Gadgets Base

What good is your iPhone or ipod touch if you can’t get to it? WindowSeat gives your device the best seat in the car by mounting handily at eye level on your car’s windshield or dashboard, putting all of your street maps, directions etc. safely in view and easily within reach. Attaches with silicone suction pads and allows easy access to dock connector and headphone jack. When you leave the vehicle, there’s a convenient corner-release which lets you easily detach your device to take it with you, while leaving the mount safely in place. A nice touch is the swiveling ball-and-socket joint which makes it easy to adjust the angle.

Conveniently, it can be used in conjunction with Griffin Technology’s PowerJolt charger for iphone and iPods.

Just out, you can pick it up for $29.99 at Griffin. Also available at Amazon.
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See more of our picks from Amazon in the Popgadget Shop.

Yahoo’s Messenger software has been around the block a few times, and the new beta version (version 9) of the software adds some new social features.  While the overall look and feel of the app remains very much the same, users can now invite contacts on AOL, Gmail, Orkut, Hotmail, Myspace, and others to connect through to the Yahoo service.  The new beta version will also sport slightly larger emotions, so you can “express yourself with more oomph.” Also present are the ability to play games with your contacts, right inside Yahoo Messenger.  The status bar is split into two sections: one for availability, one for a place to share a link or thought.

The full version for Windows is due out in Q3 of this year, with a Mac version coming later into the year.

Read [Yahoo] via [WebWare]

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Sanyo has introduced a couple of super-bright projectors to the masses - the PLC-XC55 and PLC-XC50. Both are extremely portable and small enough for mounting on the ceiling or placement on stationary desktops, making it perfect for personal use or even in classrooms. Each of these projectors also boast an extra security feature in the form of the durable Security Bar and a PIN number which is required in order to unlock the projector before it can be used. Sounds like the perfect candidates for the education sector where ease-of-use, portability and security are of the utmost importance. Interestingly enough, the PLC-XC55 and PLC-XC50 are equipped with Sanyo’s Active Maintenance Filter (AMF) that makes filter changing a snap.

The use of Sanyo’s AMF system will ultimately lower the cost of ownership by dramatically reducing filter maintenance costs by a factor of ten, while a transparent lens cap will help prevent the accumulation of dust on the lens as well as the ability to replace the lamp from the top cabinet, doing away with the need to remove the entire projector from permanent installations. As for the security bar mentioned above, it is able to accept security wires of up to 11mm in diameter while the required PIN number will definitely act as a deterrent since only the designated administrator will be able to operate the on-board bttons and logo-controlled settings.

• Lamp: 220W UHP
• Noise Rating: 27.5dBA (Eco mode), 34.0dBA (Normal mode)
• Audio: Built-in mono speaker with 7-watts of power Video Terminals: DVI-I, D-sub15, Component (w/ Optional Cable), Composite, S-Video (Mini Din 4), D-sub15 monitor out
• Audio: Stereo mini-jack input x2 (for computer input) and output (Variable), Analog stereo input for video input (RCAx2)
• Additional Inputs: RS232C control (D-sub9)
• Warranty: 3 years parts/labor, 90 days original lamp; Quick Repair Program
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 16.1″ x 3.3″x 10.3″ (excluding protrusions)
• Net Weight: 8.82 lbs.

The PLC-XC55 and PLC-XC50 will retail for $1,995.00 and $1,495.00, respectively when they’re available this July.

Press Release

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Industrial Computing has expanded its Guardian line of Windows CE 5.0-powered “military-grade” PDAs by introducing the dust- and drop-proof Guardian Model 135. It might not look as though it is up to the task when it comes to harsh environments, but it should be more than adequate for the average butterfingers who works in rather harsh environments. It complies with MIL-STD-810F and IP67 standards, enabling it to shrug off five-foot drops to concrete, being sprayed with water, or even being immersed. It will also outlast the average human in the heat, operating in temperatures of up to 140 deg. F. For more details on the specifications, check out the list after the jump.

• Processor: Marvell PXA270 clocked at 624MHz
• Memory: 128MB of RAM and 128MB of flash
• Display: 3.5″ in either QVGA (320 x 240) or VGA (640 x 480) versions
• Keys: Numeric keypad, directional keys, triggers for optional scanner
• WLAN: 802.11b/g
• WPAN: Bluetooth 1.2 (no Bluetooth 2.0? Bummer!)
• 2 x USB (1 host, 1 client)
• 1 x RS232
• Microphone jack
• Headphone output
• Pass-through connector for cradle
• SD memory card slot
• PCMCIA Type II slot
• 1900mAH lithium-ion battery
• Operating temperature: -20 to 60 deg. C (-4 to 140 deg. F)

There is no word on pricing or availability as at press time, but my guess is the elder sibling, the Guardian Model 137 is already ready to be purchased which means the 135 can’t be too far off behind. How many of you would actually pick up an industrial grade PDA just because you’re naturally clumsy (like yours truly)? I know I wouldn’t as the social stigma is there, and the design isn’t exactly to die for in the first place anyways. I guess folks like me will just have to learn to be more careful with my belongings whenever I hold them.

Source: Windows for Devices

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by Joshua Fruhlinger, posted May 31st 2008 at 6:17AM
Sorry, but squats are so 20th Century. Instead, strap on the HULC — Human Universal Load Carrier — exoskeleton and effortlessly carry an extra 200lbs. HULC not only increases your human payload, but it also “decreases [your] metabolic cost”. In other words, it seems Berkeley Bionics developed this thing for extremely lazy people, those who lose their breath easily, or for those on what they call “long duration missions”. This is no joke, though — the company is taking orders for the suit already.

[Via Switched]

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Filed under: Robots

Adding a new dimension to the latest series of 3G smartphones, Sony Ericsson P990i Cell Phone will make you leave your laptop behind, as it has all the features that are present in a laptop. Get the ease of navigating the phone menu by simply touching the icons on its touchscreen. Experience an effective communication with this smart cell phone brought out by Sony, world’s leader in communication solutions.

Features

• Video Streaming.
• 3G.
• Symbian OS.
• Flight Mode.
• Bluetooth.

Sony Ericsson P990i cell phone incorporates some of the latest cell phone features like push email that lets you send or receive instant emails on your mobile phone. Another great function of Sony Ericsson P990i Cell Phone is its capability to let you browse Internet anywhere you go. So, get the new Sony style with this new Sony Ericsson P990i Cell Phone.

Price and Availability

Sony Ericsson P990i Cell Phone is available at a price range of $ 500.00 - $ 565.00.

Source: Sony

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Do you remember playing with a toy called the Weeble? They were miniature weighted ovals, which sort of resembled very colorful paperweights. They were a perfect example of mindless fun and totally addicting. No matter how much you tried to wobble the little guys, they would never fall over.

Seemingly inspired from the retro toy, the USB Tumbler Speaker from Brando refuses to fall, no matter how many times you attempt to shove it on its side. Thankfully, the novelty of owning a non-tumbling speaker doesn’t sacrifice the audio quality.

The USB Tumbler Speaker features an unscrewable extension tube which maximizes the bass for ultra-booming sound. Available in your choice of black or red, the speaker comes with a rechargeable battery and couldn’t be easier to operate.

The Tumbler acts as an amplifier for your computer or portable media device, so the volume is controlled from the source, rather than the speaker. This way you don’t have to get up to change the volume if the speaker is out of arms reach. You can grab your own for $15.

Product Page via Technabob

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by Chris Ziegler, posted May 31st 2008 at 12:24PM
A retailer taking pre-orders for phones that haven’t even been announced is considered business as usual, but there’s something just a little out of the ordinary with Horizon Wireless’ listing for the alleged touchscreen superphone outta Waterloo, the BlackBerry 9500 “Thunder” — it’s accompanied by a somewhat believable picture of the thing. Extreme blur always adds a healthy dose of credibility (we kid), but more importantly, the picture shows no telltale signs of being a render and looks essentially like what everyone’s expecting it to look like. blackberry addicts who’ve been desperately fighting the urge to go to the dark side, consider this your shot of willpower for the day.

[Thanks, Yasim M.]

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Filed under: cellphones, Handhelds

Designed for goal-oriented runners, Polar RS200 Running Computer lets the runner prepare for his or her first running event. Use Polar RS200 Running Computer and learn how to manage the event countdown time right from your training programs. You can easily upload settings on this running computer and later download your workout files to the Polar Running Coach Web Service for a thorough analysis.

Features

• Polar OwnZone.
• Wireless ECG accurate heart rate.
• Polar Sport Zones.
• Polar Body Workout.
• Polar Fitness Test with OwnIndex.
• Polar OwnOptimizer.

Add the optional S1 foot pod and get the most out of the stylish and useful Polar RS200 Running Computer. From run distance to speed summary, from target pace alarm to total mileage, you get it all displayed on Polar RS200 Running Computer. Not only this, you can also avail a series of weight management features on Polar RS200 Running Computer; Exercise Diary, Weight Diary, Nutrition Diary, body Mass Index (BMI) and Polar OwnCal are to name a few.

Price and Availability

Polar RS200 Running Computer is available at a price of $ 159.95.

Source: Polar

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Pioneer, as the name suggest has always pioneered in bringing the very best to you, and this time it has done the same by bringing in the new Pioneer HTS-LX70 FLAT-PANEL THEATER SYSTEM. Get ready for superb entertainment experience with Pioneer HTS-LX70 FLAT-PANEL THEATER SYSTEM. It is equipped with an illuminated LCD Touch panel remote enabling you easy operation of the system.

Features

• Advanced MCACC.
• HDMI 1.3a.
• XM & SIRIUS Satellite Radio ready.
• Built-in Dolby True HD.
• Dodec Technology.

Apart from its compatibility with Dolby True HD, Pioneer HTS-LX70 FLAT-PANEL THEATER SYSTEM also supports Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-ES Decoders, DTS-96/24 and 13 advanced surround modes. Not only this, Pioneer HTS-LX70 FLAT-PANEL THEATER SYSTEM is also highly compatible with ipod Player and XM Radio.

Price

Pioneer HTS-LX70 FLAT-PANEL THEATER SYSTEM is available at a price of $ 1799.00.

Source: Pioneer

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