Gadgets Base

Posted Mar 25th 2008 7:18AM by Darren Murph
Filed under: Misc. gadgets
Believe it or not, this actually isn’t the first FDA approved personal hair remover we’ve come across, but for those looking for something capable of handling some seriously hairy ordeals, look no further than Silk’n. Created by Home Skinovations (har har), this unit relies on proprietary Home Pulsed Light technology to zap unwanted hair and bring back the smooth. Of course, this thing still has to be used “under the direction of a physician,” but after waltzing into his / her office with three inches of sprawling chest hair blossoming from under that halfway buttoned shirt, we’d wager you’ll have the requisite signature in no time.

[Via medGadget]

SentrySafe’s new hard drive is all but your normal USB hard drive which you can directly connect into a PC or laptop’s USB port to get some data storing goodness. It enables users to back up critical data in case of systems crash, computer failure and here’s the clincher, fire and water related disasters.

SentrySafe’s new hard drive is the world’s first and currently only fire resistant and water proof hard drive. It is actually a Maxtor OneTouch 4 mini hard drive encased in SentrySafe enclosure. That means the data in the hard drive is safe even it finds its way into burning house or submerged in water. But the SentrySafe hard drives protection from fire and water has some limitations though - fire protection last only for 30 minutes of up to 1,500 degrees heat and water survival last only for 24 hours. Anything beyond that, I guess you can kiss your data goodbye.

The SentrySafe is available in an 80GB or 160GB storage capacity. For $259.99 or $339.99 respectively you get a fire resistant and waterproof hard drive powered by USB 2.0 bus, USB Y-Cable, back up software, password protection and data encryption, LED power indicator light and a durable high gloss silver finish.

Wait, SentrySafe is even throwing in an exclusive After Fire and Water Data Recovery Support Program which will attempt to recover your data free of charge should your hard drives get damaged by fire and water. But did they just say that SentrySafe’s hard drive is fire resistant and waterproof?

Read [SentrySafe] Via [GearLog]

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Very small and compact sub-laptops like the Asus Eee PC, Cloudbook, and the Intel 2go PC which was first referred to as the Netbook, are quickly rising to fame. Maybe because of their price and portability. They may not offer much on the specs but such small laptops can come in very handy. Now, don’t you just think that a small USB mouse like the Super Slim USB Mouse can be perfect accessory? You know, a tiny mouse for a tiny laptop.

The mouse may look weird since it’s size is almost half of a regular sized mouse. Just when company peripheral manufacturers are designing ergonomic mice, this slim mouse comes out with a bang. The optical mouse comes with only one button which leads me to ask how am I gonna do the right click, it being important to me. A scroll is also placed at the right side of the thin mouse.

The slim optical mouse costs only a little less than $12. Not bad since this one could be great for travel and for sub-laptops that have no Bluetooth connectivity, but seriously, I think I’m gonna have a hard time using this one.

Read [GeekAlerts] Product [DealExtreme]

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Posted Mar 25th 2008 2:21AM by Nilay Patel
Filed under: GPS, Portable Audio, Portable Video, Transportation
Although Kenwood’s been shipping nav-enabled car stereos powered by Garmin since 2006, they’ve mostly gone under the radar — but now it looks like the two companies are so pleased with the arrangement that they’re going to launch a combined marketing blitz and some new jointly-developed models. We’ve already seen a couple nifty Kenwood stereos with built-in nav (and some sweet concepts), but it looks like 2008 will bring even more units like the Garmin-powered Excelon DNX-8120 (pictured above) that launched at CES. All the new units are to have touchscreens with flash-based Garmin nav internals, as well as the usual high-end Kenwood features like Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD Radio, and ipod hookups. No new model numbers or prices have been announced yet, but the marketing partnership is apparently already underway — get ready for the car stereo section of your local big box to be taken over.

[Via Blast]

It was just a few short weeks ago that the good news came about how the Cuban government was beginning to ease up a little by allowing their people sales of computers and video players. While they may be allowed to purchase (assuming they can afford one) a computer, it may not be that perfect setup considering the Internet access will be limited and remain in control of the government. Recently a popular Cuban blogger’s website was blocked, just like YouTube was inaccessible for almost a week in China.

Yoani Sanchez, a 32 year old graduate of philology blogs for ”Generacion Y”, journaling her daily life in Cuba, as well as the political constraints and economic hardships in her country. In an interview with Reuters, Sanchez divulged that she could not access her website as of Monday. Last February, Sanchez’s blog received 1.2 million hits from all over the world and just this week, website has become inaccessible from her connection in Cuba. However, she found a way to access her blog via an indirect route, most likely an Internet proxy. 

Sanchez writes in her blog:

“So the anonymous censors of our famished cyberspace have tried to shut me in a room, turn off the light and not let my friends in.”

The block must be because of her controversial posts attacking the Cuban government. Just recently, she satirically wrote about Cuban’s lift on other appliances except for the air conditioner and toaster entitled “Who is the last in line for a toaster?” and criticized her country’s new leader Raul Castro, brother of Fidel Castro, for his plans for Cuba.

Internet access in Cuba is already limited so the block on her blog isn’t really surprising especially if it’s a country where media freedom in unknown. While Cubans go to their blogs to vent their frustrations, the government is also set to regulate what is being published, or at least this time, what can only be accessed, such as in the case of Yoani Sanchez.

Read [Reuters]

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I have often passed a parcel of property that I’d love to buy knowing that sometime or another it would be a great investment. Immediate timing is not always right for an acquisition but down the road it could be perfect. This is just the position that Dish Network has found itself in. Was it by chance or was it a calculated bet? 

Recently, blocks of wireless airwaves came up for auction since the analog TV will soon go all digital. In a surprising turn of events Dish Network partnered with Frontier Wireless won a block of one-way communication licenses.

Analysts within the satellite television, mobile communications and investment industries are speculating why Dish Network would invest as much as $711 million dollars for a commodity that it is not completely compatible with their core business. Since the majority purchasers of these wireless airwaves were mobile phone companies it would seem that Dish Network have future plans to go “mobile” at least in some form.

Analyst Jason Bazinet of Citi, brings up an interesting point when he surmised that by Dish setting up a mobile TV network it would make it less likely for AT&T to take them over.

Read [Yahoo! News]

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Posted Mar 25th 2008 12:00AM by Darren Murph
Filed under: Laptops, Tablet PCs
While Panasonic’s rugged Toughbook 30 has been strutting its stuff with a Core 2 Duo within, the poor, poor Toughbook 19 has been going without. No more, however, as Panny has just announced that it’ll be boosting the speed and expanding the memory available in the beastly convertible tablet. Available now, the 5.1-pound rig is stuffed with a 1.06GHz U7500 processor (2MB L2 cache), up to 4GB of SDRAM, 80GB shock-mounted HDD, 10.4-inch daylight-readable display, a battery good for around seven hours, optional integrated WWAN / GPS / 2-megapixel webcam and a magnesium alloy case that won’t mind getting trampled. So, what’s the price for such an (almost) impossible-to-destroy machine? $3,199 and up, we’re afraid.

PANASONIC UPGRADES ITS RUGGED TOUGHBOOK® 19 CONVERTIBLE TABLET PC TO DELIVER MORE COMPUTING POWER, MEMORY

Toughbook 19 joins flagship rugged Toughbook 30 in delivering Core 2 Duo technology for mission-critical applications in extreme environments; Eleven independently-verified mil-spec tests and more than 500 internal quality checks combine for unparalleled Panasonic reliability

Secaucus, NJ, March 25, 2008 – Panasonic Computer Solutions Company, manufacturer of durable, reliable Panasonic Toughbook® mobile computers, today introduced upgrades to its Panasonic Toughbook 19 rugged convertible tablet computer. The next generation Toughbook 19F convertible tablet PC joins Panasonic’s flagship Toughbook 30F clamshell notebook with its incorporation of the Core 2 Duo processor and expanded memory capabilities. The 5.1 lb Toughbook 19 also offers an optional integrated camera for use in inspection and incident documentation applications for which the convertible tablet has become widely deployed in military, government and commercial applications.

These MIL-SPEC-certified notebooks incorporate the rugged features-such as magnesium alloy cases, sealed keyboards and ports, hard drive heaters, flexible internal connectors and shock-mounting-that combine to deliver the highest levels of reliability in the industry. Both the Toughbook 19 convertible tablet and the Toughbook 30 notebook include an anti-glare, anti-reflective sunlight viewable display, WiFi 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, a mobile broadband-ready (WWAN) design, along with backlit keyboard, GPS wireless and many more options.

“Panasonic has always been at the forefront of engineering and building mobile solutions that incorporate enhancements in processing power while advancing durability, screen brightness, battery life and embedded wireless technologies,” said Kyp Walls, director of product management, Panasonic Computer Solutions Company. “Panasonic engineers tackle reliability from the inside out and we manufacture and real-world test to ensure that our technology can withstand the conditions our customers face every day-and over the long term. Panasonic’s technical superiority is further supported by our deep network of channel partners and solution providers who understand the environments in which our customers work and the applications they require to meet the high standards expected of them.”

Engineered for the Usage Environment
Rugged PCs must be purpose-built and engineered for the environments in which they will likely be used. This requires solutions for heat management and screens which can be read in bright sunlight.

Panasonic addresses heat dissipation-a critical component in truly water- and dust-resistant units running faster, hotter processors-through its heat-pipe technology, allowing next-generation rugged units to run fast but cool without using a fan. Internal fans create noise, add weight and are a significant potential source of failure in rugged computing environments where dust, sand, humidity and precipitation are common.

The Toughbook 19 has a sunlight-readable 550 nit tablet model or a 500 nit touchscreen – both come with an anti-glare, anti-reflective coating as well as innovative technology developed by Panasonic that dramatically improves contrast and viewability outdoors. In addition, the Toughbook 30 was the first notebook to achieve a 1,000 nit rating. Even with these bright screens, both PCs still deliver 7 hours of battery life. Panasonic also allows for its screens to be dimmed significantly for the security and safety of those working in dark environments, such as military or law enforcement operations.

Panasonic Factory and Independent Quality Testing
Rugged Panasonic Toughbook notebooks are tested using the MIL-STD-810F methodology for a range of extreme conditions including drops (36″, unit and hard drive), shocks, vibration, humidity, altitude, water-, rain- and dust-resistance, temperature extremes and thermal shock. Each of the eleven Mil-spec tests conducted on the Toughbook 19 (and the Toughbook 30) is validated by independent lab testing.
In addition, rugged Panasonic Toughbook notebook screens, cases, ports, and keyboards are IP54-rated for water and particulates. The products have achieved UL1604 Class 1 / Div. 2 certification for use in hazardous environments.

At the Panasonic computer factory, in addition to mil-spec tests, Toughbook notebook hinges endure 50,000 cycles and keyboards are subjected to 25 million keystrokes. Panasonic’s commitment to quality-at both the component and finished goods level-results in a total of more than 500 checks and tests before, during and after production, on every unit built.

Superior Warranty, Support and Professional Services
Every Panasonic Toughbook mobile PC is sold with a standard three-year limited warranty and access to 24/7/365 U.S.-based phone support for the entire life of the unit. Panasonic boasts an average call center hold time of less than 75 seconds. In addition, in the unlikely event of a hardware-related failure, Panasonic covers the cost of overnight shipping to and from its national service center, where the average turnaround time for repairs is less than two and a half days. Panasonic also offers a full range of professional pre- and post-deployment services, including on-site support.

Pricing and Availability
The Toughbook 19F is available now at an estimated street price of $3,199. The Toughbook 19 with integrated camera will be available in May 2008 with an estimated street price of $3,699. These and other Toughbook notebooks are available exclusively through authorized Panasonic Toughbook resellers nationwide. Please visit www.panasonic.com/toughbook for more information.

Panasonic Toughbook 19 Convertible Tablet PC: Select Features and Specifications

* Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor U7500 (2MB L2 cache), Processor speed 1.06GHz, 533MHz FSB
* 80GB HDD (shock-mounted and user-removable)
* 1 GB SDRAM standard, expandable to 4 GB
* Optional external USB Combo Drive
* Full magnesium alloy case with hand strap
* Touchscreen Display version: 10.4″ 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, 500 nit daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD
* Tablet Display version: 10.4″ 1024 x 768 (XGA) transmissive, 550 nit daylight-readable TFT Active Matrix Color LCD with Digitizer
* Dimensions: 1.9″ (H) x 10.7″ (W) x 8.5″ (D)
* Weight: 5.1 lbs.
* Battery Life: 7 hours, depending on use conditions
* Intel® Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth v2.0+EDR
* Optional integrated WWAN (EV-DO Rev. A or HSDPA)
* Optional integrated GPS receiver
* Optional integrated 2MP camera with 5 ft. LED flash
* Security features include: wireless on/off switch; Password Security: Supervisor, User; Hard Disk Lock; Cable lock slot; Trusted Platform Module (TPM) v.1.2 security chip; Computrace theft protection agent in BIOS; optional fingerprint scanner; optional SmartCard reader
* Genuine Windows Vista® Business (with XP downgrade option), Setup, Diagnostics, DMI Viewer, Online Reference Manual, Adobe® Reader, Panasonic Handwriting (with signature capture on tablet pc version), Software Keyboard, Display Rotation Tool, Hard Disk Data Erase Utility, Recovery DVD
* 3-year limited warranty, parts & labor

MIU has announced a new product in the Korean electronics market – the Hybrid Dual Portable Computer (HDPC). The HDPC is equipped with a dual OS, which is a choice between Windows XP and Windows CE or Windows XP and Linux Qplus.

Staying true to its name, the HDPC also supports two functions, that of dual-mode and wireless internet. Actually the HDPC is all about giving users two options on both software and hardware depending on the user’s needs. Being a hybrid of portable devices, the HDPC integrates the different technologies of portable devices such as mobile phone, navigation, PMP, MP3, UMPC, electronic dictionary, internet phone, PSP, digital camera, mobile IPTV and voice recorder, all into one nifty device.

By integrating all these technologies, the HDPC is definitely a smarter device than most smartphones which have more limited functionality than the HDPC. The HDPC is a multi-functioning piece of hardware that has a 4.0-inch WVGA display with a resolution of 800 x 480. Users can perform various functions using the HDPC, it can be a cellular phone, internet phone, e-book reader, electronic dictionary, camcorder, video chatting, PMP, game player and more.

Other features of the HDPC include; a 500MHz chipset, up to 4GB RAM, a choice between 1.3-inch 30GB to 60GB hard drive or a 4GB SSD, and a 3.5-megapixel digicam.

Currently available only in Korea, the HDPC retails for around $400 and up. Again, no word yet on whether it will ever be available for a foreign release. In the meantime, let’s all envy our friends from Korea who will have the first crack the HDPC.

Via [Aving USA]

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Posted Mar 24th 2008 7:58PM by Darren Murph
Filed under: Misc. gadgets
Toy blocks infused with LEDs aren’t items that your youngster isn’t familiar with, but implanting hints of light into existing LEGO kits just adds an element of satisfaction not bundled with pre-fabricated alternatives. Enter the Lifelites eLite kits, which enables builders to wire LEDs within LEGO models fairly discretely, and given the option, you can spring for models that actually let you control the flashing action. Available now, the kits range from $30 to $50 sans a 9-volt battery box and cell, and you can tempt yourself further by checking out a finished product after the jump.

[Via BoingBoing, video courtesy of BrickJournal]

With over 165 million people in their community of users, Mozilla and it’s well loved Firefox browser should surprise no one when they say they mean business. After all, Firefox is the one tool that links everything we as Internet consumers do together, from Flickr to Amazon to MySpace to Facebook. But when was the last time you considered Firefox as a platform in itself, and thought that without it, none of these other so-called platforms would even have a chance to exist?

OK, there are other browsers like IE, Opera, and Safari, but besides the point, Firefox is the great unwashed platform that you’ve nearly ignored. The number of Firefox add-ons keep growing every minute, and it’s quite possible that the services provided by other web sites (let’s say for example, Twitter) will soon be integrated into Firefox as a built-in feature, negating the need for you to access the said web site. And except maybe for the Apple iphone with Mac OS X, Firefox would have no other clear competition. Or at least it shouldn’t have. So if you’re a developer or advocate of a platform other than Mozilla’s own, take heed and rethink your strategy. Unless you want to bite the dust, that is.

Read [CNET News]

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