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Western Digital Passport Elite 320G Portable Drive

The external hard drive revolution continues with the addition of the Passport Elite series. In days past bulky and characterless units were all the rage, now that the novelty has worn off, Western Digital (WD) has introduced a slim device right out of the Jetson Age.

Unlike previous Passport models, the Elite features a bundled software interface, meaning there is no installation disc, its a self integrated plug and play 2.0 USB connection. In addition the outer casing is finished with a soft anti-slip material available in different colors. We also like how WD has listened to its' customers by adding a free neoprene pouch to hold the external drive and USB cable.

The hard drive performs best when connected to a USB 2.0 terminal, but if you do not have one, the user will experience a bottle neck effect when trying to transfer backup files. Again the problem is in the USB or transfer end, not on the drive, which performs surprisingly better than previous Western Digital devices. Finally, the Passport Elite can be used for both PC and Mac, with software appropriate for both platforms.

Pro's:
PC and Mac compatible
Slim modern design
USB 2.0 Connection
Free neoprene case


Con's:
bottle neck transfer without USB 2.0

Final Word:
The Passport Elite is a very nice portable drive, and is PC and MAC compatible. The lighter and slimmed down design is perfect for the traveling professional or student. We like the ease of use and user interface.

Flexpod Gripper Tripod

The days of the old clunky tripod may have come and gone thanks to the Flexpod Gripper. This tiny and compact product has a unique aluminium core design and triangulated leg segments with gripping teeth to securely wrap around just about any suitable support to give photos a fresh perspective. For example, the FlexPod can attach to a pole, railing, chair, bottle, or tree bunch, or anywhere a regular tripod just won't fit.

Furthermore the multi-directional ball head with quick set four position release and auto lock makes it easy to setup and instantly attach a digital camera, as well as take down after shooting. At just under four ounces in weight, this product is ideal for the traveling novice to professional digital photographer. Additionally the incredibly low price tag will attract many "guerrilla style" photographers who are looking to experiment with new camera angles and projects.


Pro's:
Compact flexible aluminum frame
Ballhead and quick release plate for super-fast setup
Compatible for the traveling photographer/photojournalist


Con's:
Can only be used with camera's weighing less than sixteen ounces

Panasonic Blu-ray Disc Player DMP-BD55

We got our hands on the Panasonic Blu-ray player DMP-BD55 today. This newly released model features a 3rd generation chip, as well as slimmer body design. Among the added features, Panasonic bundled in a program called BD Live, which allows the unit to be connected to a broadband network. BD Live is allows the user to download or stream additional interactive media, games, and movie features.

It is worth mentioning that the DMP-BD55 is Panasonic's first player for HD televisions. The crystal clear display is akin to looking into a mirror. In other words expect crisp movie theatre images without the annoying sticky floor and screaming kid. Furthermore, when connected to a home network, the blu-ray player will automatically check for firmware updates; while HDMI AV connection brings true HD 1040 resolution.

Finally Panasonic has addressed a need for the mobile digital photographer and videographer by adding a SD card slot. The plug and play method allows the user to directly display digital content without messing around with additional wires. Best of all the lower price and better all around performance makes this blu-ray player a solid choice.

Pro's
Slimmer body design
3rd Generation chip technology
SD Card Slot
Internet Network capability
HDMI connection
True HD 740 - 1040 output

Cons
Slow boot up


Final Word:
Overall the newly designed Panasonic DMP-BD55 is a breakthrough blu-ray player at an affordable price. Impressive HD output and features makes this a top consumer pick.

CES 2009: Computers and hardware wrap-up

Historically, the Consumer Electronics Show hasn't been a place where we'd find a ton of new laptops, desktops, or computer components. After all, PC makers had Comdex (a now-defunct Vegas trade show), and are generally more interested in hitting the back-to-school and holiday seasons than releasing new products in January.

Still, this year was a decent one for new introductions, and almost every major name in the computer business had a handful of new products to show off. Most were more evolutionary than revolutionary, but when you're dealing with essentially the same small pile of CPUs, GPUs, hard drives, and chipsets, anything that breaks away from the commoditization of PCs is a plus.
HP's Firebird Desktop continues the integration of HP and its boutique brand acquisition, Voodoo. The system has the distinct look of a high-end Voodoo PC, but is branded as being "HP with Voodoo DNA," and carries a relatively mainstream price.

We also liked HP's Minibook 2120. In a field already crowded with essentially identical competitors, the brushed metal design and ExpressCard/54 slot are welcome points of differentiation.

Other players who tried to take the basic Netbook concept and improve on it include Sony, whose Atom Powered Atom lifestyle is an upscale take on the mini-laptop; Asus, with a swiveling touch screen version of the popular Eee PC; and AMD, with the new Athlon Neo platform--essentially a low-price midpoint between Netbooks and mainstream laptops. (AMD also has a new desktop gaming platform called Dragon).

Interestingly, one of the most interesting laptops at CES made only a cameo appearance. Dell's slim Adamo was officially designed, and briefly glimpsed, but no real details or hands-on time were forthcoming. Contrary to earlier rumors, the Adamo looked a lot more like Voodoo's Envy 13-inch than the MacBook Air.

Perhaps the biggest pleasant surprise was the warm reception Windows 7 received, despite not really having a big push at the show. Beta testers reported that the upcoming operating system scales very well to low-end Netbooks (which just plain don't work well with Vista), meaning that growing category might have a very big future.

Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera

The Kodak Zi6 is technically an HD camcorder the way a tomato is technically a fruit: it meets the definition, but doesn't deliver the experience. True, the Zi6 records video in 1,280x720-pixel resolution at both 30 frames per second and 60fps--720p resolution--which technically qualifies it as an HD camcorder, but a lot of factors go into creating an image, not just a CMOS sensor capable of capturing an image at a certain resolution and frame rate. Still, the 720p video it does capture is a step up from the 640x480-pixel VGA resolution video you typically find on competing sub-$200 direct-to-YouTube camcorders from Flip Video, RCA, and Creative.
That higher resolution comes at a price. To accommodate the larger 1/4.5-inch 1.6-megapixel sensor and generous 2.4-inch LCD, the Zi6 is bigger than most of its competitors, particularly the similarly priced Flip Video Mino. Weighing 5.6 ounces, it's not huge and it fits in most pockets, but if supercompact is what you're after, there are better alternatives.

Instead of a built-in or removable lithium ion rechargeable battery, Kodak opted to include a set of two rechargeable AA nickel metal hydride batteries and a charger. The upside is that in a pinch you can use readily available standard AA alkaline batteries to power the unit. The downside is you can't just charge the battery with the built-in USB connector like you can with some models, such as the Mino and Creative Vado. Also, a smaller lithium ion battery would probably have helped trim the size of Zi6 a bit.

Like other products in this category, the USB connector is of the flip-out variety. Cleverly, the button for the connector also serves as a tiny mirror for recording yourself. Another nice touch: a switch that toggles between standard and macro focus distance. We also appreciate that the Zi6 incorporates an expansion slot for SD cards. However, the onboard memory is a paltry 128MB--only 30MB of which is available for storage. That 30MB only lets you capture 36 seconds of video recorded at the highest quality (HD, 60fps). Extrapolating--since Kodak hasn't published any capacity information--that's about 50MB per minute, or 41 minutes of video on a typical 2GB card. The Zi6 will accept cards up to 32GB, but you must supply your own cards, whatever the capacity. Kodak includes an inexpensive neoprene carrying case, hand strap, video cables for output to a TV, and there's a threaded mount on the bottom of the unit in case you want to use a tripod.

As with all these mini camcorders, the Zi6 is meant to be easy to use--and for the most part, it is. Unfortunately, we have a few problems with the design. First, it takes some effort to get used to the controls. There's a joystick button flanked on either side by a video/playback button and stop/delete button. When the same button performs two functions it can be a little confusing for some people. and I found myself accidentally hitting the play button at times when I should have been clicking the joystick button. Second, the camcorder doesn't turn on when you plug the USB into your computer, the way the rest of the mini camcorders we've tested do. That's just a bit annoying. But the real kicker is there's no way to completely erase and format a memory card--or even delete more than one image/clip at a time--within the Zi6. Kodak expects you to do that when connected to the PC via its bundled software; that's a serious usability problem in general.

Blackberry Storm - Verizon

The RIM BlackBerry Storm brewed up a lot of hype and excitement as the first touch-screen BlackBerry. The touch capabilities were news enough alone but add to that Research in Motion's SurePress functionality (the technology that makes the screen clickable), an impressive feature list, and the competitive $199.99 pricing, and there were a lot of expectations for the BlackBerry Storm to succeed. However, when the Storm finally blew into town, it was a definite letdown because of the phone's sluggish performance and bugginess.

DesignIn terms of form factor, the RIM BlackBerry Storm doesn't stray far from the other full touch-screen smartphones on the market today, including the Samsung and Apple iphone. Sporting a black casing with silver accents, the handset is a bit blocky and heavy at 4.4 inches tall by 2.4 inches wide by 0.5 inch deep and weighs 5.6 ounces, so it feels a bit wide when you hold it in your hand and it'll make for a tight fit in a pants pocket. That said, the Storm is a well-constructed smartphone. It has a nice, solid feel and the edges have a soft-touch finish to provide a better grip.

The RIM BlackBerry Storm is a bit shorter and heavier than the Apple iPhone.
While the Storm's design might not be the most inspiring, the smartphone's display is another story. Obviously, the fact that the Storm is the first touch-screen BlackBerry is news enough, but its 3.25-inch VGA glass display also demands attention for its sharpness and brightness, showing 65,000 colors at a crisp 480x360-pixel resolution. We weren't as impressed with the Storm's screen as the Blackberry Bold, but it's still beautiful. You can also adjust the backlighting, font size, and type. The Storm is also equipped with an accelerometer, so the screen orientation will switch from portrait to landscape mode when you rotate the phone from a vertical position to a horizontal one, left or right.

Moving onto the touch-screen capabilities, the BlackBerry Storm uses SurePress, so that when you select an application or enter text, you actually push the screen down like you would any other tactile button. You can see a bit of a gap at the top and bottom of the screen, which but makes the phone. In terms of text extry, the BlackBerry Storm features a SureType keyboard when the smartphone is in portrait mode and then switches to a full QWERTY keyboard in landscape mode (See Performance section for more information). When using the keyboard or selecting applications, you do a simple finger touch over the item until it's highlighted and then you press down on the screen to register the action.

The BlackBerry Storm runs on Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network, which allows for faster Web browsing, e-mail, and downloads. The Rev. A offers an extra boost over regular EV-DO, bringing download speeds up to the 450Kbps-to-800Kbps range versus 400Kbps-to-700Kbps, while upload speeds will average around 300Kpbs to 400Kpbs (compared with EV-DO's 50Kpbs to 70Kbps). Of course, this is all dependent if you live in a coverage area (you can find a coverage map from Verizons Web Site. The smartphone also offers support for the 2,100MHz UMTS/HSDPA, so you can get 3G support while overseas. Unfortunately, there's no integrated Wi-Fi, which we find disappointing. We realize and understand the argument that the 3G radios does away with the need for Wi-Fi, but we still like having that option, especially if you drop out of range or don't live in a coverage area.

The BlackBerry Storm has a full HTML Web browser that you can view in Internet Explorer or Firefox mode, depending on your preference. You can check out sites in page view or column view, and navigate via pan mode or cursor mode. In pan mode, you can move around pages simply by dragging your finger and then double-tapping the screen to zoom in. To select a hyperlink, you just highlight the link and then click. Meanwhile, in cursor mode, you can just place the cursor over the link and click or use the onscreen magnifying glass to zoom in. There's also a collapsible toolbar along the bottom that lets you go to new sites, change views, and more. There is support for streaming media, including YouTube's mobile site. As we've said before, the BlackBerry browser has greatly improved over the years, but it's still not as easy to use as the iPhone and its multitouch screen.

Last but not least of the wireless radios is integrated GPS. You can use the BlackBerry Storm as a handheld navigator, but to get real-time turn-by-turn directions, traffic data, and more , you will need to subscribe to Verizon's VZ Navigator location-based service, which costs $9.99 per month or $2.99 per day.

The BlackBerry Storm features a 3.2-megapixel camera with video recording and auto focus.
Moving onto multimedia features, the BlackBerry Storm is equipped with a 3.2-megapixel camera with video recording capabilities, as well a flash, auto focus, 2x zoom, and image stabilization. In camera mode, you get a choice of three picture sizes and three picture qualities. There are white balance settings, and you can add various effects to your photos, such as black and white, and sepia. With the built-in GPS, you can also geotag photos. As usual, options are more limited in camcorder mode as you only get a choice of two video formats (normal and MMS) and three color effects. The volume rocker can be used to zoom in and out in both camera and video mode.

Pro's:

Innovative touch screen that provides tactile feedback to confirm your selection

Dual-mode functionality for world-roaming capabilities as well as EV-DO Rev

A and UMTS/HSDPA support

GPS and a 3.2-megapixel camera

Con's:

Touch-screen takes some acclimation and the onscreen keyboard is a bit cramped

The smartphone can be sluggish and buggy even after the firmware update

Speakerphone quality was a bit choppy

Final Word:

The RIM BlackBerry Storm may blow in a frenzy for Verizon Wireless subscribers wanting a touch screen similar to the Apple iPhone. However, there are bugs and performance issues that prevent the Storm from delivering its full potential.

The Force Trainer

A simplified EEG-based game is the talk of the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Using the Star Wars license to teach kids they have Professor X-like abilities, when all they're doing is learning to activate one part of their brain. This Force Trainer, priced at $90-$100, hooks up to your head via wireless headset and transmits your reading to the toy, which blows air and moves the ball up the chute. Like Brain Training for the DS, you level up gradually depending on your skill. Unlike Brain Training, the circuitry translates it to physical action. If you focus well enough, the training sphere, which looks like a ping-pong ball, will rise in the tower.

A state of deep concentration is needed to achieve a Force-full effect. Additionally, Star Wars sound effects and audio clips emitted from the base unit cues the user as to progress, level (from Padawan to Jedi), or when to move the sphere up or down to keep challenging yourself.

Leica M8 Digital Rangefinder Camera

The dream of many Leica photographers has come true: the Leica M system is now open for professional digital photography. Breaking completely new ground, the LEICA M8 doesn't only look like an M - it utilizes all the benefits of the analog Leica M system for sophisticated and creative digital photography. It is the only digital camera for professionals to incorporate the rangefinder system with its advantages of discreet and quiet operation, speed and precision. And the no-compromise quality criteria of the M system continue to apply to the M8. Full compatibility with nearly all M lenses means that their unique imaging performance is now available for digital photography, too. The low-noise CCD image sensor with a resolution of 10.3 megapixels has been specifically matched to the compact lens design to guarantee superlative photographic quality. The controls and functions of the digital M still concentrate on the essentials. The proven M concept is complemented by the intelligent extra functions that digital technology has to offer. The LEICA M8 is the first timeless digital camera "Made in Germany". Fascinatingly new and yet still a real Leica M.

Pros:
10.3 Megapixel
Uses all Leica M Lenses
Supports 6 Bit-coding
2.5" Bright LCD Display
Durable Design
Sensor Cleaning Function
Intuitive Operation

Cons:

High price tag still puts this camera out of reach for many consumers

Final Word:

Leica continues to lead the pack with this user friendly professional camera. If you can afford the sticker price, Leica will provide excellent image quality that is second to none.

Pilao Coffee

Cafe Pilao is a traditional Brazilian-style dark coffee, grown, roasted, ground (very finely) and packaged in Brazil, and distributed in the United States by Cafe Pilao Coffee Importers, Canby Oregon. Cafe Pilao represents the down-home style of Brazilian coffee. The aroma and taste will awaken the senses! Traditionally taken as espresso in the morning, after meals, or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Most North American coffee drinkers will be put off by its fermented fruit notes, but others may enjoy this ambiguous flavor character. This is a very finely ground coffee, so each serving packs a real punch of flavor.

Many coffee will enjoy this slow-roasted coffee as having hints of fruit and semi-sweet chocolate, and is a favorite among families around the world! Visit http://www.cafepilao.com/ or call 503-651-2177 for more information.

Aroma: 6
Body: 6
Flavor: 6
Aftertaste: 6
Roast (Agtron): Medium (0/52)

Final Word:
Pilao is a very strong and flavorful coffee that is a joy to sip at anytime of the day.

Sony DCR-DVD610 Handycam

The Sony DCR-DVD610E is a conveniently small and compact standard definition video camera that allows you to record video directly to DVD or removable Sony Memory Stick media. Using an 800,000 pixel CCD image sensor, superb video quality is promised while audio is recorded in 2 channel stereo format. A zoom mic is available to match audible zoom to visual zoom. Perfect for holiday vacations and visits to exotic locations, the Sony DCR-DVD610E has a long-reaching 40x optical zoom to magnify distant subjects right before your eyes.

A 2.7-inch wide LCD with touch panel gives a vivid view for shooting and makes easy accessing functions and menu navigation. In the Super SteadyShot Mode, electronic image stabilisation works to compensate blurring caused by shakes and fast action subjects. A Film Roll and Face Index provides easy trackback of specific video scenes. A Quick-On button enables the video camera to spring right into action when the camera is on stand-by. Super NightShot Plus allows full colour low light shooting and even makes possible recording in 0 lux conditions by illuminating the scene with invisible infrared light.

Pros:

Hybrid Recording to DVD and Sony Memory Stick
40x Optical Zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens
2.7-inch Wide LCD with Touch Panel
Electronic SuperSteady Shot
Super NightShot Plus
Film Roll and Face Index

Cons:

No Remote Control

needs extra battery for longer shooting

Final Word:

Sony has developed a nice mid-range camera that is easy and fun to use. The reasonable price makes this a solid choice for consumers looking for a reliable camera with some extra features.

HP Photosmart D7560 Printer

The engineers at HP have developed the D7560, an innovate touch screen photo printer with built in bluetooth technology. Released for the US market in late Fall early Winter of 2008, this mid-priced printer provides ease of use, multiple flash card ports, thumb drive port, and literal one touch printing without the need of a computer.

After reviewing and trying different printing settings, we were amazed by how quickly the D7560 spits out boarderless 4x6 prints. The color touch pad display is a revolutionary design that sets the bar for future HP and other industry printers.

Features
Black Print Speed:
Up to 33 ppm##

Color Print Speed:
Up to 31 ppm##

Black print resolution:
Up to 600 x 600 rendered dpi

Color print resolution:
Up to 9600 x 2400-optimized dpi color (when printing from a computer on selected HP photo papers and 1200-input dpi)

Duplex Printing:
Manual (driver support provided)

Display :
3.5-in LCD (color graphics) touchscreen


Pros:
3.5 in. Color touchscreen display
fast color printing
built in bluetooth
SD,XD, and other flash card ports
Computer not needed for printing
Energy Star efficient product

Con's:
Many print cartridges needed
No built in WiFi
No built in Scanner

Final Word:

We recommend this printer both for its ease of use and innovative design. We would however like to see a built in scanner, which which will round out this product.

Sony Cybershot DSC-120W - Pink Edition

A popular trend has started to taken hold lately within the electronics industry. Years ago high tech gadgets such as cell phones, digital cameras, and digital video recorders were manufactured in only stainless steel or gun metal gray finishes. In the coming year more electronic items will be available in various color options. According to some industry analysts, bright colored electronic items sell better than silver electronic items. Additionally, modern consumers enjoy the expanded choices as means of expressing individuality.

The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W120 comes in a variety of various colored finishes. We had the opportunity to review the Breast Cancer Awareness pink edition. The 7.2 mega pixel compact camera packs alot of new features in a slim and body design. Additionally, the Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens captures images in High Definition (HD) clarity. We like how the advanced Sony Super HAD (Hole Accumulated Diode) CCD design allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise. The large and bright 2.5 inch LCD display is convenient for framing and viewing photos.

The most impressive feature by far has to be the Face Detection Technology. When placed in this operating mode, Face Detection technology automatically controls flash, focus, exposure, and white balance to help reveal faces in shadows, make skin tones look more natural, reduce red-eye, and eliminate harsh facial glare. Now with adult or child priority so you can determine who the focal point should be. Furthermore, Smile Shutter mode captures smiles the moment they happen - without the need to press the shutter. The mode can be set to capture when your subject laughs, smiles or even grins, and like Face Detection is able to differentiate children and adults to set priority.

Pro's:

• 7.2-megapixel Super HAD CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
  
• Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens; Dynamic Range Optimization


• Face Detection; Smart Zoom feature


• HDTV compatibility; HD slide show with music

Con's:

• No Touchscreen (A touchscreen would have completed this camera)
  
• Needs larger optical zoom lens

Final Word:

We recommend this camera and are excited that more manufacturers are raising cancer awareness by offering different colored finishes.