Apple kicks off 2010 tablet frenzy with the iPad: one of the most awaited and rumors-prone device in history!

A 9.7″ inches screen that’s essentially a bigger brother to iPhone more than a little one to a MacBook, but that’s what it was intended for.

Big news: meet A4 processor, Apple’s own processor, running at 1 GHz.
Available with 16 -32 and -64 GB of memory, with 802.11n and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.

Sports accelerometer, compass, mic and speaker and the usual iPod dock connector!

More facts: 10 hr batter, over a month of standby.

Runs the same Apps as the iPhone, so the iPad starts with a massive software library as well as developers support.

[ More on partner site MacSwitching.com ]

Looking for that extra bit of screen real estate to get you through the busy workday? Referring to notes while writing an e-mail, checking info in a spreadsheet while entering data into a web page, keeping an eye on your to-do list while browsing YouTube… it’s handy to have additional monitor space at the ready.
Problem is an entire secondary monitor comes with its own needs like requiring a separate power cord or perhaps an additional video card.

The MIMO USB Monitor changes this equation completely by offering a low-maintenance relationship between you and an extra display.
A single USB connection from your computer gets you an instant high-resolution secondary display. This awesome display is perfect for your IM client, widgets, PC gaming tools, your email, a spreadsheet, your PhotoShop tools, or even video! Not only do these displays enhance productivity, they look great!
The single USB connection, combined with a weight of only 1.3 pounds, means the Mimo monitor is ultra portable and cost-effective, as no expensive extra video cards are required.
It’s PC and Mac compatible, altough you’ll need to buy separate drivers to enable touchscreen features on Intel-based Macs (drivers are around $30).

There are three models you should be looking at:

MIMO UM-720S Touch Screen USB Powered 7 inch Swivel LCD Screen Mini Display: MIMO UM-720S features integrated stand and cover, 90 degree pivoting functionality, a 800×480 resolution LCD, and a resistive touch screen, that can be used in portrait or landscape mode.

MIMO UM-710S Slider Monitor
The original utility of the Mimo gets even more portable with the innovative slider model. Almost half the thickness of the iMo monitor, the slider features a folding stand that also serves to protect the screen. Available for US $ 149.99.

The MIMO UM730 features a USB Powered 7″ Swivel LCD Screen Mini Display With Built in Webcam, Microphone & Speaker Output and is available for US $ 169.99!

Any further questions?

Here are some FAQs.

What about Mimo connections?

It’s extremely easy to set up the Mimo. Install the drivers on the provided CD-ROM. Plug in the USB connector! Amazingly, there is only one connector, as the Mimo is completely USB powered.

Ok, one more display is good, but how many Mimo monitors can I connect to my PC?

Theoretically a PC can recognize up to 127 USB devices! However, with current PC systems, we recommend the following maximum number of Mimo displays:
1-2 Mimo displays: 1.2 GHz CPU / 512 MB RAM
3-5 Mimo displays: 1.8 GHz CPU / 1GB RAM
6 Mimo displays: 1.6 GHz Dual-Core CPU / 1GB RAM

Can I attach my Mimo monitor to a USB hub?

Yes, Mimo monitors can be connected to a powered USB 2.0 hub.

Take a look at MIMO USB Monitors!

Yamaha has introduced the Made for iPod Yamaha MCR-040 micro-component music system - and we love the orange 70s-looking version!

The stylish-and-cool Yamaha MCR-040 system features iPod playback as well as a CD player, front panel USB port, FM radio and mini jack inputs for portable audio devices and currently available in ten colors.

The Yamaha MCR-040 has iPod docks built into their top panels, allowing users to take out the ear buds and share their favorite music with friends and automatically recharge the portable devices.
Uncompressed audio is delivered for high fidelity playback through the systems speakers which can be placed anywhere in the room. The MCR-040 also automatically power on when a connected iPod starts playback.

The high sound quality of the Yamaha MCR-040 is delivered by a Yamaha digital amplifier with extremely low noise distortion. Two highly responsive 4 inch speakers provide dynamic bass response for powerful, clean sound from any music library. Both models also offer a card-type remote control for operating the system and connected devices.

The Yamaha MCR-040 puts your favorite music sources within easy reach. It’s got a CD player, an FM radio, USB and mini jack inputs for portable audio devices, and a dock on top for an iPod, which you can control with the handy card-sized remote control. The iPod and USB device charge both while in use and in standby mode. What’s more, it has both a clock timer and a sleep timer.

Perfectly Matched Amp and Speakers
Both the amp and speakers are designed for high efficiency and performance, so the sound is bigger and better than you expect from components of this size. They were also planned and carefully tested for best audio integration.

Advanced YST Technology Delivers Big Bass Sound
Advanced Yamaha Active Servo Technology (YST) is a major reason for the high performance of Yamaha speakers, and is especially suited for small speakers. The CD receiver and speakers work together, using negative impedance drive to produce small low-frequency signals, which are enhanced to large outputs by precisely designed speaker cabinet and port. The result is powerful, accurate bass that seems to be coming from a much larger speaker.

VCCS Technology
Vibration Control Cabinet Structure(VCCS) solves the problem of speaker cabinet vibration with strategically placed pieces of wood whose shapes, positions and angles were arrived at after a long process of experimentation. It also uses special foam rubber that provides excellent vibration isolation performance.

The Yamaha MCR-040 is available now priced at US $279.95.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is the lastest member of the Micro Four Thirds family. But before Micro Four Thirds, there was Four Thirds. With Olympus having produced relatively small film SLRs since at least the early 1970s, it was probably no surprise that they would partner with Kodak to introduce the Four Thirds System standard (with its sub APS-C sized sensor) as they prepared to move into the digital age. The smaller sensor helped the company produce diminutive DSLRs that carried on the Olympus tradition.

Sensor resolution is 12.1 megapixels and there are full manual and auto controls, plus a palette of user-established settings that rival DSLRs in number and scope. You can shoot in RAW if you choose, or RAW/JPEG combinations, and there’s 1280×720 HD video in AVCHD Lite (which is more memory efficient than Motion JPEG) or Motion JPEG formats.

The GF1 is undoubtedly smaller than its big brothers, the G1 and GH1, but it’s not quite as tiny as Panasonic might lead you to believe. Measuring 119 x 71 x 36.3mm and weighing 285g without a lens attached, it’s just a little smaller and 50g lighter than the very similar Olympus E-P1 camera. Instead of a traditional DSLR hand-grip, the DMC-GF1 has a slightly raised vertical area on the front-right which isn’t big or pronounced enough to be of much assistance. The rubberized thumb-rest on the rear is a lot more useful.

Because of space considerations inherent in the Micro Four Thirds System, a 3.0 inch LCD monitor operating in Live View is the only means of image composition and framing for capture.

If you don’t want to use the LCD screen for composition, an optional electronic external viewfinder is also available, the Panasonic DMW-LVF1 (priced at $199.95), which slots into the external flash hotshoe on top of the camera. The GF1 can record 1280 x 720 high-definition video in the AVCHD Lite or Motion JPEG formats, and it can focus in just 0.3 seconds via its contrast auto-focusing system.

The camera uses SD/SDHC memory media, and Panasonic includes a battery charger/AC adapter, battery pack, body cap, AV cable, USB connection cable, AC cable, DC cable, shoulder strap and CD-ROM software with each camera.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is available in four colours, black, red, silver and white, either body only (£570) or in two different kits, one with the new LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH pancake lens, and the other with the existing 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. zoom lens: starting from US $ 866,95!

Kids of all ages love their LEGO bricks!
Now you can have great new gadget with cool LEGO styling that any fan will love.
This Digital Blue LEGO CD Boombox is styled to look just like a LEGO brick, but is exactly 10 times the size!

The knobs on top work as volume and tuner controls.
It is stackable, too, just like LEGO bricks!
The LEGO Alarm Clock Radio connects on top of the Digital Blue LEGO CD Boombox so you can construct your own LEGO electronics corner.
Your favorite tunes will sound great with 1W channel speakers and Bass Boost sound.
Listen to CDs, AM/FM radio or connect your MP3 via an auxiliary cord.
It is also outfitted with a 1.1″ LCD display with backlight and 10mW output earphone jack.

The Boombox is styled to look just like a LEGO brick, but only 10 times the size. The knobs on top work as volume and tuner controls. It is stackable, too, just like LEGOs! You can even connect your MP3 via an auxilary cord, It also has a 1.1? LCD display with backlight.

The Digital Blue LEGO CD Boombox is available now for US $39.99!

The ultimate Prehistoric Pet is back again with great new features.
D-Rex Interactive Dinosaur 2009 combines robotics, sensors and reptilian-like skin to create a lifelike appearance and behavior. He’ll walk, chomp and roar. Like a real pet, D-Rex will follow the sound of your voice, make funny noises and protect your room with his roaring guard mode. Now you can even teach D-Rex tricks, programming him to perform a sequence of up to 30 actions.

Dinosaur lovers of all ages are in luck!
The D-Rex Interactive Dinosaur 2009 is a friend, guardian, and prankster all rolled into one toy. Designed for kids eight years and older, this dinosaur –brought to life with “biomorphic robotics”– features over 100 sounds and movements. Using a bone-shaped remote,D-Rex responds to an “attack” command by roaring and stalking a victim, and he wags his tail when kids pet the back of his head. D-Rex’s level of interaction increases with the ability to memorize and perform a sequence of up to 30 actions.

Using the bone-shaped remote control, kids can program D-Rex to perform a number of actions from up to 25 feet away. Pressing “attack” mode makes D-Rex stand alert, and pressing it a second time sends him on a roaring rampage. In “guard” mode, D-Rex stiffens and scans the room, moving his head from side to side. At the first sound of an intruder, D-Rex will roar to alert you.

Start roaring now and get the D-Rex Interactive Dinosaur 2009 with US $89.99 with free shipping (you Save US $60.00 that’s 40% off!).

We venture that even Edison would be amazed!
Prepare to engineer over 300 exciting, useful electronic gadgets & play lively electronic games with Electronic Snap Circuits’ Snap Circuits SC-300!
This kit features a valuable collection of materials! The colorful and easy-to-follow format of the instruction manual makes circuit assembly stress-free and fun.

All parts are mounted on plastic modules and snap together with ease. Leave the tools in the garage-everything you need for your electronics learning adventure is included.
With Snap Circuits SC-300 your understanding of electronics is a SNAP!

Snap Circuits SC-300 contains over 60 parts and allows for literally over 300 Projects!

Here are just a few:
Lamp & Fan, Musical Doorbell, Laser Gun, Police Car Symphony, Reflection Detector, Spinning Rings, Pencil Alarm, Race Game, Photosensitive Electronic Organ, Space War Music Combo, The Lie Detector, Mosquito, Musical Motion Detector, Fire Fan Symphony, Water Detector, Screaming Fan, Daylight Music Radio, Blow off a Space War, Red & Green Control, Touch Buzzer, Laser Light, Flooding Alarm, Make Your Own Battery, Hissing Foghorn, Blow On a Candle, Mosquito, Voice-Controlled Rays of Light, Spacey Fan, Old-Style Typewriter, Blinking Double Flashlight, Hummer, Motor That Won’t Start, Steamship, Pressure Alarm, Feedback Kazoo, Race Car Engine… and more!

Unique Learning Experience
Creating a flying UFO from “scratch” with rudimentary electronic pieces was highly satisfying to us, and we think Electronic Snap Circuits may well help young students gain and foster an appreciation for, and interest in, how electronics work and are built.

For students who are already learning about electronics in school, this set creates a hands-on experience that makes for more fun than reading about how these things work in a textbook.
So don’t be surprised if report cards come back with higher grades after playing with this toy.

The Snap Circuits SC-300 is available now for US $39.67 (You Save: $20.32 , -34% and free shipping too!)