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Putting away my paper-based maps, it was time to check out another SatNav device.
As part of its range of DigiWalker SatNav devices, Mio has released its C220 model. Although at the more budget end of its product line up, the C220 packs an impressive amount of functionality into a unit that measures 108 x 81 x 24mm (H x W x D) and weighs in at 100g. Opening the box reveals the SatNav device; a three-part connection kit for in-car use; USB lead; software CD; and various items of documentation. The C220 SatNav unit is dominated by the 3.
December 2006 saw the legalisation of low-power FM transmitters for personal use in the UK. As so often happens these
days outdated law was simply catching up with commercial reality. Already on the market were several
FM transmitters explicitly aimed for personal use to beam music from MP3 players into the cars hi-fi system.
Since the change in law the number of products in this space has blossomed. Here we take a look at a very small transmitter from Belkin called 'TuneFM for iPod'. The package it comes in is completely out of proportion to the product itself. Open the package you find a cardboard mock up of an iPod and right down the bottom the FM transmitter which attaches to the iPod dock connector. The body of the transmitter is around 60x25x11mm in size.
Do you have somewhere that you want Ethernet connectivity but running a cable is difficult or not desirable, does it area have mains electricity? If so this offering could be the answer.
The ZyXEL Homeplug PLA400 comes in a pack of two (other numbers are available) and what looks like a small router is at the end of standard 13amp power lead. Plug one of these into your router and the 13amp lead into a wall socket.
A flexible personal GPS navigation system that can also provide a range of
other in-car services.
At heart the n
Sony Ericsson has taken a bold decision with its W950i model by omitting a feature many would regard as being compulsory.
Taking over the role of the flagship Walkman phone is the Sony Ericsson W950i. With this particular model Sony Ericsson has taken the decision which may come as somewhat of a surprise. Unlike all the other mobile phones I've look at, whether from Sony Ericsson or many other manufacturers, this is the first model that does NOT include any photographic features. So it is a mobile phone that does not feature a camera.
Runes, magical artefacts and hairy characters are all waiting for those who venture into an Emerald Tale.
When it comes to the development of 3-in-a-row games, Enkord has plenty of experience. Following on from titles such as Jewel of Atlantis, Jurassic Realm and Clayside, Enkord's latest 3-in-a-row puzzle offering is Emerald Tale. Set, not in as you might imagine from the title, but in a world of runes, magical artefacts, hairy creatures and an over-abundance of plant-life - hence, maybe, the emerald reference.
Not a name big in digital cameras but certainly the name for Instant prints as the Polaroid Instamatic was (and as far as I know still is) the name for instant pictures, here however a conventional digital camera.
It is two tone grey with a silvered ring around the lens. A seven mega pixel offering a year ago would have been a really powerful offering. It has the standard 3x optical but they - unfortunately - still use the optical x digital to produce a figure of 12x something that most companies have been shamed out of doing. The only real use for digital zoom on a camera is to zoom into part of a taken image on the display.
Zoom H2 Handy Recorder - A "musthave" for the chattering classes?
Zoom set up in 1990 to provide sound gear and effect processors to the music industry. The company offers a range of sound mixing desks with recording facilities and a number of recording units. Until recently, I had used a mini disk recorder for background sound and sound bites for use with my films and video. My MDR disappeared in my son's direction, never to be seen again, so I was in the market for a new recording device.
Keeping your personal data safe can often be neglected due to the effort required. However solutions, such as Secure Stick, are available.
How do you protect your personal digital data especially when on the move? You might rely on a system that includes encryption, passwords and backups. While there is nothing wrong with this type of approach, it does rely on the human element especially with regards to remembering those all-important passwords and the task to which each one relates.
For a while Nintendo looked like it was going to play underdog to the
behemouths of Microsoft with their XBox and Sony with the PlayStation. Many
had written of this company as an also run. That was then. Several years on
from those predictions and Nintendo is breathing new life into not
only itself, but also the games industry as a whole.
This review takes a look at the latest in the DS line of hand-held game consoles. The
Nintendo DS (Dual Screen) arguably saw the turn around in Nintendo's fortunes and
a continuation of the strategy that brought the DS to market led directly to
the new Wii phenomenon. Put bluntly - Nintendo had the foresight to put the user, rather than technology, first.
For an inkjet printer this is big, but in comparison to some so are its most expensive part its ink cartridges, hence the claim 25% cheaper to run than a laser printer.
First the all important dimensions for this Officejet printer it is 49x38x21cm and it weights in at 8.8kilos. There are only three buttons on the front edge, the only one you are likely to use is the on/off. There are four tiny LED's to tell you if any of the four cartridges need changing. The rear has the power input (it's a massive power brick) and the USB input.
A couple of years ago such a situation would have been hard to fathom - Palm virtually
single handedly created the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) market, only to be
challenged by the might of Microsoft. So - how is the fruit of this unlikely marriage?
We take a look at the Palm Treo 500v.
As an early adopter and fan of the Palm concept I owned one of the very early
Palm Pilot products from around 1998 (still in use by my Dad) and still have a
Palm V (circa-2000) in daily use.
Firstly a clock that can wake you to your favourite MP3 track and second a clock that runs on water and does so much more. Both these units are tiny and great for those who travel.
My Music Box MP3 Digital Player This is a 7cm black cube with a grey metal face that contains a 5x2cm LED display. Below this are seven buttons that control the clock and what MP3 track you play. The left and right sides have speaker grills while the back has the battery insertion point (four 'AA') a mini USB cable and slot for SD or MMC card. There is an instruction sheet.
Your personal data belongs to you so make sure others can not use this information for their own use.
Have you considered who might be sharing your computer's functionality? I do not mean sharing with members of your family or colleagues but those individuals with whom you are not acquainted. The presence of these unwanted visitors is a clear indication that your system has become infected by spyware that can include Trojans, keyloggers, adware, system monitors and cookies.
Here we review 3 brands of epilator units designed to produce smooth hair-free legs.
Boot's Compact Epilator
Epilators look a bit like shavers, but are actually lots of little tweezers
that pull the hair out at the roots. This should result in smoother hair than
shaving. The manufacturers tell us that with repeated use the hairs grow back
softer and finer - so you don't get the stubble effect of shaving. The smooth
result is said to last for some weeks.
This is a slim easy to install PVR that works well even when not connected to a roof aerial. In fact a good part of the review period was when attached to my kitchen TV.
First the all important dimensions it is 35x30x5cm silver grey in colour and it's face has a two line red LCD display 11.5x2cm. There is a large on/off knob to the left on the front but everything else is controlled from the 47 key remote control. After unpacking I attached it to my main TV and more importantly it's roof aerial. The first tune was quick and found 55 TV and Teletext channels and 26 radio channels.
You've got a TV in the bedroom, the living room, the conservatory and even the
kitchen. But the bathroom... Until now the last bastion of TV free living has
finally fallen with the arrival of a waterproof television from Tech Vision.
The 10.4"LCD screen of the TechVision TW104 is protected by a plastic case with front panel buttons for volume, channel and input selection. Other than that all TV functions are controlled by a separate water-proof remote control. Overall dimensions are 395x292x42mm (width x height x depth). The TV is certified to IP56, which broadly speaking means it can be hit from water at any angle and will be fine.
While All-in-One or multifunction devices continue to be the flavour of the month with both retailers and consumers, there is still a place for various standalone devices.
If you have the work space and an interest in photography then you might well prefer the specific functionality that is provided by a dedicated scanner. A recent example of this specific scanning functionality can be found in the Epson Perfection V200 model which provides the means to scan general documents, photos, film strips, slides and even 3D objects with a scan resolution of 4800 x 9600 with 48 bit colour.
Old and new technology is brought together in a product developed by Digital Blue.
'With its Zoomshot product, Digital Blue has combined the functionality of a pair of binoculars with a digital camera, Right from the start it should be made clear that, despite the claim on the box that this product is for those aged from 7 to adult, the kit is really only suitable for the lower age group, The binoculars are so small, with a distance of 75mm between the left and right view-finders, that I was reduced to using the kit in telescope mode - using just one
If you are looking for a notebook to travel around with you unless someone else carries it for you then you certainly do not want one with a 15inch or 17inch display.
This is one with a 12.1 inch display and it comes in a variety of colours something that may bring favour with the ladies. I believe there is a pink one - luckily I was not sent it - I also remember green and blue. Mine was a sky blue offering. I am afraid I have to be a little vague as I have a pre production sample and certain drivers were missing as I assume was some of the software.
Throughout the year we review the products that you'll be buying. Here are our ideas for the perfect present whether for partner, relative or friend. Our Christmas Predictions are based on the best of the products we've seen and the one's you've been searching for.
We liked some of these products so
much,we've been able to get hold of some to put in our in December 07 - Gadgetspeak's largest ever prize draw.
Heres a peak at what we think is going to be hot this Christmas - maybe you have your own thoughts? If
so just .
Absence makes the heart grow fonder but would it be true as I take a look at a Creative webcam after a long break.
It has been a number of years since I last had the opportunity to look at a web cam from Creative. In fact it was back in the days when the company still preferred to be known as Creative Labs. The intervening period has certainly seen some remarkable changes in the design and functionality of the device. This new addition to the Creative family is the Live! Optia.
A small set of stereo speakers for iPod owners that produce good sound from a compact package and at a reasonable price.
Intempo produce a range of iPod speaker systems, along with a varied range of other audio products. The IDS-05 is a mid-sized unit at 23x13x9cm (width x height x depth). Sound is produced by combination of three speakers - two stereo 3W, 2" mid-range speakers to the front and a single, centrally mounted 9W, 3" sub-woofer to the rear. The speakers are not covered with any protective grill.
This DAB radio (also has FM) is the same wedge shape and size as the recently reviewed Siesta, there are of course differences the first of which is the colouring it looks a silver grey great for a bedroom.
First the all important dimensions these are of course maximum 19x17x6cm, the 19cm width is only 3cm at the rear. Under the unit is where the power adapter enters and where the aerial wire exits. The power lead is an adequate 1.8metres, the aerial lead is a barely adequate 60cm.
Polaroid is a name traditionally linked with instant film and sunglasses. They have however been
at the forefront of a number of technical developments over the years. Now they are capitalising
on that heritage to enter the high-definition TV market.
We'll be taking an in-depth look at Polaroid's Definia Range in December. This is a little sneak
preview of the Polaroid range. Paul Smart recently
and
was impressed with the results. The Definia range take that core technology and integrates a
digital (Freeview) tuner.
Here is a neat little toy that would make a great value extra present at Christmas and keep the kids exercising even indoors in the cold months.
Funkix is described as a technology filled Sports Sack. Derived from an 80's craze, the multi-million selling "Hacky Sack" the Funkix takes this concept and moves it into the twenty-first century. There are three different types, all shaped like a mini football with a different 'technology centre'. All of them are designed to be thrown, kicked or juggled and aimed squarely at the 'kid' in all of us - big or small.
Here I am looking at two devices the first something that was around when I was a kid Rolf Harris promoted it and the second something rather new in style and design.
Stylophone This has been around - almost since I was a kid - it was endorsed by Rolf Harris who first came to notice for his digery doo and not his paintings 'do you know what it is yet' those came a lot later. This to me looks identical to one I saw very many years ago it is 16x10x3.5cm. I doubt the original had MP3 input or probably not a headphone output as I don't think 3.5mm jack plugs were around then.
There are now a plethora of mobile video devices on the market. Personal DVD players started the
market which has been taken up by solid state and hard disk players like Apples iPod range and
the Archos range of products. While the concept has been great, personal video in public has never
been, well, that personal. A criticism myvu hope to address with their range of 'media viewers'.
On a recent train journey virtually half the passengers had headphones inserted with their
favourite music blasting into their ears. Despite an ever increasing range of mobile players
capable of delivering video - not one of those passengers were making use of that video
capability. There are probably a couple of reasons for this.
Haynes Laptop Manual: Buying, using and maintaining a laptop by Gary Marshall is a most useful book. -- not just for existing users but also for those who are potential buyers. In view of the fact that more and more people are opting for laptops, that probably means most of us.
It covers the various phases in laptop usage ranging from picking the right laptop, using it, and all the way through to upgrading it. From then onwards, it may be back to square one with having again to choose the right laptop etc. etc. However, by the time this occurs, there will probably be a new addition of the book to guide one through the process. When going into a High Street PC store one is faced with a confusing array of machines.
I have been a long time user of a Dymo handheld device for printing labels on tape. The company also produces printers for creating paper-based labels.
I am an inveterate labeller. Whether it is my music collection, DVDs or even just to identify which plug connects to which device, you will usually find a label, with appropriate information, attached. As a result I am an obvious candidate for a device that can print professionally looking labels to add that touch of style which I would rarely achieve if left to my own devices.
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