The BlackBerry 8703e offers Verizon Wireless customers an exceptional user experience for   “push” e-mail, Web browsing and other mobile data applications, together with premium mobile phone features including dedicated phone keys, smart dialing, conference calling, speed dialing, call forwarding, built-in speakerphone for conference calls and hands-free use and Bluetooth® support for use with headsets and car kits.

The large, bright, high-resolution LCD screen on the BlackBerry 8703e incorporates intelligent light sensing technology that automatically adjusts LCD and keyboard lighting levels to provide optimized viewing in indoor, outdoor and dark environments.

For corporate customers, BlackBerry Enterprise Server™ software tightly integrates with Microsoft® Exchange, IBM Lotus® Domino® and Novell GroupWise® and works with existing enterprise systems to enable secure, push-based, wireless access to e-mail and other corporate data.  For individuals and smaller businesses, BlackBerry Internet Service™ allows users to access up to ten corporate and personal e-mail accounts (including Microsoft Exchange, IBM Lotus Domino and most popular ISP e-mail accounts) from a single device.

Verizon Wireless customers can use their BlackBerry 8703e handset as a modem and get BroadbandAccess on Verizon Wireless’ award-winning Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) network.   A simple cable connection from the BlackBerry 8703e to a laptop and a subscription to BroadbandAccess Connect gives customers the option of using Verizon Wireless’ wireless broadband service to download data.

BroadbandAccess Connect provides a cost-effective solution for customers who want the option of accessing the Internet from their laptop.  Customers can use BroadbandAccess Connect to download large documents at speeds averaging 400 to 700 kbps on Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess service, anywhere within the BroadbandAccess coverage area.  For customers who travel outside a BroadbandAccess coverage area, the handset can seamlessly switch to Verizon Wireless’ 1xRTT NationalAccess network to remain connected.

The BlackBerry 8703e is available from Verizon Wireless for $349.99 with a new two-year customer agreement beginning on Sunday, September 17 online and through Verizon Wireless business sales channels on Monday, September 18.   It will be available though Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in October.  BroadbandAccess Connect is available to BlackBerry 8703e customers for $15 monthly access in conjunction with a qualifying voice plan and unlimited data plan; or $30 monthly access in conjunction with an unlimited data plan.   For more information about the BlackBerry 8703e from Verizon Wireless, customers can contact a Verizon Wireless business sales representative directly at 1-800-VZW 4 BIZ or visit www.verizonwireless.com.

Three new models, each distinctly different in design but sharing their high-performance underpinnings, comprise the new Style Line, offering ideal sound delivery for music listeners using iPods, other personal MP3 players, portable CD players, and the full range of mobile music electronics. All employ Sennheiser’s latest, miniaturized driver, which incorporates a specially tuned damping system optimized for ear-canal operation to yield smooth, detailed response while delivering all the clarity and impact that experienced listeners rely on from any Sennheiser model.

Leading the trio is the MX 90 Style, a unique design making use of an altogether new “Twist-to-Fit” system that ensures a secure, comfortable fit under even the most active conditions. While the earbud containing the transducer nestles into the ear canal, a secondary stabilizing pad rests against the outer ear; the wearer simply gently twists each earpiece to find the most comfortable and secure position. This innovative layout maintains proper positioning for full fidelity and unattenuated bass response while biking, hiking, or even jogging—or just battling the crowds on the subway platform. The MX 90 Style is equipped with an in-line volume control, and supplied with two sizes of soft-rubber ear adapters and three sizes of Twist-to-Fit pads to ensure personalized comfort and fit, as well as a carry-case.

The OMX 90 Style uses the same high-performance driver set in a “clip-on” design. Soft, individually adjustable behind-the-ear clips hold the drivers securely in position over the ear canal, while an in-line volume control provides always-available adjustment. The OMX 90 Style also includes ear adapters in two sizes, which combine with its ultra-light, flexible construction to ensure long-term wearing comfort and stability. A carry-case is also supplied.

Completing the Sennheiser Style Line is the LX 90 Style, an innovative headphone that combines a unique, self-coiling ultra-lightweight neckband with the Style line’s superior transducer and materials. The LX 90 Style also includes ear adapters in two sizes to permit individualized fit, as well as a carry-case.

The Sennheiser Style Line headphones are available immediately, at suggested retail prices of $69.95 (MX 90), $89.95 (OMX 90) and $79.95 (LX 90).

About Sennheiser
Established in 1945 in Wedemark, Germany, Sennheiser is the acknowledged world leader in headphone-transducer and microphone technology, RF-wireless and infrared sound transmission and, most recently, the development of active noise-cancellation. Sennheiser’s products and technologies support worldwide the aviation, telecommunications and professional recording industries, as well as the personal listening needs of consumers everywhere. Sennheiser Electronic Corporation is a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, headquartered in Old Lyme, Connecticut.

Nothing is ever perfect, however, and there are a few areas that could warrant improvement. The first, as was mentioned in my unboxing review, is the lack of page scroll – an obvious omission then and still something I miss. Perhaps MoGo Mouse could take a look at Logitech’s V500 mouse and its clever touch-strip; scrolling with no physical wheel to accommodate. Second, and perhaps more concerning, is the rubber strip on the underside of the mouse, which slowly comes away as it is removed and replaced from the PC slot.

Despite the few flaws, the MoGo Mouse remains an almost perfect balance of size and usability for all travelers. Add to that the convenience and security of a constantly charged battery, and you’ve got a winning product.

MoGo Mouse is available now from http://www.newtonperipherals.com/ for $69.95

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ — Sony is expanding its high-definition camcorder line with the introduction of the HDR-FX7 1080i HDV camcorder, a model with three-chip ClearVID(TM) CMOS Sensor technology to deliver exceptional high-def video and the utmost in creative control.
For videographers on the move, the new model sports a compact body design, weighing in at about three pounds. It is approximately 40 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than Sony’s first prosumer HDV model.

Like previous HDV models, the HDR-FX7 can record and playback both 1080i HDV and standard definition DV video on standard miniDV tapes. Recorded HDV video can be conveniently edited with a choice of available HDV, non-linear editing software. Its HDMI interface offers simple, one-cord connection to compatible display devices so you can just plug and play into instead of struggling with multiple cables.

“Our ClearVID CMOS sensor is one of the core technologies used to ensure that customers enjoy the full 1080 HD experience,” said Linda Vuolo, director of marketing for camcorder products. “Advanced camcorder users will be impressed with the richer, more natural-looking video shot with the HDR-FX7 camcorder, especially when shooting outdoors, improved handheld shooting, and long recording times.”

The Power of 3ClearVID CMOS Sensor Technology
The primary benefits of Sony’s ClearVID CMOS sensor are high-speed data transfer rates and lower power consumption, which is a real boon when handling data-rich, high-def video.

The new camcorder’s three-chip configuration combined with Sony’s originally-developed Enhanced Imaging Processor results in higher video resolution, greater light sensitivity with minimal picture noise, and more accurate color reproduction than previous Sony models. These combined technologies also bring added functions.

The HDR-FX7 camcorder has a smooth slow record function. With its three sensors, the HDR-FX7 model can capture a six-second burst of video and play it back in 24 seconds as slow motion video. The model’s dual record function allows users to capture 1.2-megapixel still images and shoot video simultaneously, with the press of a button.

Fueled by the Sony InfoLithium® L Series battery with STAMINA® technology, the model is highly power-efficient. Users can expect up to eight hours of continuous recording time with the optional largest capacity battery.

Get The Shot You Want At Any Angle
The HDR-FX7 camcorder sports a high-resolution viewfinder to accurately check composition, focus and image color. It also features a high-resolution, 3.5-inch SwivelScreen(TM) LCD screen with Clear Photo Plus LCD(TM) technology for superb contrast and accurate color reproduction.

Ideal for the mobile videomaker, the LCD can be tilted out and swiveled for comfortable viewing in any shooting position. Both the viewfinder and LCD screen can be turned on independently or simultaneously.

Zoom In and Out Like A Pro
The HDR-FX7 features a Carl Zeiss® Vario-Sonnar® T* lens with a 20x optical zoom range, equivalent to 37.4 – 748mm (35mm equivalent) in 16:9 widescreen mode. With its new digital extender function, the camcorder can magnify video footage 1.5 times greater, realizing a 30x optical zoom without significant degradation of picture quality.

To compensate for the HDR-FX7 model’s substantial zoom capability, Sony incorporated an extra-low dispersion lens glass in order to reduce color distortion. Its built-in Super SteadyShot® optical image stabilization helps to reduce shaky footage, even when shooting handheld at high zoom settings.

In addition to its superb high-def picture quality, the HDR-FX7 provides extensive manual controls for zoom, focus, shutter speed, white balance, iris, and gain.

Independent manual zoom and focus rings provide a high degree of manual control. Conveniently positioned directly behind the zoom ring, the model’s selectable exposure dial now adds iris, along with exposure and auto-exposure shift functions, so that users can easily adjust both gain and shutter speeds.

The HDR-FX7 will be available in October for about $3,500. Options will include a full line of accessories, including lights, lenses, microphones, InfoLithium® batteries, chargers and cables.

Both models will be available online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), and at authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders will begin on Friday, Sept. 8 at www.sonystyle.com/handycam.

Press Release: 

SanDisk Introduces Sansa c200 MP3 Player With Color Screen, Card Slot And 2-Gigabyte Capacity For Under $100

Open-Format Flash Player Offers Sleek Design, Expandable Memory,
Removeable and Rechargeable Battery, FM Radio and Voice Recorder

BERLIN, GERMANY, SEPT. 1, 2006 – SanDisk® Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced the Sansa™ c200 series, a stylish flash memory-based MP3 player that is loaded with high-end features — such as a bright LCD color screen and a microSD™ expansion slot – and smashes the $100* price threshold for a 2-gigabyte (GB) player. The announcement was made at a press conference at IFA, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, where SanDisk is exhibiting at Booth 103, in Hall 2.1 of Messe Berlin, through Sept. 6.
The c200 is sold in two capacities – 1 gigabyte (GB) and 2GB. However, the memory can be expanded with the addition of an optional SanDisk microSD™ card, which currently is available in capacities of from 256 megabytes (MB) to 2GB**. For example, with a 2GB microSD card, a user can transform a 2GB player into a 4GB player to hold nearly 2,000 songs (at 64kbps). The c200 supports WMA, MP3 and the protected WMA DRM format that gives consumers the ability to purchase or subscribe to music from most music service providers.

Suggested retail prices are $79.99 for the 1GB unit and $99.99 for the 2GB unit, and the SanDisk c200 is expected to be available from retailers in the U.S. and Europe in October, with other regions following later.

“The c200 has some of the characteristics of SanDisk’s award-winning e200 series, including a small and sleek design and a microSD memory card slot that allows for expansion opportunities,” said Keith Washo, SanDisk retail product marketing manager for the c200. “We believe that the c200, with its great price point, will give consumers an attractive set of features normally found in players costing much more.”

Offered on the Sansa c200 are an FM tuner/recorder*** with presets for 20 channels, a voice recorder and a user-replaceable lithium-ion battery that provides up to 15 hours of continuous playback****. The SanDisk c200 is Microsoft Windows PlaysForSure compatible, meaning that it will support subscription music from on-line music providers such as Rhapsody, Napster and Yahoo! Music.

The Sansa c200 will display both music album art and digital photos, which can be imported directly from a personal computer or seamlessly from music files with album art data in the song information. It also can run a slide show of images while playing music. Sporting a thin profile (1.3″ x 3.1″ x .6″), light weight (1.51 ounces with battery, 1.09 without) and a durable plastic case, the c200 is ready for a flight, a workout in the gym or just hang time.

The Sansa c200 joins a family of SanDisk Sansa players that also includes the budget-priced m200, with capacities of 512MB, 1 and 2GB; and the top-of-the-line e200, which has a 1.8-inch TFT color screen, plays music, photos and video clips and comes in capacities of 2, 4, 6 and the industry-leading 8GB.

Included Features, Sansa c200:

Microsoft PlaysForSure support
Up to 2GB of flash storage capacity
Expansion slot for microSD card
Digital FM radio with 20 presets
Voice recorder with built-in microphone
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface for fast music transfers
Support for MP3, WMA (both protected/DRM and unprotected) and Audible audio file formats
Easy-to-read 1.4-inch color LCD (128 x 98 pixels) that displays album, artist and song title information, as well as digital photographs
High quality earphones
Sansa Media Converter software to convert the most popular image formats into thumbnail playback on the player
Lanyard and USB 2.0 transfer cable (universal connector to USB)

These may be the low end, sport range as the 5500 now uses series 60 and this probably will run S40 but don’t take that for gospel as it’s just speculation.

Exclusive : Nokia’s New 5200 & 5300 – Mobile Phone Specifications and Reviews [thanks Barry]

August 28, 2006

Vancouver, British Columbia – Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR – TSX: SW) today announced the introduction of its ExpressCard product line, with the upcoming AirCard® 597E wireless wide area network card for EV-DO Revision A networks. Built for notebook computers with ExpressCard expansion slots, the AirCard 597E will be fully compliant with network operator requirements and will offer user-friendly features such as Assisted GPS (aGPS) location based services; a robust, fixed antenna design; and an external antenna jack for flexibility and improved reception in fringe coverage areas or for specialized applications. The AirCard 597E is expected to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2007. ExpressCard models for HSDPA networks are expected to follow later in the year.

ABI research estimates that adoption of the ExpressCard standard for PC card slots will be significant in 2007, shipping in 45 percent of laptops sold, up from 10 percent in 2006*. Sierra Wireless will also continue to produce AirCard products in the Type II PC Card form factor to serve the established base of notebook users with PC Card slots. For those with PC Card slots who wish to purchase an ExpressCard product in anticipation of an upcoming notebook upgrade, the company will offer an ExpressCard-to-PC Card adapter accessory.

“Notebook installations of ExpressCard slots are expected to move toward critical mass in 2007 – we are timing our ExpressCard products to match market adoption.” said Trent Punnett, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development for Sierra Wireless. “The AirCard 597E delivers a fresh new industrial design with a fixed antenna that is not compromised by the smaller form factor – our engineering team has designed the antenna to provide performance comparable to our new AirCard 595 PC Card. Having this level of internal expertise means the company is not reliant on off-the-shelf components, and that enables us to consistently deliver the durable, reliable products our customers expect from Sierra Wireless.”

The AirCard 597E wireless wide area network card is an ExpressCard 34 (ie. 34 mm wide) form factor compliant card, compatible with both ExpressCard 34 and ExpressCard 54 slots in newer notebook computers. For customers without an ExpressCard slot, an adapter will be available to allow the use of the card in Type II PCMCIA card slots.

Designed for connectivity to EV-DO Revision A networks, the AirCard 597E is capable of peak data speeds of 3.1 Mbps on the downlink and 1.8 Mbps on the uplink when operating on a Revision A network. For use in areas where EV-DO Revision A is not yet available, the card is compatible with widely available EV-DO Release 0 and CDMA 1X networks.

* Mobile Broadband to the Laptop: Cellular PC Cards and Embedded Modems, 2006-2011, ABI Research, April 2006.

In addition to customizing the user interface with their own branding and color scheme, organizations can tailor the service to their needs by mixing and matching the email, messaging, calendaring and other tools offered through Google Apps for Your Domain. Over time, Google will offer versions of Google Apps for Your Domain that are oriented toward the needs of a variety of organizations, from family websites and community groups to non-profits and small businesses, as well as universities, large enterprises, and ISPs.

Google Apps for Your Domain, an expansion of the Gmail for Your Domain service that launched in February 2006, currently includes Gmail web email, the Google Talk instant messaging and voice calling service, collaborative calendaring through Google Calendar, and web page design, publishing and hosting via Google Page Creator. Domain administrators use a simple web-based control panel to manage their user account list, set up aliases and distribution lists, and enable the services they want for their domain. End users with accounts that have been set up by their administrator simply browse to customized login pages on any web-connected computer. The service scales easily to accommodate growing user bases and storage needs while drastically reducing maintenance costs.

Google will provide organizations with two choices of service.

– A standard edition of Google Apps for Your Domain is available today as a beta product without cost to domain administrators or end users. Key features include 2 gigabytes of email storage for each user, easy to use customization tools, and help for administrators via email or an online help center. Furthermore, organizations that sign up during the beta period will not ever have to pay for users accepted during that period (provided Google continues to offer the service).

– A premium version of the product is being developed for organizations with more advanced needs. More information, including details on pricing, will be available soon.

“Organizations of all sizes face a common challenge of helping their users communicate and share information more effectively,” said Dave Girouard, vice president and general manager, enterprise, at Google. “A hosted service like Google Apps for Your Domain eliminates many of the expenses and hassles of maintaining a communications infrastructure, which is welcome relief for many small business owners and IT staffers. Organizations can let Google be the experts in delivering high quality email, messaging, and other web-based services while they focus on the needs of their users and their day-to-day business.”

As a hosted service, Google Apps for Your Domain is available worldwide, though the control panel for domain administrators is currently available only in US-English. Google is currently working to make the service available to administrators in additional languages. (Individual products offered through the Google Apps for Your Domain service, such as Gmail and Google Talk, are already available in a variety of languages for end users.) Domain administrators and IT managers can visit www.google.com/a to learn more and to register for the product.

Google capped the download and upload speed at 1Mbps, but it can be increased depending on demands. The free Wi-Fi project cost Google around $1 million dollars, but I think that is a small pocket chance to company like Google that have $10 billion dollars cash in hand.

via [playfuls]

The MoGo Mouse is a slim, business card size mouse that is designed for those who are always on the go. This slim device comes equipped with Bluetooth capabilities and operates on its own internal battery, eliminating all the hassles of stockpiling spare batteries for your mouse. A simple flip of the kickstand turns the device on and, after a one-time pairing procedure to tie the MoGo to a Bluetooth-enabled laptop, the mouse is ready to go. Users will immediately notice that the kickstand allows the mouse to fit better to the contour of one’s hand, making the device feel more comfortable and natural. As you remember, I said that this mouse operates on its own internal battery. After enough usage, this mouse is going to have to charge itself, and does so not by plugging into a wall socket but by simply plugging into your laptop’s PCMCIA card slot. This eliminates all battery problems and at the same time keeps the portable mouse from running away and getting lost.

After hearing about this amazing portable device, I had to see for myself if it was a worthwhile mouse or another worthless portable mouse that I might lose. I was able to get a hold of the MoGo Mouse, and I must say after getting it charged and paired up with my laptop, I was already impressed. After a few minutes with it, I was quite amazed at how comfortable it felt, and how smooth the navigation was. Thanks to the kickstand, the mouse sits at a perfect angle for my hand, giving me no problem to use the mouse for long periods of time. After long use, the mouse was low on battery so I simply closed the kickstand to turn it off, and stored it into my PC slot to charge. I am quite amazed with the idea of storing and charging the MoGo Mouse at the same time because it saves time on keeping spare batteries handy and searching for my mouse in my bags. While the MoGo mouse is a great for all users who are on the go, there is only one missing feature; a page scrolling function. A page scroll would be a nice for this portable device; however, because a page scroll would thicken the device immensely, it would not allow the business card size mouse to conveniently store into a PC slot. Hopefully Newton Peripherals will be able to take this great idea and integrate a page scroll to add to the convenience of this portable device at some point in the future.

The MoGo Mouse is a definite must for any Road Warrior who is looking for convenience from their portable mouse. Thanks to the internal battery and its ability to charge and store in a PC slot at the same time, spare batteries and annoying bag searches are finally over. Despite the lack of a page scroll, I still recommend this portable device to any Road Warrior who has a problem with their current portable mouse because it truly puts convenience back in a hectic life.

I hope that you’ll enjoy this unboxing video of the Mogo Mouse.

[flv]http://www.slashgear.com/videos/mogo.flv[/flv]I hope that you’ll enjoy this unboxing video of the Mogo Mouse.

Visit the MoGo Mouse image gallery for more pictures.