With Apple coming to CES, the real question now is – will Steve Jobs headline CES with a keynote speech? No one knows as Jobs isn’t returning phone calls to Gary Shapiro, the chief executive of the Consumer Electronics Association which runs CES.

However, you can probably be sure that if Jobs does make a keynote appearance at CES, the first few days will surely be buzzing.

It’s the end of July and we’re all looking forward to next year’s CES. Amazing!

[Check it out via News.com]

Technorati Tags: Apple, CES 2010

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: CES 2010

Sony’s new 11 inch OLED TV (XEL-1) is now available for purchase at the SonyStyle website. Things you need to know about the new “Organic Panel” TV – it measures 11 inches diagonally; it’s incredibly beautiful; and.. it’s incredibly expensive at $2499.99. Yes.. you read me correct – $2499.99.

AND.. I’m not kidding when I say this display is beautiful. Actually it’s gorgeous. We saw the displays at CES 2009 and colors absolutely pop out from the display. If they were only cheaper and larger..

Here’s the lowdown on the specs:

• Measures 3mm thin
• 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio
• Sony Super Top Emission technology intensifies brightness and efficiency
• 105 percent of the NTSC color space
• Fast response time
• High brightness
• Consumes 40 percent less power than conventional 20 inch LCD panels
• 960 x 540 resolution with the same pixel density as a 40 inch 1080p LCD TV
• Dolby Digital support
• 1 optical audio input, 2 HDMI inputs with support for 1080p/60, 1 RF connector
• Memory Stick media slot

Yup – a very sweet display indeed. However, let’s be real for a second here. Despite the gorgeous screen, we certainly can’t recommend this display to anyone right now – simply because the price is just way too high (unless of course money is no object to you). Give it a few years though. OLED displays will slowly come down to earth as manufacturers figure out how to make larger displays at lower costs.

I’ll end things off with pictures that we took of the display at CES 2009. Again – these stills don’t fully express how beautiful the panels really are. OLEDs are our future!

Here are pictures of larger OLED display from Sony (prototypes of course)

Technorati Tags: Sony, OLED TV, XEL-1, Organic LED, CES 2009

If you’re looking for a truly portable speaker solution for your iPod, iPhone, mobile phone, or MP3 player, then you should definitely check out the new Altec Lansing Orbit MP3 and Orbit M speakers. These tiny wonders can easily be stored away in your pocket, purse, or backpack and then brought out to provide a 360 degree sound field wherever you’re at. The units also come with an integrated cord storage system that allows you to wrap the cord around the speakers for storage and protection. As for the difference between the Orbit MP3 and Orbit M -  the M includes a 2.5 mm adapter for music-enabled mobile phones.

The Orbit speakers run off of three AAA batteries which provide up to 24 hours of power. You can further customize the Orbit speakers by skinning it with designs provided by Skinit.com. Pre-designed skins can be purchased for $14.95 while custom skins can be created for $19.95.  Here are some pictures of skinned Orbit speakers.

The Orbit MP3 and Orbit M can be purchased for $39.95.

Technorati Tags: Altec Lansing, Orbit MP3, Orbit M, portable speakers, iPod, iPhone, MP3 players

I’ll be honest. I’ve always thought of Altec Lansing products to be functionality solid yet a bit dull when it came to styling. Their 2009 product line however, certainly looks to change all of that. Here’s our review of the latest speaker products to come out from Altec Lansing this year.

First up, we have the Altec Lansing Expressionist Bass speakers. These twin desktop speakers have 4 inch subwoofers built right into the base of each of the units as well as 1.5 inch full range speaker drivers. Other features include built-in controls and an auxiliary input jack. The Expressionist Bass is available now in white or black for $129.95.

Looking for an inexpensive 2.1 channel speaker system for your computer system? Then you’ll be interested in the new BXR1221 (pictured below) which features impressive styling and an even more impressive price of $29.95.

Don’t need the subwoofer? You can go for the BXR1220 which has the two speakers minus the subwoofer for a price of $19.95. The speakers connect to your PC via the USB port.

Here we have another 2.0 speaker system in the form of the Expressionist Classic. The Classic features dual 3 inch full-range speakers, power and volume controls, and an auxiliary input jack. This classy looking speaker system can be yours for $79.95.

Altec Lansing has one other new Expressionist speaker system coming out (not pictured here) called the Expressionist Ultra. The Ultra is a 200 watt 2.1 speaker system with trapezoid shaped speakers and a powerful sub. Expect the system (model MX6021) to be available for a price of $199.95. Ubergizmo has a nice picture up of the Ultra here.

Looking for speakers on the go? Altec Lansing has a new full line of stylish inexpensive earphones called the Muzx Series. 

First up,are the MHP111, MHP116, and MHP126. The MHP116 and MHP126 (pictured left and center below) have crystal designs with SnugFit eartips and will be available for $19.95 each. The MHP111 (pictured right below) feature a CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski jeweled design and has a price of $19.95.

Next up, we have the Muzx 216 (below) noise-isolating earphones which has an MSRP of $29.95.

Finally, we have the natural wood earphones (yes wood) – the Muzx 136. These headphones feature a large acoustic chamber and a SnugFit noise-isolating design. Price for these earphones? $29.95.

Need something with a bit more oomph? Altec Lansing also has a new line of “streetwise earphones” called the BackBeat series. Here’s the product breakdown.

On the high end, there’s the BackBeat Titanium earphones (pictured below) with a price of $79.95. Features include:

• Titanium enhanced micro-speakers
• Noise-isolating earphones
• soft-sided carry case
• For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players

Next up is the BackBeat Plus noise-isolating earphones (pictured below) with a price of $49.95. Features include:

• Neodymium micro-speakers with enhanced bass
• Noise-isolating earphones
• Tangle-free cloth cable
• For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players

Moving down the list is the BackBeat Classic noise-isolating earphones (pictured below) for $29.95. Features include:

• Quality micro-speakers
• Noise-isolating earphones
• Tangle-free cloth cable
• For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players

Need some earphones with a built-in microphone? Check out the new BackBeat Plus Mobile and BackBeat Classic Mobile.

The BackBeat Plus Mobile earphones (pictured below) are noise-isolating earphones priced at $59.95 with features such as:

• Enhanced bass
• Balanced highs and mids
• Discreet inline microphone
• Inline call answer end button
• Reduces background noise
• 6 piece fit kit with multiple silicone ear tips
• Supports iPod, MP3 players, and iPhone

Looking for something a tad bit cheaper? There’s the new BackBeat Classic Mobile for $39.95 which features:

• Discreet inline microphone
• Inline call answer end button
• 6 piece fit kit with multiple silicone ear tips
• Compatible with iPod, iPhone, MP3 players

OK..  so what if you’re looking to cut the cord altogether? Altec Lansing has you covered there too with the BackBeat 906 headphones with built-in microphone for $129.95 (pictured below). These headphones come with a Bluetooth adapter for devices lacking Bluetooth transmitters. Features include:

• Dual-mic AudioIQ technology helps separate voice from background noise
• Hear the outside world with a press of the OpenMic button
• Bass-boost feature

BackBeat 903 lacks the Bluetooth adapter and is priced lower at $99.95.

We have a few more Altec Lansing products to discuss but we’ll save that for the next few posts.

Technorati Tags: Altec Lansing, Expressionist Speakers, Computer Speakers, In-ear earphones, earphones, CES 2009

Before we get into the specs, here are the pictures.

LC-65E77U:

LC-52E77U:

LC-46E77U:

LC-40E77U:

LC-40E67U:

LC-32E67U:

You’ll find the following common features across all the AQUOS E series displays:

• Advanced Super View (ASV) Superlucent Panel for “dramatically bright and crisp picture with reduced haze and reflectivity”
• New design with color accents at the bottom of the frame
• New convenient swivel stand

Features of the E77U series include:

• Fine Motion Enhanced Technology for 120Hz Frame Rate Conversion
• 4ms response time
• 10 bit ASV Superlucent panel
• 10 bit processing engine
• Full 1080p picture
• Spectral Contrast Engine XD (Extreme Dark)
• Optical Picture Control (OPC) automatically adjusts luminance to room brightness and lighting conditions
• Brightness Preservation picture processing for energy efficient displays
• Black cabinet with soft champagne gold hue
• Five HDMI 1.3 ports
• Two component video inputs – 1080p compatible

Features of the E67U series include:

• ASV Superlucent panel technology
• Four HDMI with 24p input capability
• Two component video inputs with 1080p support
• Energy saving features with Sharp Optical Picture Control (like the E77U series)
• New design with subtle copper hue at the bottom of the cabinet and swivel
• LC-32E67U comes with advanced gaming features such as Vyper Drive circuit to reduce lag time between game console input and TV display

And now – the pricing and availability
For the E77U series:

• LC-65E77U will be available in June for a price of $4,499.99
• LC-52E77U will be available in February for a price of $2,399.99
• LC-46E77U will be available in February for a price of $2,099.99
• LC-40E77U will be available in March for a price of $1,399.99

For the E67U series:

• LC-40E67U will be available in March for a price of $1,199.99
• LC-32E67U will be available in February for a price of $899.99

Technorati Tags: Sharp, AQUOS E Series, E77U, E67U, CES 2009

Here are pictures of the new models.

LC-52BD80U:

LC-46BD80U:

LC-42BD80U:

LC-37BD60U:

LC-32BD60U:

Common features of these new combo units include:

• Single step operation turns on TV and activates play with Blu-ray disc is inserted
• Advanced Super View (ASV) Superlucent panel for bright/crisp pictures with reduced reflection
• AQUOS Pure Mode for optimized viewing of Blu-ray titles
• AQUOS Blue design – subtle blue accent on the bottom of the frame and swivel stand
• Models LC-52BD80U, LC-46BD80U and LC-42BD80U feature Fine Motion Enhanced Technology for 120Hz frame rate conversion, 10 bit panel for Deep Color compatibility, and “dejudder” technology for smooth reproduction of film content
• Fast pixel response times
• Spectral Contrast Engine provides deep blacks and high contrast ratios
• 176 degree viewing angles
• LC-52BD80U, LC-46BD80U and LC-42BD80U have four HDMI inputs
• LC-37BD60U and LC-32BD60U have three HDI inputs

The LC-52BD80U and LC-46BD80U will be available in February. The LC-42BD80U, LC-37BD60U, LC-32BD60U will be available in January.

Technorati Tags: Sharp, AQUOS, LC-52BD80U, LC-46BD80U, LC-42BD80U, LC-37BD60U, LC-32BD60U, CES 2009

First up, we have the Sharp AQUOS BD-HP50U Blu-ray Disc Player. This is a fairly standard player with features such as full HD 1080p playback, support for BD-ROM Profile 1.1, HDMI 1.3 output, and support for the latest advanced lossless surround-sound formats.

Here’s a quick rundown of specs for the BD-HP50U:

• Built-in RS-232C port allows external control systems to manage the player
• IR input allows the unit to be controlled wirelessly through a remote sensor – allows the player to be hidden away
• Supports BD-ROM Profile 1.1
• HDMI 1.3 output including support for x.v.Color
• Lip Sync – automatically adjusts audio and video signal processing times to eliminate lip sync errors
• Support for Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD, Dolby Digital Plus
• Quick Start loads a movie in less than 10 seconds
• JPEG viewing
• Supports 1080p/24p output
• Compatible with BD-ROM/RE/R, DVD Video, DVD-RW/R, DVD+RW/R and audio CDs

The AQUOS BD-HP50U is available now for $449.99.

Next up, Sharp introduces two new third generation Blu-ray players. First, there’s the AQUOS BD-HP22U. Features of this full HD 1080p player include:

• Supports BD-ROM Profile 2.0 (BD-Live)
• Ethernet jack
• Advanced audio decoding including support for Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus
• AQUOS Pure Mode
• Lower power consumption in both Power On Mode and in standard mode (19 watts power consumption)
• HDMI 1.3  with x.v.Color
• 1080p/24p playback
• Sharp Quick Start feature
• Includes 2GB of memory
• JPEG viewer
• Available in May for $299.99

Finally, we have the AQUOS BD-HP16U which features:

• Advanced audio decoding including support for Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus
• AQUOS Pure Mode
• Lower power consumption in both Power On Mode and in standard mode (19 watts power consumption)
• HDMI 1.3  with x.v.Color
• 1080p/24p playback
• Sharp Quick Start feature
• JPEG viewer
• Available in March for $279.99

Technorati Tags: Sharp, AQUOS BD-HP16U, AQUOS BD-HP22U, AQUOS BD-HP50U, Blu-ray player, CES 2009

First up, let’s look at the new high speed EXILIM EX-FS10 and EX-FC100 digital cameras. The individual camera specs are as follows:

High Speed EXILIM EX-FS10

• Card sized camera measuring 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.64 inches
• 3x optical zoom lens
• 2.5 inch Super Clear LCD display
• 9.1 megapixel resolution
• Available in in blue, gray, red and white for a price of $349.99

High Speed EXILIM EX-FC100

• Compact camera measuring 3.9 x 2.3 x 0.9 inches
• 5x optical zoom lens with CMOS shift anti-shake function
• 2.7 inch Super Clear LCD display
• 9.1 megapixel resolution
• Available in gray or white for a price of $399.99

More pics of the EX-FC100:

Common features of both the EX-FS10 and the EX-FC100 include:

• 30 shot per second high speed burst shooting with 6.0 megapixel images
• The camera can save up to 25 frames prior to the instant the shutter button is actually pressed
• Number of shots per second can be set at 30, 15, 19, 5, 3 or auto. User can set total # of shots in one burst to 30, 20, 10, or 5
• Automatically record just the best of the images captured in a high speed burst
• Slow Motion View – press a button and view the movement of the subject in slow motion on the LCD monitor
• High speed anti-shake and high speed night scene functions – the camera is capable of combining a number of images taken in burst mode and then align the position of the subject to form a single shot
• High speed best selection – camera automatically selects the best image from a set of images taken in burst mode – best image will be saved
• Lag correction
• High speed movie recording at up to 1000 frames per second. Frame rate can also be set to 420 fps or 210 fps. While recording at 30 fps, you can press a button to record at 210 fps
• HD Movie function – capture videos at 1280 x 720. You can simultaneously capture 6.0 megapixel stills
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery

Now, let’s move to the EXILIM Models EX-Z400, EX-Z270, and EX-S12. The individual camera specs are as follows:

EXILIM EX-Z400:

• Wide-angle 28mm 4x optical zoom lens
• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• 3.0 inch Super Clear LCD display
• CCD shift anti-shake mechanism
• 39 BEST SHOT scene modes
• Long life battery allows for around 550 shots on a full charge
• Available in brown, gold, or pink for a price of $299.99

EXILIM EX-Z270:

• Wide-angle 28mm 4x optical zoom lens
• 10.1 megapixel resolution
• CCD shift anti-shake mechanism
• 37 BEST SHOT scene modes
• 2.7 inch widescreen LCD display
• Available in black, gray, gold, or pink for a price of $229.99

EX-S12:

• Measures 3.7 x 2.1 x 0.6 inches
• 3x optical zoom lens
• 2.7 inch super clear widescreen LCD display
• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• 41 BEST SHOT scene modes
• Available in silver, pink, green and black for a price of $249.99

Common features across all three models include:

• EXILIM Engine 4.0
• Dynamic Photo function- cut out a moving subject from several images captured and combine it with a different still shot that’s used as the background

• EX-Z400 and EX-Z270 feature hand-held night photography and shooting in adverse lighting conditions – cameras automatically analyze given situation and selects the most appropriate settings
• Improved Tracking AF
• Makeup function – cameras make adjustments to smooth skin in images and soften facial shadows caused by sunlight. Choose from one of 12 levels of skin beauty
• HD Movie function – shoot videos at 1280 x 720
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery

Finally, there’s the new EXILIM EX-S5 – a new “sleek and sturdy” digital camera.

Features include:

• Compact form factor measuring 3.8 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches
• Control panel, frame, and rear casing have contrasting colors
• 10.1 megapixel resolution with 3x optical zoom lens
• 2.7 inch widescreen LCD. Shooting information is shown in an “operating panel” on the right hand side of the screen
• Widescreen movie recording (16:9 aspect ratios). Features YouTube Capture Mode which allows you to record movies using settings ideal for YouTube
• Customizable focusing frame and menu screens
• Supports SD, SDHC
• 23 BEST SHOT scene modes
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery
• Available in blue, black gold, silver, pink and purple for a price of $179.99

All six new models will be coming out in March.

AND in case you missed our coverage of the ladies of CES, here are some of the cheerleaders that showed up at the Casio booth. Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Casio, EX-FS10, EX-FC100, EX-Z400, EX-Z270, EX-S12, EXILIM EX-S5, Digital Cameras, CES 2009

What we have here is a Bluetooth-enabled 7 inch digital photo frame designed by Andrée Putman for Parrot. This simple and elegant looking frame allows users to wirelessly transfer pictures from any Bluetooth enabled PC or mobile phone. If you don’t have a Bluetooth enabled PC or handset – no worries. You can transfer pictures to the frame using a USB connection or via an SD/MMC card. The 7 inch display has a resolution of 720 x 480 and supports up to 262K colors. Other specs include support for Bluetooth 2.0, a mini-USB port, and support for JPEG and GIF file formats. The frame measures 219 x 174 x 25 mm and weighs 695 grams.  You can purchase the frame for £250.

If Bluetooth connectivity isn’t enough for you, then you should check out the other Designer digital picture frame from Parrot – the Specchio “mirror” picture frame designed by Martin Szekely.

The Specchio features Wi-Fi connectivity in addition to Bluetooth 2.0 support. You can deliver digital images to the frame in a variety of ways. You can email pictures the frame. You can display whole Picasa or Flickr albums on the frame via Wi-Fi. You can transfer pictures from the PC/Mac via Wi-Fi. And of course, you can transfer pictures via Bluetooth from your mobile handset.

Ah yes, the Specchio frame also doubles as a handy mirror – just in case you want to look at yourself too. The 7 inch display has a resolution of 720 x 480 and supports up to 262K colos. There’s also a mini-USB port as well as an SD/MMC card slot. You can purchase the Specchio now for $499.99.

Technorati Tags: Parrot, Digital Picture Frames, Designer Collection, CES 2009

Looking for rugged portable speakers for the Apple iPod? Then you’ll be interested in two new ION Audio products introduced at CES 2009 – the compact TAILGATER and a new black version of the BLOCK ROCKER.

The BLOCK ROCKER is essentially an all-in-one speaker system – combining speakers, an amp, audio inputs, and an iPod dock into a single box. The system comes with recessed wheels, a telescoping handle, a microphone, and a cable – everything you need to turn a gathering into one rockin party.

If the BLOCK ROCKER is a tad bit too large for your taste, then you’ll want to check out the TAILGATOR. This system is essentially a smaller version of the BLOCK ROCKER with the exception that the wheels and telescoping handle are replaced with a more conventional guitar amplifier-style grip.

The BLOCK ROCKER will be available in white or block for a price of $299.99 while the TAILGATOR will be priced at $199.99. Expect the two portable systems to come out in the second quarter.

Technorati Tags: ION Audio, BLOCK ROCKER, TAILGATOR, CES 2009, Apple iPod

Boy, college lectures would have been so much easier if I had one of these ION iCAPTURE devices on hand. The iCAPTURE device transforms the iPod into a portable digital audio recording device. Simply dock the iPod into the iCAPTURE and then use the built-in microphone to record stereo audio. The recorded audio is stored on the iPod where it can be listened to immediately or transferred to a PC/Mac.

ION expects to ship the iCAPTURE in the second quarter – no word on pricing yet.

Technorati Tags: ION Audio, iCAPTURE audio recorder for iPod, CES 2009

Above is the new Ion ANYROOM wireless, multi-room speaker system designed for the Apple iPod and introduced at CES 2009. The system consists of two wireless stereoRX modules (with each module consisting of left and right speakers) and a single wireless microTX dongle for the iPod. The speakers can be placed in different locations and have a range of 600 feet from the location of the transmitter dongle. The package comes with a handheld, wireless remote control that allows the user to control the iPod, control the volume levels, and apply equalizer settings. You can expect the ANYROOM system from Ion Audio in the second quarter for a price of $199.99.

Technorati Tags: ION Audio, ANYROOM, Wireless Speakers, iPod, CES 2009

For the second year in a row, I had the opportunity to check out Golla’s extensive bag collection on display at CES. For 2009, the company introduces two new product categories – a “game bag” for portable gaming devices, and a “knitted cap” designed for a wide variety of small devices ranging from MP3 players to digital cameras. Golla also expanded their laptop bag category to include two bag alternatives – an “Easy” version and a “Function” version with magnetic closings. You’ll also find a wider selection of laptop sleeves as well as new cases for the burgeoning netbook category.

Overall, Golla enhanced much of their existing lineup with new colors, designs, and features. It should be noted that while much of their product lineup is designed for specific devices, this doesn’t mean you can’t store other types of devices too. Golla bags combine form and functionality into an inexpensive product.

One other exciting tidbit for U.S. customers – the company is in the process of opening up a U.S. office. Hopefully this translates into more of their products becoming accessible to customers in the U.S.

Thus, without further ado, here are pictures of their 2009 product lineup.

Mobile Bags:

• Great for mobile phones
• Comes with extra pockets for small items like earphones, change, or credit cards

Caps and Music Bags:

• Universal fit for digital cameras, mobile phones, MP3 players, etc
• Carabiner to hang conveniently
• Music bags have belt loop and additional pockets

Pop Bags:

• Extra gap in the flap allows an easy outlet for headphones
• PVC tube along the side for headphone cable management.
• Small pocket in the front

Game Bag:

• Pocket on each side – one for the gaming device, and the other for charger and cables
• Storage for cables
• Handle with rubbery grip

Digi Bags:

• Carry the bag using either the carabiner, belt-loop, or neck loop.
• Universal slim size with soft padding, zipper closing, and small extra inner pocket

Cam Bags:

• Designed to store SLR cameras
• Heavy coated cover material
• Two detachable inside walls
• Magnets to close the front flap
• Extra strap outside for secure closing
• 3 Additional Zipper Pockets

EASY laptop bags:

• Available in two sizes – 13 inches and 15 inches
• Two compartments – one padded for the laptop and another for notebooks
• Two zipped pockets for accessories
• Padded and adjustable shoulder strap with non-slip gripper materials
• Durable in rough weather

FUNCTION Laptop Bags:

• Street-like look
• Fits 15 inch laptops
• Special laptop compartment with a special gel structure for extra computer protection
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Magnetic closing

Golla Black:

• New line of bags designed for high-end electronics
• Laptop bags made of high quality nylon with water-resistant coating
• Scratch-resistant lining

Laptop Sleeves:

• Sleeves in 5 different sizes – 7-9 inches, 13 inches, 15 inches, and 17 inches
• Special 15 inch design for Mac laptops
• Extensible handle, zipper closing and extra pocket for power adapter or notepad
• Soft black interior keeps your laptop scratch-free

Laptop Backpacks:

• Streamlined and slim design
• Lightly structured and multiple compartments
• Front compartment has see-thru pockets
• Well padded laptop compartment with gel structure on bottom and sides

AND.. that’s a wrap! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Golla, 2009 Bag Collection, CES 2009, Golla Bags

The new Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive is Iomega’s attempt to deliver a cost effective network attached storage device for the home market. The drive connects to your home network and delivers a centralized storage location for all of your digital content across all of your networked devices.

Powering the drive is EMC’s LifeLife Home Software solution which is a custom Linux OS and application suite. After installing the software, users can access files and set permissions using a friendly user interface. Setting up the Home Media Network Hard Drive should be straight-forward and simple. Just plug the drive into the network, power up the drive, and then install the included software. Since the networked drive also acts as a UPnP media server, you can easily share content to DLNA certified networked media players such as the Xbox 360.

Key features of the Home Media Network Hard Drive include:

• Share files between Windows and Apple systems
• Gigabit Ethernet support
• UPnP AV Media Server – compatible with DLNA certified media players
• iTunes Server
• Supports CIFS/SMB, AFP, and HTTP 1.1
• Add additional capacity by connecting external USB hard drives
• Automatic network discovery by Apple Bonjour and Windows Rally devices
• Backup your data using EMC Retrospect HD backup software
• Oxford 810SE chipset with 370MHz CPU and 64MB RAM
• One 7200 RPM SATA HDD
• One USB port
• Built-in Print Server
• Measures 4.92 x 7.83 x 1.57 inches and weighs 2.45 lbs

The Iomega Home Media Network Hard Drive will be available this month with the 500GB drive going for $159.99 and the 1TB drive going for $229.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Iomega, Home Media Network Hard Drive, NAS, CES 2009

Here’s a growing trend among storage manufactures. Have storage products, will carry multimedia players too. We’ve seen this with Western Digital, Netgear, and of course Iomega. Iomega had two of their latest multimedia players on display at CES 2009 – the ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive with 1.0 TB of disk space and the hard-drive-less ScreenPlay TV Link device.  The ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive is the company’s high end, networked multimedia player with a built-in 1.0 TB hard drive, while the ScreenPlay TV Link is an inexpensive media player without a built-in hard drive.

Here’s a quick summary of features for the two products.

For the Iomega ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive, you get:

• Connects to your home network
• Store and access videos, music, and photo collections
• Browse the network for media
• Record SD video from camera, cable box, or VCR with one-touch capture record button
• Supports native HD
• Audio Formats – MP3, WMA, OGG Vorbis, DTS, AAC, AIFF, PCM, M4A, AC3, WAV
• Video Formats – MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (HL/ML), .MPEG-4 (part 2, ASP), DivX (3.11, 4.x, 5.x, 6.x, HD), Xvid, AVI, mov, iso, vob, mp4, mkv
• Photo Formats – JPEG and BMP
• SCART, HDMI, Composite Video, Component Video, Coaxial S/PDIF output
• Video upscale to 1080i
• Supports USB Wi-Fi dongle
• Available for $299.99

For the ScreenPlay TV Link device, you get the following:

• Compact, affordable multimedia player
• Connect a USB hard drive formatted in either NTFS or FAT32
• Video upscale to 1080i via HDMI
• Energy efficient
• includes remote control
• Audio Formats – MP3, AC3 (Dolby® Digital Encoding), WMA, WAV, OGG
• Video Formats – MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (AVI/VOB), MPEG-4 (AVI/DiVX 3.11, 4.x, 5.x/XViD)
• Photo Format – JPEG
• HDMI, Composite Video, Component Video
• Measures 3.26 x 3.07 x .78 inches and weighs 0.22 lbs
• Available for $99.95.

Technorati Tags: Iomega, ScreenPlay TV Link, ScreenPlay Pro HD Multimedia Drive, CES 2009

Looking to expand their presence in the digital media player market, Netgear demonstrated two new players at CES 2009 – the Netgear Internet TV Player (model ITV2000) and the Netgear Digital Entertainer Elite (model EVA9150). The Internet TV Player is a small compact device focused on delivering Internet content directly to the home big screen TV while the larger Digital Entertainer Elite caters the advanced media enthusiasts with large collections of digital content at home.

Here’s what you need to know about Netgear Internet TV Player.  Using the form factor of a small Netgear switch, the ITV2000 has the following features and specs:

• Ideal for individuals who enjoy online video
• Streams content from popular sites such as BBC.com, CNN.com, ESPN.com, EuroSport.com, NBC.com, PGATour, TMZ.com, YouTube, Google Videos, Yahoo Videos and MetaCafe
• Supports streaming of live TV broadcasts from Internet sites around the world
• Supports premium, paid movies delivered on-demand from sites such as CinemaNow.com
• Supports downloaded videos using BitTorrent
• VTap video search for intelligent search of Internet videos – target video sites by country, topic of interest, person, or popular website
• Supports playback of video, music, and photos through a connected USB flash drive or through Netgear ReadyNAS storage solutions
• Expected during the summer of 2009 for a price of $199

Below are pictures of the device. Note the demo uses a prototype unit on the right to power the display. The final form factor for the ITV2000 will be in the middle (or left in the second picture).

For those of you with large collections of digital content at home, Netgear will be rolling out the Digital Entertainer Elite (EVA9150). This component styled device features a built-in, user-upgradeable 500GB hard drive, playback support for a wide variety of digital file formats, support for 1080p video playback, and support for Internet delivered content.

First, here are the supported file formats (and it’s an impressive list):

• Video formats: AVI, DivX, Xvid WMV, MOV, M4V, MP4, VOB, MPG, MP1, MP2, MP4, ISO, IFO, MKV, TS and M2TS;
• Audio formats: MP1, MP2, MP3, WMA, WMA-Pro, AAC, FLAC, AIFF, WAV, LPCM, Dolby AC3 5.1 stereo downmix, Dolby AC3 5.1 passthrough, DTS 5.1 passthrough, Dolby TrueHD Downmix, Dolby+ Passthrough and DTS-HD Master Audio passthrough;
• Subtitle formats: SUB, SRT, SMI, SAMI, TXT and DVD Subpicture; and,
• Video codecs: MP1, MP2, MP4, Xvid, VC-1/WMV-9, H.264 and OpenDivX.

Yes – the player will indeed play back full ISO images of DVDs – AND preserve the menus, chapters, and subtitles. Awesome stuff! AND yes, it supports MKV files too.

Other features and specs include:

• Two USB ports allowing you to connect USB flash drives, digital cameras, iPod, or other USB storage device
• Play files stored on PC, Mac, or from Network Attached Storage device
• Streams media directly from Internet sites
• Upconverts video to full 1080p HD via HDMI
• Three Netgear RangeMax internal metamaterial antennas and Dual-Band wireless 802.11n
• Sigma Designs 8635 processor
• Several Digital Entertainer Elites can work in the same home – pause video in one room allows you to pick it up in the same location in another room
• Support for Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
• Energy efficient power supply and automatic power saving mode consumes as little as 0.01 watts
• Expected in February for a price of $399

Technorati Tags: Netgear, Internet TV Player, ITV2000, Digitial Entertainer Elite, EVA9150, CES 2009

New York-based Cocoon Innovations showed off their new line of Cocoon bags and cases at CES 2009 designed to store and protect the increasing number of digital devices that are filling our lives. Each Cocoon bag features a protective outer shell and a unique internal storage system called “The Grid”.

Designed for flexibility and customization, the Grid is a proprietary universal elastic organization system capable of storing practically any kind of device – whether it’s an MP3 player, a BlackBerry, an iPod, a digital camera, etc. All this is made possible through the use of crisscrossing elastic fabric which results in an efficient storage system.

Below is a snapshot of the Grid in action.

The new bags and cases will come out this Spring with Cocoon manufacturing a wide array of products to satisfy every customer segment.

Thanks to unique eye-catching designs and a innovative elastic grid storage system, this certainly isn’t your typical computer bag. It’s a bag that exemplifies form AND function; a bag that’s sexy and purposeful.

Finally, a word on pricing – expect prices to range from sub-$100 for consumer oriented bags to several hundred dollars for leather professional bags.

Now without further ado, here are pictures of some of the bags that were on display at CES 2009. (We have product information for some of the new cases pictured here).

Here is the CLB550 which features:

• Bottom offers 3 point impact protection
• Thermal Plastic Rubberized Bottom
• Cushion protection laptop system
• Front waterproof pocket for cell phone
• Padded EVA
• Water resistant
• Stylized rubber and steel zipper pulls
• Measures 12.5 x 15.25 x 4 inches

Here is the CLB600 which features:

• Snap-on speaker holder (speaker sold separately)
• Snap-on adjustable shoulder strap
• Cushion laptop sleeve
• Stylized rubber and steel zipper pulls
• Bottom offers 3 point impact protection
• Laptop sleeve with thermal plastic rubber protection
• Water resistant
• Measures 13.35 x 15.15 x 3.5 inches

Here is the CMB100 which features:

• Molded case
• Stylized rubber and steel zipper pulls
• Water resistant
• Mobile protection exterior
• Contour ergo-shoulder strap design
• Measures 15 x 17 x 4 inches

Here are shots of the inside of the CMB100:

The bag on the lower half of the picture is the CLB650 which features:

• Headphone connector
• External MP3 control
• Snap-on ID card holder
• Bottom offers 3 point impact protection
• Removable snap-in sleeve
• thermal plastic rubber
• Snap-on accessories and removable padded laptop sleeve
• Glide shoulder strap tabs
• Water resistant
• Measures 14.6 x 16.7 x 4 inches

Below are several other upcoming Cocoon products – including higher end leather products designed for mobile professionals and an external speaker for MP3 players. Enjoy!

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Cocoon Innovations, Bags, Cases, The Grid, CES 2009, Laptop Bag

Pico projectors were certainly all the rage at CES 2009 and you can now add Samsung to the mix. The company introduced their own pico-projector during the trade show called the MBP200. Utilizing a DLP pico chip from Texas Instruments, this compact portable projector connects to mobile phones or laptops and features a built-in 2.2 inch QVGA display, a microSD slot, and built-in viewers for a variety of file formats. That’s all fine and dandy of course but the real question is – how big of a picture can it project? Samsung claims the MBP200 can project up to a size of 50 inches with a resolution of 480 x 320 (ok, so it isn’t high def but that’s ok when it comes to business presentations).

You’ll find the microSD slot particularly useful as it frees the MBP200 from needing a PC to connect to. Simply transfer the files you want to project onto a microSD card and slide it into the projector. The MBP200 supports playback of the following file formats:

• Pictures: JPEG, GIF, Animated GIF, MBP
• Music: MP3, WMA, OGG, ACC, WAV
• Video: DivX, Xvid, WMV9 Simple Profile, MPEG-2, MPEG-4
• Files: PDF, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Text

The pico projector also includes a 3.5 mm standard jack and a built-in external speaker.  Expect the MBP200 later this year. No word on pricing as of yet.

Technorati Tags: Samsung, MBP200 Pico Projector, CES 2009

SanDisk used CES 2009 as the place to launch their new Sansa slotRadio player and companion line of slotRadio music cards. Priced at $99.99, the slot Radio portable music player comes bundled with a slotRadio mix card loaded with 1,000 titles handpicked from the Billboard charts.  Simply insert the card into the player, and start enjoying the titles – either a title at a time or through the built-in “handcrafted” playlists which are designed to match your style, mood, or activity.  The playlists include “Alternative”, “Contemporary”, “Country”, “R&B/Hip Hop”, “Rock”, “Workout”, and “Chillout”.

The player itself measures 1.9 x 1.9 x 0.59 inches and weighs a mere 1.3 oz. Features include a 1.5 inch OLED display perfect for viewing artist and song information, a built-in FM radio, a battery life of 13 hours, and a die-cast aluminum design with built-in belt clip. In many ways, slotRadio is a far better piece of hardware than the iPod shuffle from a specifications perspective(which lacks an FM radio, display, and support for expansion cards).

SanDisk priced the slotRadio player at $99.99 which comes with 1,000 bundled songs. You can purchase additional 1,000 song genre-specific and themed slotRadio cards for $39.99  The new slotRadio player will be coming out early this year and slotRadio cards can be played with any other slotRadio player and is also compatible with Sansa Fuze MP3 players. Here are more pictures for your viewing pleasure.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: SanDisk, slotRadio, slotRadio player, CES 2009, digital audio player