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HP Pushes Mobile Connectivity to the Next Level with new iPAQ

admin — 2006-03-10T09:44:24-05:00

Email accessibility made easy. Just push it, says HP. The company has just introduced the latest HP iPAQ handheld, a smart device with the ability to receive email wirelessly using new "push" email functionality from Microsoft.

In addition, the HP iPAQ hw6900 Mobile Messenger provides customers with all the essentials to keep a business or personal lifestyle running while mobile, including a mobile phone, access to Wi-Fi wireless hotspots, data networks, digital content and services, and enhanced security. The Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Messaging and Security Feature Pack allows HP iPAQ hw6900 customers to automatically receive new email, calendar items, tasks or contacts without incurring additional email middleware expenses.

> Source: HP
> Estimated price: Will vary by region and carrier.
> Date released/expected: Summer 2006

PENTAX Unveils Latest Digital Offerings

admin — 2006-02-22T13:07:25-05:00

About to buy a new digital camera? Wait! PENTAX Imaging Company has a few new models just about about to hit the market: the Optio T10, Optio W10, and PENTAX M10.

The PENTAX Optio T10 offers an impressive 3.0 inch LCD touch-display for trouble-free operation. Featuring 6.0 megapixels and a 3X zoom, the Optio T10 is slim and stylish, offers finger and stylus touch control, and allows users to decorate images with drawings, stamps, and picture frames. The PENTAX Optio W10 sets the latest PENTAX standard for waterproof digital with 6.0 megapixels and a reflection-free LCD that offers optimal viewing in outdoor settings. Third in the PENTAX waterproof digital line-up, the Optio W10 features JIS Class 8 Waterproof and JIS Class 5 dustproof ratings. With a 2.5 inch monitor, 6.0 megapixels and a 3X optical zoom, the affordable PENTAX M10 will ship in March 2006.

All three models reflect a new naming system for PENTAX cameras based on a letter and model number description rather than the number of megapixels. The Optio T series, for example, designates the touch-screen series, Optio W indicates the waterproof series, and Optio M indicates a mid-range series.

> Source: PENTAX
> Estimated price: T10 $349 - W10 $300 - M10 $229
> Date released/expected: March 2006

Logitech NuLOOQ Navigator Device Places Controls at the Fingertips

admin — 2006-02-18T15:04:03-05:00

It's all about control, right? Well, if you are a graphic designer, you know how critical it is to effectively, and efficiently, use your software to control your project and your deadline. Top this end, Logitech and Adobe Systems Incorporated have collaborated to provide creative professionals and design enthusiasts new levels of control when using Adobe Creative Suite 2 (CS2) and standalone CS2 applications: the NuLOOQ Professional Series. The new Logitech product line comprises the NuLOOQ navigator, an innovative device used in conjunction with a mouse and a keyboard to manipulate images and documents, and the NuLOOQ tooldial, customizable on-demand interface software that provides quick access to design tools. Both are designed for use with the Mac versions of Adobe Creative Suite 2, Adobe Illustrator CS2, Adobe InDesign CS2, and Adobe Photoshop CS2.

Many designers today use multiple large monitors, which means the mouse cursor has to travel farther to complete basic tasks. This takes up valuable creative time and results in workspace inefficiency. The NuLOOQ Professional Series addresses these challenges and provides solutions for the time-intensive elements of design - navigating images, adjusting option values, and accessing menus - so that creative professionals can accomplish more.

> Source: Logitech
> Estimated price: $49 to $149
> Date released/expected: February 2006

Tychi Systems Ships Biometric Doorknob

admin — 2006-02-10T11:21:04-05:00

Have a tendency for losing your house keys? Tired of waiting for the neighbors to come home to let you in with that precious "spare" key? Stress no more! Tychi Systems, Inc., is now shipping their long anticipated BioKnob, the first doorknob with fingerprint recognition. Users brush their finger across the knob to unlock the door. 100 sets of fingerprints can be stored. Entry is also possible by an individually assigned passcode.

With the BioKnob, families do not need to carry keys or hide one in the yard. Managers at businesses need not worry about loose keys or having to re-key locks with every lost key or management change. Guests or short term visitors can be programmed; then after their stay, their fingerprints are deleted. An audit feature records entries by Individual, Date and Time, and records the last 1000 entries. Teens beware - your parents will now know exactly how late past curfew you came home!

> Source: Tychi Systems
> Estimated price: N/A
> Date released/expected: February 2006

PENTAX *ist DL Kit Now Priced under $600

admin — 2006-02-05T18:27:30-05:00

What? A Fire Sale on digital cameras? Well, not quite, but PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a significant price adjustment on the *ist DL digital SLR camera with 18-55 DA lens kit. The price reduction from $799.95 US to $599.95 US takes effect February 1, 2006.

Known for delivering small, lightweight, easy-to-use and affordable SLR systems including bodies, lenses and flashes, PENTAX now offers a suite of nine digital lenses specifically designed for use with PENTAX digital SLR bodies. Rebates up to $100.00 US on select lenses are currently available through March 31, 2006. Get it while it's hot! More details are available at www.pentaxslr.com.

> Source: PENTAX
> Estimated price: $599
> Date released/expected: February 2006

Canon Launches New 4.3 Megapixel DC40 DVD Camcorder

admin — 2006-02-01T12:15:14-05:00

Whether capturing memorable honeymoon moments or baby's first small, staggering steps, Canon says its new DC40 DVD camcorder helps make recording precious memories simple, fun and convenient. With its super slim design and 10x optical zoom lens, this compact DVD camcorder includes a 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensor that produces widescreen video and doubles as a digital camera.

Features include 4.3 megapixel CCD image sensors, record direct to DVD capability, widescreen video, one-touch dubbing, ability to edit and share DVDs, easy video recording, and a wide range of photo features. The camcorder records photos onto Mini-SD cards. Popularly used in today's newest cell phones, the Mini-SD format offers high-capacity storage in a compact size; therefore, people can view their recorded memories at home or visiting the grandparents. Think I will use mine at home.

> Source: Canon
> Estimated price: $899
> Date released/expected: February 2006

Secret Batting Weapon Hits the Market

admin — 2006-01-30T18:21:49-05:00

Just in time for spring baseball and softball season, MSS Performance, a company specializing in vision-based sports training products, has introduced the I-ON Eye Trainer, a sunglass-like teaching aid scientifically proven to enhance performance at the plate. While newly available to the public, well known professional baseball players have trained with the I-ON for some time.

By blocking a batter's peripheral vision, the I-ON Eye Trainer forces the eye to follow the trajectory of the ball from point of release all the way into the hitting zone. The patented adjusting system is one-size-fits-all and was developed for training in a soft-toss, slow-paced setting to maximize muscle memory and improve eye-hand coordination. If used properly, a recommended 15 minutes per day, ball players of all ages and skill levels can achieve immediate, noticeable results, according to MSS.

> Source: MSS Performance
> Estimated price: $49
> Date released/expected: January 2006

OtterBox for iPod video and nano

admin — 2006-01-30T09:49:18-05:00

Yep, another case to protect your iPod is on the market. Otter Products has just released the OtterBox for iPod video and OtterBox for iPod nano, two additions to their interactive, virtually indestructible line of iPod cases. Waterproof and drop-resistant, these cases are ready for any adventure, says Otter.

Similar to others in the OtterBox for iPod line, the video and nano cases offer an interactive membrane for Click Wheel access and a hard screen cover to shield the display. Rubber lining inside the case cradles the iPod and a secure-close latch adds extra protection. Cases also allow the use of any style headphone and when combined with waterproof headphones, they can even go swimming. These cases should make a real splash!

> Source: Otter Products
> Estimated price: $14 to $49
> Date released/expected: January 2006

BRATZ MOBILE Phones Launch at Wal-Mart

admin — 2006-01-29T18:16:32-05:00

Does your ten year old have a cell phone yet? NO? What kind of parent are you?!? Well, MGA Entertainment is banking on the belief that they should. The consumer entertainment products company and manufacturer of the wildly popular BRATZ brand of fashion dolls and accessories, has joined forces with Ztar Mobile to bring to market the first BRATZ MOBILE phone. The phone is now shipping to select Wal-Mart locations nationwide.

BRATZ MOBILE phones are completely customized with exclusive BRATZ wallpapers featuring JADE, CLOE, YASMIN and SASHA, voice ring tones by ROXXI and SASHA, screen savers and BRATZ custom skins featuring BRATZ doll favorites. The phone has parental controls, emergency 911 service, and other features geared for convenience and safety.

The phone is pre-loaded with 50 minutes of nationwide airtime, and can be refilled at 20 cents per minute for US calls. Now YOUR brat can talk all she wants!

> Source: MGA Entertainment
> Estimated price: $69
> Date released/expected: January 2006

New Vaughn Outdoor CZiP Gloves and Mittens Unzip Across Knuckles

admin — 2006-01-28T14:14:05-05:00

Skiers, snowboarders and winter athletes are all too familiar with the inconvenience of taking gloves off at inopportune times. Whether it's on a lift, in the middle of a ski slope or backcountry, having to take off gloves is not always easy or safe to do. Vaughn Outdoor, a new Utah-based company, provides an end to this dilemma with the new CZiP gloves and mittens. The innovative CZiP design features a zipper at the top of the hand portion (just below the knuckles) of a glove or mitten and allows the wearer to remove the material covering the hand and fingers without completely removing the glove or mitten. With hands free, the wearer can perform any function, while still having the convenience of the open portion secured around the wrist.

CZiP gloves are available in sizes small through extra-large. Colors offered are steel gray, quarry (light gray), thunder (dark blue) and black. The CZiP sports a YKK, fleece-lined zipper for warmth and is insulated with warm, non-bulky Primaloft. Over and under designs are available in both gloves and mittens. The design also features an easy-zipper pull tab and full leather palm and finger tips. Toasty.

> Source: Vaughn Outdoor
> Estimated price: $59 to $159
> Date released/expected: January 2006