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Wii: Donkey Kong Country Returns

Posted by admin On November - 1 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

The Donkey Kong Country series provide a fun game platform for the Wii, a very cool kids gadget.  The latest, Donkey Kong Country Returns, will be released on November 21th.  
Preorder now at Amazon. Cool Gadgets: Wii Donkey Kong Country Returns

Amazon.com Product Description

Inspired by earlier games in the Donkey Kong Country series, Donkey Kong Country Returns is a new take on a beloved Nintendo franchise. The first Donkey Kong Country game developed for play for Wii, this new iteration blends familiar actions, levels and characters with a whole new graphical treatment and feel, as well as new control schemes and play options. Features include: a co-op play option allowing you to team up as Donkey Kong and Diddy, radically different visuals ranging from nearly 3D treatment to others that appear in silhouette, two different controller schemes and more.

Donkey Kong Country Returns game logo

A New Country for Old Friends

Under the influence of a group of evil Tikis, the animals of Donkey Kong Island have raided Donkey Kong’s banana hoard and stolen his stash of bananas – and being an ape of large appetites he understandably wants them back. Good thing that you are along for the ride. With Donkey Kong Country Returns, Retro Studios brings Donkey Kong back to a banana and platforming hungry public in a new side-scrolling adventure with familiar characters and new levels that reignite the passion players had for the Super NES original and all things Donkey Kong.

Donkey Kong and Diddy from Donkey Kong Country Returns

Join Donkey Kong and sidekick Diddy in a
whole new side-scrolling adventure.
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Gameplay

Like earlier Donkey Kong Country games, Donkey Kong Country Returns is a side-scrolling platformer, but although the game contains classic references, as well as levels and activities reminiscent of earlier games in the series, it is far from a remake. In fact, Donkey Kong Country Returns stands very much on its own not only in its nearly 3D status, but also in its new visual treatment and control scheme. The game features the familiar team of Donkey Kong and his little buddy Diddy Kong. The goal is make your way across Donkey Kong Island collecting bananas and search for hidden items as you swing on vines, ride mine carts and more as you avoid the variety of enemies and situations set against you. New silhouette graphical treatment of both game heroes and enemies in certain levels also introduces new challenges, as players must perform all actions from within an entirely new perspective. The game also features the players choice of either the Wii Remote/Nunchuk controller configuration, or a sideways oriented Wii Remote. In addition to simple navigation and jumping movements, the Wii Remote also allows for a variety of other actions, including: ground pounds, rolls and even air blowing with simple, yet timed shaking of the remote.

In addition, the game also contains fun and user-friendly co-op functionality. In co-op mode players take on the role of either Donkey Kong or Diddy. Both characters have abilities of their own, but work together. Beyond this the game takes possibilities for cooperation even further, especially with players of different skill levels, as Diddy can if need be simply rest on Donkey Kong’s shoulder and let him do all the work at times. In the event of death, either character can also be revived by the other by hitting a Donkey Kong barrel within the game. The game also continues the series’ use of additional animal friends such as Rambi the Rhino, who can serve as a battering ram and can be ridden in certain areas of the game.

Key Game Features

  • Retro Studios faithfully restores everything that made the original series great, from barrel cannons to mine carts, and then builds on those elements with stunning graphics and new layers of depth to the world and game play. The game offers the traditional side-scrolling experience everyone loved, but with levels created in fully rendered 3D environments.
  • Diddy Kong joins the quest. With his trusty backpack, he can produce a jet pack or Peanut Pop Guns to give Donkey Kong more abilities.
  • For the first time ever, the franchise features the ability for two people to play together at the same time – one as Donkey Kong, one as Diddy Kong. Players can navigate the levels separately or as one unit. Diddy Kong can ride on Donkey Kong’s back and hop off whenever he pleases, allowing novice players to ride on Donkey Kong’s back through more challenging areas of the game.*
  • Hidden items, puzzle pieces and other surprises are found all through the jungle. Spell out K-O-N-G by the end of each level to earn an extra bonus.
  • Motion controls give players a real feeling of control. Players move Donkey Kong using the Control Stick on the Nunchuk controller and can shake the Wii Remote controller to make Donkey Kong slap the ground.
  • Vibrant colors, beautiful graphics and fun characters draw players in. Even people who have never played a Donkey Kong game before can pick up a controller and start collecting loads of bananas.
  • Every level offers new fun and new challenges. Sometimes Donkey Kong is running through the jungle, sometimes his action takes place on a tropical beach and other times he must become a master of timing as he jumps chasms in a mine cart.

Additional Screenshots

Blowing functionality unleashed via Wii Remote in Donkey Kong Country Returns

Special abilities via Wii remote.
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Silhouetted co-op level from Donkey Kong Country Returns

New silhouetted levels.
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Donkey Kong and Diddy chasing bananas in a mining car in Donkey Kong Country Returns

Familiar actions & environments.
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Co-op screen as Donkey Kong and Diddy try to platform past a giant octopus in Donkey Kong Country Returns

Co-op play and new enemies.
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* Additional accessories required and are sold separately.

Product Description

After 14 years, Donkey Kong Country has returned with an all-new banana-hoarding adventure only on Wii!! Donkey Kong makes his triumphant return by going back to his running and jumping roots in an all-new barrel-blasting, rail-riding and ground-pounding adventure! The Donkey Kong Country series comes to life on Wii in lushly rendered environments that will have you running left to right, hunting high and low and blasting front to back to scour eight worlds in search of hidden coins, puzzle pieces, and Donkey Kong’s stolen banana hoard. Diddy Kong joins the adventure with his own moves, special combo abilities and a series-first two-player cooperative mode. When playing alone, Donkey Kong carries Diddy Kong on his back, giving a jet powered boost to his jumps. In co-op play a second-player can also join on any level, controlling Diddy Kong independently or riding on DK’s back to power through stages together, allowing players of all ages and skill levels to experience the fun of Donkey Kong Country Returns. The Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers put the brute force of a great ape in the palms of your hands. Shake the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller s to slap the ground, stunning enemies, demolishing objects and activating explosive switches. A quick shake while running sends Donkey Kong power rolling through lines of enemies. Add in skillful jumps, grabbing and throwing objects and clinging to vines on walls and ceilings, and you’ll be racing through stages like a true king of the jungle.


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Panasonic 3D Plasma TV (TC-P50GT25)

Posted by admin On October - 31 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

I am keeping my eye on these next generation televisions with 3D technology.  I believe the Panasonic and Sony brands are the better ones, although Samsung could be a close third.  On the other hand, I have yet to own one, so my opinion is not that credible.   I am surprised that many models are now under $2000 (USD).
Available Now with Free Shipping at Amazon. Cool Gadgets: Panasonic 3D TV

Product Description

Step into the 3D World. Panasonic’s 49.9-inch VIERA TC-P50GT25 Full HD 3D Plasma TV creates an all-new viewing experience by putting you right inside the action. With brand new 3D technologies for serious realism, VIERA Cast for accessing Internet content, THX certification, a wealth of analog and digital inputs and outputs, and plenty more, it’s the key to experiencing true theater in your own home.

VIERA TC-P50GT25

Brand new 3D technologies, VIERA Cast, THX certification, a wealth of and outputs, and plenty more. Click here for a larger image
Frame Sequential Technology: Full HD Signals for Each Eye

The method used to send left-eye and right-eye 3D images viewers is key to the 3D image quality, and Full HD 3D uses what’s called Frame Sequential technology. The GT25 series plasma display panel allows images for each eye to be alternately reproduced at the rate of 60 frames per second (fps), making a total fps for both eyes. Viewers watch the images through high-precision 3D Eyewear (not included), which open and close the left and right shutters in synchronization with the alternating images. As a result, a separate 1920 x 1080 full-HD image is sent to each eye. This addresses the image quality problems and blurring that were common to earlier 3D systems, and creates sharp, crisp 3D images.

The Frame Sequential Technology requires images to be displayed at 1/120 of a second–twice as fast as ordinary full-HD images. If the luminescence time for each frame were simply shortened, the screen brightness would be lowered. To solve this problem, panasonic shortened the luminescence time and raised the luminescence intensity, to keep things bright and detailed.

Crosstalk Reduction Technology: Clear 3D Display with Minimal Afterimage

As mentioned above, the Frame Sequential technology shortens the luminescence time for each frame. If the pixel afterglow remains unchanged, the previous image will remain as an afterimage when the next image is produced. Newly developed fast-decay R and G phosphors reduce the afterimage time to 1/3, to ensure 3D images are displayed with no visible afterimage.

3D Eyewear: High-Precision Shutter Control Sends Clear Images to Each Eye

Highly precise control completely closes the shutters for both eyes at the instant that the images change for the left and right eyes. This masks unwanted afterimages to enable clear and comfortable 3D viewing. Eyewear sold separately.

Infinite Black Panel

A new panel and improvements to the cell discharge area dramatically increase contrast when viewing in brightly lit locations, as well as reducing the electrical pre-discharge that causes graying has greatly enhanced black gradation. As a result, deep, rich blacks are displayed in virtually any viewing area, from living rooms to bedrooms. Even in dark film scenes, fine textures such as on clothing, are clearly reproduced.

VIERA TC-P50GT25 3D

Add 3D eyewear for a full-HD 3D image that puts you right inside the action.


VIERA TC-P50GT25 Infinite Black Panel

With Panasonic’s “Infinite Black Panel,” deep, rich blacks are displayed in virtually any viewing area, from living rooms to bedrooms.


VIERA TC-P50GT25 VIERA CAST

Get a wealth of Internet-delivered content with VIERA Cast, from Netflix to Skype.
VIERA Cast: Great Web Entertainment, Home Video Conferencing, and More

The age of the Internet TV is well underway, and VIERA Cast’s assorted online content keeps getting better. In addition to the popular content such as YouTube and Picasa Web Albums, it now offers Pandora Internet Radio, movies streamed from Netflix (paid service), exciting sports from FOX Sports, tweeting web communications with Twitter, and even home video and audio conferencing with Skype. It also provides USB terminals for a keyboard and Wireless LAN Adaptor. (No PC required; Skype function requires an optional communication camera TY-CC10.)

THX Certified Display: Real Film Experience

THX reproduces film images as the filmmakers intended them. The overall aim was to improve the experience of cinema-goers and faithfully recreate the audio and visual ambience that filmmakers intended. To receive THX certification, TVs undergo stringent tests to determine, for example, whether the exact same brightness and color are displayed at all screen locations, and whether black levels satisfy standard criteria. VIERA meets the high standards set by the THX Certified Display Program.

600Hz Sub-Field Drive: Crisp, Clear Moving Pictures

600Hz technology lets you view superb full-HD motion and still images with 1,080 lines of resolution. For even greater clarity with motion images, Panasonic uses its own unique image-analysis technology. This technology converts the motion in each scene into dots. And each frame is practically displayed for a shorter length of time than in previous systems, to reduce aftereffects.

VIERA Image Viewer: Easy Viewing of Full-HD Photos and Videos

It’s easy to view full-HD images with the SD card slot. Watch and show your photos and motion images right after you take them. Simply insert an SD Memory Card into your VIERA HDTV to display photos and full-HD videos on the large screen. You can also choose from among 5 types of background music and 5 display effects. It’s much more fun when you can view them on a large screen HDTV with family and friends.

VIERA Link: Operation With a Single Remote

For those who own multiple VIERA devices–VIERA Link allows interconnected operation of various AV devices using only the VIERA remote control, by simply connecting compatible devices to each other by an HDMI cable.

x.v.Color

x.v.Color is the new standard in high-definition color, which delivers up to 80 percent more color than standard HDTV for breathtaking realism and vivid, natural colors.

VIERA Tools

With the new VIERA Tools user interface, simply press a button on the remote control and icons such as the photos or movies from the menu screen. Now you can just select the one you want. This kind of easy operation means you have more fun and less hassle.

The Next Level of Video Gaming

Take your team to the championship and your gaming to the next level. A specialized Game Mode helps ensure fluid and seamless gameplay by minimizing time lag when displaying game images. With Game Mode turned on, you get the motion resolution and enhanced details you need to win. And don’t worry about racking up all those long hours playing; anti-image retention technology and a remarkable 100,000 hour panel life ensure that your VIERA HDTV will still run smoothly and beautifully long after you score the game-winning goal.

TC-P50GT25 Select Specifications

Video
Screen Size Diagonal: 49.9 Inches
Contrast Ratio: Infinite Black/5,000,000:1 Native
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Native Resolution (Number of Pixels): 2,073,600 (1,920 x 1,080)
Moving Picture Resolution: 1080 Lines
Shades of Gradation: 6,144 equivalent
Audio
Speakers: Full-range x 2 (L, R)
Number of Speakers: 2
Audio Output: 20 W (10% THD)
Surround Sound: Yes
Inputs & Jacks
Integrated ATSC Tuner: Yes
HDMI Input: 3 (1 side)
Composite Video Input: 2 (1 side)
Audio Input (for Video): 2 (1 side)
PC Input: D-sub 15-pin x 1
Component Video Inputs (Y, PB, PR): 2
Audio Input (for Component Video): 2
Digital Audio Output (Optical): 1
HDMI Input-Support Feature: Audio Return Channel (Input 1) / 3D Input (All)
Analog Audio Input ( for HDMI/DVI): Yes
USB: 2
LAN Port: 1
Weight and Dimensions
Dimensions (WxHxD): 30.3″ x 48.0″ x 3.5″ (31.9″ x 48.0″ x 13.2″ with stand)
Weight: 57.3 lbs. (63.9 lbs. with stand)

What’s in the Box

Panasonic TC-P50GT25 Plasma Television, Remote Control With Two AA Batteries, AC Cord, Pedestal, Operating Instructions, VIERA Concierge and Quick Start Guide, Product Registration Card (U.S.A.)

Product Description

The Panasonic GT25 VIERA 3D Plasma TV is yet another high-end display to ride the mounting tsunami of panels which turn traditional passive viewing into a completely interactive experience with radically immersive 3D technology. Cue up a 3D movie in …


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Panasonic Dect 6.0 Cordless Phones

Posted by admin On October - 30 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

I have owned 3 generations of Panasonic cordless phones for my home, and never encountered any problems. These phones are cool, useful gadgets with excellent features. They are rated 4+ stars out of 5 by 200+ Amazon buyers.
On Sale Now with Free Shipping at Amazon. Cool Gadgets: Panasonic Dect 6.0

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer At Panasonic, we never stop trying to increase our knowledge of the ways in which technology can improve people’s lives. That’s why we’ve engineered our latest line of DECT 6.0 digital telephones with even more innovative features that enhance the way you communicate. Designed to complement your lifestyle and improve the way you live, our 2009 line features big button handsets and larger, clearer displays in sleek, simple packages.

Panasonic DECT 6.0 phones feature big button handsets and larger, clearer displays in sleek, simple packages.

All-digital answering machine ensures messages are saved, even during power outages.

Long Range, Excellent Clarity and Greater Security
DECT 6.0 (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology lets you move freely around your home with long range and amazingly clear sound. It also assures greater protection against eavesdropping for all your calls. Operating in the 1.9GHz frequency range, your phone will not conflict with other wireless devices such as computer routers, wireless keyboards, microwave ovens and other common household devices.

Put a Handset in Every Room
With five handsets (one base and four satellite handsets) and the option of adding one handset1 — all while using only one base and one phone jack — go ahead and put one in the den, the kitchen, the master bedroom and the living room so you won’t have to make a run for it when the phone rings.

Silent Mode Lets You Choose When and Where the Phone Rings
Now you can program each handset to ring — or not — at your discretion. Before going to sleep, simply set the bedside handset to Silent Mode so that it won’t ring in your bedroom. In the meantime, the handset in the den will still ring when that important call comes in without disturbing the person who’s sleeping.

The Phone That Talks
Now you don’t have to be holding the phone to see who’s calling. Using text-to-speech technology, the Caller ID2 information is announced between rings. The phone also boasts a talking alarm clock that will tell you when it’s time for lunch, and a talking battery alert that politely tells you when your battery is low with a “Please charge phone” reminder.

Block Unwanted Calls
Store the Caller ID info of any and all unwanted callers into your phone’s Call Block list so that you can eliminate future pesky calls. After the information is stored, those unwanted callers will receive a busy signal when they call you again.

Never Miss a Call with the Light-Up Indicator
Don’t miss important calls when the ringer is off. The Light-Up Indicator with Ringer Alert at the base of the antenna will flash quickly to show that you have an incoming call, and it will flash slowly to let you know you have a new message. So turn off the ringer and never miss a call.

1. Additional handsets sold separately.
2. Requires subscription to name-and-number Caller ID, call waiting and/or voice mail services offered by certain local telephone companies for a fee.

KX-TG6445T includes these additional features:

  • Expandable up to six handsets
  • Up to four-way conference capability
  • Dial keypad on base
  • Intercom handset to base
  • Handset locator

What’s in the Box
Five cordless handsets, one base, four chargers, one telephone cord line, five AC adapters, ten batteries, five belt clips, one wall mount kit, and operating instructions.

Product Description

Panasonic KX-TG6445T Dect 6.0 Cordless Phone with Answering Machine


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Call of Duty: Black-Ops

Posted by admin On October - 29 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

Another cool game for cool gadgets (PS3 and XBOX 360) to be released on November 9th. My kids enjoy the “Call of Duty” series due to the awesome graphics (Note for Parents: this is rated M for Mature meaning recommended only for ages 17+).
Preorder now at Amazon. Cool Gadgets: Call of Duty - Black Ops

Amazon.com Product Description

Call of Duty: Black Ops is a first-person shooter with stealth and tactical play aspect that puts players in the role of a shadow soldier fighting in a variety of historically representative fictional Black Ops missions of the Cold War era. Created with the input of actual Black Ops soldiers from the time, the game mixes traditional Call of Duty tactical shooter gameplay with new gameplay options designed to expand the players’ experience. Additional features include extensive multiplayer options, along with new vehicles and explosive new weapons.

Call of Duty: Black Ops game logo

Putting Out the Hotspots of the Cold War
Follow-up to 2009’s blockbuster Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops breaks new ground in the Call of Duty series and the video game industry at large by delving into the not-so cold conflicts of the Cold War.

Black Ops solidier with face in shadow from Call of Duty: Black Ops

Relive the Cold War COD style.
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Inspired by the experiences of real Black Ops soldiers of the era, the missions of Call of Duty: Black Ops take the player to a wide variety of settings, ranging from snowbound mountain strongholds in historical Soviet held territories, to the jungles and urban settings of Vietnam War era SE Asia. Throughout all, care has been taken to maintain the traditional essence of Call of Duty style combat, while also introducing new types of player action that add to the gameplay experience. Additional features include co-op, versus and team-based multiplayer options, new vehicles like the SR-71 Blackbird and lethal new weapons such as explosive-tipped crossbows.

Key Game Features

  • Seventh installment of the Call of Duty series, based on the live fire conflicts of the Cold War era.
  • Diverse variety of play setting ranging from urban air and ground combat in SE Asia, to snow combat in Soviet region and jungle combat.
  • Blending of traditional COD, and new first-person character scenarios designed to both retain the essence of the COD gaming experience and ensure constantly flowing and varied action.
  • New arsenal of weapons and vehicles tied to the Cold War era, including the SR-71 Blackbird and sited explosive-tipped crossbows.
  • Wide array of play modes including single player, local multiplayer versus and online co-op and multiplayer.

Additional Screenshots:

Base jumping off a snowcapped mountain side in Call of Duty: Black Ops
Variety in gameplay action.
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Ground units in an urban Vietnem War setting in Call of Duty: Black Ops
COD style multiplayer.
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US gunship firing at ground targets in an urban Vietnamese setting in Call of Duty: Black Ops
Cold war themed action.
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Soldier decked out for snow combat in a Soviet setting in Call of Duty: Black Ops
Diverse play settings.
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Product Description

The newest installment in the biggest action series of all time and the follow-up to last year’s blockbuster Modern Warfare 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops launches on November 9, 2010.

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Canon EOS Rebel T1i

Posted by admin On October - 28 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

This Canon camera is a cool gadget and has been in the top 100 list at Amazon for the last year and a half. Canons and Nikons are the top two DSLR cameras. It is currently rated 4+ out of 5 stars and reviewed by over 300+ buyers.   Available Now at Amazon with Free Shipping Cool Gadgets: Canon Rebel T1i Camera

From the Manufacturer

Canon’s new EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch resistant coating, and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i digital SLR highlights

An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner. You’ll have uncompromised EOS Digital performance with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand.

EOS Rebel T1i Highlights

New 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
Canon’s CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range and offers the most pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies as used by Canon’s professional cameras to maximize each pixel’s light gathering efficiency. Its APS-C size sensor creates an effective 1.6x field of view (compared to 35mm format). Canon’s DIGIC 4 Image Processor dramatically speeds up all camera operations for intuitive operation and offers improvements in both fine detail and natural color reproduction. It works in concert with the EOS Rebel T1i’s image sensor to achieve unprecedented levels of performance in all lighting situations.

14-bit A/D Conversion
With the EOS Rebel T1i, analog to digital signal conversion is executed by a 14-bit processor, which generates digital data with incredibly smooth tones. A feature that originally appeared in top-of-the-line pro digital SLR cameras, the 14-bit conversion gives incredibly smooth transitions from light to dark colors with far less risk of “banding.” A sky at sunset is a perfect example. With this rich 14-bit gradation, the EOS Rebel T1i offers RAW images of the highest quality that can be processed with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software. Even JPEG files, which are always finished at 8-bits per channel, use the full 14-bit conversion initially to generate the best possible color and tonal detail.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i digital SLR highlights

Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution
The EOS Rebel T1i shoots brilliant video, even in full high definition. By simply selecting Movie mode on the EOS Rebel T1i’s mode dial, the camera’s 3.0-inch LCD lights up, and it’s ready to go. Shooting is at a frame rate of 30 fps when shooting SD or HD quality video (640 x 480 and 1280 x 720 pixels, respectively) and at a frame rate of 20 fps in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) recording. Sound is recorded through the camera’s built-in microphone. Playback modes are simple to access, and all Live View AF features can be used in shooting video.

Live View Function for stills and video
With Live View Function on the EOS Rebel T1i, you can enjoy nearly every camera function available in normal shooting, all with the convenience of composing on the camera’s brilliant 3.0-inch LCD monitor. You can zoom in and navigate the composition and there’s even a grid overlay for architectural shots. Live View focusing modes include Quick mode, Live mode and Face Detection AF mode and these are easily selectable through the convenient Live View Function menu.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i digital SLR highlights

Wide range ISO setting 100-3200
The EOS Rebel T1i features a greatly expanded ISO range that makes shooting possible in situations previously impossible without flash. With an expanded setting to ISO 3200 (ISO expansion: 6400, 12800), along with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor’s improved noise-reduction technology, your creative possibilities are nearly endless. Combine the EOS Rebel T1i with one of Canon’s EF/EF-S lenses with Optical Image Stabilizer and watch your shooting possibilities expand even further.

3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA) monitor
The EOS Rebel T1i has a 3.0-inch high resolution LCD monitor that features 920,000 dots/VGA for far more detail than previous Rebel-series LCDs. It’s the same screen found on professional models such as the EOS 5D Mark II. A number of features enhance usability: an anti-reflective and water-repellant coating provides a clearer and more smudge-resistant surface and screen brightness can be adjusted in 7 steps in accordance with ambient light.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i digital SLR highlights

Auto Lighting Optimizer for superior highlight-shadow control
The EOS Rebel T1i’s Auto Lighting Optimizer is yet another image-quality tool that comes to the rescue in tricky lighting conditions. It can actually lighten dark areas of a scene while ensuring that bright areas maintain tonal detail. It’s available in all shooting modes, including P, Tv, Av and Manual.

Creative Auto goes a step beyond auto allowing control
Especially for beginners looking to expand their photographic horizons, the EOS Rebel T1i offers Creative Auto mode. While basic settings are based on full automatic operation, shooting guides on the LCD screen enable you to make corrections based on simple to follow guidelines. In essence, with Creative Auto mode, you can learn about photography while taking stunning photographs.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i digital SLR highlights

Compatible with over 60 Canon EF/EF-S lenses and most EOS System accessories
EOS Rebel T1i is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF and EF-S lineup, ranging from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto lenses. Canon lenses employ advanced optical expertise and micron-precision engineering to deliver unprecedented performance in all facets of the photographic process. Special optical technologies, such as Aspherical, ultra-low dispersion, or fluorite elements are featured in the universally acclaimed L-series lenses, and Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology is featured in select lenses, including the EF-S 18-55mm IS lens bundled with the EOS Rebel T1i, to minimize the effect of camera shake. With Canon lenses, you can truly maximize the quality and performance of the EOS camera.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i digital SLR highlights

Flash Photography
The EOS Rebel T1i features Canon’s acclaimed E-TTL II flash metering system. With any EX-series Speedlite, E-TTL II provides reliable flash output whether shooting fill-in flash pictures in sunlight or using flash in total darkness. With E-TTL II, the exact same 35-zone metering sensor used for measuring ambient light is also used for flash metering–giving even finer metering command of the image area. If you prefer a broader area for flash metering, there’s a menu setting to change to “Average” flash metering–where the entire 35-zone area is measured evenly for flash exposure.

Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i digital SLR highlights
T1i DSLR with optional Speedlite

Software

Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk (Version 20)
The EOS Rebel T1i comes bundled with a Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk, which features powerful software programs designed to extend the EOS experience to the computer. These include Canon’s EOS Utility (Version 2.6), Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.6), ZoomBrowser EX for Windows (Version 6.3), ImageBrowser for Macintosh OS X (Version 6.3), the Picture Style Editor (Version 1.5), PhotoStitch (version 3.2), WFT Utility (version 3.3). Each application is designed to perfect the captured images and streamline the digital workflow.
Compatible Operating System
Windows: Windows XP SP2 or SP3/ Windows Vista (all version except the Starter Edition)
Macintosh: OS X 10.4 to 10.5

EOS Utility (Version 2.6) for Macintosh or Windows handles the connection between the camera and computer, whenever they’re connected via USB. It allows remote controlled shooting from the computer, handles downloading of images from the camera to the computer, and allows seamless linking to either Canon’s ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser or Digital Photo Professional software once images have been copied to the hard drive. Furthermore, it’s used to upload settings back into a USB-connected camera.

Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.6) is an image processing program that enables high-speed RAW image processing, high-speed previewing for real-time image adjustment and support for sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces. Because it’s CMS (Color Management System) compatible, Digital Photo Professional allows for easy image layout and printing in Adobe RGB in conjunction with Easy-PhotoPrint and PictBridge printers. It also features the Dust Delete Data Detection tool for cleaner images.

Picture Style Editor (Version 1.5) enables you to create custom Picture Style profiles that can be used to customize the appearance of JPEG and RAW images captured with EOS Digital SLR cameras. Picture Style files created with Picture Style Editor can be loaded into the EOS cameras that support Picture Style and may also be used when processing RAW images in Canon software applications Digital Photo Professional, ZoomBrowser EX (for Windows) and ImageBrowser (for Mac).

ZoomBrowser EX (Version 6.3) for Windows and ImageBrowser (Version 6.3) for Mac OS X are the easy, user-friendly options for viewing and editing of JPEG and even RAW image files. Both allow viewing of numerous types of images including finished TIFF and BMP files. Both also have a variety of search options for finding images, allow re-naming of single images or batches of files, and offer a variety of options for printing without using a separate image-editing program.

What’s in the Box

EOS Rebel T1i Body
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Eyecup Ef (Not shown)
C. Wide Strap EW-100DBIII
USB Interface Cable IFC-200U
AV Cable AVC-DC400
Battery Pack LP-E5
Battery Charger LC-E5
EOS Digital Solution Disk and Instruction Manuals
“Great Photography is Easy” Booklet and “Do More with Macro” Booklet (not shown)

Product Description

  • 15.0-megapixel CMOS sensor
    Captures high-resolution images up to 1920 x 1080 for images with exceptional clarity and tonal range.
  • EF lens mount
    For use with Canon EF and EF-S interchangeable lenses (lenses not included).
  • 3″ color Live View LCD monitor
    With auto lighting for viewing in bright sunshine.
  • Face detection technology
    Isolates subjects in-frame and optimizes conditions to take the best pictures of friends and family.
  • TTL full-aperture metering exposure controls
    With auto, manual, program, shutter- and aperture-priority, depth-of-field AE and E-TTL II auto flash modes.
  • 9-point autofocus
    With auto and manual point selection.
  • Flash modes
    Include auto, red-eye reduction on/off, flash sync, flash on and flash off.
  • White balance options
    Include auto, daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten light, white fluorescent light, flash, custom, WB-BKT and white balance correction for natural tones in different lighting conditions.
  • Media slot
    Supports Secure Digital and Secure Digital High Capacity media (media not included). Record JPEG and RAW images.
  • USB 2.0 interface and mini HDMI output
    For fast transfer or printing.
  • EOS Digital Solution software included
    Helps you transfer, store, organize and edit your photos.
Cool Gadgets Featured Gadgets Gadget Gifts

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II

Posted by igadget On October - 27 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

A cool game for cool gadgets (PS3 and XBOX 360). Just released today by Lucas Arts is the sequel to “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed”. My kids are PS3 fanatics and they like the action games with great graphics. Available now (with special offer of US $10 off on future purchase) at Amazon. Cool Gadgets: Star Wars PS3

Product Description

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II is a single player action game for PS3 and sequel to 2008′s Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Following a unique storyline revolving around Darth Vader’s secret apprentice, that parallels the events of Star Wars: Episode III and Episode IV, The Force Unleashed II revels in addictive and over-the-top Force-based gameplay powers which include those seen in the first game as well as new powerful additions like Force Fury and the Jedi Mind Trick. Additional features include dual-wielded light sabers, increased puzzle-solving gameplay, expanded customization and all-new combo attacks.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II game logo

The Epic Saga Continues
The Star Wars Saga continues with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, the highly anticipated sequel to the fastest-selling Star Wars game ever created, which has sold more than seven million copies worldwide. In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, the world was introduced to Darth Vader’s now fugitive apprentice, Starkiller-the unlikely hero who would ignite the flames of rebellion in a galaxy so desperately in need of a champion.

In the sequel, Starkiller returns with over-the-top Force powers and embarks on a journey to discover his own identity and to reunite with his one true love, Juno Eclipse. In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, Starkiller is once again the pawn of Darth Vader-but instead of training his protégé as a ruthless assassin, the Dark Lord is attempting to clone his former apprentice in an attempt to create the Ultimate Sith warrior. The chase is on – Starkiller is in pursuit of Juno and Darth Vader is hunting for Starkiller.

Starkiller using Force lightening against stormtroopers in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II

Continue the adventures of Darth Vader’s fugitive apprentice Starkiller.
View larger.

All-New Abilities and Tactics
With all-new devastating Force powers and the ability to dual-wield lightsabers, Starkiller cuts a swath through deadly new enemies across exciting worlds from the Star Wars films – all in his desperate search for answers to his past. Along with using the power of the force to puzzle-solve by creating paths where there once were none, players can also look forward to a new explosive abilities. A few of these are Force Fury, a temporary ratcheting up of standard Force powers far beyond normal levels, and the Jedi Mind Trick that can make enemies either act as allies in combat, or cause them to take their own lives.

Key Game Features

  • Continue the galaxy-altering journey of Starkiller, Darth Vader’s fugitive apprentice, that shapes the key events between Star Wars: Episode III and Episode IV
  • Unleash the Force with more power and precision through improved controls and new powers, such as the deceptive Mind Trick, which turns enemies against their allies
  • Discover the true power of Starkiller with Force Fury, where his attacks and Force powers are exponentially increased
  • Improved targeting system enhances precision use of Force powers and greater interaction with puzzles and the environment
  • Take combat to the next level with the ability to wield dual lightsabers and punish enemies with all-new combo attacks
  • Experience the most lifelike interactions with Pixelux Entertainment’s Digital Molecular Matter (DMM) coupled with euphoria from Natural Motion LTD and the powerful Havok Physics system
  • Expanded customization options such as new costumes and power-enhancing lightsaber crystals
  • Fight through all-new challenge levels designed to test and hone your fighting and Force power skills
  • Skillfully manage your combat techniques to defeat a variety of brand-new enemies, which will culminate in epic boss battles
  • Immerse yourself once again in the story that was honored with awards from the Writer’s Guild of America and the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences

Additional Screenshots:

Starkiller's Force push powers magnified by Force Fury in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
Force powers old & new.
View larger.
A run for your life moment on Kamino in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
Run for your life moments.
View larger.
Dual-wielding light sabers againt a squad of stormtroopers in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
Dual wield light sabers.
View larger.
Starkiller battling a flamethrower wielding enemy in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
All-new powerful enemies.
View larger.

Sequel Description

The Star Wars Saga continues with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, the highly anticipated sequel to the fastest-selling Star Wars game ever created, which has sold more than seven million copies worldwide. In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, the world was introduced to Darth Vader’s now fugitive apprentice, Starkiller—the unlikely hero who would ignite the flames of rebellion in a galaxy so desperately in need of a champion. In the sequel, Starkiller returns with over-the-top Force powers and embarks on a journey to discover his own identity and to reunite with his one true love, Juno Eclipse. In Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, Starkiller is once again the pawn of Darth Vader—but instead of training his protégée as a ruthless assassin, the dark lord is attempting to clone his former apprentice in an attempt to create the Ultimate Sith warrior. The chase is on – Starkiller is in pursuit of Juno and Darth Vader is hunting for Starkiller. With all-new devastating Force powers and the ability to dual-wield lightsabers, Starkiller cuts a swath through deadly new enemies across exciting worlds from the Star Wars films – all in his desperate search for answers to his past.

Featured Gadgets Gadget Gifts

MacBook Air

Posted by admin On October - 26 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

Apple MacBooks are cool gadgets.  My business partner owns the MacBook Air (I have the MacBook Pro), and this recently announced MacBook Air is a bargain for under USD $1000.  You can preorder one now at Amazon. Cool Gadget: MacBook Air

Product Description

Introducing the new MacBook Air, the most mobile Mac in every way, shape, and form. It features all-flash storage, a Multi-Touch trackpad, a long-lasting battery, a high-resolution display, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, and NVIDIA graphics. All inside a unibody enclosure that’s light, thin, and strong enough to handle all your everyday tasks and then some, whether you’re on the couch, in a lecture hall, or at a conference. It’s mobility mastered.

11.6-inch Apple MacBook Air

The Apple MacBook Air–light, thin, and strong enough to take with you wherever you go.

This version of the MacBook Air sports an 11.6-inch high-resolution display, 1.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 64 GB of flash memory storage, 2 GB of RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor, and up to 5 hours of battery life (see full specifications below). It also comes with the Mac OS X Snow Leopard operating system as well as the iLife ’11 software suite, which includes the latest versions of iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand.

11.6-inch Apple MacBook Air

The MacBook Air with 11.6-inch screen (see larger image).

Key Features

Flash Memory Storage

By replacing the standard spinning hard drive typically found in laptops (as well as desktop PCs) with flash memory, the MacBook Air delivers an almost instantaneous boot-up when you open the display, as well as faster application launches and snappier overall performance. Additionally, Apple has shed the enclosure that typically surrounds flash memory (usually about the same size as a standard hard drive), thus giving it a smaller footprint and helping to decrease the size of the MacBook Air.

Glass Multi-Touch Trackpad

With the addition of the smooth, glass Multi-Touch trackpad previously found on other MacBook models, the MacBook Air makes it even easier to navigate Mac OS X and your software applications. You can pinch, swipe or rotate images on the display screen with the brush of two fingers, or add more digits for a four-fingered vertical swipe to open Expose and quickly glance at all of your open windows.

Integrated FaceTime Webcam

You’ll be able to easily connect with friends, family, and business colleagues using the MacBook Air’s FaceTime camera, which is integrated into the thin bezel above the display. And with Apple’s FaceTime application, you’re not limited to video chats with other Macs–you can now make video calls to iPhone and iPod touch users (Wi-Fi connection required for mobile users).

11.6-inch Apple MacBook Air keyboard

The spacious, full-sized keyboard (see larger image).
Intel Core 2 Duo Processing

Combining fast processing speeds with power-saving features, the Intel Core 2 Duo processor provides greater multitasking performance by combining two independent processor cores while also reducing power requirements and saving on battery life. This Intel Core 2 Duo processor has a 1.4 GHz processor speed, fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and 3 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system’s performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.)

High Performance Graphics

Powered by the NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics card, the MacBook Air allows you to view flawless video in full screen HD and play the latest games with fast frame rate. It’s a great match to editing video masterpieces with iMovie and managing your photos in iPhoto, and it comes with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM that’s shared with main memory.

Specifications

  • 11.6-inch LED-backlit glossy widescreen display with a 1366 x 768-pixel resolution
  • Up to 5 hours of wireless productivity plus up to 30 days of standby time
  • 1.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 3 MB on-chip shared L2 cache and 800 MHz frontside bus.
  • 64 GB flash memory storage
  • 2 GB installed RAM (1066 MHz DDR3; supports up to 4 GB)
  • NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor (with 256 MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared with main memory) for an outstanding everyday graphics experience.
  • Built-in FaceTime camera for video chatting
  • Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on 802.11n specification; 802.11a/b/g compatible)
  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) for connecting with peripherals such as keyboards, mice and cell phones
  • Two USB 2.0 ports with networking using optional Apple USB Ethernet adapter
  • Mini DisplayPort output port with support for DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI, and HDMI (requires adapters, sold separately)
  • Built-in stereo speakers along with omnidirectional microphone, headphone minijack
  • Full-size keyboard
  • Multi-Touch trackpad for precise cursor control; supports inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities
  • Dimensions: 11.8 x 7.56 x 0.68 inches (WxDxH)
  • Weight: 2.3 pounds
11.6-inch Apple MacBook Air ports
What’s in the Box

11.6-inch MacBook Air, 45W MagSafe power adapter, AC wall plug, and power cord, Software Reinstall Drive, printed and electronic documentation

Limited Warranty And Service

The MacBook Air comes with 90 days of free telephone support and a 1-year limited warranty, which can be extended to 3 years with the AppleCare Protection Plan.

Installed software

Mac OS X Snow Leopard is an even more powerful and refined version of the world’s most advanced operating system. In ways big and small, it gets faster, more reliable, and easier to use. New core technologies unleash the power of today’s advanced hardware technology and prepare Mac OS X for future innovation.

  • Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard (includes iTunes, Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools, and more)

iLife ’11 helps you do more with photos, movies, and music than you ever thought possible. In iPhoto, you can browse, edit, and share your photos in stunning new full-screen views. Create epic Hollywood-style movie trailers from your home video in iMovie. And GarageBand gives you everything you need to make a great-sounding song–including tools for keeping your song in perfect rhythm and guitar and piano lessons.

  • iLife (includes iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, iWeb, and iDVD)
AppleCare Protection Plan

Because Apple makes the hardware, the operating system, and many applications, the Mac is a truly integrated system. And only the AppleCare Protection Plan gives you one-stop service and support from Apple experts, so most issues can be resolved in a single call. Extend the complimentary service and support on your Mac to 3 years from the original Mac purchase date with the AppleCare Protection Plan. You get direct telephone access to Apple experts for technical questions, and you get global repair coverage–including both parts and labor–for your Mac and select Apple peripherals.

AppleCare Protection Plan


Cool Gadgets Featured Gadgets Laptops

Lightscribe Pen

Posted by admin On October - 25 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

A cool writing gadget – How about a smart pen that records while you are writing?   This seems to be the ultimate in note-taking and I am thinking of buying one for my son for college.  Note that this is the more recent design, known as Echo.  When they first came out, it was called Lightscribe Pulse.   Note also that it requires a special type of notebook. The pen is currently rated 4 out of 5 stars and reviewed by 45+ buyers.   Buy Now at Amazon Cool Gadget: Lightscribe Echo Pen

Product Description

At work. In class. Find what you need with a tap. The Echo smartpen from Livescribe records everything you hear, say and write, and links your audio recordings to your notes, so you can find what you need.

The Livescribe Echo Smartpen

The Livescribe Echo Smartpen (see a larger schematic image of all features).

Tap it. Get it.

The Echo smartpen records everything you hear and write, so you can find what you need with a simple tap. Ideal for meetings, conferences, or classes, this compact tool is as easy to carry as traditional pen-and-paper, but smarter. Replay your recorded audio anytime, anywhere, with a quick tap on your notes.

New cap and standard USB and 3.5mm headphone jack

New cap and standard USB
and 3.5mm headphone jack.

Launch Line functionality

Launch Line functionality.

Echo Enhancements

Redesigned with a sleeker look and more ergonomic feel, the Echo Smartpen features a new anti-roll body that’s easier to control as well as a smaller rubberized grip that ensures the Echo won’t slip out of your hands. It also comes with 2 caps to protect the Smartpen tip. The Echo has also been outfitted with a standard Micro USB port and 3.5mm audio jack on the flattened top of the Smartpen, as well as an OLED screen on the side to make it easy to navigate and interact with applications.

New Echo features include:

Launch Line
  • Draw a short line.
  • Write the name of an application on top of it (e.g., “Blackjack”).
  • Double-tap to select or wait a moment.
  • Tap around the written word (up, down, left, right) to navigate the menu as needed.
The Livescribe Echo Smartpen
Password
  • Protect your recorded paper replay sessions in the case of a lost Smartpen
  • Use a 4 digit number to protect the smartpen
  • Forget your password? Reset it through your registered copy of the Livescribe Desktop software
Smartpen Name
  • Give your smartpen a name when you set up Livescribe Desktop.
  • The same name is briefly shown when you turn on the smartpen.
  • Ideal for personalization and identification–particularly useful in office and classroom environments where multiple smartpens are in use.

4 GB of Memory

The Echo Smartpen offers 4 GB of memory to hold over 400 hours of audio or 64,000 pages of notes (actual recording time varies by audio quality setting). It works exclusively with Livescribe dot paper (starter set included), which activates all Smartpen applications.

Save, Organize, and Search

Using the Livescribe Desktop, you can upload, save and play back your notes and audio from your PC or Mac. Type in specific words or phrases in the search window, and the Livescribe Desktop will highlight every place you wrote them in your notes. Plus, you can organize your digital notes simply by dragging and dropping pages in to custom notebooks. *Note: custom notebook feature available for Mac users in September.

Send and Share

Its easy to share your notes or recordings publically or privately as a PDF, audio file, or a pencast. What’s a pencast? A pencast is an interactive flash movie of your handwritten notes and audio. You can publish pencasts online, share them privately via email, or post them directly on Facebook.

Smartpen Applications

Some of the available Smartpen apps.
Smartpen Applications

The possibilities for Livescribe applications are endless, with tools and games that enhance personal productivity, learning, communications, and entertainment. With free and paid downloadable apps, you can read and hear a translated phrase in Spanish, French, German, Japanese or even Korean; rapidly access fun facts on a variety of topics from past World Series winners to U.S. Presidents; get help studying geometry, organic chemistry, or Hebrew chanting; play more than a dozen games like Blackjack, Video Poker or Hangman; or listen to classical music pieces–right from the ‘pentip’ of their Pulse smartpen.

Livescribe Desktop

The Livescribe Desktop software allows you to digitally transfer your notes and recordings from your Echo smartpen to your PC or Mac. See your notes animate or play your recordings. Play your notes and recordings, organize them, and search for words within your handwritten notes to find what you need.

Livescribe Community

Upload your pencasts online with the Livescribe Community for everyone to see, hear, and play. Share your notes, drawings, and recordings online as Flash movies or PDF files.

Livescribe Dot Paper

How Livescribe Dot Paper works.
Livescribe Dot Paper

Livescribe dot paper is regular paper printed with a unique pattern of tiny micro-dots. Livescribe’s unique patented dot-positioning system enables the Echo smartpen to precisely track everything it writes on paper. A variety of dot paper products, including college-sized notebooks, journals, and note pads, and you can also print your own dot paper using certified laser-jet printers.

What’s in the Box

The Echo smartpen with 4 GB of memory; Livescribe Desktop software for Mac or Windows (download); 500 MB of personal online storage; starter dot paper notebook; Micro USB Cable; interactive getting started guide; smartpen tips and tricks guide; 2 smartpen caps; 2 ink cartridges

The Echo smartpen works only with Livescribe Dot Paper.

System Requirements
  • Windows XP with SP3 or Windows Vista or Windows 7
  • Intel-based Mac with Mac OS X 10.5.5 or later, including 10.6
  • 300 MB minimum free disk space
  • USB 2.0 port
  • Internet connection for software download

Product Description

Find what you need with a tap. The Echo smartpen from Livescribe records everything you hear, say and write, and links your audio recordings to your notes, so you can find what you need. Packed with useful features, the Echo Smartpen helps you put your notes to work, so they’re always accessible. The Echo smartpen records everything you hear and write, so you can find what you need with a simple tap. Ideal for meetings, conferences, or classes, this compact tool is as easy to carry as traditional pen-and-paper, but smarter. Replay your recorded audio anytime, anywhere, with a quick tap on your notes. Save and Search Using the Livescribe Desktop, you can save notes to your computer, which makes it a snap to integrate them into a report or presentation. Search for specific words or phrases within all of your notebooks, organize them they way you want, and export them locally for backup or transfer. Send and Share – Its easy to share your notes or recordings publically or privately as a PDF, audio file, or a pencast. What’s a pencast? A pencast is an interactive flash movie of your handwritten notes and audio. You can publish pencasts online, share them privately via email, or post them directly on Facebook. Applications: Customize your smartpen with downloadable apps -from dictionaries to translators, time savers, games and more. As new apps become available, your smartpen evolves with you. What You Get- The Echo smartpen; 4 GB of memory; Livescribe Desktop software for Mac or Windows (download); 500MB of personal online storage; Starter dot paper notebook; Micro USB Cable; Interactive Getting Started Guide; Smartpen Tips & Tricks Guide;2 smartpen caps 2 ink cartridges What You Need Windows XP with SP3 or Windows Vista or Windows 7. Intel-based Mac with Mac OS X 10.5.5 or later, including 10.6 600MHz CPU or higher 300 MB minimum free disk space USB 2.0 port Internet connection for software downloadThe Echo smartpen works only with Livescribe Dot Paper.


Cool Gadgets Featured Gadgets Gadget Gifts

Canon PowerShoot SD1100IS

Posted by admin On October - 24 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

I own the previous generation of this Canon Point-and-Shoot camera – one of my top cool gadgets in my collection.  It takes great pictures, but the real selling point is its size.  It is currently rated 4+ out of 5 stars and reviewed by over 900+ buyers.   Buy Now at Amazon Canon SD100 Camera

Manufacturer Description

Color communicates. It introduces you before you say a word, making the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph the ultimate image-maker. Five fashion-forward hues expressed in pure aluminum add a new burst of excitement to Canon’s Perpetual Curve design. Of course, a camera that brings out the best in you also delivers Canon’s most advanced technology features. Call it style with substance, for a new level of picture taking pleasure.

PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph Highlights

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS Features and Highlights

8.0-megapixel Digital Elph with 3x optical zoom and optical image stabilizer With 8.0-megapixel technology at its heart, the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph brings you high-resolution images that maintain their sharpness and vivid impact even when they’re enlarged and cropped. The 3x optical zoom is a clear winner when it comes to getting up close and personal. And Canon’s invaluable Optical Image Stabilizer reduces the blur of camera movement, even in tricky, low-light situations.

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS Features and Highlights
With Canon’s Face Detection WB (right), skin tones are not affected by overall lighting

Enhanced Canon Face Detection Technology Canon’s powerful Face Detection Technology delivers even better results with the new SD1100 IS Digital Elph. The Face Detection Technology continues to recognize faces in a scene, and concentrate exposure (daylight or flash) and focus upon them. But the SD1100 IS Digital Elph adds more: Face Detection WB means the camera concentrates upon faces when calculating white balance for the best possible skin tones. Face Select and Track lets the SD1100 IS Digital Elph user highlight one face among several in a scene, and the camera concentrates on that person, even as they move around the scene. Face Detection Technology is a powerful contributing factor in Canon’s new Motion Detection Technology.

Motion Detection Technology automatically reduces blur Life doesn’t stand still for picture-taking. That’s why Canon included its advanced Motion Detection Technology in the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph. This sophisticated feature works in the background to instantly evaluate how fast your subject is moving. Then it automatically selects and sets the optimal exposure and ISO settings to keep everything looking sharp and clear.

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS Features and Highlights
Automatic exposure and ISO settings help to reduce blur when your subjects are in motion

When you need higher ISOs for action-stopping shutter speeds, Motion Detection Technology provides it. But when no movement is detected, it allows lower ISOs for excellent color and detail. So whether you’re shooting a bride walking down the aisle, a ballet recital or even a child’s soccer game, you can relax and shoot with confidence knowing you’ve got the picture you intended.

Selectable Shooting modes With 18 Shooting Modes including 9 Special Scene Modes, you’re ready for whatever shot comes your way.

Canon PowerShot SD1100IS Features and Highlights

2.5-inch PureColor LCD II for bright, accurate color The PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph gives you large 2.5-inch LCD screen for excellent control when framing your shots. Canon’s PureColor LCD II offers more spectacular color, resolution and contrast even when viewed at an angle (compared to PureColor LCD). The screen is highly durable and easy to see in any light with a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating. It also features Night Display for easy viewing in low light — a perfect feature for gathering friends and family around to see your images.

DIGIC III Image Processor for sharper images and improved functionality With DIGIC III, your images boast superior quality, the camera operates at top efficiency and battery life is enhanced. What’s more, DIGIC III enables Canon’s Face Detection Technology and Red-eye Correction to give you better, more true-to-life people shots. Simply press the Shutter Button halfway down, and the camera automatically pinpoints the faces in the scene and chooses the ideal focus point. The camera controls exposure settings and flash to keep every face looking bright and natural. Red-eye Correction can be handled in-camera, in two ways. The entirely new Red-eye Correction during shooting uses the Face Detection Technology to recognize and remove red-eye from flash images as they’re taken, before the file is written to the memory card. It’s also possible to correct red-eye during image playback, using simple settings in the SD1100 IS Digital Elph’s menu.

iSAPS Technology is an entirely original scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC III Image Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.

Red-eye correction Red-eye Correction provides three options for removing red-eye from subjects in flash pictures.

  • The new Red-eye Correction during shooting actually identifies and corrects red-eye in human subjects as pictures are taken.
  • The SD1100 IS Digital Elph can be set to automatically detect and correct red-eye during image playback.
  • The user can manually locate any red eyes in a scene during image playback on the LCD screen, and command the camera to remove them.

High ISO The PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph features ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto settings that reduce the effects of camera shake and sharpen subjects in low-light situations, giving you greater shooting flexibility.

The Complete Print Solution

The PowerShot SD1100 features a Print/Share button for easy direct printing and downloading, plus ID Photo Print and Movie Print with select Pixma photo printers and Selphy compact photo printers.

The PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital Elph’s Print/Share button makes direct printing easier than ever. Simply connect the SD1100 IS Digital Elph to a Canon Pixma photo printer or Selphy compact photo printer or any PictBridge compatible photo printer, press the lighted Print/Share button and print! Also use the Print/Share button to transfer images to a computer (Windows and Macintosh).

Print your own ID photos in 28 different sizes or use the Movie Print function to output multiple stills from a recorded movie on a single sheet with a Canon Selphy compact photo printer.

Buy Now at Amazon

Cameras Featured Gadgets Gadget Gifts

Toshiba Satellite L645D

Posted by admin On October - 22 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

It is amazing how much PC laptops prices have dropped.  The Toshiba laptop is a cool PC gadget.  I used to own Toshiba branded laptops before I switched to the Macbook Pro.  The Satellite L645D is now under USD $499 including free shipping.   It is currently rated 4 out of 5 stars and reviewed by over 100+ buyers.   On Sale Now at Amazon Toshiba Satellite Laptop
Offering a redesigned chassis with a sleeker body, the nicely affordable Toshiba Satellite L645D-S4036 notebook PC makes it easy to handle computing essentials at home, school or work–from surfing the web and downloading video to managing household finances or studying for finals. And its high-gloss Fusion Finish in Helios Black will be sure to raise a few eyebrows while you’re on the go.

Gadget: Toshiba Satellite L645D
Fusion Finish in Helios Black.
Gadget: Toshiba Satellite L645D

Ideal for students, small businesses and families who need an affordable portable PC (see larger image).

Toshiba’s exclusive high-gloss Fusion Finish (see larger image).

See larger image.

You’ll also be able to burn through the hottest new digital media, content creation and advanced 3D gaming thanks to the triple-core AMD Phenom II Mobile Processor P820.

This all-purpose, eco-smart machine features a stunning 14-inch LED-backlit display with 720p native high-definition resolution. Thanks to the built-in webcam and Toshiba Face Recognition software on this machine, you’ll enjoy a more convenient way to communicate, log on or share your laptop among the family. Other high-tech features include a power-saving Eco Utility to help reduce power consumption based on your needs and one USB/eSATA combo port.

This Satellite comes pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version).

Key Features

  • 14-inch widescreen HD TruBrite LED-Backlit display not only renders stunning visuals, but it’s more environmentally friendly as it uses less power (1366 x 768 resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio).
  • 1.8 GHz AMD Phenom II P820 triple-core processor (with AMD M880G Chipset and 1.5 MB L2 cache) lets you enjoy movies, music and games like you never have before, with amazing detail, clarity and color. Plus, you can experience Microsoft Windows 7 the way it was intended. All this with the freedom to do more on the go with long battery life rating.
  • 320 GB SATA hard drive (5400 RPM)
  • 4 GB of installed DDR3 RAM (expandable to 8 GB)
  • ATI Radeon HD 4250 graphics card provides exceptional features, performance and power-efficiencies that enrich what you see and do (256 MB – 1917 MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory).
  • 8x SuperMulti DVD drive with double layer support.
  • With its integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking capabilities, this laptop provides up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range using 802.11n-compatible routers as you would with 802.11g networks. It’s also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found at Wi-Fi hotspots and in older home routers.
  • Built-in stereo speakers with Dolby Advanced Audio blends a suite of technologies to deliver a stunning audio experience from headphones or your laptop speakers. It analyzes audio signals and restores tones often lost in encoding, mimicking the same optimization techniques that go into tuning movie theaters and mixing rooms, resulting in brighter highs and deep, thumping bass tones. It also expands stereo signals to 6.1- or 7.1-channel playback for a listening experience that will have you talking long after the performance.
  • Included Toshiba Software:
    • Toshiba Media Controller offers simplified media sharing. Using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, it lets you share videos, music and pictures from the media library on your laptop with compatible devices in your home entertainment network, or with other compatible laptops and devices, like an Xbox 360 game console. And you can do it all without moving equipment, burning discs or fumbling with cables.
    • Toshiba Bulletin Board is an easy-to-use organizational and productivity app that lets you build your own personalized space on your desktop. With Toshiba Bulletin Board, you can quickly and easily manage your to-do lists and calendars, plus create your own custom work area by pinning your favorite photos, documents, links and more.
    • Toshiba ReelTime helps you cut down the time it takes to search for files. The easy-to-use app takes traditional text-based file structures one step further to help you find what you’re looking for more quickly. Accessible from your taskbar, it shows you a visual timeline of your recently accessed files–using graphical thumbnails–so you can easily identify and get to your files faster.
  • Included Toshiba Utilities:
    • Toshiba eco Utility makes it easy to go green as you go mobile. Hit the Eco Button and you’ll launch the Toshiba Eco Utility, which puts all sorts of easy-to-read information on your screen, and gives you the ability to adjust the power settings on your laptop. It also activates a light showing you’re in the Eco Mode. The Toshiba Eco Utility lets you pick the optimal power plan for your situation. Choose High-Performance when you need every watt you can get, Power Saver for the least energy consumption, or Balanced as a perfect blend of the two.
    • Hard Drive Impact Sensor takes the worry out of taking your most important files and multimedia on the go. Able to detect sudden movement along three different dimensions, the impact sensor (a complex system of hardware and software) helps safeguard your data by “parking” the hard drive heads in the event of a drop or sudden movement. And it works faster than you can blink to help protect your laptop and all-important data.
  • Up to 3.8 hours of battery life (6-cell battery; 48 Wh)
  • Dimensions & Weight: 13.3 x 9.13 x 1.5 inches (WxDxH); 4.98 pounds

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion

  • 3 total USB ports with 1 eSATA/USB combo port, with the combo eSATA/USB port enabling you to connect to compatible external hard drives for lightning fast transfers of large multimedia files–up to 5 times faster than via a standard USB port.
  • VGA video output (analog, RGB)
  • Microphone and headphone jacks
  • Multi-format memory card reader compatible with Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, Multi Media Card
  • Fast Ethernet (10/100)

What’s in the box

This package contains the Toshiba L645D-S4036 notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions.

It also comes with the following software:

Norton Internet Security 2010 (30-day trial); Microsoft Works 9; Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 Edition (60-day trial); Google Toolbar; Microsoft Windows Media Player 12; Microsoft Silverlight; Toshiba PC Health Monitor; Toshiba Online Backup (30-day trial)

This laptop is backed by a 1-year limited hardware warranty.

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

Gadget: Toshiba Satellite L645D

Pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium operating system (64-bit version), you’ll be able to easily create a home network and share all of your favorite photos, videos, and music. Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Windows 7 is designed for faster and more reliable performance, so your PC just works the way you want it to.

And with Windows Anytime Upgrade, you’ll be able to add new features to your PC in as little as 10 minutes. Windows will walk you through the simple upgrade process, it requires no software or downloads, and you’ll keep your existing programs, files, and settings

Gadget: Toshiba Satellite L645D

Environmental Specifications

  • Energy Star 5.0 certified
  • Gold EPEAT designation for meeting standards to help reduce its environmental impact.
  • RoHS compliant effectively reducing the environmental impact by restricting the use of lead, mercury and certain other hazardous substances

Learn More

Gadget: Toshiba Satellite L645D

25th Anniversary of Toshiba Laptops

This year, Toshiba celebrates its 25th anniversary of innovations and quality in the notebook PC business. Beginning with the launch of the Toshiba T1100, the world’s first clamshell-type, fully functional laptop PC, Toshiba has led the with such innovations as the first laptop with a color monitor in 1991 and a laptop with integrated CD-ROM drive in 1995 (followed by the addition of a DVD drive in 1998). And in 2009, Toshiba unveiled the world’s first ultraportable laptop with 512GB solid state drive.

Today, Toshiba continues to be a leader in eco-friendly manufacturing, with virtually all of its consumer laptops earning EPEAT Gold status for meeting standards that help reduce overall environmental impact.

Product Description

Get mobility plus a little extra room to work with the Satellite L645 laptop–a fashionable, affordable and portable PC that’s ideal for students, families and small businesses on the go. Thanks to a 14 diagonal TruBrite HD display, this notebook performs well standing still or moving out, whether it’s a school assignment, family budget, pitching new clients or watching high-def multimedia. And with a rainbow of vibrant colors in our acclaimed Fusion Finish, it’s bound to raise a few eyebrows. New AMD Phenom II Triple Core processor technology, a built-in DVD player, along with tons of memory and storage, deliver full-featured performance, while a Webcam and Wireless-N make working face to face easy–no matter where you are. Plus, Toshiba “Smart Features and an eco-smart design tie greater convenience with a greater regard for the environment. All in all, it’s a great way to keep your mobile life in balance.

On Sale Now at Amazon

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Apple iPOD Touch 32GB – 4th GEN

Posted by admin On October - 21 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

Introducing the new iPod touch – another super cool gadget.   Now with FaceTime, Retina display, HD video recording, and Game Center.   I purchased this for my son’s birthday yesterday and he was “wowed” by all its new features.   The resulting smile from ear to ear speaks for itself. It is currently rated 4 out of 5 stars and reviewed by over 200+ buyers.   Buy Now at Amazon

Apple iPOD Touch 32GB

See friends while you talk to them with FaceTime. Shoot, edit, and share stunning HD video. Play games against friends, or unknown foes, with the new Game Center. And do it all on the Retina display–the highest-resolution screen on any mobile device. It makes graphics and text look even more amazing. The new iPod touch. It’s state-of-the-art fun.

Advanced engineering at play.

Pioneering technology built into iPod touch is how you’re able to flick, tap, and pinch. It’s what makes a racing game feel so real. It’s why you’re able to see a friend crack up at your jokes from across the globe. And it’s the reason iPod touch is the most incredible iPod you’ll ever own.

Looks can be amazing.
iPod touch has an all-new design that makes it the thinnest, lightest, most amazing iPod touch ever. Holding one is all the proof you need. With its curved design, iPod touch is now a mere 7.2 millimeters thin. Its engineered-glass front and stainless steel back feel sleek and smooth in your hand. Turn it on, and you’re instantly blown away by the brilliant Retina display. iPod touch is the perfect combination of stunning design and revolutionary technology–brilliant from the outside in.

Retina display. A blast from the future.
There are lots of reasons you won’t want to take your eyes off the new iPod touch. The 960-by-640 backlit LCD display, for one. It packs 326 pixels per inch, making it the highest-resolution iPod screen ever. To achieve this, Apple engineers developed pixels so small–a mere 78 micrometers across–that the human eye can’t distinguish individual pixels. Even though you can’t see them, you’ll definitely notice the difference. Text is remarkably sharp, and graphics are incredibly vivid.

Apple A4 processor. More power to you.
The Apple A4 chip is behind, or rather underneath, all the fun you can have on iPod touch. Apple engineers designed the A4 chip to be a remarkably powerful yet remarkably power-efficient mobile processor. With it, iPod touch can easily perform complex jobs such as multitasking, editing video, and placing FaceTime calls. All while maximizing battery life. And fun.

Gyro + Accelerometer. Smooth moves.
iPod touch just learned some new moves. It now includes a built-in three-axis gyroscope. When paired with the accelerometer, the gyro makes iPod touch capable of advanced motion sensing such as user acceleration, full 3D attitude, and rotation rate. Translation: more motion gestures and greater precision for an even better gaming experience.

Two cameras. Double the fun.
iPod touch captures video with two built-in cameras. It shoots amazing HD 720p video from the back camera. And with its advanced backside illumination sensor, it captures beautiful footage even in low-light settings. All while the built-in microphone records conversations, music, or any audio at the same time. And on the front of the iPod touch, the built-in camera is perfect for making FaceTime calls and shooting self-portraits. It’s surprising how much fun can fit into something so small.

Multi-Touch. Control at your fingertips.
When you put your finger on the iPod touch, how does it just start doing what you want it to do? It’s a chain reaction, really. The Multi-Touch display layers a protective shield over a capacitive panel that senses your touch using electrical fields. It then transmits that information to the Retina display below it. So you can glide through albums with Cover Flow, flick through photos and enlarge them with a pinch, zoom in and out on a section of a web page, and control game elements precisely.

FaceTime comes to iPod touch. Don’t just say hello. Smile.

Tap for a more instant instant message.
Take “LOL” to the next level and actually see friends laughing out loud. Or bring “XOXO” to life when you blow someone a kiss from miles away. FaceTime on iPod touch makes it possible. FaceTime works right out of the box–just enter your Apple ID and email address. Or create a new email account just for FaceTime. Using FaceTime is as easy as it gets. Say you want to start a video call with your best friend over Wi-Fi. Just tap the FaceTime app and find her entry to start the call. An invitation pops up on her iPod touch or iPhone 4 screen asking if she wants to join you. When she accepts, FaceTime begins. It’s all perfectly seamless. And it works in both portrait and landscape. See how much fun you can have.

See friends while you talk with FaceTime, or play games against friends or unknown foes with Game Center.

Two cameras make either side its fun side.
iPod touch has two built-in cameras, one on the front above the display and one on the back. The front camera has been tuned for FaceTime. It has just the right field of view and focal length to focus on your face at arm’s length. So it always presents you in the best possible light. Which is particularly handy when you’re talking to someone who’s more than just a friend.

The back camera. See and share.
So your roommate had to work late and couldn’t make it to the concert. You can share the encore with a FaceTime call. As the band takes the stage and starts playing one of her all-time favorite songs, just tap a button. And before the lead singer can belt out his first note, iPod touch switches to the back camera and to the sure-to-be-legendary performance. Another tap switches to the front camera and to you. Simple, fast, and fun.

HD video recording comes to iPod touch. Ready, and action.

Built-in editing gives video a fun-tuning.
No need to wait until you’re back at your computer to edit video. With basic editing built into iPod touch, you can get right down to business. Just drag to select start and end points on a filmstrip. Keep only the parts of the video you want, and turn it into something you and your friends will watch again and again.

Make mini blockbusters in just a few taps with iMovie on iPod touch. Say you’re on an amazing road trip, and you want to create a video postcard of everything you’ve seen and done. Just use the iMovie app–pick it up in the App Store for just $4.99. Built for iPod touch, iMovie lets you combine and edit video clips, give them that extra something with dynamic themes and transitions, add music and photos, and share your finished movies with the world.

Make a movie. Starring you.
The next time you venture out on, say, an amazing hike, don’t just tell your friends about it. Show them. In addition to the high-definition camera on the back, iPod touch has a VGA-quality camera on the front–above the display–that lets you see yourself on the display while you record. It’s perfect for turning the camera on yourself. No more guessing if you’re in the frame or accidentally cropping yourself out altogether. So get ready for your close-up.

Shoot what you want. Share where you want. Ever find yourself in the middle of typing an email when you see something that words just can’t describe? Just launch the camera and record on the fly. Then upload your HD movie directly to YouTube. Or select some video from the Camera Roll and attach it to a new email message, ready to send. Posting to your Facebook page or blog is also just a tap away. And you can easily sync all the video you shoot on iPod touch back to your Mac or PC.

Point and shoot.
An awesome view. A decked-out cupcake. Your dog looking unbearably cute. If you want to take a quick photo to upload to your Facebook page, either camera on iPod touch can also capture stills. Just tap on the screen to adjust exposure. Then post to Facebook and let the comments begin.

The new Game Center app on iPod touch lets you expand your social gaming network–exponentially.

Game Center. Way more than two can play that game.

Gamers rejoice. Game Center is here.
The new Game Center app on iPod touch lets you expand your social gaming network. Exponentially. All anyone needs to play is an iPod touch or iPhone running iOS 4.1. With iOS 4.1, you’ll see a Game Center app on your Home screen. Just tap it and sign in with your Apple ID, and you’re good to go. You can create a different nickname that will be visible to friends and the gaming community. You can also assign several email addresses to the Game Center app, making it easy for more friends to find you. Download any games you see by tapping links in Game Center. Games can be started right in the Game Center app. And the best part: Once you sign in to Game Center, you’re always connected. Until you decide to sign out.

Friends. Soon to be opponents.
Bring your friends along for the ride. Or match. Or mission. Once you’re signed in to the Game Center app, you can invite someone by sending a friend request using their nickname or email address. Your friends show up in a separate Friends list in the Game Center app. Tap on a friend’s name, and you can see what games they’ve been playing. You can also check out pending friend requests you receive, and add as you see fit.

Leaderboards and achievements. Score some bragging rights.
Take a look at leaderboards and see how your score ranks against your friends, as well as all players of each game. You can also compare game achievements with your friends. Check out leaderboards and achievements in the Game Center app and in each individual game app. Let the smack talk begin.

Meet your match.
Say you want to get a multiplayer game going. Auto-match will prioritize your friends if they happen to be looking for an auto-match, too. Otherwise, it will set you up with a soon-to-be-friend from anywhere around the world. You can also choose to invite friends and have auto-match fill the number of players needed for a game.

Music. Let your fingers do the rocking.

Cover Flow. A work of album art.
What a song does for your ears, Cover Flow on iPod touch does for your eyes and fingers. Turn iPod touch on its side and glide through your music by album art with the flick of your finger. Tap an album cover to flip it over and display a track list. Tap again to start the music.

Genius playlists. From one great song comes an even greater playlist.
Say you’re listening to a song you really love and want to hear other tracks that go great with it. Genius uses that song to find other songs in your library and makes a Genius playlist for you. Listen to the playlist right away, save it for later, or even refresh it and give it another go. Count on Genius to create a playlist you wouldn’t have thought of yourself.

Genius Mixes. The ultimate mix-master.
Genius acts as your personal DJ. All you do is sync iPod touch to iTunes, and Genius automatically searches your library to find songs that sound great together. Then it creates multiple mixes you’ll love. These mixes are like channels programmed entirely with your music. It’s a great way to rediscover songs you haven’t heard in forever–and some you even forgot you had.

Let your fingers do the rocking.

Shake to Shuffle. And rock ‘n’ roll with it.
Shake things up a bit. Musically speaking, that is. The next time you’re listening to your tunes, turn on Shake to Shuffle, then give iPod touch a shake to shuffle to a different song in your music library. It’s just another way iPod touch keeps your music feeling fresh.

iTunes. That’s entertainment.
Feed your iPod touch songs and music videos from your iTunes library on your computer. Or buy and download new music on your iPod touch when you access iTunes over Wi-Fi. Songs you purchase on iPod touch transfer to your Mac or PC the next time you connect iPod touch to your computer. And now with iTunes Ping, you can follow friends to find out what music they’re listening to, buying, and recommending. Or catch up with your favorite artists and see if they’re playing near you.

Bluetooth. No strings attached.
iPod touch includes support for Bluetooth wireless technology. So you can pair wireless stereo headphones with it. Keep your iPod in your bag or charging on your desk across the room and still listen to your music.

Movies + TV shows. Take the show, or movie, on the road.

The big screen. On the small screen.
With iPod touch, movie nights can happen anytime of day, anywhere you are. Carry hours of video with you and watch them on the amazing 3.5-inch color widescreen Retina display. Shop the iTunes Store and choose from thousands of movies, TV shows, and video podcasts to fill your iPod touch. From Hollywood blockbusters to indie favorites, there’s something for everyone. Download and watch movies with a few taps. Prefer TV shows? Get a single episode or an entire season’s worth all at once. With iPod touch, you can travel far and widescreen.

Control how you watch.
While watching your video, tap the display to bring up onscreen controls. You can play or pause, view by chapter, and adjust the volume. Or use the volume controls on the left side of the iPod touch. Want to switch between widescreen and full screen? Simply tap the display twice. It’s just like your TV remote. Except you never have to fight over it.

iTunes. Keep yourself entertained.
Need some entertainment for your next flight or road trip? With iTunes on your iPod touch and a Wi-Fi connection, you can buy movies and TV shows on the fly. You can also rent shows for just $0.99 an episode, in case you’re not sure if one is a keeper. And of course, you can also purchase movies and TV shows on your Mac or PC, then sync them to your iPod touch. Popcorn not included.

Visit your favorite websites. All you need is your iPod touch and Wi-Fi.
Available as a free download, iBooks is an amazing eBook reader and a great place to buy books.

And plenty more …

  • App Store
    Download apps directly to iPod touch.
  • iTunes
    Create an iTunes Store account and shop over Wi-Fi anytime.
  • iBooks
    Available as a free download, iBooks is an amazing eBook reader and a great place to buy books.
  • iMovie
    Edit video, add themes and music, and share your movies. Available in the App Store for just $4.99.
  • Mail
    Send email and view attachments from your Gmail, MobileMe, or other email account.
  • Safari Web Browser
    Visit your favorite websites. All you need is your iPod touch and Wi-Fi.
  • Photos
    Take your photos with you. Share them in an email. Make your favorite your wallpaper.
  • Home Screen
    Customize the arrangement of your apps across multiple Home screens in iTunes.
  • Voice Control
    Control music playback on iPod touch using spoken commands.
  • Maps
    Find restaurants, concert venues, or any place you need to go, and see how to get there with Maps.
  • YouTube
    Watch the latest viral video sensation and access your favorite videos.
  • Nike + iPod
    Achieve your fitness goals with built-in Nike + iPod support on iPod touch.
  • Voice Memos
    Record notes, random thoughts, a friend’s impersonation, or any audio you want.
  • Accessibility
    iPod touch comes with screen-reading technology and other accessibility features.

What’s in the Box

32 GB iPod touch, earphones, dock connector to USB cable, and quick start guide.

Buy Now at Amazon

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Garmin nüvi 255W 4.3-Inch GPS

Posted by admin On October - 20 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

I used the Garmin nüvi 1370t to navigate in Italy for 3 weeks, and it worked flawlessly.  The nüvi 255W is similar, but has the North American map. I was amazed at its advanced ability to navigate on a per lane basis on major highways.  Furthermore, it is alerts you of traffic cameras (but not police radar).  The unit has been reviewed by over 1100 users with a rating of 4+ stars out of 5 on Amazon.   On Sale Now at Amazon for over 40% off.

iPAD Battery and Case

The 255W features predictive technology that provides faster satellite lock, a redesigned screen with more information, terrain maps, and an exciting new photo navigation feature. The 255W adds complete maps for North America and Text-to-Speech, so you get turn by turn spoken directions with the real names of streets (e.g. “turn left in 50 feet at Nebraska Way”, rather than merely “turn left in 50 feet”). The 255W also offers a wide 4.3-inch (diagonal) screen that displays 70% more of the road around you.

The nüvi 2×5 models all sport the slim design that Garmin introduced with the 200-series last year, so they all fit comfortably in your pocket or purse, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that makes them convenient for navigation by car or foot.All of the models include useful travel tools like a JPEG picture viewer, world travel clock with time zones, currency converter, measurement converter, calculator and more.

Important Product Information: This device features a “screen lock” feature. This is a standard feature on all nüvi 2×5 and 7×5 Garmin units. If you slide the “Power” key to the right, it will lock the screen and prevent any accidental touches. Once the screen lock feature is engaged, the screen will go black/gray after about 15 seconds to save power on the device. To unlock the screen, just slide the “Power” key to the center position. This feature is really targeted for “Pedestrian” mode so that a user can put the device in his or her pocket/purse and quickly unlock the screen instead of powering on/off continuously. For more information, see page 5 of the product manual.

Key Features/Benefits for all 2×5 Series Navigators

  • HotFix (Long Term Ephemeris Prediction) finds satellites faster (Learn more)
  • Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Basemap shows 3D shaded terrain features (Learn more)
  • Faster 333 Mhz processor offers faster, smoother map drawing and vehicle icon motion through turns
  • Redesigned user interface offers more information (Learn more)
  • Photo Navigation lets you upload geo-coded photos from a phone, geo-coding camera or photo site and navigate to them. (Learn more)
  • Send addresses directly to your Garmin from Google Maps or Mapquest (Learn more)
  • Automatic Time Zone Transition
  • Text-to-Speech gives directions with real street names
  • 4.3-inch Widescreen shows you more of what’s around you as you drive (Learn more)
  • Memory Card Slots so you can add maps and travel guides, or store photos (MicroSD card slot on 3.5-inch units; SD card slot on 4.3-inch units)
  • Preloaded Maps with Navteq data of North America + Hawaii + Puerto Rico, including 6.5 million searchable points of interest (Learn more)
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for easy portability (up to 4 hours per charge)
  • Custom Vehicle Icons let you personalize your navigator (Learn more)
  • Integrated Antenna for a slim form factor
  • Where Am I? — instantly shows you all of the emergency services nearby

What’s in the Box
nüvi 255W, Preloaded City Navigator NT for North America or Europe (full coverage), Vehicle suction cup mount, Vehicle power cable, Dashboard disc, Quick start manual

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Time Machine Tabletop Clock

Posted by admin On October - 20 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

Here is a cool gadget for a gift idea: Time Machine is the clock that’s fun to watch! Just turn it on and its precise mechanism transfers a chrome ball every sixty seconds for the perfect time. With its custom acrylic display case and ultra-modern design, Time Machine is destined to become the centerpiece of any room or office and will entertain and amaze for years!.  On Sale Now.

iPAD Battery and Case

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Sony NSZ-GT1 Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player with Google TV

Posted by admin On October - 13 - 2010 ADD COMMENTS

Sony brings the NSZ-GT1 Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player with Google TV built-in, which allows users to enjoy features of Google TV on their existing HDTV. Like the Internet TVs, this Blu-ray player pack Atom processor and runs Google TV platform with Google Chrome browser. It has WiFi connectivity and comes with intuitive hand-held RF QWERTY keypad remote.

The NSZ-GT1 includes Sony’s premium streaming service “Video On Demand powered by Qriocity” as well as pre-installed apps including CNBC, Napster, NBA, Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, and YouTube.

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