Phone New Update: December 2007

PlayTV for PS3: Watch, Record, and Play HD TV on your Playstation3

Sony announced the PlayTV today, a HD tuner for your PS3 that has two high definition 1080p tuners and turns your PS3 into a DVR, remote playback solution, and more. Only released in Europe for now, however a US release can't be too far behind.

Sony PlayStation 3 80 GB Limited Edition MotorStorm Pack

Product Description:

Featuring an expanded hard disk drive (HDD), the new 80GB PS3 is designed to appeal to the online gaming and entertainment enthusiast, providing ample storage space to download more games and other entertainment content from PLAYSTATION Network.

There are currently more than 60 playable games and game related downloads available through PLAYSTATION Store, with expanded entertainment content coming soon. The new model features the million selling game MotorStorm in the box, allowing up to 12 players to play online at one time, hitting the dirt in this visually arresting, fast paced racing title.

Sony PlayStation 3 60GB Console

Product Description:
The PlayStation 3 was first officially announced May 16, 2005, at a press conference prior to the 11th annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles.

The design of the machine incorporates many successful standards established by the original PlayStation and the PlayStation 2 both of which led the console markets throughout their respective generations but it also offers some new features that distinguish it from its predecessors as well as its competition.

Fittingly, the central feature of the PS3 is its CPU, the Cell processor, which was codeveloped by IBM, Toshiba, and Sony. The PS3's Cell processor uses seven "Synergistic Processing Elements" (SPEs) plus an eighth for "redundancy," and is designed to dynamically handle multiple operations. Graphics are produced through the RSX GPU, which was codeveloped with Nvidia. The console has 256MB of XDR RAM for use by the CPU, and another 256MB of GDDR3 VRAM for use by the graphics chip.

PlayStation 3 games can be written to DVD or Bluray discs (BDs), the higher density format codeveloped by Sony and Toshiba. Like the PS2, the PS3 is backwardscompatible, and can play both original PlayStation and PS2 games, as well as PS3 games. It can also read and play audio, video, and other files from a variety of contemporary media formats, including CDs, DVDs, and BDs.

The form of the PlayStation 3 console is similar in size but somewhat squatter than that of the PS2. It can be operated in either a horizontal or vertical position. When laid flat, the PS3 console case has a squareish footprint, and its top bows upwards, with a fronttoback arch. This case is a silvery gray plastic, and it has a sleek, Spartan aesthetic, with a only the disc drawer plainly visible along its front. Four USB ports are hidden behind a front panel.

More so than its predecessors, the PlayStation 3 was designed for communication and compatibility with other electronic devices. In addition to its Bluetooth functionalities, the console has Ethernet ports and capacity for a IEEE 802.11 b/g "WiFi" connection.

Internetconnected gamers can access the web, chat with online friends, and even download content, even while playing a game. The console also reads Memory Stick, SD, and Compact Flash memory, creating opportunities for crossplatform file sharing and other communications between the PS3 and the PlayStation Portable.

Palm Lifedrive Mobile Manager

Palm Lifedrive Review Introduction
Whether you are viewing spreadsheets, listening to music (or both), the PalmOne�s LifeDrive Mobile Manager gives you room for virtually everything you might take with you.

Plus, all the software you could ever need is already pre-installed. You can view photos and videos with the PalmOne Media application and enjoy your songs in your personal music collection with on board support for MP3 files. This PDA really packs a punch.

Palm Life Drive Design
Everything is encased in an elegant, brushed silver finish with PalmOne�s PDA. The 5 way navigator lets you launch applications, select items and view details all with one hand. The on-off hold button keeps your MP3 player on without inadvertently launching other applications. Sit back and enjoy the view with this 65,000-color, 320�480 TFT display.

Flip to portrait or landscape orientation with the touch of a button, and get a better perspective on work, photos or anything else. The status bar gives you quick access to key functions on the screen, such as the current time and search. The product dimensions of the PalmOne PDA are : 4.76? height x 2.87? weight, 0.74 depth and comes in weighing only 6.8oz.

Palm Lifedrive Features
The LifeDrive Mobile Manager is meant for personal information management and far beyond. With a huge 4GB hard drive and built-in wifi and bluetooth wireless support, you can easily carry all the essentials of your busy life and use them as you will. Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents from your computer, 300+ songs, 2 hours of video, a thousand vacation photos, and so much more always with you in your pocket, wherever you go.

With support for POP, IMAP and Exchange email accounts, you can stay on top of your e-mail by connecting to the many wireless hot spots around the world. Plus with a voice recorder, a built-in mp3 player, a photo viewer, the PalmOne LifeDrive will keep your precious free moments of free time both more interesting and more productive.

Palm Lifedrive Performance
The operating system taps into a wide range of multimedia and wireless capabilities, including MP3 and video playback. The Intel 416MHz XScale processor ensures that even the most complex of functions run smoothly. You can easily transfer files from your PDA to your PC and vice versa.

The 4GB of built in memory lets you carry years worth of email correspondence, thousands of Microsoft Word documents, all of your digital photos and your mp3 songs as well. The built in expansion slot also makes it easy to add extra hardware, software, and any extra memory you may need. The PalmOne supports SD, SDIO and MultieMediaCards.

What�s included in the package
The LifeDrive Mobile Manager, protective sleeve, a USB sync cable with PalmOne multi connector, an AC adapter, installation CD with tutorial, a getting started guide and a users manual.

Conclusion
The Palm One Mobile Manager E 4GB HandHeld PDA aims to be the portable extension of your desktop and not its replacement. While you can keep your documents with you and even make changes, you�ll still need a computer for full usability. Nevertheless, you can�t go wrong with a mobile video & picture viewer, mp3 player, email reader, the ability to surf the web and play games as well.

Delphi XM Roady XT

Delphi XM Roady XT Introduction
Delphi Roady XT is one the smallest and lightest XM Radio receiver available today. XM Roady XT offers a true �Plug & Play� design with simple docking and connection.

Delphi XM Roady XT Design
Easily transportable from the car to your home or office. The Delphi RoadyXT XM satellite receiver features a sleek, innovative, and compact design that delivers top sound quality.

You can choose from seven dazzling backlit colors for the large display that dominates the front panel. The front panel squeezes in useful controls, including 10 buttons for direct access to XM�s channels; you can store up to 30 presets. Dimensions : 2.25? H x 3.7? W x .07? D; Weight: 2.6 oz.

Delphi XM Roady XT Features
Plug and play design for installation in any vehicle. Built in wireless FM transmitter with all frequencies available makes any FM radio an XM radio. TuneSelect feature alerts you when 20 of your favorite songs or artists are playing on any XM channel.

Info Extra keeps track of sports scores and stocks customizable sports ticker. Seven custom screen colors and backlit control buttons.

Delphi XM Roady XT Performance
Once installed, listeners will have access to the full XM menu of music, sports, talk, news, children�s, and entertainment programming, all without having to listen to a single commercial. The Roady XT also offers 21 advanced traffic and weather channels

Whats included in the package
Roady XT satellite receiver, car dock, user�s manual.

Conclusion
The Delphi Roady XT is a compact XM satellite radio. The important note is that it has a plug and play design, and so, it must be used with an XM boombox or a car or home docking station.

Watch Camera Cell Phone Hyundai W-100

We're on a new integration kick multi function gadgets are the new thing. The Hyundai W-100 cell phone watch has a 1.3MP camera, touch screen, and Bluetooth.

Apparently the perfect watch will be available in English and Chinese, and sports microSD for expansion for MP3 audio and video playback. Battery life is sure to suck but for everything this new gadget packs on your wrist, we're likely not to care too much so long as it will go a day on a single charge.

Cowon Q5W

Like a supermodel who's dressed to the nines but can't carry on an intelligent conversation to save her life, Cowon's Q5W will seduce you with its sexy looks but just as quickly disappoint you with a serious lack of substance.

Cowon's baffling new portable media player, available in 40GB or 60GB models, also costs a fortune ($550 to $800, depending on capacity and add ons), requires incredibly high maintenance (no battery recharging via PC), and weighs 13.4 ounces (light for a supermodel, but heavy for a portable media player). Sure, the device's 5 inch touch screen is large and sharp.

It's ideal for watching movies, browsing photos, or surfing the Web all of which the Q5W does, but none with grace or speed. Something as seemingly simple as finding the music menu is a challenge. Sadly, even the excellent EQ, FM radio, voice recorder, and the included games can't save this glamorous mess.

At close to a pound and measuring 3.5 by 5.5 by 0.8 inches (HWD), the Q5W is positively bulky, and far from pocket friendly. Cowon put two USB connections (one standard, one mini) on the device for loading media, as well as a built in speaker and a microphone.

An I/O port on the bottom panel connects to an A/V out cable (included, but, oddly, not the cable pictured in the manual). There's also a remote that controls many of the device's functions. These inclusions are thoughtful, but the real meat is in the player itself, and boy, is it a pain to use.

Part of the problem here is that, though it's marketed as a personal media player, the Q5W is also trying to be a PDA, and even a GPS device, all at the same time. And this approach isn't very successful.

When I saw that the device runs Windows CE 5.0 essentially a stripped down version of Windows Mobile for phones. It tracked down Sascha Segan, our lead analyst for cell phones and PDAs, and asked him to spend some time playing with the Q5W. His thoughts?

"Cowon probably used Windows CE for ease of development, not ease of use," he said. "Windows CE has a lot of off the shelf components available for developers, so by using this standardized OS, Cowon could bring a flexible media player to market more quickly and cheaply. But Cowon wasn't intending to make it a fully fledged PDA just to leverage the Windows CE marketplace for its own development advantage."

Gigabyte's second-generation UMPC

Though better known for making mainboards than consumer electronics, Gigabyte's first foray into the UMPC market the U60 was surprisingly competent and incorporated a few innovative features such as split keyboard and GPS or TV tuner expansion slots.

The changes in the new Gigabyte M704 are mostly cosmetic, though the VIA processor has been bumped up to 1.2GHz and its screen has grown from 6.5 to 7 inches, obviating the need to scroll sideways on some Web sites designed for viewing in 1,024-pixel resolution.

Despite the larger display and faster processor, the battery life remains similar to the U60 at around three hours that's rather mediocre considering models like the Everun and Kohjinsha SA1 can go on for a couple more hours.

Ultra Smart F700 phone coming to Asia

Currently available only on the German and U.K. markets, Samsung's Ultra Smart F700 is headed to Malaysia and possibly other Asian countries early next year, according to the company.

We had a brief hands-on with the HSDPA handset and found ourselves liking the touch screen's haptic feedback. Sliding out the QWERTY keyboard, which was aided by a spring-loaded mechanism, was also very smooth and solid.

Adding a dash of style were the square keys with rounded borders that resembled those on the Apple MacBooks. Our only gripe with the unit was with the glossy surface that tended to pick up fingerprints fairly easily.

SAT Genius

We would never cheat on the SAT or any other exam, of course, but if we were of that ilk we might consider taking along one these gadgets and claiming that it's just a standard calculator.

The "Pocket Prep" SAT and ACT tutors from the Princeton Review may not have all the answers one would need, but it should come close if it's doing its job right.

The hand held device, which has a black and white LCD, includes drills "to maximize grammar and essay scores anywhere, anytime."

It does have a calculator, by the way. Granted, 5 by 4 inches might seem a tad large for one, but maybe it's just a really old model that we couldn't afford to replace. But to be doubly safe, perhaps there's a way to smuggle in a "StealthSwitch" for the benefit of those pesky test administrators walking by to snoop at the screen over our shoulders.

Are new Canon SLRs coming in January?

A Swedish Web site, Camera and Bild, has quoted Canon Sweden executive Robert Westin as saying the camera maker plans to launch new products on January 24, a week before the Photo Marketing Association trade show begins. That prediction is about as hard to make as figuring out if General Motors will share news at the Detroit auto show, but it does give us an excuse to venture our suspicions.

My bet (and I'm not alone) is that we'll hear about successors to the entry level EOS Digital Rebel XTi and the full frame EOS 5D. They're the most elderly products in Canon's SLR line, but let me offer some other data, too.

Timing is one indicator. Canon has updated its entry level SLR line roughly once every year and a half. Canon announced in August 2006 the 10.1 mega pixels Rebel XTi, the third generation of Canon's entry level digital SLR line; the the 8.2 mega pixel Digital Rebel XT was in February 2005, and the 6.3-megapixel Digital Rebel announcement was in August 2002.

Marketing gives another clue. For the holiday season, I've been seeing a lot of price cuts on Rebel XTi deals "new low price" and the Rebel XT isn't heavily promoted as a less expensive alternative, indicating that Canon might be combining the usual holiday shopping incentives with some XTi inventory clearance.

Competitiveness is another. Nikon, Canon's top rival, is doing well with its entry level D40 and D40x, analysts have said, and Canon could use a better response. The dynamics of the SLR market, with its interchangeable lenses, means there's an extra value to winning over a first time SLR buyer.

Today's entry level customer might buy compatible lenses from the same company later, and once somebody has lenses there's a strong incentive to stick with the same company again when buying the next SLR body.

My CNET Reviews colleague Lori Grunin goes so far as to predict specifications, a 10 mega pixel sensor, 3 inch LCD, top sensitivity of ISO 1,600, the Digic III image processor, a shooting speed of 4 or 5 frames per second, and a price of $799 including the new image stabilized 18-55mm EF-S lens.

The image stabilized lens is a better response to Sony, Pentax, Panasonic, and Olympus, all of whom build sensor shift stabilization into their SLRs, though not necessarily the low end models, and SLR gear says the lens' updated optics shows "remarkable improvement" over its predecessor.

The 5D is in a more rarified segment of the market where the image sensor is the same size as a full frame of 35mm film entry level Canon cameras and most products from competitors use smaller and less expensive sensors. Until Nikon began selling its $5,000 D3 in recent weeks, nobody else had a full frame SLR on the market.

When Canon announced the 5D in August 2005, it had an initial price of about $3,300, but that's now dropped to about $2,100 today. A lot of people sensibly expect a second generation to join the family soon, and with possible follow ups that have bubbled up including the 5D Mark II and the 7D.

The 5D was lauded for its high image quality, but there's definitely room for improvement in a category that appeals to enthusiasts and professionals looking for a starter or backup camera. As with the Rebel XTi, the 5D uses the older Digic II image processor, but newer Canon SLR the 1D Mark III, 1Ds Mark III, and 40D use the faster Digic III.

And the 5D could benefit from attention to sturdiness ruggedness the $1,300 40D was the first in that family to get some protection from weather and dust, and the 5D category would benefit from that, too. Noise reduction also has advanced considerably since the introduction of the 5D.

Grunin thinks Canon will hold off until the higher-brow Photokina show in the fall to announce the 5D successor. On the other hand, another SLR honcho from CNET Reviews, Phil Ryan, suggests both the 5D Mark II and 7D names could be correct: "They could make a 5D Mark II and a 7D. In that case, the 7D would probably be the lower-end of the two, per Canon's typical naming conventions."

Mini Camera Concept

Targets of the paparazzi need not worry just yet. This little camera ring is only a concept model for now.

But the way things are going with cameras built into pens and phones packing 5 mega pixels sensors.

This "Canon Snap" proposed by designer David M�nscher could probably become a reality in the not too distant future, with its single button interface and other spycam like features.

And should that happen, stalkers everywhere will rejoice.

Phone makers target the safari set

Maybe they're just freaked out over the iPhone's success, but other handset makers seem to be getting even a little nuttier than usual lately with their designs.

The latest is Motorola, which not only applied the Midas touch to its Razr2 V8 Luxury Edition, but is now making it even more exotic with a faux snakeskin wrapper to complement its 18k and 24k accents, according to BornRich. We're holding out for ostrich.

It's Time for Prada

Here's how to ruin a thing of beauty. Find a Prada phone, one of the most gorgeous handsets we've seen, and attach a scruffy miniature teddy bear to it.

Worse yet, dress the little sap in some tiny Prada label too, then charge nearly $100 for it.

That pretty much sums up this line of phone straps marketed by the design house, as seen on Chip Chick.

And believe it or not, the teddy pictured here actually isn't nearly as hideous as some of the others in the "Mobile Trick Quirinos" line, such as those clad in pink, red, and white.

Why Prada chose to do this, especially after coming out with some lust worthy accessories immediately after launching its phone, is beyond us.

Then again, we've never understood high end designer labels the closest we've ever gotten to them is the new arrivals at Ross.

Samsung r410 QWERTY Phone

MetroPCS isn't exactly known nationwide as a carrier of stylish phones, but it looks like that may be about to change.

It just announced the Samsung r410, which appears to be quite an attractive phone with a full QWERTY keyboard.

Similar to the LG Rumor, it has a regular number keypad on the exterior and a hidden QWERTY keyboard that slides out for easier text messaging.

Other than that, there's not much to talk about in the features department aside from e-mail, instant messaging, a VGA camera, and Bluetooth. It's also not too pricey at $199 before any discounts.

LG Voyager Grabbed The Most Web

It appears the the LG Voyager had a very good November. According to a study conducted by Compete, a Boston based Internet analytics company, the Voyager was the most shopped cell phone during the last month.

While Competes definition of "most shopped" is a tad loose the number of unique visitors to a handset's detail page on a carrier Web site it's still noteworthy that a model only launched in November would beat out even the super hyped Apple iPhone, which won fourth place.

The Voyager also did better than the most shopped handset from November 2006. According to Compete's blog, it attracted 131 percent more visitors than the Samsung SGH-T609 had. (Compete didn't release raw numbers).

After the Voyager, the other Top 10 shopped phones from November were a diverse lot. The Sidekick Slide took the No. 2 spot, followed by (in order) the Samsung SGH-T629, the iPhone, the Sidekick LX, the Sidekick ID, the LG Venus, the Sony Ericsson Z310a, the Sony Ericsson W580i, and the Pantech C150. And in case you're counting carriers, that's four AT&T phones, four T-Mobile handsets, and two Verizon Wireless models. Poor Sprint.

Complete also compiled a list of the most shopped smartphones in November. The iPhone earned the top spot here, which makes much more sense than its number four position (though I'm not sure why Complete included it on both lists).

The remaining top 10 in order where AT&T's Pantech Duo, the RIM BlackBerry Pearl, Verizon's Samsung SCH-i760, AT&T's Motorola Q9h, a refurbished RIM BlackBerry Pearl, the T-Mobile Dash, AT&T's RIM Blackberry Curve 8310, T-Mobile's RIM BlackBerry Curve 8320, and the AT&T 8525.

Helio brightens its YouTube offering

To use the worst of bad plays on words, YouTube has thrown itself into the Ocean, Youth oriented mobile carrier Helio announced Wednesday that it has souped up the YouTube video offerings for its Ocean handset.

Owners of the double keyboard smart phone are now able to upload videos to the Google-owned service more easily, fill in various criteria for them (privacy settings, tags, descriptions, categories) and "geotag" them thanks to the handset's GPS capability.

Additionally, the Ocean YouTube application facilitates access to some of the social networking features previously unavailable to most mobile versions of YouTube rating, commenting, and access to personal videos through a full log in.

The enhanced mobile YouTube is available free of charge on the Ocean, which has a 3G mobile Web connection. It's not the first time that a handset manufacturer has touted YouTube integration Apple's iPhone prominently features a player for the wildly popular video-sharing service, and LG makes a "YouTube phone," the KU990 Viewty.

The new YouTube on the Helio Ocean
But Helio considers its YouTube interface to be a step above the fray, and apparently YouTube's honchos agree. "Helio has taken the mobile YouTube experience to the next level," Chad Hurley, YouTube co-founder and CEO, said in a statement from Helio. "This innovative application offers people even more customization and provides them with instant access to interact with the YouTube community whenever and wherever they go."

Helio, a joint venture between EarthLink and SK Telecom that offers a regularly changing lineup of handsets, apparently has a new phone on the way called the "Mysto." No details on the gadget are available aside from a $150 price tag and a screen shot that appeared in the December issue of hipster fashion magazine Nylon.

But even though Helio continually rolls out new gadgets and high-profile partnership deals like the YouTube application, the company's future is still up in the air. The company has yet to convince the public that its business model can succeed, especially as competitors like Amp'd Mobile have shuttered.

New iPhones, Apple TV for 2008

We had a pretty good idea that a new iPhone would be coming in 2008, but what will it look like?

A report from Goldman Sachs Wednesday spotted by AppleInsider doesn't exactly shed much more light on that subject, but says that Apple is gearing up to deliver two new iPhones next year. The first one sounds like it will be just a storage upgrade with more flash memory in the first half of the year, while the second half of the year should bring the long awaited 3G iPhone, according to the report.

Not one, but two iPhones could be released next year, according to Goldman Sachs.
(Credit: CNET Networks)

Both Apple CEO Steve Jobs and AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson have indicated that 2008 is the year for the 3G iPhone, so that's not much of a surprise. An iPhone that could connect to 3G (third generation) data networks would allow for faster download speeds, but Apple has held off on introducing such a model to this point because of concerns over battery life, according to Jobs.

Goldman also thinks that Apple is getting ready to introduce a newer version of Apple TV, which had a disappointing first year. But the report doesn't make much sense it says Apple is going to attach an LCD screen to Apple TV.

Maybe I'm missing something very obvious, and feel free to point it out below, but I just can't fathom why Apple would want to do that. Apple TV's problems have nothing to do with the lack of a display.

Anyway, the report also says that Goldman can't find as much evidence of the long rumored ultraportable notebook that's supposedly on tap for Macworld, saying that "possible design issues" might have delayed that model. Just another day in the Apple rumor business.

Chestnut Hill Sound George

The George, Chestnut Hill Sound's new, curiously named audio system for fourth generation Apple iPods and later, costs $549 (direct), and that's if you choose not to accessories it. Sure, it's expensive, but this iPod dock is super capable and puts out unbelievably good sound. If you want to get the best possible sound from your iPod and are willing to pay for it, this high end iPod dock delivers.

The George doesn't come cheap, especially when you factor in its optional upgrades. If you go for wood paneling, say, instead of the stock drab white design, you'll spend $600.

A charging stand for the wireless remote sets you back another $50. The question that remains is whether $650 is a ridiculous price to pay for an iPod sound system when roughly the same amount could buy a very nice stereo receiver and a set of great speakers.

Perhaps, especially when you consider that a receiver can act as a hub for your TV, games, CD, DVD, and your iPod. Yet, for the audiophile, George is worth every penny. It sounds amazing and is incredibly easy to use.

The George's design is its only real drawback. Its speakers are neither upward-angled nor detachable, which is bad news for folks who wish to listen to the system at their desks. That's because the speakers will shoot sound at your chest rather than your ears, unless you like to slouch really low when you listen. Another problem with this setup is that you won't have much separation between speakers for stereo imaging.

The left and right speakers are roughly 6 inches apart, so unless you stand with your nose an inch from the display, you can forget about the concept of a sonic "sweet spot." (The sweet spot is the invisible third point of the equilateral triangle that two symmetrically placed speakers would make with your head.)

In an ideal world, the tweeters should sit at ear level the ideal spot for balanced sound between the speakers and for optimal stereo separation. So, realistically, this is a bookshelf unit and should really be set at ear level.

One last flaw, it is very easy to mute or un-mute your music when removing the remote from the dock. The mute/snooze button is right where your fingers naturally land to grab the control. As far as complaints go, though, that's all it can come up with.

Apple iPod Hi-Fi

It may not be exactly what people were clamoring for at Steve Jobs' most recent media hyp event, but the Apple iPod Hi-Fi ($349 direct) is now part of Apple's steadily growing repertoire of iPod accessories. The one piece three ways combination speaker and iPod dock looks a lot like a center channel speaker from a home theater system, with horizontally set drivers.

Though it costs about $50 more, it can thump, sing, and squeal with a lot more power than the Bose SoundDock, plus it's portable. It's glad Apple included a combination analog and S/PDIF optical digital input, but a video pass through for outputting photos and video to a TV would be convenient.

The tech specs alone are pretty meaty two 80 mm midrange drivers and a 130 mm woofer with dual voice coils, sealed double walled enclosure, separate chambers and front panel isolation for the two midrange drivers, a rated maximum sound pressure level of 108dB (at 1 meter) when it's running on AC power, and a frequency response of 53Hz to 16kHz plus or minus 3dB.

It can run on AC power without a huge brick (thanks to the internal power supply) or on six D batteries, though both of these mean the speaker is pretty heavy, at 14.5 pounds without batteries and 16.7 pounds with alkaline. It measures 6.6 by 17 by 6.9 inches (HWD) perfect for a bookshelf or even a desk.

It has dual integrated handles on either side, so it's easy to move around, but it's definitely not the kind of thing you'd throw in a backpack and take to the beach. The enclosure is a sturdy white resin, and the black speaker grille is easily removable if you want a brighter sound.

The only controls on the speaker itself are two touch sensitive buttons for adjusting the volume. Aside from the power jack, the only port is an auxiliary audio input, which accommodates both 3.5 mm analog cables or S/PDIF optical digital cables (also known as Toslink). The digital input is excellent for getting sound from your computer to the speaker if your desktop PC or external USB sound card has an optical output.

You can also connect an Apple AirPort Express to the speaker using an optical cable, which will let you transmit your music tirelessly and maintain a digital signal until it hits the speaker's on board digital to analog converter. You can also hook up your iPod, dock connector less iPod, or none Apple audio player via a standard 3.5 mm audio cable (use a gold plated one for best conductance). Unfortunately, Apple doesn't include any audio cables with the iPod Hi-Fi, so you'll have to buy your own either from Apple or a third party.

Think Outside BoomTube H201

With a design that lies somewhere between a Thermos and a pipe bomb, the metal encased BoomTube is one of the most rugged portable speaker systems around.

The exterior hasn't changed and the volume knob still goes to 11 but the company modified the power button so that it has to be held down for a few seconds before the unit turns on.

(In the original BoomTube EX, it was too easy to turn the power on inadvertently while carrying the unit around.) The internal rechargeable battery still lasts for around 5 hours of continuous playback.

The company claims it improved the internal wiring of the BoomTube, but when we tested it side by side with the original, we didn't detect any audible differences. In fact, aside from the power button, the only significant enhancements we found had to do with the accessories.

The carrying case is now slightly bigger, so it's not such a tight fit anymore. This should be welcome news to those who tried in vain to squeeze the AC adapter into the old BoomTube case.

The speaker also comes with a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm adapter so you can hook up a music enabled cell phone. Think Outside also has a sense of humor The BoomTube comes with a pair of foam earplugs in a capsule labeled "for your neighbors."

Dishwasher with 7 Wash Cycles

The central philosophy of M. Hasuike's design is essential and harmony combined in a totally distinctive style.

The simplicity of the design, with rounded shapes, is a clear example of this philosophy displayed in the unique features such as the control panel, the new basket design and the handle of the door.

Particular attention to product design is aimed at obtaining structures which are solid, innovative, functional: an Ariston tradition.

The new collection is dedicated to those who wish to be surrounded by distinctive, beautiful objects which add warmth and beauty to the home.

�True Care Performance�
Wave goodbye to the damaging effect of lime scale as well as encrusted dirt. True Care Performance offers an exclusive built in Water Softener which combined with high wash pressure, necessary temperatures, efficiently distributed water, and a 4 level water filtration system, gives you totally clean dishes with better end results than that of the competition.

Not only will it preserve your fine china, crystal, and silverware, the Ariston dishwasher will even preserve itself from the long term effects of harmful minerals in the water. Just think how amazed your guests will be at the sight of your sparkling glasses, dishes, and silverware, and how happy you will be knowing that your Ariston dishwasher is just as clean.

�Silence�
means washing in total silence, giving you the chance to rest your mind as well. Ariston dishwashers guarantee perfect silence thanks to a new hydraulic system and tub insulation using special sound absorbing materials and then completely enclosed in a suit of armor. And after all your friends� lively partying, a little bit of silence will be greatly appreciated.

�Efficiency�
While you are enjoying the day, the Ariston dishwashers help preserving the future but still living up to its demands. With a two pump and motor system combined with a Hidden Heating Element using less than 4 gallons of water, finished off with a natural condensation drying process guaranteeing great results every time. That is why this dishwasher is Energy Star qualified, which is good for you and for everyone else as well.

The new Multi System baskets mean that you have all the space you need to wash a huge amount of dishes at the same time. The top and bottom racks are as deep as they are wide offering more room to position your wash loads with ease. The fact that the Multi System racks have no restrictive tines provides flexibility in loading every time.

The top rack can be loaded to suit your needs just everyday glasses to your finest champagne flutes to bowls and small plates, or a combination.

The new attachments are also multifunctional allowing you to load cutlery and long knives, coffee cups and stemmed glasses safely and easily. Furthermore the practical Click-Clack system can be easily flicked up or down even when fully loaded without having to pull the racks out of its runners.

The silverware basket can be used as is, or split into 2 or 3 sections as and when needed. In particular the side sections can be hooked onto the sides of the bottom rack so as every little space is put to good use.

Or use the True Care Silverware Basket Divider and protect your fine silver from scratching. So get out your recipe book, go wild and remember to invite as many friends as you want.

Friedrich ductless Air Conditioner

The M12YF Ductless Split System features a new level of system flexibility and control at your fingertips with the Advanced Inverter Technology. Inverter Technology lets you reach the desired temperature FASTER, maintain it MORE ACCURATELY, and REDUCE energy costs.

It eliminates the constant compressor start ups or shut downs required to maintain the set temperature with traditional technology. It controls compressor rotation speed precisely and adjusts capacity to meet demand, which in turn reduces energy consumption.

Inverter Technology allows each system to adjust capacity and cooling output to provide only the amount of cooling needed at a given time. For example, an 18,000 BTU/h system will operate even more efficiently as a 15,500 if that is all that's needed.

All of the Friedrich ductless split systems exceed the new 13.0 SEER requirements. And, a full one-third of the models have super high ratings ranging from 16.5 to 19.0 SEER.

Units are fully programmable, so setting and keeping the desired comfort level is a snap. Smart features like "Sleep Timer" and "Energy Saver" allow the user to program the unit for optimum energy savings. The continuous "Air Sweep" auto louvers gently distribute cool or warm air throughout the room.

A new level of system flexibility and control is at your fingertips on Friedrich single and multi-zone systems. You'll have more options for optimum comfort, control and energy savings.

Over 20 single, dual, tri- and quad-zone systems provide a wide range of heating and cooling options for even the toughest remodels, additions and improvements.

The Friedrich ductless split systems have the advantages of a ducted installation without the high material and labor costs. Absolutely no ductwork is required, so most systems can be installed and running in a few hours.

Residential/Commercial Applications

Computer rooms/ server rooms
Room additions/ renovations
Homes without ductwork
Kitchen and prep areas in restaurants
Offices in warehouse spaces or large retail buildings
Offices and buildings where security concerns prevent the installation of window units

Bose� Lifestyle� 48 Series III

The Bose� Lifestyle� 48 Series III DVD home entertainment system will change the way you think about movies, music even your CD collection. Digitally store and organize up to 340 hours of music in the media center, featuring a progressive scan DVD/CD player.

The ADAPTiQ� audio calibration system analyzes your room and adjusts your Lifestyle� system's sound for great performance. Tiny, award winning Jewel Cube� speaker arrays and a newly designed horizontal center channel speaker fill your room with wondrous surround sound. And there's more. Bose� link allows connections for compatible Bose products in as many as 14 additional rooms.

Your room is unique. So is this system.

The hidden beauty of the Lifestyle� 48 III DVD system lies in the Bose technologies that make enjoying music and movies intuitively simple. Start with your main room the size, shape, textures and other elements that affect the sound you hear. The ADAPTiQ system , found only in Lifestyle� DVD systems, was developed to analyze your room and then adjust the Lifestyle� system for a consistent, high quality performance each time you listen.

No need to move furniture, speakers or anything else to get the best possible sound in your room. Just sit in up to five of your preferred listening spots, and allow the ADAPTiQ system to automatically make the necessary adjustments.

Meet your digital DJ
Consider the hassle of managing your treasured, but unwieldy, CD collection. The Lifestyle� III 48 DVD system changes all that with unique Bose technology that stores up to 340 hours of music. The uMusic� intelligent playback system actually listens to your music and learns your preferences, then makes selections based on what you like. No more searching for CDs or deciding which tracks to listen to. Whatever mood you're in, the uMusic system is ready with just the songs you want to hear.

And you can hear them almost anywhere. Bose link enables quality sound in as many as 14 additional rooms, even outdoors. Just add compatible Bose products, and you can have independent volume control in each room, as well as access to two different audio streams from the same Lifestyle� system.

Fill your room with sound, not equipment
The Lifestyle� III 48 DVD system features award winning Jewel Cube� speaker arrays measuring only 4�" high for dramatically lifelike sound. These are our smallest and most powerful speaker arrays, yet they deliver sound you'd expect from speakers many times their size. And a sleek horizontal center channel speaker locks dialogue on screen while making a nice match with flat panel televisions.

The proprietary Acoustimass� module 30% smaller than the previous model produces resounding low notes that bring action sequences to life and adds fullness to music. And the Acoustimass module can be placed out of sight, so all the sound seems to come from the smaller speakers.

It loves to play your classics, too
Your interest in digital media doesn't mean you want to abandon your collection of older films and TV shows on VHS. The Lifestyle� III 48 DVD system features proprietary Bose technologies to freshen up those prized possessions. Videostage� 5 decoding circuitry and digital 5.1 decoding ensure a high quality 5.1 channel surround experience from practically any source.

Bose� 3-2-1� GS Series II DVD Home

Our enhanced 3-2-1 DVD system uses two advanced Gemstone� speakers and an Acoustimass module to deliver home theater sound with much of the performance you'd expect from a five speaker system.

The Bose� 3�2�1� GS II DVD home entertainment system puts you at the center of exciting home theater with greater simplicity and fewer wires. Just two visible Gemstone� speaker arrays our smallest, most powerful 3�2�1� speakers and a hideaway Acoustimass� module deliver enhanced sound performance from almost anything you watch.

Setup is simple: No center or rear speakers means no wiring to the back of your room. An elegant media center features a progressive scan DVD or CD player with AM/FM tuner. And an easy-to-use universal remote control is programmable to run most of your entertainment devices together with your system.

The excitement of home theater. The simplicity of fewer speakers and wires.
Enjoy the spaciousness of theater like sound in the comfort of your home. The 3�2�1� GS II DVD system builds on the award winning performance of the original system to create exciting home entertainment with crisp, clear dialogue and dramatic sound effects.

Bose� patented Gemstone� speaker arrays with breakthrough TrueSpace� digital processing circuitry transform home entertainment into a dramatic sound experience. And these elegant speakers are 50% smaller than the original 3�2�1� system speakers.

The hideaway Acoustimass module provides the cinematic depth and orchestral sweep that bring movies and music to life. It doesn't have to be seen to be effective, you can place this module out of sight to enjoy enhanced performance with fewer visible components.

Best of all, this system is simple to install and use. You just connect three wires and plug it in. A setup disc even walks you through the process, step by step.

One media center for all your command performances
The 3�2�1� system's elegant media center orchestrates your complete home entertainment experience, including today's most popular audio and video content. It houses an integrated progressive scan DVD/CD player, AM/FM tuner and inputs for three additional sources. And the sleek media center is designed to complement the look of most plasma/LCD televisions.

Bose 3�2�1� II systems are equipped with Videostage� 5 decoding circuitry to deliver home theater performance from almost any source. Even classic movies and TV programs recorded before surround sound will sound lively and room-filling. From vintage videotapes to the latest DVDs, 3�2�1� systems make a difference in all your home entertainment.

Nokia N81

One of the most appreciated feature of Nokia N81 mobile phones, is its imaging prowess. The handset comes with an excellent 2 Mega pixels camera, with video recording capabilities and 20 x digital zoom.

The dimension of customization and editing are huge, giving the users every cause to revel in creativity. One can choose from shooting modes, ranging from portrait to sports to night portrait, and five resolutions 2,048x1,536, 1,600x1,200, 1,280x960, 800x600, and 640x480. Further, one can also play with the contrast, white balance, brightness, color tone and exposure value.

One may add clip art or text to the snaps, or reduce red eyed, cut audio, trim clips for multimedia messages, etc.

Not only this, the photo sharing ability of Nokia N81 is also more powerful than its contemporary. In addition to email and saving document, one can also use Nokia mobile phones Xpress Solutions to print photos, upload them to the Web, or transfer them to other Sony Ericsson devices.

Besides its outstanding imaging quality, the Nokia N81 also includes 3G, WLAN, EDGE, four GSM band, Symbian's S60 software platform, and media player for musical bonanza.

Sony Ericsson W910i

Here we look at two music phones storming through the charts : Sony Ericsson W910i and Nokia N81. The Sony Ericsson W910i is a sleek slider.

The front fascia of the mobile phone is dominated by a 2.4 inch TFT screen that can produce more than 262k colors across its 240 x 320 pixels. The Walkman logo in iconic orange color affirms the handset's affiliation to the Walkman family.

Being a Walkman phone, the Sony Ericsson W910i's finesse lies in its music playing skills. The handset is endowed with an upgraded Walkman 3.0 media player with many integrated features that were not found in the earlier version, including the fabulous 'shake control', allowing you to change song by jiggling the phone.

TrackID feature of the updated player is a great way to find out more about a song's artist and other relevant information just by sending a part of its recording to the server. Similarly, other features like play list support, equalizer, MegaBass makes for a unique mobile music experience. The Sony Ericsson W910i's built in memory is supplemented by external memory cards.

Sony Ericsson W960i

The sleek Sony Ericsson W960i Walkman phone impresses with its touch display and 8GB memory. The users of the phone can enjoy all the music literally at his or her fingertips.

He has the freedom to save and listen mellow pop, Hard rock, Reggae, hip hop, and jazz without caring about the musical variation.

The Sony Ericsson 960i can run music in the most popular format i.e in the eAAC+ format. Interestingly, users of the phone can store up to 8000 songs (eAAC+ format) in the phone. And there is Walkman touch player which lets user to manage their music the way they wished to. Enjoy album art on the large phone display and use your fingers to play the song you want.

There is functionality in the phone that it comes equipped with. Users of the phone can enjoy entertainment that of the TV on the phone screen. There are options in the phone that the users can use, he can connect to the PC, synchronize and enjoy pod casts in the phone. All the software that the purchasers need and a stereo headset is included in phone kit.

Here are the specifications that the Sony Ericsson 960i comes with :

Screen : 262,144 color touchscreen with 240x320 pixel
Memory Phone memory 8 GB
Camera : 3.15 mega pixels
Networks : GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, UMTS 2100
Sizes : 109 x 55 x 16 mm or 4.3 x 2.1 x 0.6 inches
Weight : 119 gram or 4.2 oz.

Canon XL2 3-CCD Camcorder With 20x L IS Lens Kit

The Canon XL2 allows you to capture images closer to the finished product than ever before. Work that previously was limited to post-production can be simply and effectively accomplished in the field, in the camcorder.

An Open Architecture philosophy, performance found only in much more expensive video cameras, Total Image Control and the solid foundation of Genuine Canon Optics, interchangeable lens capability and superb Canon image processing quality are united in the XL2.

The XL2 brings a host of performance and convenience features to this class of video camcorder- benefits that can't be found in this combination on other high-end video cameras. They include: Canon Super Range Optical Image Stabilization in the standard lens; dual aspect ratios; various frame rate capabilities; image gamma and detail controls; skin detail control and convertible LCD display among others.

Unprecedented image control coordination between two XL2 cameras, remote computer camera control and direct video recording to computer are just a part of the capabilities of the XL2. Never before has so much creative power been put in the hands of the film maker, video artist, and corporate and event videographer

Features:

Native 16:9 CCD Block - the 1/3^rd inch CCD block in the XL2 features true progressive scan and native 16:9.

Selectable Aspect Ratios and Frame Rates - via external switches, the XL2 can shoot in native 16:9 or standard 4:3 aspect ratios, at frame rates of 60i, 30p and 24p with 2:3 pulldown or 24p with 2:3:3:2 pulldown. Shutter speeds of 1/24th sec. and 1/48th sec. are available in both 24p modes.

20x L IS Automatic Lens - with Optical Image Stabilization, Flourite elements, two Neutral Density filters, focus and zoom presets and selectable focus speeds.

Multi-function Color LCD Viewfinder - the diopter may be flipped up, exposing the 2" LCD display for easier viewing, or left in place for traditional shooting through the eyecup; the EVF assembly can be shifted along a left-right axis and forward-back axis for the most comfortable shooting position.

Balanced XLR Audio - two built-in jacks may be used for input or output, with or without on-board phantom power; two more XLR jacks may be added via the MA-300 XLR audio adapter.

Advanced Accessory Shoe - allows use of certain Canon accessories such as the VL-3 onboard three-watt eye light or the MA-300 XLR audio adapter.

Accessory Mounting Bracket - removeable; allows the attachment of various shooting accessories such as an onboard hard-disk recorder; wireless mic receiver, dual battery holder and other similar items.

Integrated Shoulder Support - should not interfere with other commercially available third-party shoulder supports.

SMPTE Time Code and Tone - standard SMPTE color bars, choice of two settings for the audio 1kHz tone, choice of time codes as drop frame, non-drop frame, rec run, free run, and user bit settings.

Customizable Cine Looks - variable adjustment of Color Matrix, Gamma, Knee, Vertical Detail, Coring, Black Stretch, Color Gain, Sharpness, Noise Reduction, Film Grain and Hue.

Total Image Control - composed of user-selectable Master RGB, Setup Level, Master Pedestal, Skin Tone Detail, Clear Scan, Zebra Pattern, Intervalometer, AE Shift / Lock, White Balance, Shutter Speeds, Gain and Aperture Control.

External Control - a program mode which allows, among other things, the transfer of user-defined Custom Presets from one XL2 to another.

Three Custom Presets - specific image control configurations may be stored in the XL2's internal memory and recalled at the touch of a button; these settings are transferable from one camera to another over FireWire through the External Control program mode.

DV-PC Recorder Software - a free utility running on Windows XP which allows direct recording from an XL2 to a computer's hard disk via FireWire in MicroSoft AVI Type I or Type II formats.

Software Developer's Kit - has potential for a variety of remote camera menu access and camera control options via FireWire; availability to be determined on a case-by-case basis from Canon USA

Dimensions - 8.9 x 8.7 x 19.5 in. (225 x 220 x 496mm)

Weight - 5.3 lbs. (not including lens and battery pack) - 7.8 lbs. (fully loaded)

Canon�s Portable HD DVD burner bypasses the need for PC Capture

It�s no secret that although DVD camcorders are popular for their convenience, they aren�t necessarily better than miniDV. But not everyone who has a miniDV camcorder wants to edit video. They just want to burn to DVD and watch it on their big screen. Canon�s new DW-100 DVD recorder bypasses the need for a PC and burns video via a direct connection.

Able to burn both SD and HD DVDs, the DW-100 can encode in both MPEG2 and AVCHD. Additionally, although the basic concept is to bypass a PC for burning directly, users can also connect it to a PC or MAC via USB. This means that it can probably also be used as an external DVD burner.

Now, the concept is nothing new, but the fact that the DW-100 can be used to encode and burn both standard and high definition video makes it particularly of note. And Blu-ray is the standard in the HD side so even those who watch DVDs on their overpriced PS3 will be able enjoy your vacation videos in stunning 1080p.

No word on specs or price points (look for that at CES), but the DW-100 is expected to hit the market in the Spring of 2008.

Barbie loves her music, too

Innoman has rolled out a new MP3 player known as B2, and it will carry the Barbie brand featuring a hot pink color. It opens up in a clamshell format, revealing a mirror on the upper part to check whether your mascara has started to run, while the lower segment holds the MP3 player display, controls, et al.

Features include an image viewer, an integrated FM radio, and a built-in voice recorder. The lithium polymer battery within is good for up to 10 hours of continuous audio playback per charge.

The Barbie B2 MP3 player measures 52.4mm x 54.6mm x 15.1mm and weighs 33 grams. The 2GB model has been slapped with a recommended retail price of $140 after conversion. Is pink some genetically-coded color for women?

Sony DCR-DVD508 6.1MP DVD Handycam Camcorder

Product Description

Memories are made to be shared, and it couldn't be easier than with the DCR-DVD508 Handycam(R) camcorder. By recording straight to DVD-R/-RW/+RW/+R Dual Layer media formats, it has never been simpler to put your video on display.

A Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens enables superior clarity while the Super SteadyShot(R) image stabilization makes sure it stays that way. You can even take up to 4 megapixel photos while you're shooting video (on DVD) in stunning 5.1 channel surround sound, or snap gorgeous 6.1 megapixel still images (stored on MemoryStick).

And when you need to get close, the 10x optical/20x digital zoom means every detail is crystal clear. But the really nice concept is recording on DVD. Though 8cm in size, it will play on most DVD players or on your computer's DVD drive. There's also a USB port for easy, direct image transfer. Steadyshot helps keep images nice and sharp.

Super SteadyShot(R) (Optical) Image Stabilization System 6.1 Megapixels Still Image Recording Super NightShot(R) Infrared System InfoLithium Battery with AccuPower(TM) Meter System Manual Focus Scene Selection Modes Picture Effects Fader Effects Easy Handycam(R) Button Multi Language Menus Easily switch between 16 - 9 and 4 - 3 aspect ratios with just the touch of a button.

Active shoe conveniently gives you the option of adding accessories such as lights, flashes and microphones to the camera Recording and Playback Times - Single Layer - HQ - 20 min., SP - 30 min., LP 60 min. / Dual Layer - HQ - 35 min., SP - 55 min., LP 110 min. Video Actual - 2280K Pixels (16 - 9), 1710K Pixels (4 - 3) USB 2.0 for data transfer Unit Measurements - 2 7/8 x 3 /2 x 5 5/8 (70 x 87 x 142mm) / Weighs 20 ounces Supplied Accessories - Power Adapter/In-Camera Charger (AC-L200); InfoLithium(R) Rechargeable Battery (NP-FH60); Remote Commander(R) Remote Control (RMT-835); A/V Cable (Stereo); USB Cable; Applic

TomTom GPS plays nice with Google Maps

You know if you have a directionally challenged person on your holiday gift list. They�ve called you on more than one occasion while they�re driving, they�re hopelessly lost and you have to not only figure out where they are but also where they need to be.

I personally have had to do this with a family member and I actually had to go by landmarks, gas stations and national hotel chains in order to figure out where the lost soul was then calculate the route to get where they actually need to be by using Google Maps.

The perfect gift for this person is an automotive GPS unit. But which one do you choose?

If it were up to me, I would pick one of the models from Tom Tom based upon the new feature they�re offering. In a partnership of sorts with Google, they offer integration with Google Maps with any TomTom GPS unit.

Canon HG10 AVCHD 40GB High Definition Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom

Product Description

The Canon HG10 AVCHD Format Hard Disk Drive Camcorder delivers high definition technology with the effortless ease of recording video directly onto a hard disk.

Incorporating the latest AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format, it puts superb image reproduction and advanced features at your fingertips in a compact AVCHD Format HDD camcorder, which means you'll carry it everywhere you want to capture the special moments in your life in true HD.

Among the Canon Exclusive features on the HG10 are Canon's own Full HD CMOS sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor. More exclusives are SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization, Instant Auto Focus and our new 2.7" Widescreen Multi-Angle Vivid LCD. With the Genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens and a host of other advanced features the HG10 is the right choice in HDD camcorders.

Canon Exclusive - SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization Canon Exclusive - Instant AF 24 fps Cinema Mode HDD Photo Grab from Video 2.7 Multi-Angle Vivid Widescreen LCD Superb Shooting Control Advanced Photo Features to 3 megapixel Programmed AutoExposure modes Minimum Focusing Distance 10 mm (wide)/ 1m (tele) White Balance - Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H Image Stabilization - SuperRange Optical (lens shift) Viewfinder - Widescreen 0.27 Color Viewfinder/ (Approx. 123,000 pixels) Recording Media - Hard Disk Drive 40 GB (Internal) Audio - HD - Dolby Digital 2ch (AC-3 2ch) Dimensions - (WxHxD) 3.2 x 3.0 x 5.1 inch; Weight (not including lens and battery pack) 1.1 lbs.

Moto Q, Amp'd Edition

One of the peculiarities of Verizon's popular Motorola Q has been the lack of mobile TV. Verizon's robust V Cast service, which is now available in both streamed and broadcast versions, isn't accessible on the Q.

This never made sense to me. But now anyone who wants a Q and live video together should check out the Moto Q, Amp'd Edition. It's what the Verizon Q should be, even if its video playback quality falls short.

Service Provider : Amp'd
Operating System: Windows Mobile Smartphone
Screen Size : 2.4 inches
Screen Details : 320x240, 65k-color TFT display
Camera : Yes
Mega pixels : 1.3 MP
Flash Memory Type : Mini Secure Digital
Bluetooth : Yes
Web Browser : Yes
Network : CDMA
Bands : 800, 1900
High Speed Data : 1xRTT, EVDO
Processor Speed : 312 MHz
Special Features : Music

Cingular 8525

Cingular power users, your mobile office has arrived. The first smart device to use Cingular's new HSDPA high-speed network, the new Cingular 8525 hand held is an unparalleled global roaming phone, and equally valuable standing alone or acting as a modem for your laptop.

The 8525's rounded form and slide out keypad are pretty familiar it looks like a slightly sleeker version of the Cingular 8125. It's about the same size and weight, just 6.1 ounces with battery.

The 8525 has a better array of physical buttons than the 8125, with dedicated "OK" and menu keys and a scrolling jog dial on the side along with the 8125's mail, camera, Internet Explorer, phone keys and soft keys.

The 320 by 240 color screen is pretty much the same as on many other Pocket PCs out there.

Slide the screen to the side and rotate the 8525 to use its QWERTY keyboard, which isn't great, but it'll get the job done. The keys are close together, like the 8125's, but they're also oddly smaller than its predecessor. Thankfully, the keypad lights up blue so you can type in the dark.

The real news here is the phone's HSDPA support, so let's get to it. With speeds averaging 863 kbps when I was using the 8525 as a PC or Mac modem, this is the first Cingular smart phone that connects you to wireless broadband in the 34 metro areas where Cingular has HSDPA service.

HSDPA is about as fast as Verizon and Sprint's EV-DO system for downloads, and it will be even more swift than EV-DO for uploads when Cingular enables 384 kbps upload speeds early next year. (Sprint's new EV-DO Rev A network will be the fastest of all though, but they haven't announced any smart phones for that network.)

Nokia N95

The N95 is so loaded with high end features that it sometimes seems as if it dropped out of a time warp from the future. Perhaps its astronomically high $749 price won't be worth much in future dollars, but right now, that is a lot to pay for a cell phone. Still, for power users, it is worth the extra expense.

It's the first 5 mega pixels camera phone to hit U.S. shores, the first decent camcorder phone, the best music phone it have seen yet, and the only Symbian smart phone I've used that feels really, really fast. As if that wasn't enough, it also shoots video that's good enough to burn to DVD. But wait, there's more.

The phone's GPS mapping is gorgeous, its Web browser sublime, and its 3D games will knock your socks off. It plays sweet music, too, with a Napster or Rhapsody subscription. Oh, and it also makes phone calls.

For such a groundbreaking device, the N95's looks, at first glance, are that of an ordinary Nokia slider phone. Weighing 4.2 ounces, it's a little chunky, at 2.2 by 3.9 by 0.8 inches, but not unpleasantly so, and it still fits easily into pockets. The handset is handsome too, with a curved purple back and a silver face. Slide down the keypad and you'll find somewhat small, but nicely domed keys unlike Nokia N73, nobody will find this hard to dial.

The quad band N95 gets very good reception on both Cingular's and T-Mobile's networks. The ear piece isn't all that loud, but it's clear, with subtle and pleasant in ear feedback. Transmission is very good, too, with good blocking of background noise it can sound a little tinny in noisy situations, but it's fine at other times. The speaker phone uses the N95's powerful stereo speakers, an effective combo.

The handset worked well with the Plantronics Bluetooth headsets use for testing. That said, the N95 uses Nokia's somewhat perplexing voice dialing system, which isn't as easy to operate as the VoiceSignal and Nuance systems you find on other phones. Sure, the N95 is a perfectly fine phone, but that's not why it's so expensive.

Samsung i620

This unique slide-out keyboard design by Samsung makes emails on the go a piece of cake. With the built-in Office suite (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint) you can view your email attachments and documents from your computer with ease.

Bluetooth 2.0 lets you listed to music wirelessly, and HSDPA / EDGE keeps you online at highspeeds no matter where you are. The 2MP camera takes hi-res photos and videos, and you can store them on up to 2GB of memory with the MicroSD memory card slot.

The sonyericsson K610im

The sonyericsson K610im features plenty of features including: a megapixel digital camera, airplane mode, Bluetooth and speakerphone mode.

The system to determine sonyericsson K610im ringtones compatibility linked above uses common knowledge on Sony Ericsson phones to evaluate your chance of getting free sonyericsson K610im ringtones, but it is not absolutely accurate.

sonyericsson K610im Specifications And Features

Basics:
� Weight: 3.13 ounces
� Dimensions: 4 x 1.8 x .7
� Form Factor: Bar
� Frequency Band(s): 1800,1900,900

Technologies:
� Cellular System: GSM,UMTS
� Downloadable Applications Format: J2ME

Telephony Features:
� Built-in Speakerphone: yes
� Push-to-Talk: yes
� Video Conference: yes
� Conference Calling: yes
� Silent or Vibrating alerts: yes

Memory:
� Phone Book Entries: variable
� Internal Memory: 16MB
� Memory Expansion: Memory Stick Micro

Display:
� Color Display: yes (262000)
� 3D Graphic support: yes
� Display Technology: TFT
� Display Resolution: 176 x 220

Customization:
� Custom Ringtones: may not be free
� Polyphonic Ringtone Chords: 72-Chord
� Melody Composer: yes
� Custom Graphics: wallpaper

Communications:
� Bluetooth: A2DP (Stereo Bluetooth)
� Infrared communication: yes
� wap: WAP 2.0
� Web Browser: Access NetFront
� Wireless Data Protocol: UMTS,GPRS

Entertainment:
� Included Games: yes
� File Formats Accepted: AAC+,eAAC+,MP3

Photos And Video:
� Camera: 2-megapixel
� Streaming Video Or TV: yes
� Video Recorder: yes

Music:
� Music enabled: AAC,MP3
� Stereo: yes
� A2DP Stereo Bluetooth: yes

Messaging:
� Predictive text input: T9
� SMS: yes
� MMS: yes
� Picture messaging: yes

Tools:
� Calculator: yes
� Voice Memo/Sound Recorder: yes
� Alarm clock: yes

Accessibility:

Battery Performance:
� Stand-by Time:350 hours
� Talk Time:420 minutes
� Battery Type: Li-Ion
� Battery Power: 900 mAh

Other Features:
� Airplane mode: yes
� Stopwatch: yes

How Good Is The Nokia e65

The Good:

Technology: The Nokia e65 works with worldwide GSM frequencies which is convenient if you travel overseas frequently. (Roaming fees from your home carrier generally apply)
Memory Expansion Slot: It includes a memory expansion slot MicroSD, a useful way to store more pictures and music or transfer them from and to your laptop computer.
Speakerphone: It has a speakerphone, which will prove useful in a car or in other situations.
Wireless Data System: Bluetooth-enabled, which is an interesting plus. Bluetooth is not really necessary but may be handy if you want to use a wireless headset or transfer data to or from your (bluetooth-enabled) laptop, for instance.
Camera: It has an above average camera: 2-megapixel

The Average:

Weight: It weights 4.05 ounces , which is close to the average weight for today's phones.
Stand-by Time: A stand-by time of 168 hours. It is about average.

Aigo MP-F958

MP-F958 is new portable media player from Aigo. It features 1GB memory storage, 2 inch LCD display, text reader, FM tuner, and MiniSD card slot.

Supported media formats include MP3, Wave, WMA and AVI.

The video playback on MP-F958 was smooth with no lags. Aigo claims that its MP-F958 battery life provides 10 hours for music playback which is kinda low.

But in a battery drain test, the MP-F958 lasted 19 hours 40 minutes, which is above average and is about twice as much as what Aigo claimed. It measures 81�45x14mm and weighs 49g.

Lenovo i807

Lenovo i807 is a sleek and stylish Multimedia mobile phone. It is available in bright pink which is the girls favourite color and i believe many of the girls will like it.

Lenovo i807 features a 2.0-inch 260,000-pixel color TFT-LCD touchscreen display which has an impressive viewing angle of 160 degrees, 1.3-megapixel camera with video recording, Bluetooth with A2DP for music streaming, built-in FM tuner, handwriting recognition and MCC card slot.

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