Phone New Update: June 2008

Olympus SP-570UZ

If you're not quite ready for a D-SLR but want more than a point and shoot camera can offer, the $500 10 mega pixel Olympus SP-570UZ super zoom provides a respectable middle ground.

This camera packs an easy to adjust 20X zoom lens, Perfect Shot Preview, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and a lot more into its hefty frame.

Image quality, while not stellar, will likely please most shooters and is easily bolstered by flexibility and a wealth of innovative features.

In fact, the SP-570UZ is one of the best all purpose cameras we've seen.

Sony A350

With easy to use controls, an innovative Live View system with an excellent tilting LCD, the 14.2 mega pixel Sony A350 has some nice features that make it stand out from the increasingly crowded entry level D-SLR space.

The biggest problem with this camera is that you can get the nearly identical 10.2MP A300 for $200 less, which makes the A350 a bit of a tough sell.

Is the bump in resolution worth the extra cash? I'm not wholly convinced, but for those who need it for extra large prints, the A350 will do a great job.

Nikon D300

Nikon introduced its D200 D-SLR in 2005, and ever since we've been waiting patiently to see how the next generation could top it.

It can honestly say that the follow up, the 12.3 mega pixels D300, is a worthy successor in so many ways that you may never want to put it down.

With a ton of features and terrific image quality, the D300 stands out as one of the best D-SLR's you can buy. Among the new features are a big 3 inch LCD, a 51 point auto focus system with 3D tracking, two live view modes, and enough manual settings to fill a 421 page user manual.

Although the D300 is still a little expensive for this category, the image quality alone is well worth the cost. Regardless of price, with everything the D300 offers, it easily replaces the D200 as D-SLR.

Sony HDR-CX12 Handycam with Smile Shutter

Sony has introduced the first high-definition camcorder with "Smile Shutter" and face detection technologies. Sony HDR-CX12 features a ClearVid CMOS image sensor that allows the HDR-CX12 to capture 1920�1080 Full HD video or 10 Megapixel still image.

Sony's "Smile Shutter" technology lets you capture smiling photos and record video at the same time. When activated the technology will detect and automatically take a photo when your subject smiles - without having to switch to photo mode. It is powered by Sony�s BIONZ imaging processor and comes with a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 12x optical zoom lens and Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization. It has a 2.7-inch LCD display. The HDR-CX12 supports Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo media and any Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark2) media cards.

The HDR-CX12 Memory Stick Handycam camcorder can record full 1920 x 1080 HD video and 10-megapixel photos on Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo media and any Memory Stick PRO Duo media cards. "Roughly the size of a soda can", Sony claims easy transfer of video and stills from media cards to a compatible PC to share via email, uploading to the internet or burning to disc.

In addition the camcorder offers a ClearVid CMOS sensor, Sony's BIONZ imaging processor, a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 12x optical zoom lens and Super SteadyShot optical image stabilisation. The model has a 2.7-inch LCD screen, Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound recording and a built-in zoom microphone. Complete with a 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, Handycam Station cradle and PC software, the HDR-CX12 camcorder will be in American stores in early August for about $900.

Canon Pixma iP2600 Photo Printer

The Pixma iP2600 is Canon's inkjet photo printer for users on a budget. The retail price is $49.99, replacing The Pixma iP1800 as its entry-level, straightforward printer with limited features. As expected in a baseline product, the iP2600 lacks a PictBridge port and a memory card slot but makes up for it with a sleek design, competitive print speeds, and bold, crisp prints.

The bottom line: The Canon Pixma iP2600 is an excellent option for buyers looking to print their personal photos and text documents. We wish it had external ports for direct image uploading (although we're not surprised it doesn't), but you'll be more than satisfied with this printer's ability to deliver quality photos at a low price.

The photos themselves are also incredibly easy to crop, repair, and alter using the included Easy-PhotoPrint EX software bundle. Overall, you'll find that this is a cost-effective printer for text documents and amateur-level photo printing.

Design
It's obvious that Canon put a lot of work into the design of the iP2600. The sleek exterior is 5.6x17.4x10 inches and has a glossy black, slightly mirrored finish that looks sleek on your desk--that is, until the dust settles, literally. The shiny body retains fingerprints, a lot like the display on the iPhone. Smudges aside, the iP2600 doesn't take up a lot of desk space, and it blended in nicely with the rest of our dark peripherals.

The output and paper trays both fold into the unit when not in use, creating a tight box that could easily be mistaken for a stereo boom box. The output tray folds down from the face of the printer with a slightly flimsy rectangular arm that extends to corral loose paper. The arm doesn't have a cap at the end, which was counterproductive, and a few of our test sheets flew off the tray as a result. Annoying, but certainly not a deal-breaker.

The control panel is very minimalist, with only power and paper feed buttons on top of the printer. The power button also doubles as an alarm lamp that flashes orange when an error occurs. The power cord and the USB port are on the back. Potential buyers should be aware that you'll need a USB cord to connect the printer to a computer, but as is frustratingly common with printers, it's not included in the box. Appropriate for this price, there are no provisions for external bridge connectivity, so consumers looking to eliminate the middleman and plug a digital camera, a USB key, or a memory card directly into the IP2600 should look to a comparable, more fully featured (albeit higher priced) set like the HP Deskjet D4260 or the Epson Stylus Photo R260.

Performance
The Canon Pixma iP2600 performed admirably in our speed tests. The Pixma churned out 5.68 pages per minute (ppm) of black-and-white text, falling just short of the HP Deskjet 4260 ($75) at 6.03 ppm and the Lexmark Z845 ($50) at 6.85 ppm. The three printers are all within the same general sub-$100 price range, so the slight deficit is expected and acceptable compared with other budget inkjet printers.

Lenovo ThinkVision L220x

A newcomer to the Lenovo ThinkVision family of LCD monitors, the Lenovo ThinkVision L220x ($499.99 list) delivers outstanding color and text reproduction and offers a bevy of business centric features, including auto pivot capabilities, a USB hub, and network management software.

The L220x uses an SPVA (Super Patterned Vertical Alignment) panel rather than the low cost TN+ panels found on most displays.

SPVA panels generally provide deeper black levels and wider viewing angles than TN+ panels, without sacrificing response time. Unfortunately, SPVA panels cost more to manufacture, which usually means higher prices for consumers.

Envision G2219W1

The G2219W1 is housed in a sleek piano black cabinet sporting a moderately thin bezel with a white Envision logo emblazoned on the lower edge.

As is the case with most high gloss finishes, the cabinet is a fingerprint and dust magnet, so be prepared to give it a good buffing from time to time.

This model offers only two video inputs (analog VGA and digital DVI) and lacks any additional multimedia features such as a webcam, embedded speakers, or USB ports.

The DVI port is HDCP compliant, though, so you can watch DVD movies and other protected digital content. The 1,680 by 1,050 panel is supported by a base that can be tilted but does not have height, swivel, or pivot capabilities.

If ergonomic adjustability is a factor, you may want to consider another model, such as the NEC MultiSync LCD225WNXM, but you'll have to cough up another $100 or so.

LG 47LG60

The 47LG60's glossy black bezel is just 2.7 inches thick. To compare, LG's 47LBX features a panel that measure a thicker 4.1 inches. An attractive crimson trim (hence the "Scarlet" moniker) encircles the set's mirror finished base stand, which provides 40 degrees of swivel.

The entire rear of the TV's chassis is red, too, and that adds a subtle edge accent when the set is viewed from the front. With its factory attached base stand, the 47LG60 measures 34 by 45.4 by 17.1 inches (HWD) and weighs 72.3 pounds. The updated remote control loses the fancy curved wedge design I've seen on previous LG models in favor of a flatter, narrower, and lighter shape.

It's solidly constructed, and a textured body gives it a bit of character. Codes provided in the PDF manual on the bundled CD can be used to program the remote to control additional A/V devices such as DVD players, VCRs, and cable or satellite set top boxes.

You get an above average set of A/V (audio/video) ports that includes four HDMI (one is side accessible), two component video, and one VGA for PC use. All of these inputs accept 1080p60 video signals. The set's HDMI ports are also compatible with 1080p24 video signals from some Blu-ray players.

A USB port on the side of the set works with mass storage devices and lets you access digital media such as photo (JPEG) or music (MP3) files. The slide show feature handled large image files with aplomb, and background music can be added to enhance the experience.

It's worth noting that the 47LG60 has only one "legacy" SD video port (a side mounted composite video input), but the large number of HDMI ports, as well as its selection of composite video inputs, encourages the use of these more capable connections.

Hitachi P50X901

Hitachi's P50X901 plasma HDTV comes with an impressively complete selection of audio and video controls, but this stylishly modern flat panel television has some major picture quality issues. Its 50 inch, 1,920 by 1,080 pixels screen updates every other horizontal line per cycle, effectively making it an interlaced display.

In addition, relatively high black levels result in poor average picture contrast. With an ever increasing selection of true 1080p sets offering better contrast with fewer artifacts associated with interlacing.

The glass topped face and inch thin side trim give the set a sleek appearance, and it's durable and easy to clean.

Beneath its flat glass surface are standard size bezels that, with the parameter trim, add a 2.8 inches black border around the active portion of the screen.

The P50X901 also features a remote controlled power swivel stand that can rotate the screen up to 40 degrees both to the left and right 80 degrees of total swivel motion. I've yet to meet anyone who wasn't impressed upon learning that the remote control actually swivels the set.

With its stand attached, the P50X901 measures 34.9 by 49.3 by 16.7 inches (HWD) and weighs 111.9 pounds. Without its stand, the P50X901's height shrinks to 32.2 inches, and the panel depth is an even 5 inches.

Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR4

No flat panel LCD manufacturer does color better than Sony. By "doing color" it mean accurately displaying hues the way they are meant to be seen as defined by the HD spec. The Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR4 ($3,799.99 list) continues this tradition of accurate color reproduction if you use its correct picture setting.

The 52XBR4 proved itself on our tests to be unmatched at producing a richly contrasted picture in both bright and dark environments.

Even better for movie lovers, the TV's 120-Hz display technology can be configured to produce images with a very film like look.

It can also add a smoothness to the viewing experience that, while some purists may deem it unnatural, draws you in with its increased clarity.

Of course the Sony KDL-52XBR4 isn't without some quirks, but it is capable of delivering some of the best image quality.

Westinghouse PT-16H610S

Not every room or budget can accommodate a mega sized flat panel HDTV. For folks with smaller spaces and wallets, there's the Westinghouse PT-16H610S ($349 list). A compact 16 inches wide screen LCD TV, it can easily sit on a table, hang on a wall, or be mounted under a cabinet.

Flexible placement options, however, are tempered by a weak video processor, which leaves standard definition (SD) material rife with jagged edge and flicker artifacts.

A limited selection of video ports also limits this TV's usefulness. This set's dual hinged base is the key to its versatility. Folded flat, it's ready for wall mounting.

Hang it under a cabinet and the hinges let you tilt the display and move it out of the way when not needed, making it ideal for a kitchen. The set also looks pretty spiffy just sitting on a table.

Available in faux brushed metal or gloss white trim, the on display controls are centered along the front edge of its base and feature touch sensitive activation. They're also sealed, making it impossible for dust or crumbs to sneak inside.

The TV measures 11.3 by 15.0 by 7.0 inches (HWD) although its height can increase by a little over an inch depending on how you position the hinge system. At a relatively light 7.7 pounds, the set shouldn't be too hard to transport from room to room, either.

Gateway T-6828

If the Gateway T-6828 is to be remembered for something, it would be for including a two years warranty in a value price $800 (street).

Adding an extra year on top of the one year standard warranty is a game changer for budget laptops.

Otherwise, apart from a few features like the 3GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive, the T-6828 offers little to distinguish it from low priced systems by vendors such as Dell, HP and Lenovo.

The T-6828 isn't embarrassing to take out in public, and it doesn't have a drab design like that of the Acer TravelMate 4720-6727 or the Fujitsu LifeBook A6120. Coating the exterior and palm rests with red paint is an old concept; the paint should have been applied with more imagination to have any real impact, given the interesting things that are happening in laptop design.

Laptops like the HP Pavilion dv6500t and the Toshiba U405-S2830 are experimenting with decorative laminates, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Y510 impresses consumers with a textured surface. Another problem is weight.

This 14 inches laptop weighs 5.7 pounds, as much as the 15.4 inches HP dv6500t. Gateway would have been better off going with a 13 inches form factor, as many manufacturers are currently doing.

Toshiba Satellite P305-S8825

Desktop PCs have a lot going for them big screens, high performance parts, and comparatively low prices, just to name a few.

But if you're working in a smaller space, you don't always have room to squeeze in a whole desktop setup. The Toshiba Satellite P305-S8825 ($1,050 street) offers a nice compromise.

This spacious laptop is classified as a desktop replacement, because it blends together a roomy 17 inches wide screen with a 7.5 pound chassis.

It occupies a smaller area than a conventional desktop without forcing you to scrimp much on screen size, and, at about $1,000, doesn't cost much more than your average desktop.

ASUS U2E-A2B

Ultra portables in the 3 pound and under range that run a full blown operating system (Windows, Linux, or Mac) have become commonplace around 30 have already hit the U.S. market alone. ASUS has one for every budget, ranging from the affordable EeePC 900 to the glamorous U1F.

If you thought the U1F was expensive at a street price of $2,100, wait until you take a look at its successor the ASUS U2E-A2B.

Its internal optical drive and a 32GB SSD push the price up into the luxury range. The leather fixtures and 2.7 pound frame befit the $2,499 (list) you'd pay for this laptop, but I'm still not completely convinced that it merits its high price.

The leather clad lid and palm rests are aesthetic enhancements that only ASUS has pulled off. The U2E is as sexy as the Sony VAIO VGN-TZ150N and its carbon fiber ensemble, though it doesn't come close to the Apple MacBook Air's thin and ultra sleek design.

The U2E keeps its frame to 2.7 pounds by incorporating an 11 inches wide screen and a paltry 27-Wh (three cell) battery. The Sony TZ has a similar footprint and weight but includes a bigger (63-Wh) battery. The U2E also bundles in an additional 87-Wh battery that you can swap with the smaller one.

The larger battery gives it superb battery life but brings the weight up to 3.4 pounds. ASUS should have been able to hit the lighter of the two weights without compromising battery life, as did the Fujitsu LifeBook P8010, a 2.8 pound ultra portable with a 63-Wh battery.

ASUS EeePC 900

Until the ASUS Eee PC 4G burst onto the scene, the UMPC (ultra mobile PC) category was something of a joke the target of numerous wisecracks from journalists and reviewers (including yours truly).

Our derision was due to the UMPC's inability to deliver on its promises an affordable price and a functional platform.

The 2-pound Eee PC 4G changed the way manufacturers approached profit margins and brought the promise of a sub-$500 system back into full swing.

The ASUS EeePC 900 is the second iteration of this groundbreaking laptop.

The system is available with both a Linux operating system and Windows XP Home at e-tailers for the same price.

Although there weren't any drastic changes, the move to a bigger, 8.9 inches wide screen and the addition of 16GB worth of extended storage are welcome improvements.

Acer Aspire 8920G

Just when you thought Acer couldn't come up with another beastly laptop, the Aspire 8920G "Gemstone Blue" series emerges to wow high definition aficionados. The Aspire 9805WKHi Acer's first effort at a wow.

Laptop had a glamorous 20 inch screen but weighed a backbreaking 17 pounds.

The Aspire 8920G ($2,600 street) finds the sweet spot by putting an 18.4 inch wide screen on a system that, at 8.8 pounds, weighs as much as some 17 inch models, like the Dell Inspiron 1720,do.

Though still bulky, it doesn't seem like a nightmare to lug around. Altogether, the 8920G is a nice, albeit expensive, Blu-ray equipped media center that delivers 1080p content.

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Penryn)

Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Penryn), at $3,149 (direct), isn't the first laptop to undergo an Intel brain transplant in the form of a next generation Penryn processor, but it's among the most sizzling we've seen so far. At the heart of this MacBook Pro, the 2.6-GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9500 CPU and 4GB RAM played a pivotal role in tearing up performance tests, including a compelling 15 percent increase in battery life.

There are other new additions worth talking about, but performance enhancements alone should encourage first generation MacBook Pro owners and frustrated Windows users to take the plunge.

With all the time spent on perfecting the MacBook Air's design, it's surprising that Apple did little to enhance the looks of the MacBook Pro 15-inch (Penryn).

Until someone can come up with a lighter 15-inch laptop. The system's 5.3 pound frame still measures an inch thick, no matter where you apply the ruler.

Other laptops, such as the Dell XPS M1530 and the HP Pavilion dv6500t, have a sloping chassis that becomes thinner as you move toward the front. Still, those two are also heavier, weighing 6.2 pounds and 5.8 pounds, respectively.

The MacBook Pro's brilliant wide screen sports a 1,440 by 900 resolution and is still the only 15-inch screen to use an LED back light. LED lit screens, as seen on many ultra portables, have power saving characteristics, supposedly longer life spans, and a color gamut wider than that of their CCFL counterparts.

Alienware Area-51 m15x

Flashy colors and custom paint jobs, once the sole domain of high end gaming desktops, have been steadily creeping into notebook design for years. The Alienware Area-51 m15x takes this trend and puts a more futuristic and elegant spin on things, with its clean look and color shifting LEDs.

The notebook's smart appearance is accompanied by the best mobile performance and hardware money can buy.

Even better, it's all squeezed into a relatively light (for a high octane gaming laptop) 7.8 pound chassis, making it a delightful system for even the most demanding fraggers on the go.

Alienware had taken a toned down approach earlier, with its Area-51 m9750.

For that system, the company opted to go with a rubber like body reminiscent of Batman's suit of armor instead of the wildly colored designs it usually offers.

It was this slick subtlety that helped the machine achieve, and now the Area-51 m15x follows some of the same winning principles. Rather than cover the frame with over the top paint jobs or fancy graphic splashes, Alienware has given the m15x a simple sophistication.

The frame is reminiscent of a perfectly appointed briefcase, minus the handle and any distracting curves. Meanwhile, the laptop's solid silver treatment is reminiscent of some of the world's most luxurious automobiles.

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