Gadgets - SlashGear

‘Gadgets’ Stories

Maltron Keyboard: Painful or No?

Benjamin Nied, Jul 10th 2006 Discuss [0]

If you thought that Microsoft's "natural" keyboard was an oddball device, you haven't seen anything yet. Say hello to the Maltron "L Type" USB keyboard. Designed with a more natural typing feel in mind, the keyboard is, according to Maltron, fully ergonomic and fits the natural contour of one's hand to make typing easier. The keys are all tilted and arranged so that your wrists never move, which cuts down on unnecessary movement (and therefore carpal tunnel). Read The Full Story

An iPod That Talks?

Benjamin Nied, Jul 10th 2006 Discuss [0]

In keeping with our ever-expanding coverage on the future of Apple's little music player, speculation has arisen (in the form of yet-another patent filing) that the next-generation Apple music machines will speak to you, announcing the song's title and artist in a variety of celebrity voices. While it's sort of creepy to consider having your iPod talk to you (is it really so difficult to just look at the song title, people?), this might be a great step forward in allowing iPods to be used by vision-impaired customers who can't read the text on the iPod's admittedly tiny screen. Read The Full Story

Gold and Diamond Gameboy

Kevin Lee, Jul 9th 2006 Discuss [0]

Obviously you would have heard of the Red and Blue version of Pokemon, then the later Gold and Silver version of Pokemon. Right now theres already a 18K GOld and Diamond covered Original Game boy. Costs $25,000 if you are the true fans of a small LCD screen and definately something you are not gonna bring out of the display cabinet, this is what you need. [via SwissSupply]

Averatec AV7170 moving towards dual core

Kevin Lee, Jul 9th 2006 Discuss [0]

Averatec is finally jumping in the dual core mobile computing bandwagon, with their new AV170-EC1. The specs for this laptop are the usual AMD Turion 64 X2, with 100GB 7200 RPM drive, 2GB of RAM and a substandard WXGA+ (1440x900) 17 inch display, 5-in-1 card reader, ExpressCard. Gigabit Ethernet, and a 1-inch thick 7.2 pound shell. THe price is pretty good, at $1150, it should fit most budgets and its pretty value for money, even though it isn't the best offer in the market. [Via Laptoping]

Sony UX180P

Kevin Lee, Jul 8th 2006 Discuss [0]

Sony would be releasing a possible UMPC-killer, the Sony UX180P. It sports a more powerful processor, higher-res screen, integrated keyboard and EDGE. However at a price of close to $1800, it is too much for the normal consumer. Considering the UX180P to be double the price of most UMPC, would the UX serve its function? The answer is not available for now and we would be able to see the outcome of the Sony UX180P in the future.

[via Engadget]

Low cost Linux portable digital audio workstation by Trinity

Kevin Lee, Jul 8th 2006 Discuss [0]

Trinity Audio Group is attracting budget conscience music producers and podcasters around the world. It is based on the Compulab's CM-X270L, the Trinity, along with a variety of open source audio applications, such as on Linux, inclusive of Audacity and Escasound, helps them in developing their own graphical frron-end. The specs seems to be usual, that includes a 6.5 inch TFT running at 640x480, 128MB RAM, 20GB hard drive, built-in WiFi, two Neutrik combo jacks, and a purported four hours of battery life. It will be ready to be shipped in October for $1000. [Via Linux Devices]

ABC Wants Automatic PVR Commercial Skips to End

Benjamin Nied, Jul 7th 2006 Discuss [0]

Yeah, THIS should go over real well. Like a lead balloon. ABC is apparently trying to convince personal video recorder makers to start leaving out the automatic commericial skipping features that helped make the devices to popular. ABC President of Advertising Sales Mike Shaw apparently feels that the demand for this feature isn't too great, which not only proves that he not knows what he's talking about, but raises some serious questions about how one so stupid could become the head of advertising at a major studio network. Don't expect TiVo or any of the other guys to actually comply with this request, as it would kill the sales of their main cash machines. And ABC, you might want to rethink who's running your advertising division. [via Gizmodo]

Wii Price and Launch Date: Coming This September

Benjamin Nied, Jul 7th 2006 Discuss [0]

Yesterday, we reported that Nintendo's upcoming Wii console could very well launch ahead of schedule - like, September-ish. Nintendo has responded to all these rumors by announcing that the concrete launch date, as well as the console's final price, will be announced in September, but that the console probably won't launch that soon. An October launch is beginning to look more likely, because unless the announcement comes on the day the consoles become available to the masses (which would probably send gamers into a frenzy), a September launch would make for a very tight schedule. We'll just have to wait and see, won't wii? [via GoNintendo.com]

Lexar recalls 66,000 defective JumpDrives

Kevin Lee, Jul 7th 2006 Discuss [0]

Defects are common in most products, but dangers from a thumbdrive, thats really new. Lexar is recalling all 66,000 of its defective thumb drive due to the risk of causing burns to consumers and property damage. Lexar, in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling a total of five different models, the 256MB, 512MB, 1GB and 2GB JumpDrive FireFly and the 1GB JumpDrive Secure II. According to the CPSC, 66,000 of the faulty units were sold between April and May of this year. although so far no injuries have been reported, consumers are advised to stop using affected models immediately. [via The Inquirer]

Gameboy Micro lookalike

Kevin Lee, Jul 7th 2006 Discuss [0]

This is something for those who thinks a $100 Gameboy Micro is too expensive. This similar looking One Station costs about $40 in a Filipino electronic shop offers all the 8-bit Nintendo game all on the gaming machine and you wouldn't expect that 32-bit quality games you normally play on your other Gameboys. Take a look. [via Jepoyeng]

Update on the Microsoft iPod-Killer

Benjamin Nied, Jul 6th 2006 Discuss [0]

Thanks to our friends over at Gizmodo, we have some new details on the rumored Microsoft iPod-killer. First, the Wi-Fi capabilities of the device won't be limted to just downloading new songs on the go; the "mPod" will allso allow you share songs with other listeners, allowing you to sample the music immediately and then buy it when you get home. Also, the Wi-Fi connectivity will be used to send ads to your device automatically, adding a 10% off coupon as a bonus for watching that ad. The other bit of news is that, should you have a sizable iTunes collection built up already, Microsoft's service will scan this collection and give you the music for use with your "mPod" for free, giving users a huge incentive to jump ship as they wouldn't need to pay for music twice.

Say Hello to the mPod?

Benjamin Nied, Jul 6th 2006 Discuss [0]

Microsoft, everyone's favorite computer empire, is apparently working on an iPod-style music and video player, hoping to have the final product ready to roll come this Christmas. What more, the Microsoft music player will come with an iTunes-style music program/store and will feature Wi-Fi capabilities, which is planned to allow users to download music and videos without being connected to a computer - this feature alone could spell trouble for Apple should a competing capability not find its way into the iPod. In typical Microsoft fashion, expect the launch of these devices to be part of a multi-million dollar campaign; also in typical Microsoft fashion, I would be surprised to see virii for the devices before they debut. Stay tuned. [via AppleInsider]