Best Gadgets World

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 25th 2008 at 5:00PM
Got yourself an Archos TV+? How’s about a WiFi-enabled 605 / 705 PMP? Even if you’re sadly answering “no” to the latter question, folks with a Windows or Windows Mobile-based machine can still get in on the placeshifting action, as Archos has just announced a swank new TV+ plug-in that brings Slingbox capabilities to those devices. The May-bound TVportation application, which will be available gratis for those who register their Archos TV+ on the firm’s website (it’s $49.99 otherwise), simply enables users to control their set-top-box from anywhere where WiFi is accessible, giving users the ability to watch live TV on their handheld. Sure, it’s more of the same, but for the Archos faithful who refuse to trade in their 605 / 705, it’s a dream come true. Check out a lengthy demonstration vid after the break. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Thanks, Charbax]

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Filed under: Handhelds, Home Entertainment, Portable Video

Geek-art obsoletes another standard everyday item… the clothes hanger. Instead of an old boring hanger, you can use this cursor-slash-pointer geek-art item that doubles as a coat hanger.

Your friends will either be amazed at what a stylish and interesting person you are for having such a cool conversation-starter mounted to your wall, or they’ll put you in a rubber room for talking to a pointer with a jacket on it.

Gimmie!

Suggested Price: $9.99

Posted in Gizmo of the Day, Miscellaneous

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 25th 2008 at 6:30PM
Considering that Samsung’s YP-P2 just might be the most updated PMP of all time, we’re guessing that a lot of things that users would have changed just months ago have already been done by the powers that be. That being said, we critical gadget owners are never truly satisfied at heart, so we’re curious to know how you’d spin the forthcoming firmware update(s). Or would you focus your attention on external matters, instead? We know you’ve had ample time to fool around with one of Sammy’s most prized media players ever, so don’t be shy down there in comments, alright? Who knows — your recommendations could be front and center in the next Blue Wave.

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Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Another day another product leak from the FCC, the latest is the Starmate 5 from Sirius, which in by itself would not be that exciting. However in this case based on a memo that switched hands from a “testing firm and the FCC authorization staff” included the possibility of the Starmate 5 supporting Sirius channels as well as XM.

“We used the satellite radio signal coming from either XM or Sirius,”

Which assuming that happens, and note as of now its just speculation as nothing official has been announced, this would be the first hybrid satellite radio receiver. Sounds like a great move, however a very risky move, while the DOJ has given their seal of approval on the merger, its still pending FCC approval which is not expected to take place until sometime late in May or possibly into June.

Personally I like the design of the Starmate, but aside from the exciting possibility of a hybrid receiver the latest coming from the FCC is just showing the standard features which would include a 5 line display, 30 channel presets and the ability to pause, rewind and replay up to 44 minutes of radio.

Via [electronista]

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LG, like Apple, is slowly taking its time in delivering the second iteration of their super-duper touchscreen phone, the LG Prada. Yes, you read that right, there will be a follow-up to the original “iPhone killer,” and I’m sure you will appreciate some of its newfound features. It retains the original soap bar form factor, of course, although this time it’s touted to possess a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Other goodies include a 3-inch touchscreen, HSDPA network support, Wi-Fi, dual cameras (with the main one being 5-megapixel strong), FM radio and support for up to 8GB of expandable memory. Full HTML browsing is provided by an unspecified browser, and you can let it talk to your computer via Bluetooth or USB 2.0. Is LG going to release it this year? The short answer: yes. The long answer: yes, by the last quarter of 2008. Which by then we would have all probably become zombies under the command of Steve Jobs and his unstoppable 3G iphone minions.

Read [ePrice]

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by Donald Melanson, posted Apr 25th 2008 at 7:36PM As we’re all too well aware, Mario Kart can be serious business for some folks, and Mario Kart Wii will certainly be no exception, which makes the right choice of controller all the more important. Thankfully, our pals at Joystiq have now come through with a meticulous comparison of all five driving options at your disposal. That includes the Wiimote on its own, the Wiimote with Wii Wheel, the Wiimote / nunchuck combo, the Classic Controller, and the tried and true GameCube controller. Somewhat surprisingly, while the GameCube Controller and Classic Controller each helped to put in some solid times, Joystiq actually found the Wiimote / nunchuck combo to the best all around option, with it faring particularly well when using a bike. Lagging far behind, however, was the solo Wiimote (which they recommend to avoid at all costs), although the addition of the Wii Wheel did apparently did help to make things a bit more manageable. Hit up the link below for the full rundown.

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Filed under: Gaming

Everyones favorite love-to-hate retail chain is now celebrating their grand re-opening with 15 current locations and a new one to top it off. While 13 of those are located in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico will also share in the joy of everything that CompUSA has been lacking to offer in the past.

If you remember back when the CompUSA demise first came about, they were being snapped up by Systemax, who is better know as the owner of Tiger Direct. Sadly the Tiger Direct retail locations have not been know for a stellar in-store experience, which is reminiscent of the CompUSA’s of the past. Hopefully the re-grand opening, which is promising “lower prices’” a “new wider selection” and “amazing new deals” will prove to be better than they were in their past life.

Via [Engadget]

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In most places across the world, at any given time of day, you can walk up to any random person and be sure that he/she owns a Nokia. Then when you ask that person why he/she owns a Nokia, you’ll be given an anecdote about its user-friendly interface, nice styling, satisfactory performance, etc. And it shouldn’t surprise you, because those are the reasons why Nokia skyrocketed in the mobile phone making game.

Another thing that’s not surprising is Nokia’s apparent low profile in the North American handset market, mainly because it just would not succumb to the carriers’s requests to modify their phones in order to match some “specific criteria.” This will soon change, however, as Nokia finally decides to change it’s tactics in order to recover their stronghold on the US market.

“We are literally repositioning our entire approach to the US,” says Mark Louison, the company’s North America chief. And they had better do it soon. Unless they want to keep seeing underdog Motorola beating them at their own game.

Read [Business Week]

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We first learned about Crucial prepping SSD’s in both a 32GB and 64GB size back in early January, but at the time we were yet to learn about any pricing or a time frame for an actual release. Well it turns out the drives are now shipping and although they would make a nice upgrade for alot of notebooks on the market, their price is going to be a barrier for many folks.

The 32GB model is retailing for $800, while the 64GB is a whopping $1,500. Its a shame because the drives are the notebook-sized 2.5-inch, which means, assuming you were comfortable enough to open up your notebook, would make a perfect replacement or upgrade drive.

While the whole SSD craze is relatively new, its fair to say that with time, just like any other new technology the price will quickly fall to a more reasonable level. One thing is for sure though, given the price of the drives from Crucial, the $1,000 macbook air upgrade option seems cheap, or at least fairly priced.

Via [Wired]

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Despite the several deadlines Microsoft has set for Windows XP, Dell will continue to support and ship computers loaded with XP until 2010 (when Windows 7 is expected to make its debut). Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that it was extending the life of Windows XP on ultra-low-cost computers, like the Eee PC. However, Microsoft has issued June 30th as the date for PC manufacturers to discontinue shipping machines with Windows XP.

So the question is, how is Dell able to continue supporting the aging, yet still popular operating system? Simple…by taking advantage of a “loop hole” in Microsoft’s system builder license. The “Windows Vista Downgrade” clause essentially states that PC manufacturers are able to ship and preinstall PCs with XP Professional to consumers who select Vista Ultimate or Vista Business as their operating system of choice. The fine print grants PC manufacturers the freedom to determine how to implement the “downgrade.” In Dell’s case, after June 18, the company will factory-install XP Professional for customers who choose “Vista Ultimate Bonus” or “Vista Business Bonus” as their OS configuration option. Those that choose the latest Windows operating system will be given installation DVDs of both Windows XP and Vista; thus, allowing users to “upgrade” whenever they are ready. Technical support for both operating systems will continue to be offered by Dell.

In fact, Dell’s website states:

Is there any way to get Windows XP after June 30th?

Customers may continue to get Windows XP Professional by exercising Downgrade Rights that come with Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate licenses. Dell has the ability to exercise “Windows Vista downgrade rights” on your behalf in the factory if your business is still reliant upon Windows XP and you’d prefer to have Windows XP Professional preinstalled on your PCs.

What does it mean for Dell to exercise “Downgrade Rights” for me? Where can I find this option?

When you are configuring your system online or through the help of one of our sales experts, you will have the opportunity to select which operating system you would like on your PC. When selecting your operating system, you will see an option called “Genuine Windows® Vista Business BONUS” and “Genuine Windows® Vista Ultimate BONUS.” With these options, you may purchase the licensed rights to Windows Vista but have Dell factory install Windows XP Professional. You will also receive a backup media disc for Windows XP Professional as well as the media for Windows Vista so you can upgrade when you’re ready. Furthermore, with these options Dell will provide technical support for the factory-installed Windows XP Professional image and your licensed version of Windows Vista.

Currently, the Downgrade program is only available in Dell’s Latitude, OptiPlex, and Dell Precision systems free of charge. It is also available on select Vostro and Dell XPS systems for a nominal fee. Fortunately, Dell isn’t the only PC maker taking advantage of the Downgrade Rights. HP and Lenovo have both said to offer Windows XP after June 30 to customers that purchase the Business or Ultimate version of Vista. On January 31, 2009, Microsoft will prohibit small computer manufacturers from adding Windows XP to machines they build; however, OEMs can continue to offer XP as long as they have it in stock.

Read [Dell] Via [Computerworld]

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