Tired of all the remote controls cluttering up your coffee table? Logitech wants to control your entire entertainment center with its Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control.

Lets face it, there’s a downside to the consumer electronics revolution. A proliferation of black or silver boxes that live under the omnipresent TVs bring with them a multitude of separate remote controls; one to change the volume of the stereo, one to turn on the TV, one to control the DVD player, another for the TiVo; the list goes on.

The Logitech Harmony 880 puts you in control of your entire audio-video system with just one button. It’s home entertainment the way it should be–simple.

Optimized for complicated HDTV and PVR systems, the Logitech Harmony 880 helps you tame tough configurations like switching your television between video aspect ratios depending on the program source. The interactive color display lets you quickly choose a 16:9 ratio for movies and HDTV, or a standard 4:3 ratio for basic television programming.

The new remote control models from Logitech’s Harmony line. Their newest consumer remote, the Logitech Harmony 880, departs from the norm and adds a 128×160 pixel full color LCD display and docking cradle to recharge the included Lithium-ion battery. The entire remote has been completely remodeled by Logitech’s design team. This model is the culmination of the company’s influence and experience being put to the test in an effort to improve upon the past Harmony designs and ergonomics.

The remote’s LCD screen goes to sleep automatically, but is awakened “automagically” when the remote is picked up or when the GLOW button is pressed. The contrast is a bit high on the display, and it cannot be adjusted, but all text appeared to be reasonably easy to read. The Volume, Channel and Navigational buttons are quite easy to reach with the thumb and are very well laid out. Selecting from the eight activities or user controls via the LCD screen’s side buttons is also very easy to do,

The baseline?

Simply press an Activity button, such as “Watch TV” or “Listen to Music,” and your Harmony Remote automatically sets up each of the devices required for that activity. Sleek docking station that remote fully charged Programmable with Windows PC or Macintosh computer / USB Cable included 53 top-mounted hard buttons and 8 on-screen activity buttons 2 MB non-volatile flash memory.

Yes, that’s right, the Logitech Harmony 880 comes with programming software for both Windows and Mac OS X!

Now the Logitech Harmony 880comes with 50% saving at US$ 125.98!

Ninja Blade for XBOX 360 is an action adventure game set within modern day Tokyo. Parasites known as alpha-worms have mysteriously appeared, unleashing a wave of human destruction as they rapidly spread east, reaching the shores of Tokyo. With the future of humankind hanging in the balance, an exclusive and elite team possessing highly specialized skills is formed to eliminate the enemy onslaught, and ultimately save mankind from complete obliteration.

Ninja Blade features unique ninja abilities: Use your Ninja Vision to detect and analyze potential enemy weak points, secret paths, and hidden information within the environment, but be careful, as you are susceptible to extra damage while using your vision. And perform the todomé attack to destroy an enemy’s core (heart), by dealing a fatal wound. Balanced and calculated use of both these abilities will be critical to progressing through the XBox 360 game.

Ninja Blade sports a variety of weapons, tools, and Ninjutsu: Specialized ninja powers offer an enticing array of options. Varied environments force players to think strategically about which set of weapons and tools will be most effective at conquering the different levels. From dual wielding swords to grapple wire hooks to grenades, every item has distinctive features and characteristics, so choose wisely! Ninjutsu is a special power that results in an explosive electrical force to either stun enemies or protect oneself from attack. Only true Ninja Masters can achieve this technique.

Go ‘n’ grab your copy of Ninja Blade for XBox 360!

Ultrazoom compact cameras have come a long way, really long if you consider that two out of three of these sport a 24x zoom lens.

This means, in 35mm jargon, an equivalent 26-624mm zoom. The Olympus SP-590UZ, goes even further, up to 26x (676mm equiv.)!

All three have image stabilization and vibration reduction features; they all reach the 12 megapixel peak and may give you something to think about when choosing your next camera: an ultrazoom compact with DSLR-level features.

Which is the best? Fair bet… each one has its own strong points, so check out for yourself!

The Olympus SP-590UZ: with a 26x optical zoom lens covering a remarkable 26-676mm focal length range, 10fps sequential shooting, and a 12 Megapixel CCD, nothing can escape the scrutiny of the SP-590UZ.
Photographers using the latest Olympus Ultra Zoom can further increase the power of its lens to 130x using the optional TCON-17N Teleconverter.
Luckily, Dual Image Stabilisation is on hand to protect photos from blur caused by camera shake, and Shadow Adjustment Technology has been included to bring out details hidden in darker areas of the picture.
So when photographers view their results on the camera’s 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD, they know that they’ll be picture perfect.

The Pentax X70 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD is an all-purpose digital compact camera featuring a high-magnification optical 24x zoom and 6.25x digital zoom lens.
The camera has approximately 12 effective megapixels and utilizes a 1/2.33-inch CCD image sensor.
Its lens focusing distance is 4.6 - 110.4mm (approx. 26-624mm in 35mm format) with an aperture range of F2.8(W)-F5.0(T). The X70 is able to record up to 1280 resolution video and has an ISO sensitivity of up to 6400.
It has Motion Blur Reduction, Hi-sensitivity anti-shake mode (Digital SR), and Movie shake reduction mode (Movie SR).
The camera has a 33.6 MB built-in memory with support for SD/SDHC Memory Card expandibility.
The Pentax X70 has a 2.7-inch 230K AR coating LCD display and an electronic viewfinder (200K dots) and auto and manual focus, macro shots, exposure control, exposure compensation, scene mode, playback mode, shutter speed of 1/4000-1/4 seconds, built-in flash and “Red-eye” reduction. The Pentax X70 is powered by a rechargeable D-LI92 lithium-ion battery, measures 110.5×82.5×89.5mm and weighs 390g (without battery and SD memory card).

The Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1MP Digital Camera with 24x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3 inch Tilt LCD is among the first Nikon models to advertise the manufacturer’s “four-way” Vibration Reduction image stabilization concept. In addition to optical/mechanical image stabilization, the Nikon P90 utilizes motion detection (which detects subject motion and adjusts shutter speed and/or ISO accordingly), reduced-res high-sensitivity shooting at up to ISO 6400, and Nikon’s Best Shot Selector (which “automatically takes up to 10 shots while the user presses the shutter, and saves the sharpest image”).

Shooting Modes for All
Two new shooting modes on the P90 seek to expand the camera’s utility for different user groups. Aimed at soccer moms and serious shooters alike, the Nikon P90’s Sport Continuous mode captures up to 45 reduced-resolution shots at an outrageously fast 15 fps. Family photographers are also served by a new Smart Portrait System, grouping several auto exposure technologies (including blink detection, smile detection, face detection, and red-eye reduction) for easier access when taking shots of friends and family.
In the interest of enthusiast appeal, the P90 also packs in the typical P/A/S/M manual exposure modes, as well as an electronic viewfinder.

The Nikon P90 weighs in at just over a pound so it didn’t feel like we were shackled to a mid-level DSLR. The weight reduction can be attributed to the Nikon P90’s plastic body. It was obvious that Nikon sacrificed a little structural integrity in exchange for additional controls and features.

Articulating Screen: in this case, though, the big news is that the P90’s screen is articulating (Nikon calls it “Vari-Angle”), allowing the display to be tilted “as much as 90 degrees upward or 45 degrees downward,” according to the manufacturer.

The best three ultrazoom compact cameras around: now it’s up to you to choose!

We love geekery.
We respect venerable good ol’ video games that made history (in one way or the other!).
Here’s a poker of video game history makers, somehow shaped for new challenges and, more important, fitting your pocket so you can retro-play wherever you are.

No more arcades? So what about an all-time classic?
Enter Classic Arcade Space Invaders: 1978-design still intriguing; hordes of swarming hostiles ready to invade us!
(I guess I’ve exterminated zillions of them, don’t tell SETI about it).
Check this MGA’s Classic Arcade Space Invaders
LCD version: small joystick, same threat, same hours spent fighting ‘em.

Remember Missile Command?
Atari’s smash hit featured the very first trackball around and, as coins were spun in, the trackball was spun around tracking down falling missiles from a bunch of soon-to-be-destroyed bases (you, by the way).
MGA’s Classic ArcadeMissile Command even reproduces the same arcade cabinet, without the need for coins alas.

Again, long before PSPs and even Nintendos portable consoles, Mattel was ruling with their pocket games.
By today standards they barely seem laughable, but back then… the LEDs minimalistic-displays were hard to beat and the games were tough.

Take for example Mattel’s Classic Basketball Game: check NBA-style schemes against a processor that maybe doesn’t even reach a MegaHertz clock…
One player or two can try this one.

For a complete and shared experience there’s even a Classics Sports Plug and Play featuring old-school football, baseball or basketball you can play on standard TV sets (no HD-TV allowed!).

Batteries not included, fun is!

Long-awaited, spotted in VIP-like photos, so much rumored but now it’s here: the new Nikon D5000!

Where to place it?

It’s likely to be placed in between the D60 and the D90… and eventually in front of just launched Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i!

Features?

Nikon’s EXPEED CMOS sensor, 12,9 Megapixel (quite a standard for Nikon’s DSLR lineup) and HD 720p video recording @24 fps.
Among the (long) feature list the Nikon D5000 sports a 2.7″ display (the 230.000 pixel one, not the Nikon D90’s gorgeous one) literally with a twist!
The LCD display tilts and swivels which, along with the enhanced Live View functions, extends shooting opportunities to new (practical) levels.
Live View, by the way, can be switched on with a single dedicated button.
Moreover, the Nikon D5000 gives us ISO sensibility 200 up to 3200, 11-points autofocus with 3D focus tracking and set of retouch tool for in-camera photo adjustments.
An added gadget comes with the Nikon GP-1 GPS Unit, allowing globetrotters to geotag their favorite pictures/places.
One minor note comes from lenses compatibility: just like the D40/D40X/D60 crop, the Nikon D5000 is compatible with lenses with built-in autofocus motor.

Availability is for May 2009, pricing as follows:

Price (Nikon D5000 body only)

• US: $ 729
• UK: £719
• EU: EU 699

Price (Nikon D5000 with 18-55 VR)

• US: $ 850
• UK: £ 799
• EU: EU 799

It goes like this: the new Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i looks like the Canon Digital Rebel XSi, shoots much like the 50D.
It’s not exactly an entry-level camera - take a look at the Canon Rebel XS if you’re budget-conscious.

So, what’s different from the Canon Digital Rebel XSi? - some key differences:

15MP sensor - similar, but not the same as the 50D (slower readout for one thing)
Video - 1080p, but only at 20 FPS
Anti reflection coated display
Digic IV - menu layout similar to 50D/5D2
Auto lighting optimiser - now adjustable
Quick control setting mode
ISO to 12800
Variable high ISO noise setting adjustment
Face detect in Liveview
Peripheral Illumination Correction - brighten the corners of images to correct for lens vignetting
Sensors under viewfinder to blank screen when the camera is raised to the eye.

The Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i becomes the third (as of writing) camera to be able to shoot full HD video and, right now the very first in its not-so-entry-level class.

What’s inside? What comes from 50D/5D MkII?

Fast processing, fast focusing, and the Digic 4 Processor.
Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor drives continuous shooting speeds of up to 3.4 fps in bursts of up to 170 JPEGs . Using Canon’s wide area AF system – which features 9 individual sensors, including a central cross type point with a high precision sensor for f/2.8 or faster lenses– makes capturing split-second action sequences possible.

DIGIC 4 works in conjunction with the CMOS sensor to deliver exceptional noise reduction and 14-bit image processing for smooth gradation of tones and natural-looking colours. In addition, DIGIC 4 enables the ultra-fast start-up times and near-instant image review after shooting that photographers demand.

Why we like it?
The Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i it’s as compact and lightweight as the previous Canon Digital Rebel XSi but has far more features - not only megapixel-addiction, take a look at the VGA display - and grabs parts from higher-level Canon cameras.
It’s a serious (and price-aware) competitor to the widely-acclaimed Nikon D90 and to many of the new crop of over-12-mp-with-full-hd-video 2009 DSLR cameras.

Along with the Canon EOS 500D/Rebel T1i comes the Speedlite 270EX, the successor to the 220EX Speedlite model: a new compact flash gun with a maximum guide number of 27 m and silent recycling that becomes a lightweight external flash option for Canon cameras including select Canon PowerShot models.

The new Speedlite 270EX uses only two AA batteries and enables bounce flash shooting with four position steps from 0 degrees to 90 degrees.
Like Canon’s high-end Speedlite flash models, the 270EX allows users to control flash functions and input settings using the camera’s LCD monitor.

It’s only thumbs up for this: Sony introduces the Sony HDR-TG5V Handycam, by far the smallest Full HD camcorder, the successor of the HDR-TG1 (aka TG3E).
Sony HDR-TG5V can capture 1920×1080p Full HD video and 4 Megapixel photos. It has a Carl Zeiss Vaio-Tessar lens with 10X optical zoom and a 2.7-inch touchscreen display.

Record brilliant, 1920 x 1080 high definition video on the go with the ultra-portable Sony HDR-TG5V Handycam camcorder. With a strong and lightweight pure titanium body and a built-in GPS receiver that maps where you shot your videos and photos and can display your current location, the Sony HDR-TG5V makes an ideal travel companion.

Sony HDR-TG5V Handycam will be released in May for $1000 (skyrocket performance come at a price, usually).
An optional travel kit (Sony ACC-TCH5) with a battery, travel charger and pouch; and a wide angle conversion lens (Sony VCL-HGE07TB) accessory will also be available, both priced at $100.

What we love about it:

• 1920 x 1080 high definition video recording; 16 GB built-in memory
• Geotagging with built-in GPS receiver
• 4-megapixel still image capture; built-in flash
• 10x optical zoom; 120x digital zoom
• Hybrid recording to 16GB memory or optional Memory Stick media

Why the Sigma DP1 is a new camera concept?

In some way the new Sigma DP1 is a great concept.
Use a small P&S like camera, insert a larger DSLR sensor (here the Foveon sensor of the Sigma SD14) and add a good lens.
Larger sensors can mean less noise and more image quality.

Sigma decided to use a fix focus 28mm f/4 lens which makes it a cool wide-angle compact camera.
Maybe to get a smaller lens the sensor could even be slightly smaller. Also the decision to have a good optical viewfinder (although optional with the Sigma DP1) is a good idea.

The main reason for the attracting so much interest is its sensor: the controversial Foveon X3 sensor capable of 14MP resolution, and the first APS-C sized sensor in a compact digicam.
The sensor, last seen in the Sigma SD14 DSLR, has aroused criticism due to the way the image is captured by three layers of photocells buried within differing depths of the silicon substrate. One of silicon’s properties is the way it absorbs red, green and blue light at different depths and Foveon uses that property to build the pixels within three strata of the chip. Traditional CCD or CMOS sensors have the photocells on top of the chip, and use a Bayer RGB filter to separate the different colours.

It is possible to record images in RAW or the widely used JPEG in four resolution modes. It offers five Exposure modes and three Metering modes as well as being equipped with a built-in flash with the Guide Number of 6, hot shoe, neck strap and 2.5-inch TFT color LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 pixels.

The DP1 has the high resolution and functionality of an SLR, plus adaptability in terms of accessories, all built into a small body. A wide range of accessories, optical viewfinder [VF-11], Lens Hood [HA-11], and Electronic Flash [EF-140 DG] are available for the DP1 camera.

Why today?

Because, there’s an offer for the Sigma DP1 that is valid today only, April 9, 2009, and while supplies last, so hurry up!

Not all portable hard drives are just the same! A poker of USB portable hard disks.

Check these four USB portable hard disk drives, we think it’s a nifty selection of portable solutions that may fit almost every users’ need.

Got a MacBook (maybe a MacBook Air or one of the very latest unibody models)?

Thou shalt get yourself nothing but the Iomega eGo Helium Portable Hard Drive.
Is there anything aroud that matches better your sleek MacBook/Pro?
At 12.8 ounces, not only it perfectly matches the aluminum curves of the MacBooks, but also your pocket.
Just one USB 2.0 cable and you’re backing up your data with Time Machine, for example.
Ruggedness? The built-in DropGuard feature protects the drive when dropped up to 51″ (Toshiba claims it’s 40% above the industry average)!

By the way, the Iomega eGo Helium Portable Hard Drive now sells well under US$ 99, check it for yourself.

Power-hungry? What about a SimpleTech SimpleDrive SP-U35/500 500 GB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive?

The sleek lines and ultra-low profile styling of this SimpleDrive were designed by Pinifarina, the very same design firm that gives Ferrari sports cars their stylish lines.Don’t let its beauty fool you.
SimpleDrive is a high-performance external hard drive ideal for storing and backing up your music, video, photos and more.

Features in a nutshell:

Feeling Rambo?
Go for nothing but an Iomega eGo 250 GB Rugged Portable Hard Drive.

The Iomega eGo 250 GB Rugged Portable Hard Drive comes in a camouflage pattern to add a unique look to your digital style.
The Drop Guard feature protects your drive even in the toughest travel environments and provides exceptional durability well over the industry average!
The Iomega eGo 250 GB Rugged Portable Hard Drive includes a black Iomega Power Grip band that not only looks cool, but also provides desktop stability and extra durability. Plus, the Iomega eGo Rugged Portable Hard Drive requires no external power supply.

Toshiba 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive is a cool compromise of performance, features and price.
The Toshiba Portable External Hard Drive fits easily within a laptop pouch, a knapsack or even a bookshelf. With a USB cable included, the drive can be plugged into just about any desktop or notebook with a USB port and used at home or at work.
What we like:

There’s no doubt: the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 12 MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Wide Angle Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) may be considered Bruce Willis camera of choice!

The Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 is a compact digital camera sporting 12 MP resolution along with 3.6x Wide Angle Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and great 2.7″ display.
There’s really only one word to describe the new shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof Stylus Tough-8000 camera from Olympus: Tough.

Unbelievable?
Olympus says the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 can survive a 6.6-foot drop, venture 33 feet underwater, withstand 220 pounds of crushing pressure, and laugh at freezing temperatures. Tap Control makes it easy for skiers, divers and snowmen makers to control key settings without removing their gloves.

Tech specs, for people in a hurry:

• 12-megapixel resolution for photo-quality, poster-size prints
• Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof
• 3.6x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom
• 2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen
• Compatible with xD Picture Cards and microSD memory cards

Some of the features we like the most.

The new “OR” (Olympus Recommended) button makes it easy to activate Olympus’ unique features, including In-Camera Panorama, Shadow Adjustment and Perfect Shot Preview. Simply press the new OR button to easily access these commonly used features.

The new Beauty Mode: it enables you to soften shadows and smooth wrinkles or blemishes on your subject’s face–all in the camera and as you capture the image! Additionally, subtle edits can be made post-capture using the Beauty Fix mode. Choose “Clear Skin” to smooth a person’s complexion, “Dramatic Eye” to slightly emphasize the eyes, and “Sparkle Eye” to brighten and enhance the contrast of the iris and pupils. You can also apply all three edits at once. Have fun customizing your brilliant images without a PC and costly image editing software.

Tap Control: the Stylus Tough series cameras can be controlled with a simple tap on their top, back or sides, which is made possible thanks to their internal 3D accelerometer that detects the direction of the force on the camera’s body. To turn on the flash or Shadow Adjustment Technology, all that is required is a couple of taps on the camera’s sides and top. In adverse climates Tap Control ensures fast adjustment of settings even if you are fighting frostbite wearing large gloves that make pressing traditional buttons nearly impossible.

Wide-Angle Optical Zoom: the Stylus Tough-8000 features a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.5-5.0) so that even more of the subject makes it into each shot–perfect for underwater photography. The lens does not protrude from its body so it is further protected from harsh conditions.

Versatile Memory: all Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media, they now also accept microSD memory cards to capture images.

In-Camera Panorama: the places you can take Stylus Tough series cameras are locations where you want to capture as much of the scene as you can.
In-Camera Panorama mode makes it possible by capturing three images and stitching them together to create one amazing panoramic picture.
Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene.
The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image–resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture.
To create the ultimate panoramic picture, just use the Olympus Master Software 2 to stitch up to 10 images together.

You may think you’ve seen everything that’s cool around.
Think again.

Wacom Techno Cintiq 21UX 21-Inch Interactive Pen Display is so stunning and new you’ll ask yourself how you made it before.
It’s a tablet sporting the well-known Wacom quality plus a 21-inch UXGA (1600 x 1200) Pixel LCD display.
That means you’re going to do PhotoShop editing like never before: a pen display that allows you to directly address each and every pixel on the screen.
Resizing and contour operations will be outrageously easy and powerful!
The user-defined keys on both sides allow for even more customisation of both PhotoShop and your workflow too.

We tested the Wacom Techno Cintiq 21UX along with a MacBook (the white one, not the latest unibody!) and were amazed by the results!

With a 21.3″ TFT diagonal display, the Wacom Techno Cintiq 21UX delivers a highly sensitive pen-on-screen experience and a generous active area for working directly on large images, concepts, and designs in the most natural way possible. Working directly with the pen on screen is a natural motion that gives you an unprecedented degree of control and allows you to take advantage of natural hand-eye coordination, helping you work more intuitively and noticeably faster. The display’s completely flat surface allows the hand and pen to glide over the surface of the Cintiq without bumping into any bezels or borders. A dynamically adjustable stand allows you to rotate the display up to 180-degrees in each direction, incline the display from 10-degrees to 65-degrees, and even remove it for comfortable lap use.

System Requirements: