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!).
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.
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
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)!
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:
Stylish, external 500 GB Hard Drive with USB 2.0 connection
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:
USB Powered for Portability/ 320GB Capacity/ Up to 480Mb/s Speed
Small Size Saves Desktop Space/ Compact/ Lightweight/ Just 6 oz./ Black and Grey
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
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:
Windows 2000, XP or Vista (32 & 64 bit) or Macintosh OS X 10.3.9+,
available DVI or VGA connection
USB port.
The bottom line? It goes for a whopping US$1,960.99 but you’ll get the very best drawing & editing tool around!
A cheaper alternative?
Wacom delivers and has the same proven technology of the bigger brother!
For US$899.10 you can get the Wacom Cintiq 12WX 12-Inch Pen Display with diagonal WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution which at just 4.4 pounds, combines the advantages of a wide-format LCD monitor with Wacom’s patented, professional pen technology.
The Wacom Cintiq 12WX integrates seamlessly into multi-monitor environments to supplement a primary display or to control other displays. Alternatively, you can use the Cintiq 12WX as a stand-alone display. Its ergonomic design and lightweight profile make it easy to add it to your laptop, desktop, or high performance workstation.
The 12-megapixel Samsung HZ15W offers one of the most powerful lenses on a compact point-and-shoot digital camera, featuring a 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider lens coupled with a generous 10x optical zoom. For blur-free images, especially when using the HZ15W at its maximum zoom, Samsung includes both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. Optical Image Stabilization can be used independently or shooters can choose Dual Image Stabilization, which combines the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization.
Samsung’s HZ15W is a 12-megapixel camera similar to the HZ15 model with the addition of a 24-millimeter ultra-wide angle lens with a 10x optical zoom lens, intended to give you the ability to snap wide landscape photographs while also being able to zoom in on a particular subject for close-up shots.
The Samsung HZ15W also puts high-definition video recording in the palm of your hand. With the HZ15W, you can record high-definition video at a resolution of 720p, and still utilize the camera’s full 10x optical zoom. Samsung also incorporates H.264 compression and true HDMI connectivity, which allows the camera to be connected directly to an HDTV without the need for a cradle.
Additionally, the HZ15W’s ultra-clear, 3.0-inch LCD screen is sure to turn heads and gives consumers the ability to easily frame their shots and review their images and video in any condition, even in direct sunlight.
Apple has released an all-new iPod shuffle with an audio-based navigation system called VoiceOver.
Featuring no buttons save for the shuffle/straight/off switch and billed as “the world’s smallest music player,†the third-generation iPod
shuffle uses VoiceOver to let users navigate through songs and playlists, all using the in-line remote control. VoiceOver can tell users the
name of the song and artist, playlist information, and status information such as battery life.
The new shuffle also features a stainless steel clip on the back for attaching to clothing. The new iPod shuffle comes in 4GB capacities
only, and is available now in silver or black for $79.
“Imagine your music player talking to you, telling you your song titles, artists and playlist names,†said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice
president of iPod and iPhone Product Marketing. “The amazingly small new iPod shuffle takes a revolutionary approach to how you listen
to your music by talking to you, also making it the first iPod shuffle with playlists.â€
The friends at portable-console.com report that gaming giant Nintendo has unveiled its new version of the DS handheld games console - the Nintendo DSi.
The Japanese company said the third version of the console can be used to download games, play music and take photos.
The Nintendo DSi is due to go on sale in the US on April 3 and will cost US $169.99.
Nintendo’s president Satoru Iwata said: “We want to change the DS from something that’s in every household to something that’s for every person.”
The company says it has sold nearly 80 million of the consoles around the world since they went on sale in 2004.
World’s largest online retailer offering gift cards in return for old video games.
E-commerce giant Amazon has unveiled a video game trade-in program, offering customers gift cards to the most popular store on the Web in return for old video games.
It’s a move that could position Amazon to better capitalize on one of the healthier media segments: games. Reselling used games also could be potentially lucrative for the world’s largest online retailer, considering that prices on pre-played titles can still remain fairly high while still representing a discount from the $50 and $60 cost of new products.
Amazon is accepting old games from the major console systems, including Microsoft Xbox, Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation. The online retail giant is not accepting PC games, however, a move that has garnered criticism in the site’s discussion forum.
The guys at MacSwitching.com just reported that Apple has just updated Mac Pro, iMac and Mac Mini (after a few hours of down-service for world-wide online Apple Store).
Mac Pro -> new versions with 4- and 8-core, both with a redesigned interior,
iMac -> four versions: from 20″ (now US$ 1,199) and three 24″ versions (all with 4 GB RAM),
Mac mini -> all rumors confirmed: it’s totally revamped with NVidia 9400M graphics, in two models.
The new Mac mini sports two outstanding features:
- it’s the “greener” products from Apple ever (less than 13 W of power when idle, Apple says)
- has a crowded backside with 5 USB 2.0, DVI and mini-DisplayPort (and yes, FireWire 800!).
35-140mm 35mm-equivalent lens with 4x Optical image-stabilized zoom and up to 4x Digital Zoom,
2.5-inch LCD screen; Face DetectionWhat’s more, compared to other (even newer) cameras:
sensitivity up to 1600
Face Detection AF
13 shooting modes, 7 scene modes including Easy Mode
Program, Shutter-Priority and Aperture-Priority Exposure Modes
32MB internal memory
DIGIC III Image Processor
5cm macro (!)Last but not least, Canon offers optional accessories for the A590 IS, including Selphy Photo Printer and converter lenses!Why we do love it?
Besides high-ISO ability, the Canon A590IS is one of the very few compact cameras featuring true photographic controls hidden within the 13 shooting modes: Aperture and Shutter Priority modes, the one that really give any amateur photographer the right tools to take control over photo shooting the good ol’ way and right the same way as DSLRs do.
Don’t dismiss the Canon A590IS and give it a second look: it’s now even more affordable than ever at US$ 109.00!
Oh no, Valentine’s Day again!
It’s always so hard to spot the right gift for your beloved one!
What about a techy keychain with a tiny display frame showing the pictures of your love all the time?
Take a look at the Axion AXN9100R 1.1-Inch Heart Shaped Mini Digital Picture Frame.
It’s heart-shaped (what else?) and it’s sooo nice!
The Axion AXN9100R supports JPG and BMP Files, its internal 4MB flash memory supports up to 56 pictures, has a USB input jack for transferring photos from PC and, of course, a built-in USB rechargeable battery.
Yours for only US$ 12.99!
What about the Coby DP152RED 1.5-Inch Cliphanger Key Chain Digital Photo Frame?
The Coby DP152RED 1.5-inch cliphanger key chain digital photo frame has CSTN LCD full-color display; displays JPEG, GIF and BMP image files; stores over 60 photos; features photo slideshow mode; has integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery; USB port for fast file transfers; digital clock display; digital calendar display; Carabiner with “gate lock” design for secure attachment; available in red.
List price: US$ 16.99
A more classical approach? Coby 1.5-Inch Digital Photo Key Chain
Featuring a photo slideshow mode, the Coby 1.5-Inch sports an excellent image quality with a 1.5-inch LCD full-color display.
Includes 16 MB flash memory and can store up to 60 photos and displays JPEG, GIF, and Bitmap images files via a USB port.
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Long-awaited, spotted in VIP-like photos, so much rumored but now it’s here: the new 
, allowing globetrotters to geotag their favorite pictures/places.
)
looks like the 
, shoots much like the 50D.
if you’re budget-conscious.
and to many of the new crop of over-12-mp-with-full-hd-video 2009 DSLR cameras.
It’s only thumbs up for this: Sony introduces the 
Why the 
Got a MacBook (maybe a MacBook Air or one of the very latest unibody models)?
Power-hungry? What about a SimpleTech 
Go for nothing but an 
There’s no doubt: the 
You may think you’ve seen everything that’s cool around.
We tested the 
with diagonal WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution which at just 4.4 pounds, combines the advantages of a wide-format LCD monitor with Wacom’s patented, professional pen technology.
offers one of the most powerful lenses on a compact point-and-shoot digital camera, featuring a 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider lens coupled with a generous 10x optical zoom. For blur-free images, especially when using the HZ15W at its maximum zoom, Samsung includes both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. Optical Image Stabilization can be used independently or shooters can choose Dual Image Stabilization, which combines the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. 
Apple has released an all-new 
The friends at 
, offering customers gift cards to the most popular store on the Web in return for old video games.
is still one of the very best compact cameras around.
Take a look at the 
1.5-Inch Cliphanger Key Chain Digital Photo Frame?
A more classical approach? 
