in
* Compatible with all of Sony’s latest audio technologies, including ZAPPIN™, Quick-BrowZer™, Jump Mode, Passenger Control, and DM+

Memory Stick

Sony Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 16GB Media Card

Available in February for about $140

* Sony Memory Stick™ PRO-HG Duo HX MS-HX16G 16GB Media
* Compatible with many of Sony’s latest generation of Handycam® camcorders
* Captures nearly two hours of high-definition video (1920 x 1080) in AVCHD video format
* Data transfer rate of 20MB/s in read mode with supplied MSAC-UAH1 USB adapter
* Transfers approximately two hours of HD video in 12 minutes with USB adapter

SONY BOOTH ENVIRONMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS

Corporate: Consumer demand for companies to be more eco-friendly has increased, and Sony is taking strides in these efforts by not only producing eco-friendly products but also leading as an environmental corporate citizen.

* Sony is working with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
* We set a goal of a seven percent reduction in facility emissions by 2010, with the year 2000 as the baseline, and are right on target.
* Sony Electronics, Sony Pictures and Sony Corporation of America have new buildings in construction that are expected to be LEED Certified.
* Sony is working aggressively to lower the annual energy consumption of most of its products and reduce energy-use and waste from its daily operations.

Recycling

* The national Sony Take Back Recycling program in partnership with Waste Management was the first-ever nationwide recycling program
o Collected more than 12 million pounds of e-waste to-date.
* Hosted approximately 100 recycling events nationwide where consumers recycled any brand of electronics for free
* Established more than 130 permanent drop-off locations where consumers can recycle Sony-branded products for free

Product

* BRAVIA VE5 Series TV – available July ’09. Super energy efficient features:
o High efficiency HCFL backlight – almost 50% less power
o Zero-watt standby power switch
o Motion sensor turns TV off when you forget
o Light sensor with dynamic backlight control

* Two Sony products are honorees for CEA’s Innovations Eco-Design and Sustainable Technology award:
* BRAVIA KDL-40V4100 for using considerably less power than its predecessors. Available now for about $1,400.
* Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray Disc player with improved power consumption, low transportation emissions and use of recycled packaging materials resulting in the reduction of the product's carbon footprint. Available now for about $250.

PREVIOUSLY-ANNOUNCED PRODUCTS

Home Audio and Video

Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray Disc™ Player

Available now for about $400

* Blu-ray Disc™ player with interactive capabilities including Bonus View (picture-in-picture) and BD-Live
* Ethernet port for access to Internet-based interactive content features and firmware updates
* External USB port for local storage and included 1GB USB flash drive
* 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema output
* 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus decoding and bit-stream output
* 7.1 channel dts-HD™ High Resolution Audio and dts-HD™ Master Audio decoding and bit stream output
* 7.1 channel analog audio output

Sony BDP-S5000ES Blu-ray Disc™ Player

Available now for about $2,000

* Blu-ray Disc™ player with interactive capabilities including BD-Live and BonusView
* Ethernet port for access to Internet-based interactive content features and firmware updates
* External USB port for local storage and GB Micro Vault™ storage media included
* 1080/60p and 24p True Cinema output
* HD Reality Enhancer (14 bit video processing)
* Super Bit Mapping (Smooth color gradation)
* Precision Cinema HD Upscale
* 7.1 channel Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, dts-HD™ High Resolution Audio and dts-HD™ Master Audio decoding
* 7.1 channel analog audio output

Sony STR-DA6400ES ES Series Home Theater Network A/V Receiver (7.1 Channel)

Available now for about $2,500

* Multi-room capable audio and HD video Receiver
* 6 HDMI™ inputs, 2 HDMI outputs
* Faroudja DCDi Cinema® 1080p upscaling technology
* Ethernet connectivity for streaming music, photos and video from PC and downloading network upgrades
* Xross Media Bar™-inspired GUI

Digital Imaging Accessories

Sony LCS-CSVA Genuine Leather Case for Cyber-shot® W, T and S Series Models

Available now for about $40 in black, red, white and brown

* Designed color case to match Cyber-shot® 2009 models
* Compatible also with other W, T and S series camera
* Made of genuine leather
* Includes matching colored hand strap

Sony LCS-CSVB Case for Cyber-shot® W, T and S Series Models

Available now for about $30 in black and pink

* Flip top case Cyber-shot® case
* Compatible also with other W, T and S series camera
* Includes matching colored hand strap

Sony LCS-CSVC Case for Cyber-shot® W, T and S Series Models

Available now for about $20 in black, pink, blue, silver, orange and purple

* Designed color case to match Cyber-shot® 2009 models and vertical type of Webbie HD MHS-PM1
* Compatible also with other W, T and S series camera
* Sporty design
* Includes carabineer

Sony ACC-CMFG Accessory Kit for Cyber-shot® W Series Models

Available now for about $60

* Best accessory kit for Cyber-shot® W series models
* Compatible also with other W and T series camera
* Includes optional battery NP-FG1, camera case LCS-CSQ,
Memory Stick Duo reader/writer for USB and extension cable
for Memory Stick Duo reader/writer

It's amazing we even noticed the Vaio P given all this stuff. I mean, that thing is tiny!

Intel Classmate 2 Already For Sale, Priced at $550


The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

Intel's Classmate 2 was never intended for manufacture by Intel; the PC was simply a reference design provided for OEMs. Well, the first one is here: meet the Computer Technology Link 2Go PC.

I trust that what you've read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

Computer Technology Link has the presumptive first manufacturer of the Classmate 2 for some time now. The final unit specs are the same as the demonstration model we've been playing with since the Intel Developer Forum—and which, in a later incarnation, we found quite palatable at CES—barring the replacement of the 802.11n wireless card with a b/g unit.

The price is a steep $550, but could well be lower for bulk orders. That is, assuming there are other sales channels, as CTL's site only allows one laptop per customer. You know "OLPC". [CTL via NetBux—Thanks, Johannes!]

It never hurts to be well-informed with the latest on intel. Compare what you've learned here to future articles so that you can stay alert to changes in the area of intel.

Who's Watching You on the Web?



Ever wanted to have instant information about any trackers used by a website you visit? Then take a look at Ghostery, a Firefox extension that alerts you to any Web Bugs present on a site by placing a Pac-Man type icon in your status bar and providing a list of all trackers found.

Currently tracking 115 web bugs, ad networks and trackers, Ghostery is a simple extension that works by searching for patterns in the source code of pages you visit. With all the matching happening in your browser, you can rest assured it won't be grabbing your data - remember, it's been made to give you information.

ghostery1_jan_09.jpg

An icon is displayed in your browser status bar when a tracker is identified

ghostery2_jan_09.jpg

Ghostery lists all trackers found on a site

Ghostery 1.3.1 has been given a clean bill of health by Softpedia meaning it is free of spyware, adware and viruses. Designed by David Cancel, the product is relatively new so feel free to offer suggestions and as always, please let us know what you think.

Google Helping Bloggers with Data Portability


Want to move your blog to another publishing platform? Well now Google has made it easier for you. Last Friday, the Data Liberation Team announced the Google Blog Converters project on their Open Source Blog.

Google made data portability a lot easier for Blogger users a month ago and with this announcement it appears they are offering easier portability solutions to WordPress, Movable Type, and LiveJournal users as well.

Friday's release provides Python libraries and runnable scripts that convert between the export formats of the above platforms. Future plans include synchronization tools between services that don't offer import/export features as well as support for BlogML.

Google has also released templates for hosting the conversions on Google App Engine.

bloggertowordpress_jan_09.jpg

Take a look at the examples hosted on Google App Engine:

* Blogger to WordPress
* WordPress to Blogger
* LiveJournal to Blogger

But beware the caveat noted in the readme file:

"There is a limit to the size of a downloaded file on appspot.com of 1 MB of data. Thus, these hosted applications should only be used for reference or for the conversion of small blog export files."

If you're interested in getting involved with the project, take a look at the source code or join the discussion group here.

Bilgrimage: Who Reads, Who Doesn't?

Bilgrimage: Who Reads, Who Doesn't?

the joshua blog: Conservative Bloggers Apoplectic re GOP Cooperation w/ Obama

the joshua blog: Conservative Bloggers Apoplectic re GOP Cooperation w/ Obama

DIY Filmmaker Sujewa: Tickets for Indie Film Blogger Road Trip World Premiere now available through Amazon

DIY Filmmaker Sujewa: Tickets for Indie Film Blogger Road Trip World Premiere now available through Amazon

Extraordinary Observations: Columbus: Up and Coming Cycling City?

Extraordinary Observations: Columbus: Up and Coming Cycling City?

Short URLs for Google


Thanks to Net at Night we came across a great little app for shortening Google search query URLs. Gog.is, developed by Norwegian Mr. Calzone, offers the simplest method to create and send a short URL via e-mail and IM. No downloads, no site to visit, no ambiguous URLs, simply type in http://gog.is/ followed by your query and the link will automatically redirect to the corresponding Google search result page.

If you've ever needed to e-mail or IM a link to a Google search results page you'll know that there are various problems that can arise; links can break in IM and e-mail and some of the shortening services mask the ultimate link location.

We've written about our favorite link shortening services before, and Gog.is works in much the same way as most of them; the exception being it only shortens Google search queries

How Gog.is works
Type in http://gog.is/ and add any search query. That's it!

For instance, the Google search results for the query lenajasminee.blogspot.com would have the long URL:


http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=lenajasminee.blogspot.com&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=

Using Gog.is would deliver the same results page, yet would come from the URL:


http://gog.is/lenajasminee.blogspot.com Gog.is seems to also work with a variety of Google operators such as site:, link:, info:, etc. If you need a refresher on operators, take a look at Google Guide's Google Cheat Sheet.

Gog.is was made in part as a joke for a friend that Mr. Calzone was constantly "slapping" with Google searches, but we think it's an efficient and useful resource.

What do you think?

Samsung Goes Long and Wide with High End Point-and-Shoot


Samsung's new 10.2 MP HZ10W has some features you might not expect: an ultrawide Schneider lens and a whopping 10x optical zoom. It's a point-and-shoot that's managed to learn a few high-end tricks.

The HZ10W features an "ultra-wide angle" 24mm Schneider lens and a 10x optical zoom with telephoto capabilities up to 240mm, which according to Samsung is equivalent to a 35mm film camera. All we'll say is that fancy-pants lens will let you fit more into the shot, and capture items way further away with greater clarity. It'll also capture 720p video at 30fps, and compress it if desired to H.264 to save some space. It's definitely an advance in its category, especially as it'll come in at a very reasonable $300. It should be released sometime this month.

Asus Eee HTPC-In-A-Keyboard Specs :Includes Wireless HDMI,5"Display,Our Collective Drool


We got a look at Asus' so-crazy-it's-brilliant HTPC keyboard concept earlier this week, but now we've got the important specs save the big two: pricing and availability.

The keyboard is packing a 5-inch built-in display, a 1.6 GHz Atom proc, 1 GB of RAM, 16/32 GB SSD, WiFi, and Bluetooth. As far as ports, it's got wireless HDMI, 2 USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI, and audio in/out. It's running Windows XP home, which is an odd choice for something that's asking, nay, begging to be a home theater PC, although it's not packing a TV tuner either. No word on price or release date, but the Asus CEO claims it'll be available in the next 3 to 6 months

Acts of Faith In Love and Life: Warhol Meet Palin: There's the Door!

Acts of Faith In Love and Life: Warhol Meet Palin: There's the Door!

Viliv S7 Takes On the Sony Vaio P With a Tablet Twist



Specs for Viliv's S7 UMPC/netbook/tablet/whatever have popped up, and while the gadget's guts are similar to other netbooks, the physical design— including a jumbo keyboard and battery and a swiveling touchscreen— sets it apart.

We already knew about the S7, but when it was announced this summer, no specs or hands-on time were released with it, so it's nice to get some solid data on the little guy. The S7's 1024x600 screen is only 7 inches, but the sides are stretched out to a nearly Sony Vaio P-esque length:width ratio to make room for a usable keyboard and a very substantial battery. The screen itself is a swiveling touchscreen, like a traditional tablet, and Viliv brags that the battery can last a whopping 7 hours of video playback.

Besides that, it's got the standard netbook guts: Atom proc up to 1.86 GHz, 1 GB of memory, 60 GB HDD/16 GB SSD, and Windows XP. Price and release date are still unknown, but it'll probably hit Korea before making its way west. UMPC Portal got a hands-on, embedded below

Linksys Media Hub Hot Swappable

linksys media hub hot swappable

Dv2 First Look

dv2 first look

Movit Mini Tablet Youtube

movit mini tablet youtube

Cisco Media Hub Rev

cisco media hub rev

Laser Pointer Secret Audio

laser pointer secret audio

Remote Media Streaming Hp Mediasmart

remote media streaming hp mediasmart

Mark Hamblin Iphone

mark hamblin iphone

The Recessionista™ Blog, frugal fashion trends

The Recessionista™ Blog, frugal fashion trends

masterwordsmith-unplugged: ACTIVATE YOUR INTUITION

masterwordsmith-unplugged: ACTIVATE YOUR INTUITION

masterwordsmith-unplugged: ACTIVATE YOUR INTUITION

masterwordsmith-unplugged: ACTIVATE YOUR INTUITION

Drinking Liberally in New Milford: Today is the day for Marriage Equality in CT

Drinking Liberally in New Milford: Today is the day for Marriage Equality in CT

sennheiser-hd-800-headphones-german-engineering-at-its-finest


Sennheiser's latest entry into the world of uber premium headphones comes to us in the form of the stunning HD 800. New features include a completely new type of transducer and ear cup design.

On the transducer design:

The HD 800 sets new standards with its innovative transducer technology. Measuring 56 mm, the transducer in the HD 800 is the largest that can currently be found in a dynamic head-phone. In simple terms: the more transducer surface area that vibrates, the purer the headphone sounds at low frequencies. However, transducers with a large surface area have the disadvantage that, at high frequencies, undesired resonances occur at the diaphragm, resulting in distortions in sound reproduction. The new design principle of the HD 800 resolves this dilemma. "Sennheiser's patented ring design for the diaphragm minimises the distortion of the sound image, even with a transducer as large as 56 mm," explained Axel Grell, acoustics developer at Sennheiser. The result is impressive: the HD 800 has brilliant trebles, precise bass reproduction and an exceptionally clear sound image. The frequency response is an unprecedented 6 to 51,000 Hertz.

On the ear cup design:

Audio recordings do not become a true listening experience until we they are perceived with spatial extension - as if we were sitting in a concert hall or listening to a live jazz session. The new HD 800 offers precisely such a sound experience. "Today, most music is made to be reproduced by two loudspeakers, which form an equal-sided triangle together with the listener. This results in a sound field close to the ears that is at a slight angle to the head," explained Axel Grell. This causes the sound to be reflected into the ear canal with slight time differences. The HD 800 simulates this effect by directing the sound wave to the ear at an angle of 45 degrees. No other manufacturer comes as close as Sennheiser to achieving a spatial listening experience with headphones.

Throw in top quality build materials and all of a sudden you are staring at the $1400 price tag going what the f—! [Sennheiser]




Technical innovation and meticulous attention to detail:
The new HD 800 is Sennheiser's latest sound sensation
LAS VEGAS - January CES 2009 - The new standard in premium headphones, the HD 800 from Sennheiser, offers an extraordinarily brilliant sound image and stunning spatiality. Their dynamic, completely open-back design combines innovative technology with carefully selected materials and the pinnacle of German workmanship. The result is a level of performance, quality and attention to detail that is clearly audible. The key components of the HD 800 are a completely new type of transducer and the innovative ear cup design. In total, this new sound sensation features no less than three distinguished patents.

Patented technology: transducer with a ring design
The HD 800 sets new standards with its innovative transducer technology. Measuring 56 mm, the transducer in the HD 800 is the largest that can currently be found in a dynamic head-phone. In simple terms: the more transducer surface area that vibrates, the purer the headphone sounds at low frequencies. However, transducers with a large surface area have the disadvantage that, at high frequencies, undesired resonances occur at the diaphragm, resulting in distortions in sound reproduction. The new design principle of the HD 800 resolves this dilemma. "Sennheiser's patented ring design for the diaphragm minimises the distortion of the sound image, even with a transducer as large as 56 mm," explained Axel Grell, acoustics developer at Sennheiser. The result is impressive: the HD 800 has brilliant trebles, precise bass reproduction and an exceptionally clear sound image. The frequency response is an unprecedented 6 to 51,000 Hertz.

Natural listening experience: the new ear cup design
Audio recordings do not become a true listening experience until we they are perceived with spatial extension - as if we were sitting in a concert hall or listening to a live jazz session. The new HD 800 offers precisely such a sound experience. "Today, most music is made to be reproduced by two loudspeakers, which form an equal-sided triangle together with the listener. This results in a sound field close to the ears that is at a slight angle to the head," explained Axel Grell. This causes the sound to be reflected into the ear canal with slight time differences. The HD 800 simulates this effect by directing the sound wave to the ear at an angle of 45 degrees. No other manufacturer comes as close as Sennheiser to achieving a spatial listening experience with headphones.

Wearing comfort: top-quality materials and finish
Their circumaural ear cups fit comfortably around the ears without aggressive lateral pressure for hours of music enjoyment. The material used for the ear pads is Japanese Alcantara, which is particularly friendly to the skin and easy to clean. All other materials have also been carefully selected - not least to optimally support the outstanding acoustical properties of the HD 800. "We allowed ourselves a lot of time to perfect the HD 800," said Maurice Quarré, Product Manager Home Audio at Sennheiser. "Not only to develop the technical intricacies but also to select the finest materials to make it perfect in every detail." As a result, the HD 800 has an exterior design that perfectly reflects its outstanding sound quality: a puristic design language and a black/silver finish give the headphones a look of exclusive elegance, turning them into a true designer object. And all this is 'Made in Germany': the HD 800 was developed and designed at Sennheiser's corporate headquarters in Wedemark, Germany. The new headphones will be produced there too - with the usual meticulous attention to detail.

Sennheiser
Sennheiser is a world-leading manufacturer of microphones, headphones and wireless transmission systems. Established in 1945 in Wedemark, Germany, Sennheiser is now a global brand represented in 60 countries around the world with U.S. headquarters in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Sennheiser's pioneering excellence in technology has rewarded the company with numerous awards and accolades including an Emmy, a Grammy, and the Scientific and Engineering Award of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

For more information, please visit www.sennheiserusa.com.

Hava's Sociable TV Shares Live TV With Everybody



Hava, the lesser-known video streaming system, is going to be doing some crazy social TV sharing called Sociable TV.

Zatz Not Funny says that their upcoming service will be able to share live or DVR content with either a group of people or the entire world, just via their web portal. This brings us one step closer to my dream of being able to watch East Coast TV at the same time as my friends on the East Coast, with me on the West Coast.

Sociable TV is supposed to hit mid-year, and they've got an iPhone client in the works as well.

CES Day One: Our Top 10


Today, with the floor open, is the first real day of CES. By now we've seen a good deal of gear from the big companies, and here's the best so far.

Palm Pre : Number one with a bullet. If we told you three months ago that Palm would own CES, would you have believed us? But this phone is for real, and from the looks of it right now, it very well could be the morale lift Palm so badly needed.

And the rest, in no particular order:

Samsung BD-4600 Blu-ray Player: Wall-mountable, networked, 1.5-inches thick, and really, really nice looking.

Samsung Luxia LED TV
Lineup: Samsung loosed a whole series of ultra-thin, LED-backlit, network-connected LCDs, winning the Battle of the TV Announcements hands down.

Vizio Connected HDTVs: These Vizios stream just about everything possible over wireless-N: Amazon, Blockbuster and Netflix VOD, Pandora, Flickr, Rhapsody, plus any other Yahoo web widget.

Sony Vaio P: Sony's Vaio P is something we haven't seen before: a 2.08:1 aspect ratio (1600x768) on a 1-inch thick portable. Something different in the very, very generic netbook field.

Casio 1,000fps Point and Shoot Cameras: Both the EX-FC100 and the EX-FS10 bring the EX-F1's slo-mo capture goodness to a point and shoot. Casio's still the only folks in the super slo-mo field, and they're continuing to kill.

LG's GD910 Watch Phone
: It was a non-working, behind-the-glass prototype last year, but one of every gadget head's boyish dreams will come true later this year: A watch that's a phone.

Eee Keyboard: Asus took the crazy cake with their still-shadowy home theater keyboard. With an onboard processor (of some kind), a touchscreen and keyboard and wireless HDMI, it makes perfect sense as a unique home-theater machine.

Sony Cyber-shot G3: We're all about putting web browsers on as many things as possible, and Sony's found another way to get one into our pants: A super-slim wi-fi-equipped Cyber-shot G3 that's the world's first to surf the web.

Panasonic Portable Blu-ray Player: Panasonic's DMP-B15 is the world's first portable Blu-ray deck. Your laptop probably doesn't have a BD drive, but this will ensure you can watch hi-def 1080p on a tiny, tiny screen on your next flight.

And there you have it. Good stuff you may or may not be able to afford in '09? Disappointment of disappointments? Discuss

NIMble: $300 Android Desktop Phone Designed by iPhone Engineer


We've all heard about the prospects of Android in the mobile-phone market, but the NIMble is an Android phone meant for actual desktops.

By Touch Revolution, the NIMble features a 7-inch multitouch screen (800x400)—that's roughly 4x the screen area you'd see in the G1 loaded with 2.5x the pixels. In person, that's sharp enough to my eyes.

Other features include a 624MHz Marvel processor, SD expansion (to supplement unspecified internal storage), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

As for Android itself, that's fully functional. But Touch Revolution has built their own software on top of the platform for entertainment and home networking stuff.
Operating the NIMble was speedy enough, though I had some responsiveness issues from the glass touchscreen. I'm pretty sure these issues will be fixed by the device's September release, since Mark Hamblin, Product Design Lead on the original iPhone's touchscreen, is busy ironing out the kinks. He explained that the touch gestures within Android need to be scaled to a larger screen.

So what about multi-touch? Hopefully the NIMble will have that capability at launch as well. But right now, Touch Revolution is busy building multi-touch architecture into Android itself. They're also pretty eager for others to jump on the bandwagon.

The photos here aren't of the final NIMble unit, but the finished product will look very similar...though we're fairly certain that we'll see a handset attached at launch. Coming this September, the NIMble will run $300, or free with a $10-$20/month phone home service contact.

Skype Lite Heading to Android, iPhone Not Far Off

T-Mobile G1 users will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of Skype with the addition of the "lite" version to the Android Marketplace—and an iPhone version may not be far behind.

Unfortunately, you are still subject to your standard carrier rates when calling with Skype Lite (no Wi-Fi or 3G required), but it does provide power users mobile access to their contact lists while on the go. The app should appear in the Android markeplace sometime in the next few days, while versions for other Java-enabled handsets from carriers like Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Nokia, LG, and Samsung should be available starting today. As for the iPhone, it seems that Skype reps at CES hinted that it is in development, but when we might actually see it is anyone's guess. [Skype via PC World and azstarnet]

ZPower's 40% Better Silver-Zinc Batteries Coming in Laptops This Year

The folks at ZPower, who make the silver-zinc batteries that get 40% better run-time than Lithium-Ion, just told us that a major laptop and a major cellphone manufacturer will use the technology this year.

Still no details on which manufacturer and cellphone provider will do this, but ZPower did say that they're going for a same-size method of batteries. In that the silver-zinc batteries will be the same size as lithium-ion batteries and will be swappable in the same laptop.

Since the price is more for the silver-zinc, it'll be a premium option in machines, but will definitely be useful for long airplane rides, long car drives and long bathroom breaks.

Microsoft Says Less Phones Will Have WinMo in the Future

With increasing competition—most recently from Android and Palm's promising new WebOS, how is Microsoft planning on helping WinMo

With increasing competition—most recently from Android and Palm's promising new WebOS, how is Microsoft planning on helping WinMo survive in the mobile operating system world? By putting it on less devices, naturally.

Todd Peters, VP of marketing for the Windows Mobile Division said that while Microsoft was looking into beefing up WinMo's features, its strategy for the new year was to limit the number of devces using the OS.

Right now about 140 cellphones use WinMo. Peters said Microsoft is hoping to shrink that number in order to not "have its efforts diluted over too many devices."

I'd rather have fewer devices and be more focused," he said. That way "we get better integration" between phone and operating system.

Peters wasn't clear about the criteria Microsoft was going to use to limit Windows Mobile roll-outs. Will they restrict it to more powerful phones that are capable of running WinMo without the lag (kind of like that Vista ready label, only... actually ready) or is it Microsoft making more of an effort to actually design the OS to every specific phone its licensed on? [New York Times]


Sony Vaio P Super Don't-Call-It-a-Netbook Hands On

The keyboard? It rocks. The screen? Beautiful. The trackball is just the right amount of gritty, so your finger sticks to it and doesn't slide off onto the keyboard. The instant-on OS? Classy.

The keys are small, but just the perfect amount of small—you'll only have a problem if you have fingers the size of fried carnival pastries. It took me about 15-30 seconds of mistyping to adjust and type just about perfectly, though your hands won't feel as loose as they are on a full size keyboard by means. They're really punchy, though shallow, too. Overall, good. The trackball is a little oversensitive, but adjustable too. What I do hate are the mouse buttons. They're too small and not distinguished enough, so easy to miss. Oh, and it's a smudge magnet.

The form factor looks weird in the press shots, but in person, it works—incredibly well. It's very clearly a Porsche compared to the Chevy-esque standard netbook. In fact, Sony guys insist it's not a netbook, which is true. It's officially throw-it-in-your-bag-and-forget-it-sized, which netbooks are not.

I like the instant-on OS. It's essentially a Sony XMB that gives you access to photos, internet and movies, much like other instant-on OSes, but the P's seems exceptionally classy.

Every SKU has the same 1.33Ghz Atom inside (the Z series not the pokier N)—not incredibly speedy, and 2GB of RAM, which lets them all run Vista okay. Screen is, duh, gorgeous thanks to that incredible pixel density. The built-in 3G is Verizon only, and they wouldn't comment on a GSM version. Oh, and that $900 pricepoint? That's for Vista Home Basic—you've gotta drop a grand to get real Vista. Otherwise, the 4 different SKUs vary based mostly on storage—60GB starting up to a 128GB SSD in the $1500 model.

You'd almost think you could work on it, but we're not so convinced yet—that'll take some much more extensive hands on time, a couple days at least. At the very least, you'd have to widen and shrink your workflow. But we're definitely curious to find out. Overall, it's certainly an interesting machine—not a netbook, UMPC or laptop, but something in between all of those. What exactly that is, we'll have to figure out in the longer haul.

Navigon Offering Red Light Camera Warnings For GPS Devices

After announcing their partnership with Rand McNally yesterday, Navigon has announced more downloadable content for their GPS devices—including data on red light cameras.

NAVIGON Red Light Cameras give drivers the information they need by providing an advanced
warning when the driver is approaching dangerous intersections monitored by traffic cameras. These alerts make the driver aware of upcoming intersections and potentially avoid costly traffic tickets. The estimated MSRP for this content is $29.99.

•Thousands of traffic camera locations across the country
•One year subscription
•Monthly database updates to stay current with new installations

This offering is slated for release sometime this Spring.

Logitech G19 Hands On: I Watched YouTube on a Gaming Keyboard

I just greased on Logitech's G19 gaming keyboard with its full-blown, full-color LCD display, and it feels just like the G-keyboards you love, but you know, topped a pretty YouTube-playing, widget-powered display.

GALLERYEND So the 320x240 GamePanel LCD runs a whole bunch of widgets out of the box, like for Twitter, images, VOIP, system info, game data or yes, YouTube, and you can add more. It's nice, and video playback is surprisingly smooth, but it's too small to really do any serious video watching—fine for the other stuff like IM though, and definitely more versatile than the monochrome displays in the earlier G keyboards.

The trademark Logitech key squishiness/punchiness is there, so if you're upgrading from one of the current G-series keyboards, you'll feel at home. Backlighting color is customizable, and you've got a respectable number of macro keys.

Here's the rub—It needs its own power brick to power the display and the Linux computer inside of it. This would be more tolerable if it also had audio ports in the back (like Razer or SteelSeries' keyboard) to help cut down on the wire mess, but it doesn't. Also, um, 200 bucks.

* GamePanel LCD requires software that supports Logitech® GamePanel™ technology
Logitech® G19 keyboard for gaming
An arsenal of advanced gaming technology
Announcement Date: January 6, 2009 Shipping: March 2009
Price: $199.99 Available at: www.logitech.com
Product Overview
As a gamer, you never compromise – not on your team, not on your weapons and certainly not
on your hardware. The Logitech G19 keyboard features a tiltable, color GamePanel ™ LCD to
show game stats, VOIP communication data, and many other favorite items. With customization
capabilities such as user-selectable character backlighting color, 12 fully programmable G-keys,
two high-speed USB ports and multi-key input, the Logitech G19 keyboard is the perfect
weapon for your gaming rig.
Key Features
 Color GamePanel LCD* can show game stats, system information, communication data,
video playback, image slideshows, or other information, without leaving the game.
 Twelve programmable G-keys with 3 shift states (or modes) means that you have 36
programmable macros per game or application
o Use the MR (macro record) key to record new macros on-the-fly.
 Multi-key input allows you to use up to five keys at once to perform multiple complex actions.
 Two high-speed, powered USB 2.0 ports give you the ability to connect you mouse to the
keyboard or to transfer data to and from peripherals such as MP3 players and flash drives.
 User-selectable character backlighting color lets you personalize the keyboard to
complement the rest of your computer and gaming equipment.
System Requirements
 Windows® XP or Windows Vista®
 Mac® OS X 10.4 or later
 High-speed USB 2.0 port
 20 MB of available hard disk space
 CD-ROM drive
Product Specifications
 Length: 19.5 inches
 Height: 2 inches
 Width: 10.5 inches
 Weight: 4.86 lbs
 Display: Color 320-by-240 pixel display
Warranty

Hands On: Lenovo\'s Dual-Screen Laptop Has Basically Every Feature Ever

I just played around with the new Lenovo W700ds laptop, complete with two screens and built-in Wacom tablet, and it's a monster. It's not exactly portable, but it's as feature-filled as laptops get.

Lenovo W700ds

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* Lenovo W700ds

Of course there's the secondary screen, clocking in at 10.6 inches and popping out of the side of the 17-inch screen. But there's also the built-in Wacom digitizer. And the fingerprint scanner. It is, frankly, awesome. But the cost of said awesomeness is size: this thing is an absolute tank.

Weighing in at about 11 pounds, this is more desktop replacement than portable computer. Sure, you could carry it around with you, but expect back problems if you try to do it too often. Oh, and the battery life? Two hours. Er, yeah. But for people who are looking for a boatload of functionality (not to mention two screens) in a laptop, there are few peers to the W700ds out there.

Police Use Google Street View to Solve Kidnapping Crime

Usually when we hear Google Street View news, it's over kitty-cat privacy issues or people peeing in the street. But this time around, the mayhem monitor actually helped solve the kidnapping of a young girl.

Police in Massachusetts were trying to track down a missing 9-year-old girl who had allegedly been kidnapped by her grandmother. They had managed to find the girl's cellphone coordinates and traced it to an intersection in Virginia.

Since they were nowhere near Virginia, the policemen turned to Google Street View to help them round up possible hiding-out locations. They identified a building that looked like a motel, confirmed it was one with a subsequent Google search and then called the Virginia State Police, who visited the motel and found the grandmother and the girl.

The moral of this story is: Police know how to Google now. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

TomTom Go 740 Live: Their Connected GPS

TomTom's Go 740 Live GPS is their first to have a cellular connection built-in, used to download traffic weather and friend finder information.

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* TomTom_GO_740_LIVE_front_replanning
* TomTom_GO_740_LIVE_front_traffic
* TomTom_GO_740_LIVE_front_white_services
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Old TomTom's had cellular data capabilities with very limited models, over bluetooth, through your cellular handset, but model support, but having this service built in, free for a year. The unit also records map data corrections, and in Wikipedia style. And I really have been liking TomTom's advanced lane guidance, which draws a pretty nice illustration of complicated turn offs.

This TomTom also uses "IQ Route" tech to measure arrival times, based on time of day and weekend vs weekday traffic patterns, gathered from users who dock and sync their navs with software. But, unlike Dash and Telenav Shotgun, it can't upload in real time, so you're not getting real time data for traffic jams from other users. (You get it from other providers.)

The device works on a GPRS network, leading me to believe its on AT&T, since they've been very into providing service for devices lately.

You can't really preview a GPS while sitting in a show room, but this seems like a decent device, given TomTom's move towards connectivity in it, and the hardware design is stellar, with a twist grip for the compact suction cup, and speaker grill in the back.

I would like the device to perhaps get some live uploading of traffic, but as we saw with Dash, that is a hard thing to master

Windows 7 Beta Now Available

As I mentioned perhaps all too subtly in my Ballmer keynote post, Windows 7 Beta is now available to MSDN and TechNet subscribers, with wide availability on Friday, January 9. [Microsoft]

Hands On Giinii Movit Mini The Android Tablet

The idea sounds so sexy: An Android tablet. Remarkably thin, with over four inches of touchscreen, like an Android iPod touch. Actually, that's a lot what it's like.

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Namely, 'cause there's no cellphone—Wi-Fi only. But since it's Android, you can obviously VOIP out of the box, so it's not THAT big of a deal. At $149, with no carrier contract to deal with, it's comparable in that way too.

Software, we know what we're dealing with, so let's talk input and hardware. The soft keyboard itself—necessary since there isn't a hardware one—is excellent: great layout, perfect size, even for massive, hulking gorilla hands. But the resistive touchscreen left a lot to be desired—not nearly as responsive as the capacitive screen on the G1, it was hard to push buttons, and an epic feat to scroll more than once.

Obviously, it's a prototype, so we can't be too harsh on it, but it definitely has a ways to go before it's ready. But the idea: an Android tablet in an fantastic form factory is so, so sexy.

PicClick: Look for What You're Looking for

We all use search engines day in and day out to find things that we're seeking. And while traditional searching techniques are great, sometimes you can't quite put what you want into words. But you're sure that you'll know it when you see it. At those times, a picture is worth a thousand word-based searches. If this sounds familiar, PicClick - a new visual search engine for eBay and Amazon listings - may be your answer.

To use PicClick, simply choose either the Amazon or eBay tab, enter a basic search term or drill down using pre-selected topics, and add price information if you like. Then, hit search and - voila - your browser is suddenly filled with a series of thumbnails, giving you a visual representation of the available products matching your criteria.
PicClick Search

Aside from being visually compelling, PicClick is fast. It manages to return relevant results exceedingly quickly. Plus, flying through hundreds of entries seems a great deal easier without having extemporaneous information cluttering the page.

Clicking on any of the thumbnails takes you directly to the product page on the respective site. Thumbnails too small? There's a slider that dynamically changes the size of the images.

According to StartupSD, the service is the latest brainchild of the prolific Ryan Sit, the developer who created FavThumbs - a similar visual browser for delicious bookmarks, Favtape - which Frederic Lardinois called "Muxtape on steroids," and Swlurl - which RWW's Marshall Kirkpatrick described as "your lifestream made beautiful."

To start - literally - looking for what you're looking for on Amazon and eBay, visit PicClick.

 
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