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Panasonic to Ship Blu-Ray Burner For PC
Posted by Jared Hislop Categories: Movies, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Storage,
Panasonic has announced that they will ship an internal Blu-Ray disc writer in June. The new device will be able to read BD, DVD, and CD media, and will be capable of writing BD-R, BD-RE, DVD±R/RW (single and dual-layer), DVD-RAM and CD-R/RW discs. This drive will be able to handle 25GB and 50GB Blu-Ray media, and while it will playback DVDs, you will not be able to playback BD movies without special software. Panasonic is not bundling any software to playback BD movies, but said that they will bundle PowerDVD for DVD viewing. There will also be backup software that will enable users to write to BD-R/RE discs. No pricing is set for the LF-MB121JD, but rumors say that it will cost around $851.00.
Read More 
| Reg Hardware
Gallery: Panasonic to Ship Blu-Ray Burner For PC
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BenQ CP120 Wireless Projector
Posted by John Goulden Categories: Corporate News, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi,
BenQ has released their CP120, a Wi-Fi enabled projector that allows users to display presentation materials wirelessly. The projector is 802.11a/b/g compliant and includes their Wireless Wizard software which makes connecting easy, and allows for switching among mutliple notebook computers. BenQ didn’t make wireless the only feature going for the CP120 as it also has DLP technology for a superior picture, weighs a mere 2.6 pounds (thanks in part to its magnesium-alloy case), has an automatic keystoning feature that works in real-time, and an EL illuminated keypad for easy control in a dark room. Just about the only thing missing is an automatic zoom feature, but we can live with that.
The projector is available for a suggested list price of $1,599 USD. Full specifications are available after the jump.
Click to continue reading BenQ CP120 Wireless Projector
Gallery: BenQ CP120 Wireless Projector
Wireless USB PC Lock
Posted by Jared Hislop Categories: Accessories, Misc. Tech, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi,
Too lazy to press CTRL-Alt-Del to lock your workstation? The Wireless PC Lock with Timer is just for you. This device automatically locks your PC when the wireless fob is greater than 2 meters away from the USB token. You can also set the device to automatically shut down your PC after a certain time. The PC automatically unlocks when the wireless fob comes within 2 meters of the machine. It’s unclear whether or not the device actually locks your PC through Windows, or if the PC is locked using proprietary software. You can also define the amount of time before the computer locks would be data thieves out. The unit retails for $29.00 and is available here.
Read More | Red Ferret
Gallery: Wireless USB PC Lock
Novatel USB MCD3000 EVDO Modem
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, USB, Broadband, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi,
We have been waiting for months on end to hear about an EVDO solution for the new Intel Core Duo portable computers. Finally, word is making rounds that Novatel is going to be the first to market with the goods. First up is their USB 720 EVDO modem from Sprint, aimed at both Windows and Mac OS X users. Interesting to note here, you can either plug in the USB modem directly into your notebook’s USB port, or you can connect it to a USB cord. The thought process here is that by placing the modem 12 inches away from your computer, you get less interference, and a signal that is increased by as much as 3 decibels - and it will perform better than embedded or card-style EVDO devices. What’s more, the Sprint USB720 is a Rev. A EVDO device, so if you have a need for speed, this is the device you want.
We are going to keep an eye on this one. Expect it to hit the market in Fall 2006.
Read More | EVDOInfo
Gallery: Novatel USB MCD3000 EVDO Modem
Freecom’s Sleek Aluminum Hard Drive
Posted by John Goulden Categories: Corporate News, Peripherals, Storage,
You can’t judge a book by it’s cover, and the same applies to external hard drives, but you can quickly discern if it’s going to be something you’ll want visible on your desk, or hiding in a dark corner somewhere else. Freecom is introducing their new line of external hard drives that come in a sleek aluminum case with minimalist styling. A blue LED glows softly through the front panel, illuminating the drive’s capacity, and no noisy fans are present due to the passive cooling nature of using the case as a heat sink. Moving to the inside, the drives are standard fare, spinning at 7,200 RPM with rather small 2MB buffers. The external interface of choice is the commonplace USB 2.0, with no other options currently available (eSATA would have been nice). Looking to offer more value to the drives, Freecom is bundling their Freecom Media Suite which offers 256-encryption to help protect your data, and back-up via a synchronization utility.
Specs are as follows:
• Contents: Freecom Hard Drive, Freecom Personal Media Suite software, USB connection cable, manual on CD, Quick Install Guide
• Weight: 750 grams
• Dimensions: 11.5 x 4 x 20 cm (~ 4.5 x 1.6 x 7.9 inches)
• Speed: 7,200 RPM, Buffer 2 MB
• Warranty: 2-year manufacturer’s guarantee and unlimited helpdesk support
List pricing for the drives is set at approximately $108 (80GB), $144 (160GB) and $168 (250GB). All pricing is USD.
Read More | Freecom via BIOS Magazine
Gallery: Freecom’s Sleek Aluminum Hard Drive
Logitech mm32 iPod Speakers
Posted by Jared Hislop Categories: Accessories, Apple, Peripherals, Portable Audio / Video,
Logitech’s new cylindrical portable iPod speakers are due out next month. The speakers are designed to provide up to 10 hours of playback off of 4 AA batteries. An AC adapter will also be provided in case you want to leave the unit on a shelf. Logitech has branded this speaker system the mm32, and this unit measures 28.5cm long by 6cm in diameter. Basically this device has cylindrical speakers on either side of a cradle capable of recharging your iPod. The speakers receive sound via the iPod’s headphone socket, and Logitech claims that with some creative cabling other MP3 players can use the speakers. The mm32 will be available in black or white, and is expected to retail for $80.00 USD.
Read More | Reg Hardware
Gallery: Logitech mm32 iPod Speakers
Voltiac Messenger Bag Charges Your Gadgets
Posted by Jared Hislop Categories: Wearables, Misc. Tech, Peripherals, Portable Audio / Video,
The Voltaic Messenger bag is designed to safely carry a laptop and all of your electronic gadgets. This is not your standard tech-chic bag though; this bag will actually charge your cell phone, satellite phone, PDA, GPS, iPod, camera, etc. This bag is not designed to charge a larger device like a laptop, but does a fine job with any smaller device. The power to charge devices comes from 3 solar panels that are waterproof, tough, and lightweight. A 2,200mAh Li-Ion battery pack with 3 voltage settings is included with the bag so that the bag keeps charging even if there is no available sunlight. The battery can also be charged via the included AC or car adapter. Also included are 11 standard adaptors including a car charger socket and USB adaptor so you can always use a standard charger for your device. Available in several color schemes, this bag retails for $239.00.
Read More | Voltaic Systems
Gallery: Voltiac Messenger Bag Charges Your Gadgets
Dell 2007WFP 20-inch Widescreen Display Available For Purchase
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: PC / Laptop, Peripherals,
Dell’s new 20.1-inch 2007WFP widescreen monitor is now available for purchase at their online store. This one has a maximum resolution of 1680 x 1050, and sports an 800:1 contrast ratio, and 300 cd/m² brightness with a 16ms response time. You can pick one up for $529.00, which includes a 3-year warranty on the product. While we haven’t been too impressed with Dell’s computers, their monitors have put a smile on our faces more than just a time or two.
Read More | Dell Store
Gallery: Dell 2007WFP 20-inch Widescreen Display Available For Purchase
Wireless Extension Cords: April Fools
Posted by Kristin Wenzel Categories: Accessories, Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Peripherals, Rumors,
Good Lord! Is this for real? ThinkGeek has introduced wireless extension cords, which use microwave technology to beam power (wirelessly) up to three hundred feet.
Just plug the Wireless Extension Cord (WEC) base unit into a standard wall outlet, and plug whatever you need into the satellite unit. The WEC uses microwaves in the 7.2GHz range, so it won’t interfere with wireless networks, Bluetooth components, etc. Now, all you need to do is adjust the antennae on the two units so they are aimed at each other. Turn everything on and you have the power! The distance the WEC units can broadcast differs from situation to situation (due to interference of such things as walls, power lines, and microwave ovens), but we’ve beamed power over 300 feet!
These puppies will run you about $35 at ThinkGeek. Have a good time trying to get through checkout though…
Read More | ThinkGeek
Gallery: Wireless Extension Cords: April Fools
Is the AlphaGrip a controller? Nope - it’s a keyboard. The standard QWERTY keyboard layout we have today was invented in 1874, due to the high rate of mechanical failure of manual typewriters when the keyboard was laid out in a standard ABC layout. Since keyboards have become commonplace, and no longer face the same difficulty typewriters do, a number of new layouts (most notably, the Dvorak layout) have been tried, but in general, with a few exceptions, the keyboard has remained the same.
No longer! AlphaGrip has reinvented the keyboard.
The AG-5 interfaces with computers via a single removable USB cable. It uses a simple chord-like keyboarding model and an integrated trackball to provide complete keyboard and mouse functionality in a unique form factor that looks a bit like a console gaming controller.
The learning curve on this one is probably pretty steep, but with the popularity and familarity of console gaming controllers, could it be the next generation keyboard?
Read More | ArsTechnica
Gallery: AlphaGrip - Rethinking the Keyboard
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