It looks like NZXT has a cool new tower case out called the Lexa. It’s an aluminum case which means it’ll also be light in weight. Some of the features include tool less installation (which is always nice), clear side panel giving you that modded look, temperate display panel (for when you’re spending a bit too much time cranking up the CPU), a glossy piano black finish to impress the ladies out there, and removable dust filters (because we all know computers attract dust balls like there’s no tomorrow). I love the reflective front panel on the case body but I wonder if all this is wasted if you don’t end up placing the Lexa on your desk as opposed to on the floor which most people do with their tower systems. Anyhow, here’s XYZComputing’s take on the case:

With its interesting looks, light weight, almost completely silent cooling, and front panel LCD temperature, this case would be great for those that frequent LAN parties, just as long as you don’t plan on switching out your power supply to often.

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Oh it’s those silly Oakley THUMP sunglasses again - this time the folks at the BonaFideReviews take a look at the THUMP 2 glasses. They specifically look at  the 1GB version of the sunglasses which also feature:

• Support for MP3, WMA, WAV and ACC file formats
• six hours of playback time
• Patented XYZ Optics for sharp clarity at all vision angles
• O Matter frame material
• USB 2.0 support

Here’s BonaFideReviews’ verdict:

Oakley’s second time around with the THUMP line has produced a much improved version of their original THUMP eyewear. The THUMP 2 has more storage capacity, better file navigation, and more intelligent earbud design. Whether or not the THUMP 2 look better than the original THUMP is in the eye of the beholder.

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Velocity Reviews has posted a review of the Icemat Siberia USB Combo Headset here on their website. As the name implies, this combo package includes the Icemat Siberia headset and the Icemat USB Audio Sound Card. The sound card provides virtual 7.1 surround sound support with 12 channel equalizer and a USB cable while the Icemat Siberia works with headphones jacks ranging from 3.5mm to 6.3mm (via converters) and includes a microphone. Here’s the verdict:

Icemat has created a fantastic headset with the Siberia, especially for being a company that had only been previously known for making mouse pads. Its sound reproduction is top-rate, it fits well on virtually anyone, it’s comfortable to wear and it looks and has the feel of a top-quality set of headphones. The USB soundcard, while not of much use when a true 5.1 surround sound is placed upon it, was an interesting addition to the package, especially if one wants to listen to sound in a different manner via headphones.

 

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XYZComputing has published an article stating this year would be the year of the HTPC. I’m not exactly sure if that’s necessarily the case but it’s definitely true that many more vendors are recognizing the trend of bringing the PC to the living room. There are many more case manufacturers developing HTPC cases than ever before which is great news for the HTPC enthusiast. However, it’s still not clear whether the PC will take over the functions of the standalone DVR, DVD, and CD player in the home. It’s still not acceptable to have your system crash on you while you’re watching the last episode of the Apprentice is it? In any case, aside from debating the notion of the year of the HTPC, XYZ Computing does compile a nice picture list of HTPC cases at this year’s CES.

 

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Verizon Wireless is now selling a pink colored version of the Motorola RAZR V3c mobile phone. The phone features a 1.3 megapixel digital camera, Bluetooth support, Speakerphone, voice dialing, a talk time of 180 minutes, a standby time of 200 hours, and a weight of 3.49 oz. Verizon notes that the phone only supports the Wireless Headet and Handsfree Bluetooth profiles - bummer. You can get the phone for $249.99 with a two year contract. If you purchase the phone now, you can also get a Samsung SCH-a630 mobile phone for free.

 

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MobileKorea has a couple of additional pictures on the new Samsung YP-T55 MP3 player here. The T55 is basically an upgrade to the best selling YP-55 model which has sold roughly 1 million units around the world since 2003. You know - doesn’t the T55 remind you of the old Sony Network Walkman designs back in the late 90s?

 

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LaptopMag has posted a review of the Lexar JumpDrive Secure II Flash Drive here. The JumpDrive Secure II is half the size of the original JumpDrive Secure  but still comes with all sorts of features designed for the security conscious. You’ll find:

• AES 256 bit encryption
• Password protect multiple areas on the drive (not just one) via Secure II Dashboard utility
• Special Encrypted Vault section where data can be automatically encrypted
• File Shredder feature ensures your files are gone for good
• Designed for both PC and Mac

Here’s the verdict from LaptopMag:

If you already own a handful of flash drives, you could always buy an application like FolderLock to encrypt your files, but if you want the extra security built in, the Lexar JumpDrive Secure II will do the job.

[Product Page]

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Sony has a new twist on MP3 car stereo systems - the GIGA pPanel in-car sound system. Instead of burning MP3s onto CDs for playback in your car, you take the face plate off of the GIGA panel and then bring it to your PC where you directly connect it via the USB port. Once connected, you can simply drag and drop MP3 files to your faceplate - basically treating it as a USB storage device. Once you’re finished, bring the faceplate back to your car and pop it on and there you have it - your music collection with you as you drive. The only real downside - the GIGA Panel only has 1GB of flash memory so you’ll probably find yourself popping the panel often to refresh the music content. Other features include a CD player with a 24 bit DAC, BBE MP MP3 sound enhancement, and EQ3 Stage2 equalizer.

 

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iLounge posted a review of the Griffin Technology TuneFlex Auto Charger and Flexible Docking Cradle for iPod nano here. The TuneFlex is basically an iPod nano charging cradle designed for the car with a gooseneck cable providing flexibility in how you want to orient and place the nano in your car. Griffin also provides a pass through dock connector to the TuneFlex which means you can add additional dock connector accessories to the TuneFlex to augment the iPod nano’s functions such as an FM Transmitter. Here’s the verdict:

At $40, it is the least expensive gooseneck accessory we’ve seen that mounts, charges, and draws audio output from the bottom of your nano. Though we prefer TEN’s FlexibleDock as a similar, but more iPod- and vehicle-agnostic solution, TuneFlex offers a cheaper alternative with looks and features that may better suit some iPod nano owners, and is still a solidly recommendable option.

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Microsoft has finally confirmed some Xbox 360 sales numbers for various areas around the globe. In North America, Microsoft sold approximately 900,000 units. In Europe, they sold around 500,000 and in Japan, they sold between 0 to 100,000 - heh.. I would suspect the number was not 0 in Japan. The current total number of console sales is 1.5 million which does mean Microsoft hasn’t really met their own projected expectations. So what’s the problem right now? Console suppy issues, low number of launch titles, and nothing truly on the scale of Halo for the original Xbox (although Call of Duty 2 does come close in our opinion). In Japan, the adoption rates are unusually low and that can probably be attributed to the lack of interest from the Japanese with the 360, especially with the current game titles and the late launch of Dead or Alive 4.

 

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