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Latest Gear Live Videos
HP Mini-Note 2133 first impressions
Posted by Sparky Categories: Design, PC / Laptop, Peripherals, Product Reviews,
I just got my hands on one of the HP Mini-Note 2133 ultra-portable notebook (netbook?) computers. A few first impressions are below, a taste of our upcoming HP 2133 vs. Eee PC 900 Battle Royale:
HP Mini-Note 2133 wins:
- 2133 has a much nicer keyboard
- 2133 has a cleaner design
- 2133 has a faster processor (1.6Ghz vs. 900Mhz)
- 2133 has more RAM (2GB vs. 1GB)
Eee PC 900 wins:
- Eee PC is cheaper ($550 vs. $729-819)
- Eee PC is slimmer and lighter (2133 battery protrudes downward)
- Eee PC has more USB 2.0 ports (3 vs. 2)
- Eee PC is easier to dual boot with Ubuntu
Obviously the HP 2133 has a lot going for it, however it’s significantly more expensive. Stay tuned for more in-depth information about these trendy new netbooks and how they compare for power, usability, and value.
Gallery: HP Mini-Note 2133 first impressions
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Review: Ipevo USB PoV Webcam
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Misc. Tech, Product Reviews, USB,
Ipevo was generous enough to lend us one of their movable PoV cams that we first told you about it back in December. The $39.99 priced camera came intact with a CD, mounting pieces that are mostly easy to attach, and almost everything we needed to test it out. Unfortunately, the extended instructions were on the CD, so it was a back and forth effort. Our full review after the jump.
(Thanks, Caroline)
Click to continue reading Review: Ipevo USB PoV Webcam
Read More 
| Ipevo
Gallery: Review: Ipevo USB PoV Webcam
Review: USB Exercising Mouse
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Product Reviews, Toys, Videos, USB,
This little guy has been out for a while now, but when our English buds from Crazy About Gadgets sent us a USB Exercising Mouse, we just had to put him through his paces (pun intended.) While waiting for the software to upload, we noticed that Microsoft warned us that it had not undergone safety testing by them. (Thanks for looking out for us, but we’ll take the risk.) Full review and video after the jump.
(Thanks, Phillip)
Click to continue reading Review: USB Exercising Mouse
Read More | Crazy About Gadgets
Gallery: Review: USB Exercising Mouse
Review: MSN i-Buddy
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Internet, Microsoft, Product Reviews, Videos,
The MSN i-Buddy is an emotional wreck. Connect him to your USB port, then get in touch with someone on MSN Messenger. When that person comes online, your mini-bud goes to work and lets you know. Every time your friend sends you an emoticon, he responds by colors, flapping wings, body movement, and a thumping “heart.” Get two and you have a veritable emoticon party.
We had a lot of fun playing with the gadget and our cat seemed to think he was there just for her. Note that the most response we got was when we were sent an angry emoticon. We thought the thing would fall off our desktop! You can find the i-Buddy at Firebox for $24.95. While they are temporarily out, you can pre-order to receive one from the next batch.
(Thanks, Jen and Kent, and Avril!)
Read More | firebox
Gallery: Review: MSN i-Buddy
Review: MSN Missile Launcher/Webcam
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Microsoft, Misc. Tech, Product Reviews, Toys, Videos, USB,
There is no better way to spend a weekend than by playing with electronic toys. The MSN Missile Launcher/Webcam is no exception. Firebox was kind enough to allow us to get our hands on one. It comes with software that makes it really simple to load and takes only a few seconds. With a toy like this, it is easy to get addicted. We only wish we had two for all out virtual/real warfare. Read our full review and see a short video demo after the jump.
(Thanks, Jen and Kent)
Click to continue reading Review: MSN Missile Launcher/Webcam
Read More | Firebox
Gallery: Review: MSN Missile Launcher/Webcam
Virtual Villagers Trilogy is Not Just for Kids
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Product Reviews, Video Games,
We admit it. We are addicted to the two Virtual Villagers PC games, which originate from San Francisco’s LDW (Last Day of Work Games.) Executive Producer Carla Humphrey told us that there will be a third one out in beta in a month or so. This is one of those games that appears to be created for kids, for it is fairly straightforward, but we are not so sure. They wouldn’t have the patience.
Although you can speed up the scenarios, it is still played in real time, sort of. Twenty two minutes until the next crop is ready to harvest seems a dreadfully long time when your inhabitants are starving. The game can be played in Easy, Normal, and Difficult for leisure gaming or for those who like a challenge.
One of the most intriguing features is that the game can go on even when your computer is shut off unless you put it on pause. If you like RPGs, SIMs, or games that use your mind instead of just your trigger finger, read our review of the first two Villagers after the jump.
(Thanks, Carla)
Click to continue reading Virtual Villagers Trilogy is Not Just for Kids
Read More | LDW Games
Gallery: Virtual Villagers Trilogy is Not Just for Kids
Monty the Tengu Review
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Music, Product Reviews, Toys, Videos, USB,
Creator Crispin Jones was kind enough to send us a Tengu, knowing that no one can ever have enough friends, even if they are electronic ones. We nicknamed ours Monty, and from the time we plugged him into the USB port, he was instantly on, albeit asleep. No software is needed to get him to do his thing. We have a full review and video of our 2 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 1/2-inch buddy awake after the jump.
(Thanks, Crispin and Mike)
Click to continue reading Monty the Tengu Review
Read More | Mr. Jones' Tengu
Gallery: Monty the Tengu Review
The Big Skinny Wallet review
Posted by Sparky Categories: Accessories, Wearables, Misc. Tech, Product Reviews,
While overly-thick wallets are not an oft discussed problem in our modern world, having a big fat wad of a wallet in your pocket can lead to back strain and unsightly bulging of the pants. The folks over at Big Skinny have an ingenious (although blindingly obvious) solution: a line of thin, lightweight wallets.
We got our hands on two of their most popular models and took them for a spin. Check out our review after the jump, as well as our Big Skinny wallet image gallery.
Click to continue reading The Big Skinny Wallet review
Gallery: The Big Skinny Wallet review
MacBook Air SSD review
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Features, PC / Laptop, Product Reviews, Wireless / WiFi,
First things first - the MacBook Air took no one by surprise. We all knew, based on the reports churning out of the rumor mill, that Apple had a subnotebook up their sleeve, and all signs were pointing at MacWorld 2008 for it’s introduction to the world. Heck, even the name of the product got out there before Steve got a chance to announce it at the event. Of course, that wasn’t the only thing that leaked before MacWorld 2008, as we got our hands on the iPhone 1.1.3 firmware weeks before it was officially announced.
What we didn’t know was how the Air would look. When Steve pulled the computer out of manila envelope, everyone was wowed. The MacBook Air is thin. T-H-I-N. At it’s smallest point, the Air is just 0.16 inches thin. That is thinner than both the iPhone and iPod touch. The larger side is just 0.76 inches. Again, tiny. See for yourself in our MacBook Air unboxing gallery.
As for the rest of the specs, the Air is the same brushed aluminum color that you will find on the MacBook Pro line, and is available in 1.6GHz and 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo speeds. Both models come with 2GB of non-upgradable RAM, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, a 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit display, and Bluetooth 2.1. As far as ports go, you will only find one micro-DVI, one USB, and one audio out jack. That’s it. As for storage, this is where the major choice comes in. You can choose between an 80 GB 4200 RPM ATA hard drive, or a 64 GB SSD (solid-state flash drive). We got our hands on the SSD version of the MacBook Air.
We give you our thoughts on the SSD-based MacBook Air in our full review.
Click to continue reading MacBook Air SSD review
Gallery: MacBook Air SSD review
Unboxing: eneloops Are Awesome!
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Misc. Tech, Portable Audio / Video, Product Reviews,
The results are in. If you want some decent rechargeable batteries, Sanyo’s eneloops are the way to go. We do a lot of Flipvideoing and lately have been doing some extensive audio interviews, so it came down to purchasing a gazillion batteries from our local dollar store or finding some decent rechargeables that would last more than 12 hours.
While we found plenty of them for very little bucks, we learned a long time ago not to rely on any name in electronics that was unfamiliar. That being said, on a budget less than $39.95 we had our choice of Sony or the eneloops. Since Sony doesn’t have the greatest track record for batteries, we decided to test drive the latter, which comes with four AAs. Full details after the jump.
Click to continue reading Unboxing: eneloops Are Awesome!
Read More | Sanyo eneloop Product Page
Gallery: Unboxing: eneloops Are Awesome!
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