Gadget Access

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Posted Jan 30th 2008 5:57PM by Nilay Patel
Filed under: Portable Audio
You’ll be needing some appropriately shady headphones to plug into all that leaked Sony audio gear we just showed you, and we’ve got you covered with info on a whole host of new headphones that’ll hit in April. The MDR-AS20J, MDR-AS40EX, and MDR-AS50G all loop buds around your ears, while the MDR-AS30G drapes you down with some big ol’ cans. Also leaked are the MS-AS100W buds, which look like a cross between classic Walkman headphones and in-ear monitors, while the MDR-EX700 does it straight-up in-ear style with seven different silicon sleeves for proper fitting. No pricing yet, but it looks like a strong lineup — but we’ll wait to see how these all sound before giving up our Ultimate Ears. Check ‘em all out in the gallery below.

Gallery: The hits keep coming with leaked Sony headphones

Posted Jan 30th 2008 4:13PM by Donald Melanson
Filed under: Peripherals While it won’t reduce your carbon footprint as much as something like, say, the HumanCar, the folks behind the Ecobutton seem to think their new device will do its small part nonetheless, even if it’s actual necessity may be somewhat in question. Apparently, the device will let you switch your PC to “ecomode” at the press of a button, although exactly what that is and how it differs from your usual sleep or hibernation mode is a bit of a mystery. The button seemingly does something to your PC, however, as the FAQ warns that some older computers and certain HP PCs may have trouble reactivating due to BIOS issues. No word as to when they’ll be available directly to consumer just yet, but those looking to turn ‘em into a business opportunity can order some now from “recognized promotional gift distributors” for between $12 and $18 apiece depending on the quantity.

[Via OhGizmo]

Posted Jan 30th 2008 1:41PM by Joshua Topolsky
Filed under: Displays
The boys and girls at Sony are firing on all (or a few) cylinders today, launching not one, but three new digital photo frames for your digital photo-framing pleasure. All the frames in the new lineup contain 800 x 480 WVGA displays with a Bizarro World aspect ratio of 15:9, and are capable of scaling and display pictures up to 48-megapixels in size — which we’re sure you’ll be taking advantage of real soon. The 7-inch DPF-V700 and 9-inch DPF-V900 both sport 512MB of internal storage, can communicate via Bluetooth, and have what appears to be a first in digital frames: HDMI outs. The thriftier, 7-inch DPF-D70 halves the memory and nixes the Bluetooth and HDMI, but all three frames are coupled with a remote, and can utilize Memory Stick PRO, Memory Stick PRO Duo, SD, MMC, Compact Flash, Microdrive, and xD-Picture cards. The DPF-V900, DPF-V700 and DPF-V700 digital photo frames will be available for $250, $190 and $140, respectively, and will ship in March.

Whether you’re a podcasting wonder-kid, professional musician, or member of a garage-band (with secret aspirations of fame and fortune), Belkin’s TuneStudio might be the single best investment you make as an audiophile.

Belkin’s TuneStudio for iPod lets you create and record high-quality digital recordings directly to your iPod, with instant playback. The 4-channel mixer allows for the input of up to four different instruments or audio sources and records at 16-bit, 44kHz quality in uncompressed WAV format, which translates as “crystal clear!”

TuneStudio’s compact and durable design is perfect for portability. Podcasters, musicians (professional and garage band alike) can record shows and sessions directly to their iPods anywhere they go.

In spite of the 29 different dials, this basic design is also surprisingly user-friendly:

* LEDs indicate master audio level, power status, peak indications, and compressor
* Compression is controlled by a single knob. And, audio is streamed though the built-in USB interface to and from a PC or Mac
* TuneStudio functions as an external sound card, allowing input and output of audio to a PC from its connectors

TuneStudio is currently compatible with:

* iPod classic (6th generation–80 GB and 160 GB);
* ipod nano (3rd generation–4 GB and 8 GB; 2nd generation–2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB)
* iPod video (5th generation–30 GB, 60 GB, and 80 GB)

(Available March 1, 2008)

Special discounted price: $249 at Belkin.com

Pre-order price: $299.99 at Amazon.

Posted Jan 30th 2008 9:03AM by Thomas Ricker
Filed under: Digital Cameras, Wireless, Storage
It may be a low-end DSLR contender, but Nikon’s D60 can still surprise. Seems Nikon and Eye-Fi are in cahoots as the D60 was just announced as the first shooter crowned “Eye-Fi Connected.” The D60 recognizes the Eye-Fi wireless 2GB SD card when inserted then automatically adjusts its “power timer settings” so that picture transfers aren’t interrupted. Kind of important when uploading hundreds dozens of 10.2 megapixel photos over WiFi. In return for the powerful industry nod, Eye-Fi will offer on-line integration with Nikon’s “my Picturetown” this Spring. We’ll be sure to go hands-on with the combo at PMA just as soon as we get the chance.

Posted Jan 30th 2008 7:06AM by Darren Murph
Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals
Oh sure, one could argue (quite successfully, we might add) that Nyko’s Wireless Nunchuck was quite the blessing for those sick and tired of the factory tether, but what about all us chaps and dames who already purchased Nintendo’s version of the Nunchuck? Fret not, Wii faithful, as Nyko is coming to your rescue once more. The aptly-titled Cord-Free Adapter for Wii Nunchuck enables current wired Nunchuck owners to simply holster their peripherals, wind up the cord and enjoy all sorts of wireless freedom. Granted, we still feel that this February-bound accessory is priced a touch high at $19.99, but hey, it’s cheaper than buying an all new third-party ‘chuck, eh?

Posted Jan 30th 2008 7:19AM by Thomas Ricker
Filed under: LaptopsCome on Everex, first the CloudBook would be available on January 25th, then February 15th, now the 25th? And to think that you announced this before the Eee PC. How can we trust you? Here, take back your ring, this ol’ girl can’t wait forever.

[Thanks, JAmerican]

Set to be shown off during PMA 2008, Mustek will be introducing the new PF-A950PS digital picture frame. The PF-A950PS will feature a 9.5-inch 16:9 display at 800 x 480, USB 2.0 port and has 128MB of internal memory. The frame will offer support for just about any memory card to include SD/MMC/MS/MS Pro/XD/CF and can handle JPEG, AVI, MJPEG and Xvid video with audio, plus MP3 music files. The catch to the frame and reason for the MP3 support are the NXT speakers that are concealed on the back of the frame. Look for the PF-A950PS to hit stores in May with an expected retail of $249.99.

Read [Mustek]

It seems that even Everex cannot keep up with the release date for the Cloudbook. They officially announce it, set a release date, cancel that release date, give a new release date and now seemingly have lost all track.

The Cloudbook was scheduled for a release on January 25, then after the initial delay Everex had moved the date to a reasonable February 15. A quick check of the site this morning first mentioned February 25, which made us think the delay was pushed back again. However its now showing January 25 again and we all know that is not accurate.

Come on Everex, lets get this release date set, you have people waiting to shell out their hard earned money.

Read [Everex]