Archive for Gadgets
October 25, 2008 at 5:55 pm · Filed under Computers & Internet, Gadgets
Admit it. You do stuff on your office computer you don’t want your co-workers to know. At the very least, you probably do stuff on the company PC you don’t want the boss to know, from mailing out resumes to gossiping about office affairs on instant messenger.
To protect yourself every time you get up for a trip to the restroom or a drink at the pantry, locking your computer via a forced password login ensures no one accidentally stumbles upon these “confidential” pieces of information. While this typical password-based lockout is fine, there’s a way cooler alternative.
The USB PC Lock takes personal computer security to the level of awesome by locking the machine automatically the moment it detects you’re more than two meters away from it. The “auto-locking feature” works by constantly monitoring the distance between the USB dongle and a small wireless remote kept on your body. Once it detects your presence within a 2-meter radius, the PC will automatically unlock itself and be ready for use without the need to enter passwords and type in key codes.
Unlike traditional screen-saver based locking, this ensures access to your PC will be shut off even if there’s someone else on your desk. If the master isn’t around, the machine will cease to make itself available!
A single remote can even be configured to control an unlimited number of computers - allowing you to shut off access to an entire area with nary an extra flip of the finger. Additionally, you can choose to unlock computers via password apart from the range detection. The gadget ships with 1 button battery for the remote control and is available from USBFever for $24.99.
October 23, 2008 at 5:19 pm · Filed under Gadgets
With cell phones and most mobile electronics, batteries are your biggest bane. Even the top-end units backed by the best engineering and design deliver measly performance in the lasting power department.
It might change soon though if you will believe recent manufacturer claims of longer-lasting batteries for their next generation units. Nokia, for one, is set to go out with the XpressMusic 5800 which claims a talk-time of over 9 hours. While we wait for those units to ship, here are a few phones that should last you more than the norm.
T-Mobile Shadow
The Shadow disappointed much during its much-awaited unveiling, despite the competent business integration and high-quality video. Regardless, the amazing 11 hours of talk time stands as the best the current cell phone market has seen.
Blackberry Curve 8330
Over 6 hours of talk time, why don’t you? All in a sleek and compact smart phone package that is, arguably, among the best in Blackberry’s extensive line.
Nokia N82
Six hours of talk time on multiple third-party tests and the best camera phone on the market make the N82 a competitive package. With N-Gage gaming capability, GPS radio and a whole host of added features, this is one good phone with the lasting-power to boot!
Motorola Q9c
Moto went simple on this one and outfitted the phone with a battery that is larger than standard cell phone fare. The result is 7 glorious hours of talk time, albeit on a bulkier unit.
October 22, 2008 at 3:44 pm · Filed under Gadgets
Living up to its INNOV8 name, this phone should set the benchmark for the feature set on truly high-end mobiles. It’s possibly the most technologically loaded phone in the market today and even with a price tag of $799, it’s a purchase worth every penny.
Eat Your Touchscreen
Instead of stringing it along with the touchscreen wave of high-end phones, Samsung chose to outfit the i8510 with a standard keypad for one-handed texting goodness, available from a slide down panel. The screen incorporates an accelerometer to allow auto-rotation. The body offers a sleek finish and elegant tone.
It offers the world’s first 8 megapixel camera phone and packed it with all available accoutrements - auto-focus, digital image stabilizer, geo-tagging and various detection options. It records videos in QVGA resolution at 120 frames per second (that’s four times the frame rate of a regular Hollywood movie and twice that of high-definition video). This allows the best possible slow-motion playback you are likely to see in any camera phone for a long time.
The i8510 is also the world’s first cell phone equipped with a 5.1 surround sound that you can enjoy via a standard 3.5 mm earphone jack or the built-in stereo speakers . It comes with an in-built and dedicated 3D graphics accelerator. DivX is supported, along with a smattering of formats. Video distribution via a TV out is also made available.
Memory is aplenty with 16 GB of internal NAND memory, which is further expandable through a microSDHC slot supporting up to 8 GB cards. It also packs an extra 128 MB of RAM to allow faster application processing. Other features include an integrated GPS, FM radio and various connectivity options. All that is packed within an unbelievably slim frame at a mere 16.9 mm of thickness.
Cool enough for you?
October 21, 2008 at 5:18 pm · Filed under Gadgets
If you will believe INCRUDO’s claim then that’s exactly what they have in the Phantom, a “luxury” cell phone that’s supposed to see a limited production run of only 10 units. I don’t think they’re exaggerating with the durable part either. The Phantom’s surface is coated with a 3 mm helping of titanium alloy - a veritable armor of protection against drops and mishandling.
While their hard-wearing claim will likely hold up, the “luxury” tag can prove much more difficult to swallow. You see, the protective armor has rendered the Phantom a monstrous physique measuring in at 106 x 45 x 18 millimeters and tipping the scales at an ungodly weight of 230 grams. Contrast that against popular high-end units that normally weigh between 90 to 130 grams and you’ll have what is essentially a bulked-up handset that may find it a challenge to qualify as a real mobile.
All complaints aside, the Phantom packs some really good hardware including a QVGA display with 16 million colors, 8 GB of internal memory, a 3.2 megapixel camera, a host of connectivity options and a real blue sapphire in the middle of the 4-way navigation key.
While the 10-unit run is likely not true, this phone is actually a pretty cool novelty and, with an $850 price tag, could prove a decent purchase for gadget collectors and enthusiasts. The 3 mm titanium shell alone should be worth the value in conversational starters. Additionally, if you ever figure in a street brawl, you can pull out the hard-faced cell phone and use it as a weapon. It’s probably so durable, it won’t even dent.
INCRUDO website
October 19, 2008 at 5:16 pm · Filed under Fashion, Gadgets
With the iPod playing as much a fashion accessory as it does a gadget, it only made sense for it to be integrated into people’s outfits. Tunebuckle probably did one of the best implementations with their belt-cum-iPhone holder setup.
It Protects
The Tunebuckle houses your iPod nano via a sturdy and durable enclosure made from aircraft quality aluminum. Enclosure facilitates full coverage to provide maximum protection for your gadget. The encasing, which doubles as a fully-functional belt buckle, is also highly fashionable and attractive. Taking its cues from many trendy accessories, it features a rectangular design that fits the iPod horizontally.
The buckle is machine crafted from a single cast of 6061 aluminum alloy and is made in the U.S. It is beautifully finished with electroplated nickel satin, leaving it scratch resistant and durable enough to withstand common wear. The iPod even stays in the buckle after the belt is unhooked ensuring no falls whatsoever.
The Belt
The belt is made from top-quality canvas measuring 1.5 inches wide. It has black stitching and comes in a single size. If you want a shorter belt for better fit, you can cut between the stitched lines to render it more suited to your waist.
Are You Getting One?
A few folks are likely going to buy Nanos just to get this belt. Functional and fashionable, it’s a smart and non intrusive way to keep a music player without sacrificing your style.
The buckle also comes in three designs - “The Original” with the iPod’s face exposed, “The Full Moon” with the whole buckle clad in aluminum save for the Nano’s click-wheel navigation and “Full Metal Jacket” which effectively closes everything up. Available at Tunebuckle.
« Previous entries ·
Next entries »
